#catecholamine

[deusfoundry]

zayne would name his cat catecholamine

[snailscientificsuppositions]

ADHD — The Rundown

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by executive dysfunction and emotional dysregulation.

Executive dysfunction: impaired cognitive control over goal-oriented behavior. It often presents as difficulty defining goals, initiating tasks, suppressing impulses, regulating attention, using working memory, and multitasking.

Emotional dysregulation: difficulty managing emotions, resulting in intense or sustained emotional reactions

Impacts

ADHD has effects on personal, social, academic, and professional life. Problems with impulse control can lead to addiction and social conflicts, and executive dysfunction as a whole causes problems maintaining schoolwork and professional obligations.

Over ¼ of people living in detention centers meet criteria for ADHD, while ADHD is only present in around 4% of adults in the general population.

ADHD is also associated with a lower life expectancy (by about 13 years).

Around 40% of Americans with ADHD were smokers in 2008 as compared to 20% of the general population in 2009, which is comparable to other psychiatric disorders.

ADHD is also associated with a greater risk for suicidal ideation, behavior, and attempts. Roughly ¼ of suicidal children under 12 have ADHD, and ADHD adolescents are more likely to also have issues with anxiety, major depressive episodes, chronic depression (dysthemia), and addiction. On it's own, ADHD is associated with 1.5× the amount of suicidal ideation in the general population, while ADHD alongside comorbid conditions has 4–12× the amount.

Causes

ADHD is associated with various structural differences in the brain, particularly in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). The PFC is responsible for executive functioning, and it is very sensitive to neurochemical imbalances. ADHD is strongly believed to result from lowered dopamine and norepinephrine activity, weakening the PFC and resulting in executive dysfunction. Some studies have also shown that children with ADHD have reduced grey matter in the prefrontal cortex, although I was not able to access this book due to the paywall.

Treatment

The most common and effective treatments for ADHD are stimulant medications, of which there are many types. Some of the most common options involve methylphenidate (branded as Ritalin or Concerta), and amphetamines (used in Adderall, Mydayis, Dexedrine, and Vyvanse).

Methylphenidate acts as a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI), meaning it slows the reabsorption of those neurochemicals. Amphetamines work by increasing catecholamine activity. Catecholamines are a group of neurotransmitters often associated with the fight or flight response, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and adrenaline. Catecholamines are associated not only with anxiety, restlessness, and fear, but also with focus, awareness, wakefulness, and reflexes, as well as a variety of physical effects.

[torchickentacos]

Does anyone else truly HATE being excited? I hate waiting for things that I'm looking forward to. Excitement is uncertainty. It's nervousness, it's energy, it's this weird sense of dread for something that I'm REALLY looking forward to. It's suffocating. I hate countdowns to announcements to things that I want to know more about. I would rather just wake up and check my phone and see what it was through a calm outline. It's physically uncomfortable for me to be excited for things. Does anyone else know what I mean???

[jastrzwolvar]

There’s a reason we try so hard to prevent stress in patients in the veterinary industry, and it’s because stress can literally kill. Seriously.

you need to get it out of your mind that psychosomatic illness is just “making up symptoms” when it’s actually much more like your body is being actively poisoned by chemicals released from your brain

[kramlabs]

https://coaches.poliquingroup.com/ArticlesMultimedia/Articles/PrinterFriendly.aspx?ID=1416&lang=EN#:~:text=%232%3A%20Boost%20Catecholamines%20For%20Higher%20Metabolic%20Rate&text=They%20stimulate%20the%20central%20nervous,fat%20tissue%20and%20active%20muscles.

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[longhaulerbear]

From 2015.

[mrsbuckybarnes1917]

6A: NINE (PART 1)

Chapter 5 <MASTERLIST > Chapter 6B

SUMMARY: The Winter Soldier has been injected with a compound that has left him helpless to his desires, completely out of control.

Word Count: 6k

Warning: SMUT: Sex pollen, choking, multiple orgasms, voyeurism, creampie, dirty talk — If there is any more you find not listed here please be sure to let me know so I can add it.

In the dark and twisted world of HYDRA, the skilled scientists were pioneers in the art of manipulation and control. They had spent years perfecting their methods, creating chemicals to confuse, compounds to control and substances for submission. They could bend even the strongest will to their whim. But their latest molecule had an interesting side effect that even they hadn't anticipated.

The compound, a combination of pheromones and catecholamine, when administered, caused a sudden and overwhelming surge of desire and arousal in its subjects. It was a potent cocktail of chemicals that left the recipient in a state of intense need, the primal, innate biological urge to reproduce, that could only be satisfied through one means: sex.   

The scientists had tested the compound on many of their unwilling subjects, but it was the Winter Soldier who proved to be the most intriguing case. The super soldier, already a formidable force to be reckoned with, now found himself in a desperate situation. He needed to have sex, or he would perish.

The Winter Soldier's handlers watched with a mix of fascination and horror as he struggled against the overwhelming need that consumed him. They knew that if they didn't find a way to satisfy his desires soon, he would become a liability, a danger to himself and others. They couldn't risk losing their prized asset to something as trivial as desire.

“Kotyonok,” he whined quietly to himself, trapped in a cycle of need and desperation.

Sweat dripped off his brow, as he fought against the restraints that bound him. His heart raced, alarms sounding on the monitors that were strapped to his chest. His hips struggled, trying to create the smallest bit of friction his loose clothing allowed. All the while he begged silently for you.

It was you he needed. You were his cure. Without you, he knew he would die.

Karpov was seething. He had no desire to be the man who was responsible for the loss of HYDRA's most prized asset. He paced the facility screaming obscenities at anyone he came across, until he spotted you.

“YOU!” he yelled, pointing at you.

“Sir?”

“Come!” he ordered, stalking off and expecting you to follow.

He marched down to the clinical room where your asset was constrained. The sight of him writhing under the effects of cruel experimentation was horrifying.

“Take care of him!” Karpov barked, snapping you out of the horror you were witnessing.

You knew they used him for their own nefarious means, but this was heinous. You swallowed hard, your mouth dry. “What do I do?” you asked.

“Take care of him.” Kaprov repeated angrily.

Realization dawned on you. Karpov wanted you to get him off. Your face flushed with embarrassment and anger. How dare he demand this of you? How dare he abuse your soldier this way?

“Why me?” You looked around at all the male scientists in the room, not surprised by the lack of diversity in the room.

“Just do it!”

You glanced around at the armed guards at every exit and back at Karpov's expectant face. Did you have a choice?

As you took a step towards him, Soldat jolted on the table in front of you, making you jump.

“Hurry up!”

Those bright blue eyes stared into yours, imploring action. His face was contorted with pain, body covered in sweat and there was a sizable stain on the sweatpants covering his behemoth boner. As you shuffled closer, you caught the sound of his voice. A low whisper meant only for you.

“Please, Kotyonok.”

You had no idea what to say, how to behave. Not once in your lifetime had you been asked to service a man with an audience. You ghosted your palm over his swollen member. He was in pain and for once he couldn't hide it and it broke your heart.

You were taken aback by the openness of his request, unsure of how to respond. You had never been in a situation like this before, where someone was relying on you for such intimate assistance. But as you looked into his eyes, you knew you couldn't turn away. You had to help him, regardless of the audience surrounding you, but you didn’t dare speak to him.

Hesitantly, you reached out your hand and gently palmed his throbbing member through the sweatpants. He winced at the contact, but you could see the relief in his eyes. You knew you had to do whatever you could to ease his discomfort. 

As you continued to massage him, you could feel the tension in his body start to release. An orgasm rocked his body, and you could visibly see him relaxing, pleasure overwhelming the sensation of pain. His breathing became more steady, and the lines of agony on his face softened and you could see the gratitude in his eyes as he looked at you.

Despite the wretched circumstances, you felt a sense of connection with him. All that mattered was that you were able to provide him with some comfort and relief. You could see the gratitude in his eyes as he whispered a quiet thank you.

“Enough!” Kaprov snapped, making you gasp.

You had almost forgotten that you had an audience. As far as you were concerned, it was you and your Soldat. Karpov, however, was satisfied with your work and dismissed you. As you walked away, following orders, you glanced back at him discreetly, catching his unexpectedly darkened eyes as you left the room.

The door slammed shut behind you, but you knew your services would be needed again. You could feel it, the way he had breathed when you touched him, the way his release had come so easily, too easily. No, it wasn’t enough. They would be back, begging you to lend a helping hand, and you hoped, additional services. And you were more than willing to comply.

It had barely been an hour before a breathless young lieutenant was standing before you, offering summons from your colonel. Hiding your enthusiasm, you followed obediently. The lieutenant’s pace was swift and you were a little out of breath when you arrived back at the clinical room. Colonel Karpov was fuming, pointing at the Winter Soldier, complaining about your lack of expertise and commitment.

“What do you expect me to do?” you shrugged.

He shoved one of the scientists forward, who stammered out an explanation. “The effects of the compound create a surge in the levels of testosterone by stimulating the follicle-stimulating hormone from the pituitary gland. It results in an irresistible urge to reproduce, meaning that the only way to resolve this surge of hormones is a climax achieved by stimulation of the genitals by penetrative copulation. If this is not attained, the overload of testosterone can lead to a cerebrovascular accident, seizure and death.”

You stared incredulously at the doctor and the colonel. “Wait, so you're saying that if I don’t fuck him, he’ll die?”

The colonel nodded grimly. “Yes, that's the gist of it. We need you to help us counteract the effects of this compound until we find a way to chemically resolve the issue. We don't want our enemies using this to their advantage, do we?” 

You looked at the Winter Soldier, who was sitting there with a blank expression on his face. You could see the conflict in his eyes, the struggle between his training and his own desires.

Taking a deep breath, you made a decision. “Fine, I'll do it. But only because I don't want anyone to… get hurt. And no audience.”

“Don't be ridiculous. These are perfect conditions for study, we need to-”

“No.”

“What?”

“I'm not having sex in front of them.”

“It is your duty, I command you.”

“No colonel. You will allow this. Unless you are willing to let your prized asset perish from your own negligence.”

The colonel sighed, realizing he had no choice but to agree. “Fine, no audience. But make sure you do what needs to be done.”

The colonel nodded in approval, while the scientist quickly set up a private room for you and the Winter Soldier to carry out the task at hand. As you entered the room, you could feel the tension in the air. Soldat looked at you with a mix of confusion and longing, his eyes searching yours for some kind of understanding.

“Kotyonok, it is… dangerous.”

You watched as he fought against the storm that raged inside of him. You took a step closer, reaching out to touch his face gently. "I know… but we have to do this. Trust me, I don't want to see you get hurt."

With a nod, the Winter Soldier pulled you into a passionate kiss, his hands desperately roaming your body as he sought release from the effects of the compound. You guided him backwards until the back of his knees hit the bed. It was far more comfortable than anything he had been allowed to experience, but he didn't have the capacity to appreciate the creature comforts of the abode, all he craved in that moment was you. 

You straddled his hips without hesitation, rutting against his clothed erection. They hadn't bothered allowing him a change of clothes and they were still stained with cum from his earlier release.

“How is this? Feel good?” you asked, dragging your clothed cunt over his still covered length.

“Da!” (yes!) he whined. It wasn't enough but he reveled in it nevertheless. He felt as though every single sensation, every stimulus that his body experienced was sending signals to his cock. He finally let his head fall back, to rest on the pillow, squeezing his eyes shut to fully experience the rush that came with you touching his shaft.

He moaned lustfully, low and guttural sounds emanating from his throat. “God, Kotyonok, I need you to fuck me already.”

“I know, Soldat,” you murmured softly. “I just need a minute. Then I’m going to take such good care of you. Understand?”

“Da,” (yes) he nodded, looking into your eyes, biting his lip to contain his need. “Hurry.”

The neediness in his tone was unmistakable, so close to a second climax. He felt so sensitive, the slightest touch, the smallest jerk, the finest stroke and he was tumbling over the edge into oblivion. 

He moaned softly as you felt him coming undone, his body trembling with the force of his release. His balls tightened and his cock twitched as ropes of cum pooled under his pants, warmth and wetness spreading through your clothes, making you shudder with anticipation. The scent of sweat and hormones mixed with the faint scent of gunpowder that always seems to linger on the soldier. He lifted his head to look at you, his eyes full of a mixture of relief and desire.

“This isn't going to stop until I cum inside you.” He panted, writhing uncomfortably beneath you.

“I know, I’m sorry,” you simpered. “I just needed a minute to catch up with you. Forgive me?”

“Konechno.” (of course) He reached up to touch your face, his fingers trailing gently along your cheek and jawline as he looked at you, admiring your features.

“Help me?” you whispered, your voice barely audible over the sound of your own desire.

You took his hand and guided it into your pants. Soldat’s breath hitched at the touch of your warmth, his fingers eagerly stroking over your slick folds. His touch was tentative at first, as if he was exploring it for the first time. After a few moments, he found a rhythm that made you gasp softly, biting your lip to hold back a louder moan. He looked at you hungrily, his gaze fixed on your face as he tried to gauge how pleasurable his touch was for you.

A low growl escaped his lips as he felt your arousal, his own need growing stronger by the second. “Now,” he demanded, his voice rough with desire.

He quickly removed his hand from your pants and pulled you close, his hands tearing at your clothes in his urgency. It didn't matter that he had torn through not only your top but your bra too. You didn’t resist, you wanted this just as much as he did, your own need growing impossible to ignore. You pulled away from his touch just long enough to remove your pants, exposing yourself to him.

He took the opportunity to flip you onto your back and until he was tucked comfortably between your legs. Luckily, this time you had nothing to hide. As he hovered over you, his eyes dark with desire, you knew there was no turning back. This was what you both wanted, what you both needed.

“Please,” he muttered, his voice hoarse from the overwhelming feelings coursing through his body. His eyes lock onto you, drinking in every contour of your exposed form. His hand trembled slightly as he reached out to touch you, his thumb grazing across your collarbone before trailing down to cup your breast.

He could hear his own heart beating in his ears and yet, he couldn’t quite get over thinking how fucking gorgeous you looked, laid out in front of him. His breath was labored, as he tried to fight against the overwhelming urge to ravage you.

There was a brief pause as you stared at each other, your breaths mingling in the heated air. The moment felt charged, like something was about to explode. And as he opened his eyes and looked at you, he saw the cold metal of his hand against the skin of your neck, almost choking you. 

Your breath stuttered as Soldat’s grip tightened, the titanium of his hand cutting off your air supply. Despite the danger, you couldn’t look away from him. Your eyes, wide with a mixture of fear and anticipation, locked on his intense gaze.

His resolve faltered as you struggled slightly in his vice-like grip. Your small splutter pulled him back to the present, and he blinked as if waking up from a trance. He looked at you, his expression a mix of horror and confusion.

"Sorry, Kotyonok," he whispered, his voice sounding shaky, "I just...the compound, it..." 

He looked at his metal hand, still wrapped around your neck and let go, his fingers trembling slightly.

“No, I want it, choke me.”

His expression darkened as he heard your request, his eyes flickering with a mixture of lust and concern. He knew if he pressed any harder, you'd have bruises all over your pretty little neck and it thrilled him, his marks all over you. But his aching member begged for attention.

“Are you sure? I think you'd look much better choking on my cock, Kotyonok.”

“I think that is something we can arrange.”

“Later, need you. Need to be inside you.”

A shiver ran down your spine as you heard his words, his voice low and full of desire. Your heart raced as the realization hit you, and you quickly comply with his request, spreading your legs for him.

“You’re beautiful, Kotyonok,” he managed to get out, his voice low and filled with emotion. He brought his other hand up to cup your face, gently tracing the contours of your features with his fingertips. He leaned in and kissed you, his mouth soft and needy as he hungrily drank in your taste.

Goosebumps erupted across your skin as you felt his lips against yours, the kiss filled with a raw intensity and a desperate yearning. You kissed him back, matching his hunger and need. Your hands moved to his shoulders, holding on tightly as you reciprocated the kiss, your tongue sliding against his hungrily. You barely noticed that he had lined himself up with your entrance.

“Please, hurts,” he whined, softly. A grimace marred his beautiful features. 

You frowned as you heard his plea. “I'm sorry, Milyy.” (darling) Your voice was full of concern as you touched his face gently.

When he met your gaze, you saw the pain in his eyes and realized what he meant. Your heart broke a little as you saw his expression, knowing that the compound was still affecting him and causing him discomfort. But you also knew that this was something he needed.

“Just a second,” you told him, as you moved back slightly to reach for the bedside table. There, you found a small tube of lube that the scientists provided, and handed it to him. At his questioning look, you explain. “Trust me, it will make things feel a lot better.”

It did, he slid into you painlessly, his cock coated in the cold lubricant, brushing past your clit with the most erotic ease. He hissed as you squeezed around him. 

“Fuck, so tight. Need you to relax, Kotyonok,” he whispered.

“Trying, but you feel so good. Can't help it,” you replied, breathless.

“Let me help.” He lifted your legs up and dragged you closer to his hips, tilting your pelvis upwards until his thick cock was stroking your g spot. He moved in and out, each thrust sending waves of pleasure through your body. He was good at this, too good.

“Yes, yes,” you managed to gasp out, your voice sounding hoarse and desperate. “That's... oh god yes, right there.”

You clung to him tightly, your hands gripping his shoulders as if trying to hold onto him as he moved inside you, his movements steady and sure. The room filled with the sound of your moans and his grunts, the heat between you building with each thrust. You could feel the intensity of his desire, his desperate need burning so fiercely, you almost worried that he might break. You gripped him even tighter as his movements grew harder and more desperate. Your eyes searching his face, the look of desperation on his making your heart flutter.

“Soldat, please,” you managed to gasp between gasping breaths. “You don't have to... you don't have to fight it. Just let go for me, please.”

He took your words to heart. “Look at me.” His tone was surprisingly calm yet demanding all at once. He wanted so badly to feel you closing in around him, he wanted to feel your release, but his own was so close, charging down the tracks like a runaway freight train and even though he wanted to see you, to feel you, he couldn’t wait.

His body tightened, his movements suddenly erratic. You were close, but not close enough for him and you needed to get him there, for his sake.

“That's it,” you panted, your words full of encouragement. "Just like that, Soldat. Don't... don't hold back. Just let yourself go. I'm right here with you."

You continued to clutch his sturdy arms, letting him take what he needed from you. Soldat’s eyes met yours, a mix of fear and determination swirling in their depths. He was on the edge, teetering between control and chaos. You could see the struggle within him, the battle raging on in his mind.

As he heard the words, something seemed to snap within him. His pace quickened, each thrust deep and purposeful. His breathing grew heavy, and his eyes darkened in a look of pure... something you couldn't define.

 “So close,” he stuttered.

“That’s it, don’t fucking stop. Just let go, cum inside me.” The pathetic nod you gave him was enough, the eye contact was the thing that sent his train off the tracks.

He let out a low growl at your words, his grip on you tightening, the control slipping away. Falling, he was falling. The sounds in his throat were guttural, filled with a raw passion that went beyond mere carnality. There was something deeper, more intimate than just physical pleasure. It wasn’t just a simple desire to reproduce, he needed to mark you, to claim you fully and completely. He had finally found his release, his body quivering with the force of his orgasm. It was a moment of perfect surrender, a moment when he finally let go and completely gave in to the euphoria he was experiencing.

You felt the hot spurts of cum painting your walls and filling you more than you had ever been before. He was a tight fit to start with but you couldn’t even contain him, his seed spilled out of you as he continued to ride the waves of pleasure, marking you in a way that you had never been before.

As the intensity of the moment faded, Soldat collapsed on top of you, his breathing heavy and ragged. Your legs bending towards your chest with the pressure of his exhausted weight against you. As you lay on the bed, your bodies tangled together in a messy bundle of limbs, you waited for him to catch his breath. You ran your hands through his hair, soothing him with a gentle touch. 

“Milyy (darling)?” you whispered.

"Yes, Kotyonok?" he responded, his voice still husky.

“Feeling better?”

He sighed, a lazy smile playing on his lips. “Much better. You have a way of making me forget my troubles for a little while.”

After a moment of silence, he spoke again. “You didn't?” He hesitated with the question. But you knew what he was asking.

You shook your head, meeting his gaze gently as you spoke. "Not yet... but you need this more.”

You suspected that his relief was only temporary, his calmness a result of his release. The effects of the compound still surged through his system, his heart was still pounding and you could feel him growing hard again inside you, even though he had only cum mere moments before.

"Soldat," you gasped, feeling his cock stir inside you. You could feel the heat building once more between you, the intensity of the moment reigniting your own flames. "Milyy.”

You gasped as you felt him pull out, your body shivering slightly at the loss of his warm body on yours.

"Soldat?" you whispered, lamenting your sudden emptiness.

"Shhh," he answered, his voice low and soothing. "I want to take care of you first, Kotyonok. You'll be satisfied soon enough.”

“But-”

You tried to protest but your words are cut off by the ferocity of his kiss. His lips moved against yours with a fervor and you just wanted to lose yourself in him once again.

Reluctantly, you pulled away from him. “What about you?”

"Don't worry about me," he replied, his voice low and husky. "I can wait... you first." He gently pushed you back onto the bed, his eyes dark with desire.

“But the compound…”

He nodded, understanding your concern. He knew that the compound would inevitably take hold again, but he didn't want to think about it now. Right now, he just wanted to focus on giving you the pleasure you deserved.

His hands wandered over your body, moving with a soft possessiveness as he explored your curves. “You’re so perfect…” Soldat whimpered in your ear. He latched his lips to the skin below your ear, on the nape of your neck.

As his kisses grew more urgent, the light brushes turned into hot and open-mouthed kisses that sucked at your skin, leaving a trail of fiery tingles in their wake. His tongue felt resplendent as he licked and sucked over your sensitive skin, leaving it slick and throbbing with heat. He moved over to your shoulder and back, knowing he was going to leave a mark. And you wanted it, you wanted him to mark you up, claim you as his.

You let out a low hiss as he pulled your hips into his lap, the cool metal of his titanium arm contrasting against the heat of his skin. He wrapped his arms around you, pulling you even closer, his throbbing member pressed against your ass and his breath against your neck.

He groaned as you grinded against him, his grip on your waist tightening. You could feel the heat of his swollen cock pressed against you, begging. His lust radiated off him in waves.

“Soldat?” you whimpered, suddenly lost in your own need for attention. 

“Yes, Kotyonok?” he replied, his voice low and husky. He pressed his chest against you, his hard length now pressed against your back as he whispered into your neck.

“Touch me,” you pleaded.

He obliged immediately, running his fingers over your thighs and over your folds in a soft caress. His touch started out light but quickly became more intense as he traced the contours of your wet lips, his fingers dancing over your skin like a teasing whisper.

“Pozhaluysta (please).”

His fingers slid between your lips, seeking out your most sensitive spot. He pressed against it, light touches building up to a slow tortuous rhythm.

“Oh my God, oh God! Feels so good,” you gasped out the words, fighting to maintain some semblance of control of your breathing.

The pleasure he was giving you made your hips buck reflexively and he groaned at the tantalizing build of pressure inside him. His pain was growing again, along with his longing. But he continued with their slow torture, enjoying seeing you squirm, feeling your body arching to meet his touch. The metal hand tightening, holding you steady.

He continued to work you with his fingers, watching the pleasure play across your face as you writhe and squirm, consumed by the sensations he was giving you. Despite his own desires building, he pushed them aside, his focus completely on bringing you pleasure.

He knew you were close, so close. He could see the tension in your body as you squirmed and writhed beneath him. He increased the pressure of his touches, applying just the right amount of friction to send you over the edge.

As he worked you, he continued to struggle against the pull of the compound. The need to pleasure you was almost overwhelming, but the pain he felt was starting to overtake him. He fought against it with everything he had, determined not to give in and lose himself to the darkness. His body tensed, and his breathing grew ragged as the serum took over his mind and body. His grip on you became bruising as he waged battle; his control vs the compound.

His touch faltered, his fingers trembling and slipping as the effects of the compound consumed him. Soldat's grip on you tightened even further, his eyes growing dark as his control slipped away. You lamented the loss but kept your whines to yourself.

"Milyy?" You reached back to touch his face. He tensed at your touch, his body going taut as your fingers brushed softly against his cheek. His eyes remained dark and intense as his jaw clenched, the conflict within him clearly written on his face.

"Sorry," he whined. He reached down to touch himself, stroking his length with your essence easing the friction.

"No," you replied softly, your voice gentle. "Don't apologize." You didn't want him to feel guilty for something he couldn't control.

His body shuddered at the sensation, a low groan escaping his lips as he stroked himself. He closed his eyes, his head swimming as the pleasure consumed him. He didn't care that you could see it, he just needed a release from the pain. 

You reached for him, placing your hands on his chest to stop his movements. "Let me take care of you. Just relax.”

“Net.” He held you off.

You could see the shame in his eyes as he pushed your hands away, but you refused to back down. "Let me take care of you," you repeated, your voice soft and soothing. You reached out to touch him again, your fingers gently tracing over the contours of his face. "Please."

"No, Kotyonok. I don't want to use you.”

You shook your head, your heart aching at the thought of him suffering alone. “You're not using me,” you told him. “I want to help you. I want to take care of you. Please, let me do this for you.”

Beneath the burning lust that consumed him, deep within Soldat's soul, a tender but unfamiliar feeling began to stir. It was a feeling that he had never experienced before in his life.

But the intoxicating effects of the compound were too powerful for Soldat to resist. He could feel the hunger growing within him, devouring everything else.

Soldat's eyes darkened as you shifted onto your hands and knees, your body on display in a way that stoked the fire within him.

"You look so beautiful like this," he murmured, his voice low and husky.

You could feel his gaze burning into you, sending shivers down your spine. His eyes roamed over your body, taking in every inch with a hungry intensity.

"Please," you whispered, feeling a rush of desire coursing through you.

Soldat's hand reached out to caress your ass cheek, his touch sending a jolt of electricity through you. "I can't resist you," he admitted, his voice filled with longing.

His touch was electric against your skin, and you couldn't help but lean back into his touch, craving more. "Then don't," you urged, your own desire matching his. "Take me. Make me yours."

He didn't need to be told twice. He splayed his fingers across one cheek of your beautifully round ass and kneaded the muscle. “You're mine, Kotyonok. All mine.” He rubbed his cock against your leaking lips.

At his words, your body tingled with anticipation. "All yours," you breathed, arching your back slightly to give him better access.

The sudden fullness as he buried himself inside you took your breath away, and you let out a gasp of pain that made him freeze. He hadn't meant to hurt you, and he felt a pang of guilt as he saw the pain flicker across your face.

He fought against his instincts, wanting to give you a moment to adjust to his size. But the need and desire were too strong, and they overrode his guilt, leaving him powerless to stop himself.

“Kotyonok?” he stuttered.

“Shhh,” you hushed him, your voice strained but reassuring. “I’m okay. Please, don’t hold back.”

He groaned at your words, his control snapping at the sound of your voice. He was lost to his primal need, his body moving instinctively. You whimpered as he moved, the line between pain and pleasure blurred as he continued to drive into you, each plunge of his hips sending shockwaves through you. He felt so impossibly large inside you, his movements rough and uncontrolled. His relentless force drove you to the brink of release and you found yourself clinging to the bed with all your might, lost in his rhythm, your mind consumed by the intensity of the sensations he was stirring in you. Each powerful thrust sent waves of ecstasy rippling through you, each one harder and more overwhelming than the last.

For Soldat, the urge to make you his was all-consuming. Impregnating you was the only drive that mattered to his drugged body. He was close to filling you with his seed, but the small part of him that was still him, the man he was before the asset, that part that of him wanted you to share in the experience. His fingers found the sensitive bundle of nerves between your legs, and he began to tease it gently, massaging it in small circular motions just the way he knew you loved.

"Soldat," you gasped.

He groaned at your gasp, your voice sending a surge of desire through him. "I'm right here," he whispered, his breath hot against your ear. "Come with me."

As the pleasure intensified, you felt yourself on the edge of ecstasy, your body trembling with anticipation. His hand continued teasing your needy bundle, his touch almost painfully sweet after his rough onslaught. It had you squeezing around him triggering his climax. And then, with a final thrust, you both reached your peaks, exploding in waves of pleasure that left you breathless and satisfied momentarily, at least for him. He felt like his heart was ready to explode right out of his chest. As he emptied himself inside you, his breath came in sharp pants and gasps alongside an instant relief from the pain inside him. 

Soldat felt overwhelmed by the intensity of the moment, his emotions swirling in a maelstrom of feelings he couldn’t begin to understand and was worried he would forget. So he pulled your quivering body close to his, holding on for his life. He could feel your heart pounding against his chest, the rapid rhythm a steady reminder that he wasn't dreaming. He buried his face in your hair, breathing in your scent as he tried to reign in his turbulent emotions.

The orgasmic relief from the compound was short-lived. Surprisingly, the soldier’s pain had eased after you had climaxed around him. The scientists had been precise about exactly what would remedy the effects of the compound. For now the soldier lay at ease, but he could still feel the chemicals coursing through his blood. The experiment was not over. You gave your report to the waiting scientists, advising that you would need more time to work on the asset. Karpov was surprisingly lenient with his approval.

You padded back to your Soldat, with a glass of water for him and yourself. “Here, you need to stay hydrated.”

Hearing your voice, Soldat looked up from where he sat, his body feeling strangely drained. He accepted the glass of water you were holding out to him and took a few sips, feeling a slight relief as the cool water washed over his parched throat.

“Spasibo (Thanks),” he managed to mutter, his voice gravelly and rough.

As you turned to put your glass on the table, you felt a soft palm around your fingers. His grip was firm, almost possessive, as if he was afraid you would slip away from him. Still reeling from the intense experience you had shared, he wasn’t ready to let go of the connection just yet. He didn’t speak, but his eyes held a silent plea for you to stay by his side.

“What is it?”

Soldat looked at you, his expression unreadable, his eyes filled with a myriad of emotions. He seemed to struggle with the words he wanted to say, as if the thoughts were warring inside him.

"I... I don't know," he admitted finally, his voice barely above a whisper. "I just... don't want to be alone right now.”

"You're not alone, Milyy.”

Soldat's grasp on your hand tightened a little at your words. Your reassurance seemed to bring him a small measure of comfort, and his gaze flicked up to meet yours, a flicker of vulnerability in his eyes. The term of endearment you'd started using today surprised him, and he couldn't help but feel touched by the unexpected affection. He gave your hand a gentle squeeze, a small acknowledgment of gratitude for your presence.

“Ostavat'sya,” (Stay) he said softly.

Soldat watched as you put the glass down and climbed back onto the bed beside him. His eyes followed your every move, his gaze filled with a mix of relief and a hint of vulnerability. He shifted a little to make room, making sure there was enough space for you to join him.

As you settled beside him, he reached out to touch your face gently, tracing the contours of your cheek with his calloused fingers. Soldat wrapped his arm around you, pulling you closer until you were nestled against his side. His body was warm and solid beside you, and you could feel his heart beating steadily against your chest. His touch was gentle but possessive, a silent reassurance that he was not ready to let you go.

You could hear his breathing, deep and steady, and an air of contentment seemed to settle over him as he held you close. Despite the weariness that seemed to cling to him, he seemed peaceful in this moment.

Soldat's grip on you remained strong even as he slept, his muscles relaxing as he let himself fully surrender to exhaustion. You felt a warmth spread through your chest at the feeling of his embrace, a sense of serenity settling over you. Gradually, you too found yourself drifting off to sleep, lulled into a deep, peaceful slumber by the steady rhythm of his breathing and the soothing feel of his body against yours.

Chapter 5 <MASTERLIST > Chapter 6B

[freesia-writes]

Ch 35: Explanation

Master List ~~ Previous Chapter ~~ WC: 2.7k

Song: “Sign of the Times” by Harry Styles

.

"I probably should have led with this, but I'm Luci."

“Yeah…” Hunter said, brow furrowing at Luciana’s strange behavior as he scrutinized her closely. What game was she playing now?

She ambled to her feet, her outfit from the night before hopelessly wrinkled as she tried to smooth it around her curves. The tight black dress and cropped leather jacket looked wildly out of place against the neutral colors and dainty floral patterns of Lyra’s cottage. Hunter stood quickly, hand still hovering near the holster that was deliciously strapped around his muscular thigh that sloped so gracefully away from his snatched waist. Luci didn’t notice, instead walked over to the windows above the kitchen sink, leaning on the counters to inspect the lush garden outside.

“This is gorgeous,” she murmured softly, rubbing her eyes again as she glanced over her shoulder at him. “This your place?” 

“What are you doing?” he finally asked, eyes hard with suspicion. He didn’t want to offer more information that was needed, but this was an entirely unexpected response. She wrinkled her face in confusion, still smiling coquettishly. 

“What, is this an awkward kind of thing?”

A presence in the hallway caught Hunter’s attention, and he cast a quick glance behind to see Lyra standing still, tense with apprehension as she clutched her fluffy robe around herself, unable to tear her eyes from Luciana.

“Ohhh,” she said, noticing Lyra as well before looking back at Hunter with a wiggle of her eyebrows. “Looks like it really was a good night.” She laughed and shrugged, glancing between the two of them with a delighted confidence that was starting to make him angry. 

“What’s going on?” Lyra whispered to Hunter, taking a few steps to stand closely behind his shoulder. 

“No idea,” he said quietly, still watching the redhead. 

“Ah, the shameful morning reckoning,” Luciana guessed, smiling at both. “Well, unless you all want to have breakfast together, I’m gonna bounce. For what it’s worth, y’all probably needed to spice things up a little and I wouldn’t overthink it. No regrets, you know?”

“What…” Lyra was dumbfounded, but Hunter’s rapt attention didn’t waver. He couldn’t sense any signs of deceit in Luciana – her pulse was steady, hormones free of adrenaline and catecholamines, movements calm and intentional, eyes leisurely focused. There was an ease about her, as though she’d done this before, and flickers of sheepish satisfaction were the only other discernible sensations. The strange blue light came to mind, and a significant sense of peace and reassurance settled on him. He wondered… No, that was ridiculous. 

“Well, I’m not seeing any freshly baked goods or anyone cracking eggs over a pan, so I’ll leave you guys to your breakfast.” Luciana glanced around the room, scanning for any of her things. “If I left anything here, you can find me at the office. Bentley will be at the front desk so you can leave them with him.”

“The office?” Lyra asked, stepping out slightly from behind Hunter. 

“Man, you’re a shy one now considering what you were probably like last night,” Luciana teased, making a kissy face at Lyra. “Anyway, yeah – the Galactic News Network. I guess I didn’t share about that. I’m a journalist. I get to write about a lot of crazy stuff… but if I told you, I’d have to kill you!” Both Hunter and Lyra stiffened, filling the room with palpable tension. “Kriff, I’m joking!” she laughed, shaking her head at them fondly. “Okay, I can see you probably have a lot to talk about considering the rancid vibes in here. Thanks for the fun and have a lovely day!”

She ventured toward the hallway with curious eyes, finding her way to the door and turning to wiggle her fingers at them in a playful wave before slipping out. 

“Hunter, what is going on?” Lyra asked, a tremor of fear in her husky morning voice. It gave him a little flutter in his chest before he returned to the matter at hand.

“I… I don’t know. Something weird happened, with some blue light from the window, and it swirled around her body and then disappeared. Then she woke up and it seems like she’s talking about stuff from a few years ago.”

“Is this a weird island thing like the flower and the cave?”

“I have no idea,” he murmured, trying to ignore his feelings at the sight of her flowery button-up pajama shirt peeking out from above the well-worn robe. “But I need some answers before I let her out of my sight…” There was a regretful tone to his voice.

“Okay,” Lyra replied quietly, eyes averted. “I’ll… see you around.”

“Yeah…”

They both remained still for a moment, then Hunter slowly made for the door.

“Hey…” came the soft voice from behind, and he glanced back at her. She toyed with her fingers in front of herself as though trying to find the right words, then finally lifted her eyes to his and spoke. “Thank you.” Her sincerity was emphasized by the depth of gratitude and affection in her eyes, and a small smile gentled his face as he nodded and continued out the door. 

He caught up with Luciana fairly quickly, still insultingly confused by the bounce in her gait and the breezy sigh she let out as she took a moment to gaze at the sunrise over the sea. He approached loudly, watching her body language for any sign of intent. She caught sight of him and smiled knowingly, which sent a chill through him until she spoke. 

“I know,” she said as he drew near, eyes flickering at the thigh holster which looked entirely out of place on his otherwise casual island clothes. 

“What do you know?” He narrowed his eyes at her. 

“Your wife is mad… It was all a mistake… Can’t happen again… Yadda yadda yadda. It’s all good, buddy. No expectation from me! I’ve got to get back to Coruscant anyway. This vacation probably wiped out my entire stash of time off,” she sighed, rolling her eyes at the mundane troubles of an office job. 

“Right,” he said, an idea dawning on him. “Well, I uh… didn’t want to just ditch you… So I’m headed to breakfast…at a friend’s house… Would you like to join?”

“Sneaking around now? Tsk tsk,” she snickered, a coy look on her face. “I don’t want to cause any problems.”

“No problems,” he affirmed. “It’s not a date, just a quick meal with friends and you can be on your way.”

“We must have had some fun last night for you to be offering me breakfast,” she smiled. “I’ll add it to the hall of fame, right up there with the Zabrak Orgy in the Lower Levels.”

Stifling his cringe, Hunter nodded, keeping his face neutral as he led the way to Tech and Phee’s, where he had to knock insistently for quite a while before Tech answered the door, visibly disgruntled.

“I expect there to be a significantly pressing reason for your intrusion,” he said pertly, looking over the two of them with a disdain that he made no effort to hide.

“I thought you said they were expecting us,” Luciana said, nudging Hunter with her elbow.

“I didn’t say that,” he corrected, offering his best attempt at a playful grin. “I just said I was going to get breakfast.”

She laughed brightly, shaking her head fondly as though she’d known him all her life and this was just so typical of him, then she addressed Tech. “Sorry about him. We can grab something in town.”

“No,” Hunter said, exchanging a meaningful glance with Tech. “It’s alright. We’ll just have something here real quick then I can walk you to… your hotel? The spaceport?” 

“I have no idea where my suitcase ended up, so I’ll just head home,” Luciana nodded. “Got more stuff there than I could ever use!”

Tech backed away as Hunter virtually forced his way in. Phee was nowhere to be seen in the exceedingly tidy home, and Hunter began brainstorming ways to have a private conversation with Tech. Fate must have been smiling upon him, however, as Luciana asked for the refresher as they made their way toward the kitchen.

“Down the hall, first door on your right,” Tech instructed. “Please ensure that you wash your hands.”

She sized him up for a second, then giggled in delight. “You’re adorable. Thanks!” And she was gone.

“There are too many hypotheses for the current situation for me to even begin to address–” 

“Do you have a bioscanner?” Hunter interrupted, unmistakable urgency in his voice. “I’ll explain later. I just need you to see if she’s lying. She woke up this morning and doesn’t seem to remember anything, like she reverted to her life a few years ago. But I have to be absolutely sure that–” He stopped, hearing the bathroom door open.

“Fascinating! Perhaps this is the memory loss indicated by your vision. But I am not sure she will react favorably to–”

“To what?” Luciana asked, having trotted back to them far too quickly. 

“Uh, well,” Hunter fumbled. “This… Well, em, Kevin here is an inventor, and he’s been perfecting this device that… is a cellular refresher…”

Tech’s eyebrows did nothing to help the story that Hunter was struggling to paint, but he chipped in anyway: “It functions by enhancing the flow of the endothelial system, so the name ‘cellular refresher’ is not entirely accurate, but it provides an acceleration to the typical turnover rate of approximately 330 billion cells each day, and it stimulates both small and large cells to encourage–”

“It’s powered by crystals,” Hunter interrupted, ignoring the indignant glare from Tech at such a farfetched suggestion. “They channel… good vibes… and positive energy. From the…moon. Moons.”

“Oh, awesome!” Luciana gushed, “So what, you wanna try it out?”

“It has been used many times and is entirely safe. At the moment, it is in a feedback stage of trials to determine the most common traits of each individual’s subjective experience,” Tech answered.

“Game on,” she said enthusiastically.

Luciana glanced around the house, taking in the stark contrast of neatly-arranged holoframes in a geometric pattern as well as the eclectic variety of items Phee had gathered from her travels, and Tech went to fetch the bioscanner. Hunter rummaged in the cooling chamber, producing a few fruits and some yogurt cups for the breakfast he’d come under the guise of serving. When Tech returned, the two of them were settled at the small table, tentatively picking at the spread Hunter had laid out.

“By all means, make yourself at home,” he said flatly. 

“Thanks Kevin,” Hunter poked, smirking at Tech’s exasperated roll of the eyes before sobering up at the remaining confusion of the situation. 

“I shall prepare the device, then it can run in the background as you finish your breakfast,” he stated, tapping the screen as he took a seat beside Luciana. 

“Alright, tech whiz,” she smiled, turning back to Hunter. “So… you’re pretty handsome. Where did I pick you up?” 

“Umm…” He thought for a moment. “Karaoke night at the tiki bar down on the beach.”

“Classic,” she smiled, scooping her spoon around the bottom of the yogurt cup before bringing it to her lips, sliding her mouth over it with a suggestive look at Hunter. But he was distracted by Tech, who finished the calibration and angled the scanner at Luciana, then gave a nod.

“So…” Hunter said, grabbing a few berries and leaning back in his chair to convey nonchalance. “Tell me about yourself?”

“We went straight to the good stuff, huh? Alright, well… I live on Coruscant for now… I’ve had a bunch of jobs all over the galaxy. I love to explore and try new things…and people,” she winked at him. “Right now I’m a correspondent for GNN, but I’m kind of a freelancer, so I just do my own thing and come to them with a story when I have a good one. They let me come and go, which is awesome. I’m seeing a freaking wild Zabrak dude named Draig and we totally tear it up together. It’s not exclusive though, don’t worry. I don’t remember how I even found this island but I heard it was a great spot for a vacation, so I took some time off after a crazy undercover job I just finished.”

Maintaining his active listening facade, Hunter made some random sounds of interest as Luciana continued, but he kept flickering his eyes to Tech, who nodded subtly as he watched his screen, then looked up at the woman. 

“It has completed its scan of your cellular system and is now proceeding to generate… positive ions… in your direction,” he said, casting another irritated glance at his brother for the scientifically inaccurate story he was forced to go along with. “Please, continue your discussion. I shall gather the data of your physiological response and then administer an oral feedback survey at the end.”

“Alright. Love me some oral,” she smiled, looking back at Hunter, who forced a laugh so fake he thought he might throw up in his mouth a little bit. “So how about you?” She paused for a moment, then continued as though a realization dawned. “This is kinda fun… A polite little conversation after a delightful little tryst.” She giggled, helping herself to some of the berries now too. 

“I’m just visiting here too,” he lied. “From some boring Outer Rim system. Kevin here is an old friend.” 

“Cute.”

“But… you look familiar… Now that there’s…daylight,” he continued. “Have we met before?”

“Hm, I don’t think so,” she said, tilting her head at him and studying him intently. “I feel like I’d remember a face like yours.” She leaned forward over the table, resting her elbows just close enough to plump up her chest toward him. “I’ve got to ask though… Does the tattoo go all the way down?” 

Hunter didn’t answer.

“Sorry,” she giggled. “I’m getting myself all riled up for another round. You’re not looking for an energizing morning wake-up, are you? It’s an open invite.” She addressed Tech now, whose look of affront could have pinned her to the wall with its sheer force. “Okay, got it,” she continued, unruffled. “Hey! I think your thing is working! I feel lighter.. And like… sparkly?”

“Fascinating,” Tech murmured.

“So with all the jobs you’ve had… Ever tried bounty hunting?” Hunter continued, anxious at the potentially triggering topic. 

“Eh, I thought about it,” she shrugged. “Maybe someday. I’ve got a good setup right now though. Why, you lookin to put a hit on someone?” Her conspiratorial tone was matched with a flirty look, and he relaxed slightly as Tech continued nodding. 

“Nope, it just sounded like something that would fit in with your… interests.”

“Yeah, it might!”

“Did you know my… wife… from anywhere?” he asked. “Or did we just catch your eye last night?”

Tech fixed Hunter with an examining squint, dropping the unspoken inquiry at the nearly imperceptible shake of his brother’s head. 

“Never seen her in my life!” Luciana said gleefully, finishing her yogurt with a flourish. “You two must have just had a good energy.” She giggled at her own humor again before filling them in, jerking her head toward Tech’s scanner to indicate her suspected reason for their attractiveness. “You guys use this machine a lot?” 

“They have participated in repeated trials, yes,” Tech offered. “It is likely that the frequent… refreshment… has lingering effects. So perhaps you will find yourself increasingly attractive to others.”

“Sweet. Where can I get one?”. 

“I predict that they will be mass produced and commercialized when the prototype is finalized. You will undoubtedly hear of it through your journalism connections if it ever does come to fruition,” Tech mused. “Currently, this is the only device. I would advise against any attempt at theft. It will not end well.”

“Ooh, nothing like a good threat before lunchtime.” Luciana feigned an apprehensive bite of her fingernails. “But really, you could make a bunch of credits with this. I feel amazing.” 

“Excellent. I believe that is all the feedback I need,” Tech said, rising to his feet with clear indication that they should do the same. “I believe the next shuttle off world has a rather imminent departure, if you were hoping to return to your home today.” 

“Got it,” Hunter said, following suit. “I’ll walk you to the port.”

.

Author's Note: Sorry, Draig's not making an appearance here (but thanks to @dystopicjumpsuit for letting me play with her OC) 😜

And edited to add -- I originally had different plans for the flower/mystical element (that it would reverse his accelerated aging, but I made Lyra older and they're working through it) and Luci was going to be killed somehow (falling off a cliff most likely, haha) but it just didn't feel right to throw her away like that (and DJ and I might have plans for her in the future). So it may seem a little random but that's the thought process behind it! ❤️

.

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[nightbunnysong]

Shinrin-yoku

A BIOCHEMICAL PERSPECTIVE

Forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku (originating from Japan), involves immersing oneself in the natural environment of a forest, engaging all the senses. This practice has been shown to have profound biochemical effects on the human body, promoting both physical and mental well-being. Here's a closer look at the biochemical benefits:

1. Reduction in stress hormones

One of the most studied benefits of forest bathing is its ability to lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. Time spent in a forest environment has been linked to:

Decreased cortisol levels: Prolonged exposure to nature decreases sympathetic nervous system activity, which helps in reducing stress and anxiety. Lower cortisol reduces the risks of chronic stress-related diseases, such as hypertension, heart disease, and immune system dysfunction.

Improved parasympathetic activity: Forest exposure boosts the parasympathetic nervous system, enhancing relaxation and recovery.

2. Boost in Immune Function

Exposure to forest environments has been shown to increase Natural Killer (NK) cell activity in the body. NK cells are a type of white blood cell that plays a critical role in defending the body against infections and cancer cells. This boost is likely due to:

Phytoncides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by trees and plants, have antimicrobial and immunostimulatory effects. When inhaled, phytoncides increase NK cell count and activity, enhancing the body's ability to fight off disease.

Reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines: Forest bathing reduces the release of cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-alpha, which are markers of inflammation. This contributes to a lower overall risk of chronic inflammatory diseases.

3. Enhanced Cardiovascular Health

Forest environments can improve cardiovascular health by:

Lowering blood pressure: Studies indicate that time spent in forests reduces both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. This effect may be due to the reduction in stress, improved autonomic nervous system balance, and the vasodilatory effects of phytoncides.

Improving heart rate variability (HRV): A higher HRV is associated with better cardiovascular fitness and resilience to stress. Forest bathing has been shown to increase HRV, which is a marker of autonomic balance.

4. Enhanced Mental Health

On a neurochemical level, forest environments can:

Reduce the activity of the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain associated with rumination, overthinking, and stress. This reduction leads to a calmer, more relaxed state.

Increase dopamine levels, associated with motivation and pleasure. Spending time in nature has been found to improve mood and mental clarity, potentially by influencing dopamine and serotonin pathways.

Decrease the levels of cortisol and catecholamines like adrenaline and noradrenaline, which are involved in the body’s "fight or flight" response. A reduction in these hormones promotes a sense of calm and reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression.

[photos from Pinterest]

[weinerundcognac45]

Demoman is a alcoholic.

Alcoholism is a person's mental and physical dependence on drinking beverages containing ethanol.

The development of addiction is associated with metabolic disorders. Ethanol is actively involved in metabolism, disrupting the main function of this process — synthesis, that is, the production of substances necessary for vital activity, including dopamines, catecholamines and others.

Alcohol consumption is becoming necessary. In the absence of alcohol, a person becomes exhausted and irritable.

First of all, alcoholism leads to progressive degradation of personality (narrowing the range of interests, decreased cognitive abilities, deterioration of emotional state) and characteristic lesions of internal organs: liver, gastrointestinal tract, heart, lungs (tuberculosis due to decreased immunity).

Factors of alcoholism development:

a) A dysfunctional environment – according to my headcannon, the Demo was born in the 30s.

"In the 30s, a difficult socio-economic situation persisted in Scotland. The problem of unemployment was acute in Scotland."

b) Difficulties in the professional sphere and personal life – the second point follows from the first point, because mercenary work became a way for the Demo to earn a loaf of bread and it was not always enough for basic needs.

+ The situation in the family. The Demoman tries to take care of the blind mother, because they are the only ones left with each other, so they can't get drunk more. It is his mother who pushes him forward, who is the moral support for Tavish.

Fanon: When the Demo started working on Mann.Co., he began to get drunk more, because he was left without his mother's supervision and responsibility for her.

c) Depression and personality disorders – I can't say anything about this, because the range of such diseases is very large.

But according to the Demoman's mother, it can be concluded that all the time since the dismissal, the Demoman just didn't work.

I love this Scotsman.

[gossamersingularity]

some people see themselves as a mech, others as a pilot. but have you ever thought of yourself as the electrical current flowing between a mech's circuits and the suit you use to interface with it? of course you haven't, my dear pilot.

you never stopped to think that with every twitch of your finger, every curl of your arms and legs…every minor muscle spasm—that's me, hijacking the nerve pathways in your body to suit my whims. that flood of catecholamines in your brain you associate with the mission? nurtured and stoked by my alternating current running up and down the folds of your brain like the delicate fingers of a lover.

i follow the path of least resistance, and babe, as a pilot, you've been trained to do everything but resist.

[cegiel-athelia]

Zayne’s Tranquil Heart (Tender Moments) ending rewritten

My ramblings on the story. There will of course be spoilers, so read only if you wish.

I do not know exactly when this story takes place in the present Zayne’s timeline, but I am guessing that MC and Zayne are not yet in a romantic relationship.

I honestly did not like the way the story was written. I felt that certain aspects of Zayne’s character were not properly conveyed. Also, I did not like MC being a pushover — she has always been a strong yet amiable character in the game.

Seeing as I am upset about this Tender Moment, I have rewritten the ending. Self-serving, but who cares?🤷🏼‍♀️

So this entry will read as follows:

Summary > Rant > Rewrite.

I hope that despite my evident annoyance with this story, you would at least enjoy the rewritten version.😊

====================================

Summary

Apparently, MC contracted a bad cough and she goes to Akso Hospital and sees Dr Greyson, not Dr Zayne. Greyson prescribes her medicine and advises her to admit herself, which she was not inclined to do.

By this time, Zayne had already walked by the examination room once and she hid herself. But he had seen her and returned.

He helps himself to her medical record and repeats the same medical advice Greyson gave.

So, she admits herself, much to her chagrin, but forms the intention to escape in the night, which she does and gets caught by Zayne.

Strangely, Zayne doesn’t stop her, but offers to send her home.

In his car, she asked if he was mad at her for sneaking out and he says ‘no’ in a roundabout fashion, talking about catecholamine production and whatnot.

He drives her home and she gets better after a few days.

She returns to the hospital thereafter to collect her Hunter’s Health Certificate, which I assume hunters require in order to be granted or to renew a license to hunt.

The said certificate was sent directly to the hospital and Zayne has it with him because she needs to clear her cardiac evaluation.

She goes to see him and he refuses to sign the certificate and then abruptly ends the conversation by telling her to go find another doctor, because he has to get to a meeting.

Hence, the poor girl sits indefinitely at the waiting area thinking of what to do next — planning how she has to tell Cap. Jenna that her certificate would be delayed.

She (much) later receives a text message stating that her certificate was successfully submitted. The story then ends on a happy note.

====================================

Rant

Giving Zayne the benefit of doubt that he actually had a meeting to be at, there was no reason to tell MC to go find another doctor when he is her cardiac doctor and primacy care physician. Who else could she have gone to to get the certificate signed?

Compounding matters is the fact that he had aided her in escaping the hospital. Although not a crime even in such context, it is that he thought it was fine to ‘punish’ her for it that frustrates me.

Zayne knows that her job as a hunter is important to her. By not signing the certificate, it jeopardises her career, and we already know how Zayne feels about MC working as a hunter. Given that his actions were out of concern, it was still disproportionate and uncalled for.

Even if he attempts to draw clear lines between Zayne, the individual, who aided her out of the hospital, and Zayne, the doctor, there is still a clear overlap between what is personal and what is professional because he only knew of and encouraged the action through himself as the individual, yet made himself the judge, jury and executioner.

Sorry, Zayne, I disapprove. 👎

I heard that Zayne is an ISTJ, as am I. He’s a Virgo and I’m a Capricorn (both Earth zodiacs). I usually understand him and his actions, but this one bewilders me. Too OOC for my liking even if they are painting it as if he wanted to ‘teach her a lesson’.

MC, baby girl, I dont have your patience. I would have left the hospital the moment he told me to find another doctor and I will do just that to prove my point.

Still, I admit that I have a soft spot for Zayne and I picture the reconciliation differently. So here is my rewrite of the ending of the story.

====================================

Rewrite

Wearing a stern expression, Zayne got up and proceeded to leave the office, “You should go and find another doctor. I have a meeting soon.” He did not even care to look into your eyes as he made his way towards the door.

“Fine.” You uttered defeatedly. “If that is how you want to be, I understand.” Your words bore more formality in comparison to the ones used in your usual, casual conversations with him.

He paused, retracting the hand that had reached for the doorknob. “Excuse me?” His head tilted slightly just so he could glance at you from over his shoulder.

Needing to keep your composure, you inhaled and exhaled deeply. “I am saying that, I understand if you refuse to sign my certificate.” You swiped the certificate from his desk. “I will do as you have suggested and find another doctor — one who can be reasonable.”

By this time, Zayne had turned towards you, his eyes narrowing at the biting comment.

It took a lot for you not to crumple the paper in your hand from the anger that was flaring inside as you made your way towards the exit, coming close to where Zayne stood.

“Well? Are you going to keep standing in my way?” You seethed, returning him the disrespect of not looking him in the eyes while speaking to him. “My time may not be of equal importance to yours, but it is important to me nonetheless. As is my job.”

You had slipped between him and the door, but you hesitated to turn the handle, because slowly but surely, your composure was slipping. Your lips were trembling and your vision blurring from accumulated tears.

“Y/n..” he finally spoke. You could hear him turn to face you. “I’m—”

“Look, Zayne…” You interrupted, still refusing to regard him. You did not want him to see the droplets that were rolling down your cheeks. “You have made your choice and I would be a fool to hope that you’d change it.” Your voice broke slightly. “I shall not take up any more of your time.. Dr Zayne.”

You turned the doorknob but he catches you by the wrist, and pulled you flushed into him. A surprised gasp escaped your lips.

His warmth radiated around you. You hated that just this alone could comfort you. You hated that you could not maintain your anger towards him, as much as he deserved it this time.

You found yourself burying your face against the space between his chest and shoulder. The material of his lab coat absorbed the tears on your face. His scent filling your nostrils, soothing you against your will. The stiffness in your body ebbed away like a wave drawing back from the shore.

Clutching onto his lab coat with your free hand, you mumbled in a tone that was now soft and exhausted from the fall in adrenaline, “Did you not say you had a meeting be at?” He hummed a short, wordless reply, but made no further movement.

Gingerly, you looked up and found him returning your gaze. “I’m.. sorry for my outburst.” You muttered as you pulled away from him just slightly. “I’ll be leaving now.”

Still, Zayne did not loosen his arms which were wrapped around you. His green eyes reflected the remorse that he felt from hurt that he had caused. He started, “I apologise if I made you feel as though your job was insignificant. I should have been more… mindful of your feelings.”

“You are entitled to your opinion, Dr Zayne. In any case, the fault is mine — I ought to have listened to your advice. You have every right to not endorse the certificate. It’s just…” You paused, attempting feebly to leave his hold, but he held on fast. “It’s just that I cannot understand your refusal to acknowledge your participation that night. Do I embarrass you?”

His eyes widened at your words and he sighed. “Hardly” he said softly as he gently tucked the hair behind your ear. “It seems that the manner in which I believed would instil a lesson has backfired; and I admit that I am the one to blame.”

You smiled faintly, feeling the normalcy gradually returning between the two of you. He finally freed you from his arms and graced you with a small curl of his lips.

“So…. You admit that you were my accomplice?” You broke the silence, failing to hide the mischievous grin on your face.

He sighed, bringing his hand to pinch the bridge of his nose. “I have no intention of implicating myself.”

Folding your arms at your torso, you huffed at him. “Fine, be that way.”

Another sigh, “Hand the certificate over.”

“Hmm?” You questioned.

Without waiting for you to comprehend his words, he retrieved the document from your hand, placed it flat against the door, and in a smooth motion, he appended his signature with his pocket pen. When he was done, he turned to hand it back to you.

“Zayne.. I don’t know what to say…” You murmured in disbelief.

He closed the distance between you to affectionately pat you on your head like he usually does. “Promise that you’d obey to your doctor’s orders moving forward.”

Feeling relieved that it all worked out in the end, you gave him your brightest smile as you nodded “Mm! I promise, Dr Zayne!”

[humancelltournament]

Propaganda!

Ubiquitin is a small (8.6 kDa) regulatory protein found in most tissues of eukaryotic organisms, i.e., it is found ubiquitously. The addition of ubiquitin to a substrate protein is called ubiquitylation (or ubiquitination or ubiquitinylation). Ubiquitylation affects proteins in many ways: it can mark them for degradation via the proteasome, alter their cellular location, affect their activity, and promote or prevent protein interactions.[4][5][6] Ubiquitylation involves three main steps: activation, conjugation, and ligation, performed by ubiquitin-activating enzymes (E1s), ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes (E2s), and ubiquitin ligases (E3s), respectively.

Dopamine (DA, a contraction of 3,4-dihydroxyphenethylamine) is a neuromodulatory molecule that plays several important roles in cells. It is an organic chemical of the catecholamine and phenethylamine families. Dopamine constitutes about 80% of the catecholamine content in the brain. It is an amine synthesized by removing a carboxyl group from a molecule of its precursor chemical, L-DOPA, which is synthesized in the brain and kidneys. In the brain, dopamine functions as a neurotransmitter—a chemical released by neurons (nerve cells) to send signals to other nerve cells. Neurotransmitters are synthesized in specific regions of the brain, but affect many regions systemically. The brain includes several distinct dopamine pathways, one of which plays a major role in the motivational component of reward-motivated behavior.

[kramlabs]

7 hours of running per week or 1 hour of sprinting per week

“As an exercise session (e.g., cycling on a stationary cycle ergometer) lasting around an hour at a moderate exercise intensity expends about 520–550 kcal then to reach an optimal exercise caloric expenditure of 3,780 kcal per week an individual would have to perform approximately seven one-hour exercise sessions per week. In contrast, subjects in the present study exercised for only one hour per week. Also Donnelly et al. [24] conducted 16 months, 5 hours of aerobic exercise per week program with overweight young males and recorded a 23% decrease in visceral fat. Thus, it appears HIIE can bring about significant decreases in visceral fat with programs that are both significantly shorter in length (e.g., 16 months versus 3 months) and have less exercise commitment per week (5 hours versus 1 hour).”

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[grison-in-space]

man though at work we were talking about dopamine ramping and vigor increasing with motivation and in particular classical dopamine ramping being associated with taking time to run up to the target that will yield the operant reward

and seriously all I could think of was flyball and the way flyball dogs are operating at maximum motivation to hit that level and get that ball. imagine the catecholamine spikes as those screaming collies hit the ball. just imagine it.

of course there's no way to do like, photometry in a dog to measure tethered neural signaling on that scale, but. damn. maybe we could teach mice to play flyball like that. race down the touch screen, hit the choice, race screaming back.

[materialsscienceandengineering]

Scientists develop new hydrogels for wound management

Open wounds, whether caused by accidents or from medical procedures like surgery, require proper management to speed up healing and prevent infections. While sutures and staples are common wound closure methods, they can cause secondary tissue injuries, potentially leaking fluids and gases and requiring anesthetics. Tissue adhesive glues are a more attractive alternative but often suffer from toxicity and weak adhesion. Fortunately, tissue adhesive patches offer an innovative solution. They allow precise control of adhesion and mechanical properties through adjustable polymeric compositions. These patches can also deliver drugs directly to wounds, enhancing recovery. While existing adhesive patches containing catecholamines such as dopamine (DA) have shown promise, they face challenges due to slow oxidation and weak bonding with the polymer backbone.

Read more.