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[ayurvedanaturalcures]

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[mychlapci]

sowwy i have more sentinel thoughts :]

Yknow how he's really shiny!! Clearly that's not a natural amount of shiny. He's clearly getting very polished to look like that. And if he's so vain, since he likes to have his array out for whoever to see, I think his spike is also really shiny. It doesn't matter if only like one other bot happens to see it when he's being jerked off on the desk- it's Imperative that his cock is as obnoxiously shiny as the rest of him

Which means his spike is getting polished.

He doesn't do it himself. He physically can't. Having a buffer go over his spike is just Too Much overall and he will jerk away as a reflex. So of course it's part of Arachnid's job. Every so often, the moment his spike starts to get a little dull or even if there is a tiny scratch on it, he calls his bodyguard and personal assistant in to assist him.

I feel like it's always him being like >:] 'I'm ready. Do it.' whilst he either sits or lays down with his spike pressurised. He puts on such a brave face as the buffer comes out and the cool polish is dripped over his heated spike- But the moment it's actually on him, he's squealing and gasping and kicking and squirming. The feeling of the brush going over his spike is just so much that his processor honestly doesn't even know whether to register it as pleasure or not. Whatever it is, he's letting out the most pathetic sounding gasps and squeaks as the friction brings him to overload almost immediately.

The transfluid that spurts out just ends up being brushed all over his spike too. Extra lubricant. And Arachnid doesn't stop, her job isn't done. She keeps buffing, even as Sentinel comes down from his overload, spike twitching and trying to depressurise but is assaulted with so much tactile input that it simply can't. His array is oversensitive after the overload, driving whatever sensations he was having before straight into overstimulation. Coolant pools in his optics as he screams and kicks and tries his best to squirm out of Arachnid's reach, but she uses her auxiliary limbs to pin him down by his sensitive joints and gaps between his plating.

Sentinel's frame struggles, wanting to move and escape from the assault on his spike, but is also bound by self preservation protocols that register the pressure on his joints and weak points, knowing that if it were to struggle too hard those limbs would rip into delicate lines and cables. He's trapped, willingly or not. And all he can do is cry and scream and be forced to overload again. And again. And again.

By the time Arachnid is done, the moment the buffer turns off, Sentinel's exhausted frame slumps, strutless, with a shaky sigh. He's still shaking. Covered in so much of his own transfluid. But when he looks down at his own gleaming spike, he still manages a weird little grin and then collapses again

Also later some poor bot has to come in, only told they're here to clean up, to find the Prime laying motionless in his berth and covered and splattered in so much fluid he looks like he's been gutted jgksjdfksd until they find out that it's all just cum actually

Oug god... He's so dumb, now he's covered in all that cum, who's gonna wash that off and buff him again? Probably Airachnid...

Do you think the poor bot called in for cleaning has to clean Sentinel up too... I mean, Airachnid will buff him, but she's not wiping his spike and pussy.

[sinnerdolly]

Good loser—Nagi Seishiro

Minors do not interact. Nsfw/Smut.

word counter—1160.

Plot—Nagi's just lost a game, so now he wants to claim his consolation prize... you.

warning— stable relationship, soft!dom Nagi, kinda public sex. Y/n has a bit of a pedantic personality with everybody except Nagi.

English isn't my mother language, if you see any error you're welcome to correct me.

People are complex, attraction even more so, added to attraction we have monogamy, which we want to make independent as well. Because holding someone else is a symbol of little commitment, but the separation of assets is logical.

Toxicity is quite abundant these days, or so I see walking the university hallways. Fights between boys over some bimbo with a nice ass, a primate situation; hippie allies philosophizing to fuck her "friend", plot twist she's going to fuck the biggest idiot of all. Because, I repeat, instinct chooses.

And, unfortunately, I found myself in the same situation. My eyes went to one boy in particular, Nagi Seishiro, my recent boyfriend. Five months of relationship, thanks to my desire to sleep at a party and him playing video games in the same room when I woke up.

For a prejudiced critic like me, not deciphering him made me interested in knowing him. Nagi was such an odd chap. At first glance he was lazy and listless, but losing somehow highlighted a passionate fire in his eyes that made me wet.

Like this moment, he had just lost to Ryusei Shidou on penalties, and he was heading towards my place in the stands, his gray eyes focused on me, sweaty and frustrated, desperate to claim me as a consolation prize, knowing how much I love to be it.

He stood out in the crowd, the imposing manner of his walking causing people to step out of the way. Pretty funny since he's the gentlest person I know.

“I want you right now”

I nodded like a fool, hypnotized by that aura of a caged beast that his pores gave off. The heat in my belly spread to the inside of my legs, the desire awakening in anticipation. The words he had just said meant one thing... he was going to fuck me in the first lonely corner he saw. So I went down the steps, taking him by his narrow wrist and we disappeared through the doors of the main bedrooms.

When the door closed, I couldn't continue on my way, Nagi grabbed me by the left thigh, and carried me only with the strength of one hand. Our noses touched, and his eyelids were no longer half-closed from laziness, but from desire. My mouth was watering from kissing him.

With each step the kisses became more intense, the touch had a purely carnal objective. My hand went under his shirt, feeling the smooth sculpted skin on his abs, while he dryly rubbed his erection against me. Sighs and ragged breaths, interspersed between lips and tongues.

The laundry room didn't have a key, so Nagi soon slammed the door to lock us inside. My feet met the ground again, while his hands caressed my buttocks in search of the condom that I always bring to his games.

I threw my blouse somewhere in the room, unbuttoning the fly of my pants afterwards. With impatience consuming him, Seishiro lifted me by the waist and sat me on one of the washing machines, finishing the job on my jeans.

Now with complete freedom of my joints, he placed me like a rag doll around his hips, pressing me against his chest. The warmth that his skin gave off took away the cold of that humid room.

He opened the condom with a slight tug between his teeth. And he scattered desperate kisses along my neck and collarbones, while he spread the latex along his cock. My fingers tugged at his white hair a little, drawing a few gasps from him.

It was enough to move my panties aside a little for him to slide between my rubbery walls, so lubricated that they didn't even need prior stretching. Of course, with or without games, it's always hard to take Nagi, if it weren't for his softdom nature, I probably wouldn't be able to handle him.

His thrusts were deep, as were his lips devouring mine. My body was pressed against his immense figure, while my legs were held in place by those large hands.

It didn't take long for the moans to spill out into the darkness, our gazes connected, expressing the sated lust for the other. I could feel his racing heart pounding against my chest.

The moment was so intimate that it was difficult not to come from the pleasure, Nagi blinded my senses, the chemistry between us makes the most ridiculous situations passionate, like now, fucking on a washing machine; but at this moment, with his member stimulating every erogenous zone inside me, it seemed like a scene worthy of a Shakespearean novel.

Nagi twitched between my walls, signaling that he was close. I let out a little cry of surprise when I was in the air again, holding on tightly to Sei's shoulders, who, with just the strength of his arms, began to fuck me with fervor again.

My moans turned into a kind of hiccup between jumps that made him put his hands on my butt. Stunned by my boyfriend's actions, I looked into his eyes, to find that obsessed look that only appears on the court focused on me... tss and I thought I couldn't get any hornier.

My lungs were suffocating, and my eyes were watering from the pleasure. I think my lower lip was bleeding from how hard I bit it, trying to reduce the screams. Almost impossible when his sturdy tip hit so deep, and his thickness stretched me so well.

"Sei..." I gasped desperately, tightly wrinkling the collar of his t-shirt. “I'm going... I'm coming”

He kissed my lips one last time, before convulsions shattered my stability and pleasure exploded throughout my body. My eyelids closed, and the waves of heat seemed eternal along with his attacks against my center.

I was so sensitive that I could feel the condom being filled inside me. Now still, Nagi held me while we caught our breath, still hit by the intensity of the orgasm. A minute or two later, he placed me on the washing machine again.

And, with a somewhat cooler head, we managed to talk.

“I'm sorry you lost, are you okay?”

I caressed his cheeks gently, while he replicated the action on my thighs. He gave me one of his taciturn smiles, Nagi is one of those people who smiles with his eyes and barely moves the corner of his mouth, an adorable detail from my perspective.

“Good? I couldn’t be better”

Sei pushed his weight forward, ready to kiss me. Apparently during our intimate time we pressed several buttons by accident, because the machine below me started to move, scaring the shit out of me.

Nagi laughed when he saw me clinging to his chest like a terrified kitten. I hit his shoulder, feigning offense, but he continued laughing... so I had no choice but to kiss him while laughing.

What can I tell? The other couples are shit next to us.

[eatmangoesnekkid]

I stretch anywhere a total of 45 minutes to 2.5 hours throughout the day, averaging closer to 2 hours each day. I stretch while chopping for dinner. I stretch after meditation. I stretch before leaving the house and after coming back home from riding my bike. I stretch while folding clothes low to the ground. I stretch at night to good music. I didn’t start actively stretching this way until 3 years ago and if I knew in my 20s and 30s what I know now, I would have started then. Stretching is the most important part of my practice, right behind nature/warm sun. Stretching helps the body release old narratives and receive new more updated ones. We reprogram our minds when we bring more lubrication to our bodies through releasing or softening the contractions in our tissues, ligaments, and joints. Because the perceptions, beliefs, expectations, conditionings and programmings locked into our folds greatly influence the quality of our reality.

The female body is mainly absorptive and receptive—meaning it takes in, sucks in, and receives all manners of information physically, spiritually, and energetically from morning to night. The noisier our bodies are, generally the more contracted and tighter we tend to be, often living in unconscious fight or flight states in our we breathe or move, even though there is no threat in sight. But stretching often throughout the day helps to relax calm the body down from its unconscious holding patterns and release the shadowy accumulations we pick up by nature of being female and having a womb, even the accumulations from other timelines. If your womb has been removed, your body still receives energetically/spiritually. That’s because stretching is not just physical, it’s exceptional spiritual hygiene. Too many accumulations makes our bodies dense and loud. The aim is the soften and quiet down the noise living inside. When your body becomes less noisy, you may notice that you give better eye contact and have more of a relaxed presence in the world. If you are genetically very flexible, you have to discover other ways shadows show up in your body and life.

Most people live disconnected from what is living in their bodies and offshoot the consequences of their lives onto someone or something else. You must know that no one is coming to save you and consciously use your mind, breath, and body to deliberately create from in your current reality. Even 5-10 minutes of stretching morning and night to chanting tones, harp sounds, or affirmation music makes a vast difference overtime. —India Ame‘ye

[fleckcmscott]

Something Old, Everything New

Summary: After Arthur has a run in with the past, Y/N provides the shelter she’s always hoped to.

Words: 4,227

Warnings: Swearing, Smut

A/N: @tally-kiza made the request that prompted this story. Cal, I hope it's what you're looking for! 😂 Heartfelt thanks to @sweet-nothings04 for beta-ing, helping with the summary, and her neverending kindness and support. 💜

If you have any thoughts or questions, please comment, feel free to message me, or send me an ask. Requests for Arthur and WWH are open!

The shopping list was broken into three sections, each separated by a thick, felt-tip line. Ingredients for a recipe Y/N was keeping secret. Refills of temazepam and fluoxetine. And supplies for light repairs he was determined to finish before the weekend was out.

Through poverty and an absent landlord, Arthur had become something of a handyman as a teen. He'd figured out how to snake gooey clumps of hair from the shower drain, unstick stuck drawers with a spritz of WD-40, patch the hole in the wall left by his fist. A job done himself was a dollar saved, a buck to spend on cigarettes or butterscotch candies, depending on how his week went.

Tapping each item on the paper, he dodged a pallet of tightly stacked potting soil and ambled down the fourth aisle of Garber's Value Hardware and Housewares, his first stop and a staple that'd served Burnley since 1926. Paint thinner stains dotted the creaky wooden floor, the shop's knob and tube wiring was a decade out of code, and the fumes of last year's grease saturated the air.

The red bins of O-rings, washers, and valve seals were poorly sorted. He sifted through grimy plastic baggies, searching for a standard size set. The kitchen faucet had been leaking for weeks, and the drops grew ever fatter and faster. He decided on a variety pack, then aimed for the door section for hinge lubricant, as vegetable oil no longer quieted the bedroom door's squeaks and squawks.

He was midway through the yellow bottle's directions when an old nickname smacked him in the back of the head.

"Hey, Fleck the Speck!"

The jovial call made Arthur's joints as stuck as an old drawer.     

"Hell, it's been what, twenty years?" Richard continued, dark blue mechanic's overalls swishing as he advanced on Arthur. The guy thrust a friendly hand his way. "You just kinda fell off the face of the earth. How've you been?"

Arthur glared at that hand.

Richard McMahon was an old classmate, from Cowther's Middle School straight through sophomore year at Gotham High. Being held back two years hadn't stopped him from reaching the level of cool to go by Rick, not Dick.

And he was one of the many people Arthur could have gone to his grave without seeing.

Fleck the Speck had caught on amongst Rick's group of rowdies like too much Brylcreem. Dingy hair and ratty, ill-fitting clothes had made Arthur a target to rival a dart board. Rick's hair had been just as greasy, his t-shirt couldn't keep up with his stocky teenage body. But youth hierarchy demanded someone be shit on, and via his natural awkwardness, Arthur attracted all the flies.

But that was then, and this was now, and if Arthur interpreted Rick-not-Dick's tone correctly, he saw him as a regular guy.

"I'm good," Arthur said, returning the shake. The man grabbed him in a sweltering grip. "I- I had a lot going on. With my mother and everything."

"Good, good. You working now?"

"Yes. I'm a comedian."

"No shit! You still doing that laugh?"

That Rick would bring up Arthur's condition wasn't a shock. It'd been a source of endless entertainment for his peers. He took half a step back. "Doing that laugh?"

"Yeah! It was a riot, really threw the teachers off, too. Got any kids?"

Rapid fire questions with teasing cloaked as compliments dizzied Arthur, like he was a returning guest on the Murray show under the lights and the heat. "I'm married."

"Me, too. You remember Shelly Petters?"

Shelly Peters had sat to Arthur's left in US History, a course he'd struggled with like all the rest. Getting dates confused was too easy, and it was far too hard to concentrate while awaiting next month's allotment of government peanut butter and wondering if Penny had left on the oven again.

In her pink miniskirt and flowing, flaxen locks, Shelly had been a beauty fit for the cover of TV Guide.  During the mid-term, he'd frowned at the blue test booklet, the words swimming in front of him. Frustration channeled its way to his knee, bouncing it against the bottom of the desk. Bang. Bang. Bang. The force of his grip snapped his pencil in two. The pointed half fell and rolled across the floor, right into Mr. Galloway's shoes.

As if helping Arthur was the most natural thing in the world, Shelly had offered her spare. He'd done his best not to chew on it and fallen in love.

But his heart was as poorly schooled as his mind. As sweet as that recollection was, it was interlinked with the truth of how rare kindness had been.

He'd untangled his curls, slicked them back with tap water. Tucked his sweater into his trousers, rolled up the cuffs to hide the holes. When he'd caught up to her by her locker, Rick had stuck one heavy foot between them.

"What'd you do to your hair?" The rowdies formed a half circle, a pack of wolves, and the leader addressed his eager audience. "You gonna put on a show for us, Fleck the Speck? How about telling one of them jokes of yours? Knockknockknockknockknock!"

"Richard, stop it," Shelly hissed.

Laughter forced a cough from Arthur, his fingers clawing his trousers in an attempt to get control over his breathing. The tightening of his throat turned tears into a nakedness that choked. He'd fled to the boy's bathroom on the third floor. Locked himself in the last stall. Wiped his snot with cheap toilet paper and sleeves. What a fool he was for trying to raise himself above his station. The station shared by them all.

A blink returned Arthur to the present. The raw quality of his voice couldn't be restrained. "Shelly married you?"

"Right out of high school," Rick said. "Our daughter graduated this year. It was fun, seeing the old gym again. It hasn't changed one iota." His thumb gestured at Arthur's baggy cardigan, a hitchhiking motion. "Looks like you haven't changed much, either."

Nostalgia coated the comment, not meanness. But the same sense of worthlessness engulfed Arthur, joined by a rising fury that this man - this- this asshole - maintained the power to tear him down. To leave him the same boy who'd fled to the bathroom, when he'd tried to be more than allowed.

Crumpling his shopping list, Arthur shoved his first in his pocket before he could shove it in Dick-not-Rick's nose. Blunt nails dug his palms. "I can't believe she'd marry someone like you."

Offense deformed the man's face. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Don't you remember? All you did was make fun of me."

"Hey, everyone had a nickname back then. It was all a joke."

"Yeah, well. Comedy is subjective, Dick, and I never thought it was funny."

"We were kids. Kids do stupid shit." A hint of reticence twitched Dick's mouth. Lifting his chin, he straightened his features into calm. "I'll say hi to Shelly for you. Let her know you're doing all right. She'll be glad to hear it."

Then came the words that hit Arthur like a hammer.

"You really haven't changed at all."

~~~~~

Y/N brushed stray strands from her hair, the usual stragglers after a fresh cut. Wilma, the hairdresser she'd been seeing for three years, had called out sick, so she'd met a new beauty school graduate named Nancy. Though shy about feathering, the girl was eager to blunt cut. Y/N had halted her with a raised hand just as she was about to give her bangs.

Crossing the living room, Y/N paused long enough to turn on the TV, where a rerun of the Honeymoon Game would start at five. Arthur and she had become experts at guessing each other's answers and often ended those nights with more than a kiss. Being newlyweds themselves, it was the perfect watch.

And what a blissful eight months it'd been.

All on her own, she'd made the leap to move to Gotham at an age when most people had a spouse, a house, and two cars in a garage. Self-sufficiency had been her middle name for over a decade. She hadn't planned on getting remarried, instead relishing in finally having her own path.

But fate had introduced her to the kindest, most wonderful man she'd ever met, and the whole world had shifted.

It was a delight to have a helper, a partner. A person she could come home to and who could come home to her, who brightened her day with love and laughter. Who made the smallest domesticities matter, because she could share them. And being married to Arthur was fun.

She'd jotted a shopping list this morning, starting with ingredients for skillet enchiladas, a recipe he'd played at trying to peek. Then he'd perched on the kitchen counter and named all the hardware he needed, counting on his fingers as he went. There was something undeniably alluring about it. A masculine confidence that tickled her insides, a suaveness that came naturally when he let go enough to let it.

Alone, she would have waited at the bottom of the super's list for small fixes. She was good at keeping house, but repairs were outside of her league, Class A when her skill set was Class C. Now, sitting at the dinette table with a cup of tea and the Gotham Times, she couldn't stop picturing Arthur holding a wrench. The flex of his bicep as he twisted it, his broad stance as he bent over the sink.

Heat burned her cheeks, a good dose of fluster. Squeezing her thighs together, she turned the page.

Just as she'd read a statement from Gotham's Office of Management and Budget protesting any attempt to expand aid for the unemployed, the front door unlocked. She pushed the paper aside, tightened the bow of her pencil skirt. "There you are, Mr. Fleck," she said, rising to help with the shopping bags. "Did you find everything?"

A single sack hung from Arthur's twitchy knuckles. Brown paper. Wrinkled. The size of a lunch bag.

Head tilted to one side, she tested its light weight with two lifting motions. "Was Ed's closed?"

"No."

She looked inside. Hardware jumbled at the bottom, along with a distinct lack of orange, plastic bottles. "What about your medication?"

"Don't worry about it."

He shoved his tan jacket on the hook next to hers. Fingers smoothed his hair, turning into claws, a pressure that blanched his temples. Warmth fled her face, replaced by a concerned chill, for it was a move she recognized. A jarring and painful echo of tough times.

Without the usual peck, the usual caress, the usual smile, he walked past her to the living room. Grabbed the remote from the coffee table and flicked off the TV.

One foot forward before she held back. "Arthur, what's wrong?"

No answer, no turn towards her. No indication he'd heard her inquiry. He jerked the chair from his desk and dropped into it. Yanked open the top left drawer and smacked his journal to the surface.

Y/N's breath caught in her breast. When Arthur was upset, a pattern came into play: he wanted space, and she respected him by giving it. A behavior she attributed to his years of isolation and not a small amount of fear. Yes, she'd gotten used to it. But that didn't make it any less irksome, any less hard on her heart. Without the whole story of what'd happened, she found herself at a loss as to how to help. A fog had rolled in and she was a dinghy, drifting through choppy waters with a broken masthead.

She forced herself to browse the cupboards, search for what to piece together for a comforting meal. A can of peas sat on the second shelf. There was half a box of macaroni, but they'd used the last jar of tomato sauce on Monday. In the freezer, one Salisbury steak Swanson stood its ground, next to bags of chicken breasts and sweet corn. It was all about as comforting as cold chowder.

In the doorway by the dinette table, she observed him anew. He hunched over his desk, muttering to himself. He'd shed his cardigan and shirt, his trousers, even his worn white socks. They lay strewn on the other side of the room divider to his right. Out of sight but, judging from his posture, far too firmly in mind.

She approached with quiet, measured steps. Stopped six inches behind him. His every sinew screamed dissent. Ballpoint pen scratched across paper. She pushed herself to her tiptoes to peer over his shoulder. Though his forearm covered two-thirds of his journal, enough of the slanted script cried out to her.

"...bad guys alwaze win at life. 35 years here and I got one prize!!!!! What??? How fucking long can peeple like Dick make me feel awful? I don't want anything to hurt me any more. They never think what it's like to be someone like me. This city is too crowded and full of Dicks. If I..."

Testing the waters of what Arthur was willing to receive, she laid her hands on the nape of his neck. It was cement under her palms. Thumbs worked lines up and down on both sides, beneath brown curls that brushed knuckles. After a minute, after he hadn't pushed her away, she said, "You don't have to shut me out."

His scrawling stopped.

Lines became circles as she moved outwards. The pads of her fingers traced his clavicle, massaged the bony knobs of his shoulders. But his muscles grew tauter, and she realized the swirling strokes stung instead of soothed. Reluctance ached her sternum. She swallowed against the worry he hated.

He'd been in worse shape before and he'd come to her. He would come to her again soon.

In the meantime, she'd meet him where he was. Care for him the best way she knew how. "I'll get the groceries and stop by Groves." Her lips brushed the shell of his ear. "And be home before you have a chance to miss me." One final squeeze before she turned to leave.

Quick as a whip, his hand locked around her wrist.

Relief flooded her frame. A welcome, wished for reaction to the man she loved. The man she was devoted to, the man she adored opening up enough to need her. She went to his side, assuming he wanted to embrace her, press his face to her stomach. Let go with her, into her. But his posture remained rigid, a ramrod of resentment. His whole body appeared to be filled with waiting - but for what?

He traced the veins on her forearm, mapped a path to her palm. Her fingers curled around his. Low and rumbling, he pierced the silence. "Say you want me." A rasp equal parts desperation and demand. "Tell me." When his gaze darted to hers, the smoldering in his stare said he wanted to possess her.

She'd let him.

One sideways step to stand before him. Her rear rested on the lip of his desk.

"I want you," she said. She placed his palm on her breast, guided his thumb beneath the placket of her blouse. Popped the buttons with a flick of her fingers. "Put your hands on me."

A harsh inhale as he shot upwards, grabbed her chin with greedy hands, and shoved his mouth to hers. Her bottom lip caught on his teeth. He groaned and lapped the sting away. In one smooth motion, he shoved her skirt to her waist and lifted her onto the desk. The pages of his journal crumpled under her ass.

He grasped her collar, tugged crepe to her elbows. She snaked between their torsos to open the front of her bra. Her breasts spilled onto him and he groaned. Smothered her mouth with a savage intensity.

His clothed erection bumped her vulva, flint striking stone. Aching, her nipples tightened against his chest, his hair tickling, teasing. Thumbs hooked around the lace trim of her panties. He shoved them over her hips, down her thighs, past her knees. When the cotton reached her toes, she kicked them off. They landed on the console stereo, hung indelicately from the corner.

Dragging her ass to the edge of the desk, Arthur pulled himself out of his briefs. She fell backwards onto her elbows, knocked over their framed photograph, taken on a night to remember. It fell to the wooden surface with a slap. He cupped her labia, slipped a pointer between her lips. Long enough to test her readiness, to test her willingness.

The desk lamp's gentle light played across his ribs, his toned abdomen, his thighs. Breath shallow and ragged, she eyed the tip of his cock. Purplish red and shiny with slick. Stare fixed on her center, he took it in his palm. She gulped. Her knees fell further apart as she canted upward, her damp folds brushing his knuckles. He pumped once. Twice.

And then he breached her.

A rough cry flew from her throat. One leg curled about him, her heel at the small of his back, her other foot braced on the seat of his chair.

Bent over her now, he propped himself on one hand. Cupped her neck and sheathed his shaft completely. He crushed her to him for a fierce, firm kiss. The tip of his tongue pressed for entry. But before she could grant it, he moved to nuzzle her temple, her jaw.

Steady and sharp, his thrusts impaled her with the taste of something primal. The hot glide of flesh on flesh. His thighs rattled the pencil drawer. He grunted. Fucked faster, harder. The desk threatened to bang the wall.

His sweaty face fell to the crook of her shoulder and her eyes fell shut. The sensation of him inside her was powerful, overwhelming. A stretch that scorched in every way she wanted, forever and always.

This felt different, though. In the past, she'd invited him to take comfort in her body. To let their coming together be a haven, their union be a defiance against the tragedies life had dealt him. Besides the night she'd confessed she loved him, he hadn't taken her in that way. Arthur doing so now confirmed the strength of their connection. How much he trusted her, how much he honored her, as equally as she trusted and honored him.

Her heart longed to comfort him, too. To heal whatever had happened, to make the present and future brighter than the past. She sealed that vow with a kiss to his cheek.

His pelvis jerked unevenly, stammering between her thighs. She clutched his shoulder, gripped his forearm. A ragged moan tumbled past his lips, onto her skin. Her calves rose to squeeze him tight, tighter. Fingertips digging her hip, he stiffened, his hot essence splashing her walls. Gasps mingled, humid and heated. His abdomen quivered against hers.

Once he'd softened and steadied his breath, he slipped out of her. Arming his forehead, he stumbled to land in the chair.

Slowly, she clambered down, one foot meeting the carpet, then the other. She left her skirt at her waist but peeled off her blouse. Wiped their mess from the desk and tossed it on the pile of his clothes. She smoothed the pages of his journal, shut its leather cover. Smiling, she picked up their picture. Straightened the easel and put it in its place.

When she turned towards Arthur, he appeared to still be in a state, but one not altogether unpleasant. Gaze dazed and out of focus, dark brows lifted and lines of his face relaxed. And was that blush the result of his brazenness or his orgasm?

"Feeling better?" she asked, slinging an arm about him as she sat sideways on his lap.

"Uh huh."

She gave a throaty little laugh. "Good."

Sticky with perspiration, his forehead met her cheek. Her nails ran over his scalp, caught in damp, knotted curls. He heaved a long sigh, which goosepimpled her skin. Quiet blanketed them, tranquil and lovely, sunlight that sliced through the earlier fog.

But clouds did remain, questions she couldn't let go. Who was Dick? And what had he done to her husband, both then and now?

Rumbling disturbed the peace, a loud squeal like a balloon. Chuckling, Arthur splayed his fingers on her stomach. "Sorry about the groceries."

"Don't be." She covered his hand with hers. "I have an idea."

~~~~~

At a nearby diner, in a booth by the kitchen, over a blue-plate special of baked beans and hot dogs, Arthur told Y/N about it. All of it. The bullying, the cruelty of laughter, the taunting he hadn't always understood but a tone as familiar as not fitting anywhere. How reading had been hard and therefore it'd been hard to learn, even when he'd had the will. ("No one else had any problems. I felt stupid all the time.") That the awfulness he'd been destined to encounter every day made it a ten round fight to get off the couch, get washed up, and get to school.

And that he didn't get - would never get - how a guy as mean as Dick McMahon could wind up with the nicest girl in class.

Arthur scraped his spoon across the plate to snag the last bite of beans. "I dunno. I didn't want to be upset. That happened when we were kids."

"It's normal to be upset by assholes," Y/N countered. "What happened wasn't okay. Twenty years doesn't change that."

"But shouldn't it be easier by now? He said I hadn't changed but I have." Arthur wanted to believe that. He had to believe that.

"There're people I don't ever want to see again, no matter how much they've changed. Why do you think I moved to Gotham?"

The corner of his mouth quirked. "You're right, I just-" A slight shake of his head as he broke off. Dick had already stolen enough of today. Arthur wasn't about to allow him the rest. He retrieved a cigarette from his pocket and lit up. "I don't want to talk about it anymore. I'll be fine. I just want to enjoy being with you."

"You're always welcome." She caught the waitress's attention with a raised hand and ordered a decaf and slice of Pineapple Dream Pie. "We can get groceries tomorrow. Your refills, too. No, wait. Groves is closed Sundays."

"I have enough until Wednesday. Don't you have an appointment that morn-?"

"Schcuze me, ma'am?"

At the end of their table stood a man, clad in an orange and white Gotham Knights basketball jersey. A fiery K was emblazoned on his cheek. Arthur wondered where the rest of the letters had fled to.

The squire teetered on drunken knees. "Can I have your catchsup?" he asked, gesturing towards the glass bottle at the other end of the booth. Arthur handed it over. The man offered a goofy grin and shuffled away.

When he'd rounded the counter, Y/N smirked. "I hope he ordered a pot of coffee. Anyway, yes, Dr. Shapiro's at ten. Just a routine visit and he'll check my IUD. I got it after I moved, so it should have a few years left in it."

Ready to tease, Arthur wrinkled his nose. "But why? When we met, you said you weren't looking."

"Well, I wanted to be prepared. And it's a good thing, too, because that changed when you came along."

Chuckling, he rubbed the nape of his neck. A very good thing, indeed.

She poured the last of the creamer in her coffee, gave it a slow stir. She put the spoon on the saucer and lifted the beige mug. For a moment, her eyes had a faraway look. Her lashes fluttered it away. "Do you ever feel like you missed out, having only been with me?"

A flinch shot through him. "No. Why would you think that?"

"It's silly, I know. It's just that I was married before. I dated. You didn't have all that. And I'm older than you." The sheepish tuck of hair behind her ear. "I just wonder sometimes, that's all."

The cash register opened and shut. Order Up! bellowed from the kitchen. The shop bell ting ting tinged.

Arthur rested his cigarette in the table ashtray. Slid out of the booth and slid onto the bench seat beside her. "I'm comfortable with you and you care about me. I care about you, too."

A bright blush as she drank. Contentment washed over him, a happiness he hadn't known he could have before being with her. In this diner, in this city, in this life. A life he couldn't have dreamed of in that high school bathroom stall, snotting all over himself and asking why don't I fit, why don't I fit, why don't I fit?

"You know what's changed?" he started, folding her into his side. "I'm not alone anymore. Instead of getting angry, I should've bragged about that."

Beaming, she angled to face him. "You'll have plenty of chances."

She brought the mug to his mouth. Though he disliked milk in his java and one sugar wasn't enough, he stole a quick sip. Then he kissed her, sipping from her lips to wash the bitter away.

~~~~~

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[sinapple]

𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐟

PAIRING: Reiji Sakamaki x M!Reader

SUMMARY: After a long day of gardening with Yuma, you find yourself in a deep sleep until something wakes you up. You look down and see…

C/W: SMUT!! , dubious consent, dubious consensual blowjob, sub!reiji, slight teasing, male!reader, facefucking, deepthroating

WC: 1k || not proof-read!!

A long day of gardening with Yuma had your body grasping for sleep. Being around the guy had your muscles tense and sore, leaving you at the mercy and hands of your soft bed and even softer pillows.

Every joint and muscle felt heavy and rusty. It had you questioning if Yuma’s vampiric nature had a play in how hard he was hoeing or if your fitness had always been this bad. You turned your head towards the alarm clock on your bedside, ignoring the ache that lingered in your neck. The bright green LEDS read: 4:30 AM.

There was this dryness in your throat that you started to notice as your consciousness was being pulled like the rough rope of a tug-o-war between the land of slumber and the reality you knew.

Soreness? That was understandable. Aches? You’d be surprised if they weren’t there. However, you started to notice an ‘ache’ that you were sure wasn’t there before. This ache made you heave, it made you gasp, it made your chest tight and had you taking a couple of deep breaths. Your half-lidded eyes weren’t heavy because of the alluring temptation to go back to sleep in this damning too-comfy bed.

Rather, to locate the origin of your half-lidded eyes, all you needed to do was look down and there he was, all sloppy-mouthed and messy, with drool glistening against your candle stand and it dripping down his jaw.

“Reiji..? Sweetheart-?” Your voice unintentionally growled, contrasting the sweet tone of your words; evident that the dryness in your throat was from you abruptly waking up.

He doesn’t say anything. To be more accurate, he couldn’t. Reiji's actions spoke volumes of his haste and impatience to stuff your thick cock in his mouth, as he slipped your sweatpants, lowering them just below your waistline where the band of your boxers were.

He laid himself flat against your legs. Reiji pumped your cock up and down, using nothing but his saliva as lubricant. You saw the way his eyes were fascinated as your veiny cock became coated with his drool, drowning each prominent vein with a sheen to them.

You didn’t know what the hell you got yourself into. Earlier you were just out farming out in the Sun and sweating alongside Yuma. Now Reiji had snuck into your room and wanted to stretch his tiny mouth out using nothing but your fat cock to do the job.

“H-Holy….” You bit your lip and groaned as Reiji took your tip inside his mouth. His tongue swirled around, using the smooth underside of his tongue to play with your glands.

Reiji looks up at you, not daring to stop, nor jusitfy, himself and his actions. All he could mutter out was, “Mmhn…” You take your hand and cup his cheek, caressing the second eldest and also grounding yourself in the process.

“I know you can take more, Darling.” Your fingers lingered at his cheeks and there, you could even feel ‘yourself’ from how thin his skin was.

“M-Mhm…” Reiji weakly nodded, and started to inch himself towards the base. Your eyes rolled back as you felt how warm the other’s mouth was when compared to the chilly air in the night that blew past your skin.

He eventually got to the base, feeling and fitting all of you inside him. Your fingers snake into his raven hair, massaging the tenseness that’d formed. Reiji’s shoulders jerked back from the sudden movement.

“You look divine from this view,” You couldn’t resist it any longer and decided to gently thrust inside his mouth, holding his head in place by gripping his hair. You were practically grinding into the back of his throat. Tears started to well on his eyes and his chest panted like he’d just run the Olympics. You cooed at him, “Am I being too mean, baby?”

Both of you knew words were out of the question, so while still softly thrusting into his mouth, your girthy dick sliding in and out his cute, saliva-ridden mouth, all Reiji could muster was a ragged, gagged noise, lost in the sounds of the other slick noises your skin-to-skin touch produced.

Reiji didn’t know how he was breathing through his nose. It felt like his jaw was slacked and heavy. His tongue had grown tired and laid under your cock, using only his neck and head to please you. He couldn’t help but think: if you felt this good in his mouth, then god, Reiji didn’t want to think where else you’d feel good going in.

“That’s it, baby, that’s it…” You sang, taking in your weakened, yet euphoric state. He felt so heavy, gravity weighing down on him as you propped up against his chest, gently stroking the back of his head rather possessively. You stared off into the distance as you continued to coo him, feeling yourself start to drift into a climax.

His jaw was growing tired from your godforsaken dick, but goddamnit your words might as well have been enchanted by a succubus. You fixed your hazy gaze at his pathetic state. Was this really the same Reiji that’d hone in at your mistakes and feast on it like an all-you-can-eat buffet? Reiji whimpered as he felt you tense up.

You look down at him and lock eyes with the second eldest. The two of you share a knowing look, and Reiji felt his body seizing up as a white, hot relief hit him like an oncoming truck. White, warm strands of cum burst into his mouth and your body quivered as the both of you felt your bodies jolt against one another.

You gasped for air as Reiji did the same. You looked at him, stealing a glance at his mouth. On the corner of his lips was a spilled drop of cum that his mouth failed to contain.

The two of you plopped into your bed from exhaustion and the fatigue coming back for a second record. Fighting every urge to doze off, you cover Reiji with your blanket and huddle him close to your body. His breathing is rapid, and you hear a faint chuckle underneath the chunky fabric.

“…I will poison every food item you’ll eat tomorrow.”

[crying-fantasies]

Dance

Tigatron has an almost neverending calmness and, in Airazor's own opinion, positiveness, his alt mode showing these same characteristics of his while Tigerhawk still recharges next to him, looking over the other side of the den/nest inside the hut, his sparkmate has gone outside some time ago, he let's the sparkling sleep some more and he moves out after confirming that Tigerhawk is still recharging comfortably and giving an affectionate purr to his cub.

Tigatron tries to look a light at the end of the tunnel, encourage his comrades in dim times, still, he knows when a challenge is a difficult one and there is a possibility of 0.0001% of success.

That doesn't make him stop his love when she keeps on dancing with the first lights of the day, Airazor's dance has always been beautiful for him, the way she falls from the sky before flying again, total trust in her own ability and her natural talent.

And he still likes it even when Airazor is trying to "improve" it., making it now in two pedes.

"I don't get it, Tigatron!" She comes to him, changing back to her bipedal form, frustration obvious in the way she tries to put her feathers in the right place, "humans have so many ways to catch attention with their movements, how can they be so fluid?!"

Airazor let's herself have a break, she was relieved to know humans also danced to catch the attention of a prospective mate, still, their organic bodies let them make fluid movements that she has only seen on playful sparklings or fresh protoform, her armor making extra harder to duplicate the special and apparently very human accepted movement of the hips, her joints were almost burning and Tigatron used his glossa to clean the coolant away from her faceplate and to give a loving gesture to his conjunx, leaving some feathers pointing to a strange direction due to lubricant of his intake.

"Humans are made of flesh, they are soft, it's normal they can be so fluid" he changes to bipedal form too, letting Airazor snuggle to his side, with a tired ex-vent that also dragged your name.

"The mating season is near, my love" she called out to Tigatron who only hummed in agreement, a servo holding her near "I don't feel ready enough, what if I mess it up?"

He kissed her helm, purring to calm her down, "I assure you, your dance is as beautiful as you" their wish to court you has been there since very long ago, recently Airazor was more adamant in catching your eye during the soon approaching mating season, practicing and adapting her dance with a datapad she bought about human behavior, trying to court you again after so many failed attempts due to the cultural barrier and physical differences.

Tigatron tried already, being powerful and strong, an incredible provider that got you an impressive prey while showing off his strong armor, he awaited your acceptance by finishing off the prey so that he could start peeling off it's fur, let you take a clean bite, you see Tigatron is quite more wild than some but many other mechs still could've swoon over him and his capacity as a provider, but you refused his prey when he dropped the still kicking animal with an apologetic smile that didn't match your scared smell or your bigger than normal eyes.

"It was still fresh, ready to be consumed" Airazor hums, totally in agreement before looking at her datapad, the moment Tigatron's move didn't win your affection she got this little thing, and she is grateful for it, she can do things right now.

"Well, humans consume their rations in some kind of processed way but they sometimes do consume raw things, still, our prey have energon in their bodies, humans can't eat those, it's harmful" Tigatron ex-vents while hearing such a fact, how inconsiderate of him for not thinking about it!

"What a shame"

"Indeed my dear"

They weren't wrong but not exactly right.

[greymalkinxiii]

Shells (edited)

(This is a short story I wrote years ago for a competition that never made it. It was heavily influenced by Greg Bear. I've recently gone back and edited it. Comments, feedback, and constructive criticism are welcome.)

Shells

C. Peterson

     “Excuse me? Are you paying attention? What was the last thing I said?”

     I stifled a groan, "You were saying that fleshies, I mean our Homosapien ancestors, are now a critically endangered species and that in spite of our best intentions to save them, their numbers continue to decline due to a loss of natural habitat, disease and lack of fresh food sources. It is estimated that there are less than 3,000 left on Earth." I felt like I was reading from a download. 

    "Very good, but please refrain from calling our ancestors 'fleshies,'" replied Ser Olswick with a nod of approval. "Now our time is almost up. Does anyone have any questions before I give your assignment? Anyone? No? Okay, make sure you download chapters 20-24, we will be going over them tomorrow. Class dismissed.”

   As soon as she said it her image faded, as did many of my fellow classmates. I lingered for a few minutes before removing the jack from the back of my neck. There was a zinging electrical noise inside my head and let me tell you, if you're not ready for it, it’s hell on the nerves. I needed an upgrade to wireless. 

   I stood up and stretched deep, feeling my artificial tendons and plastic joints relieve the tension that sitting for two hours straight can cause. I wondered if fleshies had this problem as well. The clock on the wall read 13:30, lunch time for my sector (if you considered densely packed proteins, lubricants and vitamins into a nearly tasteless paste to be food.) Time to hustle. Personally, I liked to sit close to the window to get a good view of Earth. 

   Leaving the safety of my room, I started down the hall to the elevators when I felt a tap on my shoulder from behind.

   "Hey Els." 

   "Vonne, " I said, turning around to face him, "what have I told you about doing that?"

   He smiled in an attempt to be charming. He had piercing violet eyes, neon blue hair and flawless bio-skin. He had chosen his layout well and if it wasn't for the wild colors, he could pass for a fleshie. "You told me not to."

"You could fry someone's circuits like that." I said it meaner than what I had intended. "So, did you need something?" I started walking, Vonne followed beside me.

   "No, not really. I did however want to tell you something..."

   I raised a brow, "Oh? What is it?

   "Next week, they're doing a research mission to Earth and they're taking applications after lunch today and tomorrow."

   I pressed the button for the elevator, "And what makes you think I'm interested?"

   "Isn't that your major? Earth study or something?"

   "Something like that." The doors opened with a hiss of air and we stepped inside. I hadn't quite picked a major that I liked yet. 

   "I'm applying for it, maybe you should too."

   I turned to him. "I thought your study was ancient Earth languages."

   "It is," he replied. "Come on, you're always complaining about how you're cooped up in your room all day, studying and uploading. Besides, you get paid in credits for it and it'll count towards your major. You want that upgrade to wireless, right?" He had a point and he knew it. 

   "I'll consider it, alright?" I said, turning to face him. 

   The doors whooshed open, "I know you will." He smirked and walked off, leaving me to stare after him in aggravation.

   Lunch wasn't promising, another day of tasteless nutrition sucked up through a straw. I wondered if it was purposely tasteless or if our receptors were designed to be dull. Meanwhile, an argument was raging at my table. 

   "They know they're a dying species, so why won't they just integrate already?" asked the green haired girl beside me. She had been in my class for almost a year, sat beside me everyday at lunch and I still didn't know her name.

   "Because they're traditionalists." Vonne chimed, sitting in front of me. 

   "Traditionalism has nothing to do with survival. Don't they understand that? They can keep their beliefs and still live longer, better, disease-free lives." I could tell she was getting passionate.

   "It has nothing to do with living longer or better. They see us as being inhuman and they don't want that. We're not natural." Vonne picked at his food with his straw. 

   "We're still human though. We have human thoughts, human emotions. We eat food, we sleep."

   "Not quite," Vonne put down his straw, "we're not flesh and blood and bone. We may come from them but we’re not quite human." He paused and looked at me. "We don't have beating hearts. Everything that we are made from is synthetic. We can even choose the way we look, from humanoid to a sphere. We can change our hair color, eye color, skin color at will with the right programs. We don't grow up... We never grow old..." He held my gaze, "What's your input?"

   I hated being put on the spot, Vonne knew that. The green haired girl eyeballed me like she was waiting for me to side with her. I needed a moment to collect my thoughts. "The core belief in traditionalism is that the body is sacred. Living breathing bodies, which we're not... Do you know the most basic differences between us and them?" I stared at her. "Each fleshie has 46 chromosomes, 23 from each parent. Those chromosomes tell them what they'll look like, what sex they are, how intelligent they'll be or their personality. Then those little fleshie babies live in a fleshie female's body for nine months before she pushes it out through a little tiny hole. Then that little fleshie baby grows up, eating and shitting and learning until he or she is old enough to replicate. The cycle starts all over. You know how we're made?"

   She frowned and then nodded, but remained silent. I continued, "Our 'parents' take half of their personalities and combine them, upload them into a program that sorts all of it out and then they leave us in there, bodiless minds floating around in programs that teach us the basics. How to speak, the importance of this slop." I pointed to my empty glass. "Teaches us basic manners. All the things that fleshies learn from their parents, machines and programs teach us. And after we've stewed long enough, 'matured' so to speak, we get to choose our design and then a machine downloads our being into it. Do you really think this life is any better than a traditionalist down there?' 

   "Sure, they're susceptible to disease, they die, and they're physically weaker than us but they're the ones that are truly human. Do you really believe that we're alive? We're machines created by them with their minds downloaded because some of them were afraid of death, but we're not human. We're just pretending to be what they are." I paused for a moment, contemplating the ramifications of my own argument, “why would they want to integrate when they’re the real deal?”

   I could feel their eyes burning into me, somewhere between amusement and awe. I focused my eyes to the Earth hovering below us, just outside the window.I decided that I would sign up for that mission after all. 

   I couldn't put myself into stasis. I was too wound up to sleep. It had never bothered me before, but now it was all I could think about. Fleshies. Humans. Homo Sapiens... Mechas. Machines. The thoughts rolled around in my head making it feel hollow. I climbed out of my pod and stepped into my tiny bathroom. The automatic lights sprang to life. The small room was too white and hurt my eyes. It didn't look real. I needed to add some color. 

   I caught my reflection in the modest mirror that sat awkwardly above my sink. I looked strange. I didn't remember choosing brown hair and green eyes but then again, I never really paid much attention to my looks. I walked over to the mirror, studying myself. I poked at the near translucent bio-skin which covered my feminine body. It squished, indented and went back to its original form. I studied my eyes, noting the details of little specks of gold against the green. I pulled at the strands of hair that fell over my face. There was red and blonde mixed in. It wasn't real hair though, too smooth. Little strands of plastic.

   "You're not alive." I whispered, staring at myself. "You're not human."

Wasn’t I though? Alive, at least a little?

   It was this admission that made me question that statement. I felt, I ate, I produced biological waste, I had thoughts and memories of my own. I feared death. I feared extinction. I feared… I was afraid, deep down of so many things. But did I have what fleshies referred to as a soul? Traditionalists didn't believe that machines could possess souls. That was why they wouldn't integrate. They would rather die than lose their souls, the thing that made them human. Even with those differences, and with our history that intermingled with their own, didn’t that make us the same?

  "Okay... That's enough of that." I told myself. "Els, it's too late to be debating things in your own head. Right? Right." 

It wasn't until the next week that we found out the results of our applications. 

   "Alright, before we go," Ser Olswick began, "Ser Els, Ser Vonne and Ser Amat, you are to report to deck 6, room number 1604 after lunch today. Also, your assignments are due next week. Please upload them before 0900 Wednesday. And please make sure you download chapters 34-39. Class dismissed."

   I unjacked myself a little too quickly in my excitement. Big mistake. The sensors in my spine and neck ached from the power surge. I had to wait until it subsided before I could stand up and when I did, it was heaven to feel that stretch. Or at least my version of it. 

   Vonne was waiting for me outside my door with a grin on his seamless face. "We're in."

   I pushed past him, "Pfft, you don't know that." 

   "I've got my sources," he replied as he turned and followed closely behind. 

   "No, you've got your power of educated reasoning." I picked up my pace.

   "Hey, come on. Slow down." I could hear his pantsuit rustling as he caught up.  I slowed my stride and let him walk beside me. "So, what? It's an educated guess but what else could they be calling us for?"

   I shrugged in an attempt to be apathetic but deep down, I was excited. If it came to pass, it would be the first time that I had ever left the safety of the ship. "Maybe our statuses have changed or we're being promoted because of our high marks," I offered. We stopped in front of the elevator and Vonne pushed the button. 

   He sighed, something I've never heard him do, "Do you always have to be so logical?" 

   I thought about it as we stepped inside the elevator. I turned to him and offered a weak smile, if only he knew what I thought about. "No, not always. Just when the situation calls for it." 

   He returned my smile, shook his head and pressed the button for the fourth deck. "You know Els, this is exactly why we're friends."

   Our hands brushed against each other, which caused my sensors to tingle. I pretended not to notice. "I know." 

   It never ceased to amaze me how at almost every lunch break, the green haired girl started some kind of argument against fleshies. 

   "All I'm saying is we have a zero percent crime rate. There's no rape, no war, no murder. We have no real central government."

   Vonne shook his head, "It's like you're describing a beehive."

   She tilted her head at him, "A what?"

   He looked at her as if she was stupid, but that look only lasted for a second, "Never mind." 

   I finished my paste and slid my cup out of the way, my eyes drifting towards the window. It was dark on the part of the Earth facing us. If it weren't for the sun's rays poking out from behind, it would've been difficult to see. "We're all the same," I mumbled.

   "What?" I heard the green haired girl say. 

   I didn't have to look at Vonne to know that he was raising an eyebrow at me. "We're all the same," I repeated.

   "What are you talking about?" she asked. 

   That feeling was creeping over me again, the one from the other night. I didn't know what it was or where it was coming from. It scared me but I couldn't make it go away. Vonne tapped my leg with his foot from underneath the table. I snapped back to reality. I met his eyes and for a moment, I felt better.

   "Fleshies would argue that we have no free will, that's what I mean. They would say that what we have is Communism because we're all the same," I replied to her. I tapped Vonne's foot with mine.

   "Of course we have free will," she countered back.

   Vonne eyed me and then turned his attention to the green haired girl. "We do, Amat, but to a point. All the evil thoughts and things that humans do have been removed from us. We know what those things are yet, we can't do them. It would literally hurt us to consider doing them. It would damage our circuits permanently to actually go through with it, right? Our free will is limited. Humans have true free will. All you have to do is look at their history."

   "So, then, who is the superior species? Us or them?" Amat was looking to me for answers. 

   "It's all subjective," I replied. "Just depends on which side of the fence you're on."

   We were headed for the elevators when Vonne pulled me aside and into a deserted hallway. I stared at him, confused, "Hey, what are you doing?"

   He put his hands on my shoulders, "I'm concerned."

   I backed away from him. I couldn't explain it but I felt nervous, "About what?"

   He stepped closer. "You're acting... off."

   I felt the wall against my back, "Off? What are you talking about?"

   Vonne moved until he was half a step away, he leaned forward and pressed his hands against the wall above both of my shoulders. His eyes were . It were daggers, sharp and unwavering almost as if he were trying to read my thoughts. If I'd had a human heart, it would have been racing. "I've known you since the womb program and I've never seen you so... so...," he paused, searching for the word, "I don't know how to say it." 

   "Compute it," I said in a hushed tone as I averted my gaze. 

   "... Sad." From my peripheral vision, I could see he was offering a weak smile as an apology for his bluntness. 

   I shook my head, "No... I'm not."

   For a moment, he leaned in closer and rested his forehead against mine, "Of course not." Vonne pushed off from the wall. 

   "Vonne, hey-"

   "Don't want to be late, right?" With that he walked off and turned the corner. 

   I balled up my fists and felt them slam against the metal wall behind me. I started after him with every intention of a confrontation but he was already stepping into the elevator. "Wait! Vonne!" I called out, "hold the doors!" I ran as fast as my legs could carry me and slithered my way inside as the doors started to close. Vonne stared at me in surprise. "You're right, okay?' I felt myself blurt out as our eyes met. "I'm sad and angry and I- I don't know why. Happy now?"

   He grinned, "Maybe, feel better?" I nodded. Admitting it felt good for some strange reason. He reached down, grabbed my hand with his and squeezed. "Good."

   He released my hand and I hid my smile.

   Upon entering room 1604-6, we were greeted by an odd pair. One, who identified himself as Ser Tulius, was tall and humanoid. His skin was a dark grey; his eyes were a reflective metallic blue. He had neither hair nor ears, his limbs and fingers were unusually long. The other one, who introduced herself as Ser Eres, was a baby pink sphere. Large eyes and lips were projected in front; robotic arms hung down at her sides with ultra slim fingers. 

   "Welcome," Ser Eres said with a smile, her hands together, "you two must be Ser Vonne and Ser Els. Sit wherever you wish."

   We sat by the green haired girl in the back. "Where were you two?" she whispered.

   "Never mind that," Vonne replied, "how many are here?"

   "Including us? Eight students in all. You haven't missed anything."

   I surveyed the room. There were five other students: two were spheres like Ser Eres who spoke to each other in pictographs; three were androgynous with no discernable gender, though they were humanoid like us. 

   Ser Tulius began, "Now that we're all here and settled, I'd like to welcome all of you. Over 100 students applied from various sectors last week however, eight were chosen because of your extraordinary marks in your sector and overall, the ship itself. Each of you will bring something unique to this mission, whether it be knowledge or particular skills from your area of study." He seemed to pause for effect, "The terms of the Earth mission were purposely vague so now, I shall hand it over to Ser Eres to provide the details."

   He gestured to Ser Eres as she glided forward, "Thank you, Ser Tulius. This is a peacekeeping mission to the planet Earth. While on the surface, in the area we've designated, you will be interacting with humans on a personal level. You will gain insight into the way they live on a daily basis. This project is designed to foster hospitable relations for the future as we have quite a bit to learn from each other.'

   "This mission will last one week and counts as credits for your classes. If this mission is successful the region, in which we are visiting, will allow eight students of their choosing aboard the ship to see how we live and function. Now, there are some basic guidelines to go over, Ser Tulius?"

   As she glided backwards, Ser Tulius stepped forward, "One of the many things to consider, while on the surface, is your conduct. Everything you do, may and will be scrutinized. It will also be a reflection of your fellow classmates and of the ship itself. You will be representing all of our people during your stay. Therefore, you must be respectful and polite.'

   "Secondly, please remember that humans are not primitive ape-like beings. They are reasonable and highly intelligent. Refrain from using offensive terms such as 'fleshies' or 'meat sacks'." Vonne playfully elbowed my arm at that part. "We would appreciate it if you did not pick arguments with the locals.'

   "Also, those who need to upgrade are required to do so. This will give you an immediate link-up to the ship if you ever lose your way, are stuck in a bind or need to contact the ship for any reason whatsoever. This upgrade is free and will be provided on deck 5, room 1501. Questions?"

   One of the Andros raised a hand, "When are we due to leave?"

   Ser Eres answered, "Wednesday at 0800. We are to meet on deck zero at docking bay 9 by 0730." She clasped her hands together, "Anyone else? No? We shall see you on Wednesday. You are adjourned."

   "There is no way that is going to fit in there." Vonne told Amat as she tried to stuff an overfilled bag into the compartment above her seat. 

   "I... Will... Make... It... Fit!" She shoved as hard as she could until she could close the door. She had to be quick before it flopped out. 

   "We're only going to be gone for a week, what could you possibly need while we're there?" Vonne asked as he glanced up at the bulging door above her head.

   "Well, you know, clothes, brushes, e-scrolls, my tablet-"

   "Your entire room," I chimed in. Vonne smirked at my remark.

   "Ugh! I just want to be prepared, that's all." she said as she took her seat. 

   Vonne and I sat down in the seats behind her, he even let me have the window seat. The pod shifted as the bay doors opened. There was the sound of the engines in the back, a low humming that wasn't all that unpleasant and then they went quiet. 

   He leaned towards me, "Look," he whispered. I turned my head and the light from the sun greeted me as it came over the moon's horizon. "You can see eternity from here." And you know what? We could. 

   Something stirred in me, something that I had never felt before. A long breath escaped as I stared out of the window. The Earth was coming into view and it felt... It felt as if I was coming home. It was such a strange feeling, since I had never been. I found Vonne's hand and squeezed it hard. I was so happy he was here and I wasn't quite sure why.   

   "Eternity is beautiful," I heard myself say. 

    He squeezed my hand back. "Sometimes..." he whispered in my ear, "you forget who you are or who you were when eternity is staring at you."

   I turned my head and met his gaze. At first I thought that he was just joking but the look on his face was genuine, almost remorseful. "Vonne?"

   He looked away, "There's something I have to tell you, Els."

   I touched his forearm, "Hey, are you okay?"

   "Yeah..."

   "What is it?"

   "I can't tell you here..."

   "Oh," I returned my gaze towards the window again.

   At that moment, the green haired girl's luggage compartment burst open. We both watched as her bag fell on top of her head, "Ah! Ouch!"

   We tried as hard as we could to stifle our laughter but at least the awkwardness between us had been broken.

   "Vonne! Els! Help me!" cried a muffled Amat. Vonne stood up and pulled the bag off of her.

   "See, I told you it wasn't going to work," he grinned.

   "Yeah, yeah," she smiled back and pulled it into the seat beside her, "it was worth a try."

   Earth was even more beautiful than the pictures I had seen, or through the window during our lunch break. We were stationed at New Wilmington, in what was once known as North Carolina. Old Wilmington had been long since claimed by the ocean, though you could still see the PPD tower jutting out of the water in the distance.

   Compared to the sterile environment of the ship, Earth was made up of a myriad of colors and textures, smells and sounds that assaulted and assuaged the senses. There was so much space here that it seemed to have a negative effect on some of us. There were many who preferred the confines of their rooms during down time.

   I loved it. The feel of a cool breeze against my bio-skin or the sound of the ocean lapping against the shore. The vast expanse of sky and land and grass all around me. I loved watching the birds and clouds so high up that I'd have to put a hand over my eyes because of the sun's glare. It was amazing to see the night sky with all the little specks of light against a black backdrop. It looked so different from here, even the sun and the moon seemed strange and far away. 

   During my own downtime, I explored. I would have preferred to hang out with Vonne but he was busy learning the region's dialect and syntax structures or maybe he was avoiding me. Perhaps a little bit of both. So, I walked and mingled with the local population. They were nice enough to show me the beach and to talk about Old Wilmington, as well as the plague that almost decimated their colony. They asked me questions about what I was made out of and if I had feelings. I asked them about their beliefs. They asked me about the ship. 

   The only thing that disturbed me was the cemetery. It was sad, no matter how well they had lived their lives or how much they could accomplish, the only thing they were guaranteed was death. Maybe that was why they created us and uploaded their minds into these plastic bodies with little to no memories. It wasn't just about survival, it was out of the fear of death and a fresh start. I finally understood, at least a little. When all the fleshies have disappeared, we will be all that's left. 

   It was the last night of our mission. I felt restless and conflicted. I knew I couldn't stay but, at the same time, I didn't want to leave. After this, the ship would seem so small and crowded. My room would feel like a box. I decided to take one last walk before we left in the morning. 

   I went down to the beach and sat. It felt like I was on the edge of the universe. The black of the sky and ocean blended together as one. The white foam hitting the beach and greeting my toes was time itself, reminding me that nothing is really forever. I picked up what the locals called a seashell. I wasn't sure of the color, all I could tell was that it was a spiral that was as long as my index. 

   There was a soft tap on my shoulder. I jumped, startled. Turning my head, I saw Vonne come around and sit down beside me. "You scared me!"

   "Sorry about that." He peered over and looked down at the shell in my hand. "What's that?"

   I handed it to him. "They call it a seashell. Pretty, isn't it?"

   He nodded as he inspected it. "Very. Some kind of animal carcass?" He gave it back.

   "Not quite... They said it's like the exoskeleton of a sea slug. It dies and tiny animals eat the soft part, then the ocean picks it up, brings it on shore." I wrapped my fingers around it. 

   He stared out into the void, "You know, it's beautiful down here. I wish we didn't have to go back." 

   I smiled to myself, "I know the feeling... I thought you were avoiding me, you know."

   "I promise you, I wasn't. I just needed some time to think." Vonne paused, I could feel his eyes on me. "Do you remember... on the ship... when I said I had to talk to you?"

   "Yeah... I remember," I rubbed my fingers over the shell's smooth body. 

   " I found some things out... before we came to Earth."

   "Oh?"

   " I hacked the mainframe of the womb program. We're not who we... who we think we are, Els."

   I turned to him, "What do you mean?"

   He stared into me, "Do you know why we're stationed on Deck 3?"

   "No..."

   "That's where they send us, Els... Original human minds, not constructs or partnered minds."

   "What?"

   "This... Is where we came from. There was a plague here, 20 years ago... They came to help... We didn't want to die so we asked them to upload our minds. And then, our minds floated around in the womb program and it... It filters out things, like memories. It kind of makes us feel incomplete. That's, that's why you feel weird, Els. You don't feel alive. That's why you're angry and sad and confused all the time."

   "That can't be true."

   "It is. That's why we don't want to leave... That's why it feels like home and why you're out here, right now. Why we wanted to come here."

   I stared at him, "Did we forget who we are or were because we're staring into eternity? Is that what it means?" He nodded, his arms wrapping around me. I crumpled into him, "Why did we... forget?"

   "I don't know," he whispered. He kissed the top of my head and then rested his chin on it, "Maybe it hurts too much to remember."

   "What made you want to find out?

   "I did it... for you. I don't want you to feel sad anymore. No matter what you say or what you believe, you're alive."

   "Don't ever leave me, okay?"

   "I won't."

   I sighed and pulled away. He leaned forward, pressing his lips against mine, like I had seen so many fleshies do during our stay. It was strange but not unpleasant. We could've stayed there until the end of time.

   For the first time, as the sun was coming up over the horizon, I felt alive. I never thought the end of the universe would be so colorful.

[eitherlyingorstupid]

I like the idea of TFA Wreck-Gar being "low-tech" compared to Ratchet.

Like yes, the Allspark brought him to life, but he's literally made out of garbage. His insides are full of big, clunky gears, he's got a gas-guzzling diesel engine, and the grease and oil in his joints are a thick black gu k that does a good job at lubrication but boy does it stain.

Wreck-Gar's internal wiring is a mess. He looks like a terribly-managed server room on the inside, with multicolored wires squirreling around all over the place. It's worth noting Wreck-Gar doesn't have an actual spark, instead being animated but an Allspark shard buried deep in his chassis.

Since his wires are pretty crappy, the first time Wreck-Gar tries hardline interface he blows a fuse or two. After all, he's made of human-made components, and they can't handle the voltage from a Cybertronian's spark.

But that's alright, since he makes up for it in his boundless enthusiasm for sticky-style interface. Wreck-Gar requires explicit directions to follow, and he absolutely follows them to the letter.

Most of it is just part of his nature — Wreck-Gar is very eager to please. He's happiest when his friends are happy. Maybe in some au where he ends up joining team Prime, Wreck-Gar takes his time to learn the others' sexual preferences and fill them the best he can.

I like the idea of Optimus being... not stuck-up, exactly, but kind of nervous about interfacing. He's a Prime, and the team leader, and kind of inexperienced. Wreck-Gar's blunt enthusiasm is embarrassing, but it's also pretty effective in coaxing Optimus out of thought spirals. He gets so caught up in the "What if" of interfacing that he kinda forgets to embrace the moment.

[jointxlplus]

How Stress Affects Joint Pain: Practical Tips for Emotional Well-being

Nowadays stress has become an almost unavoidable aspect of our daily routines. It is a common sentiment for many individuals - managing work obligations, family duties, and individual challenges can lead to a sense of being overburdened and apprehensive. However, stress is not solely a mental or emotional challenge;It can also have tangible effects on our physical well-being.

The Connection Between Stress and Joint Pain

Stress and joint pain might seem like unrelated issues, but research and clinical observations reveal a deeper connection between the two. When we experience stress, our bodies enter a heightened state of alertness, releasing a cascade of stress hormones like cortisol. While this physiological response is useful in short bursts, chronic stress can have detrimental effects on our health, including exacerbating joint pain.

1. Inflammation: A Key Player

One of the primary ways stress affects joint pain is through inflammation. Stress hormones can trigger inflammatory responses in the body, which may worsen conditions such as arthritis. Chronic inflammation can lead to increased pain and stiffness in the joints, making everyday activities more challenging.

2. Muscle Tension and Posture

Stress often manifests physically as muscle tension. When you’re stressed, you may unconsciously tighten your muscles, especially around the neck, shoulders, and back. This muscle tension can strain the joints and exacerbate existing joint pain. Poor posture resulting from muscle tension can also contribute to discomfort and joint issues.

3. Immune System Impact

Chronic stress can compromise the immune system, making the body less effective at repairing and maintaining healthy tissues. This can lead to worsening joint conditions, as the body’s ability to fight off inflammation and repair damaged tissues is diminished.

Practical Tips for Managing Stress to Relieve Joint Pain

While it may not be possible to eliminate stress entirely, there are effective strategies you can employ to manage it better and alleviate its impact on joint pain. Here are some practical tips to help you maintain emotional well-being and support joint health:

1. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

Incorporating mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or progressive muscle relaxation can significantly reduce stress levels. These techniques help calm the mind and body, reducing the overall impact of stress on your joints.

2. Regular Physical Activity

Engaging in regular, low-impact exercise can be beneficial for both stress management and joint health. Activities such as swimming, walking, or yoga can help reduce stress and improve flexibility and strength in the joints. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters, and helps alleviate muscle tension.

3. Healthy Diet

A balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can support joint health and manage stress. Incorporate foods like leafy greens, fatty fish, nuts, and berries into your meals. Additionally, staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining joint lubrication and overall health.

4. Adequate Sleep

Quality sleep is essential for managing stress and allowing your body to recover. Aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night to help reduce stress levels and support overall joint health. Establishing a regular sleep routine and creating a relaxing bedtime environment can improve sleep quality.

5. Seek Support

Talking to a therapist or counselor can provide valuable support in managing stress. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other therapeutic approaches can help you develop coping strategies and address underlying issues contributing to stress.

6. Joint Health Supplements

In addition to lifestyle changes, certain supplements can support joint health and alleviate discomfort. JointXL Plus, available at JointXL Plus, is a supplement designed to promote joint comfort and mobility. It combines a blend of natural ingredients known for their anti-inflammatory and joint-supportive properties.

Spotlight on JointXL Plus

JointXL Plus is formulated with a powerful blend of ingredients aimed at supporting joint health and relieving discomfort. 

Here’s a closer look at what makes JointXL Plus a noteworthy option for those struggling with joint pain:

Key Ingredients:

Turmeric Extract: Known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric helps reduce inflammation and support overall joint health.

Boswellia Serrata: This herbal extract is celebrated for its ability to improve joint function and reduce pain.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin: These compounds are essential for maintaining cartilage health and promoting joint lubrication.

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane): MSM supports joint flexibility and helps reduce pain and stiffness.

Benefits:

Reduces Inflammation: The combination of turmeric and Boswellia Serrata helps address inflammation, which can alleviate joint pain.

Supports Joint Health: Glucosamine and chondroitin work together to maintain cartilage and improve joint mobility.

Enhances Flexibility: MSM contributes to joint flexibility and reduces stiffness, making movement more comfortable.

Safety and Usage:

JointXL Plus is generally considered safe for most individuals. However, it’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

Conclusion

The relationship between stress and joint pain is complex but crucial to understand. By managing stress effectively through lifestyle changes, mindfulness practices, 

and supportive supplements like JointXL Plus, you can alleviate joint discomfort and improve your overall well-being. 

Remember, taking proactive steps to manage both stress and joint health can lead to a more comfortable and fulfilling life.

[alexhealthflex]

From Pain Relief to Cartilage Regrowth: Exploring Treatments for Degeneration with ResearchAyu’s KneeVeda

 Cartilage degeneration, commonly seen in conditions like osteoarthritis, is a significant contributor to joint pain and limited mobility. This article reviews available treatments, highlighting ResearchAyu’s KneeVeda clinics and their pioneering approach to non-surgical cartilage regeneration.



Introduction to Cartilage Degeneration

Cartilage serves as a cushion between bones, providing the necessary structure and flexibility for smooth joint movement. When cartilage begins to wear down due to aging, injury, or conditions like osteoarthritis, it leads to painful symptoms, swelling, and restricted movement. This degeneration progresses slowly, but the effects can dramatically reduce one’s quality of life. With no blood vessels or nerves in cartilage, its capacity to self-heal is minimal, making effective treatment challenging.



Understanding the available treatment options is crucial for managing symptoms, preserving joint function, and exploring long-term solutions for cartilage regeneration.



1. Conventional Treatments: Managing Symptoms

Conventional treatments are often the first line of defense against cartilage degeneration, providing temporary relief and improving joint function.



Pain Relievers and Anti-Inflammatories

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroid injections are frequently used to manage joint pain and inflammation. By targeting inflammation, these medications can temporarily relieve pain and improve mobility. However, while NSAIDs and corticosteroids offer short-term symptom relief, they do not promote cartilage regeneration and may come with side effects, especially with long-term use.



Physical Therapy and Exercise

Physical therapy and structured exercise programs focus on maintaining joint function and strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee. Strengthening these muscles helps support the joint and may slow down the progression of degeneration. Exercises prescribed are low-impact, such as swimming or cycling, which reduce stress on the knee joint.



Regular physical therapy can improve joint stability and increase mobility, enhancing the overall quality of life. However, similar to anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy primarily manages symptoms and does not address the underlying issue of cartilage loss.



Viscosupplementation

In cases where pain persists despite physical therapy and medication, viscosupplementation might be considered. This involves injecting hyaluronic acid—a substance naturally found in joint fluid—directly into the knee. The injections temporarily improve joint lubrication, allowing for smoother movement and reducing pain.



Although viscosupplementation offers moderate pain relief, it is temporary, with effects lasting anywhere from a few weeks to several months. The procedure does not halt or reverse cartilage loss.



2. Surgical Interventions: Addressing Severe Cases

When conventional treatments fall short, surgical interventions are considered for managing more advanced stages of cartilage degeneration.



Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which a small camera and instruments are inserted into the knee joint to remove damaged cartilage fragments. While arthroscopy can relieve symptoms by eliminating loose cartilage, it does not regenerate tissue or restore cartilage thickness. This makes it suitable for mild to moderate cases, but it is not a regenerative solution.



Osteotomy

Osteotomy is another surgical procedure aimed at relieving stress on degenerated cartilage. During an osteotomy, the knee is realigned to shift pressure away from the damaged area. This surgery can delay the need for knee replacement in some patients and is ideal for younger patients with cartilage degeneration in one specific area.



However, osteotomy does not stimulate cartilage regrowth, and it requires a significant recovery period. As a result, it’s typically a temporary solution that offers symptom relief rather than regenerative outcomes.



Knee Replacement

Knee replacement surgery is often reserved for severe cases where cartilage is significantly damaged, and other treatments have proven ineffective. In this procedure, the knee joint is replaced with an artificial implant, essentially eliminating the symptoms of cartilage degeneration by replacing the affected joint.



While knee replacement can restore mobility and reduce pain, it is a major surgery with a lengthy recovery period. There is also a risk of complications, and the artificial joint may wear out over time, potentially requiring revision surgery.



3. Regenerative Therapies: Emerging Hope for Cartilage Regrowth

Recent advancements in regenerative medicine have given rise to therapies that seek to address the root cause of cartilage degeneration by promoting tissue regeneration.



Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

PRP therapy involves drawing a patient’s blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and injecting it into the affected knee. Platelets contain growth factors that stimulate healing and may reduce inflammation. Some studies suggest that PRP can relieve joint pain and improve function in people with early cartilage degeneration.



However, the effectiveness of PRP therapy can vary, and it remains an emerging area in cartilage treatment. More research is needed to fully understand the extent of PRP’s regenerative capabilities for cartilage.



Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell therapy is another promising approach to cartilage regeneration. By injecting mesenchymal stem cells (often sourced from bone marrow or fat tissue) into the knee, the goal is to stimulate the body’s natural regenerative processes. Stem cells have the potential to differentiate into various cell types, including those needed to regenerate cartilage.



Despite its promise, stem cell therapy is still experimental, and the long-term effects and efficacy in cartilage regeneration require further investigation. Regulatory approval and widespread clinical use may take years, but it represents a hopeful direction in regenerative medicine.



4. ResearchAyu’s KneeVeda Clinics and SKETS Therapy: A Revolutionary Ayurvedic Approach

In recent years, ResearchAyu has emerged as a leader in cartilage regeneration through its KneeVeda Clinics, which offer a unique, non-surgical solution known as SKETS. This therapy combines research-backed Ayurvedic formulations and therapeutic techniques, presenting an innovative approach to treating cartilage degeneration.



SKETS Therapy: A New Paradigm in Cartilage Regeneration

SKETS therapy focuses on natural cartilage regeneration rather than symptomatic relief. The treatment utilizes specialized Ayurvedic herbs with scientifically proven anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties, offering a holistic alternative to conventional and surgical methods. ResearchAyu’s approach is rooted in Ayurveda’s ancient wisdom, but it’s reinforced with modern research and clinical validation.



A recent retrospective clinical study, approved by an Institutional Ethics Committee, assessed the effectiveness of SKETS therapy in cartilage regeneration. The results were highly encouraging, with 80% of patients experiencing an increase in cartilage thickness of over 75% within just a few weeks of treatment. These results represent a significant breakthrough in the field of regenerative medicine, particularly for non-surgical approaches to knee health.



Clinical Evidence and Patient Outcomes

ResearchAyu’s SKETS therapy goes beyond simply managing pain; it aims to restore joint function and improve cartilage structure. By incorporating selective Ayurvedic herbs and therapeutic techniques, KneeVeda Clinics offer an option that has shown positive results in both clinical studies and patient testimonials.



The impact of SKETS therapy is twofold: it relieves joint pain while promoting cartilage regeneration. This is a significant advancement, as most current treatments only address symptoms without improving cartilage health. ResearchAyu’s holistic approach provides a sustainable solution, enabling patients to avoid invasive surgeries while achieving long-term relief and mobility.



Conclusion: Choosing the Right Path for Cartilage Health

For individuals facing cartilage degeneration, the choice of treatment depends on various factors, including the severity of degeneration, overall health, and personal preferences. Conventional treatments offer symptom relief, while surgical options may be suitable for advanced cases. Emerging regenerative therapies, such as PRP and stem cell therapy, are hopeful but still under development.



ResearchAyu’s KneeVeda Clinics and SKETS therapy offer a unique and effective option, especially for those seeking a natural, non-invasive treatment path. Combining the time-tested knowledge of Ayurveda with modern scientific validation, SKETS therapy stands out as a promising solution for cartilage regeneration. With clinical studies supporting its effectiveness, ResearchAyu has become a pioneer in knee health and regenerative medicine.



By providing a natural, sustainable approach to cartilage regeneration, ResearchAyu’s KneeVeda treatment embodies a holistic philosophy in healthcare, offering hope and relief to those dealing with cartilage degeneration and joint pain.



For more information, visit ResearchAyu's website or review their latest study at IJMEDPH.

[healthy444]

Why is fitness important?

Fitness is important for several reasons, encompassing physical, mental, and overall well-being. Here are some key reasons why fitness is crucial:

Physical Health:

Cardiovascular Health: Regular exercise helps improve heart health by reducing the risk of heart disease and improving circulation.

Weight Management: Physical activity plays a significant role in weight control and obesity prevention.

Muscle and Bone Health: Exercise strengthens muscles and bones, promoting overall physical strength and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

Mental Health:

Stress Reduction: Exercise has been shown to reduce stress by promoting the release of endorphins, which are natural mood lifters.

Improved Sleep: Regular physical activity can contribute to better sleep patterns and overall sleep quality.

Mental Clarity: Exercise is associated with improved cognitive function, including enhanced concentration and memory.

Disease Prevention:

Chronic Disease Management: Regular physical activity can help prevent or manage chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and hypertension.

Immune System Boost: Exercise has been linked to a stronger immune system, reducing the likelihood of illness.

Improved Mobility and Flexibility: Regular physical activity helps maintain joint flexibility and range of motion, contributing to improved mobility and reduced risk of injury.

Enhanced Self-Esteem and Confidence: Achieving fitness goals, whether they are related to weight loss, strength, or endurance, can boost self-esteem and confidence.

Social Benefits: Group exercise or team sports provide opportunities for social interaction, fostering a sense of community and support.

Longevity: Studies consistently show a correlation between regular physical activity and increased life expectancy.

Mood Regulation: Exercise is associated with the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which can help regulate mood and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Energy Boost: Despite the initial effort required, regular exercise can increase overall energy levels and combat feelings of fatigue.

Healthy Aging: Physical activity is crucial for maintaining mobility, independence, and overall health as individuals age.

Improved Posture: Regular exercise helps strengthen core muscles and support proper alignment, leading to better posture and reduced risk of musculoskeletal issues.

Enhanced Flexibility and Balance: Incorporating activities like stretching and balance exercises can improve flexibility, coordination, and balance, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.

Social Connections: Group fitness classes, sports teams, or workout buddies provide opportunities for social interaction, fostering a sense of camaraderie and motivation.

Cognitive Benefits: Exercise has been linked to better cognitive function, including improved learning, attention, and decision-making skills.

Prevention of Metabolic Syndrome: Regular physical activity helps prevent metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels.

Improved Digestive Health: Exercise can aid in maintaining a healthy digestive system and preventing issues like constipation.

Joint Health: Regular movement helps keep joints lubricated and reduces the risk of conditions like arthritis.

Enhanced Respiratory Function: Cardiovascular exercise strengthens the heart and lungs, improving overall respiratory function.

Strengthened Immune System: Regular moderate exercise has been associated with a bolstered immune system, helping the body defend against infections.

Positive Lifestyle Habits: Engaging in regular physical activity often leads to adopting other healthy lifestyle habits, such as a balanced diet and adequate hydration.

Stress Resilience: Exercise can enhance the body's ability to handle stress by promoting a more balanced response to stressors.

Healthy Skin: Improved blood flow resulting from exercise contributes to healthier skin by delivering oxygen and nutrients to skin cells.

Increased Productivity: Regular physical activity has been shown to boost productivity and creativity, making individuals more effective in their personal and professional lives.

Better Recovery from Illness or Injury: Physically fit Individuals tend to recover more quickly from illnesses or injuries.

Lifelong Learning: The discipline and dedication required for a fitness routine can translate into a mindset of lifelong learning and personal development.

In summary, fitness is a holistic concept that goes beyond physical appearance. It encompasses the overall health of the body and mind, contributing to a better quality of life and longevity. Integrating regular exercise into one's routine is a proactive approach to maintaining health and well-being.

P.S: Want to Get The Forbidden Fitness Secrets of A Modern-Day Ninja Warrior, Just Click Here!

[best-thc-gummies]

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[eatmangoesnekkid]

I have a mostly heterosexual readership but my number of queer readers are growing exponentially by the week. I am grateful for any human soul who adores the frequency I channel from and feel expanded in any capacity by my work.

I do not try to fit it with the heterosexual community because I am not a heterosexual person in my thinking, perceiving, or feeling. I do not care to fit in with the queer community either because I don't sense myself queer. The queer community is too wounded in oppression, locked into the mortal mind, and generally moves through the world too victimized for my taste and archetypal texture, not in full ownership of their divine power and light, which can also be said for the conscious black community. I have never felt aligned with the Western word "queer" as I feel more undefinable--which means-- indigenous and rootsy, a frequency where "sexuality" wasn't rigid and had a natural range, depth, spirit, and viscosity, a primordial mother so lighthearted and sensitive to subtle energy that she could make passionate love to the universe and repair her aching knee joints with the provisional light received. There is a great gift in not defining, boxing, or organizing every part of us into a system of language. Thank you, Mother Sobonfu Some, for courageously authoring range and clarity in your divine work.

I am merely who I am, and that person, that playful, creative, dancing, beautiful, womanly spirit in female form, a medicine woman and sensual Priestess, is enough.

I have lived in a 3rd lane for most of my life because I generally do not feel inferior to anyone or any system, which assisted me in unplugging the limiting programming and dogmatic thinking from my tissues and building more real grounded confidence in myself and my unique imprint without having a whole entourage around coddling me along the way. I didn't need to be part of the "feminist" crowd. The "witch" group. The LGBTQIA crowd. The conscious Black crowd. I participated in everything that I wanted to without any labels attached to my personhood. I was free. I still am.

The more anonymous you walk around, the brighter you shine.- Mother Caroline Myss

I care deeply about what's real--true love, the brightest expression of the power of God/creation running through our bodies, lives, and experiences.

I have dedicated myself to embodying love imperfectly. I am devoted to the chaotic and vulnerable journey of living full and plump and loving innocently. And it is a journey because all the programmings and conditioning baked into my mind, body, and psyche, and even the TV shows and movies I watched in my youth, have to come undone. And it can be chaotic because you are literally letting go of everything, shifting your perceptional field, changing frequencies, growing consciousness, growing new tissues, and evolving your mind. True chaos is the structure of the divine feminine. Surrender is key.

I also care about real nourishment and lubrication/hydration. And a range of intimacies and passions. And real human emotion. And authenticity. And relaxation, playfulness, and groundedness. And truthful, thoughtful, vulnerable relationships. And regeneration.

I am a Lover Archetype through and through.

I care about how to inspire people to love themselves (their cells) better and to love other people (and the cells of other people) better. And the only way to know love is to muster the courage to move through addictions, obsessions, shadows, and other blockages to love.

My desire to always be myself and not fit in if the harmony was not truly there has also been my superpower that has kept my body ripe life force energy, that juicy love, innocence, and aliveness. It has also kept my mind sharp and clear. I was never meant to fit in. And I am willing to bet that neither were you.

—

Trust the ones who don't try to fit in.

The ones who seek to evolve into new imprints.

The ones who weave the deep magic of full body sensual explorations into practical life.

The ones who come out from the limiting programming of ancestors and heal unseen kin. The ones who harness the courage required to live their best lives.

The ones who tread through the mud of race, class, sexuality, and gender and stack river rocks as offerings to nuanced femme Gods.

The ones who do not shrink in order to make other people feel comfortable.

The ones who descend into the underworld, slough through discomforts, and come back with otherworldly solutions and next step directions.

The ones who burn with flames so red hot that their mere presence, without words or the any need to profess, illuminates.

The ones who dare to dream so big that they appear brilliantly naïve and beautifully childlike.

The ones who know that their knowledge is only a fraction of the whole truth.

The magical ones with soft strength and deep vulnerability, heat and humility, love and compassion, and drive and kindness. See them. Welcome them. Honour them. And most importantly, recognize them in you.

None of us are not supposed to do this work alone. --India Ame'ye, Author

[jaysons-alt]

Fun fact hair on the inside of joints/where skin makes contact with other skin/skin folds/etc is natural lubricant, cause running with a shaved ass will really chafe after a bit

I think its really funny when people get mad at the pro-hairy pussy posts on this site (yes including posts hating on bald pussy) and take an angle of “wow everyone is being so weird about shaving now and its so wrong to judge peoples choices like this” because like. Okay. Either you dont fuck or go outside, or you have been doing whats expected of you so long you have no idea how people who dont make the same choice as you are mistreated. Because so many people ESPECIALLY MEN are still convinced simply having body hair is unhygienic and will shame and dehumanize anyone who has it in the most vile and unnecessary way. Like youre seeing so many of these vehement bush or die posts BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE PUSHING BACK AGAINST THAT NOTION its not happening in a vacuum but once again tumblr users are out of touch with what actually happens on planet earth

If you like shaving: congrats, there are millions of people who would not accept you any other way

[medicaljournal1]

Stronger Bones, Better Life: Expert Tips from an Orthopedic Doctor in Dubai

Your bones and joints play a crucial role in your daily activities, from walking and running to lifting and stretching. However, many people overlook their bone health until they experience pain, stiffness, or even injuries. Whether you're an athlete looking to enhance performance, someone recovering from an injury, or simply aiming to maintain strong and healthy bones, taking proactive steps is essential. Consulting an orthopedic doctor Dubai can help diagnose and treat musculoskeletal issues, but there are also lifestyle changes you can make to improve bone strength, flexibility, and overall joint health.

Let’s explore some expert-backed strategies to keep your bones and joints in top condition!

1. Maintain a Bone-Healthy Diet

Strong bones require proper nutrition. Your diet plays a significant role in preventing conditions like osteoporosis and joint pain.

Calcium: Essential for bone strength. Dairy products, leafy greens, almonds, and fortified plant-based milk are great sources.

Vitamin D: Helps the body absorb calcium. Get enough sun exposure and include foods like fatty fish, eggs, and mushrooms.

Magnesium & Zinc: Found in nuts, seeds, and whole grains, these minerals support bone density.

Protein: Helps in bone repair and muscle support. Include lean meats, lentils, beans, and tofu in your meals.

Eating a balanced diet with these nutrients will keep your bones strong and resilient.

2. Stay Active with Weight-Bearing Exercises

Regular physical activity strengthens bones and prevents joint stiffness. Weight-bearing and resistance exercises are particularly effective.

Walking & Jogging: Great for building bone density, especially in the legs and spine.

Strength Training: Lifting weights helps improve muscle mass and bone strength.

Yoga & Pilates: Enhances flexibility, balance, and joint mobility.

Swimming & Cycling: Low-impact exercises that improve endurance without straining the joints.

If you’re new to exercise or recovering from an injury, an orthopedic doctor in Dubai can guide you on safe and effective workouts.

3. Improve Your Posture for Better Bone Alignment

Poor posture can lead to back pain, joint discomfort, and long-term skeletal issues. Simple adjustments can make a big difference:

Sit Up Straight: Keep your back aligned and shoulders relaxed when sitting.

Avoid Slouching: Whether at your desk or on your phone, maintain a neutral spine position.

Use Ergonomic Furniture: Supportive chairs and desks reduce strain on your back and neck.

Stretch Regularly: If you sit for long hours, stand up, stretch, and walk around every 30–60 minutes.

Better posture means less strain on your bones and joints, reducing the risk of long-term damage.

4. Strengthen Your Core for Better Support

Your core muscles provide essential support for your spine and joints. A strong core reduces the risk of injuries and improves overall stability.

Planks: Strengthen your entire core without putting pressure on your spine.

Leg Raises: Help build lower abdominal strength, which supports the lower back.

Bridges: Strengthen the lower back and hip muscles, reducing strain on joints.

Adding core exercises to your routine enhances movement, balance, and overall bone health.

5. Protect Your Joints from Wear and Tear

Over time, joints naturally experience wear and tear, but you can take steps to minimize damage:

Use Proper Footwear: Supportive shoes prevent misalignment and joint stress.

Avoid Overuse: Repetitive movements can strain your joints—alternate activities when possible.

Warm Up Before Exercise: Prepares your muscles and joints, reducing the risk of injury.

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Extra weight puts stress on joints, especially in the knees and hips.

An orthopedic doctor in Dubai can assess your movement patterns and recommend ways to protect your joints from unnecessary strain.

6. Stay Hydrated for Joint Lubrication

Water plays a key role in maintaining healthy joints. Cartilage, the tissue that cushions your joints, contains about 80% water.

Drink Enough Water: Aim for 8–10 glasses daily to keep joints lubricated.

Eat Hydrating Foods: Cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges help maintain hydration.

Limit Sugary Drinks: They can contribute to inflammation and joint discomfort.

Proper hydration reduces stiffness and supports smooth joint movement.

7. Listen to Your Body and Address Pain Early

Ignoring persistent pain can lead to long-term issues. If you experience joint discomfort, stiffness, or swelling, it’s essential to take action.

Don’t Ignore Pain: Pain is a signal that something is wrong. Rest, ice, and gentle movement may help.

Seek Professional Advice: If pain persists, an orthopedic doctor in Dubai can assess and treat underlying conditions.

Use Supportive Aids: Braces, compression sleeves, or orthopedic insoles can reduce strain.

Early intervention prevents minor issues from turning into chronic problems.

8. Get Enough Sleep for Bone and Muscle Recovery

During sleep, your body repairs and strengthens bones, muscles, and joints. Prioritizing good sleep habits benefits your musculoskeletal system.

Sleep 7–9 Hours a Night: This allows proper recovery and reduces inflammation.

Invest in a Supportive Mattress: A good mattress helps maintain spinal alignment.

Avoid Sleeping on Your Stomach: Sleeping on your back or side is better for spinal health.

Quality sleep ensures your bones and joints stay in peak condition.

For more information, you can also read:

Finding the Best Orthopedic Doctor in Dubai for Your Musculoskeletal Health

9. Prevent Falls and Injuries with Balance Training

As we age, the risk of falls increases, leading to fractures and joint damage. Balance training helps prevent accidents.

Practice Standing on One Leg: Improves stability and coordination.

Try Tai Chi or Yoga: Enhances balance and reduces fall risk.

Use Handrails on Stairs: Extra support reduces the chances of falls.

Incorporating balance exercises into your routine can prevent injuries and keep your joints safe.

10. Visit an Orthopedic Specialist for Regular Check-Ups

Even if you don’t have existing bone or joint issues, routine check-ups can help prevent future complications. A top orthopedic doctor in Dubai can:

Assess your posture and movement patterns.

Provide personalized recommendations for bone and joint health.

Offer treatments for injuries, arthritis, or chronic pain.

Final Thoughts

Strong bones and healthy joints are essential for a happy, active life. By focusing on nutrition, exercise, hydration, and proper movement, you can prevent injuries and maintain long-term musculoskeletal health.

If you experience persistent pain or mobility issues, consulting an orthopedic doctor in Dubai can provide expert guidance and treatment. Remember, taking care of your bones today means staying active and pain-free in the future!