#macrophages

[humancelltournament]

Propaganda!

Macrophages (abbreviated Mφ, MΦ or MP) are a type of white blood cell of the innate immune system that engulf and digest pathogens, such as cancer cells, microbes, cellular debris, and foreign substances, which do not have proteins that are specific to healthy body cells on their surface. This process is called phagocytosis, which acts to defend the host against infection and injury. Macrophages are found in essentially all tissues, where they patrol for potential pathogens by amoeboid movement. They take various forms (with various names) throughout the body (e.g., histiocytes, Kupffer cells, alveolar macrophages, microglia, and others), but all are part of the mononuclear phagocyte system. Besides phagocytosis, they play a critical role in nonspecific defense (innate immunity) and also help initiate specific defense mechanisms (adaptive immunity) by recruiting other immune cells such as lymphocytes.

A tumor suppressor gene (TSG), or anti-oncogene, is a gene that regulates a cell during cell division and replication. If the cell grows uncontrollably, it will result in cancer. When a tumor suppressor gene is mutated, it results in a loss or reduction in its function. In combination with other genetic mutations, this could allow the cell to grow abnormally. The loss of function for these genes may be even more significant in the development of human cancers, compared to the activation of oncogenes. TSGs can be grouped into the following categories: caretaker genes, gatekeeper genes, and more recently landscaper genes. Caretaker genes ensure stability of the genome via DNA repair and subsequently when mutated allow mutations to accumulate.[3] Meanwhile, gatekeeper genes directly regulate cell growth by either inhibiting cell cycle progression or inducing apoptosis. Lastly, landscaper genes regulate growth by contributing to the surrounding environment, and when mutated, can cause an environment that promotes unregulated proliferation.

[mindblowingscience]

The lung-cell type that’s most susceptible to infection by SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is not the one previously assumed to be most vulnerable. What’s more, the virus enters this susceptible cell via an unexpected route. The medical consequences may be significant. Stanford Medicine investigators have implicated a type of immune cell known as an interstitial macrophage in the critical transition from a merely bothersome COVID-19 case to a potentially deadly one. Interstitial macrophages are situated deep in the lungs, ordinarily protecting that precious organby, among other things, engorging viruses, bacteria, fungi and dust particles that make their way down our airways. But it’s these very cells, the researchers have shown in a study published online April 10 in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, that of all known types of cells composing lung tissue are most susceptible to infection by SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2-infected interstitial macrophages, the scientists have learned, morph into virus producers and squirt out inflammatory and scar-tissue-inducing chemical signals, potentially paving the road to pneumonia and damaging the lungs to the point where the virus, along with those potent secreted substances, can break out of the lungs and wreak havoc throughout the body.

Continue Reading.

[bpod-bpod]

Contact to Contract

Scarring after injury or fibrosis can be fatal as it renders tissue functionally useless. Cells called fibroblasts drive this kind of inappropriate repair, and this study reveals that contact with a kind of macrophage (large cells of the immune system, shown here in red) triggers the fibroblast (in green) – via interaction of two proteins, αvβ3 integrin on the macrophage with Piezo1 on the fibroblast – to contract ultimately leading to stiffened tissue

Read the published research article here

Image from work by Maya Ezzo and colleagues

Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Image originally published with a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Published in Science Advances, October 2024

You can also follow BPoD on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook

[science-sculpt]

The Immune System's All-Star Team: The Mighty Cells That Protect You

Your body is like a bustling city, constantly facing threats from outside invaders like viruses and bacteria. Thankfully, you have a team of dedicated defenders keeping you safe: your immune cells! Our immune system is a marvel of biological defense, tirelessly safeguarding our bodies from harmful invaders like bacteria, viruses, and parasites. At the forefront of this defense are numerous types of immune cells, each with its unique functions and capabilities. Did you know the average adult has about 2 trillion white blood cells, which contain most immune cells? That's more people than live in China! These tiny warriors come in different shapes and sizes, each with unique superpowers to protect you. Let's meet some of the key players:

The Innate Force: First up, we have the innate immune system. This frontline defense acts fast and nonspecifically, providing immediate protection against any threat. The key players: 1. Neutrophils: Think of these guys as the city's SWAT team. They're the first responders, rushing to attack invaders with toxic chemicals and swallowing them whole with their arsenal of enzymes! These are the most abundant immune cells, are short-lived but highly effective. Unfortunately, they die in the fight, leaving behind a green gooey mess (pus) that signals infection.

2. Macrophages: These are the veterans, the wise generals of the immune system. They go beyond mere engulfing, processing antigens (foreign molecules) and presenting them to other immune cells for recognition and attack. They also act as scavengers, cleaning up debris and orchestrating healing. These are the cleaners and recyclers. They gobble up dead neutrophils, debris, and even worn-out cells, keeping your city sparkling clean.

3. Natural Killer (NK) Cells: These are the ninjas of the immune system. They silently patrol, sniffing out suspicious cells infected with viruses or even cancer and eliminating them with a swift punch. The Adaptive Arsenal:

The Adaptive Arsenal: If the innate system fails, the adaptive immune system steps in. This highly specific defense remembers past encounters and tailors its response to each unique threat. The cells of adaptive immune system are:

B Cells: These are the antibody factories, producing highly specific proteins called antibodies that neutralize pathogens and toxins. Each B cell produces a unique antibody, like a lock and key, targeting specific invaders. They whip up special proteins called antibodies that lock onto specific invaders, like sticky notes, marking them for destruction.

T Cells: These are the generals, coordinating the entire defense. There are different types of T cells:

Helper T Cells: These are the commanders, directing and coordinating the immune response through chemical signals. They activate B cells, macrophages, and other immune cells, orchestrating a multi-pronged attack.

Cytotoxic T Cells: These are the elite soldiers, directly targeting and eliminating infected cells or cancer cells. They recognize and bind to specific enemy markers, unleashing a lethal attack.

Memory T Cells: These are the veterans, remembering past encounters with invaders and helping the immune system respond faster next time.

The Unsung Heroes: Beyond these main players, numerous other immune cells contribute to our defense. These include:

Dendritic cells: These antigen-presenting cells capture and process pathogens, presenting their fragments to T cells for activation. They're like the scouts, gathering enemy intel and relaying it to the command center.

Mast cells: These cells reside in tissues and release inflammatory chemicals in response to allergens or parasites. They're like the alarm system, alerting the immune system to local threats.

Eosinophils: These specialize in fighting parasitic infections, releasing toxic chemicals to neutralize them.

Basophils: These are involved in allergic reactions and contribute to wound healing.

The beauty of the immune system lies in its intricate collaboration. These diverse cell types work together in a complex and beautiful dance, each playing a specific role to achieve a common goal: protecting our health. They communicate extensively through chemical signals, creating a complex network of interactions. Imagine B cells producing antibodies that bind to a pathogen, flagging it for destruction. Macrophages engulf and eliminate the tagged pathogen, while T cells coordinate the attack and eliminate any infected cells. Dendritic cells present captured fragments to T cells, priming them for future encounters. This seamless cooperation ensures a swift and effective response to any threat.

Your immune system is constantly learning. Each time you get a vaccine or fight off an infection, your immune cells create memory T cells, making you more resistant to future attacks. Understanding these cellular heroes can help us appreciate the incredible machinery that keeps us healthy and appreciate the importance of maintaining a strong immune system. It also allows us to make informed decisions about supporting our immune system. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, getting adequate sleep, managing stress, and consuming a balanced diet can all contribute to a robust immune response.

[ace-detectiv3]

CaW! flower shop AU but it’s mostly centred around Memory and B

Inspired by that one fic on Ao3 except this AU is focusing on just platonic because my Aroace self is incapable of writing romance + I need more of just silly friends being silly friends

Memory is a florist who just recently opened his flower shop with the help of his friend, Shiro (U-1146 ) and the two of them run the shop together

B (No idea for human version of name ) works at a cafe the opposite of the flower shop with Mast, who owns the cafe

Also the three main RBC (AE3803, AA5100 and NT4201 ) also works there, I couldn’t think of a name for them so go ahead and make them yourself </33

Uhhhhhh basically both of the sillies saw each other and was like “Oh hey I kinda wanna be friends with him ” Idk about others but for this AU I just wanted for the relationship to be platonic or queerplatonic,,,, mostly just platonic though

Memory being an absolute idiot just sending flowers with flower language and B just being “?? Flowers?? Neat I guess ” while Mast was trying to tell him about flower language

Oh yeah this is not really important but the rest of the neutrophil squad runs a restaurant, the KTs run a tattoo shop, and the macrophages work at a maid cafe

Just decided to whip this up quickly as a distraction and to make myself feel better

[flying-thing]

Tell me why I'm writing a story on the romance between a t-lymphocyte and a macrophage. I'm getting unnecessarily attached to silly little guys that don't even exist properly yet.

[incorrect-immunology-facts]

Wait, MPreg stands for regulatory macrophage, right?

[homeostasister]

A Th2 Anthem

We will bring the floods, the pain and the violence

We’ll summon the soldiers of russet and violet

To sound the sirens and slay the giant

And when the battle is over, in the damage we’ve wrought

We’ll call upon the sentinels

To stay the weather and build back better

[12biscuits]

Sometimes, a scientist finds a wholly new immune cell. Only to turn out, this is just a macrophage in different tissue

[incorrect-immunology-facts]

M1 activation

[firstmedicaldiagnosticspvtltd]

We aim to Prevent You From Falling Sick At An Early Stage | FMD

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[cailynnjohnson]

Macrophages are innate immune cells characterized by evolutionarily conserved functions, such as host defense against infection and tissue homeostasis. Macrophages present a high plasticity grade, being able to change their phenotype in response to environmental stimuli. They play central roles during development, homeostatic tissue processes, tissue repair, and immunity. Furthermore, it is recognized that macrophages are involved in chronic inflammation and that they play central roles in many diseases, including cancers, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and tuberculosis.

[parrotssuchto]

#peasantry

[bpod-bpod]

Virus Hideout

The mosquito-borne virus chikungunya, affecting about 3 million a year globally, can cause long term arthritis, among other complications. On infection, macrophages – large cells of the immune system – are chikungunya reservoirs which can be reactivated. This study reveals the molecular mechanisms of entry, production and spread of the virus in and from macrophages

Read the published research article here

Image from work by Zhenlan Yao and colleagues

Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Image originally published with a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Published in The EMBO Journal, September 2024

You can also follow BPoD on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook

[chaiichait]

Immune system things

-Moths Of Disease

I hate being sick

Because being sick means your head spins around while you stay still

Your mind is flying too fast

Like little moths searching to eat its fill

They scurry around the caves inside your nose

And sneak into your lungs

They lay there to multiply and run rampant, flicking their tongues

The moths spit up poison in return

Scorching your throat and burning your skin

While you cough and cough and cough

Pesky little insects, never quite knowing when to quit

Wasted fluids, liquids and spat spit

The little moths are greedy,

They never drink their fill

But the moths will never win

I must admit I can see a great battle

In my yellowed spit and flaring heat

Little white soldiers fight

Grabbing weapons and spite

I know they will become victorious

It only takes a little time

[teabutmakeitazure]

Congratulations on 1000 followers, 1000 mouths to feed, and 2000 watchful eyes (｢• ω •)｢ Couldn't happen to a better writer ♡

I saw you sneak Illumi on that list. I am very frightened of the needle man. Can I request something with the first time Illumi realizes he is obsessed with darling?

Perforate and Permeate

>Yan! Illumi x Fem! Reader

>Word count: ~3.4k

Red flags start appearing in the form of odd piercings on taxi drivers. The feeling of something horribly off surrounds you, but in the end, some people are always powerless, aren't they?

The first red flag of the evening was the creepy taxi driver. There seemed to be some sort of yellow ball stuck to the skin on his neck, and his movements and speech were somewhat robotic. The second red flag was that he offered you a ride without you even calling for one.

Thankfully, the evening rush hour helped you get away from the peculiar man, and you slid into the subway train, hidden and safe among the numerous people around you. Ironically enough, it felt a little hypocritical to find comfort among the number of people since you were always adverse to crowds. The smell of sweat and close proximity of human beings made you a little nauseous, but right now it felt safe.

The third red flag comes in the form of your apartment building’s watchman being absent. He never takes a day off and always ensures that the other watchman - the man who usually works as the receptionist since for some reason there’s a desk and everything in the lobby - takes his place while he’s away for food or such.

Neither men were there and as you press the elevator button to your floor, you catch a shadow in the corner of your eye before the doors close. The fourth red flag is that your apartment windows are open. Not all of them, but the living room windows are open. You’re absolutely certain you had left them closed when you left. You could even swear on it.

Nevertheless, some sort of dismissive hope deludes you into believing that the wind opened them and you don’t dare come any closer. The reminder to check their locks is pushed into the back of your mind when you fall onto your bed face first. Silence envelopes you, its warm hands granting you the comfort of your home.

Despite how quick the comfort came, all relaxation leaves your bones when your phone rings. As you accept the call and press your phone to your ear, you realise you almost drifted off. Your mother’s voice greets you before turning into a scolding one when you tell her you just got home.

The conversation goes as it usually does, your nerves calming down despite the subtle feeling of not being alone. You don’t blame your scepticism. Ever since you moved out, you’ve always been careful and paranoid. Maybe it has to do with preferring silence and being around less people, but you don’t like the lonesomeness and silence as much as you thought you did.

You say goodbye to your mother on the phone, and sit up, groggily making your way to the kitchen. The silence of the apartment unnerves you, so you turn on your phone’s flashlight and check every single room and cupboard of the house, leaving all the light bulbs on.

The apartment is now fully illuminated and the TV plays some random news show while you cook. It makes for good white noise and you don’t feel as alone anymore.

But you still feel watched.

The curtains are promptly drawn over the windows.

Thankfully, the feeling goes but quickly returns when you sit down to eat dinner. The panic that arises constricts your throat, heart beating in your throat and you immediately dial your mother again, praying that the paranoia dies down.

It doesn’t. She never picks up. 

Three phone calls later, she picks up but excuses herself saying that she’s going out for lunch with your father. The time zone difference makes you frown, realising that you're ruining her weekend with your baseless paranoia.

Dinner gets your attention back, but something seems to have its attention on you.

You're cognizant of the sounds coming from the street, television muted. The drip drip from the kitchen sink sings the vocals while the refrigerator buzzes the music. Exhaling, you pay attention to the noisy details, dinner finished and an empty plate in front of you.

The feeling goes away soon, but comfort doesn't return.

-

The first red flag of today's evening follows behind you. A man with his hoodie hiding half his face is trailing behind you, and you're briefly wondering how dense he must be to not realise that you're leading him in a circle for the fourth time. You don't mind the extra walking, but it's pretty annoying.

Should you lead him to a police station? Losing him doesn't seem to be an option. He's persistent. Even in the fifth circle, he's casually walking behind you.

You go ahead with making your way to a nearby station, but he slips away when it's in sight. Your eyes watch the man as he heads the other way, an uneasy feeling stirring in your chest at the loss of someone's eyes on you. As you make your way back to the subway station, you contemplate walking home instead. Maybe you could drop by a café or even pick up dinner from somewhere.

However, a second red flag appears while you are in your thoughts. A taxi stops in front of you when you're scrounging around your bag for your phone and the window pulls down to reveal a taxi driver with a strange yellow piercing between his eyebrows.

The driver offers you a ride, and you stare at him dumbfounded. You didn't call for a taxi. A few passer-bys send you confused looks, but you brush it off. The man is promptly shut down and you walk away, mentally cursing yourself over the lack of crowd on the street.

Almost as though on cue, a lady grabs your arm. Her grip is unyielding and she frantically explains how you need to come with her. A familiar yellow piercing on either side of her neck greets you when you turn to look at her, but any composure you have quickly dissipates when she starts pulling you.

It takes everything you have in you to pry yourself off and run in the other direction. The few people that did stare at you turn away when they see you running, and honestly you don't blame them. No one wants to get tangled up in something like that.

By the time your legs start hurting, you're almost home. There's no time to pick up anything from a restaurant so you make a mental note to order in instead. As you walk with your phone in hand, the situation dawn's on you. Three red flags already. You don't even want to know what the fourth one will be.

But alas, the heavens never hear your silent pleas and the fourth red flag stands in the watchman-less lobby of your apartment building. You hadn't seen either men today as well, and simply seeing the person who casually leans against the wall with eyes fixed on you is making your heart do literal backflips inside your chest.

"[Name]."

The simple greeting makes you freeze. Hands grip your bag tighter as you look into his bottomless eyes and greet him back with a simple hello. He doesn't seem to mind your nervousness and gets straight to the point.

"I wanted to see you. It's been quite a while."

Your finger remains on the power button of your phone, ready to press it five times at the earliest notice to send SOS messages to your friends. Upon receiving no response, he continues, trying not to eye your deathly grips on your belongings.

"How was your day?"

"It was… fine." Voice meek, you don't know what to say to him. It's not everyday you see a person such as himself. "How… have you been, Illumi?"

The question seems to perk him up. "I'm not quite sure, but I suppose I've been alright. I do want to ask you something. Why are you holding your phone and bag so tightly?"

The muscles on your legs go taut, and you briefly glance at the elevator door thinking you could make a run for it. However, the reminder of Illumi's occupation mocks you. Of course a hunter wouldn't let you go so easily.

"I'm not sure." Your words are unsure as you speak. "I guess I'm not feeling very well."

"Should I get you medical attention?"

"No. Not that kind of not very well. I just feel a bit down, that's all."

He seems to have understood something because he's nodding. "I see. If there's nothing wrong with your physical health, it'll go away. Make sure to rest properly and you'll feel better."

"Thanks. I'll go to bed early tonight."

"Are you free right now?"

Free? Does he want something? You're no help to a hunter. "I'd like to get to bed as soon as possible, but I'm willing to hear you out."

Your grip on your phone loosens a bit, and Illumi immediately takes a few steps closer. Hardly a foot of space is left between the two of you, but before apprehension can return, he's demanding all your attention with his words.

"May I have your phone number?"

What?

"My… phone number?"

He nods. "Yes. Your phone number."

The dumbfounded look on your face makes him blink at you owlishly. 

"I was wondering whether or not it would be appropriate for me to ask for it. I suppose I settled with ignoring the thought."

Did he… really just admit that? 

"Um, alright. I don't see why not." You know where I live anyway, the voice in your head continues. 

You share your contact information with Illumi, but you have no idea why he wants it. His intentions are as clear as muddy water. It doesn’t make you feel any better, but if nothing, at least he asked you for it. With his licence, he could have obtained your number with ease like how he ended up in your apartment's lobby. You give him only a few points for human decency.

When he’s done saving your information on his phone, a satisfied look is on his face. The silence of the lobby remains as you wait for him to finally let you leave. That is to say he doesn’t request to visit your apartment.

“I think that’ll do.” Illumi looks up, head tilting slightly when he sees your exhausted expression. “You should rest. I won’t stop you. Just seeing you this evening is enough for me. We can talk some other time.”

Talk? What would you both even talk about? The only reason you know him is because some target of his was your work client and he scared him off. Honestly, never hearing from that man again is one of the best things that happened in your life.

“Sure,” you reply with a very obviously unsure voice. “I’ll see you later then.”

Illumi waves you off and as you step towards the elevator, you feel a little shameful for not inviting him for dinner. But then you remember that you live alone and he’s an adult man. Perhaps it’s better to not do so.

As you press the button, you glance back at Illumi down the lobby. He's waving at you, so you wave back. The door starts to close and the expression on Illumi's face changes. Lips curl upwards, eyes crinkling as well.

When the door closes, you're thankful for the distance. You never want to see that horrifying grin on his face again. It sent shivers down your spine and it seems like the creepy smile is now engraved into your brain.

Had you not been in the elevator, you would've ran out the lobby. Perhaps some people are better off expressionless after all.

-

It's been an entire day since Illumi took your number. There's been no contact, no message, nothing. As you stare at your phone sitting in front of you on the sofa, you think back over today's evening bitterly.

There was another taxi driver with the same yellow piercing. Added to that, an old woman with the same piercing had approached you and asked to walk her home. You declined. Though it felt bad to say no to an old lady, you didn't want to possibly find any unwanted trouble.

Besides, there's something definitely wrong going on. After the old lady, you found the watchman in the lobby. Even he had a piercing on his face, in between his forehead to be precise.

You didn't bother to reply to his greeting this time. There was something off about his smile.

Maybe you should move out as soon as possible.

However, that's not what's bothering you. It's the fact that there have always been four red flags. This evening, you only came across three.

The thought of an impending fourth one makes you feel nauseous. You're home now, back to safety. There has never been anything bad between these four walls, so why would there be anything now?

Maybe you missed counting a fourth one. Yes. That's it. You just missed one red flag. The thought doesn't do much to console you, but it's enough to allow you to sleep when your head hits the pillow. Unfortunately for you, that doesn't last very long.

The feeling of a pair of eyes wakes you up with a startle. You immediately throw away the covers and run to the switch, turning on the lights. Nothing. The same goes for the rest of your apartment. All the lights are on but there’s nothing out of place.

Are you going crazy? 

It must have been a bad dream. You still feel watched, but that’s just because you just woke up. Water. You need some water.

The glass is quickly emptied as soon as you fill it, and now you stand alone in the kitchen, the silence of the night and the refrigerator’s hum your only companions. The kitchen counter is cold underneath your lingering fingertips, and begrudgingly, you part with it.

Sleep doesn't come back easily. At least half an hour must’ve passed with no sign of slumber’s gentle embrace, so you get up and turn off the bedroom light. The door is then left open only a little bit to let some light from the living room bleed inside the room.

It doesn’t help much, but your eyes feel less burdened.

Upon turning to the other side and nuzzling into the sheets further, the lessened burden seems to increase again. There’s someone resting their face on the mattress, body probably sitting on the floor and this person’s eyes seem to be fixed on you.

It takes you blinking a few times and sitting up to realise this isn’t a dream.

By the time your eyes have completely blinked away any sleep, a hand is slapped over your mouth to stop you from screaming. Your chest heaves as you follow the arm to the body it’s attached to and finally the face.

Illumi.

“Pardon me if I woke you up. It wasn’t my intention.”

The mattress dips as he joins you on the bed. If the circumstance wasn’t unfortunate enough, he’s now literally hovering over you with one of his knees between your parted legs under the blanket. Long black hair cascades around his face as he leans in, large eyes observing your features.

You blink at him as your breathing settles down. The lack of action from Illumi’s end does help your nerves calm down a little, but the threat of an obviously more powerful man literally above still remains.

This is your fourth red flag.

The weight of his observant stare weighs you down, the feeling of a boulder on your chest making you sink backwards into the bed. All that you see are Illumi’s large, dark eyes. It’s suffocating and you want to scream, but the sound dies in your throat before he even lets go.

You don’t dare make a single noise as he sits up straight on your thighs.

Illumi briefly breaks eye contact, eyes dropping down to your collarbones peeking from your neckline from the dishevelled state before his eyes go back up to yours. The weight of the boulder had lifted during that time, but with his eyes back on you that weight goes to your consciousness.

“I suppose I should commend you for not screaming. Seems like you’re quick to understand.”

All he gets in reply is your nervous gulp.

“You require an explanation, don’t you?”

This time, he tilts his head at your lack of response.

“I gave myself an ultimatum. Four tries every evening for every working day of this week are all I have to work with. If your refusals of my lenient methods bother me, then I must get to the bottom of the feeling. If I am not bothered in the slightest, I must stop wasting my time.” Iluumi pauses, possibly in anticipation of some sort of response, but continues. “I suppose my presence here at this hour explains which conclusion I had come to.”

He waits again for a few moments but ends up explaining his own words himself when you’re still frozen in what he thinks is shock. “Your refusals bothered me. I can’t be certain why. Even your less enthusiastic response to me asking for your phone number bothered me.”

You’re still staring at him. Mind barely processing the words. Illumi is in your room in the middle of the night. Illumi is a hunter, a potentially dangerous person, and he’s caged you to your own bed. This is the most vulnerable you’ve ever been in your life, yet you can’t even bring yourself to cry over the absolute fear you feel because of the intensity that keeps growing and radiating from Illumi.

“You occupy my thoughts more than I would prefer, and the only cure I found for that is to watch you when you’re home. No other activity soothes it.”

His index finger and thumb hold his chin as he continues thinking over the matter, but his eyes are still fixed onto you. When his eyes widen slightly, the intensity you felt grows dramatically and you have to reflexively cover yourself till the top of your head with the blanket to not end up asphyxiated.

A hand gently pulls down the cover till your chin, and luckily, the intensity mellows enough to allow you to breathe.

“I came here tonight to understand why trying to sleep on my own causes me distress. It’s like I search for you in my own bed, and the lack of your presence makes me restless.”

He leans in, hands sinking into the mattress on either side of your hips and you instinctively shrink into yourself. Voice perfectly even, the tone betrays the depth of his words. “I talked to my mother about this feeling and came to a conclusion. I’m in love with you.”

Sweat starts to bead at your forehead, but Illumi’s eyes refuse to allow you any reprieve. One of his hands sneak up your body, fingertips gently tracing the outline till his hand lightly wraps around your throat. The grip is non-existent but the threat of a not so well meaning squeeze still exists.

“All I need to do is squeeze. A fragile human such as yourself would give in to death in under ten seconds if I do decide to test my grip. However, even the mere thought of it bothers me. Even now, I can’t bring myself to hurt you.”

The hand moves further upwards, cupping your cheek despite the sweat. “At first I thought you were using some kind of Nen to bewitch me, so imagine my surprise when I found out that you’re a non-user.”

You finally manage to shakily exhale through your mouth, but the beating in your heart suddenly becomes too loud when his thumb traces the edges of your lips.

“I thought I should kill you to get rid of your spell, but the thought of you not existing anymore made my chest ache.” Illumi sighs. “Seems like the damage has been done, and it’s quite a lot. With how the majority of my thoughts are about you, I could even claim that I’m obsessed.”

The intensity grows again, and it gets even harder to breathe in the cool room. When Illumi’s thumb forces your lips open and presses down on your tongue, you can only hope you’ll be safe. After all, the look in his eyes is absolutely frightening.