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peachsukii · 3 months ago

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𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞 | 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐧 『 band au | strangers to lovers 』 ♡ artist!reader x drummer!bakugo

summary // In the middle of the night, six months apart, the stars align and allow yourself and Bakugo to make the much needed decisions to save yourselves from drowning in loveless relationships. content // backstory, angst & some comfort, mentions & descriptions of abuse from a partner (physical & mental), ex-bakucamie & ex-toya/dabi & reader, smoking, reference to alcohol & drug usage wc // 2.4k 『 ink & rhythm masterlist ⊹ crossposted to ao3 』

February

This is it, this is the moment you've waited for.

A familiar ache pulses in your chest, your heart begging you to reconsider your actions.

No, not again.

Never again.

There's no use in dwelling on empty feelings right now. You need to take advantage of the opportunity to finally escape from the demon that's shackled you to this hellscape called a relationship. His sharp tongue can't convince you any longer that this pain is love in disguise. There's nothing left to save, no more hope left in your broken heart to fuel the promise of change. Two years of holding onto a nonexistent future, forced to accept that this reality was the closest you'd get to having a happily ever after, full of fights fueled by drugs and alcohol. The screaming matches, shoving, threats…and the love bombing to make everything magically disappear in front of others.

There's no way in any circle of hell that this is love.

You tip toe across the bedroom under the moonlight, careful not to wake him from his comatose state. The soft green and purple hue around your wrists was a forceful reminder of the last time you woke him…no, you can't think about that right now. Grabbing a few odds and ends, you gently tuck your backpack over your shoulder and walk out of the bedroom, leaving the door cracked to not make any sound. Once you're in the living room and at the foyer, you can feel the freedom in your grasp. You're shaking while lacing your sneakers, biting your lip to keep all of your emotions contained, holding it in until you can close the front door and bolt to your car.

The sound of the wooden floor creaks from the bedroom, a jolt of lightning paralyzing every muscle in your body.

Please.

Please go back to bed.

A few moments pass with no additional movement, the breath you were unconsciously holding slipping past your lips. It's not much, but the things you managed to grab will hold you over until you get somewhere safe - your phone, car, and backpack with a change of clothes is all you can risk to take with you. Anything else would've been a dead giveaway to your plan.

The latch on the front door is the equivalent of a car backfiring in your mind, the slightest sound echoing through the silence of the apartment keeping you on edge. One last look over your shoulder and the coast is clear.

You're free. You've done it!

Shutting the door has you internally celebrating with joy, not caring how loud the click of the lock sounds now that you're outside the apartment. Before any second thoughts come flowing into your mind, you find yourself sprinting for the stairwell, rushing faster than your feet could carry you to the car. You swing the driver door open, jumping inside and throwing your backpack into the passenger seat. The keys are in the ignition and your foot's on the gas before you have a chance to think about where the hell you're even going, laughing with relief that you managed to get away. Part of you feels psychotic for laughing uncontrollably - call it a defense mechanism, but goddamn, it felt fucking liberating to run away.

Until your phone starts buzzing in the cup holder, repeated cycles of vibrations rattling against the plastic. You already know who it is. Who else would be calling you at 4AM besides him? And that's when it hits you - your shared location is turned on. Pulling over to the nearest shoulder, you have to talk yourself out of the incoming panic attack and turn the damn thing off before he finds you. Opening the settings of your phone, you're trying to turn off the functionality when a passcode screen prompts you to input the correct code.

Fuck!

You forgot about the argument the two of you had about trust, resulting in him stealing your phone in the middle of the night and putting parental locks on every setting that could hide you from him. There's only one thing to do - ditch the entire thing. Scrambling for a pen and paper, you quickly jot down the important numbers in your phone into a random notebook before turning off the phone completely. Losing all of your memories, notes, and other precious things is bittersweet, but it's not worth keeping if it means he continues to have the opportunity to hunt you down.

And so, you smash it. It's poetic, in a fucked up way.

You don't stop driving until you're a few miles down the road, parking at one of the popular cliffside lookouts outside of town. The water below roared with intensity as it slammed up against the jagged rocks at the base of the cliff, taunting you to jump in. It's taken a lot of guts to run away. You'd considered throwing yourself into the abyss once upon a time, but realized that's probably what the bastard wanted you to do. Out of spite, you couldn't give him the satisfaction. It's shockingly difficult to let go of the broken phone in your hands, even though it symbolizes a new beginning, it's terrifying to think about starting over. You're already planning on changing your name, getting a new number, replacing your license plate, and anything else attached to the name he knew you as. The obsessive thought of him finding you again plagues your brain, constantly needing to watch your back in case he appears out of thin air.

…will you ever be safe as long as he's alive?

No more waiting, no more hesitation.

One final exhale fills you with the confidence to finally let go. Your phone drops to the rocks below, tumbling with a soft crack before being completely submerged in the darkened waters.

"Fuck you, Toya," you curse. "I hope you rot in hell."

Maybe you'll be lucky and he'll think that you jumped after all, tracing your phone to this location to find nothing but open water.

Driving away from this god forsaken town for the last time fills you with dread and glee, a weird combination of chemicals banging around in your head and chest the rest of the night. A few hours later, the sign for your hometown comes into view with the sunrise peaking over the horizon - a brand new dawn. The bastard never cared to learn where you came from, meet your family or your friends outside of college, and right now? That was a blessing in disguise.

You pull into the driveway of your parents home a little before 7AM, the weight of your decision finally setting in. Holy shit, you left. You got out and survived.

You fucking survived Toya Todoroki.

July

2:05AM and Bakugo can't sleep.

He never rests while Camie is around, especially after a night of fighting about the stupidest shit imaginable. She laid peacefully on the opposite side of the bed, naked under the sheets with her hair splayed across the silk pillow. He can't stand to look at her.

Or himself.

Bakugo couldn't even give a valid reason as to why he stays with Camie. She's the poison and the antidote, stuck in a vicious cycle of hate fucking with no semblance of love, and yet…he lets her back in. A few crocodile tears and the flutter of her eyelashes up at him makes him crumble like ancient stone. She only comes around whenever she's feeling lovesick, desperate to manipulate Bakugo's feelings like a master puppeteer if she can't get another random guy to come home with her.

And goddammit, it works.

He throws on a pair of sweats and heads to the living room, grabbing his cigarettes and lighter before pivoting to the balcony. The stars feel like friends tonight - they were always there whenever he needed an escape from Camie. He hated being alone with his feelings, the incessant thoughts battling in his head as to why he gives a shit about her. Bakugo swears everything was perfect in the beginning…three years ago. It's been a shitstorm ever since, the longest one night stand he's ever dealt with. Camie has never shed a genuine tear over him. Not during fights, break ups or makeups. She knew all the ways to get under Bakugo's skin, how to break down his walls and use his insecurities against him while keeping him wrapped around her manicured finger. It pissed him off to no end that he sees through her charade, and yet, his heart yearns for connection and Camie is the closest thing he's got.

Sitting here and wallowing in his disgust isn't going to change a thing, and for whatever reason, tonight felt like the right time to finally give himself a kick in the ass. Bakugo grabs his phone and calls the one person he knows will hold him accountable - Kirishima. The line rings a few times before Mina's high pitched yawn echos over the speaker.

"Kaaatsu…It's 2AM," she whispers. "You okay, babe?"

Far from it.

"I know, sorry for wakin' ya. I need to talk to Eijiro."

She pauses for a moment, knowing Bakugo wouldn't be calling so late if it wasn't important.

"Sure, gimmie a sec to wake him."

It's faint, but Bakugo can hear Mina coaxing Kirishima awake. 'Ei baby, Katsuki’s on the phone for you.'

There’s more shuffling before Kirishima takes the phone from Mina.

“Heya Kats. Everything okay?”

“…no. I fucked up, Ei.”

Kirishima sighs. He knows what this is about before Bakugo even says another word.

"Camie?"

Bakugo pauses to swallow the lump forming in his throat.

"Yeah. Can I crash on your couch tonight?"

"'Course you can. I'll wait up for ya."

"Thanks."

What the fuck was Bakugo thinking? Is he really going to leave in the middle of the night?

Fuck it, it's what Cami deserves after all the times she's done it to him. This is nothing compared to the shit she's pulled. Changing the locks to their joint apartment and locking him out multiple times, bringing guys back to fuck loudly in their bed to make him jealous, letting her one night stands wear his clothes, burning his music collection in the dumpster out back of the building, threatening to off herself if he didn't stay with her…the list goes on.

He grabs an extra pair of clothes, his phone charger, wallet, keys and his favorite hoodie. When he throws it on, a whiff of Camie's obnoxious perfume clouds his senses, his stomach churning at the thought of her wearing it around the house. He takes off the hoodie and tosses it into the corner of the room - he'd rather be cold than have any lingering reminder of her.

Making his way to the door, he kicks his feet into a pair of sneakers and turns to face the living room. In his heart, he knew this would be one of the final times looking at this scene, but he needed to leave it in the past. Bakugo needed to leave Camie two and a half years ago, and he tried his damndest to do so. She always slithered back in and sunk her claws into him.

This time will be different.

It has to be different.

Bakugo opens the door, and as he's halfway out, Camie's voice travels down the hall from the bedroom. "Kiki? Where'd ya go?"

God, he fucking hated when she called him Kiki.

He shuts the door before his heart has a chance to give in to her saccharine pleas.

The sounds of his motorcycle underneath him as he drives to Kirishima and Mina's apartment soothes his nerves. The rumble of the engine and the breeze on his exposed skin, nothing but the night sky accompanying him. When Bakugo gets to the apartment, Kirishima's already by the door, waiting for him outside.

"Hey," Kirishima calls, nodding in Bakugo's direction. "Nice night for a ride."

Bakugo chuckles at Kirishima's attempt to lighten the mood. "Every night is a nice night for a ride."

The two of them go inside, Bakugo tossing his shoes to the side and plops face down on the couch. Kirishima comes to join him, patting him on the back.

"You wanna talk about it?"

No, he really doesn't, but he needs to get all this pain out of his body. There's no way Bakugo could go another moment without exploding if he didn't word vomit all of this pent up resentment and heartache.

"I fuckin' let her back in, Ei. I'm a goddamn idiot."

Kirishima tugs on Bakugo's arm to sit him upright on the couch, arm slung over his shoulder.

"We all fuck up sometimes, Kats."

Bakugo grumbles as his fingers tighten on his knees. "I hate her so goddamn much. For everything." He takes a deep breath before moving his head into his hands, the pressure behind his eyes becoming too much to hold in. "I hate that I love…loved her. She's the bane of my fuckin' existence. She's a two-timing bitch! Why…"

Kirishima tucks Bakugo against his side, letting him ride out the emotions as they continued to surface.

"Why was I never good enough for her?" His voice cracks before a sob escapes him. "Why am I never enough?!"

Mina slinks into the living room, sleepily rubbing her eyes as she makes way over to the couch, kneeling in front of Bakugo and cupping his face in her hands. She wipes away a few stray tears from his cheeks.

"Katsuki, you are enough, babe. That bitch doesn't deserve any ounce of you, including your tears. The hardest part is over, and now you can focus on yourself."

She's right. Bakugo knows she's right.

But can he focus on himself when all he's known is a life with Camie for the last three years?

"Mina's right, Kats," Kirishima chimes in while running a hand through Bakugo's hair. "You did the right thing, man. You can stay here as long as you need. Alright?"

In what world could he avoid Camie forever? Bakugo knows how she operates and she'll be making his life a living hell until his dying day. He agrees with a nod, moving away from their comforting grasps to lay down on the couch, curling into himself against the cushions. Kirishima and Mina retreat back to their bedroom, leaving Bakugo on the couch with his thoughts.

The worst is yet to come, but for once, he feels…safe, lighter than he has in a long time.

🎶 fans ; @bells-28 @nemisimp @hotttamalee

@slayfics @maddietries @starieqq

@liluvtojineteyam @jays-adventure3

@simp-plague @napbatata

#bakugo x reader #bakugou x reader #dabi x reader #toya todoroki x reader #touya x reader #bakucamie #katsuki bakugo x reader #katsuki bakugou x reader #bakugo angst #bakugou angst #my hero academia x reader #bakugo smut #bakugou smut #☆.rei writes #☆.ink&rhythm

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leviraaaaaa · 1 year ago

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It'd been years after the war.

You no longer had to fight anymore.

The ODM bruises had started to fade as you don't have to tighten the straps anymore, so hard that they dug into your skin. You don't miss the familiar weight of the gas tanks and thunder spears around your waist.

No more recovering only the remains of your dead friend. No more running for your life. No more corpses, no more blood.

You don't miss that life.

You've found your peace, a life with Levi.

You would have never thought it was possible. Not just you and him, but the whole concept of it.

That finally, you can sleep peacefully, without being scared of an urgent call that a wall was broken through. Though you'd still have nightmares but still. And even then it was fine because you had Levi now, to help you get through it. You no longer hard to curl up to yourself and try to calm yourself down, hug a pillow and sob silently so none of your dormmates wake up. You had Levi now.

Or the mornings, you think. The odd sense of peace, the feeling of safety. You can wake up beside him and stay in bed for as long as you want. You don't have to get up and search for your uniform. There's no training to be late to. You just curl yourself around him and watch him sleep, peaceful. And you get to watch when he'd woke up, sleepy sleepy eyes peering through and then arms wrapping around you tighter. He looks so vulnerable then. But you're glad, you think. That he can sleep like that now. That he feels safe enough to, safe with you. His dark circles aren't so visible anymore and he doesn't look as tired as he used to. He still can't get a full rest, but the insomnia isn't that bad.

Life had changed. And for the best. Peace for him and peace for you.

But try as you may, and oh dear God did you try, you can't actually forget. Can't actually leave the life you had spent so many years living behind just like that.

No, the scars never faded.

Souvenirs, you think. Reminders etched into your skin, reminders of who you were and what you've done and all that you pray to forget.

Yours stopped bothering you at one point. It used to. Once. Severely.

You'd stare at the bruises on your thighs for hours or the livid pale slashes along your arms or your stomach. Rough knuckles and calloused fingertips, the constant usage of ODM had left marks there too.

It's more the memories than anything that comes with it.

You used to think, how could anyone possibly look at this marred mess you were and still love you?

Oh but Levi.

He never told you but you knew.

He thinks it's not enough. That he's not enough. That surely you deserve someone with all their fingers, and both their eyes.

And you think it's ridiculous.

But even now, after so many years, you'd sometimes catch a glimpse of him staring at himself into the mirror, fingers grazing his face.

The world had been so cruel to him. And he didn't know how to be kinder to himself.

Unlike you, who cried it out, he never learnt how to actually handle his emotions. So when it's one of those days, he merely shuts himself out. In his own dark little mind. And those days, you leave him alone, because he only curls into himself deeper if you try to get him out. And you learnt to give him space, for him to come out on his own. Though every inch of you wants to help him, but you don't know how.

And it was one of those days, you realized when you walked into the bathroom.

He was staring at the bathroom mirror, arms braced on the counter. So focused he didn't even hear you coming.

"Levi?" You called out gently.

He didn't answer, but his head tilts towards you, eyes shifting to meet yours. He only gives a slight nod.

"You... okay?"

"...yeah." He takes a moment but nods. "Fine."

And it was then you noticed how hard his fingers gripped onto the counter. And you noticed his expression, the look of guilt there. How he wouldn't even look at you properly.

Your heart hurt.

If only he understood.

You didn't say anything but walked towards him. And without a word, you slide on top of the counter, shifting so he was standing between your legs. You locked your legs behind him, pulling him closer. He was startled but he didn't say anything, his eyes downcast.

There was so much pain inside those gray eyes.

"Levi." Your voice gentle, soft. "Look at me."

At that, he only tilted his head, looking further away from you, eyes darting sideways.

"No, look at me." You held his chin, turning his head towards you. He flinched at your touch, but you could see the resistance breaking under your gaze. The walls coming down.

With that, you held up your hair, tilting your head to show him a slash that went up to your neck.

"See this?"

He looked at you, confused. And without a word, you tugged on your t-shirt, taking off the clothing in one pull.

"What are you... doing?" He asked, warily. Eyes on your face. Even after so many years, he still got shy.

"No, eyes here lev." You said firmly. "See this?" You pointed at a scar along your elbow, then towards the bruises that ODM had left on your chest. " And this?"

He only stared at you, expression hard. His jaw tightened.

"Tell me Lev." You sighed.

"Does these repulse you? Creeps you out? Do you think they're ugly? Do they make you love me less? Or not at all?"

Levi looked horrified. He was immediately shaking your head, desperate to deny the words. How could you even think that?

"No." He said hastily, eyes wide. "No, what are you saying? Of course not—"

"So why on earth," You gently cupped his cheek, shushing him down. "Do you believe that yours makes me love you any less?"

Your thumb pressed along the scars on his cheek. They were white now, no longer blood red and livid on his skin as it was back when Hange stiched them up. You swallowed, pressing your forehead to his.

"What made you think," You whispered. "That these makes you worth any less levi? "

He didn't pull away, but he stiffened. His face hardened but there was a look of despair beneath his eyes. "That's not the same—''

"How is it any different?" You cut him out, your voice firm. "You tell me, I'm waiting."

He hesitated, staring at you. And then he looked down.

"...I'm crippled."

"Your point?"

"You deserve someone younger. Someone whole. Someone who's more than me."

"There's no one that's more than you levi."

"I'm damaged. "

"We'll fix it. I'll fix you. So, help me fix myself."

"I'll hurt you. I've already hurt you. I don't know how to be better than this. I don't know how to love someone. "

"You're the only person who have never hurt me. You make me feel more worthy than anyone else in this world ever could. And holy shit, if you can't," You whispered. "If you can't, let me. God, I'd love the shit out of you if you'd just let me. So fucking let me in Levi, don't push me away. Don't shut me out. You've done that enough in your lifetime."

And Levi was still. He was made out of stone. So hard, so rough, the edges so sharp. He tries to soften himself for you, but it goes against everything he ever taught himself his whole life and he doesn't know how to do that. He tries, but somehow it never feels enough. Not enough for you. And he wish he could believe that you didn't love him because you do and he could feel it. He can always feel it . Like the way you were looking at him and he felt so, so exposed.

It makes him feel guilty. Someone like you doesn't belong with someone like him. And he wishes, for once in your life, you'd stop looking at him like that so he could convice himself that you don't want him and he could walk away.

And he knows he makes you feel like you're not good enough, because he sees your sad expression when he locks himself out. But it's not you, he wants to tell you. God, you're fucking perfect and it's never you. It's him. He's the fucking problem. The space inside his head was so dark he was scared that just might be enough for you to leave.

But you. The tempt of it.

The warmth of you. You were all softness and gentless and goodness, so so kind to him and it makes him want to hold you tight and never let go again.

But somedays it gets so hard.

He isn't used to this. To show his feelings. To feel so bare in front of someone. Instinct doesn't let him.

He isn't used to feel so loved.

But he thinks he'd try. For you.

Because now that it's you, he doesn't know how to go back to a time there wasn't you.

"Levi?" Your voice pulls him out of his mind. Like you always did. His saving grace, his angel. You wrapped your arms around him, pulling you closer and he can hardly breathe.

"Don't give up on me, Levi." You whispered to his ears. "On you. On us."

@sad-darksoul @anxious-chick @raginginferno267

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covid-safer-hotties · 2 months ago

Note

I would like to ask if there are some things I've misunderstood or been misinformed about when it comes to masking. Are the following things true?

If I take off my mask in public for even a brief moment, it cancels out any positive effect wearing it might have had up until then.

If I touch my mask with my hands, my hands are contaminated and must be washed immediately with soap and water before I touch anything else.

If I take off my mask, it's "spent" and must be thrown away, and I have to put on a new mask.

I'm asking because I'm having a hard time figuring out how to drink water or eat food while masking, or if it's even possible to do so safely.

There's some crossed wires and half-truths here.

While unmasking in public for a moment doesn't undo the protection you've been doing, it does remove that protection and potentially expose you to covid. This risk is lessened outdoors, especially when you're far from others and it's breezy/windy (covid aresols don't stay aloft long on moving air; and the turbulence can potentially kill any virions that remain aloft... and being away from people diffuses any potential covid they may be exhaling, substantially reducing chances for infective exposure.) The risk rises the closer the people and in public indoor spaces (air changes often aren't high enough to clear covid aresols via ventilation. Big offenders in bad air circulation are schools, many medical buildings, and resturants.) You also are far less likely to get a good seal when putting your mask back on in public, increasing your exposure risk while masked again. It isn't all or nothing, but donning and doffing [taking off] a mask isn't just like pulling up socks: there's ways to do it correctly and most people don't.

This is following contamination controls for diseases spread by fluids or fomites. While covid rarely if ever spreads via surface contact, other diseases (such as mpox, potentially) could seep through the fibers of your mask given the right circumstances. All this being said, touching your mask (especially with dirty hands) fouls it like any filter. It means it will have to be thrown out sooner, and touching it may also break your seal. Avoid touching your mask in public and do try to touch it with mostly clear hands, and only on the edges of the filter material for best longevity.

Most masks used for covid can be used several times by most people. It's been proven in studies that the elastic on a disposable mask will wear out before average usage would wear out its filter medium. You should throw out any mask that is visibly dirty: sweaty masks grow mold. Dry masks can be stored in paper bags for a week or more to aid in basic decontamination, and you can use most masks that still have stiffness in the nosepiece and good elastic 3 or 4 times depending on type and how you use them. Daily wear (multiple hours at a time) will wear out the components faster. I have some KN95s that I opened in 2021 that I still use when opening the door to get a delivery or when I'm pumping gas around people or something like that. They probably need to be replaced soon (and many have been) but they've been used maybe a total of 25 minutes each and they're clean and the elastic and nosepieces are still good! It's all about being able to judge the quality. If you struggle with this aspect, it's best to play it safe and not reuse masks much.

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quirkwizard · 18 days ago

Note

Pokemon Mimikyu as a quirk?

For the sake of this, I'm going with Mimikyu's Disguise ability as the main inspiration, giving it a one free hit defense. It's an ability unique to Mimikyu and a lot of the lore is intentionally vauge.

I see it working as an Emitter type Quirk that allows the user to cover themselves in an outer shell resembling their body. This shell blocks any attack or external form of harm that comes at the user. This defense is absolute, blocking anything regardless of how strong it is or what form the attack is, covering everything from a punch to the face to an attack that can level a building to a poisonous gas filling up a room. This can work automatically, instantly saving them from being harmed, but the user can hold it back if they wish. This defense lasts as long as the attack does and can handle multiple sources of it. This gives the user a great tool for defense, able to withstand whatever harm comes their way. If nothing else, it can help keep them safe from small, every-day accidents, like accidentally running into a wall. Aside from being an entirely reactive defensive ability, this protection is only one-time usage, needing a thirty-second recharge time before it's ready again. This protection triggers regardless of level of the attack, potentially having it demolished by a random punch rather than an real life threatening attack, leaving the user exposed. A possible name for the Quirk could be "One Tap".

#My Hero Academia #Quirks #Original Quirk

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strawberrykidneystone · 10 days ago

Text

more than what’s in the contract

fem! lone wanderer x charon

summary: lone is just so... good. too good for him. he's only serving them because of his contract. at least that's what he tells himself. if he was being honest, he would follow her to the ends of the earth, contract or not. he couldn't possibly fathom that she would feel the same, but a little part of him couldn't help but hope.

a/n: i loved fallout 3 but i hated the underground tunnel system so much😭😭😭

tws: fluff, cuddling, yearning, first kiss, set earlyish in game

ao3 version

charon and lone stopped in an old red rocket gas station for the night, they were too far away from any settlement before night would be upon them, so this was the next best thing. charon was doing his usual routine of repairing both his and lone's weapons from their daily usage, taking extra care with her long-range weapons since those are her most used. he knows that she is perfectly capable of doing this herself, but the routine calms him and it makes him feel good to do something for her that he knows will keep her safe. besides stepping in front of her at any sign of danger.

she had to have noticed. in the beginning of their partnership, sure, he would walk side by side with her and keep her safe as their contract stated. but now, he loomed behind her and was hypervigilant to every little noise around them, looking for even the smallest indication of a threat.

she never made him do anything, even with the contract. she was always careful with her wording, asking him to do things, “if you don’t mind”, instead of flat-out commanding him like his previous masters. lone tried to give him his contact back immediately after purchasing it and kept trying to sneak it into his pack, but he insisted that she keep it. even if it’s for his own comfort that he’s doing this for his contract, not just for her.

he always listened to her in their travels, whether it be about threedog’s commentary on their travels or the life that she knew in the vault. he would grunt every so often so she knew that he heard her, but he never spoke more than he needed to. from what he heard about her life in the vault, he would shoot butch on sight if he ever saw him. he knew she wouldn’t like that, but anyone who bullied lone was an enemy of his.

lone tried talking to him about his life and wanted to know more about him in general, but all she ever got was him deepening his usual scowl and muttering something incoherent. she quickly realized he was more of a “take action” type of person rather than a “speaking person. she noticed the way that he would wordlessly take the heavier gear out of her pack and put it into his, always let her have the last bite of their shared meals, and make repairs to her gear without her asking. she appreciated everything he did and thanked him every time she noticed, but he never seemed to acknowledge her thanks. she figured he was more of a “strong silent type” like she had read in her books growing up and honestly, it made her heart flutter. even though they didn’t talk much, his presence was calming to her and she hoped that he found solace in her presence as well.

charon finished repairing lone’s weapons and grunted as he stood up to return them to her pack. lone was lying on her makeshift bed and her pack was conveniently right next to her side. charon strode over and crouched down, gently slipping the weapons back into her pack. as he closed the top, lone placed her hand on top of his before he could pull it away and looked up at him. he froze from the sudden contact and slowly looked down at her, making intense eye contact as she managed to whisper a quick ‘thank you’ before pulling her hand back, letting the moment pass.

the two had many moments like this and to be honest, it was driving both of them insane. the brush against shoulders as they walked down abandoned hallways, pinkies touching when they walked side by side, hands touching when they passed ammo back and forth to each other. it was all getting too much. charon grunted and nodded, shyly looking away before hastily making his way back to his corner.

lone fiddled with the radio knob on her pip-boy, settling in threedog’s radio at a low volume to create some background noise while they slept. suddenly, she flicked the radio off and sat up. she couldn’t keep these feelings in anymore and she decided to do something about it.

she quietly walked over the charon’s section of the floor that he insisted on sleeping on and kneeled down in front of him. charon glanced up at her and furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. they usually stayed in their respective areas once they settled down for the night, why was she over here?

he sat up and faced her, their faces only a few inches away from each other. lone looked into his eyes in search of any sign of discomfort or disdain. when she found none, she slowly reached up and cupped his cheeks in her hands. charon watched her every movement like a hawk circling its prey but made no move to stop her. her hands were warm as they surrounded his textured skin, suddenly making him self-conscious about the muscle windows that were visible on his face.

but she didn’t seem to care.

lone tilted her head and leaned in until their lips were only a hair away from each other, she could feel his breath hitch at their closeness. he had to stop himself from trembling, he never thought that they would be this close.

“tell me to stop and i will,” lone whispered and looked to him for any sign of discomfort.

he swallowed thickly and gave a curt nod, avoiding her eyes, “do whatever you want.”

lone sighed and pulled back a little, “i’m not going to do this if you don’t-“

charon smashed his lips into hers, holding his hands over to keep her soft touch on his cheeks. she was surprised at the sudden kiss, their teeth clacking together at first, but they quickly fell into a rhythm with her lips connecting to his like two puzzle pieces fitting together. he leaned into her desperately, pouring all of his unsaid feelings into the kiss and unconsciously leaning forward. their chests pressed together and she grabbed his hands, guiding them to her waist. his touch was hesitant at first, feeling as if he was tarnishing a pure piece of art. her arms wrapped around his neck with one of her hands tangling into the patchy hair on the back of his head. her touch relaxed him, giving him the confidence to lay his hands flat on her sides, giving an affectionate squeeze to her sides.

lone begrudgingly drew back from the kiss, panting for air with her face flushed. charon chased after her lips and gave her one more quick peck as she was catching her breath. he studied every inch of her face, god she’s never looked so beautiful before. she leaned her forehead against his and closed her eyes, letting a comfortable silence fill the room as both of their minds raced at something they’ve been wanting to do for so long.

charon pulled her down with him as he laid on his back, keeping her on top of his chest. she adjusted to their new position and slipped her around his torso, comfortably laying her head on his chest.

the pair didn’t speak, they didn’t have to. after being on the road with one another for a while, they learned to know what the other was thinking.

and right now, they knew that something had shifted. they crossed over the line of being just traveling companions, or as lone would say, friends, and into the lover's territory, where both of them were strangers.

good thing they didn’t have to do it alone.

that was a problem for the morning anyways. right now, they were in each other's arms and that’s all that mattered.

#charon x reader #charon x lone wanderer #fallout 3 #fo3 #fo3 charon #fallout #fallout fan fiction #ao3 #charon fallout #charon #fem!lone wanderer #lone wanderer #lone wanderer x charon #strawberrykidneystone writes #strawberrykidneystone

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satanfemme · 9 months ago

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More good trans news coming out of Virginia!

A week ago I made a post about how, for the second year in a row, all of the anti-trans bills introduced in the Virginia General Assembly were defeated this session, but it was just announced today (2/15/24) that the ACLU of Virginia will also be suing the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) for the implementation of transphobic policies.

This is GREAT news. Despite Virginian law-makers blocking anti-trans legislation from passing the GA these past 2 years, in 2023 the VDOE (under the guidance of our Governor Youngkin) was able to insert transphobia into its model policies. These policies allow the forced outing of trans students, encourage deadnaming and incorrect pronoun usage, suggest that schools prohibit trans students from using their preferred restrooms, and can be used as a basis to prevent trans students from joining their preferred sports teams. These statewide policies exist for individual schools to model their own rules after, and many schools have outright rejected the transphobic guidelines suggested to them, but the schools that have adopted them have obviously fostered a harmful environment. And ofc these guidelines being written at all has only furthered the wave of transphobia in the US.

The ACLU VA is suing on behalf of 2 trans students who have been negatively affected by these policies this past year. If they succeed, it will undo VDOE's transphobic policies, discourage similar policies and laws from being written in the future, and send a message that Virginia is working towards becoming a safe state for LGBT people, despite what our current governor wants. This is a legal case the ACLU VA has been building since the VDOE 2023 policies were first proposed in 2022, and I can't stress how big of a deal this will be if it succeeds.

#this news came as a surprise to me but ofc a pleasant surprise. aclu va is great

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visit-new-york · 1 year ago

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New York City steam system

Exploring the Iconic Steam Heating System in New York City

Join us on a fascinating journey through the streets of New York City as we unravel the secrets behind its unique steam heating system.

In this post, we delve into the historical significance and continued usage of steam heating in the bustling metropolis. Discover why steam vents dot the sidewalks, releasing wisps of steam into the air. Find out if steam is still the primary source of warmth for the city's diverse range of buildings.

We take you behind the scenes to uncover the inner workings of the steam system, revealing where and how steam is generated in NYC. Learn about the central steam plants that produce the heat and power the iconic radiators found in countless apartments and offices.

Curious about the efficiency and environmental impact of steam power? We explore its advantages and disadvantages, discussing its sustainability and comparing it to other heating methods like forced air and electricity.

Ever wondered why NYC radiators feel scorching hot or why they sometimes emit mysterious ringing sounds? We've got the answers! Gain insights into the inner workings of NYC apartment radiators and the science behind their heat distribution.

Finally, we address practical concerns, such as the safe distance between curtains and radiators and the potential disadvantages of steam power in New York. Get expert tips and advice on how to maximize comfort and safety in steam-heated environments.

Whether you're a New Yorker interested in your city's rich history or simply fascinated by the engineering marvels that keep the Big Apple warm, this post is a must-read. Join us on this captivating exploration of steam heating in New York City and unlock the mysteries of this iconic system.

Why are there steam vents in New York? Steam vents, also known as steam chimneys or manholes, can be found throughout New York City because they are part of the extensive underground steam distribution system. These vents release excess steam and pressure from the underground steam pipes that provide heating to buildings.

Does New York still use steam heating? Yes, New York City still relies on steam heating to this day. The steam system is one of the oldest and largest district heating systems in the world, providing heat to thousands of buildings throughout the city.

Where is NYC steam generated? NYC's steam is generated at several centralized steam plants. Con Edison, the energy company responsible for the steam system, operates these plants. The major steam plants are located in Manhattan, with others scattered across the other boroughs.

How are NYC buildings heated? Many buildings in New York City are heated using the steam distributed through underground pipes. The steam enters buildings and flows through radiators or heat exchangers to provide heat.

Why are NYC radiators so hot? NYC radiators can feel very hot because they receive high-pressure steam directly from the underground steam pipes. This steam releases its heat into the radiators, making them feel hot to the touch.

How does steam heat work in NYC? Steam heat in NYC operates through a district heating system. Steam is produced at centralized plants and then distributed through a network of underground pipes to individual buildings. The steam enters buildings, heats radiators or heat exchangers, and then condenses back into water, which is returned to the steam plant to be reheated.

Is NYC steam efficient? The NYC steam system is considered relatively efficient because it utilizes waste heat generated by electricity production. The steam plants use this waste heat to produce steam, making it a more efficient process than standalone boilers in individual buildings.

How is steam made in New York? Steam is made in New York by heating water to a high temperature, turning it into steam. The process typically involves burning fuel, such as natural gas or oil, to generate the heat needed to produce steam.

How do NYC apartment radiators work? NYC apartment radiators work by allowing steam to enter them through control valves. As the steam passes through the radiator, it releases its heat, warming up the surrounding air in the apartment.

Is steam heating better than forced air heating in New York City? Both steam heating and forced air heating have their advantages and disadvantages. Steam heating can be more effective in older buildings with existing steam systems, providing consistent heat and requiring less ductwork. Forced air systems, on the other hand, can provide both heating and cooling and are easier to retrofit in newer constructions.

How are buildings heated by steam in New York? Buildings in New York are heated by connecting to the city's steam distribution system. The underground steam pipes deliver the steam to the buildings, and from there, it is used to heat the interior spaces.

Is steam better than electricity in New York? The choice between steam and electricity depends on various factors, including the building's infrastructure, energy efficiency goals, and cost considerations. NYC's steam system is advantageous because it utilizes waste heat, which makes it relatively efficient compared to standalone electric heating systems.

Why are the radiators ringing in New York? Radiators in NYC can sometimes produce a ringing or clanging noise. This noise is often caused by the expansion and contraction of the metal as it heats and cools. It can also be due to air trapped in the system, causing steam to condense rapidly and create noise.

What is the disadvantage of steam power in New York? One disadvantage of the steam system in NYC is that it requires a complex network of underground pipes, which can be costly to maintain and repair. Additionally, steam heating may not be as efficient as other modern heating methods in certain circumstances.

Why is steam so much cheaper in New York? Steam in New York can be relatively cheaper because the city's steam system is fueled by waste heat from electricity generation. This waste heat would otherwise be released into the atmosphere, but instead, it is utilized to produce steam, making it a cost-effective energy source.

Why is steam so much better in New York? Steam is advantageous in New York because of the city's existing infrastructure and the availability of waste heat for steam generation. The extensive steam system provides efficient heating to a large number of buildings.

Is steam power clean in New York? Steam power in New York is considered relatively clean compared to conventional power plants because it utilizes waste heat, reducing the overall environmental impact. However, the burning of natural gas or oil to produce steam still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

Is steam power green in NYC? While NYC's steam power is greener compared to traditional fossil fuel power plants, it is not entirely green. The use of natural gas or oil in steam generation results in greenhouse gas emissions. Truly green energy sources are those that rely on renewable energy like solar, wind, or hydro power.

Is steam more efficient than hot water in New York? Steam and hot water heating systems each have their strengths and weaknesses. Steam systems tend to be more efficient in older buildings with existing infrastructure, while hot water systems can be more efficient in newer constructions.

Can curtains touch steam radiators in NYC? It is generally not recommended to let curtains or any other flammable materials touch steam radiators in NYC or anywhere else. Steam radiators can become very hot and could potentially cause a fire if they come into direct contact with combustible materials. It's essential to maintain a safe distance between curtains and radiators to prevent accidents.

#new york #newyork #new york city #new-york #ny #nyc #city #urban #manhattan #usa #United States #buildings #travel #journey #outdoors #street #architecture #visit-new-york.tumblr.com

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calliemity · 7 months ago

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Orin and His Nitrous: A Mini-Analysis

Written by Calliope Avery

Hii :] As a precursor to my off-Broadway Orin analysis (which is very close to entering the editing phase), I wanna talk about Orin Scrivello's nitrous oxide use! Specifically, I wanna go through the different elements of it and discuss which parts are accurate, which parts are exaggerations, and which parts are just... not true. Hope you find it interesting!

Let's quickly define what nitrous oxide is. Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, dinitrogen monoxide, and whippets (recreationally), is a type of colorless gas that has a slightly sweet smell. It's used to reduce anxiety, provide a mild sedation effect, and dull some of the pain during medical procedures, commonly used by dentists. It takes effect very quickly and fades after about 5-10 minutes, and it's incredibly safe! When on nitrous, you'll feel calmer and more euphoric, and you might also feel very heavy, like you're sinking into your chair. Nitrous oxide, when given to a patient, is always mixed and balanced out with oxygen, and the nitrous will be slowly increased until the patient gets a desired level of relaxation. A minimum of 30% oxygen will be used along with nitrous, but not many people will need it at its highest available dosage. As a drug, it's classified as an inhalant and depressant. While it is a very safe substance for the most part, there are risks when using it recreationally, and long-term abuse has side effects that include a vitamin B12 deficiency and hand tremors. I'll cap my infodump here, but if you'd like to read more, here's the Cleveland Clinic page on nitrous oxide, and here's a more extensive report by Decisions in Dentistry!

Disclaimer: I will be discussing recreational nitrous oxide use, both in ways that people use it, why people use it, the high it provides, and side effects/risks involved. This is all for educational purposes, I'm not suggesting or encouraging anyone to use nitrous oxide recreationally. Be safe and responsible!

Method of Use/How Orin Uses It

In the stage musical version, Orin is usually given an inhaler prop as his main source of whippeting, which he inhales through his mouth. In the 1986 movie, it looks as if Orin has a small canister of the gas (called a "charger", they're used to refill whipped cream cans), which he shoots directly into his nose. In terms of accuracy, both would be considered the least realistic aspect of his usage. The former, the nitrous oxide inhaler, is not something that actually exists, at least in my research. You can't really put a charger into an asthma inhaler and expect that to work. Hypothetically, it would probably be safer than the method he uses in the movie. Nitrous oxide, when stored in chargers, is extremely pressurized and extremely cold, it's usually down to -40°F/°C. So not only is that gas shooting out like a bullet, it's also cold as hell! Movie Orin is either getting frostbite or a nosebleed, or both.

Once we get to his "special gas mask", we find some more inaccuracies. First of all, getting the obvious out of the way: nitrous masks don't look like that. In the musical it's often depicted similarly to a spacesuit, with a fullhead transparent helmet, while in the movie it only covers his mouth and nose. The latter is more accurate, but y'know. In real life nothing is being strapped around your torso. Another inaccuracy is the fact that the special gas mask only supplies nitrous, and no oxygen. As established in my description of the gas, when given to a patient it's always mixed with oxygen, with 30% oxygen being included at the very least. Obviously if his mask had been supplying oxygen then the plot (seemingly) wouldn't work, so I'm not trying to Cinema Sins LSOH right now. I just think it's interesting (and also insane) that this guy was probably breathing in 100% laughing gas. As someone who's very sensitive to its effects, I would instantly die!

Laughing Gas Effects/Orin's Reactions and Why He Uses It

This part is very neat to me, since I wouldn't describe his reactions to nitrous as wrong, but it's definitely heightened. As we see in both the stage show and movie versions, as soon as Orin inhales his giggle gas, he bursts out into hearty, borderline maniacal laughter. However, as seen in all instances that aren't the special gas mask, the laughter quickly wears off and he returns to his normal self. This is very much a heightened and exaggerated version of what laughing gas really does. While it won't affect you instantly, you'll feel its kick in as little as a minute. And while you won't burst into uncontrollable laughter, you'll feel your sense of pleasure and euphoria increase. And, if not given a constant stream of nitrous, the effects will wear off relatively quickly. Orin's reactions play out much more quickly and more exaggerated than it does in real life, but it definitely mirrors it!

Now, why does Orin use nitrous? To answer this, I'll steer us back to a main effect that laughing gas has in its safe doses: elevated euphoria. Nitrous oxide just genuinely feels good when you're on it. Furthermore, laughing gas gives a particularly unique type of high, one that's partially caused by a mild restriction of oxygen to the brain. The result is a floaty, hazy high that enhances pleasure. Outside of him using it for the punchline of "dentist using his own supply", he's definitely using it because it feels nice.

There is another actually confirmed reason why he's using it, one that he blatantly says out loud. I'm gonna get a little educationally NSFW for a moment, so skip this paragraph if that would make you uncomfortable. Among those who use whippets recreationally, a common use is to enhance sexual pleasure. Because of its euphoria-enhancing effects, it can act like a mild aphrodisiac, making you more aroused if that's something you were already feeling. Furthermore, taking a hit of nitrous before you orgasm will heighten the sensation of it. And, as Orin blatantly tells Seymour (and the audience) in both versions: "I find that a little giggle gas before we begin increases my pleasure enormously!" So we can easily assume his whippet usage is mostly for the enhancement of the sexual pleasure he gets from inflicting dental torture. This would mean that this is actually the most accurate aspect of Orin's nitrous use, since enhanced sexual pleasure is an effect it can have, and it's often used recreationally for that exact purpose. I have mixed feelings about this.

Side Effects and Fatality/Could Orin Really Die From It?

When used in a controlled setting and provided by a medical professional, most of the risks that nitrous oxide has aren't something to be worried about. However, recreational use (espesically long-term) can have some serious risks and side effects. One of the main side effects of long-term recreational nitrous abuse is a vitamin B12 deficiency, as it causes your body to have trouble absorbing it. While this deficiency develops its symptoms slowly (and sometimes don't present at all) it does cause numerous issues, both physiological, neurological, and psychological. Anemia, fatigue, nausea and low appetite, numbness/tingling and shaking in your hands, difficulties with motor skills and talking, depression and irritability, and memory issues are some main symptoms that can be experienced. Nitrous abuse isn't the only way this deficiency can happen, it's more commonly experienced when you aren't eating enough food with the vitamin or if you have a condition that makes it more difficult for your body to absorb it. Aside from the vitamin B12 issues, nitrous oxide also restricts oxygen flow to the brain, and repeated instances of this can cause cerebral hypoxia (severe restriction of oxygen to the brain.) Cerebral hypoxia can cause cognitive issues, such as issues with memory and decision making, confusion, low attention span, and difficulties with motor skills. In it's most severe cases, cerebral hypoxia can cause seizures, a coma, and death.

Inappropriate tone-shift aside, let's discuss how all this relates to Orin! Obviously we see his repeated laughing gas abuse, which we can only assume has been happening for years, so we know he's vulnerable to these side effects. Despite this, he doesn't seem to exhibit... any of these, to be honest. I can't say anything about the majority of the physical symptoms; I have no idea what his red blood cell count is, which is truly a tragedy. But he doesn't seem fatigued, he doesn't exhibit problems with speaking or moving, his memory seems fine. The only thing I can unsurely say matches up is his irritability/aggression, which in the show is only demonstrated with his abuse toward Audrey. A second example is given in the movie with how he acts toward Arthur Denton. However, I am... extremely hesitant to attribute this behavior of his to a symptom of drug abuse. I don't really like the idea of Orin's harmful and abusive treatment of people is entirely because of a drug. The author intent is clearly for Orin to be a cruel, abusive person through and through, and I think it's obvious that Orin would be like this even if he had never touched any substance. Furthermore, there's a clear pattern regarding his aggression; it's always directed toward an intimate partner of some kind. He's dating Audrey, and the Denton scene is very obviously coded as a sexual encounter, not unlike a hookup. Compare this to how he treats other people: in the show, he has interactions with the chorus girls and Seymour, and in both instances he actually treats them... fine? He's definitely an intense and suffocating person, but he isn't verbally insulting to either the girls or to Seymour, and his instances of physical threats are either absent in the case of the girls (they actually instigate the violence, to which Orin surrenders and doesn't fight back) or not motivated by anger in the case of Seymour. In the movie he does exhibit some anger-motivated aggression toward Seymour, but within the context we can see he's worked up from his anger toward Denton, and as the interaction with Seymour continues, he actually calms down. I've gotten a little off-course here, but my point is that nitrous oxide and a vitamin B12 deficiency doesn't make someone super aggressive toward only their intimate partners. At most, it's enhancing an already existing trait he has.

So... I've concluded that Orin doesn't really exhibit any side effects. They aren't always very obvious in real life and in some people the deficiency has no symptoms, so it's always possible he just got lucky. It's also possible that his diet is rich in foods that are good sources of vitamin B12, which counteracts the side effect enough to keep him unaffected. So his lack of symptoms isn't something that wouldn't make sense, and even if it was I don't think there would be an issue. However, one avenue remains unexplored... is Orin's nitrous-induced death accurate? The short answer... is yes.

Getting the obvious out of the way, it's clear he ends up dying from good ol' asphyxiation. The implication is that his special gas mask only supplies nitrous oxide and no oxygen, and the mask restricts his nose and mouth one way or another. He definitely lasts longer than he would in real life, but in this case his cause of death is the mask itself and not the gas. This would be the case in real life, the external asphyxiation will cause death before the nitrous can. However, if someone is being supplied a massively uneven ratio of nitrous to oxygen, something like a 90%/10% split for example, the gas itself would be fatal. Remember how repeated nitrous abuse can risk someone getting cerebral hypoxia? Yeah, that can cause death. If Orin's gas mask was also supplying some oxygen, it's more than possible that he would at least pass out from cerebral hypoxia, especially if he was left unaided like we see in the scene. When considered like this, and considering how he doesn't immediately start suffocating and dying when in the mask, it's actually more than possible to read the scene in this way; he technically is getting some oxygen, but he ends up going unconscious because the gas is restricting oxygen to his brain. Which would also mean it's more than possible that he didn't actually die until Seymour dismembered him, which is... very brutal. RIP bozo.

Conclusion

So considering I spend a chunk of this post detailing how laughing gas could possibly kill people, I would just like to clarify that nitrous oxide, when being supplied by a trained professional in a controlled environment, is 100% safe and incredibly effective. So when you're getting it at your dentist appointment or any other medical appointment, you're at risk for basically nothing I just described. You're being given a safe mix of oxygen and nitrous, at the dentist the mask only goes on your nose so your mouth is uncovered, and if you have any kind of bad reaction, its effects can be very quickly reversed. The risks of cerebral hypoxia and vitamin B12 deficiency are only for people who are using it recreationally, and especially for people who abuse it long-term. I just want to make it clear that nitrous oxide is a safe and effective sedative and it really does help with anxiety. I've had to have a lot of dental work done over the years, so I've been on the gas at least a dozen times, and I'm totally fine! So like, please don't be scared of it! I would feel horrible if that's the message someone got for this.

The last thing I'll leave you with is this: I wrote this entire thing mostly for fun. Little Shop of Horrors is set in a very heightened reality setting, so the technical realisms of nitrous oxide symptoms and abuse don't really matter. Even if absolutely nothing about the depiction was accurate, I still think the story and Orin's character would work fine. His heightened reactions act as shorthand to the audience on what he's inhaling, even if they only know nitrous oxide by the name "laughing gas", and it also acts as some nice foreshadowing to his death. Furthermore, his stupid dumb space helmet mask is also like, extremely funny. So even the aspects that are either exaggerated or flat-out inaccurate serve valid purposes. Honestly, I'm just pleasantly surprised that there's parts that are weirdly accurate to the drug and how it's used. Anyway, I hope you found the information interesting in some way, and thank you very much for reading!

Oh, and since you read the entire thing, I have little treat for you: Alan Menken telling the story of his parents' reaction to Orin's death (his father was a dentist and an advocate for nitrous oxide safety. Oops!)

Original Video

Sources:

Cleveland Clinic (Nitrous Oxide) - Cleveland Clinic (Vitamin B12 Deficiency) - Cleveland Clinic (Cerebral Hypoxia) - Decisions in Dentistry - Oxford Treatment Center - National Library of Medicine - Them.us (Additional information about what it's like to be on nitrous oxide is sourced from my own personal experiences.)

#wrote this to be a short n sweet lil treat and then it. sigh.#lsoh #little shop of horrors #orin lsoh #orin scrivello #lsoh orin #orin scrivello dds

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goldensugarywaffles · 2 years ago

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Curiosity Killed the Cat (7)

Hello everyone, I'm back! Sorry for the long wait to those of you that stuck around. I am currently working on getting my bachelor's, I made a crappy short film for class, and I got a job! So much to do so little time...T-T. Your favorite waffle is suffering from burnout lol. I am proud of this chapter, even though it took so long. Hopefully, you guys will like it as well. PLEASE READ THE WARNINGS! This chapter is far more graphic than the previous ones, and I want to ensure everyone is okay. Sorry for the grammar issues and over usage of words. I'm not the best editor.

WARNINGS: Graphic Violence, Blood, Gun Usage, Stabbing, Implied Death, Inaccurate Depictions of Mental health Issues and Treatment, Possessive Behavior, Stalking, Kidnapping, Implied Abuse.

Taglist: @tito-the-mermaid @hangsang-jh @thedarkwinterrose @juju-227592

@zahraaelamira

The boys’ patience was long gone. Warehouses, apartments, companies, and even secret locations that the police forces didn’t even know about all came up empty. You were nowhere to be found. Even Soohyun didn't know where you were; the elderly woman was so overwhelmed with panic that she surrendered all the information she could, begging the men to find you. Whoever had taken you, had covered their tracks. It was a plan that was clearly years in the making, and Namjoon had no doubt that the mole was behind your sudden disappearance. The seven men were becoming more and more desperate each day. Were you okay? Were you safe? Did you manage to escape? Were you even still alive? The thought of your lifeless body being dumped in a random ditch made Namjoon sick.

None of the men were faring well. The hyungs of the group spent countless nights monitoring any security camera they could get their hands on while the maknaes wandered the streets, sometimes disappearing for days at a time. But they refused to stop searching. You were their angel, their soulmate, their entire world. No one was going to lay a finger on their princess and get away with it.

Currently, the men were combing through the evidence of the kidnapping, hoping they had missed something. Namjoon stares at the empty gas canister for what feels like the hundredth time. Engraved on the side of the can was you're calling card, a bloody rose. It was strange, though. When did you start making sedative gas? Namjoon knew every single product you produced and distributed, but this type of gas was never one of them. Someone was clearly trying to throw them off, and the men hated to admit that it was working.

“Maybe it was someone from the outside? Her kidnapper must have known we were following Y/n’s every move and wanted to send us on a wild goose chase?" Jimin felt like his suggestion was a reach, but he was desperate for any solution. Taehyung nods in agreement; it’s plausible that the mole was nothing more than an extravagant ploy. Yoongi doesn't say anything, but it's clear as day that he disagrees. The evidence they had gathered when discovering the mole was too real. No one would be that thorough if it was supposed to be a simple distraction.

Rubbing his thumb over the lighter he had managed to steal back from you (though it was yours originally), Seokjin merely hums acknowledgment. He couldn't bring himself to care who took you or how they managed to do so. He only hoped that his angel was alright. He had spent many nights combing over the same evidence they were looking at now and had long given up on finding anything new. Jungkook was no better, the youngest currently lying on the eldest lap, your leather jacket held tight in his arms. He had given up on investigating and searching for evidence. Instead, he spent his time looking for you by brute force. He burst into buildings, interrogated anyone he found, and beat the answers out of them.

With a frustrated huff, Namjoon tosses the canister back onto the table. "So, what is it? Was it a mole or not? Because if we can’t even figure that out, we’ll never find Y/n.” The room is silent, the concept of living without you slowly starting to sink in.

“What if it was both?”

All the heads in the room snap to Hoseok. The detective had long ago drunk himself into a stupor, and no one expected him to be much help. Namjoon didn't care, he needed a lead, and Hoseok was a great detective, sober or not. Raising an eyebrow, the commander silently urges Hoseok to keep talking. Slowly lifting his head up, Hoseok forces the words out as best he can and manages to slur only slightly. “Clearly, whoever kidnapped Y/n had to have constant access to her. The only people who’ve had access to her are those who worked for her and us. Maybe someone wanted her behind bars, and one of her underlings was all too willing.”

Seokjin nods, suddenly understanding Hoseok's thoughts. "Y/n may not have produced or used sedative gas, but the police force uses it all the time. They could have gotten some from the police and placed her calling card on it to throw us off.”

“But only her high-level subordinates get the privilege of using her calling cards. Why would anyone so close to Y/n want to betray her? It makes no sense.” Taehyung was ready to dismiss this theory as drunk ramblings from Hoseok and move on.

“Maybe the two rats in question are siblings and have been plotting this for much longer than we thought.” Everyone turns to Yoongi; his theory seemed too far a stretch to make sense. Turning the laptop in front of him around, he presents his findings to the rest of the men.

Patient Name: Donghyun Lee

Symptoms: Obsessive, Violent, with Narcissistic Tendencies

Commitment Reason: Stalking, Threatening, and Kidnapping Y/n L/n (female)

Notes: The patient has become increasingly violent since being taken into custody after removing him from Miss L/n's residence. Stronger treatment methods, including medication, are recommended.

Emergency Contact: Haeun Lee

Relationship to Patient: Sister

An eerie silence settles over the room. None of the men took their eyes off the screen. The puzzle pieces were all starting to fall into place. Soon they'd find you, and you would be safe and sound in their arms.

“I can’t wait to kill that pig.”

__________________________________________________

Six months. It had been six months since you had gone missing, and no one had come for you. You had lost weight, your feet were blistered from the heels, and the chains had rubbed your skin raw. You had stopped talking long ago, knowing your mouth would only get you into more trouble. The only human interaction you had was provided by Haeun and Donghyun. The latter would spend hours upon hours talking to you and his dolls, meticulously cleaning each case like it was his life’s purpose. Haeun, on the other hand, would only stop by to bring you your meals, never speaking. Not that you had much to say to her anyway.

In your moments alone, you had plenty of time to think and reflect. Often wondering what would happen to your syndicate while you were gone or what would have happened if you hadn’t started a syndicate in the first place. Maybe you could have gone to the police and had Donghyun arrested again. Maybe you would have never met Haeun. You probably wouldn’t have met the men on the task force, seeing as how it was only created to take you down. In the dead of night, when you let your thoughts wander, you think about the seven men who claimed they’d never leave you alone (even at your own request). Perhaps your lack of presence has given them time to reflect as well, possibly even overcome their obsession with you. Though deep down you hoped not, you wanted them to still be obsessed with you. No, you needed them to still be obsessed with you. Because if they truly are as madly in love as they claim to be, then maybe there’s a chance they’ll find you. They’re your ticket to freedom. Or maybe you just liked their attention. You shudder at the thought. Get it together, Y/n. You’re only using them to your benefit.

“Doll, I understand that you’re not happy with the current arrangements but honestly, would it kill you to smile?”

You don’t even bother acknowledging Donghyun’s sudden appearance. He no longer scared you like he used to, becoming nothing more than a mild annoyance. The gangly man enters the room with a tray of food, stopping in front of your case. The confusion on your face must have been clear as he continues to speak. “I sent Haeun out for errands. Afterall, we must keep your syndicate running or else people will start to get suspicious. So, it is just you and I for today.”

Fumbling with the keypad, he manages to punch in the code that opens a slot on the case. It was large enough to fit the tray but too small for you to even attempt to escape from (though you did try). Donghyun slides the tray into the slot, presenting you with some indiscernible food that tastes even more unappealing than it looks. You scrunch your face in disgust, and Donghyun chuckles at the expression while placing a fork on the tray. He turned to leave, knowing you preferred to eat alone, and it was the one thing he would allow you.

Wait…he gave me a fork.

Haeun never gave you any utensils to eat with after you tried to stab her in the eyes with chopsticks. She was well aware that whatever you got your hands on immediately became a weapon, and she wasn’t going to give you a second chance to kill her. Donghyun either didn’t know about that incident or didn’t care. You could tell by the look in his eyes that he sometimes truly believed you were a doll.

Gripping the fork in your hand, you cautiously make your move, "Wait, Oppa, don't leave!"

Donghyun whips around so quickly that you flinch. A splotchy blush taints his face, creeping up on his neck and ears. While you hated those moments alone with Donghyun, they did provide you with some benefits.

His weaknesses.

Donghyun immediately rushes back to you, getting himself as close to the glass as he can without smudging the freshly cleaned glass. “Yes doll? What is it? What do you want? Just keep calling me that and I’ll give you anything you want.”

Reaching out your free hand through the slot of the case, you caress Donghyun's face. His skin is rough and oily under your fingertips, and the skin-to-skin contact makes you want to vomit. Slowly you trail your hand down to his chest and grip the collar of his shirt. His breath hitches at the contact.

SLAM!

Fighting against you, Donghyun breaks away from your grip, panting. Blood drips from his nose and mouth. His chest is covered in small punctures and scratches from where you managed to stab him with the fork. Grinning Donghyun spits, the blood hitting a nearby doll case.

Yanking him forward, you slam Donghyun’s face into the glass case while simultaneously stabbing him anywhere you can reach with the fork. Slam. Slam. Slam. Over and over until there’s blood dripping down the case.

“You’re going to pay for that one doll.”

BANG!

With a yelp, Donghyun collapses to the ground clutching his shoulder.

Seven familiar faces barge into the room, and you can’t help but burst into tears. All of the anger, fear, and resentment was too much to handle, and no matter how strong you were, you were bound to break down after all that you had been through.

Seokjin Immediately rushes to your aide while the other six restrain Donghyun. “Y/n thank god you’re alive. Jesus Christ, look at you. What did that sick fuck do to you? I swear I’ll tear him limb from limb.”

You ignore the hypocrisy of Seokjin calling another person sick, choosing to focus on getting out of the case you've been trapped in. "Jin, I can’t deal with your yandere bullshit right now! Get me out of this case. Get me out! Get me out, get me out, get me the fuck out!” Panicking, Jin scans the room for something to break you out with. Stumbling upon a crowbar, he picks it up and runs back to you.

"Stand back, Angel; I don't want you to get hurt," swinging as hard as he can, Seokjin shatters the case. Quickly undoing your chains, he gathers you up in his arms. "Shit, Jin, I can't feel my legs. I can’t feel my legs!” Gently shushing you, Seokjin sits on the floor with you in his lap. He rocks you back and forth, slowly instructing you to breathe to prevent you from having a panic attack.

From your spot on the floor, you watch as the six others beat Donghyun into a bloody pulp. In your panicked state, you didn't realize it, but now you can hear the psychopath's screams and wails. Using Seokjin as support, you push yourself back on your feet. Grabbing the discarded crowbar, you stagger towards Donghyun. Hoseok calls your name, but you don’t hear him focusing on the man in front of you.

“D-d-doll help me,” Donghyun croaks. He reaches a shaky hand toward you as if you were his guardian angel. Raising the crowbar above your head, you steel your resolve, images of the hell he had put you through since the day you locked eyes. Thwack. You bring the crowbar down with full force, adrenaline and rage fueling you. Over and over. Thwack. Thwack. Thwack. Donghyun screams and cries, but you don’t stop. Thwack. Thwack. Thwack. Thwack. No one was going to save him anyways. Or so you thought.

BANG! BANG!

You don’t feel the first bullet striking you. But by the time the second one hits you’re already falling to the floor. Namjoon catches you calling your name. Your vision is starting to blur but in the distance you see a familiar female figure running away. Groaning you move to chase after her but the searing pain in your abdomen keeps you from moving.

"Angel? Shit, there's so much blood. Angel, focus on me and stay awake okay?” Turning your head, you look at Namjoon, your vision going in and out. There's pressure on your stomach as one of the boys tries to stop your bleeding. You think it's Jimin from the voice, but you can't tell. To your left, you hear the sound of strangled whimpers. Despite the beating he took from you and the boys, he's still alive. How unfortunate, you muse. But you weren’t worried. Whether you died or not, Donghyun's death was certain.

“Y/n look at us. Stay with me princess,” you hear Yoongi’s voice, but you can’t pinpoint where it is coming from.

“Hyung, is she going to be alright?”

“Don’t worry Jungkook. She’ll be alright. She has to be alright,” Hoseok watches as your body slowly starts to shut down. His face gave away no expression, but his heart was pounding in his chest.

“And if she isn’t alright? If she dies?” Taehyung questions the other men angrily. Despite the panic in the air, the other men were far too calm for his tastes.

“Donghyun and Haeun will pay,” Jimin responds, desperately pressing his jacket against your wound.

“And even that will never be enough,” Seokjin adds.

You were fading fast, and at this point, you had resolved that you wouldn't be making it. Pointing a shaking hand at Donghyun, you try to get the boys’ attention. “G-guys, D-Donghyun…s-still alive," your voice is barely a whisper, but all the boys hear it anyway.

"Hush, angel, you need to save your strength. He won't be alive much longer,” Namjoon reassures you, cupping your face so that you focus on him. You nod the best you can, but you still feel it isn’t enough. Gripping the collar of Namjoon's shirt, you whisper your last command.

“Make it hurt.”

Your grip loosens, the hand that was once gripping Namjoon falling to the floor. Your shaky breaths are now quiet. The expression on your face was peaceful, and the men would almost find it endearing if it wasn't for the fact that you were unresponsive to the world around you.

“Y/n. Y/n you need to wake up. Just open your eyes for me, sweetheart. You don't have to talk or do anything you don't want to just open your eyes for me,” Namjoon gently tries to rouse you to no avail. Taehyung drops to his knees next to you shaking your shoulder harshly, "Angel, you need to wake up right now. You need to wake up so I can see those pretty eyes of yours. So, you can glare at us and cuss us out. Just wake up please!”

Yoongi pulls Taehyung away, “Careful Taehyung, you’ll hurt her.”

“You can’t hurt a dead woman.”

The voice is ragged and scratchy, but the malice and insanity it holds is crystal clear. Wheezing, Donghyun sits up, his eyes scanning your body. "Oh, my sweet doll. What have they done to you?”

Jungkook snaps; grabbing the fallen crowbar, he hits Donghyun across the face. Donghyun only laughs in response, pissing off Jungkook more. Again and again, Jungkook beats him until his face is unrecognizable. But it wasn’t enough. For hours the men took turns beating the pathetic excuse of a man while one would sit with your body, whispering reassurances that no one would ever hurt you again. Soon Donghyun's laughs turn into cries when he realizes Haeun isn't coming to save him a second time. His pleas to spare his life went unheard, and the beatings continued. But true to their word to you, they made sure he felt pain unlike any other. They were cruel enough to keep him alive and even give him time to recover. His death was going to be slow and painful.

“You pathetic slug. If you truly loved her, you’d be begging for us to end your life so you could see her in the next life,” Jimin throws a swift kick into Donghyun's stomach, and the man only whimpers in response.

“Not that we’d ever let that happen though. Y/n is ours in this life and the next. She ours for all eternity,” Taehyung taunts from the older officer’s side.

Taehyung’s words must have triggered something in Donghyun as, for the first time in hours, he protests. "No! She was my doll! My precious doll to take care of! And you bastards killed her!” He drags his beaten body toward yours, Hoseok pulling you even closer to his chest. As if he’d let him touch you.

Seokjin slams his foot down on Donghyun's spine, a satisfying crack resounding throughout the room. Crouching down in front of your kidnapper Namjoon slaps him across the face before speaking, “You know what her final wish was? She wanted you to hurt. She wanted your death to be as painful as possible." Donghyun shakes his head vigorously at Namjoon's words. The commander continues anyway, "Now, I'm not a cruel man. If she was still alive right now, you’d be put out of your misery this instant.”

Standing up, Namjoon walks around as if admiring the many dolls Donghyun has collected, "Unfortunately, your sister ruined that for you. Now we’ll drag your death out for as long as we can.”

“Namjoon!”

The commander quickly turns around at the frantic tone in Hoseok’s voice. The detective has his finger pressed against your neck right on your pulse point.

“I have a pulse! Oh my god Joon she’s alive!”

The room immediately springs into action with the boys rushing to get you to the hospital, leaving Donghyun on the floor in a pool of his own blood. He grunts trying to crawl after you. Reaching out his hand, he grips Namjoon's pant leg. "G-give me my doll back, you fucker," his voice is laced with venom, but it wavers.

With a chuckle, Namjoon pulls out his gun and gestures around the room, “I think you have plenty.”

He pulls the trigger without waiting for a response.

BANG!

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prabhaelectronics · 3 months ago

Text

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materialsscienceandengineering · 1 year ago

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In a world increasingly concerned about the environmental and geopolitical implications of fossil fuel usage, nuclear energy has resurfaced as a subject of great interest. Its ability to generate electricity at scale without greenhouse gas emissions holds promise as a sustainable clean energy source that could bridge society's transition away from fossil fuels to a net-zero future. However, nuclear power generation does produce radioactive waste. The safe management of nuclear waste remains a crucial challenge that must be addressed to gain public confidence in this transformative power solution. Now, a team of University of Houston researchers has come up with an innovative solution for nuclear waste management: molecular crystals based on cyclotetrabenzil hydrazones. These crystals, which are based on a groundbreaking discovery made by the team in 2015, are capable of capturing iodine -- one of the most common radioactive fission products -- in aqueous and organic solutions, and on the interface between the two. "This last point is particularly salient because iodine capture on interfaces could prevent the iodine from reaching and damaging the specialized paint coatings used in nuclear reactors and waste containment vessels," said Ognjen Miljanic, professor of chemistry and corresponding author of the paper detailing the breakthrough in Cell Reports Physical Science.