#science behind weight loss

[roomstudent]

What is the Average Weight Loss on ProLon?

Fasting has been around for thousands of years, but it has recently become increasingly popular as it can provide essential health benefits and aid in weight loss. ProLon, in particular, is a scientifically designed 5-day, plant-based, meal-based program that promotes metabolic health and weight loss. Developed by Valter Longo, a professor at the University of Southern California, ProLon can help support fasting's health and longevity benefits.

What is ProLon? Let's delve into this dietary program and see how it can help you lose weight.

What is ProLon?

ProLon is a 5-day, plant-based diet program designed by Doctor Valter Longo. It is based on "Fasting Mimicking Diet" and "Meal Rejuvenation." Fasting Mimicking Diet is designed to meet human dietary requirements while limiting calories to as low as 500 per day. It was an alternative to traditional fasting to help the body naturally heal and regenerate.

The diet includes pre-packed food items like soups, snacks, and bars, providing the body with all the nutrition needed for the five days. This includes macronutrients, vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, proteins, fiber, and healthy fats. The foods are also free from artificial colors and preservatives, contain no added sugar, and are low in sodium.

Additionally, the foods are designed to be tasty and enjoyable, making it easier to stick with the diet. Ingredients include organic olives, nuts, soups, and bars. It also consists of a beauty and body care product kit that provides dietary support and promotes deep beauty and cellular rejuvenation.

Can You Lose Weight With ProLon?

It has been scientifically tested and clinically proven that ProLon does indeed help promote weight loss. The 5-day program has been documented to result in an average weight loss of 3.5 pounds. However, it is essential to note that this is not a long-term weight loss solution, and results may vary depending on the individual.

Although weight loss is a crucial benefit, the main focus of ProLon is on metabolic health and cellular rejuvenation. It helps people promote healthy eating habits, enjoy delicious meals without restriction, and support their body's natural cleansing and metabolic balance.

What Are the Side Effects of ProLon Fast?

Most people experience several common side effects while on the ProLon diet. These side effects include hunger, fatigue, muscle aches, mood swings, and decreased energy levels. Although these symptoms can be uncomfortable, they typically do not last long and do not cause any severe health issues.

Additionally, it is essential to note that ProLon is not meant to be used as a diet for long-term weight loss. It is designed for short-term weight loss and should not be used as a regular diet plan.

Can I Eat Anything While Doing ProLon?

No, you cannot eat anything while on the ProLon diet. Although the meals provided in the kit are satisfying and delicious, consuming any food outside of the ProLon meals may interfere with the program, thus making it less effective.

It is also important to note that the ProLon diet should not replace an existing balanced diet and should not be relied upon as a long-term dietary solution.

Conclusion

ProLon is a scientifically-designed 5-day plant-based meal program to promote weight loss and metabolic health. It is clinically proven to help people lose an average of 3.5 pounds and provides an enjoyable experience with tasty meals and other benefits.

However, it is essential to remember that ProLon is not a long-term diet solution and should not replace a balanced diet. Additionally, it is necessary to be aware of the various side effects and to pay attention to your body's reaction while on this program.

By keeping all of this in mind, ProLon can be an effective way to jump-start weight loss and may be beneficial in promoting overall health and well-being.

[healthy-tips-stuff]

The Science and Strategies Behind Effective Weight Management

[foodieflavorscape]

In this comprehensive video, we delve into the fascinating world of ACV, uncovering its numerous benefits, and shedding light on the research-backed evidence supporting its use. Whether you're a seasoned ACV enthusiast or simply curious about its potential health effects, join us as we unravel the mysteries and unveil the science behind this popular elixir.

Understanding Apple Cider Vinegar Apple cider vinegar, often abbreviated as ACV, is a fermented liquid made from crushed apples. This ancient remedy has been used for centuries for its purported health benefits and culinary versatility. But what exactly makes ACV so special, and how does it work its magic within our bodies? Prepare to embark on a journey through the science and discover the secrets behind ACV's remarkable properties.

The Chemistry of ACV At its core, apple cider vinegar owes its health-promoting effects to its unique composition. Rich in acetic acid, enzymes, probiotics, and antioxidants, ACV boasts a potent blend of nutrients that contribute to its therapeutic potential. We'll delve into the chemical makeup of ACV, exploring how each component interacts with our physiology to confer a wide array of health benefits.

Exploring the Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar From promoting digestion and gut health to aiding weight loss and regulating blood sugar levels, the purported benefits of apple cider vinegar are as diverse as they are intriguing. Through a thorough examination of scientific studies and clinical trials, we'll dissect the evidence supporting ACV's role in improving various aspects of health and well-being. Prepare to be amazed by the wealth of research highlighting ACV's potential to enhance our lives in profound ways.

Incorporating ACV into Your Daily Routine Curious about how to incorporate apple cider vinegar into your daily routine? We've got you covered. From simple ACV-infused drinks and salad dressings to innovative recipes and DIY beauty treatments, discover practical tips and tricks for harnessing the power of ACV in your everyday life. Whether you're sipping on a refreshing ACV tonic or whipping up a flavorful marinade, the possibilities are endless when it comes to integrating this versatile ingredient into your diet and wellness regimen.

[iwan1979]

make sense? https://www.globalcyclingnetwork.com/lifestyle/fitness/the-truth-behind-cycling-and-the-science-of-weight-loss

[reasonsforhope]

"People living with diabetes might have a new hope. Scientists have tested a new drug therapy in diabetic mice, and found that it boosted insulin-producing cells by 700% over three months, effectively reversing their disease.

Beta cells in the pancreas have the important job of producing insulin in response to blood sugar levels, but a hallmark of diabetes is that these cells are either destroyed or can’t produce enough insulin. The most common treatment is regular injections of insulin to manage blood sugar levels.

But a recent avenue of research has involved restoring the function of these beta cells. In some cases that’s started with stem cells being coaxed into new beta cells, which are then transplanted into patients with diabetes. Researchers behind this kind of work have described it as a “functional diabetes cure.”

Now, scientists at Mount Sinai and City of Hope have demonstrated a new breakthrough. Previous studies have mostly involved growing new beta cells in a lab dish, then transplanting them into mice or a small device in humans. But this new study has been able to grow the insulin-producing cells right there in the body, in a matter of months.

The therapy involved a combination of two drugs: one is harmine, a natural molecule found in certain plants, which works to inhibit an enzyme called DYRK1A found in beta cells. The second is a GLP1 receptor agonist. The latter is a class of diabetes drug that includes Ozempic, which is gaining attention lately for its side effect of weight loss.

The researchers tested the therapy in mouse models of type 1 and 2 diabetes. First they implanted a small amount of human beta cells into the mice, then treated them with harmine and GLP1 receptor agonists. Sure enough, the beta cells increased in number by 700% within three months of the treatment. The signs of the disease quickly reversed, and stayed that way even a month after stopping the treatment.

“This is the first time scientists have developed a drug treatment that is proven to increase adult human beta cell numbers in vivo,” said Dr. Adolfo Garcia-Ocaña, corresponding author of the study. “This research brings hope for the use of future regenerative therapies to potentially treat the hundreds of millions of people with diabetes.”

The results are intriguing, but of course being an animal study means there’s still much more work to be done before it could find clinical use. So far, harmine alone has recently undergone a phase 1 clinical trial in humans to test its safety and tolerability, while other DYRK1A inhibitors are planned for trials in humans next year.

Perhaps most importantly, the team will soon experiment with combining beta-cell-regenerating drugs with others that modulate the immune system. Ideally this should help overcome a major hurdle: the immune system will continue attacking new beta cells as they’re produced.

The research was published in the journal Science Translational Medicine."

-via New Atlas, July 14, 2024

[yesimwriting]

you write art and patrick so well im literally foaming at the mouth for more

yes yes everyone pls ask me about my boyfriends that are also boyfriends to each other 🩷 (i have two extra drafts for them already)

----

breath in. the pad of your thumb presses into the side of the ball. you give yourself a beat to feel the weight of it, to embrace the familiar feeling of felt against your palm. breath out.

you bounce the ball once. breath in. you squeeze the ball, knuckles briefly straining beneath your skin before letting it hit the concrete again. breath out.

finally, you raise the arm holding your racket. every joint in your body is locked into place. there's a science to a sharp serve. the ball will land where you will it to.

you release the ball, arm stretching forward. a total follow through. the ball hits the center of your racket. the force of your hit propels the ball through the air until it hits the center of the other side of the court.

ugh. the night before your qualifying match and suddenly the precise serve you spent years perfecting loses its edge. what happened to the serve that media outlets have been calling 'the ultimate point guaranteer'? why is today the day that you can only manage a perfectly average serve?

you groan, letting the disappointment's weight settle against your chest. you suck. with a sigh, you start walking towards the extra tennis balls you left near the net. your dad is so never going to get over you not qualifying for the us open.

"there she is." the voice surprises you enough to force you to still. patrick...and a few steps behind him, his doubles partner, art. "the princess of modern tennis."

you turn your head enough to glare in patrick's direction. he's referencing a title some journalist used in one article that your dad decided would be perfect for marketing materials. "don't."

normally, you like seeing patrick and art more than you can justify. you don't know if you can consider yourself their friend, it's not like you guys see each other outside of coincidental run ins at tennis events. the three of you have been to more and more of the same tournaments these days. they're familiar in a way that settles you, like the feel of tennis ball in your hand.

you try to tap into that usual warmth, but you can't quite get there. it's not their fault you're frustrated.

art gives you a look that feels like an apology. he walks forward, opening the gate to the fence and stepping onto the court. "i told him not to."

you bend down to pick up a spare ball. "i appreciate the effort."

"what?" patrick follows art onto the court. "it's on billboards."

he's seen your billboard? you don't know why you feel the need to dwell on that. you weren't the biggest fan of having a picture of yourself blown up and pasted everywhere, especially with a caption that makes potential losses extra embarrassing, but you've never been truly self conscious about it. now, you're trying to picture it in your mind, trying to remember the details of your expression, the way your hair was styled, what you were wearing.

you let go of the ball in your hand, bouncing it against the ground so that you have something to look at. "it was a charity thing."

"i know." you let yourself glance up at patrick. he's closer than you thought he'd be. you catch the ball before releasing it again. "for the youth outreach program thing, right?" before you can answer, he extends an arm, catching the ball before you can reach it. "you looked cute in it."

art looks at you again, something a little more distinct than apology behind his eyes. he reaches for the tennis ball still in patrick's hand. "patrick."

he twists his arm away before his friend can steal the ball from him. art follows him, leaning forward and grabbing his arm. "what?" their play fight grows in physicality, with each of them pushing and pulling at the other. you'd worry about the game losing its lightheartedness if both of them weren't smiling. "you stared at it for more than five minutes before getting out of the car."

"really?"

art freezes, his hand squeezing the only part of the ball patrick's left exposed. "it was a good billboard, you look pretty--looked pretty." the implication of his correction hits him a second too late. "not that you don't look pretty now, you always look pretty, but you looked really--" he cuts himself off with a sharp breath, "but that wasn't the point, you also looked like a strong role model for underprivileged young women."

the compliments paired with his uncertainty make it difficult not to melt. you beam at him. "thank you, art." you adjust your hold on your racket, both hands resting on the grip. "i think you're pretty, too."

he smiles, head briefly angling itself downwards. art manages to steal the tennis ball from his friend. you can't tell if he pulled it out of patrick's grasp or if patrick chose to let go.

"you know what the best thing to do is the night before a big match?" patrick's question feel rhetorical until you look at him. he's watching you like he's waiting for something.

despite knowing what you should be doing, you also know that you're incapable of not playing along. "what?"

"doing anything that keeps you from getting in your head." you stand a little straighter, chin angling itself a fraction of an inch upwards. as nice as the local doubles duo is, advice offered from other tennis players comes with its own sort of tension. saying that you know best implies that you see yourself as the best. "that's what's wrong with your serve."

your eyebrows briefly pinch together. "you think i'm in my head?"

he takes a slight step forward, body angling itself to make the distance between you feel even smaller than it truly is. "i think your serve is technically perfect." patrick takes a moment to press his lips together. "but you're tense."

patrick's going about this the nice way. he's focusing on what you're doing right. you technique is objectively precise, your dad made sure of that. he's coached you since you were old enough to securely hold a racket for a reason. but tennis isn't just routine and muscle memory.

there's an art to the sport, and you know the difference it makes when you're playing. you can feel when your heart is in it, and right now, all you can think about is that your retired tennis champion dad watching you in the stands.

the feeling of something warm on your shoulder pulls you out of your train of thought. you blink. patrick's hand is on your shoulder. "you need to relax."

"i'm..." it's instinct to argue, to insist that you're fine and that you'll push through, but something tells you that that'd be pointless. he'd know. "i'll work it out."

his fingers briefly press into your shoulder, the squeeze assuring and gentle. "that's your problem--work." you look at him skeptically. "you're overworking yourself, and it's putting you in your head."

art angles himself a little closer. he extends an arm, placing his fingers on the edge of your racket. "that's why you're supposed to rest the night before a match."

the thought of not being in motion isn't appealing. if anything, you feel like you have too much energy in your system. but objectively, you know they're generally right.

art gently tugs on your racket. "you should come hang out with us."

"yeah," patrick agrees with a slight hum, "you're in the hotel down the street, right?"

okay--you know the right answer. your dad would be mad if he found out you snuck out the night before a match to practice, but if he found out you ended up in a hotel room with some guys--he'd die and then come back to life just to kill you.

"um..." your eyes briefly fall to your racket. "yeah, i am." okay, you need to think of an excuse that doesn't make you sound like a little kid with a curfew. you twist your wrist slightly, a halfhearted attempt to free your racket. "but it's kind of late...and i have to be up early tomorrow."

art pulls on your tennis racket again. there's nothing overly forceful about it, but it's enough to make you look at him. "yeah, but you were going to stay out here for a awhile, right?"

"and it's good to take your mind off of things." patrick tacks on his point. "i mean--we always do something fun before our matches."

patrick stretches out an arm, the back of his hand softly hitting art's shoulder. "yeah, yeah, we do."

you press the nail of your thumb against the side of your racket's handle. "really?" you're mumbling to yourself more than anything else, "something fun."

it's risky. if anything goes wrong, you'll never hear the end of it. and if you mess up tomorrow because you're tired or distracted, you're not sure you'll be able to forgive yourself. you've already taken some risks tonight. you should quit while you're ahead.

then again, you like being around them, and they're in the same hotel as you. it can't be that bad of an idea.

you let out a reluctant sigh before finally looking up. you glance between them, too aware that it's too late for you. "okay," you breathe out, "i guess going up for a little bit can't hurt."

patrick grins. "can't hurt at all."

art lets go of your racket before taking a few steps forward. he stops once he's at your side before throwing an arm around your shoulder. "you know us." art's hand settles over patrick's. "we'd never do anything to hurt you."

warmth crawls up your chest. you're comfortable with them--maybe too comfortable. "yeah," you hum in an attempt to dismiss the feelings bubbling in your chest, "let's just go."

——

im thinking of writing a part 2 to this so if you’d be interested in that and/or would want to be tagged pls lmk :)

[scientia-rex]

It is WILD to me that people continue to think they can "gotcha" me into saying the science on weight loss doesn't say what it says. Like, it's not what the authors say; it's what the data reflect. And the data don't give one single hot shit about your reason for wanting weight loss. You can have a terrible reason or a great reason and it doesn't matter. The reason behind your desire for an outcome doesn't change whether the data support the likelihood of it happening or not. There isn't a secret Option C here. The options are A) try to make peace with your weight or B) fight it forever. And if you fight it, the data are pretty clear that you're worse off than if you make peace and take the best care of yourself that you can. You can hate vegetables, you can want it to be easier to find clothes that fit, you can be disabled and find physical exertion challenging, but it doesn't matter. There is no secret option where, because you hate vegetables, your body works differently than every other body that's been studied.

There IS a database of people who have managed to sustain long-term large-scale weight loss. They're so rare we study them extensively. In general, they eat severely restricted diets and exercise for at least an hour a day. I have no desire to recommend eating disorders to my patients. If staying thin is occupying time and brain-space you could be putting into other things that are more meaningful to you, do those other things.

[marwhoa]

request: omgggg <33 did not know u did ohshe!!! i love the way u did mori u did him justice!!! is it possible to for you to write mori x tiny reader please? i just find the height difference very cute and comical. thank u! 💕

🝮 mori-senpai headcanons

morinozuka takashi x short!reader

author’s note: I like Mori :)) my favorite is Hikaru, but that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t write for anyone else uwu 💕

word count: 1.2k

ఌ As he does with Honey, Mori can’t help but hold you. For one, he doesn’t want to accidentally knock into you, since you’re a bit out of his peripheral vision, and he has a habit of zoning out if there’s no sense of danger! If you hate being picked up, he’ll respect that, but do note that he is crying a river mentally.

ఌ secretly finds it irresistibly adorable when you’re too short to reach things and need his help. One of his fondest memories is when he just happened to be in the right place at the right time in the library!

During study time, Mori wandered off to the library to search for books on the women’s court in the Heian Period. While he was searching, he turned down one of the aisles to catch you grumbling under your breath about how “ all the books I need just had to be placed right out of my reach, what a joke! “

He didn’t intervene! Just watched fondly as you pulled a step stool over to solve the problem yourself (you’re independent! surely you have a few tricks up your sleeve to navigate a taller world?).

Thing is, the step stool wasn’t tall enough, so you resorted to standing on your tippy toes and trying to nudge the book into a free-fall. That is when Mori intervenes, as he watched the book shelf teeter under your inadvertently-tugging hand.

“ Y/N! “

It all happened so quick. You swore the world seemed to slow as the stool beneath you flipped and the books began cascading down the shelves towards you. With your hands crossed over your head, you squeezed your eyes shut and braced for the impact. While your butt hit the floor hard, you were surprised to find your back never met the same fate.

Instead, there was a light pressure and warmth radiating from the small of your back.

Opening your eyes hesitantly, you tuned in to the pained grunt and watched as Mori was hovering over you. The weight of the bookshelf was heavy on his back, but nothing could convince him to step aside and let you take the brunt of this instead.

“ Oh god, Mori?! You—“

You were at a complete loss of words. Thankfully others in the library quickly noticed and came to help lift the bookshelf. Before you were both free, you didn’t miss the out-of-breath whisper by your ear.

“ At least you’re safe.. ”

ఌ Stays close to you in crowded situations. He will use his height and strength to his advantage to ensure you have a comfortable amount of wiggle room regardless of where you’re at—the cafeteria during high traction times, the commoners’ train while it’s rush hour, malls experiencing season-high discounts, etc. Regardless of the setting, you can count on him.

ఌ Mori can tend to have cuteness aggression, and having a partner shorter than he is definitely contributes to that. He refuses to acknowledge he ever did this, but you can remember plain as day a particular study session in the third years’ science class after school.

As you sat across the table from Mori, yammering on and on about the current problem stumping you both, there was an odd creeping feeling that he wasn’t paying attention. Lo, and behold, as you rose your head to fact-check, you found Mori’s eyes just staring at you, clear as day that not a thought was processing behind those eyes.

Just before you could reprimand him, Mori shot up in his seat and rounded the table to stop at your side.

“ Whuh—“

Dumbly, you mumbled out a noise of confusion as his hands planted firmly on your cheeks and kneaded the flesh before then pushing until your face was scrunched up and making duck lips. You tried to swat him away but found your hand freezing in midair as an unfamiliar expression washed across his features.

Laughter. Mori had actually burst into laughter, a pure and genuine laugh that echoed in the room like the sun’s rays radiating in summer. You decided to let it slide for now.

ఌ Unlike the sweeter Honey, you tended to be more of a spitfire. A feisty fire that definitely fought back, and sometimes that worried Mori. While you could hold your own verbally with a silver tongue, some people can be a bit more… physically combative, as seen in the case with a particular vacation that landed Haruhi in danger with some particularly confrontative boys. While Mori wasn’t too much a fan of how frequently you could end up in danger, he was amused by how easily most of your enemies would tuck tail and run if he so much as glared them down from behind you.

And it was quite rewarding whenever you’d turn to look at him with a big triumphant grin, shamelessly declaring “ see ? you have nothing to worry about—they’re intimidated by me! “

ఌ Even though Mori yearns to dance with you whenever the host club holds parties, because of the size difference, he usually chickens out of even offering to dance with you. He’d hate to ruin an experience like that with you just because the difference in height is so comically large.

What he didn’t account for is your free spirited personality not caring one wink of how others would perceive you two dancing—you also know that he may be tall, but it’s not like your 3 feet tall compared to his 6’4 ass. At one of the most recent soirées, you almost-quite-literally swept him off his feet when you asked for a dance.

As you both took to the floor and swayed in each other’s arms, slowly the other partygoers began enraptured by the sight. Fortunately for you two, you had both melted so far into each other’s gaze and warmth that the others watching you had completely gone unnoticed.

Mori cursed himself for being so dumb and taking so long to ask a dance with you.

He also ended up purchasing his first set of photos from Kyoya’s personal collection. They had captured you both in such a perfect light and detail that he considered opening a museum in your honor. All just to show the world what a masterpiece you both made together.

He decided against it.

The photos instead sit upon the walls of his room, congregated on the exact spot he faces every night before bed.

ఌ Once y’all are together, you tend to rely on Mori a lot more, as per the rules of “ Girlfriend Incompetence ” or otherwise known as princess brain. Things you could very well do on your own are instead passed to him as something “ only he can do ! you couldn’t possibly do it yourself ?? “

A book on the higher shelf? Well, you could easily get a step stool, but why do that when you could bat your pretty li’l eyes at Mori-senpai and he would bring down the moon at your request?

A puddle obstructs your path? D’aw, well, just go around it! Or, you could turn to Mori with a pouty lip and a sweet little “ please? “ He’d sweep you up in an instant—an easy task with how much smaller you are—and easily traverse over the puddle. You would find yourself mentally lamenting just how much longer his legs are, but you’ll get over it since it grants you the privilege of being in his embrace.

[mononijikayu]

we can’t be friends (wait for your love) — gojo satoru.

GENRE: alternate universe - reincarnation

WARNING/S: romance, domesticity, fluff, family, break up, comfort/no comfort, angst, trauma, implied death, hurt/comfort, character death, depiction of death, depictions of loss and depression, depiction of graphic content, depiction of emotional breakdown, depiction of anxiety, mention of death, mention of grief;

WORD COUNT: 1.7k

masterlist

series masterlist

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

you were always reminded of how beautiful and sad wintertime is. when you were younger, you excitedly put on your winter boots and puffer jacket, hurriedly running out to play in the snow, your muffler trailing behind you. you had fond memories of those snowy days, and that sentiment only deepened as you grew older.

winter became even more special the night you met gojo satoru at his birthday party, when your friend had dragged you along. you were so happy then, to have been able to have this man steal your heart. since then, winter had been warmer, happier. but lately, it wasn’t the case.

that was what you hated about winter—sometimes, all it brought was bitterness and a putrid cold. the nights were frightening, and the breath you took felt like it punched the air out of your lungs. everything stayed frozen in time, suspended by the snow that seemed to crush the earth with its weight.

nowadays, you can’t remember if you ever waited eagerly for the snow to fall. you don't look forward to winter as you did when you were a child. it was too hard to smile at the falling snow. but you still try. you really want to. you think that maybe, if you smile, it would be easier. if you smile, maybe your face will remember only the warmth. maybe if you smile, you won’t feel the bitterness—you don’t want to turn into winter itself.

you tear your gaze away from the narrow echoes of the windowpane. and for a moment, winter tears itself in two, into that bitterness and warmth. sometimes, looking at him makes it easier, and some days, it makes it harder. you supposed you always knew he was like snow itself—pure as the driven snow and yet so brutal with the weight you bear for it.

gojo satoru shifts carefully on the mattress, and before you can think, you are instantly beside him. you couldn’t help but put his hand gingerly in yours, making sure not to jostle him too much. you never expected this. that he would be in such a state. he had been so healthy all his life, and now he wasn’t even able to stand up by himself anymore.

it's very hard not to worry over someone whom you've loved your entire life. satoru, whom you would gladly go to war for. satoru, the man you had called yours at one point. the very same satoru from the life before this. from all the lives before this one. you look at him and see not the previous version of him you've once held in your arms, but the young boy you first met so many years ago.

“how are you, 'toru?” you ask him tenderly.

there is hurt and pain in these isolated walls, this stupid little winter cabin of his. there is the looming knowledge of what is to come, too, and it is something you can’t face. you already knew the answer to the question. the doctor told you. but you didn’t care about what science says. you wanted to hear it from him.

at the end of the day, you are still hopeful. because he's here. satoru is still here with you. his usually warm hand is cold; it had never been cold when it touched yours. not until recently. but you think that it doesn’t matter. cold or warm, you still held his hand.

it was still yours to hold. and you were together. the world didn’t matter right now. your own husband, your career, your reality—nothing mattered. you wanted to be here. you wanted to be by his side. you wanted to be his world again, just as he was yours.

“it’s cold today, darlin’." satoru whispers to you, trying to squeeze your hand, as though to reassure you that he was still here with you.

he wasn’t as strong as he would have liked, you knew that well. but he still held you. he still held your hand and would not let go. you don’t realize too late that you’ve been holding your breath.

you squeeze his hand and you try to smile for him, to be happy for him. satoru opens his eyes to look at you, a ghost of a smile playing across his lips. he likes it when he can see you smile for him, as you always did years ago.

you don’t think it will ever sink in. this isn’t real. this isn’t happening. you could feel the bile stuck in your throat. you already knew that this isn’t how it’s supposed to go. you have experienced much worse together. you have done much worse to each other.

you have pulled each other through collapsed barricades just to find safety elsewhere. even when you weren’t together anymore, you have managed to survive it all. because you still had each other.

that was then, and this is now. here you are, huddled together for warmth, satoru’s lips chapped and blue. your ex-husband could only try and make a front for you, one that you think he could not hold for much longer. even if he wished he could, there would come a time when it would all be over.

the room is silent except for the faint sound of the wind howling outside, the winter storm a harsh reminder of the reality you are facing. you clutch satoru’s hand tighter, as if your grip alone could keep him tethered to this world.

“satoru, love.” you whisper, your voice trembling. “stay with me.”

his eyes flutter open once more, and he looks at you with a softness that breaks your heart. “i’m trying, darlin'.” he murmurs, his voice barely audible. “for you, i’m trying.”

you bite back the sob that threatens to escape, not wanting him to see you fall apart. you need to be strong, for him, for both of you. you lean closer, pressing your forehead against his, your breath mingling in the cold air.

“i know, love.” you say softly. “i know you are.”

the moments stretch on, each second feeling like an eternity. you talk to him about anything and everything, recounting memories of happier times, of your first meeting, of the countless winters you spent together. you tell him about the future you once dreamed of, the life you wanted to build together. you pour your heart out, hoping that your words can keep him here a little longer.

but as the hours pass, you can see the light in his cerulean eyes dimming, the strength in his grip weakening. he is slipping away, and there is nothing you can do to stop it. you feel a crushing weight in your chest, the pain of losing him more than you can bear.

“satoru, my love.” you say again, your voice breaking. “please don’t go. i can’t do this without you.”

he looks at you with a sad, knowing smile. “you’re stronger than you think,” he whispers. “you always have been.”

tears spill down your cheeks, and you shake your head. “not without you,” you insist. “i need you.”

his hand moves to your cheek, his touch feather-light. “i’ll always be with you." he says softly. “in here.” he taps his chest weakly, indicating his heart.

"how do i live on without you?" your tears blur everything in sight, even him. but you don't want to. you don't want it to.

"you learnt how, when we got divorced, darlin'." he smiles at you. you can tell, he was having a harder time speaking. "you'll learn again. you've always been a fighter. my darlin'. you've always been a fighter."

you nod, even though it feels like your heart is shattering into a million pieces. you lean down, pressing a gentle kiss to his lips, savoring the warmth and love you’ve shared. as you closed your eyes, you could feel it tremble with tears once again.

“i love you.” you say, your voice barely a whisper.

“i love you too.” he replies, his voice fading. “always.”

you hold him close as his breathing grows shallower, his grip on your hand loosening. you can feel his life slipping away, each moment more painful than the last. and then, with one final, shuddering breath, he is gone.

the room feels impossibly quiet, the weight of his absence suffocating. you hold onto him, your tears soaking into his shirt, your heart breaking in ways you never thought possible. the world outside is a blur of white, the snow falling relentlessly, indifferent to your pain.

winter has never felt colder than in that moment.

you stay there for what feels like hours, unable to let go. you waited for the paramedics to arrive. you call his kids, to tell him what happened. and then....nothing. emptiness. the quiet. not even the snow falling made a sound.

the memories of your life together play in your mind, a bittersweet reminder of all you’ve lost. you remember the warmth of his smile, the sound of his laughter, the way he made you feel alive. and though he is gone, those memories are yours to keep. you fall in love again. and that tears you apart. it kills you whole.

eventually, you find the strength to stand, to face the world without him. you know it won’t be easy, that the days ahead will be filled with pain and heartache. but you also know that satoru would want you to keep going, to find a way to live life as you always have.

when everyone arrived, you knew it was time to go. you didn't want to leave his body. but you have no right to be there anymore. his kids tell you that it was too dangerous out. but he was gone. you say your goodbyes, you walk over to the coat hanger. your eyes red, your heart heavy - you make your way to leave the cabin.

you could feel how cold it was when you stepped out into the echoing blizzard, this unforgiving winter. the snow crunches beneath your feet, each step a reminder of the journey ahead. you look up at the sky, the falling snow blurring your vision, and you take a deep breath.

winter will continue for a long time, you think. and perhaps, you’ll only ever breathe winter snow again, as bitterly as you could. but you hope maybe, one day—you’ll think of him and be warm again. you bit your lips, tears flowing freely.

maybe if you're lucky?

you'll be reborn again.

maybe you'll love him again.

[iriscasefiles]

Just under the wire for Pride Month, I've decided to publish a behind-the-scenes Patreon chat from about 3 years ago in which Kim (the resident Starship Iris science advisor, among other roles) and I discuss our respective experiences with asexuality.

Join us for an extremely 2021 conversation (were we ever so young?), about asexuality in fiction, asexuality in life, asexuality specifically in season two of Starship Iris, and American fruit history. Also, Kim has a novel proposal for fixing dating for some of us.

A few warnings:

This episode gets a little NSFW. Also, brief mention of alcohol abuse. 

A few notes:

Huge, the show I mention at the top of the episode, is not as fatphobic as it might sound. The protagonist is really against the whole concept of a weight loss camp and is trying to rebel. 

One thing we didn't get into is that ace representation in fiction podcasts is actually pretty great. Here's a partial list!

If you want to do some soul-searching about whether or not you could be on the spectrum of asexuality, here is a handy website! a thing to remember is that these labels are useful for ourselves only insofar as identifying with the label makes your life in some way clearer or easier. if you arguably fit the definition but you find the label is not personally productive for yourself, that is also okay!

I want to clarify that when I briefly complain about people on tumblr being negative about asexuality, I'm carping about a small number of people. Most tumblr users have been absolutely lovely to me, including about my orientation.

Happy pride to everyone everywhere on the asexuality spectrum, and to everyone outside the spectrum as well! Take care of yourselves, don't talk to cops, and embrace nuance in identities 🏳️‍🌈

[rainylana]

“Do it for me.”

Eddie Munson x female reader

summary: reader’s past struggles come back to haunt her.

warnings: reader has an eating disorder, talk of anorexia and weight gain/loss, throwing up food, angst, tears galore, panic attack, depression, language. requested by @eu1a i hope i did this justice to what you wanted as of how serious the topic was. thank you for requesting and enjoy reading:)

“Fuck,” You sobbed, hands gripping the toilet as you sat on your knees, rocking back and forth through cries. You sniffled and snotted, choking on cries that echoed through the bathroom, an absolute mess. It was shocking how one little comment send you into hysterics. You thought you’d gotten so much better.

All it took was one comment from your sister about your weight to ruin your whole day, to send you into the bathroom. You tried not to stick your fingers down your throat, but you were so upset you thought you’d throw up anyways.

You’d always struggled with anorexia ever since you were in middle school, but you’d been doing good ever since you’d gotten together with Eddie. He was good for you, kept you positive. He knew about your past struggles, but you knew he had a hard time understanding it. You didn’t blame him, you didn’t understand it all either.

You’d never had a healthy relationship with food, but being with Eddie healed you. He taught you to love yourself, be kind to the body that you were given. Even if you didn’t want to be, you faked it till you made it. Being with him had helped you get to a healthy weight, put on the pounds you needed to keep your immune system up and healthy.

Your dinner was sitting uncomfortably inside your belly, so you stuck your fingers down your throat and threw up your food, gagging as you did so. It didn’t make you feel better, though, and you sobbed as you drooled all over your hand, eyes watering and chest burning as you vomited your stomach contents.

One comment sent you into a spiral, and you didn’t know how bad it was going to be.

•

You were exhausted, and the loud boom of cafeteria chatter didn’t help the pounding headache that you were trying to fight off. Eddie was to your left, arguing with Gareth and Dustin about something regarding to their newest campaign. You’d tried to focus on what they were talking about, but you hadn’t been sleeping very good. Everything seemed foggy, cloudy, hard to see through and felt as if you were underwater.

Your stomach rumbled for something to eat, but you denied it almost every time, making you look pale and sickly. It had been a week since your sister’s comment, and it had been a week of straight hell. Your body was undergoing your own torture, and you were certainly paying the price for it. You felt so guilty, going behind Eddie’s back and doing everything you could to keep him from finding out that you were sick again. He never saw you like it before, not really, only having heard your stories. You didn’t want him to see you week. You were afraid he’d find you disgusting.

“Angel?” Eddie’s voice echoed in your ear, becoming clearer when he grabbed your left hand. “You with us, baby?”

“Angel,”

“Baby,”

Dustin and Mike cackled like chickens as they made fun of their dungeon master. Eddie rolled his eyes, giving them the bird. “Sorry,” He chuckled, laying an arm over your shoulder. “You good? You seem quiet.”

You smiled as best as you could. “Yeah- just..just tired. I stayed up all night studying for our science exam.”

Eddie bopped your nose. “That’s my good girl. Keeping up with those grades, huh? Well, maybe you should ditch the rest of the day and head home for a nap, yeah? Might do you some good.” He kept eye contact with his big brown eyes, making you fall harder in love with him. Made you feel more guilty.

You couldn’t describe your feelings. You knew you weren’t overweight by any means. You were healthy and were you needed to be. You hadn’t even been insecure about your belly that wasn’t as smooth as it had used to be, or the extra meat on your thighs. You worried about eating, what the food would do to you if you got out of control. What would happen if you weren’t pretty anymore? What would happen between you and Eddie?

You didn’t see yourself as ugly, but you feared food would make you hideous. The solution? Simply not eat.

“Yeah, maybe.” You nodded, looking down to your lap.

“Not eating anything?” He noticed your empty space on the table.

“Not hungry.” You shrugged your shoulders.

“You’ve not ate much this week.” He acknowledged, giving you an odd look. “You’re not coming down with something, are you?”

“No, no,” You shook your head. “Just been really tired. Not had much of an appetite.”

He frowned and scooted his bag of pretzels towards you, pointing so you could eat before he turned back to his friends, giving you a kiss on the cheek as he did so.

It took you five minutes before you could eat one.

•

Your gagging sounds filled the bathroom dreadfully, hunched over the toilet as you heaved out everything you had consumed that day, which hadn’t been much. You cried like a baby, guilt eating you alive. You didn’t know what to do. You knew you couldn’t go down this path again. You’d gotten so bad last time. You needed to talk to Eddie. You knew you had to.

The idea terrified you. He’d be disgusted of what you were doing wouldn’t he? He didn’t judge you before, but that was before.

You sobbed as you flushed the toilet and stood on shaking legs, walking to your bedroom to look in your mirror. You lifted up your shirt with trembling hands. You couldn’t even see your reflection from how hard you were sobbing, your heart broken and body wracking with guilt.

Before you knew it, you were calling Eddie.

His tapping on the window came as a relief and terror all at the same time. You pushed open your curtains to reveal his terrified face, and he jumped in as quickly as he could. “Baby, are you okay?” He grabbed your shoulders. “What happened? What’s wrong?”

You’d regretted it, though, now. It had given you a chance to calm down, his drive over there, and you were suddenly wishing you hadn’t called him.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” You waved your hands, not looking at him. “I’m okay, now, I was just upset.”

“About what?” He pressed, warm palms on gone shoulders. “What had you so upset, darlin’?”

“Nothing, I’m okay.” You dismissed halfheartedly.

“Baby,” He said firmly. “Tell me what happened! Are you hurt?”

“No, Eddie, I’m fine!” You snapped harshly, making him jump. “I’m fucking fine!”

You obviously weren’t, because your tears had come just as quickly back again, and you covered your face with your hands as you sobbed behind them.

“Y/n,” He tried to reach out to you but you jerked away. “Please, you’re scaring me, what happened?”

“I can’t tell you!” You wailed, making him recoil slightly. “You’ll be so mad at me!”

“Sweetheart,” He softly and carefully wrapped his hands around your shoulders. “Calm down,”

Your breathing got out of control, and you pushed him away to put your hands on your knees. “I can’t,” You choked, gagging on your own breath. “I’m so-”

“Breathe,” He tried not to panic along with you, holding your torso as he brought you to the bed. “Breathe, honey,” He brushed your hair out of your face. “Shh, it’s alright. I’ve got you.”

You sobbed like a lost child, snot dripping down your nose as you hiccuped and choked. “Shh,” He soothed you. “Shh, I’m right here. Don’t rush, just breathe for me, alright? Need you to calm down.”

The panic attack drifted away after a few minutes, the terror washing away with an overwhelming amount of relief that made you sigh dramatically as you looked up to the ceiling. “Oh, god,”

He pushed your hair away from your sweaty face, adjusting your shirt that was falling off your shoulder. “Are you alright?”

You nodded heavily. “Thirsty.” You panted, getting up to shakily walk to your dresser for your water battle. He stood, watching you carefully to make sure you didn’t fall over.

You swallows your drink roughly, throwing down the bottle when you were done. “Oh, fuck, Eddie I’m so sorry.” You said exhaustedly.

“Y/n, honey, it’s okay.” He frowned, coming up to you. “But you’ve gotta talk to me, okay? I’m freaking out here. What happened that got you so upset? Did someone hurt you?”

“No,” You whined. “Stop asking me!”

“Y/n,”

“Eddie,”

“Fine!” He snapped. “Fine, what the fuck ever then!” He growled, stomping with heavy boots over to the beat. “Forget I fuckin’ asked.”

You gritted your teeth and crossed your arms, the familiar guilt swarming over you like buzzing bees. You carefully set down beside him, fidgeting with your fingers. Your eyes filled with tears. “I’m sorry.” Your voice cracked.

“I’m just…I’m afraid of what you’ll say. I don’t want you to be angry with me.”

Eddie looked over at you with saddened eyes, reaching out to grab your trembling hand. “Sweetheart, I promise I’m not going to loose it, okay? I just want you to talk to me.”

He watched you sit in silence, big tears rolling down your cheeks as your lip quivered. He wanted to pull you into his arms, but he knew you needed your space.

“I’ve been throwing up my food again.” You let out a whimper, face burning with shame. “It’s just been a couple weeks.”

Eddie’s eyes widened. “Throwing up…your food? As in when..”

“Yeah, like before.” You rushed, finishing for him. “I know it’s disgusting and I should stop. That’s why I’m telling you.”

Eddie looked to the floor, trying his hardest to figure out what to say. He should’ve seen the signs, should’ve realized you hadn’t been acting right, because you hadn’t, and all the pieces were finally connecting together:

“Two weeks?” He looked back up at you. “What happened?”

“My sister.” You sniffled. “She said that I was getting fat. Well, no, she didn’t say that. She said I was putting on weight, but you- well, you get it.” You stumbled, bringing up a nail to bite.

“Who, lizzie or Micah?” He said quickly.

“Lizzie.”

“That little brat.” He gritted his teeth. “I outta-”

“That’s my sister, Eddie.” You finally looked at him.

“I don’t care who it is.” He stood up, pacing. “Nobody should ever talk that way to anyone. That’s just messed up.”

“It’s not her fault.” You defended. “She’s right. Don’t be mad at her, Eddie.”

Eddie gave you a look. “Are you serious? You’re not gonna sit there and justify what she said to you, especially with…with your health.” He was flustered and red, pacing a whole in the floor as he walked from one end of the room to the other.

“Are you okay?” You asked him, causing him to stop.

“Am I- no, no, baby, are you okay?” He came down to his knees in front of you. “I mean- you know that I don’t know anything about this, so you just gotta be honest with me. I mean..well, are you alright? Don’t you..should you eat something?” He was rambling and he knew it, terrified of saying the wrong thing.

“I’m not hungry.” You blushed.

“How long has it been since you ate?” He regretted the word choice as soon as he said it, especially the way your face turned beat red, but he had to ask.

“This morning.” You answered.

“And did..did you, uh- throw it up?” He said carefully, looking up with big, brown eyes.

You were beginning to feel very small, not able to keep your eyes on him. You started to cry again. You held your belly and sniffled, his hands on your knees.

“Baby, it’s okay,” He tried to sooth you. “I’m not mad. I’m glad you told me. I’m just trying to understand.”

“Yeah.” You said hoarsely. “I’ve not been able to keep anything down.”

“Okay,” He said gently. “Thank you for telling me. Have you been doing anything else?”

“No,” You shook your head. “Just that. I’m scared I’m going to get bad again, it’s just so hard to stop.”

“What’s it feel like?” He tried. “Is it..like addiction? Are you addicted to it or is it something else?”

His slender fingers came up to wipe your tears, soothing your aching anxiety. “I-I..I,”

“Slow,” He stopped you. “Shh, calm down, slow, slow,” He guided you through your breathing.

“I’m too big.” You blubbered, coiling over and grabbing his arms. “I’m too- too, uh, big!”

“No, you’re not, y/n.” He shook his head, holding your shoulders. “You’re healthy. You’re exactly where you need to be.”

“But, what happens when I’m not!” You cried. “You’ll leave me!”

“What?” His eyes crinkled in surprise. “Honey, what, no. No matter what you look like I’m staying. No matter what.” He lifted up to hold your face.

“Sweetheart, you’re healthy and where you need to be.” He squeezed you. “It doesn’t matter if you loose weight or gain it, none of it matters to me, do you understand? All I want is for you to be happy and healthy. I want you to be the healthiest version of yourself that you can be.”

“I can’t do it,” You leaned your forehead against his. “I’m too stupid. I hate myself.”

“Do it for me.” He kissed your nose. “Please, just try to love yourself. Be kind to your body. I will help you in anyway that I can, you’ve just gotta be honest with me.”

You cried and wrapped your arms around his shoulders, burying your face in his neck. He didn’t realize how fast his heart was racing until he felt it vibrate against your own. He took a deep, shaking breath, allowing his own eyes to water.

[jackiequick]

—The Sterling Siblings ♥️✨🖌️🫐

Inspired by DC Comics

-> Axel Quinn Sterling ♟️

- Age: 22

- Height: 5’5"

- Status: Single

Personality: Clever, often cheeky, and a secret science fiction fan. Axel is very blunt and unfiltered, often saying exactly what’s on his mind without holding back. Despite his sharp tongue, he has a strong sense of responsibility, especially toward his younger sister, Ember. He’s fiercely protective of her, even if it doesn’t always show in his attitude towards others.

Skills:

Acrobatics: Axel is highly agile and acrobatic, allowing him to move quickly and gracefully in combat or when evading capture.

Weapons Mastery: Proficient in the use of knives, guns, and various other weapons, Axel is a force to be reckoned with in a fight.

Shadow Cloaking: Axel has the ability to become invisible when in darkness or shadow, making him a master of stealth and surprise attacks.

Role: Axel is the older brother, always pulling his own weight in their rebellious endeavors. He’s determined to keep Ember safe, even as they dive deeper into dangerous situations together.

<<—————>>

-> Ember Drew Sterling 💄

- Age: 19

- Height: 5’3"

- Status: Single

Personality: Reserved and determined, Ember is someone who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it. She’s snarky and often gives off a pouty vibe, but underneath it all, she’s deeply protective of her brother, Axel. Though she may seem obsessed with her appearance, it’s part of her careful approach to controlling how others perceive her.

Skills:

Espionage: Skilled in infiltration, manipulation, and gathering information, Ember is the brains behind many of their plans.

Electricity Control: Ember can generate and manipulate electricity, which she uses both offensively and defensively during their operations.

Stealth: Like Axel, Ember is adept at moving unseen, making her a dangerous adversary when she combines this with her electricity powers.

Role: As the younger sister, Ember often finds herself looking out for Axel, despite his protective nature. She’s the one who pulls him out of tight situations and makes sure they both get out unscathed.

————-

———————-

Background of the Sterling Siblings 🍓🔥🫂

Axel and Ember Sterling enjoyed a relatively stable childhood in Central City. However, their lives took a dramatic turn when their father, Damon Sterling, received a job offer that required the family to relocate to Starling City. Although the move was a significant change, the siblings adapted and began to settle into their new environment.

Tragically, their lives were upended when a catastrophic fire broke out in Starling City. The fire was caused by an explosive device set off at a company where Damon worked—owned by Malcolm Merlyn. The company’s negligence in maintaining safety protocols contributed to the disaster. Damon Sterling, along with several other employees, lost his life in the blaze. Malcolm Merlyn, focused on his own priorities and other concerns, showed little regard for the safety of his employees, including Damon.

On the day of the fire, a devastated Axel, only 10 years old, was left trying to comfort his 8-year-old sister, Ember, who was overwhelmed with fear and grief. As Ember cried and called out for their mother, Axel struggled to provide solace and ensure her safety amidst the chaos.

In the wake of this tragedy, their mother, Kora Sterling, made the decision to bring her children back to Central City. She hoped to provide them with a sense of stability and security, moving them away from the traumatic events of Starling City. The siblings returned to Central City with their mother, carrying the weight of their loss but finding solace in being together.

At just 10 years old, Axel was thrust into the role of protector for his 8-year-old sister, Ember. The trauma and grief from the fire had a profound impact on him. The loss of his father darkened Axel, causing him to become rude, unfiltered, rebellious, and occasionally arrogant. The burden of taking care of Ember and the isolation he felt from his circumstances led him to develop a rough exterior. He often got into fights, experienced misunderstandings with friends, and questioned the motives of others.

Despite his abrasive demeanor, Axel remained deeply protective and caring towards Ember and his loved ones. His sense of responsibility and his desire to provide for his sister kept him grounded. While he was often silent, snappy, and snarky, he showed respect and friendliness when it came to those he cared about.

Ember, growing up under Axel’s overprotective watch, found herself increasingly isolated from the world around her. Despite her young age, she became highly perceptive and developed a sharp, reserved demeanor. She often used her quiet observations to challenge her brother’s decisions and to pull him back from dangerous situations. Her rebellious nature emerged as she began testing boundaries, both with Axel and their mother, Kora. Ember’s attempts to assert her independence led her to seek ways to make a statement, which often manifested as acts of defiance and a focus on her appearance. This behavior was driven by a deep-seated need to control her own life and identity in the face of her circumstances.

————

——————

Siblings’ Dynamic & Mutual Support 🎲

Axel and Ember Sterling share a deeply protective and supportive bond that extends beyond the typical sibling relationship. Their experiences and the trauma they endured together have forged a strong sense of mutual reliance and care.

> Ember’s Support for Axel: Ember is fiercely protective of Axel, demonstrating her care through action. She often finds herself dragging Axel out of dangerous situations, ensuring his safety when his protective instincts lead him into conflict. Additionally, Ember takes on the role of caretaker, patching him up after fights and injuries. Her support is a testament to her deep concern for her brother’s well-being and her commitment to keeping him safe despite his rebellious tendencies.

> Axel’s Protection of Ember: Axel, in turn, maintains a vigilant eye on Ember. He isn’t afraid to pull her away from risky situations and confront her when she oversteps boundaries. His protective nature extends to calling Ember out on her behavior, holding her accountable for her actions. Despite his occasional snappiness and arrogance, Axel’s primary goal is to ensure Ember’s safety and to guide her through their shared challenges.

Their interactions are characterized by a blend of tough love and unwavering support. While they may clash and challenge each other, their underlying bond remains strong, reinforcing their commitment to each other’s safety and well-being.

———-

——————

The Particle Accelerator Incident & Gaining Abilities 🧪

Axel and Ember Sterling's lives took another unexpected turn during The Particle Accelerator Explosion at S.T.A.R. Labs in Central City. Axel, secretly a fan of science fiction and fantasy, was thrilled about the open public event and eagerly attended. Ember, initially uninterested and preferring to binge-watch movies on Netflix, decided to join him after seeing his excitement and curiosity.

The siblings planned to watch the event from a safe distance and grab a bite. However, the evening didn't go as planned. As the Particle Accelerator malfunctioned and began to explode, the rain started to pour heavily. The explosion caused widespread panic, with people fleeing for safety. Axel and Ember, thinking they were in a secure spot away from the chaos, were caught off guard. The explosion's shockwave, combined with the thunderstorm and the panicking crowd, knocked them out cold.

Their last clear memory was of the sky lighting up with a mixture of colors as lightning struck in their vicinity. The intense energy from the explosion struck them as they were sheltered underneath a dry spot, leading to their unconscious state.

———

Discovering Their Abilities 🌩️🔦

When Axel and Ember awoke the day after The Particle Accelerator Explosion, they were disoriented and struggling to comprehend the events and their newfound abilities.

Hospitalized to rest and recover, Axel was filled with apprehension, fearing that their lives would never return to normal aftermath of it all, he could sense it. Ember, on the other hand, was grappling with the trauma of what she had witnessed—the fall of people and the chaos of the night—while trying to ignore the pain.

As the months passed, their new abilities began to manifest in unexpected ways.

Ember's first encounter with her powers occurred during a seemingly ordinary day at the park. While hanging out with her friends, a group of boys approached, and one of them, intrigued by her dyed red hair and spunky outfit, tried to get her number. Ember, frustrated and unimpressed, tried to push him away. In a moment of anger, she inadvertently released a bolt of electricity that coursed through the boy, causing him to stumble and faint. Ember stood there, stunned and bewildered by the power she had unleashed and the sight of her own hands.

A few weeks later, Axel faced his own revelation. After getting into a fight with older guys who had objected to him and a friend playing baseball in their area, Axel found himself running through the streets of Central City, seeking refuge in a poorly lit area. He got a few pretty aggressive shots and left the guys beaten, another reason they were after him. While hiding from his attackers, Axel noticed something extraordinary—he seemed to blend into the shadows, becoming almost invisible. This unexpected development marked the first indication of his shadow cloaking ability.

————

———————

Bonding Over Newfound Powers & Causing Trouble 🕹️

As Axel and Ember slowly came to terms with their newfound abilities, they began to confide in each other about the strange occurrences they were experiencing. Initially, both were hesitant to share, unsure of how the other would react. However, the bond between them was strong, and they soon found comfort in each other’s experiences, gradually opening up about the incidents at the park and in the shadows. This mutual revelation deepened their connection, making them increasingly protective of one another.

Realizing the potential of their powers, the siblings decided to explore the limits of what they could do. This exploration, however, quickly took a darker turn. What started as curiosity about their abilities evolved into a rebellious streak. Axel and Ember began using their powers to cause trouble around Central City and Starling City. They discovered that they could move unseen, strike without warning, and get away with nearly anything.

Ember’s ability to control electricity became a weapon against those who crossed her, allowing her to incapacitate enemies with a mere touch. Axel’s shadow cloaking made him nearly invisible in the dark, enabling him to sneak into places unnoticed. Together, they formed a formidable team, stealing from stores, breaking into secure locations, and exacting revenge on anyone who wronged them.

Their actions were calculated and precise, leaving no trace of their involvement. The Sterling Siblings became known for their ability to make a scene and then vanish without a trace, leaving authorities and victims alike baffled. They reveled in the thrill of their new lifestyle, finding a sense of control and power that they had lacked since the tragic fire that had taken their father.

Despite the excitement, there was an underlying fear that drove their actions—a fear of losing each other, of being exposed, and of what their powers might ultimately lead them to become. This fear only intensified their protectiveness, causing them to be even more vigilant about each other’s safety as they continued their descent into the criminal underworld.

———

—————

Ahhh so you have met April Merlyn’s season 4 haters! She didn’t do anything wrong ofc but yk drama and trauma 💅

Let me know what you guys think of theses siblings

Tags: @gaminggirlsstuff @topgun-imagines @gcthvile @letsgotothefantasyworlds-blog @t-nd-rfoot @djs8891 @missstrawbs2001 @hardballoonlove @hangmanbrainrot @theloveoftoms @cherrysft @starkleila @buckysteveloki-me @ximehs @parisparker269 @yetanotherwells s @daughter-of-melpomene @fototingobug @ocappreciation @rickb-chaos @lazywolfwiccan @blueboirick and etc

[ariel26c]

the thing that scares me more than anything in the world is what all of these success stories "i manifested a boyfriend!" and "i manifested weight loss" are just pure coincidence and could be explained in a logical way, and what if law of assumption is fake and neville goddard tried to sell a product that he never even believed in? i hope you don't take this as harm on you, i don't mean to harm you i just lately see these basic "success stories" and think to myself what if this is all a lie? we have zero proof that are hard cold and factual only "succes stories" of people behind anon mask.

I don’t believe in coincidences. Everything happens for a reason. When you think of texting a person and then they end up texting you first isn’t a coincidence, it’s thought transmission. It’s not coincidence that you keep seeing angel numbers or the same sign everywhere. There is always a reason.

Some things you just can’t prove and the only way you’ll know it’s real is when you experience it yourself. There is science behind this kind of stuff. There are plenty of experiments and books out there that talk about the power of your subconscious.

If manifestation is a coincidence then your whole life is full of coincidences because you’re always manifesting. If it’s all a coincidence then every success story as you say is a coincidence.

You don’t have to believe in manifestation for it to work. It’s doesn’t matter what doubts you have. I don’t know if you realize that there are plenty of things people can’t prove but still believe in.

All those “basic success stories” as you say could seem basic to you but for someone it could be a giant success. Maybe manifesting a boyfriend doesn’t seem like a big success to you but it could be for someone who’s struggled a lot with loneliness or bad luck in their love life.

There are so many different success stories out there not just about manifesting an SP or weight loss, there’s success stories about extreme appearance changes, revising someone’s death, etc.

Neville Goddard learned about manifestation through another man named Abdullah. He has success stories of his own. If Law of Assumption wasn’t real then there wouldn’t be people talking about how it worked for them and sharing their success stories. Again, you don’t need to believe for it to work.

I understand what you’re saying but why think of the negative? What if it’s real?? What if this isn’t just pure coincidences? Your doubts are valid and I don’t consider this as harmful to me.

Thank you for your question ♥️

[sadkylos]

Private Affair

Pairing: Professor!Miguel x Student!Reader || Enemies to Lovers 

Summary: Amidst a challenging period in your life, you enter into a clandestine sexual relationship with your professor. Unbeknownst to Miguel, you develop genuine feelings for him. Little do you know that Miguel reciprocates those feelings while harboring a secret that could shatter your world.

Warnings: mentions of death, swearing, mdni, nsfw, angst

AO3

A/N: I’ll only be posting one or two chapters on here but the rest is on AO3 if you’d like to keep up with it! It has 17k words rn so I don’t want to post all of it on here. Enjoy! 

Senior year of college was meant to be a time of excitement and anticipation for the future, tinged with a hint of nervousness. It was supposed to be a year of reveling in campus events and parties and enjoying your final moments of undergraduate life. Yet, for you, it was an entirely different experience. Dread loomed over your every waking moment, overshadowing any sense of joy or anticipation. The future seemed daunting, and you felt lost, unsure of what path to take after graduation. The weight of burnout permeated every aspect of your existence.

You had pursued a Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering, a field that had once ignited a passionate spark within you. It was the path you had always envisioned, inspired by your father, who had been the esteemed head of the Department at Alchemax, specializing in life-saving clone technology. Through his groundbreaking work, countless lives had been saved as major organ transplants became accessible to those in need. Your father had been your hero, a beacon of inspiration.

Tragically, during your high school years, a mysterious explosion occurred at Alchemax headquarters, claiming your father's life. The devastating loss deepened your resolve to carry on his legacy, fueling a relentless drive to pursue your degree. However, as you approached the end of your college journey, doubts began to creep in, clouding your once unwavering passion. The weight of your father's absence and the uncertain path ahead caused that once-burning drive to flicker and waver, leaving you questioning the path you had chosen.

“Y/N?” Professor O’Hara interrupted your thoughts.

He stood in front of your desk, expectantly waiting for you to answer his question. So far, you were horribly failing his Transport Phenomena class. It was hard for you to get yourself to study, let alone attend lectures.

“Sorry, Professor…I didn’t hear your question.”

The room was filled with the hushed snickers of your fellow classmates, their laughter dancing in the air. It was no coincidence you sat in the back of the classroom. Dr. O’Hara was known for making students cry, failing them regardless of personal problems, and never providing any chances towards extra credit. He possessed an impressive stature, towering above any individual you had encountered before. His height surpassed all expectations, commanding attention in any room he entered. Broad shoulders accentuated his commanding presence, while his remarkably slender waist added a touch of elegance to his physical frame. And his ass…If you didn’t hate him, you would’ve spent the entire semester vying after him. His skin was tan and somewhat weathered. If you had to estimate he had to be in his early thirties, younger than any other professor you'd seen. His chestnut-colored hair was slicked back with a few strands of rebellious hair falling over his forehead.

O'Hara placed both of his hands on his criminally slutty waist,

“Do you even know what topic we’re covering today?”

His eyes narrowed, a clear sign of his displeasure with your lack of regard for the class. The temperature in the classroom seemed to rise suddenly, making you feel uncomfortably trapped in your seat, apprehensive about what might unfold next. Your confidence waned, and you shrank down, hoping to become invisible.

For a brief moment, his gaze shifted to the clock on the wall behind you, acknowledging that class time was coming to an end. However, his attention swiftly returned to you, his piercing stare causing a shiver to run down your spine. With an authoritative tone, he instructed the class to read Chapter Six of the textbook before dismissing them. Frozen under his intense scrutiny, you remained motionless, feeling the weight of his gaze pressing down upon you, rendering you unable to escape his oppressive presence.

“You.” He commanded, his voice dangerously low, “Stay here.”

It took all of your willpower to not grovel before your unyielding professor. He stood before you and your ability to graduate this semester.

With your classmates hastily exiting the classroom, Miguel finally released you from his piercing gaze and proceeded to shut the door behind them. As he did so, you released the breath you had been holding, a subtle sign of relief washing over you. O'Hara's presence had always been intimidating, not only due to his notorious reputation but also because of the way he had treated you during freshman year in his Fundamentals class.

Back then, he had consistently singled you out, subjecting you to his relentless criticism and belittlement in front of your peers. At the time, you had been resolute, refusing to let any professor deter you from pursuing your ambition of following in your father's footsteps. However, as you reflected on those moments, a doubt lingered—perhaps you should have allowed the weight of his negativity to push you into reconsidering your path.

Now, Professor O'Hara sat at the front desk of the mid-sized classroom, his heavy lean back in the chair beckoning you to approach. You stood there, dumbfounded and slightly clumsy, struggling to regain your composure before cautiously rising from your seat to meet him.

“What’s going on? Freshman year you were constantly answering questions, annoying the class with your smart ass, and challenging me during lectures. Now you’re a bum,” You flinched at the insult as O’Hara continued to berate you, “ Who has an attendance rate that would justify me dropping you from my class.”

You anxiously rubbed your arm, shifting on your feet. It’s not like you could vent to your professor who loathed your existence. Dr. O’Hara began impatiently tapping his index finger on his desk, awaiting an answer.

“Answer me.” His demand sent chills down your spine, forcing you to meet his agitated gaze.

Unexpectedly, his authority scared you into confession,

“I’m burnt out, ok? Maybe you were right, maybe I’m just too stupid to even pursue Bioengineering.”

Your eyes widened as your professor looked unamused by your pity party.

He rolled his eyes, “Cut the bullshit. You’re not stupid and your 4.0 GPA up until now is a clear indication of that.”

You opened your mouth to reject his compliment. Sensing your doubt he raised his hand, motioning for you to shut up.

“I pity you, truly. It almost makes me wish you were as arrogant and annoying as you used to be.” O’Hara sighed again, “Mierda niña, look. From now on you’re going to attend every lecture. If you��re even a millisecond late I will get you kicked out of this program so fucking quick.”

You nodded your head fast enough to give yourself a headache,

“From now on you’ll attend every single office hour. I don’t care if you’re sick, if your grandma dies, I want you there. No excuses.”

You stared at him perplexed. Office hours? You weren’t dumb, you were depressed! Not only that but being alone with O’Hara for three hours, twice a week made you nauseous. Irritation spread across your professor’s face. His eyes darkened,

“ Am I talking to a ghost? Do you understand?”

“Yessir.” You squeaked.

Professor O’Hara shooed you away with his hand,

“Now get out of here.”

[starboy2023]

Perfect Personalized Diet! (dm for your personalized diet too!)

Using my height, weight, bmi, activity level, and maintenance caloric intake, I was recently able to create a personalized day-by-day diet to help me lose my depression weight! 

My journey: (skip to the bottom for the final diet!)

Hi! I'm starboy, and this is my ED blog! To be transparent, at my low weight, I weighed roughly 90lbs, with my bmi being 14.1. I was incredibly ill, and know I cannot go back to that wieght; however, it helped ease my gender dysphoria, and my problems with OCD massively. In June of 2023, I was 98.5 lbs with a bmi of 15.4. You can go to my twitter for body checks and pictures!

Currently, I weigh 109 lbs and my bmi is 17.1. I am deeply unhappy with this, and though parts of recovery have been great, I recently learned that I may be terminally ill. I figured if Im going out anyways, I’m going to go back to the one thing that brings me endless comfort: my eating disorder. By July 1st (in about 7 weeks from this post), I want to get to 100lbs, with a bmi of 15.7. 

How I created this diet: (and how you can too!)

To explain how I calculated and created this diet, I used this link: “Calorie Calculator”, to calculate my maintenance weight. I rounded up to 115 lbs for my weight just to be safe! Using the maintenance number calculated from 115 lbs, which is 1,601 calories a day, my height, 5’7”, and my age, 18 years, I asked chat gbt to create a customized day by day calorie intake diet. Due to working Wednesday and Friday, I asked it to have those days be the highest caloric intake, and I asked for Monday and Saturday to be the lowest intake days, due to those being my typical clubbing/partying days. I also use 16:8 fasting, but I like to do a 24 hour fast every other week. Chat GBT gave me lots of advice and gave me a range of options, but the diet I decided on works best for me! I highly recommend reading thoroughly because it is very very helpful if you don't know the science behind weight loss!

My exact chat gbt message: (if you would like to make your own, copy and paste this message into Chat GBT and replace the weight, height, bmi, activity level, and maintenance calories)

“I am an 18 year old female, that is 5'7" and 115 lbs. My BMI is 18.0 currently. My physical activity level is sedentary. To maintain my current weight I need to consume 1,601 calories per day. I want to lose 15 lbs by July 1st. How many calories should I consume daily to lose 15 pounds by the beginning of July? Create a per day caloric intake schedule that includes fasting for 24 hours once every two weeks that goes until the beginning of July, where I would loose 15 pounds. Have my lowest caloric intake (or my bi-weekly fasting date) on Monday and Saturday, and have a little bit of a higher caloric intake for Wednesday and Friday: all while I am still on track to loose 15 pounds(making my weight 100 lbs) by the beginning of July.”

The final diet: (the part you guys really want!)

I eat between the hours of 12-7pm for my 16:8 fasting, and fast on every other Sunday.

Monday: 800 calories

Tuesday: 1,100 calories

Wednesday: 1,200 calories

Thursday: 1,100 calories

Friday: 1,200 calories

Saturday: 800 calories

Sunday 1,100 calories (fasting every other week)

Overall, I will be consuming 7,300 calories a week. (for reference, eating my maintenance calories would be 11,207 calories a week). That is a 3,907 weekly calorie deficit, and roughly a 558 calorie daily deficit. Remember! A deficit is how you lose weight!

I hope you enjoyed my explanation blog! If you would like me to help you create a personalized diet around your work days and life habits, please let me know! This is my favorite type of math, and if you need any tips or tricks, feel free to dm me here or on twitter!  What type of blog or info dump would you guys like in the future?

Twitter: @star_boy2023

Tumblr: @starboy2023

[honey-minded-hivemind]

Ah, this one hurts, but angst is what I live for!

Okay so bear with me here( ᐛ )☞ The way I imagine things, Ororo is the kind of person who would go into shock/numb when she and the others all learn the kids are dead, when they see what happened to them, there wasn't anything they could've done to save them, but that doesn't mean anything, their kids are gone, and nothing can be done or said that would fix this.

Her actions are just as deliberate and violent as everyone else, but emotionally, she's held down by the crushing weight of her guilt, and when they all find out that reader was hers? It hits her like a sledgehammer, she didn't see it coming at all. How had she been so stupid? reading the notes reader left behind doesn't do her any better, and over all it just makes her more determined to protect the kids they have left, she doesn't want to lose them too, she can't.

GOSH, almost done with all seven, do you have any ideas for Raven?

🐑 Anon

That is how Storm would feel, 🐑 Anon, I agree.

She wasn't a stranger to loss.

She knew what death was. She knew what it was like to love someone and to be torn from them. She might have lost one family in her youth, but she gained another with the X-Men. They were hers, and she was theirs.

It seems fate had decided to take from them again.

Losing them... it was hard.

The numbness that spread from her heart to her mind... the tears that never seemed to dry... The pain that bled her heart and stained their hands... It never ceased.

Finding out that Reader was her own child...

That only sent her emotions further out of control.

When she and the others sought their justice, their revenge, the skies were filled with thunder and snow. The winds howled and the frozen flakes coated everything in sharp, thick layers of ice. Getting rid of the pests who'd taken from them, from her, was swift. Subzero winds and frostbite, freezing soldiers solid. Bolts of lighting striking down those who ran. The wind knocking over all who moved, ice bursting up to impale them...

It was a mere ounce of the pain they all felt. The pain she felt.

What's worse is the ones who took them try to defend their actions, calling it an act of science...

It was no act of science. It was an act of hatred, of greed, of pure corruption and foolishness. They took their life, their blood... It was only fair their's was taken in turn...

By the time it is done, they have all reached a conclusion, one that took them too long to come to. And while she is not happy that it has come to it...

It is the only choice they have left.

She lost a child. Reader was hers. It wasn't known to her or to them. And they would never know. She lost three other children that day as well. Kurt, a sweet, blue child, akin to a soft cloud on a bright day... Kitty, sarcastic and witty and warm, like sunshine... Pietro, quick and clever and Evan's best friend, a cool breeze in the heat of summer... and Reader... her own child... Her Evan's cousin... Her team's friend, sibling, child... A rainbow of love and empathy for them, a promise of warmth and care...

They were gone, all of them...

And they weren't coming back.

She did her best, trying to keep her emotions in check. Some days, she managed, and the weather stayed its course. Other days, she wasn't able able keep it in, and the weather turned harsh, wailing, Nature's own cry against her loss...

In the end, she did what she could to help their remaining kids. Raising them, keeping them safe, helping hone their skills and knowledge, so should anything happen, they would make it... Sometimes she finds herself comforting them, holding them tightly and drying their tears... Other times she is the one comforted, the other adults offering any peace or comfort they can to soothe her...

It is not perfect, what they have.

But it is the best they can do.

As long as no one else suffers what they have... suffers what their kids did... what hers did... Then they've done something right, regardless of what they've done to achieve it.

(For Mystique... she'd be going through it. She has three kids. She lost two. She's a shape-shifter, and Reader was an animal one to boot. She was able to reconnect with her other two children. Yet Kurt was taken, and so was Reader... Reader would never know how similar they truly were... How they were blood, they were mother and child... That two of their friends were their siblings... She'd be having a further breakdown, I think...)