#water filter straw

[saganlife]

XStream Straw Deluxe Product Feature - Sagan Life

The Sagan Life XStream Straw Deluxe is the most effective and convenient of the water filter straws. It is an amazing water purifier for backpacking, hiking, camping, travel and emergency survival use. Ultralight and completely portable, you can pack up and take anywhere. REGULAR PRICE $79.99 SAVE $10 AND GET YOURS TODAY FOR $69.99

https://saganlife.com/xstream-straw-deluxe-product-feature/

[safecastle-sale]

Stay hydrated and safe with the Breeze Water Filter Straw! 💧

[saganlifellc]

XStream Straw Ultralight Water Filter

Removes 99.9999% of all bacteria, 99.99% virus, and pathogens; purifies any non-salt water source. Ultra-light and portable, this backpacking water filter straw is now available at $79.99 with 100% money-back guarantee. REGULAR PRICE $79.99 SAVE $10 AND GET YOURS TODAY FOR $69.99 USE CODE XSLP10

To Know More: https://saganlife.com/xstream-straw-deluxe-product-feature/

[bunnyboy-juice]

ngl. every time i see someone talk about a fairly standard/innocuous bong or pipe that isnt that structurally complex and they talk about the way it would be "impossible" to keep it clean my concern for the ways y'all treat your glass (and therefore your lungs) rises by 10 notches........

[mossistyping]

I've ordered 4 helmet stickers for my water bottle to show everyone exactly what kind of loser I am <3

[moth-whisperer]

In a post apocalyptic scenario where my hormonal iud inevitably stops working and I have to deal with my period again, diva cups really are the best option. I still carry a collapsible one in my bag and honestly that would be in my apocalypse bug out bag, thank god someone gave Ellie a diva cup

[outdoorovernights]

Waterdrop Gravity Water Filter Straw Review

Can you imagine being in the wild, your backpack packed and your spirit eager for adventure, yet wondering about one crucial aspect: a reliable source of clean drinking water? You might not want to be lugging around bottles of water, and that’s where a handy device like the “Waterdrop Gravity Water Filter Straw, Camping Water Filtration System, Water Purifier Survival for Travel, Backpacking and…

[betweenapitchandacast]

These Tips Will Give You Healthy Mums into Winter and Beyond

Mums are as iconic as the fall leaves. But keeping this frilly fall flower thriving all season long can be tricky. See these tips to increase the longevity of your mums! #Fall #Flower #Tips

If you love to decorate your outdoor space, then you’re probably already thinking about how to spruce it up for the cooler months. And what’s fall decorating without some corn stalks, hay bales, pumpkins, and beautiful mums in all their warm, vibrant colors? But let’s face it, as stunning as they are, mums can be pretty tricky to take care of. Don’t worry, though; even if you’re new to the game,…

[weightloss42199]

Top 5 Popular Water Purification system in world 

1.Berkey Water Filter

The Berkey Water Filter is a gravity-fed water purification system known for its ability to remove a wide range of contaminants and provide clean and safe drinking water. It employs a multi-stage filtration process to achieve this. Here's an overview of how the Berkey Water Filter's filtration process works:

Upper Chamber: The Berkey system consists of two chambers: the upper chamber, which holds the untreated water, and the lower chamber, which collects the purified water.

Black Berkey Purification Elements: The heart of the Berkey system is the Black Berkey Purification Elements (or filters). These elements are made from a proprietary blend of materials, including activated carbon and other media, and feature extremely small micro-pores. These micro-pores are capable of blocking a wide range of contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, chlorine, pesticides, herbicides, pharmaceuticals, and more.

Pouring or Gravity Feed: To start the filtration process, untreated water is poured into the upper chamber of the Berkey system. Alternatively, some Berkey models operate by gravity feed, meaning the untreated water is placed in a container above the upper chamber, and it flows through the filters due to gravity.

Filtration through Black Berkey Elements: As water from the upper chamber percolates through the Black Berkey Purification Elements, the various contaminants are captured and removed from the water. This filtration process relies on both mechanical filtration (via the tiny pores) and adsorption (where contaminants adhere to the surface of the filter media).

Collection of Purified Water: The purified water, free from contaminants, exits the Black Berkey Purification Elements and accumulates in the lower chamber of the Berkey system. This water is safe for drinking and can be dispensed via a spigot or tap located on the lower chamber.

Reduction of Contaminants: The Berkey system is highly effective at reducing or eliminating a wide range of contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, heavy metals, organic chemicals, and more. The specific reduction capabilities may vary depending on the model of Berkey filter and the number of Black Berkey Purification Elements used.

Maintenance: To maintain the effectiveness of the Berkey Water Filter, regular cleaning and, if necessary, replacement of the Black Berkey Purification Elements are recommended. The lifespan of these elements can vary depending on water quality and usage but typically ranges from several thousand to tens of thousands of gallons.

The Berkey Water Filter is popular for its long-lasting filters and the ability to provide clean water even in situations where access to a treated water source is limited or unreliable. It's essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for setup, maintenance, and cleaning to ensure the best performance of the system.

Click here for more details 

2.Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems

Reverse Osmosis (RO) is a water purification process that uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove a wide range of impurities and contaminants from water. It's a widely used method for producing clean and safe drinking water. Here's how reverse osmosis systems work:

Pre-Filtration: Before water enters the RO membrane, it typically goes through a pre-filtration stage. This stage may involve one or more filters (e.g., sediment filters and carbon filters) that remove larger particles, sediment, chlorine, and organic matter. These pre-filters help protect the RO membrane from clogging and extend its lifespan.

Pressurization: The water is then pressurized using a pump or other means. Applying pressure is a crucial part of the RO process because it forces water molecules through the semi-permeable membrane against their natural osmotic flow.

Reverse Osmosis Membrane: The heart of the RO system is the semi-permeable membrane. This membrane is designed with very tiny pores, typically on the order of micrometers (µm) or even nanometers (nm) in size. These pores are so small that they can effectively block the passage of most dissolved salts, minerals, contaminants, and microorganisms in the water.

Separation of Water: When pressurized water is forced through the RO membrane, it undergoes a separation process. Water molecules, which are smaller than the membrane's pores, pass through the membrane and are collected on the other side. These water molecules are now purified and free of most contaminants.

Concentrated Waste: As water passes through the membrane, the impurities and contaminants that were blocked by the membrane are concentrated in a separate stream called the reject or concentrate. This stream contains the removed contaminants and is typically flushed down the drain.

Clean Water Storage: The purified water that passed through the RO membrane is collected in a storage tank. This clean water is suitable for consumption and can be accessed from a faucet connected to the RO system.

Post-Treatment (Optional): Some RO systems include a post-treatment stage that further enhances water quality. This may involve a final activated carbon filter to remove any remaining taste and odor issues and to improve the overall taste of the purified water.

The result of the RO process is highly purified water that is free from a wide  range of contaminants, including dissolved salts, heavy metals, bacteria, viruses, and other impurities. RO systems are commonly used in homes, businesses, and industrial settings to provide clean and safe drinking water, as well as for various water treatment applications.

Click Here For More Details 

3.UV (Ultraviolet)

UV (Ultraviolet) water purifiers, also known as UV water disinfection systems, are devices that use ultraviolet light to kill or inactivate bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms in water. This technology is highly effective at disinfecting water without the use of chemicals and is commonly used to ensure the safety of drinking water in homes, businesses, and other settings. Here's how UV water purifiers work:

UV Lamp: The core component of a UV water purifier is a UV lamp, which emits a specific wavelength of ultraviolet light, typically in the range of 254 nanometers (nm). This wavelength is known as germicidal UV or UV-C, and it is particularly effective at disrupting the DNA and RNA of microorganisms.

Water Flow: Water from the source, such as a tap or a well, is passed through the UV water purifier system. The flow rate of water is regulated to ensure that it receives adequate exposure to the UV light.

UV Exposure: As water flows through the UV chamber of the purifier, it comes into contact with the UV lamp. The UV-C light penetrates the microorganisms in the water and damages their genetic material (DNA and RNA), rendering them unable to reproduce and causing them to become inactive.

Microorganism Inactivation: The exposure to UV-C light effectively kills or inactivates a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and some parasites. It is particularly effective against waterborne pathogens that can cause diseases.

Discharged Water: After passing through the UV chamber, the water is now free from active microorganisms and is considered safe for drinking.

It's important to note that UV water purifiers do not remove particles, chemicals, or other non-living contaminants from the water. Their primary function is to disinfect water by neutralizing microorganisms. For this reason, UV purifiers are often used in combination with other water treatment methods such as sediment filtration, activated carbon filtration, and reverse osmosis to ensure complete water purification.

Advantages of UV water purifiers include:

Effective disinfection without the use of chemicals.

Fast and continuous treatment, as there is no need for contact time or waiting.

Minimal maintenance requirements, with periodic replacement of the UV lamp being the primary upkeep.

However, it's essential to ensure that the UV lamp is functioning correctly and to replace it as recommended by the manufacturer, as the effectiveness of the system relies on the lamp's UV output. Additionally, UV water purifiers are most effective when used with water that is relatively clear, as turbidity (cloudiness) can reduce their efficiency.

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4.LifeStraw:

The LifeStraw is a portable water purification device designed to provide safe drinking water in emergency situations or when access to clean water is limited. It works based on a simple and effective filtration process. Here's how the LifeStraw works:

Hollow Fiber Membrane: The core component of the LifeStraw is a hollow fiber membrane. This membrane contains microscopic pores that are small enough to trap and filter out harmful contaminants such as bacteria, protozoa, and microplastics but allow clean water to pass through.

Mechanical Filtration: As you use the LifeStraw, you immerse one end of the device into the water source (e.g., a stream, river, or pond) while you suck on the other end, which has a mouthpiece. When you draw water through the LifeStraw by sucking, the water is forced through the hollow fiber membrane.

Contaminant Removal: As water passes through the hollow fiber membrane, the physical barriers created by the tiny pores prevent the passage of contaminants. Bacteria, parasites, and other particles are trapped and cannot flow through the filter.

Clean Water Output: What emerges from the other end of the LifeStraw is clean and safe drinking water. The filter effectively removes most waterborne pathogens, making the water suitable for consumption.

It's important to note that while LifeStraw is effective at removing many types of contaminants, it has limitations. For instance, it may not remove chemical pollutants or viruses, as the pore size of the filter is primarily designed to block larger particles like bacteria and protozoa. To address these concerns, some LifeStraw models include additional stages of filtration or chemical treatments.

Additionally, the LifeStraw is a single-use, personal water purification tool and is typically not intended for long-term or large-scale water purification. It is ideal for emergency situations, outdoor activities, or as a backup tool when clean water sources are not readily available. Users should also follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and replacement, as filters can become clogged and less effective over time.

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5.Sawyer PointOne Filter

The Sawyer PointOne Filter is a versatile and efficient water filtration system commonly used by outdoor enthusiasts, backpackers, and travelers to provide safe drinking water from various water sources. The PointOne Filter employs a multi-stage filtration process to remove contaminants and pathogens from untreated water. Here's an overview of how the Sawyer PointOne Filter works:

Microbiological Filtration: The core of the Sawyer PointOne Filter is a hollow fiber membrane with very small pores, typically around 0.1 microns in size. These pores are small enough to physically block the passage of most waterborne pathogens, including bacteria, protozoa, and cysts.

Setup and Water Source: To use the Sawyer PointOne Filter, you typically attach it to a collapsible pouch, water bottle, or a gravity system. You then immerse the filter's inlet into the water source, such as a stream, river, or lake.

Filtration Process: When you apply pressure or suction (depending on the configuration) to the filter, water is drawn through the hollow fiber membrane. As the water passes through the microscopic pores in the membrane, contaminants, including bacteria and protozoa, are physically blocked and cannot pass through. This process effectively removes these pathogens from the water.

Collection of Clean Water: On the other side of the filter, you collect the clean, filtered water in your container or bottle. The filtered water is safe for drinking and does not require any additional treatment.

Backwashing (Cleaning): Over time, the filter may become clogged with particulate matter from the water source. To maintain its effectiveness, the Sawyer PointOne Filter can be backwashed. This is done by flushing clean water through the filter in the reverse direction, which helps remove accumulated debris and restore the flow rate.

Longevity: The Sawyer PointOne Filter is known for its durability and longevity. When properly maintained and cleaned, it can filter a substantial volume of water (usually hundreds of thousands of gallons) before the filter needs replacement.

It's important to note that while the Sawyer PointOne Filter is highly effective at removing bacteria, protozoa, and other contaminants, it does not filter out viruses, dissolved chemicals, or heavy metals. In areas where viruses may be a concern, additional treatment methods, such as chemical disinfection or UV purification, may be necessary.

The Sawyer PointOne Filter is valued for its simplicity, lightweight design, and the ability to provide safe drinking water in outdoor and emergency situations. Users should always follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper use and maintenance to ensure the filter's continued effectiveness.

Click Here For More Details

[saganlife]

XStream Straw Ultralight Water Filter

Removes 99.9999% of all bacteria, 99.99% virus, and pathogens; purifies any non-salt water source. Ultra-light and portable, this backpacking water filter straw is now available at $79.99 with 100% money-back guarantee. REGULAR PRICE $79.99 SAVE $10 AND GET YOURS TODAY FOR $69.99

https://saganlife.com/product/sagan-life-xstream-straw-water-purifier/

[ouchgnf]

like sorry nobody can make me care about an 18 year old drinking

literally this like if you really care that much about a 24 year old allegedly giving alcohol to an 18 year old and sleeping with her then you’d have better luck campaigning at college campuses 💀 lock up every single frat bro in the US and then come talk to me

[cherriesnpapaya]

Fashion Killer - LN

In which Mr Norris is left speechless over a sundress.

Warnings: NSFW - smut. unprotected sex, oral (both male and female receiving / giving), friends with benefits, soft dom!lando,

Lan <3 - are you coming to the race?

Miami Grand Prix. In which the men on the grid couldn’t get away from models. Families definitely weren’t invited to this exhilarating mess of a weekend.

On my way sweet cheeks, please find me the coldest drink you can. - sent

Lando couldn’t care less what model they had behind him, trying to seem interested in the sport. He was watching her walk to the paddock in that ridiculously perfect sundress.

Loose, hung perfectly over her american doll legs. The cream of the linen light and only complimented by her brunette hair curled to perfection on her sides. He could practically feel how soft the stands felt as his hands gripped his bottle.

The tan she sported a crude reminder of her skimpy attire she had been living in whilst they lounged around the villa the last few days. He got them the quiet space, filled it with his friends to distract everyone and then revelled in her presence.

Bright smile on her cheeks as she waved for the cameras. Max Fewtrell by her side as they came to join Norris after supporting Fewtrell with his racing activities.

“How are you dressed in that.” She groaned, slipping onto a stool next to him. Lando had to peel his eyes off her legs before he ditched the car to catch a ride instead.

“My job, honey.” He chuckled, holding out his bottle for her. Bad idea.

He watched her lips wrap around the straw. He’s taken back to when he was teaching her how to use the bottles, and somehow ended up with a blowjob.

Final calls were being made to start the pre race media, so Lando stood up and opened his arms for his friends to fall into them.

“Go get em tiger.” She chuckled, the bottle handed back to him with the deep pink stain of her lipstick around the top of it. God how Lando wished to be a straw.

He certainly got them, coming first place for the first time in his career. He dripped with sweat, and some water he’s poured over his face, gleaming ear to ear. His tan still deep golden next to his orange suit.

The celebrations were never ending. From the crowd, his team, other garages and of course his fellow drivers. They poured into his villa, music and drinks flowing freely. The hum of chatter with the occasional cheer as the winner would join conversations. He worked his way round, trying to find the girl he’s been thinking about every second of the day.

“Thought I’d lost you.” He made her jump, slipping into her room. She turned from her position in front of the mirror, earrings in hand.

“I was just going to change.”

“But you look fit.” He could help but speak his mind. The filter between them had been lost about 6 shags ago.

“Have caught you staring a few times.”

“Oh no, punish me for my crimes please.”

He sneered, falling back onto the plush white bed. She rolled her eyes, placing the earrings down. The carpet muffled her steps, letting her slip between his open legs quietly.

“Aren’t you meant to be celebrating?” She teased, arms crossed as he peaked a look at her:

“I am, what’s my prize?” He hummed, sitting up to place his hands on the back of her thighs. Cheeky eyes gazed up at her, watching as her lip caught between her teeth. His thumbs worked circles into the soft skin. She didn’t know if she was desperate, but it felt like they slowly moved inwards.

The music vibrated through the floor, which she was quick to notice when she dropped to her knees. Lando couldn’t help the smirk taken over him, quickly removing anything in the way. He propped back on elbows as she finally took him into her hands.

Profanities rough from his throat as she took him down hers, tongue tracing the vein down the side of him. Bobbing her head, tongue piercing running over his top just how he liked. He throbbed, excitement having built up all day. She hummed, smirking when his head would fall back from watching her.

“Shit baby c’mere.” He ran a hand over her jaw, pushing her off his stained cock. He had the stamina for races in incredible heats, but she knew just how to ruin a man. He slipped off his tshirt in a blink, hands back glued to her hips as he pulled her to straddle his legs.

When she moved to slip her dress off, he caught her wrists, pushing them behind her back to drop them there. Her insides giddy with the move, grinding down slowly on his crotch.

“No chance. You’ve been teasing me with this all day.” He spoke against her neck, leaving sloppy kisses and sucks on any exposed skin. She didn’t even notice his fingers lingering over her panties, moving them to the side.

“Lando.” She whined, arms now hooked around his neck. He kneaded her arse, hips, tits as he sunk into her slowly. Her head rolled, moans covered up by the sounds of some asap song underneath them.

He could barely speak, weak moans fell from his open mouth as she took more control. Moving up and down at her own speed, occasionally rolling her hips to get him to hit that one spot.

She gasped, eyes shut as she rolled continuously into the same spot. Lando knew the tightness, he knew what it meant for you to get close.

“Just like that pretty girl.” He cooed, fingers brushing slowly over her clit in an aggravating manor. A string of swear words left the previously painted lips as she rolled, now mixing between rutting against his fingers and his cock.

Thank god for the loud music as she came for the first time that night, her body spasms into his as the rocking comes to an end.

“You good?” He checked, hands playing with the hem of her dress.

“So good.” Practically drooling, Lando chuckled at the cock drunk girl slumped into him. He attached his lips to hers, lifting her up to swap them around. Her legs rested over the end of the bed, not having a chance to even prop herself up before Lando licked a stripe through her folds.

It was a guilty pleasure of Lando’s, enjoying her body’s reactions to the way he rolled his tongue over her bud. Her legs wrapped around his head, before spreading again as she ran her fingers through his curls. She moaned out as Lando spat into her opening, the smile on his lips almost pushed her over the edge itself. And there she came, for a second time.

“You’re so gorgeous.” He complimented, overwhelmed by the look of her on the bed currently. Fucked out, face flushed and smiling. Hair sprawled out over the mattress, looking like a goddess. It made him harder to just look.

“Fuck me Lando.” She pulled him back in, heel digging into this back causing him to practically fall forward. He pretended to be shocked, moving her ankles to hang over her shoulders as he got right back to it.

“So fucking tight.” He hissed, fucking in and out of her and she swore he was in her stomach. He knew he was nearly fucked out, her nails digging into his stomach hinted the feeling was mutual.

Before he could pull out, he was pushing the warmth into her further. Moaning out probably a bit too loud, stilling completely as they both caught their breaths. Once he had pulled out, he was helping her clean up, pulling the dress back down to sit perfectly again.

“Wear that dress for me again sometime.”

“That’s a boyfriend privilege Norris.”

——————

Thank you for reading! New to the scene, so send any prompts/inspo over. I hope to write lots more for ya ;)

[sparrownnax]

man tbis water bottle is doing wonders 4 me...

[teaboot]

Not trying to be stupid or anything but like... what about using plastic water bottles because I don't have access to clean water?

I would LOVE to buy a water filter, but the one I need is almost $100, and I don't have that kind of money.

Your posts about pollution are very enlightening and remind me to stay grounded in reality a bit so, thanks I suppose! 😁

If zero waste is not attainable for you, which it ISN'T for many of us, minimal waste, or a goal of minimal waste, is not something to be ashamed of.

Even IF we manage to see the end of single-use plastics and fast fashion in this lifetime, we'll still need syringes, and rubber insulating gloves, and catheters, and straws, and end-caps for canes. We'll still likely need something equally shatterproof for transporting things, and while aluminum might be an option, it can't be made transparent, and some things may need to be.

If your city has no recycling plants, you can't recycle. You can find alternatives, like reusable containers, but eventually you're gonna have to put something in the trash.

Aiming for reduced waste is better than shitting on yourself for a system you didn't create, and then still doing the same things anyway.

You as an individual, unless you're a factory or multibilliondollar corporation or a billionaire with a private jet, are not at fault for the vast majority of this

[starlit-writer]

in sickness and in health, ch. 3 - alpha!simon riley x omega!reader

here is chapter three!!!! this chapter did NOT go the way i thought it would, but i promise we're getting to the whole simon groveling and begging and all that lovely stuff soon - i just cant seem to stop writing these two FIGHTING! as always, if you want to be added to the tag list to make sure you stay up-to-date, let me know in the replies! eat well, lovelies <3

if you want to understand more about my omegaverse au, you can look at my masterpost here, and it'll help explain all of the intricacies that may or may not be explained well enough in these short-form fics!

word count: 4,208 chapter two masterlist ao3 link

You were in a forest, surrounded by pines. Snow was drifting down slowly, coating the needles around you in light flakes before they melted from the heat of your breath as you stared up at the grey sky. You felt… at peace, for the first time in a long time. You were wrapped securely in the knotted roots of one of the pine trees as they wrapped themselves over and between the straps of your tactical vest, the wood gently resting against a sticky scarlet mark where your heart was supposed to be. You turned your head as much as the roots would allow, and you could see flames in the distance of the forest, a cacophony of gunshots and explosions ricocheting through your ears as the scent of smoking pine and wet gunpowder reaches your nostrils-

You woke up with a start, a gasp of air drawing through your dry, chapped lips sharply, the movement causing your aching ribs to spasm in a coughing fit. Your hands flew up to your chest to check for the wound that you were so convinced would be there, only to be met with the soft, warm, flesh of a massive tattooed bicep that was flung across your chest. But the everpresent scent of smoked pine, wet gunpowder, and a freshly-lit cigarette was still burned into your nostrils.

It was just a dream.

You blinked a few times, the light filtering through the blinds too bright for your blurry eyes to handle. You tried to lift your head, to move, but your body felt far too heavy and sluggish. You were reduced to your basest of instincts - you felt better than you had in months, but it felt like your omega side had completely overridden your logical one. You tried again to speak, to move, anything, but all that came out from your too-dry mouth was a cracking, reedy omega whine.

That made the heavy arm that was draped over your chest move. It quickly lifted off of you, the bed that you were laying on dipping and shifting like sand underfoot as the massive bulk next to you moved. You flinched slightly as rough fingertips gently touched your cheek, the image of Simon’s face swimming above you as a look of concern furrowed his brow. Oh. That would explain why that scent was swimming around you. If you two had been in a normal, healthy mating bond, it probably would have been easier to recognize. But after the months of distance, and neglect, you had forgotten your own alpha’s scent.

You felt it as your own face morphed into a matching expression. Where were you? Why is Simon here? What the fuck happened? You opened your mouth to say something scathing, the words nipping at the tip of your tongue, but before you could speak, the back of Simon’s hand traced down your cheek, almost reverent in his guilt.

“Shh, shh, love. You’re okay, you’re okay. ‘M ‘ere. Just don’t… don’t move, okay? I’ve got some water here for ya-” his voice broke off as he twisted his torso, keeping one hand securely under your head while the other grabbed a white styrofoam cup with a bright white plastic straw sticking up from the lid and brought it back over to the bed. You had to fight to keep your expression neutral, as the sight of the sterile-looking aerated plastic and the very thought of drinking the disgusting water contained inside made your stomach dip in disgust.

Simon could have cried when he felt your disgust through the bond, the cavernous darkness that had shrouded you from him in his mind finally lifting enough to allow him to feel you again. However, that didn’t stop your feeling of disgust, even if it was directed at the apparently devil-like cup in his hands and not at him, from lodging into his chest like the blade of a knife. He winced and quickly moved the cup away from you, frantically looking around his quarters for some other source of water. When he didn’t find one, a short curse fell from his lips as he glanced back at you sympathetically, regret and guilt shining in his eyes. “I’m sorry, I- I just grabbed this from medbay… there’s some vitamins and electrolytes and whatever else you combat medics throw in it, and I figured that that would help since, you know, you’ve been asleep for three days.”

Your eyes widened in shock. Three days? Three days!? You could vomit, and you probably would have if there had been anything in your stomach.

Simon sighed, screwing his eyes shut as he realized that was probably not the best way to tell you that information. He brought his hand - the one still holding that damn cup - up to his face, rubbing his eyes with the back of his thumb. Gods, he sucked at this. He ran his hand down his face and moved to get up from the bed. “I’ll just… yeah, I’ll just go get you some, um, different water in a different glass and… yeah, I’ll be right back.”

As he moved to get up from the bed, your hand weakly shot out, your fingers feebly wrapping around his wrist. Simon glanced down at your hand in thinly-veiled shock before he looked at you. You were just as shocked. You were still angry, at least, you knew you should be, but the only thing you could focus on was the way your omega writhed in pain at the mere thought of Simon walking away from you again.

“You need to drink some water. And if you won’t drink it out of this,” he said as he raised the cup, “then I gotta get you something else.”

You looked up at him pleadingly, an absolutely pathetic look on your face. You didn’t have the strength or energy to fight against the instincts right now. Everything in you was screaming and clawing at the idea of Simon leaving, even just to get you more water, and your instincts didn’t care about how it looked, or if it made you seem like you forgave him and were willing to forget everything that happened. You knew, logically, that you weren’t, but logic was so far out of the realm of control, the only thing reacting in your mind was your wounded omega, desperate for the proximity of her alpha.

“I don’t wanna force you to drink this if it grosses you out that bad.”

Another needy, desperate whine was his only response as you let go of his wrist, your shaking hand held outstretched to take the cup. It was a clear message - I’ll drink it. Just don’t leave.

Simon’s gaze softened as he sat back down on the edge of the bed, bringing the straw close to your lips. You closed your eyes, the moment feeling far too intimate for the reality of your relationship with Simon as your dry, chapped lips wrapped around the plastic of the straw. After a few moments of forcing down the polluted-dirt tasting water, Simon slowly and gently pulled the straw away from you, his free hand coming up to your face to brush an errant strand of your hair behind your ear. His heart ached as your eyes fluttered open, still cold and guarded even as he could feel your omega pleading for him to stay through the bond.

“Feel better?”

You nodded slowly, the movement disjointed and sluggish as you brought a shaking hand up to wipe a small droplet of water off of your lips. “Yeah,” you muttered, the words thick and gruff with disuse. The thanks that should have followed that response stayed stuck in your throat like a pill that was much too big to swallow.

Simon nodded in response as he sat the cup back down on the bedside table. He then grabbed a wrapped protein bar, and tore open the packaging with his teeth. With the unwrapped protein bar in hand, he turned back to you, holding the bar near your face. “Eat.”

A pause, a short breath leaving Simon’s lips as he realized that a demand was probably not the best way to get you to do something at the moment.

“Please,” he amended, his voice softer, gentler. “You need to get your strength up,” he added, shifting the bar a little closer to your lips.

You knew he was right, ultimately, but it wounded your ego, accepting his help after all of the neglect he had put you through. You sighed softly and shifted on the bed with a groan as your muscles protested against the tiniest of movements. Simon’s hand quickly wrapped around your aching shoulder to help shift you on to your side, and you settled back down into the bed, lifting your head up slightly to take a small bite out of the protein bar. You figured it would be impossible to swallow, as all food had been the last few months, but you were shocked to find it easy to get down. You sat up slowly, achingly, agonizingly slowly, but Simon, shockingly, was there to support you. You reached out and took the bar from him, suddenly ravenous.

Simon watched as you all but scarfed down the protein bar, his gaze softening with guilt. “I’m sorry,” he mumbled, looking down at his now-empty hands. He hated himself, the guilt and regret of being so blind to you throughout the entirety of your marriage, your mating bond, eating him alive.

You froze, mid-chew of the last bite as you heard his murmured apology. You didn’t know how to respond, feeling like a deer in the headlights of his sin.

“Simon…”

“No, I… I am. Gods, angel, you have no idea how sorry I am. I was such a dick to you, such a bad fuckin’ alpha, and I know that my words probably don’t mean much, or, really, anything to you, but… if I could reverse time, do it all over again, I…”

“Simon, stop,” you croaked out, your gaze fixated on the comforter that pooled against your sweatpant-clad legs, anything to keep your eyes off of him. You couldn’t look at him. It was all too much, far too quickly, and you had nowhere to even begin to parse through the emotions and pain that still existed under your skin like a thrashing beast, even if it felt more subdued than it did three days ago. You didn’t want to think too hard on that, though, wanted to ignore the way your alpha’s presence, his scent calmed the ugly thing, if only slightly.

You couldn’t - wouldn’t - forgive him. Not right now. Sure, he had kept one promise; he had stayed with you, but in the grand scheme of things? It didn’t mean much. You smoothed your hand over the soft comforter, balling the now-empty wrapper of the protein bar in your other hand. Too many emotions, too little time. You felt like you were trapped between your base omega desires and the reality of your situation. The wrapper crinkled in your hand louder as your grip became tighter, the atrophied muscles in your arms shaking with exertion and emotion.

You felt Simon’s hand as it inched closer to you, more than likely to try and bring you comfort, but you couldn’t take it. Right before his hand touched yours, you jerked it away, throwing the wrapper into some random corner of his room in your panic. You quickly scrambled out of the bed, your need to get away from him, from the situation, much greater than any of the aches and pains of your neglected body. You stood in the center of the room, your chest heaving from the exertion as you steadied yourself on your feet, your legs wobbling beneath you.

Simon just stared at you, wide-eyed and frozen.

You stared right back. Your mind was a mess, fractured between your omega and your logical, rational side. Your omega was screaming, tearing at the confines of your skin at the very idea of leaving your alpha, but you pushed it away. You felt cornered, and you were lashing out like a feral cat.

“I- I gotta go.”

And with that, you turned on your heel, and all but ran out of the room. Simon was still sitting on the edge of the bed, shellshocked and staring at the space in the center of his quarters that you were just occupying.

–

It had been about a week since you had left Simon’s quarters. That first day, after you had left, you were violent, volatile - your own quarters destroyed as you tried to release all of the pent-up emotions by throwing anything and everything you could get your hands on before you collapsed into little more than a heap of tears in the middle of all of the broken glass and ripped papers. You had slept there that night, on your floor, but when you woke up, there was one of Simon’s sweatshirts outside of the door of your quarters with a note.

I know you don’t want to see me right now. I know you’re pissed, and you have every right to be. But the bond is still fragile. Just keep this around, please? -Simon

Part of you wanted to burn it, still so full of rage and pain, but the desperation of your omega had you pressing your face into the soft, plush fabric, a small omega purr unconsciously pulling past your lips. As soon as the sound of your purr reached your ears, you threw the article of clothing onto the ground as if it was a ticking incendiary bomb. It was still there, in that corner, but it cursed the entirety of your quarters to smell like Simon, the scent of smokey pine, wet gunpowder, and the first drag of a cigarette cloying to everything, no matter how many of your own clothes you piled on top of it.

The rest of that week had passed by you like a blur. You had mostly stayed in your quarters, focusing on how to control and push down your omega desires, instead replacing them with the rage you knew you should feel towards Simon, definitely not because it was the only place that you could still smell him, certainly not. It was just that the thought of being seen out and about when your emotions and physical health were so volatile seemed like it wouldn’t be the best of ideas, and that was definitely the only reason.

But, today was the first day that you had actually gotten up and took a shower. Looking in the mirror, you noticed that your skin looked much more lively, the sickly grey of the bond sickness had dissipated, and the bruises that had covered your skin had all but faded away. It made you feel… wrong almost, to be, to look, “fixed”. The torment that you had undergone still lived and breathed in your very bones, and seeing yourself without the physical marks of it, even if they were self-inflicted, felt wrong. So, you quickly tugged on some workout gear, grabbed your keys, and left your quarters, determined to make someone pay for the grief and rage that thrummed under your skin.

You dumped your keys and your sweatshirt in a corner by the sparring ring, stretching for a moment as you scanned the gym. Plenty of people to spar with, but, more importantly, no Simon. And, before you knew it, an unsuspecting, far too cocky beta recruit was swaggering up to you. He was new to the base, you could tell. Fresh out of basic training, by the looks of it. You pushed a smirk down off of your lips, as you wanted the challenge. Wanted him to fuck up just so you could absolutely let loose. You batted your eyelashes up at him, really playing into the whole weak omega stereotype.

You ran your gaze up and down the recruit, sinking your teeth into your plush lower lip. You watched as the recruit’s eyes lit up at your actions, obviously taking them as flirtatious. Meanwhile, all you had wanted to do was knock him off his axis, get him thinking hazy.

The recruit smirked, rubbing his hands together. “Name’s Conwell. James Conwell. Need a sparring partner?”

You grinned up at him, the expression so fake and sickly-sweet as you leaned towards him slightly, clasping your hands in front of you. If it pushed your tits together, what was the harm in that?

“Oh, yeah, James, that’d be great! I might need a few pointers though. You okay with that?” The grin that the recruit gave you was downright predatory as he nodded and slipped between the ropes, bouncing around and shadowboxing, obviously trying to show off. You quickly stifled a laugh behind your hand, clearing your throat before you slipped between the ropes as well. Gods, new recruits, especially new beta recruits, were such easy marks. They always had such a chip on their shoulder, desperate to prove themselves, and certainly not above pretending to be something they weren’t to do so. And as you settled into your side of the ring, you could smell just how desperate this recruit was to be something he wasn’t.

He had sprayed fake alpha pheromones on himself. The scent was nauseating, making your stomach roll. But, you pushed it down. You’d play the part, let him get one or two good hits in, then it would be game over for the poor boy.

“How do I start this?” You asked innocently, looking down at the smooth vinyl that coated the floor of the ring. The beta’s (Jim?) grin widened as he sunk into his own fighting stance.

“Just like this, pretty girl.”

You suppressed a disgusted shudder at his words, painting that saccharine faux-innocence on your expression as you pretended to copy him, sinking into your own stance. Yours was a much stronger base, your legs spread wider to better accommodate your movement, your fists actually tucked up to your face as protection, unlike the way the beta kept his hands low over his bare chest, obviously believing the lie that you were no threat.

“You should probably swing first, you know, show an omega like me how an alpha does it.”

That did it. His eyes glinted with that repulsive possessiveness that every douchebag gets when you stroke their ego just right, when you pretend to believe a lie that they’ve tried so hard to force to be truth. And so he did, but it arched wide, giving you the perfect opportunity to dodge under and land a jab right in the left side of his ribs. You popped up, a glee-filled smile on your lips, genuine this time, as you looked at him as he gasped for air, bouncing on the balls of your feet.

He blinked, bewildered, as his head swiveled from side to side in an effort to find where you went. Once his eyes zeroed in on you, his lips pressed into a thin, angry smile, the kind that someone would give an annoying child after they spilt their snack for the third time in a row. “Wow, quick learner, huh?”

“Yeah, I guess!” Your words were bright, your eyes filled with a predatory glint that you tried to hide as you beckoned him tauntingly. “C’mon! That was fun!”

The beta growled in a terrible impression of an alpha rumble, swinging out in the exact same way. It forced you to wonder what the fuck they were teaching these kids in basic training nowadays. The velocity of this punch was slow, and you knew you had to let him get at least one punch in if you wanted this to last any longer than a few minutes before he stormed off with his tail tucked between his legs in embarrassment. Normally, you would have braced yourself for a hit that you knew was coming, but something else hit you before the punch could. Smoked pine. Wet gunpowder. First hit of a cigarette after a stressful mission. It pulled your attention just long enough to allow the beta’s punch to land squarely in your ribs, the force of the impact much greater than the velocity, which promptly knocked all of the air from your lungs. You stumbled back a little, but you forced your gaze to stay on your opponent, not allowing yourself to get distracted by the pheromones that had settled over you like an oppressive coat.

That was, until, you heard an actual alpha growl emanating from the door of the gym. It was so loud, so full of anger, that it caused everyone to stop what they were doing. You rolled your eyes, shaking out your shoulders as you sank back down into your fighting stance, but your opponent was frozen, his hands dropped as he turned to look at where the growl had come from. It didn’t take a genius to figure out who he was staring at. You sighed, your head dropping as you saw Simon’s long, purposeful strides carrying his massive bulk up to the ring. You heard your opponent get pulled from the ring, and before you knew it, Simon was in front of you, lifting your head up with gentle fingers.

“Did he hurt-”

You forcefully knocked his hand off of your chin, your eyes hardening. A small omega growl ripped past your lips as they curled up in displeasure. “Oh my gods, fuck off! We were just sparring!”

Simon’s gaze darkened as he looked down at you, but he, thankfully, didn’t touch you again. “You smell like fuckin’ shit. What, fake pheromones are what does it for ya now, huh?”

Your growl increased in volume as you shoved against his chest. The anger, pain, and guilt that swam between the two of you was almost tangible, the tension thick enough to cut through with a knife. You didn’t care. “Don’t pretend like you know anything about what ‘does it for me’,” you mocked as you put sarcastic air quotes around the repeated words.

Most of the gym had cleared out by now. Everyone knew how volatile the two of you could be separately, and when they sensed the heightened anger and emotions between you two, they quickly disappeared. For the few stragglers that were left, Simon fixed them with a glare hard enough to freeze an ocean, and they quickly packed their things and also scurried away.

“You wanna fucking punch something?” Simon growled as he took a step closer to you. “Punch me. Not some stupid prick tryna peacock around as if he’s an alpha. You fuckin’ smell like that shit ass cologne he was trying to pass off as his own.”

A downright predatory grin spread over your lips. You were pissed. Pissed that he was here, that he had taken away the one outlet that you knew you had to work through all of these emotions. So, you bit back. You knew you were playing with fire. It was one thing you were always good at, part of the reason the team, especially Simon, called you spitfire.

“Oh, is that what that was? It smelled so good, I thought it was real.”

You were lying, and the smirk that spread over Simon’s lips confirmed that he knew it too. You shook your head, blowing out a frustrated breath as you moved to step around Simon. You didn’t want to be around him right now. His hand shot out to grab at your wrist, but you jerked it away from him.

“Don’t fuckin’ touch me,” you bit out as your teeth ground together. “I didn’t need you to come save me, and you had no right to storm in here like this.”

“No right?” Simon seethed lowly as he turned his head to look at you. “No right? Pretty sure that’s my fucking teeth marking that mating gland right there on the side of your neck!”

You froze, slowly turning to fully face him now. Your expression was set into a mask of absolute, unbridled rage that Simon had never been on the receiving end of. Your fists were clenched impossibly tight at your sides, and you could feel the anger rolling off of you in hot, tangible waves. You had known Simon didn’t know how to be a mate, but you had never imagined that this is the way he would deem acceptable to treat you. No matter what, you were a soldier first, more than capable of taking care of yourself, you didn’t need him breathing down your neck like some sort of denmother. It almost seemed like he was trying to overcorrect from his mistakes, becoming overbearing and overprotective. That almost pissed you off more.

“If that is how you think this bond is going to go, especially after everything you did, I will cut this mating bond out myself. Do not test me.”

You didn’t wait for a response. With that, you stepped off of the mat, grabbed your things, and walked out, not even bothering to look behind you as your hand rubbed harshly over the mating bite on your neck.

---------------------------------

as always, thank you so so much for the support, and keep an eye out for chapter four! tag list: @kerst666 @misscaller06 @letaliabane @sai-int @itsmeamysworld @massivescissorsthingperson @aeeliy @alkalineapparition @cringeycookies