#Pipets set

[toastsnaffler]

this assay is so fucking fake......

[gosmigenergy]

JUST DESSERTS

( Triple Frontier Boys x F!Reader )

Summary: Frankie and Santiago decide to host a Valentine’s dinner however you’re already a little suspicious of what they have planned.

Rating: Mature 18+

Warnings: Language, mentions of food, mentions of alcohol, swearing, minor angst because Santiago’s an idiot, sex pollen, group sex, oral - female receiving, P in V, unprotected sex (use protection irl please), cream pie, voyeurism, choking, nipple play, oral - male receiving, hair pulling, spit roasting, gagging, squirting, allusions of masturbation (male), fluffy ending, nickname/pet names, no use of Y/N.

Word Count: 8.4k

Author's Notes: Just for a little context, here's the fic this one's related to.

You had spent all afternoon watching from a distance.

Frankie preferred you to be out of the kitchen when he was prepping a three course meal for multiple people, saying you were too much of a distraction. Reluctantly, you stayed out of his way and tried to keep yourself busy.

You heard his hushed profanity.

“You ok, babe?”

He was stuffing his phone into his pocket when you approached.

“I forgot an ingredient.”

Your head cocks to one side, brows furrowing. It was unusual, he was so methodical when it came to cooking, he’d never forgotten an ingredient since you’d started dating. Maybe it was Valentine’s Day nerves or because he was in someone else’s kitchen, you had to ask him why they chose Will’s place.

“I can go get it for you.”

“It’s ok, I’ve already messaged Pope.”

The pair of them had planned this evening together because you couldn’t quite book a table for five at a fancy restaurant on the day of love without being questioned. Not to mention the extortionate price rises, the candle lit table where you can barely see and the knowledge you would sit throughout dinner with four sets of eyes on you, all wanting the same thing.

“Soooo,” you bite your lip, “what do you want to do now?”

Leaning back, he folded his arms, eyes trailing you from head to toe. A shiver shot up your spine as his stare hung low, his tongue flicking over his lips and Frankie knew he had just enough time to do what he wanted to do.

When Santiago knocked on the door, it took a few minutes to get an answer.

He was just about to knock again when it swung open and revealed you, flustered and glancing down, he noticed your lack of pants. His one eyebrow quirked and a slight smirk came to his lips.

“Sorry to interrupt.”

“You didn’t interrupt anything,” Frankie entered the living room. “I made sure she finished.”

The temperature in your cheeks rose to scorching, in all of your dating history, you’d never been caught and of course, it has to be Santiago who catches you after a thorough fingering. He’s fucking delighted.

You walk away from him before he can utter a word.

“He wouldn’t let me answer the door until I came,” you say, taking your shorts from Frankie.

“Gotta make sure you’re satisfied.”

A hand snakes around your back and he pulls you closer, squeezing the plumpness of your ass. You cup his whiskered jaw and place a kiss on his cheek before kissing him lightly on the lips, his fingers burying further.

“I’m just gonna clean up.”

“You’re welcome to stay like that,” Santiago chips in.

“I thought you were helping Frankie in the kitchen.”

You saunter away, purposefully not putting on your shorts just to rub it in his face a little.

“I hate you,” he turns to Frankie.

Frankie blinks at him, “You got the stuff.”

The pair of them go into the kitchen, ensuring they’re out of the way from prying eyes and Santiago pulls a tiny brown bag out of his pocket. Frankie snatched it from his hand and eased out the bottle, it looked like any other baking ingredient in a pipet bottle except it was fluorescent pink in colour.

“I still think we should tell her,” he said, bringing it closer for inspection.

“She’ll be fine.”

Frankie went to the fridge and brought the rest of the ingredients to the counter top.

“Ruby chocolate?”

“It’s fruity and should conceal the colour of that stuff.”

Santiago patted his friend on the back, “I knew I could trust you.”

Once you’d finished in the shower, you went to check on the pair of them in the kitchen. Santiago wasn’t being much help, merely standing there and talking whilst Frankie gently folded a pink concoction in a bowl. As you stepped closer, you caught the chocolate wrapper and knew you had to sneak a taste, slipping past Santiago.

Frankie clocked the single finger approaching and slapped your hand hard.

“Ow!”

He immediately put everything down and wrapped himself around you.

“I’m sorry, cariño, I’ve only made enough mousse for the five of us, no samples.”

You look up at him, your pouted lip beginning to quiver, tears forming at the corner of your eyes. It actually really fucking hurt but only Frankie knows why he had such a reaction and Santiago probably, you could only assume.

He brought your hand to his lips and kissed it better.

“There’s some chocolate spare in the fridge,” he glanced at Santiago as he spoke.

Santiago headed to the fridge and back, handing you the other unopened bar before boosting you onto the countertop next to where Frankie was working. You eased the paper packaging apart at the top and cracked the first line, breaking a square off.

“You got any questions about tonight?”

Santiago leaned in, opening his mouth slightly and you fed him the piece of chocolate in your hand.

There was only one question you could think of.

—

“Why are they hosting it at your place?” Benny asked his brother.

“Because I’ve got a big enough dining table.”

In all honesty, Will didn’t know if that was their reasoning, he was confused when they asked him too.

“They could have hosted it here.”

“With what table?”

Benny shrugged, “I could have got something.”

His brother was still living like a bachelor, no table just two stools on a breakfast bar, no spare bedroom or fold out couch, he shook his head. When Frankie arrived at his place with bags of ingredients, Will saw it best to get out of the way and offered to come and get Benny, who was trying to figure out what to wear.

“Don’t you have a dress shirt?”

Will watched on as Benny rifled through his wardrobe.

“Do I look like I would have a dress shirt? The moment I stopped doing parades, I got rid of ‘em.”

He would have offered him one if it wasn’t for the fact Benny’s lean physique would be swamped by his. There was already a pile of rejections on the floor including the one denim shirt he owned and the one that Benny had named his good hoodie.

“Who’s idea was it to dress up anyway?”

“Who do you think?”

“Ah, the man with a thousand black shirts.”

Will laughed, “Even Fish has a nice shirt, brother.”

“The coke one?”

Will folded his arms, brows knotting. Benny looked innocently over his shoulder, throwing his hands out.

“You know which one I mean.”

Narrowing his eyes, Will notices the stuffed shelves to the side of his brother and can make out two green sweaters amongst all the greys and blues.

“What about the green sweaters?”

Benny stepped to the side and pulled them out.

“Bunny likes this one.”

He held it up the forest green one and Will was about to say it would pass until he turned it round.

“Is that a cartoon character?”

Benny scowled at him, “It’s a video game character.”

“You never fail to surprise me,” Will pinched the bridge of his nose, “and the other one?”

Tossing another rejection to one side, Benny unfolded the other one, a lightweight knit with a v-neck and emerald green in colour. He’s pretty sure this was one his mother gave him, he wore it once or twice to please her and then pretended he’d lost it over Thanksgiving. He just hated wearing anything other than gym wear, jeans and a t-shirt.

Will was going to have to take him shopping.

“That’ll do.”

—

You’d finished getting ready just as the sound of keys entering the door. Tottering over, you grabbed the door handle and opened it before Will had chance to get it himself.

“You look as lovely as ever, Bunny.”

You brush the front of your pink and purple slip dress, turning round to show him the back, you’d even wore kitten heels for the occasion.

He hands you a bag whilst he takes another, “The Prosecco you like was on offer.”

“Oh, thank you,” you kiss his cheek and leave a mark.

Benny bashfully came in after his brother.

“Aw, Benny, that sweater brings out the colour of your eyes.”

His cheeks turned pink, this was the first time you’d seen him relatively dressed up.

“I told him that but he wasn’t impressed,” Will called from behind you.

You take his sweater by both hands and pull his body to yours, crashing your lips to his. Instinctively, he brings an arm to your waist to stop you from falling backwards as your frame arches.

“Thanks for dressing up for me,” you say after parting your lips, “I know you hate it.”

“If that’s the reaction I get, I might do it more often.”

A pop of a cork filled the room and Frankie was the first to complain.

“Christ, you could have given me a warning,” he said, the food he was tentatively placing on a finely toasted slice of bread now sprayed across the plate.

Santiago came out of the dining room to see what all the fuss was about and then ushered the three of you away from Frankie. He sat you at the top of the table with the Miller brothers either side before he switched on some background music and left to help Frankie serve.

“Can we have more light?”

“Honey, this is meant to be romantic.”

You hum, “Would be nice to see everyone’s faces.”

You had resisted saying anything for two courses, it only seemed right to see them for dessert. Frankie pulled out all the stops on food, to start was freshly made Bruschetta then he followed it with the first ever meal he cooked for you, steak with dauphinoise potatoes and greens. With everyone’s plates clear, he went to dish up dessert.

Santiago grumbled and turned the dial up a little, bringing a warm glow into the room.

“That’s better,” you smile even as he stares you down.

Frankie comes in with the first two plates, placing one in front of you. The pink mousse he was creating earlier was delivered with a handful of berries on the side.

“I’ve waited all afternoon to try this!”

You waited, fidgeting for the rest of the boys to get theirs with a spoon in your hand. The moment Frankie put his ass in his seat, you took the biggest portion you could.

“This is so good,” Benny said, continuing to stuff the mousse into his mouth.

It was good, you weren’t going to deny that. It was velvety smooth, the ruby chocolate adding a touch of fruitiness along with the berries but there was something else. You began to eat slowly, eyebrows knotted as you tried to decipher what it was.

Everyone kept eating before Will spoke up, scraping the last of it from his ramekin bowl.

“What was that floral flavour?”

That wasn’t quite it but you knew he was close.

“Special ingredient,” Santiago responded quickly.

Frankie sighed, “We’re gonna have to tell them eventually.”

“Tell us what?”

Benny was using his finger to scoop out what remnants he could, eyes flitting from Santiago to Frankie.

“Sooo, it’s not rose?”

Will’s query suddenly makes you feel queasy, unable to eat the last couple of spoonfuls so you place your cutlery down.

Santiago clocks it.

“No,” he says, folding his arms. “It’s Aphrodite’s Essence.”

Will looks at Santiago and Frankie before his brother, who sheepishly avoids eye contact.

A swell builds in your chest, the name is all too familiar and you don’t know whether to scream or cry or both. Instead, you bundle the cotton napkin from your lap in your hand and throw back your chair.

“You’re such a fucking dick, Santiago.”

You launch the napkin, hitting him square in the face as you flee from the room.

He calls your name but you ignore him, already bolting for the bedroom, swinging the door heavily. The slam echoes through the hall and Santiago goes to get up. Will gestures a hand for him to stop and he follows the order like any good soldier would.

“Give her a few minutes,” his eyes glanced to everyone again. “And you can tell me what the fuck is going on.

—

Santiago was hesitant to go in, he didn’t quite know what was behind the door. The four of them had talked it out, Will was pissed with every single one of them for a fleeting moment. Benny and Santiago almost ended up in a shouting match whilst Frankie remained quiet until he decided to step in and shut them up.

“Sure you don’t want to do this?”

He looked over his shoulder at Will who shook his head, he was always shaking his head at one of them.

“It’s gotta be you, man.”

His friend was right, Santiago just hated it.

Taking a breath, he rapped the door but you didn’t respond. He takes it as a good sign and squeezes past the threshold as he opens the door enough to fit through.

“Hey.”

You’re sat up, back against the headboard of the bed, arms wrapped tightly around the teddy Will won you. In the darkness, he could just about make out your teary eyes and he switched on the nearest the nearest lamp to give off some light.

You sniff, “Hey.”

He sits at your feet and you move them back.

“Honey, I’m sorry.”

“The last time we saw each other, you wanted to slow down on all of this shit then you go and —“

You lose your words, you’re so mad at him.

“I know, it’s bad timing on my part.”

You look away, pushing your cheek into the soft fabric underneath.

This wasn’t bad timing, he’d made an idiotic decision to get revenge on Benny and thrown everyone else into the mix with them.

“You remember how scary it was for me, I thought I was going to die.”

“But you didn’t, Fish and I made sure of that.”

“It doesn’t mean I want to go through it again.”

“It’s about ten percent of what you had last time, fifteen tops. We added a little extra just to make sure it works.”

“Couldn’t you have just laced Benny’s?”

“Would you want to be around Benny with that stuff in his system and without any in yours?”

“No,” you hugged the teddy closer. “You could have made him go it alone.”

“I’m mean but I’m not that mean.”

“You could have warned me,” your voice was timid.

He rested a hand on your foot, his thumb stroking your ankle. You were right, Frankie was right but he wouldn’t admit he was wrong.

“Would you have eaten it if you knew?”

You breathe in, the stutter in your chest that you only get from crying. Dropping a hand, you hold onto his thumb, eyes returning to him.

“I guess not.”

He hummed, he guessed as such.

“We’ve got to make sure we all have a level playing field,” he handed you the last of your dessert. “I had to fight Benny before he had the rest.”

Your smile peeks from behind the green dome head and you let go of his thumb, taking the dish. You eat the final spoonfuls and hand it back.

“How long till it kicks in?”

“Somewhere between thirty minutes to an hour.”

“So I have time to fix my makeup?”

He double checks his watch, “Plenty.”

Santiago continued to draw circles on your ankle, listening to your breathing as it steadied into its usual pace.

“Am I forgiven?”

“We’ll see how the night goes.”

He slips off the bed and onto his feet, leaning forward to brush his nose against the crown of your head.

“We’ve got you,” he said, planting a kiss on your forehead.

You wait until he leaves the room to sort yourself out. In the bright light of the bathroom, you catch a glimpse of how messy you looked, mostly from the mascara trailing down your cheeks like rainfall. Wiping it away, you reapply everything and fix your hair, rearranging your tits under your dress.

“Need any help?”

After hearing the hive of activity in the kitchen, you popped your head through to the dining room.

“All good, sweetheart.”

Will was alone, carefully stacking dinnerware and blowing out candles. You step further in, playing with your hands.

“I kind of ruined dinner, didn’t I?"

“Hardly.”

Santiago ruined dinner, you merely reacted how most people would having found out their food had been laced. He was surprised he’d taken it so well himself.

You hovered nervously, waiting for his attention.

Leaving the plates on the table, he wanders over to you and coils an arm around your frame, pulling you close. His touch is hotter than usual, palm scorching through the slip dress you wore and you try to figure out how long you’d been gone from the room.

“Can I fix you a drink?”

You smile, “Please.”

He took everything in his hands and told you to head to the lounge. Following him, you part ways and you perch on the couch.

You recognised the similarities of last time beginning to trickle through your system. The elevation in your heartbeat, the rise of temperature in your skin that felt as though you were basking in the afternoon sun. It felt like your lips were getting plumper, your eyes growing bigger, the colours of the room becoming vibrant.

“Benny’s insisting whatever this is isn’t working,” Will chuckled. “Fish is fighting with him to not put a couple more drops straight into his mouth.”

“And what do you think?”

You take the glass from his hand and scoot to the side to allow him space next to you. Taking a sip, every bubble pops along your tastebuds, the flavour sinking in deep.

He shrugs, “I don’t know, what am I supposed to be looking for?”

Leaning back, his eyes roam over your body, noticing how you seem to be glowing. Each inch of bare skin he looks at tingles and you wonder if this is how it starts when you take a normal dose. He stretches his hand, fingertips skimming over your shoulder blades and the shiver travels down your spine, pulsating in your pussy. Something travels from you to him, electricity shooting up his arm and his face turns serious.

“On the table.”

You cock your head to the side, “The coffee table?”

“Front on the coffee table, ass facing me.”

“You sure?”

His one eyebrow arches and he folds his arms, tipping his head towards the table quickly.

You swallow, mouth drying as you listen to his instruction. Slipping effortlessly off the couch, you crawl to the coffee table and move a few items out of the way before you drape onto the cold glass top. Glancing over your shoulder, you see his glazed stare, Aphrodite’s Essence soaking into every fibre of his being.

You knew you were in trouble when his hands reached for his belt.

Your desire was already pooling, the nice underwear set you wore an afterthought as you leaned to show your ass to him.

Will glanced to where the other guys were talking before lifting himself up and dropping to his knees. He tapped your ankles and you spread yourself wider. Grabbing the hem of your dress, he lifted it over the curve of your ass, displaying the dark patch already present on your knickers.

“You shouldn’t have worried about the underwear.”

You frown, looking further over your shoulder.

“Didn’t expect to already be this turned on, thought you would like them.”

“Any other night I would.”

You gasp as he cups a hand over your pussy, pushing against your mound and forcing the bottom half into your wet folds. Whining, you lean to his touch, back bowing. The noises you make cause his cock to harden, already straining against the fabric of his pants.

“Fuck,” he growls, hungrily yanking down your knickers.

He parts your ass cheeks to gaze upon your glistening folds, arousal weeping from your entrance. You breath shudders in anticipation as you break eye contact and face the dark television screen.

You watch as he stares longingly before shuffling back and lowering himself, his broad shoulders visible either side.

He flattens his tongue to your folds and licks up slowly. The mewl you gift him is intoxicating, how your body shakes only sweetening it. Your juices already dribble onto his chin, every moan he gives scattering through your nerves.

Unlike last time, the sensation isn’t as intense, instead it softly spreads a warmth through your body, like the tingle you get from coming in from the cold.

Will continued to eat your pussy, tongue slipping between your lips and teasing your inner walls. Then he tilted his head back and moved forward, mouth locking around your clit. It came alive, your legs threatening to lock if he hadn’t forced you to widen, hands gripping harder.

The sweat was arriving to his forehead, his head cloudy as you engulfed him.

You try to hold onto the table top, clammy palms slipping on the glass as you stretch your fingertips in front. Yet, he fights you, continuously pulling you back until you managed to break free.

“Where are you going, Bunny?”

Turning your upper half, you see his dishevelled appearance, messy blond hair and bright red cheeks.

“Nowhere,” you bat your eyelashes, tongue flicking to dampen your lips.

A smile grows on his face, “Good.”

He unbuttoned his shirt, chest heaving as he scrambled to get the fabric from his skin. Standing up, he stripped down to nothing, eyes not moving from you.

Everyone else remained in the kitchen, talking, unaware of the situation enfolding on the opposite side of the wall.

Kneeling down, Will kissed your lips and brought his weight down on you, pining you to the table top. His hardened cock pushed into the valley of your ass, nestling sweetly between your cheeks. You moan, inviting him to shove his tongue into your mouth and meet your own.

His hands trail up your thighs, leaving goosebumps in their wake as he carried on up your body and over your stomach, hitching your dress higher.

Sinking his teeth into your bottom lip, he tugs gently before releasing it and nuzzling into your neck. His whiskers scratch your skin as he suckles and the essence in your system screams desperately to be covered head to toe in his marks.

You nudge your ass into him, grinding against his stiff length as your want becomes too much.

Groaning, he snakes a hand between the pair of you and takes hold of his cock. He brushes the tip over your asshole, causing you to shiver before he gathers the juices pooling at your opening.

You have little time to prepare yourself as Will ploughs through your folds and fills you to the hilt. It took the air from your lungs, your arms slipping on the smooth material beneath you. He brings his hands to your shoulders, chest firmly set on your back as he squeezes you, pressing you firmly to the base of his cock.

He waits to see your fingers grip the edge of the coffee table, knuckles almost turning white before he pulls easily through your slick and slams into you again and again. Each one of his overwhelmed senses was only able to focus on you. The final hint of your perfume as the aroma of each other’s sweat hit his nostrils, your frantic cries as you begged for more, your wrecked appearance reflected in the tv.

In the stifling heat of your bodies, you could only think of his cock.

How it glided and buried itself within your walls which pulsed as they attempted to take hold of his length, how every stroke hit the multiplying number of sweet spots in your weeping cunt. It was becoming almost unbearable, you just needed to cum.

“Will,” there was a sense of urgency in your tone.

His breath burns your neck, “I promise I’m close.”

You whine, toes curling as the desire is fit to burst in your belly.

He let go of one shoulder and brought his arm just below your neck, holding you to his chest. His other hand moves downwards, stroking your side with a featherlight touch that has your body vibrating in anticipation. Tucking it underneath, he pulls back the hood of your clit before pressing a fingertip to the bundle of nerves.

His arm locks around your neck as you begin to squirm.

Words fail you, nothing coming out of your mouth but tiny squeaks and the sound of you choking to get air into your lungs. Your eyes are shut tight, the inside of your lids decorated with pinpricks of white and pink.

He takes a few more thrusts until he can no longer force his way through your closing walls. He holds you as close as he can as you stop fighting and your hands cling onto his arm, the orgasm surging through you. Your pussy throbs until you milk him dry, his rasp hot in your ear as your bodies mould into one.

When you catch your breath, the adrenaline pumping through your veins approaches your chest and dispels into giggling.

“Shiiit…”

The laughter was contagious, Will’s chest rumbling against your back before he lifted himself from you. His cock draws out of you as he rests onto his heels and he watches you push his thick white cum from your opening, the audible churn as it dribbled out.

“Is this what happened last time?”

“Sort of,” you look over your shoulder, “except this is much more fun.”

His still stiff length twitched at your words and his cheeks went even redder.

“I’m gonna get some water, want anything?”

You pick yourself up, legs shaking and your dress falls over your frame covering the evidence, if you ignored that he was completely nude.

“I’m good,” you say, closing the space between you.

Leaning in, you kiss him, the flavour of your juices soaking into your lips. When he pulls away, he winks and retreats to the kitchen. 

Inside the others had carried on talking, Santiago on drying duties whilst Benny cleaned. Frankie clocked him first, eyes darting over Will’s post sex image and he stepped aside to allow him entry to the sink. Will grabbed whatever glass he could and knocked his brother out of the way, immediately switching on the tap.

“What the fuck?” Benny couldn’t quite believe his eyes.

Santiago leaned against the counter top and admired the view as Will chugged before going in for another.

“You ok?”

“Fucking fantastic, brother,” Will smiled at Santiago.

“See, Benny, it is working.”

Benny rolled his eyes, “My brother’s hard on is not proof that it’s working.”

Santiago didn’t know what other proof he could give, he shrugged, opening up his hands in disbelief.

“Will’s got a hard on, I’ve got a hard on and Fish—”

Abruptly, he stopped talking when he realised Frankie wasn’t even in the room any more. He ran his hand over his mouth, fingers tugging gently on his bottom lip as he thought about his next move.

“Come on,” he strode to the door.

Benny threw the sponge into the sink and followed him, Will stayed put, downing water to rehydrate himself. In the lounge, the other two were greeted by a euphoric sight.

Frankie had already made himself comfortable with his shirt unbuttoned, jeans and underwear pulled down his thighs and sat on the one armchair. You were sat on his lap, legs tucked either side of his as you sat with your ass to him, now fully naked. Slowly, you lifted yourself up and down his shaft, sweet and delicate grunts falling from your lips.

One of his broad hands was on your hip, fingers deep into the flesh as he guided you gently, the other at your neck, shaping your back into a perfectly formed arch. You tilted your head to look at him, eyelids heavy as the cock drunkenness begins to set in and his blown eyes reflect back at you.

“Looks like we have an audience,” he drawls.

Your eyes break away from his so you can catch a glimpse at who’s watching, through the fog of the essence you can tell it’s Benny and Santiago. A sharp sting comes across an ass cheek and you yelp, attention returning to Frankie.

“Feeling it?”

Benny took the question as rhetorical, of course he was feeling it now. His cock grew in a matter of seconds, the bulge visibly drawing the tension in his pants and Santiago tried not to look at it. 

Instead, he starts to unbutton his shirt, walking towards you and Frankie hungrily. He places a single finger on your knee and follows your form, a delicate touch over every curve before he takes his thumb and squeezes your nipple.

You bite your lip to stop the moan from coming, a slight stutter in the movements of your hips.

Santiago steps forward and looks down on you, beads of sweat on your hairline and flushed cheeks - god he loved you like this.

“How’s it going, Bunny?”

You gasp for air, “Good.”

His head tilts to one side, eyes flicking to Frankie.

“Just good? I’m sure Francisco and Will are better than that.”

Frankie’s fingers constricted around your neck causing your inner walls to pulse, more juices to flow down his length.

“They are,” you plead with them. “They’re so fucking good.”

Santiago could forgive you, words never came easily when you were overstimulated. Your hips had stopped moving and you sat heavily on Frankie’s length, your hand wrapping around his wrist as he loosened his hold on your neck.

He looked at his friend, “Can I join you?”

Your heart skipped a beat when you saw the way their eyes met.

Frankie removed his hands from you and you straightened you back, eyes following Santiago as he repositioned himself in front of the pair of you. Your hips had begun rolling of their own accord, only widening Santiago’s smile as Frankie hissed.

He roughly snatched your hands in response, bringing them together behind your back before he placed one of his in between your shoulder blades and eased you forward. You watched, saliva building as Santiago unbuckled his belt, slipping it swiftly from the loops. There are so many ways he could use it yet it gets tossed to the side along with his shirt and pants.

He picks your chin up, “Don’t look so disappointed.”

How could you be disappointed?

Frankie takes your ass in his hand, pushing to encourage you to start riding him. You’re slow at first, trying not to go hell for leather like the essence wanted, and at this angle, you can’t see him just hear how he purrs.

Santiago holds two fingers in front your face and you part your lips, running your tongue along the underneath as he slipped them in. You rolled your tongue around them before he pulled them out, a string of spit hanging briefly between the both of you. Licking your lip, you open your mouth wide enough for his stiff length and girth.

Tipping your head, you stick out your tongue and lick the precum from his radiating tip, the sharpness hitting your tastebuds. He sighs, cupping your jaw and drags you along his cock, stepping forward to graze the back of your throat.

“That’s it.”

His hands drop to his side as he allows you to the control.

You bounce on Frankie’s lap and swallow Santiago in tandem, moaning at the sensation of being full but also the fire in your muscles from being trapped in this position. After a few minutes, Frankie meets your hips with a thrust and you gag on Santiago’s cock as it twitches.

“You alright, cariño?”

You give a muffled response.

Looking up bleary eyed, Santiago’s one eyebrow arches as he double checks on you. You flutter your eyelashes when he brushes the hair from your face and tucks the strands behind your ear. His hand hovers before he runs his fingers into your roots and takes a fistful, the prickling travelling down your neck and shooting down your spine.

He begins to bob your head for you, the tip of your nose tickled by the hairs that line the base of his cock.

Benny had to get out of his clothes.

He scrambled to remove his sweater before freeing his cock from it’s prison. Dropping to the couch with a groan, his length swung towards his navel, this must be what it’s like when someone stumbles across one of his videos.

Every sound the three of you make floods the room, the smell of sweat as the heat builds and can no longer fight the overwhelming urge to wrap his hand around his throbbing shaft. He flinch, his cock so sensitive it’s like he was stupid enough to touch fire. Pushing through it, his jaw locked as he clench his jaw and cautious spread the bead of precum over his head.

Santiago heard movement and track Benny as if he had eyes at the back of his head. He adjusted his stance to let him see you, your features enhanced even from the distance. The glistening of your spit over your lips and round your mouth as you sucked Santiago’s cock, the wave in your throat as he moves in and out, the peaks of your tits wobbling every stroke Frankie took.

The rest of the world blurred around the edges.

Frankie could feel his legs seizing, the knot in his stomach tautening, he wasn’t going to last much longer. He was dizzy from the high, different to the one used to gain from drugs, if he didn’t cum soon he was going to black out.

“We’re gonna need to hurry this up.”

Santiago gave him a singular nod.

Frankie let go of your wrists and tucked them just above your elbows before lifting himself from the armchair. Santiago kept you steady as he moved back and you almost didn’t notice you’d changed position until Frankie snapped his hips, plunging deeply into a new spot.

The vibrations of your groan sent shockwaves through Santiago.

“Fuck,” he said through gritted teeth.

He brought another hand to the back of your head, strategically placed in a way to not obstruct Benny’s view. He helped you take him smoothly as Frankie slammed into you again and again, making you see stars.

“You’re being such a good girl for us, stay with me.”

This was the first time Santiago had seen you go crossed eyed, your tongue so loose you were drooling down your chin, each choked huff sugary sweet.

Frankie could feel the essence pumping through his veins, his crotch was burning as his desire increased until he balls were full enough to explode. His final thrust forced you into Santiago’s stomach and he held you there as his seed coated your walls before your whole body trembled.

When Santiago came, he spilled his load deep into your throat until you swallowed every last drop. The orgasm carried on, your muscles spasming to the point where you pushed Frankie’s cock from your pussy. Your juices flowed after and in the pink coated darkness you could hear Santiago singing his praises, pulling his shaft from your mouth.

Your arms are still held strong by Frankie who worried you were about to collapse before the room came back into view. Santiago was crouch in front of you, rubbing your cheeks until you stopped seeing double.

“I thought it wasn’t meant to be this intense.”

He shook his head, “I dunno, honey, maybe it’s to do with the hormones.”

You were surprised he understood you, your tongue going numb.

Frankie coiled an arm around your chest and straightens you up, holding you close until you stop feeling floppy. However the goosebumps arrive on your skin as you can still feel a set of eyes drilling into you and your eyes finally drift to Benny.

He’s still sat down, his hand firmly clutched around his cock.

Frankie kisses you on your temple before he unravels you, allowing you to approach Benny, who’s hand relaxes. You pierce your lips together, your head dropping to one side as you inspect his length. Your fingertips skim the back of his hand that had settled onto the arm of the couch and his stern expression melts away.

“Need a hand?”

He shuffles forward, head falling back so he can gaze upon your beauty.

“You could use a break…”

Your heart sinks.

“So hold onto my shoulders,” he stands as he speaks, crowding you, “and I’ll do the rest.”

Curiosity paints your face as you look up at him doe-eyed. He raises his eyebrows before he moves quickly, hooking his arms under your ass and lifting you off the floor. You scream, instincts kicking in as your arms winding round his neck and legs opening to wrap around his waist. Burying your head in your arms, he feels how tense you are, muscles shaking in your effort to hold on.

He chuckles when he feels your nails dig into his back.

“Relax, I got you.”

You lift your head up, leaning back to be greeted with beaming face. Your arms loosen up, your spreading hands sending a hot flash down his spine causing his cock to twitch. He repositions his hands to hold more firmly onto the meat of your ass, lining up with your opening. As your legs relax, he slowly sinks you down, cock entering your spent pussy with ease.

“Oh, fuck,” you moan, eyes peeking to watch as his shaft disappeared.

Your inner walls pulsed as he dropped you inch by inch. The base of his spine was on fire, reaching over his hips, burning in his groin and he swore he could shot his load in you there and then.

When he filled you to the hilt, he let you become accustom to the angle and waited until you focused on him. Your chest was picking up speed as your heart rate quickened and skipped, the adrenaline of pleasure entering every end of your body. The flush was returning back to your cheeks, pearls of sweat on your décolletage as he watched.

“Just remember what I told you,” he says when your eyes finally meet.

He dragged his cock as you whine from the loss before he thrust back in, gradually increasing the speed.

Frankie tuts, “Show off.”

Santiago smiled, if his knees didn’t hate him, he would have taken you like this at some point. The training Benny did as well as his physique in general, helped him without the need for wall support though it wasn’t going to last.

You couldn’t take your eyes off Benny.

His furrowed brows as his head hung low, infatuated with how you were taking him, how more juices seemed to flow with every penetration. His dirty blonde locks fell in front of his face, the centre of his chest gaining a sweaty dew, his huffs a rumble against the thunderous claps of each other’s skin.

The tip of his cock nudge at the same soft spot every time, turning your legs to jelly.

“Benny, Benny, please,” you beg.

“Almost there, Bunny.”

His hips were moving as fast as they could, his grasp sinking deeper into your ass yet he could feel you going limp. When he craned his neck, your fingers were slipping to his neck, upper body slopping away from him. Suddenly, he was seeing everything in slow motion, the ripple that travelled through your curves every time he rocked his hips, your tits bouncing. Your head was thrown back, mouth slack as you tried to gain air in your lungs.

Every part of him began to stiffen from his neck towards his chest and abdominals, from his feet to his legs. His movements got sloppy before his ass clenched and the desire he held within dispersed, surging through his veins. The last thing he could do was move a hand to your back and shove your chest to his.

He grunted animalistically, hips jerking as he pumped you full of his cum.

You shuddered as another orgasm washes comes yet there’s no sound from your lips, that underwater sensation washing over you. All you can hear is Benny’s pounding chest, the ragged breaths he releases when finishes.

There’s a wobble as he staggers backwards before collapsing on the couch. He settles, twisting your head to one side to give you fresh air, the hand on your back rubbing soothingly. Another one of the boys approaches, you can’t tell who, and you listen to Benny drink hurriedly.

You don’t know how much time passed until you could lift your head.

“Thought we’d lost you.”

In your cock drunk state, you managed to focus on him admiring you. He brings a hand to your cheek, a thumb trailing over the hot skin and you tilt your head to deepen the touch.

“You’re gonna need this.”

Will crotched down next to you two, placing a hand on your shoulder. You lift your head, sluggishly moving the rest of your body and using Benny to push yourself up with your hands.

Looking to Will, he holds out an entirely full water bottle and winks before you take it off him. He clears the hair from your face as you tip your head back, chugging as the Millers keep their eyes firmly on you. You remove the bottle from your lips and take some big inhales before you can eventually speak.

“You two ok?”

Frankie and Santiago were staring dumbfounded until you snapped them out of it. The tips of Frankie’s ears went bright red and his eyes took a sideward glance to Santiago.

“All fucking good, Bunny.”

You knew Santiago was teasing you except you couldn’t care less.

“Come on, sweetheart, let’s take you to bed.”

You move your legs first, setting your feet on the floor, then you press your palms deeper into Benny’s defined abs to lift yourself. Both of you groan as you raise yourself from his cock which landed heavily to his navel.

All of the boys were still hard and the desire already ignited again.

“Everyone’s coming, right?”

Will took your hand, “Do you really need to ask?”

You walked across the room, glancing over your shoulder when you notice Benny isn’t following, his body solidified to the couch.

“I’ll be with you in a minute.”

“Getting tired, Ben?”

He hated being called Ben and out of all of them, he knew he could last longer than Santiago. Flicking his middle finger, you left him to take a break, sharing one more fleeting glance to see him smiling as you stepped out of view.

—

Waking up in the middle of the night, you found yourself in between of Benny and Santiago, the three of you in the guest room. Both were out cold, their rising chests slow as they breathed softly, tangled in the sheets.

You wiggle from under the covers and crawl over the bed without disturbing them… or so you thought.

“Where are you going, honey?”

Santiago stirs, rolling onto his back, you can both just about see each other’s faces.

“I’m going to check on Frankie and Will.”

“They’ll be fine.”

You fold your arms and huff, “I’m still mad with you, remember.”

There was a pause.

“How could I forget.”

He turned over, shuffling closer to Benny.

Opening the door, you slip out and tiptoe down the hall before gently entering Will’s bedroom. It doesn’t take much to wake him, the dip in the mattress caused him to lift his head.

“Coming in with us?”

You hum and he tosses his side of the duvet aside for you to get in. Tucking yourself to Frankie, you draw your arms in and press your forehead to his back. He mumbles something incoherently and you sigh, a quiet smile coming to your lips.

Will pulls the covers over you and himself before coming near, his warm palm spreading across your stomach as he snuggled you.

In the morning, both sides of the bed were empty. You blink, squinting as your eyes adjust to the light streaming through a single slither in the curtains. Taking your time, you gradually haul yourself out of bed and stagger around the room to find something to wear. You pull on one of Will’s t-shirts and venture down the hall.

The house was alive, the smell of pancake batter frying in butter, the sound of chatter and laughter. You thought you may just be able to slip into the kitchen with them, nick a piece of incredible crispy bacon that would be on the griddle pan whilst one of them tried to pass you a drink.

Santiago’s spider-senses were tingling.

Suddenly he appeared in the hallway, holding two mugs in his hands. You freeze before he juts his chin towards the office and you go where you’re told. He follows behind and you shut the door behind him, placing the mugs down on the dark wood desk.

“What have I got to do for you to forgive me?”

He asked as soon as the mechanism of the handle clicked.

“Morning, Santi,” you say, not turning round.

“Morning, honey,” the words rush out. “So?”

You sigh, stepping forward whilst you hugged your frame.

“You’re forgiven.”

“Since when?”

“Since you managed to get five orgasms out of me.”

He’s lucky last night actually went so well.

Santiago wanted to correct you, tell you it was actually six but this was not the time to for bragging rights.

“Then what have I got to do for you not to be mad at me?”

“I’m not mad.”

He swore under his breath, in his second language so you couldn’t understand or maybe you could, he didn’t know by this point. Your attitude told a different story, you were closing yourself off to him, that constant soft smile of yours no longer there. He bites his tongue, not wanting to lose his shit, not wanting this to become a screaming match or for him to yell at you for acting like a child.

Your eyes were starting to turn glossy with oncoming tears and he saw how hard you swallowed, your jaw locking.

“Bunny…” 

His anger subsides, his tone less harsh. He comes to you, gently wrapping an arm around your back, the other hand cupping your face.

“Talk to me.”

“I don’t want you to lie to me,” the words caught in your throat.

Santiago nodded, his deep brown eyes searching your face.

“Or plan something as stupid as last night without consulting me.”

He shakes his head, “It wasn’t stupid.”

Now, who’s acting like a child?

“Santi,” you extend the ‘i’ at the end of his name, using your hands to cover your face out of sheer frustration.

“Sorry, I’m sorry.”

You fight him as he tries to pry your hands away until he stops and walks away. He approaches the desk and takes a coffee, leaning his ass against the edge, folding one leg in front of the other. When you drop your hands down, all you can see is his smirk.

“So, where do you stand on surprises?”

“Surprises?”

He hums, staring over the lip of the cup as he drank.

You try to keep your composure, straightening your back and folding your arms again but Santiago can tell your fit to burst.

“Depends how stupid they are.”

“Yeah,” his eyebrow arches, “A trip to Disney is kind of stupid.”

Your heart skipped a beat.

There had been conversations about a trip. The boys all wanted different things, Will was happy to hop from state to state trying higher end motels, his brother mentioned the desert and horses. Frankie was fine if there was a body of water, preferably a lake, whilst Santiago said a cabin in the woods with a hot tub. 

You vaguely remember alluding to the fact you hadn’t been to the parks in over ten years but if you were going to do it, you wouldn’t want just the day there.

The moment you said the ‘D’ word, Santiago groaned. It wasn’t that he hated it, more that he detested the idea of being surrounded by kids, overpriced food and Benny singing ‘it’s a small world after all’ on loop.

You sink your teeth into your bottom lip.

“You’re lying.”

“You didn’t want me to lie to you anymore,” he held his hands up.

He’s grateful he put his coffee down as you sprint to him and throw your arms over his shoulders, crashing your lips squarely to his.

“I love you, Santi,” you say when you pull your lips away.

He doesn’t say anything and you scowl.

“You gonna say it back?”

He smiles, “Love you, honey.”

You give him a peck on the cheek.

“Am I allowed to let the boys know that I know?”

“Sure.”

With that you were gone, door left wide open.

“Bunny, your drink!”

The rest of them stood in the kitchen, chatting about what they could remember from last night, cradling cups of coffee and tea. It was the picture of calm until you burst in, bounding onto Benny who almost lost his balance as he took the weight of you around his neck.

“Hot pan!” He flung his arm out.

“We’re going to Disney,” you screamed.

Frankie and Will groan in unison. Benny put the pan down and wrapped his arms under your ass, scooping you up to his waist before talking to you enthusiastically about the trip without giving away any details.

“Pope, seriously man?”

“I thought we were telling her closer to the date.”

He shrugged, “I had to.”

Santiago would never admit why though Will gave a knowing nod and smile before turning his attention to you. He took the handle of the frying pan and switched the gas on as you twist your head round.

“Pancakes?”

“Please,” you replied softly and started discussing what you wanted to do. “We should do the drink around the world challenge!”

“Yes!”

“No,” Frankie and Santiago said immediately.

You pout to them as Benny places you down on the counter top. It’s short lived as you watch Will pour the batter perfectly into the pan with an accompanying sizzle. Benny still talks and you stuff your face with strawberries whilst Santiago and Frankie look on.

“You’re getting soft in your old age.”

“Shut up.”

Frankie knew full well it wasn’t old age.

[strawburry01]

Pinball Wizard

Summary: Soft lil one shot of you and your boyfriend Angus playing pinball

AN: Fluffy fluff and chill stuff sorry I'm all over the place, but life sometimes be life-ing for the good and the bad. I had someone over and left tumblr open and when I tell you I've never lunged across the room faster to shut a screen....

You stood over a pinball machine, brow furrowed in frustration as the ball once again slid right through the middle of the two paddles. You swore under your breath and hit glass, losing another dollar to the machine. You were waiting for your boyfriend Angus to meet you here after his exam, trying to take his mind off however he scored. Unfortunately you had not planned for him to take so long- or for you to lose so many quarters in the process. You sipped on your bottle of Coke as you leered at the machine, as if it would do anything. Angus was the one who was good at these sorts of things, and you swore he was somehow rigging it everytime. You’d be lying if you said you weren’t sort of into it though watching how serious he got when he leaned over the machine, usually crossing one leg behind the other to get optimal positioning. Ever since you convinced him to start wearing accessories like your rings and necklaces sometimes he’d become a lot more confident in his looks. He always was adjusting his coat sleeves or collar just so people noticed. You’d heard about his time before college and knew he had always been stuck around pretty pretentious people- going to one of those schools where he needed to wear the same uniform as everyone and go to mass everyday twice a day. Personally you would’ve set the place on fire, but he always lied and said he was an angel of a student, to which you would always punch his arm at. College was different, college was better. You were studying chemistry and working a few lab jobs around campus, mostly cleaning beakers and pipetting for hours on end, and he was studying history, working to become a professor eventually. He always said he wanted to teach at Yale or some other Ivy League, but you could see him being a good high school teacher. You’d broached the idea to him once when you were both high and talking about the future, but he got quiet and ended it by saying he’d never be as good as his history teacher. 

Some kid next to you shrieked, snapping you out of your thoughts. 

“Hey hon,” Angus said, appearing next to you, plucking your bottle out of your hand and taking a sip. The circles under his eyes were darker and his voice was tired.

“Exam went that good huh?” you asked as you watched him finish the bottle of soda. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and sighed as he wrapped his arms around you and pulled you close, setting his head on top of ours.

“What gave it away?” he gently laughed, feeling his chest rumble under your cheek as you squeezed him back. He smelled like old weathered books and cigarette smoke. He pressed his lips to your forehead before breaking away and running a hand through his mess of curly hair. “Alright give me some quarters I need to forget that essay,” he said with a small smirk as he tried to reach into your jean jacket pocket for quarters. He grabbed a handful of coins from your pocket and spun to the pinball machine you’d been opposing for the last few rounds. 

“Good luck with that one babe,” you grumbled as you moved to the right side of the machine, leaning against the wall with your hands tucked behind the small of your back. Angus laughed looking down at the lit up board.

“We’ll see about that,” he quipped, the blinking lights of the game lighting up the features of his face. You can only watch in silence as he somehow expertly flicks the bumpers racking up 100’s, 1,000’s, eventually 1,000,000’s of points. 

“How are you so good at this?” you asked from the sidelines, shaking your head. 

“I’m good with my fingers?” he answered without missing a beat or looking away from the game, to which you responded with a gentle smack to the back of his head. He only smirked. “Hey you would know right?” he added, finally drawing his eyes to meet yours. 

“Oh shut it Tully,” you sneered as you pushed yourself off the wall to go get another Coke. Before you could get far you felt his hand wrap around your waist and pull you back. He nestled you right between himself and the machine, holding his hands over yours on the sides, resting his chin on your shoulder. 

“You’re going to make me lose the game Y/N,” he mumbled into your ear, still laser focused on the game, pressing your fingers in to hit the bumpers for him. 

“What if I throw the game for you?” you threatened, hitting the bumpers with your own volition a few times before the ball reached the bottom again. Angus took the second to pinch your hip which caused you to yelp.

“I suggest you don’t try it,”. You smiled to yourself as you settled back, leaning back into his chest as you felt his arms reach out over your own to continue playing, “good girl,” he murmured into your ear as he quickly pecked your cheek as he continued to play.

The fact that this was your life now- the fact that the nerd that sat in the back of the ancient Roman civilizations class was now wrapped around you- STILL more focused on a damn pinball game than you-

“High score,” he muttered under his breath as the screen in front flashed yellow and blue. Sure enough somehow he had really just gotten the high score. 

“Good job babe,” you laughed as he flicked through the letters to spell out your name on the scoreboard.

“Couldn’t have done it without my lucky charm,” he smiled as he placed a kiss on the top of your shoulder before pushing back from the machine and stretching his arms above his head, lifting up the hem of his shirt in the process. Your eyes couldn’t help but wander down to his exposed midsection, a small bit of his tattoo peaking out, “enjoying the view?” he asked as he caught you in the act. You felt your face go red as you tried to open your mouth to defend your way out of this one, but you knew it was hopeless. 

He smirked and pulled you in by the belt loops until you were chest to chest with him, wrapping your arms behind the back of his neck. He was a strong proponent of PDA, and you for once didn’t mind it in a relationship.

“Think I can get lucky again tonight?” he said as his lips brushed yours. You pushed onto the toes of your shoes and kissed his lips, leaving him wanting more as you sunk back down. You slid your hand on top of his jeans, touching his skin under his shirt causing him to suck air in with anticipation.

“I think it’s both of us getting lucky,”. 

[deliciouskeys]

Brain: Why do so many people online think Barbara is going to be in the Bad Room long enough to need to resort to eating human remains? Vought knows there’s been a breach if security cams went black and phone lines got cut. Surely they’re not saying it’s impossible to unweld a door open��

Me: Fair point, but the main point is she has to sit there with herself and her failure. Stop fixating on logistics and think about the symbolism.

Brain: Also regarding the lab, the way Marty was pipetting implies that he’s left handed, but let’s be honest, it’s probably because no one on set has ever pipetted for a living. Unless the fact that he was left handed is signific—

Me: omg I couldn’t care less.

Brain: Right, so just some more shower thoughts, why don’t Homelander’s hair or nails burn in the oven where his tears sizzle? If they’re so durable how the hell does he get them cut or bleached—

Me: Stop. Just stop.

[dmitriene]

— chemistry of emotions.

 ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ «you can run, but you cannot hide»

 ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌«don't say you want me»

 ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ «don't say you need me»

 ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌«don't say you love me»

summary: a new job in the laboratory as a biologist brought you new acquaintances and even feelings, but you did not expect that it would be so confusing. content: luis serra x gn reader tags: fluff, hurt x comfort, falling in love, flirting, kisses. author's note: first long work for luis and maybe this is contain kind of my headcanons about him, but i hope you'll enjoy this one) enjoy your reading) 🧪

When you first started working in the laboratory, the atmosphere on the first day of work was charged with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness, the unfamiliar environment, the buzz of activity and the feeling that you are a beginner aroused suspicion when you walked through the confusing corridors and entered the noisy laboratory, your heart was pounding from anxiety and uncertainty.

The sight of complex equipment, rows of lab tables, and researchers absorbed in their work was both awe inspiring and terrifying, and you were acutely aware of the weight of expectations on your shoulders, the desire to make a positive impression, and the longing to find your footing in this new environment.

Amid a sea of faces, Luis Serra stood out like a familiar beacon, his presence exuding confidence and approachability, a combination that drew you in despite your misgivings, his warm smile was like a lifeline in a sea of uncertainty, and the twinkle in his eyes promised camaraderie.

As you cautiously stepped forward, Luis noticed your uncertain expression and approached with slight grace, his charismatic charm immediately relaxing you — «First day, huh?» he asked with friendly warmth in his voice, the words were like a balm, soothing the trembling that had taken root in you.

He introduced himself, his laughter and casual demeanor dispelling the tension that had been building up in his stomach.

He shared stories of his early days in the lab, emphasizing that everyone was once where you are now, his words were both uplifting and motivating, reminding you that you are not alone in this moment.

Luis's willingness to take you under his wing and show you around lessened your fears, he walked you through the intricacies of the lab, introduced you to colleagues, explained protocols and answered any questions with genuine interest, his presence turned the intimidating atmosphere into one of camaraderie and support, as if you were now part of the team, not an outsider.

As the day progressed, the initial anxiety gave way to a sense of belonging, the atmosphere changed from insecurity to curiosity, from nervousness to excitement, Luis's friendly gestures, support and genuine interest in making you feel comfortable set the stage for a new chapter in your scientific journey.

The memory of running into Louis that first day remains cherished —a chance encounter that set the tone for your time in the lab, an atmosphere of anxiety replaced by an atmosphere of opportunity fueled by an unexpected bond with someone who would become both a mentor and a further friend.

᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌༻✦༺ ༻✧༺ ༻✦༺

The lab hummed with an orchestral symphony of activity, fluorescent lights hummed softly overhead, casting sterile light onto rows of lab tables adorned with assorted equipment, the air was faintly scented with chemicals and solutions, a distinctive odor that indicated the field of science.

The rhythmic clinking of glass on glass created a subtle harmony as researchers pipetted precise drops of liquid into waiting vessels, microscopes stood like silent sentries, their eyepieces revealed hidden worlds in slides and specimens, the periodic buzz of a centrifuge interrupted the background hum, its vortex motion separated substances from moderate efficiency.

Laughter and hushed conversations rippled through the air as colleagues shared their thoughts and discoveries, teams of scientists gathered around blackboards covered in hastily scribbled equations and diagrams and collaborated to unlock the mysteries of the natural world.

The laboratory was a place of special attention where the desire for knowledge was combined with the excitement of experimentation, data screens flickering with graphs and charts, each line and point was a puzzle piece waiting to be deciphered.

Papers, notebooks and open textbooks scattered across the surface testify to the ongoing search for understanding.

Amidst this controlled chaos, there was an atmosphere of camaraderie — the researchers exchanged knowing glances and nods, their shared passion for discovery made connections beyond their projects, the clatter of keyboards and the quiet rustle of lab coats providing the backdrop for a symposium of intelligence and exploration.

The laboratory was a canvas where ideas flourished and innovation flourished, it was a space where the boundaries between the known and the unknown were pushed apart and where the search for truth was pursued with unwavering determination, and in this tapestry of science and research, amid the hum of machines and the smell of decisions, a tender story unfolded affections, weaving their intricate threads into the bright fabric of the laboratory atmosphere.

᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌༻✦༺ ༻✧༺ ༻✦༺

Working alongside Luis Serra was a whirlwind of charisma and playfulness, every day in the lab was filled with his infectious energy, and his flirtatious nature added excitement to even the most mundane tasks.

As you both put on your lab coats and gathered around your work area, Luis grinned mischievously and said — «You know, you've got that scientific allure today, you're making those molecules bond and my heart race!» his words were accompanied by a wink that would make anyone's heart flutter.

Laughing, you answered — «Luis, you're like a walking encyclopedia of cheesy pickup lines» the banter was a constant undercurrent weaving a sense of intimacy between the two of you.

During the experiments, Luis's voice became conspiratorial — «Watch closely, sweetheart, chemistry isn't just about reactions — it's about sparks too, and believe me, i'm an expert at igniting them» he pointed dramatically at the boiling solutions, playfully raising an eyebrow.

— «Is that so?» you sneer, raising an eyebrow in mock skepticism — «I thought you were more into biology than chemistry»

— «Ah, but the laws of attraction apply everywhere» he thought, leaning closer — «Just like how the right elements come together to create a beautiful compound, so do people»

The teasing didn't stop on the lab bench, even during lunch breaks Luis's flirtatious comments continued to brighten up the atmosphere — «You know, senorita, you're like a rare specimen in this jungle of research, my heart races every time i see you navigate these papers»

Blushing, you would answer — «Luis, you really need to tone down the romantic analogies»

— «But they're so much fun!» he objected with a smirk — «Life needs a bit of whimsy, even in the lab»

Days turned into weeks, playful banter turned into a comfortable routine, flirtatious exchanges like inside jokes only the two of you shared, creating an unspoken bond that transcended the sterile lab walls.

And in the midst of these playful interactions, a spark grew between you and Luis, his flirtatious comments created delicious tension, but behind it all, you felt a real connection, it was this mixture of chemistry and sincerity that made working with Luis an experience you wouldn't trade for anything else.

᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌༻✦༺ ༻✧༺ ༻✦༺

As the days turned into weeks, you caught yourself thinking about him more often than not.

His smile lingered in your memory, and his voice turned into a comforting melody on repeat, every interaction with him left an indelible warmth in you, as if his presence could drive away the chill of uncertainty.

You started noticing the little things — the way his eyes squinted when he laughed, the subtle changes in his expression when he was deep in thought, the way his fingers traced patterns on the lab bench as he explained a complex concept, it was in those ordinary moments that you began to see what an extraordinary person he was.

Your heart pounding every time he entered the room and the air seemed to crackle with unspoken electricity, you looked forward to his teasing remarks and flirtatious glances, cherishing each of them as a unique gift meant just for you, the feeling of being next to him was akin to on the brink of a precipice, the awe of the unknown mixed with deep seated certainty.

But it wasn't until you caught yourself thinking about him outside the lab that you realized the depth of your feelings.

His presence entered your thoughts, occupying a space you didn't even know existed, the realization hitting you like a gentle wave washing over you with a sense of wonder and vulnerability.

As you lay in bed at night your mind replayed the moments spent with him, the laughter, the camaraderie, the stolen glances that seemed like secrets exchanged in a crowded room, and in those quiet moments of reflection you admitted the truth — you fell in love with Luis Serra.

It was a rollercoaster of emotions, an exhilarating rush that left you holding your breath and worrying about what each new day would bring, realization brought with it a mixture of joy and awe, the excitement of a new beginning combined with uncertainty about where this whirlwind of feelings would lead.

Falling in love with Luis was also a journey of self discovery, a journey that illuminated parts of you that you didn't fully understand, as if his presence shed light on the corners of your heart, revealing emotions that were waiting to be acknowledged.

Falling in love with Luis Serra was like discovering a new world.

᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌༻✦༺ ༻✧༺ ༻✦༺

The atmosphere in the lab changed slightly as you began to show Luis the same attention and affection he showered you with, in what had once been a carefree dance of jokes and playful glances, now lurked into something more tender and sincere.

As you plunged into the chemistry of your growing feelings, the air seemed to buzz with anticipation, your interactions marked by shared smiles that lingered a moment longer, touches that contained only a touch of lingering warmth, conversations once casual and light now had a deeper meaning carrying unspoken messages of connection.

But amidst this evolving dynamic, you began to notice subtle changes in Luis's demeanor, his playful teasing, once a constant presence — became sporadic, the mischievous gleam in his eyes flickering at times to a wary expression, his responses becoming a bit distant, making you feel like you were swimming adrift in a sea of confusion.

The atmosphere took on a bittersweet note, like a melody that started off joyfully but gradually turned into a more melancholy tone.

The lab that had once been a place of shared laughter and camaraderie now felt tinged with tension, the quiet moments when you surreptitiously glanced at it accompanied by a sense of longing, as if something that once held in your hands had slipped from your fingers.

It was at this stage that you encountered a whirlwind of emotions.

Confusion mixed with resentment, and the fear of losing the connection you cherished gnawed at the edges of your thoughts, the camaraderie you shared still existed, but it was shrouded in a cloud of uncertainty.

᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌  ᠌ ᠌ ᠌᠌ ᠌ ᠌ ᠌༻✦༺ ༻✧༺ ༻✦༺

One day, the two of you found yourself alone in the corner of the laboratory — a rare moment of solitude amid the usual scientific bustle, when the door closed behind you, the atmosphere seemed to hold its breath, a palpable sense of anticipation filled the air.

Taking a deep breath, you turned to face him, your heart pounding with nervousness and determination — «Luis, we need to talk» you began in a flat voice, despite the raging emotions inside.

He looked up from the table, surprise and curiosity mixed in his eyes — «Sure, what's on your mind?»

You took a moment to collect your thoughts before continuing — «I've noticed something changing between us, and i can't ignore it anymore, it feels like you've been pulling away, and i don't understand why»

Luis's expression changed, a mixture of indecision and vulnerability — «It's not that simple..» he replied, his voice heavy, which spoke of the complexity of his emotions.

You made eye contact with him, silently inviting him to share what was really going on, and then, as if the floodgates opened, his words poured out — «I'm scared, scared of getting too close, of letting myself fall for someone» his voice trembled bearing the coarseness of his confession.

The atmosphere seemed to change, the air heavy with the weight of his emotions, you stepped closer, your heart clenched at the vulnerability he was showing — «Luis, you don't have to be afraid..» you said softly, and your voice carried a real calm.

But then, suddenly, his composure collapsed, tears welled up in his eyes, and you could see the turmoil inside him.

When he wiped away a tear with the back of his hand, your heart sank in sympathy — «Oh, Luis..» you muttered in a soft voice of sympathy.

He looked at you, his gaze was filled with a mixture of emotions — fear, longing and a hint of despair, and at that moment the distance that had grown between you seemed to disappear, replaced by unspoken understanding.

Without thinking twice, you reached out, your fingers touching his cheek as you wiped away his tears, the vulnerability in his gaze touched your heartstrings, and you leaned in to kiss his forehead gently, it was a gesture of comfort, a silent confirmation that you were there for him.

He closed his eyes briefly, his breath hitching as he allowed himself to let go of the emotions he was holding back, and then, as if in response to the shared vulnerability that hung between you, you leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to his lips.

At that moment, the atmosphere changed again, but this time it was a shift towards acceptance and connection, the kiss was a bridge between your feelings, a common moment carrying a load of understanding and compassion, the tears he shed seemed to wash away the barriers that separated you.

When you pulled away, his eyes met yours, in their depths mixed surprise at your actions and sincere, childish gratitude — «Thank you» he whispered in a voice soft with excitement.

You smiled gently, your heart was filled with a sense of awareness and complete acceptance of his experiences, his detachment — «You don't have to face this alone, Luis, we'll figure it out together, trust me»

As you stood in the dimly lit lab, the atmosphere seemed to contain a newfound sense of intimacy, a space where vulnerability and connection converged, and in which the tears he shed were evidence of revealed emotions, the kiss was the promise of a journey ahead — a new path of understanding, acceptance and the possibility of a love that can overcome even the deepest feelings of fear slowly withering deep inside him.

He has the right to love like everyone else.

[ taglist: @roseglazedlens , @sporeghost ] dm me if you want to be tagged in my works.

© dmitriene - my masterlist

please, don't copy my works as your own, and if you want to post them somewhere else - contact me.

reblogs, likes and comments are very much appreciated, thank you for reading! ♡

[queerdiazs]

fuck it friday!!!

tagged by the sweet, darling @thewolvesof1998 <3 it's not friday here yet but, i mean, fuck it

wrote this at 4:30 am this morning because i couldn't sleep, so bone apple the teeth?

Angling the pipetting tip, Eddie prepares to fitness the ever-lovin’ fuck out of this last batch of cupcakes for the safari theme the PTA chose for this quarter’s bake sale so he can finally have a beer and go to bed, but before he’s able to put the finishing touches on the giraffe’s goofy grin, the rickety island he’s leaning on trembles like a mini-quake’s hit LA.  “Fuck.”  He sighs and puts the little baggy of icing down, frowning at the streak of black across the giraffe’s face. He’s already eaten several mistakes tonight; he might be able to salvage the design if he can scrape the icing off. He has to have something to show tomorrow since Chris promised he’d bring cookies and cupcakes to the bake sale and, by God, he’s not going to give Abbie Jean Gentry another reason to sneer at him.  “You good?”  Buck laughs and closes the oven, setting down the last pan of sugar cookies. “That’s the fifth time I’ve hit my hip on the table,” he says, rubbing his side viciously, as if it’ll stop the sting. “Your kitchen is too small, Eddie.”  “I know.” Eddie grabs for the butterknife and starts the precarious process of raking off the black streak without fucking up his masterpiece beneath. “We’ll look for a house with a bigger kitchen on Zillow after the bake sale.”  Buck makes a funny noise. “What?”  “We’ll get you a bigger kitchen, Buck,” he repeats, glancing up at Buck to make sure he’s not more hurt than he’s letting on. His face is screwed up in a weird expression, like he’s sucked a lemon dry, but he seems uninjured for the most part. “Let’s finish this shit so I can go to bed.”  Buck nods, blinks, nods again, and then shakes himself, as if he’s got a chill, and starts to shift the cookies off the parchment paper and onto the fancy rack they borrowed from Bobby so he can decorate them after they’ve cooled.  The butterknife cuts into the dough where it’s still soft and warm in the middle, collapsing it in its little zoo-themed sleeve. Dammit. He worked hard on this one, too.  He huffs, takes a bite out of the ruined cupcake, and reaches for another to start all over.  

no pressure tagging: @housewifebuck, @wildlife4life, @malewife-buck, @eddiediaztho, @panbuckley, @alyxmastershipper, @shitouttabuck, @honestlydarkprincess, @callmenewbie, @mysteriouslyyounggalaxy, and anybody else <3

[wing-ed-thing]

A Perfect μl (Kabuto x Reader)

Synopsis: Always pitted against each other, everything became a competition. Despite how seamlessly you worked together, you were always looking out for number one.

Word Count: 1.5k

Tags/Warnings: @kakashiswilloffire​ Canon Typical Violence, Original Animal Summon​, Language

Notes: μl means microliter which is 1 millionth of a liter!

A single, defining moment of your childhood stood out to you vividly.

You stood with your back straight, a smug look on your face as you held your slide out in front of you. Kabuto rolled his eyes, hands behind his back as he waited patiently for Orochimaru to check his work. The snake Sannin tsked at you; the slow shake of his head made you retreat the slightest bit into yourself.

“C’mon now, that’s no way to handle a sample,” he chided, and you placed the slide on the lab bench in defeat. Orochimaru picked up the 1 microliter pipette and swiped up your water sample completely with a single motion of his hand. He held the pipette up, studying the tip and the amount of liquid gathered in it. “See this line? That is about where the liquid should be for there to be one microliter.”

Orochimaru frowned and pipetted the drop back onto the slide. Discarding the tip, Orochimaru approached Kabuto’s sample. Kabuto squared his shoulders back, the expression on his face painted in smug self-assuredness as Orochimaru checked his pipetting job. The Sannin hummed in approval.

“See?” he held the tip up for you to see. “That is a perfect microliter.” 

As he pipetted the droplet back, you and Kabuto locked gazes, doomed to a life of eternal competition. Looking back, it was what Orochimaru wanted. Whether he wanted for the both of you to have the incentive to improve or if it was just a sick game at vying for his attention, it worked, even well into your adulthood.

Sirens blared in the night sky as Kabuto heard boots on the ground. He pivoted, looking up at the large tower that now lit up red. He gritted his teeth as a window burst twenty stories up, summoning smoke bursting out along with the broken glass. Your large animal summon glided through the air on extended ribs, taking off like a dragon as it eclipsed the night sky. 

Kabuto slapped his hand over his face, tightening the package he had secured under his left arm before he continued to run. He maneuvered around rows of cargo boxes, hoping that by sheer speed, he could escape before the enemy even mobilized. 

His hopes had been too lofty as a whole squad of troops swung around the corner. Kabuto’s knuckles were packed to the brim with kunai, and with one motion of his wrist, he took them all out as he continued on his way. He didn’t get too far before he was met with a counterstrike. 

The whirring of shuriken flying through the air was all it took for instinct to take over. He tucked himself into a roll, just barely avoiding the flying weapons as he ducked around another shipping container. Kabuto glanced up, noting the shadows that ran above him. On the lower ground, he was at a steep disadvantage. 

He rounded the corner, sliding a bit too far at his own velocity. His right hand hit the ground in an attempt to steady himself as he continued to run down the aisle. Kabuto’s eyes darted to his right and then his left as he mentally tried to calculate the compound's border. 

The alarms continued to blare in the background. An incessant ringing sounded as more and more of the enemy joined in the hunt for the thief in the night. 

Kabuto continued to run, his chest heaving and his heart pounding as he scrambled toward the hole in the fence the two of you had cut earlier in the night. But as he rounded the next set of cargo boxes, he was met with a dead end. Kabuto checked over his shoulder from out of his peripheral as he cursed to himself. 

In that instant, the light from the moon disappeared. Kabuto’s eyes widened the second he saw the shadow, and immediately dove to the ground. A flash of light sparked across the atmosphere, a horrible screeching of lighting jutsu filling the air with a cloud of grey smoke. 

You performed a double-dismount off of your summon, and when Kabuto’s head rose again, half of the enemy troops had been incapacitated. Kabuto scrambled to his feet and stalked toward you. You walked toward him, seeming not to have a care in the world even as panicked shouts resounded behind you. Your animal summon disappeared with a poof. His eye twitched, a few choice words already at the tip of his tongue.

Kabuto readjusted his grip on the bound box in his hand. You slapped your hand to its opposite side as he held the package up. It was instantly sealed away into a tattoo on your arm. The image of the box appeared on the back of one of your inked geckos. The little ink lizard traveled up your arm and under your sleeve. 

A volley of kunai sailed straight toward your back, each one falling out of the air with a quick release of your lightning power. The electricity sent a small shock into Kabuto’s palm as you gave him a swift high-five. He recoiled, running past you to take on the enemies to his front. You kept an eye on the figures on top of the shipping containers that hadn’t gone down. 

You worked seamlessly, despite your vastly different fighting styles. With his hands free, Kabuto moved acrobatically throughout the organized squadrons, chakra scalpels making precise and deadly cuts. Meanwhile, you covered the battlefield in a smokescreen. Electricity burst from you in jagged lines, causing bright explosions to pop across the battlefield. You covered Kabuto as he made his way to soldier after soldier, plucking flying weaponry from the air as the continuous booming of your electricity didn’t allow for a single second of recovery. 

As soon as the exit from the dead end was clear, you made for it, following hot on Kabuto’s heels. The two of you ran, the bursts of your jutsu keying the enemy into your location while simultaneously keeping you untouchable. 

With one turn, you could see the fence. 

A group of shinobi appeared in front of you. Kabuto charged in, swiping his chakra blade at the man in front of him. He didn’t see the man’s comrade behind him, the shinobi gearing up a kunai to strike while Kabuto was occupied. Kabuto’s eyes went wide instinctually as he willed himself to move quickly to protect himself. 

You were quicker, sending a bolt of electricity to strike the shinobi down. It cracked past Kabuto’s cheek, leaving a shallow, bloody line in its wake. He didn’t miss a beat, taking down the rest of the squad before the two of you made for the hole in the fence. 

You kept running, barely glancing at the chaos you left behind. Kabuto grumbled, wiping away the blood that trickled from his face. His only wound from the battle was from you.

“Watch where you’re aiming that next time.”

“Who said I was aiming?” you snapped back. “You should be thanking me for saving your life.” You lept into the trees, stomping on the thick branches below your boots. Leaves fell directly into Kabuto’s face.

“We wouldn’t have gotten into this mess if you hadn’t set off the alarm, you idiot.” A blue glow cast on the tree trunk next to you, and you narrowly avoided Kabuto’s chakra scalpel. Electricity sparked around you. The two of you continued moving forward to the rendezvous point. 

“Don’t ditch me next time, asshole.” The sparks cracked in the air. 

Kabuto charged at you. Lightning struck the tree behind him, causing a great creaking before the trunk completely tumbled over. You shot at him again and again as he approached, fending off your concentrated attacks with his signature jutsu. You sailed through the air backward, your stray bolts taking out all branches in your path. 

His foot caused your branch to bend forward, and you surrounded yourself completely with electricity in a single act of self-preservation. The large explosion leveled a few more trees, and in the smoke, you stopped on an adjacent branch. You spotted Kabuto opposite you, covered in soot and his tunic torn. 

“It saddens me to see the two of you fighting.” Orochimaru appeared next to you, arms crossed, as he shook his head in disappointment. “I came because I had a bad feeling, and look what I stumbled upon. You making such a ruckus—” He glanced over at Kabuto. “And you refusing to play well with others.”

The gecko tattoo crawled gingerly back toward your wrist. With a few signs and a swirl of your blood, you summoned the package back into reality. You held it up to Orochimaru with a certain amount of shame and sheepishness.

“We’ve secured the package.” Orochimaru gave it a once-over with a hum.

“Oh, I see.” His long tongue wrapped around the box, and as his jaw lowered, he swallowed the box whole. He glanced between you and Kabuto with a scowl. “You may have succeeded recklessly, but there’s still much to do.” Orochimaru took off into the night.

You and Kabuto made brief eye contact before you lept off after him.

Yeah, your next competition would be killing that son of a bitch.

Thank you to all who liked, reblogged, followed, and supported. Your support means so much and is greatly appreciated.

Notes: lmao the pipetting story is real, but I was Kabuto haha it was my last lab in undergrad and my partner was high-key salty about not having the “perfect microliter.” Also, writing the lightning nature is by far the most fun nature to write nothing can compare

Edit: OH YEAH the summon is a draco flying gecko

[sothasil]

Hi! You're one of my favorite artists ever, and I would love to do some studies of your art! What are some of your favorite pieces that you've done, and how do you pick your colors? There's a lot more questions that I could ask, but figured you wouldn't appreciate an entire list of questions XD

Hello and thank you, I am honored! Feel free to send me all and any questions! I'll answer these two, starting by:

How do you pick your colors?

As I change art style with pretty much every illustration project of significance, this varies a lot. Here are, from most to least common, ways I pick my colors.

Eyeballing it. Unfortunately my most common... What I will do a lot digitally is lay down a color background, and flats of a few colors, then manually adjust each until they look good together by selecting by color and using adjustements. I then paint over it all.

Using a limited palette, eyeballed. Same as before, but this time I force myself to only use a few colors. It helps me, as constraints do.

Using a reference, eyeballed. This happens a lot when I mimick an art style. My medieval drawings for example, are often done by looking at images of actual medieval art to get an idea of what colors to use to look medieval.

Using an existing image, pipetted. Rarely, often as a challenge or if I'm super stuck, I'll just take a pic with colors I like and pipet from it. This website automates this if you want a good easy starting point!

These can be combined around. I'll post examples now, explaining how they use each.

This is a sketch for a drawing I ended up doing way different. This is the first method - I used a flat layer for the characteres and three colors for the sky to test out atmosphere. This is how I plan out most full paintings, just trying to nail down a mood I have in my head. I fiddle around until I like it or, like in this case, fully give up and iterate further. Here, the composition was to be redone too as I did not like the body language. I was going for "bright hot sunny day under a weather that feels wrong".

For this comic, I combined a very limited palette and a photo ref to pipet from. I was looking for the stark cold/warm contrast of a mid-season bright night by a fireside. I took a google image photo of a campfire at night that was already edited. The photo itself looks unnatural but conveyed what I wanted. It's still on the file itself! From it, I pipetted a few colors I found "summed up" the palette and did all with them.

While my own habits make me prefer painting as you would in traditional methods, with directly picking the right colors, I will often digitally alter with overlays and layer blending modes some colors and gradients, etc, to alter a drawing to fix it's color palette. The following is a quite egregious example, because I first drew the character in flats before putting him in a full scene. Here is a before/after summed up.

The shadow is a layer, the bright yellow light zones also, and the orange "transitions" of light zones on the skin a third. There's also an overlay over the full character to blend him in. I do this by...making a full flat color of a layer, fucking around until a blending mode does what I want, and adjusting hue/brightness/saturation and opacity until it looks good.

Another WIP where I was struggling with the overall palette. I was going for late 60s psychedelic. You can see in the top right the original color. I thought it looked too...new, so I added a yellow layer on top, and fiddled with it. Final choice was the following setting. I then put it with my sketch and color blockout in a folder and painted over it.

For this sort of adjustement, the "Color Balance" modifier in CSP, Photoshop, and others is also a godsend - but one I often use for fine tuning a finished piece.

This being said, there's some rough rules to coloring which are...born from studying color theory and doing studies. I am guilty of doing very little studies...so I'll just sum up the basics of the color theory rules I use.

For "default" shading, I use a color that is darker, more saturated and with a slight hue diff. This is my "don't shade with black".

Using a shadow that's cooler will make the light look warm.

Vice versa.

There's a bunch of stuff to remember in how colors relate to each other and pipetting images who's atmosphere you think is interesting really is the best way to learn... It's learning how to black-blue/gold-yellow dress in your own art for the lack of a better word...But the basics will be:

Don't trust numerical values, but look at your colors in context. A same hue, brightness, saturation can look so much different. This is how Rakkan's beard looks whiteish here despite being a light very grey brown.

All this but...colour is such a wide topic, I can't really say a lot but can also type for hours... if you have precise questions about a piece in particular I can explain :') I hope this wasn't too vague and was instructive!

Speaking of particular pieces, answering your question last under the cut:

What are some of your favorite pieces that you've done?

In no particular order, illustration only.

Including this in another poast bc staff's new post editor limits the amounts of pics I can put in response to asks. Insert colorful language here...

Frankly twas hard to pick I am rarely fond of what I draw

[shakespeareslament]

summer camp

With wind whistling past and the landscape blurring by underneath, watermeal would fly over the coast to a supposedly fun location he was invited to. Looking around albeit a bit nervous for what’s to come, it inhales some fresh air before continuing on it’s flight path, and as time went on it soon spots an area full of trees, fencing and other wood based constructs like lookouts as well as some tents. He would tilt his wings and angle himself to slowly land a bit away from the crowd. Flapping as he decends, the wind from his wings stirs and whips up dirt, grass, and a bit of grit into the air.

He lands as gently as he could but stumbles briefly before withdrawing his wings and trots over to a medium sized lake to relax for a good while before taking part in a few competitions, fishing, swimming, running, even an eating contest was happening! It was quite fun but also very nerve wracking for the semi aquatic elyvian! After the swimming competition Watermeal would take a break and wander over to a food stall to order some food, fish fillets!

After eating the creature would fluff his wings up a little and stretches them out, flapping them hard to gain some air and to fly back over to the award ceremony later that day, and as he landed a cute little bukkwheat with pretty colorful bows would bound over to him and hand him a peice of candy! Watermeal would tentatively take it and set it into his maw, tasting it for a few moments before discovering it was awful fruity but slightly enjoyable, he would look down and smile upon the pipet, glad to have made a possible new friend! 

After all the beginning festivities, he would happily trot into a makeshift nest and lay down, singling himself into it and slowly closing its eyes, falling asleep. Curling himself around his new friend, he enjoys a good nights rest before waking up at dawn and taking part in a little scavenger hunt around the camp grounds. He would trot around the forested area waving around trees, going through bushes, and even around lakes excitedly finding little trinkets after reading and figuring out the riddles and hints it was given!

After the scavenger hunt, Watermeal would take a break laying on one of the shores of the lake, enjoying the sound of bugs, the lapping of water, and the sights of fish, water, grass, and sand around him. Sighing outwardly the elyvian would smile and stick a paw into the water to swirl it around for a few moments before sighs and getting up. Waking into the water the creature would trill happily as the water moves over his body, his pipet friend running over and hopping onto his head. The creature would continue to swim around the lake for a while, passing fish and other ‘Lon’s as well as plant life and rocks, soon the elyvian would swim to shore, shake himself off, and unfurl his wings to fly off and back home, taking his new friend with him.

[mixelation]

I always love how you manage to stick ‘working in a lab’ references into your fics and posts, and as a bio student trying to figure out wtf I’m going to do after college, may I please ask what it’s like to work in one, whether at school or elsewhere? Thank you!

P.S. I love your fics, omg. Tori is the chaotic little shit I dream of being in my everyday life (though preferably without the psychotic ninjas that could, and would, kill me. Even if that builds character lol). You make every character HILARIOUS and awesome to read. And I would def read that Tobirama fic if you ever released it, love how she is falling in love cause he’s hot and cool and her soulmate while he’s like ‘omg finally another semi-logical human being within all this b.s.’. And you know what, both completely valid, I also want a hot and awesome person who is also (mostly) well-versed in logic 🥲😂.

Hmmm I'd ay working in labs can be a really variable experience! For academic labs, they're usually set up in a way where you're just in one little group of people so lab culture becomes really important. In the lab where I worked as the lab manager, everyone mostly stuck to a strict 9-to-5 schedule with not a lot of socializing, but the lab I'm in now is more chaotic with people fitting their schedules to whatever else they have going on and we try to plan more social outings.

What you actually do in lab can vary a lot too. I've always been in a position where I do a shit ton of different tasks over the course of a week (including boring stuff no one talks about like making new reagents, or quizzing everyone on what supplies they're going to use this month so I can tell the PI what I think we should order because I never fully turned off lab manager brain), but some people end up doing literally just the same thing over and over. Like if you're really good at one type of assay a lab runs a lot? You might just get put in charge of doing it for everyone's experiments, or you might have your own experiment that literally just that assay fifteen times. It really depends on the structure of the lab.

In my previous job, I did a lot of taking over experiments for short amounts of time while we recruited a new student or someone took time off, and I did a lot of prep for experiments and follow-up assays (because I was the only one who knew how to use this one machine LMAO) and never had my own project, which was kind of frustrating but ALSO I never felt super bothered when experiments didn't work. Now I do have my own projects that I run, which I like, but I feel a lot more pressure to make those project succeed. If you go into a lab as an undergraduate, you'll probably start off helping someone on a project (and doing a lot of grunt work, like autoclaving trash lol) and then get more and more independent. Depending on how that goes and what you and your PI feel is best for you, independence might mean getting your own project, or it might mean you continue on in a similar role but now you're allowed to do more and more things unsupervised.

I like lab work a lot! I get to switch up my schedule a lot, so there's not a lot of monotony across the weeks, but I will add the caveat that a lot of bench work is really, really boring. There's a lot of repetitive tasks that are just "pipet a tiny amount of liquid into another liquid; repeat and repeat and repeat." There are a lot of tasks that are technically challenging. There's a pretty bad culture of bad work-life balance (my boss is super chill with me taking random time off, but I go in on a weekends a LOT). In research, you have to get used to and comfortable with failure, because for every successful experiment there are tons of failed ones. Yes, even if you're a super smart and high achieving student-- you will mess up, you will have everything fail, and you have to just clean it up, restrategize, and keep going. The upside is that you get to figure out cool things that no one knew before......!

[richardsphere]

Leverage Redemption Log: The Fractured Job

Someone is moving house, puts a trophy in a box. Scouts are coming so the kid might get a scholarship for the sportsballs. Town is collapsing economically.

Fracking, (the water is flammable) --- Sophie is worried their actions could have collateral damage. She's still feeling guilty about Arthur.

Hardisons in space. (get the actor a greenscreen and he can do cameo's without burdaining his packed schedule too much or needing to be physically present. God are they lucky its the hacker whose career took off. I dont think they could've done this stuff if it'd been Elliot)

Elliot is on break. He's going to try and connect with his dad. (presumably lives in Frackingville).

--- Elliot on the road, listening to the radi-OH SHIT ITS A PARKER "Im here for emotional support" "Im here to ensure she gets the concept" 10/10 gag.

Elliot comes to his hometown and barely has the time to nostalgia about the hardware store before he has to intervene in some goon-on-guy violence.

Parker and Elliot punch some people while Breanna loads Checkov's Pepperspray Pipet. Interracial family representation. --- The goons are not proficient in disguise. Huh, i didnt know fracking caused earthquakes. (that reads sarcastic/suspicious of future plottwists. It isnt, i dont live in a country that has fracking so all I know about it is through cultural osmosis from american exported media)

Oh i thought Breanna meant "we should give these two some alone time" not "We've got a client". (I thought "we've got a client" was obvious enough it didnt need saying).

Elliot looking longingly at the siblings that have lived an entire life without him. --- Yup of course Harry knows how hard it is to prove the direct causality from "fracking rig" to "cancerous growths" in a legal setting.

Sophie is afraid of hurting Elliot's relationship with his dad through this.

--- Breanna and Dad talking bout the future.

Parker is worried that Elliot might be dying, (sudden decision to connect with family, it would match the symptoms) Bugs in place, "we dont upload anything we use a closed system" huh, guys actually smart enough to see through a con... until you double down with a second-layer. --- Meanwhile at the Oklahoma State Capital, Harry and Sophie are ready to deal with a probably-crooked politician. (as if there is another kind)

Time for an interview, show him the obvious microphone so we can make him think he's "safe" when its taken from play (leaving him unaware of a second, tinier microphone)

AG is going back home, (make him see the damage itself rather then the probably faked data. If he's not corrupt that'll be enough. If he is corrupt... well we'll know exactly where he is) --- Breakfast. The good thing about politicians locked away from their home for ages is that they're so unfamiliar with their own home they're extremely unlikely to notice any minor changes as a result of you bugging their house.

Elliot is staying to get that family talk in (and protect his dad from hired goons) Dad is still somewhat standoffish, but he's accepted the breakfast.

Well, he might not actually be crooked after all. A bit suspiciously defensive of the "wait for the reports" policy but correlation VS causation is a thing and its actually good for an AG not to let anecdotal evidence steer him too much so lets hope. --- Yeah he's crooked. Of course he is. Hope is a lie like always.

So yeah not only is he crooked, he's the real mastermind what the state actually prosecutes it means you bribe one and you are out and clear.

But he still wants that interview with Harry and Sophie, so that means we can literally put a camera in his face and he'd go with whatever script we feed him.

Father and Son heart-to-heart. --- We have a keycard and we're off to the rig. Dad is off to violate a restraining order.

reduced guards, more people for Elliot to punch. --- Oh we put him in front of a camera, on a stage and everything. Live broadcast as he boasts of his victory?

this robot bodies joke is getting a bit long in the tooth... 7 seasons and a timeskip's worth of buildup to that hug. "try to stay out of trouble"

[microlitseo]

Training Lab Personnel on the Proper Use of Liquid Handling Instruments

Liquid handling instruments, such as pipettes, dispensers, and burettes, are essential tools in laboratories across various scientific disciplines. Proper use of these instruments is crucial for accurate and reliable experimental results. Training lab personnel on the proper handling techniques ensures consistent performance, prevents errors, and protects valuable samples. 

Importance of Proper Technique

Accuracy and Precision: Correct use of liquid handling instruments guarantees accurate and precise transfer of liquids, preventing experimental errors and ensuring data reliability.

Sample Integrity: Proper handling techniques minimize contamination risks, preserving the integrity of valuable samples.

Instrument Longevity: Correct use extends the lifespan of liquid handling instruments, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.

Safety: Proper techniques help prevent accidents and injuries, ensuring a safe working environment for laboratory personnel. 

Key Training Areas

Instrument Selection:

Match instrument type (micropipettes, micropipettes, dispensers) to the volume range and liquid properties.

Consider factors like accuracy, precision, and ease of use.

Calibration and Maintenance:

Regular pipette calibration ensures accurate dispensing.

Teach proper cleaning and maintenance procedures to prevent contamination and prolong instrument life.

Pipetting Techniques:

Demonstrate correct pipetting techniques, including:

Plunger pressure and speed

Tip immersion depth

Avoiding air bubbles

Proper tip disposal

Emphasize the importance of using appropriate pipette tips for different liquid types.

Dispenser Usage:

Explain the proper operation of dispensers, including:

Setting the desired volume

Filling the reservoir

Dispensing the liquid

Cleaning and maintenance

Address specific considerations for different dispenser types (e.g., serial dispensers, repetitive pipettes).

Burette Handling:

Demonstrate the correct use of E-Burette for titration and other applications.

Teach proper filling, reading, and draining techniques.

Emphasize the importance of avoiding parallax errors when reading the meniscus.

Troubleshooting and Error Correction:

Provide guidance on common issues, such as leaks, air bubbles, and inaccurate dispensing.

Teach troubleshooting techniques to identify and resolve problems effectively. 

Training Methods

Hands-on Practice: Encourage trainees to practice using liquid handling instruments under supervision.

Demonstrations: Provide clear demonstrations of proper techniques.

Role-Playing: Simulate laboratory scenarios to reinforce learning.

Quizzes and Assessments: Evaluate trainees' understanding and competency.

Online Resources: Offer access to online tutorials and resources for additional learning.

By providing comprehensive training on the proper use of liquid handling instruments, laboratories can ensure accurate, reliable, and safe experimental procedures. Investing in training not only improves data quality but also contributes to a positive and productive laboratory environment.

[healthcaremarketanalysis]

A Comprehensive Guide to Cell Isolation from Tissue

Introduction

Cell isolation from tissue is a crucial technique in biomedical research, enabling scientists to study specific cell types in detail. This process involves separating individual cells from a complex tissue matrix, which is essential for applications such as cell culture, drug testing, and various diagnostic procedures. The ability to isolate cells efficiently and maintain their viability is vital for obtaining accurate and reliable results.

Download PDF Brochure

Understanding the Basics of Cell Isolation

Cell isolation can be performed using a variety of methods, each suited to different types of tissues and desired cell populations. The primary goal is to obtain a pure and viable population of cells that can be further analyzed or cultured. The process typically involves mechanical or enzymatic disruption of the tissue, followed by techniques like centrifugation, filtration, or flow cytometry to separate the cells.

Steps Involved in Cell Isolation

Tissue Preparation: The first step in cell isolation is obtaining the tissue sample. This could be from a biopsy, surgical procedure, or animal model. The tissue is then minced into small pieces to increase the surface area for enzymatic digestion.

Enzymatic Digestion: Enzymes like collagenase, trypsin, or dispase are commonly used to break down the extracellular matrix, releasing individual cells. The choice of enzyme depends on the tissue type and the cells of interest. Enzymatic digestion is often performed at specific temperatures and for controlled durations to prevent cell damage.

Mechanical Disruption: In some cases, mechanical methods such as pipetting, vortexing, or using a tissue homogenizer are employed to further dissociate the cells. This step can be used alone or in conjunction with enzymatic digestion.

Cell Separation: Once the cells are dissociated, they need to be separated from the remaining tissue debris. This can be achieved through filtration using cell strainers, or by centrifugation, where cells are separated based on their size and density.

Purification and Enrichment: Depending on the study, further purification may be necessary to isolate specific cell types. Techniques like magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) or fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) are commonly used for this purpose.

Cell Viability Assessment: After isolation, it's crucial to assess the viability of the cells. This can be done using trypan blue exclusion, flow cytometry, or other viability assays to ensure that the cells are healthy and suitable for downstream applications.

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Applications of Isolated Cells

Isolated cells are essential for a wide range of applications. In research, they are used to study cellular behavior, signaling pathways, and gene expression. In clinical settings, isolated cells can be used for diagnostic purposes, such as detecting cancerous cells in a biopsy. Additionally, isolated cells are pivotal in regenerative medicine, where they are used to develop cell-based therapies.

Challenges in Cell Isolation

While cell isolation is a powerful tool, it comes with challenges. Maintaining cell viability and purity can be difficult, particularly with delicate or rare cell types. Enzymatic digestion can sometimes damage cell surface markers, making it harder to identify and sort specific populations. Furthermore, some tissues are more resistant to dissociation, requiring more aggressive or prolonged methods that may affect cell health.

Conclusion

Cell isolation from tissue is a foundational technique in modern biological research and medicine. By understanding the various methods and their applications, researchers can optimize the process to obtain high-quality, viable cells for their studies. Despite the challenges, advancements in cell isolation technologies continue to improve the efficiency and reliability of this critical procedure.

Content Source:

[lixenn]

just need to write my conclusion

then i will send my discussion to my supervisor in the hopes that he will be able to actually contribute to the discussion bit... because i'm not really discussion much in that section which is bad

BUT I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY I DONT UNDERSTAND WHY MY DATA IS HOW IT IS! IT'S JUST CRAPPY WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DISCUSS HERE?

yes i can discuss what went wrong but i don't know that either, like with qpcr it's probably pipetting errors most of the time but it doesn't make sense for one data set because the other errorbars look fine. i don't know why the staining didn't work, like i found some stuff about how proper fixation is important for immunostaining so maybe i can add that...

ugh anyways back to the grind

[credenceresearchdotblog]

The Pipettes and Pipettors market is poised for substantial growth, with a projected increase from $1,795.23 million USD in 2023 to $2,195.23 million USD by 2032, indicating a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.76%.The global pipettes and pipettors market is a vital component of the life sciences, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries. These tools are essential for laboratory research, enabling precise measurement and transfer of liquids. The market's growth is driven by the increasing demand for accurate and efficient laboratory processes, advancements in technology, and the rise of research activities across various sectors, including healthcare, academia, and environmental monitoring.

Browse the full report at https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/pipettes-and-pipettors-market

Market Drivers

1. Growing Research and Development Activities: The expansion of R&D in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology is a significant driver for the pipettes and pipettors market. With the continuous need for new drug development and innovative therapies, laboratories require reliable tools for accurate liquid handling, fueling the demand for advanced pipetting systems.

2. Technological Advancements: The evolution of pipette technology, such as the development of electronic pipettes and automated pipetting systems, has revolutionized laboratory workflows. These advancements offer improved accuracy, repeatability, and efficiency, reducing human error and enabling high-throughput applications. The demand for such sophisticated instruments is increasing as laboratories seek to enhance productivity and reliability.

3. Rising Focus on Precision Medicine: The trend toward precision medicine, which involves tailoring medical treatment to individual patients, is boosting the demand for precise liquid handling tools. Pipettes and pipettors play a crucial role in genomic and proteomic research, where accurate sample preparation is vital for obtaining reliable results. This trend is expected to drive market growth further.

4. Increasing Adoption in Diagnostic Laboratories: The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of diagnostic testing, leading to a surge in the use of pipettes and pipettors in clinical laboratories. The need for accurate and high-throughput testing has accelerated the adoption of automated liquid handling systems, contributing to market expansion.

Competitive Landscape

The pipettes and pipettors market is highly competitive, with several key players striving to maintain their market position through innovation and strategic initiatives. Prominent companies include Eppendorf AG, Sartorius AG, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Mettler Toledo International Inc., and Gilson Inc. These companies focus on product development, mergers and acquisitions, and partnerships to enhance their market presence and offer advanced solutions to their customers.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the positive market outlook, the pipettes and pipettors market faces certain challenges. The high cost of advanced pipetting systems may limit adoption, particularly in cost-sensitive regions. Additionally, the complexity of automated systems requires skilled operators, which may pose a barrier in some settings.

However, the market also presents significant opportunities. The increasing focus on personalized medicine, coupled with the growing demand for high-throughput screening in drug discovery, is expected to drive the adoption of advanced pipetting solutions. Moreover, the rising awareness of laboratory safety and the need for contamination-free environments are likely to boost the demand for ergonomic and user-friendly pipetting devices.

Key Players:

Gilson

Eppendorf

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Sartorius

Mettler Toledo

Hamilton Company

Bio-Rad Laboratories

BRAND GMBH + CO KG

Corning Incorporated

VWR International

Segments:

By Product

Pipettors

Accessories

By End-User

Hospitals

Laboratories

Academic & Research Institutes

Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies

Others

By  Region

North America

The U.S.

Canada

Mexico

Europe

Germany

France

The U.K.

Italy

Spain

Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

China

Japan

India

South Korea

South-east Asia

Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America

Brazil

Argentina

Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa

GCC Countries

South Africa

Rest of Middle East and Africa

Browse the full report at https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/pipettes-and-pipettors-market

About Us:

Credence Research is committed to employee well-being and productivity. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, we have implemented a permanent work-from-home policy for all employees.

Contact:

Credence Research

Please contact us at +91 6232 49 3207

Email: sales@credenceresearch.com

Website: www.credenceresearch.com

[accumax]

Micropipette Guide 2024: Types, Applications and More

Micropipettes or pipettes, are instruments used to measure liquid ranging between volumes of 1-10000 µl and transfer it from one sample container to another. This is a basic liquid-handling instrument for almost all scientific laboratories.

Types of Micropipettes

There is no 1 way to classify micropipettes. It can vary in a number of ways.

1. Number of Channels

Single Channel Micropipettes

A single-channel micropipette has only 1 channel to aspirate and dispense the liquid. It means you can handle only one sample at a time.

Multi-Channel Micropipettes

Multi-channel micropipettes can handle 8, 12 or 16 samples in one go. It can attach multiple tips at the same time and you can get the work done faster especially if working in high-throughput labs.

2. Volume Adjustment

Fixed Volume Micropipettes Here the volume a pipette can aspirate and dispense remains the same and you don’t have the option to adjust or choose between a range. They offer consistent and accurate results for repetitive pipetting.

Variable Volume Micropipettes

Variable volume pipettes give you the flexibility to choose the volume you want to pipette (within the given range). You need to set the volume manually on the dial. High-performance pipettes also come with a volume lock feature for enhanced safety and reliability.

3. Operating Mechanism

Mechanical Pipettes

These are the standard pipettes widely used in all laboratories. Mechanical micropipettes operate on a piston-driven system, where users manually set the desired volume using a dial and apply thumb pressure on the plunger to aspirate and dispense liquids.

Electronic Micropipettes

Electronic micropipettes are more expensive than mechanical ones because they have digital controls, programmability and eliminates the element of human error to a certain extent. It has an electronic display and is ideal for high-throughput labs where reproducibility is paramount.

Components of Micropipette

Plunger

The plunger is one of the main components of the micropipette. Use your thumb to press down on the plunger to aspirate and dispense the liquid.

Then, with a firmer push, sometimes called the “blow-out stop,” it ensures a thorough expulsion of any remaining liquid, guaranteeing accurate measurements—a two-step process of liquid control.

Ergonomics are a key point here since lab professionals will be pipetting repeatedly for long hours. A low-force mechanism which does not require excessive plunge force, will minimize the RSI.

Volume Adjustment Dial

By twisting the volume adjustment dial, you dictate the micropipette’s plunger movement, determining your experiment’s liquid dosage. In micropipettes with adjustable volumes, this feature offers precise measurement control, no matter how small or large the quantity is.

Tip Ejector

Keep your hands and micropipette clean by disposing of used tips promptly. Utilize the convenient tip ejector button to effortlessly remove micropipette tips, ensuring a fuss-free and contamination-free experiment environment.

Tip Cone The tip cone, also known as the shaft, is the crucial component of a micropipette where the disposable tip is inserted. Its primary function is to ensure a snug fit for the tip, ensuring precision in measurements and preventing air leakage. Its adaptable shape accommodates various sizes and styles of tips, allowing for versatile and secure usage without concerns of detachment or disruptions.

Calibration Screw Inside the micropipette lies a crucial component, the calibration screw. This is what makes accuracy possible. Twisting this tiny screw adjusts the liquid output, fine-tuning the micropipette’s performance. Regular checks and tweaks, as advised by the manufacturer, ensure precision in your measurements, keeping everything flowing smoothly.

Applications of Micropipettes in Laboratory

Micropipettes are used to measure any small amount of liquid samples for testing and research. They are crucial in lab settings like molecular biology and diagnostics, precisely transferring tiny liquid volumes, facilitating diverse experiments. Mastery of their principles is key to effective scientific research and analysis.

Some common applications include:

1. Molecular Biology 2. Biochemistry 3. Cell Culture 4. Microbiology 5. Analytical Chemistry 6. Clinical Diagnostics 7. Pharmaceutical Research

How does a Micropipette work?

Micropipettes operate on the principle of air displacement. They consist of a plunger connected to an internal piston, which moves to two distinct positions: Filling Position: When the plunger is depressed to the first stop, the internal piston displaces a volume of air equal to the desired volume shown on the volume indicator dial. This creates a vacuum, drawing the liquid into the tip. Dispensing Position: The second stop on the plunger is used solely for dispensing the contents of the tip without drawing in additional air.

How to use a micropipette?

1. Start with choosing the right micropipette and micropipette tips

Select the one that is best for your application. While pipettes are similar in the way they function, what sets them apart is the accuracy and precision of the measurement, ergonomics and general durability of the instrument.

Set the volume based on your requirement and ensure the tips match the volume of the pipettes.

2. Attach the micropipette tip to the micropipette

Don’t use excessive force here because good quality pipettes will be quick and seamless to attach to the tips and should provide a leak-proof seal.Immerse the pipette in the liquid at 90 degrees Be mindful of your posture and keep the position upright. Aspirate and dispense 2-3 times before actually measuring the liquid

3. Forward or Reverse Pipetting

First let’s talk about forward pipetting:To aspirate the liquid in the tip, press the plunger to the first stop. Immerse the pipette tip vertically in the liquid. Slowly release the plunger while the tip is immersed. The liquid will be aspirated into the pipette tip. To dispense the liquid, place the tip on the inner wall of the receiving vessel at a steep angle Slowly press the plunger to the first stop to dispense the liquid. To empty the tip completely, press the plunger to the second stop.

Now for reverse pipetting

The reverse technique is suitable for dispensing reagents/solutions that have high viscosity or a tendency to foam easily. It is also recommended for dispensing very small volumes.To aspirate the liquid in the tip, press the plunger to the second stop and immerse the pipette tip vertically in the liquid. Slowly release the plunger while the tip is immersed. The liquid will be aspirated into the pipette tip. To dispense the liquid, place the tip on the inner wall of the tube at a steep angle. Slowly press the plunger to the first stop. Finally, eject the tip and dispose it off

Calibration of Micropipettes

Calibration is conducted through gravimetric testing, which involves weighing the amount of pure water delivered in a single operation of the pipette. The obtained mass is divided by the density of water to determine its volume. Variable volume pipettes should undergo testing at three or more points across their designated range, typically at maximum volume, 50% of maximum volume, and the lower limit of their range.

Here’s a general guide on how to calibrate a micropipette:

1. Gather MaterialsMicropipette(s) to be calibrated Appropriate pipette tips Distilled water or a calibration solution Weighing balance with appropriate accuracy (usually in milligrams) Gloves and lab coat for safety

2. Prepare the Micropipette Ensure the micropipette is clean and free from any residue. Attach a fresh and compatible pipette tip to the micropipette.

3. Pre-Wet the Pipette Tip (Optional) For some micropipettes, pre-wetting the tip with the liquid being used can help ensure accuracy. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding pre-wetting.

4. Prepare the Calibration Solution Use distilled water or a calibration solution recommended by the micropipette manufacturer.

Ensure the calibration solution is at room temperature to minimize density variations.

5. Set the Micropipette to the Desired Volume Adjust the micropipette to the volume you want to calibrate (e.g., if calibrating a 10-100 μL micropipette, set it to 50 μL).

6. Dispense Liquid into a Weighing Boat or Container Dispense the liquid from the micropipette into a weighing boat or a container placed on a weighing balance.

Note down the initial weight (W1) of the liquid dispensed.

7. Weigh the Dispensed Liquid Carefully weigh the liquid dispensed using the weighing balance. Ensure the balance is calibrated and accurate.

Record the final weight (W2) of the liquid.

8. Calculate the Dispensed Volume Subtract the initial weight (W1) from the final weight (W2) to determine the weight of the liquid dispensed (W).

Convert the weight of the liquid dispensed to volume using the density of the liquid or the known density of the calibration solution.

Calculate the actual volume dispensed using the formula:

9. Compare with Expected Volume Compare the calculated volume dispensed with the expected volume (e.g., 50 μL for a 10-100 μL micropipette). Calculate the percent error to assess the accuracy of the micropipette calibration:

10. Adjust if Necessary If the percent error is within an acceptable range (typically ±2-5%), the micropipette is calibrated. Otherwise, adjustments may be needed. Consult the micropipette’s user manual for instructions on how to adjust the volume settings. Adjust carefully and recheck the calibration until the desired accuracy is achieved.

11. Record Calibration Data Keep a record of the calibration process, including the micropipette serial number, date of calibration, volume settings, calibration solution used, measured weights, calculated volumes, and any adjustments made.

12. Final Checks After calibration, perform a final check to ensure the micropipette is dispensing accurately and consistently across the volume range.

When is micropipette calibration required?

Micropipette calibration is typically required in the following situations:

Initial Use

New micropipettes should be calibrated before their initial use to ensure accuracy and precision.

Scheduled Calibration

Regular calibration intervals are recommended to maintain the accuracy of micropipettes over time. The frequency of calibration depends on factors such as the frequency of use, the criticality of the measurements, and the manufacturer’s recommendations.

After Maintenance or Repair

Calibration should be performed after any maintenance or repair work on the micropipette to verify that it meets the required specifications.

Change in Operating Conditions

If there is a significant change in the operating conditions, such as temperature or altitude, recalibration may be necessary to account for these factors’ effects on the micropipette’s performance.

Compliance Requirements

Laboratories may have regulatory or quality assurance requirements that mandate regular calibration of micropipettes to ensure traceability and compliance with standards.

Where do we get the best micropipette for the lab?

When purchasing a micropipette for your lab, consider key factors such as accuracy, precision, ergonomics, and ease of maintenance. Research the brands and models, compare specifications, and read user reviews to make an informed decision. Evaluate additional features like adjustable volume settings and compatibility with automation systems. Set a budget and balance costs with desired features. Check warranty coverage and customer support options for added peace of mind.

Cleaning and Maintenance of Micropipettes

1. External CleaningRemove and Clean the Tip Ejector: Begin by detaching the tip ejector and giving it a thorough wipe-down.

Wipe Down All Exposed Surfaces: Take a lint-free cloth or tissue and carefully wipe all visible parts of the micropipette, including the body, buttons, operating rod, and tip holder. Be diligent in cleaning any scuffs, marks, or accumulated debris in hard-to-reach areas.

Use a Brush for Stubborn Debris: If there are persistent stains or dirt, consider using a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the affected areas.

Reassemble and Allow to Dry: Once the exterior surfaces are clean, reattach the tip ejector and ensure it is securely in place. Leave the pipette to air dry completely before further use. Final Wipe with Cleaning Solution: Finish the cleaning process by wiping down the outer surfaces once more with a cleaning solution to remove any remaining residue. Allow the alcohol to evaporate fully before returning the pipette to service.

2. Internal Cleaning

Cleaning the inside of a pipette should be handled by trained personnel to avoid incorrect reassembly, which can damage the micropipette and affect its performance, leading to decreased accuracy and potential leakage.Disassemble the Micropipette: Carefully take apart the pipette, placing the upper part in a clean, dry area.

Wipe with Alcohol-Coated Wipes: Use alcohol-coated wipes to thoroughly clean the entire interior, including the body, connecting nut, tip holder, O-ring, seal, and the stainless steel surface of the piston. Ensure the piston is completely dry to prevent corrosion.

Allow Alcohol to Evaporate: Let the alcohol evaporate fully from the interior of the pipette. Check for Lubrication Needs: Refer to the instruction manual to determine if any parts, like the piston assembly and seals, require lubrication. Follow the manual’s guidance for reassembly, ensuring proper alignment and placement of components.

Maintaining Micropipettes

When the pipette is not in use it should be stored in an upright position. The pipette should be inspected prior to use each day for any dust or contamination on outside surfaces. Special attention should be given to the tip cone. No solvent other than isopropanol should be used to clean the pipette. If the pipette is used daily, an internal parts inspection should be performed every three months.

Choosing the right micropipette for your applicationEnsure that the micropipette can accommodate the desired range of liquid volumes for your pipetting needs.

Verify if the micropipette features a universal tip cone to accommodate various types of pipette tips.

Check if the micropipette is autoclavable at the necessary temperature to ensure proper sterilization.

Check if the micropipette is UV resistant so that they can be kept inside the hood even when the UV mode is on.

Assess the ergonomic design of the micropipette for smooth and comfortable handling during use. Confirm if the micropipette is calibrated to guarantee precise dispensing of liquids.

Evaluate the accuracy and precision of the micropipette’s readings to ensure compliance with ISO standards.

Ergonomics is a key factor in choosing a pipette because repetitive strain injury is common amongst lab personnel who pipette regularly. Low-force tip ejection and minimal plunge force are crucial.

Accumax Lab Devices specializes in manufacturing high-precision liquid handling instruments for top-tier laboratories worldwide. With a focus on innovation, it offers an advanced range of micropipettes designed to enhance user experience within real-world laboratory settings. Especially our range of FAB and FAB LF pipettes, which are specially designed for accuracy and precision with excellent ergonomics to elevate your pipetting experience like never before.

Micropipette FAQs

1. Can I use any brand of pipette tips with my micropipette?

Whether you can use any brand of pipette tips with your micropipette depends on its tip cone design. If your micropipette has a universal tip cone, it means it’s compatible with a wide range of international pipette tip brands, as long as they’re suitable for your micropipette’s volume capacity.

2. What’s the best way to sterilize my pipette before use?

To clean your micropipette before using it, first, check if it can be sterilized using an autoclave. If it can, follow the instructions in the manual to know the right temperature and duration for sterilization. Make sure to consider the type of liquid you’ll be using it for.

3. Is there a simple way to check if my micropipette is calibrated correctly?

Set it to the usual volume, then dispense water five times. Weigh what you piped out on a scale. If it matches up nicely with the ISO standard, your micropipette is good to go. If not, it’s time for a recalibration.

4. How frequently should I recalibrate my micropipette?

For regular use, it’s good to check your micropipette’s calibration every 3 to 6 months. Following the ISO 8655 standard, it’s recommended to have it calibrated annually.

5. How to adjust the volume of a micropipette?

To adjust the volume on your micropipette, look for the display showing numbers indicating the volume range. If you have a fixed-volume micropipette, the range is predetermined. However, if you have a variable volume micropipette, you can adjust it within the given range by using the rotational dial located at the top of the micropipette plunger. Alternatively, you can consult the manual for specific instructions on changing the volume.

6. Why is it important to avoid touching the tips of the micropipette?

When you touch the tips of a micropipette, you risk transferring oils and other substances from your fingers onto them. This can interfere with the accuracy of volume measurements and potentially contaminate your samples. To maintain precision and avoid contamination, it’s best to handle the micropipette tips only with the instrument itself.

7. What happens if I release the plunger of the micropipette too quickly?

Releasing the micropipette plunger too quickly can lead to inadequate liquid draw up and dispensing, causing potential inaccuracies in your measurements.

8. What should I do if my micropipette isn’t working right?

If your micropipette isn’t working properly, it’s time for some troubleshooting. Start by double-checking if it’s properly calibrated and if the volume setting is correct. Ensure that the pipette tips are securely attached and not damaged. If the issue persists, you might need to clean or maintain the micropipette according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If all else fails, it might be time to consult with a colleague or contact technical support for further assistance.

9. Can my micropipette handle different types of liquids?

Your micropipette is designed to handle a variety of liquids, whether they’re watery solutions, viscous substances, or even oils. As long as you’re using the appropriate tip size and technique, your micropipette can smoothly pipette different types of liquids.

This blog originally posted here: Micropipette Guide 2024: Types, Applications and More