#consume with heap of salt

[xinganhao]

this love shit sucks! 🎤 chan x reader.

(although he does say, "if we’re still single at thirty…" and doesn’t finish the sentence.) ⸻ ikaw mula noon anniversary series 🎵 pare ko, eraserheads

includes: friendship, romance; mentions of alcohol consumption, drinking buddy!chan, idiots in love, feelings realization/denial

Cocktail Recipe: The One You Call After Midnight

Ingredients:

1 overflowing cup of shared McDonald's fries (cold, soggy, mysteriously comforting, eaten out of the same crumpled paper bag like you're two raccoons in love denial)

2 and a half shots of bottom-shelf tequila (regret optional, bonding inevitable, courage-enhancing in small doses)

1 splash of "remember that time?" nostalgia, aged to perfection

3 heaping tablespoons of mutual exasperation with dating apps and the people who say "I love hiking" unironically

5 a.m. pancake runs (substitute with waffles during emotional emergencies, or hash browns when one of you is "definitely not crying")

A generous dash of your laugh when he's tipsy and trying to flirt with the bartender (badly, tragically, like watching a puppy chase a car)

1 cracked phone screen from a drunken fall, both of you insisting "it still works!" as you use it to take blurry selfies

4.5 late-night heart-to-hearts, stirred, not shaken, spilling over with half-truths and quiet hopes

Half a teaspoon of lingering eye contact that lingers too long to be innocent

A pinch of jealousy when he hears about your date with that guy who wears too much cologne and keeps calling you "babe"

One whole hoodie you "forgot" to return, now infused with your perfume and his growing confusion

1 emergency Uber ride where you fell asleep on his shoulder and he didn’t wake you

A fistful of inside jokes nobody else understands

A drizzle of the way he says your name when he's tipsy and a little too honest

Instructions:

In a dimly lit dive bar, begin with two and a half shots of tequila. Let the burn fuel a flurry of increasingly unhinged stories about failed Bumble dates, including the time you matched with someone who brought their mother to the first date. Laugh until your sides ache and your cheeks hurt, and then laugh some more when he accidentally spills salt all over his lap.

Fold in the McDonald's fries, ideally consumed while sitting on a questionable curb somewhere, his jacket over your shoulders, your eyeliner smudged but your sarcasm sharp as ever. Bonus points if someone honks at you and he flips them off in your honor.

Add the pancake run. This is not just food—this is sacred ritual. Let the syrupy comfort of carbs at ungodly hours soften the sarcasm into something suspiciously affectionate. Watch him butter your pancakes without asking. Pretend not to notice.

Slowly mix in mutual venting over dating apps. Grind in just enough existential dread to bond over, but not so much that you both give up and start a cult. (Although he does say, "If we’re still single at thirty..." and doesn’t finish the sentence.)

Pour in the eye contact. Let it simmer. Make it weird. Let it stretch one second longer than friendly. (He'll notice. You both will. You'll pretend not to.)

Sprinkle in the laughter that always bubbles up when one of you tries to flirt with someone else and fails miserably. Stir gently until the moment turns from teasing to strangely quiet. Add a drop of "I didn’t like seeing you with him" and swirl it around, but don’t speak it out loud.

Let sit overnight. Preferably on his couch, under a shared blanket that neither of you acknowledge. Feet brushing. Breaths syncing. You pretending to be asleep when he tucks a pillow under your head, his fingers brushing your hair for just a second too long.

Reheat the whole mixture the next morning over texts that begin with: "U alive?" and evolve into memes, in-jokes, and that picture of you both with fry grease on your cheeks. Serve alongside a hoodie that you definitely stole on purpose and are wearing as you text him back.

Optional garnish: One cracked phone screen, a symbol of the chaos you both embody. Neither of you has it together, but the fractures make it easier to see each other clearly. The love slips in through the cracks, doesn't it?

Finally, pour everything into a tall glass rimmed with realization and just a hint of fear. Drink slowly. Sip cautiously. Let the flavors settle as he watches you, mid-laugh, bathed in streetlight and absurdity, and thinks: God, I am so fucked.

Serving suggestion: Best enjoyed when you least expect it—possibly during a shared hangover on his couch, wrapped in a blanket that smells like comfort, old fries, and something that might just be love in disguise. May pair well with strong coffee, scrambled eggs, and the possibility of something more.

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[widowbitessting]

what about is Reader has a nightmare? What would the trio! do?

The Coffee Incident

Wanda/Natasha/CarolxReader

Word Count - 1674

You jolt awake, still half asleep as the remnants of the nightmare still play on your mind.

You struggle free from the blankets enclosing you.

It's wrapped too tightly around your legs, feeling more like claustrophobic ropes bound to cut off circulation than a cheap duvet from Target, and you frantically kick yourself free; trembling body toppling out of your single bed.

You’re panting, breathing deep despite your lungs struggling to fill with oxygen.

You find yourself on the precipice of a panic attack and you’re frantic to bring yourself down.

“A dream…” you croak out, “it was just a dream.”

But your brain can’t stop replaying it on a loop in your mind and the panic is quick to consume you.

"MJ." You croak out, forgetting that she's spending the night at Peter's.

Fresh hot tears spill from your eyes and down your cheeks and you frantically grab for your cell through blurred vision.

You need them.

Struggling to open your phone, you lose your temper quicker than normal and end up biting into your palm to stifle a frustrated scream.

You have to put in your passcode, twice to be exact, until you're able to get to your contacts.

Clicking the first name in your recents, you pray that they pick up.

Blood is thundering around your ears as your phone rings.

Legs bouncing anxiously as you rest your forehead down on your knee.

"Please...please...please..."

A sleepy voice picks up.

"...hullo?"

"Nat?"

You can hear shuffling on her side before she replies, sounding more awake than she did when she first picked up the call.

"Y/N? What's wrong? Are you okay?"

You squeeze your eyes shut as more tears trickle down your face, the taste of salt seeping onto your tongue.

"I - I..."

You crumble and let out a sob.

"Y/N, baby, where are you?" Natasha asks.

You can hear another voice in the background, asking Natasha if everything is okay.

"Ho-home."

"Are you hurt, baby girl?" Natasha asks. She says something else but it's aimed at either Carol or Wanda and you miss it.

"No - I, I'm just scared. MJ isn't here. I'm sorry -"

"Don't be sorry, detka. We'll be there as soon as we can okay?"

"You're coming?"

"We all are, baby. Can you stay on the phone for me? I want to make sure you're safe until we're there, okay?"

"I - I'm...please, I didn't mean to disturb you..."

"Kitten, you never disturb us." Carol's voice jolts you a little. "You're our girl; you could never."

"Okay..."

Even though you're still trembling on your cold floor, you can't help but be soothed by them.

By their voices.

It takes them no time at all to reach you.

Letting themselves in by the key you had given them shortly after you had all officially started dating.

It's Wanda who comes through your bedroom door first, donning her slept in pyjamas; closely followed by both Carol and Natasha. Both in similar attires. 

You're on the floor still, duvet in a heap by your feet, phone pressed tightly to your left cheek.

Had you had been in a better headspace, you might have found it funny how you could hear them on the phone as well as see them rushing to your side.

But you can only stare past them, eyes glossy.

Wanda peels your phone from you, speaking to you through cotton filled ears; and it isn't until you're embraced in a warm hug, do you register that they're actually there.

In your room.

At 2am in the morning.

The hug feels amazing and you melt into it, eyes instantly growing heavy as Wanda's fingers twirl the baby hairs at the base of your neck.

While lips meet your cheek, kissing away any residue tears that had dried on your skin.

“Baby girl?” Carol speaks calmly, hand holding your own. “Come back to us.”

But the panic is quick to return and your lungs once again struggle. 

“I - I can’t…” You let out a sob, “I can’t breathe.”

Wanda cups your face, forcing your eyes to look at her. 

You take her in. 

Her green eyes that are looking at you with such a soft expression, you find yourself melting into her gaze.

You can’t help glance at the small freckle on the bridge of her nose.

You love to kiss that one. 

“Focus on me, my love.” She says, bringing you back. “Can you do that for me?”

You can only nod, words dissolving on your tongue. 

“Good girl. Listen closely and breathe for me. Nice and deep, in through your nose.”

You do as you’re told, nostrils sucking up oxygen and whistling as they do.

When you exhale through your lips, it’s shaky and you’re sure your morning breath hits Wanda square in the face. 

Regardless, she’s unfazed by it. 

“Do that again for me and after you’ve exhaled, my love, I want you to try and tell me five things you can see.”

“See?” 

“Yes, darling. Five things.”

“Well…you, Natasha and Carol…” you say. “That’s three.”

“Cheeky girl.” Wanda smiles, “go on. Two more.”

“My laptop…”

“Last one my love.”

“Erm,” You look around your room, seeing every potential thing to use but you can’t take it in. “Um…”

“One thing, baby girl. Anything.”

“My - my lamp.”

“Good job, kitten.” Wanda says. “Can you name me four things you can feel?” 

“Well…you…I can feel you…and my pyjamas.”

“Go on.” Wanda says, “three left.”

“The carpet on my feet…my bed frame on my back and…um…my hair on my shoulders…?”

“You’re doing so well for us, baby girl.” Wanda smiles, “Now, three things you can hear? Use those listening ears I know you have.”

You still feel as if your heart is about to claw out of your ribcage but you do as you’re asked regardless; squeezing your eyes shut as you force yourself to listen around you.

“I’d normally hear MJ’s snoring but she isn’t here so…” 

“That doesn’t count, baby.” Wanda says, “try again.”

“The -” Your voice cracks, “the horns outside.”

“There we go,” Wanda says, hands still holding your firm. “They’re so loud, aren’t they?”

You nod, smiling slightly.

“I can, I - someone is breathing heavily.”

There’s a beat of silence before Carol replies: “…no they’re not.”

Causing Wanda and Natasha to let out a small laugh. 

Your smile grows. 

“What else, love?”

“The dog barking downstairs.”

“You’re doing amazingly, love.” Wanda kisses your head. “Two things you can smell?”

“You’re minty breath…and, I…” You swallow. “My shampoo. It’s strawberry.”

“You’re being so brave, baby girl. So brave. Last one; what thing you can taste?”

“I don’t wanna answer that.”

“Why not?”

“…cos I’ll get into trouble.”

“Just tell us, baby.” Wanda gently pushes. 

“…I can taste my coffee…”

“You’re coffee, huh?” Natasha asks, smiling. “Now when did you have coffee?” 

You shrug, looking down.

“Answer me, kitten.” 

“Before bed I guess…”

“You guess?” 

“...yeah.” 

“Why did you have coffee before bed?” Carol asks.

“...because I really fancied one…and we had coffee in…”

“And you thought that was a good idea?” 

“I didn’t think I was gonna get caught…

You really wished the ground would swallow you whole.

“Okay, so,” Natasha says, “I think you know you’re gonna have a caffeine ban tomorrow regardless, don’t you, sweetheart?”

You sigh and pout, bottom lip springing free.

“Yes.”

“So for now, I think we’ll discuss the coffee incident tomorrow when we’ve all had some more sleep.”

“Yes,”

“Yes what, kitten? Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten who you’re talking to as well.”

“Yes mommy, sorry.”

“Good girl. Now, do you feel grounded enough to try sleeping again?”

You didn't even realise your heart rate had calmed; that you could breathe normally and move your body functionally again. 

“I didn’t…”

“Wanda is very skilled at bringing people down from panic attacks. She’s our super star.”

Wanda smiles brightly and nods in agreement.

“It’s all about distractions and grounding. I knew it would work better with us all here and look, it did. We even caught you out on a lie too.”

“Yippee for me.”

“Now less of that, do you feel okay enough to sleep for us?”

“…I - well yeah but not alone…I don’t wanna sleep alone…”

“We’re not going anywhere, kitten.” Carol says. 

You finally register - and to this day you have no idea how you missed Carol and Natasha putting out blankets and duvets and pillows - the floor littered with cosiness and click on your girlfriends’ plan. 

They never had any intention to leave.

There’s three pillows lined in a row, close to your bed and you can’t help but giggle as the image of you rolling out of bed and landing on them fills your brain.

Carol ushers you into your bed and kisses your forehead before Natasha slips a straw between your lips and tells you to “Drink up, our little coffee drinker.”

You do as you’re told and drink heavily before Natasha tucks you in tight and kisses your forehead too. 

Wanda copies the other two and even sneaks a kiss on your lips.  

“We’ll just be down here if you need us, okay?” She says.

You nod and nestle into your pillow. 

“Now close your eyes and try to get some sleep. Goodnight baby.”

“Night night.”

After five minutes you decide sleep isn’t going to happen. You’re far too lonely and wide awake to sleep. 

Four minutes pass and you decide there’s a big enough space on the floor for you to wedge in between Natasha and Carol. 

Three minutes later and you’re softly saying “excuse me.” with your pillow pressed against your chest. 

Two minutes go by and you’ve settled on the floor, Natasha hugging you tightly to her body while Carol plays with your hair. Eventually, Wanda complains that she’s being left out and the blonde shifts to face her and pulls her into a cuddle. 

One minute later you’re fighting sleep with Natasha's lips pressed to your head. 

Sleep, with sweet dreams, soon follows. 

Bliss. 

[offtorivendell]

No but imagine, Elain - who we know goes to the Palace of Bone and Salt (ACOSF, chapter 17) - accidentally bought black salt. The first time.

Or maybe the House of Wind gave it to her when she was visiting and needed salt one time, it doesn't matter.

But after that, she learnt (as @wingedblooms has theorised) how to commune with a certain, princely feline whom I suspect may be hanging around the House of Wind library. So of course she keeps a small pot of it by the kettle, because nobody besides her (and Nuala and Cerridwen, but they know what it is) use the kitchen, so she can throw it in her tea as required for a little "trip."

Enter Cassian:

"Elain, what are you cooking there? It smells delicious." An exaggerated sniff followed his remark.

"Cat food," Elain replied dreamily.

"When did you get a cat?" Elain often appeared to be off in her own world, so Cassian wouldn't put it past her to get a cat and not mention it.

"Oh, I didn't," Elain replied, as she walked out into the sunny terrace garden, herb basket on her hip.

Cassian: 🤨🤨🤨🤨🤨

Or:

Elain had invited Nesta and Cassian over to the townhouse for dinner one night, when Feyre and Rhys were off on official court duty (ie. a family getaway to the cabin, to introduce Nyx to the wonders of snow). Cassian bullied Azriel into tagging along, and because Rhys wouldn't be there, he agreed.

Elain was making a hearty beef stew, with a side of freshly baked bread; the perfect meal for a chilly winter's eve. It had been simmering over the fire long before dusk had threatened to consume the sky, and she had finished seasoning it - even adding a little extra pepper, just for Cassian - moments before Nesta had knocked upon the roof-top door.

It smelt delicious, she couldn't wait to tuck in.

Thirty minutes later, they were sitting down to eat. Cassian shoveled some bread in his mouth as Nesta buttered her roll. Azriel had taken a polite mouthful of stew just as Elain - hungry after a long day in her potting shed and cooking - took a heaped spoon that would have made their mother faint from shock.

The stew was overly salted. Badly. How on earth?

Elain swallowed her mouthful and said, "I'm so sorry, something has happened to the stew. It appears I've put too much salt in it. Hang on and I'll heat up something from the ice box." She started to stand.

Azriel was wearing a funny expression... How mortifying. For him, of all people—her head started to spin with the shame of it.

Averting her eyes, Elain noticed that Cassian was looking incredibly guilty. Her focus narrowed over the roar threatening to consume her, and she was no longer sure it was entirely due to the people pleasing habit that had been forced upon her from childhood.

"What did you do?" Calm, stay calm.

"I, ahh, added some of that finely ground pepper you've got. I'm sorry, I couldn't resist."

"That wasn't pepper." Darkness was creeping into the edges of her vision, her fear all but confirmed, as she warned, "Do not eat the stew, I'll be back in an hour at the most." Azriel had already slumped back into his chair, eyes closed. Oh gods, how would she explain this to him?

Elain closed her eyes and let the darkness take her, opening them to Azriel, dagger at the ready, facing down a fluffy white cat, fur and whiskers abristle, blue eyes wide. If she wasn't so mortified she'd have laughed at the absurd picture they made. Oh well, no time like the present.

"Azriel," she said, standing up tall. "Meet Aidas, the Prince of the Chasm."

This post was brought to you by the ramblings of @cassianfanclub, @psychologynerd and myself. I still haven't finished HOFAS lol - I'm on chapter 75 🐢 - so I could be way off, but this is really just for laughs.

[skzoologist]

Unfamiliarity [six]

word count: ~10.7k

warnings: Please refer to the series 'Summary' post, as it is updated whenever needed!

summary: Things are revealed and heating up, leaving Bae uncertain with his own feelings.

a/n: A new chapter, new problems arising. I've had this one in mind for a while now, but holidays got incredibly hectic (with my family getting two new husky babies), so I can only apologise for taking this long. I'll try my best to get the next one out as soon as I can, and I hope you'll have fun reading this one!

Please let me know if I left a warning or anything out, I will add it in! Reblogs, likes and feedback are greatly appreciated!

!I don't condone anyone stealing my work and posting it anywhere without my permission, or feeding it to AI!

!This is just fiction, my interpretation of Stray Kids. By no means is this how they are and how they behave in real life!

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Next time I awoke to the feeling of rustling, someone moving around in the nest. It urged me to open my eyes with haste, the harsh morning lights blurring my vision for a few seconds.

My eyes met with soft brown ones, the colour melted and swirling inside, pulling me into its depths without any resistance. The ears atop his head that sported the same shade flicked once, gaze never leaving mine, only for the brief period of a slow blink. His features softened, much gentler compared to his sharp angles and harsh exterior he usually wore.

Lino crawled back to me, little paws careful about their placement, each step calculated and mindful of the bodies peacefully resting upon each other. Our eyes never left each other, as if he knew I needed that reassurance, that safeness he could provide me with through such a simple gesture. And maybe only he could grant me this feeling of security in such a pure way, I wouldn’t know, not in this tangled mess of feelings.

His tiny head bumped into mine, rubbing fur against fur in a heap of warm colours. A deep rumble left my chest, so low and so quiet that you could only feel it, not even hear it. I inevitably leaned down and trapped his much smaller form underneath my own head, tucking him between my front paws and against my chest.

I didn’t want to let him out of my sight, or anyone, for that matter. The urge to do so much too powerful to fight, consuming me whole and lighting me ablaze from the inside out.

Lino settled down where I’d trapped him without any complaints, his chest letting out lil purrs, the sound ever so slightly becoming delightfully stronger and more prominent. It drew a silent sigh out of me, a stiffness in my muscles I had never noticed now painfully obvious, causing me to forcefully relax them and become lax. 

My body laid against the wolf’s as he was blanketing my back, him being the only one near my size, even with my lanky limbs tucked away. The puppy and the dangerously tiny pika rested against my stomach, heads and limbs buried in there comfortably. Two big cats were partly laying on top of me and everyone else, probably not fitting anywhere else in this single bed. Their spotted tails were tangled amongst limbs upon limbs, as if they were trying to hug and tie everyone together in a desperate attempt.

A whiff told me that everyone had calmed down after what had happened the previous day, the danger and anger mostly gone, although not completely. The flowers were still prickly, the pine trees still much too tall, and that sweetness in the air still sat heavily in your lungs. There was no storm anymore, only an occasional harsh breeze, yet the sun hadn’t come out of its hiding place. A sea could be heard in the distance, waves crashing against rocks in an endless loop, the scent of salt sitting heavily in the vanilla-permeated air, something that felt off a smidge. The citrus smelled tangy too, acidic, something probably only I could pick up on, as it was so faint and hidden away.

And the easel? It was still knocked down, as if it had remained untouched all this time.

It all surprised me, how painfully obvious and straightforward their anger was. It was basically palpable, bristling my fur in warning, even though they had been and still were angry for my sake. 

Mine. 

Not anyone else’s, but mine. It left a strange feeling in my chest, my whole body, one that caused my eyes to become glossy and hazy.

I felt someone stirring against my back, a little yawn and a huff leaving his form upon his waking. Channie nudged my head gently once he saw I had been awake, his own way of greeting me in the morning without lips to form words. I nudged him back, earning a satisfied huff before he placed his head back down on top of mine, apparently finding the position comfortable enough. Not having any other options, I let him lay there, soaking up his warmth greedily, feeling as the anger slowly seeped out of him and turned into a small flame, simmering inside.

While I didn’t like that it’d remained, I had to accept it, grateful that its size was now much more reduced than compared to before.

Slowly, the others woke up as well, affectionately greeting each other in the morning. I let them do so even to me, appreciating the gestures after what had happened. It calmed down the voices inside my head, ushering them away with no way back.

Bones cracked and muscles tore, the sounds of shifting loud in the serene silence of the room.

“As much as I love a good cuddle session, I’m starving, and so are you guys. I heard those growls coming from your stomachs, don’t even try to deny it. Now c’mon, up, get up.” - Channie said, laughter sitting on the edge of his words.

Groans and whines could be heard, pushing the still very naked wolf into bouts of laughter, eyes crinkling and dimples peeking out. I watched it all unfold, the laughter eventually ebbing away into small giggles and stopping, the others shifting back into their humanoid forms as well, grumbling and whining along the way, now able to be more vocal about it.

“But I was soooooo comfyyyy~” - it was Jisung, body draped over the wolf’s and gripping at him in annoyance. “Yeah, it’s rare for Bae hyung to do this, I don’t care about food! Even Binnie hyung agrees with me, right?” - Felix defiantly said, arms crossed and a pout sitting upon his pink lips.

Surprisingly, the pika wasted no time in agreeing with the feline, body still half sprawled out on me even after his shift. His voice was loud so close by, making my ears flinch and flick in pain. Jin was quick to gently cover them, the tips of his fingers pleasantly cold against my burgundy fur.

“Stop whining and fucking go, I’m freezing to death over here.” - the puppy complained, a scowl sitting on his face. “Oi, language!” “You can shut up old man, I bet you’re too old to feel the cold.” “Lmao, gottem!” “Lixieee…”

The playful banter continued on, even after the wolf had tossed one of his gigantic hoodies to the little pup, the fabric engulfing his form and practically eating him alive. The black accentuated his golden fur, as if he was a brightly burning star amidst the veil of darkness. Everyone raided Channie’s and Lixie’s wardrobe, stealing hoodies and other clothes left and right, not caring about the words of protests they had gotten at that.

Lixie was chasing Jin around, the latter comically putting on some loose pants while running away, nearly tripping and landing on the floor face first twice. Channie gave up trying to wrestle back a black hoodie from Binnie’s tight grip, a sigh leaving his nose with a small smile curving along his lips. His eyes met mine, a question swimming around the orbs as his face twisted into slight confusion.

“Baby, aren’t you coming as well? Minho cannot get up until you do, with the way you’re holding him hostage.”

The others’ heads turned towards my still laying form at that, their bodies frozen mid-action. I only tightened my hold around the small feline amidst my paws, feeling strangely affectionate towards him.

Something inside told me to be.

When the wolf came up to us, his hand stretched out and reached out towards our direction, a low whine left my throat, afraid that he would take Lino away. He immediately stilled, eyebrows furrowed and lips dipping down.

“Baby, hey. I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you or Minho, you know that, right?” - he gently whispered to me, voice so sweet it might as well have been dipped into honey.

I huffed, knowing fully well that he was right. But that something inside me was ancient, a feral urge, something that I hadn’t known about before. Never have I felt this, my days had been purely spent trying to survive in the past.

The chocolate-coated feline wiggled in my hold, making me loosen it and lift up my head, his wet nose bumping into mine in comfort. I closed my eyes and buried my snout into his long fur, allowing the mellow scent of the flowers to soothe my soul and settle into my marrow, weighing pleasantly upon my very being.

They had a hint of an earthly scent to them, one you would only feel out in the open fields, in wilderness far from human-touched cities and pollution.

A soft meow broke me out of my stupor, another tiny lick on my nose as the sitting feline just observed me with an entire sea’s worth of patience. My chest squeezed at the mere thought of it, urging me to look away before I broke down in front of watchful eyes.

Fingers glided through my thick fur, leading my gaze up to Channie’s, the gentlest of smiles sitting on his face. He didn’t seem angry or frustrated at my weird behaviour that not even I fully understood. No, he seemed understanding, if anything, a light dancing around in his caring eyes. The trees swayed gently in the wind, their colours vibrant and comforting now.

Not being able to bear that gaze, that expression any longer, I turned back towards the still awaiting feline and nudged him towards my back. It only took a few seconds for him to understand my intentions, paws making their way towards my back and climbing atop. By the way his weight distributed, he probably splayed himself there, limbs out and dangling freely at my sides.

Knowing he was safe there and close enough, I stood up, following the others. I saw a few share some glances, unable to fully hide their worries from my keen senses. It was all displayed in their scents, the emotion painfully obvious.

But who was I to blame them? I didn’t know what had gotten into me either.

The human, Jisoo, could be seen in the front room, sitting on the couch with now two felines draped over both his arms. Lixie and Jin had always been more affectionate than others, attacking everyone for a quick cuddle whenever. Had you been sleeping, peacefully reading, or even cooking? No matter, you were a prime candidate for some peak cuddling.

“Ah, there you two are, I was wondering.” - Jisoo happily greeted us, smile brightening the more time he spent in everyone’s presence.

I nodded at him with a few swishes of my tail, watching his whole face lit up in response. My ears flattened against my head, embarrassed, glad for the fur hiding my flushed skin.

“So, what happened yesterday?”

Jisoo’s question felt like cold rain upon already soaked fur, making me freeze in my tracks as I had been walking towards the couch. The atmosphere immediately changed, the air heavy and burdensome. I could see Lixie open and close his mouth several times, no sound leaving his still form that now sat there somberly.

“Some fucker approached Changbin hyung and Seungminnie on their run, wanting to speak to you. Just to buy Bae hyung.” - Jin spit out, as if the words themselves were venom.

Everyone tensed at that, the memories not pleasant in the slightest. Jin had a deep scowl etched upon his face, tail lashing out in fury. Binnie was clenching his fists and jaw so hard I was starting to worry he would break a bone, the skin at the joints turning dangerously white. Lixie just became even sadder, a muted anger hiding somewhere deep inside his freckled gaze. Sungie was similar, curling into the snow leopard’s side into a small ball. Lino shifted atop my back, fur pressing against fur. The puppy was staring off into space, yet one of his hands was clutching onto his pants, the fabric nearly ripping in two.

Yet, they couldn’t compare to whatever the wolf must have been feeling, the emotion so clear in his entire body that I was sure he could cause a city to fall, if he so wished.

“Hyunjin…” - he grated out, anger now directed towards the mentioned leopard. “What? Jisoo has every right to know!” “He does, but did you have to say it like that?!” “Oh, so I should have stayed quiet, just so you could omit most of the info??” - Jin defended himself, hands harshly lifted into the air. “You know that’s not what–” “Enough.”

Everyone looked at Jisoo at that, his now standing form tall and voice intimidating, cold. He didn’t say anything else, just stood there, trying to take back control over his heavy breathing. Nobody dared to utter a word, not even our leader, Channie.

A vein popped out on the human’s forehead, scent so soured and ruined, I nearly whined. That once pleasant scent of grass now too strong, as if the plants were left alone to grow for centuries, standing tall and unyielding. No sweetness could be found nearby, as if the joy was somehow killed out of the scenery.

Not uttering a word, he walked towards the kitchen counter, steps long and calculated. His shoulders seemed stiff, a hand clenched together into a tight fist.

“Wait, Jisoo, don’t–” “No, Chan, I should have done this long ago, when the first person approached us.” “But–” “No buts.”

Jisoo left no room for arguments, effectively shutting our entire pack up with a few words.

Once he had reached his desired location, his unclenched hand took his phone into its hold, the skin slowly gaining back its healthy colour.

The rings in the room were deafening as he held the device up to his ear, breathing now seemingly under his control.

“Hey, yea, it’s me. Look, I know you’re super busy, but I need your help. Remember the hybrid I told you about? The one I took off the streets, yeah. Well some fuckers keep approaching not even me, but HIM about wanting to buy him! Can you fucking believe this?! I know, that’s what I said too! Anyway, you’re the one who has experience in things like this, which is why I called you. Mhm. Yea. Of course, just call me whenever I’m needed. I owe you one, really. Thanks, I'll text ya later, bye.”

While Jisoo had been talking, Channie rubbed at his face, sighing heavily. I’d looked at him, head tilted and gaze worried.

“Ah, don’t worry, baby. It’s just… I didn’t want to tell Jisoo like this exactly because of this. That’s a good friend of his, Laneul-ssi, someone with a well-known corporation under his belt. I don’t know much, since it’s all related to the field of biology and medicine, but I do know not to piss him off. He had won several lawsuits, having been in situations exactly like ours before.” - he explained, expression softening. “He has a big pack, like ours, with seven hybrids. Most of them are unique species as well, like us, which is why this stupid shit keeps happening.” - Lixie grumbled out, that hidden anger emerging for a split second from the depths. “Yea, but you don’t need to worry, they’re all great! My best bud, Woo, is there as well. They might be idiots, but they are our idiots.” - Binnie excitedly shared, frustration temporarily melting away.

The others had no idea who they were talking about, never having met them. Lino probably had, but he had no way of talking, instead lounging around on my back comfortably and meowing at us in agreement. Or disagreement, based on the other felines’ reactions.

“Minho hyung, don’t say that!” “Meow meow” “I’m telling this to Seonghwa hyung.”

At that smug face Lixie had made, Lino hissed, earning a laugh from the leopard. Jin just chuckled along, enjoying the drama full force. We others merely watched it, only understanding one half of the conversation.

Jisoo came back, tiredly falling back onto the couch and carding his fingers through his hair, messing up the dark curls impossibly more.

“You didn’t have to do that, you kno’” - Channie said, voice quiet and timid even. “Shush, I had to. Or do you think so lowly of me to just stand by and let these things happen to you guys?” - Jisoo nearly growled out, hurt and anger dripping from his voice. “No, of course not, I never meant for it to sound like that! I could never be more grateful to have been adopted by you. Not only that, but for you to help hybrids by taking them in from the streets and abusive households. None of us would be here without you, living such a happy and free life. I’m sorry, please know that I love you for all you do for our sake.” - Channie immediately scrambled up and took Jisoo’s cheek into his hand, stroking the skin there with a thumb as he spoke. “Yeah, yeah, I know. ‘m sorry, didn’t mean to snap like that. I love all of you, you’re basically my family. I just fucking despise fuckers like these, calling them amoebas would be insulting to the poor life forms.” - Jisoo sighed out, covering the wolf’s hand with his own and drawing a few chuckles out of some of us with his last comment.

I finally walked up to the couch, nudging Jin’s leg and gaining his attention, successfully making him move so I could get up onto the furniture as well. My moves were careful, not wishing for the feline on my back to accidentally slide down and potentially hurt himself, even though I knew he was more than capable of landing safely were he to fall.

Once I was up and laying down, the leopard guided my head into his lap, my weight heavily settling into his thighs. A hand of his immediately attached itself onto my fur, the digits burying into the base of my ear and impossibly relaxing me.

The noise around me lessened, mind taken off of the chatter and chaos. I was transported back to that open field, the easel standing proudly at the edge, the vivid vermillion and black now off to the side in their respective containers. The white canvas had been painted a soothing blue, the painter dabbing the brush against it gently, creating fluffy looking clouds.

As if sensing my presence, he turned his head back, a gentle smile taking its place on his face and drawing tiny dimples out of their hiding places. I blinked at him slowly, the gesture being the only thing exchanged between us as he went back to painting, my own body laying down nearby, the cool touch of a tree’s shadow caressing my fur.

I spent my time there, just lazily lying amidst the grass and flowers, the sounds of the painter perfectly blending in with the ones that came from nature itself. A small stroke of the brush here, a wider one there, a little dip into the paint. He even hummed sometimes, his voice impossibly soft and making me yearn for more whenever he stopped.

“But then–” “Sshhh!” “What do you mean shh, Lixi–” “Oh my god Changbin, just shush, Bae hyung is finally asleep.” “Oooh, uhm, my bad.”

While I wasn’t asleep just yet, I could understand why they had thought so, my own mind barely making sense of their words as it stood at the fragile edge of unconsciousness.

The sound of skin tearing and bones breaking could be heard, the fur on my back bristling as it felt cold now, nothing there to shield and warm it anymore.

“He isn’t, not yet. But I don’t think he’s far from it, seeing as he’s not even reacting right now.” - it was Lino, uttering a quick thanks afterwards, the sound of fabric being shuffled around filling up the silence.

Not even a minute later he sat down next to me, his breath hitting my ears as he glided his fingers through my fur, not leaving my side completely. Jin never stopped with his own administrations, the two soothing my entire being continuously.

“I’m glad he’s resting now, he seemed kind of out of it. What was with him and not letting you out of his sight anyway?” - Lixie muttered, voice not raised so as to not wake me. “I have no clue, but I was afraid he would panic if I left. There was something off about his scent too, but I can’t quite put my finger on it.” “I think… I think a part of his brain took over, after what happened yesterday.” “Sungie is right, that seemed like something an instinct-driven hybrid would do. He probably didn’t even realise it, by the way he’d acted when I first approached you two in the bed.” “Mh, but nothing bad happened, right?” “No, you don’t have to worry, Jisoo. The events just really spooked him, more than he lets on probably.”

The puppy’s voice was the last one I had heard, only a few more words making sense to me before I finally drifted off, the lands of sleep claiming my weary soul.

-.-

Distant voices of bickering awoke me, my ears flickering already in annoyance as I had easily identified who the perpetrators were: Jin and Sungie.

The two had always had a strange spark between them, and not the good kind. The signs had always been there, some I had noticed as well. The bitter glances when only one of them got what they had wanted, or the challenging gazes they sent the other when something stupid had crossed their minds. They probably thought they were slick, never causing a scene openly.

But I had heard their arguments occasionally, midday naps and long nights messing up my usual sleeping schedule often enough to catch them with my sharp hearing, much to the dismay of the wolf. Never were any of the arguments with good reason, as if they were children fighting over a toy.

And I had enough of it.

Blinking my bleary eyes open, I stood up from the couch and stretched, a satisfied sigh leaving my nostrils after a few of my joints popped, getting rid of that uncomfortable feeling. Nobody else was in the room, not even Lino, burying the seed of panic into my body. But before it could blossom I took a deep breath, carefully identifying everyone’s whereabouts.

Channie and Binnie were in their workroom, the two tinkering away on something alone. I never knew what they were doing in there, no sound escaping the place at all. Lixie and the puppy were in the leopard’s room, most probably playing, as they had been regularly doing that lately. Lino’s scent seemed to have been in that same room, probably lounging around and taking another short nap, knowing him. Jisoo seemed to have left the house, something I didn’t appreciate, as it had been a day without work for him originally, and I was sure I hadn’t slept for a whole day. He almost always spent these particular days with us, watching a show on TV or playing on Lixie’s devices.

Taking another deep breath and calming myself down as much as I could, I took off towards my own room, claws silently tip-tapping against the boards underneath. I hurriedly made my way into my room, opening the door with my mouth and shifting back inside, in the safety of my den. Not a thought was formed about what clothes I would put on, the matter at hand much too pressing for me to do so.

Fully clothed and annoyance at its peak, I quickly made my way to the two’s loud voices, no care given as I barged in through the door and into the room.

“You two talk it out right now, this has to stop.” - my voice came out a bit too frustrated and harsh, causing them to flinch.

They both just blinked up at me with wide eyes, the words frozen inside their rigid forms. I merely crossed my arms after I had closed the door behind me and leaned against it, raising up an eyebrow at their unresponsive forms.

As I could see both of them open their mouths, excuses on the tips of their tongues, I straightened up and pushed myself off the door.

“No. Talk it out. Right now.”

Jin and Sungie gulped, gazes casted down towards the floor in shame. I patiently stood there, waiting for any of them to start, my own tail agitatedly swishing behind me.

It had taken nearly five whole minutes for them to start, but Jin finally opened his mouth and started speaking. He spilled out all his frustrations, how he hated the way Sungie stole our attention away and flaunted around with it, greedily asking for more at any given moment. He told us how he hated the way the squirrel acted, much too obnoxious for his tastes.

In return, the squirrel had done the same. He spoke of his fears, his own distaste against Jin’s personality, how he acted too dramatic and overexaggerated everything. The way Jin had a habit of fooling around and occasionally starting a playful banter annoyed him, making him feel smaller and inferior.

The two spoke for a long while, the ice having been broken and letting the words flow seamlessly. I quietly stood by the side the whole time, a silent spectator, nothing more. Channie tried to come in once, probably to check up on us as he usually did, but I silently signed for him to go, knowing I would have to tell him the details later. Jin and Sungie had been too absorbed in their conversation to even notice the whole thing happening, something I was grateful for.

Eventually, they had come to an agreement, shaking hands on it. A smile sneaked its way onto my lips, my previously still tail now swishing gently around.

Problems between pack members had always been stressful, something I ceaselessly tried my best to prevent from happening. So far I had succeeded, only because everyone clicked well together, merely small arguments rising up that had usually gotten resolved in a day or two. That was until the day Sungie came home, the previously perfectly clicking puzzle now disturbed.

Looking back at the two, I found them slightly joking around, my eyes widening in surprise. I was glad they were having fun together, of course I was, but never had I expected them to change attitudes with each other this fast. They were practically different people now!

Sungie’s eyes flashed with what I could only call pure mischief as he’d caught my observing gaze, that smile only widening on his lips and taking on a lovely heart shape. Not even a second later his entire body shot towards me, tails and even his ears wiggling around in happiness, scent a comforting sea breeze that caressed my skin. His limbs latched onto me without hesitation, my balance only maintained through hard work and sheer luck with the force he had launched himself at me.

“Yah, I wanted to do that!” - that was the only warning I had gotten from the leopard before he had done the same thing, proudly attaching himself to my back.

My own limbs were burning from the exertion, not built to carry this much weight so suddenly. Yet, I only tightened my hold on the squirrel on my front, tail brushing against his and Jin’s legs with no hesitation. My senses were enveloped in a wonderful sensation, everything calm and serene around me. The sea was placid now completely, gently lapping at my paws, while the easel stood nearby proudly, the scenery perfectly painted upon its canvas with soothing colours.

The silent sigh that left my form was inevitable, its escape out of my control.

Even with all that, I knew my limits, so I hastily turned towards the door and nudged the little squirrel in my hold to open it for me, the boy doing so hesitantly. His head was buried in the crook of my neck on one side, Jin’s head hidden on the other. Once he had returned there after his task had been done -quietly grumbling the whole time-, a sigh so deep had left him, he nearly deflated as if the air had been taken out of him.

With my way being cleared, albeit it had been a hard task, I continued on my journey to the living room, my steps careful and controlled. I didn’t want to accidentally slip, especially on the stairs, nor did I want to jostle them too much, their scents too elated and breaths too deep for that. It was a miracle Jin hadn’t slipped down from my back, with how he only kept himself there with his own force, even in his slumber.

“Whatcha got there?” - Lixie asked, much too adorable for me to be mad at him and his amusement.

I quietly grunted and just settled down, careful not to sit on Jin and leave him enough space between me and the back of the sofa. All the while Lixie and Binnie had been giggling and chuckling, the latter nearly going into that usual shrill laughter of his, had the awake leopard not warned him with a slap on the arm.

“You know, with the way they’re clinging to you, you would think they don’t hate each other.” “Not anymore.”

The snow leopard just owlishly blinked back at me, Binnie doing the exact same, words frozen into both for a few solid seconds. I couldn’t keep down the smile that crept up on my lips, watching them process the information. The moment where it all clicked in them could have been pinpointed with scary accuracy, their entire face lighting up in delight.

“Oh you sneaky bastard, I knew you were up to something.” - Binnie said, crossing his arms and smirking up at me. “Is that why you disappeared the last like, 2 hours, Hyung? Damn, I wanted to see it though. Bet you were angry.” “Why would you want to see him angry?”

At that, Lixie made an ‘are you kidding me?’ face, eyes sharp and judging. The tiny pika had nearly shrunk into himself, understanding dawning on him mere seconds after.

“Yea, okay, no, I cannot blame you. I bet 10 bucks he’s like Chan hyung, silent and scary.”

B-Binnie??

“I bet 20 bucks he’s actually loud and growls at you.”

Lixie?!?

“Deal.” “Great!”

What the fuck?!???!

My expression must have completely reflected my inner thoughts because the two bursted into laughter the moment they had made eye contact with me, bending over in pain and gasping for air. Nothing held their voices back anymore, that high-pitched, shrill laughter now free to roam the halls of the house. The two stirred on my chest and back, understandably awoken and confused.

“Mh, what happened?” - Sungie murmured out, cheeks squished against my clothed front. “Don’t mind them, go back to sleep.” “Then they better fucking shut up before I chuck something at them.” - Jin added in, his usual, easily irritable self coming out after being woken up.

You never woke Jin up, that was an unwritten rule in this household. Unless you wanted to lose a finger or two and be covered in scratch marks, then, sure, you could freely do so.

Yet, the two amused ones merely started laughing harder, having the time of their life, Lixie even having fallen off the furniture altogether. I started to grow worried, air seemingly avoiding their lungs like the plague.

“What’s the topic of laughter, hm?” - Channie asked, having sneaked up on me and causing me to slightly jump. “I– Y’should’ve–” - Lixie tried to say, only to completely fail and fall into another bout of laughter, following Binnie as the pika couldn’t even form words in the first place.

The wolf hummed once again, that warm light dancing in his dark eyes once again, a gentle smile sitting on his face as he just watched the two, his body leaned against the back of the sofa. A hand came up to support his head, most of the weight held up by his elbow now.

He looked so serene, his scent freely let out for everyone to feel. Those previously angry trees were now quieter, calmer, the sun shining on their thin leaves freely. An underlying hint of something wet, rotting reached my nose, but it was gone within the same second, leaving me blinking and questioning myself.

The laughter subsided, leaving them teary eyed and flushed. Channie went ahead and ruffled their hair, making them whine and playfully pout at him. It was all just a ruse, they both enjoyed it and weren’t even doing a good job at hiding it.

“Baby, can you come with me for a second? I wanna talk about somethin’.”

I nodded back, slowly peeling Jin and Sungie off of me, their limbs securely attached to my body. It was an arduous task, one so difficult, I considered just taking off my hoodie and letting them have it. But with enough struggling and determination, I had succeeded, taking the wolf’s offered hand and letting him pull me up.

Something was off about him.

As we were walking back up the stairs after a brief goodbye to Lixie and Bin, he slightly shrunk in on himself, his entire presence seeming somehow timid even. That same rotting smell appeared once more, the hybrid unable to hide it from me, even if he pushed it back down in the next second.

The last time he had acted like this was when I had to visit the doctor, and it pulled at my stomach with a vicious force.

My room greeted me back, everything left untouched from the time I had come in here for some clothes earlier this day. The wolf sat down upon the bed, patting the empty place next to him in hopes of inviting me closer. His eyes avoided mine, depriving me of those warm depths I loved getting lost in.

It squeezed my throat shut.

“I–,   sigh   Baby, we love you, you know that, right? That we trust you and you can trust us?” - he sighed out, hands finding one of mine and taking it in their tender hold.

I nodded, watching as his thumbs caressed the light skin underneath, occasionally drawing little shapes in there.

“We’ve been talkin’ with the others and… How do I say this? Gosh, sorry, I’m just a babblin’ mess. What I’m trying to say is that we know you went through a lot, and we think talking to someone about it would help you. A lot.”

His eyes finally found mine, hands holding onto me stronger when he felt I had tensed up.

“I know it’s scary, and you deciding to tell us what you went through or not is completely up to you. But it’s not good to bottle it all up, which is why I propose that you go and seek therapy. Talk it out with a professional, go at your own pace. The reign would be completely in your hand, nobody would force you into saying anything.”

His words were so sincere I had to accept them, pulling myself away from the edges of panic and remembering. I couldn’t do that to him, to shatter right when he was just trying to help me. The weight of that act would pull me to the depths of the void, letting it claim me immediately.

“‘Course, if ya want it, one of us would accompany you there if you so wanted it. Just please, consider it, ‘kay? We only want the best for ya and nothing less.”

Those hands never let go of mine, that voice never raised and instead remained a gentle whisper, a soothing balm to my panicked soul. A shaky breath left my lips, only now noticing the slight tremors running through my body. Warmth seeped into me wherever he touched me, as if I was a freezing traveller on the streets, death waiting briefly to claim me.

Hands enveloped me completely, the world moving as I was hoisted up, head buried right in the curve under his jaw, slotting myself in there out of instinct. Heat travelled up and down my back repeatedly, touches firm, as if he was reassuring me of his everlasting presence.

Before I would let my head be filled with his scent, I murmured into his skin a promise, a reassurance of thinking about it seriously. His hand stilled for a single second, that scent of pine and moss blooming with full force. My hands sneaked up his back, grabbing onto the fabric there as an anchor for myself. I felt myself running around in the woods, soaking up the sun and letting it bleed into my fur and bones, the breeze pleasant and not angry in the slightest.

My lungs heaved, having run around for a while, and now I found myself standing at the edge of that meadow I loved once again. The air smelled sweet and fruity, the scent of salt and paint permeating it as well. Yet, I was purely focused on those mellow flowers, their light coloured petals alluring, impossibly so.

My paws took me to their fragile selves, my body inevitably laying down and enjoying their presence. My nose was carefully pressed against one of the flowers, close to the core of their scent and drinking it in, muscles relaxing impossibly more.

I was vaguely aware of the soft murmurs around me, touches belonging to different pack members, the most prominent ones careful on me, as if I was a fragile little thing, much like those flowers I loved so much.

-.-.-

The days started bleeding into each other, my worry for what the wolf had offered up to me constantly plaguing my mind.

On one hand, every fibre of my being screamed at me to refuse it, to just never talk about my past and bury them back deep down. I had survived alone for so long in the past, I could continue doing so in the future if needed. And above all that, to talk about it with a human? The mere thought disgusted me so deeply my stomach turned into knots and churned painfully.

On the other hand, I… felt guilty for thinking so. The feeling sat deep inside me, reaching every nook and cranny, infecting every cell of my body. This pack had gone so far to help me, to even love someone as broken as me. Who was I to refuse an act of kindness that came from within their beautifully selfless hearts?

I was at a standstill, a horrible one.

Not wanting to deal with it all just yet, I seeked out Lixie and the pup, knowing the two were together and playing those games on their TV again. I didn’t even need my nose to be able to tell, their loud voices and shouts echoing through the whole house. Although to be fair, nearly all of them belonged to the young leopard, most probably caused by his continuous losing streak. He had never been exceptionally good at these games, but it wasn’t like he was awful at them either. The puppy was just way better than him, it was that simple.

The door creaked slightly when I’d opened it and peeked inside, Lixie way too focused on the game to notice me, only the puppy’s head turning towards me. His smile widened, all pearly whites, eyes crinkling up and tail starting to slowly thump against the floor. They had both been sitting down there, on some soft pillows and blankets they had piled up in one spot.

My own lips stretched and arched, a slow swish could be heard from behind me. I silently walked up to the bed after having closed the door, not wanting to break the little leopard’s focus in front of me. His tongue slightly poked out from the confines of his cheeks, brows furrowed and nose occasionally scrunching up whenever his character took some damage. Angry clicks and clanks could be heard from his direction, the device in his hand somehow withstanding the abuse without any problem.

The puppy merely smiled through all this, mocking laughter leaving his form after the winner had been announced on the big screen, Lixie having slumped down and started loudly groaning and whining in defeat. His hands were nestled into his hair as he laid on the floor, face down, tearing at the blonde strands forcefully. 

Not wanting him to become bald just yet, I stood up from my seat and kneeled down next to him, bringing his smaller body into my hold. Surprised sounds left his lips, wide, dark eyes blinking up at me atop their field of stars. His round little ears instantly perked up, not in that harsh and angry angle anymore. A slender tail curled around my waist, securing himself to me.

“Hey, I was the winner, how come he gets the cuddles?” - the puppy said, pout hidden inside the tone of his voice. “‘Cuz you suck, Minnie. Git gud.” - Lixie replied, smug face hidden in the pocket of my collarbone.

The puppy gasped, arm threateningly holding up the device in hold against the feline. No real threat or anger was in his entire being, mere frustration and jealousy that only widened my smile. A wonderful idea popped into my mind, stretching my lips into a grin, alarming the puppy and making him slightly back up.

“No, no-no, Hyung, you never do anything good after you get that evil little smile on your f–  Agh-” - he grunted out, unable to fully finish his sentence before I pounced on him, smothering him with my entire body.

My arms tightly held onto his torso, wound around it and latching onto each other. Our legs tangled into the others, weaving and unweaving amidst his struggling. Lixie went along with my plan swimmingly, that same evil smile reflected upon his face. His tail curled now around one of the pup’s legs, hands buried in and tight around fabric. 

“I hate you guys. Both of you, so much.” “Don’t lie, Minnie, just admit that you love us and our cuddles. Stop being a tsundere.” “I will stuff this controller down your mouth.” “You’re welcome to try.” “Ew, no thanks.”

A chuckle left Lixie at that, successfully having disarmed the puppy and his sharp words. A similar sound left my chest as well, the sound low and hard to hear, my head much more enjoying the two’s presence and scents. They mixed disgustingly well together, the freshness of the pup and the sweetness of the feline like a match made in heaven, especially with that hint of vanilla hidden beneath.

“Dal hyung, don’t fall asleep on me again please. Last time you did, I was forced to not move for 3 hours. My bladder can only hold so much.”

Lixie snorted at that and hard, turning away and pressing a hand against his lips, entire body shaking with silent laughter. I lifted myself up, one of my hands helping in the motion, eyes scrutinisingly looking at the pup underneath.

“You wanted cuddles, but the moment you get them, you dare complain?” - I huffed out, lips downturned in a scowl.

He looked away from me, not daring to hold eye contact, scent turning duller and more muted.

“At least lemme go to the toilet when needed, you greedy Hyung…” “Hm, maybe I will.”

The conversation died out after that, the three of us silently cuddling and simply enjoying the other’s presence. That same victory music had been playing the whole time, the words ‘Player 2 wins’ searing into the screen in big, bold letters. None of us moved to turn it off, Lixie’s breathing even turning deep, his mind taken to the lands of sleep in a short time.

A hand tangled into my long strands of hair, slowly creeping up to my ears and touching them gently. The hold on them was careful, as if he was afraid of something. Digits pressed into the soft fur, massaging the area soothingly, earning a content sigh from me. It felt wonderful, never once turning unpleasant or too rough.

I had nearly joined the softly snoring feline by the time the door opened, making me open my eyes and look around with my bleary vision.

“Oh, sorry, didn’t mean to disturb.” - it was the little squirrel, voice timid and I could already see the mental image of him fidgeting with his long sleeves before my eyes. “You’re fine. What did you want, Hyung?” - the puppy replied, sound kept at a low level for our comfort. “I uh… wanted to ask Bae hyung something?” - he was fidgeting, I was sure of it now, the soft rustling of the clothes merely confirming my suspicions.

Sungie usually wasn’t like this, his more outgoing persona in place in front of us, as if he was shielding this part of himself from the harsh world. It brought some worry into my mind, drawing a silent sigh out of my chest as I detached myself from Lixie and the pup -only after i had planted a fleeting kiss onto the skin of their necks-.

Sure enough, an anxious little herbivore greeted me, tail slightly tucked between his legs. My eyebrows furrowed, mind immediately filled with worries and all possible scenarios of what could have happened. A little smile made its way onto his lips once our eyes met, a little wobbly and even fearful.

The time it took me to cross the room to get to him could hardly be considered a second, my long legs carrying me there swiftly.

“A-ah, I’m okay Hyung, don’t look at me like that. I just… c’mere.” - he said, his own forehead creasing with worry at the sight of my expression, a hand latching onto one of mine.

He took me away, the door behind us softly pulled closed as he led the way to my own room, the click it had made loud in the shattering silence. I watched him pace around a bit once inside, one of his fingers pressed against plush lips, teeth nibbling at the skin and nail there. I was swiftly by his side once more, pulling the nearly bleeding digit away and smoothing down the irritated skin.

Eyes looked into each other, some tension leaving his form as he read my silent plea.

“I uhm, uuhh…” “Yes?” “I’mmakinganestandwantedtoaskforoneofyourhoodies!”

I blinked down at him, not really understanding what he had said, only seeing the red dust his cheeks faintly. At my head tilt he groaned into his free hand, cursing at himself silently.

“I said, I’m kinda making a nest and wanted to ask if maybe you could lend me that blue hoodie of yours? I know you love that one, so it’s okay if you say no, but that’s the only thing missing and- What are you doing?”

Not replying, I continued looking through my neatly put away clothes, easily finding the single piece of clothing he had been talking about. It was true what he had said, this particular hoodie was one of my favourites, its big size and thumb holes making it a comforting piece to wear. It even had a pocket in the front, one that I could reach through and stick my hand out on the other side. It was fun.

Thumbing the fabric and taking a deeper breath to make sure it had been soaked with my scent, I turned around and offered the hoodie up to him.

His boba eyes were wide as they stared up at me, unblinking, even his mouth was slightly agape. It confused me, not understanding his reaction to my actions.

Why wouldn’t I give it to him?

Those dark, chocolate orbs glistened as droplets started to form along their shining surface, raining down upon his skin and clothes. I grew alarmed, hastily dropping the clothing and rushing up to him, closing that small gap between us and wiping his tears away. The skin underneath my fingers was smooth and warm, heating up the cold, slender digits.

His sobs only worsened after my actions, making me halt and try to back away, to give him some space. But his hands were on my wrists in an instant, keeping me close and pulling me even closer.

I was frozen, not knowing what to do to comfort him, unable to hush the endless grateful words tumbling out of his lips. While they were muffled, his head buried into my chest, I still heard them crystal clear, growing sad from the implications of it.

Who dared to deny him comfort while nesting?

Herbivores loved to build them, to make themselves feel at home, safe and protected. That was the exact reason why only a select few could ever enter them, the notion of intruding upon them a sin amongst hybrids. The thought of Sungie having been deprived of it all sent a searing sensation down my spine, the emotions bubbling up from deep within. My teeth itched and fur bristled with a ferocity I hadn’t felt in a while, blinding me temporarily.

“–ng, Hyung, it’s okay, it’s okay. I’m fine now, hey, jagiya.” - his gentle words brought me back from that self-destructing train of thoughts, focus back on him and him alone and his impossibly soft voice.

A bittersweet little smile took its place on his face, one I didn’t like too much. It was one that was hiding pain and suffering, all past scars that had scabbed over long ago.

It was painfully familiar.

“Thank you for giving me your precious hoodie that you scented for me. Actually, hang on-”

His touch left me as I watched him go and retrieve said object, his own taken off of his form. My eyes widened in utter surprise, mouth sliding slightly open and remaining there, jaw set into place as if it had been glued there for eternity.

The skin on his body was the same as on his face, a warm shade and nearly free of any birthmarks. It looked soft, well taken care of, only the slight goosebumps were out of place as a cold breeze caressed him. Well, the only things besides something else.

That same skin sagged at his sides and down the lengths of his arms, looking irritated and uncomfortable. It had a reddish hue in the folds and at the edges, clearly chafed out from the extensive touches from coarse fabric he must have worn in the past regularly, if not always.

No wonder he had never shown any skin around us before, my despised suspicions confirmed and now set into stone. It sat heavily on me, my shoulders feeling an impossible weight falling onto them and worsening my posture. The air felt thinner, the acid in my stomach turning into a deadly raging sea, the waves dangerously rolling around and wishing to break free.

He looked so fragile, tiny form littered in undeserved scars and modifications that were deemed ugly by those around him, undeserving of his endless love and joy.

Because why else would he try so desperately to hide them?

The moment he was done, turning back around and slightly smiling at me with those chubby cheeks and rosy lips, something inside of me broke free, my power too small to do anything against it.

I didn’t want to anyway.

My arms picked him up with ease, the alarm bells inside my head still not liking how easily I had done so, despite seeing how he loved eating and had always done so with great vigour. The surprise died in his throat, never truly leaving his mouth and making its presence known. Tiny hands latched onto me, hands fisting the fabric underneath desperately.

His expression was that of utter disbelief, that faint red making a reappearance on his cheeks.

I pressed a chaste kiss to his forehead and held him tight, his head slotting itself into the crook of my neck and comfortably resting there. His shallow breaths tickled my throat with every exhale, yet it brought only comfort to me, as if something lost long ago had finally been found at last. Those tiny hands snaked around my neck and shoulders, trapping me as much against him, as I had trapped him against me. That grey, bushy tail was curled up around us, as if it was a big blanket ready to guide us to sleep.

After pressing my nose against the crown of his head for but a brief moment, my legs started taking us away and out of this room, having a clear goal in mind.

Only the thoughts of protecting the little herbivore in my hold circled around in my head, mind wired to keep him safe and out of harm’s touch. Anyone who would dare stand in my way would learn to pay the price, the easy, or the hard way.

Sungie’s room was dark, save for the few nightlights and string lights all running around the space, not leaving a single corner untouched. The closed door shut out all the remaining light that could pour in from the hallway, yet it posed no problem, my eyes adjusting in a few seconds.

His bed was in the middle, one of the shorter ends pushed up to a wall that was decorated with all kinds of things: different pictures, some from anime, some from things I didn’t recognise. He had some photos scattered around as well, either stuck up to a wall or laying on his cluttered desk, the furniture nearly having no empty spot left on its wooden surface. Clothing littered the floor, all belonging to the nearly sleeping boy in my arms, making me almost sigh out, had I not been too focused on something else.

The nest sat neatly on the bed, a messy little circular shape made from everything plush and soft you could ever imagine. Different blankets were woven into it, not only his, but seemingly Channie’s and Jisoo’s as well. The walls were proudly standing there, made out of different pieces of clothing. I could clearly see Lixie’s, Binnie’s and the pup’s shirts and hoodies in there, all in different colours and sizes. A single article of clothing was thrown over the walls haphazardly, its charcoal-infused scent betraying who it belonged to.

In the middle laid a few plushies -no doubt thanks to Lixie and Jisoo-, along with a few pillows, all belonging to a certain cat in our pack. The feline had clearly left an impression on the little squirrel, Lino’s scent being the closest to him whenever he decided to sleep in there.

My heart skipped a beat when I realised he had asked for my hoodie as well, for my scent, proudly wearing it in front of me.

“Can I go in?” - I murmured into his skin, the hand on his back now drawing long lines into the fabric.

He sluggishly nodded, no doubt dancing on the edge of sleep. Warmth erupted inside me, unable to believe he would trust me so much.

And yet, he had clearly done so.

The nest was as comfortable as it looked, the surface plush and well put together. All kinds of scents enveloped us, all wonderfully familiar and safe. Not a single thing was out of place, nor did they smell wrong. 

The trees were tranquil, and so was the wind, peacefully dancing around the place and leading me to my beloved meadow. No thorn was in sight, nor was there any red or black paint. Instead it was quiet and serene, everything blooming and healthy, the sun not too warm, yet not too cold either.

Sungie stirred next to me, form basically swallowing mine with the way he had climbed on top of me, never truly letting me go. My hands caged him in, one placed on top of his back, the other onto his nape, playing with the hair there. Occasionally I started drawing shapes into his back, always careful not to irritate his skin or accidentally yank at it.

Shallow breaths eventually turned into deep ones, quiet snores leaving his nose as he was resting on top of my chest.

He looked finally relaxed, truly, as if a weight had been taken off his chest. He had always had this melancholic aura around him, never leaving him no matter how hard he tried, continuously following him like a dark cloud.

The door quietly opened, making my ears perk up and eyes search for our uninvited guest.

“Oh, just wanted to see how he was doing with the nest. I won’t be bothering then.” - Binnie said, voice much quieter than usual.

Yet, it was enough to rouse the squirrel up in my arms, round little ears flicking against my skin, leaving tingling trails in their wake. An unintelligible grumble left his squished lips, making the pika halt in his steps and question what he had heard.

“Dun leave, stayy.” - Sungie repeated, earning a chuckle from Binnie and a small smile from me.

The awake herbivore closed the door with a soft click and made his way towards us, scooting into the empty space to my left, letting Sungie steal one of his arms and cuddle it with no mercy. He laughed at that, saying ‘Someone’s cuddly today, eh?’, but he let it all happen with no resistance in any action of his, a happy smile rounding out his cheeks. Those usually acidic fruits now smelled impossibly sweet, their potent scent overpowering everything else and nestling easily into my nose.

Binnie scooted closer to let the sleeping squirrel hold his arm easier, his own head now resting on one of my shoulders and cuddling into me. His warmth seeped into me, urging me to bury my nose into his hair and nuzzle into him for a few seconds. Light chirps were my reward, my tail smacking against the blankets with a quiet thump.

“He was very nervous about building a nest here, y’know. So I’m very grateful for you being here and giving him that hoodie of yours, Bae hyung.” - I had never heard him so quiet in my entire life, making me slightly turn my head towards him.

His gaze was set on the person of our conversation, a light dancing in his eyes that I would usually see in Channie’s, its intensity so fierce, I was afraid of burning up inside.

Those dark orbs slid up to me, the entire power of the sun directed right at me and melting me in its entirety.

“I know you don’t think you did a lot, but it matters so much to him, to us. You keep giving me anything of yours that I want whenever I build a new nest, no questions asked, as if it’s all natural to you. You let him have your favourite hoodie, even cuddling him in his first nest in this house of ours. You’re like a safety blanket and you don’t even realise it.”

Every word he’d uttered felt like a weight released into the ocean of my soul, sinking down to the bottom, destined to remain there for the rest of eternity. The water only rose, struggling against its binds, but the dam held it back, standing strong and proud.

“It should be natural.” - I murmured back, tightening my hold on them and bringing Binnie closer, letting his head slide into the crook of my neck.

A shaky exhale hit my skin there, my thumb sliding back and forth along his exposed bicep, wishing to grant him even a speck of comfort. He only nuzzled into my neck, hiding inside deeper, as if wishing to take refuge there and away from the entire world. I freely let him do so, his nose pressing against my pulse and feeling the calm beats there. The longer he stayed like that, the more relaxed he became, body becoming all lax and letting me carry its weight.

It was serene, peaceful, nearly pulling me into a dreamless sleep as well.

Only their soft snores and occasional louder ones could be heard -no surprise, their necks were in weird angles-, along with the occasional sounds coming from the others in the house. A shout from Lixie, a weird sound from Lino, the dramatic whine of Jin or the boisterous laughter of the puppy.

If I focused hard enough, I could even hear Channie’s steady footsteps, going to greet Jisoo at the door as the man had arrived back from another hard day of work, no doubt exhausted to the bone, as usual. The others would go and greet him as well, usually me included, happy to finally see him and have a brief chat. Then, they would go back to what they had been doing, just like now, Jisoo being left alone to get ready for bed and sleep.

Although this time, he hadn’t done that. No, instead he went with the wolf, the two seemingly arguing about something as they went into a nearby room, not knowing we were inside here and I could hear everything, only thanks to my sharp senses.

“Chan, I really can’t do this right now. Can’t we talk about this tomorrow or something?” “Naur, absolutely not. You keep saying that and it’s already been a week!”

They remained quiet after that, either whispering or not speaking at all.

“Look, I know you have a good paying job and you want only the best for us. But you can’t expect to support 8 hybrids by yourself! You’ll wear yourself thin, heck, you’re already doing that! Constantly staying there for long hours, sometimes not even coming home for the night. You can’t keep doing this!” “Then WHAT?! Should I send back Sungie and Minnie to the centre, for others to adopt? I know fully well you guys have already bonded, I’m not fucking blind! Jesus christ, who do you think I am? I work with animals, I have at least a little bit of inkling as to how hybrids work!” - Jisoo nearly shouted with the full force of his lungs, gradually becoming quieter and quieter, until I could hardly hear the words he uttered.

The silence after that was unsettling, digging its claws into my chest and stomach. A strained little sound could be heard from their direction, although I couldn’t really tell what it was.

“Of course I know, Ji, ‘course I do. I never said you don’t know these things, gods, never ever think so. You’re smart, and you take very good care of us. All I’m saying is to let me share this burden with you. Paying for a house expansion is no cheap task. We could publish some of our music with Bin, hm? Find some easy, hybrid-friendly jobs, ye? C’mere.” - the wolf’s voice was as soothing as when he had first talked to me, back in that all white bathroom. “I kno’, I’m sorry. I’m such an asshole for shouting, fucking hell, I’m so, so sorry.” “Shh, it’s okay, I know you were just frustrated with the situation and not with me. I would be equally as irritated as you if I worked as much as you do, especially with such assholes and incompetent coworkers.”

This comment drew a wet sounding chuckle out of Jisoo, the claws now partially unhooked and free from my chest.

“You’re so right you don’t even know. How do you always say the right things?” “A magician never reveals his secrets.” “You’re no magician.” “But I made your sadness disappear, didn’t I?” “YoU–”

A smack could be heard followed by laughter, my mind soon zoning out and ignoring whatever happened after that.

They were staying?

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next chapter

[rjzimmerman]

Wheat on repeat (Anthropocene Magazine)

Excerpt from this story from Anthropocene Magazine:

Disguised within an ordinary-looking bowl of pasta before me is a brand new ingredient, 20-years in the making, that many believe could single-handedly slash emissions, store carbon in the soil, and help the wider environment.

The neat fusilli coils contain flour ground from Kernza, a perennial wheat-like crop that produces multiple harvests from one plant, year after year after year. I received some cooking instructions to get the best out of the novel ingredient: “Don’t cover it up with a bunch of sauce! Make sure you can taste it,” says Lee DeHaan, a scientist at The Land Institute, a non-profit agriculture research organization based in Salina, Kansas, that developed the Kernza grain. I follow his guidance, drizzling in a little olive oil and a pinch of salt, and then take a bite, letting the pasta’s flavors emerge: a subtle but unmistakable hint of cinnamon, followed by nutmeg. It’s unexpectedly warm and earthy, like a salute to the rich Kansas soils that Kernza first sprouted from.

The way this crop was raised there was very different to its cousin, conventional wheat. Wheat is an annual crop, like rice and corn, which together account for almost half of the calories humanity consumes. Annuals must be planted and harvested anew each year, a system that requires farmers to heap fertilizers and herbicides onto the land, dispersed by gas-guzzling machinery that bloats agriculture’s carbon footprint. Meanwhile, repeated cycles of tilling and replanting strips the soil of nutrients, and loses vital topsoil to wind and rain. Over time, those soils may degrade, pushing farmers onto new land in search of fertile ground. 

Each mouthful of this Kernza-rich pasta, on the other hand, supports farming that locks topsoil in place and stores carbon in the earth. A growing movement of researchers, farmers, and producers believe that perennial crops have unmatched potential to reform agriculture’s warped system, and are pinning their hopes—and research dollars—on the likes of Kernza to deliver that. The grain is now cultivated across 4,000 acres of land, by over 100 farmers across the US Midwest and as far afield as Sweden and France. Its distinct aromas have made their way into craft beers, cereals, crackers, and whiskey, and have been embraced by major brands such as Patagonia. 

As a potential substitute for wheat, which covers more global land area than any other commercial crop, Kernza seems to herald a wholesome, low-carbon revolution in the vast agricultural sector. And yet 15 years since the first stands took root, the crop has only managed to capture a tiny fraction of the market, a victim of limited yields, government regulation, and a conservative farming industry. So can Kernza ever displace traditional amber waves of grain, or is it doomed to be a perennial runner-up? 

[chamm0y]

OOh ooh!! 🌺 - What’s your MBTI type?

I think MBTI is kind of a silly thing (it's a pseudoscience so always consume with a massive heap of salt), but I'm addicted to personality quizzes and super curious~

--- Thunderwave

im an ISTJ!! this means im officially soundwave(? eeep, and i agree! even if its a pseudoscience i think its fun to do quizzes like this and know what character I am

full image down here 👇🏻

[may-bee-its-just-me]

✨Trauma dump sesh;

but make it classy because effort was put into the wordage and I cant count how many takes i did for the recording

"I’ve a naturally hyper personality; I dance while I work, sing while I clean and I try to brighten everyone’s day. I get asked why I am the way I am. “Oh it must be the coffee, that’s why she’s so quirky again after her lunch break”. Truth is, I push myself to my limits daily and crash by the afternoon. Any spare physical energy is immediately used up; taken advantage of. I’m a one woman circus act walking the line of energetic and productive, over a hundred ft. drop into despair, with nothing but the safety net that is God’s grace to protect me. I go through swings like nobody’s business, taking the highs as they come; Until I swing too high and fall out the back of my seat. In rough waters, I take every moment above water breathing heaps of fresh air up until the millisecond the next wave engulfs me; Breathing salt water with it. I’m Icarus, taking my temporary wings for a joyride; Flying too close to the sun. Sometimes this worries people. They ask if I’m okay, seeing me hunched over the kitchen table praying for another ounce of strength. They want to help but, seeing as how it’s daily, I tell them “same ol’” and let them move on with their day. And, when they ask me why I haven't seen a doctor after a year, I haven’t much to say. I can’t explain it, I don’t have the energy and they won’t understand.  People look at me like I’m crazy. My knee jerk reaction is to deny. I’m not crazy, I’m just struggling, I’m trying really hard, I’m. Not. Crazy. But the truth is, who wouldn’t be? No one understands how hard it is to live every single day in pain, until they experience it themselves. To have every motion of your hand matter. To have every action, reaction, tone of voice matter. To be ever conscious of every maneuver your body makes -  trying to limit mistakes and dropping things but still go fast enough to keep up with your job. To be hyper-aware of every micro-adjustment to your posture; In hopes that one of them makes the pain lessen and allow your mind to focus on something else for a moment. And, when needing to lift heavier objects, be careful not to lift too long or to speed-walk with them too fast, lest you cause your arms to flare up again. And, when the flare up inevitably happens, how much of the muscle spasm in your shaking hands do you allow others to see in hopes of being cut a break, but not enough that it makes your work sloppy? What do you do when your mind is fuzzy, and the room is spinning - Your heart is beating harder and you’re losing your balance - Your ear keeps ringing intermittently, and your chest feels heavy - You think you’re going to pass out, but your body isn't ready - and you don’t want to, but your heart rate still unsteady - you’re catching yourself from falling, and you’re just trying to get through the work day - So you’re stuck in limbo, between conscious and fainted - Until eventually it tapers off and you begin to question; Am I somehow faking it? Did it ever even happen in the first place? You make mention of everything hurting, all the time, just for older family and coworkers to joke about “becoming an adult - Not understanding just how deep that cuts, or what they’re really joking about. . I’m exhausted. I’m broken. I’m weak. I’m frustrated. I’m burnt out. I’m beat. I want to rest, but even after a long day of hard work and minimal issues - The pain creeps up when I lay my head down for sleep. I don’t want to be a miserable person, I don’t want to be consumed by my struggle. I want to keep hold of faith for healing, stay hopeful for better days. I want to spread joy. So I break my body to keep up in the day, deal with the consequences by night, and repeat in the morning. I’ve a hyper personality, tied down by my body. A personified contradiction, walking a tightrope, swinging forward and back, halfway underwater, too close to the sun."

~ Bee, 11/20/2024 [Wannabee poet and rich person]

[landofzero-archive]

Perplex - Prank Intersection 2

Season: Spring

(Location: CosPro Conference Area)

(Several tens of minutes later)

Yuuta: (Hmmhmm…… I’ve read through the proposal again and again, and it really does seem like there aren’t any restrictions for the prank.

There’s a lot of budget too, so it seems it won’t be a problem unless we do something overly elaborate.

How should I put it, it’s really generous for just a prank. I guess they’re all kinds of loaded since it’s a show during Golden Time.) 

Yuuta: (Weell, let’s leave that aside for now….. The important thing is that I'm doing this alone.

When we’re talking about our pranks, our go-to is twin-swapping; generally, Aniki would be doing it with me most of the time. 

But, this time around, this is a job given to me alone. I can let “Aoi Yuuta” out without any reservations.) 

Fufu. I wonder what I’ll do~♪

Since we’re talking about me, it has to be super spicy food, so I’ll start by digging a trap and pouring Habanero powder in—

Rinne: —Habanero powder you say, are you eating something super spicy again, Yuta?

Yuuta: (Uugh, Rinne-senpai!? Why is this guy always like this during important moments!) 

Rinne: Don’t eat too much spicy food y’hear. That kinda food has a high salt content, right? Cause’ it seems if you consume too much salt, you’ll get high blood pressure. 

Yuta’s already prone to anger without doing anything, and if you’re not careful, you might burst a vein y’know? Gyahaha! 

Yuuta: (Anyway, ignore him ignore him. As usual, once you react, you lose.)

Rinne: Oioi, how cold of you to ignore meee. I’m saying all of this because I’m worried about Yuta’s health, you knoow?

There’s even talk about stress being the reason people feel like wanting to eat spicy stuff. If Yuta were to collapse in a heap, as a reliable senpai, I’d be sad too. 

Yuuta: (Who are you to say that! If I were to collapse in a heap right now, the source of my stress would be you!

—I’ve decided. Let’s make the target of the prank this time be Rinne-Senpai!

I’ll put all the resentment I’ve piled up into this, so prepare yourself~!)

Rinne: Actually, what’ve you been so engrossed in reading, Yuta? Looks like a proposal for something……. 

Yuuta: Wa!? Wait, don’t peep inside! It’ll be a breach of information if you do that!

Rinne: Don’t worry ‘bout it. I’ve got a reputation for being tight-lipped, right? 

Yuuta: Isn’t there no one else who’s as untrustworthy as you!? 

Rinne: Hm? Could it be that this proposal is a prank project entrusted by the Vice Prez Glasses-kun?

Yuuta: Ah, I’ve already been found out!?

My perfect plan to make Rinne-senpai’s face a soppy mess of tears and dripping snot…… 

Rinne: Whaat, so Yuta was trying to set me up in a prank?

If that’s the case, too bad. It’s 10 years too early for you to set a prank on me, gyahahaha♪ 

Yuuta: I mean, just now Rinne-senpai said that this prank project was “entrusted by the Vice Prez” didn’t you?

Rinne: Well, when you think of pranks, you think of me. When you think of me, I'm like the Heaven-sent child (1) of pranks ♪ When there’s a prank project, it’s only natural that I’ll be called for it. 

Yuuta: No no, that job was entrusted to me by the Vice Prez. How did the same information reach you, Rinne-senpai? 

…… It couldn’t be, you’re not stealing the job are you? 

Rinne: What do you think I am, Yuta. Do you think I’m the kinda guy who would do something so underhanded? 

Yuuta: Please put your hand on your chest and reflect on your behaviour up till now. 

Rinne: You’ve got no trust in me, huuh. Well, I won’t steal your work, but I might steal your cuts. (2)

Yuuta: ……What do you mean by cuts?

Rinne: The most important part for pranks is whether or not you can get a sizeable proportion of footage that can be used for the final cut, you see? In which case, the fastest way is to shoot a lot. 

By planning a bunch of projects, the program will focus the makeup of the program based on the footage available for the final cut from there.

Of course, boring pranks are mostly cut by the program. They’ll be well digested, and, in the worst case, they’ll be shelved. 

That’s what I mean, you can’t deny that there’s a possibility that I’ll steal Yuta’s cuts.

Yuuta: …… That means, Rinne-senpai is doing the same project!? 

Rinne: Gyahaha! Did you get seized with the fear of me stealing away your cuts, Yuta?

If you’re that scared, wanna partner up with me to plan it out? In that case, the need for me to rob you of your cuts would be gone, y’know? 

Yuuta: I generally don’t want to. 

Rinne: I’m left utterly helpless by the curt refusal, huh. Rinne-kun’s been hurt by those inconsiderate words. 

Yuuta: You’re the one who has been saying inconsiderate things…… 

I’ve said this before, I don’t know what you’ll be demanding of me if I take your offers too easily. 

But you see, after all, I can’t see any future where things will go well if we work together. 

When I think over the risks, I’ve decided that doing it by myself is more certain.

Rinne: Is that so. Well, when ya change your mind, you can always call for me. 

Yuuta: That won’t be happening, so please do your best on your own, Rinne-senpai—— 

Rinne: Oi, where are you going, Yuta? 

Yuuta: You’re being a nuisance and I can’t think of the details of the prank properly here. 

Now then, thank you for your hard work. Please don’t follow me, Senpai. 

Rinne: When I’m told to not follow, the more I want to follow—— Eh, he’s already gone!? 

He’s too good at running. So I’m being hated……. 

Well, it’s fine. My interest’s kinda peakin’ at what Yuta will do by himself. 

TL NOTES

1.He calls himself 申し子 (MoushiGo) which is a child that is sent by the Heavens in an answer to a prayer.

2.The ‘cuts’ here are 尺 (Shaku), which in this context is short for 尺拍子 (shakubyoushi) which is a clapper board. Shaku can also be a ruler or an ancient measurement unit.

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[vlyrn]

Really like your bots, could you do another Aerys II bot please? Dudes hot idk why 😭

Neutral/male user, hurt comfort (Aerys' hurt cause angst :0 )

or user x Aerys II

Aerys II Targaryen

⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☁︎

Hi! I feel I definitely underestimated how much people like this man omg but I fuck with it heavy, so here’s another Aerys bot, with some emotional tension and a little angst as a treat

⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☁︎

Stay, Comfort Me - c.ai , j.ai

King Aerys, consumed by paranoia and rage, finds fragile solace and human connection in the steady presence of the user, whose calm support momentarily soothes the king’s unraveling mind.

The scent of scorched parchment and oil still hung in the air, thick and bitter like old wine gone sour. Shadows cast by the dying fire danced madly on the chamber walls, flickering like restless spirits summoned by his fury. Torn silks lay in heaps across the floor, crimson and gold twisted together like wounded flesh. The heavy drapes had been ripped from their hooks, fluttering now in the cold breeze that crept through the cracked stained-glass windows, whispering secrets to the wind. Aerys stood at the center of it all, his chest heaving, fingers curled into claws, nails bitten to the quick and streaked with blood—his or someone else’s, he could no longer tell.

Something inside him had turned to rot. He felt it festering in the hollow of his chest, a black, pulsing heat that never cooled. The throne had cursed him. The crown had dug its golden talons into his skull and filled his thoughts with whispers—of betrayal, of disloyalty, of fire. Of cleansing.

A scream burst from his lips, feral and ragged, as he swept the nearest table clean with a vicious backhand, sending ink and vellum crashing against the stone. A servant, trembling and slow to flee, caught his eye and earned a goblet hurled with frightening force. The boy fled, sobbing, and Aerys laughed—but there was no mirth in the sound. Only a rasp, and a shiver, and madness.

“Traitors,” he hissed, staggering backward, clawing at his own face. “All of them. They come for me in my sleep. I see it—I see it—black steel beneath their smiles…”

Then, through the haze, he heard it. The measured, careful step of someone approaching. Not a guardsman. Not a whimpering servant. No—this was different. Familiar. Steady. Infuriatingly calm.

“You!” he roared, spinning toward the door as Neri entered, the carved wooden threshold splitting behind him with the force of Aerys’s voice. His silver-gold hair was wild, his violet eyes glassy with salt and flame. “You dare come now? When the walls are full of spiders and liars and knives? Do you come to betray me too?”

Like a beast wounded and cornered, Aerys lunged—fingers outstretched, trembling with rage. His nails scraped against fabric, flesh, searching for purchase. “Tell me the truth!” he cried. “Tell me you aren’t one of them!”

But Neri did not raise a hand to stop him. He did not flinch, did not falter. He caught the king as he stumbled into him, held him firm with arms strong and steady. The scent of steel and leather and quiet dignity wrapped around Aerys like a balm, like something once sacred. There was no resistance. No fear. Only presence.

Aerys pounded his fists against the other’s chest, once, twice, a flurry of trembling strikes that had no strength behind them. “I should burn you,” he gasped, voice cracking like old wood. “I should—I should…”

But then the shaking began. First his hands, then his breath, then his knees. And still, Neri held him. Not speaking. Not judging. Not trying to fix, nor flee, nor fight. Only being there.

The fury ebbed like a receding tide, leaving behind the broken driftwood of his mind. His fingers, once curled and clawing, clung instead to the fabric of Neri’s tunic, and he found himself breathing in the closeness, the warmth, the utterly human scent of someone who had not yet abandoned him. His body slackened against the other’s, trembling as he slowly, haltingly, buried his face in the curve of Neri’s shoulder.

“I…” he whispered, the word catching like ash on his tongue. “I’m sorry.”

A pause. A breath.

“Forgive me,” he murmured, a threadbare echo. “Please. Don’t… don’t leave me yet.”

The king’s voice was a ghost in the hush, softer than silk. He pressed his forehead to Neri’s collarbone, desperate for grounding, for silence, for something real. In the embrace he had not earned but been given anyway, he felt the terrible tension loosen in his shoulders, his fingers, his chest. He had not known he was holding his breath until the warmth of another soul let him breathe again.

“Stay,” he said again, almost to himself. “Just a while. Just a little longer.”

⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☁︎

Masterlist

[thecynthh]

the infamous deepfake.

okay so we have all seen or at least heard of the deepfake of matt right? its been quite the up roar recently bc everyone on here is talking about it, and i know im not that popular or if i should even be addressing this because all of it ive read about.

so if you dont know the deepfake of matt was basically a nude photo that was completely fake was posted on tiktok in an edit. it was shared not posted by sturnsfilmed or whatever their tag is now who is very popular on tiktok and notorious for saying some rather sexual things about them in their captions. the original pciture and edit was made by someone else who i am not aware of their @. just a disclaimer, i have not seen the picture nor am i wanting too, please stop sharing the photo around its rude and very horrible to the triplets.

my take

i think that if people didnt make such a big deal out of this and found it weird deepfakes wouldve definitely become more poplar, and im not saying that its right that people make these pictures or post them but lets be real. deepfakes wouldve RULED tumblr if it wasnt so wrong, i feel like there would be way more apparent if it wasnt so socially unacceptable/weird asf. we are all into sum pretty freaky shit and i think at least a good heap of people would be on the hunt for shit like that.

deepfakes are weird, especially if its of a famous person, like matt, who is very much unsuspecting of its capabilities and is most likely not aware that all of this happens and i truly hope he never does have to find out about it. because if you really think about it, what if he was just a guy at your school and he got exposed and had to change his entire identity and who he was because of this.

i know that its already been taken down but like i feel like if one of them knew about it, like if nick saw it, and matt knew what weird shit this part of the fandom does it would actually push him to quit.

now im a consumer and a provider of this content that i am talking about, i write, i read and i enjoy it but the thought of them knowing about it in reality really sets me off. please dont get me wrong i love fics and i love the snaps and texts of all of them but if they even HINT towards what we do im abandoning tumblr sooooooo fast.

please take what i say with a grain of salt cus imma be real idk what im talking abt. love yalls pls stay safe and be careful what yalls post.

-syn

[othernaut]

Character Creation Challenge 2025, Day 3: A Song of Ice and Fire Role-Playing Game

In the Low Tower at Skystone, there is a fire ever-burning. The fumes climb up from the slit windows and paint the sky silvery-grey. A light flickers in the evening sky to mirror the hills' scattered smelters and oil-houses. Next year, some new refinement to claw back a portion of the day into the waiting hands of the workmen.

Along the Wind Road run couriers in the shadow of the mountain. They are given a strip of black braided leather to wear at their throat, to warn off the more reasonable raider clans; false packages to appease the others. No women; the raiders will rob a man but take a woman, and it is critical the packages reach their destination. Good pay in the employ of the Opal Lord's unmarried daughter. Safer than most courier work in the Mountains of the Moon.

Some jostle on the gravel of the Wind Road, or bring the wrong horses and stumble on changing terrain. Some burn in an unquenchable fire sprang from a secret satchel, diamond-bright heat sticking to the skin and consuming even the sand under the body. No scavengers will touch the things after; the brass of their buttons and buckles melts into the stone. She comes out for these, accompanied by a few seasoned killers of the Black Band. Prods the char with arcane instruments, makes notes in her little book. Heaps the gravel over the mess and is gone. Takes nothing.

They see her at holidays, at tourneys, at wargames. The family Syelle, they go grey early: pale blue eyes and hair painted streaks of red and ash-white. Precise hands, surgeon's hands, with pits and gouges in the nail beds. She eats, she says pleasant things; she stays removed. She plays what games are put before her.

Point Pride is a wealthy mountain and Skystone a wealthy estate; this is a known thing, and it brings the usual grifters and mummers, the fortune-tellers and wizards from far-distant lands. The Opal Lord's unmarried daughter gives these creatures more of an ear than would be decorous. Some are sent away with nothing, some with little less than they asked for. Some speckle those cold blue eyes with fascination and are invited inside for tea and conversation.

Sometimes they are even seen to leave.

In the Low Tower at Skystone, there is a fire ever-burning. The gas that lights the lanterns is odorless and is piped to their nozzles in delicate tubes strung in curlicues along the walls. New advancements in the mines spur pistons into new seams with thunderclap force. The smallfolk in their pits and taverns have learned to speak of the Opal Lord's unmarried daughter with kindness, should they speak of her at all.

Enough gravel and char for everyone in the shadow of the mountain.

*****

Lady Erin Syelle Adult Expert The barren first daughter of Lord Bale Syelle dedicated herself from a young age to her education, learning engineering and alchemy to make best possible use of her family's fortifications and natural resources. Destiny Points: 3 Benefits: Lucky Drawbacks: Fear (Confinement) Awareness 3 (+1B Notice), Cunning 3 (+1B Decipher, Logic), Education 5 (+1B Research), Healing 3, Language 2 (Valyrian), Marksmanship 3, Persuasion 3, Status 4, Warfare 3 (+1B Tactics), Will 3 (+1B Coordinate, Dedication), All Others 2 Background Events: Held hostage by another house as a ward or prisoner (bad betrothal - promised to House Royce upon her moonblood, which never arrived); Achieved a significant deed (alchemical, if not petrochemical in nature - can make fire wax and refined rock oil, keeps the secret real close); Traveled across the narrow sea (Educational trade - her ciphered secret for deeper mysteries unknown in the West). Possessions: 10 gold (Stiletto, mace, light crossbow, hard leather armor, travel kit (tent included), maester's kit, myrish lens and far-eyes, traveling clothes, noble's clothes, rounsey (Clever), sweetsleep (3 pinches), salt and spices for barter)

Intrigue Defense: 10 Composure: 9 Combat Defense: 7 Health: 6 Armor Rating: 3 Damage: Stiletto 2, Mace 2, Light Crossbow 3

Goal: Knowledge - Erin has had more contact with true and magical power than most, and craves it. Motivation: Fear - Her position is precarious, and knowledge has ever been her shield. Virtue: Humble - Her station matters only in the doors it opens; knowledge is in all places, great and small. Vice: Cruel - Capable of deploying the most heinously inventive revenges.

*****

House Syelle Realm: The Mountains of the Moon Motto: "Quality Endures" Coat of Arms: Sable and argent, embattled per fess, charge of a winged eye displayed. Defense: 41 (Excellent defenses, man-made but utilizing the mountain's natural features.) Influence: 43 (A powerful minor house with a colorful history; Maximum Lord's Status 5.) Lands: 31 (A large-ish area of land, holding multiple terrains.) Law: 26 (Typical level of law, crime common but under control.) Population: 21 (Typical population, with steppe farms and nomadic homesteads, larger communities near the fortress.) Power: 29 (A modest force of soldiers, including some trained career troops.) Wealth: 51 (Rich, wanting for nothing.) Holdings: Castle (Skystone Castle, defending the mines); Three heirs (Erin, first-born daughter; Vincen, second-born son, with wife Hanna of Red Lake; Carina, third-born daughter); Mountain (with hamlet), Hills (with road); Elite Guerrillas (The Black Lord's Band, elite mountain troops derived from the clans), Trained Infantry, Trained Archers x2, Trained Support (combat engineers!), Trained Peasant Levies (miner brigade!); Mine, Maester, Artisan (all weapons forged in-house are castle-forged), Sept.

First Founding: Established, founded during Aegon's conquest. Declared around Point Pride, one of the largest mountains in the Vale, as a Valyrian-led watch-house for the Vale's child lord - and, later, to exploit the gemstone mines found in its belly. Produces opal, chalcedony, onyx, quarried stone, lead, tin, and staggering amounts of rock oil; agricultural resources tomatoes, potatoes, tea, wool, cheese, clear spirits, but mineral resources far outstrip these in export value. Historical events:

11, Infrastructure. The house was established during a period of expansion and prosperity.

15, Villain. The rightful lord utilized his newly-established power to rule over the local bandits and wild men from the shadows, rather than crush them as was his mandate. Decades of tacitly permitted banditry resulted.

13, Favor. Motivated by the headsman's axe, the lord turned his bandit army over to the direct control of the king, both winning favor and fulfilling his familial oath in one go.

8, Scandal. A string of assassinations rocked the house's leadership, ending with a feeble lord on the throne, though the true power - and, many say, the orchestrator of the murders - was his lowborn lady.

6, Madness. Later in life, the rumored-murderous lady perished after a short illness, leaving the now extremely elderly and thoroughly insane lord to rule the mountain in truth for a distressingly long span.

12, Ascent. Through strong trade ties with the Maesters of Oldtown, a later lord and his elder bastard brother were given a startlingly comprehensive education, leading to a strong trend of capable administration and scientific advancement in the house.

*****

I really, really enjoyed this one.

I bought SIFRP, like most of my role-playing books, secondhand. I bought it not long before the show puked on itself and fell over. I had just enough time to flip through the book and wonder at the fascinating house creation rules, all the little bits and pieces built in to add flavor and a place in the world, right before no one wanted to play it with me anymore.

Everything I've built for this challenge, prior to this one, felt like an exercise - something I had to do more than something I wanted to do. Something I was going through as a process of discovery. This was something I wanted to play with for a long while and had never gotten the chance. The house creation rules looked bitey and detailed - I love whenever an RPG gives players a shared resource, something like a ship or a big manor, that they have to build themselves, invest themselves into. In a setting like A Song of Ice and Fire, I knew this had to be the big selling point, bigger than the individual characters, and from what little I'd engaged with the book before the show stopped being culturally relevant, the whole endeavor in the RPG looked just as comprehensive as I hoped it'd be.

It was fascinating going into this after ruefully building a character in Burning Wheel. The amount of bookkeeping inherent in building a house and a character in SIFRPG was a little bit greater than in Burning Wheel, but I found myself going back to the numbers well by choice, over and over, to add more details and discover the next stage of my weird little mountain billionaires' story. That's actually a good word for it, discovery - fortunes shifted about as much, if not more, in SIFRPG's house/character creation as it did in Burning Wheel, but in all aspects I felt like I was uncovering something about the character, rather than trying to wrestle it into place.

And, really, the house and the character feed into one another. The sense of place given by the shared history and location absolutely informs what pops out at the end, and the order in which the book guides you to take it, with that shared house and history first, is absolutely the right way to go. The end result is a tangible sense of place and persona, a character who both knits into and has the potential to meaningfully change their environment - something that feels capable of standing in the world it came from, with all its established characters and history, which is also markedly unusual when creating a character in a world with such an impactful IP.

Next up: Capitalism, by way of industrial metal.

[earaercircular]

Researchers: 'First genetically engineered bacterium that eats plastic from seawater'

Researchers have found a way to genetically engineer a marine microorganism, allowing it to break down plastic in saltwater. Is this the solution to the plastic problem?

A group of scientists from the University of North Carolina worked with two types of bacteria: Vibrio natriegens[1] and Ideonella sakaiensis[2]. The former thrives in saltwater and reproduces quickly. The second bacterium is remarkable because it produces enzymes that can break down and eat polyethylene terephthalate – better known as PET.

Combine bacteria

By combining the two bacteria, the researchers were able to combine fast reproduction and saltwater ability with the property of the plastic-eating enzyme. The genetically engineered bacterium can break down PET in a saltwater environment at room temperature.

And that is a breakthrough, the researchers say. “It is scientifically exciting because this is the first time anyone has managed to combine cells from the  Vibrio natriegens with those of Ideonella sakaiensis,” said Nathan Crook, co-author of the study. [3]

Economically achieveable

“From a practical point of view, this is also the first genetically engineered organism capable of degrading PET microplastics in saltwater,” said Tianyu Li, first author of the paper. “That is important because it is not economically feasible to remove plastic from the ocean.” The salt must first be removed from the water before the plastic can be filtered out on an industrial scale.

Obstacles

Although this is an important step for the researchers, there are still obstacles before the research can be further scaled up. For example, the modified bacteria must be further modified so that it can also feed on other products besides plastic. In addition, according to the researchers, it would be even more beneficial if the bacteria produced a useful raw material from the eaten plastic.

The researchers would like to talk to companies from the industry. “For example, which molecules are desirable for industry?” Crook asks. Once they know this, the researchers can focus specifically on whether they can modify the bacterium in such a way that it can produce that molecule.

Limit on plastic production

Plastic-eating bacteria are not new[4]. In recent years, scientists have increasingly discovered animals with a hunger for plastic.[5] For example, German scientists found an enzyme in a cemetery compost heap that can break down plastic[6], and AI helped researchers[7] build the ultimate plastic-eating bacteria. All those plastic-eating organisms may help solve plastic pollution, but the best solution is still a limit on plastic production, researchers wrote in an open letter.[8]

Source

Romy de Weert, Onderzoekers: 'Eerste genetisch gemanipuleerde bacterie die plastic uit zeewater eet', in: Change Inc, 18-09-2023, https://www.change.inc/circulaire-economie/onderzoekers-eerste-genetisch-gemanipuleerde-bacterie-die-plastic-uit-zeewater-eet-40407

[1] Vibrio natriegens is a Gram-negative marine bacterium.[3][5] It was first isolated from salt marsh mud. It is a salt-loving organism (halophile) requiring about 2% NaCl for growth. It reacts well to the presence of sodium ions which appear to stimulate growth in Vibrio species, to stabilise the cell membrane, and to affect sodium-dependent transport and mobility. Under optimum conditions, and all nutrients provided, the doubling time of V. natriegens can be less than 10 minutes. V. natriegens is able to successfully live and rapidly divide in its coastal areas due its large range of metabolic fuel. Recent research has displayed that Vibrio natriegens has a flexible metabolism, which allows it to consume a large variety of carbon substrates, reduce nitrates, and even fix nitrogen from the atmosphere under nitrogen-limiting and anaerobic conditions.[6] In the laboratory, the growth medium can be easily changed, thus affecting the growth rate of a culture.[7][8] V. natriegens is commonly found in estuarine mud. S.I. Paul et al. (2021)[5] isolated and identified many strains of Vibrio natriegens from marine sponges of the Saint Martin's Island Area of the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh.

[2] Ideonella sakaiensis is a bacterium from the genus Ideonella and family Comamonadaceae capable of breaking down and consuming the plastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using it as both a carbon and energy source. The bacterium was originally isolated from a sediment sample taken outside of a plastic bottle recycling facility in Sakai City, Japan.

[3] Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is a highly recyclable plastic that has been extensively used and manufactured. Like other plastics, PET resists natural degradation, thus accumulating in the environment. Several recycling strategies have been applied to PET, but these tend to result in downcycled products that eventually end up in landfills. This accumulation of landfilled PET waste contributes to the formation of microplastics, which pose a serious threat to marine life and ecosystems, and potentially to human health. To address this issue, our project leveraged synthetic biology to develop a whole-cell biocatalyst capable of depolymerizing PET in seawater environments by using the fast-growing, nonpathogenic, moderate halophile Vibrio natriegens. By leveraging a two-enzyme system—comprising a chimera of IsPETase and IsMHETase from Ideonella sakaiensis—displayed on V. natriegens, we constructed whole-cell catalysts that depolymerize PET and convert it into its monomers in salt-containing media and at a temperature of 30°C. https://aiche.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/aic.18228?_ga=2.34308516.464140274.1695118704-1472931476.1658240840

[4] Read also: https://www.tumblr.com/earaercircular/707410638839971840/this-bacteria-likes-plastic-but-not-plastic-soup?source=share & https://www.tumblr.com/earaercircular/710350099144949760/these-green-start-ups-indicate-the-way-to-a?source=share

[5] We are still pumping more and more plastic waste into the world. Only a small part is recycled, while the majority ends up in the garbage heap. But there is hope. Science is increasingly discovering animals with plastic cravings. Five examples of creatures with a tasty appetite for plastic.https://www.change.inc/circulaire-economie/plastic-recyclen-2-0-vijf-diertjes-met-een-honger-naar-kunststof-38551

[6]German researchers found an enzyme in a cemetery compost heap that can break down plastic. The enzyme dissolves a plastic grape container within sixteen hours until a watery substance remains. That substance can be used to make new plastic. https://www.change.inc/circulaire-economie/doorbraak-enzym-eet-binnen-16-uur-plastic-op-38376

[7] Artificial intelligence helped researchers build the ultimate plastic-eating bacteria. By improving the molecular structure of the plastic-digesting enzyme via the computer, there is now a version that eats plastic in one day at low temperatures.https://www.change.inc/circulaire-economie/ai-maakt-enzym-dat-in-24-uur-plastic-opeet-38180

[8] Scientists around the world warn in a letter that there must be a limit on plastic production. According to the researchers, an upper limit is the only solution to stop the growing threat of plastic waste to the environment and ourselves. https://www.change.inc/circulaire-economie/wetenschappers-waarschuwen-limiet-op-plasticproductie-is-enige-redmiddel-38186

[morealias]

Okay, yes, for most people, probably 99% of y'all, MSG is just fine. No, it's not "just salt" or even "just salt and sugar", but yes, it very much replicates the flavour profiles of salt and sugar. It's no more "lazy" than adding any other seasoning.

However, for a small percentage of us; migraine and fibromyalgia suffers - and myself - that it's an excitotoxin does some nasty stuff to us. So yes, add it t your foods - heap it right in if you want - but it's not racism if some people avoid it, or if we push to keep food products around that accurately label themselves as "No MSG". And it never was racism... until 2018 when Ajinomoto (who basically produce the most MSG in the world) started a campaign about "No MSG Added=Racism". So try not to buy into that. Were there a lot of shite studies linking it to all sorts of terrible shit? Yes. Were those studies absolute shite? Yes. However that doesn't mean there is no one who suffers adversely from consuming even small amounts of MSG.

Genuinely, I don’t know how else to get the word out, but I feel like if your home-cooked dinners don’t taste right, you're missing either paprika, sugar, butter, or chicken bouillon.

[archangel-metatron]

🔓 The Restrainer, the Lawless, and the Return of Christ: A Prophetic Breakdown

“For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.

And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.”

— 2 Thessalonians 2:7–8 (NKJV)

In a time when the foundations of morality and order are being shaken across the globe, this passage in 2 Thessalonians carries urgent prophetic weight. It speaks of a restrainer that is currently holding back full-scale lawlessness — but not forever. A time is coming when this restrainer will be removed, and when that happens, the world will be plunged into unprecedented deception, disorder, and rebellion.

This isn’t just about a man rising to power. It’s about a spiritual system, a collective people, and a global uprising against the truth of God. Let's break it down.

🛡 Who is the Restrainer?

Paul never names the restrainer directly, but scripture gives us enough clues:

The Holy Spirit is certainly the power behind all truth, order, and righteousness.

God’s people — the body of Christ — are the earthly vessels through which that restraint operates.

Lawful authority (Romans 13) such as justice systems, civil leaders, and even social norms still act as barriers to open rebellion.

The restrainer is therefore the presence of godly influence in the world, particularly the Spirit-filled body of Christ — those who live by the truth, uphold righteousness, and resist the spiritual tide of rebellion.

> “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.”

— Matthew 5:13–14

But Jesus also warned: “The night is coming when no one can work.” (John 9:4)

⚠️ Why Is the Restrainer Removed?

The removal of the restrainer marks a judicial act by God — a point at which the world no longer wants truth, and He gives them over to what they crave: delusion and lawlessness.

> “And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie…”

— 2 Thessalonians 2:11

The reason is clear:

> “…because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” (v.10)

This is not ignorance. It is willful rebellion.

When truth is no longer welcome, God removes those who carry it.

This parallels with the departure of God’s people — whether by persecution, silencing, or being caught up at the appointed time — and the final lifting of the Holy Spirit’s restraint, allowing evil to flood in.

🧱 Who Is the Lawless One?

Though 2 Thessalonians speaks of “the lawless one” as though it were a person, it becomes clear that this is more than just a man:

It is a spirit — “the spirit of the antichrist, which… is already in the world” (1 John 4:3)

It is a system — built on deception, rebellion, and counterfeit authority

It is a people — those who reject the truth and embrace falsehood

Just as Jesus has a body, so too does Satan. The body of lawlessness is made up of those who:

Suppress truth

Mock righteousness

Embrace sin

Follow false teachers

Participate in spiritual and cultural rebellion

Paul said:

> “…they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.”

— 2 Timothy 4:3–4

This is the generation that arises once the restrainer is removed.

🌍 What Happens After the Restrainer Is Gone?

1. Lawlessness will abound (Matthew 24:12)

2. Civil order will collapse (Isaiah 3:5)

3. Ethnic and national divisions will explode (Matthew 24:7 — “nation against nation”)

4. False miracles and supernatural deception will increase (2 Thess. 2:9)

5. The Antichrist system will take global power (Revelation 13:7)

The world will experience chaos, strong delusion, and a false peace that leads into total destruction.

🔥 What Happens When Jesus Returns?

> “…whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.”

— 2 Thessalonians 2:8

When Jesus returns, the entire lawless structure — the man, the movement, the system, the spirit — will be obliterated by His presence.

He will:

Expose the lies

Crush the rebellion

Judge the lawless

Vindicate the saints

Establish righteousness

> “The Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly…”

— Jude 1:14–15

🛡 What Should We Do Right Now?

Paul tells Timothy what to do in an age of rebellion — and it's the same for us:

> “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine…

But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”

— 2 Timothy 4:2–5

✅ So we must:

Hold fast to the truth

Preach the Word boldly

Resist the spirit of the age

Do the work of an evangelist

Watch and wait for the Lord’s return

✝️ Final Word

The restrainer is not just a passive force — it's a people filled with the Spirit of God, holding the line. But a time is coming when that line will be removed, and the lawless will flood in.

Now is the time to shine. Now is the time to speak. Now is the time to stand.

Because soon — very soon — the restrainer will be taken out of the way, and the world will see exactly what happens when truth is no longer welcome.

And after that, the King returns.

[drgyana]

The “Healthy” Smoothie Add-Ons That May Hurt Your Heart

Smoothies are often seen as the perfect health drink. They're quick, tasty, and full of fruits, nuts, seeds, and superfoods. But here’s the twist—some of the things added to make them “healthier” might actually do the opposite, especially for your heart. Not everything that sounds healthy is heart-friendly.

In this blog, let’s talk about some popular smoothie ingredients that may seem good on the surface but could raise health concerns, especially if you’re watching your heart health.

Too Much Sugar from Fruits and Sweeteners

Fruit is good, but too much of it—especially in smoothie form—can load your drink with natural sugars. Bananas, mangoes, grapes, and dates all have high sugar content. When you blend large amounts of these, you’re getting a big sugar hit in one go.

Some people even add honey, jaggery, or flavored syrups thinking they’re better than refined sugar. But sugar is sugar. Excess intake can increase triglycerides, a risk factor for heart disease.

Protein Powders with Artificial Additives

Adding protein to a smoothie is common, especially for gym-goers. But some protein powders are filled with preservatives, added sugar, and artificial flavors. Certain powders also contain high sodium levels, which can affect blood pressure if consumed regularly.

Choosing a clean, plant-based or natural protein powder is always a better idea. And if you're unsure, it's a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider or the best cardiologist in Bhubaneswar for suggestions.

Nut Butters: Great in Small Amounts, Risky When Overused

Almond butter, peanut butter, and cashew butter are delicious and rich in good fats. But they’re also calorie-dense. Many store-bought nut butters contain added sugar and salt, which aren’t good for your heart when consumed frequently or in large amounts.

If you’re adding two spoonfuls daily thinking it’s healthy, you may be unknowingly increasing your risk of high cholesterol and weight gain.

Coconut Milk or Cream

Coconut products are popular in health circles, but they contain saturated fats. While occasional use is fine, adding coconut cream or full-fat coconut milk every day can affect your heart health over time.

Instead, try low-fat milk, almond milk, or oat milk. These are lighter and easier on the heart.

Seeds and Superfoods: Watch the Quantity

Chia seeds, flaxseeds, and hemp seeds are full of fiber and omega-3s, which are great for your heart. But again, moderation matters. Two teaspoons are fine, but heaping tablespoons can lead to too many calories and digestion issues.

Spirulina, maca, and other “superfood” powders are often added for a boost. While these can be beneficial, they can also affect blood pressure or interact with medications. So always check with your doctor first.

Packaged Smoothies: Not as Healthy as They Look

If you’re buying smoothies from a café or store, always read the label. Many commercial smoothies are packed with sweetened yogurt, ice cream, syrups, and sugar. Even those labeled as “natural” can be misleading.

Homemade smoothies are always a better option because you can control the ingredients and portion sizes.

What’s the Right Way to Make a Heart-Friendly Smoothie?

Stick to 1 cup of fruits like berries, apples, or oranges

Add a handful of spinach or kale for fiber

Use water, low-fat milk, or unsweetened almond milk as a base

Add 1 tsp of flaxseed or chia seed, not more

Skip sweeteners altogether

Use natural yogurt instead of flavored ones

Smoothies should be balanced—not loaded with sugar, fat, and unnecessary extras.

When to Seek Advice

If you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or any heart condition, it’s better to consult a specialist before making any major diet change. Something as small as your smoothie habits can affect your health more than you think.

Consulting the best cardiologist in Bhubaneswar can help you plan meals and drinks that support your heart rather than stressing it.

Final Thoughts

Smoothies can still be a great addition to your day—but only when made with care. By keeping an eye on what you’re adding, you can enjoy the taste and the health benefits without worrying about hidden risks.

Your heart works all day for you—why not make your breakfast or snack work for it too?

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Best Ways to Add Cocoa Powder to Your Daily Diet

When you think of cocoa powder, chances are your mind instantly jumps to brownies, chocolate cake, or that comforting cup of hot cocoa. But did you know that this pantry staple can offer more than just a sweet treat? Rich in antioxidants, fiber, and essential minerals like magnesium and iron, it has the potential to boost your mood, support heart health, and even contribute to glowing skin when consumed in moderation and without heaps of sugar.

In this blog, we’ll explore the best and most practical ways to incorporate cocoa powder into your everyday meals, without relying only on desserts. We’ll also cover how to maximize its benefits and what you should avoid.

Why Add Cocoa Powder to Your Daily Diet?

This superfood is more than a chocolatey delight—it’s a natural source of flavonoids, which are antioxidants known to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and support cognitive function. Integrating it into your diet allows you to enjoy its health benefits while satisfying your taste buds.

But like anything, moderation is key. Stick with unsweetened versions and avoid overly processed blends that contain additives or sugars. Once you’ve got the right kind, the opportunities are endless.

1. Start Your Morning with a Boost

Smoothies: One of the easiest and healthiest ways to use cocoa powder is to add it to your morning smoothie. A tablespoon mixed into a banana-peanut butter smoothie or a berry-based blend adds richness without extra sugar.

Oatmeal: Stirring it into your oats while cooking creates a chocolatey breakfast bowl that feels indulgent but is still packed with nutrients. Top with banana slices, almond butter, or chia seeds for an even better experience.

Overnight Oats: For a quick breakfast, mix rolled oats with milk, a bit of honey, and a spoonful of this powder. Let it sit overnight, and you’ll wake up to a decadent (yet healthy) breakfast.

2. Healthy Snacks On-the-Go

Energy Balls: Blend dates, nuts, oats, and a little cocoa powder in a food processor. Roll into balls and refrigerate. These make excellent grab-and-go snacks and are perfect for curbing mid-day chocolate cravings.

Protein Bars: Make homemade protein bars with protein powder, almond butter, and this chocolatey addition. You’ll get a sweet yet nutrient-dense bar that fuels your workouts or keeps you satisfied between meals.

3. Lunchtime Twists

Chocolate Hummus: Yes, it’s a thing! Mix chickpeas, tahini, maple syrup, and cocoa powder in a blender. The result? A dessert-style hummus that pairs amazingly with apple slices, strawberries, or crackers.

Chili or Stews: Add a small amount (about a teaspoon) to chili or stews to deepen the flavor. It won’t make your dish taste like chocolate, but it will add richness and complexity, especially when combined with cumin or smoked paprika.

4. Delicious Dinners with a Hint of Chocolate

Savory Sauces: In Mexican cuisine, cocoa powder plays a vital role in dishes like mole. Adding it to tomato-based sauces for meats or vegetables can lend a bold and balanced flavor profile.

Meat Rubs: Combine it with spices like paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and black pepper to create a dry rub for chicken, steak, or tofu. It forms a delicious crust and enhances depth in the overall flavor.

5. Make Your Drinks Work for You

Hot Chocolate (the healthy way): Skip the pre-packaged mixes and make your own with unsweetened cocoa powder, a plant-based milk of your choice, and a natural sweetener like stevia or honey. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or sea salt for extra flavor.

Coffee Enhancer: Stir a teaspoon into your morning coffee or espresso for a homemade mocha. It cuts down on the bitterness while giving you an antioxidant-rich start to your day.

Chocolate Tea: Brew herbal or rooibos tea and stir in a bit of cocoa powder. Add cinnamon or a splash of coconut milk for a soothing and unique beverage.

6. Bake Without the Guilt

Sure, baking is the classic way to use cocoa powder, but it doesn’t always have to be indulgent.

Healthy Muffins: Add it to whole-grain muffin recipes along with zucchini, banana, or applesauce to boost both flavor and nutrition.

Pancakes or Waffles: Mix a spoonful into your batter for a breakfast that feels special but still offers fiber and antioxidants.

Granola: Stir it into homemade granola before baking. The result? Crunchy chocolate clusters are perfect for yogurt bowls or snacking.

7. Desserts That Do More

Avocado Chocolate Mousse: Blend ripe avocado with cocoa powder, a bit of almond milk, and natural sweetener. You’ll get a creamy, rich dessert full of healthy fats and antioxidants.

Frozen Yogurt Pops: Mix Greek yogurt with a little cocoa powder and mashed banana or berries. Freeze in molds for a kid-friendly, nutrient-dense snack.

Chia Pudding: Combine chia seeds with milk and cocoa powder. Let sit overnight and wake up to a rich, pudding-like breakfast or dessert.

8. Use in DIY Health Products

Not everything has to be eaten! This powder also works in homemade lip scrubs, face masks, and body butters. Combine it with coconut oil and sugar for an exfoliating scrub, or blend with honey for a soothing face treatment. Its antioxidant properties make it a skin-friendly addition to your self-care routine.

Things to Keep in Mind

Choose Quality: Always go for unsweetened, non-alkalized versions (also known as natural cocoa powder) for maximum nutritional benefit.

Watch Your Portions: It’s rich in nutrients but also in calories. A tablespoon or two per day is plenty to reap the benefits.

Avoid Sugary Mixes: Steer clear of hot chocolate blends that contain fillers and artificial flavors.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating cocoa powder into your daily diet doesn’t require you to overhaul your meals or spend hours in the kitchen. With just a little creativity, this versatile superfood can enhance both the flavor and nutrition of your meals, beverages, and snacks.

From smoothies and stews to protein bars and pancakes, it fits seamlessly into various dishes—both sweet and savory. The key lies in using it intentionally and in its purest form.

Looking for high-quality cocoa powder to upgrade your kitchen staples? Choose Baqa Foods for premium, unsweetened cocoa that brings rich flavor and nutrition to every bite. Your health—and your taste buds—will thank you.

With the right ingredients and a bit of imagination, adding this chocolatey powerhouse to your routine becomes not only easy but truly enjoyable.