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[concreteburialplot]

Banana Spa

pairing: nicholas ruffilo x fem!reader

masterlist: here | crossposted: ao3 | word count: 9.6k

summary: you decide to treat your boyfriend to an at home spa day before he leaves for tour again :)

warnings/themes: established relationship, sugary sweet fluff ???¿ who am i??¿, briefly sad??, light sub/dom dynamics, soft dom nick, sub reader, massage, praise kink?, pet names sorry not sorry, bathtub sex, use of a shower head, v fingering, overstimulation, multiple orgasms, orgasm delay, pnv (unprotected), riding, semi-realistic? aftercare, caregiver nick, MUSHY SORRY, again nick has a big fat one, don’t think too hard about the logistics ok, 18+ MDNI

a/n; this originally began as a nice short fluffy piece but... alas, the sad and horny demons took hostage 😅 it's just who i am okay 😭 only sad for a bit though! kinda

a/n: don't like it don't read it. don’t be mean for no reason & let others enjoy things thnx :)

You stamped a knee at each side of Nick’s sides, settling yourself in his lap. His hands instinctively found your hips to have something to anchor to.

“Alright babe you gotta cooperate with me, okay?” You giggled, taking his cheeks in your hands.

He blinked up at you with his aqua eyes gleaming, so enamored with you to even care what you were doing in his lap, simply happy that you were there.

You began brushing hair out of his face and gathering it into a low, untethered bun to expose the entirety of his features. He was beautiful, nothing new to you of course, but at times like then, you couldn’t help but be awe-struck of him. He was yours and you were his.

You reached over to the table beside you to pick up some toner and soaking a cotton round with the liquid. You took it to his face, starting at his cheekbones. He hissed at the coldness of it against his warm skin.

“This smells so… chemically, are you sure it’s safe?” He asked as a half-joke and with a slightly nervous chuckle.

“Very sure my love.” A reassuring grin tugging at the corners of your mouth. “You think I would put harmful chemicals on your pretty face?” You swiped the cotton round down his nose and used it to boop the tip.

A barely visible peach coated his cheeks, if you hadn’t been so close to him, you would’ve missed it.

“I don’t know, maybe you wanna scorch my face off so the fans stop liking me.” A playful smirk draped over lips.

You rolled your eyes and squeezed his cheeks between your fingers, tilting his face upwards to meet your gaze. “Oh honey,” You cooed playfully. “The fans would simp over you even if your nose fell off.”

A true laugh rumbled through his chest and tumbled out of his lips. “Yeah, whatever.” He brushed off the statement as if you just told him the sky was green. “What’s next?” He inquired genuinely, letting his eyes drop back to your arsenal on the table.

“Hmm…” You peered over behind you and tapped your fingertips on your chin. “Oh! Yes, I forgot I got this for you!”

Your fingers plucked a small yellow glass vile. You twisted the lid and squeezed the rubber part between two fingers then released it to let the pipette fill completely.

“Let me know if this smell reminds you of anything.” You slowly and carefully slid the tip of the glass pipette across his cheek, disposing serum along the way.

His nostrils flared and restricted in short consecutive spurts trying to let the aroma fill his nose entirely. His brows knitted for just a second as he processed the smell before his eyes grew sparkly and excited. “Banana?” He asked with hesitancy still lining his words, regardless of the indistinguishable scent.

You giggled and love filled your entire chest at his adorable reaction. “I knew you’d love it.” You sighed happily and utterly love drunk.

“Hm, I love you.” He countered, admiring the pointed, concentrated face you wore as you focused on rubbing in the product. “That stuff’s made from bananas?”

“I love you too baby.” You smiled and leaned down to gently grab his face again, this time to bring your lips to his. A smile curled onto his lips against yours, sweetening the kiss. You couldn’t help but mirror the grin and savor the adoration. “Hm, I think banana enzymes or something? I don’t really know.”

You straightened back up in his lap again, using your curled index finger to tilt his chin up and swivel his face from one side to the other analyzing his skin.

“Admiring your work?” He laughed, feeling a little silly and a little insecure from being studied so closely.

“Just trying to see if you have any spots that need a little extra attention.” You hummed. “But surprise, surprise the man that only uses face wash has perfect skin.”

His chest puffed out a little involuntarily, as if you just invigorated him with newfound confidence after being so foolishly insecure. “Well, would you look at that.” He smirked.

“Yeah, yeah.” You waved him off jokingly before reaching to pick up a thin packet from the table. “Still gonna make you do a face mask though.”

He groaned, “No, no not the clay stuff again.” He winced at the memory of the chalky mud you had once put on him that somehow ended up all over his hair…and eyebrows, and ears, and fingernails, and ʘ necklace, and his favorite Paul Rudd Fanclub shirt.

The Great Face Mask Incident of 2023™️

You couldn’t help but laugh at the same memory. “No, no. I would never put you through that again.”

Nick let out a relieved sigh as if he had just gone through some war flashbacks. “Thank god.”

“No, I think you’ll quite like this one.” You pressed your lips together to not give away just excited you were to show him the mask you had in store for him.

You carefully pulled the folded sheet mask from the packet, letting any excess drip back into the pouch before setting it to the side. You then began delicately unfolding the thin fabric of the mask. Nick’s brows knitted together, and his head cocked to the side slightly like a confused puppy as he tried to gather what sort of potential torture device you were preparing for him. Finally, you unveiled the round sheet with the likeness of a cartoon tuxedo cat.

His silver eyes lit up the second he realized. “It’s Jerry!” It melted your heart at just how wide his smile got, all toothy and reaching his eyes.

You giggled and nodded, “It sure looks a lot like him, doesn’t it?”

Once you were able to keep him from wiggling around, you put the mask on, tugging it here and there to get it taut and symmetrical.

“There, now you look just like your son!” You chuckled behind your hand, looking at how adorably ridiculous your boyfriend looked.

He smirked as much as could beneath the mask, “Yeah where do you think he got his good looks from?”

You rolled your eyes and gently smacked his arm but there was no malice behind either action, “At least Jerry has humility.”

He gazed up at you with a small, sweet smile painted on his lips and love coating the soft curves of his features. “Yeah, that he got from you.” He said casually, like it rolled off his tongue without even thinking twice about it.

Your heart swelled so big in your chest that it was threatening to breach your ribcage. Nicholas had Jerry long before you entered the picture but since getting together a little over a year ago, Jerry had become your biggest fan. Since day 1 he followed you around everywhere and if you were resting on any surface, he was there to claim you as his temporary bed. In your time together Nick had never once even joked about you being Jerry’s other fur-parent. It was a small frivolous thing, but you knew the weight it held. You didn’t know if he had just said it without realizing or if he truly meant it, but in your heart, you were choosing to believe the latter. Either way you opted out of making a big deal about it.

“Oh! I almost forgot!” You gasped at your own brain urgently reminding you of a crucial step. You nearly leapt off him and bolted to the kitchen. Within seconds the project at hand was executed and ready for placement.

You scurried back over to him, this time standing behind his seat on the couch. “Alright, close your eyes and tilt your head back.”

“You got it boss.” He teased and did as you asked. It made you wonder just how much he’d cooperate with taking other orders – but that was a daydream for a much different day. “Cucumbers?”

“Somethin’ like that.” You held back a giggle and placed two banana slices over each closed eyelid. “Okay, all done!”

His nose scrunched up towards the objects on his eyes, “Bananas?!”

You finally let out the laugh you’d been holding back and placed a kiss atop his head. “Now you got all your favorite stuff, cats and bananas!” You circled around his seat and climbed into his lap again.

“And you.” He smiled softly while his callused hands instinctively found your hips again.

Your cheeks heated up and your stomach filled with butterflies. No matter how silly he looked, he could always get you to melt in his hands. “Oh, shut up.”

“Remind me why we’re doing this again?” He asked.

Your grin faltered a bit at his question, and you paused to think about your answer. You let your hand fall gently just below his neck, sliding down slowly while your fingers softly laced beneath the silver chain of his necklace. You let the thorny pendant rest on your fingers as you admired it. As much as you hated the calm before the storm and selfishly despised the reason for it, you knew it’s what you signed up for and what brought him the most joy. Your thumb ran over the thorny crown, grateful for the amount of time you’d been able to spend with him during this break. This was maybe your 3rd or 4th run at him leaving for tour and while you could tell that it was getting easier, it was extremely slow progress. It seemed as though each time felt like the first time all over again. Your eyes fluttered closed in a feeble attempt to tame the burning in your eyes and the tears threatening to appear. You took a deep breath and swallowed the lump in your throat knowing that letting him see you like that would not only ruin the moment but make him feel guiltier than he already did, which was exactly the opposite of what the activity meant to accomplish.

“Baby?” He pressed after you’d gone silent for a bit.

You cleared your throat and blinked the tears away, forcing a smile onto your face so that it could be heard in your words. “Sorry love,” You wrapped your hand around the pendant just hard enough that the thorns stabbed into your palm, perhaps hoping that the pain could force the ache away, or maybe in hopes that if you stamped yourself hard enough with him, he could always stay with you. “Just got distracted. What did you ask?”

“I asked why we’re doing this? I feel really silly right now.” He laughed, though a little less bright than before. You hoped that he hadn’t picked up on your energy shift.

“Oh, um,” You looked down and released the hold on his necklace, letting your palms rest on his chest. “Just wanted to pamper you a little, before you have to go work so hard.” You tried your best to keep your voice light, but the sadness in your voice was unmistakable, at least to Nicholas.

His smile fell into a small frown, and it made you wish you had just lied, but you were never much of a good liar, especially not to him. He reached up pulling the banana slices off his eyes and placing them on a paper towel on the table. Somehow, he looked even goofier with the bananas off his eyes.

You suddenly felt flushed under his gaze – regardless of the cat mask still adorning his face. It was unclear whether it was the normal affect he had on you that was making you blush, or rather the vulnerability he’d caught you in.

“Baby,” He let out a sad sigh, “Is that what this is about?” His hands moved up to envelope your hips again, rubbing small comforting circles into the flesh beneath your shirt.

You shook your head vehemently, “No, no, I’m just tryin’ to spoil you honey, you deserve it.” You tried for a smile but couldn’t quite reach.

It was clear in his eyes that he wasn’t buying it. “Oh, let me get this cursed thing off of me.” He said, his hands already going to peel up the edges of the sheet mask but failing miserably.

A grin did pull at your lips watching him struggle and decided to take over. “Here, let me do it.” You laughed, gently swatting his hands away and pulling it off yourself and setting it on the table next to the forgotten bananas. “For someone who’s so good with his fingers, that sure was hard for you, huh?” You teased, attempting to deflect from the seriousness you’d just caused. All you wanted to do was go back to the soft, happy bubble you’d created before.

His inked hand trailed up your body to cup your cheek. “I’m gonna miss you so much, you know that right?”

You rolled your eyes trying your best to hold up your strong exterior, “Yeah, yeah, whatever, we don’t have to do this. We don’t have to talk about it, okay?” It took every bit of energy you had to yank each edge of your lips into a smile.

“Hey, don’t do that.” He frowned. “Maybe I wanna talk about it?”

“But you dooon’t though.” You whined, pressing on his chest slightly. “We were having a good time and I ruined it.” You whispered. Your eyes fluttered down to where your hands met his abdomen, faintly crinkling his faded Slipknot shirt between your fingers.

“Hey.” His hand found your chin and tilted it back up to face him once more. “I’ll be back before you know it.” He reassured the obvious.

“I know.” You mumbled and found your eyes dropping once again, not bearing the strength to look at him for too long. “I know what I signed up for. I know that it’s part of loving you.” Your hand rediscovered his necklace, flipping it between your fingers for comfort.

“Just because it’s part of the deal, doesn’t mean it’s not hard, y/n.” His voice was more firm that time, trying to cement the severity of his words.

“I know.” You groaned, frustrated that he wouldn’t just drop it.

He sighed, “I’m just saying it’s okay to be upset about it. And it’s okay to talk to me about it.” His thumb grazed over your cheekbone, enticing you to look at him. “We’re a team, remember?”

You released a long exhale finally relaxing a bit under his touch. “I know, Nicky, I know. I just didn’t want you to feel guilty and,” Your hand went up to wrap around his wrist and your eyes darted somewhere far away from him. “I didn’t want you to think that I can’t handle it.” Before he could respond your fingers gripped his wrist harder and the burning in your eyes returned. “I can handle it, I can.”

The crack in your voice didn’t go unnoticed by the male and all he wanted to do was scoop you up in his arms, but he knew better than to smother you when you were that emotional. “I know you can baby.” He said gently, using his thumb to wipe away a tear that was on the verge of escape. “I never questioned that. And if I ever do, then we’ll work through it,” He gently tapped the side of his thumb on your cheek to bring your attention back to him. “Together. Okay?”

You nodded against his palm, nuzzling into his touch. “Together.”

“That’s my girl.”  He smiled and pulled you down into a sweet kiss.

You pressed your forehead against his gazing into his eyes, tonight they were particularly grey. “You’re too good to me.” You said so quietly that if he wasn’t nose-to-nose to you, he wouldn’t have heard it.

He shook his head as much as he could without disturbing the moment, “No, I’m not good enough.”

“That’s not tr-“ You began but were quickly interrupted by his lips on yours again.

“Ah, ah.” He hummed once he pulled away, “I won’t be taking any back talk.”

Your cheeks burned bright cherry red that time, no amount of makeup could conceal it. Even though his words were light, you knew he wasn’t joking. Nicholas was an expert at imbedding dominance in featherlight touches and sweet nothings.

“Yes sir.” You replied instinctively.

The energy spiraled between you two had shifted from silly to emotional, to something entirely different now. His hands trailed up your sides beneath your shirt to rest both on your lower back.

“C’mon, you took such good care of me, now it’s your turn.” Without giving you any warning he scooped you up. You squeaked at the sudden action but instinctively wrapped your legs around his waist and your arms around his neck.

“Where are you taking meeee.”

“Well, we’re having a spa day, aren’t we? What’s a spa day without a bubble bath?”

You melted into him, loving the idea of a warm bath accompanied by him.

Nick began drawing the bath making sure to add all your favorite additives as you stood patiently waiting instruction. Once he was satisfied with the way the tub was filling, he sat on the edge and beckoned you over. “Come here angel.”

Your cheeks flushed with warmth at the name, taking a couple steps to stand between his legs. He began tenderly undressing you until you were completely bare in front of him.

He wasn’t shy with the way his eyes wandered down your body. “God you’re beautiful.” His words riding an infatuated exhale.

The strawberry pink already present on your cheeks only worsened. “Shush.” You wave off his compliment and used your arm to cover your chest.

He stood and took your chin between his index and thumb tilting your gaze up at him. “I won’t ever stop reminding you of how stunning you are.”

You shook your head out of his grasp. “Shut up Nicholas.” You said shyly.

He took your cheek in his grasp instead this time, getting more control of you. “What’s wrong baby? Am I getting you all flustered?”

You were sure your face was beet red now. “C’mon Nicky, stop messin’ around, the bath is getting cold.”

A satisfied smirk tugged one edge of his lips, finding amusement and pride in your blatant embarrassment. “As you wish princess.” He began to undress himself until he was matching your nude attire.

Your eyes did the same as his did earlier and raked down his body, lean and inked on almost every bit of him. You’d been with him for over a year and you still managed to find new tattoos on him that you’d never seen before. His body was a spectacular and endlessly interesting museum only you had the key to.

He didn’t wait for you and stepped over the porcelain into the large oval tub, letting his body sink down into the steaming water. Almost instantly your exquisite museum was engulfed in mountains of bubbles. “Well, you comin’? You were the one complaining about water ‘getting cold’.” He teased.

You rolled your eyes and cautiously dipped your toe into the water. You hissed and recoiled at the scalding temperature. “Fuck that’s hot.”

Nicholas chuckled at your reaction, “Still think it’s getting cold?”

“Shut up.” You mutter.

“Just take it slow baby, let your body get acclimated to the water.” He sounded patient but his eyes didn’t match – the longer you were under his gaze, the more you felt like an animal of prey being stalked.

After a bit of time getting your lower body get used to the water you were finally able to sink down between his legs and rest your back against his chest. A small sigh of relief left your lips at the feeling of soothing comfort with him. No matter the problem or hindrance, Nick always made everything okay. He made you feel safe and taken care of in a way you’d never felt before. Getting that feeling from a rockstar who’s constantly touring wasn’t something you ever imagined possible, but somehow, it was with him. It took a while for him to earn your trust, especially at the very beginning, the first time he toured just a month or two after making things official. But he made sure to prove his faithfulness in a multitude of ways – from sharing his location to sending pictures and videos frequently to even sending you flowers or other small gifts to let you know he was thinking of you. Life with Nicholas wasn’t perfect, but it was a dream.

His fingers first found your shoulders, digging his thumbs into the wound-up tense muscles at the base of your neck.

“Mmm.” You hummed at the sensation and leaned further back against him. “That feels so good baby.”

“Yeah?” He asked, kissing the side of your head.

“Mhm.” Your eyes fluttered shut as you sank a little further into the water.

He spent some time working through the knots in your neck and shoulders. Wherever he pressed his fingertips felt like he was releasing a world of tension.

“That’s it, just relax.” His hands drifted down past your shoulders and onto your sides, using his thumb to rub circles into the muscles of your back - as best he could in your position anyway.

As his hands trailed lower you felt a flutter fill your tummy and settle in your core. You didn’t even realize you were squirming until his hands found and gripped your hips hard. “Stay still.” He ordered quietly just below your ear.

A shiver ran through you at his gravelly voice stealing the air in your throat. You did as he said, as much as you could, and hoped it’d be good enough for him. His fingertips lowered, beginning to run up and down the curves of your hip bones. The close proximity of his fingers to your core was starting to make you dizzy. You sucked in a harsh breath when his hands traveled further down to massage your thighs. His fingers were diligent and determined with their placement and tempo, using his thumb to rub tight circles into the flesh of your upper inner thigh. There’s no way he couldn’t feel you nearly vibrating under his touch, and you had to restrain yourself from grabbing his hand to put him where you needed him the most.

You felt his lips curl into a sinister smile against your neck. “What’s wrong princess?” He asked condescendingly. “Am I not helping you relax?”

“No, no. You are.” You almost stutter out, trying to sound as confident as possible.

“Hm.” He hummed, gliding his fingers up the inner side of your thigh. “I wonder… what you do when you get all wound up like this when I’m away?” There was an edge to his question that erased any indication of genuine curiosity.

Your eyes widened at the question and your mind went fuzzy blank. “Well…I…um.” Was all you could get out, pathetically.

“Oh, c’mon baby.” He lowered himself to just below your ear. “Use your words for me. Tell me what you do.”

Your heart felt like it was colliding against your ribcage incessantly while simultaneously pooling your rampant pulse in your clit. “I-I,” You took a breath in a feeble attempt to steady your breathing. “I touch myself.” You blurted out, knowing it was both the truth and what he wanted to hear.

You didn’t need to look at him to know how wide and proud his smirk was.

“Good girl.” He hummed. “Why don’t you show me where you do that?”

Your eyes widened once again, this time swallowing all the saliva available in your mouth. Hesitantly, you reached out beneath the water and took hold of his wrist, bringing it between your legs. “Here.”

He used his hand to slowly cover and cup your core before carefully running his fingers through you. You wanted to whine at the small sensation but knew how pathetic you’d sound. “Thank you for showing me baby.” He acknowledged your obedience. “But I want you to show me exactly what you do.”

You’d show him anything at that point to keep his fingers on you, so you nodded and covered his hand with your own. You guided him to your clit that was buzzing and begging for his attention. Your middle and ring fingers pressed into his and prompted them to start moving in circular motions.

“Mmm.” He pressed a kiss to your neck before nipping at the skin like a predator taste-tasting his meal. “That feels good doesn’t it?”

Your head lulled itself on his shoulder, already getting lost in the pleasure blooming at his fingertips. “Mhm.” You mumbled with drooping eyelids.

He took control of the movements almost instantly, starting a display of one of his many talents. He let you savor his actions for a bit, knowing that the further gone you were, the more pliable you’d be in his hands. “Is this all you do baby? Or is there somewhere else you touch?” He asked already knowing the answer, just wanting you to say it.

His plan worked, as it always did, and you were nothing but an obedient ragdoll for him now. Every cell in your body wanted to bend to him – he had magic in his touch, you were completely certain of it.

Without any verbal response you just guided his working hand down to your entrance. That’s all the convincing he needed and carefully slipped two fingers into you. He let out a small, low groan the feeling of how tight you were around his fingers. You could feel his already hardening cock throb against your lower back. The sensation of his member against your skin while he was using his fingers to fuck you was bittersweet because now all you wanted was his cock filling you up instead.

“God you’re so fucking tight.” He nearly growled against your throat. “I’m gonna miss burying myself in your pretty cunt.”

You felt like you could disintegrate into thin air from how good you felt – yeah, his fingers working magic was one thing, but his words melted you completely. Being complimented and wanted, no – needed – by him was a high that no orgasm could ever touch.

“I need your cock, Nicky please.” You whined without caring how desperate you sounded. “Please, I need you.”

“Oh bunny, you know better than to rush me.” He tsked before moving to do something you didn’t expect. He kept his one hand fucking his fingers in and out of you rhythmically while curling in ever so slightly but brought the other back down on your throbbing clit.

A gasp left your mouth as he effortlessly used both hands to fuck you in the most delicious way. You had already been close just from his fingers curling right into your sensitive spot but now with his fingers rolling against your nub you were seconds from oblivion.

“Fuck.” You spat out urgently. “Fuck, fuck, I’m close – s-so fucking close.” You whimpered out, squeezing your eyes closed trying to keep from coming undone before you were allowed. “Fuck baby, please let me cum. Please can I cum?”

All he did was hum an “mhm” against your neck before you were seeing stars. Tingles seared across your body and your walls pulsed around his fingers.

“That’s it, cum all over my fingers like the good girl you are.”

The praise only intensified the orgasm, causing your back to arch from him. Your face lulled into the crevice of his neck letting him vividly hear all the noises you were making for him. Nick loved your noises as much as you loved his words – he made a mental note to record you next time so he could have something on the road. He could get off on the sound of you alone.

He gently pulled his fingers from you and slowly tapered his action on your clit, but not completely. He retained an agonizingly slow pace on your now overly sensitive nub. He kept the pace slow enough so it wouldn’t be uncomfortable for long until you started to feel good again.

You felt him reaching beside you for something but were too fucked out to pay attention. “Tell me baby, have you ever used this to help relax?” His voice was buttery smooth like blue suede.

Your brows furrowed above your closed eyelids, wondering what he was referencing. When you blinked your eyes open, they rounded to see him holding the detachable showerhead and was suddenly grateful for the extra-long cord you’d opted for. You shook your head and answered honestly. “No.” You’d always been curious but never actually tried.

Nicholas was an expert at knowing when you were lying so he believed you. “Here.” He tenderly scooped up your hand, cupping it in his own like a spoon. With a flick of his other thumb on the showerhead, a crazed stream of patterned water jutted from it. He brought it to the hand he was holding and let the stream hit your palm. “Is that too strong?” He questioned genuinely wanting to know your comfort level.

As much as the strength of the water inspired some more flurries in your core, you nodded shyly. “Too strong.” It was typical for your responses to become minimal once you entered any level of subspace. Having that amount of trust to even fall into that headspace was a luxury you only ever found with Nick. Trusting him was easier than you’d like to admit, it came as naturally as breathing air into your lungs.

“Okay.” His thumb spun the filter onto another setting. “How about this one?” He questioned even though he figured it would be a no since it was thin streams of water lining an empty tunnel.

That one made you giggle and shake your head since it obviously wouldn’t provide much pressure. Nick smiled at your adorable giggle, filling his chest with so much warmth and love, he had no idea what to do with it all. He pressed a kiss to your head before flipping to another setting.

A perfectly tempered stream danced in your palm – not too strong, not too weak, and the jet pattern was an enticing rhythm. You bit down on your bottom lip and nodded. “Good.”

Nick’s free hand found your tummy, pressing it flat against your stomach and slid down painfully slow between your legs. Your breath caught in your throat at the anticipation of his touch. He tenderly spread your legs further apart before using his fingers to spread your lips apart, baring you open so that the jet stream of water could land precisely where it was needed.

“Now sweetheart,” He began. “You were so good for me. You did as I asked, you used your words, you asked for permission.” He lowered the shower head into the water, and you felt the jet stream hit your thigh. It was stronger than you expected and suddenly both fear and excitement pooled in your core. “I want you to know that this is a reward. This is what good girls get. Do you understand?”

Your cheeks grew warm, and your breath hitched in your throat at his words. Before you had time to properly prepare, the strong pressure of the stream pummeled into your sensitive nub. You let out a loud squeak as intense pleasure coarsed your body and down your limbs.

“Baby. I asked you a question. Do you understand that I’m allowing you to feel this good? That this is a privilege?”

Your hands gripped his thighs at each side of you and nodded your head enthusiastically, “Yes sir, I do.” You barely got your words out past your heavy breathing.

He smiled against your neck, “That’s my girl. My best girl. Now what do you say?”

Your heart flooded with lovey pride and your brain filled with nothing but him. He encompassed your very being, every cell of your composition belonged to him. “Thank you.” Your head fell back on his shoulder as he brought the shower head closer to your cunt, only intensifying the pressure. “Thank you, thank you.” You repeated like a prayer.

“God, I can’t wait to fill that pretty pussy up with my cock.” The end of his words resembled something like a growl.

His evident need for you went straight to your stomach, helping to weave a knot that was ready to snap. You were surprised you’d lasted this long since this was easily one of the best feeling you’d ever felt. Knowing that something as convenient as a shower head held so much power was dangerous, especially now that you associated it directly with him.

The jet propulsion on your clit was deliciously brutal, each wave hitting you harder than the last as your sensitivity increased. Your legs began to tremble from the sheer amount of pleasure building up in your body begging for release. “Nicky.” You heaved out while your fingers dug into his thighs. “I can’t hold it, please.” Your request drenched in utter desperation. “Please let me cum, I need to cum baby please.”

Nicholas hummed at the request, mulling it over in his head. If this were any other day, under any other circumstances, he’d string out your orgasm as far as he wanted, but it was a day of relaxation after all.

“Go ahead,” He whispered, bringing the shower head just a tiny bit closer to nudge you over the edge. “Cum for me, will you? And don’t fight it okay? I wanna hear you.”

And with that, another orgasm blinded you, this one ripping through you more violently than the last. Your entire body was in sparking, euphoric bliss. Curses, screams and moans poured from your throat, all laced with his name.

“Oh, that’s it princess, let it all out for me.”

And you did just that. He kept the stream on your bud through your high and somewhere between his grainy voice talking you through and your overstimulation, another wave of pleasure washed over you. Your throat grew sore from your incessant noises that now probably sounded like gibberish sprinkled with his name.

He slowly drew the metal shower head away from your core to carefully lull you from your high. You were nothing but a heaving, shakey, fucked out mess in his grasp.

“Good job baby.” He pressed a kiss to the side of your head. “You did so good for me.”

A lazy smile spread across your lips and nodded slightly. His warmth was the only thing tethering you to reality.

He let you recover from your orgasms before moving on. His hands found your hips once more and pressed you against him. You felt his own arousal thick and hard against your lower back and it reminded you of the ache between your legs that only he could fill.

“You wanna turn around for me baby?”

While you felt like utter mush in his hands, his offer sparked the potential of having him inside you, and that was something you didn’t plan to pass up on. You nodded and shifted around in the water, letting the liquid slosh around tub even spilling out a bit unintentionally. “Oops.” You giggled.

“Hi angel.” He says softly with a crooked smile painted across his lips the second his eyes meet yours. Sure, he held the reigns in the bedroom and most other areas of your relationship, but it was no secret that you were the one with complete control over him. You made him weak in ways he never imagined being, he would give you anything you wanted if you just batted your lashes at him. He was putty in your hands, and he loved it.

He looked so beautiful, and you suddenly felt scammed knowing that you had your back to him looking like that the whole time. His raven hair had fallen from the makeshift bun from the couch and was now splayed over his shoulders, the ends now damp and pointy. You couldn’t wait one more second without his lips on yours, so you scooped up his face in both hands and met his lips with yours. You broke the kiss to press your forehead against his, wanting to engulf yourself fully in his stormy eyes. “I love you.” You whispered.

“I love you too.” He replied matching your whisper. His hands found your hips again, pulling you towards him – not out of desire to intensify the moment, but simply to have you closer. “God, I love you more than anything.”

Peachy pink dusted your cheeks and the smile that his words brought to your lips was embarrassingly wide. You shied away from him and shook your head, “You’re being silly.” Out of all the grand things in his life, you were sure that you were the least exciting or interesting part.

His hand trailed warm water up your arm to pick up your chin, “I’d never joke about that.” His thumb grazed over your cheekbone, cupping your cheek. “I’m so grateful for the patience you’ve given me, given us. You might be the best thing to ever stumble into my life.”

Every atom in your body begged to mesh with him. It only took one exchanged look between you two for your bodies to rearrange so you could sit on his lap. Your lips collided, followed by a messy display of clashing teeth and hungry tongues. Your passion was fueled only by the blind love you had for him and your desire to prove that his love for you was warranted. Your fingers tangled into the base of his dark hair, tugging at it slightly needing every bit of him entwined with your very molecules. He kept one hand on your hip while the other held tangled in your own wet hair.

As much as you wanted to keep telling him how much you loved him, you couldn’t bear to break away from him even for a second. If you couldn’t tell him, you’d show him.

You rutted your hips up his thighs until you felt the base of his member rest against your bare cunt. He let a groan out into the kiss at the feeling of you against him. One of your hands fell from his hair to his length, your fingers instinctually molded around the silky soft flesh. It never ceased to impress you at just how big he was and no matter how many times you’d had him it never eased the ache of taking him.

His sizeable cock was decorated with bulging veins from the blood that coursed through him. Even though your fingers had grown to be expertly familiar with his anatomy, you still loved exploring him, tracing each vein with your fingertips. This earned you another grunt from somewhere deep in his chest and you pridefully smiled against the kiss.

You finally gave him what you knew he wanted, wrapping a hand around this girth and began palming him slowly. His member had a delicious upward curve to it that helped to reach the deepest and most sensitive part of you. Your mouth was watering at just the feeling of him in your hand – in that moment you could’ve sworn that you would do absolutely anything to have it inside you. It was not a want, but a carnal need.

He finally had enough and pulled from the kiss, “Baby, please.” He breathed out against your lips, his love drunk eyes heavy with lust as he looked up at you. “I need your pussy.” His chest rose and fell in time with yours, needing you just as badly as you needed him.

You nodded quickly against him before lifting yourself up enough to hover over him. Regardless of how much you wanted it, you still had to mentally prepare yourself for the initial pain. Nick helped align himself with your entrance while keeping a supportive hand on your hip bone. You exhaled a deep breath.

Sensing your hesitation, he gave your hip a small squeeze, “You can take it baby, just go nice and slow. We have all the time in the world.” He reassured you, letting you set the pace.

You nodded and carefully began to sink down on him. A hiss escaped your mouth at the way his width stretched you open. Your hand fell to his shoulder for support as you struggled to pull yourself further down.

Nicholas’ eyes couldn’t soak you up enough, he was mesmerized at the sight of you. He wished he could burn it into his brain. “God, you look so fucking pretty taking my cock.”

His compliment only made you more determined to push past the pain and discomfort. When you felt your cervix land on his tip you knew that was as far as you could take him. While you couldn’t reach his base fully, you were still surprised and proud of yourself for being able to take so much of him in that position.

He let out a low groan at the feeling of your cunt tightly enveloping his cock. “You feel so fucking good.”

You expelled a breath then swirled your hips with him still deep inside you. The goal was to adjust to his size before riding him. The stretch burned but you knew it’d sweeten once you started moving.

The way he gazed up at you made you weak and your body gave into him, falling into the crook of his neck. You began placing open mouth kisses on his tattooed throat while your hips started swiveling on him. Light, airy moans tumbled from you lips and onto his neck. His hands gripped your hips tighter, letting out a grunt from somewhere deep in his chest.

“Fuck,” He groaned, letting his head fall back into the ledge of the tub. “I need you to move baby, I need more.”

You nodded quickly, needing it just as badly. Your hands slipped off him to stabilize yourself on the porcelain ledge. It gave you enough balance to raise your hips up almost fully, before dropping them where he filled you the fullest.

“That’s it, you’re doing so good.” He groaned out, his eyes droopy and drunken by only his love for you.

The praise helped motivate you to keep going even though the stretch burned. But you got to control the pace and the depth you could handle – although part of you wished he did have control so that he would forego any hindrances and use you up fully.

You gained momentum on him, bouncing up and down on his cock. Water splashed everywhere, over the ledge and all over the floor but that was the furthest thing on your mind. The room was filled with moans, grunts and cursed from both of you. You felt the knot beginning to form in your tummy as did he. But his surprises weren’t done yet.

He reached over to where he’d placed the shower head, easily flipping it on to the previous setting. Your eyes rounded as he began to lower it towards the water and you shook your head vigorously. “No, no, no.” You cried. “I won’t last, please, no.”

His other hand drifted down your spine with a feather light touch. “Well, that’s the point sweetheart.” He hummed. “Don’t you wanna cum again for me baby?” He questioned patronizingly. You knew that tone and you knew it meant it wouldn’t be as easy as he was eluding.

He continued his actions and aimed the powerful stream of water directly at your clit. A jolt of pure electricity zipped up your spine and down your thighs. Your entire body shuddered at the sudden and intense sensation. Your fingertips curled into his skin, surely branding claw marks into his flesh. “God, fuck.” You exclaimed loudly, barely able to move.

“Now, baby, remember that cumming is a privilege remember? I could very well leave you all worked up with your pretty pussy clenching around nothing if you misbehave.” He warned. “Do you understand?”

You nodded quickly, slipping your tongue between your lips. But that of course wasn’t enough for him.

His hand tightened on your hip and brought the shower head a bit closer to heighten the sensation. “I believe I asked you a question darling.” His voice deep and raspier than normal. “Do you understand? You know I need to hear it.”

“Yes,” You shuddered out. “Yes, sir. I understand.” You couldn’t seem to catch your breath, the air in your lungs completely vacant. Your heart thumped so hard against your ribcage you thought it might shatter and burst in front of him and splinter his own chest.

“Good girl.” He praised. “Now, I don’t remember telling you that you could stop moving.”

You whined in near agony, squeezing your eyes shut and slowly beginning your movements again. “Fuck.” You lulled your head back, buzzing pleasure spreading through every bit of you.

“Faster.” He commanded. “Or I’m gonna make this very unpleasant for you.”

His sweetness was long gone and replaced by the Nick you had grown very familiar with. You’d never guess by his normal relaxed and reserved demeanor that he’d have this overwhelming dominance in bed, but you loved it. It was as though something in him would take over, like he’d try to fight it to stay sweet and romantic, but it rarely lost the fight. It was thrilling to watch his internal battle; you’d seen it so often that you had memorized the shift in his eyes and subtle change in his cadence.

You rarely chose to challenge his threats and today was no different, So, you began lifting and dropping your hips against his lap, taking in fully – or as much as you could anyway. His free hand slithered up your side to cup your breast, kneading the plump flesh in his grasp. His stare couldn’t seem to stay on any solid one part of you, darting from your tits bouncing as you moved, to your face contorting with the overwhelming pleasures you were experiencing, to down where you were connecting with him. He looked at you the way people look at monuments or ancient architecture. He didn’t care about a single other wonder in the world because he was convinced you were the only one in existence. You were an art museum to him, every single installation he could study for hours and never grow bored of your beauty and the delicate nature of your soul. He was utterly infatuated with and devoted to you.

It became difficult to continue riding him without getting sloppy from another orgasm building quickly in your stomach. Your clit was buzzing and threatening to tip you over the edge at any moment. The way he filled you up only made it worse – being full of him made the time without him even more empty. You’d never had someone fill you up so much, he made it hard to even clench around him. It was an incredible experience and one that would make having anyone else subpar. He had set the bar so high that it made it impossible for anyone else to measure up to him. If he ever decided he’d had enough of you, you’d spend the rest of your days seeking bits of him in anyone you ever let touch you. He’d certainly haunt you worse than phantom ever could.

Thankfully, from the way his cock throbbed and bounced inside you, told you that he was getting close too. Your heart thumped so hard in your throat that you questioned if you’d even be able to speak.

“I-I’m close.” You whimpered out. “Can I cum?”

He tsked at the request. “Now baby, I taught you better that. You’re forgetting my favorite word. Try again.”

Your palms dug into his chest at his rebuttal. “Fuck.” You closed your eyes attempting to stave off your orgasm. “Fuck, please.” You begged. “God, fuck, please, I need to cum. Please can I cum?”

“Hm.” He feigned a thought. “No, not yet. Hold it.”

You shook your head vigorously, “No, no, no, please I can’t. I won’t make it, I’m so close. I don’t know if I’ll be able to stop it.”

“You can and you will.” He said simply. “And if you don’t, you don’t wanna know how much you’ll regret it.”

His face was serious, but you could tell that the excitement was growing in his belly too. You swore that he thrived over your desperation, he loved seeing you squirm and bringing to the edge of your limits. It was sadistic the way he was fueled by your anguish. You don’t know if you��d ever admit it, but you enjoyed being commanded and used like a plaything. Being at his mercy was a thrill you loved chasing, especially knowing he’d always catch you.

You scrunched your eyes closed and bore down on your teeth holding on to the tattered thread left holding you on to your sanity. “Fuck.” You breathed out. It was almost painful how your sensitive nub throbbed beneath the powerful stream of water and how tight the knot in your tummy had grown. His tip assaulting your cervix intensified everything and overbearing pleasure was looming merely seconds way from shattering your resolve. “Fuck, fuck.” You whined. “Fuck, please, please let me cum, I need it so bad. Please I don’t want to disobey you but I’m so close, I need to cum, please – fuck, I can’t hold it, fuck fuck, please can I cum?” Your pathetic groveling was a pitiful display, but it was one that Nicholas could barely handle himself. He could get off from the hymns of your desperation alone.

“Fuck I love when you sound like that.” He groaned. “Fine baby, cum all over my fucking cock.” If he hadn’t been so close himself, he surely would’ve stretched out the torture.

As if you needed anymore help, he brought the shower head even closer. The heightened sensation instantly blinded you, causing your entire body shudder as sparking euphoria bloomed from your core. This orgasm was more powerful than the others due to the delayed pleasure and his length hitting your sensitive spot directly. The moans and curses that left your mouth were vulgar and smeared with the unholy devotion you had for him. Every cell in your body belonged to him just as he demanded it.

Your walls tightly clenching around him was his tipping point. “God, you look so fucking good with my cock so deep inside you.” He growled, gripping your hip hard enough to leave bruises behind. “Fuck baby you’re gonna make me cum.”

You were too lost in your own bliss to really hear what he said until you felt his length twitch inside you followed by his warm seed filling your core. If you weren’t so overspent, the feeling alone could’ve sent you into another orgasm – but seeing as you were still working through your own, you weren’t that concerned about it.

As you both came floating down from your highs, he flipped off the shower head and set it to the side ledge. You had fallen on his chest while your heaving chests rose and fell in time with each other’s. His fingertips raked through the slightly damp hair of your scalp. You purred and smiled at the affection gesture.

He grinned at the reaction, “I love you.” His buttery words fell from his lips in a tone just above a whisper.

Nick would never admit it, but he was extremely talented at almost anything he ever picked up. If he gave it a good honest try, it wouldn’t take long for it to become second nature. He never imagined that there would be anything in the world that would come easier than a graphite pencil or tattoo gun or almost any instrument he picked up. He knew his tattoo gun and his favorite guitar like the back of his hand and while he’d never fully believe it, he already knew you that way too. As with everything else, just because he was a master-of-all didn’t mean there were never any bumps or challenges or hardships – pencils snap, tattoo guns malfunction, and sometimes strings don’t want to tune just how you want them - above all else, Nicholas knew that the most. He knew the best things in life were never easy, but that never stopped him before and it certainly wasn’t going to stop him now.

“I love you too.” You muttered sleepily into the crook of his neck.

The satisfaction of inking a particularly difficult design or mastering a challenging new riff could never compare to the feeling he got from hearing you say those words.

“C’mon, let’s get you dry and warm.” He gently patted your hip and you nodded, using every bit of strength in your body to sit yourself upright.

Nicholas was incredible in his element. It’s one thing to be able to take control sexually, but it’s a whole other thing to be able take gentle control outside of that – and he did, effortlessly. He carefully pulled you off him and got you standing on your feet. He only allowed the air conditioning to dance on your skin for a millisecond before he wrapped a big fluffy towel around you. You tugged the terrycloth fabric so tight against your skin that you were sure you’d have imprints of the threads embedding into your skin. When you lifted your leg over the porcelain, you felt the familiar ache between your thighs that always came from loving him. It wasn’t the worst you’d felt, since you had set the pace, but the water supplied no lubrication, and you were definitely feeling the repercussions.

Nick wrapped a towel around his waist and unplugged the bath drain. When he finally made his way back over to you. When you were both barefoot it really emphasized just how much he actually towered over you. The water droplets glistening across his tan, inked skin made him look like a work of art. Your eyes traced his collarbones and landed on the thorny pendent you were fidgeting with before.

“Oh yeah, before I forget.” You didn’t realize what he was doing until he pulled the necklace from neck and gently draped it over your head. It landed way longer on your chest but it didn’t matter. Your fingers found the pendent and immediately rubbed it for comfort.

“I can’t take this.” You claimed, but the smile that had already made home on your face said otherwise.

He smiled and took your jaw into one hand and placed his other hand over yours covering the necklace. “I’ll always be with you now. If you miss me or get anxious just squeeze it, and I’ll be right there with you. Okay?”

Tears burned your eyes, but you were determined to keep it together, the last thing you wanted to do was cry in front of him naked and shivering. You nodded quickly, “Thank you.” You whispered, hiding a sniffle.

“You’re welcome baby.” He said and placed a quick kiss to your forehead.

He gently grasped your shoulders giving them a little rub to warm you up before guiding you back into the bedroom. The edges of his lips dipped into a frown the second he noticed your limping.

“Oh baby, did I hurt you? I knew we should’ve gotten out of the bath-” He always began to panic ramble if he thought he might’ve hurt you or not taken care of you properly.

You giggled at his worrisome nature and placed a finger over his lips. “It’s okay, really.” You reassured and watched his anxiety disappear. “But it does hurt.” Your lips pulled together in a pout. “Fix it?”

A small smile pulled across his lips and he nodded knowing exactly what that meant.

The time after with Nicholas somehow always felt more intimate. He was driven to love you the best way he knew how, and you relished in the safety he wrapped you in. No matter how rough he got in bed, afterwards he always handled you like a freshly plucked gardenia. He was convinced that if he even grabbed you the wrong way you’d crumble. But he loved it, he was sure that if he was put on this earth to do one thing, it was to take care of you.

After applying some numbing cream where you ached the most and getting you into some fresh pajamas, you were finally exactly where you wanted to be. You were tucked right into Nick’s side, cozy under the covers, sharing a pint of pistachio ice cream while watching reruns of your favorite mutual comfort show.

You looked up at him when he laughed at something silly in the show and the glow from the tv illuminated his features beautifully through the darkness. In that moment, he gave you every bit of reassurance you needed to handle him being gone. You were his and he was yours, and as long as you loved him, he’s always come home to you if you let him.

He glanced down at you, catching you in your admiring stare. The edges of his lips pulled taut into a wide, toothy smile.

“Bob’s Burgers is over there you know.” He teased, tilting his head across the room.

You giggled and burrowed your face into his chest. “You’re much more entertaining.”

He chuckled in disbelief, “Am I?”

“Mhm.” You hummed, getting sleepy the second your head touched his chest.

He laughed softly and precariously plucking the empty pint of pistachio from your dozing grasp to put on the bedside table. He pulled you closer to him and tugged the fluffy duvet higher to cover you both.

Before you let sleep envelope you, you felt his fingers tenderly massaging your scalp. “I love you.” He whispered.

“I love you too, Nicholas.” You hummed back lovingly, nuzzling into his chest.

Taglist; @neverknoah @lma1986 @baddestomens @deathblacksmoke @philomenie @blacksoul-27 @thcfountain

A/N; Thank you so much for reading, i hope you liked it, lmk if you did<3

[consult-sherlockholmes]

Hello, Mr. Holmes! How are you?

So, long story short, I ended up with an optical microscope in my room more or less 4 months ago, with 200 previously made slides (secured in a proper box), and lots of new ones too, for me to prepare myself. I love microbiology (it's one of my hyperfixations, curse my neurodivergency) and now I love it even more (my mother has had to drag me away from the microscope - I named it Wesley - in the middle of the night multiple times now).

After much conversation, I finally convinced my mom to buy me the proper equipment to prepare the slides!

So, I'm sending this ask to you, as I know you also have a microscope and that you use it a lot: what kind of equipment do you recommend me buying (gloves, scalpel blades, tints, etc), while still remembering that all of the stuff needs to stay in my room (properly taken cared of by me, of course)?

For example, I'm unsure if different dyes are used for different smears and specimens due to it's affinity (I've noticed that on 'organic matter' slides, images are usually tinted purple or pink, while on plant-based slides, images are usually tinted green and blue, with a few red structures.) Considering that I don't have access to a mortuary, I will mostly make plant slides. There must be a difference in the dyes then, right?

Sorry for the long text! Hope this isn't too much of a bother.

- a 17-year-old :)

Congratulations on your new light microscope. I do hope you get the best out of it. I am overjoyed that someone else appreciates the art of microscopy and microbiology.

However, you need to be careful to not strain your eyes. It is recommended to take breaks every 15 minutes to close your eyes or focus on something in the distance to reaccommodate your eyes. And get up every 40 minutes, stretch and correct your posture. And it is recommended to not use a microscope more than 5 hours per day. John has to chase me away from my microscope sometimes to take a break when I sit there for hours, my posture like a Caridea.

Concerning equipment, you will obviously need a scalpel or other sharp blade to make very thin slices of your specimen, as thin as possible. And forceps to move your samples (best just get a whole dissection kit it has everything). Obviously slides and coverslips, pipettes for the stains or water, maybe some tubes. A pen to label your slides. In many staining procedures ethanol or acetone is also used. A waste jar to safely dispose of any chemicals, but be careful what you mix. A rack for staining and containers. I would recommend nitrile gloves, some people are sensitive to latex.

The dyes you use depend on the specimen. For example in histological slides of tissues hematoxylin and eosin are most commonly used (short HE-stain). That's what you most likely saw on your slides, it's blue, purple and pink. Hematoxylin is a basic compound extracted and oxidised from the logwood tree (Haematoxylum campechianum), and it stains acidic compounds in the cells (or basophilic because they have an affinity for basic substances). For example nucleic acids like DNA or RNA get stained by hematoxylin because they are basophillic. And where are lots of nucleic acids? In the nucleus and ribosomes, that is why they appear blue to purple in the staining because they bind hematoxylin. Eosin is an acidic compound, and stains basic or acidophilic compounds red or pinkish, like proteins, collagen, cytoplasm, extracellular matrix.

(Ductus epididymidis with HE-stain)

(Tongue HE-stain, pointer marking a ganglion; that is my picture)

Of course there are more specific stains for specific tissues like Golgi's silver staining for neurons.

For plants toluidine blue is often used, high affinity for acidic tissues, and can stain blue to green to purple. It is often combined with safranin, a basic azine, which is probably the red stain you saw. It stains polysaccharides and lignin, woody parts of the plant. Safranin and astrablue is also often combined, astrablue stains non-lignified parts of the plant.

(Ulex europaeus stem; not my pictures I don't have any samples currently, source Atlas of plant and animal histology)

Safranin is also used in bacteriology, in the famous Gram staining. In Gram staining you use crystal violet (blue/purple), Lugol's iodine solution, then wash it with ethanol and add safranin (red) as a counter stain. Bacteria is gram-positive if the crystal violet stays in their thick murein cell wall, can't be washed out with the ethanol and the bacteria stays blue. Gram-negative appear red because of the counterstain.

(Staphyloccocus aureus (violet, gram positive) & Escherichia coli (red, gram negative); not my picture, source Wikipedia)

However, I am not sure whether you have access to any of those substances, if they are too expensive for you or if they are too hazardous if used in your own room for a prolongued time. Of course those substances need to be stored properly, and your own room is probably not a good place, especially for ethanol or acetone. The fumes. I would recommend to ask your biology or chemistry teacher whether they can recommend anything further and where to buy said solutions in your area, and if they can't they are idiots. There are also many useful resources and tutorials on Youtube.

Another fascinating experiment for your microscope, that you can perform without buying any chemicals, is a hay infusion. You put hay into a container filled with water, and let it sit undisturbed for a week in a sunny area but not in direct harsh sunlight. During that time the microorganisms in the hay are reproducing in the solution, feeding on the polysaccharides of the hay. Protozoans also flourish in the hay infusion and eat the bacteria. It might get cloudy and a bit foul smelling (best not do it in your own room if you don't want to sleep next to a rotting smell). When you put a drop of the solution onto a slide and look at it in the microscope, you should see a variety of microorganisms like bacteria (like Bacillus subtilis), amoeba, ciliates, heliozoa, algae et cetera. At different depths of the liquid you should find different kinds of organisms, because of differing oxygen content. However, pathogens can also occur in the hay infusion so handle it carefully and work sterile, wash your hands properly.

And even if you don't work at a morgue you can still get tissue samples to experiment on, after all meat is sold in supermarkets, basically the same as a human body. And at the butchers they even sell organs like chicken hearts, pig kidney, liver, blood et cetera. Or observe your own hair under the microscope.

Which kind of samples and slides were included in your starter kit? Be careful to not leave them lying around in the sunlight, or the stain might fade. Always store them in the proper box.

[randomquadballpun]

DAY 5 (attempt no 2)

"Bacteria please, Watson!"

Sherlock and Rosie were back in laboratory mode, goggles, gloves and coats donned, while John sat at his desk with a cup of tea and scrolled through the latest comments on his blog.

Over at the kitchen table, Sherlock held open one of the growth medium-filled Petri dishes and offered it to Rosie. With a tense expression that spoke of utmost concentration, Rosie dispensed a few droplets of bacteria solution in the middle of the plate with a pipette that looked like Sherlock had lifted it straight from one of the Barts laboratories. Knowing Sherlock that possibility was not even very unlikely.

Sherlock placed the dish down gently in front of himself on the table.

"Glass pipet please, Watson!"

He extended his empty hand and Rosie placed a disposable glass pipet in there, just as demanded.

With practised movements, Sherlock held the glass tube by one end and stuck the thinner side into the hottest part of the flame until it glowed red hot and began to droop under its own weight. Once it was bent at a 90° angle he repeated the process with the very tip of the thin glass before holding it away from the flame with a flourish until it stopped glowing.

"Next you can cool it down to bacteria-safe temperatures by pressing it gently against the growth medium, but be careful to avoid the actual bacteria until you are sure it is all cooled down!", he narrated as he lowered the bend pipet tip to the petri dish were it indeed cooled down with a quiet sizzle. "And then you can spread the E.coli with gentle, circular movements, just don't press down too hard or you are going to slice up the agar." He demonstrated the procedure with his customary level of grace and finished by closing up the plate, turning it upside down and handing it off to Rosie.

"Into the incubator please, Watson." She carried it off reverently as if she had been handed a great treasure and not just a small plastic plate containing some glorified gut bacteria.

While Sherlock started cleaning up the workspace, his eyes wandered over to John for the first time in a while. His light gaze immediately spotted the cup in his hands.

"Tea, John?"

John crossed his arms in mock protest. "What? I don't get watsoned around?"

Sherlock stared at him in genuine bafflement while peeling off his gloves and chucking them into the bin underneath the sink. "No, why? Watson is Watson, you are my John!" He gave Rosie an exaggerated wink overtop Johns head before returning to the topic at hand. "Tea please, John?"

At least he had the decency to make it sound more like a request than a demand. But John had come prepared. He picked up one of the two extra cups that he had brewed before and pressed it into the other mans waiting hand as soon as he was done cleaning up at the sink.

"Here you go, my Holmes!"

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

Troubleshooting, part 4/?

-> I have started uploading the first finished chapter on ao3 as well (so attempt no 1), so if you prefer to read it over there, just click here!

-> The next snippet can be found here!

-> Start reading right at DAY 0 or read the previous part here.

[materialsscienceandengineering]

Sharps Safety

Needles, glass pipettes, and razors are all considered 'sharps' in the laboratory, and precaution must be taken when working with these and other sharp materials. In addition to the physical hazards, sharps (particularly needles, though less common in materials science labs) can also present biological hazards. Precautions include proper storage of such devices as well as proper disposal, which most organizations have as a separate waste stream. The main safety precaution, however, is simple: eliminate the use of them in the lab whenever possible. For needles specifically, guidelines often prohibit recapping or have specific procedures if recapping is necessary.

Sources/Further Reading: (Image source - Princeton) (Vanderbilt University) (University of Washington) (ACS)

[fracktastic]

Did I smuggle back a lil' disposable pipette of water from the fountain at SFU to use in nerdy paintings?

That's a silly question.

[e-kamski-cyberlifeceo]

Trick or treat?

Non sterilized disposable pipette

[theineated]

Okay so I'm watching Sweet Tooth and I'm beginning to think people should hire science consultants.

Who thought making a pandemic-based show without paying attention to basic lab techniques was a good idea??

You don't put the white part of a pipette into the liquid. You're contaminating the liquid. You shouldn't even submerge the whole disposable tip!! For a more accurate measurement you should submerge it just enough for it to suction properly.

DO NOT PUT FULL PIPETTES UPSIDE DOWN. He just ruined a good pipette. All the liquid went into its inner mechanisms and it won't work properly now.

They aren't the only offences but they're the most visually jarring ones (for now).

Those are basic lab techniques. Someone in 1st year of lab-oriented studies would know that. I would expect a series with science as one of its core plot points to know it as well

[health-views-updates]

Global Medical Supplies and Labware Market Historical Growth (2024-2032), Future Outlook, Demand Analysis and Opportunity Evaluation

The global medical supplies and labware market is set to witness impressive growth over the next decade, with its value projected to rise from USD 143.48 billion in 2023 to USD 291.68 billion by 2032, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.23% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2032. This surge reflects the increasing demand for high-quality medical devices, equipment, and labware as the healthcare and biotechnology sectors continue to expand globally.

Medical supplies and labware encompass a wide range of products essential for medical diagnostics, treatment, and research. These include surgical instruments, disposables, diagnostic devices, personal protective equipment (PPE), and laboratory equipment used in research, diagnostics, and therapeutic procedures. The growing need for advanced healthcare systems, coupled with the continuous expansion of diagnostic and research activities, is driving demand in this market.

Key Drivers of Market Growth

Rising Healthcare Expenditure: With increasing investments in healthcare infrastructure across the globe, particularly in emerging markets, the demand for medical supplies and labware is set to grow substantially. Governments and private organizations are ramping up spending to improve healthcare accessibility, expand hospital networks, and modernize medical facilities. This, in turn, is driving the demand for high-quality medical supplies and labware products.

Growing Focus on Disease Prevention and Diagnostics: The rising incidence of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders, along with the growing importance of early diagnosis and preventive care, is fueling the demand for medical devices, diagnostic equipment, and laboratory tools. Medical supplies like test kits, syringes, gloves, and PPE have become indispensable, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, where global healthcare systems have realized the importance of preparedness.

Biotechnology and Research Expansion: The accelerating pace of innovation in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and life sciences research is contributing significantly to the market’s growth. With the growing demand for research on cell and gene therapy, immunotherapies, and personalized medicine, labware like pipettes, petri dishes, test tubes, and reagents are witnessing an uptick in demand. This trend is set to continue as research institutions and biopharmaceutical companies invest in new technologies and equipment to enhance research capabilities.

Technological Advancements: The development of advanced medical devices and labware products, particularly in areas such as diagnostics and minimally invasive procedures, is another critical factor driving market expansion. Innovations such as point-of-care (POC) diagnostics, wearable devices, and automation in laboratories have created new opportunities for market growth. These advancements enhance accuracy, speed, and ease of use, making healthcare delivery more efficient.

Aging Population and Demand for Home Healthcare: The growing aging population worldwide is expected to significantly contribute to the increased demand for medical supplies and labware. Older individuals are more prone to chronic diseases and require regular monitoring, diagnostics, and treatment. Additionally, the rise of home healthcare solutions has created a demand for portable diagnostic devices, self-care medical supplies, and telemedicine technologies, further driving market growth.

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Challenges and Opportunities

While the medical supplies and labware market is on a strong growth trajectory, challenges such as the high cost of advanced medical devices, stringent regulatory requirements, and supply chain disruptions could act as barriers. However, the shift toward automation and the rising adoption of digital healthcare solutions present opportunities for players to innovate and expand.

Moreover, sustainability is becoming a key focus within the healthcare sector, with increasing emphasis on the development of eco-friendly and recyclable medical products. Manufacturers are also exploring ways to enhance product quality while reducing costs, providing opportunities for technological advancements and material innovations.

Regional Insights

North America remains the largest market for medical supplies and labware, driven by the presence of major medical device manufacturers, well-established healthcare infrastructure, and high research activity. Europe follows closely, with increasing healthcare investments and growing biotech industries in countries like Germany, France, and the UK.

However, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period. This is attributed to the rapid expansion of healthcare infrastructure, rising healthcare expenditures, and growing demand for medical devices in countries such as China, India, and Japan. The region’s strong emphasis on biotechnology and life sciences research also adds to the growth momentum.

Future Outlook

The global medical supplies and labware market is set to experience sustained growth over the next decade, driven by increasing healthcare needs, technological innovations, and expanding research capabilities. With a CAGR of 8.23% from 2024 to 2032, the market is expected to reach a staggering USD 291.68 billion by 2032, reflecting its vital role in advancing global healthcare and life sciences.

In conclusion, the medical supplies and labware market will continue to grow as healthcare systems evolve and innovate, making it an essential component of the future of medical diagnostics, research, and treatment.

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Training Lab Personnel on the Proper Use of Liquid Handling Instruments

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

Importance of Proper Technique

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

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

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

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

Key Training Areas

Instrument Selection:

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

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

Calibration and Maintenance:

Regular pipette calibration ensures accurate dispensing.

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

Pipetting Techniques:

Demonstrate correct pipetting techniques, including:

Plunger pressure and speed

Tip immersion depth

Avoiding air bubbles

Proper tip disposal

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

Dispenser Usage:

Explain the proper operation of dispensers, including:

Setting the desired volume

Filling the reservoir

Dispensing the liquid

Cleaning and maintenance

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

Burette Handling:

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

Teach proper filling, reading, and draining techniques.

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

Troubleshooting and Error Correction:

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

Teach troubleshooting techniques to identify and resolve problems effectively. 

Training Methods

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

Demonstrations: Provide clear demonstrations of proper techniques.

Role-Playing: Simulate laboratory scenarios to reinforce learning.

Quizzes and Assessments: Evaluate trainees' understanding and competency.

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

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

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Shuimu Biosciences Lead Edge Cryo-EM Services

Hang ten, science surfers! Shuimu Biosciences is riding the gnarliest wave in the structural biology ocean with their lead-edge cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM)services. Let's dive into this tubular world where molecules freeze and discoveries sizzle!

Catching the Perfect Molecular Wave

Remember when studying proteins was like trying to snap a photo of a dolphin mid-flip with a disposable camera? Those days are as ancient as flip phones. Shuimu's cryo-EM services are the scientific equivalent of a high-speed, underwater camera with x-ray vision.

By flash-freezing biological samples faster than a teen's TikTok attention span, Shuimu's tech captures high-res images of biomolecules in action. It's like catching molecules doing the molecular mambo, but without the embarrassing dance moves.

Why Shuimu's Services Are Making Scientists Shred the Gnar

Resolution Sharper Than a Shark's Tooth

Shuimu's cryo-EM offers detail so fine, you could count the atoms on a protein's surfboard. We're talking about seeing the molecular equivalent of a grain of sand on Bondi Beach... from the International Space Station.

Speed That'd Make Quicksilver Jealous

In the world of structural biology, Shuimu Biosciences moves faster than gossip at a scientific conference. Their high-throughput screening is churning out data quicker than you can say "Nobel Prize, please."

User-Friendly? It's Like the Labrador of Lab Equipment

Shuimu's interfaces are so intuitive, even your technophobe colleague who still uses a pager could navigate them. It's cutting-edge science with the approachability of a beach volleyball game.

Riding the Wave of Real-World Impact

Shuimu's cryo-EM services aren't just for making cool screensavers of rotating proteins (though they totally could). They're revolutionizing:

Drug Discovery: Helping pharma companies find molecular targets faster than a lifeguard spots a swimmer in distress. It's turning drug design into an extreme sport.

Structural Biology: Unraveling protein structures quicker than a pro surfer unzips their wetsuit. It's like speed dating, but for molecules.

Vaccine Development: Accelerating our understanding of pathogens faster than you can say "global immunity." It's surfing the pandemic wave and looking good doing it.

The Shuimu Advantage: Why Researchers Are Lining Up Like It's the Pipeline on North Shore

In a scientific landscape more crowded than Waikiki on a summer day, Shuimu Biosciences is the perfect wave everyone's trying to catch. Their innovation game is stronger than a pro surfer's core, and their results are more reliable than the tides.

As Dr. Pipette McFreeze, a leading biochemist, puts it: "Shuimu's cryo-EM services aren't just riding the wave of innovation; they're creating a whole new ocean of possibilities!"

Conclusion: The Future of Research is So Bright, You Gotta Wear Cryo-Goggles (And Sunscreen)

In the world of structural biology, Shuimu Biosciences isn't just offering services; they're providing an all-inclusive resort experience for your molecules. Their cryo-EM solutions are redefining how we approach, execute, and dazzle with molecular studies.

Whether you're a postdoc trying to make your first big splash or a seasoned professor with a trophy shelf full of awards, remember: when it comes to cryo-EM services, Shuimu Biosciences is the Kelly Slater of the molecular world.

Don't let your research wipe out on the shore of outdated methods. Join the cryo-revolution with Shuimu Biosciences and hang ten on the biggest wave in structural biology. After all, in the pipeline of cutting-edge research, wouldn't you rather be surfing a Shuimu tsunami than paddling in a kiddie pool?

Freeze convention, thaw innovation, and watch your discoveries make bigger waves than a cannonball in a quantum pool with Shuimu Biosciences. Because when it comes to seeing the unseeable and understanding the incomprehensible, Shuimu doesn't just ride the wave – they create the perfect swell for your scientific success!

Cowabunga, dudes and dudettes of science! It's time to grab your molecular surfboard and catch the Shuimu wave. The water's fine, the molecules are cool, and the discoveries are totally tubular!

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The Essential Guide to Biohazard Bags: Types, Uses, and Safety Practices

Introduction To Biohazard Bag

Biohazard Garbage Bags are a critical component in managing and disposing of potentially infectious and hazardous materials. These specially designed bags ensure that harmful biological substances are contained and safely handled to prevent contamination and the spread of disease. From hospitals and laboratories to research facilities and even certain industrial settings, biohazard bags play an essential role in maintaining health and safety standards. This guide will explore the types of biohazard bags, their uses, and best practices for safe handling and disposal.

Understanding Biohazard Bags

Biohazard bags are designed to contain materials that are contaminated with potentially infectious agents, such as blood, bodily fluids, microbiological wastes, and other biomedical wastes. These bags are typically made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and are marked with the universal biohazard symbol. The bright red or orange color of most biohazard bags makes them easily recognizable and ensures that they are handled with appropriate caution.

Types of Biohazard Bags

1. Infectious Waste Bags

Description: Infectious waste bags are designed to hold materials that may contain pathogens that can cause disease in humans. These include items such as used surgical gloves, dressings, gauze, and other materials that have been in contact with bodily fluids.

Usage: These bags are widely used in hospitals, clinics, and laboratories where there is a risk of contamination. The contents are typically sterilized through autoclaving before disposal to ensure that any infectious agents are destroyed.

2. Sharps Containers

Description: While not a bag in the traditional sense, sharps containers are a crucial type of biohazard containment. They are rigid, puncture-resistant containers used for disposing of needles, scalpels, and other sharp instruments that could cause injury and spread infection.

Usage: Sharps containers are commonly found in medical facilities, laboratories, and places where injections or blood draws occur. Once filled, they are securely sealed and disposed of according to hazardous waste regulations.

3. Pathological Waste Bags

Description: Pathological waste bags are used for the disposal of human tissues, organs, and other anatomical parts that may pose a health risk. These bags are typically thicker and more durable to handle the weight and contents.

Usage: These bags are primarily used in surgical settings, morgues, and pathology labs. Like infectious Biohazard Waste Bags, the contents are often subjected to specialized disposal methods such as incineration.

4. Chemical Hazard Bags

Description: Chemical hazard bags are designed to contain waste contaminated with hazardous chemicals, including those used in research or industrial processes.

Usage: These bags are utilized in laboratories, industrial settings, and places where hazardous chemicals are used. They are often resistant to the chemicals they are designed to contain, preventing leaks and contamination.

Uses of Biohazard Bags

Biohazard bags serve a vital function across various industries. Here are some of the primary uses:

1. Medical Facilities

In hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings, biohazard bags are essential for disposing of medical waste that could be contaminated with infectious agents. This includes used gloves, bandages, and other materials that have come into contact with blood or bodily fluids. Proper use of biohazard bags helps prevent the spread of infections within the facility and protects healthcare workers, patients, and visitors.

2. Laboratories

Research and diagnostic laboratories generate a significant amount of biohazardous waste, including used petri dishes, cultures, and contaminated pipettes. Red Biohazard Bags ensure that this waste is contained and disposed of safely, reducing the risk of laboratory-acquired infections and environmental contamination.

3. Veterinary Clinics

Just like human healthcare facilities, veterinary clinics also produce biohazardous waste. Items such as used surgical instruments, syringes, and contaminated animal tissues are disposed of in biohazard bags to protect both the clinic staff and the animals from potential cross-contamination.

4. Industrial and Research Facilities

Some industrial and research facilities generate biohazardous waste as part of their processes. This might include waste from biotechnology research, pharmaceutical manufacturing, or chemical production. Biohazard bags in these settings are used to contain and safely dispose of waste that could pose a biological risk.

Safety Practices for Handling Biohazard Bags

1. Proper Segregation of Waste

It’s crucial to segregate biohazardous waste from general waste at the point of generation. Different types of waste should be placed in the appropriate biohazard bags or containers to avoid cross-contamination and to ensure that each type of waste is treated and disposed of correctly.

2. Correct Labeling

All biohazard bags should be clearly labeled with the biohazard symbol and any other relevant information, such as the type of waste or the date of disposal. This helps ensure that the waste is handled correctly throughout the disposal process.

3. Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Anyone handling biohazard bags should wear appropriate PPE, including gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection. This minimizes the risk of exposure to infectious agents or hazardous chemicals.

4. Avoid Overfilling Bags

Biohazard bags should never be overfilled, as this increases the risk of spills or punctures. Bags should be sealed securely when they are about three-quarters full and then placed in the appropriate waste container for disposal.

5. Safe Disposal

The disposal of biohazard bags must comply with local, state, and federal regulations. This often involves incineration, autoclaving, or chemical treatment to neutralize the hazardous materials before the waste is sent to a landfill or other disposal site.

Conclusion

Biohazard bags are an essential tool in managing and disposing of hazardous waste in medical, laboratory, industrial, and other settings. By understanding the different types of biohazard bags, their uses, and the safety practices involved in handling them, organizations can maintain a safe environment for their employees, patients, and the public. Proper use of biohazard bags is not just a regulatory requirement but a critical aspect of public health and safety.

FAQS

1. What materials are biohazard bags typically made from, and why?

Biohazard bags are usually made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or low-density polyethylene (LDPE). These materials are chosen for their durability, resistance to punctures, and ability to contain potentially infectious or hazardous materials securely. The bags are designed to prevent leaks and withstand the handling and disposal processes while ensuring that contaminants do not escape.

2. What types of waste should be disposed of in biohazard bags?

Biohazard bags are used to dispose of waste contaminated with potentially infectious agents or hazardous materials. This includes items such as used gloves, dressings, blood-soaked materials, microbiological waste, sharps (in specific containers), human tissues, and any materials contaminated with bodily fluids. The specific type of biohazard bag used depends on the nature of the waste, whether it’s infectious, pathological, or chemical.

3. Are there regulations governing the disposal of biohazard bags?

Yes, the disposal of biohazard bags is regulated by local, state, and federal guidelines, including those from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These regulations dictate how biohazardous waste must be handled, labeled, transported, treated, and disposed of to ensure safety and environmental protection. Compliance with these regulations is essential to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and environmental contamination.

4. How should biohazard bags be labeled?

Biohazard bags must be clearly labeled with the universal biohazard symbol, which is typically printed on the bag in a contrasting color (often black on a red or orange background). Additionally, the bags should include information about the type of waste inside, the source of the waste (e.g., department or facility), and the date of disposal. Proper labeling helps ensure that the waste is handled, transported, and disposed of correctly.

5. What safety practices should be followed when handling biohazard bags?

When handling biohazard bags, it’s important to follow several safety practices to minimize the risk of exposure:

Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection.

2. Avoid overfilling the bags to prevent spills or punctures.

3. Seal the bags securely before disposal.

4. Ensure that waste is segregated correctly, with different types of hazardous waste placed in appropriate bags or containers.

5. Follow proper disposal procedures in compliance with regulatory guidelines, such as autoclaving, incineration, or chemical treatment.

[accumax]

Micropipette Guide 2024: Types, Applications and More

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

Types of Micropipettes

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

1. Number of Channels

Single Channel Micropipettes

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

Multi-Channel Micropipettes

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

2. Volume Adjustment

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

Variable Volume Micropipettes

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

3. Operating Mechanism

Mechanical Pipettes

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

Electronic Micropipettes

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

Components of Micropipette

Plunger

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

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

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

Volume Adjustment Dial

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

Tip Ejector

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

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

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

Applications of Micropipettes in Laboratory

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

Some common applications include:

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

How does a Micropipette work?

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

How to use a micropipette?

1. Start with choosing the right micropipette and micropipette tips

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

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

2. Attach the micropipette tip to the micropipette

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

3. Forward or Reverse Pipetting

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

Now for reverse pipetting

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

Calibration of Micropipettes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Record the final weight (W2) of the liquid.

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

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

Calculate the actual volume dispensed using the formula:

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

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

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

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

When is micropipette calibration required?

Micropipette calibration is typically required in the following situations:

Initial Use

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

Scheduled Calibration

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

After Maintenance or Repair

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

Change in Operating Conditions

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

Compliance Requirements

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

Where do we get the best micropipette for the lab?

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

Cleaning and Maintenance of Micropipettes

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

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

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

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

2. Internal Cleaning

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

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

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

Maintaining Micropipettes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Micropipette FAQs

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. How frequently should I recalibrate my micropipette?

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

5. How to adjust the volume of a micropipette?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. Can my micropipette handle different types of liquids?

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

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

[thebusinessmagnate]

Joerg Dreisewerd: Pioneering Operations and Expansions of World-Class Medical Equipment and Consumables at SARSTEDT in Brazil

The Business Magnate. Joerg Dreisewerd, Managing Director (Brazil) and Regional Manager (Latin America), SARSTEDT. A German-based medical equipment and consumables manufacturer and distributor, SARSTEDT manufactures cutting-edge and world-class equipment and consumables for the Medical or MedTech industries. Such manufacturing industries in the medical sector design different medical equipment and a diverse range of products for hospitals, research institutes, academic institutions, industrial facilities, and surgical environments. The manufactured products and equipment are used to diagnose, monitor, and treat diseases and other medical conditions. In this article, we will be shedding light on SARSTEDT’s first South American branch located in Brazil, and how its current Managing Director – Joerg Dreisewerd, initiated and is leading operations and expansions in Latin America. Through Joerg’s impactful strategies and implementations in achieving company goals and visions as well as pioneering operations in medical supplies in Brazil, the Managing Director has successfully positioned the firm as a global manufacturer and healthcare solutions supplier. 

SARSTEDT – Company Overview:

SARSTEDT Group – the medical equipment and consumables manufacturer and distributor, is a German-based company with its head office established in Nümbrecht, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The company was founded in 1961 by Walter Sarstedt who laid the foundation for this now renowned and globally recognized family business. SARSTEDT Group has over 15 production sites all across the globe in Europe, North America, South America, and Australia. The company opened its first Latin American branch in 1998 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, South America, and this expansion to Brazil was yet another successful milestone completed by the company in that year following Europe in 1971, the US in 1973, and Australia in 1991. The SARSTEDT Group, a healthcare industry leader in Brazil commenced its sales operations in what is now the world’s largest health market in in the Latin American country. 

SARSTEDT Products Manufactured and Distributed: 

The worldwide partner in Medicine and Science – SARSTEDT innovates the type of medical and laboratory products and other equipment, establishing a goal to move people forward. The company is one of the leading suppliers in the industry and develops, produces, and sells equipment and consumables to markets all around the globe. The various equipment and consumables manufactured are all state-of-the-art, technology-integrated, safe, high-quality, and high-performance products. SARSTEDT’s medical equipment in Brazil are categorized from Diagnostics (pre-analytical processes), Laboratory (solutions for molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, and more), and Clinic and Transfusion (clinical care), to Laboratory Automation (pre&post-analytical processes in clinical and microbiology areas). The various products developed and designed in each category will be mentioned below. 

Diagnostics – products for clinics, doctor’s offices, medical laboratories, and blood banks. Multi-safe Disposal Boxes and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Devices. Collecting, sampling, and storing material samples like saliva, blood, stool, and urine are also available in Sample Collection Systems/Products.

Laboratory – for applications in molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology. Following certified SARSTEDT quality standards like PCR Performance Tested, Biosphere ® plus, TC-Tested, and Cryo Performance Tested, the products manufactured and designed for clean room conditions and automated production processes are Reagent and Centrifuge Tubes, The Multiply ® PCR, Molecular Biology, Micro Screw Tubes and Reaction Vessels, Liquid Handling (transfer pipettes, serological pipettes, and pipette tips), Cell and Tissue Culture Products, General Laboratory Items, DNA-free Forensic Swabs, Stands, Storage Boxes, Air Samplers, Table Centrifuges with Swing-Out Motor, Mixing Systems/Devices. 

Clinic and Transfusion – for clinical care and transfusion product segments, the products designed in this category are Urine Drainage Measuring Systems/Products, Hygiene Utensils, Warming Devices of the SAHARA product group, Sterile Closing and Stripping Devices of Blood Bag Tubes. 

Laboratory Automation – for pre and post-analytical processes in clinical and microbiological laboratories in Sample Feeding, Sample Identification, Decapping of Samples, Aliquoting, Recapping, Sorting, Distributing, and Archiving. The products manufactured and designed are Tube Labelers, Tempus600 Sample Transport System, Compact Sorters, Modular Pre and Post-Analytical Systems/Products, and the S4DX System.

Joerg Dreisewerd – The Man Pioneering and Leading Brazil’s Operations:

Joerg Dreisewerd is the Managing Director at SARSTEDT Group’s Brazil operation branch and also Latin America’s Regional Manager. Joerg has a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of Applied Scinces for Business (FHDW) and was awarded best student in class during his MBA in Business Management from FGV – Fundação Getulio Vargas. The Managing Director started his career as Project Manager and later took on his current role at SARSTEDT Group Brazil in 2017. Joerg has worked in the healthcare industry for 15 years, and at SARSTEDT Group in Latin America oversaw a range of diverse responsibilities from company restructuring, turnarounds, and strategizing and implementing ESG actions in all three large, medium, and small businesses in the region. 

Initiating and leading SARSTEDT Group���s operations in Brazil, Joerg helped expand the the company’s position as a globally recognized manufacturer and distributor of hospital and laboratory equipment and consumables. By offering value-added products for customers, partners, and stakeholders of the management, Joerg envisions improving healthcare services and products regarding safety and quality. 

Joerg Dreisewerd’s Accolades from HarvardX:

Certification in “Improving Global health: Focusing on Quality and Safety”.

Certification in “LEAD1x: Exercising Leadership: Foundational Principles”. 

SARSTEDT Group’s Achievements Under Joerg Dreisewerd’s Leadership:

Joerg helped facilitate an organizational and cultural transformational transition of the Brazil branch from a centralized management to a modern governance structure. This led the company to be awarded the “Selo Paulista de Diversidade” in 2022 “Great Place to Work” in 2023 and 2024. 

The Managing Director helped the company position itself as medical solutions supplier withing the country’s main healthcare groups and for this SARSTEDT was awarded the “Top 3 Laboratory Supplier Hospital Albert Einstein Group” in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2023. 

The “Best Laboratory Supplier of Grupo Fleury” was also awarded from 2021 – 2023.

Awarded the “Premio ECO 2023” by the Amcham São Paulo – American chamber of commerce, for Joerg’s implementation of ESG strategies and actions that established SARSTEDT as a pioneer in a Circular economy Project for pre-analytical healthcare consumables called – Caixa Magica (Magic Box).

Visit More : https://thebusinessmagnate.com/joerg-dreisewerd-pioneering-operations-and-expansions-of-world-class-medical-equipment-and-consumables-at-sarstedt-in-brazil/

[multi-dimensional-turtles]

Chapter 1: Mutation Day

Link to ao3, where it will also be posted! (Due to rumors of bots scraping for Ai, only registered accounts are allowed to view)

Full chapter is underneath

It was already cold despite it being early fall. The nights were coming faster, the sun was already down for the night. Yoshi walked his usual path after another long day of work. He walked around a puddle, a car drove by, and a rat ran past his feet. It took him a while to get used to those, they are everywhere in New York. Nothing like Japan, how he missed it. When he had first bought tickets to America, it was only supposed to be for a week. He can never return home now.

He couldn’t afford to live in a nice neighborhood. The crime rates in the area were bad, but he was still safer here. The thugs here didn’t know how to fight.

He walked past a broken, barely boarded up window, an abandoned building that people occasionally hid in. Sometimes he would hear quiet whispers, other times loud laughter and the sound of spray paint. What people did in their spare time was none of his business.

But when he heard a loud bang, Curiosity took hold of him. He peeked inside, crouching low to not be seen. Hoping it wasn’t another drug deal, he held his breath.

“These conditions are awful,” a voice said.

“Quit complaining, we’re almost done here,” another replied. Both men were wearing hard hats and orange vests. They were standing in front of a table, but Yoshi could barely see what was on it.

He sighed in relief, they were just some workers. Maybe they’re here to finally tear the building down. That was a bit of a shame, some people used it to hide from the elements. And with the weather getting colder, that would be harder.

Yoshi was going to continue forward when he heard the strangest sentence. “Let’s see if we can mutate these turtles.”

Surely he heard wrong… were they not construction workers?

He peeked inside again as the stranger continued. “The box tortoise hatched a few days ago.” Something glowed in his hand.

“So they’re different ages?”

“Correct.” Yoshi could make out a small vial- no, turkey baster? Not that, it’s smaller, maybe a pipette? Whatever it was, it had a glowing green substance in it, and it was hovering over different kinds of turtles in glass tanks.

Green dropped out. “They’re different ages except for the sea turtle and the red footed tortoise.” Yoshi could hear the turtles chirping loudly now. “They’re two Earth years, only a few days apart.”

Yoshi looked away as the chirping grew louder and hissing joined. The sounds twisted and became drawn out, something deep in his gut knew it was wrong. He wasn’t hearing chirping now, but instead crying. Almost that of a baby's cry.

His eyes grew big and he looked inside once more, seeing the turtles had doubled in size. The smallest- the box turtle, was still absorbing the strange glowing substance. The others had changed completely, they looked less like reptiles and more like… babies?

The sea turtle was crying loudly and the one with red spots put a- a hand against the glass. Almost like it was trying to comfort the other.

Yoshi pulled away from the window. It’s not his business, he shouldn’t be here.

“The mutagen is almost perfect.” He should be leaving now.

Yoshi pulled his hood on further to hide his face. “What should we do with the turtles?”

Walking forward, he tried to ignore the strange men, and the mutants cries. “Dispose of them.”

He stopped. Maybe… no. He turned back the way he came, he’ll find a different route home. Walking in front of the building could be dangerous. It’s not his problem, those turtles were… monsters.

More of them were crying, he heard a reptilian hiss mixed in. Despite that, the cries were so… human. Yoshi walked forward, but each step made it hard to breathe.

He shut his eyes and frowned. “Dammit.”

Yoshi turned around, his hood flying off. He ran to the front of the building and kicked the door open. There the babies were, being put in a large pet carrier. The red spotted one seemed to be the last.

The strange men turned to him, and he realized he was not thinking at all. One turned to him.

“Who is he?” he- it asked! With it facing him, Yoshi could see a strange pink… creature was sitting in the man's chest. No, the man’s face was still, it had to be a robot of some kind. But what is that thing?

The other turned, its coat and vest were also open to reveal another strange pink creature. Both were so wrinkly and small tentacles slid out from the square hole. The robot body held a strange looking gun at him. “A witness,” it answered its companion.

Yoshi jumped with a shout, but he saw something in the corner of his eye. Next to the door were three wooden crates, and on one was a crowbar. He grabbed it and ran, moving back and forth to dodge the blasts from the gun. Pink light shot out at him, but he couldn’t stop to think about that.

The strange creature was able to fire three times before Yoshi reached him, knocking the gun out of his hand. He twisted and kicked, knocking the strange metal body into the table. The pink creature inside it screeched, somehow both animalistic and otherworldly.

Yoshi turned to see the other swung the pet cage back, trying to gain momentum. He gasped before the cage was thrown at him. He caught it, his breath being knocked out of him as it crashed into his chest and stomach. He stayed standing nonetheless and looked up to see the robot body pulling back for a punch.

Yoshi grit his teeth and swung the crowbar forward, it crashed into a glass canister with that glowing green substance before hitting the robot. The top half of the giant vial fell over, the glowing substance spilling everywhere, including Yoshi’s hand. It burned and seeped into his skin. He stared at his hand in horror.

“The mutagen!” one of the creatures yelled.

“Get him!” the other shouted.

Sweat started to cover Yoshi and his stomach and chest hurt. He swayed for a moment before he saw the strange creatures go after him. He turned away from them, still holding the pet cage.

He couldn’t run straight and he bumped into the door, but it didn’t stop him. He could feel his bones shift inside, cracking and popping. It made him nauseous, but if he didn’t get away, who knows what those things would do to him!

He rounded the corner of the building and hid behind a dumpster. His skin felt hot and cold at the same time. Through the ringing in his ears, he heard footsteps. But his vision was going black, so he couldn’t tell if they were running towards him or not. His body continued to shift and all he could do was hold onto the pet carrier.

Breathing was difficult, he needed to be quiet but his body couldn’t get enough air. It was like he was drowning, everything hurt so bad. He tried to hold onto his breath to keep his cries in, but that became impossible. As a last attempt, he bit his lip, but a scream of pure agony still escaped.

~~~

Yoshi felt unusually weak as he unlocked the door to his apartment. He closed the door and locked it, making his way towards the bathroom. It was a small apartment, a single room, small kitchen, and single bathroom. It cost most of his paycheck every month.

He dropped the pet carrier onto the bed and continued forward, opening the bathroom door. Somehow his hand was steady as he turned on the light. 

Fear yanked his stomach down as he saw a horrible monster stare back at him in the mirror. He jumped back and hit the wall, it wore his clothes and had his hair, though messy from a hard day of work. The monster copied his every move, he slid down against the wall, trying to cover his face. But his hands just wrapped around the monster's snout. He looked down, seeing his hands matched the monsters. Covered in dark brown fur, nails now pointed.

He covered his eyes. “What have I become?” he questioned.

He sat there for a moment longer before hearing chirping and small baby gurgling. He opened his eyes and looked towards his room before getting up. “The babies,” he whispered.

They continued to chirp and cry until he opened the cage door. He leaned in to see them. “Hello, little ones.”

The sea turtle was on top of the box turtle's shell, who still refused to come out. The red eared slider was trying to hide its head and stare at him at the same time. The red spotted one was in front of them all, growling at him.

“It’s okay, come on out,” he cooed, trying to be soft.

The sea turtle chirped at him, its fear ebbing away. It crawled closer and Yoshi put his hand out. Without hesitation, it happily crawled into his hand.

Yoshi picked it up and held it like a child, sitting on his bed. It giggled like a human baby, though it was much smaller. The strange creature said this one was two years, yes? The oldest of the four. The red one- the red footed tortoise? Was only a few days younger. They were… they were children.

He sighed, “What am I going to do?” He turned to the picture on his nightstand. It showed a much younger version of himself, his arm wrapped around a dark skinned woman. Both of them were in their martial arts robes. “What should I do, my beloved? I can’t care for them, I-”

He was interrupted by one of the babies speaking. He heard small tapping, and he leaned down to look inside the pet carrier once more. The sea turtle tapped on his face as he saw the other two tapping against the box turtle.

“The orange one,” he whispered to himself before reaching in. As he grabbed the box turtle, the red footed one grabbed his arm and he pulled both of them out, the red eared slider following close behind.

“Shhh, I won’t hurt… it,” he promised. He rubbed against the shell. “It’s okay.”

The other turtles surrounded him, sitting on and around his leg. The box turtle’s head popped out, small yellow freckles adorning its face. It saw him, then giggled.

Its smile melted his heart, and Yoshi leaned back, letting it rest on his chest as its arms popped out. As lost and as terrifying as he was feeling, Yoshi could not let harm come to these young ones. He softly whispered to them, “Welcome to the Hamato family.”