#supplements to increase memory

[impressionfitness]

Finding Peace in the Night: My Positive Experience with Quietum Plus

Finding Peace in the Night: My Positive Experience with Quietum Plus

For years, ear ringing (tinnitus) had been a constant companion. The high-pitched whine disrupted my sleep, making it difficult to concentrate and affecting my overall well-being. I tried various remedies – earplugs, white noise machines – but nothing offered lasting relief. Then, I discovered Quietum Plus, a natural supplement specifically formulated for tinnitus relief.

A Natural Approach to Tinnitus Relief

Quietum Plus immediately appealed to me because of its focus on natural ingredients. The formula included well-known extracts like Ginkgo Biloba, Vitamin B12, and Ashwagandha, all known for their potential benefits in improving hearing health and reducing tinnitus symptoms. This natural approach felt safer than resorting to medications with a laundry list of side effects. The positive reviews from people who had found success with Quietum Plus further fueled my optimism.

Embracing Consistency for Results

Following the recommended dosage, I incorporated Quietum Plus into my daily routine. I wasn't expecting a miracle cure, but I remained committed to consistent use. After a few weeks, however, I started noticing subtle improvements. The high-pitched ringing didn't disappear completely, but the intensity had definitely lessened. There were moments of quiet – precious moments where the tinnitus seemed to fade away completely.

A More Restful Sleep

Perhaps the most significant benefit came in the form of improved sleep quality. With the tinnitus less intrusive, I was finally able to fall asleep easier and stay asleep for longer stretches. This improved sleep had a ripple effect on my overall energy levels and mood. I felt more rested, focused, and ready to tackle the day.

A Renewed Sense of Calm

Since incorporating Quietum Plus into my routine, I've experienced a significant improvement in my well-being. The constant distraction of tinnitus has subsided, replaced by a newfound sense of calm. I can concentrate better, enjoy conversations more, and finally get a good night's sleep.

A Note on Individual Results

It's important to be transparent and acknowledge that individual results with supplements can vary. What worked for me might not have the same impact on everyone. If you're considering Quietum Plus, it's always a wise decision to consult with your doctor first, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions.

My Recommendation for Tinnitus Relief

Quietum Plus has been a valuable addition to my tinnitus management regimen. This natural, well-researched supplement has helped me experience relief from tinnitus symptoms and improve my overall sleep quality. For individuals seeking a natural approach to tinnitus relief, I highly recommend giving Quietum Plus a try. Just remember, consistency is key, and don't hesitate to talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement routine.

[fitfusiondiaries]

ZenCortex Supplements - Health : A Lifesaver for My Mental Wellbeing

A Lifesaver for My Mental Wellbeing: ZenCortex Supplements - Health

For years, I struggled with mental fog and a general lack of focus. I constantly felt sluggish, and completing even the simplest tasks took a monumental effort. This haze impacted my work, relationships, and overall zest for life. I tried various strategies to combat this, from improving my sleep hygiene to incorporating exercise into my routine. While these changes offered some improvement, I still felt like I was operating at a fraction of my capacity.

Discovering ZenCortex Supplements - Health

Then, I stumbled upon ZenCortex Supplements - Health online. The product's claims of promoting mental clarity, focus, and cognitive function piqued my interest. After reading positive reviews from other users and researching the natural ingredients, I decided to give it a try.

Sharper Focus and Enhanced Concentration

Within a few weeks of taking ZenCortex Supplements - Health daily, I noticed a significant improvement in my focus. The constant mental fog began to lift, replaced by a newfound sense of clarity. Information seemed to register more readily, and I found myself grasping complex concepts with greater ease. This newfound focus translated into a significant boost in my productivity at work. Tasks that once felt daunting became manageable, and I breezed through my workload with a newfound efficiency.

Improved Memory and Information Retention

I also noticed a positive impact on my memory. Previously, I struggled to retain information, often forgetting important details shortly after being told. However, since incorporating ZenCortex Supplements - Health into my routine, my memory has demonstrably sharpened. I can now recall details with greater ease, and new information sticks much better. This has been a game-changer, particularly when it comes to learning new skills or retaining complex information for work projects.

Increased Energy Levels and Overall Well-being

Beyond the cognitive benefits, ZenCortex Supplements - Health has also had a positive impact on my energy levels. The lethargy that had plagued me for so long has subsided, replaced by a sense of vitality. I feel more motivated to tackle my day-to-day activities, and I'm finding myself embracing new challenges with a newfound enthusiasm. This boost in energy has also positively impacted my mood. I feel more optimistic and generally happier throughout the day.

A Natural Solution That Works

What truly impressed me about ZenCortex Supplements - Health is its reliance on natural ingredients. Unlike some synthetic focus enhancers that come with a slew of side effects, ZenCortex uses a blend of vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts that work synergistically to enhance cognitive function. This natural approach makes me feel confident about using the product long-term without any worries about potential health risks.

In conclusion, ZenCortex Supplements - Health has been a revelation for me. It has transformed my mental clarity, focus, memory, and overall well-being. If you're struggling with mental fog, sluggishness, or a lack of focus, I highly recommend giving ZenCortex Supplements - Health a try. It might just be the solution you've been searching for.

[health-product-for-men]

Sharper Focus and Calmer Mind: My Experience with ProNervium

As someone who juggles a demanding job and a busy personal life, I constantly strive to optimize my cognitive function. After all, mental clarity and focus are essential for productivity and overall well-being. That's why I decided to try ProNervium, a supplement specifically designed to support brain health. After using it for a while now, I'm impressed by the positive impact it's had on my mental sharpness and overall cognitive performance.

Natural Ingredients for Enhanced Focus

One of the things that drew me to ProNervium was its focus on natural ingredients. The formula is packed with vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts known to support cognitive function. Some of the key ingredients that stood out to me were Bacopa monnieri, known for enhancing memory, and Lion's mane mushroom, which has been linked to improved focus and concentration. Having a natural approach to boosting my brainpower was a major selling point.

Improved Concentration and Reduced Brain Fog

The most noticeable benefit I've experienced with ProNervium is the improvement in my concentration. That afternoon slump I used to experience is a thing of the past. I can now stay focused for longer periods during work, allowing me to tackle tasks more efficiently. The brain fog that used to cloud my thinking has also significantly diminished. This newfound clarity allows me to approach my work with a sharper mind and a more creative perspective.

Enhanced Memory and Information Recall

Another positive change I've noticed is the improvement in my memory. Recalling information, whether it's a colleague's name or a specific detail from a meeting, has become significantly easier. This enhanced memory has been a game-changer in my professional life, allowing me to retain information more effectively. The frustration of forgetting important details has become a distant memory.

A Calm and Balanced Mind

ProNervium's benefits extend beyond just improved focus and memory. The supplement seems to promote a sense of calmness and mental balance. I find myself feeling less stressed and more able to manage pressure effectively. This sense of inner calm allows me to approach challenges with a clearer head and make more rational decisions.

A Note on Individual Results

It's important to remember that individual results may vary. While ProNervium has worked well for me, it might not produce the same effects for everyone. It's always wise to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.

Overall, I've been very pleased with my experience using ProNervium. The natural formula, noticeable improvement in focus and memory, and the calming effect on my mind have all contributed to a more productive and well-rounded approach to my daily life. If you're looking for a natural way to support your brain health and cognitive function, ProNervium might be worth considering, but always consult with your doctor before starting any new supplements.

[magicalhuabl]

Mind Vitality is an all-in-one nootropic supplement

Mind Vitality is an all-in-one nootropic supplement designed to help you accomplish more every day without burning out. It increases mental energy, focus, and concentration while combating procrastination and mid-afternoon fatigue. The product contains 17 hand-picked, science-backed, gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO ingredients. Unlike coffee, it provides stable energy without jitters or crashes. Nootropics, also known as smart drugs, improve cognitive performance by enhancing memory, creativity, motivation, and attention. Mind Vitality offers a safe, natural, and legal way to eliminate fuzzy thinking and boost productivity. The supplement comes with a 100-day money-back guarantee and fast, free shipping. - All-in-One Formula: Mind Vitality combines multiple nootropic supplements into a single product, offering convenience and cost-effectiveness for users seeking cognitive enhancement. - Science-Backed Ingredients: The supplement contains 17 hand-picked ingredients that are supported by hundreds of research studies, ensuring the effectiveness and safety of the product. - Ignition Tri-Factor: Mind Vitality's proprietary blend of carefully selected ingredients, the Ignition Tri-Factor, delivers a powerful combination of cognitive benefits, setting it apart from other nootropics on the market. - Gluten-Free, Vegan, and Non-GMO:

>>>>-- READ MORE ---<<<<

[literaryvein-reblogs]

When your Character is Sleep Deprived

Sleep Deprivation - occurs when you don’t routinely get sufficient sleep at night.

Seven to eight hours of quality sleep time is the baseline for most adults, yet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one third of American adults suffer from measurable sleep loss.

This lack of sleep can lead to disruptions in everyday life, from grogginess and delayed reaction times to serious medical conditions.

Causes of Sleep Deprivation

Many factors can prevent you from getting a good night's sleep. These include:

Sleep disorders: Certain conditions like sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome can interfere with healthy sleep.

Mental health conditions: Depression and anxiety can be sources of severe sleep deprivation.

External stimuli: Loud noises, bright lights, and hot temperatures can all prevent you from getting enough sleep.

Work schedules: Shift work at night can clash with your natural circadian rhythms and trigger sleep deprivation.

Physical activity: Exercise can inhibit sleep onset if scheduled too close to bedtime.

Effects of Sleep Deprivation

The consequences of sleep deprivation can be serious. A person operating on insufficient sleep may face increased risk of the following effects.

Daytime drowsiness: A poorly rested person can go through the day feeling groggy. This can lead to drowsy driving, car accidents, mental slip-ups, and poor cognition.

Microsleep: In addition to general drowsiness, a person running on very little sleep can experience microsleep—very short bursts of unconsciousness that feel like blacking out.

Mood swings: A person overcome by sleepiness may be cranky and irritable, and they may also experience headaches that further sour their mood.

Memory issues: Poor sleep patterns that cause a person to get less sleep have the potential to affect memory recall.

Tips for Avoiding Sleep Deprivation

To ensure you get consistent and sufficient sleep duration, consider the following strategies.

Stick to a bedtime routine. Sleep difficulties can stem from inconsistent schedules and routines. Improve your sleep hygiene by creating consistent sleep habits and a bedtime routine. This may involve stretching, an evening shower, or a cup of tea.

Avoid digital screens before bed. The blue light of electronics can mimic the effects of sunlight and prevent your body from entering its natural sleep cycle. Keep digital devices out of the bedroom, and when you must use them before bed, use a blue light filter that keeps the most disruptive light out of your eyes.

Consider a natural sleep remedy. Supplemental melatonin can help you fall asleep when your routine sleep schedule has been disrupted. Take care to not build reliance on sleep medications that may dampen the restorative effects of REM sleep and non-REM sleep.

Lower the temperature of your bedroom. A nighttime room temperature of 60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit signals to your brain that it’s time to sleep.

Practice mindful relaxation techniques. A bedtime ritual of deep breathing exercises and slow exhales can promote progressive muscle relaxation. Mindfulness can also eliminate tension while allowing your body to drift into drowsiness and get enough hours of sleep.

Monitor your health conditions. Certain medical conditions, like sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome, can impair sleep onset and deprive you of sleep over the course of the night. Seek medical advice for handling such conditions, and work with your healthcare provider to develop treatment and coping strategies.

Source ⚜ More: Notes & References ⚜ Writing Resources PDFs

[temis-de-leon]

Day 17 - Jealous kiss

Characters: Solomon x gn!MC

25 kisses challenge Masterlist

Main Masterlist

CW: none, just fluff. Developing relationship.

.

Getting used to only seeing the moon, especially an unfamiliar one, was something that took more of MC’s time than they would like to admit. The darkness, loosing track of time and the drop in temperature were one thing, but it was the lack of vitamin D what proved to be a significant problem. Their body weakened and their mood plummeted to the point where even Lucifer panicked.

Fortunately for all of them, the solution was as simple as adding certain foods to their diet, mainly fish, and of course the brothers bought enough to feed an entire army. In the end, however, MC grew sick of it and resorted to consuming vitamin D supplement pills.

Then they had the dilemma of finishing the whole stack of seafood that filled the entire kitchen, including the fridge, the freezer and the cabinets. Not even Beel could force himself to gulp it down and soon Satan had the genius idea of feeding it to the stray cats.

They would get rid of the awful smell that roamed the house and other cats would visit in hopes of getting more gourmet treats, because where else would they find salmon or trout? At first, obviously, Lucifer refused in fear of any animal creeping inside the house while no one was looking, but once Asmo begged for the damn dead fish to get out, no one dared to complain.

So that’s where they were, the Avatar of Wrath almost crying in happiness while cats climbed all over his body, his younger brother beside him taking selfies with the cutest kittens and MC in a more secluded space giving all of their attention to a particular cat. It had greyish blue eyes and striking long white fur, stained with dirt, but beautiful nonetheless.

A certain sorcerer with similar features stared at them while they cooed at the cat, kissing its nose, scratching its ears and massaging its little paws.

“If I didn’t know you any better”, MC said with uncharacteristic pompousness “I’d think you were jealous”

“Me? Jealous?”

Solomon’s expression was mischievous, but a glint in his eyes betrayed him. He was definitely jealous.

“You must be imagining things, my dear MC”

The term of endearment made their heart flutter, still vulnerable to his teasing even after weeks of endless flirting. Those who weren’t close to them already thought they were dating and after the kiss they’d shared a few days ago during RAD’s latest festival, they might as well be.

It had been a nervous gesture, too short for both of their likings, but MC hadn’t stopped thinking about it. The taste of soda on both of their lips, his hands on their waist, gently keeping them close.

The memory made them feel like a love-struck schoolgirl.

“From the way I see it, you’re simply being too selfish with your affections”

They turned to the side to look at him with an incredulous smile, hugging the cat close to their chest and rubbing its belly. Solomon’s eyebrow twitched at the sight.

“Whatever do you mean?”

“Isn’t it clear?”

“Enlighten me”

Solomon opened his mouth to speak, but his words got stuck in his throat when MC shimmied their way to his body, resting impossibly close to him and letting the cat smell his RAD uniform. He smiled with genuine care and scratched its chin, once again unknowingly increasing MC’s heartbeat.

“Look at him, how handsome he is” murmured MC, their head oriented towards the cat, but their eyes directly looking at the blushing sorcerer “His white hair, his grey eyes… I could kiss him over and over and over again…”

And so they did, hoisting it until their heads were at the same height and enthusiastically pressing loud kisses on the fur. It smelled bad, but they did it anyways.

“Are you being mean on purpose?”

MC laughed at his childish complaint, trying not to make too much fun of his pout and his crossed arms. He only looked at them again when they finally let the cat go and threw themselves at him, making Solomon gasp in surprise.

“You’re funny”

The whisper clashed against his lips and became inaudible to everyone but them.

This kiss was even shorter than the one they shared at the festival, but it eased Solomon’s frown and it made his small smile reappear. He hugged their waist before they could get too far and deepened the kiss, not letting them go until a delighted screech reached their ears.

By the time they turned around, Asmodeus had already taken a picture.

.

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Taglist: @ourfinalisation  @owlisbuffering  @chizukimp4  @ravenredwine @darkflowerav  @craftysclown   @mehkers

[prettieinpink]

LOWERING YOUR CORTISOL LEVELS: THE MAIN STRESS HORMONE

Hi lovelies! If you didn’t know, cortisol is the main stress hormone of your body. Cortisol is a good thing for our bodies, it manages how our body uses carbs, fats or proteins, keeps inflammation down, regulates your blood pressure, increases glucose, controls your sleep cycle and boosts energy for when you have high levels of stress.

However, your body can produce too much unnecessary cortisol which is when it can start taking a toll on us, leading to

Anxiety or depression

Headaches

Heart diseases

Memory problems

Trouble staying focused

Digestive complications

Sleeping complications

Weight gain/loss

and more!

below the read more, there’s ways to lower and regulate our cortisol levels <3

getting adequate sleep

Prioritising and optimising our sleep is already beneficial for us, but it can help with lowering our cortisol levels. To make the most of your sleep, have an winding down routine, sleep and wake at similar times everyday, limit your caffeine intake(including soft drinks!) and reduce your screen time before you go to bed.

Moderate intensity exercise

Too intense exercise or no exercise, can increase the levels of cortisol but intense exercise usually has a temporary effect. It helps with managing our stress better and promotes better sleep which also helps with lowering your cortisol levels.

Practise deep breathing and meditation

This time to clear our minds, helps stimulates our resting & digest system in us. (Parasympathetic nervous system). You can do this wherever, whenever.

Eating a nutritious diet

Only you know what’s the best diet that suits your lifestyle, so I won’t say much about this, but make sure that you’re getting quality nutrition in your body.

Take your supplements

Make sure you talk to your doctor before taking any supplements! Before you consider taking any supplements, do some individual research first.

[wolvesroampastelgalaxies]

Edit: All chapters up on Tumblr & ao3 :p

Okay, so I saaaaid 3 chapters. But like every good ending to a movie franchise, we going halfsies. ;P I will be dead honest, I have only seen the fist episode of FoP: ANW and have no desire to continue, because, as a 24 yo woman I should not feel this distraught about a cartoon. Also, I'm recalling things from the OG series by memory. So if things don't quite line up with canon or lore, just let me have the liberation that comes with fan fiction. Also, I know the show takes place ~20 years ahead, I like to think Timmy kept his fairies till he was 18 and so it has been 12 years since they have last been together.

Second Star To The Right And Straight On Home ⭐️ (Part 1)

Timmy had been working on this sales report for the first 3 hours of shift. His hands were cramping as his eyes strained at the screen. Maybe he needed glasses? Definitely needed to start taking magnesium supplements. Was he really getting that old? It wasn’t like he had done much in his life to feel old at 30. That was another thought, he hadn’t done much of anything. He’d been at this job for nearly three years, maybe a handful of failed dates, and spent his free time napping on the couch after eating room temperature pizza. 

  What am I doing?

  Introspection always vined its way like poison ivy through the ridges of his brain when left with his own thoughts.  

  I need fresh air, maybe take a walk, go grab a drink this weekend, anything to break up the monotony.

  Monotony: he never used that word. The world was starting to bleed into the black and white screen he worked with, smearing into something gray. This was torture, working under florescents when there was real sunlight. His cubicle was near the back of the office and closest to the windows. It magnified his gloominess by teasing the bright colors of the outside. He frequently cast glances to see streams of sun peeking through tree leaves. Most times, there was a finch sized bird sitting on the closer branches. Timmy noticed it the first time when, strangely, he was feeling watched. Or maybe he was desperate for attention. 

  Lately, when he’d go to check on the little bird, it was missing, leaving him discontent. It was a strange color, akin to lavender or periwinkle. No amount of Google searches revealed the species. It wasn’t uncommon for Cosmo and Wanda to take animal forms. Green and pink dogs were definitely harder to explain. There were no strange looks when they were pins on his backpack or- 

  Wait. 

  Timmy’s brows furrow and he moves his hands to grip the arms of his chair, sitting up straighter. Though he was looking outside, all focus was on whatever was unfurling in his head. 

  Cosmo and Wanda .... did I ever have dogs? No. Definitely not a green one. I had fish, it's a wonder they stayed alive for so long. 

  Why did he think of those names? Why could he picture personified versions of everyday objects? Always the same color. Green and pink. Pink and green. Because he knew them. He knew they weren't pins on a backpack or an .... umbrella? 

  They were my fish. Right? But they were also people. No, that’s not quite right either. 

  They were his fairies. And he remembers skydiving. He’s never been skydiving. But how does he know the sting of wind on his face?  And why was his parachute talking? Timmy nearly knocks over his chair as he gets to his feet, heart rate increasing like the one and only time he went to the gym. A co-worker catches the sudden movement, sensing a source of panic. 

    “Yo, Turner, you good man?”

  Timmy barely registers the words and makes a noise in the back of his throat as a reply.

    “I’vegottogo.” He tumbles out, snatching his car keys and phone from beneath the desk. 

  He has to find that fishbowl. 

💫💫💫

    The house had been shut up since his parents left on their yearlong Winnebago journey. Outside of Facebook posts and a few messages he rarely spoke to them. They were never really the attentive type. At least not to their son. Timmy has a hard time getting the door open. Images and dialogue clog up his concentration. It’s like their occurring in the moment and yet he’s recalling them from the past at the same time 

  Wishing for Christmas every day? Really immature Timmy.

  ‘We’re two halves of a whole idiot!’

  Wanting to be a girl for the day was a bad idea from the start. What was I thinking? Even if Trixie Tang was hot. Wanda did warn me though.

  'This bike stinks. I need one that’s cool as I am!’ 'This bike is as cool as you are!’

  'Did I really wish to be in the internet? Oh dear God I’m so happy it wasn’t the modern-day web.

  'And here's Wanda with the news: Vicky 's going to kill you when she finds out what you're up to!’

  His head pounds from the jumbled jargon he once knew as it takes meaning again. No wonder he felt so bored with his life now. He had fairies and dumb wishes with dumb, sometimes disastrous outcomes as a kid. Cosmo and Wanda were his fairies! There was a whole world of fairies, anti-fairies, and pixies and magic!  And there was a whole book of rules, all of them he sees himself breaking. As well as being the source of new ones.

  When the keys finally make it into the doorknob and he throws it open, not bothering to retrieve them or close the door. After he had moved out, his parents didn't do anything with his stuff. Just shoved boxes and the miscellaneous in as they needed. Everything was mostly in the same spot. Including the fishbowl.  

  It was right where it should be on his nightstand. Timmy went to reach for it but pulled back, staring intently. Dust had covered the glass surface, and he was afraid that disturbing any of it might cease the onslaught of memories. He wanted these memories, he wanted to know his life hadn’t been useless. That there were people who wanted the best for him and didn’t abandon him when there was a stupid decision to be made. Knowing that two tiny fairies said they cared for him. 

  His heart was pulsing hot bolts of pain at the thought of having lost them in the first place. At wondering why his god-parents left him and where they were now. 

  After a long moment, he tentatively reached out, bringing it closer, letting clips of childhood reflect off the glass. It was barely big enough for one guppy, much less three goldfish. Three. There had been three.   

  There was no cringe or embarrassment attached to this wish. In fact he remembered being the happiest he’d ever been in his life. It has been him and his god-parents for a long time, and he never thought it could get better. It was an overwhelming feeling of love that encompassed past and present. Cosmo and Wanda for once hadn’t warned him of the repercussions, despite them being epoch-making; they all knew it was so worth it. 

  Sadness has such a way of tainting things. It crept unnoticed as another memory took place. It was in this room. He felt a tight squeeze around his arm and saw Cosmo’s face pressed into his shoulder, muffling sobs, his dramatics matching the situation for once. A light kiss pressed itself into his temple as Wanda patted down his hair. Tiny hands pulled at his shirt and tears stained more than his clothes. Then there was nothing. Like it was all a dream that faded with the night and the sun was rising a now dull dawn.

  Timmy rubbed at the dust with his thumb, smearing a tear across it. He remembered the third one. His voice choked on something bitter as he saw through the eyes of his younger self, hugging the baby fairy when it all went away. 

    “Oh Poof, I - I’m so sorry.”

    “Don’t be. And it’s Peri now.”  

          💫 💫 💫

  Was that really the first thing to say after 12 years? The strain in his own voice prevented what Peri thought might be condescending. Call it intuition or an inference, but he knew Timmy would come back here. After Dev granted his wish, he sat there dumb struck until the kid asked him what happened next. Peri had pictured the reunion with so many different outcomes that, for a moment, he was scared of ‘next.’ Timmy was all the way back in Dimmesdale, across the country, though that was no problem with a little magic. Magic however, could be independent if left without clear boundaries. Peri had no idea how this wish would work out. Would it be instant? Would it come back in pieces? Would it work at all? He was sure he found a loop-hole. He could recall several times his magic went against Da Rules without the intention, and as dangerous as it was, this was his fail safe. 

  This was Peri’s first time shapeshifting into his human form that was not directly from his normal one. His little finch self has flown through the cracked window, its symbolism lost on him.  A human body felt clumsy, but it seemed like the right choice. What if he hadn’t remembered they were fairies yet? Granted, he was still trying to figure out the wings and crown, it was difficult to hide the markers of his true self.

  It would not have mattered if Poof appeared as a fairy or disguised as human, Timmy could see Cosmo and Wanda in him. He had just been a year or two out of his beach-ball stage when Timmy had turned 18, and the then young kid was already resembling his parents. Now, Timmy was struck with the resemblance to his god-parents. His little Poof had Cosmo’s smile and Wanda’s hair, but his eyes were uniquely his own and easily the most identifiable. Timmy had seen those lavender eyes glitter as they first took in the world. He hated anyone or anything that turned those eyes into blank spaces all this time.

  Peri might not have been going by his government name, but he made a noise akin to it when Timmy pounced on him. Petite as he was, something he got from his father (well, before retirement), he felt enveloped by the embrace. Even as a human, Peri was slight and though Timmy was no body-builder, he wasn’t a teenager anymore. The differences didn’t register as he felt the warmth of Timmy’s near crushing hold. His body recalled the last time they were like this, when it was goodbye. As his mind caught up to the haptic memory, the contrast between then and now made him break.

  My brother remembers!

 Relief was meant to be calming, coming out from a storm unharmed, but for them it was a tsunami. For all the bravado and charisma he showcased, over a decade of longing revealed itself. Timmy wasn’t much taller but it was enough so he could hide his face in his brother’s neck, for once not holding back the tears. He felt the human’s cheek press against the side of his head and it was the most contact either had in a time they had stopped counting. Timmy couldn’t believe this, he never wanted to let go, never wanted to forget a single second of this. How could any magic replace this?

  The moment could not bridge the years apart had they stayed this way for twice as long. Timmy had to force himself to push Peri back by his shoulders, one hand staying there and the other pressed against the back of his head to get a better look. If he still had them, he’d wish for the tears to stop so he could see properly.

    “Oh my God. Poof, look at you! You grew up! How-how could I have missed this?” He hiccuped.

   Peri didn’t bother to correct him, the name was childish but they had both been children when Timmy named him and if anyone had a pass to say it, it was his big brother.  The fairy took a shaky breath, attempting to blink away the kaleidoscopic effect of tears. 

    “Like -,” he has to step back, letting both of Timmy’s hands rest on his shoulders, or he might never stop crying, “Like I said, don’t be sorry.” He smiled pitifully. They could fix it now

    “We used to watch - oh what was that show? Sleazy and Cheezy! And you about got me killed!” He laughed, wanting to recall as much as possible

    “And - and remember the time mom was so mad because you were teaching me to shape shift!”

    “Tree and bee do sound the same!”

    “Okay but, you definitely stretched it with the bird and rocket mix up!”

    “Hey, I wasn’t gonna let you take the fall. You were already falling in on our roof.” 

  Reluctantly, Timmy let go of Peri’s narrow shoulders, the euphoria bottoming out. Peri saw the dimming of blue eyes, and an intense anxiety struck him. This time he was the one reaching out.

    “What’s wrong? 

  Timmy pulls away and moved to sit on the edge of his bed. A musty smell arose as the sheets crinkled under the weight. Peri watched as a perturbed look took form.

    “Why?” He finally says.

    “What do you mean ‘why’?”

    “I grew up, they wiped my brain. You could have lived eternity and forgotten about me.”

     Peri had a lightning-like shot of anger, “I could never forget about you. None of us could.”

     Timmy scoffed, “You’re telling me that immortal fairies, who have had countless god-kids throughout the centuries, would find me so important?”

     The fairy clenches his fist, stomping over to force the human to look at him. "You have no idea how hard they fought for you. Or how much of a hole you left for us. They haven't had a god-kid since you.” 

    “Really?” He concedes. It dissipates into something bitter and selfish when he sees Peri’s resolve falter.

    “Well -

    “I figured as much.”

    “No, you don’t understand.” He says the harshness leaving, replaced with empathy. He sits down next to Timmy. “It was very recent. And I was mad and couldn’t understand either, after all we went through.”

   “Thanks.” He says flatley. 

   “Will you just listen to me? When they met Hazel, they said it felt different from their time with you. Because they realized you meant more than being their god-kid. That it was the same feeling they have with me.”  

 They think of me like their son? 

  Timmy wills himself not to let go of another tear, but it has been an emotional day and having half your life re-written can be a little overwhelming.

    “Do they know, that, well, that I know ? ”

    Peri grins, a bit of debonair sneaking in, “Would you like to tell them?”

  He thinks of the first time he met his god-parents, at 10 it never crossed his mind to be skeptical because, hey, unlimited wishes. Now that he’s older, he realizes all the lessons he learned from them. And how he could get away with so much more with Cosmo and how Wanda would nag him like a mother. They were more his parents than his biological ones. 

    Timmy bumps his shoulder with Peri’s, “You realize we probably are going to be crying again?”

    “No doubt. Family reunions can be emotional.” He says with a curt nod, now wearing a full smile. 

  Family. His family. 

    “I gatta ask though, did you say your name was Peri?”   

[thecomfywriter]

arcane season 2 rewrite

okay hear me out. this season was MESSY. so so so messy. not only did it lose the plot, but it lost so many plot devices by introducing new elements without proper explanation, expansion, or impact. it rather undid the effort invested into certain plotlines or straight up abandoned them. like for example, the shimmer, the prince and the importance of the tattoo thing he got on his leg, isha, vander silco backstory, the entire cait dictator arc (reversing that lowkey felt cheap in my opinion because it happened so instantaneously??? tf??), "i gave her a cupcake", mel and the thorn stuff (she was an empath so why tf was she making shields around people and when did she learn to do it that well and intentionally???), WHY WAS JINX SUDDENLY A HEROIC SYMBOL, WHAT HAPPENED TO THE DYING TREE, VANDER'S MEMORIES? WHAT WAS THE POINT OF MADDIE?

i feel like the intrigue for arcane for me in season one was the focus of the plot, but the layers and symbolism behind it. it wasn't overly trippy or bright with glow. the glow was a symbol of magic and arcane--of something wrong. shimmer glowed purple. hextech glowed blue. jinx had her glitchy glows whenever she was off her rocker because she was hallucinating again, but the use of colour, explosions, her brightness... it all felt intentionally contrasting to how dark and dreary the undercity was. remember that scene in season 1 where vi is hurt and cait brings her to that shack where all the "forgotten" people cast aside by piltover made tents, all addicts of shimmer? remember how shimmer was used as a power booster, as a metaphor for drugs that are used to oppress and suppress masses? remember when the plot was about the wealth and priviledge disparities between zaun and piltover? silco, this guy who took advantage of the city's destitute state to rise to power, was also the same force who held it together. jinx's trauma of being abandoned is what drove her towards action... vi's desperate protector desires, cait's curiosuity and desire to prove justice or uncover injustice?

i feel like abandoning the shimmer plotline was season 2's biggest mistake. because it could have explained EVERYTHING in every way that made more sense. because why tf did viktor become a messaih, and jayce and viktor switch ideologies out of no where? if i recall correctly, viktor wanted to figure out a cure for himself, but he too admitted to feeling himself "erode away" and it was JAYCE who wasn't letting go of using hextech to save him. how tF did that switch? and a last minute scene at the end to explain the rune stuff and who the sorcerer was that saved him and his mother?

ALSO, the overuse of colour comes with the overuse of MUSIC. the most noteworthy scene in season 1 for me was the ekko jinx bridge battle, where for every big explosion, they took us OUT of the action and the loudness and let us watch the pop of colour in the darkness from afar. there was music in the slow childhood parallels, but when it flipped back to reality and the real fight--NO MUSIC. SILENCE. JUST THE FIGHTING ITSELF. THE RAW EMOTION. THE HESITATION IN EKKO'S ENTIRE EXPRESSION WHEN JINX CLOSES HER EYES AND YOU KNOW HE'S IMAGINING POWDER WITH HER TEARS.

anyways, here's my suggested rewrite:

remember in season one, where victor was struggling to touch the arcane rune cube thing, so he injects himself with shimmer to do it, and it starts poisoning him? why not have the shimmer be the thing that causes the corruption of hextech. and in that discovery, that insanity, jayce watched his friend get lost to the very things that ruined the undercity. the battle that happens in the last episode isn't between viktor the messiah and all his followers--it's the follow up of the highly intense feud between zaun and piltover as a consequence to jinx's season 1 finale actions. the war begins, the undercity's use of shimmer increases to supplement themselves with enough manpower to meet the hextech of piltover (but also because silco iisn't here anymore to selectively bargain it off to people or control its spread and use), shimmer starts infecting the people in piltover as a result (like the prince using it--that could have been a bridge into shimmer being introduced to above the undercity), jayce realizing corruption comes from the misuse of power by watching viktor succumb to the power inside of him and the corrupted hextech, and that being the eyeopener that helps piltover realize they created the "monster" they are continuously trying to subdue. the class wars are enforced by their barriers. zaun's destitution is an extension of their desperation--first and basically always to survive. i don't think jinx should survive at the end of this type of ending, to be honest, just like how she didn't in the og season 2. cait's dictator arc, the way trauma made her almost like a jinx 2.0 was honestly genuinely a very cool parallel that showcases how piltover isn't "better" than zaun just because they can see the sky. pain and power can even corrupt someone like cait, who believed in justice and forgiveness so strongly. seeing that fall from grace would have almost solidified how it's not a moral failing, it's an institutional and systemic failing--pain, a loss of family, grief, the horrors of war... piltover and zaun needed to see their reflections in each other to finally shatter that barrier.

arcane is a story about love, yes, but it is also a story about corrupt power systems. forsaking that for magic and random storylines feels cheap.

idk if i made any sense right now. womp womp. i'm going to go shower and go back to writing my book. cheers

[chirpthingz]

EVERYBODY WAKE UP!! Cellbit revealed a bit on how knowledge is described to change people in the supplement (I apologize for mistranslations, I am short of time atm and also Thrilled to read this):

At 60% NEX: Your view of reality is altered. In the details, you see the sigils, patterns and codes that form the natural laws of everything. As a consequence, the distortions of reality caused by entities on the Other side become even clearer. The pupils of your eyes become whiter as a result of seeing more and more through Knowledge, and not through your own eyes. You begin to see paranormal auras, as if you were permanently under the basic effect of the Third Eye ritual. however, seeing through Knowledge distorts your perception of what forms Reality; you become permanently obfuscated (<- i have no idea what that word means, something like to be made unclear/obscure?).

At 75% NEX: Your eyes reflect the light like details engraved in gold. You see the rules. The currents of Reality. Everything is predetermined and has never been so obvious. In fact, it's pathetic not to be able to see this, how inferior and humiliating must it be to live like a chained insect without understanding what awaits you ahead? Wait, are those thoughts even yours? The paranormal sharpens your perception even more, at the expense of your vision. You begin to perceive dangers as if you were permanently under the basic effect of the Threat Detection ritual. However, trying to see reality in its basic form seems increasingly tiring, your penalaties for the condition obfuscated increase to -2D.

At 90% NEX: Yours eyes shine gold. Observing reality is no longer meaningful to you, it is nothing more than a memory. It's ignominious to know that you didn't even consider this something important. The degrading life of the vassals of the chains, being dragged by Fear, is not something that should interest you anymore. You are not like them. They do not know. You became blind so you could see. The light of reality begins to attack your eyes. When you are not in darkness, instead of being obfuscated you become blind. However, your perception of the Other Side strengthens; you can cast the Scry ritual. You don't need a surface reflection to conjure the ritual; the target's information forms in your head.

(Note: cellbit also mentioned this is how a majority (all?) of the Escriptas are affected by this. Most likely not to a large extent though, because I doubt many of them reached 75%).

-----

Ok done, thoughts time. I'M SO HAPPY THIS IS EVERYTHING I COULD HAVE HOPED FOR WHEN IT CAME TO THE INTERPRETATION ON HOW AFFINITIES AFFECT PEOPLE. I love how as you get closer to knowledge you almost disconnect from those around you, feeling like their "ignorance" makes them unworth of someone's time. Also?? Hello?? The going blind to be able to see through knowledge (which then distorts your perception because you naturally see more of the paranormal than reality) is so fucking cool. Anyways, I wonder if this could also be an insight on how the Magistrate, idk, perceives people/reality?

Also- omg I cannot wait to see Bagi interpreting this for Carina. I NEED IT.

[squid-socks]

Things I do for my mental health that has helped a lot:

General:

A “makes me happy” list on my phone I frequently read and add to. The rule is that I have to be SUPER specific on each point. I can’t just put “the rain” bcs then I’d just write that 100 times🥹

I make sure to delete unhelpful apps. Tt hasn’t been on my phone in years. And red note is on its last warning before it’s gone too.

I do my best to keep an easy to clean space. So I have all the things that make me happy visually available BUT not to such an extent i can’t wipe down a counter. Cleanliness keeps my brain from shattering😅

All my favourite creative projects or favourite successes are visually available. None that are triggering! Especially post cards of good memories with family. I want to have more family photos this year but we have tension so I find looking at their faces triggering right now. Hopefully with a few more years that feeling will fade❤️

I go outside every day - even if it’s just in my backyard or something.

Animal treats✨ I keep sugar water for bees, nuts for squirrels, oats for ducks, and seeds for birds in my bag and at my windowsills. The squirrels often come knocking at my door for a treat. It makes the days I’m stuck inside less painful. And it’s always nice to know you are helping.

3 drinks. One for hydration, one for energy and one for health✨ (my energy one is usually my fun drink✨✨)

I have a “shut up brain” time that I’m trying my best to implement. Any thought after like 9 is mid and any after 11 is worthless😅 then it’s a race to fall asleep before 3 or I’m in hell✨✨

I always have peppermint and roasted rice tea in my cupboard. Roasted barley tends to work better for indigestion but I can’t really drink it anymore😑 but all are so easy to make ❤️ just buy some of the cheap dried bags and toast them on a stove. Then soak them in hot water till they mostly sink and the Color darkens✨

I write FanFiction or short stories. ✨✨ it’s how I process my own crap without having to journal and feel so raw. 😀

A collection of calming videos album on my phone✨✨

TW. A “don’t jump” playlist✨😅 and a “don’t jump” plan of action. Plus things I’m not allowed to do when I feel like that. One of the reasons I’m mostly sober😅😌🫶

Supplements: (I’m not a doctor please make sure if you want to try these they are safe to take with your medications. Or if you commonly take pain meds - make sure there isn’t a risk for you)

Ashwaganda - numbs you out - you still freak out but it’s far away. I only use it during a bad spell to avoid taking my panic medication🌝 (don’t do what I do) My mom uses it to help her sleep✨

Lions mane - you need to make sure the brand you use is good! But it’s helping my brain heal so much. That depression damage is no joke! I don’t realise it’s helping till I either do a complex task surprisingly quickly or I forget to take it a few days.

Turmeric - this is a blood thinner so I wouldn’t recommend it with ibuprofen. But helps a lot with my inflammation.

Vegetarian omega 3 or from small fish. Bcs I have a bad heart and blood - this is what my dad has taken for years to help his so I’m copying as I assume genetics?

Gingko - one my dad takes again for his vitiligo. I don’t have it anywhere but maybe my eyes - unsure as it’s fairly faint and I’m very pale😅. But vitiligo increases during bodily stress so if gingko is lessening that condition then maybe it helps with stress? (I copy what my dad takes as genetically we have a very close profile and he’s been chronically ill and neurodivergent his whole life without even seeming really to know or accept it. That man just fucking makes do even if it kills him.👀 he worries me…😅😅)

[tenderwatches]

“This could be the key to augmenting physiology, extending life—” “Curing you.” The memory of Viktor’s eyes lighting up with that spark of scientific curiosity, even through his exhaustion, has sustained Jayce through these long days. The Hexcore work consumes their focus now, offering not just distraction but hope—fragile though that hope might be.

Chapter 18: A Living, Breathing Thing

“Given the stage of his condition, we expect to see this level of hypertrophy, but the bleeding was quite severe, Mr. Talis.”

Jayce nods along to the doctor’s words, though his eyes land, unfocused, on the results of the emergency procedures that saved Viktor’s life just this morning. It feels like a lifetime has gone by since he first burst into the medical wing of the academy. The hospital is as beautiful as any part of Piltover, but its clean, bright hallways feel oppressive in their sterile calm after the calamity of the day before. Moonlight pours through the tall windows into the hallway, wobbling on the tile floor like church panes catching light. Jayce is wistful over the idea that this could be a place capable of making miracles happen.

“Episodes like this tend to reoccur with increasing frequency as the vascular damage progresses,” Dr. Granet continues, her tone gentle but matter-of-fact. “We gave you about six months to a year as our best estimate, but that timeline could shorten significantly with another major bleed.”

“So… what are our options for preventing another incident?” His voice is firmer than he feels capable of managing. Viktor’s prognosis was never good. They’d both known that his time was limited, but when they were both in their mid-twenties on the cusp of breakthrough after breakthrough, that reality had seemed a shadowy possibility to Jayce. Viktor was simply sick sometimes, but he always got better. Certainly, he’d… declined continuously, but there was that impossible, indomitable nature to him. Now, Jayce thinks of Viktor’s blue-tinged skin, the blood on his lips, the wild fear in his eyes as he tried and failed to pull air into his lungs. This is the second major collapse he’s aware of Viktor having in less than a year, and with the doctor’s words, it all bodes poorly.

“We can continue with preventative measures—careful monitoring, medication adjustments. But given the extent of the damage…” Jayce blinks at her in a way that must appear stupefied, seeing as she changes tack, searching for an analogy that will resonate with an engineer. “Think of it like trying to patch increasingly unstable pipework. We can reinforce the weak points, but the underlying structural damage continues to progress.”

He feels like he’s the one crumbling under pressure, a foundation giving in. He clenches a fist and takes a deep breath to steady himself. “And the oxygen therapy?”

“We’ll start with supplemental oxygen, but we should prepare for more intensive support in the future.” She pauses, her tone softening. “The priority now is managing his recovery while we optimise his treatment plan. Viktor’s awareness of his condition and willingness to participate will help us mitigate unnecessary suffering.”

‘Unnecessary suffering’, Jayce thinks to himself, wishing he could materialise the words and shred them into tiny pieces. Viktor is running out of time, and Jayce is losing him day by day. He thinks of the sensation of Viktor’s hand in his hair just an hour ago while he drifted off, bent over his partner’s hospital bed. He thinks of the fragile reconciliation they have. To be so close to having everything he’s missed, only to face losing it all again—and this time, for good. It feels unspeakably cruel.

“Of—of course. That’s… good.” He swallows the rest of the pitiful words he might utter, his reply weak enough as it is.

Dr. Granet gives him that same reassuring smile she offered yesterday. “We’ll continue monitoring him closely. For now, focus on helping him rest and recover from this episode. We can adjust his care plan as needed.”

Viktor’s time is really coming to an end.

Inside, he is screaming. The pain of what Viktor dying would mean almost brings him to his knees. I love him, he thinks with hopeless certainty. I’m not ready to bury him yet. But it’s not in his nature to give up—there must be a road they can pursue, a solution they haven’t found yet.

This is not the time to fall apart. Viktor will need him in the coming days, now more than ever. So he shuts away those feelings as deeply as he can, takes a steadying breath, and gives what he hopes is a composed expression to the doctor. “Thank you for being so thorough in explaining everything. I know Viktor appreciates having all the information, even when it’s… challenging.” This earns him a not-quite smile and a nod of acknowledgement.

“I’m sorry for what must be difficult news, Mr. Talis. We will do all we can to keep him comfortable.”

“Thank you, Dr. Granet. I’ll be heading home—gods know I need it.” Jayce makes a deliberate spectacle of looking down at the bloody wreck of his lab coat, still hanging half-unbuttoned. He needs a shower, food, and a proper change of clothes—at the very least—before he returns. “If he wakes up and tries to start moving around, don’t be afraid to sedate him,” he manages with a thin sort of humour. The doctor does him a good turn by huffing out a soft laugh in return and bidding him farewell.

In a true feat of fortitude, Jayce makes it all the way to the hospital elevator before the tears come.

Over the course of gathering himself up again, he feels himself magnetically pulled back to Viktor’s side and has to resist the impulse to heed the attraction. The lab looks like a crime scene, he reminds himself, letting logic needle him into surrender, and Viktor would kill me if I just left a highly illegal prototype floating in the middle of it.

He’s barely through the door when Thomas slams into the railing on the second landing, white as a sheet under his freckles. “Sky, he’s here!” Thomas shouts before throwing himself down the stairs. Sky is hot on his heels, though with a little more decorum. She breathlessly straightens her glasses as she pins Jayce with an unusually stern look.

“What happened here, Jayce?” she demands, Thomas nodding emphatically beside her.

Jayce’s eyes dart between their worried faces, and he feels a curl of guilt at the mess he’d left them. “You didn’t call the authorities, did you?” he asks with feigned lightness as he moves past them both, heading towards the stairs with both of them following in his wake like goslings.

“Should we have?” Sky asks incredulously, which is answer enough. He’s suddenly viciously glad these two are sensible enough to catch on to Jayce’s general desire to keep the authorities well away from happenings within Hextech.

“No, absolutely not. The work we have going on here is far too precious to have enforcers’ grubby hands all over it.” Hopefully, Cait will forgive him for that grouse.

When he turns off the landing to take in the scene he and Viktor left behind, he notes with approval that the assistants have hardly touched anything. The Hexcore remains where he left it, Viktor’s blood still smeared across the table before it. Only Viktor’s notes have been moved (scooped from the floor and placed on a table), and Jayce’s mug stands clean and pristine beside the teapot.

He pictures them fluttering about, too wary to touch anything near the mysterious magical anomaly yet desperate to act until his return. Their dedication and loyalty merits an explanation.

“Viktor and I were working on a breakthrough.” He motions to the Hexcore, which rotates slowly, its light flickering in what might be a greeting. The glow has shifted from brilliant blue to an unsettling purple, a transformation that prompts him to pause and study the change a moment before continuing, distracted. “We were in the middle of a… spirited conversation… about this work when Viktor had, ah, a medical episode…?”

Sky audibly gasps, pressing fingers to her lips. She’s always had a soft spot for Viktor, even when he’d barely acknowledged anyone but Jayce in those first tense weeks after his return.

Thomas hesitates before reaching out to settle a hand on her arm in comfort. Despite his initial wariness of Viktor, months of watching the two partners rebuild their relationship seem to have given him reason to reconsider.

“Is he alright?” Thomas asks, his hand now gently rubbing Sky’s shoulder in comfort, and Jayce stalls his response. Trying to deliver this news will be difficult, maybe more so because he is desperate for it not to be true.

“He’s… stable…” Jayce crosses to his workstation to avoid watching their faces as he explains. He needs to say something more, but every attempt to articulate Viktor’s condition feels woefully inadequate. “His condition has always been serious, but it’s… more serious.” He winces at his own ineptitude—what a coward’s way to tell them Viktor is dying.

He glances down at the smear of Viktor’s blood; it’s mostly dried now, darkening to a deep brownish red, but he can see little trails that have been dragged in towards the core. This close to it now, he can see that it truly has changed.

The Hexcore almost beckons at him, and he has to fight the compulsion to reach out and touch it—all the while, his mind is already cataloguing each feature of its altered state. It pulses with new energy, the runes etched into its surface shuddering in chaotic patterns. The memory of yesterday returns—the frantic rush, Viktor’s limp frame cradled in his arms, and that single droplet of blood hanging in the air before the core. It responds to organic matter, his mind concludes after a moment of tense puzzlement.

He needs a notebook.

Viktor will want to hear about this.

“Jayce?” Sky asks softly. She sounds terrified, and he realises he’s left them both hanging for a moment too long. He turns back to them and clears his throat.

“They had to drain a lot of fluid from his lungs,” he says, sorting through callipers and draughting tools on his desk—including a combination set Viktor had given him for his birthday—until he finds something to write on. “He’ll need recovery time in the hospital and then…” He trails off, unable to voice the imminent discussions about end-of-life care. Instead, he opts for a gentler truth: “We’ll work with his doctors on managing his condition, but nothing will keep him from the lab.” He jots down notes to share with Viktor later (‘blood → rune patterns → shift colours, void? spirits’). The pencil slips from his fingers, leaving him defenceless against the looming despair. “We’ll need to make this place comfortable for him,” he says finally, clinging to this tangible goal, something to keep them moving forward.

Sky and Thomas exchange a glance. They’d watched Viktor and Jayce circle each other for months, witnessing their cautious reconciliation over countless tense nights. But no one can deny that Jayce is a different man with Viktor around—more driven, less prone to melancholy, even when Viktor had been cold to him.

“Right,” Thomas says, gathering up all five feet nothing of his height and straightening his lapels with a sharp tug. “Of course, whatever we can do.”

Thomas’s newfound resolve seems to surprise Sky, who glances at him before her expression hardens with matching determination. These two stood by Jayce through his darkest days trying to bring Viktor back, weathered months of their guarded relationship. Now they’re ready to leap into this unknown with him—something far beyond any lab assistant’s duties.

“Thank you,” he manages, the sincerity raw in his voice as he nods to them both. He straightens, rolling his shoulders to shed the day’s emotional weight. There’s work to be done. “Right. Let me get you a list, Thomas—I need you to fetch a few things from the artificers today. And Sky, I’ll need your help collecting data before I check on Viktor again. If I bring him updates on the research, it might keep him from strong-arming his way back here too soon.”

Their confidence buoys him as he picks up the pencil again, finds another scrap of paper, and begins scribbling down a list. Beside him, the Hexcore is silent, but he can feel an odd pull to it now that wasn’t there before. The magic feels different, not wrong like the synthetic hex crystals, but stronger, more intense. He’ll need to document that change, take some measurements of its altered state, and get that in Viktor’s hands quickly. He doesn’t know what it means, but it’s something to pursue.

Each shifting symbol reminds him of an afternoon weeks ago—Viktor’s voice dropping low and conspiratorial over their shared desk, the electric thrill of discovery humming between them as they’d pieced together the need for an adaptive matrix to stabilise the synthetic hex crystals. They’d been so close then—not just to a solution—but to each other.

What they had theorised could solve the Council’s problems has turned out to be the very thing that might save Viktor. It’s a bitter irony that gives him the same, twisting sensation he’d had at Viktor’s explanation that the crystals were forcing, rather than guiding, the arcane’s energy. That systems of power would sustain themselves infinitely, blind to the cost. He remembers the tremor in Viktor’s voice when they discussed it, the way his partner gripped his crutch until his knuckles went white, fighting for steady breaths as excitement overrode the years of hurt still simmering beneath the surface.

Now Viktor lies pale in a hospital bed, each breath a negotiation, and Jayce feels the weight of every moment they’ve lost to Piltover’s demands settle in every stiff muscle. The Council’s expectations for the synthetics, the potential applications, the broader implications—none of it matters anymore. Jayce isn’t sure if he’s capable of the kind of miracle they’d need to change the march of the inevitable, but even so, his world has contracted to a single point of focus: finding a way to save Viktor.

—·—

A section of the brass railing crashes to the floor below with a resonant clang that echoes through the empty lab. Jayce winces—he’d meant to catch that. His hands shake slightly as he sets down the welding torch he’d used to cut through the upstairs loft bannister, exhaustion seeping into his bones after a week of rushing between the hospital and laboratory.

He remembers Viktor’s face in the hospital bed, pale against stark white sheets, the way his chest had hitched with each careful breath. The memory drives Jayce’s hands to move faster, checking measurements with obsessive precision. If he can just make their workspace perfect—if he can eliminate every obstacle, smooth away each difficulty—maybe…

The conversations about Viktor’s care needs over the last few days have left him feeling fragile and raw. Yet amid that vulnerability, something precious has begun to return. Viktor no longer startles at his touch—instead, he turns into it, as if expecting the gentle press of Jayce’s hand against his back or shoulder. Where he once went rigid, now he leans in, softening. Sometimes he’ll lift an eyebrow, coy and knowing, or catch Jayce’s eye with a look that needs no words, just like they used to share. These small moments of reconnection have been a balm, keeping darker thoughts at bay.

It was during one of these quiet moments, when the hospital’s night silence wrapped around them like a blanket, that Jayce had finally gotten the chance to share what he’d observed about the Hexcore and its unusual reaction to Viktor’s blood smeared across the workstation. The words tumbled out soft and hesitant in the darkness, describing blood hanging suspended, runes shifting like starlight, colours bleeding violet. He’d offered every carefully documented detail, and, as predicted, Viktor had taken to the information with renewed energy.

“This could be the key to augmenting physiology, extending life—”

“Curing you.”

The memory of Viktor’s eyes lighting up with that spark of scientific curiosity, even through his exhaustion, has sustained Jayce through these long days. The Hexcore work consumes their focus now, offering not just distraction but hope—fragile though that hope might be.

Viktor dispatches daily guidance for the next phase of testing, demanding fresh data with each instruction. The constant trips between hospital and lab had exhausted Jayce, but thankfully, Sky stepped in to bring renewed dedication to this part of the work. She now visited the hospital as frequently as Jayce had done, freeing him and Thomas to concentrate on his newly planned laboratory modifications.

Thomas stares at the fallen bannister, then up at Jayce with a mixture of disbelief and reserved alarm. His mouth opens, closes, then opens again before settling into a polite press of lips. “Sorry,” Jayce offers him a sheepish grin as he tugs his goggles up. “Just slipped out of my hands.”

“… Noted,” Thomas manages, his voice pitched slightly higher than usual. He peels off the rubber gloves he wore to conduct the electrical upgrades their work has needed, as if focusing on the task might help him process how something that substantial just… slips. Through the entire week, they’ve buried themselves in lab modifications. What started as minor adjustments—lowering workbenches, widening paths between stations—had evolved into increasingly ambitious changes. The dismantled lab reflects his internal chaos; wires spill across the lower level like tangled thoughts, tools scattered in his desperate need to do something, anything, while Viktor recovers. Each modification feels vital—as if by reshaping their shared space, he might somehow ward off the inevitable. Their efforts now culminate in the pièce de résistance they’ve been collaborating on all morning: a lift installed strategically close to the entrance of their upstairs private lab space, eliminating the long walk to the back of the room and up the stairs. He’s just considering what safety measures need to be in place when a familiar sound cuts through the chaos.

“I am absent for a week, and you tear the place apart.” The voice is dry and sharp as ever, tinged with a wry smile he hears rather than sees. Jayce stands so fast that his knees pop in protest and his heart leaps into his throat.

There in the doorway stands Viktor, transformed from the gaunt figure in the hospital bed into something closer to his usual self. The dark circles under his eyes have faded to shadows, and though his clothes hang a touch loose on his frame, he holds himself with that characteristic quiet dignity that always makes Jayce’s breath catch. The portable oxygen canister in his free hand is new—a brass cannula settled at his nostrils, connected by delicate tubing that catches the light like spun gold. But his eyes—those eyes Jayce has been dreaming of—are clear and alert, surveying the destruction with that blend of exasperation and amusement that Jayce has missed so desperately.

Behind Viktor, Sky practically vibrates with excitement, carrying what appears to be a small army of potted nursery plants. The sight is so wonderfully, absurdly normal that Jayce has to blink several times to convince himself he isn’t imagining it all—that Viktor is really here, alive and breathing and looking at Jayce like he’s both the most brilliant and most ridiculous person he’s ever known. “But—you’re not supposed to be out until Wednesday.”

Viktor returns this with an exaggerated roll of his eyes, his expression going wry in a way that makes it clear he won’t tolerate Jayce’s penchant for mothering. “I was released on good behaviour.” He lifts the canister in a sardonic gesture, and Jayce’s face breaks into a smile of Viktory. After days of circular arguments about continuing oxygen treatment—Viktor insisting he didn’t need “an anchor”, doctors and Jayce united in concern—this feels like a breakthrough.

“You’re agreeing to use it moving forward?” Jayce asks, trying not to sound too triumphant.

Viktor’s shoulder lifts in a small shrug and makes a noncommittal noise that conveys both acquiescence and a fond annoyance. “Eh, as needed, and is reasonable.” When Jayce’s smile falls, Viktor sighs. “Enough with that face, Jayce; I do happen to recognise that an optimal blood oxygen level greatly improves my cognitive function,” he relents, moving further into the room to settle at the one empty workbench with a huff. “But I’m not committing to carting this thing around every hour of the day if it is not necessary.”

Jayce gives him a narrow look, but Viktor only returns it with a gentle lift of a brow. It’s so characteristic of the man he knows; he can’t help but break into a fond smile that feels like beaming. One flickers over Viktor’s lips in return, smaller but no less warm, and something in Jayce’s chest expands, finally able to breathe again. He hadn’t realised how much he’d been suffocating without these moments—their silent conversations, a dance of expressions that speak volumes. Each shared look feels like drawing in fresh air after his own system has been starved of oxygen.

“Now,” Viktor says, gesturing vaguely at the chaos of wires and metal with an elegant flick of his wrist, “come down here. I’m too… tired of climbing all those stairs, and you need to explain whatever this is supposed to be.”

Jayce doesn’t miss the soft moment of honesty about his condition tucked into Viktor’s demands. It’s a small admission, but it’s one of the only times he’s heard Viktor so casually acknowledge his limitations. It’s a sign that Viktor is upholding his side of their reforged partnership. It means everything to him. Enough warmth blooms in his chest to allow him to ignore the fact that Viktor apparently considers oxygen, the very thing his condition deprives him of, to only occasionally be ‘necessary’.

“Be right there,” he calls down, fumbling to shut off the welding torch properly despite his sudden surge of energy. He takes the stairs two at a time, nearly colliding with Sky on her way up. Her arms are still full of plants, and she meets his questioning look with a knowing smile that would normally pique his curiosity. But right now, Sky and Viktor could be plotting to fill the lab with dancing chickens for all he cares—Viktor is back, and Jayce can barely contain himself as he bursts onto the first floor to join his partner at the workstation.

Thomas makes a show of returning to his wiring, though Jayce catches the distinct tilt to his head that betrays a flagrant attempt at eavesdropping. Not that Jayce can blame him—after a week of watching him fret about the lab, taking things apart, he and Sky both deserve to eavesdrop on him all they want.

“So?” Viktor questions as Jayce leans back on his palms on the bench. The oxygen canister rests by Viktor’s hip, his crutch laid across his thighs, and he looks so perfectly at home here that Jayce’s chest aches with it. He wants nothing more than to pull Viktor into his arms audience be damned. God, he’s missed this—missed seeing him here in his element. Their eyes now meet with such easy understanding, even if some walls still stand between them. They’re trying, and it’s the most wonderful thing he can imagine.

“Well,” Jayce starts, suddenly aware of how excessive this might seem. “We need to reduce unnecessary physical exertion. And I know you don’t want to give up your mobility with the crutch, but I thought maybe we could at least save you the stairs, so I’m adding…” He gestures vaguely at the half-assembled mechanism. “… a lift?”

“A lift—” Viktor’s eyebrows shoot up to his hairline, and Jayce feels heat creep up his neck. He gives Viktor a sheepish smile.

“I mean, it seemed like a good idea at the time? And it’s nothing fancy—” he hurries to say, “I’ve pulled most of it out of one of the family warehouses, so it’s really just a repurposed freight elevator, but—” He stutters to a stop as Viktor’s hand settles on his thigh. The casual touch shorts out his brain completely—Viktor initiating contact is still so new it makes his heart beat about ten times faster. He’s really going to need to build up some immunity to Viktor touching him, or he’ll spend the rest of his life tripping over his own words every time those slender fingers find their way to his body.

“Thank you, Jayce,” Viktor says softly, and those simple words erase everything else around him.

Jayce clears his throat, trying to meet the moment with a casual air, but he only manages to mutter, “Yeah, of course.”

The hand shifts just the slightest bit, fingers pressing into muscle, before Viktor removes it, and Jayce has to smother the urge to reach out and guide it back into place. He draws the line at begging Viktor to put hands on him in front of their assistants.

After years of carefully measured touches, of Viktor accepting but never returning his physical affections, this new element to their recovering relationship leaves him flustered and wanting. He’s never been so aware of Viktor in such a physical sense before, not without the absolute misery of their estrangement lingering between them.

“Viktor, it’s ready!” Sky calls from above, and Jayce cranes his neck to look up to the loft at her.

“What’s ready?” he asks, his curiosity returning as he hops off the bench and holds out a hand to help Viktor to his feet. Beside him, Viktor lifts himself to standing, deliberately unassisted. His fingers curl around Jayce’s wrist with a gentle squeeze as if to say ‘down’ before he settles his crutch under his arm and shoves the oxygen tank into Jayce’s chest instead.

“Carry this, and come along,” he orders as Jayce gives a soft oof of surprise and looks at him in quiet awe before a real laugh startles out of him. The sound is so utterly foreign in a space that has only contained his hectic anxiety for the past week that Thomas actually peers around the open electrical panel on the elevator to verify what he’s hearing.

“What am I? Your valet?” Jayce asks, keeping step with Viktor to avoid ripping the cannula from its resting place. His humour is evident in his light tone, even if the grin on his face didn’t give him away.

“No,” Viktor answers, a smirk at the corners of his lips, “You are my partner, as you are so fond of reminding me, and these stairs require a free hand, so I do not risk toppling down them,” he explains, as clearly as if Jayce were a student in his lecture. “Did that once at the academy; cannot recommend it,” he adds in a mutter, causing Jayce to choke on another unexpected laugh. Gods, he feels light, light enough he could practically float them both up the stairs.

“You know, if you’d arrived when I was expecting you, we would have had the lift ready for you.” Jayce matches Viktor’s careful pace up the stairs, trying not to hover even as he notes how much attention Viktor puts into each deliberate step. For all Viktor’s earlier bravado, he’s being cautious now—a fresh development that sends conflicting waves of relief and concern through Jayce’s chest.

“I’m aware, Jayce,” Viktor replies, the words coming slightly breathless even though they’re only halfway up. The sound punctures some of Jayce’s floating happiness, anchoring him back to reality. Yes, Viktor is here; yes, this feels like the start of something wonderful—but better doesn’t mean without challenge.

Sudden fury rises in Jayce’s throat at the city that never bothered to mandate lifts or ramps—Viktor’s journey here has always been harder than it needs to be. Some of his anger turns inwards; even before this, how could he not consider this when choosing this lab? At the time, of course, Viktor was already gone, but he’d always intended for Viktor to come back, to share this space with him once again.

“I could hardly leave you here for longer to…” Viktor pauses, his fingers fluttering in the vague direction of the lower level. “… What was it you were working on again? Throwing bannisters at poor Mr. Prescott down there?”

Jayce manages a laugh, though this one feels a little more forced than the ones that came before it. Having Viktor back like this and knowing every day is now a countdown on the promised months left in Viktor’s life. The yawning anticipation, the weight of his grief, threatens to pull him down and swallow him whole, but as they cross the threshold to their private lab, what he sees cuts straight through the darkness of his thoughts.

The Hexcore is still in its usual position at Jayce’s workstation, but it has taken on a wholly new state. Sky has arranged a careful circle of plants around it, each specimen positioned with mathematical precision. What catches his breath isn’t the setup itself, but the way the Hexcore seems to reach for the nearest leaves—like it can sense the proximity of new life.

“Viktor, what…” he starts, barely registering Viktor slipping the oxygen tank from his grip. His partner steps forward into the lab, moving with purpose despite his fatigue.

“The next phase,” Viktor announces, studying the dancing lights with interest, “is based on the data you’ve collected since the Hexcore encountered my blood.” There’s something in his voice—not quite lightness or hope, but a dangerous relative Jayce knows all too well: possibility.

Viktor’s movement through the familiar space draws Jayce back to awareness. The sight of him amidst their shared surroundings sparks an overwhelming urge to act, propelling Jayce across the room to pull out a chair at the workstation.

“I wanted to try introducing additional organic matter. Hence the plants,” he explains, setting his oxygen on the desk. Viktor glances from Jayce to the offered seat, eyebrows slightly arched. Though not quite disapproving, his expression carries weight as he meets Jayce’s gaze. “I will ask for help when I need it.” The words serve less as correction than as a gentle reinforcement of boundaries he expects Jayce to recall.

“Right. Of course.” He nods and reaches out, settling a hand on Viktor’s shoulder. “Sorry, V,” he breathes, and Viktor’s hand rises to cover his own.

“No need to apologise. I appreciate your thoughtfulness, Jayce.” Their eyes meet and hold, searching, as if gauging if they’ve weathered the exchange without anything fracturing anew. Jayce’s mouth goes dry as Viktor’s eyes travel over him, taking in his expression before dropping to make a deliberate study from boots to face. There is something so intense in the way Viktor takes in the world; it feels strangely intimate, like a caress. Jayce prays his face isn’t as flushed as he feels. Viktor’s grip tightens fractionally on his hand again, and his lips part on a soft inhale at the sensation; he doesn’t know what brought this new madness into his partner’s interactions with him, but he’s realising he’s wholly unprepared to process it.

They snap back into focus as Sky clears her throat, having watched their silent interactions for long enough. Her eyes are wide, and Jayce thinks she might be blushing. “Should I— well… did you want to start the trials or…?” Her question trails off as Viktor settles back into the seat Jayce provided, propping his crutch on the edge of the table and stretching out his bad leg with a slight wince.

“Yes, thank you, Miss Young,” Viktor confirms before turning back to him. “Jayce, if you please, I need help cataloguing reactions while I manage the runic configurations, and you have a better memory for it.”

Jayce smiles faintly in response. “Oh, so I’m playing lab assistant today? I have a lift to finish installing, you know,” he points out, already gathering his notes to assist.

“A lift, you say? What a challenge for the great Jayce Talis, Man of Progress! What breakthroughs will you think of next?” Viktor teases, reaching for a pair of goggles from the edge of the desk. He tries to slide them over his eyes but finds they interfere with the oxygen tubes, forcing him to pause to fiddle with them.

Jayce rolls his eyes at the jibe. “Very funny. I’m doing this for your benefit, I’ll remind you.”

Viktor looks up at him, and that golden-eyed stare sends lightning racing up Jayce’s spine. “This is more interesting,” Viktor states simply before turning back around, descending into muttered cursing as he removes the cannula and repositions everything to get his goggles properly seated.

Jayce can’t argue against that. The opportunity to work side by side with Viktor always takes him back to the early days of their partnership. He walks to the gap in the railing to shout instructions down to Thomas about continuing progress on the lift.

He’s just turning back towards the workstation to join in Viktor’s trials when light flares bright violet, making him squint against its brilliance as the plants burst into glorious, chaotic life. Leaves unfurl at rapid speed, blooms shudder and burst open in a firework of bright colours, vines tremble and stretch out, seeking purchase to climb. In mere moments, a forest has blossomed to life in front of them.

Silence reigns between the trio as Viktor’s hands fall away from the matrix’s controls, and they stare up at the jungle of plant life that now reaches the ceiling. The Hexcore spins in rapid circles like a top, the runes on its surface still glittering yet otherwise innocuous.

Jayce returns to his partner’s side, eyes wide with wonder, mind racing with possibilities. He arrives just in time to hear Viktor’s soft murmur.

“Incredible.”

[first chapter | previous chapter | next chapter on AO3]

[kemetic-dreams]

Maca root is a cruciferous vegetable native to the Andes mountains of Peru that is used in supplements and dietary supplements: 

What it isMaca root, also known as Lepidium meyenii or "Peruvian ginseng", is the root of a vegetable that is related to broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale. 

BenefitsSome say maca root can help with sexual function, libido, energy, fertility, and erectile dysfunction. Others say it may help with mood, anxiety, blood pressure, and sun damage. 

HistoryIndigenous people of the Andes have used maca root for centuries as a food source and traditional remedy. 

IngredientsMaca root contains fiber, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds like macamides, macaridine, alkaloids, and glucosinolates. 

ProductsMaca root is available in supplements and dietary supplements, such as capsules and powders. 

ResearchThere is not enough human-based research to fully support the uses of maca root

Maca root, a cruciferous vegetable native to Peru, has been traditionally used for its various health benefits. Here are some of the potential benefits of maca root: 

Sexual Health: 

May improve libido and sexual desire in both men and women. 

May enhance fertility and sperm quality in men. 

May alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. 

Hormonal Balance: 

May help regulate hormone levels and improve hormonal balance, especially in women.

May reduce symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Bone Health: 

May increase bone mineral density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Energy and Endurance: 

May provide a boost in energy levels and improve athletic performance.

May help reduce fatigue and stress.

Mood and Cognitive Function: 

May improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

May enhance cognitive function and memory.

Other Potential Benefits: May have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, May protect against cardiovascular disease, and May improve gastrointestinal health. 

Note: It's important to note that most of these benefits are based on limited scientific evidence. More research is needed to confirm these effects. Additionally, consult with a healthcare professional before consuming maca root, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking any medications. 

[literaryvein-reblogs]

Writing Notes: Caffeine

Caffeine - A mild alkaloid stimulant made by some plants.

Found in coffee beans, tea leaves, and cocoa beans; added to soft drinks, energy drinks, and energy bars; and sold in capsules and tablets as a dietary supplement.

A mild stimulant. It is used to temporarily relieve fatigue and increase mental alertness. Caffeine is added to some antihistamine drugs to help counteract the sleepiness they may cause. It is also added to over-the-counter headache remedies (e.g., Excedrin) and migraine headache drugs to enhance their painkilling effects. Under medical supervision, citrated caffeine (a prescription drug) is used to treat breathing problems in premature infants.

From the Italian word cafée, meaning "coffee", is naturally made by about 60 plants. The most familiar of these are coffee leaves and beans, tea leaves, kola nuts, yerba mate, guarana berries, and cacao (the source of chocolate). In plants, caffeine is a pesticide. Insects eating plants that contain caffeine become disabled or die.

It has no nutritional value. But there seem to be some benefits to regular caffeine consumption, despite conflicting research.

Effects on the Body

Increases heart rate

Temporarily increases blood pressure

Relaxes smooth muscle cells in the airways

Releases fatty acids and glycerol in the body for energy use

Easily crosses the blood-brain barrier and changes the level of neurotransmitters in the brain

Passes into breast milk

Caffeine is absorbed in the stomach.

Its effects are noticeable in about 15 minutes and usually last several hours.

However, there is a huge variation among people both in their sensitivity to caffeine and in how long it stays in their bodies.

Although the average time it takes half a dose of caffeine to be eliminated from the body is 3-4 hours, this time may extend to 6 hours in women taking oral contraceptives; much longer in pregnant women and in people with liver damage.

Many well-designed, well-documented studies show that caffeine makes people more alert, improves short-term memory, enhances the ability to concentrate, increases the individual’s capacity for physical work, and speeds up reaction time.

In habitual caffeine drinkers, caffeine achieves this by preventing the detrimental effects of withdrawal.

It does not boost functioning to above normal levels.

All of these effects are temporary.

Caffeine does not replace the need for rest or sleep.

Caffeine Withdrawal

Discontinuing caffeine among regular users can cause withdrawal symptoms. These can include:

Headaches (very common)

Irritability

Nausea

Fatigue

Sleepiness

Inability to concentrate

Mild depression

Caffeine withdrawal symptoms begin 12–24 hours after caffeine is stopped.

Withdrawal symptoms peak at around 48 hours, and can last up to 5 days.

Tapering caffeine use, for example cutting down on caffeine by the equivalent of half a cup of coffee (about 50 mg) a day, minimizes or eliminates withdrawal symptoms.

Caffeinism

People who consume more than 500 mg of caffeine a day—equivalent to about five cups of coffee—may develop a condition called caffeinism, though the threshold varies among individuals.

Produces unpleasant sensations, some of which are similar to withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms of Caffeine Overuse include:

Restlessness

Irritability

Nervousness

Anxiety

Muscle twitching

Headaches

Inability to fall asleep

A racing heart

Related Disorders

Severe overuse of caffeine can cause a number of related disorders, including:

Caffeine Intoxication—usually the result of taking caffeine pills (e.g., NoDoz), this condition causes mental changes, rambling thoughts and speech, irregular heartbeat, and other symptoms associated with overuse. In severe cases death can result from ventricular fibrillation (unsynchronized contractions of the ventricle of the heart).

Caffeine-Induced Anxiety Disorder—severe anxiety that interferes with daily social interactions and occurs after caffeine intoxication or heavy long-term use of caffeine.

Caffeine-Induced Sleep Disorder—an inability to sleep that is so great it requires medical/psychiatric attention and occurs after prolonged caffeine consumption.

Non-Specific Caffeine-Induced Disorder—disorders not listed that are attributable to either acute or long-term caffeine consumption.

Source ⚜ More: Writing Notes & References ⚜ Describing Food ⚜ Cocktails