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treasure-mimic · 8 months

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So, let me try and put everything together here, because I really do think it needs to be talked about.

Today, Unity announced that it intends to apply a fee to use its software. Then it got worse.

For those not in the know, Unity is the most popular free to use video game development tool, offering a basic version for individuals who want to learn how to create games or create independently alongside paid versions for corporations or people who want more features. It's decent enough at this job, has issues but for the price point I can't complain, and is the idea entry point into creating in this medium, it's a very important piece of software.

But speaking of tools, the CEO is a massive one. When he was the COO of EA, he advocated for using, what out and out sounds like emotional manipulation to coerce players into microtransactions.

"A consumer gets engaged in a property, they might spend 10, 20, 30, 50 hours on the game and then when they're deep into the game they're well invested in it. We're not gouging, but we're charging and at that point in time the commitment can be pretty high."

He also called game developers who don't discuss monetization early in the planning stages of development, quote, "fucking idiots".

So that sets the stage for what might be one of the most bald-faced greediest moves I've seen from a corporation in a minute. Most at least have the sense of self-preservation to hide it.

A few hours ago, Unity posted this announcement on the official blog.

Effective January 1, 2024, we will introduce a new Unity Runtime Fee that’s based on game installs. We will also add cloud-based asset storage, Unity DevOps tools, and AI at runtime at no extra cost to Unity subscription plans this November. We are introducing a Unity Runtime Fee that is based upon each time a qualifying game is downloaded by an end user. We chose this because each time a game is downloaded, the Unity Runtime is also installed. Also we believe that an initial install-based fee allows creators to keep the ongoing financial gains from player engagement, unlike a revenue share.

Now there are a few red flags to note in this pitch immediately.

Unity is planning on charging a fee on all games which use its engine.

This is a flat fee per number of installs.

They are using an always online runtime function to determine whether a game is downloaded.

There is just so many things wrong with this that it's hard to know where to start, not helped by this FAQ which doubled down on a lot of the major issues people had.

I guess let's start with what people noticed first. Because it's using a system baked into the software itself, Unity would not be differentiating between a "purchase" and a "download". If someone uninstalls and reinstalls a game, that's two downloads. If someone gets a new computer or a new console and downloads a game already purchased from their account, that's two download. If someone pirates the game, the studio will be asked to pay for that download.

Q: How are you going to collect installs? A: We leverage our own proprietary data model. We believe it gives an accurate determination of the number of times the runtime is distributed for a given project. Q: Is software made in unity going to be calling home to unity whenever it's ran, even for enterprice licenses? A: We use a composite model for counting runtime installs that collects data from numerous sources. The Unity Runtime Fee will use data in compliance with GDPR and CCPA. The data being requested is aggregated and is being used for billing purposes. Q: If a user reinstalls/redownloads a game / changes their hardware, will that count as multiple installs? A: Yes. The creator will need to pay for all future installs. The reason is that Unity doesn’t receive end-player information, just aggregate data. Q: What's going to stop us being charged for pirated copies of our games? A: We do already have fraud detection practices in our Ads technology which is solving a similar problem, so we will leverage that know-how as a starting point. We recognize that users will have concerns about this and we will make available a process for them to submit their concerns to our fraud compliance team.

This is potentially related to a new system that will require Unity Personal developers to go online at least once every three days.

Starting in November, Unity Personal users will get a new sign-in and online user experience. Users will need to be signed into the Hub with their Unity ID and connect to the internet to use Unity. If the internet connection is lost, users can continue using Unity for up to 3 days while offline. More details to come, when this change takes effect.

It's unclear whether this requirement will be attached to any and all Unity games, though it would explain how they're theoretically able to track "the number of installs", and why the methodology for tracking these installs is so shit, as we'll discuss later.

Unity claims that it will only leverage this fee to games which surpass a certain threshold of downloads and yearly revenue.

Only games that meet the following thresholds qualify for the Unity Runtime Fee: Unity Personal and Unity Plus: Those that have made $200,000 USD or more in the last 12 months AND have at least 200,000 lifetime game installs. Unity Pro and Unity Enterprise: Those that have made $1,000,000 USD or more in the last 12 months AND have at least 1,000,000 lifetime game installs.

They don't say how they're going to collect information on a game's revenue, likely this is just to say that they're only interested in squeezing larger products (games like Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail, Fate Grand Order, Among Us, and Fall Guys) and not every 2 dollar puzzle platformer that drops on Steam. But also, these larger products have the easiest time porting off of Unity and the most incentives to, meaning realistically those heaviest impacted are going to be the ones who just barely meet this threshold, most of them indie developers.

Aggro Crab Games, one of the first to properly break this story, points out that systems like the Xbox Game Pass, which is already pretty predatory towards smaller developers, will quickly inflate their "lifetime game installs" meaning even skimming the threshold of that 200k revenue, will be asked to pay a fee per install, not a percentage on said revenue.

[IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Hey Gamers!

Today, Unity (the engine we use to make our games) announced that they'll soon be taking a fee from developers for every copy of the game installed over a certain threshold - regardless of how that copy was obtained.

Guess who has a somewhat highly anticipated game coming to Xbox Game Pass in 2024? That's right, it's us and a lot of other developers.

That means Another Crab's Treasure will be free to install for the 25 million Game Pass subscribers. If a fraction of those users download our game, Unity could take a fee that puts an enormous dent in our income and threatens the sustainability of our business.

And that's before we even think about sales on other platforms, or pirated installs of our game, or even multiple installs by the same user!!!

This decision puts us and countless other studios in a position where we might not be able to justify using Unity for our future titles. If these changes aren't rolled back, we'll be heavily considering abandoning our wealth of Unity expertise we've accumulated over the years and starting from scratch in a new engine. Which is really something we'd rather not do.

On behalf of the dev community, we're calling on Unity to reverse the latest in a string of shortsighted decisions that seem to prioritize shareholders over their product's actual users.

I fucking hate it here.

-Aggro Crab - END DESCRIPTION]

That fee, by the way, is a flat fee. Not a percentage, not a royalty. This means that any games made in Unity expecting any kind of success are heavily incentivized to cost as much as possible.

[IMAGE DESCRIPTION: A table listing the various fees by number of Installs over the Install Threshold vs. version of Unity used, ranging from $0.01 to $0.20 per install. END DESCRIPTION]

Basic elementary school math tells us that if a game comes out for $1.99, they will be paying, at maximum, 10% of their revenue to Unity, whereas jacking the price up to $59.99 lowers that percentage to something closer to 0.3%. Obviously any company, especially any company in financial desperation, which a sudden anchor on all your revenue is going to create, is going to choose the latter.

Furthermore, and following the trend of "fuck anyone who doesn't ask for money", Unity helpfully defines what an install is on their main site.

While I'm looking at this page as it exists now, it currently says

The installation and initialization of a game or app on an end user’s device as well as distribution via streaming is considered an “install.” Games or apps with substantially similar content may be counted as one project, with installs then aggregated to calculate the Unity Runtime Fee.

However, I saw a screenshot saying something different, and utilizing the Wayback Machine we can see that this phrasing was changed at some point in the few hours since this announcement went up. Instead, it reads:

The installation and initialization of a game or app on an end user’s device as well as distribution via streaming or web browser is considered an “install.” Games or apps with substantially similar content may be counted as one project, with installs then aggregated to calculate the Unity Runtime Fee.

Screenshot for posterity:

That would mean web browser games made in Unity would count towards this install threshold. You could legitimately drive the count up simply by continuously refreshing the page. The FAQ, again, doubles down.

Q: Does this affect WebGL and streamed games? A: Games on all platforms are eligible for the fee but will only incur costs if both the install and revenue thresholds are crossed. Installs - which involves initialization of the runtime on a client device - are counted on all platforms the same way (WebGL and streaming included).

And, what I personally consider to be the most suspect claim in this entire debacle, they claim that "lifetime installs" includes installs prior to this change going into effect.

Will this fee apply to games using Unity Runtime that are already on the market on January 1, 2024? Yes, the fee applies to eligible games currently in market that continue to distribute the runtime. We look at a game's lifetime installs to determine eligibility for the runtime fee. Then we bill the runtime fee based on all new installs that occur after January 1, 2024.

Again, again, doubled down in the FAQ.

Q: Are these fees going to apply to games which have been out for years already? If you met the threshold 2 years ago, you'll start owing for any installs monthly from January, no? (in theory). It says they'll use previous installs to determine threshold eligibility & then you'll start owing them for the new ones. A: Yes, assuming the game is eligible and distributing the Unity Runtime then runtime fees will apply. We look at a game's lifetime installs to determine eligibility for the runtime fee. Then we bill the runtime fee based on all new installs that occur after January 1, 2024.

That would involve billing companies for using their software before telling them of the existence of a bill. Holding their actions to a contract that they performed before the contract existed!

Okay. I think that's everything. So far.

There is one thing that I want to mention before ending this post, unfortunately it's a little conspiratorial, but it's so hard to believe that anyone genuinely thought this was a good idea that it's stuck in my brain as a significant possibility.

A few days ago it was reported that Unity's CEO sold 2,000 shares of his own company.

On September 6, 2023, John Riccitiello, President and CEO of Unity Software Inc (NYSE:U), sold 2,000 shares of the company. This move is part of a larger trend for the insider, who over the past year has sold a total of 50,610 shares and purchased none.

I would not be surprised if this decision gets reversed tomorrow, that it was literally only made for the CEO to short his own goddamn company, because I would sooner believe that this whole thing is some idiotic attempt at committing fraud than a real monetization strategy, even knowing how unfathomably greedy these people can be.

So, with all that said, what do we do now?

Well, in all likelihood you won't need to do anything. As I said, some of the biggest names in the industry would be directly affected by this change, and you can bet your bottom dollar that they're not just going to take it lying down. After all, the only way to stop a greedy CEO is with a greedier CEO, right?

(I fucking hate it here.)

And that's not mentioning the indie devs who are already talking about abandoning the engine.

[Links display tweets from the lead developer of Among Us saying it'd be less costly to hire people to move the game off of Unity and Cult of the Lamb's official twitter saying the game won't be available after January 1st in response to the news.]

That being said, I'm still shaken by all this. The fact that Unity is openly willing to go back and punish its developers for ever having used the engine in the past makes me question my relationship to it.

The news has given rise to the visibility of free, open source alternative Godot, which, if you're interested, is likely a better option than Unity at this point. Mostly, though, I just hope we can get out of this whole, fucking, environment where creatives are treated as an endless mill of free profits that's going to be continuously ratcheted up and up to drive unsustainable infinite corporate growth that our entire economy is based on for some fuckin reason.

Anyways, that's that, I find having these big posts that break everything down to be helpful.

#Unity #Unity3D #Video Games #Game Development #Game Developers #fuckshit #I don't know what to tag news like this

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loriogara · 1 year

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Uninstalled Auto Pilot

What I realized through this first week of the No Social Media Year is that my reactions and relationship with my phone is automatic. A notification buzzes, I reach for my phone. After I deal with the email or call, I automatically started scrolling the home screen searching for social media icons that I deleted. I asked myself out loud , “What are you doing?” The addiction is real, y’all. This…

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#Adulting #Authenticity #Determination #Happiness #Life Lessons #No Social Media Year #Priorities #Self Improvement #Self-awareness #Social Media #Technology

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spirit-of-phantom · 6 months

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JUPITER SIGNS & HOUSES AND HOW TO GET THE MOST LUCK AND OPPORTUNITIES

jupiter, in astrology, symbolizes luck and opportunities. its influence signifies a time when favorable circumstances, growth, and expansion are more likely to occur in various aspects of life, from personal endeavors to relationships and career opportunities.

aries / 1H: be bold, take action, use your natural self confidence, be authentic, initiate is your best friend, take risks

taurus / 2H: have a rich girl mindset, use your natural ability to attract (don’t chase), build a foundation, invest in things you deem important for self worth

gemini / 3H: communicate !!!!, you’re the type to talk your way in/out of things, be curious, educate yourself and others, take trips and travel

cancer / 4H: be with family, many opportunities at home or places you feel comfortable and safe, be nurturing and caring for others and yourself, use emotional intelligence

leo / 5H: be confident, use your voice, share your creative and romantic skills, very lucky with children, use your charisma and enthusiasm, invest in acting

virgo / 6H: go to work, invest in health, be attentive to detail and hard work, organize your things, be disciplined, be of service

libra / 7H: show off your partnerships and romantic relationships, use your connections, use your social skills, your aesthetic and art brings luck, be diplomatic, balance

scorpio / 8H: use your deep insight, investigate, understand psychology, your ability to handle intense situations and emotions, research

sagittarius / 9H: travel, go to school or get higher education, share your worldviews, explore new ideas and embrace diversity, be adventurous

capricorn / 10H: be ambitious, use your leadership skills, think about career, long term plans, be structured and determined to achieve goals

aquarius / 11H: use your innovative and creative skills, networks, use your friends to help you gain luck, technology, use your unique perspective

pisces / 12H: use your empathy and psychic skills, your intuition is strong, creative intelligence, healing, spiritual, growth, use your compassion

#astrology #houses #sidereal astrology #tropical astrology #aquarius #aries #astrology 101 #astro notes #astro observations #astology #birth chart #jupiter #jupiter through the signs

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lunarlianna · 3 months

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Pluto generations

Aries (1823 - 1851)

The presence of Pluto in Aries defines a generation marked by a pioneering and assertive spirit, reflecting a profound longing for independence. Those influenced by this placement often take on key roles in instigating social change and revolutionizing established systems. Historical events from 1823 to 1852, such as the Wars for Latin American Independence, the First Opium War, and the Women's Rights Convention, exemplify the transformative impact of this astrological configuration.

Taurus (1852 - 1881)

Pluto's position in Taurus defines a generation characterized by unwavering perseverance, determination, and a profound connection to the material realm. These individuals prioritize stability, security, and the sustainable use of resources, leaving a lasting imprint on economic systems and environmental consciousness. Notably, during Pluto's transit in Taurus, the Industrial Revolution surged forward, marked by the rise of corporate structures in industries like railroads and steam engines.

Gemini (1882 – 1913)

The generation under the influence of Pluto in Gemini witnessed the dawn of the Second Industrial Revolution, aptly named the Technological Revolution. These individuals, marked by intellectual curiosity and adaptability, excelled in communication and media, significantly shaping cultural and technological progress. The era marked the birth of influential figures like John Maynard Keynes and Benito Mussolini, along with German scientist Robert Koch's identification of the tuberculosis bacterium. Notably, the First World War occurred during this period, bringing significant changes in all areas of life.

Cancer (1914 -1938)

Pluto in Cancer signifies a generation characterized by deep emotional sensitivity, nurturing instincts, and strong family values. Living through World War I, the Spanish flu pandemic, and the Great Depression, they grew up in a challenging era that shaped their conservative outlook. This generation, often referred to as the "Greatest Generation," prioritized family, spirituality, and adherence to societal norms. While their emphasis on politeness and chivalry had positive aspects, it also gave rise to dark elements such as sexist gender roles, racial segregation, and cultural supremacy.

Leo (1939 – 1958)

Pluto in Leo defines a generation marked by a quest for self-expression, creativity, and a hunger for recognition. Born during historical events like the Nazi invasion of Poland and the Battle of Stalingrad, these individuals challenged authority, imprinting their influence on art, entertainment, and leadership styles. Ruled by the Sun, Pluto in Leo symbolizes a fresh start after periods of war and chaos, fostering a sense of self-value and confidence. This prideful, generous, and naturally leadership-oriented generation, however, tends to resist change and stands firm in their philosophies as a fixed sign.

Virgo (1957 – 1971)

Pluto in Virgo defines a generation marked by a robust work ethic, practicality, and an innate drive for perfection. Born during pivotal events such as the first documented AIDS cases and Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, these individuals contribute to societal shifts in health, wellness, and environmental consciousness. Ruled by Mercury, Pluto in Virgo emphasizes efficiency and hard work, fostering reliability, trustworthiness, and empathy. This generation focuses on rebuilding and technology, epitomizing an era of research and preparation, notably during the Cold War.

Libra (1972 – 1983)

Pluto in Libra defines a generation marked by a profound yearning for harmony, justice, and equality. With Venusian qualities, these individuals are inherently social, compassionate, and value connections with others. The events during their time, such as the end of the Vietnam War, the introduction of VHS, and the rise of personal computers, align with their commitment to justice and duty for the collective. This generation, while not necessarily seeking radical societal reshaping, is more focused on preserving law and order, offering assistance to those in need, and rectifying wrongs through the pursuit of justice.

Scorpio (1984 – 1995)

Pluto in Scorpio defines a generation marked by intensity, depth, and profound transformation, playing a pivotal role in societal shifts related to power dynamics, sexuality, and psychological exploration. While the preceding Pluto in Libra generation advocated for balance, Pluto in Scorpio pushed the limits, ushering in events like the Gulf War, the end of the Cold War, and the advent of the World Wide Web. Resilient and empowered, they navigated constant transformations, developing a keen ability to adapt and thrive through each metamorphosis. This generation also contributed to a shifting cultural perspective on sexuality.

Sagittarius (1996 – 2008)

Pluto in Sagittarius shapes a generation marked by a thirst for knowledge, cultural exchange, and a global perspective, contributing significantly to societal shifts in education, philosophy, and belief systems. This generation, embodies the archer's bravery and fearlessness, fostering a spirit of rebellion and outspokenness. Sagittarius' affinity for networking and socializing with individuals from various nations aligns with the rise of the internet, a tool that facilitates global connectivity. Key events during this period include the successful cloning of Dolly the sheep, the introduction of the Euro to financial markets, and the groundbreaking launch of the iPhone in 2007.

Capricorn (2008 – 2023)

Pluto in Capricorn defines a generation marked by ambition, pragmatism, and a distinct focus on challenging traditional structures, leading to transformative changes in politics, business, and governance. Ruled by Saturn, this era, encompassing events such as the launch of Bitcoin, the Syrian civil war, Edward Snowden's revelations on mass surveillance, and the COVID-19 pandemic, unfolded amidst the Great Recession and the rise of social media. The influence of Saturn instils a commitment to rules, regulations, and social changes that align with a desire for structure and order.

Aquarius (2024 – 2044)

Pluto in Aquarius heralds a generation marked by innovation, individuality, and an impassioned pursuit of freedom and social progress. The current era unfolds amid a new global order, carrying both anticipation and uncertainty. Emerging from the constraining Capricorn era, Aquarius brings a promise of hope, healing, and a future-focused mindset.

Pisces (2044 – 2067)

Pluto in Pisces gives rise to a generation marked by empathy, spirituality, and a deepening of the collective consciousness, contributing to societal shifts in compassion, art, and transcendence. As one era concludes and another begins, this period signals the resurgence of spirituality, with people connecting profoundly to the universe through meditation and prayer. Anticipated as a peaceful time with minimal conflict, technological progress may temporarily slow after the Aquarius era's boom. This wise generation is poised to challenge traditional norms, potentially leading to the disappearance of gender roles, marking a significant chapter in human evolution.

#astro observations #astro community #astro placements #all signs #astrology #astro notes #astrologer #for you #zodiac placements #pluto #planets #predictive astrology #astrology notes

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minkdelovely · 1 month

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homebodies

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Alastor x GN!Reader

tags: domestic!alastor, fluff, established relationship, alcohol consumption, not “explicit” but as a general rule MDNI 18+

word count: 1.2k

author’s note: more self-indulgence. just a little something that’s been on my mind since i watched ‘casablanca’ over the weekend. i tried my best not to get too ooc, but idk - i feel like under the right circumstance, alastor has great potential for coziness. here’s looking at you, kid.

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Tonight was the night. The decision was made a week ago and there was no way you would be backing down.

You didn’t know why you had gotten the urge one day, but once it was there you were determined on getting an antique TV. It had taken visiting several antique shoppes throughout Cannibal Town, but you had managed to find one: a 1949 Packard Bell television (or possibly Hell’s greatest dupe) that was in beautiful shape.

It had been so exciting rearranging your furniture to make room for it, and you set it up to play some of the movies you had also found. The perfect cozy piece that had been missing from the lounge area in your suite. You loved how it looked with the rest of your things, fitting in seamlessly with some of your other antique finds; the morning glory gramophone being one of yours and Alastor’s favorites.

Thinking of him, you began to feel a little nervous about your impulse buy. You knew how he felt about modern technology but… would a TV from 1949 really count? If the concern was Vox, surely the Vees wouldn’t be interested in bugging this old thing?

Uncertainty won out, and you decided to conceal it with a scalloped, ivory tablecloth, placing a vase of flowers on top to complete the transformation. Just until you could work up the courage to show it to him.

You had given yourself a week, and it was finally time. It had been all planned out, from what you’d be having for dinner to the movie you would ask him to watch. The two of you had a long-standing routine of staying in on Friday nights, with activities ranging from you each settling down with a book to dancing in the lounge all while the radio played. Needless to say, it had been a long time since you had felt so nervous about him coming over. What if he really hated it? Or worse… thought it was silly?

A distinct rapping at the door interrupted your spiral, Alastor peaking his head in before fully entering your suite. Despite the number of times you had told him he didn’t need to, the knocking was a habit he refused to give up. Tonight you were grateful, as it gave you the slightest bit of warning to pull yourself together before you hurried to greet him.

He was already removing his coat by the time you reached him, and he kissed your hand in greeting when you tried to take it. A gesture that still left you with butterflies.

“Evening, dearest. Tonight couldn’t have come soon enough, I’ve been looking forward to it for days,” he sighed, finally allowing you to take his coat as he loosened his bow tie with a tug of his fingers.

You would never get used to seeing him be so relaxed around you. He was always so composed and properly dressed that the moments in which he was casual were precious to you, like a secret.

“I know, you’ve been busy this week,” you commiserated, already reconsidering your plan of action as you put the coat away. It was rare that he was tired like this. “What would you like to drink? I’ll get it for you.”

Maybe this isn’t be the best time to try and spring something new on him, you thought as he took a seat at the small table in your makeshift dining area.

“Surprise me,” he said, resting his head in his hand. His eyes trailed you as you made your way to the bar cart, the lazy smile on his face making your heart jump.

Husker had recently taught you how to make a few cocktails, the Negroni turning out to be a surprise favorite. You made two and set his glass down in front of him, exchanging a silent cheers before taking a sip.

Dinner went off without a hitch, and you took turns catching each other up with superfluous details of the week now that you finally had the time. It was during all of this that you worked up your courage to stick to the plan. Maybe a movie might be a nice distraction?

“I bought something last week that I’ve been meaning to show you,” you said, fiddling with your glass.

He raised a brow and hummed. “And why the wait?”

“I was nervous at first, how you’d react to it — it’s nothing bad!” you added quickly, seeing the look on his face. His imagination could be the worst sometimes. “Just… unexpected? I bought a TV from 1949. It’s been hiding in the lounge.”

Alastor turned to look and you got up to remove its disguise. Seeing it for the first time since covering it, you fell in love all over again. It really did fit your space so perfectly.

“It’s not… terrible,” he conceded, standing over it with a suspicious air. “It doesn’t stick out, at least. And you intend to watch it, I presume?”

Here goes nothing.

“I do,” you said, not as confidently as you’d have liked. “I, um… I was actually wondering if you wanted to watch a movie with me? It’s from 1942.”

“You don’t have to keep telling me which years they’re from, dearest,” he sighed, taking a seat on the couch. “But first, I’d like another drink.”

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“I’d like to think that you killed a man. It’s the romantic in me,” Louis said from the television, and to your surprise Alastor chuckled. Was he… enjoying this? You couldn’t help but dare take a peak, and the relaxed smile you found nearly killed you.

He was actually watching it! This was a victory you’d soon not forget.

You started to covertly look over at him as the movie moved along, curious to see which parts of it he reacted to. He was so absorbed that you were able to get away with it for nearly half the movie.

Alastor nearly caught you when the Paris flashback was over, giving you an unmistakable ‘are you fucking kidding me?’ look. You couldn’t help but laugh, and he soon joined in.

You picked up on moments here and there throughout the rest of it, mostly when involving Rick and Louis. And he really enjoyed when Victor began to sing La Marseillaise, singing along with just as much passion. Laughing when Ilsa pulled a gun on Rick, disappointed when she didn’t follow through.

Before you knew it, Rick and Louis were walking off into the proverbial sunset and the movie was over.

“I wouldn’t mind if you ever wanted to watch that again,” he said, looking down at you. You had been inching closer and closer to him throughout the movie, until he tucked you under his arm.

“Really? I’m so glad you liked it!” You couldn’t fight the smile on your face. This had gone so much better than expected, and you were just so happy. “Can I kiss you?” you asked, barely above a whisper.

“Goodness, so well-mannered tonight,” he teased with a laugh, voice low and eyes heavy. “I suppose, since you asked so nicely.”

The kiss had started chaste enough, before he said he wanted ‘payback’.

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tag list: @fairyv-ice, @wat4r, @midorichoco

#hazbin hotel #alastor hazbin hotel #hazbin hotel fan fiction #hazbin hotel fluff #alastor fluff #alastor x reader #alastor x gn!reader #alastor x reader fluff #x reader #domestic fluff

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wkemeup · 1 year

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The Bet

summary: The agents at SHIELD have not taken well to Bucky’s pardon. When he’s injured on a mission under suspicious circumstances, you take matters into your own hands.

pairing: bucky barnes x reader

word count: 7.7k

warnings: canon level violence, bucky’s internalized self-punishing issues, shield agents being real pieces of shit, badass reader who would defend bucky to the death

a/n: I know I’ve been really inactive lately (life’s actually been going well so I’ve been busier but that leaves me less time to write unfortunately), but I’m still lurking here! This is a fic I wrote several months ago but finally got around to editing it. Hope you enjoy!

Bucky wasn’t sure how you managed it – the punch to his gut every time you walked in the room. You were dressed in your tactical suit; black fabric draped over every inch of your body, protective layers of Kevlar and technology beyond Bucky’s years, a weapon strapped to your thigh and knives hidden in your belt and at your ankle. Your hair was tugged out of place, sweat beaded on your temple from the sparring match in the gym moments before the two of you were called to service. In your right hand, you carried your combat boots, the laces hanging low enough to touch the ground.

And still, Bucky held his breath as you approached. Stomach in knots, chest tightening until his heart threatened to stop entirely.

“My offer is fifty this time,” you announced, winking in his direction before you turned to head for the landing bay. “Take it or leave it, Barnes.”

It was a game you’d been playing since your first mission together. A running bet to determine the better combat fighter. You’d insisted on measuring it not by the number of Hydra agents taken down or the bullets left in the magazine at the end of the mission, but by who walked away with the least damage on their body. A competition in the lack of scars.

He suspected it was your effort to distract him, to center his mind on something other than the crushing weight on his chest as he stepped into yet another Hydra stronghold. With his pardon only coming through the official channels three months prior and the nightly news still debating whether he should be locked in a psychiatric hospital or executed for his crimes, Bucky didn’t mind a little distraction.

He wasn’t sure what to make of you at first – this woman who cared so little for the eggshells scattered around his wake. Thin, broken pieces shattered under your steps, sharp edges digging into the soles of your feet and you did not flinch. You never hesitated in your teasing, never withdrew a cautious touch from the hardened steel of his left arm, never treated him as though he were fragile or unhinged. Instead, you placed bets on the outcomes of your shared missions as if his lethality was something to respect, to admire.

Part of him wondered whether it was your attempt to keep him unharmed. The winner would have the least number of cuts and bruises – the least physical pain endured. Bucky had no problem using his body as the weapon it was designed to be, even if it meant being reckless in his own skin. It was what he’d been trained to do for decades; constantly reminded that his body was not his own to command, not his own to protect and shield. The mission came first. The mission always came first. Above his safety. Above his comfort. Above his sanity. Hydra cared little for how damaged he walked away from a fight as long as he did as he was ordered. But not you.

No, you never could seem to hide the subtle twitch of relief as he won bet after bet. How your shoulders seemed to lose the tension aching in your muscles as you handed over the winnings he did not want. Because it meant you’d lost – that you’d been injured more than he had – and Bucky wanted no part in celebrating such a win.

“I don’t want your money, Y/n,” Bucky said as he did before each mission. He fell in line beside you as rookies parted down the hallway with each approaching step. Most kept their head down, eyes averted. But not all. Some openly stared at him as if they might bore holes into his tactical suit.

“Who says I’m paying you shit?” you scoffed, a smirk edging at the corner of your mouth. “Fifty, Barnes. You on or what?”

Bucky chuckled. “Yeah, fine. I’m in.”

You walked with a slight bounce in your step after he agreed and Bucky could not stop the smile as it tugged on his cheeks.

By the time you reached the quinjet, the team of agents was huddled in the loading dock awaiting orders. Steve stood with a hand leaning against the pilot’s chair, the other hooked on the font of his belt. The rest of the team – a group of highly trained SHIELD agents dressed in full combat gear tensed as Bucky followed you onto the jet.

“Thanks for joining us,” Steve welcomed sarcastically though there was humor in his grin. You rolled your eyes and held up your unlaced boots as if that would be answer enough that you were caught off guard for the unplanned mission.

“Not all of us wait eagerly outside Fury’s door for scraps of adrenaline,” you teased and tossed a wink over your shoulder at Bucky.

Steve bit his tongue to hold back a laugh. He turned to one of the agents lingering by the cockpit. “Get us in the air.”

“Yes, sir,” the agent responded and quickly jumped into the pilot’s seat.

Steve made his way to the table at the center of the jet where the building’s schematics were illuminated in three dimensional holographic lasers. Bucky exhaled a heavy breath as he followed, studying the lights as they detailed every inch of the building he would infiltrate in a matter of a few hours. He kept his right hand down by his side in an effort to not reach out and touch the floating blueprints.

“Y/n will lead Team B through the back entrance and up to the second floor,” Steve explained as he widened the schematics with a single swipe of his hand. The floor print zoomed into the level he was describing.

“Meanwhile, I’ll lead Team A through the main floor,” he continued and adjusted the visual to display the path he intended to take. “We’ll come in hot through the primary entrance. Draw as much attention as we can. That’ll give Bucky the time he needs to track down the Berlin files.”

Bucky swallowed as many of the agents turned to look at him. Steve had briefed him ahead of time on the mission so he knew he would be taking this one on his own. He knew the building better than anyone else, better than anyone who had studied the blueprints. He knew Hydra better than anyone else. Whether he was stored in this particular site was irrelevant. He understood how Hydra operated, enough to determine where they’d keep the sort of information that could bring the organization to its knees. It made the most sense.

Clinical. Rational.

“He’s going alone?” you questioned, your voice quieter than Bucky was expecting. Your focus was solely on Steve, brows knotted at the center. There was a soft waver of concern in your tone he was sure did not go unnoticed by the rest of the team. You’d seen Bucky’s right-hand curl to an aching fist enough times at the mention of his former captors. You knew the wounds were still fresh, the ink on his pardon barely dried.

Steve nodded reluctantly. “We’re going to make a lot of noise, but don’t mistake me. This is a stealth op. Giving Bucky a team is only going to slow him down.”

“You could at least give him back up,” you argued, the gentle hesitancy dropped from your tone. Your hands planted firmly on your hips. Tension coated thick into the room.

Bucky was about to step in, to put a careful hand on your shoulder and tell you he could handle himself just fine, that there was nothing to worry about. Maybe he’d crack a joke. Maybe then he could brush off your concerns and the knots in his stomach as simple worry for a reliable partner. But one of the senior agents – Hanning – cleared his throat first.

“She’s right, Cap,” Hanning said. “It’s not a good idea to send him in alone.”

You exhaled a sigh of relief, looking to Steve with a challenging smirk, but Bucky knew Hanning’s words for what they were. His stomach bottomed as he started to reach for you, to pull you back from the room before you could hear the rest of what Hanning was surely about to say. Bucky could read it on each of the agents’ faces – how they all looked down their noses at him, how thier gazes flickered to the reflection of his left arm in disgust, how they tensed the moment he stepped on board the jet. Humiliation burned hot in his cheeks before Hanning even uttered another word.

“See!” you hit Steve lightly on the arm. You grinned back in Bucky’s direction and did not see the dread weighing in his eyes. “Just give him two guys. Just enough to make sure he’s—”

“—watched. We all know the Winter Soldier can’t be trusted alone in a Hydra facility.”

You stilled at Hanning’s words. Bucky watched the edge of your jaw flicker as you clenched the muscle, your hands gripping tight to the edge of the table. Bucky wondered if it might splinter under your hold.

“Excuse me?” Venom dripped from your tongue on every syllable.

“You said it yourself,” Hanning replied with a short shrug of his shoulders, as if you had simply misheard him. “The Winter Soldier shouldn’t be left on his own. No telling what he’d do unsupervised. Especially around his old buddies.”

You flinched – actually flinched.

To Bucky, this wasn’t anything new. The serum has cursed him with heightened senses strong enough to overhear the quiet whispering when he entered the gym, the nervous murmuring of rookie agents who had grown up on ghost stories of his most prolific crimes. He noticed every frantic skip of a frightened heartbeat and every cold, seething glare of an agent whose loathing outweighed that of his fear. There was little room for anything else amongst the agents within SHEILD.

You – and only a few others among the Avengers – were the exception.

His pardon was conditional. He couldn’t afford the kind of trouble these agents were egging him into. One step out of line and he’d find himself with a lifetime sentence on the raft. Maybe that was what he deserved, but he couldn’t risk retaliating against the agents, couldn’t so much as chance a bitter word thrown back in their faces. He wasn’t sure if he was ready to admit that it was only in fear of not seeing you again that held his tongue.

Bucky had grown numb to the taunts and the stares long before he stepped foot in the tower. He knew how to keep his head down, how to swallow back his pride at the expense of his dignity. He learned how to endure the humiliation, the shame. Hydra had taught him well.

You, however, did not tolerate it.

“He can’t be trusted, Cap,” Hanning went on, turning to meet Steve’s warning stare. “We’ve lost too many guys to his friends at Hydra. I don’t care what papers the President signed. You can’t let the Winter Soldier—”

“Stop calling him that,” you hissed, pounding a fist against the table. The holographic blueprints flared in response. “I said Bucky should have support in the field. Not a fucking parole officer!”

Hanning rolled his eyes; a dangerous choice to make to mock a superior agent in front of her own team. Steam billowed from your ears as several of the agents behind him began to laugh. Hanning wiped his thumb over his bottom lip, his gaze slipping down the length of your body as if to size you up, but he lingered too long. A power move, Bucky deciphered. A means to belittle you. Bucky gritted his teeth.

“He’s a war criminal,” Hanning challenged, ignoring Bucky’s calculated step in your direction.

“He was a prisoner of war!” you shot back, voice raising on every word. “Who was pardoned, by the way!”

“You think that changes anything? A piece of paper doesn’t erase the shit he’s done. Doesn’t bring back any of the SHIELD agents he murdered. Doesn’t make him any less of fuckin’ monster and we shouldn’t have to put up with his—”

“Enough!” Steve ordered, slamming a hand down on the table. The blueprints flickered out until the table powered down. “Hanning, get your men in order. I don’t want to hear another goddamn word out of you until we’re back in New York. Y/n, walk it off. We land in an hour.”

Betrayal seethed in your eyes as your gaze whipped to Steve. You expected him to defend Bucky as fiercely as you did, but Bucky knew better, as did Steve. Steve’s involvement would only worsen the division between Bucky and the rest of the team. They’d turn themselves into martyrs; jump on their high horse and twist Steve’s defense to align with what they already believed – that the Winter Soldier was dangerous, untrustworthy, and corrupted everything he touched. Including the Avengers and SHIELD itself.

And maybe they were right, but it wasn’t a fight you had to be a part of. He worked very hard to ensure you knew little of it at all.

You clamped your jaw shut to keep yourself from handing Captain America his ass next and quickly turned on your heels. Your hand slid around Bucky’s wrist and without much resistance, you dragged him along with you to the other side of the jet. There, you sank against the bench along the frame of the cargo hold and began sliding your hands along your thighs. As he watched you, Bucky wondered if you might tear the fabric of your suit with how intensely you were digging your palms into the muscle.

“Hanning’s an asshole,” you grumbled. “Don’t listen to him. He doesn’t know shit.”

You spoke as if you believed it was an isolated incident – a single, rare occurrence he should brush off his shoulders – and perhaps you did. Perhaps you truly believed that no agent would be as brazen as to mock the former Winter Soldier to his face, but you would be wrong. Their confidence grew each time he kept his head down, each time he swallowed back the rage and humiliation at their taunts.

Bucky sighed, sinking down on the bench beside you. Your hands were still raking against your thighs, your pointed glare still finding its way to the agents huddled on the opposite end of the jet. He figured if he didn’t say something soon, you might lose the battle for your better judgements and take a swing at Hanning before the jet so much as crossed Hydra airspace.

“Make it a hundred.”

You furrowed your brow, your gaze shifting to him. Already, your features began to soften. Your hands stilled against your knees. “What?”

“The bet,” Bucky clarified, forcing a smile. It didn’t touch his eyes and it ached, but it was all he could muster. “Make it a hundred this time.”

A smirk slowly lifted the corners of your mouth and Bucky felt a weight slip off his chest.

“You’re on.”

***

“Do you want know what I’m going to do with your money when I win?”

Bucky dug his teeth into his bottom lip to repress a determined smile as your labored voice crackled through his coms. He could hear the static of the radio waves and the frequent draw of your breath as you led your team in combat on the second level. You’d learned early on to switch your coms to an off-channel frequency while you were separated. Steve was the only one who was aware of the isolated channel, but he knew better than to listen in unannounced.

“Huh, Barnes?” you challenged. He could practically see your smile edging up your cheeks. “Should I tell you how I’m going to spend your hard-earned cash?”

“You do remember you’re the one engaged in combat right now and I’m on an abandoned floor alone, right? Do you hear those odds?” Bucky smirked to himself, imagining the hard roll of your eyes as you scoffed into the coms.

“You’re not as stealthy as you think, Barnes. Maybe you’ll stub your toe on a desk. Don’t underestimate my skill against these... amateurs,” you spat the last word as if to make a point to the man you were currently barreling a fist into. “Now let me tell you how I’m going to waste your money.”

“Go on,” Bucky chuckled. He stalked through the empty hallway, passing by old offices and labs as he scanned in search of the vault in question. Hydra was rather predictable that way.

“Well,” you exhaled and clearly threw a punch at your opponent by the grunt that followed, “Sam’s birthday is coming up."

Bucky froze in his tracks; any trace of a grin wiped from his features. “You wouldn’t dare.”

Your laugh echoed in his ears and damn, if it wasn’t the sweetest sound he’d ever heard – took him right out of the Hydra facility he wandered through, out of the memories attached to the lifeless, concrete rooms, and brought levity back to his chest. How you managed to do that while fighting your way through a hoard of Hydra agents was beyond him.

He turned into a promising office at the end of the hallway. Lavish enough to be one of the higher officer’s, with priceless stolen art on the walls and a desk chair that resembled a small throne. He rolled his eyes.

“Six ahead! Erikson, McKinley! Go now!” You shot an order at one of your men before returning focus back to your side conversation with Bucky. He smiled at the sharpness of your tone – the authority, the respect you commanded. Just as easily, your tone shifted to the gentle teasing reserved only for him. “Maybe I’ll replace the side camera on Redwing you shattered in Guatamala last month.”

Bucky groaned and drew out your name in a long, exasperated tone as he began fumbling through a pile of stray papers on the messy desk. You started to laugh again and Bucky couldn’t help the smile that tugged at the ends of his mouth. It was damn near infectious.

“Fine, fine.” Your voice was breathless; either from the fight or the laughter, Bucky wasn’t sure. “I might venture a trip out to Coney Island. I hear they have life changing soft serve.”

Bucky chuckled just as he tore open a locked drawer, shifting through the contents. “You’d have a hell of a lot of cash left over.”

“Well let’s see,” you began, a short pause followed as you knocked out another combatant. Bucky could hear the thud of the body at your feet. “Two tickets on the train, two world-renown ice cream cones. It adds up, Barnes.”

Bucky furrowed his brow. A sudden unwelcomed pit formed in his stomach as he straightened his back, his hands slipping from their task at the desk. He swallowed, though his throat was dry.

“Two? Who would you—”

“Are you really telling me you don’t want to show me around your old stomping grounds?” you teased, as if he should have assumed you’d only ever been talking about him. “I can be generous with your money, Buck. I’ll even treat you to a funnel cake if you want.”

Butterflies swarmed in his stomach, his teeth gnawing at his lips to suppress the grin and the flush in his cheeks. He didn’t dare look up at the Hydra symbol painted on the wall ahead of him, but he wondered then if the memory of it might have any effect at all in the wake of your laughter through the coms.

“That so?” he managed to reply, trying to find a piece of himself from the forties that could talk to a woman without stumbling over his words. His heart was pounding. Thundering. His hands gripped the edge of the desk in effort to stop the shaking of adrenaline, but it was such a lovely feeling.

“I might even win you a stuffed animal.”

Bucky exhaled as if it might relieve the pleasant aching in his cheeks. “Those games are rigged, you know.”

“I have my tricks.”

A throat cleared at the doorway.

Bucky jolted, his hand on the trigger and safety unlatched before he got a good look at the face of the man watching him from the hallway. His smile fell as he froze – the sound of your voice calling to him through the coms went unanswered. You must have heard the sudden hitch in his breath, noticed just by the short gasp of air that something was wrong.

Hanning didn’t so much as flinch as he stared down the barrel of Bucky’s gun. His arms were folded over his chest, his shoulder leaning against the doorframe. Bucky didn’t dare wonder how long he’d been there watching. He was losing his edge. Distracted in the one place he was supposed to be clinical above all else.

Slowly, Bucky lowered the gun and latched the safety. Hanning cracked his neck to the side as six of his men emerged from the hall behind him. Bucky gritted his teeth and raised a hand to his coms.

“I’m going dark.”

No time at all passed before you argued, “don’t you dare! Not while you’re out there alone.”

Bucky kept clear watch of Hanning and the six agents slowly making their way into the room, knuckles cracking against their hips, stretching their arms. A quiet anger simmered under the surface – boiling in his veins though no steam would release him from the rage it carried.

“I found the vault,” he said, the lie slipping too easily off his tongue. “It’s heavily armored. It’ll cause interference. I’ll meet you on the jet.”

He didn’t like the short clinical statements he was giving you, as if you were little more than a handler requesting report. It wasn’t like him and you knew it.

“No. Tell me where you are. I’ll come to you.” Desperation clouded into your voice.

“I said I’ll meet you on the jet,” he replied sharply; harsher than he ever intended to be with you, but Hanning’s patience was wearing thin and Bucky would not stomach you being able to hear what was about to happen.

“Okay.” You were quieter now, your breaths more labored. Bucky’s stomach wrung in knots. “Just be careful.”

He turned off the coms before regret could sink in.

“No more Avenger in your ear now, huh?” Hanning jeered, a cockeyed smirk hanging on the left edge of his mouth. He shook his head, a darkness sinking into his features when Bucky refused to answer. “Christ. She’s just as pathetic as the groupie sluts camping outside the tower.”

“Leave her out of this,” Bucky growled. He knew full well of the crowd who chanted his name, holding picket signs in support of an innocence he wasn’t sure belonged to him. Bucky wasn’t convinced they knew much of anything about his crimes. He often wondered if they would still draw hearts around his name if they knew the volume of blood on his hands.

Hanning scoffed. “She used to be a damn good agent before you started fucking with her head, you know that? Maybe if I take her to bed next, she’ll start defending my honor, too.”

The desk cracked under Bucky’s grip; splintered under his palms. It didn’t matter that he’d never touched you in that way. Didn’t matter that he hadn’t so much as whispered a breath to the torch he carried for you. But reputation and rumor weighed stronger than truth. And Hanning didn’t seem to mind which served him best.

“We both know why you’re here, Hanning,” Bucky said, his voice taunt in the effort. “Stop beating around the bush.”

A vicious smirk warped Hanning’s features as he signaled to his men. Bucky steeled himself – an agonizing, familiar feeling – and he waited for the first blow to land.

***

Bucky took his time returning to the jet. He didn’t bother turning his coms back on after he begrudgingly tore open the vault door at the back of the office and obtained the files SHIELD was after. He wasn’t sure if he was ready to stomach the onset of questions you’d throw his way, the inevitable concern in your voice, or the lies that would slip too easily from his tongue.

You and Steve would have already returned to the quinjet by now and he was certain you were wearing a tread into the floor of the debrief room. If he closed his eyes, he might have been able to picture your arms folded tightly across your chest, the scowl creating lines down your forehead, and the hushed grumble as you muttered under your breath, eyes constantly darting back to the door in search of him.

Bucky took no pleasure in his lies. He did not enjoy the slight hitch of concern in your voice as you begged him to stay on coms. No— it tore into his chest in such a way he was left wondering if there would be anything left at all if he continued this way.

But you couldn’t know.

You couldn’t know the truth of how far men like Hanning would go to appease their fragile egos. How agents of an organization you dedicated your life to abused their power and a loophole in the system to ensure they could pull one over on the Winter Soldier in favor of bragging rights and a misguided sense of justice. You couldn’t know it wasn’t Hydra that left him bruised and battered after these missions, but instead the agents under your watch.

Bucky paused as he came up on the ramp to the back of the jet. In the vague reflection of the charcoal surface was a trail of welts and bruising covering most of his face. Red had seeped into the white of his left eye. The center of his bottom lip was split open; blood dripped down his chin and left stray droplets against the chest of his jacket. He quickly brushed his wrist against his mouth, smearing the blood onto his hand instead and made his way inside.

Hanning was standing at the edge of the debrief room as his team passed behind him. He raised his hand to you in what appeared to be a mocking salute. You did not react; your arms folded over your chest just as Bucky had imagined and an irritable glare compressed most of your features. But your eyes shifted to the bloody and broken skin on Hanning’s knuckles as his lowered his hand back to his side. You turned and watched him as he joined the rest of the agents.

Bucky swallowed and pressed the button at the mouth of the jet to retract the ramp. While you were distracted by Hanning, Bucky shook his hair into his face, keeping his head down, and made his way to the debrief room as he was required to do. He would not be able to hide the damage to his face for long, but if he could at least conceal your reaction from Hanning and the rest of the team, it might be enough to preserve what remained of his dignity.

You turned and walked back inside the debrief room and Bucky exhaled a heavy breath. As he followed shortly in behind you, he wasn’t surprised to find you had quickly resumed pacing along the back wall of the room. The carpet was slightly discolored under your path.

Only when Bucky closed the door behind him did you notice his presence.

You froze, eyes darting across the room. The relief that sank your shoulders was instant, but brief, because the moment you took in more than just his physical body safe inside the jet, a wash of anger and panic absorbed any traces of solace.

You rushed across the room to him, hands hovering over his shoulders, his forearms, his torso – as if you were seeking to touch him but would not dare to lay a hand upon his body in fear of shattering him whole. Your eyes frantically scanned the open scarring and bruising on his face, searching for more wounds you could not see.

“What the hell happened to you?” You made no effort to obscure the panic trembling in your voice.

“Hydra,” he replied shortly, the lie tasting bitter on his tongue. He looked across the room to Steve, who was standing with his back leaning against the wall, arms crossed over his chest. Reluctance clouded the blues of his eyes but he did not contradict Bucky’s story.

“There shouldn’t have been anyone on that floor. You said it was abandoned! That was the whole point of drawing them all to us. You should have been clear!” you tried to reason and shot a glance at Steve to confirm, but his gaze lowered to the floor. You pinched the bridge of your nose as you turned your attention back to Bucky. “Did you get the files at least? Since you insisted on turning off your damn coms to get them?”

Your anger was a mask. Bucky could tell that much for certain by how your eyes shifted consistently to the blood in his left eye and the split on his lip. Fear was not an emotion you took kindly to, especially a fear you had no means of controlling.

Bucky steeled his features the best he could and pulled the rolled file from the inside pocket of his jacket. Blood stained the corners of the crumpled folder and he set it on the table behind you. You did not seem even remotely satisfied by its presence.

“Why wouldn’t you just tell us you’d been compromised?” you argued, shoving the folder further down the table. “I could have sent back up to you! Dammit Bucky, I would have come to you myself! You know I would have!”

Steve cleared his throat as he stepped away from the wall, a pleading heaviness filling his eyes as his head shifted towards you – a means of begging Bucky to come forward with the truth. You deserved as much, didn’t you? You cared for him for reasons beyond what Bucky could comprehend. But there would always be that sliver of doubt; that sickening voice in the back of his mind that questioned whether you might think he deserved the retaliation he got. Bucky only shook his head at Steve to warn him into silence.

Your eyes narrowed on him, gaze following his path to Steve and back. Your instincts were not something Bucky should tread lightly around if he was intent on keeping this from you, and yet – there was some ache of relief to see the questions spinning behind your eyes, the stubbornness drawn to the surface to simply accept his ruse and pretend as though he wasn’t beaten into submission.

Just as you parted your lips, you paused; your attention caught on the monitors just beyond Bucky’s shoulder. Upon one of the screens, Hanning was dramatically mimicking a fight scene to the entertainment of the surrounding agents. The video carried no sound but it was not easy to mistake the arrogant grin upon Hanning’s face as he showed off the bloodied cuts on his knuckles. Bucky resisted touching the bruise along his jawline.

Bucky watched as you slowly moved closer to the monitor, studying every muscle in your body as you deciphered what you were seeing. Perhaps he might have been able to play it off as another one of Hanning’s pathetic attempts at boosting his ego by dramatizing a basic combat training move against a weak-willed Hydra agent, but while some of the agents looked to Hanning as if he were a god among men, some carefully – fearfully – looked over their shoulders to the debrief room. As if they were awaiting retaliation. Or punishment.

Bucky swallowed bile as your spine suddenly went taunt. A gasp drew in a sharp breath to your lungs as you quickly turned to Bucky for confirmation. Suddenly he couldn’t speak – not with the way your eyes were pleading with him to deny it. You turned to Steve next and it only took a second before you saw the weight in his eyes, the truth he’d been hiding at the will of his best friend – how it ate away at him until there was little left. Your hand clasped over your mouth.

“I’ll be outside,” Steve said quietly, sending an apologetic look in Bucky’s direction.

When the door closed behind him, you turned back to Bucky, waiting for him to say something – anything – to help you understand what happened. Hanning was an asshole, but to do something like this was unheard of. To attack a member of their own team under the ruse of a mission...

And maybe he should have confessed everything then and there, but his own fears were too strong – the possibility you might laugh in his face and side with Hanning, that you might believe him to be as vile and violent as the rest of them, undeserving of a second chance.

So instead of an explanation, he reached into his back pocket and watched as your face contorted into something akin to horror and grief as he handed you a crumbled hundred-dollar bill. His hand trembled as he extended it to you.

“What are you doing?” Your voice was barely a whisper; gaze fixated on the speckles of blood on the corners and under his nails.

Bucky released a breath, though it burned on his exhale. “You won.”

You looked as though you might suffocate under the silence that sank into the room. Tears blurred into your eyes as you slowly took the bill from him, your fingertips lingering against his hand, and tossed it onto the table behind you as if the paper had burned you.

“I don’t care about the stupid bet, Bucky! I don’t... I don’t want your money! I never wanted your money. Not ever,” you told him, voice shaking. You clenched your right hand into a fist as if it might quell the lump building in the back of your throat. “How long has this been happening?”

Bucky’s own throat was coated in gravel. “It doesn’t matter.”

“So, it has happened before.”

His stomach bottomed as he realized he’d given himself up. You were always too smart for him, too smart to fall for this pathetic ruse. He should have known better than to think he could keep this from you. He prepared himself for your anger, for your disappointment, for your mockery, but instead something akin to guilt sank into your features and Bucky swore his knees might give out entirely.

“Our own men have gone after you like this... they’ve beaten you on these missions, reported it off as field injuries, and I... I just didn’t know?”

You brushed at your tears. Bucky suddenly felt nauseous.

“This isn’t your fault,” he said quickly, giving up on any attempts at concealing his lies further. He could not stand for you to think that you played a single role in this mess. This was on him. Only him. You were only ever the light in his darkest days. You could not hold an ounce of blame for what happened. He wouldn’t allow it.

“You were in the med bay last month,” you realized suddenly, an awful mix of remorse and agony coating your features. “You were separated from the team when you were jumped. You said... You said it was Kingpin’s men but... it wasn’t, was it? SHIELD agents put you there. They were the ones who attacked you.”

Bucky clenched his jaw, his hand curling tightly to a fist as if that might stop the trembling. “This isn’t your burden to carry. I can take care of myself.”

“Not my burden?” you scoffed. “Look at you! Jesus, Buck. How is this even possible? You should be able to take these assholes on without breaking a sweat! I’ve seen you spar. I’ve fought alongside you. I know what you can do! Hanning barely has a scratch on him. You should have been able to knock him on his ass without—”

You froze and slowly, your shoulders sank.

“God,” you exhaled, the realization shattering every inch inside your chest as you met his eyes. “You don’t fight back. You can’t, can you? Your pardon. It’s—”

“—conditional,” Bucky sighed and ran a hand through his matted hair. “One word to the council that I’ve stepped out of line and they could revoke it. I could end up on the raft for the rest of my life. And maybe... maybe I belong there anyway but I’m trying to better. To right the wrongs I’ve done. To... to be on the right side of things again. I can’t do that from behind bars. And if word got out I’m throwing punches at the good guys, that’s exactly where I’ll end up.”

“I won’t let that happen,” you swore, wasting no time in your promise. Before he realized it, you were standing only inches from him, your fingertips gently tracing the golden lines on his left hand. He wondered then how he could have ever feared mockery and disgust from a woman who touched him so tenderly.

A tired smile tugged at his broken lip. “Steve doesn’t even have the power to intervene if it came to that. Let this go, Y/n. I can take a few punches if it means getting a chance to start over.”

You winced at his words, clenching your jaw as if to choke back a sob. “You can’t keep letting them do this to you. I won’t let you.”

“What would you have me do?” Bucky asked, his voice absent of anger or challenge. It simply carried the heaviness of defeat, of acceptance. “You know what would happen if I gave the council a single reason to doubt which side I’m on. My hands are tied.”

He realized his mistake the moment a deadly calm swept over you. Clarity, like standing under the eye of storm. Your gaze darted to the monitor where Hanning was still mimicking his fight with Bucky.

“Y/n, wait!”

But you were already halfway out of the room. You did not turn back at Bucky’s plea as you stormed around the corner of the short stretch of hall and into the primary deck of the quinjet. Steve straightened from his position leaning against the wall, his eyes darting behind you where Bucky was quickly following behind. But it was not Steve you’d come in search of.

Hanning was laughing with a hoard of his men, gathered around the holograph table worth more than any of their miserable lives combined. He rolled his eyes at the sight of you, making a mockery of the fury raging into every line upon your face as you sought him out as he swatted his buddy on the arm.

The bastard even had the unearned arrogance to smirk as he foolishly turned his attention to Bucky. “Enlisting your girlfriend to fight your battles for you, huh?”

You did not so much as slow your pace, did not draw in a full breath or acknowledge the slight furrow in Hanning’s brow before you threw a punch directly to his left cheekbone. He cursed as he jolted away from you, hands flying to his face as blood began to gush down his nose.

“What the fuck is wrong with—”

You didn’t give him time to finish before you grabbed a firm hold of his collar and tossed him to the floor. Agents scrambled out of your warpath as you stalked after him.

Hanning looked up at Steve, holding onto his broken nose. Blood seeped from between his fingers. “Do something!”

Steve did not avert his gaze as he replied, “I didn’t see anything.”

Hanning’s eyes widened as you dropped to your knees beside him and fisted his collar. “Sergeant Barnes may not be able to fight back without breaking his pardon, but I sure as hell can. And unlike you, I don’t need my fights rigged to win. Lay a hand on him again and I’ll ensure you walk away from your next mission on a fucking stretcher!”

Hanning clawed at your grip, fear seeping through every line upon his face. “You can’t threaten me!”

“Wanna bet?” Your nails nearly tore through the Kevlar fabric of Hanning’s shirt. “I’m an Avenger, asshole. You’re no one. I can make sure you’re transferred to the furthest corner of this planet. You’ll wish you were in space with the tree and the goddamn racoon!”

Hanning’s panicked eyes darted back to Steve who only shrugged and turned his attention to the passing of clouds outside the cockpit windows.

Bucky couldn’t help the smirk as it tugged at his mouth. He folded his arms firmly over his chest, sinking back into his stance. This image of you – baring your teeth, vicious in every muscle, seething in defense of him – was one he would commit to memory. He’d return to it in his darkest hours when he could find no answer for the cruel voices in the back of his mind – to draw upon this moment to chase away his demons with your anger and protection.

“Are we clear?” you ordered when Hanning was too stunned to respond. He nodded frantically, as did the rest of the crew. You released Hanning’s collar and he fell to the ground with a heavy thud. He stayed still as stone as you slowly rose to your feet and brushed off his blood on the thighs of your pants.

Your chest heavy and steady – each breath longer than the last. You did not tear your eyes away from Hanning for even a second, ensuring he felt every ounce of the rage burning inside of you.

Bucky took a step forward, unbothered by the stares of the agents as he approached you. He set a hand on your shoulder, instantly noting the rigid tension in your muscles.

“Come with me,” he requested, his voice quiet enough only you could have heard him. You expelled a breath as if it were made of fire and slowly followed him from the room.

Bucky stepped inside the debriefing room first. He looked to the windows where clouds were passing by below the jetstream. Steady. Even. He took as much of their calm as he could manage and picked up the crumpled hundred dollar bill from the table. When he turned to face you again, he attempted to hand you the money but you held your hands up defensively and took a cautious step backward.

“Bucky, no. Please, I don’t want it,” you resisted, your voice hollow and pained. “I only made the stupid bet to get you to stop being so reckless. I don’t want your money.”

He smiled at your stubbornness, at your scheming means to keep him safe. Bucky inched closer to you, extending his left palm up until you cautiously set your hand in his. His thumb drew a careful line along your palm and you watched him with such startling precision, he wondered if you might have been committing the feeling to memory.

“What happened to our plans for Coney Island?” he asked softly.

Tears spilled over your cheekbones as a tired laugh escaped you. He pressed the bill into your palm and closed your grip around it – holding it tight at the center of your hand as gently as you might his own heart.

“I should have said something the first time it happened,” Bucky said quietly, his gaze still fixated on your closed fist resting on his palm. “I’m sorry I didn’t.”

You shook your head. “You don’t need to apologize for anything.”

“No, I do.” He sighed, concentrating on the smooth skin of your hand. He skimmed his thumb along the tender skin on your knuckles, his heart suddenly heavy in his chest. “You didn’t even hesitate to defend me. Didn’t even second guess why they might have gone after me. You... you didn't question if I deserved it.”

Your face slacked at his admission. “Bucky...”

“I should have told you,” he repeated despite the burden of grief in your voice. He knew now that if he’d offered you a share of this weight from the start, that maybe it wouldn’t have gotten this far. Hanning wouldn’t have planned each mission to ensure he cornered Bucky on his own and got in enough swings to fuel his pathetic, sheltered ego. Maybe Bucky wouldn’t have spent so long believing this was his penance.

You lifted your free hand to the side of his face, gently settling against the bruising to cup his cheek. He closed his eyes, sinking into the feeling. Your thumb brushed along a tender ache on his cheekbone but there was no pain under your touch.

“I know now,” you told him softly, “and it won’t ever happen again.”

Bucky smiled though it tugged at the split on his lip. “I know.”

You lowered your hand from his face and gently pushed the hundred-dollar bill back towards him. “Take this back, Buck. Take it back and promise we’ll still go to Coney Island.”

Bucky closed his fist around the crumpled bill and slowly nodded. You did not release his hand. You did not pull away. You only held him – touched him as though you could not stand to pull away from him.

“I swear it,” he exhaled, his gaze still fixated on your hands.

You sighed, relief slipping through your body as you smiled at him. “Think you can win me a giant bear?”

Bucky chuckled and he didn’t mind when the split on his lip ached as he smiled. “Should we bet on it?”

---

Thank you so much for reading! ❤️ If you enjoyed this fic, please consider supporting me at my ko-fi account ✨

#bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes x y/n #bucky barnes #bucky barnes X you #bucky barnes one shot

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justalittlesolarpunk · 3 months

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Fuck it, I’m suggesting a new day for the queer calendar: trans futures day. TDOV is a relic from another time and TDOR is vitally important but deeply emotionally distressing. Trans people deserve a day to celebrate our successes, our community, our joy, our resilience, our potential. As a solarpunk, I’m passionate about imagining better futures for all of us and a good future includes happy, thriving trans people who are beloved and valued members of their community and have self-determination over their gender expression and personal lives.

TFD could be all about inspiring trans youth about the adults they can become, celebrating growing older while trans, trans people working in progressive politics, the environmental sector, community organising, utopian storytelling and the cutting edge of new advances in science and technology, you name it.

As a date I propose 26th July - if I’ve mathsed right (always a gamble lol) that’s the day exactly halfway between TDOV and TDOR.

Who do I talk to about making it real? 😅

#hopepunk #futuring #trans pride #queer holidays #queer community #trans #non-binary #genderqueer #gnc #solarpunk #genderpunk #trans futures day

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griffin-girl-r · 7 months

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You're not mine (Part 1)

Created: 08.10.2023

Finished: 08.10.2023

Edited: 08.10.2023

Age: 15

Word count: 1,344

Warnings: Abandonment, Child neglecting, Self harm, Blood, Blade, Arguments, Screaming, Child favoritism

Note: Please proceed with caution if you're triggered by any of the warnings above.

Request: Yes (Wattpad user) (@herospark18)

Pairing: WinterWidow

Summary: Natasha adopted you from the Red Room when you were only a baby, but when she and Bucky had their own child, she started forgetting about you.

Part 2

—

"I hate you!" You shouted, slamming the door behind you

"Y/N, we're not done!" Natasha, your mother, shouted from downstairs "Get back here!"

This was a daily occurrence by now.

The, once nonexistent, daily arguments between you and Natasha only got worse over the years.

Although Natasha isn't your biological mother, she raised you like her own after she saved you from the Red Room.

You were only 2 months old when she adopted you and everything went well. You both formed a happy little family for a while.

That was until Natasha started dating Bucky a little after your 10th birthday and she slowly started spending less and less time with you.

But not Bucky was the factor that determined your mother-daughter relationship with Natasha to drift apart.

The main reason behind everything was your 5-year-old baby sister, Tanya, who came into the world a few months after Natasha and Bucky started dating, with a little bit of help from Tony and his technology that, nowadays, seems to defy all odds.

Tanya's arrival only strengthened the bond between her parents, who had a romantic history that started years before even you were born, and, at the same time, weakened the bond between you and Natasha.

You knew the drill by now.

'Tanya is perfect.'

'Tanya is ours.'

'Tanya is innocent.'

Their voices echoed in your brain like a broken record.

Tanya knows that she can get away with everything and Tanya does get away with everything.

Since her birth, it was as if Natasha had completely forgotten about your existence.

It began by ignoring you while she focused her attention solely on Tanya.

She wouldn't feed you anymore, wake you up for school, or cuddle you at night.

She didn't even notice that you changed.

But, how could she, when Tanya was everything she noticed?

—

You stared at yourself in the mirror.

Determination was etched on your pale face as you picked up the blade that was on your sink.

It became a relief for you.

Sliding that blade on your wrist helped you forget about the unbearable pain in your chest.

The crimson blood that was pooling from the cuts held your attention. The pain of being abandoned by two different mothers was momentarily shoved at the back of your mind.

You started harming yourself 2 years ago when you couldn't take Natasha's ignorance any more.

You haven't told anyone and it's not like they would care if they knew anyways. Tanya was the center of their world, not you.

She was the perfect baby, while you were the adopted bastard and a grand mistake that Natasha made.

Natasha never admitted it out loud but you understood the message from the way she was treating you.

The blade fell down from your hand into the sink.

'Is it all because she never gave birth to me?'

And you stared at the trail of blood it left on the white sink.

'Are adopted kids not important, just because they're not blood related?'

You slowly understood.

'Will I ever be treated the same as Tanya?'

The only one left to understand was Natasha.

—

"Y/N, do you want to play with my dolls later?" Tanya asked you a few hours later, during dinner

You pulled at the sleeves of your hoodie even more, hiding your hands inside of them.

"Sure, Tatu." You gave the small child a shy smile "I think I'd like that."

"Tatiana." Natasha sternly looked at Tanya but the tone of her voice was soft "Remember we have a movie night tonight. You can play with Y/N another time."

"Can Y/N come too?" Tanya's big, innocent eyes sparkled while she asked, as Natasha refilled the girl's glass of orange juice

"I think she has more important things to do." Natasha replied, not even bothering to ask what you want "We're going to have a mother-daughter night. It's going to be just us two, sweetheart. Wouldn't it be fun?"

"Yay!" Tanya cheered, throwing her arms in the air

But as she did, she accidentally knocked over the glass filled with juice.

"Oh oh..." Tanya said, looking at the spilled juice "Sorry, Mama."

"Don't worry, baby girl." Natasha smiled, sitting up to clean the mess "Accidents happen."

"That's not what you said the last time when I accidentally knocked over my glass of water." You bitterly spat out at Natasha

"You have no right to talk, Y/N." Natasha snapped at you "Shut up!"

"Natalia, honey, calm down." Bucky, who was sitting beside Natasha, put his hand on her arm "She didn't do anything wrong. She's just a kid."

"She's not a kid, James." Natasha shouted, turning her head in Bucky's direction "She's a grown-up teenager now."

"Talia, I think you are just overreacting right now." Bucky kept trying to calm his wife, sparing a glance in your direction

He looked down at your plate that was untouched, the effect of your lack of appetite obvious on your skinny and fragile frame.

"I think I'm full." You quickly sat up from the table

"Sit back down, right in this instance, Y/N." Natasha shouted at you "You don't disrespect your mother like that and get away with it."

"Well, lately, you didn't act like a mother at all." You shouted back at Natasha, pain evident in your voice, but Natasha was oblivious to it "All you care about is Tanya."

"Because she's my child!" Natasha screamed offended "It's only normal to care for her."

"I used to be your child as well!" You shouted, tears forming in your eyes "I still am your child."

"You're not mine!" Natasha shouted and you widened your eyes shocked "You're not anything to me! You aren't my child because you don't have my blood. I didn't carry you or feel you grow day by day inside of me. But with Tanya, I did. You are just a mistake, Y/N!"

"You are the mistake here, Mom!" You cried, slightly lifting your sleeves as Bucky's eyebrows shot in his hairline "Look!" You showed your scarred wrists to the woman "This is all because of you! Why can't you love me like any mother should do? Blood shouldn't be important! You raised me, Natasha."

Bucky reached his metal arm slowly towards your extended arms to inspect your wrists but he was pushed aside by Natasha, who blocked out the fact that you were hurting because of her and ignored the truth, her intrusive thoughts winning as she said something she would never be able to take back.

"You were never truly a part of this family, Y/N!" Natasha shouted "Get that in your head. You are not our blood and you will never be. I saved you because I thought that you would change but I see that you didn't. You are the same. But I did change. I am not the same Natasha that I was in the Red Room. I am better."

Shaking your head, you took a few steps backward.

"I can't believe you." You whispered in disbelief

"Y/N..." Bucky breathed out, sitting up from his chair "Don't listen to your mother, she's just tired. She didn't mean what she said."

"She knew damn well what she was saying." You kept shaking your head, a lone tear falling down your cheek

"Then get that in your head once and for all." Natasha shouted once more, stubbornly fixated on her wrong belief that she was right

"I hate you!" You shouted at Natasha "I wish you never rescued me from the Red Room!"

And with that, you stormed out of the house and ran into the veil of darkness provided by the night.

Bucky tried to run after you but it was too late.

He found no sight of you or any clue where you might have run away to.

—

Bucky walked inside the house and looked at Natasha who was still oblivious to the damage she had done and muttered one question.

"What have you done?!"

—

Permanent taglist: @lizlil , @lovelyy-moonlight , @theunchosenonee , @ravensinthedaylight , @justarandomreaderxoxo , @youralphawolf72 , @mmmmokdok , @natashasnoodle , @observeowl , @circe143 , @kassies-take , @taliiiaasteria , @sheneonromanoff , @darkstar225

#mama nat #natasha romanoff #natasha romanoff x daughter!reader #natasha x daughter!reader #natasha's child #natasha's kid #natasha romanoff x teen!reader #natasha x teen reader #natasha x baby!reader #winterwidow #bucky barnes #bucky barnes x daughter!reader

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dr-hairblog · 7 months

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DR-HAİR - DEVASA+ (2)

Understanding the Procedure of Hair Transplantation Surgery in Turkey

When it comes to hair restoration, Turkey has become a popular destination for many individuals suffering from hair loss. The country boasts of a high success rate in hair transplant procedures, thanks to the advanced techniques and experienced professionals in the field.

Hair transplantation surgery in Turkey is a procedure that involves transferring hair follicles from one part of the body, known as the 'donor site', to the area experiencing hair loss, commonly referred to as the 'recipient site'. This process is mainly used to treat male pattern baldness, but it's also an effective solution for anyone suffering from hair loss.

The hair transplant procedure in Turkey is carried out using state-of-the-art technology and under the guidance of highly skilled specialists. It's a minimally invasive procedure that promises natural-looking results. However, it's crucial to understand that the success of the procedure largely depends on the quality of the donor hair.

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Understanding Baldness and Hair Transplant Solutions in Turkey

Baldness, or as it's medically known, alopecia, is a condition affecting millions of people worldwide. It's not restricted to any particular gender; both male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness are common, highlighting the need for effective solutions.

Male pattern baldness is the most prevalent form of hair loss in men. It manifests as a receding hairline accompanied by thinning hair on the crown and temples. Female pattern baldness, on the other hand, is characterized by a general thinning of hair across the scalp rather than a receding hairline.

The root cause of these conditions is often androgenic alopecia, a genetically determined disorder. This form of hair loss is typically progressive, with the severity and pattern varying from person to person. It can start as early as one's teenage years and worsen over time if left untreated.

In Turkey, there has been a surge in the number of people seeking solutions for baldness, including hair transplant procedures. A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that moves hair follicles from a part of the body called the 'donor site' to the balding part of the scalp known as the 'recipient site'. It's a popular option because it offers a permanent solution to hair loss and the results often mimic natural hair growth patterns.

Genetic hair loss is an issue that many people grapple with, and it's not just about vanity. Losing hair can significantly impact a person's self-esteem and overall quality of life. But, with advancements in medical procedures like hair transplants, there is hope for anyone suffering from baldness or alopecia. Especially in places like Turkey, where the medical community is making strides in providing affordable and effective treatments.

In conclusion, whether you're dealing with male pattern baldness, female pattern baldness, or androgenic alopecia, it's essential to remember that you're not alone. There are solutions available, and hair transplants in Turkey are proving to be a viable option for many.

Understanding Follicular Unit Extraction and Transplantation in Turkey

The world of hair transplant procedures is constantly evolving, and two techniques have emerged as the preferred methods in Turkey: Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT). Understanding these techniques, their differences, and how they use individual grafts can help potential patients make an informed decision about their hair restoration journey.

Sapphire FUE hair transplant turkey, is a modern grafting technique that is gaining popularity in Turkey. This method involves the extraction of individual hair follicles from the patient's donor area, typically the back of the head, before they are transplanted to the balding areas. The key advantage of FUE lies in the fact that it doesn't leave a linear scar, allowing for shorter hairstyles post-procedure. It's important to note that the success of the FUE method is heavily reliant on the expertise of the professional handling the procedure.

On the other hand, Follicular Unit Transplantation, or FUT, is a more traditional method of hair transplant. Unlike FUE, FUT involves removing a strip of tissue containing multiple hair follicles from the donor area. The strip is then dissected into individual grafts, which are then transplanted into the balding regions. While FUT may leave a linear scar, it allows for the transplantation of a larger number of grafts in a single session.

Both FUE and FUT use individual grafts in the transplantation process, but the extraction process differs. The choice between Follicular Unit Extraction and Follicular Unit Transplantation ultimately comes down to the patient's individual needs, the extent of their hair loss, and their personal preferences.

Regardless of the technique chosen, the results can be life-changing. Hair transplant in Turkey, using either the FUE or FUT method, offers an effective solution for those struggling with hair loss. The procedures, when performed correctly, can restore not just hair, but also confidence and self-esteem. It's vital to thoroughly research and understand these grafting techniques before embarking on the hair restoration journey.

Understanding Hair Growth and Density in Hair Transplants in Turkey

When considering a hair transplant in Turkey, understanding the intricacies of hair growth and hair density is crucial. The success of the transplant largely depends on these two factors, which are characterized by the hair growth cycle and the subsequent regrowth of transplanted hair.

Hair growth is a natural process that involves a series of phases collectively known as the hair growth cycle. This cycle consists of the anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (resting) stages. The anagen phase is where your hair grows and can last between two to six years. The catagen phase is a short transition stage that lasts about two weeks. Finally, the telogen phase is the resting phase where hair falls out and is replaced by new hair.

In a hair transplant procedure, hair follicles are removed from one part of the scalp (usually the back or sides, where hair is denser) and transplanted into the areas where hair is thinning or absent. The transplant aims to increase hair density, improving the overall appearance and boosting the confidence of the individual.

Successful transplanted hair growth depends on several factors, one of the most important being the health of the donor hair follicles. Once transplanted, these follicles go through the same hair growth cycle as the rest of your hair. Initially, the transplanted hair may shed - this is a normal part of the hair cycle and is not a cause for concern. This shedding makes way for new hair regrowth, which usually begins about three months after the transplant.

Hair regrowth after a transplant is a gradual process. The transplanted hair will start to grow at a similar rate as the rest of your hair, and over time, the new hairs will blend seamlessly with the existing ones. It's important to remember that individual results may vary based on the individual's hair cycle, overall health, and post-operative care.

In conclusion, understanding how hair growth, hair density, and the hair growth cycle affect the outcomes of a hair transplant can play a significant role in managing your expectations. It's also vital to remember that while a hair transplant can significantly improve hair density, it is not a cure for hair loss and will not prevent future hair loss. Regular maintenance and care are required to maintain the results of the transplant.

Understanding the Process of Hair Transplant in Turkey

The innovative advancements in the field of hair transplant in Turkey have made it a popular choice for individuals experiencing hair loss from around the world. The procedure involves the careful extraction of hair follicles from a donor area, typically at the back of the scalp, which is then transplanted into the recipient area, usually the balding or thinning sections of the scalp.

The success of a hair transplant largely hinges on the quality and quantity of the donor hair. If the donor area is healthy and dense, it provides an ample number of hair follicles for the transplant. These follicles are the building blocks of hair growth and their careful preservation is instrumental in ensuring a successful transplant.

Follicular units are the naturally occurring groups in which scalp hair grows. They usually consist of one to four hair follicles. The extraction of these follicular units in their natural grouping is essential as it helps maintain the aesthetic integrity of the scalp, ensuring the transplanted hair grows in a natural-looking pattern.

After extraction, these follicular units are meticulously inserted into the recipient area of the scalp. The placement of these units is a critical aspect of the procedure as it determines the direction and density of the hair growth, which ultimately impacts the overall aesthetic result of the hair transplant.

In the context of a hair transplant procedure in Turkey, both the donor and recipient areas of the scalp are treated with utmost care. This ensures minimal damage to the scalp and maximizes the chances of a successful transplant.

The high success rate of hair transplant in Turkey can be attributed to the expertise of the medical professionals and their meticulous handling of the hair follicles and follicular units. Their precise work in extracting donor hair and transplanting it into the recipient area has made Turkey a leading destination for those seeking solutions for hair loss.

Comprehensive Understanding of Hair Transplant Techniques in Turkey

In the realm of cosmetic procedures, hair transplant in Turkey has gained significant momentum. A procedure that primarily involves the transferring of hair grafts from one part of the scalp to another, hair transplant has become a sought-after solution for individuals experiencing hair loss.

The focal point of this procedure is the hairline â€“ the area most affected by balding. The main goal is to restore the hairline, giving it a natural and youthful appearance. The success of hair transplant largely hinges on meticulous attention to the hairline, as it's the most visible part of the scalp.

Several transplantation techniques are utilized in Turkey, each with its unique advantages. These techniques are continually evolving, backed by state-of-the-art technology and a deeper understanding of hair growth patterns. While some techniques focus on the extraction and placement of individual hair follicles, others involve the removal of a strip of scalp tissue, followed by microscopic dissection to isolate the individual grafts.

Microscopic dissection plays a critical role in the process. It allows the surgeon to meticulously separate the individual hair follicles from the harvested scalp tissue, ensuring the grafts remain intact and viable for implantation. This precision significantly improves the success rate of the hair transplant procedure.

The process of harvesting and implantation of the grafts is another crucial aspect of hair transplantation. Harvesting involves the extraction of hair from the donor area, usually the back or sides of the scalp where hair growth is abundant. After the grafts are harvested, they undergo microscopic dissection before being implanted into the recipient area.

Implantation is the final stage of the hair transplant process. Here, the harvested grafts are carefully inserted into tiny incisions made in the balding area. This requires a significant level of skill and precision, as the angle and depth of each incision can greatly influence the overall outcome, including the density and direction of the new hair growth.

In summary, a hair transplant in Turkey encompasses a comprehensive process that includes the careful design of the hairline, the use of various transplantation techniques, meticulous microscopic dissection, and precise harvesting and implantation of grafts. Each step is essential in ensuring a successful and natural-looking result.

Understanding Recovery and Post-Operative Care for Hair Transplant in Turkey

The recovery period following a hair transplant in Turkey is a pivotal phase that contributes significantly to the overall success of the procedure. Understanding the process of post-operative care, managing post-surgery results, and handling potential post-operative complications are all essential aspects of achieving optimal post-transplant hair growth.

Post-operative care is an integral part of the hair transplant journey. It involves meticulous attention to the scalp and hair follicles to ensure the newly transplanted hair grafts thrive and grow as expected. Following the surgeon's instructions for post-operative care can minimize potential complications and promote the best possible outcomes.

One of the significant facets of post-operative care is managing post-surgery results. It is essential to maintain realistic expectations about the timeline and growth pattern of the transplanted hair. The initial shedding phase may cause some concern, but it is a natural part of the process, paving the way for new, healthy hair to grow.

Post-operative follow-up is another crucial element of the recovery process. Regular follow-up sessions with the medical team can help monitor the progress of the transplant and address any concerns or issues that may arise. These sessions are vital to ensure that the post-transplant hair growth is on the right track.

While hair transplant surgeries in Turkey are generally safe, there can still be potential post-operative complications. These may include swelling, pain, and infection. However, with the right care and attention, these can be effectively managed. It is essential to keep in touch with the medical team and inform them of any unusual signs or discomfort.

Lastly, the ultimate goal of a hair transplant procedure is to achieve natural-looking, post-transplant hair growth. This outcome significantly depends on the recovery process and how well post-operative care instructions are followed. Regular cleaning, avoiding exposure to sun and dust, and following a healthy diet can contribute towards successful hair growth.

In conclusion, the recovery phase following a hair transplant in Turkey is as important as the procedure itself. Proper post-operative care, managing post-surgery results, attending regular post-operative follow-up sessions, and addressing potential complications are all key steps to achieving the goal of natural, healthy, post-transplant hair growth.

Understanding Anesthesia and Pain Management in Hair Transplant Procedures in Turkey

In the realm of hair transplant procedures in Turkey, a crucial component that potential patients often have questions about is the use of anesthesia. The type of anesthesia used, the process of administering it, and the role it plays in pain management are all significant aspects of the pre-surgery consultation.

During a pre-surgery consultation, the hair transplant surgeon or a medical professional will discuss the type of anesthesia that will be used during the procedure. This can be either local anesthesia or general anesthesia. The decision is typically based on the patient's health condition, the scope of the procedure, and the patient's comfort levels.

Local anesthesia is the most commonly used type in hair transplant surgeries in Turkey. This type of anesthesia numbs the scalp area, allowing patients to be awake and alert during the procedure without feeling any pain. It has the advantage of quick recovery times and fewer side effects, making the process smoother for both the patient and the medical team.

On the other hand, general anesthesia renders the patient unconscious for the duration of the hair transplant procedure. While this type of anesthesia is less common in hair transplantation, it may be considered in some complex cases or if the patient has significant anxiety about the procedure.

Pain management is another crucial topic covered during the pre-surgery consultation. It's important for patients to understand that while the procedure itself is virtually pain-free thanks to the numbing effect of local anesthesia, there may be some discomfort or mild pain in the days following the procedure as the scalp heals.

The medical team will provide guidance on pain management techniques, including over-the-counter pain relievers and rest, to ensure the post-surgery recovery period is as comfortable as possible.

Overall, understanding the role of anesthesia and pain management in hair transplant procedures in Turkey can significantly ease any anxieties or concerns potential patients may have. It empowers them with knowledge and sets realistic expectations for their journey towards restoring their hair.

Redefining Aesthetic Appearance with Hair Transplant in Turkey

Hair transplant in Turkey has emerged as an effective solution for hair loss conditions. Offering a more permanent solution as compared to other hair loss treatments, it's becoming a favored choice of those seeking a full head of natural hair. The process involves the transplantation of healthy hair from one part of the scalp to another, addressing hair thinning and baldness issues primarily.

One of the key reasons why people opt for hair transplant in Turkey is the desire for a better aesthetic appearance. The presence of a full head of natural hair greatly enhances an individual's look, boosting their self-confidence. A successful hair transplant ensures that the hair grows out to look just as natural as your original hair, matching the growth pattern and texture perfectly.

Another major advantage of a hair transplant procedure is that it offers a permanent solution to hair loss conditions. Unlike hair growth serums and medications, which need to be used continuously to maintain hair growth, a hair transplant provides a one-time, long-term solution. Once the healthy hair follicles are transplanted, they continue to grow hair in the treated areas, eliminating the need for repeated treatments.

Scarring is a common concern associated with surgical procedures. However, in the case of hair transplants in Turkey, the advanced techniques used result in minimal scarring. The tiny scars that do occur are usually hidden beneath your new hair growth and fade over time, making them virtually invisible.

In conclusion, hair transplant in Turkey is a promising way to combat hair loss conditions. It offers a permanent solution, resulting in healthy hair and an improved aesthetic appearance. Furthermore, the process is designed to ensure minimal scarring, making it a seamless and effective choice for those battling with hair loss.

The Role of a Hair Surgeon and Surgical Team in a Hair Transplant Procedure in Turkey

In Turkey, hair transplant procedures are carried out by a highly skilled hair surgeon and a dedicated surgical team. The hair surgeon is the professional who leads the process, making key decisions based on the patient's unique hair growth pattern and aesthetic goals. They play a critical role in ensuring that the transplant is successful and that the results are as natural-looking as possible.

The surgical team supports the hair surgeon in various ways. They prepare the surgical instruments required for the procedure, ensuring that they are clean and ready for use. The team also plays a key role in maintaining a sterile environment throughout the procedure, which is crucial in preventing infections and ensuring optimal recovery for the patient.

The surgical procedure itself is a delicate process that requires precision and expertise. Using specialized surgical instruments, the hair surgeon extracts individual hair follicles from the donor area and transplants them to the balding or thinning areas of the scalp. This is done using a technique known as Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) or Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), depending on the patient's specific needs.

Sterile technique is paramount throughout the hair transplant procedure. The surgical team carefully prepares the surgical environment, ensuring that it is free from any potential contaminants. This includes sterilizing all surgical instruments and wearing appropriate protective gear such as gloves and masks.

In summary, the success of a hair transplant in Turkey is highly dependent on the skills and expertise of both the hair surgeon and the surgical team. They work in tandem to ensure that the surgical procedure is carried out in a sterile environment using sterilized surgical instruments, following a strict sterile technique. Their combined efforts result in a successful hair transplant procedure that can significantly enhance the patient's appearance and confidence.

Evaluating the Success and Patient Satisfaction of Hair Therapy in Turkey

When it comes to hair transplantation, Turkey has become a leading destination for individuals worldwide seeking to restore their hair. One of the key factors contributing to this trend is the high hair transplant success rate witnessed in the country. Numerous hair transplant testimonials attest to the effectiveness and efficiency of the procedures carried out.

The hair transplant experience in Turkey is unique and patient-centric. It focuses on providing the best service, starting from the initial consultation, throughout the procedure, and during the aftercare period. The aim is to ensure patient satisfaction, which is an essential measure of success in hair therapy.

One of the major focus areas in Turkey's hair transplant industry is the quality of hair achieved post-transplant. The result is not just about having more hair but having hair that closely matches the patient's natural look. The attention to detail and the expertise of the professionals involved contribute to this high quality of hair.

Another noteworthy aspect is the success rate of hair transplants in Turkey. Many individuals have seen drastic improvements in their hair growth and density post-procedure. This success is attributed to the advanced techniques used, the meticulous execution of the procedure, and the personalized care provided to each patient.

The overall hair transplant experience in Turkey has garnered much praise, with patients applauding the service's professionalism and efficiency. These hair transplant testimonials provide a glimpse into the experiences of past patients, detailing the before and after journey of their hair transformation.

In conclusion, the hair transplant sector in Turkey thrives on high patient satisfaction, excellent hair quality, and an impressive success rate. These factors combined provide a holistic and satisfying hair therapy experience for patients, making Turkey a go-to destination for hair transplant procedures.

Outpatient Procedure and Long-term Results: Understanding Hair Transplant Processes in Turkey

Hair transplant in Turkey has gained significant popularity and has become a sought-after solution for individuals experiencing hair loss. This procedure, typically an outpatient one, is known for its effectiveness and the promise of long-term results.

The hair transplant process generally involves either a single session or multiple sessions, depending on the severity of the hair loss and the desired hair density. It's important to note that the decision between a single session or multiple sessions is usually determined by a professional based on the specific needs and situation of the individual.

The outpatient procedure aspect of a hair transplant in Turkey is a highlight for many individuals considering this solution. This means that the procedure does not require a lengthy hospital stay. Instead, patients are allowed to return home on the same day of the procedure, making it a convenient choice for many.

A single session of hair transplant can last anywhere from 4 to 8 hours, again depending on the extent of hair loss and the desired density. Despite the length of the procedure, the single session approach is often preferred for its potential to deliver instant results.

On the other hand, multiple sessions might be recommended for individuals with severe hair loss. Each session is typically spread out over several weeks or months allowing for gradual hair growth and density improvement. This approach ensures a more natural-looking result as the hair begins to regrow.

The long-term results of hair transplant in Turkey have been overwhelmingly positive, with many individuals reporting an increase in density and improvement in the appearance of their hair. However, it's important to manage expected results, as the success of the procedure can vary based on individual factors such as the extent of hair loss and the patient's overall health.

In conclusion, hair transplant in Turkey offers a comprehensive approach to dealing with thinning hair. By addressing the issue of DHT and providing guidance on post-transplant hair wash, individuals undergoing the procedure can expect significant hair rejuvenation and a meaningful solution to hair loss prevention.

The Journey of Hair Transplant in Turkey: From Preparation to Post-Surgery Expectations

When considering a hair transplant in Turkey, it's crucial to understand the process from start to finish. This includes the procedure time, preparation, post-surgery expectations, and the role of hair loss medication such as finasteride and minoxidil.

The procedure time for a hair transplant can vary depending on the individual's hair loss severity and the technique used. It could take anywhere between four to eight hours, but in some cases, it may extend over two consecutive days. This extensive procedure time is because each hair follicle is individually transplanted to ensure a natural and satisfying outcome.

Preparation is a key step before undergoing a hair transplant in Turkey. This includes a thorough consultation with a hair loss expert who will examine your hair loss pattern, discuss your expectations, and propose the most suitable treatment plan. It's also an opportunity to address any concerns or queries about the procedure.

Hair loss medication plays a pivotal role in both the preparation and post-procedure phase of a hair transplant. Medications such as finasteride and minoxidil are often recommended to stabilize hair loss and enhance the growth of new hair. Finasteride works by preventing the conversion of testosterone into DHT, a hormone that can cause hair loss. On the other hand, minoxidil is a topical solution that stimulates hair growth by increasing the blood flow to the hair follicles.

The post-surgery expectations after a hair transplant in Turkey involve some level of patience. The first signs of new hair growth can take anywhere from three to four months to appear. It's also important to follow a proper hair care routine and continue with the prescribed hair loss medication to maintain the results of the transplant.

In conclusion, understanding the procedure time, preparation, role of hair loss medication, and post-surgery expectations can help individuals make an informed decision about undergoing a hair transplant in Turkey.

Safety Measures and Affordability: Understanding Hair Transplant Cost and Graft Survival Rate in Turkey

Understanding the intricacies involved in a hair transplant procedure is crucial for anyone considering this life-changing decision. One of the key aspects to consider is the hair transplant cost in Turkey, hair transplant procedures are not only renowned for their high quality but are also impressively affordable. This affordability, however, does not compromise the safety measures in place.

Safety measures in Turkey's hair transplant industry are top-notch, ensuring the well-being of every patient. The medical practitioners are highly trained and adhere strictly to international standards of safety and hygiene. These precautions significantly reduce the risk of complications, ensuring not just the survival of hair, but also the overall health of the patient.

When it comes to the graft survival rate, Turkey boasts an exceptionally high percentage. This is a testament to the advanced techniques used in the country, which ensure the survival of hair after the procedure. The high graft survival rate indicates the effectiveness of these techniques, as the transplanted hair continues to grow healthily in the new location.

The survival of the transplanted hair is a key factor that determines the success of the procedure. In Turkey, the transplanted hair tends to thrive due to the meticulous care and precision involved in the transplant process. This high survival rate of transplanted hair is one of the reasons why many individuals opt for hair transplant procedures in Turkey.

In conclusion, the blend of affordable hair transplant cost, stringent safety measures, and high graft survival rate makes Turkey a preferred destination for hair transplant procedures. Understanding these factors can help potential patients make an informed decision and find a solution that best fits their needs.

Maximizing Hair Transplant Results: Post-Surgery Hair Care and Recovery Time

When it comes to hair transplant in Turkey, the procedure itself is only one part of the journey towards achieving a fuller, healthier head of hair. The post-surgery hair care routine and following the post-operative instructions are equally important if you wish to maximize the results of your hair transplant procedure.

After undergoing a hair transplant, the scalp needs a considerable amount of time to heal and adjust to the new follicles. The hair transplant recovery time can vary based on the individual and the specific procedure used, but generally, patients can expect to see the full results within six to twelve months post-surgery.

During the hair transplant recovery time, it's crucial to follow the post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon. These instructions typically include guidelines on how to clean and care for the scalp, which products to use or avoid, and what activities to refrain from. Adhering to these instructions not only ensures a smoother recovery but also helps to optimize the growth and health of the transplanted hair.

In addition, establishing a proper hair care routine is fundamental during the recovery phase. This involves using gentle, nourishing hair products, protecting the scalp from sun exposure, and maintaining a healthy diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals.

It's also worth noting that the new hair may initially shed after the transplant - this is a normal part of the process and is no cause for concern. The transplanted hair follicles are still healthy and in place, and new hair growth will usually start to occur within a few months.

In conclusion, the success of a hair transplant in Turkey goes beyond the surgical procedure. Proper post-surgery hair care and adherence to post-operative instructions play a significant role in determining the final outcome of the transplant. Remember, patience is key during the hair transplant recovery time as it can take several months to see the full benefits of the surgery.

Addressing Thinning Hair through Hair Transplant in Turkey: An Insight into Post-Transplant Hair Wash and DHT

Thinning hair is a prevalent issue that affects numerous people worldwide, both men and women alike. This condition escalates to a point where self-esteem is compromised, and the pursuit for hair rejuvenation becomes inevitable. Remarkably, Turkey has emerged as a globally recognized destination for hair transplants, offering solutions to hair thinning and hair loss prevention.

The underlying cause of thinning hair is often linked to DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that shrinks hair follicles and hinders hair growth. DHT is usually the culprit behind male pattern baldness, but it also plays a role in female hair loss. While it may seem like a formidable foe, it can be addressed with the appropriate hair loss prevention measures, such as hair transplant procedures.

Hair transplants in Turkey have been revolutionized to counteract the effects of DHT, providing a viable solution for hair rejuvenation. The process involves relocating healthy hair follicles from one part of the scalp to the thinning or balding areas. This procedure is meticulously designed to mimic natural hair growth, ensuring that the new hair blends seamlessly with the surrounding hair.

After the hair transplant, it's crucial to follow a proper post-transplant hair wash routine. This step is essential for hair loss prevention and maintaining the health of the newly transplanted hair. It involves using gentle, hair-friendly products to wash the scalp and promote healing. This routine is typically recommended to start a few days after the procedure, once the scalp has had time to recover.

The post-transplant hair wash routine also helps to remove any scabs or crusts that might have formed on the scalp following the procedure. It's a delicate process that requires careful handling to avoid dislodging the newly transplanted hair follicles.

The Journey of Hair Transplant in Turkey: Before and After, Reviews, Results, and Side Effects

Embarking on a journey towards getting a hair transplant in Turkey can be both exciting and overwhelming. In this section of the article, we will explore the hair transplant before and after experience, discuss the possible hair transplant side effects, delve into some hair transplant reviews, and highlight the hair transplant results you can expect.

Firstly, understanding the hair transplant before and after process is essential. Prior to the procedure, it is common for individuals to experience varying levels of hair thinning and loss, significantly impacting their confidence and self-esteem. However, after the hair transplant procedure in Turkey, one can expect to see a significant improvement in the density and distribution of hair. This transformation not only enhances physical appearance but also restores self-confidence.

While the hair transplant before and after experience is generally positive, it's important to be aware of potential hair transplant side effects. Like any other medical procedure, a hair transplant carries certain risks such as infection, bleeding, and scarring. It's also possible to experience temporary hair thinning post-procedure. However, these side effects are usually temporary and manageable with appropriate care and medication.

Now, let's delve into hair transplant reviews. It's important to note that individual experiences with hair transplant in Turkey can vary. Generally, hair transplant reviews reflect a high level of satisfaction with the procedure, with many noting an improvement in their overall quality of life. Patients frequently describe the procedure as life-changing, highlighting the positive impact it has had on their self-esteem and happiness.

Lastly, let's talk about hair transplant results. The ultimate goal of a hair transplant is to improve the appearance of the hairline and increase hair density. The hair transplant results can be substantial, with many patients seeing a significant improvement in their hair growth within just a few months of the procedure. However, it's crucial to remember that results can vary depending on individual factors like the extent of hair loss and overall health.

In conclusion, a hair transplant in Turkey offers the potential for significant hair restoration and improved self-confidence. By understanding the hair transplant before and after process, the potential side effects, reviews, and expected results, one can make an informed decision about whether this procedure is the right choice.

Understanding the Recovery Process: Expectations and Aftercare for Hair Transplants in Turkey

When considering a hair transplant in Turkey, it's essential to have realistic hair transplant expectations. This procedure is a significant commitment, but it can yield impressive results for individuals experiencing hair loss. Knowing what to expect during recovery, including downtime after hair transplant procedures, can help you adequately prepare and ensure a smoother journey towards your new look.

Firstly, let's discuss the recovery period. This is where the downtime after hair transplant comes in. After the procedure, your scalp may be tender, and you may need to take medications for a few days. Most people can return to work two to five days after surgery. However, it's crucial to note that recovery times can vary depending on the individual and the extent of the hair restoration.

One common concern among patients is the redness after hair transplant surgery. It's a typical side effect and usually subsides within a few weeks. The redness occurs due to the increased blood flow to the scalp and the healing process of the tiny wounds from the procedure. Rest assured, this is a normal part of the healing process and should not cause any alarm.

Swelling after hair transplant surgery is also common. Again, this is a natural reaction from your body as it heals. The swelling typically occurs around the forehead and may last for a few days. Applying a cold compress can help reduce the swelling.

Understanding these aspects of hair transplant expectations can help you make an informed decision and prepare for the recovery process. It's essential to remember that every individual's experience will vary, and it's crucial to follow your healthcare professional's advice for aftercare to ensure the best possible results.

Hair transplant in Turkey is a popular choice for many due to the country's advanced medical facilities and highly experienced specialists. By managing your expectations and being prepared for the recovery process, you can look forward to rejuvenated hair growth and increased confidence in your appearance.

Understanding the Hair Transplant Procedure Steps in Turkey for International Patients

The hair transplant procedure steps in Turkey are renowned worldwide for their efficiency and effectiveness. International patients are drawn to this country due to the highly-regarded reputation of its medical procedures, especially in the field of hair transplantation. Before delving into the specific steps involved in the process, it's important to understand that each patient's journey typically involves a preoperative assessment and a postoperative assessment.

The preoperative assessment is the first step in the hair transplant procedure. This involves a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's hair loss condition, general health, and expectations. This crucial step helps the medical team devise the most suitable hair transplant plan for the patient. The aim here is to ensure that the procedure will not only be safe but also achieve the highest possible aesthetic results.

Once the preoperative assessment is complete, the hair transplant procedure steps can begin. While the specifics may vary slightly from patient to patient, the general process normally involves the extraction of hair follicles from a donor site (usually the back of the scalp), followed by their careful implantation into the thinning or bald areas.

Throughout the procedure, utmost care is taken to ensure the natural look of the transplanted hair. The orientation, angle, and positioning of each follicle are meticulously considered to replicate the natural hair growth pattern. This level of precision is what sets Turkey's hair transplantation procedures apart, attracting international patients from all corners of the globe.

Following the surgery, the postoperative assessment begins. This step is just as important as the preceding ones, as it allows the medical team to monitor the patient's recovery, assess the results of the transplantation, and provide essential aftercare instructions. It's during this phase that patients can see the fruition of their hair transplant procedure steps, as the newly transplanted hair begins to grow and blend seamlessly with the existing hair.

In conclusion, understanding the hair transplant procedure steps in Turkey can provide international patients with a glimpse into what to expect from their experience. The combination of a thorough preoperative assessment, a meticulous surgical process, and a comprehensive postoperative assessment ensures the best possible outcomes for patients seeking hair transplant procedures in Turkey.

Exploring Hair Transplant Alternatives and Understanding Pre and Post-Transplant Prep in Turkey

The journey of hair transplant in Turkey often begins with an essential, yet often overlooked step: the hair transplant consultation. This crucial meeting serves as an informative platform where patients receive comprehensive insights about the process, along with an evaluation of their scalp laxity and overall suitability for the procedure.

Scalp laxity â€“ the flexibility and looseness of the scalp â€“ plays a significant role in determining the success of a hair transplant. A scalp with good laxity allows for the easy extraction and implantation of hair follicles, resulting in a more natural-looking hairline. On the contrary, a tight scalp may limit the number of grafts, leading to less satisfactory results. Therefore, understanding your scalp laxity is a critical part of the hair transplant consultation.

However, not everyone is an ideal candidate for a hair transplant. In such cases, hair transplant alternatives come into play. These alternatives can range from low-level laser therapy that promotes hair growth by stimulating the hair follicles, to medication that either slows hair loss or encourages new growth. These alternatives offer a ray of hope to those who may not be candidates for a hair transplant due to various reasons, such as inadequate scalp laxity or insufficient donor hair.

Once a patient decides to proceed with the hair transplant, the next step involves pre-transplant prep. This preparation phase mainly involves following the surgeon's advice on lifestyle changes. These might include quitting smoking, avoiding certain medications, and maintaining a healthy diet. Each of these steps is designed to optimize the body for the upcoming procedure and promote better healing and growth post-transplant.

Post-transplant prep, on the other hand, includes understanding what to expect after the procedure and following the surgeon's aftercare instructions. This might involve taking prescribed medications, avoiding strenuous activities, and ensuring a clean and healthy scalp environment for the new hair follicles to grow.

In conclusion, the journey of hair transplant in Turkey involves more than just the procedure itself. It starts with a hair transplant consultation, understanding your scalp laxity, exploring possible hair transplant alternatives, and ends with appropriate pre and post-transplant prep. By understanding these different elements, you can better prepare for your hair transplant journey and optimize your results.

Understanding the Timeline, Aftercare, and Healing Process of a Hair Transplant in Turkey

The journey of a hair transplant in Turkey is not merely confined to the surgical procedure. It is an extended process that involves a notable timeline, diligent aftercare, and a specific healing process. This comprehensive route ensures the maximum benefits of the transplant and contributes significantly to the final outcome.

The hair transplant timeline begins with an initial consultation and assessment. During this stage, the prospective patient's scalp condition, hair density, and hair loss patterns are evaluated. This information aids in the formulation of a tailored treatment plan. Following the consultation, the actual hair transplant surgery is scheduled. The surgery typically lasts several hours, depending on the size of the transplant area and the transplant method used.

Post the surgery, a crucial phase begins - the hair transplant aftercare. This phase is paramount for the success of the hair transplant. The aftercare involves specific guidelines that the patient needs to adhere to diligently. It includes keeping the scalp clean, avoiding strenuous activities, and potentially refraining from hair washing for a few days post-surgery. The patient is also advised to sleep in an elevated position to prevent swelling.

In terms of post-operative medication, it plays a vital role in the hair transplant aftercare. It aids in managing pain, preventing infection, and reducing inflammation. The medication is usually prescribed by the surgeon and may include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and painkillers. Adherence to the prescribed medication greatly aids in the healing process and contributes to the overall success of the hair transplant.

Another significant aspect of hair transplant aftercare is the scalp massage. A gentle massage can help increase blood circulation to the scalp, promoting hair growth and speeding up the healing process. However, it is important to wait for a certain period post-surgery before commencing the scalp massage to ensure that the transplant area has healed adequately.

Finally, understanding the hair transplant healing process is essential. Each patient's healing timeline may vary, depending on individual factors such as general health, age, and adherence to aftercare instructions. Typically, the first signs of new hair growth can be noticed around three to four months post-surgery, with substantial growth observed after eight to twelve months.

In summary, a hair transplant procedure in Turkey is a journey, encompassing a detailed timeline, meticulous aftercare, and a distinctive healing process. Being informed about these steps can help you better prepare for the procedure and ensure an effective and successful hair transplant.

Understanding Hair Transplant in Turkey: From Procedure to Care, Risks, and Benefits

In the world of medical advancements, hair transplant in Turkey has emerged as a popular and effective hair loss solution. This solution has become increasingly sought-after due to its impressive results, offering individuals struggling with hair loss a much-needed boost in confidence.

Hair transplant is generally categorized into two types, invasive and non-invasive procedures. The invasive procedure is a traditional method that involves the surgical removal of hair from a donor area and implanting it into the balding or thinning area. The non-invasive procedure, on the other hand, uses modern techniques to stimulate hair growth without having to undergo any surgical procedure.

Understanding the hair transplant procedure is crucial, but an equally important aspect is hair transplant care. After the procedure, patients need to take extra care of their scalp to ensure the success of the hair transplant. This includes proper cleaning, avoiding exposure to direct sunlight, and refraining from using harsh hair products that might affect the newly transplanted hair.

While hair transplant in Turkey could be the answer to your hair loss problems, it's essential to weigh the hair transplant risks and benefits. Some risks include infection, bleeding, and unnatural-looking hair. However, these risks are usually rare and can be prevented with proper care and by following the surgeon's instructions.

On the brighter side, the benefits of hair transplant are numerous. It's a permanent solution to hair loss, it improves appearance and self-confidence, and it's relatively maintenance-free once the recovery period is over.

In conclusion, hair transplant in Turkey offers a promising and practical solution for those grappling with hair loss. With its invasive and non-invasive procedures, along with comprehensive hair transplant care, it presents an effective method to restore not just hair, but also confidence. However, like any medical procedure, it's crucial to understand the possible risks and acknowledge the benefits before making a decision.

Unraveling the Cost and Effectiveness of Hair Transplant in Turkey

Navigating the journey of hair transplantation can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to understanding the hair transplant cost and the graft survival rate. Turkey, a renowned destination for hair transplant surgeries, provides a comprehensive package that not only satisfies your aesthetic needs but also ensures a high graft survival rate.

Hair transplant cost is a crucial factor that influences your decision. However, it is essential to remember that the effectiveness of the surgery is equally important. You need to ensure the survival of hair after the procedure to enjoy lasting results. In Turkey, the hair transplant cost is often balanced with quality service. The medical practitioners ensure the survival of transplanted hair through advanced procedures and post-operative care.

The graft survival rate is an essential indicator of the success of a hair transplant surgery. It refers to the percentage of transplanted hair follicles that successfully grow in the recipient site. A high graft survival rate implies a higher chance of survival of hair after the operation, leading to better hair density.

Hair density is another crucial aspect to consider. It is the number of hair strands per square inch on your scalp. A successful hair transplant should result in increased hair density, giving a fuller and healthier look. The medical professionals in Turkey use modern techniques to ensure optimal hair density after the surgery, helping you bid farewell to thinning hair.

Thinning hair is a common concern that drives many individuals to consider hair transplant. It is crucial to choose a destination that not only offers affordable hair transplant cost but also ensures a high graft survival rate. After all, the ultimate goal is not just the survival of transplanted hair, but to effectively combat thinning hair and enhance hair density.

In conclusion, when evaluating the hair transplant cost and the graft survival rate in Turkey, it is paramount to consider the overall benefit. The focus should not only be on the survival of hair post-transplant but also on maintaining a satisfactory hair density to permanently resolve the issue of thinning hair.

Enhancing Aesthetic Appearance: The Role of a Hair Surgeon and Surgical Team in Hair Transplant Procedures in Turkey

In the realm of aesthetic enhancement, hair transplant in Turkey has gained significant attention. It's a procedure that's not only about restoring hair but also about boosting an individual's aesthetic appearance. This process is meticulously carried out by a proficient hair surgeon and their dedicated surgical team.

The role of a hair surgeon is pivotal in this procedure. With their extensive knowledge and expertise, they perform the task of individual grafts placement. This involves transferring hair follicles from regions with sufficient hair to the balding or thinning areas. The precision of the hair surgeon in the placement of these individual grafts is crucial to ensure a natural and seamless look, which enhances the overall aesthetic appearance of the patient.

The surgical team also plays a significant role in the hair transplant procedure. Their meticulous work begins with preparing the donor area and extends to post-operative care. The surgical team works in harmony with the hair surgeon to ensure that each graft is optimally utilized.

Besides the technical aspects of the procedure, patient satisfaction is another critical area of focus in hair transplant procedures. The aim is to not only meet but exceed patients' expectations in terms of results. This is achieved through a blend of technical expertise and patient-centric approach. The surgical team and the hair surgeon work together to ensure that every patient receives personalized care, making them feel comfortable and satisfied throughout the process.

Hair therapy is another aspect that adds value to the hair transplant procedure. The right hair therapy can significantly speed up the healing process and stimulate the growth of the transplanted hair. In addition, it can help maintain the health of the existing hair, preventing further hair loss.

In conclusion, achieving an enhanced aesthetic appearance through hair transplant in Turkey involves a combination of the expertise of a hair surgeon, the teamwork of a surgical team, the use of individual grafts, a focus on patient satisfaction, and post-operative hair therapy. Each of these elements plays a crucial role in delivering an effective and satisfying hair transplant experience.

The Process and Benefits of Hair Transplant Procedures in Turkey

Turkey has established a reputation as a leading destination for hair regrowth treatments, notably hair transplants. This is due to the country's innovative techniques, affordable prices, and highly skilled professionals. One of the major advantages of having hair transplant in Turkey is the possibility of achieving long-term results that look completely natural.

Hair transplant is a meticulous outpatient procedure typically performed in a sterile environment to prevent any infections. The procedure involves transplanting hair follicles from one part of the scalp, usually the back or sides, where hair is more resistant to balding, to the thinning or balding areas. The goal is to stimulate hair regrowth in those areas, creating a fuller, thicker appearance.

The complexity of the individual's hair loss pattern will determine whether a single session or multiple sessions are required. In a single session, thousands of hair follicles can be transplanted, which makes it a highly efficient solution for those with severe hair loss. However, for those with less extensive hair loss or for those who prefer a more gradual change, multiple sessions may be recommended.

Regardless of whether the transplant is performed in a single session or multiple sessions, patients can expect to see a significant improvement in their hair density. The transplanted hair follicles will grow and shed initially. After a few months, these follicles will start producing new hair, leading to noticeable hair regrowth.

One of the most significant benefits of hair transplant in Turkey is the potential for long-term results. Unlike other hair regrowth treatments that require ongoing use or maintenance, a hair transplant provides a permanent solution to hair loss. Once the hair follicles have been successfully transplanted and have started to grow, the results can last a lifetime, with the transplanted hair growing just like the rest of your natural hair.

In conclusion, a hair transplant procedure in Turkey offers a high possibility of achieving long-term hair regrowth. It is performed in a sterile environment as an outpatient procedure, meaning you can return home the same day. The number of sessions required will depend on the extent of hair loss, but whether it is a single session or multiple sessions, the improvement in hair density can be remarkable.

#best hair transplant in turkey #Hair transplant #hair transplant turkey #sapphire FUE hair transplant turkey

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mostlysignssomeportents · 9 months

Text

Cloudburst

Enshittification isn’t inevitable: under different conditions and constraints, the old, good internet could have given way to a new, good internet. Enshittification is the result of specific policy choices: encouraging monopolies; enabling high-speed, digital shell games; and blocking interoperability.

First we allowed companies to buy up their competitors. Google is the shining example here: having made one good product (search), they then fielded an essentially unbroken string of in-house flops, but it didn’t matter, because they were able to buy their way to glory: video, mobile, ad-tech, server management, docs, navigation…They’re not Willy Wonka’s idea factory, they’re Rich Uncle Pennybags, making up for their lack of invention by buying out everyone else:

https://locusmag.com/2022/03/cory-doctorow-vertically-challenged/

But this acquisition-fueled growth isn’t unique to tech. Every administration since Reagan (but not Biden! more on this later) has chipped away at antitrust enforcement, so that every sector has undergone an orgy of mergers, from athletic shoes to sea freight, eyeglasses to pro wrestling:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/cea/written-materials/2021/07/09/the-importance-of-competition-for-the-american-economy/

But tech is different, because digital is flexible in a way that analog can never be. Tech companies can “twiddle” the back-ends of their clouds to change the rules of the business from moment to moment, in a high-speed shell-game that can make it impossible to know what kind of deal you’re getting:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/02/27/knob-jockeys/#bros-be-twiddlin

To make things worse, users are banned from twiddling. The thicket of rules we call IP ensure that twiddling is only done against users, never for them. Reverse-engineering, scraping, bots — these can all be blocked with legal threats and suits and even criminal sanctions, even if they’re being done for legitimate purposes:

https://locusmag.com/2020/09/cory-doctorow-ip/

Enhittification isn’t inevitable but if we let companies buy all their competitors, if we let them twiddle us with every hour that God sends, if we make it illegal to twiddle back in self-defense, we will get twiddled to death. When a company can operate without the discipline of competition, nor of privacy law, nor of labor law, nor of fair trading law, with the US government standing by to punish any rival who alters the logic of their service, then enshittification is the utterly foreseeable outcome.

To understand how our technology gets distorted by these policy choices, consider “The Cloud.” Once, “the cloud” was just a white-board glyph, a way to show that some part of a software’s logic would touch some commodified, fungible, interchangeable appendage of the internet. Today, “The Cloud” is a flashing warning sign, the harbinger of enshittification.

When your image-editing tools live on your computer, your files are yours. But once Adobe moves your software to The Cloud, your critical, labor-intensive, unrecreatable images are purely contingent. At at time, without notice, Adobe can twiddle the back end and literally steal the colors out of your own files:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/10/28/fade-to-black/#trust-the-process

The finance sector loves The Cloud. Add “The Cloud” to a product and profits (money you get for selling something) can turn into rents (money you get for owning something). Profits can be eroded by competition, but rents are evergreen:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/07/24/rent-to-pwn/#kitt-is-a-demon

No wonder The Cloud has seeped into every corner of our lives. Remember your first iPod? Adding music to it was trivial: double click any music file to import it into iTunes, then plug in your iPod and presto, synched! Today, even sophisticated technology users struggle to “side load” files onto their mobile devices. Instead, the mobile duopoly — Apple and Google, who bought their way to mobile glory and have converged on the same rent-seeking business practices, down to the percentages they charge — want you to get your files from The Cloud, via their apps. This isn’t for technological reasons, it’s a business imperative: 30% of every transaction that involves an app gets creamed off by either Apple or Google in pure rents:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/doctorow/red-team-blues-another-audiobook-that-amazon-wont-sell/posts/3788112

And yet, The Cloud is undeniably useful. Having your files synch across multiple devices, including your collaborators’ devices, with built-in tools for resolving conflicting changes, is amazing. Indeed, this feat is the holy grail of networked tools, because it’s how programmers write all the software we use, including software in The Cloud.

If you want to know how good a tool can be, just look at the tools that toolsmiths use. With “source control” — the software programmers use to collaboratively write software — we get a very different vision of how The Cloud could operate. Indeed, modern source control doesn’t use The Cloud at all. Programmers’ workflow doesn’t break if they can’t access the internet, and if the company that provides their source control servers goes away, it’s simplicity itself to move onto another server provider.

This isn’t The Cloud, it’s just “the cloud” — that whiteboard glyph from the days of the old, good internet — freely interchangeable, eminently fungible, disposable and replaceable. For a tool like git, Github is just one possible synchronization point among many, all of which have a workflow whereby programmers’ computers automatically make local copies of all relevant data and periodically lob it back up to one or more servers, resolving conflicting edits through a process that is also largely automated.

There’s a name for this model: it’s called “Local First” computing, which is computing that starts from the presumption that the user and their device is the most important element of the system. Networked servers are dumb pipes and dumb storage, a nice-to-have that fails gracefully when it’s not available.

The data structures of source-code are among the most complicated formats we have; if we can do this for code, we can do it for spreadsheets, word-processing files, slide-decks, even edit-decision-lists for video and audio projects. If local-first computing can work for programmers writing code, it can work for the programs those programmers write.

Local-first computing is experiencing a renaissance. Writing for Wired, Gregory Barber traces the history of the movement, starting with the French computer scientist Marc Shapiro, who helped develop the theory of “Conflict-Free Replicated Data” — a way to synchronize data after multiple people edit it — two decades ago:

https://www.wired.com/story/the-cloud-is-a-prison-can-the-local-first-software-movement-set-us-free/

Shapiro and his co-author Nuno Preguiça envisioned CFRD as the building block of a new generation of P2P collaboration tools that weren’t exactly serverless, but which also didn’t rely on servers as the lynchpin of their operation. They published a technical paper that, while exiting, was largely drowned out by the release of GoogleDocs (based on technology built by a company that Google bought, not something Google made in-house).

Shapiro and Preguiça’s work got fresh interest with the 2019 publication of “Local-First Software: You Own Your Data, in spite of the Cloud,” a viral whitepaper-cum-manifesto from a quartet of computer scientists associated with Cambridge University and Ink and Switch, a self-described “industrial research lab”:

https://www.inkandswitch.com/local-first/static/local-first.pdf

The paper describes how its authors — Martin Kleppmann, Adam Wiggins, Peter van Hardenberg and Mark McGranaghan — prototyped and tested a bunch of simple local-first collaboration tools built on CFRD algorithms, with the goal of “network optional…seamless collaboration.” The results are impressive, if nascent. Conflicting edits were simpler to resolve than the authors anticipated, and users found URLs to be a good, intuitive way of sharing documents. The biggest hurdles are relatively minor, like managing large amounts of change-data associated with shared files.

Just as importantly, the paper makes the case for why you’d want to switch to local-first computing. The Cloud is not reliable. Companies like Evernote don’t last forever — they can disappear in an eyeblink, and take your data with them:

https://www.theverge.com/2023/7/9/23789012/evernote-layoff-us-staff-bending-spoons-note-taking-app

Google isn’t likely to disappear any time soon, but Google is a graduate of the Darth Vader MBA program (“I have altered the deal, pray I don’t alter it any further”) and notorious for shuttering its products, even beloved ones like Google Reader:

https://www.theverge.com/23778253/google-reader-death-2013-rss-social

And while the authors don’t mention it, Google is also prone to simply kicking people off all its services, costing them their phone numbers, email addresses, photos, document archives and more:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/08/22/allopathic-risk/#snitches-get-stitches

There is enormous enthusiasm among developers for local-first application design, which is only natural. After all, companies that use The Cloud go to great lengths to make it just “the cloud,” using containerization to simplify hopping from one cloud provider to another in a bid to stave off lock-in from their cloud providers and the enshittification that inevitably follows.

The nimbleness of containerization acts as a disciplining force on cloud providers when they deal with their business customers: disciplined by the threat of losing money, cloud companies are incentivized to treat those customers better. The companies we deal with as end-users know exactly how bad it gets when a tech company can impose high switching costs on you and then turn the screws until things are almost-but-not-quite so bad that you bolt for the doors. They devote fantastic effort to making sure that never happens to them — and that they can always do that to you.

Interoperability — the ability to leave one service for another — is technology’s secret weapon, the thing that ensures that users can turn The Cloud into “the cloud,” a humble whiteboard glyph that you can erase and redraw whenever it suits you. It’s the greatest hedge we have against enshittification, so small wonder that Big Tech has spent decades using interop to clobber their competitors, and lobbying to make it illegal to use interop against them:

https://locusmag.com/2019/01/cory-doctorow-disruption-for-thee-but-not-for-me/

Getting interop back is a hard slog, but it’s also our best shot at creating a new, good internet that lives up the promise of the old, good internet. In my next book, The Internet Con: How to Seize the Means of Computation (Verso Books, Sept 5), I set out a program fro disenshittifying the internet:

https://www.versobooks.com/products/3035-the-internet-con

The book is up for pre-order on Kickstarter now, along with an independent, DRM-free audiobooks (DRM-free media is the content-layer equivalent of containerized services — you can move them into or out of any app you want):

http://seizethemeansofcomputation.org

Meanwhile, Lina Khan, the FTC and the DoJ Antitrust Division are taking steps to halt the economic side of enshittification, publishing new merger guidelines that will ban the kind of anticompetitive merger that let Big Tech buy its way to glory:

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/07/biden-administration-corporate-merger-antitrust-guidelines/674779/

The internet doesn’t have to be enshittified, and it’s not too late to disenshittify it. Indeed — the same forces that enshittified the internet — monopoly mergers, a privacy and labor free-for-all, prohibitions on user-side twiddling — have enshittified everything from cars to powered wheelchairs. Not only should we fight enshittification — we must.

Back my anti-enshittification Kickstarter here!

If you’d like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here’s a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad- free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/08/03/there-is-no-cloud/#only-other-peoples-computers

Image: Drahtlos (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Motherboard_Intel_386.jpg

CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en

—

cdsessums (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Monsoon_Season_Flagstaff_AZ_clouds_storm.jpg

CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en

#pluralistic #web3 #darth vader mba #conflict-free replicated data #CRDT #computer science #saas #Mark McGranaghan #Adam Wiggins #evernote #git #local-first computing #the cloud #cloud computing #enshittification #technological self-determination #Martin Kleppmann #Peter van Hardenberg

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inlovewithpandora · 10 months

Text

- Instructions -

Pairing: Hobie x fem!pregnant!reader

Request: [ @spidersthetic ] building a new piece of furniture from a flat pack together w Hobie || Ok, so what I was thinking for this was reader is pregnant and they're setting up the nursery and Hobie claims to know how to build the crib without the instructions and she doubts he can but enjoys the show as he struggles so like 10 minutes later, he gives up and asks her to give him the instructions and she tries not to laugh and comforts him a little.

Synopsis: Hobie tries to put together your child’s crib but it doesn’t goes the way he planned in his head.

Content: fluff, established relationship, Hobie trying to avoid instructions at all costs, reader supporting him no matter what, small Miguel diss, Reader being a cutie, cute and fluffy pregnancy fic

Author’s Note: I had fun writing this! This is my first time writing for astv or anything outside of avatar so I hope you all enjoy this!

- Shoutout to @spidersthetic for all her encouraging words and helping me while I’ve been making my transition to writing for astv! If it wasn’t for her sending me prompts/requests I wouldn’t have known what to write!

Word Count: 710

Extra: Requests are closed! || Likes, comments, and reblogs are highly appreciated❤️!

Links: Navigation || Astv Masterlist || Main Masterlist || Taglist

“Hobie, baby, can you please just read the instructions? I’ve been sitting in here with you for half an hour and nothing is done.”

“I told you I don’t need instructions. I got this. Don’t you have faith in your man?” His overconfident smile rises as he walks over and plants a kiss on your forehead to reassure you that he could handle this since in his eyes, it’s a minuscule task.

You shake your head, a chuckle emerging from your lips, knowing that this was going to go the opposite of what Hobie has in mind. “You’re right baby. I’m sorry, you got this!” You give him a wide smile along with two thumbs up to emphasize your support, and settle back to watching him once again attempt to put together your unborn child’s crib.

It’s been ten minutes since his last attempt, and just like you assumed it isn’t going well. However you wouldn’t deny that it was currently your source of entertainment. Hobie has multiple pieces scattered around the nursery; screws, and bolts attached to parts they shouldn’t be. And he looks by all means confused about how to assemble the crib.

As Hobie continues trying to figure out which part goes where, he starts growing frustrated. Each time he puts two pieces together, they don’t fit or the screw doesn’t align properly, which makes him groan as the feeling of aggravation arises a tad more with each passing failure.

You know he’s struggling and that he needs the instructions, but due to his stubbornness being mixed with a sense of determination, he doesn’t give up, at least for about another fifteen minutes.

“Can you pass me the bloody instructions?” He grumbles, hating the fact he has to admit defeat and cave to using someone else’s ideology of how to build a piece of furniture.

Looking at the scowl formed on his lips makes you want to burst with laughter, but you implement all your self-restraint and bury it deep down, knowing that it would only make him feel worse about not being able to complete the task solely on his own.“Here,” you hand him the pamphlet of instructions, “Honey, it’s okay to use the instructions, you know. I heard that Miguel had to use instructions to work the majority of technology in Spider-HQ even though he acts like he knows everything like the back of his hand.” You say in a playful tone, knowing how much Hobie dislikes Miguel and enjoys hearing stories about his screw ups.

“Really? Well, that does make sense. He is almost ancient at this point. I don’t see why he doesn’t retire and live a regular life instead of chasing Miles around Earth-928B like a madman.” He can’t help letting the laugh rise, thinking about how Miles blasted and defeated Miguel in front of everyone.

“Yes! So my point is that it’s okay to use instructions. They're here for a reason, which is to help.” You rub his back gently, hoping this will help lessen his complaints.

“You’re right, I’ll use the instructions.” He opens the pamphlet and begins to correctly assemble the crib, which makes you happy since you’ve been wanting this to finally be completed with the baby just a few months away from arriving.

“See, baby, your daddy is finally getting it done. He just needed a little kick in the pants from mommy.” You giggle softly to yourself as you rub your baby bump and watch Hobie make the final adjustments on the crib.

“How does it look?” He asks, inspecting the fully assembled crib in the corner of the nursery.

“Perfect, Hobie. I knew you could get it done!”

I hope you enjoyed❤️!

Next Fic

Editor - @justmemyselfandthemoon

Taglist: @inspace1 @number1gal @phoenixx69 @savagemickey03 @soilmayo @gamerxpfighter

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femmefatalevibe · 9 months

Text

Femme Fatale Guide: Top Career Tips To Set Yourself Up For Success

Figure out where your skills and passions align. Then determine the lifestyle/work culture you thrive in and what sacrifices you're willing to make in your chosen career path (for some, it's always traveling/talking to people 24/7, working late hours, unpredictable/unconventional hours, potentially lower pay/less predictable income, etc.). It truly depends on your top values, your personality, and your goals/priorities in life.

First focus on getting incredibly talented at your craft. Find a mentor(s) who will push you with their feedback/suggestions. Take classes/skills courses/read books & articles to gain more applicable knowledge/hard skills. Join clubs, apply to internships, volunteer, and request informational interviews in your desired field.

Make your skills marketable. Create a professional resume and/or neat portfolio/collection of work samples. Discover and articulate your USP (that should essentially serve as the backbone of your elevator pitch). Frame your skills through a customer/business-centric lens. How does your experience/skillset solve their problems and help a company/client achieve their goals?

Build a network for yourself. Don't be shy to reach out to companies/individuals who inspire you. Speak with your secondary school teachers and professors for connections. Create peer-to-peer networks, too, so you can grow together. Be a fearless networker and connector. Help others, do favors, and make the person glad they met/hired you. Make it your objective to be memorable through your work ethic/providing high-quality work products and showing up with a motivated & overall positive attitude allows people to like and trust you with their time, clients, money, etc.

Master the art of a killer email/cold pitch. Especially in today's world, learning how to sell yourself through intriguing emails/LinkedIn messages is the key to unlocking potential success. One client or opportunity can create momentum that will be useful years down the line, too.

When in doubt, follow up – on an email, pitch, job opportunity, connection, etc.

Be ruthless and relentless with your research. For new contacts, connections, opportunities, and information to support your pitches/job interviews/networking conversations, new technologies, and trends within your field. Read everything credible you can get your hands on. Display working knowledge and practical applications of these concepts and how they can benefit the person in front of you/their business.

Create systems. For how you structure emails/pitches, conduct research, different types of workflows/ work template structures for different types of projects, time-blocking, client funnels, etc.

Get comfortable with rejection. Use it as a primer for self-reflection and refining your craft/processes or help you pivot your approach to help you achieve your goals. Never take business decisions on behalf of a company personally (and vice versa).

Give yourself breaks, but don't give up. Tapping out for good is the only surefire way to fail at an endeavor. Be flexible in your path, but zeroed in on your goal(s). Learn when to quit or pivot, and when it's time to coast or seek growth.

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macabr3-barbi3 · 1 month

Text

A Practical Demonstration Chapter 2- A Hands on Approach (Alastor/Reader)

Ao3 Link!

Chapter 1 Chapter 3

Tags: Sex Toys; Non Sex-Repulsed Alastor; Reader-Insert; accidentally adding angst to porn

In the couple of weeks following your ‘practical demonstration’ for Alastor, all confidence you had in the glow of a mind blowing orgasm had bled from you- you had a few packages from VoxTech sitting unopened under your bed where you couldn’t see them or think about how hastily you had purchased them. You avoided being near Alastor when you could, eyes glued to the floor and face a matching accessory to his coat when you couldn’t escape or offer up a satisfactory excuse to leave the situation.

He hadn’t asked anything of you since that night, thankfully. He seemed content to watch you blush and stammer and make eye contact with anything but himself, sometimes going out of his way to corner you by yourself and ask you how you were, how your research for Velvette was going, how you were sleeping at night; shit-eating grin always present and growing with every stuttered syllable you uttered. But he never mentioned that night, no inquiries about the rose toy or the others that he had spotted in your nightstand, despite his mention of being thorough about the various pieces of ‘technology’ you had in your possession.

You were mortified, honestly, at how thoroughly you had misjudged the situation. Having thought that the Radio Demon was interested beyond his own self-proclaimed desire to know about the strange device was a hard hit to your self esteem, and a large part of why you were so determined to not be anywhere alone with him anymore. You couldn’t stand that kind of embarrassment again.

“What do we have here?” Sitting at the bar while Husk poured you a drink, your phone is suddenly snatched out of your hands. “Ohhhh, ya got a date tonight, huh?” Using one pair of hands to hold you back, he uses the other to quickly swipe through some of your messages with Velvette.

Despite your constant denial at wanting to meet anybody, Velvette had set you up with one of her models for a blind date. They were perfectly adequate, she had said, nothing like any of Val’s whores- you could see the way that Angel’s nose flared a bit when he saw that message- but hot, and it was the least she could do for all you’d done for her and for her shoots.

(You were glad she at least had the sense to leave mention of your deal out of it, probably knowing how nosy Angel was and not wanting anything to get back to Val in passing.)

Husk manages to get the phone from Angel as he pulls up the photo of the model, and his exaggerated wolf whistle in your ear has your cheeks flaming. The cat gives your phone back to you while Angel hoots and calls for a couple shots for the two of you. “Babe, if I’d known ya were on the market I could have hooked ya up but I gotta say, Velvette’s got some good taste for you!”

You roll your eyes. “I’m not ‘on the market,’” you tell him, “she just won’t take no for an answer. I’m meeting them for dinner this one time only, and-“

Husk drops a drink in front of you. “What’s the hold up?” He asks. “Why are you so against going out again? What if you two really hit it off?” He glances at Angel. “Sometimes it takes a time or two to really know someone and if you’re a good fit.”

Angel rolls his eyes. “Come on, sourpuss, you can just say you like me!” He tries to ruffle a hand into Husk’s fur, but the former bats him away. “Anyway, she’s already got the hots for someone- but if she's waiting for him though she might as well sow some oats if ya get my drift.” He winks at you, making a lewd gesture with his hands before you can huff and turn away.

You down your drink in one go, Angel cheering you on, before announcing that you had to go get ready. Declining Angel’s offer to scour his room for something sexy, you just head to your own.

Maybe he had been right though- after what happened with Alastor it was clear that he wasn’t as interested as you had assumed. Maybe going on a date with someone else would be good for you, help you get your mind off the Radio Demon and stop indulging in some pointless little crush that was just going to end with you getting your stupid feelings hurt. You supposed if this date went well there wasn’t any harm in planning for another one. As you opened the door to your room, you took another look at the picture of the model that Velvette had sent you. They really weren’t bad looking-

“Good evening!” Bringing your eyes up from your phone, Alastor is standing just inside the doorway of your room. While it’s no secret how he got in- ‘melting into the shadows’ isn’t a method of transportation you would assume to be hindered by doors- you wish you had some sort of warning before essentially walking into him. There’s a brief stumble before he places his hands on you, one under your own and the other on the small of your back as he rights you. “My apologies for the startle, dear, it seems I’ve given you a fright!”

“No problem,” you tell him, trying to take a step back and realizing he’s not yet released you. “It’s my bad, I should have knocked.”

“On your own door?”

You flush. “Right, yeah.” You notice now how close you are to him, your bodies mere inches apart and one of his hands still protectively placed on your spine. “Either way, no harm done.”

He makes an affirmative noise before releasing you, and you kick the door closed as you step away from him to the closet. You pull some items from their hangers, tossing them onto the bed, and you can feel his crimson gaze on you as you move and try to decide what to wear for this dumb date. You take a deep breath before finally asking, “something that I can help you with?”

“Assuredly so!” Looking down at the pile of clothes you had amassed, you didn’t realize he had re-materialized next to you, and his voice so close to your ear was a shock. You trip over a skirt on the ground that had slid off the bed, landing hard on the ground as you stare up at Alastor. He holds out a hand to help you up which you gratefully take, allowing him to pull you to standing.

He doesn’t release your hand, instead tugging you closer to him so your bodies are pressed against one another, closer than they had been when you nearly collided. “It’s in regards to our deal,” he says quietly, the whisper of his breath ghosting across your heated cheeks. He’s so close that you can smell his cologne, something woodsy and dark and so Alastor that your mouth nearly waters.

“I have a date tonight,” is what you blurt out, your own voice a mere wisp in the space between the two of you.

He’s released you again and taken a couple steps back to sit on your bed. “Cancel it,” he says, and one of his shadows brings forth one of the VoxTech boxes from under your bed. “Terrible manners, of course, I do apologize for placing you in such an awkward position. But I’m afraid this simply cannot wait- you’ve quite the collection here, my dear, and we’ll need to start right away if we wish to proceed in a timely manner.”

Your head is spinning from how quickly he’s moved away from you again, and how quickly your night has taken a turn. “Right,” you say dazedly. “I guess I can, reschedule or something.” It wasn’t like you had really wanted to go anyway.

One of his eyes seems to twitch a bit. “Lovely,” he says, and crosses his legs at the knee. He pats the bed next to himself and gestures to the box he had placed there. “Whenever you’re ready.”

You couldn’t even remember what you had ordered as you shot off a text to Velvette- something came up, say sorry for me- and took the box in your hands, placing your phone on the stand next to you. You can’t look Alastor in the eyes as you manage to get it open and see what it was- a remote control vibrator, one that curves in such a way that it can stimulate the bundles of nerves both inside and outside the body. The remote is a tiny thing, an ‘on/off’ switch and two buttons for the different sections of the thing so you can have varying speeds on either spot.

“Interesting,” Alastor says, and inspects the toy where you hold it in your hands. “I assume an item such as this works in a similar manner to the one from last time?”

You nod, not sure if you’re hoping he will leave it at that or ask for another demonstration of the thing. “It’s very similar. Both ends vibrate rather than the, uh, suction on the last one.”

“I see,” he says, fingers steepled under his chin. “And is that more preferable to the suction?”

You take a deep breath. “It varies from person to person,” you say.

“What do you prefer?”

In the span of a blink he’s in your personal space, his smile light and curious. “God, uh, I’m not sure,” you babble, intoxicated again by the smell of him. “The last, um, demonstration was the first time I’ve used anything with suction. But other people-“

“Quite frankly, my dear, I don’t give a fuck about other people.” The shock of hearing Alastor swear has you sucking in a sharp breath as he comes ever closer. His smile has taken on a dangerous edge, his eyes dark and lethal as they look you over. “My deal is with you- I wish to learn about the technology itself, of course, but how others use the things are of no concern to me. My concern is you, and how you are using devices made by my enemies.” His voice cracks around the static of the last word.

And fuck, if you hadn’t been aroused already, that would have sent you the rest of the way there on a bullet train. The single-minded focus in his gaze as he watched you was making you dizzy, your hands trembling slightly as you held the vibrator, remote discarded back into the box.

“Right,” you say, instead of burying your face in the too-close junction between his chin and shoulder. “I guess I should…” you trail off, nodding vaguely at the object in your hands, and Alastor gives you a tight smile before leaning back out of your space to let you get to it.

Like last time, you don’t make eye contact as you remove your bottoms and lean back against the pillows. You’re aroused enough that you don’t need to use any additional lubrication, so you clench your eyes shut as you slide the long end of the vibrator into yourself, taking a moment to breathe and adjust as you do so. It settles into place, the opposite end curved in a way that it can rest gently against your clit, and you feel blindly for the box to get the remote out to turn it on.

“What a curious thing,” you hear Alastor say, and when you open your eyes he has the remote in his hands, rotating it to get a look from all angles. Your heart jumps into your throat as the implication, the possibility of his fingers pressing the buttons for you, out of your control. “Have you any idea why the remote is external from the device rather than part of it, like the other one was?”

You struggle to get your breathing under control. “I think it’s so you can have a… a partner or someone with you,” you tell him, earning you a raised eyebrow. “Some people really like the, you know, the idea of someone else being in charge of their pleasure.”

You could burst into flames with the heat of his gaze. He leans closer to you, one hand again coming to rest on your thigh like it had last time. “And what about you, darling? Is that something that interests you?” His grip on the remote is light in his free hand, easy enough to relinquish should you ask him to hand it over. But…

“I might enjoy it,” you whisper, “with the right partner.” You nod to the remote in his hand. “Sometimes a hands-on approach is needed to get more information.”

His smile is interrupted only by his exhale of breath before he presses the button to turn the device on, and your eyes slam shut as the sensations take over. In your quest to fist your fingers in the sheets you knock over the box that it came in, but you pay it no mind as Alastor toys with you, pressing the buttons for either end of the vibrator in a pattern that makes sense only to him, and that you can’t keep track of.

Not that you want to. You’re already so in your head about the situation, not just another ‘demonstration’ but something that Alastor was actively participating in with that remote in his hand. It’s making you lightheaded with how turned on your are, and you nearly miss the next question he asks you from being so focused on your body.

“How intriguing,” he’s said, and you pry your eyes open to see what looks like a sleep mask dangling from a tendril of shadow. “What is this for?”

“Some people- fuck -“ you interrupt yourself as he ratchets the vibrations a couple levels. Your breath is coming in short bursts as you fight to keep a clear head. “Some people like to have their, fuck, their eyes covered so they can’t see, what the other person is doing. I’ve never seen the appeal,” you add, anticipating his next question.

He hums lightly to himself. “Are you quite sure? You do so frequently close your eyes in the throes of pleasure,” he says with a teasing lilt. “You don’t think that you would enjoy it?”

You shake your head on the pillow, your hair splayed out in a halo beneath you. “I don’t, God, I don’t know,” you mumble, and you hear his dark laughter before the lights in the room all snap off at once.

Your heart stutters in your chest. You can’t see him, can’t see anything, and his comforting weight no longer seems to be perched on the edge of the bed. Were it not for the vibrator still buzzing inside you and kicking up another level, you might have thought he had left. You moan into the darkness, desperate for some sign that he was still with you, and are graced with his sharp claws dancing across your collarbone. Your eyes clench shut despite not being able to see anyway, in an effort to control yourself.

“What do you think, hm?” His touch vanishes only to reappear in the form of fingers brushing a couple errant strands of hair from your face. “Can you see the appeal now?” Again, his point of contact with you is gone.

“Not knowing where I am.” His voice comes from the opposite side of the bed, and you turn towards it with a gasp.

Then from the foot of the bed- “Not able to see what I’m doing.” There’s a rustle of clothing- surely not his own , you think deliriously- before he’s back in your ear.

“Not able to guess where I’ll touch you next.” His breath is hot against your ear and the vibrator has sped up again, a new pattern that has you letting loose a stream of curses as your hips move, chasing the feeling. One of his hands comes to rest on your hipbone, claws sinking just so into your flesh where he grips you. It takes a moment to realize he’s asked a question.

“What?”

“You must pay attention, darling, this is quite important.” He’s turned off whatever allows his voice to take on the radio quality. “I recognize that this has progressed beyond the means of a typical demonstration, so I must have your explicit consent. May I have your permission to touch you?”

“God, yes,” you groan, body tight with tension while you wait for his hands on you. They start where you don’t expect them, one placed lightly on the underside of your thigh and the other slowly starting to drift down your leg towards your upper body. He switches between his skin and his claws, swapping them out as he maps imaginary paths on your skin and across your navel, barely scratching you but the implication is there.

“So responsive,” he mutters. “Tell me- do you think your date tonight could have brought you to such a state?”

Your what ?

Oh god, your blind date. Your eyes fly open to the nightstand where your phone is buzzing with missed calls and texts from Velvette. You had told her to apologize with no explanation, she might have been worried about you. You should really-

“Eyes on me, dear.” Somehow you’ve forgotten about the vibrator still buzzing happily inside you, so focused on Alastor’s hands on you that it slipped your mind until now- he’s kicked it up to the highest level yet, the feeling forcing a cry out of your mouth as your back arches. “And I believe I asked you a question.”

“Fuck,” you force out when you catch his gaze. His eyes are glowing, the only light available in the darkness, illuminating the dangerous curve of his smile as he looks down at you. “I don’t- I don’t know,” you get out, struggling to focus. You can feel the orgasm building, so much more intense than it had been last time, and he was right here with you, helping you through it .

“Come now,” he tuts at you, “that’s not very fair to your date. Have you no faith in them?”

“I barely know their name,” you groan out, the tension building, and you don’t miss the way his eyes narrow. You can’t stop your mouth from moving, despite your brain screaming at you to shut the fuck up before you say something stupid. “Something- something Velvette did- and fuck I didn’t even want them, I want - Alastor- ”

The tension breaks, your body tensing hard as you hit your release, his name falling out on a moan without permission from your brain. You’re distantly mortified at the thought of doing that a second time but you can’t focus on much else but the way that the pleasure in you is overtaking everything.

There’s a snarl and the sound of fabric ripping, the glow of Alastor’s eyes disappearing as you hit your peak. After a few brief moments of overstimulation the vibrations stop, and the lights come back on, Alastor’s shadows fading from the lamps.

He stands across the room, the remote for the vibrator placed on your desk. “Quite illuminating,” he says, and with the lights on you can see the thin sheen of sweat across his forehead, the way that his fists are clenched at his sides without his cane in them. He seems to be at a loss for words, something you’ve never seen before. He closes his eyes, swallows hard and gestures to your bed where you still rest on it. “I’ll be sure to send for a replacement as soon as I can.”

Following his gesture, you see the deep claw marks in the bed at your side, torn straight through the duvet and sheets and straight into the mattress. There are feathers and bits of thread and fabric still floating in the air from the force with which he had apparently dragged his talons across and into the bed.

Your brows furrow as you look back at him. “How-”

“I’m not sure a ‘hand-on approach’ is something that I can be part of going forward,” he says tightly.

Your heart thuds painfully in your chest as you watch him, sure that this will be the end of it. You’ll go back to normal demonstrations of normal technology and largely being vaguely cordial with one another- the way you have been since you made the deal. It used to be enough, but you’ve had this taste now of something more, of him , and you’re not sure that you can go back to how it used to be.

“Darling.” At the sound of his voice you look back up at him, eyes glowing and his smile strained. “I’m sure that you understand this is for your own safety.” He glances at the gash across the bedsheets. “I had assumed that I was more in control of my own emotions. Clearly I am not- I will not risk the next thing I shred in a moment of weakness being your flesh.”

Leaning to sit up from the bed you wince at the shape of the vibrator still inside you. Blush staining your cheeks you remove it, pulling on your bottoms from the floor as you try to approach him. “Alastor, wait,” you say, but before you can reach out to grab his arm he’s re-materialized by the door.

The upturn of his lips now is forlorn as he watches you. “I believe it best that we go back to our initial arrangement,” he says. “I shall let you know when or if I need any further demonstrations.” With that he fades into the floor, the lights flickering as he vanishes.

With a cry of frustration you grab the remote off the desk and chuck it at the wall, where it splinters into little plastic pieces.

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