#• Matte orange peel surface

[ksomegahkeramik]

[vppainting]

Residential Painters - Employ Only The Best One

The look of your home is a very personal thing. You should always be the one who makes the decisions about what colors go where and how to decorate your house. 

However, we all know that painting can make or break the look of a room -- hiring a good Residential Painter in Melbourne is key.

Consider the use of the room.

Painting is one of the easiest ways to transform your home. It's also one of the least expensive ways to make a big impact on the look and feel of your house. When you hire a residential painter, consider his or her experience working with different types of rooms, because each room has its own set of needs and requirements. For example:

If you're painting a bedroom, consider using calming colors such as blue or green instead of bolder ones like reds and oranges that might be too stimulating for sleeping at night.

If you're painting an office space in your home, think about choosing paint colors that will help increase productivity and comfort levels in order to make it easier for employees to focus on work during business hours (and avoid being distracted by what's going on around them).

Pick your point type and finish.

There are many different types of paint and primers, each with its own benefits. For example, latex paints are very versatile, but they cannot be applied over oil-based primer. Water-based paints do not require a primer and will dry quickly (within 4 hours), but they can sometimes leave a chalky residue on the surface of wood or drywall. 

Oil-based, or alkyd enamels, give wood surfaces a tougher finish that is difficult to damage or scratch off easily. You should also consider how much emphasis you want to place on appearance when choosing your finish: gloss finishes enhance the color vibrancy and make any imperfections more apparent; flat finishes reduce reflection from light sources so that colors appear muted and neutralized; semi-gloss finishes create a balance between glossy and matte finishes while offering better durability than either option alone

Select a paint primer.

A primer is the first step in any painting project. It's used to help the paint stick to the surface, so it's crucial for getting an even coat of paint and avoiding drips.

A primer is not the same thing as paint; rather, it's a special type of coating that helps make your topcoat easier to apply. If you skip this step, you'll likely end up with streaks and bubbles—or worse yet, peeling and cracking later on down the road.

Paint can make or break the look of a room -- hiring a good residential painter is key.

How important is it to hire a good residential painter? It’s more important than you might think. In fact, the quality of your paint job can make or break the look of your home. And choosing the right color for each room is just as crucial to creating a welcoming space that complements both its inhabitants and their lifestyle.

If you want to ensure that every wall in your house looks as beautiful as possible, it pays to invest in hiring only certified professional Painters who employ proper techniques and use high-quality products.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for Residential Painters in Melbourne in your area, we hope this article helps you find one. Residential painters are an essential part of any home renovation or remodeling project. Their work can make or break the look of a room -- hiring a good residential painter is key!

[topceramicpaintprotectionsydney]

Exactly How to Set Up Vehicle Paint Protection Film Repaint Defense

Film is an undetectable guard that safeguards your paint work from square one, acid rain, dust, stains, and rock chips. These flaws can damage your vehicle's finish and bring about architectural concerns. By stopping this damage, automobile paint security film assists maintain your cars and truck in excellent problem and preserve its resale worth. Vehicle paint security movies are readily available in various thicknesses and textures. The majority of PPFs are constructed from long lasting thermoplastic urethane. They are also offered in a variety of different colors, such as matte and also shiny. When trying to find a paint defense movie, it's important to seek a top notch product. Utilizing a sub-standard item will boost the chance of unsightly marks. For example, some paint defense films can leave orange peel surfaces. In addition, if the movie is not effectively set up, it may chip or warp.

Ceramic paint protection sydney solution can help you obtain the best results. The primary step in installing vehicle paint protection movie is to get rid of any dirt or grime from the surface of your car. This will certainly help the movie follow the surface area much better. When the location is cleaned, you can start applying the film. Some movies can be reduced to fit the form of the lorry. You can likewise purchase pre-cut variations. If you're aiming to apply the film by yourself, examine the maker's instructions for any type of special devices you will certainly need. During the setup procedure, you'll intend to be careful to avoid air bubbles. Air bubbles can avoid the PPF from holding on to the surface area, which can result in distortion. Also, ensure to use a high-quality adhesive. Lots of affordable adhesives can cause troubles with the movie. After using the paint protection film, you'll require to wait a minimum of 12 hrs for it to cure. Alternatively, you can have the movie professionally re-installed after a particular period. Nevertheless, you ought to not attempt to install it yourself. Unless you are an experienced installer, you run the risk of harming the paint and also causing various other troubles.

A top quality paint security movie can last for several years. You'll need to be mindful about exactly how you drive your auto, however. Browse this website to discover more about automobile paint security. If you're driving in extreme atmospheres, such as Arizona's warm, dry climate, you'll require to ensure that the paint is maintained dry and also clean. Otherwise, you'll be triggering your PPF to break prematurely. Repaint Protection Movie is not only a great way to secure your car's paint from road debris, yet it can also help avoid your car from fading. This can expand the life of your original paint task and also provide a premium finish that won't fade with time. Besides securing your paint, auto paint protection film can assist you save on repair work costs and also front-end resprays. It can also stop your car from looking old as well as broken, which can lower your resale worth. In addition, you can conveniently wash and also wax your cars and truck as you normally would. One last suggestion: prior to purchasing paint defense movie, you'll require to consider the quantity of insurance coverage you want. Typically, you'll want to purchase a bigger amount of defense to cover more locations of the vehicle. You ought to likewise choose a product that fits your budget plan.

This link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automotive_paint will open up your minds even more on this topic.

[reliablepowdercoatingspecialist]

The Benefits and Downsides of Powder Finish

Using powder finishing for your industrial or family items can give your items with sturdiness and also resistance to abrasion, scratches, rust, as well as dampness. It can also make your item simpler to clean up. Relying on your demands, you can pick from a wide variety of surfaces. The process of using powder finishing is various for every material. The material utilized for powder covering is made up of carefully ground resin bits. It also consists of ingredients for certain functions. It can be created for ornamental or protective applications. The powder covering process is normally applied with an electrostatic spray weapon. It has an electrostatic attraction that holds the powder bits in place until they melt. It is usually related to metal surface areas.

Nevertheless, it is likewise used on non-metal surface areas. The last surface ranges from matte to glossy. The powder covering process is secure for both the producer and also completion individual. It is devoid of unstable natural compounds (VOCs) that pose health and wellness risks. It is also eco-friendly. It is a wonderful choice for the production of industrial products, due to the fact that it is less expensive than various other finishing processes. The powder coat Las Vegas finishing procedure is safer and extra effective than liquid layer. It utilizes fewer products as well as does not need an air-drying time. It likewise has lower decline rates. The parts can be packaged immediately after healing. It is also less complicated to satisfy guidelines.

It needs very little operator training as well as guidance. It likewise supplies lower wellness dangers as well as is eco-friendly. It can be made use of for a range of applications, consisting of auto. It supplies a distinct surface that can be made to your specs. It can be utilized on a variety of surfaces, consisting of steel, timber, and plastics. It is additionally easy to get rid of the waste. It can be used to produce affordable waste and also is easy to reuse. Using Hirschi powder coating covering for your items can make your production procedure extra efficient and much less costly. The procedure of powder layer uses several benefits, including lower rejection rates, increased performance, as well as much better capability.

However, there are additionally some disadvantages. For instance, it can be challenging to match colors and also can be difficult to touch up. The thickness of the finishing can likewise impact just how quickly it can be repainted over. The color of the powder layer also affects its appearance. For example, an orange peel appearance can be created by using thin finishes. The surface area may likewise end up being bumpy. Powder covering is utilized by a range of manufacturers, including those that make automotive parts, commercial products, home items, and also various other products.

It is necessary to consult with a powder finishing consultant to make certain that you are making the appropriate decision for your project. A professional can aid you understand the process and supply links to vendors that can offer the items you require. It is very important to select a powder layer provider that uses a complete line of products and services. You will also intend to make certain that the provider has a strong track record of success. You will certainly also want to examine to see if they follow a respectable standard, such as 9001:2008. It will certainly also aid to have a final-assembly engineer accessible to guarantee a smooth procedure. Check out this post that has expounded more on this topic: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Powder_painting.

[primerfacie]

How Do You Get Quality Interior And Exterior Ceiling Painters In Perth?

Do you want to make the inside of your house look better? If that's the case, the fastest way to make your house look brand new is to paint the walls and ceiling inside. But if you don't have the right training and experience, you could hurt the beauty of the places.

How to paint the perfect house.

The great job of painting the inside of the house is the result of the owner's vision, experts' advice, and the painters' hard work. Also, Ceiling Painters Perth work hard and do good work to make sure their clients' ideas come to life. So, here are five tips to keep in mind when painting your house to get the look you want:

Carefully choose your colors to start.

Consider how the room is used when picking a paint color. Choose warm colors like red, yellow, beige, and orange when you paint. These colors stand out and make you feel good.

Second, clear some space.

We say the paint has an exquisite finish with no dents, scratches, or other flaws. However, you should look at it carefully to find any flaws so you can fix them before you need them. Before you paint over chips, cracks, and peels, you should use a razor blade to scrape them clean and wash the area well.

Third, prepare the surface.

Want your walls and ceiling to look like they belong in a business? Before painting, it's important to make sure the surfaces are ready. If the surfaces are ready, the new paint will stick well. To get a smooth, even surface, scrapers are used to get rid of dust, stains, and old paint. Skilled painters will cover up all the dents, grooves, and holes. These steps are important for getting the surface ready to paint.

Paint is the third step.

Make sure the paint is well mixed before painting your walls and ceiling. Also, it shouldn't be too thin or too thick for the paint to work well. The expert painter and decorator in Perth will start with the ceiling. Small brushes are used to fill in tight spots when painting. We only use the most advanced painting techniques to ensure that the result is of the highest quality.

Put on the fourth and final coat.

You can't finish painting without putting on another layer of varnish. Our Ceiling Painters Perth offer different finishes to their clients, such as matte, gloss, and satin. The choice of topcoat should be based on the materials and what the customer wants.

Our people who fix things up and paint can work in many different situations. In addition, we offer a full range of services, such as project management, design, renovations, additions, and other home improvements.

[willifordkbkmccormick]

What exactly is Vehicle Wrapping?

Vehicle wrapping is a technique that features previously been used mostly on industrial vehicles for advertising and even branding purposes, yet is now progressively being adopted by simply private vehicle proprietors. The method itself consists of within the whole external surfaces of your vehicle in a thin, comfortable, adhesive vinyl. When the vinyl has been positioned and utilized, it is trimmed and cut aside from across the glass windows, door jambs, panel gaps and trim details. It truly is after that thoroughly stuck lower onto the paintwork by doing exercises any trapped air coming from underneath the convertible top with a very soft squeegee, and applying a heat gun to help that adhere and to be able to work it close to the contours regarding the vehicle. The key reason people are right now using the vinyl wrap technique on their very own own cars would be to provide a comprehensive color change. When in the recent if you wanted to change the colour of your vehicle you will have in order to get it completely repainted, vehicle covering offers an interesting alternative solution.

There are a number of advantages to using your vehicle covered rather than painted, the particular main one getting the cost. Though https://vehicledetailingglasgow.co.uk/best-car-vinyl-wrapping-glasgow/ wrap it's still a substantial investment, this is a much cheaper alternative in order to the full repaint. Also, unfortunately, a higher percentage of vehicle body repair outlets do not accomplish paint repairs effectively, and after getting a vehicle repainted it's very common to be left with imperfections in the particular finish, for instance runs in the car paint, an orange peel from the lime effect it the particular clear coat, awful color matching after which vast amounts associated with dust and over spray. In short, entirely repainting a car or truck is a new very messy, time consuming and labor intensive process and that can be very hard to find someone that will will go through successfully properly plus if you do, you're probably going to have to pay a high quality - pushing the cost up also more. In compare, vehicle wraps will be the complete opposite. That they can be utilized inside a time, create no chaos for the vehicle owner, and if applied correctly by an experienced fitter, is little that may go wrong. The vehicle is simply washed and even decontaminated, certain trim and exterior components are removed and then the vinyl will be applied. More compared to one person is normally required at the beginning of the procedure, in order to correctly position and apply the top bedding of vinyl, but once positioned plus roughly applied typically the rest can be done by way of a solitary individual. The quality of the particular vinyl available nowadays likewise means that it's actually very had to differentiate among a painted finish off and a vinyl wrap, and nearly all can also be polished in addition to waxed just just like a regular coated finish. As well as styles an individual can also pick to completely change the finish, since several manufacturers now present matte, satin, imprinted and even chrome vinyl types. Expected to this wide array of options, the options are almost endless. For instance , you can certainly have different solar panels in different colours, have decals, images and text very easily worked into the particular design, as well as contrast different finishes simply by having dark, dull finish racing stripes laid over a glossy, bright base colour for instance. Wrapping your motor vehicle actually rewards the initial paintwork within a number regarding ways. Firstly, this helps to extensively protect and maintain it in the weather, keeping environmental pollution away. Then, that provides a protective barrier against rock and stone poker chips, which will easily damage paintwork and prospect to rust formation. It also provides a barrier against typically the suns strong ULTRAVIOLET rays, which can oxidize and fade your current paintwork. And lastly, as an alternative of your paintwork being inflicted together with scuffs, swirls represents and light scrapes over time, the plastic will instead consider the brunt of these, being completely eliminated when the particular wrap is taken out. Should you be considering possessing your vehicle twisted, there are a new few facts to consider. A person should ensure that you locate a certified professional to organize your own vehicle and mount the wrap, since although it will be a much more straight in advance process that painting a vehicle, there may be still the prospective for damage to become inflicted at specific parts of the procedure. You also will need to make positive whoever is fitted the wrap pays sufficient attention in order to the edges, since the last issue you want is good for it to begin peeling and working out with off soon after that has been utilized. The last thing to take note is that when it has been applied, there may be the short curing period before you can wash and thoroughly clean the exterior of the car, this is simply to ensure almost all areas with the wrap thoroughly abide by the particular surface and when you would have to wait would be far shorter compared to the period you may have to await after having your vehicle repainted. In conclusion, motor vehicle wraps are a relatively quick, effortless and cost effective approach to completely replace the color and/or complete or your automobile, whilst at the same time guarding and extending the existence of the exterior paint underneath.

[platinumwear]

6 Colors Amazing Peel Off Liquid Lipstick Waterproof Long Lasting Lip Gloss Tint Moisturizing Tear Off Lip Stain Makeup Cosmetic

6 Colors Amazing Peel Off Liquid Lipstick Waterproof Long Lasting Lip Gloss Tint Moisturizing Tear Off Lip Stain Makeup Cosmetic

Feature: Long Lasting, Colorful, Waterproof, Matte Lip glossColor: Lovely Peach,Rose Pink,Cherry Red,Sexy Red,Sweet Orange,WatermelonCapacity: 10ml Usage:1. The lip membrane in accordance with the lip, spread evenly, then wait 5-10 minutes to dry.2. Then its surface, from the external lip hair slowly tear.3. Lip tear film, with cotton tidy, may be appropriate for applying lip gloss or lip gloss,…

[vehiclecolorwraps]

Automobile Vinyl Wraps

A car vinyl cover is a method in the auto aftermarket where a sheet of vinyl is related to a lorry's exterior, covering the original paint in a various color or surface. The completed result is a special, tailored look that alters the vehicle's appearance for life. Many individuals pick to make use of an auto vinyl cover as a possibility to make their cars and truck unique. Continue reading to learn more regarding vehicle plastic covers. Yet initially, what exactly is an automobile plastic cover?

A professionally used wrap can last for approximately 7 to 8 years. Care is a significant factor, as high temperatures and sunlight damage can put on down vinyl. You need to keep your car in a garage or cover it with a cars and truck cover throughout the warmer months. Cooler climates additionally pose an obstacle, as salt is used on roads in snowy areas. Nevertheless, if cared for properly, car wraps can last for up to four to five years. Cars and truck covers need a detailed clean to make sure that the plastic sticks correctly. This procedure usually takes several days and also might even consist of power washing. Education is a never ending process, so follow this link to learn more.

The paint on your cars and truck might need to be eliminated by the wrapping store, and it might affect its ability to stick vinyl decals. This might lead to unequal applications and nullifying your warranty. The result will certainly be a stunning, individualized look for your vehicle. Take your time as well as research automobile vinyl wraps before you acquire one. Auto wraps can be bought at the majority of retailers and are highly customizable. You can pick between transparent or matte finish finishes. The glossy as well as matte coating plastics are available in different shades, including metallic as well as chrome coatings. You can additionally have them developed with the assistance of a computer system program. Check out this related post https://www.carolinatint.com/car-vinyl-wraps-services that will enlighten you more on page.

They can feature a relatively unlimited variety of designs as well as graphics. Even carbon fiber wraps are offered. The possibilities are unlimited with cars and truck wraps. But make sure to examine the supplier's warranty initially. Some individuals do not like the orange peel structure of vehicle vinyl. Rather, they prefer to paint their auto. Nevertheless, they are not able to find an appearance that fits their automobile's one-of-a-kind individuality. In this case, an auto vinyl cover will certainly assist them find the right texture for their automobile's inside. And also because it is customizable, the owner can select any kind of shade they would like. It is also fantastic for accents on the cars and truck.

A car plastic cover is one of the very best options for personalizing your automobile. While it might cost a couple of hundred dollars, it can make your vehicle appearance brand new. And it can last for several years. It will include a special design to your cars and truck. It is an outstanding option for individuals who intend to transform the look of their cars and truck periodically. With the adaptability of vinyl wraps, you can create different designs for your cars and truck to suit your state of mind and taste. Check out this blog to get enlightened on this topic:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Window_film.

[codelili17]

PET screen films

Smartphones are expensive — you wouldn't want to spend up to $1,000 or more and end up with a scratched screen. Many people still buy screen protectors to protect their purchase, but are they still necessary with modern display advancements?

Having a big scratch on your phone is like having an itch in your brain you just can't reach. Plus, it lowers the resale value of the device when you want to upgrade. A screen protector can keep the surface pristine, but buying one is more complicated than it should be. It's also worth asking if modern phones even need one anymore.

A screen protector is simply a sheet of clear plastic or very thin glass that you adhere to your smartphone's screen. The protector is cut to fit the exact shape of your device along with cutouts in the appropriate places - that's why you buy different screen protectors for different devices.

The glass on your gadgets has gotten a lot more scratch-resistant since the days of the iPod. Corning's Gorilla Glass will not scratch if you rub it with your keys or loose change, which is a big step forward.

Many materials can be used for a screen protector.

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

PET is a type of plastic usually found on things like water bottles and food containers. PET screen films provide the least amount of scratch- and impact-protection, but they're super cheap, light, and thin, and as a result are less visible once applied to your phone.

They also have a decently smooth feel, unlike the more durable but rubbery TPU. PET is also a bit stiff, so it can't go edge-to-edge on phones with curved screens. If you want to go with PET, I recommend Tech Armor(Opens in a new window). And this kind of protector can be devided into many types with different aims and functions like PET Clear Film, PET Clear Anti Blue Light Film, PET Privacy Film and PET Anti Blue Light Privacy Film.

Thermoplastic Polyreuthane (TPU)

When you think of the screen protectors of old, you're probably thinking of TPU. TPU screen protector is a flexible plastic that's a huge hassle to install (it involves using a spray solution and squeegeeing out lots of bubbles), doesn't feel very smooth (thanks to its almost rubbery texture), and adds an "orange peel" type glare to your phone's screen. Still, it's flexible, so it can go edge-to-edge on any phone, it has better impact protection than PET, and it has limited "self-healing" powers for small scratches.

On the other hand, it comes in a few different styles depending on the look, feel, and features you want, for example there are TPU clear screen protector, TPU matte screen protector and so on. However, not all styles are available for all phones, and some phones don't have TPU options at all.

With different materials, you can make protectors like anti shock screen protector, clear anti shock screen protector, etc.

[tran16swanson]

hermes crocodile bag 19

Most Costly Hermes Bag Ever It also comes in quite a lot of colours corresponding to black, brown, golden tan, navy blue, olive green, orange, pink, powder blue, pink, and white. Victoria Beckham, Vivienne Westwood, Diane von Furstenberg and Chanel additionally do not use unique skins - alongside excessive road manufacturers corresponding to Topshop, H&M and Adidas. It is the first ever Hermès Diamond Himalaya Birkin offered in a web-based sale and set a new worth document for any purse sold within the USA, and the highest value ever achieved for a purse in an internet public sale. On 1stDibs, you'll find classic top-handle bags from Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci and extra. Birkin had simply positioned her straw travelling bag in the overhead compartment for her seat, but the contents fell to the deck, leaving her to scramble to exchange them. Birkin explained to Dumas that it had been troublesome to discover a leather-based weekend bag she liked. Want to bookmark your favorite articles and stories to read or reference later? By clicking ‘Register’ you verify that your data has been entered accurately and you have read and comply with ourTerms of use,Cookie policyandPrivacy discover. It just made its case as the most effective designer funding piece ever as a uncommon version just broke a European report at auction, touchdown a very pleased seller a comfortable sum. From Hermès' Himalaya Birkin to Chanel's diamond-encrusted alligator purse, these are probably the most gorgeous handbags well price the expensive price tag. The more frequent of the two Lizard skins, Veranus Niloticus, is used across a selection of Hermès leather items. phoenet.tw replica hermes crocodile bag It can at all times be found in trims for the Club Birkin line, and is a go-to lizard source for small equipment and purses. The little holes you discuss with on Crocodile skins are sensory ‘pits’. And despite all their efforts, fake merchandise proceed to flood the market. The quality of counterfeit bags has also vastly improved over the years, making it troublesome to tell whether a bag is actual or fake. However, there are a number of methods to recognizing a fake Birkin. It appears that Hermès has stepped up its production of gator Birkins and Kellys, doubtless reflecting its lower cost of production and larger availability. Today, matte is most regularly discovered to be made from gator, but even shiny gator Kellys are as stunning as their porosus counterparts. Both porosus and nilo crocodile have pores, which can be seen as little dots on the scales of every bag, click picture extra details. Alligator Mississippiensis, is farmed in the United States. Lizard skin is very sought-after and rare, even in the exotics sphere. The tiny, round scales and shiny surface make it a preferred choice for night bags and smaller sizes. Lizard is extremely delicate and high in maintenance, because it tends to dry out, peel, or break with out correct care. Bougainvillea is likely considered one of the rarest colours in the Hermès catalogue and consists of a really bright red with strong pink undertones. In May 2017, Christie’s in Hong Kong once more broke the world report for the most expensive bag ever offered at auction when a white crocodile Hermès Himalaya encrusted with 10.23 carats of diamonds realised £293,000. In 2016, Christie’s thirtieth Anniversary Hong Kong public sale offered a Himalaya Birkin bag with white gold and diamond hardware for an auction world report value of $300,168. The Birkin bag is a line of tote bag, launched in 1984 by the French luxurious goods maker Hermès. Birkin baggage are handmade from leather and are named after the English actress and singer Jane Birkin. wikipedia hermes crocodile Michael Kors has turn out to be a firm favourite for Viola Davis on the red carpet, so the American fashion designer felt like a pure selection for the actor’s Golden Globes ensemble in 2017. The Hermes Birkin controversy is expanding the dialogue to include fashion’s toll on the animal kingdom in essentially the most high-profile means, by concentrating on the very symbol of luxurious, the vaunted Hermes model. A 2006 blue version of the purse offered for £100,000 at the same auction on Tuesday. The Hermes Constance Bag can easily be famous as one of the most versatile and classical bags by Hermes. It’s gorgeous, distinctive fashion can simply be matched with any outfit and can go from an elegant day bag for the workplace to a whimsical night time bag thrown over the shoulder as you trollop by way of city. Although initially launched in 1959, the bag was revamped in 2010 with a longer shape that women beloved. The bag is locked by closing the top flaps over buckle loops, wrapping the buckle straps, or closing the lock on the front hardware. Early locks only bore one quantity on the underside of the lock. In more recent years, Hermès has added a second quantity beneath the Hermes stamp of the lock. The numbers for locks will be the identical for hundreds of locks, as they are batch numbers in which the locks have been made. Sizes vary from 25-, 30-, 35-, to 40-centimetres, with travelling baggage of 50- and 55-centimetres.

[clancyhinson00]

hermes crocodile bag 19

Costliest Hermes Bag Ever It also comes in a selection of colours similar to black, brown, golden tan, navy blue, olive green, orange, pink, powder blue, purple, and white. Victoria Beckham, Vivienne Westwood, Diane von Furstenberg and Chanel additionally do not use unique skins - alongside high street brands similar to Topshop, H&M and Adidas. It is the primary ever Hermès Diamond Himalaya Birkin supplied in a web-based sale and set a new worth document for any handbag offered in the USA, and the highest worth ever achieved for a handbag in an online auction. On 1stDibs, you can find classic top-handle bags from Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci and extra. Mightychic offers an Hermes Birkin 35 bag featured in coveted Porosus Crocodile in Black. Porosus Crocodile is essentially the most exclusive created from the the smallest scales. Mightychic provides a assured genuine Hermes Birkin 25 bag featured in wealthy, saturated Aubergine crocodile. https://skel.io/replicas-hermes-bags/hermes-crocodile-alligator-bag.html wikipedia hermes crocodile Rarely produced this exquisite magnificence is a must have for any Hermes af... It simply made its case as the most effective designer investment piece ever as a uncommon version just broke a European report at auction, landing a very joyful seller a comfortable sum. From Hermès' Himalaya Birkin to Chanel's diamond-encrusted alligator purse, these are the most stunning handbags definitely value the expensive price tag. The more frequent of the 2 Lizard skins, Veranus Niloticus, is used across a wide selection of Hermès leather goods. It can at all times be present in trims for the Club Birkin line, and is a go-to lizard source for small accessories and purses. The little holes you refer to on Crocodile skins are sensory ‘pits’. And regardless of all their efforts, fake products proceed to flood the market. The high quality of counterfeit bags has also vastly improved over the years, making it tough to inform whether a bag is real or fake. However, there are a couple of tips to spotting a fake Birkin. It appears that Hermès has stepped up its manufacturing of gator Birkins and Kellys, likely reflecting its lower cost of production and greater availability. Today, matte is most regularly found to be made of gator, however even shiny gator Kellys are as beautiful as their porosus counterparts. Both porosus and nilo crocodile have pores, which can be seen as little dots on the scales of each bag, click on photograph extra particulars. Alligator Mississippiensis, is farmed within the United States. Lizard skin could be very sought-after and uncommon, even in the exotics sphere. The tiny, spherical scales and shiny surface make it a well-liked selection for night bags and smaller sizes. Lizard is extremely delicate and high in maintenance, as it tends to dry out, peel, or break without proper care. Bougainvillea is one of the rarest colors in the Hermès catalogue and consists of a very brilliant red with robust pink undertones. In May 2017, Christie’s in Hong Kong again broke the world report for the most expensive bag ever sold at public sale when a white crocodile Hermès Himalaya encrusted with 10.23 carats of diamonds realised £293,000. In 2016, Christie’s thirtieth Anniversary Hong Kong auction bought a Himalaya Birkin bag with white gold and diamond hardware for an auction world record value of $300,168. As for whether or not the Birkin will all the time be so expensive, solely time will inform. The HAC is the original iteration of what we at present know because the Birkin. They personalized the Birkin to be wider and shorter than its predecessor. This year, Birkin requested her name be faraway from the crocodile version of the baggage because of allegations of abusive practices in obtaining the skins. JaneFinds invented theThe Baginizer, the premier purse organizer designed for Hermes baggage and different luxurious luggage - RequiredInvestment Bag Protection. In mild of this damning proof of abuse to animals used for “luxury” merchandise, please use the form under to demand that Hermès cease promoting items created from animals’ skins. Of course, you do not have to worry about this on 1stDibs, where each Birkin is extremely vetted. Mightychic provides an Hermes Birkin HSS 30 Crocodile bag featured in Gris Elephant with Ficelle. Gris Elephant is the most exquisite gray with a refined brown undertone. The bag is locked by closing the highest flaps over buckle loops, wrapping the buckle straps, or closing the lock on the entrance hardware. Early locks only bore one number on the underside of the lock. In newer years, Hermès has added a second quantity beneath the Hermes stamp of the lock. The numbers for locks will be the identical for tons of of locks, as they're batch numbers during which the locks have been made. Sizes range from 25-, 30-, 35-, to 40-centimetres, with travelling luggage of 50- and 55-centimetres.

[nevaryadl]

Lobalore  5+1, Loba tries to gently woo Bangalore five times and then boldly once

Flowers.

Bangalore found a pot of flowers in her locker. A rather colorful spray of them in a pretty pink pot, tied with a soft orange ribbon and with a simple note: 'For the strongest woman I know'. She had stared at it, before slamming her locker shut when Elliot had come over asking why she was standing there and staring at her locker.

Chocolates.

About three days after the flowers, Bangalore had found a faux golden fabric bag inside of her locker, tied with a neat little silk black ribbon with a small note: 'For the bravest woman I know'. When she had dared pulled on the ribbon to undo it, the bag had fallen away to show a neatly wrapped bundle of what smelled like chocolate delivered straight from the heavens and would likely take her to cloud nine, something that she confirmed when she threw caution to the wind and ate a piece. Someone had gotten her extremely good chocolate and left her a note... what the heck...

She quickly hid it when Ajay came around, tucking it away and rushing them both off.

Sports tickets.

Two days after the chocolates, Bangalore opened her locker and almost groaned as the sight of a matte red envelope sealed with a shiny gold heart sticker. She dared gently peeled the heart sticker up and opened the envelope and shook out the contents. The contents being four tickets to a hockey team that she liked. In the envelope was the note this time, saying: 'For the smartest woman I know. Wish I could go with you, but maybe some of your more 'jock' friends can spot me? ;) '. The same handwriting as the other two notes, so all three gifts were probably from the same person. Which was great, because there was no way that she could handle more than one secret admirer.

"Hey Bangs, what's up?" Gibraltar said, startling her as she stood there staring at the note and tickets. "Oh hey, game tickets."

"Uh yeah... um wanna go? We can grab Octane and Bloodhound," Bangalore said awkwardly, wanting to shuffle the conversation away from the dread question of where she had gotten the tickets.

"Sure thing, Bangs!" Gibraltar grinned and Bangalore went back to wondering who was giving her these gifts.

Jewelry.

Four days after the sports ticket, Bangalore found a small box with matte black paper. She did groan, earning a look but nothing more out of Bloodhound as they walked past her, as she took up the box. She carefully peeled open the paper to get at the basic box underneath. She flipped the lid and inside, nestled in some cotton, were two leather wristbands, one with an intricate carving along the surface and the other had a beautiful (weirdly familiar) silver wolf charm on the front. There was also two basic steel band rings and two steel crawlers. And these were... great. Amazing. Just her style and obviously the sturdy kind of jewelry that she preferred over the much prettier but delicate jewelry out there. And nestle underneath all the pieces was another note. 'For the the most handsome woman I know'.

"Oooh, those are cool, who gave them to you?" Wraith asked her.

"I don't know, but this isn't the first time that they did it," She muttered.

"You got a secret admirer?" Wraith asked.

"I guess... maybe? Or just someone that wants to give me gifts," She shrugged.

Cologne.

A day after the jewelry, Bangalore found another gift in her locker.

"Nah I wanna see this, chica," Octane said, sitting on the bench just in front of her locker and kicking his legs idly as Bangalore stood there and groaned and flushed. She puckered her lips in displeasure but took up the silky bag with the weight inside. She opened the bag and inside was a glass bottle. When she lifted it up to look at it, she recognized the cologne label that she liked to use. Huh, someone had gotten her favorite cologne. The note this time said 'For the most wonderful woman I have ever met'.

"Cool, I wish I got free shit," Octane said as she briefly turned the bottle towards him to show him.

"Hmm," She hummed noncommittedly.

Giving up and taking the bold approach.

Bangalore found Loba standing in front of her locker, a cheap bow stuck to her jacket.

"Uh..."

"Well I tried flowers, candy, sport tickets, jewelry and cologne and you didn't seem to take the hint, so I thought a different gift was in order, beautiful," Loba smiled, giving her a wink.

"Wait, you?"

"Yes, me. So, beautiful?" Loba smiled, rising and lightly stepping up to her, giving her a heart stopping smile. "Dinner, you in a nice suit and me in a red dress with a slit up to the hip?"

"Y-yes," Bangalore stuttered.

Loba just beamed, and then stepped up onto her toes and pressed a kiss to her cheek, really getting her blushing.

[kirindensetsu]

The Making of Fubuki

((Reposting from Den of Angels workshop thread because I wanted my friends to be able to see~))

After years of pining after dolls I couldn't afford as a broke teenager, my first BJD was a Bobobie Sprite I purchased for my 18th birthday. Unfortunately, she didn't live up to my expectations and I never really bonded with her. Her face was cute enough, but the Bobobie body lacked the grace and posing ability I imagined for the Unseelie faerie I'd been daydreaming of for years. Sueding and wiring didn't help, blushing and tattooing highlighted her blockiness, it was a mess. I packed her away and tried not to think about my disappointment for 12 years. In the meantime I learned to build and paint resin garage kits, inherited one of my sister's dolls, bought some others, took anatomy & physiology in college, and did a couple extensive restorations and full-body modifications. I was sure I had thrown her away at some point as a failed project, but last weekend I found her tucked away in a doll bag I thought was empty. Having just finished substantial mods on a Dollshe body, and awaiting an unfinished Unoa kit for my birthday in September, I decided that I owed it to her to try again. Doll nudity below the cut, looooong post--

My Sprite was originally going to be a pooka with golden eyes and extensive woad tattoos. The golden eyes are incredible, so those are staying, but she's now going to be a blue oni to fit in with the rest of my collection. My plan is to do extensive additive epoxy work, and then to use Krylon Fusion to give everything a unified finish. The goal of the project is to reduce the... idk, STRAIGHTNESS of the old Bobobie body. I was never going to be happy with it, the lines were all far too rigid.

Head: Modified mouth for a wider, smirking smile. Magnets added to headcap (old Bobobie used an S-hook iirc; I did this part back in 2008). Forehead drilled for 3mm brass rod armature, and epoxy used to sculpt horns over rod. Bust: Substantial subtractive modifications to breasts, which involved removal and readdition of nipples. Addition of epoxy clay to back and shoulders to give a more curved body line in profile. Deepening of shoulder sockets with 18mm eye bevel, followed by sanding to make shoulders narrower. Waist: Reshaping of upper torso joint into sphere for smoother range of motion. Subtraction of resin in back and addition of epoxy in front to enhance lumbar curve. Hips: Substantial reshaping of lower waist seam to more naturally follow the pelvic girdle. It reminded me of granny panties before  Added epoxy to butt, again for lumbar curve. Thighs: Suwariko joint mod (cut the thigh and added a PVC insert to enable swivelling at the hip). Added epoxy to make her thighs look less straight. Calves: Removed 1cm of length at the ankles and rebevelled the socket. Removed resin at the ankles to bring them in, and added epoxy at the calves to make them curvier. Feet: Sculpted little claws, which were cute, and then decided the feet needed to be 5mm longer. Cut across, drilled and pinned with brass rod for structural strength, gap filled with epoxy clay. I also modded her feet to have defined arches and balls back when I first got her. Alas, spitting into the ocean. I added S-hooks, but did so by drilling the ankle and inserting brass rod to form the axle for the hook. Arms: The proportions on her upper arms BOTHERED me! they were so SHORT! and I only just figured out that's what I hated about them last week! I added 5mm to the upper arms by cutting them in the middle and using SteelStik to make a structural repair (plumber's epoxy putty has a shorter open time but far greater structural strength than artist's epoxy clay). Sanded the heck out of the wrists to give them a more delicate taper. Hands: Beyond salvage. The hands were my least-favorite part of this sculpt. I tried to bulk them up to look less spidery but it was just too difficult... I've ordered a different pair of MSD hands which will have claws added, and then when everything is painted it'll all match. Thanks for reading this far! Here's a preview of what her golden eyes look like next to Krylon Fusion in Antique Blue.

((first progress post)) I think I'm mostly done adding epoxy clay (at least where it'll show; presumably the wrist sockets will require tweaks to fit the new hands), so now it's time for finish sanding. I start with 60 grit for shaping, then switch to a 120 grit sanding sponge. To check for scratches, pinholes, and inadequately feathered edges, I apply a wash of diluted acrylic paint. Once the paint has dried, I scrub the piece with a nylon scouring pad. Paint remains in the surface irregularities.

All sanded with 220 grit. I don't think I'll be going higher than 400 because I want there to be some tooth for the paint.

Any pitting in the epoxy clay that can't be sanded out is marked with a Sharpie and will be patched with Tamiya spot putty.

I did a test spray of the Krylon Fusion on the headcap and it's fantastic! Holy cow is it *poisonous* tho, I'm used to working with volatile chemicals but this was something else. Get OUT OF THE AREA between coats and leave it outside until it stops outgassing, not just until it's ready to handle.

This test piece is four light coats sprayed 1 minute apart, allowed to cure for 4 hours, and then wetsanded to remove the spray texture. It's pretty sturdy but I will wait several more days to see how it continues to cure before experimenting with matte sealants. ((progress update 2))

Haven't done much but sand-and-fill-and-sand-and-fill, but my 14mm beveller came in today so I can start deepening her elbow and ankle sockets. Added some epoxy clay to the insides of the eyewells so 14mm eyes will fit with no gap. I need a needle file to clean up the corners of her mouth... Monster feets! Nails on the right came out better than the left, still need to feather-sand everything.

Elbows progress. The early Bobobie elbows are I guess /technically/ double-jointed because the joint is a sphere with two slots, but I thought I could do better than that. You can see epoxy clay spliced in to make the sphere into a peanut: this isn't a structurally sound repair unless you pop it apart and drill/pin/glue-epoxy it back together.

View from the back. By keeping the joint heads spherical with no elbow-shaped detailing, there's some rotation as well as flexion, which I like.

Touching her face with one of her old hands. I hope the new ones come soon!

((progress update 4))

In good news, these parts are all ready for paint! It's really hard to do prepwork with no filler primer, hope I didn't miss any spots...

In less good news, her new hands arrived and they are... very smol ;u; I forgot that the new trend for slim minis means that everyone has TINY LITTLE HANDS.

They are, however, beautifully sculpted and a good 3D reference for what needs fixing and how. Bobobie palm is very short relative to fingers: I made a transverse cut behind the knuckles and added epoxy to lengthen More curved volume across the back of the hand: Not necessarily realistic, but looks a little cuter, plus it makes the transition into the cylinder of the wrist look less stylistically jarring. More defined joint angles: Some of these I did via cut-and-thermoform repositioning, mostly I'm aiming to fake it by building up and carving away at the weird smooth curves. The fingers are just TOO SKINNY: But obviously I'm not going to squish rice-grain-sized blobs of epoxy to the fingers, right? It's too fiddly, it doesn't want to stick. What's the solution? Brace for a truly hideous WIP image--

"AAAAAAGH WHAT IS THAT DARK GRAY MESS" it's JB Weld epoxy! It's like load-bearing, slow-curing modeller's putty! Slathering putty onto an armature and then carving it away to refine the shape is how anime figure artists make hands and detailed hair.  I was thinking about it from a polymer clay technique/perspective so I missed the obvious solution. Hand in the foreground has more layers than the hand in the background, every layer gets the shape a lil closer. ((progress post 5)) Parts set up on sticks so I can handle them without touching...

... and after 4 light coats!

Closeup of the head, lil' glossy because it's still drying. For the deeper areas like the joint slots, mouth, and the crannies of the ears, I'm going to have to decant some of the paint into a jar and apply it with a sacrificial brush.

((progress post 6)) I return from Depression! I finally finished sanding-and-spraying the Krylon Fusion coats, gave her a last polish with microfine to even out the texture, and have started blushing her. I'm using a mixture of Tamiya X-series acrylics applied via airbrush for basic contouring, then I'll go back in with pastel to add warm tones and details.

Fun discovery: in an attempt to cover some accidental overspray, I tried spraying the Fusion directly into the paint cup of the airbrush and using it to "erase" back to the base color. I'm NEVER using this product straight from the can again, it goes on so smooth and gorgeous from the airbrush! No orange peel or bubbles to sand away. I'm seriously tempted to get a can of pink and try blushing with it.

((progress post 7)) Doing a faceup over a spray-painted substrate is HARD I want to CRY. I talked about sanding out the spray texture to get an untextured surface, right? Welp, didn't/couldn't sand well enough in the corners of the mouth and the folds of the eyelids, so it's crusty-looking with pastels over it and now there's nothing I can do about it that doesn't involve stripping down to resin and starting again.

((final post)) Sueded and strung!

I didn't take pictures of the sueding process because I was using Barge Cement and it is messy and time-sensitive. I used masking tape to make templates of her joints, transferred to some thin gray lamb suede I found on eBay, and glued it fuzzy side out. The suede was thicker than real pliver, more like the thickness of silicone KIPS discs, but I think it worked out without too many fit issues. The trim store had 3.5mm elastic in a beautiful slate-blue color that I thought would look nicer in the joint slots, so she's strung throughout with thicker elastic. Some more poses to show off the functional mods~ Suwariko joints let her sit crosslegged, and more mobile wrists let her put her hands into the pose.

A more ball-and-socked shaped contact surface at her waist lets her slouch at a full range of angles instead of being locked into two.

With longer upper arms, she can reach the ground in this pose! You can also see how the modded waist joint lets her cock her hips.

She could always stand with locked knees. I think she needs some wire in her legs to let the suwariko joints hold their rotation against gravity, but I'll see how the elastic tension settles in first.

A parting shot out the snowy window. We've been having a hard time picking between a few names for her, but I think this settles it. Welcome back, Fubuki~

[andrew-is-foxy]

Eat the Cupcake Kevin!

Domestic Andriel and team bonding. 2,976 words. Reference to sexual activity, but nothing explicit.  TW: Mention of self-harm scars.

Neil and Andrew didn’t spend a lot of time in the kitchen, they made coffees and reheated dinners when they needed them, and they begrudgingly did their dishes, but that was usually about it. Except, the night before, Neil had been in the girls’ room watching a pretty trash movie and there was a scene where a little boy was making cupcakes with his mom, and the girls and Matt had begun reminiscing about baking with their family. Renee had baked with her adoptive mother ever Christmas, Allison had fond memories of her nanny baking traditional Mexican desserts with her when she was really small, Dan was terrible at baking but she loved doing her best with her family whenever she was home, and even Matt had memories of spending time in the kitchen with his parents when he was little. Neil had never even seen cookie dough or cupcake icing not on a cupcake in his life. Neil had ached for his lost and shattered childhood so intensely he’d had to leave the gathering and go back to his room. Andrew could tell that there was something bothering him, but he didn’t press, and Neil didn’t share, but he had woken up the next morning with a really stupid idea.

Which is why he found himself in the small kitchen of his suite that he shared with Kevin and Andrew, surrounded by ingredients and utensils to make cupcakes and feeling incredibly out of his depth. Kevin had woken up first, while Neil had unpacked the shopping, taken one look at the stuff cluttering the countertop and shaken his head, murmuring that he was going to get coffee in Nicky and Aaron’s room and telling Neil to fuck himself. Neil had been undeterred and continued unpacking the groceries, spreading them across the counter in an absolute mess. Andrew surfaced shortly after, pillow creases on his cheek and his blonde hair tangled over his forehead. He stopped dead in the doorway of the hall and glowered at the mess on the kitchen counter. “What the fuck are you doing?” He demanded, lowering his hand from his unruly hair.

“Making cupcakes,” Neil said, sounding more confident than he felt.

“You are making a mess,” Andrew corrected him, still not moving from the doorway, but his eyes lifted to look at Neil. Andrew’s hazel eyes were annoyed and confused, but he was still rumpled from sleep and soft-looking in the pyjama pants he had stolen from Neil that Neil didn’t feel put out by his accusation.

“Most likely,” Neil agreed, “but I was hoping you would help me.”

“You what?” Andrew was still too tired to guard his expression, or maybe he just wasn’t trying because it was Neil, and his eyes went really wide and he took a step back. “What makes you think I know how to make fucking cupcakes?”

“I didn’t think you would, I thought maybe we could try together?” Neil replied easily, rattling a bottle of icing decorations in the air. Andrew looked like he was either going to storm out of the room or burst out laughing and Neil waited to see which it was.

“Why?” Andrew wasn’t laughing, but he wasn’t leaving either.

“Because I’ve never done it before,” Neil replied and chewed the inside of his cheek as Andrew’s weighted look sat heavily on him, knowing there was more to it. “Because people bake shit with their families and stuff and I never got the chance, so I want to now.” Neil looked in Andrew’s eyes, feeling vulnerable and trusting Andrew with it. “I want to bake cupcakes with my family, Andrew.” There was a long pause as Andrew froze, staring at Neil like he had just punched him, before he slowly took a few steps towards the kitchen.

“Fine, I will look up a fucking recipe. You make me coffee,” Andrew said, and Neil felt warmth bloom in his chest. He nodded and when Andrew came into the kitchen, he kissed his cheek. Andrew let him and then batted at him gently to make him go away. Neil started making coffee and left Andrew to sort out the mess on the counter with his new, upgraded phone displaying a recipe for chocolate chip cupcakes. By the time Neil turned around with two cups of coffee, Andrew had measured all the ingredients and packed away the leftovers into the pantry so there was space on the counter to work with. Andrew took the coffee and drank a scalding mouthful, his brow furrowed.

“Have you made cupcakes before?” Neil asked, gesturing at the organisation. Andrew glared at him, swallowed another mouthful and shook his head.

“No, but I can’t work in the clusterfuck you had created,” Andrew said. Neil smiled at him and gestured again, but this time at the phone.

“Okay, what now?” He asked, letting Andrew be in charge of the endeavour. Andrew read the instructions to Neil, his hip propped against the cabinet, ankles crossed, nursing his coffee and Neil did what he said. The only time Andrew stepped into help was with a huff as he took the bowl from Neil to finish mixing the batter before pouring it into the bright orange with white polka dot patty cans Neil had bought. Andrew filled one cupcake tray and Neil filled the other and they put them in the oven at the same time. Neil expected Andrew to leave then, go sit on the beanbag or something, but he didn’t, he stayed and helped Neil clean up their mess and then washed their coffee mugs. They worked in silence, content to be standing side by side as their suite slowly filled with the smell of baking cupcakes, something Neil had never experienced before and even though it smelt sweet, he liked it.

“Come on, we have fifteen minutes still,” Andrew said, tugging on Neil’s waistband.

“Where are we going?” He asked, but there was heat already unfurling in the bottom of his stomach knowingly. Andrew didn’t respond and nearly dragged Neil to the bathroom.

“Yes or no?” Andrew asked, his hands on the bottom of Neil’s shirt. Neil nodded eagerly, but still Andrew waited.

“Yes Drew my god,” Neil said and Andrew wrenched the shirt off him. He pulled his own shirt off, peeled his armbands away and tossed them on the sink, and then pulled Neil’s pants off, all without pausing to even kiss Neil. Neil caught his wrists gently, his marred skin familiar to him now, smiling at Andrew and tugged him close.

“Yes or no?” He asked, pressing their foreheads together. Andrew tugged his wrists out of Neil’s grasp and ghosted his hands to Neil’s waist.

“Yes,” he said, voice deep and needy. Neil kissed him gently and Andrew wasn’t having any of that. He pressed forward, hungrily, his fingers tightening on Neil’s skin. Neil put his own hands on Andrew’s waist, spun them so Andrew’s back was to the sink and picked him up, propping him on the porcelain. Andrew grunted into the kiss and shoved Neil away, looking incredibly annoyed. “What the fuck Neil?” He demanded, looking down at his swinging feet as if surprised to find himself up on the basin. He went to hop down, but Neil sidled closer, situating himself between Andrew’s thighs.

“I’m sorry, I won’t do it again,” he said and Andrew nodded, burying his hands in Neil’s hair and pulling him back in for kisses. Neil put his hands on Andrew’s thighs and slid them to the waistband of Andrew’s pants, drawing a soft, impatient moan from Andrew.

“Yes or no?” He whispered. Andrew pushed him back, slid from the basin and pulled his own pants down in response. Neil grinned and turned the shower on and Andrew came up behind him, aligning their bodies together and kissing the nape of Neil’s neck. Neil stepped into the shower and Andrew followed, and when Neil turned around to face Andrew, he saw the other man’s pupils blown wide with desire. Neil accepted his advances eagerly and they sank against the wall under the jets of water.

When they resurfaced, soggy and content, they dried off and dressed in loose, comfortable clothes to enjoy the rest of their Saturday. The suite smelt like baked goods and Andrew pulled the cupcakes out of the oven looking mildly surprised that they had actually worked. Neil felt on top of the world as he stared at Andrew holding a tray of cupcakes they had made together and he kissed Andrew firmly with the tray between them. Andrew put the tray down and kissed him back, but only for a moment before he pulled the second tray out. “Are we decorating them now?” Neil asked, feeling nervous that he could ruin them.

“Make the icing while they cool, I’m having a smoke,” he said, opening his phone to the recipe and handing it Neil on the section of the recipe of the icing. Neil did so, but he only got halfway through before Andrew crushed out his barely smoked cigarette and walked back over to the mess. Neil felt a bit sheepish as Andrew smacked his hands away from the bowl and the measuring cup and took over, but he was content to slide his hands around Andrew’s waist and hook his chin over his shoulder to watch. It didn’t take Andrew long to fix the mess Neil had made and when Neil asked if they could make the icing orange, Andrew had rolled his eyes but complied. When they were done icing the cupcakes and decorating them with white and silver hard candy balls, Neil felt like a king, albeit a little embarrassed that he had wanted to do it in the first place. The cupcakes looked a little amateurish, and they definitely looked like Andrew had given up halfway through and watched Neil do his best, but they were edible. Neil picked one up, knowing he probably wouldn’t like something so sweet, but wanting to eat what he had made anyway, and took a bite. It was actually pretty good, a little dry perhaps because they may have been a little distracted and left them in the oven for a little bit too long, but the icing was sweet and helped balance out the texture. He grinned at Andrew, icing on his nose, and took another bite. Andrew shook his head, picking a cupcake up of his own. He didn’t bite into it straight away though, he dipped his pinkie into the icing and reached out to smear it on Neil’s cheek. He didn’t even smile, but Andrew saw the amusement in his eyes as he bit into his own bright orange cupcake.

“Not bad Josten,” he muttered, putting the cupcake down. Andrew began washing up the last of the dishes as Neil finished his cupcake and then arranged most of the cupcakes onto two plates. Andrew scooped the icing off his cupcake when he finished washing the dishes and ate it off his fingers, finally smirking a little as Neil wiped the icing from his face. He ate his cupcake quietly and Neil waited patiently, knowing how particular he was with food. He was just relieved that Andrew was actually eating it. When he was done, Andrew threw their rubbish away and looked down at the two plates. “Are we taking these somewhere?” He asked and Neil nodded.

“Come on,” he said, picking one of the plates up and gesturing at Andrew to do the same.

“I hate you,” Andrew grumbled, picking up his plate.

“I know, I know,” Neil agreed, smiling over his shoulder as he unlocked their door. Andrew detoured to pick up a set of keys, Neil’s, and exited the room with a blank expression, already prepared to face their team. Neil took the keys, locked their door and slid them into Andrew’s back pocket, squeezing just enough to make Andrew shake his head with a hidden smile. Having succeeded, and feeling very satisfied with his morning, Neil led Andrew down the hall to Matt, Nicky and Aaron’s room and knocked loudly. Aaron answered and he looked stupefied by the sight in front of him.

“What the- Andrew are you holding cu…” Aaron swallowed his words and his face split in a rare grin. Before either Neil or Andrew could respond, his hand came up out of his pocket and he snapped a photo of them. Neil put his hand out to his side just in time to stop Andrew from barrelling forward.

“Can we come in?” Neil asked and Aaron stepped aside, still smiling.

“I’m sending this to Dan to stick up in the lounge, “Aaron said, looking down at the picture on his phone.

‘What a what?” Matt asked, not looking up from the game happening on the screen. Kevin and Nicky were playing and Matt was sitting cross legged on the floor watching them, moving with the game as if he was playing.

“Neil and Andrew have brought cupcakes and I took a photo, I’m sending it to Dan,” Aaron said. The game froze with a jab of Nicky’s finger and Kevin complained, but it was cut off by both Nicky and Matt whirling around to look.

“Did you make those?” Matt asked, sounding sceptical. Nicky started howling with laughter the second Neil nodded. Matt grinned and stood, coming over to take the plate from Neil and after a tentative, questioning gesture and nod from Andrew, he took Andrew’s plate as well. He put them down on the coffee table and beckoned them into the room from where they stood in the entrance of the room. Neil gently took Andrew’s arm-banded wrist and pulled him after him into the living room where he sat on the couch behind a still laughing Nicky. He pulled Andrew down onto his legs and his boyfriend crossed his arms across his chest but stayed seated.

“Did you actually send a picture to Dan?” Neil asked, looking at where Aaron was standing near the door. Aaron opened his mouth to answer, but the door was shoved open to reveal the girls standing there, led by Dan whose mouth fell open at the sight of Neil and Andrew on the couch with cupcakes on the table.

“No way!” She crowed, swooping into the room. Matt handed her a cupcake and then took one for himself. Renee came in next and perched on the arm of the chair next to Andrew and Neil and Andrew slid off Neil’s legs, picked up a cupcake and handed it to her.

“Thank you,” she said softly and licked a glob of icing off the top.

“Are they poisoned?” Allison asked, crossing the room to sit at a desk chair.

“No,” Neil told her and Renee shook her head. Aaron came around then after locking the door behind the girls and picked two off the plate. He offered one to Allison as he sat down at the desk chair next to her and she gingerly took it off him. Nicky had already eaten one and was covered in icing. Kevin stood from the floor and sat down on the couch, glowering at the mess that was Nicky.

“They’re pretty good,” Matt said, smiling at Andrew and Neil.

“The icing is the best bit,” Aaron added, licking some from his finger. Neil smiled smugly and pulled Andrew back down to his lap, wrapping his arms around his waist.

“Andrew made the icing,” he said, knowing he sounded like he was tattling on Andrew. The quiet growl in his throat warned Neil to watch himself, but Neil didn’t have anything more to add.

“They’re not bad,” Allison agreed, folding back the paper to bite into her cupcake again. Dan was staring wide-eyed at Neil and Andrew, her cupcake nibbled on but forgotten.

“Whose idea was it?” She asked.

“Neil’s,” Andrew said quickly, and Neil nodded.

“Well, thank you,” she said, smiling at the two of them. “For sharing them with us,” she added. Neil grinned at her. There was a pause as everyone ate their cupcakes in somewhat stunned silence and Neil felt pride settle over him. He only ever really felt pride on the Exy court, but feeling it for something as menial as baking cupcakes for his friends with his boyfriend was nice.

“Nicky that’s your second cupcake!” Kevin snapped, “do you know how much suga-” Kevin was cut off by a cupcake getting shoved into his open mouth by Nicky. Neil burst out laughing and even Andrew’s shoulders shook with a concealed laugh. Dan and Matt were grinning and Aaron smirked as Kevin spat the cupcake into his hands, licking the icing from his mouth with a disgusted curl to his lips. Allison looked on with glee in her eyes and even Renee’s lips were curled with amusement.

“Shut your cakehole Kevin,” Nicky said, holding the last cupcake in his hand like a grenade ready to be thrown at the enemy. “Eat the cupcake Kevin,” he added, and Kevin narrowed his eyes.

“Eat the cupcake Kevin,” Matt said, his voice deep and serious as Nicky’s had been.

“Eat the cupcake Kevin,” Aaron added on. Allison looked beside herself with joy at the chaos next to him.

“Eat the cupcake Kevin,” she said smugly.

“Eat the cupcake Kevin,” Dan and Renee said at the same time. Neil squeezed Andrew’s waist and he felt Andrew squeeze his arms back.

“Eat the cupcake Kevin,” they said in unison and Kevin turned his narrowed gaze on them.

“Eat the cupcake Kevin!” They all shouted at Kevin and he stared at his team, looking pissed off. Slowly, he peeled the paper from his cupcake, opened his mouth and shoved the entire thing into his mouth until his cheeks bulged, his eyes daring the team to do something like that again.

[bhandarimarblekishangarh]

HOME ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN FOR KITCHEN COUNTER-TOPS

Considering marble countertops? Discover everything you need to know about the popular surface before you start picking out slabs

When it comes to selecting kitchen countertops, marble remains the top choice for many homeowners. It’s no surprise that marble countertops and backsplashes are so popular—the material has been attracting fans for a millennium. “Marble is a natural material with a great variety, depending on which species you select and how it’s cut,” says Rahul Bhandari, the MD of Bhandari Marble Group behind. “It creates a lovely natural pattern, which you don’t get with a lot of artificial materials.”

9 important tips for choosing a white marble slab

Things to Remember

Among marble options, white marble takes the cake. “You won’t find anything as white in nature as white marble,” adds Evan Nussbaum, a vice president at Stone Source in New York. “You just don’t get that color and kind of figuring in any other type of natural stone.” But marble is not a perfect product. While good-quality marbles, such as the world-famous products from Carrara, Italy, are dense and relatively nonporous—which makes them durable and stain-resistant—they also have weaknesses.

A non-foliated metamorphic rock, marble is generally composed of calcium carbonate (the same ingredient used in antacids such as Tums) or magnesium carbonate, which react to acids. An acidic kitchen liquid like lemon juice or vinegar can etch marble, leaving a dull, whitish mark where it has slightly eaten away the surface, even after the marble has been sealed.

But as long as you choose carefully, know what to expect, and care for white marble countertops, they can be a beautiful, functional choice for your kitchen design that lasts a lifetime. Ahead, we’ve rounded up expert tips on how to choose the perfect slab of marble—so if you’re on the market for marble countertops, keep reading!

1. If you’re concerned about stains, stick with white marble

Although many people automatically think of creamy, white stone when they think of marble, “there are hundreds of varieties,” says DC Bhandari, founder, and director of the India-based stone company Bhandari Marble Group, including types that are taupe, green, gold, red, and black. For marble kitchen countertops, however, Nussbaum generally recommends sticking with white marble. Because acid etching leaves a whitish mark, it is much more noticeable on colored marble than on white marble. “We put a thousand caveats on any dark marble or non-white marble being used for kitchen countertops,” he says, “but it’s a personal choice.”

While classic Italian white marbles like Calacatta and Statuario are generally excellent quality and a great kitchen idea, Nussbaum points out that equally high-quality marbles are available closer to home, including Vermont Danby and Colorado Yule.

2. Consider how the different marble slabs will come together

Every stone slab is slightly different, so it’s ideal to select the exact pieces of stone that will be used for your countertops. “There’s an art to marble—selecting the slabs and understanding where the veining is going to be located on the countertop,” says Rahul Bhandari. “You want to artfully place the markings so that it’s almost like a painting.”

At the same time, it’s important to consider how different pieces come together. “The longer the piece you can get without any seams, the better,” says Rahul Bhandari. “If you do have seams, it’s always nice to book-match the marble,” so adjacent pieces have a mirrored appearance.

3. Take veining patterns into account

Every quarry is different, but it’s possible to cut certain types of marble blocks two different ways to achieve unique veining patterns. Crosscut, or Fleury cut, results in stone slabs with “an open flowered pattern,” says Nussbaum, which looks fairly random and is ideal for book-matching. Vein cut, or stria to, slices the block the other way to achieve a linear, striped appearance.

“Designers have used both cuts to create some fantastic looks,” says DC Bhandari. “They may use a vein cut on the wall and cross cut on the floor.”

4. You can transform the look of marble with different finishes

“The whole stone industry has been going through a massive wave of technology, and it’s transforming the product,” says DC Bhandari, noting that there are now more ways than ever to finish stone, including different brushing and polishing techniques. An orange-peel-like texture is possible, he notes, which “might be called a leather, brushed, or river-wash finish.”

But the most popular choices remain polished, which looks glossy, or honed, which appears matte. For homeowners concerned about acid etching, Nussbaum recommends a honed finish. “On a polished finish, etching is going to turn it dull and be more visible,” he says. “With honed, you’re dulling an already dull finish, so it disguises it.”

5. Consider curving the edges of your marble Counter-top

Besides its natural beauty, there’s a reason marble has historically been so popular for sculpture: It’s easy to work with tools. Add modern computer numerical control milling machines to the equation and almost anything’s possible for kitchen decorating. There are countless edge profiles to choose from, but Rahul Bhandari prefers a simple eased edge, which takes the sharpness off a straight 90-degree corner. DC Bhandari points out that a bull’s nose, which has the profile of a half-circle, is also a timeless favorite and functional winner. “Hard stones like marble are brittle, so if you hit a 90-degree corner with something hard, it will chip,” he says. “With a curve, it’s highly unlikely that it’s going to chip.”

To give thin ¾-inch stone the look of a thicker slab, Zaheer says it’s possible to use a mitre joint at the edge of the countertop to add a thicker face with an almost seamless appearance. “You can build up a really nice thick-looking piece without having to use a thick slab,” he says. It’s even possible to engrave the edge of a white marble countertop with a pattern of your choosing, says Cherrington, noting that Lapicida has developed marble tables featuring a carved brogue pattern on the edge in collaboration with designer Bethan Gray.

However, the best way to live with marble countertops may simply be to accept that they will patina over time. “If you’ve been to an old bakery or pizza shop and seen how white marble patinas, and like it,” says Brinda Somaya, “then it could be the perfect material for you.”

6. Call the marble facility ahead of your visit

“Call the slab marble facility in advance to inquire about whether they have marble slabs that meet the color, type, square footage, and dimensions you require,” suggests India-based interior designer Kapil Gupta. “Let them know when you’re coming and ask them to organize a tour points out the various slabs of marble they have. This will also allow the supplier to pull out their various slab marbles in advance so that when you arrive, they are taking you directly to the selections that meet your needs.”

7. Know the difference between cracks and fissures in your marble

Cracks are a sign that the marble has been dropped or improperly handled. Fissures, though, are entirely different. “A fissure differs from a crack in that it’s a naturally occurring feature in the stone and does not change the plane of the marble surface,” says Brinda Somaya. “You should be able to slide your nail across a fissure without it catching. Depending on the look you are trying to achieve, fissures may be acceptable—say, if you’re looking for a stone that will give you a more rustic look. Fissures don’t change the integrity of the stone; they are part of the stone’s character.”

8. Ask about the origin of the marble

“These days, white marble such as Calacatta and Statuario is currently in high demand. As such, some marble suppliers will call their white marble with veins Calacatta marble. But it won’t be authentic, rather just white stone with veins that originates from China or some other part of the world,” explains Shubham Gupta. “True Calacatta originates from mountain quarries in Carrara, Italy. The same is true for Statuario: True Statuario marble originates from Italy.”

9. Maintain your marble countertops by getting a sealed finish

Finishing marble countertops with a penetrating sealer is essential for long-term performance. Acids will still etch the surface, but if the countertop has a honed finish, an etched mark can usually be removed by scrubbing with a Comet paste using a Scotch-Brite pad, he says.

If it’s a polished surface, it will require different abrasives and technical skills to clean the marble, which might best be left to a professional. If the marble does get a stain, it can often be removed with an alkaline poultice that gradually pulls the offending material out of the stone as it dries. But any of these interventions will also strip the sealer, he notes, so it needs to be reapplied after the repair. “The good thing about marble is that you can always sand it down or polish it again,” says Hammed Ansari. “With a lot of other materials, once you damage it, you can’t do that

Added by expert and export team of Bhandari Marble Group Rajasthan, Kishangarh-India

[feargender]

somewhere outside my life babe

read on ao3 here

trigger warnings include: mentions of past abuse (light, non-graphic), panic attacks and dissociation related to juno’s ptsd and the traumas mentioned in monster’s reflection, non-graphic flashbacks, juno’s past issues with drug addiction (light, non-graphic), juno dealing with being presented with triggers for his drug addiction, unresolved self blame regarding benten’s death (not touched on heavily), mild description of blood and injury

-

Juno has always been a glass on the verge of spilling over. Every time someone jostles him, a little bit sloshes over the edge, a little bit of himself pours out before he can stop it. And he can’t put it back in.

Every day could be a day where he spills his guts all over the floor, and all there will be left to do is sit in the mess. Impossible to clean up. Impossible to pack away neatly again.

It’s been harder, harder than it has been in almost twenty years. Since the dreams he had when the Theia was removed, he can’t seem to keep a hold of it all. His ghosts are everywhere again. Constantly spilling over, out of his dreams and into his waking moments, pouring and pouring out of his empty eye socket. Filling up every room he walks into.

He feels like he’s picked a scab and the wound is bleeding again. He had left it to crust over for so long, had resisted scratching the incessant little itch. But now it’s all bubbling back up to the surface. Benzaiten. Jack. Sarah.

The curse of Andromeda come back to haunt him, thirty-five years later.

Rita has been around longest, has witnessed enough of Juno’s drunken hysterical rages for him to feel ashamed, but it also means she notices first and most often. “Mistah Steel?” she says softly, teetering on the edge of the kitchen threshold. Juno stands there in the harsh yellow lighting of the ship in his socks and underwear, surrounded by the broken remains of a bowl from the drying rack and a plastic cup that has splashed its water into a pool around his feet. He’s covering his ears with his hands, eye shut tight.

He just wanted a fucking drink.

But then the metal walls of the ship creaked a bit, settling or something, and he remembered how there was a creaky floor tile in his house in Old Town and how even in her drugged and drunken haze Sarah Steel had the ears of a bat and she would hear him moving around at night, corner him, captive audience to her most recent stage show of misery. He knocked the glass bowl off the countertop.

The sound of it shattering into a pieces sent his heart rattling and suddenly he couldn’t breathe and he couldn’t see straight and he felt half out of space and time. On the ship, in his kitchen in Old Town. Forty years old, fifteen years old. He shattered a little bit too.

He doesn’t know how long he stood there, but then Rita was before him. Shuffling slightly, voice uncharacteristically low.

“Mistah Steel, can you hear me?” she asks.

Juno doesn’t know if he’ll ever be able to speak again. He grunts out a noise of affirmation, the sound warbled to his own covered ears. His eye is still shut.

More hesitant shuffling. Closer. He can feel her drawing closer and if he could move he would step away. Probably directly onto a piece of glass, but it would be better than hands on him. Anywhere near him.

She doesn’t touch him. He hears the distinct sound of glass scraping against tile, feels movement around his feet. Rita, using a towel to clear up the broken bowl and water from around him.

“You should go back to bed, Mistah Steel,” Rita suggests.

Juno blinks open his eye at her. The light is too bright, and for a minute he swears he sees another woman, taller, angrier, but he doesn’t. It’s just Rita. The nearness of her still almost makes his knees buckle and his stomach heave, but it’s just Rita. Rita stepping aside, Rita turning on the sink, and. Oh.

Rita holding out a new cup of water to him. Hand high on the rim of the glass, so he can take it without touching her fingers. His hand shakes terribly, but he takes it. Mechanically, as if there’s no other option.

“Night night, Mistah Steel,” she says, turning away from him and rummaging for her god awful salmon snacks.

Juno peels his soaked socks from the floor. One foot at a time. Stiffly. Unsteadily. Feeling a bit like a corpse. He goes back to bed.

Juno almost laughed out loud when Buddy and Jet presented their newest job to the rest of the crew, it was so perfect. Too perfect. Something out of one of Rita’s streams. A heist under the cover of a masquerade ball, held by one of Hyperion City’s most elite families.

It’s the first time Juno has set foot back on Mars, since he and Rita fled to the sky. He isn’t technically on Martian ground, but rather floating high above it in the well watered paradisal garden of an Uptown estate. Wearing a mask. Buddy insists it’s a ram, but Juno hasn’t ever seen a ram like this. It covers the upper half of his face, molded almost perfectly to his features and a rich matte black with twisting, shining black horns poking out of the top of it. The gold septum piercing in his nose had been his idea.

However, the novelty of it isn’t quite enough to make Juno feel at ease. He’s already down an eye, and his blindspot has now grown to include all but a tiny hole around his good eye that he can see through. Every time someone moves past him he has to resist the urge to jerk his head around and look.

He needs a drink.

Or something stronger.

There are waiters in golden tuxedos carrying small gilded trays of pills wrapped in individual multi colored papers, artfully arranged around small glasses of drink to swallow them down with. The partygoers slip them under their masks at leisure, taking small sips and smiling as the little pills slide down.

When Juno used to take pills, they usually came in tiny plastic baggies hidden underneath his dealer’s tongue.

He’s sure these are more expensive, but from Old Town to Uptown, illicit drugs don’t differ that much. Even twenty years out and several feet away, Juno can feel the bitter aftertaste on the back of his tongue.

It would certainly improve his mood. If he takes two, he would cease having a mood at all.

“Juno?” Nureyev comes up behind him almost silently, which really shouldn’t be possible, considering that he is wearing both high heeled boots and a stiff necked cape (for the silhouette). Juno can’t see it, but Nureyev’s muffled voice tells him that the orange and white fox mask is still in place on Nureyev’s face. “We’re almost done here.” His hand lands on the small of Juno’s back. “You’re tense.”

Juno smiles tightly. “I’ll be fine.” He through his little peephole as a woman in a silvery suit and feathered mask knocks back two of the little pills with a drink of champagne. His eye follows the movement of her swallow, bubbles chasing chemicals into her stomach and bloodstream. He can’t see it, but he knows her pupils will dilate, her heart will flutter up out of her chest like a bird.

He used to chase that feeling, those first euphoric minutes, into the bottom of every pill bottle to be found in Old Town.

His covered forehead breaks out into a small, prickling sweat.

“When can we get out of here?” Juno asks, and Nureyev hums, shifting to be in Juno’s line of sight.

Nureyev certainly sees Buddy before Juno does, dressed in one of those golden tuxedos like the rest of the waiters. Juno does, however, see the look that travels between them, though he hasn’t quite deciphered it when Peter turns back to him and says, “Whenever you like. Somewhere else you want to be?” He smiles sharply under his mask.

Juno is tempted to smile back, but says only, “Away from here. If you don’t mind.”

It’s just a graze. A blast of laser fire just a hair faster than Nureyev’s reflexes, slicing through the flesh of his bicep. Lots of blood, little injury. Juno knows it as he sees it, watches Nureyev’s face pinch into a tight grimace of pain.

Benzaiten!

The shots end relatively quickly after that, Buddy’s one-eyed aim worlds better than Juno’s. Nureyev doesn’t even shake as he gets back up off the ground, leaving droplets of red in his wake.

Benzaiten Steel, open this door!

Juno’s throat is clogged, he can’t breathe. He feels cracked open, a dropped egg with the runny yolk oozing out. “Juno?” Nureyev asks, brow furrowed.

BENTEN!

The hand Nureyev had been using to press tight around the wound in his arm comes up toward Juno, worry creasing his face. Juno lurches back, body springing into action so fast his mind can’t track it. Jumping, a series of flinches until he finds himself back in their hotel room.

Another jump out of his skin and he’s leaning his entire body against the hotel room door. Forehead against the cool wood. He knows that if he looks down to the floor he will see blood pooling, dark dark red and soaking into his pants at the knees.

He looks.

Green carpet. Clean. Freshly vacuumed.

“Juno,” Nureyev says again, possibly having repeated it many times before Juno actually heard him. Juno shifts on his knees, turning around to face the inside of the room. Nureyev sits on the bed, out of his bloody shirt. His arms are exposed, a clean white bandage wrapped around his wounded bicep. A little dot of red visible beneath where it’s still bleeding slightly.

He meets Nureyev’s eyes briefly before settling his face on the center of his chest. He’s listening.

“Where did you go?” Nureyev asks and Juno wants to laugh hollowly, but he can’t find that within him.

He’s exhausted, suddenly. Aching.

One more look at the floor to make sure there’s no blood, no slumped body on the other side of the door, and he sinks down from his knees to sit flat on his ass, resting his face in the cradle of his arms.

It’s much later that same night, or possibly very early the next morning, by the time Juno answers. They’ve managed to arrange themselves in the bed, Juno cocooned in the hotel bedding with Nureyev a safe distance away, their fingers just barely touching across the chasm between them.

“Sorry,” Juno mumbles, and Nureyev looks down.

“Whatever for?” he asks.

“You’re the one that’s hurt and I freaked out like that. It was…” Juno doesn’t know what it was. Stupid? Maybe. Embarrassing? Certainly. Nureyev won’t accept either of those.

“It wasn’t your fault,” Nureyev says gently. This time, Juno does manage that hollow laugh. Only, rather disgustingly, it turns into half of a sob. He presses his hand to his mouth, but it’s too late. More horrible sobs come out.

“It was. That’s the thing. It was my fault,” Juno says finally. Nureyev doesn’t answer, just watches him. Waiting. Giving him the choice to elaborate, or not.

Juno thinks that he shouldn’t continue. It was enough forcing himself to remember. But then… could it get any worse?

“My, uh. My brother, Benzaiten. We were twins. And you know my mom killed him. She wasn’t really. She wasn’t well; she was honestly really, really sick. She thought he was me, and she killed him. And his blood. I could smell it for weeks,” Juno runs a hand over his face. “Anyway. When Jet removed the Spectrum from my head, I dreamed it. Sort of. It was like I was living it all over again, a lot of terrible shit that I worked really hard to forget. And so lately it’s been at the forefront of my mind, every moment, waiting for something to happen. When you got shot, I just went back there.”

Juno runs out of steam, his mouth working for a few more seconds before closing. He looks up at Nureyev again and sees nothing but an intent expression, mostly devoid of emotion. Unlike Juno, Nureyev doesn’t wear every single feeling he has on his face. Normally it’s frustrating, but now Juno is almost glad he can’t decipher what’s going on in Nureyev’s head. If he saw guilt, or worse, pity, he doesn’t know what he would do.

Eventually, Nureyev says, “I understand. I’m sorry, Juno. But it’s not your fault that any of that happened. You don’t have to believe me, and we don’t need to talk about it, I know you’re tired. I just need you to know that you don’t have anything to apologize for.”

Juno wants to argue, but he is tired. “Can we sleep, now?”

Nureyev’s mouth pulls up in a half smile. “That depends. Can I have some of those blankets, or do I have to stay out here and freeze?”

Juno begrudgingly unravels himself enough for Nureyev to join him in his safe little cave of hotel covers, tensing when Nureyev first wraps him up in warm arms, but then relaxing into the embrace. Touch hasn’t historically made him feel safe, but this touch, from this person, does. He’s still trying to get used to it.

“Thank you for trusting me with that,” Nureyev whispers, and Juno shrugs with one shoulder.

“Might as well know what you’re getting into.”

“Oh, Juno,” Nureyev gives a little laugh, “I’ve always known what I was getting into, with you.”