#i glued three pages together on each side

[ihavesomejays]

tldr i’m gonna be posting more original art (read sketchbook stuff) here because i no longer feel the need to have my fanart and personal art accounts be separated

anyways theories on what’s happening in this one?

closeups below keep reading

[logysworld]

Ouch! | Vi x Reader

You're a tattoo artist and Vi wants a tattoo.

Fluff?, suggestive, kissing, flirty, casual! F!reader.

-

Music played on the radio beside your table, balancing on the plethora of papers and pens that you had scattered around your table. A sketch was finally coming together, just a little something that popped into your mind after months of an artist's block that kept your sketchbooks dry. It was a small yet profound design, depicting two hands just shy of touch. One hand robotic and slender, ripples of metal flowing around each curve that were shaded perfectly in depth. The other appeared normal at first, but upon closer inspection revealed a tension, fingers taut and desperate, scared, as if the other hand was impossible to reach. You sketched a galaxy around the hands, streaks of the sky and swirling stars surrounding them, like the universe itself was gently forcing the hands apart.

The familiar twinkle of your door chimes echoed as someone entered the shop and you peered over your shoulder briefly, not long enough to see who came in.

"Hey, you got an appointment?" You called out, twisting the dial of the radio to lower the volume of the music with one hand while the other continued sketching.

"Do I need one? You don't look very busy in here." She said mockingly, the thump of her boots echoing around the empty room. She was right, the shop had been really really slow lately, it was just a habit to ask each time someone came in.

"Yeah you're right, have a seat on that leather chair. Could you give me a minute- sorry- what's your name?" You looked over at her as she settled into the seat, a pale and bruised (also muscular) hand running through her dark pink hair.

"Vi. And you? What's your name gorgeous?" she asked, turning sideways on the chair to manspread.

"Y/n." you replied, a blush creeping onto your cheeks. Her ice blue eyes scanned your figure when you stood up, following the sway of your hips as you walked towards her.

"Cute name. You're real cute." She tilted her head at you, a curiosity flashing in her expression.

You laughed. "How can I help you, Vi?"

"I want a tattoo. a small one, right here on my finger." She spoke low, lifting the red sleeve of her jacket and tracing the side of her left pointer finger. You noticed a tattoo on her forearm, which seemed to lead all the way up. You leaned in closer, nodding as you took in her request.

"and," her voice went quieter, almost a whisper.

"and I want it to say 'POW!', with the mark thingy on the end?" You nodded and scribbled in your sketchbook for a minute or two. Her hand dropped while you sketched and her shoulders hung slightly. You looked up at her, feeling somewhat sad at the sudden change in demeanor, leaning in even closer instinctively.

"Okay, I can do that. What's the occasion? Or... would you rather not talk about it?" You had already drawn three versions of the design in your book, facing the page towards her for approval.

"That," she said pointing at the second design, "..and its not much. Just for somethin' important to me. I'd actually rather talk about you, gorgeous." she sat forward in her seat, resting her elbows on her knees while she watched you turn away from her. You playfully scoffed at the quick switch in attitude, brushing off her previous show of vulnerability as to not make her uncomfortable. You started tracing the design on paper using the tray behind you.

"Is that so? What exactly do you want to talk about?" You span back around in your seat, now scooting closer to her and grabbing her hand. She bit on the inside of her cheek at your touch, letting her hand rest in yours as you pressed the stencil into her finger.

"With that pretty voice? And that face? I could talk about anything with you, babe."

"You use that corny line on every girl?" you cringed, smiling, eyes glued to her hand as you applied the design.

You heard a laugh, and her chest dropped further towards you.

"Mmm.. no? I only see one girl infront of me right now, and she's just. So. Fucking. Gorgeous. What else am I supposed to say?" she came closer with each word, warmth emitting from her mouth as she spoke.

"Are you gonna keep calling me that?" you rasped, not realising you were holding onto your breath. You tried to appear unfazed, but the red flush on the tips of your ears already gave Vi the sense of satisfaction she was craving.

"Yeah I might. Why? You like it?" she tucked a stray hair behind your ear, her hand lingering on the skin of your neck just below your jawline. You felt chills. she was so close, whispering as if it was sinful for anyone to hear.

You coughed and shrugged it off, pressing the design hard into her finger, causing her to sit up slightly. Her hand was calloused and rough, scarred, knuckles red and blue from fighting you presumed. A dirty bandage wrapped around her palm and ended at the wrist, frayed at the edges.

"What? Pretty girl doesn't wanna talk now? Did I get you all nervous?" her stenciled hand turned to stroke yours and she looked at you with a pout.

You pulled your hand away. She's a troublemaker for sure.

"Vi, please. I work better when im not under pressure, okay?" you sighed, turning to grab the needle and dipping it into the black ink.

"Alright, so you are nervous. Got it." So cocky, you thought. She winked at you, putting her hand in yours before you could grab it from her.

You couldn't help but laugh. "God."

"Damn, gorgeous. I know I'm all great and that, but you don't have to call me God."

"Please shut up, Vi."

"Whatever you say, pretty."

You brought the needle to her skin and started drawing over the stencil. You licked your lips and she sucked in a breath, despite her having such detailed, and definitely more painful, tattoos already painted across her arms.

Her gaze was like a heat wave, so hot and so harsh you felt like you were about to start sweating. She watched you carefully, not your hands but everything and anything else. She watched how you tilted your head back and forth to see how the tattoo looked from afar, and how your legs squeezed together everytime you did so. You bit and squeezed your lips as you pressed the needle into her. God your lips. She let her gaze lower further down, admiring the perfect tone of your skin. You really were gorgeous. She didn't even realize how long she was staring at you until she felt the sting of antiseptic being wiped across her finger.

"All done!" you beamed, standing up and walking away to clean off your needle.

She inspected the fresh tattoo.

You heard her swallow harshly, and turned to see her sad smile.

Her smile morphed quickly into mischief and she looked up at you. "Someone has fast hands."

"It comes from practice, Vi." you smiled feeling proud, turning back around to put away your equipment into their designated sections.

"Oh yeah?"

She stood up from the chair, taking a few steps forward until the space behind you felt nearly gone.

"I'm sure you practice a lot, huh?" she teased.

She raised her arm, allowing her fingers to dance on your shoulder, falling lower and lower, drawing lines on your bare skin. your breath hitched and you looked at her hand. She dropped it to rest on your hip, gripping at the skin free from your cropped tee.

"You're so pretty. Let me look at you." Her voice tickled your ear, sending a shiver through your entire body.

"Vi." Your heart rate picked up.

"Turn around, gorgeous. Please."

It sounded like a command, desperate, but soft, all at the same time. You turned to face her and she smiled, now placing both hands on your hips and squeezing gently at the start of the bone.

"Look at that pretty face."

She forced you backwards as she stepped closer, letting your lower back hit the table with a pang. Your hands came up through hers and you shyly let them lay on her chest, not daring to look into her eyes. Then, her hands left your hips and came around the backs of your thighs, wrapping and bringing you upwards onto the metal table without struggle, spreading your legs around her as she did so.

"Hmm. So pretty." she cooed. The cool of the metal felt like ice on your skin and you shivered, leaning into her. She caged her arms around you on the table and leaned forward, brushing her nose against yours.

"Can I kiss you, gorgeous?" She asked, barely audible. You looked into her eyes and she stared back at you, so so sweetly. You let yourself lean in closer, your lips touching but not together just yet. She sighed into your mouth, the tension so strong you could feel it on your tongue. When you licked your lips she pushed herself onto you and kissed you, hands now holding your jaw. The kiss was soft at first, her lips caressing yours so gently it sent a wave flutters to your chest and stomach. But, when you wrapped your hands around her neck and moaned into the kiss, she couldn't hold back a grunt. She licked into your mouth, hands on your ass as she pulled you impossibly close. You stayed just like that for a while, but a growing frustration played out in her kisses, eventually taking over her hands which were squeezing so hard you swore they could leave marks. Your back arched in response, letting Vi push you further onto the table until you had to support yourself with one hand, the other tangled in her hair.

The twinkle of your door chimes interrupted the kiss and you hesitantly pulled back, but Vi was determined, lowering her kisses to suck on your jaw and neck. You peered over her shoulder, fighting the hands which pushed you back down.

"Vi, just- one sec-"

A nice looking man stepped inside, looking at the designs on the walls before landing his eyes on you, or Vi covering you more so.

"Vi-, shit," you swore under your breath, her teeth nipping on your collarbone.

"Hey! I have an appointm- oh, SHIT, hey, it's fine! It's fine it's fine I'll come back later, tomorrow! Im so so sorry! Shit!

The door chimes clinked against eachother as he ran out and you cursed to yourself. Vi finally paused on the marking of your skin when you threw your head back in guilt.

"Hey, don't worry gorgeous. Atleast you have me."

"Shut up Vi." You rolled your eyes, bringing your hand up to flick your nail on her ear.

"Ouch!"

Any requests send in the inbox 😛 this is my first ever fic so I hope my fellow arcane family approves ♡ rizz #vi forever

[yikesmary]

BEDTIME ROUTINE — jeon wonwoo x reader

summary: where you loved times like these with your boyfriend, wonwoo.

notes: book boyfriend wonwoo is back! i wrote this completely out of the blue so apologies for any mistakes. also this went into a direction i didn’t expect it to go to, but i love it so much. it might be my favorite fic i’ve written so far on this blog.

join my taglist!

“You’re staring at me again,”

“Can you blame me? I have a beautiful man as my boyfriend,” you teased, enjoying the pink blush that was developing on Wonwoo’s cheeks.

“I’m not even doing anything, I’m just reading a book,” he told you.

“To look this good and still be doing something so simple is incredible!” You overexaggerated, throwing your hands in the air dramatically.

Wonwoo playfully rolled his eyes, but pulled you closer to him, your body practically glued to his. It was nighttime, and your usual bedtime routine consisted of Wonwoo either reading a book or playing a game on his phone and you went on your phone.

But there were moments when you and Wonwoo felt particularly clingy towards each other, and sometimes you found yourself falling asleep to Wonwoo’s voice as he read aloud the book he was reading while cuddled up to him. He didn’t mind whenever you fell asleep as he read, because he knows how much you loved his voice, so he takes it as a compliment.

“How’s the book so far?” You asked, resting your head on his chest, recognizing the book as the one you gifted to him on his birthday.

“It’s good, I’m glad I finally found the time to read it,” he smiled.

“I was worried whether or not it was a good book. I didn’t know whether or not you were going to like it,” you said.

“It could’ve been a book that had the same word printed on the pages hundreds of times and I’d still read it because you gave it to me,” Wonwoo said.

“Don’t be silly,”

“I’m serious! I keep everything you give to me,”

“Oh yeah? Like what?” You challenged.

“The bookmark you made me on our first date, I still use that. The letter you wrote me on our first anniversary, and the bracelet you made with Joshua for me while you were drunk,” he recounted.

“Really? You’ve kept all of those things?” You asked, and he nodded.

“We live together, how have I not seen these things in the house?”

“Because I hide them in places you’d never think to look,”

“Like where?”

“There’s a reason why I haven’t told you! It’s a secret,” he said, and you playfully rolled your eyes at him.

“It also helps that you’re small and there are places I can reach that you don’t,” he teased.

You gasped and said, “I would move if you weren’t so comfortable,”

As if to ensure you wouldn’t move, Wonwoo moved you even closer to him, if that was even possible. In the middle of the conversation, you didn’t realize that he closed the book and put it on the nightstand that was on his side of the bed.

Silence fell between you, neither finding a reason to say something. You just enjoyed the moment between the both of you while Wonwoo was fiddling with your fingers with his hand, in deep thought.

“Do you have anything from when we first started dating?”

“I do, but since you won’t show me yours so I won’t show mine,” you said, playfully twisting your head away from him.

“How about this, I’ll countdown to three and we both get the stuff from our hiding spots. That way we don’t reveal our locations,” Wonwoo negotiated.

“Deal.”

“One... Two... Three!”

At the final number, the both of you tried leaving the bed, but because of how close you were cuddled together, the farthest you were able to go before falling was the floor of your bedroom. It wasn’t a far drop, but it was funny enough that both you and Wonwoo erupted in laughs and giggles.

You had struggled so much trying to get up with laughing and trying to detangle yourself from your boyfriend that by the time you had managed to stand, you were practically out of breath. But that didn’t deter you from your mission, so you tried moving to where you hid your stuff.

Spotting the box that was labeled with your name, you grabbed the box and dashed back into the room. Wonwoo would never look through something that had your name on it, since for the most part, neither of you felt the need to mark anything as your own since you guys knew whose belonging belonged with who. 

So, if it was labeled, there was a purpose and Wonwoo would never violate your privacy like that.

By the time you arrived in the bedroom, Wonwoo was already on the bed, his legs crossed and waiting patiently with his box. You got on the bed and sat right across from him in a similar position as you.

He moved back so you had enough room to put the box in front of you and that was when the both of you exchanged looks and then without saying anything, switched boxes.

You opened the box and were both happy and touched to see the exact items that he had described beforehand, with more things that weren’t mentioned and you didn’t realize he kept them.

When you looked at him, you saw that he looked a bit confused about the items, so you decided to refresh his memory. “That ticket was from we went to the aquarium together, the picture is when we went to that one petshop and you couldn’t stop playing with the cats,”

He smiled at you, remembering those moments. You were about to say something else before a tiny, brown, leather book caught your attention inside of Wonwoo’s box. You took it out and showed it to him asking, “What’s this?”

At the question, Wonwoo turned sheepish. Then he said, “When we first started dating, every time we went out somewhere to eat or drink, I’d write down what you ordered so the next time we went there, I could order for you. Eventually, I memorized everything so there wasn’t a need for a book,”

You felt like you were in school again, feeling like your middle school crush just confessed to you and love was everything at that age. Putting the stuff to the side, you moved to kiss him and your hands were on his shoulders.

When you pulled away, you decided that the kiss wasn’t enough so you peppered him with kisses on your face. “That was so thoughtful and sweet of you to do. I love you so much,” you said, placing one final kiss on his lips once more.

He was only able to smile like a lovesick fool in response, which he was.

You looked at the clock and were surprised to see how late it was. “We should go to bed, it’s late and we should’ve been asleep an hour ago,” you told him.

“Maybe we should make this a part of our nighttime routine,”

taglist (crossed out means I wasn’t able to tag you): @belladaises @smileyneos @xuenihao @winterpaos @wonhuiful @minhui896 @baekhyunimochibbh @itsrachelsplace @x-alightinthedark @whywontyousetfree @minghaossv @coffeesandrains @slaveofmydreams @bmkgemz @dandycharmer @yoonzinoooo​

[theorphicangel]

𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 | Levi Ackerman x Reader

summary: How your usual Sundays work with Levi.

A/N: tried a new writing style. I think I like it. Enjoy. :)

Entrapped, your eyes lazily open. These four walls that surround you are impatient to welcome you to a new day.

A few blinks is all you need to adjust to the new brightness of the room. A single stretch is all you need to help awaken your body. You take care not to move so suddenly. The cage of hands still holds onto your waist, desperate to keep a hold of you. A silent fear that you’ll disappear.

Unable to move, you instead take the luxury of this moment. Tufts of hair tickle your skin continuously with every rise and fall of his chest.

You know better than to ruin the moment.

Slowly, gently, one by one, limbs begin to move. Light, fluttery kisses as a morning call. No words need to be said between the two of you. Not when your souls are glued together, binded. You know the words he wants to say. They linger on his tongue, transferred to you by a soft kiss.

Inhaling those three words, they provide warmth to your body. A warmth that no heat stronger than the sun could provide.

One by one, limbs begin to leave the bed. Still attached, following closely. Bare feet meet the cold tiles of the bathroom. For once, the blue tiles escape the suffocation of clothes being discarded. The heat of warm water soon floods the room, a smoky mirror and soapy giggles.

One towel. Not a problem.

Two clean bodies and one tear stained floor.

Lingering eyes observe each other, an inexplicable shyness now creeping in at the most normal task of dressing. Two bodies perfectly sculpted, made for each other.

You know your way around now. Able to confidently walk down these hallways with your eyes closed. The glow of sunlight helps to lead you nonetheless, reflecting off the old coat of white paint.

Unlike all the other days of the week, Sundays are probably the only day of the week that he favors the most. No rush, no work, no plans. One single day of the week where he can be completely selfish and keep you all to himself.

Your hips are lifted up onto his marble counter, before he would’ve scolded you, now his fingers cause a deep imprint on your waist as he lifts you.

Observing, your eyes never leave his back. You can see how the outline of his muscles work. Reaching, lifting. He knows how you like it. Your coffee, your kisses, your toast.

A white plate dotted in handcrafted flowers. Originally yours, placed down beside you with a cup of coffee that reads a rude innuendo as its design.

A kiss speaks as your thanks. Fingers scratch at his skin. Soft, gentle and shy. You think you could do this all day.

Numb lips, the coffee is only half cold when you finally acknowledge its existence.

Happy hums fill the room. The outside world is barely heard, despite an open window. The character of the summer brings out the good side of mother nature.

Two full stomachs and satisfied bodies dance around, cleaning up any remnants of last night’s previous dinner.

You tug at his hand, leading him to his own couch as if he doesn’t know the way. An unfinished novel lays open on his coffee table.

His blankets lay around in disarray, welcoming you in. His open arms barely offer an invite before you scramble on top, finding your dog-eared page.

Picking up where you left off, you’re already immersed into the world, Levi follows, closely tailing behind, muttering under his breath about the haste speed of which you digest the words.

Patiently waiting, you grow comfortable in his arms, your toes trailing up and down his calves.

After a few chapters or so, he lets out a sigh. Being the mind reader you are, you pick up on his restlessness. Bookmarking a new page, you set the book down. It’s crumpled cover still holding beauty, coffee stained and all.

You flip over onto his chest, taking the opportunity to wrap your arms around his body. Warm and whole. He reaches for his phone. Disturbing your position slightly. A few clicks later and his favorite jazz playlist is playing.

The likes of Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald fill the silence that follows on from the late morning. It’s already approaching noon.

Shutting your eyes, you allow yourself to be taken by the sweet melody. Humming quietly along.

A miniature part of you wants to suggest dancing. Tied to his soul, you can already hear his refusal in your ears.

The song comes to an end and another begins on shuffle.

His fingers circle your back, repeatedly creating patterns unknown to you.

“I bet you want to dance.”

Just from that single sentence you’re embarrassed. Hiding your smile in his scented shirt. Oh, how bound you were.

Slipping off the sofa, he drags you almost as if it was you who refused.

Joined together, hands wrapped around his neck, his own placed steadily on your waist. Swaying in the morning sun that gleams through the kitchen curtains. A sight for the neighbors to see.

You could do this for the rest of your life.

And so could he.

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@notgoodforlife @youre-ackermine @lovolee3 @the-milk-anon @evas-leslas @imkumichan @levi-supreme @leviismybby @bejewelledd @searriously @luvjiro @cometlevi @humanitys-strongest-bamf @idkks4m @secretmoneybearvoid @clownysr @thevelria @ackermendick , @lamees_004 @Ladygagaslefttoe @clownysr, @burningxaces @loveackermannn @sad-darksoul @crazychaoticizzy @sleepyfairyxo @elnyrae @sujiroses , @someonekeepstakingmyusernames , @kamona-levi

[thegirlamongthestars]

game for two - c. alcaraz

author's note: this fic is part of olympic love series and could be considered the continuation of work for it

summary: Along the olympic experience, Valeria and Carlos's flirtation turns into a thrilling game of wits, where each moment together pushes them closer to crossing the friendship line. Who will win this irresistible game?

wc: 1,1k

warnings: kind of suggestive language

This past two days were as busy as ever. Emma and I played our first match and fortunately, we won it comfortably. After that, the trainings haven’t stopped; demanding more physically every time. Another thing that hadn’t stopped were the meetings with other Spanish athletes with which we had formed a very united group.

“The Olympians” is how we named the group chat.

We really enjoyed our time together, hanging at night and playing cards or just talking. Carlos was part of that group and due to the forced proximity (that’s how I lied to myself) I haven’t been able to keep him of my mind. It’s been three days now since our first encounter and our relationship has obviously evolved into a friendship (with a lot of flirting included, according to Emma). In short, we weren’t strangers to each other anymore.

This morning was one of those where I just wanted to have breakfast by myself and get lost in my thoughts. So there I was, 7:30 in the morning, already at the dining hall. I was in front of the fruit bowls when someone placed his tray on the counter slightly hitting mine.

I didn’t need to look up to know it was Carlos—his energy (and the delicious smell of his cologne) was unmistakable.

He glued to my side pretending to ponder over the food options on the display cabinet “Is it a requirement for world champions to get up this early?”

“Some of us wake up with low social battery and like dodging unwanted attention in the early hours of the morning” a faked indifferent tone scaped my mouth. Mentally, I was celebrating his presence.

Carlos laughed and leaned even closer, lowering his voice just for me. I could feel his honey-colored eyes piercing me. “Unwanted? I’m starting to think you’re secretly enjoying this attention”

“Not even in your best dreams”

 I finally looked up, matching his gaze in intensity, to listen to his answer “You’ll be surprised”

His response was elegant, but I definitely knew what he meant by the look he was offering me. He surprisingly left me speachless. He headed to a table to start having breakfast and I was the one following him like a puppy now.

“Why do you think that?” I went back to his first statement. Was I that obvious about liking his attention?

Carlos leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms with a confident ease that almost made me choke on a strawberry. “Because you’re still here, and you haven’t told me to leave. You could’ve picked any table, Valeria, but you chose this one. I think that says more than you’re willing to admit”

“You’re getting bolder by the day, aren’t you?”

“Just trying to get the truth out of your mouth” he replied smoothly, leaning forward again and prompting himself with his elbows to get our faces closer.

I copied his action and our closeness allowed me to notice how his eyes were focusing on my lips. Inevitably, I did the same and it was the first time I realized how badly I wanted to kiss him. “What if I said you were right?”

Carlos’s playful grin softened slightly, his voice dropping as he replied. “Then I’d say I’m glad we’re on the same page.”

My heart quickened, but I wasn’t about to let him see how much his presence affected me—not yet. I leaned back in my chair, putting just enough distance between us to regain my composure, though I could still feel the heat from where our faces had been inches apart.

“Same page, huh?” I tilted my head, my voice teasing, daring him to keep going. “Maybe I’m just playing along to see how far you’ll go.”

Carlos’s grin widened, clearly enjoying the challenge. “If that’s the case, I’d say you’re enjoying the game a little too much. But don’t worry, I’m more than willing to keep playing until you show your hand.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at his confidence, a sound that seemed to surprise even me. “You think I’m that easy to read?

His eyes gleamed with something that made my stomach flip. “Oh, I know you’re not easy. But that’s what makes this fun, Valeria.”

There was a charged silence between us, a tension crackling in the air that made my pulse race.

Carlos leaned forward again, his voice a low murmur that sent shivers down my spine.  “How about this—we keep playing our little game, but with a twist. Every time one of us wins a challenge we impose, we get to make a demand of the other. Something that pushes the boundaries a little further each time.”

“Deal,” I said, my voice steady even though my heart was racing. “But don’t expect me to make it easy for you.”

“Wouldn’t want it any other way,” his eyes flashed with something dark and tempting, and before I knew it, he was even closer, his breath warm against my cheek. “But just know, Valeria—I play to win.”

My heart pounded so loudly I was sure he could hear it, and I knew I was teetering on the edge of something big, something I couldn’t come back from. But damn it, I wanted to jump.

“Winning isn’t everything,” I said not backing even an inch, I could almost taste the anticipation hanging in the air. “Sometimes the fun is in the chase.”

Carlos’s hand moved to my cheek, his touch sending a jolt of electricity through me. His thumb brushed lightly over my skin, and I could feel the intensity of his gaze as he studied my face, as if committing every detail to memory. “Careful what you wish for, Valeria,” he said softly, his voice dripping with desire.

The tingling in my belly intensified, spreading like wildfire through my veins. I wasn’t sure how much longer I could hold out, how much longer I could keep pretending I didn’t want this as badly as he did. But I wasn’t ready to let him have all the control just yet.

“Why? Afraid you might like where this leads?” I teased, my voice shaky but bold.

Carlos’s eyes darkened with determination, and I knew I had pushed him just enough. “Not afraid,” he said, his voice firm and steady. “Excited.”

[missmists]

First bookbinding project a success. I think that my cat approves because he would not stay out of my photos. Five months in the making, but I couldn't be more pleased with the results.

I started with @armoredsuperheavy's amazing fanbinding tutorial to create a typeset of each work in @erisenyo's Burning Bright AU published on Ao3. Then had to reread the works in the new format and edit as I went to make sure everything was formatted correctly, (combined word count somewhere around 1.3 million) that took over a month all by itself.

I picked up a copy of Introduction to Bookbinding & Custom Cases by Tom and Cindy Hollander from my local library, to look at some detailed how to images and get multiple perspectives on construction methods. Excellent book, I do recommend.

My hunt for materials included a trip to Detroit with a side stop at Blick to look at decorative papers in person. Blick and the fine people at Hollander’s ended up having everything I needed to make covers. So between my brother kindly 3d printing me a punch cradle, making a DIY sewing frame of my own invention (courtesy of scrap lumber and a trip to the Lowe's hardware department), and three reams of late night printing, I managed to amass all my supplies.

Folding three reams of paper into signatures (the little bundles you sew together) takes about five days if you don't want to lose your mind or your place, and longer if you discover you need to fix things because that definitely happened. Then you get to unfold them to stab holes in them which is as terrifying at first and therapeutic by the end as it sounds.

Next came weeks of sewing books together, a magical process. I learned three new knots, repeatedly stabbed myself (because all forms of creation forcibly demand blood sacrifice) , and felt like I was roleplaying a monastic librarian from the time of Gutenburg. That's 600 years ago, 24ish generations, over 8million ancestors since then (by geometric progression, which excludes the possibility that any of my peasant ancestry is from small towns which is you know likely but I digress) and here I sat sewing pages together in a basement because story is the most sacred of human arts as it binds communities together and shapes perceptions of the self and our brethren, of outsiders allies and enemies, of the world as we know it and as it may come to be. Did I mention sewing books felt magical.

Then came the glue. So much glue. Multiple types of glue. All sticky. all stuck to me. I smeared glue with my fingers like a child.

At last it was time for the covers. Choosing combinations of the decorative papers and bookcloth and making sure I could get enough out of each material for what I needed. Precise cutting so many thanks to the architecture school professors who showed me how to properly cut chipboard. Then measuring and gluing, and more measuring, and more gluing. At last press a little groove by the spine and repeat eleven times.

Then I get to impress all my people with my latest and possibly coolest maker skill unlock, I am a book binder.

Bottom to top in the stack or left to right at the bottom are: These Things Written  These Things Unsaid with Without Consent These Things Known with A Third Chance (or a First) Oh, The Way Your Makeup Stains My Pillowcase That Love You've Been Looking For  All I Need Is To Be Struck (By Your Electric Love) To Open Every Door to Night, To Meet Each Rising Sun (my favorite) Love Is In the Hair (fanart of this one originally lead me to read the series, thanks @ash-and-starlight) Lessons in Proper Asset Management Tangled Up With You  To Be Named, To Be Known (To Be Loved)

[pablitogavii]

holaaaaa!! i was wondering if you could do gavi x reader and they are enemies but one night that changes cause the reader is dressed in a short black dress and gavi was horny when he saw her because he developed feelings for her, same for the reader, and they do it.(smut) also i love your writing so much and i enjoy it. everytime i feel down im always coming to your page!!! mucho amor!!!

Enemies don't kiss one another

Pablo's POV

The night was getting kind of boring until she walked through those doors..her hair in a tall ponytail and that tight black dress highlighting every curve so perfectly in made me week...only when I finally looked at her face was I shocked that it was indeed her..my worst enemy!

Y/n has been in my life , well ruining my life, since we were little kids since her brother was best friend with my sister Aurora and our families know each other well.

Because we were younger, although I was still three years older, we were always stuck together and we definitely did not see eye to eye for years.

"Que bombon!" Ansu, Balde and Pedri all noticed her and suddenly I wanted to smack their faces for looking at her..the fuck was going on with me!?

"Bombon? Estan locos! " I said instead pulling them towards the bar to get a drink mostly because it was as far away from where she stood as possible. For some reason it agitated me that she was getting so much attention.

After another hour of her becoming even more the center of attention by dancing carelessly while every single male looked at her body, did I decide to walk up to her. She was driving me crazy with this!

She was resting against the wall sipping on her drink as I moved quickly trapping her there with my arms on either side of her body.

"What are you doing here!?" I said and she caught her breath rolling her eyes at me and saying it was none of my business. Again with that cocky attitude!

"Who brought you?" I added and she pushed me off saying she came all alone which only angered me more.

She shouldn't go alone to parties like these! There are dangerous people, some girl got her drink spiked and god knows what happened to her afterwards. What was she thinking!? Not to mention she was only 16!!

"Vamos, I'm taking you home" I said grabbing her wrist but she pulled away shaking her head while my angered only boiled more. Fuck I couldn't help but look at that dress when I was this closer and she smelled so sweet..like some flower mixed with honey.

"I'm staying until I want to leave!" she said and my jaw clenched once again remembering why I hated this girl so much. She was the most stubborn person on plated Earth, I swear to God!

"I won't repeat it!" I said moving closer until her back was glued to the wall and she looked up to me..I caught her eyes moving from my lips to my eyes..what the fuck was this feeling!?

"You're in no position to give me orders Pablo! Fuck off!" she pushed me off once more this time walking away swaying her hips and I found myself biting my lip while looking at her perky ass. Fuck I was so hard right now!

Your POV

Who the hell did he think he was giving me orders like that!? Pablo Gavira was always an entitled asshole who thought just because he is a football star, he always is the one in control. It was infuriating!

"Can I buy you a drink nena??" I recognized this voice and when I turned around seeing Pedri's smirking face I knew this would infuriate Pablo even more. I kinda enjoyed making the boy angry whenever I can get a chance.

"Um..sure..I'd like a rum cola" I say as bartender left to make it and Pedri sat on the bar stool besides me. Not even another second passed and there was Pablo ruining everything. Asshole!

"Estas loco tío!? You know she is only 16, right!?" he said and Pedri's eyes opened wide as he shook his head apologizing and walking away while I stood up facing Pablo angrily.

"Stop scaring away everyone who walks up to me!" I said angrily and he chuckles reaching for the rum cola behind me and drinking it himself. He was amused with all of this and that made me want to punch his stupid..yet very much handsome face.

He knew he was good looking and he always used it to his advantage having millions of girls all over the globe fangirling over him..thank being one of many things that made me hate him! I hated that he got so much attention from girls all the freaking time!

"Look what are you wearing! It's like you're asking for trouble!" he said and I rolled my eyes once again at him knowing how much he hates it before walking away only to feel someone slap my ass.

I turned quickly seeing that it was some older guy who was laughing with his guy friends until Pablo pushed him back hitting his face and making him land on the ground with glass being broken all around him from the table he hit.

His friends started moving towards Pablo who wasn't backing away being joined by his teammates while I just stood there a little in awe but also hating any violence I had to experience since my last relationship.

"Disgusting hijo de puta! She can be your daughter!" Pablo said as the fight broke and I was pushed to the side resting agains the wall screaming for them to stop. When security broke them apart, Pablo walked up to me with a bruised lip and clenched jaw.

"You happy now!?" he said and that made me loose any empathy for him protecting me when he was now blaming me once again.

"Why do you guys solve everything with violence!? Ugh you're such an asshole!" I said going outside to get some fresh air and also to stop myself from punching his stupid face.

Pablo's POV

This is what I freaking get for protecting her!? I am always an asshole in her eyes no matter what I do! Ugh that girl!

I followed behind her stepping outside in the cold air seeing her shivering there while standing at the parking lot. I sighed taking off my leather jacket and putting it on her shoulders.

"I'm sorry about the fight..I know your ex used to be violent" I said hoping that would at least make her hear what I have to say and it kind of did since she turned around to face me.

"And how do you know that?" she said and I admitted to overhearing her talk with Aurora one night after the breakup.

"So you eavesdrop on our conversations capullo!?" she attached me per usual but I had enough of it pushing her against the nearby car and trapping her there while grabbing her neck and making her look up at me suddenly all that confidence she always had vanished into thin air.

"Can you just for once in your life not pick a fight with me!?" I said holding her tightly and she just shook her head making me smirk and looking down at her cleavage shamelessly..she wore it and damn right will I look at it now!

"What am I going to do with you..huh?" I said moving my eyes from her cleavage to her lips and then to her eyes that were sparkling under moonlight. Never before was I this close to her and never did I take the time to observe her beauty..she was so beautiful right now.

"Kiss me.." she whispered when I moved even closer out noses touching and her eyes closing making me smirk and take my chance to tease her a little by moving to whisper the answer into her hear.

"But enemies don't kiss one another.." I said moving back and meeting her eyes before my hand moved from her neck to the side of her face and my lips grazed her cheek.

"Maybe we are not enemies..huh preciosa? Maybe the reason we can't stand each other is because we crave each other so badly..seeing you tonight..and in that dress...made my shorts tight..made me want to push you against that wall and fuck you into obedience..make you all mine finally!" I spoke as lust too over me making her sit on the hood of the car and getting in between her legs. I was kissing her neck to her jaw stopping when our lips barely touched to look into her desperate eyes. Fuck I love this girl!

When our lips finally met, I realized just how weak I was for this girl..these intense feelings I've been having for years I though was hate but now it all spilled and I realized it was passion..love. She was meant to be mine.

"Take me home, Pablo.." she whispered when we pulled away to catch some air and I smirked holding her hips and smiling at her swollen lips. She never looked more perfect that when I smeared her lipstick like.

"So now you want to go home preciosa.." I said and she slapped my shoulder making us both giggle before kissing again as I picked her up in my arms her thighs wrapping around my waist as I carried her to my car.

Your POV

If anybody ever told me that Pablo Gavi will be my first I would have laughed at their face but now that he was in between my thighs nothing felt more right in that moment.

It was true that I hated him but not because I didn't respect him for the work he's been doing or because I thought he wasn't a good man..it was the opposite..I hated him because everybody loved him but I wanted to be the only one..the only to love him and the only one he loves.

"P..Pablo.." I said and he stopped kissing my neck looking into my eyes and tucking a piece of my hair behind my ear. He was so gentle with me that I could almost forget he was the same guy who would bump into me on purpose.

"Que pasa anjo? You want to stop? We can stop.." he said but I quickly shook my head grabbing his bicep not waning him to leave..I wanted the opposite..I wanted him to stay.

"I don't want to stop..I just..I don't want to be your enemy anymore..I'm tired of lying and picking up arguments when all I want is for you to hold me..and kiss me..and have me like this" I admitted and he smiled down at me nodding his head.

"You were never my enemy anjo..you were my secret desire..my longing..and I can finally have you.." he spoke leaning down capturing my lips passionately. Everything after that was an instinct from our clothes ending up on the floor to our bodies mending together like they belonged to be together.

I grabbed his hair and he left marks on my body that I will wear with pride..and he was edging me into oblivion making my body experience the foreign feeling of pleasure..the type you get hooked on..the one that you beg for and never want to lose again.

"You are tan perfecta amor.." he said as we both calmed down from our highs laying next to each other as he pulled me to lay on his chest and I took in his scent which was all over my skin now.

"So I'm no longer a headache huh?" I joked remembering how he would always say I'm the cause of his headaches.

"You are MY headache now amor..and I don't mind it..I think I got used to it and I hated that you go so much attention tonight!" he said and you both giggled as he kissed your head pulling you close.

"Do you wanna know why I hated you?" I said in response to that and he nodded making me blush a little.

"Because everybody loved you..and I wanted to be the only one you love back" I admit and he smirks nodding his head and kissing my lips in response.

"You are..there is no other girl on this Earth that could drive me mad like you.." he said and I smiled nodding my head and we kissed once more.

"Estas bien preciosa?" he asked after a few minutes of comfortable silence and I smiled nodding my head and looking up at him.

"Perfect.." I said and he leaned down to kiss my lips lovingly.

"Perfect.." he repeated when we pulled away looking into each other's eyes for a few minutes before getting closer and slowly falling asleep in each other's arms.

[popchoc]

Helloooo, because we were robbed of any confirmation that theyre back together 🥺

Prompt #9 | Calzona

Thank youuuu in advance 🧡

Hi there. Oooh wouldn't that be a good one for a whole lot of angst! I get the hint though: fluff it is, haha. This one is set in the future... but with a little wink to the past! Enjoy, I hope you like it!

I Need To Hear It From You Callie & Arizona - Grey's Anatomy

"Cal?"

"Hm?" 

Though she doesn't look up from her book, Arizona takes Callie's murmur from the opposite side of the couch as an "I'm listening."

"I was talking with some people..."

"Some people?" Callie raises one eyebrow the way only she can. With her face illuminated by the dancing flames of the crackling fireplace, she looks peaceful, serene and as beautiful as ever.

"Some friends," Arizona clarifies, kind of. "And uhm, according to them, spending most nights together means you're together."

"What's most nights?"

Arizona looks pensive for a second. "More than fifty percent?"

"Alright," Callie nods, her eyes still glued to the page. And then, when Arizona stays quiet, "How's your book?"

"Oh it's good, it's really good," Arizona answers, even though she has only read the first two pages, both taking her three tries. She shifts in her seat, careful not to lose contact with Callie's feet, that are tucked between her own. "They say that when you do your weekly grocery shopping together, with only one list, you're together."

"They?"

"Those friends," Arizona says again, already going on, "And that when you take picnics with strawberries and champagne in the park together, you're together."

Callie, briefly peering up, turns her page. "Yeah, sure, sounds about right."

"When you're visiting family together, you're together," Arizona continues unabated, "And when—"

"Okay, okay," Callie laughs, no longer able to keep a straight face. She lowers her book. "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying we're doing all that!" Arizona blurts out. "We have been for weeks now... months even! We're doing all those things that they mentioned."

"So?"

"So they can tell me, and keep telling me, but..." Heaving a quick sigh, Arizona shrugs, almost sheepishly. "I need to hear it from you! Are we... Are we back together?"

Callie stares at her for a moment, before an amused smile slowly curves her lips. Leaning forward, she takes Arizona's hand into her own; her thumb gently brushing the soft skin of her wrist, tracing the strong pulse beating underneath her touch.

"Arizona Robbins," she starts quietly, yet instead of continuing as expected, she surprises her by promptly pulling her into her arms. Both books hit the floor, but they don't even notice - their eyes are only on each other. And when Callie cups Arizona's cheek, drawing her even closer, their lips are swiftly on their way to meet, too.

"You and me..." Callie breathes, barely restraining herself any longer, "...are sooo back together."

~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~

let's do some prompts!

[mental69er]

maybe an one shot of intense fluff with sister sage x fem reader. Likee sage is the black cat and reader is the golden retriever or something and also apart of the seven. I’m curious to see what you’ll write since the story itself is totally up to you.

content: fluff, napping together, fem reader, sfw, short piece

You'd been watching with mild amusement as Sister Sage tried to sneakily sidle up to you on the couch. You bit the inside of your cheek as you purposefully focused on the book in your hand. Despite being the smartest person alive, Sage still struggled when it came to more intimate aspects since she was more logic over emotion.

Honestly, sometimes she seemed like a cat, shying away when you wanted to pepper her face with kisses and give her hugs. You were the exact opposite of her, always more than happy to be clinging to her side and showering her with affection. But you knew she neded time to become more comfortable with being outwardly affectionate and you were doing your damned hardest not to pounce on her right now and cover her in kisses.

She was moving at a snail's pace, unsubtly covering the length of the couch a milimeter at a time, while pretending to be engrossed in a nature documentary.

You were on the other end of the couch by the armrest, with a space of three couch cushions between the two of you. By the time she had covered one entire cushion in her slow journey over, you had read fifty pages. You were starting to lose patience, and to lose focus on what you were reading.

But if she could tell you knew what she was up to, she could give up and go back to not trying to cuddle you. You redoubled your efforts, squinting your eyes to look extra focused on the book, humming as you pretending to read something important.

Sage kept her eyes glued to the screen, only shifting back and forth to check if you had noticed.

By the time she had fully moved down another seat cushion, you had read fifty more pages and were on the verge of exploding from impatience. It was taking everything in your power to not clamber over the rest of the couch and put your head in her lap.

After what felt like more tortuous waiting, Sage was finally close enough. She was sitting a few inches from you and slowly lowering her head down onto your shoulder.

Internally you were screaming with joy, your patience having worn off. You pressed a soft kiss to her temple and she hummed in happiness. "Show interesting?" you asked her.

"It isn't anything I don't already know," she said. "But sometimes there is comfort in engaging in something you already know." You wanted to tease her about her putting on the show to only have the guise of being next to you. You didn't, afraid it'd spook her off from doing something so cute again.

You lowered your head on hers, giving up the farce of reading.

"What about your book?" she asked.

You dropped it somewhere to the side so you could play with one of her hands on your lap, gliding your fingers across hers, enjoying the way they linked together.

You smiled widely. "Oh you know, nothing riveting either." You had had no idea about what you'd even read, so much more focused on looking like you were reading to absorb the words on the page.

You could feel Sage melting into you, the tension of the day gone as your body warmth bleed into hers. You'd dreamed of a day when you two would no longer have to work as heroes for the Seven, instead being able to settle down and buy a house somewhere away from the rest of the civilization and just enjoy each other's company.

You'd love for that to happen. Right now, you were taking things slow. Finishing up your careers, and getting to know each other. Sage wasn't the type to enter into a relationship with just anyone, so you were overjoyed that you were her type and that she'd picked you.

"Do you want to go anywhere this weekend?" she asked.

"Anywhere as long as it's with you," you replied.

"I was thinking a museum, or an art exhibit."

"Why not both. And then we can get dinner."

The two of you trailed off into a soft toned conversation about the weekend, the joy you felt immense as you felt Sage cuddle more into you. Eventually, the work of today and the comfort of being next to each other, began to lull you both to sleep.

She was the first to drift off and you reached over to grab a blanket off of the armchair nearby to cover the two of you as her head slipped down to rest on your chest. You pressed another kiss to her temple and wrapped your arms around her as the nature documentary continued to murmur on in the backrground about marine life.

[mathematical-cheese]

Why Straws Have One Hole: An Introduction to Homology Part 1

The question of how many holes does a straw have is quite a popular one on the internet and makes for a good starting point to introduce an important construction from Algebraic Topology: Homology. My goal for these post is to motivate and give intuition for some of the ideas from topology that will let us answer this question! This won't be completely rigorous and more serves as an overview of the ideas. The details that make this all rigorous are quite complex and require quite a few prequisites but I will still include some of the key details!

This got quite long whilst writing it so I've decided to split this into three parts! This part will lay the ground work for the problem. Part 2 will be about simplicial complexes and simplicial homology and part 3 will be about using homology to answer the question.

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask!

First we need to figure out how we represent a straw mathematically. If we cut a straw vertically so that we still had one object, we could flatten out the straw to get something rectangular. To reconstruct the straw, we'd need to glue back along the cut. We can represent this as the following diagram:

Here the arrows show which sides are to be glued together and the gluing must be down such that the arrows line up. If we reversed one of the arrows, we'd get a Möbius strip! If you have some paper to hand, I highly recommend verifying that this makes sense (though it probably won't make a very practical straw!)

In topology, we'd call this a cylinder or in notation: S¹×[0,1]. Notice that we don't actually care about the radius or height of the straw, we only care that they all can be constructed in the same way. And I think you would all agree that regardless of the number of holes a straw has, it doesn't depend on these factors. In more precise langauge, we say they are all homeomorphic. Loosely this means we can continuously transform one into the other by methods like stretching without making any new cuts or glues. This is the notion of "sameness" that topologists use and is the source of the most well known topology joke about mugs and doughnuts.

What is a hole?

We all have a general idea of what a hole is but to actually do maths we need a rigorous definition. We need to bare in mind that only care about spaces up to homoemorphism, i.e. spaces that can be continuously morphed into each other. The hole that you might dig in your garden doesn't really exist in topology! Imagine instead of soil, the ground was made of some sort of material that could be morphed however we wanted. Then we could get rid of this hole by stretching and warping the ground, so it wasn't really a feature that we see topologically. With a straw on the other hand, we can't get rid of the void without gluing an end or cutting the straw like we did earlier. So we want to develop a way of identifying these holes in a way that also lets us count them.

Before we get to how we test for holes, I would like to introduce the notion of the boundary. You can think of this as the edge of a shape. For example, if we draw a solid square, i.e. a square where we include the inside of the shape, it's boundary is the 4 edges that you'd typically call a square. If you draw a line instead, the boundary would be its two end points. Lastly, the boundary of a straw is the union of the circles at either end of the straw. Something that doesn't have a boundary is a loop; there aren't any points that are on the "edge" of a loop because it starts and ends at the same place.

We shall start by considering a space that we agree doesn't have any holes: a plane. We shall imagine this as an infinite piece of paper. If we draw a loop that doesn't intersect itself on the page we would be able to find a bounded solid shape (a shape of finite area) that whose boundary is that loop. For example, if we drew a circle, the shape whose boundary is that circle is a disc.

But what does that have to do with holes? Well now imagine cutting a hole in this infinite piece of paper and drawing a loop that goes around it. The problem we now have is that this hole has made the paper itself have a boundary so if the loop doesn't contain this loop, the loop won't be the entire boundary of any solid shape we make around the hole!

Why don't we talk about curves, why must it be loops? Does it make sense for a line to bound a shape? There isn't such a thing as a one sided polygon on a plane so there isn't a shape which a single line would bound! It turns out that the important thing about loops is the fact that they don't have a boundary themselves. This is particularly important later on!

To summarise what we have so far, we have found that holes in a plane can be detected by finding loops in our space that aren't the (entire) boundary of any (bounded) shape in the plane.

But what about other spaces? It would seem reasonable to define a space as having a hole if we can find a loop that isn't the boundary of a solid shape in our space!

Now imagine drawing a loop that goes around a straw. This loop isn't the (entire) boundary of the straw and the only other shape it might bound would be a disc that lies inside the hole of the straw but this disc isn't a part of the straw! So our test also detects a hole in the straw!

But we haven't yet got a way to count how many holes a space has. One issue is that we have uncountably infinitely many loops that we would draw on a space so how could we ever possibly hope to count anything with them? This will be the topic of the next post!

[mahoganydoodles]

Testing stub binding for the first time to be able to make a cookbook birthday present with pages that can be rearranged or updated over time

I started by folding two types of stubs: one that was folded three times to make two "peaks" and one "valley" in the center of the paper, and a 2nd that was just a narrow piece of paper folded in half. Durability concerns can come up with stub binding, so that 2nd tab i made was to slide inside each of the sheet protectors along the side I was going to hole punch to hopefully make it a little stronger when sewn.

I then made a manila envelope template with 3 holes that i used to punch through the side of the sheet protector/inner tab and through the two "peak" sides of each of the larger stubs.

This is going to be a bit of a weird sewing structure because it's sewed twice: each of the sheet protectors is sewed to a stub using a pamphlet stitch, so it passes through the center hole of the larger stub, into the sheet protector and through the inner tab, and then back out and around in a kind of C shape to the top then back through the center hole, with the knot tied there.

I did this on both sides, and after everything is finished I'll need to make a new template to punch along the center of the larger tab to sew these "signatures" all together the usual way.

Now that each of the sheet protectors was sewn into the peak of the stub, I didn't need them to access the peak anymore so I glued the two flaps down to the center. Pressed each down with a weight fora few minutes and voila, i have my two sheet protector signatures. 7/25 down and then I'll be ready to punch those center holes and sew it all into a text block (or is it a sheet protector block...?)

Definitely a learning curve (and a LOT of time spent measuring, scoring, and folding paper), but I'm feeling confident so far and pleased with how it's turning out!

[jellycrusher]

Fangirl pt. 2

INITIALLY POSTED ON MY FORMER PAGE: bts-teaspoonff

Genre: Romance, Slow Burn, Idol A/U

Pairing: BTS OT7 x reader

Rating: PG

Summary: Y/N, being a huge fangirl, finally got her chance to work alongside her favorite idol group as a backup dancer. She gets to know each member personally and realizes that her feelings may be more than fangirl-idol attraction.

Word Count: 4K

Taglist: @nochujeonjk​

PARTS: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | … masterlist

“Hey there, early bird! I missed you!” As I was patting off the dust from my backside, my slight irritation was gone as my brother rushed to give me a big hug. We barely see each other nowadays, now that I live alone. We used to live together but he moved in with his girlfriend around three months ago. We used to be two peas in a pod, never leaving each other’s side. Best friends. I don’t hate that he moved out, though. I actually learned to be a lot more independent due to that, and I gained a new friend which was his girlfriend. She’s older than us by two years so I guess I gained an older sister through him. “Did you eat breakfast? Or maybe brunch?” he peeked at his watch as he continues to hug me.

“Only a roll of kimbap from the aunty across my building. I don’t want to eat a lot when I’m nervous.” I giggled as I release him from my arms. 

He exclaimed with his mouth agape. “Right. You tend to vomit when you’re really nervous.” He pats my shoulder and escorted me up the steps and through the doors. “Don’t worry, they’ll love you. Those guys are really nice, but I can’t say anything about your new teammates since they’re new as well. Let’s just pray they treat you well.” He pats my head in adoration. We arrived at the front desk and I proceeded to ask for Mina. She gave me a visitor’s ID and my brother broke my conversation with her when she offered to give me directions, telling that he’ll escort me on the floor where I’m needed instead.

We exited the elevator and he directed me to a hallway with huge glass door at the end. We turned and maneuvered our way to another hallway with two huge frosted glass. He pushed the door and I could see the whole floor until the other end of the building, with rows of cubicles and people with eyes glued to their screens. A beautiful, cozy and conducive workplace. Some were huddling and discussing, and a few of them were chatting and exchanging laughs. Jiyong pulled my hand and we increased our pace. “I want you to meet my team.”

I was greeted by somewhat familiar faces as I recognize them from my last video call with my brother. Three men and two women were chatting around a circular table in a small room. Some of them got up from their seats as my brother entered the room with me following him behind.

“Wow. Now that we see you in person, you both really look alike. That’s amazing.” One female rushed to my brother’s side, pushed him against me, and gazed at our faces. I stared at my brother and he also stared back. We both chortle as we both felt amused with his workmates. We grew up used to people amazed with us looking so similar to each other, being identical twins. I spent a few moments with my brother’s workmates and they congratulated me as they discover that I’ll work for the same company along them. They gave lots of advices, tips and whatnots to make work life here easier. My brother proceeded to excuse both of us out the room, across the huge office space and back to the elevator. 

“I know you don’t want to eat but let me at least get you coffee or something small to bite. I don’t think you had coffee yet, and we both know how you function without it.” I actually forgot to make coffee for myself back at home or even dropped by my favorite coffee shop along the way. I was too nervous to actually remember. “Relax sis.” He giggled as he rubbed his hands on my shoulder, pushing me inside the elevator.

He escorted me to the cafeteria in the lobby. He offered to pay and I obliged. I ordered a really huge cup of Iced Americano and he ordered his coffee and snack. I missed spending quality time like this with my brother, though brief. I glanced at my watch and it was already 9:40 am. I gulped down my coffee within 5 minutes, almost choking with how swift I finished it. I pushed his arm to alert him to hurry as he was supposed to escort me to where the meeting is.

I arrived just outside of the room. I was staring at the frosted glass with my hand frozen inches away from the doorknob. Upon opening, I was met with turning heads and stares from girls sitting around on the floor of the dance practice room. I guess they’re the newly hired female backup dancers. Great, they all know each other already. Maybe they all belong in a dance crew? Why am I nervous?

“Nice to meet you everyone.” I bowed as I slowly trot towards them. “Are you here for the meeting as well?” A few of them stood up quickly and bowed back. 

A fellow dancer that I didn’t notice at the far right side of the room bowed as well. We all exchanged introductions as they offered me to sit with them. They all seem nice and friendly. Ages were asked and it turns out I’m the maknae out of all the 15 dancers here inside the room. I also discovered that half of us were part of the same street dance crew, five were former backup dancers of other idols and I’m the only sole dancer without a crew.

Two men came inside the dance room and talked to us for around 2 hours. I’m guessing they’re the dance directors. They informed us that even though they accepted us as a part of the dance team already, they’ll be asking us to participate at a live evaluation later today with freestyle dance. I looked around the room and I was more nervous than ever. I felt slightly intimidated by the presence of all these seasoned dancers. Deep down in my mind, I think I’m out of my league here. I got myself into a situation where I’m the least experienced out of everyone.

As the main choreographers continue to talk, I couldn’t hold in my pee. I really need to go to the restroom right now but I’m too shy to excuse myself out. “Why did I have to gulp down a huge cup of coffee just before this meeting? This is so not helping with my nerves.” To my luck, they concluded the meeting and excused themselves out of the room to leave all of us to prepare for the live evaluation. I bolted out of the room in search for a restroom. I faintly recalled a sight of a restroom just across the hallway. I ran past a practice room, blasting to Fake Love and a few chatters and laugh. I unconsciously hummed to the song in my head, closing my eyes for a moment as I ran to the restroom.

I opened my eyes and didn’t grasp the second I bumped into someone in front of the restroom signs dividing the female and male rooms. My backside embraced the floor once more.

“I’m so sorry I didn’t see…” To my luck, the person I bumped into was…

“Yoongi hyung. Should we…?” Jimin quickly came out from the male restroom just behind Yoongi, whom I’ve bumped into. Yoongi was looking at me, examining my face and slowly recollecting the memory from this morning.

“You again? I thought I told you to watch where you’re going.” He just stood there as I rub my backside. He was about to bend down and reach his hand out but Jimin quickly offered to lift me up. I gladly obliged but shit, my butt really hurts. I forced a smile as I tried to hide my winces from the pain.

“Are you okay?” Jimin asked, hands still on my forearm and looking at my face. I felt bashful from his gesture. I realized that a BTS member just helped me up. His skin is so smooth that it looked like ceramic, and such adorable cheeks that I just want to pinch.

“Thank you so much.” I bowed as I respectfully removed my hand from Jimin. I could still feel Yoongi staring while my head was down.

“Are you… an employee here?” Yoongi asked with a tone different from how he spoke to me this morning just outside the building. I stood up straight and saw Jimin with a bright smile, also waiting for my response. He placed his arm on Yoongi’s shoulder.

“I’m new here, just today actually.” My eyes were glued to both of them, realizing that I was in front of two BTS members. An opportunity beyond my wildest dreams. I’m actually conversing with them and not just me talking into thin air to their posters and cut-outs. “Backup dancer.” Jimin’s face lit up with a grin split across his face.

“I didn’t know the evaluation will be today.” Jimin removed his arm from Yoongi and bowed down. “Looking forward to working with you.” I was surprised with Jimin’s enthusiasm. I bowed back a second after him. Standing up straight, I looked at Yoongi. He looked like he wants to say something, with his mouth slightly open.

“It’s such an honor to meet you both but I’m sorry, I really need to use the restroom.” I excused myself quickly to the restroom. I rushed inside and closed the door.

Jimin placed his arm back on Yoongi’s shoulder and they both walked back to the practice room where the other members are. “Feels like I want to watch the evaluation. Do you want to join me?”

“I still have to finish up my demo in the studio. Why not ask Hobi?”

“That’s a good idea actually.” Jimin giggled at the excitement. There’s also a thought inside his mind why he felt slight familiarity when he saw your face. He doesn’t recall where he saw you or if you have worked together before. He let the thought occupy him for a few moments before pushing it aside as he goes inside the practice room.

“Hey Jimin, look at this!” Taehyung beckoned Jimin to see the video playing on his mobile. J-hope was reaching for a cup of water from the dispenser at the side of the room while chatting with RM, who was trying to catch his breath. Jin and Jungkook were going through some of the steps in front of the mirror.

“Hobi-hyung. Today’s the evaluation for the new female backup dancers.” Jimin called as he was walking to Taehyung. Hobi was alerted to Jimin’s call. “Want to watch?”

“I’m sure our presence won’t help with the nerves of the dancers. Better to watch next time.” Hobi finished his cup of water and brushed his fingers through his hair as he discarded the cup. Jimin was intrigued once more by the thought of the familiarity from your face. He couldn’t put his finger where he saw you. He was sure that he must have at least saw your face once or twice.

“Hey, look at this.” Taehyung pouted and pulled on Jimin’s shirt to ask him to join him on the floor. Jimin followed.

…..

While I was waiting for my turn for the evaluation, my encounter with Jimin and Yoongi kept repeating in my mind. I get to meet BTS members twice in one day. Too bad that it both started with me slumped on the floor. Jimin’s ethereal blonde hair with his adorable grin and Yoongi with his cool demeanor. I never thought I’ll get to meet them on my first day here.

“Next, Y/N” Interrupting my daydream, I heard the female dance director call my name. I stood off the floor and walked to the middle of the room, facing the dance directors. The other dancers, who finished their evaluations, were silently cheering for me at the back. “We’ll let you dance to a hip-hop piece and an additional dance piece afterwards.” I curled my hand at my side and waited for the song to start. I could feel the stares of the dance directors, anticipating me to start as well.

The first beat started to blast across the room and I felt a smirk plastered across my face. I’m sure the dance directors saw it as well. I recognized the song and let the beat take over my body. I could feel my hair whipping around as I pop my body to each beat. I recall the times when I would enjoy dancing to random songs late at night with my fellow dance teachers at the dance studio. Dancing like this, I really felt like I’m in my own world. With every slow beat, I could feel my body rolling and with every strong beat, I let myself pop. 

The song lasted a minute before the dance director asked to stop it. The other dancers were clapping their hands so loud that I was broken from my euphoria from dancing. I could feel that my cheeks were burning from their enthusiasm. I went back to my shy posture with both hands at my side, trying my best to catch my breath. I could see smiles from the dance directors as they exchanged words and looked at my folder. My eyes roamed the room when something caught my attention. Someone was watching from the door, both arms across his chest and with a grin that felt like sunshine.

“Hoseok? Are you here to watch?” One of the dance directors noticed J-hope standing at the door. Semi-silent gasps were heard from the other dancers as they take in the presence of the BTS member. J-hope just smiled with his cheeks high up while he walks towards the dance directors’ table. Jimin popped in soon after, skipping towards J-hope.

“We just finished our practice. Jimin thought it would be nice to pop in. Is it okay to observe for a while?” Hoseok pulled out a chair for him and Jimin. They both sat down and looked ahead. I froze in place. I can’t feel my hands. My gaze went to the other female dancers and I could see that they were really trying hard to hide their amazement that Jimin and J-hope appeared before us. I looked back to J-hope and Jimin. Usually, I would scream and jump from where I’m standing. I would cheer their names and maybe even take out a banner, but not today. I am standing in front of them, waiting for my turn to dance to whatever song the dance directors chose next. I cannot control my nerves as of the moment. It’s taking over me, hindering all movements I thought of. I can’t feel my fingers. This is it, this is the end of this chance. I won’t be hired as a backup dancer if I can’t move and handle this pressure. I thought all of this nonstop.

“Y/N, you may start.” I heard the female dance director and it horrified me as I begin to hear the music. Looks like the music has already started for some time now. The faces of the other dancers were of worry and confusion. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. This is my only chance. I should redeem myself. As I absorb the music, I was met by familiarity and bliss. I had already performed this song as a modern dance piece when I was a student along with my fellow students in the dance department.

Slowly, I let the music take over my body from my core until the tips of my fingers. Like a graceful swan, I flew across the room. I slid on the floor and stood up with an elegant smooth body roll. Jumps that took no effort and landing so sophisticated that it almost didn’t make any sound. I was eager to get this job and I gave everything. The room felt blacked out with just myself in the middle of it, being in the bright spotlight. The moment the song stopped, reality swiftly hit me. I was back in the practice room being evaluated by dance directors, observed by two BTS members and cheered on by other enthusiastic and supportive dancers.

Being the shy duckling I am, I stood straight like a soldier with both hands at the side. All the dance directors were still staring at me and both J-hope and Jimin were nodding in approval. Despite my horrible start, I’m so glad I redeemed myself. I could explode right now from the amount of emotions flooding through me. Now that I’ve finished the evaluation, I found myself staring at the two BTS members. Jimin with his dark grey loose shirt, black FILA track pants, Balenciaga bag swung across his chest, and cool dangling earpieces. J-hope in a peach flowy long-sleeve top with a green vest, brown baseball cap loosely hanging on top his head and brown shorts that shows his toned legs. They were both conversing when I felt Jimin’s long stares directed at me. He looks slightly intrigued but nevertheless, stares from this man could kill. I felt flushed and let my eyes wander elsewhere. 

“Thank you Y/N. Next please.” I bowed and rushed towards the back of the room, joining the other dancers. I was met by praises from the other dancers. My heart felt warm from all the affirmation the others were giving me but I was still bothered by the stares from Jimin. I looked at him once more and he’s still staring at me. He studied my face and smiled when he saw me getting shy from his stares. I turned my head away and looked in front towards the next dancer.

Both of them stayed for a while before excusing themselves out of the room. Some of the dancers were whispering that they’re sad that two of the boys are now not in our presence. I admit that I’m a bit sad too but I can finally breath and relax. Despite being so nervous with them present during my evaluation, I was elated that they were here inside the room as me. I’m lying if I say that my heart wasn’t pounding furiously. I’m just trying to be professional here but I’m still a big fangirl at heart.

…..

“Are you okay? You’ve been too occupied by your thoughts since a while ago.” Hoseok asked Jimin as he sips from his juice. Jungkook and Taehyung who were sitting across the two boys, eating their post-practice snack, were intrigued by J-hope’s question. They noticed Jimin was staring away with his brows furrowed.

“I really think that I saw that backup dancer somewhere but I can’t put my finger on it. Her face looks too familiar.” Jimin sipped his juice through a straw.

“Which backup dancer? The first one?” Hoseok studied Jimin’s face. Jimin nods. “I haven’t seen someone dance like that in a long time. Her passion just captivates you and pulls you in. I can’t wait to work with her and all the other dancers.” Hoseok beamed with hope as he recalls your evaluation performance.

“Also, the modern dance piece that she did felt familiar as well. I could actually feel my body dancing with her but I couldn’t remember where or when I danced to that song.” Jimin admitted.

“Did you watch the whole evaluation?” Jungkook asked the two. Taehyung kept on scrolling through his social media.

“We only watched a few but they were good.” Jimin replied, getting a smile from Hoseok.

“Yeah, especially the one you’re trying so hard to remember. You were staring at her, did you know that? It’s a shocker that she did not melt from your stares.” Jimin turned to Hoseok, surprised by his hyung’s revelation.

“Really? Oh no hyung, I’m too embarrassed by myself. I really didn’t know.” Jimin covered his face with both his hands.

“What made you embarrassed?” Yoongi comes up behind them with an Iced Americano cupped in his hands.

“You remember the girl that bumped into you when went to the restroom? Hobi-hyung and I saw her evaluation and I didn’t realize that I was staring at her the whole time. He just pointed this out to me now.” Jimin, still with a hand covering half his face. “Hobi-hyung, you should’ve told me to stop or something. That’s too embarrassing.”

Yoongi sat down on a vacant chair beside Taehyung. “Actually, I need to apologize to her as well.” The four boys turned their heads to Yoongi looking all confused. Taehyung was about to ask him for the reason but he was soon cut off by Jimin.

“Was it because she bumped into you outside the restroom? And you didn’t help her up?” Yoongi’s face became a bit darker, frowning.

“We already bumped into each other the first time this morning. I was so pissed off about something that I just ignored her and walked away. The second time was with you, Jimin.” Yoongi sipped his coffee once more, contemplating on his actions. He admits that despite being so pissed at something, he should’ve at least shown decency and helped you up. Now that he knows he’s probably going to see you around and work with you, he felt awkward thinking back on how disrespectful he was towards you.

“Wow. You’ve met this woman today and she’s already bumped into you twice, Suga-hyung. She also made Jimin-hyung bothered and Hobi-hyung eager to work with her after seeing her dance. Now I’m interested in meeting her.” Jungkook jokingly teased his elder members as he chows down his sandwich.

…..

After the evaluation, we were told that they will be contacting us again after a few days and if deemed unworthy by the other dance directors from their opinions on our evaluation, we will be informed if we passed or not. Apparently, our positions on the dance team is not final. I still have to wait for a few days to know my fate. All the dance directors walked out the room and all of the other dancers started packing up their stuff. Some of them walked up to me and praised me for my performance. They also teased me that they were afraid that I was so caught up with my nerves when the two BTS members walked in during my evaluation. They said that if it was them, they would be so nervous as well and commended me for still giving a wonderful performance despite my obvious stumble when the music started. 

One by one, the dancers head home. I glanced at my watch and was surprised with how fast time flies. It’s already 4 in the afternoon. I phoned my brother to check on him.

“You done with work? We just finished and everyone went home. Can we eat out? I need some company, I feel so drained. My treat.” I stayed in front of the door out the practice room as I swiftly typed in my message.

Thinking back, I haven’t had the time to process what a whirlwind this day was. It started on a bad first meeting with Suga (which was definitely my fault), a surprise evaluation from the dance team, bumping into Suga again (still my fault. By the way, I really need to be careful from now on) and meeting Jimin in the most unappealing places ever, impressed the dance directors but absolutely botched the second dance when Jimin and J-hope came in to watch, and finally, I’m still not sure if I’ll get this job or not because I still have to wait for their mail. I’m so proud of myself that I’m still standing up straight. Thinking about it just makes my knees buckle. I can barely hold myself straight due to my nerves before when I try to dance in front of other people or even when I met BTS once at a fan meet. I should give myself a pat on the back. Yup, I deserve that for getting out of my comfort zone and not making myself look like an idiot in front of everyone.

“Your treat? I’m about to finish. Wait for me.” My brother replied. I laughed so hard. Bribing each other with food is truly our signature move. Not that I’m complaining but you can never say no to free food.

“Korean Barbeque it is.”

Next part: 3

[eddiemoonson]

Your book turned out so well, it looks amazing!!! I was wondering if you could explain how you do the cover art + get it attached to the hardcover. I'm looking to get into fanbinding myself and the way yours turned out looks like the sort of things I would love to make!

Thank you! ^^ I'll try my best to explain what I did/should have done, but I was making it up as I went, so there was a lot of trial and error and back and forths.

Under a read more because this turned out very long.

My cover art is three separated pieces that were glued together. I made the design on Adobe illustrator. Since I wanted it to be symmetrical, I sketched on paper just a quarter of it, scanned it and opened on Illustrator. Traced it, copied/pasted, mirrored the copy to do the other half, then copied/pasted/mirrored the top to make the bottom part. Added details, done.

Basically the widths of my hardcover were 15cm and the spine was 2,7cm and they were organized like this: hardcover + gap of 0,2cm + spine + gap of 0,2cm + hardcover (these gaps are there so the book can open; you can't have the covers right next to the spine. I use the thickness of my hardcovers as measurement for these gaps).

I printed the art in separated pages, attached them together and laminated the whole thing before gluing the hard covers on it.

I used the the spine art to attach the three pieces together: I made my file to be 2cm wider than the measurement of the spine + the gaps. I centered the art on the file (the art should have the same width of the spine or be smaller) and used the 1cm I have on each side to attach to the covers. So my spine is 1cm + 0,2cm + 2,7cm + 0,2cm + 1cm (overhang to attach to the cover + gap + width of the spine (my text block just happened to be 2,7cm thick) + gap + overhang).

The cover art is were I messed up. You need to make your cover art files large enough to fold around the edges of your hardcovers but only on three sides: top, bottom and the edge that isn't attached to the spine. I made mine with overhang on all sides, that's why the art isn't centered on the cover, you can check the picture below, see how it's closed to the edge? It's because I didn't pay attention and didn't cut off the excess from the "spine side".

Keep in mind that the spine art will overlap the edges of the covers, so when you're doing your measurements/calculations, be careful to not add up these measurements (in my case, 2cm from the spine can't add up to the final measurement of the cover, because the edges of the spine art will be on top of the edges of the covers, not beside them). So, in my final measurement of the whole width of the cover, the spine should virtually be the thickness of the textblock (2,7cm in my book) + the gaps, since the attachment points (1 cm on each side) will be on top of the covers.

See the light green rectangle in the middle? That's the spine art. It overlaps on the pink area, that represents the cover file. (I made this guide image to help myself next time I make a book, since it was a lot of trial and error; this was actually made based on the mistakes from the first book).

Oh, and just in case you want to use this image here as base to your fanbook, the hard covers i used are 21cm high and 15cm wide. The total height is 23cm (1 cm overhang on top and bottom). The total width will depend on the thickness of your text block. I used 2,7cm on the guide image but it'll actually depend on how thick the text block is.

I followed this tutorial for page design, printing and signature making guides and this one to learn how to sew the signatures together.

As a general rule, I like my hardcovers to be around 1cm taller and 0,5cm wider than my text block.

I hope this made sense. I'm sorry if I repeated my self too many times, I'm not very good at explaining things. 😅

[gard3nias]

25| Bittersweet

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wc: 4.10k

date: 24/01/2025

mdi // masterlist // playlist

—Now playing: Young Folks by Peter Bjorn and John ✫

The soft and languid movements of Cleo’s thumb above the red button in the bus were a stark difference to the tone of her voice as she chatted with Daphne.

The bus had three double doors: one in the front, one in the centre, and the last in the back. Given their usual spot in the bus, Daphne and Cleo stood by the last door, waiting for it to open once the vehicle stopped at their house.

In the front, Taehyung and Adrielle comfortably sat next to each other. They were chatting as well, but, given Taehyung’s wandering eyes, he most likely wasn’t so focused on the conversation. He wanted to greet Daphne before she got off the bus so his heart would giggle, shy at seeing her bright smile.

Daphne was in the same situation: Cleo talked nonstop like she always did, and Daphne was the listener. However, she listened very little to the conversation, too busy bouncing her eyes from her friend to her crush and vice versa. 

Not having the same set of skills as Taehyung, Cleo noticed her lack of concentration and, once they were out of the bus, she pointed it out purposely to tease her. One would think that she asked Daphne a question, but she reminded her of her actions instead.

“Ooh, y’all are on good terms,” she whistled, wiggling her brows and nudging Daphne’s shoulder with hers. Her friend blushed, feeling unwelcome in the suddenly boiling confines of her jacket. 

She’d simply waved at him while keeping her lip between her teeth to avoid smiling like an idiot. On the other side, Taehyung waved and winked at her. She was thankful to have left the bus because the vehicles behind it would’ve stopped, mistaking her face for a red traffic light.

“We were never fighting.” After glancing at Cleo a couple of times and internally dying of embarrassment, Daphne concluded that the asphalt beneath her feet wouldn’t judge her, so she kept her eyes glued on it. Occasionally, she’d see dead leaves or dirt.

“Yeah, yeah, but that’s not what I mean.” Cleo had linked her arm with Daphne’s because she wanted to be close to her friend, but, as she was pestering her, the need for closure became a way to hold her friend back from escaping her prying and curious eyes. 

“You two have grown so close to each other. How long has it been since you started studying together? Two weeks?” Daphne nodded to answer, before specifying that it had been almost two weeks.

“Almost two weeks and y’all are already attached to the hip,” she commented, dragging Daphne’s fleeing figure closer to let her words seep into her eardrums and register in her brain.

The past week had been a fun rollercoaster of emotions for Daphne. 

After the practice matches last Wednesday, Taehyung sat next to her on the bus, and, despite the presence of people like Cleo, Avyanna, and Jimin, it seemed like they were in their own world. None of their friends interrupted them too much, especially once they decided to listen to music together, sharing Daphne’s wired earphones.

It was not planned. Daphne always brought her earphones with her in case her headphones would die on her, and, on that fateful evening, it became a link, a physical connection between her crush and her.

They listened to various songs. She discovered he loved The Neighbourhood. He learned she was maybe Lana del Rey and Beabadoobie’s number-one fan. 

His favourite song was “Female Robbery”, and her favourite songs were “Old Money” and “Disappear”. She even made him save a few new songs. She already knew all of The Neighbourhood’s songs, but he had her save “Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino” from Arctic Monkeys.

You best believe she listened to it as soon as she was home and under the showerhead.

“How do you do it?” Daphne unconsciously scoffed in confusion and finally looked at Cleo.

“How do I do what?”

Cleo scoffed back, looking at Daphne like her question wasn’t even rhetorical. “Girl, you’re bagging him!” The statement alerted Daphne’s eyes to move elsewhere and hide her increasingly red cheeks. 

“Oh, my God. You’re exaggerating now—”

“No, I’m absolutely not!” Now, was Cleo really exaggerating?

Daphne and Taehyung had shared their Snapchat, and, as the girl was talking to her friend while heading home, among the numerous notifications in her phone was one about Taehyung’s recent snap. 

It was a reply to Daphne’s, who had sent him one right after school as she was on the bus.

Throughout last week, they went to the library together without missing a day.

At school, Taehyung had decided to take it upon himself to get her something at the bar if she hadn’t had breakfast in the morning. She always paid him back because she didn’t want to feel like she was using him, unaware that he was wishing for the day he’d buy her a full-course meal to come around.

On Friday, the temperatures were going underground again, and they did jumping jacks at the bus stop after sharing a cigarette on their way. How healthy. 

Daphne couldn’t care less—being in his presence was more than healthy. It could give her immortality.

He would object and, following in Keat’s footsteps, claim she was immortal because she was an artwork, God’s masterpiece, God’s Mona Lisa.

“Can’t you see the way he looks at you? And the way you look at him? Y’all are made for each other, especially since you have known each other only since this little time.”

Daphne saw it. She liked looking at his eyes despite the rush of blood they would send to her cheeks, but, being a full-time overthinker and Anxiety’s pet, she feared she’d look into everything too deeply and gaslight herself. Daydreaming and fantasising before sleep was more than enough for the time being.

If she really had to state things for what they were, she’d have to talk about how she saw his mood brighten when she got on the bus on Saturday morning to go shopping with Cleo.

If she really had to state things for what they were, she’d have to point out how quickly he replied to her messages, be they pictures, snaps or quick texts.

If she really had to state things for what they were, she’d have to comment on how dedicated he was to his work whenever he tutored her.

If she really had to state things for what they were, she’d have to recall how bright his smile was whenever they met after school to go to the library. He’d be always standing next to a random car, hands in his jacket pocket, neck craning as he looked for her. 

If she really had to state things for what they were, she’d have to think about how he always looked at her on the bus on their way to school. His former sneaky peaks had come out of their hiding and he wasn’t pretending anymore.

But she just couldn’t conclude that everything wasn’t platonic. Despite how comfortable he made her feel, she didn’t really know the boy. What if this was the way he behaved with everyone?

As the girls talked, their feet led them closer to home. That day specifically, Cleo and Daphne had planned to hang out at the latter’s place, just like they did before school.

With Daphne leading the way, the gates were opened—closed by Cleo. As Daphne’s keys wiggled to open the front door, the girls could hear Loki and Luke barking from the other side.

Eventually, they made it inside after zig-zagging between the happy dogs.

“There you are!” Daphne’s mom resounded from the kitchen. Given the small amount of buses around at the end of the school day, Daphne and Cleo always made it home by the same time, so waiting for the girls was no hassle.

“I’m leaving with Granny, but there’s food in the pot. I think it’s still warm but you can always heat it up if you want to.” As she informed the girls, she walked to the front door and hurriedly wore her shoes and jacket.

“Thanks, Mom,” Daphne said, placing her jacket next to Cleo’s on the hanger. 

Being familiar with the house, Cleo made her way to the kitchen while Daphne put her slippers on, listening to a few important updates from her mom. 

After the clicking sound of the front door closing, the house fell into a subtle silence obstructed by the soft sound of Daphne’s slippers on the floor.

“Ooh, nice.” She heard Cleo say and understood she’d checked what was for lunch. 

They eventually warmed the food a bit before settling at the dining table to eat, and, unfortunately, Cleo didn’t want to drop the previous topic—she needed some tea to accompany the lunch. “How did you do it, really?”

“Oh, my God. Are we still on that?—”

“Heck ya, because in less than two weeks your crush looks at you like you were a majestic show of fireworks while I’ve been here since birth and have three guys on me, who behave like malfunctioning antennas.”

Daphne tried to refrain from laughing but it was stronger than her, and Cleo didn’t bother, laughing along with her.

“I’m for real!” she repeated.

Daphne took a deep breath in and asked, “malfunctioning antennas? Really?”

“How else would you describe it? Nick and James are on me, including Jungkook—”

“Oh, so you know!” Daphne gasped, dropping her fork on the plate and unintentionally startling her friend.

“Know what—”

“I thought you couldn’t see how James and Nick are on you!” Daphne clarified, jaw hanging low and eyes bulging out of their sockets.

“Oh, I do see it. I pretend not to—” Daphne’s loud gasp interrupted her and silence followed right after. Cleo broke eye contact and filled her mouth with food on purpose.

“You’re playing them?” Instantly, she dropped her fork and with bulging eyes, shook her head to deny the allegations. Swallowing, she replied, “Absolutely not!” 

Daphne’s eyes screamed, begging for more explanations. “I don’t know. I just see them as friends and, not wanting to fuck up the friendship, I just overlook it, hoping they’d get the message.”

“Which they are not.”

“Exactly.” Cleo’s whines proved the theory in Daphne’s head. Recalling Asher’s words at Cleo’s house, James and Nick seemed to have a crush on Cleo for a long time, and, if this was Cleo’s stand on the issue, it was obvious they too ignored her signals, hoping for a better outcome.

“So, what are you going to do about it?” Cleo thought that was a great question with little to no answer. 

What could she really do? She didn’t want to bring the topic up because she feared the outcome would ruin years of friendship, but she also couldn’t drag it out for too long. There was really no escape.

“I don’t know. I treat them like friends, in fact, brothers, but they just wouldn’t get it. What am I supposed to do?” 

Daphne knew the answer to that and it was clearing things up, but, just as Cleo feared it, so did she. She couldn’t even imagine what would happen if Cleo even decided to choose one between the two. Would the boys start hating each other? It would be immature but it wasn’t to be thrown out of the picture. 

As she thought about it, she also remembered a moment at Jungkook’s party she considered worth mentioning. “Do you think James is really that interested?” She dropped the question and took another spoonful of food.

“What do you mean?”

Before replying, she drank a few sips of water. “I mean, you know… at Jungkook’s party, James didn’t behave like he had a crush on you or, I mean, if I had a crush on a boy, I wouldn’t tell him in the face that I’m looking for some other guy to have fun with. I wouldn’t even think about it because I wouldn’t be interested in participating in such activity.”

From Cleo’s furrowed brows, Daphne understood her friend was oblivious to this information. “You know, at some point, he, like, disappeared, saying that he wanted to look for girls and shit.”

“Oh.” That was Cleo’s only reply and Daphne nodded. Cleo really didn’t know—or maybe she chose not to let it get to her, although, considering her claims, she wouldn’t even mind it, would she?

“Well, I think that speaks for itself, doesn’t it?” Daphne thought about it a bit before agreeing with her friend. What could James have meant with those actions, anyway?

“So that leaves you with Nick—”

“No, that leaves me with Nick and Jungkook.” Cleo corrected.

“Jungkook? I thought you said he wasn’t your crush—”

“I was just shy to admit it, but the more I see him, the less I can keep denying it.” Daphne gasped, forked dropped again in her now empty plate.

“So, you like him… not Nick—” she said and Cleo agreed, “—not James.”

Cleo shook her head and firmly replied, “Nope.” The ‘P’ popped.

“Then, what about him? Jungkook, I mean?” 

Cleo had finished her food as well and, before replying, she emptied her glass of water, and leaned against the backrest of the chair, satisfied with the lunch. “I think the situation with Jungkook is the same with Nick, although I am Nick and he is me.” 

Daphne laughed, getting up to place her plate in the sink. Cleo followed suit. 

“You’re laughing? I’m for real. It’s frustrating! I don’t like the ones that like me and the one I like doesn’t like me. Is it some type of karma?” Daphne continued laughing even as she washed her plate.

“What makes you think he doesn’t like you?” Cleo snapped her head toward Daphne, eyes bulging out as she wondered if her friend had pronounced those words or if she was just hearing strange voices.

“You did not just say that,” she replied.

Daphne chuckled and shrugged, still not understanding what surprised Cleo so much. “What?” she asked as they went to the living room. All the way there, Cleo didn’t speak, and, since she wasn’t leading the way, Daphne always had to turn around, wondering what could be taking Cleo so long to answer.

“Cleo, seriously. He doesn’t like you? Rumours have it that he’s obsessed with you and keeps talking about you—”

“Oh, really? Doesn’t really seem so. Remember the broken antennas? The fucked-up signals?” Daphne chuckled again as Cleo dropped on the couch next to her with a sigh of exasperation.

“Have you tried sending him signals? You never know—”

“Daph? I’ve been here since the moment I was born. I’ve known him since kindergarten, and I started having a thing for him for long enough. You really think I didn’t do anything?” Daphne didn’t immediately reply, understanding her friend’s frustration but she still had to advise her somehow.

“Maybe… I don’t know… start treating him the way you want to be treated… like… be bolder because, at the end of the day, you behave with him the same way you do with Nick and James so…” Cleo sighed again, refusing to believe her friend had just spoken those words.

She wanted to object, but remembering that her friend hadn’t gotten to know Jungkook’s true ways, she thought of something else to say. “It’s Jungkook. That’s all you need to know for now. You will eventually learn more and, maybe, understand my frustration. Shall we bake?”

Because of the reply, Daphne laughed, scoffing at Cleo’s attempt to change the topic. “Okay, then. If you say so, I really can’t wait to learn these special ways of Jungkook you’re talking about and also to bake. Wait for me here, I’ll go grab Granny’s recipe book.”

—Now playing: Walkin’ On The Sun by Smash Mouth ✫

Cleo and Daphne always got off at the same bus stop because they were neighbours and lived not even five minutes away from each other on foot.

That Tuesday afternoon, Taehyung got off at a bus stop later to join Adrielle at her place.

Generally speaking, Taehyung hated winter. It wasn’t his season even though he was born in it. He preferred autumn, especially early autumn, the bridge between late September and early October.

Winters were boring to him. Boring daytime hobbies, boring outfits, boring hang-outs, and boring outdoor activities. A total bore.

Even the weather wasn't thrilling. He couldn't recall the sunniest day he'd witnessed ever since the season showed signs of the upcoming one. 

Now, days would rather be bright or dark grey. No in-between. 

With the thickness of the bed of clouds in the sky, there was no space for direct sunlight to shine through. The rays could only reflect their light against the white and foggy mist, casting a gloomy brightness above the country. This was the best day in winter. The worst would be when the clouds choose to become dark and thick with rain.

These were the typical days in winter and late autumn.

Given the position of his home, from Taehyung's window, the days were mostly dark, especially when looking at the street leading to the house.

Despite this, the position was strategic for Nana because the sunlight would shine on her backyard garden, giving her the fruits she cultivated.

It almost seemed calculated.

The light within his house was similar. He hated turning on too many lights, preferring to keep everything measured. 

The anteroom light was motion-activated, and the hallway bulbs were used sparingly in the evening. If he was alone downstairs, he turned on the light of only one room: if the living room lights were on, all other lights had to be turned off.

Adrielle’s home followed the same system and, despite being daytime, Taehyung knew it because her home was basically an extension of his—just as his house was of hers.

For the time being, downstairs was inaccessible because Adrielle’s mom had guests over, so the two childhood friends comfortably studied in Adrielle’s bedroom. The girl was on her bed, writing away at her laptop, while the boy sat at her desk, his head bent over the book in profound focus.

December was approaching full force and at maximum speed, as was exam season. She had an oral physics test coming in first, while he had to study philosophy. 

Seeing that he was busy with the notebook before him, Adrielle grew confused. 

He always studied philosophy with his laptop, preferring to have all his notes properly in order, but, since he walked into her place, he never brought his laptop out of his bag, giving her the suspicion that he wasn’t studying philosophy.

There was no light turned on in the room, preferring a natural source. She sat on her bed with her legs crossed and welcoming her laptop. He wasn’t fully back-facing her, but the position didn’t allow her to have a great look at what he was doing, so she dropped the question.

“You studying philosophy?” Her voice broke the almost uniform silence. Before then, the only sounds obstructing it were the voices of Adrielle’s mom and guests and the idyllic sounds of the country in late autumn.

“Nope,” he simply replied, refusing to remove his gaze from the notebook. Unlike him, Adrielle’s eyes moved from her laptop to him, noticing how he hadn’t budged at all.

“Don’t you have the test on Friday? You said you’re in deep shit moments ago.” Her response met a brief silence as Taehyung chose to finish the sentence he was writing before turning around to reply.

“I’m just finishing up a few things for the girl I’m tutoring.” It went without any saying. She knew who the girl in question was and, unconsciously, something started boiling in her veins. 

The amount of topics to study for his oral test was considerable and he chose to work for the girl instead?

“Oh, erm—” she began, “—Daphne’s her name, right?” With his eyes still on the notebook, he hummed and nodded.

Adrielle’s eyes lingered on his figure, the scene seeping into her mind. He almost had a hunch back because of how focused he was. His hand wouldn’t stop moving, and his arm shook as a direct consequence. 

The lamp on her desk shone directly onto the notebook he worked on. She stared at him for a bit, disbelief etched on her face. 

All she knew was that if she were in his shoes, she’d never prioritise her student over studying for herself, especially when the due date is right at the door.

“She had a few doubts and her test in next Monday, so it’s important I help her out,” he spoke, suspecting that Adrielle’s silence meant she wanted more clarification.

He just didn’t know that she was burning holes in his back as she watched him work.

Was she selfish? Would it be selfish if she never would’ve done the same if she were in his shoes? 

She received pressure from her parents, but it wasn’t the only thing spurring her to study. She wanted pride, and the best way to feed it at her age was by getting good grades.

Yes, she was reserved and relatively shy, but she liked when people looked at her and thought the was the embodiment of the phrase ‘beauty and brains’. To achieve and maintain that, she had to study.

Evidently, Taehyung had other goals he wanted to score and most likely didn’t care about public opinion, but, being his closest friend, if not the only, she cared about his academic performance as much as she cared about hers.

All these considerations were maybe an excuse she created to explain the feelings bothering her mind, but they faded into nothingness when she asked him: “Do you… like her?”

Immensely self-conscious, she feared to have sounded awkward and added, “Jimin and Anna won’t drop the topic.” The following chuckle was a means to hide her slight nervousness.

Finally, he stopped his work, although he still didn’t turn around. The initial silence was a clear answer to Adrielle. If he didn’t like her, he wouldn’t hesitate to deny the claims, but why was she even unsure? As she’d said, Jimin and Avyanna had been pestering him the whole week about it and he never pushed them or their claims away.

Evidently, she was unaware of what transpired at Jimin’s place two Saturdays ago while the boys played video games.

“Maybe?” The correct answer was ‘Heck yeah!’ but he was shy and didn’t want to deal with it, especially with Adrielle of all people—she never seemed in the mood to discuss topics of this type, and he feared it would make uncomfortable perhaps.

On the other end, Adrielle’s face remained stoic, although her eyes showed hint of surprise. She wanted to mentally slap herself for even being surprised at all. He never denied the allegations to begin with.

“Oh, really?” Her voice switched to autopilot and her tone wasn’t chosen by her brain anymore. If it were, it would’ve raised eyebrows. She sounded the way she wanted to. The way that masked her true feelings. She sounded like a curious friend.

She couldn’t see it, but warm undertones filled Taehyung’s cheeks and he looked around the desk—muscle memory for wandering eyes whenever he felt shy.

“I guess so.” His voice came out softly and he resumed his work, sending Adrielle a message. He didn’t want to talk about it. 

It had been a big struggle opening up to the boys. Before he would with Adrielle, it would take a bit.

“You gon take her out? You will eventually.” She rather didn’t get the message or chose to ignore it.

Once again, Taehyung’s hand ceased writing, leaving the pen to hover over the notebook and the sentence unfinished.

Growing the last tiny bit of courage, he replied. “Anna has given me a few ideas.” That was the equivalent to ‘Yes, I will take her out.’ He was just working on it. 

The reply  was enough to quench Adrielle’s curiosity and she returned to her work. Taehyung noticed when he heard her fingers tapping on the keyboard of her laptop. Internally, he rejoiced before sighing in relief.

Behind him, Adrielle still maintained her stoic face as she typed on her laptop. It was a facade, a very tall and thick wall painted with the wrong colours, not the ones that fit the description of her inner turmoil.

⤎ previous page | ❃ | next page ⤏

[crackednailsandsplitends]

How to Turn an Old Book into a Storage Box

I have wanted to make a keepsake box out of one of my old books for a while now. The idea of upcycling a beloved book into something practical and sentimental has been tugging at my heart. There's a particular book that is worn from multiple readings, its pages scrunched and fragile. Rather than letting it collect dust on the shelf, transforming it into a keepsake box feels like a fitting way to honour its role in shaping my love for books. I envision carefully cutting out a compartment within its pages, a secret space to store trinkets and mementos that hold special memories.

This project not only allows me to give new life to a cherished book but also serves as a constant reminder of the power of literature in sparking creativity and nostalgia.

Materials needed:

1-metre fabric – Hatti Raspberry

1 old hardback book

A paintbrush

Multi-purpose glue

A ruler and pencil

Scissors

Stanly knife

First I painted the back book cover and spine with glue and covered them with fabric. I then turned the book over, positioned it on the fabric, pressed down, turned it over so the back was now facing me, and smoothed it out with my hand. And again I did the same for the front cover and then the inside cover. Cutting two slits on each side of the spine, and using a butter knife I tucked the fabric into the spine - both ends.

I then closed the book and painted all three sides of the pages with glue. Make sure to coat them thoroughly. I then placed a heavy iron (turned off) on top of the book and let it sit and dry for about 12 hours.

Now that the pages are all glued together, I started cutting out the middle of the pages. First, I measured out the size and shape of the compartment I wanted, then carefully I started slicing around the marked shape with a Stanly knife. I went deep enough to place some jewellery bits in, but you can go deeper if you so wish. And that is finished - you can see my pictures below.

Fabric-covered books (with a secret hidden compartment) are pretty, cheap decor pieces that will look beautiful in the bookcase, or on a shelf - and you get to hide some bits and bobs.

[thewarriorspecial]

Dress Up (CH3 - Lying to Himself)

*Archive Edition* Previously only linked to AO3, full work now available under the cut.

Read on AO3

Rating: Explicit | Guy Gardner/Kyle Rayner, Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Original Character

Additional Tags (All chapters listed): Established Relationship, hand wavy timeline, Lace Panties, Spanking, Lingerie, Oral Sex, Angst, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD, Character dealing with/avoiding their PTSD, Rimming, Drinking, Canon-Typical Violence, Blood, Bloody Kisses, Polyamory

Guy's still looking for some way to help. Kyle's still trying to barrel towards a sense of normalcy. Guy takes a turn at making their dress-up surprises a thing and it doesn't go the way he hoped.

Guy was hunched over his desk, head leaned in his folded hands as he tried to piece together a question or command to ask the ring for what he needed. The most powerful weapon in the universe was also a storehouse of all the universe’s knowledge for anyone who knew how to draw it out. If I was on Earth, he thought, what would I look for? How would I look? 

He leaned back, one arm wrapping around his chest and the other rubbing his chin. He stared at the empty space in front of the desk. He pictured a bookshelf and watched it manifest.

“Alright. Gimme everything you’ve got on human psychology and trauma.” Immediately the bookshelf overflowed with with books, more appearing in stacks on the floor. Stacks began appearing on the desktop, under the desk, in Guy’s lap, anywhere there was flat space.

“Okay. Woah. Narrow it down. Gimme everything specifically on unhealthy coping mechanisms for trauma.”

Most of the books vanished, and the bookshelf refilled with a few more stacks appearing on the floor. Guy pointed at the first one on top of one of the stacks, flicking his fingers towards himself. The book floated in front of him and opened. He reached into his vest and pulled construct glasses from within. After paging through the first book, he slid it unceremoniously off the side of the desk and it disappeared. He repeated the process with the next three. 

Looking up at the ceiling and rubbing his eyes he sighed, “This is gonna be a long night.”

Over the course of the evening, the bookshelf refilled over and over. Each time the stacks for a little smaller. Yet, no connection could be made between Kyle’s symptoms. Nightmares and flashbacks don’t present alongside hyper-sexual behavior. They create the opposite problem. Especially in males.

Fuck.

Unless it’s something compound? Complex?

“Show me the definition and conditions for C-PTSD and all known symptoms.” Guy carefully read through the stack of papers that appeared. Long term exposure. Childhood. Detachment. Relationship issues. Negative self-image and worldview. Nothing matched there either. That he knew of anyways. Should probably show this to Hal. “Add this to my notes.” The papers added themselves to a vey large three ring binder that appeared, opened, shut, and disappeared. 

Guy leaned back in his chair and rubbed his eyes. He needed a walk and some water. He’d have to walk passed Kyle who was still haunting the sofa, pretending to watch TV.  

Fuck.

“What would you do?” Guy asked the ring, pressing the cool surface to the skin of his cheek. “For Kyle, I mean. What would you do to help?” 

A business card materialized on the desk. 'Leslie Thompkins, Psychiatrist’, it read. 

“I remember her. Yeah. Yeah you’re right. How the hell do I get him to go?” A very large pet carrier and a bag of candy appeared. Guy stood up and waved his hands through the constructs to dismiss them. “Get outta here with that,” he laughed softly.

__

“You coming to bed?” Guy asked, leaning in the doorway of their bedroom.

“Yeh,” Kyle murmured, eyes glued to the screen.

“Later?”

“Yeh.”

“Okay.” Guy shut the door to block out the light and the noise. He dreamed of Kyle’s laugh and the taste of his skin.

When the door closed, Kyle pulled the bottle of vodka out from under the covers and took a drink. He preferred doing bong rips. The relaxation and elevated mood were a lot nicer than the slosh and brain fog from the booze but it would have to do.

“You’ll have to do.” Ganthet had said.

Should I even be here? Why won’t he sit with me? He’s up my ass all day until I’m sad. Am I becoming a burden? Does anyone else know? He probably wants to fuck. I’m not in the mood to fake it right now. I’ll surprise him with something tomorrow to make up for it.

Kyle propped himself up against the armrest, sipping from the bottle as he watched the DVD he put in earlier. When he and Guy left Earth, he had tried to back up all of his pirated movies and shows. For whatever reason the episode lists played in reverse order but he’s unconcerned. It was nostalgic and it felt good. Firefly played in front of his eyes and his fonder memories with Guy and Hal and John played in the back of his mind. He fell into a restless sleep and the bottle slipped from his hand.

Kaylee is shot. She gasps as blood soaks her overalls.

“Kaylee, stay with me. Can you move your feet?”

Guy look at me. Look at me. Stay with me. Squeeze my hand. Stay awake.

“Are you asking me to dance?”

You wanna hold my hand and skip? Heh, heh.

Kyle staggers to the bathroom and vomits.

__

Guy woke up with Kyle wrapped around him. They were side by side, chest to chest. Kyle’s head was tucked under Guy’s chin. Guy felt warm breath on his skin as Kyle snored and twitched in a deep sleep. 

The bed smelled like sex and sweat. Kyle had gotten into the habit of coming to bed in the barely light hours of the morning, coaxing Guy awake with light kisses and caresses. Kyle would tuck himself into Guy, urging the bigger man on top. Kyle would writhe and beg to be touched, but his body didn’t always respond. 

“This okay?” Guy would ask.

“Hell yeah,” Kyle would groan and Guy would waver between a desire to give his partner what he’s asking for and the guilt for doing it at all.

“You’re sure?”

“I’m with you. This is all I want.” And Kyle would smile with all the warmth and light of a new star.

And until Kyle woke, either kissing Guy and asking about his plan for the day or vanishing without a word, so stood their nightly routine.

__

Guy watches the rookies twist and dive through the obstacle course John built. Flight training was one of their favorite exercises. It’s impossible to forget your first real flight. In some ways you never really come down.

“How’s he doing?” John asks.

“‘Bout the same.” Guy answers.

“Hey it’s not worse. One day at a time. You get him to talk to anyone yet?”

“No.”

“Keep trying. Everything’s gonna be fine. And when it isn’t, I got you. Both of you.”

“I know. You took care of me. I don’t think I ever thanked you.”

“You did in your own way.” John smiles fondly, watching the blush creep up behind Guy’s ears. 

“‘Suppose so.”

__

Guy returned to the apartment. He checked for Kyle and heard the shower running. He sat on their worn couch, next to Kyle’s depression nest. He picked up the mostly empty bottle of vodka, replacing the lid. He picked up candy wrappers and folded the blanket, tossing it neatly over the back of the couch. Kyle’s sketchbook tumbled to the floor with a thud. Guy scooped it up and searched the cushions for any lost pens and pencils. He set the drawing implements down on the end table and sat down with the sketchbook. It’s newer, the cover only mildly blemished with wear and graphite smears. He saw that a little over half the pages are still blank as he thumbed through them. He felt his heart wriggle with a deep joy. Kyle was drawing again. Too many months it seemed Kyle would drink and stare off the balcony, into unfamiliar constellations forever.

Guy popped open the cover, starting from the beginning. He was immediately greeted with a pencil drawing of a poorly wrapped fruit basket. He’d put it together and set it out on the kitchen table with the new sketchbook and art supplies in an attempt to lure Kyle out of his blanket fort. The next page was sketches of John’s face in various expressions, most of them joyful and all from his right. Next was Hal’s face given the same treatment from the front. Then Guy’s own face from the left. They were all smiling, laughing, hands shaping the stories they had been telling. Kyle’s ability to draw from memory was unparalleled. 

There were sketches of Oan flowers that grew by nearby waterways. Superman, for no one’s enjoyment. A beagle. Hal holding a beagle, smiling indulgently. One in full color; Guy could make out the blonde hair and the shape of her face—Alex. Then the next one was just a refrigerator in high contrast, pouring out eerie light. Piano keys. A pitched battle scene, Lantern and Sinestro Crops symbols mixed throughout. Guy’s face with bedroom eyes. Hal in his flight suit, sticking his tongue out. A night scene where the only light came from a streetlamp over an empty park bench. Hal’s face, again, his salt-and-pepper hair rendered in loving detail. A young woman Guy had never seen before, wearing overalls and bleeding from a gunshot wound. 

The last image sprawled across two pages and the only word Guy could think to describe it was demon. It was the alien that nearly killed him. It was massive—top-heavy and bipedal like Arkillo. It had a serpentine neck and horse-like head with a maw that opened like an eel. Sinewy arms ended in talons with an opposable thumb. Two agile tails whipped behind it, each tipped in a scorpion-like barb. 

Alpha Lanterns had simply called them Hunters. They preyed along the Outer Limits. They were solitary, rarely in a pair. No one was sure yet where they came from but they lived up to their name with malicious intelligence. They had some kind of primal telepathy. Guy had perceived it as a push in his mind; just feelings, no images or words. 

Guy had been hunched down inside the outpost he and a few Lanterns had been sent to build. The Guardians wanted to set up a way station to increase the range and support of Lantern sweeps in those areas. To look for problems like the Hunters. He had been welding, he remembered. They were piecing together the ventilation system when he heard the first scream. Something that big, that heavy, shouldn’t have been able to move in perfect silence. Before he knew it he had been beaten down and stabbed twice. Poison burned a path though his veins. He had ordered the team to make a distress call and retreat. But Kyle refused to leave his side. He remembered the agony of being run through again, of hearing Kyle scream. Hearing Kyle sob and not being able to draw a breath to say it’ll be okay.

“You remember it?” Kyle asked, suddenly behind him. He was leaning on his elbows on the back of the couch.

Guy startled and caught the sketchbook before it fell, “Uh. Sorry. I shouldn’t be snooping like that. I was just excited, you know. You’re getting back to nor—comfortable again.”

“No,” Kyle sighed. “I’m not. But I really want to.” His shoulders scrunched up and he crossed his arms tightly. “Do we have to look at it?”

“Nah, course not.” Guy closed the sketchbook and set it on the end table without looking away from Kyle’s face. They looked at each other for a long time. Guy could see the emotions rolling through Kyle’s expressions as they both reached for something to say. “C’mere,” he offered instead, holding his hand out. 

Kyle took his hand and rounded the couch. He had a hair clip holding one of their shitty bath towels around his waist. He dropped himself into Guy’s lap with a heavy sigh and Guy wrapped him up in a tight hug.

“You warm enough?” Guy asked, laying a big, warm hand on Kyle’s thigh.

“Yeah.” Kyle nuzzled into Guy’s neck, his arms returning to their crossed position around himself. Guy could feel him shiver so he pulled the folded blanket down around them.

“You okay?”

“Yeah.”

“You gonna talk to someone?”

“Can’t I just talk to you?”

“Yeah, I mean, you can tell me anything. I’m just not really qualified to help with this.”

“Weren’t you a psychologist?”

“I was a counselor. It’s different.”

“You talked to people when they were at their worst. Didn’t it help?”

Guy sighed heavily. “I wasn’t wheedling the plot out of Hannibal, Kyle. When I worked in the prison, it was mostly a dumping ground for undesirables. I’d ask these guys what was going on and they’d tell me things like how I’m the first person who used their name or asked them what was wrong at all. I gave them respect and sometimes I gave them some hope to hold onto.” Guy looked away as the words sped up, realizing he was rambling. “Didn’t make me a real psychiatrist, though. I couldn’t treat the schizophrenia or whatever that got them tossed into the street. Even if I had the credentials all I’d be able to do is medicate them while they were locked up.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to bring all that up.”

“No, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry I can’t be what you need.” Guy tightened his hold and rubbed his thumb along Kyle’s back.

Kyle felt too warm and trapped under Guy’s big hands. He wanted to get up but feared the look in Guy’s eyes if he pulled away. So he sat and listened to Guy breathe. He tried not to think too hard about being pressed up against the hole in Guy’s side.

__

“Alright poozers, listen up. Today we’re working on your speed. You’re going to have to outrun and outthink one of the fastest Lanterns in the Corps.” Killowog addressed the five fresh Lanterns, all sans their Corps symbols and ready to change that today. Each one wore a construct belt around their midsection with two flags hanging from the sides. “Your goal is to remove one of Kyle’s flags before he takes both of yours.”

“That’s it?” One of the newbies asked.

“Oh? Did I mention—they’ll all be trying to kick your faces off the entire time.”

“They?”

“Show ‘em, Kyle.”

Kyle grinned as he held his hands out, crossing his first two fingers on both hands to make a plus sign, “Shadow Clone Jutsu!” Four more identical Kyles appeared, each one photorealistic and moving independently. His clones followed as he leapt into the air, tearing through the sky at breakneck speed. The rookies followed in his wake like a formation of geese. Weak constructs of lassos and nets floated passed as they missed. He laughed, elated at the feel of the wind in his hair and the sun on his face. The world below shrank as he climbed, leaving the weight on his mind far behind. 

As he tagged the rookies out one by one, he noticed the squid-like Lantern lurking behind buildings and rock formations. He could feel its gaze studying him as it kept its distance. When it was down to just the two of them, it shot a stream of bubble constructs passed Kyle. They floated by without touching him, but gave him an ominous feeling as they slowly closed in. They were shiny, and he could see his own reflection swaying on all their surfaces like funhouse mirrors. 

He’d lost sight of his clones. He shot an energy blast at one of the bubbles and it opened like a doughnut, letting the blast pass through before it snapped shut again. He released his clones and they dematerialized instantly. He formed a Gundam inspired mech around himself and shot a hail of missiles at the surrounding bubbles. They repeated the same trick—shifting, opening, and closing. 

He reached behind his back and drew an energy sword, thrusting forward and slashing side to side. Their texture was like slime, his weapon dragging through their cores like trying to cut through tar. His chest heaved and his muscles burned with the effort. The ring of bubbles pressed in closer, their shape throwing the light of Sto-Oa into his eyes, blinding him. He let himself fall through the swinging mech construct, sinking away from the bubbles. A tentacle whip-cracked at his ankle, barely missing as he changed direction and sped off. The Squid-Lantern’s arms spun and it shot forward in pursuit. 

Kyle dodged row after row of the creepy bubbles, glancing over his shoulder to track his opponent. He ran his palm over his belt, making sure both flags were still there. Squid-Lantern was missing one. This was anyone’s game. A ray of light shot over his shoulder. He rolled and dove to dodge it. When he faced forward again, he slammed into one of the bubbles, sinking chest deep into its sticky surface. Squid-Lantern landed gently on the surface, its tentacles bowing the bubble’s skin without breaking it. It gently removed both flags from Kyle’s belt. The short, crescent eyelids over its opalescent eyes widened. It lifted all of its tentacles into the air and swayed. 

“Hooray! Hooray! I have the winning!” Kyle’s ring translated. The bubble released him and he turned himself upright. 

“Wow! Nicely done,” Kyle offered his hand to the victor. Squid-Lantern’s swaying paused as it considered Kyle’s appendage. It stuck half of its tentacles out, mimicking Kyle’s motion. 

“Oh, uh, handshake?”

Squid-Lantern’s tentacles vibrated. Kyle flailed his arm and laughed. 

__

Kyle approached the battery, bathed in its ethereal glow. He’d reluctantly left the cackling pack of rookies behind at Warrior’s. Even their enthusiasm couldn’t drown out the incessant nagging of his ring reminding him that his charge was “Critically! Low!”. He raised his ring hand, making a fist and squaring his shoulders.

The words wouldn’t come.

He tried again. And still nothing. He was just tired. This had been the longest day out of the house in a long time. It was a good tired, his mother would say, from playing so hard. You’ll sleep well.

He lowered his arm. He knew the words—could hear them in his mind. There was no power, no conviction in his voice. Would it charge if he could only whisper? He raised his arm again. He felt stupid. He felt weak.

He nearly leapt out of his own skin when he felt a hand under his forearm, a body pressed against his back. Kyle leaned into the familiar scent of aftershave and whiskey.

“In brightest day,” Hal began, voice warm and unwavering. Kyle repeated the words, gaining strength as they finished the oath in tandem. 

Kyle’s ring recharged and he felt the surge of power through his whole body. He was still leaning into Hal. He turned his head to look at his friend, leaving their faces inches apart. 

“You okay, kid?” Hal asked and Kyle’s heart pounded. Hal had his mask off and dark eyes glittered in the battery’s light. At 5’10 they were the same height, but Hal was extremely wiry and compact. He was warm and so solid. Where in the fuck was this coming from? Hal lowered his arm to Kyle’s waist to support him.

“Yeah,” Kyle’s body quivered. “Thanks.” He spun around suddenly, shoving Hal aside. “I should go,” he pointed stiffly at the doorway. “Bye.”

“Dude?” Hal asked of the empty room.

__

Kyle landed on the balcony. He looked down at his still trembling hands. How was he gonna sneak this thing into the house without Guy asking too many questions. He willed his skintight uniform away, leaving him in jeans and hoodie. He adjusted himself and pulled the hoodie down. Why was it so hard to get it up for Guy like this?

The balcony door slid open about a foot and Guy’s freckled, smiling face emerged. Speak of the devil. “You’re home! How’d it go?” 

Kyle couldn’t help the smile that came across his face. God but he loved those big blue eyes. “Really good actually. I thought I’d be more tired but I recharged and uh,” he faltered, rubbing the back of his neck, “I feel pretty peppy now.”

“Good because I have a little surprise for you,” Guy’s expression melted into a naughty grin and he dramatically whipped the sliding door open. He stood in a cheap Halloween sexy-nurse costume, complete with a little red cross cap and white thigh-highs. “I thought you could use a little TLC after you had such a hard day.” 

Kyle’s brain flipped to the static channel as he zeroed in on the gap between Guy’s very short skirt and the top of the stockings. “Th-thighs,” he mumbled.

“Get in here,” Guy rumbled, grabbing Kyle’s shirt and dragging him inside. Kyle surged forward, roughly shoving Guy into the back of the couch, and pulled his big man down for a kiss. Guy spread his feet until they were even height making his skirt ride up obscenely over his erection. His plan to soothe Kyle’s stress and gently tuck him into bed was already gone out the window.  Kyle kissed him like he’d been gone for months. His hands roved up and down Guy’s thighs, fingers dipping into the tops of the stockings. 

“Turn around, lemme see you,” Kyle murmured as he pulled on Guy’s hips. Guy turned, leaning over the couch and raising his ass in the air obediently. He had nothing on underneath the costume. “Goddamn,” Kyle growled, digging his fingers into the backs of Guy’s thighs and spreading him open with the heels of his hands. Guy had shaved everything and his skin smelled fresh from the shower. Kyle rolled the pad of his thumb against Guy’s quivering hole, “You need me to get you ready?”

“P-please,” Guy whispered, his hands moving to cover his face as his hips pressed back into Kyle involuntarily. 

Kyle spread Guy open and leaned forward, licking a stripe from Guy’ balls to his tailbone. Guy clapped his ring hand over his mouth to keep the high-pitched sounds from escaping. His other arm braced his weight against the cushions as he lost his footing. 

“Oh fuck, oh fuck,” Guy wailed into his palm.

Kyle lapped and rolled his tongue, coaxing every imaginable sound out of his big, broad partner. He pinched and squeezed those thick thighs, only coming up when he had to breathe. He smiled and groaned against Guy’s entrance, thoroughly enjoying driving him wild. His attention had Guy literally on his toes. He glanced down at Guy’s pretty feet, perched on that sexy angle. Feet freaked Guy the fuck out so he didn’t dare mention his obsession. He just quietly scooted all of Guy’s normal shoes into the back of the closet. 

Guy’s hips rolled with an unconscious rhythm and Kyle leaned back with his tongue out and let him rub his ass into his face. Guy’s eyes were clenched shut and a deep blush had worked its way down the back of his neck. 

“Kyle,” Guy breathed, both hands clenching the cushions now, “Please.”

“Please, what?”

“I…um,” Guy looked over his shoulder, beet red, “Will you…?” He glanced at his ass and back up at Kyle.

Kyle leaned over Guy’s back putting his lips against Guy’s ear, “You are so hot, Guy. I can’t get enough.” Guy dropped his face into his hands again. Kyle ran his hands up and down Guy’s back, making the cheap fabric of the costume crinkle with static. “I want you so bad.” He rolled his hips against Guy’s ass and realized with horror that he’d lost his hard-on. 

Are you fucking kidding me? Now??

Kyle’s body tensed as he held in a frustrated sigh. He’d die before he made Guy feel like anything about this wasn’t perfectly hot and welcome. He sent a construct hand into the bedroom to grab the lube off of the nightstand. He coated his fingers and rubbed the tip of the middle one against Guy’s hole. “You ready?” Kyle asked as he pulled his clothes off, making a pile somewhere off to the side of the couch. 

“Yes, please,” came the muffled reply. 

Kyle pressed his finger slowly in, soaking up the desperate sighs escaping his partner. Guy was so good to him. He was gonna make his man come rivers no matter what his body would or wouldn’t do. He fucked Guy open slowly until he had three fingers buried in his tight heat. 

“Kyle please, please,” Guy moaned from behind his hands. 

Kyle took a deep breath to focus, making a construct around his limp dick. Like the rest of his creations, it was true to life. It even felt warm and twitched if he willed it. He lined himself up and pressed in gently. He had to keep pushing the costume up and out of the way to see what he was doing. “Take this off for me, love.”

Guy pushed himself up, gasping as the angle changed. He crossed his arms in front of himself, grabbing the bottom of the slinky costume dress. He chanced a heated look over his shoulder as he very slowly pulled it up and over his head. Kyle’s eyes flicked back and forth between the inches of sexy freckled skin slowly being revealed and the passion in those gorgeous eyes. His hands chased the hem of the dress, traveling over all the familiar constellations on Guy’s back. Guy’s freckles were concentrated on the tops of his shoulders like a permanent sunburn. They thinned out as they spread down his back, then gathered again at the dips in his hipbones, filling the spaces like a liquid—like someone had poured a galaxy over his body. Kyle’s hands brushed along the back of Guy’s neck, fingertips dragging in his hair. Guy leaned into the touch and groaned. Kyle wanted to lay kisses along the nape of Guy’s neck but he couldn’t reach. 

“Alright,” Kyle nudged Guy forward with a hand between his shoulder blades, “Get back down there, you’re too tall.” He felt Guy’s laugh under his hand and Guy leaned down until he was on his elbows. 

Guy groaned as he shifted, feeling Kyle still inside him, “Baby, please, I’m so horny.”

Kyle finally started to move, keeping his pace steady and not too rough. 

“God, yes,” Guy sighed, arching his back, “That’s perfect. Please, please don’t stop.” He covered his mouth again, embarrassed with how soft he sounded. 

Kyle focused on Guy’s voice, his own breathing picking up with the exertion. He wrapped his hands around Guy’s waist and felt for tells in his body—the tremors, the way he’d start to push back, the soft, high sighs when he finally took his hand away from his mouth again. 

“Kyle, I—I’m…Are you…?”

“Yeah, yeah I’m good.”

Guy reached back, grasping the back of the couch as he came with a long moan. Kyle feigned a little stutter in his hips, pulling out and pretending to finish himself with his hand. Watching to make sure Guy hadn’t looked up, he sucked his cheeks and quietly spit on Guy’s back. 

Kyle stepped back and wiped the sweat from his face. “Wow,” he said, the smile coming through in his voice, “That was hot.”

Guy was still panting, still leaned over the couch. 

“You alright?”

“Yeah,” Guy groaned, as he stood up. He rubbed hips where they’d been pressed into the couch, “Just a little sore. M’alright.”

Kyle held his hands out with a bright smile on his face, “Wanna go lay down?”

“Nah,” Guy said looking at Kyle’s hands, “I’m gonna go get a shower.”

“Oh,” Kyle watched Guy walk away. “Oh, okay. Are you coming to bed after?”

The bathroom door clicked shut.

Guy turned the water on full blast and sat on the toilet lid. He rested his chin on his folded hands with his elbows on his knees. 

Fuck.

I’m the problem.