#Glass louvre windows

[windowanddoorinstallation]

Quick Guide to Help You Clean Your Louvre Windows

Unique design and functionality… these features have made louvre windows in Sydney a household name. These windows are also known as jalousie windows, and they consist of parallel glass slats that you can tilt to control the amount of air and light entering the room. By keeping them clean, you can make them contribute towards the property's aesthetics and make them more effective. This cleaning involves some common steps, and we have covered the details here.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED?

To clean louvre windows, you will need the following items:

A bucket of warm water

A mild detergent or glass cleaner

A soft-bristled brush

A squeegee

A microfiber cloth or chamois

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO CLEANING LOUVRE WINDOWS

Follow these steps to clean your louvre windows. Homeowners can use the products mentioned above to deliver flawless cleaning of louvre windows in Sydney.

Close the windows completely and lock them before cleaning to stop their movement.

Mix a mild detergent or glass cleaner in a bucket full of warm water

Dip the soft-bristled brush into the water and scrub the slats softly

Experts of louvre windows services recommend cleaning both sides of the slats for effective results.

Dirt and dust accumulated on both sides must be removed using this technique.

Now, you can use a squeegee to remove the soapy water from the louvre windows. Homeowners should start from the top, working their way towards the bottom part.

Wiping the squeegee blade with a cloth after each pass is recommended

Once you have removed the soap, you can dry the louvre windows in Sydney using a soft microfiber cloth.

Wiping the slat in a circular motion is recommended to remove streaks completely.

You can continue cleaning until you have achieved the desired results

Stubborn dirt and stains should be eliminated by scrubbing the service immediately, and spot cleaning should also be provided if recommended

You also asked the windows experts for more tips of cleaning of louvre windows in effective way.

Here are some valuable tips to remember while cleaning louvre windows in Sydney.

While cleaning louvre windows, homeowners should avoid using abrasive cleaners and brushes, as they can scratch the surface and remove the finish.

Try cleaning louvre windows on a cloudy day or during the evening to prevent soapy water from drying too quickly.

If louvre windows are located higher, don't ignore using a staircase or step stool.

If there is uncertainty, you should avail of professional window cleaners to clean your louvre windows at home.

[libraford]

My Facebook is split between outrage that the Olympics opening ceremony would mock The Last Supper and nerds saying 'it's the Feast of Dionysus, you uncultured swine.' And I'm somewhere in the middle thinking about the likelihood that Bellosio referenced DaVinci when he painted Banquet of the Gods, and the possibility that DaVinci was also drawing inspiration from previous works. And yes, The Last Supper is not hanging in the Louvre but Banquet of the Gods is but France is extremely Catholic and home to one of the most recognizable cathedrals, and that it is common for such cathedrals to have depictions of The Last Supper in stained glass windows regardless of where the church is located. And that 'mocking this religious art' doesn't seem quite in the spirit so much as reconteztualizing BOTH reference pieces to keep it them both alive and dear god- do you have any idea how pleased DaVinci would be to know that his piece was used as inspiration for a major drag piece- as someone who was rumored often to pose in drag for his own paintings? And that Bellosio would be so pleased to see his art come alive in this way- loudly, colorful, and public?

Art is not created in a vacuum, but contains multitudes. It is possible to hold two truths, and also many more.

[demigodsanswer]

In Vino Veritas/ Royal AU

Modern royals au

~

Percy tapped his foot nervously as his father stared at him. It was never a great sign when his dad needed to speak with him. Percy was not, by any means, an important part of the Spanish monarchy: fourth son of the king's brother. He was basically a socialite with a funny social media presence, handsome face, and a memorable ocean-themed back tattoo.

His father continued to stare at him, and Percy was sure the strength of his gaze was only making his hangover worse. Annabeth had dared him to steal a bottle of scotch from the event's bar last night, and he'd stolen an even fancier one on principle. When they woke up, too much of it was gone.

"Did you," his father finally said, "have sex with the heir to the Swedish throne last night?"

Percy laughed. "What? No, of course not."

Oh he had, he so had. Scotch or not, he couldn't forget that. His clothes still smelled like her. His dad didn't need to know that though. Whatever someone thought they saw, or whatever hotel room they thought he went into last night, they could just deny. Who gave a shit about the Spanish or Swedish monarchies anyway? Percy was barely even a Spanish citizen. He'd gone to Yale for fucks sake. He had a loft in New York.

"I'll ask again," his dad said, turning his computer around so the screen faced Percy. "Did you have sex with Annabeth Chase, against a window in a Paris hotel room last night?"

The Sun had posted a large, but blurry photo of two people pressed against a window. The blonde woman was looking out, most of her body covered by the man, who's back was against the glass. There was another one, one where the woman's face, and more notably her jewels (literally, not her breasts. Her gown was still on) was visible. The man's shirt was off.

It was the first time Percy regretted his back tattoos. And those were certainly some famous heirloom jewels from Sweden. And that was certainly Annabeth's gorgeous, gorgeous face, blurry as it was.

Percy sunk down in the chair. His phone started to buzz.

Annabeth

"I'll assume that's the princess," his father said. "We'll talk later about how we're going to clean up this mess."

~

They'd seen each other at some fancy event at the Louvre. With her blonde curls pinned in an elaborate up-do, the back of her neck was exposed.

Percy had mostly been raised in New York by his mother. The man he considered basically his older brother, Luke, had taught him a thing or two about the thrills of stealing. Luke was American old money, probably a Kennedy somewhere down the line, and he'd taught him how to oh so carefully --

Percy slipped the clasp on Annabeth's necklace.

"Oh!" She gasped, reaching for her neck, but missing it before it fell. Percy swooped around and caught it before the jewels hit the ground.

"You dropped this," he said. "May I?"

Annabeth didn't look entertained. She was giving him the I'm so scary look. But after four years on rival mock trial teams (Yale won Nationals almost every year, fuck you Harvard), he was used to it.

"May I?" He offered.

"You may not," she said, handing him her Champaign flute, before taking her necklace back and re-clasping it herself.

"Be careful with that, smart ass," he said, "you know what they do to monarchs in France."

She took her glass back, and her face softened. "It's good to see you again, Percy. Are you still in New York?"

"Most of the time," he said. "I see you've been busy entertaining men in Sweden. Looking for a royal husband?"

"Why? Do you want your name added to my list?" She asked, stepping closer to him. "I'm allowed to marry non-Royals now. My dad changed the rules."

"I'm in the line of succession," Percy protested.

"Barely," she pushed back.

"Well, I'm sorry I'm not a cousin or uncle or something," Percy said.

"Inbreeding jokes from someone in the Spanish royal family?" She asked. Percy tried not to let her know he'd been trumped. It was a dumb move. She ran a hand over his jaw. "You do have a strong chin. How much Hapsburg is left in your line?"

"Very funny, Princess," he said. She always blushed when he called her that.

The deserts were wheeled out. "Should I let you eat cake?" She asked.

"After you," he said.

~

The event dragged on, but he and Annabeth only got more bubbly on glass after glass of Champaign. When she dared him to steal the bottle of scotch, she leaned in close, her hand on his thigh under the table, running up until the princess was groping him in public.

"If I do --" he started.

"We'll go back to my room and share it," she said.

"How drunk are you?" He asked. He was decently tipsy himself. He'd probably feel drunker the moment he stood up.

"Sober enough to know I want to do this, drunk enough to act on it," she said.

"Well that's the perfect amount," he said, before standing quickly before she could get him noticeably hard.

Stealing the bottle was easy. Keeping his hands off of her until they were back at her hotel was the real challenge.

And he failed.

Miserably. She rolled up the partition as his hand slid under her dark blue gown for the first, but not last, time that night.

~

"So, what, do we need to get married now or ..." Percy asked.

Annabeth laughed on the other side of the call. "Don't be ridiculous. This is barely a sex scandal."

"Really? Because my dad seems to think the Swedes are about to invade Spain for what I did."

"What we did," she corrected. "I called because my team is going to run a press release, mostly about the gross invasion of privacy that this was," Percy was glad he decided to have her keep the dress on for their first round. It kept the world from seeing her totally naked. "But then they are going to confirm that we were friends in college."

"No, we were rivals, and I will never forgive you for getting the number one attorney award at ORCS. It should have been me, and you know it."

"You shouldn't have let your witness do a Swedish accent if they couldn't speak Swedish," she shot back. "But, does your team want to sign off on it?" She asked, getting back on track.

"Send it over," Percy said. "I'm sure it's fine, but I have a feeling no one here is going to trust my judgement in the near future."

"Sorry," she said.

"Don't be," Percy insisted. "Are you still in Paris?" He asked.

"Yes. They haven't cut my head off yet," Annabeth said.

"And thank god, because your head is incredible," he teased. She scoffed on the other line. "Since we are such good friends from college," he started, "would you want to get dinner tonight?"

"Is this a PR stunt?" She asked.

"This is a take-Annabeth-out stunt," Percy said. "It's earnest. It has nothing to do with paparazzi."

"I don't know. The paparazzi are there no matter what, and bad things happen to blonde princesses and their lovers in Paris," Annabeth said.

"Well then, why don't you just come here, and I'll cook for you," he suggested. "There's better security anyway."

There was a long pause before: "Okay, send me the details."

[onegayastronaut]

Under the Parisian Sky (Evelyn O'Connell x R)

Words: 1661

The library was quiet that afternoon, sunlight filtering through the large, stained-glass windows and casting colorful patterns onto the polished wooden floors. You had come to Cairo in search of inspiration for your book, and the library seemed like the perfect place to start. Little did you know, fate had more in store for you than just dusty tomes and forgotten lore.

You were perched at a table near the back, surrounded by a small fortress of books on ancient Egypt, trying to make sense of the scribbled hieroglyphs on the page in front of you. That was when you first saw her. Evelyn entered the room with an air of determined curiosity. Her dark hair was slightly out of place, a telltale sign of someone too engrossed in their pursuits to worry about appearances, and her eyes sparkled with intelligence and passion.

You had always been a little shy around strangers, but something about her made you bold. Maybe it was her evident love for history, or perhaps it was the kindness that seemed to radiate from her every movement. Whatever it was, you found yourself speaking before you had time to think it through.

“Excuse me,” you said, voice hesitant but earnest, “I couldn’t help but notice… you seem to know your way around these texts. Would you mind lending me a hand?”

She paused, her expression one of polite surprise before it melted into a warm smile. “Of course! I’m Evelyn. And you are?”

You introduced yourself, and the two of you quickly fell into an animated discussion about Egyptian mythology, archaeology, and literature. Evelyn’s enthusiasm was contagious, and you found yourself sharing thoughts and theories with a fervor you hadn’t felt in ages. By the end of the day, you had not only deciphered the hieroglyphs you were struggling with but also made a friend.

The weeks following your first meeting passed in a whirlwind. Evelyn introduced you to her brother, Jonathan, and even to Rick O’Connell, who had a roguish charm that was impossible to ignore. Together, you all faced dangers you never could have imagined—ancient curses, mummies, and near-death experiences. But through it all, Evelyn remained a constant, her courage and intellect inspiring you to be braver than you ever thought possible.

After the dust settled and the treasures were returned to their rightful place, you and Evelyn kept in touch. She wrote you letters detailing her adventures and her dreams of visiting new places, and you replied with stories of your quiet but fulfilling life as a writer. It was in one of these letters that she invited you to meet her in Paris.

A month after the events in Hamunaptra, you found yourself standing on the Pont des Arts, the Seine River flowing lazily beneath you. The city buzzed with life, its streets alive with music, chatter, and the scent of freshly baked bread. You held Evelyn’s latest letter in your hand, her neat handwriting guiding you to this exact spot.

“There you are!”

You turned to see her hurrying toward you, her face lighting up as she saw you. She was dressed in a dark blue coat, her hair pinned back but with a few rebellious curls framing her face. She looked radiant, and your heart skipped a beat.

“Evelyn,” you greeted, a smile spreading across your face. “It’s so good to see you.”

“And you!” she replied, pulling you into a warm hug. “I was beginning to worry you wouldn’t find the bridge. Paris can be a bit of a maze.”

You laughed. “Well, I may have gotten lost once or twice, but it was worth it. This place is beautiful.”

“Isn’t it?” she said, stepping back to take in the view. “Rick and Jonathan decided to explore the more ‘exciting’ parts of the city, so I thought I’d take the opportunity to show you my favorite spots.”

The two of you spent the day wandering through Paris. Evelyn’s knowledge of history extended beyond Egypt, and she regaled you with stories about the city’s landmarks. You visited the Louvre, where she practically dragged you to the ancient Egyptian wing, her excitement palpable as she pointed out artifacts you had only ever read about. You walked through the gardens of the Tuileries, stopped at a small café for tea and pastries, and ended up at Montmartre just as the sun began to set.

Sitting on the steps of the Sacré-Cœur, you watched as the city below was bathed in golden light. Evelyn sat close beside you, her shoulder brushing against yours. For a moment, neither of you spoke, the beauty of the moment stealing your words.

Finally, Evelyn broke the silence. “Thank you for coming. I know it was a long journey, but… it means a lot to me.”

You turned to look at her, your heart swelling at the vulnerability in her voice. “Of course, Evelyn. I’d travel twice as far to see you.”

She smiled, her cheeks flushing slightly. “You’re far too kind.”

“I’m just being honest,” you replied softly.

For a moment, the world seemed to stand still. Evelyn’s gaze met yours, and there was something unspoken in her eyes, something that made your pulse quicken. Before you could second-guess yourself, you reached out to take her hand in yours.

“Evelyn,” you began, your voice barely above a whisper, “I…”

She squeezed your hand gently, her smile growing. “I know,” she said, her voice warm and reassuring. “I feel it too.”

Relief and joy flooded through you, and you couldn’t help but laugh softly. “I’ve been wanting to tell you for weeks. I just didn’t know how.”

“Well, you’ve done it beautifully,” she said, her tone light but her eyes shining with sincerity.

The two of you stayed there long after the sun had set, the lights of Paris twinkling below like a sea of stars. You talked about everything and nothing, your hands entwined as if they had always belonged together. In that moment, the world seemed to shrink to just the two of you, and you knew you had found something truly special.

Evelyn leaned her head against your shoulder, her voice soft as she murmured, “This feels right, doesn’t it?”

You smiled, pressing a kiss to her hair. “It does. More than anything.”

The next morning, you and Evelyn met early at a small bakery near her hotel. The air was crisp and cool, the streets of Paris just beginning to wake. Over steaming cups of coffee and freshly baked croissants, the two of you planned the day ahead. Evelyn’s enthusiasm for exploring was as infectious as ever, and you found yourself swept up in her excitement.

“We simply must visit the Shakespeare and Company bookshop,” she declared, her eyes lighting up. “It’s a haven for writers and dreamers. You’ll love it.”

The bookshop was a cozy labyrinth of shelves, every inch crammed with books of every genre imaginable. Evelyn moved through the space with the reverence of someone entering a sacred temple, her fingers trailing lightly over the spines of the books. You watched her with a fond smile, feeling your heart swell with affection.

“I could spend hours here,” she said softly, turning to you with a look of pure contentment. “It’s like stepping into another world.”

“It suits you,” you replied. “You have the soul of an adventurer, always seeking new worlds to discover.”

She laughed, a blush coloring her cheeks. “You give me far too much credit. I’m just a woman who loves books and history.”

“And mummies,” you added with a teasing grin.

“Oh, don’t remind me,” she said, rolling her eyes playfully. “I’d much rather keep my adventures confined to the pages of a book from now on.”

The day continued with more exploration. You visited the Musée d’Orsay, strolled along the Champs-Élysées, and even took a leisurely boat ride along the Seine. With each passing moment, you felt your connection to Evelyn deepen. Her laughter was like music, her intellect sharp and engaging, and her kindness unwavering. She made you feel seen and valued in a way you hadn’t experienced in years.

As evening fell, Evelyn surprised you with tickets to a small theater performance. The play was a romantic comedy, full of witty dialogue and heartfelt moments. Sitting beside her in the dimly lit theater, you couldn’t help but steal glances at her. She was radiant, her eyes sparkling with delight as she laughed at the actors’ antics.

After the performance, the two of you walked along the Seine, the city glowing under the light of the moon and the streetlamps. Evelyn’s hand found yours again, and you held on tightly, savoring the warmth and comfort of her touch.

“This has been the most wonderful day,” she said, her voice soft and sincere. “Thank you for sharing it with me.”

“The pleasure is all mine,” you replied, stopping to face her. “Evelyn, I… I don’t think I’ve ever felt this way before. About anyone.”

She looked up at you, her expression tender. “Neither have I. You’ve brought so much light into my life. More than I ever thought possible.”

Without thinking, you leaned in, your lips meeting hers in a kiss that felt like the culmination of every unspoken word, every shared glance, every moment of connection. The world around you seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of you in that perfect, timeless moment.

When you finally pulled back, Evelyn’s cheeks were flushed, her eyes shining with happiness. “That was…”

“Perfect,” you finished for her, your voice barely above a whisper.

She nodded, a soft laugh escaping her lips. “Yes. Perfect.” The two of you continued your walk, hand in hand, your hearts full of love and hope for the future. In the city of lights and love, you had found something truly extraordinary—a bond that would only grow stronger with time. Together, you knew you could face anything the world had to offer.

[hometoursandotherstuff]

Now, this is magnificent. It’s a chateau built in 1996 in Oak Brook, Illinois. Trinity Lakes Chateau has 5bd. 5.5+ba. and is for sale for $2.29M.

Trinity Chateau looks a lot older than it actually is, and is very skillfully built. Look at this magnificent entrance hall. The cement moldings and niches are so skillfully sculpted and the marble floor and curved ceiling are spectacular.

Off the main hall thru double doors is a music room. 

Gracefully swirling staircases to the upper and lower floors. 

The sitting area is stunning. A curved wall of windows is lined with Greek columns and the soaring floor to ceiling fireplace is impressive.

Behind the sitting area is a very sophisticated home office.

The TV room has a more modern look with the mezzanine above, but look at the regal fireplace.

The dining room features a curved ceiling and doors to the patio flanked by large Greek pillars.

The everyday dining area is several steps down from the kitchen. 

The large kitchen features high-end cabinetry, a rustic ceiling, a fabulous niche around the cooktop, plus a fireplace. 

Look at this- a sliding mirror opens to reveal the hidden home theater.

This is the first home theater I’ve seen that has balcony seating.

View of the main floor from the stairs and mezzanine.

The main bd. has a sitting area, fireplace, pitched ceiling with skylights and doors to a terrace.

The large en-suite features a glass shower and a sunken tub.

Off the bath is a walk-in closet/dressing room.

One of the spacious secondary bedrooms with access to the outdoors.

State of the art sauna.

The rooftop deck looks like the Louvre in Paris, with its pyramid.

Behind the home is a pond and you can see the large terraces, all on .52 acres.

https://www.priceypads.com/2-29m-trinity-lakes-chateau-for-sale-in-oak-brook-illinois/

[jupiter-dragonsong]

If you were given five million dollars to open and run a museum, what kind of museum would you create, what sort of things would be in it, and why?

Okay. Wow. What a question. I love love love museums, I have been to many museums in many places and always wish I could stay longer. One of my greatest dreams is to be locked in the Louvre and/or Victoria and Albert and/or the London Natural History Museum and/or the National Museum in Edinburgh overnight. Science museums, art museums, all varieties of museum! I love them!!

That being said, I think it would be fun to run a children’s museum. But one adults can enjoy as well, because some of us have not lost our sense of childlike wonder. Here are some ideas:

-Cave Maze. You crawl along in total darkness until you reach a cavern full of glowing crystals. Or a passage with stalactites and glow worms (fiber optic) and dense moss. And finally a room full of cave paintings, with a “fire” in the center to cast shadow puppets and (faux) furs to sit on. Perfect for telling stories.

-SPACE AREA. Fiber-optic star ceiling is a must. All the space and physics goodies. Prism glasses with a spectrometer, gravity well thing, a little Hab where you can look out the windows onto different planets. Heck, let’s have a speculative astrobiology exhibit. Why not?

-On an unrelated note, one of my favorite field trips when I was younger was to the “space center.” It was an elementary school with four whole classrooms built to look and feel like sci-fi spaceships. Everyone was assigned a role on the ship and we carried out a mission together (they had actors in another room who would talk to you over the comms system.) anyway that was one of the cooler things I’ve ever done.

-Ancient Crafts area. Throw pottery, spin wool, weave, make stone tools, turn gourds and seeds and strings into simple instruments. Everyone gets to leave with an object they made!

-My local children’s museum has a really cool Trading Post, where you can trade in shells or minerals or postcards (used to be feathers too, but alas! No more) for points to get something else. So probably one of those too.

-Scale model of whatever city this is in. INCREDIBLY detailed scale model. Little pigeons in the trees, items in the shop windows, moving train if there is a train. The model of the museum has another scale model of the town inside it.

-Some sort of “Leave your Mark” room, an ever-changing art exhibit. Maybe a Lite-Brite room? That could be fun…

-Hall of Languages. No idea what that might entail but it should exist.

-Gift Shop full of objects. The most important part of any museum experience.

If I have more ideas I will share them! Thank you for the ask, this was glorious!

[pickalilywrites]

Saw the fanart of Levi as the torch runner for the Paris Olympics, makes me think that Levi really could do the entire running stunt all over the city.

That would make a great fic au. The AOT characters are Olympians and Levi, being a former 25 timed gold medalist has retired, but is asked to be the special guest torch runner and light the flame to start the games.

passing the torch

snk ensemble. olympics au. 2994 words.

The athletes wait in anticipation as the passing of the torch is displayed on the stadium’s screen. It begins on the top of the Basilica of Sacré Coeur de Montmartre, a beautiful structure constructed in the late 19th century that looks more akin to a castle than a church with its tall towers and stained glass windows. Standing beside one of the grandiose towers is a hooded figure with a mask on. In the mysterious figure’s hand is the Olympic torch blazing brightly. The camera orbits around the figure before switching to match the figure’s gaze: a view of the magnificent city of Paris. The view shifts from the bustling cobblestone streets, the river Seine, the Eiffel tower, the Louvre, and other famous Parisian monuments. The camera moves slowly to give the audience a clear view of all Paris has to offer before it returns once more the hooded figure who slowly reaches up to remove his mask and reveal his face. When his face is uncovered, the stadium filled with athletes erupts in cheers. 

“Tonight is the opening ceremony of the Olympics. As the athletes wait to be introduced, we are given an apt beginning to the ceremony with someone who many consider the face of the Olympics and one of the greatest of athletes of all time: 25-time Olympic gold medalist in men's artistic gymnastics Levi Ackerman,” announces Ilse Langer, a sports announcer once again returning to cover the Olympics. A few returning athletes and many first-time Olympians chatter excitedly when they recognize her voice. The sports announcer is a favorite due to her incredible ability to break down all the technical aspects of different Olympic events clearly and concisely. “He’s returning now for his fifth Olympics, but this time as the torch bearer and not as a competing athlete. While his absence in the men's artistic gymnastics event will be sorely missed, his appearance at the opening ceremony is undoubtedly a welcome sight to his peers and newcomers as well as folks at home watching who have followed his elite career for decades.”  

 The camera stills on the gymnast for a moment and then the gymnast turns suddenly and begins to run across the top of the cathedral. He nears the edge of the building but rather than stop, he jumps and then miraculously lands on nearby structure. He dashes and leaps from building to building, giving the camera a chance to capture all the beautiful French architecture as he traverses the city. When Levi approaches the river Seine, there is a zipline waiting for him. Without hesitating, he flies across the river, zipping through the air on the line. 

“Oh my god, I can’t believe he’s ziplining through Paris as if parkouring wasn’t enough,” Eren says admirably. He’s on the men's swim team representing Paradis, but he holds the utmost respect for the gymnast despite them being in completely different disciplines. “Isn’t that hard on his knees? I can’t believe he came back to do this. Shouldn’t his knees be, like, super fucked up from gymnastics and everything? He’s incredible.”  

Pieck, an equestrian athlete, side-eyes the swimmer. A smile plastered on her face, she says warningly, “Please watch your language, Eren. Some athletes here are still quite young and impressionable and might pick up your bad habits. Just the other day I overheard Gabi telling Falco she was going to ‘raw-dog’ the shooting event. When I asked her where she learned that term, she told me you said it meant to go into something without any preparation.”  

Eren’s face flushes. “Well, that is how people use it,” he mumbles. 

“That’s true. It’s kind of interesting how language evolves and takes different meanings as it’s passed around,” Armin begins eagerly, but he shrinks when Pieck directs her gaze towards him. The athlete, Eren’s teammate on the swim team, coughs. “Of course, it’s still true we should be careful how we speak among the younger athletes.”  

Pieck nods, the vaguely threatening smile still on her face. “I’m glad you agree with me. I’d hate to put the entire men's swim team on my watchlist.”  

However, Gabi and the other young athletes are too enraptured by Levi Ackerman leaping and dashing across rooftops and famous Parisian monuments to pay any attention to what Eren and Pieck are discussing. Despite being in completely different disciplines, the youngest athletes have found a kinship with each other and have stuck to each other during their Olympic journey so far. It’s their first time at the Olympic games and they’re absolutely starstruck by all the other top athletes around them, especially the one on the stadium’s screen.  

“I can’t believe he’s here! I thought he retired after the last Olympics. I can’t believe we’re at the same Olympics as Levi Ackerman,” Gabi gushes. Her brown eyes are glued to the screen, unable to look away at the gymnast performing some of his signature flips and twists as he jumps from building to building. 

Udo, a table tennis player and one of Gabi’s companions, nods in agreement. His eyes are similarly fixed on the screen. The spectacles sitting on the bridge of his nose make his eyes look even wider as he watches Levi with a gaze filled with awe. “I cried for an entire week after I heard he was retiring.”  

Both Falco and Zofia, two more young athletes that Gabi and Udo had befriended on the trip to Paris, nod in agreement. 

Petra, a rhythmic gymnast, has her arms wrapped gently around Falco. It’s her third Olympics, making her a veteran athlete that many look up to. Her charming and warm personality makes it easy for people to approach her and so this young batch of new Olympians naturally found themselves in her care. Now, she smiles down at them and asks, “Would you like to meet him sometime? I could probably arrange something once your events are over. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind meeting you all or at least having a videocall.”  

“Really? You can do that?” Falco asks, turning to look at the rhythmic gymnast.  

“Absolutely,” Petra says cheerfully.  

“Wow! You guys must be close,” Udo says with a tinge of jealousy.  

“Well, it’s something like that,” Petra laughs as the teenagers practically vibrate with excitement.  

Eren frowns as he overhears the conversation. He’s been a long-time admirer of Levi and had even bumped into the gymnast in the last Olympic games, but he had struggled to strike up a conversation with him.  

“I exchanged numbers with Levi at the last games, but he never texted me back,” Eren sighs. “I wonder what his relationship with Petra is that she can ask him for favors like that so easily.”  

Armin and Mikasa exchange looks with Mikasa rolling her eyes.  

“God, you’re dense,” Mikasa says with a shake of her head and Armin laughs beside her. Like Armin and Eren, Mikasa is also a swimmer. This is her third time at the Olympics, and she’s well on track to becoming one of the most decorated swimmers of all time if her times at the Olympic Trials are any indication.  

“What? What did I say?” Eren asks. He looks at Mikasa and Armin, but neither of his friends offer him an explanation. He huffs and begins to complain about them leaving him in the dark, but someone throws their arms around Eren and Mikasa without warning and Eren yelps in surprise. 

“Ah, did I scare you?” Hanji grins. The sports climber gives Eren a cheeky wink as they pull Eren and Mikasa closer for a hug. “I’m surprised to see you all here. Don’t the swimmers usually sit out of the opening ceremony because your event is the next day?”  

Armin gives Hanji a shrug and a little laugh. “Mikasa also said we should take a day to rest, but Eren really wanted to go to the opening ceremony. I guess it’s a good thing we did or else we would have missed Levi’s appearance.”  

Eren waves off Hanji’s concerns. “Hey, we’re young still and we rested really well on the flight here. Anyway, there are other athletes that are attending the ceremony even though they have an event tomorrow. Look at Eld and Gunther!”  

At the mention of their names, both gymnasts look in Eren’s direction and give the swimmer a wave.  

“Hey, Eren! Looks like you decided to go to the ceremony too! Sure as hell beats resting and missing out on all this,” Eld says, gesturing at the big screen where Levi is sneaking around the Palace of Versailles.  

Both Eld and Gunther had previously participated in Olympic games and had the honor of being on the same men’s gymnastics team as Levi. The experience was something they treasured even more than the team gold they had won at the last game.  

“It feels a little strange being here,” Gunther chuckles. “Levi had always sat out, so we never went until now. It’ll probably be our last time here, so we wanted to experience it at least once.”  

“Well, you should have stayed in your hotel room and rested instead!” a voice says suddenly and both Gunther and Eld jump back in surprise as Auruo, a trampoline athlete, appears between them. He has a stern expression on his face as he glares at Eld and then Gunther. “If neither of you medal, you’re going to burn Levi’s legacy to the ground and everything he’s achieved will be for nothing! Of course, I’ll do well because I always do, but you two should really take care of yourselves.”  

Auruo lets out an unholy shriek when he feels a sharp sting at his side. He’s sniffling even once it stops, the memory of the sudden pinch at his side still lingering. He looks sorely at Petra who smiles as if she hasn’t done anything wrong. 

“Levi’s legacy is Levi’s. Eld and Gunther could never touch it even if they wanted to, but they have their own legacies to write. Stop stressing them out and just let them do their best like they always do,” Petra tells Auruo. She pokes him in the side where she had pinched him earlier and he lets out another startled yell. “Worry about your own legacy. I’ll definitely tell Levi as soon as possible if you don’t medal.”  

“That won’t happen because I’ll definitely medal,” Auruo growls, rubbing at his side as he glares at the rhythmic gymnast. 

“Glad to hear it,” Petra says cheerfully. 

Pieck looks around and observes the other athletes representing Paradis. Some have sat out to prepare for their events taking place tomorrow, but there are some faces she doesn’t expect to see.  

“I thought you wouldn’t care to attend the opening ceremony, Annie,” Pieck says. The equestrian rider smiles as she loops her arm through Annie who tries to close the gap between her arm and her side far too late. Pieck rests her head on Annie’s shoulder.  

“It’s not like I wanted to go. Reiner just wouldn’t stop bothering me about it, so I decided to come to shut him up,” Annie huffs. She’s a fencer whose event doesn’t take place until a few days into the Olympic games, but Annie has never cared about fanfare and overblown celebrations. The only thing she hated more than crowded ceremonies was Reiner’s nagging. She glares at the direction of the cyclist who’s busy enjoying himself and chatting beside his colleagues. “I wanted to stay in my hotel room and sleep.”  

“Poor you. Should I get someone to carry you? Maybe the wrestling brothers?” Pieck teases, referring to Porco and Marcel Galliard. She glances at someone hovering shyly behind them. With a sly smile, Pieck suggests, “Bertholdt could probably carry you. I’m sure you could nap on his back during the opening ceremony and he wouldn’t mind at all.”  

“H-huh?” Bertholdt stammers, his face flushing at the thought of being in such close proximity to Annie who remains oblivious about his feelings towards her. “I don’t know-”  

“Stop talking nonsense,” Annie tells Pieck. She looks at Bertholdt warningly. “Don’t you dare pick me up.”  

“O-okay,” Bertholdt says, looking down at his feet so that he doesn’t have to make eye contact with Annie.  

A hush comes over the stadium as they watch Levi make the final stretch of his journey. He’s approaching the Olympic stadium now and all the athletes wait with bated breath for his figure to appear. Their eyes are fixed on the entrance of the stadium and when Levi’s silhouette finally emerges, the entire stadium erupts in explosive cheers. The cheering doesn’t cease until Levi finally hands the torch off to a French athlete who takes it graciously before running to finally light the Olympic cauldron with the flame. Even though the games have officially begun with the lighting of the flame, all eyes are still fixed on the gymnast who jogs to the join his old colleagues.  

“Levi! I didn’t think you’d be the type to do those types of stunts for the opening ceremony,” Erwin chuckles as he welcomes his old friend.  

Beside him, Erwin’s beach volleyball partner Mike nods. There’s an amused grin on his face. “Did they pay you a lot for it? I can’t imagine any amount of money that would have you do that.”  

“My agent said I would only have to do a reveal of my face at the end and they’d get a stunt person for most of it. Then the stunt person mysteriously disappeared,” Levi grumbles. “I should fire my agent for not reading the contract properly.”  

“Well, I thought it was amazing. Very entertaining,” Zeke says with a grin.  

Levi looks at Zeke and then at Erwin and Mike with an expression of incredulity and betrayal. “Zeke? You’re talking to Zeke?”  

“Oh, come on. We’re all friends. After all, everyone is here to represent Paradis,” Zeke says. The captain and pitcher of Paradis’ baseball team throws an arm around Levi’s shoulders.  

Levi shoots Erwin a gaze filled with a million daggers.  

Gabi and her friends have only grown more excited now that Levi has joined the rest of them. Udo looks as if he might faint just being in the gymnast’s presence. 

Sasha prods Gabi in the back. “If you want to say hi, just wave at him.”  

Gabi looks back at Sasha. “Can I do that? I can just wave at him? What if he ignores me? What if he thinks I'm an annoying brat?”  

“He’s actually a lot softer than he looks,” Sasha laughs. The archer gently prods Gabi again, an encouraging smile on her face. “Go on. If you miss your chance now, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life.”  

“Alright,” Gabi says. She takes a deep breath and looks determinedly in Levi’s direction. She waits until his gaze meets hers. She immediately wants to look down, intimidated at the thought of being acknowledged by such a skilled athlete, but she steels herself and brings her hand up in a wave. She doesn’t expect Levi to wave back, but he does and her face breaks into a smile. 

“Oh my god, he waved at you!” Udo marvels.  

“Me too, me too!” Zofia says. The little archer waves enthusiastically at Levi and the rest of her friends follow suit, nearly hitting other nearby athletes in the face in their excitement.  

“I can die happy now,” Udo says. He brings his hand to his chest, his whole being filled with contentment after the brief moment he shared with his favorite athlete.  

“At least wait until you play your table tennis match to die,” Sasha jokes. “We need you!” 

Beside her, Connie yawns. The Olympic skateboarder is usually someone who enjoys extravagant ceremonies such as this one, but recently he’s been enraptured by something else. He looks over a Jean, his lower lip in a pout, and asks, “When can we go back to the Olympic Village? If I knew the ceremony would take this long I would have stuffed some of those chocolate muffins into my jacket.”  

“You need to stop eating all of those,” Jean says with a roll of his eyes. “One of the chefs is getting annoyed at having to bake so many at once.” 

“If Nicolo is so bothered, then he should stop being so good at baking!” Connie grins. 

Petra and the other gymnasts have managed to give Levi an escape from Zeke by wrestling him away so they could chat with him. The gymnasts crowd around their retired colleague. Their smiles are so wide that it’s a wonder that their faces haven’t cracked in half.  

“I thought you were retired, Levi. What are you doing back here?” Eld asks, nudging Levi in the side. 

“Did you miss us? Could you not bear the idea of us participating in an Olympics without you?” Petra teases.  

“Don’t be stupid. They just asked me for a favor and I decided it was easy cash,” Levi replies.  

“Still, you’re here with the rest of the participating athletes,” Gunther points out.  

“To make sure you guys don’t mess up probably,” Auruo sniffs.  

“To pass the torch,” Levi clarifies, and his friends ooh.  

“How kind of you. I’m always telling people you’re much kinder than you let on,” Petra teases. ���Are you nervous that we’ll come home with fewer gold medals now that you’re not here to help us?”  

Paradis is a small country and the number of athletes the island has sent to participate in the Olympics can’t compare to larger countries, but the athletes Paradis does have are a strong-willed, passionate, and talented bunch. Over the years, the performance of Paradis athletes has only improved. Even this time, the Paradis athletes have gazes filled with an undeniable flame that is reminiscent of the fire reflected in Levi’s eyes the first time he had participated in the games. 

“No, not at all,” Levi replies, and he absolutely means it.  

[kimsohn]

things/aesthetic you associate with your moots!

TYSM ANON I WAS WAITING FOR THIS ONE!!! also i definitely did not include all of my mutuals bc i ran out of brainpower so lmk if u want a part two :3

bar @sohnric — the color pink, eric sohn, movie theaters, summer getaways, the warmth of a campfire, making out in the club, sharing a cigarette, lollipops, crying over our secret santa fics, getting drunk (sorry..), macbook hearts, taking notes, the summer before college

fawn @juyeonszn — keyboard smashing, dogs, waking up to coffee in the morning, lee juyeon, satosugu, being sapphic, kissing on new year's eve, beast boy, nintendo dsi pictures, throwing sunwoo under the bus, driving around and blasting music, late nights and early mornings, resentment by pnd

ally @winterchimez — pinterest, 'this reminded me of you', lee sangyeon, rat in the trap, kidult, getting married, domesticity, writers block but also writing too much 😭, motorcycle sunwoo, tbosas, giggling, eating good food together, travelling around the world, being caring

moni @zzoguri — jacob's ifly cover, kim sunwoo, ferns, scrapbooking, this fic (it's deleted i'm so sorry), aeao, valorant 😂🫵, pink ribbons, travel stamps on passports, museums, friends to lovers, 'are we Brothers?', soybean paste soup, glasses, the book of us : the demon album

sana @heemingyu — playful arguing, the color blue, playing hide and seek, instigating, screeching, choi chanhee, jumping up and down, changmin reaction pictures, eating pani puri, the car scene, 'who asked', coworkers to enemies to lovers, what jhumka?

matty @stealanity — jellyfish, train rides, the calmness of a soft breeze, dog-eared pages of a book, staring out the window, this fic, eating at a fancy restaurant, late night walks, the louvre, minnie, the night sky, petnames, back hugs, in bloom, dark blue

[high-ass-zombie-angel-statue]

Nothin' ever (ever) happens in this town

Feelin' low down (down), not a lot to do around here

I thought that I would go right out of my mind

Until a friend told me the news

He said, "Hey, you know that vacant lot

Right beside the gas station? Well, somebody bought it

And on that spot they're gonna build a shop

Where we can go buy bolts and screws"

Since then I've been walking on air (air)

I can barely brush my teeth or comb my hair

'Cause I'm so excited and I really don't care

I've been waiting since last June

For this day to finally arrive

I'm so happy (happy) now just to be alive

'Cause any minute now I'm gonna be inside

Well, I hope they open soon

I can't wait, (no I) I can't wait (oh when)

When are they gonna open up that door?

I'm goin' (yes I'm) goin', I'm a-goin' to the

Goin' to the (hard) ware I'm goin', really goin' to the

Goin' (hard) I'm goin' to the (hard) oh yes, I'm goin' to the

Hardware store

In my sleeping bag I camped out overnight

Right in front of the store, then as soon as it was light out

I pressed my nose right up against the glass

You know, I had to be first in line

Gonna get me a flashlight and a broom

Want a pair of pliers for every single room of my house

See those hacksaws? Very, very soon

One of them will be all mine

Guys with nametags walking down the aisles

Rows of garden hoses that go on for miles and miles

Brand new socket wrenches in a plethora of styles

All arranged alphabetically

And they're doing a promotional stunt

There's a great big purple sign out front

That says every 27th customer

Will get a ball peen hammer free

I can't wait, (no I) I can't wait (oh when)

When are they gonna open up that door?

I'm goin' (yes I'm) goin', I'm a-goin' to the

Goin' to the (hard) ware I'm goin', really goin' to the

Goin' (hard) I'm goin' to the (hard) oh yes, I'm goin' to the

Hardware store

I'm goin' (yes I'm) goin', I'm a-goin' to the

Goin' to the (hard) ware I'm goin', really goin' to the

Goin' (hard) I'm goin' to the (hard) oh yes, I'm goin' to the

Hardware store

They've got allen wrenches, gerbil feeders, toilet seats, electric heaters

Trash compactors, juice extractor, shower rods and water meters

Walkie-talkies, copper wires safety goggles, radial tires

BB pellets, rubber mallets, fans and dehumidifiers

Picture hangers, paper cutters, waffle irons, window shutters

Paint removers, window louvres, masking tape and plastic gutters

Kitchen faucets, folding tables, weather stripping, jumper cables

Hooks and tackle, grout and spackle, power foggers, spoons and ladles

Pesticides for fumigation, high-performance lubrication

Metal roofing, water proofing, multi-purpose insulation

Air compressors, brass connectors, wrecking chisels, smoke detectors

Tire guages, hamster cages, thermostats and bug deflectors

Trailer hitch demagnetizers, automatic circumcisers

Tennis rackets, angle brackets, Duracells and Energizers

Soffit panels, circuit brakers, vacuum cleaners, coffee makers

Calculators, generators, matching salt and pepper shakers

I can't wait, (no I) I can't wait (oh when)

When are they gonna open the door?

I'm goin' (yes I'm) goin', I'm a-goin' to the

Goin' to the (hard) ware I'm goin', really goin' to the

Goin' (hard) I'm goin' to the (hard) oh yes, I'm goin' to the

Hardware store

I'm goin' (yes I'm) goin', I'm a-goin' to the

Goin' to the (hard) ware I'm goin', really goin' to the

Goin' (hard) I'm goin' to the (hard) oh yes, I'm goin' to the

Hardware store

I'm goin' (yes I'm) goin', I'm a-goin' to the

Goin' to the (hard) ware I'm goin', really goin' to the

Goin' (hard) I'm goin' to the (hard) oh yes, I'm goin' to the

Hardware store

Thank you that was the ENTIRETY of weird Al’s hardware store

me omw to the hardware store

[milfweirdal]

(sawing noises) (drill noises) (hammering noises) (wrenching noises) (funky ascending then descending guitar riff) Nothing ever (ever) happens in this town, feeling low down (down) not a lot to do around here, I thought that I would go right out of my mind until a friend told me THE NEWS. He said "(hey!) You know that vacant lot? Right beside the gas station? Well, somebody bought it and on the spot they're gonna build a shop where we can go buy bolts, AND SCREWS." Since then I've been walking on air (air), I can barely brush my teeth or comb my hair 'cause I'm so excited and I really don't care, I've been waiting since LAST JUNE for this day to finally arrive, I'm so happy (happy) now just to be alive 'cause any minute now I'm gonna be inside, well, I hope they oPEN SOON. I can't wait, no, I can't wait (oh when) When are they gonna open up that door? I'm goin' (yes I'm goin) I'mma goin' to the (hard) We're really goin' to the (really gonna) (hard) (going to the) goin' to the goin' to the, (hard) oh yes (hard) I'm goin' (TO) to the HARDWARE STOOOORE! (sawing noises) (drill noises) (hammering noises) (wrenching noises) (funky ascending guitar riff) (frenetic lead guitar) In my sleeping bag I camped out overnight right in front of the store, then as soon as it was light out I pressed my nose right up against the glass - you know I had to be first IN LINE. Gonna get me a flashlight and a broom, want a pair of pliers for every single room of my house, see those hacksaws? Very, very soon, one of them will be ALL MINE. Guys with nametags walking down the aisles, rows of garden hoses that go on for miles and miles, brand new socket wrenches in a plethora of styles, all arranged alphaBETICALLY. And they're doing a promotional stunt, there's a great big purple sign out front that says every 27th customer will get a ball peen HAMMER FREE! I can't wait, no, I can't wait (oh when) When are they gonna open up that door? I'm goin' (yes I'm goin) I'mma goin' to the (hard) We're really goin' to the (really gonna) (hard) (going to the) goin' to the goin' to the, (hard) oh yes (hard) I'm goin' (HARD) to the HARDWARE STOOOORE! I'm goin' (yes I'm goin) I'mma goin' to the (hard) We're really goin' to the (really gonna) (hard) (going to the) goin' to the goin' to the, (hard) oh yes (hard) I'm goin' (HARD) to the HARDWARE STOOOORE! (short instrumental interlude) (passionate sigh) would you look at all that stuff...? They've got allen wrenches gerbil feeders toilet seats electric heaters trash compactors juice extractor shower rods and water meters walkie-talkies copper wires safety goggles radial tires BB pellets rubber mallets fans and dehumidifiers picture hangers paper cutters waffle irons window shutters paint removers window louvres masking tape and plastic gutters kitchen faucets folding tables weather stripping jumper cables hooks and tackle grout and spackle power foggers spoons and ladles pesticides for fumigation high-performance lubrication metal roofing water proofing multi-purpose insulation air compressors brass connectors wrecking chisels smoke detectors tire gauges hamster cages thermostats and bug deflectors trailer hitch demagnetizers automatic circumcisers tennis rackets angle brackets Duracells and Energizers soffit panels circuit brakers vacuum cleaners coffee makers calculators generators matching salt and pepper shakers. I can't wait, no, I can't wait (oh when) When are they gonna open up that door? (really gonna) (hard) (going to the) goin' to the goin' to the, (hard) oh yes (hard) I'm goin' (HARD) to the HARDWARE STOOOORE! I'm goin' (yes I'm goin) I'mma goin' to the (hard) We're really goin' to the (really gonna) (hard) (going to the) goin' to the goin' to the, (hard) oh yes (hard) I'm goin' (HARD) to the HARDWARE STOOOORE! (angelic chorus) (really gonna) (hard) (going to the) goin' to the goin' to the, (hard) oh yes (hard) I'm goin' (HARD) to the HAAAAARDWARE STOOOOOOOORE (sawing noises) (drill noises) (hammering noises) (wrenching noises) (funky ascending guitar riff) (even more frenetic lead guitar)

[windowanddoorinstallation]

Why Window Suppliers Recommend Aluminium Windows over PVC and Timber?

Efforts must be made regularly to stay cool in the harsh Australian summer season. In these efforts, louvre windows in Sydney can play a significant role. They are the most preferred installation in warmer climates, and they contribute to keeping interiors cooler than usual. Your choice of windows will be a major factor in determining your property's overall comfort and appearance. Let us quickly go through some reasons why Louvre windows are a great choice for people in warmer regions.

THEY ARE EASY TO ADJUST

One remarkable reason for the popularity of louvre Windows is that they are easily adjustable. You can control the airflow and privacy of your property. With high-quality louvre windows, homes will become more properly ventilated, and you will feel relaxed while enjoying privacy inside your home. In any case, you will enjoy more control over the temperature, airflow, and privacy with these louvre windows.

THEY ARE VERY COMPACT

Contrary to other Windows, these louvre Windows in Sydney can open and shut without extra space. This means they are compact and move entirely within their footprint and this can be counted as an added USP. The fact is that no one, including insects, birds, and animals, would ever get to enter your house accidentally. With louvre windows and privacy screens, you can restrict the entry of bugs and pests and enjoy total privacy in your home.

EXTRA PRIVACY WITH NO TRADE-OFF

Assuring privacy using any other window means adding a curtain, blind or shade. This can block the airflow and make your room cramped. But this is not the case with louvre windows as the angled louvres can be rotated to achieve the desired level of privacy and airflow. In other words, there will be nothing to obstruct the airflow, and at the same time, you can adjust them to achieve privacy in your choice. With these louvre windows, you will get the best of both worlds and enjoy privacy even when it is closed.

Apart from these, some other additional features are there, like they are very easy to clean. Since the slats can rotate 180 degrees, you can clean them better. This rotation means you have a better opportunity to let more light and air in on beautiful sunny days.

[thesefevereddays]

Mysticism for Beginners

By Adam Zagajewski

Translated by Clare Cavanagh

The day was mild, the light was generous.

The German on the café terrace

held a small book on his lap.

I caught sight of the title:

Mysticism for Beginners.

Suddenly I understood that the swallows

patrolling the streets of Montepulciano

with their shrill whistles,

and the hushed talk of timid travelers

from Eastern, so-called Central Europe,

and the white herons standing—yesterday? the day before?—

like nuns in fields of rice,

and the dusk, slow and systematic,

erasing the outlines of medieval houses,

and olive trees on little hills,

abandoned to the wind and heat,

and the head of the Unknown Princess

that I saw and admired in the Louvre,

and stained-glass windows like butterfly wings

sprinkled with pollen,

and the little nightingale practicing

its speech beside the highway,

and any journey, any kind of trip,

are only mysticism for beginners,

the elementary course, prelude

to a test that's been

postponed.

[im-robins-bitch]

Paris is beautiful, but seeing Robin prance around Paris with a beret on her head and a cheesy smile on her face? Now that is a religious experience. 

Robin Buckley had a bucket list of things she wanted to do while she was in the city of love and as her dutiful girlfriend you planned on crossing off every single one while you were here.  

Taking photos of her posing bashfully next to the seine. 

Holding hands as you walk through various markets. 

Admiring the stained glass of Notre Dame and wondering if you could afford to have stained glass windows in your home or even some gargoyles.  

Feeding each other macaroons and trying to guess each flavour. 

Suggesting you put a love lock on the Pont Des Arts Bridge, but Robin spends 10 minutes explaining why it’s bad for the bridge. She also doesn’t want someone to cut off her lock and possibly jinx your relationship, but she keeps that reason to herself. 

You’ll walk around the Louvre Museum and every so often you’ll turn from a painting to ask her something and find her already looking at you adoringly. Every time she directs you to a painting she likes in particular she’ll always whisper in your ear after that it still isn’t as beautiful as you. 

After a whirlwind of sightseeing, you’ll both settle down for a picnic in one of the less busy parks, giving your feet some time to recover. Chocolate strawberries, fluffy pastries and some ice-cream helps you both recover your strength. 

Imagine Robins's face, warm from the sun, staring down at you while you rest your head in her lap, playing with her fingers while she tries to lick the melted chocolate from her lips. 

That night you’d walk around the town, seeing Paris lit up in the night. 

The day before you’d have to head home you’d go to the Eiffel Tower, kissing your girlfriend at the top like you’re in a movie. 

It was the last thing on Robin’s bucket list and the only thing that was on yours. There was one thing you wanted to do in Paris, and that was propose to your girlfriend on top of that tower. 

You’d turn around. You claim you want a proper look at the view, but really you're looking for the ring you’ve hidden in your pocket. It was a hard time smuggling that through security without Robin noticing, but it was all going to be worth it when you proposed to her in the city of her dreams. 

The speech is on the tip of your tongue as you go over the words in your head again and again. 

“Robin,” You would mumble, trying to work up the courage, but when you spin around to see her Robin is already on her knees, a velvet box held open to you with a ring between the cushions. 

“There was one more thing on my Paris bucket list”

Masterlist

[une-sanz-pluis]

I think that Philip the Good, heady with his success, seized the opportunity to erect Anne of Burgundy's tomb as a memorial both to his desire for reconciliation about the different branches of the Valois house and to their recent political differences. Upon her death Anne chose to be buried in the Celestine Church, a monastery with royal and Armagnac associations. Her exact motives for select- ing this site are not known. Father Beurrier claimed Anne was impressed by the monks' unusual piety. Anne may well have shared her brother's desire for a reconciliation of the Valois house since with her inclusion the Burgundians, the cadet branch of the Valois house, join the royal line and its Orleans offshoot. As mentioned, the Celestine Church was a royal foundation. Besides the portal statues and entrails tomb of Queen Jeanne, stained glass portraits of Charles V and his father John II (1350-1364) were set in the choir windows. Since the deaths of John II and his wife Jeanne of Burgundy, the monastery was a favorite burial site for royal viscera and hearts. The hearts of John II, Jeanne of Burgundy, Charles VI and his wife Isabeau of Bavaria were all enshrined here. The Celestine Church was also the mausoleum for the Dukes of Orleans and their families. The Orleans Chapel, located immediately to the south of the choir, had been founded by Louis of Orleans, younger son of Charles V and brother of Charles VI, a few years before he was murdered in 1407 in Paris on the orders of John the Fear- less. Louis had been the head of the Armagnac or anti- Burgundian political party in France. That Anne wished to be buried near her father's bitterest enemy cannot be merely coincidental. Rather the movement towards reconciliation had been initiated before Anne's death. In 1440 Philip the Good won over the last of his Armagnac foes when he ransomed Charles, Duke of Orleans, who had languished in England ever since his seizure in 1415 at the Battle of Agincourt.

Jeffrey Chipps Smith, "The Tomb of Anne of Burgundy, Duchess of Burgundy, in Musée du Louvre", Gesta, Vol. 23, No. 1 (1984)

[vigilante-bardock]

Arrival to Paris

Paris France, Present Day

Orion's POV "I'd say that was a nice flight, wouldn't you say?" I remarked as me and my friends, Ariel and Dion, walked down the stairs as we exited the plane and entered the Paris airport. We had just finished our trip from America and landed in Paris, where we were staying for the next year or two. We had just won a scholarship to go to Paris so as you can imagine, it wasn't something we couldn't be more excited over.

"Sure." Dion, my best friend, replied as he held a hand to his head. "Whatever makes you happy, Orion." Dion was a Japanese-Irish male with short orange hair and sharp blue eyes. His hair was short like his father's with the same color, however, his face was more like his mother's. He wore a white sleeveless button-up with long orange sleeves from the elbow down while wearing a light blue tie and black boots. "I'm just glad the ride's over." No sooner did he say that than his face started to turn green. "HRK!" Dion exclaimed as he ran over to a nearby trashcan before vomiting.

"I thought it was amazing!" Ariel exclaimed as she did a quick spin, her long, black skirt spinning like a top. Ariel was a pink-haired Jewish girl who wore a black and pink shirt and white shoes. "Just think! We'll be in Paris! The city of Love and Lights! For two whole years!" Her excitement caused her ponytail to sway a little. "I would just love to visit the Eiffel tower, and the Louvre, and taste the exotic foods here!"

"We won't be doing any of that until we get our luggage," I said, adjusting my glasses as we went over to the line and looked for our cases. "And meet our guardian." I was a Greek Mexican boy with dark blue hair that was Eren Jaeger-like in appearance. My outfit consisted of a white t-shirt with a red coat over it while my hands wore blue fingerless gloves. My pants were dark blue with blue Nikes.

"I wonder who we're staying with anyways." Ariel inquired as we walked into the airport lobby. "I wish I had paid attention when Mom and Dad gave me a description of our contact." She sighed a little bit as she thought about it.

Dion pointed ahead. "I think that would be them." Ariel and I looked at where he was pointing and saw someone with a sign that had our names on it. The person in question was a young man with orange hair covering one of his eyes who wore a grey jacket over a red-orange shirt. "Ariel," Dion began, "isn't that-"

ZOOM! Ariel sped past us and towards the guy and embraced him in a bear hug. "Cousin Nathaniel!" She exclaimed. "I'm so glad to see you again!" Nathaniel seemed to be happy as well because he lifted her and swung her around.

Ariel's POV I was so excited to see my cousin Nathaniel again! The last time I saw him was at our cousin Matthew's bar mitzvah. "It's been so long!" I exclaimed in Hebrew. "It's so good to see you again cousin!"

"Same here, Ariel" Nathaniel replied, also in Hebrew. "When I heard you were coming, I almost broke a window from jumping in excitement!" He looked over my shoulder and saw Orion and Dion standing there. "And who are your bodyguards?" Nathaniel inquired in English.

"I'm Orion Pax," Orion replied as he pushed his glasses upwards and tried to compose himself. (He always got nervous meeting new people). "It's nice to meet one of Ariel's relatives."

"My name is Dion Mcfinnigan," Dion said very calmly. (Dion was always the most chill out of all three of us.) "I take it that you are the one that is taking us in?" Without warning, Nathaniel got closer to Dion and looked at his face.

"You look familiar," Nathaniel commented as he finished. "Have we met?" Orion and I looked at each other in confusion.

"Not that I'm aware of." Was Dion's answer. "Perhaps you've met my mother by chance?"

"Who would your mother be?" Nathaniel inquired.

"I wouldn't know," Dion replied, "all I know is that I'm the result of an affair between my father and some rich married Japanese woman who decided to get giddy behind her husband's back."

Nathaniel looked at me with an odd look on his face before turning toward Orion. "And you?" He asked in a curious tone.

"Teen pregnancy." Was all Orion said at the moment Nathaniel nodded before moving on.

"I suppose you guys want to know where you'll be staying for the time being," Nathaniel commented as we began walking. "Look no further when I say that you're going to be living with me." This revelation surprised me a little bit. Nathaniel is living by himself? Whatever happened with him and his father living together? I thought.

"Get down!" Orion screamed as an explosion appeared beside us, knocking the 4 of us down.

Dion's POV I slowly got up as a ringing hit my ears. I looked around and saw Orion, Ariel, and her cousin Nathaniel try to get up, still disoriented from the explosion. Without thinking, I looked at where the explosive projectiles had originated and saw something extremely unusual: I saw what appeared to be a girl in an outfit that made me want to hurl. She appeared to be no older than we were.

She happened to wear an outfit that reminded me of Sailor Moon in terms of outfit and color. That was where the similarities ended though. Her hair was tied up in two silver lower French braids. Her eyes were a blood red that seemed to glow as she grew angry. In one of her gloved hands was a short wand that was gold and had a cracked heart gem on it.

"I am Sailor Galactica!" The girl exclaimed. "And I will show the world how awesome Magical Girls are!!" With that she aimed her wand and fired it at a street lamp, causing it to turn into a unicorn.

"Aaaaah!!!!!" Ariel screamed as she ducked behind a car, us following her. "Nathaniel," She started in an annoyed voice. "I know what I'm going to say might be crazy, but I think you might have left some things out of the letter that you sent me last year!"

"In all honesty Ariel," he replied, looking at his phone. "I didn't think one would appear today."

"Today?" I repeated. "You mean this thing happens all the time?" I looked over the car and saw the girl keep firing her wand at people and objects.

"Sadly yes," Nathaniel replied. "But these situations are usually resolved when our local heroes Ladybug and Chat Noir come in and stop the villain." He then showed us his phone, "I've already alerted them with an app that allows people to report akumas if they see them." A blast hit the car we were behind and turned it into another unicorn.

"Well," Ariel commented as we hid behind another car. "I'm not about to entrust my life to some spandex-wearing wannabes." She looked at me and Orion. "Who wants to kick some Sailor Scout ass?"

"That's not a good idea Ariel" Nathaniel commented. "That villain will reduce you to a pulp without a second thought!"

"I'm all for it," I said, cracking my knuckles. "I've been looking for an excuse to try out some of those new boxing moves."

"Someone's gotta make sure you two don't end up dead" Orion said as he pushed his glasses up. "So here's the plan..."

~|~

Sailor Galactica kept firing her wand at everything she saw. "Soon," she began monologuing, "everyone will know the best shows ever are Magical Gir-" She never got to finish her sentence, mainly because she got hit in the face by a rock. She turned toward the direction where it was thrown and saw a blue-haired boy standing there.

"I understand that you like Magical Girl Anime a lot, right?" The boy asked, pushing his glasses upward.

"Yes!" Sailor Galactica said, "It's why I'm doing this in the first place!" She aimed her wand at him, totally unaware of the two people creeping up behind her. "I take it you are a fellow loyal fan as well?" She smiled a little bit.

"To be honest," the boy replied. "I think it sucks!"

"What?" Sailor Galactica replied, completely confused by what the boy just proclaimed. "What did you say?" Her voice became dangerous as she looked at the boy.

"I think it sucks." The boy replied. "I mean, let's be honest here, all those frilly dresses, bright colors, long transformation sequences." He snapped his fingers and laughed a little. "Don't even get me started on those ridiculous poses they like to do." He then made a mocking Sailor Moon pose. Sailor Galactica's hand began to squeeze around her wand. "Then there's those weird attack names and titles too." The boy continued. She couldn't take it anymore.

"Enough!" She screamed, swinging her wand. "I will make you pay for those insults child!" She fired her wand at him. The boy dodged the blast, it hitting a random mailbox and turning it into dust.

"This is why I like Giant Mecha anime." The boy stated as he ran in a circle around her. "At least they have awesome fight scenes that don't use fancy poses and weirdly named attacks." He then dodged another blast before sliding under a car. "Plus, you never see them coming." Sailor Galactica felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned her head only to see a fist collide with her jaw, sending her flying. Without thinking, she let go of her wand, causing it to fly through the air and land in a pink-haired girl's hands.

"Nice wand," the girl said, "Mind if I keep it?" The wand then slipped out of her hands as it shattered upon contact with the ground, a black butterfly appearing from it. "Oops." She went as it began to fly away.

Orion's POV A red and black yoyo appeared out of nowhere and grabbed the butterfly, causing, Ariel, and Dion to turn in the direction it came from. We saw a bluenette pigtailed girl wearing a red bodysuit with black spots all over her body. Her mask had similar traits as well in terms of color and design.

Her partner, on the other hand, wore a black leather suit along with fake cat ears on his blonde hair with a belt-like tail that would move depending on his mood. His eyes were catlike which seemed odd to him considering he was human.

"Bye bye little butterfly..." Ladybug said as she released the Akuma from her yoyo, now white as it flew away. She then looked at us. "You guys stopped her?"

"Yes," Ariel replied, "my friends didn't think it'd be a good idea to wait until you arrived so we-" Ladybug held up a hand as if to shut her up.

"Do you know how stupid it was to do that?" She asked, somewhat annoyed. "You could've gotten hurt, or even killed by the Akumatized victim!"

"No offense, Puta," Ariel commented,(using swear words I taught her) somewhat annoyed by what she had said, "but would you rather if that Akuma or whatever kept attacking until you guys showed up?!" At this point, Chat Noir, Nathaniel, Dion, and I knew how this could end up.

"Calm down," Chat Noir interjected, hoping to ease the tension between Ladybug and Ariel. "Why don't we-?" He never got to finish his statement because both Ariel and Ladybug glared at him.

Poor guy. I thought as we looked at him.

"I would rather they didn't get hurt..." She replied, her voice getting angrier by the minute.

"That doesn't answer her question," I stated. Ladybug looked at me for a moment before looking at Ariel.

"Don't do this again.." She said before turning towards me. She got close to my ear and whispered, "I'll see you around..." She smiled as she did a motion and a swarm of ladybugs appeared that somehow fixed everything, down to the cars not being dust and no more unicorns running around. Before she left, she looked at me and made a phone sign with her hands. With that, she swung away.

"What was that?" Nathaniel wondered as he looked at the duo swing away. "I'm so confused right now."

"Ariel and Ladybug got into an argument." Dion recounted. "Ladybug then seemed to try to flirt with Orion, and then a swarm of ladybugs appeared, fixing everything." Dion turned to look at me. "She was flirting with you, right?" He asked, a little confused.

I simply shrugged to show I was just as confused as he was.

"The next time she tries that, I'm gonna..." Ariel growled as she made a motion that seemed to indicate her wanting to break someone's neck.

"I think we better go to my house right now..." Nathaniel commented as we grabbed our stuff and hailed a taxi.

Ariel's POV

I could only growl for the rest of the ride as I thought about what I saw and heard. Ladybug. More like Lustybug. I saw her making those eyes at Orion.

"Ariel?" I snapped out of my thoughts as Orion got my attention.

"What is it?" I asked.

"We're here," Nathaniel replied. I looked at where we would be staying and saw that it was an apartment complex. "Welcome to mí casa." He said. "I think that's Spanish for the front door, am I right?" I simply chuckled at this.

"Not bad," Orion commented as we went inside. "It's a lot roomier than I expected. Nathaniel's apartment certainly was larger than expected. From what I could tell, it was a four-bedroom apartment with a good-sized kitchen and bathroom.

"I'll be staying in my room," Nathaniel remarked. "and you three have to bunk together."

"How come?" I asked, curious about why he couldn't.

"One of the rooms is a studio for me," he pointed to the other room. "The other room is a workshop for all of us." He turned to us. "Any questions?" There were none. "Good," he said as he went to bed.

Seeing his wisdom, we all unpacked and decided to go to sleep as well.

I didn't know it then, but our lives would soon change forever...

[talktomeinclexa]

The Royal Guard

By: TalktomeinClexa

Rating: Mature

Warnings: Mild violence

Status: WIP

Summary: Princess Clarke of Arkadia is kidnapped by mercenaries while on a visit to one of the kingdom's cities. Her abductors treat her well enough, but everything becomes more complicated when their client orders them to execute her. Lexa thought this was just another job. High risk, high pay. But when push comes to shove, will she betray her orders or her heart?

***

Chapter 1: Kidnapping

The rain fell on the windows with lazy regularity, drawing random patterns on the glass. Her Royal Highness Princess Clarke, the oldest daughter of King Jacob and Queen Abigail, stood behind it, face turned toward the outside to admire the old city’s architecture.

Contrary to the capital, a modern and fast-paced urban center peppered with prestigious hotels and tech companies, Reim offered a quieter, more human-sized environment. Several parks invited families and young couples to relax during the warmer months, and cruises on the canal traversing the city from west to east delighted both locals and tourists. However, the Princess’s favorite attraction remained the Art Museum, an imposing neo-Gothic building hosting the largest collection of paintings and sculptures in Arkadia.

Freeing two hours between her speech at a newly opened hospital in the morning and her visit to the orphanage in the afternoon had required some juggling and careful planning. But the “Nature” exhibit alone — soon set to leave for the Louvre — was well worth the trouble. It was merely unfortunate the rain started while she admired the earthy-toned pieces and that the museum’s parking lot was located outside.

“Would you like to remain here longer, Your Highness? The rain might yet abate.”

Clarke turned toward Major Byrne, the head of her bodyguards, and shook her head. “No. We have already postponed the arrival at the orphanage so that I could enjoy this visit. I will not have the children wait any longer because I did not want to get wet. Let’s go.”

The older woman nodded, knowing she had a better chance of altering the weather with her mind than convincing the princess to reconsider. They would have to stride to cross the 50 meters separating them from the two reinforced cars.

Dante Wallace, the curator and an old friend of the royal family, walked them back toward the entrance, chatting amicably with Clarke as they went. He had been kind enough to give her a tour while the museum was closed to the public for the day, a favor she would not soon forget.

For a man well into his sixties, he retained a light gait and a juvenile enthusiasm that made his pale blue eyes twinkle. It was no wonder the princess — a talented artist and art aficionado herself — appreciated his company.

“Thank you for the invitation today, Mr. Wallace,” Clarke said with a smile as they walked through the 20th century exhibit leading to the staircase. “I had a marvelous time and would have been chagrined to miss this exhibit.”

The man bowed low, his pale skin reddening. “The pleasure was all mine, Your Highness. It isn’t every day that I have the chance to discuss those masterpieces in such enjoyable company. I hope you will visit us again soon.”

“Me too, Mr. Wallace. Me too.”

As a member of the royal family and heiress to the throne of a small European country, the young woman’s schedule left little room for personal interests and downtime. Inaugurations, visits to hospitals and other charitable works, local and international trips… Since her 21st birthday, her parents had taken to delegate more obligations to her — officially so she could prepare for the day she would rule. Five years later, she wondered if they didn’t also appreciate the extra help. There was only so much two — or even three — people could do. Clarke looked forward to the day her sister Madison would take on some responsibilities too, which would hopefully free some of her afternoons for museum visits and painting.

Despite her resolve to resume her official program of the day, Clarke couldn’t help but stop before one last painting. A 48″ X 70″ portrait of her paternal grandparents on their wedding day immortalized 60 years before. The artist had managed to capture Queen Rose’s kind and shy nature, the white of her dress making her blond hair look golden. Sitting, she stared at her new husband with the devotion befitting a wife. King Conrad, on the other hand, looked stern in his royal uniform, standing ramrod straight, a sword at his side.

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