#I was following this guided museum tour with a friend and when the tour came to an end I was happily chatting with her when the guide.

[kyouka-supremacy]

(˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶)

[prazinos]

Athánati Omorfiá

Series Part One → Part Two !

Rating : G (Pure Fluff) Future chapters may have explicit content.

Summary : Eddie Munson, tour guide for the British museum in London, is passionate about his work, and is infatuated with an ancient statue called 'The Beauty Of Stéphanos'. But what will happen when he crosses paths with a man who looks exactly like the statue he is so enamoured by?

Eddie's a tour guide at The British Museum.

He didn't think it would be a long term thing, but he found out he really likes history and he's actually pretty good at it.

So here he is, hair in a bun and wearing a black jumper, looking more sophisticated than usual. Showing a group around for a tour.

And you know Eddie, as soon as somebody starts talking about something he's really interested in, he's spewing out as much information as he can. So you can imagine his reaction when a boy asks

'Um, why is this man in a lot of the paintings, mister?'

Eddie beams at the little boy with large framed glasses.

'Well, this man was named Stéphanos. He was a human like you and I but, he was gorgeous, I mean really; you saw this man and you would have immediately fallen in love with him--if you'd please follow me--here is a statue dedicated to him. The artist said that the Gods came to him in a dream stating that a statue would be made of Stéphanos' Eddie spoke.

'Was he prettier than Aphrodite?' the same boy asked.

'No, nobody is prettier than Aphrodite, but it's believed that she gave him his gift of beauty' Eddie stated

After a long tour, and quite a few more questions about Stéphanos, Eddie was back at the statue of Stéphanos; just admiring him. Eddie had quite the fascination with him, he truly was gorgeous. I mean, his soft looking hair, broad shoulders and soft eyes. The moles dotted on his face and neck.

'You really like him don't you' a voice spoke from behind Eddie.

Eddie laughed, 'yeah, he truly was gorgeous' he said, not turning around to face the man.

'I like him too, he's close with the Gods you know' the voice spoke again.

'I mean yeah that's the theory'

'I don't believe it's a theory'. With that Eddie turned around to face the man; but his breath was caught in his throat, the man in front of him looked exactly like the paintings. Down to the moles he admired so much.

'I'm Steve'

Eddie seriously couldn't believe it. He had to be dreaming, right?

Maybe he's just a doppelgänger. But why would he say he's close to the Gods? Why not, he was close with the Gods.

'Do you have a name or are you just going to stare at me?' Steve asked, grasping his bookbag, almost nervously.

'I-yeah I do-have a name' Eddie practically whispered.

Steve chuckled, 'do I get to know your name? Or are you really into being the mysterious hot guy'

'You think I'm hot?' Eddie gasped. The man, who looks exactly like Stéphanos, the man who was wanted by all, including some Gods thinks that Eddie, Eddie! Is hot?

Steve blushed, looking around the museum, avoiding Eddie's eyes before laughing airily

'I mean yeah, I don't see why that's a big surprise to you' Steve said

'Well I mean you literally look exactly like the guy that everybody was in love with during ancient Greece' Eddie babbled.

Steve looked behind him, looking at the large statue, almost...nostalgically? Eddie couldn't make it out. Before Steve head turned back to Eddie.

'Only during ancient Greece?' Steve questioned amusedly.

'I mean-no of course not, you're hot, super hot-I mean, wait no-'

'Relax, I was fucking with you' Steve laughed loudly, Eddie listening as his laugh echoes against the walls of the museum.

Eddie looked down at his watch, 4:45pm. Shit. Almost closing time but he wants to keep talking to Steve. Maybe he can give Steve his number; is that too soon? No. Yes. No. Maybe? Oh what if Eddie gave Steve his business card? Shit, Eddie doesn't have a business card.

'Shit, I gotta go my friend is having a baby shower for her cat' Steve said looking at his phone.

'Her new cat?' Eddie chuckled

'She's...weird. Her and her girlfriend got a cat yesterday and so they're throwing it a baby shower'

'That is...'

'Weird?'

'in a good way, yeah' Eddie finished.

The two chuckled before the intercom crackled and an old soft voice spoke

'The museum will be closing in ten minutes, I repeat, the the museum will be closing in ten minutes!'

'We should-'

'yeah' Steve finished

'Wanna walk out together?' Eddie asked

'Yes!' Steve said, rather quickly 'I mean, yeah sounds good'

Eddie chuckled at Steve's flushed face

'Well I've just got to grab my backpack, you're welcome to come with' Eddie smiled. To which Steve nodded.

As Steve entered Eddie's office, he was shocked at the décor. Eddie didn't seem like the kind of guy for his office to be practically covered in metal band posters. I mean, he just thought he really liked the colour black, and that he just liked his hair long.

No, Eddie was a metalhead. And God, did Steve have a thing for metalheads.

'Alright, we can head out now' Eddie said, bringing Steve out of his horny thoughts.

Steve nodded before briskly walking out the door.

As they walked down the steps Steve turned to Eddie, noticing his backpack that was covered in pins and patches from metal bands.

'I'm going this way' Steve said pointing to the right.

'Oh, I'm going this way' Eddie said pointing to the left.

'You know, I really like the museum' Steve smiled awkwardly

Eddie pulled the bun out of his hair, smiling at Steve, 'So I'll be seeing you more often?' Eddie questioned

'definitely' Steve answered, handing a slip of paper to Eddie.

As Steve walked away Eddie looked at the piece of paper,

020 *** *** ~Steve <3

Holy shit.

Holy Shit.

Eddie got his number.

Eddie got his number.

Eddie stared at the phone number, red creeping up his neck to his cheeks.

He nearly dropped his phone pulling it out, and immediately punched in the number into his contacts.

Eddie wouldn't message him until he got home yet, didn't want to seem too desperate to talk to Steve, though, he clearly was.

Hey it's Eddie from the museum 5:47pm

Oh hi! I've been waiting for you to message :) 5:52pm

So...how's the cat baby shower? 5:54pm

It's interesting to say the least, do baby showers do name reveals? 5:55pm

I think so? I've never been to a baby shower before 5:55pm

They named him Succulent 5:56pm

Succulent? 5:57pm

My friends, their entire apartment is full of plants, so naturally they needed to name their cat Succulent 5:58pm

Oh yeah, of course. Makes total sense now 5:59pm

Haha :) 6:00pm

Eddie smiled at his phone, who still says haha in text messages these days?

He knew it would seem awkward for now but when he (hopefully) got to know Steve better, the conversations would flow smoother and be less awkward.

But he couldn't stop smiling, even as his cheeks started to hurt.

After he finally calmed down, Eddie pulled out his laptop from his backpack and immediately started doing more research on Stéphanos; he couldn't help but blush at some of the images depicting a statue of Stéphanos in a tunic that barely covered his torso, giving a delicious interesting sight of Stéphanos' abs, and now Eddie couldn't stop thinking about if Steve had abs

Stéphanos, believed to be born sometime in 540 B.C - 560...Multiple theories saying he was the son of Aphrodite or blessed by Aphrodite...The Greek Gods loved him...Some stories stating his beauty was a blessing and a curse...Born with beauty, but cursed to spend eternity searching for his soulmate.

Jesus, Stéphanos had it rough.

But there was no way that Steve was Stéphanos right? It's all mythology, it's called Greek Mythology for a reason, right?

AN : Yk I'm actually really excited about this series. I don't know how much attention it will gather but maybe it'll gather quite a bit.

When I figure out Ao3 properly I'll upload this to there as well

lmk what y'all think, it's a wee short but future chapters will be longer.

I also am gonna try uploading a new chapter every Saturday AEDT time, maybe earlier if I get really into it.

(everybody that requests to be in the tag list will be added lmao)

BYE BOZOS!!

[pettyprocrastination]

I DEMAND TO BE TOLD EVERYTHING ABOUT AMERICAN GODSxSTEVEN GRANT!!

ILY CAMI

initially, I think the first-meeting is at the museum he works at

he sees you scowling at some display of hieroglyphics and ever the history buff and (not) tour guide, he can't help but meander over and begin to explain it's meaning to you. You can't help but be a touch annoyed at this strange man coming up and striking a conversation to you but you're amused by his excitement, watching him gesture widely with his hands with a small smile.

"Amazing, isn't it?" "they're not so bad I guess."

When Donna finds him away from the gift shop and quickly snips that try as he may he is not an official tour guide and won't be anytime soon, you cut into the conversation.

"Goddamn shame, I would have liked to hear some more about these assholes if it came from him."

Steven is so struck by the compliment that he doesn't register you just referred to the Egyptian gods as "assholes" until you've left the museum, leaving him to stand and daydream until his shift is over about the woman with the raspy voice and mysterious eyes while he does the inventory check.

The following week, he nearly jumps out of his skin when he comes to the gift shop and finds you standing there.

"You still doing unofficial tours?"

Walking you around the museum during working hours meant risking getting another earful from Donna and possibly getting fired, but something about the way you looked at him made him quickly shuffle from behind the counter and lead you from exhibit to exhibit without a concern in his mind.

you were...incredibly perplexing, if he was being perfectly honest.

You looked at each exhibit with some remembrance in your eyes. Not a dulled over glaze or piqued interest of newcomers on the search to learn more of Egypt.

you'll laugh at his little jokes and hum at his fun facts that he explains in one breath but the way you stare at an artifact depicting Khonshu was..nostalgic. As if looking at a photo of an old friend.

"Funny to think that this is their worship now, isn't it?"

Steven frowns. "Sorry?"

"This all it's-" you wave a hand in the air, gesturing to the artifact and the kitschy stuffed animals children hold in loving arms. "-devotion in the new world. Gone are the days of altars and sacrifice, now all we have is gift shops and a dusty section of a museum, if anything at all."

There' a gentle ringing of the alarms within his head at the 'we' in your sentence. He sees something in your eyes, sad and ancient that makes the hairs on the back of his neck stand up but then just as he blinks- it's gone.

"Thanks for the tour."

He watches you turn and exit the museum and feels like he's dodged something dangerous, but can't help but hope you come in again.

[allatariel]

Secretary Laura Roslin swept down the buzzing corridors of the battlestar Galactica escorted by Mr. Doral on their way to meet with the commanding officer. As the public relations executive coordinating today’s ceremony, Mr. Doral had been aboard Galactica for weeks in preparation. The Ceremony was to commemorate the opening of the first of its kind living museum, a joint venture between the Colonial fleet and the Colonial government. The Galactica would remain in service as a training ship, under the jurisdiction of the Military Academy of the Colonial fleet, and be open to guided public tours, managed by the Ministry of Education of the Colonial government. As Secretary of Education, Laura already knew all of this, but Mr. Doral droned on either unaware or unbothered by that fact. Laura was used to dealing with men like him, men who underestimated her in every conceivable way.

As they rounded a corner, Laura half caught Mr. Doral suggesting that she advocate for Galactica to have a networked computerized system placed on board. Did he just say what I think he said?

Laura stopped short and turned toward him. “Excuse me,” she began, as he noticed her no longer next to him and hurried back. “Did you just ask me to convince the commanding officer of this battlestar to allow an integrated computer network to be placed on his ship?”

“Ma’am, as you well know, this would make it much easier for the teachers—”

“Mr. Doral, those issues have already been addressed without the need for a computerized network, as I am sure you are aware, having worked closely with Zachary Adama over the last few weeks,” Laura cut him off as politely as possible even as she internally bristled at the sheer audacity of him presuming to enlighten a doctor of education, former teacher, former superintendent of Caprica City schools, and current two term Secretary of Education on the needs of teachers.

He blustered on, as men like him often do, “The inconvenience and cost simply don’t justify it. You have to agree it’s a ridiculously antiquated attitude.”

“No, I don’t. I agree with the director of this project and the CO of this ship.” When Doral appeared ready to continue pushing the issue, Laura held up her hand. “I see this is important to you, Mr. Doral, but the decision has already been made and I won’t reconsider. This museum is supposed to be a living record of the technology and tactics necessary to fight the most devastating enemy humanity has ever faced. An enemy we did not defeat, despite the peace we have enjoyed since the armistice. An enemy who relied on networked computerized systems. The answer is no.” The steel in her voice conveyed the finality of this discussion even as Mr. Doral appeared to grope around for an appropriate way to backpedal. Laura didn’t give him the time. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I am more than familiar with the location of the CO’s quarters and I’d rather like to greet my husband unaccompanied.”

Mildly gratified by his somewhat chastened expression and the surprise in his eyes at the word ‘husband,’ Laura continued on her way. Mercifully, Doral did not follow. She was practically there already, anyway. Turning down the next corridor, she spied the end of the last short corridor leading down to Bill’s quarters. Her pace increasing subconsciously in her eagerness, Laura came to the top of the stairs and saw Saul stepping out of the hatch. He left it ajar when he turned at the familiar clack of her heels on the stairs.

“Hello, Laura,” he greeted as he leaned in to kiss her cheek like the old friend he was.

“Saul, it’s good to see you,” she replied smoothly, willing herself not to recoil from the strong smell of alcohol on his breath. While she wasn’t opposed to drinking, since the deaths of her father and sisters at the hands of a drunk driver, Laura had no tolerance for careless drunkenness like Saul’s, especially at such an early hour. She’d already dealt with one inebriated Tigh today and her patience was wearing thin. Were it any other day, Laura wouldn't have held back, but she didn’t want to do anything that might mar the ceremony. And reuniting with her husband after three months apart was far more important to her at the moment.

“Bill’s been expecting you—giddy as a cadet all day. I’ll give you kids some privacy,” Saul winked and quipped cheekily in his gruff voice, with surprisingly little slurring, before nodding to her and walking away.

“See you at the ceremony,” Laura said, watching him wobble only once on the short flight of stairs out of the little corridor. She turned back to the hatch and found Bill in his tanks and dress uniform trousers, stocking feet visible just over the rim of the hatchway. He offered her an understanding and slightly apologetic look and she pressed her lips into a rueful smile that conveyed ‘thank you, but it’s not your fault.’

Saul was forgotten as he pulled her to him through the hatch and closed it.

Laura hummed contentedly as he held her to his chest, one of her hands over his heart as she rounded his waist with the other. Eventually she looked up and they gazed into each other’s eyes. Reaching a hand up to his face she confirmed he had freshly shaved, and intimated huskily, “I was hoping to find you like this.” He smiled warmly and slowly brought his lips to hers, kissing her senseless. 

After, when they’d both found a measure of equilibrium together again, Laura kicked her heels off and settled into one of the plush leather chairs adjacent to his rack to watch him put on his dress uniform.

“The gold braid of the Admiral’s piping really suits you, too bad your Dress Grays don’t have it,” she said as she noticed his duty uniform jacket lying on the rack next to him after he picked up the matching trousers.

“No, just the pips. It’s a little garish don’t you think?” She watched him hang up his blues, fingering the gold braid as he hooked the hanger above his rack.

“Not at all, I like you in gold.” She ran her thumb lovingly over her gold wedding band, regarding him intensely as he caught the gesture and smiled fondly, though he didn’t meet her gaze. Even after nearly twenty years of marriage, he still seemed at times to marvel at her honest attraction and regard for him. Bill may not have been the most effusive person, but he loved fiercely and he deserved to know he was loved just as fiercely in return.

[thenotsosecretdiaryofbiyu]

2024年7月17日-- FULBRIGHT & 順益台灣原住民博物館 (Fulbright & The Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines)

Today we went to the Fulbright commission in Taiwan (this is a note to myself to mind the spelling bc I was misspelling it and using two ‘l’s for the longest time lol)! I had a lot of fun there and speaking with all of the members of the commission there helped me to feel more confident about the application process, my qualifications, and the steps I need to take to make sure everything goes smoothly!

I also really liked the 便當 that was provided to us (although I know a few of my buds weren’t too sure on the seasonings for themselves)! That reminds me that I’m really glad that I’m acclimating to the flavors/seasonings here in Taiwan! When we first arrived, I was culture shocked by how much less seasoning (mainly just salt really) is used in the cuisine here compared to The States. I remember trying the scrambled eggs on my first day and not loving them because they had little to no salt. But yesterday I tried them again and I liked them just fine! And today with my breakfast I had some cereal that I’m pretty sure was much less sweet than the ones back at home and I also liked it just fine! Today as well with the 便當, I know for a fact if I had tried that a year ago, I probably would have had to dump a gallon of salt on everything before eating it lol, but today I liked it a lot!

Although in general I’ve noticed I’m growing up taste-wise I think– I no longer drink sweet tea (plz don’t let my childhood friends and neighbors know, they will revoke my fake-southern card ;_;). I also have been switching to drinking unsweetened lattes, and anytime I try a drink with sugar, I almost always think it needs less after taking a few sips.

In the afternoon, we met back up with our tour guide Peter, and we went to the Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines! We took a bus there, and it was my first time on a Taiwanese bus! Unfortunately, the AC was broken and so we “enjoyed” a makeshift sauna while we rode for about twenty minutes over to our destination. Thankfully, the bus back had working 冷氣, so there was no more suffering after the museum hehe. The museum was super cool! I love learning about indigenous peoples, especially about their beliefs systems, religions, and holidays. What was really cool was learning about some of these things and noticing the similarities they hold with other cultures I’m familiar with. For example, I came across a museum label detailing a story from the Atayal tribe, which speaks about how there used to be two suns, and that warriors shot one down– killing it and making it the moon. Although I believe the sun dying and becoming the moon is absent from the following myth, the shooting down of suns is very much an aspect of the Chinese myth of Hou Yi and Chang’e!

Amy and I got to do the little irl dance minigame on the top floor, and I won by a landslide! (although technically it was through cheating because I have big feet and the points were based on you touching the lit up footsteps, which would trigger the sensor to award you points. So in reality, I only won because I have big feet and I just so happened to be clumsy but in the right direction– and would brush the sensors on the edges LOL).

Academic reflection:

The first thing that I would like to discuss is the article’s discussion of the outflow of indigenous peoples from their tribes/villages to the city for better work and life opportunities. This stuck out to me the most because this is a pressing issue that affects so many parts of the world, not only in Taiwan but also in China. During a project for my Advanced Chinese class, I learned about the matriarchal society of the Mosuo People (摩梭族). Long story short, it was incredibly distressing to discover that its culture, like many other minority cultures around the world, are at risk of eventual extinction.

I remember my professor for Second Language Acquisition telling my class about how she had a colleague who helped discover a plant that was fundamental for a cure of a particular sickness ONLY because they were able to extract that information through analyzing the language of the locals in the area. Languages are special and they are not only infused with culture and a people’s values, but also with crucial information about the area that the language formed and developed within.

The sad thing is that languages are going extinct at an alarming rate, in large part because most of the global economy functions on capitalistic tendencies which require people to go out and work to earn money to survive. However, the only way to work within an economy is to know the language that that economy is functioning within. In Taiwan’s case, it’s Mandarin Chinese. Furthermore, with English being the lingua franca, it has become the standard that forces many academics to study it to professional fluency and publish their research within it if they want even the slightest chance for their work to be broadly noticed or accepted within academia. With this in mind, if one was to want to provide the best life for themselves, or say their children, their best bet would be to immerse yourself within either the local language or one of the massive global languages to give yourself the best opportunities. This is all fine and dandy, except this often means forgetting your own original culture and language, because let’s face it, it’s hard work to maintain fluency in multiple languages and record information of your own history (especially if most of that history was told to you as a child by your grandparents or family by word of mouth).

In many ways, having English as a mother tongue is a massive privilege that affords many opportunities to its speakers, many of which (from my experience) its speakers take for granted. Many are unaware of why it’s important to preserve languages and why pushing one language as the end-all-be-all for all global functions (although convenient) is detrimental to the preservation of cultures and its languages. Furthermore, in Taiwan (and China too), having Mandarin as the main working language which every facet of government and society functions through, sets up these indigenous cultures for extinction as members of these peoples continue to choose a better life for themselves and their families.

But on a brighter note, I loved that the little film we watched incorporated parts of one of the indigenous languages. It's wonderful to see that there is media infused with it and that resources are being expended to try and record, preserve, and restore the languages in Taiwan. I just hope there’s linguists who are being funded to actively go out and record as many of the languages as possible, especially the ones without orthography. I also loved seeing on the map at the museum entrance where the Austronesian language family covers the globe!

(You can tell this is something I feel very passionately about because I started rambling LOL）

[sunmarketing]

Chickamauga National Park: Part 2 of Chattanooga Guide

Today’s Destination: Chickamauga National Park: Part 2 of Chattanooga episode.

Today’s Misstep- Driving over hills, a tire came at us

Travel Advice: What exercises should I do when I travel?

  FAQ: What do you wish you knew before booking your flight?

  Response: A few more questions you can ask someone before you plan your trip are: 

Did you experience any frustrations related to the destination or the actual traveling?

If so, what should people be aware of to avoid those frustrations, hopefully?

What websites or services were the most helpful for planning/booking your trip?

What advice would you give someone going there for the first time?

What was the most enjoyable or relaxing part of your trip?

  Today’s destination: Chickamauga National Park Part 2 of the Chattanooga series

It’s officially called Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park near Lookout Mountain. Use your National Park Pass for free entry.

http://cityofchickamauga.org/

When I first visited Point Park, I explored this area on the border of Georgia and Tennessee for about an hour. It’s across from the visitor center and was built by the Army Corps of Engineers. 

You can see artillery from the Confederate fighting.

The Battle of Chickamauga, fought September 19–20, 1863, marked the end of a Union offensive in southeastern Tennessee and northwestern Georgia called the Chickamauga Campaign. The battle was the most significant Union defeat in the Western Theater of the American Civil War. It involved the second-highest number of casualties in the war, following the Battle of Gettysburg. It was the first major battle of the war in Georgia.

The battle was fought between the Army of the Cumberland under Maj. Gen. William Rosecrans and the Confederate Army of Tennessee under Gen. Braxton Bragg, and was named for Chickamauga Creek, which meanders near the battle area in northwest Georgia (and ultimately flows into the Tennessee River about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) northeast of downtown Chattanooga)

There is also a monument to peace, The New York Peace Monument, symbolizing reunification and reconciliation. 

  http://cityofchickamauga.org/about-history-chickamaugabattlefield.asp

Look for marble and pink granite materials. Visit the museum at Ochs Memorial Observatory for views of the Chattanooga area from the terrace. You can continue hiking the trails to other scenic views from Lookout Mountain. I first visited this area on a bus trip with my high school friends in the 1970s, and this was my first visit to return. 

I drove the two hours from Atlanta through some small towns and highways and finally to some neighborhoods and scenic drives. When you get to the neighborhood, you will drive on windy roads that take your breath away. 

This is a Step 1 or Step 2 destination and easy to explore independently. There is also a cute Visitor Center with restrooms and a small museum. The awe-inspiring view from Lookout Mountain Battlefield over Point Park shows a bird' s-eye view of the Tennessee River and how it bends, a bit like a foot at the ankle. You see the city of Chattanooga from above when you go around the bend. You can even see the three bridges that cross the river to the town.

The battlefield here was memorable, and you can follow the signs for the Chickamauga Battlefield Tour. Or you can just enjoy walking the grounds around the peace monument and listening to the birds chirping. It’s an excellent way to enjoy your day in Georgia or Tennessee.

  http://cityofchickamauga.org/about-history-trainmuseum.asp

Today’s Misstep- Driving on the road over hills, a tire came rolling at us and hit our car.

You’re generally safe from tires in a car, but this tire stopped us. We hit the tire and could not drive any further. We got a tow truck to bring the car home, about 200 miles away. It was an expensive tow, and I hope you don’t have that experience. 

Today’s Travel Advice- What exercises should I do when I travel?

Try to stay as active as you are when home, which means you should try to maintain the same levels of activities, even if you are on the road a lot. You may need to take frequent breaks in your drive to stretch, walk a bit, and even do more intensive exercise. Stretch every two hours on a plane or train. I try to find a pool where I can swim anytime I travel. I am a member of the YMCA, where I can go anytime. There are more than 2700 YMCAs in the USA and also in 120 countries around the world. That’s how we both can keep our exercise routines when we travel. 

  Connect with Dr. Travelbest

5 Steps to Solo Travel website

Dr. Mary Travelbest X

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In the news

  Check out this Dr Travelbest episode!

[calyxthenerd]

Group Vacation Surprises

Previous Chapter

On the venue where a random band was playing

"Man, this place is a bust, i think my cousin could make better music, and she's three" complains the italian

"Okay, so, where should we go?"

"Earlier, before i got the flyer for this band, Broduey texted me the adress of the place he was taking Andrés, we could join them?"

"Sounds good"

At the sci-fi museum

"And this is one of the original lightsabers used in the starwars movies, thoughtfully donated to this museum by the lucas film studios" drawled the tour guide

"Princesa!!!!!!" called the spaniard "It's one of the originals from the movies!!!!!!! how exciting is that???"

"I know!! so exciting!!" his girlfriend squealed back

On a karaoke bar

"Here we are, this bar i've never been to before!" says the brazilian, making a grand gesture with his hands

"This place is actually pretty nice, not somewhere i would've found by myself, but nice" nodded the cocky singer

"I love it!!! the lights are so pretty!!! i'm going to get a drink!" squeaked his girlfriend, bouncing off to the bar, where attempted, and failed to follow, sighing, he resigned himself to sticking with his new acquaintances, knowing she would come find him later, and if she didn't, well, she had his number

on the other side of the bar, friends found each other

"Nico?!"

"Jim?!"

"Pedro?!"

"Ramiro?!"

And the two redheads left just said their own names,, not wanting to be left out

"Jazmin!"

"Camila!"

The first one to recover was the bassist among them, who asked "Ramiro, Jim, how did you end up on the exact same bar as us? and who is this girl? and why does she look so much like my ex?"

To which the rapper replied "breathe, dude, one question at a time, to answer your first one, Jim and i came to sing karaoke, and to answer your other questions, i think it's best if our new friend introduces herself"

"Hi, Camila Torres here, older sister of Ada and Eva and resident crazy redhead"

"WAIT!!! you're the Camila Torres??? you're like, my favorite actress of all time" rambles the fashion blogger

"Oh, thanks honey, always nice to meet fans" she replies, genuinely

"Okay, i think we're glossing over a very important detail here, you mean, Eva and Ada, like OUR Eva and Ada" he points to himself and Pedro "are your sisters???"

"They don't belong to anyone, but yeah, they're my sisters"

"Pedro, hold me" and he faints

Meanwhile, a few feet away from that exchange, a certain italian is with his back turned, chatting with his friend over some drinks

"Matteo!! I've finally found you!" she jumps on his back, making him spill his drink all over himself, before going back to solid ground, not noticing the spilled drink, or the fact that this guy isn't wearing the same outfit her boyfriend was wearing when they got there, but he's slowly turning around to berate her for it "I've been looking everywhere for you, because when i got to the bar, you weren't behind me and..." he grabs her face between his hands, making her look at him "You're not Matteo...!" "No I am not"

"Get your hands off her!" snarls the other italian

"Matteo!!" she calls out, running into his arms, as he holds her close

"So, care to explain? anyone?" he looks between Federico and Maxi, who has his hands up in surrender, looking for a way out of this situation

"Look man, i don't want your girlfriend, because one, she's barely scrapping 20" "she's 19" "so, barely scrapping 20, while i'm almost 30, two, she's not my type, like, at all, i like tall blondes, and three, she came up to me, while i had my back turned, because she mistook me for you, jumped on my back, spilled my drink and ruined my outfit, i was just trying to get her to see i wasn't her boyfriend so i could go back to my hotel, take a shower, put on some clean clothes and forget this ever happened, okay? Maxi, let's go" and they walked away, not leaving space for a response

"Chico Fresa, despite me loving how clingy you get when jealous, you need to control yourself, these scenes never do anyone any good" says the short brunette, uncharacteristically serious

"I know, i'm working on it with my therapist, but now, let's sing! i signed us up for a song i think you know!"

The first chords of a very familiar song start playing as he drags her onstage, shoving a microphone onto her hand and grabs another one for himself

"Busco una salida

Y no entiendo lo que pasa

Y aunque sé que soy valiente

Tiembla mi voz"

she starts, taking a step back once it'is over so he can sing his part

"Alguien que me diga

Quién es quién aquí en mi alma

Y talvez hoy me descubra

En esta canción"

he steps back, letting her have her turn

"Busco ese momento

Donde llenas mi confianza

Y provocas en mi mente revolución"

he replaces her again

"Alguien que decifre

Este miedo y esta calma

Porque es nuevo para mí

Esta sensación"

they walk towards each other, their eyes meeting as they get to the bridge and start singing it, together, followed by the chorus

"Solo tú estás a mi alrededor

Y por eso es que canto

Que más da?

Lo que sinto es diferente si tú estás

No me importa lo que tienes para dar

En tus ojos puedo estar

Se me miras no precisas hablar

Talvez eres mi otra mitad"

And they keep singing and looking at each other, like in a trance, until the last chorus, when they finish the song and the whole place claps, snapping them out of it and making them hurriedly place the mics on their stands and rush out of the stage, probably off to find the fastest way to get to one of their hotel rooms

Back to that restaurant

"Violetta Castillo, will you marry me?"

"So, what do you say? my knees are starting to hurt" he asks again, getting her out of her frozen state

"YES!!!" she jumps on him, knocking them both down to the ground, where they stay, giggling, until the waiter comes in with their food and clears their throat, making them both stand up quickly and go back to the table, and they start eating until he freezes and chuckles, making her cock her head to the side in confusion

"What is it, mi sueño?"

"The ring, it's still in the box, on the floor" he bends down and picks it up, as they both laugh, and when he comes back up he grabs her hand, carefully sliding the ring onto her finger "there, you're stuck with me now"

"I can't wait"

At the port

"This was really fun, i love doing things with you"

"Aw, is little miss queen of the rink going soft on me?"

"Oh, shut up, you bitch..." she trails off, when she sees the scene in front of her

"Really? you couldn't be without me one afternoon and you already replaced me?" she snarks, looking at Simón and Yam playing their guitars and singing together

The male guitarist jumps up at the sight of his girlfriend, almost dropping his guitar into the water, if not for the fast reflexes of the two blonde lesbians accompanying them "Rosa!!!" he squeezes her tightly

"Mi amor, i love your hugs as much as anyone but Luna, but you're kinda crushing me there" she breathes out, voice hoarse

"Sorry Rosa, I just got excited to see you!"

"I know, and it's adorable, now, back to the hotel? you two better make sure me taking time off from work is worth it" she walks out of the pier

They look at each other "yes, ma'am" they reply in unison, following her. leaving a lost and confused Yam to follow them from a distance

At the airport

"So, i booked your room in advance, it has a queen sized bed, because only the best for my princess, and if you want i can set you up with room service for dinner, because you must be starving and we all know how much airplane food sucks and gosh, you must be exhausted, was the flight okay? did anyone bother you while you waited? do you want me to carry you, i can carry you, and-"

The british girl cups her face, successfully silencing her "Delfi, darling, i'm okay, let's just get a taxi to the hotel, alright?"

Her dark haired girlfriend just nods silently, gesturing at a cab that was passing by them, making it stop, the driver got out and helped them load the bags into the trunk, everyone climbed into the car, that made it's way to the hotel

[laura-apexart]

Day 25: 8.1.23 

Tonight is a full moon and rainy rainy day here. 

Claustro de San Agustín photojournalism exhibition El Testigo

Takes place in the Devenir University “a biocultural project engaging in the process of an Amazonian territory becoming a university.” Like most of the museums or cultural spaces I’ve visited, this one also has an incredible courtyard in the center lush with plant life.

There are two massive videos on the ground floor filmed in the Amazon rainforest, the orientation of the indigenous communities toward centering plant life -non human centric understanding of the world and learning through experiences, fieldwork, physical engagement, an oral tradition of story telling vs western focus on knowledge desire to catalogue and classify and record and document.

On the second floor is the exhibition of photo journalism which are incredibly poignant and sharp

Powerful.People holding up photos of family who has gone missing or were killed. Images of the cemetery. Military men using a person's shoulder to prop, rest their gun on.

Video of men in hazmat suits digging up bones from unmarked trails in the jungle.  

A young girl, maybe 6 looking through a shattered windowpain -her eye lining up with the bullet hole. A room of photos focusing on protests and demonstrations In simon de Bolívar square.

The Devenir University is located in the complex of Municipal/government buildings with lots of -Military on guard —I hear music/drums and sounds familiar from the military Parade music and when I leave the building, I follow the sound and see that the military marching band is practicing and this seems more interesting than the military parade itslef because I like watching their bodies shift from rigid and uptight to relaxed and resting in between sessions. I also like the formalism of their bodies against the backdrop of imposing marble buildings.  I want to film but don’t out of fear that I’ll get stopped or yelled at and am feeling too tired to handle that. 

In the late afternoon I have a Craft Beer Tour with Tasting

I am the only one which is funny but also nice because I get to just chat with the Guide–Gabriel who reminds me a bit of a friend-I tell him that this is a tour a would not sign up to take myself but he is a great story teller and very knowledgable and I realize that this is another way, angle, perspective of learning about the history of the city.  

We meet at the Cranky Croc Hostel in La Candeleria neighborhood and opens a bottle of beer for me and asks me to look at the brail number on the inside of the cap–I have the higher number so if we were at the store, he would buy the beer–a game him and his friends and other Bogata people play. He studied language and told me that when studying English his class was asked if they wanted to learn British or American phonetics–they chose American. 

Grew up on caribbean coast of Colombia and Venezuela and we spoke a bit about the politics of moving between both countries and the tensions. 

He also told me a story behind one of the indigenous ceremonial fermented drinks of Bogota first? made by the Muisca originally called Fatcqua but now called Chicha made of (apple, sugarcane, (spit) water and corn) —when the spaniards came the Muisca thought they were gods because they had guns which were like thunder and so they gave the colonizers whatever they wanted and they drank the Fatcqua and werent used to the corn in their bodies/diet and ran to the bushe with  diarirhea–and the Muiscas yelled Chicha Chicha–and the spaniards thought that was the name of the drink but really it was Diarrhea.

We talked about the culture around eating mombe as a social activity and the “Circle of Words”–emphasis on the oral tradition here, how information is transmitted through storytelling and not written down (which makes me acutely aware of this  process of listening to the guides, trying to hold what they say while having an experience, knowing that I must write it down, that much of what I write will omit certain details and maybe even botch up histories and facts etc and limited perspective.

[travelingturtles]

A post from Eddie:

This post was written from Abbeville, South Carolina. June 28, 2023

This contribution to our journal is a bit behind our current location, which presently is Oklahoma:

As we continue to wander the eastern seaboard in our 1989 VW Westfalia we call Clyferd, we find our path leads us to many incredible places and many really wonderful people. The questions of where we are going, and how do we choose the route, is always an interesting process. Questions like, should we follow the path toward history or taste the cuisine of the area? Museum or menu? Battlefield or breakfast? Campsite outside the city or BnB just an Uber ride to the historic downtown? Walking around the old city on cobblestone streets or hiking on paths in state and federal parks that take you to small and large birds, alligators and snapping turtles? Is it beer thirty yet, And what beer is on draft? What exactly is southern cooking? Is it BBQ chicken wings with peanut butter and peach jam or shrimp and grits with Cajun sausage for a bit more spice? What’s the difference between the cuisine of New Orleans, Louisiana versus Savanna, Georgia?

Historical markers and statues are everywhere in the cities, and I’ve remarked more than once that there is a lot of water in this region of the U.S. We seem to be followed by what I’ve come to know as Murray’s Law which is that within 25 people that you come in contact with, you will both know someone in common. Whether this is a real law or just one made up I really don’t know. I’m not against calling it Eddie’s law, but really I heard it from someone!

Sue and Lorraine? How are these two connected? Yep it’s weird but Sue, a childhood friend of Karen’s, is connected to Lorraine, my first cousin, because Lorraine’s ex husband, Mark grew up or spent a lot his time a few houses from Sue’s current home. In fact you can see Mark’s house from Sue’s kitchen window. I knew that Lorraine lived in Connecticut at one time, her husband had passed away a few year ago, so on a hunch that she might be around, I emailed her and told her I was in Clinton, CT. She replied that she new a lot of people in Clinton, and as it turns out, several of Sue’s friends are also good friends of Lorraine’s! Sue and Lorraine have been at parties together but never made the connection to Karen!

Jo and Karen? We were on a walking tour of old town Savannah, Georgia, and as usual the tour guide asked us all where we were from. One woman said she was from California and when she heard Karen say Sonoma County, California, she offered that her son was engaged to a girl from Sebastopol! Karen asked her what her name is, and Karen immediately recognized her as one of her Kindergarten students from many years ago. Within minutes and a quick text, “say hello to Miss Karen” came back to us.

Not exactly a Murray’s Law candidate, but equally amazing was a situation that happened when we had walked into a restaurant in New Orleans a few weeks ago, and there smiling at me was our neighbor from Sebastopol who literally lives a few doors down from us! Similarly, we were eating at a restaurant in Savannah, Georgia and this family sits near us. One of them comments on my SF Giants hat. We started talking to find out that they live in San Francisco and have a second home minutes away from our house in Sebastopol! We enjoyed their company and are sure to reconnect when we arrive back home.

[trwenvs3000w23]

Unit 2 Blog Post: My Ideal Role of Environmental Interpreter

Beck et al. (2018) describe environmental interpretation as the communication of historical, cultural, and natural features of sites to audiences in ways that augment public understanding and enjoyment of the natural world, motivating individuals to help protect it. Many people draw a connection between environmental interpretation and national parks, a reasonable conclusion as this field is deeply rooted in national parks following the achievements of Enos Mills, considered one of the founders of “nature guides” (2018). Environmental interpretation however, can take on a number of forms, from guided outdoor programming to exhibits and infographics in museums, even this blog is a form of environmental interpretation (2018)!

I’ve been lucky to experience a number of opportunities that introduced me to this discipline. One memorable experience came from having a family friend who owned a zoo, Jungle Cat World, with an overnight camp that allowed kids to experience work as a zookeeper, while teaching them about the natural world, wildlife biology, and what it meant to be an Earth steward. After a number of summers spent as a camper here, I took a job as a counsellor to give back the interpretive experiences I enjoyed as a kid. I later worked as a zookeeper and outreach representative at Jungle Cat World, where I led our Behind-the-Scenes program that allowed guests to interact with snakes, kangaroos, wolves, coati, and more; learning about the beauty and complexity of these species through first-hand experiences.

These opportunities taught me that while I loved working outdoors and hands-on with wildlife, I couldn’t see myself following it as a long-term career. Sun burns, frostbite, and legs so sore I wasn’t sure I’d walk again; these were some downfalls of the roles I’d worked. While I cherished these opportunities, I see my future in an industry a little less hard on the body, perhaps something where I could trade in the cargo pants and bucket hats I wore as part of my uniform for a suit and tie, or at least a nice cardigan.

Where might I work as an environmental interpreter? Perhaps as a museum educator. The Keeler Tavern Museum (2021) describes a museum educator as responsible for engaging guests with information through guided tours, developing exhibits, hosting events, and preparing online content to reach audiences across various platforms. This falls in line with the smorgasbord principle of Beck et al. (2018), which dictates that interpretation is most effective when audience members can choose which media forms they engage with. My ideal job location would be somewhere like the Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa or the Royal Ontario Museum, which host galleries related to fossil records, avian diversity, mammal ecology, and more (Canadian Museum of Nature, 2023)! Beck et al. (2018) suggest that key features of an environmental interpreter include a love for learning, strong communication skills, an academic background in the related environmental discipline, as well as possessing creativeness and a knowledge of social psychology. While I agree all of these would be assets as a museum educator, I think a number of other skills would be of benefit, including speaking another language to help reach a wider audience, professionality, storytelling abilities to link concepts together and capture an audience's attention, as well as strong research skills to help keep information up-to-date.

Throughout my undergraduate career, how I see my future has evolved dramatically. When I started at the University of Guelph, I thought I would end up in a position similar to the one I held at Jungle Cat World but, you learn a lot from your experiences, what you like and what you’re not so fond of, and you start to realize what makes you happy. I love teaching people about the natural world, and I want that to be an important element of my career. I’m excited to share my experiences through this blog, and to keep you updated on the things I learn about myself as an interpreter.

Now let's hear from you! Is environmental interpretation a field that interests you? Where do you see yourself in the future, and what experiences motivate this vision?

Sources Used

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage : for a better world. Sagamore Venture.

Canadian Museum of Nature. (2023). Exhibitions. Retrieved from URL: https://nature.ca/en/visit-us/whats-on/exhibition/ on January 15th, 2023.

Keeler Tavern Museum. (2021). Keeler in the Community. Retrieved from URL: https://keelertavernmuseum.org/article/5541/ktmhc-is-hiring/ on January 15th, 2023.

[rireraa]

okay here are the details ✨✨

this week i was on a class trip around Italy/Monaco. i had made some paper roses to give it to some people (planned for our tour guides and bus driver) but on thursday i decided to visit the oceanographic museum of Monaco, or short aquarium

i lost my friends and walked around alone until i sat down on a bench and watched a big pool of fish

next to me was sitting a guy, he caught my attention and i had some of my flowers with me which made me think i could give one to him

we sat there like ten minutes and just watched the fish and I was getting sooo nervous, but then he stood up and kept moving 😭

this was the moment when i realized i had to do it now, so i followed him and finally took the courage to speak

I said "sorry, can i give you this flower?" and at first he was confused and I'm sure he liked it

so on, we walked around, but separately, we just stayed near each other and

somewhen i watched a smaller pool with a flat fish and he came up to me and said "I like this fish, it's funny. like a pancake" (or something like that)

but i was so unbelievably nervous i couldn't even say anything and just laughed a little. yeah and then we kept going 😭😭😭

later i just couldn't bring myself to speak to him again, like I'm so bad at talking with strangers. the problem was, i was getting sick at the time (i had to vomit the day before and right now I'm having fever and much more), so i had to sit down for a moment

the next second he was gone 😭

i went up again, looking out for him, but my friends found me, telling me not to run away again and taking me to the souvenir shop

i hoped he would get there since we were running out of time to get to our checkpoint, unfortunately I didn't see him again and had to return

now I'm back home and obviously i couldn't stop thinking about him, so i wanted to take a other chance and created a tiktok account were i posted something about this here (and maybe he will see it)

tiktok.com/@at_siles

if anyone wants to see more pictures ♡

I GIFTED A PAPER ROSE TO A BOY IN AN AQUARIUM AND NOW I CANT STOP THINKING ABOUT HIM

[bored-mumma]

Steven Grant - Fluff alphabet - SFW

Steven Grant - Smut Alphabet - NSFW

MASTERLIST

A = Activities. What are their favourite things to do with you?

Steven often asks what you want to do, happy to go along with anything you wanted - even if it was something as simple as going to do a food shop, he was more than happy to come along. He had been dreaming of someone to share his time with for so many years now, that even the little things are fantastic for him. Evenings tend to go with you both cuddled up either in bed or on the sofa, Steven flicking through the tv until he finds something for you both to watch but eventually you end up reading a book or falling asleep.

B = Baby. Do they want a family? Why/Why not?

In his head he’ll always imagine having a home with you, a couple of kids running around as you live a pretty simple, domestic life. Him coming home after work to a warm house and loving family fills his heart with joy every time he thinks about it. But then he’s dragged back down by his other thoughts, questioning his own abilities and decides maybe it's best to not have kids as he’s not sure what kind of parent he would be. Steven would constantly flip between wanting and not wanting kids.

C = Cuddle. How do they cuddle?

As long as your pressed together as much as possible, he’s happy. Although him having his head on your chest as you both lay in bed reading a book is basically heaven to him.

D = Dates. What are dates with them like?

At the start they’re very traditional. Going out for dinners, ending the night with him walking you home - always making sure to buy you some flowers or some chocolates. But as time went on, you would start to go to museums or just have movie nights at home.

E = Everything. You are my ____ (e.g. my life, my world…)

You are the love of my life.

F = Feelings. When did they know they were falling in love?

Steven is a man who falls hard and fast for a person. He knew it was love on your second date as he gushed about his workday, how he’s still trying to become a tour guide even though his boss keeps telling him it would never happen. He then went on to spurt out all of his knowledge about Egyptology and his love for it. He was a little nervous, so he kept rambling on and on and didn’t realise until you started to ask questions, watching him and genuinely interested about what he was saying. Although you were interested in it, you were more loving watching how passionate he was being about the topic. After about an hour of him rambling and you asking follow-up questions, he switched the topic of what you’re most interested in. Just like you, he adored how your eyes lit up when you spoke your passion. It was a look he loved with all his heart.

G = Gentle. Are they gentle? If so, how?

Oh my days he is so gentle. Almost like if he holds you too tightly, you’ll break. He’ll run his hands down your side as you cuddle, leaving a trail of goosebumps. His head resting on your chest as he listens to your heartbeat. The only time he’ll basically grip on to you is in his sleep. He’ll have his arms wrapped around you, pulling you into his chest as if he’s afraid you’ll slip away in the night.

He’s also gentle in the way he talks to you. Even in arguments, Steven would never ever yell at you. Yeah, he may get frustrated and a little sarcastic, but would never yell. 

H = Holding Hands. How do they like to hold hands?

Interlocked fingers, maybe absentmindedly swinging them as he walks along.

I = Impression. First impression/ how you met.

You were taking a tour around the museum with a couple of friends when you met Steven. It ended at the gift shop, your friends having a quick browse before deciding there was nothing of their interest, but you were tourn between a couple of things. Your friends left, saying they’ll meet you outside and that's when Steven came over to help out a customer, just like any other day. But as you looked up to him, a smile on your face as you explained you liked both of the things you were holding but only had enough money for one, asking for his opinion on which was better, Steven found himself staring a little more than he would like to admit. He could tell you were kind and couldn’t help himself when he said you could take one of the items with no extra cost. He would definitely get in trouble for it but seeing the smile on your face as you kept repeating your thanks, it was worth it. The next day you came in again, heading straight to the gift shop with some cash to give to Steven for the free item he gave you the day before.

J- Jealousy. Do they get jealous often/easily?

Not very often but every once in a while, he’ll have a bit of a jealous fit. You noticed it tended to come on when his sleep has been worse than usual, making him pretty hard to deal with sometimes. The latest time was when you met Steven at the museum to join him on his lunch break, he noticed you were talking to a couple security guards as you waited. In his mind you were smiling a little too much and they were laughing a little too hard at your jokes. But he won’t come out and say to you what's wrong though. Steven in more of a bubble up in silence type. Eventually you’ll coax him into telling you what's wrong and that's when all his jealousy mixed with insecurities come tumbling out of his mouth.

K = Kiss. How do they kiss?

Most of the time he would start with holding your chin between his finger and thumb, gently brushing his lips with your lips. But when you chased his lips as he would pull away, he would go back in. Moving both of his hands to the back of your neck, holding you in place. His kisses weren’t dominating at all but were always extremely passionate.

L = Love. Who says ‘I love you’ first?

You do, although Steven had been thinking it basically since your second date. He knew what he felt, but his inexperience in dating meant he wasn’t sure when the right time to say it would be. Although the moment you told him you loved him, he told you he loved you too every second he got.

M = Memory. What’s their favourite memory together?

The day you agreed to move in with him is certainly a treasured memory. You had been sleeping over constantly, neither of you wanting you to go back to your own place. Steven had even got rid of some of his stuff to make room for your own. One day when you had finally run out of your own clothes and had to head back to your own place for just a night or two, Steven had a sudden idea! 

“What if you just brought all your stuff over here? I could clear out some more space, y’know. So, you don’t have to go back...”

“Are you asking me to move in with you?” You asked, a huge smile creeping its way onto your face. Steven instantly felt more confident after seeing your reaction. 

“Yeah! Move in with me? Please?”

N = Nickel. Do they spoil? Do they buy the person they love everything?

He hasn't got much money to spend on you but that doesn’t stop him from trying his best. Steven will get you flowers once a week, whether it be cheap lilies or expensive roses. He also often tries to make you little things himself - dinners, gift cards, photo books etc to show his love.

O = Open. When would they open up and telling you things about themselves?

Steven admitted his sleeping issues on your third date. He wanted to make sure he let you know about it and how sometimes, his body must be so desperate for sleep that he sleeps through an entire day - the only explanation he can think of for why days seem to just disappear for him. He was terrified of the thought that he would miss a date with you and make you think he stood you up. Thankfully that didn’t happen until you had already been dating for a long time, at which point you knew Steven well enough to know it was a complete accident. 

Other than that Steven has always been a pretty open book with you. Loving having someone he can share things with. At the start he had a little bad habit of over-sharing but thankfully you thought that was pretty cute.

P = Petnames. What petnames do they use?

Most of the time its love but occasionally it will be darling.

Q = Quiz. How much would they remember about thier partner?

Steven, our sweet boy, would remember every single little thing. From how you liked your coffee in the morning to that Christmas present you hinted you wanted six months ago.

R = Rainy Day. How would they spend their rainy day off with you?

Steven is a sucker for a good cuddle. Money is a little tight so instead of turning the heating on during cold, raining winter days, he would opt to have you cuddled against him, a thick blanket over the two of you as you both read your own books. It would be silent except for the storm outside that would often lull Steven into a much-needed sleep, head resting on your shoulder as you ran your hand through his hair.

S = Sad. How do they cheer themselves up?

He still tends to struggle to explain his emotions sometimes. He may begin to try and explain but gets frustrated he can't communicate it properly. So instead, you got him a diary, hoping he may find it easier that way. He did and it actually helped him in finding ways to communicate with you. Of course, a hug and soothing words from you always worked as well.

T = Try. How much effort would they put into dates, anniversaries, everyday tasks etc.

Stevens love language is definitely acts of service. He would wake up every morning and make you a coffee or tea, making sure to wake you up for work with a kiss and a warm drink to start your day. Gifts wise, he was amazing! As said before, money is a little tight but that doesn’t stop him bringing things home from work often, saying how they’ve just got these new things in stock at the gift shop, and he knew instantly you would love it. 

Dates he would struggle a little. He knew of the basics, going out for dinner, going for walks etc. But when it came to doing something bigger and more exciting for anniversaries or birthdays? He had no idea. He thought maybe a more expensive restaurant would be good enough, not really having an idea of what else to do. Eventually though, you would start planning some dates and doing different things together which would give Steven a little inspiration of what to do next.

U = Ugly. What would be some bad habits of theirs?

Steven is messy. Like annoyingly, extremely messy. At first you didn’t mind too much but when you did finally move in and try to clean up his flat a little, it would annoy you to no end when he would come home and mess everything up almost immediately. You knew it wasn’t his fault and he didn’t do it on purpose but even so. When you spoke to him about though, you did notice he started to actively try and be tidier. Though it didn’t make much of a difference - you still appreciated it. 

V = Vanity. How concerned are they with how they look?

Not concerned at all most of the time. He often had tired eyes, hair sticking up a little where he would try to tame down the curls but never really succeeding, clothes never ironed and always slightly baggy. But on the occasion, he would make an effort for you. Putting on a suit and tie and even ironing it. 

W = Wedding. When, how, where do they propose?

Steven did have a big plan. He had a reservation at a beautiful restaurant, set aside some money to buy himself a new suit and you a new outfit too. He picked the perfect ring out and was going to buy some flowers to match the colour of the stone. But one evening, when you were both in your pjs, lying on the sofa watching a documentary, Steven looked down at you. Your head was lying on his legs, one hand under his thigh as you hugged his legs. He could see your eyes were starting to droop as he ran his fingers through your hair but could tell you were trying your best to stay awake. In that moment of pure domestic bliss, the words ‘marry me’ slipped past his lips without him even realising it. 

X = XO. How do they show you affection?

He’s an act of service kind of man but he’s also very touch deprived. He likes to have a hand on you pretty much at all times, especially when you’re out. Whether that's holding your hand, having his hand on your waist or just standing close enough that your arms brush. Steven also often gives you random kisses, muttering ‘I love you’s’ as he does so. He does little things but does them a lot.

Y = Yearn. What do they do when they miss you?

He’ll take a moment to use the diary you brought him, trying to get out his emotions but usually ends up writing about you. He’ll often burn your favourite candle as well, the smell filling his flat reminding him of you. He did worry sometimes about coming off as needy so would have to learn to cope without your presence with him 24/7, but that doesn’t mean he likes it.

Z = Zebra. If they wanted a pet, what would they get?

He loves Gus to pieces, but Steven also likes the thought of having a house cat. A cuddly little thing, all warm and fluffy. He brings it up to you all the time until eventually you both go out and adopt one.

[curseofaphrodite]

tasm!peter parker

spot the difference

tired of seeing you pining after your best friend, gwen decides to help you by googling seduction tricks. while nothing useful came up, it starts a chain of disastrous events anyway.

nothing but blue skies

peter may be a superhero, but in front of his crush, he's reduced to a blubbering mess. especially since you seemed to be more badass than him | witch!reader

spiderman's in love! source: trust me.

someone spies upon the city vigilante and Y/N sharing a heart-to-heart moment, and spreads rumors faster than you could say please. (strangers to friends to lovers)

the gods among us

you're a loki variant who's sucked into the multiverse mess. you meet the famous Peter Parker, as well as two of his clones, one more annoying than the other. [requested]

you're not peter parker pt. 1 | pt. 2

no way home spoilers! : when Peter enters this earth, he stumbles upon a certain witch first. [avenger!reader, witch!reader]

cookies and a wounded vigilante

you help spiderman and realize you know more about him than you think.

the spidey club

no way home spoilers! : being tom!peter's best friend while having a crush on andrew!peter came with a lot of complications.

coffee run

no way home spoilers! : visiting the Stark Enterprises and being a tour guide to someone from another universe wasn’t as fun as it sounded. Especially since the man in question was adamant on scoring a date with you.

webbed troubles

revealing he's spiderman would have been a lot easier if you didn't follow his example of making dumb choices.

when in doubt, knock out the driver.

peter and you being the #1 chaotic duo

black widows and other spiders

when steve asked you to deal with the Loki mess, you didn't expect the god of mischief to cast you into a different universe altogether. Luckily, you have some help.

modern art

as days passed on, dating peter felt like a modern art. beautiful, chaotic, but never fully yours. inspired by reckless by madison beer. [requested]

self-made sculptures (sequel to modern art)

inspired by 13 years later of All Too Well except it isn't 13 years.

caviar and cigarettes

you were never too shy to throw a punch, especially at the bullies who made Peter's life a living hell. except this time, you may have acted before thinking. (fluff, requested)

tulips to kiss you with | collab with @agnesamarantheastwood

after peter moves in as your neighbor, he thought he'd get more of a chance at asking you out. what he did not expect was to get jealous over a flower.

mission I'm possibly in love with you | collab with @agnesamarantheastwood

peter didn't want to sabotage your date with someone else. well, he kind of did. and that's exactly what he was going to do.

peter parker can't flirt

featuring marauders, this is a crossover fic between harry potter and tasm.

BLURBS AND DRABBLES

first date with peter parker

breaking into a museum with peter

"I've packed a switchblade, taser and gun." "...for a field trip?"

shopping with a chaotic peter

morally-grey!vigilante reader

semi-villain reader

WIPS

if you steal these ideas, I will cry.

[under construction]

[callmemaeverick]

A Glimpse into Passion [Master Chief x Reader]

AN: I’m not really feeling this one, maybe because I was stewing on it for too long, I got desensitized. Anyway, I need to get it out so I can get on with the next ones. Continuation of Soldier Sweet

ps: despite the title, this fic is totally safe for work and entirely fluffy. taglist at the bottom :)

Part III

You've always loved spending time with children. While you're not too keen on spreading war propaganda, the days where the UNSC would open the base for visitation were always your favorite. And when Miranda approached you last week and asked if you could help lead the group of schoolchildren through your department, you didn't even hesitate.

You’ve learned from all that time volunteering as a tour guide at the museum during college, that in order to keep a whole class of children focused, was either to warn them of the consequences if they didn't listen to you, or promise them a reward at the end of a tour if they did. And you had an idea on how you could do both.

In the years previous, your request to the have children meet one of the Spartans up close was always denied by Dr Halsey. No matter how you pitched it, she would always shoot you down, citing that her Spartans were not made for tours or children entertainment. But you were undeterred.

"Dr. Halsey," You called the moment you see here exiting one of her many labs. At hearing your voice, you saw the slightest tension enter her posture before she turned to face you.

"As I've said last year, doctor, and the year before that, the answer is no."

She moved to leave but you stepped in her path. "I know, but think about it, doctor. The media coverage itself would help boost the PR of your program. Think of the fund-"

"My dear," She put a hand on your arm, and the gesture itself was non-threatening, but you were well aware of her reputation to know to shut up. "My program is well-funded enough that I do not need to resort to... such measures."

You deflated. "Please... the Spartans are the only reason they came. It'll mean so much to them to meet one. Just one."

Halsey opened her mouth to deny you once more before another voice chimed into the conversation.

"I'll do it."

You had to look up, up, and up to see the person who spoke. It was then you noticed him, and you felt unnerved at how someone so big could go unnoticed by you. However, in your defense, you were focused on something else.

Your eyes meet green ones and you blinked in shock. There was something familiar in the way the man was watching you, but for the life of you, you couldn't place it.

Halsey was quick to retort. "John, you don't have t-"

"I want to."

And then it clicked. And your brain shorted.

"John?" He'd look different without his armor, but at the same time familiar. While the Mjolnir did add to his stature and size, the man himself was intimidating in his own right. Clad in sleek black under armor, you could tell that your Master Chief is built, and to quote your friend Breanna, like brick shithouse. His biceps were the size of your thighs and his thighs...

"You've met?" Dr Halsey's semi-confused, semi-annoyed tone broke off your wandering eyes and imagination.

"Uh- yeah... we've.. we've talked." You diverted your eyes to the man. "It's finally nice to put a face to the name, John." The smile that graced your face was genuine.

It was a long time before Halsey's voice broke through and pulled the both of you back to the matter at hand. "Fine. I'll make an exception this time."

You almost jumped with joy. "Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you. Thank you so much." You scribbled the time and date, and also your personal contact details on the notepad in your arms before handing him the piece of paper. "You have no idea what this means to me, to them. You won't regret it, I swear."

Dr Halsey watched as John took the piece of paper from you, before dismissing you completely. John took to follow but not before turning his head to look at you once more before they disappeared around the corner.

xxxx

John stood waiting as his ears caught the approaching group. He was decked in his full armor, but sans his rifle. His gun is strapped to his thigh, but unloaded. Should the need arises, he had his spare magazines on his person.

His mind drifted to the paper in his hands, your hurried scrawl staring back at him. He had lost count at how many times he had looked at it in the past 2 weeks, making sure he memorized the time and date... and your contact number. He had wanted to call you, to talk about the tour and... anything else, but he had always abandoned the thought as soon as it entered his mind.

"Alright, children, if everyone could please gather around." He watched as you rounded the corner and stopped in front of the entrance to the department. Before you, a group of small humans trudged to a stop.

"Welcome to the Department of Xeno-Technology. Now who can tell me what it is we do here?"

A number of hands shot up.

"Okay. Chrissie,"

The child piped up. "Studying the aliens?"

The group started murmuring, some in excitement and some in disgust and fear.

"That is correct! In here, hundreds of people try to understand our enemies better. From their technology to their language and even their biology." You tapped on your tablet and a projection of a full grown Elite appeared beside you and the children in gasped and jumped back in shock. But you were smiling as you looked up at the creature. "He's kinda scary, huh?"

The children nodded, eyes wide.

"Don't worry," Your eyes found him. "My friend is here to keep us safe."

John took that as his que, stepping forward into the view of the children.

If their eyes were wide before, they were wider when they finally clocked him.

"Everyone, I'd like you to meet Master Chief. He is here to help me in this part of the tour," You told them. "This department is big and there will be a lot of interesting things to see. Master Chief is here to make sure everyone stays with the group," You eyed a couple of the children with a glint of gentle warning. "-and refrain from touching... untouchable things, okay?"

Their eyes were still on him, but the group nodded their assent.

"And if everyone behaves, Master Chief might be amicable to answer some of your questions." At this, you caught his eyes, the silent question on your face. John didn't feel himself hesitate, and nodded.

The children murmured in excitement, and something light slithered into his chest cavity as you smiled at them.

Listening to you speak about your department and the work that you do was an experience for John. Never before he had encountered someone so passionate about what they were doing. By the end of the tour, John had felt that his presence to keep the group behaving was not needed with how enraptured the children were to your lectures.

He didn't care about the curious glances of the scientists and doctors gave him as he took up the rear of the group, a glorified body guard, because every now and then, one or two of the children would sneak a curious peek at him and John felt the light feeling in his chest bloom just bit brighter.

And you. You were kind to the children, answering their many many ridiculous questions with patience and delight. Your face glowed with your smile, your light laugh travelling to him easily. From time to time, you would glance at him, checking to see if he was alright. He felt it was unneeded, but nodded to you nonetheless.

"Alright, everyone. And that concludes our tour for today."

A chorus of groans followed your announcement and you giggled. "I am happy you enjoyed your tour, and as much as I would love to spend the rest of the day with you, your teacher needs to get you back to your parents." You met his eyes and John understood the silent ask.

Leaving his post from behind the tour group, he went to stand beside you. "But since you all were very well-behaved, as a treat, you can ask Master Chief some questions."

Almost immediately, the voices rose up from the group as all of their hands shot up. You gave him a small encouraging smile before turning to the tiny mob in front of you. "Everyone, calm down. One by one, okay. Now, Logan, you go first."

So one by one, the children asked him questions. Some were as simple as his name and some where as unexpected as his favorite color.

It was definitely not how he expected the day to end.

He watched you as you waved the children goodbye, and wondered what it was like to feel so much passion the way you do? Was it like battle focus, mind zeroing into a single-minded focus to complete a mission? But why are you smiling so wide? Completing a mission is paramount, but it never gave him the reason to smile.

“You okay?”

He blinked behind his visor.

“Yes.”

“Good.” You said, a small smile gracing your lips as the both of you turned back to the building. “I know kids can be a bit overwhelming… I didn’t know if you were okay with it all.”

“I’m fine.”

“You did great, you know. The kids loved you.” You reached out and placed a hand on his arm, making him stop and look at you. “Thank you for... being there. I really appreciate what you did.”

He looked at the hand on his arm before looking back at you. He nodded.

“Oh, before I forget. Emily wanted me to give you this.” From your pockets, you retrieved a folded piece of paper.

It was a crude drawing of what he believes is him and Emily herself, holding hands. You grinned at him. “Cute, huh?”

He didn’t really feel anything looking at the picture, but from the look on your face, it was something utterly precious. He decided then, that he will keep it safe. If it made you smile like that, it must be important to you. And if his team found the picture in his locker, well, what exactly can they say about it? He’s the Master Chief after all.

FIN

Tagging: @redpool @lialacleaf @theliterarybeldam (im not sure if you’d like to be tagged, let me know if you want off)

[livedtough]

He had imagined it, from time to time, in his conversations with the man. He knew it was hard work, knew it had to be when people like him came around to bother him, and he was just one person out of what was certainly many. He never bothered him, though. He never tried to get him to break. He just talked to him. "I'm not either. I don't really do well with sitting still." At least, not in that capacity, but he doubted many people were. He was a fidgeter, though. He usually did it when he was nervous, but he was usually nervous. He was nervous now, but...not as nervous as he should be, with everything she'd told him. He might be putting himself in danger, but she was pleasant company, and she said nice things to him. "I don't know. Part of it, I don't think it's me. I think she's enjoying living her life without anyone, you know? Not just me." She wouldn't be going just so many places if she wasn't enjoying herself. right? "I wouldn't mind it, though. I don't really get out much. The closest I get to seeing the world is working at the museum." Should he tell her that? Should he be saying things like that out loud? Oh, what difference did it make, when he was taking her and anyone who was following her to his home? "I guess I miss her, sometimes, too. I feel like it's been ages since I've seen her." He...actually can't remember the last time he saw her. Must have been a while ago, then.

She smiled at him and he smiled back, even if he didn’t like that it was all that he could offer. If nothing else, though, he was glad to make her feel less alone. “No one should feel alone,” he said softly, despite the fact that what he thought should be didn’t matter, and that they were the proof of that. But at least they had each other, right? They were friends? Friends that would probably never see each other again after tonight, but they were still friends. She said it. They were friends. And friends, when asked about why they weren’t allowed to guide tours at the museum, told each other the truth. “I mean, I guess it helps to know what you’re talking about, but I think most of it’s off a script. I do know what I’m talking about, but…my boss doesn’t really like me. I’ve asked her a million times to let me be a tour guide, but she always turns me down.” And it breaks his heart every time. It broke his heart a little now just to think about it. But she was asking him to tell her something, and that made him smile. “Well…” he paused, rifling through endless information to pick something out. After a moment, his head tilted back, his eyes pointing upwards towards the sky, and he smiled softly, “the god Khonshu—he’s the Moon God—his name means ‘traveler’, because of the way the moon moves across the sky, but people also call him the Defender, among a few other things, and all of that meant that he was thought to protect those who traveled at night. So you have someone looking out for you."

( @setitallaflame )

Jennsen lightly laughed, shaking her head, “I don’t think I could, either. I mean, imagine it - all the sights and sounds all around you, but you have to remain posed. Then there’s people trying to talk to you, to see if they can trick you or tease you out of staying still, or trying to get pictures with you because you are a work of art, after all... No, I’m definitely not cut out for that.” Her current situation aside, she was trying to get used to being around other people in general, she couldn’t imagine being the center of attention. She couldn’t imagine that being her purpose, that people were supposed to be looking at her - studying her. She then slowly nodded as he explained that he felt like his mom wanted some time to herself after spending so much time with him, and that he could be difficult to be around, which prompted her to respond, “I know we’ve only just met, but I’ve quite enjoyed being around you. However, if you think your mom needs a little bit more vacation time to herself, I imagine you would know that better than anyone. Still, after what you think is enough time, maybe you could try reaching out? Doing a trip together? Is that something you think she would want? Is that something you want? Or would you prefer to travel a little on your own, too?”

Jennsen offered him a small smile, “I appreciate that. And you don’t have to know what it feels like to be empathetic - to care. It means a lot to me, especially after what I just said. Makes me feel less alone.” Even if it was only for a little bit, it allowed her a chance to breathe again, to not feel like she was on her own against the world. He probably didn’t realize just how much he was giving her not only in a place to eventually sit for a little bit, but in the gift of his company. It was not something she’d ever forget. “...You’ve said more than enough, friend.” After that, she was listening as he told her that his interest in Egyptian gods developed as he grew older, but while he thought about doing something with it, he wasn’t even allowed to do guided tours at the museum. She thought about it for a beat before admitting, “I don’t know enough about schooling, and what’s required for certain jobs, but do you have to have a certain degree for tours? Is that why you’re not able to do them?” She then grinned, nodding her head, “Of course. Tell me anything - everything. I want to hear whatever you’re willing to share.”

[weirdshadeofgray]

Electrified

summary: A bachelorette party in a museum? Boring. Good thing you haven enthusiastic gift shoppist to help you out when you're about to give up.

pairing: Steven Grant x f!reader

note: it's fluff. english isn't my first language and i didn't edit it so there must be mistakes. what do you think?

Who in their right mind would like to kick off their bachelorette party in a freaking museum? You were supposed to play stupid games, drink a lot, maybe go to watch male strippers. But this? Even the thought was mindblowingly boring.

As you let out a tired sigh, you leaned your back against the wall by the entrance and flipped through the brochure you found when you arrived. Ancient Egypt. Great. Mummies, cats, pyramids—that was all you knew about that period along with a few details you saw and heard in movies.

Slowly the others began to arrive, and soon the last missing person was the bride herself. Your eyes scanned the crowd, hoping she would show up soon so you could get this private tour over with. The museum was supposed to close in two hours, and knowing what a nerd your friend was, it would take you approximately that long to finish.

"I have an idea," one of the girls said as she scanned the screen of her phone. "I saw a picture of an adorable Taweret plushie you can buy in the gift shop. Let's get Chloe one before she gets here."

"Taweret?" someone asked the question you've all been thinking about.

"The goddess of pregnancy and motherhood. Also, it's super cute," she added this very important detail.

A gift shop. Did they have alcohol? Maybe a nice bottle of wine? It was worth a shot. "I'll go get it," you offered with a raised hand. "But don't you dare leave me behind."

Everyone nodded so you made your way to the gift shop to get the toy. There was a mother with her son in there, with the woman going through the postcards while the kid was seemingly bored to death. You understood how he felt so you flashed an understanding smile at him when he noticed you looking.

"Excuse me, can I help you?"

You turned around and found a tired-looking guy standing in front of you. He had a polite smile on his face as he patiently waited for you answer with his hands folded over his stomach. There was a name tag on his shirt that read Steven.

"Yes, hi. I'm looking for a Taweret plushie. Do you have those in stock?" you asked with a hopeful expression.

His face lit up upon hearing this and he gestured you to follow him. On the other side of the shop you found a bunch of hippo toys and he gave you one of them. "Here you go," he said.

You reached out to take it from him, and when your fingers brushed against his, you felt electricity running through your body. In his own, messy way he was cute, you didn't even want to deny it.

When you went to the register, Steven looked a little hesitant, as if he was about to ask you something. You smiled at him, hoping this would make him talk. And sure enough, he finally opened his mouth to speak.

"Is it for a child?" he asked, and your jaw dropped upon hearing this.

For some reason you thought he wanted to ask you out, but no. Or was he just trying to get more information out of you? Were you a mother? Were you married or in any other kind of relationship? Maybe this way his way of learning more about you.

"No, it's for my friend. We came for a private tour and we thought she might like this surprise," you explained with a sigh.

"Oh, the bachelorette party," he said with a laugh, but then he stopped and raised an eyebrow at you. "Wait, wasn't that cancelled?"

"Cancelled?" The bride was running late, no calls, no messages. What the hell was going on? "Do you know why they cancelled it?"

Steven nodded. "The tour guide is sick and no one could jump in. I think we couldn't reach the one who got the appointment, now that we're talking about it."

Letting out a groan, you rested your elbows on the table and buried your face in your hands. "I can't fucking believe it." You looked up and your eyes fell on a pack of gummies. "Do you happen to have any kind of alcohol in this shop?" you asked with a hopeful expression in your eyes.

But he shook his head in response. "Sadly, we don't have any." Then there was the hesitation again. His eyes were burning a hole in you as he fidgeted with his hands. "I don't usually do this, but would you like to have a cup of tea or coffee with me sometimes?"

There it was, the question he'd been trying to ask you for long minutes now. It was flattering, really, and he was honestly handsome. So why not? "Sure, I'd love to. Do you have a piece of paper?" Steven handed you a pen and paper without thinking. "I'll give you my number, give me a call to discuss when and where should we meet."

"That—that would be great," he said with a wide smile.

"Cool, see you some other time then. Thanks for the plushie. And the info about the cancelled tour."

He waved at you when you said goodbye and you couldn't stop smiling on your way to the others. By the time you got there, it turned out the bride had just joined the group. Great, she should hear the news.

"Guys, who talked to the museum? Because from what I heard, the tour was cancelled."

One of the girls have you a quizzical look. "I don't remember any messages about this." She stopped and thought hard for a moment, then, "Oh, wait, I did have missing calls from an unknown number."

"Why didn't you answer it?" the bride asked her.

"Because I don't answer calls from unknown numbers, duh."

Oh, for fuck's sake, you were surrounded by idiots. "Chloe, while Gracie goes and checks if the tour of a go or no go," you began, giving her a hard look, "here's this little plushie as a present for us. And please, let's go out for a few drinks if there's no tour. I'm begging you."