#Volvo Museum

[carsthatnevermadeitetc]

Volvo DC1 Concept, 2000. Designed by Peter Horbury, a prototype small hatchback Volvo for urban driving. Powered by fuel cells, the unusual wheels incorporated composite suspension. It is displayed at Volvo's museum in Göteborg

source

[nicholask-la]

From February, 2023

[instructionsonback]

“Can We Fix It? 9” x 12””

[idisaestheticblog]

[whiskeyghoul]

Pt.4 || She blinded me with science || [Spencer Reid x Goth!reader]

first chapter, previous chapter, next chapter

A/N: We are back again with another part! This one is a first, real, date with Spencer. I know the timeline of the museum doesn’t check out but let’s pretend it does. I think museum dates are the cutest and would love a Spencer who can info dump while walking around a museum. Also please enjoy this setup to some more conflict hehe. Please reblog when you do enjoy to help spread the fic, it is greatly appreciated.

WC: 2,8K

Tags: Fluff, goth reader, alt reader, pure fluff, first date, museum date, spencer reid, two idiots in love.

Warnings: None.

Your pov

“Do you want to go to a museum with me this weekend?” Spencer asked while he sat in the desk chair in your lab. You looked up from the stereo microscope, a little surprised by the question. Spencer had been taking his breaks there the entirety of the week, keeping you company as you worked or having lunch together. He’d brought you coffee about 3 out of the 4 times he had joined you. A very welcome gift during the long shifts you worked. You would have lunch together sometimes too. Eating, talking, getting to know each other a little better.

“What museum?” You asked with a smile, it would be a real date, outside of the confines of Quantico. “The national museum of natural history has opened a new hall about ocean life and conservation… I was hoping to go see it this weekend. If you want to come along.” He was looking hopeful, although a little nervous. Like he had been wanting to ask this for a while and had a certain fear of your answer. As if you could say no to him. 

“Yeah, I’d love that.” You answered, watching as Spencer’s lips curved up into a smile. The focus on his lips jolted you back to the memory of a few days ago. When he had crowded you, looking like he was going to kiss you. Something in his expression changed to a certain level of possession. So close you couldn’t look away from him. The way his fingertips had brushed your skin so gently, it had been on your mind for the entire rest of the day. A little disappointed he hadn’t tried again. Then again there hadn’t been a similar moment. “Great, should I pick you up?” Spencer’s voice shook you out of your thoughts. He seemed excited now, you could see him biting the inside of his lip, keeping from fully grinning. “If you wouldn’t mind that. I could send you my address.” You spoke and he nodded his head in return, “I don’t mind at all.” He spoke a little softer than before. You smiled in turn and went back to your work.

It was Saturday morning when Spencer picked you up from your apartment. You had thought about changing your outfit about 6 times but finally decided it wasn’t worth it to change that many times. You had put on one of your better dresses, just a casual black with a nice flowy thigh length skirt with layers of black, ripped tights. Creating some flair with a multitude of accessories. Because it could be a long day you decided comfort was necessary. When you opened the door you saw his bright smile, watching as his eyes scanned down to take in the outfit. “Hey.” His voice was a little breathy.  “Hey.” You returned with a smile. “My uh-” He swallowed looking a little nervous which was adorable to you. “My car is out front. Want to go?” He asked and you nodded your head.

His car, a cream volvo, was a little worn down but somehow you had expected that. Spencer seemed like the kind of person who would hold on to something until it falls apart. He walked around, opening the door for you and helping you in. There were two cups in the center console. The car smelled of coffee and a little like vanilla. “Thank you.” You said as you buckled yourself into your seat. Spencer smiled and closed the door, you watched him awkwardly walk around the car quickly to get into the driver's seat. “You ready?” He asked while turning the key, the engine coming to live with a little bit of a sputter. “Yep, ready. You brought coffee?” You spoke as Spencer looked around for him to pull out of the apartment complex parking lot. “Yeah, thought you might want some. It might be a long day.” He said before fixing his eyes on the road. “Thank you.” Your voice sounded soft as you looked at him, taking the coffee cup closest to you and taking a sip. 

There was soft music playing over the car radio. Turned low enough for you to have a conversation but loud enough to fill any silences with comfortable sweet tones. It was mostly instrumental, which given Spencer’s history teacher-esque appearance was to be expected. His focus on the road gave you ample opportunity to let your eyes roam over his face. His profile was somewhat striking, he really was handsome. His hair curling at the back of his neck, not being able to stay slicked down by whatever products he used. You wondered what it would look like if he just let it curl naturally.

“What do you want to see most?” You asked and it caused Spencer to perk up slightly, he quickly looked over to you before returning his gaze to the road. “Well, there is a lot. I heard they have quite a large coral reef tank that is supposed to be modeled after an indo pacific reef ecosystem. I think that or the ocean systems exhibit. They have a massive 360 display with narration and it shows the complex aspects of the ocean and how it interacts with the atmosphere.” You thought you could possibly listen to him explaining everything in the museum if he wanted to. Hours on end to listen to his voice. “But there is also the first ever display of an adult coelacanth and a pup. They are considered living fossils by some, it will be so exciting to see the differences between adults and young ones.” He sounded so enthralled with the idea of everything he was going to see. His excitement only works to fan your own excitement. “I can’t wait to see them with you.” You said and Spencer once again turned to flash you his wonderful smile.

When you entered the museum you walked past the elephant in the entrance hall ready to head to the ocean hall. It was crowded, yet so incredibly beautiful. With the whale model hanging from the ceiling. Along with jellyfish that seemed a little whimsical. Through the middle ran a display with different sea creatures and their descriptions. Along the sides were similar displays. You felt a hand slide into yours, gently holding it and you looked up at Spencer. “Is this okay? I don’t want to lose you in the crowds.” He said as you watched the flush blossom on his cheeks. You interlaced your fingers with his, the size of his hand perfectly encapsulating yours, it was warm and so soft. “Perfectly fine.” You said and stood just a little closer to him. Together you traversed the displays, walking past different deep sea creatures, Spencer sometimes stopping to tell you something exciting he knew about the animal. You in turn try to surprise him with facts you knew, which he would smile at. 

Once you saw the coelacanth and the giant squid you moved to the reef aquarium. Watching as fish would lazily swim by, or some of the corals moved with the current inside of the tank. You stood there, watching it together, so incredibly close that you rested your head on his shoulder. Feeling the warmth that radiated from him. Listening to him read out the information next to the tank was a wonderful experience. “Do you want to move on to the ocean system exhibit? It is supposed to restart every few minutes.” Spencer eventually asked. You tilted up your head to look at him. Catching him looking at you and your eye contact felt just a little electric. Those deep, soft, brown eyes. “Lead the way, pretty boy.” You smiled and saw something in his eyes change for just a second. His cheeks flushing once again. 

Squeezing your hand a little tighter he pulled you along to the room containing the ocean system exhibit. The room was dimmed, there were seats lined up in a circle around the big globe that hung from the ceiling. It seemed to have already started as you came in, lights projected on it to show the earth and its oceans. Spencer pulled you along to one of the curved couches. There wasn’t a lot of space but he managed to find somewhere to sit. You squeezed in next to him, your thigh touching his, your hips close to him. His cologne was overwhelming like this, being so close in the dimly lit space felt intimate. Even with all the other people around. You felt his thumb rub over the back of your hand gently. A voice rang out over the speakers, starting to explain the ways of the ocean accompanied by music. You listened intently while watching the globe and the moving images projected onto it. 

Spencer shifted besides you and you suddenly felt his breath fanning next to your face, his lips close to your ear. It made your cheeks flush, your heart rate picked up along with it. Waiting in anticipation for what he was going to say. “Did you know there is enough salt in the ocean to cover the entirety of the earth. It would be 500 feet thick if it would cover it in one layer.” He whispered the fact and it made you hold back a soft giggle. The moment had felt so intimate all for him to whisper one of his crazy knowledge facts. You turned your head to look him in the eyes, those brown puppy eyes looking at you with a hint of confusion. “Here I thought you were going to say something romantic.” You whispered, tone light and teasing. You watched Spencer flush, a hint of embarrassment as his eyes looked away from yours for a moment. “Sorry.” He apologized, you could see from his movement, the way his thumb stopped massaging the back of your hand, that he felt a sudden regret. “Don’t be. I still liked it anyway.” You whispered, the tip of your nose bumping against his. You felt him exhale in a short burst, like it had been a short gasp he tried to hide, or a certain surprise at the contact. A little rush of electricity ran through your body. A little voice in the back of your head urging you to kiss him.

“You did?” Spencer asked. You softly hummed your answer, tilting your head a little to angle your nose away from his. “Is this okay?” you asked and now it was his turn to hum a soft “mh-hm” which sounded so delicate, almost inaudible over the sound of the projection. Still, all your senses were attuned to him in that moment. You wanted to say something before closing the short distance between you but Spencer was one step ahead. He gently pressed his lips against yours, moving his free hand quickly to hold you in place. The size of his hand easily cupping your neck, keeping you close to him. The feeling made you melt into him, eyes fluttering closed as a soft sigh escaping through your nose. You finally got the kiss you have been craving for days. His lips still had the lingering taste of coffee, but with that sugary sweetness to it. It was a wonderful feeling that ended all too soon in your mind. When his lips left yours you tried to chase them. Not wanting to lose the feeling.

His chuckle made you open your eyes, realizing the lights had turned on and the once dimmed room had become substantially brighter. “That was nice.” Spencer voiced it softly but no longer in a hushed whisper. He had your lipstick on his lips which made your heart flutter ever so slightly. You raised your free hand, slowly wiping at the dark red stain to get it off. “Yeah, it was.” You said while touching his lips. His hand left your nape, taking your wrist gently and holding your hand still. He pressed a soft kiss to your thumb as he held eye contact. Breath hitching you didn’t know what to do. “Ehm… do you want to grab something to eat? At the cafe?” You stumbled over your words. “I would love a cinnamonroll.” Spencer said, a cheeky smirk playing on his lips. Yet you could tell there was a hint of giddiness there for him. 

When he let go of your wrist it was like your body remembered how to move again. You stood up, glad the platforms under your shoes were solid, giving some stability to your slightly weakened knees. If you told your 17 year old self a guy who wore cardigans would have you weak in the knees you would have laughed. Spencer held out his hand which you gladly took. He led you to the café where you settled with a drink and something to eat before heading back into the museum. Wandering around past the different exhibits. Hand in hand.

When Spencer dropped you off back home later in the evening than expected you were absolutely giddy. He'd stopped on the way home to grab a bite to eat and you had been engrossed in conversation with each other. After that he asked you to put on the music you enjoyed, stating that ‘you've put up with his music, and I've quite liked what you played at the lab.’ which was a sweet sentiment. You were lucky to have memorized the only station that played the bands you loved. So the last half of the ride was spent with the cure, bauhaus, Depeche mode and many others as the background noise to your conversations. When Spencer parked in front of the apartment building you felt a little reluctant to leave. This had been the best date in years, well… the best and realest date you've had. “Thank you, for today, I loved it.” You spoke up as Spencer looked at you. He smiled that same smile again, the shy one, where he looked like he wanted to bite his lip to stop from saying something he normally wouldn't. “I enjoyed it too. I'm glad I asked you to come along.” His brown eyes lingered on yours. Keeping eye contact made the car feel incredibly small for a moment. 

You unbuckled your seatbelt before turning, leaning over the center console and pressing your lips to his in a soft kiss. This time it was your turn to initiate it. His hands quickly managed to find their way to your nape again. Sliding up and into your hair. You moved so your left knee was perched on your seat. Your right hand softly cupping his cheek, the light scratch of a day old shave beneath your fingers. Parting your lips slightly, an invitation for him to take it further. When his lips moved with yours, a delicate dance that made goosebumps erupt on your skin. You wanted to be closer, to push your body against his but the damn center console was in the way.

When you pulled away from Spencer you watched his tongue dart out to taste his lips with a small breath. Smiling slightly, you bit the inside of your cheek, “I’ll see you on Monday at work.” you said and gave him a peck on the lips. He nodded his head yes, letting go of you, “I will text you tomorrow.” He said. You smiled at that. Remembering how Penelope mentioned his distaste for texting. You reached for the car door. “Wait.” Spencer spoke up which surprised you. You looked back to be faced with his pleading eyes. “One more?” he asked, “Please?” he added with a small smile. You rolled your eyes gently, before leaning back and giving just another small kiss. 

This time when you opened the passenger door he didn’t stop you. Once you stepped out you gave another little wave before closing the door. You rushed up the steps to the complex door and turned back to wave at Spencer as you walked in, watching as he pulled out of the parking lot. When you reached your apartment floor you were still on cloud nine. Dreamily walking down the hallway to your front door. When you did turn the corner and your eyes landed on your front door. A little bag sat on the floor beneath your door clink. A wave of unease washed over you. A nauseous feeling settling in your stomach. You knew exactly who it was from. How they got into the building, no clue, but this definitely was the work of the one person you confidently could say you hate. Your ex.

Tag list: @luvkatryna @emma-e-a @littlemadamred @cultish-corner @styleiconsize0 @sarai-ibn-la-ahad @depressedbutartsy @mikariell95

[honeygrahambitch]

"Will. I hope my timing is not too inconvenient. Do you happen to be in Baltimore?"

"Yes, what happened?" Will said as he picked up his phone.

"My Bentley was towed. Do you think you could pick me up so I can retrieve it?"

"Send me the address and I will be there in a moment."

***

"See what I believed?" Hannibal said as he showed Will the parking lot.

"And you were absolutely right. I always park here. There are always cars here. Look at that one parking right now. Since when are they towing them?"

"Could be a new rule."

"How much did you have to pay?"

"More than I would have liked."

"Let's go, get into my car. I am having a word with them." Hannibal didn't comment. The individuals who picked up his car were anyway destined to end up in his plate sooner or later.

No one touches his Bentley.

***

"Go there right now. Have a look. And tell all those cars the same thing."

"Sir, it's the law."

"The law my ass."

Hannibal lifted his eyes from the paperwork he was filling. He had to bite his tongue in order to stop himself from smiling.

"Excuse me but who are you? Since you are not the owner of the car?"

"You are damn right. That's my husband's car that you towed. And I am not leaving this place until you admit that it was a mistake on your behalf."

Hannibal dropped the pen on the floor and didn't even bother to pick it up. He almost dropped the papers as well.

"Sir, I would like to ask you to leave the room...your behavior is not very respectful."

"Did I hurt your feelings-" Will stopped to have a look at the name tag "Jeremy? I found your behavior to be more than unacceptable yet here we are. And listen, my husband might be very gracious with matters like this, but trust me, I am not."

"I am calling the police."

"Yeah?" Will said and pulled out his credentials. "Tell me again about the law."

Jeremy gulped and put his phone down. At this point Hannibal had to take off his coat. The temperature in the room was very high, of course.

"I know the law, and I am very much aware of the fact that you are towing only the expensive cars. It's been a matter the FBI has had its eyes on for weeks. So now, before my team arrives, you owe my husband some money. And an apology."

"Sir...our wages are low...please don't get us into more trouble. If our boss finds out..."

"I don't like repeating myself."

Jeremy was shaking but he rushed to took some money from a drawer. His trembling hands made counting them a lot more difficult.

Will turned to Hannibal who showed the same expression he would show in a museum. Fascination. Admiration. And something else.

The man gave Hannibal his money back and apologized multiple times.

"That was impressive, Will." Hannibal said as they left the building.

"I can't tolerate this type of things. Especially when it's you."

"Tell me, how much of it was real?"

"It was mostly bluffing. The FBI is not coming. But I had a feeling my assumption related to what they're doing is true." Will explained. "They never tried to pick up my volvo."

"We really need to get you a better car." Hannibal said, impressed by Will's mind even after all that time.

"Snob."

"I liked seeing you like that."

"Oh, I know. I put on a show mostly for your own entertainment."

Will's hand found his.

[katmcpheeuniverse]

Katharine McPhee attending the NBC Entertainment & Cinema Society with Volvo premiere of "Smash" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on January 26, 2012 in New York.

[spearxwind]

There’s this quote about the sea which I’ve never been able to track down the origin of but it slaps and maybe you’ll like it. If I remember rightly it was talking about the seas between South America and the Antarctic which are known for having hellish conditions. Anyway, it goes:

“50 degrees south there is no law, 60 degrees south there is no god”

Don’t feel like you have to reply I know it’s a weird message to send out of the blue but given all the ocean content I figured you might like it

OK SO!!! Funny enough I have seen that phrase before!! It's quoted in a nautical museum where i live dedicated to showcasing some of the info from the volvo ocean race :]

Trying to look up the quote itself brings up the names of the winds, and searching for that pulls this up

Which I believe is partly the reason for that quote OR they might have been named after it, one of the two?

The full quote in the museum is "Under 40 degrees there is no law, under 50 degrees there is no God, and under 60 degrees there is no mercy."

[xylophonetangerine]

Volvo postbus with Ajokki body on the Rovaniemi–Sodankylä–Ivalo route, 1980s. Photo courtesy of The Finnish Postal Museum.

[mary-makarova]

Photos at the Volvo museum

[indepwom101]

🇸🇪 Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel, Duchess and Duke of Vastergotland

Thursday-Friday, May 25-26, 2023

“On May 25-26, the Crown Princess and Prince Daniel visited Gothenburg. During the two days, the Crown Princess couple visited Volvo Trucks in Tuve and Volvo Cars in Torslanda, and participated in the Western Swedish Chamber of Commerce Day.

Yesterday, the Crown Princess also visited Gunnebo Castle and Gardens and Gothenburg's Art Museum.”

[reynoldsrap4949]

Cape Cod for Leslie Close’s 80th birthday. Sister Barbara was my roommate in college in Germany. We drove with 2 other gals to Istanbul ( not Constantinople) in Barb’s little red VW Bug. That the world could be so different! I was addicted to travel. Istanbul was my gateway drug.

1969 my parents moved to Hilton Head when much of the island was still so Gullah. So much history. I met Leslie there. Barb, Les, and I took a barge trip down the Mississippi in Feb. I was 20 yrs old. Leslie and I continued on with a AAA book and my muffler-less Volvo. Drove through Texas down to Mexico City. The Anthropology Museum blew my mind. Then on my 21st bday we drove past Teotihuacán. It was early but the guard let us in. Pyramid of the Sun and Moon. Only us with the guard on a bright and cool morning. Magic trip #2. So I knew the Close family well. SisterJoey came to the party. Tiny could not make it. Lynne Creelman arranged all the partying. What a gift. 9 old gals slept in their Cape Cod home. I spent 2 nights sharing the sofa couch with an 83 yr old Italian gal. 😘So fun. Marsha Bryant and partner from Brevard, NC, Lynn’s sister/brother & wife, the local rat pack ladies. All and all great merriment, fabulous food(Lynne), a trip to the tip at Provincetown, a lecture on Nantucket whaling history, the dunes and National Seaside. I enjoyed Lynne and Leslie’s hospitality for 10 days as spring blossomed- daffodils, forsythia, magnolias and the birds a cacophony of delight.

I loved those two little dogs!

[teilix]

1957 Volvo P1800 prototype no 1 (Frua P958-X1) at last years special exhibition "60 years P1800" at the Volvo Museum in Gothenburg. Designed by Pelle Petterson, who worked for Frua at the time. The first three prototypes were built by Frua in Italy. The P1800 next to it is prototype no 2 and the third one is the first production car (chassis number 1). Appropriate photos for #swedishsunday ? I'm not sure. #asundaycarpic #teilixvolvo #VolvoP1800 #Volvo1800 #FruaP958X1 #P958X1 #prototype #conceptcar #rarecar #Volvo #PellePetterson #PietroFrua #classicvolvo #volvoclassic #vintagevolvo #volvolove #novolvonolove #volvonation #volvoforlife #volvomoment #volvostagram #oldtimer #classiccar #classiccaroftheday #CarPhotography #automotivephotography #VolvoMuseum (hier: Volvo Museum) https://www.instagram.com/p/Coj6iZpolI9/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[idisaestheticblog]

[nochuelinha]

Chapter 7: Ulkun

   The year was coming to an end, Edward went back to school after two more days at home, he went back to teaching me too, everything was quiet now. Bella went to school every day with Jacob and they are definitely together now. As the school year is coming to an end, I'm swamped with exams and assignments to hand in, but luckily for me I have five vampires who have already graduated from high school many times over, so I don't lack for help. Alice is already planning a family vacation, but Rosa and Emmett want to go on a couple's trip. The two of them were sitting on opposite sides of the room, in a staring match, while one was making an argument defending her idea, the other was disagreeing.

___ It's the first time we're going on vacation with Stella, she's part of the family now - Alice pointed at me - Look at her puppy dog eyes - I looked at Rosa and quickly denied it, I gave a yellow smile and tried to run out of there, but I ended up bumping into Emmett who was standing with his arms crossed looking at the two of them in disapproval, for the first time I saw him serious.

___ We're going to be married for 80 years on this vacation, we want to do something special - Rosa pointed out, I looked at Emmett and he agreed, Alice seemed to ponder.

___ We could go to Paris, it's romantic enough and it's also a beautiful time because of Christmas - Jasper butted in, they both looked at him, it was a good idea, I sat back down and waited for the final verdict. Rosa looked at Emmett, who gave her a thumbs up, Alice also seemed to like the idea, it was decided, let's go to Paris.

     Two weeks later, classes finally finished, thanks to my brothers, I managed to pass all my subjects successfully. The winter break has begun. Everyone was packing and preparing for the trip. Alice was making a surprise for Rosa, she planned a small wedding ceremony in Paris, with the help of some friends from Carlisle, Esme and I helped with everything. I packed a small suitcase, we were going on the family plane, Alice was carrying so many suitcases that it looked like she was moving.

___ That's all you're taking? - before I could answer, she continued - You're going to buy clothes there, aren't you? How clever of you - she jumped up and continued storing her things in the trunk. Shopping was not my intention at all. There was no more room to put my suitcase, so Edward took my suitcase and put it in the trunk of his Volvo, along with his own.

___ Come here, Alice needs two cars to carry her luggage - he joked.

     Once everyone was ready, we set off for the airport. I've never traveled by plane, in fact, I've never traveled anywhere, so I'm a bit anxious. The journey took about three hours, but as the plane wouldn't leave without us we weren't worried. We boarded the plane and everyone sat comfortably, I'd brought a book to distract me, but the conversation was much more lively, we laughed and even sang songs, spending time with them was wonderful. We arrived and it was already evening, Carlisle had rented a house in the city center, I was delighted with everything, again I was in the car with Edward, who looked at me amused.

___ You look like those puppies who stick their heads and tongues out of car windows - I looked at him indignantly - Don't be angry, it's cute.

     We were arriving at the house we were renting and I could see the Eiffel Tower, illuminated and shining. The house was older on the outside, but very modern on the inside. The rooms were separate and I got one with a view of the Tower. I took a shower, put on my pajamas and sat in the armchair by the window, admiring the view. It seemed magical. I spent hours there, but I looked for things to do, managed to find the Paris aquarium, three museums nearby and the street of designer galleries, now I just needed to convince someone to go with me. I left the room and walked around the house, finding Alice typing furiously on her cell phone.

___ I think that if you carry on like this, there won't be a cell phone left before you've even finished typing your message - I said, and she jumped in fright, wow, she was really concentrating so she didn't notice me.

___ I'm finalizing the preparations for the ceremony, there are so few details left - she was looking forward to it. I stayed with her watching and deciding on the details. Rosa's dress was plain, white and long, with a bare back and lace on the sleeves, delicate and sensual, just like her. We had to tell Emmett, so he could help too, but he was more excited about what he was going to do on his honeymoon. The ceremony would take place in two days' time and I still hadn't chosen a dress. After helping Alice, I went to my room to change, I wanted to go out and explore Paris. I put on pants, a boot and two coats, fixed my hair and before going downstairs I met Edward at his bedroom door.

___ Are you going out? - he asked me.

___ Yes, but first I need someone to accompany me, I have no sense of direction, but I have a schedule of what I want to do - I showed him my cell phone with the list of places I want to visit, he laughed and started walking.

___ I'll go with you, I don't have any plans, but I don't want to stay in here - everyone was excited to leave, each with their own plans. We were separated into 4 groups, or rather 4 pairs. The day was cloudy and cold, great for vampires. Our first stop was the aquarium, I felt like a kid again, everything was so beautiful and fun, I took lots of pictures of everything I saw, and I took some with Edward too. Then we went to two museums nearby, and more and more photos filled my phone. Edward's company was great, the conversation flowed naturally and his presence was comfortable.

___ What do you say we go to a coffee shop? - he suggested - I know one you might like not far from here - he looked at me waiting for an answer.

___ Show me the way - I slipped my arm through his and pulled him along, he laughed and took the lead.

     The coffee shop was the most charming thing I've ever seen, it looked like something out of a Disney movie, we ordered our drinks and sat down to talk.

___ What do you think of Paris - he leaned back in his chair comfortably, his eyes were soft and sparkling, it was nice to see them like that again.

___ It's all so incredible, it's like I'm in a fairytale - I said excitedly and showed him the photos I'd taken, even one of him in which he was standing - I still need to buy a dress for Rosa's wedding, Alice has everything planned and I don't even know what I'm going to wear - I worried a bit, but he also needed a suit, so we agreed to look for a store that could help both of us. The day passed quickly and we were already back home - Thank you for spending the day with me today - I thanked him before getting out of the car, and he smiled.

___ Apparently everyone has plans for this trip, as you and I don't have anything in mind, we're going out exploring Paris together, as well as having an appointment with suits and dresses tomorrow - he replied with good humor.

     The wedding day arrived, I had managed to buy a nice dress, the ceremony was going to be simple and intimate, I met Carlisle's friends who lived in Paris, Alice was probably getting Rosa now. I was sitting next to Edward, the ceremony was going to take place in a vineyard, outdoors, even though it was cloudy, the decorations were impeccable. With arches of flowers, hanging lights and musicians playing, Esme entered with Emmett who was wearing a dark blue suit, his dark brown hair was neatly combed, for the first time I saw him like this. My dress was gray silk, with long sleeves and a side slit. Edward was wearing a black suit, but only his jacket, and in his pocket was a handkerchief in the same tone and fabric as my dress. My make-up was simple, but there were touches of glitter. The music started playing and we stood up, Alice was next to me with Jasper, Rosa was walking in with Carlisle, looking as beautiful as ever, her hair in a pretty bun, a transparent veil covering her face and a red bouquet, her dress was impeccable. She looked splendid. The ceremony was beautiful and I cried with emotion. Next to me, Edward laughed when he saw me crying, but he offered a handkerchief and put his arm around my waist. 

___ I'll never forget the moment I met you, I thought I was going to die, but you appeared, like an angel who came to save me, even if I didn't survive, it's worth it to have laid my eyes on you at least once. But I've been given one more chance to live and I more than deserve to stay by your side, it will be us for the rest of our long lives and I couldn't imagine being this happy - Emmett's speech was emotional, Rosalie herself let a few tears fall, they kissed and the ceremony came to an end.

     The party was a lot of fun, the music was soft and elegant, we took lots of photos and drank a lot, Emmett and Rosa didn't leave each other's side for a second and they were all smiles. Night had fallen and the clouds had cleared, as we were a little way from the city the stars were more visible here, I was distracted as I sipped the wine that had been served, I recognized the song that was playing now, Can't Help Falling in Love, a classic, I turned my eyes to the dance floor and towards me, illuminated by the party lights, with a graceful and sensual air he came towards me.

___ Give me this dance - with one hand back and the other outstretched towards me, looking into my eyes he asked, I smiled and took his hand.

___ I have two left feet - he pulled me onto the dance floor, his hand rested on my back, the other held my hand, I rested the remaining one on his shoulder, he guided me slowly and delicately, we didn't break eye contact for a second, it felt like there were only the two of us there, at least that was my perception, I followed him as best I could, he pulled me closer, I leaned my head on his shoulder now it felt more like we were hugging as we took small steps to the left and right. The song ended, but he didn't let me go, another song started playing and we continued, it was French now, a bit faster, he guided me firmly across the dance floor, it was fun, but I was afraid of stepping on his foot. He laughed.

___ Put your feet on mine - he read my thoughts, in a pause between one song and another, I took off my high heels and put them under a table, I went back to Edward and did as he asked, our height difference a little bigger now, it was funny, now he totally commanded the movements. My two arms were crossed over his shoulders, his hands on my back. We danced all night.

Uklun means us in a language I've forgotten the name of.

[kaiyves-backup]

Dream Notes

(Transcribed from the notes I took after waking up.)

I took a nap and dreamed I was on a platform in the middle of the sky, with metal ladder-staircases stretching a long way up above me beyond where I could see, and then below me a long way to the ground. There were other platforms at intervals and sort of a tube or pipe in the middle running the whole way, like a spiral staircase with a central support or like an oil rig, I guess.

I wasn't in danger of falling off the platform because there were walls around the edge up to about my neck's height. There were crates all over the platform, full of potatoes and radishes and turnips and other vegetables.

Then I was in my own house and this structure that looked like a giant ceramic jug with a conical top landed in the yard. It was as tall as the house and it looked like it was made of teal (?) glazed ceramic, but somehow I knew it was a balloon gondola. It was connected to the tube/pipe going up into the sky and I could see the staircases starting from the gondola, but when I looked up, I couldn't see the balloon itself, just the tube and platforms.

I was able to enter the gondola and inside it was kind of like a living room. There were futons with pillows and blankets up against a wall, all neatly made. There was a bookshelf with books and some toys/games (I think a Rubik's cube?) around on tables, some sculptures and maybe paintings, and a wooden plaque from the Whitbread Race. There were portholes in the walls to see out (some near the futons) and possibly a kitchenette. I couldn't see any food, but I remembered the platform with the crates and thought "That must be their provisions."

I couldn't see any sign of people inside the gondola, but when I stepped back outside, they were descending from the sky on rectangular parachutes (parasails? paragliders?). They were wearing dark blue jumpsuits. Most of the people were unconscious when they landed, one young man was coherent enough to tell me his name was Vlad (?). I think it was a family of four-- mother, father, and an adult daughter and son.

They were unconscious, I somehow realized, because they'd parachuted out at a high altitude with thin air (for some reason, even though nothing was wrong with the gondola), but pretty soon they woke up. They were Australians on an expedition around the world, with a Fossett sort of sailing-ballooning meteorology background. The line from (I think?) Piccard and Jones' book about having a meteorologist who had worked for the Volvo Ocean Race helping them with navigation on their balloon flight around the world was either something I remembered in the dream or quoted outright to the balloon travelers. Our family welcomed them as houseguests.

A shift, maybe partially woken up by someone else's noises. I was living in a leafy, walkable city neighborhood in a dorm, more like Comm Ave or Woodley Park than Charlestown or Arlington. It was most like Woodley Park as we were near a zoo. There were tennis courts next door with high fences (part of the zoo? That feels familiar as if from another dream.)

A bookshelf in the sleeping area of the dorm (it was an open space, with everyone's bed in a sort of cubicle with artificial walls) had a lot of sailing books on a shelf I couldn't reach. I tried climbing on the bookshelf to get one and the top half of the bookshelf separated and fell forwards with me holding on. I somehow let go and landed clear of it, so I wasn't crushed or hurt. Nobody considered it a problem, we all reassembled the bookshelf.

Another shift (maybe?), wandering around a mall area near an airport (with my family?). There was a sort of kids' science museum in one section, possibly like one from an earlier dream. Also pull-out beds you could rent to sleep (read on Reddit about airports that have these a few days before). I stepped outside the enclosed mall space, and the terrain was like the library town in Connecticut we visited in the fall, hills alongside a river. There were small religious buildings of various types around a pond, I think these were for travelers as this was an airport area. Wandered around the Eastern Orthodox one, I think it was Georgian (the country) specifically. It seemed familiar but somehow off (I don't mean just that things were in Georgian and not Greek) I tried to talk to a nun, perhaps to tell her about the balloonists, but she wouldn't talk to me. Wandered back out to the pond area following her and woke up.