#europe tour coordinator

[zestroverholidays]

Exploring Europe by Train: A Journey Through Scenic Wonders

Europe is a treasure trove of culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes, and there’s no better way to explore it than by train. Train travel offers unparalleled convenience, stunning views, and the chance to immerse yourself in the charm of the continent’s diverse regions. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned explorer, hopping aboard Europe’s extensive rail network is an unforgettable experience. Let’s dive into why exploring Europe by train is a must and how you can make the most of it with the right Europe tour package and Europe package coordinator.

Why Travel Europe by Train?

1. Seamless Connectivity Across Countries

Europe’s rail network is one of the most advanced in the world, connecting major cities and quaint towns across multiple countries. With high-speed trains like the Eurostar, TGV, and ICE, you can travel from one country to another in a matter of hours. This makes it incredibly easy to craft a travel itinerary that includes multiple destinations without the hassle of airport check-ins or long drives.

2. Scenic Routes and Unparalleled Views

Train journeys in Europe are not just about reaching your destination but also about enjoying the journey. From the snow-capped Alps in Switzerland to the lush vineyards of France and the dramatic fjords of Norway, trains offer a front-row seat to Europe’s most stunning landscapes. Some must-experience scenic routes include the Glacier Express in Switzerland, the Rhine Valley Line in Germany, and the Cinque Terre Railway in Italy.

3. Eco-Friendly Travel Option

For travelers conscious of their environmental footprint, trains are a sustainable alternative to air travel. They produce significantly lower emissions per passenger and contribute to reducing your overall carbon footprint. Traveling by train allows you to enjoy your trip guilt-free while supporting eco-friendly tourism.

4. Comfort and Convenience

Unlike airplanes, trains offer spacious seating, freedom to move around, and amenities like dining cars and Wi-Fi. Many train stations are centrally located, making it convenient to access popular landmarks and accommodations. Plus, there are no long security queues, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your destination.

Planning Your Train Journey with a Europe Tour Package

When planning a rail adventure, selecting the right Europe tour package is crucial to make your trip seamless and enjoyable. These packages often include pre-booked train tickets, accommodations, guided tours, and other perks. Whether you want to explore iconic cities like Paris, Rome, and Berlin or venture into hidden gems, a well-curated package ensures you don’t miss out on any highlights.

Benefits of a Europe Tour Package:

Cost-Effective: Bundling train travel, accommodations, and activities together can save you money compared to booking everything individually.

Tailored Itineraries: Packages often cater to specific interests, such as historical tours, culinary adventures, or scenic getaways.

Time-Saving: With logistics handled by professionals, you can focus on enjoying your trip instead of worrying about the details.

Why Work with a Europe Package Coordinator?

A Europe package coordinator is your go-to expert for creating a hassle-free travel experience. Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of train schedules, scenic routes, and local attractions, ensuring that your journey is optimized for convenience and enjoyment.

How a Coordinator Adds Value:

Expert Advice: Coordinators provide insider tips on the best trains to take, scenic routes to include, and the most convenient travel times.

Customizable Options: They can tailor your travel package to include your preferred destinations and activities.

24/7 Support: If you encounter any issues during your trip, a package coordinator is just a call away to assist.

Top Train Journeys to Include in Your Europe Tour

Here are some iconic train routes to consider:

The Glacier Express (Switzerland): Famous for its panoramic windows, this journey takes you through the heart of the Swiss Alps.

The Bernina Express (Switzerland to Italy): A UNESCO World Heritage route offering spectacular mountain views.

The Rhine Valley Line (Germany): A journey along the picturesque Rhine River, dotted with castles and vineyards.

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: A luxurious train experience that transports you back to the golden age of travel.

The Trans-Siberian Railway: While technically stretching beyond Europe, it’s a bucket-list-worthy journey that starts in Moscow.

Tips for a Memorable Train Journey in Europe

Book Early: Popular routes often sell out, so secure your tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Choose the Right Pass: For multi-country trips, consider a Eurail Pass, which offers flexible travel across various European countries.

Pack Light: Trains have limited luggage space, so pack efficiently to ensure a hassle-free journey.

Embrace Local Cuisine: Many trains feature dining cars offering regional specialties—don’t miss out on these culinary delights.

Conclusion

Exploring Europe by train is an extraordinary experience that combines convenience, comfort, and awe-inspiring scenery. Whether you’re traversing iconic routes or uncovering hidden gems, a train journey across Europe promises memories that will last a lifetime. Partnering with a reliable Europe tour coordinator and selecting the right Europe tour package ensures a stress-free adventure, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the continent.

Start planning your European train adventure today and discover why this mode of travel remains a favorite among wanderers worldwide.

[endlich-allein]

Tillake ❤️ Veltins-Arena, Gelsenkirchen, 29-07-2024 @iinchicore

[sunshineandlyrics]

A comment in an IG post (x) with these pics:

"he has been here before ... he is standing at the Koningsplein, it is like 10 steps/ meter to the right and you're in the Reguliersdwarsstraat, aka the gaystreet"

Louis meeting a fan in Amsterdam! (16 October 2023)

x

[kaliforniahigh]

you are jolly’s wife who he hasn’t seen in a few months since you live in sweden and your band has been on tour and y’all finally see each other.

yaayy, a Jolly request!!!!

I feel like in this one you're highschool sweethearts.

You went through every phase together, including the having a bad phase, and this one didn't pass.

You had a band with your friends from Sweden, and he had a band with his friends from the US.

It was a little chaotic to coordinate schedules, but you made it work.

Since you were touring in Europe, and Bad Omens had a few festivals there that you were performing at as well, it was the perfect opportunity to see each other.

But one night, Jolly called you and said they were having to cancel the dates due to Noah's mental health.

You completely understood. You saw first hand the pressure the young man went through.

But that meant you weren't seeing each other until you went to the US for the festivals you were performing there.

You called and facetimed each other, but after a while, that didnt suffice anymore.

So when you landed at the airport, looking anxiously for Jolly in the crowd, you spotted a sign that said "best wifey in the world" and you ran straight into his arms.

You were finally home.

[buttherainbowhasabeard]

Why Glicked Never Really Clicked

It was the mashup that Hollywood hoped would match the magic of Barbenheimer: a kooky combination of gladiators and good witches. But Glicked — the name given to the late November releases of 'Gladiator II' and ‘Wicked’ — was a tale of two cities (Rome and Oz) that felt forced to sit side-by-side in cinemas.

When ‘Barbie' and ‘Oppenheimer' debuted together in July 2023, they were an unlikely yet complementary pair. Even though one was a technicoloured exploration into the world of dolls and dreamhouses and the other was an IMAX-scale atomic biopic, they became a must-do double bill. They gave audiences an excuse to dress up and make going to the movies an “event”.

Glicked on the other hand, felt like an arranged marriage, and we the viewers – the children – took sides.

The first problem was the source material. 

The musical ‘Wicked: The Untold True Story of the Witches of Oz’ debuted on Broadway in 2003, and it was an instant classic. It spawned a stunning soundtrack of award-winning hits, including “What is This Feeling?”, “The Wizard And I”, “Popular” and “Defying Gravity”. It went on to be performed right around the world, including in Europe and Australia and continues to tour to this day.

This means that despite Jon M. Chu's movie adaptation coming 21 years after the first stage show (and 22 years once Part 2 is released in 2025), the fans hadn’t moved on or forgotten the Witches. If anything, the love and appreciation for the characters of Elphaba and Glinda (played by powerhouse performers Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in the film) have only grown over the years, picking up new devotees with every new stage outing.

Ridley Scott’s ‘Gladiator’ came out even earlier, in the year 2000. Although it was a big hit (winning five Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor for Russell Crowe, and Best Supporting Actor for Joaqiuin Phoenix), it wasn’t a movie that needed a sequel, and frankly, the ending didn’t really lend itself to one.

Now, 24 years on, spiritual successor ‘Gladiator II’ is here sans most of the original cast and it feels... unnecessary. The lineup is impressive (Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington and Joseph Quinn to name a few) the visuals are epic and the CGI is fun (ugly baboon, I’m looking at you!) but the story is lacking somewhat. Crowe’s Maximus Decimus Meridius is mentioned and mirrored constantly, meaning that overall, the film struggles to step out of the original’s successful shadow.

The second point of difference was appeal and accessibility.

Although musicals aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, the family-friendly rating of ‘Wicked’ meant it was going to be a go-to choice for families and big groups of all ages. Fans of Erivo and Grande were also going to be keen to see their favourite singers in action, even if they weren’t familiar with the play.

'Gladiator II’, on the other hand, was hindered by its R rating. An Ancient Rome saga of bloody battles and political betrayals wasn’t going to have mass appeal, and those who were drawn to it would need to be over 17 years of age.

The third reason was marketing. 

Barbenheimer had its own memes, merchandise, costumes and a communal sense of fun, as well as triggering that all-important feeling of FOMO to drive ticket sales. Glicked didn’t generate any of that kind of buzz.

The stars of ‘Wicked’ walked yellow brick road themed red carpets in colour-coordinated pink and green, and the movie account had an unmissable social media presence through regular collaborations, sing-a-longs, fan art shares, dance tutorials and announcements. 'Gladiator II’, however, followed the more traditional path of posting trailers, set photos, and interviews.

There didn’t seem to be much effort on the part of either film’s team to create a sense of “us”, so it instead became a feeling of “this” or “that”. Not “When are you going to see Wicked AND Gladiator II?” but "Are you going to see Wicked OR Gladiator II?"

And that brings me to my fourth and final point – which is probably the most important: Barbenheimer worked because it wasn’t planned. Glicked felt like a failed attempt to manufacture lightning in a bottle. But as the myth goes, lightning never strikes twice…

‘Wicked’ 4.5/5 stars. ‘Gladiator II’ 3/5 stars.

[spicywhenspeaking]

Lost & Found : Noah x Reader OneShot

you're surprising your husband Noah while he's on tour! It's literally just porn 😀 because I wanted to practice writing so MINORS DNI

warnings: unprotected sex (p in v), oral (f/m receiving), throat fucking 🙈, umm creampie? How much are supposed to put in here, whiny Noah, men begging, two hot people in love.

this is a work of fiction!!!!

I also used promt 76&97 from here! And if you like it feel free to request more! 🫶🏻

•・◦●○◎◉◎○●◦・•

Trying to keep this a surprise has been virtually impossible, keeping Noah in the dark for weeks about my plan to come and surprise him while Bad Omens was touring in Europe took every trick in the book.

“Oh I have no idea why my location isn't working right now babe, you know I'm so technology-challenged.” I lie. “I’m so lost with this stuff when you're gone, I'll try to fix it soon” I reassure him as I'm racing around our house packing my bag because my flight leaves in 3 hours and of course, I'm running late. “I’m lost without you too baby, I miss you so much, when are you coming out to join us?” He asks and I can hear the sadness in his voice. “Soon my love, I promise” We say our goodbyes and I pack the last of my stuff racing out the door to catch my Uber to the airport.

I’ve been coordinating with the Nicks and Jolly while planning so they have a spare key waiting for me at the hotel they're staying at so I can sneak into Noah’s room before they get back from their show.

For some reason I’m nervous, I have no idea why. Why am I nervous to surprise my husband on tour? It’s like that gitty first-date nervousness. I’m just so excited to see him again, smell him, feel his arms around me and I really, really, really miss having sex. I had to stay back for the first 4 weeks of their European tour because my sister needed help with her kids and I needed to be there for her. Now that she’s doing better I can go join him and I’m so excited. He thinks I’m staying back for an extra two weeks to help my sister but that was another lie. The flight goes by faster than I expected and soon I’m in another Uber heading to the hotel.

I approached the front desk and tell them I was picking up a key that should have been left for Mrs.Davis.

“Ah, yes, Mrs. Davis right here” The receptionist hands me the key card and directs me to the elevator.

“Thank you!” I say, waving and turning towards the elevators.

I get to the room and head inside, Noah is relatively clean so there’s just an opened suitcase on the desk, but the room was cleaned earlier so the bed is made.

I set my suitcase down and take out the things I need to shower. I want to scrub the scent of travel off of me before Noah gets me back. If my timing is right I should have another hour or so before they get back. I jump into the shower and wash off with the body wash I know Noah likes, jasmine and white tea, fresh and sweet. Finishing up I wrap myself in a towel and dry off my hair. I slather on some lotion and slide into my red lace lingerie set that drives him crazy. The garters hug my thighs deliciously, the color popping against my alabaster skin that's slowly becoming covered in more tattoos.

Now I’m just playing the waiting game, I get a text from Folio that they were twenty minutes away from the hotel. My heart is beating so fast, I am so excited to see Noah, I'm laying on the couch waiting, starting to feel a little awkward when I hear the door ping from the key card swiping to unlock. I sit up and move to spread myself across the bed, my head resting in one hand with the other propped on my hip. The door opens and closes and I hear him whistle to himself as he walks down the short hallway towards the bed. He comes into view, eyes almost bulging out of his head when he sees me, and then he tosses his stuff on the ground and throws himself on the bed wrapping his arms tightly around me. “Oh my god, you're here” he mumbles into my hair “You're here, you're real and you're here” he pulls back to hold my head in between his hands. He leans down, and kisses me, moving his lips hungrily against mine seeking entrance into my mouth quickly moving from a gentle kiss hello to a passionate tangle of tongues. “I can't believe you're here” he pants in between kisses “I missed you so much” his hands are moving all over my body “God, you're so soft” he pulls away and looks down to admire my lace-clad body “fuck, you're killing me here” he whispers in a hoarse voice as his hips press into my side and I feel the hard outline of his cock. I reach my hand down to press against his solid erection and feel the wet spot growing on the outside of his thin sweatpants.

“Do I really turn you on that much?” I ask him seductively. “You don’t even fucking know” he responds and dives towards my chest, nipping and sucking at my skin, a moan escapes my mouth when his hand kneads my breast and tweaks my hardening nipple “Ah, Noah, I missed you too” I gasp out. “Mmm, yes, say my name again,” he pants, “please Baby, I need to hear your voice” his voice comes out in a whine. “Mmmm, Noah, Noah, Noah, I missed you so much, my Noah” I graze my hands across his cheek and stare into his beautiful brown eyes, and brush my lips against his. “I missed you so much,” I say to him warmly “I need you so badly” I take his hand and place it against my warming core. “Please Noah, I need you to touch me.”

His hand cups my sex and a wicked smile spreads across his face, wiggling his fingers her purrs “Wow baby, crotchless panties, you really missed me.” His index finger slides in between my folds and he groans “You're so fucking wet” he puts his finger in his mouth and sucks the evidence of my arousal off of his fingers. He sighs “Fuuuck, I missed the way you taste, I can’t believe I survived these last weeks without you.” Noah kisses me again, leaving a trail of wet kisses down my body, stopping to lick and bite down on my peaked nipples. I’m moaning softly as he continues down towards the apex of my thighs, grasping my thighs and pulling them apart until he’s face to face with my aching pussy. “Oh I missed this,” he says and then licks a line straight up the center and circles his tongue around my clit.

“Oh, fuck” I moan out loud as he sucks and tongues at my pulsing core, my hand reaches down to tangle in his hair keeping him in place while I grind against his talented mouth shamelessly. He takes two fingers and pushes them into me as he continues sucking relentlessly at my clit, my orgasm is close, I feel it burning in my belly and when he looks up at me through his long lashes and says “Please baby, I need to hear you cum” he says and I throw my head back and cry out in ecstasy. He withdraws his fingers and crawls back up to kiss me sharing the taste of my climax. I use the kiss as a distraction and flip us over so my legs are resting on either side of his hips and I can grind my bare pussy against his still-clothed cock. “Fuck baby, you're so beautiful like this” he reaches up to cup my breasts and plays with my nipples, pinching and leaning up to suck them again. I reach down to grab the hem of his shirt and help to remove it “You're wearing too many clothes” I tell him. “I want to feel you against me.”

Moving down his body I take the waistline on his pants and pull them down to his mid-thigh, exposing the hard outline and wet spot growing on his tight black boxer briefs. I bend down to lick at the head of his cloth-covered dick and he bucks his hips at the feeling “Ah, fuck baby, mmmm yes, can I have your mouth? Please?” he begs. I nod my head and grasp his briefs and pull them down to his sweatpants seeing his large erection springs free and pearls of precum leak down the tip. I quickly lick it up and start gently sucking at the head. Noah is whining and holding my hair back so he can get a full view of my ministrations. I start to take more of him into my mouth, relaxing my throat to make room for his full length and his hips thrust forward slightly and my eyes widen as I try not to gag. I tap his hip with my hand and nod, letting him know it's okay, he starts up again slowly fucking into my mouth and moaning “Oh, fuck yeah baby, missed you so much. Missing your hot mouth, and your tight pussy, mmmm can't wait to fuck you” he’s moving faster hips pumping back and forth as his cock hits the back of my throat and my eyes fill with tears threatening to spill and my pussy throbs with need. He pulls my mouth off of him with a gasp “Ah, too much. Want to cum inside you” he says out of breath. “Get up on the bed” he commands and I scramble to get up to lay my head back on the pillow while he stands up to take his pants off fully and then adjusts to settle between my legs. He grabs my thighs and pulls me so my pussy is resting against him, I feel his cock against me and begin to grind down on it looking for any type of friction. “I’ve got you baby” he takes himself in his hand and rubs the tip against my cunt, spreading my wetness around and coating his cock with it before slowly placing the tip against my entrance and moving in. While he's pushing to be fully seated inside our eyes are locked together and we're both moaning at the feeling of finally being back together. “Fuck Noah, I missed you so much”

“I missed you more,” he says, emphasizing each word with a shallow thrust.

Noah and I like to fuck in all types of ways, but after so long apart all I want is to be held in his arms a fucked tenderly. I know there will be plenty more chances tonight for rougher sex. But, for now, he holds me close and fucks into me at a slow tempo, each thrust pushing me closer to my second orgasm of the night, he reaches down and moves his fingers in slow circles around my swollen clit. “I want to feel you cum on my cock baby and then I'm going to fucking fill you up” his thrusts speed up slightly and my climax is reaching its peak, one last thrust, hitting just the right spot, and I'm calling out his name and milking his release. He finishes with a whimpering moan and collapses against me, kissing any skin he sees and softly saying “I love you so much baby, such a good girl for me.” I run a soothing hand down his back and tell him that I love him too and that I’m so happy that I’m back in his arms.

“I missed you so much baby, this is the best surprise ever.” We cuddle in each other's arms for a while longer and then I feel him stirring again when he looks up and gives me a devilish smile. “Round 2?”

———————————

Thank you for reading!!!

[sarahowritesostucky]

📖"Alpha, Beta (& Omega)"

Rated: Explicit

Chapter Rating: Teen

Word Count:

Pairing: Steve x Bucky

Tags: a/b/o, arranged marriage, enemies to lovers, nobility/royalty au, alternate history, dom/sub elements, beta bucky, hurt/comfort, age gap, domestic discipline, spanking, head of household, wedding night, Edwardian time period, m/f/m poly marriage

Summary: To save House Barnes from scandalous ruin, James must agree to a contracted marriage, accepting Lord Senator Steven Rogers as his Alpha, Husband, and Headship.

To read previous parts of this series first, got to the masterlist

6. A Honeymoon

This Chapter: Steve looks at him pointedly. “I’m pretty relaxed when it comes to matters of protocol - if it concerns just the two of us or our Third. But in company I’ll expect you to mind yourself. Understood?”

Except for being trampled by a carriage and almost losing his arm, taking a boat over the Atlantic winds up being the worst experience of Bucky’s life.

It’s neat, at first. Bucky’s only ever travelled by boat once before, and Steve has booked them tickets for a first-class suite on a luxury liner. A week after their wedding, they drive to the harbor, Steve and Bucky in one car and two of their servants and all the luggage in another.

At the docks are a number of newspaper reporters, all standing around and yelling out for a comment. It’s to be expected for a newly-married Senatorial couple such as them, but annoying all the same. Bucky heads straight for the gangplank, ready to walk-on-by and ignore the shouts completely. It’s been drummed into him since childhood: never give the press an unauthorized interview.

So he’s taken aback when Steve grabs his hand and pulls him over to address the reporters. Bucky looks at Steve with wide eyes, but his husband is already speaking to the nearest photographer, who’s asked them if they’re off for their honeymoon. “Yes,” Steve says, an easy smile gracing his face. Surprised, Bucky stands there like a dolt while Steve takes questions and engages politely with the reporters.

How liberal of him, Bucky thinks. It’s certainly unexpected from someone like Steve, who’s a goddamn member of the Senate. These are nothing but a bunch of gossip rag sidewalk paparazzi. Even they seem shocked that they're being given the time of day. Normally men of Steve's stature stick their noses up at anything but the most coordinated of interviews, arranged and conducted by seasoned journalists from only the most respected publications.

Bucky bites his lip as he watches Steve, looking at his smile, his bright eyes. He’s so handsome, he can’t help but think. Why the hell would someone like that ever consider marrying someone like him? Bucky averts his eyes when Steve turns his head and catches him staring.

“Captain Rogers: Is it Europe then, where you and the Lord Rogers will be travelling?”

“Yes. England, and then we’ll be touring the continent,” Steve says. The other reporters bark out more questions, asking for private details about their wedding and their plans for the future, but Steve shuts them up with a raised hand. “I’m sorry gentlemen, ladies, but that’s all. We need to board now.” He directs Bucky back towards the ramp, and it’s with the sounds of still-squawking reporters at their backs that they board the ship.

Their staterooms are finely furnished but small.

Bucky figures that since they have a sitting room separate from the bedroom, and a private promenade, these accommodations must be quite spacious—for a ship. The servants put the luggage away, then excuse themselves to settle into their own cabins down in second class.

That leaves Bucky to wander about and look things over. He pokes his head into the bedroom. There’s a dressing table and a door that leads to the bath. The room has a bed with posts and a canopy, tucked right up against the wall. It's clearly meant for two people, but it is much, much smaller than the bed he and Steve shared on their wedding night.

That had been nearly a week ago. Steve had travelled to D.C. to set his Senatorial affairs in order before their trip abroad, and Bucky had stayed in his own family's home. Aside from Becca's teasing and Prudence asking naughty questions about 'marital activities', Bucky's almost been able to forget that he's married at all.

But now they're on the ship, in luxurious but cramped quarters—and with a bed sized to match. Bucky swallows and eyes the small frame, thinking about how he’ll be sleeping there with Steve for the next eleven days …

“Bucky?"

He inhales sharply, shaking himself from his thoughts "Coming!" He goes back out to the sitting room, where Steve is standing and looking about the room with a proud smile. "Well, what do you think? I made sure to book one of the finest staterooms. It's nice, right?"

It's fucking gorgeous, but Bucky isn't going to say so just so Steve can preen over himself. He shrugs. "Sure. I guess so."

The light in Steve's eyes dims a little, but he recovers. “There's a promenade," he offers brightly. "Want to see outside?”

Bucky huffs as if put-upon, even though he does want to see, and follows Steve onto the promenade. It’s nice—light and airy, with wicker furniture and large windows that can be opened to let the sea breeze in. Steve flops down onto one of the chairs and Bucky walks over to the windows, sliding one open and looking out. Their stateroom is on the side of the ship that faces the docks, and he observes all of the pedestrians and dock workers moving around on the street below. Some are passing by, others have stopped to look up at the ship as all of its passengers and luggage are brought on board. Below, the muddy harbor water sloshes gently against the bottom of the ship, and Bucky leans out over the edge of the window, trying to see if there are any barnacles clinging to the—

“Bucky!” Steve’s hands are suddenly on him, yanking him by his coat.

"Wha—oof!"

Steve pulls him back into the room, maintaining a harsh grip on his upper arm as he shuts the window. He turns and glares at him. “You could have fallen!”

Bucky jerks away from his hold. “No I couldn’tve,” he snaps. “Jesus, I was just looking. I’m fine. What’s your problem?”

"You could've been hurt," Steve insists. "Or killed! You have to be more careful."

"More careful than what?" Bucky scowls. He stalks away, not noticing the other man's pained expression as he watched him go.

Steve gives him his space after that, telling Bucky that he’s going down to arrange their dinner reservations, and that he’ll be back in a bit. Bucky waits, intending to bide his time in the cabin, but there’s really nothing to do, and it gets boring after only a few minutes.

So he decides he’ll explore the ship. He heads out, not unaware that he should probably be waiting for Steve, or at least leaving him a note telling him where he’s going. It is a big ship, after all. But he ignores the consideration. Steve can figure it out for himself. Bucky’s an adult, and even though Steve's his Headship, he hadn’t told Bucky to stay put. Bucky smirks as he leaves their stateroom and takes the lift down, thinking about Steve returning to the room to find it empty.

The ship, Bucky concludes, is ridiculous.

He stops a steward and asks about what he might see, and the man directs him to several attractions. There’s the day lounge, the smoking lounge, the bar, the library, the gym, the squash courts and the swimming pool. There’s a goddamn Turkish bath, of all things! Bucky can’t imagine what person thought that they needed one of those. God forbid they cross an ocean without the essentials.

It takes a long time to tour most of the ship. At least an hour goes by before Bucky makes his way up to the public promenade and sits on a deck chair, tired and ready to people-watch. He’s relaxing, enjoying the busy sounds of the ship and the dockside, when all of a sudden someone down the way is exclaiming,

“There you are!”

He startles, head turning to see Steve approaching looking quite harried. Oh. Bucky tucks his lips in, trying hard not to smile. “Oh, hey Steve.”

Steve comes over and stands there with his hands on his hips, staring down at him. “I’ve been looking for you for over an hour!”

Bucky shrugs. “I went for a walk.”

“A walk?!” Steve huffs. “What on earth was so important that you couldn’t have waited for me to get back?” He glares at him. “I had half a mind that you’d gotten off the ship!”

Bucky laughs out loud at that. Even he wouldn’t literally jump ship to escape his new husband. “You know, I hadn’t thought of that,” he drawls. “It’s an idea though.”

Steve’s face darkens, and he is not amused. Growling, he grabs Bucky by the scruff of his shirt and yanks him up. “Come on,” he says, verging on using his Voice. “We’re going back to the room.”

“Sit,” he says, the moment he’s got the door to their suite shut. He points at the couch. “There. Now.”

Bucky gulps. He’s never been on the receiving end of an alpha’s Voice before. Truth be told, he’d always expected that it wouldn’t have much of an effect on him. He’s beta: omegas are the ones who are supposed to be compelled. But Bucky definitely feels something. Steve’s Voice puts a slight urge in his brain, an itch to obey. Coupled with the fact that he's wary of his husband's anger, it motivates him to plant his butt exactly where Steve just pointed.

He doesn’t have to do this, he reminds himself stubbornly. He doesn’t have to obey Steve’s command. … It just feels better if he does. Bucky grits his teeth and tells him, “You don’t have to Voice, alright? I’m here. I won���t run off again.”

Steve’s features lift a bit, whether in surprise or relief is unclear. “Okay,” he says, and yeah, it’s relief. He comes to join Bucky on the couch. “I was really worried, Bucky.”

Bucky hates the honest look that’s on Steve’s face right now, hates the hurt pinch in his brow. It tells him that Steve is a good man, is just concerned for his safety. Bucky feels his cheeks heat with embarrassment at having to be scolded like a child. “Sorry,” he mutters, hoping that it'll be enough to satisfy whatever his husband needs to hear from him.

“Promise me you won’t go running off again,” Steve says. He’s not using his Voice anymore, but his tone is imploring. “On this ship or elsewhere. We’ve got stops planned all over Europe. I won’t be able to relax if I constantly have to worry about you disappearing.”

Bucky frowns. Sure, he’d disappeared for an hour or two, and maybe he’d enjoyed the fact that he knew it would annoy Steve, but that wasn't why he'd done it. Bucky had honestly wanted to see the ship. He tells Steve so, saying, “I just wanted to explore. I won’t run away.”

Steve nods, seemingly satisfied. “Okay. Thank you, Buck.”

Bucky doesn’t know what to say to that. He feels suddenly awkward, sitting on the couch next to Steve; his husband, his Headship, the alpha who just a week ago had held Bucky tight to his body, jerked him off, and fucked his spend all over his thighs. Bucky swallows heavily at the memory. “I ...” he starts, needing to put some space between them. “Steve, I … need to use the bathroom.”

Steve frowns lightly. “Well go ahead. Jeez Buck, you don’t have to ask permission.”

Bucky shoots up from the couch, eager to get away because he's not sure he can keep himself from flinging out a nasty rebuttal, if he stays sitting there much longer.

They dress in tails for dinner in the ship’s finest and most exclusive dining room. Steve leads Bucky in by the arm, all eyes turning to watch them as they enter. Thankfully, everyone else in this part of the ship is just as, or nearly as, wealthy and important as Steve and Bucky are, so it isn’t long before most of the eyes trail away and their owners return to their previous conversations, two members of minor American royalty of no special note to them. Steve guides Bucky in the direction of their table, at which point they are accosted by two people.

“Captain Rogers!”

One of them Bucky recognizes. He’s Henry Mills, youngest son of Senator Mills of New Jersey, the man who used to be Bucky’s father’s counterpart—No longer, he thinks bitterly.

You’re the Lord of nothing! 

He can still hear his mother's hissing rebuke from that day. He blushes, embarrassed to have to stand in the company of his old schoolmate like this. Before, as both a Senatorial heir and as a beta, Bucky would've been considered above Henry in status. But now all that's changed. He’s sure Henry must be thinking about House Barnes’ scandal, as word has undoubtedly gotten 'round to the more important families of society by now. Soon enough it’ll be in the papers and everyone will know. Bucky cringes at the thought.

Steve starts up a stilted conversation of pleasantries with the alpha who introduces himself as Henry’s husband—Lord Jamison, Senator of Ohio. Henry is omega and a younger son, two very simple reasons why he was never going to inherit his father’s Seat. Bucky thinks dejectedly about how now the two of them have ended up in very much the same place; married to alpha Senators to maintain their positions in Society. The only difference between them is their designation, and it’s glaring. Henry’s stomach is noticeable beneath his waistcoat and dinner jacket. He’s pregnant.

“Yes,” Jamison is saying. “We’re very excited to be starting a family.” He wraps his arm possessively around Henry’s waist, drawing him closer against his side. “And we’re thinking we may have found our third. A beta from Maine. She’s just a daughter of one of the elected, but even still, she’s a very nice girl. Don’t you think, Sweetheart?”

Henry nods, one hand migrating to his stomach as he gazes up at his husband in adoration. “Yes,” he says. “It’s been a wonderful first year. We’re very fortunate.” He returns his attention to Bucky and Steve, saying, “You must be looking forward to setting up your Household, when you get back.”

It’s framed as a question, and since it’s clearly been aimed at Bucky, he feels compelled to answer, “Um, yes?” It’s a terribly awkward answer, and the uncomfortable silence that follows it makes him want to shrink away. Henry’s so obviously in love with his Headship, and meanwhile Bucky is just … not. He feels guilty for making it so obvious. 

Hadn’t they come there to eat dinner? He doubts he’ll have much of an appetite after this. He's been feeling a tad bit queasy since the ship departed that afternoon, and he desperately hopes that he won’t be prone to seasickness. “We’re moving into Steve’s brownstone,” he says, trying to offer something useful to the conversation. “It’s in Brooklyn.”

Jamison laughs. “Oh, how terribly chic of you. Such an eclectic place.” ‘Eclectic’, Bucky knows, is a euphemism for ‘common’. “You’ll have a lot to see there,” the alpha says. “I’ve heard they’ve made great progress in gentrifying some of the neighborhoods.”

Bucky looks to Steve, who is smiling a fake smile with tight eyes. “Yes, it’s nice. My favorite of all our residences.”

All our residences? Bucky thinks. All our residences? He tries to reign in his reaction. He hadn’t known that Steve owned more than one property, though it does make sense, given his wealth. He makes a mental note to ask Steve later about where the other houses are.

“Well, we really must take our seats,” Steve excuses. “I think I’ve seen our waiter divert himself twice, now.” He chuckles, and even that is fake, though Bucky isn’t sure the Jamisons can tell. “Gentlemen,” Steve says, and the couple bids them a polite goodbye. Steve waits until they’ve stepped away before he guides Bucky to sit at their table. “They seem nice,” he says, unfolding his napkin and placing it in his lap. Bucky follows suit.

“Yeah,” he says. “I guess.”

The waiter arrives and asks Steve what they’ll have. He doesn’t address Bucky, as it’s traditional for Headships to order for their spouses. Bucky is annoyed but not surprised. He speaks up right after Steve’s asked for lobster and before he can order for Bucky. “I’ll have the duck à l’orange,” he says.

The waiter seems tense for a moment, eyes flicking to Steve to assess his reaction. Steve gives a slight nod, and the waiter relaxes. “Very good Sir. I’ll tell the chef.” He turns and walks on to the next table.

“You don’t mind, do you Steve?” Bucky asks sweetly, waiting for his husband to scold him for the embarrassment. But it doesn’t come.

“No, I don’t,” Steve says, smiling slightly when Bucky looks at him with surprise. “I’m pretty relaxed when it comes to matters of protocol.”

“Oh?”

He nods. “When it concerns just the two of us or our Third, yes.” He looks at Bucky pointedly. “But in company I’ll expect you to mind yourself. Understood?”

Bucky wants so badly to say that no, it’s not understood, but that would be embarrassingly childish, even for him, so he reins himself in. “Sure,” he says.

“Good.”

They sit in silence, uncomfortable, until Bucky blurts, “Where are your residences?”

Steve's mouth quirks. “Well for one, they’re our houses now, seeing as we’re married. And they’re in Brooklyn, the Hamptons, Washington D.C., Manhattan, London and Paris. The latter three are only apartments, but they’re sizeable. I especially enjoy the Paris residence. We’ll be staying there for part of the trip. I'll look forward to hearing your opinions on each, you know." His expression turns fond. "Especially about our house in Cobble Hill. That's to be our family home."

Bucky fights to keep his face neutral, but internally he’s impressed. House Barnes has only ever kept residences in Paramus and Washington D.C. Ruefully, he thinks of how his mother and sisters will likely be forced to move to a different house now that their Senatorial status is about to be revoked, the only thing keeping them in Society being Bucky’s marriage to Steve. For that, he is grateful. He nods and fiddles with his silverware. “That’s nice,” he says.

Steve smiles. “Have you ever been to France?”

Bucky shakes his head. “No. I um, I went with my father to a state dinner in London once, back when I was introduced to Society, but it was brief. We didn’t go to the continent.”

“I see. Well I think you’ll enjoy yourself on our trip. I’m looking forward to showing you the sights.”

Bucky nods, not disagreeing but silent on the matter. Secretly, he’s been kind of excited to go on this honeymoon with Steve. He’s never traveled much, and touring Europe with a gorgeous Alpha is hardly a hardship. The only catch being that Bucky has to be married to him.

Their meal arrives before too long, and he's able to distract himself with the food. He drinks the wine that the sommelier suggests—a floral red that compliments the duck—and is pleased when Steve doesn’t protest his request of a second glass. Dessert is a rich chocolate cake, and Bucky nearly moans by the time he’s enjoying the last bite. When he finishes and glances up, Steve is looking at him with a mixture of amusement and desire. Bucky blushes. “Um, do you want to go to the smoking lounge, maybe? Have a brandy?”

Steve shakes his head. “I’ve had enough, and it's been a long day. Shall we head back to the room?”

Bucky swallows, nodding meekly and standing to take Steve’s offered arm. He thinks about what they’re going to do when they get back to their quarters. Will Steve undress him? Expect to have sex? Bucky’s thoughts drift back to their first night together; how Steve had handled him gently, made him come …

Steve guides him from the dining room. On the way out, they pass by Senator Jamison's table, and Bucky catches Henry Mills shooting him a friendly look—almost one of understanding, as though the two of them are Societal equals.

With a strange twinge in his gut, Bucky realizes that now they are.

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[mariacallous]

VSquare SPICY SCOOPS  

There is always a lot of information that we hear and find interesting and newsworthy but don’t publish as part of our investigative reporting — and share instead in this newsletter.  

ORBÁN’S KEY EU PRESIDENCY EVENT FACES UNCERTAINTY

Remember when Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán kicked off Hungary's EU presidency with that "peace mission" tour, visiting Putin, Xi Jinping, and Donald Trump? And that he plotted his Kremlin visit behind his allies’ back? Well, Hungary’s EU allies haven’t forgotten, and they're not exactly thrilled. Many have already responded by boycotting high-level EU meetings hosted by Budapest. Leading the snub squad are the Nordic and Baltic countries, which have recently decided to jointly skip these events on a political level – no ministers or prime ministers allowed. But for Orbán, the only important events in Budapest are the European Political Community (EPC) summit and the informal EU summit focused on the Western Balkans, which will be held on November 7-8. As I previously reported, Orbán originally had high hopes that Donald Trump himself would show up (at least virtually).  However, since July, not only are Trump’s election chances in jeopardy, but so is the full participation of EU leaders at the Budapest EPC/EU summits. According to multiple diplomats I’ve talked to, EU capitals are watching Orbán’s next move before making a decision about whether they’ll participate. While the coordination between Nordic and Baltic countries suggests that they’re the most likely to pull out, there’s also speculation that Poland and even the Czech Republic may boycott at least the informal EU summit. It will mostly come down to what Orbán does next with his controversial Ukraine-Russia policy, one source said, noting that this is the key issue uniting the aforementioned countries. “But, for example, if Orbán continues his “peace mission” by visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, it might only anger a few of them,” the source continued, adding that there’s still time for these countries’ leaders to make their decision.  

HUNGARIAN EU PRESIDENCY BUREAUCRATS QUIETLY FRUSTRATED AND WORRIED

In addition to keeping EU countries in the dark about his visit to Putin, it turns out Orbán also left his own EU presidency team in the lurch. Several foreign officials told me that Hungarian bureaucrats were just as blindsided as their EU counterparts were, with many initially assuring these foreign officials that Hungary's EU presidency would be non-controversial and professional. These Hungarian bureaucrats, who regularly interact with EU officials, are now feeling the brunt of Orbán's unpredictable diplomacy – and feeling quite embarrassed. A Hungarian government-connected source acknowledged “quiet but real frustration” over how Orbán's erratic diplomatic moves have undermined the hard work of his own loyal staff tasked with managing the Hungarian EU presidency, adding that “many worry what’s coming next.” However, according to a different source connected to the Hungarian government, while high-level Russian-Hungarian intergovernmental meetings are indeed expected in the coming weeks, these will focus on less explosive – economic and financial – issues unrelated to Ukraine.  

PATRIOTS FOR EUROPE’S FIRST RIFT – OVER HUNGARY AND VENEZUELA

Orbán was recently directly warned by his own people about the fallout of his pro-Russian foreign policy, according to a well-connected Hungarian political insider. In late July, Hungary blocked an EU statement condemning Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, a Putin ally, for election fraud. This move not only angered EU governments but also shocked Orbán’s closest allies within the far-right Patriots for Europe group. According to the political insider, senior Hungarian MEP Enikő Győri immediately informed Orbán that Hungary’s stance caused a significant rift within the group, potentially risking its unity and future. Sheltering a far-left socialist strongman seemed utterly absurd to the group's predominantly anti-Communist, right-wing members, such as Spain's Vox delegation. However, the insider couldn't confirm if this led to Orbán’s subsequent U-turn, in which Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó even reached out to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado to express Hungary's support. (Orbán’s spokesperson didn’t respond to my request for comment. Enikő Győri directed me to a press officer who didn’t get back to me yet.)

GEERT WILDERS ENJOYING VACATIONS IN HUNGARY – AND FULL SECURITY PROTECTION

There’s one ally from the Patriots for Europe gang who’s extremely unlikely to turn against Orbán: Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders. Kasper Goethals, a great journalist from the Belgian newspaper De Standaard, helped me out with this scoop by sharing information about Wilders’ frequent trips to Hungary based on a source close to the Dutch Party for Freedom (PVV) leader. Wilders’s fondness for Hungary – his wife’s ancestral home – is well known, but it’s not clear how he manages to travel there so frequently. Wilders requires serious Dutch security protection because of death threats, meaning much about his travel plans is kept under wraps. But according to Kasper’s source, while multiple other countries refuse to provide Wilders with the necessary protection, making it difficult for him to travel as he can’t bring armed or sufficient security to ensure his safety, Hungary always guarantees full security. This means that Wilders not only frequents Hungary because it’s his dream destination, but also because it’s the rare place where he can feel both protected and respected.  For example, when Wilders visited a rally of Tommy Robinson’s supporters in the UK, his Dutch security detail was not allowed to carry their weapons. Not so in Hungary, and according to Kasper’s source, the red carpet treatment means that Wilders is tied closely to Orbán, and he usually can't visit Hungary without the Hungarian Prime Minister insisting on a friendly one-on-one meeting. According to a different source – this time an official involved in Dutch-Hungarian relations – the security cooperation between the countries on Wilders’s protection is excellent, a confirmation that Hungarian authorities provide their Dutch colleagues with whatever they need. It is unclear, however, how much Wilders’s trips and vacations cost Hungarian taxpayers. Meanwhile, a former high-ranking Hungarian law enforcement officer told me that such security arrangements are reciprocal, meaning Hungarian dignitaries, including Orbán, also benefit from Dutch security services when visiting the Netherlands. When I asked if Wilders' security detail in Hungary includes Hungarian officers, the source bluntly stated that “this information is classified”. (Hungary’s government didn’t react to my request for comment.)  

CONSERVATIVE INFLUENCE NETWORK CASTS ITS WEB ON ALBANIA

When discussing trendy new holiday spots, Albania is hard to overlook – especially with Trump’s daughter and son-in-law building a luxury resort there. The country isn’t just a hotspot for dubious real estate projects but has also caught the eye of international far-right and conservative influence networks (read our earlier article on Ordo Iuris and their allies). According to a draft agenda I obtained, the right-wing Albanian Policy Center will host a significant international conference in Tirana on September 10 titled “Forum on the Future of Albania – The Conservative Way Forward,” featuring key foreign partners like The Heritage Foundation (US), Nazione Futura (Italy), Center for Fundamental Rights (Hungary) and Ordo Iuris (Poland). “After more than two decades of Soros-dominated US foreign policy on this part of the world, it is time for Conservatives in South-Eastern Europe to move out of their comfort zone and take up the challenge of presenting themselves and their ideas to the world,” the draft agenda reads. Viktor Orbán is expected to send a video greeting, while anti-Muslim and ultra-Catholic figures from Poland’s Ordo Iuris are likely to find an eye-opening networking opportunity with Albania’s local conservatives in the predominantly Muslim country. What’s even more intriguing is that the organizers are also expecting a representative from the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung – the foundation of Germany’s moderate right-wing CDU party – to participate in the George Soros-bashing.

[experimentik]

Experimentik #78 / 16.Oct.2024 /

Marina Cyrino / Alexander Markvart / Javier Areal Vélez

16. October 2024 / 20:30- (doors 20:00) *no entry during sets

3 x solo

Marina Cyrino - amplified flute, objects

Alexander Markvart  - feedback acoustic guitar, objects

Javier Areal Vélez - laptop

FB event ———————————

Marina Cyrino is a Brazilian flutist and sound artist based in Berlin. She works in the fields of improvisation, composition and performative installations. Her flute playing is characterized by singular techniques developed through the use of internal amplification. The rhythmic use of the flute, the extensive use of objects and balloons attached to the instrument, and the use of disassembled flute parts are other distinctive elements of her playing. She is a member of the Brazilian experimental music label Seminal Records.

photo © Cristina Marx_Photomusix

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Alexander Markvart - is a musician, member of theater projects and organizer of events and festivals. Born on January 5, 1987 in Kemerovo. Now based in Berlin. He is a notable figure on the Russian new improvised and experimental music scenes. Uses in many projects and performances a wide range of musical instruments: as quite common - piano, guitar, accordion, saxophone, trumpet, analog synthesizers, electric drums, flute, laptop, etc., and also various objects, wires, appliances, etc. Stylistically he works in a lot of musical genres from radical free improvisation, EAI, noise, hardcore, to well-structured projects, minimal techno and post-folk.

Founder of such polystylistic musical formations as Studio of Unconscious Music (SUM) and Siberian Improvisation Company (SIC!). Also in different years is a member of another experimental bands and projects - Sacrifices, Verevka, Radical Muzak Septet, MITLO, Klub Demboh, Inorganic Blossoming, PSVSV, Cherubs, Importunate Twins, Sekta Phoenix. Works and plays concerts in various projects with different musicians such as: Axel Dörner, Lucio Capece, Burkhard Beins, Mazen Kerbaj, Joke Lanz, Adam Asnan, Jonas Kocher, Fire! (Mats Gustafsson, Johan Berthling, Andreas Werliin), Ilia Belorukov, Joel Grip, Nick Sudnik, Michel Doneda, Bryan Eubanks and with many others. 

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Javier Areal Vélez (Buenos Aires, 1985) is an experimental music composer, improviser and curator. His recent work focuses on the coding of digital companions for the performance of live improvised music. Javier's electronic music develops around noisy polyrhythms of extra-human complexity to make the most deformed audiences move. He researches human+machine collaborations through the use of samples, synthesis, lights, and mechanical robots. Additionally, Javier has a long career as performer of prepared electric guitar. His characteristic style relies heavily on a primal technique that emphasizes timbre and rhythm over traditional forms, favoring intensity and dynamic contrast. Javier has released records on labels worldwide and has collaborated with artists such as Heiner Goebbels, Audrey Chen, Chris Pitsiokos, Violeta García, Brian Chase, Shayna Dunkelman and Jorge Espinal. He is a member of CALATO, KYSE and VVU and wrote commissions for ensambles Híbridx, Rotativo and Tempi. Over the past decade, Javier has performed extensively in Argentina and toured across South and North America, Europe and Japan. Javier is the founder and director of RUIDO Experimental Music Festival (active since 2017), and he coordinates the Sound Arts Center (CASo) of the Secretary of Culture of Argentina.

photo © Susi Maresca

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Experimentik 2024  is supported by inm - initiative neue musik berlin / field notes

[enfyswanders]

Angelsey Island, Wales: July 26-28, 2024

After an initial misadventure getting to my hotel, I had an absolute blast in Angelsey, thanks to my fantastic friend and fellow Llewellyn author Kristoffer Hughes and his darling husband Ian, who coordinated a phenomenal experience.

What happened trying to get to the hotel, you ask? Well, here's the thing. The hotel website said it was "close to Holyhead Station." I checked the map and it said it was .9 miles away. Not too bad. Walkable if necessary, right? But I have heavy luggage and would really rather get a ride, so I planned to get a cab from the station.

Except...Holyhead is an Uber dead zone, as I discovered, with no cabs waiting at the station because it's so small, and the cab company a station employee told me to call had no availability to pick me up when I arrived. So I had to hoof it. And the walk took me about 45 minutes, because though it's .9 miles to drive, walking is a bit more circuitous.

And all that would've been okay, except that I discovered very early in the journey that my 45 pound suitcase wasn't rolling quite right. A quick inspection revealed why:

So, fuck. And another one of the wheels wasn't working well, either.

I tried flipping the suitcase around and dragging it on the better wheels, which was do-able but very awkward. I did eventually make it to the hotel, though, where I checked in, showered, then promptly went back out to walk 15 minutes back the direction I came from to buy another suitcase from a very weird department store that was just a bunch of kiosks in front of a warehouse. Wild.

After that adventure, I was picked up by Kristoffer and Ian, who took me out to dinner at the Sea Shanty Cafe with fellow Llewellyn authors Tiffany Lazic and Jhenah Telyndru and Tiffany's husband George. Both Tiffany and Jhenah were slated to present at the Goddess Conference, where I also presented the following week, so I got some good intel on the conference during dinner. The conversation flowed easily and I had some delicious seafood tagliatelle with steamed vegetables, and lemon crunch ice cream for dessert.

After dinner, Kristoffer and Ian took me to a 5500 year old stone burial mound across the street from my hotel. Neat! (Sorry, I did not get a photo.)

The next day was absolutely bombastic. Kristoffer and Ian picked me up again, and we did a grand tour of various holy ruins around Angelsey Island with fellow authors Mhara Starling, Moss Matthey, Brett Angelsey, and Lyndon and Clint, the hosts of the magickal postcast Shove It Up Your Awen.

The tour began at this unassuming pond across from an Air Force base, which has an interesting history you can read about on the signs below.

Another highlight was this amazing religious site, where the Angelsey Druid Order conducts rituals.

And, as a bonus, we visited Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, the longest town name in Europe.

Our final site visited was this life-size D&D map village ruin with lots of fun places to explore.

We went to a fish & chip shop for dinner, where I found out they were appropriating Minnesota culture, how DARE.

I came away from the experience grateful for new and deepened friendships with these fine folks, as well as a deep envy of the Angelsey Druid Order for getting to practice their tradition at so many phenomenal ancient holy spaces.

[motor-sports23]

History And Benefits of Bicycle/Bikes

Bicycles have long been more than just a mode of transportation; they embody a sense of freedom, efficiency, and environmental consciousness that has made them enduring icons of mobility. From humble beginnings in the early 19th century to the sophisticated machines of today, bicycles have evolved significantly, shaping cultures and lifestyles around the world.

Historical Evolution

The history of bicycles traces back to the early 1800s when the first mechanically driven two-wheel vehicle, known as the 'dandy horse' or 'velocipede,' appeared in Europe. This rudimentary contraption, propelled by pushing off the ground with the feet, sparked a wave of innovation that led to the invention of the modern bicycle.

In the mid-19th century, French metalworker Pierre Michaux and his son Ernest Michaux developed the pedal-driven velocipede, known as the boneshaker for its uncomfortable ride over rough terrain. Subsequent designs saw improvements in comfort and efficiency, with the introduction of the high-wheel bicycle (or penny-farthing) in the 1870s, which featured a large front wheel and a smaller rear wheel. This design was later replaced by the safety bicycle in the 1880s, which closely resembles the bicycles we ride today, with equally sized wheels and a chain-driven rear wheel.

Modern Innovation and Varieties

Today, bicycles come in a staggering array of designs tailored for different purposes and terrains. Road bikes, built for speed and efficiency on paved surfaces, feature lightweight frames and thin, smooth tires. Mountain bikes, on the other hand, are rugged machines equipped with shock absorbers and knobby tires designed to handle off-road trails and rugged terrain. Hybrid bikes blend features of road and mountain bikes, offering versatility for both urban commuting and recreational riding.

Recent decades have seen the rise of specialized bikes such as fat bikes with oversized tires for riding on sand or snow, and electric bikes (e-bikes) equipped with battery-powered motors to assist with pedaling, offering a viable alternative for commuters and recreational cyclists alike.

Benefits of Cycling

Beyond their mechanical innovations and diverse designs, bicycles offer numerous benefits to individuals and society as a whole. Cycling promotes physical fitness and cardiovascular health, providing a low-impact aerobic workout that strengthens muscles and improves coordination. Regular cycling is associated with reduced risk of obesity, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses.

From an environmental perspective, bicycles are one of the most sustainable forms of transportation, emitting zero greenhouse gases and requiring minimal resources to manufacture compared to automobiles. Cycling reduces traffic congestion, noise pollution, and the demand for parking spaces in urban areas, contributing to cleaner, more livable cities.

Cultural Impact and Community

Bicycles have also left an indelible mark on culture and society. They have been embraced as symbols of youthfulness, independence, and adventure, inspiring countless films, artworks, and literary works. Events like the Tour de France have elevated cycling to the status of a highly competitive sport, showcasing the endurance and skill of professional athletes on a global stage.

In cities worldwide, the cycling community has grown into a vibrant subculture, fostering camaraderie among enthusiasts through group rides, bike clubs, and advocacy efforts to promote cycling infrastructure and safety. Cycling events and festivals celebrate the joy of riding and raise awareness about the benefits of cycling for individuals and communities alike.

Conclusion

In conclusion, bicycles have transcended their humble origins to become icons of sustainable transportation, physical fitness, and cultural significance. Their evolution continues to be driven by innovations in technology, materials, and design, ensuring that bicycles remain relevant and accessible for generations to come. Whether for commuting, recreation, sport, or adventure, bicycles continue to embody the spirit of freedom and exploration that captivates riders worldwide.

[davtours]

How do you get to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda?

Tour Operator: Dav Safaris      Website: www.davsafaris.com       Email: info@davsafaris.com

Tel: +256701412430 | +256757795781

How do you get to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda?

How do you get to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda? To get to Volcanoes National Park (one of the best places to see gorillas in Africa) for Rwanda safaris, visitors can choose between road and air transport options. The road journey from Kigali covers approximately 116 kilometers and typically takes 2-3 hours, passing through the vibrant city of Kigali and offering scenic views of the Rwandan countryside with its local villages, rolling hills, and lush greenery. On the other hand, travelers can opt for a quicker air transport option, with a flight from Kigali International Airport to the nearest airstrip to the park in Ruhengeri taking around 30-40 minutes. From the airstrip, ground transportation can be arranged to reach the park entrance or accommodations nearby.

Both road and air travel provide unique experiences to explore Rwanda's diverse landscapes, offering travelers the chance to embark on a joyful road trip or a swift flight to one of the best places to see gorillas in Africa. Volcanoes National Park, situated in the northwest of Rwanda near the borders with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, lies within the Virunga Mountains, known for their volcanic peaks and rich biodiversity. The park's coordinates are approximately 1.5000° S latitude and 29.5000° E longitude, showcasing its stunning location and serving as a habitat for the endangered mountain gorillas.

Despite being thousands of kilometers away from the United States and Europe, Volcanoes National Park continues to attract visitors worldwide seeking to witness the Rwanda safaris including gorillas and wildlife safaris. The park's central position in the Virunga Mountains offers a unique opportunity to observe these incredible creatures in their natural environment, making the journey from distant locations well worth it for unforgettable gorillas and wildlife safaris in Rwanda's breathtaking landscapes.

Volcanoes National Park features a tropical rainforest climate with varying temperatures across its lowlands and highlands, experiencing warm days that transition to cooler evenings. The park follows distinct wet and dry seasons, with the dry season being optimal for gorillas and wildlife safaris year-round. The park's diverse ecosystems span 4 vegetation zones, ranging from bamboo forests at lower altitudes to afro-alpine at higher elevations, supporting a variety of wildlife species, including mountain gorillas that feed on bamboo shoots during the rainy season in the lowlands.

Accommodation options at Volcanoes National Park cater to various preferences and budgets, ensuring visitors can find a suitable place to stay during their gorilla trekking adventure. Luxury lodges offer spacious rooms, gourmet dining, and top-notch amenities, providing a luxurious retreat with stunning views and personalized service. For budget-conscious travelers, mid-range and budget accommodations like guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, and campsites near the park entrance offer comfortable and affordable lodging options, fostering a cozy and authentic experience in the natural surroundings of Volcanoes National Park. Examples of lodges include Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Virunga Lodge, One&Only Gorilla's Nest, Amakoro Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, and Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, among others, providing a range of accommodations for memorable gorillas and wildlife safaris at one of the best places to see gorillas in Africa.

[alarrytale]

„The whole reason why she became a famous and successful fashion designer was because of the attention she and David got for becoming a couple!“

Don’t forget to mention the Harry StylesTM effect like after their CO H would be able to wear Louis’ brand (and I’m sure he’d wear it nonstop!) and that will cause massive sales because huge amount of fans want to wear what H wears especially when it’s affordable. Fashion magazines will write about them because they will coordinate their outfits and set trends in (male) fashion. Oooor imagine their super sexy gay photoshoot and cover for the V magazine as “1st gay couple cover in V’s history”

And as much as I hate celebrities dropping H’s name in interviews for clout (ok, except Troye because his story with meeting H first time and going straight to the bathroom was just what us girlie girls do when out and about and it was exactly a story I would expect from gay man talking about meeting another gay man haha) we will get stories about them and that would also be super cute.

I just hope I will live to that day when they will come out and we will witness it all.

Here are some asks about Harry and Louis' prospects as a power couple when they come out and the consequences of coming out for their careers. More under the cut.

If Harry and Louis came out together then Louis would benefit from Harry's fame.

So this is what it's all about, Louis using Harry for fame. That's why larries want Louis associated with Harry, because without Harry, Louis is a flop. At least y'all know the truth.

I am sceptical about Harry having a bigger and better career after coming out as gay because it's never happened like that for a male popstar with mainly female fans. Not once.

I think you forget that Harry has fans in all territories and outside northern Europe the world is highly homophobic. I include the US in this. Even the UK has just banned medical transitions for under 25s.

Harry's thirst fandom is vast. They can thirst if he is straight or bi but not if he's gay.

I think being associated with Louis would actually damage Harry's career and make him seem like a joke. Louis isn't taken seriously by anyone except we larries unfortunately and that won't change if he suddenly comes out as gay and with Harry. Harry knows this and he is holding off on coming out until his career is over. That could be when he is in his 70s the way it's going.

Fame and notoriety aren't linked to chart success///

But Louis isn't famous anymore. The last time the UK and US press followed his every move was in 2016 with all the bg nonsense. He never gets papped and only gets articles when he mentions Harry's name. His entire UK tours went unreported on both times, no reviews or pics of Louis. It took something disastrous like the Red Rocks hailstorm for his US tour to get a mention. He's famous by proxy - 1d, Harry. I wish people knew his name in the 2020s but they just don't.

Hi, anons!

I'm going to answer you all together since this is a topic we've covered before.

Harry and Louis are a team. They make decisions together, share a home and share their wealth and their sorrows. Harry's success is shared with Louis and vice versa. Harry wouldn't be where he is right now without Louis and vice versa. They both have their roles to play.

A coming out would benefit both of them. They are something more than the two individuals put together when they're together. The brand deals, the book deals, the film that's going to be made about them and the magazine covers etc. will benefit the both of them. A magazine cover with the both of them on will sell better than a magazine cover with only Harry on.

Like i've said before, before they both come out we need to have a seeding period so people can get used to the idea and get onboard and see how cute and in love they are. If done right they won't lose many fans, but they'll gain a lot. Harry's fans have grown up with him. They're not 8 years old anymore. They won't ditch him and stop buying his albums and go to his tour if he comes out and reveals his relationship with Louis. Harries have heard about larry. Harries have seen Harry on stage in a glittery jumpsuit singing Medicine, waving pride flags and helping fans come out of the closet. He's played a gay closeted man on film. If they're homophobic they would have ditched him a long time ago. They can continue to project onto him even if he's gay. I think we need to also count the new fans he'll get from the lgbtqai+ community and from the attention they'll get from the conspiracy being revealed as true. I think they'll gain more fans than they'll lose. Who wouldn't want to read about the lovestory of Larry Stylinson written from they own pow by themselves. It's dramatic and juicy. A secret love with good guys fighting the bad. The ups and downs. Deaths and weddings. Even antis would buy the book and watch the film and see the documentary.

When it comes to Louis he needs image rehab and a bit more good media exposure. He needs to show he's not homophobic, that he's actually friends with Harry and support him and he needs to change his laddy and macho image and act more himself. I think ending bg will help immensely in creating a better image. He'll gain so much sympathy from the gp. People already have sympathy for him bc of his mom and sister. They'll be thrilled that he's found happiness after all that misfortune. Losing a mother, sister, and now his kid isn't his after all?

To raise his profile a bit, even though he's already well known, they can do what they do to Harry's stunt girls. If he's seen hanging out with H we'll get "Who is Louis Tomlinson" articles. We'll get pap pictures, and Louis being invited to events with H etc. So when they do come out, people will know the both of them. People will love both of them and people will want the best for them. It's going to be more than okay. It will be fabulous.

[seasthedayingreece2023]

DAY 4!! After our tour of DEREE’s campus we got the opportunity to listen to two interesting presentations by Dr. Stella Leivadi and Chejon Fernandes! Dr. Leivadi is the Sport and Management Program Coordinator at DEREE and was recruited for her sports management experience in several Olympic Games such as the Athens 2004, London 2012, and Rio 2016 games. She spoke about the relationship between public health policy and sports funding in Europe, with an emphasis on how it impacts the health of citizens. Dr. Leivadi highlighted the importance of national governments funding athletic programs and competitions in schools and for the public in order to promote sports which play a huge role in supporting recommended physical activity levels. This is significant because regular physical activity is associated with many positive health benefits including decreased risk of chronic diseases, increased musculoskeletal and psychological well-being, and increased savings in healthcare costs. Additionally, Dr. Leivadi discussed forces of change in health policy in relation to the “iron triangle of healthcare,” which is the challenge of improving quality and access while reducing cost.

Then, we got to hear the motivational story of Paralympian athlete, Chejon Fernandes. Mr. Fernandes has a passion for sports that couldn’t even be stopped by a rugby injury that paralyzed him from the chest down. Although he now had to rely on a wheelchair, he was determined to pursue his love for exercise. With the help of a donated throwing chair he was able to begin training for shot put. Perservering through technical and physical obstacles with his dedicated work ethic, he made it to the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing where he took home bronze in shot put for Greece. He also won gold for shot put in the 2016 Rio Paralympics. Mr. Fernandes discussed how the Paralympics, which feature 22 sports in the summer games and 6 sports in the winter games, were meant to introduce sport as a form of rehab. The Paralympics changed the perception of disability to show Para athletes as the superhumans they really are.

ALSO, HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHOUTOUT TO OUR AMAZING GUIDE SYLVIA!!!!

-Katie Persaud

[burlveneer-music]

Shayna Dunkelman & Javier Areal Vélez - Miru Mira - improvisations on drums & prepared electric guitar

The album's title, 'Miru Mira,' means "to see" in Japanese and Spanish consecutively. Senses play a significant role in this daring collaboration between percussionist Shayna Dunkelman and composer Javier Areal Vélez. Combining a playful exploration of the senses with phonological connections between Spanish and Japanese languages, ‘Miru Mira’ takes inspiration and finds connection through linguistics and sound. Shayna and Javier’s collaboration was slow to materialize, taking nearly ten years. The two improvisers first met in New York at a concert in 2012 and then later reconnected in Argentina in 2017. Javier organized a visit of Shayna's band at the time (Xiu Xiu) to perform at RUIDO, an experimental music series he curates. Eventually, the two improvisers resolved to play together and a plan to record materialized quickly and organically. Fran López, an artist/musician/engineer friend from Argentina who lives in NYC, attended the duo’s only gig in Brooklyn and offered to record them right away. As the plan for recording materialized, the studio and engineering of the record sharpened in focus to celebrate and capture the live and unique feel of a guitar and drum duo. Fran proposed the band put the guitar amp opposite to the drum set, facing each other directly. This way, the amp bleeds into all of the drum’s mics, but in a balanced way and the guitar sound resonates in the drumset itself. Miru Mira’s phonological song title convention connects to the aural resonance of the live and organic sound captured in the studio. “Both Shayna and I tend to play quite loud,” according to Javier, “so it was a very warm session, keeping the intense energy of a gig almost.” Javier Areal Vélez is a composer, improviser and curator, who performs mostly on electric guitar, with or without objects stuffed between its strings. His musical approach relies heavily on a primal technique that emphasizes timbre and rhythm, avoiding traditional forms in favor of intensity and dynamic contrast. The physicality of his interactions with the guitar create estranged sonic entities that evolve haphazardly outside of specific genres. In the later years, his solo work has included also the development of AI entities that listen and improvise with Javier via the use of samples, synthesis and mechanical robots. Javier has performed concerts in Argentina, America, Europe and Asia, and has released recordings in a dozen independent labels worldwide as a soloist, band member, and through collaborations with artists such as Violeta García, Chris Pitsiokos, Audrey Chen, Brian Chase, Shayna Dunkelman, Nicola Hein, Ryoko Ono and Jorge Espinal. Javier is the founder and director of RUIDO experimental music festival since its inception in 2017. He is also the coordinator of the Sound Arts Center (CASo) of the Ministry of Culture of Argentina. www.javierarealvelez.com.ar www.instagram.com/javierarealvelez Shayna Dunkelman is a musician and percussionist based in Brooklyn, NY. Dunkelman is known for her versatile and unique techniques, and use of electronics to access a sonic pallet not found in acoustic percussion. In addition to solo performances, Dunkelman performs with Pulitzer Award-winning composer Du Yun, Balún, Emily Wells, Grammy Award-Winning Attacca Quartet, Ali Sethi, and her percussion duo Nomon with her sister Nava. Born and raised in Tokyo to an Indonesian mother and an American father, Dunkelman became a multi-instrumentalist performing alongside her mother. Dunkelman became increasingly active in the alternative music scene as a member of the band Xiu Xiu, touring the world for 6 years. As part of Xiu Xiu, Dunkelman shared stages with Genesis P-Orridge (Psychic TV), Sun Ra Arkestra, Alessandro Cortini (Nine Inch Nails) to name a few. Dunkelman has recorded and performed with pioneers of avant-garde experimental musicians such as Yuka C. Honda, John Zorn, Yoko Ono, and Thurston Moore and performed at Carnegie Hall, Centre Pompidou, The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, Lincoln Center, The MET, Terminal 5, QAGOMA among others. www.shaynadunkelmanmusic.com  Recorded and mixed by Fran López in NYC in January 2020.license

[sarahowritesostucky]

@muffinshark has SEVERAL artworks of Steve and Bucky in this historical style, and I love all of them! They have been in my brain ever since I started writing Alpha, Beta (& Omega), and I wanted to do another reblog on the newest chapter with this art because it is honestly just so beautiful! 🤩

Please go check out muffinshark's page and all her gorgeous art, because she is so talented and makes the most incredible Stucky creations!

note: this art was not made for me or my story-I just love it

Fanart Appreciation Drabbles - special edition

📖Alpha, Beta (& Omega)

Rated: Explicit

Chapter Rating: Teen

Word Count: 2976

Pairing: Steve x Bucky

Tags: a/b/o, arranged marriage, enemies to lovers, nobility/royalty au, alternate history, dom/sub elements, beta bucky, hurt/comfort, age gap (18/29), domestic discipline, spanking, head of household, wedding night, Edwardian time period, m/f/m poly marriage

Summary: To save House Barnes from scandalous ruin, James must agree to a contracted marriage, accepting Lord Steven Rogers as his Alpha, Husband, and Headship.

To read previous parts of this series first, got to the masterlist

6. A Honeymoon

Except for being trampled by a carriage and almost losing his arm, taking a boat over the Atlantic winds up being the worst experience of Bucky’s life.

It’s neat, at first. Bucky’s never been on a boat, and Steve has booked them tickets for a first-class suite on a luxury liner. They drive to the harbor, Steve and Bucky in one car and two of their servants and all the luggage in another.

At the docks are a number of newspaper reporters, all standing around and yelling out for a comment. It’s to be expected for a newly-married Senatorial couple such as them, but annoying all the same. Bucky heads straight for the gangplank, ready to walk-on-by and ignore the shouts completely. It’s been drummed into him since childhood: never give the press an unauthorized interview.

So he’s taken aback when Steve grabs his hand and pulls him over to address the reporters. Bucky looks at Steve with wide eyes, but his husband is already speaking to the nearest photographer, who’s asked them if they’re off for their honeymoon. “Yes,” Steve says, an easy smile gracing his face. Surprised, Bucky stands there like a dolt while Steve takes questions and engages politely with the reporters.

How liberal of him, Bucky thinks. It’s certainly unexpected from someone like Steve, who’s a goddamn member of the Senate. These are nothing but a bunch of gossip rag sidewalk paparazzi. Even they seem shocked that they're being given the time of day. Normally men of Steve's stature stick their noses up at anything but the most coordinated of interviews, arranged and conducted by seasoned journalists from only the most respected publications.

Bucky bites his lip as he watches Steve, looking at his smile, his bright eyes. He’s so handsome, he can’t help but think. Why the hell would someone like that ever consider marrying someone like him? Bucky averts his eyes when Steve turns his head and catches him staring.

“Captain Rogers: Is it Europe then, where you and the Lord Rogers will be travelling?”

“Yes. England, and then we’ll be touring the continent,” Steve says. The other reporters bark out more questions, asking for private details about their wedding and their plans for the future, but Steve shuts them up with a raised hand. “I’m sorry gentlemen, ladies, but that’s all. We need to board now.” He directs Bucky back towards the ramp, and it’s with the sounds of still-squawking reporters at their backs that they board the ship.

Their staterooms are finely furnished but small.

Bucky figures that since they have a sitting room separate from the bedroom, and a private promenade, these accommodations must be quite spacious—for a ship. The servants put the luggage away, then excuse themselves to settle into their own cabins down in second class.

That leaves Bucky to wander about and look things over. He pokes his head into the bedroom. There’s a dressing table and a door that leads to the bath. The room has a bed with posts and a canopy, tucked right up against the wall. It's clearly meant for two people, but it is much, much smaller than the bed he and Steve shared last night. Bucky swallows, thinking about how he’ll be sleeping in the cramped space with Steve for the next eleven days …

“Bucky?”

Bucky goes back to the sitting room and finds Steve looking at him. “Yeah?”

Steve inclines his head towards the French doors. “Want to see outside?”

Bucky huffs as if put-upon, even though he does want to see, and follows Steve onto the promenade. It’s nice—light and airy, with wicker furniture and large windows that can be opened to let the sea breeze in. Steve flops down on one of the chairs and Bucky walks over to the windows, sliding one open and looking out. Their staterooms are on the side of the ship that faces the docks, and he observes all of the pedestrians and dock workers moving around on the street below. Some people are passing by, others have stopped to look up at the ship as all of its passengers and luggage are brought on board. Below, the muddy harbor water sloshes gently against the bottom of the ship. Bucky leans out over the edge of the window, trying to see if there are any barnacles clinging to the—

“Bucky!” Steve’s hands are suddenly on him, yanking him by the back of his coat.

"Hey!"

Steve pulls him back inside the window, maintaining a harsh grip on his upper arm as he shuts the window. He turns and glares at him. “You could have fallen!”

Bucky jerks away from Steve’s hold. “No I couldn’tve,” he snaps. “Jesus, I was just looking. I’m fine. What’s your problem?”

"You could've been hurt," Steve insists. "Or killed! You have to be more careful."

"More careful than what?" Bucky scowls and stalks away, not noticing Steve's pained expression as he watched him go back into the sitting room.

Steve gives him his space after that, telling Bucky he’s going down to arrange their dinner reservations and that he’ll be back in a bit. Bucky waits, intending to bide his time in the cabin, but there’s really nothing to do and it gets boring after only a few minutes.

So he decides he’ll explore the ship. He heads out, not unaware that he should probably be waiting for Steve, or at least leaving him a note telling him where he’s going. It is a big ship, after all. But he ignores the consideration. Steve can figure it out for himself. Bucky’s an adult, and even though Steve's his Headship, he hadn’t told Bucky to stay put. Bucky smirks as he leaves their stateroom and takes the lift down, thinking about Steve returning to the room to find it empty.

The ship, Bucky concludes, is ridiculous.

He stops a steward and asks about what he might see, and the man directs him to several attractions. There’s the day lounge, the smoking lounge, the bar, the library, the gym, the squash courts and the swimming pool. There’s a goddamn Turkish bath, of all things! Bucky can’t imagine what person thought that they needed one of those. God forbid they cross an ocean without the essentials.

It takes a long time to tour most of the ship. At least an hour goes by before Bucky makes his way up to the public promenade and sits on a deck chair, tired and ready to people-watch. He’s relaxing, enjoying the busy sounds of the ship and the dockside, when all of a sudden someone down the way is exclaiming,

“There you are!”

He startles, head turning to see Steve approaching looking quite harried. Oh. Bucky tucks his lips in, trying hard not to smile. “Oh, hey Steve.”

Steve comes over and stands there with his hands on his hips, staring down at him. “I’ve been looking for you for over an hour!”

Bucky shrugs. “I went for a walk.”

“A walk?!” Steve huffs. “What on earth was so important that you couldn’t have waited for me to get back?” He glares at him. “I had half a mind that you’d gotten off the ship!”

Bucky laughs out loud at that. Even he wouldn’t literally jump ship to escape his new husband. “You know, I hadn’t thought of that,” he drawls. “It’s an idea though.”

Steve’s face darkens, and he is not amused. Growling, he grabs Bucky by the scruff of his shirt and yanks him up. “Come on,” he says, verging on using his Voice. “We’re going back to the room.”

“Sit,” Steve says the moment he’s got the door to their suite shut. He points at the couch. “There. Now.”

Bucky gulps. He’s never been on the receiving end of an alpha’s Voice before. Truth be told, he’d always expected that it wouldn’t have much of an effect on him. He’s beta: omegas are the ones who are supposed to be compelled. But Bucky definitely feels something. Steve’s Voice puts a slight urge in his brain, an itch to obey. Coupled with the fact that he's wary of his husband's anger, it motivates him to plant his butt exactly where Steve just pointed.

He doesn’t have to do this, he reminds himself stubbornly. He doesn’t have to obey Steve’s command. … It just feels better if he does. Bucky grits his teeth and tells him, “You don’t have to Voice, alright? I’m here. I won’t run off again.”

Steve’s features lift a bit, whether in surprise or relief is unclear. “Okay,” he says, and yeah, it’s relief. He comes to join Bucky on the couch. “I was really worried, Bucky.”

Bucky hates the honest look that’s on Steve’s face right now, hates the hurt pinch in his brow. It tells him that Steve is a good man, is just concerned for his safety. Bucky feels his cheeks heat with embarrassment at having to be scolded like a child. “Sorry,” he mutters, hoping that it'll be enough to satisfy whatever his husband needs to hear from him.

“Promise me you won’t go running off again,” Steve says. He’s not using his Voice anymore, but his tone is imploring. “On this ship or elsewhere. We’ve got stops planned all over Europe. I won’t be able to relax if I constantly have to worry about you disappearing.”

Bucky frowns. Sure, he’d disappeared for an hour or two, and maybe he’d enjoyed the fact that he knew it would annoy Steve, but that wasn't why he'd done it. Bucky had honestly wanted to see the ship. He tells Steve so, saying, “I just wanted to explore. I won’t run away.”

Steve nods, seemingly satisfied. “Okay. Thank you, Buck.”

Bucky doesn’t know what to say to that. He feels suddenly awkward, sitting on the couch next to Steve; his husband, his Headship, the alpha who—not even twenty-four hours ago—had held Bucky tight to his body, jerked him off, and fucked his spend all over his thighs. Bucky swallows heavily at the memory. “I ...” he starts, needing to put some space between them. “Steve, I … need to use the bathroom.”

Steve frowns lightly. “Well go ahead. Jeez Buck, you don’t have to ask permission.”

Bucky shoots up from the couch, eager to get away because he's not sure he can keep himself from flinging out a nasty rebuttal, if he stays sitting there much longer.

They dress in tails for dinner in the ship’s finest and most exclusive dining room. Steve leads Bucky in by the arm, all eyes turning to watch them as they enter. Thankfully, everyone else in this part of the ship is just as, or nearly as, wealthy and important as Steve and Bucky are, so it isn’t long before most of the eyes trail away and their owners return to their previous conversations, two members of minor American royalty of no special note to them. Steve guides Bucky in the direction of their table, at which point they are accosted by two people.

“Captain Rogers!”

One of them Bucky recognizes. He’s Henry Mills, youngest son of Senator Mills of New Jersey, the man who used to be Bucky’s father’s counterpart—No longer, he thinks bitterly.

You’re the Lord of nothing! 

He can still hear his mother's hissing rebuke from that day. He blushes, embarrassed to have to stand in the company of his old schoolmate. Before, as both a Senatorial heir and as a beta, Bucky would've been considered above Henry in status. But now all that's changed. He’s sure Henry must be thinking about House Barnes’ scandal, as word has undoubtedly gotten 'round to the more important families of society by now. Soon enough it’ll be in the papers and everyone will know. Bucky cringes at the thought.

Steve starts up a stilted conversation of pleasantries with the alpha who introduces himself as Henry’s husband—Lord Jamison, Senator of Ohio. Henry is omega and a younger son, two very simple reasons why he was never going to inherit his father’s Seat. Bucky thinks dejectedly about how now the two of them have ended up in very much the same place; married to alpha Senators to maintain their positions in Society. The only difference between them is their designation, and it’s glaring. Henry’s stomach is noticeable beneath his waistcoat and dinner jacket. He’s pregnant.

“Yes,” Jamison is saying. “We’re very excited to be starting a family.” He wraps his arm possessively around Henry’s waist, drawing him closer against his side. “And we’re thinking we may have found our third. A beta from Maine. She’s just a daughter of one of the elected, but even still, she’s a very nice girl. Don’t you think, Sweetheart?”

Henry nods, one hand migrating to his stomach as he gazes up at his husband in near-adoration. “Yes,” he says. “It’s been a wonderful first year. We’re very fortunate.” He returns his attention to Bucky and Steve, saying, “You must be looking forward to setting up your Household, when you get back.”

It’s framed as a question, and since it’s clearly been aimed at Bucky, he feels compelled to answer, “Um, yes?” It’s a terribly awkward answer, and the uncomfortable silence that follows it makes him want to shrink away. Henry’s so obviously in love with his Headship, and meanwhile Bucky is just … not. He feels guilty for making it so obvious. 

Hadn’t they come here to eat dinner? He doubts he’ll have much of an appetite, after this. He's been feeling a tad bit queasy since the ship departed that afternoon, and he desperately hopes that he won’t be prone to seasickness. “We’re moving into Steve’s brownstone,” he says, trying to offer something useful to the conversation. “It’s in Brooklyn.”

Jamison gasps. “Oh, how terribly chic of you. Such an eclectic place.” ‘Eclectic’, Bucky knows, is just a euphemism for ‘common’. “You’ll have a lot to see there,” the alpha concludes. “I’ve heard they’re gentrifying some of the neighborhoods.”

Bucky looks to Steve, who is smiling a fake smile with tight eyes. “Yes, it’s nice. My favorite of all our residences.”

All our residences? Bucky thinks. All our residences? He tries to reign in his reaction. He hadn’t known that Steve owned more than one property, though it does make sense, given his wealth. He makes a mental note to ask Steve later about where the other houses are.

“Well, we really must take our seats,” Steve excuses. “I think I’ve seen our waiter divert himself twice, now.” He chuckles, and even that is fake, though Bucky isn’t sure the Jamisons can tell. “Gentlemen,” Steve says, and the couple nods a polite goodbye. Steve waits until they’ve stepped away before he guides Bucky to sit at their table. “They seem nice,” he says, unfolding his napkin and placing it in his lap. Bucky follows suit.

“Yeah,” he says. “I guess.”

The waiter arrives and asks Steve what they’ll have. He doesn’t ask Bucky, as it’s traditional for Headships to order for their spouses. Bucky is annoyed but not surprised. He speaks up right after Steve’s asked for lobster and before he can order for Bucky. “I’ll have the duck à l’orange,” he says.

The waiter seems tense for a moment, eyes flicking to Steve to assess his reaction. Steve gives a slight nod, and the waiter relaxes. “Very good Sir. I’ll tell the chef.” He turns and walks on to the next table, where Bucky can see one of the lower Princesses of England is seated.

“You don’t mind, do you Steve?” he asks sweetly, waiting for his husband to scold him for the embarrassment. But it doesn’t come.

“No, I don’t,” Steve says, smiling slightly when Bucky looks at him with surprise. “I’m pretty relaxed when it comes to matters of protocol.”

“Oh?”

Steve nods. “When it concerns just the two of us or our third, yes.” He looks at Bucky pointedly. “But in company I’ll expect you to mind yourself. Understood?”

Bucky wants so badly to say that no, it’s not understood, but that would be embarrassingly childish, even for him, so he reigns himself in. “Sure,” he says.

“Good.”

They sit in silence, uncomfortable, until Bucky blurts, “Where are your residences?”

Steve's mouth quirks. “Well for one, they’re our houses now, seeing as we’re married. And they’re in Brooklyn, the Hamptons, Washington D.C., Manhattan, London and Paris. The latter three are only apartments, but they’re sizeable. I especially enjoy the Paris residence. We’ll be staying there for part of the trip. I'll look forward to hearing your opinions on each, you know." His expression turns fond. "Especially about our house in Cobble Hill. That's to be our family home."

Bucky fights to keep his face neutral, but internally he’s impressed. House Barnes has only ever kept residences in Paramus and Washington D.C. Ruefully, he thinks of how his mother and sisters will likely be forced to move to a different house now that their Senatorial status is about to be revoked, the only thing keeping them in Society being Bucky’s marriage to Steve. For that, he is grateful. He nods and fiddles with his silverware. “That’s nice,” he says.

Steve smiles. “Have you ever been to France?”

Bucky shakes his head. “No. I um, I went with my father to a state dinner in London once, back when I was introduced to Society, but it was brief. We didn’t go to the continent.”

“I see. Well I think you’ll enjoy yourself on our trip. I’m looking forward to showing you the sights.”

Bucky nods, not disagreeing but silent on the matter. Secretly, he’s been kind of excited to go on this honeymoon with Steve. He’s never traveled much, and touring Europe with a gorgeous Alpha is hardly a hardship. The only catch being that Bucky is married to him.

Their meal arrives before too long, and Bucky is able to distract himself with the food. He drinks the wine that the sommelier suggests—a floral red that compliments the duck—and is pleased when Steve doesn’t protest his request of a second glass. Dessert is a rich chocolate cake, and Bucky nearly moans by the time he’s enjoying the last bite. When he finishes and glances up, Steve is looking at him with a mixture of amusement and desire. Bucky can smell the latter on him. He blushes. “Um, do you want to get after dinner drinks?”

Steve shakes his head. “I’ve had enough, and it's been a long day. Shall we head back to the room?”

Bucky swallows, nodding meekly and standing to take Steve’s offered arm. He thinks about what they’re going to do when they get back to their quarters. Will Steve undress him? Expect to have sex? Bucky’s thoughts drift back to their first night together; how Steve had handled him gently, made him come …

Steve guides him from the dining room. On the way out they pass by Senator Jamison's table, and Bucky catches Henry Mills shooting him a friendly look—almost one of understanding, as though the two of them are societal equals.

With a strange twinge in his gut, Bucky realizes that now they are.

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every so often i get the impulse to paint another old-timey portrait so here’s an edwardian-era steve🎩