#but then I remembered I've been on Santorini | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

piratekane · 1 year

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oh i loved your response to the #13 prompt so here we go: 5. “Please come get me…” for avatrice :)

She's in the middle of a market in the heart of Santorini, smiling as a young girl with dark hair eagerly shows her a bright blue pendant on a silver chain. Her Greek is underdeveloped but the girl is patient, explaining the way she shaped the stone and fit the sterling silver around it to hang it on the chain. The girl goes on about the way she picked the stone because it matched the ocean and Beatrice is struck how, in every place she goes, she finds little pieces of Ava.

The girl in Glasgow who bumped into her at a coffee shop and cheerfully apologized before pressing a new coffee into her cold hands, refusing to take no for an answer. The young boy in Madrid who asked about her book and listened carefully as she explained the plot of Voyage Au Centre de la Terre, asking thoughtful questions. The bartender in Ravenna who convinced her with a wide smile to try a real cuba libre after hearing her order a soda and lime juice, wearing her down gently.

Ava is everywhere she goes and nowhere Beatrice wants her to be.

Beatrice takes the necklace now and holds it carefully in one hand. "It is lovely." Her Greek is broken, but then again, Ava was the one with an adeptness for languages. The girl smiles anyway and nods enthusiastically. "How much?"

Her phone rings in her pocket and she gives the girl a slight apologetic smile as she pulls it from her linen pants. Camila's name flashes across the screen. She holds up a finger to the girl and accepts the call.

"Camila," she says happily. "I was going to call you tomorrow."

"Bea?"

Beatrice's heart stops in her chest, seizes up in a ghost's vice grip. The hand holding the necklace goes slack, saved only by the young girl's quick and nimble fingers. She tries to inhale but the feeling is too sharp in her chest to get a breath in successful. She nearly chokes on it instead.

"Ava."

There's a soft laugh in her ear. She's dreamed of that laugh, of a broken Ava in her arms still finding something to smile about. She always wakes those mornings with a sad smile and tears running down her face.

"Ava." She presses the phone closer to her ear.

"It's me." Ava is quiet for a moment. "I'm back."

Beatrice laughs, broken. Her eyes start to burn with tears. "H-how?"

She can picture Ava's face, twisting in thought as she considers something. She wonders if her face has changed, if there's new lines she'll need to learn, new lines she'll get to map with her fingers and not just her eyes. Because she loves Ava, she's loved Ava. And she's here, exhaling into Bea's ear. Just at the end of a telephone line.

"Bea, can you..." There's a shuddering sound before Ava's voice comes back stronger. "Can you please come get me?"

She's already walking, already moving back to her hotel, the beauty of the island paling in comparison to the melody of Ava's voice. "I'm coming."

Ava breathes out again. "How far away are you?"

"Too far." More than arm's reach feels like a million kilometers. "But I can be there today. Can you- can you wait for me?"

"You waited for me."

Beatrice breathes out. "Yes." She nearly laughs. "I've been waiting for- Yes."

She can hear Ava smile, closes her eyes and imagines the way it stretches, the way it makes Ava's eyes crinkle and sparkle. She feels the sharpness in her chest subside, replaced by a slow warmth not unlike like the Aegean Sea lapping at her ankles.

"I won't be long," she promises. She'll need to pack, buy a ticket, sit on a plane for 10 hours, all before she can get to Ava. Those feel like an insurmountable tasks right now. But she can do it. For herself. For Ava. For them.

"I'm not going anywhere."

She clutches the phone a little tighter. "Do you promise?"

Ava's voice is soft, the kind of quiet she remembers from their nights in Switzerland as they told each other their secrets. "I promise. Come get me, Bea."

When she promises, "I'm coming," she's never meant anything more in her entire.

#warrior nun #avatrice #ava silva #sister beatrice #a reunion (of sorts)#i crawled out of bed to write this and i hope it doesn't disappoint #if it does all complaints can be filed through my wife who is dosing me on medication so i stop being miserable #but honestly she deserves more than me so mark that down #ANYWAY #hope this is what you're looking for!

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lifenmaggie · 6 months

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EUROPE TRIP PT2

The third day of the trip we were going to spend it on Prince's Islands. Before, catching the ferry out to the islands we feed ourselves a very big Turkisk breakfast to kick start our day. The coffee was very good too to our surprise a lot of places we went to served us Turkish coffee which very different what I normally have in Melbourne.

The Princes’ Islands are a cluster of 9 islands southeast of Istanbul in the Sea of Marmara. We spent most of our time at the largest sland, Buyukada. We hired a bike and cycled around the island. I think it may be the most beautiful street I've ever been on. It was so grand and serene. It was like a dream.

We ferried our way back to the Asian side of Istanbul. We walked along the main street of shops and made our way back to our hotel.

Next day, we flew to Capppadocia where we stayed in a Cave Hotel called Anatolian House Caves Hotel which had its own pool. When we first arrived we chilled by the pool and had some of their late buffet breakfast. In the afternoon, I booked us an ATV tour to see the sunset. The ATV felt like an adventure across the desert. It was very dusty and the sunset was very pretty. The ATV tour allowed us to drive our own vehicle I wasn't very good at it so I sat behind Matt. I highly recommend get a mask for the dusty. We stopped at a few different spots to admire the natural landscape : Rose and Red Valleys. They all look very similar. We had dinner at our hotel.

Early morning, we woke up to do the hot airballon experience. The experience picked us up at the hotel 4am. I was quite scared of the hot air balloon. I was worried it would be unsafe, let's YOLO! It was very impressive to see the hot air balloon rise in front of you. It was so big. There were around 20 people in our hot air ballon. The hot air balloon moved very slowly , floating. You didn't even realise you were rising because it was so smooth. There were hardly any wind and everyone was silent. The views were breathtaking and speechless I felt so at peace and happy. Nothing really mattered but the present moment I felt so alive. So much beauty to absorbed! It was my favourite experience. The pilot was so experienced that she lowered the balloon to the city centre and floated and turned the hot air balloon 360 and she landed on the trailer. The experience finished with a glass of champagne and a cerfticate that I fly in a hot air balloon. The tour drove us back at the hotel. We rested for a few hours before we went on our next tour.

Our next tour was the red tour which started at 9.30am like the other tour it came and picked us up. The tour stopped a number of spots and the tour guide was very engaging : Uchisar Castle, Goreme National Park, Love Valley, Fairy Chimneys, Avanos and Devrent Valley. While I was at the Love Valley there was arcade of stalls selling souvenirs I bought my happy apple made of white onyx and injected my happiness into it. I was very happy at that very moment. I wanted to remember with a physical object.

The next morning I requested the hotel to organise breakfast on one of their roof tops so we can watch the sunrise and the hot airballoons. It was one of my favourite activity. The food was alright it was more for the view. After the breakfast we made our way to the airport where we fly to Istabul then to Athens and final stop Santorini.

#princesisland #istanbul #turkey #europe 2023 #cappadocia #lovevalley #hot air balloon #red tour #atv tour

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leonbloder · 6 months

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Christ Pantocrator & Donkeys: A Journey In Santorini

The island of Santorini off the coast of mainland Greece is part of a large caldera--a large depression formed after the eruption of an ancient volcano.

It's an eerie feeling when you realize this when you are on a ship docked smack dab in the middle of what used to be the top of a mountain.

The villages of Santorini are located high above the natural harbor of the caldera and can only be reached by cable car, a donkey ride, or a hike up the same walkway used by the donkeys.

The last option is not ideal.

Neither is the second option if I'm being brutally honest. The donkeys of Santorini have a particularly pungent odor, punctuated by the odor of the walkway, which also serves as the donkey's restroom.

More on that later.

One of the most striking features of the village of Fira is the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral, located on one of the most picturesque streets on the island. The Cathedral is filled with beautiful artwork and icons, a cacophony of color everywhere your eye falls.

But the round, vaulted ceiling of the Cathedral is where not only your gaze will follow as you look around, but it contains the most important piece of art in the building--Christ Pantocrator. Christ Pantocrator, Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral, Fira, Santorini

The depiction of Christ Pantocrator on the ceiling of the Cathedral is not an unusual piece of art in the Orthodox tradition. The name Pantocrator means "All Mighty" or "All-Powerful," and it's drawn from Jesus' own words when he tells his disciples:

"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me."

Another more literal translation of the word "Pantocrator" is one that I particularly like: "Sustainer of the World." The image of Jesus in most of the Pantocrator depictions places him on a throne, or "on high," and holding the Gospels while making a gesture with his right hand that signifies teaching or blessing.

I found the artwork in the Cathedral inspiring, and I also noted that no matter where you walked in front of the altar, the eyes of Christ Pantocrator seemed to be following you.

Much later, after enjoying a spectacular sunset with a nice cold beer in an outdoor cafe, I attempted to return to the cable car for my trip back to the harbor. But the line for the cable car was at least an hour and a half long.

At that point, I decided (against my better judgment) to take the 690+ steps down to the harbor instead of waiting in a long line for the cable car. If you recall, these steps are the ones trod by the donkeys of Santorini, which meant... well, you can imagine what it meant.

Suffice it to say, the walk down was filled with several hundred twists and turns and no small amount of donkey feces and urine puddles to dodge. What you couldn't dodge was the stench, which permeated the air, stung my nostrils, and almost made me delirious.

I made it down, eventually, and was able to freshen myself up before dinner and also spray an inordinate amount of Versace cologne upon me to rid my nose of the remembered donkey stench.

I've had some time to reflect on my journey that day. It took me to the heights of faith with the eyes of the Christ Pantocrator following me to the lows of trudging along a soiled path in the dark.

This is what life is like some days, isn't it?

One moment, we are filled with the intense feeling that the love and grace of Christ is all around us, and we're watching a sunset explode with color and believing we are one with the Universe.

And the next, we're trying to find our way around donkey poop on a dark descent into God-knows-where.

But through it all, the eyes of Christ Pantocrator are upon us. The One who assumed the task of creating, sustaining, and redeeming from before the beginning of time is covering us in grace in our highest of highs and lowest of lows.

May this knowledge give you defiant hope amid your struggles in the dark. May this truth bring you peace that passes understanding.

And may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you now and always. Amen.

#presbymusings #dailydevotion #leonbloder #dailydevo #dailydevotional #christian living #leon bloder #faith #spiritualgrowth #spirituality #santorini #Christ Panotcrator #jesus

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aaronexplainsitall · 10 months

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Yes- Greece! Doing a day in Athens, and then a week split between Santorini and Milos. I’m truly hoping the 7 hours in Heathrow is the lowlight of the trip, but it was the only way to get there from my b-list US city without adding another flight leg and connection. I hate long layovers but I’ve had so many issues with delayed flights the last few years I’ll still pick them over adding more connections!

Oh my GOD that sounds *incredible*!! I love Greece, I've never been to Milos but Santorini is beautiful, you're going to have such an amazing time. Make sure you go to the red beach and to Skaros rock while you're in Santorini - I went in 2015 and I remember those both being highlights of the trip for me. And just eat SO much food, because Greek food is just amazing. Stuffed vine leaves and tzatziki for days!

#come back and tell me how it was when you get home

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thelastonewastaken · 2 years

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Travel Thoughts

My best trips have always been broke travel. This is a term that describes the nature of the trips: like crashing in sleeping bags in a church in Rome or taking the Toronto-DC Megabus. Most of these trips have been cheap, a little unsafe, and not very Instagram-friendly, but they have also been quite fun.

Some of my best conversations have started because of some random fact I learnt on a trip. For example, I met up with a designer I have been following on Instagram, and it turns out that he's from Slovakia. A couple of years ago while in Vienna, I was too broke (and it would have taken too long) to travel to Budapest or Prague, so I took the shorter train to Bratislava - his hometown!

It also helped that a number of years ago Artmedia Bratislava played in the UEFA Champions League, and I remembered their name.

Last week, I travelled from Providence, RI through New Haven, CT to Pittsburgh, PA and ended up in Chicago, IL. All by train. New Haven to Pittsburgh took 12 hours and a change of train in Philly, and Pittsburgh to Chicago was 9 hours overnight. By the time I got back home on Sunday, I was wiped out!

A couple of thoughts:

Providence is a pretty city. I loved the RISD Museum as well as the Providence Athenaeum. But the main surprise was that I had the best Korean food I have ever had at Sura.

Pennsylvania is a really big US state. I've always associated the state with Philadelphia, but there's a whole lot more to it. Travelling by train to Pittsburgh, you essentially go the whole breadth of the state and see how industrial it is.

Pittsburgh is made up of counties on hills. Each hill is interesting in it's own right. I drove to Fallingwater, which is on a hill by itself almost 2 hours out of Pittsburgh, and I had to pop my ear a couple of times owing to the pressure changes.

Chicago buses never run on time. Avoid O'Hare. There's supposed to be a picture of me on the wall at Pho's Spicier Thai Cuisine, let me know if you see it.

I also realized that my preferred genre of travel might not be so accommodating to my body as I get older. After every train ride on this trip, I developed a sore throat and blisters on my tongue. 4 hours of sleep always resolved both, but they were painful while they lasted.

Movement and the lack of internet are also really good for reading. I read a book per day while on the trip and ran up the total score of my yearly reading goal. If I have to travel to keep up that groove, I just might.

Lastly, I think travel should be a very personal thing. Go to places you have a personal interest in, and not just places that are pretty. If you really enjoyed a book set in Montreal, go there and see what it's like. We don't all have to go to Santorini or Rejkavik. I remember watching a documentary on a wildlife photographer who said something very interesting (I'm paraphrasing here):

I lay in wait on the hill for sunset or the lion to do something, so that I can take a shot. But sometimes it is so beautiful that I don't hit the shutter, that moment is for me.

#travel

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queen-of-my-goofball-army · 3 years

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"Oh eh gunpowder, nitroglycerin, NOTEPADS, fuses, wicks, GLUE, and uh paper clips, big ones, just eh office supplies.

You didn't just drink that did you? That's not good that's nitroglycerin. Don't move, don't breathe, don't do anything, except pray maybe.

Hey look I made a bridge! Only took me what... ten seconds, eleven tops

I could unroadblock that if I had about 200 of these. Problem is I've only got about ten. Plus five of my own, and a couple of cherry bombs, road flare, hey too bad we don't have some nitroglycerin eh Milo?

We've done a lot of things we're not proud of. Robbing graves, plundering tombs, double parking. But nobody got hurt. Well maybe somebody got hurt, but nobody we knew.

You know I'm going open up the flower shop. And I'm gonna think of you guys every single day. Monday through Friday, nine to five. Saturday til two. Sunday better take off Sunday probably." (Vincenzo Santorini, Atlantis; The Lost Empire.)

When I was in summer camp every summer that the camp was fun we would bust out Atlantis Lost Empire. During this period of time at camp we watched a lot of classic movies, some that I hated like The Sandlot, and others that became some of my favorite movies of all time like Atlantis and Goonies. Throughout all of these days of vacation the movie that I looked forward to watching the most with my best friend's was Atlantis. We had our own individual favorite characters because the side characters are all so diverse from each other. My best friend loves Moliere, but my favorite has always been Vinny ever since I can remember.

I didn't watch this movie when I was living in California. It wasn't even on my radar as a thing that existed until I was eight and started going to camp every summer. But I remember the first time that I ever saw it instantly loving Vinny. There was just something about that dry sarcastic sense of humor that just fit his personality. He might have come off as. nonchalant and uncaring of what happened but you knew deep down that he cared about Milo and his friends. One of my favorite moments of "soft VinnyTM" is when he pitches Milo's tent for him because he can't do it himself. I always love that little moment because while he could've just left for him to fend for himself he didn't and instead decided that he would rather do something for his friend that he was coming to care about.

I would describe Vinny as soft but with a harder outer shell. He prefers to make snarky comments because he has been through a lot with losing his original flower shop. Even if it gave him his love of demolitions and explosives, he still missed that part of his life. It was who he was for such a long time that losing it took it's toll. He's the kind of person who while he doesn't have many friends the ones that he does have he would do anything for. I love his friendship with Mole even if most of the time it's spent with him looking at him like he's insane it cracks me up every time.

Vinny's voice is actually really fascinating because his voice was done by a man by the name of Don Novello. Now Don here is an Italian improvisational comedian. What that means is for those of you who don't understand theater terminology improv is what you come up with on the fly to usually make people laugh. You have a set of jokes or an idea before you go on stage and perform it. Why this is important for Vinny is because Don never used a written line for him that wound up in the finished film. He would say a line once and then never use the same one again and would instead come up with his own thoughts about the character. It's very much something that only Don is capable of bringing to life. While I love the idea of RDJ playing him for a live action film it would only work if he was able to have the same freedom and liberties.

Vinny to me is day's in the Centerplace Summer Day Camp movie room also our theater room there. It's coming out from the heat and into the soft air conditioning sitting between my two best friends and waiting for our individual favorite characters to come up. I mentioned my best friend who loves Mole but my best guy friend at the time loved Sweets. Vinny is whispered matching lines of dialogue to match his, it's quoting him during field trips, it's sitting between my two best friend's waiting for his first scene. Vinny Santorini just reminds me of summers when I was a little kid. He'll always be my favorite Italian demolitions expert, tough but with a soft and caring heart.

#atlantis lost empire #vinny santorini #favorite characters #comfort characters #day 15: underrated disney side characters

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catypus · 3 years

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Okay I hope this isn't bothering you but I've been obsessed with this for a while now- akaashi x reader but she's dying young and she's never seen the snow and wanted to see the world and Akaashi being the compassionate person he is, he plans to take her traveling and to show her all the seasons in other places before she can't anymore-🥺😭 idk ive been obsessed with this idea since FOREVER 🥺👉👈

a | n : aww it’ll never be a bother!! thank you for sending in your request and waiting, we were really busy at that time but hope you like it <3

pairings: akaashi x dying!reader

genre: angsty huhu :”)))

warnings: implied death

the four phases of grief (through the seasons)

when it’s you and me, it feels like nothing can tear us down; nothing can tear us apart

- phase I; shock and numbness -

Time becomes a finite measure only when your days are set.

Others at your age are going out, exploring their futures, just setting foot into an unknown world and you? Get the better half of 1 year thrown at your feet and told, “here make what you will of it”

But how can you?

The words of the doctor echoes in your head, rattling your thoughts and making them dance about until nothing is coherent anymore.

It feels empty.

Like everything has lost its colour, its flavour.

But when he hugs you,

when he lets you cry it out on his shoulder,

when he cups your face and leaves a sweet kiss on your lips and whispers to you,

“my love, I'm here, I'll give you the best life”,

you can’t help but feel a miniscule tinge better.

That the love of your life, will remain a constant until the very end.

akaashi keiji, you’re one hell of a guy

The next day, he springs a surprise trip to Greece.

You could hardly believe the words as they left his lips.

“pack what you need, we leave at the end of the week”

“I’ve already called ahead to your work, you don’t have to worry about that”

And that’s how a week later you found yourselves on the windswept limestone cliffs of Santorini, gazing upon the tops of the notable blue and white architecture.

In the midst of the white-washed buildings, casted golden by the setting sun, Keiji tightens his grip on your hand.

A silent promise.

One that you treasure closest to your heart as the sun disappears beneath the horizon, bringing the day to a close.

at the end, doesn’t everyone just want closure ?

- phase ii; yearning and searching -

It's that time of the year where everything starts shriveling up and dying as the temperature takes a dip for the lower end of the thermostat.

And before you know it, you too will shrivel up and die

it’s a never leaving trail of negativity; one that only festers and broils as the autumn leaves scatter at the touch of the cold breeze.

That day, Keiji brings home a new beanie and shoves it snugly over your head, tightly bundling your hair until it frays out. He lets out a low chuckle.

You pout at him, attempting to uncover your eyes so you can see him properly and get your hair in place, when all you see are two plane tickets to Ontario.

He smiles softly at you, watching at your expression.

You meet his gaze quietly, staring into his eyes.

His eyes that hold hope for you.

You both know by now that the prospect of extending your deadline is out of the question. You’ve taken more sick days and the monthly reviews have slowly transitioned into fortnightly ones.

Yet he holds so much emotion for you, so many wishes that you will be happy, with him. Even until the very end.

You grasp his hand, in which he holds the tickets.

“when do we leave?”

The mist rising from the falls breaks the sunlight and forms a slender arc of a rainbow above the crest of the waterfall.

Against the backdrop of the hues of orange, red and yellow, the colours of autumn have never looked more stunning.

The two of you stand there, at the outlook over the edge of the falls, watching the miniscule silhouettes of other tourists on board the boats as they view Niagara Falls from a different perspective.

Maybe it’s about the perspective.

Maybe it’s not that you have less than a year left.

Maybe it’s that you have the rest of the year to love Keiji.

That you have the rest of the year to get your forever with him.

As you link hands and slowly tread through the park, leaves crunching at your feet, he suddenly stops.

“my love, can i get a picture of you?”

As much as he’d never forget your smile, he thought to himself, if he could capture even a shred of your beauty, he’d be forever thankful.

As you stood there, amidst the falling leaves, adjusting your beanie, he thinks you’ve never looked more gorgeous.

and as we stand here together, in this instant, it’s as if time is standing still, bearing witness to our love

- phase iii; disorganisation and despair -

The beauty of a small island in the middle of winter, covered by blankets of glistening white snow.

A fleeting moment, where the frosty wind nips at your cheeks as the ferry slows to a halt, docking at the jetty.

Clasping your gloved hand in his, he gently leads the way, weaving through the crowd.

As you set foot on the ground and take in the view, you realise that no image on google can compare to seeing it in real life.

In days gone by, you fawned over the picturesque landscape and imagery of Nami Island in South Korea.

Especially in the heart of winter, where many others have taken their own recreations of photos out of a K-drama.

“keiji, baby look- “,

As you would show him a sample image of a wedding photoshoot, the couple staring lovingly in each other’s eyes with the tall Maple trees bearing witness to their love.

The same tall Maple trees that you and him now stand before.

In the subtle shadows, casted by the barren trees, he graces your lips with a kiss.

Which turned into another.

And another.

Before he pulls back slightly, leaning his forehead against yours, eyes closed, just basking in each other’s company.

Softly swaying with the cold wind, he pulls something out of his pocket.

That in which he links around your neck.

When you lean back and look down at your collar, there sits a simple but elegant rose gold chain, to which a pendant is attached to.

And on the pendant, is your anniversary date.

The day that you said yes to being his best friend, his confidante, the love of his life.

Suddenly, you feel very warm.

Your face heats up and tears fall from your eyes before you even notice it.

“keiji, I’m sorry.”

“what for, baby?”

“i’m sorry for whatever’s going to happen after.”

fate fortold that we would meet, so now my love, what’s the rush?

- phase iv; reorganisation and recovery -

The cold winds have blown, now the warm days are returning.

Looking out the window, the green fields rush past as the Shinkansen speedily heads for Sapporo.

Clenching your fingers tighter, you look down at where Keiji’s fingers hold on to yours just as tightly.

One last time.

Slowly but surely, strolling down the pathway, watching as high school couples bask in the bright glow of the pink hues of this season.

It seemed like a lifetime ago that you and Keiji linked arms and sat under the cherry blossoms.

Youth.

As you both sat on the bench, his arms tightly wound across your shoulder, he recalls how all those years ago, as he wiped the corner of your mouth of cream from the daifuku you were eating, he first told you those three words.

“i love you.”

“until forever and the day after that”

He pulls out his phone, your ever-beautiful face smiling back at him from under those autumn leaves in Canada.

The bench beside him has never felt emptier as he places one hand over his chest, the cold metal of the pendant pressing painfully against his heart.

It’s been a year.

A flower bud drops on his shoulder.

He remembers your expressions, the amazement you gave the first time you saw him do a snow angel, the contentment when he had kissed you under the maple trees. The love in your eyes that never wavered a single time.

He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath in, before shakily letting it out.

I miss you.

even when the seasons change, our love will forever remain the same.

#akaashi #akaashi keiji #akaashi keiji x reader #akaashi x reader #haikyuu #haikyuu scenarios #haikyuu imagines #haikyuu x reader #haikyuu angst #haikyuu au

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leelee10898 · 5 years

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Born to Love you: Felt good on my lips (3/?)

Leo & Alicia... A closer look at how these two frisky love birds came to be, and the moments in between. If you have not read the OG when Leo met Alicia.. you should do so, events in this story will coincide with it.

This is from the CGW(Cordonians gone wild) AU. A collaborative effort by @ao719 @speedyoperarascalparty @cocomaxley @riseandshinelittleblossom and myself. Find out other adventures HERE

It was a warm spring day, Leo had decided to take advantage of the weather and show her some sights on the coast. They pulled into a small diner on a back road for a little lunch.

“So I didn't really peg you as a diner guy.” She grinned as they slid into a booth by the window.

“To be honest, I would rather eat a burger over lobster any day.” he answered handing her a menu. “This is ok, right? Did you want to go someplace more fancy?

She arched her brow at him “In case you haven't noticed, im probably nothing like those women at court.” she rolled her eyes. “This is perfect.” her reaction bringing a wide grin to his face.

They looked over the menu and ordered. Both getting a burger and fries.

“so tell me more about the mysterious Prince Leo.”

“What do you want to know?” he folded his hands on the table.

“Leo. What's it short for?”

“Oh, ah well. Leonard. My mother would call me Leo when I was small. It kind of stuck.” His eyes darting down to the table.

“Tell me about her. Your mother, what was she like?”

He hesitated, he never spoke about his mom to anyone. It had been years since he brought her up. He sat in silence for a few minutes

“Leo?” her voice pulled him from his thoughts.

“Oh, sorry. My mom? Well, my father chose her during his social season, she was new to court. I was born shortly after they were married.”

He picked up a fry popping it in his mouth.

“Ok, but what was she like? Do you look like her? Did you two have any special things you did together?”

Leo straighten up, feelings he pushed down long ago began to come to the surface.

“She had long brown hair, brown eyes. Her smile was warm and welcoming. She loved me, but she wasn't happy with her life.”

“Leo, i'm sorry I didn't mean to. I didn't know.” she apologized.

“No, its ok. I just. I Haven't spoken about her to, well anyone.” Alicia reached out grabbing his hand, her warm smile calming him immediately.

“she sang me to sleep every night,I remember that. She enjoyed the simple things in life. She left court because she wasn't cut out for this life. Me,being the heir. she couldn't take me, by law. In a way I guess that's where I get it from.”

“I think those are good memories to have of her. She gave his hand a squeeze. “Ok. Enough of this. Lets get outta here. I have someplace I think you'll like.” He stood tossing money on the table, grabbing her hand.

After a short drive they pulled into a private beach area. Alicia's eyes lit up at the sight of the pristine beach in front of her. The water as blue as Leos eyes, the sand a sparkling white. “Wow. This is. This sort of amazing.”

“You like it?”

“Yeah, I do. It's probably the most beautiful thing I've seen here so far.” she turned towards him smiling. “Well, maybe 2nd most beautiful thing.” she shot him a sly smirk, turning and walking towards the ocean. He chuckled to himself

He closed his eyes, saying an internal prayer. lord help me, I am trying to behave.

He silently groaned tilting his head back. He ran up to her “My family uses this to host the beach party for social season. Docks are that way.” He pointed “That's where we host the Royal Regatta. It was my father's favorite event.” his eyes dropped for a second. “But. That's not what I wanted to show you.” she looked at him inquisitively. He lead her down a trail through a small wooded area, he pulled the brush back as they stood in a clearing, they could hear the roaring waters just up ahead. Alicia's face lit up, her smile reaching eyes as he nodded his head. He walked out first wanting to see her reaction.

She walked out to a beautiful waterfall, the waters so clear you could see to the bottom. The flowers in full bloom on the nice spring day.

She was silent, unable to form words at its natural beauty. Leo walked up next to her, his hear lowered close to hers “You know, there's a legend about these falls. It starts with two lovers.”

Her eyes met his as he told her about the legend of the falls. “that's so heartbreaking.” she pouted. “It is but, they say that if two lovers climb to the top and jump in together, they'll get the blessing of the lady of the waterfall.”

“oh really? So what if two people who are not lovers jump in together, then what?” she challenged him.

“I don't know.” he answered, not really sure of what to say. He rarely had someone have a come back and he wasn't used to this.

“I see. Well, then that settles it.” she sighed taking off her shoes and socks. she started unbuttoning her jeans sliding them off her legs.

“wha. What are you doing?”

“come on, don't act shy. Were jumping in.” She motioned towards him.

“What? You seriously want to jump in from up there?” Leo shouted.

“Hell yeah I do. Are you scared or something?”

“No. NO, I just. I'm surprised, most girls would have freaked out at that.” He chuckled as he pulled his shirt over his head, now stripped to his boxers.

Leos eyes ravaged her body. He had seen her in her bra on a small phone screen, but the real time view was stunning. He let out a low growl under his breath, discreetly adjusting himself.

She stood on the opposite of him, taking in his toned muscular body. She bit her bottom lip, shaking her head trying to break the thoughts. “Ok lets go.”

They climbed to the top, overlooking the drop off. “So what are we doing here?” He questioned.

“We're testing something." She smirked "Two non- lovers jump in. Since we're just friends we should be safe right?” she looked at him.

“In one theory yes. In another." He paused for a moment, trying to hide the smile tugging on his lips. "We become lovers.” he smirked.

“Well, I guess we will have to test this out then, since. Since it'll never happen.” She gave him a playful look as she grabbed his hand. “One. Two. Threee!” She shouted as they leapt over the edge plunging into the water. They bobbed up laughing hysterically as he dunked under water tickling her sides. “Ahhh. Leo!” she screamed, laughing afterwards. He emerged and she splashed him “Oh you're gonna pay.” he dove at her, tackling her into the water. She squealed and laughed as they wrestled.

He grabbed her by the waist pulling her into him, she put her arm around his neck pretending to put him in a headlock “Alight, alright. You win.” she dropped her arm hooking it around his neck, bringing the other over as they locked eyes. They slowly moved in, lips inches from each others when the loud ringing of a phone pulled them from the moment. “We should probably get that.” she unlocked her arms from his neck making her way the the shore, leo following after. They checked their phones it was Liam for Leo. He called him back

“what's up Liam? No, I am not coming to dinner tonight. Regina can not call a family dinner on a non-family dinner night. You know I hate lamb. Well, tell Regina I already had plans. What noise? Don't worry about where I am. Goodbye Liam.”

Leo tossed his phone onto his clothes. “its hilarious when you and Liam bicker, and i've only seen it once.” she giggled.

“ so, you're not going to dinner with your family?” He looked at her a cocky grin spread across his lips “Nope, we are going out.”

“We are? Where to?”

“I know a good place, its a bar a few towns from the palace. They have excellent food.”

They put their clothes back on heading back to the palace for another shower and change. They quietly crept through the halls, avoiding running into Regina. They were almost in the clear when they heard “Leo?” Leo grabbed her hand once they rounded the corner they ran into the garage. Leo handed her a helmet here. “What. What's this for Leo?” she stuttered.

“Were taking the bike. Have you ever been on the back of a bike?” she shook her head no.

“Ok, It'll be fine, just hold onto me and move with me ok. Seriously we gotta go. Now. Or Madeleine's gonna catch up.”

She put the helmet on and climbed onto the back of the bike. He started it up as Madeline came through the garage door and they speed off. Madeline watched as he pulled away with Alicia on the back. She did not know who it was, she huffed turning around and going back in.

They zipped through the roads, everything a blur but the rush was amazing. Her arms wrapped tightly around his waist, her body pressed against his back. Leo couldn't help but smile, that almost kiss playing through his mind. Fucking Liam, had to ruin the moment. It was probably a good thing, he thought. He was trying to behave, he told himself he wanted to be her friend, but the more he got to know her, the more he wanted to pursue her. In that moment he decided to follow her lead, if she made a move or gave off signs she wanted him to do something, then he would.

They pulled into a small bar, it did not look nearly as upscale or crowded as the one Anitah and her went to in the capital. They walked inside, “let's grab a booth and then I'll get some drinks.” they got settled into a booth he found out what she wanted and he approached the bar. “Leo, haven't seen you in a while, where you been?” the bartender shook his hand. “Yeah, I've been in Santorini for a while. How you been Doug?”

“Oh, can't complain. So what can I get you?”

“I'll have a beer and I need a Malibu bay breeze.” Doug eyed him, “since when do you drink fruity shit?”

“I don't. Its for my friend.”

“You've been here all of 5 minutes and already have a friend?” he grinned shaking his head as he worked on the drink. “I brought her with me smart ass.”

He grabbed the drinks and headed back to the booth. “Sorry, the bartender was giving me shit.” he chuckled.

They sat around talking and joking. Leo not wanting to drink a lot since he was on the bike and driving.

“I don't get it. How do you not have a girlfriend? You are an amazing guy, funny, smart, charismatic, thoughtful, hot…” she blushed at the last word.

“You know, you keep telling me im hot, you're going to give me a complex.” he chuckled.

“Im serious Leo.”

“I don't know. I don't really know why I guess. It's just not something I ever worried about.” He took a sip of his beer. “It was decided for me that I was to marry Madeline. We got engaged, Regina picked the ring, I wanted no part. I handed her the box and walked away.”

“Wow, that's rough.”

“She didn't care about the ring, or me really. She cared about the crown. I guess at some point she became clingy, she was convenient.” he grimaced at the words. “Wow, that sounded really shitty.”

“It sounds like the whole situation was just one fucked up mess.”

“It was. I'm not going to lie to you, I have had my fair share of women. Mostly one night stands. I haven't been with a woman more than twice before I move on. The only person I have been with multiple times, was Madeline.”

“But isn't that lonely?”

“Maybe? I guess I never really thought about it that way. Whenever a woman finds out who I really am. They change. They get caught up in the what ifs of the glitz and glamorous life.” He sighed. “I dont think ive ever told anyone this before. What is it with you? I feel like i can tell you anything and you won't judge me.”

“ well, that's because I won't. I think you're a really great guy Leo.” she reached over grabbing his hand. He scooted forward “you amaze me you know that. I have never met anyone like you. You are smart, funny, fearless, fierce, beautiful.” a familiar feeling washed over both of them, their lips inches apart again, her eyes locked with his and then, her phone rang, pulling them from the moment again. Leo dropped his head and chuckled.

“Sorry, I should probably take this.” She got up and stepped outside. Leo sat there lost in thought. Twice they almost kissed, twice they were interrupted by phone calls. He wanted to kiss her, but he didn't want to because he wanted to jump into bed with her. He wanted to get to know her, everything about her. He felt a connection with her, he couldn't explain it, and it scared the hell out of him. They had only known each other a few days, but she definitely had all of his attention.

“everything ok?” He asked as she slid back into the booth. “Yeah it was my mom, she had a question about and order we got at the bakery.”

“Oh, so you work with your mom? I am an asshole, I never thought to ask what you did for a living.”

“its ok. I am a pastry chef by choice. I did not like the environment in a restaurant kitchen, baking was always my nirvana.”

“You're a chef? That's amazing.”

“when I graduated from culinary school, I went to work in one of the fancy restaurants in NYC as a sous chef. I hated it. My mom offered to make me partner at the bakery and I accepted.”

“wow, that's amazing Alicia. I can imagine you are good at what you do. Maybe you'll cook for me once?” Leo smirked as they walked out the door to the bike. “Maybe.. if you play your cards right.” She winked at him. His willpower was quickly crumbling. He knew he promised Liam but she was making it very hard.

They drove back to the palace, her arms still wrapped tightly around his waist. She could feel the ripples of his muscles through his shirt. The thoughts that ran through her head she knew she shouldn't be having. She was leaving in two months, and she was not one for a one night stand. They pulled into the garage, parking the bike and putting the helmets up. Leo walked her to her room. They stood in front of her door “Thanks for today, I had a really great time.” she hugged him. “so did I. There is more I would like to show you, that is of you want.”

“Of course. that would be great. Thank you Leo, really you have been amazing.”

She stood against the door. An awkward quiet settled over them. Their eyes locked, she bit her lower lip, hoping he would make a move because she was to scared to. When finally he leaned in pressing his lips to hers. His tongue tracing a line between her lips, her hands flew around his neck as she melted into the kiss. Their tongues dancing together in perfect harmony. They pulled apart as he rested his forehead against hers. “Good night Leo.” she breathed out. “Good night Alicia.”

Alicia closed the door behind her, her back against it as she slid down onto the floor in shock. She touched her hand to her lips, that kiss.

Leo wore a wide grin his entire walk back to his quarters. He kissed her, he finally kissed her. Those lips, that kiss. It was everything he hoped for and more. It was perfect, it was almost like a spark ignited between them.

But it left more questions for him. What happens now?

Tag: @annekebbphotography @carabeth @moneyfordiamonds @give-me-ernest-sinclaire @3pawandme @indiacater @ooo-barff-ooo @ownworldresident @tornbetween2loves @perfectprofessorherokid @stopforamoment @editboutique @wannabemc2 @zaffrenotes @enmchoices @lauradowning29 @lodberg @smalltalk88 @gibbles82 @heatherfilliez @drakesensworld @nikkis1983 @sweetest-marbear @classylady1234 @daniv2278 @rainbowsinthestorm @jared2612 @liamxs-world @notoriouscs @blubutterflyy @captain-kingliamsqueen @whenyourheartskipsabeat @lynne1993 @coldcollectornight08 @be-still-my-aching-heart @dcbbw @explorer-of-gems @kennaxval @hopefulmoonobject

#born to love you cgw fic #cgw trr au #cgw trr #cgw squad #cgw #leo x alicia #leo trr #choices trr #trr fanfic #the royal romance #cordoniansgonewild #cordonians gone wild

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rubyvioletindigo · 2 years

Text

It's a Friday night and past 9 o'clock in the evening. I'm spending it like a loser and I'm honestly 100% content with that. I usually have plans on the weekends but I get this weekend to myself. Tonight, I ordered a honey BBQ chicken strip sandwich from Whataburger, fries, a Coke Zero with no ice (they added ice anyways but oh well), and got a free chocolate milkshake. It's my cheat meal because I've avoided fried foods most of the week and I was hoping it would hit the spot. It did nothing unfortunately. I'm craving something particularly delicious and I can't figure it out yet. But I'm not disappointed because now I know for sure it wasn't Whataburger I was craving, so that's another food craving suspect I can cross off my list.

The food I am mysteriously craving is still at large and I don't know what I'm searching for. All I know (by process of elimination) is that sushi, a Philly cheese steak sandwich, Taco Bueno, shrimp rolls, and Whataburger, are not hitting the spot. I promise I'm not as fat as I sound, I'm just a foodie and food makes me very happy.

I probably sound a lot younger than I actually am. I'm a millennial born in the 90s but my laid back yet chaotic personality makes many people think I'm in my early 20s. My nephew is 22 years old and his fiancée is 20 and she asked me to be one of her bridesmaids in their wedding this October. I don't think she realizes I'm about a decade older than the entire wedding party. It's really weird for me, not gonna lie. It feels like I'm living my own version of 21 Jump Street but it's not like I'm trying to hide my age. I own up to it if anyone asks but everyone just kinda assumes I'm in my early 20s so my age never comes up. Asian genes are pretty awesome. I'll happily be an Asian Alexa Demie, haha.

I haven't written in an online blog in years. I'm pretty sure this form of social media is pretty outdated but I'm posting on here for myself. I want to look back on these future posts I'm going to write as a fun nostalgic project. So here are some key notes of where I am in life at this exact moment on April 1st, 2022.

-I'm happily single because dating guys who can't communicate annoys the shit out of me. If a guy really wants to date you, he will put in effort. If he's half-assing it and barely trying to get to know you, the harsh truth is that he's not that into you. Don't let him waste your time because you will regret it.

-I love my job as an international banker. Three years ago, I prayed and wished for this job and it finally happened a year ago. That quote "Remember when you prayed for the things you have now," really hits home with me. I'm really grateful for this job because I never wake up dreading work. Not many people can say that and I am aware that I'm truly lucky.

-I am pretty happy with my life. I try not to focus on what I lack but what I am blessed with. My parents passed away in my mid-20s and I've had a rough life until these last few years. Those difficult years that make up most of my life are the reason why I appreciate how good things have been lately. I have a dependable car that is paid off, inherited my parents' house that is also paid off, and have what I need. Life and God have been very good to me and I don't take that for granted.

-I'm really proud of my life experiences. I've hiked Machu Picchu twice; visited the Santorini; swam in Cenote Ik-kil; visited Chechen Itza; traveled solo to Peru, Greece, and Vietnam; went skydiving; got drunk with friends on a beach in Mexico; etc. I hope to have more amazing life experiences as time goes on. I need to experience as much as I can before time runs out.

I don't know how my life will turn out in one year, five years, or ten years but I do know life is pretty good now. I hope this isn't my life highlight and that things will be even better in the future. To future me who may or may not be reading this, whether things are better or worse, stay humble and be grateful. We've experienced hell and weathered the worst hurricane but somehow survived all that to make it to calm waters. Hopefully those calm waters will eventually bring us to a beautiful paradise island and we understand the why the hurricane was necessary to take us where we need to be.

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