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phoenix-downer · 3 years

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The Bucket List

After Sora’s return, Riku helps Naminé fulfill the items on her bucket list.

~2100 words. Post-Kingdom Hearts III and Melody of Memory. Rikunami/Namiku. Romance, Fluff, Friendship. Naminé POV. Written for @memoryofpromises.

Golden light danced along the walls and rested on Naminé’s face. The breeze from the open window brought in the smell of sea-salt, and she sighed deeply. Having a body of her own again was truly special, even though it had been over a year since she’d gotten one. Every day was a new adventure, and she couldn’t wait to see what this one had in store.

“Morning, Naminé,” Kairi said as she yawned and stretched. Her red hair stuck out from all different sides of her head, and she smiled sleepily. “Did you sleep well?”

“I did, thank you.” Naminé sat up and rubbed her eyes. One of Riku’s baggy hoodies served as her nightgown, and her cheeks flushed pink as she thought about the time he’d given it to her to wear. Since then, she had a growing collection of his hoodies and jackets that supplemented her own wardrobe nicely.

“Did you enjoy your first sleepover?” Kairi asked as she swept her hair back into a ponytail.

“I did! It was a lot of fun.”

They’d stayed up late, watching movies, eating candy and popcorn as they talked about all sorts of things. Another item Naminé could cross off of her bucket list. Now that Sora was home, safe and sound, they were all able to focus on just enjoying life again. Soon after they’d gotten him back, Kairi had helped Naminé make the bucket list, and now her friend was helping her do all the things on it, one by one.

“We’ll have to invite the other girls over sometime so we can have a proper slumber party,” Kairi said. “We’ll need to figure out a time that works for everyone, but I’m sure we can make it happen.”

“Thank you, Kairi, really. You don’t have to do all this for me—”

“I know. But I want to. You’re my friend.”

Naminé smiled. It was so nice to have Kairi for a friend. Before, she’d felt so alone, and now she had so many friends that there was never a dull moment. Her Gummiphone was always lighting up with messages and photos and phone calls, and her schedule was filled with school and dates with Riku and plans to hang out with friends.

“So, today you said you wanted to go shopping,” Kairi said as she rummaged through her closet for something to wear. “And that means we can dress up if you’d like.”

“I’d like that very much,” Naminé said as she got up from Kairi’s trundle bed. It was nice to go from having one dress to a full wardrobe of clothes, and now Kairi wanted to take her shopping to get even more clothes.

Together they got ready for the day. Naminé went with a simple blue dress with yellow accents that Kairi let her borrow with sandals to match. That was the nice thing about being Kairi’s (former) Nobody; they could swap clothes no problem. Kairi swept her hair up into a French twist and secured it with a clip, then gave her some paopu fruit earrings to wear. When she was helping Naminé put the finishing touches on her makeup, the doorbell rang.

“Huh, I wonder who that could be,” Kairi said, but there was a mischievous sparkle in her eyes, and her lips were twitching.

“Kairi?”

“Why don’t we go see who it is,” Kairi said as she grabbed Naminé’s hand and led her downstairs. Naminé’s heart pounded; could it be—

“Surprise!” Kairi squealed as she opened the door. Standing there, wearing a nice shirt and slacks, was Riku. He broke into a smile as soon as he saw Naminé, and she felt a blush creep up her cheeks as she returned his smile.

“I assume we’re not going shopping?” she asked Kairi. It was strange but also a little thrilling, how much trouble she had looking away from Riku when he was nearby.

“We can, some other time. But yes, today is supposed to be for the two of you. Riku just wanted it to be a surprise, and he recruited me to help.”

“You don’t know how hard it was not to say anything,” Riku said. “I’m… not very good at keeping secrets. But I wanted to surprise you.”

“You did,” Naminé said. “I didn’t suspect a thing.”

They just smiled at each other for a few moments until Kairi cleared her throat. “Better get going, lovebirds, or you won’t have time to do everything Riku has planned.”

That snapped them out of their reverie, and Riku blushed as Naminé ducked her head and giggled. They hadn’t even left Kairi’s house yet, and they were already getting so distracted. Naminé went back inside to grab her purse, and with that, she and Riku were off.

“Where are you taking me first?” she asked as Riku led her down the winding path away from Kairi’s house on the hill. It was amazing how comfortable it felt to hold his hand like this now. She still remembered the day when he’d first offered his hand and she’d taken it, the day she’d gotten a body of her own again and a precious reminder that she wasn’t alone.

“To the Gummi Ship,” Riku said as he gave her one of his charming half-smiles.

“And after that?”

“You’ll see. And no cheating and looking at my memories,” he teased. “I’ve been to the places I plan on taking you today, so I’m sure you’ll find them in there.”

Her lips twitched. “Me? Look at your memories? I would never.”

“The innocent act doesn’t work so well on me, you know,” Riku said with a laugh. “It might fool Sora and Kairi, but I can see right through it.”

She bit her lip and stopped walking, and Riku turned around to look at her.

“What is it?” he asked, his face twisted into a frown.

“You know I wouldn’t look at your memories without your permission, right?”

His eyes softened. “Yeah, of course. I trust you, Naminé.”

She relaxed at his words. Sometimes she wondered how the others could trust her at all, with the powers she had. But Riku really did mean what he said, of that she was sure. He had always been honest and open with her about his feelings and struggles, so she was trying to do the same.

She found his hand again, and he gave her a reassuring squeeze.

“C’mon, let’s go,” he said, and she nodded and let him lead the way once more.

Their first destination was Twilight Town. Riku took her to Le Grand Bistro, where they ate a delicious lunch consisting of Pumpkin Velouté and Sea Bass en Papillote, with Berries au Fromage for dessert. The weather was perfect as they dined outside, just the right temperature with a light breeze blowing through, and Naminé sighed as she set her fork down and patted her mouth with her napkin.

“Thank you, Riku. The food was delicious.”

“Yeah?”

She nodded. “I used to walk past here sometimes, when we were looking for a way to help Sora. It’s nice to be able to finally eat here myself. It was something I’ve been wanting to do for a while.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” he said, then found her hand again. They just gazed into each other’s eyes for a moment, until Naminé had to look away because she was getting too flustered.

“I’ll go pay up, and then we can go to the next place,” he said.

The next place was still in Twilight Town. The little outdoor theater, to be exact, the one tucked into a side street that showed the latest cartoons and movies. Naminé had never been to a movie theater before, and she watched enraptured as the action unfolded onscreen.

“It’s so big,” she whispered. She knew from Kairi’s memories what a movie theater was like, but seeing one in person was completely different from seeing it in someone else’s memories.

When she glanced at Riku, he wasn’t really watching the movie at all. She caught him looking at her instead, and that just made a blush creep up her cheeks once more. She found his hand again and worked up the courage to lean against his shoulder. Yet another thing on her bucket list she could scratch off.

Wait a moment. Was this… on purpose? Did Riku somehow know about her bucket list? And if he did, was he trying to help her do the things on it, one by one?

She shyly looked up at him, and he smiled again and squeezed her hand. “Enjoying the movie?” he whispered.

She nodded and turned her attention back to the screen. There was only one way to find out if he was, in fact, working off of her bucket list. She’d have to wait and see where he took her next. But if she was right, there was something on the list she wanted to experience, more than anything, and she couldn’t wait to see if it would come true.

When the movie was over, Riku led her up to Sunset Hill. The view from here was as beautiful as it had been the last time she’d seen it. Golden light flooded the sleepy town stretching out below, and the sky above was filled with fluffy clouds tinged purple. Beyond the town were green hills as far as the eye could see, and Naminé found herself longing to sketch the scene before them. They sat on one of the benches and savored the moment till at last Riku spoke up.

“Do you remember the last time we were up here?” he asked. The breeze ruffled through his hair and clothes, and Naminé was very glad he was dressed like himself this time instead of shrouded in a dark cloak. His eyes were their natural green, and he was looking at her in a way that made her heart flutter.

“Yes, of course,” she said, pressing her fingers together. “How could I forget? You spared me and saved my life.”

DiZ had ordered Riku to dispose of her, but Riku had defied his orders, and in doing so, allowed her to escape. That was the first of many times he’d shown her kindness.

His face was very serious when he spoke again. “Of course I did. It was the right thing to do. I knew in my heart that you were your own person, and I couldn’t just ignore what my heart was telling me.”

“This was the first time, wasn’t it?” Naminé said softly. “The first time we realized… there was something more between us. Against all odds, a human and a Nobody had developed feelings for each other.”

“Yeah. I realized I couldn’t bear to lose you. Funny how that meant letting you go.”

Naminé smiled shyly and found his hand. “But now we’re together again, at long last. It all worked out in the end.”

Even after the long separation they’d endured, they’d found each other again. Even after they’d spent more than a year apart, searching for a way to save Sora, their work was done at long last, and they could finally rest side-by-side, hand-in-hand.

Her eyes searched his face. He’d fallen silent, like even a whisper risked ruining such a special moment. Her gaze wandered to his lips, full and soft. How would it feel if he bent down and—

Oh. Oh my. He must’ve been wondering the same thing too, because he was leaning closer and closer, his breath warm on her cheek. She tilted her head and let her eyes flutter shut so she could focus completely on how it felt when their lips met. Despite how sweet and gentle the kiss was, it still felt like an electric jolt went coursing through her body at the connection. To think that kissing could feel so wonderful. No wonder people liked to do it so much.

When it was over, she opened her eyes and smiled. Riku was smiling, too, and he rested his hand against her cheek and gave her a long, lingering kiss on the forehead before straightening. It was funny, how that forehead kiss made her melt even further. She found his hand again, and they sat there, gazing into each other’s eyes, the scenery around them all but forgotten.

As nice as her bucket list ideas were, nothing compared to getting to do them with him. When he was by her side, each moment was a wonderful adventure that would soon become a precious memory.

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A/N: A big thank you to the mods, Kai and Sera, for organizing everything! And thank you to the artists and other writers for creating such beautiful pieces! I really enjoyed being a part of this zine and seeing everyone’s lovely works 💜

#rikunami #namiku #riku #namine #naminé #kingdom hearts #kh fanfiction #phoenix writes #phoenix downer #memory of promises #memory of promises zine #mop zine #mopzine #romance #fluff #friendship #kairi #long post

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bethsteaclub · 4 years

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Fun At The Park

With Covid19 running rampant I like everyone else have been stuck in quarantine. Annoyingly this has made me very pent up and I haven’t been thinking straight. Over the last few weeks they have been opening places up in phases. People should still quarantine themselves to be safe but with the parks opening I had to get out for a little bit. It was also a chance to see my boy friend having not seen him for a few weeks. I have seen him during quarantine but not as much as I normally would.

My BF doesn’t know about me and how I am. He doesn’t know about the experiences I’ve had and the things I’ve done. To him, my family, my friends and my coworkers I am a very different person. I dress normal, some would even say I dress boring. I act the exact same way though but things are going to be different when sex is involved compared to when its just casual chatting. I guess what I’m trying to say is there’s a Beth who belongs to the streets and a Beth that belongs to her family and friends. You guys know about street Beth the most. I was wearing underwear (red thong with flower print and matching bra), thin dark grey sweater, dark grey t-shirt, loose black sweatpants. Really going for sex appeal huh? Lol!

That was a really long way to explain why I wasn’t dressed sexy at the park. I still made it work. Dressing casual and comfy makes it a lot easier to pull your tops up and your pants down. :P Me and my bf walked around for a bit but got lazy and decided to lounge under a tree on a picnic bench and have our lunch. There wasn’t a lot of people around but more than I thought there would be. What I’m trying to say is it was a large park and there was enough privacy. When we sat down for lunch there were 2 guys at the picnic bench close to us. Their bench was to my BFs back and they were sitting across from each other like me and my BF. If I had to guess their ages I would guess early to mid 30s. I noticed the one who was facing me check me out and tell his friend who did his best to look back at me without making it obvious. It was really obvious to me :D. I smiled and gave a little wave without my bf noticing and they smiled and waved back. Following this as me and my BF ate and chatted there was a lot of “eye flirting” between me and the guys at the bench. So much so the one who had his back to me got up and moved next to his friend so he didn’t have to break his neck to see me.

Let me tell you it’s not easy to flirt and sexually eat food while talking to someone. The 2 guys were very happy and supportive of it though. They were all smiles, waves and thumbs up about the whole thing. It was a hot day and my sweater was over kill so I took that off and wrapped it around my waist. After we were done eating I asked my BF if we could switch seats because the sun was burning me. Really we had the same amount of shade and it wasn’t effecting me at all. Besides I’m so pale the sun burns me as long as I’m outside in the summer. He’s a good BF and agreed. Before getting up I made sure to signal to them the best way I could think of to be quiet and not react. I tried to give them a serious face while using my hand under the table to the side to make a talking motion. It’s not easy to explain but that plus the universal pointer finger over my lips got the point across. Also before getting up I make sure to untuck my shirt from under my sweaters arms tied around me. As I get up and walk around, once I was sure my BF was behind me I quickly pull my shirt up with one hand and my bra down with the other exposing my breasts to them. They were quite surprised by it that’s for sure but kept their cool.

It felt to me like I had them out for as long as 10 seconds but it was probably closer to 2 to 3 seconds. I couldn’t get my bra up so I just pulled my t-shirt back down quickly and sat down before I adjusted my bra back up. Once sitting I was able to adjust it back over my breasts. I found all this very exciting and hot. I was all red and my heart was beating in my chest. Hilariously my BF tells me I do look a little sun burnt. No handsome that’s blood rushing to my face. When I calmed myself down a little I again as carful as I can try to nonchalantly look over my shoulder and give them the universal be quiet sign. I then make sure to untuck the part of my sweater I was sitting on while retightening the arms around my waist. I keep my arms under the table to not make it weird to my BF and I carefully shimmy my sweatpants down a little. I was sitting on the waist band of my sweatpants now and I go and lift the part of my sweater which has been hanging bellow my bench to reveal my red thong and half my ass to the strangers behind me. They couldn’t help but react and I herd a “oh god, and a fuucck” from them. I had to suddenly drop my sweater to hide my butt again and flick my finger out next to me under the table. They shut up instantly and I felt like I was conducting an orchestra.

I feel thrilled from this go and shimmy my pants even further down with it being bellow my butt now. I then lean forward and lift my sweater up again revealing my entire thonged booty to the strangers behind me. I love outdoor sex and its been months since I’ve done it last. I really needed it. Annoyingly here my BF isn’t completely oblivious and notices them looking at me. He pointed out to me how the guys behind me are checking me out. I played it off well enough telling how boring I’m dressed and how they seem to be minding their own business. Basically telling him how sweet he is to think that but he’s imagining it.

This rattled me a little so I hold off on doing anything for a few minutes. I think the guys behind me understood we kind of got caught too and tried to play it off like I was. After about 10 minutes and a few topics changes with my BF I go back to business but now I bring out the big guns. I untie my sweater from around my waist and carefully put it next to me. My thong butt has been out the whole time. I never pulled my pants up from when I almost got caught. My butt was fully out in the open and I can hear the conversation behind me come to an abrupt stop. I make jerk off motions with my hands next to me under the table. I was so horny I was barely paying attention to what my BF was saying. Something about when he think Baseball season will start up again. I go and pull my pants down even further, now its past my knees. I wish I was wearing a butt pug but like I said before my bf doesn’t know about how I am and doesn’t even know I own any sex toys so I didn’t wear my usual accessories.

Which funny enough on a general basis I’m walking around with quite a few gadgets up my butt and in my snatch. But that’s not sweet wholesome Beth so I have to go without when I’m with people who don’t know that side of me. I made due with showing my butt and grabbing it. I decided I was going risk it all. We were secluded enough that it wasn’t going to make much difference. I carefully remove my shoes with my feet and move them to the side. I then let go of my sweatpants which fall to my ankles. I sit there with them there trying to calm myself down and get use to what I’m doing. I continued to chat with my BF like I wasn’t sitting there in my underwear with my pants at my ankles. I sat like this really doing my best to think about if I should pull my feet through my pants with no getaway. Even at this point, worst case I can still reach down and pull them up if I have to.

I really felt the moment and took it in. I then pulled my feet carefully though my sweatpants leaving them on the grass bellow our bench. I spread my legs wide and leaned forward presenting my butt to them one last time like this. I had enough at this point and had to go off with them. I didn’t even pay attention to their reactions to this. I was too focused on my BF and the thrill. I work my pants back on and my shoes, tie my sweater around my waist again and tell my BF I’m feeling tired and I’m going to head home. We were going to meet some other friends later but I didn’t care about that. My BF was understanding and let me head off. I made it clear to the strangers behind me I was heading off alone. I talked louder about how I’m going home and I’ll try and see him next week. As I got up I walked past the 2 strangers and whispered “Follow me, not so close.” I walked slowly and looked over my shoulder a few times. Once I got about 20 meters away they got up and started walking towards me. Luckily my BF was still sitting down and was already on his phone at this point. I was still carful till I got out of sight but there was nothing to worry about at that point.

The bruise on my leg there is from the events that follow. :P

They told me how amazing that was and how they would love to hangout. I wasn’t having it. I wanted it then and there and insisted on finding a secluded place in the least desperate way I could. One of them wanted to go back to his place. Normally that wouldn’t be a problem but this is already a big risk as it is with Covid19 I didn’t want to go riding out to strangers places taking more risks. I told them it has to be here and now and they didn’t fight me on it. We looked around and considered the bathroom. All the public bathrooms were still closed due to the virus so doing it around there was safe enough when it comes to privacy. Next to the bathrooms there was a small attached out door waiting area type place. It was the bathroom wall on one side and tall trimmed bushes on the others but one side was completely open. We were safe from 3 sides but the 4th was as open as can be. We agreed this was the best place. I didn’t really care where it was at this point. I was so horny that I would be ok with it in the open grass if it came to that.

I started talking off my clothes but they were very shy and nervous about this. Once I was in my underwear they were more willing. We agreed to no kissing because of the virus not that it would change much with what we’re doing. One of them was very unattractive which I’m ok with. Ive been with much worse and I don’t discriminate with looks. The other was better but still not my type. I really wanted the better one to stick his tongue down my throat. We have to be safe though so I started by sucking their cocks first. They both had decent dicks. Nothing out of the ordinary but decent. If you are a member of the tea club you know my bjs are wet, sloppy, and deep. Guys have cum in seconds of me blowing them. I was carful not to have that happen here. I want them inside me first. They were already reaching down and grabbing at my tits so I took my bra off and tossed it into my pile of clothes. All I have on is my little red thong now.

I tell them I am ok with anal and I want them to dp me. They were reluctant to this and unsure about how to go about it. I got the better looking one to get on the ground and I climbed on top of him and started riding his cock with my panties still on. The other one having to stand there and watch this unfold went to my butt and carefully pushed his way in. Girls if you haven’t tried DP with multiple men you are missing out in life. I was panting and grunting and they both pounded me. I was still drooling from my mouth because of the bjs and the better looking one grabs my head and sticks his tongue down my throat. I didn’t care and went with it.

Thats when we hear my BF talking on his phone and walking up on the other side of the bushes. The 3 of us freeze and wait for him to pass. If he had walked to the right of the washroom area instead of the left he would have seen us clear as day. Or if he had walked just 3 meters closer he had a good chance of seeing us. I braced the guy under me, stuck my tongue out over his shoulder drooling excessively, rolled my eyes back groaning as I had multiple rippling full body orgasms. I think they thought I was having a seizure. Because they asked me if I was ok. I don’t know what I said but they understood I was having one of the best orgasms of my life quick. Excitement does so much more for sex than dick size.

They continued to fuck me and came in and on me multiple times. They eventually limped me back to the picnic benches. They said how when they were sitting there earlier they talked about fucking my on the table. They at this point have gotten far more brave and willing. Putting on more of a show plowing me all up and down the table, benches and surrounding grass. I kept having multiple full body orgasms. Back to back to back. I would be there orgasming as they change positions or move me around. Ive had orgasm like this before. Where the entire time I’m having sex my body becomes an orgasm machine. With how sexually active I am it happens more often compared to most woman but its still far less than any other orgasm I have. I get maybe 3 or 4 of these orgasms a year and this is my 2nd of 2020. They help dress me and leave me sitting on the benches. After they leave I touched my pussy to check how much of a mess they left down there and I came again just from that. I climbed reeking of cum into an Uber and passed out till I got home. I cleaned myself up, took a shower and took a nap. What a day!

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lfthinkerwrites · 5 years

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High School AU: The Great Game

As promised, the humiliation of Lyle Bolton.

Four hours into Bruce's visit and apart from his encounter with Kerr in the Teacher's Lounge, nothing much had happened. He'd sat in on a few classes, including Harvey's, Isley's and Tetch's, and the most interesting thing that had happened so far was Tetch reading a passage from Huckleberry Finn. The ensuing laughter caused Gordon to have to step in and restore order. Overall though, it seemed to be a peaceful, non-eventful day.

Bruce was suspicious.

"So, this is the cafeteria," Gordon continued on, stretching his hand out to show off the cafeteria. It wasn't as full to capacity, likely because of the closure of the cafeteria kitchen. A few dozen students sat scattered around tables, watching the two men walk around with disinterest. "We also have an outdoor eating area just through those doors. Due to the kitchen closure, we have food trucks set up for students who don't have a packed lunch."

"Good," Bruce said. "Now, about Valentin-"

"He's on leave pending an evaluation," Gordon interrupted. "He was already here when I started on as Vice Principal five years ago, so I can't say how he managed to gain employment. He'd never shown any signs of trouble before the incident last night."

Bruce nodded. "Still, it is a bit unsettling." Bruce looked and saw his children sitting at a table with Barbara Gordon, Stephanie Brown, Duke Thomas, Duela Dent, and a red-haired girl he didn't recognize. Dick looked up and gave him a small wave. Jason turned around and gave him the finger. Bruce glared at him. They'd talk later.

"Right this way, Mr. Wayne." Bruce followed Gordon out the doors and towards the quad.

As soon as they were gone, the table became alive with conversation. "This is such bullshit," Jason seethed, stabbing at the macaroni Alfred packed for lunch with a spork. "Why does Bruce have to do an inspection now!? I've been saying how fucked up this school is for years, but the second Timbo gets busted-"

"It's not about Tim," Barbara interrupted. "Dad told me this morning that Bruce called to set up the visit before Tim got the idea to check out the cafeteria. That's what he was so worked up about a few days ago."

Jason grunted, then continued to stab at his macaroni. Dick sighed. "So, who do you think's on top of Bruce's hit list?"

"Mr. Kerr, Mr. Nashton, Mr. Crane and probably Principal Strange," Tim said, not looking up from his book. "They'd be at the top of my hit list at least."

From her spot between Duela and Stephanie, Ellen glared at Tim. "What have you got against my Dad!?"

Tim dropped the book and held his hands up. "Nothing personal, but your Dad is a bit...intense."

Ellen huffed and folded her arms on the table. "Him and everyone else in this stupid school."

"Speaking of," Duela drawled. "Did Valentin really call himself a pig and chase you guys with a meat cleaver?"

Tim, Jason, Duke, and Stephanie shuddered. Dick clucked his tongue. "Man, I miss everything!"

"Go on, you said, it'll be fun, you said," Ellen muttered. "Now I'm grounded for a week and I'll have nightmares about pigs for the rest of my life! I hope you're happy Duela."

Duela shrugged. "At least your old man's letting you go to the game tonight, right?"

"Yeah, only because he's going too. It's weird. He doesn't even like football, why's he goin' to the game?"

"I told you, he and the rest of the Dork Squad are up to something!" Jason said. "Whatever it is, I can't wait to see it."

5:30 PM

Gotham Academy Football Field

A Game That Will Live In Infamy

Edward was the first of the trio to arrive at their agreed-upon spot at the center bleacher. After depositing Ellen at the top row, where she sat next to Duela and her parents, he made his way down to the middle row, stepping over students and other parents in the way. He took his seat on the narrow wooden bench and looked around for Jonathan and Jervis. Across the field, he saw Miguel, wearing an old luchador mask of his and standing next to a port-a-potty on the left side of the bleachers. Well, at least that part of the plan would go off without a hitch. Directly across from him, Gordon and his 'guest of honor were sitting', in deep conversation with each other. Edward rolled his eyes. So this was the infamous Bruce Wayne. Honestly, why was anyone impressed by him? So he donated money to keep this school and others in Gotham afloat. Big deal. Edward shifted a bit when he felt someone take the spot next to him. "Well, it's about time, gentle-" He turned and did a double take when he saw Penelope next to him. "I thought you didn't care for football."

"I don't," she said, brushing her bangs to the side. "I'm willing to make an exception to see Lyle Bolton get his."

Edward snorted a bit. "Vindictive, aren't we?" He liked that when it wasn't directed at him.

"I know you don't want me to be involved," she continued, "But can't you tell me what Jonathan has planned at least?"

"I can myself." Speak of the Devil, Jonathan and Jervis chose that moment to appear, taking the spots to Edward's left. "I placed a laxative in Bolton's thermos, where he usually has his energy drink."

Penelope raised an eyebrow. "That's it?"

Jonathan gestured to where Miguel was standing. "When Lyle goes off to 'take care' of his problem, Miguel will be ready and waiting for him."

Penelope's mouth opened slightly. "Oh my. That will humiliate him in front of his team, the opposing team, and everyone in attendance. It would be the talk of the school for years." She smirked then and to Edward, she'd never looked more beautiful. "His power would be completely broken. The students would never fear him again."

"That's the idea," Jonathan said. The lights came on and the marching band came out to the field, followed by the Gotham Academy Raiders and Coach Lyle Bolton himself. The whistle sounded and the game began.

A half hour into the game, neither team had scored and Bolton looked angry about it. "Come on, ladies! Get your heads in the game!" Even from a distance, Bruce could see the spittle fly from Bolton's mouth as he cursed at his team. Bruce narrowed his eyes. He'd heard all about Lyle Bolton from the kids, Harvey and Selina and it seemed the coach was living up to those stories.

"Bolton seems like a pleasant fellow," he drawled to Gordon.

"He's a pain in the ass," Gordon sighed. "What I wouldn't give to be rid of him."

"Strange won't fire him? Even after all the complaints?"

"Problem is, ever since Bolton became the coach, Gotham Academy's football team has won more games and championships than it had in the previous ten years. That makes donors happy, which makes Strange happy. And as long as Strange is happy, Bolton's untouchable, no matter how much of a problem he is."

Bruce nodded, then turned back to watch Bolton take a long swig out of his thermos before resuming his pacing. What caught his attention, however, was the group of people sitting in the bleacher closest to the field. Bruce recognized Jonathan Crane, Edward Nashton and Jervis Tetch, and he could see the three of them watching Bolton intently. Nashton leaned over to whisper something into Crane's ear and Bruce saw both men grin. Bruce knew that grin, having seen it on his own children's faces time after time. They were up to something. Something regarding Bolton.

Just as Bruce was about to lean over to tell Gordon, he felt a hand on his shoulder. "Hey, handsome. Long time no see." Bruce turned to see Selina on his left side. She gave him a wink. "Is this spot taken?"

Bruce was a bit suspicious at the timing of her appearance, but he legitimately had missed her. "Not at all." Selina took a seat, pressing herself against his side and Bruce briefly forgot about Crane, Tetch, and Nashton.

Bolton was beginning to sweat now, Edward noticed. And he didn't think it was exertion from watching the team fumble. "Friend Lyle doesn't look good, does he doctor?" He asked Jonathan.

"Not at all," Jonathan answered. "I'd say he looks a bit sick."

Bolton grimaced and held his stomach. "Won't be too long now chaps," Jervis chortled, clapping his hands.

Bolton let out a groan, then took another gulp from his thermos. Almost immediately, he dropped the bottle and ran across the field to the port-a-potty on the other side, dodging confused players. The crowd around the trio began muttering amongst themselves as Bolton opened, then slammed the door to the port-a-potty behind him.

"Calloo, callay!" Jervis cried out in celebration.

"Hold it," Jonathan said. "That was just part one." Edward watched Jonathan look where Miguel was standing by the port-a-potty and gave him a sharp nod. Miguel nodded in response, then backed up a few feet, before running top speed at the port-a-potty with his arms outstretched. He collided with it and with a yell, tipped it over, sending it rolling across the field, sending players and the referee scattering. Vaguely, Edward could hear the sound of Bolton screaming inside. The port-a-potty came to a stop in the center of the field, the door facing up towards the sky. For a long moment, the crowd fell silent and even Edward felt a faint twinge of concern. Bolton wasn't dead, was he? Edward was in no mood to go to jail for murder. Finally, the door opened and Bolton climbed out, filthy, but very much alive. The crowd was still silent, until somewhere a few rows behind him, Edward heard the sound of Kerr's distinctive laughter. Harley joined in, then their entire row, then another and soon, the sound of laughter filled the field. Edward began to laugh himself in amusement and triumph. Even Jonathan, stoic as he normally was, was cackling. About the people who weren't laughing now in the bleachers were Gordon, whose face was white and his jaw dropped, and Wayne, who looked at the scene with a furrowed brow.

Bolton himself stood in the center of the field, surrounded by laughing players on both teams. He actually looked for a moment like he was about to cry, a fact that made Edward laugh even harder. Then Bolton made eye contact with Edward and something changed. His fists clenched, his eyes narrowed and his face reddened. "NASHTON!" he bellowed at the top of his lungs, and the tone made a chill go down Edward's spine. It seemed Bolton had decided that he and he alone was responsible for his predicament, which was hardly fair, now was it? "NASHTON!" Bolton bellowed again and he ran right towards Edward, almost running down players in his haste.

Jonathan swore and got out of his seat. "Run Dormouse!" Jervis shrieked, running up the bleachers to relative safety. "Save yourself!"

In just five seconds, Bolton had made it across the field and Edward sprung to life. Where could he go, he couldn't go up and lead the coach to Ellen, he couldn't go right without leading him to Penelope-he settled on following Jonathan to the left, only to be grabbed by his collar and thrown into the air. Edward saw his life flash before his eyes in the two seconds he was airborne, from college to Ellen's birth, until he landed on his back, hard, on the ground. The wind was knocked out of him and he was dazed. He heard more than saw Bolton bellowing, heard Penelope screaming at Bolton to leave him alone, then Bolton came into his sight again. God, the man stunk. Edward shut his eyes and waited for Bolton's fists when he heard someone else shrieking.

"LEAVE MY DAD ALONE, YOU PSYCHO!"

Edward cracked his eyes open to see Ellen and Duela, throwing bags of popcorn, peanuts, books and whatever else they could get their hands on to get Bolton away from him. Bolton roared in anger and continued to advance on Edward, who curled himself back into a ball. Figures Jon and Jervis would leave him to suffer.

"GET OFF ME YOU DORKS!"

Edward opened his eyes again and saw that Jon and Jervis, far from abandoning him, were attempting to pull Bolton back. Attempt being the key word, as soon the pair of them were tossed aside like ragdolls. Dent came running down then, tackling Bolton, Edward vaguely saw Wayne running past him, followed by Miguel, and soon the three of them were in a brawl with Bolton. While this was going on, Edward saw Penelope, Ellen, and Duela running up to him.

"Daddy!" Ellen cried out as soon as she reached him. "Daddy, are you ok!? I don't wanna be an orphan!"

"Edward!" Penelope crouched down next to him, concern in her blue eyes and she reached down to touch his face. "Can you hear me?"

"Yes, sweetheart," Edward said in a daze. "I'm alright..."

Penelope's face flushed a bit and Ellen looked at the two of them, confused. "Wait, was he talking to me or you?"

"He better not have been talking to me," Duela huffed. Why were all of Ellen's friends' such smart asses?

Jonathan's face suddenly appeared and Edward groaned. "Oh God, I'm dead and the Devil has come for his due."

Jonathan held up his middle finger in response. "How many fingers am I holding up?"

Edward chuckled. "Fuck you too, Jonathan."

Jonathan nodded. "Unfortunately for the rest of us, it looks like you'll live."

"We should still call an ambulance," Penelope argued, though she looked relieved. "He could have a concussion-"

"An ambulance has been called, as have the police," Gordon's voice cut through the daze. He looked at the people who had begun to gather around Edward's prone form with a steely glare. "You had all better have a damn good explanation for what just happened here."

#high school teacher au #the dork squad #lyle bolton #bruce wayne #oh shit #you idiots fucked up this time

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yourjughead · 6 years

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Loyalty

Sweet Pea x Reader

Part 2

Synopsis: an alternative point of view to Athletes in which Reader is the boss Serpent Jrs and she has eyes for Sweet Pea but he had eyes for a cheerleader who only dates athletes.

A//N: not sure about this storyline or if it will have a second part, let me know if you like it. It's quite long and the time line is over many weeks if not months.

----------------------------------------

“I hear she only dates Athletes SP”

“So an athlete I will be Fangs”

“Oh god, I don't think they take delinquents on their prissy basketball team Sweet Potato”

“A bit of positivity ynn-ie, please" you rolled your eyes at your best friend who was ogling at the cheerleader across the quad. And not you.

“It's neeeever going to wooork” your voice teasingly taunted as you slipped off the table you were perched on and sauntered off to your locker.

“Dude I thought you were crazy about yn?”

“I am but she's...I don't know it's complicated”

“Hmm a girl in our gang who we all love and respect, who can handle herself and is smarter and handier with ammunition than any of us combined likes you back, wow you are the definition of tragedy pretty boy” Sweet Pea shoved him off his end of the bench and he went laughing.

“No it's more complicated than that, she's our superior and she's...ugh it's easier if I just leave it and besides, Sarah over there will make a nice distraction”

Sweet Pea went to tryouts, dragging Fangs along. You and Toni sat on the bleachers watching them run up and down, doing all of the things that was required of them and it wasn't just your interest that was peaking. Sarah was enthralled by your bad boy basketball best friend.

Coach announced that same day that both boys made it onto the team. You being the first to see the list with their names.

“Pea!” You called happily to him running down the hall to meet him, seemingly forgetting his reasons for joining in the first place. You went to take him in a hug but instead you almost skidded into the back of a cheer uniform.

“Names Sarah Weatherbee, vice cheer captain, congratulations on making the team. C’mon, walk with me” you looked her up and down from behind before going to say something, being cut off by Sweet Peas goofy grin. She linked her arm through his and hauled him off. Toni joining your side with Fangs.

“Well, he's joined the darkside...oh and congrats on making the team Fangs” your somber tone was not lost on your friends as you slipped off to be alone.

You and Toni attended every basketball game you could, with Serpent work getting in the way sometimes. At first the change in Sweet Pea was subtle but then he asked Sarah out and she began changing him entirely. He no longer wore his Serpent gear unless at meetings, his hair was different, he didn't drive his bike opting for his car instead however the most significant change was he was simply never around anymore. At the start you’d all always go get dinner after games, now you were lucky to get a goodbye from him. This hadn't gone unnoticed by any of you.

“I wonder how he plays basketball with that stick stuck up his ass”

“Easy ynn you know he's just going for the girl”

“Yeah well he's got her and she's changed him into Malibu Ken” the three of you watched him, now on the other side of the quad, eating lunch with her.

“You still have me, I've not gone rogue”

“If only” Fangs threw a ketchup packet at you in rebuttal, the three of you laughing which seemed to catch Sweet Peas attention, if only for a second before it was dragged back by Sarah.

After lunch, Sweet Pea dug around his locker and you threw yourself against the one alongside his.

“Hey Sweet Potato we have a job tonight so cocktails at Buckingham Palace will have to wait till tomorrow”

“I have this family garden dinner thing at Sarah's so I can't"

“You can and you will” your tone went from playfully to blunt. Cutthroat, angry with anything that moves kind of blunt. He stood up to look you in the eyes for the first times in weeks. He really looked different, more polished.

“Is that a threat?”

“I'm sure you wouldn't want to find out. 8pm. Docks.” You pushed off the locker moving to leave but he caught your forearm before you could.

“Yn. I can't, I have this thing wit-”

“With the Serpents? Yeah it's called loyalty, remember that? Now I know you think a look out job is below your ranks and it's certainly below mine as your boss but I'm doing this to help YOU get back in good with the Seniors because they're not happy with your recent...alliances and besides, I can't do look out by myself” you pulled your arm from his grip, your voice dripping cold, you were over his ignorance and as you walked away he attempted the last dig.

“Can't do a little watch job by yourself?”

“Not that I can't, I shouldn't have to” the last dig was yours and you delivered it to him with you back turned. He knew the rules, no Serpent no matter their ranking was allowed do lookout by themselves, there's always strength in numbers. As soon as those thoughts entered his mind, they left it as Sarah made her appearance. He was falling for this girl who was honestly a witch and he didn't know how to break it to her that he couldn't go to her family's outdoor dinner.

Sweet Pea POV

I just had to go to that dinner. I did. Sarah wanted me there, I didn't have a choice. Yn will understand...I mean she might be a little annoyed I turned my phone off on her but she'll get over it.

“Sweet Pea!” Fangs came running into the private gardens, Serpent gear and all, what is he trying to do?! He's going to embarrass me!!

“Dude! Get out of here before someone sees you"

“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?!”

“It means keep your voice down and unless it's important, leave” yes I was harsh but I was around important people and I didn't want to make a show of myself.

“Yeah? Well YNs car was ambushed and because of you she was there alone and now she's in the hospital so is that important enough for you Mr. Wall Street?” I thought I was going to be sick and Sarah being Sarah, chose the wrong time to come over and ask Fangs to leave.

Third Person.

You sat up in the hospital bed, it's cold steel frame burying in your back. A bandage over your forehead, eye threatening to close, lip crusted in uncleaned blood, a forcibly broken arm in a cast. Your one good eye focused on the wall and you jumped when your the door violently swung open and your body howled in pain for the movement. Sweet Pea put a hand to his mouth and seemingly stumbled to your bedside, collapsing on his knees to the floor next to you. His Serpent jacket gracing his shoulders for the first time in weeks

“Y-yn”

“Save it”

“No yn I have to apologise”

“Well apologizing isn't going to transport us back in time to before I was beaten with a metal bar now is it?” you cocked your head to one side sarcastically and tried not to show the pain the movement caused.

“I...I brought you this teddy, it's dressed like a nurse and-”

“A FUCKING STUFFED ANIMAL?! I WANT YOUR FUCKING LOYALTY NOT THIS” you took it from him with your slightly better hand and tossed it to your feet.

“Okay there's no need for all the swearing I know you're hurt but-”

“NO! NO FUCKING BUTS! YOU HAD AN OBLIGATION TO THE GANG TO BE THERE! You had an obligation to me!” Tears began to threaten your cheeks.

“They could have killed me tonight Sweet Pea, I've got internal bleeding and a cracked rib to name some of the stuff you can't see but you know what?! You not being there for me hurt way more than that beast breaking my arm over his knee. Just fucking leave me alone, you're so good at that" Sweet Pea stood slowly biting the inside of his cheek and moving for the door.

“You know yn, I will live with the guilt of what happened tonight for the entirety of my life and I hope I do because it's the least i deserve and I'm going to find the people who did this to you.”

“Alright Liam Neeson, take your special set of skills somewhere else” you went back to showing your anger instead of hurt.

“What can I do to help fix this yn, what can I do to being to fix this?”

“Go back to being the old Sweet Pea” you looking him in the eye for the first time since he came in. And although he was kind of blurry, you held as much focus as you could.

“What's that supposed to mean?”

“It means go back to the Sweet Pea who cared about his friends and his family and didn't try to reprimand me for fucking swearing. Go back to the Sweet Pea who had not only my back, but everyone's”

“what you mean break up with Sarah?"

“I never said Sarah. You came up with that one on your own” your naturally blunt tone was easily a match for his new forced one, even that had become a struggle in his new change and because timing was not her strong suit, in she came.

“Sweeties come on, I'm sick of waiting in the car can we just go alre-oh yn, umm you look umm...hi yn” you just narrowed your eyes at her before waving her off and sinking back down into the bed. Sarah didn't seem phased and caught Sweet Peas hand to pull him out.

“Oh wait Sweeties” you called after him sarcastically and he turned quickly, naively thinking you had a change for heart.

“Leave your jacket, you won't be needing it” once again you got the last dig in. He grunted as he tugged off the jacket and threw it on the hospital chair, Sarah then achieving in taking him away. You let yourself cry then, no longer able to keep up the idea of being strong. Soon you found yourself teary but in the arms of Toni and Fangs who got into the bed next to you to comfort you. Sweet Pea had once again left you but you always had them.

---------------------------

Part 2

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kbvalladolid · 3 years

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𝔼𝕤𝕔𝕒𝕡𝕖 𝕝𝕚𝕗𝕖 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕒 𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕥𝕝𝕖 𝕨𝕙𝕚𝕝𝕖: 𝔸 𝕥𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕚𝕟 ℙ𝕒𝕞𝕡𝕒𝕟𝕘𝕒

Back when I was in my junior high school, we had an educational tour provided by our mayor in our city — including the transportation and the places we were going to. All public schools in our city and all grade levels from kinder to grade 10 have a field trip that was also provided by her. All we will take is ourselves and the snacks that we will eat during the trip and extra money as well in case of an emergency. When we found out that everything was free and there was nothing else to spend, we were so happy and excited that it seemed like we had no problems thinking about the activities we would pass on in the next few days since the school year was about to end at that time. The day before our field trip, we went to school first because we still have classes and meetings about the destinations we are going to in the next day. After our class, my classmates and I decided to go to the nearby supermarket to buy our snacks and drinks that we would eat throughout the trip. We also made a contribution to buy other snacks that we could share with our other classmates on the bus.

I woke up early because our call time at school was 5:00 in the morning. I ate my breakfast first before taking a bath and grooming myself. Before I leave our house, I prepare the things that I will take with me for the whole trip. When I came out of our house, I was greeted by the cold and fog as if it were embracing me. A few minutes later, I got to school right away and waited for about half an hour because our bus was leaving at exactly 6:00 in the morning.

We started our trip with a prayer led by the tour guide who accompanied us on the bus. And he discussed which place we would go first because we had two destinations for the whole trip. We first went to Pampanga with some sections on other buses and the other sections had a different route where they were the ones going to Bulacan to avoid the places we were going to get crowded so that we could enjoy every place. I sat in the back of the bus next to my friend but eventually, I also moved seats when we were in the middle of the trip because there was still vacant seat on our bus that no one had sat on, We almost occupied the entire bus that we were just classmates together as well as with our adviser and along with the driver and the tour guide. While the other buses had two sections inside because only a few came. But because of the excitement of my classmates, almost all of us came because it was the first time we had a free field trip and that was also our last year at school before we parted ways in senior high school.

Starting from Makati, we knew that going to our destination would take a long time so the tourist guide entertained us so as not to get bored. He talked about the histories of different places and sometimes he made funny jokes so that our bus will not be enveloped in silence. While listening to him, we ate some chips and passed them on until they reached those sitting in the front so they could also eat if they wanted. A few hours later, we finally reached our first destination and it was the Sandbox in Porac Pampanga. It has a two-hectare adventure destination with a unique selection of facilities that provide a memorable outdoor experience for everyone.

Our tourist guide signaled us to get off the bus and from the parking lot, we walked a little and take some pictures before reaching the entrance. The first thing we saw was the big yellow letters and what was written there was the word ‘Sandbox’. We approached there immediately since we were the first in line before the entrance opened. We took a lot of pictures with all my classmates along with our adviser while the rest of us climbed up and stood on the word. After relentlessly taking pictures, we decided to split up with our different group of friends in class and try the different outdoor activities at Sandbox. My friends and I have lined up for the giant swing since that’s was the first thing that can be seen immediately after the big letters. Giant Swing is the country’s tallest swing and each swing can accommodate two persons at a time and rocks back and forth at 10 meters above the ground.

I was very nervous when we turned in line to sit on the swing with my friend. My other friends are also sitting on the next swing near us. As we were fitted with safety equipment, I couldn’t help but be nervous and pray because I didn’t know if I would be able to get down alive. My friend and I just laughed when she hear me praying and was very nervous, even though she was also shaking with nervousness. A few seconds later, the swing started to rise slowly and you can see the view of the whole place from above. Then suddenly as I admired the beautiful view, the swing suddenly fell and swung back and forth. I heard nothing but the two of us screaming and yelling at the people below to stop it. Eventually, it weakened and also stopped swinging. The staffs that were in charge there supported and helped us to remove the seat belt and when we got up, we were a bit dizzy but it also disappeared right away. While we waited for the rest of us to finish, we talked first about our experiences in trying the giant swing and took another photos for remembrance because it was the first time we had been to that place. The second outdoor activity that we tried there was the Avatar One, it is the Philippines’ first roller coaster zip line that provides an exciting ride for the thrill-seekers. You don’t just zip down the 180 meters course but you will zigzag along starting from 12 meters high. Many students are waiting there and waiting in line. We also quickly lined up to try out this unique zip line we would experience for the first time. Only one person at a time can ride the zip line so it takes a long time for other people to wait, including us.

After waiting for a long time, we are the next in line and I am the one who presented first so I could finish right away because I was thirsty and my tumbler was left on the bus. While I was wearing the safety gear that was attached to me, I couldn’t help but to get excited because it just seemed so easy unlike the giant swing that almost killed me. I started to hook and hang myself on the zip line and the staff that was in charge there pushed me so that I will slipped all the way to the end. It was fun and I wasn’t even nervous. I also got back quickly so the harness and helmet attached to me were immediately removed and will attach to the person who was next in line. I no longer waited for my friends to finish and immediately went to the parking lot to drink water on the bus. Our bus is open because the driver is inside waiting for us. I also went back right away to the park and just sat on the bench with the rest of my classmates. While my other friends and classmates are also trying out the other activities there such as Aerial Walk where there is a high rope adventure course of nets and rope paths and walkways. And also the Adventure Tower, where it was a 15 meters of wall climbing fun, rappelling, and free falling. These are the only ones that are open and we can try because the other activities there are water activities which are no longer included in the field trip package. Due to the high sunlight, I had no choice but to sit on the bench and wait for the time to pass — as my eyes wandered around the place and enjoying the moment with my other classmates who were also sitting on the bench near me.

Our scheduled time was about to end and we had to go back to the bus because the other buses from Bulacan had already arrived at the place where we were staying. We spent 3-4 hours in the Sandbox, so most of us were tired and hungry. But since we were already on the bus and ready to go to our final destination, we decided to eat our packed lunch to regain strength and to get our energy back. After we ate and rested, the others slept because we were still far from our destination where we were going to Nature’s Spring factory in Bulacan. Although it wasn’t the first time I went to that factory, because it was also one of the places I went to repeatedly whenever we had a field trip when I was in my grade school.

Time passed, we got to the factory and we were not dropped off at the bus first because our tour guide was still waiting for the signal from inside. While waiting, we were given inside the bus some single hair nets that we would wear throughout the tour inside the factory. Later on, we went down and lined up to enter to the entrance. First we entered was a cold room where there was a big screen and we watched about how they prepare their products and other stuffs related to what is being done in the factory. After we watched, we were ushered out of that room and wandered around the factory with our tour guide. It didn’t take long, so it ended right away and we went to a side of the factory where you could buy their products. After that, we just took another pictures and then decided to go back to the bus. We just rested, slept, and ate some snacks the whole trip until we got back to our school. After we got off the bus, we went straight inside the school to urinate before we went home.

While we were on our way home earlier, I was just looking out the window on the bus while listening to music with my earphones realizing that it was okay to escape and give yourself a break for a while, from school and from the stressful activities that needs to be done right away. In addition to what I realized, I also realized that this field trip was good because apart from giving us a break from our stressful minds — it also served as bonding with my classmates before we parted ways in life. We were happy that we were given the opportunity to experience and appreciate the place we had never been before. We also made memorable memories that I will cherish throughout my life with my classmates in junior high school, specifically my grade 10 family.

#a travelogue

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adaira3-blog · 5 years

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Part 3- One Hour in Nature and Reflection

Part 3- Spend one hour in nature and reflect on the following questions.

1. Describe where and when you spent your time in nature.

I decided to spend my time in nature at school since I mostly spend my time indoors at school working on homework for different classes. I spent my hour in the outdoor seating area outside of University College and University College residence. It’s tucked away behind the Human Ecology building and Elizabeth Dafoe library. I figured I should spend my time outside in nature now while it’s still somewhat nice outside, but it was still a bit of a chilly day and I wasn’t all that prepared for the cooler weather. It was about sixteen degrees Celsius and cloudy. I spent my time outside between 12:30-1:30, prime lunch time hours. I figured I would eat my lunch and enjoy one of the small pockets of nature the University of Manitoba has to offer before going back to classes.

2. What did you experience in your time in nature? What did you see, hear, smell, feel? What effect did this time in nature have on you?

From the place I chose to sit it was neat to still experience nature, but still see the industrialized world continuing on around me. From where I was sitting, I could see people smoking or vaping near the University College building, which is always a bit upsetting to see anyone harm their lungs and body with bad chemicals and smoke and pollute the environment. I also saw an empty twisted tea can on the ground, which was a bit upsetting to see pollution, but it also came across as dirty since it was an alcohol can. There’s something even more unsettling about seeing an alcohol can on the ground in a place it’s definitely not supposed to be. In the seating area there were some benches and picnic tables, trees, bright and healthy flowers, grass, rocks and small stones, and leaves falling. There were people walking to and from places, and another person sitting at a picnic table further away from me. In the distance there was a parking lot filled with cars, and a small bike rack that was almost filled. It was an interesting juxtaposition to see two modes of transportation near each other with one being harmful to the environment, and one being great both for the environment and exercising the human body.

I could hear people talking, car doors shutting, a truck driving, and a plastic bag rustling while someone was holding it. The University College’s door creaks every time it opens which got annoying very quickly. I could also hear some geese honking, and the leaves on trees swaying in the fall breeze. I could smell the crisp cold air, the kind of air where you inhale deeply but can’t inhale that much because it is so piercingly cold against the soft tissue of your lungs. I could also smell my kiwis that I had for lunch and had scraped out the fleshy fruit with a spoon. I could feel the coolness of the brisk fall air on my face and hands, and I felt hungry as I first sat down at the picnic table. I thought it was pretty cool that both nature and human developed communities could still live in harmony together, and I felt grateful to be in that moment.

The effect of being in nature for this time made me realize something interesting. It made me realize how big of a distraction technology is in a lot of things in life. I came into this little pocket of nature expecting to relax. I was looking forward to relaxing, I had had a busy morning with a few lectures beforehand, and I had been working hard the past couple days. I also know that I will be getting busier with my job and other classes, so I was looking forward to catching a break for an hour. I found that when I wasn’t focused on nature, I would turn to my phone, checking notifications and emails. Even when there wasn’t notifications I still found myself looking on my phone for something. Technology has changed a lot of the things I do now. It was interesting because a few days before this, my English class had listened to an interview with a psychologist on how technology has changed the brain and how it reads. The psychologist explained how the internet decreases our attentiveness to reading and we are changing our reading brain by consuming online media (Wolf and Enright 2018). In our brain, we have different circuits that are used for different skills, making our brain having a degree of plasticity to it (Wolf and Enright 2018). When we encounter online media, there is so much information we tend to skim over it which means we don’t have the time to delve into any cognitive or empathy processes- so we don’t (Wolf and Enright 2018). This then changes how we read as we choose the most comfortable and least cognitively challenging text (Wolf and Enright 2018). I think in a same sense, technology has changed the way I relax. Whenever I’m on my phone I am always looking for something to do or read on the internet. When I’m not on my phone, I feel like I should be doing something else, reading something else or just occupying my mind and eyes with something to look at. I was a little upset that I couldn’t fully appreciate nature while I was outside on my lunch break, but now I can adjust my habits for the future. The next time I go outside I don’t have to bring my phone with me. I can just bring a watch for time and let myself completely focus on whatever task I have at hand, like reading a book or fully enjoying the nature surrounding me.

References

Wolf, M., Enright, M. (2018, November 30). Too Long, Didn't Read — How Reading Online is Hurting our Brains. Retrieved from: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thesundayedition/the-sunday-edition-december-2-2018-1.4927251/too-long-didn-t-read-how-reading-online-is-hurting-our-brains-1.4927296

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therantingtales · 6 years

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We arrived in New Orleans on Friday, March 16th as a belated birthday present to my apprentice traveler. While I’d only briefly visited the city years before, it clung to me like the swamp moss that surrounds the Crescent City, the Big Easy, Nawlins.

In the hustle and bustle of the airport, we picked up an unexpected additional fare going in the complete opposite direction from us. The cab driver assured me it would cost no more than the $37 flat rate from the airport, so we settled in for an impromptu sightseeing tour as the other passengers were dropped off. Naturally, once they were dropped off the fare agreement suddenly changed, that is, until he learned I would have none of that with a gentle “Sure, we’ll pay what you charge, but I’ll be contacting the cab company and the airport afterward.” His tune quickly changed.

Once we turned down one of the cross streets of Bourbon Street, my apprentice’s eyes finally lit up. Here was the New Orleans she was excited to see. Revelers wandering the streets with oddly shaped and oversized containers of a red drink, beads around their necks, hooting and hollering at partiers on the balconies for more beads. We checked into Hotel St Helene, just two blocks south of Bourbon Street, changed and headed out for dinner. The walk to supper took us out of the Quarter to the revamped warehouse district with the promise of fresh Louisiana oysters. Seaworthy delivered. We ordered two each of the Lousiana Gulf Coast selections (six in total), and I found a local IPA to try, the Wayward Owl Clean Slate IPA. The main course consisted of the Seaworthy Roll, a take on a crawfish po’boy, for me and a burger for my companion.

We walked the hearty meal off by heading back toward Bourbon Street. There we stopped for two frozen Hurricanes. My travel companion pointed to a fridge behind the counter where little sauce cups with lids held a red liquid and asked: “What are those?” I responded, gleefully, those are jello shots! So, of course, we ordered them. We continued on down Bourbon Street with our hurricanes in our hands and a buzz from the jello shots. Finally, sometime after midnight we headed back to the hotel and crashed hard on a very, very comfortable bed.

Saturday; the day of 20,000 steps

Although we barely got five hours of sleep, we woke up ready to explore the old city. Fueled by the second most famous coffee brand of New Orleans, Community Coffee, we headed east. Jackson Square was just two blocks east of the hotel, and home to St. Louis Cathedral. The square was alive with street performers and vendors peddling voodoo dolls and paintings of the city. We tried to go into the cathedral, but they were just starting a private event, so we agreed to come back. On the south-east side of the square is the world famous Cafe Du Monde, but the line was already well out of the door and down the block, so we trudged on. We were heading in the direction of St Roch Market, a 20-minute walk when we stumbled across the French Market and outdoor bizarre. Tummies growling we decided to get a “snack” before heading on to St Roch. The snack ended up being gumbo for my companion, and a gator burger for me. We then perused about half of the outdoor bizarre before making our way to St Roch Market. I was a little disappointed at how small the market was, but we found a lovely spot in the back of the market, with a bar, to enjoy a couple drinks. The bloody mary I had was exceptionally spicy (in a very delicious way) and garnished with green olives, pickled green beans, and okra. I decided to give okra another try and then was reminded I really do not like it. I don’t mind it in gumbo, but by itself, it has a slimy aftertaste I just can’t get over. My companion enjoyed an iced coffee drink or two, and then we headed on to our next stop.

Aart Accent Tattoos & Piercings “Yeah! It Hurts”

My companion researched this spot for a couple permanent mementos of our trip. What we did not know was the cultural significance of this place. We were informed while waiting for our turn, that we were in the oldest tattoo shop in New Orleans AND the first tattoo shop opened by a black woman. An interesting tidbit from this article says “When Gresham opened her shop, there were a total of five female tattoo artists in the U.S.”

Wow, just wow. So, when I sat down to get my ink, I asked the gentleman “How long have you been working here?” and he responded wryly “oh, only a short time… about 22 years”. I looked at him, there was no way he was old enough to have been here for 22 years. But he says Jacci is his mother, not by blood, but because she took care of him when he needed it most. So, not only was I getting ink in such a historic place, but her son was doing the work. I was blown away. We swapped stories, and I begged him to come to DC because my next piece has to be done in DC (because it’s an homage to my hometown, and it just wouldn’t be right to get it anywhere else), but I want him to do it. I told him he would always have a home in DC, as a kindred spirit. I also asked him, as a local;

“What is one thing you recommend we do?”

His first response was, listen to Jazz, and his second was “Get a Hand Grenade from Tropical Isle, but only get one.”

So, as we walked back to Bourbon Street, freshly inked, we decided first to drop off my camera bag (I’d taken no pictures with my camera, but a lot with my camera phone), and then come back out. Except instead of heading to Tropical Isle on Bourbon, we headed to the waterfront. But first, we had to eat. Our last meal was the “snack” at the French Market, and we had already clocked over 10,000 steps. I picked the Chartreuse House, just on the corner from our hotel, and an old haunt of Tennessee Williams. We ordered an obscene amount of food, including my travel companion’s first muffaletta which was the size of her head (the second half of it made a great breakfast in the morning). After dropping the leftovers off at the hotel, we headed down to the waterfront to walk off the food. We admired the big paddlewheel steamboats with their loud horns and meandered along the waterfront until we got to The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk where we did some old-fashioned shopping. After we were done, we hit a vendor in the food court to get ourselves some Hurricanes to go (when in Rome) and headed back to our hotel. We decided to take a brief rest on some benches in front of the water when somehow I managed to puncture a hole in my styrofoam cup still nearly full of Hurricane. We sat there while I “beer bonged” the cup for a little while, then figured out we could wrap the cup in one of our plastic bags, so I didn’t drip it all over myself while we walked. As we made our way back, we stumbled across a Saint Patrick’s Day parade coming down Decatur street. So, of course, we stopped, danced, cheered, and got ourselves some beads (without any of that flashing you hear so much about.) Once again we fell into bed after midnight and slept soundly for a whole five hours.

The Lord’s Day

I am not a religious person. However, I have respect for the beliefs of others, so as my Catholic traveling companion timidly asked me if I would be okay going to Mass at St Louis Cathedral, I said of course! We arrived about 20 minutes before the 11 am Mass giving me an opportunity to take some pictures without being disrespectful. The service was beautiful, and my companion got a real treat as the homily was given by a retired archbishop. After the ceremony, she spent some time in the gift shop, and I spent that time photographing the cathedral from Jackson Square.

We then made our way down to the waterfront for our own paddlewheel steamboat tour on the Creole Queen. For an extra fee, we added the lunch buffet to the trip, since we were going off a quarter of the muffaletta each. Oooo-e was the meal good. Jumbalya, Gumbo, Rice & Beans. We stuffed ourselves silly while listening to an excellent guide named Wendell tell stories about New Orleans and the Battle of New Orleans. Oh, and the Hurricanes at the bar were delicious. They add a little extra to the top. A thirty-minute ride down the Mississippi takes you to the Chalmette Battlefield, where you get off the boat and learn about the battle from a National Park Ranger. When the horn blows, everyone gets back on the boat to head back to port by the Spanish Plaza.

After the tour, we walked up Canal Street with the intent of visiting Lafayette Cemetery, just like I had years before. I can’t begin to tell you how disappointed I was to find out the only way to tour the cemetery these days was with a guide and a fee. Although, I do completely understand. Tourists, and drunk ones at that, don’t have much respect for the dead, and this is the only way to keep the oldest cemetery in New Orleans protected. So, we headed back to the hotel to relax for a couple hours and take a load off our throbbing feet. And… sadly… pack for our departure the next day.

Then it was time for one last jaunt on Bourbon Street. We started at Tropical Isle, to get our Hand Grenades, on the rocks, as I’d had enough of frozen-drink-brain-freeze. They were delicious and potent. When I looked up the ingredients after taking my first sip, I understood why our friend at Aart told us to only have one. Ingredients included gin and grain alcohol. But, not one to go down without a fight, I had two. It was a Sunday night, and Bourbon Street was still full of people in St Paddy’s day green and beads. We found a fun bar, apparently called Famous Door, where we posted up to enjoy a band, and people watch. Sometime during the evening, a woman came in with a digital camera on a “selfie-stick” followed by a guy with a video camera. She pretended to have fun, dancing around and whatnot, and then picked up a random Hand Grenade cup off a table as if it was hers and acted like she was drunk while recording. I’m guessing she’s one of those Instagram influencers, or whatever they call themselves. After about five minutes of this, they left. What a shame to pretend to enjoy life, instead of actually enjoying it. Speaking of enjoying life, the bartender was selling something in a big novelty syringe, so my companion went to find out what it was. It was more jello shots, three in one syringe, so of course, she bought one and we shared it. We then found ourselves at Reverend Zombie’s House of Voodoo, where warning signs told you that if you took pictures inside your soul would be cursed. With trinkets in hand, I noticed above our heads was an original fence from the movie set of Interview with A Vampire, but getting my soul cursed was not worth the picture. Somehow, I was hungry again, so after a couple miscues with closing restaurants, we found a carryout and got too much food for a reasonable price. Once again, well after midnight, we limped back to the hotel, scarfed down what we could of our food, and got another five hours of sleep.

Monday, Sad Day, Fly Back Home Day

Monday we woke up with the intention of finally getting ourselves some Cafe Du Monde and finishing the second half of the French Market Bizarre. Surprisingly (maybe not?) the line for the cafe was again down the block, but this time we found the carryout counter and got two iced Au Lattes and beignets. While perusing the bizarre I saw a booth where a man had set up his books, and a tv playing his video of train hoppers. I was intrigued, so began talking to him about his adventures. Brian Paul Brightdawn traveled with train hoppers and hobos and turned it into a documentary called “The CURE for the CRASH,” and then later a book titled “Book Safe Glacier – How The Rails Became My Rehab.” So of course, I had to pick his brain about publishing, traveling, and anything else he wanted to share. I could have talked to him for hours, but we had a plane to catch. So I picked up the book and the DVD (my traveling companion insisted I put my wallet away, as this purchase was an investment she wanted to make) and we made our way back to the hotel to pick up our luggage.

On our way to the airport, I received a text from Southwest informing me that the first leg of our return trip, from New Orleans to Nashville, had been canceled due to what I would later find out were numerous tornados in Alabama and Tennessee. Understand that my rookie traveler and I had previously shared some hairy travel experiences, and I was starting to believe we might be cursed. But I kept a level head and followed the prompts to select a new itinerary. This one gave us a direct flight back home. Relieved that we’d seen such fortune, but still wary until we were actually on the plane, it was time for bloody marys at the airport bar. I kept checking our new itinerary and got the notice the plane was to be two hours delayed. With an attempt to stay positive, I reminded both of us, that would still get us back home two hours before our original flight plan.

Finally, after a quick nap near our gate, we boarded our plane and blissfully made it back home safely.

With so much left to explore of New Orleans, I’m eager to go back. Crawfish season is starting soon, but after that, it gets disgustingly hot and humid. So I may just have to wait until Fall.

New Orleans – I Miss You Already We arrived in New Orleans on Friday, March 16th as a belated birthday present to my apprentice traveler.

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bau-hau5 · 7 years

Photo

APOPS

353 East 17th Street - Gilman Hall

I decided to approach Gilman Hall with little to no context under my belt. The site interested me on the APOPS website for one particular reason: a fence built around the area, with no legal authority. The APOPS submission was published in 2000, so I assumed the listing was outdated, and wanted to discover for myself how the area had changed from this 17-year-old photo:

(Image: https://apops.mas.org/pops/686/)

As I approached the facility I noticed the fence no longer stood. The most remarkable changes to the area had been this removal, the addition of two circular picnic tables, and some very obvious wear on the site’s planters, benches, and other infrastructure. I noticed the rust from the fence remained on the concrete where it used to stand.

From the perspective of one of the round picnic tables, I observed two individuals engaging in the environment. One appeared to be a homeless, or otherwise mobile person sitting with a large trash bag of what I assumed to be belongings on a bench facing the building’s glass entrance. From where he sat, the man directly faced the building’s lobby and front desk attendant, divided only by a wall of glass. The other outdoor benches faced black slabs of faux-granite wall, rather than the busy street behind them.

The other visitor appeared to be on a lunch break from work, adorned in some sort of uniform and simultaneously filling out a crossword puzzle, eating a sandwich, and smoking a cigarette.

I observed what looked like attempts at corporate campus-style architecture, matched with an obvious lack of upkeep. The cube-like planters surrounding the area, as well as the circular tables for work and meals were recalled theories of corporate use of images of pastoral, communal spaces. Details like the dying plants, scattered trash, strange graffiti, and cylindrical umbrella-holders devoid of umbrellas, added an eerie, abandoned tone. I sensed that this development had been created by the building’s previous owners and namely used before being acquired, and therein disregarded by new tenants.

The architecture of the building itself instantly recalled images from the opening scene of Playtime, where the site of action verges on several functions, making ambiguous the space’s practical purpose. Marked by a lack of activity or signage, Gilman Hall proved equally ambiguous. The faux-granite exterior of the first story, presented plainly to bench-sitters, alludes to the corporate architecture of high-rise wealthy buildings, namely found in midtown or the financial district. This, along with the benches and tables, gave the building a corporate air.

The neighborhood itself is characterized by the medical industry, specifically Mount Sinai Beth Israel’s several hospital buildings, and a number of pharmacies. This context, along with the grid-like arrangement of windows, glass entryway, outdoor awning, and overall neutrality (gray tones and lack of signage), added to my suspicion that the building was a medical facility or dormitory.

I was surprised to discover that the building was residential, having been recently bought from Mount Sinai Beth Israel, who had used the space for medical dormitories. This legacy matched the eery tone of the space. With this knowledge, it became clear that the space had been illegally reserved for patients (marked by the fence) as it had served as a medical building, and the addition of the picnic tables was a cheap attempt at rendering the space an outdoor luxury and real estate amenity.

Despite its decrepit appearance, I realized the accessibility which comes along with a space which appears run down. Had the space been more luxurious or updated, it would appear unapproachable to the public, especially homeless populations who arguably need such spaces in the first place. My visit left me questioning: where is the line drawn between maintained and private (aesthetically)? Is there a way to create well-kept public spaces which invite the mingling of residents with the public?

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fredericksmeg-blog · 7 years

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Week 6? 7? Who knows!

An exciting 10 days in the UK!!

Monday, Feb. 13th On Monday, I slept past noon. I was absolutely cashed from the past two weekends in Barcelona and Paris (I know this is a privileged problem to have) so I spent the day recuperating. Oh, and typing a paper. Once I actually became a functioning human, I went to the grocery store to restock my food, and then I was up pretty later typing the better half of a paper for my media class.

Tuesday, Feb. 14th On good ol’ Valentine’s Day I got up and went to my BLC class. We walked about socioeconomic classes in the UK and its relationship with accents. We also got a briefing on our internship interviews, which were taking place that week. I went home for lunch and then walked back to our campus building for art class, where we all gave presentations on different exhibits that we visited around London for an ongoing project. We had about an hour left of class at the end so we went to the Victoria and Albert Museum and I was so hungry at this point I couldn’t even tell you what we saw. In media class, we talked about the British press. We sorted through different newspapers and tabloids and discussed each one in a little bit of detail. It was pretty interesting, actually.

When I got home, I flopped around until Will could facetime me for our equivalent of a Valentine’s Day date, aka I was in my pajamas watching him do some homework and being sad that we aren’t together. We didn’t talk for too long but we made a plan to talk for longer later in the week.

Wednesday, Feb. 15th On Wednesday I attempted to get my life in order by uploading pictures from the weekend and starting to prep for our spring break trip to Italy. I did a run through for my internship interview: finding the place, seeing how long it’d take me to get there, etc. On my way back from there I walked almost the entire length of Oxford St. to grab some “outdoor” wear for the adventure weekend in Wales that was happening at the end of my spring break trip. I came home, made dinner, and then we did more Italy planning, booking hotels and buying train tickets and such. I went to bed soooo nervous for my interview the next day because I am a rambler and stress is not my best friend.

Thursday, Feb. 16th On Thursday I woke up really early because I was in the zone, basically. I had a nice breakfast and prepped for my interview, and even tried to look like a real human girl. I got to my interview reaaally early, so I read on a park bench for a little bit. When I got there, it took me a while to find the actual office because there are a few. I found it, though, and sat down for pizza and pasta and a beer (!) with my supervisor. It was super casual and we just talked about what I’m studying and how the market operates. I’m working on their general admin team and hopefully working with their community manager on some projects that benefit the neighborhood, which is struggling a little! I felt really good about the whole thing.

From there I zipped back to Kensington to go to the class that my interview had been scheduled during. I think we just talked about press issues, like #fakenews. I genuinely have no idea what I did after class. I’m pretty sure I ate and took care of travel related things. Later I facetimed Will for a pretty long time which was nice.

Friday, Feb. 17th On Friday I had my first little explore in London for weeks (since I’d been traveling on most Fridays). Bri, Natalie and I went to the Wallace Collection in Marylebone, mostly to see Natalie’s favorite painting, “The Swing” aka that painting from Frozen with the big skirt. We walked to an area near Paddington station called “Little Venice” that Bri found out about. It was cute, but also really small. We stopped into a café on a little boat. It was cute. I had some soup. From there we went to Primrose Hill to spot some dogs and watch the sun set. We bought some Jaffa cakes and I ate a whole sleeve and I do not have any regrets. We actually ran into a million other people from our building on the hill, go figure. Then we headed back to HPG to eat dinner and get changed! On the way back I picked up a Valentine’s Day package from Will and I sat on the floor in a puddle of my own tears reading the little note he sent me. Will is too good. He is a good boyfriend and a good friend and it’s really hard to be good at both of those things at the same time.

After dinner Bri and I headed over to Shoreditch for a pub-crawl that apparently every UW student in London was attending. The pubs/bars weren’t anything special, but I had a really good time with my friends. Wow, cheesy I know. I even got to sprint through an empty King’s Cross Station (More importantly, I got to see the Platform 9 ¾ trolley without a line in front of it).

Saturday, Feb. 18th I slept late on Saturday because I could. I managed to type up a day-by-day itinerary of our spring break trip and figure out logistics like museum prices, food recommendations, etc. That took a really solid chunk of my day, but at the end of it I had nothing else to figure out for break and I felt really prepared. Bri, Natalie, and I were also planning to go to Cardiff (the capital of Wales) for the day on Sunday morning. So, we prepared a little bit for that and went to bed early, because we had to catch a bus in the morning.

Sunday Feb. 19th On Sunday, we went to the coach station and got on our bus to Cardiff. I fell asleep pretty much immediately. It’s amazing how good I’ve become at falling asleep in public over the last few months. It took us about 3 hours to get to Cardiff. When we got there, we took a walk through Sofia Gardens, which is where their bus stop is located, and checked out Cardiff castle before heading to the Pieminister (which is a wonderful, wonderful establishment that has a stand at Borough Market) for brunch pies! British food typically really sucks but wow, I have fallen in love with pies. Not fruit pies, like chicken potpies, but with other real hot foods and meat and mash in it. I think my pie was more of a quiche inside of a pie crust; nevertheless I was a huge fan. Then we bopped around central Cardiff, shopped a little, and then we decided to walk all the way to the bay. It was kind of funny because I recognized Cardiff Bay from episodes of Doctor Who, because the filming of the show is based there and they’ve used it as a location several times.

This is a perfect Segway because after that I parted ways with Natalie and Bri and went to the Doctor Who Experience. This was a totally given for me if I was visiting Cardiff. I don’t really keep up with the show anymore but it was a huge part of my life in high school so I enjoyed seeing the props and some sets at the tour. After that I met back up with Natalie and Bri, and we went to grab dinner at a restaurant that overlooked the bay. It was nice, and I had a nice beer. It was really relaxed and we just hung around for a while and got some food. After that we walked back to central Cardiff, and sat at a pub close to the bus stop until it was time to leave. Just a nice day out of the city really. Got to see some of Wales.

Monday Feb. 20th Monday was my last day of not having class all day, since after the break my schedule changes. I went to the British Library in the morning to see the Maps and the 20th Century exhibit, which I wanted to see before it closed because a) I love maps and b) I was presenting on it for a class project later in the semester. It was very cool and I had a great time. There were lots of war maps, and some original maps from J.R.R. Tolkien as he worked out the geography of middle earth.

After the library I went to a nearby café in Russell Square to work on my final presentation for media class. After that, I went to Covent Garden and after much deliberation, I bought a pair of Vans because my Nikes were dying. I also bought a carry-on suitcase because I brought my backpack here as a carry on, and I needed something bigger for break. Then I came home, ate dinner, and went to go do my laundry. Then I worked on my presentation for so long it was the worst. But I finished it so it was fine.

Tuesday Feb. 21st On Tuesday, I had BLC in the morning and we walked around the British Museum, which marked the 4th time I had been there so far. My professor doesn’t think that the Parthenon Marbles are that great so I was a little displeased. Anyway we were only there for about an hour but I saw some stuff that I hadn’t before. I went home to eat lunch before I had to go back into central London for a trip to the Tate Modern with my art class. We saw Elton John’s photo collection, which is a ticketed exhibit there right now. It was interesting – it had the Migrant Mother depression era photo in it. On Tuesday night most of my media class gave their final presentations. I was at the end of the list, though, so I had to wait until Thursday. So I mentally checked out and coasted through the rest of that class, I won’t lie to you.

Wednesday Feb. 22nd Wednesday was an action-packed day full of packing and prep. I woke up and ran to H&M to pick up a few things to layer for the Wales adventure trip I was going on. I honestly think I just packed and blogged and hung around at home for most of the day. I did a lot of homework as well that needed to be submitted before I left. That night, we celebrated Emily’s birthday at a dim sum restaurant in Shoreditch called the Drunken Monkey. We ate so much food it was amazing but I was so disgusted with myself afterwards. That was one of the first times that all 8 of us had been in the same place at the same time since Amsterdam I think. After dinner, Jas and Bri and I encountered a tube strike disaster. The district line was pretty much shut down, it was raining, and the central line was completely closed due to the strike. So, we took two buses all the way home. Obviously we’d just eaten our weight in Chinese food, and we were all tired and feeling pretty nasty. There was a pug on one of our buses though. So I’ll count it as a win.

I’ll leave it here because the next post will be about my break, which includes Thursday! I’ll post that really soon, it’s basically done because I worked on it while I was in Italy. Cheers!

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loveinruins · 7 years

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FFS.. Are we making progress or not?

I feel like we’re going around in circles..

I saw him this morning at the station and I was waiting for MT because her myki wasn’t working for some reason and he was on the same train as me but on a different carriage. Basically I was standing at MC and he saw MT said hi to her and then he saw me - looked and looked away then looked again because he realized it was me and he took his ear phones out like oh hey what are you doing? I go I’m waiting for MT and then he goes oh ok well I’m gonna go grab a coffee and started walking off and I was like lol k cya

During first break MT and I decided to go for a walk around the centre and we were just having a chat because she has a boyfriend of 10 years and she went to dinner with JH (strictly as mates) she was telling me about it and whatever and then I kinda opened up to her about me and G and she was like omg seriously whenever you’re not together all he does is talk about you.. you guys just need to get together already seriously.. I just laughed and I was like yeah but the ball is in his court, it shouldn’t be up to me to do something about it? She agreed with me because she also thinks it should be the guy who should make the move....

So I didn’t see him all day until around 12:30 he came over to my team area and he was talking to SH and MD and because I had just gotten off the phone I like looked up and turned and I was like ooh who’s this cute guy in my area and then I realized it was him lol I was like oh.. it’s you... cutie.. lol

So he doesn’t say anything to me whilst in my team area he just walks off and I’m like yeah ok so I called MT when I went for lunch and she was like oh I’m on swanston with the others and she wasn’t with G, so then I called G and he didn’t answer.

I was like ok then.. MT told me he didn’t call her back either so I was like whatevs.

Then he starts calling me and I’m like hey where are you? He goes just on level 5 are you coming? I’m like yeah I’ll come, he goes hurry up I’ve only got 20 minutes left.

I messaged MT to meet me on level 5 because we had planned to meet at QV square.

I walked down to level 5′s outdoor area and sat down and he was sitting ont he couches. I went to sit on the bench and he came over and sat across from me. He goes how are you? i’m like good you? he goes yeah good, I feel like I haven’t seen you in ages.. I’m like really? He goes yeah it’s been like 2 days.. I was thinking to myself oh well look who’s fucking counting..

So he tells me what happened at the dentist and his cancellation with the customer and how he managed to save it and whatever and MT finally came we were bantering and I apparently went to stick up for MT because he was giving her shit about going for dinner with JH and he was being a dick to her so I like made a comment about something and he goes babe this is a convo between me and MT not you and I go wtf.. he goes babe shhhhhhhh.. I’m like whatever seriously.

MT then told me that her and G had a convo last night and he goes what are we doing friday? MT was like I’m busy and T is in Sydney.

So that’s who reminded him I was in Sydney so as that was brought up at lunch MT goes so what are you gonna do since you don’t have us and he goes I’m gonna go see a girl.

In my head I was like ... did this motherfucker.. WHAT!!!!!!!?????

I felt sick.

My fucking stomach literally turned inside out but I was like T do not fucking react.

MT goes oh yeah the one who left the thing in your car and he goes nah another one and she goes oh well you say I’m bad look at you, he goes yeah but I haven’t fucked this one.. not yet anyway.

OMG when he said that I wanted to use the fork I was eating with and stab myself because I was like is this cunt fucking serious right now?

He then tried to say something to me and I was being Elsa and he goes wtf is your problem I haven’t said anything to you for like 2 days stop giving me attitude I’m like wtf are you serious? You think after making a comment like that I’m going to be fine?

Are you fucking jelly that I’m going to Syd and you’re staying here with your “bitches”.

We go back upstairs to our desks because both their lunches were over and I was like fuck this I’m going to go outside for a walk or something. I ended up calling the baker and we had a chat and I told him what G had said and he goes there’s one of two things T:

1. He either only see’s you as a friend and that’s it - which I don’t think is the case because he said you shouldn’t lose too much weight and a guy who is not into you would not say that because I know why he said that (Here i’m thinking is he saying that because he doesn’t want other guys to be all over me orrrr)

2. You’re a high quality girl, he see’s you as someone who he wants to be with, these “bitches” that he is talking about, he doesn’t have that same respect for. He respects you, you probably intimidate him because you’re older and you’re not just some hoe.

The baker is getting frustrated with me because I won’t act on the sitch and I’m like I just can’t and he just really made good points about how I have everything to gain and nothing to lose.

I mean I do agree with him to some degree but at the same time I don’t I just feel like these things can take time but he just said to me you’re fucking yourself over like all you’re doing is making it harder for yourself for no reason. The difference though between the baker and I is that he will not wait for anything he will just go in for the kill and I’m just not that type of girl.

So comes end of day, he walks past me and smiles and I gave him a forced fake smile and then we end up walking past each other again and I just didn’t look at him and he comes over to my desk and he goes so are we leaving now or? I go yeah and then when we get downstairs he goes to me what’s wrong you don’t seem to happy to be walking with me? I go nah I’m good why would you say that? he goes you’ve been so fucking moody with me today like do you have your rags? I go no actually I don’t FYI. He goes oh well good to know, he brings up again how he hasn’t seen me in 2 days and whatever and how he has just had a really shit day and I was like ok I understand and I was like awww G I��m sorry ok if I was being moody i didn’t mean to and I hugged his arm as we were walking and he’s like oh now you want to be nice and I like laughed and rolled my eyes.

As we kept walking we were talking about work and stuff and he makes a comment about how my outfit was cute today - I was wearing my AA’s with a white cami and a thurley chiffon cardigan thing and I go thanks babe it’s cos I’m cute. He goes yeah? if you were so cute why do you need to post it on snapchat for? I go how did I know you were going to say something about that? he goes I was about to but i was like nahhh like this one goes and takes selfies in the lift and shit I go whatevs.

We get on the train and I’m sitting across from him and all I kept doing was staring at him in awe.. He just looked really cute today and I was like you know your outfit is cute today too. He goes yeah it matches my bag and I go yeah but this is red touching one of the stripes on his shirt and he goes yeah it’s moron on the bag.

We had banter on the train and we were talking about work.. zzzzzzz

I kept looking at his lips as he was talking and he would really look into my eyes when I was talking, it made me buckle inside a bit but I don’t think that really showed.. well I hope not anyway.

I saw him looking at my cleavage a few times and realized that the way I was holding my bag was pulling my top down and he goes trying to be like KT huh? I go what? oops and pulled my top up and he goes nah babe it’s all good and I looked down to see how low it really got and he goes what you need to look down to see and I go well yeah I didn’t think it was that low, he goes how do girls when they wear tops like that not know? I go well this bra is a bit big so I didn’t realize. He goes thanks for the info lol..

So he goes.. so are you cancelling PT? At that point I had already messaged my PT telling him I couldn’t make it but I didn’t want to tell G that and I go nah.. he goes as if and then he tried to guilt trip me and he goes nah look if you want to go to PT then go and like looked away and I go I cancelled PT and he looks up with this like cheeky look on his face like with pure satisfaction that I’d chosen him over PT.

I was playing with my hair and he goes stop playing with your hair and I go why? he goes I dunno why girls always do that..

We get to springy station and I go so are we getting off here or at yarraman? He goes nah here, we’re going to take your car and I go ok then. We get off the train and again as always he’s like what do you want to eat and I said what do you want to eat? The fucking same dilemma every time so we get into the car and I go what about the burger place I told you about in caulfield, he goes yeah done.

I start driving and he’s playing music from his phone and he played this song which I’m obsessed with

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8h_9fsGku3c

Listen to the lyrics.. I was like hmmmm..

As the songs kept coming, I kept shazaming them and he goes hahahaha too good.. that’s 4 in a row and I go alright relax babe you’re not a DJ he goes loves my tracks..

I’m like yeah anyway.. we were just listening to music on the way and I go we’re getting close he didn’t even have the directions on and I go I thought you were google mapping the address so he did and we go there in no time.

The food was so good, we waited like 20 mins or so though.. as per usual he ended up finishing my chips and I split my cookie with him.

My actual chop chip cookie, not THE cookie.

As we’re leaving he was burping and I’m like.. beautiful and he goes T you’re like one of the boys and hugs me from the side by putting his arm around me and I pulled this face like.. uh wtf and he goes what? Ok you’re not one of the boys then wtf.. he goes why do you always go weird like that? I go I’m not. He goes you do.. I’m like I’m not.

We get back to the car and I was walking back in disbelief.. once again MIXED FUCKING SIGNALS. YOU FORCE ME TO SEE YOU BECAUSE I’M NOT GOING TO SEE YOU ON FRIDAY BUT YOU CALL ME ONE OF THE BOYS AFTER WE GO AND GET SOMETHING TO EAT? WTF IS WRONG WITH YOU YOU FUCKHEAD.

ARGH.

We’re on the way home and I mapped how to get to Yarraman station and as we’re driving I don’t know how the fuck this came up but W and B came up and he goes what’s happening I go nothing - he goes you’re lying I can see you smirking and I denied it. He obviously keeps looking at me and he goes I can see your face I go no.. he goes you are.. just fucking tell me.

So I told him briefly that W messaged B on snap and she replied and we kinda got into a heated argument about the whole sitch and he kept saying how I’m pretty much enabling the sitch by contributing to sending her his snaps from his story and how I shouldn’t be doing that. I go ok I know that and he goes why do you even still like this guy he has pretty much told your best friend that he doesn’t give a fuck about her by not making her a priority blablablablabla I’m like alright I fucking get it.

He made some really valid points about W and how he is a dick from what he knows and how B deserves better than that. He kinda just made me hate W again for what he has done because I kinda feel like I forget or just forgive him.. I dunno.

I made a point about how W asked B to go meet his godson’s parents and I go if he didn’t like her he wouldn’t fucking do that would he? I go would you? he goes babe you’re not meeting the family for yearssss - now at this point I was like is he talking to me or is he speaking figuratively i’m not even fucking sure.

We’re almost near his car and I don’t remember exactly what was said prior to him saying this but I had made a comment about the reason W is being like this is because he is young and he doesn’t know what he wants and he goes I’m fucking younger than him and even I’m like this cunt is fucking her around.

He goes it’s like me, kicking it with a 26 year old girl and sending her mixed signals and then I go to europe come back and I’m like ok sweet let’s do this.. I wouldn’t do that - or something along those lines.

OK WTF.

When he said that I was like hang on.. did you just use our sitch as an example because I was looking at him when he was saying it and his face was like he knew that I knew. I felt like he basically told me he isn’t send me mixed signals or that he likes me. I actually was speechless.

I didn’t know what to say, it would’ve been a perfect opp for me to say.. so you’re not sending me mixed signals then?

BUT OF COURSE I BUCKLED AND COULDN’T EVEN SPIT IT OUT.

He goes anyway, thanks for tonight and the lift, have fun in Sydney and I go I’ll see you tomorrow anyway and he goes no you won’t and closes the door.

I DON’T FUCKING KNOW.

Look I’m not going to analyze the sitch, I’m going to go to Syd and have fun and not think about this.

All I take away from this is that he is upset that I’m going because he goes at lunch fuck sydney, don’t go hang out with me instead... MT goes why dont you go with her and I go lol no way..

Soooooo we’ll see, TBC.

#dear diary #headfucked

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