crossing the cosmos

ღ Aphrodite Kallikrates ღ Junior at Elias “Nobody has ever measured, not even poets, how much the heart can hold.”

[myheartbeats-slowly]

Okay, so first birthday together, this is super important. I didn’t want to mess it up by buying you some expensive thing you might not even like, so instead I settled for something slightly more sentimental? It’s 100% cool if you think this is really lame, I swear my gift giving will get better in time I just...I don’t know, didn’t want to mess up and I over thought and ugh. So the teddy bear because you had a superhero cape when you were a kid and you saved cats from trees and I think that’s so sweet and special. And even if you’re not a superhero with like super powers or a mask and cape, I wanted you to know you’ll always be a hero in my book. You’re my superhero. And plus, you’re cuddly like a big bear so teddy bear dressed as a superhero, how cool right? And he’s super fashionable, look at his onesie, this is very important, mhm. And well the envelopes...you open those whenever you’re ready, no rush. I love you big bro, happy birthday, and here’s to many more.

[fairest-oneofall]

I’ve just realized...

I haven’t signed in to say hello at all this semester. That seems almost tragic, doesn’t it? Everything has just been so very busy these last few months…I’m forcing myself to take a break. Officially!

How is everyone? 

[myheartbeats-slowly]

Tragic isn’t necessarily how I’d describe it. Besides, you’ve been busy with school and life, it’s absolutely justified...or at least you should just keep telling that to people so they don’t judge you as much. It’s what I do. But hello! I’m Aphrodite, it’s a pleasure to meet you. And I’m doing well, by the way. How are you, how’s your official break going thus far? 

[call-me-wonderboy-deactivated20]

Oh come on. Poca knew me first, and she likes me more, she’ll believe me.

You’re welcome. See you’re gonna have to write 1-7 down for me since I don’t exactly know them. Oh yeah? And how’d that go? Well obviously, since creative writing is your thing. You really want me to? Of course, I’ll give it a read. Psh, fine, don’t tell me you’re talking to boys. I’m onto you, little sister. You better. I expect next time we talk that you and your little friends went somewhere fun and you’ll tell me all about it, because you’re so cooped up all the time.

[myheartbeats-slowly]

I was going to say something witty and remotely uncalled for, but I'll be a decent human being and leave that whole topic alone.

Oh really? I'll definitely write down my version of the sibling rules for you, and I'll even read them out loud to you when I'm done. But once I give you the rules you can't disagree with any of them...even if you think I altered them to get my way. I got a B+...which is heartbreaking because I've never gotten anything shy of an A before in my life, but everyone says this professor never gives As on big assignments so I'll survive...I guess. Of course I do, I love sharing my writing with people I care about, plus...you may or may not have inspired it....just a little...not really...okay definitely inspired it. Meh, maybe I won't tell you aaaaall about it, just the tame and totally safe parts.

[call-me-wonderboy-deactivated20]

And who’s gonna believe you, hm? Noooobody. 

Okay - you want me to do it again. Fine. Oh my gods, hi Aphrodite!!! See you got three exclamations instead of one. I say that’s much better. Yeah, I got this, don’t worry about me. How is school over there for you? Those boys are leaving you alone right? If they’re not…let me know. You really need to get out more, sis, come on now. NO - I have not, I don’t intend to either. 

[myheartbeats-slowly]

Hmmm, Poca will! She always believes me. And I'm sure other people will too, you're like a chaperone dad, it's fine. 

Yaaaaay! That was much better, thank you. Pfft, it's my job to worry about you, it's unspoken rule of siblings #8, keep up man. School's fine, it's been keeping me busy. I had this big creative writing project and now that it's all finished and got my grade back I want you to read it...if you want to, that is. Even if I was talking to boys I wouldn't tell you, even I know that's the most sure fire way to make sure no boy even looks in your direction. I know, I know, I promise I'll make more of an effort now, stop judging me. Okay, okay, I just wanted to make sure, it's totally fine if you have though... It's super gross but still, no judgement.

[getreadyto-party]

Nah, he’s actually been pretty chill. Like, he even went out with me a few times. He’s kind of a stick in the mud occasionally but he’s working on it. I’ve been great, though! I love it here. So many college kids. College kids are crazy. I don’t know why I didn’t just go to college right out of high school. The class part is lame as fuck, but whatever. The only class I even go to regularly is my Art History class. I think I’m gonna try to sign up for more art classes, too. 

I hope you’re prepared to be dragged to every single party on this island, Aphi, because you know how to party. I remember your crazy ass. Don’t think I don’t.

[myheartbeats-slowly]

Wow, I'm actually super proud of him. Just make sure you don't get him killed or severely injured, I might want to keep him around for a little bit. That's so great, I'm happy you're enjoying yourself. I don't know why you didn't either, I mean, every college movie I've ever seen portrays all college kids as wild party canons. I figured it would have been right up your alley, but hey, it's better late than never. I was going to ask you what your major is, but I guess you're undecided then? Art's stolen your interest huh, faaaancy. 

Suuure, I've been meaning to get out more anyways and you being here's as good of an excuse as any. We'll see if I can still survive a few nights out with you. 

[call-me-wonderboy-deactivated20]

Who said you were honest? I’m the one known for my honesty, not you.

Hi Aphrodite. Life is boring, school is difficult, and the only cool thing I did was go out with Dionysus. I didn’t die or wake up in my own vomit so I’ll consider it good. 

[myheartbeats-slowly]

I say I'm honest! Besides, I only lie when it's 100% necessary and I was definitely not lying when I called you a Dad. 

Wow, you could at least pretend to be slightly more excited to be talking to me. I didn't even get an exclamation mark after my name, what kind of brother are you? That's awful, I know you'll pull through and get great grades, and you've still got me beat in the fun life category even if you only went out once. Ew...have you woken up in your own vomit before?

[getreadyto-party]

DUUUUUUUDEEEE, A! I didn’t know you were here! Shit! I haven’t seen you in so long. I’m sorry, but why haven’t you been to any parties? You’re slacking. I should’ve seen you before now.

[myheartbeats-slowly]

Right, I haven't even heard from you since you up and left to...where was it that you said you were going again? Becauseeeeee...yeah, I don't really have an excuse. I've just turned into a hermit crab since I got here, it's actually sad. I know, I know, I'll work on it, we'll go out together sometime soon, okay? But how have you been? How's the island been treating ya'? Has Hercules been the most annoying person the planet? I bet he has been.

[call-me-wonderboy-deactivated20]

Woooah.

Aphrodite, no one asked you for any of your input. 

[myheartbeats-slowly]

No one ever does ask anyone for an honest input if it's not favorable to them. 

But heeeeey big bro! How's life, how's school? Do anything cool lately so I can live vicariously through you?

[call-me-wonderboy-deactivated20]

Stop.

Being obnoxious. 

[getreadyto-party]

What?

I’m just trying to compliment this gentleman on his amazing qualities.

[myheartbeats-slowly]

Don't mind him, he's literally always scolding someone for something....like a Dad. 

But onto more important topics, DY! What are you doing here? When did you get here and the most important question of all: why didn't you tell me you were here? I'm offended. 

[luxuriouslively]

[here---comesthe---sun-blog]

Birds gotta fly, fish gotta swim, a growing boy has to eat.

Yeah…. to be honest, people would be terrified to know that octopus isn’t the scariest thing I’ve ever eaten so it’s been a while since I’ve had anything remotely Greek that I haven’t cooked on my own. I would’ve gladly prepared it myself but once again, finding people who sell it isn’t the easiest feat.

[myheartbeats-slowly]

You know my grandmother used to say something very similar to me. And then she'd proceed to wave Souvlaki in my face and force a spoon of Youvetsi in my mouth. Wasn't necessarily my favorite thing in the world, obviously.

Well there's this little Greek place on the island that my brother took me to once, I wouldn't be able to testify on behalf of their meat based dishes but everything else was really good. Maybe you can find your solution there? Yeeeah, I wouldn't know how to help you on that front...unless you wanted to go out there and catch your own octopus. That's all I got for you in terms of helpful advice.

[here---comesthe---sun-blog]

I would eat them too so I’m not particularly sorry.

[myheartbeats-slowly]

I'd tell you that was cruel, but something tells me you wouldn't necessarily care.

Jokes aside, I'm glad you found a good place to eat. I can only imagine the way people around here would look at you if you asked if octopus was on the menu. 

[here---comesthe---sun-blog]

Finally found a restaurant that serves decent octopus. Bout time.

[myheartbeats-slowly]

I hope you're aware that octopus could have had children, and you've so carelessly ripped those little octopi babies' parents away from them. How awful.

[diamondinthe--rough]

Okay, so is no one going to talk about it?

[diamondinthe--rough]

I’ve come to learn that what’s accepted over here is so drastically different. Oh, home for me is Agrabah. It’s in the Middle East. What about you? Where are you from? Ugh. Of course people like the sexy zombie, guys are such pigs. Zombie wha-? Strippers? That’s insane. Okay, it’s one thing to make the costume, one thing to wear it out, but to make a story for it? That’s too much.

Thank you, so much! Yeah, I think I’ll say I’m thankful, even though there’s somethings I’ll just never unsee, but I digress. You…are also brave. Good for you.

[myheartbeats-slowly]

Ah, I see. What's it like in Agrabah? ...And you probably get asked that question a lot, I'm sorry, I've just...never met anyone from Agrabah. I'm from Greece, Athens to be precise. Gross and strange if you're into sexy zombies. Yeaaah, I was hoping it was a comedy but it was very serious about these stripping zombies. The ideas people come up with these days. 

Well aside from the visual mind scarring, did you enjoy other aspects of Halloween? Like, did you celebrate as well?

[diamondinthe--rough]

Okay, so is no one going to talk about it?

[diamondinthe--rough]

Oh definitely, they got a confidence that I surely do not possess. They’re brave. Had I been back home, and a woman tried to dress like that, she’d probably be disowned. Oh yeah, because there’s totally a way to make zombies sexy. They’re ugly! And scary! And they eat flesh, what part of that is sexy at all? I don’t understand.

But hi Aphrodite, I’m Sadira. It’s nice to meet you. And don’t worry, I believe that not everyone got the memo, you’re not alone. I don’t know whether to shake my head, or thank Allah it wasn’t because I don’t quite like being scared.

[myheartbeats-slowly]

Yeah, my family would disown me without a second thought. But I suppose certain things are better accepted and appreciated by certain people and places. Where exactly is home for you, if you don't find it too invasive of me to ask. Apparently there's a lot of people who appreciate the sexy zombie? There's a whole film about zombie strippers. This girl made it work though, she even went the distance and made a little backstory for why her zombie was half naked and "sexy".

It's nice to meet you as well Sadira. That's a very pretty name, by the way. Oh if that's the case I'd say be thankful. I personally was looking forward to being scared.

[diamondinthe--rough]

Okay, so is no one going to talk about it?

Do I have to be that girl? I guess so. How do you lot actually celebrate this Halloween nonsense? I’ve never seen such a spectacle in my life. Like, since when was wearing lingerie outdoors…a thing? 

[myheartbeats-slowly]

Well, I mean...you've got to applaud some of these girls for the amount of confidence they possess, right? It must take a lot of pep talks to be able to step out like that. But I don't know, that could just be me trying to see the best in everything. I will say some people had some incredibly...creative ideas, sexy zombie was definitely a first.

But hello, I'm Aphrodite, one of the few girls who apparently didn't get the memo that Halloween costumes were supposed to be incredibly risque and not cute or scary. You would think a Pagan holiday would be far more terrifying...

[myheartbeats-slowly]

I should probably never watch another horror movie again.

[call-me-wonderboy-deactivated20]

A very nice one? Riiiight, I’m sure there’d be so much symbolism behind my death. They’d have children writing essays about it, I’m sure. They were, they’re a good bunch of kids. Real talent. Yeah, you’re right, coach said the same. But eh, if anything, I’d probably just assist on the side, I need to focus on my degree right now, that’s busying enough in itself. Not to mention I have a sister to look out for and do things with now.

[myheartbeats-slowly]

Also a very boring and bad one. Oh of course, so you see killing you off is more of an honor than an offense. Can I come with you the next time you decide to visit the team? I've always wanted to meet your former teammates. That's understandable, you're a grad student now which means you're overworked as it is (and also old, but that's another story.) Psh, I don't need you to look out for me. I'm fiiiiine. But you're definitely right about that second part because it's my job to harass you into doing all sorts of random things with me.