⚔ HISTORY HAS ITS EYES ON YOU.

【 Gavin Parsons // 36 // Museum Curator 】

[ncstalgics]

“Who’s up for a round of buying too many sugary things and eating all of it in the next twenty four hours?”

[screechgavin]

GAVIN RAISED a brow. “you sound like me, at eight. but sure, I’ll take a nibble. What’s the occasion, if you don’t mind me asking?”

[screechgavin]

mhrris‌:

screechgavin‌

“What’s your favorite artifact here?” Maggie asked him, genuine interest in her voice. She always had an appreciation for history and liked to learn about the places she was living in. Having liked in Holiday for only a few weeks, she didn’t know much about the town. “There’s quite a few East Coast locations. I’ve been placed here to monitor the Blue shark and Basking shark populations for the time being.” She wasn’t sure how long she’d stay. Probably at least until the summer was over and the water became cooler. “How long have you lived in Holiday?”

GAVIN LIT up at the question, and without much hesitation, headed over to the far corner of the room where a small painting hung. The curator had done his best to give it a prime spot, but it was so small it was easily overlooked. The painting showed a beautiful blonde woman. “this one here, it was donated a couple years ago, by the Humphreys. Their grandfather painted this just before he passed away -- it was what he thought his baby granddaughter would look like when she grew up,” The piece had always touched him. He listened intently to Maggie’s explanation. “huh, I wouldn’t think that. But I suppose they tend to prefer being pretty far away from land. That fascinating,” Gavin said, offering her a warm grin. “oh -- about fifteen years, I guess,”

[screechgavin]

yrsweetvalentine‌:

screechgavin‌:

“You don’t think I can handle you? That’s unlikely.” Ever the opportunist, he couldn’t resist peppering some flirtation in the conversation. Jake raised the tray and hummed. “Might be, I suppose I can spare this extra tea.” He took an appreciative view of Gavin’s outfit today - despite the teasing, Jake did admire the man’s commitment to fashion. Much different to Jake’s ripped jeans and skater shirt, hell, he didn’t even skate. “How’s life treating you this week, Gav?”

GAVIN COCKED a brow at Jake, a huge grin on his face. “what? I’m tougher than I look. Especially when I drink, don’t let my commitment to vintage fashion fool you,” He said playfully. Today was a forties inspired suit. Which, while extremely fetching, actually did very little to hide his frame. It was one of his favourites for that alone. Gavin took the tea and gave it a grateful sip. He was a coffee man, save for whatever Jake brought him. Not that he’d let the kid know. “well, so far. mostly been in the library all week, if i’m honest. what about you, kiddo?”

[screechgavin]

conscienousmind‌:

screechgavin‌:

conscienousmind‌:

“Sounds like you’ve done your research.” Ana teased. “Yeah, I am, my sister Libby is the youngest. Only by a year though so it’s not like it’s a massive age difference. Wait? I’m the only one that notices? That can’t be right. There’s got to be other people who like coming to the muesum every so often as well, right?”

“THAT IS a big part of the job,” Gavin said with pride, touching a hand to his temple in the process. The Holiday’s were a founding family he was both academically and morally obligated to do his research on them. “surprised I got that right, you two really look alike. I’m glad your parents went with distinct names at least. Honestly, we don’t get much buisness, except from tourists who, of course, wouldn’t have any idea,” It was to be expected in a town like this.

[screechgavin]

rhapsodics‌:

screechgavin‌:

Addy smirked and raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, never underestimate me, buddy. Untapped potential is exactly what we’re talking about,” she mused, pretending to be totally serious but definitely failing as she tried to stifle a laugh. “Maybe that’s my whole intention – to turn you into a model. You could be on posters for the museum or something, y’know?” She knew people who could take the photos and get it all happening. “That sounds… like complete and utter bullshit, to be honest. But that doesn’t sound much like it’d help. Red wine, yes. Olive oil and horse radish…? No.”

A PLAYFUL smile tugged at Gavin’s lips. “I’m terrified and I regret my mistakes immensely,” He said firmly. That was, until the soft melody of his laugh followed suit. Gavin cocked his head, considering the idea of him modelling. “you think? I don’t think I’d be very good at it, I’m a scholar, not a model.” Although, he could think of a few choice lovers who’d likely agree with Addy on this one. Gavin shrugged.  “hey, Alvin swears by the recipe to this day. I do believe its his greatest accomplishment. I’d say we should try it, but frankly I don’t have the heart to crush his dreams. Have you tried over-the-counter medication?”

[screechgavin]

mhrris‌:

screechgavin‌

Despite living in Holiday for a few weeks already, Maggie had been quite busy, so she hadn’t had the time to get out much and start introducing herself to people. “I bet. Research can be very tedious, but it’s always worth it in the end, right?” Having a career that was research-based as well, Maggie understood what went into a job like his. “Enjoying your work is the important part,” she said with a smile. “Oh, I came here for work. The NOAA Fishery in Maine needed a marine biologist, so they offered the job to me and I jumped at the chance to relocate.” 

THOUGH GAVIN had only just met Maggie, he was already taking a liking to her. A woman who understood the importance of research was a woman after his own heart. “I couldn’t agree more,” He said, the happiness plastered all over his face. “and at the end of the day I can feel like I’m making a difference -- just uncovering the past, sure, but in a place like this it’s all new news,” He added. Gavin’s eyebrows rose in surprise. He hadn’t been expecting that as a profession. “oh really? that’s fascinating,” He meant it, too. “I didn’t even know there was a NOAA in Maine. They stuck you in Holiday of all places? Is there a marine-specific reason?”

[screechgavin]

rhapsodics‌:

screechgavin‌:

“Yeah, I’m drinking in moderation like a good, responsible adult,” she hummed. Or, at least, like something that resembled a good, responsible adult. Actually being one properly? Unlikely. “I don’t like the sound of that saying, though. That doesn’t sound like fun at all, and fun is what I’m trying to be all about this weekend!” She grinned. “I don’t wanna get so drunk that I just lose all my inhibitions and get sick, y’know? Just… tipsy enough to enjoy myself more.”

GAVIN HADN’T drunk in moderation since the Great Hangover Of ‘05 and he said as much to Evie. He’d had a few, and was loosing that scholarly tone he was so known for. “bully it doesn’t, you just haven’t done it right, I’d guess,” He said, flashing her a grin. “loosing your inhibitions is all part of the game. you get to play sherlock the next day with your buds, piecing the night together,” He explained, taking a long pull from his drunk. “But you’re right, I think’d hit you too hard, so maybe you should be responsible,” Gavin paused, then jerked his chin at her. “have we met?”

[rhapsodics]

Evie finished off the rest of her drink in one go and waited a moment before speaking. “I’m three drinks in, it’s so loud and I already have a headache. I have a feeling these next few days are gonna destroy me completely but hey, it’s gotta be worth it for all the fun, right? I’m making up for all the fun I didn’t have when I was a teenager.”

[screechgavin]

GAVIN DOWNED the remainder of his drink, without so much as batting an eye. He was no stranger to the practice of drinking one’s weight in booze, even at only the slightest inclination of a celebration. In fact, he’d gotten quite good at it. Sliding his new drink closer to him, Gavin turned to the woman beside him. “three? its been hours,” He mused with a little frown. “you know, where I come from there’s a saying: ‘if you’re not still hungover three days later, you didn’t drink enough’” Gavin offered her a wily smile. “so party for all your teenage-self desires, and if you get bored add a few more drinks on top of that,”

[screechgavin]

mhrris‌:

screechgavin‌

Maggie offered him a smile as she took his hand and gave it a polite shake. She always enjoyed meeting new people, especially when she was in new places. She had lived in several different cities, countries, and continents throughout her life. “It’s lovely to meet you, Gavin. I’m Maggie,” she introduced herself. “Museum curator? That sounds like such a fun job. You get to look at all these wonderful pieces of history.”

GAVIN WAS a friendly sort, always had been. In no small part due to his wonderful parents and elders. The curator had no issue planting himself across from Maggie, as if they were old friends. “nice to meet you too, Maggie,” A warm smile. “yeah, it sounds quite exciting. I try to make it that way, but it’s a lot of research, compelling lists of family heirlooms and lineages.  These artifacts are hard to come by. I don’t mind though, I enjoy the work,” He said with gusto. “what about you? do you mind if I ask what brought you to our little slice of the world?”

[yrsweetvalentine-blog]

@screechgavin

Jake strolled through the museum, a man on a mission as they say. He held a drink carrier with two drinks, an offering for the nuisance he would be today. He couldn’t help it, really. Gavin was so easy to bother and as long as he allowed Jake to be a bother… well, he would be. One spotted, he put on his act. “Sir, oh sir- are you alright? Have you just come out of a time machine? Do you know what year it is?” He asked Gavin with wide eyes. “It’s 2019 in America, where do you come from?”

[screechgavin]

GAVIN HAD been looking forward to Jake’s arrival all morning, not that he’d ever admit it. He was hardly phased by the young man’s vain attempts to get a rise out of him anymore. Or at least, he expected them. The playful calling made Gavin turn, a wily grin on his features, “my boy,” he said, putting on his best George Washington impression. “the story of my lineage is a long and frightful tale. One I fear you aren’t ready for, even in the year of our Lord 2019,” He raised his finger towards the tray. “one of those better be for me,”

[screechgavin]

skylarhcrt‌:

screechgavin‌:

Green hues stare up at the other when he turns around to face her. “Good afternoon to you too, and ya caught me.” She puts her hands up and laughs softly. “It ain’t just hot, those people out there are sweatin’ like sinners in church.” Sky states with a snort as she looks down and shakes her head. “I ain’t been used to this kind of weather in a long while.”

“SWEATING LIKE sinners in a church,” Gavin mimed, mulling over the strange phrase. “If I’m not mistaken, that’s a distinctly southern colloquialism, isn’t it?” He questioned, offering a small smile. “sorry, sorry, that was rude of me. I’m not trying to gather your family history or anything, that kind of thing just interests me. do you mind if I ask where you’re from?”

[screechgavin]

hclidaysin‌:

gavin·:

Being from Brooklyn, it wasn’t much different in temperature than Holiday, but she had always been more of a cool-weather kind of girl. So she could feel herself slowly starting to overheat in the dead of summer heat currently capping over the town. Finding shelter had been her first priority the second she started sweating an indecent amount, and though she was not one to usually peruse museums, she was not above taking shelter in one. Maybe they’d have a place to get some water or something, she’d thought, as she entered the building, and gave a sigh of relief as the cool air hit her. Jo wiped at her brow and looked around, hoping to see a gift shop or something that sold a cold bottle of water, but frowned in disappointment when she saw nothing. Well, it was a museum, after all. She wasn’t sure what she’d expected. When the man close by turned and greeted her, she slowly exhaled a breath, “Yeah, no kidding…it’s like 105 degrees out there or something, it’s practically an inferno. Thanks, and no offense, but I’m more interested in something cold to drink than whatever’s in all these displays right now.”

GAVIN’S HEART really went out to the poor woman. He remembered how long it had taken him to get accustomed to this new climate. And even at thirty-six, he still wasn’t fully prepared to handle the heat. It was one of the many things that kept him out of the south. “of course, let me go look to see if I have something,” Gavin said quickly. He had a mini fridge in his office, left there by the previous owner, but he hardly kept it stocked for anyone but himself. The curator was back in mere moments, having only to glance in the nearly empty fridge to see what was on offer. “this is all I’ve got. It’s open, if that bothers you,” He explained, holding out a half filled bottle of water. “i’ve got a kettle in the back, but that’s not exactly cold,”

[screechgavin]

rhapsodics‌:

screechgavin‌:

“I mean, you might be right. I just haven’t recognized them all yet,” she flashed him a playful grin. Truly, she didn’t even know what was going on in her head half the time, so Gavin’s suggestion might not have been totally off. “Yes, feel free to absolutely take that compliment. I’d like to see other people try to rock it, but I doubt they’d do it as well as you, honey.” She, for example, would fail miserably. “That doesn’t surprise me from a second. But spring is… spring is allergy season. Spring is ‘Addy never leaves the house without forty tissues’ season.”

GAVIN LOOKED Addy over, humming to himself. “they’re lying dormant, waiting to make their move. You know, I always sense some untapped potential in you, but I didn’t think it was this,” he said playfully. “keep talking like that and you’ll turn me into a model,” Gavin’s face fell at the thought of it. “no, actually, I paid too much for my degree. its museum or bust,” He cocked his head, considering her stance. Gavin hadn’t ever suffered from allergies, for a number of years so the thought hadn’t crossed his mind. “That’s fair. You know, I once knew this feller, he swore he knew how to cure my allergies. Told my parents to mix olive oil, horse radish and a little bit of red wine. They got me to drink it too, We ended up moving -- which, I’m pretty sure is what cleared them up, but by all means give that a shot,”

[screechgavin]

eastonrogers‌:

screechgavin‌:

Holiday was a very loud place. He hadn’t realized before, it was only himself he had to worry about, there had never been any need for him to be able to find a quiet spot until today, and he had realized there were very few options in a place this busy. He didn’t know if Luca was too warm, tired, hungry or just in a plain old bad mood but Easton did know his son hadn’t stopped crying for the past hour and he needed to sleep. Pushing the stroller into the museum Easton gave a small sigh as the only noise around him was the sound of bickering on the phone, that he could deal with. Pushing Luca further into the museum he noted the way his son as quietened with the room. “Oh no, I was here for the silence, someone needs to nap and this was the only peaceful place I could find.” 

GAVIN HADN’T exactly been expecting a baby, in fact, he didn’t think one had ever been inside the building before. At least, not since he’d taken charge and revamped the place. Gavin couldn’t say he minded so long as the father kept him from ripping apart the displays. “ah, well silence is about the only thing we have an abundance of,” Gavin admitted with a small smile. His eyes fell upon the fussy child. “sure, no problem. I doubt anyone will come in here, but if you’d like to play it safe you can use my office? I don’t mind, really,”

[screechgavin]

phxsphcncs‌:

screechgavin‌:

“oh, sorry gavin.” replied she, recognizing the voice right away and blinking away the sleep her eyes held. she probably shouldn’t have stayed up so late, it was making her day fairly worse. “yeah, i had mack do it actually, let me grab them.” offered the librarian, pushing off from her desk and moving over to the cart with everything people had called in for. aly rifled around for a bit, then grabbed a box with everything in it and turned to set it back on the high counter in front of the desk. “think you can have them back in a month? we don’t loan them out usually, but i trust you to bring them back and treat them well.”

GAVIN SHOVED his hands in his pockets, offering her a casual shrug. “no worries, they work you harder than me,” He chuckled softly. Her exhaustion read clear as day on her features. Gavin found himself wishing he’d brought her a coffee was he followed her toward the reserves cart. “a whole month? I’ll have them back in thirty days, guaranteed,” He promised, sliding the box towards himself. Opening the lid, Gavin took a quick peek inside, though he didn’t dare rifle through without gloves. Even if it wasn’t technically library policy, he wanted to do what he could to preserve such an integral part of the town’s history. “and as compensation, how about I whip down to the cafe and pick you up something to drink?”

[screechgavin]

mhrris‌:

screechgavin‌

Maggie decided to take the day to check out some places in town, the museum being one of them. She was still very new around Holiday, and had been so busy with her job and her child that she hadn’t been able to take any time for herself. Thankfully, her older sister came for a visit, so she was now able to do so. As she made her way through the museum, she turned a corner and immediately took a step back when she felt like she intruded on the man’s space. “Good afternoon,” Maggie replied politely. “Thank you. I’m sure I will have a ton of questions. I take it you work here?”

GAVIN WASN’T exactly the face of the town. He was under no obligation to meet its residents, but had taken the job upon himself for the sake of his work. That mostly consisted of talking to people at least three times his age, gathering a comprehensive family history as well as taking on any valuables they wished to donate. He wasn’t as familiar with the younger crowd, but he knew most by reputation at least. Maggie, Gavin could not place, which he assumed made her a new arrival -- or a tourist. “I am,” He said proudly, offering her a hand. “Gavin Parsons, Holiday’s one & only museum curator.” and historical scholar, most likely.

[screechgavin]

conscienousmind‌:

screechgavin‌:

“Looks like you caught me.” Ana smiled. “I can’t help it. I love whenever there’s new things put out. I feel like I couldn’t ever get lost in here again because I pretty much know my way around by now.” Ana shook the man’s hand. “Anastasia Holiday but you can call me Ana for short.”

“YOU’RE PROBABLY the only person in town who notices when I do,” Gavin pointed out with an affectionate tone. The museum was filled with little else other than heirlooms -- each a piece of a family in its own right, but lacking some of the splendor that larger organizations had. “ah,” He nodded in recognition. “so you’re the second youngest Holiday, if I’m not mistaken?” Gavin had done his fair share of research on the local families. The Holidays first and foremost. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you,”