#'i love the foxtrot don't you?' 'it's alright'

[rhaenella]

Jimmy Kent: Our Dancing Queen

[ellewritesalright]

Foxtrot

Nikolai Lantsov x reader

A/N: hi! This was a request by an anon! Hope yall enjoy :)

Request: reader is like the princess or some kind of duchess from kerch and she gets invited to a ball in ravka. there, she meets nikolai and he is head over heels for her and they dance and everything

Warnings: Fluff, dancing, me not knowing shit about dancing

Word Count: 900

..........

The ball wasn't his idea. Genya was the organizer, and David and Zoya fell into the roles of enabler and enforcer respectively. Nikolai didn't see the use in a great gathering like this, but Genya was insistent.

"You need a queen, and what better place to find one than through drink and dance," she'd said.

He wanted to bash his head against the freshly painted walls of the Grand Palace's ballroom, but sighed and stayed stoic at his post in the corner. He took up residence there as soon as the evening started, allowing guests to approach and greet him while Tamar and Tolya flanked him. He made idle conversation as he watched the dancing.

Ties and tails and ballgowns of every colour--though he noticed a wealth of women in emerald green, the same colour of the gem reserved for the Lantsov royal family--swished about the room. It was a little nice to see the dancing, a little mesmerizing even, but he would never tell Genya that he was enjoying himself.

When the band's song finished, the dancers came to a stop. People milled on the floor for a moment, then a Kerch foxtrot began. Many people left for refreshments, but a few couples remained. The dance was not popular with Ravkans as most preferred a waltz, and he saw many nobles from his country skirting to the edges of the room. Even the seemingly most accomplished dancers from other countries were sitting this one out, but there in the middle of the floor was you and a graceless partner.

He'd seen you throughout the night, flowing across the room no matter who your partner was. His eyes often tracked you and your deep blue dress. It reminded him of the ocean waves cresting, especially with its white lining that complimented your movements so perfectly.

He knew your partner. The Count of Ulensk, who spent more time bidding on horses in Caryeva than caring for his people at home. Despite all his time in the liveliest Ravkan city, he was a terrible dancer. You flowed as gracefully as a swan, he moved more like a penguin, clonking about and stepping on your toes.

Without a second thought, Nikolai excused himself from whichever diplomat he was conversing with and strode towards the floor. He tapped the Count on the shoulder.

"Excuse me for interrupting, but may I steal this dance with your partner?"

The Count seemed offended for a moment, but he quickly nodded. "Of course, your highness."

As soon as he was out of sight, Nikolai gave you a smile and took your hand. He bowed, you bowed, and the dancing began

"Thank you," you said.

He gave you a charming smile. "Don't mention it. I couldn't let you suffer out here, especially not when you're the best dancer I've seen all night."

At his words your eyes dipped bashfully.

"That's a lofty compliment, one I'm not sure I'm worthy of. I'm only alright at dancing."

"Then everyone else must be abysmal. Quite unfortunate they were all invited to this ball, then. I must tell my advisors to invite real dancers to one of these next time. And you, of course. Even if you are only alright." He took a good look at you before he swiveled the two of you. "Where are you from?"

"Kerch, your highness. I came with my father, Councilman Bodden."

Your father was a Councilman in Kerch? That meant you had money; Genya and the squadron of people invested in his future queen would love that for Nikolai and for the Ravkan coffers.

He turned the pair of you around again, marveling a bit at how well you kept up. "And how was your journey?"

"Land travel became a bit boring after a while, especially through the desert of the former Fold. The trip across the True Sea was my favourite part of it."

"Was it now?" He raised a brow.

He wasn't sure if you were honest. He knew some in Ravkan court knew his identity on the sea. Perhaps the secret had spread and your speaking about the sea was a mere tactic to attract him to you. Yet that possibility didn't stop him from thinking you were incredibly cute.

"It was, your highness." Your eyes lit up. "My family's home is on the water, but we rarely go out into the harbours, and we'd never crossed the sea before--well I think my father had, but I certainly hadn't."

"Until now," he grinned

"Until now," you said with a nod.

He dipped you, his hand strong at the square of your back. You smiled politely, though he could see in your excited eyes how you were holding back a grin. He raised you back up.

"And do you like it here in Ravka?" He asked quietly.

"Yes," you breathed. "Very much so."

"I'm glad," he said.

Then the pair of you danced in comfortable silence. Nikolai couldn't stop staring into your eyes. And you–despite your initial meekness–met his stare eagerly, as though his eyes were speaking of their own accord, whispering pretty things to you. Saints knew he wanted to say them aloud, but a crowded ballroom hardly seemed the place for them.

The band slowed, the rest of the dancers did too, but Nikolai didn't want to stop. He held your hand even as the music stopped completely and both his and your feet had halted.

"Will you dance the next song with me, your highness?" You asked, your eyes hopeful.

"It would be my honour."

..........

A/N: Thanks for reading! Feel free to like, reblog, and comment if you want to read more, I really appreciate the feedback! Reminder that requests are still open for shorter fics like this. Otherwise, I hope you have a great day/night :)

[dwtsfun]

Dancing with the Stars Season 33 Week 2: Sending Off an Ingrate and a Shocker

Work is still awful, but I need to come on here to talk to you all about the show this week. A lot happened and we need to discuss. I'm gonna rank the stars based on my enjoyment of each performance (mostly) combined with how I feel they may fare with votes. But before that, let's address the elephant in the room. That elimination. So first of all, I was SHOCKED to see Tori Spelling out in the first week. Was she amazing? No. But I think she did enough to cement a third week. I guess I underestimated the fact that she seems to be really disliked. Because between being a part of Beverly Hills 90210, being the daughter of Aaron Spelling and being constantly talked about for decades at this point, I thought she was gonna be around til week 5 at least. Y'all know it takes a lot to shock me with regard to this show. The double did her in and that's why I always hate double eliminations in week 1. It always takes out one person that maybe needs a little more time to get going. As for Anna? Well it was expected. What I wasn't expecting was her parting words. I feel for Ezra mostly, because that man was riding for her since the day he met her. He took amazing care of her and I know it was hard for him to see the heat she was taking. And you're telling me she couldn't even thank him for showing her that she was more than her crime. Or CAI who tried uplifting the past two weeks? What a waste. Even I didn't go in like I could've and really wanted to because I think people deserve a second chance after committing certain crimes (not drugging, murder, sexual assault, trafficking and your third time physically assaulting someone).She played in all of our faces. You know who I don't feel bad for? Conrad and the rest of the producers for DWTS. I said on twitter, "play stupid games, win stupid fucking prizes". She got on that show, on that platform that y'all gave her and bent over backwards to make it work for her, just for her to spit in your faces and tell y'all that y'all ain't shit, ain't been shit and will never be shit. And honestly, that's the one positive thing I can take from her response. Showing them that they are fools for casting her was great. Hate that this show has fallen so far that someone can say that and the show deserves it. Alright, let's get into these couples:

Top Four

Chandler and Brandon might be my favorite partnership in quite some time. They work well together. Chandler is an incredible dancer with the most gorgeous movement quality. And Brandon is creating some great dances. That was a beautiful rumba. I want them to go far. I think they can go far. I don't want another Tinashe situation to happen. But so far, they are doing exactly what they need to do.

Stephen and Rylee are super fun to watch together. They mesh well and Rylee is definitely choreographing some good numbers that showcase Stephen extremely well. I have a concern though. Stephen is a very awkward mover. That was super obvious in this paso. His hips and shaping looked strange. His footwork made me scratch my head. It was a little strange. His timing is still a bit off. He's got a lot of potential, but they really need to work on finetuning these dances. I can see this being a bigger problem in the more fluid Latin dances and the Argentine tango.

Ilona and Alan are just so much fun. I'm glad Ilona let her guard down a bit more this week. She wasn't moving as small in this salsa and really settled into and owned her sexy more. I love that Alan added a couple of lifts for her as it may have helped her feel more comfortable. She has a ton of potential too and I'm super excited to see their dances once she really lets loose. I actually feel like she might shine in a ballroom dance. I know they have that coming up next.

Dwight and Daniella actually did a great job with the foxtrot. Dwight really really wants to do well and you can tell. He is paying so much attention to the details. He connects his moves. He finishes his lines. And he really handles Daniella with so much care. Two things though. I know that the height difference definitely affects this, but he's gotta work on tucking his butt under him. Second is the footwork needs to be cleaned up.

Middle of the Pack

Joey and Jenna made a believer out of me this week. He is definitely one to watch for sure. He is charming. He seems to be a fast learner. He has great movement quality, especially for a man this early on in the competition. He's still gotta work on his hip action. It isn't natural. Once he get that figured out, I'm a little scared about how good those Latin dances will be. Because this rumba was really really nice.

Danny and Witney are my dark horses of the season. Danny is light on his feet and he stays on time (mostly). Witney is doing great choreography and his technique in this jive was great. I still want him to loosen up more, but I can tell that he made a big shift from week 1 to week 2 in comfortability and confidence. These two, as well as the 5 above them, have me super excited for this season. I can't remember the last time I was this genuinely excited for 6 different couples in one season.

Phaedra and Val are interesting to me. I don't think Phaedra is very good. And I don't think Val is choreographing to her dance strengths that well. That section of their foxtrot that was super fast exposed A LOT of Phaedra's technical setbacks. She was super hoppy. That said, I like their partnership. Phaedra is a larger than life personality, so she makes up for the lack of ability with her performance. I want Val to slow things down though. I think that would better suit her at this point.

Jenn and Sasha are an interesting couple. While Jenn handled some of the production issues like a pro, some of the choreographic choices were a choice. I do not understand why there was a cartwheel thrown into this dance. Or jumps and side by side choreography? I'm cool with that stuff being thrown into quicksteps, but a tango? Why? And why are we using these types of songs for tangos while we're at it? There are so many movies that have been nominated for Oscars that have actual tango music in them. Moulin Rouge comes to mind immediately. I feel like that could've forced Sasha to not make stupid choreography decisions. So this is what I'm going to say. Jenn is a good dancer. A lot of her undoing and early departure (because I'm feeling a "shocking" elimination from her) will be due to his choreography. Because again, why?

Bottom Three

So I'm just going to make this easy for these three. Eric and Reginald are both terrible. There's really not much that either Britt or Emma can do for either one of them at this point. They really won't get all that much better, if at all. In fact, I can see both of them getting worse as the season goes on. The one thing I can say is that they both improved this week.

Brooks and Gleb are interesting. Brooks is good. But that quickstep was not it and Gleb is relying way too much on this STUPID SHOWMANCE that they keep trying to shove down our throats. We're TIRED! It sickens me to my core. The fact that Derek clocked that they did a tango hold instead of the correct hold lets me know exactly where his priorities are. So I say that it's time for us to take a stand. We have to stand against showmances on this show. We gotta let these folks know that we are TIRED. We are not stupid. You cannot play us for fools. I'm ready for them to GO!

So that's it. No show this week. Two shows next Monday and Tuesday. Let me know your thoughts and I will talk to you all soon.

[benwvatt]

oooh, for the writer's ask game: 4, 10, 11 and 34, please :)

thank you for the ask! <3

4. Have you ever been published, or do you want to be published?

I've never been published and don't particularly want to be; at least, not for creative writing. (In my academia life, yes, I would love to be published!) In terms of fandom, I mostly would love to be a part of more zines, fandom writing events, and fanfic. I have all these ideas and much less energy to execute my ideas. (SOMEDAY, I COULD/MIGHT WRITE THE JAPRIL KICKBOXING FIC, AS WELL AS THE JAPRIL FICLET COLLECTION THAT I'M DREAMING OF! No promises, sadly.)

10. Do you set yourself deadlines?

Eh, maybe I should, but not usually. I'm often caught on the seesaw between 'fandom event deadlines keep me accountable!' and 'great, now I have signed up for a big event I need to be accountable to', and I sign up for quite a few fandom events per year.

11. Books and/or authors who influenced you the most

Oooh, I love this question. Alright, here's a smattering of books: The Great Gatsby, The Raven Cycle series, The Anthropocene Reviewed, The Fault in Our Stars; I really don't read that much, but I do think the whimsical-lyrical-gentle-poetic-sad nature of the books I love inspire me. Additional shoutout to the dozens of fic authors in the B99 fandom that have inspired me, such as elsaclack; the poet Yilin Wang; tons of other fic authors in my various fandoms; several comics published by Quindrie Press; Calvin and Hobbes; Foxtrot; Pokemon; L.M. Alcott; Matilda, etc., I could go on for a while.

[theaterism]

✏️!!! for wren and fox but also anyone else if u'd like bc all our characters have fantastic dynamics actually ABKXBBKD

incorrect quotes - accepting!

Wren: Someone care to explain why we have 6 dogs in our apartment?

Foxtrot: They're golden retrievers. They retrieve gold. I did this for us.

-

Foxtrot: Sorry it took so long to bail you out of jail.

Wren: No, it was my fault. I shouldn't have used my phone call to prank call the police station.

-

Wren: Don’t worry, I have a permit.

Foxtrot: ...This just says “I can do what I want”.

-

Wren: We just ate. Why are you making pancakes?

Foxtrot: For the dogs.

Wren: Why are you making pancakes for the dogs?

Foxtrot: They don't know how.

-

Wren: You are, of course, wondering why it is I have brought you here tonight.

Foxtrot: Actually, Wren, after all these years, I just sort of go with it.

-

Wren: If I run and leap at Fox, he will most certainly catch me in his arms.

Wren, running towards Foxtrot: Coming in!

Foxtrot: No! I’m holding tea!

Foxtrot: *Drops tea and catches Wren*

-

Foxtrot: Thought I was meowing back at the cat for the past hour, but it was just me and Wren meowing at each other from different rooms in the theater.

-

Wren: I am 39 cheetos tall.

Foxtrot: Why... are you measuring your height in cheetos?

Wren: Because we're out of doritos.

-

Foxtrot: It’s a powerful artifact. We’d be messing with some forces we don’t fully understand.

Wren: That sounds like a dare to me.

Foxtrot: Oh my god.

-

Wren: Pick a card, any card.

Foxtrot: Alright.

Wren: Wait, that's my credit card!

Foxtrot: You said any card.

-

Foxtrot: It's called cauliflower, not ghost broccoli.

Wren, eye wide: I know what I saw.

-

Foxtrot: I'm sorry. Please talk to me.

Wren:

Foxtrot: Hello? World's most amazing person?? Sweet pea? Precious cinnamon roll that's too good for this world, too pure?

Wren: 'Sorry' doesn't bring back my fucking M&Ms.

——

…. bonus cerise and farren quotes bc i appreciate them too okay agdgdgdgd

——

Cerise: What do I get?

Farren: A night of fashion, mischief, mayhem, and possible death.

Cerise: Ooh, check, check, and check; not sure about that last one.

Farren: It won't be you.

Cerise: I'll get my coat.

-

Cerise: I made tea.

Farren: I don't want tea.

Cerise: I didn't make you tea. This is my tea.

Farren: Then why did you tell me?

Cerise: It's a conversation starter.

Farren: It's a horrible conversation starter.

Cerise: Oh, is it? We're conversing. Checkmate.

-

Cerise: I sort of did something and I need some advice, but I don't want a lot of judgment and criticism.

Farren: And you came to me?

-

Cerise, trying to comfort Farren: What's the problem? Anxiety? Low self-esteem? Obsessive thoughts of random arson? I've been there.

-

Cerise, to Farren: If you can ever manage to get over yourself, I would highly recommend being me.

-

Cerise: Just be yourself. Say something nice.

Farren: Which one? I can't do both.

-

Cerise: Are you mad?

Farren: No.

Cerise: So sharpening your knives at 3 in the morning is just a hobby?

-

Cerise: That sounds lovely! Doesn’t that sound lovely, Farren?

Farren: No.

Cerise: I think I speak for Farren when I say it sounds really lovely.

-

Farren: Someone will die.

Cerise: Of fun!

-

Cerise: You know what I’ve realized?

Farren: Some thoughts are better left unsaid?

Cerise: Nice try, anyways-

[asmodeus-fallen-principality]

You know, I think the lovely thing about popular genres of music is how accessable they are. People my age tend to be reserved towards Classical, but everyone loves Debussy when it's played to them. You don't need any research for it. Same thing with rock and folk, and so on...

Especially the music meant for dancing! I listen to all kinds of things, because my friends ramdomly share their stuff with me. So maybe take a less methodical approach? I think as long as you're getting something out of it, you're listening to it the 'right' way and otherwise the song maybe just isn't for you.

Here, how about I just put on some of my music? *gets phone out* This one's kind of gentle and sweet; 2nd stanza reminds me of autumn. *smiles and starts swaying in chair* https://open.spotify.com/track/44alNkXsYnTyPnkMdohBcx?si=sObNxv-yTLOJn07cGtu1nQ

Also I totally meant it as a compliment!

((Haha, relatable!))

The trouble with not being human is that sometimes I blink and a century passes. And that was alright in the old days, where not much would change, but everything moves so fast nowadays. I can scarcely believe that 1924 was a hundred years ago - I'm still playing catch-up with the Charleston and the Foxtrot.

Human music is made for the human ear, after all, not the infernal, and so I sometimes feel like I have to study the context of music in order to appreciate it. To me, the electric guitar sounds like a pointless, awful racket - until I look up the function and purpose of a magnetic pickup and amplifier, and how they revolutionised playing live music to large crowds... I was too busy at the time of its invention catching up with Gilbert and Sullivan!

I'd joke that I might just catch up with today's music before the start of the 22nd century, but it honestly might take me longer.

All that being said - I do quite like the song you played! Singing in harmonies with a nice stringed instrument is rather timeless... and the lyrics are very sweet.

It sounds like how I feel about my angel.

[rushingheadlong]

Huge thanks to a very dear friend who bought this article out from underneath me from an ebay auction, and then sent to me as a surprise!

Originally published in Melody Maker in late 1974 (exact date unknown). Full article text below the read more.

The MERLIN File

EVOLUTION: Merlin's manager, Derek Chick, and Allan Love decided in May 1973 to form a new London-based group that would incorporate three basic essentials: musicianship, image and stage presentation. After extensive auditions and rehearsals the band was gigging by July under the name Madrigal, which was changed in February 1974 to Merlin.

PERSONNEL CHANGES: Jacob Magmusson (keyboards) left in October 1973 and Paul Taylor (bass) in September 1974.

ORIGIN OF NAME: Scully Wagon-Lit's idea in the van going to a gig.

FIRST PUBLIC APPEARANCE: Zero 6, Southend, 17/July/1973.

FIRST BROADCAST: BBC Radio One David Hamilton Show and Radio Luxembourg Power Play consecutively in March 1974.

FIRST TELEVISION: Scottish TV's Showcase in November 1973.

MANAGEMENT: Derek Chick, Chic's Own Music and Management Ltd, 246/248 Great Portland Street, London W1 (01-381 6192/3).

AGENT: Barry Collings Agency Ltd, 15 Claremont Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex (0702-47343/43464).

RECORDING COMPANY: CBS Records Ltd, 28-30 Theobalds Road, London WC1 (01-242 9000).

RECORD PRODUCER: Roger Greenaway.

MUSIC PUBLISHING COMPANY: Shapiro, Bernstein and Co Ltd, 246/248 Great Portland Street, London W1 (01-387 6192) and Grenyoco Music Ltd, 108 Park Street, London W1 (01-493 6439).

FAN CLUB: Ling, 17 Gladstone Park Gardens, Cricklewood, London NW2.

BRITISH TOURS: 47 dates 1/March-28/April/1974 Top Rank ballrooms, clubs and colleges. Solo tour.

AMERICAN TOURS: None.

TRANSPORT: Ford DO607 3-ton truck for the equipment and Audi 100 for the group.

STAGE MANAGERS: Iain Ward (Sound Engineer), Chris Taylor (Lighting Engineer), "Speedy" (Stage Roadie), "Crystal" (Assistant Lighting Engineer).

SINGLES: "(Let Me) Put My Spell On You" c/w "Just ANother Fish On My Hook (CBS, 1/March/1974), "Alright" c/w "Pictures In My Mind" (CBS, 28/June/1974), "Wild Cat" c/w "Half A Man" (CBS, 1/Nov/1974).

ALBUMS: "Merlin" (CBS, 25/Oct/1974).

P.A.: 1400-watt JBL system comprising Kelsey 16-channel stereo custom mixer, 4 x DC3000 Crown amps, 4 x bass bins with 2 x 15 inch JBL speakers in each, 2 x mid range JBL horns, 2 x high-frequency JBL boxes with lens horns, two bullets. Microphones are 8 Sure Unidyne III 545, 2 AKG 190C, one AKG D12, 4 Calrec condensers, 4 Sims Watts condensers, 3 Sure Unisphere B. Binson Echorec and Mavis 3-way active stereo crossover with stage boxes, cables, etc. Lighting comprises 6 x 100 watt Strand Floods on stage, 30 x 200 watt Strand Floods on stage scaffolding, 3 x Strand 1,000-watt follow spots and stands, 2 x Strobes and a Strand dimmer board.

ALAN LOVE: Vocalist

BORN: Hampsted, North West London. 13/Dec./1952.

EDUCATED: Challoner School, Finchley, North London.

MUSICAL TRAINING: None.

MUSICAL CAREER: Has been professional for seven years, playing in Opal Butterfly from 1967 to 1969 with Simon King (Hawkwing) and Tom Doherty (Sting). Referendum from 1969 to 1973 and Madrigal/Merlin from 1973.

OTHER OCCUPATIONS: None.

MUSICAL INFLUENCES: Mick Jagger, Joe Cocker, Little Richard.

COMPOSITIONS: "Half A Man," "Space Raider" and co-wrote with Gary Hardwick "Getting Involved" all recorded by Merlin.

FAVOURITE SINGLES: "Something In The Air" (Thunderclap Newman), "McArthur Park" (Richard Harris).

FAVOURITE ALBUMS: "Tapestry" (Carol King), "Court Of The Crimson King" (King Crimson), "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" (Simon and Garfunkel).

FAVOURITE MUSICIANS: Paul McCartney, Steve Howe, Tom Doherty.

FAVOURITE SONGWRITERS: Lennon and McCartney, Cat Stevens, Carol King.

FAVOURITE SINGERS: Joe Cocker, Neil Diamond.

RESIDENCE: Bachelor flat in Wandsworth, South West London.

INSTRUMENTS: None.

GARY ALICE STRANGE: Bass, vocals and guitar.

BORN: Hampsted, London. 26/Oct./1952.

EDUCATED: Whitefield School, Barnet.

MUSICAL TRAINING: Three classical guitar lessons and then self taught.

MUSICAL CAREER: Various semi-pro bands and wrote first song aged 16 featured on ATV programme "Come Here Often." Former band with Dave Martin called March Hare and recorded LP for MAM. Group then changed to newly-formed Kinks Production Company, but after few months of touring with Kinks and recording, split up. Joined Merlin.

OTHER OCCUPATIONS: Director of La Starza Palace Studio.

MUSICAL INFLUENCES: Beatles, Stones, Free, Average White Band.

COMPOSITIONS: "Gipsy Rose Lee" and "Lay Me Down" for March Hare both issued as singles by MAM.

FAVOURITE SINGLES: "I Am A Walrus" (Beatles), "Need Your Love So Bad" (Fleetwood Mac), "Little Bit Of Love" (Free), "Amoureuse" (Kiki Dee).

FAVOURITE ALBUMS: "Elf" (Elf), "Sgt Pepper" (Beatles), "Talking Book" (Stevie Wonder).

FAVOURITE MUSICIANS: Andy Fraser, David Martin, Peter Green, Liberace.

FAVOURITE SONGWRITERS: Lennon and McCartney, Holland, Dozier and Holland, Lional Bart and Paul Simon.

FAVOURITE SINGERS: Paul Rodgers, Elvis Presley, Tina Turner, Rod Stewart.

RESIDENCE: Single and lives in Hampstead, North West London.

INSTRUMENTS: Fender Precision Bass with thin maple neck. Hagstrom six-string guitar with pick-up. Kemble baby grand piano. Rotosound Roundwound strings. Orange 120-watt amp with 2 x 15 inch reflex cabinets.

JAMIE MOSES: Lead guitar and vocals.

BORN: Ipswich, Suffolk, 30/Aug/1955.

EDUCATED: Schools in America and Japan. Shirley High School and Redhill Technical College in Surrey.

MUSICAL TRAINING: Self-taught.

MUSICAL CAREER: Given first guitar when ten, formed first band at 11. Formed the Inferno, 1969-71, in Japan, doing gigs, radio, TV. Came to England in 1971, worked with semi-pro bands and at a music shop in Croydon. Formed Angel with Scully 1972 and recorded LP of original material. Joined Madrigal July 1973.

MUSICAL INFLUENCES: Jimmy Page, Paul Kossoff, Beatles.

COMPOSITIONS: "Just Another Fish On My Hook", "Gypsy", and "He Thinks About You All The Time" all recorded by Merlin. Co-wrote "Angel" LP with Scully.

FAVOURITE SINGLES: "Livin' For The City" (Stevie Wonder), "Can't Get Enough" (Bad Company), "Joybringer" (Manfred Mann's Earthband).

FAVOURITE ALBUMS: "Foxtrot" by Genesis.

FAVOURITE MUSICIANS: Genesis, Steve Howe, Free, Scully Wagon-Lits.

FAVOURITE SONGWRITERS: Paul McCartney, Genesis, Stevie Wonder.

FAVOURITE SINGERS: Paul Rodgers, Peter Gabriel, Mario Lanza and David Coverdale.

RESIDENCE: Is single and lives with his parents at Sanderstead, Surrey.

INSTRUMENTS: White Les Paul Deluxe (1973) and black Les Paul Custom (1974), both with Rotosound ultra-light strings and Gibson plectrums. EKO 6-string acoustic guitar with La Bella strings. Hiwatt 100-watt amp fitted with half power switch for distortion and sustain at almost any volume. Two 2 x 15 Fender Dual Showman JBL Cabinets. A cheap Japanese fuzz box with a three-tone fuzz switch.

SCULLY WAGON-LITS: Keyboards, guitar and vocals.

BORN: Balham, South West London, 20/Dec./1953.

EDUCATED: Henry Cavendish (Balham), Bec School (Tooting) and Archbishop Tennison (South Croydon).

MUSICAL TRAINING: Guitar lessons at night school for one year aged eight, cello at school for three years and double bass for two months, but is self-taught on keyboards.

MUSICAL CAREER: Played guitar in band in Balham (1964-65), joined Angel with Jamie (1972-1973) as semi-pros and recorded an album. Turned pro June 1973 with Big Wheel in South France. Joined Madrigal October 1973.

OTHER OCCUPATIONS: Organ salesman at Western Music and Selmer.

MUSICAL INFLUENCES: Harry Stoneham, Miller Anderson, Keith Emerson, Christian Vander.

COMPOSITIONS: "Marina," "Takin' Part," "Pictures In My Mind," etc.

FAVOURITE SINGLES: "Rock Man" (Elton John), "Space Oddity" (David Bowie).

FAVOURITE ALBUMS: "Tarkis" (ELP), "Fire And Water" (Free), "Dark Side Of The Moon (Pink Floyd).

FAVOURITE MUSICIANS: Keith Emerson, Tony Banks, Steve Howe.

FAVOURITE SONGWRITERS: Paul McCartney.

FAVOURITE SINGERS: Paul Rodgers, Stevie Wonder, Peter Gabriel, Greg Lake

RESIDENCE: Single and lives in Surrey.

INSTRUMENTS: Hamond RT3 with additional height plynth and customised guts driven through Hiwatt amps and put out through one Leslie 145 and two RSE 1 x 15 inch JBL bins and three custom-made Werlin Bat rotating horn units. Muri-Moog (modified) through Hiwatt 100-watt amp with JBL Showman Cabinet. Hagspiel grand piano, with scaffolding, miked through PA. Black Gibson SB Les Paul Junior (1960) plugged into Moog.

DAVID WIGHTWICK: Drums and vocals.

BORN: Dunstable, Bedfordshire, 25/August/1950.

EDUCATED: Priory Secondary School, Dunstable.

MUSICAL TRAINING: Self-taught.

MUSICAL CAREER: Former member of Madrigal from 1967 to 1973. The band split and was reformed with new members and retitled Merlin.

OTHER OCCUPATIONS: Varied from soldier to postman.

MUSICAL INFLUENCES: Beatles, The Move, Genesis.

COMPOSITIONS: None.

FAVOURITE SINGLES: "Say You Don't Mind" (Colin Blunstone), "Motet Overture" (Abors), "Eleanor Rigby" (Beatles)

FAVOURITE ALBUMS: "Dark Side Of The Moon (Pink Floyd), "Erismore" (Colin Blunstone), "Tubular Bells" (Mike Oldfield), "Moving Waves" (Focus).

FAVOURITE MUSICIANS: Carl Palmer, Jon Bonham, Simon Kirke.

FAVOURITE SONGWRITERS: Lennon and McCartney, Colin Blunstone, Genesis.

FAVOURITE SINGERS: Ian Billan, Colin Blunstone, Karen Carpenter.

RESIDENCE: Flat in London.

INSTRUMENTS: Hayman see-through drumkit comprising 1 x 22 inch bass drum, 1 x 12 inch and 1 x 13 inch mounted tom-toms, 1 x 16 inch and 1 x 18 inch floor tom toms, 1 x 14 inch snare drum, Ludwig/Paiste 22 inch cymbal, 1 x 22 inch and 1 x 20 inch Zildjian ride cymbals, 1 x 18 inch Zildjian crash cymbal, 1 x 14 inch Zildjian hi-hat, Ludwig and Hayman accessories and Premier C and Selmer sticks.

[topherfoxtrot]

Would you be interested in a deep dive into Tom Roth's character in The Incredible Hulk (2008)? Because that's exactly what's under the cut lmao. Let me guide you ✨✨

So since the Thunderbolts are apparently going to be a thing in the MCU (either with Contessa Valentina or general Ross himself) I've been gathering a fan team of my own based on characters that exist in the MCU already (I even wrote fanfic about it, it's under #Foxtrot Fanfic, wink wink). This led me to watch The Incredible Hulk again because I was literally nine years old when it came out so I don't remember anything about it lol. Yeah I rewatched the movie because of one character. Yes I have a graduation thesis to write. Could you mind your own business?

Anyways when we are introduced to Emil Blonsky he's already all geared up in army uniform. We are told via dialogue that he was born in Russia and raised in England. And that's it. This is literally all backstory we got.

Moving on for his motivation. Emil describes himself as a fighter. Ross comments on how due to his age he could be a major at this point. Emil explains that he refuses to rank up because he enjoys the fight. Honestly? I kinda of relate to that.

Emil and his team are called to arrest Bruce Banner who is currently in Rocinha here in Brasil. All dialogues there are terrible and the whole thing is super problematic and offensive I hate Hollywood. But anyways when Emil and his men catch Bruce, the Hulk comes out and Emil gets a raging boner because Hulk is so powerful ✨✨😩😩😩🥰

I'm not making that up alright? Once Hulk escapes Emil begs Ross for an explanation about who the fuck was that huge and strong green man. Roos sees the sparkle on Emil's eyes (and the bulge on his pants) and decided to show him the super soldier serum he (alongside Bruce himself) were developing. Bruce was not aware of the whole project you see, he thought it was about making humans more resistent to all sorts of radiation, there was nothing on the paper work about making super soldiers lmao. Poor scientists...

Anyways before Emil takes the first (Yeah, first!!) shot of the super soldier serum he looks like this:

Avarage human with slight thirst for power.

After taking the serum he's already faster than the other army folk Ross gathers to catch Bruce. He also does those super soldier jumps that I love so much, but they're not as high as Karli Morgenthau's jumps. Her serum is more refined and modern after all. Emil even has a one on one with the Hulk. The scene looks super cool but it ends up badly for our non green super being.

This is Emil after he takes the first shot. Not as big as Steve but bulked up nonetheless am I right?

Well this is Emil after he fights the Hulk lmaoooo

But don't worry! Thanks to fictional science he looks like THIS a couple hours after. He's not as strong as John or Steve or Bucky or Karli but she surely heals way faster. And most importantly he wakes up wanting a rematch with the Hulk. Because you see being a fighter is literally his whole deal and now that he found the strongest person on the planet he won't stop untill he beats said person. Oh my god I love him so much!!!!!!!!

Anyways Bruce and Betty (zZzZzZ) are running around to find a cure. This leads them to NYC where Tim Blake Nelson works as a biology professor (or something like that, they don't explain much real science in this movie). Before going there Emil looks himself in the mirror and we see this disguising things coming out of his back. He's also sweating a lot like in a fever. The serum has some weird side effects.

It's not clear if Email was destined to become the Abomination and the second shot just rushed the process. Oh haven't I mention? Yeah after Bruce is finally caught and taken to a helicopter Emil gets sad because it was way too easy. He wants a real fight, he wants the Hulk.

Now you know when you're in love and do stupid shit to get your crush's attention? Well that's literally what Emil does. He points a gun at Tim Blake Nelson's head and asks the professor to give him whatever is in Bruce's blood. He agrees and Emil finally looks like the monster from the poster.

I mean I'm not a slut but who knows...

Anyways he and the Hulk finally fight as Emil wanted them to. He's defeated at the end and the movie ends. According to the MCU wiki they put him to sleep in a frozen prison in Alaska. I don't know where that information comes from but I believe it.

Conclusion :

Emil Blonsky is a really simple villain with no backstory or relatives and a single goal: be as strong as you can be. Yet he's super effective as an antagonist. Allegedly he's been sleeping for fifteen years but he's credited in the She Hulk series coming up so we might see him a round once again ^^

Will he be a thunderbolt? Will he get back into human form and go through a redemption arc? Will he be outshined by Tatiana Maslany's talent? Well that's obvious of course he will lol.

[someawkwardprose]

Awww, I love your "whisky, tango, foxtrot" - it's so good! I was wondering if you'd be alright with podfic being made of this? I'd of course leave credit and links back to the text and you. But I didn't see a blanket statement yay/nay/etc on your profile so figured I'd ask. Regardless, thank you for sharing!

yes!!! of course!!! I'm so glad you liked it! I don't leave blanket statements because I've had some difficulties in the past but as long as its linked back to me I'm absolutely okay with it :)) thank you!

[etlunainmorte]

Perfect. Everything was going smoothly and according to plan.

Later after the party, Christopher would pay Salvador a huge sum of money for doing his job. Well, he should admit that, at first, it seemed so difficult. The victim, himself, didn't look that intimidating, sure, but, his pets sure did. What were they again? Ah! A glowing panther and an extremely talkative blue parrot.

Who is this V person, anyway?! An exotic pet smuggler?!

Eh, it doesn't matter now! Thought Salvador as he glanced at V's house from his own car. Stealing those vintage clothing and that necklace was a,...

"Piece of cake!" The man exclaimed as he adjusted the rear view mirror. Taking a comb from the pocket of his black leather jacket, he began fixing his already slick - looking hair. Giving his own reflection the gun fingers, he sang along to the music in his car speakers, "We're talking away, I don't know what I'm to say I'll say it, anyway. Today's another day to find you shying away. I'll be coming for your love, okay? Take on me,... TAKE ON ME - !

"WHOA!"

Not a moment too soon, Salvador found himself stumbling on the ground next to two pairs of feet. Somehow, the car door ( which was locked ) was forced open and he felt strong hands dragging him out. He looked up and saw two very irate - looking strangers. The woman had her arms crossed and the man was tapping his booted foot on the ground.

"WHO ARE YOU, PEOPLE?!" Salvador screamed as he tried to scramble away from the two strangers. However, his escape was unsuccessful when the man grabbed his jacket and yanked him off the ground. "H - HAVE MERCY ON ME, PLEASE!"

"Is this the one, Nico?" The man asked the woman, who just lit up a cigarette and began smoking.

Pointing two fingers at Salvador, the woman called Nico spoke. "That's the one. Or, unless I'm wrong and he's not the one spying on V here for almost a week!"

"Y - Y - YOU GOT THE WRONG PERSON!" Salvador pleaded, already feeling his sweat run cold and his bones weaken. He tried to pry himself loose from the man's grip but, he was just too strong! "I - I - I DON'T KNOW W - WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT!"

All of a sudden, they heard an awful noise coming from the car, and a few moments later, that same talkative blue bird came into view.

"HE'S GOT IT!" The noisy bird squawked as it pointed at something with its wing. They all turned towards the direction it's pointing at and noticed that same glowing panther, the pieces of the ripped vintage clothing in its mouth, standing just next to the car.

Which means,...

The awful noise that Salvador heard earlier was the sound of his car trunk breaking!

"YOU,... FUCKING ZOO MASCOTS!" Salvador howled in anger.

It happened in a matter of seconds. Poor Salvador was about to fight back when he felt his body go numb all of a sudden. It's as if an incredible jolt of electricity ran through his system to the numerous ends of his nerves at the speed of light, making him fall to the ground, helpless and unmoving.

As a matter of fact, he really felt he should've been dead with that unprecedented attack but, miraculously, he's not.

"I can't find the necklace anywhere!" He heard another woman say. Where did that come from?!

"Let's check again!" Answered the other female, the one who smoked.

It's,... no use,... Salvador thought, his face still lying flat on the ground where he fell. B - boss,... has the w - wretched thing!

"It's not,... fucking here!" The aggravated male swore a few moments later after all that ruckus in the car.

"We should let him know." The woman who smoked said. "He's the one who originally owns it."

"I agree with you on that, Nico."

He? Salvador thought helplessly. Who the heck - ?! What now?!

*

Fly me to the moon,

Let me play among the stars.

Let me see what spring is like on

A - Jupiter and Mars.

In other words, hold my hand.

In other words, baby, kiss me.

Fill my heart with song and let me sing for ever more.

You are all I long for,

All I worship and adore.

In other words, please be true.

In other words, I love you.

The voice of the Frank Sinatra wannabe on the stage soared high above the romantic place as the couples, all dressed in their best vintage, danced to the hypnotic, timeless tune.

And as you danced the dreamy Foxtrot with your tall, green - eyed partner, your mind couldn't help but go over, and over again through the events that led right to this moment.

"Oh, for I can't help falling in love with you,..." V's low and gentle voice mesmerized you. There simply was this special something in his voice. Something very warm and familiar. You've noticed it the first time during Avery's wedding where you've met him but, you didn't pay it too much attention. At least, not too much. However, during that night when he visited you and read to you that lovely story about Cupid and his beloved muse, you could no longer deny that fact. You can't actually pinpoint what it was but, it certainly lured you in closer to him.

Yes, there's no use denying that now.

You feel something for V, that you're definitely sure of.

You just kept wondering, is he really the one? Were your feelings even mutual? And what if the same thing happens to you? That thing that Christopher did to you?

Many doubtful things about V plagued your mind since that night but, now that he's here, right before you, you're very sure. Very sure, indeed.

You almost did not hear his shy, and yet bashful voice above the overwhelming applause and cheers he received from the other guests as he spoke to you after his heartwarming ( and cheesy ) song. His warm smile, pleading eyes, and gentle touch as he took your hand and planted a kiss on it made you feel like you were the most enchanting woman in the whole wide world.

The one and only enchantingly beautiful woman in V's whole world,...

"Pardon my delay." He told you, the guests still cheering wildly for the both of you. "I was,... catching up on some - "

You cut him off, placing a single finger over those supple lips of his. With wide green eyes, he saw you lean closer to him. And with a wildly racing heart, he heard you whisper sweetly to his ear, "I know. It's alright." Then, giving him an equally warm, and sweet, smile that flung his heart beat off its normal rhythm, you added, "You came. That's all that matters."

"Well, well! If it isn't Mr. Domestic guy!" An obnoxious voice boomed all of a sudden, destroying the sweet and tender mood and killing your moment with V. "How rude of you to keep your lady waiting!"

That,... mother - !

Earning disgusted looks from the people standing closest to you ( especially Trish and Lady ), Christopher went on with his self - primping. And bullying. "And what,... old clothes you wear!"

There, he said it. He emphasized the words, old clothes.

He knew what's going on! You thought as you threw the man a scornful, disgusted look.

Showing your,... true colors! V thought at the same time as he held you closer to him and shielded you from the overbearing guy. I see,...

I will make you pay,... Christopher thought as he gave V a very awful and challenging look. You two,... will pay!

"The better," You answered, your brave voice soaring high above the noise of Fleminger's ball room. " ... to spend this beautiful vintage evening with."

"So, we're talking about spending nights with someone else now, huh?" Christopher, like the rude man that he was, bit the bait, a very visible tint of red coloring his face. You knew that look. He was getting really riled up. "Let's see,... hmm,... how about," He uttered in a sickly sing - song voice as he pointed an accusing finger at both you and V. This made you stand instinctively in front of V, reversing your positions from before, and protecting the poor poet from your evil ex. And this made Christopher even angrier. " ... a challenge, perhaps? Whoever grabs the title of King and Queen this year,... wins! How about that?"

"We have no intention of - " V began but, you cut him off once more. You,... just couldn't stand Christopher's bullying anymore.

This has to stop! Here and now! And you will not stand by idle, and do nothing! You will fight this! And win the war! No matter what it takes!

"How do we do that?" You questioned, feeling your blood boil for the evil doctor. 

"Eh, it's obvious, isn't it?" Christopher gestured with his thumb, pointing at the middle of the room where Dante began doing his Michael Jackson routine once more. "We go by Fleminger's rules. We rule the dancefloor. If you win, I'll leave you two lovebirds alone. If not,... well! We'll see! How's that, Little Miss Domestic?"

Leaving V for a while, you stepped closer towards Christopher and looked at him straight in the eye, dead set on bringing the evil man down.

"You're on," You answered, and with a hint of sass in your voice from being bullied, as well, you added, "Mr. Narcist."

"Now, I wonder who the Damsel In Distress really is here." A male voice interrupted. Turning your eyes to the source of this new voice, you found the robust ( and bald ) host of the party. Smiling at you and bowing theatrically, he spoke. "Pardon my,... intrusion. As you may have already known, I'm called Flanagan Allen Fleminger. But, you can simply call me,... Fleminger."

"Sir Fleminger!" Christopher greeted in an overly exaggerated way. "How wonderful it is to finally meet you. I' am - "

"Did I hear a challenge just now?" Fleminger asked with a very curious smile. "Because I do love challenges!"

You and V gave each other a worried glance, both pondering whether you should take this Fleminger man's intervention as an opportunity or as a warning. The man looked suspicious enough! Really suspicious,...

"Well! My spacious ball room is more than ready,... and equipped,... for any,... chivalrous challenges,... in the name of love. And honor! If I may add." Fleminger exclaimed as he excitedly clasped his hands and glided towards V. How does anyone simply glide like that? "I hope you find it,... challenging enough for your taste,... My Lord." He said and walked away with that mischievous smile on his face.

Fill my heart with song and let me sing for ever more.

You are all I long for,

All I worship and adore.

In other words, please be true.

In other words, I love you.

The music wound to a close, and as you and V took your bow, you heard the audience's excited cheers as they called for Christopher and Lady's name above all other couples who were dancing along with you. It's very difficult to deny it but, that Lancaster guy do have a way with ballroom dances.

And he clearly looked like he's winning the game,...

You felt V's grip on your hands tighten as you noticed him looking with such distress at the horrible enemy. You couldn't really blame him. Three dances in and people just couldn't help but be entranced by Christopher and Lady's moves. It's as if their perfectly choreographed moves has the ability to put anyone under a spell, and that alone spells trouble for both you and V.

What would happen to the two of you if Lancaster wins this?! What would happen if he and Lady becomes King and Queen of The Night? He probably would never stop bullying you and V for the rest of your life!

"Heads up!" You heard Trish tell you with a pat on your arm, making you turn your attention to her and her dance partner, Dante.

"Hey! Rockin' the dance floor?" The Devil Hunter greeted you with an overly confident smile that said I'll nab the title of King! all over despite Christopher's undeniable popularity. And this made Trish roll her eyes.

"Popularity polls don't matter!" Trish went on. With a sly glance at Fleminger, who was watching the dances at one of the upper boxes, she added, "It's him who decides the winner." And with a reassuring smile on her face, she said, "You're doing just fine."

"Yeah, right. Thanks" You answered as you watched the woman regally walk away with Dante. How could any woman stay perfectly poised and fresh after rounds of Waltz, Quick Step, and Foxtrot?!

"(Y/N)," All of a sudden, you heard your partner speak, his low voice slightly making you worry. " ... I should not have dragged the both of us in this hopeless situation. Forgive me,... "

What? "Hey, it's not your fault! I was the one who accepted that man's challenge." You reminded him as the rest of the couples took their five - minute break before the next dance. "It's not your fault, V."

"But, I was the one who invited you here,... " And it was the truth. V wanted you to have a memorable and fun night with him. He planned this event through and through in his head and he honestly thought that everything would go smoothly and perfectly. In his eagerness to fulfill your last wish, he was not able to predict one tiny setback.

And that setback happened to be the biggest, most annoying throat choke that ever lived on the planet. One that just wouldn’t go down in defeat even with more than eight glasses of water and a few cat scratches on the neck. Or, in V’s case, one that refused to stay in the Underworld after being kicked there.

Why didn't he just stay in Hell for good?! That damned Christopher Lancaster?!

"Oh, my!"

V's eyes widened and his protective instincts kicked in as he saw Lady just bump into you. On the other hand, you didn't even notice it when the woman who looked like Audrey Hepburn suddenly, and out of the blue, appeared just like that, and you totally blamed it on your lack of focus.

"Oh, how silly of me!" Lady apologized with a smile as she helped you on your feet.

"It's alright. I wasn't paying attention. I - "

V's eyebrows knitted in confusion as he saw Lady whisper something to you as soon as you got up. He was even tempted to barge in but, when she left a few moments later, he noticed that there was something in her different - colored eyes. A knowing glint,... that apparently only you and her understand.

"My dear, are you alright?" V began asking when he noticed your facial expression changing to a more,... challenging look?

"Yes, I'm,... super!" You answered as you thoughtfully drummed your chin with your fingers. Looking up at him, you touched his arm and said, "I'm just gonna,... fix something."

"P - pardon? Is everything alright?"

"I'll be right back, I promise."

V helplessly watched you as you made your way towards the powder room, and it was definitely not helping with the situation, at all! With Nico, Nero, and his familiars all gone on an errand, he felt his focus vanishing and slipping off his fingers! And being left alone on that unfamiliar dance floor made him feel like he was standing, in the middle of the vast ocean, with about a hundred, hungry sharks swimming about, on a thin sheet of ice that was threatening to break beneath his cold feet!

And he never felt that tensed in his miserable life!

V's eagle sight noticed the musicians as they went back to their pedestal for another round of dance music, and he became all the more nervous for what will occur!

But, he must remain calm! And focused! And -

***

🌸 Okay, this one literally took almost an hour to upload. But, all of a sudden, I developed a strong urge to put V and his beloved into this cheesy 80's music video. It's now 5am, and I'm still singing TAKE ON ME! Oh, rip! Oh, rip, indeed! 😅😅😅 🌸

🌸 @la-vita , @dreaming-gamer , @birdgirl69 , @v-vic , and @hanniskywalker . 🌸

***

"Told you I'll be right back." V heard your sweet and playful voice once more, and when he turned around with vast relief to see you, he was more than shocked!

Your skirt,...

Your beautiful and elegant white skirt,...

YOU RIPPED YOUR SKIRT!

But,... WHY?!

"(Y/N), dear, I don't think that's - !" V stuttered in distress, wanting to blurt out the word inappropriate as gently as he could, as his sight wandered over your bare legs. But, he just could not find any word to replace it. What’s more, he was even beginning to notice the audience taking notice of your sudden change!

"Trust me, V." You reassured him as you smiled confidently at him. Yes, you don't quite trust Lady. But, her words earlier,...

There was no way in hell that she would lie to you! No fricking way!

You looked up at the upper boxes and noticed Fleminger excitedly leaning in closer to his seat the moment the musicians picked up their instruments. A tall guy, followed by two ladies ( probably back up singers ), stepped on the musician's platform and grabbed their own microphones.

Then, the music started.

Oh, Lady was definitely right!

You spread your arms confidently wide in a seemingly familiar pose, waiting for V to take the lead.

A few moments later, V realized,...

The next dance was,... !

***

🌸 Three Wishes 🌸

***

XIII

***

🌸🌸🌸

***

[auxiliarydetective]

Alright, here we go. I went by their general color scheme, traits and ranks as well as general vibes to assign them a gem, placement, weapon and dance style. The fusions are a topic for another day so that this post doesn't get too long. I might even create them in Gemsona Maker or something. For the dance style, I chose mostly partner dances because they were simply more common in the 40s, I think? I know it makes it a bit difficult with fusing, but I like that, because the have to put actual effort into synchronizing the different dance styles.

Colonel Hogan

Hogan is a Hessonite with his gem on either his throat or forehead. Hessonites are military leaders and very high-ranking, similar to Colonels in the army. As for his gem placement, I couldn't fully decide on one. The gem placement on his forehead would put emphasis on his intellectual side and his insane plans. But there's also the possibility of the throat placement. This is only speculation, but I think a throat placement would be about the power of words and we all know how much Hogan loves to wrap people around his finger. I'm not really sure what his weapon would be since most of the heroes usually only use pistols. But I settled on a spear. A spear can be used for both precise stabs and brute-force smacks overthe back of the head, embodying both sides of Hogan's plans: Calculated but insane and sometimes you just have to wing it. As for his dance style, I looked into popular dance styles of the 40s and settled for the Mambo.

Kinch

Kinch is a Peridot because of his technical knowledge. His gem is placed on his right palm which (in reference to Sapphire) stands for his external calm nature but sarcasm hiding underneath. I could also see him as a forehead gem. I think his gem weapon would be a screwdriver. Is that a weapon? It's sharp, that's enough for me. Or maybe a shield would also be an option. They need someone defensive on the team. I imagine his dance style would be the jazz-tinted Foxtrot variant popular in the 40s. It just fits his vibes.

Carter

Carter, I believe, would be an off-color Jasper. Why? Because of the color scheme and because Jaspers (and Amethysts) have some form of pyrokinesis. The reason why he's considered off-color is that he's going against his purpose and came out "wrong". He's more interested in chemistry than fighting. He's definitely a navel gem with how much of a sweetheart he is. For his weapon, I settled for a saber. I know it's kind of an unconventional choice, but we've seen him use one before when he impersonated that saber-duelling General who wanted to kill Klink. Also, he could coat it in fire and cause massive chaos with it. Finally, I think his dance style would be swing. It's fast, it's fun, it looks chaotic if you don't know what's going on... Perfect.

Newkirk

Now, Newkirk is pretty interesting. My boy Newkirk is a Pearl with his gem placed on his back. He's the second lowest rank in the gem hierarchy (which is a reference to his Cockney accent and its implications) and not a warrior. He's a performer - a magician, in fact, unlike the mass of other pearls. Now, the reason why I picked his back as his gem placement isn't because of the usual traits associated with it. I picked it because it's close to the chest, so close to emotions and impulsivity, but in a place that's a lot more vulnerable. The way I've always understood Newkirk's character is that his aggression comes from his hatred for the upper classes on one hand, but also from the fact that he doesn't want to be vulnerable. So his gem placement would represent that vulnerability he likes to hide. Also, in reference to Lapis, it's where his wings would be if he had them, giving a nod to his will to escape the military ranking system. But another neat thing is the fact that gems pull their weapons out of their gems. His weapon is a throwing knife and placing his gem on his back was also, for a large part, a way for me to reference one of my favourite Newkirk scenes ever. The only scene where we ever get to see him with his throwing knife and he keeps it strapped to his back somehow and pulls it out through his collar. His dance style, I think, would be Jive, the European variant of Swing. Fast, wild, oftentimes danced to rock...

LeBeau

Our tiny Frenchman is, of course, a Ruby. Just a small fiery bundle of anger. His gem is placed on his solar plexus, right between his chest (emotion, impulsivity) and stomach (compassion, love; and in this case food). His weapon is a pair of gauntlets that Newkirk likes to refer to as "kitchen mitts". As for his dancing style, I think it would be Tango. Sensual, romantic, lots of physical contact and just very fitting for him. An alternative would be slowdancing, but that's too slow for his personality.

Klink

Our dear Klink, I think, would be a Zircon. He just reminds me of Blue Zircon too much. I know Zircons aren't military gems, but Klink isn't really military-esque either. His gem would be round and over his left eye to mimic his monocle. Of course, his weapon is his riding crop. For his dancing style, it has to be Vienna Waltz. I mean, come on now.

Schultz

Schultz would probably be a quartz, maybe a Jasper or Chert. His weapon is a toy-style hammer. For his dance style, I think it would be influenced by German folk dance. Nothing too specific, just fun.

Burkhalter

General Burkhalter is an Emerald, the highest-ranking military gem. I feel like his gem would be either on his nose or bicep on either side, to show his aggression. His weapon would be like the helmet hammer thing Jasper has - which is how he got his scar. He got damaged by the shards of his shattered visor. Being a good and loyal Homeworld gem, General Burkhalter doesn't fuse.

Hochstetter

I believe Hochstetter would be an Agate. He's de-facto lower-ranking than Klink which is why I decided against my original idea of a Pyrope. An Agate fits him better either way since their purpose, according to Blue Diamond, is to be terrifying and Hochstetter is definitely terrifying Klink whenever he's around. His weapon would probably be a knife or an old saber. Something long and short for stabbing and maybe a bit of torture. Of course, Hochstetter also doesn't fuse.

Hilda & Helga

I'm grouping them together for ease. They'd both be Pearls, pretty obviously, because of the job they do. It only makes sense. Helga would have her gem on her thigh for her reserved and shy nature, whereas Hilda's would be on her stomach. I don't really know what their weapons would be. Maybe spears or daggers. For Helga maybe a shield. For some reason, I can see them enjoying tap dancing or the classic Foxtrot.

Vicky

I had to. You know I had to. Vicky is a Sapphire, no doubts about it. She's part of the aristocracy and the blue color scheme really fits her well. Aside from that, of course, her short and curvy stature. Her gem would be placed at her collarbone which apparently can come with any personality but is also tied to the association of "belonging to somebody else" or "not being their own person" which is fitting for Vicky since she's a spy and constantly pretending to be someone she's not. The "belonging to someone else" part is a parallel to the role of women in the Third Reich's ideology. Vicky's weapon would be a fan that she can shoot ice projectiles with. I wanted to give her a gun but I just don't think a gun should be the weapon of a singular gem. For a fusion, maybe, but not for a single gem. As for her dance style, she knows all the classic partner dances and has picked up some of the more unconventional ones too, so she's used to adapting herself to her partner and easy to fuse with. But if she had to pick her own dance style, it would be strongly influenced by the Minuet and take more of a form of Waltz if her partner dances something faster like Swing or Jive or Tapdance.

So, when I’m on a fandom kick and then I shift gears back toward another fandom, my brain starts trying to combine the two.  

And thus, I’m thinking about what gems and gem placements the Hogan’s Heroes team would have.  As well as what their fusions would be like.  And their fusion dances and weapons.  Like, I have so many ideas.

I also have no doubt that Carter’s gem weapon would be some sort of explosive.  Basically, I need Hogan’s Heroes Gem AU.