Tumgik
#I remember that I grew up in the figure skating fandom
wavesoutbeingtossed · 3 months
Text
.
2 notes · View notes
solipseismic · 8 months
Text
ty for the tag @thesunlikehoney !! <3
a band you don’t like that many others do:
the mountain goats lmao (i like a few of their songs but i dislike the rest)
a childhood memory that you remember vividly:
i have permanent nerve damage on my right kneecap from fucking up a mazurka (very basic figure skating step/half-jump kind of thing) and falling in such a manner that i bashed my knee into the ice w like 3x my body weight behind it in force lmao
least favorite animal and why:
lord. i dont really dislike any animals so i guess one i've had personal experience w? i will never ever want an akita (relative had a poodle-akita mix and dear god). they're like the less smart and more evil cousins of huskies.
hot fandom take:
satine and obi-wan would be 200% more interesting if they were some kind of fucked up non-romantic relationship. "i would have left the order for her" we all know the tcw writers just put there bc ppl wanted a blonde woman cardboard cutout love interest for white fans to project onto (as if romance is what "humanizes" characters, huge jerk-off pantomime). "this is duchess satine whom i have an intricately crafted and decades-old rivalry with to see who can pick up the most morosexuals in our personal entourages" the crowd goes wild. satine herself is 200% more interesting when writers allow her to stand on her own and not just as a prop to obi-wan. also ppl who ship obtine are missing out on the most illustrious joy of padme/satine.
do you wear any jewelry, if so, what’s your favorite piece:
yes, i have one ear pierced (default diamond stud; some of my fav earrings are from noonmade like the suncatcher and wind chime, most others r just whatever i've picked up over the years) and i'm almost always wearing a raven skull pendant i got for my bday from a friend :)
a movie others liked but you didn’t:
13 going on 30 ... clueless ... 10 reasons i hate about you ... i just don't have the romcom/chick flick spirit in me :(
three things you love about yourself:
typing speed, great core strength, big cat
a place you hope to visit in the future and why:
i would like to climb 설악산/seorak mountain, my mom grew up in that area and i like mountain climbing :)
an actor that gets on your nerves and why:
crisp rat. he's bad.
things you’re excited for in the nearby future?
설날 / lunar new year on feb 10 :)
least favorite ship in a fandom you’re in:
dinluke and obtine lmao though it's less a ship thing and more the certain Kind of people that do a specific Flavor of shipping that are unfortunately hugely prevalent in dinluke and (more recently) codywan :(( however like 85% of the obtine shippers ive interacted with are just white assholes lmao
what’s the most toxic fandom you’ve been in?
mcu/marvel comics graphics community on instagram. i will drop my phone in lava
list three things you find beautiful about life:
big cat, mellow post-rock, krylon workable fixatif
any dreams for the future?
finish my thesis babey
how are you really feeling today?
i need to do more wrist stretches
tag games taglist (ask to be + / -): @47crayons , @sleepy-night-child , @bladeverbena , @drippingmoon , @vellichor-virgo , @writing-is-a-martial-art , @wiz-is-sorta-a-writer , @thelaughingstag , @mj-is-writing , @hellowkatey , @asbestostrain , @gayskywalkcrs​ , @lorspolairepeluche , @coarsely , and anyone else who wants to do this !!
9 notes · View notes
arrthurpendragon · 1 year
Note
Gush about my OCs? I have so many... one that's been stuck on my mind is my Tokyo Revengers OC Hanagaki Takara, who wakes up one day in the body of "Takara" with memories of living this life she knows she never lived. The only one who realizes she doesn't belong is her now younger brother Takemichi. After hearing about what he's trying to do, she decides to help him but the longer she's there, the less she remembers her original life or the people in it. She also figures that she doesn't really belong, so she doesn't mind sacrificing herself (or her morals) for Takemichi to ensure he survives his future. She's about 5'2", grew up with older brothers and has been shoved into sports since she was little. She rollarblades everywhere because she likes to be fast and it comforts her, reminding her of the way she used to play hockey and do figure skating. She's unafraid to cause problems and knock someone out when they push her boundaries, which helps because people often see her as an easy target to get to her brother. She teaches them quickly that just because she's short doesn't mean she won't wreck them lol.
First, I thought you should know that your OC is Marsali puppy approved (she was trying to type her thoughts lol)
But I'm a sucker for OCs that remember other things and know they don't belong. While I know absolutely nothing about this fandom - the premise sounds super interesting.
ALL THE KUDOS!!!! Keep rocking on this OC!
Gush about one of your OCs in my inbox
2 notes · View notes
irresistiibles · 7 months
Text
Tumblr media
was that avan jogia? oh no no, that was just fizzarolli, a canon character from helluva boss. they are twenty eight years old, use he/they, and are aware that they are not actually from washington dc. too bad they can’t stray from this city for long.
how long has your character been here
three months.
what is your character’s job
they work as a popular host and a bar/club. basically i figure it's a place that does live performances and fizzarolli introduces the performers, chats with the guests in between acts, and is just generally a bit of a performer.
where has your character been pulled from in their fandom
pre season 2 episode 6 so he doesn't remember reconciling with blitz, having his giving mammon the finger, or having his relationship go public
has any magic affected your character
he's human now but that's it
more info:
we're back with the same universe as hazbin hotel except this time we're got fizzarolli is an imp, so he is a hellborn demon rather than a human who died and went to hell
as a result he typically is in a different ring of hell than anyone from like hazbin hotel
grew up as a circus performer along with his best friend at the time blitz.
fire and serious injury tw: this all went to shit when a giant fire broke out in the circus tents, detonating fireworks right near fizzarolli. he was permanently injured from the event with all four of his limbs being prosthetics as well as having some pretty serious burn marks on his face and body
it's something they almost always cover up with makeup. fizz is a good performer and uses that to hide behind
though he also does love performing. he got caught up under a boss that absolutely sucks, but he does love being a clown
that being said i'd qualify fizz as more of a jester than a clown at this point in his life, the difference being he gets his laughs by making fun of the people in the audience rather than having them laugh at him
despite the fire and injury fizzarolli went on the become a pretty huge name back home working for two of the seven deadly sins
definitely possible for people from hazbin to semi recognize him if desired considered there's a whole line of robots known as fizzbots sold in hell in the universe and valentino owns one i definitely think other characters from the pride ring could potentially have heard of him as well
he has been extremely confused since getting to washington but it hiding it and settling fairly well. they're good at being resourceful in confusing shitty situations so fizz got himself settled pretty quickly though mentally he has definitely lowkey been panicking
personality wise this is a whole clown like for real! a performer! very dramatic, loud, crude, silly, always going. a lot to handle, but relatively charismatic about it. fizz can read a crowd, knows when to pull back and when to give more, though he does better on stage than one on one conversations to be honest
they can actually be a little timid when confronted. it's something he's slightly grown out of, but here in the city feeling alone and confused it will definitely come out more
knows sign language
plots:
any regulars where he works, either as performers or just like patrons
drinking/bar friends are always a plus
any other performers would also just be fun
restaurant buddies. fizz is not a foodie, but they can't cook for shit, will absolutely burn anything, so he eats out of uber eats everything. give him someone to try resturants with even though they'll wind up wanting to go to a cheap burger joint every single time
probably has adopted several dogs from an animal shelter, so could know someone through that or just regulars at the dog park
roller skating buddies
someone helping them get used to washington while putting up with the fact that fizzarolli constantly refuses to act like washington confuses them (though potentially someone he lets his guard down with a little here for the sake of having a guide)
maybe people he doesn't get along with as well, mostly likely fellow performers he's had to go against for gigs
0 notes
scvrllet · 4 years
Text
Eternity
“What crueler punishment is there than love?���
PAIRING: Regulus Black x Fem!Reader
SUMMARY: Falling in-love was always scary, but falling in-love knowing there is an inevitable end is terrifying
WORD COUNT: 2.1k
WARNING(S): Mentions of death + brief mentions of grief, Immortal!Reader
AUTHORS NOTE: This has been sitting in my drafts for months ( back when i was an active hp writer and was primarily in said fandom) and finally decided to post it
JOIN MY TAGLIST - MARAUDERS MASTERLIST
Immortality may seem like a blessing to those who desire it but forget the burden those cursed with it must carry.
Tumblr media
How long have you been alive to watch the world around you evolve? Watch as one Dark Wizard rose and fell only for another to take their place? Watch as those you loved died, leaving you to grieve for all of eternity but yet some dare say that it’s a gift? The answer; far too long.
If anything, it’s more of a curse than a gift. A cruel way of punishing others but not just them but their family as well.
Old magic was dangerous and masters of those forces were not to be messed with. Your family had learnt that the hard way many years ago. An old witch, who one of your past ancestors had wrongly messed with, put a curse on your family. Any and every daughter born into the (Y/L/N) family would be cursed with immortality, paying their ancestors debt for all of eternity. Perhaps this is where the term ‘old soul’ had come from. You thought to yourself once. It humored you at the time but barely anymore. All you wanted was for your soul to be at rest but due to that witch’s magic, that would never happen.
When your parents welcomed you into the world you would be cursed to live in forever, a part of them had hoped that the curse would have somehow skipped a generation but when they noticed your lack of physical aging as you grew up, the only thing they could do was spend as much time with you as possible, your father especially. His time was running out but not yours. It never would.
You’ve lived through many decades and met several people, most of whom were starting to leave your mind, being replaced by the new people you were always meeting. Friends in your opinion, were easily replaceable. Whether it be betrayal or death that causes a rift in the friendship, there was always another willing to fill that spot. This being said, it didn’t mean you never loved them because you did. You spilled all your secrets and thoughts into them and held them as death took them away from you. Oh how their souls were fortunate enough to be able to rest.
You remember listening to your aunts and grandmother talking about their past lovers as a little girl. When one had finally passed, they’d give themselves some time to grieve before hopping into a new relationship, allowing the cycle to repeat itself. They would’ve expected for you to follow in their footsteps given the curse and all but were quite surprised when decades, maybe even centuries had passed, and you were still in-love with that boy from 1976.
You smiled as you recalled the day. It was the day you realized you were falling in-love for the first and possibly the only time in your life. For a moment, that moment specifically, you forgot about your curse and what would result from it.
It was the third of December. Snow fell onto the white ground as a cool breeze turned your faces red. You were both supposed to be in Herbology class at the time, not by the Black Lake throwing snowballs at each other but
With a bit of help from your magic, you had sent at least ten snowballs in his direction. You laughed as it hit him in the face and the moment of you letting your guard down allowed for him to throw one right back at you.
Your face was cold and wet as you wiped the snow off your face. Narrowing your eyes at him, you noticed a sparkle in his grey eyes before another snowball hit you in the face.
“Reg I swear to God I will murder you.” You threatened as you wiped the snow off your face. Anybody else would’ve been scared and immediately apologized but he knew you like the back of his hand.
“Is that so love?” He teased knowing that nickname was always able to crack your façade. Glaring daggers at him, you hoped he wouldn’t notice how your face got warmer but he saw the corners of your lip twitch upwards a bit and that was all he needed to continue teasing you.
Waving your wand, a pile of snowballs appeared beside you and before Regulus could even say anything, they were all sent flying in his direction one by one. He sighed in relief when the last of the snowballs had been fired at him before using his wand to dry himself off.
When he was finally dry, he looked up at you and smirked before grabbing your hand and pulling you towards the Black Lake. It was frozen but you were absolutely terrified of the ice cracking and falling into the cold water. Just thinking about it sent shivers down your spine as he walked closer to the frozen lake.
“Do you trust me?” He turned around to ask you, standing at the edge of the frozen lake. Had this been someone else, you would’ve broken free of their grasp and run back to your dorm but he was different. You couldn’t explain why, but you felt safe around him. It was an odd feeling.
Simply nodding, he smiled before carefully stepping onto the ice. He laughed as he felt your grip on his arm tightened as the two of you walked further on the ice.
“Regulus what are we doing?” You questioned as he continued to lead you away from the shore.
“Ice-skating, I think. I’ve overheard my brother talk about doing it with his friends and figured I’d give it a try.” He replied with a shrug.
You abruptly stopped in your steps and arched a brow at him as you asked: “You’re telling me that we’re currently ice-skating?”
Regulus cocked his head to the side slightly. “Are we doing it wrong?”
“Ice-skating Reg, it’s in the name. We need skates.” You replied and a look of realization dawned on him. He knew that it felt odd for muggles to do this sport with normal footwear but he just hadn’t realized what he was missing.
“I was wondering why we weren’t going as graceful.” He said under his breath, causing you to chuckle. “Well, right or wrong, I think we’ve had enough ice-skating for today. Come on you must be freezing.”
He grabbed your arm again and started walking back towards the shore. A mistake in this action though was that he didn’t give you enough time to react before he was pulling your arm. This resulted in you losing your balance and slipping on the ice but thankfully, his fast reflexes had you balanced on both feet as Regulus held you by the waist.
“Are you alright?” The playful teasing expression had now been replaced by a wide eyed look of concern as he moved his hands to rest on your shoulders as if to further steady you. He searched your eyes for any sign telling him that you weren’t okay. Thankfully, there were none and he sighed in relief and pulled you into his chest.
Far too intoxicated in his scent, you hadn’t realized that you were shivering until he pointed it out and began to cautiously head back inside. Lightly tugging on your jacket, the two of you got off the ice and back onto the solid ground. As you walked back you couldn’t help but question that feeling you felt whenever you were with him.
It was the feeling you felt when you were having a snowball fight with him. The feeling you felt when he laughed and his eyes would light up. It was the feeling you felt when you were around him and what you felt when he caught you on the ice and looked at you. The moment that happened just a few seconds ago replayed in your mind and you doubt that it’d ever stop. It made you feel warm and safe, mortal even.
You didn’t even realize you were back inside until you heard a voice call out from down the hallway in front of you.
“Mr Black and Ms (Y/L/N) aren’t you supposed to be in Herbology?” It was McGonagall. Shit.
Turning the opposite way, the two of you ran down the hall and turned the corner towards the Dungeons. Teacher or not, you both doubted she would enter the Slytherin’s Common Room.
“Blimey Black, if I wanted to warm up I would’ve rather set myself on fire.” You huffed as you tried to catch your breath. “And how are you not out of breath? I feel like I’m dying.” You had just run nearly halfway across the castle and Regulus wasn’t gasping for air like you who was hunched over the couch, quite dramatically as well you might add.
The boy in front of you rolled his eyes at your exaggeration before sitting down on one of the couches and patting the seat beside him, gesturing for you to sit down beside him. With a flick of his wand, a fire was lit in the fireplace allowing both light and warmth to fill the dark Common Room the Slytherin’s had. You always wondered why Salazar decided to place the Common Room in the Dungeons out of all places. A tower would’ve been much nicer, warmer even, but it seems as his blueprint for Common Rooms was different compared to the other founders.
As you sat down beside him, he pulled you closer towards him so that you were resting on his chest as his arms were wrapped protectively around you. “Better?” He asked and smiled and you hummed in response.
His fingers were tangled in your hair as he hummed a song. That combined with the sound of the fire crackling in front of you were enough to pull you to sleep. When you woke up the next morning you were still in the Slytherin Common Room but the fire was now out and there was a blanket on top of you. You were also laying on something that was most definitely not the couch since you could feel arms loosely wrapped around your stomach.
Sitting up you noticed that the sun was just starting to rise but that wasn’t what shocked you. It was the fact that you had fallen asleep on top of Regulus and that he stayed there until he too fell asleep. He could’ve just left you on the couch to go to sleep or ask one of your friends to take you to your dorm so why did he stay?
“(Y/N)?” You heard him mumble groggily. Whipping your head around you saw Regulus still very much asleep, or at least he looked like he was. His eyes were still closed and his black curly locks were a mess, something he wouldn’t have accepted if he was awake. He was always thought to look presentable at all times.
Shrugging off your previous thoughts you smiled down at him and intertwined your fingers with his. “I’m here Reg.”
He stirred a bit and his grip on your hand became firmer before light snores were heard from him.
“What are you doing to me?” You mumbled as you pushed a few strands of hair off his face. It was that same feeling. That warm feeling that just made you yearn to be with him, it was back. This time much stronger but back nonetheless.
It took you awhile but you did realize what he was doing to you: he was making you fall for him. You didn’t know if it was intentionally or not but what you did know was that it was working.
You were falling in love and it was absolutely terrifying.
Despite your curse and the known outcome, Regulus treasured every single second he was able to share with you. The relationship lasted two years, ending a few months after you both graduated from Hogwarts due to his discovery upon Voldemort. Aside from Kreacher, you were the only person who knew the truth about Regulus Black and what happened to him. Not even his brother or parents knew what had happened to him but that’s how it would stay. The world wouldn’t know about the boy who died trying to right his wrongs.
After his passing though, you couldn’t bring yourself to move on. It didn’t feel right and with all the pain that came with it you doubted you’d ever allow yourself to fall in-love again.
So as years went by and the world continued to move on, you were stuck on that boy from 1976.
400 notes · View notes
tomwambsmilk · 3 years
Note
hello! can you do no. 10 for greg tom and shiv
10. netflix and chill with, go ice-skating with, play dodgeball against
I’ve decided that I’m going to answer this like all of these activities are dates (bc it’s more fun that way), and also assume that there’s an equal chance of the dates ending in sex (bc otherwise this would just turn into a ranking of how much I want to bang each of them).
Netflix and chill I think has to be Greg. He’s such an anxious person, so I’d want to get him in the most low-key, comfortable environment possible. Sprawling out on his sofa, watching Netflix and probably also smoking pot is the perfect combination to get his guard down. Plus, I feel like Greg is the kind of person to have really interesting opinions on the shows he likes; not the kind of pretentious cinephile opinions that make me roll my eyes, but the opinions of someone who’s spent an obscene amount of time engaged in fandom. Also, I’m a bit of a sci-fi nerd and I think Greg probably is too, so we’d probably end up in a rousing debate as to which Stargate TV show was the best. (It’s Stargate: Atlantis, btw).
Ice-skating has to be Tom. I know the Hudson River doesn’t freeze over anymore, but let’s pretend it does for a second so that we can skate down that river, taking in the scenic New York views. Tom grew up in Minnesota, which means he definitely knows how to skate. Maybe he played some pick-up hockey growing up, but I think it’s far more likely that Tom “I used to look at RECNY pictures in Vanity Fair” Wambsgans took some actual figure skating lessons and did some casual competing. Even though he hasn’t skated in a while, a lot of it is muscle memory now; and once he realizes I’m not about to make fun of him for it he’d probably start trying to walk me through some of the moves. He’ll also have known enough to bring a thermos of hot chocolate, so that eventually when we get tired and our hands get cold, we can find a bench and sit in the softly falling snow and try to warm our hands on the plastic cups.
And dodgeball is 100% a Shiv date. It’s not something she’d ever suggest, and she’s gonna turn up her nose at first, but once she gets some exercise clothes on and gets into it - look out! She’s hyper-competitive, as am I, so any game of dodgeball against her is going to be INTENSE. If there’s anyone other than the two of us playing, they’re probably going to hate us by the end of it. But it would be SUCH a good outlet for her! Getting to run around and dodge and just absolutely pelt me with dodgeballs. By the end of it she would be flushed and sweaty and laughing; I’ll put up a fight but let her win in the end, mostly because she probably has a cute little victory dance that she doesn’t usually do (bc her brothers would tease her for it) but she’s too carried away to remember or care.
6 notes · View notes
preraphaelitepunk · 5 years
Text
Fictober19 Day 11: Welcome to the Neighborhood
Prompt #11: It’s not always like this
Fandom: Good Omens
Characters: Eric the Disposable Demon, various ex-human OCs, Crowley cameo
Rating: Teen (they are in Hell, after all)
Warnings: Nongraphic discussion of Hell and punishments, possible light heterodoxy/heresy depending on your religious/political persuasion
Eric consulted his clipboard; he’d been trying to get the Lords of Hell to let him use a tablet, but apparently that would disrupt Dagon’s intricate paperwork. “So, you lot: welcome to Hell. I’m Eric, and I’ll be your orientation guide today. Do you all have your swag bags? Good. Yes?”
The human nervously lowered their hand. “Um, I don’t understand. My swag bag just has slap bracelets, a dead Tamagotchi, and a roller skate key.”
Eric peered into the little carry bag. “Oh, just hang onto those. Looks like you’ll be based in the seventh circle; those will come in handy later.”
“Excuse me!” Another human pushed to the front of the little crowd, not sounding apologetic at all. “There’s been a mistake. I’m not supposed to be here.”
There was always at least one. “Name?” Eric flipped through his paperwork until he found the man’s details and whistled. “Yeah, says you’re here for multiple counts of greed, pride, adultery, cruelty, selfishness, and being a general prick.” He looked more closely at his notes and grimaced. “Ooh, you were a conservative American politician. Could’ve just said that in the first place, saved us all a lot of time.”
“But I accepted Jesus as my personal savior! He is the only path to Heaven!”
“Yeah, that one kind of got garbled in translation. The actual point was that the only path to Heaven is what Yeshua talked about: compassion, love, charity, all that crap. Same things pretty much every modern religion talks about. Heaven doesn’t give a toss who you worship, or if you don’t worship anybody at all. They just care about results, same as us. Shall we get a move on, then? Got a lot of ground to cover, and if I’m late getting you to your assigned spots I’ll get discorporated again.”
The humans shuffled along behind Eric; he could sense confusion, anger, and fear wafting off them like patchouli seeps out from a Lush bath shop. It added an extra spring to his step. “Has anybody read Dante?”
“Dante Bichette? The outfielder?” another voice piped up excitedly. It seemed this group was heavy on the Americans.
“Not the outfielder. Definitely not. Dante Alighieri, Italian guy, wrote a travelogue of the afterlife. Played chess, terrible at it. No?” He sighed. “Right. Well, he talked about the circles of Hell. Got a lot of it wrong, is my point.
“F’rinstance, if you look to your left, you’ll see the First Circle. Now, Dante called this Limbo, where he stuck so-called ‘virtuous pagans’ and unbaptized babies.” Eric snorted disdainfully. “As if anyone would condemn a baby to Hell. What sort of sins could they get up to? Babies are boring, sin-wise. No creativity, no choice. Now, granted, they’re selfish — it’s all I’m cold, I’m hungry, I’m wet — but that’s not their fault. Design flaw. They grow out of it, and that’s when they get really interesting. And obviously the virtuous go to Heaven regardless of religion, the poor sods.
“What was I saying? Oh yes, the First Circle. What’s actually here are the people who were just generally unpleasant, but not interesting enough to have one really outstanding sin. The ones who don’t really merit proper punishment, Please forgive the mess; it’s not always like this, but we’re installing a new sound system. This one really lets you hear the Nickelback.” The humans did not return Eric’s enthusiastic grin, but he soldiered on brightly. He was accustomed to being ignored. “Looks like a few of you lucky sods will be stationed here most of the time. We’ll drop you back later after the tour. In the meantime, let’s continue our tour.”
Another one of Eric’s corporations trotted by, clutching a disintegrating cardboard box. “Hi, handsome!” he called as he passed. A couple of tentacles reached out of the box, apparently waving their own greeting.
“Hey, gorgeous. Mind how you go.” Main Eric realized his group was gawking at him. “Sorry. It’s a little hard to explain, but he’s me. A bit. I’m kind of a whatsit, multifocal consciousness. Means I can be in lots of different places at once. Pretty cool, but you do get taken for granted a lot.
“And here we have the Second Circle. This is an upgrade from your First-Circle torments, mostly creepy-crawlies; we’ve got ants with laser guns, giant talking spiders, bees with teeth. You know, the usual. In case you’re wondering, we don’t split the circles up by sin any more. Too many people were coming down here with too many sins, and trying to figure out where to put them was a right headache, let me tell you. Now we just move people around, give them a change of scenery, make sure all their sins get covered. And we tailor the experience especially for each customer. That’s right, folks: you’re going to get your own personalized Hell experience!”
Again, the humans did not react with the enthusiasm Eric thought was merited. This was proper customer-oriented service he was talking about; they didn’t realize how lucky they were. He was about to tell them this when he became aware of a sound.
Hell is never quiet, except when you don’t want it to be. The low-level grumble of milling demons, muted screams of the damned souls, barking of the Hellhounds, and yelps of lower-level demons who failed to get out of the way of their superiors was a constant. However, this sound was new. It was faint, but getting louder.
“’Scuze me, coming through, mind your back, whoops, don’t mind me, very important demon business here, if you could just scootch up a bit? Cheers.”
“Crowley? What are you doing back here?”
The red-haired demon smiled back, but he looked preoccupied, hunched over something he was hiding in his jacket. “Hey, Eric! Long time no see. Been discorporated much lately?”
“You know Hastur, always cranky. Hey, everybody, this is Crowley. He’s —”
“He’s in something of a hurry, actually. Love to stay and chat, but no time.” The thing under his jacket squirmed and growled. “Just here to pick up something for Warlo — er, for a friend. Look me up next time you’re topside, eh? We’ll do lunch.” Crowley nodded politely and snaked his way through the group of damned souls, picking up speed once the hallway cleared a little.
He’d only just turned the corner when a howling Hastur and several lackeys pushed their way up to Eric. “Crowley,” Hastur growled.
“No, Eric, Lord Hastur.” Too late, Eric remembered that Hastur was not a fan of jokes. “What about Crowley, Lord Hastur?”
“The traitor has stolen a Hellhound puppy from the kennels. I am going to turn him into kebab for his presumption. I know he came this way. Which way did he go?”
“Er, that way, Lord Hastur.” Eric indicated the corner Crowley had definitely not taken; he’d always kind of liked Crowley, who was always good for a laugh and hadn’t discorporated Eric ever, not even once. If he had to choose between helping him and helping Hastur, it was a no-brainer.
“Good lad — er, bad lad. Come on, you can help us capture him. If you’re quick, I might let you work the thumbscrews later.”
“Be right there, Lord Hastur. Just gotta sort out this lot first.” 
Hastur seemed to notice the cluster of humans for the first time. “Don’t be too long, or all the good tortures will be taken.” He and his lackeys lumbered off at speed, and Eric gave the humans an eye roll.
“Right, so it looks like our little tour has been cut short. You’ll be up to speed in no time, anyway: you’ll always be escorted by a demon to and from punishments, so no worries about getting lost or winding up where you aren’t supposed to be. I’ll just zap you to your home bases, and someone will be along shortly to collect you for your first punishment.” He snapped his fingers and the humans disappeared.
The howling of pursuit was getting fainter, but Eric was sure he heard his name being yelled. “Coming, Lord Hastur,” he called, and began to saunter along casually after the pack of howling demons. After all, there was no hurry, and what was the worst Hastur could do to him, anyway?
[Author’s note: Warlock had complained that it was unfair that Adam got a Hellhound and he didn’t; thus Crowley’s ill-advised expedition. Warlock named the puppy Fluffy, and he grew into a very good boi indeed, albeit somewhat excessively hairy.]
7 notes · View notes
karazor--el · 6 years
Text
Tumblr media
Interview Exclusive: Andrea Brooks on Working on Shows With Passionate Fandoms, Eve’s Development, and Favorite Things!
The CW’s Supergirl is mid-way through its fourth season and we had the pleasure of hopping on the phone with Andrea Brooks, who plays Eve Teschmacher on the series, to discuss what got her into acting; Eve’s progression throughout the series; as well as some of her favorite things!
FANDOMOPOLIS: So, how did you first get into acting? What inspired you to become an actress?
ANDREA BROOKS: I kind of fell into acting; I’ve been doing it for at least half of my life now, professionally. I was actually a competitive figure skater growing up and I attended an open casting call audition for figure skaters for a Disney movie. I ended up auditioning for a small role and they liked me. I went through a bunch of rounds of casting and wound up reading for the lead role – I didn’t get it, but by the end of that whole process I had an agent and a casting director who liked me. So, I really did fall into it through figure skating.
Did you know before then that you wanted to be an actress?
ANDREA BROOKS: Acting always appealed to me; before that I was in a theatre troupe. I still remember sitting around when I was four years old, watching Sesame Street and thinking, “oh, I want to be that kid talking to Cookie Monster!” It was always in the back of my head. I grew up fascinated by movies, and I used to cry when movies ended and the credits would roll.
How is it playing two completely different characters: one in a world with superheroes and aliens, and another in a coal mining town?
ANDREA BROOKS: It’s interesting and I feel very fortunate! I’ve been able to straddle this line for quite a number of years and play both roles, which I realize – a lot of people don’t have that opportunity. It’s fun to work on a show where you deal with a lot of dark scenarios, dealing with crazy political things; whereas, When Calls the Heart is a more positive show and about community, less fast-paced. When you’re playing two characters on the same day, there’s a lot of refocusing and tuning into your emotions that has to be done.
How have you enjoyed seeing Eve’s character develop from a mainly quirky, happy go-lucky character, to exploring a deeper development as she works with Lena?
ANDREA BROOKS: It’s beyond exciting. This season is my absolute favorite. The transition from her working at CatCo to L-Corp allows her to express herself in a more honest way, she’s really able to display who she is and hone her craft as a scientist and do more interesting work that appeals to her.
How fun was it to film 4×2 ‘Fallout’ with Melissa Benoist & Katie McGrath?
ANDREA BROOKS: There was so much funny, physical comedy in that episode… running around, being trapped, running through hallways, it was pretty chaotic to shoot – but hilarious and amazing. I adore Melissa and Katie and we get along famously; it really never feels like a work day with those two. We all love reading; podcasts; we all have so much in common. It’s an effortless, working friendship.
Did it surprise you to see how positively and quickly fans reacted to the “Team Science” pairing with Lena and Eve?
ANDREA BROOKS: It totally surprised me. We had joked about it, because any time anyone is paired with Katie – there’s going to be a hashtag. I had so many amazing messages from fans. Especially women who are in science, who feel that women in science are underrepresented on television, thanking me – and I find that so flattering.
With Eve’s Yale/nuclear science background, do you think we’ll see her aspire to be more than assistant at some point?
ANDREA BROOKS: Yes, I think that’s fair to say. I love that Eve is unassuming – you never know what she’s going to do or say. She’s spastic and unpredictable, but brilliant. I like that she’s multi-faceted in that way. There’s definitely more to come when it comes to Eve’s background. I’ve been extremely busy with the show for the second half of the season.
Have you learned any new science terms from playing Eve?
ANDREA BROOKS: Absolutely. A few of us, specifically our script supervisor, some of the crew, sometimes I wrangle Katie into this – we give ourselves little science lessons behind the scenes anytime we’re science-ing on set. I bought an art book on the periodic table recently; I like to think I kind of know what I’m talking about when I’m doing these things? It’s fun to do the side bits of research, without actually having to do science!
How is it being a part of two shows (Supergirl & When Calls the Heart) with such strong fan bases?
ANDREA BROOKS: It’s so fun! Both of the shows air at the same time on Sunday nights this year, so it’s pretty hilarious to open social media and watch two very different fandoms duking it out. I feel so lucky to be a part of anything with a fan base at all, it’s a total gift; getting to be a part of two different shows with fandoms that are supportive and love what we do, is just an absolute treat.
Onto some of “Andrea’s Favorites” –
Favorite scene to film so far from Supergirl?
ANDREA BROOKS: The scenes from ‘Fallout’ stand out to me as a favorite, because it was so fun, and funny to shoot. Or any time there’s action; I do love stunts. I love watching stunt people do their work and being involved in that. That scene at the end of season two where Eve brings in milkshakes and they explode – that’s fun. Anything physical – I’m a fan of.
Favorite costume of Eve’s on Supergirl?
ANDREA BROOKS: I love Eve’s outfits, especially recently! She’s grown up a bit from her CatCo days and come a long way from her rolled up sweaters. One of my favorites is actually what she wore in ‘Fallout;’ that pinstripe black dress with the blue belt. I absolutely love that dress.
Favorite custom of Faith’s on When Calls the Heart?
ANDREA BROOKS: I do love my nursing costume; we upgraded this season. For the past four years she had one nursing outfit, and then this year we re-constructed it with thicker fabric; it’s a cool period piece. I also love the coats, all the characters have fabulous coats, constructed from the ground up.
Favorite thing to do in Vancouver?
ANDREA BROOKS: We have a beautiful sea wall that runs all the way around downtown, and you can run it, bike along it, go on walks. In the summer, it’s a great thing to do; you can grab an ice cream and go for a walk around the sea wall. And I love biking; we’re a very active community and I quite like that because I’m pretty active. I love working out and walking places, and Vancouver’s a great place for that.
Photo credit: Judy Bishop on Flickr
Favorite current TV show?
ANDREA BROOKS: This is a bit embarrassing, but I am a bit of a reality show junkie. Right now, I’ve been watching a lot of these docuseries. I just watched the Michael Jackson one; Lorena; the OJ Simpson one that came out last year. I love true crime; so anything on that subject will be of interest to me.
Favorite vacation spot?
ANDREA BROOKS: Hawaii – particularly the Big Island, is gorgeous. Some of my favorite cities are Tokyo and Paris.
Favorite book?
ANDREA BROOKS: We’re on the subject of true crime – that still very much appeals to me in books. I recently read Bad Blood – actually Katie McGrath leant me that. It’s a story of Elizabeth Holmes and her sham Silicon Valley company that crumbled. I loved that. I’m reading Kitchen Confidential, the Anthony Bourdain biography. I’m reading Columbine – I have five books going at any time. Generally, I love non-fiction.
It sounds like fans of Eve certainly have a lot to look forward to in seeing Supergirl dive deeper into her background, and where her character is going next in the second half of season four. Thanks again to Andrea for chatting with us!
Fandopolis.
10 notes · View notes
nanenna · 7 years
Text
Mystery Machine Mishap!
Chapter 3: A New Routine
Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 4
Fandom: Undertale Rating: General Audiences Pairing: None Summary: There was an accident at the Lab and now Papyrus is left trying to take care of Sans as a toddler while Alphys tries to figure out what went wrong and how to fix it. To say Papyrus is unprepared is not just an understatement, it’s downright fact. But Papyrus is determined to be the best big brother ever, even better than Sans is when he’s the older on.
As usual, also available to read on fanfiction.net or AO3 under the same name. (links not included because that messes with the search function)
   Nearly a week had gone by. Papyrus found that his days fell into a rhythm as he cared for his little big brother. He couldn’t help but feel forgotten by Alphys, she hadn’t called since that first day, she barely updated her Undernet profile anymore, and even Undyne hadn’t heard much from the reclusive scientist. Papyrus wanted to take it as a good sign, that it meant Alphys was working hard on fixing the machine and getting Sans back to normal. But at the same time he would have liked to hear from her. So after laying Sans down for his afternoon nap, Papyrus pulled up the doctor’s contact info and started a call.
“H-hello?”
“HELLO, DR. ALPHYS!”
“Oh! P-Papyrus! What are you… why are you… what’s g-going on?”
“I WANTED TO FIND OUT HOW YOU ARE DOING. UNDYNE TELLS ME YOU SOMETIMES FORGET TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF AND I WANTED TO MAKE SURE YOU WERE EATING AND RESTING REGULARLY.”
“Oh, um… it’s fine. I’m fine, Undyne has been over often to make sure I uh… don’t get lost in my work?? She really wants to help me as much as she can, she says with both you and Sans uh… out of commission th-that the sentry stations are really falling apart.”
“OH DEAR, I WAS SO BUSY TAKING CARE OF SANS THAT I DIDN’T EVEN THINK ABOUT HOW MANY SENTRY STATIONS WERE GOING UNMANNED!”
“Y-yeah, I don’t think Undyne has replacements for you either. She wants you both to have jobs waiting for you when uh… when I eventually m-m-manage to fix things.”
“THAT IS THE OTHER REASON I WAS CALLING, I WAS HOPING YOU WOULD TELL ME HOW THINGS ARE GOING. HAVE YOU FINISHED DECIPHERING THE NOTES? HOW BADLY IS THE MACHINE BROKEN?”
“I’ve uh… I’m almost halfway through the notes! I had to use the other blueprints and notes that Sans had already deciphered for me to try and make a cipher for these notes. At first it seemed like it was just a straight one for one alphabet replacement and would be fairly simple, but not all of the translations Sans has written out match up. I was starting to wonder if there were some shifting going on, some sort of extra key I’d need but don’t have, but when I applied the cipher I had first developed to the already translated notes I realized that Sans was summarizing a lot of this stuff, so my cipher actually works! It’s going faster now that I’ve figured that out, the only hard part is just how messy the handwriting is. Whoever wrote all this down has just the worst handwriting!”
“SO NOW THAT YOU HAVE A CIPHER, THINGS WILL MOVE QUICKER? HOW MUCH LONGER DO YOU THINK IT WILL TAKE?”
“Oh, w-well… like I said the handwriting is very m-messy so I have to keep going back and correcting my translations, w-which means my translations are g-getting messy too and uh… even after I finish t-translating all these I still have to start work on the machine itself so uh… it might take a w-while yet.”
“THAT IS FINE, I WOULD RATHER YOU TAKE THINGS SLOW AND GET IT RIGHT THAN TO RUSH AND HAVE AN ACCIDENT YOURSELF!”
“Y-yeah, that’d be just… just awful!” Alphys laughed nervously.
“WELL THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME, DR. ALPHYS. GOOD LUCK!”
“Oh! Okay then, g-good luck to you too! With uh… with little Sans that is. I m-mean, I’m sure you’re taking great c-care of him. And uh… okaygottagohaveagooddaybye!”
There was a faint click as the call abruptly ended, then Papyrus scrolled through his contacts. He hadn’t put much thought into what he was about to do, but it just felt right. Papyrus hit the call button.
“Hey dork!” Undyne’s voice greeted him.
“HELLO UNDYNE!”
“So what’s going on, the little squirt doing okay?”
“OH SANS IS FINE, HE’S DOWN FOR A NAP RIGHT NOW. I WAS JUST TALKING TO DR. ALPHYS AND SHE REMINDED ME THAT I HAVE BEEN TERRIBLY NEGLECTFUL OF MY DUTIES EVER SINCE THE ACCIDENT.”
“Well yeah, you have a baby to take care of. A literal baby! That’s a lot of work!”
“A TODDLER, BUT THAT IS NO EXCUSE TO NEGLECT MY DUTIES AS A SENTRY! SO TOMORROW I’M GOING TO RESUME MY DUTIES. I’M AFRAID THERE IS NOT MUCH WE CAN DO ABOUT SANS, BUT I CAN AT LEAST RE-CALIBRATE MY PUZZLES, DO MY PATROLS, AND WATCH OUT FOR HUMANS LIKE I’M SUPPOSED TO!”
“Well, if you’re sure...”
“DON’T WORRY, I HAVE EVERYTHING UNDER CONTROL! NYEH HEH HEH!” Papyrus hit the end call button, then decided to go upstairs and check on Sans. When he got to the top of the stairs his eye sockets were drawn to the end of the hallway where Sans was staring up at the blank wall, one elbow up which probably meant his thumb was in his mouth again, and a bright orange dinosaur plush toy dragging limply from his other hand. “SANS? WHAT RE YOU DOING OVER THERE?”
Sans turned around at Papyrus’s voice, then slowly toddled over to the taller skeleton and raised his arms to be picked up. Papyrus obligingly picked Sans up and cuddled him close. “WHAT IS IT, BROTHER?”
“i miss daddy.” Sans sniffled as he clung to Papyrus, “where daddy?”
“DADDY IS…” Papyrus hesitated, unsure what exactly to tell Sans, “DADDY IS AWAY. RIGHT NOW.” There, that was close enough to the truth. He didn’t want to outright lie to Sans, but he also had no idea how to tell the toddler that he had no idea where their father was or even if he was still alive at all. Papyrus couldn’t remember it, but he was fairly certain their father had Fallen Down a long time ago. He sighed as he rocked the clinging toddler. “I’M SURE HE MISSES YOU AS MUCH AS YOU MISS HIM.”
Sans made an indistinct noise as he buried his face into Papyrus’s shoulder. Well, the only thing to do was to distract him. “WHY DON’T WE GET SOME STURDY CLOTHES ON AND GO OUTSIDE TO PLAY IN THE SNOW? WE CAN BUILD A SNOWMAN!” Papyrus suggested enthusiastically.
Sans gave a small nod, he did like building snowmen with Papyrus.
The next day, after breakfast was finished and the dishes were washed and put away, Papyrus dressed Sans in the warmest clothes they had. Papyrus knew it didn’t really matter, that Sans wouldn’t even feel the cold, but it made him feel better anyway. Papyrus also pulled out one of the things Gerson had sent over: a toddler leash. Papyrus hadn’t felt the need for it yet, he had stayed pretty close to Sans so far or carried the toddler whenever they went somewhere far. But while he was on patrol and re-calibrating his puzzles… Papyrus attached it to Sans, then clipped the other end to his belt.
“TODAY, SANS, WE ARE FINALLY GOING BACK TO WORK. I WILL RE-CALIBRATE ALL OF OUR PUZZLES! AND WE WILL GO ON PATROL! AND WE WILL BE PRODUCTIVE! TOGETHER!”
“yay!” Sans cheered, and Papyrus was so happy to see Sans be enthusiastic about work for once!
“LET’S GO!” Papyrus took Sans outside and they set off. Papyrus knew they had a lot of ground to cover, so he was striding along at his usual, speedy pace.
“pappus! pappus wait!” Sans’s little legs couldn’t keep up. He tried running after Papyrus, tripped, and fell flat on his face.
Papyrus stopped and went back to pick him up, but Sans was already sniffling and whining about the snow in his orbits and nasal cavity. “NOW, NOW, YOU’RE SUCH A BIG MONSTER! NO NEED TO CRY!” Papyrus gently brushed the snow form his brother’s face, then picked Sans up. “WHY DON’T I CARRY YOU TO THE PUZZLES, THEN WE CAN RE-CALIBRATE THEM TOGETHER!” Sans simply nodded as he snuggled into his brother’s arms.
As Papyrus continued to walk Sans perked up and began looking around in interest, he hadn’t been brought past the ‘Welcome to Snowdin’ sign. Not since the accident, anyway. The scenery quickly became boring, just more of the same snow and trees as the town without interesting buildings to break it up. Sans settled into Papyrus’s arms and let himself be carried. Soon they came to the first puzzle, the slippery Xs and Os one. Re-calibrating it was always a challenge for Papyrus, even without a toddler along for the ride, but Papyrus refused to be defeated. He deftly skated across the ice with Sans in one arm and soon had it calibrated perfectly.
“THERE, SEE? I KNEW WE COULD DO IT!”
“’m bored,” Sans whined.
“WELL THAT IS BECAUSE YOU COULD NOT HELP WITH THIS PUZZLE. I AM SURE THE NEXT ONE WILL BE FAR MORE ENTERTAINING. IN FACT, AFTER I RE-CALIBRATE IT YOU SHOULD TRY SOLVING IT!”
Sans nodded, unsure how exciting that really would be.
Papyrus easily stepped over the spikes to the next puzzle and set Sans down. He started working on the puzzle, leaving Sans to his own devices. The toddler ran back and forth over the tiles until all the ones in the leash’s reach were triangles, then he stomped about in the snow. After that grew boring, he picked up a handful of snow and dropped it onto Papyrus’s back as the taller skeleton knelt over the tiles.
“SANS, PLEASE! I’M WORKING!”
Sans huffed, plopped his coccyx in the snow and crossed his arms. He was now thoroughly bored and his brother was ignore him. After a while that got boring too, so Sans got up and ran to the end of his leash, then zigzagged around Papyrus.
Papyrus finally finished with the tile he was working on and got up to move onto the next one. When he stood he immediately lost his balance and fell face first into the snow. There was something caught around his ankles. Papyrus managed to push himself half up and get a look at what had happened: he was completely tangled up in the leash.
“SANS! WHAT DID YOU DO?!”
Sans just looked up at him with the biggest grin across his face. Papyrus sighed, then untangled himself. He did a quick check of his inventory, he had taken to keeping a couple toys in there for when he needed a quick distraction for Sans. Oh good, he had a pail and little plastic shovel set in there. “HERE SANS, WHY DON’T YOU BUILD A SNOW CASTLE?”
“okay.” Sans took the offered toys and plopped down in the snow. With a sigh of relief Papyrus returned to re-calibrating his puzzle.
“THERE, ALL RE-CALIBRATED! NOW, ONTO THE NEXT PUZZLE.” Sans didn’t resist as Papyrus picked him up and carried him over the spikes to the next puzzle. Having learned from his mistake, Papyrus decided to attach the leash to a nearby tree so Sans couldn’t tangle him up again. Though this shouldn’t take long, this puzzle was much simpler than the one he had just finished.
It turned out this puzzle had taken some damage the more complex puzzle hadn’t. Not only did Papyrus have to re-calibrate it, he had to thaw and repair it first. Eventually everything was finished and the puzzle was good as new. Papyrus dusted off his hands in satisfaction as he looked down at the puzzle. “THERE, ALL DONE! DO YOU WANT TO TRY SOLVING THIS ONE, SANS?” Papyrus turned to where he had left the toddler, “SANS?” The toddler harness was abandoned in the snow, the leash still attached to the tree. “SANS!” Papyrus ran over to the tree, little footprints lead further up the path. Papyrus thanked his lucky stars that today it wasn’t snowing and the tracks were untouched.“IT’S OKAY,” Papyrus told himself as he followed the tiny little footprints, “SANS WON’T BE ABLE TO GET PAST THE SPIKES AT THE NEXT PUZZLE, HE’S TOO SMALL!”
A surge of panic welled up in Papyrus’s chest, the spikes to the next puzzle were down. It needed to be re-calibrated. And Sans’s footprints lead right through the thin layer of snow over the retracted spikes. Papyrus tried not to panic as he kept following the footprints, then a noise caught his attention. It sounded like something was whining and… snuffling? Breathing of some kind, and lots of it. He looked around the next tree and found a pile of dogs gathered around a happily squealing babybones.
“puppy!” Sans declared as he tried to pet Doggo, Dogamy, and Dogaressa all at once.
(Puppy!) Dogaressa agreed as she happily wagged her tail and sniffed at Sans’s hands.
“SANS! THERE YOU ARE! YOU HAD ME WORRIED SICK!” Papyrus ran over and picked Sans up, cuddling his babybones brother close. “DON’T EVER WANDER OFF LIKE THAT AGAIN!”
“Hello Papyrus!” The three dogs greeted as they all rolled onto their feet and got up.
Dogamy held up a paw in greeting, “Why is Sans out here?”
(… so far from town?) Dogaressa continued.
“I’M WATCHING HIM, OF COURSE!”
Dogamy and Dogaressa looked at each other, then back at Papyrus. “Make sure to keep an eye on the little pup.”
(We wouldn’t want him to get lost.)
“I KNOW,” Papyrus assured. “HE CAN BE QUITE THE SLIPPERY SNAIL SOMETIMES, BUT I AM KEEPING A VERY CAREFUL EYE SOCKET ON HIM.”
“Hmmm...” Dogamy hummed to himself, but otherwise said nothing.
Doggo pulled out a dog treat and started to light it, only to be smacked by Dogaressa. (Not near the puppy!)
“Alright, alright. Sheesh!” Doggo turned and started wandering towards his sentry station.
“WELL, I’VE GOT MORE ROUNDS TO DO AND PUZZLEs TO RE-CALIBRATE.”
“We’ll see you later,” Dogamy called.
“SAY GOODBYE TO THE DOGGIES, SANS.”
“bye bye, I love you!”
There was a gasp, followed by, (“We love you too”) as Papyrus carried Sans away.
The rest of Papyrus’s shift went off without a hitch, he managed to keep Sans busy or distracted enough to not wander off again. After stopping off at home to feed Sans and grab a few more snacks and toys, Papyrus carried Sans towards Waterfall.
“gun?” Sans asked as they entered the damp caverns.
“NO, WE’RE NOT GOING TO VISIT GERSON TODAY. WE’RE GOING TO GO SEE AUNTY UNDYNE.”
“aunty!” Sans yelled happily and threw his arms up in the air.
Undyne was waiting for them outside her house, foot tapping impatiently as they entered the little nook her house was tucked in. “Papyrus,” Undyne grit out angrily.
“HELLO UNDYNE, WE’RE HERE FOR MY WARRIOR TRAINING!”
Undyne ground her teeth, “Papyrus I just… I can’t believe you!”
“I DON’T UNDERSTAND, WHAT DON’T YOU BELIEVE?” Sans started fussing as Papyrus stared at Undyne in confusion.
“I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU’D DO SOMETHING SO… SO..!” Rather than finish her sentence, Undyne yelled at the cavern roof. Sans hid his face in Papyrus’s shoulder, his bones started rattling. “You took a small child with you out into the middle of the woods while you were WORKING! And what’s more, YOU LOST HIM! Do you have any idea how lucky you are the Dogi found him?!” Papyrus tried to speak but Undyne just kept going. “What if the Dogi hadn’t found him? What if someone dangerous had? Or what if he had fallen off one of those cliffs? What would you have done if he had gotten lost in the woods and you couldn’t find him?!”
“THAT’S-”
“And then you brought him to WARRIOR TRAINING?! Papyrus! You can’t bring a toddler to warrior training! He’s a toddler for the Angel’s sake!”
“UNDYNE, YOU’RE SCARING SANS.” Papyrus ran a soothing hand up and down the trembling toddler’s spine.
“He shouldn’t even be here right now. And if you can’t get someone to take care of him for you, neither should you!”
Papyrus’s jaw opened and closed a few times, then he turned and walked away. The walk home was much slower, Papyrus kept pausing every now and then to whisper comforting words to the still trembling toddler in his arms. One of those times was next to the bridge seed puzzle, and Sans finally responded.
“aunty meeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaan!” He wailed loudly, then burst into big, messy tears. Papyrus was relieved, if a little sad that is battle body was going to need to be washed again. The subdued trembling had stopped, and the wailing he knew how to handle. By the time they made it home Sans had quieted down to sniffles and muffled sobs that meant all Papyrus would have to do was clean him up and put on a cheerful face to distract him. Maybe put him down for a nap since he was overdue. “aunty mean,” Sans repeated once they were through the door.
“YES, UNDYNE WAS BEING QUITE FORCEFUL, BUT SHE ONLY YELLED LIKE THAT BECAUSE SHE REALLY CARES AND WAS WORRIED ABOUT YOU.”
“aunty mean,” Sans insisted angrily.
“AND SHE WON’T BE AGAIN, BECAUSE I AM GOING TO TAKE EVEN BETTER CARE OF YOU THAN BEFORE, SO SHE WON’T HAVE A REASON TO WORRY LIKE THAT AGAIN! NOW! LET’S GET YOU CLEANED UP, IT CAN’T BE COMFORTABLE HAVING YOUR SKULL COVERED IN SNOT AND DRIED TEARS!” Sans huffed, but otherwise made no fuss as Papyrus carried him upstairs to get washed up.
The next morning Papyrus walked Sans over to the Libarby, careful to keep his steps slow and small so the toddler could keep up. Inside the librarian greeted Papyrus and Sans cheerfully, “And is Sans here for the daycare?”
“YES, I WAS TOLD I COULD LEAVE HIM WITH YOU WHILE I TEND TO MY DUTIES.”
“Of course,” the librarian chirped cheerfully, “we just need you to sign him in.” The librarian pushed a clipboard over to Papyrus, which he quickly filled out.
“OKAY SANS, BE GOOD FOR THE LIBRARIANS WHILE I’M GONE.”
“no!” Sans attached himself to Papyrus’s boot and glared up at the librarian.
“SANS, PLEASE!”
“Don’t you want to play with the other children?” The librarian’s question had Sans pausing to look up at her inquisitively. “You can walk him back, a lot of children get over their separation anxiety easier when they have other children to distract them.”
“GREAT IDEA! COME ALONG SANS, LET’S GO MEET THE OTHER CHILDREN YOU WILL BE SPENDING THE DAY WITH.” Sans allowed himself to be led into the back of the library where a few other young children were already playing with toys. A curious puppy trotted over to the new comers and sniffed at Sans.
“puppy!” Sans squealed happily before enthusiastically petting the puppy.
“Pets!” The puppy happily squealed back, their tail already thrashing about. Sans was so engrossed by his new playmate that he didn’t even notice Papyrus quietly sneaking away.
When Papyrus returned to pick Sans up that afternoon, Sans dropped the toy he had been holding and ran full tilt into Papyrus’s legs. “HELLO SANS, DID YOU HAVE A GOOD DAY PLAYING WITH THE OTHER CHILDREN?”
“missed you,” Sans grumbled as he clung to his bother’s legs.
“I MISSED YOU TOO, HOW ABOUT WE GO HOME NOW?”
“ok.” Sans held his arms up, refusing to budge until Papyrus picked him up.
“Don’t forget your drawings,” one of the librarians called as she held out a few papers to Papyrus.
“OH! I CAN’T WAIT TO LOOK AT THESE! I’LL PUT THEM RIGHT UP ON THE FRIDGE.” A big, excited grin was plastered over Papyrus’s face as he accepted the drawings.
Sans smiled bashfully and leaned his head against his brother’s shoulder, “love you, pappus.”
“I LOVE YOU TOO, SANS.” Papyrus dropped a kiss on top of Sans’s skull as they left the library.
Once home Sans refused to be put down, so Papyrus simply settled on the couch with Sans in his lap as he began looking through the drawings Sans had made. The first one was a lot of black shapes scribbled all over the page.
“WHAT’S THIS?”
“a bastard!” Sans replied as he pointed to one of the empty spots the black was scribbled around.
“A… A BASTARD?” Papyrus asked in disbelief.
“yeah! it goes bweeeeeeeen!” Sans held his hand up to his teeth and made a “roar” motion.
Papyrus looked back at the drawing, if the black were background and not the drawing itself like Papyrus had originally assumed… “OH, A BLASTER! YOU MEAN OUR SPECIAL ATTACK.” Papyrus summoned a blaster to illustrate his point.
Sans clapped his hands and pointed at the large skull floating serenely in the living room, “bastard! bastard!”
Papyrus dispelled the attack before an accident could happen, it was never wise to summon attacks indoors after all. “IT’S PRONOUNCED ‘BLASTER’, SANS. BLA-STER.”
“baster.”
“GETTING CLOSER.” He flipped to the next drawing, it was three faces. He could tell one was him and one was Sans, which meant the third one must be their father. Since it was just their faces this time there were more details, like uneven pupils inside their father’s eyes. Then again, the pupils Sans drew for his own eyes weren’t even either, it was likely just due to his toddlery hand-eye coordination. Aside from the pupils and what Papyrus could only assume was a pair of square-ish glasses, their father’s face looked very similar to his own, right down to the exaggerated cheekbones Sans had given them both.
“thaz you an’ me an’ daddy!” Sans cheerfully explained as he pointed to the faces.
“I CAN TELL, YOU DREW US VERY WELL.” The next drawing was their father again, this time alone. A full body picture that had their father wearing a long, white coat with dark clothes under it and some sort of square thing in on hand. “AND THIS IS DADDY TOO, RIGHT?”
“yeah!” Sans said excitedly. “when daddy come home?”
“I… I DON’T KNOW.” Papyrus admitted sadly. He really wished he could remember their father, or what had happened to him. Papyrus flipped to the next drawing, the first one to actually have any color in it. “OH! IT’S ME! AND MY BATTLE BODY!”
“yeah!” Sans grinned up at Papyrus.
The older skeleton felt tears welling up in his eye sockets, “THIS IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL DRAWING I’VE EVER SEEN! I’M GOING TO GET THIS FRAMED!” Papyrus hugged Sans, which the toddler returned while giggling. After they had a moment to calm down, Papyrus flipped to the last picture. “IS THIS GRILLBY?”
“girby!”
The picture featured an orange, vaguely flame shaped blob with a few black shapes below it that could be Grillby’s usual vest and bow tie if you turned your head and squinted. “WE’LL HAVE TO SHOW THIS TO GRILLBY NEXT TIME WE SEE HIM, I’M SURE HE’LL BE VERY FLATTERED.”
“girby,” Sans said again, more quietly this time.
Papyrus picked Sans up and walked into the kitchen, “IN THE MEANTIME, LET’S PUT THESE ALL UP ON THE FRIDGE.” It was already overflowing with the drawings Sans had made, but Papyrus couldn’t bear the thought of taking any of them down. He shuffled the drawings around until there was room for the new ones, which were promptly put on display. “THERE! NOW, WHO’S READY FOR DINNER?”
“dinner!” Sans repeated and threw his hands into the air.
  This chapter has some of my favorite lines, including my all fic favorite: bastard! I love it so much! I just... I’m so glad I came up with that. *wipes a tear away*
5 notes · View notes
painted-lady12 · 7 years
Text
What I Never Could...
Chapters: 1/1 Fandom:  Yuri!!! on Ice Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: None Relationships: Yuri Plisetsky/ Original Characters Characters: Yuri Plisetsky, Yakov Feltsman, Lilia Baranoskia, Yuuri Katsuki, Viktor Nikiforov, Mila Babicheva Summary:
A companion to “The Silver Devils Play”.  Yuri struggles with a tumultuous relationship, and finds out some sensitive information about Viktor.
***
Yuri Plisetsky was fifteen years old, and he was wandering the streets aimlessly.  Shops were bent towards the sidewalk, peering in at everyone’s business.  The summer weather was starting to wane, signaling that fall was just around the corner.
He’d taken to doing this often in the  last few weeks.  Yakov and Lilia were at each other’s throats constantly, and the bickering was driving Yuri absolutely crazy.  
His hair was up in a pony tail, and he realized where he was before he had consciously decided.
“Fuck,” Yuri cursed, and clicked around on his phone to call Mila.
Her voice trilled on the line.  “Hey, Yuratchka!  What’s…”
Another voice interjected, and Yurio’s stomach dropped.  “What are you doing out, kotenok?”
His phone dropped, and he picked it up, extremely grateful for his case.  He hung up on a confused Mila, and turned around.
Yuri gulped as he caught sight of who was behind him.  A tall, muscular boy with a chiseled jawline was watching the lean blonde with interest, biting his lip.  His dark hair fell into one of his eyes defiantly; bright blue eyes blinked from behind those locks.
Kotenok.  That was Viktor’s nickname for him,, it shouldn’t be coming from anyone else’s mouth.  Yuri’s hand tightened into a fist, his fingernails biting into his pale skin.  “What do you want, Ruslan?”
The taller boy smirked, crossing his arms in front of his chest.  “You’re standing outside my apartment.  I should be asking you that.”
A blush creeped onto Yuri’s face, and he quickly looked away, retreating into his hoodie like a turtle into its shell.  A brisk evening wind whisked past them, and Yuri wished momentarily if it could carry him away from this embarrassment.  
The sixteen-year-old looked bemused, and Yurio turned on his heel to leave.
“Wait,” Ruslan said, voice wavering a little bit, tinged with… something.  “I’ve been meaning to text you.  I wanted to talk.”
The sidewalk was unfortunately deserted, so Yuri had nowhere to hide and no excuses.
“Come inside?” Ruslan provided hopefully, and Yuri nodded, following him into the apartment building.  When they got inside, though, Yuri looked around.  “Is anyone home?”
Ruslan froze, eyes widening a little bit.  “No, my mom is working…”
The blonde placed his hand on the other boy’s button down, pushing him gently until he hit the wall of the living room.  Ruslan’s pupils dilated, and he grinned.  “I said talk.”
“I didn’t,” Yuri argued, and started hungrily nibbling on his neck, sucking and biting and leaving a trail of red skin where he went.
“You’re… you drive me crazy, you know that?” Ruslan swallowed, and Yuri moved to circle his tongue around the other boy’s earlobe.
“Ahh,” he dropped an inch or two as his knees buckled with want, and Yuri let his fingers start exploring the skin under his shirt, curls of hair sliding under his hands.
“Not that… ah, not that I’m complaining, but why did you come here?”
Yurio froze at the corner of Ruslan’s jaw, pulling back and narrowing his eyes.  “I… didn’t do it on purpose.  I was just walking and then I was here.”
Ruslan frowned.  “You need to be careful, Yuri.  If my mom sees you here again, she’ll…”
A whiplash of memory flooding over Yuri like a tidal wave.
Of the two of them half dressed and tangled with each other on the bed.  Of hot breath and rough kisses and hands somehow always finding the perfect spot to cradle and caress.
Then, the memory soured.  The door opened, and Ruslan’ mother, a short nurse with a tight grimace who dropped what she was carrying on the floor in shock.  Yuri managed to dart out of the room, but she had caught the back of his shirt.
Ruslan had pushed her so he could get away.  Yuri saw Ruslan at their favorite coffee place two days later, bruises flowering below the hem of his shirt.  Yuri’s hands had traced the outline of them in the bathroom between kisses.  Ruslan explained that they needed to lay low for a while.  
Yuri couldn’t help it, though.  The other boy drew him like a magnet; besides, it was a miracle that Yuri managed to even find another gay teen in his area.  Most of them were so closeted that they’d become the shoes and shirts around them, hiding in plain sight.
They had been friends for a few years, and then one day Ruslan hugged Yuri tightly, and instead of hugging back, Yuri had stiffened and shrunk away, blushing.  The two of them were caught in an eternal stare-down, until finally Ruslan brushed Yuri’s hair behind his ear.
“I missed you,” Yuri growled, pressing a soft kiss to the taller boy’s lips.
Ruslan’s smile grew, making him only look increasingly more handsome.  Yuri cursed whoever made this damned boy so attractive.
Yuri knew no lips but Ruslan’s lips, and knew no one else’s body the way he did Ruslan.  Yuri’s experience with anything of this nature begins and ends with this boy, the one Yuri started pulling towards the bedroom.
When they got there, Yuri plopped down onto his bed and spread himself out comfortably, spreading his legs as Ruslan crawled up between them, kissing his clothed calves up to his thighs to his stomach, hovering over a tiny patch of exposed skin, hot breath on his skin making Yuri close his eyes.
Thy kissed and kissed, trying to get closer, trying to meld into one person, their clothes started disappearing, until Yuri was working on Ruslan’s belt.
“Yuri, we should talk.”
Yuri groaned, falling back against the bed.  “Fine.  Talk.”
Ruslan’s hair stood up attractively where Yuri had run his fingers through it, and he took Yuri’s hand in his.
“What are we doing?”
“Um, well, I know what I was going to do, but…”
Ruslan snorted.  “No, not that.  What are we?  We’ve been doing… this… for a few months.  First it was just kisses, but it’s more than that, now.  What does that mean for us?”
The question made Yuri swallow thickly.  “I can’t be gay,” he responded.
There were a few breaths.  “That ship has sailed, Yuri…”
The blonde shook his head suddenly, “No, no, you know what I mean.  I can’t be… out.  I’m a public figure, and if I have a boyfriend I’ll be completely destroyed by the press.”
Yuri remembered the many times that Viktor had to go on dates with women, the front he would have to put up.  At some point Viktor stopped caring, and the world loved him too much to care.  It was different with Yuri, because he was fresh in the senior division.  He didn’t have the reputation of a living skating legend to back him up.
“Boyfriend,” Ruslan said the word slowly, mouth forming a smile around the sound.
“I… wait, I don’t…” Yuri was frantic now, leaning back.  “I didn’t mean…”
There was a sigh.  “I know, Yuri.  So what you’re telling me is that we can only ever be friends?”
“I don’t think we can ever just be friends, either,” Yuri admitted, this time leaning towards the dark-haired boy, whose blue eyes sparkled as he leaned in, too.
Their mouths met for a few short kisses, until Ruslan whispered, “Yeah, you’re right.”
Yuri’s phone started ringing.  It was Mila, and Yuri flushed, grabbing for it.
“Mila I can…”
“You’re with him, aren’t you?  I thought you promised that you wouldn’t go back there.”
Yuri sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.  “It’s my life, Mila.”
Mila’s voice came in lower over the phone, as she attempted her impersonation of Yurio himself.  “Mila he broke my heart he won’t text me back promise me you won’t let me near that asswipe again I’d rather throw myself off a cliff.  I have it written down, Yuri. Do you need me to pick you up?”
Bright blue eyes were watching him nervously, and Yuri found some semblance of sobriety to say, “Yeah, you know where.”
“I’ll be there in twenty,” Mila promised, and Yuri got up and started putting his clothes back on mechanically.
“Where are you going?” Ruslan got up and tried to stop Yuri from pulling on his sock, only to be pushed back.  “You came to my house.  You came to me.  It’s not like I was baiting you, either.  You know that what we have is more, don’t you?  It’s something.  You can’t run from it forever.”
When Yuri had stuffed his last foot into a shoe, he stormed out.
“Watch me try.”
***
Mila’s car smelled like dogs and strawberries.  She was in sweats and a crop top, having just come from her hip-hop class.
Yuri sunk down into the seat as she drove, until they were stopped in front of Yakov and Liila’s place.  Mila was tapping her fingers on the windshield, nervousness manifested in fidgeting.  
“You know that being with him is just hurting you.  Why do you keep going back?”
Instead of answering, Yuri bolted out of the car, muttering a “thanks” before slamming the door.
The other skater knew him well enough to know that this was a dismissal.  She drove off quickly, and soon Yuri walked into a quiet house.  The smell of dinner floated from the kitchen, and Yuri smiled before his phone started going off.
A picture of a pork cutlet bowl illuminated his screen, and he raised an eyebrow, seeing that he’d also gotten a text from Yuuri earlier that day, asking for Yakov’s number.
“Hey old man, I’m giving pork cutlet bowl your number!  I think he wants to ask you something!”
When Yuri sat down at the dinner table with Lilia and Yakov, they’d returned to casual conversation and civility, laughing and eating like nothing had ever happened.
Yakov’s phone started going off.  “I’ll get that after dinner,” he clicked the volume, but then saw the previews of the texts and stood up quickly.  “Sorry, no, this is urgent.”
Having just taken a bite of chicken, Yuri watched Yakov disappear into the den, him and Lilia exchanging confused glances.
“The old man doesn’t answer the phone during dinner,” Yuri stated, dumbfounded.
“It must be important,” she responded, watching the doorway he disappeared through with alarm.  
Dropping his fork, Yuri walked after Yakov, Lilia hissing for him to get back to the table.
Voices whispered on speaker, coming from Yakov’s office across the hall.  He followed the sound until he got close enough to hear it.
“Katsuki, this is… what happened?  All of this sounds so pained and confused…”
“I don’t know,” came Yuuri’s voice from the phone, “He was rambling this to Minako while drunk.”
“I’ll send you a translation after I transcribe it.  Give me an hour.”
Yuri waited patiently, sitting against the door, ear pressed to the wooden entryway.
Then a voice started playing from Yakov’s phone, a voice speaking Russian that was in so much agony that Yuri actually got up and went back to the dinner table, pale.  Upon his return, Lilia smacked him with a towel.  
“You’re doing dishes for listening in like that,” she quipped, leaving the kitchen and Yuri to his thoughts.
When the dishes were done, Yakov came back into the room, normally miserable face screwed up into even more pain than usual.
“What happened to Viktor’s mother, Yakov?”
The old man stared back at Yuri with narrowed, dark eyes.  “It’s none of your business, Yuratchka.”
Yuri felt full of rage enough to burst.  “Of course it is!  Is this why he lived with his aunt?  Did she abandon him?”
“It’s all in the past.”
The blonde had strands of hair falling into his face, adding a dishevelled look to his anger.  “I want to know, Yakov.”
Sighing, Yakov gestured towards the kitchen table.  He got up and retrieved some good vodka from the other room and poured himself a glass.  Upon Yuri looking at him questioningly, Yakov simply shrugged.  “I can’t get through it without alcohol, kid.  I hope you know what you’re getting into.”
Yuri simply waited.
“When Viktor was young, his father passed.  His mother didn’t take it well.  She tried to kill herself, and Viktor found her.  After that she ran, going from place to place and hiding away from Viktor.  Viktor got sent to live with his aunt, but I went looking for her.  I found her with a new husband, and she was holding a baby boy in her arms.  She’d found a new family all her own, and left Viktor out completely, without even acknowledging his existence.”
“How does the press not know this?” Yuri whispered, eyes wide.
“I did a good job keeping the suicide attempt quiet, and after I found their new family I convinced her new husband to make sure that she kept nothing of distinction to lead anyone from Viktor to her.”
Everything was processing at half rate.  “You’re telling me that you orchestrated a huge cover-up to keep this a secret?”
“I’m telling you that my skater was hurting, and I needed some way to ensure that the person who hurt him couldn’t do so again.”
Yuri’s fist slammed down on the table, making the whole kitchen shake.  “Like hell!  Viktor has a mother and you’re keeping him from her.  I… not everyone gets that!  Not everyone gets that chance…”
“I gave Viktor her address when he asked for it.  He went, and decided to let her be.  It’s his decision.”
Yuri got up and left the table, storming to his room.
***
At the end of practice the next day, Yuri got into Mila’s car and gave her an address.
“That’s a two hour drive, Yuri, you better be spotting me for gas.”
The red-head was watching him curiously, trying to figure out what his game was.  
Yuri just stared out the window and muttered, “Yeah, sure.  Just keep the car running.”
They disappeared from the bustling and historic streets of St. Petersburg, the countryside stretching on either side of them for miles.  The overcast sky created a luminous effect on all below it, and Yuri was completely entranced by the way it reflected off the passing houses and farms.
Two hours later, Yuri and Mila had gone through his entire playlist, and they were gaping in a driveway at a massive mansion, brick-lined and white-trimmed.   
Yuri’s green eyes were widened, and his mouth hung open.  All at once, though, he seemed to collect himself and got out of the car.  He felt silly in his tiger t-shirt and ripped jeans, but he knew what he came here to do.
He went up to the front door and knocked.
There was movement behind the door, and a few giggles.  Within moments a beautiful blonde woman answered the door.  Her eyes were crystal-clear water, and she was practically bursting with life.  Despite the warm day, she had on long sleeves, and Yuri suspected that he knew why.
“Can I help you?” She asked this with sincerity, biting her lip.  She had a carrot in one hand, which would have been comical except for the situation.
“I… can I come in?”
She blinked, looking him up and down.  “You’re… you’re Yuri Plisetsky,” she whispered, a grin spreading on her face.  “Come in!”
Yuri did not expect such a warm welcome.  He walked in after her, surveying the beautiful foyer.  It looked like a regal palace entrance, with a sweeping staircase and glittering chandelier.  Yuri followed her into a small sitting room.  The carpet in here was pristine; there was a little boy sitting on the floor, drawing on a sketchpad.
“Yuri, this is Sammy.  Sammy, this is Yuri.  He’s a figure skater.”
The little boy’s eyes twinkled.  “Does that mean you know Viktor?!”
That shocked him, most of all.  “Yes, I do.”
“Mommy can I show him?!” the little boy was practically buzzing with excitement, his smile extremely bright.  
The woman nodded, and tiny, cold hands grabbed Yuri’s, and he was being pulled towards a tiny door.  Ana took a key out of a waxy houseplant and placed it in the lock.  When she opened the door and turned on the light, Yuri was stunned.
It was all… Viktor.  News articles about him, merchandise everywhere from posters to statues.  Viktor’s shining face was on every wall.  There were tables with some things that looked like belonged to Viktor as a child.  An old blanket, a stuffed bear with the eye missing.
“I’m sure that you’re here to check up on us,” Ana said easily, ruffling her son’s hair without conscious thought.
Honestly, Yuri was too stunned to speak.
“We’re his biggest fans, of course.  Hey, honey, could you go get us some of the cookies from the kitchen?”
Sammy bolted off, and Ana smiled fondly after him.  “He’s got so much energy, just like Vitenka used to have.”
“I… I’m sorry, I’m confused…”
“You must be wondering why I keep all this stuff,” she said calmly, tiny fingers touching just above Viktor’s eyebrow, where a hairline-thin scar sat.  You couldn’t see it in the photo because it was probably touched up.  It wasn’t something you saw unless you were quite close with Viktor, and Yuri wondered how long the older man had had it.  “It’s the closest I can get, anymore.  I know I lost the right to be in his life when I… when I left.  But I can still watch his competitions.  I can still buy his posters and read his twitter just to know that my boy is okay.”
Yuri stuttered a little bit.  “You… you’re staying away so you don’t hurt him?”
The pitch in Yuri’s voice made Ana’s hand drop from the photo.  “What?  That is the arrangement I made with Yakov, is it not?  I had to cut all ties with him.”
The young Russian was seeing red creep up on the edge of his vision.  “Yakov told me he just didn’t want the press finding out that you abandoned him.”
Her eyebrows knitted.  “Isn’t that… the same thing?”
“He asked that you lose your ties to the Nikiforov name, not lose your son.  You could have sent him a card or something on his birthday!  You could have had him for dinner here to meet his brother.  You’re fucking ridiculous, you know that?  This place looks like a shrine, like Viktor is dead in the ground.  He’s alive, and he feels like his own mother forgot him!  Some people don’t even get the chance to see the ones they love, but you do and you just don’t take it!”
Sammy stood in the doorway, eyes wide and hands holding up a cookie tray.  
“I came here because I thought I would have to remind you that you had a son.  This is so much worse, though.  You want him to stay far away because you can’t mess up if you don’t try.  Why don’t you fucking try?!”
Ana became stony.  “Get out of my home.  You will not scream in front of my son.”
Yuri stormed out, and paused as he passed Sammy.  
“I’m sorry, kid.  It’s not your fault that your family is fucked.”
“Get OUT!”
Yuri slammed the front door open and ran to Mila’s car.  She was watching Yuri with wide, mascara-clad eyes.
“Yuri, what…”
“We need to get out of here.  I’m going to be sick.”
The drive back was quiet for most of it, but after the first hour Mila tried, “Who was that?”
“Viktor’s mother.”
Mila almost slammed on her breaks.  “Wait, really?  I thought she was dead!”
“No, she’s just a fucking coward.  I can’t believe that she has the chance to know him and is staying away like this.  It makes me nauseous.”
Mila was quiet for a few moments, then said carefully, “I think that there are good and bad mothers out there, Yuri.  It’s not your job to judge.”
“Some of us don’t get that chance.”
Sighing, Mila bit her lip.  “I’m so sorry, Yuri.  This must be hard for you.”
“Some people lose their mother when we’re young and we don’t get that relationship at all.  I… I can barely even remember what she sounds like anymore…” Yuri’s voice cracked.  “I’m so fucking angry.”
Mila took Yuri back to her place and tucked him in on the couch that night.  Sometime in the night, Ruslan called Yuri, and Mila snatched the phone before Yuri could get up.
“Hello, this is Mila.  I know that you mean a lot to Yuri, but he needs some peace tonight.  I’ll tell him you called in the morning.”
“Oh,” the voice on the other end deflated.  “Does he… is there anything I can do?”
“No, there isn’t.  Some wounds just need time.”
She hung up and put the phone carefully back next to Yuri.  She pressed a kiss to his forehead.  “Goodnight, Yuratchka.”
She went to sleep that night, and clicked away on her phone beforehand.
Love you, mom.  Goodnight.
6 notes · View notes
shslshortie · 7 years
Text
Okay I'm going to make a post because I can't deal with everything that got asked/shat out my way
I am sorry for this rant, but I am legit ready to leave tumblr again. Like I forgot why I hated it so much, but lord is this an unhealthy environment for so many reasons. Mainly, because of discourse/call out culture. And I'm obviously not talking about being "PC" or anything, but just being an all around mean spirited person if anyone says anything that either 1) doesn't agree with you/your views/your fandom, 2) if anything is even slightly false or not entirely fact-checked, or 3) goes against most popular opinions without writing an entire graduate-level thesis about why you believe your opinion/view/observation is valid. Like if you want to complain or voice an opinion about anything, or even joke about something that you think is funny, you could very likely almost immediately be called out or even be sent WAVES of hate that usually is completely undeserved. Especially since people are hiding behind a screen of anonymity or at least behind an online persona, they don't think about the person on the receiving end of it. They don't think how their mean spirited comments or backlash could effect them mentally, and they don't even stop to think what else could be going on in their lives. Yesterday, (was it yesterday? I think it was yesterday, but GOD was it a long fucking day if it was) I made some posts after recapping through the Rost. Cup after I watched each medalist's short and long, as well as all the US skaters, big names, and for the men and ladies, almost all 11 skaters honestly. I love figure skating, and NO, unlike a lot of people wrongfully assumed, am not a part of the "fandom" and did not get into it because of YOI. Was a passion reignited from like a barbeque level flame to a bonfire with YOI's help? Yes. But would it probably have gone to a similar level with the Olympic season going into full swing? Highly likely. But anyways, I made some posts because I wanted to voice some observations, complaints, and things I thought were funny because tumblr is the only place I ever really rant/voice theories/talk about a lot of my interests, since I don't have any irl friends who are interested in almost half of the things I am. So, tumblr is usually the place that I dump these feelings/thoughts. Sure, one of them was a little off-color, and posted without thinking, but after about an hour (and like 3-4 replies I think), I looked back on it, and realized it didn't need to be posted out there, even if I didn't mean it to be mean. Does this mean I owed every single person who "called me out" for being uninformed, or for being mean, or for being whatever the hell I am a reply? No. Did I know that some things were answered over Twitter, or weibo (sp?) or Reddit, or whatever other gd social media that I don't use? No. Does that man I am uniformed and spreading lies or whatever? I don't think so, and that doesn't make me a fucking villain. I also deleted it, because I realized I was wrong. End of story, part 1. But then, the figure skating fandom found some of my posts/commentary/rants. (god forbid they somehow find this and attack me ALL OVER AGAIN, except for y'all that were part of this whole issue. I hope y'all see this, because it's not like I blocked you. Except for one tumblr user who blocked me because of my post? Like you do you, except don't reblog my post and block me so I can't see what you said, presumably about how I am a terrible person). And apparently 1) if you insult/don't like/say Y***** H**** didn't do his best/were disappointed in him, or if you like the person who won over him more... Then you deserve to die. And 2) if you even make a post about YOI or other anime, you are a fake fan who knows nothing. And 3) even mirroring almost the exact words of sports (specifically figure skating) commentators in your posts means nothing? Like it OBVIOUSLY means that you are making up bullshit to hate on skaters that are popular and are misinformed, right??? Or if you say one thing that was similar to an APPARENTLY problematic broadcast group, that nothing (including any commentary from official other broadcasts, because GUESS WHAT: it's hard to find recordings of all of the programs and exhibitions with English commentary, and there are usually 3-4 networks that have it, and SO MANY people upload different ones to YouTube) else you say matters or has any merit. I haven't even read all of the hate mail and submissions I received from this debacle. My mental health can't take it. I literally woke up for school the next morning, saw my notifications and couldn't get myself to stop crying from the anger/upsetness/trauma/depressed thoughts that bubbled up with all of it, and I couldn't even get myself to go to class because I was so shaken. Like visibly, physically shaken, to the point where I couldn't think straight and I literally had tremors from how upset and unstable it made me feel. Tumblr should be a place where I can voice my opinion on something I am passionate about without all this hate. I literally have no other place. Right now, irl, I got dragged into drama (not mine, I swear, I was just a witness and got pulled into the mess) with my honor society, and the girl who started it all is trying to pit the entire organization against me. I can't post anything on my finsta, and God forbid I even tried to post anything in Facebook. (Not like I would). I am already in a very dark place mentally and emotionally because of the trauma this is putting me through, and how unwanted, useless and disgusting everybody is making me feel. I shouldn't be getting that from strangers who just decided to make my life even more miserable on top of it. Legitimately, out of the 30-40 comments/asks/replies/submissions I recieved, only one person even tried to realize where I was coming from or to educate me on what I had done wrong or missed in my analysis. But some of their wording just mirrored all the hate l had recieved, or even other things I had been told in real life that just made me cry even harder and I still can't bring myself to reply to even the person who was civil. My one big point to anyone who sees this is (besides don't be a dick/cyber bully/create and stir up unnecessary discourse) is don't assume that people don't know what they're talking about? Or don't assume that they are fake fans? And don't make people spell every letter of their opinion out for you in a 12 page thesis if it doesn't comply with the tumblr norm. Cuz here are some fun facts about me that I don't normally publicize / post about on tumblr: Yes, I am an anime fan, but Jesus Christ I love/am a huge fan of WAY more than I am in the fandom for. I am honestly only in like 4-5 anime fandoms. Same thing goes for other things I like, such as Harry Potter or marvel. I can like things, A LOT, and be passionate about them without being in the fandom. That doesn't mean I don't like it or I'm not knowledgable on the subject. That doesn't mean that I am an idiot for not knowing a fact/opinion/theory that has made its way around the fandom, that I'm not a part of. YES, I am a HUGE SPORTS FAN. It was legitimately also my fucking career (as a sports reporter/journalist/broadcaster). Do I post on tumblr about Baseball or Football or Hockey? Almost never. Does that make me any less of a fan, or does that make me any less knowledgeable about teams and rules? No. Does that mean that I didn't play/participate in almost every sport growing up? (baseball for 6 years, I still play Intermural football, tennis for 3 years, volleyball for 4, soccer for 1, swimming for like 5 years, I tried track, even karate and some other random stuff.) YES, I AM FUCKING KNOWLEDGABLE ABOUT PERFORMANCE SPORTS. I have participated/competed/trained/still watch almost every kind of performance sport. Of course color guard and marching band has been the longest, and the thing I was best at (7 years), but I grew up doing all kinds of dance and I still do lots of dance, as well as TONS of my own choreography. I've done baton and cheer for about 1-2 years each too. I did gymnastics for 4 years — was I very good? hell no. But do I know about it and appreciate it? Yes. SAME THING GOES FOR FIGURE SKATING. I only had like half a years worth of lessons, and like 3 routines that I ever finished and performed with figure skating, but that is because it is an expensive af sport, and I had way more activities and sports that I was better at, more passionate about learning, and were more accessible. BUT did I grow up going to figure skating shows like Disney on Ice or Stars on ice? Did that stop me from waiting in line for hours to get Michelle Kwan and other famous figure skaters autographs? No. Did that stop me from watching almost every single minute of the 2014 and 2010 Olympics? No. Do I still remember watching parts of the 2006 Olympics with my parents and absolutely being ENTHRALLED and wanting to do that too? YES. I still remember watching the 2014 Olympics from my aunt's house when I was staying on a cot in her living room because my mother was in the hospital and CRYING when I saw Y* H* perform, break world records, and win the gold. It was a sense of normalcy and awe because everything else going wrong in my life didn't matter while I was watching these amazing athletes perform. And GUESS WHAT, since I'm not really a part of the Figure Skating fandom (just like I'm not in the musical theatre fandom, or in anything regards to hair or makeup) I don't post about my own hype or plans regarding how excited I am for things to come out. So nobody here on tumblr, or almost ANYONE knew how excited I was for this upcoming Grand Prix season for the first actual competition of the Olympic season. I watched almost every challenger series video, as well as the autumn winter classic and competitions of the like. Even the JGPF events in anticipation. But guess what: I literally have a note on my phone that has all of Team USA's competition schedules, and their scores that they have gotten so far (like at the COR), along with a list of my favorite international skaters, and other new skaters to watch. I was so hype, so excited, and I thought that maybe, since figure skating had boomed in popularity, thanks in part to YOI (but also, helped people be more vocal and open about how much they love the sport even if ex already did) I would be able to discuss the excitement with other people. But no. Instead of being able to say "omg I'm so excited for blah blah blah, I hope they make the Olympic team. But I also love this show concept and this other persons costume, and you also can't count out blah blah blah" and being civil with conversation among other fans... They instead will say " wow you like blah blah blah? But you said this about them, and that offends me so you're wrong, and you forgot this tiny detail from 3 years ago, and you like anime so you OBVIOUSLY only care about figure skating because of YOI. Take your bandwagon fan bullshit away from me and go kill yourself". So now, I am staying the fuck away from the figure skating fandom, I've literally left half of my choreography untouched for almost 2-3 months, don't want to read/finish any of my YOI fanfics, and will probably even have a hard time watching Skate Can this weekend (even though like 6 of my favorite skaters are competing, and I was so excited before). Guess I'll just have to annoy my snapchat friends with videos of skating and me screaming because of skating. Fuck you tumblr, and I doubt I'll make any more original posts outside of APO planning and reblogs in the foreseeable future,
1 note · View note
kazliin · 7 years
Text
Every Pawn Can Become A Queen Snippets Part 3 of 3
I promised people that I would write the ending of the Historical Fantasy Arranged Marriage Au that came from my original fake Viktuuri fic list from the Rivals series alternate A03 so here it is! 
Original post here
Part 1 here
Part 2 here
Disclaimer - this is a mock up of what one of the fics written by Viktuuri fans in the Rivals universe on the alternate AO3 might look like and therefore is a reflection of how fans see umfb!Yuuri and Viktor not as they actually are. Also again this is a quick fun piece of writing so please don’t take it seriously!
Every Pawn Can Become A Queen Snippets Part 3 of 3
Rating:  Explicit
Archive Warning: Graphic Depictions of Violence
Category: M/M
Fandom: Figure Skating RPF
Relationships: Katsuki Yuuri/Viktor Nikiforov
Characters: Katsuki Yuuri, Viktor Nikiforov, Katsuki Mari, Phichit Chulanont, Christophe Giacometti, Yuri Plisetsky, Otabek Altin, Jean-Jacques Leroy, Georgi Popovich, Mila Babicheva, Other Character Tags To Be Added
Additional tags: Alternate Universe, Alternate Universe - Arranged Marriage, Alternate Universe – Historical Fantasy, Alternate Universe – Royalty, Plotting, Assassination Attempts, Enemies to Lovers
Summary:
Yuuri is the Prince of an Empire, second in line for the throne and renown in battle, a formidable warrior who has been fighting for almost half his life against the neighbouring Empire and their barbaric ways. But after tragedy strikes both kingdoms, an uneasy peace must be formed between the two opposing sides, a peace that must be sealed with the strongest of bonds.
Charged with keeping the peace for the sake of his people, Yuuri is forced to leave his homeland forever and marry the only son and heir of the opposing kingdom, forging an alliance with marriage to protect the empire built on the backs and blood of his family and now ruled by his beloved sister. But Yuuri knows what the marriage truly is beneath the pretty words. A life-sentence, imprisoned forever under the rule of a man he hates and has faced on the battlefield countless time.
But the political machinations of the foreign court might prove to be an even deadlier battlefield than the one he just left and he must keep the peace between the two kingdoms to save the lives of millions, whatever the cost. And what’s more, his long-time enemy and new husband is not the man he believed him to be and his position as Prince Consort holds more power than he ever expected. For the one who holds the heart of the future king is the one who can control the kingdom.
Extract from chapter 14 of 15
 Yuuri could feel the sweat dripping from his brow as he ducked yet another swing from an enemy sword, knowing every moment could be his last. The fighting was intense inside the walls of the palace and if his plan didn’t start to work soon he knew every man and woman he had brought in to fight would be lost. They were loyal and brave but they were vastly outnumbered. The numbers wouldn’t matter if the cogs he had set in motion were allowed to work while he caused the distraction but if they failed he would die and everyone who followed him would die with him.
The fighting was intense and Yuuri was right in the thick of it but even so he still saw when a flash of silver hair appeared in the distance far across the cavernous throne room filled with fighting soldiers. Viktor had entered the fray, determined to protect his home even if Yuuri wasn’t the real threat. Far from it. But Viktor didn’t know that. All he knew was that the enemy were here and they were armed and it was his duty as a prince to cut them down.
Yuuri just prayed that even with Viktor there he would still have time. Viktor was a legendary warrior and with him joining the fight the balance would tilt against them even more rapidly.
Dodging another blade he moved, determined to cut across the hall and out into the corridor where the worst of the fighting was still taking place. As he moved he saw Viktor falter, saw him turn and could sense the moment that their eyes locked from across the room, blue on brown, the air seeming to thicken all around them.
A flash of deepest betrayal shone in Viktor’s gaze and Yuuri remembered his husband’s promise when they had last seen each other, that if Yuuri were ever to step foot back in his country again Viktor would cut him down without a second thought. But Viktor made no move towards him, still gazing at him even as the chaos raged around them and Yuuri could feel the guilt claw up his throat and threaten to strangle him.
He was doing this for Viktor, for both of them and for everyone they served. And Viktor would see that, if only Yuuri could buy a few more minutes. But even as the thought crossed his mind he saw the iron walls slam down behind Viktor’s eyes, cutting off all emotion as his eyes narrowed. He raised his sword in a fighting stance and Yuuri knew that, love or no, Viktor was not intending to let him escape again.
He loved Viktor, loved him with all his heart and he knew that he couldn’t fight him. Couldn’t ever imagine harming him and couldn’t let Viktor cut him down mere minutes before Yuuri proved his innocence and finally uncovered the real traitors for all to see.
So he did the next best thing. He ran.
 Extract from chapter 14 of 15  
The corridor was strangely dark and deserted and Yuuri could hear his own ragged breaths as he staggered down it, exhaustion clawing at his bone. It had worked, his plan had succeeded and any second now everyone in the castle would know the truth. He could go back to Viktor and they could begin to make things right between them. Deal swiftly with the traitors and restore peace to their empires.
There had been moments when he had been sure that he would fail, would die or worse, watch the deaths of those he loved. But he had determination and he had faith and finally the end was near.
There was a soft twang from behind him and Yuuri staggered forward from an unexpected impact, the force of it combined with the exhaustion nearly knocking him to his knees. There was no pain which was why Yuuri felt the shock flood through him when he looked down to see what had struck him so unexpectedly.
The wicked metal head of an arrow protruded from his left side, low down and far enough out that it could almost have missed him altogether. The tip gleamed red in the torchlight and Yuuri’s hazy mind dazedly registered that it was his blood smeared across the tip and now slowly staining his shirt like wine.
Slowly he turned around, willing his eyes to focus on the figure that was standing behind him, the figure who had shot him so inexpertly.
Gradually the shape swam into focus and Yuuri could feel his lips mouthing the familiar name. “Yuri.” he mumbled and even though there was no pain he could feel the wound begin to sap the last of his pitiful remaining strength, forcing him to sink ungracefully to his knees.
Yuri was standing at the far end of the corridor, bow still raised in his hand but with the sting hanging loose. His hands were trembling, shaking violently and for a second Yuuri’s muddled brain couldn’t begin process why. Yuri was famed for his archery skills, Yuuri had seen him put an arrow straight through a squirrel’s eye at a hundred yards. A long expanse of corridor might be separating them but he couldn’t understand how Yuri could possibly have missed him, could have shot him so inexpertly that he wasn’t already dead.
As he watched, Yuuri saw Yuri lower the bow, hands still shaking and in the torchlight he could just make out the faint tear marks that had trailed down the younger boy’s face. Yuuri had never seen Yuri cry before. Yuri had never let himself, determined to act strong as was expected of the nephew to the king and the next in line for the throne after Viktor. When they had first met, Yuri had hated him with a passion but Yuuri had tried hard to win over the boy’s favour and he had believed that Yuri had come to trust him at least, maybe even like him in his own reluctant way.
But that was all before Yuuri had been branded a traitor and sentenced to death. Before he had escaped and every soldier in the kingdom had been tasked with ensuring his death. Yuri might be young but he was no exception and he had done his duty, just as every soldier should.
Yuuri could feel the bitterness rising in his throat because he had been so close. His victory was now assured, the truth would be out and there was nothing anyone could do to stop it. But it was too late for him. The arrow in his side and the pain that was suddenly beginning to make itself known and spread like a fire through his body would ensure that.
Strength suddenly left him and Yuuri could feel himself slump over, his body hitting the floor with a thud and sending another spike of pain shuddering through him. The wound was clean and far enough away from any of his vital organs that he knew it would be a slow and painful death. But he was so tired and he could already feel the blackness begin to creep in on his vision and the world began to spin around him.
Vaguely he wondered if Yuri was going to come and finish what he started but instead he heard rapid footsteps disappear down the corridor and the sound of a muffled sob echoing into the distance. But he barely had the energy left to process it and when the darkness finally came he embraced it gratefully and allowed it to drag him down into oblivion.
 Extract from chapter 15 of 15
Distantly Yuuri could hear the sounds of running footsteps, shouting voices but his tired mind was too exhausted to translate the words that they were saying. Hurriedly they grew closer, getting louder and louder with each footstep and he suddenly recognised one belonging to Yuri and the other belonging to…
Warm arms were suddenly wrapped around him, lifting his limp body from the floor. Frantic fingers were pressed across his neck, desperately searching for a pulse and Yuuri could hear a sob of relief from the man above him when his search was met with a tiny flutter from Yuuri’s own heart.
Viktor.
More words were being shouted across him and Yuuri could hear Yuri mixed in among them, sounding panicked. But all he cared about was the man cradling him in his arms and chanting Yuuri’s name over and over again as if in prayer. He was too tried to move, too drained to even open his eyes but he was glad that if he was going to die, Viktor would be there with him when he did.
It seemed like his plan had finally worked, that his own innocence had been proven and the traitors exposed if Viktor was holding him so close and so tightly, rocking backwards and forwards with fingers clutching desperately into Yuuri’s rapidly paling skin. If nothing else, Yuuri was content to know that Viktor would no longer think badly on him, would no longer think him a traitor. His spirit could depart the mortal world in peace with Viktor’s forgiveness lighting the way.
Viktor began to speak again, more words in his own language that Yuuri knew he should understand but his brain couldn’t begin to translate, weak as he was. Instead he simply relaxed into the feeling of being held and let the darkness carry him away again.
 Extract from chapter 15 of 15
Yuuri had no idea how long he floated in the darkness, not quite alive but not quite sure he was dead either. Sometimes a few words would filter through, snippets of conversations in voices he recognised.
“…swear I didn’t know.” came one and Yuuri’s brain supplied ‘Yuri’ before he drifted away again.
“…infection…” came another and suddenly tight hands were gripped his and Viktor’s fingers were smoothing the hair gently across his face, whispering sweet words of encouragement.
“…be brave.” he heard as if from a distance and then a pain ripped through him worse than any he had ever felt before and he screamed out loud, the sound torn from his throat as he writhed. The pain was everywhere, burning through his veins but the worst of it was like a searing brand pressed deep into his side and he realised that they must have removed the arrow that was slowly but surely dragging him down into death.
Viktor’s arms just gripped him tighter and he was still murmuring gently in Yuuri’s ear but Yuuri could hear the crack in his words and he couldn’t stop himself screaming again when something was poured into his wound that made it burn even worse than before.
That time, he was grateful when he sunk back into unconsciousness.
After that he went back to drifting, the soothing blackness surrounding him a balm to the wounds that he knew existed in the waking world. It was hot in the darkness, hotter than he had ever felt before but he was too lost in the shadows to really register the feeling.  
Just like before sometimes words filtered in and out of his consciousness. He was almost sure that days were passing but he had no sense of time, lost in the darkness, and he could never be sure.
Sometimes it was Yuri speaking, voice loud and angry and choked with tears. Sometimes it was another man that Yuuri didn’t recognise, although from the fragments he had understood he realised it must be the physician.
“…herbs…” he had heard once and then later “…drink…”
“…might not survive the night your highness…” it said another time and Yuuri could just feel the cool trickle of water across his forehead and down his neck as someone wiped his brow gently and sent the doctor away.
It was Viktor, he was sure of it. Even floating in the darkness he would recognise Viktor’s presence anywhere. His words were often just out of Yuuri’s reach but Yuuri could still feel him by his side, where he had yet to move from. Sometimes Viktor pressed cool cloths against his face and across his neck, sometimes he held Yuuri’s hand or pressed gentle kisses to his brow. Sometimes he sang, low melodic lullabies that Yuuri only partially remembered.
Once, when the darkness was more pressing than it ever had been before and the heat seemed to engulf him from all sides, Yuuri was sure he could hear Viktor muttering the same words over and over again, one of Yuuri’s hands clasped in both of his own. The scent of the strange foreign incense that Viktor’s people used in worship was filling the room and it took Yuuri a few seconds to realise that Viktor was praying.
He wanted to reach out, to open his eyes or at least squeeze Viktor’s fingers to let him know that Yuuri could hear him but he was too weak and even the few seconds of lucidity sapped enough of his strength that he quickly drifted away again.
 Extract from chapter 15 of 15
 Yuuri had spent so long in the darkness that it was a surprise when his eyes finally fluttered open. The room his was in was still dark, curtains drawn to block out the chill of the night but it wasn’t the blackness he had been trapped in for so long. As he looked around he registered that he was lying on a bed, luxurious and large enough for two. It was their bed. His and Viktor’s.
But Viktor wasn’t sleeping next to him on the other side in the way that Yuuri had grown so used to. Instead he was curled up on a chair next to the bed, head slumped over onto the soft fabric with one of his hands still tightly locked with Yuuri’s own. He looked a mess, hair dishevelled and dark circles staining underneath his eyes.
Wincing, Yuuri sat up a little. His side still stung when he moved but when he lifted up the silky fabric of the shirt that had been covering him he saw that the wound was neatly dressed, fresh white bandages wrapped tightly around it and it tugged a little as he twisted, new skin drawn tight over the place where the arrow had struck. The heat was gone as well and his head felt clearer than it had in…however long it had been.
Glancing down at Viktor again Yuuri couldn’t help but marvel at the way his hair shone in the faint beam of moonlight slipping through the cracks in the curtains, the way his face always looked so much more innocent when he slept. He was so beautiful and Yuuri could feel the relief wash through him that he had succeeded. If he was here, if Viktor hadn’t left him to die, then it had to mean that they knew the truth, that Viktor had forgiven him and that they were safe.
Gently he brushed a strand of Viktor’s hair away from his face and Viktor stirred at the motion, eyes fluttering open and then widening when they took in Yuuri before him, sitting up with eyes that were finally open. He jolted up, instantly alert and Yuuri barely had time to breathe before he was pulled into a crushing hug.
Bringing his hands up to clutch onto Viktor’s back his buried his face into the crook of Viktor’s neck and could feel the tears welling in his eyes. When he pulled back he could see the same mirrored in Viktor and the other man was looking happier than Yuuri had ever seen him.
“Yuuri.” he breathed, almost reverently and Yuuri smiled, bringing both his hands to cup Viktor’s face.
“Viktor.” he replied and knew that that was all that needed to be said. They could talk properly later. But for now they were both alive and they were together and that was all that Yuuri needed. So he brought Viktor down into a kiss and thanked both his own gods and Viktor’s that they finally had a second chance.
653 notes · View notes
rainbowravioli · 7 years
Note
Let me share with you this one thing I'm currently thinking about. Okay, so at first I'll start with this: remember how at some point in the anime community, there was some big hit anime? Be it Naruto, Bleach, One piece, Fairy Tail, or even SAO (and more)? These shows have their flaws, and people still love it, no doubt. But they're still somehow imperfect. And yet popular. These kind of shows get usually popular because while they may not bring an absolute originality, they can still 1/?
catch an attention ‘cause people love the topic they bring (FT - magic, SAO - virtual reality and so on). These shows are directed to a mass of people, and usually a big mass of people will be intrested in it, because of the themes they brought. I wrote before these shows don’t have to bring an absolute originality (the character may be so blank enough so people can relate to him, for example), but they still explore something that wasn’t explored before. And 'cause of that, they’re popular. 2/ These shows are made to bring a lot of profit to their creators. They also may seem to “not die yet”. You’re probably asking now why am I talking about this. Well, these shows happen to have a huge fandom around them, a huge source of profit for the creators. And as I wrote before, these shows don’t have to be perfect. The characters can be blank, yet people relate to them in some things. 5 episodes can be about exploring some cave (just an example), but they still interest people… 3/ because the timing of bringing these shows (with new topics) alive are settled good. Now to the main reason why am I talking about this. Don’t you think, even just a little, that YoI could be becoming like one of these shows? Now, I know it’s too early to make assumptions. But think about it. A new topic? Checked - figure skating wasn’t there before (plus a character with anxiety…unfortunately, creators may be not aware about that). Now, the originality. I wrote before these kind of shows 4/ may be not original at all. Let me explain it more - these shows were original AT the time they CAME OUT, 'cause there was nothing like them before. They may seem uninteresting to us now, but back at the day when they were airing, they were something new. YoI got popular 'cause well, it holds its originality - an actual plot (not some queerbaiting), a well-thought characters (with an actual development…well, until the finale happened). And a huge fanbase? Checked - YoI did catch interest. 5/ Also important fact: these shows are so beloved because they brought new people to the anime community. And because it was someone’s first anime, of course it’ll have a special meaning for them. For a lot of people, YoI was their first anime. And probably the biggest reason the finale happened the way it happened is because well, the show got popular, we all know that. Sorry for such a long message, but I like to talk about this in the form of an ask. I’m also prepared for a long answer 6/ ('cuz don’t tell me this won’t turn into a meta, I’m certain it will, there’s so much to talk about). In your YoI critical metas, you were mostly focusing on why the finale didn’t work from the point of the story and characters. The story was already decided and then changed before midnight, so ofc it doesn’t have a sense now. While changing the “protagonist-always-wins” cliché may be interesting, from the point of the story, it makes no sense in the end. Thanks for answer in advance c:
Really only time will tell but I truly believe that Yuri on Ice is a game changer. It’s just way too huge of a phenomenon not to have lasting changes on the anime industry and community. Just in numbers alone…
Just the first BD/DVD sold over 70k copies. And that was just the first one! That’s absurd! I can’t even imagine the total sum of the sales by the times all the volumes come out. It’s already one of the best selling animes ever. The soundtrack also sold exceptionally well, and that’s not even mentioning all of the official merchandise and continuous collaborations with real brands and companies. Numbers and money speak very loudly. Not only can we be sure there will be a continuation (expect an announcement on the 29th), but Yuri on Ice has certainly left a mark already.
It’s not even just numbers. Yuri on Ice actually manages to distinguish itself from the animes you mention in a very specific thing: its audience. As we know, Yuri on Ice was made with a very niche audience in mind. Making an anime about figure skating was a risk and Sayo had been trying to make it happen for years before she succeeded. Yuri on Ice was not made to appeal to a wide, broad audience, but it actually succeeded in captivating said audience. All sorts of people are fans of the series. I’ve personally witnessed many people who didn’t even watch anime or had not watched in years become fans of the series. General audiences, critics and reviewers alike, many people even express surprise at how much they came to enjoy it. Because nobody expected YoI to be what it actually became. Then there’s the fact that real figure skaters watch and love the series, which ended up culminating in such things as an official collaboration with the ISU for Worlds 2017 (x) and a Japanese news broadcast playing History Maker over footage of figure skating (x).
Yuri on Ice works and it works really, really well. Now, we could discuss exactly what is it about the series that made it work so well as to become a worldwide phenomenon that has seeped into real life. I will attempt to be brief.
First it’s something you mentioned: originality. There’s been nothing like Yuri on Ice before. Not only in the sense that it’s an anime about an unexplored topic, figure skating, but because of how it handles said topic, its characters, how it handles emotion in its narrative and, of course, Victuuri.
I’m always a bit amused when I see people criticizing YoI’s portrayal of the sport considering you have actual figure skaters loving it and saying it’s incredibly realistic in what it does at least until episodes 11/12 cough those scorings that stamina cough. You can tell from watching the series that Sayo truly has a deep passion for figure skating and tried to portray it as lovingly as possible, not only as a sport but as an art. YoI as also managed to create a widespread interest in real figure skating, from having people want to try it for the first time, people who stopped and felt the urge to get back on the ice, or simply people who started watching competitions and getting invested in the real athletes.  
Then there’s the characters. And here’s where I’m going to make a bold but accurate statement: Yuri on Ice wouldn’t have worked half as well if anyone other than Yuuri Katsuki was the protagonist. I’m serious, go read positive YoI reviews and see how most of them mention Yuuri specifically as something that makes the series great. Yuuri is a very realistic and unusual protagonist. All the reasons he works as well as he does and why he made such an impact on most of the audience would be its own meta so I’ll refrain. I’ll just say that the way Yuuri’s anxiety is portrayed is also a big plus that YoI has in its favour. It’s not just Yuuri though, and it’s not even just how surprisingly endearing Victor was or how Yurio went beyond his rival role - YoI has a very good cast. Even though they have limited screen time, everyone feels unique and memorable. The ethnic diversity is also excellent, especially with how it doesn’t rely at all in stereotypes to portray characters from all these different countries. Even the few female characters we have, unlike their treatment in most sports anime where they serve as cheerleaders, managers, or love interests, feel like fully realized characters in their own right. They all have their own personality and their own life going on, it’s very refreshing to see.
The relationship between Yuuri and Victor is also a huge source of praise for the series in nearly every positive review I’ve seen. Again, we could be here for ages explaining in detail why it created such an impact, but let’s attempt to be brief. Keeping in mind, of course, that it’s not perfect and could have, in many ways, been handled better.The relationship is tied to the development of both characters involved and progresses very naturally over the course of 10 episodes. They have their ups and downs as they get to know the other, but ultimately the relationship is based on trust, mutual respect and support. Victuuri made many people feel represented. And all of this happening in a turned-mainstream series about figure skating. I like to watch reaction videos and such, and I’ve witnessed straight guys progress from laughing uncomfortably at Victor and Yuuri’s interactions in the first episodes to getting downright emotional over the kiss. At this point, Victuuri is a big selling point of the series and I’m hoping that the overwhelmingly positive reaction it generated will make for some future changes in the industry as far as representation goes.
There’s a lot more to talk about on why Yuri on Ice achieved the success it did. We could talk about the soundtrack, the story, we could talk about things like how real a lot of little details feel or deeper themes like how it played with gender roles or how it portrayed love or even how it has one of the better executed plot twists I’ve ever seen.
Regardless of the reasons, Yuri on Ice created a deep emotional response in its audiences. I was a fan by the time the teaser aired and I watched how the series grew from week to week. So many things about it already reached an “iconic” status in people’s minds, I’m sure we’ll see plenty of scenes and lines being referenced in the future across other works of media. It has left a mark on people and in the real world, and it will most likely leave a mark in the anime industry as well. It’s a flawed series, and I and many people have concerns about how it will go forward from here. Particularly, I’m afraid the staff is not aware of their own winning formula, as we see with things like oh, the entire episode 12 and everything that came after. YoI is very popular and beloved right now but it’s very easy for it to be ruined if the staff isn’t careful from her on out. But no matter what happens, Yuri on Ice already made history. Now let us hope and wait it can get better.
35 notes · View notes
ao3feed-victuuri · 7 years
Text
Prodigy
read it on the AO3 at http://ift.tt/2rupSr6
by jackiethepot
For as long as Yuuri can remember, he has loved the ice. He practically grew up on it, and goes to this ice castle so often he could say that he lives there. When he posts a video online of him do quad flips and salchows at 13, it goes viral. He also gains the attention of Celestino Cialdini, a figure skating coach. Read about his journey through the world of ice skating
Words: 724, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English
Fandoms: Yuri!!! on Ice (Anime)
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Categories: M/M
Characters: Katsuki Yuuri, Victor Nikiforov, Yuri Plisetsky, Phichit Chulanont, Celestino Cialdini, Yakov Feltsman
Relationships: Katsuki Yuuri/Victor Nikiforov
Additional Tags: hot katsuki yuuri, talented katsuki yuuri, yuuri is a skating prodigy, bc why not, Why Did I Write This?, i love how thats a tag, How Do I Tag, Kinda, obnoxious victor nikiforov
read it on the AO3 at http://ift.tt/2rupSr6
5 notes · View notes
andyfrills · 8 years
Text
Andy’s FanFic Log 21/03/2017
I’ve been a bit out of it this week, so it was a bit of a mission to get up to a consistent number for this log. And I’ve also been replaying some Ace Attorney games (5 & 6 - 6 being my fave), so that’s taken some time off of reading. But I somehow managed it!
Fic count: 23 Fandoms this Log: Voltron, Nancy Drew, Ace Attorney, Yuri!!! on Ice
※ I end up reading a lot of random shit. Until I’m a bit more comfortable I might censor a few things out, but there will be explicit fics, darker themes, crazy plots, and insane ships amongst all the sugar and fluff I find around the place. So the really important thing is to carefully read the warnings that I occasionally give & that are on the fic itself, and back away if it’s not for you.
Other posts in this little series can be found under the read fanfiction tag on my page~
Voltron
Black's Choice by Chloe_Hallow_Eve Words: 2.7k, Rating: Teen, Status: Complete Relationship(s): Klance (Keith/Lance) Shiro's gone, and the team needs a new Black Paladin, and quick. But Black is a lot pickier about who she wants her paladin to be than first thought. Alternatively titled: No one wants to be the new black paladin but someone is forced to be anyways. ~ Thumbs up for black paladin lance!
Blue's Acceptance by Chloe_Hallow_Eve Words: 1.9k, Rating: Teen, Status: Complete Relationship(s): None After Lance becomes the black paladin, Allura becomes the blue paladin. Blue is quick to accept the princess. Alternatively titled: Blue would be anyone's Lion but she would pick Lance over anyone. ~ Really enjoyed this one! It's nice to read more about Allura.
The Blue In The Black by Chloe_Hallow_Eve Words: 2k, Rating: Teen, Status: Complete Relationship(s): None Black looks back at how Lance and her started out, and is ever so proud of where they are now. Alternatively titled: Black Reminiscences At What Just Might Be The Worst Time ~ More black paladin lance! <33
Make Me Your Home by Reader115 Words: 38k, Rating: Mature, Status: Complete Relationship(s): Klance “Space cadet,” Keith mumbled. He repeated the words again although his eyes had zeroed in on Lance’s hands and Lance offered no resistance when Keith picked one of them up and pulled it possessively towards his lap. He began to gently trace over Lance’s fingers, sending shivers up Lance’s arm and down his spine. “You have looong fingers,” Keith murmured after a few moments. “I bet you could reach all kinds of things, Lance.” ~ So good! Really enjoyed this one, left me feeling super contented.
Teamwork Not Included by Chloe_Hallow_Eve Words: 3.4k, Rating: Teen, Status: Complete Relationship(s): Klance (Eventual) Lance struggles with his new position. He's not entirely sure this is where he should be, but he's trying his best anyways. Alternately Titled: What Would Shiro Do ~ Nice installment in the series!
The Tide by Zurela Words: 4.1k, Rating: G, Status: Complete Relationship(s): Klance Lance doesn't know whether or not he can trust Keith to have his back. But now that he's stuck under a tree, with broken bones, and on the verge of drowning, it seems he might not have a choice. ~ Good fic! I think I vaguely remember the show this is based off…
And We Go Where The Stars Take Us by thebestworstthing Words: 5.3k, Rating: Mature, Status: Wip Relationship(s): Klance (Eventual) On the ninth day, Lance shuts his eyes in his own personal hell, and when he opens them he’s in his home back on earth surrounded by his family and the warmth and light is so bright his eyes burn with it. ~ Omg Lance, I'm so worried about him in regards to this fic… I have a feeling things are going to get way worse for him before they get better. But I also have a feeling this will be a good fic! The author said they'll update every few days, so we'll know soon enough!
It's Hard to be Diplomatic by Chloe_Hallow_Eve Words: 2.6k, Rating: Teen, Status: Complete Relationship(s): Klance (Eventual), Shallura (Shiro/Allura) Team Voltron, now that they have Shiro back, go to Lotor to plan the final fight. Full title: It's hard to be diplomatic when you and the person you're supposed to be planning with keep flirting  ~ Nice fic! I'm looking forward to seeing how the rest of the series plays out.
Nancy Drew
starships were meant to fly. by rushie Words: 1.1k, Rating: G, Status: Complete Relationship(s): None The first time the boys met Sonny Joon, he had green hair. ~ I really enjoy reading this one! Although I might be just a bit biased since I love Sonny Joon and there isn't a huge amount of content for him…
Ace Attorney
A Bizarre, Beautiful Thing by Geodude96 Words: 1.5k, Rating: G, Status: Complete Relationship(s): Athena/Apollo (I have no clue of any ship names, so I’m just gonna stick with this version) Athena chooses a beautiful way to remind Apollo about the important things in life. ~ A rare hetro pairing has appeared! Ww in all seriousness, this is a sweet fic.
Before & After by shinigami_yumi Words: 1.6k, Rating: Teen, Status: Complete Relationship(s): Apollo/Nahyuta Three months after SoJ, Nahyuta and Apollo finally catch up and figure out where they stand now that the little girl Apollo grew up with is prince and regent. ~ Bit of a different pairing, not that I don't love Apollo and Nahyuta themselves, I just don't usually ship them. But it's a good fic!
Last Goodbye by DaisyDogOx Words: 1.4k, Rating: G, Status: Complete Relationship(s): None Apollo has one last chance to say goodbye to his father. He just never could've imagined it would hurt this much. ~ This is kinda short but it still made me cry a bit since it reminded me what happens in AA6… Major spoiler alert btw…
Discovery by thawrecka Words: 12k, Rating: Teen, Status: Complete Relationship(s): NaruMitsu (Miles Edgeworth/Phoenix Wright ~ i.e. the only ship in this fandom that I know the actual name of www) At 35, and very confused, Phoenix reconsiders his sexuality and his feelings for Edgeworth. ~ Disregarding the very accurate portrayal of biphobia, this is very cute. Good pining and angst vs fluff ratio.
The Diplomatic Turnabout by Lumelle Words: 8.4k, Rating: Teen, Status: Complete Relationship(s): Klavier/Apollo, Ema/Nahyuta The worst thing about being sorta-related to royalty, Apollo finds, is that sometimes he is the most diplomatic person around. Which really should never be the case, honestly, he is loud and abrasive while Rayfa has been raised to be a princess and Nahyuta is a holy monk, yet Rayfa is also spoiled and impatient while Nahyuta is developing a quite worrying penchant for practical jokes. Really, Apollo has his hands full trying to keep the country from slipping into war because his brother finds it quite amusing to aggravate various foreign politicians. And just what does Klavier Gavin have to do with all this? ~ It's nice to see them going about their business and being all domestic in Khura’in~ Would have been nice to see some of Rayfa instead of just hearing about her in passing. But a good fic!
Colors by shinigami_yumi Words: 6.3k, Rating: Teen, Status: Complete Relationship(s): Apollo/Nahyuta In a reality where Nahyuta is born blind, Apollo becomes much more than his eyes. ~ An interesting fic! I enjoyed reading it~ :)
Backup Vocals by SummerMermaid Words: 77k, Rating: Mature, Status: Wip Relationship(s): Klavier/Apollo Klavier Gavin is a prodigy prosecutor holding auditions for his band. Apollo Justice is the son of an accomplished guitarist who he can't get out of his head after he tries out. ~ Good fic! Quite a bit of drama, but it's well written and things seem to be panning out alright.
Yuri!!! on Ice
turntables by Vitali (exocara) Words: 4.3k, Rating: Teen, Status: Complete Relationship(s): Victuuri (Victor Nikiforov/Katsuki Yuuri) Prompt: “you’re a celebrity who just broke up and i tweeted you a selfie with the caption “date me” as a joke but you thought i was serious?” au ~ Felt a little rushed, but a good fic nevertheless.
Masks off by emulikule Words: 27k, Rating: Teen, Status: Complete Relationship(s): Victuuri And so the story goes that a playboy comes to a town, makes it fall in love with him and then proceeds to get himself enticed by the most mysterious person there. Wait... did it really go like that? ~ Awesome fic! Good plot, good length, good ending, and really nice execution! What else could you ask for?
Showing Results for 'Katsuki Yuuri' by Ferrero13 Words: 3.9k, Rating: G, Status: Complete Relationship(s): Victuuri Victor makes it his goal to get Katsuki Yuuri, figure skater, to the first page of Google results. There is no way he could let such a brilliant skater be overshadowed by Katsuki Yuuri, winner of some stuffy academic medal, who is probably 50 and balding. Or: Yuuri has made a name for himself outside of figure skating, and athletes are slow on the uptake. ~ Omg Victor… This is hilarious, it's brilliant~
Twenty-Five Hours by 0lizzybennet0 Words: 14k, Rating: Mature, Status: Wip Relationship(s): Victuuri In which Yuuri spends a 25 hour flight next to Victor Nikiforov, skating legend, and feels it might simultaneously be the best and worst thing that has ever happened to him. ~ This is great! It's really sweet, slightly angsty atm, but it's going to get sweet again soon! I just know it!
Rock, Paper, Scissors by nerdlife4eva Words: 3.3k, Rating: Mature, Status: Complete Relationship(s): Victuuri Victor and Yuuri discover the only chore they both dislike is vacuuming and decide to rock, paper, scissors (RPS) each time the chore needs to be completed. Yuuri is an ace at RPS and Chris sends them personalized charts to track their successes. All adorable Victuuri hell breaks loose! (These two have no chill, in basically anything!) ~ Omg this fic~! Great for a laugh!
cover story by fan_nerd Words: 8.2k, Rating: Explicit, Status: Complete Relationship(s): Victuuri Yuuri stares down at the person standing in the doorway. The stranger hisses, "Who do you think you are, anyways?" Quickly, before he can really think about it, Yuuri responds, "I'm Victor's boyfriend." It's a lie, but the words feel good in his mouth, and for some reason, he doesn't want to take them back. ~ I loved this fic! It's really good! <3
The Return of the Little Piggy by SASS_QUEEN Words: 4.4k, Rating: Mature, Status: Wip Relationship(s): Victuuri Everybody had their regrets in college. For the students, it was making fun of Katsuki Yuuri. For Yuuri, it was letting himself become too stupid. For Viktor, it was not doing anything. ~ This is a bit of a different fic, quite metaphorical in places, I'm not really sure what I think about it yet. Hopefully it'll be interesting. :)
4 notes · View notes
shrimpyboke · 8 years
Text
Have you ever had an itch that you constantly ignore, but it doesn’t go away? And it just keeps bothering you and irritating you until you finally scratch at it? Well, this is figuratively me.
First off, let me clarify this: I love both Yuri on Ice and Haikyuu. They were what kept me going through the shitty semester I had last year—I looked forward to each Wednesday and every Friday, and that’s what kept me distracted from spiraling headfirst into conflicting depression. But between then and now, on tumblr and on multiple social media platforms, I’ve noticed people from each fandom criticizing other animes. And it’s not constructive criticism nor is it enough to warrant a discussion. I know, I know—people are allowed to express their own opinions.
Continue reading if you want to actually read my rant (long post).
But what’s tiring me out is seeing one fandom throw down an anime to paint their favorites in a better light. I understand there are people who don’t like YOI and others who don’t like HQ, and that’s fine. You’re entitled to your own opinion, but you know what? It’s not necessary to shit on one anime to make yours look better. Primarily, I’ve seen some people from the YOI fandom throw shit at HQ, and I, being an avid HQ fan, am so fucking tired of seeing that shit.
Let me address some arguments I’ve seen:
Pacing
So there was this one post that irked me, and it was about how HQ had so many unnecessary scenes and flashbacks that cut to their training camp and how each match took up five episodes. Ok, let me start with this, I’m not caught up in the manga (I’m at where Karasuno goes up against Johzenji), but you know what I’ve noticed? The anime does a fantastic job of following the manga. A lot of the key points are emphasized, and the characterization is just so on point.
The training camp? That introduced us to some of the most beloved characters from Nekoma and Fukurodani. Without Bokuto, Akaashi, and Kuroo, we wouldn’t see Hinata and Tsukishima’s development in character or skill. In fact, imo, the training camp is where most of the development took place. New skills were learned, and the bonds between teammates and friends solidified into something stronger and more unbreakable. The flashbacks are almost always cut back to this period because that’s when Karasuno grew as a team.
The matches? Like I said before, the anime does such an amazing job at keeping true to the manga that we get to see literally almost everything animated, and that’s pure dedication. Also, with each match, new skills are unveiled and we get to actually witness how the opposite team functions and how, just like Karasuno, the teams are made up of high school students who just want to go on and play volleyball, and that’s what makes each team so beloved and hard to hate.
Queerbaiting
This one gets to me so hard and it annoys the crap out of me because
“Queer baiting is a term used to describe the perceived attempt by canon creators (typically of television shows) to woo queer fans and/or slash fans, but with no intention of actually showing a gay relationship being consummated on screen.”
When in the hell has Furudate given us the impression that two characters are getting together? Never. That’s the answer: never. HQ is primarily based around friendship and teamwork. The bonds between the characters are so strong that usually a glance is enough to perceive the solidified trust between teammates. Is there shipping within the fandom? You bet your ass there is, and hell, I’m guilty of being one of them. But that’s because the fans like it��iwaoi, bokuaka, kuroken, bokuroo, oikuroo, kagehina, ushiten, tensemi, etc. If there’re two characters out there, they will be shipped.
But at the end of the day, a lot of us remember that Haikyuu revolves around friendship, teamwork, and bonding. There is no queerbaiting, and you can all fight me on that.
Animation
Fair enough. You have your preferences, others have theirs. Personally, I love Mob Psycho’s the most, but that’s just me. But don’t say things like, “Oh, YOI’s animation sucks” or “HQ’s animation is gross.” That’s just rude to the animators and producers who worked hard every day to bring these beloved animes to life.
Final comment:
I stayed quiet about the crunchyroll awards because I don’t like conflict, but I’ve seen comments that have irritated me beyond rationality. And I still see some now, like really? That was a while back. Honestly, even though I thought Mob Psycho’s animation was beautifully done, I knew YOI was going to win based off of sheer popularity. Because that’s primarily what the awards were about: popularity. And that’s fine because it’s already happened, and we can’t change anything.
But what I absolutely hated were the comments that said, “MP fans should stop crying about losing. It’s getting annoying.” Again, freedom to express opinions. But keep in mind that if YOI hadn’t won, the YOI fandom would be outraged. So it goes both ways, and from what I’ve seen, a lot of it was a one way street that lacked empathy towards an upset fandom.
I’ve also seen arguments on ‘how hard the producers worked, and that’s why YOI deserves the award.’ No one is saying that animators didn’t work hard. Ice skating involves all parts of the body, and it’s going to be impossible to produce something 100% perfect. BUT at the end of the day, it’s going to be about the results, and in my honest opinion, I would peg MP100’s animation to be much more fluid and beautifully done.
Again, I love all the animes mentioned above, but I definitely love HQ so much more to the point where I can watch the seasons again and again and not be tired of it. YOI is beautiful and revolutionary, and Yuri’s fight against anxiety is so relatable and wonderfully developed, but at the end of the day, if you ask me what my favorite anime is, I’d definitely answer Haikyuu.
And the only thing I ask for is for the fandoms to stop the baseless criticisms and respect each other. Treat them like separate animes. Don’t compare them because they’re different animes with differing concepts.
Again, you’re entitled to your own opinion, and this is mine.
15 notes · View notes