#also I firmly believe that given time she will start to have the strangest form of humor

[gorgraoroctoberforever]

UGVKBHFYRSDTDTJSZJBIBONFAAJVXSWFK

One of my favorite trio of all time !!!!

Imitate

Bonus Tighnari's POV :

[artificialqueens]

learning to be silent (multi) — chapter four - roza

[ summary ] : the short program comes to a close and there are tears both happy and sad as france crowns it's medalists. though sadness may come an unexpected connection and friendship can happen at the strangest of times.

[ author's note ] : hope y'all enjoy, this was getting way too long and I cut out about 1000~ words out already, I hope this ties up the loose ends, the long program is gonna be a damn ride let me tell you.

AO3 / My Tumblr / (◠‿・)—☆

— *.✧

There was nothing Shea wanted more than gold, the qualification was so close, she just needed the victory or a tight rein on NHK. Sasha held the reigns tight and the Russian certainly wouldn't let go without a fight tomorrow if it was (somehow) possible for Shea to snatch that first place rank.

Having her support system definitely strengthened her confidence, she knew she had the entire country behind her back and that stress was overwhelming but also helped her to focus on winning, on skating the best she could in France. She hated to sound cocky but she truly was the best chance there was, she knew Adore far too well and Aquaria, she didn't know exactly what to expect yet. She wouldn't downgrade the younger skater considering how much private training and time she got from Sharon but of course, it was her first senior competition: it wasn't expected she'd beat someone like Sasha or even Brooke.

She gave a final wave to the fans as they settled down in silence and blew a kiss to Trinity, Detox and Alaska who sat huddled together, awaiting what was to come next: good or bad, whether she would even have a chance at a medal or not.

I have absolutely the best dress here, thank you Bianca!

The music started and now there was no holding back as the first notes started, her skates taking off as she skated her pattern around the center of the rink before her torso bent backwards, lifting her free leg and extending her arms above the torso to complete a layback spin.

She stretched out her arms as her skates began another traffic pattern towards the judges table, spilt jumping in the air and landing perfectly on the edge of her left skate as she then waited for the lyrics to pick up before taking off from the back outside edge of her foot and turning four rotations the air, not breathing until she landed the quad loop.

Thank fuck.

Ignoring the crowd's wild antics she grinned and continued with the program, playing with the style and lyrics: she had specifically begged Bob to let her do Moulin Rouge for years for the flirty and perfectly sassy exterior to match her own personality and skating style.

"A kiss on the hand may be quite continental

But diamonds are a girl's best friend

A kiss may be grand

But it won't pay the rental on your humble flat!"

Controlling her body and entering the takeoff phase of her triple axel, her skates left the ice and she spun three and a half rotations before landing on the right back inside edge of her skate. That was a move she had began to nail in junior competitions: it's what Shea was known for and she was beyond happy to be nailing all the technical elements of her program, making sure to submerse herself in all the personality of the song as well.

Two minutes and thirty seconds wasn't long enough to show off everything in your binder of tricks but that's why it was so vital: the free skate was all the elements you want to better your score, the short had less leeway and more assigned elements.

Managing to complete her triple toe, triple loop she was back on track and the applause only fed her inner want to snatch that damn gold medal from Sasha who was sitting in complete awe of Shea's skate, she heard the Russian scream her words of encouragement before she had started the skate and it made all the difference.

Right at the bridge Shea prepared herself for the jump she had mentally prepared herself for since she got her assignments: the quad lutz. She had done it in a harness for almost six months and fell the first, probably, twenty times she had done it.

Entering from the back outside edge of her ice skate she slammed the toepick in the ice and rotated a full four times before landing on the back outside edge of the opposite foot, giving an out of character pump of her fists as the audience screamed and cheered, if there was a time to finally get the move right and executed properly it was during a damn competition.

Completing her second to last jump with a quad salchow she entered a biellmann spin, holding the foot with an extension over and behind her head, forming the signature teardrop shape with the body before she went on her back outside edge of her EDEA skates, turning into a scratch spin for her final move completing it with an immense speed she prayed she wouldn't fall to the ground immediately after.

She jumped one more time before ending her short program with her hands extended in front of her and feet adjusting her position to the center of the ice and then that was it, she had completed another skate and it was officially in the books: she had completed the one move she had prayed to finally accomplish.

The Chicago native screamed happily and covered her mouth in happiness, grabbing as many as the stuffed animals and flowers she could not knowing what would be given to her and what would be taken. Her name was called once more as she bowed and skated across the rink and happily took the time to wave to her fans and friends, blowing a kiss to the cameras as she approached the entrance off the ice immediately jumping towards Bob who happily laughed. "That was everything I've ever wanted your damn skating to be!" She yelled fixing the frizz that rose from her hair as Shea put on her skate guards, running towards the Kiss & Cry.

The two conversed, not wanting to over analyze Shea's jumps and elements right now. They simply took in the moment as the cameras began to pan to her as the announcer called for the scores.

"This is what you've been working for, I'm proud of you." Bob mumbled loud enough for Shea to hear as the silence grew in the French crowd.

"I love you mom!" She yelled to the camera, making a heart with her fingertips as a wide grin shined across her lips, her red lipstick still managing to hang on quite well which was good considering she reapplied a layer before she stepped on to the ice.

Please god, let me have this one!

"Shea Couleé has earned in the short program a combined score of 100.29 points, she is currently in second place."

It took the screams of several members in the crowd and Bob shaking her entire body by the shoulders for Shea to drop her jaw and really take in her score.

The American immediately jumped to her feet and screamed, covering her hands with her mouth. Feeling a sense of disbelief course through her veins staring at Bob who could only widen her eyes and squeeze Shea's hand as she tried to calm down, staring up at the screen that had been displaying all the scores. The number stayed and she had only missed Sasha by her a little over a point. A million little mistakes ran through her head that could've all helped to snatch that gold medal but, she couldn't even possibly complain sitting next to Sasha in a great position before the second group started.

"This is a new season's best."

It was a new best for her and by an absolute indescribable margin of over twelve points. Her long straight hair fell across her shoulders, sweating and now pridefully smiling. Standing up and cheering to the dozens of American supporters who came for their home country's skaters, to see them succeed. For Shea, it was the greatest feeling to know that you made your fans and country proud: she hadn't booted down Sasha but she always could for that long program, it wasn't over just yet.

Jumping up and down the American skater took in all the applause and squeezing the stuffed animals she had managed to pick up from the rink before the volunteers cleaned the rest off.

"Shea Couleé a obtenu dans le programme court un score total combiné de 100,29!"

She grabbed Bob by her shoulders and smirked, attempting to jump on her back and quickly being stopped through the coach took her into a tight hug, groaning. "Jesus, I'm so proud of you." Shea nodded and smiled brightly, getting one more hug. Snaking past and giving a wave to Adore who happily screamed from the other side of the rink, she headed over to the podium area as Sasha quickly stood up and completely mauled her in another hug, this was much more satisfying of a hug than Bob's and Shea wasn't sorry about it.

"I can't believe you didn't beat me, I was so ready to move down to the second place spot."

Her words came as a complete surprise to Shea who groaned aloud. "Stop giving me all the credit, I bow to you my queen."

Their fingertips brushing against each other as they spoke, Sasha laughed sweetly. A quiet smile painted across her lips before she began pulling away from the grip of Shea's hug hearing the announcements for the second group to warm up. Finally calm and sitting, Shea realized she was now firmly placed in silver medal position as Brooke, who was hanging on to bronze best she could was clearly lamenting and stacking the other competition as they warmed up.

"C'mon Aquaria!" She screamed as her name was called from the announcers, Sasha clapped and seemed beyond excited to see Sharon's biggest project finally skate on the senior level. Her platinum hair perfectly hanging off her costume as she adjusted the hair tie, trying to not smile at all the cheers and applause coming her way.

"How do you think Aquaria will fare against the current podium?"

Shea was surprised Brooke had spoke up but didn't exactly like how the Canadian said the question aloud. Her tone clearly pointing towards something else. She wouldn't have minded if it was a genuine response, it's normal to ask: she worked with Aquaria and they both represent the same country. Shea wasn't incompetent. Brooke was clearly just trying to calculate in her head if she'd get a medal or if she was better than the blonde who sat itching every minute more towards a complete mental breakdown.

"I think she could absolutely beat you if that's what you're asking."

Taken aback, Brooke rolled her eyes and tapped her fingers across the couch as she took in a deep breath and clapped as the introduction of the skaters went on. Shea noticed her facial expression change and felt slightly inconvenienced but, she wasn't going to be Miss Congeniality in this conversation and act like Brooke was better at everything, Aquaria was competition big time. Just because she was young didn't mean she couldn't absolutely murder the Canadian's score.

Sasha hugged her Penguin plushie and cheered politely for the remaining five skaters who were now warming up, keeping a close eye on Aquaria. While the Russian wasn't as concerned with winning as Brooke was, she definitely a certain nervousness run through her veins, she had seen her during her junior championships and saw her at the Youth Olympics completely destroy the podium for that gold medal. She might've had a very famous and talented coach who also happened to be her mom but she definitely had passion and skills beyond her years.

I hope I did enough to keep first place.

"So, can I ask about Katya?" Shea leaned over gently, holding her hand, the Russian happily interlocking their hands together as she gave a quaint nod. "Of course, they're just warming up now anyway."

"Is she excited to be in Russia for her qualifications since she's in the Rostelecom Cup?"

It seemed a bit of an odd question, of course it was a good thing: that motherland advantage and crowd did so much good on a skater's motivation and passion to win. Sasha assumed she asked the question due to all the media scandal and harassment Katya was getting for quitting on their coach and moving to America to train permanently.

"She is, genuinely, she feels very calm and collected about the situation that's happening and I'm glad she will be in a better mindset training in Michigan, I believe, than with us in Russia."

The pain clearly visible in her voice as she spoke, staring at the floor. Katya leaving was truthfully the worst thing to happen to Sasha in the last five years: the person she had trained with, lived with and accepted as family finally had enough and left the younger blonde alone in St. Petersburg. Of course, she wasn't mad and couldn't ever be mad. She needed the space and time to heal and if training with Chad and in America meant she'd skate better and feel more stride, then so be it.

Shea noticed how close to home the topic must've been and she felt a bit awful for subjecting Sasha to even more stress during the competition, she put an arm around her shoulder and nodded at every other word, the Russian latching on to her for support. Completely distracted by her tender blue eyes, the American snapped out of it and cleared her throat as she finally regained her conscious.

"I have a lot of close friends who train with Chad in Michigan and they're really excited to get to know her and possibly spend time with her, I just want you to know that she is in good hands."

"I'm sure it's wonderful, I trust your judgement."

The two lovingly stared at each other, completely immersed in nothing but pure relief they were together in the podium as they had hopelessly predicted a few days ago. Shea always was offended how damn gorgeous Sasha managed to look even after skating the most intense short program of her life, she was perfectly pristine and just gracefully sitting in her chair with the penguin plush in her lap, watching anxiously for what was to come.

— *.✧

Some had gotten close to third, namely Adore who stumbled on her quad loop and underrotated her triple toe, triple loop combination. Shea frowned seeing her close friend edge out in fourth place, Bianca rubbing her shoulders and quickly comforting the California native who could only nod at the scores, disappointed.

"Our final skater, representing the United States, Aquaria Coady."

Sharon gave Aquaria a final yell and kissed her head before she was sent on the ice, the youngest of the bunch managing to keep a calm and collected smile. She stood in the center, Noticing Shea who gave a thumbs up as she returned the favor, running a hand through her straight, platinum hair and glanced over at her coach.

Sharon already biting her nails and unable to take her eyes off her own daughter, feeling more nauseous and anxious than Aquaria was.

"C'mon Coady!" She heard from the rink as it silenced, knowing it distinctly as Alaska's voice and her voice only, while Aquaria laughed Sharon felt nothing but displeasure: she knew Alaska was only giving support but in the tense atmosphere and build up it didn't help calm her nerves.

Give me the strength to not murder her after this.

Björk's Oh So Quiet began to blast as Aquaria lifted her edges of the ice and turned her back, lifting her arms and making way past the judges and turning into an arabesque before making her way to the quad salchow.

Sharon could only freeze until she landed the jump, springing into the air and yelling, covering her mouth as her daughter continued peacefully, surprisingly looking more motivated. Sharon's worst fear was Aquaria festering up to the pressure and the applause distracting her from the program but she instead seemed to eat up the crowd and add the passion into the skate.

Her own body swayed along to the music, sometimes she wishes she didn't retire so much earlier than expected of her but seeing someone like Aquaria continue the legacy she had built and bring a new edge and face: it was the greatest achievement of her career and couldn't have made her more proud.

So far, so good: a clean, respectable and fun short program.

Entering the back edge of her foot she watched Aquaria go in deep for the quad loop and she completed it: it was perfect, it was clean, it made Sharon yell again. She looked around and hoped no cameras or other coaches would see her losing it like an absolute maniac. She heard cheering behind her, realizing it was just Bianca and Bob who sat together on the bench beside her in the left corner.

It brought a deep happiness in her heart to know her fellow coaches and old time skating competition were still rooting for Aquaria to push through and make that podium dominated by a squad of American skaters.

Every little element brought a staunch reaction from Sharon who had basically been holding her breath for the last two minutes and thirty seconds, seeing Aquaria perform her final element of a layback spin, her head and shoulders dropped backwards as she arched her back towards the ice she took in the applause and almost fell to the ground once she finished.

She breathed heavily against the wall of the rink, clutching her heart as she waited patiently for Aquaria to come, cheering and clapping for her daughter not wanting to cry before getting the scores: she had executed it perfectly and the only misstep she had taken was possibly a slight under rotated quad but that was up to judges deliberation and not up to Sharon.

The minute her skates hit the carpet again they slammed into each other, Aquaria's hands digging into her shoulders as Sharon wiped the sweat off her forehead and pressed a kiss to the top of her head, "Kid, I'm so fucking proud." She whispered in muffled breath. Aquaria taking it all in and wishing she had a camera to capture the moment. However, she was sure the hundreds around them would and somehow she'd find this exact moment on Twitter at about 3AM tonight.

As the two made their way over the Kiss & Cry, Bianca and Bob quickly giving Aquaria the high praise she deserved as she put on her skate guards.

"That was fucking art, magnificent."

"Beat bitch, you and Shea, besides Adore, are the only ones I didn't want to fall asleep to! You also had the best costume made by yours truly!"

Sharon held Aquaria's hands firmly, interlocking their fingers and pressing a kiss to her adopted daughter's forehead. The blonde couldn't have possibly even imagined how much energy and passion she gained being in front of a crowd. Especially considering it was her first senior competition she had done exactly what she came to do: prove everyone wrong. Whatever was to happen now was up to the judges and while in the back of her heart Sharon knew her skating was not up to the same level as Sasha's yet , Aquaria absolutely won the crowd over and had managed to steal Sharon's heart yet again, as always.

"I'm proud of you kid, medal or no medal, tonight you have proved yourself to the world." The words leaving her mouth softly, Aquaria only falling into the grip of her coaches arm, Sharon running a hand through her platinum hair as the screens were still replaying the footage of her jumps and elements up for review, waiting for that score.

The music stopped, Sharon's heart now pounding twice as loud, squeezing her hands tightly and praying she had managed to do enough: she was the last skater and every single hope rested on her.

"The scores please."

Sharon had managed to whisper a distinctly loud and nerve wrecked, "Fuck—" aloud before she covered her mouth, Aquaria giggling and staring away from the camera's as they sat together: mother and daughter, coach and skater.

I just hope I was good enough of a coach to her.

"Aquaria Coady has earned in the short program a total combined score of…"

The announcer stopped and Sharon wanted to die right on the spot, what truthfully was just two seconds seemed to last an entire lifetime. This was the foundation her skater needed to succeed and it would definitely be wonderful to completely laugh in Phi Phi's face for old times sake.

"94.61, she is in currently in third place."

Aquaria's heart stopped beating the minute she had heard the score and she covered her mouth with her hands, her eyes immediately watering and red as Sharon screamed and stood up, still screaming and picking up her daughter by the waist and swung her around. The two separated, both emotional as they hugged again letting the applause and screeches of the American fans speak for themselves.

"You did it!" Was all she could hear her coach scream in her ear as they ignored the French translation and took in the atmosphere, this was truly a photo finish.

"Aquaria Coady a obtenu dans le programme court une note combinée totale de 94,61, elle est à la troisième place."

The younger girl had barely enough time to process: she had won a bronze medal in the first night of her first senior competition, her mom and coach still holding back tears as they jumped in place and held hands tightly, Sharon completely passing out on her shoulder though her smile glowed brighter than all the camera flashes and stadium lights.

Holy shit, I just won a medal, fuck.

Upon seeing the scoreboard she noticed in the corner Shea standing and yelping for the younger American who came running in her arms, the Chicago native laughing with pride once they fell into the couch. The two of them sporting Team USA jackets in Grenoble, the podium was officially two Americans and the Russian who reigned supreme once again.

It was difficult to ignore Brooke who sat in tears, closing her eyes and breathing through her mouth though her fists were clenched and bright red as Aquaria walked over and helped her up, trying to congratulate the Canadian on still, a wonderful result she should definitely be proud of. The older skater clearly wanted to be left alone as she immediately raced off, only stopping to pat Aquaria's back in a silent form of congratulations as she disappeared away from the crowd and cameras.

"Congratulations darling." Sasha spoke sweetly as they shook hands smiling, Aquaria feeling a bit dazed and starstruck upon seeing the Russian who had secured the gold she wanted: if she won the free skate she was advancing to the Grand Prix final's like expected of her.

"Thank you."

Shea and Sasha latched onto each other as they began to adjust each other's laces that were beginning to untangle from being off the ice and pacing around so much. A faint pinch of curiosity ran through Aquaria's brain as she stared blankly at her friend who seemed irresistibly engulfed with Sasha. She had seen Shea smile more in three minutes staring at the Russia's own darling skater than she had the entire season of training.

That would be an interesting match...

— *.✧

Brooke had held it together fine hearing those damn scores, she was beaten and unless she made the podium tomorrow there was no chance she'd qualify for the Grand Prix final, she had already gotten a silver medal at Skate America: this was the final push she had and god , she refused to have this moment be taken away from her by some starting senior who was beyond talented but had barely even began the real work.

Wiping her eyes she put her body against the wall of the deserted hallway, knowing the medal ceremony would begin in a moment and she wouldn't be a part of it. She knew half of her mascara would run dry and down her face by the time she had comprehended what happened. She didn't want to see anyone, not even Manila. She knew her coach would gently hug her and tell her to train for tomorrow, to look at the end goal and not just tonight.

"Brooke…" A voice spoke, closing the door to the hallway locker rooms as the Canadian sat in tears, it truly shouldn't be such a big deal but her body was at it's limit and all the hard work she did with Manila, Detox and Alyssa seemed a great waste even with the free skate still to go.

Her eyes bounced around the room before spotting Detox kneeling right next to her on the bench where she had made a home. "Girl, that was fucking awesome."

Brooke completely broke down at that very moment, choking and stifling back her tears before letting it all go: she felt like she failed her mentor and idol at that very second. The American skater frowned and sat on the bench before quickly wrapping her arms around Brooke's shoulders, letting her completely sob on her jacket.

"I'm so proud of you, medal or no medal."

The Canadian nodded in silence, it was a comfort to hear that but it wouldn't change the fact her chances at the Grand Prix were practically kissed goodbye unless she managed to beat Shea, Sasha or Aquaria tomorrow.

Bouncing her royal blue hair, Detox held her hands and made her lift her head from the floor. "Stop slagging, you're the hardest worker I know, I love those girls with all my heart but you still have all my support and want towards winning the gold."

"I feel like I'm failing you… That I'm failing my own country—" sniffling every third word, trying to compose herself. She was starting to piece together the reason why she was so broken was because this was the first real fall of her career she had, impressive but to have it in France, during a fucking qualification definitely raised her emotions bitterly.

"You better not ever fucking say that, can't name someone I'm more proud of."

"Trinity?"

Detox gripped the bench, eyes widening as she bit her own lips. Ignoring the flush that infiltrated her cheeks she laughed, "Don't play with me, she's a good friend , friend for sure, you're like my hotter daughter who can actually do ballet— you're everything I've ever wanted in a skater."

"You're not just saying that?"

The older skater slapped her knee gently and laughed, head on her shoulder, "I wish I didn't fucking have to, you should already know it's all true."

Tired of wallowing in the stench of the locker rooms, the two got up and held hands tightly as they went out back, Detox finally convincing Brooke Lynn to attend the medal ceremony and not just sit around her hotel room in nothing but sorrow. They walked arm in arm out around the door before taking Brooke to their original seats which were with Alaska (competition) and Trinity (competition).

Politely introducing herself she sat with the three Americans, feeling a bit of an odd one out especially considering the three all trained with each other in some capacity or another. Alaska and Trinity were nice enough out of competition, wishing her luck and saying her skate today was very well done.

The rink had already set up with the podiums and volunteers coming out, the president of the ISU already introduced and standing on the layers laid down to prevent any accidents on the ice, no skates were necessary while walking on these paths and carpeted areas.

"Third place, representing the United States, Aquaria Coady."

The three next to Brooke immediately stood and clapped loudly, whooping and screeching for Sharon's daughter and the bronze medal winner from their home country. The Canadian joined them and clapped politely, simply taking a deep breath, wondering what could have been.

"Troisième place, représentant les États-Unis, Aquaria Coady!"

The music of her short program played as the youngest skater in the competition begun to skate her way around the rink, waving to the stands as she smirked widely. Her smile was definitely infectious as Brooke had to at least give a quaint and visible smile towards her, she deserved it no matter how badly the Canadian had prayed it would've been her.

She stopped her skates and hopped on to the third place podium, proudly standing and being projected on the bigger screens scattered throughout the rink for everyone far and close to see.

"Second place, representing the United States, Shea Couleé."

"Deuxième place, représentant les États-Unis, Shea Couleé!"

Trinity had completely melted and jumped in the stands, screeching for her best friend who came out as her Moulin Rouge program played, spotting the four and blowing a kiss to Trinity who laughed and leaned on Detox happily, shouting her name until she had stopped and Aquaria helped her gently get on the second place podium.

Shea hugged Aquaria, a sweet moment for the camera's and enough to get a reaction from the already antsy and energetic crowd.

Now all that was left was the one and only.

"In first place, representing Russia, Sasha Velour."

"En premier lieu, représentant la Russie, Sasha Velour!"

The blonde skated out in unexplainable joy, the music of her short playing though the crowd completely drowned it out with cheers and appreciation towards the golden girl, who had been expected to take it easily.

Sasha held Shea's hand as she jumped on the podium, smiling widely at the cameras and giving waves everywhere she saw a Russian flag or excited fan, she was completely exhilarated no doubt but still managed to keep sanity and grace with the audience and fans in Grenoble who were now on their feet.

"God she's so fucking good." Alaska groaned aloud, clearly Team Shea and Aquaria for tomorrow though it was looking to be another clear Grand Prix qualification for Sasha who already got gold her previous assignment in Canada.

Grand Prix's were, outside of the Olympics and World's (though even that could be debated): the biggest competition skater's had to look forward to, the Olympics was months away and qualifications had already begun in certain countries. You needed to do well in just one but two separate competitions you were randomly assigned to: Sasha was to be the first definite qualifier if she won gold tomorrow. Katya who had won gold in America was right behind her and was assigned to Rostelecom in her own home country, Detox was also in the same boat as Katya with an added NHK Trophy assignment after Russia.

Sasha bounced happily on her podium as her and Shea whispered idle conversation to each other before the announcer spoke, introducing the ISU representatives and letting the volunteers come out with bouquets of flowers, wrapped and ready for the skaters after the medals were presented.

The ISU president walked first to Aquaria who graciously accepted the medal around her neck and hugged the president who smiled and separated, shaking her hand as the crowd cheered for the newly broken in skater.

Aquaria blew a kiss to who must've been her mom and coach, Sharon who was an utter legend back even just a few years ago before she decided to retire.

Silver was presented to Shea who couldn't keep it in and did a small jump of joy, Sasha giggling beside her and she watched the medal become bestowed upon her. Another hug before she bowed to all the praise and love, Brooke was sure almost a fifth came from her row, mainly Trinity.

The American danced and laughed, gripping Sasha's hand before cheering loudly for the gold medal winner who bowed and politely shook hands before receiving a final hug from the president who took his time showing the Gold medal and putting it around the Russian skater's neck as she bashfully teared up hearing all the applause and love given towards her.

As the flags were lowered, two American and one Russian, the stadium respectfully stood (most already having been standing) as the speakers began to blast the Russian national anthem, Sasha proudly mouthing every word and wiping her eyes as she lipsync though the arena was pact enough to hear the Russian fans singing the words to their anthem with nothing but passion.

"Rossiya – svyashchennaya nasha derzhava,

Rossiya – lyubimaya nasha strana.

Moguchaya volya, velikaya slava –

Tvoio dostoyanye na vse vremena!"

Brooke nodded, it was a lovely national anthem and she could definitely feel the fans singing along and supporting their country and Sasha: overall, it was expected that she would win (let's be honest).

The Canadian said her goodbyes to Detox once she had enough of scrolling through her phone and occasionally adding to the conversation an hour after the ceremony ended before quietly wandering off herself to her hotel room. She was hoping Manila wouldn't be angry she strayed away after the short program had ended. She was really hoping to just find some alcohol around here, a cocktail for her pent up and let out sadness.

As she stepped out of the elevator and onto her floor, duffel in hand she heard a concerning amount of knocks and relentless pounds towards a nearby door in her hallway. Brooke's amygdala completely flared as she jumped the corner and hid behind the corner of the wall, completely horrified. Praying someone was just drunk she breathed in relief once she heard the words coming from the said door thrasher.

"Kameron, bitch! I'm locked out of our fucking room!"

A muffled voice on the phone spoke: "I'm with Brianna, we went to the city outskirts and she's completely wasted already after watching the competition in a local bar, we're about an hour away, we'll leave soon I promise!"

Curiously, Brooke Lynn peaked the wall before anxiously circling behind and tilted her head finally seeing one of her fellow skating competitors she recognized as Vanessa Mateo completely frustrated as she helplessly pounded on the door. The Puerto Rican took notice to the taller figure peering behind her view before putting her hands up, dropping her phone and wallet before Brooke shook her head.

Letting her duffel hit the floor, the blonde went over to help the fellow skater pick up her things. Disorientated, Vanessa gasped and managed once more to drop her wallet: this time Brooke being able to catch it.

"I know you! Oh my god!" She yelled, a jump in her step as Brooke shushed her, slapping her shoulder, it was approaching midnight. "I'm sorry, you're so talented though!" The blonde shrugged, Vanessa scoffed at her lack of self appreciation.

"Bitch, you are fucking fabulous. I said to my friend, Kameron, while we were in the rink watching: Thank god I ain't skating in her assignments! You did so amazing." The sweet talk was very genuine but after a long night Brooke couldn't do anything expect sigh and politely smile, "You're very talented, I loved your Mambo skate last season."

Brooke had heard much about Vanessa, she was extremely popular on social media and always had the greatest Instagram Live's before competitions. Her coach was her god-mother and though she represented Puerto Rico, she happily trained in Florida or Michigan. Their styles couldn't be more different but the Canadian was glad she had the love from another skater who deserved twice as many medals than already collected.

The two exchanged glances of respect and high praise, the shorter skater extending a hand politely, not exactly knowing if physical affection was her thing.

"Vanessa, most call me Vanjie though."

"Brooke Lynn, good to finally meet you in person."

Rummaging through her wallet she managed to take a glimpse at the door, "Locked out?" She asked frowning, that be Brooke's worst nightmare even in France, especially for poor Vanessa who wasn't even a skater at this event and would just be treated as such.

"Yes Ma'am, I'm trying to call my friend who's staying with me but she's with her damn girlfriend as always, chatting it up and getting it on!"

Well that was too much information.

The blonde ran her fingers through her hair and huffed, knowing the staff wouldn't provide her with another keycard to the room especially if someone else had it on them already.

"I know we just met but if you want, you can stay with me until she comes."

Grabbing her bag she swung it around her shoulders as her Team Canada jacket began to reek of sweat and tears, "As long as you don't mind I shower, I smell awful."

Vanessa, completely gutted immediately nodded and sprung to her feet groaning in happiness. "Yes god, I owe you back in alcohol and food which we can order to your door!" The Canadian for the first time in this entire qualification smiled, laughing even.

"It's a done deal as long as you don't eat where my bed is."

— *.✧

Alaska had immediately raced to completely demolish Aquaria in nothing but love and hugs, maybe coupled with loud screeches. Winning a bronze medal at your first international senior competition while simultaneously facing skaters like Brooke Lynn Hytes, Sasha Velour and Jinkx Monsoon? Absolutely priceless.

"You fucking twig, I'm so proud." Her fingers brushing the hair past her face as they embraced, the younger skater only grinning with delight at the teasing as the bronze medal was held proudly around her neck. Aquaria tightly jumped around with the older skater, Sharon watching from a side, genuinely smiling and leaning against the wall with nothing but happiness.

"Thank you, for everything."

The blonde shrugged, "Anything for my Aqua." Her fingers running across the bronze medal in nothing but pride, admiring the workmanship and build of the prize. "Now you just have to listen to Sharon and relax, you have the free dance and I totally think you could fucking murder Sasha Velour by the way."

Sharon butt in, "She is right, you could but you have to rest." She threw Aquaria her keycard, "Go to the hotel and take a bath, you smell like sweat even if it's from winning a medal." Her daughter laughed and didn't complain, wanting to immerse her entire body in a bathtub full of bubbles and lavender essential oils.

An arm suddenly slugged around Alaska's shoulders as Sharon pulled her in and dropped her head in the crook of her neck, the skater grinning in delight. "Someone is either very tired or very happy to see me." Her hands reaching around her waist, keeping open eyes in the open hotel hallway.

"Tired, I hate you." The words coming off quietly with Alaska snickering into her hair, running a hand down her back as she hummed. "I know you do, that's why we live together." A kiss pressed to her lips softly, Sharon pushed her back and held her hand tenderly, "Thanks for coming."

"You're saying that as if I wouldn't die for Aquaria and to see her skate."

The shrug that Sharon gave as a response made the younger woman beside her punch her right in the shoulder, "You really thought I wouldn't come?" The question resonating with Sharon who only opened her mouth before closing it again, wanting to pick and choose her words carefully. The silence was clearly enough of an answer for Alaska who immediately gnawed at her cheeks, bitter.

"Seriously? What the fuck Sharon, you're my girlfriend and Aqua is still my damn training partner."

"You said yourself you're gonna retire! How the fuck am I supposed to know, I didn't know if you'd wanna come see a competition so soon after announcing privately in tears that you were calling it quits on skating!"

Alaska crossed her arms and cocked her brow, "So you think because I'm sad and that I'm gonna retire I shouldn't come?" Sharon stood quiet and sighed, giving up on trying to win a fight that had yet to even start.

"I guess not, what do I know."

"Everything, you're the reason I'm sane my love." Alaska joked as she tangled her fingers in her hair, the blonde putting a hand on the skater's cheek and caressing it as she spoke quietly of how badly she needed to draw herself a bath and order junk food from hotel services.

"Perfect date! We can use every bath bomb I managed to buy yesterday and eat grease!" Alaska called out chipper, grabbing her lover's hand as they walked back to their hotel room, hand in hand, Detox had promised Alaska a lone room tonight since she was gonna go to the city with Trinity after the ceremony and most likely find a joint over there for a night.

Translation: I'm gonna have sex with my crush hardcore all night in the city centre hotel instead of our room, enjoy!

"You are certainly something."

"Would you want me any other way darling?" Their fingers playing before they interlocked tight as Sharon spoke firmly, a smile across her dried lipstick.

"Definitely not."

[bluepunkmon]

Fe Gen Week Prompt #1: Ride

In which Henry and Ricken (by extension) try to tame a very angry pegasus. Rated G, no blood or violence

Friendship, or really, any relationship, with Henry mandated that one become acclimated to a high level of strangeness. Even if the current subject of conversation, item being considered, or activity being suggested didn’t immediately sound strange, the strangeness would come through eventually.

So, when Henry told Ricken he started training to become a Dark Flier, a totally innocuous and sensible thing given the Shepherd’s current campaign, Ricken knew to be on the lookout for something strange. He found it quickly, in the form of Henry’s choice of steed.

“Where did you even get it?” Ricken asked in a voice that held an equal mix of fear and awe.

He and Henry watched from a distance as the army’s pegasi were tethered and given their evening feed. Amongst the familiar faded dappled grey coats and feathers was a new presence; one larger, sharper and darker than the rest. It was a jet-black shape that loomed over the rest of the flock like a storm cloud blown into a calm summer day.

As if it heard him, the large pegasus turned its head to stare at Ricken. He didn’t know pegasi could even have red eyes.

“In the last town.” Henry answered. “Tied up outside without food or water. The owner was going to kill her because she wouldn’t take any riders. I was just going to free her in the middle of the night, but Robin found out and said they’d pay for it so I wouldn’t steal her. Said I had ‘free reign’ to try to tame her.” He smiled at the pun.

The animal did look skinny despite its height, especially beside such honed war animals – though that didn’t lessen the intimidation factor of its glare at all. It ruffled its dark wings and snorted, stomping a hoof.

“So, it doesn’t like people?” Ricken asked.

“Oh, no, not at all. But I think she gets along with other pegasi, and Sumia said she has the right temperament for battle.”

A pegasus knight walked up to the winged horses, water, brush, and rags in hand. The black horse twisted, red eye watching the newcomer. As they got closer, the pegasus grew more tense, and when the knight reached the animal at the end of the row the winged horse reared and shrieked, slicing the air with gigantic black wings and sending the knight stumbling back.

Henry’s smile fell a bit. “Well. As much as she could tell, from a distance. But I think she’ll be great! And when we’re a team, you can be the first person we give a ride to.”

Ricken looked back at the beast just in time to see it snap up some small scurrying creature and swallow it whole. “Great.”

=

Over the next few weeks, every moment Henry was not in battle or preparing for one was spent caring for and trying to tame, the foul-tempered animal. And, over the next few weeks, every moment Ricken was not in battle or preparing for one was spent trying to make sure Henry didn’t get killed or maimed in the process.

The winged horse didn’t like any humans, at all, and Henry didn’t appear to be an exception. Henry worked, often times alongside Sumia, to calm it and establish a routine to gain its trust. From Ricken’s perspective, none of it worked. She was always on guard, never accepting food or brushing. At best, it wouldn’t react when Henry stood a few meters away to speak to it, which he did fairly often, (so at least he had someone new to tell his more painful word play). The winged horse was always unresponsive, but if the dark mage even thought about moving closer it would start getting threatening. A few times it went beyond threats, and Ricken would run interference to make sure Henry didn’t get too hurt, because he refused to raise a hand against the thing, even in self-defense.

Ricken at least got to receive a crash course in pegasi behavior. He knew now what parts of the wings they were most protective of, that they were born with canine teeth that were usually removed, that they didn’t like to fly if they could help it, all sort of things. He committed them all to memory – habit of an education in magic – but he didn’t think it would ever be useful. He wasn’t not Miriel, craving knowledge for knowledge’s sake.

After too many of these sessions, Ricken was healing a bruise on Henry’s arm while they sat on the grass a safe distance from the beast in question. The dark mage glanced back at the pegasus and said, “I think that went well.”

“But – she just chased you.”

“Yeah, she just chased me! And she went pretty slow, she could have caught me if she wanted.”

“She bit your finger off yesterday!”

“And you reattached it good as new!” Henry answered.  “Also, she spat it out instead of eating it. She didn’t have to do that. Progress.”

Would anything get through to him? “But she’s still as mean as when you first got her.”

“Nah, not mean, just defensive.”

Ricken finished healing the last of the bruises and sighed. “How do you do that?”

“Do what?”

“Keep believing she has potential, despite all this.”

Henry looked up to the darkening evening sky in thought, slow to respond. “I’m sure she has her own reasons for being the way she is. And she’s never aggressive with the other pegasi, or even the other horses! She always watches over them, and grooms them, even if they don’t groom her back. Just because an animal doesn’t like humans doesn’t make them mean. Sometimes it just means they’re smart.”

He blinked. “Oh, wow, it’s later than I thought. Got to go, I was supposed to help with dinner ages ago.”

Henry left in a hurry, and Ricken was left to fetch two very harried knights to tether the pegasus with the other winged horses. They only glared a little bit at the request.

Ricken edged closer to her when the knight’s finished, keeping well out of biting distance. The dark pegasus glanced up, ears pricked and alert. Now that he looked, Ricken could see old raised welts along its back and legs, the kind that might have come from a whip.

“You really lucked out,” Ricken said, voice low to avoid startling the animal. “That Henry found you. You couldn’t have found a nicer person.”

As close as he is, he can see that, though the pegasus had lost some of the thinness from before, her wings were still in rough shape, with pieces of leaves and twigs caught in the feathers. There was a large-ish one stuck neat a joint, a place most pegasus dreaded even having touched. Carefully, the young mage case a small wind spell, one tight and controlled enough to straighten some feathers and dislodge the stick.

He couldn’t help much, but he could do this at least.

It proved to be both the least he could do, and the most. After another week, the pegasus was no more tame than before, and Robin tells Henry that the army wouldn’t be able to keep feeding and sheltering the beast for much longer if it kept refused riders.

Henry was still smiling when they go to collect the beast, but Ricken sensed tension behind it. “I’m going to call it quits today. Want to go with me to set her free?”

Ricken agreed, and walked with them away from camp and up to higher ground.

“Why did you want this one, anyway?” Ricken asked. “We have the money to get a tamer pegasus. Or at least a less bitey one.”

Henry’s smile didn’t look like a happy one. “It’s silly, but I just didn’t want her to die. She reminds me of someone I knew. I figured I probably couldn’t tame her, but I wanted to give her a chance to grow strong again. Wild pegasi get picked off by wyverns a lot, but maybe now she’ll have a fighting chance. Though she was still raised on a  farm…”

He trailed off, then shrugged. “Ah, well. That’s life! Can’t say we didn’t try.”

“I’m sorry.”

Henry laughed. “Why? You’re not the one who was gonna kill her.” He shook his head. “The strangest things bother you, Ricken.”

He stopped walking, and the mage stopped with him. They were high up enough for Ricken to see the soft wind blow back distant treetops.

“This should work.” Henry said. He moved to undo the bridle while Ricken stood by, ready to heal in case the beast tried to bite off any more fingers. The pegasus barely reacted to the close contact, only giving a half-hearted huff of breath.

The dark mage stepped back, bridle in hand. “This is it! Fly free my friend, take care of yourself!”

The black pegasus blinked, flared its wings, and without much warning launched itself into the air dazzlingly quickly (Ricken might not like them much, but it was still fascinating to see a thing that didn’t look like could ever belong in the air fly so gracefully).

They watched the shape shrink into the distance.

“I hope she’s okay.” Ricken said, surprising himself.

“I hope so too,” Henry said. “Come on, let’s go back.”

All the way back down the hills to camp, Ricken’s chest felt oddly heavy. The pegasus was not a nice animal at all, but he’d still miss it. His mood was so low, he felt chilled, like the sun disappeared.

No, wait. He did actually feel cold, like someone was blocking out the sun. He looked up, and his jaw dropped as Henry started laughing beside him.

The black pegasus dove down, and for a moment Ricken thought that this was it, this was how he died, not in battle or of old age but from an extremely irate flying horse.

But it doesn’t swoop down to start biting or stomping either of them to death. Instead, it did something even more startling; It landed, gigantic wings folding neatly along its back, stalked up to Henry, and slowly lowered its head near his shoulder. Equally slowly, Henry reached up to stoke the bridge of her nose. The pegasus glanced over to Ricken, and gently nudged his shoulder with her snout.

It was strange, and incredible, and Ricken can’t help but to laugh too.

=

Henry did eventually take him on the ride, after Henry and Hemlock had even enough training to get the all clear from the other pegasus knights. It’s as terrifying as expected and only cements his decision to keep his feet firmly planted on the ground in the immediate future.

[sulfurousdreamscapes]

My hand was trembling as I touched the pale curtain and moved it to the side, taking care not to make too much sound. Inside, the three women wearing white were hunched over a table, and through them I could catch glimpses of the bronze device. The scene made stand transfixed. I’d been on ships to Rome and Rhodes, even to the sands of Egypt, but not once had I seen an object so utterly uncanny.

The women argued with each other, and one of them was quite flushed in the face. She pointed fingers at the device and then at the other women, and her grey-blonde hair were starting to come undone. She was using a lot of words I didn’t understand, but could tell were related to the sciences, perhaps to the science of numbers. The second woman, with hair the colour of wine, was shaking her head for the most part. The third woman, with jet black hair and a more youthful face was deflecting the angrier woman’s accusations.

I decided not to push my luck. If the women kept the device from me, I’m sure they had a reason. There’s a reason for all things, my mother always used to say. I didn’t want to believe her when she said it, but I’m coming to agree over the years. Rest her soul. I withdrew my hand from the curtain.

Just before the pale white cloth could obscure me, the angry woman caught a glimpse of me. I could see her charge towards me through the translucence of the curtain, and I stepped back instinctively. She emerged right out of the curtain, her face so contorted, she could have hurled thunderbolts with more ferocity than Zeus himself.

She gripped my by the wrist and dragged me into the inner chamber, where the other two women were staring at me, their arms firmly folded. “There,” the angry woman said, throwing me towards the device. “Take a good, long, hard look, sow.”

The device had a large circular… handle of some kind, and several smaller ones. Inscriptions in both words and individual letters adorned the circular decorations on the box. There were scrolls lying about the table, which contained both armies of flowing letters and diagrams of the stars. There were many circles, so many circles, all labelled with names and terms.

“What is this?” I asked, “Is this… the Oracle?”

“We are the Oracle,” the wine-haired woman said, doing nothing to help me up. “But this, this is the machine.”

The black-haired woman smiled, but not to me. “There are gifts the gods have given us. This is our gift to the gods,” she said.

“What does it do? Is it alive?” I asked, and the latter question made the two women laugh.

The angrier woman returned, having locked the door leading out. “Well, she’s seen it, what do we do now?” she asked her colleagues.

“We’ll let her go,” the black-haired woman said. “She won’t tell anyone, will she?” Her question was directed at me.

“No,” I said. I wasn’t sure if I was lying.

Rho, Sigma, Tau. The angry one. The wine-haired one. The black-haired one. I traced the letters on the wall as I lay down next to it. The letters were formed between all the dust. The three women that formed the Oracle. They could see anything, tell any fortune, reveal any fate. And yet, they relied on artifice.

I wondered who made it. Somehow, the idea that the women may have constructed it by themselves just never occurred to me. No, it had to be a man: some scrawny man with grey-white chest hair and a face that did him no favours. Or perhaps it came from a god, and the women are in fact just not in the know.

Whatever the case may be, one thing was clear: no one knew about the machine. No one was supposed to know about the machine. If the word got out, things could be very different. Fire from the gods. The Oracle was wise to keep the knowledge to themselves, I thought, but this created a greater, more frightening question.

Why did they trust me?

I could see their faces burned into me. Rho, especially, with her large, Persian-looking nose. She had a knowing smile on her face. Like she knew that I was something more than even I imagined. Like she was appraising a gem.

The next day, I returned to the Oracle in the evening, making sure not to be seen. I pretended I was delivering pomegranates. Setting them aside, I peeked into the chamber again, and there it was: the machine. But the women were not around. So I got in, and I touched the machine.

It made no movement whatsoever, and that was fine. I wouldn’t know what to do if it did start. It was the strangest contraption I’d seen. In the distance, I heard footsteps. I stood up, and saw Sigma walk into the chamber from a portal at the far end.

“I knew you’d be back. We all did,” she said. “You’re curious. That’s a good quality to have in a girl. Not many will agree with that sentiment, but curiosity will take you far.”

“It usually gets me in trouble,” I sheepishly said and entertained the idea of presenting a few pomegranates.

“That’s fine. Trouble is temporary. Knowledge is forever. It’s an acceptable sacrifice,” she said, and rested a hand on the machine.

“So how do you use it?” I asked, eyes once again devouring the bronze machine.

She laughed lightly, and touched me on the shoulder. “All in due time,” she said. “But first, you’ll have to give up everything. You’ll have to become a part of the Oracle.”

I stepped back, and looked at Sigma and then the machine. It was not an easy decision to make. I eyed the portal leading back out.

“Will you promise to teach me the device if I say yes?” I asked.

She nodded. “You will learn that and much more.”

I gripped the handle with my palm, and Tau gripped my hand over it. She nodded at me, but all I could think was how rich and beautiful her hair looked in the sunlight. I felt my hand hurt as she pressed on it, and I took the cue to turn the wheel on the machine.

The sound was hideous, like a number of rocks were being crumbled by some godly hand. A loud clang, from the inside, and several clicks, as well the sound of some kind of strap let loose. Then, like a woodpecker, it went on and on. The device would be fascinating in itself for the sounds it could conjure. Like a musical instrument that needed no one to play it, and composed beautiful cacophony.

I ran my hand across the bronze casing of the device, and I smelled a faint burning smell. It alarmed me, but Tau didn’t seem concerned. She looked at the device like she was watching an actor in a play. She was mesmerised. Entertained, but also expectant.

The various discs on the machine spun and swirled, the labels going too fast for me to track them. I’d looked at all the scrolls explaining the meanings and the operation of the device, but I wasn’t sure if I understood much of it.

“Did you make it?” I asked Tau while the machine calculated.

She shook her head with a frown. “You have to understand something. This machine, it was made by humanity. That’s all the credit anyone’s going to get for it. It’s a gift from humans to the gods.”

“So was it here before you became an Oracle?” I asked. I had a knack for asking the right questions back then.

She looked at me now, and her frown looked like it must physically hurt her face. “You need to be careful about how curious you are,” she said, “It could get you in a lot of trouble one day.”

It made me break out into a smile. “I agree with that,” I said, “But Sigma-”

I was cut off by a sharp ringing sound and a clang from the machine. The new positions had been established. We immediately got to recording the information on an empty scroll.

Rho and Sigma were impressed with my ability to interpret the information. I wasn’t really sure if I should be proud of that, considering I made up whatever came to mind and can be confirmed with the information obtained.

If that’s how the Oracle worked, then I wasn’t sure if it was worth believing in. At the same time, there was the machine.

I had to get it away from these women. I had to understand how it worked, who made it, and what more it can lead to. It was practically criminal that it was locked up here, where no one knew about it, or saw it. I had to do something.

The machine was heavy in my hands. I was covered head to toe, like some desert tribal, but there was no choice in the matter. I definitely could not go to my house: that's the first place they'd search. I was too conspicuous to go to a tavern. From the hillside path, I could see the harbour with all its lanterns. I set the machine down on a flat rock and sat down next to it, huffing. The harbour, I thought.

I took off the robe and used it as cloth to bundle the machine in. I slight a long stick under the knot and hauled it on my shoulder. It was a beautiful night to disappear into. The stick was sturdy, and didn't crack or bend under the weight of the machine. I held it with both hands as I made my way down the hill and into the thick of the city.

I slid past the alleys and around hay carts. Dogs barked at me and I hissed back at them. I made sure my face looked dirty, and my hair was dishevelled. Look right, and you can pass for anything in the city. And for now, I was just a vagrant passing about the harbour. I walked around it several times, trying to get a feel for the area.

One of the ships was preparing for departure the next morning. When the lights dimmed and no one was watching, I carefully made my way up the plank and onto the ship. I knew how these ships were laid out, so finding a hiding spot wouldn't be very hard. The men were out in brothels and inns, drinking and whoring, so I could catch a brief bout of sleep and ready myself. The captain was unlikely to accept a woman passenger, let alone a stowaway, so I decided to sneak out of the ship as dawn approached.

And on this day of all days, I slept soundly.

The ship was sailing before I could object. I carefully lay the stick down on the wooden floor, and reached the deck. Men, men everywhere. Looking, staring. Like I was mad. They weren't wrong.

I explained to the captain that I was a poor, drunk vagrant who found her way onto a ship by accident. The captain looked quite agitated, but some sense of propriety made him respect me. He offered me passage, but warned that I will have to leave as soon as the ship docked.

I returned to the machine, and found it gone. I searched the ship, and on the deck, found a sailor presenting it to the captain. I gripped my hair. He was looking at it with great interest.

I ran to secure it from him, but stopped halfway through. Was I really going to challenge a captain in the middle of the sea? No, I thought. I stole it before, I just have to steal it again. It will be simple.

And now, lying on a plank that bobs up and down in the see, I feel myself about to faint. The salt water is tempting. The ship has gone entirely under. I'm the only one still alive, by the looks of it. I haven't eaten for what feels like days. I don't know when the last time I drank water was.

I decide to embrace the sea that swallowed my machine.

Today’s throwback story is not about a spoon. It was quite popular.