#can i fucking get a waltz already i want to actually watch people skate well in close holds

[feyarcher]

Figure skating is better without the russians, but it would be even better without the isu.

[birdhaslostit]

🎁🎄❄️What the Lupin Gang would do for Christmas!❄️🎄🎁

Helloooooooo Lupin fans! You may or may not remember me as that one chick who made that Halloween headcanon post a few months back, as well as the Jigen’s bangs post. I’m back with a Christmas post!!!

Please note: Personally, I really only celebrate Christmas in a non-Jesus-y way. (Which is how I’m also writing this post, because let’s be honest, do you really think Lupin is going to confession and shit? Absolutely not.) It’s purely out of habit because I was raised Catholic, but I practice witchcraft now. My family doesn’t know that though. Because of this, I considered also making posts for other winter holidays, so I could include Lupin fans that don’t celebrate Christmas. But I didn’t want to accidentally mess it up, or write something inaccurate about a holiday that I don’t celebrate. It felt disingenuous to make a Hanukkah post because I’m not Jewish and it doesn’t seem like my place, and I didn’t want to do a Yule one either, because no two people celebrate it the same way. So, I strongly encourage others to add their respective winter festivities to this post if they want to! We’re all about inclusivity here.

Without further ado:

🎁LUPIN:

I don’t feel like it needs saying, but this man goes bonkers for Christmas.

He flip-flops his choice of red or green jacket by the year. But it always comes with an equally garish Christmas-themed tie, just to make explicitly clear that this is The Christmas Jacket for the year, as opposed to the standard red/green jacket.

The hideout(s) are always decorated to the GILLS inside. It’s an odd mix of older classy decorations he’s inherited from his family, and absolutely horrendously tacky ones he’s bought himself. 

Picture real branch garlands, wrapped tastefully around gilded candelabras that have been passed down through several generations. And then one of those singing, dancing stuffed animals from Walmart that plays “Jingle Bell Rock” when you squeeze its paw, right next to it.

Christmas-themed heists? You know it, baby. But he won’t steal anything on Christmas Eve or Christmas. It just isn’t in the spirit of the season, in his opinion. But he’ll leave a little something-something with his calling cards during the rest of December. A candy cane, a sprig of mistletoe, a bough of holly, etc.

Lupin despises eggnog. He loves any other Christmas drink, just not eggnog. He’s too grossed out by the idea of drinking eggs with alcohol- some things just shouldn’t be mixed.

Will not allow anyone to mention the truth about Santa Claus in his presence. Yeah, he knows, but that’s not the point. It just feels like bad luck to say it out loud. The harder Jigen tries to debate with him that Santa isn’t real, the harder he digs in his heels that “of course he is you absolute Scrooge, how dare you! If you don’t believe, you don’t receive.”

Favorite Christmas Songs: Anything peppy! 

Wonderful Christmastime by Paul McCartney

Step Into Christmas by Elton John

Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee

We Need a Little Christmas by Percy Faith and his Orchestra

A Holly Jolly Christmas by Burl Ives

All I Want For Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey

Santa Claus’ Party by Les Baxter

Favorite Christmas Drinks: Literally anything except eggnog.

Favorite Christmas Foods: Anything obscenely sugary. Especially gingerbread men and other decorated pastries.

Favorite Christmas Activities: Loves to ice skate and make gingerbread houses! But his houses usually look fairly pathetic, no matter how hard he tries.

Favorite Christmas Movie(s): 

The Grinch (Jim Carrey version)

Home Alone

Scrooged

Christmas Gifts: The king of gag gifts, but he also gives surprisingly thoughtful presents too. He’s the kind of guy that would get a person something they mentioned once offhandedly that they really liked, and he’d go back and get it for them.

🎅JIGEN:

Lupin always wants to decorate the hideout(s) the second Halloween ends, but it never happens. With Jigen being the only American in the gang, he always puts a stop to it in order to preserve the quickly-disappearing border between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

What can I say, dude loves his Thanksgiving excuse to eat like shit and do nothing for a day. Even if it is a fucked-up holiday, historically speaking.

But once the Thanksgiving meal is over, he gives Lupin the okay to go crazy. He’s pretty stoked about Christmas too, but too full of turkey to contribute, so he just watches Lupin hang up Christmas lights everywhere while he lays on the couch and digests.

Jigen likes Christmas a lot, but like, in a normal person kind of way. Nowhere near Lupin’s insane level. He’s surprisingly open about his enthusiasm too. The average person would think he doesn’t really care about Christmas much (or anything else really), but to the gang, Christmastime is the most openly excited they’ve ever seen him.

One year’s Christmas-themed heist involved Jigen dressing up as a mall Santa as a part of the plan. The gang powdered his beard, gave him a pillow for his stomach, and sent him on his way. Everything went surprisingly smoothly, and he actually did pretty well with the kids. At first they were a little intimidated, and Jigen was kind of nervous- but he gave them all candy canes and they changed their minds pretty quickly.

Jigen enjoyed it a lot, actually... to the point that he may have potentially started volunteering to be the local mall Santa. Every year during December, he leaves for a day or two on “business.” Nobody in the gang can prove it though, and trust me, they’ve tried.

Favorite Christmas Songs: The classics and the chill ones, with a few rock ones thrown in for a little kick.

Mele Kalikimaka by Bing Crosby

Sleigh Bells by Gene Autry

(There’s No Place Like) Home For The Holidays by Perry Como

Jingle Bells by Frank Sinatra

Caroling, Caroling by Nat King Cole

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow by Dean Martin

Silver Bells by Dean Martin

Happy Holiday by Bing Crosby

Run Rudolph Run by Chuck Berry

Merry Christmas Baby by Bruce Springsteen (Sang this once after too much eggnog and will never live it down)

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen by the Barenaked Ladies (He’s not into all the Jesus-y stuff, but it’s pretty catchy.)

Favorite Christmas Drinks: Jigen is ALL. ABOUT. THAT. NOG. He’ll make his cup a little stronger than everyone else’s.

Favorite Christmas Foods: He really likes candy canes, especially the mini ones. He’ll keep a few in his pocket with his cigs, and switch between them depending on his mood. Out of habit, it’ll usually dangle out of his mouth like a cigarette would.

Favorite Christmas Activities: Watching Christmas movies and laughing at Lupin’s shitty gingerbread houses.

Favorite Christmas Movies: 

Anything that’s on at the moment, really. He likes to lounge by the TV, and he’s not picky. 

He has a soft spot for A Charlie Brown Christmas though.

A Christmas Story, solely because of the BB gun.

Scrooged, because Bill Murray’s hilarious.

Christmas Gifts: Something practical and useful that the person never realized they needed until they opened the box.

☃️GOEMON:

Goemon wasn’t originally a huge fan of Christmas. Shocking, I know.

He now enjoys some aspects of it, and tolerates others. He likes the idea of giving heartfelt gifts and spending time with loved ones as a tradition, but dislikes the cheesy commercial aspect of Christmas.

He already enjoys the snow and walking through the forest, so the gang usually commissions him to pick a tree for them and cut it down with Zantetsuken. (If they’re somewhere where that’s an option.)

Unbeknownst to the rest of the gang, he will always replant the tree he cut down, and he will wrap something cozy around the bottom of the sapling to keep it safe. Yes, this was directly inspired by A Charlie Brown Christmas. No, he will not admit to this.

Favorite Christmas Songs: The instrumentals, and a few he’d rather die than admit to liking.

The Nutcracker March from The Nutcracker

Waltz of the Flowers from The Nutcracker

Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy from The Nutcracker

Christmas Time Is Here (Instrumental) by the Vince Guaraldi Trio

Greensleeves by the Vince Guaraldi Trio

Last Christmas by Wham! (He likes the storyline and the romantic aspect of it.)

Do They Know It’s Christmas? by Band Aid (He likes that it was for a good cause, even if it has its flaws.)

Happy Xmas (War Is Over) by John Lennon and Yoko Ono (Again, flawed, but he enjoys the intended message of peace. Also, represents Japan on the side with Yoko Ono.)

White Winter Hymnal by Fleet Foxes

Favorite Christmas Drinks: Surprisingly fond of hot cocoa. Heavy on the whipped cream and marshmallows. 

Favorite Christmas Foods: Doesn’t really like eating gingerbread men, but enjoys decorating them. They’re always pristine, like something you’d get in a bakery.

Favorite Christmas Activities: See above. Also enjoys going out in the snow, and making ice sculptures with Zantetsuken.

Favorite Christmas Movies: Refuses to admit he likes any of these.

Any of the classic Rankin Bass claymation specials.

Any other animated ones for kids. Has a soft spot for A Charlie Brown Christmas and The Polar Express.

A few of those cheesy Hallmark ones.

Christmas Gifts: Something small and sentimental he saw while walking by a store that reminded him of the person he’s giving it to. Nothing extravagant, but thoughtful nonetheless.

⛸FUJIKO:

Fujiko decorates the tree. Period. Lupin cannot be trusted to do this on his own. Goemon picks the tree, Lupin and Jigen put it in the stand, and from there, it’s all Fujiko. The ornaments, lights, and tree skirt are all perfectly color/theme coordinated, and arranged like a pristine store display. 

She also has a few ornaments that she bought for each specific member of the gang. Lupin’s is a monkey (he was not pleased, but he’s whipped for her, so he let her keep it). Jigen’s is a carved wooden pistol. Goemon’s is porcelain, with hand-painted sakura blossoms on it. She bought one for Zenigata too as a joke one year- a tiny bowl of ramen noodles.

Her ornament? The star on top of the tree, because she’s the star of the show, baby. It’s actually a snowflake, made of the finest crystal she could steal.

Favorite Christmas Songs: Pop music and Motown’s finest.

Underneath The Tree by Kelly Clarkson

All I Want For Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey

Santa Tell Me by Ariana Grande

This Christmas by Donny Hathaway

What Christmas Means To Me by Stevie Wonder

Sleigh Ride by The Ronettes 

Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee

Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) by Darlene Love

A Marshmallow World by Darlene Love

I Like A Sleighride (Jingle Bells) by Peggy Lee

Favorite Christmas Drinks: Hot chocolate and mulled wine.

Favorite Christmas Foods: Loves baking and eating gingerbread men. She lets Goemon decorate them with her. Hers have lots of candy and sprinkles on them, while his are just icing.

Favorite Christmas Activities: Along with baking, ice skating! She’s the best at it out of the whole group. None of the guys are particularly good at it, but she makes them go with her at least once regardless.

Favorite Christmas Movies:

Hallmark ones, solely to make fun of them.

Babes In Toyland, but only the 1986 one, because it has Keanu Reeves in it, and “I don’t care if I’m your girlfriend, Lupin. In this house, we support Keanu Reeves.”

Christmas Gifts: Something expensive/extravagant that will make the person think of her every time they use it.

🎄ZENIGATA:

Zenigata is the second biggest Christmas enthusiast, just behind Lupin.

He doesn’t get to settle down and decorate anything really, since he’s always running after the gang, but he does lots of other little things to celebrate instead. Like getting hot chocolate instead of coffee, tuning the squad car radio to the Christmas station, getting an air freshener that smells like gingerbread, and wearing a festive scarf and gloves with his trench coat to keep out the cold.

In years past, Zenigata still had to work on Christmas Eve/Christmas, even if Lupin wasn’t out stealing anything. Lupin found out and thought that was a little harsh of ICPO, so he came up with a plan. 

Each year he sends a calling card to the station with the conditions that only Zenigata can come to investigate. Zenigata does some research, shows up to the location on Christmas Eve, and every year, nothing’s there except for a neatly wrapped present from Lupin. 

Zenigata keeps the present as “evidence,” goes back to the station, and they give him Christmas off to go investigate on his own, in case Lupin tries anything else. Lupin never does, but the station doesn’t know that. Bada bing, bada boom, Lupin just got Zenigata a vacation.

Zenigata never catches on, bless his heart.

Favorite Christmas Songs: Ones he can sing/hum along to in the squad car.

The Man With All The Toys by The Beach Boys

Celebrate Me Home by Kenny Loggins

Feliz Navidad by José Feliciano (Does Zenigata understand Spanish? Absolutely not. Does he get the point and think it’s festive? Darn right.)

A Holly Jolly Christmas by Burl Ives

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer by Dean Martin

Winter Wonderland by the Eurythmics

Silver Bells by Dean Martin

Happy Holiday/The Holiday Season by Andy Williams

Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town by Gene Autry

December by Earth, Wind, and Fire (Let him have this okay, it’s a good song and he gets made fun of for liking it by the rest of ICPO)

Skating by the Vince Guaraldi Trio

Favorite Christmas Drinks: Hot cocoa and eggnog, but not strong eggnog like Jigen’s.

Favorite Christmas Foods: Anything, really. It’s something besides cup noodles, so he’s grateful. Lupin’s gift always includes lots of various Christmas goodies because of this.

Favorite Christmas Activities: Zenigata enjoys the snow in theory, but doesn’t handle the cold well. So he likes to watch the snow from his window while he listens to Christmas music in his squad car and sips his hot cocoa.

Favorite Christmas Movies: He doesn’t really have a lot of time to sit down a watch a movie, with how hard he works. But he remembers a few from when he was younger, and he really likes those. His favorite is Frosty the Snowman.

Christmas Gifts: Something inexpensive because ICPO vastly underpays this poor man, and he’s always embarrassed because of that, but it’s always something super sweet and heartfelt.

MERRY CHRISTMAS! And for those who don’t celebrate it, HAPPY HOLIDAYS! <3

[nobodyfamousposts]

The Case of a Guardian

Oh, Fu. What can I say about Fu?

I got in late on the Miraculous parade so when someone finally introduced mw to the series, I was started off with the Origins two-parter where I got to see Master Fu first thing rather than going a good 2/3rds of the first season just seeing him randomly hiding in the background before it’s shown that he’s actually relevant. So I can only imagine how the slow build up to his reveal must have been like for fans of the series who were watching from the very beginning. For most of you, it was probably more of a surprise that there actually WAS a Guardian at all than that it was HIM specifically.

Fu’s official appearance into the conflict should have by all counts been something major. This was hampered somewhat by Princess Fragrance where he tried to appear like an ordinary healer who had no other significance. Depending on your perspective, he was either acting like a fool who didn’t know what he was really healing or he was being obviously oblivious to the fact that this “cat” was clearly abnormal and could FLY for the sake of plausible deniability in true “wink wink, nudge nudge” fashion. Either way, the potential “big reveal” set to take place later on isn’t quite as big since it’s immediately obvious that he is no normal healer and it should have been cause for Marinette to question it more. At least in her defense, she had more pressing issues at the time, but it was really not a surprise after this point that if there WAS a Guardian, it was clearly bound to be the old Chinese guy Tikki specifically told Marinette to take her to who was able to heal Tikki by ringing a gong.

It’s possible that it was intentional foreshadowing, but this is missing the whole “shadow” part of the term in that it’s obvious.

That seemed to set the stage for Fu’s introduction and then future relevance to the overall plot. And unfortunately, it wasn’t quite a good stage and as the play continued, it becomes ever more clear that the director needed more lessons.

When Fu was finally revealed to be the Guardian, they seemed to try to play him up to be a mentor figure and potential source of answers we’d all been waiting for. He was in a perfect position to not only give answers, but DIRECTION for where the story would go from here. Because now that we have the Guardian involved, surely he could at the very least give more insight—whether on finding Hawk Moth, weaknesses of the Miraculous, their history and effect on the world, or ways to boost their strength and abilities.

What we ended up with was something of the bare bones as far as ANY of that goes. He manages to make the transformation potions, so there’s that. His explanation of the history of the Miraculous is more of a brief overview of his own backstory. He DOESN’T explain anything about the Miraculous having weaknesses or really the powers of any of the other Miraculous that they could use—or that they could use TWO at the same time in a sort of mix-and-match fashion, which would have been VERY useful to know. He holds off on explaining WHY anyone would want the Black Cat and Ladybug Miraculous specifically and the issues with the BIG WISH that could warp reality until Robustus comes along and specifically mentions it when he should have already KNOWN what Hawk Moth was really after by this point.

The worst of this, however, is the lack of direction when it comes to the overall goal of the heroes to FIND Hawk Moth—which should by all counts be their central goal. While he does give some hintings as to who Hawk Moth could be, it’s more of a vague pointing in a general direction which doesn’t seem to be taken seriously or followed up on. While part of that is on Marinette for not being upfront with Fu about her suspicions initially, Fu himself knows by the end that Gabriel Agreste is suspicious and that his sudden and convenient akumatization at the time of his being a potential suspect doesn’t mean he’s NOT Hawk Moth. But rather than follow up on this potential lead, he does absolutely NOTHING with this knowledge—even going so far as to go into the lion’s den on his own and put himself at risk of being discovered by his enemy just to reveal himself to the man’s son in the man’s OWN HOME. This…seems like a major disaster waiting to happen. What if there had been cameras? What if Nathalie or the Gorilla had been listening in? While he did choose Adrien as Chat Noir, he KNOWS Gabriel is suspicious as hell and rather than approach Adrien in a more neutral place, he waltzes in to the kid’s own home where his biggest suspect happens to live, lets them see his face, and assumes nothing will come of it.

Remember the whole Hawk Moth issue that I mentioned before? Where he’s hiding in a secret place and the heroes are stuck and can’t make progress on their goal because they can’t reasonably try to search for him and he can’t be found? THAT IS WHAT FU SHOULD BE DOING! This is especially important given what we know of who Fu is and what he has been noted to have experienced.

The guy is almost 200 years old. The only survivor of his Order. Guardian of the Miraculous. The one defense protecting magical items that can SERIOUSLY FUCK SHIT UP if they fall into the wrong hands—which is all the more important because it’s clear that two at least already have.

So what exactly is his logic for any of the decisions he’s made so far?

Think back to Origins when Hawk Moth first transformed with evil intent. As soon as Nooroo was activated in this way and well before the first akuma appeared, Wayzz alerted Fu immediately. So Fu KNOWS that the Butterfly Miraculous has been found, that it has been found by someone who is specifically evil, and that something bad is bound to happen.

So what does he do?

Does this man—who was previously shown to have escaped Paris when the Nazis invaded to avoid a similar problem—escape Paris immediately before this new villain can figure out he was ever there and try to hunt him down, thus making Hawk Moth’s tantrum and attacking Paris to draw out the Miraculous completely pointless? No.

Does he track down his old ally he KNOWS is in Paris, KNOWS is aware of him and the Miraculous, and KNOWS would be fully willing and able to work with him to take this new villain down and retrieve the stolen Miraculous? No.

Does he look through all the people he’s no doubt met and gotten to know over his time in Paris to find a suitable user who is capable of fighting and who he would have some background with to have reason to trust with an item of such great power? …Wait, does he even know people?

Does he use the Miraculous he has—if not to fight himself, then to at least try to track down WHERE the akumas are coming from so he can confront Hawk Moth directly or otherwise sneak into his lair and make off with the stolen Miraculous and Book? Oh my, no!

Does he at least send out two different Miraculous that aren’t BOTH the most powerful ones that when combined can alter reality and possibly be what the villain is after? No.

So…what does this GUARDIAN of the Miraculous—ancient and all powerful artifacts that he is supposed to GUARD decide to do?

He gives both of the most powerful Miraculous at his disposal to two teenagers he’s only just met after they pass his “secret test of courtesy”.

Now reasonably, Fu could not have known at the time he sent them out that Hawk Moth’s goal WAS the Ladybug and Black Cat Miraculous in order to make the wish. But if they are the strongest Miraculous he has and when together can be used to make a wish that can really upset that all so important balance of the universe, WHY is he sending them out TOGETHER? 

Even assuming that they WEREN’T what the Big Bad was after, it was still practically begging for them to be targets of the bad guys and get stolen. Even if Hawk Moth didn’t know they could be used together to make a wish, he would have known enough to know they were Miraculous and that taking them out would at least get the heroes out of his hair—then if he did eventually get both, he’d find out about that wish soon enough ANYWAY.

In addition—and I think I hate this part in particular because I adore Plagg and I love Adrien as Chat Noir but—WHY was the Black Cat in particular sent out? Ladybug, at least, had just cause.  Fu knew from the start that it was the Butterfly Miraculous being misused and the Ladybug Miraculous is currently noted as being the only one that could purify the akuma and restore the damage done by the battle. So if one of the two MOST IMPORTANT Miraculous HAD to be sent out, it makes sense it would be the Ladybug.

But…why the Black Cat? Sure, it can destroy anything it touches in whatever way the wielder wishes, but wouldn’t a Miraculous that can shield people or paralyze the main akuma be much more useful? Several times, the Cataclysm has been used to destroy the akuma’s object, but the objects in question are those that could reasonably be destroyed in other ways. We’ve SEEN Ladybug snap roller skates in half without effort—most of the items aren’t that much more difficult to break. The Black Cat could have been held in reserve in case of an emergency. And yes, sure, we could argue about that ever important “balance” and how Ladybug/Black Cat are yin and yang, but if it means lessening the chance of them both being taken and used for evil, why not go for something else?

There is another point of concern—and this is the BIG one. WHY TEENAGERS? Meta-wise, we know it’s because they want the show to appeal to younger audiences and that’s generally done with younger main characters. I get that, really. But in the canon that they created, they need to justify that and they just…don’t. If anything, they make all the argument for why Fu should have given the Miraculous to adults. Teenage drama and hormones and issues aside, it has been a clear point made in canon that the Miraculous just work better for adults. It’s not a matter of experience, it’s a matter of AGE. Ladybug and Chat Noir aren’t trapped by a time limit because they’re still starting out, it’s because they’re both still 14. Hawk Moth isn’t avoiding those very pitfalls because he’s had his Miraculous for a good year with plenty of time to test it and know how it properly works, it’s because he’s old enough for his stint in villainy to count as his mid-life crisis.

Fu is the GUARDIAN. He has had these items for several decades and is clearly a user himself. HE SHOULD KNOW THIS! So why did he think it would be a good idea to pit teenagers under a severe handicap against a grown man with power, position, and apparently all the free time he could need to create monsters on a daily basis without it ruining his regular routine?

The problem is that Fu could have done many things here. He had OPTIONS! There are many things that he as the Guardian should have known he could do. And things that given his character as a person who has an extensive history and a lot of unresolved guilt for the past, he should have chosen to do.

We all know that Fu is capable of mistakes. There is nothing wrong with that. But given that he is directly responsible for the fall of his Order and loss of everyone he’d known, one would think these mistakes would instill a bit more healthy paranoia in the man.

Like not giving out two of the most powerful Miraculous in his care at the same time and risk losing both.

Or realizing the inherent issue of giving the Miraculous to children when he knows they can’t utilize its full power based solely on their age when they are going are up against an adult who CAN.

Or the potential problems of just leaving those children to their own devices for the better part of a year during which they can’t make progress in finding the villain they’re supposed to defeat because they don’t know what to look for.

And especially why he should NOT go and outright show his his face to the person he has every reason to suspect IS the villain just to reveal secrets to the man’s son in his home, especially when said son could very well be put into a bad position and end up rather conflicted about the whole thing because of it.

Fu is a complicated character. One I truly like and furthermore WANT to like. The problem is that the series doesn’t seem to be sure just what it’s trying to set Fu up to be.

On the one hand, they seemed to be going for the basic “wise mentor” trope and have him be a potential source of answers and lore that we’d all be waiting for. Marinette certainly has been shown to go to him for advice on occasion. But the answers have been lackluster for the most part and only given out when it’s convenient for the plot of the day instead of immediately—like waiting until Robustus to tell Marinette the reason why someone would want both Miraculous, which is something she and Chat probably should have been told sooner so they could understand the seriousness of the situation. Or maybe just telling the kids anything from the start so they could plan accordingly. You know, things a wise mentor type would do.

While trying for the wise mentor achetype, at the same time they seem to be setting him up as a character who is in a role he isn’t fit for and honestly doesn’t know what he’s doing with. Part of this seems intentional. When Marinette finally approaches him in a legitimate “Karate Kid meeting Mr. Miyagi” fashion, Fu comes right out and tells her his backstory and that he ISN’T quite the perfect mentor or source of answers she’s seeking. He explains pretty quickly that he was just a young initiate in the Order and from the sounds of it, had not completed his training before he made the “mistake” that caused the loss of the Order and two of the Miraculous. There is kind of a sense of him knowing little more than anyone else and trying to make do the best he can even as he’s teaching the next generation.

This makes for an intriguing character concept and interesting take on the normal mentor/student dynamics in that they both seem to be learning from each other. This isn’t bad. It’s actually pretty engaging.

But the problem is that Fu clearly knows more than Marinette does and for some strange reason isn’t applying the knowledge he has to the overall situation at hand. He isn’t picking people who can make the most use of the Miraculous he is handing out. He isn’t actually training the two kids he chose to pull into this life. For pretty much the entirety of Season 1, he left Ladybug and Chat Noir to try and get by on their own with no guidance and no real direction or plan in dealing with the madman terrorizing their city.

Normally in these sorts of situations where you have the Wise Mentor VS the Big Bad in an overarching storyline like this, they should be playing a sort of game of Battleship—I know Chess tends to be the go-to motif, but in this case it’s not about pawns and pieces but instead is about finding where the other person is hiding and taking them down. They each should be looking into each other, trying to find the other in order to be the one to get the advantage. What we see here is that whatever bits of advantage either of these two get, it’s completely a matter of convenience rather than what either of them actually DO.

Fu finds out Gabriel might be a suspect because Tikki discovered the book and had Marinette bring it to his attention.

Gabriel doesn’t “find” so much as assumes there’s a Guardian in Paris because Ladybug and Chat Noir suddenly get the “power” to breath and fight underwater. He also discovers there are more Miraculous available thanks to Chloe’s very public transformation into Queen Bee, and that there are more kwamis as well as a hint of their possible general location because of their unfortunately timed attempt to reach out to Nooroo (ignoring that the kwamis should very well have known it was a pretty big risk in the first place and had every chance of happening).

For both of them, any gains they make are precisely because of what others do or inadvertently hand them rather than what either of them actually do or try to find for themselves.

Of the two, Gabriel is acting based on assumptions that only happen to turn out to be right. Assuming the Miraculous would just show up in Paris if he started to terrorize the city and assuming the ones to show up would be the specific ones he wanted. The fact that Fu ended up playing right into those assumptions while putting his own side at a greater risk in the process says less about Gabriel’s planning and more about Fu’s lack of it.

What it boils down to is that Fu is an interesting character. But as a Guardian, he’s doing a poor job. As it stands, I’m hard pressed to believe his claim to Wayzz that he’s only made one mistake.

[btsvt-adventures]

Ice Skating AU - Secret Plans

A/n: So this was demanded from me, and since I’m on a seemingly never-ending flight to Europe I figured I might as well take this opportunity to write some heh. I have four hours I wonder how far I can get.

Update: I’m posting this on the floor of a train station in France bc our train broke down smh.... damn it SNCF

Pairing: Jihan (Jisoo x Jeonghan), Jicheol (Jihoon x Seungheol)

Warning(s): Nothing too bad, mostly just jicheol being dumb idiots hehe

Want more of this AU? Ask me here!

  Ice Skating AU: Introductions | The Beginning | Drunk (Almost) Kisses | I Have Faith | Promised Rewards | Secret Plans | Opposites (Sometimes) Attract

When Jisoo had asked Seungcheol if Jeonghan had any university friends he should invite to Jeonghan’s surprise party, the last thing he had expected his fellow skater to say was Jeonghan’s old ice hockey teammates.

“Team mates???? Since when did Jeonghan even play ice hockey?” Jisoo gapes, and Seungcheol laughs, taking a sip of his iced americano.

Seungcheol explains that Jeonghan, despite his current status in the figure skating world, actually used to compete as captain of his University’s varsity ice hockey team. “I’m surprised you didn’t know. I would’ve thought he’d have told you, or at least you’d have heard about it in the media. Han only started competing in figure skating in his senior year of university,” Seungcheol shrugs, and Jisoo’s eyes bug even more.

“Holy shit,” Jisoo breathes, sitting back against the sofa as he takes in all the information. “Wow… how did his team take it? I mean, losing their captain to another sport must have been hard,” he muses, and Seungcheol snorts.

“Han told me that they practically kicked him off the team so he could compete,” he chuckles. “It was pretty funny.”

Jisoo laughs, heart warming at the knowledge that Jeonghan had such a strong support system around him when he started. “I hope it’s a good idea to invite them. Do you have any way of contacting them?” Jisoo asks, turning to face Seungcheol so quickly he almost gives himself whiplash.

“Probably just try contacting Soonyoung. He’s a dance teacher now at a studio nearby, I think his Instagram handle is kwonhoshi96, so maybe try that and see how it goes,” he suggests, finishing up his coffee and standing up before Jisoo can ask just how Seungcheol has all this information. “I gotta go before my coach has my ass for being late again,” he laughs. “Unlike you, I can’t just waltz in with my coach slash fiancé,” Seungcheol teases, and Jisoo’s cheeks turn bright red in embarrassment.

“Y-bye!” he squeaks, fanning himself to try and cool his heated cheeks, taking a sip of his iced americano before grabbing his phone, keying in hoshi’s Instagram, scrolling through the hockey player turned dancer’s feed, stopping at an old photo of the hockey team. He can see Jeonghan in the photo, and giggles to himself when he sees Jeonghan’s short, poofy hair.

“Styling sure did him good,” he snickers to himself, sending Soonyoung a message before he loses his nerve. Jisoo sips his coffee, jumping in surprise when his phone dings with a notification.

[@JHongJisoo95] @kwonhoshi96: Oh my god this is so cool!! Come by the studio anytime today and we can talk about it I’m sure the rest of the guys would love to catch up with our old Captain!!!! 😍😍

He clicks the notification so quick, looking at the address Soonyoung had provided, jerking when he realizes it’s just down the street. He downs the last of his coffee, wondering if he should buy Soonyoung a coffee as well, then decides he might as well, as a show of good courtesy (and if Soonyoung didn’t like it, Jisoo wouldn’t mind another coffee).

Jisoo shows up to the studio with two coffees in hand, staring at the glass doors. It looks like a really nice place, but Jisoo can’t dance, not without his skates anyway. He takes a deep breath and pushes the door open, shooting a timid grin at the receptionist, who beams at him.

“Hi! Are you here for a class, or are you waiting for someone?” the receptionist, Chan, asks, and Jisoo stutters that he’s looking for Soonyoung. Chan nods, yelling towards the back for Soonyoung, before turning back to Jisoo.

He suddenly points at Jisoo, expression lighting up in recognition. “Oh! I know you, you’re Jeonghan hyung’s boyfriend!”

How the fuck???

“Chan, don’t scare him like that,” a voice chastises from behind Chan, and Soonyoung (or at least Jisoo thinks it’s Soonyoung) appears, smacking the back of Chan’s head lightly. “Sorry, it’s really nice to meet you Jisoo-ssi, I’m Soonyoung, and this is Lee Chan. Channie was also part of hyung’s hockey team, recruited him in freshman year,” Soonyoung laughs, and Chan nods eagerly.

“Thank you for agreeing to meet me on such short notice,” Jisoo bows slightly, and Soonyoung waves him away, laughing.

“Don’t worry about it, classes don’t start till 7 anyway. Come in, the studio is a much better place to sit and chat,” Soonyoung beckons, and Jisoo follows him in, with Chan right behind the both of them.

Jisoo settles on the floor of the studio, looking around at the full mirrors and blinking at his own reflection. He tells Soonyoung and Chan about his plan for a surprise party, and asked if there was a way to contact any of their old hockey team.

“Of course! We have a katalk chat that Jeonghan hyung never checks,” Chan supplies helpfully, and Jisoo snorts, shaking his head fondly.

“Sounds like him,” he snickers. “Would it be too much trouble to ask you to create a chat with anyone you think would like to come and surprise Hannie?” Jisoo asks, and Soonyoung nods, already working on creating the group chat, handing Jisoo his phone so he can add himself into the group.

Instantly his phones goes off continuously, and Jisoo scrambles to silence it, watching the number of unread messages climb quickly. “Yeah, we… talk a lot,” Soonyoung scratches his head sheepishly, and Jisoo nods slowly, scrolling through the chat to catch up, sending a quick message to introduce himself.

Jisoo grins, leaving the studio after far too long, feeling the excitement bubble at the thought of Jeonghan being able to see his old team again. They had set a date to organize the pre-party planning, and Seungcheol had so graciously agreed to come along (read: Jisoo whined until Seungcheol agreed). Jeonghan had already left for a two week conference for coaches and elite figure skaters, so Jisoo had the perfect window to plan for his boyfriend/fiancé’s birthday party.

He walks into the café with Seungcheol, fully expecting Soonyoung and maybe Chan. What Jisoo doesn’t expect is the big group of people seated around the table, all looking at him.

Why were there so many people looking at him?!

“Jisoo hyung, over here!” Soonyoung waves manically, and Jisoo inches nervously towards the big group of people.

“Uh… Hi Soonyoung and… crew?” he trails off quizzically, staring at all the unfamiliar faces, jerking when one of them points at Jisoo. Seungcheol skips off to go order his caramel frappuccino, as well as Jisoo’s usual iced americano

“Heyyyy i know you, you’re the skater hannie hyung took in last year right? congratulations on placing!! you did so well with the spinny thing hyung always does! I’m Seokmin, it’s really nice to meet you!” Seokmin greets sunnily.

Jisoo nearly chokes, because he’s mildly stunned at the sheer volume of Seokmin’s voice, and also because he literally just called Jeonghan’s signature quadriple flip a spinny thing. Before he can react, the tallest of Soonyoung’s group of friends trips and nearly faceplants. Surprisingly, none of them bat an eyelid, instead turning their attention to Jisoo. Seungcheol, on the other hand, laughs so hard he nearly spits out his liquid sugar.

“I’m Jihoon, the tall idiot is Mingyu, and thank you for inviting us, it’s a really nice thing you’re doing for Jeonghan hyung,” the smallest blonde offers his hand, which Jisoo takes, shaking it quickly.

“I’m Jisoo, Jeonghan’s uh.. student and boyfriend? And that’s Seungcheol. He’s a fellow skater and a good friend of Hannie and I,” Jisoo responds in kind, and Jihoon smiles lightly at him. Jihoon’s hands are calloused, and Jisoo wonders idly if he plays the guitar, or if it’s just from ice hockey. He’s about to ask, when Seungcheol had to open his mouth and ask possibly the most offensive question ever.

“Aren’t you a little small to be a hockey player?”

Immediately, Jihoon’s eyes narrow to slits, and he raises an eyebrow at Seungcheol. Seungcheol wants to smack himself for opening his stupid mouth.

It’s too late now, Seungcheol laments, pouting slightly when he sees Jihoon’s reaction. The cute, tiny hockey player already hates my guts.

“Aren’t you a little bulky to be a figure skater?” he snaps. Seungcheol looks taken aback, and Jisoo nearly snorts aloud.

Better play it cool, he thinks, before breaking out into the biggest grin Jisoo has ever seen on his face.

“I like him,” he declares, and Jihoon makes a face, nose scrunching cutely.

“ I don’t like him,” Jihoon mutters, refusing to look at Seungcheol the rest of their pre-party meeting.

(Internally, however, Jihoon is freaking out, because fuck he’s so cute what the fuck no I gotta play it cool.) Soonyoung shoots him a knowing smirk, which Jihoon pointedly ignores. Jisoo picks up on Soonyoung’s smirk, and shoots him a quizzical look.

Soonyoung glances between Jihoon and Seungcheol, who are now both ignoring each other, and waggles his eyebrows, the apparently universal sign for let’s matchmake them!

Jisoo snickers, nodding slightly before turning his attention to his list of duties he needs to delegate for the party to work. Mingyu, Wonwoo and Chan are the first to offer to cook for everyone (or buy food, seeing as Mingyu’s pretty much the only one who can actually cook). Jisoo offers games and general “things to do” to Seungkwan and Soonyoung, who immediately get to work arguing about which games could work, seeing as the party was going to largely be on the ice.

“Oh! Before I forget, I’ve also managed to track down and invite Jeonghan’s first figure skating teacher!” Jisoo exclaims, and Jihoon blinks.

“You mean the old security guard? Oh that’s nice, hyung will love it!” Seokmin exclaims, and Jisoo beams, feeling the excitement bubbling in his chest

I really hope he likes this surprise

Please like and reblog

If you’d like more of this AU, or your own lil thing, of if you just wanna yell at me, you can do so here ~

[macaroni-rascal]

Transcrip: Tessa and Scott PJ Kwong Interview

Transcript made from 2016 worlds interview with PJ Kwong, the full video is at the end of the transcript. I didn’t transcribe any of the names of the people who were asking questions and often just summarized what PJ was saying but stayed accurate with all the answers, except the ones we’ve heard before. 

For the every lovely Marcia ( @bivirtuealone ) and anyone else who is interested!

PJ: We are live with Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir

Scott: Hi! I never know when it’s flipped.

Tessa: Yeah! (laugh) It’s exciting, thanks for having us!

PJ: Thank you for doing it! Couple questions via Facebook, what are you guys most excited about for next year? Love you guys!

S: Oh! Well, love you too, first of all. (laugh) What are we most excited about for next year? There is so much! There is a lot we are looking forward to. It’s funny, little time away has really renewed our passion for figure skating. I think, to be honest, this is cliché, I’m really excited to get back and to train and to be an athlete again. We’ve spent a couple weeks with Marie France and Patrice already and their coaching is so fantastic and it just feels great to learn more about our sport. So that’s what I’m most excited about.

PJ: What would you guys say has been for favourite costume over the years?

Scott: Oh, that’s a good question.

T: Thanks for writing that in! I think my original Carmen dress with the long sleeves, the deep V, and the ruffles. My mom designed that and I’m not sure I appreciated it at the time but looking back at the detail I think it was perfect for the program.

S: My favourite costume was that Carmen was as well. I’m pretty lucky in my career, I liked a lot of my costumes but that black long sleeve Carmen one was just simple and everyone knows I like skating black so I was very happy with that.

T: It had a bit of mesh, I liked that.

S: Bit of mesh! Yeah.

PJ: Who doesn’t like a bit of illusion.

S: (He says “oh helloooo there” in a funny little accent)

PJ: What got you guys into skating.

T: (Tells story of grade 1 field trip, and wanting to be competitive)

S: (Tells story of getting tricked into it, couldn’t skate, mom was a skating coach, etc.)

PJ: What is the most challenging stunt you’ve ever performed and why?

S: We had a couple that never made it to competition.

T: Yeah! We spent months and months and months where I stood on Scott shoulders. I wasn’t a pair girl I wasn’t used to the height it was quite scary, trained only to realize it would have been illegal anyway.

S: Not even that cool.

T: Not that cool.

S: It was scary, you were just so much higher than usual.

T: Especially when I went to do the backflip off of you. (Just casually back flipping off of his shoulders on to the ice, fuck Tessa)

S: Yeah, I did the front flip while you did the back flip. (Tessa laugh)

PJ: Commenter says “Love your skating and good luck!”

T: That’s so nice!

S: That is so nice. We have such amazing support from Canadian fans and fans around the world, we’ve always felt pretty blessed but –

T: It’s nice to connect with people this way.

S: I didn’t think people would remember who we are to be honest, so. (Tessa laugh)

T: (they are drinking coffee) We are so casual with are coffees, is this okay?

PJ: Yes, are you kidding? Question for Tessa, but I want Scott to answer too. What is your favourite animal?

Both: OH!

T: I love elephants, I always have I love that they are very matriarchical and I’m very close to my mom and my sister, and my grandma, and if I ever got a tattoo I would get three elephants, three or four in a row, I’m just not bold enough.  

PJ: To signify you are your family?

T: Yeah, I love elephants.

PJ: They hurt, not elephants, tattoos.

T: Yeah, I’ll stay away.

S: I don’t even think I have a favourite animal.

Tessa says something about elephants, but we only hear PJ go “If you met my dog you’d love him! Then Scott replies to whatever Tessa said:

S: You really like elephants, that’s not something you just came up with, we’ve talked about this, probably too often.

T: HA! This is my favourite game to play with Scott, especially when we are in the car.

S: Oh my god, yeah (Tessa laughs) whatisit—inside the actors studio?

T: And I like fire away –

S: What’s your favourite sound?

T: I’ll sleep better at night knowing the answers to all those questions.

PJ: You are different kids, I want you to talk about being in the car on your way to training.

T: Oh gosh.

S: Yeah.

T: Our poor parents, I cannot believe they did that at 4am three or four times a week.

S: Our biggest concern was whether we’d stop at the Tim Hortons or the MacDonalds on the way home.

T: To get our hot chocolate. Well mostly on the way, on the drive – well Scott got me a Marvin the Martian body pillow which was ginormous—

S: Pretty cute for a little guy, gotta say.

T: And he’d have a pillow and we both put our pillows up and kinda go 1,2,3, and lean in towards each other and just sleep the entire car ride.

S: We were cute back then. We’ve changed. (Tessa laugh) I was thoughtful too, like a big body pillow? Tessa was like as big as the body pillow, literally.

PJ: Oh no! Someone is about to pass out from excitement, I’m assuming about you guys.

T: Oh wow! Don’t pass out. Stay with us, stay with us.

S:  Stay with us.

PJ: Scott, do you have any tattoos, if not what would you get?

S: I don’t have any tattoos. I always wanted (to Tessa) do you know what I’m gonna say?

T: I do (laughs)

S: I always wanted a picture of myself on my back like “smiling and giving finger guns – tessa is laughing) you know? So if I’m walking down the beach people are just like “heyyyyy’ I can do that from all angles. (mumbles) From Steve-O though, so can’t do it.

PJ: What do you think about Romeo and Juliet music?

S: We’ve worked on that for years!

T: Yeah.

S: We wanted to do that for years.

T: Yeah.

S: We were actually told at one point we were too old to be Romeo and Juliet. (Tessa’s face is hilarious here, a screen shot for you)

T: I think its just gorgeous music. And I think, we also talked about the idea of using that music but maybe portraying a different story line, why not? Because that music is gorgeous.

S: Mhm, so many great pieces there.

T: We’ll still – we’re working on that maybe, one time.

PJ: Kris Young wants to know do you have a favourite moment that doesn’t involve climbing?

S: Kris Young the singer?

T: (laughs) Kris Young the hockey coach. (Tessa sips coffee)

S: OH! (laughs) Did he say he has a favourite moment from Sochi?

PJ: That’s doesn’t involve climbing?

S: He was there! Very sneaky.

T: Nice try Kris, we’re not dishin’.

S: In the vault, buddy.

PJ: What your favourite ISU set pattern dance to do?

S: That is a good question.

PJ: Wanna know mine? Argentine tango?

S: Ohhhh, that’s one of my favourites.

T: Yeah, that one is fun.

S: I liked the arge (calls it “The Arge) – it was a good dance for us. Tessa’s favourite of all time is the Fiesta (tango fiesta) (T laughs)

PJ: Oh, did you do the arm cross in front, cross behind?

T: Yeah! (laughs) It’s good I’m a tango person cause I was gonna say the Romantica.

S: Yeah, there’s a lot of good ones. I do like the set pattern dances, especially for development but, I like the more complicated ones, waltzes, the newer ones, the golden, the Austrian, just more complicated and more fun to watch and do – so.

PJ: What’s your fav hockey team?

T: I mean we’re leafs fans, right?

S: Right. Babsy is king.

T: Especially with Mike there.

S: Babsy is KING! (Laughs) Oh, I almost spilled my coffee all over you.

PJ: What do you guys do for fun?

T: Oh good question.

S: LOTS!

T: Well, we just had a stint of a lot of fun things. Its been neat taking a step away from competition and trying new activities. Whether it was broadcasting like here with CBC or acting, or fashion. But for fun, in the summer we like to golf.

PJ: Are you good golfers?

S: She’s amazing. I was just going to say because no, I’m not good at all.

T: It’s a hard game that’s for sure.

PJ: We don’t have to worry about you switching sports just yet.

S: No.

PJ: Are you going to be doing more installments of the Scott and Tessa show?

S: (hilarious low incredulous laugh)

T: It’s funny they must be re-airing that because people are coming up to us and I think they think it’s happening right now.

S: Yeah, my grandpa called me really concerned the other day. (T laughs) I was in Toronto and I didn’t tell him cause I was supposed to be taking him to breakfast.

T: Oh that’s funny.

PJ: We love your grandpa by the way.

Both: He’s amazing.

T: None planned right now, no.

PJ: Would you guys ever throw the first pitch at a baseball game?

S: DID IT!

T: We did that, it was terrifying.

S: It was awesome, we’d do it again in a heartbeat.

T: I don’ think I’ve ever been so nervous.

PJ: Who got to throw it?

S: We both got to throw!

T: At the same time, yeah.

S: Tessa said that she didn’t wanna throw and I talked her into it, then she out threw me.

T: No, I didn’t! I had to practice with my brothers in the backyard so many times.

S: We talked and we talked and we were just like, “we are just gonna throw it nice and easy so it—just kind of lob’er in there.

T: We wanted unison.

S: Tessa just pulled back and let one go. It went in the dirt a little.

T: It wasn’t great, it wasn’t great.

PJ: People don’t realize it’s a long way to the pitchers mound.

T: Yes!

S: Its nerves.

T: I practiced on a much shorter distance I think, so it was really daunting to actually get up there.

S: If I could do it again, I’d go up on the hill and I’d kick the leg—do it all.

T: I’d want the catcher to give me the signal, spit a little bit, maybe put some tobacco in my mouth.

PJ: You wouldn’t spit!

S: She’d turn it into a dance move or something! Maybe they’ll have to ask us again.

PJ: Maybe you could throw Tessa?

(laughs)

S: We should have gone into The Goose and have her throw it in. (more laughs)

PJ: That would have been a great idea!

S: We’ll see. We’re creative.

PJ: No doubt about that. If not skating, what sport/activity would you have pursued?

T: Realistically I think I would have pursued dance—

S: For sure.

T: Or ballet. Now? If I were to switch sports, I’d love to be a tennis player. I’m a little short but—loved to play tennis.

S: We should go play.

T: Yeah, that’s next on my list. Let’s do that.

S: Okay, you’re on.

T: We’ll keep you posted on that match. (laughs)

PJ: What people don’t know, is the famous backyard Moir games. I want you to describe –

S: Oh yeah! The backyard games, man!

PJ: With the frisbee –

S: Frippet (sp?),  you know about Frippet. You’re impressive Peej. The Moirs, we are like a bbq backyard family, so we hang out on the back deck a lot. And pretty much anything you can do with one hand is a good game for you and we play this little bag with beanbags. It’s a lot of hours in the backyard. That’s what I would be, I would be a profession leisure sport player.

(I had to stop and laugh, some rural Canadian shit, one handed game so the other is free for your drink)

T: Lawn bowling.

S: Lawn bowling! Oh, that’s a real sport.

T: Oh that’s real, I don’t know why I said that.

S: I dunno, lawn bowlers out there.

Then he like makes a face and points at Tessa.

T: Sorry! I didn’t mean it, I really didn’t mean it.

S: Oopsies…Tessa Virtue’s first miss step ever, take note of that.

(Laughter)

PJ: And we were here to see it, and its live.

S: And it’s live, can’t be taken back. I can see the hate mail from the lawn bowlers now.

(laughter)

PJ: She’s just kidding honestly, send me the mail I’ll take care of it. What has been your funniest memory over your 18 year partnership?

S: Oh wow. You, we keep making funny memories. That’s what’s so great.

T: We had a car ride just last week where we laughed the entire time.

S: Yep. We had a dance party –

T: Dance party, yup.

S: And laughed – what is the funniest thing?

PHONE STARTS RINGING IN BACKGROUND

S: Oh! Who do you think that is?

PJ: That’s embarrassing.

(Tessa laughs)

S: At least its authentic.

PJ: Just pretend it’s a sound effect.

S: Do you want me to get it? I should get it.

T: It’s the lawn bowling association—(laughs)

S: Yeah, exactly! (laughs)

PJ: Scott, could you grab it, if you don’t mind? Cause if wont stop.

S: Yeah!

PJ: So Tessa, what is your funniest memory? Let’s see if Scott says “hello.”

T: Honestly that’s way too…--

S (off camera): Hello?

T: Oh, he’s answering now.

PJ: No one ever calls me!

S (off camera): She is not right now, could she call you back?

PJ: So what do you think of your funniest memory? And someone wants to now what that coffee is that you are holding.

T: Oh, americano.

(Scott mumbles stuff on the phone)

S: PEEJ!

PJ: So Scott, what happened?

S: Oh, they wanted to know if my wife was available. (Tessa dies laughing). “Is your wife Patricia available?” And no actually, she’s busy right now.

PJ: You heard it first here on CBC sports, we weren’t gonna be able to keep it secret forever.

(Then the audio cuts out of a few seconds, not sure what they say but when it comes back:)

PJ: Scott I’m going to make you feel the love too.

S: That’s okay, I love it when they are for her.

PJ: What is your favourite movie?

S: We watched it the other day.

T: The princess bride? I mean yeah, that’s just classic.

PJ: I know your favourite TV show cause we share it! Flight of the Conchords.

T: Flight of the Concords, yes.

S: What’s your favourite TV show now, though?

T: I just finished Broadchurch and that was so good, have you seen that? On BBC – check it out.

S: (mumbles something about Dowton Abbey)

T: Yeah, I can’t bring myself to watch the final episode. I haven’t finished the very end of Harry Potter either because that’s like, it’s never over, so I just don’t want it to end so I don’t know that I’ll watch the last Downton Abbey but I do love that one.

PJ: Makes me feel like I am saying goodbye to friends, make me sad.

S: I cry at the last episode of Friends all the time.

PJ: Who do you relate to, Scott on TV?

S: In television? No not really anybody. I actually thought Jim and Pam from the The Office were my friends for a while though. It’s kinda the same thing, they aren’t real people when it ended I thought they would be on the back deck one day hanging out with me. I get attached, that’s why I don’t watch too much.

PJ: When you retire, Scott please consider comedy. I find your commercial hilarious.

S: You know what?

T: I love that he’s become know from that commercial.

S: I don’t think I’m hilarious, but Tessa still laughs at my jokes and its been 18 years, so.

T: The question is why apparently.

PJ: Is there a new movie you haven’t seen yet that you would like to?

T: Anything that’s come out in the last several years, I can’t remember the last time—

PJ: I really wanna see My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2.

S: It kinda looked fun! Anything with a big family kinda brings ya right back.

(Small chat about Boston movies, and liking Boston, wanting to explore.)

PJ: Anything exciting coming up in the next few months?

S: Well, we have tour which is exciting, in April we do Japan, Switzerland on the way home, we get to visit our friend Lambiel.

(CUT OFF – Shot of PJ’s forehead and her apologizing for technical issues, then switch to vm.

S: What up! Are we on camera?

PJ: You are!

PJ: What is your favourite dance style.

T: Always lead with ballet, but now more contemporary.

PJ: Now you were in the national ballet, I saw pictures of you doing the Nutcracker, was that fun?

T: That was absolutely incredible, that had been a dream of mine, of course, growing up I wanted to take the stage with national ballet. I wasn’t expecting it to be in that capacity I was dressed up as a joker. It’s funny I messages Scott beforehand and I was like “I don’t do goofy – I’m not funny” and he would have been so good with it, but I was paired up with Ethan, a dancer, and we choreographed this whole little thing together it was so much fun and so thrilling.

PJ: Did you ever go up on pointe and can you still?

T: I haven’t tried. I did, yes, but I haven’t tried in many many years.

S: You should, I haven’t been on pointe.  

PJ: Who’s feet are stronger, skaters or ballet dancers?

S: Ballet dancers.

T: Ballet dancers, yeah. I think you lose a lot of the range when your foot is stuck in a boot. Skating trains the opposite muscles.

S: Dancers are tough too, like what is it 18 hours a day? Like obviously skating is crazy training but the dancer’s life, I don’t know how they do it. Just waiting all day, on call, its so demanding. I know that from all my dance experience.

PJ: Favourite dance style?

S: Me? Oh you know, I like switching it up, for me, as long as we keep it fresh I’m cool – like I can’t think of a style I don’t like. We are moving into a style—

Then the video cuts off completely.

[tanoraqui]

can i has more cr sense8 au percy pls? (if your up for it of course)

*slams 2,000 words on your desk five months later* MY HOBBIES INCLUDE PROCRASTINATING FOR FINALS BY WRITING SCENES FROM THE MIDDLE OF THE HYPOTHETICAL PLOT OF NICHE CROSSOVERS WITHOUT GIVING YOU ANY CONTEXT SAVE A COUPLE OLD POSTS OF BULLET POINTS (posts here. Take this fic as the inter-seasons holiday special, basically.)

“I’mstill not certain we should be doing this.“

Itwas a meaningless statement even before he said it. With her arm in his, withthe warmth of her against his side and the tinkle of her laugh fading in theair, Percy thought he would trust Vex to lead him down any icy path through thewoods, with any blindfold on or off, even if he had never known her moreintimately than he knew himself. Even if they had just met, somehow, one day,and she had smiled and beckoned, he would have followed.

Exaggeratedgagging noises broke into his thoughts—Vax, visiting as almost always, makingVex laugh in the cold Northern darkness. The drugs all but gone from his veins,Percy could feel him again, that knife’s edge of sarcasm prickling overdevotion deep enough to fill the sea.

Two(one? three?) months of isolation was turning him poetic. It was horrifying.

“It’llbe fine,” said Vex, tugging him forward. “Turn right—”

Percyfollowed her instructions obediently. “I don’t know where you get theconfidence that she won’t be looking, just this one night. It’s not like theholidays have stopped them before.”

“Becauseshe’s loony, Freddie,” Vax said with overwhelming fondness.

“BecauseI don’t care!” Vex proclaimed, and Percy felt her toss her hair within herselfbefore it smacked him on the cheek. “We’re taking Christmas back. What they didto your family was horrible, yes, and we willkill them for it, I promise—”

Theothers nodded in agreement, the heroin finally losing its grip.

Vexput her hands to his face—cold, calloused, but the kindest Percy had felt—andpushed up his blindfold.

“Buttonight,” she whispered, wild and soft and fey in the moonlight, “let’s justnot be afraid.”

Theplace she’d led him was beautiful. Vex was beautiful, already shrugging off herbag and dropping down to swap her boots for skates, lithesome and lively as theswaying trees and stars above. They shone down on the iced-over pond, in the centerof the ancient forest, just as they must have in Jerusalem two thousand yearsago. There wasn’t another human being for miles, Percy knew without asking.

“Doyou even know how to skate?” he asked, amused, watching her fumble with thestraps.

“No.”She grinned up at him, entirely impish. “But you do. And Scanlan, I think.”

“Ido,” the man himself confirmed with a smile, making hot chocolate in his LosAngeles apartment.

“Ifyou’re getting gross, I’m leaving,” Vax announced, and vanished—as if thatmeant anything, as if they couldn’t all feel him and see him as well in hiscell in Osaka, or Los Angeles or the Outback or wherever Percy and Vex were.(He didn’t know and she wasn’t telling, and that was how they were safe.)

“Allright!” Pike chirped to her choir straggling into line in her little woodenchurch at the eaves of the Amazon, so newly rebuilt it still dripped tar. “Youready?”

“Let’sdo this!” said Scanlan, bringing two frothing mugs into the living room, whereKaylee was doing her best to scowl at the bright tree and heap of presents.Tary echoed it, squaring his shoulders for a much less amicable familybreakfast, and Grog smashed a beer bottle as he shouted, because it was aChristian holiday but fuck it, it was a holiday, and the peace was still goingand the dirty thugs and criminals of Ankara were going to have a fuckin’ party.

Asfar as possible from any gritty urban party, and more importantly any evilbrain surgeon, Keyleth sat by her campfire and took out her guitar, andlaunched into an offkey rendition of “Jingle Bells” on the warm Australianevening. Across the fire, Kashaw stared at her like she had to be kidding, butwithin a verse she’d smiled enough to draw out his surprisingly rich tenor.

Scanlanblew them both out of the water, of course, and Kaylee didn’t blink as she toreinto a box that she would soon find contained mostly just increasingly smallerboxes, because Scanlan singing was like the sun shining. It just happened. Halfwayaround the world, Turkish pop music blasted out of the bar and down the street,and Grog jumped up and down with Zanror and Worra, mostly on the beat.Tremulous voices strengthening as the sun slipped through the high window andthe rest of Puentamáre’s congregation filed in, swelled by all those coming tovisit the “little angel,” Pike’s choir sang the day in, and Vox Machina stoodand sang with them.

Theydanced in the bar in Turkey, bright lights and pop music pounding against theancient sandstone walls. They laughed over brunch in New York, until Lydiaasked if something was the matter and Mary-Anne kicked Tary under the table,and both his parents shot him dirty looks. They clambered over rocks in theOutback and Tary squealed in fear at a giant spider as Vax laughed and held itup to his face.

Theyjust managed to hold onto the iPhone to film Kaylee furiously flinging sevenlayers of boxes and wrapping paper at their heads, in retaliation for spendingten minutes unwrapping a single guitar shop gift card. But she was laughing,too, so it was okay. Turning state’s witness earned Vax a couple extraprivileges; he spent one on a phone call to Zahra, left bear-sitting, and Vexcried on Percy’s shoulder while they all made kissy noises at the phone andassured a confusedly lowing Trinket that his mama would be home as soon as shecould, and she loved him very much. Percy hadn’t ice-skated since he wassixteen, years before That Night, but they did waltz steps and figure-eights ona moonlit frozen pond somewhere in Siberia, and held each other tight. It wasChristmas and Vox Machina laughed and sang and cried, and held each othertight.

“Whata lovely way to spend the holiday.”

Percyslipped before she finished speaking, eyes clenched shut; he didn’t know whenthe ice was coming until his hands hit, hard, and the spray his face.

“Percy?”Vex.

“Really,Percival,” Ripley said, “You don’t have to so childish about this. I’m not hereto hunt you down, tonight.”

“She’shere,” he gasped, pulling himself across the ice. Eyes shut, don’t even look.Don’t even think. “Vex, she’s here,you have to– get the–”

“Shit!”Vex fumbled for her bag, still on the shore. “Fuck, fuck! Fuck her!”

Ripleyclicked her tongue in disapproval. She stalked silently across the ice, inlight boots rather than heavy winter skates—but then, she wasn’t really there.

“Ithought you might like to go on a trip, actually.”

Andthen they were standing in a corridor, and Percy was the one mis-dressed forthe occasion, bundled up for the frigid wilderness. He had half a foot inheight on Ripley, and he’d worked to keep his machine shop muscles while pentup in…wherever he and Vex were. None of it did anything to ease the way hisstomach turned as Ripley eyed him up and down, judging him for the failedscience experiment he didn’t need to be in her head to know she deemed him. Shelooked almost identical to how she’d been that week starting eight years agotoday, staring down at him. A few more streaks of grey in her bun, but the sameslim glasses, the same purse to her lips, the same damn style of lab coat,sleeves stained red at the end of each day as she peeled him apart. He knew whyshe’d done it, now. It didn’t help.

Thebarest hint of a smile curled up her lips as they both remembered. Then sheturned and strode down the corridor, calling over her shoulder, “Come along.”

Percyfollowed, scanning the hallway for clues as to Ripley’s location. He wasn’tsurprised to find none. The walls were stainless steel and the white-and-blacktile floors were sanitation-clean. It was another Vecna facility, but god onlyknew where in the world.

“Ireally thought you’d be doing better at this, Percival,” Ripley chided, withoutgiving him so much as a backwards glance. “I’ve gotten so much informationabout you and your little group, and you’re just lagging behind.”

“Whatdo you want, Anna.”

Hewas lagging behind, as they walked, but not so far that she’d think he wasn’tplaying along. Every extra second here bought more time for Vex to get theneedle and knock him out.

“I’mgoing to share a secret with you,” she said, with a much younger woman’s senseof mischief. “Just to liven up this little game.”

Theyreached a door at the end of the hallway, steel and locked with a keypad.Ripley smiled at him as she entered the number, sickly sweet. “After all, it’sthe holidays—it’s only right that you be with family.”

Fora long, horrible moment as she swung open the heavy door, Percy thought he wasgoing to see corpses, or worse. A freezer of strung-out piles of tissue andorgans. Eight brains in tanks, still with electrodes attached. He’d seen, onthe opposite side of the laboratory, what they’d been starting to do to hisfamily.

Itwas a teenage girl’s room. The walls were unpainted, but they were decoratedwith posters, of scientific infographics and famous historical women and acouple people Percy vaguely recognized as famous actors. There was a carpet, anelegant shag thing, and a pair of stuffed bookcases, a desk with a very nicecomputer, and a bed with at least two dozen stuffed animals, all of which Percycould name. At least one of them had been his. The girl on the bed, lying onher stomach and reading a book with her legs kicked in the air, was even morefamiliar.

“Cassandra.”

She’dlooked up when the door opened, polite coolness chasing annoyance chasingwariness from her eyes.

“Dr.Ripley. What do you want?”

“Iwas in this wing and I thought I would check on you, my dear.” Despite theendearment, Ripley’s tone had reverted to the crisp professionalism she seemedto show everyone but Percy.

Cassandraclearly didn’t buy either façade. But she rolled to a sitting position withonly a faint sigh, and held out her left arm. There was something attached toit, a cuff with a small screen that flashed first her blood pressure then, asRipley pressed the buttons on the side, several other measurements—BPM, neuralconductivity, and things Percy didn’t recognize. A slim wire ran up from it toa handful of electrodes attached, clearly permanently, to the side of hertemple.

“I’llkill you. I’ll kill you.” His voiceshook.

“Ihaven’t noticed anything unusual,” Cassandra said as Ripley checked thereadings. A bored patient answering unasked questions by rote.  “The new anxiety meds are doing fine.”

Ripleymade a non-committal noise. “Look at me.”

Cassandramet her eyes obediently.

“Leaveher alone. What are you doing?” Percytried to put himself between them, but there wasn’t room. And he couldn’t touchhis sister, couldn’t touch either of them—couldn’t drag Ripley away andcouldn’t take Cass in his arms and just run.(Like that had worked so well, last time.)

“Doyou feel anything unusual right now?” Ripley asked, still holding Cassandra’sgaze. “Physically or emotionally. Really search.”

Awrinkle appeared between Cassandra’s eyes as she frowned. There was a widestreak of white in her hair, family to Percy’s complete bleach. That hadn’tbeen there before. When he’d last seen her, when she was bleeding in the snowfrom bullet wounds as he ran— She was 23 now, the spitting image of Vesper whenshe’d died, except for that streak. The room was still decorated for a teenagerbut Percy’s youngest sister was an exasperated 23.

“Cass.”

Ripley’seyes sparkled at his anguish, but Cassandra remained impartial.

“Nothing.Should I?”

“Youknow better than to ask questions that could influence an experiment,” Ripleysaid. But she stepped back, letting Cassandra’s gaze fall. It returned to herbook.

“Don’tforget,” Ripley added as she re-opened the door, which had automatically lockedbehind them. “The Briarwoods will be expecting you for Christmas dinner.”

IfPercy had thought Cassandra’s expression polite before, when she looked up asecond time it was utterly impassive.

“Ilook forward to it. Was there anything else?”

“Oh,no.” Ripley smiled thinly at them both. “I think everything I need will bearriving soon enough—”

AndPercy was back on the bank, in the snow, in the woods, and everything but Vexfaded as she thrust the needle into his arm and released, the familiar,dizzying haze of cheap heroin washing him clean. Ripley disappeared. Cassandradisappeared. Keyleth, Vax, Grog, Pike, Tary, Scanlan disappeared. Safe. Percystayed as freezing and alone as eight years ago, running from his sisterbleeding out in the snow, assuming she was dead.

“Percy?Percy, are you alright? Is she gone?”

Vex’swarm hands tugged at him and he rolled over obediently, and opened his eyes.She was still beautiful, bright and concerned and fierce. The moon above wasalmost as lovely. Percy lifted a hand to her cheek and caught his breath whenshe held it—no, choked on a sob. That was what his body was doing, now.

“Cass.She– they– I don’t know. She’s alive.” His whole body shook, drugs and cold and every ounce of adrenaline racing through his veins. “They have mysister.”

[iguana012]

Japanese Nats: The Aftermath

This recap is almost 3 weeks late but fwiw I judged the event on The Judges’ Table. If you’re interested in my (serious) opinions about the competition, you can read them there. If you’re interested in my less censored opinions, I will include as much as I can in this post. 

So what happened is that Japan crowned their tiniest champions ever, Satoko Miyahara (her 3rd title) and Shoma Uno (his 1st title). But some people were less interested in that and more interested in receiving updates on Yuzuru Hanyu’s recovery after he decided to withdraw from the competition in order to prioritize his health, thus generating earthquakes among his sensitive fans. Other people (those who attended the competition) went just to see Mao Asada but they were polite enough not to get up and empty the arena while Mao wasn’t skating unlike what happened at the Sochi Olympics when Evgeni Plushenko withdrew from the men’s event. 

Now I’m not pretending to be some advocate of justice and I’m not intending to preach. But I believe this is a good opportunity to highlight frequent problems in the skating fandom so you won’t be tempted to fall into their traps. 

DISCLAIMER: I do realize I’m already in a very high risk of getting attacked by some Yuzu fans via anon asks or salty replies/reblogs but I’m gonna say this again: it’s okay if you’re not into my kind of “”””humor”””. You can ignore me and I promise I won’t get a boo-boo. GETTING TO THE SUBJECT NOW!

THE LADIES EVENT aka Game Of Thrones

Satoko Miyahara waltzed into this event giving negative fucks and the results showed: when she gives negative fucks, that 3Lz-3T combo in the second half of her SP is miraculously rotated. As a consequence she got 76 for her program and further established her new position as one of the most overscored skaters currently competing (don’t believe me? Ask the Russian ubers and Mao ubers). I also thought “damn, this empty program actually looks nice when neither she nor I have to worry about rotations”. But the key here is to make the program look like that when you give a lot of fucks as opposed to negative fucks, and Mie Hamada knew that. So the next day before Satoko skated her FS, Hamada annoyed the crap out of her and pressured her as a strategy to make her get used to skating clean when she gives a lot of fucks, such as when she’s thinking she’s gotta get a medal in a relevant event, including the Olympics. For now, Satoko is still failing that test because she had a step-out on the 3Lz-3T combo and a couple of carrots. 

Wakaba Higuchi finally - I repeat - FINALLY skated a clean short program and it was so adorable to see her get all excited and happy about it. Except it wasn’t a squeaky-clean program because she got a wrong edge call on her flip. What can ya do, if ya got a good lutz ya gotta lip and when ya got a good flip ya gotta flutz. She’s gonna have to follow Satoko’s example and replace that lip with a loop and be done with it. Other than that, damn this girl got huge jumps. Everyone loves some huge jumps. However, the disadvantage of huge jumps is that you gotta have very good control of the landing and you have to know how to manage your speed, when to speed up, when to slow down, otherwise you’re doomed to pull a Midori Ito and land your jumps over the cameraman outside the boards. (Have you imagined Evgenia Medvedeva landing one of her 3-3-3 combos on Tarasova’s table cause I did and I cracked myself up really). 

Another skater who is fast as crap and has great technique on top of that is Mai Mihara who won the bronze medal and got herself a ticket to Worlds. Just a year ago around this time she was watching Nationals on TV from a hospital bed having been diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Doesn’t that make a great Cinderella story? She is, actually, skating to Cinderella but her style is still stuck somewhere on the road between junior and senior (she was pretty good as a junior but I didn’t like her skating then and I’m not necessarily warming up now) but she seems like a very sweet girl and if there’s anyone who deserved going to Worlds aside from Satoko and Wakaba, it’s this young lady. 

Marin Honda is another skater who finally - I repeat - FINALLY skated a clean short program after burying herself in competitions right from the start. The poor girl has been under so much constant pressure this season I feel like she’s always on the verge of having an emotional breakdown. It’s not only the fact that she’s cried a number of times after her performances, but this season she always looked like she was terrified of her results no matter how she skated. I’m not a fan of either of her programs this season (SP is similar to last season’s and the FS is a hot mess combo of Yuzuru’s Romeo & Juliet 1 and 2) but she has excellent skating skills, musicality, expression, projection to the audience for her age. She doesn’t have the best jump technique but she is one of the few lucky ones with a clean lutz AND flip. After a smooth short program, a popped jump in the free prevented her from stepping onto the podium but that’s how it is in competition; it’s not about what you’re able to do, it’s about what you end up doing when it counts. 

Rika Hongo has been in serious trouble ever since the beginning of this season - or maybe as far as the previous Nationals - and the worst case scenario happened. She finished 5th and now the juniors ahead of her are old enough to go to Worlds in her place. While she was 2nd in the SP with the best performance of the season, she went down to 6th in the FS and finished 5th overall despite bringing back Riverdance, a program that worked for her last year. Unfortunately the spark, the freedom and the joy that was present last season was absent in this competition as she was very nervous even before she took the ice. 

Yuna Shiraiwa on the other hand... I’m only going to say this. Clean 3Lz-3T and (second half) 3F-3T combos in the FS. No UR calls. Highest TES (71.74) of the evening. She’s the real MVP in Hamada’s team. 

THE OLD(ER) GENERATION

This was Mao Asada’s worst result at Nationals but instead of having retirement thoughts (like she had last season at Nationals even though she skated better), she’s still determined to come back stronger next season. An old knee injury prevented her from landing the 3A and rotating a lot of her jumps but at this point she’s obviously not skating for the medals as much as she’s skating for herself. No skater wants to leave the competitive world with regrets so who are we to judge Mao’s decision to continue in spite of physical difficulties? With Yuzuru absent due to influenza, most fans attended the competition to see Mao and it was obvious just counting the number of flowers that were thrown on the ice for her compared to the other skaters. 

Redemption from Kanako Murakami, who is also nearing the end of her career but managed to deliver the first clean FS she’s skated in ages. That’s all she wanted from this competition, she got it, and she awarded the audience with her signature Kanako Smile.

Painful competition for Haruka Imai, former Japanese Jr National Champion and 4th at the 2014 4CC. No GP assignments this season, she was plagued by inflammation of her hips and knees but she fought to land the 3Lz and 3F. This was also the first time we got to see one of her new programs (the FS, which is Primavera by Einaudi) and she’s still beautiful to watch. 

SHOMA UNO & CO.

It was kind of depressing to watch the men’s event this year because only a couple of years ago it was the fiercest event at Nationals. Keiji Tanaka seized his chance to grab onto the silver medal while Takahito Mura’s bronze was (once again) useless - as harsh as it sounds. Shoma wasn’t at his best here but he showed that he learned a new lesson (tag a 3T to a different jump if you screw up one of your planned combos!!) and he came out of this alive and well. The added pressure of having to “live up to expectations” in the absence of Olympic King Zuzu was another thing he suddenly had to put up with (good job Fuji). But there’s an old saying; “better here than at Worlds”. 

CONTROVERSIES 

While Satoko and Shoma are the tiniest champions Japan has ever had, they’re also the most criticized. They both have to skate under the shadows of two skating giants, Mao and Yuzuru, who have hoards of fans. Among those hoards of fans there are ubers, people who have made a habit out of bashing their favorite skaters’ successors. In Japan there already are Mao ubers whose jobs are to tear Satoko apart and the disease has long spread worldwide. You can see it on forums, you can see it on comment sections of YouTube videos, you can even hear it on television (looking at you Simon Reed). People who write passive-aggressive, sarcastic remarks, calling Satoko names and whatnot. Shoma gets similar (though mellower) treatment from overseas fans, but not from Japanese fans, possibly due to the fact that he’s a Daisuke Takahashi fan so most of Dai’s fans are now supporting him. 

These two young skaters (and not only) deserve all the support in the world. It’s not easy to become Japan’s supporting pillar and leading lady after the great Mao Asada, but Satoko is doing an incredible job. Appreciate more, bash less. Don’t let the judges cloud your judgement. There’s also a massive amount of PR in figure skating; Mao has so many sponsors you can see her in commercials, you can see fluff videos about her because that’s what the general audience wants. She’s been advertised as a child prodigy (which she was) and people consider her part of their family. Satoko doesn’t benefit from that kind of treatment so people tend to be cold and judgmental towards her because she’s nothing compared to Mao-chan (oh dear those jumps, oh dear the way she bends her knee, oh dear her face). 

Recently Marin Honda has been getting the “heir of Mao” treatment, getting sponsorship from JAL, shooting CMs for Ghana and stuff. I feel like I have to point out the fact that all of her siblings, including herself, are managed by a hugely influential management company. If you’re into Japanese entertainment, you might have heard of it. It’s called Oscar Promotion and it’s a talent agency whose famous names include actresses Emi Takei, Aya Ueto and Ayame Gouriki. She’s been promoted and modeled by a talent agency since she was a young child so she’s an expert at working with the camera, the audience and the reporters. As a result she’s also been gathering - well, pretty scary fans who are downright infatuated with her and will start arguments if you dare criticize her. Similar to idol group fans, I’d say. 

But this is figure skating and crack commentaries aside we’re talking about real, young people with feelings who are training every day from dawn till dusk, who get injured, who sacrifice their childhood and adolescence. We’re also talking about real fans behind the computer screen who like who they like and no one person is entitled to criticize or ridicule the things that make them happy. At the same time, no one is entitled to attack fans who criticize your favorite skater(s) as long as they bring valid arguments and they’re polite about it. And no one is entitled to attack another fan whose way of seeing or perceiving things is either more or less intense than yours. Be nice to each other. #PEACE

[msjr0119]

The Greatest Show

Never Enough - Part 2

A new series- all chapters are based on each song from ‘The Greatest Showman’

Characters belong to Pixelberry except MC - Amber Smith-Beaumont

Warnings: Swearing, sarcasm 😉, smut

Tags - using combined tagged list, if you want to be removed please let me know 👍🏼

@annekebbphotography @burnsoslow @drakesensworld @ladyangel70 @kingliam2019 @bbrandy2002 @butindeed @bascmve01 @drakewalker04 @pedudley @captain-kingliamsqueen @duchessemersynwalker @insideamirage @of-course-i-went-to-hartfeld @kozabaji @texaskitten30 @ibldw-main @kimmiedoo5 @nikkis1983 @dangerouseggseagleartisan @gnatbrain @walker7519 @lodberg @cmestrella @hopefulmoonobject @addictedtodrakefanfic @angi15h @liamxs-world @rafasgirl23415 @notoriouscs @yukinagato2012 @dcbbw @qammh-blog @nz1091 @beardedoafdonutwagon @cordonianroyalty @custaroonie @indiacater @seriouslybadchoices @rainbowsinthestorm @princess-geek @jared2612 @desiree-0816

READ PART 1 FIRST****

******

Amber had helped Olivia prepare for the ball at Lythikos. Usually they would enjoy their first day skiing, ice skating, completing activities- but Olivia thought about getting the ball over and done with then they can all enjoy themselves.

“Wow you look amazing Amber! Take that as a compliment- Walker will be drooling all over you.” Twirling around in the golden dress, that was v neck flaunting her assets- Olivia placed the fur shawl around her to give her the complete look.

“As do you. He’s amazing Liv I don’t understand why you detest him so much. Do you think he used me for sex?”

“We are like marmite, we’ve always had this love/hate relationship. I’ve put you next door to each other- so if you want to sneak in some sexy time you can do. I’ve left you a present too. I haven’t seen him this way before- he is definitely falling in love with you- if he hasn’t already.” Amber eyed Olivia up and down, intrigued as to what it was her mystery gift was. The duchess had given her hope that Drake had been sincere with his words and actions, smiling to herself they headed to the ballroom. Both ladies greeted Olivia’s guests as they arrived, the men turned up to together.

“He’s even wearing a suit for you. He never wears suits.” Olivia whispered to her new friend, noticing her turn a shade of red.

“Amber, you look more beautiful every time I see you.”

“Thank you. You look very handsome.” Madeleine overheard the conversation and immediately informed Kiara and Penelope. Knowing now was possibly the time to cause an scandal regarding the Beaumont’s- if Amber was a threat to her friend, she would sort it out promptly. Once all the guests had arrived, drinks and canapés were handed out as the nobles socialised. Drake kept his distance away from Amber to avoid gossip- however he couldn’t help himself admire her, stealing glances, providing the star crossed lovers act.

Kiara came over towards Olivia and Amber, with Penelope following shortly behind as if she was some shadow.

“Duchess Olivia, it’s wonderful to be here again. C’est beau.”

“Merci ... now what is the real reasoning for you disturbing me? Shouldn’t you be trying to dig your claws into a man who will never return the feelings?”

“No, you know how I love to sing when there is a live band. I wondered if I could do that after the dancing. I’ve got a song in mind.” Narrowing her eyes towards Amber, she knew with the help from her friends she could sway Drake away from the Beaumont girl.

“Do whatever Kiara. Just make sure you sing in fucking English. There’s only so much french I can tolerate.”

The band started playing the Cordonian waltz, Liam knew he had to play fair with the suitors. “I’ll dance with Amber, you dance with Liv- then swap. I know you hate Liv but at least you can dance with the girl of your dreams.” Drake nodded, wondering how he was going to convince Olivia to be so close to him.

“Lady Amber may I have this dance?” Liam asked, as he bowed.

“Of course your Highness.” Amber curtsied, allowing Liam to guide her on to the dance floor.

“Come on Liv, sooner we get this over with sooner I can get rid of you.”

“Couldn’t have put it better myself. Just don’t come too close! I haven’t got my hand sanitizer on me.” Drake dragged her onto the dance floor, not gracefully - during their awkward dance they couldn’t help but insult each other. Liam overheard, and began to laugh.

“Why is Drake dancing with Olivia? He never dances!” Kiara wasn’t jealous with the fact that he was dancing with Olivia, it was more a stab in the heart that after all these years she had been rejected when she had offered.

“Don’t worry about it Ki, I have a plan. Here’s some wine. I’m looking forward to your performance later babe.” Kiara noticed that it was time to change partner, he’s in her arms now. Viewing how differently he danced with Amber- was a constant stab in heart that kept reoccurring. His eyes lit up, he held her lovingly. Wishing that she had been more persistent in trying to woo the only man she had feelings for, she knew she needed help from her two friends before it was too late.

“Hey beautiful.”

“Charmer. How was your dance with Olivia?”

“Stiff. But now I’m with you, I feel like the world has melted away.” Smiling at him, he noticed the twinkle in her eyes.

“Kiara is giving us dagger eyes.”

“So?” Drake said abruptly, not caring about her- he didn’t want to ruin this time with Amber.

“I’m just saying. You’ve improved dancing by the way.”

“Well after last night, I watched a bit of YouTube. I didn’t want to make you look like a fool because I can’t dance.”

“Is it wrong that I want to kiss you in front of everyone?”

“I was thinking the same thing.”

“Well if you fancy a sleepover later, Liv has left us a surprise.”

Drake wondered why Olivia was rooting for them all of a sudden, why she would leave them a gift- he knew that she didn’t feel threatened by Amber compared to the likes of Madeleine, so his mind was working over time due to Olivia having a kind heart.

“May I cut in?” For fuck sake, Drake muttered to himself. His smile had soon disappeared.

“Of course Lady Kiara. Thank you for the dance Drake.” Walking away she could tell how awkward it was but she was keeping up appearances for the Beaumont’s even though half the court knew about her secret rendezvous with Drake. Maxwell offered to dance with her, asking gossip about her and Drake- Amber couldn’t help but wonder what Kiara was talking about with Drake.

“How come you are suddenly dancing?” Asking him with a stern tone of voice.

“Well it’s Liam’s social season. He’s my best friend, I have to make an effort.”

“So it’s nothing to do with HER then? You didn’t dance during Leo’s social season.” Emphasising the word her, he could detect jealousy in her tone of voice.

“Even if it was anything to do with Amber, you and I aren’t close- I wouldn’t class you as a friend Kiara. You are more of an acquaintance. I don’t understand why you all have this hatred towards her.”

“Do you love her?” Seeing her eyes well up with tears, he did feel guilty- but he had never provided her with any indications that he felt the same way.

“I like her. She’s an amazing girl, she’s even tamed Olivia. Be nice to her Kiara, you may become friends one day.” No chance, you are mine Drake.

“We’ll see. Merci for the dance. Maybe do it again sometime?”

******

Madeline noticed that Amber was on her own at the bar, taking this opportunity to pounce - she knew people hated her, what would it matter if she added one more enemy to the list.

“Lady Amber, I thought I’d officially introduce myself as we didn’t get the chance to at the lawn party. I thought you’d be thrilled to have the prince kiss someone of your standard.”

“How about go fuck yourself COUNTESS. I don’t need you to introduce yourself.”

“How rude! I’d have thought Duke Bertrand would have taught you some manners by now. Although your mother, Marie was a commoner with no manners. The only manners she had was when she opened her legs to all the men around here. What was her nickname again? Oh yes. Minx Marie the poor sad little maid. I assume Marie didn’t inform you of who your father is?” Gritting her teeth, she knew about her mother’s situation- how she struggled in life, how she appreciated life considering the hardship she faced.

“My family life has nothing to do with you. I am fully aware about my father, my ancestry and my family. Maybe you should concentrate on your own life! I mean, you couldn’t even keep Leo on a leash. Maybe if you didn’t wear a sour face and be nice to people - some men may actually like you.” Madeleine burst out cackling, Amber wasn’t sure what she had said to make her react that way. An insult usually made people angry or upset.

“You have no clue do you? Did you enjoy sucking Drakes dick last night? I overheard the men talk about about your secret rendezvous. I thought us women were supposed to stick together? You waltz in here, steal the only man that Kiara ever loved....”

“It doesn’t matter! He doesn’t love her! She’s obsessed with a man that will never return the feelings!”

“What and he loves you?”

“I didn’t say that!”

“Good. Now I have a little secret regarding you - my daddy once told me. King Constantine, Regina and Leo also know. Do you want to know?”

“Either way you are going to tell me!”

“You aren’t a Beaumont. You are Jackson Walker’s daughter- Drakes sister.”

“You’re lying.”

“Go and ask other people. I’d never hurt anyone- as I said us women stick together. One gets hurt we defend them immediately.” Turning her head towards her friends, she wanted to be sick- she wanted to runaway and never return. Unable to control her shaking body, she returned her gaze towards the blonde who was smirking. Amber pulled her fist back, before hitting Maddy straight in the nose- blood immediately pouring out rapidly.

“STAY AWAY FROM ME - I AM A BEAUMONT, BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY I’M A NEW YORKER! DON’T MESS WITH US MADDY! OH BY THE WAY- I’LL SEND YOU RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A PLASTIC SURGEON, I HEARD THEY ARE FAB BACK HOME!” Gasps began to echo around the ballroom, Olivia clapped whilst sipping champagne- she loved Amber, but was now worried what she would do to Drake if he ever hurt her. Kiara and Penelope ran over to their friend, placing some ice towards her nose to prevent any swelling. Leo suggested that he would run after amber, explaining that he knew how Madeleines mind worked due to their failed engagement.

*****

Following Amber onto the balcony, he immediately felt the ice cold air hit his lungs- hoping she would return inside sooner rather than later.

“Suture! There you are. What’s up girl? Ignore whatever Madeleine said she just enjoys making people’s life a misery. Nice shot by the way, I think you’ve broken her nose.”

“I don’t care. She deserved it. Do you know who my father is?” Don’t fucking lie to me please.

“Amber. Your mom was lovely, my father always spoke highly of her. She was a hard worker. It was a mistake what happened here- and it’s turned out to be a beautiful mistake. I’m so sorry I didn’t tell you before, I wanted to tell you- I really did.”

“Why couldn’t you tell me? We had unprotected sex- if I wasn’t on the pill and I became pregnant.... I’ve slept with my fucking brother.” She slept with Max or Bertrand? No that’s just wrong.

“I’m going to be sick. I knew I shouldn’t have come here. It broke my mom. I only came for summers because she knew I needed to spend time with dads side of the family. Can I kiss you?”

“What?”

“Can I kiss you? I need to kiss you.” Before he could reply, she quickly kissed him. “See I feel nothing towards you. Why did I feel something towards my own brother? Oh my god. I need to leave. I can’t breathe.” Beginning to hyperventilate, Leo could kill his ex fiancée for causing all of this.

“Amber! Breathe. Okay, count with me- 1,2,3,4,5.....” Following his instructions, she slowed her breathing down, after a while he escorted her back inside - getting her a whiskey he knew she needed something stronger.

*****

Kiara got in position to begin her performance, Leo and Amber joined the rest of the guests on the dance floor.

I'm trying to hold my breath

Let it stay this way

Can't let this moment end

You set off a dream in me

Kiara focused her gaze towards only Drake, noticing her- he narrowed his eyes, all he was thinking about was Amber- and what had instigated the commotion between her and Madeleine.

Getting louder now

Can you hear it echoing?

Take my hand

Will you share this with me?

'Cause darling without you

All the shine of a thousand spotlights

All the stars we steal from the nightsky

Will never be enough

Never be enough

Maxwell began to believe this song had some personal meaning, following Kiara’s gaze- she never kept her eyes off Drake.

“Shit man, she’s singing this song to you. She’s saying she could have everything in this world but all she wants is you.”

“I don’t care Max, she’s never meant anything to me. I’m falling in love with your cousin- I’ve slept with many noble women before, blurry experiences. Half the time I can’t remember their names but with Amber it felt different- something was there.”

“Do you see a future with her?” Drake nodded, Maxwell knew how guarded Drake usually was- he was happy for his friend and cousin.

“Look after her buddy. I trust that you will.”

Towers of gold are still too little

These hands could hold the world but it'll

Never be enough

Never be enough

Drake walked closer towards Amber, standing next to her- he lingered his hand close to hers. Needing to not cause anymore scenes she focused her gaze on Kiara- feeling his fingers brush against hers, he forced them to intertwine. Gulping, she could feel her breathing increase. You are my brother. Please let go of me Drake.

All the shine of a thousand spotlights

All the stars we steal from the nightsky

Will never be enough

Never be enough

Towers of gold are still too little

These hands could hold the world but it'll

Never be enough

Never be enough

Observing Kiara focus her attention on Drake, Amber couldn’t take it anymore. The jealousy and guilt. Drake deserved Kiara. Removing her hand out of his, she provided her friends with sorrow in her eyes- before running out of the ballroom. Olivia knew Drake would want to follow her immediately but motioned for him to stay out for the mean time.

For me

Never, never

Never, never

Never, for me

For me

Never enough

Never, never

Never enough

Never, never

Never enough

For me

For me

For me

Once Kiara had finished, everyone clapped even though half of the guests wasn’t keen on her- they were just being polite. Walking over to Drake, Kiara smiled. “One day Drake, you will understand how much you mean to me. I love you. I always have and I always will.” Gritting his teeth, he couldn’t stand the way she made him feel suffocated- he was impressed with how intellectual she was, but for him he had no feelings towards her.

Leo scrutinised the room for the witch, noticing her attention seeking regarding the ‘abuse’ she had received, he dragged Madeleine into their friendship circle. None of them would allow her to escape until she explained the reasoning behind her busted nose.

“What did you say to Amber? People don’t go around punching people. Not that I blame her. I loved the entertainment, does it hurt? Poor little Maddy.” Olivia had no empathy towards the snake.

“I told her the truth about her father!”

“Why couldn’t you just leave it out. She doesn’t care- she will be a Beaumont no matter what.”

“Can someone please tell us what is going off?” Liam asked softly.

“Amber thinks she’s slept with her family member- she was freaking out about it. Max, have you or Bertrand ever slept with her?” Leo knew he sounded ridiculous asking this, he knew they wasn’t aware that Amber was their sister- but they were believed to be her ‘cousins’ and wouldn’t have that type of relationship.

“Are you fucking insane? She’s our cousin!” Madeleine continued smirking, watching the havoc that she had caused erupt.

“Madeleine the truth! What exactly did you say? Future kings orders so be careful with your wording.”

“Drake belongs to Kiki. Not some love child. I told her that her mother slept around with all men here- I told her that Jackson was her biological father. I must blame the alcohol for rushing to my head- getting me all confused, her father is Barthelemy. Little miss perfect is your sister Maxi.”