#like minami taught me it was okay to change my dream and i think it would've been awesome for precure to teach kids that feeling sad is oka

[justworthlessreblogs]

no cause you’re so right for naming Kirakira in that potential canon post, I could name every character in that show and make arguments for each one, villain and cure alike. the characters were too ambitious for the show! like, don’t just reinforce that Akira cares a shitton about people, tell us why! Ichika feels that she has to put a smile on her face no matter what, show us more! Noir and Lumière are probably meant to be an allegory for abusive relationships, please elaborate!

THANK YOUUUUU i'm so glad to hear others feel the same way, it makes me feel better knowing that it's not just me overthinking things. i am actually in the process of writing a mini essay/reflection on the characters (will not be published until i finish the series) and it's funny that you mention ichika feeling like she has to smile no matter what because i actually bring it up in the analysis. i think they definitely had the foundations for a good arc where ichika learns that it's okay to cry sometimes and i'm so mad that they just ignored it and went with "ichika learns she has to put precure duties before her personal wants and needs" when that conflict had literally never come up before. with regard to akira i really think she has potential and i love her caring nature but they never actually Do Anything with it and it's frustrating. while i haven't actually gotten to the noir&lumiere backstory episode yet i do know what happens courtesy of being in this fandom for 6 years and yeah. i definitely think they could have done way more with it

[osakaso5]

IDOLiSH7 5th Anniversary Special Story: Opening Doors...

Chapter 3: A Weight Lifted Off Their Hearts

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6

Haruka Isumi: Ahaha! That's so funny!

Mitsuki Izumi: We've gotten way off the rails again. Where were we?

Nagi Rokuya: OH! We were discussing our team divisions!

Gaku Yaotome: We're probably ending up in different teams, too. But I think the three of us are better off separated.  

Tamaki Yotsuba: Really?

Gaku Yaotome: If Ryu, Tenn, and Osaka were singing in a shuffle unit, it wouldn't sit right with me.

Tenn Kujo: So what you're actually saying is that you'd feel left out.

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: That's so cute! You act exactly like my little brothers sometimes, Gaku.

Gaku Yaotome: No, that's not what I meant...

Tenn Kujo: Now you're just embarrassed.

Tamaki Yotsuba: Don't leave me out, either! That's mean!

Sogo Osaka: I think I'd feel more uncomfortable than anyone else in that equation...

Minami Natsume: Since there are four of us, does that mean one of us will be in each team?

Toma Inumaru: Good guess!

Torao Mido: Wait, seriously..?

Mitsuki Izumi: Don't look so  depressed. I guess you must be afraid of strangers, too.

Torao Mido: Not really... Wait, maybe I am a little bit?

Torao Mido: I used to be sociable, but I feel like there might've been a point where I became scared of celebrities...

Yuki: Oh, you poor thing.

Torao Mido: .........

Yuki: Show business can be scary.

Momo: Not everyone's as kind as we are!

Minami Natsume: Mido-san, what's the matter? You look tense...

Torao Mido: ...I think I unearthed some repressed memories just now...

Haruka Isumi: Hey, Toma. Who's in my team? Can you give me a hint?

Toma Inumaru: Just wait a little longer.

Riku Nanase: I'm getting kind of hungry. I should've brought a snack.

Tamaki Yotsuba: I've got snacks. Want some?

Nagi Rokuya: OH! Excuse me for a moment. It is time for new merchandise to be released.

Mitsuki Izumi: Hey, we're working.

Yuki: It's fine, this is just a meeting.

Minami Natsume: Would anyone like more coffee?

Gaku Yaotome: Me.

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: Could you pour me another cup, too? I don't need sugar or milk.

Iori Izumi: We're starting to lose focus...

Tenn Kujo: Everyone's having trouble concentrating. How far along have we gotten, so far?

Iori Izumi: We haven't gotten anywhere.

Tenn Kujo: ........

Iori Izumi: We're still at the starting line.

Nagi Rokuya: Whoo..! Bravo! I got it!

Riku Nanase: Wow! What did you buy!?

Nagi Rokuya: Something!

Riku Nanase: Something..?

Nagi Rokuya: The site is too crowded for the pictures to load... But I managed to complete an order!

Riku Nanase: Yay! That's great!  

Nagi Rokuya: Yay!

Iori Izumi: Congratulations. Now that Rokuya-san has made a successful purchase, let's return to the topic at hand.

Tenn Kujo: Before Tamaki Yotsuba gets bored beyond salvation again.

Minami Natsume: Again?

Tenn Kujo: Our three groups had a training camp together, and we played statues together.

Riku Nanase: That was so much fun! Yuki-san was so excited he wrote a song in one day.

Yuki: I wasn't excited, really. I would never have done that if it hadn't been for a work project.

Gaku Yaotome: We had to choreograph it in one day, too. That was tough!

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: But it was a good experience! When did we all perform it, again? I don't remember...

Torao Mido: .........

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: Ah...

Torao Mido: .........

Yamato Nikaido: This is so awkward... And the cameras are still rolling.

Mitsuki Izumi: I think a little awkwardness will do them good, honestly.

Mitsuki Izumi: ŹOOĻ might've done a favor for us, but they've done nothing but the opposite to TRIGGER.

Haruka Isumi: .........

Haruka Isumi: ......... ...I need to go to the bathroom...

Toma Inumaru: Haru.

Haruka Isumi: .........

Toma Inumaru: Don't go anywhere.

Haruka Isumi: ......... But...

Toma Inumaru: Stay here and watch. We decided not to run, remember?

Toma Inumaru: We couldn't keep running, remember? It'll be fine.

Haruka Isumi: .........

Minami Natsume: Look, Isumi-san. I'm holding your hand.

Tenn Kujo: ...Hehe.

Haruka Isumi: ...What?

Tenn Kujo: Stop frowning and listen. We'll tell you what happened, and what kind of song we made.

Haruka Isumi: ...I know already. It's the song they sang at Friends Day, right? And you guys were supposed to sing it with them.

Tenn Kujo: That's not all there is to it. We also had a fun time lodging together for the first time.

Haruka Isumi: .........

Tenn Kujo: We've got a song that brings back painful memories, too.   A song we can't bear to see, no matter how much we love it.

Riku Nanase: Ah... Could it be, our...

Iori Izumi: Hush, Nanase-san.

Tenn Kujo: Every time we heard it, our hearts would sting. But then someone told us something.

Tenn Kujo: That music ties people together. That we'd be tied together by it, too.

Haruka Isumi: ...Tied together by music...

Tenn Kujo: Exactly. Even if the first notes make your ears hurt, the song will eventually tie together...

Tenn Kujo: Our futures.

Haruka Isumi: .........

Haruka Isumi: ...Fine. I'll stay here and listen.

Tamaki Yotsuba: Let's sing Happy Days Creation!

Iori Izumi: Right now? Are you serious?

Gaku Yaotome: Yeah. Not for the cameras, just for us. I've been wanting to do it for ages.

Toma Inumaru: Yaotome...

Gaku Yaotome: We were in the audience for Friends Day. IDOLiSH7, you sang our song, right?

Gaku Yaotome: I was happy to hear your version of SECRET NIGHT.

Riku Nanase: ...Right.

Iori Izumi: ........

Momo: Ahaha. Okay, let's do it!

Yuki: Let's.

Gaku Yaotome: Thanks for going along with this, Re:vale.

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: Haha... ...Ahh, for some reason, I...

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: ...Started crying, without even meaning to. Oh no...

Yamato Nikaido: Haha... You always have been quick to cry, Tsunashi-san.

Tamaki Yotsuba: Should we move the table? We can't just start dancing here with 12 people, can we?

Mitsuki Izumi: I bet TRIGGER would bump into it. Let's move it over there by a little.

Sogo Osaka: Around here?

Nagi Rokuya: OH! How nostalgic! It is as though we have gone back in time.

Nagi Rokuya: The moment that slipped through our fingers the first time is finally within our grasp.

Riku Nanase: Yeah!

Riku Nanase: Here we go! Stand right there and watch, ŹOOĻ!

Yuki: You're all so youthful.

Momo: You look pretty pleased yourself, Yuki.

Yuki: That's because writing that song was a struggle. Right, Sogo-kun?

Sogo Osaka: Right...

Sogo Osaka: I still remember how you strummed the guitar that night. It changed my life.

Yuki: Well said. You should put that in your autobiography.

Tenn Kujo: Let's do this.

Riku Nanase: Yeah!

Yuki: Happy Days Creation!

- - - -

Kaoru Anesagi: ...Sniffle... I never thought I'd get to see something like this...

Tsumugi Takanashi: ...It feels like I'm dreaming...

Banri Ogami: Tsumugi-san... Here, have a handkerchief.

Tsumugi Takanashi: Thank you...

Staff: This is great footage! We really appreciate being able to show their singing and dancing, even if this is a cooking show...

Rinto Okazaki: ...Sniffle...

Rinto Okazaki: Cut this out of the episode, please...

Staff: Huh!? Cut it!? So we can't use it!?

Kaoru Anesagi: No... Stop the cameras, please... Sniffle...

Staff: Oh, come on... That would be a waste of valuable footage...

Tsumugi Takanashi: ...Cut the cameras...

Staff: Seriously?

Kaoru Anesagi: Uuh... You three are incredible... 

- - - -

Momo: Phew, we really danced our hearts out.

Yamato Nikaido: Ah, we really did.

Riku Nanase: Ehehe! That was fun!

Yamato Nikaido: Sure was!

Yamato Nikaido: ........

Yamato Nikaido: That's all, folks!

Mitsuki Izumi: Wait, hold on! Don't just wave this all off with a smile!

Yamato Nikaido: Why not? That was the perfect moment for the end credits to start rolling.

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: It did feel like closure of some kind!

Tenn Kujo: Nothing is over yet. The long hand on the clock has made one complete trip around the clock face, and we haven't gotten a single thing done.

Riku Nanase: What do you mean?

Iori Izumi: He means a full hour has passed. Weren't you taught how to tell the time by the time you  began grade school?

Riku Nanase: But he said it in such a roundabout way!

Tenn Kujo: I apologize, Nanase-san.

Iori Izumi: There you go again...

Tenn Kujo: Excuse me?

Iori Izumi: I was just thinking out loud about how over-indulgent certain people can be.

Riku Nanase: Now you're talking funny too, Iori! Is this a new trend or something?

Iori & Tenn: Just with us.

Toma Inumaru: 'Kay! So, about our divisions...

Tamaki Yotsuba: You're announcing the teams!?

Toma Inumaru: Yeah. Since everyone's so curious about the teams, I think I'll just reveal them now!

Sogo Osaka: Huh, are you sure? We haven't even decided on our menu yet...

Mitsuki Izumi: I know I was against it earlier, but maybe knowing our teams might help move the conversation along.

Toma Inumaru: Especially since there's 16 of us. 'Scuse me, may I reveal the teams now?

Toma Inumaru: ...Ah, they said it's fine!

Sogo Osaka: You're very proactive, Inumaru-san... I'm not very rock 'n' roll in that regard, myself.

Tamaki Yotsuba: You're plenty active already, trust me.

Toma Inumaru: Quit calling me "Inumaru-san". Just Toma is fine. We're the same age, remember?

Mitsuki Izumi: Oh, looks like our leads are forming a friendship.

Yamato Nikaido: Nice.

Sogo Osaka: Thank you, Toma. In that case, you may call me Osaka.

Torao Mido: That's not your first name, though.

Sogo Osaka: No, I meant to say Sogo.

Toma Inumaru: Hehe, this feels kinda awkward.

Sogo Osaka: Haha, it does.

Toma Inumaru: Alright, here I go. The first team is..!

Toma Inumaru: Iori Izumi, Yamato Nikaido, Tenn Kujo, and Haruka Isumi!

Iori Izumi: Hmm.

Yamato Nikaido: Oh, not too different from normal, then. Glad to have you.

Tenn Kujo: Glad to have you, too...

Haruka Isumi: What?!

Iori, Yamato, & Tenn: ........

Tenn Kujo: Haruka Isumi. Who is making you react the way you just did?

Iori Izumi: Certainly not me. It has to be either you, Kujo-san, or this grandpa.

Yamato Nikaido: Can you not call me a grandpa!? If I'm one, then so is Grandpa Gaku over there.

Gaku Yaotome: Did someone call me?

Yamato Nikaido: Don't respond when someone calls you a grandpa.

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: He's right. Think of how that must make Yuki-san feel.

Yuki: It's fine. I'm 16 years old.

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: Huh? That can't be right. I could've sworn you were turning...

Momo: Ryu-chan! Just let it go!

Tenn Kujo: So, who's the one that made you yell out like that?

Haruka Isumi: ......... I couldn't help my shock at being in the same group as Tenn Kujo from TRIGGER...

Tenn Kujo: You're very honest. But also rude.

Haruka Isumi: I'm sorry...

Tenn Kujo: Hehe, and obedient.

Yamato Nikaido: As you're about to find out, having Kujo in your team makes things easier. He knows just about anything.

Tenn Kujo: I could say the same about you, or Iori Izumi.

Iori Izumi: I suppose you could call us Team Honor Students, then.

Haruka Isumi: I'm not an honor student.

Iori Izumi: I know. You can be our variety expert.

Haruka Isumi: Variety expert!? Like how..?

Yamato Nikaido: By being the funny man to all our straight man.

Tenn Kujo: Right.

Iori Izumi: Right.

Haruka Isumi: Funny man... I guess I'll try my best.

Tenn Kujo: Alright. We have the honor student team. Sogo Osaka, what are the other teams?

Sogo Osaka: Next up is, um...

Sogo Osaka: Mitsuki Izumi, Tamaki Yotsuba, Ryunosuke Tsunashi, and Toma Inumaru.

Tamaki Yotsuba: Ooh! I get to be with Mikki! And Ryu-aniki! And Marucchi!

Mitsuki Izumi: Ahaha! Quit jumping around!

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: He looks so happy! It's adorable!

Toma Inumaru: Ahaha, glad to have you! Okay, I guess we're borrowing your partner.

Sogo Osaka: Haha. Look after him, okay?

Yamato Nikaido: What's your team name?

Mitsuki Izumi: Team name!? I dunno. What do you think, Tamaki?

Tamaki Yotsuba: If Iorin's team is Team Honor Students, then we're rascals! Team Rascals!

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: That's so cute! Let's all be rascals, then!

Toma Inumaru: Yep! On to the next team!

Toma Inumaru: Sogo Osaka! Nagi Rokuya! Momo-san! Tora!

Sogo Osaka: It's a pleasure to be working with you.

Nagi Rokuya: OH! It is a pleasure!

Torao Mido: The pleasure's all mine.

Momo: I'm surrounded by rich boys!

Sogo Osaka: You're rich yourself, Momo-san. Like the... I... I... I...

Torao Mido: You okay?

Nagi Rokuya: OH! The ita car! They made an ita car for TRIGGER!

Gaku Yaotome: That thing was a big help for us.

Momo: I know, but unlike you guys, I'm nouveau riche! You guys are the real deal!

Torao Mido: The real deal...

Momo: Just because I look like a celeb doesn't mean I am one on the inside.

Momo: I probably couldn't tell the difference between caviar and flying fish roe that's just been dyed black...

Sogo Osaka: What makes you say that?

Nagi Rokuya: OH... Are you feeling ill?

Momo: Don't look at me with your pure celeb eyes..!

Toma Inumaru: So what's your team name?

Torao Mido: Team Celeb?

Momo: You're really driving me into a corner, huh!?

Nagi Rokuya: OH, worry not, Mister Momo.

Nagi Rokuya: Our status may not affect our senses as much as you think.

Nagi Rokuya: It will merely allow us to feel a single pea underneath countless mattresses.

Momo: That means you have to be super well-bred... I guess you are a prince, after all...

Nagi Rokuya: Hiii.

Momo: A prince winked at me! I'll do my best..!

Sogo Osaka: Well then, that leaves the last team.

Sogo Osaka: Riku-kun, Yaotome-san, Yuki-san, and Natsume-san.

Riku Nanase: Wow! One of each!

Yuki: Ah, you're right.

Gaku Yaotome: And we're the only ones. Awesome!

Minami Natsume: ......? "One of each"? What do you mean?

Riku Nanase: Our team is the only one that has someone from IDOLiSH7, TRIGGER, Re:vale, and ŹOOĻ.

Minami Natsume: Ah... That's true.

Nagi Rokuya: OH! How wonderful! You are like a symbol of our peace.

Yuki: What about Momo's team?

Momo: We don't have anyone from TRIGGER.

Gaku Yaotome: We've got someone representing every group. I bet we'll have a fun time filming!

Riku Nanase: True! We can share stories about our groups!

Minami Natsume: I look forward to working with you all. Well then, as Rokuya-san so aptly referred to us, let's call ourselves Team Peace.

Yuki: Sounds good to me.

Gaku Yaotome: I doubt any of us would get into a fight, anyway!

Riku Nanase: Let's all work together!

Toma Inumaru: Alright! That's it for the teams!

Sogo Osaka: Let's begin coming up with idol-themed dishes.

Mitsuki Izumi: Finally!

Yamato Nikaido: We're finally getting started!

Gaku Yaotome: Let's give a round of applause!

Torao Mido: ...Are you guys always like this?

Sogo Osaka: Yes, we are.

Momo: Okay, let's keep going!

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: Let's do our best! 

To be continued...

[yoiotdfics]

Fic Recs for December 2016

Are you sleeping? by  tachishini

Summary:

Yuri is woken by the unfamiliar, but far from unpleasant, feeling of sharing a bed so closely with Victor. (Set pretty much straight after episode 7)

When the Sun Rises by  utsu

Summary:

He focused single-mindedly on Yuuri and on promises; and Yuuri, well.

Yuuri taught him how to master both.

By mastering him.

I loved you, but I didn’t love you first by  Sylphid

Summary:

Takeshi wasn’t sure why he kept calling Yuuri fat. Or why his apology came in the form of a kiss. Oh well. It would all be fine, as long as no one found out, right?

Or,

Axel, Lutz, and Loop may have found out about Takeshi’s crush on a certain male Japanese skater a few years back, and they may have let the rest of the world know too.

Maelstrom by  feelslikefire

Victor Nikiforov is poised to win gold in his fifth consecutive Grand Prix Final. He has the world at his feet, is unparalleled in the sport–right up until a snowstorm blows into Sochi, and he finds himself repeating the same day over and over and over. He stumbles over Yuuri Katsuki, and everything changes.

(Or, the time loop au. Loosely based on Groundhog Day.)

Write My Name With  Yours by  jeien

Summary:

When Viktor shows the curious piece of paper he found by Yuuri’s laptop to Yuuko, he wasn’t expecting her to burst out into a roaring fit of laughter.

Something Borrowed, Something Red by  bibliomaniac

Summary:

Kenjirou Minami is feeling incredibly #blessed.

(basically just a ton of fluff about yuuri and victor’s wedding, as seen through the eyes of a hopeless fanboy who has Entirely Too Many Emotions about this event.)

Support by  SharkGirl

Summary:

“Wait, on second thought,” Michele began, quickly spinning on his heel. “I’ve changed my mind. I can’t do this.” He tried to get away, but, as this was his third attempt since leaving the room, Emil was prepared and easily blocked him.

On Absence, Fondness, and Never Leaving his Side by BeautyButterBae

Summary:

“Would you do me the great honor and marry me, Katsuki Yuuri?”

It’s all so unreal.

And it’s really more than Yuuri can handle.

(Aka a fic inspired by that tiny scene in front of the Barcelona Cathedral in the preview for episode 10. A story where Yuuri and Victor open up about their feelings on the events of the Rostelecom Cup during their return to Hasetsu from Fukuoka Airport, Yuuri’s birthday is celebrated, a certain marriage proposal takes place and some unresolved issues are finally addressed.) [Post-episode 9]

Wednesday by  Swirlyer

Summary:

“I think Yuuri’s really lucky to have you.”

“But I think I’m lucky to have Yuuri, too.”

Or, why Wednesday is Viktor’s favorite day of the week.

everything by  kylo_rad

Set after the dinner scene in episode 10, Victor contemplates how his life has changed since Yuuri Katsuki entered his life, and shows how much he means to him.

I think I may have loved you first by  perennials

Here are the facts:

Yuuri is drunk. Viktor is not.

Yuuri is riding an alcohol-induced high so far up above the clouds he cannot even begin to comprehend the weight of his actions back in the human realm.

Viktor is falling in love.

tonight and always by  DuendeJunior

Back at the hotel, they talk. (Post episode 10.)

Memory by  pensversusswords

“You literally swept me off my feet,” Viktor tells Yuuri, smiling softly at him. “You surprised me and you haven’t stopped surprising me since. I never want you to stop surprising me.”

In which Yuuri doesn’t remember, Viktor has been smitten since forever, and they’re both just happy to be together.

Collide by  starlight (Lolita_Lollipops)

Victor learned then, what love was.

Helplessly, Head Over Heels by  clandestine7

Victor falls in love on the dance floor.

Friends Stick Together by  whichlights

Summary:

In which it’s the banquet and everyone is drunk except Otabek and Yuri.

The King and the Skater by  fancywalrus

Summary:

Phichit goes to Japan to visit Yuuri and Viktor, and they watch an old favorite movie.

Where it Counts by  Harlequinade13

Summary:

Yuri Plisetsky goes out for a run in Barcelona.

He doesn’t expect to meet Victor where he does.

He doesn’t expect a lot of things.

Of Motorcycles and Imaginary Lines by  Sylphid

Summary:

“And you’re sure you want me to do this?”

Otabek nods, staring at the pair of them in the mirror. His face was stalwart. “I trust you.”

“You’re gonna regret this.”

Nudes by  emclementine

Summary:

On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me… “Yuuri: Viktor! Viktor: You asked Yuuri: I did not ask for your nudes Viktor: That was not a nude, but this… Another picture popped up in the messages. This time Viktor was completely naked. His hand was wrapped firmly around his erection. There was no doubt he had been jerking off just before taking the photo. A small string of precum stuck between the head of his cock and his stomach. Viktor: now this is a nude”

I Always Sleep by  Kaitecha

Summary:

“Don’t worry, Yuuri. I always slept until right before the competition.”

The King’s Temptation by  Heather_Mason

Summary:

After all, who could satisfy JJ better than JJ?

Yuuri Katsuki Secret Route Walkthrough/FAQ by  Metis_Ink

Summary;

The otome community uncovers the mysteries of the Nikiforov-Katsuki Route, one of the most difficult and overly-complicated routes in a game supposedly just about ice skating.

mysticdabber okay so I’ve literally conquered every other route on this damn game but yuuri keeps flat out rejecting me?? I’ve hit like 7 different Friend routes 50 times?? What does he want?? How high are his standards?? I’VE DONE EVERYTHING FOR YOU YUURI ALL I WANT IS YOUR HEART

The Love that lasts by  Strudelmugel

Summary:

Sixty years of marriage had been an incredible experience, even if only one of them could remember.

Yuri is Doing His Best by  m_hart

Summary: PWP. Baby Dom Yuri dominates the shit out of Viktor and takes his dick. Enjoy.

A Gross Misuse of the Onsen by  emclementine

Summary:

On the 9th day of Christmas my true love gave to me… ““Absolutely, under no, oh, circumstances, is there to be sex, ah, sexual activity in the onsen,” Yuuri stuttered out as the pleasure from Viktor’s actions distracted him from his words. “You mean like this?” Viktor palmed Yuuri’s erection. He was already hard and flushed from Viktor’s teasing mouth on his skin.”

Let’s End This by  AJDiamond

“By the way, Yuuri… What did you want to talk to me about?”

Yuuri shut off his phone and lowered it, he flashed him a half smile, “Right.” He placed his hands on his lap and tighten his fist. He could feel his heart pounding in his throat now, “After the Finals, let’s end this.”

I Love You by  kairaki

Viktor struggles with facing his future and Yuuri’s words. Post Episode 11: “Let’s end this.”

Let’s End This by  emilygk02

Yuuri has a little bit of post-skating depression, and questions the engagement. He gets emotional, Victor gets emotional, s'all good. Post episode 11.

Hold Onto Me by  novocaine_sea

“Let’s end this.” Yuuri said, but it was the last thing he meant.

That was the last thing he wanted to say.

Now I Can Reach the Stars by  Kennel_Boy

Summary:

A little episode 11 epilogue for JJ and Isabella.

Hamster in Kazakh is still Hamster by  mousapelli

Summary:

Otabek has a hamster. Yuri regrets teaching him how to use instagram.

Cocoa, Dear? by chezor

Yuri has cramps and it’s awful but he has a supportive family so it’s nice. based off this fan art

Give Me Up to Tears by  Allekha

Summary:

Four times Phichit helped Yuuri when he cried - from joy or sadness - and one time he couldn’t.

Wait a Little Longer Still by  Marks

Summary:

Another year, another banquet, but a lot’s changed since last year.

This time last year by  Ptolemia

Yuuri once again bumps into Yuri Plisetsky in the bathroom after the Grand Prix Final. Conversations are had! Doors are kicked! Yuri is yelling!

It’s just like this time last year - only much better, because they’re friends, now. Even if Yuri has a strange way of showing that, sometimes…

Next Level by  ghostystarr

In which Yuuri and Victor settle into their new life in St. Petersburg.

Everything on the Ice (Love) by  Flightless_Bird

“He landed and a surge of cheers rose to meet him. Still, he saved his smile. He saved it until a second set of skates slid out into the rink.”

Hold Me Under by  whimsical_ramblings

He had what he wanted, he had his gold and his record and the approval of his coaches; he’d beaten Yuuri, he’d beaten Victor, but it all felt hollow. Because Yuuri was leaving.

Come Back to Stay by  furiosity

Summary:

Otabek’s feelings about the off-season are complicated, but his feelings about friendship are pretty simple.

Five Time Victor Nikiforov Tried to Lift His boyfriend and One Time Katsuki Yuri Lifted Him by  kitewolf

Summary:

Yuri is the one who first suggests a lift. Viktor thinks it’s the perfect idea.

we’ll make it happen by  asterbells

Summary:

Or: How Yuri Plisetsky Saved Viktor and Yuuri’s Wedding and Phichit Instagrammed It All

1 of 1 Works by MatadorsCape by  fiveclawedfics

Summary:

Victor channels his feelings into Yuri Katsuki/Victor Nikiforov RPF. Things get out of hand.

Dream a Little Dream of Me by  EmiAliceinWonderland

Summary:

Five times Yuuri falls asleep on Viktor, and one time when Viktor is the sleepy one.

Yakov Needs a Vacation by  jlauccky

Summary:

None of his skaters can just smile for the cameras, enjoy the free food and drink, and leave, can they?

It’s the Sochi GPF banquet and Yakov just wants a nap.

A Fight Between Two Men by  reginar

Summary:

Yuuri knew that form - hunched shoulders, bowed head, all the while hovering over the champagne table. And he could sympathize, honestly.

Misadventures in Babysitting by  anavoli

Summary:

Yuri Plisetsky is stuck babysitting Viktor and Yuuri’s adopted daughter, but it doesn’t end well. As revenge, Yuri buys one (just one) plain white mug, aggressively scrawls “#1 Dad” on the surface in Sharpie, and leaves it at the center of the dining room table.

Chaos ensues.

morning’s best spent with the sun by  7_th

Summary:

Yuuri likes lazy Sundays. Phichit likes them too.

[gyakutengagotoku]

GSvsAA - Apollo Justice - Character Profiles

As promised, I shall deliver. The profiles for DD and SoJ will be following shortly, like tomorrow.

Some of these name puns may be familiar to old fans since the days when GS4 hadn’t yet been revealed as “Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney” to the West. Fortunately for us, the following mainstream games (setting aside the incredibly long pause of mainstream games between AJ and DD) have had some quick notice of localization.

*prays hard for DGS* They have a bundle pack now. Come on, Ms. Hsu and crew, I know you guys can pull through...

Please check this post or the master post for more details on this translation project. As usual, spoilers below.

Link to DD profiles.

Main cast

Apollo Justice - Odoroki Housuke (王泥喜 法介) odoroki is Japanese for “surprise”. The hou (法) is “law” and suke, often pronounced “skeh”, is a common ending for boy names. The entire name comes to “Surprise! Here’s a new law boy!” Mr. Takumi designed his name as such since GS4 at the time of its reveal back in TGS 2006 was meant to appear as a surprise for fans who were expecting good ol’ Nick. Trivia: It seems Takumi and the crew had trouble coming up with kanji for his name. They went with “king”, “mud”, and “happiness”. Why mud? Well, not too many kanji avail for the doro part, and splitting it up even more would have been too clunky. (Also, he feels like mud most of the time anyway. >:3c )

Trucy Wright - Naruhodou Minuki (成歩堂 みぬき) naruhodo, as many of us fans know by now, is an expression of understanding like “I see” or “Okay”. minuki comes from the verb minuku, which means “to see through” to the truth. Her original surname, Enigmar, is Nanafushi. More on that below in Zak’s entry. Mr. Hat is Boushi-kun, or “Hat-kun”.

Phoenix Wright - Piani-to (ピアニート) No, that’s not what he’s called in the game, but it’s a fan-favorite name that has pervaded the Japanese fanbase since 2006-7. It’s a mix of the English word “pianist” and the acronym NEET, for “Not in Education, Employment, or Training”. It’s an alternative to “Naruhobo”, which isn’t as widely known among Jap fans, but I still sometimes see it. Ever since he returned to law in DD, though, it’s been a name reserved for his AJ-era self. Regardless, he’s still a terrible piano player and has been procrastinating on practice.

Kristoph Gavin - Garyuu Kirihito (牙琉 霧人) garyuu can mean “dragon’s fang” or “self-taught man”, but it can also refer to a person of (usu. unrecognized) exceptional talent or genius. Interestingly, the ryuu in his name is the kanji in 琉璃, ruri, for the gem lapis lazuli. Blue is a rather symbolic color for this character. Kirihito, with the above kanji, is literally “man of mist” or mystery. Written differently, it can also mean “killer”. As usual, Takumi likes to give his first-case villains some really direct, spoilery names.

Klavier Gavin - Garyuu Kyouya (牙琉 響也) As mentioned above, garyuu can mean “dragon’s fang”. The G-shaped medallion he wears is actually meant to somewhat resemble a dragon’s fang, though it’s also supposed to be a G for “Garyuu Wave”, aka The Gavinners. I believe this name was chosen to parallel everyone’s favorite dragon-boy, aka that spiky blue bird-man-guy-dude. Kyouya is a common boy’s name as well, though the kyou (響) in his name means “echo”, “resonance”, or a distinctive “sound”. Unlike Phoenix, he's a good musician.

Episode 1

Shadi Smith - Urafushi Kagerou (浦伏 影郎) ura, written as 裏, means “back”, as in the background or the back side of something. fushi, from the verb fuseru, means “to hide, conceal, lie in wait”. kage is “shadow”, and rou is a common albeit a bit old-fashioned ending to a boy’s name. More on his actual name down below in Zak’s entry.

Olga Orly - Sakai Masaka (逆居 雅香) The saka in her last name is the kanji in sakarau, which means “to disobey, defy”. (It’s also the first kanji in Gyakuten Saiban, but that’s probably just coincidence for once.) It also comes from her nickname “Ikasama Sakai”, as in “Cheating Sakai”, which is also a palindrome. masaka is an expression of disbelief, like “Impossible!” or “No way!” It also fits well with her last name as a sort of tongue twister. Trivia: Takumi named her after a senior he had in high school who had the nickname “Ikasama Sakai”.

Episode 2

Wocky Kitaki - Kitaki Takita (北木 滝太) His full name is literally three kita, as in the expression “Kita kita kita!”, which I can conveniently describe as “Come at me, bro!” His family name is known in-game as the Kitakitsune Clan, or the Northern Fox Clan, and the first kita in his name (北) is “north”.

Alita Tiala - Namina Minami (並奈 美波) Her name was picked to parallel Takita up above; it’s made of three nami, which by itself means “wave” and isn’t really relevant here, but minami means “south”. Trivia: It seems the staff had a difficult time remembering her name, often mistaking it as “Nami Minami”.

Guy Eldoon - Yatabuki Mugitsura (矢田吹 麦面) yatai is “food stand”. The name of his stand backward so happens to spell yakibutaya, which is a a food stand for ramen noodle served with roast pork. The irony is he only serves miso ramen (localized to salt). The two kanji of his first name, when squished together like 麺, means “noodle”.

Edit: Well, I’ve been informed that this isn’t quite the case, as “Yakibutaya” is more of a brand name of noodle, rather than an actual category of noodle stand. I once saw this joke made in a 4koma comic series from the AJ anthology, but now I’m out of ideas.

Trivia: It’s been implied that this guy’s stand is the usual place where Nick and Maya frequently stop by for her favorite miso ramen. It may even well be the same place where she and her sister used to go, though Eldoon’s gone through a number of these stands. His dog’s name is Renge - “lotus flower”, which the root is sometimes used in noodle broths, but it can also refer to the Chinese-style of spoon. Her name has thus been localized to Spoon.

Plum Kitaki - Kitaki Koume (北木 小梅) Her English name was taken from her Japanese name, which is literally “Little Plum”.

Pal Meraktis - Ukari Teruo (宇狩 輝夫) Ukari comes from the word ukkari, “carelessly”. kari is “debt”, and considering his situation before he was killed, that’s a pretty big debt he carries. Meanwhile, I’m not sure about his first name. It could just be another case of taking someone’s actual name.

Winfred “Big Wins” Kitaki - Kitaki Tsunekatsu (北木 常勝) His name comes from the phrase tsune ni katsu, which means “always wins”. Even the kanji are the same.

The Rivales Family - Katagi (華汰義) Clan katagi refers to non-gangsters, as in the “good citizens”. So, uh, I guess these “Rivales” guys are actually pretty good-natured gangsters? Trivia: Actually, Takumi got this name from a dentist’s office in his neighborhood. I swear he comes up with the oddest places of inspiration.

Wesley Stickler - Kawadzu Kyousaku (河津 京作) kawazu means “frog”, probably referring to the old Chinese legend of a frog who lives in a well and knows nothing about the outside world, but believes it knows all there is to it. In other words, it’s a person who willfully lives in ignorance. (Also, his face is kinda... frog-like? Well, maybe more like a zombie.) kyousaku means “bad harvest”. Well, it’s true he’s been studying hard, but I think it’s clear he isn’t very successful with applying his knowledge.

Episode 3

Romein LeTouse - Romaine Lettuce (ローメイン・レタス) It is what it is. Takumi admitted in an interview that he came up with it just because he happened to see it in a recipe once.

Lamiroir (ラミロア) It’s probably taken from the French word “miroir” (”mirror” in English), in reference to the phrase “mirror image” of a person. It’s actually supposed to be “le miroir” in French, since “la” refers to feminine-group nouns, but in this case, I’m sure “la” works for her. Check Thalassa’s entry below under Episode 4 for more details.

Machi Tobaye - Maki Tobahyu (マキ トバーユ) maki means “curl” or “roll”. He does have some curly hair, doesn’t he? It also can mean “wrapped up [in]” depending on what verb it’s paired with; perhaps like how he’s been wrapped up in something beyond his control? His last name may be from the phrase toraba-yu, meaning "job change”, from the French word “travail”, which actually just means “job”.

Edit: Mr. Takumi strikes again. In his official statement, he forgot where the inspiration for this name came from, so I can’t make any decisive claims. In other words, my hopes and dreams have been crushed.

Daryan Crescend - Mayudzuki Daian (眉月 大庵) His last name sounds like mayu-suki, that is “likes cocoons”. Also, the second kanji in it is tsuki, “moon”. There seems to be a connection there with his localized name. In an interview, Takumi mentioned that Daian came from a list of “cool names” for prosecutors he drafted up back then. As it turns out, daian can also mean “backup plan”.

Episode 4

Valant Gramarye - Arumajiki Varan (或真敷 バラン) arumajiki means “unworthy”. It also sounds like the words “all magic”. Varan is taken from baran, which when paired in zakkubaran, means “frankly”.

Vera Misham - Ese Makoto (絵瀬 まこと) ese is “sham” and makoto is “truth”. The first kanji in her last name is also that for “picture”.

Drew Misham - Ese Doburoku (絵瀬 土武六) doburoku refers to a type of unrefined, cloudy saké; also known as “nigori”, which means “murkiness”. I don’t know if this means he drinks, but it was thanks to a bad cup of coffee that he met his death.

Spark Brushel - Hamigaki Shoutarou (葉見垣 正太郎) hamigaki is literally “brushing teeth”. shoutarou is from... shotacon; that is, the shoutarou complex. Uh... at least he’s got the blush stickers? Trivia: That he shares a similar name to Hami-chan (Pearly) has been the source of a crack pairing with him and Pearl. *shudder* On a lighter note, Hamigaki was originally the name for a rakugo artist who was supposed to appear in the game. By rakugo naming conventions, it would be “something-something-tei Hamigaki”.

Zak Gramarye -  Arumajiki Zakku (或真敷 ザック) See Valant’s entry above. For his real name, Shadi Enigmar, it’s Nanafushi Kagerou. nanafushigi is the “Seven Wonders”; his first name is the same as from the Shadi Smith entry. Trivia: Both nanafushi and kagerou are insects. The former is the stick insect; the latter is the mayfly. One is usually in hiding and the other has a infamously short lifespan. Deep.

Magnifi Gramarye -  Arumajiki Tensai (或真敷 天斎) tensai means “genius”. Being paired with arumajiki sure is ironic, huh?

Thalassa Gramarye - Arumajiki Yuumi (或真敷 優海) I can’t find a particular pun behind her name; it sounds like a common girl’s name. The second kanji umi (海) means “sea”, so perhaps that inspired her localized name. I can’t help but wonder if her name was picked to match with Zak’s real name, Nanafushi (Enigmar), to create the “Seven Wonders” and “Seven Seas”. The Troupe has been known to tour the world, after all. (This is just my speculation, though.)

That’s it for AJ profiles! Time to move onto the 3DS games.

[justmorefandomtrash]

Dreams of a child

Prompt: Growing up/Future

(AO3 link coming asap)

Ft. Press conferences, recollection of the past, Guang-Hong with fabulous makeup, skaters exploring themselves and Plinami.

Mostly speech based.

“Kenjirou, would you like to share your childhood dreams with us?”

Childhood dreams…

“I had a dream as a child. A dream that one day I would skate in front of a crowd and not submit to anxiety. I was a small child proudly declaring my dream to my parents and first coach. Coach Haruka, have I made you proud? Sensei, you introduced me to the worlds of skating and jazz, picking me up when I fell, and I thank you for that. I don’t think I’d be the person I am today. When you retired, it was perhaps one of the lowest points in my life. I think it’s always hardest when you lose something you’ve become attatched to. My second coach, Coach Miyu, I believe she’s in the crowd tonight, introduced me to many types of dance, building on my previous knowledge. Breakdance, ballet, tap… Even a little bit of pole dancing for fun.”

“YOU DID WHAT?”

Laughing, he wrapped his arms around a scandalised Yuri, patting his head.

“Yup, I can put on a show for you later.”

Winking, he chuckled as Yuri turned bright red and buried his head in his arms. Running his fingers through his boyfriend’s hair, he turned to face the press again.

“Coach Miyu also helped me discover the LGBT+ community. It was terrifying coming to the realisation that I wasn’t straight. Sensei and her girlfriend at the time, congrats on the marriage by the way, helped me figure out if I wanted a label or not. It changed several times over the years, shifting from one end of the spectrum to the other through puberty as my sex drive fluctuated. They introduced me to an entire network of skaters in similar circumstances.”

He paused momentarily, scanning over the crowd. His eyes widened in surprise, meeting those of his old coaches.

“It looks like they’re all in the crowd tonight. Hello… Hugs will have to wait for later unfortunately, still have a conference to finish.”

The crowd cheers and Yuri squeezes his arm gently. On the other side of him sat Guang-Hong, eyes lit up in delight. Of course. The next part of the story involved him.

“One of the skaters I was introduced to was Guang-Hong Ji here. At the time, his English was significantly better than mine, something that I greatly appreciated at international competition because he could translate it into more simplistic English that I could understand. Over time, under his tuition, my English vastly improved to the point where we could discuss topics we’d never dare to discuss with other people. Most importantly perhaps for both of us was gender identity. We were both pretty secure in our sexualities at the time, and so our curious minds turned to gender. We spent many late nights skyping each other, much to the dismay of our coaches.”

The crowd laughs as Guang-Hong smirks, gesturing to his perfect makeup. Taught to him by none other than Minami himself.

“And yes, we used to practice makeup on each other during the season whenever we were assigned to the same events. Sometimes we’d even do each others’ stage makeup before skates, no matter how subtle. During the off season we were braver, much braver, experimenting with different clothing. Finding ourselves in the dead of night, drapped in silky clothes and makeup. We were young, exploring who we were, who we are. We were free, we still are. We are fluid, not really settling on one identity, and that’s okay with us. Our coaches were supportive of us, and I can’t thank them enough for that.”

He pauses, waving to his ex-coaches, who squealed and enthusiastically waved back.

“My third coach, Coach Rio, became another mother away from home. You all did, but it was my first time away from home without someone in my family. Although I only stayed with you in Canada for a year, you vastly improved my repertoire. You taught me my first quad, picked me up when I fell and celebrating alongside me when I landed it. And you also taught me how to cook, something that’s proved invaluable. So thank you for that.”

The crowd cheers wildly at the mention of his happy memories, so much so that he has to wait for them to settle to finish.

“Seniors was terrifying. Not only did I have a completely new coach, I was competing against my idol and in a new division that was filled with more experienced skaters than me. In the lead up to the qualifying cups, there were many moments where I’d come close to self destructing, many times where Coach Kanako had to send me off the ice because I wasn’t taking care because I let anxiety sweep me away again. I’m genuinely surprised that I managed to do as well as I did on my debut. I didn’t think that I was even going to make it to the qualifiers, as stupid as that sounds. Failing, can I really call it failing?” Not qualifying probably saved me as a skater. If I’d succeeded then, I would have combusted under the pressure of the other events. I took a break, admittedly forced to by Sensei, and when I arrived home my parents sat me down and pulled out an old home video that I never knew about. On it? My declaration of my dreams. And even though the journey I’d imagined didn’t quite play out the way I thought it would, I succeeded spectaculaly. I am not that small child clinging desperately to the hope that one day I’d be a star. I am the adult version standing next to him and saying look, you make it one day. Don’t give up, follow your dreams and never let go. The future holds something that I’d never had imagined, something that I would never have dreamed of as a child. I had no name for who I was, had no name to the world. Yet that little child grew up and look where he’s gone. A sense of identity, medals in one of the harshest sports around and the best support network I could ever ask for. So I suppose my childhood dream was to succeed, against anxiety, against all odds.“

Arms wind around his waist as the crowd goes wild, Guang-Hong cheering and taking photos next to them. Yuri wound his fingers through his hair and pulled him down, their lips meeting in a bruising kiss.

Oh, now this was better than any childhood dream.

This was his reality, his future.

And he wouldn’t have it any other way.

[megsblackfirewrites]

Working With The Reaper: Chapter 2

Chapter 2

When Jack walked into his office the next day, he was greeted by a large vase of multi-coloured roses. He blinked at the display in surprise before he walked over to admire them. He breathed in their scent, smiling at the faint touch of baby’s breath that was sprinkled into the bouquet. It was beautiful and he hoped he could figure out what boutique made them so he could thank them for their hard work.

It was absolutely amazing, especially with all the different colours mixed together. He gentle cupped one red bud and pressed it against his nose to get a better smell. Beautiful, absolutely beautiful. Who could have sent him such a lovely welcoming gift?

“Looks like someone has a secret admirer,” Hanzo teased as he walked into the office. “Not here a day and already being sucked up to with the biggest flowers someone could find.”

“They’re beautiful,” Jack murmured as he looked for a card. “No signature, of course.”

“Red, white, yellow, orange, coral, lavender,” Hanzo ticked the colours off and frowned. “Huh, that’s a lot of messages.”

“Hmm?” Jack blinked.

“Generally when you want to send a message to someone with flowers, you use colours and species,” Hanzo rubbed his jaw. “I worked in a flower shop in college. You pick up a thing or two, especially when you’re trying to be a pretentiously romantic douchebag.”

“So, what’s being said here?” Jack asked.

“Mostly that your secret admirer really likes you, lusting even,” Hanzo frowned. “They’re trying to pass it off as loving devotion from first sight, but it’s definitely lust. You don’t include orange and try to say it’s loving devotion. Can I see the card?”

Jack handed the adorable little card over. It was covered in little black hearts that had those silly candy-gram sayings on them. There were also adorable little barn owls everywhere, all shyly tucking their head against their chest as they spelled out “Chico de oro” on their bellies.

“Chico de oro?” Hanzo asked in confusion.

“‘Golden boy’ in Spanish,” Jack sighed and patted his hair. “People have called me that for years because of my hair.” He blinked at Hanzo. “Uh, you okay there?”

Hanzo shoved the card at him. “Hide that in your pocket,” he hissed. “Don’t let anyone know about it. Fuck. Fuck, this is bad.”

“Why?” Jack asked as he put the card in the satchel on his hip.

“Of all the vigilantes you had to get tangled with, it had to be Reaper,” Hanzo hissed. “He’s a wanted criminal with a track sheet a mile long. No one with a working brain wants anything to do with him and you blunder right into his lap on your first day in town.”

“I thought being a vigilante wasn’t a criminal offence here,” Jack blinked.

“It’s not so long as you don’t overstep your boundaries,” Hanzo sighed. “Reaper though...fuck, I have to call someone. We don’t have a patrol today, but Minami will want to see my contact, the traitor. We’ll take the cruiser and I’ll come up with a reason for it later.”

Hanzo pulled out his cellphone and started pacing the length of the office. He growled down the line at someone, hissing that ‘now is not the time for your antics’ and that he ‘needed information immediately’. Apparently, his contact with being a bit of an asshole and teasing the captain about something. If the faint blush creeping across his cheeks was anything, Jack would say that they were badly concealed flirts and cheesy pickup lines.

“I will bring you that disgusting fare you call food as incentive, so long as you shut up,” Hanzo snapped. He snorted and hung up after a moment. “Lousy, good-for-nothing excuse for a man,” he growled. “If he wasn’t so useful….” He shook his head. “Come on.”

Jack followed Hanzo out to the cruiser after picking up Minami from the holding pens. They drove down a winding road, stopped in at a drive-thru restaurant that Jack was certain would not pass a health inspection and was only open because the owner was slipping the inspector bribes, and continued on into the industrial section. Hanzo made Jack hold the take-out bag most of the way, turning his nose up at it the moment it was in the vehicle. Hanzo parked the cruiser on the side of the road and let Minami out, holding onto the greasy take-out bag like it was diseased.

Jack followed behind Hanzo as Minami trotted obediently at his side. Two huge warehouses loomed on either side of him, but no one seemed to be working. It made the whole place eerie; no better place to have a rather secretive rendezvous than an abandoned warehouse district, he supposed. He paused as he caught the soft sound of whistling and he saw Hanzo cringe.

“Go,” Hanzo sighed at Minami.

The shepherd bolted forward eagerly, barking loudly as he went running between the warehouses. Jack heard a grunt somewhere amongst the crates beside the warehouse on the right before he and Hanzo made their way over to a figure lying on the ground scratching Minami’s throat.

“Aw, the big scary puppy missed me,” the man cooed in an amazing drawl. “Who’s a good little copy-wopy?”

“Please stop baby-talking my partner,” Hanzo growled. “It’s bad enough he loves you as much as he does. I don’t need him softening up and forgetting his training.”

“Well, shucks, dalin’, I gotta baby-talk one of ya,” the man chuckled as he sat up, hugging Minami close. “May as well be the one that doesn’t want to chew my face off, eh, Minami?”

Jack tried not to marvel at the man’s get up. Gray dress-pants, black and blue waistcoat, blue half-cloak hanging over his left shoulder, sharp looking dress boots, a glove over his right hand while the other was metallic, a large blue scarf wrapped around the lower part of his face, a black eye-mask, and a large black hat. He looked like something out of a comic book, but maybe that was the intended purpose. Vigilantes were notoriously dorky when it came to their costumes.

Hanzo let out a long growl before he threw the take-out bag at the man. “Your disgusting food,” he snapped.

“Aw, sugar, you know how to soften me up,” the man laughed as he caught the bag.

“It’ll soften something,” Jack wrinkled his nose.

“So, who’s the friend?” the man asked as he pulled his blue scarf down and stuffed the greasy burger into his mouth.

The man’s face didn’t reveal much about him. He was clean shaven with a few shallow cuts on his cheeks. His nose was sharp, but he could have easily been mistaken for any other man on the street. That was probably how he wanted it.

“This Captain Jack Morrison,” Hanzo said. “New to the force.”

“Well, pleasure to make your acquaintance, sir,” the man tipped his hat after he had swallowed. “Mighty fine piece of muscle you are.”

“Thank you,” Jack chuckled; he never was one to turn down a compliment on his physique. He worked hard on it. “And you are?”

“The vigilante known as Gunslinger,” the man bowed his head and grinned. “One of the best damn info-rat the city’s ever seen. Hanzo likes to pretend he hates me, but he’d have been killed a long time ago if it weren’t for my information.”

“Which is why we’re here,” Hanzo said as he stepped forward.

“Yah, so what’s up, sugar?” Gunslinger cleaned his mouth of ketchup and sucked on the metallic thumb that had taken the condiment off of his face.

“Jack received flowers from the Reaper.”

Gunslinger’s eyes widened behind his mask. “Ooh. Ooh, yah, that’s not good,” he said as he sat up a little straighter. “What kind?”

“Roses,” Jack said. “Twelve in total, two per colours.”

“Wait,” Gunslinger blinked. “He sent you roses?”

“Yes.”

“Was there a card sent with it?” Gunslinger frowned.

Jack pulled the card out and walked over to hand it to the vigilante. Gunslinger tipped his hat and looked the card over, flipping it around a few times and holding it up to the sky. He had his tongue between his teeth the whole time. He let out a long hum before he cocked his head to the side.

“Huh,” he said. “Funny. Didn’t think him the sort for adorable nicknames. He usually just calls me ‘ingrate’ and everyone else ‘asshole’ or ‘dipshit’.”

“What do you mean?” Hanzo asked. “Jack is not on his List?”

“Nah,” Gunslinger grinned and handed the card back. “Don’t know what you did, Oro, but you’ve caught his eye. You get a lavender rose?”

“Two,” Jack frowned.

“Aw, he’s going soft in his old age,” Gunslinger cackled.

“Soft?”

“‘Love at first sight,’” Gunslinger waved a hand. “You really impressed him; the man was never that lovey-dovey when I knew him. What did you do?”

“Tried to talk him down from killing a thief,” Jack said as he rubbed the back of his head.

“You piss yourself when he put his shotgun against your head?” Gunslinger rubbed at his jaw.

“No,” Jack shook his head. “Didn’t have time to think about that.”

“Then that’s probably it,” Gunslinger spread his fingers wide before he went back to eating his greasy burger. “Reaper’s got a bit of an adrenaline kink. Likes to make people scared and it makes him a horny mess.”

“How do you know that?” Jack asked with a small touch of disgust in his voice.

“Reaper taught me everything I know,” Gunslinger sighed. “I got connections in this city the likes of which you cops could never dream of getting, but him? This whole city seems to breathe because of him. Hell, he’s taken out more mob bosses than anyone else changes their underwear. Surprised that Petras hasn’t turned in his badge already and let Reaper run the show.”

“If he has connections like that, why doesn’t he work with the police to eliminate the crime altogether?” Jack shook his head.

“Long story,” Gunslinger shivered. “And it ain’t my place to tell.”

“To hear him tell it, the force betrayed him,” Hanzo murmured softly. “No one knows his name and any attempt to dig further is met with a shotgun to the temple. He doesn’t want anyone to find out about him or his past. He is brutal in his attempts to remain hidden.”

“Wait, he’s a cop-killer?” Jack tensed in alarm.

“‘Bout the only thing he doesn’t touch are children,” Gunslinger murmured. “Wasn’t always like that. When we worked together in the beginning, he just wanted to protect folks. But as time went on, he became more and more frustrated with everyone and everything around him. Got to point where our methods got too different and I left.”

“He didn’t kill you?” Jack asked in disbelief.

“Nah, ol’ Reaper sees me like his kid,” Gunslinger smiled. “And partnerships don’t last too long in our line of work anyways. Too much liability. Helps when yer moving to take out a large target, but most of the time it’s easier to work alone.”

“Okay,” Jack ran his hand through his hair. “So let me get this straight. I somehow managed to attract the eye of the single-most well-connected and dangerous vigilante in the entire city. And he has a massive crush on me even though he pretty much hates cops and won’t bat an eye about killing them.”

“Yup,” Gunslinger smirked as he pulled his scarf back up over his mouth and nose.

Jack shook his head. “What luck,” he sighed. “Thank you for meeting us, Gunslinger. It’s good to know that I’m not about to drop dead.”

“No problem, Captain,” Gunslinger nodded his head. “You keep safe now, got it?”

Jack saluted and grinned. “Sir, yes sir,” he said.

Gunslinger’s eyes widened before he whistled. “Ooh. I give it a week before Reaper’s in your bed,” he said. “Ain’t no way he’s going to pass up a soldier. You’d be able to handle that man no problem with yer trainin’.”

Jack shook his head before he turned and walked away. Hanzo followed him a few minutes later, growling at him not to turn his back on a vigilante, even one that he had worked with before. Minami padded at Hanzo’s side, wagging his tail as he was allowed into the backseat. Jack climbed into the cruise and leaned back to process what he had learned.

Sometimes he wondered if he had the world’s best luck or the shittiest luck.

Hanzo walked into his house and grit his teeth. “Genji, don’t leave your damn suit out on the counter,” he shouted as he threw the cybernetic mesh onto a chair.

“Oh please, like anyone’s going to walk into the house,” Genji snorted from the couch. His childish show was blaring loudly out of the speakers. Probably trying to block out some horrible memory again instead of seeking help like Hanzo kept trying to get him to do. “How was work?”

“Arduous,” Hanzo snapped as he took a seat at the table. “I had to deal with Gunslinger.”

“Oh?” Genji’s green head poked over the top of the couch and he grinned. “Aw, did the Southern stud try to woo your heart again, bro?”

“Silence, Genji,” Hanzo rubbed at his eyes as Kita trotted over and dropped her head onto his lap. He scratched over her ears and let out a long sigh. “I thought that the Reaper had targeted my partner. It is something not quite as serious but still dangerous.”

“Ooh,” Genji clucked his tongue. “Well, glad the Golden Boy’s going to stick around.” Hanzo shot him a glare and Genji grinned. “Hey, word gets around fast when there’s a new cop in town. Especially when he’s as smoking hot as Captain Morrison.”

“You will keep your hands to yourself, Sparrow,” Hanzo growled. “I don’t need you getting that friendly with my new partner.”

Genji rolled his eyes in amusement. “Like I want him anyways,” he said with a dismissive wave. “I just said the guy was hot. Doesn’t mean I want him to fuck me into bed. Although with hips like that, he could probably rock anyone’s world.”

“And I’ve heard quite enough,” Hanzo said as he got to his feet and headed upstairs.

He locked the door behind him so that Genji couldn’t follow him and started getting changed out of his uniform. He heard someone move the pane of his window and tensed. He had his gun up and pointed at Gunslinger as he set his feet on the hardwood flooring. Hanzo took a deep breath before he holstered the gun and stored it safely away. He finished getting changed, ignoring the possessive way the vigilante’s eyes rolled over his backside.

“You look good in blue, sugar,” Gunslinger purred as he walked over. “Look better in my blue, though.”

“No,” Hanzo said coldly as he turned around to face the vigilante. “We’ve been over this a hundred thousand times; I am not helping you ‘fight injustice�� by becoming a vigilante.”

“You’d be good at it,” Gunslinger said as he trailed a finger down Hanzo’s cheek. “With your training and aim….”

“Push those foolish notions aside,” Hanzo snapped. “You are an informant, nothing else.”

“But you’d like me to be more,” Gunslinger whispered as he pulled down his scarf and gave that heart-stopping smile of his. “You’d love to come home to me waiting for you with supper made and snapdragons waiting in a vase.”

Hanzo closed his eyes and turned his head away. “I will not get tangled up with your stupidity. It is bad enough that you encourage Genji to circumvent the law with his Sparrow persona. I will not tolerate you doing the same to me.”

“Gotta admit the kid’s good,” Gunslinger chuckled before he tipped Hanzo’s chin up. “Come on, darlin’; just say the word and I’ll strip it all off, just for you. Not a single secret between us. Just you and me and a nice warm bed.”

“You have a thousand different disguises,” Hanzo said as he reached up to push the hand away. “I would not be with the real you any more than I am at this moment.”

Hanzo gasped as Gunslinger’s warm mouth covered his. He closed his eyes, reaching up to wrap his arms around the vigilante’s shoulders. Spanish nothings drifted through the air as the Gunslinger held him close. Hanzo pulled away from the kiss and rested his head on the man’s collarbone, listening to the soft promises tumble off of those honey lips. Hanzo closed his eyes, letting himself believe the fantasies for a few moments before he pulled away.

“Take your lies elsewhere, Gunslinger,” he said firmly. “I will have none of them. I need to rest after the stress of today.”

Gunslinger’s eyes narrowed before he pulled his scarf back over his mouth and nose. “I don’t lie to you, Hanzo,” he said. “You just ain’t ready to hear the truth. Happens to the best of us, I’m afraid. Sleep well, my dragon. I’m only a call away.”

He tipped his hat before leaving through the window. Hanzo rubbed at his eyes, fighting back tears as he crawled into bed and curled up. He never realized how lonely he was until Gunslinger left him night after night. He couldn’t let that professional barrier fall any lower between them, but he wanted to curl up against the Gunslinger’s chest and forget the outside world existed. He wanted to fall asleep listening to that deep voice humming old country songs and whispering in Spanish even if he didn’t know what was being said. He wanted those big, warm hands rubbing gently against his back and soothing all of his worries away. He wanted it so bad and Hanzo knew that if he even let himself cave for a moment that he would never see the next sunrise.

“Good hunting, Gunslinger,” he murmured against the pillow. “I’m sorry for being so cruel.”

[mr-yuri-katsuki]

You’re amazing just the way you are.

I used to think I knew what it would be like to know him. Like any other fan who was in pretty deep, I devoured every magazine article, online story, every video interview, all for even a hint of what he would be like as a “normal” person. Not just the face and personality that he showed the world, but that person underneath. The one that he would be behind closed doors, out of the spotlight.

He had (has) the biggest fan base of any skater in the world and rightfully so. I was (am, though I haven't been there in a while) a member of the forum on his official website. I would read endless posts from people of all kinds, speaking of him in all kinds of ways. But there was one constant theme: Everyone spoke of him in terms of his being an untouchable god that they'd be honored to meet. Those who had deeper feelings spoke of wanting a lot more than that. Most of those people took those thoughts to the unofficial forums where details of fantasies would get written out in extensive wording. Everyone wanted a piece of him in some way.

There were those on the forums, when something like practice footage taken by a fan would come out and he'd have a stumble on a jump or seemed tired, or someone would have a random story about how even though he'd stopped for an autograph or picture he didn't act as they expected him to, who would cause drama about it. Hoops would be jumped through to explain why he wasn't perfect that day, because according to the world, he was infallible in every aspect of his life. People on the forums would always say “it's better not to meet your idols, they're never who you think they are” when they'd have what they considered to be a bad experience with him. If he wasn't polite, wasn't accommodating, wasn't what their ideal was, they would change their stripes until he did something that made them turn around and be a fan again, usually winning something. It would make me angry, because no one had the right to demand anything of him. Maybe it was because I skated too, and knew how our world could be, that I felt for him. No one deserves to be judged from the outside and pegged by someone they don't even know. Lord knows I was, a hell of a lot. I knew what it was like, and it sucked.

When I saw those things, those “cracks in the armor” as those so-called fans called it, I saw a little bit of Victor Nikiforov, the human being underneath the facade. I never thought I'd ever know more than that though. Never in my admittedly crazy dreams did I ever think I'd have that chance.

And I'll admit, I had one of those “bad” experiences, in the lobby after my first GPF when he mistook me for a fan. I was in a place then that made it hurt at first, enough that I never even watched him on Worlds. But even so, once I really thought about it later when my own head had cleared, I remembered how tired he looked that night and the rumors that had been flying that he was considering retirement. Something in the back of my mind still gave him the benefit of a doubt. I still wanted to skate on the same ice as him again, and I still wanted to talk to him someday. I still looked up to him, respected him, and chose to believe there was more to the story... more to him.

Then he showed up in Hasetsu, and in my first encounter with him he was completely naked. I can laugh about it now but at the time I was terrified. There had always been rumors about the OTT version of Victor in those same forums. Sometimes things would show up on skaters' Instagrams or even his own, that showed he had a bit of a wild streak. That intrigued me but I still felt like there was more to the story. So when for the first few weeks I got OTT Victor, I still felt like he wasn't being himself. That version of him was the polar opposite of me, and it finally caused a rift that he then went out of his way to fix by making the effort to get through to me when I finally closed off to him. That conversation is when I told him to just be who he was. After that, everything changed. After that, I did start to see the person that somehow, I'd always known was hiding underneath the public persona.

Fast forward to now. There are definitely some days that I still have to pinch myself and remind myself that this isn't all a dream. That mostly happens when we're practicing and I get to watch him in business mode, flying around the ice and knocking off quads with ease or working on a piece of elegant choreography, the kind that, as he taught me, no one can look away from. That's when I am once again the hopeless fanboy with stars and hearts in my eyes, still in awe of this amazing talent, this man who has accomplished what so many others only dream of by combining his natural gifts with hard work and determination.

But then there are the quiet moments, at home after a long day of practice. After spending the bulk of our days together in a professional capacity, we'll often take some alone time when we first get home just to have some space after the continual cacophony of the rink. Sometimes it's me that needs the break because a particularly hectic and noisy day can set me a bit on edge; sometimes it's him maybe not having the practice he wanted to, or working especially hard and needing a nap to reboot. We've learned to read each other now and that space apart is essential, even if it's only an hour or two.

I have my various moods and sometimes I can get into a frame of mind where I'm just ridiculously silly and probably a bit immature. I still feel at times like I didn't quite grow up in some ways; there's a reason I often related to the younger skaters back in Detroit and probably the biggest reason Phichit and I clicked: I could be just as goofy as him. Often I'll get that “oohhhh boy here we go” smirk from Victor and he'll humor me but he's gotten better at playing along or even making the situation escalate by teasing me in some way. And then he has his moments of ridiculousness too that make me laugh so hard I cry. It's in those moments that I feel like we're more alike than it seems a shy, quiet Japanese guy and a confident, sometimes off-the-wall Russian would be.

My favorite times though are the private ones. I admit I like being the person that gets to see him with his guard let down the most; there's a flip in my heart that happens when I realize that there's a Victor I only get to see. That's when it hits me the most that out of all the people in the world that would have loved to be the 'one' to him, of all the people in the world that still dream of that... he chose me. I'm the one that gets to curl up in his lap and lose myself in a pair of strong arms wrapped around me, making me feel safe and like I can hide from the world if I need to. I am the one who gets to fall asleep snuggled to his chest, those same arms wrapped around me and our legs tangled up so I can't move even if I wanted to (I don't).

And I am the one who is privileged enough to be the one he chose to share his most intimate self with. He may have been pretty open about his desires from the beginning (most of which went over my head at first), but when I finally did realize how I felt and that I wanted to give that part of myself to him, I came to know the Victor that made me feel beautiful, loved, safe, and worthy of those affections. He made me feel things I never thought I could, helped me to find that part of myself that I'd kept deep inside. He has the ability to completely disarm me, and usually does, bit by bit. Sometimes it's sweet, sometimes it's spicy, but that's the nature of this katsudon. ;) No matter what way he does things he'll always get the same response from me: I'll always melt into a puddle and probably lose my mind a few times during the course of the night, but I'm okay with that. I'm getting better at returning the favor, but I don't think I'm there yet. He claims I am, but the way I see it there's always room for improvement. But learning certainly is fun, and I'm glad I get to do that with him.

We talked the other night about how surreal it is that our lives have changed so much in just a year. At this time a year ago I was finishing college, pulling all-nighters writing my dissertation and watching too much American television. He was getting ready to win his fifth world title while I didn't even qualify, having been beaten resoundingly by Minami at Japan Nationals. I was ready to move on with my life until, in a twist of fate, I turned to him for inspiration by skating his program. I've asked him about what he was thinking about a few things regarding us, but I've never actually asked what he thought when he saw that video. But something made him turn his life upside down for me... and when I think about that, about the fact that he left his entire world for me... it's overwhelming. Thinking about that he saw something in me that made him not be offended or angered by what he saw... but rather was drawn to reach out to me instead. He wanted to know who I really was, just as much as I wanted to know the same of him.

And now that he does know, he still stays. And so will I. 💙💜