#viktor nation we’ll get there one day!

[machineheraldbabe]

may we all join hands, lift up our downtrodden spirits, and pray for the tiniest little fragment of viktor for geeked week.

riot, we beg of you, we just want a voice reveal…the viktor drought is killing us…

[ukrainenews]

Daily Wrap Up December 8-9, 2022

Under the cut:

WNBA star Brittney Griner was free Thursday after the Biden administration negotiated her release from a Russian penal colony in exchange for an arms dealer, according to a senior administration official.

Russian shelling of a town in the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine has left one person dead and two injured, according to the region’s governor, Pavlo Kyrylenko. At least 12 houses were destroyed by the shelling in the town of Toretsk.

Vladimir Putin mentioned a potential settlement to end his war in Ukraine on Friday while still claiming that his “special military operation” was going to plan.

Belarus told the United Nations on Friday that it would allow, without preconditions, the transit of grain from Ukraine through its territory for export from Lithuanian ports, a U.N. spokesman said.

Russian troops are still focused on conducting an offensive in Bakhmut, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine's General Staff said in its evening briefing

“WNBA star Brittney Griner was free Thursday after the Biden administration negotiated her release from a Russian penal colony in exchange for an arms dealer, according to a senior administration official.

President Joe Biden signed off on the trade, which took place in the United Arab Emirates, even though it meant leaving behind Paul Whelan, a U.S. corporate security executive who remains jailed in Russia.

"She is safe, she is on a plane, she is on her way home," Biden said Thursday morning at the White House. "She will soon be back in the arms of her loved ones, and she should have been there all along."

"I'm proud that today we have made one more family whole," Biden said, adding that he will continue to work to free Whelan. "We’ll keep negotiating for Paul’s relief. I guarantee it."

Griner’s wife, Cherelle Griner, was in the Oval Office with Biden, and the two were able to speak with her by phone, a senior administration official said.

Cherelle Griner, speaking after Biden, expressed her "sincere gratitude" to Biden and several other officials whom she mentioned by name for their work.

Griner will be flown to a medical facility in San Antonio where she will receive care, a senior administration official said. Cherelle Griner will meet her there, a senior administration official said.

The move is one of the highest-profile prisoner swaps between Moscow and Washington since the Cold War, with the Kremlin recovering Viktor Bout, whom Russian President Vladimir Putin has been wanting to get back — and who had served 11 years of a 25-year sentence in the U.S.”-via MSNBC

~

“Russian shelling of a town in the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine has left one person dead and two injured, according to the region’s governor, Pavlo Kyrylenko.

At least 12 houses were destroyed by the shelling in the town of Toretsk, he said in a Telegram post.

Kyrylenko wrote:

1 person was killed, 2 more were wounded in artillery shelling of Toretsk. Shells hit a private sector, destroying and damaging at least 12 houses. The Russians are again cynically shelling civilians — they are continuing their terror tactics.”-via The Guardian

~

“Vladimir Putin mentioned a potential settlement to end his war in Ukraine on Friday while still claiming that his “special military operation” was going to plan.

“The settlement process as a whole, yes, it will probably be difficult and will take some time. But one way or another, all participants in this process will have to agree with the realities that are taking shape on the ground,” the Russia president said during remarks at a press-conference in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

The remarks came just days after Putin appeared to be girding Russians for a protracted war in Ukraine, saying that his military operation could be a “long-term process”. Initially, Russian commanders expected the war would last just a matter of weeks before a Russian victory, according to plans captured at the beginning of the war. It is now in its 10th month and Russia has been forced to retreat for several months.

Despite all evidence to the contrary, Putin claimed that his military operation was going to plan. “Everything is stable. There are no questions or problems there,” he said, adding that information was being given to the public transparently.

Those remarks came a day after Putin appeared to revel in recent Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure.

Drinking what appeared to be sparkling wine, Putin vowed to keep battering Ukraine’s energy grid despite an outcry against the systematic attacks that have plunged millions into cold and darkness as winter sets in.

Speaking after an awards ceremony for “Heroes of Russia” at the Kremlin on Thursday, the president addressed a group of soldiers. Acknowledging the targeted attacks by Russia, Putin blamed Ukraine for initiating a trend of attacking civilian infrastructure, pointing to a blast on a key bridge between the Russian mainland and the annexed Crimean peninsula.

“Yes, we do that,” Putin said, of the strikes on the Ukraine grid. “But who started it? There’s a lot of noise about our strikes on the energy infrastructure of a neighbouring country. This will not interfere with our combat missions.”

The video, taken by the Russian state-owned TV channel Zvezda, shows Putin holding a glass while speaking about the fates of tens of millions of Ukrainians.

Ukraine has previously rejected Moscow’s claims that the strikes on its energy facilities were a retaliation for the Kerch bridge attack.

Ukraine’s defence intelligence agency has claimed Russian military units had received instructions from the Kremlin to prepare massive missile strikes a week before the Crimean Bridge attack.

Throughout the war, journalists, independent organisations and Ukrainian officials have also documented Russian attacks on civilian buildings and infrastructure.”-via The Guardian

~

“Belarus told the United Nations on Friday that it would allow, without preconditions, the transit of grain from Ukraine through its territory for export from Lithuanian ports, a U.N. spokesman said.

Belarus, used by its ally Russia as a staging ground for Moscow's Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine, said in June that it would let Ukrainian grain go via the country to Baltic Sea ports, if Belarus was allowed to ship its goods from the ports as well. Ukraine did not agree to the proposal.

Belarus Deputy Foreign Minister Yury Ambrazevich met with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York on Friday to tell him that there are no preconditions to the transit of Ukraine grain, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

Ambrazevich also "reiterated the requests from his government to be able export its own fertilizer products, which are currently subject to sanctions," Dujarric said in a statement after the meeting.

Belarus, a major global potash producer, has been hit by harsh Western sanctions in 2021-2022 which disrupted its exports of the fertiliser via the Baltic Sea ports.

In July the United Nations and Turkey brokered a deal with Russia and Ukraine to resume Ukraine's Black Sea shipments of grain - stalled since the start of the war - and to facilitate Russia's food and fertilizer shipments.

The United Nations is still working to resume Russian ammonia exports, a key fertilizer ingredient, via a pipeline to a Black Sea port in Ukraine.”-via Reuters

~

“On the battlefield, Russian troops are still focused on conducting an offensive in Bakhmut, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine's General Staff said in its evening briefing.

Zelensky said in an evening address that Russian troops "effectively destroyed" Bakhmut, now another city in Ukraine's east "turned into scorched ruins."

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a U.S. defense think-tank, said on Nov. 30 that "the costs associated with six months of brutal, grinding, and attrition-based combat around Bakhmut far outweigh any operational advantage that the Russians can obtain from taking Bakhmut."”-via Kyiv Independent

[diedraechin]

Now where did I leave off? (Bysotid Ch 38 Sneak Peek)

I was looking at when I last updated and it's been so long! Io definitely needed the break though, and he's feeling a little recharged. He's about halfway through editing the next chapter, so it should be out soon. Either this weekend or next weekend depending on when he's finished with it. So your wait is almost over!

That also means it's time for a sneak peek. Something sweet and wholesome this time, I think. :D

Viktor opened the door and stepped back as his rinkmates came in. Yurka was looking all around, eyes wide, after taking off his shoes. “This is where you live?!”

Viktor nodded. “Hello, to you too, Yurka.” Viktor smiled at everyone else and shut the door after Katya had come in.

“Still no dining table, I see.” Katya grinned. “Dinner is going to be interesting.”

Viktor shrugged. “I don’t typically have many people over at the same time, but Yura says it’s fine. We’ll eat at the coffee table.” Viktor waved to the aforementioned table which had been partially set. “It’s what Yura and Phichit do in Detroit, but they’re used to it, so if it’s a problem…”

Katya shook her head. “Just teasing, Vitya.”

“Where did you get all of these?!” Yurka had wandered over to where his medal cabinet was, but Viktor knew quite well that he wasn’t looking at Viktor’s medals and was instead staring at his Yuuri wall. Yurka’s fingers hovered over a poster of Yuuri in his Nocturne costume.

“Where is Yura anyway?” Katya collapsed onto the couch and Makka jumped up and settled next to her to claim attention. Mila was just poking around Yuuri's things that had found temporary homes in the living room. They’d all be gone the day after next, but Viktor was trying not to think about that.

“He needed to go to the Asian market; forgot something.” He paused. “He’s making something Japanese, so I hope that’s all right with everyone.” Viktor walked over to where Yurka was still staring at the wall of Yuuri posters.

“I meant it. I haven’t seen any of these for sale. He doesn’t have merchandise except for the dog stuff. And that’s not him, it’s his dog.” Yurka stood on his tiptoes to look at the first picture from ON ICE Viktor had gotten; it was one of a few that Viktor had actually framed, and the only one that Yuuri had signed. “I’ve never seen this!”

“He doesn’t have merchandise in Russia.” Viktor said. “These are all Japanese. Mostly included in magazines.That was from a piece the first time he was covered in ON ICE, just a full page print from his first Junior nationals win. Though this one,” he tapped a framed poster of Yuuri in training gear, striking a dance pose outside with Osaka castle visible in the background, “was from a charity thing he did after the Tohoku earthquake. I won it in an online auction. Lost out on the signed one though.”

“Can’t you just have him sign it now?” Katya asked.

Viktor sighed. “If only Yura was that agreeable. How about you try your luck and ask him for me, Katya?”

Katya opened her mouth to say something, but the front door opening stopped her. A woman’s voice saying “Have a nice night, Yuuri Toshiyavich” carried through the open door punctuated with little yips that had Makkachin lifting her head from Katya’s lap in curiosity.

“Ah, no, really Yuuri is just fine, Nadia. Have a good night.” Yuuri shut the door and toed his shoes off, a paper bag in his arms. “Her dog yips like no one’s business.” He looked around. “Sorry I hadn’t gotten back yet. Hi.”

“Yura! What’s this book?”

Yuuri put the bag down on the kitchen counter and then took the book Mila was holding out of her hands. “It’s one of my Clinical Psychology textbooks. You don’t need that.” He dropped it back on the side table. Yuuri turned to Viktor and his eyes widened. “You aren’t showing him that wall, are you? Vitya, stop.”

Viktor laughed. “He found it on his own. Wanted to know where I got all my posters.”

“It’s so embarrassing.” Yuuri shook his head. “At least it’s just some of the skating ones.”

Katya giggled from the couch, twisting to look over the back. “Are there non-skating ones that Vitya doesn’t know about?”

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

September 24, 2021

Heather Cox Richardson

On Monday, we learned that after last year’s election, John Eastman, a well-connected lawyer advising former president Donald Trump, outlined a six-point plan to overturn the outcome of the election and install Trump as America’s leader. They planned to cut the voters’ actual choice, Democrat Joe Biden, out of power: as Trump advisor Steve Bannon put it, they planned to “kill the Biden presidency in the crib.” This appears to have been the plan that Trump and his loyalists tried to execute on January 6.

That is, we now have written proof of an attempt to destroy our democracy and replace it with an autocracy.

This was not some crazy plot of some obscure dude in a shack in the mountains; this was a plan of the president of the United States of America, and it came perilously close to succeeding. The president of the United States tried to overturn the results of an election—the centerpiece of our democracy—and install himself into power illegitimately.

If this is not a hair-on-fire, screaming emergency, what is?

And yet, Republican lawmakers, with the notable exceptions of Representatives Liz Cheney (R-WY) and Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), have largely remained silent about the fact that the head of their party tried to destroy our democracy.

The best spin on their silence is that in refusing to defend the former president while also keeping quiet enough that they do not antagonize the voters in his base, they are choosing their own power over the protection of our country.

The other option is that the leaders of the Republican Party have embraced authoritarianism, and their once-grand party—the party of Abraham Lincoln, the party that saved the United States in the 1860s, the party that removed racial enslavement from our fundamental law—has become an existential threat to our nation.

Democracy requires at least two healthy parties capable of running a government in order to provide oversight for those currently in control of the government and to channel opposition into peaceful attempts to change the country’s path rather than into revolution. But Republicans appear to believe that any Democratic government is illegitimate, insisting that Democrats’ calls for business regulation, a basic social safety net, and infrastructure investment are “socialism” that will destroy the country.

With Democrats in charge of the federal government, Republicans are cementing their power in the states to support a future coup like the one Eastman described. Using “audits” of the 2020 elections, notably in Arizona but now also in Pennsylvania and Texas, Trump loyalists have convinced their supporters to distrust elections, softening the ground to overturn them in the future. According to a new poll by NORC at the University of Chicago, 26% of Americans now believe that “[t]he 2020 election was stolen from Donald Trump and Joe Biden is an illegitimate president,” and 8% believe that "[u]se of force is justified to restore Donald Trump to the presidency."

Arguing that they have to stop the voter fraud they have falsely claimed threw the election to Biden, Republican lawmakers in 18 states have passed more than 30 laws to cut down Democratic voting and cement their own rule. Trump supporters have threatened election workers, prompting them to quit, and have harassed school board members and local officials, driving them from office.

Although attorneys general are charged with nonpartisan enforcement of the law, we learned earlier this month that in September 2020, 32 staff members of Republican attorneys general met in Atlanta, where they participated in “war games” to figure out what to do should Trump not be reelected. The summit was organized by the Rule of Law Defense Fund, the fundraising arm of the Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA), which sent out robocalls on January 5 urging recipients to march to the Capitol the following day “to stop the steal.” In May, RAGA elevated the man responsible for those robocalls to the position of executive director, prompting others to leave.

In states where Republicans have rigged election mechanics, party members need to worry about primary challengers from the right, rather than Democratic opponents. So they are purging from the party all but Trump loyalists, especially as the former president is backing challengers against those who voted in favor of his impeachment in the House in January 2021. Last week, one of those people, Representative Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH), announced he was retiring, in part because of right-wing threats against his family.

Trump loyalists are openly embracing the language of authoritarianism. In Texas, Abbott is now facing a primary challenger who today tweeted: “Texans deserve a strong and robust leader committed to fighting with them against the radical Left. They deserve a leader like Brazil has in Jair Bolsonaro…..” Bolsonaro, a right-wing leader whose approval rating in late August was 23%, is threatening to stay in power in Brazil against the wishes of its people. He claims that the country’s elections are fraudulent and that “[e]ither we’ll have clean elections, or we won’t have elections.”

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) today used language fascists have used in the past to stoke hatred of their political opponents, tweeting that “ALL House Democrats are evil and will kill unborn babies all the way up to birth and then celebrate.” Yesterday, the leader of Turning Points U.S.A., Charlie Kirk, brought the movement’s white nationalism into the open when he told a YouTube audience that Democrats were backing “an invasion of the country” to bring in “voters that they want and that they like” and to work toward “diminishing and decreasing white demographics in America.” He called for listeners to “[d]eputize a citizen force, put them on the border, give them handcuffs, get it done.”

Today, we learned that the 2022 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) will be held in Budapest, Hungary, where leader Viktor Orbán, whom Fox News Channel personality Tucker Carlson has openly admired, is dismantling democracy and eroding civil rights. When former vice president Mike Pence spoke in Budapest earlier this week at a forum denouncing immigration and urging traditional social values, he told the audience he hoped that the U.S. Supreme Court would soon outlaw abortion thanks to the three justices Trump put on the court.

Establishment Republicans who are now out of power are not on board the Trump train. They are quietly backing anti-Trumpers like Representative Cheney. Former House speakers John Boehner and Paul Ryan, former Florida governor Jeb Bush—who was widely expected to win the Republican nomination in 2016, only to be shut out of it by Trump—and former president George W. Bush's former adviser Karl Rove have all donated money to Cheney to help her stave off a challenge from a Trump loyalist in the 2022 election. Next month, former president Bush himself will hold a fundraiser for Cheney in Texas.

Other establishment Republicans currently in power might be staying quiet about the party’s slide toward authoritarianism because they are simply hoping that the Trump fire will burn itself out. The former president is no longer commanding the crowds he once did, and his increasing legal woes as well as the investigation into the insurrection will almost certainly take up his time and energy. The mounting coronavirus deaths among his unvaccinated supporters also stand to weaken support for his faction.

But the fact that Republican lawmakers have ignored the Eastman memo, which outlines the destruction of our democracy, suggests that the party, which organized in the 1850s to protect the nation against those who would destroy it, has come full circle.

—

Notes:

https://bbj.hu/politics/foreign-affairs/world/budapest-to-host-cpac-in-2022

https://www.kptv.com/former-president-george-w-bush-to-hold-fundraiser-next-month-for-liz-cheney/article_8ba92a10-7103-5ee0-94ef-4bd813437e28.html

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/09/24/arizona-audit-just-destroyed-big-gop-lie-more-ways-than-one/

https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2021/05/04/more-staff-flee-gop-attorneys-general-group-after-it-doubles-down-on-insurrection/

https://bbj.hu/politics/foreign-affairs/world/budapest-to-host-cpac-in-2022

https://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/wireStory/pence-hopeful-supreme-court-restrict-abortion-us-80185222

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/republican-ags-group-sent-robocalls-urging-march-capitol-n1253581

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/16/us/politics/anthony-gonzalez-ohio-trump.html

https://kansasreflector.com/2021/09/08/kansas-ag-aides-attended-war-games-summit-where-group-planned-to-combat-biden-win/

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-08-17/more-than-half-of-brazilians-disapprove-of-bolsonaro-poll-shows

https://www.mediamatters.org/charlie-kirk/charlie-kirk-deputize-citizen-force-put-them-border-order-protect-white-demographics

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/07/23/brazil-bolsonaro/

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

[from comments]

Mobiguy

It is time to call this out as what it is - a well-documented attempt to overthrow the government, led by people too unconcerned or too stupid to worry about leaving a paper trail.

The January 6th sheep currently in court are not the problem. It's time to round up the ringleaders of this attempted coup and prosecute them on an open and shut case of treason.

Reasonable people insist on framing this coup as a robust political debate, but reasonable people are wrong. It is a naked power grab, an assault on the popular will, and blatantly illegal. Three evidence is there, in the seditionists' own hands.

A crime has been committed, even if it was unsuccessful. Failed bank robbers don't get to walk because they got no money. Failed murderers are still prosecuted. The evidence is there for all to see, and the alleged criminals aren't denying it. They're doubling down, and we're letting them. Either prosecute them, or remove the treason laws from the books since they're clearly meaningless and unenforceable.

In short: lock them up.

[imaginejamesandsirius]

Uhm, I what if James and Sirius were Harry's parents and he came to them with a baby, he came together with Viktor Krum who was the baby's other dad and they of course get the shock of their lives as they thought Harry was away for his work as a cursebreaker in Bulgaria. I just wanted to see more of this Harry/Viktor pairing.

"Hullo Pop," Harry said with a bright smile when the door opened. 

Sirius blinked. "Whose baby is that?" 

"Well that did not take long," said the man that was standing next to him. He looked a lot like Viktor Krum, the seeker for Bulgaria's national team. 

Then Sirius realised that it must be Viktor Krum, because what were the chances that Harry had been living in Bulgaria and had met someone that looked just like him? More to the point, why was he here? Harry had gone to Bulgaria to work as a curse breaker, not to meet famous Quidditch players and carry babies. Which, back to that. "Haz? The baby?" 

"Ah. Yes. Erm." He shifted his weight, and that was when Sirius saw that the baby was perfectly content in his arms. Babies did that thing when they were handed to a stranger and they looked uncomfortable. This baby wasn't doing that. 

"You know, most sons have a bit of warning before the baby's born," Sirius noted, staring down at the chubby little face. It felt like just a couple years ago that Harry was the one looking like that. "Like, nine months or so." That was when Sirius realised-- lots of realisations in a very small amount of time, he was going to get burnt out at this rate-- that he should invite them in, because this wasn't a conversation he was keen on having on the doorstep. In his defense, when he'd opened the door, he'd been expecting to see his son looking a little tired from the trip, and with a bag slung over his shoulder. He hadn't been prepared for the extra bag for the baby, the baby itself, or the other man standing next to him. He stepped back, waving them in. "You have to tell Dad," Sirius said. He wasn't going to tell James, especially since Harry hadn't even told him about the baby in the first place, he'd just shown up. "Nice to meet you," Sirius said, nodding pleasantly at Viktor. Viktor... had to be the other parent. Wow. When Harry wanted to surprise them, he went all out. 

Harry toed off his shoes and took off his bags, having to shift the baby between his arms as he did so. Viktor, being the good other parent that he apparently was (and also possibly a good husband?), offered to help, but Harry just shook his head. He was able to do the maneuver with enough ease that it was obvious he'd done it before. After that, he walked to the living room, calling, "Dad?" 

James came down from the stairs, grinning widely. "Haz." He walked up to him and gave him a hug. It was only when he pulled back that he looked confused. "Is that a baby? Whose baby is that? Wait, is that yours? Since when do you have a baby?" 

"Since about three months ago," Harry said. It was obvious that he was nervous, but it was no surprise that James was too confused to notice. He glanced at Sirius, who shrugged helplessly, conveying that this was news to him as well. 

"We've gotten letters from you in that time," James said, looking back to their son. "You never mentioned this." 

"It all happened so fast." 

"Your eight to ten month pregnancy happened fast?" Sirius asked. "We're not- we're not judging you, Harry. You know we support you, but we would've appreciated being told about this sooner." 

"I'm afraid that is my fault," Viktor said. He was a soft spoken man, which Sirius kind of hadn't expected. Not because of his Quidditch fame, but because of his relationship with Harry. The people he'd dated in the past had fit right in at their house. "Because of my fame, my post is not secure. Harry was staying with me, so there was no way of safely sending a message." 

And it went without saying that Harry hadn't been able to leave, himself. "I understand that, but I'm afraid I still don't understand the months leading up to that where you couldn't tell us," Sirius said. Then, realising how severe that sounded, he shook his head and smiled. "Sorry. There's normal surprises, and then there's this. We're happy you're here." 

"Very happy," James added. "Do I get to hold my grandchild or is that reserved for another special occasion?" 

Harry rolled his eyes, but he was smiling. "I suppose." He passed over the baby carefully, and James cradled it in his arms, looking down fondly. 

"So what happened with cursebreaking?" Sirius asked. He walked over to James's side and peered at the little face that was at least fifty percent cheek. 

"Erm." Harry started to blush, and his eyes darted over to Viktor. "I- I wasn't actually a cursebreaker. I'd been exchanging letters with Viktor, and I moved there to meet him. I knew you wouldn't approve, so I didn't tell you." 

"Ah. And that would also be the reason you didn't tell us about the pregnancy when you found out, because then you'd have to admit to the rest of it," Sirius said. 

He nodded sheepishly. 

*

"We raised an absolute mess of a child," Sirius said, when the door was locked and they were getting ready for bed. "You know I love Harry, but... Merlin, he wasn't thinking at all, was he?" 

"Oh he was thinking alright, he just wasn't being very smart about it," James said. 

"I can't believe he went off to Bulgaria to meet a man he'd never exchanged a face-to-face conversation with. And to not even tell us about it? We were nervous enough when he said he was moving there for a job, but-" 

"He's in love," James said softly. 

Sirius turned to look at him incredulously, but he paused when he saw the look on James's face: soft, content, and completely free of judgement. 

"Us Potter's have always been rather stupid when it comes to love. I'm sure you can remember." 

"I do. I suppose I just hoped that Harry would gain some of my trepidation." 

"As far as he's concerned, you've never hesitated a day in your life." 

"I guess that's true. He probably thinks I'm as hotheaded as he is." 

"You are," James said with a smirk. "Just not in love. Or at least, you didn't used to be." 

"I've got no need to be reserved anymore, do I? I have you." 

"And you're stuck with me," James said. 

"Stop distracting me from my point." 

"You have a point?" 

"I- I guess not," Sirius said with a grimace, sitting heavily on the bed. "After all, there's nothing we can do about it. It's all in the past. Harry already went to Bulgaria to meet him. He already fell in love and had a baby-- and she's a cute little thing, isn't she?"

"Absolutely adorable." 

Sirius nodded, then sighed. "There's no use getting upset about it, especially when it worked out. You can tell that Viktor loves him too. I just wish he'd have told us about all of this. We're not that bad, are we? I've always wanted him to be able to trust us with the details of his life, but he... doesn't." 

"He tells us most things," James said, putting a hand on his shoulder. 

"Does he? How would we know?" 

Seeing that his husband was truly upset, he moved to hug him from behind. "If it bothers you this much, you'll have to talk to him about it. He knows that it was a big secret; he'll be willing to talk to you." 

Sirius opened his mouth to respond, then closed it again. 

"What?" 

"Nothing." 

"Clearly it's not nothing," James said. 

He sighed, leaning back into James's touch. "I know that it's not right, but every time I have problems with Harry, I feel like he doesn't think of me as his father." 

James didn't say anything because he knew that Sirius wasn't done yet. 

"Like maybe," Sirius continued, "if I were Lily, he'd talk to me more." 

"As the one blood related to him, you know that's not true. He doesn't talk to me anymore than he talks to you. And he wouldn't have told Lily, if she were here. He wanted to keep it to himself, and there's nothing we could do to change his mind." 

"...I guess." 

"No offense, but you know I'm right." James turned his head and pressed a kiss to Sirius's cheek. "You just don't like feeling helpless, and so much of raising Harry was feeling helpless. It's still like that, even though he moved out and grew up." 

"He doesn't look grown up," Sirius muttered. 

"I know. I swear, all day today, I kept looking at him and feeling like he was fifteen. I kept wanting to ask him whose baby he stole and why he was with someone so much older than him." James chuckled, kissing Sirius again. "I'm not happy about him lying to us about being a cursebreaker either, and we can talk to him about that more tomorrow-- or maybe the day after-- but I think we should just... get to know Viktor better. He's part of this family, now." 

"You're right. I know you're right. I just wish he'd told us." Sirius took a deep breath in, released it slowly, then turned his head to smile at James. "I love you. And I love Harry, no matter how much his decisions annoy me at times." 

James laughed. "I love you, and our slightly annoying son, too. Don't forget, we've got a new baby to familiarize ourselves with." 

"Mm, babies. So warm and cuddly." 

"As long as they're not yours," James joked. 

"Harry was pretty warm and cuddly when he was that young." 

"True, but I don't miss the screaming." 

Sirius made a face and glanced at their door. "D'you think we should put a silencing spell up?" 

"Up to you." 

He thought about it, then said, "Nah. I wouldn't feel right about it." 

James hummed, like that was the answer he'd expected, and kissed him. "Let's get to sleep. I'm sure we'll need it." 

[csykora]

[A candid photo of Igor kissing his very grumpy toddler’s forehead goodnight]

The Greens could feel they were getting older, and Coach’s rookies just stayed the same. Two had joined CSKA that year. One of them was another Sergei, who we’ll call Seryozha. He had grown up skating eagerly every day, just outside their training camp in the city of Arkhangel. He thought Igor “was one of the smartest people I've talked to on this earth," and is pretty sure his idol didn’t know he existed. (Having read Igor’s book, I can now confirm). The other was Sasha, and had been born on the other side of the world, in Siberia, before he was taken early for CSKA’s system. 

Sasha did not like any of this any better than the Greens had before him. Picking up the tension between the team’s leaders and Coach Tikhonov, Sasha had no problem talking back when Tikhonov turned on him. After his first season, the same trick that had made Igor an officer was used on him, making him a real Russian soldier who could be shot for treason. Igor hadn’t fought it, but the whole team heard Sasha yelling down in Tikhonov’s office.

Quiet settled for a while when Sasha was privately promised a better position to soften the blow--the top right wing, at Igor's side. 30 was creeping up on Sergei. He, Igor, and Vova privately celebrated and mourned the upcoming '88 Olympics as the last time they might play together on the world stage before Sergei's clock ran out. Pretty soon Tikhonov would be ready to retire him, just like Kharlamov.

But there were still signs that replacing Sergei wouldn't be easy, on either side. One day in practice, Sasha was injured and the team doctor told him to just watch from the stands that night. Igor saw him leaving the locker room just as Coach came in. Coach demanded that he get his sweater on immediately. Sasha repeated what the doctor said, and Tikhonov repeated what he had said, but louder.

“‘I thought I had explained it clearly enough,’’” Igor remembers little Sasha saying. “‘I will not play. That is all!’” And he walked away. Igor had to cough and cover laughter as Coach stood speechless.

“Only his wife and his dog like [Tikhonov],” Sasha once said. “And I don’t understand how they do.”

In December of ‘87, Igor thought that with a little help, maybe he could score another point on Tikhonov. He reached out to the author of that article about the hockey program that he had read to the point of memorizing two years before. Their conversation turned into an interview. He admitted he wasn’t ready to share the deepest details, but even scratching the surface of the Soviet image was enough to attract attention. Igor decided he liked to think of himself as a bit of an author. All the papers were calling for more quotes, until Lena got fed up and unplugged their phone.

At practice after it was published, Coach Tikhonov screamed, “‘Comrades, I always thought that I was working with hockey players. But here, do you understand, it has become clear I was not right. Among us are writers! Larionov, for example, is a Boris Pasternak!’

I think we could safely say he was not pleased.”

Two months later, the national team headed to Calgary for the Olympics. Before the Games the senior players had asked as always--if we win, wouldn’t it be possible to train less this summer, to rest, to see our families during the coming year? Coach Tikhonov said they’d talk about it if they got him gold.

Journalists invited Igor to a press conference. They forgot a Russian translator, though, so when they asked the first question and he understood it, he decided not to bother pretending he didn’t speak English. They asked how his new literary career was looking (and whether he’d had any flare-ups of that tonsillitis). He told them what he thought was the truth, colder than it had been when he was 20.

“I do not hope for some kind of large and speedy change for the better….But, I am not losing hope. We shall see what we shall see.”

They still had the rest of the Olympics to play. Between periods in the first round, Coach Tikhonov took Sasha out to the hallway and began to lay into him for mistakes he may or may not have made yet. Sasha told him no again, so Coach Tikhonov punched him in the gut. 

Slava was the only one who saw, but he told the others. If thinking the team didn’t need him had snapped some key piece of Igor’s heart, the winter of ‘87 and ‘88 broke Vova’s massive one. They had won gold, again--and Vova had heard Tikhonov say that he wished he could coach the Canadians instead. Vova had swept more scoring titles, been named the best winger in the world, again--and Tikhonov had given a public speech about how Vova was proof that he, Viktor Tikhonov, and his physical training methods could make anyone a star. Igor was furious for his friend, and Vova was realizing nothing they did would ever be enough for Coach Tikhonov to stop hurting them. 

They had nothing to do at Arkhangel, after eight years of doing the same nothing. One night in the spring Vova and Igor climbed out their bedroom window and hiked through the woods to a bar in the city. They sat beside a Canadian journalist and gave a short interview, Igor translating for them both.  

By the summer of ‘88, Slava was done, too. He wanted permission to play in the NHL during the regular season, and he told everyone so. Officials told him no problem. And then they got out the red tape. 

“You would not wish it on an enemy. Especially not on Slava, who is my friend. It was painful to look at him, irritated, disappointed by the word that had been given to him, grown tired from going from office to office, lost.” 

When he complained, the Party told him if he wasn’t happy in Arkhangel he could always play in a Siberian labor camp instead.

But Igor was also busy, or trying to be, at home. He and Lena had their first baby, a daughter, Alyonka. Like her father, she was frighteningly small. If officials had thought becoming a husband and father would scare Igor into shutting up, like it had Lyosha, they were super wrong. The boredom, indignity, and constant inconvenience of Soviet life was bitterer now that he had to see it happening to someone else. When his daughter was sick, he couldn’t go home to hold her. When she was hungry, he might spend his whole day off wandering around the city, waiting in different lines to be told that there was nothing worth waiting for left. During parts of the season he could visit their apartment in Moscow in the afternoons, but couldn’t help cook or eat with Lena or stay to clean up and put Alyonka to bed. 

Just like Tretiak had, he asked Tikhonov for time off next August--no days off, just nights, to be able to stay for dinner and drive back for training. 

No.

“In August it was a life and death necessity for me to spend the night at the base? Well, the World Championship was not far off. Only eight months!”

Igor thought about it. He told the Greens that he was thinking about publishing another article. They were excited to read it, asking what this one would be about. He still wasn’t quite ready to say it, but he wanted them to know the moment was coming, so he just made them promise to read it.

Then he quit. In September he handed Tikhonov a letter explaining that he would play his last season with CSKA. They could let him go to the NHL during the regular season, or home to Khimik, or wherever he was wanted, as long as it wasn’t here. He went to the newspaper that promised him it could print fastest, and published it.

In his resignation letter, addressed to Tikhonov and now to the whole Soviet Union, he told everyone about the schedule (it was shocking, he said, that he and Lena managed to have a baby, when Tikhonov didn’t let him sleep beside his own wife); about how Tikhonov had made that schedule more important than Kharlamov, then Tretiak, and now Igor too; about Tikhonov punching Sasha; about the steroid injections he’d kept secret for Tikhonov for six years.

Those last two pieces were the wedge that any officials looking to shift the system needed. The papers published more pieces arguing one way and the other, which only made sure everyone heard about it. Fans and former players, now officers, stopped to pat Igor’s shoulder. Igor was informed that the legendary Tarasov, in his country retirement, had quite liked it.

Coach Tikhonov didn’t like Igor’s poetic inclinations any better this time. He was getting calls from all kinds of important people, and they weren’t going well. For the first time in years he was quiet, speechless. And then it became clear that was his response: he wouldn’t acknowledge Igor’s existence. He couldn’t take him off the roster now, but he could pretend he wasn’t there. No criticism in practice, no direction, nothing. 

That was the difference between them, Igor wrote, both of their fatal flaw: Igor wanted to talk to everyone in the whole world, and Tikhonov had never learned how to talk to people.

The veteran players on CSKA’s second line found quiet moments to come up to Igor, and let him know they were on his side. Slava, still fighting for his own right to leave the team, came to Igor as soon as he’d read it, and took his hand. He told him Igor had done the right thing. Sergei and Vova embraced him and agreed.

Lyosha wasn’t sure it was right to share what had been said in the room, or to undercut Coach, who had kept him when he was at his lowest, and he was afraid of being sent to Siberia. 

He told Igor, “You and I are not going the same path.” 

And they did.

CSKA went on the road in October. In Sergei’s hometown Chelyabinsk fans hung over the rails and heckled Tikhonov, asking if he’d come to steal more children. His brothers Nikolai and Yuri were an institution in the city, and locals had consoled themselves over losing out on the full set by imagining that Sergei was doing well for himself and making a name for their city. Tikhonov turned away from the ice to try to shout at a fan like he did his players, and was swamped. Igor burst out laughing. 

The next game, Tikhonov told the assistant coaches to tell Igor that Tikhonov still wasn’t talking to him but he could take a shift now, or whatever, not that Tikhonov cared. Igor caught the puck and carried it along the boards, expecting Sergei and Vova to chase him. Instead he hit a patch of bad ice, and then two of the other team landed on top of him on the way down. His right foot went the wrong way.

Now Tikhonov had a cast iron-excuse. Igor went home, and held his daughter, and waited and worried to hear what would happen if he didn’t heal in time for the next national team tournament--the Super Series, which would be the last warm-up before the ‘88 Olympics. It was out of his control, and he couldn’t bear that.

Igor has an explanation for what he did next that I’m sure felt sensible at the time. We, now, can gently set that aside. Igor had all the symptoms of a serious eating disorder, so for three weeks, he only drank water and honey.

Because, and I just can’t stress this enough, Igor, your bones heal in their own time anyway, he was back on the ice a month or so after that. Once again able to skate himself sick with CSKA’s reserve team, he started eating fruit and the occasional vegetable again. 

The team doctor, who I guess had been hired on the basis of being able to say, “All good, Coach!” over an injured player faster than anybody else, cleared him to play. (Like a stopped clock, Igor maintains that the doctor--who Igor had seen point a concussed Vova in the general direction of the goal, roll players over the boards, and offered Igor mystery drugs--got it right this one time. Again, gently, we can question Igor’s medical fucking expertise here.) 

It didn’t matter anyway. Tikhonov stood with arms crossed the whole time watching Igor skate, and said he was out of condition. He sent him home.

Igor was helpless again. His family wouldn’t get the pay from wins with CSKA, and now they were missing tournaments. Those could earn him $300, five months ordinary pay. He could train as much as he wanted alone--it wasn’t the same as playing with the Greens, and anyway now Tikhonov could always have a handy excuse to say he wasn’t back to his old self. All he had were his friends, who seemed sympathetic, but still hadn’t done anything.

Winter was coming on by now. He drove from Moscow to the training camp and walked across the grounds in the first drifting snow. Everything was quiet, cold, and clear, and he might as well have been twenty again, but this time he wouldn’t cross through the barracks door. Sergei, Vova, and Slava saw and came running down to meet him in the snow. They were glad to see him, worried for him, but they knew that Tikhonov was having his way.

I drove home along the Leningrad highway. I felt like shouting. ‘Where are your friends in a time of trouble? WHERE??? Can I expect sympathy from you, and nothing more?’...

Only my wife understood my despair.”

Main

Next>>

[my-wonderland-imagination]

Mother Russia's Ice Tiger

Chapter One: Soft Kitty

Yurio's POV:

I glared at the mirror that held my reflection, I had to wear a suit again, only this time I wasn’t allowed to wear my tiger-print tie this time, Lila demanded I look cute and innocent for sponsors for next year’s Figure Skating Training and Contest. I honestly couldn't care less, I just wanted to be fierce... I bet Beka didn’t have to deal with this bullshit with his coach.

Sending one final glare at the mirror, I grabbed my phone and key pass then kicked the room door open, slamming it closed behind me to show off my anger to everyone around me,

“Damn kitten, what's got you in a mood?” Speak of the devil, his voice was deep and his accent thickened on my nickname, causing a shiver to go down my spine, I could've meowed then and there, melting at his voice.

“Lila said I couldn't wear my tiger-print tie and got the old hag to hide it from me, putting it in the one place I couldn't reach.” I scowled and glared at the floor, puckering my lips into a sulky pout. I felt his fingers gently stroke the top of my head as he chuckled at my misfortune, I snapped my head up to turn my icy glare on him, only to freeze in place with my breath hitching in my throat. Fuck me, he looked fucking sexy. Fucking Tiger sexy. His hair was loosely styled back, he was wearing a black suit with a bow tie neatly placed at his neck, his jacket undone and one of his hands resting casually in his left side trouser pocket. His face was soft with a slight smile as he gazed down at me, his beautifully dark eyes, held mischief and pride, encasing me in them, swallowing me whole.

“You okay there kitten? You’ve gone bright red, you aren't coming down with something are you?” His voice held a slight smirk as his lips twitched at me, snapping me out of my trance.

“Sh-sh-shut up. I wasn't staring or anything, you just look weird with that soft smile on your face, that's all.” I tried to regain my cool composure but it was hard, it was like my heart was trying to explode out my chest and into his hands. I felt my face grow hotter as I dropped my gaze back to the floor, hiding behind my messy locks.

He just chuckled and threw his arm over my shoulder, steering me towards the elevator,

“Come on kitten, we have to go. I even asked Lila if I could take you on the bike, she said yes as long as you wear your helmet and don’t cause any trouble. I think she feels bad about taking away your tiger print.” I pouted at him as he pulled me through the hotel lobby, and outside to his bike.

He threw the helmet to me but I didn’t make any move to put it on, my pout growing and my eyes starting to water. Beka turned to see if I was ready only to freeze at my face,

“Yura? What’s wrong? Are you okay?” He panicked and pulled me to him, holding me to his chest tightly,

“Yura, why are you crying? Do you not feel well? Should I call Lila and Yakov and tell them you’re unwell and can’t go to the banquet? I can if you want.” That just made me cry even more, I was truly grateful for the man holding me, my best friend, he did everything he could to make me happy, he was my life and I was terrified he’d leave me one day. My Beka, my one and only friend, my everything. I couldn’t tell him that I loved him, I couldn’t burden him with me like that, and he truly didn’t deserve it.

“Yura, tell me what’s wrong, tell me how to fix it, please.” His voice was soft in my ear as he held me closer, his fingers gently running themselves through my hair. Without even looking at him, I knew his face would be soft and kind, that special little look in his eyes that he reserved just for me, a frown covering his lips as he tried to get me to talk, I felt like I was special to be the only person to get a reaction like this out of him, to get him to break his hard shell into a giant, loving teddy bear... He truly was a teddy bear, a softie for me and me only, but one day, I wouldn’t be special anymore, he’d get a girlfriend, a wife and she’d be the one to get all these reactions out of him, I’d be left abandoned and forgotten, I’d never see that soft smile anymore, I wouldn’t be able to get that teasing smirk that never failed to colour my cheeks pink. And I was scared of the day I’d lose him.

“Beka?” I whispered timidly against his chest,

“Yes Yura? What’s wrong, my kitten?” His voice was a soft whisper in my hair, making my body melt into his almost instantly,

“Promise me you’ll never forget me, please.” I was scared to look up to see his face, just in case he would laugh at my stupid request. I felt his chest vibrate under my cheek, his laughter soft and warm,

“Oh my little kitten, how could I ever forget you? You have the most beautiful eyes, the unforgettable eyes of a soldier, and your hairs soft, silky, like liquid gold. Your unique personality, with that adorable, kitten like face of yours. And when you smile, damn Yura, you put me in such a trance that I can barely breathe without thinking, ‘Fuck I want to see that smile more. I want to protect that smile, it’s so rare and so valuable.’ You’re special to me Yura, I can’t ever forget you, even if you told me to, okay?” Gripping onto him tighter, I let out a strangled laugh through my tears,

“Beka, you old sap. You’re so gross with all that mushy shit.” He laughed along with me before carefully pulling away, wiping my eyes with his thumbs.

“Now, now kitten, you aren’t crying, are you? The Great Ice Tiger of Russia never cries, he never shows weakness, nor does he ever back down. That’s what makes me look up to you... even if you are shorter than me.” That bastard just had to bring my height into this, didn’t he? But strangely, I didn’t mind the teasing when it was him, I liked being smaller than Beka, it meant I could cuddle him more and I could use him as a human shield for when Viktor or Katsudon tried to hug me. And he really was a brilliant human bed, he always let me make forts with him, making sure they were small enough to fit more than three of me, where he would hold me until I fell asleep. I don’t know what I would be without him.

“Come on, Yura. Let’s get going, or we’re going to miss the banquet. And I’m sure it’ll be just as fun this year as it was last year.” He chuckled with the memories from what I told him and the photos that Hamster-boy showed him. Let’s just hope there’s no more embarrassing dance battles this year, I don’t think I ever want Beka to witness me dancing when it’s not on ice... Or away from his arms... SHUT UP YURA! YOU CAN’T BE THINKING LIKE THAT! BEKA DOESN’T CARE FOR YOU IN THAT WAY, HE’S YOUR BEST FRIEND. THAT ‘S ALL! But god do I wish he was more than that, is this normal in friendships? Liking them so much that you fall in love? Is this what Katsudon and Hamster-boy went through? I don’t know, ARRRRGGGGHHHH!

“Yura, is everything alright? Why are you screaming? I know you hate everyone but surely it can’t be that bad, can it?” Beka looked at me in concern, cutting off my thoughts and my apparent screaming. Well shit, I thought I was screaming in my head, not out loud. That’s embarrassing.

“Sorry, just... Thinking too much that’s all, can we go now? Please?” I asked and jumped on his bike, gripping the leather seat hard.

“We can, once your helmets on. I don’t want anything to happen to you, okay?” Beka laughed softly and fastened the helmet on my head, making sure the strap fit perfectly before getting on and starting the bike up, making me jolt forwards to cling to his waist. It was the only time people didn’t judge me for holding onto him like he was my lifeline, my only lifeline.

The ride to the hall that held the banquet this year was short but that didn’t stop me from cherishing it just as much. Even when we stopped and were helmetless, I didn’t let go of him, I only tightened my grip on him and hid my face against his back.

“Hey, Yura. Don’t worry okay? I’ll be right by your side the whole night, and if you start to really hate it, we’ll bunk out and go back to the hotel. I think it’s been a while since we made a fort, don’t you agree?” Beka said, his hands gently unwrapping my arms from his waist. We still didn’t move to go in, I just sat there, staring at the ground. I felt him sigh rather than heard him before I was back in his arms in a tight grip.

“Don’t worry Yura, I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise.” His promise only made me feel smaller than I actually was, making me feel like the weak, vulnerable kitten that everyone viewed me as.

“Come on Ice Tiger, let’s show these sponsors what the proud nation of Russia has to offer, yeah?” His light teasing made me smile, I really was lucky to be the only one to witness this side of him. I watched as his soft, teasing smile turn to an emotionless mask, yet the amusement in his eyes never left, it stayed there. I loved that his eyes were so expressive, they always told me what he was thinking, what he was feeling, and I felt like I was the only person who was able to read them. He even told me that I was the only person who could read him, and he was glad I could.

Taking a deep breath, I got off the bike and gripped his hand in my own. Nodding my head, we started walking into the hall, slowly letting go of each other as we got closer to everyone else. No matter what happens tonight, I’m just glad I could have Beka beside me this year, my best friend, my only friend... My everything.

[sukorage]

Not Alone - Chapter 1-

I do not own Youjo Senki or any of the LN.

Chapter 1

Unified Year 1924

'Everything is going according to plan!' Thought a small girl no older than 10 years old.

'All that's left to do is to use signaling theory to show my human resources value and it's off to the elite track!' Smiling while going to her seat at the front.

"I'm telling you Captain Uger! You don't need to worry about me I am capable and responsible enough to take care of myself."

Tanya looked to the entrance where Captain Maximilian Johann von Uger was having a conversation with a boy inches taller than herself. She guessed she shouldn't be suprised the Empire was a militaristic nation there was bound to be recruits that are the same age as she is but what she didn't expect is to see one of those young recruits in the War College.

Captain Uger put his hands on his hips and sighed "I know that, I just can't believe that you're here as young as you are." Captain Uger said clearly distressed.

"And why not? I even have the paperwork and the letter belonging from command that I am to be transferred to continue my studies in the War College." the unnamed boy said irritated, then he took a deep breath, "Look we'll talk more about this later let's just go to our seats."

Tanya was confused, what is his relationship with Captain Uger to speak to him so informally like that. The boy had black hair standing at a height of 5'1 inches with a standard officer uniform with patches that give evidence that he is a 1st Lieutenant in the Imperial Army with computation orb that looks exactly like the standard computation orb but instead of the orb being crimson it was colored a dull gray, It looked as if it was somewhat incomplete.

Tanya's eyes widened,'A new model perhaps?' she couldn't believe he got permission to develop another one. She subconsciously stared at the unnamed boy thinking that she was doing a great job not to get noticed, little did she know that the boy in question noticed the stare and gave no reaction to it.

She then after a few seconds averted her eyes and sat straight up eagerly waiting for the class to start and everything after that was a blur.

"Haah…." a boy in a standard 1st Lieutenant uniform sighed.

His name was Viktor Aurick Uger, like Tanya he was also what the upper brass called a 'prodigy', he graduated early from the OCS and was sent to be a test subject for a sister project for the Elinium T-95. Dr. Adelheid von Schugel had asked for him because the normal computation orbs was very incompatible and hard to control for his formulas which always baffled others, he could do the basic things but it felt like the damn things were sucking him dry.

They had thought that the prototype orb can fix the problem but alas the T-95 still has the same results even after it being much more advanced. The higher ups since then had halted his tests on the orb other than for Tanya because for some odd reason she was the only one capable of using it without it blowing up, but he wasn't going to complain, the scientist had a few loose screws in his head. It was only an accident that he had come across this orb or as the doctor put it a 'failed' project.

It wasn't even suppose to work according to him since it lacked the essentials, It baffled the doctor that he was able to even use it at all and had tried to get him to stay for more research but the request for transfer was already accepted and since they couldn't explain why the said failed orb worked so well with him, and he couldn't use other orbs without him getting tired, and for a lack of a better alternative, they had given him the orb on the pretense that it was getting a field test.

He was currently lounging around in the Military Academy Library sitting on a chair next to the tables provided inside, ever since he was given the go ahead to leave the testing grounds and go and study in the War College, his days has become too monotonous in his opinion.

"Hnngh!….. Hnnngh!" The sound of someone struggling enters his ears.

"Hm?" He looks around until he spots a girl no older than he is and saw what she was doing or at least trying to do.

After watching her struggling for a minute he sighed and got up and borrowed a stepping block to try and give her a hand.

"It seems like you need a little help."

"Huh?" Her eyebrows furrowed with disapproval.

Viktor sighed once again.

"You don't need to give me that look, Here." He gently places the stepping block next to the bookcase.

The girl kept her eyes narrowed at him and gave a huff.

"Thanks..."

"Ah, so you can talk." He scoffed.

"Are you trying to pick a fight?"

"No no! my apologies, My Names Viktor Aurick Uger, A First Lieutenant Mage in the Imperial Army."

She raised a brow "Very well, my name is Tanya Degurechaff , A First Lieutenant just like you." Without skipping a beat she used the stepping block to better reach the book she was earlier trying to reach. "We seem to be almost the same age but I do not recall you being in the OCS."

He gave a half-smile " Ha ha...ha, Well you see I graduated early and was sent to a lab to test out a prototype orb under the Chief Engineer." he blanched when he recalled the excited voice of Dr. Schugel, as much as the project gave him an edge to use in the battlefield, The old man was strange to say the least.

"The prototype orb being the Elinium T-95?"

"Yes that is correct, In fact I was chosen to test it before you came along, I'm glad you made it out that crazy doctor's lab in one piece."

Her whole face lit up "Right! That crazy scientist almost blew me up several times!" Finally someone other than her knew of the crazy the empire's Chief Engineer has regarding his inventions! "Wait, how did you get away from him then? they denied my transfer several times!"

Viktor was surprised by her change in attitude and answered quickly, " Well about that, my uncle pulled some strings after I had informed him of the impossibility of what the scientist was asking of me, it also helped that you were there to take my place." His voice becoming a whisper at the end of the sentence.

"What!?" She screamed surprising everyone present in the library. 'Damn it! I wish I had the same connections as he did, It would have saved me from a lot of trouble.' she thought as she bit her lip in frustration.

He grimaced, "Yeah, I got really lucky." he explained slightly remembering the scientist blabbering something about God while doing so.

"Anyway enou-" He was about to say before being interrupted.

"Ah, First Lieutenant Viktor, what a surprise."

Viktor looked behind him and saw Vice Director Zettour

He was surprised but still promptly saluted "General!"

Tanya was also momentarily surprised and saluted.

"I-I'm sorry General my name's Tanya Degurechaff a first lieutenant mage in the Imperial Army." Tanya nervously said.

"At ease both of you."

Both 10 year old gave a sigh of relief.

Zettour chuckled " I did not think you both would be having a rendezvous in this isolated part of the library, what would your uncle say Viktor."

Tanya had a bitter look on her face while Viktor face flushed red.

"What?! N-no sir you've got it all wrong I was jus-" Viktor tried to explain while Tanya just opted to just stay quiet in the sidelines with her head lowered, one could see her eye twitching if they stared long enough but she opted to hide it since it would be a bad first introduction to the general.

"Don't worry I'm just joking, I've known about Viktor since he was first put into OCS, but you however Tanya in particular has been quite busy I hear." He then smiled, "If both of you aren't in a hurry could you both come with me?"

"Yes sir! with pleasure!" Saluted Viktor with a little less enthusiasm than he would have liked and with Tanya saluting with the still bitter look on her face.

"What could he possibly want with us?"

Viktor mused as he followed Brigadier General Hans Von Zettour silently. He then looked to his right, walking alongside him was Tanya, despite the situation earlier she was now inexplicably smiling while following their superior.

'What the hell is up with this girl?' he thought, A little bit creeped out by the smile she was now wearing, though that thought was interrupted when the stopped walking.

"We've arrived, Come in." Zettour invited both Tanya and Viktor as he opened the door.

As both Viktor and Tanya entered they took note of the room. It was spacious, it had bookshelves filled with books on each side of the room and had a desk with chairs at both sides with the window directly behind it providing sufficient lighting inside. 'A perfect place to have a conversation you wouldn't want anyone else to overhear' Viktor thought.

Zettour then proceeded to walk behind the desk to look outside the window, Looking outside he saw citizens drinking at the local pub like it would be their last, they were obviously in high spirits, be it because of the current situation of the war or whatsoever.

Zettour hummed, then proceeded to speak "Be seated, Both of you."

"Yes sir! excuse us." Viktor and Tanya both spoke with the latter being more enthusiastic.

Viktor proceeded to take a seat with Tanya taking the vacant chair to his left, he gave her a sideways glance but the girl paid him no mind. A moment passed, the atmosphere suddenly became a little uneasy.

It was then that Zettour lay the first stone. "What are your thoughts on the war?" Zettour suddenly asked.

In the army, superiors appreciates those who will discuss in complete detail and report in often, So it's better to ask if you don't know what they're talking about for better clarification.

This applies to what the was asking of them, the question was too broad to even think of an answer immediately. There would be too many factors that one would have to think about. Viktor was about to speak his mind but the girl beside him beat him to the punch.

With determined eyes Tanya spoke. "With all due respect , your question is too broad." she opined.

Viktor's eyes widened by a small amount for a mere second but then relaxed and a smile danced on his lips. 'Let's see how this plays out.' he mused. He did not want to cut in if he doesn't need to. He was certain this was just how the General , tests the waters as one could assume, He leaned back into his chair and watched the two continue.

Zettour released a breath, He then turned to take a seat opposite from the two in front of him.

"Yes, you are right. Let me ask this in another way. What kind of form do you think this war will take?"

"Sir, I think this is beyond our pay grade to even comment on."

It was true, She would need to abstain from saying anything past her power. Like how the Personnel Department shouldn't remark on operational issues, the Operations Department shouldn't meddle with the undertakings of staff matters. Anyway, the point is to know one's own limits on authority. He looked to the with narrowed eyes 'What's your game, Old Man?' he thought.

Zettour looked at the girl. "It's fine. You may speak freely." he stated resting his hands now crossed on the desk.

"As you wish then." Tanya relented.

Viktor let out a quiet chuckle, it would be rude for her to continue refusing to answer. Humans have two ears and one mouth, which meant that if someone was willing to listen, you just need to use one mouth. Even though it was possible to communicate by stating the minimum amount of words, communication was impossible without first opening your mouth.

"I would like to think that this war could develop into something akin to a Great War." Tanya answered.

This seemed to have caught Zettour's interest. "A Great War you say?" He spoke waiting eagerly for Tanya to continue her prediction.

Viktor could see where she was going with this, by common sense, he could see how this would develop into a world war. As the immense countries battle each other for power, and every one of the nations would need to go hard and fast.

Tanya then proceeded to explain on how this would happen, starting from how the other great nations would start lending a hand, Be it volunteers or equipment under the guise of nice mediators. Even if the Empire would have a crushing victory over the Republic it would not be long before a joint interference from other nations will become inevitable.

"If that was the case, we should follow history and try to make early talks with the surrounding nations, if still possible. But the top most priority should be minimizing the empire's losses." Tanya finished with a satisfied smile.

"So in other words, you wouldn't try to win? your words might make others suspect your reason to fight." Zettour stated with a slightly disapproving tone.

A moment passed and Viktor could only hold his amusement. The girl's facial expression immediately changed, gone was the satisfied smile and in place the girl beside him was wide-eyed and had beads of sweat trailing down the side of her face. This brought a smirk to his face. 'She dug her own grave.' Viktor thought. 'How will you reason your way out of this, I wonder.'

"I-It might seem like that, on the off chance that you take the statement as it is. In any case, it doesn't mean we don't look for triumph in the war." she assured him.

"Do continue." urged Zettour.

Tanya continued to suggest that a combination of defensive infantry tactics with the mages operating with offensive strategies in order to tire out the enemy resources. When Viktor heard her idea he was amazed, He couldn't refute that it was a good idea. But with it there are some problems.

Viktor thought it was now a good time to join in the conversation. "You forgot one thing though, even if we did get approval from the operations department. Mages like us aren't exactly in abundance." Viktor opined. "And we aren't exactly the type of units fit to hold ground, if you haven't noticed." he proceeds to put his fingers on his chin as if he was deep in thought.

Tanya looked at the boy beside her and gave a rather intense glare, to which Viktor was unfazed."Unless..." He closed his eyes and after a pause his eyes widened. "Do you plan to use the mages to thin out the enemy soldiers, for our men in the ground to have an easier time in the battle?" inquired Viktor. 'But it still doesn't resolve the problem of where we can get the extra mages, The north and west front are strained enough as it is.'

"Yes, that is exactly right." She kept her glare, she wanted so hard for this wanna be to shut the hell up right now, but kept her cool as she didn't want to leave a bad impression on the General.

Zettour paused seemingly contemplating the idea and after a few seconds spoke. "I'll look into it, you go on ahead and file a formal request. I have some business to talk to about with First Lieutenant Viktor."

"Yes sir!" Tanya then promptly stood up and saluted, then proceeded to head out of the room giving a sideways glance at Viktor and Zettour. As soon as the door closed Viktor spoke his mind. "You're not seriously thinking about going through with this plan, are you sir?"

"Why not? It sounds like a brilliant plan"

"The north and west probably don't have any mages they can spare, as for the east... well I don't think their mages are up to par since they rarely don't get the combat experience as the east is really quiet right now." Viktor trailed off. The east has no ongoing conflicts right now, so the troops stationed there would not have the experience that the troops have in the north or in the west.

"While you do make good points I ask that you leave that to me and the general staff, let's talk about something else." Zettour leaned into his chair and crossed his arms. "What do you think of her?"

"Her?" Viktor knew what the General was referring to but opted to ask just in case, It was an out of the blue question after all.

"Tanya Von Degurechaff."

Viktor seemed to contemplate on the question that was asked of him for a couple of moments, but in all honestly he couldn't really give an opinion on what he thought about her.

"Sir, I don't believe you'll hear anything different from what the others has already told you." he told the old General, both children haven't got time to reacquaint themselves. Their first meeting was just earlier in the library after all.

"Don't you share the same lectures?" asked Zettour, "I would have thought both of you would have been friends by now."

Viktor cringed at that, just because they were the same age doesn't mean they'll get along. And from how she acts she might as well be someone as old as his uncle."She is rather.." said Viktor trying to think of a word, "unapproachable."

Zettour chuckled at this.

"Nevertheless, do your best to be in good terms with 1st Lieutenant Degurechaff, It might be beneficial for the both of you from now on. Dismissed." After giving some parting advice, Zettour dismissed the young 1st Lieutenant, he could see the look of confusion on the boy's face but nevertheless he saluted the general and excused himself out of the room.

After the door closes, Zettour turned his chair and leaned into it while proceeding to light up a cigar and looking outside the window.

"Beneficial indeed."

[plotbunny-hutch]

Hermione Granger and the Firebird 3/?

Part 1 here.

Part 2 here. 

After all the screaming (Mrs. Weasley) and the crying (also Mrs. Weasley) are done, Hermione lays out a map of Britain on the meeting room table. They plot out where previous Horcruxes were found, and on a spare sheet of parchment she jots down which founders are left to go. Then she roughly marks out the directions in which the Hunt is pulling her. 

After a lot of shouting with the grownups and the boys, she takes the Bulgarians and Sirius, in dog form, to find the next Horcrux. When Dumbledore tries to insist on Harry coming along she goes “Oh shit there’s a prophecy??? Fuck no don’t tell it to me, have you read nothing by Rada Karkaroff, minimizing contamination is STEP ONE in limiting a prophecy’s power.” 

So off the hunt goes to find a Horcrux. 

But first Kreacher panics and tries to kill Hermione. If he had kept his cool, house elf magic would have shielded the true locket even from a Huntswitch. But after years of being slowly warped by the locket, it’s a miracle Kreacher can still speak English; his impulse control is basically down to nil. Unfortunately for Kreacher and Hermione both, her reflexes have been honed by three months on the run from Death Eaters and she is still carrying an extremely sharp sword. 

With that fine Dumbledorean instinct for confrontation and teenage psychology, Dumbledore decides that now is the time to put a foot down. Hermione has grown troublingly independent, has dedicated herself at a shockingly young age to a path that she, as a teenager, obviously cannot understand, and she is growing easier and more facile with violence as a problem-solving method. She’s clearly not worthy of the Sword of Gryffindor, and because Dumbledore is a Wise Adult Who Knows Best, he’s going to take it from her. To nobody’s surprise, This Goes Poorly. 

The Golden Trio, united in indignation, go full rebel and take off on the spot, Bulgarians in tow. Sirius in dog form is assigned to track them down and haul them back, but ends up sucks into the Hunt as Hermione’s loyal Hound. 

Oh, for those keeping score: Hermione five, Horcruxes two. 

As they hunt, Hermione struggles with Dumbledore’s accusation, really deeply struggles with it. She doesn’t think of herself as a violent person, but who does? And she does carry a sword around everywhere she goes, and people keep putting her in positions where she has to maim or kill them with that sword in order to survive. At the end of the day, she’s still a schoolkid with nightmares who trusts in teachers and authority figures to define her. She ends up talking at length with Harry about Grownups and their foibles. 

“Hermione, if I believed what the Dursleys said about me, I’d probably still be living in a cupboard. I think when people who have power over you are talking, what they say doesn’t have to do with truth so much as control.” 

The Bulgarians are appalled that Harry grew up in a cupboard. Ron is appalled that Hermione is so chummy with the Bulgarians, and boys are generally confusing and exasperating. 

Having fully broken from authority, the kids make the rational and balanced decision to rob Gringotts. There’s a brief and vicious argument about whether it would be better for the foreign nationals or the fugitive Hogwarts students to break into Gringotts, violate the most recent goblin treaty, and plunge the wizarding world into yet another war. Finally, they all decide to risk death and the Kiss together. Ron strategizes them in using a much better plan than “polyjuice into a witch who’s been broken out of magical prison” and Hermione gets them all out by riding a dragon. Because of course she does. This is a girl who sets fire to teachers and looks for a basilisk using a compact mirror and wears a giant sword on her back. Of course she gets them out by riding a dragon. 

Killing the cup is more complicated, because there are more people to tempt and because each Horcrux adopts and twists some of the nature of the original artifact. The diary got Ginny to trust it with her secrets. The diadem promised Hermione wit beyond measure. The locket pulled on Kreacher’s obedience, on Dumbledore’s need to be in control. The cup twists loyalties, setting the Bulgarians against each other and tangling Ron and Viktor in a vicious struggle for Hermione’s attention. Harry and Hermione are made to feel alone, isolated, like freaks. 

In the end, Harry takes the sword up and kills the cup. Hermione recognizes the resonance coming off him–like Neville, the sword could have chosen him. At length, she decides not to tell him, feeling small and selfish but knowing that the sword is hers and will accept no other, so it’s useless and hurtful to dangle it in front of Harry like that. She has a long heart to heart with Viktor about it, which finally provokes Ron to a breaking point. He shouts that he’s in love with her and storms off, leaving her to work off her rage in a sparring session. 

And then he comes back and apologizes. “I would be a terrible boyfriend. But I don’t think I can stop liking you right away. So. I’m going to work on being less awful to you, if that’s okay, and we’ll all work on the not dying thing together, and if I’m lucky, we’ll still be friends at the end of this, right?” 

“Right.” 

For those keeping score at home, we are now Hermione: six, Horcruxes: one. 

TO BE CONTINUED

[briapia95]

Yuuri had never considered himself a guy who liked going to the gym. It was a necessary evil he needed to go through three days a week, but to say he enjoyed it, as he enjoyed sneaking into the rink lake at night to skates figures over and over again, would be a false claim.

Yuuri always preferred the privacy of the rink, where everyone had to focus on their own stuff, where no one would be paying any attention to him besides his coach. He did everything and anything to shorten the amount of time he had to spent there. Either by taking long runs in the city, signing up into pole dance lessons, or anything that would prove to be beneficial for enhancing his stamina.

Yes, Yuuri didn’t enjoyed going to the gym at all, it has been a constant in his life for so long that he doubted it would ever change.

Xxx

Is was the second week after he moved to Saint Petersburg when Viktor finally asked the question he was dreading the most.

“Yuuri~ do you want to join me at the gym?” Viktor sing-sang as he closed his sport bag and hung it on his shoulder.

To be honest Yuuri didn’t want to go with Viktor, but they had been apart for their respective nationals, also, he really had missed training alongside him. With their current schedules, there was almost no time left for Viktor to join him on his off-ice training.

“Okay,” Yuuri replied, “Let me just change into something else.”

“Do you need any help with that?” Viktor asked, the change of his tone didn’t go unnoticed to Yuuri.

“Now, Vitya, if we do that we won’t ever leave the house,” at Viktor’s pout Yuuri laughed softly. He gave his fiancé a small peck on the lips before walking quickly towards their room, leaving a blushing Viktor behind him.

Xxx

They had been at the gym for only an hour or so, but for Yuuri it felt as of time had stopped entirely the moment Viktor decided to start with weight training.

Yuuri had just started to run on the treadmill when his fiancé placed himself right in front of him and started with his work out.

First it was arms strength, “If I want to lift you as much as I want for our exhibitions I have to gain a lot more of upper body strength,” Viktor had told him with a wink.

Everytime the other man flexed his arms, showing his defined and strong muscles, Yuuri’s breath catched.

He felt his body temperature rise as Viktor lifted the weights, panting as he finally manage to lift them over his head.

He had no idea what was the purpose of the exercise Viktor was doing, but Yuuri would never get tired of looking at him. Specially if Viktor was showing off his gorgeous body like that.

After several sets it was finally time for legs. And, oh, how Yuuri enjoyed looking at Viktor.

His legs were so strong and muscular, now as Viktor kept pushing the weights out of his body Yuuri was assaulted with the need of testing how strong those legs could be. Would Viktor be able to lift him up as easily as he did with the weights?

Yuuri was so distracted looking at Viktor that he didn’t realized he had stopped running, with the treadmill still working it was a matter of one second until he was painfully sprawled on his stomach on the floor.

“Yuuri! Are you okay?” Viktor immediately asked, voice full of concern.

Yuuri only groaned, he felt soft hands on his back, clearly Viktor trying to assess if he had hit somewhere when he fell.

“Yeah, don’t worry,” he panted, face flushed with both exertion and embarrassment, “I just forgot to put the safety stop string on my shirt.”

“Oh my god, sweetheart, were you really that distracted?” Viktor said, this time softly and clearly smiling.

Yuuri turned around, he sat on the floor and glared at Viktor. “You were the one distracting me with your muscles.”

That last sentence made Viktor laugh, prompting Yuuri to glare him even harder.

“Would a kiss make it better?” Viktor asked as he leant on Yuuri once his laughter subside.

“Make it ten and we are good,” Yuuri muttered.

Viktor quickly kissed his cheek and then stood up, leaving Yuuri wanting more. “I’ll give you the rest back at home, I think we’re good for today.”

Yuuri stood up too, hurrying to the locker rooms, glad that the torture of the gym was now over.

Just as he was entering the room, Viktor came from behind and whispered on his ear, “We’ll still be coming back twice a week though, so be prepare.”

He then passed next to him, going straight to the showers, Yuuri once again frozen on his spot.

“Of course,” he shouted back, “I can always shower you on kisses every time we come back home after a successful training regime.”

He stood a few more seconds on the spot. He the laughed softly and started walking towards his locker, his smile never leaving his face.

Of course, Yuuri thought, if there was someone who would manage to change his mind about gyms it would be Viktor.

For @yoitrainingweek, day 2: cardio and resistance training.

<— Previous

Next —>

[winglesscrows]

Christmas in Japan was not celebrated like most other countries celebrated the festive holiday. The green and red decorations were mostly adopted from other countries, because it looked nice, and the same went for Christmas trees, mistletoes and everything else that screamed a western Christmas holiday. But the holiday was still celebrated throughout the country, mainly as a time for lovers to spend time and care for each other among the beautiful lights and cherry atmosphere.

Of course for Yuuri, despite being happily married, because he had spent roughly his last ten birthdays competing at the Japanese National Championship, he had never quite taken part in those particular celebrations. And tonight, despite it being Christmas Eve, he was still in a hotel room, his gold medal more or less forgotten, as he was complaining about yet another celebration he didn’t quite have time for.

“How is it that we managed to get married before we celebrated your birthday together?” Yuuri sighed, the list of skaters invited to the gala taking place on Christmas Day in his hand.

“Nationals are a bitch,” Viktor said as a matter-of-fact. He was currently not with Yuuri on the bed, but sitting by their high-rise window, looking down on all the lights illuminating the night from beneath them.

“And we’re still stuck in a hotel, I have to skate tomorrow and probably do a whole lot of media things, and you don’t even seem to care,” Yuuri continued. How many times had he not dreamt of being able to spend the entirety of Viktor’s birthday together, with no interruptions or responsibilities? But as long as Yuuri was competing, it seemed impossible.

“I do care,” Viktor retorted lightly, “But I’ve never celebrated my birthday on my actual birthday before, so I don’t mind waiting a day or two.”

“Nationals are a bitch,” Yuuri repeated and sat up on the bed to look at Viktor properly, “But don’t you want to do something tomorrow? I’m sure we can find time.” It might not be the perfect birthday celebration Yuuri dreamt of, but they would get there eventually. The least Yuuri could do was make sure that he celebrated and spoiled Viktor as much as time would allow him.

“Then,” Viktor sang, and turned around to look at Yuuri with a glimmer in his eyes, “Let’s go to the Christmas market.”

“For your birthday? I thought you’d want something more… intimate?” Yuuri questioned, but Viktor continued to smile gayly, clearly having something in mind.

“Don’t you want to celebrate Christmas in Japan, though?” Viktor continued excitingly, “The lights, the food, the romantic atmosphere...” He trailed off as he no doubt imagined his perfect date in Japan and Yuuri could only shake his head in defeat.

“You’re such a hopeless romantic,” he said as Viktor moved from the window and crawled onto his lap.

“It’d be perfect though,” he purred and let Yuuri kiss him before he could give into his request.

“So despite neither of us actually celebrating Christmas, you find that more exciting than your actual birthday, which we’ll be spending together for the first time?”

“No one said we couldn’t combine the two,” Viktor smiled as the clock struck midnight, and he gained another kiss from Yuuri.

“Happy Birthday, Viktor.”

[noxwithoutstars]

1. Where are you on the aromantic spectrum?

Loveless aro(ace)

2. What are some other labels you have tried out?

Orchidromantic, Indiromantic, Meroromantic, aro-spike, aro-jump, aro-flex… then I landed at loveless and haven’t looked back but we’ll see

3. How long have you identified as aro-spec?

2-ish years I think

4. How old were you when you first heard the term?

12

5. Are you sam or non-sam?

Non-sam!

6. Do you wear a white ring?

Well, I have to get a new one because the silicone one started to get really dirty a lot and it hasn’t arrived yet, so yes kind of.

7. Are you out?

To most people, yes.

8. What are some aro headcanons you have?

Viktor from Arcane (and lots of my ocs are arospec!)

9. Are you romance favorable, indifferent, adverse, or repulsed?

Romance-oscillating between indifferent, averse, and repulsed. I’m usually in between averse and repulsed.

10. Are you in a qpr? Do you want one?

No. I don’t desire a qpr, but if there’s someone (or someones, as a polyam-spec entity), I wouldn’t be opposed to one.

11. Are you in a romantic relationship? Do you want one?

no and no!

12. Tag at least one aro-spec blogger on tumblr to help grow connections

@mogai-sunflowers

13. Do you know any facts about aro history?

I only really know that the label itself is fairly new and some other basic history stuff :/

14. What piece of media that you like has a canon aro-spec character?

Radio Silence by Alice Oseman and Dread Nation/Deathless Divide (Katherine Deveraux!!!) by Justina Ireland

15. What’s your ideal friendship?

One where we can talk to each other about things and aren’t afraid to share stuff about our personal lives. Friends who’ll stick up for me when I get misgendered and who I can complain to about amatonormativity. Friends who will listen to me rant about my current obsessions (I’ll reciprocate) and will have an serious, informed conversation about science, politics, etc. Cuddling is appreciated, as well.

16. Did you have a good discount chocolate day? (the day after Valentine’s Day)

Yea! I got a bunch of free candy from my friends

17. What are some issues you have faced from being aro-spec? (if you’re comfortable answering)

Amatonormativity and people being like, “I’m so sorry, it must suck so much not being able to feel love”

18. What are some positive experiences you have had from being aro-spec?

Finding fellow aro (and ace) specs to share my experiences with. And being able to have friends who appreciate me being aro

Arospec Awareness Week Ask

Where are you on the aromantic spectrum?

What are some other labels you have tried out?

How long have you identified as aro-spec?

How old were you when you first heard the term?

Are you sam or non-sam?

Do you wear a white ring?

Are you out?

What are some aro headcanons you have?

Are you romance favorable, indifferent, adverse, or repulsed?

Are you in a qpr? Do you want one?

Are you in a romantic relationship? Do you want one?

Tag at least one aro-spec blogger on tumblr to help grow connections

Do you know any facts about aro history?

What piece of media that you like has a canon aro-spec character?

What’s your ideal friendship?

Did you have a good discount chocolate day? (the day after Valentine’s Day)

What are some issues you have faced from being aro-spec? (if you’re comfortable answering)

What are some positive experiences you have had from being aro-spec?

[newsworthy56]

ATTEMPTS TO OVERTURN BIDEN… AND WHAT’S AT STAKE

spiritsoulbody.org

On Sep 25, 2021, at 12:07 AM, Heather Cox Richardson from Letters from an American <heathercoxrichardson@substack.com> wrote:

On Monday, we learned that after last year’s election, John Eastman, a well-connected lawyer advising former president Donald Trump, outlined a six-point plan to overturn the outcome of the election and install Trump as America’s leader. They planned to cut the voters’ actual choice, Democrat Joe Biden, out of power: as Trump advisor Steve Bannon put it, they planned to “kill the Biden presidency in the crib.” This appears to have been the plan that Trump and his loyalists tried to execute on January 6.

That is, we now have written proof of an attempt to destroy our democracy and replace it with an autocracy.

This was not some crazy plot of some obscure dude in a shack in the mountains; this was a plan of the president of the United States of America, and it came perilously close to succeeding. The president of the United States tried to overturn the results of an election—the centerpiece of our democracy—and install himself into power illegitimately.

If this is not a hair-on-fire, screaming emergency, what is?

And yet, Republican lawmakers, with the notable exceptions of Representatives Liz Cheney (R-WY) and Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), have largely remained silent about the fact that the head of their party tried to destroy our democracy.

The best spin on their silence is that in refusing to defend the former president while also keeping quiet enough that they do not antagonize the voters in his base, they are choosing their own power over the protection of our country.

The other option is that the leaders of the Republican Party have embraced authoritarianism, and their once-grand party—the party of Abraham Lincoln, the party that saved the United States in the 1860s, the party that removed racial enslavement from our fundamental law—has become an existential threat to our nation.

Democracy requires at least two healthy parties capable of running a government in order to provide oversight for those currently in control of the government and to channel opposition into peaceful attempts to change the country’s path rather than into revolution. But Republicans appear to believe that any Democratic government is illegitimate, insisting that Democrats’ calls for business regulation, a basic social safety net, and infrastructure investment are “socialism” that will destroy the country.

With Democrats in charge of the federal government, Republicans are cementing their power in the states to support a future coup like the one Eastman described. Using “audits” of the 2020 elections, notably in Arizona but now also in Pennsylvania and Texas, Trump loyalists have convinced their supporters to distrust elections, softening the ground to overturn them in the future. According to a new poll by NORC at the University of Chicago, 26% of Americans now believe that “[t]he 2020 election was stolen from Donald Trump and Joe Biden is an illegitimate president,” and 8% believe that "[u]se of force is justified to restore Donald Trump to the presidency."

Arguing that they have to stop the voter fraud they have falsely claimed threw the election to Biden, Republican lawmakers in 18 states have passed more than 30 laws to cut down Democratic voting and cement their own rule. Trump supporters have threatened election workers, prompting them to quit, and have harassed school board members and local officials, driving them from office.

Although attorneys general are charged with nonpartisan enforcement of the law, we learned earlier this month that in September 2020, 32 staff members of Republican attorneys general met in Atlanta, where they participated in “war games” to figure out what to do should Trump not be reelected. The summit was organized by the Rule of Law Defense Fund, the fundraising arm of the Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA), which sent out robocalls on January 5 urging recipients to march to the Capitol the following day “to stop the steal.” In May, RAGA elevated the man responsible for those robocalls to the position of executive director, prompting others to leave.

In states where Republicans have rigged election mechanics, party members need to worry about primary challengers from the right, rather than Democratic opponents. So they are purging from the party all but Trump loyalists, especially as the former president is backing challengers against those who voted in favor of his impeachment in the House in January 2021. Last week, one of those people, Representative Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH), announced he was retiring, in part because of right-wing threats against his family.

Trump loyalists are openly embracing the language of authoritarianism. In Texas, Abbott is now facing a primary challenger who today tweeted: “Texans deserve a strong and robust leader committed to fighting with them against the radical Left. They deserve a leader like Brazil has in Jair Bolsonaro…..” Bolsonaro, a right-wing leader whose approval rating in late August was 23%, is threatening to stay in power in Brazil against the wishes of its people. He claims that the country’s elections are fraudulent and that “[e]ither we’ll have clean elections, or we won’t have elections.”

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) today used language fascists have used in the past to stoke hatred of their political opponents, tweeting that “ALL House Democrats are evil and will kill unborn babies all the way up to birth and then celebrate.” Yesterday, the leader of Turning Points U.S.A., Charlie Kirk, brought the movement’s white nationalism into the open when he told a YouTube audience that Democrats were backing “an invasion of the country” to bring in “voters that they want and that they like” and to work toward “diminishing and decreasing white demographics in America.” He called for listeners to “[d]eputize a citizen force, put them on the border, give them handcuffs, get it done.”

Today, we learned that the 2022 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) will be held in Budapest, Hungary, where leader Viktor Orbán, whom Fox News Channel personality Tucker Carlson has openly admired, is dismantling democracy and eroding civil rights. When former vice president Mike Pence spoke in Budapest earlier this week at a forum denouncing immigration and urging traditional social values, he told the audience he hoped that the U.S. Supreme Court would soon outlaw abortion thanks to the three justices Trump put on the court.

Establishment Republicans who are now out of power are not on board the Trump train. They are quietly backing anti-Trumpers like Representative Cheney. Former House speakers John Boehner and Paul Ryan, former Florida governor Jeb Bush—who was widely expected to win the Republican nomination in 2016, only to be shut out of it by Trump—and former president George W. Bush's former adviser Karl Rove have all donated money to Cheney to help her stave off a challenge from a Trump loyalist in the 2022 election. Next month, former president Bush himself will hold a fundraiser for Cheney in Texas.

Other establishment Republicans currently in power might be staying quiet about the party’s slide toward authoritarianism because they are simply hoping that the Trump fire will burn itself out. The former president is no longer commanding the crowds he once did, and his increasing legal woes as well as the investigation into the insurrection will almost certainly take up his time and energy. The mounting coronavirus deaths among his unvaccinated supporters also stand to weaken support for his faction.

But the fact that Republican lawmakers have ignored the Eastman memo, which outlines the destruction of our democracy, suggests that the party, which organized in the 1850s to protect the nation against those who would destroy it, has come full circle.

—

Notes:

https://bbj.hu/politics/foreign-affairs/world/budapest-to-host-cpac-in-2022

https://www.kptv.com/former-president-george-w-bush-to-hold-fundraiser-next-month-for-liz-cheney/article_8ba92a10-7103-5ee0-94ef-4bd813437e28.html

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/09/24/arizona-audit-just-destroyed-big-gop-lie-more-ways-than-one/

https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2021/05/04/more-staff-flee-gop-attorneys-general-group-after-it-doubles-down-on-insurrection/

https://bbj.hu/politics/foreign-affairs/world/budapest-to-host-cpac-in-2022

https://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/wireStory/pence-hopeful-supreme-court-restrict-abortion-us-80185222

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/republican-ags-group-sent-robocalls-urging-march-capitol-n1253581

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/16/us/politics/anthony-gonzalez-ohio-trump.html

https://kansasreflector.com/2021/09/08/kansas-ag-aides-attended-war-games-summit-where-group-planned-to-combat-biden-win/

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-08-17/more-than-half-of-brazilians-disapprove-of-bolsonaro-poll-shows

https://www.mediamatters.org/charlie-kirk/charlie-kirk-deputize-citizen-force-put-them-border-order-protect-white-demographics

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/07/23/brazil-bolsonaro/

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[omgkatsudonplease]

Letter - Mother Mother/victuuri for the ficlet prompt!!

i like this song omg! so cute 💖 have something related to the colours soulmate au that @witchfell and i came up with a while back!

Dear Soulmate,

My name is Viktor Nikiforov, and I am six years old. Your colours are blue in my head. I wonder if you are a baby. My teacher Miss Irina hepled me with my spelling. I wish you were older so we can play together. Do you like ice skating? I like ice skating. We can ice skate together when you get older!

Love,Viktor (age 6, Russia)

Dear Soulmate,

I wonder what colour I am in your head. You are such a beautiful blue in mine, pulsing gently with all of your emotions. We have to meet in order to start hearing each other’s thoughts, so I can’t wait for us to meet so that we can talk secretly through our thoughts too. There’s so many things I’d like to tell you that I can’t tell my parents or Yakov. I would tell my dog, but he can’t talk back like you could. I bet you would like my dog. He is a puppy named Makkachin. I got him for my ninth birthday after I won a skating competition! It wasn’t much, just a regional competition. I want to be good enough for Nationals soon, though!

Love,Viktor (age 9, Russia)

Dear Soulmate,

Are you skating, too? I can feel you flying in my head somehow. Maybe you are doing something else, but it’s the same feeling I get out on the ice, so I hope it’s because you’re learning how to skate. I was getting a bit scared to have a soulmate who didn’t skate, or who hated skating. I mean, I would still love you even if you hated everything about the ice, but it’s a lot easier this way! I’m preparing for the Junior Grand Prix now. I wanna win gold in the Junior Grand Prix and then move up to Seniors next year and eventually become the world’s best skater. It would be amazing if we could skate on the same ice together, so I hope you work hard at it, too!

I know in my previous letters I don’t talk about much else. But then again I guess there isn’t that much in my life besides skating and my dog Makkachin. My family is nice I guess but my parents are never home, so I spend all the time at the rink with Yakov anyway. My rinkmates are friendly but I can tell they think I’m weird because I’m so focused on becoming the best figure skater. I wish I had you to talk to. You never respond to these, but then I don’t expect you to. 

I wonder where you are, my soulmate, and what you do, and what your family’s like, and if you like dogs. I want to know everything about you. All of your likes and dislikes, all of your hopes and fears. I guess we’re supposed to love each other already, but I don’t know if you will. I’m kinda weird. But maybe you’re a little weird, too. I’d like that, if we were a little weird together.

I tend to ramble these days, so I think I’ll shut up now. 

Love,Viktor (age 12, Russia)

P.S. My coach and my ballet teacher are soulmates too. And they’re married. I wouldn’t expect you to want to marry me, though! But it’s a thought!

P.P.S. Please say you like dogs! 

Dear Soulmate,

Every day that we aren’t apart is like another shard of ice in my heart. It hurts me how far away we seem to be, and how we haven’t met yet. So many of my classmates and rinkmates talk about how they’ve met their soulmates already, so where are you? I know you’re out there – I can see the blue. I know you haven’t died, because apparently if your soulmate dies the colours fade to like, blank static. It’s like this painful buzz in your head until the universe decides to give you a new soulmate (or not, I wouldn’t know). At least that’s what Anatoly told me. He was teasing me for not having met my soulmate yet but I told him you are just shy.

Maybe you don’t even live in Russia. Would you want to visit Russia? I hope you do, and I hope you like the cold, because Russia is nothing but cold. I live in Saint Petersburg, so it’s not as bad as other parts, like Siberia. You might like it – there are gulls, and the sea, and canals, and so many good restaurants. I wonder where you live, if it’s not Russia. I hope you like it where you are, because I’d love to visit you. If only I knew who and where you are, though! I’d tear this entire world apart trying to find you, and claw through hell to be with you. (I don’t know if you need claws in hell though. It might be too hot.)

I’m preparing for the Senior Grand Prix now, and I’m so nervous, but sometimes you comfort me with your own emotions and I’m glad for that. I want you to see me, wherever you are, and know that I’m skating for you, always.

Love,Viktor (age 15, Russia)

Dear Soulmate,

I guess it’s just force of habit at this point to pen these words to you and wonder if you’ll ever do the same. It’s been a couple of years since I last did this, but I hope you’re doing all right. I do a distance learning course at my university and train for the next season. I’m not consistently winning in Seniors just yet but I think if I keep surprising the audience I’ll keep them on their toes! Every season is a rebirth for me, so I’ll have to think about new ideas very soon.

Makkachin is so much bigger now, of course, and he wants to meet you, too. But not as much as I want to meet you. I feel like I’m lagging already, not having met you yet, and people think it’s so weird that I haven’t. I wonder if we’ll click instantly. If we’ll know immediately who we are to each other.

I’ll keep this short, as I need to get back to the ice. But I want you to know you’re always in my thoughts, and not just through the colours. 

Can’t wait to meet you,Viktor (age 19, Russia)

Dear Soulmate,

I’ve cut my hair.

It feels like a new lease on life, honestly. A new change in who I am. Out with the old, in with the new. 

And we still haven’t met. 

I’m getting so old already. I’ve already cut my hair to look distinguished in my dotage, so come on and visit me already. Do you know who I am, I wonder? Maybe you already knew that we’re soulmates, in which case it’s not fair because I want to know who you are.

Ah, at this point I just wish we could just get this over with. I guess you know the ice is a demanding mistress. Everyone gets a little nervous before their routines, after all. But I sometimes get some bursts of worry from you, and then I start worrying, and everything’s a big ball of nerves until I can calm us down. I don’t know how to better comfort you, though. You seem to be more nervous about things than I am. 

I wish I knew what you were thinking.

From,Viktor (age 22 now, in case you were wondering)

Dear Soulmate,

Ever since I started regularly winning gold, I’ve been feeling like… I’ve worked this hard to get here, to the top of the skating world… and what next? What else is left for me?

I guess I have it easy now that I’m a regular champion, that I’m just staring down from the summit at everyone else struggling to climb up in the ranks, but it’s just so lonely up here without a challenger. I think you’re still skating, right? Where are you now? Are you as alone as I am?

If you are, why haven’t you come see me yet? Surely you must want our connection to be solidified as much as the next person. Though I guess it’s not good to assume that – my coach and my ballet instructor are considering serving divorce papers. I hate those days when they make it seem as if love is unattainable from anyone else in the world beside one’s dog.

I wish you could stay by my side and never leave.

From,Viktor (25)

Dear Yuuri,

I’ve found you at last. Though I don’t know if you know that yet.

I love you already, so much more than my poor body could possibly bear. But I wonder if you feel the same. 

The world seems to burst forward all the more brightly and clearly now. Usually in the movies it’s an instant click when soulmates’ eyes lock, and then the thoughts are there, but … you were so drunk at that banquet that I don’t think we actually clicked at all.

But I know it’s you, because every time I blink I can see the blues of your thoughts splashing across my mind until they’re bleeding into the world all around and, well. I never really appreciated just how blue the sky could become until I met you. 

Please tell me you know already,Viktor

[girlhelpimcoping]

Happy Birthday Yuuri!

ihadtohurryandpostitinlikeafewminutessorry-

reached_ultramarine (@amberultramarine on Tumblr)

General Audiences

Read it on AO3

“Yuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuri…” “Ngh…a few more minutes…hours…” “Yuuri! Come on…” “Viten’ka, what is it…” “Happy Birthday, моя любовь!” “Huh? Oh… its today?” “Uh-huh! Yuri had his grandfather make some katsudon pirozhki and brought it here a few minutes ago!” “Awww, really? How sweet of him!” Yuuri said as he blearily looked up to Viktor, rubbing at his eyes and yawning softly. “I should probably get up then, huh…” Viktor pulled Yuuri up and hugged him, encaging Yuuri with his arms and legs, head resting on Yuuri’s. “Maybe a few more minutes…” Smiling softly, Yuuri let himself be cuddled with, leaning in to Viktor’s touch. For a little while the two kept a comfortable silence, just basking in each other’s presence, before Viktor whispered softly in Yuuri’s ear. “Do you want to know what your surprise birthday present is?” “You didn’t have to…” “It’s because I wanted to, моя звезда! Do you want to know?” “Sure…” “We’re going to Paris!” “When…?” “…the plane leaves in an hour or so…” “WHAT?! VITEN’KA WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME EARLIER? I STILL NEED TO GET DRESSED, AND—WHY HAVEN’T YOU CHANGED YET? VIKTOR, COME ON!” -=<+>=- Yuuri got them out of the house in nearly ten minutes and hurried to get them to the airport. Thankfully, the katsudon pirozhki was still fresh after they got to the airport, quickly scarfing it down before going through security. Being Russia’s Trophy, Viktor somehow managed to get them past security rather quickly, making it to their gate about five minutes early. Once they got settled into their seats in economy (“It’ll only be for a few hours, just endure a little Nikiforov!”), the flight attendants started coming around to show the typical plane safety procedures. The two of them looked out the window as the plane took off, gum in their mouths (“To prevent our ears from popping!” “Oh wow, you thought of everything…”). “Get some rest before we go sight-seeing, ok?” “Ok!” They held hands for the entire plane ride and if Yuuri had subtly covered a blanket around them and if Viktor had kissed Yuuri’s forehead, no one mentioned it. “…Thank you for flying with us at Aeroflot, please, enjoy your trip!” Before the two of them knew it, they were one of the last people on the plane, a flight attendant having to wake them up before telling them that they had landed. Rushing off, Viktor and Yuuri got through customs as quickly as possible, almost flying to baggage check before grabbing their bags, quickly leaving the airport section and making their way to the subway. “I have everything planned out, let’s go!” “Where are we going first?” “The Louvre!” -=<+>=- Exploring the Louvre’s many works of art was more tiring than Viktor thought. All those resting areas around the museum didn’t seem all that random to him anymore, having to take more breaks than he wanted to admit. Yuuri, however, was still going strong and taking many pictures. “Viten’ka, come on! We still have the rest of this floor to go through!” “Yuuri, how are you still going?!” “Stamina, remember? Besides, you’re the one who wanted to come here! Let’s go!” “Help me up?” Yuuri smirked at Viktor. “Getting too old to get up?” “Yuuuuuri!” Chuckling, Yuuri pulled Viktor up and gave him a peck of the cheek. “Wasn’t there more you had planned out?” “Ah, yes, to admire the most beautiful piece of art here: you!” “VIten’ka!” They took many pictures, though mainly of the more comical pieces of art throughout the Louvre, documenting every laugh and smile the two shared. Of course, it wasn’t like they weren’t recognized in the popular art museum. Some had asked for selfies and autographs, though many had just decided to take the quick picture of the adorable sight of the couple, posting it online and causing even more fans to ship them harder than ever.

[image of Viktor and Yuuri at the gift shop] 6852 likes 354 comments @skater4life1234: These two are just too adorable <3 <3 <3 #viktuuri #canon #figureskating #louvre #paris @stillaliveskating: That’s where they went! @phichit+chu was looking for them earlier I think? @phichit+chu: THOSE TWO ARE JU S T PRE CIO US @fujioshifanclub: WO AH LEO AND PHICHIT A RE A BO VE U S— @katsuki-don: >////< so embarrassed;;; @v-nikiforov: You’re the one who said to hurry up! Time to go~

After taking a selfie outside of the Louvre with the glass pyramid behind them, they stopped to rest a little bit, watching as birds flocked down every once and a while and as kids were running after the bubbles that were being sold. “Where are we going next?” “We’ll have to walk, but to the Arc de Triomphe!” The two started leisurely walking over to the famous monument, making sure to look around them and admire the sights in a comfortable silence. Yuuri looked over to Viktor, who was taking pictures of almost everything he saw. Yuuri still couldn’t believe it most of the time. Back then, Viktor had been a legendary skating god, who he really only first followed because of his puppy crush on Yuuko, but it had grown into so much more. He went into competitive figure skating mostly because of him, for heaven’s sake! He wasn’t all that special either, but he did pretty well in all the national competitions he went into. His first competition had almost been a nightmare, his outfit having been delivered separately from the designer and almost late. He would’ve gone insane if it had been too big or too small, but it was a perfect fit, to the relief of both him and Minako-sensei, who had been his stand-in coach until he went off to Detroit. Once he left, there were plenty of tears passed around, especially when he had to say goodbye to Vicchan at the airport, but he still couldn’t wait to get there. When he went to Detroit, he had been a bit intimidated. It was almost nothing like Hasetsu, the quiet-town of Kyushu. His English was still pretty elementary, and it was pretty awkward most of the time whenever he tried to go out. Until Phichit appeared. Celestino had brought him to the rink one day, as he was working on his free skate for that year. Of course, he was very excitable and eager to make friends, which was basically the complete opposite for what Yuuri did when he first got there. Exchanging numbers, the two decided to grab some lunch together to get to know each other. Being from two different Asian countries, the two bonded almost instantly, obsessing over their pets and raving about different weird American customs. Yuuri’s English started getting better and better, managing to test out of it during college miraculously. He was forced to the parties Phichit would go to, and it surprising wasn’t as bad as it was back when he first came to Detroit. Then Leo and Guang Hong joined the mix. During the off-season, the four would go out to actually explore what Detroit had to offer and once they even headed down to Atlanta for absolutely no reason whatsoever. When he learned he made it to the Grand Prix Final, the three had to calm him down and take him out to celebrate. He would finally get to skate on the same ice as Viktor, as equals. And then the Grand Prix Final happened, what a horror it was. His short program had been about the same as it usually was, not very surprising. But then… Vicchan had died. He wasn’t even there for him in his last moments of life. Then the overeating started, and he bombed his free skate, the one program he was so proud of. His heart was heavy as he forced himself to go through the interviews, his lackluster smile not reaching his eyes. Back then, when he had first met Viktor as equals, he thought that he was a fan. What a Viktor move, to not recognize his fellow competitor. Of course, now he knew better and it really was a misunderstanding but back then it had hurt. His whole goal of being there didn’t even come true, the one thing that could’ve happened. Once he got back to Detroit, Phichit had been there waiting for him at the airport, hugging him understandingly. He finished his degree after keeping low for the next few years and decided it was time to head home. The press had almost hounded him after he got back to Detroit but Phichit and Celestino had kept them away until they started losing interest. When he got back to Hasetsu, those posters had his heart skip a beat. He would’ve thought they would’ve taken it down already, having disappearing from figure skating after a disastrous fail. But, they were still there, from all that time ago when Minako-sensei had first shown him her surprise gift. Seeing Minako-sensei again in person was a breath of fresh air, his former ballet teacher and former stand-in coach ready to get him back on his feet once again. But he heard of Hasetsu’s decreasing popularity. Back when he first became well-known, more people would flock down and help the town’s economy, which was rather rough to begin with. But now? He hadn’t shown his face in the figure skating realm in years. It was all his fault, wasn’t it? His fault. His fault. He stiffened back then, and said he just wanted to head home, to the Yu-topia onsen, his childhood still remaining there. Maybe he could help out throughout the town and do some exhibition programs, to pay back Hasetsu for its support. When he saw his parents, he was hit with a wave of nostalgia. Hugging his mom, he briefly wondered when he had gotten so tall. And then… Hello Vicchan. It’s been a while. Mari had entered a little while later, asking about what he’ll do later as a career, smoking. When did she even start smoking? But of course, he was still brought back the ice rink, skating his version of Stammi Vicino for Yuuko, in the hopes of getting himself back into the thrill of skating again. Those triplets were always such a handful, Yuuri mused. But he can’t really be mad at them for this, since they brought Viktor to him. Viktor suddenly crashed into his life to become his coach, and Yuuri couldn’t have been more confused, or embarrassed since he stood there, completely naked. He didn’t think he could handle it, he didn’t want to hold back Viktor, but… Yurio showed up a while later too. Two Russian skating legends at his doorstep! How surprising. He proved himself worthy of Viktor’s tutelage, the two heading into the skating season after the Hot Springs On Ice event. He meets him where he is once he opens up. All their competitions had lead them up to this point, competing but also together. They were still engaged, Yuuri still needing to get that Grand Prix Final gold medal for them to get married, but the two looked at their rings almost like they were wedding rings. Glancing up at Viktor, Yuuri shook himself out of his musings. It looks like they arrived! -=<+>=- “And our last stop!” They arrived at the Eiffel Tower. Even though they couldn’t see it as well as they might’ve during the day, it was absolutely beautiful at night, with the soft snow falling down peacefully, giving it an alluring presence. “Let’s climb!” “Climb?” “You didn’t think I would let you off your training too much, did you? Come on! We’ve got to get to the second level of the Eiffel Tower!” Yuuri let himself be dragged, smiling fondly at Viktor’s happy attitude. He could have this forever, and he will.

[image of the two heading to the stairs of the Eiffel Tower] @katsuki-don: Thank you Viten’ka for the best birthday I’ve ever had. I hope there’ll be thousands more to come! #viktuuri #thankyou #love @v-nikiforov: Aww, of course мой жених. I’ll always be here xx <3

[livixbobbiex]

Quilt - December 1st

(It’s still the first somewhere in the world) 

Whistling lightly to himself, Viktor swiftly locked the door to his apartment, not wanting to let the cool air in. Moving on autopilot, perfected from years of living there, he shucked off his shoes, hung up his jacket, and dug his keys out of the pocket to place in their small bowl (which was nowadays more of a home for small miscellaneous items than just keys). With the usual call of ‘tadaima’, something he’d picked up during his time in Hasetsu and never ended up dropping, he expected Makkachin to come bounding up to him.

However, his dog was nowhere to be found. Similarly, Yuuri hadn’t responded as he usually would. He peered around the corner, to find his darling husband had dragged all the sheets out of the bedroom, and had nested in the middle of them like a burrito. Regardless of that, Viktor could practically hear the shivering. Poor Yuuri, he’d been in Russia for a few years now and he still hadn't climatised much. Viktor secretly found it adorable, and loved the excuse to wrap Yuuri up in his coats and scarfs.

“Did you have a good day, my love?” Viktor approached him from behind, and pressed a kiss to the top of Yuuri’s soft hair.

Yuuri’s teeth chattered. “N-not really. Cold.”

“Why didn’t you turn the heating up?” Viktor asked nonchalantly, stretching a bit before wandering over to turn it up himself, making the room more liveable.

“It’s all in Russian,” Yuuri whined, burrowing deeper under the blankets.

“ ты хорошо говоришь по-русски,” He responded. It was true, aside from getting the emphasis wrong on a few words, Viktor couldn’t be prouder of Yuuri. It wasn’t anywhere near as strong as his English, but he was sure Yuuri would be completely fluent in a year or two.

“Too cold,” Yuuri responded. “Too tired.”

“What time did you even fall asleep last night?” Viktor spoke as he finished adjusting the temperature, and hopped onto the sofa (not that there was much room with the blankets all over the place), narrowly avoiding Makkachin who was silently sleeping under all that warmth.

As soon as he sat down, Yuuri grabbed onto him and snuggled, pulling him in for the body heat. “Hmm,” he thought tiredly, “I don’t know.”

“You were snoring when I woke up,” Viktor teased, prodding Yuuri in the ribs (again, a task given the blanket fort).

Yuuri snuggled deeper into him, burrowing his head into Viktor’s neck. “Only because you wake up unnaturally early.”

“It looks like you took the bed with you today,” Viktor smiled. He relaxed with Yuuri snuggled into his side, shifting his arm so he could tangle his fingers in his incredibly soft hair. He could feel Yuuri smile too, finally completely comfortable it seemed. There was some lifestyle programme playing quietly on TV, but Viktor fixed his gaze on the floor to ceiling windows opposite the sofa, watching snow fall down in the darkness. He glanced back at Yuuri, glad and somewhat proud that his husband had stopped shivering. He loved when he was able to make Yuuri more comfortable and relaxed. Then, he noticed something.

“Is that the quilt Тётя Olga gave us as a wedding gift?”

“I was cold,” Yuuri repeated, sighing.

“Yuuri! It smells of cigarettes and regret,” Viktor wrinkled his nose, remembering distinctly when they found it amongst their mountain of wedding favours. The thank you card he’d written for that should be hailed as the perfect culmination of all the press skills he’d picked up during his career.

Yuuri only pulled it closer to his body. “I don’t mind. She’s your relative and she must have spent a lot of time knitting it.”

“It has Mr and Mrs Nikiforov stitched on it...” Viktor pouted.

“A sweet gesture…”

He scrunched up his nose. “She’s crazy. She used to force me to wear her awful dresses when I still had the long hair.”

“I know,” Yuuri smiled mischievously, “your Мама showed me photos.”

Viktor mock gasped. “I knew I shouldn’t have left you alone!”

Yuuri grinned properly then. “You were a very cute baby Vitya.”

“Remind me to get Kaasan to send yours over.”

Instead of continuing their light hearted conversation, Yuuri’s mood almost instantly dropped and he shuffled away from Viktor, disappearing back into the blankets. Having been with Yuuri for so many years, and married to him for a few months now, Viktor had learnt his tells. He hadn’t completely shrunk away, so Viktor figured it was safe to push him a little.

“What happened, my Yuuri?”

Yuuri sniffed quietly. “Now that I’m officially retired and there’s no grand prix or nationals to think about, I figured that maybe we could go back to Hasetsu for a while. I know Christmas isn’t a big deal in Japan, but you know New Years is, and I thought my parents would want us to come and visit, but they don’t.”

“Yuuri,” Viktor said gently after thinking for a moment, “are you sure you’re not just… uhm,” his mind went blank, “what’s the word… thinking something is bigger than it really is.”

“Exaggerating?” Yuuri supplied.

“Yes!” Viktor confirmed excitedly, before remembering the situation. “Sorry. Did they really say they didn’t want you there?”

“Not exactly,” Yuuri admitted defeatedly. “They said that the inn was really busy and that there wasn’t time.”

“Yuuri,” Viktor pushed dryly.

“I’m translating!” He attempted to defend. “Fine, she said something more like they already had some extra staff and were going to busy as it is, and ‘you and vicchan wouldn’t have much fun’. But that just sounds like an excuse and I know I haven’t really celebrated Christmas since I was in America with Phichit but it was unavoidable back then and-”

Viktor cut him off by re-entering his personal space, wrapping his arms around him. The swift action woke a now disgruntled Makkachin, who leapt out from the blankets, padding over to the actual dog bed in the corner.

“We can celebrate Christmas if you want to,” Viktor said sweetly.

Yuuri’s eyes widened. “Viktor no, that’s not what I meant! You don’t care about Western Christmas, and it’s your birthday, anyway.”

“So?” Viktor gripped him tighter. “You care about Christmas, so I care about Christmas. Makkachin’s probably too old to fly off anywhere anyway, and we’re not due anywhere out of the city. It’s great timing!”

Yuuri flushed. “Are you sure? It would be nice, but, you don’t have to…”

Viktor squeezed Yuuri even tighter, really cutting off his breathing by then. “I can picture it now. We’ll get a tree over there,” he pointed to the corner, “and some lights all around, and mistletoe on the ceiling.”

“I’d like that,” Yuuri finally settled again.

“My one condition,” Viktor couldn’t help himself from suggesting, “is we get you a little elf outfit. Also,” he wrinkled his nose again, “we lock this quilt away somewhere for good.”

“Hmm, deal,” Yuuri lazily took Viktor’s hand, before sitting straight up. “Wait, elf outfit?!”

Viktor decided he was most definitely a Christmas convert.

Translation: “you speak good Russian”  “Aunt”  “Mother” 

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