#Jesse Coste

[spellsword177]

Thoughts on Fence Challengers: Long Shot

At long last, it begins. Kings Row is headed to the State Championship Finals, Nicholas has the chance to show his growth as a fencer, and Seiji will help guide the team through its long fight to face off against Exton. Though I'm a bit behind in putting this together, a few things did stand out to me. 1. Starting with the smaller pieces, I look forward to learning more about the other competing schools. I like the introduction of girl characters and the parallels between Aiden and Adrienne. The subtle hints at Aiden's obsession over Harvard's love life and knowing Dafna's name was a nice touch. Bobby is cheerful as always and charmingly oblivious, but a little over the top with superstitions on the bus. I look forward to seeing their stories unfold 2. MacRobertson shows yet again why they are my second favorite team behind Kings Row. I'm sorry they will be the first team to face off against our boys, but it is promising to be a tricky match and not an easy win. Out of the few schools seen, they could prove to be some of Kings Row's strongest allies in later competitions. Marcus Washington in particular will be the most immediate threat and could be helpful especially for Seiji after MacRob is inevitably beaten. I suspect Lowther, MLC, and Halverton to be the next teams in that order. 3. It is unfortunate Eugene Labao will not be participating in the Finals. He is a determined fencer, and he will have several more opportunities to compete, but Nicholas has always been at the center of this series, and he has surpassed Eugene. The good news is he will still be part of the story as Kings Row battles its way to the top, and Aiden may once again leave an opening.

4. Seiji has come a long way from when he viewed Kings Row as beneath him. He clearly has a thing for Nicholas, but neither one will openly admit it. Win or lose the final match, I think he is finally finding his true place in the world. It will still be a long way to go before he faces off again against Jesse Coste.

5. Jesse Coste once again proves himself to be an arrogant prick who cares more about winning than actual friendship. I find it interesting how Robert Coste seems to have no idea about Jesse's fallout with Seiji. We've had a few hints about his personality in the books, but I'm curious to see who he is in the comics. I have little doubt Seiji and Jesse will face each other again on the piste. Time will tell how it all unfolds. 6. No one has come further than Nicholas Cox. He is not yet ready to face the best fencers, but he has proven to be a fast learner and is rapidly advancing. The name Nicholas Cox is starting to grace the lips of spectators. I look for him to have his rematch against Kyle Allen (his secret cousin) in future installments.

7. I was at first concerned about Nicholas leaving the news article with his note to his father, but it looks like it won't matter in the long run. His biggest secret will likely be revealed during the course of this story arc. It is the number one thing I most look forward to reading in future installments.

[ryerum]

[exton-mess]

With all the new Jesse scenes in not just the novels but now Challenger, I speculate that there is a lot of hidden facets of Jesse and a lot I speculate can tie in with his dad, Robert Coste.

In both the novels, we see scenes of their dynamic from Seiji's perspective, even if he doesn't glean a lot of the undertones of it. It was made clear by Mr. Katayama that how Robert spoke the boys after losing a slot away from gold was despicable, but Robert acted surprised with a "they won't improve if-" and thats all we hear of it.

However, I theorize that most of Jesse's obsession of being number one comes from his dad if this is how he usually reacts to him losing. This is referenced by Aidan who remarks on the possibility of Jesse ever NOT being number one, and in fact, he probably thinks about it most of the time. Based on little Jesse's somber act after Katayama drags Robert aside to really ream into him, it's not difficult to imagine that Jesse, who obviously loves and idolizes his dad, probably goes to great lengths to make sure scenes like this, where he is yelled at by Robert or that he's verbally torn into, never happen if he can help it.

In the new challenger comic, there are alot of scenes that visualize a good relationship between father and son, like fencing practice and fishing. But that doesn't mean that isnt a troubling dynamic to the two, and from this scene it seems Jesse even hides his fallout with Seiji from his dad and his expression just screams out that Jesse is a kid that puts on a lot of airs when it comes to his dad, and probably hides a lot from him too.

Personally, I would love to see the hidden facets of Jesse and just how harmful Robert's obsessive coaching is to Jesse in the long run, who was referenced to obsessively watch all of Jesse's training and matches, almost to a fault.

If I could go a little off center, it would actually be really cool to have an "Elemental" scene with Jesse. Specifically where he is like Ember, and the combo of Seiji and now his new scenes with secret half brother Nicholas, might start to rub at Jesse perfect image. To the point that, at one point he will just break in on himself with a simple yet powerful line:

"I think I'm failing."

Losing control of this ideal of being the perfect son and number one fencer. And because I'm a shipper at heart, I really hope its Eugene who hears it and witnesses the vulnerabilities behind Jesse's diamond hard composure, and maybe the first to not only see but realize, Robert Coste isn't the ideal anyone should try to live up to.

[thestarminstrel]

i think about them a lot

[broken-endings]

Seiji and Jesse

Based on everything in the first 6 volumes

My understanding of the relationship is childhood friends who got closer than what other people consider friend boundaries. Possibly dated others but were dumped when they chose each other over their date.

LOTS of skinship.

Seiji trying to drop hints without stating anything outright.

Jesse being downright oblivious but constantly reciprocating.

Might be each other's first kiss "for practice" but actually not practice.

SOME UNKNOWN EVENT broke Seiji's heart before his match against Jesse Seiji blames himself for being "stupid" and allowing feelings to affect his performance

Even though it takes place in America, I'm almost imagining Jesse having an arranged engagement because he's so rich. But Jesse tells Seiji that she means nothing to him and he can be with Seiji. But Seiji doesn't want that secret relationship that feels like cheating. In which regardless of Jesse's feelings, he doesn't love Seiji enough to reject the engagement forced upon him. I've read too much manga

Seiji is bothered also by the fact that UNKNOWN EVENT didn't affect Jesse's performance which felt like a nail in the coffin for their relationship. If Jesse felt the same way, he would have been off his game as well.

Jesse wants to clear things up after their match and salvage their relationship, but Seiji runs away, rejecting Jesse completely.

Seiji believes that if he can defeat Jesse on the piste he can also get rid of the feelings he still has for him.

Jesse hasn't given up on getting Seiji back. But Seiji also didn't make it clear why he shut Jesse out. He never let Jesse know that he's rejecting their relationship.

[bichobolitach]

Yes I still like Fence I just hadn’t had the time 😭💕

Boys at the gym for u

[theartistichuman]

It must be devastating for Seiji specifically to go from wanting one Coste to another. Can’t wait until he finds out and experiences the psychic damage of a thousand suns

[sunlitpynch]

back after my hiatus (recently saw a fence post and was like “i think….i miss my wife”)

i forgot how much fun it was to make these — i already have my next dump half done

[sometimeswritingsometimesdying]

call 911 there's been a gay on gay crime

[icantdrawrt]

I know Nicholas would never but I need him to be so messy about the “Robert is my dad” thing

Like Jesse has pissed him off one too many times and is walking away from an argument and Nicholas yells after him

“You think I’m not a threat? I want you to say 2 words to your dad. See how he reacts.”

Then he tells Jesse his mums name and storms off. Jesse’s super confused but tells his dad.

Robert goes pale. He demands Jesse make sure that boy never fences again. Chaos ensues.

[fencedits]

[comicake]

are they doing that I think they’re doing..👁️👁️

[ryerum]

[rockspider556]

Fence Headcanons :)

Nicholas Cox

Literally survives on spite and protein bars.

Always forgets to do laundry until he has one sock left and has to go rogue.

The first time Seiji complimented Nicholas’s form, Nicholas actually dropped his sword.

Cries at sports movies. Don’t ask him about Cool Runnings, it’s a sore subject.

Secretly really good at baking? Like, his muffins slap. It’s the only thing that calms him down before matches.

Is one step away from writing in his diary, “Dear Diary, Seiji said my lunge was ‘adequate.’ I’m in love.” He can’t handle compliments, and Seiji’s deadpan delivery makes it even worse.

Seiji Katayama

Has a secret Pinterest board titled “How to Be a Normal Person.”

Pretends he doesn’t know Niccholas’ schedule. Knows exactly when Nicholas eats lunch, does cardio, showers, breathes.

Thinks “small talk” is talking about fencing footwork at brunch.

Keeps accidentally complimenting Nicholas. “Your form is... improving.” (Translation: “You look really hot when you lunge and I hate how flustered that makes me.”)

Sleeps exactly 7 hours and 43 minutes every night. No more, no less.

Definitely has a Spotify playlist called “Fencing Focus” and it's just classical music and anime OPs.

Harvard once caught Seiji watching a slo-mo video of Nick fencing. When asked why, Seiji said, “Tactical review.” Sure, Jan.

Harvard Lee

Can and will carry 7 grocery bags in one trip to prove a point.

Keeps trying to play wingman for Nicholas and Seiji and doesn’t even realize he’s in a rom-com subplot himself.

Binge-watches reality TV with Aiden and insists it's “cultural research.”

Brings snacks to practice. Everyone likes Harvard. He probably brings homemade trail mix.

Literally the only person Jesse can’t successfully intimidate. Jesse tried once—Harvard just offered him trail mix.

Aiden Kane

Sleeps in until 3 PM and still looks flawless.

Gives off “I have a secret” energy constantly. Spoiler: the secret is just that he has feelings. Ew.

Smokes clove cigarettes for the ✨aesthetic✨ but never inhales.

Secretly writes poetry that would make Lord Byron blush.

Hoards a secret stash of Harvards favourite candy, just in case

Totally flirts with Nicholas just to make Seiji uncomfortable.

Bobby Rodriguez

Has never minded his own business. Wouldn’t know how even if you gave him a manual. He’s the team’s self-appointed romantic consultant and professional meddler.

Has an outfit for every possible occasion, including “dramatic rooftop monologue” and “accidental kiss in the rain.”

The best at comforting people. Like, instant emotional support in a crop top.

Ships Adrien x Harvard like it’s his full-time job. Makes PowerPoints. Adrien has seen one slide and walked away in horror. Harvard gave it a standing ovation.

Made a meme calendar of all the fencing boys. It’s iconic. It circulates every month.

Knows all the drama in the school, even the stuff that hasn’t happened yet.

Jesse Coste

He says he’s over Seiji, but the second Seiji smiles at Nick? Suddenly Jesse’s in a bad mood all week. "I'm just tired," he says, while death-staring a wall.

Has dreams where Nick messes up so badly Seiji gives up on him. Wakes up smug. Realizes it didn’t happen. Gets grumpier.

Every time Nick does something well, Jesse gets this flash of “That should’ve been me.” Then feels gross about it. Then sass-bombs practice to compensate.

[thestarminstrel]

happy father's day to mr robert coste 🧡

[applesandbannas747]

this is the biggest 'but daddy i love him' face i have ever seen and i cannot be the only one who thought so