#yuzuru: *stripping on ice*

[seimei-chsq]

No but. Imagine being some older auntie/uncle, out for a fun night of entertainment at an ice show, and then Hanyu Yuzuru — the pride of Sendai, 2x World Figure Skating gold medalist, 4x Grand Prix Final champion, back-to-back double Olympic gold medalist, the only men’s single skater to achieve a ‘career super grand slam’, holder of 19 figure skating world records — starts acting like a college freshman on their first spring break away from home right in front of you. What would you even do in that situation?

(cheer him on and sing his praises, of course)

[koishua]

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, WE ARE GOING TO TAKE A BRIEF INTERMISSION BEFORE YUZURU HANYU LOSES ALL OF HIS CLOTHING—"

[yuzu-all-the-way]

Yuzuru Hanyu's senior SP costumes

3. Otonal

Otonal is the short program which Yuzu used during the 2018-2019 season and partly during the 2019-2020 season (he switched back to Ballade No. 1 & Seimei for 2020 4CC - for more info about the change, watch this). This program is a tribute to Johnny Weir, one of the skaters which inspired Yuzu.

In 2018, the rules of figure skating changed and the +/-5 GOE system was introduced.

With Otonal, Yuzu broke two world records. The first, at the 2018 Grand Prix of Helsinki with a score of 106.69 points (at this GP, Yuzu also broke the world record for the FS and for the total score).

Yuzuru became the first skater to score above 110 points at the 2018 Rostelecom Cup in the new system (110.53 points, to be exact), thus breaking a second world record within a couple of weeks.

Chronologically, these are Yuzu's 13th and 14th world records. The first 12 are now considered historical.

For more information about Otonal as a program check this post. For a shorter breakdown of the StSq, here.

As it generally happens when Yuzu recycles programs, his costume underwent quite a change from 2018-2019 to 2019-2020. The two versions are generally referred to as Otonal 1.0 and Otonal 2.0.

Once again, blue Yuzu costumes. It could be that the colour for Otonal is chosen to correspond to JW's own Otonal costume.

[Such a long post. Read more under the cut.]

Otonal 1.0

For the making of the costume - here

The design of Otonal 1.0 struck me as unique the first time I saw it. The short hem of the top is quite unusual, however, I like how it draws attention to Yuzu's waist. The sequins added to the high waist of the lower part of the costume contribute to this effect as well.

This is the first costume of Yuzu's which has a deep V-neck and a high collar in the back (Origin 2.0 has a similar design). I prefer this gradient to the ones the Chopin costumes had. It's a soft transition from an extremely light shade of blue (Geyser) to a darker shade of blue (Matisse). It contrasts beautifully with Yuzu's skin tone and it's easy to follow on the ice, too.

The cleavage is covered with skin-coloured mesh-cloth. The ruffles on the sides of it are interwoven with sequin strips that crisscross and small rhinestones. There's also a subtle color difference between the ruffles and the cloth underneath them.

The sequin-pattern travels down the front and nicely wraps around the back alongside the hem of the top.

The vertical back pattern also consists of crisscrossed sequin strips with simple sequins scattered around, a beautiful center piece of the costume. Personally, I see within this back pattern a resemblance to the traces left by blades on ice.

The upper arms and the wrists together with the back of the hands don the same crisscrossed pattern with sequins around them. The details and the way everything flows together for this costume make it one of my favorite Yuzuru Hanyu costumes ever. The blue theme is also a plus for me.

At 2018 Autumn Classic, Yuzu wore skin-colored gloves. In later competitions, Yuzu chose dark colored ones as they contrast with the ice and the hand-movements, all the way to the fingertips, are easier to see. It's well-known how much attention Yuzu pays to the choreography of his programs - even his fingers have their own choreography, so it's important for us, the public, to be able to see the movements clearly.

Plus, the gloves emphasize the elegance of Yuzu's hands and gestures.

Otonal 1.0 is genuinely one of Satomi Ito's best creations for Yuzu, in my opinion. It can be argued that compared to other costumes (such as Phantom of the Opera, Seimei or Otonal 2.0) the design is simpler. Nevertheless, the beauty lies in how all the elements come together and when Yuzu skates, this costume is magical.

Otonal 2.0

Ice Emperor - this is the first thing that comes to mind when I see Yuzu wearing this costume. The pose, the eyes, the spirit of this athlete, all create a stoic and confident image.

This time, the costume is a very light shade of blue - it definitely reminds me of how ice is usually shown in drawings hence my instant connection to the term "Ice Emperor".

I admit that the first photo is not perfectly showing off the colors of Otonal 2.0 nor is it too helpful for distinguishing the details. Yet, I chose this photo specifically because of the pose since I wanted to present a direct contrast between Otonal 1.0 and Otonal 2.0.

This costume is much more complex than the first version, in my eyes. There are multiple shades of blue used, the gradient still being present, although, it is a subtle gradient. At a first glance and seen from afar, the costume seems to get darker from top to bottom. While this is technically true, the gradient is not uniform. The strips of material that create the 'shredded' hem can be seen to have different shades of blue. This detail enhances the beauty and uniqueness of this costume as well as allows the costume to flow naturally.

The high neckline enriches the elegance of the costume as a hint of the ruffles from Otonal 1.0 remains. The folded material on the torso seems to be a bit bulky, yet the sequins and few rhinestones manage to soften the look. I truly like the way the top has an overlapping effect based on how the material is sewed and on the angle of the folds. On Yuzu's right, they are angled to flow downwards, while the ones on his left are oriented towards the center. The effect is further supported by the sequins placement - running along the folds.

While Otonal 1.0 mostly has silver sequins and sequin strips (detail which I've just noticed), Otonal 2.0 combines more sequin colors - gold, silver, dark and light blue. In the above close-up photo, the visual is stunning. What can't be seen in this photo but is noticeable in the first and last Otonal 2.0 photos are the sequins on the front that run down the 'overlap' stitch creating a beautiful more prominent strip.

The back of the costume maintains the folded fabric style with the zipper running down the middle of the back, becoming the line where the folds meet. In contrast with the front of the costume, the back pattern is formed of multiple Vs alternating from light to dark blue. Moreover, the Vs are accentuated by the sequins. The 'shredded' hem is a gentle transition between the sharp pattern and the plain black pants. The colors of the sequins used are the same as the ones on the front as expected in order to maintain the symmetry of the costume.

The sleeves are another beautiful feature of the costume. While the front and back are loaded with fabric, sequins and various gradient stages, the sleeves are light and nearly empty. This gives a balance to the costume. Also, I can't quite tell from these photos if the sleeves are almost see-through or simply very lightly colored.

Nevertheless, the details, such as the faded dark blue lines together with the sequins and the dark blue cuffs, complete Otonal 2.0's look. As pointed out for Otonal 1.0, Yuzu prefers gloves that contrast with his costumes for the gestures to be seen more clearly. This version doesn't lack the gloves either and they blend in well with the cuffs.

Overall, Otonal 2.0 is far more elegant than 1.0, in my opinion. Both are incredible costumes and fit the music very well (not to mention the choreography).

There's been a debate going on through my mind about which Otonal version I prefer. I'd have thought once I wrote this post (I refrain from calling it an 'analysis' since I'm simply describing the things I'm seeing) I would know.

Not a chance. I was once an Otonal 1.0 lover then Otonal 2.0 sneaked in , so now I'm indecisive. Since there's no competition needed, though, I can safely conclude that both costumes have their own vibe and create different atmospheres for the program while in motion. Otonal 1.0 is more relaxed, dare I say, playful, while Otonal 2.0 is serious and commanding all the attention.

This is a post-series that’s meant to complement the ranking of Yuzu’s senior SPs in order of personal preference

Note: The costumes are in the order I ranked Yuzu’s SPs, not in order of least favourite to favourite costume

[darkmindsotome]

Frozen Jealousy

Fandom: Love365 Masquerade Kiss  

Pairing: Yuzuru Shiba X MC

Word count: 3,046

Warning: NSFW Smut 

Written by: darkmindsotome 

Tagging @voltage-vixen as requested. prompt #1: Popsicle licking 

Darkmindsotome Masterlist

---

Frozen Jealousy 

It had been nearly a month or as a certain someone corrected me three weeks and four days since our last date that had been somewhere other than his place. Work had kept us both busy and I had just returned from a mission that took me to Hong Kong where I had to limit my contact with Yuzu to brief calls. Every time I heard his voice in my ear it made me miss him more. I missed his face and I could practically feel his breath in my ear as I struggled to remain focused on my job.

Now the moment was here where we could spend the day together and I was a bundle of energy. Hugo had given me a simple navy blue halter dress that buttoned all the way up the front. He had discovered it in a small boutique that reworked vintage designs and he said he simply couldn’t not get it for me. We ended up gossiping as he worked his magic styling my hair and doing my make up. In the end, it was almost as if he was more excited about this date than I was. Thanking him I made a dash from my apartment to our meeting place in town.

We said we would meet at a station and then I’d show him around the large park nearby, possibly go around some of its museums or the little zoo. I couldn’t help smiling thinking how adorable it would be to see Yuzu excited about one of the animals. For the length of time he had been in Tokyo it had surprised me when he told me he hadn’t seen much of it apart from the locations he went to for business. Although knowing my gorgeously intelligent boyfriend I really should not have been surprised that he had not looked into sightseeing as part of his relocation for work. He would have said it was an inefficient use of time that could be better spent further developing something at work and written it off as frivolous.

Speaking of inefficient uses of time, I checked my watch and realised that thanks to the catch up with Hugo I had left later than intended and was now running late. Knowing Yuzuru he was already going to be standing there waiting on me. His timekeeping was always impeccable and his schedules were so packed I had to book time alone with him. I shook my head and laughed at myself, what I once found to be so irritating was now simply one more part of the man I loved.

After passing through the ticket barrier I looked around and noticed him leaning against the entrance his hands holding his smartphone reading something completely unaware of the glances and looks he was receiving from the men and women passing by. His black hair shone in the sun like it had been polished and his earring twinkled. I smiled noting he had worn the outfit we had chosen together and not just appeared in his usual turtleneck and suit. The simple grey v neck t-shirt and buff tan leather jacket fitted him like they were custom made it was no wonder why so many people were checking him out. I swear he could wear anything and still look like a model.

“Yuzu!” I called out and waved to him. He turned his expressionless face in my direction slipping his phone into his pocket.

“You’re late.” His cold eyes scanned me like a laser. His voice was much softer than his words, not that I was going to point that out.

“I’m sorry I got held up at home.” Feeling terrible for making him wait even if it was only for a few extra minutes I gave him a rueful smile and apologised.

“Is everything alright?” He pushed off from the wall and came closer looking concerned.

If you had told me this cold, unapproachable and unreadable man could be like this I would have thought you were mad. Now though I knew all too well exactly how wonderful he could be. His words were much harsher than his actions, the chill of his countenance was still there but it protected a very sensitive and passionate man. My man.

“Yes, fine I was just catching up with Hugo and lost track of time.” Realising he had gotten the wrong idea I attempted to explain and was met with a partial sigh and a blank unreadable look after he schooled his expression.

“Mm. Come on let's go.” Yuzu took my hand causing my heart to skip a beat as he began walking briskly with me in tow. All I can say is thank god for training because if I was not an agent used to trying to run in heels, I would be in a lot of trouble right now. I wonder what got into him.

We went through the park gates and found a lot of people enjoying a relaxing weekend. When we had reached a quieter path that ran under some trees near a river he slowed his pace to match mine and stopped dragging me. The sun was high in the sky which felt wonderful but soon had us both showing the effects of the change in temperature.

I kept stealing glances at Yuzuru the fine mist of sweat glistening on his forehead and neck had my mind constantly venturing down the salacious path of remembering our times in bed together. The slip of our bodies together in harmony after becoming one and the way his hands never left me even for a moment as he stripped away my ability to think allowing me to only respond to him physically.

His eyes met mine and a small frown creased his forehead as he looked at me quizzically.

“What?”

“Nothing I was just thinking it's very hot out today.” I spoke quickly trying to ignore the ache that had developed inside me thanks to my rather vivid memory recall.

“Victoria said it is supposed to be the hottest day on record for the year so far.” He didn’t question my choice of topic, he just nodded in agreement adding to it by bringing up his AI invention. Knowing how he despises small talk I started to look around unwilling to test my luck further that he would continue to not notice my flustered state. There was a colourful sign for a small vendor that caught my eye.

“Hang on a minute.” I didn’t give him a chance to reply and darted off to get some refreshments for us both. When I returned, I had two popsicles in hand finding him waiting in the shade of some trees by the water and held them both out in front of him. “What one do you want?”

“I don’t mind I can just have the one you don’t want.” He shrugged as if he found this whole thing a bit pointless. To be honest, it annoyed me. He was so willing to try to please at times he ignored himself. I get he wants to avoid conflict and everything but there are times where he really didn’t have to worry so much.

“Nope, not happening. This is that ‘where do you want to eat?’ situation all over again and you said you would try not to do that again. You know you have preferences so pick one, I won’t be upset even its one I wanted.” I stepped closer still holding both popsicles out in front of me earning me an exasperated frown from him.

“You developed an annoying bug.” He still hadn’t moved to select one it was like he was stubbornly refusing to buckle to my simple demand.

“I’m sure you can find the solution later. Come on pick.”

“Fine.” He huffed and then took one of them from me waiting till I started to eat mine before doing the same. “Happy now?”

“Yep” I beamed a smile at him happy at my small victory.

“I really don’t get you sometimes.” He muttered a small smile playing on his lips that became wet as they wrapped around the popsicle. The flustered mess I was in danger of becoming before came back and hit me full force. The way his tongue came out just far enough to glide over the flavoured ice. How the natural fruit stained his lips in a new shade that had me wanting to taste them myself. I reminded myself that this was supposed to be a date and shifted my focus to my own popsicle hoping the cold treat would put out some of the fire growing in me.

We walked around eating the iced treats after a few minutes I felt something cold on my hand and realised mine was dripping. Without thinking I parted my lips and ran my tongue over the back of my hand chasing the liquid right up the side of the popsicle before putting it in my mouth to give it a hard suck in the hopes of removing enough excess juice from it to stop it dripping again.

I heard him stop in his tracks and when I turned to see what was wrong I nearly choked on the passionate look he was giving me.

“You did that on purpose.”

There was no time to react even if pulling away from him was the last thing on my mind. The sunlight vanished and I could feel the harsh bark of a tree against my back. We each still had hold of the sticks for the popsicles as he pressed himself closer. With the tree hiding us both he placed his free hand near my head effectively preventing escape, everywhere his body touched mine felt like burning.

“Did what?” I had a mind as to what he was talking about. It had only been a simple thing that had unintended suggestions attached to it but I couldn’t resist playing this deliciously dangerous game after being apart for so long.

“If you really don’t know then you’re even more dangerous than I give you credit.” Yuzu leant in covering my lips with his.

“Well, I am a dangerous woman after all.” My lower tone had the sweet kiss turn biting and passionate as his tongue ran along my bottom lip before plunging in to dance with my own.

Hidden from view we continued our little battle. Every kiss given was returned and every breath mingling became as hot as the sun. A soft thump on the ground gave us pause and I could see what was left of his popsicle had slid from its stick and fallen. Mine was probably not far behind it as the sticky sweet treat was melting much faster than before.

A wicked grin spread over his face, a look I knew all too well. It was part challenge part devilish as he took hold of my hand, now covered in melted fruit juice and began lapping it off my skin. I couldn’t take my eyes off him as he chased the drips with his tongue and paused only to give small nips and suckling on the inside of my wrist.

He looked at me from upturned eyes, those deep eyes of his drawing me into the bottomless void. Eyes I loved, the dry ice melting only to drown us both in passion. I started to become very aware of how suddenly restrictive this new dress was. My chest was heaving at the sight of the beguiling man in front of me all the things he was doing and all the possibilities of what I knew he was capable of.

“That’s it we’re leaving.” He stood up and pulled away from me, running his hand roughly through his dark hair giving it an unkempt look that was so unlike him.

“Where are we going?” I tried to pull myself together knowing that this was a public space and chastising myself for the fact I didn’t want him to stop.

“I’m fixing those bugs you developed right now.” He nearly growled as he struggled to keep his voice even and clear. I don’t think I’ve seen him like this before, the thrill of this new discovery had my heart racing even more as I allowed him to once more drag me along behind him.

The door to the hotel room that had been hastily acquired by the normally level headed Yuzu hadn’t even fully closed before I found myself locked in his strong arms. His mouth travelling along the nape of my neck as his clean scent like a winter’s night wrapped around me, claiming my senses.

“Mmm…. Ah… Yuzu wait.” I gave a small show of resistance that was certainly not up to my top-level agent credentials.

“Not happening I can’t” He was forceful and demanding, kissing me over and over alternating between soft and hard. His fingers roamed over my contours expertly hitting all the right places with just enough pressure to set my body purring like the engine on his beloved Bugatti.

“But…”

“You are far too good at generating a short circuit in me.” His voice was lower, far more sensual and his attacks were calculated. Not a single wasted motion, as to be expected from Mr perpetually logical with an eye for details and the skills to back up any action he desired.

“What?” Something was bugging me while I didn’t not want this to happen it just felt a little like something was off. Distractions in the bedroom are never a good thing, curse the mind of an agent and that dreaded gut instinct.

“I don’t see you for ages and we can only communicate via phone. That is fine work is work I knew what I was signing up for when I asked you to be mine.” He pushed me to the floor apparently the bed that was only a few feet away was too far. His fingers latched on to the buttons at the front of my dress popping each one roughly before exposing enough of my chest to push his hand up under my bra, cupping my breasts as his eyes burned with intensity. “But then you show up late and use another man as an excuse…”

“Wait! I already told you Hugo isn’t like that he’s…” My words were cut off as he squeezed hard on both my nipples at the same time causing my back to arch against the floor.

“Still a man. I suppose he picked this dress for you as well?” He moved his knee between my thighs with the little movement left to me I tried rubbing his leg with mine only to discover exactly how turned on he was and gasping. His hands don’t stop as they move to my back releasing the clasp on my bra and removing it skilfully as he shoved the top of the dress down to my hips. “And then you tease and torment me with that little display back there in the park.”

“Display?” It wasn’t fair he had me panting like an animal in heat, pinned beneath him and half exposed already while he had still failed to do more than shrug off his own jacket. I wanted him, I wanted to feel him. My hands travelled up to try to get a grip on his shirt to remove it only to be grabbed in his hands and have him guide them for me over the perfectly formed muscles of his stomach, pushing the fabric higher and higher until it was gone.

“You think I would miss such a thing? Or did you think I would be unaffected watching my girlfriend devour a popsicle so suggestively?” He was jealous and while it shouldn’t have been something I liked I actually did. A man of few words who showed even fewer emotions. Never said what he really meant and was hopeless with the human element in life. Yet here he was showing his raw emotions in front of me, my mouth watered as he dipped in to kiss me again.

“Mmm!”

He made quick work of removing my shoes and the rest of my clothing. I didn’t even notice him lifting me up to free the dress and underwear from my hips, my mind was in a total haze. He says I’m good at making him short circuit but honestly, when I’m with him it’s like a total system crash.

“You’re the only one that can make me feel like this.” Unbuckling his belt he slipped free of his trousers and took my hand once more guiding it over to rest on the throbbing hard length of him.

He hovered over me the heat rolling off him and over me making it feel like we were still outside in the baking sun. My hand travelled up his sides and found the same defined muscles on his back, drawing my fingertips over them as I tipped my chin to gain a kiss. As soon as our lips connected, I felt the familiar sensation of his fingers slide between my thighs. They alternated in direction and pressure targeting every nerve he knew would destroy me.

“Oh, God!” I cried out hips bucking against him making him groan into my mouth as he tried to reclaim my lips.

“Damn you’re sexy.”

“Yuzu?” We were both out of breath, panting and burning up. I could barely make out anything as my eyes started to burn with tears.

“I know.” Was all Yuzu said as he took one of my legs and placed it on his shoulder before plunging himself in as far as he could in one motion. “Ngh!”

“Ah!” The pressure from inside told me we were one and that was enough for me to start moving in time with him.

“Mmm ah MC!”

Our mingled breaths and voices filled the room with the scandalous noises of our lovemaking. I knew this would be the first in many rounds. We would talk and he would convince me, taking me over and over again. Matching his pace was all I could ever hope for knowing that this man was a human dynamo. I willingly gave myself over to the pleasure of being with him.

---

[lazuliblade]

2019 Worlds - EX Gala rough report

I am, so tired. I slept about 3 hours last night. Apparently at the small medal ceremony Yuzu said he slept 3 hours last night. We’re comrades in sleep.

Ahhh, “Haru yo, Koi” was amazing. The Exhibition Gala was such a nice note to end on. I’m sad Yuzu didn’t get a chance to do an encore since he didn’t win -- we could have had it all. Haru yo Koi costume in the sakura-themed Kiss&Cry. Origin skated with the Haru yo Koi costume -- can you imagine? Dark overlord god of the universe, but in pale white-pink? That Ina Bauer with the arm choreo, done in the beautiful ruffly costume. The final spin into the dramatic triumph pose. It would have been glorious. But ah well.

Again, a proper report will follow later when I’m not as dead. Likely Tuesday since tomorrow I won’t be able to use my laptop. For now, some rough highlights:

Yuzu’s costume is so sparkly

When the skaters were gathering in the entrance to come out for the introductions, I saw sparkles from across the rink. I was in the corner on the same long side as the entrance but all the way on the other end, so I didn’t have a clear view like yesterday when I could see them enter/exit without obstruction. Immediately I thought “I bet that’s Yuzu” and I pulled up my binoculars. Yes, it was Yuzuru. Bless him for having beautiful costumes.

The costume was actually a really pale pink and looked almost white from a distance. I realized that it literally is the color of not just any pink sakura you see printed on containers/marketing ads/everything, but it’s the color of THE sakura you’d see in person. The nearly white flowers that don’t actually look pink until you get close. The sakura people people refer to when they mention flower viewing. The sakura trees that line the roads in many neighborhoods, the trees that the meteorological agency bases the cherry blossom forecast on. So he was dressed up in the color of the live flower.

Yuzu’s low hydroblade covers SO much ice, and he held it forever. He did two revolutions. It was in my corner, so I was able to see him sink deep into that position, and get lower still. It covered maybe a fourth of the rink? And the diameter was huge - covering a good chunk of the width of the rink. He had a moment where his head came up abruptly (he was facing away from me at that moment - but apparently it’s because he leaned far enough down to kiss the ice and then jerked back up), and then sunk lower yet again into the second revolution. The lady next to me was just in awe saying “wow, it looks like he’s gonna fall, doesn’t it?” There was like a centimeter between his body and the ice -- it almost looked like he was laying on it, but he was going so fast.

His Ina Bauer was luxurious. That’s it. That’s the one word that came to mind when he so smoothly slid into position and then smiled and tilted his torso back. Then leisurely did the arm motions like he was unconcerned about running out of speed or ice. 

It covered a lot of distance as well. This started on the long side heading into my corner again, and wrapped around the entire short side of the rink and back to the middle of the opposite long side.

Also, holy heck he’s so fast. He was in the corner directly diagonal from me waaay on the other side of the rink, and he took just TWO crossovers and suddenly he was at full speed halfway across the rink doing those steps before the 3Lo - which was also landed in front of me.

The delayed Axel was so airy and high

His spins are crazily centered. The Sit Spin is a stationary point of twinkling stars in a vortex. It’s mesmerizing to watch because he doesn’t move from the position AT ALL. 

Then he unfurls upward with the piano note runs, and everyone in the audience stood up before he hit his last spin upright position.

He changed the first spin early in the program where he reaches down to touch the ice with his fingertips and leaves those finger tracks - he didn’t reach down this time. I guess he didn’t want to slow down the speed of the spin? Who knows.

His smile when he threw the snow in the air. The atmosphere was of anticipation for this moment, and we all started clapping and shouting when he did it.

I have a lot of stuff from other skaters too, but this is getting super long already without it even being a properly polished post, so I’ll put it all under a cut and mention just the highlights that come to mind.

Nathan’s program was a great one to end on

He uses his arms well when he doesn’t have to focus so much energy into jumps - his choreo is always interesting and refreshing.

The upbeat song really got the crowd going. It was like sunshine after we had Sui/Han, Alina, and Papadakis/Cizeron.

His encore to the Nemesis choreo sequence was sharp, and I’m glad I got to see that skated with the energy he had way back in the 2017 GP Rostelecom.

Sui/Han were magnificent. They looked like one person in two bodies out there - which is exactly what Pairs is about. Everything was seamless. I’d seen this EX on video before, but seeing how smoothly they transferred the fan, how fluidly the cloth moved. I was really struck too by how beautifully intimate that last lift was where it looked like Wenjing was entrusting herself to his care, and he was cradling her close. It was so powerful especially with how they missed the first half of the season because of injuries and weren’t in great shape heading to Worlds.

The Italian skaters in general know how to do EXs

the audience around me were confused about him coming down the stairs from the stands, and the sudden stripping - yes, they’re losing their robes. It’s a “boxing” EX and you’re in for a good time. 

Matteo Rizzo was a lot of fun, and I’m sad the crowd didn’t understand the song lyrics/were too hesitant/polite/whatever to be able to shout out “Ghost Busters” when the singer literally asks for listeners to shout the name. People loved the entire opening sequence with the beeping machine, and the middle part when the ghost scares him and he loses his backpack.

Michal Brezina and his island retreat skate. It was such a chill way to start off this entire gala.

Keiji’s JoJo program was amazing and the crowd loved it. He’s so in character and the lighting people really went all out with the effects. Yuzu fixed his hair/was fiddling with it afterward when they were in the finale getting ready for the group bow.

Shoma has such nice edges, and his 3A covers a lot of distance. The crowd was really supportive and I feel they just wanted him to skate freely.

Intro&Finale

Yuzu was so bubbly, smiley, giggly, it was effusive. He looked like he enjoyed it all more than anyone else. His smile was like sunshine.

When the Ice Dance teams were together doing their opening intro spins/lifts, the Men were by the boards on the far side from where I sat, so I could clearly see them stretching. Which is odd, because you’d think they should be warmed up to skate already, and the Ladies and Pairs weren’t doing anything like that. Yuzu was stretching his shoulders, reaching back as if trying to get his zipper, so I thought for a moment that he was fixing something, but the other guys were also stretching their arms and legs, so I figured he was stretching his shoulder blades. Yuzu looked like he was testing/envisioning something. The Ladies did their spins, and then the Men go out and do...a spiral side-by-side in a straight line heading towards the short side. They did the basic arabesque pose, and then Yuzu goes and does a catchfoot spiral - so I guess we did get a Biellmann after all. Kind of.

The Men getting in the center to put their hands together and do the whole “go team!” thing, Shoma was off somewhere in his head or forgot or something and then ran to catch up and throw his hand in. The audience laughed because that’s so Shoma.

The finale, we were wondering where Yuzu was, because all the skaters had gathered at the entrance ready to step out onto the ice, and then once on the ice he still wasn’t there. That’s when Nathan goes and brings him over like he’s the guest of honor - I don’t know if the choreographer planned it from the start, or if someone mentioned during practice that it would be nice to do that, but it was a beautiful sentiment.

When all the skaters lined up joining hands for the final bow, I couldn’t help notice how tall Yuzu looked next to Gabby Daleman. She skates so big I didn’t realize she was only 155cm (just the tiniest bit over 5ft).

and when the skaters skated up to the boards in a line holding hands, Yuzu did an arabesque spiral - like he did during the early FaOI shows in the summer.

He was being all cute when all the skaters were doing the two laps around the rink. Lots of peace signs up to his eyes and jumping/bouncing around/skating backwards

He tried to offer the mascot to join the group picture, but it seems the mascot couldn’t see what Yuzu was pointing to/intending, so Yuzu did exaggerated motions, and then when the mascot still didn’t get it, he did a full-body head tilt and there was lots of “are you not going to join then? Oh wait-yes? No, then? (hesitating halfway between turning for the group and the mascot)...wait, that IS a yes?” He helped hold the mascot and skated backwards with little wiggles tugging it along.

When the gold medalists were taking their customary picture, Yuzu was at the exit of the rink and did his final “arigatou gozaimashita” so the audience all screamed back acknowledgements and thanks.

Alina went back after all the pictures were over and did a revenge 3Lz that she fell on in her encore.

They tried to tug Nathan into doing a jump too, but he refused. (Nope, not going to repeat that mistake again when he broke his hip doing a 4T in a gala. Smart move.)

It all passed by so quickly. Look out for a polished retelling later.

[wherespacepooh]

“The King, the protagonist, has made his appearance at Incheon. Yuzuru Hanyu, we've all been waiting for you.” (BBMook Web 2018.2.11)

Translated by gladi. Feel free to repost text with credit. Photography by Ryosuke Menjyu. Source: http://www.bbm-japan.com/_ct/17147455

Shinichi Yamaguchi (Editor for Figure Skate Magazine, BBMook)

Is it the Beatles in happi coats you see in monochrome footage? Or is it the Rolling Stone’s first visit to Japan? His short program from the last season was by Prince, but it was an exuberant procession as though we were welcoming a rock star.

February 11, 2018. Yuzuru Hanyu has finally descended upon this land of the Olympics. That morning, the official language aboard the KTX from Gangneung, where the ice skating events are taking place, to Incheon Airport was Japanese. Next to me, diagonal across from me, are fellow reporter friends who are usually at the rinks covering [events]. As if on a school field trip, the press corps of close to 200 jolted around in the Incheon-bound train on the newly-activated KTX route.  Just––to catch a sight of Yuzuru Hanyu. 

The flight that Hanyu was probably aboard has a planned arrival time of 15:20. When we arrived at Incheon and checked the Arrivals board, there was a delay with a new arrival time of 16:10. The majority of the reporters and photographers had arrived at the airport at 13:00; some were on benches typing away on their laptop keyboards, some had lunch at Burger King (The Whopper meal set was 8400 KRW. Good price.), and some were digging into the kimbab (seaweed roll) they bought at convenience stores, but their sights were glued to the planned arrival gate B. Perhaps to avoid chaos, the arrival gate was switched to “A” at the very far end, and so the whole pack slid from left to right, just like the sidelines of American football. 

The flight landed at 15:57. Shortly thereafter, police reminiscent of The Blues Brothers set up a passage in preparation for the king. But the essential––the king––was nowhere to be found. “Did he arrive?” “No” “Is that Hanyu?” “Wrong person”––these back-and-forth’s went on for 50-plus times. At 16:58, enrobed in the Japanese team blazer, Hanyu made his entrance. “Waaa––“ Amidst cheers and a shower of shutters and flashes, the humble young world-record holder made his way through, thanking (“domo” “domo”), bowing and greeting left and right. The well-guarded king was then led to the window side of the airport to a tremendous crowd.

We were probably lucky that nobody got hurt... Amidst the chaos, Hanyu alone was calm.

“Eh, not to lie to myself, indeed, I do want to win a consecutive title. But, that isn’t my only aim, so I want to fully experience ‘the competition’, also bringing out ‘my own performance’, um, and this… the thing that is ‘the Olympics’… I want to experience it completely.” 

The brief interview wrapped up with four questions. Hanyu headed out of the airport and got into a black compact van, probably headed to Gangneung.

I was right in front of the arrivals gate and watched Hanyu as he moved forward step by step. Considering the burden on his right foot, would he have lost weight, becoming all skin and bones? Hallow, sunken eyes… making an unshaven, unkempt entrance… It’s hard to say that these terrible thoughts hadn’t wormed their way into my mind––and yet there he was, just as he always has been, so normal that it almost feels like an anticlimax. 

Thank goodness. Really… thank goodness. It might be rude to express this about a world champion, but as fellow man to man, I really wanted to say, “Yuzuru Hanyu! I am so glad to see you. Damn we were worried… We… I… have been waiting all this time, you know?” Even though it was freezing outside with a flurry of snow and I was in a down jacket, but [in that sudden surge of emotions] I really wanted to sit down in the warmth of a sauna or something, stripped down to our briefs like how I am right now drafting this manuscript, and talk together about all that had happened in the past three months.

Many media outlets, not just from Japan, were at the airport. Without a doubt, the star of this Olympics is Hanyu. Up until February 10, the world had been suffering from Hanyu deficiency. But, it’ll be different from today onwards. His first practice in Gangneung awaits on the 12th. As far as I am concerned, the Olympics has finally started.

[shysweetthing]

Chihokogate is overwhelmingly romantic; fight me

I've seen people describe the "Overcome Chihoko" story in a number of ways--Victor being Extra, crackfic, something written purely for laughs, and so forth. And yes, I think all of those things are true, to a certain extent, but I'm not sure we appreciate exactly how lovely of an instance of crackfic this is.

More below the cut.

First, let's talk about Victor being Extra. In some senses, I think fandom can sometimes be a little overboard as to how Extra Victor can be. In other senses, I think that fandom is sometimes not...overboard enough as to Victor's Extraness.

Here's the thing about Victor: You don't get to be the five-time world champion by being very good at judging rational and appropriate responses to things. Five-time world champions don't tell themselves, "Well, I skated my best and that's all that matters." Five-time world champions don't tell themselves, "I guess that's as good as I'm ever gonna get on that jump, I'm not going to try for a higher grade of execution." Five-time world champions are people who do not know how to accept the concept of "good enough." They are more aware of their errors--and what they do wrong--then what they do right.

(This is true in general with competent individuals: No matter what your natural talent level, you are never perfect off the bat. The person who ends up being the best is not always the person who is most naturally talented. It's often the person who knows when they're not doing it right, and corrects mistakes. The ability to detect errors means you know how to improve. People who get to the level of perfection are more likely to hold themselves to a standard of perfection, and see every deviation from it, than to hold themselves to a standard of pretty good, and be delighted for every time that standard is exceeded. This is something that is true of both Yuuri and Victor; the two just handle mistakes differently. It's true of other people at the very top--check out Yuzuru Hanyu sometime, who also has this trait, although I think not the same way as Yuuri or Victor. Yuzuru Hanyu has a notebook where he details every jump he makes, and whether it's successful or not. After programs that are objectively stellar by any standards, but which fall short of his own, he gets angry and upset with himself. He doesn't know what "good enough" means, and that's why he is never just good enough.)

But back to Victor's extra-ness. Sometimes I see people have Victor act Extra in ways that don't line up with increasing competence. These are not instances of Victor striving; they're instances of Victor just being a dumbass for the sake of dumbassery. This is the farthest thing from the truth. Victor's extra-ness asserts itself in a surfeit of competence, holding himself to an impossible standard and reaching it again and again. Victor is aware of all his flaws, and he actively works to get better. He almost certainly has flaws that he's not been able to push past a certain level--in most cases, for super-competent people, their ability to discern errors exceeds their capability levels--and those things probably rankle.

Victor is not a dumbass. Victor is a freaking genius.

So let's talk about Chihoko-gate. It starts because Yuuri tells Victor that he's not as limber as Shachihoko. Yuuri is drunk at the time, and Victor hears him saying "Chihoko," and thinks that Chihoko is a person.

This takes place post-Victor's return to the ice. We don't know how he did. We do know that he was competing against Yuuri and Yurio, both of whom are more flexible than he is. Victor knows this. He's almost certainly tried to design his routines to take advantage of his differing strengths, but he also knows that he can't do some of the things that Yuuri and Yurio can do. He also knows that Yuuri fell for him in the first place because of his skating, and even if he's able to beat Yuuri and Yurio on other aspects of skating, part of him knows that they're better than him.

And now here is Yuuri, teasing him about yet another person who is better than him. An ex. And this hits Victor right in his feelings. Yes, he's extra, and yes, he tries to be the best, and no, even if he knows rationally that it's okay to not be the best at everything, Victor did not get to where he is by telling himself it was okay to not be the best. Yuuri's teasing hits him right in his insecurity.

So, stuff happens, and Yuuri wakes up wearing Victor's underpants and with the words "Overcome Chihoko" written on his back.

Here is the point where I have to pause and apologize. My Japanese is not great. I have not been studying nearly long enough to be remotely good at things. Nonetheless, I'm going to be referencing the actual line written on Yuuri's back in Japanese, and telling you what I think of it, and why I think it, because despite my crapitude at Japanese, I don't think the points I'm making here are subtle or wrong. If someone who is better at Japanese than me disagrees please tell me. I'm happy to edit.

I spent forty minutes searching Twitter for multiple sources on this. So here is what Yuuri has written on his back in Japanese: 「ちほこを越える」 Or, in roumaji, Chihoko o koeru.

And here's the thing: those words are definitely Chihoko - direct object marking particle - verb to overcome or exceed in non-past tense.

In English, when we leave off the actor in a sentence, and say things like "Stop him" or "Fight me" we're using the imperative.

Like I said, my Japanese is not great. It is nonetheless good enough to distinguish between basic verb forms. So I am 100% certain that this is not the imperative form of the verb. I'm also 100% certain that it's not the volitional form of the verb (think, for instance, "let's eat!"). Instead, it's the non-past tense (think "[someone] eats" or "[someone] will eat").

So what the hell is this? Well, it depends on the topic of the sentence. In Japanese, this can be omitted when it's clear, or when the person writing it is dead drunk. (I'm aware that Victor was writing in Cyrillic, but the words he wrote in Cyrillic were only spoken in Japanese, so that's all we have to work from.)

From Victor's future actions, I'm going to take a guess that what Victor meant by this incredibly cryptic non-actor-specifying note is that he was going to go overcome Chihoko. Chihoko is more limber than Victor? Ha. Victor will show them all. Victor will show the entire world how awesome he is.

So he goes and climbs up Hasetsu Castle and starts stretching, because damnit, he's not going to let anyone outdo him. Along the way, presumably, he starts to sober up. And while Victor is Extra, and Victor is not entirely rational, he's rational enough to know that Yuuri chose him. Right around this time is probably when he announces that Chihoko may be Yuuri's past, but Victor is his now.

So Yuuri eventually this out. When he finds Victor, Victor demands to know if he's better than Chihoko, and Yuuri's response is, who the hell is Chihoko? I could search the world and nobody would be better than you.

Now let's pause. In the version of this story where it's nothing more than a simple crackfic done for laughs, this is a simple drunken misunderstanding that escalates to ridiculous proportions because of fanservice, and it ends with everyone naked ha ha ha, Victor is so extra.

But I don't think you get to be the best without being deeply insecure (and oh, I could talk for years about this). You learn to hide your insecurities, yes, because you learn from painful experience that it's a dick move to tell everyone who is worse than you how bad you actually are. But people who are secure in all ways very rarely push themselves beyond the edge of ability.

And this is why this is not pure crackfic. In the pure crackfic version of this story, Yuuri finds Victor naked and says, "Victor, you know I only want you, please come down. You're being ridiculous." And eventually, Victor finally understands that he's being ridiculous and Yuuri loves him and he comes down.

But this is not the pure crackfic version. Behind the simple drunken misunderstanding is an actual real emotional issue. The drunken misunderstanding just brought it to life. The issue is this: Victor feels insecure about Yuuri.

You know what wouldn't help Victor feel more secure about Yuuri? Being told that he's ridiculous and needs to tone himself down to be acceptable. The pure crackfic version is one that only pays attention to the drunken misunderstanding, and doesn't try to do anything about--or even exacerbates--the real emotion behind it all.

Instead, Yuuri strips and joins Victor on the roof, because he loves Victor as he is, because being extra means that sometimes extra shit happens. If Yuuri can help Victor feel secure in him, why not strip in front of friends, family, and an impending camera crew?

In other words, Yuuri meets Victor where he is. And I can't imagine anything more utterly romantic than that.

Obviously, I’ve done a whole mass of interpolation of emotions here, but... I don’t think I’m entirely wrong. And I very much think that Yamamoto and Kubo understand how hard world-class geniuses are on themselves. I’m sure they do it to themselves, too.

I have a lot more to say about why this gives me hope for the movie and season 2, but this post is already long enough. Some other time.

[sophia-helix]

Haha, congratulations @leirobles, you got to the best part of this Yuzuru Hanyu video. You know your stripping is sexy when even the announcer is urging you to get off the ice. ;)

[sunma-uno]

In case any skating fans missed the ice show (2012) where Yuzuru Hanyu skates in a skirt and blouse, and then proceeds to strip Here

This is one of the silliest and kinda overwhelming shows Ive seen, so just a heads up. 

[seobiiiiieluv]

Okay here is my first report on my trip to Worlds in Helsinki last week. Sorry but I talk about many trivial things and it might end up quite long so I apologize in advance :)

Part 1

I actually only decided to go to Worlds about 2 or 3 weeks prior to the event so there was only little preparation time. I admit that I had to skip university for a week since my semester started in March :P Don’t judge me but that was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me. So then I could convince my brother to come along with me even though he has no interest in figure skating. I wasn’t confident enough to go there all alone so I made him tag along^^

I have to mention that we took my car (one way was 1800km not including the ferry ride). So unfortunately I wasn’t able to attend any practices T_T We left our home (in Germany) on early Monday morning. We stopped in Copenhagen and Stockholm on our way and stayed there for a night each. We wanted to do a little sightseeing of Stockholm but it was so damn cold and it started to snow which was really unfortunate. Our ferry in Stockholm left on Wednesday and we arrived in Helsinki at 10 o‘clock on Thursday (just barely before the Men SP).

Anyway my brother took me directly to the Hartwall Arena an hour before the short program and left me there all alone :P The arena was already quite packed with people. First I took a look around the arena. There were many food stands and souvenir (?) shops. I passed the press room and the small stage where the small medal ceremony was held. There were also the EDEA booth and other booths where you could get post cards of skaters. These are the ones I took with me. If anyone wants some I can share.

But of course I’m keeping the Yuzu cards myself. It was so hard to get those!!!! Here’s the ones I could take with me:

The LGC card I got more or less by accident. It must have been during the first ice resurfacing during the SP. I aimlessly wandered around and saw this looooooong queue of Japanese fans and I just joined them without much thought. Must have been at least 100 fans in front of me and even more joined later. I didn’t even know why we were standing there but I figured it must have been something important if so many of them were there. I stood there until the line finally moved after some good 15-20 min and suddenly I was handed this card xD I was so happy when I got the card. People chuckled at me when I returned to my seat with the card :D I already mentioned but the organizers interviewed some fans and aired it on the monitors at the arena. They asked them and said (something along the line) “You traveled thousand of kilometers and stand in line just to get those cards. Why do you do this?” and the ladies only answered he’s beautiful. And the interviewer (baffled at the answer) could only say “Yes Yuzuru Hanyu is very beautiful” while chuckling a little. It was fantastic I tell you xD They showed another EDEA card which I wanted to get (The photo where he held his skating boots over his shoulder) but I was not lucky enough to get that one T_T

I safely stored my post cards in my Yuzu bag (see picture) which I got as a gift last year. I even wore a pullover that looks like the white and black stripped one Yuzu wore for the anan magazine too. I was in total Yuzu mode xD

After that I came back to the booth many times in hope to find more but most of the time there was no staff around. One time the British single skater Newberry even signed his cards. Anyway everytime when the “Japanese aunties” build a line I knew it was time (How did they even know). Unfortunately I missed some performances because of queuing for so long (but you know PRIORITIES :P ). On the day of the LP I got the other two post cards. It was funny because apparently they only gave out the cards at 12 o’clock but because the fans where so persistent they decided to give out the cards earlier. After the next warmup group I also left earlier and they were handing out other Yuzu cards again^^ Apparently there must have been even more cards after the LP but I had to leave immediately :(

At the stand where they were selling the program book you could also get this magazine for free which included this beautiful picture of Yuzu’s Ina Bauer in his Swan costume. At first I was too stupid and didn’t take the magazine with me because I didn’t think there’s any Yuzu related stuff in it but because I was bored after the Men’s free (and waiting for Pairs FP to start) I returned and got myself 2 of those. If someone is interested PM me and I will send you the second magazine^^ The magazine has a lucky new owner now, congrats @sillversand.

While waiting for the Men SP to start I was just too exited that I’m actuallly going to see Yuzu live. It was just too unbelievable. It hit me when I saw all the Yuzu fans in the arena which you could easily spot xD There were Poohs everywhere. I even saw that cute older couple that seems to attend every competition (you know the ones with the pooh ears). Here’s a cute Pooh I passed maybe 2min after entering the arena.

And of course I looked inside but I think the ice dancers were still practicing so I didn’t dare entering :( When they started the ice resurfacing I went inside to look at the rink. For the Men SP I had tickets for the lower level on the judges side. My first impression was quite overwhelming. Really huge and beautiful. The flower shaped monitor was really pretty. Of course I noticed the banners too. Some really nice designs among them. Here’s a photo of the rink from my seat:

And yes, maybe you noticed it’s the side where Yuzu jumps his 4S-Combo :O I was quite happy with my seat though. It felt closer to the ice as this picture suggests. The sound system was actually okay but my ear drums almost burst when the music got too loud (e.g. the guitar riff in Yuzu’s SP or during Shomas LOCO vocals ...ugh).

Those were my first impression. Part 2 will include my opinion on the competitions I attended (Men SP and FP, Pairs FP and Ice Dance SD). I will post it this weekend hopefully^^

[yuzu-all-the-way]

Yuzuru Hanyu's senior SP costumes

2. Let Me Entertain You

Yet another costume which has 2 versions - the competition one and the gala one.

LMEY was chosen by Jeffrey Buttle and Yuzu as a way to have the audience enjoy a lively performance after the uncertainty and sadness the Covid pandemic brought to the world (for a post-SP interview at JNats 2020 translated by the Axel with Wings team, here).

Version #1

Arguably, the most rock 'n' roll Yuzu costume (Vertigo and Hello, I love you walked so that LMEY could run). The costume has a design that reminds of a biker's look - the jacket with the spikes and studs, the pants imitating leather and the fingerless gloves. It's made by Satomi Ito.

For me, the LMEY costume has a special meaning since when I looked up Yuzu back in 2021 this photo showed up and I was a bit speechless. (And still wasn't in the right mindset to properly pay attention to him sigh)

The costume is a one-piece - information which came as a shock to a large number of people. The pants have a leather-like aspect, however, the material is not-so-stretchy-mesh-cloth-like with a shiny sheen. I have noticed that the pants look a bit wider than the closer fit Yuzu usually wears - could be to leave enough room for ample movements.

The top has 3/4 sleeves and there is the illusion of a simple white tee underneath, however, it is just a piece of material finished off with skin-colored mesh cloth.

The top is designed to look like a jacket with gold and clear rhinestones covering the cuffs, lapels, collar and upper back from shoulder to shoulder. The hem of the jacket also features these kind of rhinestones. The shoulders are covered with stones resembling spikes. To complete the look, strips of rhinestones are used to create the illusion of a side-zipper and pockets.

Two more strips are added running from the inside sleeves' seams out to the front . Symmetrically, two strips are running from the outside of the sleeves to connect with the ending line of the rhinestone-covered back area and with two other strips running down the entire length of the back.

The gloves with gold-studded cuffs are made from the same material as the pants. Skin-colored mesh cloth covers the finger tips making the gloves look fingerless from a distance. I will even go so far as to say that Yuzu's bracelets match the costume perfectly, the necklaces as well. We do know that Yuzu rarely steps on the ice without at least a necklace and bracelets.

The belt (not visible in the selected photos, so here is one from this year's exhibition) is not functional, it is simply a piece of material with glued on gold rhinestones for the belt itself and clear sequins for the belt loops and buckle.

For the fun of it, I mention here that I've seen this costume dubbed as "Leather Pants of Sin"

Version #2

This second version made its debut at the 2021 Medalists on Ice (the Japanese Nationals gala). Once again, it is the finished product of Satomi Ito's hard work. It somewhat resembles the design of the competition costume: the jacket, the apparently fingerless gloves. However, the design is more complex that the first version.

The costume looks punk-fashion inspired. The white jacket top features gold foil applications and black collar and accents, such as on the front and back as well as on the sleeves. The studded white lapels give way to mesh cloth that goes from black to skin-color. It has a few clear sequins scattered on.

The left half of the top (front and back) heavily features gold foil and black strips overlapping in an intricate pattern. The right half is simpler with thin strips of gold sequins , and a black (mimicking) leather strip runs down the front and it has a silver metal buckle - symmetrically, on the back, another strip with a single buckle is present. The closing mechanism (which is purely for design) is made of two (possibly) leather strips with silver metal buckles.

The pants are my favorite part of this second version of LMEY. I initially thought the strips on the upper thighs (front and back) are zippers. It has been pointed out to me that they are actually gold stones that create the illusion of zippers. The material is clearly something stretchy and matte that contrasts beautifully with the lacquered look of the top.

I haven't found a clear up-close photo of the gloves. From what I can discern based on the above photos, they are made out of the same material as the top, they have studs on the cuffs (much like the ones on LMEY 1) and, to match the top, have gold-black pattern.

I love the photo below purely because Yuzu looks so relaxed during a mid round-house flying kick - I think the photo puts the costume, too, into an amazing light. Although the costume looks heavy and stiff, it is actually very stretchy and accommodating as well as light to allow Yuzu to move the way he does.

In my opinion, LMEY is one of Yuzu's programs that has one of the most demanding step sequences since it includes lots of lunges and high kicks. As such, a costume that allows this range of movements has to be light, stretchy and comfortable - clearly Satomi Ito managed to create something perfect for Yuzu once more.

This is a post-series that's meant to complement the ranking of Yuzu's senior SPs in order of personal preference

Note: The costumes are in the order I ranked Yuzu’s SPs, not in order of least favourite to favourite costume

[voltage-vixen]

Summer of Smut Masterlist

This Masterlist features over 50 stories of summer smuttiness from the following fandoms:

Mr. Love: Queen’s Choice Voltage The Ikemen Series BTS

The respective author of each story is tagged accordingly next to their works, so be sure to go check out their blog if you’ve enjoyed their story(ies)! You can also view the full list of writers that participated HERE. This Masterlist will be updated overtime as more entries are published on tumblr as well. 

*Please be advised that all stories featured in this challenge contain NSFW content. 

Day 1: Popsicle Licking

Mr. Love: Queen’s Choice

Popsicle Licking: Helios    @thatfanfictionchick

Popsicle: Shaw    @truth-be-told-im-lying

Popsicle: Kiro    @peacheat

Fun at the Festival: Shaw  @voltage-vixen

Voltage

Frozen Jealousy: Yuzuru Shiba  (Masquerade Kiss)   @darkmindsotome

Ice-Lollies: Eisuke Ichinomiya (Kissed by the Baddest Bidder)  @voltagesmutter

Sweet and Sticky: Hideyoshi Totoyomi (Samurai Love Ballad Party)  @botan-shirabuki

Popsicle Licking: Ieyasu Tokugawa (Samurai Love Ballad Party) @chooseyourroute

The Ikemen Series

Favorite Treat: Seth Hyde  (Ikemen Revolution) @lil-creatorwritings

A Summer Treat: Isaac Newton (Ikemen Vampire) @essenceofspace

BTS

Popsicle Licking: Jeon Jungkook @helvonasche

Day 2: Applying Sunscreen

Voltage

Sun and Secrets: Kei Soejima  (Masquerade Kiss) @darkmindsotome *This story also features the prompt: Untying a bikini top

Painting You: Captain Morgan (Ryuga) (Pirates in Love) @voltagesmutter

Exposure: Yukimura Sanada (Samurai Love Ballad Party)  @botan-shirabuki

Sunscreen: Yukimura Sanada (Samurai Love Ballad Party) @chooseyourroute

A Loving Reminder: Hyogo Kaga (Her Love in the Force) @voltage-vixen

The Ikemen Series

Pent Up: Leo Crawford (Midnight Cinderella) @lil-creatorwritings

Under the Sunlight: Le Comte Saint Germain @essenceofspace

BTS

Applying Sunscreen: Jeon Jungkook @helvonasche

Day 3: Untying a Bikini Top

Mr. Love: Queen’s Choice

Untying a Bikini Top: Helios @thatfanfictionchick

Untying a Bikini Top: Victor @attackonmyself

The Ikemen Series

Jealousy: Ieyasu Tokugawa  (Ikemen Sengoku) @lil-creatorwritings

An Anniversary to Remember: Ray Blackwell (Ikemen Revolution) @voltage-vixen

BTS

Untying a Bikini Top: Jeon Jungkook @helvonasche

Day 4: Banging on the Beach

Mr. Love: Queen’s Choice

Frustration: Shaw @voltagesmutter

Banging on the Beach: Helios @thatfanfictionchick

Summer Lovin’: Lucien @peacheat

The Ikemen Series

Evening Pleasures: Lancelot Kingsley @lil-creatorwritings

Voltage

Training Partners: Sasuke Sarutobi (Samurai Love Ballad Party) @voltage-vixen

BTS

Banging on the Beach: Jeon Jungkook @helvonasche

Day 5: Petting in the Pool

Mr. Love: Queen’s Choice

Petting in the Pool: Kiro @thatfanfictionchick

Petting in the Pool: Gavin @voltage-vixen

The Ikemen Series

Bathtime Teasings: Mitsunari Ishida (Ikemen Sengoku) @lil-creatorwritings

Poolside: Leonardo da Vinci (Ikemen Vampire) @peacheat

BTS

Petting in the Pool: Jeon Jungkook @helvonasche

Day 6: Nighttime Skinny Dipping

Mr. Love: Queen’s Choice

Dip a Toe: Victor  @tanzen-neko

Nighttime Skinny Dipping: Helios @thatfanfictionchick

Moonlit Adventures: Kiro @peacheat

The Ikemen Series

Make the Moon Jealous of Our Love: Napoleon Bonaparte (Ikemen Vampire) @kissmetwicekissmedeadly

Lovers: Sid Arnault (Midnight Cinderella) @lil-creatorwritings

A Nighttime Tryst: Nobunaga Oda (Ikemen Sengoku) @voltage-vixen

Day 7: Strip Poker

Mr. Love: Queen’s Choice

Strip-Poker: Victor, Lucien, Kiro, & Gavin @voltagesmutter

Strip Poker: Cyril @thatfanfictionchick

The Ikemen Series

Raising the Stakes: Arthur Conan Doyle (Ikemen Vampire) @peacheat

Three’s Company: Leonardo x Comte x Reader  (Ikemen Vampire) @lil-creatorwritings

Voltage

Losing the Lot: Kazuomi Shido (Masquerade Kiss) @darkmindsotome

Day 8: Ice Cube Cool Down

Mr. Love: Queen’s Choice

Beat the Heat: Victor @attackonmyself

The Ikemen Series

Fever: Hideyoshi Toyotomi @lil-creatorwritings

 A Chilly Reception: Napoleon Bonaparte  @voltage-vixen

Day 9: Stranded on a Boat Together

The Ikemen Series

Stress Relief: Theodorus van Goh @lil-creatorwritings

Voltage

Waterlogged: Genya Fujibayashi @botan-shirabuki

Day 10: 2 Wet Bodies & Only 1 Towel

Mr. Love: Queen’s Choice

Dummy: Victor @voltagesmutter

Day 11: Sharing Smores

Mr Love: Queen’s Choice

Sweet Sensuality: Gavin   @purple-cat-demon

Day 12: In the Car at the Outdoor Movie Theater

Mr. Love: Queen’s Choice

I Can be a Bad Boy: Kiro/Helios  @voltagesmutter

Day 13: Sex Under the Sundress

Mr. Love: Queen’s Choice

Undressed: Kiro @ohno-otome

The Ikemen Series

Sex Under the Sundress: Shingen Takeda (Ikemen Sengoku) @krys-loves-otome

Summertime Magic: Vincent van Goh @tanzen-neko

Voltage

Wrapped for Dinner: Shunichiro Tachibana (Irresistible Mistakes) @darkmindsotome

Day 14: Riding the Waves

Day 15: Blow Jobs by the Bonfire

Mr. Love: Queen’s Choice

Under the Stars: Gavin  @voltagesmutter

[tadakixd-blog]

Kiritoru TV: Mura, Yuzu, Macchi

This is another episode of Kiritoru TV from 2014 (30th Nov), this time focusing on Mura Takahito and Hanyu Yuzuru, with an appearance from Machida Tatsuki!

N: There must be some kind of secret that lies in Mura's body

N: Hanyu borrowed the flag but...why was it that Machida returned it and not Hanyu?

In which Mura strips for the sake of national TV and Macchi explains why Yuzu lives up to his name of Mr Godlike Attentiveness.

Full translation under the cut.

The beginning of the video talks about how Top skaters are doing more and more quads, and then talks about Mura Takahito who, at the time, was a skater just rising up the ranks and how his jumps were something to look out for. (aka Mu4a, who attempted the 4A at a recent ice show, the senior who makes bets with Yuzu about jumping quads, and the one who just went to AWG with Shoma... Mu4a needs more love.)

----- From 1:00:

N: This is footage from his training. Here he showed his success at a technique that no one else has managed to do thus far. That is...

*Mu4a jumps* Subs: waaaaaa~

N: A quad + quad combination! (t/n: 4T4T)

N: A combination jump that has not been landed in figure skating yet - he succeeded at it!

N: There must be some kind of secret that lies in Mura's body

N: After his training, we asked him for a favour: would he be willing to show Kiritoru TV the body that was hidden (beneath his clothes)? (pink subs say "we got him to show us his hidden body")

Hosts: UWAAAAH WOOOOO etc etc (one of the hosts off screen goes "wow it's exactly the same, exactly the same as mine!!" hence the laughter)

N: What we found were abdominal muscles that you couldn't even imagine. (red subs: The abs gained from training)

N: On top of that, the thing to look out for was... *camera pans down*

N: The incredible thigh muscles! (blue subs say the same thing)

Hosts: woww amazing!

N: One look at most figure skaters (will tell you that) they're usually slim so...

N: Is there really a reason to train till this?? We asked him about it. (black subs: What was the reason for this training?)

Mu4a: Definitely if you want to jump 2 quads, or well, probably in the future it will be 3 quads - in order to increase the number of rotations (for the jump) to become a quad, I think that in order to complete that very last half rotation (that I was missing) I needed (these muscles) after all. That's how I felt.

N: The quad jump combination that Mura was able to do - behind the technique that no one else has been able to do was hidden the amazing muscles that were a result of his daily training.

------ 03:08 Yuzu's Part

N: Hanyu Yuzuru - Gold Medal. Matsuda Tatsuki - Silver Medal. A first in Japanese Men's skating history - two of them standing on the podium of World's. It was just after this...

N: Hanyu borrowed a flag from the audience and then took a photo with Matsuda before the flag was returned... (subs say the one who retuned the flag that Hanyu had borrowed was Machida)

N: Hanyu borrowed the flag but...why was it that Machida returned it and not Hanyu?

N: We asked him (Machida) directly.

Macchi: It just so happened that the person he borrowed the flag from was my fan so Hanyu told me "That lady is someone who is cheering for Tatsuki-kun so if Tatsuki-kun can return this flag to her personally... (it would be nice)"

N: Hanyu, who had noticed that this person was Machida's fan (blue subs say: Machida [Tatsuki]'s banner; arrow points to his name "tatsuki"), wanted to create a chance where they could meet. Hence he passed the flag to Machida to return, and...

N: She was able to pass him the present that she had prepared.

N: After the award ceremony, by looking behind the scenes of (borrowing) the flag, we were able to see Hanyu Yuzuru's thoughtfulness.

Courtesy of yusu01207

[iguana012]

Russian Nats: The Aftermath

Ho Ho Ho and Happy New Year to everyone reading this! I’m back with a (very) late recap of one of the most important national competitions and possibly that one competition where the judging panel either gets batshit crazy or they are, in fact, Santa’s reindeer in disguise and they give free PCS candy to everyone.

Because although the Russians celebrate Christmas on January 7, the Christmas tree is already lit and the atmosphere is festive. Why wouldn’t it be since Mrs Santa herself is there supporting the children with her... well... shouting, hitting the microphone, tears and so on. 

After making the Grand Prix Final in some way, Ekaterina Bobrova and Dmitri Soloviev continued to dominate at Nationals winning their event by a comfortable margin. In the men’s event Maxim Kovtun’s trolling wasn’t on his side; he eventually came back in the FS and made Mrs Santa cry but Mikhail Kolyada ended up taking the crown. In the ladies event Evgenia Medvedeva felt comfortable enough to throw #yolo 3-3-3 combination even though she knew her third triple would be invalidated while in pairs Ksenia Stolbova showed who’s the boss (and their butler) while Yuko Kavaguti and Alexander Smirnov ended their season here. DETAILS UNDER THE CUT! 

I’m mostly gonna talk about the ladies because the level of holy shitness in this event overshadows all the others. 

Former World Champion (can you believe that) Elizaveta Tuktamysheva still can’t seem to find her mojo. Not only that, but her mojo has been MIA for so long, she didn’t finish anywhere near the podium (she was 8th). Two seasons ago Liza was winning every single competition (except Skate America and Russian Nationals) with a pair of muumuus and a pair of programs that fit her like a glove. Some kind of cabaret Bolero as her SP - that inevitably made me imagine just how it would look next to a live orchestra led by an old white haired conductor - and some kind of strip club Scheherazade (without actual stripping going on in her FS) which required joint wiggling, a sport she might just be better at than figure skating. This season she came up with a Mozart remix so tacky it would probably make the creators of Moulin Rouge! jealous except she decided to switch back to last season’s SP at Nats. And uh, a bat program? Bat queen of caverns? That would explain the falls... since there are, like, hollows in there. ANYWAY Liza is at this point in her career where she became famous with an Ice Ice Baby hit a few years ago and there’s nobody left to write another hit for her. 

Former World Bronze Medalist Elena Radionova (also known as Kate Winslet) brought an interesting SP which she’s able to sell the crap out of BUT somebody had to skate to Turandot this season. SOMEBODY had to do it, okay. She became a top skater right at the same time Liza had her breakout season, except she remained relevant for another season... and a half. Because this season also ends here for her. Her body hasn’t been nice to her at all, she became much taller while her jumps became much smaller but the determination and grit never changed and no matter the quality of her jumps (or lack thereof), she managed to pull through. She made it to the GPF but in a field this deep there’s only so far she can go with her current technique. And when her technique gets worse, you notice several flaws that have been there since the beginning: the posture, the so-so skating skills. 

Current World Bronze Medalist Anna Pogorilaya has pogoturned this season around and taken 180 degrees turn from pogosplats on pogosticks to pogonsistency, pogoconfidence all the while giving pogoboners to everyone. Her Por Una Cabeza SP gives her the opportunity to show her new acquired #sass and although she seems to be wearing a dead animal on her shoulder and the music breaks into a (unnecessary) remix, you just can’t take your eyes off her. She is blessed with a lot of beauty. Blue eyes, full lips, long limbs - truly blessed. The only critique I’d have is her telegraphing her jumps in the FS (so much that she often ends her program after the music), lack of finesse like she isn’t finishing her movements and she’s also very focused to get the job done which makes her performance fall flat in the FS. Other than that, she did get the job done, she had a magnificent Grand Prix season but politics the judges pushed her off the podium either due to not being impressed or due to having Maria Sotskova’s carrots up their butts. 

Speaking of Maria Sotskova... uhm. Well the judges clearly like her! I mean she made the GPF... and her cheer thread on FSU is called “poetry on ice” while I struggle to recall her programs so she must be good. From a powerful club I hear. That would make some sense. She’s a nice kid but it’s like she got her 5 minutes of fame here and will be a filler until Alina Zagitova and Polina Tsurskaya turn seniors... I mean this is her first senior season and yeah she can improve but for now she’s kind of average. And plain. 

And now we’re left with the girls from Eteri’s factory who are basically running the world now and at the Olympics most likely. Eteri’s newest invention is called Alina Zagitova, a 14 year old prodigy who milks the system better than her senior Medvedeva: she doesn’t raise one arm but two, she doesn’t split her jumps into first half and second half, she just skates through the first half and jumps the crap out of the second half, gets all those bonus points and ends up with a higher TES than Medvedeva. But she’s wearing one of Medvedeva’s old costumes. So she’s like. Medvedeva 2.0? Like the Windows 10 to Windows 8? The Snow Leopard 10.6.8 to the Snow Leopard 10.6.x I don’t know I don’t even use Mac but you get the gist. 

And finally the OBVIOUS winner and reigning World Champion Evgenia Medvedeva. I really admire this girl you know? No bullshit. I’m kinda envious. She brings a couple of “what the fuck is going on” programs, she gets her picture taken and she says спасибо, is able to express the horrific consequences of terrorism like “she’s only 16 and her expression is SO mature she is the best skater ever” lalala. No matter how much bitching there will be regarding her programs, her choreographer (also inventor, visionary, arteest) Ilia Averbukh knows how to milk the system as well as Eteri. Evgenia is SO self-confident she goes “well what the fuck I know I’m gonna win I might as well throw a 3-3-3 in the second half of the program just to troll my coach lolz”. I wonder if she was thinking what present to buy for Yuzuru in the middle of her tano jumps? Girl is not afraid to go after the gold. Or her crush for that matter. By the way, the third triple of the 3-3-3 was underrotated, So 0-1 for Eteri. 

And this is a rare picture of choreo genius Ilia Averbukh

AS FOR THE REST OF THE COMPETITION I’M GONNA PUT IT SHORTLY