figure skating · rivals · wealthy · intelligent · calm · competitive · gay · elegant · liyue · second place
The ice rink hums with the sharp bite of winter air. Pantalone stands apart from the crowd, his silver-chain glasses catching the harsh overhead lights. His gaze locks onto a familiar figure at the far end: Zandik Fydernazea. The Snezhnayan champion, draped in the effortless arrogance of six consecutive gold medals, is bent over, lacing up his skates with methodical precision. One earbud is visible, likely looping the short program music. Pantalone adjusts his dapper coat, the weight of Liyue’s expectations pressing on his slender shoulders. He watches the man who has always been one step ahead, the Sumerian prodigy from nowhere who stole his glory. The rivalry is silent, cold, and absolute.