This is a new story of mine that I've been planning and writing since late July. I wanted it to be ready in time for October. It's darker than my other Otayuri story. I don't want to tell you much, I'd rather it be a surprise. There isn't anything disturbing or sad at the moment, but things will change and I will add warnings if needed. I haven't finished it yet, but I have a few chapters done, so updates will be on Tuesday's (and possibly Saturdays). I'd like the last chapter out on Halloween, so we'll see if I can manage that. If you need a pick me up after this, go over and read my other story "Do The Thing Beka..Please?" That will give you enough happy domestic fluff to last a lifetime.
"Hey Otabek, have any plans for tonight?" JJ hooked an arm around Otabek's neck, pulling him into a playful headlock, "or are you going back to your room, like an old man?"
Otabek shoved him off, straightening his rumpled track jacket.
"I am going back to my room. We both have an early day tomorrow. I need sleep."
JJ gave him a cocky smile, "come on, live a little Beks. You'll sleep when you're dead. Izzy and I are going to a club later tonight. You should come with us, it'll do you good."
Otabek zipped up his skate bag, and grabbed his water bottle, gulping down the remaining bit. "I've been to plenty of clubs JJ. What makes this one so special?"
JJ's eyes glinted, "Well, for starters it's outside the city."
Otabek grimaced. "It's not in Moscow? Why bother? I'm not going all the way out to some backwoods club."
The two men were in Moscow for the next few months for off season training. JJ's girlfriend, or fiance...Otabek could never keep track, had tagged along. She was nice enough, but a bit too bubbly for Otabek's liking. And the fact that she had fallen in love with JJ, clearly said she wasn't right in the head.
JJ clicked his tongue, "too bad. I hear it gets pretty crazy there. It'd be a shame to miss out while we're here."
Otabek had come to train, not to party. His coach didn't send him to Moscow to screw around. He had a job to do, and he intended to do it. His previous skating season was mediocre at best. He barely qualified for Cup of China, and hadn't even managed to place when it was over. He needed to stay focused, and get back on track, but he had to admit, sitting in his room reading night, after night was getting a bit dull, even for him.
JJ would occasionally invite him to his, and Izzy's room, but he hated feeling like a third wheel. The two would snuggle together on the couch, while Otabek was relegated to the stiff armchair in the corner. They'd watch movies...well, Otabek did, all the while trying to ignore the two lovers necking, and giggling with one another. After a few night's like this Otabek had started to turn down JJ's offers to hang out.
It wasn't just because the two couldn't keep their hands off each other. Although, that certainly didn't help. But, seeing the happy couple only reminded him that he had no one to call his own. His social life was as lackluster as his previous season. He'd never had a relationship that lasted longer than a few weeks. He still dated on occasion. But no one, guy or girl, ever felt right, and none of them were looking for anything serious.
No one wanted to connect unless it was to fuck, then, people would say or do almost anything to reach their goal. Most of the time he'd pass on the offer of a one night stand, or a casual fling, but sometimes, when the ache for human contact was too much, he'd relent.
He always regretted it, after it was over.
The first few times he had gone home with someone, it had been a nightmare. After the deed was done, a naive Otabek would stay, thinking a post coital cuddle would come next. Sex was a welcome relief, but the afterglow was what he really desired. The intimacy, the long embraces and quiet pillow talk. He desperately wanted to connect with someone, not just on a physical level, but emotionally too. Unfortunately, the afterglow he craved never followed. Afterwards, he was always handed his boots and clothes, and shown the door.
This only had to happen to him three times, before he knew the drill.
From then on, no matter how much he longed to stay, he made sure he was always the first to get dressed, and the first to say goodbye. He never wanted to hear the slam of a door at his back, or experience that ugly, embarrassing hurt ever again. He learned early on that it was eat, or be eaten in the dating world. So he hardened himself, determined to alway be at the top of the food chain.
It was difficult for him to put himself out there. He wasn't like JJ, infinitely charming, and full of bravado. JJ could talk to anyone, and they would fall under his spell in an instant. Otabek was quiet, and aloof most of the time. It was hard to make friends, and even harder for him to find someone to share his life with. He sometimes felt like JJ had adopted him, like a lost dog. He'd seen something admirable in Otabek, and decided to keep him. While Otabek was thankful that he had at least one friend, JJ wasn't nearly enough.
Otabek wanted someone who was more than a friend, but it seemed so hopelessly out of reach. He was shy in his own way, he could make conversation with people, and even make a joke or two. However, when there was a lull in the conversation, he never felt the need to fill it. He liked silence, it was comforting to him. Unfortunately, the people he had dated disagreed. They took his silence as a rebuff. He'd been told, even by JJ, that he was detached, and disinterested. A spare few had even called him downright spooky. This threw him for a loop. He could admit he could be detached, and if enjoying silence made him spooky then so be it, but disinterested? For all his shyness, he did enjoy getting to know people on a personal level, if he was silent it was only because he was a listening.
When did being a good listener become a bad thing?
Damn it, he just wanted something meaningful. Was that too much to ask?
Otabek had grown slightly bitter towards dating. Nothing was meaningful anymore. It was all perfect selfies, humble bragging, and lies twisted to look like truths. Otabek didn't have time for any of it. It was exhausting trying to mold himself into something he wasn't, so he stopped trying.
He'd resigned himself to being alone, with only the occasional one nighter to keep the emptiness bearable. There would be no special someone, no loving embraces, or long conversations that stretched until dawn. Just him, JJ, and his old friend silence.
JJ pleaded with him, "Come on Beks, come out with us."
Otabek could tell JJ wasn't going to let this go. He sighed heavily, "fine I'll go. What's this place called anyway?"
"Мираж." JJ butchered the word. His Russian was terrible. Otabek wondered how he even got around the city. Not everyone in Moscow knew English, and French is even more rare. His own grasp of Russian is ok, it's serviceable, and better than JJ's. Maybe that's why JJ always wanted him to tag along with him, Otabek knew the lingo.
"Mirage." Otabek translates. He's not impressed by the name.
"Sounds cool doesn't it? Apparently it only opens on the full moon. People line up in droves to get in. Then it closes up for a few weeks until the next one rolls around. How awesome is that?"
Otabek frowns, "I guess it's cool, if you like that sort of thing."
"The full moon is tonight, so we have to go. I'll pick you up at 8, it's a bit a drive."
Otabek groans inwardly, now he's going to be stuck in a car with JJ and Izzy. Going to a club that only opens once a month. Reading in his room is sounding more appealing by the second.
"Fine JJ, but if this sucks, I will never let you live it down." Otabek grumbled.
"Atta boy Beks, I knew you'd give in." JJ clapped him hard on the shoulder, making Otabek grit his teeth.
Ugh, JJ looked so damn pleased with himself.
Otabek returned to his room. At least it wasn't a hotel. The rink he's training at, has a block of rooms nearby, set aside just for skaters who are there for training. It's not fancy, but it has everything Otabek needs. Bed, bath, kitchen, and a TV that he has yet to turn on.
Otabek stripped off his sweaty skate gear, and stepped under the shower spray. The water pressure was abysmal, and the hot water never lasted as long as he'd like, but he's mastered the art of the quick shower. He steps out, and rubs a towel roughly over his skin and hair. He needed to take the clippers to his undercut again. He fished the clippers out of the drawer, and quickly ran them around his head. Mowing down the straggly hairs until they were short, and soft like velevet. He smoothed the rest back against his head. He'd been blessed with thick hair that didn't need much in the way of product. Once it air dried it would be ready for the night.
He had a few hours to kill until JJ would be by to pick him up. Just enough time to eat, and maybe take a nap. He'd need one, if they were going to be out as late as he suspected. He wrapped the damp towel around his waist, and padded to his room. He stared at his almost empty closet, and the growing pile of clothes on the floor. He'd have to laundry eventually. He searched his drawers for something suitable. He managed to find a clean gray shirt, and figured he could get one more wear out of his black jeans, before they absolutely needed to be washed. It wasn't fancy, but for a club set in the middle of nowhere it would have to do. He tossed the clothes on the bed, and pulled on a pair of flannel pajama pants and went to the kitchen. His fridge was empty safe for a bottle of milk, and a few wilted vegetables.
Cereal again I guess.
He poured himself a bowl, using up the last of the milk. He really should be doing his laundry, and hit the market tonight, not going clubbing. Maybe that would be a good enough excuse to get out of going? He reached for his phone, his finger hovering over JJ's number. He should cancel, he really wants to, but JJ's words rang in his ears.
"You can sleep when you're dead."
Otabek turned his phone off, and finished his meal, dropping the bowl in the sink. He went back to his bedroom and sank onto the bed, drifting to sleep almost instantly.
He woke up a few hours later to the sound of his phone ringing. He searched the side table for his phone, not even looking to see who was calling.
"Hey Beks, you asleep?" JJ's voice booms. Otabek pulled the phone away from his ear, turning down the volume. JJ seriously needed to work on his phone voice.
"I was, what time is it?" he mumbled
"Seven thirty, better get dressed. We'll be there in a bit to pick you up."
Otabek groans, "JJ, I don't.."
"No, you're not pussing out! You're going. You're twenty one Beka, not eighty one. For once, do something fun with your life. Give it an hour, or two. If you hate it, we'll leave."
Otabek rolled onto his back, phone still pressed against his ear. "One hour JJ, that's all. If I hate it we go home, no ifs, ands, or buts."
"I promise. See you in a bit, and try to put a smile on your face."
Otabek doesn't even bother saying goodbye. What exactly was there to smile about? He was once again the third wheel.
Otabek knew the minute they got to the club, JJ and Izzy would ditch him. That's what always happened when they went out. He knew they wouldn't leave after an hour either. If Izzy wanted to stay they would. She had JJ whipped, and what she wanted she got. She'd pout, JJ would relent, and Otabek would be stuck there until Izzy had her fill.
I guess the sooner we go, the sooner it will all be over.
Otabek stood up in his pitch black room. It was January, and the sun had been down for quite some time. He moved around the bed, cursing loudly as he stubbed his toe on the bed frame. He stood frozen, eyes squeezed shut, waiting for the sharp pain to subside, before flipped the light switch on, and got dressed.
He hoped his sore toe wasn't a bad omen.
Otabek sat huddled in the back of the cheap, clunky rental JJ and Izzy had gotten while they were in Moscow. It had started to snow on their way out of the city. Otabek was glad JJ was at the wheel, being Canadian at least he was better equipped to drive in this weather than he was. He couldnt' even remember the last time he had driven his car, preferring his bike that was now, safely stored away in Almaty until his return.
Izzy snuggled in next to JJ. The rental was ancient, instead of two passenger seats with a console in the middle, it was one long seat, like a couch. Izzy had urged JJ to rent it because it was so good for cuddling. And JJ, like the idiot he was, agreed. The heater only worked half the time, and the windows weren't even electric. It was a wonder the rust bucket was still running.
Izzy shivered, and JJ turned up the dial on the heater a bit. While it made the front section toasty, Otabek only received a few puffs of warm air in the back. He could still see his breath fogging up the window.
"How far away is this?" Otabek asked, teeth chattering slightly. The buildings and apartments had tapered off. Nothing could be seen now, but miles of naked trees, snow, and darkness.
"We've got about another half hour, forty five minutes." JJ answered, eyes focusing on the road, while Izzy tried to distract him.
Otabek huffed, and pulled out his phone. At least he could kill time with the internet. He frowned when he saw the bars on his phone dwindle away to nothing.
"No service, just great." Otabek grumbled. He closed his eyes, wishing he were back at home with his books, and his solitude.
Otabek was jostled out of a doze as they turned down a lumpy dirt road. He looked out the window, the snow had let off, but the temperature inside the car had dropped.
"JJ turn the heat up, I'm freezing back here."
JJ turned it up a bit more, "Sorry Beks, that better?"
Otabek could feel the chill leaving his fingers, "yeah it's fine. Are you sure this is the right way? It can't really be out in the middle of no where right?"
"According to the directions this is the road. My GPS stopped working awhile ago. And Beks, the whole point of the club is that it is in the middle of nowhere."
They lumbered down the road for bit longer, the car swaying back and forth. Otabek could feel his stomach start to churn. Yet another reason he hated cars, they always fucked with his stomach. He chewed his lip, thinking the night couldn't get any worse.
The road was starting to twist, and weave. JJ sped up a bit, making the car drift around the icy corners.
Izzy laughed, and clung to him, "JJ be careful!"
"Relax babe, it's nothing we don't have back in Canada. Sometimes it's good to slide the car around a bit in the snow. Makes you know how it handles."
JJ swerved lazily around a blind corner, laughing each time Izzy would squeal in mock fear. She knew JJ had complete control. Him throwing the car around on the snowy road was a game they played often back home. It was all in good fun.
Otabek however, was on the verge of puking on the back seat. It would serve JJ right if he did. He could feel the bile bubbling up in his throat. He was minutes from heaving, when he was thrown forward, as the car came to an abrupt halt.
"JJ what the fuck?" Otabek shouted, his head had missed colliding with the front seat by mere inches.
"Is that someone on the road?" JJ asked, squinting through the blackness. He started to slowly roll the car down the road, wishing the headlights were a little stronger.
Otabek rolled his window down, ignoring the blast of frigid air. Someone was walking along the side of the road. The headlight reflected off white blonde hair. From behind it looked like a young girl, hair long and straight, her clothing black, and form fitting. The figures gait however, was undeniably masculine. The figure trudged down the road, with determination. He/she had a belt covered in rivets, and the metal flashed in the headlights.
"I can't believe anyone would be walking down this road at night in the snow. It would be dangerous enough during the day." Izzy tugged JJ's arm. "Should we see if they need help?"
They rolled up next to the figure, Izzy cranked the window down.
"Hey, you need a ride? It's awful cold out." JJ shouted through the window.
The figure stopped, and looked the couple over. His eyes narrowing.
Otabek could see it was a guy, close to his own age. He was stunning to look at. Long pale hair, creamy skin, shorter than Otabek, but his body was long, and lean. He was wearing black leather pants, and only a thin black jacket. The snow drifted around his ankles, but instead of heavy boots he wore a pair of black canvas high tops, with leopard print laces. His eyes were ringed in black liner, and his hair was pulled half up, while the rest trailed down his back in a soft, golden sheet. His features were sharp, and angular. Otabek was sure he'd cut himself if he touched those cheekbones.
"No, I'm good." he replied, his tone was sharp.
"Are you lost?" Izzy asked.
"Nyet, I'm not lost." he snapped, giving her a sneer. His accent was heavy, but his English was solid.
"JJ maybe we should go, he seems to be fine." Izzy pleaded, she didn't like the guys attitude.
JJ was just about to agree with her, when Otabek spoke up.
"Where are you headed?" he said quietly.
The boy turned towards the voice, and his face softened. He looked at Otabek for a moment, before his whole demeanor changed. The sneer melted away, and a wistful smile grew on his lips.
"Мираж," he he said softly. His eyes drifted towards the night sky, "it's a full moon tonight. I've been waiting for weeks to go." his voice almost dream like.
Something warm pooled in Otabek's belly. The boy was exquisite, and his cat like smile made Otabek shiver. They were all going to the same place, and Otabek would never forgive himself if they left him there alone. He looked so small, and the jacket he wore was too thin against the frigid air.
"We're going there too. Why don't you join us? The heat in the car doesn't work very well, but it's warmer than walking there alone. I'd hate to see you get hurt. Пожалуйста, присоединяйся к нам." (Please join us.)
The boy, quirked his head as he heard him speak Russian. The man's accent didn't sound Russian, it was close, but there were slight differences in the way he spoke.
Otabek opened the door. "Пожалуйста, ты выглядишь так холодно." (Please, you look so cold.)
While the man's Russian had some flaws, it sounded warm and sincere. The boy pondered the offer and stepped towards the car door. "Конечно." (Sure)
Otabek heard Izzy protesting quietly in the front seat. JJ shushed her. "Relax babe, he seems harmless. We don't have far to go."
Otabek slid over to make room for the boy. Once he settled into the seat, Otabek held out his hand.
"I'm Otabek Altin."
The boy grasps his hand, his grip is like ice. He must've been walking a long time for them to get so cold.
The boy smiled at him once more. The interior lights of the car are slow to dim. Otabek is startled when sees the boy in the light, his eyes are a deep verdant green, like moss. He only gets a few seconds to marvel at them, before the car goes dark.
"Yuri Plisetsky."
JJ starts to drive. Izzy is dead silent next to him.
"JJ turn the heat up a bit more. Yuri looks cold."
JJ cranked the heat up to full blast. The headlights on the car dim for a split second as the heater starts to blow at full capacity.
Yuri rubs his hands together, as the heat creeps back towards them.
Otabek found himself wanting to reach out and warm Yuri's hands himself. His fingers tense, ready to latch onto them, but he holds back. He's only just met Yuri, now wasn't the time for his awkwardness to show.
"Where are you from?" Yuri asks, "you don't sound Russian."
"Canada." JJ pipes up, "Montreal."
Yuri sneers, "I wasn't asking you, moron."
Otabek cracks a smile, and laughs quietly, "Kazakhstan."
Yuri nods, and cants his head towards JJ and Izzy. "Олармен не бар?" (What's with them?)
Otabek jumps at the words, "Сіз қазақша сөйлейсіз?" (You speak Kazakh?)
"Only a little." Yuri says switching back to English.
"Олар достар (They're friends)...sort of." Otabek says, he's doesn't really want JJ to know he's just insulted their friendship.
Yuri laughs, "you're far from home."
"I'm hear for training."
"What sort of training?"
"I'm a figure skater."
At this, Yuri grows quiet, "oh."
Otabek feels like he's hit a nerve, "something wrong?"
Yuri shook his head, his smile returning, "it's nothing."
They drive in silence for awhile. Otabek feels Yuri start to shiver once more.
"Yuri are you still cold?" he asks.
Yuri laughed nervously, "yeah, I can't seem to warm up."
Don't just sit there dummy, help him out.
Otabek leans forward, and takes his heavy leather jacket off and lays it over Yuri's shoulders. Yuri slides his thin arms through the sleeves, only the tips of his fingers peek out from the ends.
JJ slid through another corner, laughing as the end kicks out. Yuri slid across the seat from the force, butting up against Otabek's side. Otabek froze, his body suddenly warm and tingling. He's been feeling this magnetic pull towards Yuri since he got in the car. Now that he's practically on top of him, it's almost too much for his senses. He acts on instinct, and starts to pull away, but Yuri stops him, a cold hand on his now bare arm.
"Please? I'm so cold." Yuri pleads.
Even in the darkness, Otabek can feel those green eyes piercing through him. He starts to edge his way towards Yuri, arms opening slowly. Yuri doesn't' hesitate to cuddle into him, turning slightly on his side, burying his face into Otabek's neck. Otabek's arm closes around him, his hand curling around Yuri's shoulder. He's only just met him, but the feel of his small frame against his feels so right. He feels something begin to trickle into the emptiness inside of him.
"So warm." Yuri breathes. Otabek's skin prickles, as a sea of gooseflesh spreads down his arms.
JJ looks into the rear view mirror, and leans over to whisper in Izzy's ear. "looks like Beka's found a friend Izzy."
Izzy scoffs, and scoots herself closer to JJ.
Otabek now wishes the ride would never end. Yuri is pressed firmly against him, his cold hands folded into his side. Otabek let's himself reach down and take hold of one of Yuri's hands. He closes his small delicate hand in his, and gently rubs some warmth into them. He finally starts to feel some of the cold ebb away.
"Are you still cold Yuri?"
Yuri shakes his head, "no...I'm warm now." his voice barely audible.
They stay plastered to one another until the car pulls up in front of plain concrete building. There are only a few windows in the upper half of the building, multicolored lights flash through them, and the sound of music can be heard thundering through the walls. Outside there are fire pits, and chairs set up, with dozens of people milling around them. There's no sign to mark the building, just a picture of the moon painted over the door.
"You two coming? Or do you want us to leave you here for some alone time?" JJ slides out of the car, Izzy right behind him.
"We're coming," Yuri snaps, he looks over at Otabek. "Your friend's kind of a douche."
Otabek chuckles, "tell me something I don't know." He pauses, the smile on his face beginning to waiver. "Yuri...I don't know if you're meeting anyone here, but if you're not, I'd like to-"
Yuri takes his hand, "come dance with me Beka."
Beka...Otabek swallows.
Yuri is still engulfed in Otabek's jacket. They walk side by side for a few steps, before Yuri takes Otabek's hand and lays it around his slim shoulders. Otabek's grip tightens around Yuri, like he's protecting something precious.
Inside the club it's a mass of people, lights, and pulsating music. The scent of spilled beer, and thick tendrils of smoke fill the room. JJ wasn't kidding when he said this place was popular. They manage to find an empty table way in the back, away from most of the crowd. Yuri slides out of Otabek's jacket, and hangs it up on a hook near the table.
"Drink first, then we dance." Yuri tugs at Otabek's hand.
Otabek orders a beer, while Yuri demands a shot of vodka. The bartender looks at him dubiously, but pours him his drink.
"That's the nice things about this place," Yuri shouts over the music, "when you're out this far, you can pretty much serve whoever you want. It's not like the cops are gonna show up."
Otabek sips his beer, "How old are you Yuri?"
"Eighteen. Why too young for you?"
Otabek shakes his head, "no, you just, look so much younger than eighteen." Otabek swears he looks sixteen at the most.
"I get that a lot," he downs his shot, and follows Otabek back to their table. Izzy and JJ are already lost in the crowd. Otabek takes a swig of his beer and sets it on the table. "You ready to dance Beka?"
Otabek shrugs sheepishly, "I'm not much of a dancer, Yuri."
Yuri tugs him towards the dance floor, "lucky for you I am."
Yuri clings to him for song after song. Twirling and dipping around him. Otabek is awkwardly frozen in place. Partly because he's terrible dancer, and partly because he can't stop watching Yuri.
His moves are suggestive, as he grinds and undulates to the beat, but they differ from the other people around them. Their moves are stilted and sloppy. Some are so drunk that they're barely able to lift their feet. Yuri looks like he was made for the dance floor. Every hip roll full of grace, and every arch of his back a work of art. Otabek gathers up his courage, and grabs hold of Yuri's slim leather clad hips, pulling him close.
"I've been waiting for you to do that, for the last half hour." Yuri says in his ear.
Otabek shivers and starts to dance, his moves aren't that great, but he's so lost in the moment, that he doesn't care if he looks like a fool.
Yuri slides one hand around Otabek's waist, while the other runs through his hair. The music has slowed, it's a hypnotic trance like beat. They melt into a zone, just swaying and touching one another like they're the only ones in the room.
Otabek closed his eyes as Yuri continued to run his hands through his hair. Short nails graze his scalp, and he has to bite back a groan. He secretly loves having his hair played with, but he's never dared to ask anyone to do it, not wanting to risk being ridiculed. He melts into the feeling. Yuri seems to know just where Otabek wants to be touched most. It's not sexual, there's no grabbing at flesh, or grinding any longer. It's more exploratory, like Yuri is getting a feel for him. Yuri's hands skim along Otabek's arms, and back up to his chest, settling over his heart. His hand lingers there for a long time, feeling his heart beat in time with the music. Yuri drapes his arms over his shoulders, and nuzzles into his neck. Otabek's arms envelope his tiny frame, astonished at how perfectly they fit together. They stay locked together for what feels like days.
"Come outside with me." Yuri says, his breath is cool against his ear.
Otabek swallows hard, and frowns. "Why?"
He figures this is where the night will end. They'll fuck in JJ's shitty rental, and Otabek won't deny the blond. He already knows he can't say no to those green eyes. After, they'll part ways and not make eye contact with one another for the rest of the night.
Otabek's heart already fees like it's about to break. He wanted this to be something more.
Yuri gives him a warm smile, "I want to talk to you. I want to know you Beka."
Otabek can only nod. He goes and grabs his leather jacket and meets Yuri outside.
He wants to talk, he wants to know me.
They dust the powdery snow off two empty chairs, and set them near one of the open fire pits, away from the other people. The heat is almost too much after being inside. Otabek sits next to Yuri, but he feels like it's still too far away. Yuri takes his hand in his.
"You lied you know." he says matter of factly.
Otabek cocks an eyebrow, "I did?"
"yeah, about not being a good dancer. You are."
He chuckles, "if you say so. I was just following your lead."
Yuri looks up at the moon, it's bluish light reflects off the snow, giving the ground an eerie glow.
"So, you skate?" Yuri asks, eyes settling on the flames crackling in front of him.
"Yeah." Otabek answers, his thumb brushing over Yuri's hand.
"Do you compete?
"I do, it's the off season, but I wanted to get in some extra practice. I was ok this year, but not good enough for the finals."
"It's the off season..." Yuri whispers to himself.
"Did you say something Yuri?"
Yuri snaps to attention, "Hmm? No, I was just talking to myself. How long are you here for?"
"A few months. Then it's back to Almaty." Otabek says, now wishing he were staying for longer.
"A few months." Yuri repeats quietly, playing with a string on his jacket.
"So what do you do Yuri?"
Yuri shrugs, "not much these days. I come here when I can, but other than that, there isn't much to do way out here. My grandpa lives nearby, just off the road where you picked me up."
"No friends?" Otabek hoped that didn't sound rude. He found it hard to believe that someone as beautiful as Yuri didn't have people flitting around him, like moths to a flame.
His bluntness doesn't seem to ruffle Yuri. "No, I don't make friends easily. People tell me I'm...off putting."
"Off putting?"
"Rude. I tend to run my mouth, and say the first thing that comes to my head. I've never been one to hide my feelings, and I'm no good at small talk."
The warmth that's been steadily growing hotter, and hotter inside Otabek flared at this. Yuri was just as stand offish, and awkward around people as he was.
"People say that about me too. JJ, the guy who drove here. He's my only real friend."
Yuri raised and eyebrow. "If he's your friend Beka, I'd hate to see your enemies. That guys seems like real dick."
Otabek laughs out loud, the sound surprises him. He hasn't laughed this loud in ages. Yuri cracks a crooked grin.
"You're right, he is a dick. He has his uses though. JJ's a good shield for a someone like me. He does most of the talking, and forces me to get out of the house once in awhile. He's the reason I'm here tonight, I almost cancelled, but he wouldn't listen."
Yuri tugged his hand, gripping it tighter, "then I'm glad that dick is your friend."
Knowing that Yuri was just as socially awkward as he is, emboldens him. "Yuri, maybe if you're interested, you could come see me in Moscow? Maybe grab some dinner, or see a movie?"
Yuri smiles for a moment, but it's fleeting. "I don't think I can. I'm not really allowed in the city. Besides I have no way of getting there."
Otabek nods, "Oh. Maybe I could come and see you then? If not, that's fine, I just...would like to get to know you better. I think we're alike in a lot of ways."
Yuri brightens at this, "I'd like that."
"Would you like to go back inside? You're not exactly dressed for the weather."
Yuri stood up, and held out his hand, "ready for round two?"
The two share a few more drinks, and return to the dance floor. The song is fast, but the two of them cling to one another, swaying slowly to a song only they can hear.
Yuri looks up at Otabek, his eyes soft and innocent, "would you...would you kiss me Beka?"
For someone as outspoken as Yuri claims to be, his voice is shaky and unsure. Otabek can almost see an embarrassed blush on the tips of his ears, although in the flashing lights of the club it's hard to tell.
Otabek doesn't need to be asked twice. He tilts Yuri's chin up, and brushes his lips against Yuri's. His lips are still slightly cold, but they warm as Otabek continues to explore his mouth. Their tongues search out one another, twisting and writhing against each other. Yuri's previous embarrassment fades away. His hand reaches up to cup Otabek's cheek, pulling him closer, hungry for more. While Otabek runs his hand through his silky blond hair.
They pull away and stare at each other. The mass of bodies pressed around them forgotten. They locks eyes, while the multicolored lights flash across their faces, both breathing heavily. Otabek pulls him in for another deep kiss, breathing in Yuri's scent. He smells like lilies, and freshly fallen snow. It's an odd combination, he thinks, but it makes his heart race, and his lungs struggle for air.
They kiss, until Otabek feels a firm hand on his shoulder. JJ leans in towards Otabek's ear.
"Beks, I hate to break this up, but it's almost closing time."
Otabek breaks the kiss, and groans, laying his forehead against Yuri's. Yuri tugs at his shirt, wanting to continue. Otabek is close to telling JJ he'd find his own way home, but remembers they aren't in the city.
"Fine," he growls, "gimmie a minute."
JJ backs off, and goes back to their table. Izzy is slumped in a chair, her coat already zipped up, purse dangling off her arm
Otabek cups Yuri's cheek, and dives back in for another kiss. Yuri matches is hard, needy pace, whimpering when Otabek pulls away.
"I want to see you again Yuri. Will you let me?" Otabek begs into Yuri's ear.
Yuri looks up at him, he's smiling, but his eyes look sad.
"I'd like that, but..."
Otabek doesn't want to hear what comes after the but. Whatever it is he'll deal with it when he has too. He wraps an arm around Yuri, and leads him back to the table. Otabek grabs his jacket and lays it over Yuri's shoulder, snugging it up around him.
"I don't want you getting cold again, it feels like you've only just warmed up."
"Won't you be cold?" Yuri asks
"No, I'm pretty warm," he bends down to whisper in Yuri's ear, "for some reason."
Yuri blushes, and takes his hand.
They walked out of the club, Otabek's arm around Yuri, pulling him as close as he can. JJ and Izzy a few yards ahead of them. Izzy staggers a bit, tired and drunk. JJ holds onto her elbow, keeping her up right.
Otabek opened the car door for Yuri, who slides inside. Yuri curls into him the minute he shuts the door. Their lips desperately seeking each other out.
"How will I find you? Can I have your number?" Otabek sighs.
"I don't have a phone, there's never any service out here."
Otabek frowns, "I have to see you again Yuri."
Yuri worries at his lip, "if you want to see me again, meet me next month, at Мираж."
"I can't see you sooner?"
Yuri looks sad again, shakes his head, and pulls him into another deep kiss. Otabek is too lost in the kiss to ask why they can't meet sooner.
They barely notice the car rumble to life, or the bumps in the road as they lumber through the woods. They continue kissing, until JJ speaks up.
"Where can we drop you off Yuri?"
Yuri sits back, a flash of panic in his eyes. He looks out the window, searching through the blackness. Eventually, he gets his bearings, and relaxes.
"There's a road up ahead, with a a red barn on the corner, you can't miss it. I'll walk from there."
"You can't walk home, let us drive you to your place." Otabek says.
"It's not a problem. My home is right down the road. It's not far. My Grandpa's asleep, I-I don't want to wake him."
"Are you sure?" Otabek asks, running his hand through Yuri's hair.
Yuri nodded, "Yeah, I'll be fine."
At least Otabek knows roughly where his grandpa lives now. If Yuri doesn't have a phone, and can't go into Moscow, at least he has a way to find him again. Yuri is right there next to him, and yet he's already desperate to see him again.
JJ pulls up next to the red barn. The road that leads past it is dark and lonely looking.
"You sure you'll be okay?" Otabek asks again, still holding onto him tightly.
"Of course, I know the road like the back of my hand. I'll be okay. I had a great time Beka, I hope I can see you again."
Yuri gives him one more lingering kiss. He slides out of Otabek's jacket, and handed it back to him, before sliding out of the car. He looks back once and smiles at Otabek. Then starts to walk, the darkness swallowing his small frame in one quick gulp.
Otabek shut the door, and the all too familiar emptiness returns.
They drive in silence for a few awhile. Izzy had fallen asleep the minute they pulled out of the parking lot. JJ looks at Otabek in the rear view mirror.
"You fell pretty hard for him, didn't you?"
Otabek can only nod, as he stared out the window.
"Are you gonna come back, and see him again?"
Otabek nods again, wondering how he's going to make through the next few weeks...
So yeah, let me know what you think. This isn't going to be as long as my other story. I had originally only wanted 3-4 chapters but I think it's gonna get bumped up to six. If you'd like a little added immersion, this is the song I listened to while writing this chapter. Bjork's Come to Me performed by Vitamin String Quartet watch?v=X9OwIZ1bcr8 it's a hauntingly beautiful version, and there is no singing, so reading while it's playing is doable. (I always get muddled up if I'm listening to someone singing while I read, but maybe that's just me.)