Viktor's always done this. He goes to the hospital nearby his modeling studio once every week and visits the children there. It's a casual routine he finds himself enjoying more and more as time goes on. Everyone there is so nice to him, even if it's only because they know who he is. His status of being the most requested model is fairly obvious, even to those who don't follow up on that kind of industry. Another reason he likes the hospital is because everyone knows that, and they don't pester him. He's signing himself in as a visitor like he usually does. The lady behind the counter - Anna? Alyona? He can't remember - stares a little too long like always as she puts on her best smile for him. Just like always, he responds back in kind, smiling just as warmly as she is. He can see that it's busier today than it's been in awhile, which stirs his curious mind. Noticing him taking extra glances around the bright white room, Alina - that's what her name is he remembers - speaks up. "We received a new patient."
That should quell his curiosity enough, but as he's come to realize, a new patient doesn't usually throw this hospital into a panic like it is now. "Am I allowed to ask what kind of patient? I've never seen everyone as busy as they are." Viktor looks around again to find a few doctors whispering in hushed tones to one another as they hurry down a corridor. He's never been down that wing of the hospital, since it's reserved for patients in the ICU or other important matters. For once, he finds a new desire to walk that way and see what's happening for himself.
Alina looks around cautiously before leaning over the desk. Viktor leans in as well, knowing that whatever she's going to tell him, she probably shouldn't be. "I don't know a lot, but I can tell you what I've heard so far." Viktor nods, a silent notion to continue. "A friend of mine told me that the new patient is carrying a new virus. They don't know what it is yet, so he was brought here for examination. He came all the way from Japan. Isn't that crazy? I'm surprised that they've sent him here and not America. I've also heard he's cute." She giggles at the last part as she pulls away, standing up straight like she was before.
Viktor leans back and ponders on the news. "When did he arrive here?" He knows these aren't questions he should really be asking, but he can't help it. It is odd. A patient all the way from Japan? That couldn't be good if he needed to be sent to Russia. If anything, Japan had more advanced medical personnel than they had, and to send him to this small hospital was a tad alarming. They must want to keep it under wraps. She did say it was a new virus. Viktor shrugs and finishes signing in, walking in the direction of where he knows the kids are usually kept.
By the time Viktor leaves the kids, it's almost three in the afternoon. He stayed a little longer than usual today, his mind occupied with the thoughts of the new patient. It shouldn't matter to him as much as it does, but the patient's presence confuses him to no end. He's on his way out of the hospital when he pauses, watching a nurse flit down the other wing. He knows he probably should just turn away and walk out of the building, his studio probably looking for him around this time, but he keeps his eyes on that hallway as if drawn to it. Whatever it is compelling him, Viktor finds himself glancing around to see if anyone notices him and the terrible decision he's about to make. He brushes his platinum bangs away from his and puts on an air of confidence before strolling down that wing of the hospital. A few of the nurses side-eye him, but when they notice his visitor's badge, they turn back to whatever they're doing. He doesn't really know where he's going, but he figures he's close. The amount of doctors rushing around seems to increase the further down he gets.
And then he can see the room the chaos is coming from.
The room is at the end of the corridor, right before the hallway takes a right turn. A clear glass screen showing the room to it's entirety is placed in the center of the wall with double doors sitting to the window's left. As he steps closer to the window, he can see plastic screens hung up around the room that doctors push aside every few seconds. Everyone in the room is wearing safety equipment, almost like hazmat suits, as they circle the bed where the patient must be. Viktor stands there for a minute longer. He's about to walk away when one of the doctors shift to look over medical equipment at the foot of the patient's bed. Then he can truly see the one at the root of the conundrum.
From what he can see, the patient is very thin, and he can't tell if it's from all the bright lights or the white walls drowning him, but he looks sickly pale. His mussed raven hair is a dark contrast from the white he's surrounded by. It almost makes him look even sicker, Viktor notes in his head. He steps up to the window to get a better look, only to have his view of the supposedly Japanese man obstructed. Viktor frowns and tries to get a glimpse of him one more time before he heads out. When the doctor finally moves again, he can see the patient shifting in the hospital bed he's stuck to. He must be trying to figure out where he is and what's going on because he tries to sit upright in the bed only to get pushed down by a nurse also where a protective suit. Viktor finds himself feeling miserable for the poor man, which is even odder than his impulse to come down this corridor when he isn't supposed to. Someone comes out from the double doors and when they notice Viktor standing there, they immediately rush up to him explaining that this part of the hospital is off-limits to visitors at the moment. Viktor apologizes and claims to have accidently ended up down here. The doctor rushes him back down the corridor and drops him off at the front desk, explaining that he should be more careful next time. Viktor apologizes once again and stares down the doctor, who rushes back down the hallway they came from.
He finds himself wondering when visitors will be able to stop by. It's intriguing. The whole ordeal is. Almost painfully so. He wants to know more about the new patient, but now isn't the time to ask. Not when he was just stopped by a doctor telling him to leave. Next week, he promises himself. When he visits again, he'll have to ask someone about him. Maybe a few of the nurses will know. There were a few in the room with him, so maybe if he's lucky enough, he'll have the opportunity to talk to one. Even just getting his name would work good enough. Viktor is a little more desperate than he wants to be to find out the new patient.
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. . .
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"Let's take five and set up for the next shot!" Viktor releases a sigh he didn't know he was holding as the words ring throughout the studio. The over-dramatized military clothing he's currently stuck in feels like it's suffocating him, making him down the water bottle he's been giving faster than usual. He knows there's something wrong when he leaves the set and his manager is glaring daggers at him. "Uh oh..." He can almost hear the impending stream of swears on Yakov's tongue already. "Hi, Yakov!" Despite the anger rolling off of the other, Viktor smiles and waves anyway, giving his water bottle to someone walking past him.
"Screw your head on right, Vitya! I'm tired of having to start from square one again. Even Yuratchka is able to handle himself better than you." Yakov jabbed a thumb in another model's direction currently on set. Yuri Plisetsky. He's a almost thirteen years younger than Viktor, a natural hothead, but he's a natural. Did he mention that he's a hothead?
Viktor glanced over at the teen taking part in a photo shoot. He was scowling, but by the time his makeup department leaves him, he's all smiles for the camera. A hothead indeed but a natural, Viktor repeats to himself. "I thought it was going well." Viktor shrugs and continues to watch Yuri's shoot.
"You're an idiot if you think that. Go take a break and then come back prepared. No more dozing off, got it?"
Viktor knows not to defy his manager, so he nods in understanding. It isn't long before they start again, redoing whatever shot the company he's working for says they need to. It lasts longer than he would like, but he isn't in a position to complain.
By the time they finish, he's thoroughly wiped out but excited. He's excited because now he can visit the hospital. It's only been a week, but somehow it felt longer than it ever has before. That may be due to the mysterious new patient. Viktor just wants to find out more about him. That's all. He quickly changes out of the military attire and back into his street clothes, waving to and thanking everyone as he passes them. Before he can leave, Yakov tries to call him over, but he decides to just talk to Yakov later. After all, he will see him later at the dinner he's forced to go to that night. He won't get yelled at plus he can explain it then. Well, explain it as best as he can anyway.
It doesn't take him long to reach the hospital in his '57 Cadillac. Okay, the car is a bit much, but he still loves it. Even if the bright pink paint on it makes it stand out more. He parks the car and all but jogs into the entrance. The lady from the last time is working behind the counter again, and she recognizes him in a heartbeat. He grins and slows his pace to a stop in front of the counter. After greeting one another, she signs him in and tells him he can go ahead. He stands at the desk for another minute, gaining her attention. "Do you by any chance know the name of the new patient? I understand if you aren't allowed to tell me, but I am curious." Viktor leans against the counter and turns the charm on just a bit more than usual. It's kind of manipulative, but he needs it right now. It seems to work because Alina is beyond flustered.
"N-No, it's alright. I do know. His name is..." She fumbles through a few of the papers on her desk before typing something into the computer in front of herself. If he wasn't so needy for information, he would laughing at how dazed she seems to be. "Yuuri Katsuki! His name is Yuuri Katsuki."
So his name is Yuuri. Just like Yuri! He'll have to text the teen later and tell him. "Thank you. Would I be allowed to visit him at all while I'm here?" He leans in closer, sending her back to her computer. The frown on her face is a bit discouraging, but he tries not to let it show.
"It would seem that only family is allowed to visit him at the moment. I'm very sorry, Mr. Nikiforov." She looks up from the computer, the frown more evident now.
Well, that isn't going to stop him. "Ah, I see. I wouldn't want to get you in trouble either. I just felt so bad for him. I was really hoping to visit him today, but I can understand if it's not possible." Really, what Viktor's doing isn't fair, but it's the need to see the patient that thrums in the back of his mind that forces him to press further. "Thank you so very much for your time, Ms. Korotkova. I appreciate your time." He listlessly begins to walk down the hallway where he knows the kids will be, when she stops him with a quick shout.
"Wait, Mr. Nikiforov! I..." She bites down on her lip as he steps back towards the counter looking hopeful. She peeks around the lobby before settling her eyes back on him. "I can try to get you in. I don't know if I can, but I definitely can try."
"Really? Thank you so much!" He happily steps back up to the counter and watches as she types a few things into the computer. It takes her a few minutes before she gives him a visitor's badge and tells him he can go. She looks very uneasy, but he can't bring himself to mind because he can finally see Yuuri Katsuki. Viktor walks down the corridor that leads to Katsuki's room. There are less doctors rushing around but still a good number of them. By the time he makes it to the same window from the last time, he can see only a nurse checking up on Yuuri Katsuki. He notes that Katsuki looks exactly the same as he did last week. The nurse finishes up whatever examination she was putting him under and starts to pack up. A few minutes later, the nurse walks out and notices him, eyes blowing wide.
"Excuse me, Mr. Nikiforov?"
"Yes?" Viktor looks away from the window and meets her eyes with a smile. This is it. This is where he gets kicked out. Except...
"Wow, it really is you! M-May I please have a photo with you?" Except he won't be kicked out. Nice.
"Of course!" He smiles for her and glances into the front facing camera on her phone, laughing when she pockets the device and thanks him profusely.
"It's a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Nikiforov! What are you doing here?" Oh shit.
"I'm here to visit Mr. Katsuki. I always visit this hospital, but when I heard his condition, I just had to see him." He plays along with his words, acting as heartbroken as possible. He isn't really lying, so it works.
"That's very kind of you, but you aren't allowed in the room. Until we suppress what he has completely, no one is allowed near him without protection. There's a small room on the other side that lets you talk to him through the glass, and he can respond. You'll need his permission to do so, though. I can ask if you would like."
Oh. That makes sense. Viktor feels a pang of sadness for the man again, only it hurts him more this time. His chest feels like it's restricting. To ever be able to talk face-to-face to someone must be disheartening. Who knows how long he's been like this, too. He finds himself wondering how long he was in quarantine back in Japan. When did they find out he had this? How much longer will he be stuck like this? They must've started creating a cure by now, right? "Would you be able to?"
The nurse must've noticed his change because then she nods and turns to walk back through the doors she came through. He waits patiently as the nurse approaches Yuuri Katsuki carefully in the hazmat suit. He feels the pang of sadness again as he watches them interact. He can only ever talk to people directly if they wear that. He stares in confusion as the man practically jumps out of the bed and then glances through the glass right at Viktor. He smiles and waves, which only causes Yuuri Katsuki to look away quickly. He must be shy.
The nurse bows to him and leave. She comes out a few moments later, the hazmat suit off as she faces Viktor. "Follow me, and I'll lead you to where you can speak with him." She leads them through the double doors and down a short path off to the left. The path leads to a small rectangular room where the hazmat suits hang off the wall at the entrance they just came through and on the wall opposite of them. He gazes around the space as they pass through it, now turning right through another small corridor that mirrors the one on the other side. The corridor opens up a little, giving them both more space. The right side of the wall is mostly glass, and when he looks through it, he's surprised to find out how close they are to Yuuri Katsuki. The nurse hovers at the entrance of the space before ducking out, telling Viktor how much time he gets before he'll be asked to leave. He answers in kind and goes to look through the glass again, meeting a pair of caramel-colored eyes.
He sucks in a breath and breaks into a light smile. Yuuri Katsuki seems to be stuck in some kind of awe because he can't stop staring at Viktor, like he's not real or he's going to disappear at any moment. It shatters his heart into more pieces again because then Viktor thinks that he's the first actual person besides doctors and nurses who'll be talking to him. He tries not to let it get to him too much. Right now, at least.
"Hello." Silence. "I'm Viktor Nikiforov." Even more silence. He doesn't know what he was expecting, but silence definitely wasn't it. "We don't know each other." That wasn't already obvious. Way to go, Nikiforov. He swallows hard before giving a light chuckle. "I usually just visit the children here, but I thought you might like some company." He's trying to garner something from the other, but it's almost impossible. He's only staring as Viktor speaks, not saying anything in return. "How are you?" Did he really just ask him that? He's suffering from a new virus no one but him has contracted without a cure having been made yet. Of course he's not fine. This was a dumb idea. He hates himself for having actually gotten this far without getting caught or told to leave. He almost wishes he was. Until the man before him, hooked up to hundreds of different machines and stuck in a hospital bed in a foreign country, laughs. It's one of the those laughs you can't help but laugh along with. It's light, almost like a breath of fresh air, and it sounds like small bells going off in unison. It's honestly endearing, making it even more surprising.
Viktor is now the one staring, and he can't help it. Not only has he just insulted the very man he was desperate to see, but now he's being laughed at. He should've been kicked out. No one should've helped him get this far.
"I-I'm sorry." Yuuri Katsuki is still giggling. Yes. Giggling. That's the only way, Viktor finds, to describe the sound he's making."I d-didn't mean to laugh like that." And he's apologizing? Why? The puzzlement on his face most likely shows because the man before him finally stops giggling. "I didn't mean to offend you or anything!" He thinks he's the one who made the offense?
"What?" He doesn't mean to ask the question out loud, but how can he not? Yuuri Katsuki deadpans as he watches Viktor's expression, taking it the wrong way entirely.
"I understand if you want to leave now! I'm very sorry!"
He watches as the tufts of raven hair flow downward as he bows. The movement is graceful for someone as supposedly sick as him. Interesting. "Why would I want to leave? I'm more surprised you haven't asked me to leave." The question sends the other off-balance, making him lift his head up. The movement is, once again, graceful. Maybe that's just Viktor reading too much into such simple gestures.
"Why would I do that?" Maybe he didn't hear Viktor then because there's no way he isn't mad of some sort over the dumb question he asked earlier.
"Because I insulted you?"
They are both severely confused. They sit there in silence again, until Viktor breaks it with a laugh of his own. Yuuri Katsuki joins in moments later after him, and they just stay where they are and laugh. Any awkward tension that held them dispelled entirely.
"I-I'm Yuuri Katsuki. It's nice to meet you, Mr. Nikiforov."
"You sound like every businessman I've ever met. Just Viktor is fine." He grins as Yuuri Katsuki turns an obvious pink. And then he realizes why. The man is Japanese. From his experience of the time he had in Japan, no one calls each other by their first name unless they know each other really well or are in love. Another screw up to add to his on-going list.
"Alright, Just Viktor."
Did... Did he just...
The tinkling of bells sound is back. His expression must've said everything he was thinking because Yuuri Katsuki became a mess of laughter. "I promise I'll stop now." He still kind of giggling, but not as hard as he was a moment ago. Then suddenly he's coughing and violently at that. Viktor presses closer to the glass, wishing he could help, but is instead resigned to watching the coughing fit die out slowly. He wipes at his mouth when he manages to calm himself, grimaces, and faces Viktor again. Viktor would be relieved if it wasn't for the blood on his lips.
"Should I go call for someone?" He's terrified. He doesn't know what to do in these kinds of situations, but he does know that he isn't qualified enough to be able to do anything. What should he do? The fear dissipates as Yuuri - can he call him just by his first name? Is that okay? - shakes his head and waves his hands frantically. The little coughs in between every movement aren't helping his case.
"No! I'm fine! Really, I am!" He puts a hand to his chest as he fights to get air into his lungs.
If there's one thing he knows, then it's to calm him down. Getting worked up isn't going to help at all. "Okay, you're fine. You're right. I won't call for anyone. I'll just stay here." This seems to help because not long after, Yuuri finally settles and takes slow breaths to even out his pants. He glances back at Viktor with a sad smile, one he vouches that he never wants to see again.
"Thank you." He takes a tissue from a tissue box on the tiny side table that's placed next to his bed and wipes at his mouth and hands. Viktor can see the blood but pretends that he didn't. He's still just as scared, and how is he so calm after what just happened? But along with the other thoughts he's figured out on his own, Viktor comes to realize that maybe this is normal for him. He wants to know what the other symptoms of the virus are, but that won't exactly make either of them happy right now. And happiness is what Yuuri needs. The nurse will know, so he vows to himself to ask her afterwards.
Yuuri throws the napkin into a bin next to the side table on the floor and checks everywhere else for little red stains. He sighs in relief and turns back to Viktor like he had a moment ago, the same sad smile still plastered on his face. "It gets bad sometimes, but it's nothing I can't deal with." Somehow that statement makes Viktor want to wrap his arms around Yuuri despite the possibility he'll get infected. "I've gotten used to it." And that's something no one should ever have to say about something so awful. "This whole situation," Yuuri gestures around the room and at Viktor behind the glass window, "is becoming normal to me." He laughs, but it's humorless. Not a joke. Just harsh reality. His voice is cracking in some places from all the coughing he's done, but he doesn't seem to care.
"I know you've heard this a lot, but I'm really sorry you've been put in a situation like this and were forced to accept it." The words seem to hit Yuuri hard because even though there's a thick window of glass between them and some distance, he can still see his eyes glaze over with newfound tears. Did he just make Yuuri cry? He's not doing well, he realizes. He needs to stay quiet more.
"Thank you." The words seem forced out, like he made himself say something to stop the impending stream of tears that are to come if he doesn't. "Really. That means a lot to me." And again he's confused because all he's done is say something everyone else had said and gotten him upset. Again.
"I... I'm glad." He smiles genuinely, and thankfully gets one in return. He needs to change the topic, but every single one he comes up with could possibly make him cry or angry. If he knew he would be let in, then he would've thought of something before. "Yuuri," said male blushes bright enough for him to see with the amount of space between them with peaks his interest, "what do you like to do for fun?" That's good, right? It's not too personal, and it's fair. Right?
"Well..."
They spend the rest of Viktor's visiting time just talking about everything and anything. Viktor doesn't even realize time's up until the nurse backs in sporting a huge grin and tells him it's time to go. Yuuri has to go through a few procedures, which elicits a groan from what he discovers to be the younger male. Being completely honest with himself, he doesn't want to leave. Despite Yuuri's situation, Viktor finds himself missing their conversations already.
"Bye, Just Viktor."
"Goodbye for now, Yuuri Katsuki." They both simultaneously wave to each other as Viktor is led back the way he entered from, exiting through the double doors he was standing outside of mere hours ago.
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. . .
.
"Old man, are you listening or what?!" Yuri kicks Viktor's leg from underneath the table, sending him spiraling out of his own mind. Oh right. They're in a meeting. Viktor's never been one to enjoy them, but usually he pays close attention and even pitches in a few ideas of his own. Today's meeting is for... maybe the shoot earlier this week? He can't seem to remember or find the energy in himself to care. Sitting at the head of the table is his manager and boss of the company he works for, Yakov Feltsman. To his right side is Mila Babicheva and next to her Sara Crispino. On the other side is Georgi Popovich, whom he is sitting next to. Yuri is stuck between the Crispino siblings, Sara at his right and Michele, her brother, to his left. Next to Viktor was Yuri's one and only friend Otabek Altin, who was silently berating him for yelling at Viktor. They're all models for the company that Yakov personally hired, while the rest of the table is filled with department heads, who work in the company.
He smiles at Yuri, which only angers the blond further, but because of Otabek, he keeps his thoughts to himself. If he was thinking straight, he would find it amusing. But he's not. So he doesn't laugh. His thoughts are only on the Japanese male he met yesterday. It was awkward at first, but then Yuuri made a few jokes that helped break the ice between them. He learned a few things about him, too. Like he had an older sister, who's very overprotective of him, parents who are nothing but kind and understanding, and once had a dog, which Viktor immediately regretted asking about. The poodle reminded Viktor of Makkachin, so of course when the topic was breached, he pulled out photos of his own dog. Another painful kick to the shin brings his focus back to the odd silence of the table. He then realizes that Yakov must've asked him something. Oops.
"Err... Can you repeat that again? I was thinking about how the shoot went before with that magazine." He thanks the heavens that he remembers they're talking about the magazine that interviewed him last month. Yakov would've wanted to kill him more than he probably does right now. Yuri scoffs from where he sits and leans back in his chair, feet up on the table.
"Vitya, pay attention. They asked for you again later this week. I wanted to know if you liked their work." Yakov must've stood up at some point because now he's at the head of the table, all but glaring at Viktor with his arms crossed. At least he isn't furious. That's a start.
"Oh. Right. Of course. I wouldn't mind working with them again. They knew what they were doing and stayed true to whatever I said. They're work is decent." A few others at the table reply to what he said with their own comments, talking back and forth about the different possibilities. They reach an agreement towards the end of the meeting, or at least he thinks so. Viktor zoned out again towards the end. Another oops. He's walking out with Yuri on his left and Mila on his right as they head for the exit of the building they're in.
"Can you at least pretend like you're paying attention? You weren't even trying today. What gives?" Yurio huffs in annoyance as they continue to walk down the street.
He wants to mention Yuuri, to just gush about him, but he isn't sure that's going to make Yurio happy. As if reading his mind, Mila gives him a sly smile as she puts on her favorite pair of black sunglasses. "I bet he's met someone."
"Hmm... what makes you say that?" Viktor is humming the words, a smile of his own tugging at the corners of his lips. He must be pretty obvious if Mila's noticed that quickly. Then again, she's always been one to catch on quickly to anything. It's hard keeping secrets from her. "Maybe I've just been having a good week."
"Well cut it out. Whatever it is, it's grossing me out." Yurio narrows his eyes and throws on his own sunglasses. Viktor just notices how bright it's gotten. It's like the word knows he's about to visit Yuuri again today. "I should've just gone with Beka after the meeting. I already can't stand hanging out with you two."
Viktor laughs and takes his Gucci sunglasses off the top of his head, settling them along the bridge of his nose. "My happiness grosses you out? Maybe I should be happier more often." It's not that he hasn't been happy. He's just felt like life has become mundane and completely ordinary. Nothing ever changes, and no matter what offer he takes up, everyone acts the same. That's why he likes days like today. Usually after meetings with the agency, Viktor, Mila, and Yurio go to a nearby cafe to talk about their most recent jobs and the people they've met. Viktor never really contributed to the conversations, since nothing interesting ever happens anymore, but today he finds himself excited for their little get-together.
"I definitely should've gone with Beka. Georgi can take my place instead." Mila throws her arms over Yurio as they push open the doors to the cafe, almost knocking the teen down with the sudden action. He pretends not to notice the side glances she gives him, waiting for the chance to talk about it himself without someone asking. They order their usual, sitting down at an empty table near the windows. Viktor's almost bouncing in his seat as he waits for the other two to settle down at the table with their orders.
"Alright, Viktor. Tell us what happened since you look like you can't hold it in anymore." Mila crosses her legs and leans one elbow on the small round table as he other hand holds an iced hazelnut coffee. Yurio rolls his eyes as he stares down at his own iced coffee. Viktor pays him no attention as he sets down his hot coffee and leans against the table himself.
"You know how I always visit the hospital, right?" After nods of acknowledgement, he decides to speak again. "Well, I might have met someone there." Giddily, Viktor watches their expressions as Mila's changes into one of interest and Yurio's into one of disgust and confusion.
Almost in sync, they both respond. "In a hospital?" Mila now looks concerned as she eyes Viktor down. "You may want to elaborate, Viktor."
Their reactions almost dishearten him, but then he remembers Yuuri's face again as he laughed along with one of Viktor's dumb jokes. "It turns out he's contracted something no one's ever had before, so he was brought to the hospital I always visit. I felt bad, so I decided to visit him. After getting the clearance to do so, I got to meet him, and oh my gosh Mila, you have no idea how amazing he is. He's funny, cute, kind - have I mentioned he's cute? - and he gets embarrassed so easily. It's very endearing. You should meet him! His family sounds so loving, too. I wish I could meet them..." Viktor sighs into his hand as he leans against it on the table, almost mirroring Mila's position. He remembers Yuuri like he knows how to breathe. Everything about him was enchanting to Viktor.
"Alright, I'm leaving. Viktor, I think you've caught something from going there every week. You might want to get that checked out." Yurio pulls out his phone, probably sending a text to Otabek, before settling it back into his pocket and making his way to the door with his coffee in hand. "Bye, hag. Good luck with this nutcase." He gestures towards Viktor and leaves without another word. Mila waves goodbye before gazing back at Viktor.
"Are you serious, Viktor? I'm happy for you, but..."
"But what?" Viktor notes how more serious Mila seems to get, but as usual pays it no mind since he doesn't see any reason to be so concerned.
"How serious is his condition?"
Viktor can't tell what Mila's getting at, so he stares blankly at her as he answers her question. "I don't know much other than he has a serious illness, and there's no known cure right now. They are working on it apparently, though." Why does she want to know about that?
The question he has yet to ask aloud gets answered as soon as Mila hears what he said. "Viktor, what's his chance of survival?"
"Oh..." Every happy thought he had about Yuuri gets left behind as he processes what she said. That's why she's concerned. Now he can't help, but think about Yuuri as he suffers through the pain of whatever it is he has. It pains Viktor to think that Yuuri has to deal with that while he's able to go everywhere and do everything.
"I really, really love that you're happy, Viktor. You need it. You seem more like yourself now, but this is... If this is what you're ready for, then I'll support you through it. I just don't want to see you suffer. That's why I'm worried." Mila's eyebrows knit together as she folds her hands around her iced coffee.
Viktor looks down at his own drink, unsure of what to really say now. His mood takes a sharp turn downward, and it takes him a few minutes to even think right. "I don't care how long he has." The words surprise even himself, but it's what he wants. What he truly believes. He wants to be there for Yuuri no matter the situation. Viktor will help him through it all. This is the decision he makes and plans on sticking with it. The thought hurts that someday Yuuri won't... He immediately drowns the thought out. It's too hard to think about now.
"Okay then. Just know I'm here for you. We all are." He's no longer looking at Mila, but he can feel her smile trying to pry his thoughts away from the darkness. She offers a gentle hand on his arm and pushes her chair back loudly, probably leaving now. "Promise me you'll be careful, Viktor."
He can't find it in himself to answer her, but he makes the promise in his head.
"See you tomorrow." He can hear the tingle of the bell on the door as she walks out, leaving him to sit alone at the now vacant table.
Viktor doesn't make an effort to get up just yet, instead focusing his gaze on something far away out the window to his left. His blue eyes are now clouded over with reality, not really understanding how to take anything in. Mila's right, and he knows it. This will only hurt him in the end, but for now he doesn't want to worry about it. All he wants to think about is Yuuri's smiling face.
Sighing, Viktor stands up and decides that it's his turn to leave now. He planned on visit the hospital, but he'll be cutting it short if he leaves any later than now. Throwing his shades back on, Viktor grabs his coffee and heads out the door, walking in the direction of the hospital. It annoys him a little knowing that he can't stay and talk to Yuuri for long, but five minutes is better than nothing at all. Viktor tucks that phrase away for later as a reminder that it doesn't matter what time Yuuri has left.
It doesn't take him long before he reaches the hospital. It's the reason why he goes there every week. It's so close to his modeling agency's main headquarters that he's able to walk there if he has an early break or nothing planned for the day. The automatic doors slide open for him as he nears them, shifting his sunglasses from in front of his eyes to the top of his head. The lady working the counter isn't one he's met before, most likely a trainee or someone newly employed. With the buzz Yuuri's created with just his presence, it would make sense that they're hiring more staff members.
"Good morning." Viktor gives her a bright smile and receives one in return. "I'm Viktor Nikiforov. I'm here to visit Yuuri Katsuki." He thinks he won't get tired of saying Yuuri's name.
The frown on the woman's face is reminiscent of the one of the lady from the last time who told him he couldn't visit Yuuri. "I'm sorry. He's not taking visitors at this time." She doesn't seem to know him either, so wooing her over isn't going to work. He needs a plan. Or at least he did.
Remembering quickly that on his way out the last time, the nurse gave him a pass to use, so that visiting Yuuri would be easier when he came again. Thanking his lucky stars, Viktor reaches into both coat pockets, praying that he left it in his jacket. "I have a... a pass. It was given to me the last time I was here." The search isn't turning up anything, and he frowns at the notion that he might not be able to visit Yuuri. "I know it's here..." Viktor's fumbling around with the different pockets in his coat before he finally pulls out the blue card he was given. Proudly, he hands the lady the card and watches her type something into her computer as she looks between the screen and the plastic she's holding.
"I see... Alright, Mr. Nikiforov. You may visit him. Wait patiently for a nurse or doctor to escort you to where he's being held. I'm very sorry about making you wait." She hands the card back to Viktor, who eagerly takes it. "Visiting hours are almost over, so please keep track of the time. Someone will tell you when time is up and escort you out."
He nods and stands off to the side of the counter before a doctor, Dr. Katagawa, ushers Viktor to follow him. Most of the walk is silent, save for their footsteps echoing in the hallway and the hum of the lights above them.
"We finished testing him for now, but you may have to leave earlier than when visiting times end. We're very sorry about that, but as you must know, there is a lot of work that must be done centering around him. It is crucial that we obtain all that we can before the inevitable occurs." The inevitable, meaning when Yuuri passes on. Is everyone trying to destroy his mood today? Or are they all working against Viktor to keep him away from Yuuri? Is this what they tell everyone who tries to visit Yuuri? "You may have to wait a bit longer before you visit him yourself as well. Nurse Antonova may not have told you, but he has family visiting him right now. I'll let them know you're here, but you'll have to wait."
Family. Someone in Yuuri's family is visiting him. He shouldn't be too surprised at that, but he is considering that Yuuri is from Japan. The city's name has slipped from his memory, but he does remember hearing about that. They made the trip just to visit Yuuri. They must be as loving as Yuuri said they were. Viktor feels a pang in his heart, it's cause a little unknown to him, but it's existence is there.
The doctor leaves him by the doors to the room he knows Yuuri is kept in and pushes them open. He watches as the doctor disappears behind them, leaving him out in the hallway by himself to think. He tries not to do much of that, but instead keeps his thoughts on what Yuuri must be like with his family. Is he more outgoing? Is he just as shy? Maybe he laughs a lot more. No, not maybe. He definitely does. His thoughts stay along that same path until finally the doctor returns with a woman who seems to be around Viktor's age. Her hair is a gradient from dark brown to dirty blond and pulled back behind a purple headband. She's talking to the doctor solemnly before her eyes find Viktor's. She cuts off the conversation she was having and looks past the doctor to stare right at Viktor. Or maybe the more appropriate phrase is stare right through Viktor because that's what it feels like.
"Aren't you Viktor Nikiforov?" She seems to know who he is, recognition flashing in her eyes. Honestly, it throws him back a step even though it shouldn't. He is an international model who's worked with the highest of brands and only the most well-known people.
"Yes, that's me." To be even more honest, her stare is making him uncomfortable, like he's committed a crime, and she knows everything about it already. It's unnerving.
"Hmm... so he wasn't kidding." She mutters something else to herself, but it's in a language he can pinpoint as Japanese. Not a language he knows a lot about. Maybe he should try to learn more of it for Yuuri. "I'm Mari, Yuuri's older sister." The last part sounds almost like a threat, but Viktor doesn't let it show on his face that she scares him. Not that she does or anything. Okay, maybe she is a little intimidating. Mari steps closer to him, brushing past the doctor, who's watching their encounter with less interest than that of the lady running the check-in counter.
"I'd say who I am, but you already seem to know." Viktor keeps his tone lighthearted and joking, hoping that'll settle his own nerves. He reaches a hand out to Mari, who stares at it for a moment before taking it in her own. "It's a pleasure to meet family of Yuuri's. He's talked about you a lot, and I've only been here once before." He chuckles a little as Mari cracks a small smile. It's hardly anything from the steel gaze still in her eyes, but it's better than nothing.
"Likewise."
Likewise? Does Yuuri talk about him? Or did Mari mean meeting him? That's something he really wants her to follow up on but isn't something he's going to ask out loud.
"Well, I'll let you see my baby brother. Just warning you: he's a little tired. Bye, Viktor. Don't have too much fun." Mari sends him a wave and makes her way down the hallway he came through. He watches as she leaves before the doctor ushers him through the doors, reminding him how limited their time is.
Putting the encounter into the back of his mind, Viktor follows the doctor once more through the doors and past the small room holding all the protective suits for the doctors and nurses. Within a few minutes, Yuuri Katsuki is smiling at him through the glass separating them.
"Hi, Viktor." He can see what Mari meant now. Yuuri looks exhausted, and that's him being kind.
"Hello, Yuuri. How are you?" The doctor standing beside Viktor bows his head and takes his leave from the room, giving them the space they need.
"I'm fine. How are you? You look like you were busy."
Viktor dismisses the comment with a wave of his hand. "Hardly. I had a meeting this morning, but it was over a while ago. Not like it was about anything of importance either." He tried to recall anything about the meeting, only to be left with more thoughts about Yuuri. He's going to be done for when Yakov finds out. That's only if he doesn't already know and doesn't want to deal with Viktor. Maybe he should bring the grouchy, old man a coffee the next time he sees him.
Yuuri doesn't say much. He's mostly just sitting on his bed and fiddling with his fingers.
"Oh, Yuuri. I met your sister, Mari. She seems just as nice as you said she is."
Viktor doesn't expect it, but Yuuri laughs. It's quiet and more of a giggle, which quite frankly makes him seem cuter if that's even possible. "I can't imagine what she was like with you. She is very nice when she warms up to you, but she's rough when it comes to meeting others." It almost seems like Yuuri's holding a few words back, but with the sparkle in his brown eyes, Viktor doesn't care enough to ask.
"Duly noted. I wish there was something I could write this down with." Viktor smiles as the hint of laughter reaches Yuuri's eyes even with the yawn he's let go. It's clear that Yuuri needs sleep, and he wants to be selfish. Really, he does. Keeping him up and talking to Viktor would be amazing, but it's true that he needs sleep. He can't begin to imagine what it must be like to be stuck going through test after test without any sign of leaving. It must be horrible. "I would love to stay longer, but you look like you need to rest, Yuuri."
Yuuri frowns at him through the glass. "I didn't say I was tired." Him trying to put up a fight is adorable. Yuuri's pouting like a child.
"You don't have to. It's written across your face." Viktor chuckles when Yuuri turns a shade of pink, or at least he thinks so. It's hard to tell with the distance between them. "Besides, I know your day must have been a lot tougher than me having to sit through a dull meeting." Viktor rubs his index finger over the lid of his coffee, which has gone lukewarm from the lack of attention he's given it.
"On the contrary, I bet that dull meeting was a lot worse. I'd rather talk to people who joke around as they work rather than tire everyone out with boring words." Did he just...?
"Well, you have me beat there then. I have to leave, though." He just got here, but once again, he can't be selfish. Not with someone who gives up their time to listen to someone like Viktor, who has no connection at all to Yuuri.
"Can you come again tomorrow?" Yuuri looks so hopeful from where he sits on the hospital bed that Viktor gives in immediately. Not that he would've rejected the offer if Yuuri didn't look at him like that but still.
"Absolutely." Viktor grins brightly at him, getting one of equal size if not bigger in return. His heart churns in his chest, unable to fathom just how much he's already given to the Japanese man.