I don't own YOI

Yuuri wished Phichit was with him as he carried the groceries to his flat. His Thai friend had decided to move back to Bangkok to start an ice-show last month, and though he called everyday, and promised to visit, he still missed him.

He felt lonely and confused. He was twenty-three years old, and had no real aim in life. He had finished college, but he did not know what to do next. He used to dream of becoming a skater like his idol Viktor Nikiforov, but he eventually gave up. Instead, he started working at a rink. While he liked his job, he wished there was something more to his life. He sighed. If Phichit was there with him, he would not have let him feel so depressed.

While walking, he saw a cute, fluffy poodle on the sidewalk, and he instinctively patted him. 'Hey cutie!' He immediately licked his hand. 'Makkachin.' For the first time, Yuuri noticed the man curled up next to him, who was covered from head to toe in a hooded brown coat.

Makkachin. That was Viktor's dogs name, wasn't it? Could it be?

'Viktor.

'No, no, Alex! I will protect Makkachin with my life!'

Alex?

Yuuri knew about Alex of course. He had cried when Viktor had announced his retirement last year. He had said that he wanted to move in with his lover the billionaire businessman Alex Winter, who was from America. They had announced their engagement recently. Personally he thought Viktor could have done better than Alex, but in his eyes, there was no one good enough for Viktor.

'Viktor, it is not Alex. What is the matter?'

Viktor got up, and Yuuri got the shock of his life. He had disheveled hair, and bloodshot eyes. He was as beautiful as ever,but this was Viktor. He was never less than perfect. What happened to him?

'Viktor, are you okay?'

'I...I will not let him kill Makkachin.'

'Kill Makkachin? Who wants to kill Makkachin? What sort of a monster would do that?'

Much to Yuuri's shock, tears started spilling out of the Russian's eyes. 'Viktor.'

'No.'

'Viktor, listen. Why don't you come to my flat, and tell me what is wrong? I'll try to help you. I know you don't know me, but I am a huge fan of yours. My name is Yuuri Katsuki.'

'Yuuri...' Viktor stared at him. 'I have heard your name before. Wait. You were in the Japanese nationals five years ago.

'Yes.' Yuuri said, blushing slightly. 'But I don't skate professionally anymore.'

'Ah, I wonder why that may be.' Viktor said, absentmindedly.

'It's just that some personal issues came up.' Yuuri said, not wanting to tell his idol that the death of his dog had upset him so much he was never able to return to his routine life. 'Come with me, Viktor. I don't know what has happened to you, but I'll help you. I promise.'

'I'm home!' Viktor entered the huge mansion where he and Alex lived together. 'Alex?' Viktor noticed that Alex was feeding Makkachin. He was surprised, for his fiance never really cared for his dog. He went closer to him, and got the shock of his life.

Alex was mixing rat poison into Makkachin's food.

'Alex! What are you doing?'

'I am sorry, Vitya.' Alex said, bitterly. 'But he has to go. I don't like dogs, and I don't want a dog in our family.'

'But how could you do this? You know Makka means everything to me.'

'Do you care about him more than you care for me, your husband-to-be? You said that Makkachin is an old dog anyway. He doesn't have much longer to live.'

Viktor was almost in tears as he replayed that memory in his head. How could he do that? Did he not understand that Makka meant everything to him?

He thought how how everyone had disapproved when he decided to run off with Alex. Yakov, Chris, even Georgi the romantic disagreed with his decision. He had to admit Alex was far from an ideal match. He was eight years older than him, and twice married and divorced. However, for the first time in his life, he felt like he had someone who would take care of him. He had been responsible for himself ever since his parents died when he was thirteen. He lived with an uncle who did not care for him at all. He had Yakov, but his coach was too busy to look out for him all the time. He got along very well with the other skaters, but with Alex, he felt comfortable, at home.

Till he saw him trying to posion Makka.

He knew he couldn't let anything happen to his beloved Makka. So, he left with the dog, and wandered the streets of Detroit aimlessly. He felt lonely and tired. After almost a full day of aimless wandering, he collapsed on the sidewalk.

Till Yuuri found him.

Yuuri was like an angel sent from heaven. He took him home, wrapped him up in a blanket and gave him a glass of hot coffee which made him feel better. He said he'd get him something to eat.

'Here.' Yuuri said, and Viktor noticed how cute he looked, with his large brown eyes, and innocent smile. 'I've some katsudon for you. It is a popular dish in my country. I hope you like it.