He was supposed to be retired.
At 23, Yuuri Katsuki had killed more people than he could count. Most of them were deserving of the deaths he orchestrated, but the weight of their lives still haunted him.
The bar was practically empty except for the men smoking and playing cards in the back corner. Yuuri could tell they were all armed, but none of them bothered to look up from their hands when he walked in. The bartender asked for his order impatiently as Yuuri took a seat on the uncomfortable bar stool. He was thirty minutes early for their meeting, since Yuuri couldn't stand waiting in his hotel room a minute more.
Usually, Minako would collect his report and present it to the client, but not this time. The client had requested a face-to-face meeting and had paid handsomely for it. Yuuri couldn't bring himself to care about the money, though. The only reason he'd accepted this job in the first place was because of Yuuko.
When his former mentor and boss had first called, he had rejected the offer on the spot.
He knew Minako must have been desperate if she'd bothered to call him, but he didn't care. Yuuri had sworn to leave this life behind. Once his bank account had enough zeros, he packed his bags and left Japan for good.
When his sister called, Yuuri only hesitated for a second before telling her to find someone else.
Mari loved her job, and she was known as the best sniper in the northern hemisphere. All the Katsuki's were recognized for their specialties. Never having failed a job was good for their reputation. They were the best of the best.
Their parents began their training before the siblings were even old enough to understand what they were training for. On paper, Toshiya and Hiroko Katsuki were officially retired as EROS members after their marriage in the late 70s. They had opened a small onsen where they had planned to live out their retirement and start a family. Neither of them needed to work since their lives as spies had provided them both a healthy living for the rest of their days, but they loved Yu-topia Katsuki and kept it running even though it never really turned a profit.
Minako offered the Katsuki's the odd job when life as innkeepers became too mundane to bear, but kept their status as active only for herself. Having small children made fulfilling their contracts a challenge. So, whenever they accepted a job, the Katsuki's brought their children along and played it off like they were going away for a family vacation.
After the first successful mission, the Katsuki's realized how easy it was for them to blend in with and pass off as ordinary civilians when they had their children with them. None of the jobs they accepted were considered dangerous for their line of work, nor were they the long steak-outs the Katsuki's had once thrived on.
When they let Mari in on the family secret at only thirteen years old, their daughter was eager to continue her training and become an EROS member. Unlike her parents, she preferred the life of an assassin over espionage, fancying the thrill of the kill over the excitement of the hunt. Yuuri only agreed to follow in his sister's footsteps because she begged him, and once again the Katsuki name thrived in the underground.
In the beginning, clients were skeptical about hiring teenage assassins, but when they passed their tests with flying colours, the Katsuki siblings were quick to make a name for themselves. Before long, the siblings had the luxury of picking their clients and the negotiation power to raise their fees.
Mari had always preferred to stay hidden in the shadows with her scope as her guide, while Yuuri took a more hands-on approach. When their clients preferred a quieter, less obvious hit, it was Yuuri's job to study the target and find a way to make their deaths seem accidental. Poisons were his specialty, and depending on the client's wishes, Yuuri could ensure the target's end to be quick and painless or drawn out and torturous.
He didn't take pleasure in a successful hit the way Mari did, and she was understanding when he ended their partnership two years ago. His sister had known how desperate Yuuri was to leave this life behind, which was why he had hesitated when she tried to convince him to take this job.
When his childhood friend and daughter of one of the Yakuza leaders asked Yuuri to take on this job as a personal favor, he couldn't deny her.
Yuuko had the most beautiful smile, but she could kill you before you even had the chance to defend yourself. Yuuri knew he would have been lost without her friendship growing up, so when she begged him to take the job as a favour, he agreed without asking any more questions. Minako sent him the client profile within minutes of accepting the position, and before the day was through, Yuuri had a plan in motion and booked the next available flight to Russia.
The Bratva were longtime clients of EROS and Yuuri had worked for them in the past. This time, they requested Yuuri specifically even though other active EROS members would have been better suited for the job.
According to profile Minako sent, Anya Vasiliev was a 26-year-old female with dark brown hair and eyes. Beyond that, the client provided no further details on the target. Anya covered her tracks better than any of Yuuri's previous clients which added a thrill to this otherwise simple job.
It was simple because the client didn't want Anya dead.
They requested that she be put into a deep slumber like some sort of Sleeping Beauty. The coma was not to harm her in any way and had to be reversible. Yuuri didn't question the drug Minako provided, but he did ask why the client had requested him specifically and why he had to give a full report on Anya's life leading up to his hit.
Yuuri didn't like creating profiles on his victims since it forced him to get to know them better before he killed them. It was easier to take their client's word that the target was scum and death was the only option.
"Excuse me, is this seat taken?" Yuuri snapped his attention away from the drink he'd been nursing to face the man that spoke the code words he'd been waiting for. He was in Russia, so it made sense that the man had a thick Russian accent. Yuuri wasn't prepared, however, for how handsome the man was. The Russian had the bluest eyes Yuuri had ever seen, and it took him a breath to provide the response the client would be expecting to hear, "Yes, but you're welcome to join me."
The man smiled at him, amusement clear in his expression, "Are you enjoying the weather we're having?" was code for Did you complete the hit?
Yuuri had to stop himself from rolling his eyes. He knew Minako had already informed the client that the job was a success, making this exchange irrelevant. With a sigh, Yuuri slid over the manila envelope containing his full report and gave the appropriate response. "Yes, but it's a little cold for my liking."
Yuuri stood, ready to get the hell out of Russia. All he wanted to do was go back to the quiet life he'd made for himself in New York, but something about the man's face gave him pause.
"Wow! I always wanted to participate in one of these, but the old man never let me." The Russian was clearly excited, which only added to Yuuri's annoyance. "Thank you for agreeing to meet with me. I have a couple questions for you."
Yuuri looked around to make sure no one had overheard, "I'm sure I answered everything the client requested, they were very thorough with what they wanted."
"If you're worried about someone overhearing, my family owns this bar. Everyone here can be trusted." The man waved down the bartender. "Have another drink and answer a few questions for me."
The smile on the man's face oozed sweetness, but his tone made Yuuri pause. A command, not a request. Yuuri took another look around the room. At a quick glance, he could see the men at the card table were tense, and the bartender didn't even try to hide the handgun that was behind the bar. "Fine, but only if you answer a few in return. I don't usually do business in person like this."
Yuuri wasn't stupid, nor was he an amateur; he came prepared. Before he'd arrived, Yuuri had made several exit strategies in case the meeting went south, prepared to fight his way out if necessary.
The man's smile broadened, and he extended his hand, "You've got yourself a deal. Should I call you Eros?"
Yuuri shook his hand, not bothering to hide the disdain in his voice. "First, my name isn't 'Eros'. I used to work for EROS and you people forced me out of retirement."
"I know, but Ace doesn't suit you. You look like you could be the son of Aphrodite in that suit. 'Eros' is a much better codename." The man looked him up and down, clearly checking him out, and Yuuri felt himself blush.
The External Reinforcement Operative Specialists, or EROS, were known worldwide as a secret organization that had a person for everything. All active members had a codename which complimented their different talents. Usually, clients were matched with the EROS member that fit their needs best. Yuuri was known as the Japanese Ace since most clients hired him as a last resort.
"Ace suits me just fine." Yuuri took a sip from his glass before continuing, "Why did you hire me? There are hundreds of active members that could have done this job just as easily as I did."
The Russian moved closer and rested his hand next to where Yuuri leaned on the bar. "I wasn't the one who hired you, my boss did."
"And who is your boss." The man's finger brushed his, and Yuuri pulled away immediately.
"The Pakhan," The man said nonchalantly, downing his drink in one fluid motion. Before he could raise his hand for another round, the bartender already had another glass sliding down the bar.
Yuuri tried to hide his nerves by taking a sip from his glass. Something was off about this man and Yuuri didn't want to stick around long enough to find out what. "I figured that much out, but which one? There's a few of them."
The man's eyes sparkled, "You're supposed to be one of the best. I assumed you could figure it out on your own."
Yuuri shrugged, "If I cared to find out, I would have. I'm just curious."
The man looked surprised, "I thought you were very selective about the clients you choose."
"You seem to know a lot about me."
The man shrugged, "Your talents were necessary for our needs, and it wasn't easy to track you down. Now that I have you, though, I'd hate to see you go. Can I convince you to stay so I can get to know you better, Eros?" His blue eyes were intoxicating and full of promise. The man was charming, Yuuri would give him that.
"No, I don't think you can." The man's face fell slightly, making Yuuri preen. "Now ask your questions. You have until I finish this drink." To emphasize his point, Yuuri took a deep gulp from his glass, ignoring the burn of the alcohol.
"Fine," The man sighed. "We want to know how you managed to pull off the job. You weren't the first person we hired, but somehow you managed to pull it off with fewer resources than the others and better than we could have hoped."
Yuuri wasn't one to brag, but the alcohol was making him bold. "You said it yourself. I'm the best."
The man practically glowed as he nodded in agreement. "That's why I want you so badly, Eros. I want to offer you a permanent contract with-"
"I'm sorry," Yuuri cut the man off, then finished his drink in one swift motion. "Your time is up, and I only accepted this job as a favor to an old friend. I'm retired."
The man grabbed Yuuri's arm, and everyone in the room went ridged. "We'll pay any price you see fit." Those blue eyes were pleading, with a hint of… trepidation?
"I don't care about money." Yuuri tried to stay calm, but the man's touch burned him through the thick fabric of his suit jacket.
Yuuri tried to pull away, but the man gripped him harder. "We'll give you anything you want, then. Whatever deal you see fit."
"I suggest you let me go." Yuuri snapped his arm back, and the man didn't reach for him again. "If an assassin is what you're looking for, my sister's just as good as me." Reaching into his pocket, Yuuri took out his wallet, dropped enough rubles on the counter to pay for his drink, and turned to leave.
"At least think about it," The man sounded desperate, but didn't bother to follow Yuuri has he made his way towards the exit. "Take all the time you need. The Pakhan is willing to offer any price you see fit for an exclusive contract with you."
Yuuri's hand froze on the door handle as he let the offer sink in. "Anything?"
"Yes." The man's reply was instant and absolute. The Bratva's reach was far, making them an ideal ally if the need ever arose. Another surely wouldn't pass on the opportunity, but Yuuri's resolve was solid.
Turning, Yuuri offered the Russian a smirk, "Fine; I'll keep that in mind."
The man beamed and began searching his pockets, "Let me give you my card."
His smile was breathtaking, causing Yuuri's heart to do somersaults. If this man wasn't a member of the Bratva and Yuuri lived a different life, he would have loved the opportunity to get to know the Russian better.
"No need. I'll find you if I need you." Yuuri looked at the man one last time to memorize his face. A part of him was sad to go without even knowing the Russian's name, but it was better this way. Nothing would cause Yuuri to change his mind, and he knew he'd never see this man again.
By the time the Russian had pulled out his business card, Yuuri had disappeared.
Eight months later…
It had been months, and Viktor still couldn't get Yuuri Katsuki out of his mind.
Discovering Ace's true identity had been a challenge, but one Viktor had enjoyed since they parted all those months ago. When he returned without Ace, Yakov had been pissed that Viktor wasn't able to secure the contract. Anya was the perfect target to test Ace's skills since it had shut Georgi up and allowed them to find the ideal assassin to replace Anya. Viktor was disappointed for a whole other reason.
The men he'd arranged to follow Yuuri in case he dismissed their first offer were found dead in an alley the next morning. At first, Viktor was pissed. He hated losing men and tried to avoid it at all costs. Later, when the autopsy reports came back and revealed that the men had been poisoned hours before, Viktor couldn't hide his amazement. He needed Eros, and he was determined not to leave Moscow until he found him. Weeks passed, but all Viktor could discover was Yuuri's identity.
Yuuri was supposed to be one of the best, but he didn't look it. His soft brown eyes weren't those of a cold-blooded killer, and Viktor wished for the opportunity to get to know him better. With a sigh, Viktor dismissed his guards for the night and made his way to his bedroom. The family wing of the house was so heavily guarded and secure that it was the only place Viktor felt genuinely safe. As the future Pakhan, there was always the possibility that someone would make an attempt on his life.
When Yakov had announced Viktor as his heir a few years ago, it upset more than a few families. It took longer than Viktor would have liked, but at least now he felt he'd proven himself worthy over the last five years. The only blip in his rise to the top had been securing Yuuri.
Luckily, only Yakov and a few trusted advisors even knew about their attempt to hire Ace and Viktor planned to keep it that way. With a sigh, Viktor opened his bedroom door, expecting the usual excited greeting from his poodle. When she didn't come running, Viktor tensed, feeling the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.
Viktor reached for his gun and cursed himself when he realized it wasn't on him. He had already stored the weapon as he always did at this time of night. Taking a deep breath, Viktor tried to tell himself not to panic.
The first lesson Yakov had taught him was to follow his instincts, which is why Viktor wasn't completely surprised when he noticed the man sitting in his desk chair.
The man had his back to Viktor, facing the glass doors that lead to the balcony. Makkachin had her paws on the armrest of the chair, shamelessly begging for head pats. Yakov had laughed at Viktor's choice in a pet, believing that the future Pakhan should have a guard dog instead of an overgrown lapdog. He teased that if an intruder ever got in, his pooch would attack them with kisses instead of alerting the guards as a proper dog should. He was glad Yakov wasn't here now to rub it in his face.
There was no way the intruder wasn't aware of Viktor's presence in the room, but he did not attempt to address him. Viktor ran towards the closet where he could try to gain cover and retrieve a gun.
"Don't bother trying to get a weapon from any of your hiding spots. I already found them all, and I disabled your panic alarm." Viktor spun to face the intruder, eyes blown wide as he recognized Yuuri's voice. Yuuri turned to face Viktor and pointed to the weapons on the desk. Sure enough, all of the guns Viktor had were neatly laid out on display.
"How did you get in here?"
Yuuri ignored him and gestured to the coffee table only a few feet in front of him, continuing to scratch Makka's ears. The manila envelope was placed perfectly in the middle of the table in an eerie fashion. Yuuri didn't move as Viktor picked up the envelope and sat down on the couch. Inside the folder was a stack of papers and loose photographs of Viktor. Before Viktor could read the pages, Yuuri began to recite the contents to him.
"Viktor Nikiforov, born December 25. Age 27, though he likes to tell people, he's 25. Height, 5'11; hair, grey; eyes, blue. Adopted by Yakov Feltsman after his parents were murdered by a rival gang." Viktor blanched at the memory, but Yuuri seemed not to notice. "No surviving documents are existing of the adoption since the only copy burned in a fire seven years ago when the same rival gang tried to burn down this very house. He is now the heir to the Feltsman Bratva, which ruffled a few feathers within the organization." Yuuri's laugh was chilling, with no semblance of humor. "Upon studying Nikiforov's behaviors, I suggested the best assassination attempt should be made within the target's bedroom where he is most vulnerable. Option one: poison of client's choosing in vodka decanter since it appears to be his own personal stash. Option two: poison of client's choosing in toothpaste since the target is anal about dental hygiene before bed. Both options can be done without trace evidence, making it appear the target died in his sleep."For a moment there was silence. The blank look on the assassin's face gave nothing away.
Viktor turned to face Yuuri, "My hair is silver, not grey." Viktor sucked in a breath, hoping that his voice didn't betray him. The panic that was coursing through his veins terrified and thrilled him in equal parts.
Yuuri quirked an eyebrow but didn't reply. The warm eyes that he remembered from the bar were gone, replaced with a cold fury that made Viktor shiver.
"Who hired you to kill me?" Viktor knew that if Yuuri had been here to kill him, he would already be dead. Still, he couldn't help himself.
"No one," Yuuri's tone was flat, reflecting the chill in his eyes. "I just wanted to prove how easy it would be for me to kill you."
Viktor felt his heart pick up at Yuuri's words. Instead of fear or anger, Viktor felt enamored. Like Yuuri arranging his death was equivalent to a serenade instead of a blatant threat.
"You said the Pakhan would be willing to pay any price for my services. Correct?"
Viktor nodded, afraid that his voice would betray his excitement.
In response, Yuuri made his way to the couch opposite him and took a seat, his stony gaze never leaving Viktor's face. "I will kill anyone you want, whenever you want, in whatever way you desire – under one condition."
Viktor felt every nerve in his body ignite, all too eager to give Yuuri anything. "Name it."
Yuuri's triumphant grin held no joy as he spoke the words that would forever change both of their lives, "I want you to help me destroy EROS."
Notes:
Chapter beta-read by my dear friend rinablanket! Thank you for putting up with me and for pushing me to write my story ;) 3