Disclaimer: I do not own anything except my OC. Everything else belongs to the original creator
Chapter 1
3rd Pov
Nothing could be heard within the skating rink besides the music that made the atmosphere so lively and the sound of the ice being scraped against the blades as the young figure skater moved across the icy plains. The Japanese woman closed her eyes, following alongside the song she picked out for her session, a faint smile caressed her lips as she allowed herself to be fully submerged into it.
It was peaceful to move along with the music, embracing it and expressing it through her movements as she gracefully glided across the smooth cold surface. Twirling, she dipped onto her knee before pushing herself up again, preparing herself and she leaped into the air as she landed her triple toe loop combination. Smiling, she felt an energy flow through her veins as she continued to move along the music, allowing her passion to one of the things that fuels her life.
She was skating, practicing her routines for her up coming competition in the ladies singles, hoping to share her passion with the world and so far everything was going smoothly as usual. It still hasn't hit her that she'll be performing in her one of her important routines she's put her heart in soul into in front of world, but in the end she wasn't in it for winning since it wasn't really her main focus. Skating all alone since it was only her since the whole ice rink was closed off for her private session and she even asked her coach to go get them something to eat dinner together when her session comes to an end soon. Not wanting to eat in public since she wasn't in the mood to be overwhelmed by people who are fans of her work, but instead she wished to sit down and enjoy time with her coach who has been a good friend of hers, who's been like family to her.
Akira smiled to herself, she stopped the moment the sound of her music came to and which only meant she finished her routine and now she needed to wait until her coach returns. Skating over to where she left her bag beside the radio, turning the music off as she checked her phone and a smile appeared across her lips. Blowing out a few lose strains of her pitch black hair from her eyes, Akira began to freely skate across the ice while her eyes skimmed through her messages.
A small laughter escaped from her as she read the recent message that her forgein friend replied with, a witty response followed with a wink and she could imagine the young the silver haired Russian actually giving his singature wink. Replying back at how childish he was which only had him quickly respond back with a flirtatious remark which only made her roll her eyes. It didn't bother her since he tends to do that, to the point she believes it's part of his charm that he was gifted with.
Flashback:
Skating along side the young blonde who continued to practice his moves while listening to the japanese woman who was in town for a short period of time before returning back to her home country. Akira kept a distance, allowing the blonde to move freely, but she gave her own views about the whole skating world. Twirling, her expression soften as she spoke up, "You know, skating is more than just simply moving and performing on an ice stage," Gliding backwards, she continued, "I skate not to win competitions or gain awards, none of that really matters to me."
"I only skate because it's my passion, a passion I wished to share with the world and those who are my fans... Well, they're part of me as well, so I skate for them, with them, and I make sure to bring out the best of me," Closing her eyes, she shifted as she circled the center, "You have yet to fully move alongside your emotions, to let out your story, but I won't deny there's a spark within your eyes."
Yuri frowned slightly, not facing the older skater who he met earlier within the year once he was taken to be coached by Vakov. But he has heard news about the female skater since she was one of the top among the other women, yet he still believes that Viktor was probably the legend among all ice skaters.
He continued to focus on his routine that he's been practicing, but he retorted back, "It doesn't work if my routine isn't prefect."
"Skating is more like surprising the people, Akira~! To wow the crowd"
The two looked over to see the Russian star who has been stirring up his reputation as one of the best figure skaters. Viktor smiled, skating alongside their friend as he grabbed her hand so he can spin her, "A book full of wonder I see, but I think it's more than just that."
Skating away from the silver haired teen, Akira shook her head before responding back to him with something that he constantly mentioned time and time again, "Like your personal motto? Do the opposite of what people expect-"
Chuckling, he continued his own movements across the ice rink while finishing her sentence, "-That is the only way you will surprise them!"
Raising a brow over to him, the two past each other while she stated, "Yet you're very competitive despite your natural whimsical and carefree self," Her eyes widen the moment she found herself moving in a different direction she plan, but she looked over to see that Viktor decided to throw her off course which made her frown slightly, "You sure like to surprise people, don't you?"
Laughing, he let her go before moving away again, but he blinked the moment he heard her comment. Looking over his shoulder he watched how Akira skated freely in her own pace, but he saw how she chuckled to herself before sparing a look his way when she said, "Kinda arrogant about it, Vitya?"
He returned a smug look before responding back, "I have to since I've have some competition~!"
Furrowing her brows, surprised to hear him say such a thing and she decided move up beside him before questioning him, "I'm surprised to hear such a thing from you."
"Bingo~!" Snapping his fingers, a wide smile appeared across his lips at how clueless she was and he laced his fingers with hers before dragging her with him, "Yet you continue to surprise me, yourself, Akira~!"
Yuri kept his distance, but he watched the two carefully as they bickered among themselves, but he noticed how it was only playful as they continued to skate. The blonde boy knew there was differences and similarities between the two teens, mainly the way they express themselves through their passions and the meaning behind their motives.
Coming to a stop, Yuri knew one thing was for sure, they held a similar flame that burns within them, but how they kindle it was different. Yet it's something he wants to achieve, to be able to reach their leagues, he wants to live up to his mentor one day. Moving away from the railings, he continued to practice his moves in hopes he'll use them in his next competition.
Following his lead, she wasn't shocked to know that he was the one determine how they skated, but it felt like a dance. Moving along with him as they continued to skate in sync, but once he spun her around and accepting her hand with his. The two stared at each other for a moment, but it didn't last long when Viktor smirked down at her, "I might think you're in love with me, Akira," Chuckling, he winked at her which only caused her to break away from him when he commented, "With the way you stare into my eyes."
Sighing, she returned a playful smirk before returning to her own free movement while calling back to him, "You're really an airhead, Vitya," Glancing over to see the Russian skate beside her and she shook her before quickly moving around him, "You may sway all your fan girls, but you are far out of my league!"
Pouting, Viktor called back to her as he allowed her to escape his grasps, but he continued to pester her, "Doesn't mean I can't stop trying!"
Closing her eyes, she gracefully glided across the ice surface while recalling an old memory as she allowed herself to move without much thought, "I still remember how you tried to get my attention at first," Laughing, opening up her eyes as she looked over her shoulder, "You're lucky you can still walk after your little stunt."
"Hmm~" Humming to himself, Viktor held a calm composer as usual when he skated around her while stretching his arm out so his fingers can brush over her shoulder. A smile rested across his face as he attempted to bewitch her into his charms, "An interesting one, aren't you?"
Yuri frowned at how his mentor was off trying to woo over the female skater instead of focusing on practicing. The blonde landed his jump as he called the other Russian out, "I wonder how you managed to win when you slack off," Muttering a few other things under his breath as he continued to practice.
Akira ignored the silver haired skater's acts while agreeing with Yuri's comment as she patted Viktor's cheek before skating off again, "I feel bad for Yuri that he deals with this more than I do, you know."
Allowing a sly grin to cross his lips as he whispered into her ear before being the one to skate away, "You're quite cruel for being a tease."
Watching him move so gracefully without even trying as if he owned the land, but she shook her head before returning to her own realm that she once skated before he intruded. Smiling she caught his eye as the two kept a distance when she teased him, "Nope~!"
Pushing a few stray hairs behind her ear, she responded back to his message, but she debated to actually video call. There was a time gap between them, a handful of hours, but it should be morning or even noon over there since it's already late in Japan. Blinking at the message she recieved, Akira couldn't help herself from laughing at how he was being his childish stuff, but she responded back with a question to see if he was free for a small video call until her coach arrives.
Waiting for his response, Akira continued to move away from the railing as she skated freely, but she continued to feel a few stray hairs get in the way when she moved across the ice. Sometimes she wondered how Viktor managed to have long hair one point in his life and now she noticed how her hair has been growing out without her even progressing it. Something that only gains her attention whenever she skates, but it wasn't a big issue since she hardly notices until she's done skating.
Checking her phone, she noticed that he hasn't responded yet, so she waited to see if he'll be the one to start the call or text back and she took the time to continue skating. Twirling, Akira stopped once she heard the doors and she turned to greet her coach, but her eyes widen slightly to see a stranger enter the room. Confused to see that someone entered the ice rink when she made sure that it was solely for her session, but something wasn't right.
Lowering her phone, she raised a brow slightly before calling out to the stranger, "Sorry, but this is a private session and you're not allowed here," Offering a smile, Akira motioned the stranger to exit the area, but she never finished her sentence, "Maybe when I'm finished then-"
Just in a blink of an eye, she saw her life flash before her eyes and there wasn't anything she could do from stopping time or rewind it back. Time slowed down the moment she realized what the intentions were from the stranger, but she couldn't move quickly enough to react in time as she felt a sudden rush of pain hit her.
It was that moment, everything she worked so hard for crumbled down in front of her very eyes and it was also the moment she knew nothing will ever be the same. But deep down, Akira won't deny that there was a part of her that wished she died there instead of living a life drain of color because someone decided to steal her life away. A fear soon consumed her, not being able to do anything and she felt an unbearable sense of agony for having the one home she truly felt safe be completely destroyed. She'll forever remember the cold surface of the ice rink as the place she once loved, the place she became the person she was, and her final resting place as the place she died.
Everything became overwhelming, feeling the cold surface underneath her slowly began to warm up with a strange liquid like substance, but her attention somehow was drawn towards the vibration that echoed underneath which her eyes soon landed on her phone that was inching across the ice. Her eyes soon became heavy, but there wasn't anymore strength left within her to reach out for it or even cry out. So instead, she closed her eyes, but she heard more noises erupting around her that she couldn't possible understand what was going on. Her fingers twitched at the numbness that slowly cloaked her body, but soon was greeted with the need to sleep that she tried to refuse so dearly.
People were shouting, then a silence soon settled in until the sound of the ice being scraped gained her attention once again, but before she could hear any clear words, Akira fell into a deep sleep. Everyone rushed to collect the fallen figure skater, they were extremely cautious in removing the girl from the rink while handling the intruder as they hurried to get the young woman to the hospital where they'll tend to her. But Akira couldn't help herself from thinking about skating and she saw a blurred figures that she recognized to be her friends that she'll soon abandon after everything is settle. Then everything completely went pitch black as her body finally decided to give out while her mind slowly went blank with the fear of never living her life again.
3rd Pov
For the first time, his thoughts were overwhelming his sense of judgement, but mainly he found his skating to be off as he practiced alongside his pupil. Viktor wasn't the one to allow such emotions bother him, removing his attention from skating, but yet there was a haunting feeling that was creeping up as if something was utterly wrong. Removing himself from the center of the ice rink, ignoring his coach's protests as he looked through his bag on the sidelines, but only to be disappointed to see that his friend has yet to response back.
Frowning, he wondered what could Akira be up to since she hardly ever leaves without saying something and certainly it's one the only times she hasn't picked up the phone. Looking over his shoulder he realized that Yuri was getting lectured by their coach, but the blonde wasn't paying much attention to Vakov's words as he skimmed through his own phone.
Sending another message to his Japanese friend, he began to wonder what could be the issue since none of it made any sense. Recalling how she asked him if he was free for a video call, but not answer his call and at first he thought she was playing around and would call him back herself. But nothing happened and it's been a few hours and certainly it's late over where she was, still it didn't reassure him.
Sighing, he resumed his skating but his attention was taken away over to Yuri who shouted out, but this time it wasn't his usual outburst, but instead he was calling him for something that appeared to be important. Frowning, moving over to the blonde who in return told their coach to turn the TV on, but more importantly to change it to the news and made the Russian legend to look at his pupil in confusion.
Yuri skated near the screen and Viktor followed, but his eyes widen in disbelief to hear the words from the news, more importantly the headline was surrounding an accident or more like a unthinkable act that revolved around their friend. The blonde leaned against the railing as he read the headlines and he glanced over to his mentor to see that he wasn't there anymore. Looking over his shoulder, he realized that the silver haired man gotten out of the ice rink and Yuri returned his attention back to the screen.
Setting his ice skates aside, Viktor walked up beside his coach as they listened carefully to the news that erupted from Japan. The young skater soon join them as he stood beside his idol who appeared to static which only means that there were many things going his mind. Yuri crossed his arms, frowning at the news, but looked up the moment Viktor said something.
"I was just speaking to her a few hours ago," Not removing his eyes from the screen, rereading every single word that was plastered across the news. He couldn't believe to hear that his forge in friend was wrongfully attacked during her ice skating session, but mainly he couldn't do anything about it, "How could this just happen?"
Yuri narrowed his eyes the moment the news reporter was concluding something that no ice skater would like to hear, "I don't believe it, Akira can't stop skating like this. It's a load of bull."
Vakov held a stern look as he listened to the reporters words, but the man sighed under his breath, "Such a waste, to hear someone with great talent not being able to perform again."
Refusing to hear it, Viktor still had high hopes that Akira would return back to the ice rink after she recovered, "No, she wouldn't give up after this and most certainly she'll continue-"
Their coached looked at Viktor before coldly stating, "Ms Kamiki won't be skating again, she won't be able to skate during her upcoming competition and certainly with her injuries," He was being brutally honest about the matter as he glanced between the two skaters, "The possibility of the girl not being able to skate again are too high."
Sending a stern look at the silver haired man, who is one of his star students, "You shouldn't be worrying about women or anyone else while you have your career at hand, Viktor!" He took a moment before releasing a sigh as he turned away while calling the two, "It's a tragedy, it really is, but you two have your own competitions to prepare for, so return to your practices."
Yuri's expression fell, sparing one final look at the screen as he listen to the news, but turned away to return to his practice session. However, he noticed that Viktor was trying to get a hold of their friend, but the blonde bluntly stated, "She won't answer, she's still being held in the hospital, so there's no way in contacting her."
His eyes widen the moment he recognized the look that Viktor sent him and Yuri already knew that the man must have a trick up his sleeve which only means one thing. Shaking his head at his mentor before sparing a glance to Vakov then whispering harshly to Viktor, "Are you idiotic?!"
Blinking, he tapped his cheek while watching how his pupil reacted, "What?"
"Don't play stupid, Viktor," Yuri narrowed his eyes, muttering to the man so they don't draw much attention from their coach, "You and I both know this is crazy."
A chuckle escaped him, Viktor patted the boy on the shoulder before his expression changed once again, but Yuri knew something was completely off by his usual behavior, "It can't be that bad."
The blonde crocked a brow, looking up at the man before reminding him about the consequences, "Vakov will make our next few sessions a living hell if you really think that-"
A smirked crossed his lips, leaning over to the boy as he whispered, "Who said he has to know?"
Watching the silver haired Russian walk along without him, but Yuri knew one to many times that whatever Viktor was planning is rash and it'll be serve them trouble. Crossing his arms, he frowned at the man, but the blonde can't deny that there was no point in arguing with him, "You never listen do you?"
"Nope~!" Viktor looked over his shoulder, his eyes landing on his pupil before winking at the boy, "From what I remembered, you don't either~!"
He still didn't believe it, how the man flipped the switch from some who was in shock to the man he is, but it was only to cover up his lack of composer. Yuri tapped his foot impatiently against the floor, narrowing his eyes at how he has a few choices; one, tell Vakov about Viktor's plan or two, simply follow the man.
Releasing a deep breath of frustration, Yuri walked over to his skates as he muttered under his breath, "Either way, one of them is going to nag."
3rd Pov
Just like that, they left Russia without notiftying their coach, but only to have Vakov call Viktor within minutes after the time the two male ice skaters should be at the ice rink. Yuri raised a brow, frowning at how he could Vakov hear booming voice radiate from Viktor's cell, who didn't seem troubled at how he was scolded. Instead, Viktor laughed, sparing a few words to their coach before hanging up. Looking over to Yuri, he chuckled, "He isn't too mad."
Not believing a word, Yuri glanced down his phone to see that Vakov was trying to reach him to and the blonde gave his idol a skeptical look, "Then why is he calling to nag again?"
Yuri, ignoring the call as he shoved his hands into his pockets before asking an important question, "Did you at least tell her we're coming?"
Smiling to himself, Viktor shook his head before loudly responding back in a playful tune, "Nope~!"
His eyes widen, stopping in his tracks while Viktor continued to walk along without, but Yuri gotten serious, "What if she refuses to see us and we flew out for nothing!?"
Pausing in his tracks, Viktor looked over to his pupil as he blinked at his outburst, "I doubt Akira is that cruel."
"She's not going to like it," Walking past the man, Yuri refused to look at his mentor who caught up with him, but the blonde teen wasn't pleased, "None of the less, they might not let us in."
Wrapping an arm around the boy, chuckling as they continued to head down to visit their friend, "They'll let us in, don't worry Yuri~"
Finally arriving to the hospital that held their friend, the two of them walked through the lobby towards the front desk, so they could find the room that she's staying in. However, they managed to attract more attention than what they planned for when people began to whisper among themselves and then some began to take pictures.
"It's Viktor Nikiforov and Yuri Plisetsky!"
"What are they doing here in Japan?"
"Why the strange visit?"
"Shouldn't they be preparing for the upcoming season?"
Yuri rolled his eyes at how Viktor didn't pay much attention that was brought onto themselves, but the blonde raised a brow at how the charismatic man smiled at the woman sitting at the front desk, "Hello, I'm here to see Akira Kamiki."
His charms won't be of any use since the young woman shook her head, snapping out of her the spell that was cast over her as she remembered the rules. Recollecting her composer, she raised a brow at the two before asking, "Sorry, sir, but are you a relative?"
"No, we're close friends of hers," Leaning closer, he gave his honest response while trying to sway the receptionist into revealing the information that he's seeking.
Her face heated up, shuttering as she stared at him, but the receptionist knew she'll get in deep trouble for allowing personal information out, "F-forgive me, but I've been informed not to let any one in."
Snorting, Yuri crossed his arms before sending a look over to Viktor, "Told you."
But before the two were asked to leave, someone spoke up from behind them, "It's okay."
Turning around, the quickly recognized the brown haired woman and Viktor smiled brightly as he greeted Akira's coach, "Haruka!"
Placing her hands on her hips, raising a brow at the two before asking a serious question, "What are you two doing out here?"
Giving a soft smile, Viktor didn't go into further detail for his sudden arrival, but he said enough for the woman to understand, "We came to visit Akira and I thought to surprise her."
Releasing a deep breath, Yuri stated a more truthful answer, "We snuck out since we don't have time."
"I don't know what to tell you boys," Scratching the back of her head, Haruka gave the two a look as she told them what their friend wanted, "She really doesn't want to see anyone here."
The receptionist spoke up, raising her hand as she asked Haruka if she wanted to escort the two out, but her sentence was cut short, "Do you want us to call-"
"No, it's fine," Declining, Haruka sighed under her breath at the thought of what Akira would say the moment she see the two foreigns. Motioning the two to follow her as they went to elevator, "They're good to see her."
Trying to be optimistic about the situation, but she wasn't sure if the two could possible change anything, "Maybe you two can cheer her up," Pressing the floor number , Haruka took a deep breath while her expression sadden, "She refuses to do anything and more importantly, she's alone."
Finally asking the question that has been bothering him for some time since the news came out, but he remain his calm and collected self. Viktor shifted his attention over to the woman, "How bad is she?"
"Surgery went well, they managed to remove the bullet, but she'll be taking some time to recover," Keeping her eyes set on the doors in front of her, waiting to reach the floor since she didn't want to see their reactions when she began to inform them, "Won't be able to compete this season which is completely understandable, but afterwards... I honestly don't know what to do for her."
They were aware that there wasn't any relatives that could possibly be there to comfort the young girl and if Haruka who was basically almost like a mother to her can't cheer her up then what can anyone do. The coach closed her eyes, relaxing her nervous since the past few days have been stressful and now she doesn't know what will happen once they reached Akira's room.
Calming down, she closed her eyes before whispering, "During her fall, she sprained her ankle too so she'll take time to recover," Shaking her head, looking up to the ceiling for a moment before existing the elevator while leading the two down the ward that kept the girl, "As well as the blood lose she experienced..."
Following close to Akira's coach, the two listened carefully about the conditions that their friend was and the current status, but there was more to it that they'll have to find out later. Yuri kept quiet since he had no words to share and he doesn't know what to possible say the moment they reached the room, but Viktor still kept asking more about the girl, "When will she be released?"
"In a week she'll be free to go home," Glancing over to the silver haired man, Haruka explained to him what she knew about the situation revolving Akira which only sadden her again, "But she'll have someone checking on her to make sure she's fine along with a physical therapy to help her and a therapist so she can talk to if she wants."
Lowering her eyes, Haruka took in a deep breath as she whispered, "She hasn't opened up yet even with me, so I know it's eating her up about what happened."
Stopping front of the room that held the injured girl, but she informed the two about a few things before leaving them along, "Well, if you two want to go to the waiting room, it's down the hall and the second door on the right."
Hesitating for a moment, she opened the door quietly before whispering over to the two young men, "I'm going to let you two in," She spared a glance inside, but she stepped back to allow them in as she left the two.
Nodding, Viktor glanced into the room after smiling over to the woman who left them, "Thank you Haruka."
Yuri raised a brow, waiting for his mentor to open the door, but watched how the man took a moment before entering the room. Following behind him while closing the door behind him, but Yuri was taken back to see how Akira appeared to be different from the last time he seen her in person. Keeping a distance until Viktor who made an entrance, but it didn't get much of a reaction out of their friend right away.
He was relieved to finally see his dear friend, smiling as he stood at the foot of her bed, "Akira~!"
Sighing, he watched how she avoided any eye contact with him or say anything about their sudden visit. Moving over to her side, Viktor dropped into the chair beside her while trying to cheer her up, "You have to tell me your secret, Akira~" Leaning against his hand, his eyes half lidded as he allowed his seductive voice try to gain her attention or at least have her retort with something, "What keeps you looking beautiful even in this situation?"
"This idiot..." Yuri now standing at the foot of her bed, he looked at her as he finally spoke to her, "Hey Akira, glad to see you're fine."
Sighing to herself, turning to face the two, she offered a faint smile, but it quickly faded as she looked away again, "Hey..." Akira furrowed her brows, she was glad to see some familiar faces, but yet she wasn't prepared to actually say anything to them, "Why are you here?"
His expression soften, leaning closer to the girl as he responded so sweetly, "To see you, why else?"
Frowning slightly at how the two would do something so rash especially when they had more important things to do then travel over to visit her, "You two have to practice for the upcoming competition."
"We can skip a few days," Waving it off, he didn't worry too much about the thought of skipping a few practice sessions since he was fully confident about his routines, but Viktor wanted to know a few things about his friend, "But lets talk about you. How do you feel?"
Yuri placed his hands into his jacket, he didn't know what to say so he simply said, "Akira, you don't have to answer."
Ignoring the question, she struggled to sit up which Viktor helped her and Akira looked over to the blonde while asking, "How's your quadruple salchow, triple toe loop combination going along, Yuri?"
He smirked, responding back confidently about his improvement, "Nailed it after a few attempts and even improved a biellmann spin."
The black haired woman smiled, leaned back against the pillow as she whispered, "I'm glad to hear it."
Frowning to himself, watching how she wasn't going to say anything and he wasn't surprised to see how stubborn she was. Looking over to his pupil, Viktor asked the boy to leave them alone for a bit so he could possible get something out of her, "Yuri can you give me a moment."
Understanding what he meant, Yuri stepped back as he listened to his idol's request while muttering, "Whatever."
She wasn't the same and he already it by the way her expression said it all without her speaking a word. The way she appeared to have lost all her color that surrounded her life, he noticed one main difference and it's how all her passion was stolen from her. It was quite sad to see the look within her eyes, she looked so lost in what to do with her life if she didn't have ice skating. Shifting his chair closer, he studied her carefully since she hardly acknowledged their presence, but it didn't stop him.
Staring at her, he finally took account how she looked. Her skin was a bit paler than her usual tone, how tired so appeared as if she hasn't slept for a while, but his eyes landed on the sling that held her right arm in place. However, he looked down to her legs for a moment before looking up to see her eyes again, "How are you, Akira?"
Sighing, Akira looked over to him, bluntly responding to his question, "Do you want me to tell you what you want to hear or do I tell you the truth?"
"I'll be frank with you, Victor," Turning away, she felt empty ever since she woke, "I should've died instead of being here..."
"Why?" He already knew the answer the question, it was all laid out in front of him and all he can describe was that his friend died the moment her passion disappeared, yet he knew she was trying to put up some type of act to shield herself from the pain. To reassure him and the others she's perfectly find, but everyone knew she wasn't.
Bringing her left hand over her face, she chuckled bitterly to herself as she felt tears build up in her eyes as she spoke up, "Like you said many times and what I say to others," Refusing to face him as she just broke down, "When we lose our passion we're good as dead."
Releasing a shaky breath, she shook her head before looking up at the ceiling, "Look at me," Shutting her eyes tightly, recalling the events that led to her tragic end and all she could was whisper to him, "You can't deny that I've lost it all."
"Can't skate anymore so what's the point in all this," Leaning back into her pillow, Akira turned away as she gave her honest thoughts about the situation, "I'm good as dead."
Taking in a deep breath, sparing a glance over to the Russian as she stated the truth about their career, "...I knew we can't skate competitively forever, I understand, but I wanted... I wanted to be the one to decide when to stop," Rubbing her eyes, tired from everything that life has done as she revealed her inner most conflict, "I don't care about winning, but all I wanted was..."
She was broken and it was obvious to anyone who actually knew the girl personally, but her voice was so transparent that revealed every emotion she was feeling. Her expression went blank as her eyes fell onto her lap as she whispered, "To share my passion with others... Now I can't..."
Frowning to herself, shifting her focus before moving onto the questions her sudden guests have yet to properly explain, "So why are you even here?" Looking over to her side, she noticed it caught the man off guard for a second, but she raised a brow at him before asking, "What do you want from me? I can't skate so why...? "
Not interrupting her, allowing her the chance to talk openly, but he was a bit shock to hear that she was asking him such a thing. Blinking, he shouldn't be surprised by it, but it still moved him on how she believes he was merely using her because of her ice skating. He won't deny it, it was his intentions at first when he saw her, but it changed within the three years they've known each other.
His expression soften, leaning against his hand while keeping his eyes fixed on her when he chuckled to himself, "You're an interesting person, Akira, but I've grown to expect many surprises from you over the years I known you," Raising a brow, Viktor soon grew serious when he firmly stated, "But I wouldn't have thought of the day you would give up like this."
"I still have faith you'll skate again," Smiling, tapping his fingers against his chin as he reminded the girl what they promised in, but still not providing a clear answer like usual, "After all we agreed to skate in pairs when we get bored and I want you as my partner when we get to that point."
Avoiding her eyes from meeting his as she responded back, "Then... I'm sorry I can't be that for you."
Clasping his hands together, laughing for a moment before sitting up in his chair so he could lighten the mood. But Viktor was trying to say that he wasn't going to leave because she won't be skating, yet he wasn't one to always be straight forward when he chooses to withhold his true intentions. Leaning over towards the dishearten girl as he cheerful responded back to her words, "Welp~ You can't get rid of me that easily then!"
"...You're foolish as always..."
Laughing, grabbing her hand into his as he gave her his signature wink, "But I'm your fool~!"
They continued to talk to one another,but Akira wasn't one to say much as she listened to what her friend spoke about, maintaining a few things he's been up to and what he's planning. But he noticed that she wasn't too jolly or sassy as usual and he knew his friend wasn't in a state to The two couldn't stay long since Akira was tired which they understood along with a nurse that came by to check on her while informing the two young men it was time for them to leave. Sparing a few more words with their friend before heading out to call it a day since it's been a very long day for everyone. Leaving their friend alone for the night since visiting hours were over, but the two figure skaters spoke among themselves about what happened to their friend, especially finally seeing her in person after the incident.
The blonde kept his focus ahead of him, his expression remaining to his irritated state, but Yuri furrowed his brows slightly before mentioning, "Never seen her sad before," Now frowning as he corrected himself by restating his thoughts, "Depressing, actually."
Not sparing a look over to his pupil, Viktor held a calm composer while responding back, "She'll get through with it."
Yuri turned over to see his idol as he asked an important question in what they'll be doing here on out, "Now what?"
"Food sounds good, but I'm trying to remember the place Akira mentioned before," Thinking, he tried to recall the name, but continued his train of thought before forgetting it, "Afterwards we head back to the hotel since I'm really tired~"
Something caught his attention when something fell across him, blinking, Viktor looked up to see the petals of the tree fall and he released a deep breath before stating their simple plan, "Then we'll drop by again tomorrow."
"Then we head back?" Yuri crocked a brow, the blonde already knew that they'll be greet with a long annoying scolding from their coach the moment they return, "You know, Vakov is going to kill us once we get back."
Shrugging it off since he wasn't one bit worried about what their coach will say, "Yup!"
3rd Pov
Flashback:
Unlike the other times they've hanged out in person, she finally was on her home turf which meant that she needed to show the Russian around the city, but mainly show him the ice rink she uses. It's been only a few years since the two began to properly talk to each other despite the whole long distance, but it was always fun when they saw each other in person since they always had new tricks or routines they'll show off to one another.
Akira landed her jump, freely skating backwards before twirling and she looked from the corner of her eye to see that Viktor has one up her on his quad flip and he smirked to himself. She shook her head, giggling at how someone young like himself has managed to win his senior debut like nothing and she's hoping that she'll do the same when she makes her debut.
Both skating to their own beat, but they somehow came together to the same rhythm of the music that was playing and they continued to skate with each other in a duet. It was different than their usual solo routines, but they managed to move fairly at the same rate, almost in sync.
"Maybe I'll try out competing with a partner," Viktor moved gracefully across the ice while smiling over to the girl as he joked around, "Hmm~ After I find myself not enjoying the whole solo routine anymore."
Akira blinked at his words, accepting his hand as the two smoothly moved around each other, "Wouldn't think of you as a duet figure skater," Raising a brow at him the moment she came to face him again, "You look like someone who wants all the attention, not to share the ice stage with anyone else."
He didn't deny her statement, Viktor skated backwards while his friend followed close and he winked at her before moving around her, "I'll like if you were to be my partner if I ever do decide to do that."
"Really?" She wasn't sure if he being serious or he was completely joking, but mainly she wanted to know the reason behind it, "Why? If I can recall, you won gold in the Junior World's with a ground breaking score in history"
Furrowing her brows, Akira shifted her foot as she turned while keeping an eye on him who didn't seem bothered by the information, "You even won among skaters older than you in your senior debut," She wouldn't imagine him to change his focus on his ice skating career to a different field of it beside going solo.
Akira stopped herself while watching him skate alone, she couldn't possible understand him for saying something like that regardless the intentions. Her eyes were glued on him, how he leaped into the air, landing perfectly before tilting his body to the side as he navigated himself around the rink in silence.
Closing his eyes, he circled the rink while the girl remain still as she waited for an answer from him. Viktor placed an arm over her shoulders, bringing her along with him as he simply stated, "We skated together a few times and I think we'll work fine," Still he didn't answer her questions fully even after she provided a few facts surrounding him, "So what do you say?"
Releasing a deep breath, deciding to leave it alone since she knew he wouldn't answer her questions straight forward unless he wants to, but it all depends on what he's trying to accomplish. Akira resumed skating, closing her eyes as she allowed herself to move alongside her emotions, but she opened her eyes to find her Russian friend slip his hand with hers before whispering, "Think about it, Akira. Pretty please~"
Finally giving in, she sighed before nodding her head, "I'll... I'll like that."
Giggling, she began to finally see a possible reason that he could be using, "It'll open up a whole different field of surprises for you to do," She smiled as the two of them dance to the music, "A whole new experience to explore."
His smile widen, picking her off the ground while laughing at how she pointed out some the notes he was thinking, "I'll keep this in mind~" Setting her back down as he leaned closer, "Promise, Akira?"
Her eyes widen at how he was seriously going with it, but she agreed as she laughed along with him, "I promise, Vitya."
His blue eyes traced the gold medal within his fingers, remembering how he won his recent competition, but he also recalled the purpose in bringing it with him as he walked alongside Makkachin. Returning the medal back into his pockets the moment he saw the house come to view and he smiled to himself before heading down the small path way. Walking up the steps, Viktor made sure his beloved poodle remain by his side once they reached the front door of their friend. Ringing the doorbell, crossing his fingers that she was home since he didn't tell her about his little drop by. It's been two months since they last saw her, but he's been keeping up with by messaging and video calling to see how she's been. From what he knew, Akira appeared to be fine, but there was a change in how she smiled or laughed, it all seem forced or held a sad tone to it that she refuses to reveal to anyone. He smiled the moment the door opened up to reveal the face he was hoping to see again in person after everything was settled.
Akira's eyes widen when she saw the young Russian man stand in front of her, but she was caught off guard the moment his dog jumped at her causing her to fall back. Quickly reacting, he reached out to catch her while scolding his dog for acting so impulsive that could've harmed the woman, "Makkachin!" Wrapping his arms around her, pulling back onto her feet while giving her a sweet smile, "Got you beautiful."
Leaving his arms, she acknowledge the cheerful creature who jumped back at her, but this time she used Viktor's arm as support to keep her from stumbling back,"Hello to you too, Makkachin~" Looking over to her friend, she sighed tiredly since she wasn't prepared for any guests, "If you're going to come over then call me beforehand."
Allowing him in her home, Akira closed the door before placing her hand against the wall as she tried to take a moment to keep her leg off the ground which caught the Russian's attention. She might've already healed her ankle and shoulder, but the damage surrounding her knee area hasn't completely healed yet. Taking in a deep breath, she smiled it off but deep down she wanted to be alone yet she didn't have the heart to push him away after he went out of his way to travel out to visit.
Waiting for her to reach him, Viktor kept a positive atmosphere despite how his friend was since he knew it'll help her cheer up, "You know I like to make a surprise entrance~!" Following behind her while keeping a steady eye as he quietly observed her, but he allowed himself to continue his bold acts, "Anywho... You look fine as ever, Akira."
Rolling her eyes, she moved ahead of him, "Flattering isn't going to help you , Viktor," Entering the kitchen, Akira leaned against the counter while keeping an eye on him as he rested his elbow on the counter and she offered, "Do you want anything to drink?"
Declining the offer, he knew not to bother her with something simple, "No, I'm fine."
Shaking her head, trying to keep the atmosphere from feeling depressing as she smiled over to him, "That's the first."
Straightening himself, he walked around the counter, "I actually had something for you instead."
This caught her full attention since she wasn't expecting any type of gifts and none of the less, she knew very well that she can't possible accept it. Furrowing her brows in confusion, folding her arms as she eyed him,"Huh?"
Holding a hand up in defense as she reminded him, "You know that I don't like accepting gifts since you tend to go beyond the average gifts," But it only made him laugh at how she quickly assumed things which he reassured it's not the case.
Instead, he revealed the medal that only meant he won but he handed it over to her which caused her to chuckle at him. She shook her head, her eyes traced the medal within her hands and she recalled his performance that only provided he was unbeatable. Her expression sadden slightly, remembering how she watched him on the TV when she was recovering. Returning back to him before leaning back against the counter, "I'm not surprised you won yet again," Her expression sadden, but she played it off with a smirk, "So you came to brag to me then since I wasn't there in person to for you to do that?"
"No," Laughing, he placed a hand on the counter beside her, Viktor lift the medal as he stared at it for a moment before handing it back to her again while stating, "I won it for us and surely you would've won your's without a doubt, so I thought you should keep this one."
Her eyes widen at his words, tensing up, but she didn't believe what she heard from him as she tried to decline it by handing it back, "...W-why?" Refusing to even continue the conservation any longer, she already tried to forget the whole concept of skating or even the routine she worked so hard for her competition.
"Come on, keep it," Viktor chuckled, curling her fingers around the medal before pouting as he tried to get the girl into accepting it, "I'm trying to be nice for once without being selfish, Akira."
Tears were building up in her eyes, vividly recalling the day that she was consumed by unspeakable sense of fear that resulted afterwards along with a sadness she couldn't describe. Avoiding to meet his eyes, but she knew it wasn't his intentions to make her feel so troubled since she's been trying to push everything away.
Shaking her head, moving away from him as she tried to recollect herself before breaking down in front of him, "I... I- excuse me for a moment," Setting the medal onto her kitchen table, Akira left the Russian alone in the room who only stood there in confusion to see such reaction out of her.
Viktor blinked when he noticed that Makkachin laid under the table, not following after her since the dog seem to recognized that their Japanese friend wasn't in the best state. Walking over to the table, picking up the medal for a second before setting it back down as he went to find his friend.
Flashback:
Everyone was collecting their belongings, most of the female ice skaters have already left or are at front lobby taking pictures. He hasn't spoken to the girl besides simple small talk about ice skating and since the ladies singles competition ended in Russia so he took the chance to watch it live along with the possibility to talk to representative of Japan. Yet he was standing in the hall, outside of the locker room that the black haired teen was in and the Russian teen turned the moment the door opened to reveal who he was waiting for.
Akira threw the strap over her shoulder, folding her arms as she smiled, "You're lucky that you can pull off as a girl with that hair of yours," Walking over to the silver haired teen and she looked over her shoulder to see another girl leave the locker room.
Returning her attention back to the male ice skater that has taken in an interest in her lately when she debuted in her Junior Category, "Hope you liked the show."
He smiled back, glancing over his shoulder to notice more people leaving the ice rink, "If you haven't failed to impress me so far," Viktor moved his head so he could fix his hair without touching it.
Raising a brow, she placed a hand on her hip before cutting to the chase since she wasn't fully familiar with the boy on a personal level beside being aware of each other, "You must want something from me if you're willing to wait for me to leave the locker room."
Chuckling, Viktor answered back without thinking which caught her off guard, "I want to know everything about you."
Furrowing her brows at how blunt he was with his responses and she didn't fully understand what he was trying to do since the two haven't spoken much, "Why?"
"So I can fully understand everything, to know every little detail about your routines, to tear apart the stories you display to the world," Leaning closer, invading her personal space as he replied back to her question, but before he crossed the line Viktor chuckled before stepping back, "After all, aren't we friends?"
Shaking her head, she should've known he would pull the small little stunt he did when they first met before commenting back, "Speaking from the enigma himself, you are a very complex person, Viktor," Akira can't deny that the boy was strange, but entertaining to have around to talk to at times when they cross paths, "I might think you're scheming something, but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt."
"I'll like to think about myself," He stared at the ceiling while tapping his fingers against his chin before sparing a smile over to her, "Don't worry, I won't do anything absurd. Yet."
"I'll remember that," Nodding, the two began to head down the hall but she bluntly stated her thoughts, "But I believe this little encounter isn't just for you to be my friend."
"If you allow me that is," Viktor tilted his head, keeping his eyes ahead of him before he began to ask her a few questions with a calm tone, "Or do you want me to be a older brother? A lover? A mere acquaintance that will chat over coffee every other week? Skating partners?"
His eyes held a spark when he finally decided to face the japanese teen, "You simply caught my interest in how you present yourself out there."
Akira adjusted her coat around her before chuckling, "So you only want to know my secret?"
Shrugging his shoulders, he glanced over to her before replying back, "Maybe I'll share my own secret if you do,"
Pointing over to him, Akira hasn't someone as different than the teen beside her and she revealed her impression about him, "You, yourself are quite a strange person, Viktor Nikiforov."
"For someone who's transparent, you are filled with mystery," Viktor stopped at the end of the hall, his eyes skimmed the small crowd that still remained in the lobby, but his eyes moved back to her, "Something that draws the world to watch you."
"I believe you also hold that," Countering his statement as she added onto what she believes to surround his ungodly talent that the world can't seem to live without, "You keep people watching, wanting more, and I won't deny you have something that I can't take my eyes off when you're on the ice."
"So we're even," Akira turned to face him as she began to excuse herself, so she could meet up with her coach, "But I believe it's time for me to go."
Pausing, the girl held a hand out to the Russian boy, "Hope we can chat again," Offering a smile to him as she wished him the best on his upcoming season, "Oh, good luck on your senior debut."
Accepting her hand, Viktor returned a smile before replying back, "I'll say the same to you next session since you're still in the Junior Category," The Russian wrapped an arm around as he patted her shoulder before chuckling, "But you'll get there!"
Akira raised a brow at him, she brushed her short hair behind her ears before responding back to his comment, "I don't know if I should be offended or flattered, but I feel like you're taunting me."
Laughing, Viktor waved at a few people who appeared to recognize him, but he quickly returned his attention back to the girl before leaning closer as he whispered, "That's what friends are, we tease each other, but I'm only saying that I'll like to see your senior debut soon."
She stared at him for a bit before something caught her attention from the corner of her eye which turned out to be her coach waving over to her. Akira sighed under her breath before pulling away from the boy as she excused herself, "I'll be watching."
Waving her off, Viktor smiled before calling back to his new friend, "Be prepared to be left speechless, Akira~!"
Entering the small patio and his eyes found the girl sitting down on the steps, crying and Viktor didn't know what to do in a situation involving anyone crying about anything, but he couldn't really awkwardly stand there either since he caused it.
Releasing a shaky breath, Akira kept her eyes shut as she leaned her head against her hand while speaking out loud, "I'm tired of crying," Curling her fingers as she counted endless amount of times she cried since the incident, "I know it's not going to change anything."
"Akira-"
Cutting him off, not wanting to hear anything about the matter while trying to spare him the trouble, "Just drop it, please," Finally opening her eyes as she stared at the ground while accepting her fate, "I'm done skating..."
Trying to keep any more tears from falling, but she could feel a few more run down her cheeks as she laughed bitterly to herself , "I'm sorry I won't be your partner if you ever did decide to compete as a duet," Covering her face, Akira shook her head before muttering, "I'm such a mess, aren't I?"
Taking a seat beside her, Viktor ran a hand through his short silver hair while giving an honest response, but he simply didn't know what to do to help, "Stop crying, please, I don't know how to handle a woman crying," Removing her hands from her face, he offered his apologizes while attempting to calm her down, "I didn't want to make you cry, it wasn't my intentions."
He never actually seen her cry like this before, it's always been tears of joy, but he never once he'll see or even cause her to break down in tears of pure sadness, "It's quite sad to see that your passion is gone, but I bet you'll return," Smiling, he kept his hopes high that it's only a phase or something else that was holding her back, but he knew the chances of her not returning to the ice, "You can't stay away forever."
Chuckling, Viktor tried to properly handle the situation and he didn't know if he was doing a good job at it. Holding her hands in his, he allowed a sincere smile to cross his lips as he whispered softly to the girl, "We'll end up skating together again and you'll be my partner like we promised."
Shaking her head, not wanting to talk or be reminded about the empty promise that she can't possible fulfill, "You're so foolish as always."
Finally deciding to help the girl out in regarding her sense of confidence while reminding her that she can't get rid of him that easily, "I'm not giving up yet."
Pulling away from him, Akira sighed to herself before whispering back to him as she wished to be left alone, "Just... Just let me go."
"Nope~!"
It was silent for a few minutes, but Viktor could've sworn it was hours that he felt trapped in the deafening silence. The Russian didn't know what he could say without upsetting his broken friend any further, but his eyes widen the second he heard her faint voice, "...How long are you planning to stay?"
"Two weeks you're stuck with me," Looking above him as he stared at the shade over them, but he glanced over to her, "Maybe I'll stay here with you if you allow me that's is."
Akira wrapped her arms around her legs, closing her eyes while whispering to herself, "It's nice to have someone around," She hasn't spoken to many people since she was released from the hospital neither has she spent much time out in the city either in order to avoid people. Shaking her head before sparing a glance over to him, "But at the same time, you're ruthless as ever for showing up like this."
His expression soften before responding back to her little comment, "Well, you're cruel for continuing to surprise me in most harshest ways possible."
Raising a brow, she still felt sad, but she glad to know he still held that childish atmosphere around him, "Speaking from the devil himself."
Smirking, he leaned closer to her before laughing at her words, "If only you were a saint as well, Akira."
Chuckling, she wiped the tears with the back of her hand, "I don't believe I'll ever be one after meeting you, Vitya."
A sly smile played across his lips, leaning closer as he wiggled his eyebrows and he wanted for to say, "What does that supposed to mean~?"
Shoving him back, Akira shook her head at how he acted so innocent and she knew better not to answer, "Don't be stupid."
Laughing at how she refused to further justify herself, Viktor leaned back on his hand while trying to pester her, "Enlighten me."
Pulling the large poodle into her arms, Akira smiled at how energetic the playful creature was. She ignored the subject while putting all her focus on the dog, "Makkachin~"
Sitting up, he pointed at her while trying to finish their pervious conversation, but he only watched how she praised his dog while leaving him in the dark, "You changed the subject!"
"Who's the good boy~?" She ruffled his curly hair, speaking in a playful tone when she allowed Makkachin to lick her face, "So cute aren't you~?"
Pouting at how the girl wasn't giving him any attention, Viktor draped an arm over her while trying to gain some acknowledgement from her, "Akira~! Don't ignore me!"
Akira looked over to see how he was trying to send her to a guilt trip, but she sighed tiredly, "I don't feel like babysitting you," Shaking her head while trying to push his weight off her, "I'm busy already-"
Not moving an inch, Viktor wiggled his finger before smiling at the dishearten girl, "No, my dear Akira~ I'm the one babysitting you."
"Oh no," Groaning, she already knew he's only going to cause some form of trouble within the small time span he's stay and Akira isn't prepared to handle any thing that will come out of his actions.
"Makkachin's happy so I'm doing a good job!" Stealing his dog away from the girl, but Viktor noticed how she didn't seem please at his words and he waved it off before raising a brow at her, "Don't give me that look, Akira, it doesn't suit you."
Closing her eyes, sighing as she laid down on the patio while the Russian remain sitting beside her when she muttered, "I'm only concern for my health which you'll only make worse," Covering her face, Akira felt Makkachin's soft fur brush over her hands as he attempted to lick her face again.
Leaning over her, pulling the large poodle away from her while smirking, "Wanna bet~?"
Frowning at him, she stared him, not amused at his tone, but she knew better than to ever agree to any form of bet with him since he tends to win almost if not all the time, "I won't win either way, Vitya, and you know that."
Laughing, he stared at her for a moment before wrapping his arms around Makkachin while resting his chin on the dog's head, "Exactly, love."
Shutting her eyes, Akira took a deep breath and she began to laugh at how much trouble he's gone through just to cheer her up as she whispered, "Thank you."
Tilting his head, not understanding the purpose of her to say such a thing to him since he hasn't done anything but unintentionally making her cry not so long ago, "For what?"
"Just don't stop growing, okay?" Poking his forehead, she looked up at him to see that he has so much left to present to the world through his love for ice skating and she smiled faintly, "Please, keep that about you, preserve it..."
His eyes widen at her sudden change in behavior, blinking at her strange act, but he chuckled before responding back, "I don't plan to."
"However," Viktor grew serious, finally finding the proper words, "You need to keep that passion I've love to see in you."
Letting go of Makkachin once he noticed that his beloved dog wanted to roam around freely again. Viktor wasn't one to give up despite everything and he isn't going to allow his friend to do that, "Don't let the world decide your choices, Akira," He was straight forward with his words without being vague or holding any type of double meaning and no signs that he was joking, "I really believe you're capable of skating if you want to continue, which you would without hesitation."
Watching how she looked away as if she was tired of hearing those words by the people around her, but he was being serious because he understands that no ice skater wanted to experience the tragedy that fell onto her. Viktor pressed his hand in the space beside the girl's head as he leaned in to whisper, "So don't listen."
Shaking her head, she's not holding onto any type of false hope that will only hurt her in the end, "Are you just trying to put your bad habits onto me?" Shifting her eyes back at him before snorting back at his own little advice, "You don't listen to anyone."
A soft chuckled escaped his lips, moving away as he gave her space again as he sat there, but he looked over to see that Akira sat up again. She leaned her head against his shoulder, but stopping him from saying anymore words, "Just... just stop talking for once, no more words and no more anything, please."
She's tired, tired of being remained about the pain that she's been trying to escape and all she wanted was to sit in silence, to have someone next to her to just to enjoy the silence instead of speaking about her tragic end, "Just sit with me for once."
3rd Pov
"It's over now for the Grand Prix!" Hisashi shouted as they finally announced the winners for the season, "With the legend himself, Viktor Nikiforov taken gold yet again!"
The other announcer glanced over to skating enthusiast before commenting on the other two young men who ended up in the top three, "Following with Christophe Giacometti placing in second with one of his best performances yet!"
"Then we had Jean Jacques Leroy setting in third," Mentioning a few points about each competitor while giving their thoughts about the possible future, "Without a doubt these men brought their all and I'll be waiting to see what they have next season!"
Agreeing with his statement, Hisashi watched how the three men left the ice rink while some of the audience began to clear out the area, "Of course, it'll be quite a show to watch them take the ice stage again when the next season comes around."
Chuckling, the young announcer agreed with his copartner while looking over to the Russian legend that placed in first, "I can't believe Viktor has yet again surprised us with another outstanding performance!"
"Throughout his career, he's been putting his all and I don't believe he'll be stopping any time soon!" Hisashi leaned back in his chair, watching how the ice rink was slowly clearing out while continuing his thoughts before allowing his co-announcer to add his opinion, "He'll be a tough opponent for any one to try and top him in the next Grand Prix or any competition."
Collecting his items while adding onto Hisashi's statement, "It's been an honor to watch such a magnificent ice skater such as Viktor himself progress within the 8 years I've seen him in person."
"Speaking about years," Hisashi raised a brow before calling some information regarding another ice skater before shutting down everything so the two announcers could leave, "It's been 3 years- almost 4 years since Akira Kamiki has disappeared from the public eye, the female ice skater who was on the top in her league, but even without her being able to skate there has yet to be another female skater to reach her status."
"But there have been some who are capable of surpassing her records," Looking over to the loud man, wanting to see if the man had any thoughts about the subject, "Won't you agree, Hisashi?"
"You and I both know that won't happen any time soon," Hisashi raised a brow at his copartner while stating his opinion on the matter, "Just like the legend himself, Viktor Nikiforov, who has no competition to fear any time soon and I can't see the day that any one can surpass his legacy."
Frowning, recalling how the news surrounding the young woman was tragic and Hisashi sighed before adding, "However, I hope Viktor Nikiforov story doesn't end in a tragic way like Akira Kamiki."
"Speaking about Kamiki," Nodding, switching subjects as they turned to try to find the representative of Japan who took up ice skating around the time Akira left the rink, "It appears her male counterpart has placed 6th in this years Grand Prix, Yuuri Katsuki, and it seems Japan is losing their A list players."
"I see potential in Yuuri Katsuki," Hisashi frowned, remembering how the teen didn't perform to his best and he noticed that Yuuri wasn't anywhere to bee seen, "Without a doubt, I believe Kamiki entrusted Japan's future to Katsuki for a reason."
"Well, I hope so," Shrugging, not fully agreeing to Hisashi's words as he mentioned, "Since this season was not in his favor."
Standing, Hisashi looked over to his copartner before calling it a wrap, "Another time, he'll show us what he's made off," He planned to see if he'll get anything out of Yuuri, any explanation for how he slowly lost his confidence through the competition.
"Until then," Finally closing up the two finished their announcements before going off the air.
Viktor left the rink the second he heard the announcers mention his friend, but he kept checking his phone to see that there wasn't anything new. Pulling his luggage along with him while looking over to his pupil, "Do you believe Akira was watching?"
Furrowing his brows, tilting his head as he tried to think what the girl was up to, "She hasn't responded or even called to congratulate me yet."
"Why should she?" Shrugging, Yuri was being straight forward about the situation as he bluntly stated a fact that his idol was failing to take into account, "All this is just a reminder for her anyways."
Shrugging, Viktor was still optimistic about her situation despite a few things that occurred within the years, "She'll come around."
"Doubt it," Frowning at his words, the blonde already knew that Akira wasn't coming back any time soon, but he was a bit annoyed at how she's been leaving them in the dark recently, "No one heard from her for almost 4 years already and I'm surprised to know she hasn't completely cut us off yet."
Chuckling at how the boy didn't appear so hopeful about their friend, "Yuri, have a little more faith~!" Placing an arm around the blonde, Viktor soon shifted his focus on him as he began to point out a few things, "Also you need some improvement with your-"
Snapping back, not wanting to hear anything from him, Yuri already had his little lecture from Vakov earlier and he had other issues to deal with that he wasn't going to listen to Viktor's words at the moment, "Don't you start with the lectures now, Viktor!"
Holding his hand up in defense, he allowed a mocking smile to appear across his face as a sign that he'll indeed have a word with him, "Fine, fine, I'll pester you later about it then."
Viktor continued to talk to Yuri about a few things as they went to meet up with Yakov, the two passed through the people who were scattered across the lobby. Coming to a stop, Yuri wasn't paying much attention as their coach began to say a few things, but Viktor furrowed his brows before looking over his shoulder to see someone staring at him. The Russian offered a smile before speaking up which gotten a reaction out of the teen who was taken back for a second.
"Oh a fan? Do you want a photo?" Viktor was surprised to see how the black haired boy just turned away, giving him a cold shoulder type of vibe and the Russian didn't know what to think about it. Furrowing his brows as he watched him walk away with a look of disappointment or emptiness that Viktor has seen before, "Huh?"
Looking over the blonde beside him, Viktor glanced back towards the direction that the strange teen went off to, "Yuri do you know who may that be?"
Narrowing his eyes, Yuri recalled the boy that held the same name as him, remembering how he was crying in the bathroom stall, but the blonde didn't say much as he harshly responded, "The idiot that placed in 6th, he's the representative of Japan."
His eyes widen, Viktor decided to see if there was any chance that the teen could possible spoken to Akira since he's also from Japan, but the Russian knew there was a slim chance. Still he needed to see if there was a connection between the teen and his friend, maybe he could get some information.
Yakov shouted over to the young man who ran off, but ended up blowing a fuse when he noticed that he was ignored, "Viktor! Where are you going off to!?"
Rolling his eyes, watching how Viktor went off on his own without much thought and the young skater looked over to his coach as he dead pinned, "He's not going to listen, you know?"
Frowning deeply as he watched Viktor wonder through the crowd before sternly responding back to Yuri's words, "He never does!"
Skimming through the crowd, Viktor had to stop several times to take pictures or accept a few congratulations that others said to him, or smile at the camera that were pointed his way, but he was still trying to find the boy that walked away from him earlier, "Where must he have gone? He couldn't have gotten far," Frowning when he noticed that the Japanese glasses wearing teen wasn't anywhere to be found and Viktor glanced over his shoulder the second Yuri shouted over to him. Sighing, he decided to drop the matter and return back to where his coach, but now he was left with a few more unanswered questions.
A/N: God, this series has got me hooked and I found myself writing random small pieces that I decided to put the pieces together to make a fic. Thank you for those who view, I really appreciate it! I plan to at least have one or two chapters uploaded per month, so I hope to have next the Chap up some point next month.
Until then, hope you have a good day wherever you are :)