Warning: If you are under the age of 18 and/or are unable to read graphic/disturbing material that will involve descriptive blood, gore, stalking, and violence, then I advise that you stay away from this fanfiction. It is not meant for nor will it ever be edited for the faint of heart. This is a story revolving around Yuuri Katsuki dealing with having someone so dangerous in his life that he can't get away from. You can't exactly make a premise like that sweet and child-friendly. Read with caution; You have been warned.

Ever since the first human life breathed on this planet, man had known "Soul Marks." They were designs on a person's body placed right over their heart, varying from different shapes and sizes right down to the colors they adorn. Some marks were plain or incoherent, others beautifully crafted in elegant or abstract designs. Some Soul Marks were full of colors that blended together harmoniously like a masterpiece painting; others were unfortunate enough to be repulsive to the human eye. Regardless of their appearance, they held a special gleam to them that could never be replicated. Soul Marks could be covered, but no one could ever be fooled in regards to which mark was real or fake.

The Soul Marks were the link to one other person in this life, someone who is said to be the perfect match to anyone who bears the same design on their torso. For as long as the history books have recorded their information, most who bore a Soul Mark did their damnedest to find the one they were truly meant to be with. Fate surely could not be so cruel as to mark them to another but never have them meet, right?

This has caused peace to crumble between monarchies, arranged marriages between noble families to become tense when both potential spouses wanted to remain single for their marked beloveds, and dreams easily crushed when elders died waiting for the only one they could love forever; alone and childless.

In the many, many years that the human race has existed, there have only been 30 confirmed cases of soul mates meeting. The expectations that soul mates were supposed to meet by fate and be together forever gradually dwindled as years became decades, and with that, centuries. It was only in the early 1800's that humans completely dismissed the idea of finding their soul mate and fell in love regardless of the marks they bore. It didn't make finding one's soul mate any less special though.

Yuuri Katsuki was one of many who didn't believe that a Soul Mark was as incredibly important as it had been in history. They, to him, were glorified tattoos people were born with. Though they were as important to him as freckles or a mole, he could appreciate them for what they stood for.

To those fortunate enough to be alive around the same time as their soul mate, the marks would be the symbol of at least one other person out there that would love and cherish them even after death. It was a little image of hope for someone who needed the motivation to continue living in this life. All they had to do to achieve the wonderful ending was search the entire planet for them and learn every language possible so they can ensure communication with their soul mate.

And if they did find them, hope that their soul mate was not 6 feet underground or deeply in love with another.

It was bittersweet for everyone; Novels and movies loved to take advantage of the fact.

Yuuri's own mark was very pale blue in color, designed in what he thought looked like a snowflake right over his heart. The edges were shaped like spear heads while the insides became thinner towards the center. Only the vertical line came together at the center to form a small diamond with frame threading connecting the edges.

He didn't mind the look of his mark. It wasn't extravagant, but it wasn't something that would garner unwanted attention. It was plain and nothing special, suiting for a man like Yuuri Katsuki.

His friends had made different comments regarding the mark he held. Some thought it looked like a ninja star; others thought it looked like a regular star or (according to the triplets) like an unfinished spider web. All of their answers were interesting to him but what really kept his mind occupied was wondering who his soul mate was and what they might have been like.

Was he a man who wasn't afraid to speak his mind? Was he a man who had a tough front but actually very sweet like in Anime? Or perhaps a stoic man through and through who had a lot in common with him? Maybe they were sweet and supportive… Maybe someone who loved dogs and had a smile contagious enough to light up a whole room… With silver hair… Gorgeous eyes as blue as the ocean…

He felt his cheeks redden a bit as his thoughts once again wandered towards Victor Nikiforov.

Victor was a student at Kumamoto University who came from Russia to study abroad. They weren't exactly friends, per se, but the two weren't on bad terms. The silver haired man had engaged Yuuri in conversation before, mainly to ask him for help academically or culturally. He held a natural grace to him that couldn't be replicated by even the most experienced ballerina. His natural charm and charisma made him adored by many. His positive attitude was contagious to even the most pessimistic students around campus.

Who didn't like Victor Nikiforov?

Yuuri had been one of many who developed feelings for the Russian man. Men and women alike wanted to have a date with him, but Yuuri had always seen the Russian turn those people down. He didn't understand why though. His admirers always had something special to them that made them stand out from the crowds. Some of them even offered him gifts in exchange for a date, but he always said no.

The amount of competition there was for Victor's affection was scary, honestly. However, try and try as the students might, Yuuri knew that all the efforts would be for naught. Unless they were the one that Victor had been talking about on the phone that day,

It had all been last week and very early in the morning. Yuuri's train had arrived from Hasetsu to Kumamoto much sooner than he had anticipated which gave him plenty of time to finish any extra work or get some reading in. So he sat himself down against the wall near the entrance of the school and pulled out his book to do some light reading. There weren't many people around, so why not?

A noise had startled him a few pages in; the doors to the university slammed open with an unknown tune playing. Some clothe rustles and then the ringing stopped.

"Chris!"

It had been Victor's voice. The man was outside answering a call, unaware that someone else was here to hear it. Quietly, Yuuri started to gather his things so he could leave the other to himself. There was a reason he rushed outside where no one was around.

"Yes… Yes… Very important…. I found him Chris…. I found my soul mate."

He nearly froze on the spot when he heard the news. Finding one's soul mate was incredibly rare and very, very special. So rare that it was worthy of media attention from all over the world. The moment that this information got out to a reporter, Victor was bound to be swarmed by unwanted attention.

"Yes I'm sure Chris! I saw it with my own eyes… No, he didn't see my mark yet, but that's okay. We're meant to be… We're going to fall in love, with or without the marks…"

A different feeling washed over his shock, something Yuuri hadn't recognized at the moment when he quietly placed his belongings back into his messenger bag. An ache Yuuri hadn't felt in a long, long time. Yuuko's announcement to dating Takeshi was the last time he felt this way, and he certainly didn't miss it before.

Yuuri had tuned out Victor's excitement and quietly walked away from the spot once he had finished collecting his stuff. The ache in his chest never fled since then. Even to this day Yuuri had a difficult time thinking of Victor without the sense of disappointment, jealousy, and sadness lingering around. So far, he had been avoiding crossing paths with Victor at University in the hopes that his little crush would go away; it felt like it was working.

He was happy for whoever was the lucky person soul bound to Victor though. The silver haired man was so pleasant to be around as a stranger, he could only imagine how nice it'd be to be his significant other.

He was absolutely happy for Victor, though a part of himself wished that he could have had a chance with the other man before he met his soul mate.

The slight shake of the train startled him, nearly making him drop his phone but he thankfully caught it before it hit the ground. Yuuri sighed in his relief then took a glimpse out one of the windows, noticing the sign that marked Hasetsu a few miles away.

Yuuri had been on the train for almost two hours now, standing with his hand on the support above to keep him from falling at a sudden stop. Though he attended school in Kumamoto, Yuuri had decided to commute via train every day and live at Yutopia rather than get a dorm. His family was financially stable, but they had already put so much Yen towards Yuuri's failed skating career that the raven haired man didn't want to burden them any more than he already has. A 2 hour commute to and from the university was the least he could do to repay his parents for their wasted efforts.

A sudden chill rolled through his spine, his instincts telling him to look up as he felt another pair of eyes was on him. He brought his auburn gaze up from the bright screen to the crowd surrounding him, watching for anything suspicious.

Nothing.

The other passengers were all occupied in their own worlds, mainly staring off into space or messing around on their phones. No one quickly looking away or any signs that someone had been staring at him in the first place. He looked back down at his phone, frowning a few seconds later as the feeling was not going away. Yuuri tried to ignore his gut's intuition as best as he could and returned to his cell phone. Even if he was in danger, he was surrounded by witnesses. Not to mention Mari had forced him to learn basic self-defense.

"You never know when you'll need it." She had told him.

He returned to his phone, flicking his thumb over the screen through Phichit's Instagram. Phichit had posted another photo of himself with Guang Hong and Leo about an hour ago. The three were side by side holding up peace signs with the exception of Phichit's extended arm for the selfie. There were bright smiles from all of them, gracing their handsome faces further for the photo that garnered around 20,000 likes and many approving comments so far. The next photo was of Guang Hong and Phichit smiling by the rink, both looking adorable. Plenty of likes and approving comments on that too. A video of what looked like Phichit skating was below that, probably posted by Celestino to give a preview to a new free program his student was working on. So much support from his wonderful fan-base…

Yuuri released the support for a moment so he could like and comment the most recent photo featuring his friends. His fingers moved quickly and rhythmically, bouncing over the screen as the English letters quickly formed into words. Mid-way through, the train braked and the force of the stop nearly knocked Yuuri over. However, instead of floor he was met with a hard chest and two arms around him.

"Are you okay?"

The voice, it was familiar. Smooth with a thick accent to it, usually greeting him enthusiastically or asking what something meant in the one class they shared. Yuuri froze almost instantly as one person came to mind. He brought his gaze up, fearing that this was the person his head immediately thought of. The one person he'd been trying to avoid all week…

Beautiful ocean blue met auburn, a tusk of silver hair covering the left side of his face while his eyes were laced with concern.

Damn it…

"V-Victor! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to fall on you!" Yuuri apologized quickly as he immediately righted himself, bowing to Victor as his words shot out.

His cheeks had flushed red, from embarrassment or from Victor's presence even he was unsure. The other man stood in a black scarf, deep V-neck gray shirt and a black coat which looked to have an expensive flourish. Adorning this were a pair of navy blue jeans, a black belt, and dress shoes. He looked like a model in comparison to Yuuri's gray beanie, blue scarf, and brown trench coat. Yuuri could feel himself grow more self-conscious the longer he stood by Victor's side.

Victor's soft chuckle sounded like music to his ears. "It's okay Yuuri, really. If I had known it was you I would have approached you sooner."

Victor was here this whole time? Why didn't he notice sooner?!

"O-Oh. Do you take this train a lot?" He decided to ask.

"I just started actually. I wanted to familiarize myself with this mode of transportation in case I need to use it. Passing by the towns is almost like sight-seeing! And yourself?" Victor asked him in return, smile to his face.

Yuuri pushed the button on his phone to lock it and placed it in his pocket. He didn't want to be rude in Victor's company. "I take this train every day I have classes… I wanted to live at home while I go to university to save a bit of money."

Which wasn't much, but more than what he'd have if he chose to dorm with another student. He had his allowance for working at the inn, and though his position as a skate instructor at the Ice Castle didn't pay that well, it was better than having nothing to fall back on.

Victor nodded once in acknowledgment of the information. "It's not a hassle for you, is it?"

"Not really. The commute is long, but it's not that bad."

"How long do you usually have to ride to get home?" Victor asked this time, a curious gleam in his eyes.

"Um, about 2 hours; 2 and a half if the train is slow." Victor's mouth dropped in surprise at his answer.

"Really? There's no other way to get there quicker?"

"No… But, um. Where are you going?" Yuuri didn't want the conversation to be just about him.

"No clue!" Victor chirped, earning a look of confusion from the brunette.

"Huh?"

"I have no idea where I'm going. I just want to see where this train takes me." Victor was joyous in his words and so carefree, like he wouldn't get stranded in a country he still had some issues speaking the language.

"Aren't you afraid of getting lost?" Yuuri had a hint of concern lacing his voice.

"Are you worried about me Yuuri?"

'Of course I am!' His thoughts screamed. "Well, yes. You still ask me questions about what things say and… and, well… I don't want you in a panic later because you don't know where you are."

"You don't think I can find my way around? You wound me Yuuri." As Victor finished off his sentence, he placed the back of his hand on his forehead and looked away in a dramatic manner.

"Nonono! I just want you to be safe is all!"

Victor chuckled again, "Yuuri! If you're so concerned, why don't you explore with me?"

"E-Explore, with you?"

His heart began to race at the idea of being with Victor for the evening, running around the city and having a good time. However, Victor's soul mate was out there, ready to be accepted and loved by the man they were soul bound to once the Russian man had his chance. He hated that he wanted something more with Victor despite the fact he had a soul mate he was pursuing. Yuuri wasn't going to get in the way of that; his stupid little crush wasn't going to ruin the potential friendship he had with the other. He couldn't let it.

"That'd be nice, but I have schoolwork to do and I have to help around my parents' inn." Yuuri said then added.

"Another time then?" Victor had such a hopeful gleam in his eyes. Yuuri couldn't resist.

"Sure… Um, here." Yuuri pulled out his phone again, hands trembling a bit at what he was going to suggest. "Maybe we should exchange numbers, so we can figure out a day? And you can call if you need help with something while you explore and- and yeah…"

'What are you doing? You're going to ruin it with your stupid crush. He has a soul mate. You will never be happy just being his friend.' Yuuri's thoughts seeped into his head one by one, fogging his judgment into thinking that this was a bad idea.

Victor's eyes were a little wide and his mouth slightly parted at Yuuri's suggestion, a faint hue of pink on his cheeks before his smile shined in its joy. "Of course, of course!"

Yuuri and Victor traded phones to input their numbers. The silver haired man had been ready for Yuuri to tell him out loud, but the latter didn't feel comfortable saying his phone number out loud when so many people could hear it. Despite his failed career, he was still well known by figure skating fans for his career and for Japan for representing them at some point. He had to be careful saying his personal information out loud.

He quickly entered his contact info into Victor's phone, ready to hand it back but his companion didn't seem to be finished yet. So he waited.

Victor tapped the buttons as best as he could. Though he looked calm and collected the trembling of his hands and fingers gave away something else. Yuuri dismissed this for the weather, since it was pretty chilly outside.

Once the taller man was finished, they exchanged phones once again with smiles on their faces.

"Thanks Victor, I-um, I hope we can meet up soon."

'As friends.'

"Me too! I don't get to see you on campus much, but I'd like to get to know you better." A shine in his eyes as he spoke and his smile was wide. Dusk's glow gave the other's features a sense of warmth to his cool appearance.

'As friends...'

"R-Really?" Yuuri's heart skipped a beat.

'He has a soul mate waiting. Quit getting your hopes up.'

A quick nod from Victor.

'They're going to fall in love.'

"Thanks… Oh," Yuuri looked up, seeing that his stop was coming up,"uh, I'll see you later… I'll text you my next free day, okay?"

"Of course Yuuri; don't hesitate to call or text if you just want to talk. As I said, I'd like to get to know you better."

He winked at Yuuri, successful in turning the smaller man's cheeks a deep red. Was this just the man's natural charm teasing him again?

'You're just friends. You're setting yourself up for heartbreak.'

'You know he has a soul mate.'

'Don't expect Phichit or anyone else to help pick up the pieces when he and his soul mate inevitably fall in love. Who would leave their fated person for a nobody anyway?'

With an exchange of goodbyes, Yuuri stepped off the train and started his journey back home. A dull ache in his chest again… An all too familiar burn in his eyes after his conversation with Victor. Was the universe messing with him now? Was fate just teasing him with the opportunity to get close to Victor, but not in the way he wanted?

He shook his head a bit as if it would stop his thoughts. Yuuri felt the tears brim his eyes over a man who was way out of his league and it was beginning to annoy him.

Many people have gotten into a relationship with the person they love most, break up, and die old with that regret.

Many people have discovered that their one true love is cheating on them with another person.

Many have to watch from the sidelines as the one they love disregard them completely and become happy with another person, or watch them suffer from the toxic relationship they can't leave.

And here Yuuri was, crying over a crush who he knew he'd never have a chance with since the start. So why did the tears come? He's had his time alone in his room to let out his sadness. He's accepted this and is happy that Victor will be happy for the rest of his life with someone who was made for him. So why? Why? The one emotion he'd rather not feel was the one he was becoming familiar with.

He removed his blue lensed glasses for a moment and quickly wiped his eyes with the sleeve of his trench coat. Yuuri made quick work of it and didn't stop walking. Dusk had passed and the skies were becoming dark. He needed to hurry home unless he wanted to risk danger, even though Hasetsu wasn't known for crimes.

So he kept walking.

Another sudden chill and the slight tingle in between his shoulder blades. Yuuri quickly looked behind him this time, setting his glasses back on his face as quickly as he turned to try and get a glance at what his body was warning him about.

Nothing. Again.

Yuuri wasn't going to call out to whoever it was that might be behind him. A mugger? Some creep? Someone who recognized him and wanted an autograph? He didn't know nor did he want to find out. The fan could make themselves known, but Yuuri wasn't going to find them and hope it was what he hoped for.

He pulled out his phone and looked at the time.

8:34 PM.

Yuuri went to his contacts and sent Phichit a quick text message.

'Are you busy? I need to facetime someone.'

The message had only sat unread for a couple of seconds before the call came up. He answered it and held the phone out and in front of him. Though it was awkward like this, it let Phichit watch his back.

"Yuuri? Is everything okay?" Phichit quickly asked. He looked a lot taller; he was sitting on the wall in between the ice and the concrete.

"Yeah, everything's fine. Just… uh…"

Yuuri used his middle finger to scratch the right side of his nose of his nose. Phichit gave a nod at that in acknowledgment

The gesture was a secret code he, Phichit, Guang Hong, and Leo shared between each other. It was a silent way to communicate discomfort or a sense of danger if they couldn't say anything out loud. It was very useful when they went out together, or in times like now.

"Hey, what kind of jump should I do in my performance on Saturday?" Phichit spoke up again.

"Salchow." Yuuri only looked away from the screen to make sure he wouldn't trip over anything.

Phichit's question was another code between them. It translated to "What's the danger?"

Salchow was code for "unwanted follower" or "stalker."

Yuuri had never been more thankful to have a protection system in place between himself and his friends.

And so, he continued to walk. He chat with Phichit for what felt like hours, but in the end, he made it home. Yuuri answered his friend's questions regarding school, his life, and a little bit of information here and there about his everyday activities. Minutes passed quickly with the lively conversation, bringing a smile to the young man's face despite the potential danger. Phichit's efforts to distract Yuuri from his could-be follower was working.

"Sooo…" Phichit drawled on before a mischievous little smile crossed his face. "You talk to that guy you like yet?"

"P-Phichit!" His cheeks flushed again.

He hated his body and how reactive it was sometimes.

"Did you?! Did you ask him out yet?" Phichit grew a little more excited. "Pleeaaase tell me you did!"

"Um, no. I can't do that… He, uh" He couldn't say the man found his soul mate. It wasn't his information to share regardless if the name was mentioned, so he stretched the truth just a little bit,"…He's got a boyfriend now, and I really think they're going to get married." Yuuri answered his friend, receiving a sympathetic gaze. He technically wasn't lying, right?

"Oh Yuuri… I'm sorry."

"It's fine. He was so out of my league anyway, it wouldn't have mattered if he was single or not. I'm not-"

"Hey, none of that! He wasn't good enough for you, not the other way around." The Thai man quickly added before Yuuri's negative thoughts could resurface. Phichit had heard this many times and knew exactly what the other was going to say.

"But-"

"Nope! I don't care if he's a walking God. You are a catch and he's missing out on something amazing. Now say it."

"Wh-What?"

"Say it Yuuri. You're a catch and he's missing out." Phichit had that determined look on his face.

"How about no?"

"Come on, Yuuri! Just because your mind is telling you different doesn't mean it's the truth. There's someone out there for everyone, soul bound or not. There are thousands of people out there who will recognize how awesome Yuuri Katsuki is and fight to even get a chance with you. Understood?"

A part of Yuuri didn't believe it, and Phichit knew this, but what the other said did give Yuuri a nice little confidence boost for himself. He nodded once, playing along.

"So say it."

"…"

"Say it Yuuri."

"I-I'm Yuuri Katsuki." Yuuri's voice got softer and he looked around again, rather so no one heard him.

"And what are you?"

"Um… I'm-uh…"

"You can do it!"

"I'm a catch." Yuuri felt his cheeks heat up. This was embarrassing, but at least no one was around to hear them… Unless there was somebody, but he was beginning to suspect his mind was playing tricks on him. Nothing gave any signs that he was being followed and Phichit, who had been monitoring the surroundings behind Yuuri, didn't mention anything out of the ordinary.

"And what else?" Phichit egged him on.

"And I'm a beauty that enraptures the hearts of people everywhere."

A smile as bright as Yuuri's screen and as warm as the photos he posted. Phichit gave him a thumbs up. "And don't you forget it, okay?"

"Yeah… Thanks by the way. I think my mind was just playing tricks on me earlier. About… you know. Salchow."

Yuuri had almost walked past his own home, having been so distracted in his conversation with Phichit. Nonetheless, he was there and if his stalker had been following him, they wouldn't get past Yutopia's gate. Only he, his parents, and Mari held keys to unlock it and the walls were incredibly sturdy for protection reasons.

"You're welcome. I take it you're home now?" Phichit asked him, looking visibly more relaxed now that his friend was safe.

"Yeah. Sorry to interrupt your training."

Phichit waved off his concern immediately. "I wouldn't be able to live with myself if something happened to you. Text later?"

"Yeah."

With that, Yuuri entered Yutopia to study and turn in for the night. Though he told his friend all was okay, the sensation of eyes boring holes into him never left. The chill was ever present, even as he slept in his bed.

Maybe tomorrow things will go back to normal.