Yuuri didn't go up to the audience seat. He remained at the backstage as he changed his shoes and wore his glasses. He couldn't face the others after his Short Program.
He stayed there and watched Phichit's performance on TV. It's like his best friend was saying to cheer up and just watch him. He smiled a bit as Phichit continued bewitching the audience with his performance with a smile.
'Phichit, you've grown as a skater.' He thought.
When Phichit did his final pose and the music ends, everyone cheered including Yuuri himself.
He's happy that his best friend had been qualified for the Grand Prix Final. Phichit cried tears of joy when he perfectly finished his performance.
Phichit went to the kiss and cry as Celestino welcomed him with open arms.
Phichit scored 95.73, only .
But his smile faded when Yuri entered the ice. The commentator welcomed him as the crowd cheered loudly.
He looked down as he remembered what happened a few minutes ago when Yuuri went down first and left Viktor on the Kiss and Cry.
Yuuri didn't stare at anyone as he walked down towards the backstage. His mind was too focussed at the events that occured . It was suddenly unexpected and it left Yuuri thinking.
"Oi, Pig!"
Yuuri looked up and saw Yuri leaning against the wall. His hard expression seemed to knock Yuuri out of his thoughts.
"Yuri..."
"What? You're not gonna call me with that ridiculous nickname?"
Yuri walked towards him and stare directly at Yuuri's eyes.
"What was that shitty performance? Here I thought that your free program at the Rostlecom Cup was shittier."
Yuuri looked down again, " Yuri, your program is about to start. You shou-"
"WHAT THE HELL WAS PERFORMANCE, MORON?!" Yuri's face was only a few centimeters away from Yuuri.
Yuuri could see anger and disappointment.
Yuuri chuckled, "I did screw up, huh... Wow... That really su-"
Yuri held Yuuri's collar and angrily looked at him.
"I saw your eyes that time! I know you weren't skating your very best!"
Yuuri's eyes widened.
"It pisses me off when I'm winning but you didn't give your 100%! Your just wasting your air in here if you keep doing shit!"
Yuri clicked his tongue ang let go of Yuuri's colar. He walked away from the stunned Yuuri.
"Yurio!" He called out.
Yuri looked back, "Huh?"
"Davai, Yuri."
His bangs covered his face but you could see him clench his teeth in frustration.
"Watch me, Katsuki Yuuri. I'll show you a performance which can toughen you up for tomorrow's Free Skate."
Yuuri didn't hesitate to run towards the skating rink to watch Yuri.
It didn't took him long to get there. He ran by the stairs but he saw Viktor up there. His eyes were focussed at Yuri who is about to start his program.
Yuuri saw it within Viktor's eyes.
The spark is back and it scared him.
Because that means,
'Does Viktor really mean it?'
-/-/-/-
"The next skater, representing Russia, Yuri Plisetsky!"
The crowd cheered as Yuri appeared by the spotlight.
'I don't know what caused you to be like that, pig.'
Yuri skated towards the center of the ice, now fully prepared to perform.
'If your stupid coach is being shitty.'
The crowd silenced as they wait for the song to start.
'I'll just have to make you see it too.'
The song started as Yuri raised his hand then let it down as he spins.
He raised his arms once more and proceeded to show his pure and innocent dance on ice.
He clapsed his hands like he's saying a prayer then prepares for the jump.
He jumps, but with one arm raised.
"A triple axel! It seemed like Yuri Plisetsky will get a higher mark of difficulty since he raised his arms!"
Yuuri watched at Viktor's back without knowing his presence towards the silver haired man. His eyes widened when he saw Yuri's jump with one arm or both raised.
His eyes were focused on the ever evolving monster on ice. But what he is seeing right now is pure and innocent, something that he hasn't seen Yuri performed yet.
Until Yuri's last quad, he raised both his arms.
Yuuri's eyes widened as he realized something.
He looked onto Viktor and he felt that his urge to go back is already there.
He clenched his fist and looked down, already lost in his thoughts.
Yuri finished his program. But he couldn't recollect what he did during his Short Program. He noticed that his mind went blank as he skated. He never thought of anything. He never thought of his grandfather, the people he met, nor the words he said to Yuuri before he went up towards the skating rink.
He looked back and saw Viktor watching him. But he saw Yuuri behind Viktor who seemed to not notice his presence.
He clicked his tongue as he went towards the kiss and cry.
'I hope you better get serious tomorrow, Katsudon. I don't wanna kick your ass when your Free Skate is half-assed. '
-/-/-/-
The Grand Prix Short Program for Men ended. Yuri broke Viktor's SP record which made him 1st place, Otabek is 2nd Place, Chris in 3rd.
Yuuri was in 4th place. Below him is Phichit who is in 5th place with a .
JJ however messed up his SP because of the pressure he felt. The Grand Prix Final broke his confidence which led him to mess up majority of his jumps.
But of course, being JJ, he still does his pose since his fans cheered on him.
But after Yuri's Short Program, he didn't talk to anyone. Not to Viktor, not to Phichit, not to anyone.
He was silent as he watched the programs.
Yuuri was currently out of the hotel as he took a stroll at the streets of Barcelona. Viktor wanted to come at first, but Yuuri insisted that he should walk alone to clear his head.
He went to the beach (A/N: To where Viktor stood at ep 10) and the sound of the waves made him calm. The moon's light reflected on the waters which made it shine bright like stars.
Yuuri stared at his ring which was supposed to be a good luck charm and their promise. He caressed it as the gold shimmered by the moonlight.
'This reminds me of Hasetsu.' He thought as the soft wind blew and his hair flowed against the breeze.
Yuuri recalled the SP performances of his co-skaters. Everyone did their very effort to perform on that very ice.
He looked up the night sky and remembered the time at the airport. He even thought about retiring once he's done with the Grand Prix.
"I wish you would never retire."
He clenched his teeth and covered his eyes.
'How could I not when I suddenly heard them saying those stuff.'
He heard footsteps closing in but didn't bother to turn.
"Yuuri~"
The bubbly voice made him turn. He saw Phichit with Yuuri's scarf on his hand.
"Phichit..."
"Mou, you suddenly left the hotel and left your scarf. It's December and you know that it's cold. You'll really get sick, Yuuri." Phichit lectured his best friend as he gave the scarf.
"Thanks Phichit." Yuuri smiled as he put his scarf around his neck.
"Now, is there something you want to tell me?" Phichit asked as he inched closer to Yuuri.
"E-eh?"
"The way you skated, I know that there's something wrong. I know that it's not only me who noticed."
"Phichit."
Phcihit put a hand on Yuuri's shoulder. His gaze was clement which made Yuuri at ease. He was neither angry nor happy.
"Yuuri, whatever you are feeling right now, I hope you express that during the Free Skate."
Phichit smiled softly, "During the China Cup and the Rostlecom Cup, I saw how you skated there. There may be flaws and missed jumps, but I could feel every emotion you are trying to convey. You've grown Yuuri. To the point that even you flub a jump, you let them see what you want to feel."
"Phichit..."
"What I saw during your Short Program, you only focused on jumps. That's why you failed, right?" Phichit smirked when Yuuri's eyes widened.
Yuuri gasped as he looked at Phichit. "Are you gonna let that get into you?"
Yuuri bangs hid his eyes as he smiled. He shook his head, "I will never live that down."
'I get it now. That's what Yurio was telling me.'
Yuri was mad at him. But there was another meaning behind it.
"Show them what you want to convey, idiot."
"I'm gonna show them my Free Skate."
'And show Viktor and them that they're wrong about me. I might change Viktor's mind.'
Phichit smiled brightly, "Good, Yuuri!"
"Phichit, there you are!"
Phichit flinched when he heard the familiar voice. Yuuri tilted his head and saw someone holding his coat.
"S-Seung-Gil! Hey~" Phichit nervously chuckled and rubbed the back of his head.
"It's cold in here and you forgot your coat? Tomorrow's the Free Skate and you might get sick if you continue that." Seung-Gil scolded the Thai as he rubbed his head sheepishly.
"Sorry."
Seung-Gil put the coat on Phichit's shoulders. Yuuri awkwardly waved at Seung-Gil, "Hello, Seung-Gil.
"Hello to you too, Yuuri."
Yuuri smirked and whispered at Phichit, "Got a date, I see~"
"YUURI!" Phichit blushed as he looked away. "He came here to watch the Grand Prix finale. I invited him."
Seung-Gil chuckled, "I actually went here on my own. I said that when we were on FaceTime three weeks ago."
Yuuri smiled and looked at Phichit, "Congrats, bud."
"Shut up."
The tables have turned.
"Oh yeah, while I was looking for you, Celestino also asked me to bring you back to the hotel room."
"Eh? Why?"
"You'll know when you get there, that's what he said."
"Oh okay." Phichit looked at Yuuri, "Wanna come with us?"
"You go ahead, I'll be there soon."
Phichit nodded, "See you later, Yuuri."
Phichit ran towards Seung-Gil as they both left.
"TAKE CARE OF PHICHIT, SEUNG-GIL!" Yuuri used his hand as a megaphone and shouted.
"YUURI!" Phichit exclaimed.
Seung-Gil looked back and nodded with a smile. He slightly shouted, "I will!"
"Seung-Gil!"
Yuuri chuckled as they continue on walking with Phichit saying or asking why Seung-Gil answered that.
Yuuri looked back at the ocean with a newfound determination.
"I just have to spread my words through skating tomorrow then."
-/-/-/-/-/-
Phichit knows that something is wrong. He doesn't need Yuuri's agreement in it. He could sense that something happened between Yuuri and Viktor. He sat there at their hotel room thinking.
From what Yuri told him before they left he kept on thinking.
"Watch over Katsudon, Chulanot."
He snapped out of his thoughts when Seung-Gil handed him a cup.
"I ordered some hot chocolate. I just thought that you would like some."
Phichit smiled, "Thanks, Seung-Gil."
The two now share the hotel room. At first, Phichit was alone since Celestino decided to have separate rooms. Then Seung-Gil suddenly came and said that he'll watch the Grand Prix here in Barcelona. Thanks to Celestino, he managed to stay and be allowed on the backstage with Celestino and Phichit.
"Something bothering you?" Seung-Gil asked.
"It's just about Yuuri." Phichit answered as he took a sip.
"You already talked to him, right?" Phichit nodded.
Seung-Gil put a hand on Phichit's shoulder and smiled, "I'm sure he'll do fine. You should focus too for your Free Skate tomorrow, okay?"
"Okay."
Seung-Gil sat beside Phichit as he too took a sip. He looked at Phichit and smiled at the Thai.
"I'll be watching, so give your all tomorrow."
"I'll be sure to make enjoy my performance." Phichit smiled.
"Good to know."
-/-/-/-
The Free Skate came as people were already excited to see the top 6 finalist perform. With that, the lining will be from 6th place up to 1st place from the rankings of the Short Program.
The skaters along with their coaches stood at the backstage warming up and listening to their free skate songs. JJ was the only skater left on ice since he'll be going first.
Viktor eyed Yuuri as he continued on stretching and warming up. Yuuri had his soundproof earplugs. Viktor thought of what happened last night.
Yuuri went back to the hotel room and saw Viktor just sitting on the bed. Viktor smiled brightly and hugged Yuuri.
"Yuuri, I was worried when you left the hotel room."
"Sorry, I just need to clear my head for tomorrow."
Viktor sighed, "Don't let your Short Program performance get into you. You can do well at your Free Skate."
"Yeah... Sorry."
Yuuri looked down and clutched Viktor's clothe tightly.
"Yuuri?"
"Um... Viktor... I..."
"What is it?"
Yuuri looked at him, "It's nothing. Just watch me tomorrow, okay?"
Viktor smiled and caressed Yuuri's cheek, "I'm always watching. I'll always watch no matter what."
Viktor hugged Yuuri
-/-/-
Yuuri almost cried when he heard him say that. He planned on telling Viktor that he may retire after the Grand Prix. But seeing Viktor made him scared.
He recalled the words that Viktor said when they were at the airport. He couldn't say what he was really planning. Even if he has a chance right now, he couldn't say it. No words would come out from his mouth.
When Viktor said that he'll always watch Yuuri, it almost made him cry. When Viktor caressed Yuuri's cheek, he felt the familiar warmth.
He should be happy. But the words that he heard that time before the SP, it made him doubt. He hated doubt, he hated doubting Viktor.
That's why he'll skate tomorrow. He'll forget about perfecting his jumps. He'll try to skate like he's offering a prayer.
A prayer that maybe Viktor didn't mean those words.
Yuuri silently cried at night when they slept. Viktor holding him gently, his heart ached too much.
He prayed that his skate would prove something to all of them.
Yuuri and Viktor never said a word to each other when they woke up. They jist attended the public practice, exchange some tips and that's it.
-/-/-
They all watched as JJ finished his program. It seemed that his confidence came back which allowed him to score greatly.
213.91 is his score. He's currently in 1st place with the total score of 300.62 points.
Then it was finally Phichit's turn. Even though he flubbed one jump he still managed to impress the audience. With that he scored 193.83 and with a total of 289.56 points. He's currently in 2nd place.
It was finally Yuuri's turn for the free skate. He looked down at the ice breathing slowly to calm himself.
Viktor held both his hands as he leaned in close towards Yuuri.
"Yuuri, I'm sure that you'll do great. You'll be able to get a medal."
"Ne, Viktor..."
"What is it, Yuuri?" Viktor slightly tightened his hold on Yuuri's hand.
"When will you really tell me how you really feel?"
Yuuri looked up at him and gave Viktor a sad smile, "Don't leave me in the dark here."
"Yuuri..." Viktor lowered his gaze.
"Viktor, you're a five time gold medalist in skating. You are a legend to all and skaters look up to you."
Viktor's eyes widened.
"This may be my last season, Viktor. That's why today, I shall skate, not only for you, but for everyone here. I'm done warming up."
He let go of Viktor's hand as he skated towards the center of the ice. Viktor stared at him with wide eyes as he realized what he said.
'H-he's going to retire...!?'
Yuuri sadly looked at Viktor before he stared at thr front.
'I'm just a dime a dozen figure skater of Japan.'
"Ladies and Gentlemen, representing Japan, Yuuri Katsuki!"
The crowd cheered loudly.
'I'm sure that many skaters would be able to outshine me.'
He ignored the voice of the crowd.
'I'm sure that soon, I will be forgotten.'
He took his first position.
'But I will make sure that I'll make this skate of mine mark towards everyone.'
The music starts.
'Especially you, Viktor.'
He raised his hands as it sways towards his own body. Showing himself completely alone. No achievements, no glory, just skating alone to try and find himself. His beginning is like a prayer that he always longed for.
Then he started spinning, his first step sequences. He's starting his journey. He was hesitant at first, but he continued on going forward. He's trying to reach it.
"Quadruple toe loop! Double toe loop!" The crowd cheered when Yuuri successfully landed his quad combinations.
That's where he began to try to move eith determination. From square one, he tried again. With his steps it showed that he'll go for it.
When the music came with violins and drums, it tells that one by one his love ones kept on supporting him, appearing by his side throughout his journey.
He danced even more telling his story that he found someone who helped him.
'It's because of Viktor. But it's not only him. Yuri already made me realize after his Short Program.'
"Do you think Viktor is the only one?"
'You're right, Yurio.'
With him, he tried even harder to show the world that he can fight back.
'Viktor, watch me.'
"A Quadruple Salchow!"
'I've been admiring you secretly since I was young.'
He raised his leg and spins gracefully.
Viktor didn't even dare to look away. The way Yuuri skated right now seemed very different. It's like he's telling something to Viktor and the whole world.
Right now, it may not only be love that he's trying to say. But also a story of self realization to yourself.
"It's my story afterall. I'm trying to get back up again, but then I found you."
It's like that's what Yuuri is saying to him right now.
"Someone that makes me wanna keep going more."
Then the sound of the violin became louder along with the piano, almost reaching it's climax.
That's where Yuuri now stood tall and faced everything. He trusts himself and others. He's starting to feel loved.
Yuuri felt like he was flying. The wings spreads around him showing his hidden beauty. The way he skates right now, the way his emotion is shown,
He's telling the world that he's ready to face it all.
"A Triple Flip!"
'A Triple Flip? He changed it. Wait, don't tell me...' Viktor's eyes widened.
Yuuri raised his arms as the music silenced again. It only plays the piano.
That's where he begins to doubt. It's like its showing that he's alone again with fear and doubt.
'What you said yesterday... I want to know why...'
'Are you testing me? Do you doubt me?'
The Outside Spread Eagle, the Ina Bauer.
'I want to know Viktor...'
"A Triple Axel!"
'And I also want to prove you wrong.'
'You being my coach, my friend, our time together... None of it is a waste of time.'
"He planned a Triple Flip for the next jump."
'I wonder how you really feel about it...'
He jumps and he lands perfectly.
"Wait, a Quadruple Toe Loop?"
'That's why I'll skate.'
Viktor's eyes widened, 'A Quad Toe Loop? You planned an unexpected quad with a total of four quads?'
'You see it now, Viktor? Now, it's not only our love, but also, my thanks and gratitude to everyone including you.'
"Triple Axel, Single Loop, Triple Salchow!"
'I will prove it to all that everything that I've learned for you is not a waste.'
"Triple Lutz, Triple Toe Loop!"
'But I know that you can't stay by my side and I can't keep you forever.'
After that his step sequence started again. He did it with absolute beauty, confidence, and perfection.
By the music he's saying that even if he were to fall again, he wants them to remember that he indeed fought until the end.
'If you want to leave me, then I hope this will be in your heart and memory.'
He skated without fear and he showed it all. He expressed every emotion he has in him. He could feel his tears that are ready to fall.
'But actually, this is a prayer. I don't want to be separated from you.'
'But I know that one day, you'll leave me since you've done your part for me.'
'I can't stop you.'
'But what you said yesterday, I pray that you didn't mean it.'
'I don't want to hear that everything you've said for eight months...'
'Our bond, our days, our dance, everything...'
'Is a lie.'
'I love you, but please don't give me false hopes.'
"He now prepares for his last jump. The signature of his coach, Viktor Nikiforov!"
He didn't even notice it. He closed his eyes, he jumps, he raised his right arm, he spins, he lands it perfectly.
He did the Quadruple Flip with one arm raised.
"A Quadruple Flip! But not only that, he managed to perfect the jump with his arm raised up!"
The crowd cheered.
"It may be the last jump, but he did it with his arm raised which can add up to the scores itself!"
Yuuri spins one last time then he stops. He raised his left hand towards Viktor as his right on his chest.
"Yuuri..." He said his name happily.
Yuuri heavily breathes in and out, trying to get his oxygen back.
He cheered and raised his arms and cried.
He managed to perform successfully... He enthralled everyone in this very stage.
'I hope... I just hope...'
Yuuri kneeled down and covered his face. He silently cried.
'I just pray that what you said...'
He chokes down a sob, "...Is a lie..."
-/-/-/-
"Amazing..." A man with brown hair stare at Yuuri with awe. He was there at the barrier watching Yuuri skate with passion.
"You've now seen him in person, Michael. Dream come true huh?" Phichit laughed as he patted the brunette's back. Seung-Gil is also there with them as they watch Yuuri's Free Skate.
Michael stared at them, "I can't wait to compete against you two!"
"If you qualify for the Grand Prix, you're also gonna fight me for it." Seung-Gil said with a smirk.
"I wouldn't mind it, Seung-Gil. This will be a fun challenge." Michael smiled.
He turned and saw Yuuri cry. His eyes focused on him and his body wanted him to go near him and comfort Yuuri.
The way Michael saw Yuuri skate, it captivated him.
'I wanna skate on the same ice with Yuuri Katsuki.'
-/-/-
A/N: and I'm dooooneeee XD
Soo the next chapter is Yuri P's Free Skate, the Banquet, and... *bleeps*
No spoilers XD
