They sat next to each other, with their heads close together. Sharing earbuds. Listening through countless of songs on Spotify.
"What do you think," Yuuri asked.
Victor loved how he wanted his input on things, even though he was perfectly capable of making those kinds of decisions on his own. It cemented the notion that they were indeed a 'us'. Making decisions together, no matter the subject.
"It's all about having fun, Yuuri. It's the only time we can skate for fun without pressure, so... Just go with what inspires you."
Yuuri had been invited beforehand to skate at the gala after Worlds. Finding music to his exhibition was a bigger issue than coming up with choreography. They had been trying to find a song for weeks.
"I just can't decide if I want it to be fun or somewhat serious, though. I would love to just go crazy, but something lyrical would suit me better, I think."
"Then, I'll decide for you as your coach," Victor said as he playfully pulled on a black strand of hair. "You're going to do something fun, since that's not what people expect you to do. Go for a song with lyrics, even. Something crazy. You need to surprise them, always."
Yuuri glanced at him with a smile on his face. He leaned in and kissed his jaw.
"So," Victor resumed, "what are your options?"
"You'll see! If I'm to surprise them, I'd like to surprise you too."
"You're such a tease!" He stuck a finger underneath the collar of Yuuri's shirt and gave it a little tug. Yuuri followed his lead without any resistance.
Thursday. Victor found himself being slightly nervous. Yuuri had offered to come along, but Victor said no. Told him that he could do something more fruitful with his day. 'They're just going to do some more tests, I'll be done before you know it'. In retrospect, he wished that he could have come but it was impossible. He needs it to be calm around him. There's so much at stake.
He felt a tremble inside. Tried to count the days until he knew for sure that he could tell him what was going on. Why he was tired. Why he had an annoying cough at times. Why he couldn't skate. Why they should...
"Victor?" It was Dr. Popyrin. "How are you?"
"I'm okay." He really wasn't okay.
They shook hands.
"I'm not going to do the biopsy today, but I just wanted to check up on you. How are you holding up?"
Victor looked at him, but said nothing. Feeling unsure about if the tremble would become a quake if words started to spill out. He recieved a pat on the shoulder.
They walked down a corridor and turned right. They entered a room where he was told to relax in the hospital bed at the far side.
"They'll be with you in a minute." He paused. "You're getting a MRI next time I see you. The wait is usually long, but I've managed to sneak you in. Would you mind calling me once you're on your way home?"
Victor nodded.
"See you in two weeks then, Victor?"
"Actually, it'll be closer to three. I'm sorry. Something came up."
Popyrin's voice sounded undismayed, although he delivered a stern look. "Call. At once when you're on your way back."
He nodded. Still fighting with that quivering sensation on the inside. Coming here makes it worse. It makes it real.
"You'll feel a light sting and... there." The cannula was inserted into the back of his hand. "You have great veins. You'll be getting a mild sedative through here," the nurse said and taped it in place. She loosened the band on his upper arm, the bloodflow started with a tingle. "You'll feel slightly drunk, it's really pleasant."
Instinctively, Victor laughed. "Can I take some home?"
The nurse smiled. She had apprently heard that joke before, but the smile was still warm.
Victor was prepped with an anesthetic that was sprayed in in throat. It stung a little and had a weird taste. Of bananas, he thought. A jelly was squirted into his nostril. It stung even worse. He was told that it also was supposed to numb him since the bronchoscope was to be inserted through there.
It wasn't as bad as he had expected. When the IV with the sedative started, it felt good. Pleasant, even. He wanted to cough at first as the scope went down his throat, but when it passed his vocal chords it stopped itching.
He never felt the tiny pieces of his lung being pinched off. In his slightly intoxicated state, he couldn't care less. He just wanted to sleep. At home in his own bed. Next to the person he loved more than he loved himself.
He was sent home as soon as his head felt clear and his swallow reflex was back. Apparently, it was more important that the reflex came back than his head being unmuddled. Oh, the naughty thoughts...
He sent Yuuri a text.
To: Yuu~ri!
I'm done over here. Where are you? xxx
If he was at the rink, it would take him around twenty minutes to walk there. His phone beeped, as on cue.
From: Yuu~ri!
I just got here! And you can't come. I know what song I'm using for the gala, and you're officially banned from seeing or hearing anything :3
To: Yuu~ri!
Naw, don't be like that! Can't I come anyway? Pretty please?
From: Yuu~ri!
Sure, you can come. Not here, though. Maybe at home in... the shower later xD
To: Yuu~ri!
Now, I have a nosebleed. Don't do this to meee~!
From: Yuu~ri!
Patience is not simply the ability to wait. It's how we behave while we're waiting.
To: Yuu~ri!
Japanese proverb? I fail miserably! Both at waiting and behaving :( Seriously, though. Hurry home? Please?
From: Yuu~ri!
If you'll do the cooking ;)
To: Yuu~ri!
I thought I was having you?
From: Yuu~ri!
Stop! I'll hurry home!
Victor took a taxi home, and went out with Makkachin to get groceries. It's strange how focused a person can be when the right kind of boon presents itself. He knew exactly what to get, what to make and how to do it. He prepared dinner, waiting impatiently for Yuuri to get home.
Yuuri on the other hand, hurried home and was met by a pacing Victor. A helpful Victor. A turned on Victor.
"I've been waiting for you," he said. Acting much like a cat that rubs itself against anything. Everything.
"Hey, just let me take off my shoes! Victor!" Yuuri cooed, feeling extremely appreciated. Not being able to say much more than one word at a time, being constantly interrupted by Victor's lips on his own. He tried to remove his jacket but it was hard since Victor had him pinned against the wall, not letting him use his hands freely.
Yuuri laughed, and was silenced again by the lips he wanted all over himself. "Honestly, Victor... We can't stand in the hallway."
"Works fine, if you ask me." His voice was husky, warm against Yuuri's neck.
"I'm all sweaty too, come on... Let's go to the bathroom at least." As promised.
They lost all their clothes on the way there, being latched to one another. Taking it slow, doing it purposefully. Managing some garments on their own, while some demanded teamwork. Underneath the warm stream of water, they kept their promises to each other. Until they had to recover on the cold bathroom floor.