Chapter Four - On the Path

Yuuri woke up the next morning, feeling a bit better having talked to Viktor last night. He still didn't feel fully rested, though, and he also felt a tad guilty that he couldn't do the same thing for Viktor. Due to the six hour time difference, Yuuri went to bed first, and Viktor went to bed later. For now, though this situation would have to work. He immediately grabbed his phone, the Skype app still up. He closed it, and then noticed a notification - a text from Viktor, sent sometime in the middle of the night his time. Good morning, lyubov moya. I hope you slept better. Have a good day at practice. Remember, try and focus. If you need me, call me! Also, I hope you're not worrying about the Quad Lutz. Focus on keeping the Quad Flip clean, and doing clean programs.

Good morning to you, too. I slept a bit better. Yuuri thought to himself that it would be better with Viktor here, but there was no need to keep dwelling on that. I promise I'm not focusing on the Quad Lutz. I'll keep the programs clean for Nationals. Have a great day at practice, too. He sent the text and closed his phone, a smile crossing his face. Waking up to that text helped a bit. Hopefully, Viktor was helped by his text, too. Perhaps they could make it through this after all.

After that, Yuuri had a quick breakfast and headed to the rink. Viktor was right - he had to focus. He had to keep practicing the Quad Flip. He knew that he didn't need it for Japanese Nationals, but he would need it for Four Continents - JJ would be there, and so would Otabek Altin, Seung-Gil Lee, Phichit… He couldn't rest on his laurels. Skating clean was the most important thing. He hadn't successfully done a clean long and short together this season. He had done clean shorts - at Cup of China and Rostelecom Cup. He had done clean longs - at the Grand Prix Final. He had not done both in the same competition. If he wanted to do well the rest of the season - Nationals and beyond - that needed to change.

"Morning, Yuu-chan," he said, as he entered the rink.

Yuuko was standing behind the counter and smiled brightly at him. "Morning! How are you doing?"

Yuuri shrugged. "Better than yesterday, I guess," he said honestly, "still not great, though."

Yuuko gave him an understanding smile. "I know you miss Viktor," she said. "I don't know what I do if I was separated from Takeshi for as long as you two will be, but remember - it's not forever. You've got Nationals, though, so don't get distracted. You need to stay focused."

"I know, and I'm trying," he said. "Yesterday, I just kept thinking about how much I missed him, and if he was here…" He let out a low groan. "I talked to Viktor last night, and that helped. I just have to concentrate on my skating, because if I want to go back to Four Continents and Worlds, I have to win." He clenched his fists, and he knew he probably looked as determined as he wanted to feel right now. He really did want to win.

"I'm sure you want your title back," Yuuko said. Yuuri nodded. "If you need help staying motivated, Takeshi and I are always here for you, you know that."

Yuuri smiled back at her. "Thanks, I appreciate that." He took a deep breath. "I could use the help, actually. I just really want to do well at Nationals, especially after what happened last year."

Yuuko walked around from the other side of the counter. "Don't think about that. A lot has changed since last year, remember." She gave him a patient smile. She had always been so patient with him, ever since they were kids. That was helpful right now. "You've changed. You've grown. You can handle this." Yuuri nodded, knowing that she was right - but it was nice to hear. "Want some help with motivation today? I'm sure Takeshi wouldn't mind helping at all."

"What would I mind doing?" At that moment, Nishigori walked in.

"Help Yuuri with training. He could use help staying focused and motivated."

"What, miss your fiance already, do you?" Nishigori said, smirking at Yuuri who blushed deeply at his words. Yuuko gave a smack on the arm. "And to think, all of this happened because the triplets posted that video of you skating Viktor's program. Imagine what would have happened if they hadn't done that."

A small smile crossed Yuuri's face. "I don't want to." He immediately reached over and rubbed the gold ring that sat on his finger, the one that linked the two of them together no matter how far apart they may actually be. "Do me a favor, and tell them thank you for that."

Nishigori chuckled as Yuuko smiled sweetly at him. "I will. Now Yuuri, go train. Takeshi, make sure he stays focused." Yuuri just nodded and walked towards the rink to start warming up.

~*o*x*o*x*o*x*o*x~

It wasn't until after lunch that Yuuri heard back from Viktor. That was the hard thing about a six hour time difference. Good morning, lyubov moya! Well, it's afternoon there, of course. How is training? Yuuri smiled down at the phone. Just a text made him feel better. Fine, he responded. Nishigori is helping me stay motivated and focused today. Did you sleep well?

"Who is that? Oh, wait, let me guess, Viktor," Nishigori said, and Yuuri felt a blush creeping up on his cheeks. Viktor quickly responded, so he ignored Nishigori for the time being.

I'm glad your friend is helping you out. My sleep could have been better, but could have been worse, Viktor texted back. I have complete faith in you! Yuuri couldn't have kept the smile off his face if he tried. He quickly texted Viktor back that he knew that, and that he loved him before wishing him good luck at practice. He received an I love you, too, and I will in return.

It actually was helping to have someone to motivate him today. Nishigori could be tough, but right now, that's what he wanted. He needed to stay on track. Nishigori would constantly tell him, "What would Viktor think if he saw you slacking off?" or "Don't you want to win back that title you lost? How old was that kid who beat you last year?" Sometimes it pissed him off, and he would scream at Nishigori to shut up, but more often than not, it worked. At least for today, anyway. Nonetheless, he was glad when practice was over for the day. He should start tapering down, anyway, because he wanted to make sure that he could do well at Nationals, and there was no reason to overwork himself. He had what he needed to win, and all he needed to do was keep it. Clean programs, just like Viktor said. The two texted a bit throughout the day, and each text just helped keep Yuuri on track. He couldn't wait until Nationals was over, and they could be together again - and bring Viktor a gold medal as he won his third National title.

~*o*x*o*x*o*x*o*x~

"How was practice?" Yuuri asked as he and Viktor chatted over Skype a couple of nights later. It was late there, but Viktor had just gotten home from practice recently. Yuuri was laying in the bed that he and Viktor had shared, his laptop sitting in his lap.

"Fine," Viktor said. "The programs won't be where I want them to be for Nationals, but I'll have them up to par before Europeans. Yakov keeps reminding me that I'm the eleven-time defending champion." The silver-haired Russian just rolled his eyes. "As if I need reminding. I am well aware of that fact, and the fact that I'm up against younger skaters who have had multiple competitions where this will be my first of the season. There are always younger skaters. Yes, I am the oldest person in the field." He shrugged his shoulders. "None of this bothers me."

Yuuri couldn't imagine how he must feel right now. Viktor hadn't lost that competition since he was sixteen, just a little older than Yurio was now. "You aren't nervous at all?"

A slight shadow crossed Viktor's face, but it was gone in an instant. "No, not really," he said. Yuuri gave him a look that clearly said he didn't believe him. "Well, a bit, but not for the reason you think. I have never done programs this personal before, and I wonder what people will think. That, and… I do wonder if people will think I've stagnated, you know, because I've settled down. I know that's not true, I'm more inspired and happier than ever, but I do wonder about these things. That, and I'll be 28 next weekend, in the middle of the competition." He gave a smile, shrugging his shoulders.

Yuuri was glad that Viktor could open up to him. "You always tell me not to pay attention to what everyone is saying," he told him. "Maybe you should do the same. Your programs are wonderful. I loved the videos you sent me yesterday, and those who don't understand don't deserve to."

"It doesn't matter because you're losing anyway, old man," said an angry voice from somewhere off-screen.

Viktor's smile brightened, seeming to ignore Yurio's comment all together. "Thank you, lyubov moya. I needed that." He turned back to where Yurio was undoubtedly standing. "I'm not giving up my title without a fight." Viktor then turned back to face the screen. "Oh, and I have good news. Lilia has agreed to teach you."

"Yurio's choreographer?" The name sounded familiar. He was sure he had heard Viktor and Yurio mention her.

Viktor nodded. "Yes, Lilia Baranovskaya. She's the best, and you need another ballet teacher. After all, yours will still be in Hastetsu, and you won't be there for much longer." Yes, the idea of finally being with Viktor again was intoxicating, but it also made the separation they were in that much harder. "Have you sent everything over already?"

"Everything I won't need has been sent already, yes," Yuuri told him. He had already gotten his visa, so all he needed was for Nationals to be over and he and Viktor would be together again. "And okay, tell her thank you." He was trying to concentrate on Nationals, knowing that the separation would be over but also knowing that he needed to focus on performing well. Minako, Yuuko and Nishigori were all helping him stay focused.

Viktor smiled at him, and Yuuri desperately wished that he could just go through the computer right now. He leaned forward, trying to keep himself from crying. "What's wrong, love?"

Yuuri took a deep breath. "I'm fine, I just… I miss you so much it hurts."

Viktor leaned forward, closer to the screen, his smile turning sad. "I know how you feel, but it's not long now." It was at least good to know that he wasn't alone. "When do you leave for Sapporo?"

Yuuri yawned, glad for the change of subject. "Wednesday, my flight leaves at ten in the morning. When do you leave for Ekaterinburg?"

"Tuesday, at eight in the morning," he said. "Go to sleep. I will see you soon, I promise." Yuuri closed his eyes, though Viktor turned to say something to Yurio, he did eventually drift off, the promise of seeing Viktor again soon helping him sleep a bit easier.

~*o*x*o*x*o*x*o*x~

Viktor turned to Yurio who had let himself in during the middle of his conversation with Yuuri. "You just had to interject, didn't you?" He had a smile on his face, though, because honestly, he liked the fact that Yurio seemed to have such confidence. It was great to see. "I don't have much time to talk to him right now." He gave a fake pout, knowing that would just annoy him a bit.

"Oh, please, don't pout," Yurio said, rolling his eyes. "You're twenty-eight. Seriously…" He shook his head, but Viktor just laughed, before looking back at the screen. He didn't really feel it right now, but at least he was getting distracted from how much he missed Yuuri and what people were going to say if he did lose at Nationals next week.

Yuuri was sound asleep. He smiled at him, before ending the Skype call. Viktor turned back to Yurio. "Let's go get something to eat. There's a nice restaurant nearby." He stood up, stretching a bit. "And I'm not twenty-eight until Friday."

"Oh, that one you took me to before?" Yurio asked, and Viktor nodded. "Sure, let's go. Better than your cooking, anyway, and you keep telling yourself that. One week doesn't make you less of twenty-eight."

"I am not that bad of a cook," he countered. Viktor wanted something to distract himself from missing Yuuri, though he knew that he couldn't eat or drink the way he wanted to right now, with a competition so close. It was nice to have Yurio around for the weekend, though. He had said that he just needed to get out of Lilia's house for a bit, so he brought his stuff for the weekend.

"You're not that great of one, either," Yurio responded without missing a beat.

After dinner, he went home. He and Yurio stayed up to watch a bit of a TV before they both turned in for the night. They needed to make sure that they were fully rested for Nationals, and Viktor needed it even more since he hadn't been sleeping all that well. It just wasn't the same, without Yuuri's arms wrapped around him, the Japanese man snuggled against him. One thing at a time, though - go to Nationals, try to defend his title, and then he could have his lover back in his arms again.

~*o*x*o*x*o*x*o*x~

It was their last day before leaving for Nationals, and most of the skaters had come in to do a few run throughs. Yuri was done for the day and was checking his phone to see if Otabek had texted him back. The Kazakh had a different schedule, as not only was it three hours ahead in Almaty, but he also didn't have to taper for Nationals. The two of them had been texting constantly since they had parted after the Grand Prix Final. He wasn't sure he had ever talked so much to someone else that wasn't in his training group - Viktor had never really counted on that front. He had also found out a lot about him.

For instance, Otabek was a DJ. That taken him by surprise, but only in the best way possible. There was nothing cooler than being a DJ. He could picture it, and he really wanted to see it one day. Yuri wasn't sure that would ever happen or how that would happen, though possible he could visit Otabek in Almaty this summer. That was just wishful thinking at this point, though. The blond had also found out that Beka had two younger sisters, not to mention aunts, uncles, cousins… Yurio had been nervous to admit that, well, his family was fucked up. Sure, he had mentioned his grandfather first, who had always been there for him, but then… There was his mother. Every time they talked, they seemed to fight. She was never around because she always seemed to be off doing her own thing or trying to work. He had no idea, honestly, and when she was, she wanted money. Add that to the fact that he had never known his father, and he was reminded as to why he never talked about any of this.

Yuri was about to text Beka back when he felt someone sit down next to him. "Is that Otabek you're texting?" It was Mila.

"What do you care?" Yuri responded as he began to type.

Mila gave a sigh. "Oh, just curious. So, you two talk a lot?"

Yuri looked up at her, and she had a dreamy look on her face. "What do you want?" She was beginning to annoy him, more than she usually did. What was she trying to get at?

"Oh, just wondering what kind of person he seems to be," she said. "I mean, I haven't talked to him much, and I want to make sure he's not a jerk. You know, sometimes good looks don't always mean a good personality." She smiled at him. "Do you think I could have his number? You know you can ask him first if you think he might mind."

Yuri just stared at her. Why in the world want she want his number? Because she thought he was hot? "Wait until Worlds, and get it yourself." Whatever she wanted with Beka, it was none of his business.

"But that's three months away," she begged. "Please."

Yuri gave a sigh. "Fine." He gave her the number, and she thanked him and give a him a bright smile before leaving. "Whatever." It wasn't any of his business if she wanted Otabek's number or not. I gave Mila your number, just so you know, he texted, figuring he should give him a heads up in case he wanted to ignore her.

The reply came almost instantly. Okay. Why?

Yuri quickly texted back. I don't know. She was acting weird. She wanted it, so I gave it to her. Sorry if I shouldn't have, I can tell her not to use it. He immediately worried that he'd fucked up. Should he have asked first? Was it rude to give someone else's number out, even to someone you know, before asking? Fuck. He seriously hoped he hadn't just screwed something up by trying to placate Mila.

This time, the reply didn't come right away. No, it's fine. Don't worry about it. Thanks for the heads up. Yuri let out a breath he didn't even know that he had been holding. Beka wasn't mad. Besides, he was a big boy. He could handle himself, and he could handle Mila. If she had the hots for him, whatever went on between them was really none of his business.

~*o*x*o*x*o*x*o*x~

In a couple of days, Yuuri was in Sapporo. Viktor had arrived in Ekaterinburg the day before. Yuuri met up with Celestino, thanking him for helping him. They talked a bit, as his old coach reminded him that he and Viktor would have to figure something else out for next year, though he didn't mind (especially since he was being paid for it). Yuuri told him that he was hoping that he'd be okay by himself next year, but that they would take it one competition at a time. Besides, they had no idea how long Viktor was going to keep competing for.

That night, as usual, he called Viktor. He was glad Nationals was here for two reasons. One, he wanted a chance to redeem himself from last year. Two, it meant one less day until he saw Viktor again. "How are you feeling, lyubov moya?" Viktor asked him. They were on Skype, as usual. Yuuri was laying on his back, his head turned to look at the computer, which was laying on the bed next to him. It was only a four hour time difference now, instead of six, but nonetheless, it was rather late where Yuuri was and just about dinner time where Viktor was.

Yuuri shrugged. "Not bad," he said. "I'm… just glad that it's here, you know?" Viktor's short program was tomorrow when Yuuri would find out his skating order. Viktor was skating thirteenth - first in the final group of skaters. Viktor's free skate, along with Yuuri's short program was the day after - on Viktor's birthday. The next day was Yuuri's free skate. The day after that was the Exhibition Gala for Russian Nationals, followed the next day by the Exhibition for Japanese Nationals. The day after that, Yuuri was flying straight to St. Petersburg where the two of them would be reunited.

"I know what you mean," Viktor said. "Besides, in about a week we will be together again." Yuuri gave a small sound of agreement with that. "Mmm, do you have any idea what I'm going to go do to you?"

"Oh?" Yuuri gave a smirk, drifting a hand lazily down his chest. HIs eyes looked directly at the computer screen, watching for every reaction that he got from his fiance. "What would that be?"

"Well, first of all, you're wearing far too many clothes at the moment, beautiful." Yuuri gave a light chuckle, taking off his shirt. "Oh, come on, you know what I mean. I want to see more." He reached over to the laptop, angling it so that Viktor would have a better view. With that, he lifted his hips up and slid off his sweatpants, ones he had stolen from Viktor. That was only fair after all since Viktor had stolen his jacket and wouldn't give it back. Finally, he slid off his boxers so that he was completely naked. "Much better." There was almost a hungry tone to his voice.

"What about you? Come on, Viktor," he said, practically begging.

Viktor smirked at him, slowly taking off his shirt. Yuuri saw him angle the laptop a bit so that Yuuri had a better view as he slipped off his pants and boxers, laying before the laptop once more. "Mmm, now where was I? Oh, yes, well, now I would start kissing and sucking on your neck, running my hands up your thighs." Yuuri moaned, running his hands up his thighs as he slowly spread his legs. He wished it was Viktor's hands, his long, elegant, perfectly manicured hands. "What would you do, Yuuri?"

Yuuri forced himself to speak, reminding himself not to get lost in his fiance's voice. "Run my nails down your back. Mmm, more, please…"

Viktor moaned, and Yuuri saw him reach his hands down to where his cock undoubtedly was, though he couldn't see it based on the angle of the screen, he knew that Viktor was touching himself. "Next, I would put one finger inside you." Yuuri reached over, putting some lube on his fingers, before slowly reaching one hand down, and slowly inserting the fingers inside him. It was nowhere near as good as Viktor's cock, but for now, it would have to do. The other hand, he wrapped around his cock, and slowly began to stroke as Viktor continued to speak. "Then, I would slip a second finger inside you scissoring them inside you."

Yuuri let out a moan, doing with his fingers exactly what Viktor was saying. "I would beg for your cock," he said, the lust evident in his voice. "Mmm, please, I need you…"

Viktor let out a deep groan. "Fuck, Yuuri… I would remove my fingers, and then slowly thrust my cock inside you." Yuuri let his fiance's voice wash over him, each word bringing him closer and closer to completion until he came, Viktor's name on his lips. A moment later, he heard Viktor call out his name as he came. It was the same, and he couldn't wait to feel Viktor's cock inside him again. Breathing labored, he looked over at Viktor and smiled. He opened his mouth to speak before the older man cut him off. "Don't say it. It only makes it worse. Just say that I love you, deeply and that I will see you next week and do all this to you and more."

Yuuri smiled brightened a little bit. "I do love you, more than words, and yes, I will see you next week, and you better be able to fullfill that promise." As had become a habit for them, he left his laptop on, and got cleaned up and ready for bed again. Viktor would talk to him as he fell asleep. None of this was the same, but one more week to go and they would be together again.

But first - Nationals.