"Yuuri."

My voice was soft as I greeted Yuuri when he returned home from the press conference, but it didn't do any good. Makkachin still heard him and bounded up to him, tackling him onto the floor.

I laughed.

It was late, and Yuuri was still in that awful suit. His eyes widened when he saw me.

"Viktor, what are you still doing up?" he said around Makka's kisses. I kneeled down next to the two of them- petting Makka's head for being a good dog.

"I wanted to see you. I thought you might be hungry when you got home."

"I am." Yuuri admitted with a slight blush, standing and brushing himself off.

"There katsudon in the dining room."

Yuuri stiffened.

"Your mother, made it not me," I assured him, but then Yuuri still looked at me confused.

"But I already had katsudon with you after the championships," he reminded me.

"I know," I agreed and put my hand on his shoulder to guide him inside. "But I feel like you've had another victory. Don't you?"

Yuuri went bright red and followed me.

I sat across from him at the table while we both ate, not pressuring him to talk about anything in particular. We ended up talking about whatever strange mishaps he'd had at the press conference and about what he was thinking about the Cup of China, but wanted to ask about the rest of it. I just wasn't sure how, without scaring him.

After all, he had said what he said. What more did I really need to ask him about?

Yuuri started to yawn.

"You must be tired," I said gently, "I can clean up."

"That's okay," He assured me and got up to help. When everything was clean and the lights were off, we both wandered down the quiet hallway together.

Makkachin had already gone to bed earlier.

I felt that Yuuri was tense, like he was thinking about something. I wondered if he was thinking about the same things as me.

"Yuuri?"

He turned back to look at me, his eyebrows raising in a silent question.

I smiled warmly.

"I want to hold onto you too."

Yuuri sucked in a breath, and his expression softened in a way that made me want to kiss him.

I almost did that time, but then he started to talk.

"Viktor," His voice was soft and his eyes looked down before he forced them back up, making his cheeks redder. "Do you… do you still want to have that slumber party?"

My lips parted in surprise.

"Anytime, Yuuri." I told him genuinely, but still confused by where he was going with all of this. I had stopped asking him about that now that our relationship was closer. It seemed like a very intimate thing to do now, not that I was against that. I was just surprised to hear it from him.

"I'll go get ready and come back," He told me, and disappeared down the hall with his thoughts troubling his face.

I watched him for a moment before turning to go in my room.

What was Yuuri thinking tonight?

I didn't wear pajamas much- specifically not shirts- but I made an effort for Yuuri this time. I didn't know what he was planning, and I didn't want to make things anymore tense.

Makkachin was sleeping on the floor, but raised his ears when Yuuri came back. That's how I knew that Yuuri hesitated in the hall for a few minutes before knocking.

"Come in." I offered, a little baffled. He had burst in here on his own before.

The door slid open and Yuuri stepped inside, dressed in his normal pajamas and without his glasses. His cheeks were still red but he made an effort to look at me.

"I know you wanted more of a slumber party." Yuuri admitted, looking guilty "But I'm really tired so…"

I whistled and Makka jumped up onto the bed, taking up the bottom third.

"That's okay. Makka is tired too." I told him and Yuuri went from staring wide-eyed at the bed to smiling shyly at me.

"Okay."

Yuuri curled up on his side of the bed, with Makka on his feet, and I couldn't help but watch him as his eyes closed and his face started to relax.

He blinked them open again to look at me.

"Thanks for having dinner with me."

"Of course Yuuri."

"I don't know if I tell you enough how glad I am that you're here."

I stroked my hand over his hair reassuringly.

"I'm glad I'm here too."

Yuuri caught my hand and tangled ours together on the bed between us.

My heart felt twice its normal size.

"Goodnight Viktor."

I brushed my lips over the back of his knuckles.

"Goodnight Yuuri."

Things were different with Yuuri after that night. It was as if he just hesitated around me less. His words came easier, and he was more willing to tease me and even reprimanded me when he thought I deserved it.

Maybe it wasn't always pleasant but I was happy. Yuuri was himself with me. Finally.

Maybe it was okay to be fully myself with Yuuri too. Not that I had been holding back too much until then. I was just a little cautious was all. Maybe I could be risky again.

Saying goodbye to Makkachin was hard. I had gotten used to spending time with him and now I was traveling again. I was grateful at least that he was surrounded by Yuuri's family, who he had grown to love so much. He would be okay.

Yuuri insisted we fly coach. He hated when I threw money around which I didn't understand. It seemed like he'd want to take advantage of flying first class if he could. No such luck though, and it was too bad. I would have loved to shower Yuuri in things to make him happy.

"Viktor, just sleep." Yuuri suggested with a fond smile, when I started complaining about our seats. "Good grief, you're like a dog."

I frowned. "I'm a what?"

Yuuri laughed. "You remind me of an excited dog, or a hyper little kid."

I blinked at him.

"Well I like dogs." I said- a little petulant.

"Yeah, me too." Yuuri agreed and pulled my head down on his shoulder. "Sleep now, okay?" He stroked my hair. "Good boy."

I blushed but warmth bubbled up in my stomach and I closed my eyes. "Very funny."

He chuckled and it was as soothing as rain. I could have slept forever like that.

When we get to China we have to check into our hotel.

It's our first time traveling together, but in keeping with Yuuri's money saving plan I only booked one room, but with two beds. I was pleased when Yuuri agreed easily, although I didn't think he saw it nearly the same way as I did.

"It's nice here," Yuuri noted and looked at me. "I told you not too much money…"

"It was nothing." I promise, setting my bags down and smiling.

Yuuri raised his eyebrow knowingly, "Shopped the deals?"

"Of course."

"Uh huh."

"There's a spa!"

"Viktor!"

Yuuri ended up wanting to rest quietly in the room until practice that night so I agreed. Or tried to at least. I scrolled through social media, texted Chris about what he was up to since he seemed a little mad at me. I wondered what I had done.

"Viktor?"

I looked up.

Yuuri looked at me blushing. "Umm… the practice will be soon. Will you help me stretch to get ready?"

I thought my heart stopped. He was asking me? I had helped him before but it was usually my idea.

"Sure, Yuuri."

He sat on the floor, and I worked him through all the stretches I knew, especially the ones that were best with a partner. I thought about how I didn't need to stretch like him because I wouldn't be skating… That made me a little sad.

"Viktor?"

"Hmm?" I focused back on Yuuri, running my hands up his spine as he stretched out between his legs.

"I'm going to skate my best." Yuuri murmured. "I'm going to show everyone how strong you've made me by being my coach."

I smiled and brushed my lips on the back of his neck.

"I know you will, Yuuri. Thank you."

Yuuri's neck and ears turned red and he stretched quietly after that. I didn't abuse my new privilege like I might have on another day. Not much at least.

Yuuri skated well in the practice. He was thoughtful but fairly calm considering how he could be before competition. Having friends around was encouraging for him, since this competition was populated by a lot of people he knew.

Afterward we got interviewed but that happened all the time and I just couldn't focus on it. They asked Yuuri about the conference and Yuuri seemed embarrassed.

On the other hand I was hungry.

"Can we go get hot pot now?" I asked Yuuri, because he had agreed to finally take me to a hot pot place like I had wanted.

He blushed at me but didn't seem mad about the question even during his interview. "I can't right now…"

Yakov walked behind us and my eyes caught on him.

"Hey Yakov!"

He kept walking but I followed him, grabbing his sleeve. I had known Yakov so long. I had really missed him, since being gone. It was the longest we'd ever been apart since I had met him.

"Hey! Want to come get hot pot with us? Are you ignoring me?" I teased him like I had done since I was a young.

"Victor!" he reprimanded me, finally turning. "I feel sick watching you play at being a coach. I'd prefer you only talk to me when you want to plead to return to skating."

I stared at him.

Oh. He was in one of those moods huh? I knew he didn't love that I had left, and he did seem to think I wasn't taking coaching seriously at all- but he'd never really understood my motives with Yuuri in the first place. I didn't think coaching was easy but I wasn't trying to launch a coaching career. I just wanted to be with Yuuri.

Still I felt bad for the impression I had given him. I would have loved to talk to him about what I had learned from coaching Yuuri. But apparently not.

"All right Yakov, good luck tomorrow." I smiled genuinely and turned back to Yuuri.

It would take time for Yakov to understand my decisions but for now he didn't have to. I would miss him, but I knew somehow we would be all right.

"Let's go Yuuri!" I wrapped my arm around his shoulders because his interview was finally done. He relaxed into me and I hoped Yakov could see it. Maybe then he would understand.

Yuuri and I sat at dinner, and everything looked so good! He was still distracted and being picky about what he'd eat but I couldn't totally blame him.

Still it was no fun. Apparently he was worried about what people were saying about his conference speech. I was of the mind he should just own it. He couldn't take it back after all and from what I understood of it, I agreed. I was surprised he hadn't expected such a reaction.

I said none of this though, as he would've just gotten more upset if I did.

I was slightly disappointed though, because his mood was killing the romantic mood that dinner might have had otherwise. That ended up not being such a bad thing though, because Yuuri's friend Phichit showed up soon and joined us before calling a bunch more people and telling them where we were. So the mood would have been ruined anyway.

Too bad.

Phichit didn't understand english but he could speak to Yuuri. Not surprising since they were such close friends. Yuuri tried to interpret between us but he was juggling a lot of languages in his attempt and it wasn't the smoothest conversation. Yuuri said something about calling another skater to be an interpreter but I was so confused I don't know who would be getting interpreted.

Yuuri's old coach joined us next and was the first person who actually agreed to drink with me. A blessing and a curse.

It was hard to be distracted by conversation when so many languages were being thrown around, and I couldn't help but think about Yakov, and about the competition, and Yuuri. Not to mention my somewhat irrational rivalry with Celestino. So soon we were competing for who could drink the most.

It ended badly. As in I didn't remember everything that happened that night. Apparently I started speaking Russian only and taking off my clothes while clinging to Yuuri.

The only part I remembered was Yuuri waking me off the table to go back to the hotel.

He must have dressed me by then, I didn't really remember. I doubted he would have carried me out into public otherwise.

My head cleared a little on the way back and I held Yuuri's hand tightly as he tried to get me into bed.

"Sleep next to me." I begged.

Yuuri blushed down at me.

"Not like this, Viktor, okay? I'll sleep in my bed." He sat next to me. "Are you okay?"

I stared into his eyes.

"Yakov…" I started to say.

"You miss him?"

"Hmm," I agreed. "I think I hurt his feelings, but he would never tell me that."

Yuuri held my hand in both of his. "I'm sorry."

"Do you think he hates me?"

"No. No he wouldn't bother saying anything if he hated you."

"Yeah maybe."

Yuuri pet my hair. "Sorry. I know tonight was nuts."

"You're sorry?"

"You should be sorry too." He warned me. "But you spent the whole night with my friends. You're always doing things just for me, and I know that dinner was supposed to be for you so thank you. I understand why you got upset."

"I'm upset?" I questioned and he smiled at me.

"You drank a lot for not being upset."

"Yeah…"

Yuuri leaned forward, and very shyly he kissed my forehead.

I whined and reached for him.

He pushed my hands away.

"Not tonight."

I looked at him in surprise.

"Yuuri..."

"Not tonight." He repeated and stood up, dropping my hand. "Goodnight Viktor."

I watched him with half lidded eyes. "Goodnight Yuuri. I'm sorry."

"I know. It's okay."

He went in the bathroom to change, and I was asleep before he came back out.

The next day Yuuri found out a picture of us was posted online by his friend. It was unclear how much clothing I was wearing in the photo but I looked like I was trying to kiss Yuuri.

I didn't think I had. I would have remembered that.

Yuuri got upset. Thinking it would make him look like he wasn't taking the competition seriously.

"You're not the one who looks irresponsible in the photo." I pointed out. "Besides it's alright to have fun. Don't worry so much about what others say."

Yuuri seemed to appreciate the sentiment but I wasn't sure he agreed with me.

When I looked over at him after leaving him for a moment with his friends, I found Chris standing over him smiling with his hand where it shouldn't be.

I was suddenly at Yuuri's side.

"Chris!" Yuuri's friends were taking a lot of pictures as I walked up. "How's it going?"

"I'm not motivated without you." He complained, grabbing me and frowning.

Oh. So that's why he had seemed mad lately.

I tried to remind him he was always slow to get started but he still seemed to blame me.

Before I knew it, people on all sides of me were attacking me for having taking the season off.

Yuuri looked uncomfortable and I felt bad. They were under appreciating him by acting like my leaving had been for nothing. I wished I could talk to him but there were suddenly so many people.

I worry about how this will affect Yuuri. I'm impressed when if anything, Yuuri seemed more focused than ever as he warmed up. Almost weirdly focused.

Chris comes up to me.

"Is he okay?"

I hush him, not wanting to break the spell. Because yeah, I had a feeling he was okay. Even if I had never seen him like that before.

By the time Yuuri's ready to skate, I've made up my mind about what I want to say to him today. How I want to motivate him.

I take his hand on the side of the rink, covering it with my own.

"The time to seduce me by picturing katsudon and women during your skate is over." I tell him, my voice coming out low and teetering on the edge of something. "You can seduce me with just your own charm." I slide my fingers across the back of his hand, brushing his tense knuckles. "You know that don't you?"

Yuuri's had abruptly moved to clasp his fingers with mine. He pushed forward pressed our foreheads tight together. In front of everyone.

His eyes looked into mine.

"Don't ever take your eyes off me." His murmured, voice deep and firm. His eyes were blazing as his fingers squeezed around mine.

Then he skated away. The music was about to begin.

I touched my forehead where his had touched. It felt so warm, like I could still feel him against me.

I wished I had been able to kiss him, but that moment had been his.

I hadn't expected that from him though. Even when I had wanted to encourage him, I hadn't expected such reaction.

What was going through his head? What had flipped his switch so suddenly to this…

My eyes widened.

He kind of reminds me of…

A grin covered my face.

So Yuuri really does have this side to him, buried underneath all the anxiety. I had started to wonder if I imagined it before, but no. Yuuri Katsuki was much more complicated than he appeared. The depths of him much more fathomless.

The thought filled me with excitement.

When the beginning of Yuuri's program started with him licking his upper lip, that filled me with a different kind of excitement.

I covered my mouth.

The program turned out to be perfect.

He nailed his jumps and his PCS was even better. "Yes!" I threw my arms into the air.

He was exactly who I thought he was. Who I had known he was all this time. He was also a lot more than I had ever seen. Beyond my wildest imagination. I clapped and cheered so hard it hurt.

"That was perfect." I said when it was over, and the crowd was still cheering for him.

In my excitement I held out my arms.

Chris, who I had totally forgotten was there, frowned at me.

"The kiss and cry is that way."

I sat next to Yuuri with my arm around him- I couldn't seem to stop touching him- and the crown was still roaring.

We waited for his score together but I couldn't stop smiling. I knew it would be incredible, and I was so proud to be next to him in that moment. Proud I was with the boy who shocked the world.

I finally noticed how quiet he was though.

"Did that feel great, Yuuri?" I asked, smiling at his face flushed from skating.

He just stared straight ahead, looking tired.

"Well," He said, his voice soft. "I was hoping everyone else felt great watching me."

My lips parted, but I was distracted when the score was announced.

He had finally broken over the hundred mark. A new personal best. The highest scored so far that night.

The crowd is deafening and my arms go around him. Holding him tightly to me and petting his hair, trying to make him smile.

"Of course they'd feel great watching a performance like that." I told him, my cheeks flushing with pride. "You're the best student."

He was so much more- so so so much more- but I couldn't say it all there.

Yuuri went to watch the rest of the skaters with his friends. I stayed behind to support Chris and let him whine at me until it was time for him to go out onto the ice.

Then I went to find Yuuri.

I found him by the TV watching Chris skate. I came up behind him and wrapped my arms around his waist. He blushed a little but his arms covered mine like he was holding me to him. His friends offered no comment so I smiled and we all watch the the skate together.

When I started to get the hint of Chris' theme I wanted to laugh.

Oh of course.

"He said he wasn't finding motivation without me," I teased, leaning more on Yuuri. "But Chris never goes into a real slump. He just starts so he doesn't peak until the final." I explained to Yuuri, because it was a strategy he should understand with Chris as his competitor.

I didn't know if Yuuri heard me though as the other element of Chris' skating was on full display. I probably should have warned Yuuri.

I preferred Yuuri's eros, but of course Chris would take even a hint of sex appeal as a challenge.

"I guess Chris wins in sex appeal." Yuuri grumbled defeatedly.

I wanted to contradict him but I settled for rubbing his shoulders reassuringly since his friends were standing right there.

Phichit looked a little horrified and said something I didn't understand but I could probably guess.

Chris' score was announced and Yuuri seemed to have a sudden realization.

I stood behind him grinning smugly as he realized.

Yes that's right Yuuri. You're in first place. Where you definitely belong. Good job.

I held onto Yuuri as the ranks are announced to the crowd.

It took me a moment to realize he didn't seem as excited for himself as I was.

He was shaking.

I pressed my lips together.

Oh dear. Yuuri doesn't do well with pressure or attention, does he?

I held him tightly to keep him up.

This could be bad.