Chapter 7 – Emergency Alert
Author's Note:
I simply love and adore the cute Victuuri moments in Episode 8!
Felt sad about Makkachin though…hope everything will be okay.
SPOILER ALERT HEADS UP: Please Watch Episode 8 before Reading (:
It will consist of short recap using a narrative style of story-telling similar to the start of the anime, and a re-telling of the end part of Episode 8 of Yuri! On Ice – based on Katsuki Yuri's POV.
~ Yay! This fanfic series has reached over 100 likes and followers, and more than 10k views! :D Thank You! (: ~
Please continue to love the series, and for the new readers – I hope you enjoy reading the story as much as I enjoy writing them.
Leave a like, follow and review to show your support!~
Chapter Synopsis:
Yuri attained his new personal best score of 109.97 for his Short Program at the Rostelecom Cup in Moscow, Russia. However, a sudden emergency back in Japan had the both of them worried sick and Yuri tries to persuade him to go back to Japan. Victor pleads with his former coach, Yakov to replace him to be a one-day coach for the free skating program the next day. How will Yuri react with this dilemma?
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
I'm Katsuki Yuri, a figure skater representing Japan in the Figure Skating Grand Prix Series. After winning second place in the Cup of China, I am currently in Russia for my second assignment in the Rostelecom Cup. I was reunited with the ever-competitive Yuri Plisetsky from Russia (also nicknamed by my sister as Yurio), who seemed ever ready to defeat me as always. His new style of agape was simply a sight to behold – Victor and I couldn't help ourselves, but to get impressed by him~ At the end of the short program, I ended up in second place, achieving my new personal best score of 109.97!
*Ahh…just to digress for a moment here. It was so embarrassing for me to yank his tie to steal Victor's attention from his devoted fans, but it gave me the push that I needed – I felt that I had to intimidate them first, before they get to me. I wanted to express my love to the whole of Russia, and the kiss that I blew before the start of my performance was just my shy attempt of flirting with Victor in public. I wished I could see the reaction on his face. Also, Victor seemed to enjoy stealing the limelight at the Kiss and Cry, even as a coach. That kiss to my skate was sort of exaggerating but it made my heart skip a beat, so I couldn't get mad at him again, I guess. *
Amidst the competition hype, a drastic turn of events had taken place back in Japan. I received an emergency call from back home. It was from my sister, Mari.
"Oh, Yuri? Sorry to bother you when you're in the middle of an event…but Makkachin stole some buns and they got stuck on his throat. We're at the vet right now, but we're not sure if he'll make it. Sorry…what do you want us to do…?"
I just couldn't believe my ears. I stood there in shock while I was still trying to digest her words in my mind. Judging from the tone of her voice, she was worried stiff. I immediately understood the severity of the situation. Makkachin dying? It had never crossed my head before, but the situation felt oddly similar.
A sudden flashback started to play in my head, reminding me of an incident that happened a year back – it was about Vicchan.
Vicchan was my beloved poodle whom passed away from sickness during last year's Grand Prix Finals. I was greatly affected by Vicchan's death, that it made me feel depressed. Vicchan was practically a part of my family, and my greatest source of comfort throughout my childhood and teenage years.
Leaving Vicchan all alone in Japan while I was training overseas in Detroit, was one of my greatest regrets. I wished that I could turn back time to bid my final farewell to my best buddy who had accompanied me for a large portion of my life. To Victor, Makkachin was as much as an important of an existence to him.
Without a moment of doubt, I shouted over to Victor who was standing around just a few feet away from me. He was watching me closely from a distance, and he could tell that I was in distress after receiving that phone call. He was clearly baffled at my reaction.
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
"Victor! You have to go back to Japan right now! I'll face the free skate tomorrow on my own!"
Upon hearing my words, a puzzled look appeared on his face as he started to question me.
"Huh…? Yuri…what are you saying right now? What on earth happened…?"
He was just silently staring right back at me, waiting for me to explain the situation.
"Look, Victor. Stay calm and listen to me carefully, okay...?
I took a deep breath before I slowly broke the bad news to Victor. I was extremely worried for him, as I knew how much Victor had loved his beloved pet.
"It's about Makkachin."
"My sister called me just now and said that Makkachin choked on some steamed buns, and is currently at the vet's. The situation does not look optimistic right now…she may not make it…"
Victor's face turned white as a sheet, upon hearing the truth. He was clearly still in a state of shock at the abrupt turn of events, but he tried his hardest to maintain his poker face.
I attempted to persuade him again.
"I want you to go, Victor…! Makkachin's your priority right now. I can handle tomorrow's free skate on my own…!"
As he tried to speak up, his voice quavered a moment before he regained control. He was still trying to force a smile on his lips, while he attempted to hide his true feelings.
"No…Yuri…I can't just leave you alone at this critical moment…We're in this together…"
I could tell that Victor was stuck in a dilemma, as his face looked torn with worry. As far as I knew, Makkachin was like family to him. I really wanted Victor to remain by my side, but I felt that he was needed more in Japan. I knew the pain and regret from losing my beloved pet and not getting to say my final goodbye, and I did not want Victor to suffer what I went through before.
I wanted to protect him, at least, for that moment in time.
Without speaking another word, I immediately wrapped my arms around his waist and hugged him as tight as I could. I could just sense the sadness in his voice as he muttered my name weakly. "Yuri…"
As I leaned my head gently on Victor's chest, his free hands were slowly reaching for my back as he clutched my jacket tight. My heart was beginning to ache. It was my first time seeing Victor in such a vulnerable state, and I felt that it was my turn to help him this time. I tried to reach out to him by sharing my own personal experience, hoping that he could understand my good intentions.
"Hey Victor…you remember that I used to have a poodle too, right…?"
"Ah…yes…What was the name of that poodle…?"
"Victor. I named it after you, silly. My whole family called her Vicchan. She passed away due to sickness during last year's Grand Prix Finals...and…I never got to see her for the very last time, and I have been regretting ever since. I do not want you to do the same, and end up as I did before…"
I gradually released Victor from my embrace as I turned to look up at him in the eye, while continuing to speak my mind. He seemed to feel a bit better after the hug, but he the worried look on his face still did not subside.
Except for this time, he was worried about leaving me all alone in Russia.
"But Yuri…you are equally as important right now. I can't just leave you, especially knowing what had happened before your FS program in China…"
"I'll be fine this time…! You have to go back!"
"Like I said…I can't…!"
He furrowed his eyebrows out of concern. No matter how much I tried to persuade Victor, he seemed to reject the idea of returning to Japan.
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
A few moments later, we were interrupted by the presence of Yurio and his two coaches in the room. Victor immediately rushed over to them.
"Yakov…! Thank God…" Victor clutched him tightly on the shoulders, with a troubled look on his face. "You're the only coach for me…"
Yakov immediately lit up, with the assumption that his best student wanted to return to his side. "What…? You finally want to come back?"
Instead, the reply that came out from Victor's mouth was something that all of us were unprepared for, even in our wildest dreams.
"Can you be Yuri's coach for just a day tomorrow?"
"HUHHHHHH!?"
Yakov, Yurio and I started exclaiming, almost in perfect sync. We couldn't believe our ears as what Victor had said was something simply unimaginable. What was Victor even suggesting? Did I just hear him asking Yakov to be my coach tomorrow, when I clearly told him that I could handle the free skate on my own...!?
Looking back at Yakov and Yurio, the two of them were still attempting to digest the words that they heard from Victor. They were simply stunned for a moment, with their eyes wide open with shock. They started to retaliate back when the two of them returned to their senses.
Yakov was practically fuming in anger, and Yurio also began to follow suit.
"Vitya! Do you know what you are saying right now!?"
"Yeah, Victor! Why are you running away…!"
With a determined look on his face, he faced Yakov head on.
"I'm not running away, nor have I ever been clearer in my entire life. Look, Yakov…you're the only one whom I can rely on…Please help my student."
Yakov was not pleased with Victor's answer, and began to retort back.
"You are fully aware that I am the coach of the Russian Team, don't you? And you want me to help our competitor!? Vitya…you must be out of your mind right now".
Victor's eyebrows started to furrow, out of pure anxiousness. I could tell that he was starting to lose his patience, but was trying his hardest to keep his cool to explain the current situation to his former coach.
"Look, Yakov. You remember my poodle, Makkachin? She might not make it and I want to go back to Japan to see her, even if it turns out for the worst…I'm asking you for a favour of a lifetime, Coach."
"I really want to go back to Japan, but I can't help but worry too much about Yuri…you're the only one I can count on now…Please be there for Yuri and give him some advice and encouragement before he starts his Free Program tomorrow…"
Looking at Yakov, his fierce eyes were glaring right at Victor as his frown gradually deepened into a scowl.
"Vitya…! I haven't seen you look this desperate in your entire figure skating career…and you're doing it for Yuri Katsuki?"
Yakov turned to look at me straight in the eye, with a stern expression remaining on his face. I felt so intimidated that I could just feel myself breaking in cold sweat on the spot. It was such an awkward feeling that it felt almost unbearable.
"Yes, I am. I'm serious about this, Yakov."
Victor continued to stare earnestly at his former coach, with the latter slightly taken aback in surprise by his determination. Gradually, a corner of his mouth lifted to show a smug expression on his face.
"…Alright…fine…you owe me one, Vitya."
"Thank you, Yakov!"
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
After being reassured, he pulled me in a corner and told me all the words that he wanted to say at once.
"Yuri…Yakov may look like a rude and grumpy old man, but he's actually a big softie inside… If you are worried or nervous about anything, please do not keep it to yourself, okay! You can tell anything to Yakov…!"
"Just remember that I will always stand beside you, even in spirit. Please contact me if anything happens…I'll fly back in a helicopter even if I have to…okay!?"
Although it would be awkward with Coach Yakov, I knew that Victor did it for my sake as he was worried sick about me. I nodded my head in agreement, and he seemed to look much relieved.
"Victor…don't worry about me. I'll be alright. Please go to Makkachin now."
He ruffled my hair gently as he stared lovingly into my eyes. I could still sense some sadness in his voice.
"Yuri…thank you for being such an understanding person…Can I ask you for another favour again? I want you to continue to show your love to all of Russia for your FS program. Can you do it?"
I responded Victor with my most confident smile.
"Of course, leave it to me."
He looked extremely pleased with my answer, and gave me a rewarding pat on the head. "That's my Yuri~"
"Alright, then I'll be off now. I'll see you again soon, my love."
After which, he quickly planted a light kiss on my forehead before departing.
"This is a good luck charm from me, because Yakov doesn't like skinship~"
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
"Dasvidaniya!"
He waved goodbye to us, before rushing out in a hurry.
I silently watched Victor moving further away into the distance, until I could not see him in sight.
Yurio and his two coaches were still standing right behind me, observing quietly. Yakov immediately broke the silence and looked straight into my eyes. His arms were still crossed, but there was a smile on his face which made him less intimidating.
"Let me ask you something, boy." He hesitated for a moment, but continued to speak.
"How on earth did you make that selfish and whimsical man, lower his pride to ask me for help?"
I felt a sudden flush creeping up my face. I knew the reason, but I couldn't say it out. I responded back to him with a safest answer I could think of.
"That's what I wanted to ask him about…He really didn't have to…"
As the conversation was heading towards an awkward turn, Yurio stepped in to interrupt at a good timing. I could sense the sarcastic tone in his voice as always when he started to open his mouth to talk.
"I don't think you have to make him spell it, Coach Yakov. Isn't it pretty obvious?"
"Nevertheless, I don't want you to get affected by Victor's absence okay!? There's no point for me to crush you when you're weak!"
Perhaps Yurio could understand how I was feeling, but he was trying to encourage me, albeit in his usual spiteful tone. Knowing his good intentions, I couldn't help but smile. It made me felt motivated than usual. I felt that I had to perform my very best, in order not to disappoint the people around me.
"Yurio…thank you for worrying about me."
"No! I did not!?"
With my sudden boost in motivation, I responded back to Yurio with a huge smile on my face.
"I'll be alright. This is one fight that I do not intend to lose!"
