Author's note: I am so so sorry for how long it took me to update this! Things got a little hectic and to be honest, I struggled a little bit with this chapter. I'm hoping that the content makes up for the late update and I'm happy to say I'm already pretty far along with the next one, so hopefully the wait won't be terribly long.

A quick side note, after an extensive amount of research, I found that the Detroit Institute of Art holds free events every Friday, so I figured that would be an excellent place for a college student to go on a date because...well, it's free. Also, the painting I'm talking about is GLADIOLI by Claude Monet, who is one of my favorite artists ever. I see a lot of myself in Yuuri, so I like to think that he'd enjoy his paintings as well.

ALSO, please note the rating change to Mature! Mature content is in the last scene, so don't say I didn't warn you.

And as always, thank you so much to my lovely beta spicenee for looking this over and helping me with it. I'm going to shamelessly promote her new OtaPliRoy fic Taste of Paradise over on AO3, so you should go check that out!

Laughter escaped Yuuri's lips, his cheeks flushing as Victor's nuzzled against the nape of his neck. His heart skipped a beat as Victor's silken hair brushed against his cheek, the scent of his cologne wafting around him.

"V-Victor, stop, that tickles!" Steeling his resolve, Yuuri pulled away from Victor's embrace; the fact that Victor's arm was draped over the console of his car made it easier than he had anticipated.

Victor pouted. "But Yuuri –" His eyes widened as Yuuri pressed his finger against his lips.

"I have class in the morning."

"So skip it."

Yuuri smiled apologetically, the suggestion tempting. "I have to turn in the first draft of my paper tomorrow."

Victor took hold of Yuuri's hand and laced their fingers together. "Can't you say you're sick and email it to them?"

"Keep talking like that and I might think about it."

Victor's eyes lit up, his lips curving into a blinding smile. "Really?"

Shaking his head, Yuuri laughed softly as he squeezed Victor's hand. "I wish I could, but we have to turn it in in person." Slipping his hand from Victor's, he reached for the door handle despite already missing the feeling of Victor's hand in his.

Yuuri pushed open the door and just as he was about to slide out of the car, he turned back to face Victor. He bit his lip as a sense of uncertainty pooled in the pit of his stomach. "Hey Victor?"

"Hmm?"

"F-for our next date, do you think that I could pick where we go?"

Yuuri's held his breath as he waited for Victor to answer him, his pulse racing in anticipation. Victor's eyes widened in surprise for the briefest of moments before his gaze softened and a wide, heart-shaped smile spread across his face.

"Of course!" Victor grasped his hands in his, squeezing them in his excitement. "My first night out in Detroit, planned exclusively by Yuuri!"

Yuuri laughed at Victor's enthusiasm, his cheeks flushing when Victor ran his thumb over Yuuri's knuckles in light circles. "I guess the pressure is really on now," he teased. "Hope I don't disappoint you."

"Oh Yuuri, nothing you do could disappoint me," murmured Victor.

Victor's thumb stilled against Yuuri's knuckles, his gaze hooded as he leaned towards Yuuri.

"R-right, I...I should get going so I can, you know, plan our date," stammered Yuuri. His face felt as though he had been lit afire as he quickly kissed Victor on the cheek before sliding out of his grasp. Turning his gaze back to Victor's, he smiled shyly. "Call me?"

"Always," promised Victor.

Slipping out of the car, Yuuri waved before shutting the door behind him. He watched as Victor pulled away from the apartment building, waiting for the tail lights to fade before turning back to his building with a sigh.

After an agonizing week of waiting and wondering what Yuuri could be planning, Victor felt his mouth grow dry with anticipation when his phone vibrated in his pocket. He pulled the device out of his pocket, nearly dropping it in his haste. A wave of relief washed over him like a balm, soothing his nerves as he read the message.

DIA 6 tomorrow?

He smiled to himself as he imagined Yuuri biting his lower lip, his leg bouncing up and down as he awaited his answer. He quickly typed out his response, saying he'd be looking forward to it and adding possibly what would be considered one too many emojis before hitting the send button.

See you then.

Before he could even begin to coordinate his outfit for the evening, his phone buzzed again with another message. He laughed aloud at the message, thinking that Yuuri already knew him too well.

Wear something casual. No suits.

He typed out a short message, jokingly accusing Yuuri of spying on him and smiled when he received an indignant response. The two texted back and forth for a bit before Yuuri ended their conversation, saying he had to get back to work before his boss caught him hiding in the break room.

Turning his attention back to his closet, Victor tapped his finger against his cheek in thought. Yuuri told him not to wear a suit, but if he were honest with himself, the vast majority of the clothing he had acquired over the years were suits of one kind or another. He convinced himself that he was simply dressing the part of a door to door salesman, but he secretly enjoyed boost that a well tailored suit lent his confidence.

Shoving hangers aside, he bypassed the varying shades of blues, blacks, and grays of his suit collection and instead focused on the comparatively small collection of casual items in his closet. He frowned as he sorted through the collection of sweaters, jackets, and jeans, nothing quite catching his eye.

After spending more time than he would ever willingly admit to, Victor decided on his outfit, nodding in approval to himself. Setting the clothing aside, he nestled himself amongst the plush pillows on his bed as he sighed contently.

He spent the rest of the day asking Yuri what he thought Yuuri might be planning for their date (Yuri threatened to block his number if he kept asking, but Victor persisted) and daydreaming.

Looking around, Yuuri nervously shifted his weight from one foot to the other as people milled about the lobby of the art museum. The stark white walls and stone floors contrasted against the paintings and sculptures on display, drawing people towards the works of art.

After much debate, he had finally narrowed his ideas down to a couple of places before he presented them to Phichit for input. The only suggestion they could both agree on was the Institute of Art; it was reasonably priced, open late on Fridays, and one of the places Yuuri frequented with Phichit.

A tap on his shoulder startled him out of his thoughts; he glanced over his shoulder and sighed with relief when he realized it was Victor. He felt his cheeks flush slightly when he allowed his gaze to rake over Victor. Even in casual clothing, he managed to look like he came straight from a photo shoot; his jeans and white t-shirt clung to all the right places without being too much and his pale skin tone was accented by a charcoal gray trench coat. Yuuri suddenly felt self-conscious in his worn sneakers, jeans, plain button down shirt and over sized cardigan.

"You're so jumpy tonight Yuuri," teased Victor, his lips curving up into a smile.

Yuuri's ears burned from embarrassment as he stepped out from under Victor's shadow. "I'm not – You just –" He huffed and weakly shoved Victor's shoulder. "I wasn't expecting you to sneak up on me like that," he muttered.

Victor rubbed his arm, feigning distress before his resolve broke and he burst into a fit of laughter. "I'm sorry Yuuri. I just couldn't help it." He linked his arm in Yuuri's, pulling him flush against his side. "So, what are we doing tonight?"

Pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose, Yuuri tried to ignore the goose pimples that pricked at his arms. "W-well, I thought we could take a look around at the exhibits before the live performances start."

"Live performances?"

Glancing around the lobby, Yuuri bit his lower lip as he tried to steady his nerves under Victor's questioning gaze. "Every spring the Institute hosts live performances every Friday night. Sometimes it's local bands or musicians that specialize in historical instruments." He brought his gaze up to Victor's, attempting to read his expression. "Tonight it's a local dance troupe that partnered with a jazz band that usually performs at clubs downtown."

Yuuri held his breath in anticipation as Victor glanced around the lobby. His eyes narrowed as he took in the banners advertising different exhibits and upcoming events before tugging Yuuri closer, his grip tightening on Yuuri's bicep. He turned his gaze back to Yuuri's, the corners of his eyes crinkling slightly as he smiled brightly.

"You put a lot of thought into this, didn't you?"

Ducking his head, Yuuri blushed. Instead of answering, he started walking towards the ticket booth, half-dragging a laughing Victor behind him. After purchasing their tickets, they found themselves standing in the entryway to the exhibits; one wing led to historical artwork while the other led to more modern works and sculptures.

"Where did you want to start?" he asked.

"Hmm... Where do you usually start?"

"Phichit and I usually start with the oldest paintings and work our way up to the more modern pieces." Yuuri laughed softly to himself. "I don't really understand modern artwork so I tend to stick with the classics."

"Then let's start there." Holding his hand out, Victor winked at him. "Lead the way, Yuuri."

Rolling his eyes, Yuuri grasped Victor's hand in his own and the two set out into the museum. They wove their way around the people milling about, Victor occasionally rushing up to a sculpture or ornately framed painting of noblemen and all of their belongings, his eyes sparkling. Yuuri watched Victor flit from one painting to another, a small smile gracing his lips when he saw that Victor was enjoying himself.

While Victor was preoccupied with enthusiastically talking to another patron about one of the sculptures from the early 1600's that was on display, Yuuri headed towards his favorite section of the exhibit. He exhaled slowly as he found himself greeted by the familiar paintings. His gaze was drawn to his favorite in the gallery and he soon became entranced by the bold brush strokes and how the bright colors played off one another. He sat on the small bench placed before the painting, content to take in every detail he could while he waited for Victor.

"Monet, huh?" came a low voice in his ear.

"Mm. It's my favorite," murmured Yuuri, his gaze still fixed on the painting.

Victor sat on the bench beside him, scooting close enough that their thighs were pressed against one another. Yuuri's heart skipped at the contact and he curled his hands into the hem of his shirt in an attempt to ground himself. He heard Victor hum to himself as he surveyed the painting, a nostalgic expression crossing his face.

"You know, this painting was done right before his wife Camille fell ill. They had just moved back to Paris after escaping the war and I think it was the happiest Monet was for a long time. After Camille passed away, he just wasn't the same."

Yuuri's brow furrowed as he looked at Victor. His gaze was still directed towards the painting, his mouth drawn in a thin line as he seemed to struggle with whatever thoughts were passing through his mind.

"How can you say for sure?" questioned Yuuri. "It's not in any book I've read about his works and it's not like you were there or anything."

If Yuuri had blinked, he would have missed the way Victor stiffened slightly before relaxing again. A nervous laugh escaped him as he ran a hand through his hair. "Ahh... You've got me there, Yuuri! Of course there's no way I was there when he painted this."

"You're hiding something."

Victor turned to look at him, eyes wide in surprise at Yuuri's accusatory tone. "What do you mean?"

"You're doing that thing," supplied Yuuri, his eyes narrowing in suspicion.

"What thing?"

"That thing where you run your hand through your hair. I've noticed that you do it whenever you're nervous about something."

"Oh?" Yuuri nearly squeaked in surprise as Victor leaned in, his silver hair falling across his eyes as he surveyed Yuuri with renewed interest. "Who's to say that I'm not nervous sitting here with you?"

Flushing, Yuuri ducked his head and bumped Victor's shoulder. "That was super cheesy."

"But it made you blush," teased Victor.

Groaning, Yuuri stood up and shoved his hands in his pockets. He could feel the tips of his ears burning and he knew that his face was probably as red as the flowers in the painting before him. Victor chuckled behind him and Yuuri glanced at him over his shoulder, his mouth cracking into a soft smile.

"Come on, we have more to see before the show starts."

Victor beamed at him and bounced to his feet before following Yuuri through the halls. Without a word, Yuuri slipped his hand into Victor's and laced their fingers together.

Victor wasn't entirely sure how he found himself in this situation, but he sure as hell wasn't going to complain about it. Shortly after the show started at the Institute of Art, Victor had leaned over and suggested they leave and head somewhere more exciting. He was surprised when Yuuri had agreed with him, but gleefully trailed behind Yuuri as they snuck out of the auditorium, giggling like two children skipping class. Soon enough, they found their way to a small bar nearby, passing the time by tossing back drinks and chatting about anything and everything.

He felt Yuuri shudder under his touch before pressing his body closer to him, successfully bringing Victor's thoughts back to the situation at hand. Yuuri's movements were unsteady due to the alcohol he had consumed, but Victor still found himself being swept away in the sensation of fingertips brushing against his collarbone.

Nestling his nose in the crook of Yuuri's neck, Victor inhaled deeply to steady himself. "Yuuri, you should head inside."

"Come with me."

Victor swore he was losing his hearing, because there was no possible way that Yuuri – shy, uncertain Yuuri – was inviting him inside his apartment. He pulled away just enough that he could look at Yuuri directly.

"What?"

Yuuri giggled, his cheeks pleasantly flushed as he wrapped his arms around Victor's neck and all but hung from his shoulders. "Come inside with me, Victor." His caramel-brown eyes sparkled in the dim lighting as his mouth split into the brightest smile Victor had ever seen. "Please, Victor? Pleeeaaaase?"

Victor would have never considered himself a weak man but in that moment he realized that he was, in fact, incredibly weak to Yuuri's wishes. If Yuuri asked, he would move heaven and earth, collect the stars in the sky above and even lasso the moon if it would make him happy.

Exhaling shakily, Victor bumped his nose against Yuuri's. "Don't blame me for whatever happens," he whispered.

"What's going to happen?" asked Yuuri, his eyes wide and so, so innocent.

Victor shook his head, his lips curved in a wry smile. "Nothing."

After a moment of thought, Yuuri nodded in agreement, as if that was all the reasoning he needed to hear. "So will you come in?"

"I'd love to."

Grinning from ear to ear, Yuuri disentangled himself from around Victor's neck and spun on his heel towards the doorway. He stumbled a bit on the uneven pavement; Victor snaked his arm around Yuuri's waist to steady him and he was met with another blinding smile.

As they made their way up to the third floor, Victor swallowed thickly, his pulse stuttering in anticipation. His hand remained on Yuuri's hip, the heat from his skin burning into his fingertips.

Yuuri leaned against Victor's chest as he fumbled for his keys; Victor dipped his head and brushed his lips against the shell of Yuuri's ear. He smiled as Yuuri shivered at the touch just before the held up his keys in triumph.

"Found them!" he cried.

Brows furrowed in concentration, Yuuri made several attempts to unlock the door, becoming increasingly flustered when Victor's breath fanned across his neck as he chuckled at Yuuri's unsteadiness. Finally, he succeeded and swung the door open proudly before stumbling through the doorway. Victor closed the door behind him, his gaze traveling around the small apartment. The kitchen was small, a few dishes sitting in the sink waiting to be washed. A small breakfast bar separated the kitchen from the living area and to the right, a hallway led to what Victor could only assume would be the bedrooms and bathroom.

Yuuri tossed his keys into a small ceramic bowl beside the door, the metal ringing out harshly in the quiet apartment. Victor winced at the sound. Someone shifted on the couch with a groan; Victor held his breath as he waited for whoever it was to settle back into unconsciousness.

"Yuuri, who –"

"Shhh, it's fine," whispered Yuuri through his giggles, holding a finger up to his lips. He tiptoed into the living room, muttering "It's fine, it's fine" under his breath, though Victor wasn't sure if he was trying to reassure himself or the person snoring on the couch.

With the steadiness of someone who has perfected the art of sneaking in late, Yuuri gingerly plucked the laptop off of the sofa, placing it on the coffee table to his right. As he was turning back towards the couch, Yuuri stopped and stared at something on the table, his eyes widening.

"Oh my God," he breathed.

Victor tensed as the words greeted his ears. What if Yuuri realized what was happening and decided he didn't want Victor after all?

Yuuri directed his gaze towards Victor, his eyes sparkling with excitement as he held up his prize before whispering, "Phichit bought pizza!"

Victor released the breath he hadn't realized he had been holding as he watched Yuuri take a bite out of the cold slice of pizza. He licked his lips when Yuuri all but moaned in pleasure, the sight of his plump lips closing around the half eaten piece of food again causing Victor to nearly let his handle on his control slip. Closing the distance between himself and Yuuri, Victor wrapped an arm around Yuuri's waist, pulling him against him as he plucked the slice of pizza out of his grasp.

"I wasn't finished," he huffed, his lips turning out into an adorable pout.

Chuckling at how adorable Yuuri was, Victor nipped at his ear, eliciting a gasp from the man in his arms. "Is that so?"

Yuuri nodded, the stain on his cheeks deepening as he relaxed in Victor's grasp. "Aren't you hungry, Victor?"

"I am," hummed Victor, his lips tracing along Yuuri's jawline. "But for something better than pizza."

Yuuri opened his mouth to respond, but was silenced when Victor claimed his lips in a searing kiss. Victor pulled Yuuri flush against him, fingers tangling in his soft locks as he deepened the kiss. He reluctantly pulled away when his lungs began to burn, begging him for fresh oxygen. A sense of pride swelled in his chest as he took in Yuuri, with his disheveled hair and glasses askew, breaths coming in gasps.

Phichit stirred behind them and Yuuri tore his gaze away to stare at his friend, a sigh escaping him when Phichit rolled over and fell back asleep. He inhaled sharply when Victor's lips met his pulse point, teeth grazing at the delicate flesh.

"B-bedroom," he breathed, sending a desperate plea to Victor.

Victor hummed in approval and detached himself from Yuuri long enough to be led down the hallway and into his quaint bedroom. Yuuri leaned against the door, his blush spreading down his neck and up to the tips of his ears. His gaze darted about the room, never quite settling on Victor as he licked his lips in uncertainty.

Taking a step forward, Victor cupped Yuuri's cheek in his hand, the pad of his thumb brushing against his cheekbone. Yuuri jumped at the touch, his gaze finally meeting Victor's. His gaze softened as he relaxed into Victor's touch, the tension leaving his shoulders.

"We'll only go as far as you want to Yuuri," murmured Victor.

Yuuri nodded as Victor gently took his glasses off and placed them on the bedside table. Brushing some of his hair away from his face, Victor met Yuuri in another kiss, sweeter and less hungry this time. Their lips met and departed in chaste kisses, Victor dragging his lips down Yuuri's jawline. Yuuri's hands twisted into the fabric of Victor's shirt as he tilted his head to the side, a breathy sigh escaping his lips.

Groaning, Victor suppressed the urge to sink his fangs into Yuuri's pulse point; his grip on Yuuri's hips tightened as he struggled with the idea of Yuuri baring his neck to him, even if it was done subconsciously. Not bothering to separate himself from Yuuri, Victor spun around and guided Yuuri towards his bed. The back of his knees hit the mattress and the two went toppling onto the soft blankets.

Yuuri blinked in surprise, his eyes wide as Victor stifled his laughter. After a moment, Yuuri's brows furrowed as he gripped onto the collar of Victor's trench coat, a hint of mischief glinting in his eyes. Victor's breath rushed out of his lungs when Yuuri crashed his lips against his, teeth clacking against each other in the impact.

Victor was at a loss when Yuuri nipped at his lower lips, demanding entrance before deepening the kiss. Victor choked on a moan when Yuuri's tongue brushed against his own, blood pounding in his ears. Yuuri's hands roughly pushed Victor's coat off his shoulders, nails scraping at the soft hair on the nape of his neck. Without a second thought Victor shrugged his coat off, tossing the restricting fabric to the floor.

Yuuri hummed appreciatively, his fingers trailing across Victor's muscled back, leaving fire in their wake. Victor shuddered at the fleeting touches, his hand sneaking underneath Yuuri's shirt and splaying across his abdomen. Without breaking the kiss, he undid the buttons of Yuuri's shirt and pushed the fabric aside, exposing his chest.

His eyes raked over Yuuri's trim torso, appreciating the slight softness of his hips contrasting with how toned he was. Yuuri bit his lower lip, eyes hooded and pupils dilated with want. Victor bit back a groan at the sight.

"Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?" he murmured.

Yuuri shook his head, the corners of his lips quirking into a smile. He reached up, fingertips grazing Victor's cheek before he sunk his fingers into Victor's hair. Pulling Victor close, Yuuri grazed his teeth along his earlobe, a low moan sounding in his throat as he pressed his hips fully against Victor's.

Victor inhaled sharply as he desperately tried to keep a grip on what little remained of his control. Fire coursed through his veins, his own desire aching for more – more friction, more of Yuuri. His hands gripped Yuuri's hips tightly, trying desperately to still his movements. Burying his nose in the crook of Yuuri's neck, he inhaled deeply in an attempt to steady himself.

"Yuuri," he warned, his voice thick with barely restrained desire. "If you don't stop, I won't be able to control myself."

Victor bit his lip to fight back a moan of his own as Yuuri rutted against him, desperate for any kind of friction. Hot breath fanned against his ear as Yuuri's lips brushed against his neck.

"Victor," he moaned, hips rutting against Victor's again. Victor screwed his eyes shut as he felt the last threads of his control slip from his grasp. "Please Victor."

"Fuck, Yuuri," he breathed.

Letting that last shred of control fall to the wayside, Victor ground his hips against Yuuri's, tearing a moan from the other man's lips. Licking his lips, Victor's gaze settled on Yuuri's pulse point. He swallowed thickly before running his tongue along the fluttering pulse, eliciting a shiver from Yuuri. Running his fingers through Yuuri's hair, he gripped at the strands, tugging Yuuri's face away and exposing the curve of his neck.

He sensed Yuuri's pulse jump as he laved the area with his tongue, lips pulling at the delicate skin. One of his fangs pricked the skin and Victor moaned when the droplet of blood that formed exploded on his tongue. Not able to wait a second longer, he sunk his fangs into Yuuri's neck and began to drink.

Pleasure coursed through Victor, the sweetness of Yuuri's blood singing in his veins. Yuuri moaned beneath him, eyes closed and breathing labored as he continued to rut against Victor mindlessly. He heard the sharp intake of air enter Yuuri's lungs as he slipped his hand into Yuuri's pants, fingers curling around his length. Yuuri melted into his touch, chanting Victor's name like a prayer as Victor skillfully stroked him closer and closer to the edge of pleasure. Victor felt Yuuri's body tense, a cry of pleasure ripping through his chest as he came.

When his thirst was satiated, Victor laved the area, healing the puncture wounds before placing gentle kisses along Yuuri's neck and jawline. Yuuri's breathing was becoming less labored as he came down from his high, his eyes fluttering open to gaze at Victor. Victor pressed a kiss to Yuuri's temple and the man sighed, eyes drifting shut once again as sleep welcomed him into its warm embrace.

Victor sat beside him as his breathing evened out, a slight flush lingering on his cheeks. As he slept, Victor took in the way his lashes rested against his cheekbones, the way his lips would part ever-so-slightly as he sighed in his sleep, the way his brows would furrow slightly before relaxing once again.

Reluctantly, Victor tore himself away from Yuuri's side, picked up his coat and made his way towards the door. He paused, hand on the doorknob, as he glanced at Yuuri's sleeping form one last time. With a sigh, he opened the door and slipped out of the room, the door closing with a soft click behind him.