Epilogue
December 12th, 2016
Viktor Nikiforov Admits HIV Status and Russian Ban on Skating?!
By: Anna Popov
Many of our readers no doubt have already seen the video that was leaked this weekend of Viktor Nikiforov at the annual Grand Prix Gala, which finally had our favorite angel on ice admit about his HIV status and his relationship with Grand Prix Silver Medalist Yuri Katsuki.
Rumors had been circulating in regards to Viktor's sexuality for years, though 7 Days only received exclusive material involving the infamous Moscow rendezvous Viktor and former Russian National Soccer player Mikael Loskov in October, 2015. We later reported on Viktor's sudden move to Japan, as well as the budding romance that seemed to flourish on the ice between Viktor and his student.
Things became more challenging after the incident at the China Cup, where Viktor admitted his romantic relationship during a kiss; it was not long after that information was leaked by former journalist Grigory Kashin of Maxim Magazine in an online posting which, to date, has garnered well over 1.9 million views. The backlash and accusations of the name of the leaker were put to bed quickly—we at 7 Days tried our best to find out the person involved in the leak, but Kashin has since taken an extended holiday out of the public limelight, leaving readers and reporters alike uncertain of the veracity of the claims about Viktor's HIV status.
Outspoken in her opinions and her status, Natalya Loskov opened up to her HIV infection and her beliefs that she was infected by her husband, but there has been no definite admittance until now. It seems that things are finally coming together to show a worrisome picture of who was, until today, considered a national treasure to Russia.
The recent Youtube video, clocking in at only 3:42, was enough to answer some questions, but leading to more. Viktor claimed in the video that the Russian Figure Skating Federation was attempting to block his chances of competing into the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics.
Say it isn't so!
This reporter did a little digging into some of the more common figure skating contracts sign, and it seems that the morality clause does exist, and coming out as being in a relationship with another man would certainly cause a breach in such a contract!
Many of Viktor's most ardent of supporters have begun flooding Youtube, as well as the FFKKR's email servers and internet forums in attempts to allow Viktor to continue skating. Others believe that Viktor should not be allowed to participate, though it is no doubt that the Russian public is very much split on its opinion.
To continue reading about Viktor's shocking announcement, turn to page 14.
Information about Yuri Katsuki and his scandalous relationship with Viktor can be found on page 22.
February 16th, 2018
Viktor Nikiforov Wins Gold at PyeongChang Olympics!
By: Nina Ignatyeva
Viktor Nikiforov astounded fans and judges alike on Wednesday at the sunny PyeongChang Olympic skating rink as he won Gold under the Olympic Flag while setting two new world records. His short program, "Takeda no Komoriuta" garnered an astounding 120.69— over two points higher than Yuri Plisetsky's world record win during the 2016 Grand Prix.
The music for his Free Skate, "Cossack Lullaby" was changed in the last three months from its original piece, "Dance of the Red Death." Viktor spoke with reporters about his change in the piece noting that the original song he chose did not properly showcase his growth and the progress he had made since his last official program on the ice. Sources who managed to see Viktor's previously planned piece admitted that it was raw and painful and not what Viktor wanted. After listening to the track, composed by the brilliant Imani Botha, this reporter can say that the dark and looming song would have certainly set many teeth on edge.
His Free Skate score was 222.41, which once against claimed his spot as number one figure skater and world champion, and easily led to winning his last gold medal. His student Yuri Katsuki has promised that he and Viktor will work together into the future to make a program that can beat the unbeatable performance of Viktor Nikiforov's swan song.
That is right! Unfortunately, according to Viktor's announcement after his amazing win, he will no longer continue skating. Instead, he admitted, he intends on staying with Yuri Katsuki in Japan as his coach and lover.
This recent year has been one of the most challenging seasons to report on as both a fan of Viktor Nikiforov and a fan of skating. While I have gotten the opportunity to see many different artists, none have ever had the same emotional impact of seeing Viktor on the ice. The contentious debate over whether or not Viktor should have been allowed to skate, as well as the status of his prior wins due to his HIV scandal and sexual orientation, has weighed on his public persona.
Girls Tears has always supported Viktor Nikiforov, and we hope that his future will be one that is happy and safe.
Silver medal went to Yuri Katsuki, while bronze went to Otabek Altin. Unfortunately, other than Viktor Nikiforov, all other Russian skaters were unable to perform in this year's Olympics due to the current anti-doping scandal.
Yuri Plisetsky who was in the audience when Viktor won gold, smiled and told reporters that he hoped that one day he would be able to beat Viktor's world record.
"I'm not mad he beat me. He's taught me... Viktor's taught me that I can do anything. That being like him isn't wrong, but that I need to be myself. I look forward to the challenge—I'm going to beat both their asses."
For more details on the current FFKKR's position on the ban, please turn to page 45.
For news on Russia's Figure Skating Fairy, Yuri Plisetsky, and his plans for the future, please turn to page 46.
April 10th, 2018
Josei Jishin's Exclusive Interview with Japan's very own Silver Olympic Medalist Katsuki Yuri and his coach, Olympic Gold Medalist Viktor Nikiforov
Opening up on the Ice, Love, and Living with HIV
By: Miko Furimatsu
The last two years have been a whirlwind of emotional ups and downs for figure skating fans; from the announcement of Viktor-san's plans on coaching Yuri-kun, to the announcement of Viktor-san's HIV status was leaked to the press after the very public kiss at the 2016 Cup of China.
Now, after the astounding win for both men at the PyeongChang Olympics, Josei Jishin has been granted the unparalleled opportunity to interview Yuri-kun and Viktor-san! We got the chance to sit down and talk about skating, falling in love, living with HIV, and their plans for the future. Yuri-kun, known to be quite camera-shy, has also allowed us the chance to take a step into their daily lives in the sleepy onsen town of Hasetsu!
~Interview~
Miko: Thank you so much for coming and speaking with us! Your fans have been waiting a very long time to get to hear from you two!
Viktor: Thank you so much for inviting us, Miko-chan!
Yuri: And thank you so much for the flowers. They're very beautiful.
Miko: Your fans wanted us to do something to celebrate your dual win!
Yuri: Really, we couldn't have done it without the support of our family, friends, and fans.
Miko: Yes, the last two years has been very difficult for you… After the announcement of your HIV status, Viktor…
Viktor: It was hard, for both of us. Viktor takes Yuri's hand But we got through it together. We became stronger because of it.
Yuri: And thank you for not sending anyone to our house…. (Note: Josei Jishin was one of the only magazines that did not invade Yuri-kun and Viktor-san's privacy during that difficult time.)
Miko: Of course, we are sorry for what happened.
Yuri: It was a difficult time, but we're where we are now because of it. I think we would have preferred coming out about it in our own time, in Viktor's own time, but now… It's something we don't have to worry about anymore.
Viktor: And now we can continue on into the future. Yuri promised me he would become a 5-time World champion, so we have that to look forward to.
Miko: So it's true that you're going to stay on as Yuri-kun's coach?
Viktor: I'll stay as long as he'll have me laughs
Yuri: You don't throw out Olympic Gold Champions when they offer to become your coach, do you?
Viktor: Nope. You definitely shouldn't.
Miko: Viktor, do you think that you're going to return one day to Russia?
Viktor: sighs Russia is my country of birth and will always be important to me… but I love Yuri. I want to be with Yuri. And Hasetsu has become a really important place to me, but really? Home is wherever Yuri is.
Miko: Do you think your HIV status is one of the reason why you don't plan on returning to Russia?
Viktor: It's a big reason as to why I am hesitant to go back, yes. People like me… in Russia, people like me aren't people. I am an HIV positive bisexual man. It doesn't matter how much I love my country, how much pride I have in its people and its history, when I'm worried about the reactions others have when they meet me. I've been keeping up with the news.
Yuri: I would love to get to see more of Russia. What I got to see was very nice. But… I want Viktor to feel safe.
Viktor: We just want to be happy and to do what we love.
Miko: Do you think that opinions have been changing in Russia?
Viktor: I hope so. A lot of people don't know, but HIV is a big problem in Russia… I didn't even know until I was tested positive.
Miko: About that… Did you ever think it would happen to you?
Viktor: You never think it happens to you until it happens and it's too late. I… I don't like dwelling on that feeling. I want people to be smart, to not do what I did.
Miko: Yuri-kun, do you think that Japanese people know a lot about Viktor-san's disease?
Yuri: Not really. I knew a little because I lived in Detroit for so long, but I never really thought that I would ever meet someone with HIV. I didn't even know that I could be with someone…. to have a relationship with someone who was HIV positive.
Miko: I think a lot of people were very worried when Viktor-san's status came out.
Yuri: People don't know because no one wants to talk about it. It isn't a nice thing…. a lot of people have died.
Viktor: But I am alive. We're alive, and we just want to live our life in peace.
Miko: What are your plans for the future?
Yuri: Well, we're going to keep skating. Viktor is going to be my coach—
Viktor: And Yuri is going to keep growing as a skater. He is so talented, so beautiful on the ice. Don't you agree?
Miko: Definitely! We are all big fans of what Yuri-kun has planned for the future! Any thoughts on what you want to be in ten years, Yuri-kun?
Yuri: We've been thinking a lot about it, but I think after I retire-
Viktor: A long time into the future-
Yuri: Yes, Vikku. Laughs In the future when we retire… maybe we'll coach kids. We both really like children.
Miko: Any wedding bells in the air?
Yuri: Laughs Well…
Viktor: You've turned him into a tomato! Just look at how red he is!
Yuri: Your ears are red too, y'know!
Viktor: It's okay, Yuri! I like the red on you.
Miko: So cuteeeeeee!
Viktor: Laughs Well, we'd like to get married… but right now it isn't a choice for either of us. Japan doesn't allow same sex marriage.
Yuri: There's civil unions in some parts of Japan, but since Viktor is a foreigner… we aren't sure if it would be legal.
Miko: I'm sorry to hear that! We hope that one day you can get married.
Yuri: Me too, Miko-chan.
Miko: And since you both like children…
Viktor: What do you think, Love?
Yuri: We're thinking about it... It would be nice.
Viktor: Like a family...
March 29, 2019
Subject: Re:Re:Re: Moving info
From: Yuri Plisetsky
To: Viktor Nikiforov
Yeah, yeah. Like I told you a million times you can just come whenever you and Yuri want. Otabek and I are going to start using his rink next week. If you guys want to come see us before you start prepping for next season just let me know.
It's nice here, Viktor. I mean, it's weird not having Yakov yelling down and trying to kill me, but I think Yuri had the right idea—he's more than happy to scream at me over Skype. And honestly I feel a lot safer here.
Yeah. No. I don't want to talk about what's going on with Beka. Let me figure it out on my own.
I'm sorry to hear about Makkachin. He was a good dog. I know I liked him more than I liked you. I'm sure little Katsukoi will be okay. It just is going to take some time.
-Yuri
PS: Stop fucking sending us condoms you dirty old man.
April 3rd, 2020
A photo of Ekaterina on Natalya's lap as she holds up a birthday card covered in sparkles with a little girl on a pony. "To a sweet little Ekaterina, on your birthday..." It is signed "Love Uncle Viktor and Yuri."
A pair of ice skates, the white leather shining in the light of the photo, sits on the floor next to her feet. Her smile is blinding, and so is Natalya's.
December 22nd, 2021
The smell is what woke up Viktor; it was sweet and something warm, like a fleeting memory of butterfly kisses and someone gently rocking him in their arms.
The cold gently nipped at his toes as he pulled off the blankets, and he quickly stuck them back under the covers. The other side of the bed was empty; the warmth of Yuri's body still keeping the sheets a comfortable temperature, and Viktor wondered if he could possibly hide in the comfort of their bed for a little longer. Katsukoi was curled up next to his feet, his dark brown fur contrasting with the white of their blankets.
There were sounds from the other room and Viktor sighed before withdrawing his feet once again.
"C'mon, Katsu."
The dog opened one eye and then rolled right over.
Viktor laughed and leaned over to rest his face against the dog's fur. Katsukoi wasn't Makkachin and he wasn't Vicchan, but sometimes acted more like Yurio than either Yuri or Viktor cared to admit…. Particularly to Yurio. He was pretty sure Otabek would get a kick out of it, though.
"Fine, fine. You can sleep. Don't mind me," Viktor gave the poodle a quick rub behind the ears and stood from the bed, stretching his arms above his head.
After listening to the pop of his back Viktor reached over to the bedside table and opened his Hello Kitty pillbox, popping his medicine into his mouth before taking a drink from the water bottle next to it. He let his fingers run across some of the purikura; they had already added dozens more, and they were beginning to run out space.
After drinking half of the water he screwed the cap back on and snapped the cover into place, then trekked through their bedroom toward the kitchen.
The house they chose was near Ice Castle Hasetsu; after the prior owners passed on, Viktor and Yuri were quick to snap it up off the market. The Nishigori family did most of the day-to-day running of the place, while Viktor and Yuri would occasionally teach children's skating lessons whenever they had free time—which wasn't as much as they thought, despite Yuri having decided to retire the year before. Now the two ran easily one of the most successful figure skating rinks in the country, if not Asia, having already expanded Ice Castle Hasetsu to house another rink next door, specifically for training. They were already planning to build another in the next two years if things kept up.
After the Olympics, things had changed for them and had changed for Hasetsu. Once a dying onsen town, the renovation of the city had taken Saga by storm. While Moscow and Toronto would always be bigger, Hasetsu's rinks were where champions were made. The triplets had already caused quite a scene; it was widely known that the three would probably be running the female junior figure skating world within the next few years when they were eligible for competitions. Having two Olympians coaching them certainly caught some interested eyes.
After Yakov had decided to retire from figure skating, saying that he wanted to enjoy the rest of his life without dealing with snot-nosed shitheads trying to give him a heart attack, Viktor had happily taken on those who were still in need of a coach. Yakov still made sure to drop by whenever he was in a mood, but from what Viktor could tell the older man was very much enjoying the time he could spend with Lilia. And… well...
Viktor was good at coaching.
The exposure of Hasetsu as the up-and-coming place for ice skating had revitalized the town in ways that had created a bustling and growing city. Not only a tourist trap hidden by the sea, but a place where the future would be made for figure skating.
And things between him and Yuri… they had only gotten stronger.
Viktor padded down the hall toward the kitchen, the smell of something cooking making his stomach rumble and mouth water. He peaked his head into the kitchen to see Yuri at the stove wearing a pair of checkered pajama pants, his gray t-shirt riding up just a bit at his side as he jutted out his hip ever so slightly. Viktor could see the syrniki in the pan, the powdered sugar and jams already on the table for later.
Viktor leaned against the doorway and watched how Yuri hummed to himself, swaying to his own music as he slid the spatula under the syrniki and flipped it over, making the shirt ride up enough for Viktor to see the pale, slightly scarred skin at his lover's stomach.
Yuri would never understand how undone he made Viktor feel, like he were pulling at the threads keeping him together.
"You going to stare at me all day?" Yuri finally muttered as he turned, his bed-head making Viktor smile. How was it that Yuri could become more beautiful every day?
"Thinking about it," Viktor admitted as he pushed off from the doorway and into the kitchen, wrapping his arms around Yuri's waist, letting his hands trail across the flesh he had been staring at just a moment before. How could this man, this perfect man, be his? How had he gotten so lucky to have this kind of blessing? "Why're you making syrniki? It's not my birthday yet."
"Hnnn, it's on the table."
Viktor blinked and turned a little toward the table. "What?"
"Go see it for yourself."
Viktor removed his arms from Yuri, who tried to swat him with the spatula when he grabbed his ass, and headed toward the table. There was a thick white envelope on the table, labelled from Immigration, and the breath went out of Viktor.
"Do you think… Is it…"
"You need to open it to see."
Viktor looked back up to Yuri who was busying himself removing the syrniki from the pan and turning the heat off. When he turned toward Viktor, he reached down and took the envelope in his hands.
"Do you think…?"
"We're never going to know if you don't open it."
Viktor swallowed and stared at Yuri for a moment. "If it's a no…"
"Then we have options. But I'm not worried, Vikku."
Viktor took in a deep breath and slid his finger under the lip of the envelope, knowing that Yuri could see his hands shaking. He didn't want them to be shaking, but he couldn't help it…
The paper was so crisp, so clear, and the words on it took a minute to register.
"They gave me permanent citizenship." Viktor's throat was dry, parched like the desert.
Drip. Drip. Drip.
"You're crying, Vikku."
Yuri wrapped his arms around him and Viktor allowed the other man to cling to him just as hard as he clinged to Yuri.
"I'm sorry, it's a lot. I'm so…"
I'm so happy.
I'm so relieved.
I'm so in love with you.
I'm okay.
This is okay.
"I had a feeling they would say yes. I mean, you're you, Vikku. No one can say no to you." Yuri leaned up on his tiptoes and wrapped his arms around Viktor's neck, planing a warm kiss against his lover's mouth.
Viktor didn't allow Yuri to break the kiss and instead let the letter drop from his hands as he wrapped them around Yuri's back, letting his fingers ghost the hem of his shirt before wrapping around Yuri's hips. He edged them toward the counter, knocking over a bowl of syrniki mix when he picked up Yuri to put him on the counter.
All Viktor could think about was Yuri's mouth on him, the way his tongue felt against his, about the fingers twined in his hair and pulling him down.
"God, Yuri," Viktor muttered in a half whine when Yuri pulled away, planting a kiss on Viktor's earlobe.
"Hold on, just—hn, hold on."
Viktor pulled away from Yuri and allowed the man to slip off the counter. He turned and reached for something Viktor hadn't seen, then turned back.
"Yuri…"
"Shhhhh."
Yuri took Viktor's right hand and lifted it to his lips, kissing the ring finger before slowly slipping on a gold band.
It was hard to breathe.
They didn't need words, not in that moment. With Yuri's hand against his and the light glinting off the gold on his finger, Viktor couldn't have thought of anything that would have made that moment better.
Except…
"Yuri?"
"Yeah?"
"Let's make a baby."
Viktor leaned up and captured Yuri's mouth in a kiss, letting his hands roam against Yuri's skin, and Viktor couldn't help but slip his right hand under Yuri's shirt, letting his ring press against the warmth of his lover's chest. He could feel the warmth and the beating of his heart against the metal.
"That's not how we can make a baby, Vikku," Yuri laughed, but acquiesced to Viktor's kissing.
"I know it isn't, but we can still try." Viktor nipped Yuri's neck and lifted him up again, loving the feeling of Yuri's legs wrapped around his waist. "What'dya say? Wanna?"
Yuri laughed again and leaned down, resting their foreheads together.
"Yeah. I do."
October 28th, 2021
A pale blue envelope addressed to Yuri Plisetsky and Otabek Altin in script. The inside invitation is written in dark blue against ivory paper.
'Viktor Nikiforov and Yuri Katsuki
Request the honor of your presence
As they exchange marriage vows and begin their new life together
On April 2nd, 2022 at 2 o'clock in the afternoon
In front of Hasetsu Castle, Saga Prefecture
A reception will be held immediately after
To share the couple's joy in beginning their new family.'
June 4th, 2021
Announcement
Olympic Medalist Figure Skaters Viktor Yuri Katsuki are happy to announce the first Annual Skate-Off for Ending HIV/AIDS.
The competition, slated for September 14th at Ice Castle Hatsetsu, will bring together to biggest number of the World's best skaters as they compete for the prestigious gold!
All proceeds will be used to combat HIV/AIDS and end the stigma across the globe.
February 19th, 2026
Drip. Drip. Drip.
It was snowing that day; Viktor could remember the sound of the flakes splashing against the glass, ever the reminder of the passage of time. He listened to it like one would listen to a metronome. He wanted the sound to sync with his heart or his breaths, but it was difficult to make his heart stop trying to jump into his throat or for his breath to calm.
Family.
Fidelity.
Faith.
It was hard to be back, but he knew it was important.
This was important.
He was careful to close the car door as he stepped into the snow, feeling it fall against his cheeks. The cold was a comfort to him, and Viktor allowed himself to wrap his arms around his body for warmth. It has been too long since he had come back, too long since he had tried.
He allowed his feet to travel forward, knowing the path so intimately that the time away had not changed the sacred place, the sacred stone.
Viktor allowed his hands to drop to his side and he felt the warmth against his palms; two hands in his, one so comforting and warm that it took away Viktor's fear and the other so small. So, so small. So fragile, like cupping a butterfly in his hands.
"Papa?"
Viktor looked down at the little girl, tightening his hand around hers. "Katya, I want you to meet your grandparents."
The warmth of Yuri's hand in his gave him comfort as he leaned down to the little girl bundled in her winter coat, letting her drop his hand and wrap her tiny arms around his neck. He allowed himself to smell her hair, let his nose rest against the soft downy touch as she kicked out her feet and giggled.
"Daddy! Papa's tickling!"
"Papa, don't tickle Katya too much," Yuri laughed, though he did nothing to stop Viktor as he wiggled his nose against her hair. "We promised we'd bring her to see Yakov after this… I bet Dedushka wants to tickle her too."
She laughed louder, her voice echoing through the cemetery; a light in the darkness, a warmth in the winter's cold.
"He promised to make you some syrniki if you're good. Will you be good for Papa?"
The girl nodded, her curls bobbing against her face. "Promise!"
Viktor turned to Yuri and felt the other man wrap his arms around them, holding them close. Viktor felt the whisper of butterfly kisses against his cheek and knew that the feeling inside of him, that feeling of warmth, could melt the ice.
And for the first time since he was a child held between his mother and father as they danced, Viktor felt whole.
He had found his something to live for.
~Fin
Thank you guys so much for taking this journey with me. It's been hard; I know I mentioned it before but a lot of the feelings through this story were taken from my personal experience and feelings. I found writing about a serodiscordant relationship to be something I needed to do. Now that it is over... I can say that I feel relieved. I feel so much lighter, now. If you have any questions, please let me know and I will be happy to answer. In addition, if I could ask one thing of you— if you want to share this story, please let people know that it isn't a tragedy. This was never meant to be a tragedy. In having lived through tragedy, I have seen such beauty and joy in the people around me. Living with HIV means living; death is a part of life, but right here, right now, they live. This ending was always written exactly as it was, and I sincerely hope I did not disappoint anyone. Again thank you.
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