I don't have a beta, and English is not my first language, so of course there will be some misspelled words or grammatical errors. Please, if you spot it, leave a review/comment and I will do my best to fix it. Thank you.
I also have a twitter. Just check einnosekai.
According to this fic, all people have an countdown in their right hand, which when it turns 0, it is because the person you see at that very moment is your soulmate. Yuuri Katsuki had his countdown becomes zero at the age of 12, when he saw Victor Nikiforov skating for the first time. Driven by his insecurities, he chose to follow the dance path. Path that led him to compete and to win the Benois de La Dance, same prize that consecrated his tutor years ago. In that competition, Victor Nikiforov was in the audience and his countdown was cleared the moment Yuuri appears to perform. But he ended up being distracted by a woman who claimed to be his soulmate and was eventually robbed by her. Now, Yuuri is in St. Petersburg at the request of Madame Baranoskaya, to choreograph a program for Yuri Plisetsky. What many don't know is that his arrival will bring important changes to all Russian skaters, their coach and even Lilia herself.
Songs in Youtube used in this chapter: (On AO3, there is links for almost all of them)
1 - Roads by LiQWYD
2 - The Real Folk Blues English Cover by Sapphire
3 - YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE - Warm PIANO ARRANGE by RUI
4 - Unravel - A Tokyo Ghoul Orchestration by Rush Garcia
5 - Yuri on Ice - reference to the skating of Miu Suzaki and Ryuichi Kihara
6 - Stammi Vicino Duet
~x~
1 - Lilia Baranoskaya
Originally Lilia planned to choreograph the free program for Yuri Plisetsky, but conflicts with the direction of the Bolshoi and the lessons she teaches in her private studio made her ask for help from someone who would never think of criticizing her for it. Yuuri Katsuki. When Victor volunteered with surprise to catch the boy at the airport, she thought it strange but decided not to bother. Yuuri, when he arrives, begins by demanding that the blond-haired boy show him what he knows how to do, not only in ballet but also other styles of music and on ice. Lilia watches everything with a critical look and a strange smile on her face.
But everything changes when weeks later, she ends up fainting in the middle of a lesson. Tiredness and stress, the doctors said. Yuuri, who stayed with her at the hospital the whole time, decides to take her classes until she improves her health and suggests that Yakov and Yuri Plisetsky move to her house. Obviously the two of them began to scream, indignant as Yuuri just folds his arms, raises an eyebrow and tilts his face. Result number 1: The two russians gave in to the 'request'. Result number 2: Photo published on the internet by Mila Babicheva becomes meme.
Yuuri also contacted the Bolshoi, informing them about Madame Baranoskaya's conditions and asking for her to work from home while recovering.
2 - Yuri Plisetsky
When the Japanese Yuuri suggested - not to say 'ordered' - Russian Yuri was not prepared for such a change in his life. Especially when it comes to the dancer's posters in his room. He's still in shock that he's going to have a program choreographed by him, damn it!
But there is still a huge problem: He is not comfortable with the short program that coach Yakov had given him - Since the bastard Victor has completely forgotten the promise he made last year - and the Japanese Yuuri realized it in one of the visits which made it to the ice rink. Victor, on the other side, was working on a choreography that also appears to be incomplete.
At that moment, Yuuri begins to say something to Yakov, and both begin to talk seriously. It is incredible that the Japanese are the only one capable of making the Russian coach not yell at him, but it is also something to be expected, since he is the only one who treats him with respect, even if he is not a professional skater ... Wait, what?!
In that moment, Yuuri Katsuki glides on the ice, doing basic exercises faster and faster before jumping and executing a perfect Triple Axel with his hands raised, to the shock not only of the coach, but also of the Russian skaters, who leave the ice when they realize that he is carrying out a complete short program.
"Holy shit," Yuri says, doing the program calculations in his head. "2 points. The old man's world record would be beaten by two fucking points. "
"Why someone like him is not professionally skating?" Mila asks, wide-eyed.
Yuri notices that Victor looks at the Japanese Yuuri with a frown.
"Victor," Yuuri says, making them wake up from the trance. "Give Agape to Yuri to use as a short program. We can talk about yours later. I'll take care of the emotional part of Agape at the same time I'll teach you ballet later, along with the free program discussion. "
"What?! But why the hell should I skate such a disgusting program? "Yuri exclaims, tapping the motto with his left hand closed.
"Because do you need to grow up, stupid brat," Yuuri responds coldly. "It may be cute that you, as young as you are, are able to perform Quads so easily, but you're still growing. One day, your joints will start to be in pain; to swell in the knees, ankles and hips; you also will not be able to perform more jumps because you are not even caring about your body now. It's great that you win gold medals, defeat your rivals, be applauded at the top of a damn podium. But how long will you be able to enjoy your victories before other people take your place? "
Being watched with wide eyes by the Russian figure skating team, Yuuri begins to think he exaggerated. He bows and quickly leaves the ice. But to their surprise, that same day Yuri started to ask Yuuri how to take care of himself.
3 - Mila Babicheva
Yuuri and Mila become friends immediately after what happened at the hospital. And soon she starts to teach him the Russian language, beginning with the conversation. She asks him to observe skating in his new programs and the Japanese immediately makes important observations, especially in relation to his jumps.
"You do not have enough strength in your legs to perform triple jumps with perfection," he says, looking at her seriously. "You need special training focused on that. I can help you with that. But you have to put up with everything I'll give you without giving up on the way. Do you really want?"
"Yes," Mila replied decisively.
When Yuuri convinces Yakov to give two weeks off on ice to Mila, not only he but the other skaters were skeptical that she would improve. What no one expected was that in fact, she returned two weeks later and began training normally ...
"No. Look at the movements of her legs. "Victor says, watching her. Seriously. "They are then more fluid than normal."
And then she jumps, performing a triple toe loop. It vibrates, excitedly, and jumps again. A Salchow with trembling landing, but with enough rotations to be validated. Triple Axel, Flip, Loop and Lutz also had the landing incomplete, but she was able to perform the rotations perfectly.
"How?" Yakov asks, surprised.
"Gym exercises, bodybuilding and lots of dancing. Mainly pole dancing. Yuuri really is incredible, you know? Dancing professionally hanging on a pole, rolling hips and making sexy poses. Oh my God, if I had not already had my soul mate, I would surely take it for myself.
She laughs at the grunts she listens to, returning to her super contented training. Sara, my dearest, you have no idea what awaits you.
4 - Georgi Popovich
Yuuri Katsuki is a great mystery. Especially when it comes to your right hand, which is always under a black glove. But that's starting to change because of Georgi.
It all started when the rest of the Russian team found Georgi crying over Anya, a woman he dated but left for another on the ice. Later that day, Yuri, very pissed, started complaining about how irritating it was for Yuuri that as he always listened to everything the Russian teenager had said before expounding his opinion.
"He's heartbroken," he says, looking at his black-gloved right hand. "Soulmate or not, being heartbroken is something very painful. You fight every day, try to show your best, but end up not only abandoned but also emotionally trampled and kicked and punched by the person you love. "
The Russian teenager looks at his ballet teacher/choreographer in surprise. Something like that happened to him? What the fuck?
Suddenly, Yuuri and Georgi become great friends. Georgi starts to cry less and train his programs better, focusing on his feelings for his ex. Yuuri goes on to give tips on how to deal with his feelings according to the shows and suggests that he no longer keep what he feels for her later because someone like her is clearly not worth it to him, mainly because his accountant still was rolling.
Incredibly, Georgi managed to beat his personal record and take second place for Russian nationals, behind Yuri for very little. Victor did not need to attend the event because he was already qualified for the next Grand Prix.
When it was revealed that it was because of Yuuri that Georgi overcame his broken heart, Victor had strangely turned pale and immediately picked up the cellphone, typing something into it quickly. Suddenly, he warns that he will leave and that he will probably come back later.
5 - Victor Nikiforov
To say that Victor Nikiforov was the least affected by the presence of the Japanese in St. Petersburg might be even true if he were to see from other people's side. First, after the deal with the scammer who apparently made him lose far more than his wallet and cell phone at the time, he started to reduce the use of his social networks. Things started to get worse when Yuuri decided that Yuri used Agape, a program he choreographed for Yuuri and when Georgi said that the Japanese helped him deal with his broken heart. He tries, but finds himself completely confused by not being able to make the Japanese fall in love with him.
"Why?" Victor asks, completely annoyed. "I created Agape choreography especially for you."
Yuuri Katsuki starts laughing, completely ignoring the people who were around them in the bar where they were.
"Don't be ridiculous, Victor. Do you really think that I would fall in love with you just because you created a program that talks about unconditional love? Do you think I'm just like your fans, who adore you for being Victor Nikiforov, 5 times Grand Prix champion and 5 times world champion? You want to know the real reason I decided Agape should be Yuri's? Of course, no problem. It's because he has someone important to him enough to truly love unconditionally. "
"And what should I do then? Be a father to you? Be a friend? A lover? "Victor asks, despairing.
"You can start by being yourself. Not just Victor Nikiforov, a living legend of figure skating. But Victor, a 27-year-old Russian who has his birthday in Christmas in several countries except his, the man who thinks his hair is getting thinned, loves to sing songs from Disney movies, owns a pink car, loves dogs , specially his own, who despite being rich and successful, suffers depression because he is alone. "
Victor looks at him in surprise.
"And then you can try to meet Yuuri. Not only Yuuri Katsuki, winner of various dance contests, choreographer and professional dancer, but Yuuri. A 23-year-old Japanese born in Hasetsu, Japan from a family consisting of my father, mother and older sister and owns an onsen, a hot springs inn, who loves Katsudon who has Anxiety Disorder and is able to have panic attacks when you least expect it, who gains weight easily and so suffered bullying in the past, who at age 12 was not considered worthy of his soulmate and that is why he improved on various types of dance and made himself as famous as his soulmate. "
The bar is quiet. The other people watch them with surprise. Yuuri begins to feel uncomfortable, because despite having ingested alcohol, it wasn't enough to make him drunk. He pays for the drinks and gets up from the bench, leaving the bar immediately. Victor reaches him just as he opens the door of a taxi.
"You first," he says, staring at him. "I have something for you. And it involves the other version of Agape. "
Victor immediately jumps into the car.
+1
World Figure Skating Championship - Yoyogi, Japan.
"Hello, Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to another World Figure Skating Championship. Today, we are in the Japanese city of Yoyogi, which welcomes competitors from the Junior and Senior categories of both sexes. At my side is a very special guest, who understands not only about figure skating but also various dance styles. I'm talking about Yuuri Katsuki. "
"Thank you very much for the introduction, Morooka-san. It is an honor to be here, commenting on a competition as important as the World Figure Skating Championship and I hope that my knowledge can contribute adequately with the live broadcast. "
"Katsuki-kun, you do not have to be so humble. Don't forget that Phichit Chulanont, a Thai skater, has earned gold in the Junior category using his choreography in the past. " Morooka says, making Yuuri's cheeks flushed.
"Well, he won the medal for his own effort. My choreography just helped him win this victory. " Yuuri says, embarrassed.
"And speaking of choreography ..." Morooka begins to say, smiling at Yuuri. "Some skaters will use your choreography."
"Indeed. For the competition itself, Georgi Popovich of Russia and Phichit Chulanont of Thailand have a short program. Yuri Plisetsky from Russia, Kenjirou Minami in the Junior category and the duo Yuuko and Takeshi Nishigori from Japan have a free program. Other skaters have choreographies for exhibits, but I'll only reveal them in the future when we have the winners. " Yuuri says, smiling at the camera.
On the Internet, many comment on how cute he is.
...
"Now it's Phichit Chulanont's turn, skating to the sound of Roads from the band LiQWYD." Yuuri says, smiling as he announces his best friend.
"Not forgetting that the show was choreographed by Katsuki-kun," Morooka says, laughing at Yuuri's pouty face.
...
"Georgi Popovich prepares to enter the ice. His program is a special message for his ex-girlfriend, who left him off for another guy. " Yuuri says, smiling as he looks at his Russian friend. "The song is called The Real Folk Blues."
"His theme this year is Broken Heart. This is something rare to see, because of the soulmarks. " Morooka comments.
"Is it really?" Yuuri asks, immediately going on to comment on the program.
...
"Wait, Victor Nikiforov is wearing a ring on his right hand?" Morooka asks.
Yuuri does not comment the entire program. And then, Morooka announces:
"Victor Nikiforov breaks his own record in the short program!"
...
"Kenjiro Minami, skating to the sound of You Only Live Once." Yuuri announces, eager for the boy's performance.
Minami wins silver medal.
...
"Yuri Plisetsky skates to the sound of Unravel." Yuuri says.
"The talent of this 15-year-old Russian boy is incredible. So young and already competing in the adult category. "
"Working with Yuri Plisetsky was something totally new to me. After getting to know him deeply, I realized what he really needed. So when I offered him the orchestrated version of Unravel, I hoped he would be able to improve my choreography even more, and I was very happy to know it was not wrong. " Yuuri comments, discussing the show with Morooka.
"Wait, that's ..."
"He did it," Yuuri says excitedly. "Yuri Plisetsky has just beaten the free program's world record formerly belonging to Victor Nikiforov."
"Amazing!"
...
"Ladies and gentlemen, Yuuko couple and Takeshi Nishigori are on ice, skating to the sound of Yuri on Ice !" Morooka says excitedly.
"Yuuko and Takeshi are my childhood friends. I never expected them, even after having triplets years ago, decided to skate competitively and asked me to choreograph a free program. Curiously, the basic choreography of Yuri in Ice ! is the same as used in my video. Seeing them skating something that I have produced from the beginning, from the conception of music to the choreography adapted for double skating, it is incredible. "
"I wonder how proud you must be of the success of your choreographies," Morooka remarks, looking at Yuuri.
"I'm proud of the skaters who did their best in this competition," Yuuri replied, frowning at him.
"I see," Morooka says, sighing.
"We are watching the medals being delivery by ISU president, all of them very well deserved," Yuuri says, looking at the watch on his left wrist. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to finnish my participation here."
"Katsuki-kun?" Morooka asks, surprised. "What about the exhibits?"
"Oh? Well, I just worked on one myself, but I think it best to leave it as a surprise. " Yuuri winks and pulls the headset off, saying goodbye and leaving immediately.
"I ... I don't understand what just happened. Only that I was abandoned by my partner and I will have to narrate alone now. "
...
"As a silver medalist, Victor Nikiforov will skate to the sound of ... Stammi Vicino? What? " Morooka is surprised that the Russian skater skates the same free program last year. "I ... I don't understand... Stammi Vicino is a program that was inspired by his soulmate ... eh? Ka-Katsuki-kun! Oh my God, Katsuki-kun is skating alongside Nikiforov, wait ... was that a kiss? The music is different ... Oh my god, that means ... "
...
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome the gold medalist, Yuri Plisetsky, who will skate to the sound of Welcome to the Madness ..."
~ x ~
v_nikiforov posted a photo right now with katsu_yuuri
[Photo: two right hands side by side, wearing golden rings on ring fingers.]
Finally together. Forever.
