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Victor awoke to a face full of fur. He automatically scratched at Makka's head, and the poodle licked his chin and stretched across his chest with a lovable whine.

"Yuuri?" he murmured but all he got in response was Makka's mild bark. He rubbed his eyes and focused on his dog's collar; he smiled at the note sitting there: I didn't want to wake you, you looked so peaceful. I'll be at Ice Castle. Btw...thank you.

"Did you sleep on my face to make sure I'd get this?" Victor got up and hugged Makka who looked absolutely pleased with himself, "Thank you for being there for Yuuri."

He looked over at the space next to him, the blankets still tousled from last night. He strayed into a reverie but it was no longer orchestrated by that faithful night in Sochi. It was now filled to bursting with the mark Yuuri had etched on him on last night, literally and figuratively. He felt brand new emotions flowing through him, things he'd ignored for two decades, feelings he didn't think existed until Yuuri.

He checked his phone as he hurried out of bed. Twelve forty-five. Victor couldn't remember the last time he'd slept in this late. He felt sure that the reason Yuuri hadn't woke him was because they'd probably never have left the room. They'd been in and out of sleep all morning, unable to keep their hands off each other. He relished in the memory, took a quick bath, got dressed in record time, and barely managed to grab his equipment as he hustled out the door, Makka right on his heels.

On my way. And, you're welcome. /V

So one-track was his mind, busy typing the message and wanting to get to Ice Castle to meet Yuuri, he nearly collided with Hiroko as he came down the stairs.

"Sorry about that," he steadied himself, "I wasn't looking."

"That's okay Victor," she was all smiles, "Yuuri headed out about an hour ago. He said his music was ready and he'd wait for you at the rink to listen to it. But before you go," she took his hands as only a mother could, "have some lunch. I'll put together something for you to take for Yuuri."

Victor couldn't remember the last time he'd been on the receiving end of such maternal warmth. Something about her made him feel very homey, so he followed her and made no fuss as she went about serving him lunch.

"So," she said, her cheerfulness never fading, "Minako told me there was some excitement at the rink yesterday."

"That's one word for it," Victor heard himself say. He blushed (and the times that has happened could still be counted on one hand) and shook his head apologetically, "That was extremely rude, I'm sorry-"

She looked amused, "That's quite alright. And just so we get it out of the way, I'm not trying to interrogate you Victor. My Yuuri's smiles have been brighter everyday since you became his coach. As far as I'm concerned, you're one of the best things to ever happen to him."

Victor was unprepared for all this extra attention from Yuuri's mother, especially presented so delightfully matter-of-fact, "That's very kind of you. It's been wonderful getting to know him. As for coaching him, I just want to show him who he already is."

"Yes...he's always struggled with his confidence," Hiroko looked deeply affected by that fact, "But he still works so hard. We've all missed him terribly but we're more proud of him than he knows."

"There's a lot to be proud of," Victor said, "And I say that both as his coach and his...um..."

"Boyfriend?"

Victor promised himself to never disappoint this amazing woman, "Well, Yuuri hasn't labeled it. Us. This. Um, it's entirely up to him. I want him to be comfortable with everything going forward."

She once again took his hand and beamed at him with admiration, "You don't need to look so nervous. You've asked about Yuuri before and as much as you tried to pass it off as research for your coaching, I could see it plain as day. I know how you feel about him. And from what I know about this side of Yuuri and what I've gathered about you, you both need each other more than you're letting on."

"Gathered about me?" he asked curiously.

She smiled in a way that told him he couldn't fool her, "I've run this hot-spring for a long time. You get a good sense of people after a while. I can see the loneliness in you. I see the hesitation to open up to people. You use your charm to make people think they've gotten under your skin, and that's fine. I'm sure you have your reasons. Everyone is entitled to live their life to their choosing," she gave his hand a little squeeze, "My only request is to please take care of each other. Yuuri's never opened up like this before and I'll gladly wager that neither have you."

Victor hadn't cried since that night in Sochi but this exchange brought him very close. He gave a grateful nod and ate his pork cutlet bowl, wondering how a place he'd only spent a few weeks in could feel so much more like home than Russia.


"That was very good," Minako said, handing Yuuri his water bottle, "I've never seen you so relaxed. I assume everything went well with Victor?"

Yuuri was flushed, partly from practice, "Something like that."

"How modest. Last I checked, neither of you have been this late to practice. Ever."

"Is everyone keeping tabs on us?"

"Like you need to ask."

Yuuri gave a private smile and didn't say anymore but Minako saw it, the exact same look she'd seen on Victor's face when they spoke that first night. In all the years she'd spent instructing Yuuri, never once did he exhibit this kind of open desire. Even when they'd skyped while he was in Detroit, and Yuuri had hesitantly reveals minor details about his attempt at a relationship, his words had been devoid of sentiment. It seemed he'd delved into the territory more out of curiosity than endearment, and quickly exited each scenario because, in his words, it wasn't for him. Now, Minako felt solace in Yuuri's new demeanor; as much as it had pained her to hand over money to Hiroko, the woman knew her son.

Please. It's all about having the right person in front of you. Yuuri will make the first move, I guarantee it...

You're insane! Victor is a rock star. I'm sure he's used to getting his way. Not that I'm saying he'd take advantage of Yuuri but he doesn't exactly hide the way he feels...

Victor Nikiforov would like us all to believe he's a rock star. Just you wait. Yuuri will surprise you all...

Minako smiled at how easily she'd been duped. Victor was a lot of things, but when it came to Yuuri he was just himself. And whatever had happened between them before Hasetsu had instilled some level of self-discipline in the way he approached Yuuri. He would never have made that first move. He'd wanted Yuuri to come to him, if he wanted too, if he possibly felt the same way.

They brought out the best in each other and she was confident that it was all either of them really needed.


The way Yuuri skated to Victor as he entered the rink would have anyone believe they hadn't just spent the night together. Victor, as he always did, tucked some of Yuuri's flyaway strands behind his ear.

"Your mom sent you this," he held up a small care package, "Want to have some before we continue?"

"Not yet. Can you hand me my phone and headphones?" Yuuri gave Victor the right earpiece, "We forgot about the music after all." Victor chuckled and leaned against Yuuri as he scrolled through his phone excitedly.

They listened intently to the piece. Yuuri watched Victor with baited breath while the latter shut his eyes with a concentrated frown. He lit up as it went on and then nodded in full approval. The rousing piano was perfect and he could already envision what Yuuri would become on the ice with this music serenading him.

"Will you show it to me?" Victor whispered, his breath inviting on Yuuri's lips. Yuuri chased it with a quick kiss and took position at the center of the ice. This routine was personal, meant to show his journey as a skater, his hardships, failures, determination and, above all, his hope. Victor became entranced as Yuuri skated; the difference in passion from the night before was making him see stars.

It filled me with hope. Maybe one day I'll feel that kind of freedom. Maybe one day you'll show it on the ice...

'It hasn't been twenty four hours. The improvement in his form is incredible. Is this...is it us Yuuri?'

He clutched his chest, slowly forgetting the basics of inhale, exhale. It was in that moment, watching the super nova that was Yuuri Katsuki, that Victor Nikiforov fell hopelessly in love with him.


After practice, Minako had suggested they celebrate his best session yet with a night out at some new lounge she was dying to patronize. He'd said yes, mostly because Victor looked ready to let off some steam but still rolled his eyes as dramatically as he could when Minako gushed about the fun they were going to have.

"Minako, this isn't going to be a repeat of-"

"Yuuri! You swore we'd never speak about that again!"

"Yes well, I'm just making sure-"

"Oh, so you've forgotten about your little incident that night-"

"Minako!"

He smirked at the way Victor had pouted himself into a minor fit as he tried not to outright beg Yuuri to tell him the secret. Yuuri had dodged every question, not even relenting when Victor attempted to lick the truth from him. That was too good a story to give up for free, he'd said. Victor's eyes had darkened seductively at the challenge.

Yuuri was now spending more time than his entire life combined choosing from his already bare wardrobe, convincing himself that he was just being thorough in his choice of clothes. It was a thinly veiled lie to himself; even though Victor had practically seen him in everything he owned, save for maybe two dressier shirts, some semi-casual t-shirts and some jeans, being together with Victor in public always rattled his nerves a little.

He pulled on a deep blue, long sleeved shirt over a pair of black jeans that he hadn't worn in ages. He fixed his hair like he usually did when skating (Victor often commented how handsome he looked with that style), and rolled the sleeves up to the elbow.

"What do you think Makka?" Yuuri pressed his hands against the fabric and did a turn to make sure he looked presentable. The poodle gave a sleepy bark that he took as approval.

"Yuuri!"

'Shit, have I been up here that long?' "You can come in Victor."

Yuuri glanced behind as he walked in then did a cartoonish double-take. The universe didn't amply prepare him for the sight of Victor in a blazer. Somehow the addition of that one piece of clothing accentuated the entirety of him. He looked positively edible. It reminded him of...well...the banquet. It wasn't a full suit but from the waist up, it was too similar not to acknowledge. Yuuri made an unidentifiable noise as he remembered not being able to look in Victor's direction during the Sochi Grand Prix. How times had changed.

It was only when he managed to look from Victor's body to his face that he noticed the same brazen hunger playing out in his blue eyes. Yuuri was quickly realizing that his initial hesitation that morning on taking things further probably wouldn't last as long as he thought. They gravitated to each other and indulged in a rather messy kiss that tasted strikingly of whiskey.

"You've been drinking," Yuuri didn't wait for a response. He was too intoxicated by Victor's cologne and how the tipsy Russian shamelessly dug his fingers into his hips.

"You were taking forever. If I'd known I would've stayed up here," he lined Yuuri's jawline with half bites, half kisses before nipping playfully at his earlobe.

"Am I going to meet drunk Victor tonight?"

"If you want," Victor loosened two of his buttons, moving the shirt past Yuuri's shoulder so he could lay a matching bite meant only for his eyes. The uncontrollable moans and the way Yuuri held his head right on the spot was all the response Victor needed.

Victor trailed kisses along his collarbone as he fixed Yuuri's shirt, "A prelude, if you will."

That prelude was Yuuri's first step in constructing his personal definition of eros.


The lounge was just bright enough that all the colors periodically flashed against the walls gave a striking, if not somewhat dizzying effect. Both Victor and Minako had gone through half a bottle of whiskey before he'd checked on Yuuri and were now loud, excited and ready for more drinks. Yuuri's favorite part of all the craziness was Victor being extra close to him, playing with his hair, kissing his neck, trailing his fingers under his shirt, on the small of his back, whispering exceptionally dirty things every couple minutes. It kept Yuuri in a pleasant bubble, and he slyly made note of Victor's words for later use.

Minako, being her usual outgoing self, was surrounded by several swooning men before they got through their first drink. She was absolutely beautiful, there was no doubt about it but Yuuri still fixed her with a mock scowl for the good old days. He forgot to pretend to be annoyed when Victor put a suggestive hand around his waist and handed him a shot.

"You were brilliant today Yuuri," Victor's hand slid down to his ass, "Stunning. I can't wait to see you compete."

"I still have On Love: Eros to work on. We're not out of the woods yet."

"I love it when you get all serious about your programs," Victor cooed in his ear. As loud as the music was, Yuuri found it all too easy to shut out the noise save for Victor's praise. He took the shot and kissed Victor with a wide smile, not really caring who watched them.

"May I steal your Russian beau for a minute?" Minako drew Victor away from Yuuri, "Time to make some men drool."

Yuuri could only laugh as Victor gave him a parting wink and happily followed Minako to enjoy some friendly spectacle creation. He sat at the bar, ordered another drink and soaked in his ballet instructor and his...hmm...what exactly were they now?

Boyfriend? The word felt strange in his mind much less if he said it out loud. The label felt lacking, not nearly sufficient to sum up what Victor meant to him. He'd spent his life looking up to Victor, and then weeks as his student, and now, lots of lips and hands and heat. Yuuri wasn't sure how or why things had fallen into place like this, and it did scare him a little, but things felt...right. For now, he focused on that feeling.

Yuuri drank a second shot, admiring Victor in his inebriation, the way his hair flowed with him as he moved, how tight his pants became in all the right places as he and Minako incorporated their respective skating and ballet expertise. His smile was blinding, and when he looked over at Yuuri, he bit very obviously into his lower lip. Just for him.

Unfortunately, his antics was attracting the attention of other patrons and Yuuri began noticing the way they were staring at Victor, fantasizing, lusting after him. Him dancing with Minako was one thing; the woman had a low threshold to all things gorgeous but she was nothing but platonic with Victor. The people around them did not share that constraint and looked read to pounce. Yuuri, to say the least, was not amused.

He took another two shots in succession, driving the louder voices out of his head that would've kept him safely at the bar. He marched over to Victor, pulled the man towards him and dipped him in one smooth motion. Victor could feel the wild storm raging in the younger skater.

"Let's make everyone in here jealous."

Victor's eyes sparkled in the lights, "Lead the way Yuuri."

They moved instinctively into what was an almost replicated version of the banquet dance. Victor immediately recognized where Yuuri was taking him, and surrendered to his most favorite moment ever. Their moves made no sense with the current music, and the sexual undertones were more palpable than Sochi, but the crowd they attracted didn't seem to care. They were cheered on, with Minako being the most exuberant supporter of their display.

"You dance like your heart is on fire," Yuuri whispered when they were once again cheek to cheek.

"It is Yuuri," Victor saw only starlight, "It burns for you."

"Did we meet each other in a past life?"

"I fucking hope so. Wouldn't have been nearly as exciting without you."

"Victor..." Yuuri's voice was filled with memory, "Have we danced before?"

Victor nodded; he didn't give in because of the alcohol, he simply couldn't lie to a direct question like that from Yuuri. A pause, a disbelieving laugh and then a full carefree grin later he held onto Victor and brought their lips together, oblivious to the roar from everyone around them.