I don't own YOI.

Victor was approached by a crowd on the street.

'Here's that bastard! He deserves to die!'

'To think we thought of him as Russia's hero! Well, Russia doesn't want him anymore.'

'Seriously, how could he even think of doing that to that sweet, innocent woman? And that poor child!'

Victor felt terrified.

He was always the beloved of his countrymen, and this was the first time he was the target of such venom. Not knowing what to do, he pretended not to hear them.

'Why don't we just beat him up! As Russian skating fans, he brought disgrace to all of us.'

'Vitya, get in the car.'

Victor saw that a black car had stopped next to him. He couldn't see who it was through the tinted glass. However, he had to get in, it was that, or getting ambushed by the crowd.

He got into the car, and was relieved to see it was Yakov. 'Vitya.' He said, sympathetically. 'You seem to have got yourself in quite a mess. But don't worry, we'll sort it out.'

Tears flooded Victor's eyes as he thought of little Nina. 'Why did this happen to her? What had she done to deserve it?'

'Hush, Vitya. I am sorry for your loss, but first things first. I think it would be for the best if you get out of the country for a while.'Victor nodded. He had been thinking of that. He could go to Hasestu and spend time with Yuuri. However, that would be really predictable, and the media would probably find that out. It would only make him look worse than ever. Yakov seemed to realize that and so he said 'I have a ticket for you to go to Switzerland. Go to your friend Chris, I've talked to him, he would support you. Yuuri and one of his friends would be there as well.

Victor was not received at the airport by Yuuri or Chris, as Yakov had warned them about being seen with him in public. Victor himself tried to remain as inconspicuous as possible, by wearing a hoodie and sunglasses. He took a taxi to Chris's house, where he was greeted by Chris, Phichit and a teary-eyed Yuuri.

'Victor.' Yuuri said and hugged the older man. He then kissed him, however as the kiss deepened, Victor pushed him away. Shocked, and slightly hurt, Yuuri looked at him an askance. 'I am sorry, Yuuri.' he said. 'It's just that...Nina thought of me, Elli and her as family. And now...' Yuuri fell a pang in his heart. He knew he could not blame Victor. He thought of how heartbroken he had been when Vicchan died. If losing a dog made you so upset, how much more heartbreaking would losing a child be!'

'Victor. It is okay.' Yuuri said, cupping his cheek. 'Yuuri.' Victor said, and placed a kiss on his fingers. 'Yuuri.'

'Victor.' As tears streamed down Victor's beautiful face, Yuuri kissed them.

'Victor.' Chris said. 'I am so sorry for your loss. We will help you out, Victor. Don't worry.'

'Yes.' Phichit added. 'You can count on us. And I'm sorry as well.'

Victor felt a surge of relief as he looked at the faces of his friends. He hugged them. AT least now, he was with people on his side. People who cared for him.

'You must be tired.' Yuuri said. 'Why don't you take a nap.'

'Only if you nap with me, lybuov moya.' Victor said. Tears of joy filed Yuuri's face at Victor's use of the endearment. He would make things better for him. He would help him heal. He was determined.

Victor heard his phone ring. 'An unknown number.' He said, trembling. 'What if it is someone from the media? Or an ex-fan who is calling to hate?'

'Don't worry, Victor. Put it on speaker so that I can also hear.'

Victor nodded, and did as he was told. He heard a deep, male voice through the phone.

'I am Harold Greene.' he said. 'I am Elli Greene's father.' A chill ran down Victor's spine.

'Mr Nikiforov, I think I have some explanation to do.' he said. His voice sounded rather sad. 'I suppose it is partly ex-wife's fault, for how she raised her. She always encouraged her to take whatever she wanted, regardless of the consequence on others. When she wanted to pass an exam, she encouraged her to cheat. When she fancied her best friend's boyfriend, she encouraged her to seduce him and steal him from his girl. It was her ways of parenting that led to our split, though we remained on good terms. After the divorce, she got custody of Elli and raised her her way while my second wife and I raised Elli's brother, Gary. Throughout her life, Elli did whatever she could to do get what she wanted, regardless of the immorality of her actions. And she told my ex all she did. However when she told her about what she did to you, Mr Nikiforov, even she was appalled, and she ended up telling me.'

'Mr Nikiforov, it pains me to say this. However, I would support you in this and go against my own daughter. '