Author's Note: We've made it to the 2 part drabble! It's pretty long too!
I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season. Let's hope for more YOI in 2018.
Please note that you need to have seen Yuri on Stage - The Chihoko Drama in order for this to make sense. If you haven't, don't despair! You can do so on YouTube by copying and pasting the title I have provided in Italic. A hilarious and inappropriate 22 minutes of your life with English Subs, will then commence.
P.S. I did do a little astrology and found the results to be amusing in this story.
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Highlights in Hasetsu – Part 1
NNN
Otabek had answered his phone when the familiar name popped up on the screen.
"Hey," he answered, trying not to sound too affectionate. Lately, any time he thought of the blonde, his heart would tend to speed up.
"Am I bothering you?" came the Russian's voice, who was currently miles away.
"No. I was just getting lunch," informed the Kazakh, as he grabbed a knife from the kitchen drawer.
"So something kind of happened a few weeks ago," began Yuri with a hint of nervousness in his voice, "and I didn't want you to see it online so I thought I had better tell you…"
Otabek chuckled, while spreading the condiments onto the bread. Knowing his best friend, Yuri could have finally been pushed over the edge by his rabid fans or something that Viktor and Katsuki had done, or maybe he needed help burying a body—
"…I met someone…"
The knife clanged to the floor with as much subtlety as his emotions.
"You alright?" came the startled reply from the younger teen.
"Yeah, sorry," Otabek tried to keep his voice calm, it was a daunting task, "…was making lunch and dropped the knife…you were saying?"
His heart was painfully constricting within his chest, as he held the counter top with his free hand. The brown eyed teen could feel the ragged breaths escaping from his lungs as his anxiety swelled.
"So anyways, we've been out a few times and we seem to have a lot in common…" Yuri explained, oblivious to the inner turmoil he had produced in the Kazakh.
Otabek knew the reverberating of his pulse from the inside of his ears was causing him to lose track of the conversation.
All he knew was one sickening fact, I waited too long.
The noise soon escalated to a ringing…
NNN
Otabek sat up with a start to the ringing of his alarm clock. The wave of nausea washed over him, as he hit the button on the clock and laid back, returning his head to the sweat soaked pillow.
It was just a dream…
He dragged his hand across his face, his heart still pounding inside of his chest, as an after effect of the lucid imagery his mind had produced.
I'm in love with Yuri Plisetsky…and I have to tell him…
NNN
The Skype window started to connect on Otabek's laptop as he waited to see his favorite blonde.
Well, it wasn't the blonde before him, he soon realized…
Rather it was the Kazakh's arch nemesis which the video depicted…
Potya sniffed the screen of Yuri's laptop, the noise being picked up on the mic. Then stopped, as if registering just who was on the other side. Again, if cats could smirk, Otabek was certain the Ragdoll could.
Blue eyes seemed to narrow in judgment as if saying, Oh great, it's you…
Leaving Otabek to wonder if Potya was the one who hit accept on the call window, and if Yuri was even home?
When all hope seemed to be lost he heard shuffling as someone entered the room.
"Potya," came a familiar voice, with a tone of disbelief, "what am I going to do with you?"
Otabek watched as the cat was picked up and moved, and the blonde seemed to realize that his best friend was stoically viewing him from a connected chat window.
This caused Yuri to hold Potya up and toward him with a laugh.
"Were you talking to Otabek?"
More like judging the hell out of me…
The cat seemed to grin, butting its head affectionately against the Russian's. Yeah, Potya took no prisoners when it came to Yuri Plisetsky.
NNN
The object of his affection now maintained a spot in front of the laptop's camera, sitting cross legged on his bed, with a disinterested Ragdoll occupying his lap.
"Hey," Yuri greeted, watching as his friend's stoic expression seemed to soften in response.
"How are you?" the Kazakh asked, comfortably seated in his desk chair.
"Well, I am all packed and ready for my flight to Japan," began the blonde, rubbing Potya's chin in thought, "Not sure if that's a good or bad thing since this is one of Viktor's lame as fuck events."
The older teen merely winced in sympathy as Yuri continued,
"You're still coming in a few days, right?"
The Russian sounded hopeful; it could be due to the fact that he wanted someone who wasn't certifiable to be joining him.
"Yeah," confirmed Otabek with a smile, "my flight will arrive on Saturday."
"Oh, you're DJ'ing at a club at home, right?" enthusiastically questioned Yuri, emerald eyes shining a little brighter.
"A friend got me in at this club in Almaty. I'm going to play some of the music I shared with you the other day."
Most of their conversations were relaxed like this. Their chats were the one thing that bridged the miles between them and both looked forward to this little bit of normalcy.
"You'll like Japan," assessed the blonde.
I'd like anywhere, with you…
Yuri then listed the reasons behind his assessment…
NNN
Otabek's phone rang as he was setting up the turntables at the club. He still had an hour before the venue opened. He pulled his phone out from his back pocket; it was unusual for Yuri to call, as texting was his usual mode of communication.
A sickening thought, as his mind went back to the dream he had from the other day, and he almost missed the call completely before hitting the accept button of his phone.
"Yuri?"
"…Thank…God…." came the drained voice on the other end.
The Kazakh had the phone resting between his shoulder and ear as he hooked up a speaker cord.
"What's wrong?"
He hadn't realized that question would lead to the following discussion, as he nearly dropped the phone in the process…
Wait, Viktor had been missing?
How the hell did he get lost?
Katsuki had been found with underwear on his head?
'…'
Yuri had been put on trial for Viktor's disappearance, after the names Otabek had helped Yuri come up with for his own skate show, had been publically announced.
Oh my god…I'll never live this down…
Fans had threatened to riot after Phichit posted #ViktorwentMissing? to social media.
Why I hate social media…
…And Viktor had been found naked on top of a castle…
That's wrong on a number of levels…
"I can't wait for you to come and save me from this hell…" groaned Yuri in exasperation.
"I'll be there tomorrow afternoon," the brunette said reassuringly. God, the poor kid had the worst luck when it came to drama.
Hell, the current skating community had the antics of a glorified soap opera. It even aired internationally and could probably earn an Emmy Award.
Otabek looked up as his friends were making over exaggerated romantic gestures, bits of their whispered conversation entering his ears…
"Oh, our dear Beks, talking to his Russian."
"…Don't forget he has the eyes of a soldier."
He tried to ignore them, but their snickers caused him to glare. Why in hell did he ever mention Yuri to them anyways?
They had relentlessly teased him for the comment about the tiger's eyes.
"…Poor Beks, trying to catch a tiger by the tail…"
His brain returned to the conversation in his ear.
"I'm going to go hide for the rest of the night, as their stupidity might be contagious."
"I'll see you tomorrow, Yura…"
Shit.
His friends seemed to love that, as they began pantomiming kissing in response to the teen's affectionate nickname.
NNN
Golden brown eyes took in the sight of a blonde waiting at the baggage claim, his back currently occupying a wall.
It seemed that no matter where Yuri went, he always dawned a hoodie. Today's choice was the cheetah print one. Otabek smiled, the kid could wear a trash bag and he'd probably still be drawn to him.
Yuri smiled as he saw his best friend come into view. If the Russian never changed, neither did the Kazakh, sporting a black leather jacket.
The brunette thought back to his last conversation in Almaty…
"Beks, if you like him, just tell him. Why put yourself through all of this?"
NNN
The chattering blonde walked along side of him, having offered to take Otabek's backpack, and giving an update about hell at Yu-topia. The Kazakh pulled the rolling suitcase along as they left the airport.
It felt good to walk after such a long flight and Yuri had explained that you needn't a car to get around in this town. He should know, having stalked Viktor to Japan last year.
NNN
Being with the Russian was so easy. The older teen never felt his expressions forced. Yuri's ocean orbs would shine when he was excited or poking fun at someone. At the moment his eyes were swimming with admiration, after noticing that Otabek was wearing the tiger shirt he had given him for his birthday. Yuri had unzipped his jacket to show that, yes, they were in deed a pair.
"You look so fucking cool…"
The brunette was pretty certain that his dark complexion failed to cover the pink hue appearing on his cheeks.
He felt the younger teen's arm around his shoulders as they posed in front of the statue outside of the station. This would be the first of many selfies during the next two weeks.
NNN
They had adorned yukatas and currently occupied a room with tatami mats lining the floor, low tables for eating and pillows to sit on. Well Yuri had raved about the pork cutlet bowl that Katsuki's mother made and now it was the moment of truth. Of course, eating would have been easier if:
1. Viktor and Katsuki weren't laughing like fools, as they occupied a small table, in the back of the room. There sure were a lot of empty bottles on that table, as Viktor sat with one arm around Katsuki and the other holding half a bottle upward in some kind of drunken salute.
And
2. Yuri wasn't leaning against him awaiting the verdict.
It was the second time that day that Otabek's stoicism failed to mask the blush etched on his cheeks, and it wasn't because of how good the katsudon was either…
NNN
Viktor had another lame as fuck idea. Apparently, in one of his drunken stupors he thought up a good team bonding exercise.
"Huh?" questioned Yuri, occupying a spot on the cushion next to Otabek, everyone having piled into the room for the impromptu meeting.
It was too damn early. There hadn't been enough food or caffeine in the blonde's stomach and to top it off, he wasn't exactly a morning person.
The stoic teen sat next to him, trying to stifle the yawn that wanted to escape from his lips. Leo and Guang apparently were the complete opposite of them, as they sat bright eyed and bushy tailed on the other side of the table.
Phichit was already on social media, leaning in and taking selfies with Katsuki. Georgi was lamenting over Anya in his cup of tea, as Chris ran his fingers through his hair—in what probably should not have been provocative, but nothing with Chris was ever that simple.
Minami came bounding in running his mouth at an uncomfortable volume level in his excitement.
Katsuki, still feeling the effects from the previous night, tried to calm him, "Calm down, calm down…" he groaned.
"I'm just so happy!" the younger boy exclaimed, "I can't wait to go on an adventure with everyone and see what Viktor has planned for us!"
About the third time the words so cool escaped his lips, Yuri shot up, with palms slamming on the table.
"Oi! Shut up!"
Leo and Guang kind of wanted to sit at another table but since the Russian Ice Tiger's wrath wasn't pointed toward them they merely sat quietly.
Otabek, completely used to Yuri's outbursts sat stoically as ever. Leaving everyone in the room to question his sanity or think he was some sort of saint.
"God, you're so fucking noisy," grumbled the blonde, "who the hell are you again anyways?"
Minami gaped as he started to tear up. "Don't you remember? I told you the other day my name is Kenjirou Minami. I'm your biggest rival from juniors!"
"…Aa…" replied Yuri with a look of feigned remembrance.
"His responses are so lukewarm…" chided Leo, arms crossed over his chest.
"He's obviously forgotten again…" added Guang with a look of sympathy while Minami broke out into tears.
Yuri gave Otabek a shrug, at least it was quieter now.
NNN
So here they were, broken up into two teams after Viktor had been good enough to grace them with their presence. Apparently they were going to go on a scavenger hunt through Hasetsu. They'd need to document the momentous occasion through pictures and the most creative team won.
Since the game was written in Russian, Yuri and Georgi had been elected team leaders. It was determined that the teens would rival the adults.
Yuri ripped open the sealed envelope, as Leo, Guang and Minami leaned forward in anticipation. Otabek merely gave an inclination of his participation with the tilt of his head.
"Alright, so it says…" announced the blonde, speaking in English for the benefit of the team, "To my sexy pork cutlet bowl with the squishy tummy—
Fingers tightened around the paper until it started to shake within his grasp. His teammates gave questionable looks in his direction.
"Oi, Viktor," fumed the irate tiger, "this isn't a scavenger hunt this is some disgusting love letter that you wrote to the Japanese Pig! About poles and shrimp positioning!"
"Eeeew…." Leo and Guang simultaneously voiced their thoughts, "Adults are disgusting…"
"What else does it say?" wondered Minami with wide eyes.
"Oh, that's where that went!" came Viktor's sing song voice as he shot a grin in their direction.
Otabek sighed, watching his distressed best friend, hold his head in his hands.
"My eyes! Oh my god…I'll never get this out of my head!"
NNN
Apparently astrology was popular or something in Japan?
At the moment Viktor was crying in excitement as Mari and Minako drew lines on a map covering the table. Yuri's face held boredom, as he and Otabek sat in the opposite corner of the room. Remember, stupidity could be contagious.
"Wow," exclaimed the revered skater, clapping his hands for emphasis.
Minako had joined them in a few rounds of alcohol and happily read, "Your star sign is known for originality. You act rebelliously…"
The blonde muttered, "Like following some drunk you met at a banquet to Japan?"
Otabek merely sighed and sipped his tea, watching as Viktor's eyes grew wider and he nodded in affirmation at every statement Minako made.
"You can make people feel uncomfortable at times…"
Yuri scoffed, resting his chin in his hand, elbow propped on the table. "At times?"
"Read my little Kobuta-chan's next," announced Viktor, hanging off Katsuki with a silly grin plastered on his face.
"Hmm…" pondered Minako, with an apologetic tone, "Well Yuuri…your star sign is known for being common, simple, plain…"
The younger Russian occupant in the room, had a wide grin currently plastered on his face. Even the Kazakh had to agree, not really the opening for a motivational speech…
Katsuki's head seemed to get lower with every word, "…have a hard time saying no…and when drinking, known as the person to liven things up."
If you thought the other two members in the room were getting off that easily, you were wrong…
Minako got a sly grin on her face, "And when are your birthdays?"
Yuri had made Otabek go first, reassuring him that no friend of his could have a lame star sign.
"Your star sign is known for being straight forward and clear-cut, you don't hesitate or delay when there's something you want…"
The blonde looked interested, recalling how they became friends in the first place. Otabek was straight forward and direct.
"They are prideful and love wholeheartedly…"
Otabek really wanted to crawl in a hole right about now, as he tried to stoically sip his tea..
"…and can lose their head in romance…"
…and tried not to sputter when he choked. Emerald eyes seemed rather amused by Minako's reading. They seemed to taunt him as if saying, Oh, am I going to have to watch you when you find someone?
The brunette was happy when it was Yuri's turn to have his star sign read.
"Yurio, your star sign is known for possessing courage, confidence, and lack of fear through bold actions and words," informed the Japanese woman.
"Wow that sure sounds like our Koneko-chan," offered Viktor with a tipsy smile on his face.
"…They have a short temper and a wicked tongue…"
Viktor and Katsuki were snickering in their corner of the room.
NNN
They had entered Ice Castle Hasetsu. It still felt too damn early to Yuri as he made himself move toward the front desk.
A bubbly brunette with large chestnut eyes leaned over the counter and smiled.
"Good morning, Yurio!"
"…Aa…" came the Russian's typical response.
She looked between the two teens standing before her and Yuri took this as his cue, "Oh, Nishigori Yuuko, this is Otabek Altin."
And then came the gushing of bodily fluids, as visions of last year's exhibition skate entered her mind.
Otabek looked alarmed, while Yuri just smiled and spoke out the side of his mouth, "I think it's a medical condition?"
"…Nice to meet you…" mumbled the Kazakh in confusion.
NNN
Yuri was tying the lacings of his skates, while occupying a bench, as he looked over at his companion.
"You didn't have to come," he calmly stated, gaging the brunette and his current demeanor.
"Its fine," assured Otabek with a small smile. He hadn't wanted to miss spending time with the younger teen, but when he had awoken, something felt a little off.
"Yakov only lets me come on these lame as fuck outings because Viktor promises to practice with me," informs Yuri before standing up from the bench.
He's wearing his Bosco jacket, the familiar red, white and blue of his country hugs his lithe form. Only in competition does the blonde bother to fully pull back his hair. They hear the noise of skates scraping the ice as they make their way to the rink.
Katsuki was leaning against the rink's wall, seemingly tired but good natured as he smiled.
"Good morning, Otabek. Yurio," he greeted.
Otabek nodded and gave a small noise in greeting.
"Aa, Katsudon," acknowledged Yuri, looking toward Viktor who was already on the ice.
"Yurio, let's warm up," came Viktor's sing song voice.
Both Yuri and Katsuki were all too aware of how that would change the moment Viktor found something to critique. The blonde entered the rink and began his warm up laps.
Otabek leaned against the wall alongside of Katsuki in silence. Both men watched their own Russian on the ice.
"Viktor trains Yurio hard…" Katsuki observed, looking at the Kazakh with a small smile.
"Aa…it's because Yuri's got a lot of potential…" offered Otabek, he'd grabbed his track jacket before heading out with the blonde.
Ice rinks were always cool, but since getting up this morning, he was feeling a bit colder than usual…
Katsuki hit the sound system a few minutes later, something about Viktor being more creative with music, even in warm ups.
"What is this?" came a frustrated voice from the center of the rink.
"Chris recommended it," came a cheerful response.
Apparently Partying like a Russian, with Disco Seduction wasn't a hit for 1 out of 2 Russians.
Golden brown eyes watched with intent as both Russians moved simultaneously in fluid movements. Even in practice they carried an air that lesser skaters would find intimidating.
Moving into the jumps, Viktor had poise and grace and the incomparable landings he was known for. However, Yuri's had their own solidity, he was more limber than his counterpart and seeing the pair simultaneously go into sit spins could easily put any of them to shame.
Katsuki spared Otabek an uneasy look, "We're going up against them in a few months…"
Thanks for the reassurance…
"But we love them, right?" murmured the Japanese man, his eyes soft and gaze returned to the ice.
Otabek had almost found himself caught in a response, but thankfully his brain was still functioning. He wondered if it had just been a slip of the tongue, or perhaps it was Katsuki's English?
The song hit its crescendo as Viktor gave a flawless Triple Axel, but it was the response of the blonde that had Otabek's eyes widening, as he counted the number of rotations, holding his breath until Yuri landed the Quad Flip.
Katsuki gripped the side of the wall with a broad smile, "…Yurio…"
The look of triumph on the younger teen's face was short lived as Viktor spun him around with great enthusiasm.
Otabek wholeheartedly believed that Yuri Plisetsky would surpass Viktor Nikiforov.
NNN
"Otabek?" questioned the blonde at his side. Hands in his pockets and a look of annoyance on his features. "When were you going to tell me that you're not feeling well?"
The brunette felt his companion's steely glare on him, before he could respond, Yuri added,
"Before or after you passed out?"
He sighed, he really hadn't thought he'd feel this lightheaded…or cold…he felt the back of Yuri's hand on his forehead.
"Tch," the Russian ground out, "You're burning up."
They'd stopped to sit, well Otabek had sat, on the bench alongside of the bridge on their way back to Yu-Topia.
There was something in Yuri's emerald eyes that told him not to argue, when the hand had been offered to him, he took it. The Russian often got the nickname fairy, due to his features, but anyone could see that Yuri Plisetsky was really a soldier. He was stronger than he looked, as he draped the Kazakh's arm around his shoulders, and supported him with an arm around Otabek's waist.
"Alright," he announced, more to his own benefit, "I've got your back."
…And my heart…
NNN
Good to his word, the blonde had set to work as soon as Otabek had changed. Luckily for them, no one wanted to room with the Russian Tiger, and Yuri wouldn't have allowed for anyone other than his best friend to share his quarters anyways.
Otabek was now covered nearly from head to toe in a tiger print blanket, and feeling too weak by this point to see the hilarity of the situation. Yuri crouched before him, holding out an opened bottle of water and two aspirin.
"Take these, okay?"
If the Kazakh wasn't feeling so lightheaded, he might have noticed how caring those ocean orbs looked. He sighed and obliged, while Yuri pursed his lips.
He'd taken care of his grandfather a number of times as a kid. Winter weather in Russia was brutal. He placed the back of his hand against Otabek's forehead and scowled.
"Okay, I'll be back in a few minutes," he announced, not sure if he was heard or not.
NNN
Katsuki's mother was happy to oblige.
"I'm sorry your friend isn't well," she explained in English.
"Aa…thank you," replied the teen, as she helped him locate the loose leaf tea and strainer.
NNN
Yuri returned to the room with tea tray in hand and slid the door closed with his foot.
"Okay…" he winced as he took in the sight of his best friend.
He sat down in front of him and set down the tray.
"Otaya, I've got some tea and it's got medicine in it."
The Russian pulled his hair back into a pony tail, with the sides resting against his cheeks. For comfort sake, he had removed his arms from the top half of the yukata, wearing a short sleeved black shirt with a tiger on the front.
Otabek felt disoriented, but touched the cup placed in his palm, and noted the warm fingers wrapping his hand around the cup.
"Just sip it," advised the Russian with the eyes of a soldier, "it's going to be strong."
Even in a stupor, the brunette couldn't refuse him. He slowly brought the cup to his lips and his eyes widened when the liquid reached his pallet.
"In Russia, vodka is medicine…" Yuri explained with a smirk, "my grandfather snores so bad when he's sick, I make his tea extra strong. I went easy on you."
Otabek blinked, "Where'd you get vodka in Japan?"
"Viktor's room," offhandedly remarked the blonde with a shrug, pushing a few rice crackers into his hand. "Eat these too."
When he had finished the tea, the younger teen obligingly took the empty cup from his hand.
NNN
The brunette felt a cool compress being pressed against his forehead, it felt nice, like how his mom used to care for him as a child. He hadn't spent a lot of time at home since he turned 13; traveling from Russia to the U.S. then to Canada, before returning home nearly two years ago.
Yuri had pushed their beds together, sitting up on his mattress, as he looked down at his best friend, who lay there wrapped in a cocoon of blankets—courtesy of the tiger.
"Yura?" he mumbled, albeit a little incoherently, from his prison of blankets.
"Yeah?" replied the younger teen, replacing the compress with a cooler one from the basin beside the bed, and placing it on Otabek's forehead.
His cheeks were flushed and his breathing a little labored from the evident fever on his features, "We're best friends, right?"
"Otaya," began Yuri with a grin and his voice laced with sarcasm, "you have a cold, you're not dying."
He heard a murmur, "I know…"
"But you will be if you give me the plague…"
The blonde's eyes glimmered in amusement when he heard a chuckle in response.
"Don't leave…" came a muffled phrase from the fortress of blankets.
Yuri rolled his eyes, "Where am I going to go? We're sharing the same room," the mound of blankets seemed to acknowledge this logic, "…and I'm not fucking sleeping with Viktor or the Japanese Pig."
NNN
Yuri pushed the soaked hair away from the Kazakh's forehead and looked up when he heard the door quietly slide open.
Katsudon's mother gave him a small smile, "How is he feeling?" she whispered.
She had that look, the one Yuri supposed all mothers did, when checking on a sick child.
"He's been sleeping for about an hour now," murmured the Russian, he watched as she placed her hand on his forehead.
"I think you'll find the fever is going down," she announced with that same knowing smile, "Are you hungry?"
He nodded and she went off with the promise of bringing him a snack in a few minutes.
NNN
Yuri sat quietly munching on curry bread, and scrolling through his social media. He heard when the idiots had returned, shortly before dinner, and was about to go threaten the lives out of them if they dared to wake up Otabek, but he needn't worry because Katsudon's mother had run interference, shuffling them to another section of the inn.
So that's what mothers did…
NNN
Yuri had started to doze, finding himself on his back, ear buds in when he felt something warm around his middle. He tilted his head to the side to find the Kazakh's arm around his waist, and head pressed against Yuri's shoulder.
"Do I look like one of your teddy bears?" he questioned, but there wasn't any malice in his voice, and his emerald eyes didn't hold the disinterest they did when talking to most.
The Russian noted that Otabek's head was cooler than before, his cheeks not as flushed, and watched as the brunette pressed his cheek against the palm of his hand.
He'd have a good time teasing his best friend about this. The brunette wasn't so stoic when he was asleep. Seriously, Yuri wouldn't waste his time caring for just any person…other than his grandfather, he'd never cared about anyone. No one had ever really given him the opportunity…
NNN
Otabek awoke to sunlight peeking through the blinds. His mind was a little foggy from the previous day's events, but he recalled Yuri's face as he cared for him. This caused his eyes to focus and realize that their beds had been pushed together and that the object of his affection was sleeping beside him.
Why was his bed currently holding him hostage? How many damn blankets had he accumulated? Did Yuri rob everyone in Yu-Topia of their bedding?
Even with his lips parted, hair mussed and escaping its pony tail, and body resting in some odd angle, Yuri still looked beautiful. The door quietly slid and he was greeted with the sight of Katsuki's mother. She wore a welcoming smile.
"You're better?"
He was still groggy, but nodded rather dumbly, "Yes."
Her kind eyes moved over to the sleeping blonde. "He stayed up most of the night taking care of you."
Otabek found his eyes softening at her statement and then blinked, feeling her hand on his forehead.
"He did a good job," she announced, her eyes brimming with thoughtfulness, "no fever."
Katsuki's mother promised to keep the others quiet and suggested they sleep in. She'd get breakfast when the pair was ready. The Kazakh thanked her and returned his head to the pillow once the door had closed. He turned his head toward the blonde and smiled.
Oh, I love him…
It was a very contented thought that entered his mind.
NNN
Over the next few days a couple of the skaters had left; however, for the ones that remained they were informed that the town would host its annual festival. There would be a parade, fireworks, festive foods and games.
Apparently at Yu-Topia another popular pastime was karaoke. Mari, Minako and Yuuko occupied a table. Chris, Viktor, Katsuki and Phichit, (whether from drawing the short straw or his own choosing), at the drunkard table. Leaving Otabek, Yuri, Leo and Guang at the third table.
Everyone had dressed in their casual clothing, apparently karaoke and snacks were before changing into their festive attire. Viktor had promised a special surprise for each of them, as far as their outfits were concerned.
This left the teens a little nervous, since Viktor's taste both sober and drunk was a little off…
As one would assume, Leo, Guang and Phichit were happy to be the first willing contestants on Yu-Topia Idol. Viktor and Chris were too busy sipping their alcohol and talking about their next big move in their skating careers.
"Yuuri hasn't sung yet," informed Chris with a grin, knowing that Viktor would take the bait.
"He's right my little, Kobuta-chan," cooed Viktor much to the dismay of a certain blonde, "You'll probably sound the best."
"Tch," offered Yuri with a glare, "or he'll make our ears bleed."
5 minutes later…
So how was it that both Katsuki and Yuri were currently standing in front of everyone holding microphones? Life was strange…
Oh that's right. Viktor made a comment about Yuri being jealous. Chris made a bet about Yuri not being able to sing. Leo and Guang's interest was sparked because maybe he could sing. Katsuki wished Viktor wasn't pushing him toward the front and that maybe he'd had more than one shot of alcohol, while standing next to the imposing figure of Russia's Ice Tiger. The girls mentioned photos of a certain dance off and Yuri just hoped that people's clothes were going to stay on before dinner, as Otabek gave him a thumbs up.
(Note: Both Katsudon's and Yuri's voice actors are amazingly talented singers – my inspiration was from the Anime Zetsuen No Tempest character songs: "Hoshi No Fune" and "Arashi no Rhapsody" –both are on YouTube).
The music started, as Chris whispered to Viktor, "Can Yuuri sing?"
Viktor grinned and took another swig of alcohol, "He sings in the shower when he thinks he's home alone."
Katsuki looked like a man who just wanted to get this over with ASAP, nervousness washed all over his features. He began to sing and Viktor nodded in approval, Chris tipped his glass and Phichit made sure to record this momentous occasion in his friend's life.
Katsuki was earning numerous cheers and claps from the audience.
It was the moment of truth as all eyes went to Yuri Plisetsky, who looked disinterested, one hand holding the microphone, the other in the pocket of his jacket.
Yet what happened next had glasses breaking.
Chris dropped his glass and Mari damn near passed out from the images of her boy band ideals coming to life, as Minako's wide grin etched across her face.
Viktor whistled. Leo and Guang high fived. Yuuko might be gushing bodily fluids, and Otabek may have found just one more reason to love the Russian Ice Tiger.
Nothing was better than when the two of them sang together and it became a battle royale. However, one might say they were actually having fun, if Phichit's video on social media was any indicator.
NNN
The Kazakh wasn't sure what he thought of the white kimono. He supposed that the blue eagles representing his home country were a nice touch, and it wasn't as embarrassing as he might have thought—being a gift from Viktor after all. The sleeves would take some getting used to, and thankfully Katsuki's mother had buzzed around from room to room assisting with tying the obis around each of the skaters' waists.
Yuri knocked on the door, having returned from changing into his special attire for the festival. He heard Otabek's voice from the other side and slowly slid open the door.
"You look pretty cool," informed the tiger with a grin, standing in the doorway of the room.
The brunette turned with a sigh and then felt his face wanting to betray him. The younger teen stood before him in a blue sleeveless kimono, adorned with tigers, and his hair pulled back, showcasing those piercing emerald eyes.
"So do you…" afraid that if he said anything else his voice may betray him.
NNN
Several group shots had been taken under the light of the lantern filled streets before everyone went off into their own groups. They'd run into Yuuko and her kids, and that damn medical condition had been triggered.
When he turned around, from seemingly out of nowhere Yuri was consuming something in the shape of a fish and requiring the use of both hands to hold it, due to the sheer size of the confection.
"What are you eating?" wondered the Kazakh, sitting alongside of the blonde on the nearby bench.
"Not a clue…" informed Yuri in between bites, "…everyone was in line for one."
Otabek was starting to ponder the mysterious contents of the street food when the Russian held it up towards his mouth.
"Try it?" He suggested, emerald eyes full of warmth, "It's really good."
When Yuri Plisetsky offers you food, you better accept.
The brunette took a bite and chewed thoughtfully before almond eyes widened. He quickly excused himself and got in line to order not one, but two, of the delicious cakes. One for himself; the second to share with his favorite Russian.
NNN
Children's games could be dangerous. Especially when you've got Viktor, a Japanese Pig and a pop gun. Otabek and Yuri managed to duck just in time as Viktor's roaming hands caused the cork to ricochet off a bottle and whiz past their heads.
Yuri tapped Otabek's shoulder, something catching his eye. "I'll be right back," he informed before starting off.
The brunette nodded, he'd take his chance with the next game.
NNN
It was kind of stupid, but he figured Yuri would still like it, holding the object in his arms and waiting for his companion to return.
He heard that familiar voice and turned with the gift in hand. Yuri's smile broadened as he laughed at the sight before him.
"Well shit…"
Otabek's stoicism was starting to crack, with the upturn of his lips.
"Trade?" offered the Russian, with a grin that rivaled a tiger.
Yuri accepted the orange tiger plush in hand as Otabek received the brown bear.
NNN
They'd stopped on the bridge, away from the crowds and the noise, where the soft city lights could be seen reflecting and flickering on the water's surface.
Otabek leaned on the rail, his eyes transfixed on the scenery. He'd made his decision this morning before Yuri had awoken. He'd looked at the sleeping blonde and known there wasn't going to be a much better time to come clean. Today's events had just been perfect. In case things went poorly, Otabek made the coward's the decision to reserve the flight to Kazahkstan to spare them from the unpleasantness of continuing to share a room for the next week.
"Yura?"
He was really going to do it…
"Yeah," replied the blonde at his side, looking out over the water, arms leaning against the rail of the bridge.
"I don't like you as a friend," came that clear-cut honest tone that had once asked for Yuri's friendship.
However when Yuri turned toward him, he clammed up! Giving way to a slew of confusion.
Oh fuck.
"HUH!?"
The look of disbelief on that beautiful face as it began to convulse into confusion.
"I mean," the older teen tried to be reassuring but the inner monologue inside of his head was outweighing the processing, "I don't want to be your friend."
Yup the Titantic had officially hit that iceberg….
Oh my God!
This ship was sinking!
Otabek took a deep breath and faced the one he had thought about none stop for so long, before calmly stating, "I want to be more than friends."
Yuri looked like he'd been on a bad carnival ride, one that distorts your equilibrium and leaves you wanting to hurl into a trashcan.
"Have you been drinking?" was the only plausible thing that was coming to the Russian's mind, as he stood there gaping in disbelief.
Otabek silently shook his head, and Yuri with a look of bewilderment reached forward to touch his forehead, "Are you sick again?"
"Yuri Plisetsky," he sincerely stated with all the poise he could muster, watching as the blonde's actions ceased, "I'm in love with you."
And based on the look on the Russian's face and the emotions reflecting in those eyes, (the ones that had plagued him for so long), the Kazakh's feelings had been better left unspoken…
NNN
Phew! Wasn't that a long one? Please review!