So, I'm back. A big thanks to everyone who has reviewed, followed or fav'ed this story. I don't own YOI though I wish I did.

Though it had not been very long, St Petersburg felt like a totally new place for me, without Yuuri.

I was almost in tears on my flight back. I had decided to end it all. It meant no more hot springs or pork cutlet bowls(despite my attempts, I still cannot cook). It meant no more Yuuri Katsuki.

Why did our friendship have to be so complicated?

I scrolled through my Instagram feed to pass my time. I laughed at Chris's antics. Smiled at Phichit's selfies. I noticed that there were several lovey pictures of J.J and his fiancee. They would be getting married in a couple of months. I wondered if I'd get an invitation. The thought was exciting, but also strangely depressing.

I noticed a photo of Yurio. Yurio. I had not thought about him in quite some time. I made up my mind to visit hi' m. I never told Yuuri, but I did not have any family in Russia. In fact, though I did not always get along with them, Yakov, Mila and Yurio were the closest I ever had to a family.

I was surprised when Otabek Altin from Kazakhstan opened the door. 'Hello, Otabek.' I said. 'What are you doing here?'

'He's come all the way to Russia to meet Yuratchka.' Yuri's grandfather said, coming up. I greeted him.

'Yuratchka!' Yuri's grandfather called out. He then disappeared into the kitchen and returned with a plate of pirozhkis. 'Have a pirozhki, Vitya.'

When Yuri came up, he looked as pissed off as ever, which assured me he was doing fine. 'What happened?' he asked. 'Why did you leave Katsudon, and come to Russia?'

'I...uh...' I turned all red. I wished I had thought of an explanation to give. How careless could I get?

Otabek touched my arm, comfortingly. 'Relax.' he said. 'We know that Victuuri was never real. We know that it was all a gimmick.'

What! I looked at them, shamefacedly. 'I am sorry.'

'It was not a very nice thing to do.' Yurio said. 'But I guess you felt it was necessary at that time.

'Yeah, but...I...this thing started to mess up with my mind. I started to think I had feelings for Yuuri.'

'Do you?' Yurio asked. I stared at him. 'Do I what?'

'Do you have feelings for Yuuri.'

'No!' i said, shaking my head. 'Yes. I don't know. This is messed up.'

'Victor.' Otabek said. 'If you are in love, there is no need to pretend otherwise. You should be clear about your feelings.'

I stared at Otabek. I was not accustomed to receiving advice from the mysterious dark horse of Kazakhstan.

What if I was in love with Yuuri, though.

Unlike Yuuri, I was hardly inexperienced with relationships. I had my share of lovers in the past. And I had never been so hesitant with them. So what was happening to me?

Did I believe it was wrong because it started as a set-up? There was really no reason for me to think that.

'Yuratchka, Vitya, Otabek.' Yuri's grandfather said. 'I am going to sleep.'

'Oh, yeah.' Yurio looked at the time. 'I'd better go too. I have practice in the morning.

Once Yurio and his grandfather had gone, Otabek looked at me. 'Actually, I had been a hypocrite.' he said. 'I just told you to admit your feelings , but the truth is I'm in love as well. And I've never told anyone.'

'You are in love?'

He nodded. 'With Yuri.'

What! I felt a surge of jealousy. But how could it be? I had never seen him even talk to Yuuri much.

Looking at my expression, he said 'No, not Yuuri. Yuri Plistesky.'

Oh.

'I...I had always admired him.' he continued. 'I admired his skill and drive for years. But it was only recently I became attracted to him. I was initially uncomfortable with my feelings. The difference between our ages is not huge, but I'm still an adult, and he's still a minor.' he said an sighed. 'I had never been with anyone younger than myself before.'

'Well, he's sixteen now.' I said. Sixteen was the age of consent in both our countries.

He nodded. 'There is also a matter of his sexuality. I am not sure if he swings that way.'

'He does.' I said. I looked at him and said. 'I think we should both confess our feelings, you to Yuri and I to Yuuri. Yuri is clearly partial to you. Your age difference is not large, but I'd suggest you take it slow.'

He nodded. 'It isn't mostly about physical attraction, anyway.' he said. I nodded, feeling a surge of relief for the first time in many days. I had finally admitted my true feelings.

'I've noticed you never took off your ring.' Otabek remarked. 'It turns out you always had known your true feelings at some level.'

Okay, guys. Only two more chapters to go.

I'm not sure where the Otayuri came from all of a sudden. I did not really ship them that much, but all of a sudden it fell into place.

Do review. thanks for reading.