I don't own the characters from Yuri on Ice, nor do I own the song 'Love Me Like You Do' by Ellie Goulding. The only things that I own are the plot and the characters of Hali Damaskenos, Delphinia, Zephyra and Lysander
We touched down in the stunning island of Santorini, off the coast of Greece. Trudging through hours of jet-lag, we went down to the lower level to collect our luggage. After collecting our luggage, and navigating the maze that was the Santorini Airport, we waited outside for our cab.
Our driver, a middle-aged Greek man chatted animatedly as he drove through the city. "Are you here for vacation or business?" our driver asked in a heavy Greek accent, looking in the rearview mirror. "We are here on our honeymoon actually," Viktor said, smiling as he squeezed my hand.
Our cab creaked to a stop in front of the opulent Canaves Oia Hotel. I pulled our luggage from the trunk as Viktor handed our driver a tip. "Enjoy your stay in Santorini," he said, waving as he pulled away.
"Ready?" Viktor asked, smiling. Silently, I took his hand as we entered the hotel. It was a stunning building, with open architecture that welcomed the sound of the sea waves gently hitting against the cliffs.
"Ah! Welcome to the Canaves Oia Hotel! Do you have a reservation?" the front desk agent asked, grinning as we approached. "Yes, it should be under Nikiforov," I said, handing her the print out my parents gave me.
"Ah, yes! Here we are! You are in 709, the honeymoon suite. The restaurant starts serving at 6pm. Enjoy your stay here in Santorini!" she said, smiling as she handed me the key to our room. "Thank you!" I said, smiling.
We walked to the elevator, and, after a while, arrived at the 7th floor. After walking down the long hallway, we finally found our room. "Ah! Here we are!" I said, stopping in front of the room. The door clicked, and Viktor pushed open the door.
"Wow! This room is stunning! What a view of the island!" Viktor whispered as I set our luggage down in the bedroom, pausing to look out the window.
"Dad did say this room had the best view," I said, grinning as I joined him on the balcony for a moment.
"I'm going to shower, I'll be back," I said, pecking him on the cheek. I went to shower and change for dinner, as Viktor continued to stare off the balcony.
"Aibou, do you want to shower before we go down for dinner?" I asked as I came into the sitting room towel drying my hair. "Aibou? Are you ok?"
"Oh, yes, I'm fine, lyubov moya," he said, turning and smiling. He pecked me on the cheek and went to shower.
I stood staring off of the balcony, fiddling with the ring on my right hand. A lot has changed in such a short period of time. With so much still to say. Who knew in one year, I would be happily married to my idol, the man that I love most in this world, I thought.
Suddenly, a pair of arms enveloped me from behind, and a warm voice whispered in my ear, "Ready?" I turned, smiling. "Yep, let's go," I said.
My stomach growled loudly as we rode the elevator down to the restaurant. Silently, I took Viktor's hand as the elevator arrives at the lobby floor. "Ah, here we are," I said, as we walked through the door.
"Welcome, gents! Just two for you this evening?" the host asked, smiling. "Right, if you would follow me." He led us to the corner of the restaurant. "Here we are," he said, seating us before disappearing.
As Viktor started to say something, our server approached our table, a bottle of wine and two stemmed glasses in his hand. He set our glasses down, and chatting animatedly. "Are you folks here for business or just visiting?" he asked.
"We are here on our honeymoon, actually," I said, grinning as my ring caught the low light.
Our server grinned. "Well, welcome to Santorini! Congratulations on your marriage!" he replied, grinning. After taking our dinner order, our server left, leaving us to our conversation.
"So, I was thinking, how do you feel about taking a cruise around the caldera tomorrow afternoon?" Viktor asked, as the light of the flickering candles caught his ring. "Santorini is famous for being the caldera of the Thera volcano, I thought it would be something to check out."
I stared silent, contemplating what Viktor had just said. Silently, I reached across the table and took his hand in mine. "I would love that," I said, grinning from ear to ear.
"It's settled then," Viktor said, smiling as he kissed my hand.
"Right then, here we are!" our server said, setting our dishes down before us. My stomach gave an impatient growl, as I took a sip of wine. "Can I get you anything else?" he asked, stepping back.
"No, I think this is perfect," I said, smiling. Our server nodded, saying, "enjoy your dinner, folks." He walked away, leaving us to our conversation.
We sat in relative silence, eating our dinner, thinking of the numerous things we could do in our time on the island.
Soon enough, we were finished and our server was back. "Did you gents enjoy everything? Is there anything else I can get for you?" he asked, as he gathered our empty plates and placed them on an empty tray.
"I think we are set," Viktor said, smiling as he reached into his jacket pocket for his wallet.
Our server held up his hand. "Your meal has been taken care of, so you are all set. Enjoy the rest of your stay in Santorini," he said, grinning.
I stared at our server, puzzled. "Who took care of our meal?" I asked.
"I was told to keep it a secret, but you gents are all set! Enjoy the rest of your stay!" our server said, winking as he left with the tray of dishes.
We stood, and left the restaurant, ready to go back to our room. "I'm ready for a warm shower and to crash," Viktor said into my shoulder as we arrived at the 7th floor. "Same here. We've had a long day of travel," I yawned as we walked down the hallway towards our room.
After another warm shower, we crawled into bed. Viktor fell asleep instantly, wrapping his arms around me.
The next day
I awoke to the gentle sound of the waves, as the bright Santorini sun filtered through the linen curtains.
As silently as I could, I slipped from bed to stand out on the balcony, lost in my thoughts. So much has changed in this past year. I won Silver at the Grand Prix Finals, I made some amazing friends, but most of all, I married the man that I love most in this world. How did I get so lucky? I thought, grinning as my ring caught the morning sun.
Suddenly, I left a pair of arms encircle my shoulders, and warm breath on my neck. "Good morning, Mr. Nikiforov. What are you doing out here all alone?" Viktor whispered, kissing my neck.
"Just reflecting…and wondering how I got so lucky," I said, leaning against Viktor's chest. We stood on the balcony for quite a while, taking in the beautiful view.
"It's getting late, we should get ready if we want to make it to the dock in time for our cruise," I said, looking up at Viktor. We walked back into the room and got ready to head out for the day.
That afternoon
We slowly made our way towards the docks, walking through town, taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the local culture. the smell of food that was being carried on the breeze made my stomach growl as we walked to the docks.
We boarded the little boat named Akrotiri Oia and cast off from the docks. "Wait! What about the Captain?" I asked, as Viktor took the helm.
"So I have a little surprise. A good friend of mine, Hali Damaskenos loaned me his boat for the duration of our stay in Santorini. So, Mr. Nikiforov, I am your Captain for the day!" Viktor said, grinning.
Grinning, I settled into my place on the prow of the little boat, watching as Viktor masterfully navigate.
After a while of sailing, we pulled into a little cove and docked our boat. "And now, lyubov moya, we descend onto the caldera!" Viktor said, grinning. Clothing was shed and stored in the prow of the little boat, and, after making sure our dive gear was ready, dove into the crystal clear waters.
We explored the water world that was the Santorini caldera until our air supply started getting low. Together, we ascended and broke the surface, swimming back to the boat.
By the time we reached the dock, the sun had begun to set, casting the watery horizon in a stunning watercolor sunset.
That night, instead of going back to the hotel, we spent the night on the beach, lost in each other's arms.
At the Pagodromio
After a quick breakfast, I headed to the Pagodromio. I had a new idea for a free skate program that I wanted to work on, an honeymoon surprise for Viktor.
"Welcome, Katsuki-san! It is nice to put a face to the voice," Delphinia said as I ran through the door.
"T-thank you so much for your flexibility, Delphinia-san! I definitely owe you!" I wheezed, grinning.
She grinned, shaking her head. "Any friend of Yuko-chan's is a friend of mine! You are welcome here anytime you are in town! I will keep Viktor out of the rink while you work," she said, winking.
I laughed, knowing fully well that she wouldn't hesitate to send him away. "He can come into the building, but you have to keep him away from the rink I'm in. I don't want him to see it until it's perfect," I said, as I headed to the locker room to get ready.
In the locker room
I pulled my skates out of my backpack, before stuffing it into my locker. After silent stretching and reflection, I stood up and headed to the practice arena.
In the arena
"Hey Yuri! What are you doing here?" asked Zephyra, as she looked up.
"Hi Zephyra-kun, it's good to see you, it's been a long time! Hey, can you hook this up to the speakers and press play for me when I give you the signal?" I asked, handing her my Ipod.
"Sure! Is this a new piece that you and Viktor cooked up for the next competition?" she asked, as I set my jacket and glasses on the railing.
"Nah, this one is all on me this time. It's an honeymoon surprise for Viktor for next season," I grinned, as I glided out to the center of the ice. "Ok, Zephyra, ready when you are!"
"'Kay!" she called, pressing play on my Ipod. The opening notes broke the serene silence of the arena.
I lost myself in the music, forgetting that Zephyra and, for that matter, everyone else in the building dropped everything to come and watch once the music started.
As the music came to a close, I glided to a stop, my heart pounding in my chest. Suddenly I was snapped back to reality as the arena exploded in applause and cheering.
"YURI, THAT WAS AMAZING!" Lysander shouted.
"VIKTOR WILL LOVE IT!" Delphinia screamed, as she wiped her eyes on her sleeve.
I can only hope he will love it, I thought as I glided over to the others, my heart pounding in my ears.
Several months later
"Welcome figure skating fans, to the Russia Figure Skating Championships! Today, we have the best and brightest stars competing for a place in the national championship!" announced Takamura Sanoske.
"That's right, Sanoske-san! All morning we have been watching as these stars rehearse, and, let me tell you, boy are you in for a show! All eyes are on Katsuki Yuri, the 24-year-old from Hasetsu and his husband Viktor Nikiforov. Under Viktor's coaching, Yuri has beaten every personal best score that he has received since setting foot on the ice. I wonder what they have in store for us today," mused Kitamura Akio.
My heart pounded in my chest, and my mind raced as I stretched, my earbuds pressed firmly in my ears. "Lyubov moya, relax, you will be fine," Viktor said gently, as he put his arms around me from behind. "I'm sure whatever you have been working on will be brilliant."
"I hope you will like it, Aibou. I have been working so hard on making it perfect, that I am scared I will mess up," I whispered, my body shaking.
Viktor tightened his grip, and whispered, "Lyubov moya, you know what I always tell you. Forget the crowd and forget the competition! Pretend that you are back at the rink, and it's just the two of us. Skate for yourself…and skate for me," he whispered, spinning me around gently. He pressed a kiss to my lips, as the announcers said my name.
"It's time, Lyubov moya. Go get 'em," he said with a smile, his hands interlaced with mine.
I pulled him close, looking him in the eyes, and said, "don't ever take your eyes off of me!" I kissed him before entering the ice.
A hush descended on the crowd as I took my place in the center of the ring. The music filtered through the speakers, shattering the silence.
You're the light, you're the night
You're the color of my blood
You're the cure, you're the pain
You're the only thing I wanna touch
Never knew that it could mean so much, so much
I never knew that your presence in my life would mean so much. You are everything that I searched for in my life, I thought as I skated in time with the music.
You're the fear, I don't care
Cause I've never been so high
Follow me to the dark
Let me take you past our satellites
You can see the world you brought to life, to life
"First up is his signature move: the Quadruple Axel, Triple Toe Loop. Can he execute this incredibly difficult combination?" Sanoske-san asked, as the crowd held its breath.
Indeed, you were the one that brought me back to life after that humiliating defeat at the Grand Prix Finals, I thought as I launched myself off the ice.
"And he nails the combination! Incredible!" cried Akio-san as the crowd roared.
Only you can set my heart on fire, on fire
Yeah, I'll let you set the pace
Cause I'm not thinking straight
My head spinning around I can't see clear no more
What are you waiting for?
I can't think straight when I am with you. My heart is ablaze with the passion that you infused within me. The newfound passion for skating, my love for you…it causes my head to spin. Yet I would not trade it for the world! You are the only one that sets my heart on fire, I thought, grinning.
I scanned the coach's box for Viktor, who was watching me with rapt attention, his beautiful blue eyes brimming with tears.
I'll let you set the pace
Cause I'm not thinking straight
My head spinning around I can't see clear no more
What are you waiting for?
"Here comes his final quad, a Quadruple Toe Loop, Triple Salcow combination," Akio-san muttered.
"In the past, Yuri has only been able to land this combination once. Will he be able to do it again?" Sanoske-san asked the crowd at large.
I will prove that I can land it! I thought, grinning to myself. I launched, spinning in the air, earning a gasp from everyone in the arena.
"Excellent!" Akio-san exclaimed, as the crowd cheered.
I closed my eyes, losing myself once more in the music, knowing that the crowd was hanging onto my every move.
Love me like you do, la-la-love me like you do (like you do)
Love me like you do, la-la-love me like you do (yeah)
Touch me like you do, ta-ta-touch me like you do
What are you waiting for? (ahhh)
I ended my performance, my hand outstretched towards Viktor, my heart pounding in my chest and mind racing. You could hear a pin drop, before the crowd erupted with thunderous applause and deafening cheers.
Grinning to myself, I greeted the crowd once last time and left the ice. "Lyubov moya, that was flawless!" he whispered as he held me in his arms, kissing me passionately.
"I'm glad you liked my performance Aibou, but aren't you angry I went behind your back and choreographed my own performance? Especially when we were on our honeymoon," I asked, afraid of the answer that he would give me.
"Yuri, look at me. I'm not angry, in fact, I am incredibly proud of you. That was flawless, the best performance I have ever seen," he whispered.
We waited with baited breath for my scores, his arms still around my shoulders. "The scores for Katsuki Yuri are…A PERFECT SCORE!" bellowed Sanoske-san, as the crowd erupted for the millionth time.
"You see, lyubov moya, they loved your performance! They love you as much as I do," Viktor said as he hugged me, tears rolling down his face.
As we left the rink at the end of the event, my first place medal around my neck, Viktor stopped and turned to me, a glimmer in his beautiful blue eyes.
"I never thought I would find the two things that were missing from my life for so many years," he said quietly, as he stepped forward and wrapped me in his arms. "But when I met you I knew that I had found them at last. I love, you, Yuri Nikiforov, and I will love you always."
"And I never thought I would experience love in my lifetime," I mumbled into his shoulder. "But I have, and I will love you always Viktor Nikiforov."
I stood there, wrapped in the arms of the man that I loved most in this world. The man that made me complete for the first time in my life.
Translations
lyubov moya-my love (Russian)
Damaskenos-of Damascus (Greek)
Hali-the sea (Greek)
Delphinia- dolphin (Greek)
Zephyra-West wind (Greek)
Lysander- Defender of mankind (Greek)