Yuuri laced up his skates, eager to get onto the ice. He dashed out onto the ice as soon as they were done and immediately went into his warm up exercises. While in the middle of his warm up, he saw something move in the corner of his eye. Viktor was attempting to get on the ice but looking like a baby animal walking for the first time instead. "Viktor! What are you doing? You're going to… fall." As Yuuri said the words Viktor fell flat on his butt. Yuuri raced over to him, to help him up.

"Ow." Viktor stated while rubbing his ass.

Yuuri giggled. "We already established that you can't skate well." Yuuri held onto him so he wouldn't fall again.

"I know, but I wanted to be on the ice with you and help you with the choreography for your free program."

"Thank you, Viktor." Yuuri stroked the back of his knuckles against his cheek, Viktor's eyes fluttered at the feeling. It felt odd but nice, this action was something he normally did to Yuuri. "How about you skate along the wall to get used to it, while I continue with my warm up. I'll stick close by to you, in case you fall."

"Mhmm, okay, Yuuri." Yuuri guided him to the wall so he can hang on. He planted a quick kiss on Viktor's cheek and took off. Staying true to his word he warmed up close to Viktor, eyeing him from time to time to make sure he was okay. He smiled to himself when he saw Viktor getting the hang of it.

Once completed, Yuuri skated to Viktor, stopping just in front of him. He grabbed onto his hands and guided him around the rink, while slowly turning and rotating in place. Viktor wrapped his arms around Yuuri's waist. "You should start practicing your free program before your coach gets here." He whispered in Yuuri's ear, which made him shudder.

Yuuri sighed and leaned his forehead on his shoulder. "I know, I know." Yuuri stood straight up to his full height. "Alright. Let's do this." He guided Viktor back to the half wall near his phone and speakers, then got into position. "I've already thought of how we are going to interpret it onto the ice, tell me what you think." Yuuri called out from the middle of the rink.

"Okay! Ready?"

"Hai!" Viktor hit play on his phone.

He's so different today. He seems so… confident… sure of himself… He's making decisions without a second thought, he's even telling me what to do.

Viktor smiled at his thought. He was finally able to break through Yuuri. His skating was even better, something more relaxed about it. Watching him skate and hearing the surety in his voice made Viktor fall in love with Yuuri all over again.

Yuuri completed a quad salchow with grace and fluidity that he has never managed before. He landed it with such ease, whereas before he would fall flat on his face.

Something's different. I landed that salchow perfectly, I've never been able to do that.

Yuuri finished his program and two sets of hands were clapping. He turned his gaze to Viktor who was clapping wildly and attempting to skate towards him, and just behind him was Celestino, poised as usual, but with a huge smile on his face, clapping.

Viktor caught up to Yuuri and tripped over the toe pick. Yuuri caught him before he crashed to the ice, with his hands grabbing the sides of Viktor's waist. Viktor flung his arms around Yuuri's neck. "That was… incredible… amazing… wow! I don't have any words." Viktor exclaimed loudly, his arms flying around in excitement.

Yuuri giggled and laughed. "Thank you, Viktor." He said sheepishly. "Was this version okay? I had to change some of our elements in order to complete it on the ice, but I don't want you to think I didn't like it…"

"Yuuri!" Viktor cut off his rambling. "It was perfect, but I am no coach, so let's go talk to yours and see what he says. He was able to watch the whole thing."

"Okay." Yuuri went to grab Viktor's hand, but he pulled away. Viktor gave him a subtle signal with his eyes, reminding him that his coach was there, and they were no longer alone. Yuuri nodded, and skated close to Viktor, in case he tripped again, well, that's what he told himself.

"Hi, Ciao Ciao!" Yuuri bowed slightly to his coach.

"Ciao, Yuuri, Viktor." He nodded once at each of them. Viktor nodded once in return. "What was that performance you did on the ice just now?"

Yuuri suddenly got nervous. His hands were wringing together in front of him and he looked towards the floor. "That was… It's what I… we created for my free program." Yuuri was able to stumble out, quietly.

"That was some of your best skating I've ever seen you do." Yuuri looked from the ice to Celestino, with a sparkle of tears in his eyes. "If that was your free program, your bound to win gold if you keep that up."

"Thank you, Celestino!" Viktor felt a huge sense of pride for Yuuri. He was so proud on how far Yuuri has came and battled through, and to see the happiness radiating off him was better than anything.

"What did you mean by we?" Celestino suddenly asked with a hand to his chin.

"V-Viktor h-helped with the choreography." Yuuri sounded like a child getting scolded.

"You did?" Celestino looked stunned and turned his gaze to the therapist in question.

"Yes, sir. I used to be a ballet dancer until I got injured. Yuuri asked me to help with some of the choreography, so I did." Viktor shrugged with one shoulder.

"Well then, you definitely have some talent. It's a shame you can't skate."

Viktor chuckled. "Thank you, but it was all Yuuri. He was the one that put most of it together. I just gave him a few ideas, that's all."

"Well, what are you waiting for, Yuuri? Let's see it again and see if any changes need to be made." Celestino waved him towards the ice.

"Yes, sir!" Yuuri gave a fake salute and turned towards the middle of the rink. Viktor got off the ice and slipped on the blade guards, he took a post leaning against the half wall next to Celestino.

"I want to thank you for everything you've done for Yuuri. He's back to his old self. I know there's plenty of challenges ahead for him and the way he is right now is not permanent, but… thank you." Celestino confessed while looking out onto the ice at his pupil.

"You're welcome. He is… extraordinary."

"Mhmm. Do you know when he will be able to be discharged? I'm worried about his practice time. He doesn't have much time left until competition starts, and he is already behind. I'm grateful you have allotted this time for him, but it's not enough. I fear he won't qualify." Celestino expressed.

"I understand. I cannot give you a date, but I believe it should be soon. As you said he is doing well, so there is no need for him to remain in hospital. I have a meeting regarding Yuuri coming up in the next few days, I will bring this concern forward."

"Thank you, Viktor." Celestino met Viktor's gaze, and then turned back to his student. "That was great, Yuuri. Come back here and we can discuss some things."

"Haaaaaiiiii!"

The rest of the rink time was dedicated to Yuuri's free skate. Viktor would slowly make his way across the ice and assist Yuuri in perfecting the choreography, through his lines and body posture. He would show him as best he could how some elements are executed. Celestino rearranged some of the program to fit components better suited to compliment Yuuri's skating and stamina, and to get the most points. By the end of the practice, Yuuri felt more confident in his program and in himself. He realized he wasn't alone in his fight for gold as he always felt he was, and that he doesn't have to be. There will always be someone there to help and fight along side him. He had his coach to help along the way and to guide him, but it wasn't enough, something or someone was missing. He locked his eyes with Viktor's across the rink, and knew he was that someone.

Yuuri walked onto the unit, returning from his skating practice when he heard his name being shouted. He only had a second to see Yuri running and jumping. He landed on Yuuri, and then both fell to the ground in a tangled heap. Yuri laughed while untangling himself from Yuuri. He stood up and reached out a hand to help the older man up. "What was that for?" Yuuri asked, rubbing the soreness out of the back of his back.

"I got my privileges back today!" Yuri screamed out excitedly, throwing his arms up into the air.

"Congratulations! I know you've been working hard to get them back. You did it!" Both Yuri's started walking through the day area towards the bedroom corridor.

"Thanks." Yuri smiled a genuine smile towards Yuuri. He was proud of the younger Yuri, he's changed since the first time they met, he's a little less angry all the time and livelier. He figured it was due to seeing his grandfather and actually participating in his therapy and group therapy sessions. "How was skating today?" A question Yuri would have never asked before.

"It was great. I finalized my free skate. Just have to work at it and perfect it." Yuuri put down his bag of clothing on his bed and emptied out the contents. He added the practice clothes to his pile of dirty laundry.

I really got to do laundry.

"When are you going out?" Yuuri asked, flopping on his bed.

"Later, probably after dinner or something. You should come with me. I know you still have your privileges." Yuri sat at the head of the bed with his back against the headboard.

"I… uhh… I don't really want to. I don't think I'm ready." Yuuri turned to his side in a fetal position. Memories and false 'what could have happened' thoughts flooded his mind. He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to rid of the images.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to…"

"It's alright. It's something I need to work on." Yuuri tried reassuring Yuri. He sat up sitting cross legged facing Yuri. "Maybe I should though. It may be the only way to help me work through it. I'll think about it."

"Okay! I can show you all the good dark places you can go to, to shack up with Viktor." Yuri winked.

"Yuri!" Yuuri's face went bright red, while Yuri laughed at his expense. "How's your grandfather?" Yuuri asked, once they settled.

"Grandpa is stable. He's not getting any better, but he's not getting worse either. I'm happy I get to see him though." Yuri paused, suddenly finding his nails were the most interesting thing on earth. "I never properly thanked out for taking time out of your dance studio time for Viktor to take me that day. I didn't realize how much I missed him until I saw him. So… thanks."

Yuuri reached out and placed a hand on Yuri's knee. "You're welcome. That's what friends are for." For the second time ever and within 10 minutes, Yuri smiled a genuine smile at Yuuri.

"Shit! What time is it?" Yuri bellowed.

"It's… uhh… 12:37. Why?"

"Fuck! I'm late for group! Fucking shit!" Yuri jumped out of bed, startling Yuuri. Yuri was always late for group and never cared about going, Yuuri found it odd that he was screaming and cursing about being late now. "I'll see you later! Think about using your privileges tonight! Bye!" Yuri darted out of Yuuri's room.

Hm. He has changed.

Yuuri spent the rest of the afternoon in his room. He was thinking about Yuri's offer. Through moments of his thinking process, memories flashed causing Yuuri to go into bursts of panic. He was able to calm himself down using some coping and relaxing techniques Viktor had taught him.

At dinner time, Yuuri barely ate. He sat twirling his food together. "Aren't you going to eat?" Yuri asked, who sat next to him at one of the round metal tables.

"No, not really hungry. I don't even know what this is anyways." Yuuri pushed his tray away and rested his head on his arms crossed on the table.

"Did you think about earlier?"

"Yeah, I don't know yet. It terrifies me to go out there. I don't want to be a burden to you."

"Well, if you do decide to come join me, I will most likely be in the cafeteria."

"Alright. Thanks." Yuuri grabbed his tray and brought it back to the servery window, emptying the contents into the garbage. He sighed and headed back to his room.

After about an hour of lying in his room like a starfish, starring at the same spot on the ceiling, Yuuri bolted out of bed.

Enough is enough already.

He knocked on the nursing station window, thankfully Otabek was working this evening. "Hi Yuuri, what can I do for you?"

"Hi Otabek, I… uh… I want… I want to use my privileges… please." Yuuri stumbled on his words.

"That's great Yuuri! Of course, you can!" Otabek turned and headed for the door to leave the unit. Yuuri grabbed him by the hem of the back of his shirt to stop him. Otabek stopped and turned towards Yuuri, who was wringing his hands together.

"I… I don't want to go alone." Yuuri asked quietly, almost whispered.

"Oh. I understand. Unfortunately, I can't go with you. One of our staff members was a no show and we already had a sick call. We are working two people short with no other staff to fill in, I can't leave." Otabek scratched the back of his head. "Sorry, Yuuri."

"No, that's okay. I'll go another time." Yuuri started to turn to walk back to his room, when he was startled by Otabek.

"Viktor! Viktor can take you. I completely forgot its his evening shift tonight. Let me go call him and see if he is available. Even if he is swamped with work he will still take you. Give me one sec!" Otabek used his card and went back into the nursing station to make the phone call. Yuuri forgot it was Viktor's evening as well. Otabek came back out in a few seconds. "He'll be here shortly to go out with you."

"Thanks, Otabek. Sorry to bother you. I'm going to get my shoes." Before Otabek could say anything, Yuuri spun on his heels and went back to his room.

Yuuri was slipping on his shoelace free shoes when a knock came at the door. "Come in!"

Viktor entered his room with the biggest smile planted on his face. "Otabek tells me you want to go out for your privileges. I'm so happy Yuuri!"

"I'm sorry to bother you, Viktor. You're probably busy, and here I am being a child about going out for a walk and needing someone to go with me." Yuuri sighed and turned his head away from him. "I'm so pathetic."

"Yuuri Katsuki! Enough off this pathetic talk business." Viktor's voice was booming and stern, making Yuuri flinch and his eyes go wide. "You have every right to feel the way you do. It does not make you weak or pathetic. Asking for help when you need it gives you courage, staying in here and running from your problems makes you weak, something you are not doing." Viktor's voice softened as he approached Yuuri. He grabbed his chin between his thumb and forefinger, tilting his head up towards him. They starred into each others' eyes for what seemed like an eternity. The air around them grew heavy and their bodies heated between them. Viktor moved first and leaned down placing a chaste kiss on his lips. Yuuri had other ideas and opened his mouth to Viktor, quickly taking control of the kiss and deepened it. A soft moan escaped Viktor's mouth, Yuuri swallowed it down and savoured it.

They pulled apart breathless, their foreheads and noses still touching. Yuuri threw his arms around Viktor's shoulders and neck, tangling his fingers in his hair. He pulled the tousles, eliciting a groan out of Viktor and his eyes to flutter. He used his hand in his hair and pushed Viktor's head back towards him, connecting their mouths together.

Yuuri taking control of the kiss and the forcefulness of his wants, made Viktor's desire explode through his body. He slid his hands around Yuuri's waist, lowering them, and grabbing a handful of his ass. He pulled him closer to him, feeling how hard Yuuri was already against his already hard member. Yuuri moaned into Viktor's mouth. "God Viktor." Yuuri sighed out as he kissed down Viktor's jaw, down to the curve of his neck. Viktor tilted his head to the side to allow better access for Yuuri.

"Yes, Yuuri." Viktor breathed out as Yuuri licked along a part of his neck where it met his shoulder. He gripped his ass harder pulling Yuuri into him.

"I want you so badly right now, Viktor." Yuuri whispered out against his throat. He could feel Viktor gulp and groan.

A door closed in the hallway and voices were heard close by, and Viktor had left the door open to Yuuri's room. They separated from each other in an instant, Yuuri stumbled back almost falling on his bed. Viktor took a few steps away from him. Both hearts were racing from the heated moment they shared, now their hearts pounded because they were almost caught. "We… should get going." Viktor panted out, admiring the pink swollen lips Yuuri sported.

"Yeah… I just need a… moment." Yuuri's cheeks blossomed a light shade of pink.

"I do too." Viktor chuckled.

After taking a few moments to settle their bodies, they headed out off the unit. "So, what would you like to do? Did you want to go to the gym?" Viktor asked, swiping his access card on the little black box next to the door. The light turned green and Yuuri took a deep breath. His thumb pressed into his palm with the drawn-on heart.

"I-I'd rather not go there quite yet. Can we just walk around?" Yuuri voice was quiet and shy.

"Of course, Yuuri. Anything you want." Viktor swung the door open. They stepped out turning away from the gym.

They walked in silence for a while. Yuuri focused on his breathing and his heart on his palm. He badly wanted to reach out and grab onto Viktor's hand, to feel the warmth he gets when he touches him, but he knew he had to remain in the cold until they were alone. Viktor's hands itched with want to touch Yuuri, a hand, a shoulder, an arm, anything.

After 10 minutes of walking and doing a couple of laps through the hospital, Yuuri started getting more comfortable. He realized he was safe and that Viktor was there to protect him. He started some small talk with Viktor, asking him about Makka, which Viktor gladly spoke about, any chance to talk about Makka he took.

After another 10 minutes and Yuuri was talking excitedly about a story of his family and friends back in Hasetsu. His arms flailed wildly with the story, he had to pause to catch his breath from laughing so hard. Viktor chuckled and listened to every word Yuuri shared. They passed by a section in the hospital that was a little more isolated, due to the lack of social areas, the section was mainly forensic units.

Yuuri continued with a different story and focused his attention on Viktor as he spoke. Viktor suddenly stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes went wide. He reached out and grabbed onto Yuuri's arm to stop him. "Viktor?" Yuuri turned his head to look at what Viktor was staring at straight ahead of them. Everything happened all at once, his breathing stopped, his eyes went wide and filled with fear, his body instantly started trembling. His heart beat against his ribcage so hard he feared it would explode in his chest.

Viktor pulled Yuuri by his arm and moved him, so he was behind him. Yuuri gripped onto Viktor's arms from behind.

"Hey! Shut up a second." Yuri was in the cafeteria with some of his acquaintances from within the hospital. At that time of evening it was closed but they could still sit in the eating area. "Did you guys hear something? I think I heard screaming."