It was four am, early Saturday morning when Yuri felt a hand nudging him awake.
"Yura, baby wake up. We need to get going soon if we want to make it in time." Otabek swept Yuri's frazzled mess of hair out of his face, and planted a soft kiss on his shoulder.
"Nnggh…" Yuri groaned, and rolled over onto his back. He stared up at the ceiling for a few minutes, and rubbed the crusty bits of sleep from his eyes, before kicking this sheets off his legs. "M'up, m'up"
Otabek got up, yawning audibly, and scratching at the coarse trail of hair on his stomach. Yuri listened to the cacophony of pops, and snaps that Otabek unleashed from his shoulders, and knees as he stretched.
"You sound like you need to be oiled, Beka." Yuri flexed his toes, and heard his own ankles crack loudly.
Otabek chuckled. "Like you sound any better. Go grab a shower, I'll make coffee. It's a little early for breakfast though. We'll have a little something now, but stop for a proper meal later."
Yuri nodded, and oozed out of bed, completely naked. It was the height of Summer, and neither of them bothered to wear clothes to bed when it was this hot and sticky. Yuri staggered into the bathroom, and barely missed colliding with the door frame, his eyes still half closed.
"Don't take too long Yura, we've got a long drive ahead of us today."
"I won't. Make the coffee strong, and put mine over ice. It's too damn hot for regular coffee." Yuri turned the shower on, the water drowning out his early morning grumblings.
Otabek got dressed and set his boots by the front door. He made the coffee extra strong, as requested, and fed Malysh who was curling around his socked feet, meowing impatiently. He checked the weather one last time on his phone. They had a long bike ride ahead of them this weekend, and they needed to be home by Sunday evening at the latest. The trip would take longer if they had to stop to wait out any rain. He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw it would be clear skies all the way there, and back. Otabek packed a small bag with water, a few snacks, sunblock, and a phone charger just in case.
The ride itself while long, would be enjoyable. The countryside was in full bloom, and the route he had meticulously planned would keep them off the busy highways for most of the trip. He just hoped that the trip wouldn't end with Yuri in a mood. Yuri had been flip flopping about the trip for weeks. One day he wanted to go, the next he was pushing it off, and giving excuses. Otabek eventually made the executive decision, and booked a hotel. After that Yuri couldn't change his mind.
Yuri came out dressed rather simply. Light gray jeans, a white crew neck shirt, and his dark gray boots he wore when they went on long bike trips. The sun would be out in full today, and Yuri had planned accordingly, wearing light colors even if he was going to be clad in a leather jacket for most of the time. He slathered his face, and neck in sunblock, and wound his hair into a tidy braid that ran down his back.
"You ready?" Otabek asked, handing Yuri his glass of iced coffee. Yuri gulped it down, set the glass in the sink, and gave him a weak shrug.
"I think so." He grabbed his leather jacket with the tiger on the back. and slung it over his shoulder. "Let's get going, I guess."
Otabek locked the door behind them, and they made their way down to the garage where the bike sat. The parking garage was eerily silent, as were the streets outside. It was as if the whole city was still asleep except for them. Yuri jumped when Otabek started the bike up, revving the engine a few times to warm it up. He shoved the bag Otabek had packed into one of the side compartments, snapped his helmet on, and slung his leg over the bike, settling into his spot. Otabek followed suit, Yuri's knees bumping against his hips as he straddled the bike.
"You all set back there?" Otabek shouted over the loud hum of the engine.
Yuri was in the middle of a big yawn as he gave him a thumbs up.
Otabek kicked the bike into gear, and pulled out of the garage, into silent gray streets. They made good time getting out of the city. The buildings eventually giving way to trees, soft dewy pastures, and acres of farmland.
Otabek was always tightly wound when they drove through the city. Constantly on the lookout for any kind of danger. Once outside the city limits, Yuri felt Otabek's stomach muscles go slack, and his back start to curve ever so slightly, as he eased into the ride. Yuri couldn't help but relax a little as well, knowing that they were now far away from the loud bustle of the city.
The muffled hum of the engine through Yuri's helmet sounded like an enormous purring cat. It was comforting to listen to, but sleep inducing. After an hour, and a half of clinging to Otabek's waist, fighting sleep; Yuri gave him a tap on the shoulder, and cocked his thumb towards the roadside. Otabek nodded, and eventually pulled into the first gas station that came into view.
"Alright, Yura?" Otabek peeled his helmet off, and rolled his shoulders. Little beads of sweat danced along his forehead, and his cheeks were flushed pink. Otabek took his leather jacket off and draped it over the seat, giving his skin a chance to breathe. The sage green shirt he wore underneath was already spotted with sweat, and the collar was soaked. It wasn't even seven am yet, but the thick, humid heat was already building around them. Yuri did the same, pulling his shirt away from his chest a few times just to get some relief.
"Yeah, just hot and sleepy. I needed to move for a bit and wake up or I was gonna fall off the back. I'm beginning to think a nine-hour bike trip, in August, might've been a bad decision on our part. We should have taken the train, or flown."
Otabek ran a hand through his damp hair, pushing it away from his eyes. "Nah, this'll be a nice trip. Nine hours is nothing, you just need to wake up a bit. We can stop as much as you want Yura. If we don't make it in time today, we can always go tomorrow morning before we head home." He looked towards the little convenience store attached to the gas station. "Grab us both a coffee, or something. We'll stretch our legs a bit, before we head out. I need to top off the gas tank anyway."
Yuri hung his helmet on the bike, and stretched. His own hair was soggy as well; his usual bevy of fly aways were all stuck to his sweaty scalp. It felt good to move about. His legs vibrated from straddling the loud, rumbling bike, and his hips ached from sitting still. He pushed the door to the shop open, listening to the bell above the door chime. The older man at the register gave him a curt nod, and a gruff, "good morning" before returning to his newspaper.
Bathroom first, then he'd get more coffee, he'd need food soon too, or he really would pass out. He'd leave breakfast up to Otabek. He had a knack for finding little out of the way diners, and greasy spoons. Yuri was sure that in another hour, or two they'd be tucked into a grimy booth enjoying a large, artery clogging breakfast. His belly grumbled at the thought while he paid for their coffees.
Yuri handed Otabek his drink, and sipped at his own. He leaned against the bike, fidgeting every few seconds.
"Yura calm down," Otabek rubbed his back, "we've got a long way to go before we get there. No sense getting worked up just yet."
Yuri licked the sweet coffee from his lips, "I know, it's just been so long. I don't know what I'll say when I get there."
"You'll think of something. Seriously though, I don't think what you say really matters. What matters is that you're there. That's what counts."
Yuri nodded, and nervously played with the wind-blown tail of his braid. "I guess you're right. I'm just nervous is all. I'll feel better once I get some food in me." Yuri finished his coffee and threw the cup in a nearby trashcan. Otabek tossed his away too, and pulled his helmet back on.
"I'll keep a look out for a good place to eat. You just relax, and enjoy the ride."
They had been back on the road for about a half an hour, when Yuri started to quietly hum to himself. It was an old Russian lullaby his grandfather used to sing to him as a child. Weird, he hadn't thought about that song in years. It brought a smile to his face.
Bayu Bayushki Bayu
Do not lie down near the edge of the bed
The grey wolfie will come
And grab you by your tiny side He'll grab you by your tiny side
And drag you to the forest...
Drag you to the forest...
Down under a willow shrub.
Don't come round, wolfie, don't wake up our Masha.
Most kids would have sobbed at the thought of a wolf dragging them off into the night, but Yuri loved it. His grandfather would even substitute Yuri instead of Masha, just to add to the suspense.
Nikolai knew a plethora of sweeter, softer lullabies, but Yuri insisted on the 'wolfie song' almost every night. He'd snuggle down under his grandmother's old handmade quilt, his worn stuffed tiger with the missing eye tucked under his arm, and listen to the sad, lilting song until his eyes drooped. Afterwards, when his grandfather had shut the light off in his little room, and closed the door; his budding rebellious side took over.
He was a tiger! He'd show that gray wolfie he wasn't afraid of him.
Then, he'd scooch himself to the edge of the bed, just to see how long he could lay there until the fear overtook him. Some nights, he only lasted a few seconds, before quickly rolling away from the edge, and burying his face in his tiger plush. Other nights, he lasted whole minutes. He'd lay there bursting with pride at having stayed near the edge for so long, but also secretly hoped the gray wolfie hadn't seen him.
Yuri was halfway through the third verse, when Otabek pulled into a dingy looking diner. Yuri ate his fill of eggs, waffles, and greasy bacon. While Otabek made small talk in between bites of sausage, and toast. Yuri smiled inwardly, knowing what a monumental task small talk was for Otabek, even if it was just with him. He was determined to keep Yuri's mind occupied as much as possible today, and Yuri loved him for it. Once breakfast was over, and the bill had been paid, they were back on the road.
Only five more hours to go…
It was hard for Yuri to enjoy the scenery when it was whipping past at such a fast rate. They were on the highway now, and would be for a while until Otabek found the next exit they needed. Otabek preferred quiet, meandering roads, to blasting down the highway. Try as he might though, he couldn't plan a route that avoided the highways altogether. They were a necessary evil, especially the closer they got to their destination. The landscape was a total blur, and the engine only grew louder as the bike sped up. Yuri couldn't' help but let his mind wander.
"Yuratchka, what have you got there?" Nikolai asked stooping down to meet his gaze.
Yuri was dressed in little red shorts that barely covered his scabby knees, and a sky blue, dust covered t-shirt. His feet were bare, and his golden hair was bleached white from hours playing in the sun. Nikolai always insisted he wear a hat outside, but it was always the first thing Yuri tossed to the ground when he got busy playing. He had no time for hats, or shoes, when he had so many places to explore. At least Yuri stood still long enough for Nikolai to coat him sunblock. After that though, he was running full speed into the back garden to watch bugs, climb trees, or hunt for tomatoes that needed picking. He didn't like eating them, but he reveled in plucking them off their plants, and giving them to his grandfather to set on the window sill to ripen.
That day Nikolai had expected yet another handful of small, barely pink tomatoes, but Yuri had found something much more exciting.
Yuri held a desperately small ball of fluff in his hands, "It's a kitty grandpa!"
Nikolai peered out into the garden, a look of concern on his face. "Yuratchka, you cannot take kittens from their mothers. She will be out looking for it!" Nikolai held his hand out for Yuri to grab hold. "Come and show me where you found it so we can put it back."
Yuri shook his head, holding the kitten to his chest, "No grandpa, there was no mama cat looking for it! I looked all over, mama wasn't there! It was all alone in the cucumber patch." Yuri gave the tiny kitten a stroke, it mewed pitifully. "See Grandpa? It likes me! If we kept it, I'd have a friend to play with!" Yuri stared up at Nikolai, his green eyes as big as saucers. "Please can't it live with us? It's so tiny, and doesn't have a mama, just like me."
Nikolai plucked the kitten from Yuri's grubby hands, and smiled. "Of course, Yuratchka. If it was all alone it will need someone to look after it. But we'll need to be very gentle with it for a while. It's still very young, and won't be able to play with you for a few more weeks. Come let's see what we can do for- "he stopped, and peeked at the kitten's rump, "her."
"Her? It's a girl kitty?" Yuri squealed happily, taking Nikolai's hand.
"It is. We need to give her a bath first. Then we'll take a trip to the pet store, and see if we can't get her a few things."
Yuri skipped alongside his grandfather towards the bathroom. Ready to help bathe his new friend.
That night Nikolai brought the now cleaned, and fed kitten to Yuri's bedside. Yuri leaned over, and kissed its tiny brown nose. Smiling fondly as it yawned, it's tiny pink tongue curling out of it's mouth.
"Night night, Potya." Yuri whispered.
"Potya? So that's what her name is?" Nikolai laughed.
"Yep," Yuri said proudly, "I thought it all up myself. Is that a good name Grandpa?"
Nikolai tousled his hair. "It is, Yuratchka. It's a very good name."
Yuri felt a wetness seep into the foam of his helmet. When had he started crying? He sniffled, and thanked the heavens that the engine would drown out the sound.
He knew this trip would do nothing, but dredge up old memories. It was part of the reason he had been dragging his heels about going. Once he started thinking about it, it was hard to stop. Most of his memories were happy, but it still left a bittersweet feeling in the pit of his stomach.
He tried to clear his head, and stared at Otabek's back. Focusing on the patch of shaved hair on his neck that wasn't covered by helmet. He rested his head between his shoulder blades, and took a deep breath, wishing they could drive a little faster. He felt Otabek drop his hand down, and give Yuri's hand a reassuring squeeze. Yuri felt better just from that little gesture alone.
Funny, even early on in their friendship they both knew just how to comfort the other. Whether it be a hug, a gentle touch, or a kind word.
Nikolai and Yuri were sitting at the dinner table, Yuri's phone resting next to his plate. They were halfway through their meal when his phone started to ring.
Nikolai saw 'Otabek' flash across the screen. Yuri jumped as he picked up the phone, but didn't dare answer. Yuri knew his grandfather's rules about phone calls at the table. He placed it back down on the table and just stared at the name on the screen; as if it physically pained him not to answer.
Yuri had been getting a lot of calls lately. Especially after he had come home from the finals in Barcelona. Sure, some of the calls had been from Victor, and Yakov, and there was even another Yuri that would call him on occasion now. But most of the calls Nikolai noticed, were from one boy in particular. He also took note of the way his grandson's eyes lit up when he called. His grandson never smiled that wide when it was Yakov, or Victor calling. He wasn't even sure if Yuri smiled that big when he himself called him. No, there was something different about this boy Otabek. Something special, that made his grandson turn soft and silly the minute he spoke to him. Nikolai was determined to learn more about this new person in his grandson's life.
"Yuratchka, who is this boy that keeps calling you?" His voice was a mix of concern, and playful amusement. He honestly wanted to know, but wasn't above giving his grandson some trouble about it. Yuri was easily flustered, and this time was no different.
Yuri stiffened, and felt his cheeks get hot. He tried to laugh it off, "No one Grandpa. Just a friend."
Nikolai hummed, and cut into his meat. "What school does he go to?"
"No school. He skates like I do. He's from Kazakhstan." Yuri stabbed at his green beans, stuffing a forkful into his mouth.
"Oh, Kazakhstan. I see. How old is he? I don't want you hanging out with someone who might be a bad influence."
Yuri rolled his eyes, and laughed. "Relax grandpa he's only 18, and he's pretty down to earth. I don't think you have anything to worry about. Back home in Almaty, they call him the Hero of Kazakhstan." Yuri had a slightly dreamy look on his face as he said it.
There it was again. That same big, goofy smile.
"Do you like this boy…Otabek was it?" Nikolai meant as a friend, but could tell by Yuri's reaction that he had taken it a different way.
Yuri nearly choked on his food. He grabbed a glass of water and chugged it down, coughing a few times to clear his airway. "I do like him. I like him a lot. He's my friend. He's…he's my best friend."
Nikolai wasn't born yesterday, but went along with it to save his grandson from any further embarrassment.
"It's good to have friends Yuratchka. I'm so happy you've found one that's close to your own age. I'd like to meet him sometime."
Yuri squirmed happily in his seat. "I'm not sure when I'll see him next, but I'd like you to meet him too." Yuri picked up his empty plate, rinsed it off, and set it in the sink. "I know it's my turn to do the dished tonight, but can I wait, and do them a little later?"
Nikolai waved him away, "Go. Go call your new friend. I'll take care of the dishes, Yuratchka. "
Yuri gave his grandpa a smile, and quickly dialed his phone.
"Hi Beka!" Yuri beamed, "yeah, sorry, Grandpa says no calls during dinner. How was your day?'" Yuri paused, listening to Otabek speak on the other end. His voice softened, and his eyes looked sad. "Oh…I'm sorry Beka, that sounds awful. It sounds like you had a really sucky day. Hey, wanna Skype? Might make you feel better." Yuri danced in place, "okay! Let me go set up my laptop, I'll be two seconds! Bye!"
Yuri hung up the phone, and dashed upstairs to his room. He could hear his grandfather laughing, but he couldn't for the life of him figure out what was so funny. He was just going to talk to his friend.
His best friend.
They stopped for lunch, and a quick walk around at a small rest area. The heat was stifling now, but Yuri still curled into Otabek as they walked. Otabek put his arm around him, giving him a squeeze.
"Almost there Yuri, just relax, you'll be fine. Afterwards, we can go to the hotel, grab a shower and a nap. Then maybe get some dinner, or hit a bar or something. Whatever you want to do."
Yuri nodded, "Shower, nap, dinner, bar, in that order."
Otabek gave him a little half smirk, and started to steer him back towards the bike. "Sounds good."
They were only about an hour away now. The roads and buildings were starting to look familiar to him. Yuri felt a heaviness in his stomach, they'd be there soon. He'd done this so many times before. When would it start to get easier?
Having Otabek by his side helped so much. His strong, quiet presence was always soothing. Sometimes just hearing his voice was enough to keep him on an even keel.
"Beka…" Yuri sobbed, listening to his phone ring, "please pick up, please, please." Yuri looked at the clock on the wall in his grandfather's kitchen. It was just past 11:30 am. Otabek was training in Montreal, which meant it was late at night there. He wasn't sure Otabek would even pick up. He knew Otabek was a deep sleeper. He often had to set multiple alarms, just so he'd wake up on time. A ringing phone could go completely unnoticed by him.
Yuri was about to give up after the seventh ring, when he heard a gravelly throat clearing sound on the other end. "Yura? It's two in the morning what's wrong?"
Otabek got no answer, just a shudder of breath, and a few whimpering sobs. Yuri was crying. Why was Yuri crying?
"Beka...Gran-grandpa's gone." His voice cracked terribly.
Otabek's heart clenched. "Yura, I'm so sorry. Is someone there with you? Anyone?"
Yuri's grandfather had taken a turn in the last three weeks. The doctors weren't expecting him to live much longer. Yuri had rushed home to Moscow to be with him. He knew Victor was supposed to meet Yuri in Moscow, so he wouldn't be alone, but Victor had a lousy track record when it came to keeping promises, especially ones to Yuri. If Yuri was sitting there alone with no one there to comfort him.
"No..." Yuri hiccuped, "I'm at grandpa's house now."
Otabek felt his face get hot. "Where the hell is Victor? No one is there with you right now?" The angry tone in Otabek's voice, and the string of muffled curses, made Yuri snap to attention.
"It's okay Beka. Victor's here. I was a wreck, so he sent me home to rest. He was gonna stop and get dinner after everything was…taken care of."
Otabek breathed a sigh of relief. Thank Christ, for once Victor had actually come through on a promise.
"Beka, I can't believe he's gone, he wasn't even awake. I couldn't even say goodbye." Yuri felt fresh tears rolling down his cheeks. "I just wanted to say goodbye, and I couldn't!"
"Shhh, just take a few deep breaths for me Yura. I don't like you being there all alone. How long until Victor gets there?"
"He and Yuuri will be here soon. B-but Beka," his voice quiet, and somber, "they aren't who I want right now."
"Yura, you know if I could bring your grandpa back, I would. I'd do it in a heartbeat."
Yuri let out a soft, croaky laugh. "No. I mean, yes I want him back. But that's not gonna happen, is it? Beka…the person I want most right now" his voice wavered, "is you. I wish you were here, with me."
There was a long pause between them. Otabek was dumbstruck, trying to wrap his head around what Yuri had just said. Could it be that Yuri had feelings for him? Otabek had loved him from afar for so long now that he'd grown accustomed to it. It was a constant dull ache in his heart that he had learned to live with.
Never in his wildest dreams did he ever think Yuri would want to be more than friends.
"Beka? Hello? You still there?"
"Yura…I-"His tongue was tied, and his heart hammered away in his chest. He had to say something! Anything! Yuri was going to think he didn't care if he stayed quiet for too much longer. He took a few deep breaths, and finally managed to locate his voice. "Fuck, I wish I could just drop everything, and get on the first plane to Moscow. I wish I could reach through the phone, and hug you. I wish I was the one there with you, not Victor. I wish-"
"But you can't." Yuri said, ever so fondly. "You're training, and that's important. As much as I want you here, I know…I know you can't be, and that's okay. You have to be there, and I need to be here." Yuri had calmed down, but Otabek could still hear him hiccup every so often.
"After training is over I'm coming straight from here, to Moscow." Otabek's voice sounded so firm. Yuri could hear him quietly tapping away at his laptop. "I'm changing flights as we speak. I'll stay for as long as you want."
Yuri let out a weak, breathy laugh. "Don't leave it up to me Beka, or you'll never go home."
The warmth in his chest skyrocketed, while a sick feeling flopped around in his gut. How could he feel so blissfully happy at such a grievous time? Yuri's grandpa had just passed away, and there he was practically walking on clouds, even as he heard Yuri's breath hitch once more.
Yuri wanted him, needed him, never wanted him to leave. Sure, it could be the grief talking, but at that moment in time, he'd take it for the god's honest truth, and be happy.
"Beka, you should get back to sleep. You have to get up so early tomorrow. I'm okay now."
"Not a chance Yura. I'm staying on the phone with you until I hear Victor walk in the door. I can't be there with you, but I can keep you company over the phone at least."
Yuri sat in his grandfathers old recliner, and wrapped the burnt orange and brown afghan over his lap. "Tell me about your day Beka."
He did. He went through every minute detail, down to what he had for lunch. Yuri had never heard so many words come out of Otabek's mouth at once. He told him about his dorm room. About how it was always way too cold, and his roommate snored like a buzz saw. He told him about how he wiped out doing a triple flip the day before, and busted his lip when he hit the ice. Yuri sounded worried, but then laughed when Otabek described how fat his bottom lip had gotten.
"People kept asking me if I was angry about something. They thought I was pouting, it was so embarrassing."
"I wish I could have seen that. I bet it looked really cute." Yuri laughed, then stopped abruptly, realizing what he had just said.
Otabek inhaled sharply. Cute? Cute? The conversation had just started to feel normal again. His heart had just stopped thumping in his ears. So of course, Yuri would have to call his nasty fat lip cute.
"I umm…I mean-" Yuri stammered. Talk about embarrassing. Yuri wanted to curl up under the blankets and smack himself.
It was then that Yuri heard the front door open and shut. Victor was there, carrying bags of take out, Yuuri trailing behind with an armful of drinks.
"Is that Victor?" Otabek asked, silently relieved that their conversation had been cut short. His heart couldn't take much more. He was already certain he wasn't going back to sleep that night.
"Yeah he's here. I guess I should let you get back to bed then." Yuri sounded almost disappointed that Victor had shown up when he did.
Otabek exhaled into the phone, "yeah, I guess I should. Get some rest Yura. Call me anytime, I don't care if it's late, or if I'm at practice. If I hear your ringtone I'll answer."
"I will. Beka?"
"Yeah?"
"Thanks, for always being there for me. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't answered."
"I'll always answer Yura."
"Earth to Yura." Otabek waved his hand in front of Yuri's face. "We're here."
Yuri snapped to attention, and shook his head. "Sorry, just thinking."
"You want me to go with you? Or do you want me to hang back?"
Yuri got off the bike and kicked at the gravel under his boot. "Could you give me a few minutes? Alone?"
"Sure. Take your time." Otabek stripped his coat off, and grabbed one of the bottled waters he'd packed. "I'll come over and say hi in a bit."
Yuri followed the gravel path, up towards a large birch tree. He stopped underneath it, and looked down at his feet.
"Hey grandpa. It's me. Otabek and I drove here from St. Petersbourg today, just to see you. Yeah; we took the bike, and yes I wore a helmet." Yuri laughed, "So umm, I know I haven't visited in a while. Things have been really busy lately. I came, because I wanted to tell you in person that Beka and I are getting married in a few weeks. Yeah, we're having the ceremony in Almaty. Beka has such a huge family, we couldn't bring them all here. I really wish you were here to meet them, and walk me down the aisle. Hell, I wish you could have met Beka. I really hate that you two never got to meet face, to face. You would have loved him. He's a lot like you. Quiet, determined, hardworking, and he has no problem telling me when I'm being a brat. You two would have gotten along so well."
He sat down on the warm grass next to his grandpa's grave. "I thought a lot about you on my way here, about all the things you did for me when I was a kid." His lip started to tremble. "If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be where I am today. You're the one that bought me my first pair of skates. You're the one that worked so hard to pay my coaching fees. You're the one that always believed in me, and pushed me to do my best. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have made it to the Grand Prix in Barcelona. I never would have met Beka. I don't know where I would be, if it hadn't been for you." Yuri wiped at a tear that ran down his cheek, and sniffled. "I want you to know that I'm happy Grandpa. Really, really happy. I couldn't ask for a better life, and it's all thanks to you."
Yuri heard Otabek's footsteps as he came up behind him. "Hi, Mr. Plisetsky. It's been awhile." Otabek sat down next to Yuri.
"I was just telling grandpa about the wedding." Yuri said, pulling at a few blades of grass. Otabek nodded, he'd never met Nikolai in person, and had little experience with talking to deceased loved ones. He always admired the way Yuri could converse so easily with Nikolai's grave. As if his grandfather was sitting right there with them, listening intently to his every word.
Yuri continued to ramble. He told his grandpa about Yana, and about the new apartment they had just bought, about Sagida, and the hives, and the trip to Barcelona where they got engaged. Otabek dozed in the grass, as Yuri continued to tell his grandpa story, after story. Eventually, Yuri ran out of things to say, and just sat quietly listening to Otabek snoring softly beside him, and the low drone of cicadas. It was comfortable and shady next to Nikolai's grave, thanks to the large birch tree that grew next to it. Yuri could have nodded off himself, comfortable and warm alongside the two people he loved the most. But the sun was just starting to sink lower in the sky. The cemetery would be closing soon.
Yuri nudged Otabek a few times before he finally roused himself, and got to his feet.
"Well grandpa, we should be heading out. We're gonna spend the night in Moscow, and head home tomorrow. I'm glad I got to come see you. I promise I won't wait so long between visits next time. I love you." He stood, and brushed the dirt from his pants.
Yuri was walking towards the bike when he turned and saw Otabek still standing near Nikolai's grave.
"You coming, Beka?"
"In a minute."
Otabek stared nervously at Nikolai's headstone. "You've never met me in person sir, but I promise to take good care of Yura. He's made me a happy man, and I hope I do the same for him. I hope we have your blessing, sir."
With that, Otabek turned and made his way back to the bike. Yuri didn't ask him what he'd said. That was between Otabek and his grandpa.
Yuri felt lighter now. He had wanted to see his grandpa for months now, but had been dreading the inevitable sadness that came with it. He usually felt so heartbroken after his visits, and wanted nothing more than to be left alone to wallow. This time had been different though. He felt somber, and maybe a little introspective, but not sad. This wasn't like his last few visits. Just a quick hello, and goodbye on his way to the airport after a competition. Those visits were always rushed, and left him feeling guilty for not giving his beloved grandpa the time and attention he deserved.
This visit, thanks to Otabek's careful planning, was leisurely, and enjoyable. The ride there had been a little rough at first. Full of bittersweet memories, and him trying plan out what he'd say when he got there. But once he was standing by his grandfather's modest head stone, the words just tumbled out so easily. Like neither of them had spent any time apart. It turned into a visit full of happy news, funny stories, and quiet moments. Yuri was able to take his time. He wasn't preoccupied with competing, and doing his best. No one was standing over him tapping their watches, reminding him that they had a flight to catch. He could just sit and tell his grandpa all about what was going on in his life.
Yuri embraced Otabek before climbing onto the bike.
"Feeling better Yura?" Otabek asked, cupping the back of his head with his hand.
Yuri nodded, "I think this is the first time I've come here and not felt sad afterwards. I feel, I dunno, kinda happy. Is that weird?"
"I don't think so. You got to spend time with someone you love, and that made you happy. What's weird about that?"
"Nothing really, I'm just so used to feeling drained after I come to see him, but then again I never had the kind of time like I did today. Thanks for coming with me." Yuri gave Otabek a quick peck on the lips, "can we go to the hotel now? I'm about ready to drop. I didn't get a nice nap in the grass, like some people."
Otabek started the bike up, and steadied it as Yuri climbed on.
"It's just down the road. We can nap all evening if you want Yura."
Yuri shook his head, "Nuh uh, remember? Shower, nap, dinner, bar. I'm holding you to our deal."
"Okay Yura, whatever you want."
I dunno guys, I wasn't feeling this chapter. I liked going back to their early relationship, and Yuri's childhood, but I dunno it just doesn't seem all that exciting. I don't think I will be updating next week, only because I am starting to write up the actual wedding chapters and I want to focus on that. The wedding will definitely be multi chapters so there's that to look forward to. Maybe that's why this chapter was so dull, I'm too busy planning other things.
