A/N: So, I went a different direction with this chapter, its a little darker than the others. Warning: Some brief mention of sexual assault and violence.
Cold clammy hands squeezed around his throat, closing off his air way little by little. He was gasping for air to fill his lungs, but it was getting harder and harder to fight. His vision was slowly going dark, it started at the outer edges and moved inward until he could see little pinholes. Pain was radiating from somewhere in his body, but it was hard to tell because his whole body ached and screamed in pain. The back of his head throbbed, and he could feel a wetness there moving down his head to his neck. With his vision dark and blurry, he could feel a hot breeze along his face and neck, mixing in with the cold clammy hands, making him shudder. A deep rumbling occurred next to his ear, the exact words were unclear. Fear coursed through his body as his vision went black.
Yuuri woke in a panic, screaming and clawing at his neck and felt that nothing was there. A cold sweat dripped down his back and covered his heated body. He gasped for air, finding that he was able to breathe fine, he then concentrated on evening it out. Otabek burst into the room. "Are you okay?"
Yuuri nodded. "Yeah." His voice was raspy from the screaming. He cleared his throat. "I thought you were leaving for the day?" It was the same day from when he returned from the hospital. After crying for some time, Yuuri fell asleep.
"It's the start of my shift, Yuuri. I just got here almost an hour ago." Otabek looked at his watch and sat near the foot of his bed.
"Oh! I've been asleep that long?!"
"Seems like it. You must be hungry. I think they saved you your dinner if you want it." Otabek patted Yuuri's foot which laid beside him.
"I'm not that hungry actually." Yuuri admitted quietly.
"Did you want to talk about the nightmare?" Otabek could see fresh scratch marks in long angry red ribbons down Yuuri's neck, mixing in with the purple of his bruised throat. Yuuri shook his head no and looked down at his lap and his fidgeting fingers. "Hmm. I've got an idea. Come with me." Otabek stood up and headed towards the door.
Yuuri swung his blankets off his legs and stood out of bed. "What are we doing?"
"You'll see." Yuuri followed Otabek to the visitor's room. Without explanation, he picked up the patient phone that was in there and dialed a number and handed the receiver to Yuuri.
"What? Who?" Yuuri could hear ringing on the other end. He nervously held the phone to his ear.
"Hello?" The voice soothed through the receiver.
"V-Viktor?!" He immediately recognized the voice. Yuuri completely forgot that Viktor had given him his number and told him to call him, Otabek clearly didn't forget. He used his nightmare as an opportunity to call him. Yuuri's face turned shocked, hearing Viktor's voice through the phone, that tears welled up in his eyes.
"I'll leave you to your phone call." Otabek whispered and silently left the room.
"My Yuuri." Viktor purred. "How are you my love?"
"I-I'm okay. I just woke up from a nap. How are doing? When are you leaving? When can I see you?" The questions spilled out of his mouth before he had time to even think about them.
"Relax, Yuuri. Take a deep breath with me." Viktor audibly inhaled and exhaled for Yuuri to hear. He completed this task three times, when he could here Yuuri's breathing change. "Feeling better?"
"Yes. Thank you."
"Now, to answer your questions. I am doing fine, in a bit of pain, but nothing I can't handle. The doctor told me that I will most likely be good to go tomorrow. Which I can't wait. I hate these types of hospitals, I never feel comfortable, and it brings up too many bad memories. Finally, I wish to see you soon, my love. There is a case conference scheduled in a couple days, and it's about you. I will be attending that meeting with or without my managers approval."
"A-A meeting about me?" Yuuri asked suddenly nervous.
"Yes, we do it for all the patients. It's basically a way for the staff to get together and see how much progress has been made and where some things can stand to improve on. Things like that. Did I not tell you? I thought I did."
Yuuri shook his head, and then realized that Viktor couldn't see the motion. "No, you didn't."
"I apologize. Usually at the end of the meeting we sometimes include the patient that is being discussed so they can have some input as well."
"I trust you." It was all Viktor had to hear from Yuuri. His heart swelled up and his body filled with joy.
"Thank you, Yuuri, for putting your faith in me. I will do my best. Now, tell me what is troubling you, I can hear it in your voice."
Yuuri sighed, since he been caught. "I d-don't w-want to trouble you. You need to get better."
"I will get better, once I know what's wrong. I will sit here worrying about you and may get even worse because of it!" Viktor tried joking and added a chuckle for good measure.
Yuuri talked about his nightmare that he had just before he called him. He told him how real it felt and that when he woke, it was like he could still feel Josh's hands at his throat. All the while, Viktor actively listened to every word. He would add a few mhmm's and hmm's to let Yuuri know he was still there. He was surprised how much memory Yuuri still had of the nightmare. After about a hour of an impromptu therapy session, both men said good night to each other.
Yuuri hung up the phone, feeling a little lighter, and now a little hungrier. He set off to the nursing station in search of Otabek to lead him to food.
He could feel a pressure leading towards pain on his wrists and lower body. The weight added on top of him was too much, it was crushing him. He opened his eyes to see the grey dead eyes staring back at him and a sneer across those lips. "I want you to watch me." Those lips spoke, breathing hot air across his face. A finger stroked down his face before the weight on his body was lifted. He turned his body around to follow figure. He couldn't recognize anything around him, it was too dark and the figure ahead of him remained like a shadow within the dimness of the room. Suddenly the figure stopped and in front him was an illuminated Viktor. Light seemed to shine from nowhere and shone only on Viktor. "NO!" He yelled and reached out, but neither the figure or Viktor responded, it was like they couldn't hear him at all. The shadowed figure knelt in front of Viktor, consuming the light in its path. He could see Viktor's fear on his face, his eyes wide and his mouth was screaming out words of protest, but he couldn't hear a single one. He saw Viktor's chest rise and fall at a rapid rate, as the figure lowered himself on top of Viktor, pinning him to the ground. He screamed at the figure to stop over and over with no prevail. He tried running towards them, but wasn't getting any closer, he felt like he was on a treadmill, running but with no destination. The sight before him made him flinch. The figure ripped off Viktor's clothing with such force he could see Viktor's body jerk with the movements, which now left him open and vulnerable. He was suddenly stopped by an invisible wall in front of him. Viktor was so close, but the barrier prevented him from getting any closer. Viktor's muffled screams could be heard as the figure spread his legs, exposing the most vulnerable area, the figure slowly slid his fingers down Viktor's body towards that part. He could see Viktor's tears flow down his face, as he tried everything to get away. He punched and kicked at the barrier, trying anything to break it, to stop the grotesque scene before him.
Yuuri could feel his fists and feet hitting some sort of soft surface. His name was being called, but it sounded like it was far away. Finally, his eyes opened, and he was fully awake, but everything was still a blur. He was on his back with his arms being pinned down by strong hands at the sides of his head. A heavy weight was pushed down on his thighs. Yuuri, instantly went into panic mode, squirming every which way. "YUURI! It's me! Stop!" The voice sounded familiar. Yuuri clenched his eyes tight when he started to panic. Slowly he opened them, one eye at time. He waited a few seconds for his vision to clear. The first thing he saw was a waterfall of blonde hair, cascading down towards his face. The next thing he noticed was the shining of emerald eyes looking back at him.
"Yuri?" Yuuri asked, his voice dry and hoarse.
"I'm going to get off you now." Yuri stated cautiously. Yuuri nodded, and slowly Yuri lifted a leg and swung it over his body to join his other leg, next came the hands and he gradually removed them. "You okay now?"
"What's going on? Why were you on top of me?" Yuuri sat up and scooted his butt backwards, until his back met the headboard. He bent his legs towards his chest and wrapped his arms around them.
"You were having a nightmare. You were screaming, kicking and punching in your sleep. It was the only way to stop you."
"I was? I don't…" All at once the memory of the nightmare came back to him, bit by bit. He lowered his head to his knees, hiding the tears flooding in. Suddenly he felt arms go around his back, pulling him to the side. He leaned against Yuri and sobbed. While Yuri remained a pillar for him to lean against, silent tears fell from his eyes, and recollections of his past and his nightmares played in his head.
When the crying stopped, Yuuri turned his head upwards to look at his pillar. "I'm sorry, I just… What happened to your jaw! Oh my god, did I do that?!" Yuuri saw, even in the dark, a large red mark on Yuri's jaw that was slowly turning a different colour. "I'm so sorry, Yuri!"
"You have a pretty good right hook." Yuri grabbed onto his jaw and moved it side to side. "It's alright, Yuuri, don't feel bad, I've had worse. I'll live."
"I can get some ice! I'll go get some ice!" Yuuri started panicking again, not hearing a word Yuri just said.
"It's fine Yuuri, honest. I'll get some from Beka, later."
"Wait. What are you doing in my room? How did you get in here?" Yuuri sat up, Yuri's injured jaw, forgotten.
"You don't remember?"
Yuuri shook his head. "No, sorry. I've been so tired these last couple days. I haven't been sleeping well, because of the nightmares. I don't even know what day it is."
"That's why I was here. Beka, mentioned to you that you might feel better with a sleeping partner, sometimes it helps people with nightmares, knowing they have someone there. I volunteered to be your sleeping buddy, so Beka snuck me in. Man, you love to snuggle in close." Yuri reached over and poked at Yuuri's sides, teasing him.
Yuuri blushed and giggled. "Stop. Okay, okay, I give." The poking and tickling ceased. Yuuri's face went serious. "Thanks, Yuri."
"Anytime. It's nice sleeping next to a warm body again. Even if you're not Beka." They heard footsteps slowly making its way down the hallway, stopping every several feet. Finally, the footsteps reached Yuuri's door, and the 'privacy' curtain on the window was lifted, and a light shone through. Both men, raised their hands to block the bright light being shone on their faces. Next moment, the door was being unlocked.
"Everything okay?" The voice asked. Yuuri was unable to see who it was.
"Yes, Beka. Now can you lower the light, you're blinding us here."
"Oh, sorry." Otabek lowered the light. "Did you have another nightmare, Yuuri?... Yuri! What happened to your face?!" Otabek whisper shouted, while marching over to inspect it.
"It's fine, Beka. I just got caught in the crossfire." Yuri released his chin from Otabek's grasp.
Otabek looked over at Yuuri, who looked apologetic. "That bad, huh?" Yuuri nodded slowly. Otabek sighed. He was at a loss, on how to help Yuuri.
"Now, if you would excuse us, I'm going to snuggle up to Yuuri and we are going back to sleep. Shoo, shoo." Yuri flicked his hands at Otabek, waving him away.
Otabek rolled his eyes. "Fine, fine. I'm leaving. Hope you still at least remember me while sleeping with another man."
Yuri wrapped his arm, from behind, around Yuuri and hooked his leg in between his. Yuuri's eyes went wide with shock. "He's a lot firmer, not as soft as you." Yuri ran his hands down Yuuri's side, with a smirk plastered to his face, teasing Otabek. Trying desperately not to laugh.
"Y-Yuri!" Yuuri stuttered out. "I-It's n-not what y-you think!"
"Oh really?!" Otabek put his hands on his hips. Although, he kind of liked the display before him, he went along with the teasing. "Maybe I should get myself a man like that then. Someone who is a little less bony, that can handle this softness, as you put it." Otabek ran his hands down his body. In all reality, Otabek was in great shape. He was fit, lean, and toned. But he had a little more softness around that muscle than Yuuri did.
"I guess your lucky, that I like my men a little softer. Muscular with a little cushion." Yuri pouted and rolled over to his other side, with his back against both men.
Otabek laughed and turned to leave. "Goodnight." He closed the door with a soft click.
Viktor had been home for a couple days, bored out of his mind. His broken ribs prevented him from doing much. Most of the time he just sat in bed with Makka and realizing that daytime television wasn't all that great. He was able to convince Lilia to give him the okay to do some work from home. It was a nice distraction for a while, but it still wasn't enough. His mind kept drifting to Yuuri, and his current state, and then a few other inappropriate thoughts would sneak in there. He needed to see his Yuuri. "I'm so bored, Makka! It's only been two days since I've been home!" He squished the dogs face and then ruffled the top of her head and ears. Makka let out a woof in agreement and jumped off the bed. "Great! Now your leaving me by myself. Thanks a lot, Makka!" Viktor crossed his arms over his chest. "I'm talking to a dog. I gotta get out of here."
Viktor waited for his phone call every night to talk to Yuuri. It was the only thing in his day that he looked forward too. Unfortunately, his talks with Yuuri was like a double-edged sword. He could hear the pain and the anxiety in the man's voice, and then the feeling of helplessness consumed Viktor. The idea that he couldn't be there for his Yuuri when he needed him the most, was more painful then the physical abuse he endured. What Viktor found even more disheartening was Yuuri trying to hide his pain from him. Viktor found himself reaching for that familiar clear liquid bottle after his conversations with Yuuri and mixing it with his prescribed pain medicine. The emotional pain was too much for him bear, setting him towards a dark path. He knew he needed to see him soon or do something before he gets completely consumed by it. He was counting down the days, hours, minutes, seconds, until the case conference for Yuuri, and he would be able to see him. Until then, Viktor forgone a glass and drank straight from the bottle till he fell asleep.
He was standing in the dark; alone. The silence was deafening in his ears, he could hear his own blood running through his veins and every pump of his heart. A light shone, suddenly, in the abyss. He squinted his eyes against the brightness, allowing his eyes to adjust. Viktor was laying in the light, a pool of dark red blood puddled around him. Viktor was covered in the same red. He screamed Viktor's name and started running towards him. But as he got closer, he noticed the light was getting dimmer. He continued to run, picking up speed, when a large mountain stood before him, blocking his way. He looked up and up to see the grey dead eyes glaring back at him. A hand came swiftly towards him, he had no time to move. The hand grabbed hold of his throat and started to squeeze. He clawed at the hand around him, but the man in front of him just laughed. He was pushed down to his knees, and from his vantage point he could see Viktor and the light growing dim. His vision started to blur and darken, his lungs burned for air, and pain shot through his neck. "Help…" Viktor gurgled and turned his head towards him. Viktor's eyes weren't the same vibrant blue, they were clouded and a milky blue. He reached out, knowing it was useless to try anything to save him. Meanwhile, the man in front of him laughed louder and gripped his hand tighter. "Help… Yuuri…" Viktor gurgled, coughing and spitting up blood. His eyes widened as he saw the light shining around Viktor go out and he was gone. The hand around him tightened once again, his vision becoming pinpoints, and then black. The last thing he saw were those grey dead eyes.
Yuuri woke up to himself screaming. He could feel a weight around his waist and a soothing voice in his ear. Rivers of tears flowed from his eyes and down his cheeks onto the pillow beneath him. His arms were pinned down against his chest, underneath the arms wrapped around him. His screaming ceased when he realized he was in his bed. His breathing was fast and deep but was regulating. "Yuuri? You okay now?"
"Mhmm." He hummed, not trusting his voice. The arms loosed around him and turned around to face Yuri. "Wha.." He cleared his throat. "What did I do now?"
"You were screaming and crying in your sleep. It also sounded like you were gasping for air at one point. Did you want to talk about it?"
Yuuri shook his head 'no'. He suddenly shot up, sitting up in bed and pulling out of those arms. The dream returning and fresh. "Viktor! I have to talk to him." Yuuri looked back at Yuri, who had a confused look on his face. "Please! I have to know he's okay!" Yuuri pleaded and panicked.
Yuri didn't ask why, he assumed it was because of whatever he dreamed about. He understood completely, being there himself at one point in his life. "You don't need my permission, its morning so he should be awake. If you hurry, you could catch Beka before he leaves for the day, or else no one is going to let you make a phone call until later."
Yuuri was out of bed and in the hallway in a flash. He banged on the nursing station window. Otabek rushed over to the door, seeing the wide frightened eyes Yuuri had. "Yuuri? What's wrong?"
"I-I need to make a phone call, please!" Otabek looked past Yuuri and could see his Yuri in the distance who just nodded towards him.
"Of course, come with me." He led Yuuri to the visitor's room and passed him the phone. Yuuri memorized Viktor's number by heart, but when he tried dialing his hands were too shaky and he kept messing up. Otabek grabbed his hand to stop him from dialing a third time. "Let me." Yuuri looked at him with a thank you in his eyes. Otabek, pressed the numbers for Viktor's phone number and left the room.
"Hello?" A lazy, groggy voice filtered through the earpiece.
"Viktor?! Are you okay? Please tell me you're okay?" Yuuri was hysterical and his voice was shaky like the rest of his body.
"Yuuri? Yes, I'm alright. What's wrong? Is everything okay?" Viktor sat up in bed, frightened something has happened. He forgot about his broken ribs and winced in pain when it shot through his chest.
"Oh! Thank god!" Yuuri felt a weight lifted off his body when he heard the words from Viktor's mouth that he was alright. "I-I was so scared."
"Yuuri, tell me what happened. Was it another nightmare?"
"Yes." Yuuri whispered into the phone. He told him about the dream and what he felt and saw. More tears and sobs came as he explained it all. Viktor did his best to reassure him that he was well and that it was a nightmare, and it wasn't true. It was the only thing he could do for his Yuuri, and it pained him that he couldn't do more.
"Today is your case conference. I'll be coming in to go to that, I am not missing it. I finally get to see you." Viktor chuckled. "It feels like forever, but its only been like what? Three, four days?" Yuuri huffed a laugh at that. "I will show you in person, that I am well."
"Thank you, Viktor. What time is the meeting?"
"Eleven a.m. Would you like to join the meeting after?"
"No. Like I've said, I trust you." Yuuri could feel his body start to relax, and Viktor could hear it in his voice. They spoke a few more minutes, then said their goodbyes. Yuuri hung up the phone feeling exhausted, but too afraid to go to sleep. He exited the visitor's room and headed back to the nursing station to gather his things and get ready for the day.
