Chapter 36

Season's End

Disclaimer- I own nothing!

Yuri sat in the kiss and cry holding Alexander tightly as he waited for his short program score. He thought it went well, he didn't stumble, and he didn't miss anything. If all his quads were clean he would be in a good place. Feeling Viktor grab his hand he squeezed it as he heard his name over the loudspeaker and his score come on the screen. Squinting to see the score of one hundred and five point three Yuri was stunned. He had another season's best. He was beating his own record again. Being taken in and hugged by Viktor Yuri hugged him back as he really couldn't believe it. He was in first place with a score he was more than proud of. Getting off the kiss and cry he moved to the seating off to the side to watch the last group of competitors. Yurio and JJ were in this group so he was excited to see how it went. Normally he would sit in the back and watch the screens under the bleachers but something told him to stay here.

Yurio was up first, Viktor told him he had changed it a lot since the grand prix but he had no idea what he changed. He wasn't surprised to see more quads and a trickier step sequence but it was looking good. It was easy to see though that he was really pushing his limits. It was understandable to want to push yourself and always get better but it wasn't worth destroying yourself over it. Looking over at his fiancée who was off to the far side watching with other coaches he couldn't take his mind off of him. Was Viktor the same way? Is that why he felt ready to call it quits the second he had the chance? Did he realize the way the competition was going and knew he couldn't keep up? Viktor had never been a slouch and it was easy to see he not only worked himself to the bone to create beautiful stories but he tried to peak at everything he did. There was a reason he was a living legend among the sport. Thinking back to their practices at home Viktor had said there were certain moves he never wanted to try. They would still work together to teach Yuri how to land things like the quad axel but he never wanted to try it. Everything was more in verbal than physical coaching. Perhaps he saw the limit of his body and knew it was better to quit while he was ahead than destroy himself and possibly ruin his life. Focusing back on Yurio he saw his program ending and the exhaustion that was clearly covering his face. He looked happy though, despite how tired he was he looked proud. That was why he pushed himself so hard that was clear to see. He was loving every moment of this. Standing and applauding him Yuri wasn't surprised he sat next to him after he got his score. He was still in first place but Yurio was only behind him by less than a point. This was going to a very close competition. They all knew this going in but now it was clear to see just how close it would be.

At the end of the men's short program Yuri was in first, Yurio in second and JJ in third. All by less than a point separating them. Grabbing their things Yuri was stopped by Viktor's former rink mate as he was getting ready to leave the locker room and join his family to go back to the hotel for a shower and some rest.

"Where are you guys staying?" At Yurio's question Yuri stopped and was surprised by this. He knew Viktor was still friends with Yurio but there was still a clear dislike towards himself.

"At the skater's hotel. Why?"

"I want to talk to Viktor and I feel it would be better to do it privately."

"Oh. Well. Yea we are in room nine fifteen."

"Thanks." Seeing Yurio walk away Yuri saw he stop and turn back. "Oh and Yuri. Do me a favor. Make sure he doesn't regret this."

Not saying a word Yuri just nodded and finished grabbing his things. So what Viktor was going through had gotten around. Maybe just Yakov and Yurio knew but still, it was out there. Hoping it didn't hurt Viktor anymore he left the locker room to meet up with him and Alexander. Seeing his son back in his grandmother's arms he was congratulated by her before they all headed back.

Coming out of the shower Yuri saw Viktor and Yurio sitting on his bed talked while Alexander sat on the floor playing with some toys with his grandmother having the time of his life. Annoyed with the fact that the guys were speaking Russian Yuri just got dressed and joined his son on the floor. He got Viktor's mother to speak English with him but now he had Yurio to deal with.

"What are they talking about?" He whispered to the other not wanting to start a fight between the guys.

"Yurio heard Yakov ask me something after the short program. I am guessing he knows of the issues my son is dealing with."

"I feel awful he had to deal with it. You have no idea. I know it's all my fault. If I hadn't gotten pregnant we could have hidden our relationship better."

"I doubt that. I know he tried to hide it but we all saw that kiss on TV. My son has never liked hiding his feelings. He always been more hands on."

"Still. None of this was really an issue." Tickling his sons chin Yuri saw his wide smile and smile back before he went back to playing. He didn't want to be misunderstood, he loved Alexander as did Viktor and he seemed to have no regrets but to know he was dealing with a lot he felt guilty.

"Don't blame what happened for this outcome. This was going to happen one way or another. He loves you. He loves you more than I've seen him love anyone else. Marry him and make him the happiest man on Earth. My son is tough, he'll get through this."

"I will I promise. I'm going to do my best to always be the best person I can be for him." Being hugged tightly by her Yuri smiled as he saw Alexander start to babble and reach his arms out to be hugged to. Lifting him up, he hugged him close. He was exactly like his father, always needing attention and he was fine with that.

Having Yurio join them for dinner Yuri could see Viktor felt strange about this. It was clear to see he was worried about others being around him but like his mother Yurio didn't seem to care. Watching Alexander reaching for Yurio and being told no again and again they saw Yurio switch seats with Viktor.

"It's okay Alexander. I know you just wanted to be with your Uncle Yuri. Daddy will save you from the mean old Yurio though."

"Will you stop calling me that? I am not his uncle and Yurio isn't my name."

"Don't listen to him Alexander. Uncle Yuri really does love you."

"Oh my god!" Watching him get frustrated Yuri just laughed before hearing Mrs. Nikiforov ask where that nickname came from anywhere."

"Pig's sister started it and these two just won't drop it."

"My sister didn't like the fact that there were two Yuri's at the inn. She said it would get confusing and so Yurio was born."

"I hate that name so much."

"My sister has a banner with that name on it. She brings it with her whenever you and I are at the same competition."

"Just great." Hearing Viktor laugh Yuri found it hard not to laugh as well. Seeing his fiancée in a good mood was great. He really did love this man and only wanted to see him smile.

Enjoying the conversation he was having with his soon to be mother in law Yuri heard Viktor sigh. Looking over at Viktor he saw he was trying to feed Alexander and not doing that well as his son's mouth would just turn away.

"Is he not hungry?"

"I don't know. He was all excited when he saw it but now it's like I'm feeding him something gross."

"What are you feeding him?" Seeing what Viktor was holding Yuri saw it as what they usually gave him because their son was a picky eater right now.

"Do we have something else on us? I'll try." Waiting a moment for Viktor to hand him something and the spoon Yuri saw he wasn't having any better luck. Well if worse came to worse they would try to feed him later in the hotel.

"Alexander. Grandma is going to try." At Mrs. Nikiforov's voice Yuri saw her get up and move around the table making Viktor get up and switch seats with her. She didn't have that much better luck at first but within a few minutes Alexander was happily eating and smiling.

"Mom what did you do?"

"Grandma's secret."

"Awesome." At the sarcasm in Viktor's voice Yuri laughed and enjoyed this time together. Even Yurio, as grumpy as he was seemed to be having fun.

Finally in bed for the night Yuri struggled to stay awake. Tomorrow he had practice for his free skate and he was exhausted from today.

"I am so proud of how far you came Yuri. I hope you are too."

"I couldn't have done any of this without you. Thank you for giving me the confidence I needed to come this far." Watching Viktor just smile they shared a kiss before Yuri was grabbed closer and they fell asleep together for the night.

Coming to the wall Yuri grabbed his water. Practice was kicking his butt today and he wasn't sure why.

"Why not call it an early day Yuri? Save your strength for tomorrow."

"Five more minutes than we will. Should I go over the axel?"

"I would. Spend the last few minutes on that. Make sure you are totally comfortable with it. Remember though you need enough power to get into it so don't just leap."

"Right." Putting his water down Yuri went back to the ice and focused on the axel. This was still his hardest quad because no one could land it. He had gotten a lot better with since he landed it at the last competition but it still had a long way to go before it was completely consistent.

Back in the room Yuri was resting on the bed with Alexander playing on his chest. Viktor sat next to him to lift their son to his feet.

"Hey mommy guess what. I'm sitting up better and better every day so soon I'll be crawling."

"Don't remind me. We are going to have to baby proof the apartment again."

"And the house."

"And the house." Both stopped after Yuri repeated what Viktor's mother said as she sat on the seat in the room.

"Mom we haven't looked yet."

"Yet. But you will and you find something that you'll have to baby proof."

"I know mother. Don't worry we will keep Alexander perfectly safe."

"Oh I know. I'm not doubting that for a second. I just can't believe my little boy is all grown up, getting married, has a child, going to buy a house."

"Mommmmmm."

"Viktor. Give me this moment." Watching the two tease each other Yuri went back to his son.

This was it. The free skate for World's was upon them. The last group was up so JJ, Yuri, and Yurio were all warming up on the ice and getting ready. Looking over at Viktor and Alexander Yuri couldn't be happier. As much as he wanted to kiss that gold so long as he hit the podium he would be happy. This was the most fun he had had in a long time. Going over his quads Yuri took a breath as he landed the axel. Hearing applause he had a feeling that was for him. The quad axel would amaze people for a while. Coming off the ice at the end of the warm up Yuri held his son for good luck and watched the other competitors that were before them.

Watching JJ hit the ice Yuri hugged his son a little tighter. With their scores so close it was anyone's game. Feeling Viktor put his arms around them they watched JJ and his apparent move of quads. Seemed he placed most of him in the second half for the points.

"You got this Yuri. No matter what remember you got this." Nodding in Viktor's arms he did his best to clap for the other as his program ended and JJ left the ice.

"That's how it's done."

"Say that after it's over." At Yurio's comment he moved past JJ and went to the ice to get ready. Staring at the screen they both saw the over three hundred score.

"You placed higher last time so don't lose hope."

"I've got this."

"God I love you." Feeling Viktor kiss his cheek Yuri blushed as he tried to focus on their friends skate.

On the ice Yuri took a deep breath and got into position. Right now he had score over two twelve to beat Yurio. Shaking his head he wanted that thought gone. Just focus on the music and the story not the score. If he did he would get nervous and falter. Hearing the music start he started his program and thought about who it was for. Viktor was the strongest man he knew. He was dealing with so much right now with what was happening with him and Russia and yet he was here with them. He was supportive and always joking around. Sure, it was easy to see he was hurting but he wasn't ready to give in. Landing the quad flip he stole a glance his way. That was for him. He wanted to show his love to him and let him know he was appreciated. Always was and always would be. Together they would show the world that nothing was going to tear them down and they would have all of the happiness. He hoped Russia was watching. He hoped they saw that nothing they did would ever change how people felt. They were still human, and they were still loved. Going into the axel he gave a little fist pump to himself as he landed it perfectly and moved into the next sequence. He was going to have Viktor kiss this gold like he wanted. They were going to win here, go home and plan a wedding, buy a house and plan a beautiful future with their son.

Being embraced tightly as he came off the ice Yuri hugged his fiancée back as he felt Alexander want his attention and a hug. Grabbing him once he could they all sat together and waited for the score.

"No matter what happens after this I want you to know I have never been more proud of you."

"I love you Viktor."

"Love you too Yuri." Being hugged again they leaned against the other and waited.

The medal ceremony was unlike anything he could have imagined. It went the same as the others but to be on the top podium at World's was nothing he could have believed. Hearing his name from the sidelines he saw Phichit cheering for him alongside his fiancée and son. Holding up his medal he gave them a look that told them he couldn't believe it either. With a score of three hundred and twelve points he ended the season with a best record. He beat his old record by a solid two points. He also beat one of Viktor's old records as well. He felt a little bad that he did but Viktor was thrilled apparently.

Coming off the ice after Phichit ran up and hugged him tightly.

"Congratulations Yuri! World champion! Unbelievable."

"I know. I'm waiting to wake up."

"I didn't mean that you…that came out wrong." Being hugged again Yuri hugged him back before he let go and was taken in by Viktor's arms.

"I am so proud. I am engaged to the world champion."

"Oh my god!" At Phichit's sudden exclamation both pulled away for a moment to look at him. "Yuri! You're world champion. You took Viktor off." Looking at each other Yuri just realized the thought never came to him before. Viktor had been the World champion, until now."

"I didn't want to worry him but you are right Phichit. He did. I got beat by my fiancée."

"You wouldn't have if you kept going." Stopping at what he said he saw Viktor's eyes flash before he smiled. He shouldn't have said that. He knew everything Viktor was going through.

"I am an amazing coach. I got my student to surpass the master." As quickly as Yuri's words hit Viktor he bounced back even faster. "Phichit here, take a picture of us please."

"You got it Viktor." Being pulled close Yuri took a picture with Viktor and their son. Having a moment to themselves Yuri took his gold off and handed it to Viktor.

"Here. Please. I want you to kiss this. This is ours. I wouldn't have it if it wasn't for you." Having it gently taken from his hands he saw Viktor carefully bring it to his lips and kiss it before he brought it down and kissed Yuri.

Being called over for photos by officials Yuri ran over to them. The sooner they did this the sooner he could celebrate with everyone.

Going to banquet Yuri was told by Viktor's mother to have a good time and enjoy himself with Viktor while she babysat their son. He wasn't worried about that at all though he made sure his phone was charged in case he needed to be reached.

Being pushed closer by Phichit he was told to dance with his fiancée. Reminding his friend again that his very first grand prix banquet was not going to repeat he let Viktor pull him close to dance.

"Remember. I am not going to touch champagne."

"I'll protect you love no worries."

"I love you."

"I love you too. Congratulations again Yuri."