A/N: Hello, people!
I don't own Yuri on Ice.
I have no beta.
ENJOY!
CHECK ME OUT ON TUMBLR. HELLY-WATERMELONSMELLINFELLON.
The revelation of Yuuri's physical disadvantage lead to many more questions than anyone expected. He willingly answered the ones he could at the table of course. If only to shed some light for others. But he also made sure not to take too much time with answering because he was not the only person there and it wouldn't be fair to heis fellows if he monopolized the press. Yuuri was always so kind to people and always mindful of their feelings.
Q:
Why did you never tell anyone you were Deaf? Were you
trying to hide it because you were ashamed?
A:
No one asked. I don't volunteer information because that
would be really weird.
Q:
How did now one know you are Deaf? You've been figure
skating for many years and it's odd that no one seemed
to know.
A:
I suppose no one took a look at my profile or paperwork.
It is literally right at the top of the papers. I don't know
how anyone could have missed it. Just because we didn't
advertise it, didn't mean it wasn't obvious if you bothered
to look.
Q:
How are you able to skate so proficiently despite not
hearing the music? Certainly it would be a lot harder for
you to do?
A:
You don't need to hear music to be able to move your
body. Just as you don't need to be able to hear in order
to learn how to skate. No skater starts off skating to
music. It takes continual repetition and determination if
you want to be a skater.
And there are methods to use to get the same results. If
you are going to memorize a routine, then memorizing the
timing shouldn't be too much more work. It requires a
coach and choreographer who can work with you as you
need them to.
Just because I had to do more work doesn't mean it was
impossible. I'm sitting at the center of the table, aren't I?
Q:
Can you describe your experience as a Deaf skater and the
work you have to do to get the same results as your fellow
competitors? You mentioned having people working with
you as you need them to.
A:
Ever since I was young, I would memorize the timing of the
music and the proper movements in tandem. And
Minako-sensei had a large speaker that I would lay on so
I could feel the beats and vibrations of the music, to get a
better idea of what I was working with. It helps familiarize
oneself with the music.
Overall, it's a lot of work but it's worth it. I keep count in my
head, so I know when to deviate if I'm uncomfortable or
want to challenge myself. When you know your routine so
intimately, it's easier to work it out.
Q:
Did your former coach know about your Deafness?
A:
Yes he did, and he tried his best to help me as I needed.
Celestino was a good coach, though in all honesty I don't
believe he was the coach I needed. There were far too many
of us under his tutelage for him to dedicate the proper time
to me. He has four skaters still, so it was only right that I
got out of his hair.
But he was the first coach to take me seriously as a skater
when he learned of my Deafness. For that, I thank him. He
helped me believe in myself.
Eventually, Yuuri had to relegate any other questions to interview times, so that Yurio and Chris could both get some time to speak. Afterward, Victor welcomed his fiance with open arms, mindful of the people watching them and not giving a damn what anyone had to think. He got to kiss Yuuri again and he got cuddles too. Victor would take whatever he could.
And this also meant that signing didn't have to be hidden any longer, which was great for the both of them! 'Yuuri, I'm so proud of you! You've just achieved so many levels of greatness at once I can't properly express my feelings like this!'
'Then just say them. Or text them.'
Victor took up Yuuri's hands and placed several kisses on his chilled knuckles. Staring at his gold medalist fiance, he said, "You continue to amaze me, Yuuri. I love you so much that it hurts sometimes."
A silly smile spread across Yuuri's face. "You've beaten me to it again. Though it's coming a little late, I hope you know that I love you as well. It's hard not to." And those words could have made him float.
Unfortunately, their cute moment was interrupted by a nearby reporter who asked for a moment of Victor's attention. And Yuuri prodded him forward, murmuring that it would be rude to ignore anyone. As usual. Always observing the social niceties when Victor couldn't find it in himself to give a damn.
"Hello!" Victor greeted the woman cheerfully, though his smile wasn't all that genuine. They were taking away from his time with Yuuri after all. That was an unacceptable thing. Just because he had to be decent didn't mean he had to be kind. Sometimes Victor could be very spiteful and rude.
The woman was holding up a notepad and a bland pen. Her eyeliner was poorly applied and the realization lightened Victor's mood considerably when she finally got around to asking him a question. "Mr. Nikiforov, I was hoping I could ask you a few questions regarding this past season and your plans for the future?"
"Go ahead, miss."
"I noticed that you and Mr. Katsuki were signing just now. Have you always known how to sign, or is this a new occurrence?"
Victor was beaming. "My Yuuri knows Japanese and American Sign Language. As both of us learned English from an American instructor, I figured that learning ASL would be the best for me to communicate with him. It's been a lot of work, but I feel it's worth it since knowing the Sign Language of your particular region is beneficial in so many ways, as Yuuri has taught me. I will begin learning Russian Sign Language soon enough, in order to broaden my knowledge and conversational ability."
The woman nodded as she wrote some things down on her notepad. The camera man beside her looked shocked. "Earlier this year you stated that you would be taking a year off. Do you intend to return to competitive skating, or are you planning your retirement?"
Victor smiled then, finding this question much more preferable than any other he had mentally conjured up. Raising his hands to sign, Victor proceeded to carefully answer aloud, while trying to keep his hands moving at the right moment. Speaking and signing at the same time was hard and he wasn't that good at it yet, but he wanted this put across clearly.
"I... will not be returning to skating. As of now, this is my official statement about my retirement. I will remain Yuuri's coach until Yuuri is ready to retire."
He glanced at his lover to see if he was paying attention. And indeed, Yuuri's eyes were fixated on his hands.
Good. Just what he needed.
Victor was retiring officially. Yuuri almost sighed at the thought. He knew how Victor felt about performing competitively. He couldn't fault the man for wanting to avoid that personally for the rest of his life. He was just a little sad over it. Yet he was also happy that Victor had made the decision and was completely sure of himself. That he'd taken the time off and actually came to understand himself and where he stood.
Yuuri kept his eyes firmly on Victor's hands. For some reason he had decided to sign and speak at the same time, and was giving greater care to his choice of words. And after a moment of stillness, those hands began to move again. Slim fingers conveying a message for all to see, even if they didn't understand.
'I've been thinking about my time once Yuuri has retired completely. About what I can do to remain in the figure skating world. I love skating and I don't want to leave for good, even if I'm not competing any longer.'
Victor looked at Yuuri for a split second, where he grinned and then focused his attention back on the reporter. 'I've decided that I want to open a school to teach people of all ages how to skate. It could be really good.'
Of course that would be something that Victor would do. Skating instructor would certainly be something he would be good at. He'd ended up being a very good coach despite having no prior experience.
'However... it'll be a skating school for the D/deaf and Hard of Hearing.'
Yuuri blinked when he saw the last signs. He had to blink again, wondering if he had imagined it. But no. Victor was signing some more.
'Yes, it'll be a school for D/deaf/HoH people only.'
Victor wanted to teach other Deaf people how to skate. He wanted to help in a way that he knew he could. That would be beneficial to others. And Yuuri's throat closed up instantly as he tried very hard to withhold the tears. It didn't work though. They fell and his throat constricted around nothing, his hands beginning to shake in response to the sudden revelation of Victor's future plans.
Victor turned to Yuuri, hands and mouth asking, 'Will you help me, Yuuri?' He really didn't deserve Victor Nikiforov, but he was so thankful to have him.
"Yeah," Yuuri managed to say, though he knew it had to have been hard to understand due to the ridiculous amount of shaking he was trying to fight through. His throat hurt so much in the attempt to halt the sobs.
As Victor pulled him in for a tight embrace, Yuuri swore up and down that if anyone ever claimed his fiance was selfish, he's fucking deck them. Victor Nikiforov was a damn gift that no one deserved.
{Japan's Top Skater, Katsuki Yuuri Has Just Proven Why he's the Man to Beat![LINK] #Victuuri}
{OMG! Yaaaaaaasssssss I AGREE!~~ #KatsukiYuuri Katsu-ki v-nikiforov [LINK]}
{Holy shit he's deaf! GPFOfficial v-nikiforov Katsu-ki How did he do all that while deaf?}
{i can't believe how much he's accomplished [LINK] #KatsukiYuuri}
{[LINK] my jaw is on the floor guys! #Damn :D}
{#KatsukiYuuri is sexier with his glasses on when his hair is slicked back.}
|
{OMG YES! Totally! #KatsukiYuuri}
{ v-nikiforov and Katsu-ki got engaged! He gave Victor the medal and everything! #Victuuri ffsfsfagcksdbckslasbfkasj}
{#Victuuri is pronounced like Victory in case anyone was wondering! v-nikiforov Katsu-ki}
{My skin is clear, my crops are flourishing, the sun is shining, life is good. #KatsukiYuuri [LINK]}
{no words can even describe [LINK] #Victuuri}
|
{How come he never said anything huh? seems more like he's embarrassed to be deaf. not much of an example is he?}
||
{He doesn't have to tell anyone a damn thing about himself you asshole! #KatsukiYuuri}
|||
{THIS!^^^ HE DESERVES HIS PRIVACY LIKE ANYONE ELSE! Katsu-ki}
||||
{Also, it's not like it isn't there. He was right, it's one of the first things on his profile. No one paid attention.}
|||||
{he IS a role model bruh shut the fuck up with ur dumb ass #KatsukiYuuri #KIllinIt}
{[LINK] The most important question though. WHEN IS THE WEDDING? #KATSUKIYUURI #Victuuri v-nikiforov Katsu-ki}
{Victor Nikiforov wants to open a skating school for only deaf people. That's not fair! #HearingPhobic}
|
{It is damn well fair! How many skating schools are catering to only hearing people? That's right. All of them, bitch!}
||
{'HearingPhobic' are you fucking kidding me rn?}
|||
{Check your privilege tootz and maybe you'll see just why such a thing is important for not only HoH/Deaf folks.}
||||
{Hearing Phobic my ass. His fiance is fucking Deaf and god-for-fucking-bid he stand up for a good cause! v-nikiforov #KatsukiYuuri}
|||||
{Well I happen to think it's a good idea. Fuck off with your useless comments.}
{ v-nikiforov would forget his own dick if it wasn't attached. He won't hold up.}
|
{Yes, he certainly won't remember a promise he made on international television that has to do with his fiance. NOPE. NOT AT ALL.}
||
{u sir r a dumbass}
{Did v-nikiforov and Katsu-ki adopt y-plisetsky? #Victuri #FamilyFluff #KatsukiYuuri}
{BUM BUM BA-BUM the wedding bells will be gold too I can't wait! #Victuuri}
{I am so happy right now. [LINK] #KatsukiYuuri is an angel and a godsend}
{As a Deaf teen who wanted to become a dancer but was told I couldn't because it was 'impossible', I'm so motivated by #KatsukiYuuri}
{#KatsukiYuuri is bae. #Goals I wonder if he can gloss?}
{ v-nikiforov you have picked the coolest bloke ever #KatsukiYuuri Katsu-ki Many happy returns to you both!}
{Crying #KatsukiYuuri broke me and healed me all at once today! [LINK] GPFOfficial Katsu-ki}
"Don't tell me you're cold," Chris whispered to Victor who was standing by the rink, dressed in a very fluffy and long trench coat. "What happened to the whole 'I'm Russian and no temperature can bother me'?"
Victor merely shot this friend a wide smile and glanced down at their feet for a second. Chris looked down as well and noticed the skates on Victor's feet. The golden blades standing out in the darkened room. Both men shared a look.
"Damn," Chris murmured. "You do love your surprises."
Yuuri was out on the ice, beginning Stammi Vicino in Victor's place, the costume that Victor had ordered for him looking dashing under the blue lights. Victor shed his coat, handing it off to Chris who let out a low whistle in response to Victor's familiar yet different costume.
"You've got it bad," the man stated softly.
"Happily so."
"At least you're perfect for each other. Surprises seem to be your thing as a couple. I hope this goes on for decades if it's got you this happy all the time," his friend said almost wistfully. Even Chris had noticed that he hadn't been happy anymore. But he was happy now, and Chris supported he and Yuuri.
Victor stepped onto the ice, his hand wrapping around Yuuri's trim waist as the cheers of the crowd sounded all around them. And Yuuri's hand trailed down the side of his face as they took each other's hands.
It was the best exhibition that Victor had ever taken part in. He hoped he and Yuuri could do this for many years to come.
Love Conquers is Proud to Reveal the Interview of All Interviews!
With Katsuki Yuuri and Victor Nikiforov
by Rory Fitzgerald
Rory: It's nice to meet you both. I must admit that I'm a huge fan of figure skating and
have followed you both for quite some time. Thank you for agreeing to an interview
with LC, we really appreciate it.
Yuuri: I'm very happy to meet you. [nods head]
Victor: It's a pleasure, truly.
Yuuri: LC was the best magazine out of all that offered, truthfully.
Rory: Thank you! The higher ups will appreciate it very much. Now, I'm sure there is
something we are all curious to know about. Have you both set a date yet or is that
still up in the air?
Victor: April ninth actually. It's the anniversary of when I invited myself into Yuuri's life.
It was almost the tenth, but we decided we liked 9 more than 10.
Yuuri: Yeah. We considered our own birthdays, but there was something special about
that day. He brought a snowstorm with him and everything, and I ended up walking in
on him in the onsen!
Rory: Really? All those jokes about you being like a storm on skates were true after all?
Victor: People have said things like that?
Rory & Yuuri: Yes.
Yuuri: Beautiful and deadly even.
Victor: Thanks, kotyonok(kitten). [kisses Yuuri's cheek]
Yuuri: It's the truth.
Rory: Now, I wanted to asked this but if you are not comfortable do not feel pressed to
answer, okay?
Victor: Go for it!
Rory: Thank you. What exactly was it that changed in your relationship from coach and
student to lovers? Footage of the Onsen on Ice challenge seemed to show one type of
relationship, but then mere months later, it looked different when at the very first
assignment back in China.
Yuuri: [grins] The attraction was always there. We just steadily got closer and closer as
the weeks passed. And Victor is clingy.
Victor: I found myself thinking of him a lot more than usual. Appreciating everything
about him. Though I would say it was officially after the kiss in China. We went home
and talked about it and that was that. Though nothing really changed all too much.
Rory: And has it been as magical as it appears?
Yuuri: Nope! [he laughs] This man is a pain in the a** if you'll pardon the language. He
does not go easy on me in practice, he is relentless in his coaching, brutally honest
when he needs to be, and like any other person, he makes mistakes. He isn't perfect
despite how some think he is. I love that about him.
Victor: And Yuuri can be frustrating at times, though that can be attributed to both
of us not knowing how to properly express ourselves. We have our moments and our
little spats, but they're rarely longer than a few hours, and we somehow end up
cuddling on the sofa in the end when everything is fine again. [he reaches out and
takes Yuuri's hand] [both smile]
Rory: Many fans have wondered over your relationship with rising Russian star, Yuri
Plisetsky? We all noticed a significant change in his demeanor and wondered if it had
anything to do with you both?
Yuuri: Yurio - our nickname for him - is just being a teenager. You'd be surprised what
happens when you treat a teen like a person whose opinion actually matters. He seems
to have warmed up a lot.
Victor: Yurio is a good boy. His attitude leaves a lot to be desired at times, but beneath
all the frizzle he is good. We love him.
Yuuri: He's like our son. And no, Yurio, we aren't taking it back. [both he and Victor
giggle and share a look]
Rory: Have you thought about adopting at all? Or is Mr. Plisetsky enough for you?
Yuuri: Not everyone wants to have children. We've discussed it in detail and decided that
we really don't need or want to have any children. [he shrugs]
Victor: Some would call it 'selfish' of us, but it's just our preference. We're far too
dedicated to each other and our sport to make room for a new, little person who will
be needing to rely on us.
Yuuri: Despite how self-sufficient we are, we wouldn't be ready for such responsibility
any time soon. Victor still leaves Makka out at times and loses his cellphone even after
just using it.
Victor: It was twice and on accident, I swear! [shrugs]
Rory: You both are so adorable! Have you considered where you'll be opening your joint
school? I've personally been looking forward to any news of it.
Yuuri: The USA. We both know ASL, so it only makes sense. I'm sure we could get a lot
done if we pull enough strings between us.
Rory: Ambitious. Do you have an estimated time frame?
Victor: Within the next two years at least.
Yuuri: Yes, we've begun scouting buildings already. It's been a lot of fun to plan for.
Structure, size, and of course the inside and how to keep everyone of different ages
interested.
Rory: Any plans in mind for fees and such, or is that too far ahead right now?
Victor: Much too far ahead. Though I can honestly tell you that it won't be ridiculously
expensive.
Yuuri: We're trying to make the way easier after all, not harder.
Victor: And I can't wait to teach others too! [he excitedly bounces in his chair]
Rory: It seems like you've really put a lot of thought into this. Any chance we can find out
the name?
Victor & Yuuri: [beaming] On Ice.
Yuuri: It just seemed fitting, you know? And we've already gotten a copyright already.
Victor: And as it was inspired by my Yuuri, of course I would name it after the music that
inspired his Free Program from his 2016-2017 season!
Rory: I like it. Did it take long to choose?
Yuuri: Don't let him fool you. It took weeks of tears and crumpled up papers in the waste
bin before he finally sat up one day and went "on ice". [laughs] He's such a dork at times.
Victor: Yuuuuuri! Don't ruin my coolness like that.
Yuuri: "Coolness" isn't even a word. You've ruined whatever you had all on your own,
Vitya.
Victor: [places hand over his chest] To think I trusted you! [he is grinning though]
Rory: I watched your live stream to bring awareness to the Deaf Community the other
night. I was moved to tears by what you both had to say and the examples that you read
aloud from some of your viewers. What has it been like in these past several months as
you bring more attention to the Deaf Community?
Yuuri: Somewhat exhausting, yet fun at the same time. It's worth every minute. Even
when you have the ignorant trolls trying to burn you. Knowing that I irritate someone
that much amuses me greatly. [smirking and shaking his head]
Victor: I'm glad to be participating in this. When I learned of Yuuri's Deafness, I was so
amazed because I know the hard work that goes into this profession, and to know that
he had gotten so far while being unable to hear, was amazing. He's truly a better
skater than I am, and his hard work proves it. [places a kiss on Yuuri's knuckles]
Rory: Victor, some of us are obviously curious about what you did first when you
learned that your student was Deaf?
Victor: I immediately opened up the web browser on my mobile phone and started to
look things up. I asked his ballet instructor Minako, for advice on learning a form of Sign
Language. She was very helpful and had a lot of advice!
Yuuri: He came to me with so many questions! And I could tell how he genuinely wanted
to learn, so I started teaching him ASL personally. He's really improved and can even
sign and speak at the same time.
Victor: Only with your help, love. [he blows his fiance a kiss] Being in Yuuri's life brought
my attention to many things, and I realized that ignorance is no excuse. Which was why
I made it a point to learn all I could from various sources and Yuuri himself.
Yuuri: I couldn't be more proud. Saying is one thing, but doing is another.
Victor: And I'll keep doing for as long as I can.
Rory: Once again, you both are adorable. Now, we only have a few moments left
unfortunately, but I was hoping we could finish this interview off with something cute.
A cute story for the readers to take with them?
Yuuri: Never forget that Victor Nikiforov, 5 Time World Champion of Senior Men's
Singles Figure Skating, fell off his bike when he tried to ride it last month. It was not
the first time he rode a bike either. So be aware that even champions fall every now
and then. Nor are they perfect.
Victor: [sticks his tongue out] And you all should know that Katsuki Yuuri hates
anything hot. He accidentally grabbed a handful of Atomic Fireballs during our last
trip to Disney and put them all in his mouth at once, thinking they were gumballs.
Imagine it for a moment. It was hilarious.
Yuuri: How was I supposed to know?!
Victor: The bucket didn't say 'gum'.
Rory: Unfortunately, this is where we have to say goodbye. Thank you for you time,
gentlemen.
Victor & Yuuri: It's been a pleasure! [dual winks]
{5 Years Later}
'Mommy, why are we here?' asked Mara as she stared up at the big building.
'Because there's something I want to show you.'
'What does the sign say?'
'"Nothing is impossible." It's in French.'
The seven year old stared up at the blue building that was shaped weird. She liked it though. It was big and blue with white clouds painted on the side. It was probably huge inside.
Beside her, her mommy was smiling. She wouldn't tell Mara why they were there though. 'Let's go inside. Okay? Grab my hand as we cross.'
The two made their way through the double doors where they found a big room filled with all sorts of toys and bookshelves. Some strangely colored lights dangled from the ceiling. There was a big TV on the far wall. Off to the side was a big counter like at McDonald's, and a pretty lady with red hair and freckles was leaning on it while she ate an apple.
She looked up and grinned when she saw them, waving excitedly. Her blue eyes then landed on Mara. Then her hands were moving. 'Hello! My name is N-A-T-A-L-I-E. Nice to meet you!'
Mara's eyes went wide and she turned to her mother, who was smiling widely, and excitedly signed, 'Mommy, she's signing! She knows!'
'I know. She has something to give you.'
Natalie reached under the counter and held up a bright orange pair of skates. Ice skates. Mara stared at them in awe. Orange was the best color ever and the skates were so cool.
Once they were on the table, Natalie signed, 'These are for you.'
'Me?' For Mara?
Natalie was nodding repeatedly. 'Let's get you laced up. We have a surprise for you!'
Once Mara was properly fitted, her mother and Natalie lead her through another pair of double doors, and she found herself faced with a wide ice rink where several people were skating. Some holding onto chairs and others holding hands.
She was going to get to skate!
A tall man with silver hair came over. His smile was warm and friendly and Mara gaped at how pretty he was. Like a prince.
'Hi. My name is V-I-C-T-O-R. I teach people how to skate, here at On Ice,' the man signed.
Unable to help herself, Mara turned to her mother again. 'He can sign too!'
Her mommy smiled and nodded. 'Everyone here can sign.'
Everyone. Looking out at the group of people on the ice, people who could sign too, Mara gaped again.
'There's so many,' she signed, amazed by the amount of people.
Victor nodded, capturing her attention once again. 'They are all Deaf or Hard of Hearing too. That's what this school is for. To teach D/deaf/HoH people how to skate.'
Her jaw dropped. There were so many people in this one room! So many people just like her who got to skate!
And she was going to learn how to skate. Just when she thought she couldn't.
'But I can't hear,' she pointed out. 'Will I ever be able to skate on TV like Y-U-N-A K-I-M did?'
Victor smiled and waved his right hand to the side. Another man skated over. He was smaller than Victor, but a lot cuter too with chubby cheeks like Mara's. His eyes were kind and reminded her of melted chocolate.
'This is my husband, Y-U-U-R-I,' Victor signed. 'He's the first Deaf person who managed to compete internationally and he set many World Records, many times. He helped me start On Ice.'
'Hello,' Yuuri signed, smiling widely. 'It's nice to meet you. I can't wait to start working with you! With hard work you'll be able to do anything you set your mind to. Like I did.'
The realization of just what was going on finally it her, and Mara had to bury her face in her mother's hip so she could cry peacefully.
She actually had a chance. She could be a figure skater too.
'Thank you,' she signed through her tears. 'Thank you for being here to help me.'
Because at On Ice, nothing was impossible. If you worked hard enough.
A/N: Done!
There is one final chapter despite this being the end.
People wanted an extra bit because of the end of the
chapter being a prelude to the future. They wanted a
peek at the future. So a peek they got after 9 months
past the finish. At first the fic was 73K words long
but the 9 months since it was finished was spent with
me revising. The fic was 100+K when I was finished.
The AO3 readers were thrilled.
How was it? Let me know!
Check out my other Yuri On Ice fics!
Ja ne! :D
CHECK ME OUT ON TUMBLR. HELLY-WATERMELONSMELLINFELLON.