Yuuri woke up to find that Victor had already gone to work, which was to be expected with their new routine lately. He sat up in bed, rubbing his eyes. He barely remembered going to sleep after sex last night. He had been exhausted, but had tried for so long to hold onto consciousness as he cried into his pillow, needing to feel the sensation of Victor one last time.
He had decided that he was leaving.
Oleg had been right about everything. Realistically, what could Yuuri offer to a man who was such a beautiful talent, and who had everything? He was special, Yuuri had known that for years. When Victor had shown up in Hasetsu, and really ever since, Yuuri had felt like he was living in a dream. And now it seemed like it was time to wake up. He knew that Victor had a lot going on with work right now, and Yuuri himself had noticed that he was becoming nothing more than a burden to his husband lately. If anything, Oleg's words had just confirmed that other people saw the same thing he did: Yuuri was dragging Victor down. He was still young and had a whole life ahead of him, full of potential, and he didn't need to be tied to a second-rate skater and a baby that would just get in his way. It would be better for Victor if they both just disappeared, to allow him to start over.
Although he had already made up his mind last night that this course of action was best for Victor, solidifying his plans in the light of day brought a new realness to it. Yuuri pulled his knees up, drew the covers over his head, and cried. He didn't know how long he spent curled up in bed crying, but he only stopped when Aki's wail sounded over the baby monitor. Sniffling heavily, Yuuri fished his glasses off the nightstand and forced himself to get out of bed. Aki still needed him, even if Victor didn't.
He tried his best to hold on to that thought as he busied himself with packing. Since his mind was made up, it would be best if they left as soon as possible. He would have to just pack a few things for the both of them and then send someone back to collect the rest of their stuff once they had settled in. He briefly considered taking Makkachin, since he knew the poodle couldn't be left alone, but in the end he really was Victor's dog. Instead, he called the dog sitter and told her that they would be needing her services starting this afternoon, and that the key to the apartment would be under the mat.
More slowly than he wanted, and yet somehow more quickly, he packed up a suitcase for them, a carry-on diaper bag for the plane, and a few essentials. Putting Aki in her car seat, Yuuri gathered their things and stood at the door to the apartment, looking around. The thought came to him that it was likely the last time he would see this, and the last time it would be his home. A sudden sob choked his throat, and Makkachin, who was already confused by the bags, whined deep in his throat. Yuuri put his things down to throw his arms around the dog's neck one last time, then quickly stood and gathered everything up again. This time he didn't look back, shutting the door to his life with finality and sliding his key under the mat.
He had never flown with Aki before, but when he arrived at the airport the concierge had a lot of helpful advice for him as he was buying his ticket, so they managed the trip all right in the end. And having Aki to take care of distracted Yuuri from the constant need to cry in the back of his throat.
Even though he had managed to secure a direct flight, over nine hours in the plane was a lot for both of them to handle. All things told, by the time they landed in Saga, he was emotionally and physically exhausted. If Aki's crying was any indication, she was exhausted as well. He managed to get them into a taxi with their things and on the road to Hasetsu before they both fell into an uneasy sleep.
He was shaken awake by the driver when they reached his parents' inn. He managed to pay the man and collect Aki and their belongings together. Although in Russia it would be early evening, around time for dinner, in Japan it was into the early hours of the morning. Yuuri hadn't really considered this when he had been booking his flight, and hadn't even called his parents to let them know he was coming with the baby. He hesitated, trying to decide if he should go to a hotel for the night, when the door was opened and he came face-to-face with his father.
Toshiya blinked at his son for a moment. "Yuuri, what are you doing here?"
Yuuri smiled shakily. "Hi, Otousan. Sorry to show up in the middle of the night without calling, but...well, Aki and I need somewhere to stay for a while."
His father's gaze swept over the baby and their luggage, and he nodded, opening the door wider as he stepped outside. Grabbing the suitcase, he said, "Come on, Yuuri, I'll get you two settled into your old room. Try to be quiet so we don't wake up the women."
Yuuri tightened his grip on Aki's car seat, nodding silently as he tried to bite back his tears. While he felt a wash of gratitude at his father's immediate acceptance, there was nevertheless a cold squeeze around his heart as he stepped over the threshold of Yu-topia and shut the door behind him.