It's been a week since Viktor's seen Yuuri, but they've been staying in contact. Yuuri left the hospital in Hasetsu yesterday afternoon and said that he's almost in Russia. Viktor wants to be the first person to greet him, but he knows that's not something he'll get. He can be Yuuri's first visitor, though, and that's precisely what he's going to be.
He's stuck in one of those dull morning meetings with the other models and Yakov, but he lets himself enjoy the company for once. Not that he would've been allowed to skip it, but he can at least make the most of it. Yakov gave him a morning wake up call, or as Viktor would like to rename it, the morning "wake the hell up before I fire you" call. He's gotten used to getting those calls by now. He's back in a daily routine he hasn't been in for a while.
Another reason he's enjoying today's meeting is because everyone keeps interrupting Yakov to ask him why he went to Japan and for more details on Yuuri and their status together. Yakov is beyond annoyed at the chatter, but lets it slip a few times because he knows no one will pay attention to him otherwise.
"Viktor, Yuri, and Otabek, you three have a lot of collateral you have to pick up and handle. Yuri, you need to apologize to Mir Fantastiki for missing an interview and photo op. Otabek, you were scheduled for an audition for the chance to star in a movie. You can do what you want with that, but keep in mind that they requested you personally. Viktor, you'll need to see me after for a complete list of all you've missed in the past month. If you can ever make amends without issuing another public statement, I'll be impressed."
Everyone laughs at Viktor's expense, meanwhile the man himself has joined in on the laughter. He knows what he's done.
"As I was saying before, all of you are doing exactly what you need to, but I need you to keep up with it. I'll be making sure that demands are met and that you keep getting requested for bigger projects. Most of you are very well liked. I need the newer crew to step up and prove that you belong here. Do what you can to put your name out there. That means applying to auditions that slip past me, even smaller ones work too. Anything will help you in the long run."
Viktor ignores the rest of the talk Yakov's been intent on giving today because it's mostly focused on Yurio, Otabek, and a few others such as the Crispino twins. From across the table, Mila gives him a pointed look and casually taps her phone that's sitting on the table. Viktor follows the movement and slides his phone out of his pocket under the table. Quickly glancing at it so Yakov doesn't notice, he sees a new message from Mila sitting there. He glances around the room and pretends to look interested as he thumbs in the password he knows by heart and unlocks his device. It's a good thing he uses his phone religiously because in situations like this, he knows how to get to everything on his phone without looking at it. He sneaks a peek at his phone and scans the new message.
i need deets you didnt answer me at all when i txted :(
what happened with ur bf
Viktor turns to Mila and winks. He pays attention to whatever Yakov is saying and throws in a witty remark, so it looks like he's paying attention and then he's back on his phone to type out a response.
tell u l8r long story
Viktor watches as Mila looks at the message he sent her. She snaps her head up and frowns at him. Viktor laughs louder than he meant to and starts apologizing immediately once Yakov berates him for the rude behavior. Mila's laughing at him, but she's also shaking her head with that dangerous look in her eyes. It's the same look from when he first told her about Yuuri. She'll do anything to make him talk.
His phone lights up with a new message from her.
You better coffee at the cafe after?
Viktor pockets his phone and nods in her direction. It wouldn't be a regular meeting if they didn't head over there anyway.
He didn't realize how long they've been kept in the stuffy, office space until Yakov goes over everything he said in the meeting one last time. Yakov holds eye contact with Viktor and narrows his eyes before he tells everyone that they're excused.
"Not you, Viktor."
Viktor silently curses at himself for forgetting. Mila puts a hand on his shoulder as she's leaving and whispers that she'll be waiting in the cafe when he's done. Viktor plops down in one of the spinning chairs again and faces Yakov, who has both hands folded on the clear, glass table.
"Alright, how awful is my schedule for the next month?" Viktor slouches back in the chair, careful to keep his feet planted so he doesn't slide out of the chair.
"It's not. I wanted to ask about the kid you won't shut up about?"
"Yuuri?" Viktor fixes himself, so he's sitting upright. Talking about Yuuri will always fascinate him.
"I didn't mean the kid you always argue with. I meant the one you're apparently with."
"Yes, that's him. His name is Yuuri, too, but it's pronounced differently. You see, the 'u' is-"
"I get it."
"Why'd you want to talk about him?"
"Vitya," Yakov leans forward, "I've seen you get dragged around by the different people you kept around you. I don't need anything the media can get their hands on. We've had this discussion before. I'm asking you as someone who likes owning a business. I don't want it ruined by the likes of your stupidity."
"Wait a minute, are you asking if Yuuri is going to use me?" Viktor's eyes are practically falling out of his head they're so wide. He can't believe that Yakov would put Yuuri - his Yuuri - on the same level as the rich snobs Viktor had flings with.
"I'm asking if he's going to create a problem."
"Of course not!" Viktor stands up abruptly from his chair, sending it reeling against the wall from the sudden motion.
"That's all I needed to know. Now, leave. I want to get rid of the headache I have before I have to deal with more imbeciles."
It takes a moment for Viktor to even get himself to walk out the door, he's too busy trying to collect his thoughts. He shouldn't be too upset. Yakov's never met Yuuri for himself. Yakov just knows that Viktor dragged the poor man on TV to announce their relationship and whatever he's read in gossip magazines that've been sent to him. Viktor knows he should cut Yakov some slack for that accusation, but it still hurts him to know that Yakov thought Yuuri would intentionally hurt him like that. To use him.
He shakes his head to rid of the thoughts, instead thinking over the few days he spent with Yuuri in Japan so he can prepare to tell Mila. She'll want no details left out, so he has to make sure he remembers everything. As if it would be hard to remember anytime he's spent with Yuuri at all.
When he gets to the cafe down the block, Viktor scans the space for a bob of red hair. Sure enough, Mila is sitting against the window in their usual spot, waving her hand to get his attention. It would've been the first spot he'd look at, but he can't actually remember the last time he was here.
"I already ordered you a drink, so I'm glad you came sooner rather than later." Mila gestures towards the coffee cup sitting on the table in front of the empty seat.
"Thanks, Mila." Viktor sits down and picks up the coffee.
Mila continues to stare at him, coffee cup in one hand and the other propped up against her cheek. "Well?"
"The coffee is still warm."
"That's not what I meant, Viktor!" She whines as she throws herself backwards into her chair.
Viktor laughs. "I know what you meant. Yuuri is... I would like to think that we've gotten closer."
"How's he holding up, though?" She seems the flicker of sadness in Viktor's eyes and immediately regrets asking. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean- It's good to hear that you two are getting closer, but what happened that you think so? You owe me for not telling me anything since you got back last week."
Viktor fiddles with the brown cupholder around his cup, not making eye contact out of fear of what she's going to say. "I kissed him."
Mila smiles brightly and almost squeals before she realizes why Viktor looks worried. "Wait, you did what?"
"I said I-"
"I heard you!" Mila waves her hands frantically to get Viktor to stop talking. "How did you even manage that? Doesn't he always have professionals hanging around him? How long ago? Is that why You haven't taken those gloves off at all since you came home? I thought it was just a phase like the suspenders we told you to stop wearing! Viktor, are you serious?"
"I am. I don't regret it. Just thought you should know that." Viktor glances up to see her incredulous expression.
"You've done it now, Viktor. When?"
"Four days before I came home."
"Did you see anyone afterwards?"
"Should I have? I feel fine, but Chris was saying the same thing." Viktor casually takes a sip from his coffee cup. "I'm already taking as many precautions as I can."
"But Viktor, isn't that something you should consult a professional for?"
"What for? I don't want to be taken away from Yuuri when he might... I don't want to be away from him again. Do we not remember what happened the last time?"
"Yes, but don't you think you-"
"I'll check in with someone once I feel sick. Okay? I know what I should be looking for as well, so I'll know when something's wrong."
"If you say so, Viktor. Did anything else happen when you were over there?"
"Nothing much. That was pretty much the highlight of the trip. It was cut off after I was threatened with my job." Viktor sighs. "He is coming back to Russia, though."
"Why did he leave in the first place?" Mila leans forward on the table.
"It doesn't matter anymore. Everything is fine now." He doesn't want to talk about it or start anything.
Mila raises an eyebrow at him, knowing there's something Viktor is saying. "Hmm... that doesn't explain why Yuri and Otabek went to Japan before you and Chris did. It also doesn't explain why you refused to talk to Yuri most of this past week."
"Mila, drop it. I don't want to talk about it," Viktor snaps and takes a sip from his coffee.
Mila backs off with the questions but stares at Viktor, hoping he'll spill to fill the silence.
"I'm not going to tell you."
Mila sulks in the chair she's in. "Oh, come on, Viktor."
"Mila, I don't want-"
"Yo."
They both whipped their heads towards the entrance of the cafe to see Yurio and Otabek walking in. Neither of them speak as the younger two pull chairs over to join them.
"So, Viktor," Mila ignores the two that just joined them, "what happened?"
"I told you to stop, Mila."
Otabek whistles at the frustrated tone Viktor takes on.
"What do you want him to spill about?" Yuri props one of his elbows up on the table,
Mila smiles dangerously at Viktor and then turns to Yurio. "Maybe you can help. Do you know why Yuuri left here for Japan?"
Yuri stiffens and shifts awkwardly in his seat, side-eyeing Viktor for a little help. Viktor closes his eyes and taps a finger against his cheek, annoyed that Mila just won't leave it alone.
"Uh..."
Before Yurio can respond to Mila's question, Viktor abruptly stands up, scraping the legs of the chair against the floor loudly. "I need to go. I promised Yuuri I would call him." Viktor walks towards the exit, throwing his half empty cup of coffee away as his interest in it has faded.
Mila watches him walk down the sidewalk before glancing back at Yurio, who has already started getting ready to leave himself. "Where are you going?"
"Otabek and I were only dropping in to say hi. We made plans to hang out."
Otabek catches on and stands up to leave as well. He looks apologetically at Mila before following Yurio out of the cafe.
Mila frowns, both confused and annoyed at the sudden absence of her friends. But it's alright. She'll just get an answer out of Chris. Those three weren't the only ones in Japan after all.
.
. . .
.
Viktor pays the taxi driver before stepping out of the cab and walking towards the entrance of his building. He would walk into the building, but there are dozens of reporters swarming the front door. He sighs and smiles at the few who notice him, eventually gaining the attention of everyone there. He has to push through the frond of reporters who have begun throwing questions at him. It's confusing to him to see so many reporters outside his apartment. It hasn't been this busy since he got the cover for Times magazine. He hasn't done anything for at least a month, though, so this excitement doesn't make any sense.
Unless that's why they're after him now.
Once he makes his way to the entrance, Viktor puts a hand up to silence the crowd that's hovering over him. He points to one of the reporters whose face he's seen before.
"Mr. Nikiforov, is it true that you're thinking about retirement?"
Of course he was right.
"I have no plans at this time for retirement. I will take one more question."
THe crowd explodes into chaos as Viktor tries to pick out one question from the dozens that are being thrown his way. One question stands out from the rest.
"Mr. Nikiforov, did you go to Japan to see Mr. Katsuki? If that's true, then why wasn't he in Russia, where you said he was staying?"
Viktor hushes the crowd and ponders over how to answer it without dragging Yurio through the dirt. "I did. He left because he wanted to see his family for the first time in a few months. No more questions. Thank you everyone." He waves a hand over the crowd and enters his building.
Yakov would kill him worse than he already wants to. That's something he doesn't want to experience.
By the time he gets into his flat, he's worn down and exhausted, flopping down onto the couch. It doesn't take long for his phone to light up from the table where he's thrown it. Groaning, Viktor throws an arm over his eyes, wanting sleep more than anything. The phone goes dark, but it isn't long before the screen lights up again. Viktor sits up and grabs his phone, ready to give whoever it is a piece of his mind.
Only it's Yuuri.
Taking back his earlier thought, he picks up the phone curious to know why Yuuri is calling him. "Yuuri? What's wrong?"
"Huh? Nothing. I only wanted to hear your voice... Is everything alright with you?"
Viktor can imagine the blush on his pale cheeks. "I'm sorry. I'm fine. It's been a long day that's all."
"I can tell. Something you want to talk about?"
Guilty. That's how Viktor feels for making Yuuri concerned. "It's nothing I promise. Have you landed yet?"
"Yes, I got in a few hours ago. They keep running tests like getting airsick means I'm going to drop dead."
Viktor shouldn't laugh at that, but the way Yuuri said everything with such distaste makes him chuckle. "I'm sorry, love. It'll be over soon I'm sure. You get airsick?"
"When I'm on a flight longer than three or four hours, sure. I bet most people don't feel well after being on a flight for more than eleven hours."
"I'm not like most people then." Viktor hopes Yuuri can tease
"That's obvious. Most people wouldn't take two flights to a different country just to see the one person who broke up with them."
Viktor lies back down on the couch and stays silent. Well, Yuuri isn't wrong there. "You've got me."
"I'm sorry! I didn't-"
Yuuri's panicking. "Don't worry about it, Yuuri. I've already forgotten that it happened." He hasn't, but he's not going to hold it over him every time they talk. "Do you know when they'll start allowing visitors?"
"But Viktor-" Yuuri sighs, "I don't know. Probably when they finish with all the tests. I'll tell you as soon as I know."
Yuuri at least sounds like he's smiling now. "Perfect! I'll make sure I'm ready!"
Yuuri laughs. "You can't be ready to drop everything to see me at any point in the day. I don't even know when yet. I'll tell you during the day, so you aren't crawling out of bed to get to me."
"Yuuuuri, if you don't tell me exactly when they start allowing visitors, I'm going to call the hospital and make sure they call me immediately."
"Okay, okay! I'll tell you when exactly! Don't go out of your way just to know that!"
Now it's Viktor's turn to laugh. "Do you promise?"
"Yes, do you promise not to bother the hospital?"
"Of course. I'll let you get your sleep. You've got to be tired after flying for so long."
Yuuri sighs from the other end, and Viktor wishes for nothing more than to be with him. "You're tired, aren't you? Why didn't you just say so sooner? I could've called you tomorrow."
"No, it's okay! I mean yes I'm tired, but I don't mind a call from you no matter the time of day."
"Viktor, you're practically falling asleep on the other end." Yuuri's laugh is just as angelic as the day he met him. "I'm going to hang up, okay?"
"That's not okay."
"Vitya, go to sleep. I'll call again tomorrow."
"M'kay. Tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow. Goodnight, Vitya." Yuuri really is an angel.
"Night." Yuuri giggles and then hangs up.
Viktor lets his phone slip from his hands and fall to the floor. He's grateful for putting the rug there, even though he really should get up and plug it in for Yuuri's call tomorrow. Too tired. Too much effort. It doesn't take long before he's out like a light.
.
. . .
.
It's the first time he's been on set in a while. It's for a wedding company that handmade tuxedos with almost all of Yakov's models in mind. Apparently, it's because of a deal Yakov made with them a few months back when Viktor stopped paying attention to him. That's how Yakov worded it at least.
His tux is a satin white one with black lining on the lapels. It's a full set with a black pinstripe vest over a white shirt and bow tie that matches the vest. He's even been given black and white shoes to match. It's a classy look, one he would choose for himself. His mind almost slips into thinking what if Yuuri was in one, too. Almost. That wouldn't be fair if he did. To both him and Yuuri.
Mila shows up in the mirror behind him, smirking at the hopelessness on his face. "Daydreaming much?"
Viktor scowls and faces her, turning away from the mirror. "At least I'm a part of this shoot."
Mila scowls back at him. She was annoyed when she was told that she wouldn't be included in the shoot. She made an argument about how maybe she didn't want to wear a wedding dress on her day, but Yakov shot her down anyway.
"What are you salty about? I thought that kind of thing would make you happy." Mila reaches her hands up to fix Viktor's hair.
"It mostly makes me feel lonely." And upset. The thought isn't impossible, but it's still far away from the reality he's living in.
"What about Yuuri? I thought you two were all about each other." Mila puts one last strand into place before backing off, bewilderment clear on her face.
Viktor sighs and walks in the direction of the set up for the shoot. "It's not that easy, Mila. If it was, things would be different."
"So you're saying that because of his life-threatening disease, he can't experience having a wedding?" Mila gives him a pointed look, making Viktor turn red at the topic of conversation.
He thanks the heavens that he has his back facing Mila. She'd be smug if she saw his face. "That's not what I meant. I was thinking that it would be-"
"Of course that's what you meant." Chris blocks his path. He's wearing a tuxedo similar to Viktor's, only it's crimson where Viktor's is white and checkered instead of his pinstripes. He looks just as smug as Mila probably does.
It's not that he hasn't thought of that. A closed wedding with Yuuri, Yuuri's family, and Viktor's own "family". It would be adorable with their favorite colors surrounding them. Yuuri would be dashing in a tuxedo like the one Viktor gave him for their outing together. His hair would be gelled back. Viktor would gently slip a band uniting them together around his ring finger, while Yuuri did the same with the cutest blush adorning his cheeks. Everyone would cry. He would cry himself. Yuuri would be smiling. He would smile back. Then they would-
"-tor. Viktor!" Mila smacks Viktor's arm, snapping him out of his thoughts. The thoughts he was trying to repress.
Too late now.
"Yes?"
Mila and Chris share a look before walking away from Viktor together. "You're doing great for yourself, darling," Chris throws the words over his shoulder as they walk away.
Frowning, Viktor rushes to catch up, but his phone ringing in his pocket stops him short. How could he have forgotten that Yuuri was going to call him today? So much for his memory.
He fumbles for his phone, just barely getting it up to his ear instead of the ground. "Hi Yuuri~!"
Mila and Chris both turn around at the sound of his name.
"Hi, Viktor. Are you busy right now?"
Viktor frowns and looks down at the tuxedo he's wearing. "I'm at a shoot right now. Why?"
Yuuri clears his throat before speaking. "Well, Mr. Nikiforov, you have an invitation to visit Mr. Yuuri Katsuki at the hospital this afternoon. I hope you choose to accept his invite."
Viktor beams, absolutely ecstatic at the news. "Why, yes. Would you please give Mr. Katsuki my word that I will be there. I would hate for him to wait much longer without that knowledge."
Yuuri giggles as Viktor goes along with his little game. "I will tell him right away. He wishes you the best until then."
"And I, too. I love you, Yuuri. I will see you shortly."
"Awe, you ruined it." Yuuri doesn't sound disappointed at all. "I love you too, Vitya. See you soon!"
Viktor laughs as he ends the call and looks up to find his friends staring at him blankly. "What?"
Mila and Chris glance at each other and then smirk.
"Give Mr. Katsuki my word that I'll be there," Mila drools to Chris, deepening her voice to mock Viktor.
Chris dramatically throws his arm to his forehead, "I would hate for him to wait."
The two of them burst into laughter, high-fiving each other and walking back to the set.
Viktor rolls his eyes and trails behind them. "Haha, very funny." He's not too annoyed at his friends. The good mood Yuuri has put him in refuses to let him be that way.
"So when's the wedding?" Mila giggles over her shoulder at Viktor, who's stuck between rolling his eyes again and smiling like an idiot.
"We're not getting married."
"Oh, I see." Chris turns his head and winks. "No wedding. I understand."
Exasperated, Viktor throws his head back groaning. "Chris, there's no secret wedding either. It's not happening."
"What's not happening is that you're not working. Like usual." Yakov stands with his arms crossed, causing the three friends to take a step back. "Mila, why are you here? I already said you weren't a part of this."
"I designated myself as hair and makeup." Mila shrugs, smiling at Yakov as innocently as she isn't.
Yakov seems to not want to argue with her again, letting it slip for now. He points at Viktor and Chris and gives them the look of 'get back to work or else'. Viktor salutes him with a grin and heads off with Chris hot on his heels. As they're scurrying away, Chris puts a hand on his shoulder.
"You should visit him in that."
"I'm sorry, what?" Viktor splutters out, not quite sure if he heard Chris correctly.
"You heard me. Tell me how he reacts." Chris is about to walk away when Viktor grabs his wrist, dragging him back.
"I am not doing that. Besides, we're only wearing the suits for this shoot then they'll probably end up somewhere on display. We're not keeping them after."
"Who said we couldn't? I bet if you asked them to they'd give it up. They seem to like you better out of all of us anyway. If they say they aren't sure, then throw a few bills at them."
Viktor lets go of him and shakes his head. "That would be ridiculous."
"Then why are you smiling?" Chris snickers and starts talking to one of the directors on set.
It's like Chris said. Viktor finds himself smiling obnoxiously. As soon as he's found it, he wipes it away. Job. He has a job to do right now.
He's whisked away for individual shots before he's brought into group ones. That's when he sees Chris again, who nudges him. Viktor knows what he's silently asking, but he looks away without giving his friend an answer. It's almost the end of the shoot, and if he wants to do what Chris suggested, then it's almost time for him to ask. In his head, he knows that he shouldn't. It could be false hope. It could also be cruel to Yuuri. Not that he would admit it, but it would destroy him too if it ruins the atmosphere in the hospital room. Yuuri's no stranger to seeing him dressed up, though. He's come into the room before dressed in a nice suit. He doubts Yuuri remembers that, but it's a possibility. One that would help him if he decides to ask to keep the suit. Advertisement. That could be his excuse.
Milling over the different options, he forgets that he was taking photos and soon enough it's over. The shoots over, and now he has to make a decision.
Chris eyes him, and he can feel Mila's eyes on him as well.
Sighing, Viktor puts his charm on once more, walking over to the one in charge of the shoot who works for the company that made the suits. He's done this before. He knows who to go to.
"Hello." He smiles at the lady, almost overdoing it a little.
She looks up from what the photographer was showing her and smiles back at Viktor. "How can I help you, Mr. Nikiforov?"
"I would just like to thank you for having me. The suits are gorgeous, and nothing like the others I own or have tried on."
"If you're asking to keep the suit, then I apologize but you can't. We need them to advertise for our shop." She begins to walk away from Viktor.
Viktor turns to Chris who has been watching his every move and silently tells him that it's over. Chris thinks otherwise and motions for him to try again. Viktor sighs and follows the director, clearing his throat to get her attention.
"Would it be alright if I borrowed it for an hour or two?"
She suddenly whips around, making Viktor take a step back. "You're very persistent. Tell me, do you plan on getting married in an hour or two?" She quirks an eyebrow at him, and he laughs uneasily.
"No, I don't. I just-" How much is he going to tell her? "wanted to visit a friend. That's all." Viktor cringes internally at his own terrible excuse.
She looks amused. Much more so than he would've thought. "I'm only joking, Mr. Nikiforov. Of course you can have the suit. We have identicals made to put on display. Everyone here is going to keep what they wore today. Tell your friend, Mr. Katsuki, I said hello." She winks and walks away.
Viktor is stunned in place. He can't even believe how easy that was. Chris jogs over to him immediately, obviously curious as to what happened.
"And?"
"And I'm visiting Yuuri like this."
"No, you aren't." Mila drags him out of his reverie-like state, pulling him in the direction of the makeup counters. "I'm fixing you first."
.
. . .
.
Viktor's overdone. Way overdone.
Mila touched him up and restyled his hair, so it's gelled back to perfection. He hasn't been this overdone since the dancewear shoot he modeled for. That shoot would've been embarrassing, but everyone remembers him on the cover of Aria in the premium Stammi Vicino collection. It's what defined his career, oddly enough. Not one he loved personally, but what does he know?
Taking a deep breath, he steps out of the taxi, already thinking of the hundreds of different ways this meeting could go wrong. At least he brought the blue roses Yuuri loved so much the first time he brought for him. Maybe that'll help him. The lady at the front desk ogles at him when he enters. Definitely way overdone.
"Your name, sir?"
Viktor knows that she knows what his name is because it's Alina. The same woman, who's been working at the front desk since the day he started visiting the hospital. He's annoyed that she's stopping him now of all times.
Viktor leans against the front desk, already tapping his finger on the granite surface. "Alina, it's me, Viktor Nikiforov."
She laughs loudly, as if it was a simple mistake. Viktor isn't dumb. "Oh, of course. I'm sorry, Viktor. However could I forget someone like you?" She laughs again, louder and much more obnoxious as she types in his information.
"Simple slip of the mind. I understand," He gives her a fake chuckle in return.
Once she's done, she leans across the counter, closer to Viktor than he would like. "You're all set. I assume you're here for the new patient."
"He's a returning patient. Yuuri's been here before. Of course you would remember the name, though."
"Of course, of course." Her laughter dies down at the sound of the name, gives him the visitor's pass, and tells him he's okay to go.
Viktor's all but running down the hallway to get to Yuuri's room. The only reason he isn't running is because of the flowers. Those have to be in one piece for the lovely man. He pushes open the swinging doors and stops before entering the viewing room. He briefly glances down at himself, checking last minute details. He's going to look like an idiot, but at least he's Yuuri's idiot. Carefully he steps foot into the room, trying to avoid looking directly at Yuuri just yet.
He's expected to hear something from him by now, but there's no sound at all. Viktor thinks he's sleeping up until he looks up.
Yuuri's mouth is hanging open.
Viktor can't help but smile the brightest he's done in awhile, holding the flowers up higher against his chest. "Hello. I have a delivery of flowers for Mr. Yuuri Katsuki. I didn't mean to come as late as I did. I hope he can accept my sincerest apologies."
Yuuri's jaw moved to speak, but nothing came out. It took all of Viktor's being not to laugh.
"Would it be alright if I entered? Only if Mr. Katsuki is willing to accept me, that is."
Yuuri continues to sit in silence, only nodding his head to give Viktor the okay.
Viktor steps back into the darkness of the hallway before the viewing room and closes his fingers around the door handle of Yuuri's room. Technically, he knows he shouldn't be doing this considering how Chris was concerned over the first time. Chris also isn't here. He opens the door, and there Yuuri is, sitting on his bed gaping at Viktor as if he's going to disappear any moment now. It's the same look he gave him the first time he visited. Odd how reminiscent of that first day he is today.
After shutting the door behind himself, he lingers by the entrance longer than he should. He wants to cradle Yuuri in his arms, but he also likes the way Yuuri stares at him. It's a conflicting problem. In order to handle it, Viktor stalks into the room slowly, dragging out the seconds it takes to get to Yuuri's side while maintaining eye contact the entire time.
It's only when he sits next to Yuuri on his bed that Yuuri says something. "W-Why..." it's adorable how raspy his voice sounds, "m-must've been quite the shoot today..."
Viktor chuckles and leans over Yuuri to place the still-wrapped flowers in the empty vase behind him on the nightstand. He can hear Yuuri gulp as he does so. Interesting.
"Nothing too excited. Just a brand of tuxedos. They custom made a few for the different men under Yakov. I thankfully got picked to be in the shoot. I'll have to send you the prints when we get them." Why didn't he think of that before? He'll have to make sure he grabs a few to photo copy from Yakov.
"T-That would be nice. Thank you." Yuuri is still practically speechless. Very interesting indeed. "For the flowers and the prints!"
Viktor laughs again and places his hands on the space on the sheets behind him. "Do you like it? I wasn't sure if I would like the bright white on me, but after seeing the photos, I didn't look as washed out as I thought I would be."
Yuuri seems to be debating about a few different answers in his head. Viktor wishes he could hear them all. "It looks nice on you." His cheeks are crimson.
He needs to thank Chris for this ridiculous idea later. "Why thank you, Yuuri." He winks, and Yuuri all but combusts. "It is too much, though. I planned on being able to talk to, but now I'm not sure if that's going to happen." Viktor laughs heartily as Yuuri's cheeks refuse to let the color go from them.
"I-I'm sorry!" Yuuri sharply yanks his head down to look at his fingers, burying his teeth into his bottom lip.
"Nothing to be sorry about, love. It's mostly my fault." Viktor puts a finger under Yuuri's chin and directs his gaze back to Viktor's icy blue eyes. "Will you ever forgive me?"
"Yes." It's breathy, and it's a sound Viktor has to try not to gasp at because it's breathtaking.
Yuuri is breathtaking.
They stare at each other, wanting nothing more than to kiss the other, but Viktor holds back. He wants to, and he doesn't know why he just doesn't. Chris's words linger in his mind, but that shouldn't be enough to stop him now. Viktor sighs long and deep in his mind at his stupidity and leans forward to connect his lips to Yuuri's.
He really has to thank Chris now.
Yuuri has his fingers wrapped tightly around the lapels of his suit jacket, pulling Viktor as close as he can get. He doesn't complain, instead curling one hand in Yuuri's hair while the other holds his delicate waist firmly. It's a moment he wants burned into his memory forever, willing time to stop long enough for them to enjoy this peace of the other's company. Instead, it ends too soon, with Yuuri pulling back and gasping for breath. It's adorable how flushed his cheeks are, how tousled his hair is from Viktor's fingers, and how red and kissed-bruised his lips are.
Viktor smiles warmly at him, memorizing everything about the way Yuuri is looking at him now, embracing the image.
He doesn't want anything to take away what's his, but there's nothing he can do. He's hopeless to time and Yuuri. The very combination that will ruin him forever.