Viktor couldn't remember the last time he felt this type of giddiness before stepping out onto the ice. Junior's, maybe? Maybe even before that. Thing was, it wasn't the skating he was anxiously excited about, but the talk with Yuuri that was promised. They could finally clear the air of everything, and he was sure whatever it was would only bring them closer together. So what if Yuuri had some flaws? Everyone did, and Viktor would love him flaws and all. If he could get past him being Yakuza, surely he could get past anything else?

Speaking of flaws, he had an unfortunate step out of his triple axel, but it was nowhere near enough of a mistake for Chris to catch him on the podium. Gold aside, Yakov was still sporting a frown and reminded him that they'd be having a sit down discussion when they returned to Russia about Yuuri. He'd worry about that later. Now, he didn't care.

Yuuri showered him with flowers and kisses, but was overall silent on their way back to the hotel. Viktor could practically taste the nervous energy around him and his eyes caught the omega fiddling with the fabric of his clothing in the car. Placing a hand on top of his, he tried to comfort Yuuri. The omega stopped fiddling, but his skin seemed cold to the touch. Viktor distracted himself with Kenjirou's excited chatter from the front seat about his performance.

"I'm sure you want to shower," Yuuri commented as they finally keyed into the room, bending down to give Vicchan a pat.

He did, but not alone. "You're welcome to join me."

Yuuri was silent as he gave Vicchan a few more pets, then slowly rose. "I'm ok. I need to gather my thoughts."

Viktor opened his mouth to try and press the issue, but thought better of it. "Ok, but Yuuri? You don't need to be so nervous. I promise whatever it is you have to say, it won't change how I feel about you."

Yuuri let out a small scoff and forced a smile. "You shouldn't say things like that before you actually hear it. Go shower, Vitya."

Reluctantly, Viktor retreated to the bathroom and turned the water on as hot as it would go before he started to undress. What could Yuuri possibly even say that would turn away? That he killed people? Viktor already knew that and he was still here. Momentarily, he pushed the thoughts away as he enjoyed the hot stream on his sore muscles. He really was getting older. The soreness hit so much quicker after a performance these days. After starting to prune, he finally toweled off and slipped into one of the overly plush robes. Yuuri was pacing around the room.

"Yuuri? How about we order up a bottle of champagne?" Viktor suggested. "To celebrate and ease the tension."

Yuuri let out a slightly relieved huff. "Yes. That-that sounds like a good idea."

Viktor picked up the receiver to the phone and placed the order. "Why don't you slip into something a little more comfortable while we wait?" Yuuri was still in his full suit and it looked like it was suffocating him in his already anxious state.

"Right," Yuuri mumbled softly, opening up a drawer and pulling out a set of sweats. His fingers shook as he reached up to undo his tie.

Viktor's alpha was screaming to comfort his mate, but he swallowed it down the best he could. By the time Yuuri had changed there was a knock on the door and Viktor got up off the bed to answer it. Setting the bottle on the table he fetched two glasses and filled them up. "Where would you rather sit?"

"I'll stand," Yuuri answered as he took one of the glasses.

"Yuuri." Viktor put a little bit of force behind it.

Taking a giant gulp that emptied half the glass, Yuuri held it out for Viktor to refill. "Fine, ok. The bed, I guess."

They both took a seat on the bed and Vicchan hopped up to settle between them happily. Yuuri placed his free hand on the poodle as an anchor. "Where to even begin?"

"At the beginning, usually is best," Viktor teased him, attempting to lighten the mood even a little.

It worked a smidge, Yuuri giving him a small smile. "Right. Well." He pressed his glasses up on his nose. "It starts with me being an omega, really. Things are so much better than they used to be, but Japan still isn't exactly progressive when it comes to omega rights."

Viktor nodded. Russia wasn't either, frankly. If an omega wasn't able to become an athlete - something of worth to the country - they were treated horribly.

"It's even worse among the Yakuza," Yuuri continued. "Omegas are nothing more than a means to an heir and an arm piece. My parents weren't like that, though. My dad really loves my mother so much, and he wanted a better life for me than that. With my sister showing signs of presenting as an alpha so early, they knew that she could take over the family business. This allowed them to give me more allowances to do what I wanted. They allowed me to skate."

And yet, he still ended up in the Yakuza. Viktor kept his mouth shut. Yuuri would get there.

"For years I was happy and blissfully ignorant of anything to do with the Yakuza," Yuuri told him. There was a glimmer of joy at the memory. "I worked hard every day so that I could one day meet you on the ice. I even moved to America to go to school and train with Celestino."

"And you met Phichit," Viktor added, still feeling a hint of jealousy.

Yuuri nodded. "We became best friends almost instantly. I was so nervous being in a new country and a foreign language. Without him I know I wouldn't have been able to do it. We really supported and pushed each other out on the ice. Celestino decided to keep me back in Junior's another year, not wanting to put so much pressure on me after such drastic life changes."

"Smart move," Viktor nodded. "Especially since, if I recall, you were on the podium at World's that year."

There wasn't a smile at that, even though there should have been. "Yes. I felt so confident about moving up to Senior's the next year. I was really at an all-time high. That summer, I invited Phichit to Hasetsu to visit. That's…," Yuuri lowered his gaze and his hand tightened around the champagne flute. "That's when everything changed."

Yuuri paused a moment, taking another long sip. "There's a Yakuza tradition called The Hunt. It's pretty much just like it sounds. Alpha sons and daughters of clan leaders go out and hunt down an omega of their choice and claim them."

Viktor's eyes went wide and he sucked in a breath. "Just any omega? Even if they aren't Yakuza?"

"Yes," Yuuri confirmed. "Any omega that they wanted. Since Hasetsu is a small town and wasn't occupied by a clan as a headquarters, none of us thought that we would see The Hunt. We hadn't in previous years, so why now? I suppose the difference was that I'd been away...but then I wasn't."

Viktor could feel his skin go cold, very quickly putting the pieces together of where this was going. "They hunted you."

"Yes," Yuuri whispered. Swallowing hard, he leaned forward and placed his glass on the nightstand. "They cornered us at the rink. It was just us. We tried to run, but there were too many of them, and they were ready for us. I-," Yuuri squeezed his eyes shut and let out a shuddered breath as he reached up to pull at his collar. "They pinned me down, and even though I put up as much fight as I could, I was bitten."

Leaning forward, Viktor looked. He hadn't noticed a scar before and it took him really looking to find it now, as it was covered by ink. "But...you aren't claimed. I don't smell another alpha on you."

Shaking his head, Yuuri let go of the collar. "No. The mark didn't take. In fact, my body rejected him so badly that it physically hurt him and that...that made him very angry." Vicchan gave a whimper and climbed into Yuuri's lap. "I guess he decided if I couldn't be his mate, then I would never be happy. They beat me until one leg and one ankle was broken. I can still-," Yuuri paused, his lip trembling, "I can still hear Phichit's screams as he fought so hard to stop it. He broke one of the alpha's noses, at least."

Viktor blinked and tears fell. How could Yuuri possibly think this would turn him away? If anything, he wanted to hold him closer and never let anyone ever hurt him again. How? How could anyone do such a thing? "Yuuri...I'm so so sorry. No one deserves that. No one."

Yuuri's eyes were wet, but he didn't cry. "I never really recovered from that night, Vitya. Physically, I guess I did, but mentally...I...I changed."

"Of course you did," Viktor wiped his eyes, "That kind of trauma would change anyone."

Yuuri shook his head. "No, Vitya. It's more than just that. I...that night...I became two different people. I'm no longer just Yuuri. There's another side of me. A dangerous side of me. We call him Omega, for that's what he is. The primal side of me."

"I don't…," Viktor tried to take in everything Yuuri was saying. Another side of him. A dangerous side. A...wait. The times Yuuri would suddenly get angry. Violent. The times he would speak fluent Russian like it was his native language. The times his beautifully brown eyes would turn a hateful red. "Are you saying it's like...a split personality?"

"In a way," Yuuri gave a small nod with a shrug. "My therapist told me that the majority of us live in harmony with our secondary genders, but there are times when they try and become their own self. Trauma usually allows for them to break free and be….their own entity, almost. Many people are able to regain control again, in time, but I...I...I didn't want to regain control over Omega again, Vitya. Without Omega, I'm weak. I'm nothing. I'm just Yuuri who allows himself to be beaten and claimed."

Viktor blinked through his tears surprised at such an admission. "Yuuri...you're not weak. You're so incredibly strong to have survived that."

"But it wasn't really me who survived it, was it?" Yuuri argued. "It was Omega who was able to become strong and create an empire of his own. An omega empire where it is us who lead. I'm still just...Yuuri. Timid. Afraid. Weak."

All of the anti-alpha comments suddenly made so much sense, now. He would hate alphas, too. The sudden changes in his mood, the sudden changes in his eyes...it was all connecting. Omega was truly someone who was out for vengeance and yet...and yet. "Maybe it was Omega who helped create your clan with the desire to challenge the Alphas, but I believe it's you, Yuuri, who takes in omegas who need your help like Kenjirou. It's you with the desire to protect them. It's also you who cares so much about young athletes. It's you who sponsors and supports them. That's not weakness, Yuuri."

Yuuri sniffled and a single tear fell down his cheek. "I don't want any other omega to ever have to go through what I went through. I will do anything to protect them, but Vitya...Omega doesn't like you. He sees you as a challenge - a threat. After the other night, I can no longer trust myself to keep him from hurting you."

"What are you saying?" Viktor asked, a crack in his voice as he asked the question. His heart gave a painfully strong thump against his chest in fear.

"Vitya," Yuuri looked away and squeezed his eyes shut, "we have to end this."

Viktor's heart shattered and the tears fell like a river. How could he say that? How could he even suggest it? "Don't I get a say in this?"

Shaking his head, Yuuri stood clutching Vicchan close to his chest. "I cannot ensure your safety."

Viktor sprung to his feet and clenched his fists angrily. "I don't need to be safe! I just need to be with you!"

"How can you even say that? Why aren't you scared?!"

"Is that what you want? For me to be scared?" Viktor asked.

"I want you to understand the gravity of the situation," Yuuri responded. "Vitya, it's not just other clans that I have to keep you safe from. I have to keep you safe from me. I-," he turned his back to Viktor and shrunk his shoulders. "I could never live with myself if you got hurt because of me."

Moving so that he was in front of Yuuri, Viktor put his hands on the omega's shoulders. "You won't hurt me Yuuri. You won't, and you won't let Omega hurt me, either. Besides, I think I've proven that I can bring you back. That's what happened in Makuhari, isn't it? You were Omega, but I pulled you back."

Yuuri shook his head. "That was one time, and I was already on the verge of taking back over. Omega had already accomplished his task. The other times, if I hadn't had you removed from the situation, it wouldn't have been the same."

"Then, then," Viktor searched desperately for something he could use to convince Yuuri, "I'll just convince Omega that I'm worthy of you! He doesn't like me because I'm an alpha, right? And he doesn't trust alphas. I'll show him that he can trust me. That I'll take care of you and never hurt you."

"Vitya," Yuuri breathed, "I don't even know if you can."

Viktor's hands moved to cup Yuuri's cheeks. "Please, Yuuri. Please. Let me try. I have to try."

Leaning into Viktor's palm Yuuri let out a long sigh and dropped his shoulders in defeat. "Why can't I ever say no to you? Even when I should?"

"I like to think it's because of my irresistible charm," Viktor smiled through his tears, his heart slowly starting to pick up the pieces, though very cautiously.

Yuuri let out an amused scoff. "Omega hardly finds you irresistible, but...I certainly do. Ever since the first time I saw you."

Letting out a sigh of relief, Viktor pulled Yuuri against his chest, careful not to squish Vicchan. He'd almost lost Yuuri, and he never wanted to feel that again. Viktor was quite certain it just might destroy him. "Thank you. Thank you for telling me, Yuuri. You didn't have to, but you trusted me enough to tell me. I wish I could undo all of that pain. I wish I could have stopped all of that happening from you so that we could have met each other on the ice."

"I wish that too," Yuuri whispered against him.

Alphas had destroyed Yuuri's chances at being an amazing skater, and for what? For nothing. There was no reason for it. It made Viktor so angry he felt himself shake and he had to suck in a deep breath to calm himself again. Burying his nose into Yuuri's dark hair he breathed in his scent. No one would ever, ever, hurt him like that again.

"Vitya," Yuuri pressed a hand against his chest and put some distance between them so that he could look him in the eye. "Promise me, that if you ever find yourself in trouble with Omega, that you'll go to Seung Gil. If you can't talk him down, don't try and fight him. Please. Promise me."

Seung Gil was not exactly Viktor's ideal person to go to for help. He thought just as highly of Viktor as Omega did, but if it's what Yuuri wanted. "Ok," he agreed reluctantly, "I will."

You won't need to go to him, though. You'll be able to handle it.

"More champagne?" Viktor offered, hoping to put a smile on his mate's face.

It worked. "God, yes, please." Yuuri put down Vicchan and wiped his face of tears. "What did I do to deserve you, Vitya? No one else would stand by me like this."

"You're my mate, Yuuri. I'd do anything for you," Viktor told him simply as he refilled their glasses. "We may not share marks yet, but I can see the future, you know? After the Olympics, you'll never have to worry about any scar but mine."

"You can see the future, huh?" Yuuri chuckled. "What am I having for breakfast, then?"

"Me," Viktor answered proudly, clinking glasses with him before moving in for a kiss.

His stomach gave a loud growl completely ruining the moment.

Yuuri broke away with a gasp. "Vitya! Oh, gosh! Of course you're probably so hungry after the competition! I'm so sorry!"

Placing a hand on his stomach, Viktor blinked in surprise. "I suppose I haven't eaten, have I? Wow, I completely forgot! Do you see what my love for you does to me, Yuuri?!I forget to exist!"

"Well, let's not let you waste away," Yuuri handed him the room service menu. "Order whatever you want! You deserve it."

"You'll eat with me, won't you?" Viktor asked with a pout of his lips as he took a seat on the bed and reached for the phone.

"My stomach never turns down food," Yuuri smiled at him.

God, Viktor could completely melt from that smile. Was he crazy? Yes. Was he foolish? Absolutely. Was he absolutely bat-shit insane for putting his actual life on the line to be in the same room with Yuuri? No doubt. But this was true love. This was his true mate. Nothing could keep them apart.

Not even Omega.

/*/

"You're really all over the place."

Viktor blinked, having completely forgotten he was even on the ice. "I am," he agreed.

Chris laughed. "Good thing it's just the gala, then. You being all over the place is what the people want to see. Up late last night giving a good dicking?"

"Actually, there was no sex last night," Viktor told him, surprising himself at the fact. The mood hadn't been right, to be honest. Viktor had just held Yuuri tight as much as he could.

"Really!?" Chris gasped as they moved to the barrier while an ice dancing couple rehearsed. "My god, Viktor, then what the hell did you two do all night?"

Grabbing his water bottle Viktor took a long swig and sighed. "He told me why he no longer skates."

Chris' eyes went wide. "About the accident? The mysterious accident still to this day no one knows about?"

"That's the one," Viktor nodded solemnly.

Chris didn't ask for details or prod. Viktor knew he wouldn't, which is the only reason he felt comfortable saying anything at all about it. He let out a surprised hum and stroked his beard. "So this is serious? Like, really really serious?"

"I thought that was already clear," Viktor pointed out as he exchanged his water bottle for a towel.

"Well, serious for you and actually serious are two different things," Chris explained. "I'm happy for you, though. It's been a long time coming for you to find a companion, and I already adore Yuuri. It's nowhere near as fun now that he isn't as shy and awkward, but confidence suits him."

"He's still shy and awkward, just not in front of anyone but me," Viktor told him. "I'm the only one he feels comfortable being vulnerable in front of."

"Then it sounds like you've truly found your mate," Chris smiled and nudged Viktor with his elbow. "When's the wedding? Better yet, when are you going to mark each other?"

Viktor couldn't help but feel his heart sink into his stomach. "He told me I had to win gold at the Olympics if I wanted him to be my mate proper." It wasn't that Viktor didn't think he couldn't win, but it was still scary to think maybe he wouldn't.

"Ah! An omega who knows their worth!" Chris wiggled his eyebrows excitedly. "So if I win, can I bring him into my relationship with Markus? Un groupe de trois?!"

Viktor gave Chris a hard enough push it almost knocked him back off his feet, making the omega laugh. "Absolutely not! I don't like to share!"

"Well I certainly believe that since you've hogged all the gold medals for ten years of your life," Chris teased. "I suppose that means I have to somewhat cheer for you. I support the relationship, but do I support it enough that I lose on purpose so you can get married?"

"Go out and skate!" Viktor shoved him again, though this time Chris was prepared and simply glided out onto the ice with a loud chuckle.

The gala went fine, and maybe Viktor was smiling a little more than usual, but it was the banquet he was more excited about. There, he'd get to walk around with Yuuri on his arm in front of everyone. Viktor was no slouch when it came to fashion and designer clothing, but Yuuri's suit was exquisite. They wore their matching ties and Viktor found himself just falling more and more in love.

All eyes were on them as they entered. Why wouldn't they be? They were the best looking people in the entire room, easy. Yuuri had protested such public affairs before, but last night had changed things. For both of them. Yuuri still had his doubts, but he also had a little more faith that Viktor wasn't going to go running.

"Ah! Yuuri! The bell of the ball," Chris took Yuuri's hand and bowed as he gave it a kiss. "You finally got rid of all those ill fitting suits and cheap ties from Junior's!"

Yuuri smiled and his cheeks turned a light tinge of pink. "Money tends to help with that. You look good as always. Congratulations on the silver medal."

"Merci," Chris thanked him. "Let's find a table together, shall we?! Yuuri, we didn't get a chance to fully catch up in Japan when you got sick! I want to hear more about your family business!"

Viktor looked to Yuuri nervously, but Yuuri was still smiling. "Ask away. I'm quite proud of what we've been able to accomplish, especially coming from such a small town. It's nice to know my college degree isn't going to waste."

"How about I go get us drinks while you and Chris grab a table?" Viktor suggested, giving Yuuri a kiss on the cheek. They had undoubtedly started a rumor chain. Usually, he loathed that sort of thing, but now he only felt like encouraging it. Grabbing two flutes of champagne he turned around straight into Yakov. "Ah! Yakov! Champagne?!"

Yakov let out a displeased grunt and did not take the proffered glass. "So. This thing with Katsuki has progressed beyond casual."

"Well, if we're being honest, it was never 'casual' in the first place," Viktor told him, grabbing a toothpick of an eudourve and popping it into his mouth. "It was always serious."

"Serious," he snorted, not amused by his joke. "How well do you really know this Katsuki, Vitya?

"Better than you, I imagine," Viktor answered unhappily, irritated that he was choosing to bring this up now of all places. "Are we really doing this now, Yasha?"

Yakov's eyes narrowed and he hummed. "Don't dive into this head first, Vitya. Be careful and make sure you know exactly what you're getting into before you go and get your heart broken."

"I'm very sure," Viktor told him confidently, nostrils flaring in annoyance. "Is that all?"

"For now," Yakov answered. "Don't think this conversation is over."

Viktor grunted. "It never is. Try and let down your hair a bit, Yakov. Enjoying yourself a little won't kill you." Done with the conversation, he promptly turned on his heel and walked away. Really, leave it to Yakov to try and ruin the mood of the night. Gold simply wasn't good enough for him anymore, was it?

"Took you long enough," Chris commented as he sat down and gave one of the two drinks to Yuuri. Phichit had apparently joined them while he was away.

"Sorry, Yakov being Yakov - all up in my business when he doesn't need to be," Viktor told him. "What did I miss?" Viktor made sure he scooted his chair a little closer to Yuuri in a display of power as he looked directly at Phichit.

"Oh nothing, I was just discussing the offer we discussed earlier should I win the Olympic gold," Chris grinned with a wiggle of his eyebrows. "Phichit also had a fantastic suggestion where -,"

"I turned down both of their offers," Yuuri quickly interjected, taking a quick sip of his champagne. "My offer only stands if it's you, Vitya."

"Which, it will be," Viktor announced confidently. "You two will have to fight it out for silver and bronze just as you did this weekend."

"Not gonna lie, I'd be stoked making the podium at all," Phichit said. "Plus, no one is a bigger Viktuuri shipper than me!"

Viktor blinked in surprise. So Phichit wasn't his competition? "Oh?"

"Sure! Ever since we were roomates back in the US and he had all the posters of you and-,"

"Phichit!" Yuuri half hissed half whined.

Viktor leaned forward across the table. "Wait, no, I want to hear more!" The Beta had gone from being Viktor's sworn enemy to his possible best friend in less than two seconds.

"We'll exchange numbers and I'll tell you all the deets later," Phichit winked. "I know all of his deepest darkest secrets."

There was a very quick and obvious shift of mood in the air at that. Viktor clenched his jaw and looked at Yuuri, who had gone very stoic. Right. Phichit had been there. He really did know all of Yuuri's deepest darkest secrets.

Phichit knew he'd said the wrong thing, his face falling. "Um, sorry Yuuri, I didn't mean it like that."

"I know," Yuuri said simply, though his body language told a different story. "Enough about me, though, really. This night is about the three of you. The first success on the road to the Grand Prix."

"I'll cheers to that," Chris raised his glass and they all clinked them together. "Phichit and I will get to meet again at Skate America which will be fun. How did I get so lucky?" Chris blew him a kiss.

"Flirting doesn't work on me, buddy," Phichit told him. "You better be ready. I'll do better than I did here! I've almost got a quad-toe!"

"Ohh!" Chris' eyes lit up. "Please, that would make it far more interesting! Viktor, you have to skate against little Yuri at Rostelecom, yes?"

Viktor hummed unhappily. "Don't remind me. He already has the media on his side as the future of Russia. All while using a program I made for him, mind you! It's insulting. At least I know he deplores the program. Small victories."

"So you got him to agree to Swan Lake?" Chris asked curiously.

"Agreed is a strong word. More like Yakov already had his mind made up and I just made it worth his while," Viktor told him. "Technically, he's incredible, but he's certainly the least swan-like skater I've ever seen out there. Always a scowl!"

Yuuri smiled. "It takes time to learn artistry. He'll learn, though it must put so much pressure on him joining the Senior ranks so young."

"He asked for it," Viktor said. "Yakov was ready to keep him in Junior's at least another year, but Yuri threw a fit. Maybe he'll be humbled some."

"Doubtful," Chris said with an amused twitch of his lips. He shook his glass and frowned. "Empty already? They really should serve drinks in larger glasses."

"I'll get us another round," Phichit said as he scooted back his chair. "Viktor, why don't you join me so we can exchange those numbers!"

"Sure!" Viktor happily answered, gathering up the empty glasses. He set them aside on a table that was already full of empty glasses and plates making it easier for the waiter to gather.

"Hey," Phichit started as they picked up fresh glasses. "I'm super happy that you and Yuuri are a thing, but be patient with him, ok? He's been through a lot."

Viktor licked his lips, wondering if he should say anything. Maybe he shouldn't. He probably shouldn't, but Phichit seemed like he deserved to know he was serious. "I know. He told me."

"Whoa, wait, really!?" Phichit's dark eyes went wide in surprise. "Like..you know what he really does for a living? And why he stopped skating?"

Viktor gave him credit for not blurting it out and really making sure he knew the truth. "Do I know he's the head of a Yakuza clan and was hunted by an opposed alpha? Yes, I know all of that. I know that you were there, too. I can't even imagine how horrible that was."

Phichit bit his lower lip and lowered his gaze. "I had nightmares for months, but I came away unscathed. I'm still skating. Yuuri isn't. I have no reason to complain. You aren't bothered by it, though? Like, at all?"

"You don't seem to be," Viktor pointed out.

The Beta shrugged. "Well, yeah, but I'm also not, like, dating him. And I guess, maybe it's different because I knew Yuuri before all of that, you know? I know what he does, but I don't want to know anything about it. Too scary. It doesn't scare you?"

"Well, let's just say I've been looking for some excitement in my life the last few years," Viktor answered. "Maybe Omega scares me a little, but I feel confident I can handle him now that I understand it."

"Omega?" Phichit asked curiously.

Oh, shit. Phichit didn't know about omega. So he didn't know everything. Viktor let out a low laugh and put on a forced smile. "Ah! I mean, I've never actually been with an omega before, believe it or not!"

"Wait, really! No way!" Phichit gasped in disbelief. "You, Viktor Nikiforov!?"

"I know, I know!" Viktor waived a dismissive hand. "Skating makes it so hard to date, and I guess I was too afraid of getting attached. Then along came Yuuri."

"Geez, well you sure picked one hell of an omega. By the way, Yuuri's deep dark secret is he likes pineapple on his pizza," Phichit confessed. "I know, it's tragic."

Viktor gasped as they headed back to the table, glad he was able to save face. "That's deplorable, truly. Yuuri! You like pineapple with your pizza?! Who gave you your tastebuds?!"

"Phichit!" Yuuri whined.

"Don't be mad at me, Yuuri, be mad at yourself for poor decisions."

Viktor, Phichit, and Chris laughed while Yuuri cringed in embarrassment. Viktor never wanted these moments to end, but the night eventually came to a close. His last night with Yuuri was blissful, but it was followed by goodbyes and a pain in his heart. While they'd become closer, Viktor somehow felt they were even further apart when he arrived back in St. Petersburg. Rostelecom was a month away. So long.

Pictures of them at the banquet had surfaced all over the internet with speculation. They had made no real obvious displays of affection so there were lots of questions. Yuuri had asked him not to say anything and to allow people to believe it was simply a sponsorship relationship. Viktor hated it, but agreed. He even passively liked tweets and instagram comments that spun that story.

Skate Canada came a week later, Yuri's Grand Prix debut. He ended up second next to Jean-Jacques. Viktor had never seen someone with a silver medal around their neck look so depressed. Yuri had won in technical scores, but as Viktor had predicted, did not score as highly as he needed component wise. It was the only thing Viktor could rely on for Rostelecom. Yuri's technical score would have beaten his own at the Cup of China. It certainly made things interesting, and Viktor wondered if little Yuri could survive the mental pressure of it all.

Two full weeks had passed since China and Yakov hadn't mentioned Yuuri again. Viktor thought he was home free on that topic until Rostelecom. Apparently, it wasn't so. When Yakov pulled him aside after practice and told him it was time to address the issue he could only follow on with a groan, purposely dragging his feet the entire way to his coach's office.

"Nothing you say is going to change my mind, you know," Viktor pointed out, crossing his arms in ready defiance.

Yakov picked up a manila folder from his desk and tossed it in front of Viktor. "Vitya, you said you know this Katsuki, but you do not. He has not been honest with you."

Viktor looked down at the envelope and felt himself grow hot with anger. He didn't need to open it to realize what this was. "Have you been looking into Yuuri? Yakov, what were you thinking?!"

"What was I thinking, Vitya?" Yakov slammed his hand down on the desk. "Katsuki is Yakuza, Vitya! Mafia! He's extremely dangerous!"

"I know exactly what Yuuri is, Yakov! He has never been anything but completely honest with me," Viktor fired back proudly.

Yakov's mouth opened in surprise. "You know? And yet you still choose to associate with him? Vitya, he could kill you!"

Viktor shook his head. "Yuuri would never hurt me."

"What has he done to you, boy?" Yakov asked in disbelief. "He has you under some sort of omegan spell, doesn't he? I'll find a doctor who can help immediately-,"

"I don't need a doctor, Yakov!" Viktor objected. "Yuuri hasn't done anything to me! Nothing is against my will and there are no spells!"

"Then you must have clearly hit your head on the ice, Vitya!" Yakov shouted back. "Why else would you be sharing beds with a murderer and criminal?"

Viktor scoffed. "Yuuri does far more good than you could even imagine!"

"Enough of this nonsense! Vitya, if you do not stop this stupid affair then I will drop you as a coach."

At first, Viktor blinked silently in surprise at the threat, and then he let out a low laugh. "What an empty threat, Yasha. Drop me in the middle of the season for reasons you won't - can't - address publicly to the press? Months before the Olympics? When I'm still your best shot for gold? Yura has all the skill, yes, but he's young without experience. He'll crumble. You won't do it."

Clenching his jaw violently, Yakov knew that Viktor had called his bluff. His nostrils flared angrily and his brows were drawn together tightly. "Keep him away from this rink and the other skaters. I will not allow them to suffer for your stupidity and recklessness. I hope your complete disregard for your own safety doesn't find you dead in a ditch, Vitya."

"Well if it does, be sure to throw in my gold medals," Viktor commented sarcastically. He knew better than to say something like that, but he was angry. Yakov should have never looked into Yuuri like that. It was far more dangerous to him than it ever would be to Viktor. "Are we done? I think we are."

"Vitya-,"

Viktor helped himself out, slamming the door behind him purposely. Yakov had always pried into his life, ever since he took over guardianship as a young teen, but this was going too far. He was an adult, and he could make adult decisions. It was none of Yakov's damn business! Grabbing his bag he stormed for the rink exit.

"Oi! Viktor!"

Tightening his grip on the shoulder strap of his bag he groaned. "Not now, Yura."

"Is it true you got a sponsorship with Yuuri Katsuki?" Yuri asked, ignoring Viktor's request.

So, that was really getting around, wasn't it? "Maybe. It's none of your concern."

"Can you help me get a sponsorship?"

Viktor came to a screeching halt and he turned to face Yuri with eyes as wide as his face. "You?! A sponsorship?! With Yuuri?! Why?"

Yuri's pale cheeks turned pink and he shoved his hands in the pocket of his hoodie and looked away. "Because everyone knows who Yuuri Katsuki is, dumbass! Why wouldn't I want a sponsorship with him?!"

Did everyone know who Yuuri was? Viktor hadn't until they had met. But, then again, Viktor was terrible with remembering people. Had he been the only one out of the loop? Chris and Phichit knew him, and even Yakov, to a degree. "You're brand new to Senior's. You have nothing to offer to a sponsor."

"Fine! I'll win the Grand Prix Finale, then will you introduce me?" Yuri asked.

Viktor snorted. "Sure, Yura. You win the Grand Prix Finale and I'll introduce you to Yuuri."

"Really!? Deal!" Yuri held out his hand with excited green eyes.

Yakov would be beyond furious with him if he got Yuri involved with Yuuri. Viktor shook his hand. Even if Yuri didn't win gold - he wouldn't - Viktor would get great pleasure in introducing him to Yuuri under Yakov's nose. "Work hard, Yura."

"I will," Yuri told him, a fire in his eyes.

Good. It would make Viktor work harder, too.