While Viktor had made up a lot of ground during the free skate, it wasn't enough. He still lost by three points. He'd been expecting it going in, so it wasn't a surprise and he kept his face as calm and neutral as he could, doing everything possible not to show any kind of disappointment. Yakov said nothing, just let out a sigh. Viktor preferred it to words.

Perhaps what was far more degrading than losing itself was the way the post-competition interviews were conducted. Every question was about him losing. Yes, sure, it hadn't happened in a very long time and it was certainly news for the headlines, but it was disrespectful to Yuri. Next to him, Yuri was clenching his fists and grinding his jaw, feeling just as angry about it as Viktor was. Eventually, Viktor had enough.

"I had a bad day during the short and despite a good performance today it wasn't enough. However, that doesn't take away from the excellent performances that Yuri put on today, and I ask that you respect my fellow skaters and their efforts," he eventually spewed through the microphone, palm firm against the table

Yuri looked at him with wide green eyes. Apparently, he could still surprise the audience, even if it wasn't on the ice.

"That was quite selfless of you," Yakov commented with a raised eyebrow after they were finally released. "I didn't realize you had that in you."

Viktor shrugged, "I was tired of the questions."

Yakov hummed and then placed a gentle hand just above Viktor's elbow. "You handled it well, and you showed fight out there today, but whatever it was during the short - fix it."

Viktor let out an amused huff. It was as good as praise as you got from Yakov. "Of course." Once Yakov removed his hand, Viktor lengthened his stride to hurry to the buses. He didn't want to give a journalist a chance to catch up with him.

"Oi, Viktor." He turned around, Yuri behind him with his hood pulled up and his hands shoved in his pockets. "Thanks…for back there."

Sighing, Viktor shook his head and kept walking, though he slowed down. "You skated well and deserved praise. They shouldn't have tried to take away from your moment to talk about my failure."

"Still," Yuri had caught up to him, "you didn't have to do that. I know everyone thinks it's all a fluke, because you weren't feeling well and all that. You better not pull that shit at the Final. I don't want to leave any doubt in their minds that I'm better than you."

Viktor's eyes went wide and then he let out an amused chuckle. "I understand. Next time, I'll give you my best."

Yuri grunted and stuck up his nose. "Good." They made it outside and stood in line with the other skaters and coaches to board the bus. "Hey..so..is Katsuki going to be at the banquet?"

"I told you that you had to win the Final in order to meet him," Viktor reminded him.

"No, you told me I had to win the Final in order to have you introduce me to him," Yuri argued. "No one said I couldn't introduce myself. So is he going to be there?"

Viktor just shrugged.

"Viktor! Answer me!"

He didn't, because he absolutely was going to keep Yuuri away from Yuri as much as humanly possible and he didn't want to hear it.

Yuuri was waiting for him with a sad smile, but a massive plush that resembled Makkachin. He waived the paw at the alpha. Viktor instantly felt better and pulled him into a tight hug, plush and all. "It's not gold, I know, but I'm so proud of you, Vitya."

"The only gold I need is right here," Viktor told him, nuzzling his neck and breathing the omega in.

"Words only a loser would say," Seung Gil commented from the side.

Yuuri pulled back and fired off a horrible glare in his direction. "No comments from you."

Seung Gil stared right at Viktor with no remorse whatsoever. "Apologies, Aniki."

Taking the massive plush from Yuuri, Viktor thrust it at Seung Gil with a oversized heart-shaped grin. "Here you go! Why don't you carry this for us?" He then proceeded to reach for Yuuri's hand.

Seung Gil's nostrils flared angrily, but he didn't reject the bear knowing better than to do so in front of Yuuri. Instead, he followed quietly behind them to the elevator. Viktor couldn't really be outright mean to Seung Gil because, you know, Yakuza, but he could be petty as fuck.

"Where is Kenjirou off to?" Viktor questioned, noticing the bubbly omega's absence.

"Security," Yuuri answered.

Viktor hummed and wrinkled his nose. Why couldn't it be Seung Gil?

"Though, I secretly think he just wanted to be able to stalk the skaters as they returned to ask for autographs and selfies," Yuuri chuckled. "How do you want to celebrate your medal, Vitya?"

Viktor grumbled a little as he leaned against the elevator wall. "Not sure I'd call it celebrating, really. Part of me wants to sulk and stay in, but I also feel like that's poor of me to do so."

"Is there somewhere we can go that perhaps is a little more private?" Yuuri asked. "I could do some research if you don't know of anything. Typically, the more expensive the more hidden we can be, and you know I would spare you no expense."

He smiled, still so flattered that anyone would want to dote on him so lovingly. "Well, in that case, I do think I have a place in mind, but, are you sure it's alright to go out, Yuuri? I don't want to cause you any trouble."

The doors opened and Yuuri took the lead. "Vitya, while I have enemies here, part of my business here in Russia is to make friends, as well. Things are in the works. However, if it really scares you I could invite Guang-Hong and Leo. It's extra company, I know, but no one would dare move on all of us together like that."

"Oh! Actually, I'd quite like that," Viktor told him excitedly as he waited for the omega to open the door. "You made them sound very interesting."

Yuuri immediately started to unbutton his jacket as they entered the room. "That's an understatement, though I think you'll like them. I'll give them a call."

"Don't think that gets you rid of me," Seung Gil told him, throwing the stuffed dog on the floor in the room.

Viktor gasped and hurried over to pick him up, feeling a strong desire to stick his tongue out at Seung Gil as he placed it gently in a chair. "Don't worry, I'll just pretend you aren't there like every other time you show up."

Yuuri sighed, "Goodbye, Seung Gil."

Huffing, Seung Gil closed the door.

"I'll call Guang-Hong, but first, I have a surprise for you," Yuuri grabbed his hand after he draped his jacket carefully over a chair. He pulled him into the luxurious bathroom where a bubble bath was already drawn and a bottle of very expensive vodka was waiting.

Viktor's blue eyes went wide in delight. "Yu-uri! How did you know I wanted to take a hot bath and drink my sorrows away?!"

"A good guess," Yuuri laughed, releasing his hand to open the bottle and pour a neat glass. "I always loved soaking in the onsens after a hard practice. Nothing beats it when your muscles ache."

Humming with happiness at just the thought, Viktor kicked off his shoes and started to remove his clothes. "Won't you join me?"

"Now, now, Vitya, you and I both know the second you hit that water the day will hit you and you aren't going to feel up to anything," Yuuri told him, setting the glass on the bath tray.

"Who said anything about doing anything?" Viktor argued as he let his costume drop to his ankles. "I just want you to sit behind me and rub my shoulders. Or is that beneath the head of the Yakuza?"

Yuuri stood on his toes and gave him a kiss. "Not below, if said alpha was already his mate. Until then," he winked.

"Yu-uri, you're such a tease!" Viktor whined.

"I'm not the one standing naked," Yuuri reminded him as he looked over his shoulder before leaving Viktor alone in the bathroom.

As upset as he was, Yuuri was right. The second Viktor's body sunk under the hot water he felt like a lead balloon. Harder, and harder...harder and harder to get back up each time. There would most certainly not be a Worlds after the Olympics. No, Pyeongchang would be the end of it, for better or for worse.

The water was cold by the time he finally dragged himself out of the tub and into one of the overly plush robes. Grabbing a towel for his hair, he headed back into the bedroom where Yuuri was leaning over a laptop, glasses almost sliding off his nose. "Do you ever not work?"

"Yes, when I'm watching you skate," Yuuri answered, finally sliding his glasses back into place, though they slid half-way down immediately.

The blue, large-framed glasses, made Yuuri look so innocent. Viktor wondered if that was the idea. What would Guang-Hong look like, he wondered? Would he put on a display like Yuuri to look unsuspecting, or would he wear his duty with pride like Seung Gil?

"So, where are we going?" Yuuri asked, shutting the laptop screen half-way.

"Well, if you want the most expensive and most luxurious, then we'd have to go to Turandot. They serve European and Asian food there. There's also Restaurant Mario, where the Ferrari's in the parking lot have their own armed guard. Varvary might be the best aesthetically. It's dark, though exquisite. Well, at least from the photos. I've been to none of them. One - because of money, but two - it's incredibly difficult to get in. How will you do it?"

"Money talks," Yuuri told him, "though connections buy more. Perhaps my new friends might be able to help." He picked up his phone and paused for a moment, huffing. "Guess we're going to put my Russian to the test as Yuuri, afterall."

Viktor's heart thumped in excitement, but he quickly noticed Yuuri's uncertainty. "Would you feel more comfortable if I left the room?"

"No, no," Yuuri shook his head. "You can correct me if I get anything wrong."

Viktor had a feeling no matter how nervous Yuuri was, he wouldn't need any corrections, though he knew very little about how the mind worked of someone who had...two minds, as it were. Perhaps Viktor should do some research, or would that offend Yuuri? Would he prefer Viktor asked him directly, or would it be triggering? He wasn't sure the right choice, if either one was right at all. Maybe knowing nothing was best.

"I need a favor from you...no, no, nothing like that…"

Yuuri had a little more of an accent than omega when he spoke, and was more careful with each word, but it was still very much understandable and correct.

"I am courting someone, and I would like to take him somewhere nice. Expensive. Exclusive. Very exclusive."

Oh, so Yuuri was courting him?! Viktor liked the sound of that very much, though here he thought it was the other way around. Though, had it ever really been? It had always been Yuuri coming for him from the start. He may not have participated in the Yakuza's version of The Hunt, but Yuuri was hunting him in every sense of the word. Viktor so very much wanted to be caught.

"Ah, yes, he mentioned that place. If you could manage it, I would be eternally grateful. The reservation would need to be for six of us, instead of two. Being here...I need to take extra security measures. You understand….yes...spasibo. If you are ever in Japan, I will do the same for you." Yuuri laughed at something. "No, not yet, though maybe soon. Speak soon."

"Yu-uri!" Viktor sang, "that was superb! Why were you so worried?"

Yuuri blushed, and scratched his cheek. "Ah, I felt like I was speaking so slow. I had to think so hard. It's like...it's like trying to reach a hard memory you've purposely buried away."

Tilting his head, Viktor asked carefully, "Is that what's it like all the time…? Accessing things that are omega's more than yours?"

"Some things are easy, others aren't," Yuuri told him. "Some things he doesn't want me to know, for my own safety. Some things...I don't want to know...for my own safety. It's like I said. I try hard to keep what he does separate from me."

Viktor was probably pressing his luck, but he asked anyway, "How do you know, then, what you've said or done? I mean, you aren't always Omega when you work."

"Seung Gil or Minami brief me the essentials," Yuuri explained. "Where necessary, I see what I need to see."

The next question he asked out of conversational habit, not realizing just what he asked before it was too late. "Is there a cure for the disorder you have?" Yuuri flinched, and Viktor's skin turned cold. "Yuuri, I'm sorry, that was insensitive of me."

"No…," Yuuri shook his head, turning his back to Viktor, "There's no cure. There's treatments, of course. With therapy, the various...personalities...can better learn to live in harmony; however that may look for the person in question. But please understand, Viktor; I do not want to be cured. Omega is how I cope. How I help others. He is my courage."

Viktor's instinct was to argue that he had plenty of courage of his own. Isn't that what he'd want to hear? Or maybe, not so. The alpha was starting to realize just how little he understood, afterall.

"It's a lot to ask, I know," Yuuri said, turning back around. "You would not only be mated to me, but Omega, as well. I understand if it's too much, but please...tell me now."

Shaking his head, Viktor grabbed Yuuri's hand. "No, no. My feelings haven't changed. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to ask that question, I'm just trying to fully understand."

Sighing Yuuri nodded and squeezed his hand. "I know. Just treat me like Yuuri. Always expect it to be Yuuri who walks through the door, but if it isn't...don't interact. That's what I'm asking of you, Viktor. Pretend to be asleep, walk away, find Minami or Seung Gil. Do anything but entertain his presence. For my own conscious."

Deep down, Viktor knew he couldn't make that promise. He absolutely should, he knew that, too, but he also knew enough about himself. Just as his desire to win the hearts and minds of all his fans was strong, the desire to make Omega like him was strong, too. "Ok, Yuuri. If you think it's best."

Feeling satisfied enough, Yuuri nodded and let out a soft breath. "Well, I'm assuming you brought a suit."

"I did!" Viktor beamed, letting go of Yuuri's hand and heading to the closet to open it, "though I better not get anything on it. I only brought one! Do you have an extra tie? I don't want to be seen wearing the same thing twice."

"If something happens, we'll take care of it," Yuuri assured as he moved to the dresser and pulled out a drawer. Reaching in, he pulled out a familiar blue tie. "Will this do?"

Viktor gasped and stormed across the room to snatch it. Yuuri retracted it just quick enough. "I thought I told you to burn that hideous thing?!"

Yuuri laughed. "Never! It holds too many memories. Don't fret, I have plenty of others." He pulled out a much more respectful purple tie and held it out to Viktor.

"Better," Viktor huffed, taking it gently from him.

Yuuri put on the suit jacket he'd been wearing when he met Viktor in the lobby, though he changed out his tie to better match the purple one he'd given the Alpha with a violet and silver patterned one. He had also slicked back his hair and removed his glasses.

"Do they not know the Yuuri side of you?" Viktor asked curiously, surprised at the sudden change.

"Yes and no," Yuuri answered, straightening his tie in the mirror. "They do not know the Yuuri you do. Even when I am not Omega around them, I...pretend. Please, don't act any differently. I'll adjust around you as I have to."

Viktor couldn't help but frown, just a little. "Kind of ruins the idea of it being an enjoyable date for us, though, doesn't it?"

"I don't have to put up such a guard around Guang-Hong and Leo," Yuuri promised. "It won't be like you've seen from the real Omega."

It still left Viktor feeling a little disappointed, but he supposed he'd have to get used to this. There would likely be many social interactions in which Yuuri would have to do this. Better to take it for a test run among friends. Well, allies. Viktor wasn't sure if Yuuri really considered the other omega a friend or not.

When they were ready to depart, Kenjirou arrived with the car and Seung Gil escorted them. The Korean omega had changed his tie and added a pocket square making him look a little less like hired muscle and an actual associate. His scowl was still firmly in place, however.

"I don't like this," Seung Gil voiced, legs and hands crossed tightly.

"The day you like something I do will be the day I'm finally surprised, Seung Gil, not today," Yuuri told him. His voice had already changed slightly. He was transitioning into the right mindset. "Relax. It might do you some good."

"To relax around you wouldn't be doing my job, Aniki," Seung Gil argued.

Viktor raised a curious eyebrow. "Don't you get vacation? Perhaps you should take some soon."

Yuuri let out a low chuckle. "I've been trying for years to get Seung Gil to take some vacation. He constantly refuses."

"Who else will look after you when I'm gone?" Seung Gil's nostrils flared, as if it were an insult to even ask him to take time off.

"Oi! You say that like I'm not even here!" Kenjirou growled from the driver's seat.

Seung Gil snorted. "I don't doubt your abilities to look after Aniki in a physical sense, but you blindly follow along with his ridiculous ideas when he sometimes needs reason."

"Because he's Oyabun!" Kenjirou argued. "My opinion doesn't matter!"

Yuuri's eyebrow lifted, curiously waiting for Seung Gil's response to that.

"Aniki has always instilled in us that our voice should be heard," he spoke confidently.

Yuuri smiled. Apparently, Seung Gil had said the right thing. "He's right, Minami-kun. I value your opinion, though there may be reasons I may not be able to act on it. Perhaps it's you that could use a little vacation to remind yourself of that."

Kenjirou responded in Japanese, so Viktor didn't know what he said, but there were tears in his eyes and Yuuri laughed. Yuuri was so easy to love by everyone, so it seemed. No wonder Viktor had fallen so hard and fast. Viktor was glad so many people wanted to protect him.

Apparently, his contact had managed to secure a reservation at Vavary. Viktor had never been, but it was very popular with cars worth tens of millions of rubles parked outside. They were greeted by valet and they exited, Yuuri reaching for Viktor's hand as soon as he was by his side. Viktor smiled at him lovingly, happy he was willing to display it so publicly. The inside of the restaurant was dark, the furniture an array of black and reds. It was just as its name might describe. Barbaric, in a way, and yet of the highest of class. Just like Yuuri.

The host's eyes went wide the second he spotted them, and he was running up to greet them passing by several parties that were ahead of them. "Ah, Mr. Katsuki, Viktor Viktorovich, please, this way. Your guests have already arrived."

Viktor blinked in surprise, but followed behind him. "I suppose your contact must have given your description."

"I think it's you that gave it away," Yuuri corrected him with a playful smile. "By the way, how many times can your name mean Victory? Mr. Victor-Son of Victor-Victorious."

With a heart-shaped grin, Viktor tossed his head so that his bangs flew. "What can I say? Winning has always been my destiny, so I hope you understand that means fate will ensure that the gold medal will be mine so that I may be the victor of the most prized possession in all the land."

"I expect nothing less," Yuuri chuckled.

The host brought them to a secluded table and held out a hand. Viktor's mouth parted in silent surprise. Seated at the table were two rather small men who stood as they approached. The one that had to be Guang-Hong was dressed in a green and gold qipao with shaggy brown hair and brown eyes. He had the face of a child. This was a leader of a Triad faction!? The man sitting next to him, Leo he assumed, had darker skin - hispanic, maybe? - and wore an all black suit. He looked only mildly more intimidating than Guang-Hong, but not much taller. The only one who looked intimidating at all was the man standing behind Guang-Hong that the omega dismissed with a waive of his hand.

"Yuuri! I've missed you so!" Guang-Hong smiled so brightly it could have lit the dark room. He bowed respectfully.

Yuuri bowed as well, though not as low. Ddid Guang-Hong view Yuuri as higher status rather than equals? Viktor wondered how all of that worked. Was it a personal respect given Yuuri had rescued him, or was it an actual understanding of power position?

"It is so good to see you both again," Yuuri answered in kind. "I apologize for not getting to visit sooner. I have been preoccupied."

Guang-Hong turned his gaze to Viktor. "Yes, so I see. Viktor Nikiforov, it is a true honor to meet such a legend. Ji Guang-Hong," he extended his hand and Viktor shook it, "and this is my mate, Leo de la Iglesia."

"Mates? You have mated already?" Viktor couldn't help but voice the surprise as he shook Leo's hand. They were both clearly much younger than he and Yuuri.

Thankfully, neither seemed to take offense as they all took their seats.

"Why delay when you know it to be fact?" Guang-Hong put out there with full confidence.

Viktor immediately turned to "I don't know, Yuuri, that's a good question!"

Seung Gil scoffed obnoxiously loudly.

"You do not approve of their union?" Guang-Hong raised a curious eyebrow

"There is no union, and hopefully there will never be once Aniki comes to his senses," Seung Gil answered.

Where Yuuri had patiently handled Seung Gil's protests earlier, this time he held up a firm hand with a tight jaw. "Quiet. I did not ask for your thoughts on the matter."

Viktor was surprised until he realized what Yuuri was doing. Right, right. He had to be more like Omega. Seung Gil dipped his head and apologized immediately.

"It's difficult at first, isn't it? Being treated as the outsider?" Leo asked Viktor, a smirk on his lips.

Ah, yes. Leo was no more Chinese than Viktor was Japanese. "Do they come around, eventually?"

"Yes, though it was easier for me to gain their trust as a former assassin," Leo told him. "You, a figure skater? Perhaps not as much." The waiter came around and started pouring wine, halting conversation briefly so that nothing could be overheard. Once he was gone, Leo continued, "However, you know what it is we do, and you are still here. That holds merit with some." He unfolded his linen and paused half-way towards his lap giving Viktor a dark stare. "That is assuming you do understand what it is we do."

"Ah, well, I know that none of it is legal," Viktor answered him. "Specifics? No, Yuuri has not shared, though I can assume many things. What he has shared in detail is how he makes an effort to save other omegas, like Guang-Hong."

Guang-Hong huffed and smiled. "Yes, he is quite good at that, if his record is anything to go by. I am glad you acknowledge the good deeds done, but don't let it overshadow the truth behind the veil. A true partnership cannot work if you choose to turn a blind eye. You must accept all sides: the good, the bad, and the ugly."

What truth was behind Guang-Hong's veil, Viktor wondered? The more he looked at him, the more he was convinced the omega couldn't even be 20 yet. And yet, there was something in his eyes that was old. He'd been through much. As curious as he was, Viktor would not ask about his past trauma. Instead, he opted for what he hoped was a happier conversation. "How is that you and Leo met?"

"I was sent to kill him," Leo announced proudly with a toothy grin as the waiter came around to start serving the first course.

"Oh," Viktor blinked, taken by surprise. Even though he was surrounded by members of the mafia, that had not been what he'd been expecting. "I see. By the Bratva?"

Leo chuckled. "Oh, no. I was contracted out by the FBI."

Viktor choked on the bite he had taken and quickly brought up his napkin to his lips. "I'm sorry, you were part of the FBI? But, you can't be much more than 20?"

"No," Leo agreed, though he did not offer up his age, "but I grew up in a bad neighborhood and got involved with the Cartel early on. I was caught and made an agreement with the US government. They prefer their killers aren't their own. Easier to cast blame and dispose of them if they mess up. Now, I'm on their Most Wanted list. A true place of honor."

Finally managing to swallow, Viktor cleared his throat and asked, "So, um, what made you change your mind?"

Leo stayed silent for a second as he savored a bite and closed his eyes, as if he was trying to take himself back to that moment in time. "To be honest, it was easy to track Guang-Hong down. He was still to his role and hadn't learned how to not be followed." Leo side-eyed Guang-Hong fondly.

The omega let out an amused huff.

"That's what I thought, at least. I set up my sniper on a building to take him out thinking it would be an easy in-and-out, only to find that it was me being followed the entire time," Leo smiled through every word. "So, you see, I didn't really change my mind so to speak. I was bested."

Viktor turned to Guang-Hong for the rest of the story. "So, then I suppose my question should have been towards you. Why didn't you kill him?"

"Because the second he was put on his knees in front of me, my body was seized by a power," Guang-Hong explained. "I wanted nothing more than to strip him of his clothing and take him in the middle of the street which was quite uncharacteristic of me. I was a virgin before I was to be sold, you see. That was part of why I was priced so high. Yuuri saved me before anything could happen, so for me to feel such desire...I knew it could only mean one thing."

"The man I had been sent to kill was my True Mate," Leo finished for him, bringing Guang-Hong's hand to his lips for a kiss. "And here we are."

"And so," Guang-Hong looked at Leo with such love that Viktor felt his own heart would burst.

There was an odd noise from Kenjirou that made it sound like he was having a lot of the same thoughts Viktor was. "It's almost like Aniki and Viktor! Only, I don't think Viktor was out to kill Aniki."

"Only with my mansword!" Viktor announced proudly.

Yuuri choked on air and was a split second from breaking character. Clearing his throat he fixed his mask, "As I recall, it was you who was bruised and bloodied the next morning."

"Very true," Viktor hummed fondly. "It's just nice to hear another True Mates story. So many people still think it a fairytale. Apparently, they should just join the mafia."

The next course was brought around and the focus turned on Viktor. The conversation became less grim and one that could be held with louder voices. It became rather easy for Viktor to forget he was talking to criminals and murderers, innocent looks aside. There was a shift, though, when the main course was brought out. Perhaps he wouldn't have noticed it if he hadn't spent so much time with Yuuri, but the voices slowly started to get quiet again and everyone's focus except for Yuuri's suddenly seemed to be elsewhere.

"Oyabun," Seung Gil finally got his attention as the plates were cleared away.

Yuuri casually wiped his mouth with the napkin, closing his eyes. "Yes, I noticed."

Viktor blinked. Noticed what?

"I have four men on the perimeter," Guang-Hong said. "Say the word, I'll have him intercepted on the way out."

Yuuri dipped his chin.

"Not Bratva, but perhaps hired by them," Leo theorized.

"What's going on?" Viktor asked carefully.

"Vitya, lean in to kiss me, and when you do look at the man with the blonde hair and green tie to your right," Yuuri instructed. "Tell me if you recognize him. It could simply be the media trying for a story."

Doing as he was instructed, Viktor leaned in for the kiss, momentarily looking up into the crowd for the man Yuuri had described. He found him and then closed his eyes into the kiss. "No," he said as he pulled back.

"Remain calm, act normal," Yuuri told him, reaching for the wine. "We cannot alert him to our awareness."

Swallowing, Viktor nodded, though it was almost impossible to do now that he had realized someone was watching them.

"Viktor, tell me about your plans for after the Olympics," Guang-Hong prompted him, trying to help in his distraction.

"Oh, well, to be honest, I don't think I have any," Viktor answered him, doing his best to take to the conversation. "Well, other than hopefully mating Yuuri, of course."

Guang-Hong smiled, "Of course. I assume you'll move to Japan, then? To live with Yuuri?"

"Oh, yes!" Viktor nodded, finally starting to forget they were being watched. "Wherever Yuuri is, I want to be. I thought about coaching, but I'm not so sure I'd be much good at it. Instead, I was thinking of choreography. I would be flying to students, anyway, so there would be no need to live in Russia anymore and that would still allow me to visit."

When dessert was served, Seung Gil switched sides of the table and started to have hushed conversations with Leo. They looked simply as friends having a conversation, but Viktor knew it was more serious than that. What were they going to do to the man?

Nothing nice, Vitya, you know that.

Yuuri linked arms with Viktor as they started to walk out. "Eyes front, Vitya." His grip on the alpha's bicep was firm. "When the car comes around, sit up front with Minami."

"Why?"

"Viktor," Yuuri's voice had lowered an octave.

Yuuri's eyes were still the right shade of brown, but Viktor felt a haunting chill up his spine that forced him to nod in compliance. The car came around and he did as he was told, opening the door to the passenger's side instead of the back with Yuuri. Seung Gil joined Yuuri in the back. Viktor sucked in a shuddered breath and he felt his pulse beating in his neck. Something very real was about to happen. As the car started to move, Viktor reached for the armrest and dug his fingers in.

Kenjirou took them out into the street and after a few blocks into an alleyway. They parked and waited in a deafening silence. Viktor could hear his heart in his ears. Five, maybe ten, minutes later another vehicle pulled in behind them. Viktor looked in the mirror and watched as Leo and another man dragged the gentleman from the restaurant over to their vehicle. The back door opened and he was thrown in across Seung Gil so that he was between the two Omegas in the back. Viktor couldn't help himself. He looked into the rear-view mirror.

Yuuri, who now wore leather gloves, grabbed the man's hair and yanked him up. "Who are you?" The man didn't answer. "Kto ty?" He tightened his hold making the man yelp. " Otvet'te mne."

Gone was the hesitancy of Yuuri's speech from earlier in the evening. These phrases were said in full force and confidence. Red eyes met Viktor's in the mirror.

"I'm a private investigator," he responded in Russian. "I have ID!"

Leo handed Seung Gil a wallet. Seung Gil started to go through the contents. "Ivan Turgenev, PI. Hmph. Oh, what's this?" He pulled out a coin and flipped it in his fingers. "Do most PIs carry with them a Bratva clan coin?"

"No, no! Not Bratva!" He swore in broken English. "Sometimes, work for, not now!"

"Then who hired you?" Omega asked, switching back to Russian.

"A man by the name of Yakov Feltsman!" He answered.

What?!

Viktor spun around in the seat. "Yakov Feltsman hired you? To follow me?"

"Da, but not just to follow you. To follow him," Ivan nodded towards Omega.

Yasha, what were you thinking?! I told you to let it go! Viktor felt a new sort of panic, now, as Omega started to laugh. How did Yakov even find this man? Surely, he didn't know that he was sometimes affiliated with the Bratva, did he? Was Yakov secretly a part of the mafia, himself?!

With a far too gentle hand, Omega caressed Ivan's chin and made him look at him. "And what have you told him?"

"N-nothing more than that you are Yakuza," he answered. "I wanted to gather more information, first."

Omega dropped his hand and let out a heavy sigh before turning his gaze towards Viktor. "Vitya, Vitya, Vitya. What ever shall we do about this situation?"

Viktor swallowed hard. "I'll talk to Yakov. I'll make him back off."

"Will you?" Omega questioned him. "He already knows I'm Yakuza. You really think the man who has been a father to you will just let it go? You really think he'll allow you to stay with our precious Yuuri after this?"

Viktor felt a cold sweat start to form in his desperation for a solution. He looked at Ivan with pleading eyes. "You'll tell Yakov nothing of this event, and you will stop looking into Yuuri."

Omega clucked his tongue in a tsk. "I'm afraid that's not how things go in our line of work, Vitya."

"No, please-," Ivan, realizing where his fate was going, made an attempt to lunge over Seung Gil.

Seung Gil grabbed him by the throat and slammed him against the back of Viktor's seat, making the alpha jump back against the dash. "For someone who has worked for the Bratva, you are quite stupid."

Omega crossed his legs and folded his hands in his lap. It was too neat. Too proper. It was terrifying. "You told Yuuri that you were in this. That you didn't care that he and I were murderers. That we were bathed in blood. So, here's your chance, Vitya. Prove it."

"Yu-," Viktor's mouth clamped shut, his skin shaking. This wasn't Yuuri. "You don't have to do this."

"No, I don't have to do anything," Omega agreed, "but an example must be made. I will not have anyone, let alone a figure skating coach, look into my personal business. Minami-kun, are you feeling a little hungry for another helping of dessert?"

Kenjirou's laugh made Viktor recoil. There had been a shift in him, too. The small omega's eyes didn't change color like Yuuri's, but they were certainly full of darkness. Both Yuuri and Seung Gil had warned that Kenjirou wasn't always sweet and cuddly. He licked his lips. "Yes, Oyabun! I'm always hungry for this kind of dessert."

"I know a place by the river," Leo told Omega. "Secluded."

"Good. We'll follow. Take this idiot with you," Omega waived a hand at Ivan. "His blubbering tears are ruining the upholstery."

Leo took Ivan from Seung Gil, shoving a cloth in his mouth as he tried to scream.

"Omega, please," Viktor begged, "you don't have to kill him! Surely there's something else that will satisfy you?"

Omega shrugged as Kenjirou began to drive. "Certainly. We can cut his tongue from his mouth so he may speak of nothing. We can gouge out his eyes so that he may see nothing. His fingers so that he may not touch. Ears so he cannot hear. Then, I would be satisfied. You would rather he live tortured and mutilated than accept death? Perhaps you are more suited to this than I thought!"

"No, I-," Viktor didn't know what to do. He didn't know what to say. A man was going to die tonight, ultimately because of him. This was all his fault.

"Don't worry, Oyabun, he'll be running after tonight," Seung Gil smirked.

Omega hummed running a finger beneath his chin. "But I'm not done playing, yet."

Viktor couldn't look at him anymore. Any trace of Yuuri was gone, even though he wore the same body. The alpha could do nothing but swallow back the tears that threatened to fall as they drove to what would soon become a grave. Yuuri had told him to go to Seung Gil or Kenjirou if things got bad, but how could he, when they were smiling in the face of all of this?!

The cars came to a stop beneath a bridge next to the river. The doors opened and everyone got out. All but Viktor. Seung Gil opened the door for him.

"Stay in here, like Yuuri would want," he said. The smugness he'd shown before had changed for pity, almost. "As much as I want to see you vomit at the sight of blood, I don't want to deal with the repercussions of it in the morning."

"No," Omega's voice called out. "He comes, and he watches."

Seung Gil's jaw tensed, and he hesitated in his response. "Oyabun-,"

"Are you questioning my orders, Seung Gil?" Omega challenged.

"Come on Viktor!" Kenjirou leaned in through the window of the driver's side. He almost looked normal again with those bright eyes, until he spoke. "Don't you want to come and play?"

Sighing, Seung Gil shook his head and stepped aside. "You're a fool. I hope it was worth it."

It took all of Viktor's will power to force himself out of the vehicle. Leo had Ivan on his knees, the poor man crying desperately as if it might save him. Kenjirou was chopming like a dog waiting to be let go from his leash. Guang-Hong was watching on in quiet excitement. Viktor might very well throw up.

"So what will it be, Vitya?" Omega asked. "Torture and a life of misery, or a quick death?"

Everyone looked to him to answer. Closing his eyes, he answered so softly he wasn't even sure if anyone would have heard him. "Please...do it quickly."

Omega grabbed his chin softly, but firm. "You will watch. An Oyabun's mate cannot be weak. Are you weak, Vitya?" He leaned in to whisper, "I think you are."

Omega turned back around and reached beneath his suit to pull out a knife. Approaching Ivan, Leo moved out of the way to allow room for him. Omega brushed the side of the man's face with his knuckles before tilting his chin up. He ran the knife down his cheek. It was deep enough to draw plenty of blood, but it was nothing fatal. Was he going to torture the man afterall, despite Viktor's wishes?

Bringing the knife to his lips, Omega licked it, smearing the blood across his mouth and his cheeks. "Minami-kun, time to feast."

Muffled screams coupled with manic laughter filled the dark air. Viktor flinched each time the knife was brought to Ivan's skin. Kenjirou was not making it quick, even if he wasn't severing limbs. It didn't take long before Viktor brought a hand to his mouth and had to look away.

As carefully as Yuuri might, Omega pulled his hand away and lifted his chin. Then it changed. Grabbing Viktor's face forcefully this time, he kissed the alpha hard.

Viktor's tears mixed with the coppery taste of blood as he was unable to pull away.

"Just as I thought," Omega muttered as he ended the bloody kiss.

Whether Viktor passed out, or blacked out from the horror, he didn't know. Either way, he was grateful.