Seung Gil snapped to attention and bowed his head. "Oyabun."

"Who is it?" Omega asked in annoyance as he slicked back his hair with one hand and removed his glasses with the other.

"Nekola," Seung Gil answered.

Omega scoffed and wrinkled his nose in disgust. "I knew something was weird with him in Italy. He normally can't stand me, but he was unusually up in my business this week. There is zero reason for him to be here in Barcelona."

"He is after you, then. Oyabun, I don't like this," Seung Gil told him, eyes scanning the surroundings quickly. "I should call Minami right away."

Viktor swallowed hard. Were they in danger? Who was this Nekola? Another mafia boss?

Huffing, Omega waved a dismissive hand. "Let Minami know what's happening, but don't ring the panic alarm just yet. Let's see what he wants. I'm curious." Looking up and giving Viktor a grin, he snaked his hands around the alpha's arm. "Come, my pretty little alpha. We'll see if you can follow my lead and behave appropriately. Let's go."

"Oyabun, this is a bad idea," Seung Gil warned, though he fell in step on Omega's other side. It was one step behind for respect, but close enough to be in front to take a hit if needed. "He doesn't know how to be around our kind in unfriendly territory."

"That's why it's a test," Omega said, gripping Viktor's arm just a little too tightly as he smirked up at him. "Vitya here says he can handle it, so let's see. If he becomes a liability, then we make a show of him and kill him in front of Nekola. That could be quite fun, don't you think?"

Viktor would be a liar if he said he didn't feel a chill run down his spine as he swallowed. He had promised Omega and Yuuri both he could do this, so he would. He had to. "I won't disappoint you."

"Good," Omega purred. "It's showtime."

Viktor started to look around, not seeing anything out of the ordinary. The people that passed them by looked...normal. Then again, Yuuri looked normal, too. Even without the glasses and the slicked back hair, Omega hadn't done much to make Yuuri look threatening in his current state of dress. Then a group of gentlemen blocked their path suddenly. At first glance, they didn't look out of the ordinary, but then Viktor looked closer. He knew designer anywhere, and those were all very expensive Burberry coats and Dior shoes.

"Yuuri Katsuki! What a surprise seeing you here!" The man in the center addressed them with open arms. He looked shaggy with shaggy brown hair and a beard and mustache. It wasn't as clean as the rest of his presentation. His blue eyes had a sparkle that almost made him feel friendly, but Viktor knew better.

"Emil Nekola. Yes, what a surprise," Omega's red eyes narrowed harshly, not returning the man's friendly demeanor.

Emil laughed and lowered his arms. "Always so serious, aren't you? Tell your guard dog to relax, we're all just friends here."

"If that's the case, why did you follow us here from Italy?" Seung Gil asked accusingly, matching Omega's dark demeanor.

"Oh, that," Emil laughed and stroked his beard. "Not business, I assure you. Simply curiosity. You seemed...not yourself at the summit. Distracted. Your scent also smelled off. It was almost as if you'd found yourself an alpha. That seemed so silly of course, because the great Yuuri Katsuki deplors alphas. And yet," his eyes turned dark as they looked at Viktor, "here is one hanging off your arm at this very moment."

Omega raised an eyebrow as he looked up at Viktor. "What, this? One can hate alphas and still appreciate their big dicks. They have their uses, and this one's very pretty and extremely subservient."

Viktor did his best to remain relaxed and focused, listening to what Omega was saying. He was giving him instructions on how to act. Well, he did love to worship Yuuri, so how hard could being subservient be?

"Oh? I find it very hard that Viktor Nikiforov, an Olympic gold medalist, would be subservient to anyone," Emil countered, working through their lies.

Omega unhooked his arm from Viktor's and reached a hand up to gently caress his cheek. "Vitya, be a doll and show Nekola here how wrong he is."

Viktor blinked, wondering what to do. His heart gave a fearful thud and his mind began to panic. Omega's fingers were still lingering on his skin. Swallowing hard with determination, Viktor took his hand and brought the back of his hand to his lips to kiss it. Like that, Viktor slowly began to sink to one knee, lowering himself beneath Omega's gaze submissively. Was it enough? Had it been the correct action Omega was expecting?

Emil's nostrils flared. Apparently, it had been enough to anger him. "What blackmail does he have on you?"

Viktor's mouth opened to answer him, but he quickly snapped his jaw shut. Omega wouldn't want an alpha to speak out of turn, he thought. He looked up at Omega who nodded his head. "I willingly give my love and my life to Yuuri."

"You hear that?" Omega beamed. "Love and his life. " With movements so quick Viktor couldn't even register them, Omega reached into his coat and then pointed something cold right against Viktor's forehead.

A gun. It was a gun!

They were far enough down an alley that the crowd hadn't noticed the gun, or didn't even register what it was. All it would take was one person to notice, though, and there would be screams and panic. Omega didn't seem bothered at all at the potential mass hysteria. Viktor, however, could feel himself shaking. It was exactly what Omega said he might do. Had he been planning to shoot Viktor here from the beginning? Emil's men had reached into their coats, but hey had not drawn their guns into view just yet as their boss's hand gestured for them to wait.

"Vitya here would lay down his life for me. A quality any good alpha should have, don't you think?" He drew back the hammer. "Right, Vitya?"

What else was Omega wanting him to do?! A freaking gun was resting against the center of his temple! He was trying to contain his rushed breaths, but the cold air betrayed him making each exhale visible to everyone around them. Omega wanted him to prove he was willing to die. How else could he -

Slowly, Viktor raised his hands and placed them over the gun. With trembling hands, he guided the gun down and pressed his lips to the cold metal. It was the easiest trigger pull Omega would ever have. The best opportunity to get rid of Viktor and out of Yuuri's life.

Laughing, Omega retracted the gun and ruffled Viktor's hair. "What a good boy."

Viktor fell to both knees and sat back on his heels. It took every bit of will power for him not to collapse completely and break down the way he so desperately wanted to. Omega gave him no order to rise, so he stayed right where he was.

"Is that not proof enough for you?" Omega asked as he returned the gun to its place in his coat. He's a fun sidepiece. Don't take it so seriously."

"Oh? And this?" Emil held up his hand and pointed to his finger.

Omega held up his hand and looked at the ring that it now wore. It wasn't obvious, but Viktor could see the brief look of confusion he gave the jewelry. That's right. Omega hadn't taken over until after Viktor had proposed. He didn't know what had happened. Viktor's heart picked up speed again as he wondered how Omega was going to get them out of this, but once again the omega remained calm and unbothered. "This? Well, pretending to be the good little omega the world wants me to be keeps people from seeing all those very naughty things I do behind closed doors. Just like the clothes I'm wearing. I fade right into the background where no one notices me. No one would ever suspect poor little me of theft and murder. Meanwhile, you and your lackies' mismatched designer outfits would be the first suspects."

"Tch," Emil cursed under his breath at the insult, taking it rather personally.

"Poor Nekola, it must be so hard being an alpha in today's world." Omega's eyes turned so dark they almost looked black. " Why are you here? We are not allies but we are not enemies, Nekola. Not yet. Don't make me an enemy."

Emil held up his hands in surrender and took a step back. "My curiosity simply got the best of me."

"Quite."

There were footsteps and Viktor looked up. It was Minami and two other members of Yuuri's clan that Viktor recognized. Seung Gil grabbed his shoulder and hauled him to his feet as they were joined by their reinforcements.

"Enjoy Barcelona, Nekola. It's so beautiful this time of year, isn't it?" Omega placed his hands in his pockets and started to walk back into the crowd. Seung Gil had to guide Viktor, who still hadn't regained control over his own body yet. "I really do hate guns," Omega said casually as they began to immerse back into the crowd. "I much prefer the blade, but they are such useful weapons to draw instant fear, don't you think, Vitya?"

Viktor didn't answer. He couldn't.

"He's got to be working for someone," Seung Gil hissed. "We need to find out who."

"Nekola is self-serving, yes, but he is not a follower," Omega shook his head. "Maybe with someone, but not for someone. This is exactly what I knew would happen, though. Other organizations have found a potential weakness." He came to a stop and looked at Viktor. When Viktor didn't look back, Omega reached up and grabbed his chin to force his gaze. "Do you know what happens in those superhero movies when the enemy finds the hero's weakness?"

"Kidnap and torture!" Kenjirou laughed excitedly.

"Very good, Minami-kun," Omega praised. He let go of Viktor's jaw and turned his hand over to run his knuckles down his cheek roughly. "You are not worth my time to rescue, Viktor. You will be tortured until you die. Don't be weak, Vitya."

Oh. Yes. Don't get kidnapped. Don't get tortured. Don't get murdered. Such easy instructions to follow.

"I don't think that elaborate show was enough to get him to stop the pursuit," Seung Gil warned. "He will use this against you."

Omega shrugged and waved a dismissive hand. "His clan is small and bush league. Put a watch on all of his movements, but don't lose sleep over him. Find us a job. A big job. A violent job. Let's remind everyone who they are dealing with should they try and make a move against us."

"Oh, don't worry, Oyabun! I'll find us something good!" Kenjirou promised with delight.

"You all are dismissed-"

"No, not yet," Seung Gil stopped them. "Stay out of sight, but stay close."

Omega sighed in annoyance. "You worry too much."

"It's the job you tasked me with, sir," Seung Gil gave a half bow.

This time, it was Seung Gil's face whose Omega's knuckles caressed. It was with far more grace and care than had been done to Viktor. There was actual love in the action. Viktor wanted to be jealous. He was supposed to be jealous, but all he could do was stare with wide eyes. Was it possible Omega could love...just not Viktor?

"What would I do without you?" Omega asked in a tender voice.

Seung Gil closed his eyes just briefly at the touch and then placed a fist to his heart as he bowed further.

Omega retracted his hand and placed it against his neck where Viktor's mark was beneath the heavy coat and scarf. He winced and then huffed. "We're lucky they were far enough away they couldn't have caught wind of my scent. A temporary mark is almost more troublesome than a real one. Stop with these half-hearted attempts. Either do or don't."

Viktor still couldn't find it in himself to control his muscles enough to move or speak.

Finally, Omega seemed to notice his state and raised an eyebrow. "Why such the look of death? I'm actually impressed with your performance. Figure skaters really are so good at acting, aren't they? Oh, is it the whole gun thing? I do promise you that if and when I do kill you, it won't be with a gun unless it's a totally unplanned incident. I like slow and painful deaths and yours will be very slow and painful."

A sting of pain and resentment brought Viktor back to life. "Nothing I do will ever be good enough, will it?"

"Of course not, but you knew that, didn't you?" Omega told him. "Your goal shouldn't be for me to like you, my sweet Vitya, but for me to simply not want to bother with killing you. I thought you'd be happy to hear that my desire to kill you has diminished just a tad. I liked seeing you kneel at my feet like a dog."

Viktor clenched his fists and looked towards the ground. "You're horrible. No, you're evil."

"I am the product of an abusing society that still views omegas as dolls to sit there and look pretty while occasionally spreading their legs," Omega spat angrily. "Alphas created me. You would do well to remember that you ungrateful - ah!" He hissed as his hand went to his neck again. After working through the wince he started to laugh. "I can feel your anger! Apparently, so can Yuuri. Now, that's interesting...well...I guess we'll talk later."

Red eyes began to lose their tint and soft brown returned. They blinked several times in confusion before going wide in panic. "Vitya! What happened? I remember Seung Gil running towards us and then - nothing!" He swiftly looked around himself trying to figure out where he was and what was happening.

Viktor leapt forward and took Yuuri's hands in his. "It's ok! Everything is alright!"

It took a second, but Yuuri finally relaxed against Viktor's touch and let out a sigh of relief. "So nothing happened? Well, I'm sure something happened. What did Omega say or do?"

"We're not alone in Barcelona," Seung Gil cut in, "but we shouldn't talk about it here. We should go back to the hotel where we can properly keep you safe."

Yuuri's lips pressed together in a thin line. "Who is it?"

"Nekola," Seung Gil answered.

"Nekola?" Yuuri echoed in surprise. "That's strange, why would he-,"

"Aniki, please, not here," Seung Gil pleaded.

Sighing, Yuuri nodded in agreement. "Right. Oh our bags!" He pointed to where their bags had been left outside the church gates down the block in all of the chaos. Somehow, no one had stolen them. Yuuri was starting to piece some things together, though. His brows drew together in concern, but he said nothing. He'd wait until the hotel at Seung Gil's request.

After retrieving their bags, Viktor laced his fingers with Yuuri's and held on tight the rest of the way back to the hotel. Viktor hated how worried Yuuri looked. He wanted to reassure him and tell him everything was alright, but it wasn't alright, was it? Viktor was fine putting himself in the line of danger, but now he feared he'd put Yuuri in danger.

When they entered the hotel room Seung Gil immediately locked every available lock on the door. "All exits are manned and Minami is in the lobby. I am staying in the room with you tonight. Apologies Aniki," he bowed, "but I will not accept argument."

Yuuri shook his head and started to remove his scarf and coat. "You will not receive it. Tell me what happened."

Seung Gil recounted the events that happened with Emil. Yuuri listened carefully, saving his questions for the end. Viktor hated the looks his face made when he was told about what Viktor had done. He could feel the hurt through their temporary mark and it made him feel sick.

"Nekola has never been much of a threat, but I still don't like this," Yuuri eventually said once he was finished with his questions about what had transpired. "It may be nothing, and hopefully it is, but I agree with Omega's orders. Follow through with them."

Seung Giil nodded. "We'll see to it and brief you the moment Minami has found us the appropriate job."

Pulling at the collar of his sweater anxiously, Yuuri nodded. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but man...I could use another drink."

"Well, good thing there's a mini-fridge," Viktor smiled at him before kissing his cheek. "How about a bath and a drink?"

"Are you sure? We already had a lot to drink tonight...I don't want to affect your skating," Yuuri said.

Viktor smiled. "The effects of everything we've had to drink left me long ago. Besides, tomorrow is just practice. This is the best night to have a little extra."

Hesitating for just a moment, Yuuri finally nodded. "Ok...but just beer."

"Just beer is fine." Viktor pulled him in for a proper kiss this time. He needed to remind himself why he was doing all of this. For Yuuri. Everything - anything - for Yuuri.

"Don't mind me," Seung Gil huffed, taking a seat in one of the plush accent chairs.

"I never do," Viktor told him as he separated from Yuuri. "Meet me in the bathroom, my love." Yuuri nodded and he retreated to the lavish spa-like bathroom. Starting the water, he rummaged around for bubble bath and poured a heavy amount in. As he poured, he realized his hand was still shaking. Gritting his teeth, he pulled it against his chest in an effort to stop it. Breathe. You're alive. You're unharmed. It was just another psychological test. Omega was very fond of them, it seemed. At no point had he actually harmed Viktor despite the many threats, but he had infiltrated his mind.

"Vitya?" Yuuri's soft voice interrupted his thoughts. He closed the doors to the bathroom behind him so they'd have privacy. "Are you ok? Please...be honest with me."

Viktor started to put on his usual fake smile, but he stopped himself as he looked down at his hand. "Perhaps I'm not as alright as I'd like to tell you I am."

Yuuri wrapped his arms around Viktor's shoulders and pressed his cheek to his back. "I wish...I wish I could keep Omega from coming out when you were around. I wish I could protect you from him."

"I think you protect me more than you think," Viktor told him. "Omega may pretend to not care for you or your feelings, but if that were true, he wouldn't still be toying with me. He would have ended this long ago." He leaned down and turned off the water.

Yuuri released him and started to disrobe, though somberly. "I know I've said it before, but I wish I could speak with him directly. Maybe...maybe we could come to an agreement."

"You can't talk to him face-to-face, but that doesn't mean you can't communicate with him," Viktor told him as he, too, began to disrobe. "You can leave notes. You said you don't always trust Seung Gil to convey your thoughts to Omega, but what if you wrote them down yourself?"

"I'm not so sure he'd listen," Yuuri said as he retrieved their drinks from the counter and set them on the bath tray.

"Isn't it worth trying?" Viktor argued. He stepped into the bath and then held out a hand for Yuuri.

Yuuri took it and joined him in the bath. He didn't say anything as they settled down into the water, the omega pressing his back against Viktor's chest. After taking a sip of his beer, he finally answered, "Maybe you're right."

Kissing the top of Yuuri's head, Viktor wrapped his arms around him and settled into the water properly. "I'm here, Yuuri. Omega will have to kill me to get rid of me."

Yuuri tensed in his arms. "Please don't say that, Vitya...it may just come to that."

Then if it did, Viktor could at least die knowing he'd fought for what he loved. Finally. After thirty years of his life, he'd finally fought for himself. It was scary. No, it was horrifying, but it was the most alive Viktor had ever felt. "Let's not think about it, then. Let's just live in the now."

Humming, Yuuri sank further into the water and rested his head back against Viktor. He lifted his hand and marveled at the gold band. "I can't believe you almost sort of proposed to me."

"You never said if you'd say yes if I had done it for real," Viktor smiled, raising his own hand to join him.

"Was that not really for real?" Yuuri teased. "You said it wasn't, but I think it was just a coverup."

Chuckling, Viktor nuzzled his neck. "Would you say yes?"

"Yes," Yuuri answered.

Viktor's eyes went wide at the confident confession before he settled back in against Yuuri and pulled him in tighter. An engagement really meant nothing without the promise of a mark, but Viktor was still determined to hold up his end of that bargain. Breathing Yuuri's scent in, Viktor began to truly relax when suddenly flashes of Omega's hand caressing Seung Gil filled his thoughts. He tensed. "Yuuri...can I ask you something?"

Yuuri hummed.

"Omega and Seung Gil -," Viktor stopped himself. It was very likely that Yuuri had no idea what could potentially be transpiring between the two. Was it right of him to bring it up? Maybe now was not the time. "I...um...I noticed that the way Seun Gil and others address you when you are Yuuri versus Omega is different. Is that a matter of keeping you separate, or is there some sort of Japanese honorific I'm missing here?" It wasn't what he was originally going to ask, but it was still a question that had been on his mind.

"Hmm...you mean calling me Aniki instead of Oyabun?" Yuuri asked for clarification.

Viktor nodded, recognizing those words. "Yes."

"Ah, well...Oyabun technically is my appropriate title," Yuuri began. "That is what the leader of a Yakuza clan is called. But, I don't really feel like I deserve to be addressed that way. It's Omega that's done so much for this clan and the other omegas. I'm simply Aniki. Big brother. A senior advisor."

"I don't think you give yourself enough credit," Viktor argued. "Omega may be the enforcer, but it sounds to me like the ideas and vision behind the clan are yours."

Yuuri shrugged, uncertain. "I guess, but...a vision is not much without execution, is it? It's the way I prefer to be addressed."

Viktor wished he could help give Yuuri more confidence. Maybe he could. Maybe that came with more time as they built their relationship. Yuuri wasn't one that reacted much to words, but actions. He'd have to figure out what actions he could take to help build him up. That was all predicated, of course, that he could still win gold all while avoiding kidnapping and torturing, as Kenjirou had so eloquently put it. Kenjirou had seemed like such a sweet kid when Viktor had first met him, but he had a secret side to him just as everyone else around Yuuri did.

"Yuuri," Viktor began as he started to wash Yuuri's hair, "are you in danger?"

Yuuri laughed, "Always."

"No, sorry, I mean specifically with the man Omega and I met," Viktor clarified. "Emil? Was it?"

He hummed. "Emil hasn't ever been much of a threat, but his boldness to approach us so openly like that is concerning. I think he's just fishing for an opportunity to raise his status, but I've learned in his business to never take anyone lightly, even if they don't seem like much." He turned his head to look up at Viktor and reached up a hand to cup his face. "I'll keep you safe. I promise."

Viktor took his hand and kissed his palm. "Would you come rescue me if I became the kidnapped maiden in distress? Omega said he wouldn't."

"I'll come for you, Vitya," Yuuri promised. "Always." He tipped his chin up and kissed Viktor's lips.

Finally, Viktor felt himself stop shaking and warmth sink into his skin between the water and Yuuri's love. As they continued to kiss, Viktor found his hand trailing down the omega's soft stomach and between his legs. With Seung Gil in the other room, they wouldn't be able to have a romp in the bed, but Viktor could still ensure Yuuri was taken care of. Yuuri moaned into his mouth as he began to stroke and twist. It was just a handjob, but Viktor felt far more pleasure in the action than he usually did. It must have been because of their temporary mark. Viktor felt more connected to Yuuri's feelings. It didn't take too long for Yuuri to spill over his hand and melt into the water with a pleased sigh.

"You didn't have to do that," Yuuri finally managed to say, eyes closed while he worked to steady his breath.

"I like making you feel good," Viktor told him, kissing his forehead.

Yuuri's eyes blinked open and Viktor watched as the brown disappeared. They didn't go red, but they went dark. Dark with lust. Yuuri began to move, making the water splash around them, and turned over. He crawled up Viktor's body until their foreheads touched and then took hold of Viktor's cock. "It's only right if I return the favor."

"Oh," Viktor purred, delighted at the view. Yuuri looked so sexy like this on all fours in front of him dripping with water. It was honestly embarrassing how quickly Viktor came between the pleasured feelings he had of Yuuri's own release and the brief show of confidence he had. See? Yuuri could be confident, afterall.

Yuuri laughed after Viktor came and kissed him. "The water is getting cold."

"Whose fault is that?" Viktor asked as Yuuri stood.

"Yours," Yuuri told him as he grabbed a town and stepped out, wrapping it around himself. "You started it."

Viktor grinned. "So I did.

Viktor preferred to sleep naked, but that was absolutely out of the question with Seung Gil in the room. Reluctantly, he put on a pair of boxers. Most of the time, Viktor could convince Yuuri to at least go without his shirt, but not tonight. If it weren't for all the telling tattoos, Yuuri would look so normal with his messy hair and glasses. Seung Gil had at least changed out of his suit, but even in 'normal' clothes he very much looked like he was a threat. He paid them little mind as they prepared for bed, engrossed in his phone.

"Did you set your alarm so we don't have to wake up to your coach calling you?" Yuuri asked as he folded his glasses and set them on the nightstand.

"My Yuuri always looking out for me," Viktor pulled him against his chest and kissed his cheek. "Yes, yes. My alarm is set. Yuuri settled in the bed against Viktor. Viktor couldn't see his frown, but he could feel something was still weighing on Yuuri. "Yuuri...are you ok?"

"Does Yakov know I'm here?" Yuuri asked carefully. "I don't want to make things worse between you two."

Viktor hadn't told Yakov Yuuri was here, but it would have been obvious at the fact Viktor refused to let him know what room he was in. That could only mean one thing. "Probably, but don't worry about Yakov. I'm not sure you could make it any worse than it already is. Yakov made his bed."

"Maybe," Yuuri sighed, still feeling guilty.

Leaning in, Viktor kissed his neck. "Sweet dreams, my Yuuri."

That night, Viktor dreamed of being chased endlessly. He woke up in a cold sweat.

Seung Gil gave him a side eye as he got dressed and packed his practice bag, but thankfully he asked no questions. Leaving both omegas behind, Viktor made his way to the hotel lobby and grabbed a coffee and a pastry to go on the bus. Making sure his sunglasses were on, he made his way to the back of the bus in hopes of being left alone, but then he noticed a head of very familiar fiery hair. Kenjirou.

Lifting his glasses he squinted. Kenjirou had a pass around his neck with his name and photo on it listed as media. Viktor blinked several times until he realized Yuuri must have had it made. With a bright smile and innocent face, the young omega took several selfies on his way back to Viktor before plopping in on the seat next to him. "Why are you here, Kenjirou?"

"To keep you from being kidnapped and tortured," Kenjirou responded as he typed away at his phone. Viktor peered over and found it was Instagram where he was posting all his newly acquired photos.

So Yuuri was bothered by what had happened. "Do you really think something is going to happen?"

Kenjirou shrugged. "Maybe, maybe not. Either way, I'm here. I hope something will happen. It's more fun for me."

"Can't you just have fun meeting all the skaters?" Viktor asked with a small nervous laugh. "I'm happy to introduce you to anyone you'd like."

Kenjirou's eyes suddenly got really wide and excited. "REALLY?!"

"S-sure," Viktor answered as he found himself pressed against the window the way the omega encroached up into his space.

"Oi, who the hell is this guy?" Yuri asked as he threw his bag down in the seat across from Viktor.

Kenjirou turned around and smiled, extending a hand. "Minami Kenjirou! I'm a journalist! I missed my bus, so I asked if I could join you all over to the rink. It's very nice to meet you! My boss has spoken so highly of you."

"Your boss?" Yuri raised an eyebrow.

"Katsuki Yuuri!" Kenjirou answered with a proud grin.

It was Yuri's turn to suddenly turn into a gushing mess. "Katsuki?! You know Katsuki?!"

Viktor sighed as he was quickly forgotten about as the two blonds started to chatter so excitedly he couldn't even follow the conversation. Looking up over the seat he took in the people on the bus and frowned when he couldn't find Chris or Phichit on it. They had to have been on the bus behind them. Frowning, he sunk down in the seat and made himself as invisible as possible. After passing through the security checks Viktor headed to the locker rooms. He had barely set down his bag before Chris and Phichit pounced.

"IS THAT A RING?" Phichit grabbed Viktor's hand and held it up to his face. "THAT'S A RING!"

"Viktor! Mon ami, did you really propose!" Chris leaned in as close as Phichit to view the gold band.

Viktor stood tall and flexed his fingers in show. "I might have. It was quite romantic. Right in front of a church with a choir singing and everything! Of course, Yuuri will only agree if I win Olympic gold, but we're wearing the rings anyway because I'm going to win. Naturally."

"If your fiance will only marry you if you win gold, they don't really love you," JJ commented from the other side of the locker room.

"Nobody asked you!" Chris and Phichit fired angrily at the other alpha.

Viktor placed his hand over his heart. "On the contrary. He knows I'm capable of everything, and is pushing me to be the best that I can be. That is what he deserves."

Phichit made some sort of weird inhuman noise. "I can't believe this! It's so cute! So romantic! I want to die!"

"I will be the best man, won't I?" Chris asked.

"Of course," Viktor assured him. "And I'm sure Phichit would be Yuuri's."

"Damn straight!" Phichit agreed. "Ma-an! I seriously can't believe this! Yuuri is really living out his childhood fantasy while the rest of us remain fodder. My desire to win keeps diminishing, and that's horrible for a competitive athlete! My fanboy side is winning out, here!"

Chris hummed in agreement. "I've wanted to see Viktor happy for so long that I, too, want to see this work out. But! Yuuri's condition is you winning Olympic gold, no? Not Grand Prix Final gold...so that means you are still fair game this weekend!"

"Oh! Right, right!" Phichit lit up and nodded.

Viktor laughed. "Very true. Give me your best."

"Well I don't give too fucks about you marrying Katsuki," Yuri suddenly interjected. "I'm winning gold. I'm ruining your career, and your marriage."

"Children should keep their mouths shut," Chris tsked.

Viktor, however, couldn't help but notice the determination in Yuri's face. It really meant a lot to him to win. It had never meant much to Viktor to win. Not really. It always just happened. Not until now. For Viktor, it wasn't other mafia clans he had to be worried about. It was Yuri. "It's good to be confident, Yuri, but don't let it get to your head."

"Yeah, like you did?" Yuri snorted. "Your time is over. Get used to it, old man."

"So then let me win gold, marry, and be out of your way," Viktor told him.

Yuri huffed. "In your dreams. I'll ruin your career and your marriage. If Katsuki wants to marry whoever wins gold, then he can marry me!"

There wasn't even a second to process what Yuri had said. Viktor's alpha was reacting immediately and he had Yuri pinned by the throat against the lockers. "I will kill you if you so much as lay a hand-,"

"Okay, Viktor! Jokes up!" Chris laughed nervously as he pulled Viktor off of Yuri and stepped between them. "Little Yuri is just trying to rile you up. We all know he would never go after your Yuuri."

"Like hell-," Yuri scowled before Phichit covered his mouth with his hands.

Viktor growled and Chris ended up shoving him back against the other wall of lockers.

"Viktor," Chris said in a firm but calm voice. "No one is making a challenge for your mate. It's just talk, nothing more. Calm down."

If it had been anyone else trying to calm Viktor down, he wouldn't have complied, but even his angry alpha recognized Chris as a friend and ally and he backed down. It didn't make the jealousy and anger go away, though. "Make a move on Yuuri, and I will remove your head from your body."

Yuri sprung out of his seat despite Phichit's hold, but then the skater from Kazakhstan joined in and helped contain him. He whispered something to Yuri, and it made the young alpha finally sit down. The anger didn't disappear, but he finally sat still.

"Vitya," Chris pleaded. " S'il te plaƮt, let it go. He's just trying to get beneath your skin. Don't let him win like this."

Gritting his teeth, Viktor finally began to relax beneath Chris' hand before shrugging him off. "We need to skate. End of story."

"Very true," Chris agreed, relieved that Viktor had calmed but with still an air of nervousness. He put on a brave face and smiled towards the group. "There are many fans and journalists waiting! Let's not keep them over petty alpha matters!"

Everyone began to focus on putting on their skates, but the air was heavy. Viktor had to concentrate very heavily on the laces of his skates so that he didn't glance at Yuri and get angry again. Chris, Phichit, and even the Khazak skater - Ota...Otabek? - worked themselves between Viktor and Yuri as they made their way to the rink and waited to be let on the ice. Viktor didn't even give Yakov a glance as he handed off his guards and took off on the ice.

Viktor skated with determination and focus. Maybe there wasn't as much acting and fines, but there was technical precision. He didn't have a single fall the entire time and had a clean run through of his short program.

"You look good," Yakov commented simply as Viktor came over for water.

Viktor grunted as he wiped his face with a towel and took a sip from his water.

"You smell different, Vitya," Yakov commented carefully, very unsure if he should even bring it up. Viktor was wearing gloves, so he couldn't see the ring. "Are you alright?"

Alright? Of course Viktor was alright. He was better than ever. "I feel good. I feel myself. Don't worry about me." Setting his bottle aside he headed back out onto the ice. He caught sight of Kenjirou on the sidelines. He didn't look like such an innocent kid anymore. Yuuri really was worried someone would come for him. Viktor wouldn't let that happen.

Maybe Viktor was no good as Omega's alpha, but he'd be damned if he wasn't Yuuri's perfect alpha.