"Who would have ever thought?" Chris mused out loud, a slight smirk on his face as he rubbed at his beard. "JJ flopped and Altin is nipping at my heels. Would have been ahead of me if it weren't for the step out."
"And here I thought you were shocked that you were actually sitting in on a press conference," Viktor smirked back.
Chris didn't take offense to it, laughing it off. "It has been a bit, hasn't it?"
"Enjoy it while you can, you're notoriously bad for flopping in the free," Viktor continued.
The omega laughed again, though this time regretfully. "Don't remind me! It's been a struggle this season for sure. My lead in the short has kept me above water every competition this season I feel like."
Viktor smiled before casting a glance to his left. Yuri was sulking horribly. Yakov would scold him later for wearing his emotions on his sleeve in front of the press. The young alpha had no clue how to control himself when things didn't go his way. He'd had an outstanding performance.. He'd beaten Vitkor technically even with a step-out, but the judges punished him for being young in components. Punished seemed like a strong word, but it was the reality of the judging system. Senior skaters often scored better in components just because they'd been there done that before.
As for him, he'd felt good. Incredibly good. It was the best short program he'd done all season. Viktor had learned long ago how to control his nerves, but he'd felt more relaxed than ever out on the ice. It gave him confidence going into the free, but not cockiness. He knew Yuri could beat him, so he couldn't be complacent.
The interview was mostly ordinary, though it was clear some of the journalists were getting under Yuri's skin. There were a few times that Viktor had to kick him under the table to get him to change the trajectory of his answer. Yakov said nothing to Viktor after the conference, but there was a small nod - a silent acknowledgment. Then he promptly took Yuri by the year and began to yell at him in hurried Russian as they walked down the hall.
"Don't celebrate too much tonight," Chris winked at him as they walked together toward the exit and the bus to take them back to the hotel.
Viktor huffed in amusement outwardly, but felt a small pang inside. Things were still…not quite normal between him and Yuuri. Yuuri was still concerned about what happened outside the church. With Omega. He tried to hide it, but Viktor could tell. He could feel the emotions through their fake bond, even though it was fading little by little each day. If he could feel this through a fake bond, what would it be like with a real one? How intense would it be? Viktor wanted to know, but he had to wait.
When Viktor opened the door to their shared hotel room, he was immediately met with a kiss. It took Viktor by surprise, but the familiarity of the lips and the warmth had him sinking into the embrace and smiling. "I haven't won yet," Viktor told Yuuri once they finally broke apart.
"No, but it's a good start," Yuuri smiled up at him, keeping his arms around Viktor's waist.
Lowering his forehead, Viktor touched his to Yuuri's. "When I was on the ice, all I could think of was you. It was like the entire stadium was empty, and it was just you watching me. I felt so at peace."
"I wish it could really be like that," Yuuri said as he slowly released his hold. "You must be tired. And hungry."
"Mostly tired, but definitely hungry," Viktor agreed as he set down his bag and started to remove his jacket. "Order us anything. Everything. God, I'm usually not so hungry, but I feel ravenous:"
"The bond," Yuuri told him before picking up the menu. "There's an exchange of energy when you're bonded. Even if it is a false one, we're still exchanging it."
That made sense, but…wouldn't that mean Viktor would be less tired? If he was pulling from Yuuri? Unless. "What's wrong?"
Yuuri sighed and lowered the menu. "I just still feel on edge since the encounter with Nekola. We've pushed back. Established dominance to make him retreat, but that doesn't mean he will. It's never a dull moment in the mafia."
"Establish dominance?" Viktor questioned as he took a seat on the edge of the bed.
"Do you really want to know?" Yuuri asked with a raised eyebrow.
Well. Maybe not. "Ignorance is bliss, they say. I understand you have things you must do, but best I don't know. That way, they can never beat it out of me."
"Don't joke about that!" Yuuri shouted suddenly, turning towards him with clenched fists and a firm face. "There are so many people that would do just that, and they wouldn't care if you told them you didn't know anything. They'd just keep going and going and -,"
Viktor was up on his feet and grabbing Yuuri's hands to reassure him. "It won't happen. You won't let it."
Yuuri's hands shook in Viktor's. "I can't…I can't promise that. As much as I want to, I can't…"
Bringing up Yuuri's hands to his lips, Viktor kissed the omega's knuckles. "I understand why you can't promise it, but I truly believe you would do everything in your power to keep it from happening. That's all I need."
"You place too much trust in me," Yuuri said as he lowered his gaze with slight blush.
Viktor didn't think so. "You've saved and protected so many omegas. How can you say that I can't trust you?"
"Because you're not just another omega, you're an alpha. My alpha," Yuuri argued. "That makes you far more important than the omegas under my care. It makes you a bigger target."
Viktor took a thumb to Yuuri's bottom lip. "Your alpha…"
Yuuri pressed his lips together. "It doesn't matter what happens now…a rival has seen us together. Smelled us together. Even if we aren't official, word will get around."
Viktor's heart skipped an excited beat. "So, then, it doesn't even matter what I do moving forward. If everyone else already thinks-,"
Yuuri held up a palm. "It won't be easy, but I can eventually redirect it if I have to. I can make sure all the attention is drawn from you to someone else…at least for a time."
"Why would you do that?" Viktor asked without hesitation, feeling hurt at the mere thought of it.
Pressing his lips together, Yuuri looked down. "To protect you. Vitya…please. You think you understand, but you don't. Your encounters with Omega and the few things you've seen don't even begin to truly uncover the realities of this situation."
Viktor was tired of this. He was tired of being treated like a child. He understood well enough. Don't do as Omega says, and end up dead. Or worse. Omega was clearly someone who liked to play with his food. Follow his rules, and you'd survive. Mostly. Maybe. Probably. Viktor had played the game his entire life. He could continue playing. The game was different. The rules were different. But Viktor was a fast learner. Taking a step back from Yuuri, Viktor turned his back feeling a pang of anger. "I have come this far staying by you. I would think that means something, but instead you still berate me."
Yuuri was silent for a long heavy moment, before eventually sighing. "You're right. You are able to make your own decisions, and I can't stop you. All that I can do is give you the information you need to make those decisions and be thankful for every moment that you choose to stay. I'm sorry Vitya. This is all new to me. After the incident…when Omega was born…I thought that was it. I thought any hope of finding love was over for me. How could anyone love someone who was two people? Never knowing who you were going to get. Control or violence. It's too much to ask of anyone."
Viktor glanced over his shoulder and could see how vulnerable Yuuri felt. He'd never seen it from his perspective. It had never been a question for Viktor, because he'd fallen so fast and hard. He was willing to take Yuuri for everything that he was. Yakuza and Omega. All of it. Yakov always said Viktor was crazy, and he was right. Doing things no one else in the world would ever even attempt. Pushing boundaries at every turn. "This is new for both of us, I understand, but that doesn't give you an excuse to push me away when I've continued to tell you I'm staying."
"You're right," Yuuri agreed, "you've proven yourself to me…but I'm only half of the vote."
Putting on a smile, Viktor turned around and flipped his bangs out of his face. "Don't worry. No one is ever able to resist my charm for long."
That, at least, got Yuuri to laugh and smile again.
"Is my Yuuri going to feed me or what?" Viktor asked before dramatically falling back onto the bed and splaying his limbs.
"Who orders food for you when you don't have me at competitions?" Yuuri asked with a laugh as he reached for the phone.
"No one, and it's horrific," Viktor answered, finally feeling all the exhaustion hit his bones. At some point, he even dozed off. The smell of the food woke him and his stomach rumbled. As much as he wanted to just sink into the mattress, he needed to eat. Yuuri was on the phone when he managed to push himself up. Business. Viktor could always tell. The way Yuuri's brow would furrow and his muscles would didn't like what he did, but even though he was thrust into it, he did it to the best of his abilities. Viktor wondered how life might have been different had his sister taken over the family business as was intended.
"Sorry," Yuuri apologized after he finally hung up. Viktor had made it through half the food by then, but it was fine. "Work never sleeps."
"Yuuri," Viktor began as he laid back on the bed again, this time stomach full. "What do you think you'd be doing if…you weren't doing this?"
"You mean, if the accident hadn't happened?" Yuuri clarified.
Viktor hummed.
"Well…," Yuuri took a seat next to Viktor on the edge of the bed and reached for a piece of bread. "I like to think I'd still be skating. I don't really know if I ever would have been good enough to continue on the senior circuit, but it's nice to imagine. My dream was always to skate on the same ice as you."
Turning his head, Viktor observed the sincere loss and grief on Yuuri's face. "That dream can still happen, you know. You can't do quads, sure, but your ankles are healed enough now you could skate, right? We could skate. Together. Hand in hand."
"Yes," Yuuri nodded hesitantly, "but…I don't know if I can. Not physically, but mentally."
"Sometimes, doing the thing that we think would bring us the most pain, actually heals us," Viktor told him, thinking back to his own painful memories involving the ice.
Yuuri smiled slightly. "Maybe you're right, but I'm still not ready."
"Well, when you are, I'll be there." Viktor raised his hand and reached out to Yuuri.
The omega took it.
"We could do ice dance!" Viktor said suddenly, sitting up. "I mean, I'm getting far too old to stay in singles, but ice dancers have longevity! No jumping, and the best part of your skating was your step sequences! We'd be amazing!"
Yuuri laughed and squeezed his hand. "Jumps aside, dancing is so much harder than people give it credit for. It's been too long since I've been on the ice. We'd be no good at the start."
"That's fine. Japan notoriously lacks any good pairs in dancing, so I could just apply for citizenship and we'd represent Japan. Wouldn't take much to make it!" It was a silly notion, but if Yuuri said yes, Viktor would announce his retirement from singles before the Olympics and go for it.
"You'd really go through all of that just to compete and come in last in every competition?" Yuuri chuckled.
Viktor shrugged. "For the first season, sure, but the world wouldn't know what hit them after we got a couple under our belt. I always found ice dance so fascinating. It's truly focused on performance instead of just technical aspects, and their costumes are always so much fun! If I had a serious partner, I'd really consider it." Mila might be for it. She knew her number was up. She wasn't even likely to make the Olympic team this year due to the younger talent.
"I'd do anything to see you on the ice for eternity," Yuuri said fondly.
Viktor brought his knuckles to his lips and kissed them. "I'll never leave the ice. Even if it's no longer for competition, I'll be there. Shows, exhibitions, clinics…the ice and I will always be together."
Viktor ended up winning the GPF, but he was second overall in the free skate behind Yuri. If Yuri hadn't had the step out in the short program, he would have won. Viktor had done the calculations. Yuri's programs were all back loaded. It was something Viktor simply couldn't do anymore physically. He'd have to be perfect. Perfect at National's. Perfect at European's. Perfect at the Olympics. All while hoping Yuri had a mistake. If they both went perfect, Viktor would lose every time.
"For someone who won, you don't look too happy," Chris commented as he sat up in his seat on the bus and turned around to face Viktor. "At least you won a medal! I flopped just like you said. SIGH! Euro's, I suppose."
"I wouldn't have won if Yuri hadn't had the step out," Viktor told him, looking out the window.
"Oh, for heaven's sake," Chris got up and moved Viktor's bags that were taking up the seat next to him and sat down. "And if I had gone clean, I would have been on the podium. That's life. That's sport. You had two incredible skates, Viktor. You deserved to win. You didn't break any records, it's true, but that doesn't diminish what you did out there. What's this really about, Vitya?"
Viktor pressed his lips together and had to swallow back tears that were forming. He switched to French. "I'm scared, Chris. Scared that I'll fizzle out into obscurity instead of ending with the bang that I wanted. I don't know if I can keep this up for another two months."
"My dear friend, one thing you will never do is fade into obscurity," Chris told him, grabbing his hand and rubbing it soothingly. "The changing of the guard is inevitable, it's true, but your name will be in the books for eternity. Even I know my own worth. I may not have any outstanding international contributions, but I have many in my home country. And look, it could be worse! You could be a Russian woman! Now THAT is fading into obscurity! A couple of seasons of winning everything and then you have a broken back and an eating disorder by the time you're seventeen."
It was an incredibly sad reality. One Viktor hadn't considered. Yes, his knee ached, but he could still walk. He could still jump. He could still do everything he'd always done, just not to the same extreme. Viktor would walk away from skating in mostly one piece. But, Viktor's reputation wasn't the only thing he was worried about. "Yuuri's ultimatum was that I win gold."
Chris let out a small laugh. "Vitya…you're such a fool. I may have only seen the two of you together for a short time, but I can tell how in love he is with you. You said it yourself. He only made that ultimatum to push you to your best. To make sure you don't get distracted. If you really believe he won't be with you if you don't win gold, then you're a goddamn idiot, my friend."
Deep down, Viktor knew. Of course he did, but if he let himself believe that for even one moment…he let out a small laugh and wiped at a tear. "I just want to be with him so desperately."
"You already are," Chris ran a finger across the gold ring on Viktor's hand.
Viktor pulled his hand away and looked at it in the light. They hadn't talked about it. What it really meant. Yuuri was wearing the ring, but…did he think of it the same way as Viktor? He didn't even know how much Yuuri remembered before Omega had taken control. They should talk about it. Viktor needed to know where they really stood.
The entire ride back to the hotel Viktor ran through the conversation in his head over and over again. How he'd ask the question. What he'd counter with given various responses from Yuuri. In theory, he knew how to attack every angle, but he knew that once the conversation got going he'd forget everything he'd planned. Sucking in a breath as he reached the door he prepared himself, and then keyed in.
It was not Yuuri that greeted him, but Seung Gil. Well. Not greeted, exactly. Scowled at, really.
"There's been a change of plans," Seung Gil told him with the same stern face he always wore. "I will escort you back to St. Petersburg, and Aniki will meet us there when business is done."
Viktor swallowed hard and nervously. "What business? What's going on?" Yuuri wouldn't have just left like that. Not unless it was serious.
"You know what business," Seung Gil told him with dark eyes. "He's desperately trying to clean up the mess you caused at the church."
The alpha felt his nostrils flare. "I acted according to Omega's wishes."
"Which would have never had to have happened if you had just left Aniki alone," Seung Gil hissed.
No. No more of this. Viktor was done taking the hits. Dropping his bag Viktor took a step forward so that his chest touched against Seung Gil's. He only had a few inches on him, but it felt like a foot. "I'm not going anywhere, so you can cut the act. I'm here to stay whether you and Omega like it or not. Wherever Yuuri goes, I go. Whatever Yuuri needs from me, he will receive. Loyalty. Silence. All of it."
Seung Gil smirked and let out a huff. "So…you're capable of speaking like an Oyabun's mate after all. A pleasant surprise. I still don't like you."
"And I hate you just as much," Viktor told him, "but we have to live with one another. So, I'll ask again, what's going on?"
Putting distance between them again, Seung Gil sighed. "For your safety, it's better I don't give you too many details. Oyabun will handle it. Don't you worry about a single pretty hair on your head. He'll join us in St. Petersburg in a few days."
"Why does Yuuri feel he has to be with me in St. Petersburg?" Viktor asked. National's were in just a couple of weeks, but Yuuri had always gone home between competitions. It didn't make sense.
"Because he's worried about you," Seung Gil answered. "You've made him vulnerable, don't you see that? Now, he has to worry about more than just the clan. He has to worry about you."
"Yuuri doesn't have to worry about-," Viktor was cut short as Seung Gil's fist made contact with his stomach. Grunting, he barely held back a yell as he hunched over and clenched his side.
"He does," Seung Gil told him pointedly. "You have no idea how to defend yourself."
As much as he wanted to argue, the wince he gave was answer enough. Viktor had no idea how to fight. Had no idea how to hold a gun or a knife. Hell, he couldn't even make a proper fist. "Well, then, if you're going to be here you might as well make yourself useful."
Seung Gil looked at him with wide eyes and then laughed. "You want me to teach you how to fight?"
"Would you rather I remain the weak alpha you perceive me to be?" Viktor asked, clenching his jaw and trying to keep his face neutral as he straightened himself back out.
The omega looked him up and down. "No. Lesson One. Never let down your guard. Assume everyone around you is the enemy."
Truthfully, Viktor had always thought everyone around him was the enemy, but perhaps not in quite such violent terms. He just thought they were all ready to take him down. Whether it was for being gay, or feminine, or Russian, or a million other things. It was all a mental game. He'd never had to worry about a physical fight until now. Nodding, Viktor accepted his advice. "Noted."
With another heavy sigh, Seung Gil closed his eyes, resigning himself to the situation. "I'll see what I can manage training wise once we arrive in Russia. Aniki won't like it."
"No, but Oyabun will," Viktor challenged.
That earned him a small smile. "You are learning. Order whatever you need. Aniki will pay for it."
Viktor couldn't help but feel extremely disappointed that he wasn't celebrating with Yuuri. He didn't want to be alone. "Is it alright if I go out with the other skaters?"
"Only if I come," Seung Gil told him, though he didn't voice any serious distaste towards the thought.
"Great. Phichit will be there," Viktor told him.
That finally earned him a cringe.
"I can't believe Yuuri bailed like that!" Phichit whined, purposely leaning into Seung Gil as he did so. The omega kept his face firm, continuing to pretend he didn't know more than basic English, though Viktor took great amusement in the obvious pain it was causing him. Phichit, apparently, had memorized a few Korean phrases and had been teasing Seung Gil with them all night. He must have regretted insisting on coming.
"A businessman has business to attend to," Chris told him. "It is a little disappointing though. It's like we can't manage to spend more than five minutes with him…unless you're Vitya that is." Chris winked.
"Don't act like I get to see him much more than you," Viktor argued. "He didn't even tell me goodbye. Left Seung Gil here to do that."
"Annyeong! " Phichit shouted with a laugh.
"Shut up," Seung Gil hissed, finally hitting his breaking point.
Phichit just laughed further.
"Yuuri has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders," Viktor sighed, rotating his glass between his palms. "Especially for someone so young. He does the best he can."
"I don't think anyone said he didn't," Chris assured him, "we'd just like for him to not disappear completely again like he did all the years ago. It's been nice getting to know him again."
The smile that had been on Phichit's face suddenly fell to a frown. "Get to know him again…I used to know everything there was to know about Yuuri. He was my best friend. I don't know anything anymore, though."
You're right. You don't.
"You of all people should know why Yuuri had to change," Viktor said, blue eyes on Phichit.
The beta looked away and tensed. "Yeah…I know. Guess I should have figured he'd tell you about that by now."
Chris raised his eyebrows and waited to see if there would be elaboration, but there wasn't, and he let it go.
Viktor imagined Phichit held a lot of guilt. Phichit deserved to know the truth of what happened more than anyone. He'd been there at Omega's birth, but he had no clue. "Yuuri still talks about you all the time. He's still your friend. He still loves you." When things calmed down, Viktor would talk to Yuuri. He needed someone else he could confide in, and Viktor felt like Phichit would understand. He'd accept Yuuri and Omega.
"Really?" Phichit asked with an uncertain smile. "I guess…I haven't been the best at reaching out myself. I guess after a few rejections I kind of gave up when I shouldn't have. That's not even my style. Gotta try harder. Man, I gotta try harder in a lot of things! I can't believe I ended up last."
"Oh come on, last out of six is still better than the hundred of skaters that didn't go at all," Chris reminded him. "You had two good skates, should be proud."
Phichit let out a loud groan and then took a large swig of his beer. "I gotta land a damn quad!"
Chris laughed. "It would help."
They got away from the serious talk and back into a lighthearted mood, but Viktor was instantly thrown back into his sadness once he left. Yuuri wouldn't be there for the gala. Viktor's program was for Yuuri. Well, weren't they all? It was hard to perform knowing he wasn't going to see it. He supposed it was possible Yuuri was watching virtually, but if work was so important that he had to leave, Viktor didn't imagine he'd have the time for it.
"I suppose since you'll be joining me back in St. Petersburg, that means I have to live with you…living with me?" The mere thought made Viktor cringe.
"I promise you I don't like it anymore than you do," Seung Gil scowled.
Viktor huffed. "And who am I supposed to say you are when you are following me at the heels? I can't say you're affiliated with Yuuri. That'll have you thrown out quicker than you can blink."
"I don't need to be on your heels to watch you in a public space," Seung Gil told him. "Plus, Asian tourists are abundant in St. Petersburg. I'll have no problem fading into the background, even when I'm right on top of you. Don't worry about what I'm doing."
"I promise you, I won't worry one second about you," Viktor grunted. "Do I at least get to sleep in peace, or are you going to be staring at me from the corner of the room?"
Seung Gil rolled his eyes. "What my nightmares are made of, truly. I'll be on the couch."
Small miracles.
Viktor had no problems falling asleep despite Yuuri's absence from his exhaustion, but the next day he started to feel the waning bond between them. Would they need to create a false bond again in Russia, or if it was a short enough separation, would their presence near each other be enough? He didn't want to feel the sickness and pain again. He didn't want Yuuri to feel that.
Even though Seung Gil was only three rows behind him on the plane, Viktor couldn't be bothered to care. He was just too tired. It was only the middle of the season and yet it felt like the end. If Viktor had it his way, he'd skip Euro's completely, but he didn't think RusFed would like that too much. Olympics be damned.
By the time Viktor had gotten his luggage, Seung Gil was nowhere to be found, but he magically appeared again the second his key was in his apartment. It unnerved Viktor, but gave him a sense of comfort at the same time. Seung Gil was good at being hidden. Even if Viktor didn't see him, he was likely close by. Despite their differences, there was a sense of ease that he was there. Not that Viktor expected the mafia to bust through his door or anything, but…still. He hadn't seen Seung Gil actually fight or kill the way he had seen Kenjirou do it, but he imagined the Korean omega would act with expertise given the chance.
"My friend Mila is coming over with my dog," Viktor told him after he finally started to get settled. "I'll try and keep her contained here in the living room. She has the habit of chatting a lot, but I'm sure I can claim jet lag and get her gone quickly."
Seung Gil hummed and narrowed his eyes as he surveyed the apartment. "Just keep her away from the balcony."
Viktor looked towards his balcony. It was small, but it would be dark and there was a corner to hide behind. "It's cold."
"So?" Seung Gil shrugged.
"Suit yourself," Viktor sighed, not feeling like arguing anymore.
When Makkachin bounded through the door, though, he felt a burst of happiness. He cooed happily in Russian as the poodle jumped all over him and licked his face. "Yes, yes, my love! I missed you so much, too! Were you a good girl for Mila? Were you?"
"An angel as always," Mila assured him. "Another gold medal for your mantle! Yura is so angry! I've been teasing him all weekend. I definitely screenshot a few of the messages for blackmail purposes. That little boy has a mouth on him!"
"Oh! Show me!" Mila pulled out her phone and showed Viktor a few of the messages, and the alpha found his eyebrows shooting up at the foul language and the insults. Viktor had been called worse, so it didn't bother him, but he was impressed a 15-year-old would know such things. "If Yakov knew he had said those things, he'd have him doing suicides for weeks."
"I know, that's why I'm keeping them," Mila winked. "Well, I'm sure you're tired. I won't keep you. See you Tuesday?"
Usually, they were allowed one day of rest before resuming training, but Viktor didn't want to be left alone all day with his thoughts. Or with Seung Gil. "No, I'll be there tomorrow."
"Vitya…don't exert yourself," Mila frowned in concern.
Smiling, Viktor shook his head. "No, no, I'll keep tomorrow light, I promise. I just feel like if I give myself a day off I won't want to come back."
"Oh…," Mila smiled sadly and nodded. "I actually understand that."
Viktor pressed his lips together. Mila had really been struggling lately on what to do with her career. She was still extremely competitive and better than the majority of the international skaters, but she was falling to the bottom amongst the Russians. If she skated for another country, she would be going to every major competition. She'd be going to the Olympics. But, she skated for Russia, and young girls who still hadn't even hit puberty were going instead. "As long as you love it, you should keep going. But if your heart is no longer in it…it's not worth pushing yourself."
"I know," Mila gave a small shrug. "I'm just trying to figure out what it is I feel. You'd think it would be obvious, but it really isn't."
He let out a long sigh. "Don't I know it."
Mila stood up on her toes and gave Viktor's cheek a kiss. "Good night, Vitya."
Once Mila was gone and Viktor had locked and bolted the door behind her, he opened the balcony door. Seung Gil was leaning against the side wall smoking a cigarette. "Smoking is bad for you."
"The job will kill me before they do," Seung Gil commented after puffing out several rings of smoke.
"You don't seem too bothered by that," Viktor observed.
Seung Gil shrugged. "My life had no worth other than to be someone's breeding whore before Aniki. Every day that I spend in his service is a blessing. A gift. To die protecting and serving Aniki would be an honor."
"Don't you think that would be a waste?" Viktor asked honestly. "Yuuri cares for you very much. He depends on you, and he respects your opinion. He relies on you for many things. Who would he turn to if you were to die?"
Seung Gil was silent for a moment, taking several long puffs before answering. "Aniki doesn't listen to me."
"Is that really what you took from that?" Viktor asked with a heavy sigh. "Other than when it comes to me, I know that he looks to you."
For once, Seung Gil briefly showed emotion. Short lived, but he could see it.
"I think you should exist to live, not to die," Viktor told him sincerely.
"Maybe you should take your own advice," Seung Gil suggested, putting out his cigarette in the snow on the railing. "You skate like you're headed to your funeral. Even the music that you've chosen."
Viktor couldn't help but laugh. To be frank, he had thought of that when picking out the music, but Seung Gil was the first one to actually comment on that. "I think because I am. If it weren't for Yuuri, I don't think I would have skated this season."
"Even though it's an Olympic year?" Seung Gil asked.
He just shrugged. "I'm tired, and I'm skating to die, not to live. I guess I should take my own advice, but…well. Yuuri really brings the most out of us, doesn't he?"
"If he knew you really felt that way, he wouldn't ask it of you," Seung Gil commented, retrieving his cigarette box and pulling out another one. "He thought you still wanted to skate, but just lacked the inspiration. It sounds like that's not the case."
It was strange hearing Seung Gil say something that was almost supportive.
"I don't like you. I probably never will, but I know that you make Aniki happy," Seung Gil told him, taking a long drag. "Even if it's short lived - which it will be - I shouldn't deny him that happiness."
"I won't leave him," Viktor said with full conviction.
"I didn't say that you would," Seung Gil countered before looking at him. "But you don't have what it takes to survive in this world. As you said…Aniki relies on me. It is my job to protect him at the end of the day, not you."
"And yet you're here," Viktor argued.
"Yes, on his orders, but I assure you that if I knew his life was in danger, I'd disobey to protect him," Seung Gil told him.
Viktor clenched his jaw. "Good." Maybe Viktor wouldn't last. Maybe exactly what Seung Gil figured would happen would, but today he was still breathing. "Would you really teach me? To protect myself?" Seung Gil looked at him and frowned. "Hey. It's the perfect opportunity to hit me and call it training. Sounds like a win-win, if you ask me."
"Tempting," Seung Gil smiled softly, "but like I said before, I don't think Aniki would like that."
"I'll ask him, then," Viktor said. Makkachin suddenly started scratching at the door. A part of Viktor didn't want the moment to be cut short, because it was the first time he'd ever felt any sort of comradery with the omega, but maybe it was best they didn't push it. They had come to a common ground, Yuuri, and that was enough. "Good night."
The next few days of training were as they always were. Nothing seemed out of place. The effects of the bond loss hadn't seemed to hit Viktor yet, and other than just normal exhaustion and fatigue he felt alright. Seung Gil was never seen at practice, yet Viktor knew he had been there based on his summary accounts back at the apartment. The omega loved pointing out the flaws of his practice. After three days, though, there was still no word from Yuuri. Seung Gil didn't seem concerned, so Viktor tried not to be, but he still couldn't help it.
At the next day of practice, feelings finally started to get on edge. Yuri was having a horrific day and taking it out on everyone on the ice other than himself. Without hearing from Yuuri, Viktor was finding himself irritable and even less inclined to deal with Yuri's temper tantrums than usual. It got ugly. Was it petty and a little pathetic that Viktor was going at someone that was almost half his age? Yes. Was he doing it anyway? Yes. Yuri had pressed him enough, especially with his comments about wanting to fight him for Yuuri throughout the last few months.
"ENOUGH!" Yakov's voice bellowed throughout the rink making everyone on the ice come to an abrupt halt. "Both of you, off the ice this instant!"
Viktor knew he didn't have to listen to Yakov given the fact they'd already relinquished their relationship as coach and student, but he still held enough respect for the other man to listen to him. Yuri, however, took another bout of shouting to get him to move. Even then, he came to the boards but made no move to actually get off the ice. Yakov threw his guards at his face to get him to finally take him seriously.
"My office, both of you, right now," Yakov seethed, face red.
Slipping on his guards, Viktor followed without comment. He just didn't even care anymore.
"I don't give a damn about what anyone says," Yakov started as he slammed his palms against his desk. "I don't care what medals you've won in the past, or what medals the media says you'll win in the future. The past doesn't matter and the future is still undetermined. You are both shit out on my ice until the moment you actually stand upon a can both succeed or fail at any given moment. No amount of talent or pedigree will change that. The two of you are rink mates, and you will act accordingly! I will not allow you both to disrupt the training of other students with your petty bullshit! If you aren't happy here, you are free to leave at any time."
Well, maybe this was as good of a time as any. Viktor uncrossed his arms. "Fine, then. As it seems I'm the problem, I will train elsewhere." He could find another rink to train at until National's and then go to Japan to train until Euro's and the Olympics. Yuuri would get him whatever he needed.
"Vitya!" Yakov called after him, but Viktor didn't look back as he left the office.
It had been a long time coming. He and Yakov had been going their separate ways for some time, and then Yuuri. Viktor still loved Yakov, and he wanted to keep the man safe. This was the best for both of them. To keep them all safe.
"HEY!" Yuri's voice screamed at him. Viktor turned around and saw the young alpha red faced and pointing a finger at him. "Don't you run away from me, you coward! You can't just quit! Then my wins would mean nothing!"
Viktor huffed and shook his head. "If beating me is the only reason you're doing this, then you should hang up your skates. I'll see you at National's, Yura." Turning back around, he continued down the hall until he found himself coming to a halt almost running into someone.
"Viktor!" Seung Gil's black eyes were wide, breath coming heavy. "Run!"
The world stopped for a moment as Viktor tried to process what was happening, and then time slowed as he looked over the omega's shoulder and watched as the barrel of a gun was pointed right at him. A gunshot fired and Viktor felt the pieces of the wall hit his cheek as it just missed his head. Seung Gil grabbed his forearm and yanked him into action.
"What the -," Yuri was cut short as a bullet barely missed his shoulder and landed in the wall behind him. His green eyes went wide and his skin went pale. He became paralyzed.
Viktor had already passed him with Seung Gil, but he let go of the omega to turn back and grab the blonde's arm. "Yura! We have to go!" When the young alpha seemed glued to the floor, Viktor found himself picking his small frame up and running with him. "What's happening!?"
"The Bratva!" Seung Gil hissed as he directed him down the hall.
Bratva?! Viktor knew that Yuuri had made enemies of them, but Yuuri had promised they wouldn't be a problem. "I thought we were safe from them!"
"Only when the Triad were here to back us up," Seung Gil told him, looking around a corner before sprinting down it. "Guang-Hong is not here! We're a wide open target!"
Viktor still didn't understand. It was broad daylight. There were witnesses!
They stopped briefly, and Yuri fought his way from his Viktor's grip before starting to go into a panic. "What the fuck what the fuck, what the fuck!?"
"Get a grip," Viktor told him, grabbing his wrists.
"Fuck you!" Yuri told him with terrified eyes. "The fucking mafia is after us! Why is the mafia after us?!"
Viktor pressed his lips together realizing what this all was. "They aren't after you. They are after me." They were going to either kill him or take him. All to get at Yuuri. The exact thing Seung Gil had worried about from the beginning was now happening.
"WHY ARE THE MAFIA AFTER YOU!?" Yuri shouted, shoving Viktor back. A bullet almost hit Viktor's face, making him flinch.
Seung Gil rounded the corner and fired off a few shots. Viktor could see the blood splattered against the wall. Now the fear was finally hitting him. Not for him, but for Yura who had gotten dragged into this, and Yuuri. Yuuri who had warned and warned and warned.
"You never listen to anything!" The memory of Yakov's words entered his head.
He was such a fool, and now other people were going to pay the price.
"Keep moving!" Seung Gil shouted, firing off another shot and then pushing Viktor forward.
Viktor and Yuri were still in their skates, the guards clanking with each step. It was almost impossible to run in them, but they kept moving as best and fast as they could. "This way!" Viktor knew every corner of this rink and the quickest way to the exit. They were immediately met with several gunshots and Viktor barely pulled Yuri back behind the corner wall intime. Well, apparently the bad guys also knew the quickest way to the exit. "Seung Gil -," Viktor turned and his eyes went wide.
Seung Gil had been shot in the side, a hand trying to cover the wound as blood poured from it at a fast pace.
"Seung Gil!" Viktor placed his hand on top of the omega's, applying as much pressure as he could.
"You have to go," Seung Gil told him with a small grunt of pain, breaths coming heavy. "Get out of here, and call Yuuri. He can get you to safe house."
"I'm not leaving you here," Viktor argued.
Growling, Seung Gil pushed him off with a bloody hand. "GO! You can't get caught!" Hand shaking, he reached into his coat and pulled out a knife. "No matter what the cost. Don't let them get you."
Viktor looked down at the knife. Tentatively, he reached out and wrapped his fingers around it. "Don't die."
Seung Gil let out a small laugh as a Bratva member reached close enough to grab at them and he was shot right between the eyes. "Same to you."
Full of regret, Viktor turned his back on Seung Gil with knife in hand. Grabbing Yuri with a bloody hand, Viktor led him down the opposite way of the oncoming attack. They were immediately met with two more Bratva members.
"We're trapped!" Yuri shouted, tears filling his eyes.
As the men smirked, knowing they'd won, Viktor pulled Yuri closer to him and gripped the knife tightly by his side out of sight. He stood as still as he possibly could as they got closer.
"It's over," the man on the right said as he reached out a hand to grab Viktor's arm.
In one swift motion, Viktor brought the knife to the man's heart and had him up against the wall. His blue eyes went wide and then began to turn dark, blood trickling out of the corner of his mouth. Oh god. Oh god! Viktor had just killed him. He'd killed -
"Viktor!" Yuri's screams pulled him from his panic. They had their hands all over the younger skater.
"No! Leave him out of this!" Viktor pulled the knife from the man's heart and raised it at the other men, but a knife didn't make a fighter. He had no clue how to properly use it, and they disarmed him with a quick twist of his forearm and a kick to his stomach. Gasping for air, Viktor fell to his knees. "Please! Please leave him!"
"Shut up."
Viktor blinked, and then an expert fist connected with his face and he was out.
