Hasetsu was a quiet town on the coast. Looking out the window of the car, Viktor took in the sights. There wasn't much, and what was there looked older. Not run down, just the kind of town that had a quiet charm. The black SUV that drove them seemed incredibly out of place, but Viktor wasn't going to complain with the comfort of having a large back seat with enough room for him, Yuuri, and both the dogs. When the car stopped, Viktor could see where the inspiration for the outside of Yuuri's own home had come.

"This is it," Yuuri said as he stepped out of the car, Vicchan in his arms. "Home, sweet home. Come here, Makka!" The poodle hopped out and Yuuri took her leash so she wasn't tugging on Viktor and irritating his ribs. He was grateful. Vicchan started to wiggle in Yuuri's arms and he set the small poodle down and unhooked Makkachin's leash. The two poodles immediately darted off.

"Ah! Makka!" Viktor called, but Makkachin was gone.

Yuuri chuckled. "Don't worry about them. Vicchan will lead the way. Come on. I'll introduce you to my parents. They actually don't know I'm coming, though I let Mari-neechan know."

Mari. Right. Yuuri's sister. Their last meeting hadn't exactly been…great. "Do I have to be worried about her?"

"No," Yuuri answered before stopping. "Well. She'll probably still grill you, but she won't be trying to get rid of you like last time."

Good enough, he supposed. He could handle the usual shovel talk from a sibling. Hearing a door slam behind him he turned. Seung Gil was pulling out suitcases. "Wait, here, let me get -,"

"Shut up and go inside," Seung Gil glowered at him. "You aren't to do any heavy lifting. Doctor's orders."

Viktor huffed and smiled. "You have such a weird way of expressing your love, but at least I've figured it out. Gomawo !"

"You do not know me that well," Seung Gil wrinkled his nose and grumbled at the informal use of the phrase.

Chuckling, Viktor waved and followed behind Yuuri. Sure, Viktor didn't know much about the Korean language, but the guide had said that was the informal version for friends, and he and Seung Gil were definitely friends now! Passing beneath the gate, they strolled through the gardens to the main door that Yuuri slid open.

"Okaa-san! Otou-san! Tadaima! " Yuuri called out as the dogs darted past them barking and playing.

Viktor slipped off his shoes and watched as a petite woman suddenly darted out from behind a wall. She had short brown hair that reached her chin and large glasses framed her brown eyes. It was very clear where Yuuri got his looks. "Yuu-chan! Okaeri!" At a full on sprint, she closed the distance but stopped just shy of him. She danced excitedly while speaking in rapid Japanese, but didn't pull him into a hug the way Viktor expected.

"Yuuri!?" Another head poked around the corner, this time an older gentleman. It had to have been Yuuri's father. He was quickly joining his wife in excitement.

After conversing with his parents, Yuuri pulled back and smiled at Viktor. "This Viktor. Viktor, this is my mother Hiroko, and my father Toshiya."

Trying to pull what little Japanese he knew, he bowed. " Hajimemashite!" Yuuri's mother approached him with such a large smile, conversing in Japanese as she reached up to pat Viktor's cheek after a returned bow. "Um, sorry! That's pretty much all the Japanese I know!"

"She says she's very happy to meet you and wants to thank you for taking care of me," Yuuri translated.

"Well, I'd argue it was the other way around. Your son was the one to take care of me," Viktor told her.

Yuuri translated and Hiroko said something before giving Viktor's cheek another pat. "She says good mates take care of each other." Hiroko said something excitedly to Yuuri to which he responded with "Hai, hai." Viktor at least knew that one. Hiroko darted off with Toshiya out of the room. "My mother can't help herself. Anytime I come she has to make the biggest servings of my favorite dish, katsudon. Ahh, I'm not going to lie! I could really use a big bowl! It's been so long since I've had it."

"Oh! I finally get to eat Yuuri's favorite dish!" Viktor beamed in excitement.

"Good, it's time for your meds," Seung Gil commented as he dragged in the last suitcase.

Viktor let out a small groan. "Yuuri! Seung Gil is being mean to me again!"

"Sometimes we are the most cruel to those we love the most," Yuuri told him with a smile before his face suddenly fell as his eyes caught something in the corner. Viktor followed his gaze. It was Mari. "Ah…Mari-neechan."

"Okaeri," Mari said, though she didn't look nearly as excited as their parents. "So, he's still around?"

"Forever, I'm afraid," Viktor told her, rolling his shoulders back to show he wasn't to be intimidated by the other alpha.

Mari hummed as she slowly closed the distance between them, her arms crossed in front of her chest. "Heard you were tortured by the Bratva."

"Not a pleasant experience, I'll admit," Viktor nodded before pointing to his face with a smile. "As you can see."

The alpha snorted, but then surprisingly smiled. "Guess I was wrong about you."

"So many people are," Viktor agreed before nodding his head towards Seung Gil. "Even he likes me now."

"I never once said that," Seung Gil groaned, taking a seat at the chabudai.

Yuuri nodded his head for Viktor to join him. The alpha was sure to sit next to the Korean omega, giving him a wink as he sat. Makkachin finally had enough excitement that she was ready to be around her owner again as she shoved her nose into Viktor's arm. Vicchan joined Yuuri in his lap as he sat across from Viktor and Seung Gil. Toshiya brought them all tea and briefly conversed with both Yuuri and Seung Gil. Viktor realized he would really need to spend his retirement learning Japanese. He wanted to speak to Yuuri's parents, and it would help gain the respect among his clan.

Before long, Hiroko was returning with three large steaming bowls in her hand. Face full of delight, she set them down in front of the three men. Viktor's blue eyes practically burst out of his head in excitement. It looked so delicious! Grabbing the spoon, Viktor was two seconds away from shoving a large amount of food into his mouth when Seung Gil slammed pill bottles in front of him. Killjoy.

Giving the omega a glare, Viktor opened his bottles and shook the pills into his palm. Once the pills had passed down his throat he finally was able to taste the food. It was too much. It was tasting heaven directly in his mouth. It was the most amazing food he had ever had in his life. "Yuuri! How do you say I've died and gone to heaven in Japanese?!"

"Oishii," Yuuri answered with a laugh before digging in himself.

Lifting his bowl, Yuuri smiled in the direction of Hiroko. "Oishii!"

Laughing, Hiroko clapped her hands in excitement at his approval.

"There's a few guests still, but they won't' be much longer," Mari told them as they finished cleaning the bottom of their bowls. "Once they leave, it's all yours."

"Are the guests…?" Viktor's voice trailed off with the question.

Yuuri shook his head. "Probably not. We tend to close down to the public when it's that kind of business. The tattoos scare off regular patrons. It's why you're not allowed to bathe in most onsens in Japan if you have them."

"Huh," Viktor hadn't known that despite his frequent trips to Japan prior to Yuuri, but then again, he had no tattoos. Maybe that should change. What would he even get, though? Cherry blossoms, to match Yuuri's? A dragon? Oh, a tiger, in honor of Yura?! So many choices. "It's been a long time since I got to soak in an onsen. I can't wait."

"How about I show you to your room while we wait?" Yuuri suggested as he stacked the bowls and handed them off to Mari with thanks.

Blinking in surprise, Viktor joined Yuuri by standing. He leaned in to whisper, "Are we not sharing a room?"

Chuckling, Yuuri grabbed Viktor's hand. After yelling out something to his parents, he began to lead Viktor down the hallways and to a set of stairs. They went up three flights, the dogs on their heels, until Yuuri stopped at a door at the end of the hall. Placing a hand on the handle, Yuuri turned around holding it behind him looking a little bashful. "Actually, this isn't your room. This is…this is my room. My childhood room. The bed isn't exactly big enough for two, but I wanted to show it to you."

"Yu-uri!" Viktor beamed in excitement. "Your room!"

Turning back around, Yuuri slid the door open. "Hasn't changed much since I was a teenager. Which…you can tell."

The room was small as Viktor stepped in, and Yuuri had been right. The incredibly small bed pushed up against the window wouldn't fit them both. Vicchan jumped up onto the bed feeling right at home. "Wow, look at-," he paused as his eyes went wide. Posters. There were posters everywhere of him. On the walls, the closet, the ceiling, even. All pictures of Viktor.

"It's kind of creepy, isn't it?" Yuuri muttered, looking around and scratching the back of his head in embarrassment. "I never realized how weird it was until now. Gosh, what must you think seeing your face all over my - mmff!"

Viktor pressed his lips to Yuuri's and shared a nice and long kiss with him. "I think it's amazing," he breathed, pulling back just enough to speak. "You've loved me since forever. This was always meant to be. Maybe not how either of us would have imagined, but it happened the way it was supposed to."

Yuuri smiled against Viktor's lips. "I didn't believe you a year ago. I still thought you could be nothing more than a fantasy, especially given the path I've had to go down."

"Do you believe me now?" Viktor asked, nuzzling his nose against the omega's.

"Yes," Yuuri whispered.

This time, when Viktor kissed Yuuri, it was with so much force his back slammed against his closet door. He felt the vibration fall back through his injured ribs, but ignored it as he stuck his tongue down the omega's throat. Viktor's hands went to Yuuri's neck while Yuuri gripped the alpha's biceps. Viktor could hardly breathe, but he didn't care. He needed Yuuri deeper than this. Trailing his hands down his neck he found the omega's tie and gave it a pull.

"V-Vitya," Yuuri gently but firmly pushed him back. "You're still recovering."

Viktor's dick very clearly did not care, as it was already half hard in his jeans. "Yu-uri. Come on. It's been so long, and I'm fine!"

Sighing, Yuuri pressed Viktor further back. "Go sit on the bed. Vicchan, Makka, go ask Mari-neechan to let you out, ok?" Yuuri shooed the dogs out of the room, closing the door behind him.

Viktor watched with interest as he took a seat on the edge of the bed and Yuuri removed his suit jacket and his tie. When the omega began to roll up his sleeves, revealing those gorgeous tattoos, Viktor went from half-mast to full. Swallowing, he ran a hand through his hair and let out a low laugh. "Yuuri, you can't be putting on a show and tell me I can't fuck you."

"You can fuck my mouth," Yuuri told him as he fell to his knees in front of Viktor. Reaching up with one hand, he removed his glasses and set them aside on the bed. The other hand went to Viktor's knee to shove it open.

Ok, yeah, that would work.

Viktor immediately moved to undo his pants, but Yuuri swatted away his hands. "Ah-ah. You just sit back and relax."

Huffing, Viktor did as he was told. "And you say you can't be like Omega when he's not in control."

"Somehow, I don't think Omega would suck your cock," Yuuri told him as he popped open the button to Viktor's jeans and drew down the zipper far too slow.

"True," Viktor agreed, digging his fingers into the sheets to keep them still. "I'd be the one on my knees, there's no doubt." And he'd love it. It was amazing to hear himself think that after everything Omega had put him through, but he'd love every second of it.

Finally, finally, Yuuri's hand grabbed Viktor's cock and pulled it free. Viktor's breath hitched as Yuuri's hand began to slowly stroke it up and down. God, it had been so long. Viktor felt like he was going to burst like a high schooler. The whine that left his throat when Yuuri's mouth began to suck him down was embarrassing to say the least. Yuuri's fingers dug into the flesh of Viktor's thighs, spreading his legs as far apart as they would go as his head bobbed up and down between them. His hand and tongue worked expertly in sync across his flesh making him moan and

Try as he might, Viktor just couldn't last long. Yuuri had him blowing his load within minutes.

"S-sorry," Viktor apologized, opening his eyes. Yuuri didn't seem bothered as he swallowed Viktor's cum. A few drops escaped, and he wiped at them with the back of his hands. For a second, Viktor thought those eyes were red, but when he blinked, they were brown. A trick of the light, or…?

"Better?" Yuuri asked, pulling Viktor from his thoughts.

Viktor smiled down at him as he slowed his breaths. Definitely Yuuri. "Yes, thank you, my love. Is there nothing I can do for you?"

Laughing, Yuuri stood up and kissed him. "Another time, when I'm sure you can give me your all."

Viktor couldn't help but slap his ass at that comment. "Rude, but fair. I'll be sure to give it my all when I'm at full strength."

"Look forward to it," Yuuri laughed. "Come on. The guests should be gone or close to it. I could use a dip."

The poodles hadn't gone to find Mari upon Yuuri's request, instead having waited by the door very impatiently for their owners. Viktor gave Makkachin a pat and followed behind Yuuri. "Where am I staying, though? For real?"

"One of the guest rooms on the first floor," Yuuri told him as they began to descend the stairs. "Don't worry, I'll sneak my way in once the lights are out."

"Your parents do know about us, right?" Viktor asked a little hesitantly. Maybe Yuuri hadn't actually told them, yet? He wouldn't blame him if he hadn't.

Yuuri stopped and pressed a finger to his lips with worried eyes. "No! They don't! They just think you're here on my request for a sponsorship deal!"

"O-oh," Viktor blinked, unprepared at that particular response. Was Yuuri unsure how they would react? Would they not like him? Would they think him incapable like Mari? "Um, well, I-,"

Laughing, Yuuri leaned in and kissed him. "Yes, they know. Of course they know. What happened with the Bratva quickly made its way through our networks. My parents may not be active anymore, but all the gossip comes through places like this. They were very impressed by your actions. Mari, most of all."

"I impressed Omega, Seung Gil, and your sister in one go?!" Viktor gasped, impressing even himself with that realization. He'd gone from being very much hated by all three to practically loved! Well, maybe love was a strong word, but accepted! "Wow! Better than any gold medal I've ever won."

"Oh, stop that," Yuuri huffed, continuing on his way. Passing through a few more doors, they found themselves just outside the bathing rooms to the onsen. "One sec, let me make sure everyone's gone." Yuuri was gone for only a few seconds before poking his head in and nodding Viktor inside.

Already the steam of the room had Viktor relaxing.

"Here," Yuuri handed him a stack of towels. "Do you need help undressing?"

"Well, I wouldn't be opposed," Viktor smiled at him as he set his towels down on a bench and lifted his arms.

Yuuri happily obliged and raised his shirt up over his head. "I know that's all you need help with."

"Well, that's very rude of you to offer and not finish the job," Viktor whined as he shoved his jeans down.

"I just sucked your cock," Yuuri reminded him, very unapologetically.

"Which I did not need to hear," Seung Gil grumbled as he entered the room. "Do I need to disinfect?"

Viktor found it the opportune moment to shove down his boxers and be fully present in the room. "Lucky for you, it wasn't here. Are you really ruining the moment by joining us?"

"No sex in the onsen," Seung Gil said simply, doing his best to ignore the view of Viktor walking past him with his towels.

"That's a shame," Viktor pouted. "Can still do this, though." Walking up behind Yuuri who had shed his upper half, he placed a kiss to the omega's neck.

"Your displays of affection will not stop me from enjoying the onsen," Seung Gil grumbled flatly. "I've earned this, too."

"More than anyone," Yuuri agreed. "Play nice, you too, please."

Viktor looked over his shoulder at Seung Gil who glared at him back. "Well?"

"Why are you looking at me?" Seung Gil questioned.

"Because you're always the rude one," Viktor pointed out.

Seung Gil rolled his eyes as he shut his locker and headed to the washing area. "It's deserved."

"Yuuri!" Viktor whined, purposely taking the washing seat next to Seung Gil even though the entire room was empty. Seung Gil glowered. "What?! I thought we were friends?!"

Yuuri leaned down and kissed the top of Viktor's head before taking a seat next to him. "Stop antagonizing each other, please. I love and need you both. Make nice."

"He said make nice," Viktor repeated, smirking at Seung Gil as he washed his arms.

Seung Gil said nothing, though his face said everything.

Viktor had never seen Seung Gil outside of a suit, but he was covered in more tattoos than even Yuuri. It was head-to-toe, full body ink. Viktor couldn't help but stare for a moment at the artwork. It truly covered every inch of him that didn't show in a suit. It must have taken so many hours, and so much pain, to have the work completed. "Your art is beautiful."

Seung Gil paused briefly in his washing. He looked surprised at the comment. "I've never heard someone call them beautiful. It always strikes fear in people."

"Well, cultural differences play a part, but I've always found tattoos to be a work of art. They aren't really associated with the mafia the way they are here in Japan. Even so, you can't deny the beauty of it. Even if it has deadly associations." Just like Yuuri. Gorgeous but lethal. "I like them."

Seung Gil smiled, even if it was for a split second. "Thank you." He turned off the water and stood to make his way towards the pools.

The second Viktor's toes dipped into the onsen, he was in heaven. By the time his entire body was submerged, it had become a completely surreal experience. His soul had left him. The warm waters were healing his body in a way the hospital never could. To think that while Yuuri had been training on the ice, he got to come home to this every day! "I could literally die here and be happy," Viktor sighed happily, sinking down until just his nose was above the water.

"So do it," Seung Gil challenged. "Die."

Viktor blew angry bubbles as he glowered.

"Enough, you two," Yuuri ordered as he settled in with a sigh. "I've missed this. I don't come home enough."

Rising up above the water, Viktor slotted himself against Yuuri. "Why not?"

"I don't want to bring work here," Yuuri told him. "I mean, I know work is always here, but…my work is different."

"Different how? Different…specialties?" Viktor wondered.

Yuuri let out a low laugh. "Kind of? I told you how it generally isn't a good look for an omega to be Oyabun. My parents' business here suffered greatly when I started my own clan. The Yakuza clans in the area didn't want anything to do with them. All the money I was making I was sending back here to keep them afloat. I told them to denounce me so that they could go on. Reluctantly, they did, and it kept them alive. It wasn't really until recently that my name had garnered enough respect I could return. Still, I've tried to stay away for their sake."

It always amazed Viktor how much Yuuri had sacrificed to survive. It was time for someone to make sacrifices for him. Viktor was ready for that. "Well, I'm glad you brought me here. It means more to me knowing all of that."

"My parents hardly know you and adore you already," Yuuri told him. "They are glad I found my dream, even if it was off ice."

Viktor smiled, but he couldn't help but feel a certain way at that. Yuuri could skate. He could. Not competitively, no. Jumps might be limited, sure, but he could skate. "Yuuri…you should get back out on the ice. Face your fear. You'll never really move on unless you do. You won't be alone. I'll be there to hold you the entire way."

Yuuri pressed his lips together and looked away. "Vitya…I don't know if I can."

"Aniki, you should do it."

Viktor and Yuuri both looked at Seung Gil in surprise.

"Viktor is right," he went on. "The ghosts of the ice have been haunting you ever since that day. As much as you think you've moved on, you haven't. The only way to truly move forward is to face them head on. Your dream was to skate on the same ice as Viktor, so skate on the same ice as him."

Swallowing hard, Viktor looked to Yuuri hoping to see a positive response. The omega still looked unsure, however. Taking a step back, Viktor pressed the water forward in a small splash. "We could have a little competition, even! You versus me! In my current state, we'd be pretty even, don't you think? Waltz jump versus waltz jump! The most epic of competitions!" Viktor did a little waltz jump in the water as demonstration. It felt so light and easy in the water. He wished it felt like that in real life.

Yuuri smiled gently, but his gaze was on the water and not on Viktor. He reached up and ran the towel against his forehead. "I'm honestly not even sure I could do a waltz jump."

"Then you don't have to," Viktor told him. "We can just skate around the rink and do nothing. It's still good exercise!" It didn't matter to Viktor if Yuuri simply stepped out and did nothing else. Just doing that would mean everything. "Come on, my Yurachka. You still love the ice, and the ice loves you. It wasn't the ice that betrayed you. You've gotten your revenge."

Sighing, Yuuri wrapped his arms around himself and leaned against the wall of the spring. "You promise you'll be there? That you won't let me fall?"

"I'll always be there to lift you up," Viktor promised. Yuuri. Omega. Both of them. He'd be there, no matter what. For better or for worse.

"I don't even know if my blades are still sharp," Yuuri commented with a small smile.

"Good thing you're friends with the owners of the rink, then," Seung Gil reminded him.

Viktor had remembered Yuuri mentioning he knew the rink owners when the omega had promised him a place to train for Worlds. He didn't realize they were actually friends. He figured he'd simply be working his Yakuza magic. "Oh? Friends?"

"Yuuri had a crush on the owner before you came along," Seung Gil told him.

"What! No!" Yuuri waved his hands in sudden panic, splashing water everywhere.

Viktor opened his mouth in a gasp and clutched his heart. "What?! There was someone before me!?"

"No!" Yuuri told him, placing his hands on his head as he sank beneath the water.

"Yuuri, I demand to know!" Viktor pulled him back up.

Yuuri fought against Viktor, hiding his face. "She's just my childhood friend! She was the one that introduced me to skating! Introduced me to you!"

"Oh! Then I owe her a thank you," Viktor beamed, immediately wanting to meet whoever this woman was. "You can't get out of this, now, my love. I have to meet her."

"You can't avoid Nishigori-san if you're going to the rink," Seung Gil reminded Yuuri. "Might as well just rip off the band-aid. Besides, if you come through town and don't see her she's going to have my head again. Last time was bad enough."

Viktor's brows shot up. "Ok, if she has Seung Gil by the balls then I absolutely have to meet her."

"She doesn't have me by the -"

"OK! Enough!" Yuuri held out his palms towards each man, stepping between them before anything escalated. "This place is supposed to calm you down, not rile you up." Groaning, he leaned up against the edge and sank back down.

Yuuri looked sad and unsure and suddenly Viktor felt horrible for even bringing any of it up. "Yuuri, it's ok if you don't want to go. You don't have to."

"Can we just talk about something else?" Yuuri asked with a sigh.

Viktor could feel his heart sinking. Would Yuuri really never step out on the ice again? Maybe time didn't truly heal all wounds. "Of course we can, Yurachka. What would you like to talk about?"

Shifting in the water, Yuuri clenched and unclenched his jaw before closing his eyes and finally letting out a relenting sigh. "If you're going to train for Worlds, it's going to be at the Ice Castle. That means seeing Yuuko and facing my fears."

"I don't have to go to Worlds," Viktor told him, joining him at the ledge. "It would be nice to compete one last time knowing it would be my last, but I don't have to do it. I've done enough, and I don't think anyone would be surprised if I didn't go."

Pressing his lips together, Yuuri looked up at Viktor. "Just tell me it's because you want it, and not because of me. You don't need to do anything more to prove yourself to me, Vitya."

"I know I don't," Viktor raised a hand and brushed the wet bangs from Yuuri's face. "It is partly because of you, because you will always be my biggest fan, but it's not for you only. I know I probably won't even medal, to be honest, but I just want my goodbye to be on the ice and not just some Instagram post. Everyone who has always been there to support me deserves more than that. I deserve more than that."

Smiling softly, Yuuri nodded and pressed away from the ledge. "Ok, then. That settles it. I'll call Yuuko to set up ice time for you."

And you? Viktor wanted to ask, but he didn't. It would be up to Yuuri and Yuuri alone to make that leap. "Thank you. Will we run into any issues in Italy? I imagine there's quite a strong mafia presence there." Afterall, the Italian mafia was what everyone thought of first when the word was mentioned.

"There's no issues there," Yuuri told him. "They are more drug and weapon focused, not trafficking. We don't really cross paths and it's fine that way. We keep respectful distances. However," he looked up at Viktor with a little uncertainty, "it would be better if we were mated. Officially."

Removing the towel from the top of his head, Viktor used it to wipe at his ears. "I'm sorry, did I hear you correctly? I think I had water in my ears."

"Vitya," Yuuri groaned, shoving his shoulder, though lightly not to aggravate his injuries.

Despite their audience, Viktor pulled Yuuri into a wet kiss. "I've been waiting for you to say that since the day we met." Finally, it was going to happen. For real. He was going to be mated to Yuuri.

"Your mother is going to want a wedding," Seung Gil grumbled after the kiss ended.

"Good, because I want one, too," Viktor grinned. "A winter one, though. I think it's only right, plus it gives us time to plan."

Blushing, Yuuri chuckled. "Plan what? Kaa-san and Phi-," he stopped himself mid sentence and his face fell. "Phichit…Phichit will want to plan it."

Phichit and Chris both had been the ones to furiously text and call Viktor in the hospital. Phichit had been worried for Viktor, but also for Yuuri. Yuuri hadn't answered his calls or texts in weeks because Yuuri had been…gone. Viktor blamed it on the fact that the omega had been overwhelmed with fear and worry for Viktor, but he wondered if Yuuri had said anything to the beta even now. "You know…you should tell Phichit. The truth. He was there. No one deserves to know more than him, and I really believe he'd understand."

"Phichit is so carefree and lighthearted," Yuuri argued. "I couldn't put something so dark on him."

"Sometimes the people that are the most carefree on the outside, understand the shadows the most," Viktor argued. He knew because that was how he had always felt his whole life. Putting on a positive front when inside he always had felt like dying a little. "Yuuri, he's your best friend. A best friend you've been holding at arm's length because you've been too afraid to tell him. Trust him."

"Would you…would you trust Chris with something like this? If it had happened to you?" Yuuri asked.

"Without a doubt," Viktor answered. "True friends will always be with you."

Seung Gil took that moment to push himself out of the water. "This is getting too mushy for my tastes."

"The second I think you might have a heart, you remind me that you don't," Viktor teased.

Seung Gil grunted, but said nothing as he disappeared.

"Seung Gil doesn't have a heart so that I can keep mine," Yuuri whispered sadly, his lower lip trembling slightly. Viktor wasn't sure with the water, but he thought that he might have started to cry. "I can't do any of this without him, Vitya. So please, just please -,"

Pulling Yuuri into a hug, Viktor pressed the omega carefully against his chest. "I know, Yuuri. I know. We're fine, I promise. Seung Gil and I are fine. Everything is fine. You don't need to worry so much, Yuuri. You can spread the burden to me, now. That's what mates do. Come on, maybe we should follow Seung Gil's lead and go to bed. We could use a good sleep."

"Yeah," Yuuri nodded against his chest.

The bed in Viktor's room wasn't much bigger than Yuuri's childhood bed, but it was enough. They didn't need much room pressed against each other, needing to feel one another as much as possible. Makkachin laid at their feet, and Vicchan at their heads. Usually, Viktor took a few nights to get acclimated in a new place, but he slept better than he had in years that night. The beautiful dreams of Viktor and Yuuri's snowy, winter wonderland wedding, also helped immensely.

When Viktor woke, however, he was alone. There was no Yuuri, and there were no dogs. Not even Makkachin. Traitor. He'd abandon him for Yuuri, too, though, so he understood. Giving his limbs a stretch, he went through his physical therapy exercises before dressing and heading down stairs. Hiroko excitedly ushered him to the table and placed a bowl in front of him. He didn't need to understand her chatter to know she wanted him to eat, so he ate.

"Yuuri and the dogs are on the beach," Mari told him, knowing he was probably wondering.

"Seung Gil?" Viktor asked.

Mari just shrugged. "When I meant dogs, I didn't mean him."

Viktor couldn't help but smile and huff at the comparison. "Fair enough. Thank you." The food was just as delicious as it had been last night, and he woofed it down with not a single grain of rice remaining. During the entire meal, however, he couldn't stop thinking about his dreams and his conversation the previous night with Yuuri about mating and weddings. Yuuri had said his mom would be over the moon with planning. In Barcelona, Viktor hadn't been able to have that magical moment of the proposal. The rings still hadn't been exchanged.

Maybe on the beach in Yuuri's hometown with their dogs was the perfect place.

Returning to his room, he rummaged through his belongings until he found the ring boxes. Opening the velvet box he smiled as the gold glistened in the sunlight peeking through the window. This was finally happening. Placing the box in his pocket, he returned to the common area and found Mari. "Could you help me translate something to your parents for me?"

Mari raised an eyebrow. "Depends."

"I want their permission to propose to Yuuri," Viktor told her.

The other brow lifted. "You're really sure about all this, huh?"

"I told you that I was," Viktor confirmed. "I've never been more sure of anything in my life, except maybe skating."

Sighing, Mari called out to her parents. They gathered around her and she spoke with a less than enthusiastic tone, but then both Hiroko and Toshiya jumped for joy and they were both running to embrace Viktor excitedly. He took that as a resounding yes. Using what little Japanese he knew, he thanked them both and then made his way out to find Yuuri and pop the question.

Hasetsu was small, so it wasn't hard to find him and the dogs on the beach. Yuuri was dressed so casually, hands in his pockets as he looked up at the sky. The dogs were chasing birds and each other across the sand and sometimes into the water as the waves gently swept across the shore. This small and quaint little town was beautiful. Viktor was falling in love with it as much as he had with Yuuri.

"Ohayo," Yuuri greeted him as he approached. "Sleep well?"

"With you, always," Viktor told him as he approached from behind and wrapped his arms around the omega's waist, nose burying itself in the crook of his neck. "You?"

"Better than I have in some time," Yuuri answered. "Then again, I always seem to sleep well here at home. How is everything feeling?"

"Like I woke up completely healed," Viktor told him. There were still healing lacerations, and a few slightly yellowed bruises, but overall he felt incredible. When he twisted a certain way his ribs reminded him they were definitely still a long way from being healed, but it wasn't unbearable by any means. "Coming here was exactly what I needed." Placing a kiss to Yuuri's cheek, he separated from him and grabbed his hand. He thought he might get nervous standing here, but he felt nothing more than excitement. He knew Yuuri would say yes. This was just the formality of it all.

"Yuuri, my Yuuri. I don't know why the universe had us meet the way it did instead of the way we both had dreamt of, but I believe it has all been for a reason," Viktor started. "Maybe it knew that you were the omega the world needed to make a change, and that I might be the only alpha that could stand by your side as you did so. Whatever the reasons are, I don't think I'd have it any other way. Even when beaten and bruised, my time spent with you has been the best of my life. Yuuri," reaching into his pocket he took out the ring and got on one knee, "will you be my mate and husband? For as long as we both may live?"

With soft eyes and that gentle smile Viktor adored so much, Yuuri nodded. "Yes. I will, my Vitya. Forever."

Taking the first ring out, he slipped it on Yuuri's finger. Yuuri stopped him when he moved to take the other ring out and removed it himself. Grinning, Viktor held out his hand, and Yuuri placed it on his finger. Giving his hand a tug, Yuuri pulled Viktor to his feet and into a kiss. Knowing it was a happy moment, Vicchan and Makkachin began barking as they circled their owners and jumped up on their legs.

"I love you," Viktor whispered, resting his forehead against Yuuri's.

"I love you, too," Yuuri echoed.

"I told your parents I was proposing," Viktor mentioned. "I didn't understand their words, but I understood their emotions. They were elated."

"They are both happy that I can be with someone that isn't…part of the business," Yuuri said. "They want me to still be able to enjoy life. Life without death. Plus, I think they are just really happy that I finally get to marry the man that's been on my walls since I was a kid."

"Every parent's dream," Viktor laughed, pressing a kiss to Yuuri's cheek before grabbing his hand and turning to enjoy the view of the ocean. "Your clan will be alright with it? I mean, I never really met anyone outside of Seung Gil and Kenjirou." There had been a few other members when he'd gone to Yuuri's house, but he didn't even know their names.

"Because they were the only two whose approval I'd ever need," Yuuri told him. "The only two I would ever trust with something as precious as you. Everyone else will be happy if I'm happy. Kenjirou might shit himself. If I let him, he'd plan everything with Phichit."

"So don't let them meet, is what you're saying?"

"Well," Yuuri winced a little, "Minami-kun's enthusiasm often involves sharp things. I wouldn't want Phichit to get hurt.

Right. Viktor had seen said enthusiasm twice now, and it was scary. "Fair enough. We'll seat them at different tables."

"I love you, Vitya," Yuuri said again, squeezing Viktor's hand in his. "Thank you, for being there until the end."

"Well, the end is still to come, or so I hope," Viktor smiled.

"Are you sure you're ready?" Yuuri asked, tilting his head up to look at Viktor. "To learn everything there is to know about being an Oyabun's mate?"

Sucking in a breath, Viktor nodded. He was. He was ready. "I'm in this. Completely. After Worlds, it's in full swing. I'm entirely yours."

"Ok, then," Yuuri turned and stood on his toes in the sand to kiss Viktor again. "I spoke with Yuuko. She can have private ice time starting for you next week. Don't think I won't be watching, though, Vitya. That's too soon to be doing jumps!"

"My personal coach!" Viktor beamed until Yakov's face flashed in his head. Yakov. His former coach, the man who had practically been his father, had been rather silent the last few weeks. He'd sent flowers. Lilia had relayed a few things, but nothing from the man himself. Lilia had said he'd been scared, and that he didn't know what to say to Viktor. Viktor was partly to blame for that. He hadn't handled things the best between them, either.

"Vitya?" Yuuri broke him from his thoughts softly. "I lost you for a moment."

"Sorry," Viktor apologized. "I was just thinking how I want to try and fix things between Yakov and I."

"You should," Yuuri told him. "I don't know what I might be able to do to repair what Omega did, and the rift he created, but I will try."

Viktor shook his head, "The rift was caused plenty by my own actions. It's up to me to fix them. We'll never be the way we were, but I don't want to lose him from my life completely." They had been through far too much together to end it the way they'd left things. Viktor pulled out his phone, but wasn't even sure what he'd say. Instead, he pressed the icon for the camera and held it up. "A photo, to let the world know that you will soon be my husband!"

Laughing, Yuuri pressed close to Viktor and held up his hand next to the alpha's. "One last surprise for all your fans."

"I'm not sure it'll be that much of a surprise," Viktor commented after snapping the photo. "There have been reports and pictures of us together."

"But nothing official," Yuuri reminded him. "And now you're about to just announce your not just dating me, but marrying me."

"Well, maybe it's a little surprise after all," Viktor winked. He opened Instagram but paused. Before he posted the photo…he needed to let Yakov know.

Me: Yasha…would you sit with me one last time in the Kiss & Cry?

It was simple, but Yakov would know all that it meant.

Photo of Viktor and Yuuri smiling, holding up their hands with their rings shining in the sun.

v-nikiforov: I'M GETTING MARRIED! The love of my life katsuki_yuuri said YES! We may have only officially met last year, but I feel like I've known and loved him for a lifetime. The recent events in my life made me realize life is short. It's precious. So, marry the boy you fell in love with at first sight. I am so ready to begin this new chapter of my life with my future husband here in Japan.

With that, I'm announcing my retirement. I'm sure this does not come as a surprise to anyone. To be honest, I was going to retire last year. I wasn't even going to try and go to another Olympics. I had done everything I wanted to do and felt dead on the ice. There was no joy in lacing up my boots anymore. Then, I met Yuuri. He gave me the inspiration and drive to fight one last time. To end on a high. I suppose that I didn't get to quite do that in the way that I'd hoped, but I will still skate for you all one last time at Worlds. There, I will tie my skates up for the final time as a competitor. Thank you to everyone who has ever supported me. I have accomplished all the dreams I had on the ice and then some. Now, I have a new set of dreams to chase.

See you NEXT LEVEL!

Later that day, Viktor received a text.

Yakov: It would be my honor, Vitya.