(Author note: Thanks all for your feedback. I usually try to keep the smut chapters to a minimum unless there's some plot-based reason for it, but I guess it doesn't come across that way to a few readers (especially lately, cuz there's been a bunch of those scenes, and I know that.) The one from last chapter, I thought, was kind of important given the context of everything that's about to go down in the upcoming plot; as much as Viktuuri think and say they can/will do whatever they want in front of Kon, they both know deep down that they're too nervous to do so and likely won't, so they're going slightly over the top with it while they can. Mostly I just wanted to give folks a break from said Kon stuff cuz I can never be sure how well it's coming across sometimes. I generally detest the influence of OCs in stories and I don't want to be a complete hypocrite, so I wanted to get away from it for a while (even just for my own sake.) Enough people tell me they like it though so I'm also trying to put my own feelings about it aside and just tell a decent story. If you're all still here at 189 chapters, I can only assume I'm doing a good (enough) job that my OCs don't piss you off. For future smut, the overwhelming majority seem to enjoy it, so while that means I'll keep doing it, I'll also try to cater to you folks who feel that there's sometimes too much time wasted on it. You all did know what you were in for when I rated this story as M (ffnet) and tagged the shit out of it for sexual content (AO3,) but I guess I can post warnings and 'skip to...' notes for you guys who don't care about it. Also, for those still confused about the movie they put on, it was 'Shutter,' as Yurio stated at the start of the chapter (I've since repeated the name at the end of the chapter after doing my quality-control edits.) I just found it online really fast and wrote down what was happening at the 45min marker, cuz that's when the SkateDerps would've come out to watch it.)
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED NINETY
The arena had been packed full since the doors opened. Though many were eager to see the Pairs and Ladies Short Programs, it was evident enough that most were there just to make sure they had seats for when the Men's event started. Seeing the wall-full of banners just for Viktor, or Viktuuri, made that plenty clear. Granted, as soon as the Pairs program started, most banners were tastefully covered up with more relevant fanfare, but since the previous imagery had gone down first, everyone saw it.
The stadium seating was unforgiving. The seats were hard, taupe-colored plastic, barely suitable for a temporary stay, never mind the Olympic events they'd been originally installed for. Many in the audience had prepared ahead of time by bringing small seat cushions with them, but not everyone knew what the stands looked like before they got there.
At best, a certain duo had only tersely contemplated the potential difficulties of seating a man who weighed in excess of 400lbs of pure Russian bear-muscle, debating what to do if the seats had immobile arm-rests. Thankfully, they didn't, so he could occupy four seats to himself, where they'd been designed for the dainty arses and narrow shoulders of normal-sized people...though at least half a seat on each side was just for the girth of his arms.
In the bear's massive hands were a few pieces of paper with Cyrillic text written in slightly-oversized font. He skimmed it, but huffed quietly to himself, glancing around the arena instead.
[His programs won't mean much to you if you don't know what his songs are saying.] Mikhail pointed out, [It'll just be incoherent noises and flailing otherwise.] He waved his hands around for emphasis.
[Mh...] Konstantin grumbled to himself, turning slate eyes back down to the papers. The text written thereupon was a Russian translation of Viktor's songs, the first of which being 'Производитель истории'...or the equivalent of 'History Maker.' The third page is where 'Evoke' started, being listed as 'вызывать,' [I thought skaters were required to use classical music...without lyrics.]
[Back in the day, yeah.] Mikhail explained, [It changed in recent years so performers could show off a wider range of expression. Many skaters still use classical stuff though. Viktor usually produces his own music, but this year...well, it's a bit different this year.]
[Why's that?] The man wondered flatly, more out of obligation than true curiosity. The noise of the audience was a bit claustrophobic for him, and it kept most of his attention.
[He let Yuri pick his Short Program, for one.] The smaller Russian answered, [His Free Skate...well, I don't know the entire story behind where it came from, but I know it's an actual song, not one he had a musician compose for him. He's been calling it his 'Rage Skate.']
Like before, the huge man huffed to himself, and said no more. He simply scanned the enormous room, half-seriously keeping an eye out for potential escape routes. When the event finally started though, and the skaters that entered the rink for pre-program warm-ups were all in pairs, Konstantin made a note, [How long until Viktor even goes out there?]
Mikhail reached for the program book that Minako had pinched loosely between her fingers and snatched it quickly, leaning against her shoulder as he opened and looked at it. He had one arm hooked under hers as he scanned the listings, using a thumb from the other hand to keep track of where he was looking, then leaned back again, even with her arm still hooked over his elbow, [If everything stays on schedule, he'll be out there around 8pm.] When he lowered the program again, finished with it, Minako's hooked arm went hand-down onto his leg, which Mikhail thought rather clever...though that lasted all of half a second.
[EIGHT?] Konstantin barked, turning suddenly, making both smaller figures reel back like a hurricane-force wind was blowing at them, [IT'S BARELY TWO O'CLOCK. Why are we here so early!?]
People nearby were staring; startled.
The smaller Russian just barked back, [We had to, or we wouldn't be able to get seats! Do you not understand how big a deal these events are!? People come from all over the world to watch this stuff!]
Minako just gawked, wondering how the two proverbial elephant-seals could go at it like they were, without either of them backing down to intimidation. She scooted to the very edge of her seat, pulling her arm back in the process, leaning halfway out into the aisle by the time she was done.
Unbelievable...
[So we're going to be sitting here for over six hours just to watch a single 3 minute show!?] Kon went on.
[YES. WE HAVE TO.] Mikhail argued back, [Most of these people are here JUST BECAUSE OF VIKTOR.]
Slate eyes rolled back in severe annoyance.
[...Let me put it this way...] The silver Russian said, trying to calm down again, putting his hat back into place and adjusting where his coat had gotten disheveled, [Back in the day, when Russia last had a super-massive record-setting World Champion...he was supposed to skate at the European Championship, and I SHIT YOU NOT, when he hurt his back during pre-SP warm-ups and withdrew from competition, HALF THE AUDIENCE WALKED OUT. Everyone that's here right now, us included, is here because we know we'd never get seats if we waited until the Men's event actually started. That's the kind of star-power your boy's got. Most folks would probably leave if Viktor dropped out. Besides, this is his big come-back year after that retirement-scare when he came here to Japan to be Yuri's coach...so everyone wants to see him.]
Minako had her phone out, typing away in a text window, [Please save me.]
Most of the Men's Singles competitors were still at the event hotel, having half the afternoon to kill before actually being needed at the arena. Yuri's jacket was hanging off the back of his seat though and he failed to notice the jingle or vibration from the phone sitting in its inside pocket. He was too busy being relieved at the sight of his partner actually eating finally.
Their table seemed to be comprised entirely of Team Russia, with friends from Team Thailand on the side. Yuri was the odd-man-out, being a member of neither team, and not being a competitor at that event either. Still, as Viktor's official-yet-not-really coach, he had his place there. Yurio was slightly out of place for obvious reasons, but at least he had his Team Russia jacket, so he fit in a little better.
"Well, it's good that you seem to be in much better spirits today, Viktor." Mila was saying, sipping some apple juice through a straw, "I didn't want to say anything yesterday but you seemed really out of it, especially when you went to talk to Yakov."
"Oh, I did?" The silver Russian wondered, glancing up from the triangle of toast he'd been nibbling on, "Guess I'm still tired from going back to Russia after last weekend."
"You went back? What for?" The redhead asked curiously, setting the glass down again.
"My Uncle got hurt between events, so I went back to make sure he got to NHK alright."
"Ooohhhh..." She sat back and smiled, forking a pickle on her plate, "That explains why all the reporters at Cup of China were saying you weren't there for Yuri's Exhibition. I swear, ever since you said you were coming back to competition, the RSF has been way more sensitive to any little upset to the schedule you're theoretically keeping." She held the pickle-spear up and bit a piece off the end where her fork held it, "Especially after you moved back to Hasetsu and said you were staying there for good."
Viktor shrugged, "It's not like skaters don't train abroad. Yuri and Phichit were in Detroit for years before going back to their home rinks."
"Otabek trained abroad, too." Yurio pointed out.
People stared.
"What?"
"Sure," Mila nodded, taking another bite from the pickle and returning to look at the man she'd been speaking to originally, "But you're the guy that Russia hails as a National Hero, and yet you're not even living inside the Nation anymore. I dunno. They're a sensitive bunch. Ever since that time you met Putin, the RSF has been acting like they own a piece of you."
Yuri glanced aside, "...Oh yeah, I remember seeing pics of that. He went to watch the Sochi Olympics and spoke to you before you did your Free Skate."
"I was there, too." Yurio grumbled.
"Da..." Viktor said quietly, setting down the toast he'd been holding onto, "Publically, he lauded us as examples to the world of Russian Superiority...but he's also a good chunk of the reason I was always uneasy when we were in St. Petersburg. Joke's on him, I guess." He reached over to grasp his partner's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze, "Russia's loss."
"Mila," Yakov interrupted, pulling the fabric napkin off his lap and dabbing his mouth on it, "We need to get moving. Pairs is starting and we still need to get there."
"Sure."
"We'll come, too." Viktor offered, patting Yuri's hand where he still held it and then pushing to stand, "Now's as good a time as any to get down there."
"You sure? Your event doesn't even start until 7." Mila pointed out, stepping away from her chair and pulling her winter coat off the back to sling around her shoulders, "You've probably seen all these shows already at your other events."
"We've actually been pretty bad about it this season." The silver Russian explained, pulling up his husband's jacket to slip it over his shoulders as he stood, "Normally we just go to practice in the early morning and then bail until the proverbial-roll-call halfway through Opening Ceremonies. We'll come cheer for you."
"You coming too, Phichit-kun, Celestino?" Yuri wondered, hands holding to the scarf as he pulled it over the back of his neck, "Like she said, it's early, but..."
"Not yet. Go on without us." Phichit explained, "I wanted to go sight-seeing a bit before tonight. We'll see you during the Openers, okay?"
The older skater smiled, "Don't get too carried away. There's so much stuff to see in Sapporo...it might keep you busy right through the Short Program." Yuri tossed one end of his scarf over a shoulder before tucking his hands into his pockets.
"Really!?" The Thai skater seemed suddenly rather excited, "Where should we go first!?"
"Check out Oodori Park, it's really close to the train station." He offered, "It's probably the most interesting thing you'll see this close to the hotel."
Viktor and Yurio were side-eyeing each other as the skater spoke, but neither was sure whether or not to stop him. They just glanced back at Yuri without a word, then returned to getting their cold-weather gear on before stepping away from the big table.
"See you guys later, then." He went on, waving as the group started to move off.
"Bye Yuri!"
"Ciao Ciao, Yuri."
The tall silver Russian put his arm over his partner's shoulders and pulled him close, whispering as they walked out of ear-shot, "...Oodori Park is boring though. It's just a green space for jogging with a couple statues and kids' playgrounds."
"I know. He'll figure it out." Yuri answered, looking quite pleased with himself, "Welcome to Sapporo, city of marvel and wonder."
Viktor looked on incredulously, but then laughed as they stepped out of the restaurant, their meals already paid for by the ISU, "Who knew you could be so evil?"
"I'm still working on getting him back for his pranks after The Ring incident." The younger skater explained, pulling one hand out of his pocket to snake that arm around his partner's back as they walked.
"Death by a thousand cuts." Yurio chimed in, "He must've gotten you good."
"...I'm just glad he never pranked me after The Grudge. He can make that croaking sound, you know? If he did that to me over the phone I'd probably have actually died and I wouldn't be here today."
"...Yeesh. Suddenly really glad you fell asleep last night when you did." Viktor went on, reaching out towards Yakov's shoulder to tap it, "...We need to go up to our room to grab my stuff. Will you guys wait?"
"Da. Go on."
"Spasibo."
The duo turned towards the elevators, leaving Yurio in the lobby. Green eyes watched them carefully, but he had a feeling it would be best to stay behind in that case.
Yuri was still confused though, "...What happened last night?"
As the silver Russian hit the 'Up' button for the elevator, he huffed a quiet laugh, "We walked into the middle of a horror movie called Shutter."
"WHAT!?" The shorter figure was aghast, "But I told them not to!" He suddenly broke off and went right back the way they came, rounding the corner where the team was heading through the lobby to where the shuttles were lined up outside, "YURI PLISETSKY, I TRUSTED YOU-"
The blonde suddenly gawked, seeing the older figure come stomping towards him...only to see Viktor rushing up behind him to wrangle him back the way they came. One arm around Yuri's chest, the other grabbing a leg to get him off balance, and the flailing skater was pulled back out of sight.
"Sorry, don't mind him." The silver figure mused, "Carry on."
Yurio just smiled and waved nervously, backing up towards where Yakov was standing just near the doors.
Once back at the elevators, Viktor pulled his husband in through an open door, and only then let him go again, smiling as the younger figure crossed his arms and haroomph'd to himself discontentedly, "...You told them not to look up any Japanese horror movies or their western remakes. Technically, they followed the rules."
"Technically!?" Yuri winced, "How could-"
"It's a Thai horror film. I recognized it after a few minutes, so I tried to distract you so you wouldn't see. Then you fell asleep like I hoped you would, so it worked out." The Russian explained, leaning against a wall in the elevator and crossing an ankle over the other, "I said I'd wear you out so you'd be too tired to watch whatever they picked, right?"
"...Yeah." The raven-haired skater sighed, sulking a little as the mini-room rose up the shaft, his face getting pink again. He raised his hands up to bring his scarf over his cheeks and eyes, "I still can't believe we did all that in the bathroom. I thought you'd just drag me off somewhere during Opening Ceremonies or something."
Viktor reached a hand out and cupped it around his partner's head, bringing him close to his chest and smiling, even as Yuri continued to hide his face, "I don't think I could wait that long...but that doesn't sound like a bad idea either."
Yuri just groaned pitifully.
.
The entire shuttle-ride to the arena, Yuri was still scowling, boring holes into the back of the Russian Tiger's head where he sat in the row ahead of him. He kept his arms crossed and a sour look on his face, but said nothing, squished up against his partner alongside a bunch of other competitors who were heading to the rink at the same time.
Eventually, Yurio could feel the glaring, and he twisted on his seat, reached over, and flicked Yuri's forehead with a finger so fast that the skater could hardly react and pull back in time to avoid it. He just sat there in a confused stupor with a stunned look on his face.
"Quit it. You'll get stuck like that." The teen argued, "Viktor figured it out before you got terrorized by it anyway."
Cherry-hazel eyes went back to scowling, "It was a cruel trick to try and play on me."
Viktor reached up and ruffled his hair to get his mind off of it, "And I kicked him off the end of the bed for it."
"Oh..." Yuri sighed, the scowl fading, "You did that right before I passed out. I didn't realize that was part of it."
The blonde ahead of him just gave a sarcastic, smug look, resting his chin on his arm where it laid on the top of the seat, "We'll be sure to play something mild like Doraemon or Chi's Sweet Home next time."
"I don't watch kids' shows." Yuri grumbled, sinking into his coat a little indignantly.
"It sounds like something he'd watch though." Viktor laughed, thumbing at the younger skater, "Both of them feature cats as main characters!"
Yurio suddenly recoiled, regretting his choices, "W-what!? No way..."
"I thought that's why you picked them." The elder leaned towards him with a grin, "They're right up your alley. I'll buy you a souvenir of them."
"If you do, Viktor, I swe-"
"Pipe down you two." Yakov scolded, "We're here."
Eyes rose up to look out the side windows, spotting the arena in broad daylight, looming over them in a way that it hadn't the night before. Unlike before, though, they weren't being dropped off right near the stairs. They were taken a little further towards the back of the arena, where a separate entrance had been prepared for competitors, freeing up the main entrance for spectators.
The shuttle emptied out as soon as it came to a stop, with Yuri and Viktor hopping out last, looking up at the venue with new eyes.
"It's totally different when you can actually see the damn thing." Yurio commented, hearing the cheers and cries of fans not too far away.
Viktor waved at them excitedly, "Konnichiwaaaa, minna-saaaaaan~!"
Not feeling any particular pressure from the crowd behind the barricade, especially at such a distance, Yuri didn't get quite as uneasy as he'd been the day before. Still, he drew in a little closer to find his partner's hand in his pocket, and started to follow the group in through the athlete's entrance. Just as they'd gotten inside though, he heard Yakov saying something in Russian that made Viktor stop.
The man was about to go on with whatever he'd started, but Viktor shook his head.
"You can speak like normal. Yuri knows."
"...Yuri knows." The elder coach repeated flatly, a tone of disbelief in his voice.
"...About your father being here?" The shorter skater wondered, "Or something else...?"
"Everything I told you about yesterday morning."
Yakov was a bit shocked, "You actually told him...?"
"Mh." The silver skater nodded, "It took me until now to finally get the nerve to do it, but...yeah. He knows about as much as anyone could without having been there to see it himself."
"...Alright." The coach sighed a little, "In that case...what I was going to say...is that I recommend you keep your head down until you go out there. Wave to the judges, but don't look at the audience. You don't need to know where he's sitting."
"It'll be fine." Viktor shrugged, starting to walk again, "Warn me if he comes rushing out to jump onto the ice or something."
Yakov just glowered, "What good is asking me to be your coach again if you never listen!? Vitya!" He called, looking just as comically flustered as he ever had, "VITYA!"