CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED SEVENTEEN
The roar of the audience seemed to fade in slowly from silence. Viktor still had his husband bent slightly back, the light kiss for the crowd having evolved into something deeper just for themselves. Even when he finally pulled Yuri back upright again though, the Russian just went for his neck instead, going for his favorite spot just under the younger man's ear before the cheering finally got his attention. He drew in a deep breath, arms wrapped tightly around the other skater, lifting those gold blades off the ice as he spun around and set the man down again, lifting his head to look into those cherry-hazel eyes, "...None of this would have ever happened if not for you, Yuri. I don't know how I could ever thank you enough for making this possible."
"I can think of a way." The younger skater said, sliding his hands up his partner's chest and over his shoulders, lacing the fingers of one through that silver hair, "But I think I can survive on this for now."
Blue eyes sparkled in the spotlights, and the Russian genius smiled, letting himself be pulled into another kiss before quietly nuzzling at the man's forehead, only then finally turning to acknowledge the audience.
While holding hands between them, they raised the others up high above themselves, turning out from each other to wave at the fans in the darkness behind the rink wall. Save for the strobe-effect of camera flashes, twinkling like a thousand stars, their fans were impossible to see. Hearing them, however, was easy.
"Ladies and Gentlemen...Viktor Nikiforov...and Japan's Grand Prix Finalist for Men's Singles, Yuri Nikiforov!"
The cheering grew even louder after that, and the two skaters bowed and waved to each side of the arena.
Minako was entirely in tears to watch them, reaching over to snag Yurio's scarf and pull it over her eyes to sob into it, "My baby Yuri has grown up so big and strong!"
"HEY!" The teen barked, feeling the yank on his neck, "Go cry your sad story into someone else's clothes!"
"Mikhail's not wearing a scarf and his tie is too thinnnn!" She wailed.
The aforementioned Russian just smiled nervously and pat her back gently where it was slightly turned to him, holding his hand there as he turned back to the bear sitting on his opposite side, [Well? What'd you think?]
Konstantin was pinching the bridge of his nose, not even looking, [So he can skate. The end was unnecessary.]
Mikhail just laughed, [That's just who and what they are. Everything they do on the ice is an attempt to seduce and surprise the audience, and each other. This is how they celebrate.] He explained, going back to clapping a little with the rest of the crowd, [I'm just sad you didn't get to see more of Yuri's skating. What he did out there isn't even what he's famous for. Jumps and choreography are Viktor's thing...Yuri's the King of spins and footwork.]
[HEY.] Yurio barked from the other side, [What the hell does that make me!? Chopped liver!?]
[It makes you an angry little bean! We've been over this!] Mikhail barked back.
The arena seemed to go dark again after that, but within a few seconds, a new song started, and the snowflake lights shone down on the ice again.
['Heroes Tonight' - Janji feat. Johnning]
The audience's cheering continued on even as the loud beat of the music roared overhead. The dark shapes of more than a dozen other skaters poured out across the rink, surrounding the pair in center. Spotlights circled around the ice again to illuminate the entire Exhibition Ensemble, and they all started to converge on center.
Mila quickly went straight for Viktor just as Phichit did the same to Yuri, jumping in to hug them both as the swarm of skaters circled around them.
I'm walking alone, streets are empty
The only thing I can see's my own silhouette
I'm getting stronger, step by step
The clock is ticking, but there's no time for regrets.
The group swiftly moved out again, veering around in two wide arcs to assemble in a line on either long-side of the rink. Viktor and Yuri had each been pulled to opposite sides, each skater aligned with another. They started clapping along with the music, getting the audience riled up in the process.
I've been flying from town to town
From London to Taiwan
I've been all around the globe trying to protect your soul.
When the cue came, they quickly started moving back towards center, each one reaching for the hands of their partners and spinning around each other. Weaving and arcing in time with the entire group, the skaters' dances formed an elaborate pattern on the ice, moving in and out and then in again before spinning and pulling apart.
We are heroes tonight,
We will fly above the sky.
We are heroes tonight...yeah!
The two groups lined up along the short ends of the rink, all the male skaters stepping forward, 5 from one side, 6 on the other including Yuri, staggering their advance into two rows each as they started moving across the ice. The first group skated swiftly, leaping into a Death Drop and descending into various sit spins.
We are heroes tonight,
We will fly above the sky.
We are heroes tonight...yeah!
The second line of skaters quickly moved through the spinners, each of them vaulting straight forward with an impressive Stag Jump as they passed over the center line together in opposing directions. They all moved off to join the lady skaters on the other sides of the rink, the spinners rising up into Scratch Spins...all except Yuri and Viktor, who came back around to center after the jumpers moved on.
'Night, yeah!
They quickly took each others' hands and rotated inward with an Inside Spread-Eagle.
Feeling like dynamite, ready to explode
When close enough, Yuri quickly twisted around, back facing his partner, feeling the man's hands come down on his waist just as he dipped.
Right up in the sky
Viktor thrust the younger skater straight upward, spinning him swiftly in tight formation, and catching him just as gracefully, setting gold blades back to the ice and skating off together.
I need you to listen, I need you to hear
In your joy, and the fear.
The Ladies came out for their turns, the first group on each side jumping Double Axels through each other and arcing off, making way for the second group to do Double Salchows right after them. The Pair Skaters and Ice Dancers formed back up with their partners, the Singles skaters weaving through them to find their spots on the walls again.
I've been flying from town to town
From London to Taiwan
I've been all around the globe trying to protect your soul.
Pairs and Dancers moved out into the middle of the rink, spacing out and putting on a bunch of tricks, some attempting the harrowing Headbanger spin while others did pair-assisted spins or throw-jumps. The Mens and Ladies Singles skaters moved along the rink wall towards a mutual short-side of the rink as the Pairs went about their tricks.
We are heroes tonight,
We will fly above the sky.
We are heroes tonight...yeah!
We are heroes tonight,
We will fly above the sky.
We are heroes tonight...yeah!
When they were all lined up, the Pairs in center skated off like a flock of birds, forming up with the Singles group into one large mass of blades and garish costumes. They all moved out together after that, slowly rotating and dancing to the music in their own little ways as they traversed the entire length of the rink together as one unit.
We are heroes tonight...yeah!
'Night...yeah!
As they started arriving on the other side, they split into two long streams, each one following the rink wall in opposite directions, waving to the audience and clapping as they glided. The event-mascots started sneaking out through the doorways as well, sliding down the center of the ice behind the last straggling skaters. At least...until the moment Domo-kun made an ill-fated bunny-hop and ended up on its back in the middle of the rink.
We are heroes tonight,
Yuri saw it go down, and tugged on Viktor's sleeve before pointing, and the Russian got a devious idea.
We will fly above the sky.
We are heroes tonight...yeah!
They whispered between each other, and Yuri quickly nodded and broke away, skating quickly out to the mascot. The Princess Bear and bespectacled Rabbit were moving towards Domo-kun just as the young skater snuck past them, coming to a quick halt at the brown rectangular-shaped figure's head. He looked down with a grin, "Ugokanaide kudasai." He said, grabbing the creature's corners and moving it slightly. The other two mascots played along, looking shocked and worried by putting their hands over their mouths and glancing at each other. Yuri slipped back a few feet, staying down on one knee as he turned his head to glance at his husband coming quickly towards them on a backwards trajectory.
I've been flying from town to town
From London to Taiwan
The Russian glanced over his shoulder briefly, and a few feet away from the downed mascot, vaulted over in a back-flip right over top of it, landing with a clatter on the other side and laughing as he moved off again.
I've been all around the globe trying to protect your soul.
The instrumental aspect of the music continued on repeat after that, letting the skaters finish out their last acknowledgments to the audience, many coming back to help get the downed mascot back on its skates. Viktor quickly slid back up, stepping in behind the figure to brush off some of the frost on its back, then coming around to the front, taking the critter's hands in his own, "Arigatou~!"
"Ladies and Gentlemen...the skaters of the NHK Exhibition Gala, and the authorities of the ISU, thank you for your excitement and applause! We hope to see you all at the Grand Prix Final, and again at next year's NHK Trophy in Saitama!"
The skaters were all lined up along the middle of the rink in two big lines, back to back, hands held between each other. They raised them up and bowed deeply to each wide-side of the rink, letting one another go only long enough to turn around, skate through the other line, link up again, and bow to the other side. The crowd was cheering thunderously loud, stomping the ground and clapping, taking pictures as well as they could. The mascots all skated around the perimeter of the rink, clapping and cheering in turn.
As the music finally faded out, the participants slowly started meandering back to the rink exit, waving and stepping off one by one. Viktor and Yuri held to the back of the line with Mila and Phichit, all in good spirits despite the highs and lows of the afternoon.
"I can't wait to see what folks are saying about this one online!" The Thai skater said excitedly, looking ready to burst while he had to wait to get to his phone, "Everyone was all sad that you weren't going to skate when they saw your hair down!" He poked at Yuri's shoulder.
The older figure nodded and laughed, ruffling his hair a bit before rubbing his forehead on the back of a sleeve, "Yeah, I saw the same posts... How could I possibly miss skating at a Japanese event though?" He offered, "That'd be like Viktor not skating in Russia."
"He didn't skate at Rostelecom last year." Mila pointed out.
"That's because he wasn't there. He had to leave for an emergency after the Short Program, remember? Plus, I didn't make the podium that time." Yuri shot back with a grimace, "I came in 4th."
"Oh yeah..." The lady Russian put a finger on her lip as she recollected that very event, but then she shrugged, "You could've paid the fee to be in the Exhibition anyway though. You'd just found out you made it into the Final. I thought you'd be in the Exhibition for sure."
"Ehh..." The older skater sighed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck with a free hand, getting closer to the rink wall as they waited, "I made it to the Final, but I didn't medal. I'd feel like I was imposing."
"It's no use, Mila." Viktor interjected, rubbing shoulders with the anxious figure next to him, "I tried to convince him but he refused."
"Your dog almost died!" Yuri insisted, "I could barely sleep, never mind celebrate. It felt weird enough calling you to talk about the results. Being happy about making it to the Final when you were still so worried made it all feel really awkward."
"Makkachin was through the worst of it by then though."
"Still...it was after midnight in Hasetsu when we talked. You sounded like you hadn't slept since you left Moscow."
"I stayed up because I wanted to talk to you." The Russian pointed out, "Makkachin aside, it was still a big moment to find out you'd gotten into the Final."
"You were delirious."
"Maybe a little bit." Viktor laughed, "I was just happy to hear your voice after it was all said and done. Having to wait for your plane to arrive in Fukuoka after that was horrible...but worth it."
They all waved to the audience again one last time as they each stepped off the ice, and back into the darkness beyond the rink-wall. The lights only started to come back on again when the last skater was through the curtain to the prep area, and the audience slowly started getting ready to file out.
"That was fun." Mikhail clapped, "Shall we go?"
Minako had fully stolen Yurio's scarf by then, laying it right back around the hapless teen's head, moist and all, "Mhm."
Yurio was breathless from the shock of it, not even wanting to move his hands to get it off of himself because it'd mean getting her boogers all over his hands too, "W-Why? Why do you do this to me?"
"You're an easy and convenient victim." Mikhail mused, looking past where the ballerina had stood up, but reaching over to grab the wet scarf and pulled it away, "You going to the Banquet with them later?"
"I don't have a suit." Yurio answered grimly, using his coat to wipe the feeling off his skin...only to pause, and for his grossed-out expression to change to one of shock, "Ah shit, I didn't even think about that... I only meant to go to Cup of China and then go back to St. Petersburg. Coming here means I never got to go back to get my competition outfits or my suit...so they're still at your condo in Moscow." He turned a head back to the silver man, "...I gotta fly back with you guys."
"Relax." Mikhail shrugged, following the bear out of the aisle to get to the stairs, "I can just grab your stuff while I'm on layover there while taking Kon home. Go enjoy Hasetsu and we'll meet up again in Detroit."
"...You're not coming with us?" Minako wondered, "Why didn't you say something before?"
The Russian glanced back over his shoulder while they waited for people to file through the exit, "I thought it was a given that I'd have to take Kon back myself. He can't rent a car if he never plans to return it, and no taxi will take him to the middle of nowhere. I have to give him a lift."
"...Oh..." The woman answered, quieter than before, "...I guess so."
"It'll only be a few days." He pointed out, lifting her hand where he held to it and kissing the back of it, "And I promise, I won't even fall off his roof this time."
"You'd better not even get on his roof this time."
"I won't!" He insisted nervously.
.
All supplies were gathered and the skaters were assembling in the main hall, making final bag-checks before moving through the doors and heading towards the waiting shuttles.
For once, spotting the waiting quartet outside didn't make anyone's guts turn to jelly, and Viktor held the door as everyone in their group moved through. When he let it go for the next people to follow, he reached for his phone from his carry-bag, clicking it on to check the time; 8:15pm. He quickly hopped forward to catch up to the others, "We'll only have 30minutes to get ready for the Banquet by the time we get back."
"Should be plenty of time." Yuri answered, "Not like we have to go to a separate hotel for it again like in Bordeaux."
"That's true."
The big group was stepping closer to the smaller one, and all but Yuri and Viktor were starting to get nervous. Yakov reached to pull on the older skater's jacket, getting his attention suddenly and making him stop, "Vitya, is this-"
"It's fine now." The silver skater insisted with a smile, "We actually sorted everything out while the Gala was happening."
"Hah?"
The elder coach, Phichit, Celestino, and Mila were all a bit dumbstruck, watching in utter confusion as the skater went over to hand his phone to his partner and then walked quickly over to the rest of his family.
"Yuri! Take a picture of us!"
"Oh, okay." He answered, letting go of the bags he was carrying, clicking the phone to open the Lock-screen and swiping to the camera app, "Get more into center. You're all too far apart."
Viktor quickly hooked an elbow around his uncle's shoulders, yanking him in as he beckoned for his extra-tall father to lean down so he could do the same to him in turn, "Ulybnítes'~!"
Mikhail was all-in, grinning where his slightly-shorter nephew had yanked him close, but glancing over with a brief side-eye to see the bear just trying not to look like a deer in the headlights. The camera flashed though, and the torment was over, and Viktor let them both go again so he could quickly see the results of the picture.
Yakov was stunned into silence, watching the whole thing unfold like he might as well have been witnessing an alien abduction.
"We'll have to cut it short, Vivi. The plane's leaving at midnight and we have to go do the whole song and dance with International customs." Mikhail said, drawing his nephew back, "I'll see you in Detroit next weekend."
"Oh, you're going back with him?" Viktor quirked a brow, putting his phone away.
"Have to. He has no way to get home on his own after we land in St. Petersburg. Plus, I have to get Yura's things from my condo since he left everything but his skates behind." He held his hand out as though to shake it, "So it's goodbye again for now. You'll have a fairly drama-free week without me, I imagine."
The younger man bypassed the hand and just reached his arms over his Uncle's shoulders, "There's always drama. It's part of what makes us human. But since you're going back...maybe I can help."
"Huh?"
Yuri and Yurio both blinked at him, "...Help?"
Viktor nodded and pulled back, "Give my car to my father."
"...Eh?" Mikhail was the one blinking then, "Really?"
Both younger skaters were gaping at them, but said nothing.
The younger silver drew in a quick breath, but seemed certain, turning then towards the behemoth keeping to the background, [Papa...since I moved to Japan, my car's been sitting in storage at one of Uncle Mimi's company warehouses. I don't think I'll be needing it since I won't be moving back to St. Petersburg for the foreseeable future...so...I want you to have it. There's no sense in letting it rot when you need one.]
The bear seemed taken aback by it, [...Who says I need a car?]
[The horse you were riding when we came into town. Plus, I'm guessing you'll need it for things once the mill is closed for good. You won't need to live out there anymore since nothing's holding you down.] Viktor offered, [So you'll be wanting to move, right?]
The big man shook his head, [I'll die in that house.] He said grimly, [I won't leave your mother behind.]
The other Russians in attendance listened closely, though the four English-only cohorts watched the back and forth in ignorance, just waiting patiently instead.
Viktor was surprised to hear the words though, [Oh... I guess that makes sense.] He looked at the ground, almost sheepishly, but then glanced up again, [At least take the car. ...Even if you don't need to go far, it'll be warmer in winter than on horseback, and you can go farther faster. It's a long way to the nearest town with anything like a hardware store or a hospital.]
[...You'd really just give me your car?] Konstantin wondered, understandably skeptical, turning his head a little like he couldn't believe what was being said.
The younger man nodded, and turned to his Uncle, [Call whoever is watching my Audi. Get it ready for him so you guys can just pick it up when you get there. Then you won't have to drive him all the way home.]
Mikhail was still stunned, but shrugged in agreement and pulled off to the side, checking the World Clock app on his phone before finding a number in his contact list. Minako watched him quietly, and was surprised when the call was responded to in English, "Hey Benson...sorry to bug you without emailing first, especially on a weekend. ...No, everything's fine. Why? Oh, you did? I haven't checked my email since this morning. What'd I miss?"
Viktor turned back to his father, [It's done. Uncle Mimi already has the paperwork, so it should be pulled out of storage and ready to go by the time you guys get there. ...I know it's kind of small for you, so I don't mind if you sell it to get something bigger. It's yours now.] He smirked warily, [Maybe you can name-drop me and get a higher price. I know plenty of my fans would pay more-than-like-new value for a chance to own something that was mine.]
Yuri couldn't help but focus on the conversation he could understand, though it seemed to be going off the rails a little bit. Mikhail had gone quiet without getting to say whatever it was he'd meant to, just listening to whatever was being said on the other end.
Konstantin was still surprised at the whole thing, drawing in a short breath before letting it go again. He truly wasn't sure what to do or think...but Viktor stepped closer to make it easier, doing as best he could to hug his tree-thick frame.
[I know skating still bores the heck out of you, but maybe you'll come to Russian Nationals. You'll be able to understand more of what's going on because everything is spoken and written in our language. It'll be in Moscow in 3 weeks.] The young silver explained, [Yuri will be at Japanese Nationals that same weekend, so I guess you'll be more comfortable with that, too.]
[I'll think about it.]
Viktor pulled back again and smiled, turning then to see what his Uncle's status was, "Mimi...?"
Grey-green eyes turned to him, but then went away again, "One minute, Vivi."
Perplexed glanced were given all around.
"...Yeah... No, I'll deal with it as soon as I can. For now I just need you to get Viktor's car out of storage and put all the juice back in it." Mikhail explained, "No, it's not for me. Viktor sold it to his father just now. We're on our way back to Russia on a red-eye flight so we'll get it the morning after we arrive. ...Huh? No, not Viktor...his father and I. Yeah. You'll do it now? Great. I'll email you when we're coming. Do svidanija." He clicked out of the call and lifted his head, knowing full-well that as soon as he turned back to the group, they'd all be looking at him funny.
And they were.
"What was that all about?" Viktor wondered curiously, "Your tone makes it sound like it wasn't work."
"...Not exactly...no..." The older man admitted nervously, "...Benson and I go way back. He's a family friend. Er...a Canadian family friend."
"Okay?"
"My kids called him to ask about stuff. I'll have to go back to Banff before heading to Detroit. It'll be a quick trip..."
"Why would your kids call him and not you?" Yuri wondered, stepping up behind his partner, "You've been answering your phone when I call, so I know it wasn't off."
"Cuz it's about their mother and they didn't want me to know." Mikhail answered, putting his phone back into its usual pocket and then reaching up with that hand to lift his hat and scratch his head, flopping the cap back into place with an exasperated sigh, "You know, like a bunch of dumb teenagers who think they can handle anything."
"...Are you sure you don't want me to come?" Minako wondered, "I was there last time. Maybe I can help."
"I need to think about what I want to do with this." The Russian answered anxiously, "Let's at least get moving. We don't want to hold these guys up from their post-competition fun." He passed the group by, but turned to wave one last time, "Until next weekend, Vivi, Yuri, everyone else. Kon, Yura! Poydem."
The huge bear stepped forward as asked, reaching for his son briefly with a big hand behind Viktor's back, [I won't make any promises about your Russian competition, but maybe we'll see each other soon again anyway. Good luck at your Final.]
"Spasibo." Viktor nodded, returning the half-hug and then letting go again, turning to watch them all go.
To his surprise, his father paused and looked to Yuri, giving a slight nod and then stepping away quietly. The huge figure said and did nothing towards Yakov, however...which was less surprising.
Yuri shook his head to regain his focus from the unexpected gesture, turning towards the younger skater and older ballerina, giving them each a hug before giving a bow, "See you in Hasetsu tomorrow. Try not to enjoy the onsen too much before we get there."
"We'll see how things go." Minako answered, patting the man's shoulder lightly, "If I'm not there when you guys show up, you'll know I'm on a plane to Canada."
"It's always something." Yuri huffed, trying to smile anyway, "We'll see you when we see you, then."
The pair nodded and took their leave, following after the two men and heading for the car.
The nervous skater watched them go, waving weakly before turning that hand to take his partner's and looking up at him, "I guess that was it."
"...Yep." Viktor agreed.
"Do you think your predictions happen because you say them out loud or just because you get the feeling?" Yuri wondered.
"...Probably because of the feeling, but I think I jinx people by saying the thought out loud." The Russian suggested, "Either way...I hope it's nothing crazy. Uncle Mimi didn't look too thrilled."
"Yeah..."