CHAPTER THREE HUNDRED TWENTY SIX
Виктор Никифоров, санкционированный
[Viktor Nikiforov Sanctioned By]
Федерация фигурного катания на коньках России.
[Figure Skating Federation of Russia.]
Он дисквалифицирован на Чемпионат России по фигурному катанию.
[He is disqualified from Russian Figure Skating Championships.]
The headline was like a knife, straight to the jugular, but the part that was more wounding than even that, was the fact that the headline was printed in small font at the bottom of the RSF main page, as though only a minor footnote about some small-fry unknown athlete. Seeing only one article at a time as the page scrolled by on his phone though, Yurio's brow furrowed in confusion when it came up.
Green eyes roamed back and forth across the bright little screen, surrounded by dark. It was 3:45am in Edmonton, and even though the meager time-change from Detroit was only 2 hours, the teen was too restless to sleep. The more Yurio read though, the more upright he sat on the couch that had been turned into a bed for him, and the less likely it seemed that he would be getting any sleep that night.
"A joint resolution was found by the governing board of the RSF to remove Men's Singles figure skater Viktor Nikiforov from the pool of candidates for remaining events of the season, after he won and then forfeited, the Grand Prix Final gold medal to second place winner, Yuri Katsuki of Japan." Yurio read aloud, though quietly to himself, "'It is with a heavy heart that we must come to this decision, but we fear that skater Viktor's association as coach to Yuri Katsuki may inspire him to give up more medals in the future.' General Director Alexei Kogen stated at a press conference early this morning in Moscow, 'In light of his looming retirement, we are in agreement to disqualify him from competing at Russian Nationals in 2 weeks time, and thus he will not be chosen to represent the RSF at the European Championships, the Olympics, or at the World Figure Skating Championships. We thank him for his many years of participation and congratulate him for his many victories. He retires with the respect and admiration of his many fans and supporters across the globe.'" The blond scoffed, "What complete horseshit. Anyone who knows the first thing about Viktor outside the rink will know this is just lip-service to make their petty revenge seem like an honorable discharge."
He clicked over to his World Clock app and checked the time in Tokyo, seeing it was 6:45pm.
Should I text him? ...Would he even be aware of this yet? I don't want to be the one who tells him this happened if he isn't... Shit...
Rubbing his chin for a moment, he clicked into Instagram to check his older counterpart's account. The most recent post had been from around 4 hours earlier; a photo of the man himself with a group at YuTopia Katsuki.
v-nikiforov My precious sleeping beauty y-nikiforov is getting over his jet-lag, but I'm still wide awake! So glad to be back at home in #Hasetsu #Japan. Nothing hits the spot after a long 30 hour trip like a dip in the #onsen, a bowl of #katsudon, and a glass of my favorite #sweetpotato #shochu with #family. Hopefully I'll be all rested up for #Nationals in 2 weeks.
Yurio's brow furrowed again, but this time he wasn't sure what to make of the post.
If he already knew he'd been fired by the RSF when he posted this, then he sure is being shrewd about it. 'Nationals' could mean anything, and he isn't saying whether he's skating or just attending...
He looked more closely at the Russian's expression, trying to see if even the slightest pixel gave away the man's true feelings.
He seems to look normal, just tired, but after a trip that long, who wouldn't expect that?
Yurio flopped back against the plush leather arm-rest of the couch, the phone dropping screen-up on his chest. He made a face as he looked up into the dark.
The RSF announcement only just happened about an hour ago. If Viktor's checked Instagram since then, he's sure to have seen all the comments on his last post about it. But how can I find out...?
Eyes shot wide open, and he sat upright again, launching his phone a few feet in front of himself. He rummaged for it in the blankets and then pulled it close again, hastily texting the one other person whose night he might not ruin with his questions.
.
It felt strange for the fireworks show to continue on as it did, but it's not as though the technicians who were orchestrating it had any idea what was happening on the bridge leading up to Hasetsu Castle.
Minako had taken hold of Jiro by then, keeping the pup warm in the towel he'd been carried in. She stood next to Yuuko, with Nishigori next to her in turn, looking back over her shoulder to glance at where the two young skaters were sitting. Yuri had since taken Viktor's place on the stone block, and Viktor had moved forward, sitting on the ground between Yuri's knees, holding his arms around his own, face buried against them. Yuri had both arms protectively around the man, one hand gently stroking at that silver hair. Makkachin was curled up at his human's feet, one paw going into the space beneath the up-turned knees, the other going in front of Viktor's shoes, and was leaning his brown fluffy head against the Russian's shins. The triplets were there with them as well, offering quiet solidarity as they continued to watch the sky.
"I wonder when he found out?" Minako wondered quietly, breathing a sigh into Jiro's fur, "He was fine all night, but hasn't looked at his phone since Yuri woke up."
"He's known longer than everyone." Yuuko answered, voice barely heard over the music and fireworks, "Yakov told him as soon as they got off the plane at Fukuoka."
"So you knew this whole time?"
"Yuri had a melt-down about it in the arrivals terminal. Viktor told me what happened because they were taking a long time to come get their things." She explained, feeling a buzz in her pocket, and moved to withdraw her phone, "I agreed not to say anything, because Viktor didn't want to ruin the night for Yuri more than the news already had."
"So this whole time, Viktor's been putting on a brave face like nothing was wrong, for our sake." Minako went on, sighing and turning her eyes back up to the luminous sky, "Here I thought we were the ones doing the protecting, by not saying anything about it after we found out. I feel guilty for having had fun at all now."
"Neither of them would want that." Yuuko added, looking then at her phone's screen, "Oh, it's the Russian Yuri. He just found out. He saw it on the RSF website and then saw social media blowing a gasket about it."
Minako glanced over the shorter woman's shoulder to see the teen's writing, "What time is it for him right now? Isn't it half a day earlier than us? He should be asleep."
The Madonna started typing without answering the inquiry, [Yes, Viktor knows. He was the first person Yakov told, so he's known since they got back this morning.]
[He sure is taking the news rather well given his Instagram post earlier.]
Yuuko made a face, smiling nervously, [He was trying his best not to let it get to him. He...only actually just started to get upset about it a minute ago. He told me earlier that he was hoping to last until him and Yuri got home and away from everyone, so he could deal with it tomorrow, but I guess the shock of it hit him early. We're all giving him some space right now.]
"Viktor...?"
The three standing adults glanced back at the sound of Yuri's voice, seeing him lift his head up a bit, just as the Russian had done suddenly. Viktor's eyes were red, but he maintained a stoic look, as though he'd spent the last 15 minutes trying to force his upset back behind the dam he'd erected in his heart. After a deep breath, and a long exhale, Viktor unfurled himself and rose to standing, leaning down to rub his knees and dust some snow off the back of his coat.
Yuri rose up as well then, as did Makkachin and the girls. He stepped closer, putting one hand on the small of his spouse's back, and whispered something to him.
"I'm fine." Viktor answered simply, "I always get emotional listening to Yuri on Ice. I just got carried away."
Everyone side-eyed each other, then looked back at the silver legend. It was plain to them that Viktor wasn't fine, but none of them were willing to argue the point with him. Viktor simply stepped forward a few paces and eased Yuri to stand in front of him, leaning against his husband's back in his usual way to watch the rest of the fireworks show.
.
'Russia's Skating Federation Sanctions All-Star Viktor Nikiforov: Have they officially lost their minds?'
'A Drama-Filled Grand Prix Season for Five-Time World Champion, Russia's Viktor Nikiforov: From a roof-top break-down to witnessing a devastating injury...the RSF's latest move is salt in an open wound.'
'It's the end of an era in Russian figure skating with the firing of legendary Viktor Nikiforov.'
Social media was on fire with content in response to the news. From flashy headlines on sports-news sites to emotional 'reaction' videos from fans, outcry was severe. Comment numbers on Viktor's last Instagram post shot through the roof with people saying their piece on the news; most in overwhelming support, though with a few saying he should've known better.
Reactions from the skaters themselves, however...
Phichit looked on nervously at his phone, sitting in the stands of his practice rink. He leaned onto his knees, holding himself up with his elbows perched there, one hand over his mouth as he stared at the screen in shock.
Should I call Yuri...? Neither him nor Viktor has said a word about this yet... I'll DM him...
Yurio continued to glare in the dark, face illuminated by the bright light from his phone. He looked on with a stony expression at the last text Yuuko had sent him, but then clicked over to his Instagram profile and hit the button to make a new post.
Yuri Plisetsky
Hравится
yuri-plisetsky: Кто-то встал не с той ноги. v-nikiforov y-nikiforov This is bullshit. You didn't deserve this.
It was barely noon in Switzerland, but Chris was still sitting in bed, fluffy white cat snoozing next to him as he looked at the internet outrage. He, too, went to post on Instagram.
Christophe Giacometti
Likes
christophe-gc: I woke up after a long trip back home and the first thing I realized is that my favorite song is "Fuck You" by Lilly Allen. #coolstoryrussia #seerightthroughyourbullcrap #yourloss v-nikiforov y-nikiforov
Born to Ship Viktuuri
[photo: Viktor gives Yuri gold medal]
17,346 likes
viktuuri: Sad way to end the GPFinal. Keep your heads up v-nikiforov and y-nikiforov, the world is on your side, even if the RSF isn't.
#NotGoingDownWithoutAFight #SkateHusbands #SucksToBeRussia #StayStrong #StrongTogether
Load more comments
phichit-chu absolutely unbelievable
otabek-altin Only -slightly- shady behavior from RSF. This is going to bite them.
christophe-gc Keep an eye on those two for us, young ladies. Only 2 weeks to Nationals for Yuri and this is some pretty hard news to take.
Thousands and thousands of comments were pouring in. By the time the SkateHusbands even arrived home for the night and got their coats off, their phones were loaded with pending messages. After setting a suitcase and several bags down, Yuri loaded Instagram on his own device and saw the countless alerts on the bottom of the screen, but just shut it down and put it back inside his coat.
I don't want to think about it right now. I'll answer people tomorrow.
He crouched down to one knee next to Jiro and undid the harness and leash, letting the pup wander around after Makkachin and learn the layout of his new home. Rising back up again, Yuri stood back to let Viktor come through with the last of their luggage, and closed the door behind him, "You getting tired yet?"
"Hm?" The Russian looked back briefly, but then returned his attention to the suitcases, setting them against a nearby wall, "...I'm physically tired, but mentally I'm just...what's the phrase...wired for sound? Everything in here is buzzing." He waved a hand around the side of his head, wiggling his fingers for emphasis, and then moved to undo the front of his coat, "...I'm going to mull some wine."
Yuri watched quietly as his partner shuffled by.
Those slate blue eyes were looking forward, but were absent, as though the Russian was only barely aware of his surroundings. With both coats and scarves hung, the front closet door was closed, and Viktor rubbed his arms as he stepped off towards the kitchen, only to find himself hooked by one elbow. Pausing in his tracks, Viktor looked back, and saw a shock of black hair coming up under his nose as arms went around his chest, hands pressing to his back.
"I love you, Viktor."
It was easy to return the hug, arms going over Yuri's shoulders, one hand clinging to the back of one while the other wove finger through raven hair. Viktor held tight, but was careful not to let his guard down.
"You don't have to talk about what happened if you don't want to." Yuri went on, rubbing a thumb gently back and forth, "We'll get through this together, like with everything else. I have your back."
They held a moment longer, Viktor staring at the base of the front door. He drew a quick breath, kissed the side of the pale neck he'd pressed his cheek against, and nodded, pulling away then to go to the kitchen like he'd planned.
Yuri watched the man go, but said nothing more. He breathed a nervous sigh and turned his attention to the gift bags just behind his feet, reaching to grab a few and pulled them over to the dining room table, and the massive but wilting apology bouquet still sitting in the middle of it. Flower petals and a few leaves had fallen to the table-top, and were brushed away as Yuri started putting the bags down there, reaching within to grab their contents.
They each worked in the silence of the house, Viktor finding his spices and orange peel, and Yuri setting up the fancy food and water bowl stands for Jiro. He glanced over the island and watched all the different ingredients going into the slow-cooker.
All I can do for now is give him space, I guess, Yuri thought, pouring a little bit of puppy kibble into the first dish, and grabbing the second to take it to the fridge for water. The fireworks thing unsettled him a bit, and he spent most of the show trying to patch his ego after my song dug its claws into his heart. That wasn't how he wanted to unburden...but once those tears started, even though they were for a different reason entirely...the rest just tried to burst out of him. He did his best to keep it all in, even though a little bit of that upset managed to squeak through.
Jiro came rushing over, little claws tapping the tile and hardwood as he hurried. He went nose-first into the kibble bowl, even though it was held several inches in the air on a black metal stand. He was able to sneak a few bits though before Yuri came back to set the water bowl into the corresponding bowl-slot next to it. Yuri gave the pup a scritch on the head before standing up and moving off to give Makkachin his own dinner on the other side of the dining room. The big brown fluffer just sat patiently by his own set of bowls, empty as they were from being away for 5 days, tail wagging back and forth, and that big pink tongue panting away.
With all chores done, but none of the suitcases put away, Yuri plopped onto the couch and turned the television on, hoping to fill the house with some sound even if it was only ambient noise. Jiro and Makkachin were quick to follow him there once they were done eating. The poodle made it up to his corner easily enough, but Yuri had to reach down and lift the Akita up, reclining back into his own corner, and set the puppy down against his chest. It didn't take more than a few strokes on the tiny creature's back for him to fall asleep there.
By the time Viktor was done mulling his wine, and came around the front of the couch with two ceramic mugs, Yuri had fallen asleep again too, with both dogs draped over him. Makkachin was only dozing it seemed, since he lifted his head as Viktor went by, and hopped down quickly thereafter, going back to his water dish for a drink. Jiro was out cold, tucked neatly into the cubby-space between Yuri's neck and shoulder, and the corner of the couch and armrest, tiny fluffy arms sticking out over the top of Yuri's head.
The two mugs were set down on coasters atop the glass-top coffee table, between the couch and entertainment stand with the television, and Viktor moved back towards his partner, sitting on the very edge of the couch just near the man's waist. He looked on at that slumbering face, leaning over to gently brush the tops of his fingers against one cheek. Yuri turned his head slightly, drew in a deeper breath, and then settled again. Viktor waited a moment, but then leaned closer, daring to steal at least one kiss before the man woke up again. That just made him want more, an instinct deep inside him switching the intent for one, soft, short kiss, to a second, longer, and more passionate one.
It was enough to draw Yuri from his sleep, confused at first but then realizing what was happening, and relaxing into it, sliding his hands up and around his husband's ribs, pressing to the man's back to pull him closer.
Thank God, he still wants me... I was worried...
It didn't last long though. Viktor managed to rise up from where he was sitting, and pressed in between those welcoming legs that spread around his waist, but after a few seconds of intent, the flame went out, and the Russian stopped. He hovered over those lips for a moment, gave one last kiss, and then pulled away to sit normally again, twisting around and pulling Yuri's left leg from where it had become pinned behind his back, setting them both together on his lap.
Yuri practically gaped, confused and concerned, watching as his spouse leaned over his legs and reached for the first of the two mulled wine mugs on the table in front of them. All the man could offer was a quiet apology for waking him up, which just worried him even more, "...It's...okay, really..." Yuri muttered, pushing to sit up in his corner, and glancing back as he felt the fluff and heard the quiet whimper of a puppy that was trying to stay asleep, "Oh, sorry Jiro...didn't realize that's where you went." He carefully maneuvered the pup more firmly into the corner, trying to recover the warm spot the puppy had slid from, and was relieved to see those eyes stay closed.
Viktor blew on the hot and steaming red liquid in his mug and sipped at it carefully, looking at the television without seeing what was playing. He had the same stony look on his face as he'd bore for the entire walk back from the fireworks show; on the verge of cracking and doing absolutely everything, finding every ounce of strength, to avoid letting it happen.
"...Do...you want to change the channel? I don't even recognize this show...it was something else before." Yuri offered, trying to get some response.
"Meh."
"Oh..." He uttered quietly, looking off anxiously. Another moment of awkward silence passed, and Yuri looked around the room, eventually settling on the second mug sitting on the coaster ahead of him. He pulled his legs back off his husband's lap to balance so he could reach for it, and then pulled it close, smelling his partner's efforts in the citrus, raspberry, and cinnamon notes coming from the cup. A small sip, and it filled him with a warmth that Viktor had, at least for the moment, lost. He grabbed quickly for the remote control and wiggled in closer, pressing himself right up against the sullen Russian's side. He pulled his knees up and tilted them against Viktor's lap, and wove his left arm under the man's right, dropping the remote to his lap for a moment so he could take his mug in that hand and free up the other. That done, he threaded his fingers through Viktor's right hand, and gave it a gentle squeeze, "The mulled wine is really good. You put more berries in than usual."
Slate eyes turned slightly, "...Yeah..."
Yuri gave a worried look again, unsure what to say in follow-up. He glanced away, looking instead to the television, thinking on what to do about it, if anything.
"I'm going to be terrible company, I think." Viktor added unexpectedly, leaning his head back against the couch, and slowly tilting it towards his spouse, "I'm sorry."
"I'd rather you be terrible company with me, than go off by yourself somewhere." Yuri replied, rubbing his thumb against his partner's, "This is just fine."
Blue eyes lowered, looking at where he felt their hands together, and managed to give a light squeeze back in silent thanks. He lifted their hands off his lap then and settled their forearms against Yuri's tilted knees instead, "I wish I could say something else...I know you want to help me, and I want you to...but I'm just...so numb right now."
"What happened will take a while to process. I don't expect you to bounce back. This is grief. We all go through it in our own ways." Yuri answered reassuringly, "However long it takes...whatever you need...I'll be here."
Viktor gave his best effort towards a small smile, and leaned in a bit closer to kiss the side of his partner's forehead before pulling back again, "Thanks."