When they arrived, Viktor was stretched over the sofa on his front like the sleeping beauty told of by the Brothers Grimm. His hair was almost dry, fluffy and shiny and hanging in swathes all around him. With a cute sneeze, he opened his eyes. When he saw that the guests were standing there, he sat up straight and brushed invisible dust off of his skirts. With a practiced smile, he lowered his head.

"Why is he in a dress?" Yakov asked immediately and gruffly. "Some kinda fetish or something?" Yuuri blushed, embarrassed.

"No, I prefer them," Viktor piped up quietly.

"Huh." Yakov approached Viktor, who remained still. Yuri fluttered over to a nearby chair and slumped into it, appearing bored. He leaned against one arm of the chair, and slung his muddy boots over the other one.

"Ah, maybe don't-" Yuuri began timidly, but decided better of it.

"Stand up," Yakov commanded. Viktor swiftly obeyed, taking a moment to steady himself. "I need to do a physical examination. Please take off the dress. We can have your master leave if you wish." The "master" part made Yuuri cringe, but he didn't dare correct him.

"No, I'm quite alright." Viktor began untying the ribbon around his waist. It was a struggle using only one hand, but he eventually managed it. The gown hung loosely around him, and he carefully pulled it over his head before draping it on the back of the couch. Yuuri tried not to watch. Viktor was left in his corset, drawers, and lacy stockings.

"You're going to have to take off the corset too," Yakov told him with a touch of softness. Yuuri saw a flash of fear in Viktor eyes, but the fairy quickly got his composure back and pulled his hair over his shoulder. He hesitated, and his hands quaked as he fumbled with the ribbon lacing up his corset. The task was made more difficult from apparent nervousy and a missing finger. His wings were quivering slightly. Eventually he managed to get it undone, and loosened the faded ribbon.

However, when Viktor tried to unlatch the busk studs, he couldn't seem to do it. Yuuri rushed over and helped the poor creature undo the clasps. Viktor stiffened, hands frozen. Yuuri's heart pounded, and Viktor gradually relaxed and dropped his arms. Yuuri could feel the eyes of Yakov and the other Yuri boring into him, and his own fingers started trembling.

But the corset was undone at last. Viktor turned, bit a petal-pink lip, sighed, then out on a cheerful, nonchalant veneer. He closed his eyes, as if he didn't want to see anyone's reaction. Yuuri felt terrible dread twist inside his gut. With a smile, Viktor pulled off the corset.

Yuuri let out a sharp gasp of horror and covered his mouth. Out of the corner of his sight, he saw the other fairy's eyes widen and his mouth open slightly. His expression quickly morphed into rage. Viktor lifted his eyelids slowly, and looked like he thought nothing was wrong. But anyone who could see would know that this was not the case.

Tears welled up in Yuuri's eyes as he took in Viktor exposed chest. It was sickly thin, the way one would expect a prisoner's to be. His gaunt form and pale skin showcased every rib. The way that the ribcage was angled inward showed evidence that Viktor had worn a corset since he was little.

Horrid blisters marred Viktor whole torso in vertical stripes. They were filled with yellow pus, and some of them were broken and oozing the sticky stuff. The entire area that the corset had covered was red and irritated. Bleeding welts, some of them encrusted over with dark scabs, marked the canvas of Viktor's skin.

Seeming like he was drowning I an abundance of silver hair, Viktor looked so small and vulnerable. Yuuri wanted to protect him at all costs. He would never, ever let anybody hurt Viktor like this again.

Yakov cautiously stepped forward, as if he was afraid that Viktor would spook and run off like a deer. He carefully put his gnarled hands on Viktor and started prodding him. Yuuri didn't miss the way that Viktor flinched at the conflict, and his heart ached. He guessed that Yakov was looking for broken bones. Yakov used his thumb and forefinger to pull Viktor eyes open one by one, tilting his head back so that the light could dilate his pupils.

"Open your mouth," he growled, and Viktor complied. Yakov squinted as he inspected the inside of Viktor's mouth. Satisfied, he let go. He sighed. "Take off the drawers too. I need to examine you." Viktor stood still for a second, blinking. "Well come on, I don't have all day!" Yakov snapped. His patience appeared to be growing thinner by the second.

Viktor quickly did what he was told, and Yuuri's cheeks burned. He covered his eyes as Yakov checked Viktor's groin and backside for signs of injury or disease.

He heard Yakov say, "Alright, now you can out your damn clothes back on." Yuuri felt sorry for Viktor, he was probably terrified. He waited long enough to be sure that Viktor had his bottoms on, then peeked through his fingers. Viktor was about to put on his corset, and panic shot through Yuuri. Thankfully, Yakov acted faster than he did.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Viktor smiled innocently.

"Just getting dressed, sir."

"I forbid you from putting on that blasted contraption, at least until you're fully healed. Even then, only safely, with an undershirt on, not too tightly, and certainly not everyday." Viktor nodded, still smiling, but he seemed anxious. He pulled his dress on over his head. What had his former owner ingrained into his head to make him act like this, scared to take off his corset even for his own health? Yuuri wanted to weep at the thought.

"Heh. Your master will just have to survive without seeing you in that thing."

Yuuri blushed, appalled. "No! I'm not- I don't want-"

Yakov scoffed, and the other Yuri sneered disgustedly. Yuuri fell silent, tears burning in his eyes. He refused to let them fall. It was a terrible feeling to know that they thought he'd been the one that abused Viktor. But he was too shy to correct them.

"Alright boy, let me see that finger." Terror was evident in Viktor's eyes, and he gave a shaky, nervous laugh. "Come on, let's get this over with." Slowly, Viktor Viktor raised his delicate hand. It looked so pale and fragile. Yuuri had to look away from the sight, and saw Yuri narrow his eyes.

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