Yuuri decided to go shopping the very next day. He needed food as soon as possible, for Viktor's sake. The problem was, he was worried about leaving him all alone. What if he needed help with something? What if he got lonely? What if someone broke in?
Yuuri had heard of thieves that snuck into houses and stole fairies along with valuable objects. Yuuri didn't really care about the items in the house, but but he did care about Viktor's safety very deeply. The house's lock was secure, but one could never be too cautious.
On top of the worrying about Viktor staying behind, Yuuri wanted him to be able to pick out things he liked. He thought it might help to improve his feeling of self-worth.
Over their morning meal of porridge and honey, Yuuri asked Viktor if he would like to go shopping with him. Viktor smiled and tilted his head, clearly confused.
"Shopping?"
"You've heard of that, right? When you go out and buy things?"
Viktor laughed a little, clear and ringing.
"I know what it is, I just…" He looked down, and his face fell slightly. " I've never been before," he admitted.
"Oh!" There was silence for a moment. "Well, don't feel like you have to come with if you aren't comfortable with it." Viktor raised his gaze, light glimmering in his sea-colored eyes.
"I would love to go with you." He was clearly trying to mask his excitement, and Yuuri found it very sweet.
"Are you certain you're up for it?" He wanted to make sure, since Viktor was still healing and had been through so much recently. But Viktor nodded enthusiastically. But then he reigned himself in, and seemed somewhat saddened. "What is it?" Yuuri asked gently.
"If you don't want me to go, then I can stay here," Viktor replied sadly.
"No, no, I do! I just didn't want you to do something that you aren't ready for," Yuuri quickly explained. Viktor seemed instantly relieved. "So when you're done eating, you can go and get ready." Viktor beamed and scarfed down his food (Yuuri didn't even have time to remind him not to eat too fast), then placed his dish into the sink and began to wash it off.
"Oh, I can do that for you." Viktor smiled and curtseyed, holding the ruffled skirts of his nightgown. He practically skipped out of the room, and Yuuri chuckled quietly. It was wonderful to see him in such a good mood.
"Oh!" He suddenly remembered something, and went to follow Viktor. He caught up to him just as he entered his room. Guilt pooled in his belly, Viktor seemed so happy. "Viktor…"
Viktor turned when he heard his name.
"Yes?" he asked, smiling.
"I'm so sorry that I forgot, but… we need to dress your wound."
"Oh." Viktor's smile vanished.
"I'm so sorry, it'll just take a minute," Yuuri apologized.
"Alright." Viktor bowed his head and trailed behind Yuuri to the bathroom. He sat down elegantly on the lip of the tub, hands crossed over his lap. The false smile was back, hiding fear. Yuuri felt terrible about having to do this, but it was necessary if Viktor was ever to recover.
From the cabinet, he withdrew the roll of gauze, the cream, and the ointment.
"Alright, the first step is to wash the wound with warm water." Viktor stood, and slowly crossed the room over to the sink. Dread was evident on his face. With his left hand, he turned the squeaky handle. He cautiously dipped a pinky under the stream to test the temperature, then put the stump under it and winced. (Yuuri did as well.)
Viktor waited a couple of seconds, then seemingly couldn't take it anymore and shut off the tap.
"Are you alright so far?" Yuuri inquired softy. Viktor nodded. Yuuri got out a fresh washcloth and poured a small amount of ointment onto it. Viktor outstretched his hand, and Yuuri gently took it in his own. "Would you like to do it?" He offered the cloth to Viktor, who simply shook his head.
Yuuri took a deep breath in, and then started dabbing on the medicine. He saw Viktor grit his teeth, muscles taut. Yuuri could hardly imagine how much it must be burning. 'Poor Viktor,' he thought sadly. He pulled away and dropped the cloth into the hamper, then tore a strip off of the roll of bandages and wrapped it around Viktor's stump. He tucked in the ends, and both of them breathed a sigh of relief.
Yuuri met Viktor's eyes and quickly turned away, heart fluttering.
"Make sure to apply the cream onto the blisters, I'm going to go get ready as well."
"Alright." Viktor smiled, soft and warm. "Thank you."
Yuuri blushed, and he could feel the heat in his ear tips.
"You're welcome." He left the bathroom and then recalled something, so he timidly peeked his head back in. "Viktor?"
"Yes?" Viktor seemed to be glowing underneath the morning light slanting in from the skylight. Yuuri swallowed.
"You can have any jewelry or anything else you find in the drawers, okay?" Viktor was stunned for a moment, but then a wide beam broke out across his face.
"Thank you!" he exclaimed. Yuuri's face melted into a smile.
"Of course." He then left Viktor's room with a jumpy, giddy feeling in his chest. He went to his bedroom, closed the door, and then set about the task of deciding what to wear.