A/N: I'm back with chapter 3 everyone !

So in this chapter, Yuuri meets to talk with the person he asked for help from on the phone the night before and we learn a liiiitle more about Victor's odds behavior.

Just a small warning that there is a tiny bit of cussing in this chapter because of a certain someone 😉

But other than that, I hope you all enjoy !

Tuesday, May 5th, Espresso Express, 9:40 AM.

Yuuri sat at a booth inside the cafe, hands folded in front of him and knee bouncing under the table. His stomach felt slightly knotted but, thankfully, not in a sick way.

Which was...a huge relief.

When Yuuri had woken up that morning, he was expecting nausea to force him out of bed and into the bathroom immediately.

But it didn't.

He actually woke up normally for the first time in 4 days, Victor's body cuddled close to his backside, his right arm draped over his middle.

This made getting up a slight challenge, but he was able to do so nonetheless without waking Victor up.

He had grabbed a comfortable pair of clothes that consisted of a red t-shirt, faded black jeggings, and a thin, zip up black sweater in case there was a slight chill in the air. Then he retreated into the bathroom to get ready.

He washed his face, brushed his teeth, brushed his hair, and dressed all within 15 minutes.

His hand reached out to turn off the light as he excited the bathroom, still being mindful of Victor's sleeping figure.

Just as he was about to exit the room, he paused, eyeballing the pen and notepad sitting on his desk.

'I should probably leave him a note in case he wakes up and I'm not here'

And he did. Grabbing the pen, he scribbled a short note on one of the pieces of note paper. But the note itself was a small deviation from the truth from where he was really going. He hated hiding stuff from Victor and doing things behind his back, but he also knew Victor wouldn't tell him what was wrong unless he took a different course of action and found out things for himself. He was genuinely concerned about Victor, and that was his sole purpose that he came up as to why he was doing everything he was doing.

His Alpha was clearly in distress and as his partner, husband, and mate, it was his job to ease that distress no matter what.

Yuuri did a once over of the note, making sure that no suspicion would arise from it if Victor read it.

Dear Vitya,

If you're reading this and I'm not back yet, then I just wanted to let you know I felt better this morning and decided to go out and get some fresh air for a little while. Don't worry about me okay ? Text me when you wake up and get some more rest if you can. You've been working really hard my love, and you deserve a break. See you soon.

Love, Yuuri.

There. Perfect.

With a satisfied smile, he folded the paper and placed it on the pillow next to Victor and kissed his forehead before tiptoeing out of his bedroom, shutting the door behind him.

His parents were awake, attending to a few customers when he entered the main room.

He told the same little fib to them as on the note he left for Victor.

He then slipped on his tennis shoes and successfully made it outside with a relieved sigh, no suspicion on his tail.

Taking a step forward, he began to make is way to the real destination he had planned for today. A small, cozy little cafe about a 10 minute walk from Yu-Topia.

Which was now where he currently resided.

There were about a dozen people in the cafe other than him which was normal for an early morning week day. Yuuri peered at the cafe's entrance, seeing the door was still shut and the usual jingle of the bell attached to the top of it was silent with no one walking in or out. He then checked the time on his phone.

9:44 AM.

Yurio should be here any minute.

The thought sort of amazed him since he was honestly shocked that the boy agreed to meet him this morning, considering that whenever they were in close proximity of one another, the blonde always made it clear that he somewhat, (but not really) hated Yuuri's guts.

He had shown it immensely the first time they met.

After all, kicking the door of the bathroom stall you were crying in and forcing you to come out while also calling you a loser HAD to mean you weren't too fond of someone.

That memory caused Yuuri to chuckle. He hadn't had a bathroom stall breakdown since then which, he supposed, was a good thing.

Yurio, despite everything, did the have the occasional habit of helping people through things...just in his own... extremely unique 'I'll beat the crap out of you if you don't suck it up' kind of way.

"Oi ! Katsudon !"

He also had a habit of not calling people by their first name.

Very rarely did Yurio use his first name when addressing him. It was either 'katsudon', 'pork cutlet bowl', 'pig', or 'piggy'...but Yuuri didn't care.

He still looked up, meeting Yurio's sharp green gaze. A relieved smile washed over him now that he was REALLY here and didn't just promise to come in order to pull some sick joke on him and end up not showing up.

But there he was. Blonde hair slightly longer with half pulled up in a hair tie, clad in black jeans, black tennis shoes, and an animal print t-shirt. He looked exactly the same as he always had for the time Yuuri had know him, but no doubt he had done some growing up, at least a little.

Currently, the now almost 17 year old Yuri Plisetsky was taking a small break ( crazy right ? ) from the ice, focusing more on dancing, specifically ballet.

After this past season, he really began to realize how much dancing had helped him over the years. Not just with his skating and physique, but also his personality, and thoughts about certain things. It cleared his head and, honestly, had made him a slightly better person.

It was also convenient that he was here in Japan as well, finding comfort particularly in Hasetsu despite everything that had happened there the first time he visited.

He decided to partake in some of the advanced dance classes there while also helping out part time in the novice classes.

Overall, he was doing good, and that made Yuuri happy.

The blonde reached the booth Yuuri was sitting at and sat down, scooting more towards the middle.

It was then that a young waitress with auburn hair and hazel eyes walked towards them wearing a tiny smile with a notepad and pen in her left hand.

"Hello, my name is Hana and I be your server today. What can I get you ?"

"Just an ice water for me, please." Yuuri smiled.

"Alright. And for you ?"

Yurio pressed a finger to his temple, " An iced caramel latte. Extra cream."

The waitress smiled, " Got it. I'll be back with your orders in a few minutes."

She walked away, leaving Yuuri and Yurio alone.

"So..."Yuuri started, " It's good to see you."

Yurio lifted his finger from his temple, sitting up straighter in the booth.

"Spill."

Yuuri blinked, confused "Pardon ?"

Yurio rolled his eyes, "God, don't tell me your deaf now, too."

Yuuri blinked again, still not getting it. This caused Yurio to groan.

"You told me to meet you here because you need my help with something and I can tell your about to piss your pants with worry. So I said 'spill'. What's going on ?"

Yep. DEFINITELY had his own way of helping people.

Yuuri cleared his throat.

"W-well...there's something wrong with Victor...and..." he trailed off.

Yurio scoffed, "I know THAT. You said so last night. And I'm not sure if you've noticed, but there's LOTS of things wrong with that geezer."

Yuuri bit his lip, "Well...I'm not talking about that kind of wrong. I'm referring to more his mental state. I think there's something going on with him since...he's been acting strange lately."

Yurio tilted his head, "Strange how ?"

"Well," Yuuri hesitated, " For the last few days, Victor's been in and out of what are...sort of like...I guess miniature panic attacks ? They've taken him over at random times and I have no idea what's causing them. He gets quiet and sort of blanks out and I guess our students at the rink have noticed it too since one of them called me last night because she was worried about him. But I think last night was the worst one yet. We had just gotten done with dinner and we were talking about helping dad make dinner for my mom for Mother's Day since...well...he kinda can't cook. But then Victor got really quiet and his hands started shaking and-"

"Wait a second."

Yuuri stopped rambling. The tone to Yurio's voice immediately grabbing his attention.

Yurio looked him dead in the eyes, before asking "What did you just say ?"

Yuuri furrowed his eyebrows, " I said... Victor's hands started shaking and-"

"No." Yurio shook his head, "No, before that."

Yuuri blinked "Uhmmm...we were discussing dinner plans for Mother's Day and-"

Yuuri stopped talking again. It was then he spotted their waitress walking towards them with their orders. Once she reached the table, she placed each drink down one at a time.

"T-thank you very much."

Hana smiled, " Is there anything else I can get you."

"No, thank you. That will be all."

"Alright then. Enjoy ! I'll leave the bill here for you okay ?" She said, setting down a receipt and pen.

Yuuri nodded and watched the waitress walk away to another table. He then brought his attention back to Yurio who had a very rare, genuine look of concern on his face.

"Yurio ?"

"I can't believe it's already that time again...fuck." The blonde said lowly.

"What ?"

Yurio pressed his lips together for a second. "Katsudon. What's the date today ?"

"Uhh..." Yuuri looked at his phone, "It's the 5th of May. Why ?"

Yurio grimaced, a mumbled "Shit..." leaving his lips as he rubbed is forehead with his left hand.

"Y-Yurio ?"

The blonde sighed before looking up at Yuuri. His eyes hard but filled with...remorse ?

"I know what's wrong with Victor."

In that split second of Yurio's statement, Yuuri's heart jumped into his throat, a thousand questions entering his mind. But it was only 2 tiny words to seal confirmation that left his lips as a stutter.

"Y-you do ?"

Yurio looked down at his iced latte, " It...has to do with Mother's Day. Victor has...always had a difficult time with it. Ever since I met him."

Now Yuuri was genuinely confused. Why would Mother's Day cause Victor to act the way he's been acting ? Come to think of it...Yuuri didn't really know anything about Victor's mom. Or...any of his family for that matter. Whenever any topic of his family came up, he was usually very vague and he always seemed like he would avoid the topic.

Almost like it was...painful...to talk about.

Yuuri's eyes widened as he recalled each moment before Victor would go into one of his attacks.

Ayumi had told him that Victor had seemed sad during classes after she and her friends had talked about their Mother's Day plans on Friday.

Victor had gone rigid the day before yesterday when Yuuri's mom had come into their room after he had gotten back from the rink to ask Victor how his day was.

And last night Victor nearly had a panic attack when Yuuri and his family were talking about dinner plans for Hiroko on Mother's Day.

Yuuri could feel his blood turn to ice.

Mother's Day.

Victor never talking about his family.

Could it be that the reason that Victor has been so out of it lately be because...

"Yurio...don't tell me," Yuuri swallowed thickly. His throat felt raw. "Is...is Victor's mother...? Did...is she...?"

Yurio nodded, his voice soft, " Victor's mom passed away when he was 17 years old. And by the look on your face, I guess you didn't know about this. He never told you about it ?"

Yuuri shook his head, "No," he said, voice barely above a whisper, "he didn't."

"Doesn't surprise me. A lot of people don't know about it. Only very few actually do."

Yuuri squirmed in his seat, " He told you ?"

The blonde took a sip from his drink, "Well...not exactly. It was Yakov who gave me the details. He know more about it than anyone else."

Yuuri knew that name. Yakov Feltsman was Victor's old coach and his temporary coah while Victor flew back to Japan when Makkachin had an emergency vet visit after he injested too many pork buns while staying at Yu-Topia during the competition season.

"I...I honestly don't know what to say," Yuuri said, voice low, "Back when he was my coach, I never really noticed him acting strangely this time of year. I remember he seemed a little more quiet...but not nearly as bad as now. God... I...I knew something was wrong, but I didn't know it was this...bad." He grimaced at the word. "Bad" was a huge understatement.

Yurio nodded, " Yeah. He's acted like this every year ever since then. Always about a week before Mother's Day, he just goes into a pitch black spiral. He's distant, sad, depressed...but goes back to normal a few days after Mother's Day is over...well...as normal as you can get after a weeks long mental breakdown."

Yuuri was shocked. Victor has gone through this for the last 11 years...all by himself ?

He lightly gripped his cup of water, the perspiration wetting his palm and fingers. He didn't want to ask, but "What happened ? If...if you don't mind me asking."

Yurio shook his head, "I...I don't know that much. But I think it was some kind of illness. I'm not exactly sure "

"Oh." Yuuri said, looking down at his lap, "I see."

"But," Yurio began, " If you really want to know, you should talk to Yakov. He's one of the closest individuals to Victor now besides you. If Victor hasn't said anything to you by now, he might NEVER tell you, but I think it's important for you to know. Maybe you can find some way to knock him out of it. Make him feel better...or something."

Yuuri smiled. Though it may not sound like it, Yurio was concerned for Victor, and Yuuri knew it.

Right then. He was going to talk to Yakov and learn everything. This was exactly what he needed. But there was one problem.

"I don't have Yakov's phone number." Yuuri stated.

Yurio looked to his left and stared at the receipt left by the waitress. He grabbed it and folded the section front and back where the excess paper was and carefully ripped off a clean edged piece.

He then grabbed the pen and scribbled down a few numbers, folded it and handed it to Yuuri.

"There." He stated simply.

Yuuri smiled, taking the piece of paper, "Thank you Yurio. Really. It means alot."

Yurio tsked, "Don't mention it. Seriously. Don't. Ever."

But Yuuri could see the tiny smile on the blonde's face.

*Timeskip~~~~~~~

Yuuri talked with Yurio for a little while longer about his dancing and how things were going at the skating class before they each left the money needed to pay for each of their drinks while also leaving a tip for their waitress.

They said their goodbyes at the front of the cafe, Yuuri giving a final thank you to Yurio, before departing in different directions.

Yuuri was at an intersection, about to cross the street before he felt a vibration in the pocket of his sweater.

He pulled out his phone to see a notification on his front screen.

It was a text from Victor. He must be awake.

Yuuri smiled and tapped on his message icon to see what Victor had sent him.

From Vitya: I got your note love ! I'm so happy you're feeling better ! We should celebrate ❤️

Yuuri rolled his eyes. Only Victor would want to have a celebration for him from getting over a sickness.

To Vitya: You're so funny ️. What did you have in mind ?

About another minute or so passed before Yuuri got another message.

From Vitya: How about breakfast ? Have you eaten anything yet ?

Yuuri couldn't recall having anything that morning besides his glass of water at the cafe. It couldn't hurt. It may even bring Victor's sprits up a bit and act as temporary distraction.

To Vitya: No, I haven't. I had a bottle of water but that's it. But breakfast sounds nice. The usual place okay?

Once Victor settled down with Yuuri in Japan, the the black haired male had taken him to a buffet breakfast bar called Bee's Breakfast. It was a restaurant not too far away from the onsen and they had some of most delicious breakfast items Victor had ever tasted.

Fresh croissants, biscuits, pastries, waffles, pancakes, fruit, side dishes, cold fruit juices, rich coffee, hot tea, and so much more.

It was one of their favorite places to go.

From Vitya: That's perfect ! I'll meet you there in 15 minutes. I love you ! ❤️😘

Yuuri felt his heart skip a beat. Even after the countless time Victor had said 'I love you' to him, it always made him feel warm and fuzzy on the inside.

To Vitya: I love you too ️ ️See you soon.

Yuuri sighed and put his phone in his pocket.

That was when the worry began to really set in.

Everything that he just learned crossed his mind in a whirlwind and all he could think of was Victor.

He was always so cheerful. But how long had that cheerfulness been an act ? An act to keep his past behind him. An act that required a fake smile. An act he's put on for 11 whole years.

Yuuri's throat suddenly felt tight. He couldn't imagine how much Victor must be hurting. How much pain he must be feeling right now.

And Yuuri had had no idea.

But he did now...and was going to help his mate.

It was only fair after everything Victor had done for him. After how much he had helped him.

Now it was Yuuri's turn.

But for now, he was determined to have a nice and attempted worry free morning with his husband.

Yuuri shoved his hands in the pockets of his sweater, a chilly Spring breeze kissing the skin on his face.

He waited for the light of the crosswalk to turn green, and when it did, he walked steadily to the other side, cars stopping as he passed by.

The walk to the restaurant was silent for him. The only accompanyments were the steady sound of his breathing, the low tip-tap of his footsteps against the pavement...

And the small paper that had been given to him by Yurio that he had put in his pocket containing Yakov's number. He could feel how it occasionally got pushed against his knuckles, slightly tickling his skin with every step he took.

He spotted the restaurant in the distance a short while later, as well as a silver haired man at the entrance waving and smiling at him.

Yuuri could feel his heart clench in his chest. He'd never thought this would happen. He never thought he would feel this way...but

For the first time...ever...it pained Yuuri...

...to see Victor smile.

A/N: Not gonna lie, but writing that last line made me tear up a bit

But the emotional rollercoaster only JUST started. Trust me. We have a lot of emotional things going on next chapter so make sure to buckle up !

But that's it for now you guys ! Thank you so much for reading and I will see you all with chapter 4 tomorrow !

Bye bye !