Disclaimer: I do not own YOI, all that I created was this fanfiction. Enjoy!

Hey guys, I'm back! Exams are practically over now! (Banners going off in the background). I was literally doing a little bit of studying, a little bit of piano practice, a little bit of this, a little bit of that, and of course. A little bit of working on Chapters 4 and 5!

But boy! Do I ever feel so accomplished and relaxed! Until second semester begins and the stress piles up again...

Well, at least I managed to get two new chapters released today! Again, please FAVOURITE, FOLLOW, and REVIEW!

Ch 4: Working up to the Grand Prix Final

Friday. November. 25, 2016. Sapporo, Japan. Men's short program. Group 1.

Japanese skater, Katsuki Yuri, breathed deeply as he walked down the empty and quiet halls at the back of the arena. This was his second event of the Grand Prix Series.

The NHK Trophy.

Yuri placed second at his first event, Skate Canada. Jean-Jacques Leroy placed first, while Phichit Chulanont placed third.

Victor Nikiforov placed first at the Tropheé de France. He wasn't with Yuri at his first event, unfortunately. Luckily, they fixed this problem back in June when they received the assignments.

Celestino agreed to go in as Yuri's coach alongside Phichit for the Skate Canada event. For the second event, Victor and Yuri are both assigned to the NHK Trophy. There was no problem there.

Yuri Plisetsky, on the other hand, placed first at his first event, Skate America. And is assigned to compete at the NHK Trophy as well. This is the last of the Grand Prix events before the placements for the Final are confirmed.

This is the event where they will secure a spot in the Grand Prix Final.

Yurio sat in the stands among several of his competitors and teammates. He is one the skaters in the first group.

Yuri Katsuki is the first to go. He watched Yuri take the ice after embracing Victor in a hug one last time. As soon as the Japanese skater took his position, Yurio walked to the front of the stands to get a better view.

"You can do this, Pork Cutlet Bowl." Yurio whispered.

The soundtrack of Les Miserables played and Yuri started his short program. He opens with a beautiful quadruple salchow. Yurio feels some of the weight on his chest leave him.

From the boards, Victor clapped with pride. He knew that the quadruple salchow would be no problem for Yuri by now. But Yuri's head was cloudy. Never had he felt so much pressure before.

Is it because of his new title? 'The skater with no fear?' Yuri knew that to live up to that title, he's going to need to take more risks. But deep down, he's afraid. Afraid of making a mistake. Of not making the Final. Of letting Victor down.

No! Pushing back all of those negative thoughts, Yuri goes into his triple axel/triple loop. Perfect!

Gaining more confidence, Yuri decides to revise the last bit of his program. Instead of doing a quadruple toe loop, he plans to change it to a quadruple lutz.

It was a risky move, considering that he isn't able to land it consistently yet. But he's going for it. Victor and Yurio both gasped as they watched Yuri adjust the transitions to prepare for the long back outside edge that goes into the lutz.

Digging his toe pick into the ice, Yuri vaults himself high into the air.

One...two...three...four—

Yuri landed the jump—on two feet. He quickly straightened out his free leg and held his landing position as best as he could. The audience cheered when they saw that he didn't fall.

Victor had tears in his eyes when Yuri finished the program and skated over to him. Sitting in the kiss-and-cry, they saw his score.

It was a shocking 90.29 points. Victor's jaw dropped. And Yuri wished that he was granted the power to just disappear into the bench he was sitting on.

Yurio rubbed his eyes twice to see if the score was right. A performance like that should've broken into the hundreds! Never mind the two-footed lutz!

Instantly, the crowd began booing. But it all ended when Yuri left the kiss-and-cry, only to run off the scene.

Yuri Plisetsky finished a flawless performance, skating to River Flows in You. He had scored 106.01, landing him in first place currently. As soon as he saw his score, Yurio also rushed off the scene towards the hall where Yuri ran off to.

Victor went after Yuri when he disappeared after his skate. They still haven't returned. Yurio kept on running through the maze-like hallways until he found the Japanese skater sitting on a bench next to a vending machine.

He was on his phone but looked up when Yurio appeared.

"What are you doing?" Yurio asked. "Where's Victor?"

"Right here." Victor appeared from the side of the vending machine. He had his hands in his pockets and looked tired.

"Amazing performance, Yurio. I saw it all on the tv screen," Victor praised.

Yuri nodded in agreement. "You'll make the Final for sure."

Yurio stared him down. "You will too!"

Victor sighed as he walked past the two skaters.

"You both will." He gives Yuri a quick one-armed hug.

"Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going back to the stands. Yuri, you're feeling a lot better now, right? Finish up your 'math help session' with Yurio, then come back. Ok?"

With that, Victor walked away from the pair, turning around to give them a quick wink before disappearing around the corner.

Several minutes later…

"Oh, so you weren't crying when you ran off? I thought that I'd find you locked up inside a bathroom stall with Victor trying to break it down," Yurio admitted.

Yuri laughed. "I wanted to cry. But when I saw Victor chasing after me, I realized what a weakling I was. I was always running away, always afraid. So I stopped, and Victor and I talked."

"You two had a good chat?"

"Yep, mainly about how he much he wants to go up to the judges and strangle one of them. But I talked him out of it. He seemed pretty darn serious."

"And here I thought, that he'd shoot the judge that gave you the negative GOEs for your step sequence!" Yurio said sarcastically.

"It doesn't matter how the judges score me. I'm happy with my performance, and so was Victor. I took a risk, and everybody loved it," Yuri said.

"Except the judges," Yurio reminded him.

"Except the judges," Yuri repeated.

Yurio stood up from the bench, gesturing for Yuri to do the same.

"Let's go back to the arena, Yuri. There're some people you need to meet. They might be helpful in solving our mystery of twenty questions."

Back at the ice arena.

Yakov pulled Victor aside from the stands to speak with him in private.

"Victor, don't do anything stupid. I know that you're mad about Katsuki's score, but you're going to have to let it be," Yakov pressed.

"I won't do anything stupid. But I sure as hell ain't gonna 'let it be!'" Victor said firmly.

"You're going to have to! You either let him continue the way he was and be scored like this, or push him harder and still be scored like this!"

"It was Yuri's choice to include that quadruple lutz into his program. Not me. Him. Not me!"

Yakov frowned. "Oh, so he doesn't listen to his coach now? Looks like he's taking after you a lot. Don't come crying to me when it all goes downhill again."

In the arena stands.

Mila Babicheva stood up when she saw Yurio arrive with Yuri. She was sitting with some of her teammates and other female skaters who are going to compete at this event as well.

"Yuratchka! Is this Yuri Katsuki?" She asked cheerfully.

Yurio nodded. "Mmhmm. Just don't claw all over him, ok you hag?"

"Whatever. Hi! I'm Mila Babicheva, one of Victor's rinkmates. You did an amazing short program, Yuri. If you need a petition for that underscoring, I'm your girl!"

Yuri smiled in return. "Thanks, but no thanks. I don't want any more drama than there already is. Yuri P. said that you can help out on—"

"Finding out the mystery girl from the game of twenty questions from nearly a year ago. I know, he's already told me everything," Mila explained.

"Us everything."

Another female skater turned around, she looked older than Mila and had long brown hair tied in a ponytail.

"Hi, Yuri! I'm Laurel Kopeykin. Yuratchka over there already told us of this little mystery you two are trying to solve. What makes you guys so interested in Victor's personal life?" She asked.

"Well, it started off with us just being curious. But then, I began to suspect something was wrong at the 2016 Worlds. Christophe Giacometti was talking to us about something...related to being in an intimate relationship...and well, Victor looked like he was in pain," Yuri explained.

"Not to mention this photo that you sent me is also very suspicious," Yurio added, bringing out a printed image of the photo Yuri sent.

It was the one where Victor was smiling with the wavy dark haired girl. Georgi, who was walking by, caught sight of the photo and said.

"Hmm. Looks like Victor had some fun at the 2014 Worlds."

Before he could walk away, Yurio and Yuri blocked his path. Mila and Laurel grabbed the skater and dragged him into an empty seat next to them.

"This was taken at the 2014 Worlds?" Yurio questioned Georgi.

"Well...yeah. I was at that competition. I remembered seeing Victor wear that jacket. It was in Saitama, Japan. I remember that there was a large festival being held too during those days."

"Who competed in the ladies' event?" Yuri quickly asked.

"I—I don't know!" Georgi confessed.

"Think harder!" Yurio demanded, causing poor Georgi to turn pale under his interrogation.

Laurel looked at the photo Yurio held in his hand more closely. A bulb formed over her head. "Wait, Yurio! Let go of Georgi! I think I might know who that girl is!"

Victor applauded when Otabek finished his short program. It was nearly flawless if it wasn't for the stumble on the quadruple loop.

Still, Otabek managed to score 103.73 points, putting him in second place currently.

"Hmmm. Where are Yuri and Yurio? Yurio wouldn't have missed Otabek's skate. Oh, there they are!"

Victor spotted them on the other side of the arena, standing with some of his teammates. "What are they doing?"

Back in 2014. I was originally selected for the Olympic team, but I got injured one practice. They got a replacement, a girl who looks a lot like the girl in the photo," Laurel explained.

"Uh huh. Who was she?" Yuri asked, getting a bit anxious.

"Now, hold on. I don't know for sure that she is the girl in the photo! Maybe that's just a lookalike, or maybe—"

"What. Is. Her. Name?" Yurio stressed out.

"Uhh...darn it! I...uh…" Laurel whacked her head.

Yurio pulled his hair in frustration. "Just think of her first name—"

"What's this? A party I'm not invited to? What's going on here?" Victor suddenly appeared.

Yurio quickly stuffed the photo inside his pocket. They all greeted Victor normally.

"Hey there! We were just talking about how unfair Katsuki's score was today! But we're sure he'll do great at the free skate tomorrow night!" Georgi said.

"Yeah!" All of the skaters said in unison. Working hard to keeping up their little act.

Victor nodded in agreement. "It doesn't matter what the judges say. What you did today, Yuri is already a gold-winning performance."

Men's short program. Group 2.

Michel Crispino, the third skater of this group, lands his last jump, the triple axel. He threw his arms up in the air in joy after he finished and cried in joy as he sat with his coach.

He's earned a score of 87.96. Michel is currently in fourth place. Victor was the next skater after Michel. Yuri squeezed his hand before he left, hoping for the best.

Yakov sent Victor off after whispering something inaudible in his ear. Victor did not glow as much as he usually did when he stepped out onto the ice this time.

The Godfather Theme played and he started his program. His opening combination, quadruple lutz/triple toe, was done successfully. But something was off, Victor usually performed his jumps with a flair. That was missing today.

His back to back spins were just as good as always along with his choreographic sequence. His signature quadruple flip was huge, but his landing was a bit unstable this time.

The largest surprise of all came when Victor stepped out of the landing on his last triple axel. Yuri, Yurio, and half of the arena gasped when they saw Victor mess up.

Victor managed to skate off the ice with a smile, but Yakov was not smiling. His score was 103.89, placing him in second, behind Yurio.

After the short program. Hotel game room.

Victor played a game of pool with Seung Gil and Michel. Yuri sat nearby, watching them play. Despite Victor inviting over several times.

He was too nervous thinking about the free skate tomorrow night. If he didn't do well in that, then there's no way he would make it to the Final. Yuri needs a placement of at least fourth, in order to round up enough points to surpass the contenders for the Final.

Currently, the top scores are 30 points earned by Chris, who placed first in both of his events. 24 points earned by JJ from placing first and fourth at his events.

Then came Georgi and Phichit, with 22 points. They placed third at both their events. Gordon placed sixth at his first event and first at his second, giving him a total of 20 points.

While Seville also has 20 points, from placing fourth and third at his events.

Unless something drastic happened tomorrow, Yuri predicts that the top three skaters at this event would be Otabek, Victor, and Yurio (not necessarily in that order, though…)

Since they already won their first event, and if they place high here as well, the three of them are definitely going to the Final.

If Yuri places anywhere lower than fourth, then his score would be 20 points and Gordon would qualify for the Final because he placed first at one of his events.

But if Yuri placed fourth, then he would have 22 points and would qualify over Phichit and Georgi since he placed second at Skate Canada. After about an hour later of enjoying themselves in the game room, Yuri and Victor returned to their hotel room.

Yuri was quiet as he squeezed the Colossal Titan pillow that Victor bought for him, getting ready to sleep. Victor saw that the short program score today still pained Yuri, and sat next to him, giving him a warm hug.

"It's gonna be alright. You'll make it to the Final. You're 'the skater with no fear!' And he doesn't fear the intimidation the judges try to put up!" Victor encouraged.

"I'm not afraid. I will do it! I'll show them...I'll show them they can't score me like that again!"

Saturday. November. 26, 2016. Men's free skate. Group 1.

Yuri was the last skater to skate in this group. He had been shaking ever since this event started. Victor worried about Yuri breaking down again like he did at the Cup of China.

But luckily, he didn't try shattering his pride like what he did back there. So there were no tears. He knew what to do. He believed in Yuri, and he comforted him.

Telling him that he's going to do great. That if places anywhere lower than fourth, it wouldn't mean that he lost. Victor was doing his best to make Yuri feel calm and supported ever since last night.

He did that all the way to this morning. To when they were on their way to the rink. To when Yuri was getting dressed up in the changing rooms. To the moment when he would send Yuri off at the boards.

But Yuri remained expressionless the whole time while Victor was trying to ease him.

"Alright, Yuri. This is it. Your chance at proving the big mistake the judges made when scoring you last night. Remember, all you gotta do is—"

"Victor...will you stop pretending to be a coach already?" Yuri suddenly said.

Victor was left speechless. He had no idea this was what Yuri was thinking of the whole time he was trying to make him feel better!

"I already know what I have to do. I don't need you to remind me. I want you to be...you. The skater who competes. Who breaks and makes world records. The skater I look up to. Only this way, I have the motivation to skate with no fear!"

With that, Yuri left the boards and skated towards the center of the ice. Victor couldn't believe what he heard. Was he really holding himself back this whole time? Maybe it was because of his lackluster short program last night.

The last thing he wanted for Yuri, is that he thinks of himself as a burden to him. Well, he's about to see whether or not Yuri has hardened at all from last year's Grand Prix Final and Worlds.

Ballade in G Minor played from the speakers.

Yuri opened his free skate with a massive triple axel/triple loop. He had revised this program since last night to gather up as many points as he can. They call me 'the skater with no fear.' Well, then. Here I come!

Yuri performs a clean quadruple salchow and finishes two back to back spins right after. He was on a roll! Victor saw the way Yuri presented himself, it looked so familiar and nostalgic...but so painful at the same time…

Yuri exits from an emotional step sequence and goes right into a quadruple toe loop. Jump after jump, Yuri landed all of them. The audience were no longer sitting on their seats.

Yurio stopped drinking his juice box and Victor felt like he could die right there and be happy.

Finishing his final choreographic sequence at the very climax of his music, Yuri heads into his combination spin thinking about the quadruple salchow he's going to end this free skate with.

No rushing it this time!

Yuri steps out of his spin and prepares to go into his final jump. The music reaches its last few seconds. Holding his breath, Yuri swings his free leg around as he jumps off his left foot.

One...two...three...four…

And he lands it cleanly...on one foot! As Yuri holds his finishing pose, he could see his family, Yuko, Takeshi and their girls, and Minako all standing up at the stands closest to him.

They were all tearing up and applauding, while flowers, presents, toys, and coupons for katsudon diners were thrown all over the ice.

"Yuri!" A fan from the audience cried.

It was Minami. He was holding a giant rice ball plushie. Yuri smiled as he skates over to take the gift and pats him on the head. Minami nearly died right on the spot upon receiving the pat.

Skating over to Victor, Yuri saw that his coach was still frozen in time. Chuckling, Yuri quickly pressed the rice ball plushie's mouth against Victor's, instantly waking him.

And gaining a lot of squeals from the audience.

Victor felt like he was floating all the way to heaven, but was dragged back down towards the kiss-and-cry by Yuri. They haven't exchanged a word at all until his score was revealed.

A score of 200.58 for the free skate, and combined total of 290.87. Yuri is currently in first place. Victor gently brought the rice ball plushie up from Yuri's arms to give it a kiss again.

Men's free skate. Group 2.

Seung Gil Lee was the first skater of group 2. He chose the music, Theme from Braveheart. The Korean skater incorporated a lot of difficult jump elements in his free skate, including a magnificent quadruple flip/triple toe.

However, he fell on a few of them, resulting in deductions. And a score of 188.14, which is a combined total of 270.73. Seung Gil is currently in third place.

The Canadian skater, Andrew Vander followed after. Skating to Children. He focused mainly on keeping on his feet, so he would often fight hard on all of his landings.

His expression was calm for the most part, but would always tense right before entering a jump. Andrew earned a score of 181.14, and a combined total of 259.40. He is currently in seventh place.

Yuri left to talk to his family in the middle of Andrew's performance. They were all very proud of Yuri and the conversation was going great…

Until Yuri's mom started asking about his engagement to Victor and began planning for reception and guests. Yuri politely let her finish up her imagination of 'her son's perfect wedding,' before leaving to go sit with the skaters from Russia.

Mila and Georgi welcomed him back.

"Yuri! That was mindblowing! I knew that you would make a comeback in the free skate!" Mila cheered.

"Thanks, I honestly didn't think that I'd be able to break the two hundred mark, though…" Yuri admitted.

"Ah. But you did. And once again, you've proved yourself as 'the skater with no fear!' Let's see how Victor and Yuri P. responds to it!" Georgi said.

Otabek Altin was the third last skater to go. He was given several shouts of good luck from both Victor and Yurio before departing onto the ice.

He skates to Lacrimosa. Otabek was a powerful jumper. And also a consistent skater. What he lacked during his programs, was personality and refinement.

Otherwise, he'd be able to claim gold or silver at nearly every competition he goes to. His free skate was flawless and had a tone of mysteriousness over it.

Every jump, from the triple axel to the quadruple loop, was performed as if they were just transitional steps. Otabek had earned 190.71 points, and a total of 294.44. He had bested Yuri's total and is in first place.

Yurio and Otabek exchange a high five right before Victor goes onto the ice. Yuri leaned forward in his seat, anticipating how Victor would respond to his 200.58 points free skate.

Victor's piece for this free skate was Croatian Rhapsody. He was slow when beginning his program but gradually built up to the first quadruple loop/triple loop combination.

Victor was aiming for a new style this season. Not quite as flashy like his previous themes, but something more mature and showcased his actual skating skills.

Which seemed to suit him just fine as his jumps were considered 'textbook' by many experts and his step sequences were 'smooth,' and spins were 'controlled.'

Though in this free skate, Victor pushed most of his harder jumps into the second half for the bonus. Something he didn't often do.

Finishing his last jumping pass, the quadruple toe loop, Yuri sprang to his feet and threw his rice ball plushie into the air. Victor has responded to Yuri's free skate with a performance challenging him to do even better.

His score was 198.58, resulting in a total of 301.47. Victor is currently in first place.

The last skater of the night was Yuri Plisetsky. Victor gives him a quick pat on the back, which nearly pushed Yurio off balance and onto his face.

But luckily, Yakov caught him. As he skates onto the ice, he glanced around to make sure that the Pork Cutlet Bowl and Victor are watching him as he skates to Battle of the Heroes.

The Russian teen went for a new style since his 'Agape' theme last year. A more powerful one. He puts all of his emotions into the opening jump, quadruple salchow.

It was done right on time with the choir!

Yurio skates his heart out throughout the program. It was truly a battle on the ice. Between him and all the scores from his competitors.

But in the end, he emerged unscathed and earned a score of 191.90. A total of 297.91, placing him in second.

Yuri sighed in relief upon seeing the results. He had placed fourth in the overall event, earning him the last spot to the Final.

In the front lobby of the ice arena.

"I knew you'd do it! You showed those judges! You made it to the Final!" Victor lifted Yuri off his feet and twirled around.

Yuri was surprised by how easily Victor was able to carry him without tripping. "Yeah, but barely! If I placed any lower, Phichit would've taken that spot." Yuri said.

Yurio scoffed. "Stop whining, will you? You got the spot, and we're all going to the Final. Can't we just all celebrate at the very least?"

Georgi and Mila appeared with Michel and his sister Sala. They all ran over to the three skaters upon seeing them.

"Congrats on making the Final! What are you guys planning to do tonight?" Mila asked.

"Well, we still have the gala tomorrow. What I want is a good night's sleep," Yuri answered.

Sala shook her head. "That's lame. C'mon, let's go out and have fun! I mean, this is Japan, Yuri! Show us around!"

"Yeah, Yuri! Show us around!" Georgi agreed.

"What are you guys planning to do tonight?" Laurel asked, showing up with Otabek next to her.

Yuri saw that he was obviously at a no-win situation and gave up.

"Fine. I can help you guys out with some of the language barriers. If you really want to have fun, I suggest that we catch the train at the Omiya Station to Tokyo. The trip shouldn't take too long."

The skaters lit up with excitement and enthusiasm.

"Alright!"

"Woohoo!"

"Now this is celebrating, Yuri!

Inside a karaoke box.

The skaters all laughed together while tossing the microphone around the room. Now, this was the way to spend a night!

Yuri was worried that they'd attract too much attention by coming here, but luckily, he knew the guy in charge of this karaoke place. To put it simply, the guy was a regular client at his family's Hasetsu Springs Inn.

And because of Yuri's relations to him, he let the whole group of 'foreign friends,' use the private karaoke room. The one reserved for special guests. Or for guests with major credit cards.

The skaters could all finally enjoy themselves in peace without having any public eyes or ears surrounding them. And a good thing too. Michel's singing voice was a bit on the scratchy side…

Apart from that, Yuri was surprised when he heard most of them sing.

He was expecting all of them to sound like high schoolers trying to sound like pop stars, but to be honest. They didn't sound half bad. Otabek's voice was the one that nearly knocked everyone's socks off.

Yurio did his best to keep his blushing face on the down low in the colourfully-lit room. JJ aside, Otabek's singing is amazing too!

"Oh my lord, Otabek. If you keep this up, I don't think my ovaries can handle it!" Mila said, bringing her hand to her forehead all dramatically.

Yurio scowled at her. "Hmph. Hag."

"Sounds like someone's jealous," Victor teased.

"Oh please, she is such a drama queen," Yurio pointed his drink at her.

"At least I'm a drama queen who can sing! Maybe Otabek and I should do a duet!" Mila smirked.

That's it! Yurio grabbed the mic from Otabek and the remote from the table. He immediately realized his mistake. Yurio felt his face grow hot as he remembered that never sang before especially in front of a crowd of people.

But it was too late now.

"Want me to choose you a song?" Otabek asked.

"Huh? Sigh, sure," Yurio hands him the remote and grabs an extra microphone.

The Kazakhstani skater picked a simple English song since that's the language the majority of them can sing in.

At first, Otabek led the way, and Yurio barely whispered the lyrics. But eventually, with everyone's support, the Russian teen's voice was heard. It wasn't as strong as Otabek's, but it wasn't off either!

They all clapped and whistled when the song was over.

"Amazing! I haven't heard another skater that can actually sing since Olivia!" Sala gushed.

"Who's Olivia?" Yuri asked.

"Why don't we choose a new song? Yuri! Wanna sing with me?" Victor asked, handing him the remote and the microphone.

"What?! But I really don't—"

Yurio stared at him intently. With a look that said 'if I frickin' sang, then you have to too.'

"What song do you have in mind, Victor?" Yuri asked nervously.

"How about a love song?!" Victor began scanning the lists at light speed.

"Awww! This is gonna be soooo cute!" Mila and Sala squealed as they took out their phones.

"Gah! But Victor...fine…" Yuri sighed.

They continued this little party into the night. Choosing songs, throwing popcorn around. And then after they left, they all went to several smaller stores that offered all kinds of snacks.

Georgi went back to his hotel with two bags full of shrimp crackers. It nearly eleven at night when Yuri and Victor returned to their empty hotel room.

At the hotel room.

Yuri spent some time in the washroom. He wasn't feeling too well. Probably from eating all the deep fried samples at one of the stores.

Victor knocked on the door to make sure he is ok.

"Yuri? You alright in there?"

Yuri let out another soft belch. "I should be. Don't need to worry...just go to bed."

A few minutes later, Yuri left the washroom. Feeling better, but only slightly. He took a quick shower to try and relieve himself, but it only caused him to break in a cold sweat whenever his stomach felt gassy.

Yuri sat down on the bed, wearing a bathrobe and clutched the rice ball plushie with one hand while holding the Colossal Titan pillow with the other.

Victor came out from the walk-in-closet, wearing loose night pants and a partly unbuttoned top. He saw Yuri sitting on his bed, his stomach gurgling. And Victor felt a wave of guilt and pity wash over him.

He knelt in front of Yuri, who weakly looked at him.

"I'm...not feeling too good...Victor. I can't sleep, I won't be able to," Yuri whispered.

"What would make you feel better? I can go to the nearby pharmacy and get something," Victor offered.

"No! I want you to stay here…please? Please don't leave me alone,,," Yuri almost begged.

Victor stepped in and took both of Yuri's hands in his. He looked down into his deep brown eyes. They looked so innocent, yet so smart and wild at the same time. Those were the eyes Victor fell for back during the 2014 Grand Prix Final banquet.

"Never," Victor said softly.

Yuri looked away from Victor's turquoise eyes in embarrassment.

"Sorry that I'm such a mess right now…"

"You're beautiful. You're perfect, Yuri. Don't let any sort of pain get to you...I'll be right here the whole night."

Victor wrapped his arms around Yuri's neck and touched his forehead.

"Victor…"

A thousand thoughts rushed through Yuri's head. What had just happened? What is this feeling he's feeling right now? What is Victor feeling right now?

There was this nervous excitement surrounding him, but Yuri has no idea what it means. Nor how to act upon it. So he did something stupid.

"Victor...do you love me?" But that was said in a barely audible voice.

"What? What is it?" Victor asked.

"Uh...do you love Yakov?"

Victor chuckled. "What kind of a question is that? Of course, I do! It's just that...he and I...have our disagreements. But he's helped me through more tight situations than I can count."

Yuri remembered the night of the short program. Right before Victor was sent off, Yakov whispered something inaudible in his ear. And Victor didn't perform as well as he usually did that night.

Yuri was entering dangerous territory, but he's taking the risk.

"Victor...I've been seeing you acting strange for some time. Back at the 2016 Worlds, when I tried to comfort you but you said there was nothing to talk about. And something happened between you and Yakov before your short program this time."

Victor tightened his embrace around Yuri, nearly knocking him onto the bed.

"Stop worrying so much, Yuri. Like I said, Yakov and I have our disagreements. And I am only human, I have my ups and downs in my mood. But one thing's for sure."

Victor loosened his embrace so he could look at Yuri again.

"I'm feeling really nervous right now…and a bit...excited…? Are you feeling the same…?"

That's when Yuri's thoughts were confirmed. He felt a huge weight lifted off his chest. "Victor...I just want to know how you really feel about me. I'm always guessing and assuming the status of our relationship. But I want to ask you now…"

Yuri stopped when Victor gently pulled Yuri towards him. Holding his head in both arms. Yuri could hear Victor's pulse through the fabric of his night top. He felt warm tears spill over from his eyes.

His stomach still hurt, but he didn't care. He never felt this close to someone besides his family. It felt...amazing.

"All you have to do is trust me...Yuri...and you won't have to feel so uncertain about us all the time," Victor said soothingly.

Yuri gradually felt his own arms crawl up behind Victor's back and pulled him in closer.

"Alright...I trust you Victor…stay here..." Yuri cried.

Without saying another word, Victor placed a gentle kiss on Yuri's forehead. Chills ran up his spine upon the gentle contact. The lights were dimmed, and the partly closed curtains allowed some of the moon to shine in.

Although Yuri had always feared to be in a situation like this because of how insecure he was about myself. He couldn't stop this from happening.

From letting Victor gently push him down against the sheets of the bed and caress his cheek with one hand.

Yuri held him down against him. It was like having a giant heated comforter! A comforter with hands that is slowly and gently going over every inch of Yuri's bathrobe covered body.

Goosebumps formed over every area of skin that Victor's fingers touched. Victor constantly gave little 'hm's?' for consent, and Yuri always answered them with a quick embrace.

The bathrobe slowly got looser and Victor's night top was soon unbuttoned fully and discarded. Yuri felt a little tension for a millisecond before Victor brought his face down, and Yuri felt their lips meet once again.

It was a special night for Yuri, going through a whole new stage in life. And most importantly, realizing how deep his feelings for Victor were. It was quiet now, Yuri had lost his robe and had himself wrapped within Victor's warm arms.

His forehead being pressed against his partner's bare chest. They were both wrapped up underneath the comforter on Yuri's bed. Barely opening his eyes, Yuri buried himself closer to try and hear Victor's pulse again.

As he scooched in, Victor moved ever so slightly, causing Yuri to gently look up to see if he was still awake. All he saw was the peaceful face of his fiancé, soundly sleeping with strands of his beautiful silver hair covering his closed eyes.

Smiling, Yuri snuggled against Victor and his pillow, preparing to fall back asleep. Until he heard Victor whisper something.

"Sigh...Live...so beautiful...Live…"

Yuri tilted his head back up again but saw that Victor was still asleep. Was he sleep talking? No longer smiling, Yuri readjusted his head and closed his eyes, trying to fall back asleep again.

But he couldn't get it out of his head.

Who's 'so beautiful?' 'Live?' What's Victor thinking of right now?

I swear the chapters are probably getting longer and longer...I just can't keep things concise! (Sorry to the people who enjoy shorter chapters more...)

Reminder: FAVOURITE, FOLLOW, and REVIEW if you haven't already (and if you enjoy this!) :D