"You ready?" Viktor slipped into his coat as Yuuri tugged on his running shoes. A small nod was sent Viktor's way, and he smiled. He hadn't been to the rink in three weeks, too nervous to leave Yuuri alone after outburst when Viktor had gone to the police station. "Well our time starts soon, we should get going." Yuuri rose and met Viktor's eyes, tying their fingers together as he slung his skating bag over his shoulder.
"You really don't want me to come?" Yurio suddenly appeared in the foyer, Otabek and Phichit not far behind. He too was anxious about Yuuri leaving his sight. It was okay when he and Viktor were going to the doctor, or just staying home, but the rink… Yuuri fell a lot when he wasn't injured, what if something happened?
"No, we'll be okay." Viktor saw Yuuri's expression and smiled down at Yurio; Yuuri needed to be as alone as possible when he returned to skating.
"Are you sure? I-"
"Yura." Otabek placed a hand on the shorter boy's shoulder, getting the message across loud and clear.
"Fine…" Yurio gave in, melting into Otabek's chest. "Call if you need anything."
Viktor smirked at how much Yurio's demeanor could change with a single touch from Otabek. It seemed he might finally be beginning to understand love. "Trust me, you'll be the first to know if anything happens."
"Hey!" Phichit piped up, mocking anger. "What about me? Why is he priority?"
"Because he'll beat me up if I don't call him first, you won't." Viktor chuckled along with Phichit, and Otabek smirked at Yurio's scowl. "Besides, nothing is going to happen." Viktor assured, squeezing Yuuri's hand.
"You're right." Phichit smiled at Yuuri, who was much less caved in on himself than he had been in the past couple of weeks. Getting back to the rink would be good for him. "Have fun."
Yuuri nodded while Viktor waved and ushered them both out the door.
"Are you excited?" Viktor asked as they set out for the rink, enjoying the mild afternoon air.
Yuuri shrugged back, not sure what he was feeling. Excited, sure, he hadn't skated in a few weeks. But there were nerves in there too. And something close to dread. Why would he be dreading going back on the ice? It was the one thing he loved to do more than anything else. Well, almost anything else. Cuddling with Viktor and Makka trumped falling out of a quad flip any day.
"Nervous?" Viktor squeezed Yuuri's hand, wishing for Yuuri to look over and meet his eyes. All he got was a nod, while Yuuri continued to stare straight ahead. "It'll be fine. Like Dr. Tanaka said, we just have to start slow and work our way back up."
Yuuri nodded again, and the two spent the rest of their walk in silence.
"Vitya, it's been too long." Yakov greeted in both a friendly and threatening way. It was strange that his voice could express two polar opposite emotions at once, but Viktor and Yuuri had become accustomed to it, and didn't think much of it. "How are you feeling, Katsuki?"
Yuuri shrugged, heading into the change room before further questioning.
"He hasn't been able to speak." Viktor's hands were suddenly in his hair, gathering tight fistfuls, a few strands ripping out at the roots. "He hasn't been able to eat, he's been panicking every day, I don't know how to help him!"
"Calm down, Vitya." Yakov quickly gathered his skater in a tight embrace, feeling the man in his arms shaking. "You're doing what you can, and what you're doing is enough."
"It's not." Viktor semi-collapsed into Yakov, realising he hadn't vented about this to anyone. He hadn't realised he'd needed to vent until now.
"Yes, it is." Yakov pulled Viktor closer, remembering how Viktor had told Yuuri that hugging him would make everything okay. He hoped for Viktor's sanity that that had been a true statement. "Yuri has been keeping me updated, he's made progress thanks to you."
"I know, but-"
"No buts. He has. Progress is progress, no matter how insignificant it may seem. You know Yuri is there for you right? Otabek and Phichit too. Let them help you."
Viktor nodded, pushing away from Yakov. "I should go…"
"I have some paperwork to deal with but I'll see you on the ice later." Yakov nodded, watching Viktor for a moment before he set off in the opposite direction, back to the office.
"Yuuri." Viktor smiled, feeling better after talking to Yakov. Letting it out. Yuuri had already gotten his skates on, and was layering his warmup jacket over his sweatshirt. "Wait for me? I just had to talk to Yakov." Viktor plopped down on the bench next to Yuuri after receiving his nod. It took Viktor no time to lace his skates and dig his warmup jacket out of his bag, and the two were soon making their way to the ice, water bottles and cellphones in hand. Viktor hooked up his phone to the sound system, letting some classical music filter through the arena on a low volume. Yuuri took off his skate guards, gently placing them on the rink barrier next to his water and notebook. Viktor did the same, flashing his golden blades in the crappy overhead light.
"Ready?" Viktor held out his hand for Yuuri to take, and together they stepped onto the ice.