HELLO! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR REVIEWS, PATIENCE, AND SUPPORT!
Me: I AM SO SORRY FOR BEING MISSING FOR SO LONG!
Yurio: What the hell happened?! School's over, it's the middle of the summer and then you suddenly disappear just before the end!?
Everyone: THIS IS THE LAST CHAPTER?! HOW WHEN!?
Me: HEY! I had to take a break! *then to everyone else* I yeah I sorta forgot to mention this is the last chapter, my bad
Everyone but Victor: EH!?
Yuuri: Geez *turns to audience* Midnight really hopes you enjoy this chapter, make sure to remember that she does not own any of us or the anime except for the OC children
Victor: MIDNIGHT, THE END NOTE SCRIPT MENTIONED A SURPRISE THAT INVOLVES THIS STORY! WHAT IS THAT ABOUT!? I THOUGHT I WAS FINALLY GOING TO BE FREE FROM THIS TORTURE
...
...Two Months Later...
"Daddy I think you put in too much salt," Hana observed as she stared at the large pot boiling whatever kind of food Victor was planning to make.
"Huh?" Victor gasped in shock while holding the salt box. "But I was sure I put in enough for the food to taste extra tasty, even Yusha said I put in the right amount of salt for the soup." He turned to the smaller Katsuki-Nikiforov for confirmation. "Right Yusha?"
"Mhmm," Yusha made a nod, hugging his Vicchan that happened to be wearing a tiny chef's hat. "Chef Vicchan said it's just right."
Hana facepalmed before she grabbed the stool and the jar of sugar as she made her way to the top of the pot while Victor supervised her (obviously). "Well, Chef Vicchan had us put too much salt. We gotta add more sugar so the soup doesn't taste too salty."
"Oh!" Victor beamed with realization. "Of course, the sugar can cancel out the extra salt!"
As Hana poured in the sugar, Yusha frowned at the amount being used so he held Vicchan up and remarked. "Chef Vicchan says you put too much sugar. We have to put more salt."
"Maybe add some vegetables too," Victor suggested. "Oh, how about some rice?"
"YEAH!"
...
"You really need to learn how to cook Victor," Mari sighed, serving the family bowls of ramen Hiroko made. "You're lucky you're rich enough to afford a new stove and remodel your entire kitchen." Watching them wolf down on the noodles while nodding to indicate that they weren't really paying attention to her. Honestly, who would let their kids tell them what to put in a simple soup? I bet Yuuri is just rolling over his grave at them.
"We got too excited auntie," Hana giggled after slurping another noodle. "Daddy got us out the kitchen before the soup went BOOM!"
"I didn't know daddy couldn't cook," Yusha spoke up. "I think he put too many vegetables and chef Vicchan said not to put too much."
"Trust me, kid, your daddy can't cook to save his life, or at least without adult supervision," Mari smirked smugly, especially at how Victor was turning red in embarrassment at how Yusha giggled in response.
"But daddy is a grown up."
...
Sunlight, moonlight shines so brightly
Forever mine to keep to love
Sweet golden flower blossom,
Little silver hero flourish,
Dancing home, dancing home,
My Precious stars,
Follow my lullaby and sing
And dance as life and love follows
To find you as you come dancing home,
A brave silver hero is coming home,
A beautiful golden flower is coming home,
Oh, how much they will grow,
You're going to be just fine,
Papa and Daddy will be waiting,
Always loving our precious treasure,
Let us hold onto life and love,
Forevermore
Victor glanced down at his children sleeping soundly in his arms, in his bedroom, after a long evening of helping the Katsuki's run the inn. It was the least they could do after they decided to crash in for dinner after their cooking disaster back home. It really took him a while to have the courage and strength to sing Yuuri's lullaby and if he had to be honest with himself, he never felt so relieved after singing, especially along with his children. Almost as if the last of the weight carried on his shoulders was finally lifted while being closer to Yuuri after all these years of suffering.
He looked up, seeing Yuuki pulling a blanket over them while Makki used her nose to lift off the lid of Hana's little music box before lifting Yusha's music box as well as soothing, familiar music played note by note. Those music boxes were one of the items that Yuuri purchased that day, Victor remembered that moment clearly.
"Two, poodles?" Yuuri awed at the two poodle plushies that had blue or red ribbons tied to the necks that Victor held out to him. "I didn't think they would have any in this gift shop, Hana and Yusha would love them."
"Oh, I just know they will," Victor nodded eagerly as he watched Yuuri glance down at the glass that protected two identical silver necklace lockets in the shape of hearts. "I see you found something that has caught your eye."
"They're perfect," Yuuri whispered, and to Victor's surprise, he added, "Perfect for them when they accomplish their first victory."
"Huh?" Victor blinked, watching Yuuri purchase the two lockets as they were packaged into separate beautiful gift boxes. "Yuuri, I love you but maybe you should buy them something for the present, you already have those scrapbooks you made for them for their future love life."
Yuuri giggled, making a warm smile as he picked up two music boxes that he happened to also have eyes on, two different songs that bring the soothing music through his veins. He was sure that Hana and Yusha would need one for days that they just need to listen to something relaxing, or when he's too busy to be unable to sing their lullabies. "Sorry, but I can't help it. I just know that if I didn't buy those lockets now, then I may never be able to find two just as perfect as they are ever again." He paid for the music boxes as Victor wrapped his arms around him tightly. "Victor?
"I think it's adorable," Victor reassured with his bag of purchased gifts as they walked out of the little shop, "The way you find special meaning into small things that many wouldn't even give a second thought about. It just shows how much hope and faith you have in the futures of our Hana and Yusha."
Once that was down, they took a corner, curled up and fell asleep at the end of their bed as he laid his head down while making sure he held onto his little wonders of the world a little tighter. For the first time since that day, he felt at peace with the world as blissful sleep closed his eyes for the night.
Unbeknownst to Victor, Hana was still awake but on the verge to fall asleep as she beamed, feeling a single tear of joy stream down her eye and she couldn't have felt happier. Sleep was then claiming her with her last lingering thoughts slipping but with satisfaction. We finally finished our song...Papa, I hope you heard us.
'Always.'
...10 YEARS LATER...
"Yusha?"
The memory faded, bringing him back into reality where he could hear the distant cheers and applause of fans while the announcer declared that Lee's exhibition to have concluded. His silver hair was pulled back, despite wearing the Japanese athlete's jacket he still felt the icy chills drilling down his spine. Maybe it was just out of nervousness. He suddenly felt a reassuring hand pat his shoulder as he looked up, seeing the concern in his coach's face who nervously asked, "Are you okay? You blanked out there for a bit."
Yusha made a reassuring smile, rubbing the back of his neck as he chuckled, "Yeah, I'm alright Minami-sensei. Sorry if I worried you, I was just reminiscing about the good old past, ya' know."
Of course, he was only reminiscing to get his mind out of everything that has happened the past decade! From simply ice skating for fun then sneak out to train for little competitions, to signing up (well also sneaking off) for the Junior Grand Prix with Coach Minami and Uncle Yurio's help, to winning gold at his Senior debut at the Grand Prix Finals! Obviously, there was definitely obstacles to go through, lies had to reveal, the drama was made, and fights happened but in the end, he did it!
"How many times do I have to tell you that it's okay to be nervous?" Minami sighed but smiled a little. "You won gold but don't forget about all that matters is to have fun out there and no matter what happens, this is YOUR program. Don't let anyone tell you that it's not good enough, no matter what."
"You won the gold medal, no one is going to judge you," Hana assured gently then made a fist. "And if they do, I'll change their minds."
"I-I guess I am a little nervous," Yusha admitted, twidling his fingers. They don't even know that I changed my entire performance and the only ones who know are Anatasia and Hana. I don't know how they're going to react, especially Hana and dad! I don't care if Hana's past recital using the other song was able to get her away from worrying but this is different! This is really-
"You'll be fine," Hana interrupted, embracing her young brother. "You've come so far to back down now. They're waiting for you. Dad will love your performance, he loves surprises." She held up her silver locket, then she lifted Yusha's locket that hung from his neck. "Dad and Papa will always be proud of you."
Yusha could only nod, the butterflied in the pit of his stomach were reaching his vocal chords as he looked up at the crowd, knowing very well that their dad and everyone else is at the closest seats ready to cheer for him. Then the announcer called for him.
"Coming up on the ice, representing Japan is this year's gold medalist, Yusha Katsuki-Nikiforov!"
Taking a deep breath, Yusha unzipped his jacket, handing it to Hana before stepping into the ice. His outfit was still covered by a dark cloak as he reached the center of the spotlight, feeling the cold sweat sliding down the back of his neck as he listened to the collective gasp from the crowds while the announced stammered his next word.
"T-This is a surprise, folks but..um... bronze medalist for the female figure skating division, Anatasia Altin has joined Katsuki-Nikiforov at the center! Looks like we won't know what they're planning until the music plays."
Just mere seconds before the music played, Yusha and Anatasia tossed their cloaks to the side, ignoring the next collective gasp that now involved screams. It took Stephen a while to modify this old outfit to not only fit me but scream new generation. I can't imagine how everybody is taking this, especially dad.
Then, he heard the majestic piano keys play.
...
"What. The. Fuck?" Yurio gaped in shock, his eyes wide as Otabek's silent (but still as shocked) expression while they hoped their eyes were deceiving them but they weren't. Hell, all the ex-skaters who were watching and weren't coaches nearly stood up their seats when they saw the outfit. He turned to Victor, who happened to be sitting right next to him, seeing the that the old man's expression rendered with confusion.
"Is that..." Victor whispered, not sure if it's to himself or to Yurio. "Yuuri's old free program costume?"
How many years has it been seen they've seen that costume?
Meanwhile, Minami, Phichit, JJ, and Sara were leaning against the gate in shock. They couldn't believe it but they were staring at a dark blue suit-like outfit (with sleeves that are little longer like Georgi's but with an elegant vibe) that was fastened by a gray belt that had a short silver transparent tail (think of it as a mini cape for the waist)and is decorated with shimmering embellishments.
"That's Yuuri-sensei's free skate costume!" Minami gasped. "The costume that he wore when he skated to 'Yuri on Ice'!"
"But he totally made a few modifications," JJ pointed out.
Phichit was holding Lee tight as he squealed, "It's like a new generation! Like passing the torch!"
"But why is Anatasia with him?" Lee asked confused. "I thought Uncle Yuuri's costume was used for a Single-Skate. What song are they even going to use?" Before anyone could answer him, he noticed how the adults all froze, maybe turn pale when the familiar piano keys play.
(A/N: Okay so Yusha and Anatasia's program is basically like that EPIC, MIND BLOWING, SURPRISING, and wonderful pair skate performance that Miu Suzaki and Ryuichi Kihara performed in the 2018 Winter Olympics)
...
Victor stood up abruptly, first he was confused with Yusha's choice in costume since it wasn't the one he saw him practice with when he visits the rink but now he watched in shock. Not only watch Yusha and Anatasia pair skate to 'Yuri on Ice' while listening to the program music that made him love his husband even more whenever he performed. He watched how the new designs for the costume made Yusha appear to be flying on ice as he and Ana danced on the ice, just gliding and lifting to the music. It was as if he could hear Yusha's message loud and clear as he skated.
Dad, I know you are VERY familiar with this costume, this program, and this song. They were all once papa's costume, program, and song and they still are but I am not trying to be like him or replace him. You told me to be me and that's why I'm doing this.
Yusha lifted Anatasia, tossing her for her to make the first quad.
Then it was time for a few more steps and gliding before he lifted her up to soar as he glided on the ice.
The real me wants to honor papa. I need to do this, so I can feel a little closer to him and tell the world that your love for each other isn't dead. The world needs to know how much my theme of Life and Love means to me, Hana, you, and to everybody else. My short and free programs revolved around you, Hana, and everyone who I was lucky to grow up with. But this program is for the one everybody had memories with. It's for the best son, friend, skater, lover, and papa that we miss terribly, Yuuri Katsuki.
The music slowed down to the single notes, their hands met as they spun in a circle, it was time for the more difficult parts of the routine. He and Anatasia had to practice this one the most with Hana's supervision as they wrapped their arms around their chests, lifting their right leg so their arms can hold onto them. They spun together as one, keeping their face as far from the skate's blade as they could so it couldn't accidentally cut their face.
As they transitioned to their next positions, Anastasia gave Yusha a reassuring smile, telling him that everything is okay. That the audience loves this.
You've gone through Hell that day. Losing the love of your life and then having to not only recover from grief, but you had to get up and take care of us. You've gone through so many strangers, fans, and even other skates and coaches who give you their pity. And I don't know, or even remember much about Papa but from the stories you'd tell us, he sounds amazing. Even when I watched the video of this program Papa made, he's still so amazing enough to let me know how much love he felt for everybody, especially you, dad.
He watched how Yusha and Anatasia picked up the pace when the music sped up. His vision suddenly blurred, his coat was wet and he couldn't quite understand what was happening until he rubbed his eyes only to feel his tears falling and realize that he was crying. No matter how much time of healing has passed, there was still an ache in his chest where that piece of his heart remained unfilled and the 50/50 chance of crying (a mixture of grief and joy) whenever he remembered and reminisce over Yuuri out loud to others.
I don't want Papa to be remembered as something sad, I want him to be remembered for the love he spread through his programs. I want to continue spreading that love for him, so no one will forget and suffer alone. I want to let everybody know that the love between Yuuri Katsuki and Victor Nikiforov is still alive, even when they're apart, and Hana and I are the only ones who can prove that. We're living examples of your love, the love that has brought you together on the ice, to get married, to bring us home to such amazing parents.
Everything on the ice is LOVE! You and Papa were the ones who showed me, and the world that and I'm going to carry on that legacy.
"Damn it, that boy really has to surprise everyone like the old man," Yurio sniffled, accepting the tissue Otabek handed him. "Bad enough his sister danced to Eros at her recital, geez, they are definitely Victor and Yuuri's children."
I'm going to live with Life and Love! Just like you and papa. So this is for everyone my papa, Yuuri Katsuki-Nikiforov held dear to, and the love he shared with his family. Papa, this is for you, I hope that you're really proud of us today, for how far we've come since we lost you, especially how far dad has come. You're still loved by the world but more importantly, you're so loved by dad that you would probably be rolling on your grave by how many hearts he has broken over the years. But nonetheless...
The tempo slowed down, they were making their last spin as they were facing one another. Their arms were outstretched for one another at the final note, breathing heavily in exhaustion but their smiles shined brighter than the stars themselves. There was a moment of silence when they ended but then the entire rink filled with applause, cheers, and sobs.
Your love for each other will never cease to amaze me.
"Y-Yuuri, were you watching him just now?" Victor whimpered silently with a small smile forming as he clapped his hands while tears fell as he watched his youngest son take his friend's hand to take a bow to the cheers and applause. "He really is your son, just like Hana. They're both your kids." He didn't realize that he had his lips pressed against an old gold ring until a shimmer of light caught his attention. Suddenly, he felt a brief wind of warmth kiss his hand, more specifically, the same ring and then the wind was gone as he could hear a distant chime of bells ring.
You can call him crazy, but he swore that at that moment, the wind was Yuuri telling him that he was watching.
...
Dear Yuuri,
It seemed like it was only yesterday when we first met at the banquet. You were drunk on 16 flasks of champagne but you managed to sweep me off my meaningless life and brought the colors and purpose back into my life. We went from strangers on the dance floor, to coach and student, to rival on the ice, and finally, husbands kissing at our glamorous wedding day.
It seemed like it was only yesterday when we brought Hana home for the first day. We were such a mess those first few months without sleep and trying to keep our little flower happy. How overjoyed we were when she took her first steps, said her first words, and nearly gave us a heart attack when she wanted a baby brother/sister. (Best suggestion she ever wanted) Then Yusha came into our lives, making it ten times as perfect and beautiful because we had each other and our love.
It seemed like it was only yesterday when fate was cruel and took you away from us with a single bullet. I almost lost sight of life and love, my purpose when you died nearly taking my own just to be with you. But you knew that I wasn't ready to go and so you sent me back to the world of the living. It was thanks to you, and Yurio (he'll yell if I don't give him the credit that he deserves), that I had to get back on my feet and get help in order to move on.
It seemed like it was only yesterday when I returned to Hasetsu and made amends with Hana and Yusha. We had to heal as a family and despite your absence, we were able to continue living with life and love with our family and friends. Our bright adventurous Hana became a dancer just like you and Yurio, wanting to be close to you but without having to resort to what the world expected her to be since she was the first child. As for our shy pure-hearted Yusha, despite his fear of the ice, he became the best figure skater, surprising everyone with every program he made.
It seemed like it was only yesterday when I walked my daughter down the aisle on her wedding day (your scrapbook made the poor girl cry so much, we had to redo her makeup). Then, before I knew it, I watched Yusha get married (he also cried when he read your scrapbook) and it feels me with joy to know that our children are married to the loves of their lives.
Right now, I am alone (unless you count Yurio and Otabek) as the retired owner of Katsuki Yu-topia ever since Hana took over the responsibilities of being in charge. Unfortunately, now I am really old and bald and bedridden thanks to my illness but I couldn't be happier nonetheless. Despite how busy our children have become with work, their love, their lives, and children (yes I spoiled them very much), I've never been so glad to have been given a second chance to live from you.
Thank you, Yuuri, for everything wonderful in my life.
I hope we may reunite when the time is right.
With lots of hugs, kisses, and love: Victor
The world around him suddenly seemed warm and bright without any pain he has been feeling from his back aches and weak muscles. He looked around curiously, wondering why he was surrounded by clouds when he should be in his room resting like an elderly man should. And since when did his wrinkly hands become their smooth selves? He was even feeling taller, not even hunched and short anymore. Why does he suddenly feel his silver hair on his scalp, wasn't he supposed to be a bald old man?
He then heard a familiar bark coming from an old poodle he hasn't seen for a very long time, not since Hana was about two. Then another bark was heard but this one was much softer, maybe like a squeak that he heard in videotapes of a small toy poodle he never got to meet in person. Could it really be them? When he turned around to see if his suspicions about the source of the bark were true, his ocean blue eyes widened and his breath hitched.
Chocolate brown eyes that were behind blue framed glasses stared back at Victor. Genuinely smiling back as Makkachin who was carrying a little Vicchan (on his back) stood by his side, the one and only love of his life opened his arms inviting him for a hug. Victor did not waster a moment to sprint forward, tears just running down his face as he grabbed the Japanese man who showed him life and love, embracing him so tight as he felt those angelic arms wrap around him as well with a faint whisper that welcomed him.
"Okaeri, Victor."
...
Victor: *gross sobbing, he's just causing a flood right now*
Everybody: *Sobbing and helping with the flooding*
Me: Oh great, the room's flooded! *sitting on a random boat and turns to audience* I hope you enjoyed the conclusion of this long painful journey but I have an announcement to make: There is going to be like a behind the scenes (or a behind the years) SEQUEL that goes through the time skips like:
-what happened to the small Katsuki-Nikiforov family when they moved in?
-What went down with the Hana and Yusha when they chose their occupation?
-Who are the lovers? How do the children interact in the future?
Basically what happened during the fifteen years?
However, this sequel will be posted on ARCHIVE OF OUR OWN (I have the same username) for the first few chapters then we'll see what happens if I decide to post here at.
Anyway, PLEASE take a look at my other stories such as "Deep Sea Love" and "Voltron Legendary Orphanage" and maybe a new surprise story. I said "maybe"
So with that, please follow, favorite and leave tons of reviews and...
Everyone in YOI Cast: SEE YOU NEXT STORY!
