Author's Note: Hello again! Sorry for the tremendous wait! Thanks for your patience! I hope you enjoy!

Chapter Song: Falling Slowly by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova

"So, Yuuri..." Viktor's voice called to him, "Shall we begin?"

Yuuri felt the tension in his shoulders release at the sound and he looked up, hearing a rattling as the vacuum rolled along the hardwood. His eyes caught a flash of silver hair just as Viktor disappeared into a back room.

Like a spark was ignited in his heart, Yuuri quickly followed, making his way through the labyrinth behind a wall of keyboards and audio equipment until he came upon a smaller room in the back. He entered to find it filled with at least a dozen pianos, of all shapes, sizes, and makes. Grands, baby grands, uprights, Steinways, Bechsteins, Mason and Hamlins…

"Come on, sit with me," Viktor waved from the farthest corner where he sat at a particularly stunning white baby grand.

Yuuri crept his way through and eventually found himself standing at Viktor's side, watching as his hand lightly danced over the keys with a cheerful little warmup.

But a shout from the other room put a harsh stop to his beautiful arpeggios.

"The baby Steinway's about to sell. Don't get too attached, alright?"

Yakov's warning cast a shadow over Viktor's face, but he nodded slowly and shut the lid over the keys.

"So this is farewell," he whispered to the piano like it was a dear friend before turning with a confident smile to a different piano a few seats over - an old upright. Gently, he let his hand slide along the smooth, warm cherry wood, and then he sat, opening the lid and lightly placing his fingers over the yellowed keys, hesitating, like he was afraid he might break it.

Yuuri held his breath, a string tightening in his core. It was electric, like seeing the trail of a firework shell racing into the sky, and then waiting for it to explode in a vivid array of color and light.

Then, with a confident nod, Viktor began to play, his fingers falling gently on the keys as he began his song, a melancholic, enchanting melody, its movement slow and alluring. The song itself was simple enough, a repetitive, relaxing lullaby, but Viktor's playing… It was unlike anything Yuuri had ever heard before. It was utterly captivating.

A moment passed before Yuuri realized he was just standing there, his mouth hanging open and his eyes wide in shock, staring at Viktor like some kind of moron. He didn't want to break the soothing atmosphere so he reached for a stool to sit in, but try as he might, it was impossible to move.

He was, quite literally, stunned.

Viktor's playing was incredible and Yuuri was surprised, though he didn't know why he should have expected anything less than perfection. Because it was really, truly, perfect.

But it was gone in an instant, the song fading to a close as quickly as it began, though Yuuri was certain it had been several minutes. As the final notes rung out, Viktor let his fingers lift off the keys and he paused before turning to Yuuri with a shy smile.

"So… What do you think?" he asked, like he wasn't the greatest piano player of all time.

"Y-you're really good," Yuuri uttered under his breath, "Is that...yours? Your song?"

Viktor's eyes widened before he suddenly burst out laughing.

"Oh goodness, no!" he shook his head and wiped away a tear of laughter from his eye, " It's Beethoven, actually…"

Yuuri only nodded and sat with a thud on the stool behind him.

Of course it had to be Beethoven. And, in hindsight, Yuuri realized that not only was the song composed by Beethoven, it was one of his most famous pieces, too. He felt so stupid. But what else was new?

After a moment, Viktor sighed like a schoolgirl, cupping his face in his hands and blushing. "But it's sweet you think I could create something like that…" he mused lightly, "I can improvise fairly well, but I haven't tried writing my own songs before..." he shrugged and looked over with a leering smile, "I guess I'm a little jealous of you, Yuuri."

Yuuri felt his face heat up as his eyes grew wide - a constant state at this point.

"Really?! Jealous?" he echoed nervously, shaking his head at the thought. "No way! I'm really not that great-"

"Don't be silly, you're incredible!" Viktor insisted happily, turning to face Yuuri with a sincere, pleasant sort of expression. "Now, what songs do you have for me? May I play one with you?"

Yuuri's heart sank and he folded his hands in his lap. "I don't know..."

Viktor waved the rejection away lightly, "Don't be silly. It'll be fun."

"Viktor-"

"Please!"

Again, with the puppy dog eyes.

He wanted to say no, of course he did. He wasn't going to make a fool of himself after Viktor's remarkable performance, but what else was he supposed to do? Viktor clearly wasn't going to accept no for an answer and Yuuri knew himself well enough to know that he would, eventually, give in. Why not give in now and get it over with? Like a bandaid.

Yuuri sighed, resigned to his fate, and set his guitar case down for a moment, rummaging through a side pocket for whatever scribblings he could find.

There wasn't much to work with, but Yuuri finally pulled out a couple pieces of paper, with lyrics and chords written furiously in pencil. He remembered writing it, vaguely. It had been a long time ago. But, the song itself wasn't absolutely terrible. In fact, he remembered it being one of his favorites. It would have to do for now.

"Here," he said, positioning the papers on the piano for Viktor to read before he slung his guitar strap over his shoulder and plucked away, tuning. "Now, the first bit goes like this…"

He was a mess, fumbling over the melody as he tried to walk Viktor through the different parts. It was strange, Viktor mimicking the notes flawlessly, his attention trained on Yuuri so completely. After a few experimental minutes, Yuuri felt they'd gotten the basic gist down, and with his nod, they began to play. Together.

It was a steady, rhythmic start. Gentle and constant, the piano mirroring the guitar beautifully. Yuuri only prayed the rest of the song would be just as good as he caught Viktor's eye and inhaled slowly, ready to begin.

I don't know you...

But I want you...

All the more for that…

The song, the melody, was soothing and warm, but the sound of another instrument, another's voice - Viktor 's voice - mixing with his in perfect harmony was almost overwhelming. Even though he was reading along to lyrics he'd never seen before, Viktor's voice was perfect, pure, and Yuuri almost felt ashamed. His own voice was strained, hoarse, and croaky, like a untuned violin.

But somehow - somehow, it worked.

And games that never amount...

To more than they're meant...

Will play themselves out…

Viktor was smiling a little as he sang, his eyes focused on the pages in front of him as he fumbled for a moment on the chord progression. But he quickly corrected himself, with a spark of playfulness on his face as he glanced to Yuuri and they began into the chorus.

Take this sinking boat…

And point it home…

We've still got time…

God, he was beautiful.

That thought had crossed Yuuri's mind at least a dozen times in the short few hours they'd spent together. But now, seeing Viktor doing what he loved, it was even more obvious that this was where he belonged, playing the piano. Viktor was a fallen star, with passion and drive and joy and everything Yuuri didn't have.

Raise your hopeful voice...

You have a choice...

You'll make it now...

He tried to turn away, focus on anything other than the butterflies building in his gut. But there was a beating in his heart, a rhythm he couldn't ignore. It was steady and loud, and for a split second he feared Viktor might even be able to hear it.

But no.

That was impossible.

He was just anxious.

Yeah. Anxious and nervous and scared.

That's all it was. So he just needed to distract himself. Something, anything, to take his mind away from the present moment.

Falling slowly…

Eyes that know me...

And I can't go back...

Oh, how he remembered writing these lyrics.

This was the song he'd written when his closest friends, after years of beating around the bush, finally realized they were in love and decided to get married.

He'd never really been in love himself, but seeing them finally come together and make a future for themselves… It was truly inspiring.

Moods that take me…

And erase me...

And I'm painted black...

But if he was honest with himself, he was also jealous. They had something special, something real, something he never could seem to find.

And even though he knew, deep down, that he still had a lot of life left in him, it was hard to watch them living happily ever after when he was still so incredibly alone.

You have suffered enough...

And warred with yourself...

It's time that you won...

He heard Viktor's voice fade in this moment and he looked to see a line of tears creeping to the edge of those blue eyes, like they were about to pour out onto the keys; a waterfall of emotion.

Needless to say, Yuuri was shocked. Was this song really that moving? What did Viktor hear that he couldn't?

Viktor didn't actually cry, though, because as soon as he glanced to meet Yuuri's eyes, he shook his head, let out a soft chuckle, and began to sing again. Like nothing had happened.

But Yuuri wasn't convinced. There was something going on. Not just the death of his father. But something a lot fresher in his could just sense it. And if he could help Viktor in any way, he wanted to do whatever he could.

But what could he do? They were strangers. Almost perfect strangers.

Raise your hopeful voice…

You have a choice...

You'll make it now...

It was at that moment, Yuuri saw Viktor smile again. It was bright and sad and cheerful and dreary all at once. Maybe...maybe this was helping.

If singing with him, and hearing his songs was something Viktor needed to cope, then maybe Yuuri wasn't so useless after all.

Sing your melody...

I'll sing along...

It was helping Yuuri too, in a way. He'd never heard his music sound like this, like it was something worthwhile and lasting, something he wanted to show to the world.

And suddenly, he felt like it wouldn't be so bad if Viktor were there by his side.

Their playing continued and Yuuri felt Viktor's eyes on him.

What was he thinking? Was he thinking the same thing?

No...That was impossible. Still, Yuuri wished he could go on, just a little longer. Just a little bit longer.

Yuuri continued to play while he sung aloud a wordless melody, dragging the song on just a few measures more. But the rhythmic pattern of the opening lines began again, slowly, gently.

And, with a final beat and a slow exhale, the song ended.

The air was thick with...something. An emotion, deep and raw and Yuuri couldn't breathe. They both sat in silence, each staring ahead, not looking at each other, neither quite knowing what to say.

What was there to say? Yuuri sure as hell didn't know.

But he gave it a shot.

"That was, uh…" he let out breathlessly, but words failed him.

"Yeah…" Viktor answered, another small smile spreading on his face. "It is good."

Yuuri blinked, the fog of the moment fading a little as he turned in his seat.

"R-really?"

"Yeah…" Viktor nodded and looked to him, his eyes still watery with the tears that never came, "It's really good, Yuuri."

"It's a goddamn masterpiece is what it is," a gruff voice broke from somewhere behind them.

Both Yuuri and Viktor spun around in their seats to see Yakov standing in the doorway, with a hanky crumpled in his fists.

"Oh!" Yuuri yelped, standing to his feet. "Th-thank you, sir-"

"But you kids really need to get out of my damn shop," he muttered as he coughed and tried to cover his teary eyes, "Ya hear me, Vitya? Take your boyfriend and go find someone else to serenade."

"Yakov-" Viktor groaned like a teenager arguing with his parents, but Yuuri was beyond slight aggravation.

He was mortified.

"We're not! I mean, he's...We-we're sorry, sir!" he squeaked as he bowed sharply. "We'll be leaving now. Right, Viktor?"

"But Yuuuuuri…" Viktor whined, extending the vowel dramatically, "We should play some more! Come on, Yakov's just kidding-"

Yuuri shook his head as quickly put his guitar back into its case. But just as he began to exit the room, he found himself stumbling over the hoze of Viktor's red Hoover vacuum - the vacuum Viktor had completely abandoned near the door to the piano room.

"Nope, nope," Yuuri stuttered aloud, frantically maneuvering around the contraption and shooting Viktor a stern look, "We've got to go. Now. I've got to get this fixed for you before-"

"Can't you just fix it now?" Viktor asked with childlike enthusiasm as he took his sweet time closing the piano and pushing in the bench..

Yuuri blinked, "Oh, well. I can't really fix it here…'

"What?" Viktor's shoulders dropped instantly, "But I thought-"

"Oh, no, I mean," Yuuri interrupted in a panic to explain himself, "I don't, er, I don't have my tools with me. So, well, I guess… That is, I mean, it's kind of late, so it's up to you, but we'd have to go to my shop tonight. You know...to fix it...tonight..."

Viktor stared at him blankly, the reality settling in as another heart-shaped smile grew on his face.

"Okay, whatever you say, Yuuuuuuri," Viktor hummed while he carefully folded the lyric pages into quarters, tucking it away in his coat breast pocket before following after Yuuri like an eager puppy through the maze of shelves and instruments and boxes.

Viktor let out a little chuckle as they both waved goodbye to Yakov and ventured into the street, now dark and still.

"It seems your music was so good, we totally lost track of time, huh?" he asked lightly as he looked to the night sky.

Yuuri sighed, but kept quiet.

Viktor was right though. Their music had been magical.

But in those moments as they trekked through the city together, Viktor talking up a storm about his favorite composers and musicians, Yuuri was silent.

He just listened to the sound of Viktor's voice as he weaved a conversation from nothing, the vacuum as it rumbled along the sidewalk between them, and the beating of his own heart as it kept time with a melody in his head, a melody he wanted to listen to forever.

It was late.

Too late, really, and Yuuri was exhausted.

But Viktor most definitely wasn't.

They looked like quite the pair, with Yuuri's guitar case and Viktor's fire-truck red Hoover vac taking up the window seats while they sat together in the aisle facing the front of the last blue-line bus of the night.

Yuuri was used to taking this ride alone, listening to his cassette player and ignoring everything. But now, things were very different.

Viktor was there, though his chatter had died a bit in the time since they'd left the music shop. Yuuri had played but a small part in their talks, nodding and asking the occasional follow-up question. It was strange, being with someone on his ride home. And he wouldn't have changed that evening for the world.

However, as they neared his neighborhood, and the streets they passed through turned more and more familiar, Yuuri dreaded what awaited at home. He loved his family, of course he did. But they had the endearing habit of embarrassing the living daylights out of him whenever they had the opportunity.

But it was more than that now.

The bus turned down the main road and he could feel the moments ticking away. And he hated it. Because Yuuri knew the truth. The moment he fixed that vacuum, Viktor would leave. End scene.

And Yuuri didn't want that.

"So...Yuuri…"

He snapped from his melancholy and glanced over to Viktor, who leaned into his side a little and gazed ahead into nothing, his own mind wandering.

"Yes?" he asked nervously, not quite certain why he was becoming so serious all of a sudden.

"You said earlier," Viktor began slowly, testing the waters. "That you never had a lover…"

Oh no, not this again.

Yuuri was almost fed up with the lover questions, but Viktor continued,

"Yet, your heart...it is broken," Viktor looked over to him, a certainty in his eyes, as if he could read Yuuri like an open book. "I can hear it in your voice."

The statement was simple, eloquent, and it hit Yuuri like a fist to the gut.

"It's nothing like that...really," he shrugged as he tried to explain. "I mean, it's not like I'm in love and pining over someone, or anything like that…"

"You don't have to be in love to be heartbroken," Viktor mused softly.

God, was this guy a mind-reader or something?

As he stared down, a nagging sense of doubt nestling in the back of his mind, Yuuri felt Viktor's eyes on him. But he didn't dare look.

He knew what he'd see: compassion, patience, kindness, and a shade of blue he wanted to drown in. But he feared there would be something else reflected in those eyes. Something he hated more than anything. Pity.

But Viktor seemed different. Impossibly, perfectly different.

So, with a long, shaky breath, Yuuri took a leap of faith. Not that he wanted to, but because he had nothing else to lose.

"I almost got a record deal. It's been almost a year now… "

And he began his story.

It wasn't tragic, really. Just kind of unfortunate.

He'd gone through audition after audition, endless meetings and phone calls, sent countless tapes, trying to get a local record company to sign him, to give him a chance. But they just kept pushing him. They needed something new, something different.

They tore his music apart, turning it into something he couldn't recognize, but he thought it would be worth it. He thought it would get better once he got that deal. He was so close to getting it, too, so close to signing away his old life to start the career of a lifetime, so close to fulfilling his dreams and making his family proud…

And then they dropped him. Without warning. Without so much as an explanation.

"And I just…" he went on, his heart pouring out. "I gave up. For months I gave up writing songs, and I stopped playing, and I stopped calling my friends…You remember that family friend I told you about? She wanted me to go to New York with her last year. To try out a bigger market, I guess. But after everything they put me through here...I couldn't do it. I was scared. I-"

He stopped there, not daring to go on. Viktor knew what he was now. Someone to be pitied.

Just a weak, pathetic, hopeless-

"Fuck that."

Yuuri's eyes widened and he looked over, shocked by Viktor's whispered exclamation.

"They're crazy," he persisted, an angry tone in his voice as he turned, staring at Yuuri with every ounce of fury and compassion reflected in his eyes. "Your songs are perfect, Yuuri, and your voice, it…" he paused, looking away, trying to find the words, then gave up and turned back. "You should be glad they let you go. You deserve better! You deserve-"

"Viktor, stop, it's okay," Yuuri cut him off, though he didn't know why.

He had always wanted to hear those words, to be reassured that his music was worth something. That he was worth something. But hearing it come from someone like Viktor, someone with talent and passion, someone who didn't know the first thing about him… It was a bit daunting.

"It's okay, I'm okay, really," he continued, a resigned smile on his face. "I was angry, and depressed back then. And I still am, but it's not something I want to worry about anymore." He shrugged casually, though it hardly matched the mood, "That dream is gone. And I need to figure out a new path to take. I'm not going to be a broken-hearted Hoover repair guy for long, that's for sure."

At hearing his words, Viktor calmed a bit, his eyes turning away sadly. Yuuri couldn't imagine why he seemed to be affected by the lackluster story. But he didn't have time to think about it.

"Our stop is coming up."

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