Disclaimer: I do not own Yuri! On ice

Sorry, It took me longer to write this chapter then I thought. It also took a long time to edit! This is the longest chapter…I'm super pleased with how this turned out.

Please enjoy – ArrangedRose

BACK AT THE GARDEN

Planting flowers, and Yuuri's gift

The plan today was to meet at the apartment then stroll over to the garden. It had been at least a week since Viktor had gone to tend the gardens; with moving in and getting used to living together, the garden had been the last of the worries. While it hadn't been a huge worry for Viktor, Yuuri had freaked out and insisted they go. They also had to plant the new flowers that Viktor had given to Yuuri earlier on.

Shopping for most people was an enjoyable pastime but not for Yuuri. Although he never hated going out with Viktor, sadly this time he couldn't bring him. While Yuuri acknowledged that shopping with Viktor was an experience, to say the least. He had convinced Viktor to go to the garden, Yuuri had wanted to present his gift there. It was a 'thank you' gift, and while it wasn't as grand a gesture as the garden; he still wanted to do it. It had been almost impossible to find the perfect gift for his fiancé. He even called Chris in desperation! While Chris did help to narrow down the choices it still had fallen to Yuuri to pick the perfect gift.

"Finally!" he had exclaimed when he was looking around the small market. He had told Viktor he was out shopping for groceries so he had very little time before he got suspicious. He had very little success when he had walked past the market on his way home. He couldn't believe his luck when he had spied the two small companion pieces. With a grin and a 'thank-you' to the vendor Yuuri called his gift-shopping experience a success, he placed the wrapped gift in his pocket and headed home. He really hoped that Viktor liked his gift, but he knew that Viktor would love anything Yuuri gave to him.

At about the same time, Viktor was busy wrangling Makkachin into the bathroom. It was a trial because Viktor was distracted but he eventually succeeded. He was too busy thinking about the strange request of Yuuri's yesterday; he had said 'he had to buy something' but would elaborate or let him come along!

"I wonder what he's planning." Viktor had noticed the sparkle in his fiancé's eyes but had chosen to not comment when Yuuri had left. He exhaled and rolled up his sleeves.

"It's bath time." He stated determined as he looked down at his dog. Makkachin was standing close to the door and looked ready to fight him.

Ten minutes later…

Walking down the hallway to the apartment, Yuuri was so excited to give the gift to Viktor. Yuuri opened the door with a flourish and called out brightly, "I'm home! Are you ready to go?"

Yuuri paused, He didn't forget we were heading did he? Yuuri thought annoyed. The living room and kitchen were empty and the bedroom door was open and dark. They had planned this for a while now and he had known about Viktor's habit to forget things and reminded him multiple times. He had even put notes around the apartment! A noise from the closed bathroom drew his attention.

"Almost!" the bathroom door opened a pinch and Viktor's head poke out, he smiled a quick hello then disappeared, "AH! Makkachin! Noooo!"

As soon as the Viktor yelled, a wet blur of brown was bursting through the slightly cracked door. He must have heard Yuuri's voice and wanted to say hello. Water was going everywhere and Viktor was quick to follow with a towel.

"Close the door!" Viktor shouted in a panic.

"Huh! Oh" the flustered man quickly slammed the door shut before bracing for impact. Makkachin had leaped upon the shocked man, barking happily. Smiling, Yuuri cradled the poodles face in his hands and kissed his nose. Noticing Viktor behind the dog, the man in question motioned for him to ignore him and proceeded to sneak. They both knew that after a bath Makkachin gets hyper and given the chance would run around for an hour.

"Makkachin, are you giving Viktor a hard time?" Yuuri teased. The only answer he got was a bark and a big wet kiss. Yuuri groaned and wiped his face with his sleeve, but kept the other hand wrapped around the wet dog. He could feel the wetness seeping into his clothes but kept the dog close. They had a schedule to keep, and chasing after a hyper dog would ruin them.

"Gotcha!" Viktor unexpectedly latched onto the wet dog, who proceeded to jump and wriggle. Viktor almost lost the wet dog but managed to wrangle him to the ground. Viktor was cradling a towel-wrapped Makkachin and grinning like a maniac.

Making light of the situation, Viktor continued their conversation, "How was your day?"

"Good. I got what I wanted. It looks like your day was more exciting!" he giggled as Viktor continued to dry and struggle to hold the dog.

Viktor snorted, "Ah! I had him cornered but he must have heard you coming in because he was gone soon after."

"Ah…Oh sorry, Viktor! I didn't know you were planning on washing him today. We have plans remember?"

"No worries, Yuuri. Nothing bad happened, yes? And don't worry I didn't forget." A bark from Makkachin reminded them and they looked down at the towel-covered dog with one happy eye peeking out of the towel. Convinced by the honesty in Viktor's gaze he sighed and stood up.

"I need to change" he acknowledged looking down at his wet clothes.

"I could help you with that!" Viktor's grin was full of lust, his eyes burning. Yuuri blushed at the lust but wasn't opposed to the idea but they had plans.

Yuuri stuttered, "I'm s-sure you would…but you look busy at the moment," Pointing down at the dog in Viktor's lap. Viktor groaned unhappily. "Maybe next time!" Yuuri shyly stated and quickly moved away as Viktor gasped.

The rest of the time getting ready was a blur. Viktor had to change his clothes because they had gotten wet, Yuuri—after getting changed—was busy making sandwiches for lunch and Makkachin was everywhere and nowhere at the same time. It was never boring in the Nikiforov household that's for sure! It was hectic but Yuuri loved every minute of living with Viktor.

As the three left the apartment, Makkachin hopping from one spot to the next and Viktor carrying the food. Yuuri was left with nothing to carry which he didn't like but Viktor wouldn't let him help. Huffing unhappily he asked, "You got everything?"

Viktor nodded distractedly; he was busy peeking into the bag. Yuuri slapped his hand and chided him.

"I was just curious!" Viktor exclaimed, rubbing his hand. Yuuri kissed him on the cheek in apology, Viktor didn't let him pull away. Only when the two ran out of breath did they pull away.

"What would I do without you" Viktor's voice was breathless but his smile spoke volumes.

"You would never eat!" he teased. Viktor put his hand to his chest, affronted. Yuuri secretly patted the pocket with the gift before closing and locking the door.

"I can cook, thank you very much" He huffed and looked away.

"Of course, dear" Yuuri agreed, pacifying him and Viktor knew it. The two looked at each other and snickered.

The walk to the garden was quick as they both were excited and impatient. Makkachin was busy sniffing and running ahead only to loop back. Finally, they reached the door, Makkachin was scratching at the door and Viktor unlocked it swiftly. Following after Makkachin, Yuuri was stopped by a hand.

Stopping, he looked over questioning. Viktor shuffled before pulling something out of his pocket.

"This is for you." A bronze key dangled from his finger. It almost looked like the key to the garden door.

"Huh?"

"It's a duplicate of the garden key. Sorry, it took me longer than I thought to get the key ready. I wanted to give it to you when I first showed you to the garden but—"He was interrupted when Yuuri laughed and latched onto him. Viktor's arms reached around the slender man and held him close.

"Thank you! I love it" he kissed him, pulled away and laughed at the surprised look on Viktor's face, "Did you think I would hate it?"

"Well, I didn't think you would jump into my arms and kiss me! I just thought you would be nervous and try and reject it"

"Oh, Viktor. I would never reject you!" Yuuri had sensed the unspoken truth. Viktor had been worried that Yuuri would reject him, "I love you for you!"

Kissing Yuuri cheek, Viktor sighed, "You make life interesting"

"It makes me happy to intrigue you!" Yuuri replied saucily and sauntered into the garden with a laugh. Viktor watched him with awe and love.

"I would expect nothing less from you," Viktor muttered with a sweet grin. As he closed the door and leaned against it, he marveled at the silence the prevailed here. This garden was special as even though it was in the middle of the city it seemed to silence the ever present noise of the city.

Pushing away from the door, he wandered further in the garden. Into his special place that he now shared with another but it didn't disturb him as he once thought it would. He was actually excited to teach Yuuri to garden and share his life and future. He meandered under the darkened lattice, the purple flowers on the vines left a sweet smell in the air. Breathing deep, he focused on Yuuri's happy voice and followed it.

"I wonder what this flower is called. Maybe I can convince Viktor to let me take some home." Yuuri's voice drifted across the garden. Yuuri was obviously not talking to Viktor, but his heart did a somersault when Yuuri said 'home.'

The garden hadn't changed must since last time. The nice weather the past couple of days had been good for the flowers but a few species looked wilted. I will have to move those soon, contemplated Viktor. To the left was the table and three pears trees; the right was the dog house and garden; straight through to the back was the fountain and river and a patch of grass. The rest of the space was planned and filled with aesthetic gardens. It had taken Viktor a long time to plan the design, he had spent months talking about plans with his mother.

Sadly, she had yet to see the garden. Viktor grimaced at the sudden hurting in his heart and sighed deeply. Walking under the lattice archway to the back of the garden, he spied Yuuri standing in the center of lilies, roses, and multiple wildflowers. He wasn't one to plan meticulously the type of flowers; he liked the chaotic wildness. Makkachin was prancing and barking beside him. Grinning at his fortune he started towards Yuuri; who seeing him beamed.

"It's even more beautiful than last time!" Yuuri spun in a circle, noticeable completely in love with the garden. It was everything Viktor could hope for.

"Well, you were very tired last time," Viktor commented and pulled the excited Yuuri close. He closed his eyes and rested his head on his fiancé's shoulder.

He remembers a few weeks ago when Yuuri had first arrived in St. Petersburg to live. He had been so tired but regardless had been allowed to be dragged to the garden. Viktor could remember the giddiness and the nervousness when he first let Yuuri in the garden.

"Yeah! I loved it then too. It was so amazing to see all the work and passion put into this place."

"You even fell asleep! I had to carry you home." Viktor was smiling as he looked up at the sky, he could feel Yuuri laughing.

Blushing, Yuuri attempted to change the subject. "Can we plant the flowers yet?"

"I thought you didn't like gardening?" Viktor lifted his head and laughed. He knew what he was doing but let it slide, he didn't want to make him too nervous.

"No, I said that I couldn't keep plants alive, but you can! I'm excited to learn something new." Yuuri cried and smacked him lightly as he moved away from Viktor. He was surprised that he wanted to garden, he had never been this excited about flowers before.

"Then let's plant these before they wilt, yes?"

"I'm not good with plants, remember. You are going to have to show me what to do?

"I'm a good teacher" Viktor winked and handed the two flower pots to Yuuri; who blushed.

"So I was thinking that the spider flower could go over by the fountain and the primrose could go near the pear trees."

"Sounds like a plan." Yuuri nodded.

The two quickly got to work. Yuuri wasn't completely useless regarding gardening as he first thought. It helped that Viktor was an expert and guided most of this actions and fixed any mistakes. To Yuuri it was like when Viktor was coaching him the past year; Viktor would demonstrate then let him do the action and after fix any mistakes.

In what felt like a blink of an eye, the two were sitting in the dirt beside the newly planted primrose. Breathing heavily; Viktor looked over at the dirt-covered Yuuri with appreciation. He had noticed that while Yuuri had no clue what he was doing he was trying his best to learn. It was endearing to see someone trying so hard to understand him.

"You did very well." Viktor leaned his head back and stared at the blue sky. The breeze from the river was pleasant on his hot skin. He felt more than saw Yuuri's sigh, as he leaned against Viktor.

"It wasn't so hard with you teaching me. I didn't realize all the work that had to go into planting two flowers."

"I never really notice now, I enjoy planting so I never see the work. That probably doesn't make sense" Viktor sighed.

"I understand a little. I feel the same thing when cooking. I never realize the time and amount of work that goes into because I enjoy the process."

"Exactly"

"I figured since we finished with the flowers. We could have some food! Oh, I also have something for you."

"A gift?"

Nodding, Yuuri got up and brushed his knees before retrieving the bag with the food. He secretly snatched the small present from his pocket and hid it before Viktor could see it.

They finished eating and Viktor looked up excited, "Can I have my gift yet?"

Yuuri laughed, "Of course!" Viktor was grinning as he received his gift.

It wasn't anything fancy but he hoped that Viktor appreciated the gift for the symbolism more than the actual object. Inside the newspaper wrapping, was a key and lock. They were small; about a thimble in size. There had been this little farming market. Viktor finished unwrapping and held up the lock and key, he looked over at Yuuri and waited for an explanation.

"W-well don't laugh okay! I thought since you unlocked the garden and shared a piece of your heart with me that I should return the gift. Of course, I don't have a secret garden to share!" Yuuri and Viktor laughed, "But I do have my heart. This is so cliché I know! I thought you could maybe put the key on your keychain and I could put the lock on mine. It could mean…you have the key to my heart." Yuuri finished with a heavy sigh and a nervous laugh.

"That's the most thoughtful thing anyone's ever done for me! Thank you, Yuuri." Viktor grabbed Yuuri close and kissed him sweetly. Viktor was pleased that Yuuri wanted him to carry something else that proved their love. The gold ring on his right hand sparkled and caught his eye.

"Uh…thank you!"

"Is that what you were doing the past couple of days?"

"Ah! Well, whenever I went out for groceries I would take a few minutes to look for the gift."

"That's very sneaky of you, Yuuri!" He teased and bopped his nose with his finger, "But sadly I have to actually do some work, even though I would much rather sit here with you" He sweetly declared with hand on his chest, he laughed when Yuuri blushed.

Standing with a flourish, Viktor began taking care of his garden. It was a long process but it was calming. He quickly checked on the primrose and spider flower; seeing how they were taking to the transplant. Seeing the new addition were doing fine; he started to weed. Strangely enough, weeding was the most calming and fulfilling part of gardening, at least to Viktor. He couldn't really explain it but it was a cleansing process. Finishing with the meager job he grabbed the hose and started to water. During the process, his mind was wandering. He thought about his program, the choreography, and Yuuri and his future marriage.

As Viktor fluttered around and was silent in his focus, Yuuri walked to the fountain. It was a medium sized fountain with a simple, elegant top. He was astonished at the planning and the beauty of the garden, Viktor always surprised him. Peeking over at his fiancé, he smiled as he saw the small pleased smile. He looked to the left and saw the Neva River; the water was gray and moving quickly.

This place is so relaxing, I can see why Viktor would create something like this, Yuuri's mind was calm and he closed his eyes. The breeze from the river soothed him and the sound of water tinkling from the fountain was mesmerizing.

Cold water shocked him out of his thoughts, "AAAAH!" Yuuri closed his eyes and shielded his face as he moved away from the water and tipped over the loose stone in the path. Landing on his butt he cried out and looked up. The water had stopped when he fell and the guilty party was looking from across the garden with concern.

"Viktor!"

"Are you okay? I didn't mean to make you fall but I just couldn't help myself!" He winked and aimed the hose at Yuuri once again. The man in question screamed and scampered to his feet and booked it to the lattice, hoping for some coverage.

"You can't hide from me!" Viktor laughed deviously and followed after him. He was confused at the confidence in Viktor's voice until the man in question appeared around the corner and sprayed Yuuri in the chest. Yuuri hadn't realized that the hose had been bought because it would reach the whole area of the garden. Yuuri was quick to disappear under the lattice and appear on the other side with the chairs, scolding Viktor; who simply laughed and followed. The game continued for a few minutes until Yuuri yielded, completely drenched.

"Please. No more!"

Viktor snickered and dropping the hose and strode over his fiancé, Yuuri was wary but after he dropped the hose he began to smile. As he reached out for Yuuri to pull him in for a hug, Yuuri quickly dodged and grabbed at the hose.

Holding up the nozzle, he pointed it at the surprised Viktor. Viktor was stunned that Yuuri had slipped past him, he hadn't even seen it coming. Viktor was quick to plead for mercy, "Yuuuuuuri! Don't do this!"

"You should have thought about that before starting this!" He laughed deviously and sprayed Viktor in the chest. His fiancé gasped but looking at Yuuri with a dark look he began stalking forwards.

"Hey! This is totally fair!" Yuuri cried indignantly as Viktor tossed the hose away and grabbed him. Yuuri closed his eyes and winced; he could almost hear the scolding. He was surprised when nothing happened.

"Yuuri"

"Y-Yes"

"Did you think that was funny?"

Yuuri looked up in confusion and thought, Was that a trick question?

"Answer the question."

"I did once I got the hose" Yuuri answered honestly and winced. Here it comes, He thought with trepidation.

"I had fun too!"

"Huh?" He opened his eyes in shock and looked up at the drenched but smiling Viktor. His blue eyes were bright and filled with mirth.

"I've never done anything like that before. I was fun…however, I should have brought extra clothes. Next time I guess!"

"Next time!"

"Well we will have to wait until it is warmer but definitely"

Yuuri simply sighed heavily and leaned against Viktor's wet shirt. He thought about what just happened and started laughing. It was an uncontrollable kind that made his whole body shake, and soon he felt Viktor laughing too. It took them a few minutes to calm their heartbeats and breathing.

"This day has sure been a long and interesting day" Yuuri stated his voice low. His head was tucked into Viktor's chest.

"It sure was. Thank you for the gift, Yuuri. I will treasure it forever."

"It was a gift meant to share a piece of myself with you—of course it's kind of small compared to the garden—"

Viktor interrupted him, "It's not always about size but the feeling behind the gift that matters."

Standing up on his toes, Yuuri tipped Viktor's chin and pecked him on the lips, "That sounds exactly like what you would say!"

"I'm happy that you're beginning to understand me!" Viktor kissed him back sweetly, "Can I tell you something else about me?"

"I would be happy to listen."

"Well…I love the color purple and actually thought about dying Makkachin purple but Chris convince me against it!" Yuuri was shaking with laughter. Viktor rested his chin on Yuuri's head and thought of the good memory. Makkachin barked at the mention of his name and whined at the feet of the couple. Makkachin had disappeared when the water had started flying, as he had already had his bath today.

"I'm very happy you didn't do that. And I bet Makkachin is happy too."

"Oh, I'm not so sure. I thought Makkachin was smiling when I told him the idea…but that would explain why Makkachin ignored me for so long."

"Oh well…it would have been hilarious!"

"My fans would have gone insane," Viktor laughed hysterically, "I almost wished I did it know. But I didn't want my friend to hate me." He looked down his friend and patted his head. Makkachin whined and licked his hand.

"That's really sweet. I'll have to add that to the list of things that I didn't know about you" Yuuri was joking.

"You have a list too?" His eyes were sparkling and he was grinning, completely ecstatic.

"I-I was just joking…wait! You have a list on me?!"

Viktor laughed before moving away to continue with his watering. It was getting closer to noon, and they had other plans for the day so they had to leave soon. Yuuri started after him, asking him over and over again. Yuuri never did find out if there was a list!