Author Note: Hey! So, it's exam time for me. That's why it's taken me a little while to get this chapter up. I wanted it to be a lot longer, but wanted to give you guys something since it's been a couple days and I feel bad. Tomorrow's my last exam, though, so hopefully updates should be a lot faster once that's over!
The first month went by quickly, and Yuuri couldn't be sure if it was because he was so happy, or because good things weren't meant to last in his life. It was still difficult. He continued to struggle whenever Viktor got too close to him. How could he not? It was Viktor Nikiforov and he seriously seemed to have an issue with personal space. It seemed like he would invade Yuuri's at every given opportunity. It wasn't that Yuuri didn't like the attention. Quite the opposite. He liked it a little too much, and he had to keep reminding himself that this wasn't permanent. This wasn't forever. Once he'd participated in the next Grand Prix Final, that was the last he'd see of Viktor, so he couldn't get used to the gentle brush of Viktor's hand against his wrist as they passed each other, or the way his heart shaped smile beamed so overwhelmingly when he got excited. Yuuri couldn't let himself get used to this. It would only hurt more when Viktor eventually decided to move on with his life.
As for Viktor, he was finding the whole situation exhilarating. This was the first time he'd been to Japan, and aside from competitions, he knew this was going to be the longest time he'd spent away from home. It probably sounded like something he would regret, but even when something reminded him of home, he was happy. He didn't miss it, not really. He was too focused on learning new things about this world he had stepped into; Yuuri's world. He was too interested in learning everything he could about the shy skater filled with potential. It hadn't been long, but he'd already learned a few things. His favorite food was katsudon, and Viktor had to admit, Yuuri had good taste. Makkachin had inspired Yuuri to get a poodle of his own. He knew that it may have been named after himself, but he liked to believe it was seeing how adorable Makkachin was that spurred Yuuri to get his own dog.
There were other, more intimate things he'd gotten to learn about Yuuri, too. The shy skater was definitely not a morning person. Viktor had found himself waking Yuuri up before he slept until noon on more than one occasion. From those moments, he learned that he would often forget to take his glasses off before he fell asleep. He wasn't sure why, but there were times when Viktor found himself slipping them off Yuuri's face and setting them beside his bed. It wasn't just nerves that caused him to fail his jumps either, Viktor had learned. It seemed that Yuuri could never land his jumps when he had something on his mind, something bothering him. He hadn't broached the topic, because it also seemed that Yuuri really wasn't the kind of person who liked to open up. He'd have to wait for him to come to Viktor first.
Technically speaking, Viktor wasn't Yuuri's coach. He was just helping him prepare, helping him train. If Yuuri didn't want to listen to his advice, he didn't have to, but Viktor found that he almost always did. It was a far cry from the resistance he'd received from Yuri, and even sometimes from Mila. Still, he always found the most difficult thing he could talk Yuuri into was taking a break. Despite his late mornings and how closely he hid his emotions, Yuuri Katsuki wouldn't stop until he made some form of progress. It was rousing, causing Viktor to feel a need to live up to Yuuri's expectations.
Sure enough, the clock was quickly heading towards eight o'clock, which was a lot later than Viktor was used to waking. He sighed softly, stepping out of his room in the onsen and heading to Yuuri's. He knocked gently on the door, mostly to be polite. He had done this many times by now, he knew he wasn't going to get an answer. After a moment, Viktor opened the door, leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed over his chest as he watched the lump under the blankets, tufts of dark hair sticking out from them. It was at least encouraging that Yuuri had managed to take his glasses off before he fell asleep this time.
"Yuuri. Time to get up." Viktor's voice was firm yet gentle. No matter how many times they went through this routine, he always felt a little bit guilty. Yuuri just looked so comfortable, and he really didn't want to disturb him. Still, he needed to train. Yuuri had potential that couldn't go to waste. Sure enough, as with every morning, Yuuri's grumbles could be heard from under the blankets. Viktor watched as the lump beneath them shifted but made no attempt to leave the confines of the fabric, "Yuuri, come on."
"Mm No… Viktor…" Another part of their routine that he was familiar with; Yuuri trying to protest, to beg for another five minutes of sleep. Sometimes, Viktor did give in, but they were running late today. Viktor had plans for today's training, so he wanted Yuuri up as soon as possible. Viktor sighed, pushing himself away from the doorway and taking a few steps into the room. It was as he was reaching for the blanket that he realised this morning's routine was different.
Yuuri mumbled some more and Viktor discovered something new about this talented younger man. Yuuri Katsuki talked in his sleep. Watching the lump under the blankets for a moment, he heard Yuuri speak again, his voice filled with the soft lilt of sleep, "Viktor… stop it…"
And apparently the dreams were about him. Viktor couldn't help but frown when he heard him. It wasn't that he hated the idea of Yuuri dreaming of him. It was just that 'stop it' and 'no' didn't sound like the most pleasant of things to say. Were the dreams with the Russian in them so bad? But just as Viktor was thinking about what kind of horrible things he must be doing to Yuuri within his mind, the younger man started giggling. He was actually giggling in his sleep and it was possibly the most adorable thing he'd ever heard. In that moment, Viktor really wished that blanket wasn't obscuring his view. Unable to resist anymore, Viktor reached out, carefully lifting the blanket from Yuuri's sleeping form. Somehow, this just made Yuuri all the more adorable as Viktor caught sight of his arms wrapped tightly around his pillow, hugging it to his chest, a soft 'don't' being mumbled against it as he continued giggling in his sleep.
Viktor sighed sadly, knowing that no matter how endearing this sight was, he couldn't let it last. Yuuri would only feel guilty if he slept in much longer. He knew, he'd seen it firsthand. Reluctantly, Viktor rested a hand on his shoulder, shaking him gently as his voice came out soft, "Yuuri? Come on, breakfast time."
It took a few more tries before Yuuri's eyes finally opened. Looking up and seeing icy blue eyes looking down at him caused Yuuri's to open all the wider in shock, the surprise of the moment causing him to jolt up in bed and tumble off the mattress, landing at Viktor's feet. He had to be grateful that he was holding a pillow, it taking the brunt of the fall. He groaned softly, hiding his face in the pillow he was now laying on and mumbling softly, "Okay, okay…"
Viktor silently wondered if Yuuri was blushing into that pillow. That was another thing he'd learned about him. Yuuri Katsuki blushed a lot. Viktor wasn't sure what it was that caused it. It felt like just about anything did, but he didn't mind. It was yet another endearing quality. Curiosity got the better of him as he watched the man at his feet, tilting his head, "What were you dreaming about?"
"What!?" Yuuri was more awake than Viktor had ever seen him this soon after being lulled from his sleep. Sure enough, his cheeks were flushed with embarrassment as he stared up at Viktor, wide eyed, "Nothing! W-Why?"
"No reason. You were just smiling." Viktor shrugged. It wasn't exactly a lie, but he could tell that admitting he had heard Yuuri say his name in his sleep would probably be a bad idea. His suspicion was only confirmed as he watched Yuuri visibly relax. Stepping out of the room and heading downstairs, he called out to Yuuri, "Hurry up, we have a lot to do today!"
Yuuri watched Viktor's retreating figure as he left the room, never taking his eyes off him until he was eventually out of sight. He hoped Viktor couldn't read his mind, couldn't tell that he'd woken from such a wonderful dream… It wasn't even that explicit, he told himself, hoping that that would be enough to assuage the guilt he was feeling. He was sure this was creepy. You don't just have dreams about people, even if they are your idol. All he could do was pray that Viktor never found out. Rubbing tiredly at his eyes, Yuuri reached up to take his glasses, slipping them over his nose. He fumbled blindly for his phone, sighing softly when he felt it under his fingers and held it to his face, seeing the time. That was the only thing that could possibly get him moving out of bed as quickly as he did, tripping over himself as he rushed to get changed.
OoOoO
The morning had been a bit of a blur. After having a breakfast in relative silence (Viktor made small talk about literally anything he could think of while Yuuri watched him curiously, only speaking up when he felt it absolutely necessary), they had headed out for the morning, jogging around the area in the same way Yuuri had gotten used to doing every morning for the last month. It was strange how easily things seemed to slip into routine with Viktor around. It wasn't exactly something he thought he could get used to. Just like with his skating career, Viktor seemed to enjoy surprising him as much as he could in everyday life, too. Still, despite the fact that his heart still hammered in his chest when he saw Viktor smile, or that he still woke up expecting it to all be a dream, the training itself felt natural, like he'd done this for years. And Yuuri supposed that in a way, he had. The only difference this time was that Viktor was there.
"Do you have any ideas for programs?" Viktor's voice echoed through the empty rink and Yuuri was once again grateful that Yuuko and Takeshi were letting him use this place to train. He'd have to find a way to make it up to them. Yuuri wasn't really doing anything in particular as he drifted along the ice, just letting the skates move him however they wanted to as he listened to Viktor's voice. They'd tried a few times for Viktor to teach him some quads, but Yuuri had yet to land them, always overanalysing things, or second guessing himself.
Yuuri's eyes drifted from the ice he was slowly moving along to the icy blue eyes that were watching him off to the side, "Not really. I always had a coach for that." He shrugged. It wasn't the best answer he could give, but it was all he had. Yuuri wasn't much of a choreographer. He was much better at analysing the story behind the performance and making it his own. It certainly wasn't a bad thing, but when you were lacking a coach, it made things a lot more difficult.
If Yuuri's eyes hadn't drifted back to the ice as he moved in slow circles, occasionally outstretching his arms to maintain his balance, he would've noticed the thoughtful look on Viktor's face. Without really think much of it, Yuuri had shifted his weight until he was landing a triple toe loop as if it was the most effortless thing he could attempt. Just as quickly, he was back to skating slow circles along the ice. It was just the way Yuuri worked. Some days, he was constantly rushing through attempts of jumps. Others were like this one, a lazy feeling taking over him, only attempting jumps when something in himself told him to. He knew that it probably wasn't the best way to spend training, that he should really be refining things rather than just skating in slow circles, but Viktor seemed to understand. It was a calming process for Yuuri. He needed to let himself feel comfortable on the ice, to feel like he belonged there. If that meant skating slow circles, watching his footing, and only the occasional attempt at a jump, Viktor wouldn't push him.
Sometimes, Viktor wondered why Yuuri didn't attempt the quads when he was like this, but he understood. Yuuri was an insecure person, and these moments were meant to make those insecurities fade away. Risking a jump he hadn't successfully landed in a moment that was meant to calm him would only ruin the purpose of Yuuri's gentle movements. Viktor just wished the other skater could see that he was capable of everything he'd attempted. He just needed the confidence to follow through. A comfortable silence had fallen between them, the only sound being Yuuri's skates gliding against the ice and the occasional attempt at a jump. Viktor could watch Yuuri like this forever, but he knew they had work to do. Reluctantly, he broke the silence that had fallen between them, "In that case, I may have a program you can use. We'll still need to figure something out for your free skate, but it's a start, right?"
Yuuri's skates halted against the ice, something very rare when he was so comfortably gliding across the frozen surface. His eyes moved from his feet to look back at Viktor and for once, Viktor couldn't quite figure out the emotions on Yuuri's face. There was definitely confusion, but there was something more there, something he couldn't quite put his finger on. "You… you have a program for me?"
Viktor couldn't help but smile. Yuuri seemed so genuinely surprised, like someone was giving him a gift he'd wanted all his life, but his shy nature was telling him he couldn't accept it. Viktor wasn't going to let that happen, though. He knew exactly what program he could offer to Yuuri. After seeing his step sequences, he wanted to watch Yuuri skate this program, to see what he could bring to it. Without thinking, Viktor was skating closer, closing the distance between them until he was reaching out, resting a hand on Yuuri's waist. Their faces were so close now, their noses just barely touching as they looked into each other's eyes. Viktor had always had a problem with personal space and he did know that Yuuri liked his space. That much, he'd learned over the month. Still, he couldn't help but indulge himself in the fact that Yuuri never pulled away. Maybe Yuuri was just too shocked, he wasn't sure, but he'd make the most of it. "It's a perfect program for you, Yuuri. I'm sure you would make it look beautiful…" His voice was soft, tilting his head and offering him a small smile, "But of course, it's up to you."
"No!" Yuuri spoke quickly, catching him off guard. Instantly, a blush grew on Yuuri's cheeks as he realised how sudden he'd been, "I-I mean yes. I mean…" He took a shaky breath, having a silent battle in his mind. His nerves told him to look away, but he didn't want to, because Viktor was so close, and his smile was so warm, and how could anyone not get lost in those eyes? He bit his lip, nodding hesitantly, "I'd love to. I just hope I can do it justice."
With that, Viktor's smile beamed, that adorable heart shaped smile of his that he simply couldn't hold back when he was truly happy. Viktor knew that there was no way Yuuri could let him down. He knew that he was capable of making this program his own. Maybe it would take a little time for Yuuri to let himself feel comfortable with it, but he knew that Yuuri could do it. He'd seen the young skater's steps. He'd seen his passion. If anyone could pull it off, it was him. Just as he was going to voice his thoughts to Yuuri, their moment was interrupted.
"Hey, Viktor! You call this training!?" Even without looking, he could immediately tell who it was. If he ignored the accent, he could hear the annoyance, the frustration. He'd spent so much time training him, it was impossible not to recognise the voice of the rebellious brat who just so happened to be brimming with talent. But why was he here?
Reluctantly, Viktor took a step away, though he didn't take his hand off Yuuri's waist as he looked back to the young blond watching them from the side of the rink, "What are you doing here, Yuri? Did Yakov bring you?" He sincerely doubted it. Yakov had no reason to bring Yuri here.
Viktor turned back to Yuuri with a frown as he felt him pull away and start his gentle glide across the ice once more. He really enjoyed that closeness, but he supposed Yuuri wasn't so good with it, especially when they weren't alone. Turning back to Yuri, he crossed his arms over his chest, waiting for an answer. Viktor wouldn't admit it, but he found it incredibly thrilling to have Yuuri's gentle skate, the skate reserved for clearing his nerves being performed around him. Every now and then he'd see Yuuri move along his field of vision and back out of sight again, his eyes never leaving the ice.
"What do you think I'm doing!? You're coming back to Russia with me!"
And just as quickly as Yuuri had slipped back into his soft movements, a loud thud rang out through the empty room, followed by a groan of pain. Viktor had never seen Yuuri so much as stumble when he was in his slow movements, but there he was, face up on the ice, staring at the ceiling and making no move to get back up.
Yuri Plisetsky always did have a way of rushing in like a hurricane, leaving chaos in his wake.