There had only been a week between the Cup of China and the Rostelecom Cup. The time had gone by so quickly and suddenly it was the night before the next competition began. He would have to perform his short program tomorrow. Yuuri was a lot more relaxed about it than he expected to be. It might have had something to do with the way things had been with Viktor since Beijing. It wasn't that their relationship had really changed. They still talked to each other just the same, spent the same amount of time together (though it was almost impossible for them to spend more time together than they already did). The only difference was that Viktor's touches lingered, they'd steal kisses, little moments together that were all theirs. Yuuri hadn't known what he was feeling for Viktor. He hadn't let himself truly consider what it was before, but as time went by, he realized how important he was to him. He realized that Viktor was the person he thought of before he fell asleep at night, that when he was excited about something, it was Viktor he wanted to tell. When the Russian entered the room, Yuuri's heart would race and he'd feel the pull, the need to be close to him. When Viktor wasn't around, things felt stale. Yuuri didn't realise until now just how significant Viktor really was to him; not just as an idol, but as a person.

Their current position was one Yuuri had gotten used to after the last week. Laying on the bed with Viktor beside him, slender fingers brushing absentmindedly through his hair as he stared up at the ceiling. There hadn't been many days they hadn't shared the same bed since Beijing. It wasn't about touch, Yuuri just felt comfortable when they were close. He slept better like that. It wasn't something he could quite explain, but Viktor never seemed to mind. "Are you ready for tomorrow?" Viktor's voice filled the silence in the room, causing Yuuri to glance up at him.

"As ready as I'll ever be." He couldn't say he was completely ready. No one could be completely prepared. Or maybe they could, but Yuuri wasn't sure how. Mentally, there were always things to think about, he could never prepare for everything that could possibly happen. He sighed softly, "There's just one thing, I guess. There's going to be a lot of press, right?" The further into the circuit they got, he knew there were going to be more and more press and he was never very good at dealing with them.

Viktor hummed softly, "It's fine. I can distract them for you. They always want to talk to me anyway. And don't worry, I won't go telling them anything about us. You can just focus on the skate."

Yuuri frowned, "Us?"

The single word was enough to still Viktor's fingers moving through his hair and Yuuri almost regretted saying anything at all. The touch had been so soothing. Viktor chuckled nervously, a sound he didn't often hear from the older man, "You know what I mean."

Sitting up but making no move to leave the bed, Yuuri tilted his head as he watched Viktor curiously. It wasn't often that he saw Viktor get flustered. Usually it was the other way around, but he could see that Viktor was trying to find the right words, trying not to scare him, but with the silent promise of more if Yuuri wanted it. Crossing his arms over his chest, he raised an eyebrow, "So there's an 'us,' huh?"

It was a sight Yuuri had never seen before, and most people probably believed it never happened, but there Viktor was; laying beside him, blushing. Viktor rubbed the back of his neck as he began to ramble out an excuse, "No, no. I mean, not if you don't want there to be. It's not like I'd be against it or anything, I just don't want you to think that I—"

"Viktor." Yuuri interrupted the train of thought Viktor had been rushing through, reaching a hand forward to brush against the Russian's cheek, smiling fondly, "I'm just messing with you."

Viktor leaned into Yuuri's gentle touch, watching him carefully, "So… does that mean there is an us?"

It was easy to tell that Viktor was trying not to sound hopeful. He didn't want Yuuri to feel like he was being pushed into making a decision. Really, Viktor had been incredibly patient with him through all of this. Sure, they'd shared the occasional kiss and he was sure that was helping make the wait easier, but he knew that he could say that he didn't want this, and it would crush him. Yuuri didn't want that, though. Truthfully, he couldn't imagine not having Viktor around after all this time. He needed Viktor with him, he enjoyed every second they shared together, and the little moments of intimacy they'd shared over the last week had only made things better. Yuuri rested his free hand against Viktor's back, pulling him closer and lightly pressing their lips together, "If you want there to be."

"Seriously?"

Viktor seemed so surprised, Yuuri couldn't help but laugh, "What, do you think I've just been stringing you along?"

"No! No, I just thought you still needed time to think. Not that I'm complaining."

Yuuri looked down at the space between them, reaching his hand to thread their fingers together. It was difficult for him to put his feelings into words that made sense. They didn't even make sense to himself. Things hadn't really changed between them. Viktor was still the same person, helping him train, laughing with him, telling him not to push himself so hard. Viktor wasn't acting any differently. They didn't suddenly agree on everything. It all just felt like a natural part of who they were. Looking down at their hands, Yuuri shrugged, "This last week has been amazing. I know things haven't really been that different, but I've had a lot of time to think. My biggest fear these last few months has been failing because… it would mean you'd go home. I guess what I'm saying is, I don't want to be away from you. I like falling asleep with you, and training with you, and being close to you, and everything else…"

Yuuri was sure he was blushing again, but he knew it was only fair to tell Viktor exactly what he was thinking. Viktor stayed silent, though. It made him nervous. Had he said too much? Was Viktor maybe not as interested as he thought he was? What if this was all some horrible joke? That would make sense. Why would Viktor Nikiforov want anything to do with someone like him? Looking up at the man in front of him, Yuuri saw Viktor's heart shaped smile, his eyes seeming to sparkle and Yuuri wasn't sure if his heart stopped beating or sped up at the sight of it. Viktor pounced on Yuuri, wrapping his arms tightly around him and nestling his face against his neck, "You're better than any gold medal, Yuuri."

Yuuri laughed, his arms instinctively wrapping around him, "You can't say that, I'm spending all this time trying to get a gold medal for you."

"I already know you're full of potential. You don't need to win gold to prove that to me."

"You're only saying that because you want to win that bet. I'm not giving up that easily." He knew deep down that Viktor really did believe that, that Viktor wouldn't be there with him if he didn't see the potential, but he didn't want that to let him become complacent. Even if he didn't get gold, Viktor would believe in him, but their bet was still important to Yuuri, even if he didn't remember making it. He needed Viktor to get back on the ice and skate competitively again. It didn't make sense for Viktor not to be there. He'd give Viktor his dance regardless, he just needed him back on the ice.

Looking up at him, Viktor smiled and Yuuri was sure his eyes were sparkling, "You caught me."

"There is just one thing." Yuuri looked away for a moment, unsure of himself, "If it's okay with you, could we maybe just keep this between us? Just until the Grand Prix Circuit is over." It wasn't that far away now. After Rostelecom, there was a month before the final, and that would be it. It wasn't that Yuuri was ashamed, or even afraid of the press finding out about he and Viktor. He just didn't want people to believe he was using him. Yuuri knew he had to use this time to show people that he had every right to be there, that he had gotten there with his own skills, and not by using Viktor's influence. Once he had proven that, then the world could know, and it wouldn't matter.

Viktor seemed to understand, leaning closer and pressing a kiss to the top of Yuuri's head. It was strange how such a simple gesture could be enough to make Yuuri's heart flutter. Maybe letting himself realise his feelings just made them that much stronger. He couldn't be sure. Viktor's voice broke him from his thoughts, "It'll be our little secret."

OoOoO

The last time Yuuri competed, the Rostelecom Cup was in Moscow. This year, it was set in Saint Petersburg, and it was an opportunity he didn't realise he had been so excited for. They hadn't exactly had a lot of time to explore the city, but they had a month between this and the finals and Yuuri desperately wanted to see all the parts of Viktor's hometown through his eyes. He wanted to know about all the places Viktor loved, to see his eyes light up as he talked about fond memories. They didn't have time for it now, of course, but he was going to ask Viktor to show him around once they did.

As they walked into the venue, it didn't take long for Viktor to be hounded by press, though he never really seemed to mind. It was amazing how easily Viktor seemed to slip into talking to them, answering their questions, or dodging them just as easily. Yuuri knew he was going to have to deal with them later in the day, but at least it gave him a chance to get settled before it got to that point. He slipped passed the group, but it didn't take long before he found himself in another loud hallway. This time, though, the shouting was coming from an enraged Italian skater clinging to his sister.

"Mickey, relax. I'm just making friends." The girl wrapped up in his arms who Yuuri immediately recognised as Sara Crispino was doing her best to reassure him, but it didn't seem to be working as he glared at the Czech skater, Emil Nekola.

"Don't you ever lay a finger on my sister! You're not man enough for her! The only one who can go near her is me, you get that!?"

"That doesn't sound healthy, man. The girl can make some friends, can't she?"

At that moment, it seemed that Sara noticed Yuuri's presence, pealing herself away from her brother's side and bounding over to him with a bright smile, "Hi, Yuuri. I saw your performance at the Cup of China. Your short program was wonderful!"

Yuuri looked away, rubbing the back of his neck nervously, "Oh uh. Thanks. It was nothing, really. Compared to all the programs you've performed, anyway."

It was embarrassing to think that Sara Crispino had seen his performance in China. Not just because it was him skating, but he had made a complete failure of his free skate. Of course, he couldn't really avoid it. They streamed all the competitions, and it would only be smart for her to watch her brother's potential competitors. Sara didn't seem to notice his nerves, though, lighting up as he mentioned her past performances, "You're so humble, Yuuri. I hope you'll watch my skate again this year!"

"Yeah, of course. I can't wait to see it." Yuuri was certainly not used to talking to other skaters. He had only ever really gotten close to Phichit and that was simply because they were training together. The last time he was at a competition, he avoided everyone, and they seemed to offer him the same treatment. This time, though, things seemed to be different. Maybe spending all this time with Viktor was bringing him out of his shell.

Yuuri glanced over Sara's shoulder and saw Michele's glare directed at him, knowing that if he didn't get away from Sara soon, he'd be subjected to the same torture as Emil. It was a difficult situation, one he tried to avoid. If he was to pull himself away from the conversation with Sara, it would seem rude, but if he stayed, he'd get an earful from her brother.

It was as though his prayers were answered when he felt an arm wrap around his shoulders, though the sudden weight against him caused him to jump in surprise. Suddenly he was being guided passed the group as a Russian voice spoke beside him, "Excuse us, Piggy and I need to talk."

"Yuri? Long time no see." He couldn't help but feel a little anxious with Yuri. He knew that the Russian punk was not nearly as bad as he made himself out to be, but he had a temper, and the fact that he wanted to talk was enough to make anyone worried. Still, Yuri had taken him out of that awkward situation, so he was grateful for at least that. It took him a moment to notice that Yuri was taking him to an empty part of the hallway, making sure that no one was around them. That just added to the fear that he'd done something wrong. But what could Yuri possibly be upset about? He'd been fine when he left Hasetsu.

Stopping in the middle of the hall, Yuri dropped his arm from his shoulders, turning to face him, "What happened in China?"

"Wh-What?" Yuuri stared wide eyed at the blond in front of him.

"I saw your free skate. It was pathetic. What happened, Piggy?" Yuri was pointing accusingly at him as he spoke, clearly frustrated.

"…Are you worried about me?"

Yuri scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest, "Don't flatter yourself. Even in practices you never skated that badly. I helped you when you were stuck on that routine, so I want some answers."

Yuuri was more than aware that this was just the young boy's way, that he didn't like people knowing whether he truly cared for them. Yuri was hard to read. He seemed to believe that people being able to tell how he really felt was a weakness that he couldn't possibly allow to exist. As much as Yuuri wished he could get him to open up more, he knew the blond did open up in his own ways. It was just a rare sight. Yuuri did his best to smile reassuringly, "It's fine. Viktor and I just had a bit of a disagreement, I guess. But that's sorted now. We're fine. I won't skate like that again, you have my word."

Yuri groaned, rolling his eyes, "I should've known it was something like that. You two are disgusting." He stepped forward, poking Yuuri's chest with his finger as he glared at him, "But I'm holding you to that, Katsudon. I don't train with losers. If you're not on that podium when they announce the winners, you're dead to me."

Just as quickly as Yuri had appeared, he was heading down the hallway and out of sight. It was a lot to think about, but no more pressure than Yuuri was already putting on himself. After the abysmal performance at the Cup of China, he had to rank third or higher here if he wanted to move onto the finals. Yuri was right, if he wasn't on the podium for the Rostelecom Cup, he'd be a loser. He'd fail to get to the finals, and he'd lose his bet with Viktor. He couldn't afford to become complacent just because things had gotten better between himself and his idol. So far, only two people had qualified. Christophe Giacometti, and Otabek Altin. Neither were that surprising. They'd shared the podium with Viktor in the past, and Otabek had gotten silver in the finals the year before. He would be a tough competitor to beat.

The warm up skate was over so quickly, and before he knew it, they were preparing for the first skater. Yuuri was more than relieved to find that he wasn't the first or the last skater. He'd be skating fourth. That meant he had some time to prepare, but he wouldn't have to wait until the very end when the nerves would really be getting to him. Fourth felt like a perfect place to be in the line-up. Yuuri had found himself a spot in the halls to continue his stretches when he finally caught sight of Viktor again, making his way over to him with a reassuring smile. He could only guess that the interviews had gone well by the look on his face.

"Sorry I missed the warm up. Who's up first?" He asked curiously as he leaned against the nearby wall, watching as Yuuri continued his stretches.

Yuuri hummed in thought, "Seung-gil Lee. I've never really seen him skate before, but he looked pretty serious." If Yuuri was honest, Seung-gil had been intimidating. He wasn't the sort of person you could approach and talk to, that much was obvious. He supposed Mickey wasn't either, though he was pretty sure that was just when his sister was involved. Seung-gil seemed like the kind of person you didn't want to talk to, or maybe the kind that didn't want to talk to you. He wasn't really sure, but Yuuri hadn't bothered trying to talk to him when he saw him in the halls, knowing that there was little point. He'd only get shrugged off.

Viktor nodded as he listened to him, "He lacks expression, but he has very good form."

"What's his specialty?" Yuuri asked curiously, looking up at Viktor. It could be bad to learn those things, what his fellow competitors were good at, but Seung-gil genuinely didn't seem like the type of person you could talk to, so if anyone could tell him something like that, it'd be Viktor.

"Some would say his jumps. I'd say his mind." Viktor had raised his finger to his lips as he thought about that question, tilting his head as he looked down at Yuuri, "He calculates all his scores as he skates. Which I suppose is why he lacks in expression. Personally, I prefer to forget about scores and focus on the emotions while you're skating, but to each their own." He shrugged, "It does help him adjust jumps as he skates, though."

"Huh. Interesting." Yuuri got to his feet, using the wall beside Viktor to stretch. He couldn't really imagine skating like that. His mind didn't work fast enough to figure out the score as he skated, and he knew that it would only take himself out of the moment and mess up his flow. It wasn't the kind of strategy he could ever see himself attempting, but he had to respect anyone who was able to use it effectively.

Viktor crossed his arms over his chest as he watched Yuuri, "Don't worry. You have an advantage over him in your component scores. The only people here today you should really be aware of are Yuri and JJ."

It was comforting to know Viktor thought so much of him, that he was so sure that Yuuri would be able to do this and that he didn't even need to worry about the competition. In the past, Yuuri had gotten to the final, so it wasn't that farfetched. If he'd done it once, surely, he could do it again. But every year, the competitors were getting better. Yuuri would have to keep training and improving himself if he wanted to keep up. It was helpful having Viktor training with him. Viktor knew all the jumps already. If anyone could help him learn, it was him. Yuuri's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the announcers.

"Seung-gil Lee has earned in the short program… 91.83. He is currently in first place."

He stood up straight beside Viktor, leaning against the wall, "I'm not worried. He just didn't seem like the approachable type." He shrugged. 91.83 wasn't a bad score. He'd be trying to get a score in the hundreds himself. If he wanted to have a chance against Yuri and JJ, that was the level he had to be at. It was asking a lot, but he knew he was capable. He did it in China, he could do it again.

There was a need to remain calm this time around. He knew Viktor had seem him at his worst in China on the day of his free skate, and there was no doubt that Viktor would be worried about seeing that side of him again, but he couldn't let himself get like that again. He couldn't afford another failure like that. Besides, he and Viktor had figured things out now, there was no need to worry about him leaving. Viktor wasn't going anywhere. He knew that now. No matter how much the voice of doubt would tell him that it couldn't last forever, looking into Viktor's eyes was reassurance enough. He'd stay. He would see this through with him.

Still, he couldn't help but be a little restless. He had to wait his turn, but he knew he'd be up soon. As much as he had wished he wouldn't go first, he really wished he could just get it over with. The anticipation was bubbling up inside of him as he moved back and forth in the hallway. The announcers were informing the audience of the successes and failures of Emil Nekola's program, but Yuuri wasn't paying any attention to it. He was lost in his own mind, thinking about the routine, reminding himself of all the movements he'd have to make, of the story he would be telling. He needed to get this right. He couldn't afford to fail Viktor.

"Did you hear that, Yuuri? Emil landed his quad." He was broken from his train of thought by an unfamiliar voice, looking up to see the only skater he'd yet to have spotted among the group. Jean-Jacques Leroy. He had been the rising star among skaters over the recent years.

"Huh?" Yuuri stared at him, confused. He really hadn't been paying attention to the announcers, more focused on himself and preparing for his turn on the ice.

JJ didn't seem to notice Yuuri's distraction, turning to Viktor instead, "Of course, a jump like that would be easy for you, right?"

Viktor frowned as he watched JJ, but didn't say anything, instead looking over at Yuuri, "Can I talk to you for a minute, Yuuri?"

The request caught the younger man off guard and he shot a glance over to JJ as he looked between them, "Uh. Sure, I guess. I look forward to seeing your skate, JJ."

Yuuri did his best to be polite. He didn't want to make any enemies, and he knew that the way Viktor seemed to be snubbing him off couldn't be taken well by most people. He didn't know why Viktor was acting like that around JJ, Yuuri hadn't exactly spent any time around the skater before. Even when he'd been at the final with Yuuri in Sochi, they hadn't spoken, but that wasn't all that surprising. Yuuri didn't talk to anyone but his coach back then. He was already intimidated by everyone, to talk to them would only make things that much worse. It would especially be awkward to become speechless in front of his idol.

"Watch closely, Yuuri. You just might learn something."

As they started walking down the hallway, Yuuri glanced over at Viktor, "You're not usually so cold with people."

Viktor turned to Yuuri, offering him a reassuring smile, "Normally I can handle JJ's… personality, but I'd rather not hear him try to find ways to tear you down. If there's one thing I know about Jean-Jacques Leroy, it's his lack of sportsmanship."

It wasn't that farfetched, really. JJ had been known to boast in interviews, and Yuuri had never really seen him close to any other skaters. He never thought much of it before. After all, Yuuri didn't talk to other skaters before, either. But then again, Yuuri didn't boast in interviews. The only people he'd ever really seen JJ around were his fans and his family. It wasn't necessarily a bad thing. He seemed to be kind to the fans that he had. Yuuri just had no idea he was lacking in sportsmanship. He would've thought maybe Viktor was reading into it too much, but Viktor was nice to everyone. It didn't make sense for him to single out one person unless he had a reason.

Before Yuuri knew what was happening, Viktor had gripped his arm and tugged him into a nearby room. Startled, he looked around to see that the room was dark and empty. He could smell dust and there were shelves filled with all kinds of random items. Some for skating, others for hockey, some even just cleaning supplies. He frowned as he turned to face Viktor, "What are we doing in here?"

"I needed to get you alone for a moment."

"Okay… but, why?" He asked curiously. It wasn't that he minded. Not at all. Having time to themselves was always a welcome prospect, but this wasn't something Viktor had ever done before. Unless he counted the parking lot, he supposed. Was Viktor worried about his nerves again? He must've scared the Russian pretty badly last time for him to be pulling him away like this just to make sure everything was alright.

"First," Viktor closed the gap between them, taking Yuuri's hands in his own as he looked into his eyes, "How are you feeling?"

The feel of Viktor's hands in his own was still something new. They didn't exactly hold hands very often, but Yuuri was quickly learning just how well they seemed to fit together, threading their fingers without much thought. His eyes were on Viktor's, watching the mesmerising blue and he was sure Viktor could hear his heartbeat begin to quicken. Viktor still had this effect over him, and Yuuri was sure it was never going to go away. He took a shaky breath, trying to steady himself as he smiled reassuringly, "Nervous, I guess. But not like China. Just regular nervous. I'll be fine."

Viktor nodded slowly, clearly thinking over Yuuri's words, but there was something more there. The look in his eyes was very telling. It was a look Yuuri had seen plenty of time. The same look he had when they were trying to figure out the choreography for the free program, or when Yuuri asked him to teach him certain jumps. He was considering his next move. Viktor seemed almost unsure of himself, and it was such a strange thing to see in the normally so confident Russian. Yuuri gently squeezed Viktor's hands, speaking softly, "You said 'first'. Was there something else?"

"Just one other thing." Before Yuuri knew what was happening, he felt Viktor's lips pressed against his. Is wasn't a new feeling. Not at all, but the way Viktor was kissing him was different. There was need, desire, passion, and Yuuri could barely keep up with himself as his body seemed to kick into autopilot, moving his hands from Viktor's, instead holding him close as his fingers tangled in silvery hair. He met the kiss with just as much force, unsure of whether it was need or want fuelling his movements. It didn't matter. It felt good, and right, and as Viktor's hands rested on his hips, Yuuri's mind was filled with nothing but the man in front of him. He barely noticed Viktor guiding him, moving until Yuuri was pinned to the nearest wall. He was too focused on those lips, that touch, the taste of Viktor as he fought for dominance that Yuuri was all too willing to give. It was sensory overload in the most wonderful of ways as Viktor dragged his teeth gently over Yuuri's bottom lip, pulling away from the kiss, but keeping their bodies close.

"V-Viktor…" It was all Yuuri could do not to follow his lips, to bring that feeling of euphoria back. He'd kissed Viktor plenty of times over the last week, but it had never felt anything like that.

"You have passion within you. You keep hiding it away, but it wants to come out. So much potential… after all this time, I want to see it." His voice was soft, his breath ghosting against Yuuri's skin, and he was putty in Viktor's hands. If it wasn't for Viktor's hold, Yuuri was sure he would've melted to the floor by now. His breath was short as he stared into Viktor's eyes, their bodies still pressed so close together. He wasn't sure if he was hearing his own heartbeat, or Viktor's. Maybe their hearts were beating in time. It was a romantic thought he wanted to indulge in the moment, "Will you show it to me on the ice today, Yuuri?"

Without thinking, Yuuri was bringing his free hand to the small of Viktor's back, pressing him closer. "Don't take your eyes off me. I'll show all of Russia my love for you." It was a bold statement, one Yuuri wouldn't normally have said, but they were alone, and he felt some kind of confidence when he had Viktor in his arms like this. It was the first time he'd let himself verbally call it love, but that's what it was. It was undeniable. He had loved Viktor Nikiforov throughout his childhood and as he grew up. He continued to love him as his mentor and friend. And now there was something new and exciting, and Yuuri knew this was going to develop into a whole new kind of love. A love he couldn't wait to experience with Viktor at his side.

Viktor seemed to approve of the simple yet daring declaration, closing the gap and kissing him much more delicately than he had moments ago, "I couldn't look away even if I tried. I can't wait to see it."

Author Notes: I fully intended this to be the entirety of the Short Programs, but I realised how long this was and how much more I wanted to add to it, and how much I wanted to post tonight... so here is what I had written. The next chapter will conclude the Short Programs with skates from Yuuri, Yuri, and JJ!