"Yuuri?" Viktor's voice broke the silence of the hotel room.
It was late. Yuuri really wasn't sure what time it was. The room was filled with darkness, the only light coming from the twinkling of city lights outside their window. Yuuri had lost track of everything when Viktor had begun playing with his hair. He was lost in his own thoughts, but he couldn't possibly ignore that feeling, that familiarity. Viktor still somehow made him feel comfortable even when he was lost in his own mind. Reluctantly, Yuuri glanced over at the man laying next to him, "Hm?"
"Why are you still awake? What are you thinking about?"
Yuuri shook his head, looking back to the ceiling, "Nothing."
"Yuuri," Viktor reached out a hand, resting it against his cheek as he tilted his face back to look into his eyes, "You know you can talk to me. What kind of lover would I be if you couldn't come to me with your problems?"
Viktor's touch was soft, comforting. Still, listening to him, Yuuri blushed, "Lover?"
"It sounds romantic to say it like that." He shrugged, smiling as he shifted himself closer, his fingers moving back into Yuuri's hair, "Please tell me what's wrong."
There were a lot of things that were wrong, but he really didn't want to force all his worries onto Viktor. There was just so much to think about. In the morning, they would be heading to the venue, Yuuri would be completing his last performance for the Grand Prix Circuit. It would decide whether Viktor would be returning to competitive skating. There was so much riding on that final skate. Yuuri sighed softly, "I don't know if I'll be able to get you that gold medal…"
"Hey," Before Yuuri knew what was happening, Viktor had wrapped his arms around his waist, pulling him to his chest. He let out a surprised squeak, his hands bracing himself on Viktor's chest, "You can still win the gold, but I don't want you to think about that."
Yuuri looked up into those eyes that always seemed to reassure him, even in his darkest moments. Viktor's smile was so sweet, so genuine, but Yuuri couldn't stop thinking that he could easily let him down with his program, "If I don't get the gold, you won't come back to competitive skating…"
Viktor's fingers tangled through Yuuri's hair, moving gently through the dark locks. It was such a simple thing, but it was enough to make Yuuri melt against him, moving closer still without even realising it. Viktor's touch had been both calming and exhilarating since the moment they met. It simultaneously made Yuuri's heart race and settled his nerves, and it was no different as those slender fingers carded through his hair, "Stop thinking about the deal. It doesn't matter anymore."
"It's the reason you're here."
"You don't really still think that, do you?" Viktor seemed genuinely surprised, "I spent a year thinking about you before I came to find you. The deal was the perfect excuse, but it's not why I'm here. I'm here for you."
"But…"
"Yuuri. I fell in love with your passion. Then I went to Hasetsu and fell in love with your skating, and your determination." Viktor smiled his heart warming smile as he looked into Yuuri's eyes, making sure he knew that everything he was saying was sincere, "And the more time I spent with you, the more love I felt."
It was the sweetest thing anyone had every said to Yuuri, and it was coming from the person who meant the most to him. There were tears in his eyes as he wrapped his arms tightly around the man in front of him, burying his face in his chest. His voice was muffled against him when he finally spoke, "I want to keep skating with you forever. So, I have to win."
OoOoO
Though the warm up skate had gone well, Yuuri couldn't help but notice a certain blond Russian looking even more annoyed than usual. Of course, he was always a little angry, but there was something more there this time. It was obvious, at least to someone who knew him. The problem was that Yuri was not the kind of person who talked about his feelings, so there was no way he'd be able to find out exactly what it was that had him so worked up. As it was, Yuuri didn't have the time to dwell on it, realising that JJ was first up to skate and Isabella would no doubt need someone to lean on in case things went the same way they had in the short program.
As Yuuri stepped off the ice, slipping on his skate guards, he rested a hand on Viktor's shoulder to steady himself, "Can you try to talk to Yuri? I think something's wrong."
Viktor raised an eyebrow, "You think I can get through to him?"
"I don't know, but I need to get to Isabella before JJ starts." Yuuri shrugged, gently squeezing Viktor's shoulder before he turned away, heading towards the stands. He didn't have much time to find her. JJ was already making his way towards the centre of the ice.
Yuuri had changed a lot over the last eight months. He used to be afraid to talk to the other skaters, afraid to open up to anyone at all. Yet here he was, searching out Isabella, determined to be there for his new friend as she watched JJ perform. He had been through the pain of a skate like JJ's short program, but he'd never had to feel the pain of watching someone he cared about going through it. He couldn't begin to imagine that feeling, and he didn't want Isabella to go through that alone. She was strong, she was JJ's rock, but even she needed someone to lean on.
The skate had already started by the time he finally caught sight of her, though she was too focused on the man moving along the ice to notice Yuuri. He quickly made his way up the steps until he was sitting at her side, gently nudging their shoulders together. The contact was enough to wake her from her daze, glancing over at him and offering him a bright smile before pulling Yuuri into a tight hug, "You didn't have to sit with me."
"We've got to look out for each other, right?" He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, turning to watch as JJ landed a quad toe, triple toe loop combination. He was certainly doing better than he had the day before, though he could tell he still wasn't as into his performance as he had been back at the Rostelecom Cup.
"He's still beating himself up about the short program." Though Isabella was speaking, her eyes were back on JJ, watching as he landed a triple axel, "He doesn't think he deserves the support."
"Everyone deserves support. Getting this far is achievement enough." Yuuri frowned as he watched JJ begin his step sequence, thinking about what Isabella was saying. It was all the feelings he'd gone through back in Sochi. Things were different now, though. He was stronger. But he really thought that JJ would be stronger than this, too. Maybe he really wasn't as tough as he made people believe.
"That's what I told him, but he says he wants to be a man I can be proud to marry, and that he needs to get me a gold medal to prove that. I've told him so many times I'm proud to have him as he is, but this is what he wants. All I can do is watch him and support him."
Yuuri looked back to the woman sitting beside him, her blue eyes shimmering with unshed tears as she thought about the inner turmoil the man she loved was going through as he moved on the ice. She was so much stronger than anyone Yuuri had ever met before, "He's lucky to have you."
"I'm lucky to have him." She smiled as JJ stepped out of his quadruple toe loop, his hand touching the ice.
It didn't matter that he'd made mistakes. It didn't matter that he was clawing his way back to the podium, that there was little hope for him to get gold. She loved him. She just wanted him to do what made him happy. Seeing him on the ice was enough for her. As the program came to an end, she got to her feet, applauding and cheering, the tears finally slipping from her eyes.
"You should go meet him at the kiss and cry." Yuuri suggested, watching as JJ began to skate off the ice.
"And leave you on your own?"
Yuuri shook his head, "It's fine. I need to find Viktor. Besides, it'll be my turn to skate soon."
He could tell she wanted to be there for JJ, she wanted to reassure him that his performance had been amazing. Truthfully, it had been. Sure, there were mistakes, but it was still a good program. He still did the best he could, and no one could deny his presence on the ice. Isabella pulled Yuuri into another hug, "Good luck. If JJ can't win the gold, I hope you can."
Just as quickly as the hug began, she was rushing towards the kiss and cry. Yuuri didn't have many friends, but Isabella was one of the kinder people he'd ever met. Even though he was competing against the person who meant the most to her, she was still there for him just as much. And even as JJ's world seemed to be crumbling in around him, she was there to pick up the pieces. As the screen above the ice showed a close up of JJ sitting at the kiss and cry, Isabella came into view, practically jumping into his arms. It didn't matter if he won a medal or not that day. He already had something much more important, that much was obvious.
"Jean-Jacques Leroy has earned in the free skate…212.42, giving him a total of 299.13. He is currently in first place."
It was a better score than Yuuri had expected, but it was deserved. He had only messed up two of his jumps, and he had still managed to land them. With his program having such high potential for technical points, it made sense. Yuuri would have to do well in the free skate to maintain his place above JJ. It wouldn't be easy, but he wasn't giving up. He still had a chance.
Yuuri was heading backstage as Phichit made his way to the centre of the ice. Backstage was quiet. The room felt so big and empty. All the skaters seemed more interested in watching the others perform than their last minute warmups. Yuuri could understand it. He just wanted to get this over with. He caught sight of Viktor in the corner of the room, standing beside Yuri as the young boy stretched his legs.
"It's none of your business, so just stay out of it, old man!"
"You really think you can skate to your full potential when you're all worked up like this?" Viktor frowned, but his words only seemed to fuel Yuri's anger.
"Just you watch, I'm taking the gold medal and there's nothing you can do about it!"
Yuri stormed out of the room before Yuuri had a chance to say anything, watching wide-eyed. He wasn't sure what he would've said even if he had managed to get any words out. Whatever had Yuri so worked up was still weighing on his mind. Viktor sighed, walking out of the room, "Come on, Yuuri. You're up soon."
"No luck with Yuri?" He sighed softly as he followed Viktor towards the rink, just in time to see Phichit landing a quadruple toe loop.
"You know how stubborn he is. Whatever it is, he won't talk until he's ready. If he ever is ready." Viktor leaned on the barrier as they watched Phichit perform. He was a different skater from the one Yuuri had spent so much time training with. He was even more determined than before, and even more talented. Phichit had earned his way here, the underdog that many didn't expect to make it this far. It was amazing to watch him perform, to see his smile as he made his way along the ice, sharing his love for the sport. Everyone had a reason to skate. For some, it was all about winning, for others, it was proving themselves. For Phichit, it was the intense need to show people how much fun figure skating could be. As Phichit landed his final combination; a triple flip, single loop, double flip, Yuuri smiled to himself. It felt good to see his friend having so much fun.
Phichit's performance had come to an end much faster than Yuuri had expected. Or maybe he'd just missed most of it when he went looking for Viktor. Seeing his friend so happy on the ice was all he needed, though. It didn't matter what the score was. Phichit had skated his best, and he deserved to be proud. Maybe he couldn't do as many quads as most of the others, but he had a style all his own on the ice. That meant much more than some technical points.
"Phichit Chulanont has earned in the free skate… 193.83, giving him a total of 289.56. He is currently in second place."
"Yuuri," Viktor rested his hand over Yuuri's on the barrier as he prepared to make his way to the centre of the ice, "I want you to bare your soul on the ice today, just like you did back in Russia. You can win the gold, I know you can."
That Russian accent saying his name always seemed to have a soothing effect. Yuuri was nervous, of course he was. It wasn't because he didn't think he could do this, though. He was just so scared of letting Viktor down. Instinctively, he threaded their fingers together, "I'm skating for you. Don't forget that, okay?"
It was almost disappointing to have to let go of Viktor's hand, but his skate was about to begin. He had to be at the centre of the ice. Taking his position, he waited for the music to begin. Viktor Nikiforov was a man full of surprises. That was one of the first things Yuuri noticed about him when he first started watching him skate. He never liked to do things the easy way, and he always wanted to surprise his audience. Yuuri had spent many years wondering how often people had surprised Viktor. He'd spent even more time wishing he could be the one to surprise him. Yuuri knew that now was the time to do that.
His first jump was a quadruple toe loop, double toe loop combination. Yuuri landed it without any issues, continuing to glide along the ice as he thought about the man who was watching from afar. Viktor had surprised people in so many ways, but Yuuri had never been more surprised than the day he had walked into his life, demanding answers for his lack of appearance in Fukuoka. Every day since had been an adventure. He never knew what to expect, and normally that would terrify him, but Yuuri knew it was different with Viktor around. When he was there, the unknown excited him. Landing his quad salchow, Yuuri felt the nerves start to fade, his mind completely preoccupied with the Russian who had changed his life over the course of the last eight months.
Viktor had shown him so much love. Yuuri was never very good at showing his affection to others. He always found these things easier on the ice, so that was exactly what he was going to use this free skate for. The next jump was a triple toe loop, but Yuuri changed his position, instead landing a triple flip. He hadn't talked to Viktor about his desire to change the components of his skate that day. He didn't want to tell him. It meant more for Viktor to watch and experience the program with him. Because truthfully, this program was so much more than a routine. It was something they created together, something filled with life, and love, and all the emotions Yuuri had been too afraid to share. His triple axel was flawless, moving into the next components of his skate.
Viktor Nikiforov was so much more than his idol. His words were ringing in his ears as he moved along the ice. The more time I spent with you, the more love I felt. Yuuri understood completely. His love for Viktor had grown more and more with every moment they shared together, so much that it scared him at first. He didn't know what the emotions were, he just knew that things felt right with Viktor at his side. Another jump was coming up; a triple flip. Instead, Yuuri performed a quadruple toe loop. Every moment he spent with Viktor was precious to him, but there was fear that came with it. A fear that once this circuit was over, Viktor wouldn't skate anymore, he wouldn't be able to share this with him anymore. Yuuri wasn't just skating for himself. He stopped skating for himself a long time ago. This was so much bigger than him. He was skating for Viktor, for his need to see him back on the ice, for Viktor to see how much he meant to him.
The triple axel, single loop, triple salchow combination went perfectly, and Yuuri was quickly moving into his next combination, the triple lutz, triple loop. So far, things had been flawless. All that was left was a step sequence and one more jump. He could do this. The final jump was a quadruple toe loop, but Yuuri was going to change it to the flip. He'd yet to land it without a mistake. It was a big risk, but one he was determined to take. After all, it was a risk for Viktor to come to Hasetsu. It was a risk for him to help him train. It was a risk to kiss him in that hotel room. Viktor had taken so many risks for him. Yuuri needed him to know how much love he felt, and what better way than to land the jump Viktor became famous for? As the step sequence came to an end, Yuuri did his best to settle his nerves, finally attempting the quadruple flip.
It felt like he was in the air for so much longer than he really was. His mind was racing, but all his thoughts were focused on one thing; showing Viktor how important he really was. As his blades landed back on the ice, it barely registered in Yuuri's mind that he'd done it. He landed the quad flip. He hadn't faltered, he hadn't touched the ice. He did it. As the music came to an end, Yuuri finally felt the exhaustion from his performance hit him. He rested his hands on his knees, trying to catch his breath as the crowd cheered. This was his best, the best he could possibly have done. All he could do now was wait for the results.
"Yuuri!" He looked over at the sound of his name to see Viktor standing at the edge of the ice with his arms outstretched and a wide, heart shaped smile. Yuuri had never wanted to get off the ice as quickly as he did in that moment. He wanted to be close to Viktor, to make sure he understood everything he was trying to say with that skate. The second he was close enough, Viktor was wrapping him up in his arms, that warm comforting feeling surrounding him, filling his senses, "You were amazing."
Yuuri sighed happily as he leaned into Viktor, closing his eyes and letting himself find comfort in him, "I just wanted you to know how I feel."
"Message received." Viktor chuckled, moving his arm to wrap around Yuuri's waist as he guided him towards the kiss and cry, "I feel the same way."
Sitting at the kiss and cry felt so daunting all of a sudden. This was going to be the last time he'd be there for the circuit. This was the last time they would judge his skating. This was his last chance to bring Viktor back to competitive skating.
"Yuuri Katsuki has earned in the free skate… 221.58, a new record and season's best. His total is 319.41. He is currently in first place."
It felt like time had stood still. That score. It wasn't possible. He had beaten Viktor's world record. He knew he should be happy, that he had a chance to win the gold, but he knew it must've hurt Viktor to have his record beaten. Again. He hesitantly looked over at Viktor to see his beaming smile, "I… I'm so sorry…"
Viktor shook his head, wrapping Yuuri up in his arms again, "Don't be, I'm so proud of you. You earned that score, you were perfect."
"You'll have to come back to the ice to beat it." Yuuri smiled, looking up at Viktor, though he knew that was asking a lot. He just wanted Viktor to come back. More than anything, he wanted to see Viktor skating competitively again.
Viktor smirked, "That depends on our deal."
OoOoO
They had missed most of Chris' skate. Yuuri had wanted to watch him, but the press was having a field day with the news of a new record. There were countless people rushing up, asking for pictures, or interviews. Yuuri had humoured them at first but was starting to get tired of it. He just wanted to watch the last few skaters. He may have gotten the new record, but it didn't mean he'd won yet. Otabek was standing at the centre of the ice when Yuuri finally managed to tear himself away from the crowd. He spotted Yuri standing by the barrier, watching Otabek with a frown. Maybe it wasn't so hard to figure out what had him so worked up.
Yuuri stood beside the young blond, watching as Otabek started moving through his routine, landing his first jump; a quadruple toe loop. He seemed determined, though that was nothing new. Yuuri had never seen a skater filled with as much determination as Otabek, though Yuri was a close second. It was as he landed his triple salchow, triple toe loop combination that Yuri groaned in frustration, muttering under his breath, "Stubborn idiot."
"What? He landed it perfectly." Yuuri was genuinely confused as he watched Otabek's performance, trying to figure out what he had done to cause the Russian so much frustration.
"He just needs to take my advice, but he's too much of an idiot to realise I'm right."
"What advice?"
Yuri decided to ignore the question, focusing on watching Otabek's performance. He gritted his teeth as the skater landed a triple axel, cupping his hands over his mouth as he called out, "Beka, just do it!"
"Beka?" Yuuri asked curiously.
"Shut up, piggy."
The next jump was a quad salchow, but that didn't seem to phase Yuri. So far, he'd done everything just as he'd planned. The components remained as they should be. Yuuri still couldn't figure out what had the blond so wound up, but it was clear it was something about Otabek's routine. His triple flip, single loop, triple salchow combination came out well and he continued to move along the ice. There was only one more jump left.
"Last chance, Beka…" Yuri murmured more to himself than anyone else, his eyes glued to the ice as the performance continued. That was when it happened. Yuuri watched as Otabek moved into his last jump. A triple loop had been planned, but instead, Otabek landed a quadruple loop. It wasn't perfect. The landing was a little sloppy, but it was at the end of his program. He'd get bonus points all the same. Yuri's frown disappeared, replaced by a bright smile. Yuuri had never seen him smile like that, so genuinely happy.
As Otabek's program came to an end, the crowd cheered. It was an almost flawless performance. The last jump was the only flaw, but it was still done well enough to boost his score. The moment Otabek stepped off the ice, Yuri was in his face, "Don't ever question my ideas again!"
Otabek nodded, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips, "Thanks."
"I'll see you on the podium." Yuri stepped passed him, making his way onto the ice.
"Yuri, Davai!" Otabek called after him, earning another smile from the Russian.
It all made sense now. Yuri knew that Otabek could make the most of JJ's failings in the short program. He knew that Otabek could make it onto the podium if he just took a risk and added an extra quad to his performance. Of course, they had to wait for the results to know for sure if he had managed to beat the Canadian's score. It would be close. Otabek's sloppy landing would make it even closer.
Yuuri watched the skater as he sat at the kiss and cry with his coach, his expression impossible to interpret.
"Otabek Altin has earned in the free skate… 187.03, giving him a total of 299.41. He is currently in second place."
With Yuri the only skater left, Otabek and Yuuri were both guaranteed a spot on the podium. It was Yuri who would determined where they would end up, though. He'd never felt so nervous watching the Russian perform before, but as the music started, it was like Yuuri's heart was beating out of his chest.
Yuri's first jump was a quad salchow. He landed it perfectly. It wasn't all that surprising, really. Yuri may have been fifteen, but he was a force of nature. Every time Yuuri saw him skate, he'd somehow gotten better. During his triple axel, Yuri raised an arm, only boosting his points for difficulty. There was something about Yuri. His balance was incredible. Yuuri had never seen someone do so many jumps with raised arms, but after the short program, he knew the Russian was capable of just about anything. His triple flip was just as flawless. All eyes were on the boy making the ice his own. It was impossible to look away. The next jump was a quad toe loop. It took everyone by surprise when Yuri fell, but he was back on his feet in seconds, continuing the program as though the fall had never happened. It was a small mistake, but it could cost him.
Yuuri felt like he was watching his future being determined right before his eyes. Maybe he was. Yuri's performance would determine for him if he would get the gold, if Viktor would come back to competitive skating. It was all down to Yuri Plisetsky. His next jump was a combination; quad salchow, triple toe loop. Yuri landed them perfectly with both arms raised, making up for the mistake with his last jump. There was a mixture of fear, anticipation, and excitement as Yuuri watched him, landing his quad toe, double toe combination. Yuri only had one more combination left. The performance had been almost perfect. He watched with bated breath as Yuri attempted his final combination. The triple axel, single loop, double salchow landed just as it should have, and Yuri began the motions to finish his routine.
It would be close. Yuuri knew it would be close. There was a chance he could still get the gold. Yuri's fall could've been enough for Yuuri to push through. Only time would tell. He watched as the Russian made his way to the kiss and cry. Yuuri had felt anxious many times in his life, but this was probably the worst. The anticipation was going to kill him. In just seconds, he would be finding out if Viktor would be returning to the ice.
"Yuri Plisetsky has earned in the free skate…"
Author Note: CLIFFHANGARRRRR. I wasn't going to do a cliffhanger here, but I saw an opportunity and I took it. We're nearing the end. We have the gala and the banquet still to come, are you excited? I AM! :D