Long chapter ahead. Y'all have been warned.
Training was becoming grueling for all the skaters. With the world championships just around the corner as well the trio starting to pack up their apartment to move, there was little time for rest. Everything was good to go for the move. They were moving to the City of Calgary in the province of Alberta. It was close to the mountains like Viktor wanted but it wasn't too big of a city compared to Detroit like Yuuri wanted. The one thing that sold Yurio on the location was that Calgary was the site of the 1988 Olympics so the city had some amazing training facilities. Soon they would be leaving for worlds, and not long after to Canada.
The skaters got off the plane and stepped into the streets of Helsinki. They caught a cab to the hotel and then had to split up. Even though Viktor was Yuuri's coach, he still had to go off and join Team Japan while Viktor and Yuri went to join the rest of Team Russia. This arrangement was not pleasant for either party. Even practice was difficult because Viktor had to make sure he did his routines as well as coach Yuuri and keep an eye on Yurio and Otabek to make sure they didn't get up to anything. It was absolutely exhausting. Viktor would have to find a better way to make this work as next season he was coaching both his boys and himself. After the little time allotted to practice, it was time to start the competition. It was Thursday, March 30 when it was finally time for them to take to the ice.
It started with a 5 min warmup for group 1 as per usual. Viktor and Yuuri lucked out and were in different groups. Yuri, Viktor, Chris, Phichit, and Leo were on the ice getting ready. When it was time to exit the ice Leo was the only one to remain. He once again skated to Still Alive and he did better than at the cup of China. Next was Chris giving yet another extremely sexual rendition of Intoxicated. After Chris was Phichit, who gave an enthralling rendition of Shall We Skate. He even managed to add another quad to his roster. At last, it was Viktor's turn to take to the ice.
"Up next representing Russia…Viktor Nikiforov!" The applause that erupted in the stadium was deafening. Viktor skated to the centre of the ice and took his beginning pose, casually standing on the ice, his right hand raised to look at his ring. He wore a simple black button down and tight black slacks. The only gold on his person being his blades and his ring. For as extra as he was, this costume was quite subdued and simple. The audience waited in anticipation, and the first chords of You Are Enough by Sleeping at Last began to play. With that his arms began to move, his eyes never leaving the ring. He started into a step sequence. He moved joyously to the music. Viktor's eyes landed on Yuuri and a huge smile spread across his face. He picked up speed and went into a very elegant Triple Axel. Yuuri's favourite jump. From there he went into a flying spin and into a combination spin sequence. Viktor continued on, moving gracefully across the ice. Next was his Quad Toe Loop Triple Flip combination. Ouch, one hand on the ice. He didn't let it faze him. He continued on to another step sequence. Viktor was beginning to get tired but he forged on. Next was his signature Quad Flip. Viktor was hesitant as to whether he could land it so late in the program. Well, he can and he did. A bit of a shaky landing but he didn't touch the ice. Viktor went into his last spin element and finished in the same pose he started in. Viktor gave a bow to the crowd and skated off the ice to hug his fiancé and to head to the kiss and cry. He was currently in first place. His score was good but not good enough to beat Yuuri's record. Yuuri was already dressed and ready to go so that he could watch Yuri and Viktor before his turn on the ice.
Now it was Yuri's turn to take to the ice. His gaze looked lost. Yuri felt that he had lost his agape along with his grandfather. He didn't feel anything but bitter sadness when he stepped out on the ice. The music stated and Yuri was just going through the motions. He went into a Triple Axel. It was clean, but it didn't have the same feel that it did the last time he performed. The last time his grandpa watched. He went into a flying sit spin, his eyes devoid of anything resembling agape. Yuuri was just getting a pep-talk from Viktor when they looked up to see their son. He was in his step sequence, and he looked miserable. They looked at each other and made a split second decision.
"Davai Yurio!"
"You can do it, Yuri!"
"We believe in you Yura!"
Yuri looked up at them as he moved out of his step sequence and into the three little runs. His eyes begin to fill with tears. His grandpa had been his agape for as long as he could remember. His only living family. Now he was gone. But maybe he had a new agape. Viktor, his papa. Yuuri, his father, his Chichi. Otabek, Beka, his boyfriend. There were people who loved him with all their heart. Yuri felt torn. He loved his grandpa, but he felt a new love for his new family. He made a resolve. Skate for his new agape. Quadruple Salchow, Triple Toe Loop. Perfect landing!
"That's it Yurio!"
"That's my boy!"
Quadruple Toe Loop. A beautiful step sequence. Such innocence. Into the spin sequence. Yuri ended the program with his arms raised high to the heavens. He would never forget his grandpa's love, but Yuri could learn to accept this new love with his new family.
Yuri skated off the ice and practically jumped into his parent's arms. He let out a sob and gave them the biggest hug he could muster. He allowed himself to be escorted to the kiss and cry to see his results. Yuri was currently in second place, just 2 points behind his papa. Considering his lackluster performance in the first half he was happy to get what he got. He spent the time between the two groups competing spending time with between Yuuri and Otabek. He gave them encouragement like they had for him when he was on the ice. A voice sounded. It was time for group two to take to the ice.
Yuuri and Otabek skated out onto the ice followed by JJ, Guang Hong, and Minami. They skated around getting acquainted with the ice and doing some jumps and spins. After the warm up the only person who remained on the ice was JJ. His rendition of Theme of King JJ and improved tenfold. Although he had improved, it still didn't break Viktor and Yuri's scores. Next was Guang Hong. He performed admirably, but he still took a tumble on his Triple Axel. Next was Minami. He sure had improved and now had one quad in his roster. After Minami came Otabek. He skated to the center of the ice and took his pose to ramped applause and a lot of shouting from Yuri. He skated like a true hero. He was so strong and commanding of the ice. The music fit Otabek like a glove. It was strong and powerful, just like he was. The piece ended with cheers and shouts from the crowd. (And Yuri) Currently, his score landed him in third place. All that was left in the mens short program, was Yuuri.
"Next on the ice, representing Japan, Yuuri Katsuki!"
Yuuri took one last look at Viktor as he skated to the centre of the ice and took up his position. The music started and Yuuri took off. His arms moved erotically and his tongue flicked out with the sole purpose of seducing his fiancé. Yuuri entered into his step sequence moving his music to the music. He launched into a combination spin sequence. He handled it with practice ease. He exited into a Triple Axel. It was beautiful. Wait… was that an arm up?! Viktor looked on in surprise. That wasn't done at practice. Yuuri kept going entering into his Quad Salchow Triple Toe loop combination. Very clean landing. Yuuri powered up and pulled off the sexiest Quad Flip in history. He ended in his normal pose but it looked so confident. It looked stunning. Applause deafened the rink and Yuuri took a bow. He skated off the ice to join Viktor. Like at the Cup of China, Viktor launched himself at Yuuri kissing him passionately. Yuuri looked at his fiancé in adoration as they went over to the kiss and cry. When the scores came out Yuuri was in tears. He was currently in first place beating Viktor! It was like he was in a dream. This couldn't be real. First of all, he was at the world championships. Second of all, he was currently in first place. Third… He was beating his long time idol, now lover, Viktor Nikiforov. This had to be a dream. Yuuri was afraid to blink in case he woke up and he was back in Detroit. But no, this was real. Viktor was hugging him and crying as well. He was so proud of his fiancé. He was finally realizing what he could do as a skater.
At the end of the short program, these were the standings.
Yuuri Katsuki
Viktor Nikiforov
Yuri Plisetsky
Otabek Altin
JJ LeRoy
Chris Giacometti
Phichit Chulanont
Leo de LaIglasia
Guang Hong Ji
Kenjirou Minami
In two days it would be the free program and the grand fight for the podium.
In the intervening days between the short program and the free program, there was lots of practicing. Everyone was working their hardest on and off the ice. The skaters did find time to go site seeing. Yuri and Otabek got to spend some time together without their annoying chaperones. Yuuri and Viktor spent time planning their wedding and window shopping. Phitchit's Instagram was filled with pictures of Helsinki and the other skaters. Overall everyone was having a great time. Then came the big day, the free skate.
Because they got to skate in reverse order, Minami would start the event, and it would end with Yuuri. This also, unfortunately, meant that Yuuri wouldn't have his coach present before he took to the ice. If Yuuri could hold it together it would be a miracle. Minami's program was solid, but with only one quad he didn't stand much of a chance. Guang Hong performed admirably but still not enough to break the 300 mark. Next was Leo. He fell completely in a Quad Toe Loop and was out of the running for the podium. Phitchit went after and he had improved tenfold and got a score of 301.28. After Phitchit was Chris. His performance was solid and erotic as always. JJ was next and he killed it. His program was almost flawless if it wasn't for a tiny slip that almost went unnoticed. Next was Otabek and he nailed his routine. It was next to flawless. Yuri cheered him on as to not let his nerves got to him. And then it was his turn.
"Next on the ice, representing Russia, Yuri Plisetsky!"
Yuri took and deep breathe and skated to the center of the rink. The aggressive notes of Allegro Appassionato hit the air. Yuri launched into his step sequence, the flames on his costume flying with him. He went into a Quad Salchow that was landed with precision. More steps into a spiral. From there into a clean Triple Axel. Further movement into a Triple Flip with one arm raised. Yuri skated into his Quad Toe Loop and beveled on the landing. He went into a spiral and into another step sequence. From there into the first of 3 combination jumps. Quad salchow Triple Toe Loop. Clean landing. He was starting to get tired but Yuri pushed on. Quad Toe Loop Double Toe Loop. More skating as he prepared to enter his last jumps. Triple Axel Single Flip Double Salchow with both arms raised. Yuri entered his combination spin and into his final pose. From there he promptly fell to his knees in exhaustion. He got up and skated off the ice towards his dads who gave him the biggest, sappiest hugs known to man. They let Yakov and Lilia take him to the kiss and cry. And with that, Yuri's performance landed him in first place with a score of 320.79. If he would stay in first was still up for debate.
"Next on the ice, representing Russia, Viktor Nikiforov!" The rink broke into applause as Viktor skated to the center of the ice waving at his fans. He was clad in a baby pink spandex one piece. There were small blue roses climbing up his right leg, over his waist, and finishing in a heart shape over his heart. As well to tie the whole thing together, he was sporting a blue rose flower crown pinned to his hair. In all honesty, it was a very flashy costume. He took his pose, one arm down, his right hand over his heart, one leg bent behind him. And with the beautiful flute sounds of Clockwork by Sleeping at Last, he spun around and began. He started off with a Quad Lutz into a step sequence. He continued on into a Triple Axel and from there into a flying sit spin. Another elegant step sequence into his signature Quad Flip. It was landed beautifully. His first combination jump, Quad Toe Loop Single Flip Triple Flip. Viktor was still going strong. He went into a spiral and then picked up speed to enter a Triple Lutz. Another stunning step sequence into a combination jump. Triple Axel Triple Toe Loop. The music began to die down as Viktor began a swooning combination spin into his final pose. He ended with his arms outstretched towards Yuuri as the audience applauded. Viktor exited the ice to give his fiancé one last bit of encouragement on his way to the kiss and cry. And with a score of 322.11, he had beat Yuri down to second place and Otabek to third.
Last but not least was Yuuri. He was terrified. With Viktor at the kiss and cry, Yuuri was on his own as he skated out onto the ice. No last second pep talk, no hug, no kiss. Just Yuuri and the ice. He skated to the centre of the ice, looked back at Viktor at the kiss and cry, drew in all his strength, and struck his pose. The captivating tune of Yuri! On Ice began and Yuuri moved with it. Yuuri went into his step sequence. His eyes held all his nerves but his body held all the love and beauty. To anybody not looking closely, Yuuri looked to be the master of confidence. His first jump combination was coming up. Quadruple Toe Loop Double Toe Loop. It was perfect in every sense of the word. He continues on elegantly into his next jump a Quadruple Salchow. The music picked up and Yuuri lined up to take on a Triple Axel. When Yuuri jumped it looked like he was soaring. It was incredible. Yuuri landed and the music began to slow. He skated into an Ina Bauer with pride. This was the last time Yuuri would skate this program. He wanted it to be his and he wanted to make Viktor proud. He entered another flawless Triple Axel. The music began to speed up and Yuuri did a Quadruple Toe Loop. More skating, more speed into a Triple Axel Single Loop Triple Salchow. The music began to pique as he did a Triple Lutz Triple Toe Loop and landed with grace. Yuuri entered His last step sequence and he danced across the ice. And as the music hit its climax so did Yuuri with perfect Quadruple Flip. Yuuri landed and went into his combination spin. This was Yuuri's time to shine. He was the master of this ice and he was in control. The melody began to slow and the sweet notes of the piano lead Yuuri to his final pose. His arm outstretched towards Viktor and Yuri. The audience cheered as Yuuri took in a ragged breath and fell to his knees in tears. He could truly be proud of that performance.
Yuuri finally made his way off the ice into Viktor's waiting arms. Viktor had said no to his post-skate interview in order to be there for Yuuri when he got off the ice. The two met with a hug and a small kiss as they made their way to the kiss and cry. They sat in silence. Yuuri's leg was bouncing up and down. Viktor had a strong arm around his shoulders, trying in vain to bring some sort of comfort to Yuuri. Yuri was even there, anxious to see the score. The crowd was dead silent.
"The scores for Yuuri Katsuki."
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.
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224.98 making a total score of 335.64!
The crowd was ecstatic. Yuri was shouting and slapping his back. Viktor was hugging and shaking him, a few tears leaked form his eyes. Yuuri just stared at the score on the screen. His jaw slowly dropped and Yuuri's hands flew to his face as he clasped in tears. This wasn't real. It couldn't be real. Not only had Yuuri won the whole thing but he had beaten Viktor Nikiforov. This had to be a dream.
"Yuuri! Yuuri! You won! You did it! Yuuri I'm so proud of you my love!" Viktor hugged him closer and kissed him hard. The kiss and cry was truly living up to its name. Yuri didn't know what to do so he just joined in the hug.
They were given a few moments to calm down before the medal ceremony. Yuri took home the bronze with a dedication to his grandpa. Viktor took on his first silver in six years, but he wasn't upset in the slightest. Yuuri took the gold and cried the whole medal ceremony. He used what little voice he could muster and dedicated his win to love and family. After that he just kind of shut down. Yuuri was so speechless that when it came time for the interview he let Viktor and Yuri do all the talking. All in all, it was an amazing competition. Otabek came in 4th taking out JJ and Yuri was proud of him. Because the next day was the gala and not an important skate, Yuri spent the night with Otabek, and Viktor and Yuuri spent the night celebrating in privet.
After the excitement of the previous day's events, it was time for the gala. A time to celebrate their achievements and to skate with no restraints. The top five skaters would get to have their turn to have some much-needed fun on the ice. The skaters had spent the afternoon learning the group skate and the entrance order and everyone felt prepared. This was a night for fun and goofiness. They had a small dress rehearsal to get warmed up before the lights lowered and the skaters went back to get ready. Everyone got into their costumes for the night and waited for their name to be called.
"From Canada Jean-Jacques LeRoy!" JJ skated out to applause and joined the skaters already on the ice. He was wearing some red and white get up. Yuri really didn't care. "From Kazakhstan, Otabek Altin!" Beka skated out in just a simple white button down and black slacks. To Yuri he looked stunning, but he still had a small smirk on his face. Yuri and Otabek had a small surprise up their sleeve when it came to music and performance. The only people who knew were the sound people in charge of the music. "From Russia and the mens singles bronze medalist, Yuri Plisetsky!" Yuri Skated out onto the ice to join Otabek. They smiled at each other as they skated circles around the rink. Yuri was wearing the same thing as Otabek. "From Russia and the mens singles silver medalist, Viktor Nikiforov!" Viktor skated out to applause and waved at the crowd. Viktor was dressed very flashy. It was very resembling of Lady Gaga. His costume was black with pink and blue rind stones plastered on every inch of available fabric. It was almost obnoxious. "And now for our mens singles gold medalist! From Japan, Yuuri Katsuki!" The stadium erupted as Yuuri skated out onto the ice. Yuuri wore a dark blue spandex leotard peppered with rind stones. It also had a white triangle that went from his neck to his belly button on both sides. Yuuri waved at the crowd and skated off to join Viktor as the other first place medalists were called. Once everyone was on the ice they all stopped and clapped to the beat as the different groups went out to the centre to show off. This even included Yuuri and Viktor doing a synchronized Quad Flip to the surprise of the audience. Eventually, thy all exited the ice to start the event.
After a few pair and female skaters had went JJ was out on the ice skating to Walk off the Earth. Of course, he would pick a Canadian band. At least it was a good band. A few more skaters went before it was Yuri and Otabek's turn. They had chosen to share their skate. This had been in the works for months and it seemed the time to unleash the monster they had created. They stood in the middle of the ice in their costumes and dark sunglasses as the Ninja Sex Party cover of Take On Me started. Take On Me was Yuri's grandpa's favourite song and Yuri wanted to use it, but with a more modern twist. The two skated to the beat throwing their arms around and moving their hips. They even pulled off a synchronized Quad Toe Loop. It was very entertaining until *record scratch* they threw their sunglasses off and the telltale drum beat of Never Gunna Give You Up started. Yes, they had just Rick Rolled everybody watching them right now. This was Beka's idea and the duo thought it was hilarious. Thay only skated to a portion of the song before taking each other's hands and holding them up in their final pose. The two left the ice giggling at the collective groan that happened when they Rick Rolled everyone.
After a while, it was Viktor's turn and he skated out onto the ice. As much as he wanted to skate again with Yuuri he couldn't because his fiancé had come in first and needed to skate on his own. Viktor stood in the center with his head down. After a moment the song Applause by Lady Gaga started. Viktor skated and smiled, his arms moved in geometric shapes as he skated around the rink. He jumped and skated with reckless abandon. Viktor had always liked gala skates. He could really let loose and be himself. Everyone was clapping to the beat and Viktor continued to rile the up as his skating became a bit sexual. Eventually, his skate ended with His arms up and a huge smile on his face. He skated off the ice to give Yuuri some last minute love and encouragement.
This was Yuuri's first time winning worlds and he wanted it to be special. He wanted to send a message. Yuuri had struggled with anxiety for years now. Some days were better than others. After Viktor had become a constant in his life, and after Yuuri was sure they wouldn't spit, he felt that he was having more good days. Yuuri still had really bad days though. There was one day not too long after they had gained custody of Yuri, he had a major meltdown. Viktor found Yuuri sitting on the bathroom floor crying and rocking back and forth.
"Yuuri, what's wrong? What happened? Are you OK? Is it a panic attack?" All Yuuri could do was nod and look away from Viktor. Viktor stayed and sat cross-legged on the ground a bit of a ways away from Yuuri. After the Cup of China Viktor had begun to read up on how to best help someone struggling with anxiety and panic attacks. He wanted to be there to help Yuuri when he could. After a while, Viktor reached out to Yuuri slowly and asked: "Is it ok if I touch you Yuuri?" Yuuri nodded and Viktor pulled him into a hug. After a while, Yuuri told him that he had been bottling up all his emotions since they took in Yuri. He was scared that he would somehow mess up the teen's life and that he would somehow hurt him. After much reassurance from Viktor Yuuri felt a little better. Yuuri was slowly building his confidence and he wanted to show through his skating that you should rock who you are. It doesn't matter if you're gay or straight, male, female, or trans, black white or Asian. Everyone should be able to be happy, CUZ BABY YOU WERE BORN THIS WAY!
The music started and Yuuri skated his heart out. The spotlights flashed and he raised his head to look up. It was amazing how he moved on the ice. The crowd was out of their seats cheering for him. Yuuri wanted to spread positivity, and it was working. People were clapping and dancing with him. When the song ended the crowd lost it. The other skaters joined him on the ice to take a bow. Viktor even gave Yuuri a little kiss. He was so proud of Yuuri.
The night ended with the banquet and once again a little drunken pole dancing thanks to a certain Swiss skater. At the end of the night, the skaters retired to their room for some privet celebration.
Yay it's finally done! This chapter took forever to write and I hope you all like it. You can find the links to all the music I chose on my Tumblr Lupinthealchemist! One final thing. If any of you are good at art please draw Viktor's Free and gala skate costumes I want to see what y'all come up with. Until next time –Shadows