The little family had a few days back at home before having to board a plane to Beijing for the third event, the Cup of China. It was Yuuri's turn to try on his coaching hat. This was his first time really coaching at a big competition. Because he and Yuri skated back to back at Skate Canada, he really didn't get much of a chance to coach. But, Yuuri was going to try his best to keep everything in line. When they finally arrived Yuuri had to deal with two very grumpy children and a sleepy cuddly Viktor. It was almost like having to look after three children. Yuuri promptly made sure they all got some sleep before the interviews in the evening. Yuri's interview went much the same. It wasn't as in-depth as his one a few days ago. It was Viktor's turn to be in the spotlight.

"Mr. Katsuki-Nikiforov, what can you tell us about your plans for the season?"

"Oh, I loved working on my programs with my lovely Yuuri. He was my inspiration for my skating this season. Did you see his skating at Skate Canada? I'm so in love with him"

"Yes… So what can you tell us about your theme for the season?"

"It's "Soulmates"! Just like me and my Yuuri!" Viktor looked dreamily into the distance. When the interviews were done, Yuri and Viktor walked over to where Yuuri and Alex were standing. Viktor gave his husband a big huge. While the two were hugging Yakov and Mila came up to them.

"Well look who it is." Said Mila ruffling Yuri's hair. Yuri scowled at her.

"Hello, Mila. Good luck tomorrow morning." Said Yuuri giving the young lady a hug. Yakov was talking to Viktor and Yuri about their programs. As their former coach, he was more than willing to give out some tips. Yakov didn't harbour any ill will towards the skaters. He understood why they had to move and liked them being alive thank you very much. Now Yakov was a very stoic, angry man. Until he saw little Alex.

"Why hello there little one. What's your name?" Alex looked up at their papa to make sure that it was ok to talk to the man. Viktor gave them a nod.

"My name is Alex Jordan Katsuki-Nikiforov and I'm 5 years old."

"Viktor, you don't deserve such cuteness." Viktor pouted. "You on the other hand Yuuri. If you need help with the little one at all just ask got it."

"Yes, sir." And with that, the family made their way back to the hotel. Viktor and Yuri at up and promptly fell asleep. This left Yuuri to entertain Alex who was too overstimulated to want to fall asleep. They ended up watching Moana and snacking on carrots until they fell asleep. Yuuri wanted to sleep but had some difficulties. This was his true debut as coach, and if Viktor and Yuri didn't do well, the world would blame him.

When Yuuri woke up the next day, he looked like shit. The bags under his eyes were prominent and he held an air of exhaustion. He looked about as bad as he had at the Cup of China the previous year. Yuuri actually made good on Yakov's offer and had the man come to babysit Alex during practice. Yuuri was mostly focused on his son. Viktor could take care of himself, it was Yuri who needed guidance. Practice was short and before long they were getting dressed and ready to hit the ice.

Yuri had drawn first and was ready for his short program. He was once again dressed in his gladiator get up. Yuri was in love with this costume and the music. He has Otabek help him pick the song. To Yuri, Otabek was the king of picking music. Yuri was rearing to go. This was his last event before the GPF and he needed to score really well if he wanted to secure his spot. If he wanted a guaranteed stop, Yuri needed to score second or better, and he was determined to win.

"Yuri, don't let the situation get to your head. Focus on the program. Got it?" Yuri nodded and skated out onto the ice.

"On the ice, representing Canada, Yuri Plisetsky!" the crowd roared to life as Yuri skated out onto the ice and took up position. Yuri wanted to up the difficulty in his programs. He had only just beat Yuuri by a fraction of a point. If he wanted to beat Viktor he needed to pull out the big guns. He needed to put his arms up on most of his jumps. They each had 4 quads in their free skate. It would come down to their PCS to make the difference in points. At least Yuri had a chance there. He chose the music and didn't feel creatively stifled like he had last season. Yuri skated his heart out. The program was stronger than the last time he skated it a few days ago. Yuuri looked proud as he took his final pose. He had no significant faults. Yuri's foot had wobbled a bit in his last jump, but other than that it was a well-presented program. He received new seasons best at the kiss and cry, but would it be enough to stay in the lead. Yuri went to go take over babysitting duty so that his dads could do what they needed to do before Viktor's short program.

"Viktor…" Yuuri had a worried look on his face. He needed him to do well. Yuuri really didn't want to be known as the man who ruined Viktor's career by being a bad coach.

"Don't worry Yuuri. I've practiced tons and I can do this. You don't need to worry." He gave Yuuri an Eskimo kiss. And took to the ice.

"Last on the ice, representing Canada, Viktor Katsuki-Nikiforov!" Viktor waved to the crowd as they cheered and chanted. Viktor was dressed in a mock three-piece suit, meaning it was all one piece. It was even complete with short coat tails. Viktor's left hand was adorned with a white glove. His right remained bare to show off his wedding ring. Now, Viktor was known for surprising the audience. Today was no different. Viktor did not start at the centre of the ice. He started farther left and just stood there. When the beginning chords of "Death of a Bachelor" by Panic! At the Disco started Viktor picked up speed, dropped to the ground, and slid on his side across the ice to the centre. Wow, defiantly different. He got up and proceeded to begin his step sequence. His own arm snaps matched up with the music. He geared up for his first jump. A flawless Quad Flip. Viktor wasn't known as the living legend for nothing. He entered another mesmerizing step sequence. Once done he went into a Quad Lutz Triple Toe Loop combination. It was so close to perfect. There was just the slightest wobble on the landing. Viktor skated into a Flying Sit Spin while hugging himself. What's wrong with a little self-loving? Next was a clean Triple Axel into a combination spin. Viktor was trying so hard to depict his story. Even after their wedding, people been criticizing his relationship and trying to get him to leave Yuuri. Some still believed him to be lying and that he was still single. Well, he was not. He wanted to scream out to the world the Viktor Katsuki-Nikiforov was no longer a bachelor. So that's he did. Viktor continued to skate in an amazing step sequence into his final pose. Viktor ended with both arms outstretched to Yuuri. He really was head over heels in love with the man. Viktor skated off the ice straight to Yuuri's arms as they walked together to the kiss and cry.

"Viktor you were beautiful out there." Viktor smiled and held Yuuri's hand as they waited for the scores. At the end of the day, Viktor was ahead of Yuri by two points. Yuuri felt good about how things were going. No major injuries and no big faults. Yuuri sent Viktor and Yuri to bed after dinner. While Yuuri got things organized for the next day, Alex told him all the things that they did with Yakov that morning. Turned out that Yakov Feltsman was an excellent babysitter. They all got settled into bed for one last goodnights sleep before the free skate. And Yuuri didn't know it, but Viktor had something special planned for the next evening.

Night turned to day and the skaters' mode their way to the rink for the free program. The energy was palpable. Each skater was preparing in their own way. Yuri was feeling the pressure. He needed a high score now to secure a place in the final. Once he was all warmed up, Yuri got changed into his costume. He was about to set the ice on fire with his hot moves. Yuri was in second place after the short program and was ready to go. His family gave him an embarrassing hug before he hit the ice. Well, it was embarrassing from his dads. Alex was cool and he didn't care if his younger sibling gave him a hug.

"On the ice, representing Canada, Yuri Plisetsky!" Yuri skated out onto the ice with vigor. He took up position. His arms folded across his chest once more. His hair and costume on fire with his passion. (Or it could be his hair spray)He skated with everything he had in him. Yuri needed to make to podium to keep a spot in the final. When the music started Yuri skated to the best of his ability. It was powerful. Yuri was ready to set the judges ablaze with his art. He moved like a flame caught on gasoline. Nobody could put out his fire. When the song ended, Yuri was exhausted. He skated off the ice to his family. Yuuri patted his back as they headed to the Kiss and Cry. Viktor was next but he could handle himself. Yuri was still young and had overdone it a bit on the ice. His jumps and everything were clean, but it was clear that Yuri was tired after that performance. At the kiss and cry, he sat looking that the screen. Waiting. He really needed to score well. He held his breath.

"The scores for Yuri Plisetsky…"

Yuri's eyes widened. He was currently in first place. He would make it to the final and show the world what he had in him. Even if Viktor won this event, Yuri could still make it to the final. Yuri could relax now and watch his papa skate.

"Last on the ice, representing Canada, Viktor Katsuki-Nikiforov!" Viktor skated out with gusto. All his programs this season were about his one true love. His Yuuri. His theme was soul mates after all. Is costume was white dance pants and a white V-neck t-shirt. It was simple. His belt was black to match his skates. He took up position at the centre of the ice. Head down with his hands in his pockets. He was skating to "Shape of You" by Ed Sheeran. When the music started, Viktor began to move his hips and arms to the beat. It was intoxicating. He took that into a step sequence. Viktor put all the love he had for his husband into the steps. He moved hypnotically to the music. First up was a Quad Salchow. It was landed effortlessly. Viktor continued to move across the ice. Next was his Quad Toe Loop Single Salchow Double Flip combination. It was proof that Viktor truly was king of the ice. Right after his lovely Yuuri of course. He entered into a combination spin. His bangs flying in the wind he created. Next was a Quad Lutz. It was executed beautifully. Viktor skated to the centre of the ice where he did a combination of salsa and belly dance for 16 counts. Yuuri just stood off to the side with a mild nose bleed. Yuri shielded Alex's eyes and gagged at his papa's antics. Next was his signature Quad Flip. Excellent landing! From there Viktor skated into a Triple Axel. Little shaky on the landing, but it was expected that late in the program. His last element was a Camel Spin. Viktor was like a tornado on the ice. As the music came to an end so did Viktor. He ended in what he dubbed the "Shakira Pose". His arms were up and twisted around each other. It ended with a little swivel of his hips. The audience lost it as Viktor took a bow and skated off to join his family. At the kiss and cry, Viktor and Yuuri held hands while Yuri entertained Alex. Viktor ended up winning the competition with a new personal best. Yuuri was just happy that his debut as coach didn't end in disaster. When they got back to the hotel they were greeted by Yakov.

"Hi Yakov, they're all yours for the night." Said Viktor

"Viktor what's going on?" questioned Yuuri

"Yakov is going to watch the kids for the night. I have a little surprise for you, my love." Smiled Viktor. The pair walked up to their room and Viktor Commanded Yuuri to get changed into his good suit while Viktor did the same. Viktor took his hand and dragged Yuuri down the street from the hotel to a very fancy looking restaurant. Yuuri was a little confused as they sat down and Viktor took his hands.

"Yuuri, one year ago I realized some things. I realized how much I needed you in my life. I realized how much I cared for you. And I realized how much I loved you. So I kissed you on the ice. And I'm so glad I did. Happy anniversary love." Viktor gave Yuuri the sappiest smile in the world. Yuuri smiled back and gripped his hand tighter. They truly were soulmates. They were still together through thick and thin. The duo enjoyed their time together without the kids. They eventually retired to their room. With Yakov entertaining Alex and keeping Yuri out of trouble, Yuuri and Viktor had the rest of the night to continue their celebration in private.

I hope this was a fun chapter to read. As always the links to the music are on my Tumblr Lupinthealchemist #On My Love: Family. I wanted to include a little anniversary of the kiss. Viktor seems like the type to celebrate it. See you next time –Shadows