Chapter 2

Disclaimer- I own nothing!

Yuri cheered and clapped with the others around him as he watched Viktor's short program. It was intense but it was better than his original. At Nationals it was easy to see he made it harder than he could handle and the program looked choppy. This one had a flow to it and it brought tears to his eyes. Watching Viktor hit his final pose he stopped when saw him fall. Figuring he was just trying to get his breath he sat at the edge of seat and waited. *Get up.* When he saw he wasn't moving at all he stood up and yelled.

"VIKTOR!" Something was wrong he could feel it. The love of his life wasn't moving at all. Watching in horror as the on staff medical team quickly skated out to him he knew he couldn't sit here and wait. Being let out by Yurio's grandfather he ran down the exit to underneath where the skaters were gathering.

"Excuse me!" Being stopped by the security he quickly tried to get around them. "That's my fiancée that is injured I need to get by!" Not having the time for his he wished there wasn't such strict rules on who was allowed beside the ice.

"Yuri! He is with us! Excuse us!" Hearing his name he saw Yurio come over and quickly grab him to get him through. Breaking from him once he could he ran to the wall and stopped. Feeling his body shaking he didn't want to believe what he was seeing. Being pulled back by someone he couldn't get his eyes to pull from the medical team trying to attempt CPR on Viktor. No. This couldn't be real. This was a nightmare. A horrible nightmare he was going to wake up from any moment now. Hearing someone shouting for everyone to move they all separated as a few more medical members rushed on the ice while two people stayed behind. Was that a defibrillator he was watching being set up beside them? What happened to the man he loved?

Praying to every force in the universe he pleaded with them to bring him back. He couldn't die. Seeing Viktor so exposed as they tried to shock his heart Yuri believed it had to be someone else this was happening to. Not the man that was fine an hour ago. They laughed, kissed, they joked around with each other. He was fine. He had always been fine.

"We have a pulse." Those words were music to his ears though his heart was breaking as he saw the oxygen mask being put on Viktor as Yuri heard his pulse was weak. Stepping forward he refused to be left behind while they rushed Viktor to the hospital.

"You are with Viktor right?"

"Yes! I am Yuri Katsuki."

"Here. You can hold on to this then." Being given something he opened his hand to see it was Viktor's ring. They must have taken it off before they tried to shock him. Looking back at Yurio and Yakov he heard Yakov tell him to go they would follow behind. Nodding, he ran behind the stretcher just hoping to know what had happened. Staying out of the way as they loaded Viktor to the back of the ambulance he got in once he was allowed and took Viktor's hand. He was never letting it go, he was never letting him go.

"…Y…Yuri…" The name was just a whisper and if he hadn't been watching his face he might have missed it but he moved closer towards him from the chair and squeezed his hand tightly with his own.

"I'm right here Viktor. I love you and I am right here. We are on our way to the hospital to get you the best care so please hold on for me." Fighting back tears he was so scared he would lose him. He needed to be strong for him.

"…love…you…" With those whispered words Yuri was asked to step aside as they worked. The beeping had gotten louder and the look on everyone's face was focused and intense.

"You can't die. Do you hear me, you can't. I can't live without you." Whispering them to his lover he knew he heard them. That ability came from the bond they shared.

Holding himself together he paced the ER waiting room wishing to hear something. Once they had arrived they told him he had to stay here and someone would get him. Now it felt like forever since they left him and he knew nothing. He just wanted to know how Viktor was doing.

"Yuri!" Hearing his name he saw Phichit come running towards him and give him the biggest hug. Crying into his friend's chest it felt good to cry, he was so scared of the unknown. Feeling a hand on his back a few moments later he was gently pushed towards the sitting area. Looking up from his friend he saw they weren't alone, Yakov and Yurio made it as well.

"How he is?" At Yakov's question Yuri shook his head.

"I don't know. They won't let me see him. But, well…I know his heart stopped again on the way over here." Crying into his hands as the words left his mouth he felt Phichit pull him close. Please, couldn't anyone wake them up from this nightmare? "And I am struggling to find anyone that speaks English or Russian here so communication has been tough."

"Viktor is strong Yuri he will pull through. Just you wait." At his friends words he nodded knowing he had to be strong and have faith that he would recover from this. "He loves you too much to just leave you." Pulling away he dried his eyes and tried to pull himself together, Phichit was right after all.

"What happened back at the rink? Did they finish the programs?"

"Well…Viktor was the last to go anyway…Not that we would have stayed either way."

Nodding at Yurio's words, Yuri kept a grip on Phichit's hand for strength while they waited for someone to tell them what was going on.

"Everyone is really worried about him but knew they wouldn't all be allowed here. I only tagged along figuring you could use the support."

"I appreciate it a lot Phichit. Is anyone able to contact Seung-gil? He speaks English right? I could really use his help in translating." He wasn't joking when he mentioned the language barrier. Once the paramedics dropped Viktor off he was quick to learn the nurses he was talking to didn't speak any English or very little at most. They were going to find someone that could help them but the sooner the better.

"I'll call around and see if I can get it for you Yuri." Thanking Yakov, Yuri really appreciated it. Feeling his phone going off in his pocket he stood to grab it and see who it was.

Answering it seeing it was his mother he knew she had to have seen what happened. After explaining everything to her again he felt himself start breaking down and crying again. He really needed to see Viktor.

"I know he will be fine honey. He loves you and he won't leave you like this."

"I know mom…I know."

"How are you? Are you alone? Mari and I can fly out if you need me."

"Thanks mom but I need to know what's going on first. Yuri and Viktor's coach are here with me as is my friend Phichit."

"I love you sweetie. If you need anything call me. Please. I wish I could be there for you."

"Thanks mom."

"Yuri! We contacted Seung-gil he is on his way now." Thanking them he told his mother he would call her back when he was able.

It felt like forever before he got there and when he did he still wasn't able to get any information for Yuri on how Viktor was doing.

"Was he sick?"

Shaking his head in response to Seung-gil's question he sat back down and took the water Phichit bought for him.

"I would never have allowed here to come here if he was. And the last time he saw a doctor he was told he was fine. I don't understand what happened. Unless. Oh god. I did this to him." Starting to cry again he felt his friend tell him that wasn't true at all as he rubbed his back. But, how could it not be? Viktor was trying to do too much at once. If he had been taking it easier he would have taken better care of himself.

"Vitya is an idiot but he knows when something isn't right with himself. I doubt you caused this Yuri. And I doubt he knew this was going to happen."

"Yuri?" Hearing his name they all sprang up to see a nurse near the waiting room doors looking for him. Thank god! Finally! Practically running over to her he asked how Viktor was and if he could see him only to see her face look confused. Right, it seemed no one here spoke English. Before he could say anything Seung-gil stepped in to speak with her. Waiting anxiously his heart sank even further at his words.

"She said Viktor is in ICU right now. He is very weak. They will allow only family to see him."

"I'm his fiancée. Only…I can't talk to any of the nurses can you ask to join me to translate?" Looking back at Yakov and Yurio he turned back to Seung-gil. "Yakov and Yuri are family too. Let the three of us see him." As he told this to the nurse he went to Phichit and told him what he learned.

"Go be with your fiancée Yuri. I will wait here."

"I am sorry."

"Don't be. He needs you."

Giving his friend a tight hug he thanked him for everything. Going back to Seung-gil he was told she would allow it but they couldn't stay long. It was horrible but it would have to do for now.

Coming to Viktor's room Yuri's heart was already pounding in his chest. The main reason he asked for the other's to join him was he didn't think he could handle seeing him alone. Yes, Viktor was the man he loved but to see him in such a state was more than he could handle. Going in first Yakov and Yuri followed right behind. Seung-gil said he would stay outside the door so if they needed him he would be able to help. To the nurses Yakov was Viktor's father and Yuri was his younger brother. They all looked nothing alike so if they questioned it they were going to say he was adopted.

"Oh god." Covering his mouth with his hands, Yuri felt his heart stop. The man he loved looked so frail, how could this be the same man he was with earlier? Slowly going next to him he gently took his hand.

"Viktor. I am here." He knew he wasn't going to answer. The nurse told them on their way up that he would probably need surgery to fix what that caused his heart to enlarge and cause his cardiac arrest he was too weak to do anything right now though. To help him recover faster and safer they were keeping him in an induced coma for the next day or so. They couldn't keep him in it long but it would help them get him the medical attention he needed. He also learned that his heart had stopped once more while they were trying to stabilize him and get him hooked up and tested to see what was causing this to happen. From this though they had no idea the damage it could have done to him and his mind. Yuri didn't want to believe he lost the man he loved but the fear was there. Viktor could wake up and not know a thing, or he could become brain dead.

"I love you so much Viktor. Please. Please keep fighting for me okay. You are going to get better and we are going to go home and be a family and get married and move back to Japan. You can't give up yet." Putting his head on Viktor's arm he cried on it so worried for their future. Slowly looking up at him he saw the heart monitors connected to his chest, the lines for the IV's and nutrients going into his hand, the breathing mask covering his beautiful face. Following the cables to the monitors he saw the heart rate showing it was beating. According to the nurse it was slow but it was getting stronger little by little. They had to make sure it didn't stop again though because they didn't think they would be able to keep reviving it. Feeling a hand squeeze his shoulder he looked up to see Yurio behind him. He didn't have to say a word, the thought alone was enough.

Letting Yurio and Yakov talk to Viktor Yuri stepped out to talk to a nurse. Make sure they had a way to contact him for anything.

"You are Yuri?" At the broken English he nodded at the nurse that came up alongside the one he was speaking to with Seung-gil. "Mr. Nikiforov spoke your name a few times before he was sedated."

"He was? He wasn't in pain was he?" To know he was being asked for and he couldn't go to him broke his heart. He almost wished she didn't tell him.

"No sir. The name would just fall from his lips." Taking a breath he felt a little better than. He still wished he could have been there for him but to know he was just asking for him was better than needing him from what was going on. Seeing the guys leave the room Yuri understood the look they were giving. They were ready to go. Thanking the nurse for their help they headed back down to the waiting room on their own.

Finding Phichit on his phone Yuri saw him look up when they entered.

"How he is?" On his feet he meet Yuri halfway. Filling his friend in he was stopped as he saw Celestino, Christophe and his coach come into the room.

"Yuri!" At Chris's voice he got a tight hug from him before he was asked about Viktor.

"He is in Intensive care Christophe so no one but myself or Yakov can go see him."

"What the hell happened to him? He was fine before the competition."

"Doctor said he has an enlarged heart. From what the tests show it was from heart failure. We don't know how long he had this issue but we know it was untreated so his heart finally gave out and he went into cardiac arrest. He is pretty weak from all of this happening. They were talking about testing and possibly surgery but he is too weak for any of it. If they tried to put him under the knife he wouldn't survive it." Shivering at the thought he felt Christophe put his arms around him again.

"He will pull through. That man is too stubborn to just quit."

Leaving the hospital for the night Yuri thanked Seung-gil for everything. He was giving him his number in case he needed anything else before they parted ways. Getting ready to get a taxi to head back to his hotel he felt someone grab his arm.

"Yuri. Are you going to be okay?" At Phichit's question he nodded and forced a small smile on his face.

"I'll be fine. Thank you though."

"Are you sure? I don't mind spending the night. I know you are worried and I want you to take care of yourself."

"I'm sure. Go back to the village and rest." Giving his friend a hug he was told to call him if he needed anything. Thanking him for that he let him go and got into the taxi.

Sitting on the bed curled up with his arms hugging his knees he knew he should have let Phichit stay with him but he also just wanted to cry and be able to fall apart on his own. He was so worried about Viktor he wished there was something he could do. He wanted to get him home so they could get rid of the language barrier and he could rest better but he was too weak to travel. Taking his glasses off he cried on his knees so scared about the future. He was trying to stay positive but it was so hard to do when it felt like the world was crumbling around you. This was his fault, he pushed Viktor so hard. If he hadn't pushed him to come back, to do the Olympics none of this would have happened. The man he loved wouldn't be fighting for his life.

Wiping his eyes after a little while he called his mother to tell her everything. Seeing their friends and family in the background he hoped Viktor knew how much he was loved by all of them.

"Are you sure you'll be alright Yuri?"

"I am mother. It's nothing personal it's just, I am struggling with the language myself and I don't have it in me to try and help anyone else get by."

"I understand. What is your plan for now?"

"I want to get Viktor home and to the doctors there but he is too weak to move. Hopefully in a few days or so they can transport him to Russia. If we can do that you can fly out then."

"Alright honey. Please Yuri. Call me if you need anything at any time of day. We love you both so much."

"I know mom, thanks. And tell everyone them being here for us means a lot." Hearing them shout they loved them through the phone made the corner of his mouth lift. Hanging up with her he slowly got off the bed to wash his face and attempt to pull himself together. He was acting like he lost him but he was still alive, he was very sick but he was breathing.

Just coming out of the bathroom he stopped as he heard a knock on the door. Opening it just a little he saw Yuri and his grandfather just outside. Letting them in he was curious as to why they were here. He knew Yuri was good friends with Viktor but they only met his grandfather once before.

"Yurochka told me what happened." It was strange to hear his friend's name this way but it seemed fitting for him.

"Thank you for the concern. Just trying to stay positive. I know everyone is right and he will pull through."

"Will you need help getting him home?"

"No we should be fi…" Stopping as the thought hit his mind he realized the truth of his plan. Viktor never combined their money into one. Being his money had been in Russian banks he never switched it once they moved back and once he moved out they got so focused on getting ready for Nationals Viktor never put him on the account. He had a debit card but there wasn't a lot on it most days. It was just a small account to break up the large one. There was maybe a thousand on it at a time which covered small bills, food shopping and their competition expenses. In fact he didn't think there was lot on it right now.

"Yuri?" Hearing his younger Russian friend he looked at him and the confused face he was making.

"Viktor has plenty to get home but the issue is just that. He has it." What was he going to do? And if Viktor didn't recover fast enough he would have his bills piling up that he couldn't pay.

"You guys don't have one account?"

"We talked about it but it we were too busy to worry about it. We never expected this."

"I'm sure your friends will come together and help you anyway you need. I offer my assistance to you as well. Viktor has always looked out for my grandson and I am indebted to him for that." Hearing Yurio mumble something as he looked away Yuri smiled. They really did have amazing people in their life.

At his stomach growling Yuri saw he was being watched by the other two.

"That is actually why we came here. We were going to get food and wanted to know if you wanted to join us?"

"Oh. I don't want to intrude." Not being allowed to say no he was thrown his coat.

"Get your shoes on. I am surprised I didn't find you crying in the corner but you still need to eat." Appreciating the consideration in the good old Yurio fashion he got his things together and left with the others.

Coming back to the room after dinner Yurio hung out with him for a little bit. It seemed he wasn't going back to the village because he would be bored with no one in the room with him. Yuri figured it was his way of saying he missed Viktor right now but wasn't going to tease him. Turning the tv on for background noise they saw it was the news and it was replaying what happened earlier. Having the remote taken from his hands Yurio turned it off as they saw Viktor collapse.

"I'm sure it will be all over the papers to." Yurio had a point. Yuri felt bad for Viktor, he loved attention but this was too much. The man was sick and should be left to heal. Not have the news talk about what came next for him, was this the end of the legend? This was too much for anyone.

"Can I ask you something? Did you want to be like Viktor or just beat him?"

"Why should I tell you?"

"You don't. I was just curious. He told me that you were always challenging him and you hated the fact that I was done."

"Viktor acts like he is some skating god. He can do anything he wants, women love him, a lot of new skaters try to be like him but isn't all that great."

"Oh?"

"He makes it look easy. He slacks off, drinks, and doesn't listen to anyone. I just wanted to knock him down a few pegs. When I was younger I really admired him. I didn't want to become him but I wanted to learn from him. Then I got older and I realized he didn't care."

"Can I say something to that? It's alright if he is your idol. Listen to me and hopefully I can explain. Yakov knows Viktor is a champion. He gets win after win. Viktor was going to retire though and then that left you. You had to carry on the winning streak Viktor started. I'm not saying Yakov is or was using you but we could all see this transformation inside of you. You aren't Vikor, you are yourself but well…when I saw your Grand Prix piece I saw him in you. I think Yakov saw it too, as did Viktor. And, long hair looks good at you." He teased as hinted towards the almost shoulder length hair. "There is nothing wrong with looking up to your big brother." Getting scoffed at Yuri smiled before yawning.

"Would you like to stay here for the night? This king bed is huge."

"You aren't going to try and spoon me are you?"

"No. I promise I won't be near you. I'm tired but I probably won't sleep anyway. I'll be too busy subconsciously listening for my phone."

"My grandfather is asleep anyway and forgot to take his room key so I might as well." Watching Yurio get off the bed to get ready for the night Yuri took his glasses off and put them next to his phone on the nightstand.

"If you want, on top of my suitcase is an extra sleep shirt." Yawing, he curled up under the covers and shut his eyes. "Night Yuri."

"Night…Yuri." At hearing his young friend say his name he smiled and shut his eyes. Tomorrow would be a better day and he was confident Viktor would be doing better.

After getting dressed and eating breakfast Yuri met with the others to head to the hospital. They had already been told they couldn't see Viktor because the less people he came in contact with the safer it would be for him. Still, they wanted to be there in case anything changed, they woke him up, whatever. Even if they couldn't see him right away if he came out of ICU he would feel better. It would make things seem less touch and go. The Olympics were still under way and the men had practice but no one cared to be there. They told Yuri they would rather stay here. The free skate wasn't for another two days anyway.

Looking up from his magazine that he was flipping through for the pictures Yuri saw everyone around him. He hoped Viktor could feel this, this love and energy they were sending. He hoped he was recovering with it.