Chapter 5

Disclaimer- I own nothing!

Yuri sat in the waiting room holding the hand of his mother while he waited with their friends. He had told his mother Viktor was going in for surgery and she had hoped to see him before he went under but she wasn't able to fly out any sooner. Still, her being here was great and he appreciated it so much. Having everyone around him he knew Viktor would do well in surgery and start to heal. They could get their life back together and focus on the future. They hadn't talked about it but, he didn't see their wedding happening in April. It was in three weeks, Viktor would be lucky if he was out of the hospital by then. Still, he wasn't going to bring it up with him until after all this was over, knowing this was more important than that. The only problem was if they had to cancel it for a year they would lose a lot of money. They still had plenty of money in their account but if they weren't careful it would dry up faster than they would like. He wasn't allowed to work in Russia but if they went home he could work for his parents or something. Again, he would figure it all out later. Right now, his focus was Viktor. The man he loved was in for a very dangerous procedure and he just wanted to make sure it all went well. He loved him so much and he hoped Viktor remembered that.

Needing to get up and stretch his legs he heard Phichit follow him. Leaving the others in the room, he took a drink order as an excuse to not stay there anymore. Viktor had been in surgery three hours already and they weren't sure how long he would be in for. It took time to get to the heart and then repair it and finally close him back up. And that time didn't include any complications. They were told three to four hours was the average but Viktor had a lot of issues. Still, knowing so much time had passed and they hadn't heard anything was reassuring.

"Holding up okay, Yuri?"

"I think so. I am scared but I am doing okay. Thanks for being here Phichit. Having everyone around us these past few weeks has been great."

"Of course. You are my good friend and Viktor is a great guy. I wish there was more I could do for you both honestly."

"Thanks. Just having the support is great though. How have things been since you got back? I know World's is coming up soon. I hope you being here won't hurt you guys."

"Nah., We all decided to do this. We have a week to fly back before them so we will be fine."

Going to the vending machine they got drinks for those that wanted and headed back. Just handing them out everyone froze as the door opened again and a nurse came in.

"Are you guys waiting for Viktor Nikiforov?" Hearing Viktor's name, they nodded and Yuri stepped closer. Thinking about it there was only one other person in this room besides their party.

"Tell me. He is okay, right?" His own heart was beating a mile a minute. He needed to know that Viktor made it, that their life could slowly go back to what they knew. Feeling his mother come beside him and take his hand he knew she would have no idea what the nurse was saying, she just wanted to be there for him.

"The surgery went well. There were a few complications but everything seems to be okay. The surgeon has decided to but Mr. Nikiforov in the CICU for the time being as his heart was in poor shape before the operation. At this time, we are not allowing visitors but in an hour or so someone will come back and get only his family to see him."

"Thank you so much. Please tell the doctors that too." Taking a deep breathe he felt so much better. His fiancée was going to be alright. He made it through the surgery and was in recovery. He wasn't in the complete clear as they had to make sure this solved the problem but it was a good start. Repeating this to everyone they all smiled and cheered. This was great news. Sitting back down he joked with Christophe while they waited for someone to get them. He felt as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. Not even for himself but for Viktor. To know he was passed his biggest fear he couldn't wait to see him.

Looking at the clock Yuri noticed they had been sitting here for two hours already and had seen no one. He knew they weren't given a time they would get him but surely, they wouldn't have to sit here another four hours before he got to see his love. Getting up he went to see if he could find a nurse when he saw one walk in.

"Are you with Mr. Nikiforov?" She asked with a smile.

"Yes. Yes, I am his fiancée. Please let me see him."

"Yuri…" He knew that tone. She knew he was with him but he was going to have to fight to see the one he loved. "It isn't that I don't want to allow you, it's just, the doctor has asked for a longer wait time."

"Please. Let me tell him I am here. I know…I know he will be sedated still but…" He only needed a minute.

"…Alright…I will allow it just this once but you need to be quick alright?"

"Thank you so much." Quickly telling his mother and the others that were close by, but not hovering, he was ready to see him. He felt bad that Yakov couldn't see him too right now but the nurse said it was just for today. If Viktor did well tomorrow they would allow two family guests. They wouldn't be long visits but it would be better than nothing.

Moving to another floor Yuri was led to the back and into the last room in the hallway. Seeing the nurse smile she let him go in.

"Please remember, be quick. He needs rest."

"Of course." Moving into the room Yuri moved the curtain that was around Viktor's bed to give him privacy. He knew what to expect and he still wasn't ready for it. Seeing the ventilator down his fiancées throat he knew that he would be on it for a few days at most. He also knew that there was risk that Viktor's body wouldn't handle being taken out from the ventilator. No, he would be alright. They would have their life together. Walking over to Viktor, he put his hand in his loves and gave it a little squeeze.

"You did it Viktor. You got through the surgery in one piece. I knew you would. I love you." Wanting to kiss his forehead he knew it wasn't a good idea as he was weak from the surgery. Running his fingers through Viktor's hair he was happy he could do this. His love looked pale, he had more wires hooked up to him, monitoring and pumping things into his system but he was alive and that was all that mattered.

"I love you. I can't stay long but I just wanted you to know that I am here and that I love you." Staring at his lovers face a moment he saw his eyes slowly open and look at him. Taken aback by the movement he figured he would still be out from the anesthesia. Smiling at him he gave their hands a nice squeeze. "Hope I didn't wake you. Get some rest. I'll see you tomorrow." Seeing the nurse at the curtain he went to her and told her he was awake. Going back to the others he noticed she stayed behind to make sure Viktor was doing alright now that he was waking up.

Coming back to the apartment for the night with everyone, he took Makkachin out for a bit and came home to see his mother cooking dinner for everyone. He had told her she didn't have to but she insisted knowing he was dealing with a lot right now. Honestly though, he felt a million times better knowing Viktor had made it through the surgery in once piece. Once Viktor was more aware they were all going to talk about how this all happened. He knew they both had questions that weren't really answered in South Korea. There was nothing wrong with their medical facility or their staff it was just from the language barrier they both felt lost. The doctor Viktor had did speak English but he was confusing and both of their minds were trying to translate it to language they knew easier. Personally, his mind kept translating it to Japanese which complicated everything. While even in Russia he was still translating everything, he seemed to process it easier. And he had Yurio and Yakov to further explain something he didn't understand. Back in South Korea all he had was Viktor and he was too weak to pay attention most times. He was asked a few times by the other to clarify.

Their apartment really wasn't big enough for everyone but having them around was nice. Makkachin was happy to have him back at least. He wouldn't leave his side. It was obvious though he was confused as to why Viktor wasn't here. Hopefully in a week or so he would be and they could all live together as a family.

"Yuri. I don't want to seem rude but are you guys canceling the wedding now?"

At Christophe's question, he could tell everyone was thinking it though no one wanted to ask.

"At this exact moment, no. We haven't canceled anything and I don't want to make that call until Viktor is alert again. Though, I doubt he will be strong enough to fly back to Japan. Unless something comes up I don't want to decide anything. He is using the wedding as a reason to get better faster."

"And you are okay financially?"

"Yes. Since I can access the money in his account now I can pay all our bills."

"And what about his medical bills?"

"Well… I haven't gotten any from Russia yet but I know he has a private insurance. They won't cover his out of country bills but we should be alright to pay them little by little."

"Glad you guys will be alright. If you need any help let me know okay?"

"Thanks Christophe. I know we both really appreciate the offer."

After dinner, they all hung out a bit before Phichit and Christophe headed back to their hotel and Yurio and Yakov went back to where they were staying. Having the place to himself pretty much, he got comfortable before joining his mother back in the living room.

"I am sorry we don't have a guest bedroom. If you want you can take the master bedroom and I can sleep out here."

"Nonsense, this is fine Yuri."

Sitting next to her he didn't realize he put his head on her shoulder. He really missed her, missed her more than he thought. "I am really glad you could fly out."

"I am too Yuri." Staying as he was for a while they said nothing, he didn't have to. Just having his mother close by when things were scary made them not seem so bad. He wasn't homesick but he definitely missed seeing her.

Snapping his eyes open as he heard his cellphone going off he quickly reached for it blindly. Nearly dropping it he kept it in his hands and connected the call.

"Hello?"

"Dude why do you sound out of breath? Are you running?" Hearing the familiar voice of Yurio, Yuri reached for his glasses and noticed it was almost nine thirty in the morning. He slept in way later than he expected.

"Sorry. No. I just slept in. What's up? Oh, wait are you all heading over already?"

"Yea. We told you yesterday we wanted to go over for ten."

"Sorry. Sorry. I'll be ready in ten minutes. I'll meet you guys in the waiting room." Hanging up, he jumped out of bed and rushed to get ready. Coming out of his room he saw his mother had made breakfast for him.

"You don't have to cook all my meals mother."

"I know but I want to. You have a lot going on. Did you sleep in?"

"I did. Yurio called me and woke me up." Still, he sat down and properly ate what he was offered. He may be in a rush but he had manners. "Are you ready to go over with me?"

"Of course." Watching her clean up while he finished up he felt bad she was doing any work at all. The idea of her flying out wasn't so that she could do chores. It was so that Viktor had a motherly touch, and she really wanted to see him. Throwing his stuff in the sink for now he made sure Makkachin had enough food and water to last him and left the apartment.

Meeting up with the others they went to the nurse's station knowing full well that they all weren't going to get in. They just wanted to be with everyone else for right now. Asking about seeing Viktor, Yuri was surprised when they told him no. They weren't allowing him visitors yet. Did they have to wait a full twenty-four hours? That seemed strange. Telling the head nurse they would be in the waiting room, they walked in and sat down to discuss possible reasons why. Yuri wasn't used to how doctors in Russia did things so he wanted to know if this was standard.

"Perhaps this is because he is in CICU and not the regular ICU?" At Yakov's words they all sat in silence to ponder over it a bit. "Viktor was in a weaker state before the operation and I don't know much about what he went for but I know any type of open heart surgery can make you prone to illness. Perhaps they want to keep us out as a precaution while his immune system comes back up."

"I want to see him but so long as he is okay and doesn't feel I abandoned him I'm okay with that." Yuri hadn't told anyone this Viktor had been there for him during his darkest hour after he got hurt. He could have walked away, he could have gotten fed up, he could have ended things, but he didn't. Viktor stayed and fought for their future. Now Yuri knew it was his turn. He wasn't going to give up on, he was going to be there for him when he needed him the most. Even if he had to sit in the waiting room all day and wait until he was allowed to see him, so long as Viktor never forgot he was waiting for him he was happy.

"Yuri?" After lunch Yuri sat in the waiting room with everyone talking to Phichit when he heard his name. Looking up, he saw Viktor's doctor in the doorway. He didn't look like he had bad news so that was reassuring. Getting up, he met him a few steps in.

"Viktor? He is okay, right?"

"He is doing well. He is still on the ventilator but he is awake and his vitals are strong." That was great to hear. He knew his love could do it. "I will allow you to see him. Also, if his parents are here we can have them come in after. This hospital has a strict two-person limit and no one is sick or has been sick recently, correct?"

"No. No one is sick. And…" Looking back at his mother and Yakov he debated lying. No, he needed to see what happened with the truth. "Viktor's parents are out of the picture, Yakov is his acting father and his mother-in- law is here as well."

"Hmm. If he wasn't who he was none of this would be allowed."

"Thank you sir." Getting his mother, he followed the doctor to Viktor's room asking how long he would be here. Finding out they hoped to move him out of the CICU tomorrow if he stayed strong made Yuri's heart flutter. His man was doing so well.

Coming to his room Yuri let his mother go in first. Going in right before her he saw Viktor was awake and his wide eyes showed he was surprised to see her. Standing next to her, Yuri saw his eyes looked shiny. What a wonderful thing to see.

"Hi Viktor. I won't stay long, I know you want to see your fiancée more. I just wanted to let you know I am here for you." Watching her kiss his forehead he thought he saw Viktor's eyes twinkle a bit, his man was so cute even when sick." Giving her a minute he watched her squeeze Viktor's hand and tell him not to worry about a thing except to get better. One more squeeze and she left to go back to the others. Taking over for his mother he retook Viktor's hand.

"Hi love. Sorry I haven't been here sooner. The doctor wanted to wait a while for some reason. But, you are doing really well. They are thinking of taking you off the ventilator tomorrow if you stay strong." Seeing Viktor nod and not break contact Yuri smiled. "I thought you would like that idea. I hope you aren't flirting with the nurses. I will become a very jealous fiancée." Seeing what he thought was Viktor roll his eyes Yuri smiled. It was nice seeing the man he loved showing signs of his old self.

Knowing Yakov wanted to see him and Viktor seemed about ready to fall back asleep Yuri promised to see him tomorrow and kissed their hands. Just about ready to leave he saw Yakov walk in.

"How is he doing?"

"Take a look for yourself. He has much more color on his face than he did yesterday." With a smile, Yuri let Yakov take a look and headed out. Leaving, he heard Yakov call him Vitya and how he was glad to see he was doing what he did best, showing the world nothing could stop him.

Meeting with the others in the waiting room they hung out while Yakov was with Viktor. Once he was back they an early dinner and hung out the rest of the evening. They knew trying to see Viktor all day wasn't going to help him rest and the doctor would never allow it. Yuri knew he could spend the day with him once he was in a normal room.

"He looks so good." Feeling his mother take his hand as she did when he was child, Yuri smiled and nodded.

"He is. He will only look better as time moves on I just know it." For the first time since all of this started Yuri was really starting to feel like everything was going to be okay. The man he loved was getting back on his feet, slowly, but every step was a good step. Even with all the equipment still hooked up to him it was doing better than he was in South Korea. Maybe he just had to come home, maybe he had to have faith that he would get back to his homeland. Either way Yuri was so proud of him and excited for their life to get back on track. Even if Viktor had to deal with months of physical therapy he would stand by him every step of the way. It was his turn to be the one that carried him on his back, be the one to watch everything and be there when his legs felt week. Yes, he was positive that everything would be just fine before they knew it.

0o0o0o

So, my depression just came back full swing and this story is going on hold. In fact, all my writing is. I don't want to let this story go as I waited months to start it but at this moment I have no desire to continue. What should have taken me two hours to type took me all day and zero drive to continue. To the few people that are excited for this story I am sorry. I don't mean to let anyone down.

~Femalefighter~