Look at him. Look at my sweet, little angel, sleeping so soundly. Practice must have taken more out of Yurio than I thought. My poor baby. Well, while he's asleep...I started with his legs. Yurio tried not to limp when we came in. He must have taken a tumble when I was on the phone with Natalia. Sure enough, when I pulled the waistband of Yurio's pants down, a big, splotchy, black and purple bruise the size of a dessert plate sprawled across his left thigh.
I thought so. Yurio, baby...Why didn't you tell me? Why would you have tried hiding this from me? I could understand keeping it from Yakov. Hell, I could understand keeping it from Victor. But me? Not me. Yurio stirred under my touch and those sparkling green eyes of his popped open, making everything ok for just a moment.
"Well," I smiled, "Good morning, sleepy."
"Sorry, Mama," Yurio rubbed his eyes, "I fell asleep."
"It's ok, baby," I pulled him into my lap, "You had a long practice and you're still getting used to being up in the morning. Now, we need to have a little talk."
"About what?" he laid his little head on my chest, simultaneously melting my heart.
"Your bruises," I pointed out. Immediately, Yurio dropped his gaze. So, he did know about that, "Yuri, why didn't you tell me you got hurt at practice?"
He wouldn't even look at me. And that broke my heart. I could only hug him tighter while Yurio kept his mouth shut. I lifted his head back up and I could see the tears welling up in his eyes.
"Yuri," I snuggled him, "You have to tell me when you get hurt."
"But if I get hurt," Yurio's voice shook, "I can't skate anymore."
"Listen, baby," I explained, "If you get hurt, your most likely injury is a broken tailbone. If it's only a fracture, you'll be down a month. If it's a full break, two or three months. Your legs? Six to eight weeks. Ankle? Six weeks. A hip? That's anywhere from a few weeks to six months."
"How do you know all of this, Mama?" Yurio wondered.
"Did you forget?" I chuckled a bit, breaking the tension, "I used to do this, too, Yuri. I've had my fair share of injuries. Not to mention, Victor, too. I've had to take care of him on countless occasions. Even before you and your brother came into our lives."
"That's right..."
"However," I went on, "Those down times would be mere blips, but only if they're treated. If they're left untreated? You would never be able to skate again. Do you see what I'm trying to say to you?"
"That I need to tell you when I get hurt or it could end my skating career before it even starts?" he figured.
"Bingo," I kissed his cheek, "No more hiding your bruises, got it?"
"Ok," Yurio cuddled into me.
"Good," I got up from his bed, "Now, get your shoes on. You and I have an appointment."
"For what?" he asked, his feet hitting the floor.
"Yakov wanted me to get you in dance lessons full time," I told him, "We're going to meet with your teacher."
"Did Yakov pick?" Yurio worried, putting his shoes on.
"No," I promised, "I did. It's alright, baby. Your teacher is nowhere near the level of intense as Yakov. At least I hope not..."
"Mama!"
"I'm only playing, Yuri," I hugged him. As the two of us went out in the living room, nothing had changed. Yuri had a hold of Makkachin's tail. Victor flipped through the TV. I leaned over the couch, giving my husband a quick kiss, "We'll be back in a little while. You think you and Yuri can manage that long?"
"I'm sure we will," Victor pulled me back down for one last kiss, "Send my love."
"I will," I blushed a little.
"I love you, Violet!" he called behind me.
"Love you, too!" I yelled back, grabbing the car keys off the hook in the kitchen.
And Yurio and I took off to his first dance lesson. Well...His first formal dance lesson. More professional...I still hated the way Yakov treated me. The things I do for you, Yurio. It's for Yurio, Violet. Besides, I know his teacher. And she's a sweetheart. I just hope she keeps that up for his sake.
"At least it's a home studio," Yurio sighed out, staring out the window as we pulled into Natalia's studio, "Did my new teacher say we could do lessons here?"
"It is her studio," I giggled, helping him out of the car, "I'd say so."
"Auntie Nat's going to be my teacher?" Yurio's face didn't know whether it wanted to be ecstatic or terrified. I've told plenty of horror stories from my days of learning with Nat to strike the fear of God in his heart.
"Of course she is," I smiled, putting him more at ease, "Who better?"
"Yurio!" Natalia stood in the doorway.
"Auntie Nat!" Yurio made a beeline for her, jumping up into her arms.
"Hello, sweetheart," she hugged him tight, "Have you heard the news?"
"You're going to teach me?" he kept his fingers crossed.
"That's right," Natalia confirmed, "Is that alright with you?"
"Yes!" Yurio nodded, on the verge of whiplash.
"Natalia," I hugged her, too, "I love you."
"I love you, too, Violet," she chuckled a bit.
"You've certainly perked up since we last spoke," I teased.
"It's amazing what coffee can do," Natalia pointed out, raising her cup to me.
"See, Yuri?" I nudged him, "I told you."
"I don't care," Yurio pouted, "It's still disgusting."
"He'll learn," Natalia assumed, "One day, he'll learn."
"I told him the same thing!" I squeaked, "But oh, no. Yuri's too set in his ways."
"Can we start yet?" Yurio whined.
"Speaking of your lessons," I sent him off, "Go get a quick stretch in, Yuri."
"Ok." I didn't have to tell him twice. Yurio sprinted inside and kicked his shoes off.
"Natalia," I stopped her.
"What is it, Violet?" she asked, "Is everything alright?"
"I need you to make me a promise," I put my foot down, "Do not be hard on him. Don't teach him like you taught me. It's bad enough he has Yakov riding him. He doesn't need-"
"Hold on," Natalia cut me off, "You're not talking about Yakov Feltsman, are you?"
"The one and only," I grumbled, "He's Yurio's coach."
"Wasn't he Victor's coach?" Natalia wondered, the gears in her brain turning.
"Yeah," I nodded, "Now, he's coaching Yurio and he's super, super hard on him. So, please, Natalia. I'm begging you. Go easy on Yurio. Do not be the drill instructor you were with me."
"I won't," she promised, "I've met Yakov. One of my girls took up figure skating. Her whole life she wanted to be a figure skater, so she started taking lessons with me. She was such a talented dancer! My prima six years in a row and at the time, she was a little older than Yurio. Around the time she turned fifteen, she started looking for a coach and stumbled on Yakov. She begged him and begged him until he finally gave in and started coaching her. She was so excited because the great Yakov Feltsman was going to be her skating coach, so she wanted me to meet him. And he struck me as an asshole then. But after every morning practice, she'd come to my studio in the afternoon, crying her eyes out because of Yakov. I can only imagine he's gotten worse. He's a great coach. Don't get me wrong. But he could use a little lightening up."
"Sister, you're telling me," I sighed, "I'm terrified of what he's going to do with Yurio."
"He is not a pleasant man," Natalia took a long, heavy drink from her coffee cup.
"No, he is not," I agreed.
"And he's Yurio's coach?"
"Pray for me."
"You have my prayers," she assured, "You're going to need them. I can see why Lilia left him."
"Lilia?" I wondered.
"She's Yakov's ex-wife," Natalia told, "Apparently, they were disgustingly in love at one time. Like, you and Victor in love."
"Nat," I bit my lip, "You're my best friend and the only person in all of Russia that knows the honest details of our marriage. Do you really think Yakov swings that way?"
"No," she shook her head, "And I had heard Chris was in town recently."
"The rumors are true," I confirmed, "But how do you know about Yakov's ex-wife?"
"She was my ballet teacher when I was young," Natalia went on, "I was studying under her while they were in the process of their divorce. But they were truly in love once. Now, she can't stand him. I've heard Lilia talk down about Yakov so many times. She was the first person I had ever heard curse."
"There's an influence I'd want around my child," I joked.
"You have me, don't you?" she smirked, "I'm sure I could teach Yurio all kinds of colorful words."
"No," I shoved my finger in my best friend's face.
"I won't..."
If my suspicions about Yakov were iffy before, they're definitely there now. But he wasn't always like that. Maybe deep down, there was still a small part of him that wasn't a complete asshole like what I saw this morning. Honestly, I couldn't blame him. I'm sure my husband had a little bit of a hand in his bitter demeanor. Victor never did listen to his coach. If I had a nickel for every time in our skating career that I heard Yakov bitching at him, I'd be a very rich girl. But everything would be fine. Right? But just to be sure...
"Hey, dovahkiin!" I called to Yurio, "Come here!"
"What?" Yurio stood at my feet.
I got down to his level, "Do you remember that promise you made me about your bruises?"
"Yeah," he nodded, "What about it?"
"I want you to make me another promise," I told him, "If Yakov gets to be too much, I want you to tell me as soon as humanly possible and we'll get you a new coach. I know another one."
"Ok," Yurio promised, that fire burning in his eyes, "I won't let Yakov get to me."
"That's my boy," I kissed his cheek, "Now, is it ok if I leave you with Auntie Nat for a while?"
"Um..." Terror washed over his face.
"Yuri," I cradled him, "If you can handle Yakov, you can handle Auntie Nat. Besides, she won't be hard on you. Her life depends on it."
I shot a glare up to my best friend. Natalia knew better than to even consider hurting one of my babies. She knew how protective I was of my boys. They both held a very special place in my heart. Hell, all three of them did. Four, if we're going to count Chris. I was the very definition of a tiger mommy and Natalia knew that. She knew I'd tear her to shreds.
"Fine," Yurio allowed, "Where are you going?"
"Don't worry about it," I settled him, "I'll be back soon. And Natalia?"
"What?" Natalia perked up.
"Play nice," I glared.
"I will!" she shooed me out, "Don't worry, Violet! I can manage Yurio for a couple hours. Is this going to be a daily thing?"
"Yes," I nodded, "Yakov said for two hours every day in the afternoon. Will that work for you?"
"One to three?"
"Good enough."
"I'll see you later, Violet!" Natalia waved me off and I got back in the car.
In all seriousness, I remembered a beautiful Russian man that adored me terribly that told me I had a free massage coming because our last session was broken up by my baby getting into a fight. I had all intentions of cashing in on that. After the day I've had already, I needed something and it was too early in the day to start drinking. Not to mention, I'd have to pick Yurio up from Nat later. So, visiting Sasha didn't seem like such a bad idea.
"Good afternoon, Mrs. Nikiforov," the receptionist greeted me, "Is this going to be a full package today?"
"No," I shook my head, "I have an outstanding appointment with Sasha."
"On Victor's charge account?" she gave me a locker key.
"It's been taken care of," I assured, "Thank you."
I went into the usual room that Sasha took care of me in and waited for him. Bless this man. Not going to charge me and I'd have a shoulder to cry on. Sasha may not exactly understand my worries, but he could make me forget about them for a while. That's for sure. I can't complain about that, can I?
"Violet," he chimed, coming through the door, "I wasn't expecing to see you in here today. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"I had a couple hours to kill," I let out a heavy sigh, dropping the top half of my robe, "And I need this like you wouldn't believe."
"It's a good thing I'm not busy then," Sasha got started, kneading into my skin, sending shockwaves through my body, "What seems to be the problem?"
"I had to deal with Yurio's new coach this morning," I grumbled into the face cradle, "He's a dick."
"Want to talk about it?" he offered.
"I don't know, Sasha," I bit my tongue, suppressing a moan, "I'm pretty sure I'm doing what's best for Yurio, but Yakov...He's a completely different monster. I remembered him a little from the old days, but he's only gotten worse. I don't want to put Yurio through that, but Victor said Yakov's the best of the best. I know Yurio can go on to do great things and be one of the best, but putting him through Yakov? I'm conflicted."
"Sounds like it," Sasha empathized, "And what does Victor say about Yurio having his old coach?"
"He says it's a good idea to put Yurio in his hands," I went on, "But I'm not so sure. Because of Yakov, Yurio was hiding bruises from me, so he could keep skating. I didn't think I'd have to give him the injury talk so soon. I'm only hoping I don't have to give him the talk before this is all over."
"The talk?"
"The reason I got out of it," I cringed at the memory, "Yuri and Yurio think I got out of skating because of them. Only Victor and I know the real reason. Because Victor was the one to find me and get me to the hospital in time."
"What happened?" Sasha worried.
"It's a sensitive subject," I quivered, "Could we save that story for another day?"
"Of course," he settled me, "That day never has to come if you don't want it to, Violet. I can live without knowing. It's not going to kill me that much."
"Thank you," I melted with the table, "That gives me Vietnam flashbacks I'd rather not have today."
"Don't worry about it, myshka (little mouse)," Sasha cradled my cheek, "I'm here for when you want to vent about anything you want. If you want to keep a tight lip, go ahead."
This was why I had Sasha. Other than the occasional...ahem...meeting. Victor had Chris for when he wanted to play Twister. Me on the other hand? I had Sasha. And Victor was ok with that. We all had our friends with benefits. Sasha thought I was morally loose, but it made things even hotter for us. At the end of the day, I did marry my best friend and the only man I ever wanted to share the ice with, but that was love.
This? With Sasha and me? That was pure lust. No cuddling afterward. No need to get breakfast in the morning. And we were good with that. Once our appetites were satisfied, we parted ways and went on with our lives. However, that only happened once in a blue moon when things with me weren't exactly good. Kind of like now. Although, the fact that I'd be taking out my anger on Sasha because of Yakov killed the mood.
By the time we were done, I felt sufficently like a wet noodle and left what my mother would call my midnight cowboy behind. I needed to go pick my baby up and get him home. I'm sure he's already exhausted. Hopefully, Natalia wasn't too rough on him. She did promise me she'd go easy on him. Soon enough, as much as I hate to admit it, Yurio would know the aches and pains that came along with being professional.
Fortunately, I knew some people. I still kept my physical therapist on speed dial for the days when my war wounds would come back. And my nutritionist for the same reasons. Never in my life do I ever want to have to take Yurio to my nutritionist. Once was enough for me. That was one person I didn't ever want to see again. I shook off the negative clouding my judgment and pushed the door to Natalia's studio.
"Nicely done, Yurio," she praised, "Your mother has taught you well. What was that thing she called you before?"
"Dovahkiin," I called for him, "It's time to go home, sweetheart."
"Mama!" Yurio squealed, latching onto my leg.
"Hi, baby," I smiled, "How'd you do?"
"Tell her, Auntie Nat!" he chimed, "Tell her!"
"Yurio has the most amazing form I've ever seen," she gushed, "And I've been following your husband's career since day one. He may even be better than Victor."
"There's what I was looking for!" Yurio squealed, "If I could, I'd do backflips right now!"
"I'm so proud!" I sat him on my hip, "You ready to go home?"
"Da," he laid his head on my shoulder, "I'm tired, Mama."
"Wait until you crash from the adrenaline," I giggled to myself, "Thank you, Natalia."
"I'll see you tomorrow, Yurio," Natalia kissed his forehead, "Hopefully, your mama will say and take a refresher course that'll lead to her getting back to competing?"
"I'll think about it," I wouldn't mind getting back into the fray, but I still had a few misgivings I had to work through first. Maybe one day. But until then, I had to get the baby home. I barely had Yurio in his car seat and he was already on his way out. We were going to get something to eat first, but he's had a long, hard day. It was time to go home.
A/N: So, Yurio's already showing signs he's better than Victor? And that's coming from an original Victor fangirl like Natalia? Well, Violet did teach him well. Like Natalia before her. And Lilia before her. That's right. Natalia…The way I have it thought up in my mind, Lilia was very doting on Natalia when she was younger. And because of that, Lilia pushed Yakov into babies. But at the same time, Yakov was already dealing with Victor being a pain in the ass, so that put a little bit of a rift in their relationship. I don't know. Maybe I'm just spewing.
Also! If you're into that sort of thing and you've read my one-shot I posted for Yurio's birthday a couple weeks ago, I did a book club on Surprise on Tumblr (fan-fiction-book-club). If you want to chime in there, feel free. (And I'm still looking for mods, in case you're interested…) Ok! See you next chapter! xx