Chapter Text
“You remembered your clothes?” you asked frantically, standing up with him as the boarding call was PA’d in Russian and English. “All of them? And what about your laptop and charger? And your phone charger! And a spare headphone set. Oh, don’t forget sunscreen, and lotion—”
“I already told you for months, I have everything. God, woman, can’t you leave me alone? I’m not incompetent!” he complained, jerking his arm out of yours as you reached out to re-position his jacket. “I’m older than you, too. Stop acting like my goddamn mother!”
“Sorry, sorry.” You shifted. His family had come to see him off too but stood a respectful distance away, obviously waiting for you to finish. You racked your brain for what to say. Despite knowing that this day would be coming so long ago, you still didn’t know what to say. There were too many things to say. Yuri raised an expectant eyebrow at you and you merely sighed with defeat, shoulders slumping. You gave him a wry smile.
“Good luck. Take care of yourself. Do your best.”
“Of course,” he muttered smarmily, rolling his eyes. “Am I going all the way to St. Petersburg to do my ‘okay’? God, you’re dumb.”
You laughed. It was him, all right. He’d never change, and you never wanted him to.
“Listen,” he said suddenly, the jarring change of language taking you off guard. You quieted and listened to his every word, his syllables awkward in English but evidently practiced.
“I am counting on you to cheer for me. I will be the best so… just watch me.”
You smiled and in Russian, replied,
“I know you will. I’ll be with you every step of the way.” Your worry kicked in again and you were already ranting before you could stop yourself. “Remember to drink water and eat 3 meals a day. Call me if you get lonely! Or whenever, I’ll pick up. And—”
“You don’t shut up,” he scowled. His eyes darted back to where his family was. You were about to turn back to look at them and see what was up when he leant forwards, a chaste kiss landing smack dab on the middle of your lips. It was nothing like the one you’d gotten in fifth grade—this one was purposeful, and the spark coming from his cool touch made your heart freeze.
“Yuri?” you asked breathlessly as he pulled away, pushing hair out of his face. He was blushing, his face an angry red, but his words were still laced with the signature Plisetsky cockiness.
“That’s for good luck. When I get back, I’ll have so many wins that I’ll be famous, and you’ll be damn jealous.” He jabbed a finger into the middle of your chest, pushing you back a step. “I’m going to be the best, so keep me in your heart. Don’t you dare forget about me! You hear?!”
You took your hands and clasped them around his, clutching his fingers. “I couldn’t ever.”
You waved at him until he was out of sight, and even then you had your face pressed up against the glass window as his plane took off. His family laughed at you as they took you home, but you didn’t care. You pressed a palm to your heart as you sat in the backseat, your eyes turned up to the sky. Snow twirled from the grey clouds, the sun breaking through for a split second.
Snowflakes melted when you touched them. They were delicate and original, each the same but not quite. Yuri was one of his own. He couldn’t even compare. He was fire. He wasn’t hard or cold like the ice or the winters but he was indomitable and he was spirit—he was the boy you loved.
He was with you and you were with him.
“If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together… there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart… I’ll always be with you.”
A.A. Milne