Chapter Text
“Whatever you’ve got going on, if you can’t do it and would like to back out, or if you can’t make the podium. Then I’ll resign and take responsibility for my failed teaching under pressure.”
Yuuri could feel everything splinter and shatter. Tears welled up in his eyes as Viktor told him that he would take responsibility and quit if he messed this up. But it wasn’t Viktor’s fault. It was his. He wasn’t mentally strong enough and although he felt great the previous day by telling the world that Viktor was his, the pressure to go beyond was something he wasn’t good at.
Several times he competed even when he made it to the Grand Prix, he had won first so many times, was even named one of the best skaters in Japanese history, he just couldn’t handle the pressure. Every cheer kept piling on over and over mocking him as if he needed to do better, that if he didn’t, everything he did was for nothing.
“W-why would you say that?” Yuuri cried. “What are you trying to do? Test me? Throw me off?”
“Uh-” Viktor seemed to realize he messed up. “Yuuri. Sweetheart, I’m sorry I-I ddn’t mean it-”
“How could you say that!? How can you take blame for my failures!?” Yuuri sobbed. “Not only do I have to keep proving myself, but I have to prove to you as well that you’re a great coach! What I do reflects how you’ve been coaching me! It seems like since the beginning of the season I get this feeling that you want to quit! Failure after failure of every little thing…”
“But I don’t want to quit-” Viktor tried to stop him.
“I know that!” Yuuri yelled.
Viktor didn’t know what to do. Yuuri would often get upset but it still surprised him when he cried in front of him. He knew that a hug and kiss would stop the tears since it had in the past.
“Do you want a kiss?-”
“Dammit, no!” Yuuri snapped. “Can’t you just believe in me a little more? You don’t need to coddle me, just stand with me, please!”
“I-Yes, yes, okay. I will. I promise.” Viktor said, taking Yuuri’s hand and holding it, trying to comfort him. “I’m sorry my actions have been giving you doubt. But promise me that you’ll have more confidence in yourself. You are a beautiful skater, and I’m not telling you this as your boyfriend, but as a skater. The skater you looked up to. You are amazing, Yuuri.”
Yuuri sniffled and looked up at Viktor, nodding, his voice still hurt from talking loudly. Viktor pulled a packet of tissues from his jacket and offered them. Yuuri took a couple and blew his nose and wiped his eyes. Once disposed of, Viktor still brought him into a hug and kissed his cheek.
“You’re amazing. I know you’ll do great, even better than yesterday.”
“Thanks.” Yuuri sniffled. “That’s what I want to hear.” He said quietly.
“Oh? You like praise?” Viktor wiggled his eyebrows.
Yuuri rolled his eyes and laughed, pushing him away. “Ugh, really?”
Viktor chuckled while they started to return. Georgi was almost done with his skate.
The two remained a little distant as they worked their way back to the ice. Yuuri’s eyes were still red from crying, Viktor still was a little embarrassed that he messed up. But now that Yuuri spoke his peace, he felt loads better. There was still some anxiety and nervousness mixed in, yet now he felt a little back to his old self.
Georgi got off the ice and after it was cleaned, Yuuri was on. He skated over to Viktor and finished clearing out his nose from his earlier tantrum. He was going to hand the tissue but decided to drop it instead, making Viktor catch it instead. As the coach leaned over to grab it before it fell to the ice, Yuuri touched him. It was secretly Yuuri’s favorite spot. The top of Viktor’s head where it was soft. He poked the hairline before patting it and skated to the middle of the rink.
Today will be better. I finally confessed some of my insecurities to Viktor. Now he knows how I really feel.
It was now time to skate his free program: Yuri on Ice. The story of familial love. Never before had he missed his family and his daughter now. However in the moment, the most love he was feeling was for Viktor. He thought about the Russian’s reaction to him crying, something he rarely saw since he would cry elsewhere. He’s cried plenty of times after matches, but before, never. It was a whole new way of stress relief.
He thought of love as he entered his first jumps and turns in his sequences. He nailed it. Pride swelled in him. He really could do it if he tried his best and didn’t worry so much.
Viktor shouldn’t worry so much. He’s still new at being a coach and has a lot to learn. It’s not like my mentality became what it is overnight. I’ve been battling myself for a long time. He’s just new at seeing me. Hopefully he’ll learn to accept it. Yuuri thought as he worked his program, realizing he made his jump on time and perfectly.
He continued his program, going through everything flawlessly. He could feel it. This might be his best performance. For the season? He wasn’t sure, but if it was, he’d be happy with that. That at least one thing went right in his favor.
The world watched in anticipation as Yuuri worked his program, skating beautifully, almost like a butterfly gliding through a summer breeze.
The next jump he tried but ended up touching the ice, though he still got up and shook it off. He could do this. One little mistake wasn’t going to hurt the rest of the season. A lot of his jumps were in the second half. Over rotations, shaken off. He was going to get this even with the little sleep he’s had. He was going to show everyone just more to love than seduction. There was familial love, friendly love, everlasting love. He was going to show them all. His last jump was approaching, and-
Quadruple flip!
Though he flubbed it and landed on the ice! Yuuri still got up and shook it off. He smiled inside wanting to see the look on Viktor’s face for attempting his signature move. This is why he wanted him to have more faith in him. Yuuri was capable of many things, he just needed to reveal them bit by bit.
Yuuri ended his program in his pose then looked for Viktor whose hands were covering his face. A bit of fear and regret wormed their way into his mind. The commentators were going wild about how Yuuri skated and to do so much after being back after two years off. It was a momentous occasion.
Is he mad, is he upset that I did this without permission?
Then he saw Viktor run off which shocked him but then realized he was running towards one of the doors to the barrier. After Yuuri thanked the crowd he ran over to meet with Viktor.
“Viktor! I did it! I told you I would!”
But just as Yuuri was about to make it to the barrier, Viktor jumped.
Jumped right onto Yuuri, wrapping his arms around him, securing their lips together with a little slip of tongue.
Yuuri was in shock as they landed with their backs to the ice.
“I hope you like your surprise. I hope it’s worth it after the surprises you’ve given me.”
Viktor was above the skater, his blue eyes circling like oceans as Yuuri gazed into them, his face hot with a blush.
“I do,” Yuuri answered, smiling, “I love it.”
Although Yuuri did his best, and even attempted Viktor’s famous move, the landings weren’t perfect and cost him points earning a silver. Phichit won his first gold which Yuuri was so proud of and Chris was close to him but still ended up in third. His position still qualified him to earn a spot at the Rostelecom cup. Viktor was excited.
Excited, Viktor was now claiming that if Yuuri could do his move here in China then he would do much better in Russia. He couldn’t wait to go to his home country and show Yuuri around and get him another medal.
******
Yuuri flopped onto the hotel bed after his shower. Their flight didn’t leave until later the next afternoon so they had time to rest and catch up on sleep before the return home. The door opened up, revealing Viktor returning from having a chat with Yakov and Georgi. He was securing details about their trip to Russia with the upcoming Rostelecom Cup.
“Resting?” Viktor asked as he took off his shoes and undid his tie.
“Kind of.” Yuuri sighed.
He was ready to go home now. He had been away from Natsumi far too long. He was tired from the events but this was getting started. He earned silver which was enough for him, but his main goal was for a gold at the Grand Prix. Phichit wanted to celebrate his win, but seeing how exhausted Yuuri was, he let him rest.
Viktor took off his jacket and removed his belt before joining Yuuri on the bed, he too let out a large sigh. He faced Yuuri who was on his back and snuggled up to him.
“You did amazing. I’m still replaying the quad in my mind.” He said, praising Yuuri.
The Japanese man blushed.
“For that, I want to reward you.” Viktor spoke into his ear.
Yuuri turned to look at his boyfriend as Viktor sat up and began to slip off Yuuri’s glasses and set them aside on the nightstand. His breath was frozen asViktor began to undress him, slipping his hands under the old shirt Yuuri brought to wear while he slept. The icy touch cooled his burning skin as the Russian felt his body. Viktor got closer to shower him in kisses, the younger hungrily returning them.
It wasn’t long before the clothes were tossed off, blankets pushed around, and eventually, Yuuri’s face squished into a pillow while he took his coach whole. It felt like he was on cloud 9. It had been so long since it was just him and his boyfriend. No wonder Viktor booked a flight for the next day. This was the reason.
Next event, Natsumi would be coming with them to Russia. Viktor was excited to show his daughter around his home, even if she wouldn’t remember it. Viktor was also excited to finally show off Natsumi to Yakov, Lilia, Mila, and Georgi. Even with Yuuri being there, the little girl was sure to be excited to see her Yu-nii.
For now the two parents were going to bask in each other’s presence. Their warmth spreading all over the bed, the sounds only they could hear, and the stress relief it rewarded them. Viktor did make sure to wear protection. He and Yuuri both agreed to wait a few more years before more little feet were running around their home.
“Hng, Vicchan.”
“Yuura~” Viktor answered.
Viktor knew how to treat Yuuri right. Yuuri took everything well until the night started to turn into morning. They eventually broke apart and rested until close to their leaving time. After a quick shower together, bags packed, and a plane ride later, they were home.
*********
“Oto! Ote!” Natsumi said as she made grabby hands from Mari’s arms.
The skaters were now back on parent mode. Yuuri took Natsumi from his sister and held her close. After all that he had been through mentally, it was good to be home and hold his daughter. She was his comfort and joy outside of his relationship with Viktor.
“Hi Natsumi-chan, did you miss us?”
The little girl nodded before resting her head on his shoulder. Yuuri’s heart ached, he didn’t know she missed him that much. Viktor took their bags further into the house to wash laundry. The two would be home for about two weeks until they were off to Russia. Viktor insisted on bringing Natsumi with them this time so he could show her the other half of her story. Sure it would be snowy and white, but he still wanted to have her close, the elder also missing her.
For now, the family enjoyed being reunited and savored the time they had before off to the next competition.
*****
Yuri was gone the moment he saw the fangirls. Still being a teenage boy, the hormones were all over the place, but girls were not his forte… except for his niece. Shaking his head he made his way out of the airport in Moscow. He was looking for someone. It had been so long since he was home, between travel, competing, and visiting Japan, the teen was rarely home.
He looked around, then heard a honk, seeing an all too familiar car. Out came an older man with a square jaw and salt and pepper hair. His voice was rough but warm upon seeing the teen.
“Yuri!”
The teen, ever so excited to see the man who raised him and whom he looked up to and skated for, ran towards, encapsulating him in a hug.
“Deda!”
Yuri jumped into the embrace but put a little too much force into it. He forgot that he wasn’t that little anymore. His grandfather was going to have an ache soon as he set the teen down.
“I’m sorry, I forgot about your back.”
He helped the older man stand upright again then into his car. His grandfather began to drive them home and the two engaged in small talk. Pirozhkis were made for the teen to snack on during the drive. Yuri would tell him about his travels and his training before falling to talk about Viktor, the other Yuuri and their daughter. His grandfather smiled out of the corner of his eyes.
“Oh by the way, have you heard of kat-su-done? I guess it's a bowl of pork cutlets.”
“Kat-su-done? Don’t think I have.”
“I had them while visiting Viktor. It was actually pretty good.” Yuri did think that the pirozhkis were similar in a way.
“Are you saying my cooking’s not good?” His grandfather asked, faking disappointment.
Yuri hesitated. “N-no I didn’t say that…”
The radio then sounded, signaling that Viktor had also arrived in Russia. It was time to get serious. Yuri was going to wipe the other Yuuri clean off the ice. He couldn’t wait.
A ping then sounded on the teen’s phone and it was a selfie of the small family. He smiled a little. Natsumi was with them this time. He may feel a little weak, but he was still going to defeat Yuuri. He had a few aces up his sleeve.