Chapter Text
Yuuri was dozing off in the train, the main disadvantage of not being able to fly or use any alternative way of transportation meant that he had to travel as any other normal person. That wasn’t bad itself, but he spent hours trying to arrive at a place, making him unable to help anyone at a long distance.
The sun was setting, he would arrive at Kyoto in several more hours, so for the moment the best thing he could do was look out the window and relax. His work phone vibrated, he looked at it and saw Minako’s alias. Yuuri canceled the call and shut his phone. Now his personal phone began, he turned it off also before even looking who the call was from.
The train was almost empty but he could hear the voice of some people rise, he ignored it and directed his attention to the sunset. He hadn’t had time for himself in a while, probably since he started his patrols. Yuuri didn’t complain, but it was just impractical. Most of his time patrolling had him taking photos and being interviewed for more time than actually stopping crimes, not to say he hadn’t had any work done.
He got comfortable in the seat and was tempted to take his glasses off, but he wouldn’t risk someone recognizing him. He closed his lids and dozed off soon after.
Some hours later he got to his destination; there were a lot of people as usual, but it was odd that most of them were gathered around the local news’ screens. Yuuri found it strange and tried to get across them to see if he should be concerned about something, but he miserably failed.
He turned his phone on to look up on the internet what was going on, or that was the plan before he saw the overwhelming quantity of missed calls he had. From Minako, his mom, even the calls from the Nishikori family alone were reaching two digits.
He called Minako first, she was the one with the most missed calls, and would probably be the one to explain the situation the best.
“Yuuri! Why didn’t you pick up?! I’ve been trying to reach you for hours!” Minako picked up on the first ring, she probably still had the phone on her hands.
“Oh sorry, I was on the train and saw your call but I was tired. If I knew it was an emergency I wouldn’t have turned it off…”
“Yuuri, I love you, but shut your face-hole and listen to me for five seconds.” She breathed slowly and said the words as clear and loud as she could manage. “The Ice Prince, the Great Ice Prince, him, he’s in Japan.”
Yuuri raised an eyebrow, it was certainly something unexpected. “Really? Since when? And, why? Maybe he has official matters with the government, maybe he’s looking for someone?”
“Yes, I don’t know, no, and you.”
“What?” Yuuri replied in a slight bewilderment, restraining himself in a low volume. “I don’t even remember the order of what I just said but you’re telling me he came because of me?”
Minako contained her laugh and tried to continue the story. “He arrived in the afternoon to Tokyo, he crossed the central districts in his fancy snow cloud.” Her words became hard to understand as she increased the speed of her words, she took a second to clear her throat and continue with a slower tongue. “No one knows when or how he got here, he was interviewed earlier but all he said was that he came to take you as his protege!” He didn’t give credit to her words, it was all too confusing to consider as truth. “Yuuri, is there something you haven’t told me?”
“Of course not, I mean, I’m as lost as you in regards to why would this happen.” Yuuri had to solve this, somehow, the Ice Prince could be his idol and all but he was still a professional, and he wouldn’t let anyone disturb public order. “So he’s still in Tokyo? I’m at the station, I’ll buy a ticket for the next bullet train but that would take at least 4 more hours.”
“Don’t worry, I called you earlier to tell you that someone informed him that you were going to be in Kyoto. For what I could see in cameras he brought his whole sky carriage along and headed south. He should’ve arrived by now.” Yuuri tried to answer her but the words got stuck in his throat. “Yuuri, calm down, stay put, or go somewhere he can find you, or go find him for that matter. Whatever you do, I think you should change.”
He took the breathing space of two seconds to chill, once he got out of his dumbfounded state he thanked Minako for the call and ended it. She wished him luck and Yuuri wondered if this was his dream come true or his worst nightmare.
And so he took the lead; he went to a back alley and took off his clothes, fortunately, he always wore his suit underneath. He took off his glasses and pulled his hair back, now, he was ready for the action.
Word had spread that Katsuman replied to the Ice Prince’s call, the local tv talk shows hadn’t talked about anything other than theories trying to explain this unexpected reunion.
The Ice Prince flew above the buildings, his increasing inpatient state limiting his ability to use his powers, what had been a storm now only served to stay beneath his feet matching his steps, he considered if it would be better to continue by foot to regain control of his snow.
He walked and noticed the glances of people, everyone was looking at him but no one dared to step an inch closer. They took photos of him and furiously typed on their phones, he didn’t think about this earlier but maybe by moving around his future companion hadn’t been able to find him.
He sacrificed some of his cape's snow in order to cast a modest throne, he sat in it and with the head up high, and waited.
These were the moments where he wished he could jump buildings, or do anything that would be less lame than run through the city.
Yuuri’s legs hurt, but they still could run at full capacity so he continued, people on the sideways started cheering for him and shouting in which direction the Prince had thankfully stayed put. Kyoto was a big city, a good twenty minutes passed before he saw the other man in the distance.
As he approached him, Yuuri slowed the pace. The Prince looked deep in thought, but he jolted when he felt Katsuman drawing near.
They stood in front of the other, at least ten strides apart, and none of them tried to advance first.
Yuuri’s feet felt nailed to the floor, he still couldn’t understand what was happening. The man in front of him looked at him directly in the eyes, something Yuuri never thought he’d live to see. That was a thought for another moment, Yuuri had to deal with duty first.
Finally, the Ice Prince moved a step closer, carefully and full of grace, if you ignored that though, it was clear that he was also testing ground.
Somehow Yuuri managed to move two or three steps closer, and the other man did the same now with more confidence.
Yuuri clenched his fists and moved closer quickly, almost ending the distance between them, but he wanted to force the other hero to actively acknowledge he was the one stepping in, and so he did.
With the last step, now only 5ft separating them, Yuuri felt a change in the air, it became colder, more rigid.
His idol for years extended his hand and gave him a half contained smile. “I know you can fight, and I will prove it, I’ve come to take you under my wing.”
Yuuri processed his words, they felt genuine, but their meaning still wasn’t clear to him. He opted to extend his own hand and squeeze the hero’s. “The pleasure is mine,” he couldn’t say he was grabbing a hand when it felt more like an icicle, it was so cold it was making his own feel numb. “However, I think it would be more appropriate if we continued this conversation somewhere else.” The older man agreed and they retired from the public eye.
After a couple of blocks of directionless walking in the middle of the city, the ice man extended his arm for Yuuri to grab. The later was thrown off before he saw the cloud that was starting to form beneath him. He tried to contain a nervous reaction, as he got an idea of the intentions.
He wanted to say no, not like he was afraid of heights, but he wasn't particularly fond of the idea of flying.
Yuuri gave in and grabbed his arm, suddenly, he was pulled upwards without a warning and he couldn't help but flinch.
He was torn between getting closer to his long life hero and keeping distance. More because closeness meant reaching the absolute zero, completely. It had nothing to do with the thought that Yuuri couldn't get over his first, and probably only major crush. He had to admit, though, it was a relief knowing that he didn't have the need to worry about blushing with this freezing temperature.
They soared the city sky to heights Yuuri hadn’t been before outside of an airplane. He squeezed his only grip, the other’s arm, and gave him indications until they reached the mountains. They were back on the ground and Yuuri immediately distanced himself to feel warmth, the Prince thought he was just nervous.
"Well, now that we're here, you can ask me any question," Yuuri felt like he was on a talk show more than in a private conversation. "About my work? About my personal life?"
Yuuri could ask many questions; why me? Why now? Why did you leave the people who need you?
"Can you die of hypothermia?" Time was passing and he didn't want to seem like a creepy intruder and that was the first thing that came up to his mind. But no, now he regretted it so badly he wanted to hide under a rock.
"I haven't tried, but I'll tell you if it happens!" He tried to laugh it off but fell silent. "Do you want me to tell you why I'm here?"
“I think so? That would be a good place to start." Yuuri heard his own voice lower than he intended, but he puffed his chest to gain confidence. “What are you planning mister?”
“My motifs, eventually, I may or may not tell you.” Ice man’s smile lightened, now he was feeling more comfortable, and thought that it could actually work. “My plans, I thought you’re a good hero, but honestly? Waste of potential.” Yuuri felt that as a punch to the gut, but didn’t let himself show it. “We’ll talk the details on your base, where is it?”
There were more things that the poor japanese man wanted to argue about, but it would be meaningless at the moment. ”I wouldn't precisely call it a base because I just returned. However, if you mean where I live, then it's a little far from here." He explained more or less the location of Hasetsu.
"Well, give me a location to see you there in a week." He straightened his back and continued in an upbeat tone. "I can already feel we'll be getting along pretty well but I still don't want you discovering my secret identity."
That was only natural and he was glad the sentiment was mutual. Yuuri gave him his work number and told him he'd send the details later.
They parted ways and Yuuri left to his hotel. The next day he would have his normal patrol and then return home.
Morning came uneventfully for the most part, save the insane amount of journalists and fans that stopped him in the streets to ask about yesterday’s hot topic. They were especially interested in the ‘hot’ part.
Later in the afternoon he returned to the station, he would take a train that left him in the airport. Sure, he wanted time for himself but almost half a day sitting would make him mad. He’d get home as soon as possible and soak in the hot springs until the meeting.
Yuuri got on the plane and as it gained height he looked the city from above, he compared the difference from last night’s memories. Thinking about it made a chill run down his back of both remembering the temperature and where he was.
Now that the other two had been rationalized, he let himself think about the most important thing, with who he was.
The Ice Prince, the actual Prince. Yuuri thought he wasn’t as excited because now he was a mature and professional adult. He called bull, he was just calm because his balls were freezing.
He remembered the closeness, the strength of his muscles, how he felt like flying and how he was actually flying. Yuuri questioned himself if his life up till now hadn’t been a dream and now he would wake up as his high school self.
The thought was dumb, but it was worse that he couldn’t help his heartbeats getting faster. A warm shiver came as he remembered the blue eyes of the other man. They would now be together, working as a team, spending time together and…
He wouldn’t tell him he was lovestruck, that he had been for half of his life, they were going to become partners, and he knew as a hero that personal relationships were a big no-no. He was satisfied just being close and loving from afar.
Yuuri had come to terms with his feelings, so he replayed his memories with a filter as if it was a movie, where the main character could’ve been anyone, and he just watched. It was more comfortable to think that way, and he wouldn’t feel guilty to harbor his feelings. The movie replayed on his head until he fell asleep.
He tried to avoid telling Minako he was coming back home, but she was the one who asked and he didn’t want to lie to her.
They met outside of the Hasetsu train station, she greeted him pleasantly but he knew it was just the calm before the storm. Yuuri looked around and was weirded out by the faint snow falling form the sky, it was very light but it still was strange for an April weather.
On the way back they talked thoroughly, Minako exteriorized most of Yuuri’s questions and ideas. They tried to make sense to it all but every possible conclusion opened a bunch of new doors.
“Anyway,” Minako sighed, as they arrived at his family’s inn and concluded their conversation. “He’s already here, if he really came to help you then seize him to your contempt.” Yuuri flushed at the comment and Minako smirked, she had been completely intentional. “You may fool yourself thinking you’re over him, but I know that’s not true.” What did she know? Not much apparently, or she'd know he didn’t even try to fool himself, he knew he wouldn’t have a chance trying to deny it.
Yuuri picked his suitcase from the back of the car and entered his home. He found his dad in his usual spot on the entrance. Toshiya laughed and patted his back, they weren't expecting to see him for a couple of weeks or months so his early return had been a pleasant surprise. He said it was a shame Yuuri hadn’t called, his mother and sister had gone to pick up some things, if they knew they would’ve waited to say hello. He would greet them later at dinner, his father gave him a reassuring smile before suggesting he went to take a bath.
His thoughts were exactly there, he wanted to soak in until his muscle knots melted. The only thing to make it better would be eating a pork cutlet bowl afterward.
While Yuuri crossed the place to get to the baths, he saw a big dog too invested watching TV, he thought it was curious and weird, as if he could actually understand what was happening. Yuuri ignored him for the most part and continued his way.
Once there, he changed out of his clothes and cleaned himself before getting into the baths, he was glad there was only one other person there. Snow had stopped falling but there were accumulations on top of the leaves and rocks.
He was tempted to take off his fake glasses but decided against it, he also thought about popping the lenses but he would regret it later. He got into the water and immediately felt how the familiar comforting tingling crept up his skin.
He couldn’t see his steamy glasses but heard how the other person stood up and cross his way out. Yuuri was too relaxed to move, but couldn’t help jerking away when he felt the water turn colder for a moment. He heard the other man step out, he waited until he couldn’t hear the footsteps and finally took off his glasses. Now that was more like it, he could finally truly relax.
His blessed calmness lasted much less than he wished, as snow started to fall from the sky again. His better judgment won against him and he bitterly got out.
Mom and Mari had arrived already, they hugged him joyfully and mom promised she’d run to make his favorite dish. He casually talked to his sister and felt nice about it, at least until she started teasing about you know who being in the same country as him. Comments such as ‘don’t worry lil’bro, I’ll drive you wherever he is so you can implode to your heart's contentment’ were accepted but not much appreciated.
He sat in one of the restaurant’s tables as his dish was being brought, his family excused themselves for not joining him but they were busy with other stuff. Yuuri was happy; he was at home, eating his favorite dish, there weren’t a lot of people but the inn still had a fair amount of work to do. The smell of the pork cutlet bowl was delicious, it filled his nostrils with love and made him drool like a fountain.
He felt a strong glare on the back of his neck, he didn’t want to seem rude and turn to see who was it from, but he was uneasy. He tried to ignore it but with every second he felt holes being burned into his back. He turned, slowly and discretely and found it came from the table behind him.
The first thing he saw was a green robe, one of those they had for customers to wear after they left the baths. Then short silver hair, but he couldn't say anything remarkable since the man was facing the other side. He shifted his eyes to the right and saw the owner of that stare, it was the dog from before.
Yuuri raised an eyebrow, and but then understood the universal language of puppy eyes that he was giving to his food.
No.
No, no, no, no, no.
Well, probably.
Ok…
Yuuri knew he was weak against those looking in need, part thanks to his glass heart and also to the hero duty. He shyly smiled and nodded his head, something that was pointless because it was a dog he was referring to. Or not? The dog stood in his four paws and waved his tail. With a happy pace he walked until he was next to Yuuri, his owner taken by surprise.
“Makkachin?” the man turned and almost gasped as he saw his dog’s butt abandoning him. He continued talking in a foreign language but Yuuri could identify the burden in his voice. He stood up and with a frown kneeled next to the pet, offering Yuuri an apology with his eyes. “Sorry, do you speak english?” Yuuri nodded and replied that he did, the man sighed in relief and continued with an embarrassed smile. “Excuse him, I’ve told him before that he can’t steal other people’s food right?” He looked at the dog and probably repeated the phrase in what Yuuri thought was Russian.
“Don’t worry, he seems like a good boy maybe he’s just hungry.”
“I don’t think so, he’s been eating delicious food all day long.” The man inhaled and exhaled slowly, once he perceived the smell of the delicious dish. “Not that I can blame him, your food smells really good.”
“You’re right sir, this is a pork cutlet bowl, our specialty.” Yuuri went on to explain that his family owned the place and offered him his dish, after all, he hadn’t tasted it yet, and the big pup already had his eyes on it.
“Are you sure? Is it really okay?” He asked in a relaxed disbelief, he smiled at Makkachin and the dog started panting excitedly in return.
“Yeah, I’ll just go ask mom for another one. She won’t mind in the least, she loves when people praise her food.” A warm smile rested on his face, he was about to stand up but remembered his manners. “My name is Katsuki Yuuri, you can come to me if you need anything.”
“Thanks Yuuri, I'll accept your kindness. My name is,” He stopped his tongue and restlessness washed over his face. Yuuri hadn’t expected a reply but maybe he had been too straightforward. The man shook his head and smiled with innocence. “Victor, my name is Victor Nikiforov.”
Yuuri bowed his head and Victor returned the gesture, he left for the kitchen to grab a new meal.
He came back with his bowl and saw Victor lively talk to his dog, Yuuri thought it was funny, and to some degree cute. He sat in front of his new acquaintance and began to eat.
They silently enjoyed their food, but started a chat, they engaged in a deeper and more interesting conversation as time went on. Victor asked if he wanted something to drink and Yuuri agreed, one of the perks of his superhuman senses was that he had no problems with alcohol.
They drank and talked and got to know the other better. Yuuri learned that Victor had some business to attend in Hasetsu, and when he arrived he asked where would be a good place to stay and was told this was the only inn in town that still ran a hot springs bath.
Victor learned that Yuuri had recently returned from studying abroad, and that he still didn’t have a clear idea of what to do with his future.
The more they talked, the more excitement Victor felt. He was so comfortable talking to Yuuri, having a casual conversation, laughing about trivialities, and slowly forming a bond. He had to control his hype or the city would be covered deeply in snow by the morning.