Chapter Text
Worlds 2013
The locker room was packed and it took Michal a moment to get to where he had left his stuff. There was a buzz of a familiar chatter around him, some guys exchanging opinions about their short programs, some brooding quietly in the corner. Michal was feeling pretty good; his short had been decent enough to place him in a sixth position and he was motivated before the free. Deep inside he was hoping that maybe this time he could get past that cursed fourth place.
He heard a loud thud and raised his head to check the noise. He saw Yuzuru Hanyu, who was sitting on a bench right in front of Michal, his lips pressed in a tight line, fingers fiddling with his bag violently.
Someone really hates losing.
It wasn't an accusation; every athlete hated failure, but Michal liked to think that it was getting easier with age. Or maybe he was just lowering his expectations already.
Yuzuru took one of his shoes off and glared at it murderously, and for a moment Michal thought that he was going to throw it across the room. Maybe that boy looked like an innocent angel most of the time, but with that dark expression he could pass as a serial killer anytime. It was quite intimidating and apparently no one wanted to risk talking to him, even Takahito, and Michal understood that completely. If someone wanted to brood in silence it was totally okay.
'Hey!' he heard a familiar voice and saw Javi grinning at him.
'Hi.' Michal smiled back, because it was pretty impossible not to. The Spaniard really had a contagious smile. But then, to his dread, Javi sat next to Yuzuru, and half of the guys present in the room stopped breathing for a second.
Javi apparently had a death wish, because he put his hand on Yuzuru's shoulder and smiled at him brightly.
'Hey, don't worry! We'll fight back in the free.' he said and to Michal's utter surprise, Yuzuru gave him a small smile in return.
'Looks like the bomb's defused.' someone muttered lightly next to Michal.
'Guess no one's immune to that Spanish accent.' he joked, because he wasn't sure what to say to that statement. Patrick looked at him as if he was living under a rock.
'They train together.' he said and Michal shrugged. It really wasn't any of his business.
It made him wonder, though. Hanyu was becoming a real threat now, so him and Javi were each other's major competition. It was kinda weird that Javi didn't have a problem with that, but it was only comfirming what Michal always thought of him- that he was too nice for his own good.
'I'm wondering how long they can stay that friendly.' Patrick muttered again and Michal felt a sudden spike of irritation, the comment feeling like some mocking accusation a bit.
'Forever, hopefully.' he said, hoping that it would end that weird conversation. Michal really didn't like sticking his nose into someone else's business. And in the end, it wasn't such a sensation that two athletes were friendly towards each other, even if the situation was a bit unusual.
In front of him Yuzuru was laughing now, and Michal couldn't help but smile slightly.
Skate Canada 2013
Michal felt only a bit weird being the only one that didn't have any company during breakfast. But he was the only single male skater from Europe at this event, and he didn't feel like imposing his presence on Japaneses or Americans. So he just shrugged his shoulders and found a free table- it wasn't the first time, so nothing new.
Speaking of Japanese, the nearest table was occupied by Yuzuru Hanyu and his coach, both with eyes glued to their phones. I've read somewhere it's unhealthy he thought vaguely when he was startled by a loud snort coming from Yuzuru.
'Huh?' Brian Orser looked at his student, who scrunched his nose in obvious confusion.
'Is Javi.' he said, tapping the screen 'He say, break a leg. Why he say that?'
It was Michal's time to snort, but he quickly hid his face in his sleeve. He really didn't want to be impolite, now that he was unwittingly eavesdropping.
'It means good luck.' Brian explained calmly, but Michal could see sparks of humor in his eyes.
'Oh.' Yuzuru's face lit up with a smile, but then it fell a bit 'Wish Javi here. I do better.'
Michal wasn't sure what the Japanese meant by that, but his coach apparently did.
'You're going to do just fine, Yuzu.'
It seemed that Javi and Yuzuru were still getting along pretty well, which was pretty cool if someone asked him. They were both nice guys and well, figure skating world didn't need more drama.
Michal shook his head and decided to focus on upcoming competition. He had something to prove.
Europeans 2014
His score was announced and Michal didn't know if he should laugh or cry. The cursed four was blinking at him from a screen, mocking him once again.
Why it's never enough?
Later that day he was sitting in his room, debating whether he should get drunk or not, when someone knocked to his door rather loudly.
'Hey!' Javi smiled at him 'Me and Sergei are going out. Wanna join?' Michal looked over Javi's shoulder and saw the happy silver medalist- wearing a ridiculous Christmas sweater- who waved at him enthiusiastically. He was a few years older than them and Michal hadn't really talked to him before, but he seemed nice enough.
'Sure.' it sounded better that drinking overpriced beer in a hotel bar all by himself.
They found a pub that probably wasn't too popular among tourists, but the atmosphere was really fitting Michal's taste. Basement, dim light, cigarette smoke- it reminded him of his favourite spot in Brno a lot.
'I buy first.' Sergei offered and rushed to the counter. While walking there Michal found out that his English wasn't amazing, but they still managed to communicate pretty well.
'Well, he's a happy one.' he remarked and Javi chuckled 'You know him well?'
'We were roommates when I was training in Moscow.' the Spaniard said and Michal was a bit surprised by that revalation, but he didn't comment that. A moment later Sergei was back with their drinks and he raised his glass.
'To the champion.' the Russian waved at Javi and then smiled at Michal 'And you, no worry. Next time!'
'Cheers!' Michal returned a smile, already feeling a bit better.
'We'll show them at the olympics.' Javi grinned and Michal felt a strike of motivation.
'Oh, I'll drink to that!'
'You go, I watch.' Sergei smiled, but there was a sign of melancholy in his expression.
'Hey, don't say that!' Javi patted his shoulder 'You're the silver medalist, they gotta look at that!'
'Is Russia.' Sergei shrugged 'They not say yet, but I know. Evgeni will go. He is hero.'
Michal felt a sudden strike of compassion for that guy. No matter what he did, he would always lose with the living legend, even if its star was fading away already.
'I'm sorry, man.' he said and Sergei shook his head.
'Is okay. Not be sad, celebrate!' he exclaimed and Michal was really impressed with his enthusiasm.
'I almost forgot that partying with you is so much fun.' Javi said with a laugh and Sergei raised his eyebrows.
'New guy no party?'
It took Michal a moment to realize that he was talking about Yuzuru Hanyu.
'He's different.' Javi said, his smile softer than before 'Pretty sheltered. And very young.'
'You seem pretty close.' Michal noticed and Javi shrugged.
'We're not, really? But at the same time, we are.' he chuckled awkwardly 'It's complicated. Let's drop that, okay?'
Michal didn't mind; everyone had a right to keep things private, but he saw Sergei's knowing grin and he suddenly wondered what was he thinking about.
Rostelecom 2014
Sergei touched his medal and grinned widely, looking at the cheering crowd.
I knew I could do it.
Javi was beaming on his left, same as Michal, and Sergei really liked his company that day. They were both amazing skaters and great people, and their success was making him happy too.
'Congrats, Javi.' Michal said in a locker room after a medal ceremony 'You have that ticket to Barcelona.'
Javi smiled with relief and Sergei could understand that feeling oh so well.
'Shame I fucked up in Canada.' the Czech added with a sigh 'Always wanted to go to Spain.'
'Feel free to visit me in Madrid one day.' Javi said lightly and then turned to Sergei 'You?'
'I go to NHK.'
Javi's smile faded a little, a flicker of something unnamed in his eyes, and it took Sergei a moment to connect the facts.
'No worry.' he smiled at the younger man with sympathy 'I tell him you say hi.'
'Thanks.' Javi said absently and then disappeared in the showers.
'I don't follow.' Michal looked at Sergei with confusion.
'I see that he worry about his friend. Yuzuru.'
'Oh.' realization dawned on Michal's face 'I forgot about that accident.' his gaze fell on the doors to the showers, wondering 'He cares a lot.'
'Yes.' Sergei agreed quietly. He suddenly remembered the day he had met Javi in Moscow, that boy with a bright smile and kindness in his eyes. Always caring, always shining through the darkest clouds. Then he had seen that smile fade away, the light being overcome by harsh cold and loneliness. He had seen him struggle, and now he was able to see him shine again, brighter than ever.
Life was fair, sometimes.
NHK 2014
Yuzuru was even more quiet than usual, looking down and walking slowly and carefully, as if he was scared of falling. Sergei was observing him with sympathy; he remembered his own struggles, an awful injury from years before that also had happened to him in China.
He knew how it was, to feel helpless and broken.
He saw him hiding in a backstage after the short program and he walked to him. Yuzuru was sitting on a chair, face hidden in his hands, and Sergei felt a sting of compassion.
'Hello.' he said, smiling friendly, and Yuzuru raised his head. He clearly wasn't in a mood for talking, but he returned the greeting, polite as always.
'You are brave.' Sergei said sincerely and Yuzuru's eyes widened 'I know you can do it.'
Yuzuru's face cramped for a second, a mix of pain and fear in his eyes.
'I don't know.' he said in small voice.
In that moment it didn't matter that they had barely talked before, that their English was bad and that Sergei was six years older. It didn't matter that they were competition, because in that moment they understood each other better than ever.
'We will go to Barcelona meet Javi.' Sergei said and Yuzuru looked at him, surprised. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but he stayed silent, his dark eyes wide open.
'He worry about you.' Sergei added quietly and Yuzuru closed his eyes for a moment, and when he opened them again there was a small, pained smile on his lips.
It gave Sergei an answer he hadn't been looking for, but he was grateful that he had it now.
GPF 2014
Sergei was having the time of his life in Barcelona. He had a blast during his free skate, and he did good enough to earn a medal. Yuzuru and Javi were radiant with happiness, their smiles wide and bright, and the whole ceremony felt warm and friendly.
He didn't really have a chance to talk with Javi, who was clearly overwhelmed with all the attention he was getting. He had an opportinity to catch up with Yuzuru though, when they bumped into each other in a hotel elevator.
'Told you.' Sergei said and Yuzuru gave him a bright smile.
'Thank you.' the Japanese tilted his head 'You skate good.'
'Thank you.' Sergei repeated with a laugh 'Feeling better?'
There was a flash of something dark on Yuzuru's face, but after a second the smile was back.
'Yes. See you at practice?'
Sergei could tell that Yuzuru didn't want to continue their conversation, but he wasn't offended by that. The boy was clearly exhausted and probably didn't want to struggle with English anymore. Sergei liked him anyway.
Sergei spotted Javi and Yuzuru on the other side of the rink and grinned to himself. The boys were clearly having fun, laughing and playing some weird game that involved a lot of hands gestures. Or maybe it was the way they were, it wouldn't be surprising.
After a few minutes of playing around Javi noticed Sergei and skated over, leaving Yuzuru with Tatsuki.
'Hey! Congrats once again!'
'You too.' Sergei returned a smile and then nodded towards the Japanese 'You like him, yes?'
'Of course I do.' Javi laughed, but Sergei could hear a nervous undertone in that sound 'He's a good guy.'
'Javi.'
The Spaniard just looked at him, as if he was wondering what to tell him, but that was enough for Sergei. Maybe he didn't look like that, but he was a pretty thoughtful guy. And maybe he wasn't the best in understaning people's words- especially when English was involved- but he could read them better than anyone could guess. And Javi wasn't so hard to read, also. He was wearing his heart on his sleeve and Sergei always wondered why people couldn't see that.
'Is okay.' he added, putting a hand on Javi's shoulder and smiling. Javi looked torn, as if he didn't what to say or do. Sergei didn't want him to feel as if he needed to explain anything; he only wanted him to be honest with himself, just like that.
The hotel they were staying in had a small garden, which was pretty awesome if you asked Sergei. The weather in Barcelona was still nice in December, something around 10 Celsius, so Sergei decided to sneak out when the banquet became a bit too loud for his taste. He wasn't too old to enjoy parties, but at some point it became too noisy and too messy for his taste. He hadn't really hung out with those people too much, majority of them so much younger than him, so he decided he could use a break.
The garden was nice; not big, but with tidy paths and flower- beds, with a few trees. It looked nice, bathed in a dim light and it was definitely more quiet than inside, the music muffled. He walked around for a few minutes before he decided to go back inside. Sergei didn't know when would he have a next chance to be on a banquet like that, in the end.
But there was someone on the terrace that was leading to the entrance to the hotel, two dark silhouettes. Something made Sergei stop, hidden in a shadow of the night. He wasn't even sure why, but the scene in front of him looked a bit intimate, two people standing close and talking in hushed voices. Sergei really didn't want to eavesdrop, but he was afraid that if he moved they would notice him and he didn't want to interrupt them. He still didn't know who they were, but he could tell that they were two men, because they both were wearing suits.
Suddenly, one of them took a big step back, as if he wanted to walk away; the other man followed him quickly, grabbing his hand and stopping him. Now they were standing right under a lantern and Sergei could recognize them easily, their faces clearly visible now.
He wished they had stayed in a shadow, because now it was way too easy to see hurt on Javi's face as he said something in a quiet whisper, a few words that turned Yuzuru's face to stone.
Javi looked at their still joined hands and he let go, taking a small step back.
'I'm sorry.' he said, a bit louder that before but still quietly 'You don't have to talk to me if you don't want to.' he added and then walked away without another word. And just like that, the cool mask was gone, and there was only unbearable longing in Yuzuru's eyes, raw and heartbreaking.
Sergei really wished he hadn't witnessed that.
He had told himself before that he wouldn't meddle with their business, but now he decided that he had to do something. He already had enough of watching two people in love breaking each other's hearts.
But he needed an ally, and he knew exactly who would be perfect for that.