Chapter Text
Yuuri fell in love with Viktor the very first time he laid eyes on him.
It was late at night in the local library, just before closing time.
The building was making the most of its vast underground lecture rooms by hiring them out to various local groups for their meetings.
Yuuri had just been to his favourite session of the week, virtual tours of stately homes. He knew that his friends thought he was a bit of a geek for loving old buildings so much. But he was a deeply romantic man at heart and loved everything about the past, especially the Regency era. There was just something about that period of time that spoke to him. Almost like he knew it as well as he knew his life right now.
Over the course of the past few years, he had given up on meeting anyone who shared the same passions as him for ancient bricks and mortar. Instead he simply enjoyed the time he spent with the like minded people who were his friends in the group.
This particular evening he had had to return to the lecture hall to retrieve his jacket and was hurrying back out when he, quite literally, ran straight into a gentleman who he had never seen before.
After a series of apologies and helping the taller man to pick up the books he had been carrying, Yuuri had looked up into the bluest eyes he had ever seen. And he blushed. Hard.
WOW…
The man was beautiful…
Ocean blue eyes that sparkled and shone. Long silver hair that was tied back with a black ribbon. The tips of his hair reached to almost waist length. His skin was almost pure white it was so pale. So much so that the red of his own flush stood out like badly applied blusher.
“H-Hi…”
“Good evening…”
And his voice…
Oh, it was soft and so gentle, almost a whisper.
“Pray tell me, are you well? Did I injure you? I do hope not, for to damage such a person as yourself would be an injustice and an indiscretion on my part.”
Yuuri just nodded, his words lost.
The man’s way of speaking was so eloquent, so old fashioned and beautiful.
Totally breathtaking.
“Y-Yeah, I’m ok.” He swallowed hard. “A-Are you ok? Did I hurt you?”
A dazzling heart shaped smile appeared on the full pink lips that Yuuri now wanted to kiss more than anything else in the world.
“I am not injured, kind sir. I offer my gracious thanks for your enquiry after my own health. Pray tell me, why are you in our beautiful library this fair evening?”
Yuuri blushed further, unable to contain the effect that the way the man was speaking was having on him.
“I-er-I was at the lecture? We were looking around Windlesham Manor.” He smiled shyly. “I’m a bit of a sucker for old buildings.”
The other man looked enraptured with his answer. As though he would be clapping his hands together in glee had they not been full of books.
“I too, as you so wonderfully expressed it, am a bit of a sucker for old buildings.” His mouth twitched like he was having difficulty copying Yuuri’s method of speech and it drew Yuuri’s gaze to his lips again.
“Tell me, what did you like most about the Manor House?”
This was all Yuuri needed.
He let himself get lost in a long and detailed speech about the stately home he had seen. His face lighting up as he moved his hands expressively describing everything he loved about the old property.
-
Viktor was instantly besotted with the man who had crashed into him.
He was charming, attractive, kind, caring and seemed to have the same affinity for old buildings that he himself did. And his eyes were a beautiful golden brown hidden behind his blue rimmed glasses. What were the chances of meeting someone so perfect here at the library? Someone who felt, almost familiar...
When the young man had finished talking, he smiled.
“I simply adore hearing you speak with such enthusiasm. Tell me, if you are not required to be elsewhere, would you accompany me for my rest period? It is nearly time for me to dine.”
Yuuri quickly checked his phone, knowing full well that he would have abandoned any other plans he had in favour of spending more time with this captivating male.
“I would love to, if I am not going to be in your way?” He replied, nibbling on his bottom lip. “I could think of nothing better.”
Viktor gasped in horror.
“My goodness, please excuse my rudeness, I have not introduced myself. What must you think of me and my lack of manners.”
He placed his stack of books on the floor and inspected his hands before offering one to Yuuri to shake.
“Viktor. Viktor Nikiforov at your service, and you might be?”
Yuuri giggled at the formal introduction that was warming his heart and reached out his own hand to shake the one offered to him. He was sure that was the name of the family who the speaker had talked about during the lecture. What a coincidence.
“Katsuki Yuuri, Yuuri. It’s a pleasure to meet you Viktor.”
“Oh my dear Yuuri, the pleasure is indeed all mine.”
Viktor’s hand was cool in Yuuri’s grasp, his skin the softest the young man had ever held or touched.
“Come, let us dine together and continue our delightful conversation.”
Yuuri followed the taller man as he led the way through the semi darkened spaces. His long ponytail swishing from side to side. Brushing across the pert ass that Yuuri was definitely not watching as it swayed when he walked.
They stopped outside a large door.
“I thought as the air is still warm we could sit in the light of the moon outside?”
Yuuri nodded, suddenly aware of his own stomach growling.
Ah, he had no food with him.
Viktor smiled gently as he entered the code to open the door to the outside space.
“Pray sit and wait for me, I will bring nourishment for both of us and we shall converse some more of our favourite buildings.”
“Ok.”
-
Viktor closed the door silently behind himself and went to fetch his food. Stopping to take extra from his locker in the small staff room. He always kept a small supply of supplies in there. His appetite was a funny thing. Sometimes he would be ravenous to the point of fainting. Other days he had to remind himself to eat.
And today? Today his stomach was filled with butterflies. Tumbling and making him feel light headed at the thought of having such a wonderful companion to join him.
-
“Peach, he’s adorable! So polite, like no-one I’ve ever met!” Yuuri whispered into his phone. He had figured he should probably let someone know where he was. Just in case Viktor turned out to be an axe murderer or something.
Not that he thought he would be. Yes, there was something strange about him, but it didn’t feel wrong.
In fact it felt very right indeed.
“Ok, but if I don’t hear from you in an hour there will be trouble.” Phichit warned him seriously.
Guessing that Viktor would be back soon he rushed his goodbye and hung up.
The door opened and a concerned looking male came through carrying a tray heavily laden with delicious looking foods.
“Am I keeping you from a previous engagement?” Viktor asked as he set the tray down on the garden table,
Yuuri wondered briefly how he had heard him through the thick door, but the thought swiftly disappeared under the intense gaze of the standing man.
“N-No, I was just telling my flat mate that would be back later than I thought.”
Viktor hummed. “And he doesn’t mind your change of plans?”
Yuuri chuckled. “No, it means that he and his boyfriend can carry on making as much noise as they like for longer than usual.” He winked at the older man. “If you get my drift.”
Viktor frowned as he pondered on what the other man had said. Suddenly gasping and blushing furiously.
“T-They are engaging in s-sexual relations before m-marriage?”
Yuuri’s heart melted at the look of shock and surprise on the older man’s face. Yes, he was definitely in love.
-
The next hour passed in the blink of an eye.
Talking non-stop and eating the wonderful food that Viktor had produced.
They had so much in common, it was almost uncanny. It was with great regret that Viktor walked Yuuri back to the front door of the library and unlocked the door for him.
“Thank you, Yuuri. I have enjoyed your company very much. Maybe I could be permitted to call on you at home?”
Yuuri nodded enthusiastically. “If you work at night, maybe we could go for coffee during the day?”
Viktor saddened. “Much as I desire to say yes, I cannot venture outside in the sunshine. I have a condition that means I burn at even the merest hint of sunlight. Even my medical practitioners cannot explain the reasoning behind it. It is truly a puzzle.”
Ah, well that explained the almost white skin…
Yuuri nodded. “That is a shame. But yes, I would like to see you again. Can I give you my number?”
The taller man handed over his phone for Yuuri to enter his contact details.
“Text me?”
Viktor smiled. “I will be in contact as soon as I return to my house after work.”
-
Yuuri didn’t fully remember driving home. Too engrossed in committing every moment of the evening to his memory banks.
-
“So, what’s he like?”
Phichit and Chris were sat huddled up together under a blanket on the couch waiting for him when he finally got home. Both were sporting bed head hair and new hickeys that were blooming on one another’s neck and throat.
Yuuri smiled as he remembered Viktor’s shock that they were sleeping together, but not married.
Ah well, guess sex is off the menu for the time being then… Never mind, it would be lovely to not have some creepy bloke who was trying to shag him at the earliest opportunity.
“He’s beautiful. Tall, slender. Ocean blue eyes, long silver hair. The palest skin you have ever seen.” He sighed. “I think I love him.”
Chris snorted as Phichit face palmed with a groan.
“Yuuri…. I owe Chris money now…!”
“So, when are we gonna meet the new Mr. Katsuki?” The Swiss man chuckled, enjoying the instant flush on the younger man’s face.
“If you are gonna come out with comments like that, then never!” Yuuri retorted with a cocked eyebrow and a snort of disgust.
-
>My dearest Yuuri,
I trust I am not being too forward in addressing you as such so soon. I was left with a warm glow in my heart after our chance meeting today and my foolish heart is wondering if you feel it also.
I very much regret that we cannot meet until after the sun has lowered in the sky. I was wondering if, by perchance, you would be available to take luncheon with me again tomorrow evening. I do so hope that you do not have a prior engagement that would prevent this.
May I also be as bold as to ask if you currently have a suitor? I humbly beg your forgiveness for asking in such a common manner. However, your beauty quite took my breath away when we were in each other’s company. I am so in awe of you I could not find the words to ask.
If you do not, I would like to ask you to consider myself as a potential suitor for you. I am in no rush for your answer, for I know matters of the heart are not to be entered into lightly.
I await your reply as to our next meeting with baited breath.
Yours, Viktor
-
Chris looked up at the blushing man curled up in the beaten up armchair that he refused to get rid of and whistled.
“Now that is a text message and a half!”
Phichit grabbed the phone from his boyfriend. “No way, you have made half of that up, let me look!”
There was a short period of silence as the Thai man read and re-read the message before looking at this best friend with wide eyes.
“No fucking way… Yuuri, we need to meet him. I want to make sure he is actually real!”
Yuuri held out his hand for his phone. “Hand it over Peach, I want to reply to him.”
-
>Viktor, No one has ever sent me a text message like that before. You truly are one of a kind. Handsome and so polite. I am wondering if I bumped my head when we collided and this is all a dream!
I would love to come to have lunch with you tomorrow. How do I get into the library as I know they will be closed then?
As to your other question. No, I’m not seeing anyone at the moment. Yes, I am interested in dating you. We can talk more about it tomorrow? Yuuri x
-
“Peach, don’t add a kiss, he freaked that you two were having sex without being married!”
“Too late, I’ve pressed send!”
-
Viktor sighed as he pressed the phone to his lips. Yuuri was interested in having him as a suitor, how did this day keep getting better and better?
He knew that the little x after his name was indicative of a kiss, his heart gave a little flutter and he blushed.
-
At nine thirty the following evening, Yuuri found himself standing outside the doors to the library. He was hoping that Viktor would let him in before the policeman on the other side of the road actually came over to ask him what he was doing.
There was the sound of a triple bolt unlocking and Viktor’s face appeared behind the slightly opened door.
“My Yuuri, you came!”
That voice just got more and more inviting each time he uttered a single word.
“Of course I did, I said I would and we have been chatting all day about what to eat and talk about when we saw each other.” He held up the promised bag with food for them to share.
They had spent the day swapping text messages, Yuuri having to hide his phone at work so that he could keep in contact with the beautiful man.
Each one of Viktor’s messages was like something out of a history book. Long and poetic, using language that left Yuuri having to Google some of the more obscure words.
He had never fallen so quickly and heavily for anyone ever before. He should probably be a little more reserved, but he didn’t want to be. He wanted to know everything there was to know about the man who wanted to be his boyfriend.
Slipping in through the partially opened door, Yuuri wondered if going in for a hug would be seen as being too forward.
The pink blush that was dancing on the taller man’s cheeks made him think that maybe he was thinking the same thing and he decided to let Viktor set the pace. He was obviously far more reserved than Yuuri and he was quite happy to wait for the older man to be ready.
“S-Shall we go to the garden?”
-
“Alas I do not know very much about my childhood. I understand from my physicians that I was in a terrible accident in my late teens and I have lost all my memories from before my nineteenth birthday. All I know about myself is from what they found on the papers that were on my person at the time. I do not even know who my parents are for they have never come forward to claim me.”
Yuuri’s heart broke a little at the sadness in Viktor’s face and tone of voice.
“You are an orphan?”
“So it would seem. And I thought I was destined to spend my whole life alone until we were drawn together by fate yesterday.”
“You must have friends, Viktor, don’t you?” Yuuri was shocked by the man’s admission.
“I have people who are my acquaintances, yes. But due to my inability to be able to go out in daylight hours, not many are willing to socialise with me at times when it is safe for me to be outside.”
Yuuri lent forward and placed his hand over the taller man’s pale fingers. “Well, you have me now. You are not on your own anymore.”
Viktor smiled. “So you meant it when you said you were interested in me being your suitor? I promise I have the most utmost respect for you. I will never take advantage of you and, should you decide that you do care for me, I would be honoured to approach your parents for permission for us to wed.”
Nodding, unable to find words to reply to Viktor’s impromptu speech, Yuuri busied himself with arranging the containers of food he had bought with him on the small table.
As they ate, Yuuri was convinced that he saw what appeared to be fangs in Viktor’s mouth as he greedily bit into the carpaccio of beef and the raw fish sushi. However, when he didn’t get another glimpse of them as they moved on to tasting the Katsudon he had made. He thought that the low lighting must have made his mind play tricks on him.
“My dearest Yuuri, how you do spoil your love with these wondrous treasures, these morsels of the finest foods I have tasted in a long time. My own palate is most strange, sometimes craving meats that are barely roasted. Feasting on them as though I need their red fluids to survive. Are you sure that you wish to take me as your suitor?”
Yuuri nodded, opening his mouth to speak and being silenced by a slender finger being pressed to his lips.
“My Yuuri, all I ask is that you be honest with me. If one of your other suitors fits you better, please tell me and I will walk away with my honour and head held high. You are already too ensconced in my heart to do you a disservice by causing you any embarrassment.”
“Viktor, I told you in my first text, I’m not dating anyone else. I’m not interested in dating anyone else either. I like you. ”
There was a kind of tittering laugh. “Oh, come, come, Yuuri, you expect me to believe that there are not a hundred other potential suitors waiting to take your hand? You are a beauty and a rare treasure that surely a thousand others have designs on.”
Yuuri gave a half huff, half laugh. “Well, if there were, none of them ever told me about it. And besides, no-one holds a candle to you. From what I know of you so far, you are so my type.” He grinned and fluttered his thick, long eyelashes at the now blushing silver haired man. “Viktor, I read romance novels like they are going out of fashion. All I have ever wanted is to be wooed. I’m so deeply romantic that people get freaked out by me. All they want is an ass to plunder and to abandon the next day. I’m not like that. So, if you think you can cope with a geeky guy who would probably cry if you gave him flowers, then I’m all yours!”
“You are all mine?”
With a grin that looked like it would split his face in two, Viktor dropped to his knees next to Yuuri’s feet.
“I do want you. I want to wed you. I know you cannot answer until we have your parent’s permission, however I want you to know that my intentions are honourable.”
Yuuri felt like the heroine in one of his books (he had never found any m/m books that gave him the same amount of feels), as he blushed and stroked the cool flesh of Viktor’s face.
“Oh my sweet Viktor, I do believe that your intentions are honourable.”
Oh wow, he was starting to talk like him now!
The older man closed his eyes and nuzzled his face into Yuuri’s hand.
“Be mine?”
-
Once again their ‘lunchtime’ date finished far sooner than either of them were ready for.
It was an extremely despairing Viktor who led his intended back to the main entrance.
“My dearest Yuuri, as I am not working tomorrow night, maybe you would be agreeable to a longer engagement tomorrow evening? I have a desire to know you even better, a desire to spend the whole night with you. If you so wish of course…”
Internally Yuuri sighed. If only you meant spending the night, the way I would mean spending the night. The past hour and bit had been amazing. They had talked non-stop again, Viktor spending part of the time sitting on the floor at his feet staring adoringly up at him as they spoke.
I have it so bad for you, Viktor Nikiforov. You could ask me to run away with you right now and I would.
“That sounds great! Do you want to go somewhere? Should I come to yours? I would say come to mine, but Phichit and Chris will monopolise the whole conversation and we won’t get a moment's peace!”
With a slight bow of his head, Viktor blushed. “My dear, it is not proper for us to be fully alone for such a long period of time. We are risking scandal by you coming here to see me. It is only due to the fact that it is my place of work that we are not being gossiped about right now.”
He carefully brushed Yuuri’s face with the palm of his hand. “Send me your address and I will call on you at home. I have a desire to meet this Phichit and Chris. I shall of course not mention their indiscretions regarding the nature of their relationship. I trust they are at least engaged to the married.”
Yuuri had no idea what to say to that. Of course Peach and Chris weren’t engaged.
Oh Viktor.
“That sounds great! I’ll make us dinner and we can hang out and chat!”
With a heated blush that seemed to spread under the collar of his white shirt. Viktor’s hand hesitated as he extended it forwards.
“M-May I be as bold as to ask to kiss your hand? If it is too much, please forgive me my indiscretion. I-I seem to forget my place and manners when I am around you, my dear.”
Yuuri full on swooned. He was being wooed and it was everything he had wanted and more!
Giggling, where had THAT come from?, he laid his hand in Viktor’s outstretched palm.
With a fluid grace that didn’t seem human, Viktor sunk down to one knee, dipped his head and placed a gentle kiss on the back of Yuuri’s hand. The action seemed to stun the older man as he immediately raised their joined hands to press Yuuri’s hand to his cheek as he closed his eyes.
“Oh my dearest Yuuri, you cannot know how much you cause my heart to stutter in my chest. I am completely captivated by your charms and beauty. You have my heart to do with as you wish.”
Yup. He was totally screwed when it came to this man.
“I-I think you are very special too, Viktor. I don’t really want to go home right now, but I don’t want to get you into trouble with your bosses. I promise I will text you my address as soon as I, ah, shit. I’m gonna do it right now.”
One handed, there was no way he was making Viktor let go of his hand, he grappled with his phone and managed to text the address to the man still kneeling on the floor before him. Hearing the man’s phone buzz in his pocket as the message arrived.
“W-What time do you want to come over?”
Viktor seemed to regain his senses and got to his feet, still holding Yuuri’s hand.
“I will leave my abode as soon as the sun is low enough not to cause me issues. I cannot bear to spend a single moment longer away from you, my dearest.”
With regret shining in his eyes, he let go of Yuuri’s hand to unlock the main door.
“Until tomorrow, my love?”
“Yes, I’ll see you tomorrow, Viktor. And, thank you.”
It took all of Yuuri’s reserve not to place a kiss on the pale pink lips of the taller man. Instead, letting the old fashioned man place another kiss on the back of his hand before the door closed slowly and he walked away, back to his car.