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The familiar buzz of his phone vibrated in Yuuri Katsuki’s pocket as he stood by the office window, staring out at the overcast sky. He had called Victor earlier, half-venting, half-rambling about how the day had gone completely off the rails. It wasn’t one big issue, just a mess of little things piling up on top of each other—deadlines pushed up unexpectedly, team members not delivering what they promised, and a particularly snippy email from a superior that had set the entire tone for his day.
Yuuri hated this feeling of tension pulling at the back of his neck, hated feeling like he wasn’t enough. His hands trembled slightly as he gripped the phone, staring at Victor’s contact information on the screen.
He sighed, rubbing his forehead. “I don’t want to drag him into this.”
But even as he thought it, Yuuri could almost hear Victor’s voice, full of warmth, telling him that he never dragged him into anything. That they were a team—partners both on the ice and in life. Yet, Yuuri still hesitated to bother him with such mundane problems. Victor was busy too, working on choreography, training younger skaters, and running his own projects.
Still, that pull toward his husband was undeniable. After another sigh, Yuuri hit the call button.
It didn’t even ring twice before Victor picked up. “Yuuri? Is everything okay?” Victor’s voice was filled with concern, and Yuuri could hear background noise—pots clinking and water running. He must have been in the kitchen.
Yuuri's lips tugged into a faint smile despite his heavy mood. Victor always seemed to know when something was wrong, even without Yuuri saying a word. He found that both comforting and overwhelming. “Yeah, everything’s fine,” Yuuri lied, and then paused. “No, not really. I just… I’m having a bad day at the office.”
Victor hummed thoughtfully on the other end of the line, his voice warm and familiar, like the softest blanket on a cold winter day. “Do you want to talk about it? Or should I come by and pick you up? I can be there in ten minutes.”
“No, no… I’ll be home soon. I just wanted to hear your voice. It’s nothing major. Just a bunch of things going wrong at once.” Yuuri slumped down in his chair, the weight of his day pressing heavily on his shoulders.
Victor’s response was instant. “Well, when you come home, everything’s going to feel a lot better. I promise. You just focus on getting back here, and I’ll take care of the rest, okay?”
Yuuri nodded, even though Victor couldn’t see him. “Okay.”
There was a gentle laugh on the other end of the line. “I love you.”
“I love you too, Victor,” Yuuri whispered, feeling the slightest bit lighter.
When he finally left the office and started the walk back to their shared apartment, Yuuri found himself imagining what Victor could have meant by "taking care of the rest." But he didn’t expect anything elaborate. After all, they were both busy and tired more often than not. As long as Victor was there, that was enough.
________________________________________
By the time Yuuri reached their front door, the comforting smell of cooking filled the hallway. His shoulders relaxed a little as he entered, the warmth of home slowly easing the tension in his chest. As soon as he stepped inside, he was greeted by the soft glow of candles placed strategically around the living room. It was subtle, not too much, but enough to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
“Victor?” Yuuri called out, slipping off his shoes.
“In the kitchen!” Victor’s voice chimed back, cheerful and soothing.
Yuuri walked in to find Victor standing at the stove, stirring something that smelled amazing. He was wearing an apron, his silver hair tied back in a low ponytail, and a focused yet serene look on his face. On the counter beside him, Yuuri noticed an array of his favorite ingredients—everything needed for katsudon, the dish that always managed to lift his spirits.
“Victor…” Yuuri’s heart swelled at the sight. “You didn’t have to go through all this trouble.”
Victor turned with a radiant smile, his blue eyes sparkling. “It’s no trouble at all! I want to take care of you, Yuuri. You’ve had a hard day, so let me make it better.”
Yuuri stood in the doorway, feeling a mixture of guilt and overwhelming love. He didn’t deserve this level of care, especially not for something as small as a bad day at the office. Yet, Victor always made him feel like he was worth all the effort in the world. Slowly, he walked over to the counter and rested his hands on it, watching Victor finish up the meal.
“I just wanted to come home and lie down,” Yuuri said softly. “But this… this is incredible. Thank you.”
Victor chuckled, stepping away from the stove to wrap his arms around Yuuri’s waist from behind. He kissed Yuuri’s temple, his breath warm against Yuuri’s skin. “This is nothing. Wait until you see what else I have planned.”
Yuuri tilted his head back, raising an eyebrow. “There’s more?”
“Of course,” Victor said, his voice playful yet affectionate. “But first, we eat. Then you’ll see.”
Yuuri couldn’t help but smile at the lightness in Victor’s tone. He let himself lean back into Victor’s embrace, allowing the comfort of his presence to wash over him. For the first time all day, the knot of tension in his chest began to unwind.
________________________________________
After dinner, which was every bit as delicious as Yuuri had expected, Victor guided him into the
living room. The soft candlelight flickered gently, casting a warm glow across the room. Victor had already set up a cozy blanket fort in the corner of the living room, complete with pillows, blankets, and even a few of their favorite movies stacked nearby.
“Victor,” Yuuri whispered, feeling a lump in his throat as he took it all in. “This is… you did all this for me?”
Victor nodded his eyes soft as he reached out to take Yuuri’s hand. “You deserve to relax, Yuuri. You give so much of yourself to everyone else, and I just want to make sure you know how much I love you. How much you mean to me.”
Yuuri felt his eyes sting with tears, overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness of it all. He squeezed Victor’s hand and pulled him into a tight embrace, burying his face in Victor’s shoulder. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you.”
Victor pulled back slightly, cupping Yuuri’s face in his hands. “You deserve everything, Yuuri. You’re kind, hardworking, and you make me happier than I ever thought possible. So, when you’re having a bad day, I’ll always be here to make it better. Okay?”
Yuuri nodded, unable to find the right words. Instead, he kissed Victor softly, pouring all of his gratitude and love into that single moment.
When they finally pulled apart, Victor grinned. “Now, how about we get cozy and watch something fun? I made sure to pick out all your favorites.”
Victor’s suggestion of getting cozy in the blanket fort sounded like the perfect way to end Yuuri’s terrible day. Wrapped up in Victor’s arms, surrounded by the soft glow of the candles, Yuuri felt some of the weight of the day finally start to slip away. He leaned into Victor as they settled into the cushioned corner of the fort, with a pile of fluffy blankets covering their laps. Victor handed him the remote, allowing Yuuri to choose the first movie.
“I went with a mix,” Victor said, his voice low and soothing as they scrolled through the options. “A couple of your favorite skating routines, some old comedies, and a few feel-good movies. Anything to take your mind off work.”
Yuuri smiled, touched by how thoughtful Victor had been with the selection. He hovered over an old comedy that they’d watched together during their early days of dating. It had been one of those films that always managed to make them both laugh, no matter how many times they’d seen it.
“This one?” Yuuri asked.
Victor grinned. “Perfect choice.”
As the movie began, Yuuri snuggled closer, resting his head on Victor’s shoulder. It felt good to be here, safe in their little bubble of warmth and love. Even though his workday had been a disaster, here—right now—none of it seemed to matter. Victor was right: he deserved to relax. And more than that, he deserved to let go, even just for tonight.
________________________________________
Halfway through the movie, Yuuri felt Victor’s fingers softly brushing through his hair, the slow, repetitive motion lulling him into a deep sense of calm. Victor always seemed to know what he needed, even before Yuuri realized it himself. The warmth of Victor’s body against his own, the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest, the soft scent of the candles—everything made Yuuri feel like he was floating in a gentle haze of comfort.
“How are you feeling now?” Victor asked softly, his hand still playing with Yuuri’s hair.
Yuuri didn’t answer right away. He let the question settle as he focused on the way his body felt—how the tension in his neck and shoulders had mostly faded, replaced by a gentle, comfortable weight. The remnants of his bad day still lingered in the back of his mind, but they seemed distant now, far less important than the feeling of being here with Victor.
“I feel… better,” Yuuri admitted quietly. “Much better.”
Victor’s smile was audible in his voice. “I’m glad.”
They sat in peaceful silence for a few more moments, the movie playing in the background as a comfortable hum. Yuuri could feel the heat of Victor’s cheek resting against his own, their breaths syncing as they held each other close. Everything about this moment felt perfect in its simplicity—just the two of them, sharing a space, a breath, a feeling of peace.
Eventually, Yuuri spoke again. “You always know exactly what to do to make me feel better. Even when I don’t know what I need myself.”
Victor hummed softly, his hand trailing down to rub soothing circles on Yuuri’s back. “It’s easy when it comes to you. I just pay attention. I notice when you’re holding things in, when you need a break but don’t want to ask for one.”
Yuuri shifted slightly so he could look up at Victor, his eyes soft and filled with gratitude. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Victor’s expression softened as well, his thumb brushing gently against Yuuri’s cheek. “You’d be fine. Strong, just like you always are. But I’m glad you don’t have to be without me. We’re a team, Yuuri, we’re in this together.”
Yuuri felt a lump form in his throat. He leaned up and pressed a gentle kiss to Victor’s lips, letting it linger for a moment before pulling back. “Thank you,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “For always being here for me.”
Victor’s smile was soft, full of love. “Always.”
________________________________________
Sometime later, after the movie ended, Victor woke a sleeping Yuuri and softly suggested a hot bath to help Yuuri unwind even more. He didn’t wait for a response, already tugging Yuuri gently by the hand toward their bathroom. “Come on, let’s get you even more relaxed.”
Yuuri laughed, following along. “You really thought of everything, didn’t you?”
“Of course I did,” Victor replied with a wink. “You’re not fully relaxed until you’ve had a proper bath. Trust me.”
When they reached the bathroom, Yuuri’s eyes widened. The bath was already prepared, steam rising from the warm water, and a handful of lavender-scented bath salts were scattered across the surface. The soft, calming scent of lavender filled the air, instantly soothing Yuuri’s senses.
Victor smirked, clearly pleased with himself. “I knew you’d like it.”
Yuuri couldn’t help but smile at the sight. “I love it.”
They quickly undressed, and Victor helped Yuuri step into the tub first, making sure he was settled before climbing in behind him. Yuuri leaned back into Victor’s chest as they sank into the water, the warmth of the bath soaking into his tired muscles. It felt incredible—like every bit of stress and worry was melting away with the heat.
Victor’s arms wrapped around Yuuri from behind, holding him close as they sat there in the quiet. The only sounds were the soft sloshing of water and the occasional deep sigh from Yuuri as he let go of the last remnants of tension. The lavender worked its magic, lulling him into a state of complete relaxation.
“You’re spoiling me,” Yuuri mumbled, his eyes half-closed.
Victor chuckled, pressing a kiss to the top of Yuuri’s head. “That’s the point.”
Yuuri let out a contented hum, sinking further into Victor’s embrace. He didn’t realize how much he’d needed this—this time to unwind, to just be with Victor, to let go of the worries that had been swirling in his mind all day. There was something about Victor’s presence that made everything feel manageable, no matter how overwhelming it seemed before.
As they sat together in the warm bath, Yuuri closed his eyes completely, letting the peaceful quiet wrap around him. “I don’t want this night to end,” he murmured, half-asleep.
Victor’s voice was a soft murmur against Yuuri’s ear. “Then it doesn’t have to. We can stay like this for as long as you want.”
Yuuri smiled faintly. He knew the night wouldn’t last forever, but for now, this was enough. Just being here with Victor, feeling loved, supported, and cared for—nothing else mattered.
________________________________________
After the bath, Victor wrapped Yuuri in a fluffy robe and guided him back to the living room. Yuuri’s eyelids were growing heavy, the combination of a full stomach, a warm bath, and Victor’s constant care finally catching up with him.
Victor tucked him into the blanket fort, pulling the soft covers up around his shoulders before climbing in beside him. Yuuri curled up against him, his head resting on Victor’s chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
“Feel like watching one more movie, or are you ready to sleep?” Victor asked, his voice a gentle whisper.
Yuuri let out a soft yawn, snuggling closer. “Sleep, I think.”
Victor chuckled softly, stroking Yuuri’s hair as he settled into the blankets. “Alright. Sleep well, love.”
Yuuri mumbled something incoherent as he drifted off, but it didn’t matter. Victor understood. And as Yuuri fell asleep in Victor’s arms, he realized that no matter how tough the day had been, as long as Victor was by his side, he could face anything.
________________________________________
The following morning, Yuuri woke to the soft sound of birds chirping outside the window and the gentle warmth of sunlight spilling through the curtains. He blinked groggily, feeling a weight pressing comfortably against his side. It took him a moment to register that Victor was still lying beside him, his arm draped protectively over Yuuri’s waist.
For a brief second, Yuuri forgot about the stress of the previous day. All that mattered now was the quiet, intimate moment they shared in the hazy morning light.
Victor stirred next to him, his silver hair messy from sleep, but his face was serene. His eyes fluttered open, and when they met Yuuri’s, he broke into a soft, sleepy smile.
“Good morning,” Victor whispered, his voice rough from sleep, but no less affectionate.
Yuuri smiled back, feeling an unfamiliar lightness in his chest. “Morning.”
For a few moments, they just lay there, wrapped up in the warmth of the blankets and each other. The blanket fort from the night before had half-collapsed, with most of the pillows strewn around the room.
“How are you feeling today?” Victor asked, his thumb brushing gently over Yuuri’s hand.
Yuuri paused, taking a moment to check in with himself. The sharp edges of yesterday’s frustration had dulled, replaced by the warmth of Victor’s care. His body felt lighter, his mind clearer. It wasn’t that the problems at work had vanished—they were still there, waiting for him when he returned—but they didn’t seem as daunting now.
“I feel… good,” Yuuri said, the surprise in his own voice evident. “Better than I thought I would. Yesterday was so exhausting, but now… I feel ready to face it again.”
Victor beamed at him, his eyes crinkling with pride and affection. “That’s what I like to hear. You’re strong, Yuuri. Even when things get tough, you always find a way to keep going.”
Yuuri felt a familiar warmth flood his chest, that gentle mix of love and awe that Victor always managed to evoke. “It’s easier when you’re with me,” Yuuri admitted softly. “I don’t think I would have gotten through last night without you.”
Victor’s expression softened, and he leaned in to press a tender kiss to Yuuri’s forehead. “You don’t ever have to get through things alone. That’s why I’m here, remember? To hold you when you’re tired, to make you laugh when you’re sad, and to remind you that you’re never a burden, no matter what.”
Yuuri’s heart swelled with gratitude. “I don’t deserve you,” he murmured, half teasing but wholly sincere.
Victor grinned, his hand coming up to cup Yuuri’s cheek. “Oh, Yuuri. If anything, I’m the one who doesn’t deserve you.”
They shared a quiet laugh, the kind that only happens between two people who have spent countless moments of joy and heartache together, who know each other inside and out. Yuuri had always marveled at how natural it felt with Victor—this sense of belonging, this understanding that even in their lowest moments, they would always be there for one another.
“I wish I could stay like this all day,” Yuuri said with a sigh, his head resting comfortably against Victor’s chest. “But I should probably get ready for work.”
Victor groaned playfully, tightening his hold around Yuuri. “Nooo, just five more minutes. You deserve a day off after everything.”
Yuuri chuckled but shook his head. “I can’t. Besides, I feel much better now. I think I’ll be able to handle whatever comes today.”
Victor’s teasing smile softened into something more tender. “I’m proud of you, you know that?”
Yuuri felt a flush of warmth spread across his cheeks. No matter how many times Victor said it, hearing those words still had the power to make him feel like he was floating. “Thank you,” Yuuri whispered.
With a final squeeze, Victor let Yuuri go, and they both reluctantly climbed out of their cozy nest of blankets and pillows. As Yuuri got ready for the day, he noticed how much lighter he felt. It wasn’t just the rest or the delicious meal or the cozy night—though all of that had helped. It was knowing that Victor was there, that no matter what happened, he had someone who believed in him, who would always be in his corner.
________________________________________
By the time Yuuri stepped out of the bathroom, dressed and ready for work, Victor was already bustling around the kitchen. He had prepared a light breakfast—toast, fresh fruit, and a steaming cup of green tea—perfect for starting the day without feeling weighed down.
“You don’t have to do all this, you know,” Yuuri said, though the smile on his face betrayed how much he appreciated it.
Victor waved a hand dismissively. “I want to. Besides, you deserve to start your day on a positive note after yesterday.”
Yuuri sat down at the table, grateful for the small, thoughtful gestures that Victor always seemed to offer without a second thought. As he ate, Victor sat across from him, sipping his own tea and chatting animatedly about the choreography he was working on for an upcoming performance. It was familiar and comfortable, the kind of morning that reminded Yuuri how lucky he was to have this life, to share it with Victor.
When breakfast was done, Yuuri stood up to gather his things. He felt a little more energized than usual, despite the lingering weariness from the previous day. Before heading to the door, he turned back to Victor, who was still sitting at the table, watching him with that familiar look of love and pride.
“Thank you, Victor,” Yuuri said softly, his voice full of emotion. “For everything.”
Victor stood up, crossing the room in a few quick strides to pull Yuuri into a tight embrace. “I’ll always be here for you, Yuuri. No matter what.”
Yuuri held onto him for a moment longer, savoring the warmth and the sense of security that came with being in Victor’s arms. Then, reluctantly, he pulled away.
“I’ll see you later,” Yuuri said with a smile.
Victor leaned down to give him one last kiss. “Have a good day. And if things get tough again, you know who to call.”
Yuuri nodded, feeling a surge of confidence as he stepped out the door and into the fresh morning air. He wasn’t sure what the day would bring, but whatever challenges lay ahead, he knew he could face them. Because Victor would always be waiting for him when he came home.
________________________________________
The office still buzzed with the same frenetic energy as the day before, but this time, Yuuri walked in with a sense of calm. He greeted his coworkers with a soft smile, settled into his desk, and tackled his tasks with newfound focus. The stress of the job hadn’t disappeared—there were still tight deadlines and demanding emails—but Yuuri found that it didn’t weigh on him the way it had yesterday.
During his lunch break, Yuuri glanced at his phone and saw a message from Victor:
Victor: I hope your day is going well, love. I’m thinking of you!
Yuuri smiled, typing a quick response.
Yuuri: It’s much better, thanks to you. Can’t wait to see you tonight.
Just seeing Victor’s words on the screen lifted Yuuri’s spirits. He knew that no matter how the rest of the day unfolded, he had something wonderful to look forward to.
________________________________________
When Yuuri finally returned home that evening, exhausted but satisfied with how the day had gone, the scent of something delicious greeted him at the door. He slipped off his shoes, stepping into the apartment just as Victor appeared in the doorway to the kitchen, his face lighting up at the sight of Yuuri.
“You’re just in time!” Victor called out, waving him over. “I made something special for dinner.”
Yuuri’s eyes widened as he walked into the kitchen to see a beautifully set table, complete with candles and an array of his favorite dishes—comfort food with a touch of elegance, just like Victor himself.
“I thought we could celebrate you making it through the day,” Victor said, his voice soft and affectionate.
Yuuri’s heart swelled as he took it all in. “Victor… you didn’t have to do this. It wasn’t that bad of a day.”
Victor shook his head, stepping closer and taking Yuuri’s hands in his. “It doesn’t matter if it was good or bad. I want to celebrate you every chance I get. You work so hard, and you deserve to come home to something special.”
Yuuri blinked, feeling tears prick at the corners of his eyes. He pulled Victor into a tight embrace, burying his face in the crook of Victor’s neck. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
Victor held him close, rubbing soothing circles on his back. “You deserve everything, Yuuri. And I’m going to keep reminding you of that every day.”
They stood there for a moment, wrapped up in each other, the rest of the world fading away. Eventually, they pulled apart, and Victor led Yuuri to the table, where they sat down to enjoy the meal together.
________________________________________
As the evening wore on, Yuuri found himself reflecting on how much his life had changed since meeting Victor. He still had his moments of doubt, still struggled with the pressures of his job and the expectations he placed on himself. But with Victor by his side, those challenges didn’t feel as overwhelming. He had someone who believed in him, someone who made him feel loved and valued, even on his worst days.
By the time they finished dinner, Yuuri felt completely at ease, his heart full of love and gratitude. They spent the rest of the night curled up on the couch, talking about their day, sharing stories, and simply enjoying each other’s company.
As Yuuri drifted off to sleep that night, safe and warm in Victor’s arms, he knew that no matter what the future held, as long as they were together, they could face anything.
And that was all he needed to know.