Chapter Text
There are many manners of fans that endear Viktor Nikiforov. Any form of appreciation to his skating and talent are welcome. He’d received plushies, letters, flowers, handmade gifts, greeting videos, billboards, etc. and the list goes on. However it turns out that there are more ways the fans can twist the image he’d put and built, the existence of a thing called ‘fanfiction’ had never crossed his mind. As someone who both likes to read books and scroll on social media, Viktor felt a little blind.
Perhaps he didn’t pay enough attention back then and now Viktor’s becoming more intriguing. He couldn’t be blamed for checking, his own curiosity of how the fans interpret his personality would sound like a very interesting read. And that, once Viktor knew the existence of one thing it’s basically hard to not check it.
Now, navigating through the world of fanfiction feels like entering a new domain. Viktor never felt so lost, his fingers freezing more often than clicking. He prided himself on knowing enough about technology.
What does one need to do before delving into this side of the internet? Apparently the majority agrees to read carefully before proceeding, if you didn’t then the blame would be only to you and not the creator— Viktor reads, brows shooting up at the slight ominous start. Reading? That should be easy, he likes reading.
Viktor made it exactly three hours facing his phone, he could feel his eyes burn but not the time passing. Makkachin had settled on the floor next to the sofa he was laying since he started a whole new journey on the internet, and hasn’t moved since.
General. Explicit. Mature.. What's the difference between the last two? Another hour and Viktor finally found his own name and the name of the person fans mostly assumed he had a romantic relationship with. Chris’s name was not a surprise, Viktor had expected it at least and for a moment he took a quick screenshot of the page, intentionally not reading the first work under his name. Viktor paused, fingers hovering atop the send button and decided perhaps he needed to know more before sharing. Besides, who can assure him that Chris doesn’t have any idea about this?
The first fanfiction Viktor reads is apparently about the time when he was competing in Juniors, surprising the fans who still remember those. The story pans post competition when he was just awarded as a World Champion, there was the banquet and drunk-escapades but the romance start when the fanfiction-teenager-Viktor-Nikiforov sneaked out of the hotel at past midnight, then came his supposed to be lover. It was a cliche event at best but Viktor doesn’t complain (he says as he skips some parts he finds too much) nonetheless it was interesting the fans could imagine him as someone goal oriented and playful at the same time.
Another hour into reading and Viktor learned about different tropes and themes for a fic— another half an hour and he might have found some very intriguing prompts about him. The tags What if he was not a skater and what if Viktor Nikiforov loses (insert the major competition he’d won in the past) there’s one that straight up wrote what if he flopped in olympics. Wasn’t it a very intriguing what ifs? Viktor found it to be.
And there’s too many tags that exist. Would the others have some fanfictions too?
Viktor made it exactly five fics before he felt scarred and exited from Little Yuri’s page, despite the angel sticking to his fanclub.. they are not holy at all.
He needed to baptize his eyes.
__________
Another rapid knocks were fired at his door and Viktor sighs, running his fingers through his hair and checking himself on the mirror. Yakov was absolutely fuming when he opened the door, an impressive shade of red that put the carpet to shame. Viktor smiled lovingly.
The trip to the banquet was stale, Viktor couldn’t remember most of it. Entering the hall is different but still not enough for his whole attention anyway. Everyone had mostly arrived though the event was not in full swing yet, honestly it was hard to tell, it was dull at the start and it’s nearly impressive at how they kept it that way to the end. Meaning it was hard to tell when will the banquet end.
“Viktor, congratulations! Great skate today, so tell me..” then it was a blur.
Formal exchanges were mostly completed over a few glasses of champagne and Viktor felt he didn't have enough. Has it been half an hour since he’s talking to the same person? Probably, he didn’t really pay attention. Little Yuri was visibly feeling stuffed and irritated, though Yakov did most of the talking for him.
Two figures wearing black suits pass them in a blur and Viktor sees Katsuki’s familiar back hunched in tiredness while his shoulders drop gloomily.
What happened is something ripped from a fairy tale and cheesy romance movies, Viktor decided. He and Yuuri dance for the rest of the time Yuuri was able to until he was called by Chris to a.. pole. When did the pole appear in the middle of the hall? Viktor has no idea but perhaps learning about magic really works. Viktor felt alive, happy and explosive while Katsuki spun him around, and he was impressed with how Katsuki moved fluidly and coordinatedly despite his drunken state.
“He must be a God,” Viktor gasp, watching Katsuki’s muscles snaked around the pole so easily and leaned away, craning his neck in a way it displays his unmarked throat. Very tempting. Very sensual. Very intimate. More clothes were stripped and thrown and Viktor nearly evaporated, it was a miracle he hasn’t since the first gleam of Katsuki’s slender and toned chest, his collarbones rest just fine on his silver skin and Viktor’s mouth could water. Katsuki is an entirely enthralling and tempting sight. “Oh God,” he is weak and pathetic.
GPF/SOCHI album was made right there and then Viktor found himself to be a good photographer that he seriously considered shifting career. The flashlight of his phone had no breaks, flashing and focusing on his God snaking around the pole impressively while tempting him every click. Perhaps a career in photography will only last him a while with Katsuki being the subject of every film, Viktor was sure he’ll have enough episodes of rapid heartbeats until he fulfills enough requirements for a cardiac arrest.
“You’re fucking hopeless,” someone spat behind and Viktor agreed. “I don’t want to be associated with him!”
Viktor wished for the night to never come to an end but Yuuri still ended up leaving while Celestino dragged him away like a dead body. Viktor had only an ounce of alcohol in his system and the rest were butterflies produced by Katsuki. There’s nothing Viktor wants more than to be spun around in Katsuki’s hold and stay in the magic that happiness wraps around them.
“Viktor, it’s time to rest.”
_________
Viktor packs his stuff with a chirped, the sunlight was filtered nicely by the translucent curtain and is pouring onto his bed directly. It’s bright, glowing and very lovely. Viktor felt his phone buzzing beside his bag and for a moment his heart raced, hoping to see the familiar initial of Katsuki Yuuri blasting his phone. But for this time’s caller it was a very mad Little Yuri followed by an impressive litany of creative threats and curses.
Sometimes Viktor wonders where Yuri got his foul mouth when his grandfather is the sweetest he’d met even if it was brief.
“About fucking time you get here. I was close to convincing Yakov to leave you here since you like Sochi so much.”
“Lovely morning, Little Yuri.” Viktor greeted with a blinding smile, removing his shade stylishly and looking at their small group. “Where’s Yakov?”
“Calling the cab.” Yuri huffs and ignores him, Viktor shrugged and left the scene. A nice cup of coffee could do before the slow drivers can come and it’s not always guaranteed Yakov can find fast.
The hotel seems less crowded than it did during the competition but Viktor couldn’t see the problem, the staff still called to him but let him pass, arriving shortly to grab a hot coffee. He dwelled staying on the lobby for longer, surely Celestino and Yuuri haven't boarded yet, they have more than 18hours flight and Viktor doesn’t think Celestino would dare exhaust themselves a night after heavy drinking, would they?
Little Yuri kicked his shin, Mila’s eyes glinted across, Georgi sent a sympathetic look and Yakov actually hailed a cab faster. And still no Yuuri leaving the elevator. Viktor sat on the passenger with a conflicted look, holding the lock tightly in case Yuuri’s familiar jet black hair and chocolate-mesmerizing-captivating eyes was seen before the cab could move forward— the cab does advance shortly and Viktor doesn’t know whether to be mad his daydream was halt or everything’s being convenient but not up to his plan.
“Give it up idiot.”
Viktor felt a push on his back nearly pressing him onto the window. “Yuri—”
“If you’re looking for the idiot, give it up. You just missed him earlier.”
Viktor gawked then turned, the sight of the hotel forgotten. “Yuuri left already?”
Yuri grunted, mumbling something under his breath before it turned into a lopsided smile. Mocking. “Maybe if you got down on time you would’ve made it. They left the hotel before us, all luggage and all.”
Perhaps Yuri’s teasing is working so well because Viktor can feel himself regretting fast. But he’d taken too long to get ready because he wanted to look good! Presentable and attractive enough for Yuuri!.. just in case they bumped into each other before leaving.
“Ugh. You are annoying. Katsuki was dead on his feet, probably hungover, serves him right. That idiot didn’t even look at us and just left, not that I wanted to look at his face either!”
Viktor let out a pained groan. Just great. So very great.
“Ready your passports and no leaving the group, I don’t want any trouble before we board the plane. I’ve had enough of it.” Yakov greeted them as soon as they exited the cab. Viktor always thinks Yakov’s passion is scolding and he is really good at it, he should join an olympics under that category.
It was the most restless five hours flight Viktor had sat on. His fingers itching to open his phone. Does Yuuri have instagram—
“Stop squirming like a damn worm, I can't sleep!”
Viktor sighs.
__________
“Do you think Yuuri would still want to dance with me?” Viktor asks in which Makkachin licks his hand as if to say yes. “You’re right. Yuuri and I looked so happy while dancing, I’m sure it’s not only me who had a good time! Ah! Why don’t I show you the pictures? Makka you gotta see it!”
Makkachin is absolutely the best dog to ever judge a character and Viktor squeals with her when she begins nosing at the picture of Yuuri smiling drunkenly at the camera like a fever dream. Viktor was not even in the picture but he could feel the happiness radiating from his view by the way the camera blurs around the edge. Shaking as the shutter clicks.
Unfortunately Makkachin got too excited and swiped onto the next picture. Viktor gasps and cradles the screen to his chest and away from her.
“This is only for adult eyes Makka!” Viktor chided with no real heat behind his tone, Makkachin just bumped into his arms. “I know Yuuri is sexy— very understandable but this is for my eyes only!”
Makkachin soon gives up and yawns, does a big stretch and lays down to sleep. Viktor is impressed and slightly jealous. Yuuri’s picture is not on the screen anymore when Viktor deemed it safe enough to look at. I must’ve misclicked but then it leads him to an open tab where his own name is shamelessly displayed. Oh.
Viktor had an epiphany.
Approximately three hours into it and Katsuki Yuuri/Viktor Nikiforov made it into the internet. Viktor was proud and couldn’t care less if it ever did get a response or comments. And if the story glorifies Yuuri Katsuki in all forms, that was evidently the motive.
Curiously, Viktor searched for Yuuri’s name and wasn’t a bit surprised to see Yuuri also has a pair. Huh.
__________
[Photo: Makkachin lays on the floor next to an open balcony. Viktor is the one to take the photo]
v-nikiforov it’s hot outside and Makkachin is melting #poodles #makka #summer
2 hours ago
__________
viktorfanloving25
this is so sudden. when did katsuki and viktor interact anyway???
Viktor ponders the question. Should he answer? Of course, but not the kind where he’s handing his identity on a silver platter. The banquet is a private celebration, while that was true, tons of pictures still get uploaded on the internet. Viktor expects Yuuri’s amazing, impeccable and world shattering pole exhibition during the party would make it as well. But then it didn’t and Viktor was sure Chris had his own share of photos after that night.
The comment sounds general and confused but Viktor still scrunched his nose at the little negativity it was laced with. Why didn’t he interact with Yuuri before? Viktor hardly remembers to be honest, he was always focused on competition, as unsurprising as it was. There’s always a lot on his mind, most were thoughts that had been on his head for a while and it’s really not easy to go around the sidelines alone, the cameras always follow. It makes interacting awkward with a bunch of people trying to film even the way he ties his shoelace.
Turns out viktorfanloving25 had also written a bunch of self-insert fics and Viktor doesn’t twitch to see all 65 of them were just him. It doesn’t prove anything though. It was obvious this user is a fan, a dedicated one at that. How should he answer? Viktor comes back to pondering until Little Yuri slammed his locker, the lock bounces with the key still stuck underneath it.
“Yuri! I didn’t notice you’re here!”
Yuri grunted, nothing new. “I’ve been here earlier. I even got my skates on, are you blind?”
“Really?” Viktor asks, he really hadn’t noticed.
“Are you getting old that you start hearing less and less?”
Viktor frowns. “I’m not even thirty.”
“Yeah, yeah, how were the dinosaurs?” Yuri sneers and slams his locker again. Viktor ought to think it’s going to break with speed. “If you keep getting distracted don’t you dare step on the ice. I don’t need an idiot wandering around.”
Viktor opens his mouth and closes, mind shifting to another. “Has Yuuri contacted you?”
“What?”
“After the banquet,” Viktor fiddles with his phone. “He hasn’t contacted me yet, even on social media. He has accounts but they are inactive,”
“Huh? That idiot? Why would he be contacting me and not you?”
Exactly.
“Don’t tell me you’re still hung up on that? Wait, is that why you’re moping on your phone?— Ugh don’t answer that I don’t wanna hear it.” Yuri continued to grumble under his breath. “I don’t care and I’m going to practice. That’s what you should be doing too! Don’t think I forgot you promised me a choreography and I’m yet to see you actually making an effort for it! I’m telling Yakov!”
That doesn’t much like a threat but Yuri is already storming out of the locker room and Viktor still hasn’t answered the comment. Would ‘even if they didn’t they still have some sort of connection, no?’ be a sufficient reply? He is yet to find out.
“Stop moping and come out here!”
__________
Yuuri’s social media is drier than a desert. Stalking his instagram account wouldn’t even take three minutes and Viktor is astoundingly dejected. Yuuri uploaded a grand total of ten photos and all of them are either a view from the train, airplane and rink. How does one post almost nothing in years? Viktor had never been so desperate. Yuuri had a fanbase and fan accounts dedicated to him and only then Viktor became even more invested. He whistled. There was dedicated for Yuuri whenever his hair was slicked back. One for when he’s wearing his glasses (one account is actually dedicated to praising Yuuri’s glasses and how it’s helping him see) One account dedicated to Yuuri’s step sequence, which Viktor highly appreciated and agreed with. There’s also multiple accounts for Yuuri’s thighs and Viktor actually starts choking.
Who does that so he can send them flowers and lots of motivating letters.
The Yuuri enthralling everyone in the banquet makes it come back again and Viktor would never forget that image. It was simply magical. And erotic. And sexy.
Chris should know an answer, he acts close with Yuuri and Viktor might’ve been a little jealous of that. Chris must’ve noticed it too and didn’t waste time to rub it on his face, Viktor smiles politely.
Chris
I have a group chat with Yuuri but he’s never active there as well
I don’t even think he uses his phone
Viktor
Is he a cave man?
What should I do?
Viktor doesn’t need to see Chris to know he’s laughing.
Chris
Ahh Yuuri bewitching even the Viktor Nikiforov ~~
If you’re so desperate you might find Phichit’s instagram to be a salvation
Bewitched. Viktor wouldn’t disagree. Phichit’s instagram account and various social media is an oasis in Yuuri-drought. There were a lot of Yuuri and Viktor gets nervous, or happy or too excited about where to start.
[Video: The camera points at the rink and someone is already skating. Phichit turns the camera to himself, looking slightly disheveled but grinning nonetheless.
“Everyone wanted to know how sweet Yuuri is and I’m here to prove it.” Phichit says and the camera shakes as he skates and shouts. “Yuuri! Would you judge me?”
There was a silence for a second then came Yuuri’s voice. “Absolutely I would.”
“How dare you! I got that on camera!” Phichit gasped and the video was cut when the camera pans to the ceiling and there was yelling around.]
phichit+chu well you gotta love every side of him #yuurikatsuki #meanyuuri #poorphichit
__________
“Hah? You’re even more forgetful than my Grandpa and he’s triple your age.” Yuri attacked his meal and Viktor felt the need to call for the authorities. “Have you forgotten? I was there when you offered that idiot a commemorative photo. He looked more shocked to me than offended but what do I know? And he was drunk at the banquet so he’s not really thinking. He could’ve sober up and realize how stupid that was and decide to not contact you.”
Viktor winces for many points: Yuri is speaking with food in his mouth, stabbing Viktor with the truth that he offered Yuuri a photo like a fan instead of as a competitor and there’s dread at the chances that Yuri might be right. Chris had already said that Yuuri is a really private person, he is in the Senior circuit for years and besides the basic information, none seems to know Yuuri on personal levels. There’s Phichit but Viktor hasn’t met him and he’s serving currently as the main source of Yuuri-news.
“Really? You’d fall for humping and please be my coach~ are you a teenager?”
“No but you are.” Viktor says instead. “And it’s extremely unhygienic to speak with your mouth full— Yuri!” he exclaimed when Yuri intentionally chewed louder and the noise grated Viktor’s ears. “You can say goodbye to the choreography I owe you.”
“I’m holding a fork Nikiforov and I’m going to stab you.”
Mila enters the cafeteria with Georgi following behind. She waves after spotting them and Viktor grips Yuri’s wrist before he bolts away. “What are we doing here?”
Nationals passed as quickly and the European Championship arrived in a blur. Winning was all there was to it for Viktor but the lack of news about Yuuri participating even in Four Continents, is slowly but effectively constricting his throat. He knew there was something wrong when Yuuri’s name didn’t come up in the line up, but then it was possible that Yuuri would appear in World’s which was still a few months away. What could he possibly do in a few months? Viktor can only think of one thing.
His phone pinged with a notification and Viktor had never tapped the instagram icon at lightning speed.
[Photo: Yuuri laying on his stomach holding his phone, obscuring half of his face but he was wearing his glasses. He wears a brown hoodie sweater and blue tight-shorts. The hoodie had ridden up his waist, showing the slightest bit of his skin]
phichit+chu thank me later!! ;) #yuurikatsuki #goddamn #endthedroughtyuuri
Viktor whimpers and barely catches himself as he falls onto the couch and grips his phone close to his chest. The pillow did not absorb his scream and he sounded like a dying whale, a horrifying noise as it was, the pounding in his chest is louder.
Viktor sucks in his breath and holds it as he screenshot Phichit’s post, fingers trembling slightly. Viktor is almost suffocating when he crops the photo and shamelessly sets it as his home screen. God please take the wheel.
If the Katsuki Yuuri/Viktor Nikiforov tag had gained three fics in the span of one night, Viktor would proudly tell anyone it was the best all nighter he’d pulled. He cannot wait for the World’s.