Chapter Text
Yuuri sighed heavily, walking up the stairs leading to his apartment. Today had been a long day. Agreeing to help a younger skater with their step sequences was proving to be a mistake. Especially with the language barrier between them.
Yuuri twisted the knob of his door and opened it, dropping his bag and waiting for Makkachin to jump up on him like always. There was the claws clicking against the wood floor and Makkachin bounded around the corner, leaping at Yuuri, wagging her tail excitedly.
Scratching behind her ears, Yuuri slid his shoes off, placing them by the door. Viktor always told him that wasn’t necessary, but habits were hard to break.
“Where’s Viktor, huh, Makkachin?” Yuuri asked the dog, watching as she just tilted her head to the side. He laughed, straightening back up. “Is he not home? Did he forget to lock the door again?” Makkachin barked once and herded Yuuri into the kitchen. “All right, all right, we’ll go into the kitchen.”
Coming into the kitchen, there was Viktor, sitting on a stool with his back to Yuuri. He looked like he was holding something in his arms, and Yuuri could hear soft Russian words coming from his mouth.
“Viktor?”
His head spun, eyes wide. “Yuuri! You’re home! I didn’t hear you come in!” Viktor was still keeping his torso faced away from Yuuri.
“Really? You didn’t hear Makkachin running around?” Yuuri walked around the island to kiss him on the cheek.
“No, I was busy.” Viktor tried to keep the bundle in his arms hidden, but when Yuuri leaned into his face, he couldn’t hide it anymore.
“Viktor, why are you holding a dog?”
“He’s a puppy. Yurio’s neighbor’s dog had puppies and Yurio practically forced this dog into my arms. What was I to do when this little thing needed a home?” Viktor gave Yuuri his biggest eyes and pout.
Rolling his eyes, Yuuri laughed. “Somehow I doubt Yurio had to force you too much.” Yuuri leaned over him and rubbed his hand into the puppy’s fur. “He’s awfully cute.”
“Do you like him?” Viktor watched as Yuuri took the dog from his arms and poked his little nose.
“Of course I like him. What’s not to like? He’s a miniature poodle, isn’t he?” Yuuri held the dog up and laughed when the puppy yipped and wagged its’ tail. “He looks just like Vicchan.”
“I got him for you.”
“What?” Yuuri pulled the dog closer, turning to look at Viktor.
“Well, I remember the shrine your family put up for your old dog. And you always talk so fondly of the memories you had with Vicchan. I thought you might want another dog like him.” Viktor explained. “Makkachin is mostly my dog, as fond as she is of you. I wanted to surprise you and make you feel a bit more at home here in Russia.”
Yuuri stared at Viktor for a moment, before blinking and turning back to the dog. “Is Makkachin okay with a new dog in the house?”
“She’s been okay with him.” Viktor rubbed Makkachin’s ears when she walked up to him. “So, do you want him?”
“Of course I want him.” Yuuri smiled at Viktor. “He’s adorable.”
“What are you going to name him?” Viktor asked.
Yuuri thought for a moment. “I almost want to name him Vitya, but that’s a little weird now that I actually know you.”
“What?”
“Well I named Vicchan after you when I was a kid.”
Viktor blinked, sitting back in surprise. “Really?”
“Yeah. Why do you think my mom calls you Vicchan?”
“I thought she just… thought I was adorable like your old dog?”
Yuuri laughed, trying to cover his mouth and still hold the squirming puppy. “Viktor no. Vicchan is a nickname for Viktor.” Yuuri leaned down and put the puppy on the floor, watching as he ran up to Makkachin wagging his tail. “You already know I was obsessed with you, and you didn’t think about how similar Vicchan is to Viktor?”
“Well… No. I never did.” Viktor laughed with Yuuri. “Also please don’t name him Vitya. That’d be confusing.”
Yuuri pressed his lips lightly to Viktor’s, pulling back and smiling. “Well, I guess I can figure out another name for him them.”