Chapter Text
Yuuri puffed air into his already-gloved hands and rubbed them against each other for more warmth. He had already covered himself with several layers of clothing with a coat over them and then a large, fluffy scarf around his neck. A dark blue bonnet also covered his head and a black face mask hid his nose and mouth. His eyeglasses were turning foggy because of his warm breath.
He bit his bottom lip and looked at the conveyor belt again but not a single familiar luggage of his could be seen circling around. He fidgeted and prayed that none of them got lost. It was hassle enough to bring two luggage; it’s be more troublesome to lose either or both. His parents even needed to ship his other stuff to his new apartment or else he’d overexceed the allowed luggage allowance.
Finally, he saw a silver luggage with a blue glinting ribbon around the handle. He hastily grabbed it towards his side. After few seconds, he orange one had arrived and he pulled it out as well. With a luggage on each hand, he walked towards the Exit.
He was finally in Russia, specifically in St. Petersburg and even if he had visited the country already for Rostelecom Cup, he still couldn’t being awed with how different this place was with Japan. Viktor told him a specific address, so he was expecting to ride a taxi over the said place until he saw familiar faces in the Arrival Area. He looked up and squinted. He gasped when he found Viktor, Yurio and Makkachin sitting in a single row.
Makkachin, once again, first saw him. The poodle stood up and ran towards his direction with a happy bark. Of course, Viktor and Yurio stopped talking and looked at where the dog was running to. Viktor abruptly stood up when their eyes met.
He crouched and wrapped Makkachin in a warm, tight hug as the poodle greeted him enthusiastically. Thank goodness he was wearing a face mask or his face would be filled with Makkachin’s saliva already. “I’ve missed you too, Makkachin.”
“Yuuri,” A soft, relieved whisper brought his eyes back up. His eyes watered when he saw Viktor opening his arms for him. He quickly stood up and jumped into his fiance’s warm chest. He didn’t know why but he was so relieved and happy to see Viktor also still wearing his golden ring.
Viktor hugged him tightly and breathed in. “Ah, I missed you so much, Yuuri. It felt like we didn’t see each other for ten years instead of just half a year,” He murmured and buried his face on Yuuri’s hair.
Yuuri hummed and hugged the other back. He melted into the two arms around him and into the chest he currently buried his face in. He smiled and mumbled back, “I…I missed you too, Viktor.”
“Can you two stop being so fucking disgusting already? It’s so fucking cold in this airport and I am already hungry,” Yurio complained from their right.
They pulled apart with twinkling eyes of amusement and happiness. Yuuri didn’t miss a beat and quickly launched himself into Yurio and hugged the smaller Russian into a big embrace. Yurio yelped in shock before struggling. “I missed you, Yurio. It felt weird not hearing you yelling your angst-y feelings out in Yu-topia.”
Yurio huffed and then crossed his arms. He looked away with a ‘hmph.’ “Yeah, yeah, whatever. I guess I miss Yu-topia’s katsudon too. I just cannot make it the same way.”
He finally released the blond and chuckled. “I will make you some once I have adjusted and found the right ingredients. I have mastered it for years being a Katsuki.”
“Really?” Yurio asked, eyes sparkling in excitement. He suddenly caught himself and scoffed to hide his growing anticipation. “Yeah, sure. It better tastes the same or I will throw it at your face.”
When he turned to grab his luggage, he realized that Yurio and Viktor already got both for each of them to hold. “I can do it!” He gasped.
Viktor waved a hand dismissively and pointed at the gates. “Nonsense. You have just suffered a fourteen hour flight. I can almost feel you collapsing soon. Come on, follow us.”
He followed after them and asked hesitantly, “W-Where are we going…exactly?”
“Just follow us,” Viktor vaguely answered.
Yurio went out of the taxi ahead of them since his and his Grandfather’s house was quite far away from Viktor’s and he didn’t want to suffer walking at this kind of weather. Viktor whispered, “He just wants to eat his Grandpa’s pirozhki already.”
With how excited Yurio was as he ran towards their front door, Yuuri actually agreed with Viktor’s observation.
He stared at the bungalow mansion that stood right in front of him. Even if it was already turning a little dark outside, the mansion’s silver-y glint and first class aura couldn’t be easily ignored. Yuuri blinked when Viktor opened the gate and headed at the front door. Makkachin padded happily ahead of his owner and went inside the doggy entrance right after Viktor unlocked the door.
Yuuri was still gaping outside the gate. Because it finally sunk in. This was Viktor’s house…no, mansion. What am I exactly doing here? This is to extravagant for someone like me!
Viktor laughed and shoved him towards the entrance. He pulled Yuuri’s luggage and closed the gate behind him. “Go on.”
He looked around one more time. “Um…Viktor, why are you pushing me towards your home? I thought you already found a place for me to stay at?”
The Russian blinked and then pointed at his house. “Yeah, I have. It’s this.”
He blinked back before registering Viktor’s answer. He shakily pointed at Viktor’s mansion before spluttering, “H-H-Here? In your own house? V-Viktor—“ He paused from his complaining to remove his shoes as Viktor continued pushing him inside. “V-Viktor, really, this is too much. It was already enough that you agreed to remain as my coach despite you coming back as well—“
“It will be a challenge, but I can manage~” Viktor interrupted and walked towards the TV to plug it on.
“—And then you offered to train me here in Russia so that you can keep track of developments of both of us. You even asked my parents for permission to get me here—“ He continued, still not showing any sign of movement from where he stood.
“It actually felt like I was asking for their blessing for your hand in marriage and for us to live together already. I was nervous, actually, because they could say ‘no.’” Viktor commented and roamed around the kitchen to prepare something.
“T-T-They cannot say ‘no’ to you. Ever. Anyway, as I was saying, you don’t need to do this. I do not want to intrude into your personal sanctuary. Let me find an apartment immediately, and I’ll find a part time job to be able to pay the rent, I’m sure I can find one one way or another. You’ve done enough for me already, Viktor and—“
Viktor stopped preparing cups of coffees and glared at Yuuri, which made him stop talking. “I hate it when you say that I’ve done enough already because you always sound like you’re saying goodbye. And, Yuuri…” He sighed and then approached Yuuri. The Russian cupped his cheeks and planted a kiss on his forehead. “This is indeed my home, my private sanctuary, my sacred grounds. Everything I love could be seen all around you. And my everything. My life. My love. He’s right in front of me right now. And I will have it no other way.”
He couldn’t help himself from smiling. He stood on his toes and leaned into the kiss Viktor was offering him. It was soft and chaste, but was enough. “Besides, I’ve stayed in your family’s onsen for almost eight months. And I was offered with the best food, hospitality and service not because I was the Viktor Nikiforov but because I am Viktor, whom they love, respect for being me. I want to return the favour by taking care of their adorable son and making sure he gets the best hospitality and cosiest bed while training here in Russia.”
He looked over his shoulder and considered the fluffy and huge couch. “Hah. Your couch does look like it’s very coz—“
“If you ever try sleeping there instead of beside me on my bed in my room, I will really get mad,” Viktor protested and pinched his nose.
He wrinkled his nose and then laughed. They gazed at each other before laughing together and just embracing for one more time, a little longer this time.
He spent the first week of his stay trying to adjust with the difference of time in Japan and Russia. His body clock was still a little messed up for the first three days but he gradually adjusted to it and even woke just in time for a little warming exercise and jogging. The next two days, he spent his whole days in walking around the area and then the town and around their base for training so that he wouldn’t get lost when he was alone. [He doubted that.] Then the last two remaining days, he learned new recipes so that he could at least cook for Viktor and even for Yurio. He self-assigned himself in doing the house chores whenever he had the time or chance to do them. He even slipped in some spare time to memorize few basic Russian words and phrases in addition of what he already learned.
He got woken up by his alarm and he noticed a note at the nighstand. He put on his glasses and read its’ contents. ‘You’ll wake up soon. Let’s meet up at the bridge you always jog on at 8:30. I and Yurio will wait for you there. Let’s jog for awhile and start training together from today on. Hurry, do not make me wait as long as Aeroflot again. ~Love, Viktor.’
He scrambled into his feet and begun fixing himself up. He didn’t want to make the two wait but his fast moves were more into because of excitement.
He checked everything and closed the doors with the bundled copies of keys the Russian gave him. He turned and started running, Makkachin happily jumping and running by his side.
It took him seven minutes of running to reach the bridge and he finally saw to figures leaning against the bridge. His face broke into a big smile upon seeing Viktor looking back at him.
His coach raised an arm and waved with a big, goofy grin. He then proceeded on yelling, “Yuri!” as a greeting.
“You’re late, pig,” Yurio grumbled. It was Yurio’s way of saying ‘Good morning,’ or ‘Good to see you.’
Yakov raised an eyebrow as Yuuri Katsuki finally appeared in person here in Russia to accompany them for training although the Japanese would be coached by Viktor.
He was still uncertain how this would work because he was going to coach Viktor while the idiot five-time world champion would coach Yuuri. He was so confused when he tried to process this that he stopped thinking about it because of a growing headache.
The recent silver medallist fidgeted with the straps of his backpack and looked at the ground as he arrived together with Viktor, Yuri and Viktor’s poodle, Makkachin for his first practice in the same rink as the other two.
Viktor raised a hand as the other skaters stopped from their gliding on the rink and gaped at them. They had heard of Viktor’s decision, but his idiotic protégé never told them when they’d arrive to start practicing with them again. Yuri disappeared for few weeks and Yakov yelled at his cellphone when he found out that the golden medallist actually stayed in Japan with Viktor and Yuuri for a little rest.
Yuri would never say it out loud but Yakov knew how much Viktor and Yuuri Katsuki actually meant to him. Aside from Otabek Altin, whom Yuri had grown close recently, these two had been a couple that Yuri looked up to and respected.
“Hi~” Viktor greeted and was greeted back with loud cheers, applause and then questions. Yuri was also welcomed with loud shouts and ‘congratulations.’ Yakov smiled unconsciously as his two recently back students were swarmed by people.
Yuuri stood beside him, silently watching the scene unfold before them. Makkachin stayed as well at the sideline. Yakov observed the Japanese at the corner of his eyes, and he blinked when Yuuri smiled as Viktor and Yuri tried to get away from those who swarmed over them, amused with the situation. The dog barked and nudged Yuuri’s hand.
Yakov wasn’t the only one looking at the silver medalist’s direction now. Even the other skaters not under him had also quieted down and slowly watched over the new arrival. Yuuri crouched and then reached over to scratch under Makkachin’s chin. The poodle whimpered happily and then walked closer towards the brunet. Yuuri chuckled and scratched behind the poodle’s ear.
Mila cooed quietly when Makkachin jumped into Yuuri’s open arms and hugged the Japanese back.
“Ah, I’m jealous~” Viktor interrupted. Yakov turned and found Viktor pouting with arms crossed.
Yuuri looked up finally, and blushed with all the eyes staring at him. He hastily stood up with Makkachin following suit to sit, and said, “S-Sorry. I got carried away. He just seems so warm with his soft fur.” His English sounded so polite that Yakov was pretty sure he captured more than half of the skaters’ hearts already with his shy demeanor. The other half, he wasn’t sure. He could feel doubt and rivalry in the air as if some of them saw Yuuri as a prey which predators could easily attack.
Yuri wrinkled his nose and started tying his skates’ laces. “Are we going to practice or what?”
Lilia, who emerged out of nowhere, chided, “Yuri Plisetsky, be a little more polite.”
Yuri ignored her scolding and frowned at Viktor and Yuuri. “Are you going in there or I need to push you?”
Laughing, Viktor changed his shoes as well.
When Yuuri went to move, Yakov stopped him with an arm extended before the Japanese. Yuuri abruptly halted and looked at him curiously. He cleared his throat and said loudly so that everyone could hear him properly, “Everyone, my students or not, this is the silver medallist in the recent Grand Prix Final held in Barcelona, Spain. From now on, he’d be training with us in the same rink. He’d still be coached by Viktor while I am coaching Viktor. Do not ask how this will work, it will make your brain explode. Anyway, I expect you to treat him respectly and to give him the same rights as you do on the ice. I won’t tolerate bullying or any form of harming our newest member.”
He could see some displeased faces, but he ignored them in favour of gesturing towards the Japanese. “Ladies and gentlemen, this is Yuuri Katsuki.”
Yuuri blushed and then bowed. “G-Good morning. I am Yuuri Katsuki. I will be in your care from now on. I-I hope we’ll get along well.”
“How should we call you? Katsuki? Yuuri—“ Mila started with a warm smile.
“Katsudon? Piggy? Little pig? Fat-so?” Yuri piped in with a smirk. When Yuuri laughed at him, he just pouted harder and stuck his tongue out. Yakov knew that Yuri thought his endearments would be taken ill. But the silver medallist seemed to be used to such antics and just smiled at Yuri’s childish bullying.
Yuuri answered with a shy smile, “You can call me either ‘Yuuri’ or ‘Katsuki.’ Although I accept other endearments.” He said the last part with a look directed at Yuri.
“So confusing~ We have two Yuri’s,” One commented.
Viktor intervened by saying enthusiastically, “We had the same problem in Japan so Yuuri’s sister gave Yuri a new nickname. You can call that shorty Yurio!”
Yuri flailed his arms and growled, “DO NOT CALL ME YURIO!”
Yuuri pointed at himself and explained, “My name is pronounced longer. Yurio’s is Yu-ri. While mine is Yuuri. So it will be like Yu-u-ri.”
The other skaters humoured him and actually tried rolling his name out of their Russian-accented tongues. [Well, most. Yuuri wasn’t the only international skater/student with them, anyway.] “Yu-u-ri.”
“Why does it even matter? Why do you need to have the same name as I do? This will be so confusing for criticizing times,” Yurio grumbled and slid with a quicker speed before taking off for a Quad Salchow. He landed it perfectly but he hadn’t managed to lift an arm in the air as he planned and tsked.
Yuuri blushed when his name was repeated over and over again anyway as his new rinkmates tried out saying his name correctly. And everyone realized that there was only one who could actually say it properly with no problem even if he was purely Russian, himself. “Yuuri~ Come on onto the ice already. We have no time to waste.”
“Ah, yes!” The Japanese gasped and went to change his shoes.
“He seems so different when he’s on and off the ice,” Lilia commented beside him as she, too, observed the new addition to their members.
Yuuri finally finished putting on his ice skates and started to glide on the ice. For warm up, he removed his eyeglasses and placed them on the barrier. He then started to create a circular pattern while changing which foot was dominating his posture and slide. He was taking deep breaths as he spun around the ice rink.
“We’ll continue practicing On Love: Eros and Yuri On Ice, and you’ve 94% mastered them both already however we still need to time some of your step-sequences and spins right. There are times that you are too fast or too slow with the beat.”
The other skaters had resumed their practice by this time. Lilia was also concentrating on Yuri’s mistakes and postures as the blond stopped with his warm-up mode.
Yuuri perked up and nodded. “I think I need to concentrate on those first and then the jumps and quads,” He answered back.
Viktor smiled giddily and nodded back. “Oh, the enthusiasm!” He exclaimed and pressed play.
It was the Short Program which most of them have already watched in video, recordings and even personally, but it was still a routine which no one could easily ignore.
A little sway of his hips and feet almost tangling together in sequences that seemed impossible with how fast yet seductive they still were, and everyone had stopped training and was now either gaping or glaring daggers at the Japanese. It, indeed, was different to have Yuuri Katsuki – the on and off ice versions of him—in Russia.
Yakov couldn’t help his smile. This will be interesting.
And as Viktor looked around and saw the same sight as Yakov saw, and as Yuri, himself, stopped and observed the silver medallist seriously, Yakov knew that these two thought the same.