Chapter One: Trouble in Russia

(Author's note: This story will switch from Yuuri's POV to Viktor's POV. I will let you the reader know who's POV you will be reading. I may switch multiple time in a chapter or I may stay in one POV for a chapter or more. Please leave reviews as it helps me out. Thanks.)

Thoughts

(Yuuri's POV)

This is it, I thought as the plane started it's descent into St. Petersburg. This is where my future lies, with Viktor! A blush creeps up my face at that thought. I shouldn't be so easily flustered, I mastered EROS for goodness sake! as I shake my head, We're engaged and moving in together. I should be prepared for Viktor to continue moving further along in our relationship. For us to have sex.

My hands clench up at that thought.

You see even though Viktor and I have been secretly dating since the Cup of China and been engaged since the GPF in Barcelona, I have had a panic attack every time Viktor tried to do more than kissing and some light touching. Viktor has been very respectful of my lack of courage to anything past kissing. I really don't deserve him, he's been too good to me and I feel horrible that I can't give more of myself to my idol, my coach, and now my fiance.

It also didn't help that we were at Yu-Topia, where my parents and older sister were right down the hall from Viktor's room, where I had started sleeping next to him after we came back from the Grand Prix Final in Barcelona. Sleeping next to Viktor lasted until one week after Nationals which I won Gold at before Viktor had to return to Russia to prepare for my arrival, four weeks ago. Apparently, Viktor needed to have power restored to his house and to have it cleaned up, And Makkachin went with him. Needless to say when Viktor left for Russia the unspoken hopeful desire for something more than kissing for when I follow left a heavy stress on my poor anxiety riddled mind.

And add to that four long weeks of thinking up all the worst possible things that could happen, like Viktor not being there when I arrive, Viktor no longer wanting to be with me anymore, or Viktor having sex with someone else because I'm not comfortable enough yet. That last thought hurt my heart more than I thought it would. It took Yuuko several days to convince me not to just say forget it, I can't do it and several more days to help me pack my things. I didn't pack that much and it should already be at Viktor's, well our house by now. So all I had on me were my skates, my contacts and spare glasses, a few recipe cards for some of my favorite foods including katsudon, and a bento box set.

(Viktor's POV)

Yuuri's plane lands at 1:30 pm. I thought with glee, I wonder if Yakov would willingly let me leave to pick him up. "Hey Yakov, do you mind if I leave early to go get Yuuri from the airport?" I shouted.

Yakov just shakes his head at me and says "No Vitya, did you forget Nikolai can't come to pick up Yura so you have to take him home. Once Yura's done you both can go wait on Yuuri and then walk Yura home." Rats. Well, I guess plan A is still a go.

"Sorry Yakov, I forgot. Oh well, We'll just meet Yuuri at the Tuchkov bridge then." I said while sitting down to take off my skates. The skating was hard work today but I think I will enjoy it more once Yuuri gets here and I can tease him while coaching him. At least the bridge is a short walk from the rink. We should be there before he is.

I rub my sore feet for a few moments, while Yurio finishes his Short Program routine. As I continued rubbing and flexing my feet, Mila sits down next to me "I know you're excited to see him, but aren't you worried?" Our eyes meet as she continues "Just the other night a gay couple was shot and nearly killed coming out of a grocery store, A Grocery Store Viktor! Not an LGBT friendly nightclub but a grocery store. I don't want to hear it in the news that you and Yuuri were hurt or worse dead because of something like this." she said with concern.

I act on instinct and pull her into a hug. "Thank you for caring. I'll do my best to keep us safe." I whispered into her ear. As I pulled back I noticed that Yurio wasn't on the ice anymore but heading to the locker room.

Mila smiles "I can't wait to see you in coach mode. I wonder what Yakov will think of your coaching technique."

With shoes on my feet, and my bag packed I stand and go to wait by the door for Yurio. As I look back at Mila, I simply say with a wink "My technique works only on Yuuri. So hopefully no one gets any ideas about me becoming their coach." Mila face turns red at the implication of my statement, and I laugh.

Finally, Yurio comes out of the locker room with his bag "Let's go Viktor... wait" As he points at Mila "Why is the old hag's face red?"

I just laugh as Mila tries to pick Yurio up for the old hag comment and succeeds. "Come on Yurio, we're going to be late."

"PUT ME DOWN MILA! AND THAT'S NOT MY NAME!"

(Yuuri's POV)

After the plane lands and I'm safely in the lobby of the Pulkovo Airport with my backpack, I look out the window and gasp at how beautiful St. Petersburg looks covered in fresh snow and I can see the taxi's waiting for passengers. Viktor did tell me I'd need to take a taxi to the Tuchkov Bridge. I step outside and I'm hit with a freezing cold wind that chills me to the bone. I definitely need new winter clothes. No wonder Viktor wasn't cold in Hasetsu, it was nothing compared to here. As I get in a taxi and tell him where I need to go, my phone rings. I wonder who that could be. I pull my phone out as we are driving away to see Yuuko texted me Hey Yuuri I hope you made it to St. Petersburg in one piece. Call me once you're in your new home and don't forget to call your mom as well. Good Luck and I'll talk to you soon. ~Yuuko~

Well, I hope Viktor doesn't already have plans that start once I walk in the door. I text her back I made it to St. Petersburg safely. I just left the airport and I'm on my way to meet up with Viktor after four long weeks. Thanks for the luck I might need it. For reasons you already know, I'll call my mom first then you. *Yuuri. I decide to text Mari nee-chan I made it to St. Petersburg safely. I'll call you guys once Viktor and I get home. *Yuuri As I put my phone away and look up I see that I'm already at the bridge.

I pay the driver and get out. I look around and take in the beautiful scenery, the river is frozen and I just want to skate on it, though it's probably dangerous so I won't. I look up from the river just in time to be jumped on by Makkachin. "I missed you too old girl." I scruff her ears and stand back up and look up the bridge towards the middle. And there I spot Viktor and what looks like Yurio talking, but neither of them has seems to notice me or the fact that Makkachin isn't by their side. "Run with me girl like old times?"

Makkachin lets out a small woof and off we go. It's not long before Yurio sees me and gives a small wave which causes Viktor to turn around and then he sees me. On his face is the heart smile that melts my heart because it's different than the one he gives freely cause it's filled with love. Viktor shouts my name which prompts me to start running faster, and once I'm close enough I jump into Viktor's open arms. As he spins us around, he pulls me into a quick kiss much to Yurio's dismay, and whispers in my ear "I am complete once more."

Which promptly causes me to cry tears of joy. "I feel the same way" I whisper back through the tears.

"Ok he's here now walk me home," stated Yurio as he started to walk away.

"Lead the way, Yuri." As Viktor and I follow.

"That's not my... wait did you just called me by Yuri and not Yurio?" Yurio asked

"I did, it's your name, isn't it. I know my sister nicknamed you Yurio to keep her from being confused about which 'Yuri' the conversation was about and it stuck. But I know it annoys you, so I'm going to call you by your name."

"Umm thanks for that." as Yurio kept walking.

I noticed Viktor wasn't holding my hand so I tried to hold his hand to which he whispered "Not now. Kissing you in public was stupid enough but I couldn't help myself."

I stopped walking stupid? kissing me was stupid? was me moving here stupid too? Makkachin noticed that I wasn't following so she walked back to me and barked at Viktor.

Viktor turned around and immediately asks "What's wrong Yuuri? Tell me and I'll make it better somehow."

Yurio pops off "Dumbass, You just said kissing him was stupid. What do you think is wrong?"

Viktor's eyes grow to the size of saucers as he realizes his mistake. "Yuuri? Yuuri, listen to me. I used the wrong words. And I haven't told you everything that has been going on in Russia. Let's get to the house and I will explain everything. Okay? Just bear with me a little longer." I can only nod my head and follow behind. The walk to Yurio's was a 35-minute trip. And I got to see the rink as we walked by. It looks nice, a lot nicer than Ice Castle to say the least and that's just from the outside. I waited outside with Makkachin while Viktor went in with Yurio to apologize for Yurio being late.

Yurio walked back out a minute later "My grandpa wants to meet you. So head inside I'll stay with the dog."

I tilt my head to the side "I thought your grandpa lived in Moscow?"

"He did, but he wanted to see me practice more as it makes him happy to see me skate. So he moved here. Now hurry up and go say hi." I nod my head and tentatively walk in. The living room is just off the doorway, I feel weird not taking off my shoes but I deal with it. Viktor is speaking in Russian to Yuri's grandpa, it's once I get closer that they switch to English.

"Ah, so you're the other Yuri I've heard about. You give my Yura much determination, so I thank you. I also thank you for introducing pork cutlet bowls to Yura as that has given me the inspiration to make unique pirozhki."

"No problem. It was my pleasure, sir." as I bow forward slightly.

"Please call me Nikolai. Work hard Yuri from Japan. Have a good day."

"Thank you, Nikolai, you as well." I follow Viktor out of the house.

As I step down on the snow-covered concrete a cat steps in front of me. "Poyta, I would have introduced you in a minute." Yurio picks up the tan and black tipped cat. "Katsudon meet Poyta, Poyta meet Katsudon. Isn't she adorable?" I place my hand in front of her nose so she can sniff me, a moment later she's headbutting my hand wanting pets.

So I gently scruff her ears. "Yes, she is. Well, it was nice to meet you Poyta. Maybe I see you later. Bye Yuri, maybe I'll see you tomorrow if my jet lag isn't too bad." Viktor and I wave goodbye as Yurio and Poyta retreat back into the house.

As Viktor and I walk on our way to his house, my anxiety starts acting up again is Viktor ashamed of me, is Viktor seeing someone else, should I even be here? these thoughts and more flow through my head, but I manage to keep walking. After roughly 30 minutes of walking Viktor turns off the sidewalk and on to a snow-covered walkway leading up to a house. I follow just a few steps behind, and I'm sure Viktor has noticed by now. He unlocks and opens the door, steps aside and signals to me to go in first. So I do, I enter the house and I'm surprised by a shoe rack with house slippers to boot. So I take off my shoes, set them on the shoe rack, and put on the blue slippers that have my initials on them and walk a bit further into the house. Makkachin bolts past me and sounds of water sloshing echoes down the hall. I set my backpack at the base of the coat rack and put my coat on it. Viktor has closed the door and has put on his own house slipper, they're purple with his initials on them. He sets his bag next to mine and hangs his coat up.

(Viktor's POV)

I hope he like the slippers. I have so much to tell him. "The living room is this way." I walk past Yuuri and I hear him follow. My living room is spacious with large windows on one wall and a fireplace on another. I walk over to the fireplace and start a fresh fire. Yuuri sits down on the only chair in the room. He's upset with me. I hope he'll understand and forgive me. Once the fire is going strong, I sit down on the couch as close to Yuuri as I can. "I wanted to make the move in as easy on you as possible and your mom recommended a shoe rack with house slippers. So I went and got a shoe rack and some personalized slippers. I hope it helps you."

Yuuri just stares blankly at me for a moment before he says "Why was kissing me stupid? What am I even doing here then? I should just go back home. I'm not wanted here clearly." My heart breaks into pieces and I want to cry but I won't, not yet.

"There is something I haven't told you yet. Something I wanted to tell you in person."

Yuuri is glaring at me now "Why did it have to be in person? Why not over the phone or via text? I've felt like something was going to go wrong once I got here for weeks now. Yuuko convinced me otherwise. But I knew it, I just knew it. You're seeing someone else or you're fucking someone else because I'm not ready for sex." Yuuri has jumped out of the chair by this point, and my heart is breaking further "Let me guess who it is, it's Chris, isn't it. You and he were always so close, and it bugged me how touchy you were with him. Even more so than with me, and I was your boyfriend and now I'm your fiance and that means nothing to you now. So come on out Chris I know you're here somewhere. No need to hide, I won't be here long" Yuuri screams at the top of his lungs, and I'm glad I live so far away from my neighbors.

I don't think my heart can take much more, "Yuuri, I'm begging you. Please sit down, and let me talk to you." Yuuri sits down but he has crossed his arms and is glaring at me with even more hatred and pain. I hope I can fix this and fast. "Yuuri, I'm not cheating on you. I swear it on my life. The reason why I said it was stupid was that it was in public. Putin, Russia leader, has recently made Russia open season on the LGBT community.

Mila informed me earlier today that a gay couple leaving the grocery store together was shot and they're in the hospital fighting for their lives. And this happened yesterday, Yuuri. When we originally set this up for you to move, Putin was just ignoring the LGBT community. And it was only a few days ago that this changed. I love you Yuuri, and I can't live without you. But while we are in public we can only be coach and student. I kissed you because I missed you so much I thought screw Putin and his new laws. And I can't do that again. Because anyone passing by who is actively following these laws could have shot you and wouldn't have shed a tear over it." I slid off the couch and I'm on my knees in front of Yuuri.

He seems to not believe me, so I do the one thing I hope will show him I'm sorry and I'm being truthful. I go to a dogeza pose with my head on the floor, palms facing down on either side of my head. "Yuuri, I'm telling you the truth. Please forgive me for causing your anxiety to flare up. I hadn't told you yet cause the violence against LGBT had spared St. Petersburg, until yesterday. I'm sorry, please don't leave me. I love you so much." I'm crying at this point.

(Yuuri's POV)

Everything that Viktor has said has shocked me to the core. I could have died! Viktor isn't cheating on me. Viktor loves me. I start crying as relief floods my system. That's when I realize Viktor is crying and is still in the dogeza pose. "Viktor, come here." I open my arms wide and he jumps into my arms and we hug each other tightly. Viktor then pulls me into a dizzying passionate kiss that seems to last for hours. I break away so I can catch my breath and Viktor has as well. Once I've stopped gasping for air, I look at Viktor "Why would have St. Petersburg been spared from these hate crime? I don't understand."

Viktor looks away for a brief second before speaking "St. Petersburg has long been a safe place for the LGBT community. It was once declared the safest place on earth to be gay, lesbian, bisexual, or anything else under the rainbow flag. But all that changed yesterday, and whats worse is that the couple in question could have been just friends or just strangers in the wrong place at the wrong time standing too close to each other. As many of the other incidents in Russia have been based on mistaken identity or misreading the signs between two people. St. Petersburg has LGBT clubs but they don't openly flaunt it.

You really couldn't tell unless you went inside and even then it's hard to tell. I would know, I've gone to one a few times over the years. Mainly cause a friend of mine from ballet years ago opened it and asked me to come by usually for some form advertising that I would get paid for, to keep his club legit and that I wasn't playing favorites with ads. But afterward, I would go by for a drink and conversation and sometimes I would dance if a really good song came on, and that was it.

And before you ask, no, I haven't gone to his club at all since I've been back in Russia. And yes, he has asked me to come by as a friend but I've told him no, I have a new priority. And that my love is you." and with that, he kisses me with such passion I lose my ability to think and I sink into the chair and Viktor sinks into me.

The kiss last for a few minutes before my phone rings in my pocket, and Viktor looks displeased but I show him it's my mom so he puts on a happy face so we can facetime with her. "Hey Mom, we just got home. I was going to call you in a minute." Viktor smiles and waves in the background but lets me talk to my mom uninterrupted.

"I'm sorry, Yuuri. But I didn't want to miss your call because I was asleep."

Mari-nee-chan appears in the background looking very sleepy "Hey Yuuri, yawns I got your text. I'm glad you made it safely into Viktor's waiting hands. Don't mess him up too bad Viktor, he still needs to skate."

I drop the phone "Mari-nee-chan! Why would you say that?"

Viktor picks it up and winks at my sister "Don't worry, I'll take very good care of him. Oh, momma Katsuki! I got the shoe rack like you suggested and the slippers. Look at them aren't they the cutest?" He turns the camera to show our feet. I can hear my mom's excitement even if I can't see it.

"Oh, Vic-chan they're perfect. Thank you for thinking of my Yuuri. Now we will let you boys go, as we need to go to sleep and I'm sure Yuuri still needs a tour of his new home. So good night boys." "Good night mom." I holler as Viktor waves goodbye and ends the call.

"So should we expect any more calls today?"

"I still need to facetime with Yuuko. I told her I would when I got here to your house."

"Don't you mean our house, Yuuri?"

A blush creeps up on my face "Ye-yeah! Our house."

Viktor laughs and hugs me " Go on call Yuuko before it gets any later."

So I start the call, it rings a few times before I see Yuuko's face "Hey Yuuko-chan, I'm in our living room. It's so big" I pan the camera around so she can see it.

I stop at Viktor so he can wave at her "Hi Yuuko. How are the girls?"

And as if on cue up pop Axel, Lutz, and Loop into view and at the same time "Hi Yuuri and Viktor. We miss you."

"Ah, I miss you too" as Viktor places a hand on his heart. I turn the camera back to me and wave at the girls.

"I don't want to keep you long since it's bedtime for you guys. But I told you I would call after I spoke with my mom. Anyhow, I'm here, I'm safe, and I'll talk to you guys later. Bye, good night."

"Alright, Yuuri. Text me if you need me. I'm always here for you. Bye Viktor. Say bye girls."

"Bye Yuuri, bye Viktor." One last wave and the call was over.

I'm finally looking at the room around me. The walls are a pale gray and the fireplace is dark gray brick. The walls themselves hold no pictures but the mantle has a few of Makkachin. The floor is hardwood and the furniture is modern with gray and black accents. I can see the kitchen from here just beyond the couch. I look out the window and see fresh snow falling and I can't see the next door neighbors house. "Viktor, how big is this house and the property it sits on?"

"Well the house itself is 2500 to 3000 square feet, as for the property I can't remember exactly but basically it goes to the neighbor's yard. Why do you ask? Didn't you notice on our way here?"

"No, not really. I was busy in my own head dealing with my fears, that I was only paying enough attention to your feet and where they were going. I didn't think it mattered if I paid attention to the area around here as I felt I wouldn't be staying long." I drop my head down to my chest as tears well up in my eyes once more.
Viktor is at my side in a matter of seconds. He's rubbing small circles on my back and holding my head to his chest as I cry.

He whispers to me "I'm sorry. I should have guessed your anxiety would get the best of you. I should have done everything from Hasetsu, but I wanted it to be perfect just for you. So I had to oversee everything happening. Do you want to see the rest of the house?"

I nod my head and follow Viktors lead. He takes me to the kitchen first and it's all gray, black and modern looking. Very different from Japan and somewhat different from Detroit. He opens the fridge and shows me that its stocked with foods I'm familiar with so cooking by myself will be easy. The dining room is next to the kitchen and it's small. Just a small square table with four chairs. It's simple, I like it. Makkachin's food and water are next to the sliding glass door to the huge backyard. Speaking of "Where is Makkachin? I haven't seen her since we got home."

"She probably sleeping in her bed upstairs. And that's our next stop after I show you the downstairs bathroom." That bathroom is right off the living room by the front door and the stairs. As we go up the stairs I begin to feel nervous again, but I refuse to let it show. The first door we come to is another bathroom, followed by two small bedrooms. One is clearly for skating equipment and the other is a guest bedroom. A large hall closet full of linens is next to the washer and dryer. The only other door must be the master bedroom.

Viktor opens the door and steps aside for me to enter. The room is huge, I can see the master bath off to the right and the closet which I assume is a walk in right next to in. On the left is three large windows with purple curtains pulled back so light shines through. And the bed itself looks like an eastern king on a four-poster bed frame with curtains on it to boot. Two nightstands frame either side of the huge bed. A ceiling fan hangs above the bed showing off the high ceiling. Makkachin is in her bed by the windows, all curled up and asleep.

Viktor wraps his arms around me "So what do you think of our room?"

My mouth falls open and my eyes grow wide "Our Room?" Viktor pushes me into the room a bit further and steps in front of me

"What did you think I was going to let my fiance sleep in the guest room?" I step back and look around the room once more.

I shake my head "I don't deserve all this. I haven't earned the right to all this."

Viktor looks hurt "The moment we started dating you have deserved this and more. You earned this the second you stole my heart. So don't say you don't deserve this, because you do. Now I'm sure your exhausted you things are in the closet so you can change. The right half of the closet is yours. And I put most of your things away, mainly your clothes. The rest you can do on your own time."

I nod my head and walk over to the closet. I was right it is a walk in and true to his word all my clothes are on the right side and the boxes with the rest of my things are on the floor just waiting for me to put them up. I shake my head and begin looking for my night clothes. I quickly find them in a drawer. I pull out a blue top with dogs on it and black shorts. I change in the closet and step out with my dirty clothes in hand.

"Clothes hamper is in the bathroom, right behind the door."

"Thanks" I mutter and walk into the bathroom. I'm not surprised but it's huge too. A double vanity with one side covered in skin care products and what looks like makeup. The toilet is next to it and it looks like the one from Yu-Yopia, it even has the same buttons. There are a jacuzzi size bathtub and a large stand in shower stall. I turn around and spot the hamper right where Viktor said it would be. It even has my name on it right next to one that says Viktor.

I walk back into the bedroom and see that Viktor is already in the bed reading a book. The curtains on the windows are closed, and they're blackout curtains as well. so the only light is coming from the lamp on his nightstand. I notice my sleep mask is on the nightstand closest to the bathroom. I set my phone on the nightstand in front of me and sit down on the bed. I notice the bedsheets are purple and blue swirls and they're so soft and silky. I slip under the covers and turn to face Viktor, who has put away his book and faces me. "The nightstand on your side of the bed is all yours. It's empty at the moment save for the nighttime supplies that you packed and your extra eye masks. It's for you to put whatever you want in it. And I won't go through without your permission."

A small smile forms on my face "Okay, thanks. I appreciate it."

Viktor grabs my hand "No problem, I want you to have a safe spot in this house that is all your own. I want you to be as happy here as possible. We can unpack and talk later, but for now, we rest." And with that, he turns off his lamp and the room descends into darkness save for a few rays of light coming from the bathroom and from the top of the curtains. It's still dark enough that I don't need my sleep mask at least right now but there is still enough light that I can see Viktor moving closer to me so I rotate and face the bathroom and Viktor spoons me from behind just like old times. He wraps his arms around me and I feel safe and loved. I scoot closer to him and I am out faster than I have been in four weeks.