Never Again. You're Free
Yuri wishes this moment could last forever. Just him with his family...happy, but he'd have to face the reality.
Currently, all the skaters are gathered in the living room, just talking and catching up, knowing that Yuri doesn't want to talk about the situation just yet. Yuri just listens, smiling through the smallest guilt. No matter how much he's reassured, Yuri feels slightly guilty for having everyone throw everything away for him. He wants to solve this problem, to have things be the way they were before the texts or leaks. They have the threat, where do they go from here?
"Yuri, you okay?" Yuuri whispers to him, arm around his shoulders, breaking Yuri from his thoughts.
Yuri nods with a small smile.
"...Alright..." Yuuri places a small kiss on his head. "I don't say it as much, but I love you Yura. I'm proud of how far you've gone. We'll get through this." He says before getting off the couch and joining Phichit who's talking to Seung Gil.
Yuri's left with his thoughts.
He suddenly feels overwhelmed. While reassured with the fact the skaters are here and ready to help, he needs something to take the weight off his shoulders for even just a bit, some comfort.
Yuri can only hope they'll allow him a moment for himself.
Through his daze, his eyes meet Otabek's, who's across the room talking with Emil and Leo. Otabek stops listening and sends Yuri a fond smile. Yuri's too far in his thoughts that he doesn't send one back, Otabek notices.
Making up his mind, Yuri gets up from the couch and heads to Yuuri, whispering. "Mama..." Yuuri turns to him. "I...I need a moment alone, I'll be in my room, if that's okay?"
Yuuri smiles before nodding.
Yuri lets out a sigh and gives him a quick smile before making his way to his room.
Minutes pass and Yuri could be found on his bed, laptop open in front of him playing sitcoms. He doesn't laugh as he usually does, but fondly smiles as memories surface. It would be nice if his grandpa was here to watch those with him.
Someone knocks on the door. Yuri, without taking his eyes off the screen, calls out. "Come in."
Otabek opens the door and whispers. "Hey, Yura."
Yuri faces him with a growing smile. "Hey, Beka."
"What's on your mind?"
Yuri rubs his arm, nervous. "I don't know." He look back at the screen before meeting Otabek's eyes again. "This is...it just happened so fast and...I can't help but think what happens next."
Otabek hums in understanding. He closes the door and moves to sit next to Yuri and looks at the screen silently, watching the show. Yuri doesn't mind the quiet company and resumes watching.
"Sitcoms?" Otabek asks wondering.
"Yeah..." Yuri smiles fondly at. "They're a comfort. My grandparents used to watch them all the time when I was little and they took me in. Whenever I'd feel down, babushka would open the sitcoms on T.V and we'd laugh together... so now, after she passed, my grandpa and I watch them as a comfort and a memory."
"Huh...that sounds lovely." Otabek admits. "I have to say, I've only watched one sitcom my whole life, but I do miss them."
Yuri laughs. "I have a whole collection, remind me to show them to you."
"Will do." He laughs with him.
Yuri and Otabek watch silently for a few minutes more, muffled laughter behind the bedroom door from the living room as a background noise, but they don't mind it. They both are aware of what needs to be said, but take the time to get to it. Especially Otabek, who knows that Yuri doesn't like anything to be rushed anymore, for now.
It's Otabek who ends up breaking the silence, slowly. "Yura, you probably don't want to hear more overwhelming subjects for one day, but as we said; all that's left is to deal with your sperm donor and birth giver." They share a laugh. "...I know you wouldn't want to, that it's hard, but...you're not alone. Whenever you're ready, we'll be here to deal with them once and for all. It's up to you how we approach this."
Yuri gulps. "What...what if I'm never ready? I mean, there's a part of me that wants to deal with this, but another just wants to shove it somewhere I can never reach and pray things work on their own. I-I don't-!" Yuri pauses, sighing exasperated. "I don't even know how this just got...too much, why it's...all a big mess. And I'm just...so tired." Yuri whispers that last part, a lump in his throat.
Otabek patiently waits for Yuri to gather himself and he too gathers his response. "..."
Sniffing at the sudden itch under his nose, Yuri turns to Otabek. "I'm so tired..."
Otabek glances down. "Well, it can't always be dread, can it?" He looks back up at Yuri who listens full focus. "I've always had loving parents, strict but loving, so...I can't imagine how you must feel, I won't try to pretend like I do- no one here will. We haven't experienced what you have, Yura, at least not most of it because we've never been fooled by a supposed loved one into sorrow."
Yuri's eyes leave his as he thinks, processing everything being said, but he looks up again when Otabek keeps talking.
"You might feel like grief is knocking on your door as you believe the family you've longed for will you because you think we expect a certain Yuri with no pluses and we'd just become another loss. But what is a family if not unconditional?"
"..."
Otabek gives Yuri a small smile before looking towards the screen, leaving Yuri with his thoughts in wonder.
Yuri...didn't know what to say, he could barely think past 'holy shit, Otabek has a point'. That's what the team has always been; acceptance, unconditional acceptance. They're there for one another through hell and back, even trying to lessen any hardships through jokes or smiles. They...are a family, that's how Yuri has always seen them, heck! He called them his family.
And like Otabek said, they love unconditionally, as the family they are and the family Yuri's longed for. He's scared of losing them because of something that...yes, it doesn't define him. Whatever the past was, he's Yuri, he's him, and that's all they want.
A feeling of warmth envelopes him from the inside as an unconscious smile grows on his face. And as he looks at the screen, hearing Otabek laugh at the sitcom shenanigans, he realizes that yes...this is agape. He has a family, and no past will take that from him.
~~~~~~~~~~
This is a bad idea, a dangerous, bad idea. But Yuri knows that this may as well be their only chance.
"Mama? I need to think about what's next, mind if I take a walk?"
'Where are you? Currently.'
'Oh? Why do you ask dear Yulia?'
'Shut the fuck up and meet me at this bridge.'
-Yuri Plisetsky sends location-
'About time you became an independent woman.'
'I didn't. I became an independent me.'
Yuri leans backwards on the bridge, standing under a streetlight, hood over his head. This is dangerous, he knows, but it was time he faced his problems, deal with them. No backing down. He has a family that loves him, no matter what, and no one (read: his parents) will make him believe otherwise. Sure, doubts will cloud him, that's not easily controlled, but now he'll push these doubts away.
Someone stops a few feet away from him and leans forward on the bridge, Yuri's hair falls and hides his eyes, an added comfort. Good thing he knows to keep his distance from Yuri.
"Well look at that..." Yuri can hear the smirk in his voice. "How does it feel Yulia? To lie to yourself and others for years?"
Yuri trembles, but replies. "I'm not lying."
"At the moment you're not. I can see no one knows."
"Despite being your biology, I'm no idiot. You wouldn't have come."
"That's a good girl." He chuckles, taking a step closer. "So why come here? What do you want from this one night stand?"
Yuri grimaces. "...Face me at court. Stop hiding behind a few messages and fake profiles. You have your side of the evidence, don't you? Why hide? You a coward?" Yuri takes this turn to smirk.
"Tch!" Oh he's definitely pissed. "You're one to talk, bitch."
Yuri raises a brow to indicate the answer.
"...Court, huh? And if I refuse?"
"Then you'd prove yourself a coward. Stop being a scared asshole and face me with her!"
"You're just sending us to jail!"
"You have the evidence, why do you refuse?"
"..."
Yuri sighs and leans off the bridge, facing the other direction, back to his sperm donor.
The man says nothing still.
"Are you going to keep messaging like a middle school student involved in cyber bullying? If you want me, you'll have to risk me, but of course you're too scared to do that, always refused to fight for me."
"Ha! You're not even worth the fight. Get off your high horse, Yulia."
"Then why come after me?"
"Me and your whore of a mother refuse to live a life where you have everything and we have nothing."
"Nothing? So why not go to court? What else do you have to lose? You lost your dignity and pride already."
Yuri knows he got to the man's last nerve. "You...!" From the sound of rushed shuffling, the man tries to grab him.
But Yuri will be damned to let him touch a hair of his again. Taking his phone out of his pocket, he faces the screen behind him. The police number. He hears the man stop.
"Touch me again and you'll go to jail without fighting your way through this."
"..." Yuri can tell that man's pissed, gritting his teeth.
"Yes or no?"
"Fine...! But heed my words your ungrateful bitch: you're going to regret this. I wish I never had you!"
Yuri put his phone back in his pocket. He walks a few steps before smiling, not facing the man. "Funny. Years ago I would have wished the same, Igor. But now..."
He has a family worth living for.
With that thought, his smile grows and he walks away. When he's off the bridge, he hears Igor make his way back wherever he lives with his birth giver. Yuri lets out a long, relieved sigh before making his way back home.
Now he needs to find a way to tell the-...someone's clapping.
Yuri looks up at the person who now stands in front of him. His eyes go wide.
"Papa...?"
Viktor smiles, his claps stop. "You did good." He steps forward and brings Yuri into a hug. "You did good, Yura. I'm so proud of you."
Tears cloud his eyes, but they don't fall. Instead, Yuri shakily smiles, exhaling, and hugs back.
"Shall we go home, kotenok?" Viktor asks.
Yuri nods, but doesn't break the hug. Viktor laughs, a few more minutes won't hurt.
*Earlier*
Phichit stops mid-laugh between him and Guang when his phone lets out a loud notification sound. He checks the message and realizes it's from the chat between Yuri and the parents.
He must have looked worried because Guang asks. "What's the matter? You okay?"
Phichit mumbles lasts three minutes, and Guang's patience is thinning, Phichit must look shocked and terrified- who can blame him?! Yuri's meeting with-
"Mama? I need to think about what's next, mind if I take a walk?"
Phichit looks up and sees Yuri asking permission from Yuuri to which- ah shit! Yuuri's allowing him! Guang follows is gaze and grows panicked. Yuri and messages? Bad mix. Yet, Phichit doesn't stop him.
Looking at Yuri, he seems...different, confident, sure. So Phichit hesitates before deciding. He turns his gaze to Guang and shakes his head. Guang gets the hint, albeit hesitant with fear.
Yuri puts on his hooded jacket and walks out. When Phichit hears the door click shut, he waits a couple minutes before yelling.
"CODE YELLOW!" Be weary, danger is a possibility. "Yuri's a confident suicidal!"
Everyone grows silent and turn their attention to Phichit.
"Phi? What happened?" Yuuri asks, worried.
"...Yuri's meeting up with one of his parents."
...
The room explodes in out-roar. Yuuri turns pale and is steadied by Sara. Chris heads to the door as to stop Yuri, but Phichit stops him.
"Wait! Chris don't!"
"Chris do!" Georgi yells back. "We have to go after him!"
"No, wait! Listen, I know it sounds bad, but Yuri-"
"Might get hurt! That's his abuser we're talking about!"
"No, Yura's got it." Otabek walks in. "If you want, send one person to watch from afar, but Yuri knows what he's doing." He smiles. "Trust me, he'll be okay."
"But Otabek," Yuuri speaks. "They'll try to hurt him."
"Not with Yuri's phone open on the police number."
Everyone pauses. Viktor contemplates.
"What...What's Yuri going to do?" He asks. "Why is he-?"
"A court. He wants to face them and have them face him. They'd finalize they're justice through the law."
"Yuri, is asking for a court?" Mila asks.
Otabek nods, a proud smile on his face. "He wants to put an end to it, He'll be okay, he knows that whatever happened won't have us be a grief."
Yuuri thinks it through before turning to Viktor. "Viktor...can you follow him?"
Viktor immediately nods and Phichit sends the location as he wears his coat.
When the door clicks closed a secondtime, Yuuri collapses on the couch, Phichit sits beside him and brings him to a hug. Mila is being reassured by Sara, and Georgi sighs worried. Isabella ponders for a few minutes and studies the smiling Otabek across from her.
"...Otabek?" He turns to face her. "How are you so sure he'll be okay?"
"Simple." His smile grows. "Yuri Plisetsky has the eyes of a soldier."
Everyone waits in tense silence, yet a sense of safety surrounds them. For some reason, they have a good feeling about this.
*Back To Present Time*
As Yuri and Viktor neared home, Viktor decided to ask for certainty.
"Yura, about the court, are you absolutely sure that's what you want?"
"...No and yes. While I wish to do an Otabek and vote a quick death, it would be too good for them. They have to face everything they've put me through."
"Wouldn't you? They'd have their own saying?"
"I know...but I'm tired of hiding, of trying to throw everything away without getting it dealt with. It needs to stop."
Viktor smiles. To think this is the little boy who he watched grow. "I'm truly proud, Yuri. And you won't be alone. Everyone is by your side. We'll talk if you wish not too."
"...Thank you." Yuri walks closer to Viktor who throws an arm around his shoulders as a side hug.
"I have to ask...what lead to this new chapter?"
A blush erupts on Yuri's cheeks. "A knight in leather jackets..."
"Oh- now you most definitely have my blessing!"
"Shut up old man." Yuri laughs. Viktor laughs with him before rubbing his shoulder affectionately.
"Truly though...I'm glad you found someone."
"...I found some people..." Yuri mumbles, Viktor hears but doesn't reply. Though he doesn't try to hide his smile.
'Yes... he'll be alright. You're grandson is a fighter, Nikolia.'
They continue their walk in silent and soon find themselves in front of the door, Viktor taking out his keys. However, before he could put the keys in the lock, the door flies open, a worried yet relieved Yuuri stands on the other side. The second his eyes catch sight of Yuri, he gasps and brings Yuri into a tight hug, his hands on his back and head as if Yuri were a newborn.
"Yura! Oh...oh thank God."
Yuri seems slightly surprised at how worried Yuuri is. "Mama...ho-how did you-?"
"Phichit's keeping track of the messages as a safety precaution, I was so worried- I thought they'd hurt you!"
Feeling slightly guilty, but no regret, Yuri doesn't hesitate to hug back. "Mama..."
"You're okay. We got you."
No one behind the door interrupts them, just smile fondly. And from Viktor's proud smile, they know Yuri will be okay.
"...Bella, don't you dare-"
"I got to live to see the podium family in person!" Isabella cheers.
Everyone bursts out laughing as JJ facepalms. Isabella doesn't give an ounce of shame.
"This bitch gets us all." Mila says.
"Amen!" Sara preaches.
"Nah, ya'll poly and sus as hell." Phichit says.
"I'm agreeing." Chris states.
"And I refuse." JJ puts his foot down.
"And I started a theory of chaos." Yuri laughs.
"You're madness, so yes you did." Leo tells him.
Another round of laughter follows and Yuri smiles at the happy faces of his family. Tomorrow he'll make decisions and fight for his justice. Now, he'll cherish this moment while it lasts.
~~~~~~~~~~
Yuri paced the living room, not even sitcoms could calm him. The only person with him is Otabek, who's sitting on the couch unable to calm him. Potya's head moves side to side, as she sits on the floor, following her owner's movements. He couldn't help but pace, sitting down was too difficult, and Otabek didn't stop him. After all, Yuri has the right to be nervous.
Yuuri, Viktor, Phichit, and Georgi were meeting the parents in order to agree on a court date and assure both sides are ready to testify with they lawyers before the judge.
Mila, Sara, Christophe, and Minami were explaining the situation to Yakov and Lilia, getting them caught up in order to be present for Yuri's sake.
Seung Gil, Leo, and Guang were trusted by Yuri to print the threat for him as evidence for the judge. They promised not to peak and they made sure no one saw whatever is printed. This is Yuri's business only, they understand that.
Emil, JJ, and Isabella are meeting up with the lawyer Viktor trusts wholeheartedly in order to provide their own evidence as witnesses and discuss what to do in the upcoming events.
Before that, without telling Yuri, Mila and Georgi got permission from Viktor and Yuuri to call and tell Nikolai the news. The man deserved to know.
Excluding the last point- yes, Yuri has the right to worry.
"It'll be okay, Yuri." Otabek tries to at least calm his fears. "Even if Viktor threw a fist or Georgi, or heck, Yuuri, your parents deserve it."
Yuri pauses his pacing. "You do realize that could cause trouble regarding the court?"
"Not unless they hide the body." Otabek jokes.
"And how does the hidden body help us explain why the court's cancelled?" Yuri jokes back looking slightly amused.
"You're going to look me in the eye and tell me your donor's and giver's lives are worth investigating if they magically disappeared?" Otabek laughs.
Yuri shakes his head, huffing a laugh, and continues pacing, a worried exhale escapes him.
At this point, Otabek is glad he got a second of a smile out of him.
A rushed knock comes from the door and Yuri freezes before rushing to it. Otabek following him with his gaze. Behind the door stood Seung Gil, Guang, and Leo who carried the evidence file in his hand. Yuri allows them to enter.
"Anyone come before us?" Seung Gil asks, taking off his coat.
"Not yet, no." Yuri replies.
Leo pats his arm for attention. "Here," He holds the covered file out for Yuri. "I believe this is for you."
Yuri takes a hold of it.
All of it...the threat that stopped him from telling his family of his donor's, right here in his hands, not theirs. Yuri finds himself standing still just staring at it. No one speaks, waiting for Yuri's reaction. He licks his lips contemplating before releasing a shaky sigh. Tucking the folder under his arm, Yuri mutters.
"Excuse me a moment." With that, he heads to his room and locks the door.
After a tense silence, Guang asks worriedly. "He'll be okay...right?"
"Don't worry." Otabek says. "He just needs the privacy.
Feeling slightly reassured, they all sit around to wait for the others' return. God, they really hope this goes well.
With Yuri, he sits silent. The folder open and all it's contents thrown in front of him on full display. And he...doesn't know how to think anymore.
The thing he feared would make his family hate him. It stares at him as if taunting...why did he have to be used like that? Yuri can only glare at the pictures. (The videos on a USB). He can end them with this information, have them sentenced for life or to death, depending on what the judge decides. He can't cry, there are no tears left for him to cry, so Yuri sits and glares in silence.
Though he's unaware of everyone else coming back home. In the one hour Yuri's locked himself in, the groups come back one by one. Otabek, Seung Gil, Guang, and Leo fill them in on why Yuri's not present, and no one dares to disturb him. However, they worry.
The threat caused Yuri great fear and sorrow. Now he's alone with it, but they had small hope that Yuri will face it with no bad results.
Viktor hugged Yuuri close to comfort him.
Mila is told sweet words from Sara and Michele.
Chris and Minami comfort Georgi with pats and words of encouragement.
Seung Gil stood by Phichit as silent company which Phichit appreciates.
Emil, Leo, Guang, and JJ discussed their next step based on what they're lawyer said.
Isabella volunteered to make tea for everyone.
They all sipped it once it's finished silently. An hour and a half since Yuri locked himself in his room. Yuuri taps his foot against the floor. He hesitates before standing up, putting his tea on the table.
"I need to check on him."
"Yuusha." Viktor speaks up, standing up as well. "I know you're worried-"
"Worried is not half of what I'm feeling now!"
Viktor pauses for a few seconds, giving Yuuri time to catch his breath. "I know." He places his hands on Yuuri's shoulders. "I know, darling. But Yuri needs all the time he deserves."
"What if he's panicking?"
"We'd know. Potya is in the room with him."
"What if-"
"Yuusha...he'll be okay."
Yuuri stands still before sighing in surrender. Viktor has a point. He should give Yuri the time he deserves, this is hard for him.
Before they could go back to their seats, Yuri's door clicks open.
Everyone watches him entering the living room, head down. They brace themselves. Yuri stands still, hands in his pockets. They hear him sigh before asking.
"When is it?"
He was asking about the court.
JJ is the one that answers: "The earliest we could is in three days. The parents say the last chance they'd give is six days."
Yuri doesn't hesitate with his answer: "Earliest we can go. I want this to end as quick as possible. It's now or never."
"You absolutely sure, Yura?" Viktor asks.
"Yes."
He means it, truly. They could tell. So no one tries to change his mind.
In three days, it begins. Yuri's ready to face them. He knows this will be difficult and challenging, especially when he'll hear any lies they dare tell, but he knows the truth and has the evidence.
After bidding farewells and wishing Yuri good luck, the skaters leave to the hotel they're staying at for the night. The next two days will be busy gathering all their evidence and sort out their thoughts. Yuri vows to try and get himself ready to open up with the threat. He has to let it out, face them and tell them that they were mistaken. He'll prove to them that he's stronger now and is no longer their toy.
He'll be free.
~~~~~~~~~~
The next day, Yuri meets up with the lawyer to discuss his side of the story and evidence he provides. All the skaters come with him, it's awkward but the lawyer doesn't mind, and admits he finds it sweet how Yuri has such a supportive family. He couldn't help but blush and give a small smile towards said family.
They group of skaters stand in front of the door to the lawyers home, giving Yuri a few minutes to compose himself before knocking on the door. Viktor steps forward and places a hand on Yuri's shoulder.
"Yura, you alright?"
Yuri nods. "Yeah..." He breathes. "I'm fine just...need a minute."
"Hm. Well, remember, you don't have to do this now. We have another day and you could always change the court date. Take your time."
Yuri's answer is a few seconds of silence before he knocks on the door.
Viktor understands and presses a kiss to Yuri's head in reassurance.
They wait a couple of seconds before the door clicks open and reveals a man (probably mid-twenties) with black hair and brown eyes. He smiles kindly at them and introduces himself.
"Hello. It's nice to have to you today, good to see some of you again." He smiles and nods at those he's seen before. Then he turns to Yuri. "You must be Mr. Katsuki-Nikiforov, or would you rather be called Mr. Plisestky, which are you comfortable with."
"Katsuki-Nikiforov is fine." He doesn't hate Plisetsky, after all, it's his grandfather's last name before it's been for his parents.
"Very nice to meet you at last." He reaches out a hand before pulling it back. "Oh, are you okay with handshakes?"
...Is he? Yuri wonders. While Mikhail is a trustful guy, Yuri's never always liked touch. Otabek had been the lucky few he allowed to touch him, even as something as simple as a handshake. Would Mikhail think- no stop. He's here to help, besides he wouldn't think differently if he's the one asking.
Okay, he can do this.
"A-a quick handshake is fine." Yuri answers.
Mikhail smiles and holds out a hand, allowing Yuri the chance to reach out on his own. And just like Yuri had asked, Mikhail gave one small shake before pulling his hand away before Yuri could panic.
Honestly? Mikhail was an angel already, so damn respectful.
"Please, do come in. I've made tea and coffee." Mikhail opens the door wider.
They all get settled in and Mikhail has made coffee and tea. Around the big dining table, they all sip their drink of choice calmly. Yuri can tell that Mikhail is giving him time to adjust, which he appreciates.
He also appreciates how he doesn't sugarcoat. Yuri wants this over and done with before he's given the chance to panic and back down. So Mikhail goes right to the point, notebook in front of him beside his coffee.
"So, Yuri. You can you take your time, but I need you to provide your story and evidence. Besides the file Viktor has warned me not to ask about, are there any pictures? Any statements of sort?" He patiently waits for Yuri to answer.
Yuri thinks, his finger drawing on the rim of his teacup. He knows what he has, more than papers and pictures, so he takes a deep breath and says everything he knows.
"There...there are hospital issued papers with my coach, Yakov and my grandfather, Nikolai Plisestky. They can bring and send them over before the court happens."
"Excellent, we could use that for any injuries, physically and mentally. Anything else?" Mikhail writes in his notebook beside his coffee.
"Um...Mila and Georgi are witnesses to most of my hard times. Mila was the first to notice the bruises." He gives a quick glance at them, they smile his way.
"I was aware of witnesses, but it's good to know who knew before and after. Continue please."
"...Potya...my cat, she's actually a service animal provided from my last hospital visit since the parents arrest. The one who allowed me to adopt Potya send in his statement." Yuri opens the bag he brought with him and gave the paper to Mikhail who studies it quickly.
Yuri ignores the surprised looks given at the fact Potya is a actually a service animal. But they're gone quick enough. To them, at this point of events, it's not much of a surprise.
"Perfect. Are there perhaps any videos of Potya helping you through any...breakdowns or such?"
Honestly, Yuri liked how blunt Mikhail was yet so patient, he didn't force him to say anything. "Uh, I believe my grandpa has a video where a panic attack suddenly happened and Potya helped, she stopped me from injuring myself..."
Yuuri, who sits beside him, grabs his hand and rubs his thumb over it comfortingly.
"It's in the USB your friend...what's you name again, sorry?"
"Phichit." Phichit answers, giving a small smile.
"Phichit. Is it in the USB?"
"Yes. Yuri's grandfather sent it and I cropped the part where it happened with Yuri's permission."
"Good. I need to ask, are there any events that you could share with evidence? Like an old police report, for example."
"There is a police report my grandfather kept for this purpose. He was worried this would happen in the future and kept it."
"And what's it for?"
"...Drugs."
Everyone goes silent, Mikhail stops writing.
"Drugs?"
"Mhm...it's- the police report is proof that the parents used drugs and bought them. I...uh..."
"You're okay..." Yuuri whispers to him.
"...My... The mother used to d-drug my food sometimes...she'd give me...let's say some soup and I wouldn't know she's drugged it...I've been weary of foods since then. Still am now, but less..."
"Oh my God..." He hears Sara whisper. Minami gasps and from the corner of his eyes, he can see some skaters growing angry. Seung Gil is going to boil his tea with his glare.
"I see..." Mikhail says. "This police report could help a lot then."
"Ah, here it is." Yuri remembers to look into his bag again and takes out the police report. He decided not to take everything out together as to slowly ease into all the evidence he has. "Oh and something else, her real name is Yeugenia. She changed her name as to not be the known alcoholic and drug addict."
"Oh. Well that's one way to shame yourself." Mikhail jokes.
Yuri huffs a laugh and the skaters smiled at the his small smile.
Mikhail takes a second to think. "Alright, anything else from police or doctors?"
Yuri goes over what he's brought with him. "There is one police report regarding guests."
"Guests? What kind of guests?"
"The mother's other boyfriends...the ones she'd sleep around with or sharing drug deals with."
"What the fuck." He hears Leo whisper to himself.
"Oh? And what about them?"
"...They...were given chances from my mother to beat me up as well..."
From the corner of his eye, Yuri can see some jaws drop slightly.
"They'd..." Yuri exhales, trying not to stop now and give up. Yuuri rubs his hand again. "They'd h-hit me with their belts..." He spits out with difficulty. "Belts and there were...two? three? whips."
Isabella's hand goes to her mouth, Mila has tears threatening to fall, Georgi's hands are clutched to fists, Viktor's tense, and Otabek is gripping his tea cup way too hard Yuri's scared it would break.
"There were other torture devices involved, but those boyfriends didn't do as much damage as my mom had..." Yuri gulps.
Mikhail stares at Yuri, processing all this new information before shaking his head, sighing. Yuri knows it's not at him and that he's just disappointed in the mother and the other people involved.
"No matter how many abuse cases I help with...it shocks me how parents could be this horrid with their own kids."
"Some parents just shouldn't be parents." Michele says.
"Every child deserves a parent." Yuuri speaks up. "But not every parent deserves a child."
Silent agreement goes around the table.
"That's true." Mikhail says. "May I have a police report about those boyfriends?"
"Oh, right." Yuri takes three stapled papers out. "These are their found out names and crimes, the worst is drugs."
Mikhail scans through the papers before nodding and jotting down a note. "Hmm...now, we've spoken of the mother, what about the father?"
"Well there's more for the mother, but the father..." Yuri stops.
"Papa...?"
"Shut it!"
"Papa, what you doing?"
"I said shut up!"
"I-I don't wike it, pwease stop."
"Yuri!" Yuuri's worried voice snaps him out of it.
Yuri blinks and stares around him, everyone's worried. "...Sorry I...most of what the father has done has...has um...shit." Yuri brings a finger to pinch his nose. He can't panic now, dammit!
"You don't have to tell us, Yura." Mila says. "Don't push yourself too much."
"No. No I...it's the threat, I can't say most of it...all I can provide is Soviet Champagne. He drinks... a lot, more than the mother."
"Soviet Champagne?"
"I didn't know what it was, just the look of the bottles that were thrown all around the house...when I got older, I saw the same bottle at the market..."
"I see." Mikhail takes down another note. "Did he also do drugs?"
"Yes."
"Alright, now I won't ask for the threat, as Viktor called it. However, I just want to be sure, are you going to present it yourself as evidence?"
"Yes. That's the plan."
"Mhm, just give me the signal and I'll allow you to speak. It's up to you."
"Thank you..."
Mikhail gives him a smile before writing down more notes. Yuri hesitates from saying something else. Otabek notices and speaks softly.
"You alright, Yuri?"
Everyone faces him.
"...There...there's something else..."
Mikhail waits patiently for him to continue.
"...It has to do with the mother..."
"...What is it?" Mikhail asks.
Yuri doesn't say anything. He hesitates before taking a deep breath and taking off his hooded jacket. He hands it to Yuuri who takes it without a word, letting go of Yuri's hand assuming he's going to need it.
With the jacket out of the way, Yuri pulls down the left shoulder of his shirt, pursing his lips nervously.
JJ gasps, Isabella sobs, Georgi looks away once he's seen it, Yuuri's in shock, Otabek looks closer to breaking the cup he's holding, Seung Gil's grits his teeth, Phichit's anger is visible, Chris curses. The rest look shocked, disgusted.
On Yuri's left shoulder were cigarette marks, a sign of forced burns.
Mikhail stares, clearly mad, but not showing much.
"After a smoke, she'd use my shoulder to turn off the light..." Yuri explains.
He then proceeds to let go of the sleeve and pushes back the long bangs covering one eye all the way back, allowing a full view of the top side of his head. A ragged scar about four inches long and two inches deep.
Yuri can see some skaters shaking and Mila crying. Yuuri shakes his head, hand to his mouth, disbelieving.
"Beer bottles." Yuri says: "She'd break them on my head when she's angry."
"H-...how many estimated?" Mikhail asks.
"...Um...two every month? Give or take depending on her mood."
"Jesus Christ." Emil mumbles.
Yuri gulps, licks his lips, and reaches into his bag. He takes out an envelope the size of an A4 paper and hands to Mikhail. "This has a few pictures and a hospital report."
"And what's it for." Mikhail asks as he's opening it.
"She burnt me...o-on the st-stove with my...face. I had really bad dry skin for several weeks."
Mila closes her eyes as tears begin fall, Viktor has his face in his hand, the other gripping his coffee cup harshly, Otabek's tapping his foot rapidly trying not to lose it, Yuuri's silently sobbing, Phichit, Georgi, and Michele looks seconds away from marching to the parents and running them over with a car, Seung Gil and Sara's glares look like they could kill, Emil and JJ had unreadable expressions, but Yuri can tell they're mad, Isabella tries not to lose it by drinking more of her tea, Minami sits in silence with tears falling down his face, and Leo's holding Guang's hand to provide support as the latter sobs into his shoulder.
Yuri can't react, his face stoic. What can he do? This is just his reality, and he can't change it or make it seem better. Unfortunately, for everyone, there's still more.
"I see." Mikhail studies the papers inside, lips pressed firmly, before he puts them with the other evidence papers. "Anything else?" He asks as he writes down more notes.
"Yes...I can't swim- terrified of water."
"How come?" Mikhail asks carefully.
"B-besides the stove...she would push...push my head under a sink full of- full of water, trying to d-drown me." There's a lump in his throat, he tries to gulp it down. Yuri forces himself not to look at the skaters reaction, but he hears Yuuri letting out a shaky breath of disbelief and Mila sniffling.
"...Any papers for that?"
"One." Yuri pulls it out. "Water in the lungs. They made it seem like a swimming accident, so the doctors were fooled."
"Hmm..." Mikhail takes the paper, studies it, and takes notes as usual. This time, he doesn't ask if there's anything else, just waits for Yuri to speak up as does everyone else, bracing themselves.
"There's one more thing...a police report and a witness report of an...incident." He pauses, taking a deep breath do calm himself. "There was one day where I wanted to make the mother feel better so I...tried to hug her..." He trails off, words escaping him and he struggles to let them out. "I- I did...hug her, I mean, but she- she um, threw me out of the window...seven stories high."
He can hear gasps and sobs, but can't tell from who.
"Luckily I fell into a big pile of soft snow...but that's where the witness saw me...they ended up calling the police who got me out... that was the day my parents were put under arrest and my grandfather gained custody over me." There. It's out. He did it. One tear escapes his eye but he quickly wipes it away. "I still remember the harsh wind...the grip she had on me...the cold. But I was glad to finally be out of there."
No one says anything, but the sobs and sniffles are audible.
"...The rest it...it's part of the threat. I- I'll show it when the time comes."
"Okay." Mikhail sighs reassuringly. "Of course. Though I must say, this evidence is more than enough to throw these bastards in jail for life."
Yuri can't help but wonder...with the threat, would they be sentenced to death then? Maybe. He doesn't know whether or not he's glad about that or not. After all, he just wants them gone, never to be seen again. Whether it's death or not, Yuri will be glad as long as he's set free.
"Are there pictures of the injuries of the cigarettes and bear bottle scar? Or do we take them now?" Mikhail asks.
"No. No, I have them." With that, Yuri reaches into his bag one last time and gives in the last evidence he can provide for now, the police report, witness report, and the pictures of the injuries.
"Thank you. I understand this must be...challenging, but I do admire your bravery. What you're doing is truly admirable, and I promise to do the best I can to help you, Yuri. I promise."
Yuri nods, a quick smile. "I know...thank you, Mikhail."
Mikhail nods back. He and Yuri stand to give a quick handshake of farewell as everyone composes themselves. Once Yuri shakes his hand, he's the first to walk out and wait by the front door with his bag as everyone else thanks Mikhail for his time. One by one, they all leave the house...all except Yuuri.
"Where's mama?" Yuri asks Viktor who's the last to leave.
Viktor turns to him with a sympathetic smile: "He wants to help Mikhail with the cups and to have a word with him. Don't worry, it's nothing too serious, but you know Yusha, he needs some reassurance."
Yuri does understand. While people may argue that Yuri would need reassurance the most, he has it, had it, and still will. But Yuuri has way too many doubts, his anxiety will have him believe the worst, who other than all law knowing Mikhail can help calm him down.
He nods as a reply and can't help bot notice everyone staring at him, though he's not completely uncomfortable, especially when he knows why. Yuri turns to face Viktor who's smile holds for a few more seconds before falling slowly. Before he could ask if Viktor's okay, he's brought into a protective hug and Viktor shakes with silent sobs.
Yuri stands still in shock for a few seconds before he hugs back as a silent 'It's okay'.
When they break the hug, Viktor's eyes are red, yet he smiles at Yuri and walks him back to the car with an arm around his shoulder. The others follow silently down the stairs of the small apartment building.
Honestly, Yuri doesn't need a collective group hug, or a bunch of words after everything he's revealed. And fortunately, they understand that. The fact they're here, with him, still. The fact they're by his side as the family he's longed for his whole life is enough, more than enough even. He can't find the words to thank them, but if he smiles reassuringly at them as they all climb into the limo and wait for Yuuri to head down, he knows that that's more than enough for them too.
When Yuuri does head down, he sits beside Yuri (who's beside Viktor). He looks to be deep in thought before looking up and staring at Yuri who stares back. He can't tell what Yuuri is thinking, doesn't know what he needed to be reassured about with Mikhail, and he doesn't know what he's feeling. The silence stretches for a few more seconds before Yuuri sighs (a sigh that sounds close to 'I'm proud of you') before he brings Yuri into a comforting hug. He gladly hugs back, Viktor following.
And as the limo starts moving, they don't break the hug, and don't notice everyone else smiling at their interaction.
Yeah...he'll be okay. No matter what. At least he's not alone.
~~~~~~~~~~
That night, Yuri lays awake. He knows that what he's revealed is too much to take in and is quite thankful there's still a whole day before the trial, that way everyone can try and think it through and get some rest after. They could also use this time to brace themselves for whatever more he has to reveal.
He can't help but worry about certain skaters though. Mila, Georgi; they have been there even before Viktor or Yuuri. Otabek, he's his lover, he stood by his side, and though Yuri still has doubts of the aftermath of the revealed threat, he knows Otabek is having a hard time. Phichit's been his first friend after Otabek, a great person, helped him with many life tips, heck! He's the reason Yuri's been able to finally speak up about this whole mess, if it weren't for him, he'd still be suffering under the parent's messages.
Yuuri and Viktor. They must be so heartbroken. After all, at this point, Yuri's their son in everything but blood or biology. They care for him so much it's almost unbelievable and Yuri fears this is all some dream he's created because of his past events. But they're here, along with everyone else.
What can he say? What should he feel besides gratefulness and love? There are no words to describe the familial bond this group of skaters has. No words at all.
Figuring he won't be able to sleep for a while, Yuri gets up from bed and makes his way to Yuuri and Viktor's room, Potya awakening and following behind him. They lay in bed facing each other, but as always, a space between. They always left that space in case Yuri has a nightmare or wishes for some comfort, it took a few weeks for this arrangement to become permanent, and till this day, Yuri's greatly thankful. They're understanding and patience is wonderful, truly.
Yuri carefully closes the door behind him before quietly laying in between them as Potya nuzzles beside Makkachin. Cuddling up close to Yuuri, he agrees with himself that there is no other place he belongs in the world than with them. With his true family.
And as he closes his eyes to a deep slumber, a kiss is pressed to his head. Knowing it's his papa and mama, he smiles.
Yes. There is no other place he's rather be in the whole world.
Maybe he won't be ready to face his parents alone, but with his family, he'll face them a hundred times over.
It's as Otabek says, what's a family if not unconditional?
~~~~~~~~~~
Yuri's still asleep when Viktor and Yuuri are awake, Viktor long gone to get breakfast ready. Yuuri's laying sideways, propped on his elbow as he combs through Yuri's hair, staring fondly at the boy.
Yuri looks so peaceful, it's a sight Yuuri can never tire of. The small snores, the hair splayed around him like a golden lake. Yesterday must have taken a lot out of Yuri, usually he'd wake before Viktor.
But Yuuri and Viktor's phones go off, signaling a group call. Quickly, but carefully as to not wake Yuri, he mutes Viktor's phone and picks up his own. Yup, it's the group of skaters. Smiling, Yuuri continues to comb through Yuri's hair as his phone connects to the call. Yuri squirms and Yuuri stops all movement to allow Yuri to do whatever he finds comfortable. He moves to lay on his back, head tilt up as if facing Yuuri and nuzzles the hand Yuuri's placed over his head.
Once Yuri stops moving, Yuuri coos softly and presses a gentle kiss on his head before turning to face his phone. On the screen, all the skaters sit in silence, clearly staring at Yuuri's screen.
"...Uh-" Before Yuuri can say anything, Isabella breaks the silence.
"The day of Judgement greeted me last night I see."
Leo wheezes, Minami giggles, Sara is laughing soundlessly, and Emil cheers. "Amen!"
Yuuri blushes as he makes sure the volume isn't too high for Yuri. He sees Phichit leaning on his elbow, hand covering his mouth as if deep in thought. Apparently he's not the only one who noticed.
"Phichit?" Seung Gil questions. "What's going on?"
Everyone's attention moves to Phichit, silence following. Eventually, Phichit dramatic sigh behind his closed mouth before stating his thoughts, tapping his finger on the bed sheets.
"Yuuri. Yuuri Katsuki. Katsuki Yuuri. My friend. My brother. My dear buddy old pal of a mother hen to a feline."
Guang and Mila struggle to hold in their laughs, but somehow manage.
"I understand that you're grown up and can't deny the motherly instincts of loving your child over and over to the point your husband is the speck of dust on your shoulder."
Leo's wheezes evaporate and he's laughing soundlessly. Everyone else is chuckling silently or smiling amused.
"I understand that Yuri Mcfreaking Adorable Katsuki-Nikiforov is the angel of this group and makes us all bear one torturous day on the hell that's humanity."
"Preach!" Georgi exclaims in a whisper.
"But I promise, while we thank whatever God of whatever religion or thank whatever we preach-"
"Yuri." Isabella answers.
Mila begins wheezing and others laugh while Leo falls off his chair.
"...But I promise, while we thank whatever God of whatever religion or thank Yuri for his blissful existence."
"Amen!" Everyone preaches together. Phichit smiles proudly before turning serious.
"Please, let me have some breakfast before you attack me with unexpected fluffiness that makes me forget all about humanity's mistakes and reminds of how you, my buddy old pal, have become a mother. While I am blessed with it, my heart can't handle the attack. Mercy!"
Everyone holds in their laughter, excluding a dying Leo, to hear Yuuri's response. He raises a challenging eyebrow before smirking.
"No."
"No?!" Phichit dramatically gasps.
"No." Yuuri repeats. And to prove his point, he holds Yuri tighter and presses another kiss to his head.
Yuri, still asleep, moves to his side and cuddles close to Yuuri, head buried in his chest, and a soft whine escapes him before he stops moving.
"Aw!" Isabella squeals.
"Bebe! He is bebe!" Sara says.
"This is the best blessed morning." Minami smiles.
"Say those two words ten times fast." Chris challenges.
"HELLO!" Viktor bursts into the room loudly.
"SHH!" Everyone attacks him as Yuuri throws a spare pillow his way.
///Technical Difficulties////
Viktor's pouting as he sits on the other side of Yuri, his darling husband giving a small warning glare, combing Yuri's hair still, making sure he's getting the rest he needs. The skaters watch the tense silence, Leo and Guang taking screenshots.
"...Welp. That happened." Emil breaks the silence.
"Yup. But fortunately, Yuri didn't wake up!" Minami says.
"I'm surprised, relieved, but also a little worried because Yuri's a light sleeper." Otabek explains.
"He's getting The cuddles from Yuuri Katsuki with Viktor being another safe place on the side. He'll sleep well knowing he's okay." Mila replies.
"Am I supposed to cry or coo because of that response?" Christophe asks, hand dramatically on his heart.
"...yes." Mila purses her lips.
"Fair." Georgi shrugs.
A whine moves everyone's attention from the conversation. Yuri's frowning in clear discomfort, hands clenched. Viktor, worried, takes Yuri gently from Yuuri's arms as the boy starts whining louder as if trying to tell something or someone to leave him alone. Yuuri throws his phone away on the piled quilt at the end of the bed (and by author magic) giving the skaters a chance to see the commotion. Viktor holds Yuri to his chest and rubs his arms as to reassure him he's safe. Yuuri whispers comfortingly.
The skaters all watch with worry; Otabek, Mila, and Georgi squirming in their seats. It was obvious, Yuri is having a nightmare. And they surely can't blame him especially with the past events.
Yuri starts panting as if struggling to breathe, and one of his fists hold tightly to Viktor's shirt.
"Yuri," Yuuri whispers to him. "You're safe, baby, you're okay! Open your eyes for me." He gently caresses his face to soothe Yuri.
"Yura, it's just a nightmare. You're with Viktor and Yuuri, sweetheart." Viktor says. "Wake up, you're safe I promise."
"Yuri!" Mila calls out. "Yuri open your eyes, little brother. You're okay." She starts tearing up.
Everyone else tries to get their voices through, hoping it would help Yuri remember the safe place he's in.
"You're with us, the family of skaters! You're okay!" Phichit cheers, trying to lighten the mood for everyone's sake.
"Potya and Makkachin are there too!" Minami adds.
"Yura, open your eyes. We're here!" Otabek says.
Viktor shakily presses a kiss to Yuri's head before whispering to him again. "Yuratchka, you're alright. I promise you, just open your eyes and the nightmare will be over."
Yuuri trembles as he thinks on what might help him.
Seung Gil perks up with an idea in mind. "Yuuri! Katsuki- speak in Japanese! Yuri might need to hear another language like last time, remember?"
Eyes widening, Yuuri stutters as he caresses Yuri's face again. "Yuri. 目を開けろ、ベイビー。あなたは安全です." (Translation: Open your eyes, baby. You're safe.)
Yuri stiffens, face still etched in fear, but his eyes releasing the feared clench as a sign of recognition.
Yuuri repeats. "目を開けて, Yuri." (Translation: Open your eyes.)
Yuri gasps, sitting up, and fighting to get Viktor's arms off him. "Get- get off! Let go of me! Get off!" When Viktor lets go, Yuri shivers and pants, head down.
Potya jumps on the bed, having woken up ages ago but stayed on Makkachin's bed near her owner. She gently sniffs at Yuri's arm before nuzzling by his waist, meowing quietly. Yuri shakily looks her way and she takes that as a sign to get on his lap to provide some grounding. She sits on his lap and nuzzles the hand he oustretches in front of her and his neck. Yuri gulps and his panting lessens. He tries to focus on Potya and the familiar feeling of the bed he's currently on.
Yuuri and Viktor sit at a safe distance as to not panic Yuri any more, giving him the time and space to compose himself. The skaters wait patiently and silently, muting their own voices. Worried expressions are etched on everyone's face.
Yuri's breathing slows and he brings the heel of his hands to his eyes. Potya headbutts his hands gently as a warning for Yuri not to hurt himself by accident. Yuri pets her head twice to insure he got the messege. She purrs and settles down on his lap, keeping an eye out. Soon, Yuri's breathing straightens evenly and his thoughts are focused. He blinks as he's petting Potya, looking around the room he's in. He recognizes the huge closet Viktor got with lots of space left despite the amount of unecessary clothes, he recognizes the desk with Yuuri's laptop seated ontop, he recognizes the big bed that belongs to Makkachin beside the bed.
Lowering his hand down to feel the sheets, he looks down. He recognizes the soft blue sheets with the golden quilt that holds Yuuri's familiar phone on call with the skaters, and-
On call with the skaters?
Yuri blinks, sitting up straighter, and looks towards the phone again. And shit, all the skaters were there, on call, looking at him. They sit up and some eyes go wide when they realize Yuri saw them. Squiting, Yuri looks at himself through the screen and sees Yuuri and Viktor behind him. He stares a few seconds more before turning back to meet their eyes. They stare back at him for a second before Yuuri gently talks.
"Yuri? Baby? You with us?" He wants nothing more but to hug Yuri tight, protect him from anything outside their house door, but he holds himself back and waits until Yuri is comfortable.
"...I..." Yuri finds himself unable to answer.
"That's alright." Viktor smiles. "You'll talk when you're ready."
Yuri nods in thanks, gulping, before he looks up at Yuuri's worried face. Viktor looks worried as well, but his smile hides most of it. And honestly? A hug from them both sounds very comforting right now. Being carefuly as to not startle Potya, Yuri scooches back and buries himself between Yuuri and Viktor, who both hug him close reassuringly, sighs of relief escaping them. Yuri lets out his own sigh, closing his eyes, and allows himself to drown in the feeling of safety.
"You alright, Yura?" Otabek asks gently from the call.
Yuri's eyes open slightly as he replies. "Mhm..." He finds himself unable to form words.
"Alright. Take your time."
"Do you want us to leave and give you a minute?" Mila asks.
Yuri shakes his head, eyes closing again as Yuuri combs through his hair and Viktor presses a kiss to his head.
"Aight, we're sitting out ass down then." Leo says, getting comfortable on his chair. "So...how are ya'll?"
"You're a man of many conversations, you know that?" JJ says.
"I knew your were egotistical, but a hypocrite too?" Otabek jokes.
"Wha- hey! I was being sarcastic!"
"No shit. The only conversations you hold are about yourself. So my point stands."
Isabella wheezes right in front of JJ's face, Phichit gives a round of applause with Minami, Mila whistes, Sara giggles. And hey! Otabek manages to get a huffed chuckle from Yuri!
"Ouch." Emil laughs.
"Gotta hurt. You doing okay there?" Michele asks JJ.
"Oh, I'm fine. Just watching my own fiancé laugh at my own face, no big deal." JJ tries hiding his smile at the situation.
"I'm sorry!" Isabella says, but her wheezing proves otherwise.
Yuri smiles. The distraction is nice. He can always trust the others to bring up any topic far from what he's dealing with and lighten the mood, especially Otabek and Phichit.
"You're not sorry." Viktor says.
"Let me protect the relationship I'm dealt with." Isabella responds.
Everyone laughs at JJ's shocked yet amused expression. Yuri can feel Viktor's laugh from behind him and Yuuri's chuckles over his head.
"You mind repeating that, hun?" JJ asks Isabella.
"No, I'm good thanks."
JJ smiles as he pinches his nose. "My God." And Isabella kisses his cheek in response.
Leo claps along with Phichit this time. "Bravo!"
"That was mean." Sara says. "Do it again."
"The comfort heteroes of this group." Georgi announces.
Isabella dramatically gasps. "We're honored as Candians can be!"
"Aye. Maple Surup pride." Leo cheers jokingly.
"What?!" Phichit laughs.
"What pride?!" Guang questions.
"Aw, well we are sweet, famous, and the herteroes at the top of a bunch of pancake gay disasters so." Isabella hair flips dramatically.
"This bitch." Mila laughs.
"Best person on the call." Sara agrees.
"Again, how is someone like you dating JJ?" Otabek asks.
"The cherry on top of a rainbow sundae." Christophe chuckles.
"She made good points, I'm not gonna lie." Emil shrugs.
"Protect that humor at all costs." Michele demands.
"Why are you all like this?" Yuuri laughs.
Yuri chuckles silently, his eyes still droopy. Viktor averts his attention from the call to press another kiss on his head, bringing a smile on his face.
"I swear, drama doesn't leave this group no matter the situation." Georgi says.
"Hunny, we are the drama." Phichit poses.
With the skaters laughter in the background, Yuri's smile falls to a confused frown when the doorbell echoes through the house. Viktor and Yuuri glance at the direction before the former gently pushes Yuri completely into Yuuri's arms, frowning.
"Stay here." Viktor tells them.
He makes his way out to the front door.
It's odd. All the skaters are clearly in the hotel, Mila and Georgi in their own homes, so who could be visiting this early in the morning? The knock sounded desperate, but didn't make Yuri feel fear, just confusion on the identity.
They all sit in silence, waiting for Viktor to say anything. Yuuri and Yuri can hear the front door clicking open then some somewhat loud talking, though they can't tell if it's happy talking or angry talking. Unconsciously, Yuri holds on to Yuuri tighter, the wait leaving him worried. Yuuri glances down and rubs Yuri's arms reassuringly.
"Shh, you're okay. I'm sure it's nothing bad." He whispers.
Yuri nods as a response.
Viktor's laugh suddenly sounds and both Yuuri and Yuri perk up.
"Everything okay over there?" Christophe asks unsure.
"Viktor's laughing so...maybe?" Yuuri replies.
Footsteps hurriedly make their way to the bedroom before the door opens, Viktor's smiling face peeks in.
"My darlings! Come, come. It's a lovely surprise!" With that, he takes Yuuri's phone that's on call with the skaters still. "Hey Phichit, you might want to-" He leaves the room quickly.
Blinking at the sudden announcement and exit, Yuuri glances at where his phone was, to the bedroom door, down at Yuri, who's just curiously staring at the door.
"Uh...Why don't we see who's here?" Yuri looks up at him and hesitantly nods at the question.
They both make their way off the bed, Potya bouncing off Yuri's lap, waiting for him, unlike Makkachin who bounds out the room before they do. Together, Yuuri and Yuri walk to the front door, Potya following behind. Yuuri has an arm around Yuri's shoulders protectively.
When they find themselves by the front door, Viktor holding the phone to film them, the surprise isn't Yakov and Lilia but the visitor they brought with them.
Nikolai Plisetsky, smiling brightly the second he sees his grandson.
Yuuri gasps excitedly, his hands going to his mouth as he moves sideways to stand by Viktor where they both watch Yuri's reaction.
Yuri...finds himself speechless, his eyes wide and mouth agape. The man who raised him, who loves him no matter what, who supports him, who has done his very best to make sure Yuri stays happy...yeah no, there are tears falling down his face, ones of happiness.
"Dedushka!" He calls out, running to Nikolai who grabs the boy into a big hug.
"Oh Yuratchka! My sweet boy!" He presses kisses all over Yuri's head.
Yuri cries on Nikolai's shoulder. The warmth enveloping him, the smell of baked goods, the prescribes cream he remembers his grandfather always puts on his hands, the hint of perfume- God, it's home. His first home.
"I'm here, Yuratchka. I'm here." Nikolai whispers to him. Yuri swears he heard a sniffle from either one of his coaches. "And I promise you, you'll be free of them, we're here to fight for you. That's what family is for, no?"
Yuri lets out a little laugh and just hugs Nikolai tighter. "I missed you, Dedushka." He sniffles.
"Oh, I missed you too. So much."
Yuuri's hands are placed on his chest as he fondly watches the scene, Viktor's hands shake as he films (or Phichit screen records), Lilia wipes a stray tear, and Yakov smiles. The skaters awe, some cry (*cough* Isabella *cough*), and some hold themselves back from clapping.
Eventually, after breaking the hug, Yuri turns to Yuuri and Viktor.
"Do you...mind if we talk alone for a while?"
"Oh, no! Of course not, baby. Take as long as you need, alright?" Yuuri reassures him, Viktor nodding.
With that, Yuri and Nikolai head to the former's room to catch up and soon talk about the current situation.
The skaters excuse themselves in order to eat some breakfast and then come over. Viktor invites Yakov and Lilia to have some breakfast with him and his family. Makkachin stays with Yuuri and Viktor as they work in the kitchen, and Potya remains with Yuri.
If, when everyone's in the household of the podium family, Yuri comes out from his talk with Nikolai with red eyes and a tear-stained face, his grandpa matching with a look of despair, they don't comment. Whatever had been discussed in that room, they know it's Yuri's business, and they know that Nikolai is aware of more than them, he's the one who saved Yuri from the parents' hands long ago.
Yuuri walks into the living room, where everyone's united, carrying a plate of breakfast he made sure stayed warm for Yuri when he's done talking with Nikolai. Sitting down beside him, he hands him the plate.
"Here you go." He whispers as to not disturb the conversation between Yuri and Otabek.
"-Oh, thanks mama." He whispers back quickly, sending a small smile his way before turning to Otabek again.
"Mister Plisestky, are you hungry?" Yuuri turns to Nikolai in slow Russian (he's still learning).
"Oh no, don't worry about me. I already eat." Nikolai assures him, speaking slowly enough for Yuuri to understand. "And please, call me Nikolai, you are family after all."
Yuuri smiles and nods. "Thank you."
Once everyone settles, Mila addresses the situation.
"Alright...Yuri," He turns to her. "It's tomorrow. Are you ready?"
Yuri thinks over his answer. "...Can someone ever be ready?"
"No." Phichit responds. "No, not always. In your case, no one blames you if you're not."
"But hey, if it helps-" Michele speaks up. "You doing this, even when you're not ready, is truly brave of you. It's not easy."
"Precisely." Viktor agrees. "Tomorrow, ready or not, we're here for you either way."
"Fact wise," Seung Gil says. "You've got more dirt on them than they do on you. I find it hard to know what they could possibly have up their sleeves for this, especially with the threat secured with you."
"Hmm," Yuri hums, deep in thought. "That's what I noticed." Everyone's attention turns to him. "When I spoke with him that night on the bridge and he agreed to the trial...he wasn't sure. He said that he and the woman would rather go down with some fight rather than live knowing I have everything and they have nothing. Whether or not they accept defeat by that, I can't deny that they're clever in some ways."
"How so?" Sara asks.
"Whether or not we have the threat or the amount of information or proof of their crimes, they could find ways to lie."
"With the proof marked on your skin?" Leo says. "What lies could they possibly make up, especially with their history of drugs and alcohol?"
"Simple. While they may not get away with lies, they could get away with the truth. That I'm their...blood. They'll find ways to use that as an advantage."
"And how can you be sure?" Otabek questions. "Yura, I don't want to seem like I'm doubting you, but with the proof; the fact that they're blood makes it worse for them. That's even more proof on why they should be facing the consequences."
Voices of agreement sound around the living room.
Yuri looks unsure. "I don't know- I mean...I know that that's true, that they're digging themselves into a deeper hole but...something just tells me they have something up their sleeve...it was too easy. Why surrender? Why agree to the end of you? I mean, that's a good thing on my end, but...it doesn't calm me. They're planning something, I just don't know what it is."
"Simple solution." Nikolai speaks up in broken English.
"Like grandfather like grandson." JJ whispers. Isabella snorts.
"We got all proof against them...what they decide to give, we'll...uh..." He struggles to find the write English word. "We'll ... attack it with the threat you choose to show at trial."
They all go silent and think that through. It's true. They can put all their own proof on the table and whatever the parents decide to put out on their defense can be countered with the threat on Yuri's command.
Whatever happens at court, they have the upper hand, however, they have their doubts. They don't know what the parents could be planning, if they have lies or threats beside of what's known. What they do know is that no matter what, they'll fight for Yuri's justice.
"Very well." Yakov speaks up. "Tomorrow we'll do our best. No matter what they have to lie about, we'll easily get through it, I'm sure."
They all nod and voice agreements.
For the rest of the remaining time before tomorrow, they try and lighten the mood, think beyond the situation to ease Yuri's nerves.
~~~~~~~~~~
"Where are you taking me?" Yuri asks, a suspicious smile on his face.
"You'll see." Otabek smirks as he leads Yuri to a rented motorbike he managed to get.
They walk to the motorbike parked ahead at the side of the road, Otabek reaching for his gloves in his leather jacket pocket. As always, before they climb on, Otabek hands Yuri a helmet before putting on his own. Making sure it's secure, he climbs on first with Yuri following and sitting behind him. Otabek turns on the engine just as Yuri circles his arms around his waist and begins to drive.
Yuri missed this. The fast wind blowing against him, the feeling of freedom with the vast space, the deserted opportunity of no one bothering him, and the feel of Otabek's familiar leather jacket under his hands carrying the smell of earth and cologne. Just him and Otabek, free from any responsibilities - excluding the driving no dying.
He lets out a little laugh.
"What's got you so happy?" Otabek teases.
"Hm? Oh nothing...just missed this." He lays his head on Otabek's shoulder.
Smiling fondly, Otabek agrees. "Me too, Yura...me too."
Yes- Yuri tightens his grip on Otabek as a hug- he's truly missed this.
The minutes fly by and Yuri enjoys each one. The quiet, the freedom, space, and the embrace, God! He could stay like this forever.
Otabek can see the pure bliss on Yuri's face and keeps driving with a smile on his face. Good thing his motorbike's full of gas, they're going to be driving for a while.
"Relaxed?"
"Hm?" Yuri snaps out of his thoughts at Otabek's question.
"Relaxed?"
Yuri looks up with a small smile and opens his mouth to answer- wait...Otabek's smirking...oh, oh! This little shit!
He dramatically gasps and pushes Otabek slightly (he's not gonna die today, thank you). And Otabek just laughs.
"You asshole!" Yuri laughs with him.
"Wow, the first word you said to me the first time we met too?" Otabek jokes. "Did I miss an anniversary?"
"Oh shut up!"
He just laughs again as Yuri shakes his head and crosses his arms. However, a loving smile grows on his face.
"Is it just me...or are you truly happy right now, this very moment?" He turns his head to the side, but keeps his eyes on the road.
Yuri goes silent.
He...oh...
At a small bump in the road, Yuri wraps his arms around Otabek again in order not to fall.
He pauses, staring at the leather covered shoulder deep in thought. Gulping, he then lifts his gaze to Otabek's face, whether he's facing him or not, and how the wind blows against his short locks as they do what Yuri loves.
Riding till dusk, free.
That's what this is. Otabek's giving him a sense of freedom, some peace before the big show. He's done this before. Silently, he understood that this is Yuri's favorite activity with him.
Shit, he just had to be in love with a sap.
A shaky smile grows on his face and Yuri leans in slightly, kissing Otabek's cheek before laying his head on his shoulder, embracing him tighter.
"Thank you." Yuri whispers.
Smiling, Otabek continues driving. "No, thank you for trying."
~~~~~~~~~~
"Yuusha, Vitya." Nikolai address the couple as they converse in the kitchen alone.
"Oh, Nikolai. Something the matter?" Viktor asks.
"Oh no, no problem, just...I need talk with you."
"Of course, what is it?" Yuuri asks.
Nikolai sighs and takes a seat on the small chairs by the counter. Yuuri and Viktor give him some time to get his thoughts together and understand that this is serious.
"Understand that...I raise and watched Yuri grew up...I saw the struggle. He's- he means so much to me, more than own daughter. He grew with struggle and hard ways dealing with acceptance. He had Mila and Georgi, even you, Viktor...but, I know the time he truly was happy. The time of his adoption."
Yuuri and Viktor listen full focus, curious and in wonder.
"Yuri thought that he will never have family...family that loves him like son to them. Love him as he is. I fear everyday that he get hurt, but...with you, he's safe. The smile he had on the day he know about adoption- Godspodi, no sun can shine brighter. That was the first time I see him truly happy, so happy he spoke of it for a full hour." Nikolai chuckles at the memory. "You know, before skating, Yuratchka has had different dream. Did you know of it ever?"
After a thought, Yuuri shakes his head. "No..."
"You. Viktor. Parents- family that loves him. He loves skating, but he told me once 'Dedushka, I no care about skating if family is out there for me. I would chase that dream before I step foot on ice'. He was so...honest. Just. Confident on that thought."
A tear falls from Yuuri as Viktor feels a lump in his throat.
Nikolai sighs lovingly. "So, what I try to tell you is...thank you. Thank you for loving my Yuratckha. Thank you for loving Yuratchka as him, unconditionally. If he ever skate Agape again...with all of you with him, he'd reach new score with passion." He smiles. "I always was scared I would pass knowing Yuri will not be safe. But now, I have no doubt. Yuratchka is safe, happy, loved. What's an old man to fear?"
He stands up from his seat, ready to leave. "Yes...thank you, so much. Yuratchka is lucky to have such loving people. From his own Dedushka, if my time comes, tell him I'll rest peacefully knowing he is okay." And with that, he walks out.
Leaving Yuuri and Viktor in silent tears. They couldn't hold them in, it was...incredible.
All they did was love him. All they did was see that Yuri needed them and, without a second thought, they took him under their wing happily. Overtime, they grew closer and soon the rest of the skaters joined the family.
To hear that this family was the dream before skating, skating! It...God, it's such an indescribable feeling of love and happiness.
Of course, they can't fight against the cycle of life and Nikolai's final thank you broke their heart, but filled it back up knowing that he would rest in peace because of something so simple yet so difficult. Love.
They vowed and still hold to it; to love Yuri, to care for him, and to keep him safe. For him and for Nikolai. God knows how hard those years must have been. And now, loving Yuri seems to be a gift from God himself, a wonderful miracle.
With that thought and Nikolai's words, they promise that tomorrow, when Yuri stands against his parents, they'll be there through every second, protecting and helping him get the justice he deserves.
Turning to face each other, they stare red-eyed before Viktor's bottom lip trembles. Yuuri immediately brings him into a hug and Viktor buries his head into his shoulder, sobbing. Yuuri silently cries with him.
Yes, Yuri is their son and he always will be.
~~~~~~~~~~
"Otabek?" Yuri speaks after the long silence.
They've stopped on a mountain near the beach to watch the sunset, another favorite of Yuri that Otabek silently brought him to. They both lean on the stable motorbike and watch the sun go down in silence with small smiles and hands connected between them. Yuri couldn't find the right words to thank Otabek.
He didn't deserve him but Otabek always insisted that if anyone deserved him, it's Yuri. He has a hard time believing it, but slowly...he begins to believe in that and Otabek himself.
"Hm?" Otabek turns to him.
"...Tomorrow- I know I should take this moment to relax, but I have to ask-...tomorrow, when I say the threat, when I reveal what's kept me from all this...you said that you'd never hate me, maybe I believe that, but you...might leave me..."
Otabek's taken aback. "What?"
"You might leave me...and I- I wouldn't blame you, but- look I just...I want you to just be ready that that might happen when I say it-"
"What-no, Yuri stop."
Yuri shuts his mouth. Eyes sad.
"Yura, listen to me; I will never leave your side."
"And how would you know that for sure?" This time, Yuri looks up at him.
"I told you once and I'll say it again. No matter what happens, I'm staying by your side and I'll love you forever."
"...Forever sounds like a long time."
Otabek just smiles at him.
"...But you're sure? That whatever I say won't disgust you?"
"And who said it will?" He asks but knows the answer.
"..." Yuri realizes what's kept him doubting.
The parents always said Otabek would be disgusted, hate him, leave him for this and unfortunately Yuri believed it. But now...He shouldn't have a single doubt that Otabek would do any of that when it's revealed. He loves him as he is...
Otabek sighs. "Yura," He looks back up at the sunset. "Remember what I told you the day we became friends?"
Yuri does remember, how could he forget. "That my eyes were ones of a soldier."
"And here you are, after all the revelations, fighting still. What's one more revelation going to do? Disgust me? Yura- the only thing that disgusts me is how the parents treated you. Whatever more they've done won't make me change my mind. You are a soldier, how could someone hate you for your scars?"
Shit...Yuri remembers now what Otabek's trying to say.
After all, he'd seen his scars, the ones on his thighs and a few on his wrists. He'd been there at the relapse, wrapped them up after washing the blood. Yuri remembers crying and begging Otabek not to hate him but...
"Yuri, how could someone hate a soldier for his scars?"
He remembers hugging Otabek for dear life, aplogizing.
Until now, here he is, holding his hand, watching the sunset after a long motorbike ride, loving him.
Yuri stares at Otabek in wonder as he stares back in patience and love. After everything, he's loved him uncondiotionally, as he is. Slowly, Yuri turns completely and wraps his arms around Otabek, sighing shakily. Otabek doesn't hesitate to hug him back.
In his arms, Yuri watches the sunset, and if Otabek heard him sniffle, he said nothing- just pressed a gentle kiss on his head.
When the sun hid behind the waves and Yuri finds himself back on the motorbike with Otabek, he wonders how tomorrow will go. He's confident things will mostly go well, but to hear the past he's tried to hide from for years come out, out loud as well...it scared him.
While he knows that his family would never hate or judge him for any of this, he hated that he'd have to hear the parents speak of it, and they'll probably speak about it with no shame.
They could also admit to it with fear, but Yuri knows how much of a big pride they carry.
He stops himself from thinking further, he has all morning tomorrow to do that, for now he just wants to relax and enjoy the couple of hours of peace before the big day.
Sighing, he rests his eyes and leans on Otabek.
"Yura," Otabek softly calls out to him. "We're here."
Yuri opens his eyes and sees his home. Leaning off of Otabek's shoulder, he stretches before getting off the motorbike. He takes off the helmet and hands it to Otabek before smiling, a bit sleepy.
"Thank you, Beka. For today."
"You deserve a relaxing couple of hours from the world."
With no reply to give, Yuri leans in slowly as if silently asking permission, and Otabek meets him halfway. Their lips meet and Yuri's hand cups Otabek's cheek.
Breaking apart, Yuri rubs his thumb on his cheek as he bids farewell. "Goodnight, Beka. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Goodnight, love. Sleep well."
Yuri steps back and watches as Otabek gets settled before driving off. He stays standing until Otabek disappears into the night.
As he walks home, the smile never leaves his face.
His grandpa had already left with Yakov and Lilia when get there along with the other skaters. Makkachin and Potya happily greeted him when he walked through the front door, making him laugh.
As he gave them their pets, Yuuri welcomes him home.
"Okaeri."
Yuri pauses. Looking up at Yuuri and Viktor, thinking of the support from his coaches, the patience with his grandfather, the help from Makkachin and especially Potya, the bond between the skaters, the love from Otabek, and the acceptance from his parents...yes, he's home.
And he couldn't think of any better place to be.
Standing up from the crouch he sat at to pet Makkachin and Potya, he smiles up at Yuuri and Viktor.
"Tadaima."
He's home. At last.
And tomorrow, he'll be free.