Justice
Standing in front of the doors leading to the courtroom had Yuri tense, the collar of the suit he's wearing (thankfully with no tie) was choking him, but not literally. The skaters and his coaches all stood behind him while Yuuri, Viktor, and Nikolai stood beside him.
"Yuri," Yuuri speaks. "We're with you every step. It's going to be okay." He rubs Yuri's shoulder to comfort him however way he can.
Yuri takes a minute to think before taking a deep breath. Nodding, he opens the door. With Yuuri's arm around his shoulders, Yuri feels safe at least. They step in, the skaters and his coaches taking a seat on the stands, and Yuri looks to his right. There they were, the parents. The same glares, the same long nails of pink, the same smug smiles, however, Yuri must say they cleaned up well- same for those abusers as well. They sat on the parent's side of the stands smirking at him. One was looking him up and down. Most seemed to be wearing jail clothes indicating they were still under arrest. At the sight of all these nightmares, Yuri feels a shiver go down his spine and he quickly averts his gaze to see Mikhail on his side.
Viktor notices the sudden shiver and rubs Yuri's shoulder reassuringly. Yuuri gives a glare to the abusers, sending them cowering for a solid minute. The skaters look at the other side with disgust, anger, and hatred- as well as Yakov, Lilia who's clutching her bag too tight, and Nikolai who's cracking his fingers. All he could do is give a look of disdain towards his daughter and her husband.
Yuri stands beside Micheal, Yuuri, and Viktor before the judge. Behind him, he hears the courtroom doors close.
He sighs. There's no turning back now.
The judge clears her throat, straightening the papers on her desk. "Good afternoon," She shoots a suspicious glance towards the parents. "Now, today; we are here to discuss the broken laws of a parent's abuse to their child, the use of illegal substances, and the parenting regulations- those include." She picks up a paper to read the names. "Igor Volkov, Irina Plisestky or should I say Yeugenia Plisestky."
Yuri's lip twitches into a smirk when he sees her jaw drop slightly and her husband glancing her way.
"And finally," The judge continues. "Yuri Nikolai Katsuki Nikiforov, formerly known as Yuri Nikolai Plisestky, is that correct?" She asks them all.
"Yes," Yuri replies.
"Y-yes." His mother says.
The judge hums. "Very well then. Let's begin." She picks up some paper. "Igor Volkov!"
"Yes, your honor?"
"It says here that you're an alcoholic with rage. You used to drink every minute of the day and you've physically, emotionally, verbally, and mentally abused your child. Do you or do you not plead guilty?"
"Not guilty."
Viktor frowns, Yuuri glares, and Yuri rolls his eyes. He can faintly hear Mila scoff.
"Not guilty?" The judge repeats. She turns to Yuri. "Do you have witnesses to the abuse? I've read the reports, they're believable- but has anyone seen it?"
"No...No, I was alone. It was just the three of us in one house." Yuri knows he's shaking.
"I see. How about any aftermath witnesses? Physical abuse this bad is bound to leave marks."
This time, Mikhail answers. "Yes, your honor. There are witnesses to the abuse, some mostly after two days of abuse."
"Let them speak."
"Yes, your honor." Mikhail and Yuri turn to Mila, Georgi, and Yakov. Yakov stands first and heads to the front.
"Name."
"Yakov Feltsman. I'm Yuri's skating coach since he was five years old."
"And what did you witness?"
"The first time I met Yuri, it was when I stopped by Moscow's ice rink to check on the skaters. I saw him there and was impressed by his skills so I asked his grandfather if I could meet with him. When I saw Yuri up close, I noticed fading bruises on his wrists and legs. He didn't like when I got too close and even flinched when I reached out for a handshake."
Yuri closes his eyes at the memory. It wasn't clear but he could remember bits and pieces.
"Is that all you've seen?" The judge asks.
"Besides Yuri unable to interact with people, sometimes interacting by anger, no. That's all I've seen."
"And the anger?"
"Clearly regarding the loud arguments between Igor and 'Irina'. He told me himself; he never liked it when people yelled so, at a young age, he was lead to believe that if he could speak louder, no one would be yelling."
"I see." The judge takes in the information. "Very well, thank you Mister Feltsman. Next!"
Yakov steps off and Georgi comes up next.
"Name."
"Georgi Popovich. Skater and Yuri's friend."
"When did you first meet Yuri Plisestky?"
"In St. Petersburg. He came with Yakov to start training under him and I was introduced to Yuri by Mila, another skater, and friend."
"And what did you see?"
"When Mila first brought Yuri over, I noticed the bruises, almost completely gone, but they were there. He didn't like people touching him at all, flinched if we tried. When he spoke, it was a yell. He thought that's how people speak. It took around three months for Yuri to realize that it's not true, but the yelling continued in some cases."
"And what cases were those?"
"If the room got too loud, or if someone yelled at him."
"It says here, by Igor that Yakov Feltsman yells during practice."
Yuri blinks in shock- how did...
Viktor, seeing him tense, grabs his hand and rubs it gently.
"Oh no," Georgi assures the judge. "Yakov doesn't always yell, when he does it's when Yuri's having a bad day and he's yelling as well. It's a way for him to communicate to Yuri that he's allowed to let out whatever anger he might feel. On the occasion he's not yelling, Yuri doesn't hate it. Yakov's yelling helps push him, step by step in regards to skating. They are simple lectures. Yuri never took the yelling to heart."
"I understand. Is that all you've seen?"
"Not really."
"Then continue please."
"Yes, your honor. Well, Yuri grew up and within those years there have been nightmares and setbacks. He would sometimes wake up screaming at Igor to get away from him or even 'Irina'. By not being beaten up every day, Yuri wanted to feel even the slightest of sting- those were his words. Mila and I caught him self-harming and...we caught him in..." Georgi glances at Yuri.
Oh boy...
"We-we've caught him committing suicide once."
A few gasps were heard and Yuri felt a lump in his throat.
"A suicide attempt?" The judge repeats.
"Yes. Luckily we managed to save him and he's never committed again, but the self-harm was trickier. He's relapsed and suffered."
"And how are you now, Yuri?" The judge turns to him.
"Um, currently clean, haven't done it for months."
"Congratulations." The judge smiles before turning to face Georgi again. "Anything else?"
"No, that's all I can give."
"Very well. Thank you, Mister Popovich. Next!"
Mila steps up after sending a reassuring smile to Yuri that he gives back.
From the corner of his eye, Yuri can see Igor shaking.
"Name."
"Mila Babicheva. Skater and friend."
"What's your testimony?"
"My witness is the same as Georgi's- everything he's said is correct. However, I can add to that."
"Please do."
"Yes, your honor. When I first met Yuri, I remember bounding up to him, happy to see someone new. But before I could introduce myself, he flinched away and I, just like coach Yakov and Georgi, saw the bruises on his arms and legs. So I lowered my voice and spoke to him carefully. I introduced him to Georgi right after."
"It lines up. Continue."
"Well, there is one thing that has happened that gave Yakov, Georgi, and I the truth of Igor and 'Irina's' abuse."
"And what is that?"
"One day, Yuri went with his grandfather back to Moscow, I overheard that it had to do with 'meeting his parents'. He wasn't present for two days. When he came back, however, I saw him skating at the rink early morning, but the second I saw him he passed out. I was terrified and I made my way to him while yelling for help." She gulps. "Yuri's body was pale, cold. The bruises were there again with some added. He was shaking terribly." Mila lets out a shaky breath. "When we took him to the hospital, the doctors said it was malnutrition. But we know Yuri, he wishes to become a skater, he wouldn't NOT eat. That's when he told us..."
Yuri can see tears in Mila's eyes.
"That's when he told you what?" The judge asks gently.
"He told us that his parents don't allow him food when he's being bad. A-and when we asked what he did, he said...he said that he simply asked his mother if he could have some water. For two days, he's eaten nothing. When Nikolai found out, he called the cops on them and they were arrested." A tear escapes and falls down her cheek but she's quick to wipe it away.
The judge herself looks disgusted at what she heard. "Thank you, Miss Babicheva. You may go back to your seat now."
Yuri wishes he could give Mila a hug but it's good enough that Sara and Georgi do it. Taking a quick glance at Viktor and Yuuri, he sees them furious, Yuuri glaring daggers at Irina, and Viktor's fists clenched.
The judge turns to Igor. "From the witness' testimony and the evidence of Yuri Plisetsky, you are guilty of," She reads the paper she's been writing on. "Physical abuse, mental abuse, emotional abuse, verbal abuse, illegal alcohol and drug consumption, and lying in the name of the law." She fixes him with a glare. "Do you or do you not plead guilty?"
Igor's shaking where he stands but, surprisingly, his glare doesn't falter. "...Guilty."
"Then with the abuse alone." She pushes up her glasses. "The criminal penalties of child abuse, as stated by the law; assault of a child, unreasonable or excessive discipline, child neglect or endangerment, and threats and emotional abuse- all you've pleaded guilty and given witness testimony, you're charged with a major misdemeanor. Igor Volkov, you are guilty and will face four years of imprisonment! And with the victim already under safe custody, all I can add is that you no longer have any parental rights over Yuri Katsuki-Nikiforov."
Yuri felt some of the weight leave his shoulders. He could hear some skaters begin to cheer before Mikhail spoke up. "Excuse me, your honor. If I may?"
"You may." The judge turns to him.
"Mister Katsuki-Nikiforov has shared with me more charges to press against Volkov and Miss Plisetsky. If we may, can the charges be decided after all is heard and all witnesses have spoken rather than charge one by one?"
He isn't shocked, Yuri asked for this. He knows what to say and what should be said. This is just the beginning. While knowing that Igor can permanently be removed from his life made him happy, he still has to face the bigger picture and see what the end results could lead to. Mikhail knows what he wants to say. Early this morning, he and Nikolai shared the secret with him. Tears were shed and promises were given, but Yuri is only glad to know that Mikhail is trying his best to make things go well.
"Oh?" The judge thinks for a moment. "Very well then. Igor Volkov's charges are put on hold until then."
Yuri sends Mikhail a smile that he gives back with a reassuring nod.
"Now," The judge continues. "Igor Volkov, you have the right to remain silent for now unless you have witnesses of your own."
Igor hesitantly shakes his head. The witnesses on their side were only for Irina.
"Alright. Miss Irina, Yeugenia Plisetsky. You are charged with child abuse of all kinds; physical, emotional, verbal, and mental. Same as Igor, but with many pictures as evidence. Do you or do you not plead guilty?"
"...Not guilty." She tries to put on a brave face.
"Bold of you with the evidence presented."
Yeugenia shook where she stood, silent. Yuri stares at her questioningly. The parents have guts, he can give them that.
"Alright. From Katsuki-Nikiforov, it's proved that you have drunk many times, so the scar on his head." She lifts a picture of the scar, Yuri gulps at it. "And I'm sure it's there now as proof of this picture not being fake."
Yuuri turns to him and hovers a hand over his hair, asking permission silently. Yuri nods and he feels his hair being lifted. The room is silent as people sit and stare, Yuri trembles slightly and Viktor presses a gentle kiss on his head as comfort.
"Thank you." The judge says and Yuuri puts his hair down. "Do you or do you not plead guilty of drinking and using the bottles as physical abuse to Kastuki-Nikiforov?" She asks Yeugenia.
"...G-guilty." She stutters.
"Hm." The judge is amused. "Do you or do you not plead guilty of smoking and burning Katsuki-Nikiforov's shoulder?" She lifts another picture.
"That's easily-"
"Katsuki-Nikiforov?"
Yuuri asks for permission silently before helping Yuri lower the shoulder of his shirt. The judge turns back to Yeugenia.
"Guilty..."
"Do you or do you not plead guilty of neglecting his nutrition, his health, and his schooling? You and Volkov?"
They share a glance before answering together. "Guilty..." It was almost a whisper.
"Do you or do you not, Miss Yeugenia, plead guilty on allowing the witnesses behind you on abusing your child?"
"Well!" Yeugenia fires back. "That's simply not true! They weren't given permission. They're witnesses! They can prove it!"
"Then have some speak."
"Yes, your honor." She says before turning to a few of them.
Yuri really doesn't want to be present when they start spreading their lies. Unless the judge remembers they've all done a few crimes, some worst than others, they could lie their way through this. But Yuri trusts Mikhail, the evidence is with the judge and they could easily regard it again.
One of the men steps up, he's one of them who's in jail. "Your honor." He greets.
"It says here that you were arrested for drug dealing. How many years have you been behind bars so far?" She quizzes.
"Four years."
"And what was your relationship with Miss Plisetsky?"
"I was her dealer."
"Only?"
"Only."
The judge stares at him for a few seconds before turning to Yuri for confirmation.
Yuri takes a deep breath before answering. "He was one of the guys she slept with."
"Slept with?!" Igor roared.
"The brat is lying!" Yeugenia defends.
"Then explain the condoms hidden in the kitchen cabinet after you've done a drug deal," Yuri says.
He faintly hears Phichit, Michele, Christophe, and Mila holding back their laughs as the room goes silent at the revelation. Igor grows angry.
"You bitch!"
"Oh, you didn't know?" Yuri asks, knowing the answer. "Half of the witnesses are the guys she slept with while you were gone getting more drinks. Don't know why you're surprised, it's not like your marriage was going well."
He hears Phichit and Christophe snorting.
Igor looks absolutely furious and Yeugenia looks like she swallowed a lemon.
The judge bangs her gavel on the table once. "Order!" She turns to the witness Yeugenia chose. "Is that true?"
"U-uh..." He probably gives up to answer. "Y-yes. Yes."
"And the others?"
"Them too."
"Speak for yourself!" One man stands, yelling. He's the one who was looking Yuri up and down. Yuri swallows the jump in his throat at the sight of him.
"Order!" The judge yells.
"Your honor," He speaks calmly. "I would like to testify."
"...Very well, switch!"
The man takes the prisoner's place with a smirk. Yuri reaches for Yuuri and Viktor's hands that they hold back tightly.
"Name."
"Sergei."
"And what was your relationship with Miss Plisetsky?"
"I was a neighbor."
"He's lying," Yuri whispers to Mikhail.
"A neighbor?" The judge questions.
"Yes. I would often visit to babysit Yuri."
Oh no. No. This isn't going well, he's lying! Yuri doesn't have any witness against what they're saying.
"And what happened during those visits?"
"I would stay with Yuri as Yeugenia runs some errands or deals with the drug dealer. I shared a few drinks with her but we never slept together. Just a visit."
"And what could Yuri say now?"
"He couldn't." He smirks more. "A young kid's mind isn't always clear unless proven with evidence."
"So you could be lying to me?!"
"Oh no, your honor. How could I?"
"Your criminal record shows only minor situations."
What? Yuri's eyes widen. He was sure this man also worked with illegal drugs!
"Precisely! I have nothing to hide from you, your honor."
The judge studies the paper holding his criminal records. She then turns to Mikhail. "Any witnesses that could testify to this?"
Mikhail thinks, slightly panicking.
"Um, your honor?" Someone speaks from behind all the skaters, hand raised.
Yuri and Mikhail turn to see a man standing up nervously as everyone turns to stare.
"May I testify for Yuri? A witness from inside the household."
Yuri gasps when he realizes who that is.
"You're known to Katsuki-Nikiforov?" She asks him but expects an answer from Yuri who answers with a smile.
"Yes! Yes, I know him!"
Mikhail sends him a questioning look to make sure and Yuri nods to him. "We can trust him." He whispers. Yuuri and Viktor share a glance but trust Yuri to know what's he's doing.
"Very well." The judge nods. "Come forward, sir."
The man nods to encourage himself as he steps up from the back. As he passes, he throws Yuri a reassuring smile that Yuri gives back.
"Name."
"My name is Dimitri Kozlov. I was one of the men who slept with Yeugenia- but! I promise I mean no harm."
"State your testimony."
"Yes, your honor." He plays with his hands as he speaks. "The first time I met Yeugenia, I thought she was a good woman. We shared a drink at a club and slept together the same night. The next day, she invited me over to her house. I was shocked by the state of it; mold in the corner, no dishes, empty fridge with only beer, the smell of alcohol and cigars, dust on the shelves so thick it could be a blanket. Certainly, no place to raise a child, let alone live in it."
"Certainly." The judge agrees. "Continue."
"The house was horrible but the state of the small child within was worse! Yuri looked like bones and skin, his lips blue and his hair dirty. He was colored with bruises and he had been silently crying, when I first saw him, in the corner of the cupboard as if he's been told before to hide from guests." He let out a shaky breath. "I was in shock. Yeugenia even told me the second she saw me staring at him to 'do what I please. Beat him, burn him, drown him...use him.' I couldn't speak."
Yuri could hear Minami cough as if he was in the house this very moment.
"And what action did you take?"
"Through the way things were, I couldn't get Yuri out of there without her being suspicious, so I continued to 'date' her though it disgusted me too. But I did it to take care of Yuri however I can. I would sneak food, water, try and clean him up sometimes. I even gave him a stuffed animal once so he wouldn't be alone. As I did that, he told me of the men Yeugenia would have when I wasn't around, so I can say, with confidence and no lies, that all the 'witnesses' here are those who've slept with Yeugenia and hurt Yuri in one way or another."
Yuuri looked near tears and Viktor is one statement away from committing a crime.
"...And how long did this go on for?" The judge asks after processing the information.
"Unfortunately I was caught helping Yuri after eight months. When I was, Yeugenia threw me out and I could hear Yuri get beaten up."
"I see. And why didn't you contact the police?"
"Yuri told me not to. After being nice to him, he was worried his parents would hurt me, so he made me promise to not let anyone know and that his grandfather is going to help soon. I've only recently found him again, today."
"How did you hear of this trial?"
"It was pure coincidence. I was heading home when I saw Igor and Yuri on a bridge one night talking about a trial Yuri wanted to hold for the abusing couple to leave him alone."
"Hmm...Katsuki-Nikiforov?" The judge turns to Yuri. "Is this true? Everything he's saying?"
Yuri doesn't hesitate to answer. "Yes! It's true. Oh!" He quickly takes his phone out. "I can also prove it. I still have the stuffed animal he gave me! A grey teddy bear, I named it Evgenia." He opens the picture in his gallery and hands the phone to Mikhail who studies it before going to the judge, handing her the phone.
She looks closely at the stuffed animal. "This is the one he gave you years ago?"
"Yes. And my grandfather can add to that."
"I can, your honor." Nikolai stands. "When I finally got Yuri out of the house, the first thing he asked me to pack was that teddy bear. He's never let it go since then. Whenever it would get a few cut stitches or lost buttons, Yuri wouldn't try to get a new one, he would only want to fix it again and again."
"Thank you, Mister Plisestky."
Nikolai nods before sitting down again.
Dimitri looks so fond and he wishes to say something, but he keeps silent for now.
"Thank you, Mikhail." She allows him to hand the phone back to Yuri before turning to Yeugenia. "It seems, Miss Plisetsky, that all your 'witnesses' are no help here. I'd trust a kind gentleman that's clearly trusted by the victim of your crimes rather than those who have committed several crimes, whether major or minor. And it's said here that you've thrown your child outside the window from the seventh floor- clearly! a sign of severe abuse! The police have given their reports and even the hospital medical records!"
Yeugenia stutters, unable to come up with an excuse.
"So, do you or do you not plead guilty of the physical, mental, verbal, and emotional abuse of Katsuki Nikiforov?"
"I-he-...g-guilty, your honor." She admits.
Viktor smirks at that. Her witnesses full of lies aren't on their side anymore.
"Hm!" The judge laughs. "Guilty over major child abuse and neglect, and taking of illegal substances. Both of you- and with no evidence that Katsuki-Nikiforov is telling lies. And from Volkov's reaction, the secret sidemen were secret as well."
Igor and Yeugenia say nothing, just stutter soundlessly, but Igor does glare at Yeugenia clearly having trusted her to bring witnesses worth their time.
"Alright," The judge continues. "Thirty minutes! The court will take thirty minutes to give the final! You're all free to leave the room- officer, take the witnesses of Volkov and Plisestky back to their cell."
"Yes, your honor."
"Dismissed!"
With that, Yuri is led out of the room by Yuuri and Viktor with the rest of his family behind him out of sight from Igor and Yeugenia, though he did see Nikolai give a nasty glare their way. They all head a little near the doors of the courthouse, waiting the thirty minutes out, but Yuri doesn't sit down. He stands and looks around through everyone else that's leaving the courtroom.
"Yura, everything alright?" Yuuri asks.
"I just need to thank him!" Yuri says desperately.
"Thank who?" Sara asks.
"Dimitri- ah!" Yuri finally spots him, nervously making his way out.
Yuri doesn't hesitate. He runs to Dimitri and wraps his arms around the man in a hug. Dimitri stumbles and stutters out in surprise.
"Whoa-hey! Oh dear-hi, wh-"
"Thank you!" Yuri blurts out. "Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!"
Dimitri composes himself and, slowly, a smile grows on his face as he hugs Yuri back. "Oh, Yuri. You have no need to thank me, buddy. I'm just glad you're safe."
As they stand in their embrace, the skaters make their way towards them with smiles on their faces.
"Agh, let me look at you!" Dimitri cheers, breaking the hug and holding Yuri's hands out. "Look at you, kid!" He looks Yuri up and down. "You're so tall now!"
Yuri laughs as tears fill his eyes.
"Wow- and so much better! You've never looked better!" Dimitri looks at him fondly. "Man, I've missed you. I was so worried whether or not you made it
out."
"Well, I did," Yuri says. "I made it out."
"I'm glad, truly." Dimitri then notices the skaters behind Yuri. "Oh hello! Where are my manners?" He holds out a hand to Viktor. "Dimitri. And you are?"
"Viktor Nikiforov, Yuri's father."
Dimitri lets out an excited gasp. "Yuri!" He turns to him. "You got an upgrade." He jokes and Yuri laughs at it. "I'm so happy for you."
"An upgrade indeed! I like you already!" Phichit declares, holding out a hand. "Phichit." Dimitri shakes his hand. "This whole messy group you see is Yuri's family, not by blood but who the fuck cares."
"Phichit..." Yuuri warns playfully.
"And the lovely 'language' over there is Yuri's other parent. I hope you're not against that..." Phichit immediately regrets saying anything.
"Oh." Dimitri thinks for a minute, but each second makes Yuri grow worried. "Well...I can't say I'm fully supportive- however! It does no harm. I'm not against it. Maybe one day I'll fully support it, but I'm no enemy, I promise. Besides, as long as Yuri is happy and you're not hurting him like the previous parents, that's enough for me. I'm still learning, so bear with me please."
"...You know that Yuri...?" Emil questions.
"I know. But I'm not against it. The boy knew who he was at a young age, maybe he's still discovering-who knows, but, again, as long as he's happy, that's all that matters."
None of the skaters think differently of the man. He's still a great guy, it's understandable that Russia isn't the most friendly to this, but Dimitri isn't an enemy, just like he said. He's almost like JJ and Isabella, still learning.
"That's completely understandable!" Phichit sighs. "Thank you."
"Oh please don't thank me. It's a human bare necessity to accept."
"No, please we must thank you," Yuuri says. "Not for this but for taking care of Yuri as well years ago. Thank you for being there for him for as long as
possible." He bows.
"It was the least I could do. Believe me, if I could, I would have gotten him out of there." He brings Yuri into a side hug. "I'm just glad he's in better hands now. The hands of before were more of claws, monsters."
"All the languages in the world and you chose facts," Leo says.
The group laughs, not noticing Igor and Yeugenia making their way to them.
"Yulia," Igor calls out.
Yuri stiffens and Dimitri is quick to push Yuri behind him to Yuuri, glaring at the couple. Yeugenia sneers at him.
"Dimitri." She greets.
"Plisetsky."
"I see you're proud of the side you've chosen."
"Who wouldn't be? The only people who would are the monsters like you both."
Yeugenia just scoffs.
Igor doesn't move his gaze from Yuri who glares back at him in the arms of his mama.
"Igor..." Viktor spits.
"Nikiforov, I feel so bad." Viktor raises a brow. "A selfish girl dirtying your name." He says, glancing at Yuri.
"You don't get to talk about Yuri!" Viktor screams before anyone else could. "Yuri is my son. You have no legal right to even think of him after everything you've done!"
"Your son? Please! She 'll always be what she is! Nothing you say or do will change the fact that my blood runs through her veins."
Yuri grits his teeth and steps forward, Yuuri's hands on his shoulders protectively still. "You're right, Igor."
Everyone turns to him, Igor smirking. But Yuri speaks up again before he could say anything.
"I do have your blood running through my veins...maybe that's the reason I'm Viktor's stubborn son."
Igor's smirk falls into a glare.
"Blood or not, stubborn is a trait that I'm willing to fire back against you." Yuri fixes him with a glare. "I was going to hold back...but I decided not to."
Igor studies him, frowning. Yuri doesn't move his gaze, letting Igor know exactly what he means. When it does hit him, Igor's eyes widen.
"You wouldn't dare..." He whispers.
Yuri raises a challenging brow. "Karma's a bitch."
"...You little-!" He raises a hand. Yuri flinches and closes his eyes, feeling Yuuri's arms wrap around him protectively. Yuri doesn't hear the hand slap onto anyone or anything. He does, however, hear a pained yelp and a gasp. Opening his eyes, Otabek stands in front of him, hand twisting Igor's arm away.
"I'd...highly suggest to re-think your choices in the courthouse Volkov," Otabek says.
"L-let go of me, you vermin!" Igor snatches his arm back, glancing at the skater group-all glaring at him menacingly.
"I think you've overstayed your welcome Igor," Dimitri says.
Igor glances at the one last time before scoffing and making his way out. Yeugenia stays and her eyes meet Nikolai's. Father and daughter don't say anything, the former glaring at her with distaste. Yuri glances between them both hoping Yeugenia would just leave them alone. She doesn't say anything. Giving one long stare towards Yuri, she turns away, allowing Yuri to sigh in relief.
After she's out of view, Otabek turns to Yuri, cupping his cheeks.
"Are you hurt?"
"No." Yuri shakes his head, reassuring Otabek.
"You sure? Everything okay?"
"Yeah...I'm fine, physically..."
Otabek doesn't say anything to that. He just places a gentle kiss on Yuri's head.
"Yuri..." Georgi speaks up.
"Yes?" He turns to him.
"...The thing you spoke of- just now with Igor...is it...?"
"...Yes. He deserves it."
"Alright. Good luck." Georgi smiles.
"Thank you." Yuri smiles back.
"We have ten more minutes before the judge calls us back. Might want to get a cup of water and some time to think your words over." Mikhail interrupts.
Yuri slowly nods. "Yeah...Yeah, I'll be in the bathroom." He turns to Minami. "Mind joining me? Just so I'm not alone."
"Oh! Of course!" Minami bounds to his side and they both make their way to the bathroom.
Yuuri worriedly stares after him, Viktor's arm wrapping around his shoulder.
"He'll be okay," Viktor says after a moment.
"...Yeah..." Yuuri grows confident with that response. "He will."
"You're a wonderful family," Dimitri says. "I'm glad Yuri has you all." With one final smile, he makes his way to the front doors of the courtroom.
"Mikhail?" Guang addresses him. "What Yuri has to say...do you think his parents could face a lifelong sentence?"
"I can't be sure about life long but I can be sure that they legally will never be able to come near Yuri again."
"It's better than nothing." Seung Gil admits.
Silently, they all agree. Yuri has dealt with so much because of them and most of it came back because they tried to control him on their end, behind the screen. Now, he has the chance to finally put it all behind them. He has the chance to be set free from the demons that held him back, the demons that carried the fear over his head as a threatening reminder. Today, in the next hour, Yuri will be free. He will be given the justice he deserves. They'll make sure of it.
The courtroom doors open and the skaters make their way inside. Yuuri and Viktor worry about their son as he hasn't returned yet but Mikhail assures them that he's okay, it's just hard. They understand that- they do, but they can't help but worry. The skaters all take their seats, glancing at the door every now and again for Yuri to enter. Mikhail leads Yuuri and Viktor to the seats as well, telling them that Yuri needs to do this alone. Nikolai prays to every God that Yuri will be brought justice after he lets the secret out.
After everyone is seated and the judge is making her way back to her seat, the doors open and in walk Minami and Yuri, the former holding Yuri's hand comfortingly. The skaters all turn to face them and watch as Yuri pauses halfway down.
He doesn't know what to think. He's dreamed of this moment for years- that's what it always was, a dream. He wants to cry, jump up and down, scream- he's not sure. All Yuri knows is that it ends here, today. Gulping, he glances towards Igor and Yeugenia, the latter giving him a blank stare and the former glaring at him as if daring- and oh, Yuri does dare. He's dared since the night on the bridge. With that, he doesn't hesitate glaring back as he continues his walk down to Mikhail. Minami whispers a 'good luck' before taking his own seat.
Yuri looks at his family, his agape. Teary-eyed, he gives them all a smile and it only grows when he looks at Yuuri and Viktor. They all smile back and nod as a silent 'good luck' of their own.
Yes, it ends today. And after that, he'll be free to be with his real family until the end.
Yuri stands before the judge beside Mikhail.
"Order!"
The room goes silent. Yuri takes a deep breath, taking a quick glance at Igor and Yeugenia.
"Now, the court has come to a decision. Unless you have more testimonies, speak now or hold your peace."
It's now or never.
Yuri stands up, the ruffle of his suit loud in the silent room. Everyone's gaze turns to him. Keeping his gaze down, he makes his way to the witness stand
in the middle.
"...Yes, Katsuki-Nikiforov?" The judge asks.
"...I-I have..." A shaky breath escapes him instead. "I...sorry." He closes his eyes and tries to compose himself.
"Take your time." The judge says politely.
Hearing Igor scoff as if laughing was the final straw.
Yuri opens his eyes and confidently states to the judge. "Your honor, I have one more charge to press...with evidence of course. I know you've already made your decision but please...take it into account?"
The judge throws a quick glare towards Igor and Yeugenia before calmly nodding to Yuri.
This...this is it. He can't take it back. Yuri's held this secret to himself and his grandfather for so long, he thought it would die with him. However, he's shared it with Mikhail and now he'll share it with a trusty judge and his family. The fear lies with the latter. Obviously, they might think even the slightest bit different of him- news always does that whether good or bad. He just hopes and prays that whatever reaction they may give isn't a bad one. While he believes it won't be bad as he fears; the doubts and mental abuse messed him up.
But not now. No. Today, now, he'll put it to an end. He can say it now and finally throw it away after, right? At least give him the chance to put it behind him.
Mikhail holds out the folder, the dreaded folder, to him. Yuri hesitantly takes it. It's so heavy now, just like the weight on his shoulders.
He stares at the folder, just stares with no thoughts.
...
He...He can do it. Yuri can do this. It will all be okay.
With that, Yuri stands tall and places the folder down on the table of the stand. From the corner of his eye, he can see Igor freaking out and Yeugenia, though she's good at hiding it, is also shaking where she stands.
"Your honor," Yuri begins. "I want to press charges, mostly on Igor Volkov, for...for..." His hands start to shake. "O-one year of...of..."
Say it.
Come on.
This is it.
Now or never.
"Of..." Tears begin to cloud his vision. "C-child rape! One year of child sexual assault!"
There.
He said it.
A tear escapes his eye as he pants.
From behind him, to the left, he can hear some skaters gasp, Mila sobs, and the judge sits back in shock.
Yuuri's hands are covering his mouth as tears roll down his cheeks, Viktor's hands are fists so tight he's pale as tears threaten to fall. Phichit, Isabella, JJ, and Guang all have a hand to their mouth, some of them silently crying. Georgi and Mila silently sob. Sara, Seung Gil, Michele, Emil freeze in utter, horrified shock. Minami's jaw drops as silent tears fall down his face. Christophe's eyes close so the tears don't fall and his hands intertwine tightly. Dimitri looks as if he guessed it in the back of his mind as he only looks away, staring at a wall, with silent tears rolling down his face. Yakov and Lilia look at Igor and Yeugenia with pure rage and disgust. Nikolai matches their anger but his expression is tamer. And Otabek, his eyes burn with fury, his hands grip his pants so tight they might rip, and his mouth open wide closes as he grits his teeth.
Yuri's bottom lip trembles and he holds the folder to his chest tightly. Mikhail stares at him sympathetically but is proud that Yuri managed to let it out.
Honestly, the weight on his shoulders lessen when Yuri finally said it out loud. While he fears the reactions of his family, he can't help but feel lighter now that the secret is out.
The judge stutters out through the upsetting silence. "O-one year...since you were...?"
Yuri sighs and opens his eyes. Looking at the judge, he tells the story. "I was four...Igor- came to my room and told me that he would finally play with me...of course, at such a young age...I couldn't have known..." He swallows. "So he u-used me. Y-Yeugenia just watched...watched from the door." The words that came out next came out rushed as the panic swirled in Yuri's chest. "She-she would stand and stare, sometimes d-drink and stare or smoke and stare or...or...sh-she and Igor would f-f..."
Come on, you made it this far, you can do it.
"They would...film-film it or t-take pictures!" He blurts out. "I-I didn't tell Dimitri then because they told me that if I told anyone they would think I'm disgusting, dirty, worthless. They told me that no one would help me if I told them." He takes a deep breath. "I-I only told grandpa a year after he took custody of me." He sniffles, tears falling rapidly down his cheeks. God, he hasn't said this to anyone until now. "I had nightmares, flashbacks of those days-that year. I couldn't stand anyone besides grandpa touching me, to this day I still don't like it much..."
Yuri suddenly remembers the folder held tightly to his chest.
"O-oh um, this...this is evidence. All the pictures they took and the few videos, they're all here! All of it."
No one says anything as Mikhail takes the folder back and hands it to the judge. Snapping from her shock and disgust, she looks through the folder. Yuri stands in silence as five minutes go by with the judge's face growing angrier by each flip of the folder. From the corner of his eye- he doesn't dare look their way- Yuri sees Igor gritting his teeth, eyes wide as if he truly thought Yuri didn't have the confidence to do so. Yeugenia, however, can't hide her shock anymore, she seems to not have known the secret was in Yuri's hands.
The silence felt like hours until the judge finally shut the folder and pursed her lips.
"...Very well...Yuri Katsuki-Nikiforov, you may step out for another ten minutes. The court needs to re-decide on the final right."
He doesn't hesitate. Panting, he turns and runs out of the room and out of the courthouse. The sun hits his skin and the sound of cars rushing by the street fills his ears. Hands on his knees, Yuri sobs and pants as tears fall down his cheeks like a rushing river. His legs shake and he forced himself to sit on the steps of the courthouse. Alone, he buries his head into his arms and he sobs over his knees.
The relief of finally letting that out felt so good yet so painful. He's scared but he doesn't regret telling. It's time he did. Maybe this will permanently have Igor and Yeugenia be thrown out of his life.
"Yura?"
...It's Yuuri.
Yuri's sobs fall into a sniffle.
"...Can we sit by you?"
Oh God and Viktor too.
Hesitantly, Yuri nods. They take a seat on either side of him. Yuuri on his right, Viktor on his left.
"...Yuri, can I touch you?" Yuuri asks, his hand hovering over Yuri's shoulder.
Gulping, Yuri nods once.
And there it was, the comforting hands of his parents on his shoulders that have carried the weight of it all.
"...I'm sorry!" Yuri blurts out, not noticing the rest of the skaters coming out behind him. "I'm sorry I never told you. I-they told me people would hate me, I couldn't help but believe it! I wanted to tell you- I was just scared! I'm sorry." His voice cracks.
"Oh, Yura!" Yuuri wraps him in a hug with Viktor, the latter pressing a kiss to his head. "No, no- don't believe them!" He pauses. "Yuri, baby, listen to me. Whatever they told you, it's a lie. We could NEVER think such things about you. We could never hate you for this! It was. Not. Your. Fault. None of it was your fault, baby."
"Yuusha is right, Yuratchka. Whatever they told you before, forget about it! You're Yuri, you're our son. If anything, it makes us hate them! Not you...never you." He tightens the hug.
...God, Yuri is not going to stop crying, is he? Sobs escape him but they're sobs of relief. His hands reach out and hold onto his parent's arms around him. The family of three in a comforting embrace. They sit there for a minute before Yuri's sobs turn to sniffles and his tears lessen- but they don't stop.
Slowly, he looks up at Yuuri and Viktor and sees tears in both their eyes as they stare at him with all the love a parent could unconditionally have for their child.
Yuri's lips tremble, not a smile, but it's enough for Yuuri and Viktor to smile back at him.
"I'm proud of you," Viktor says. "We're so proud of you."
"You're so brave, Yuri. What you did in there was truly brave." Yuuri agrees.
Yuri doesn't know how to respond, his eyes squinting into a close as more tears flow.
Viktor glances at the skaters before he and Yuuri help Yuri stand up. Noticing shadows behind him, Yuri realizes why he's being brought up to stand. He turns to face the rest of his family - not bothering to wipe his tears, Otabek nowhere in sight. They all have tears in their eyes and Mila and Georgi stand at the very front. Mila's bottom lip trembles as she shakily asks.
"C-can we hug you...please?" Her voice cracks at the end.
His chest feels heavy but he's never felt so loved as he nods and his family all surround him in a group hug. Tears don't stop from any of them as he's held in their safe embrace.
He's loved. He realizes. They don't think anything bad of him, they love him as he is. In the back of his mind, lingering with worry, he wonders where Otabek is.
Breaking the hug, Mila cups his cheeks, and Georgi stands beside her with a smile.
"Yura," She starts. "You...are the bravest, most stubborn person I've ever met! And we've been coached by Yakov."
The group shares a laugh at the sudden joke.
"You..." She shakes her head in wonder. "You have NO idea how proud I am of you right now."
"She's right." Georgi agrees. "You're amazing, Yuri. What you did there..." He points towards the courthouse. "I have...I have no words to describe how we ALL are proud of you. You're a survivor, my dear little brother. If we would hate anyone right now, it's only Volkov and his wife. But never...never you."
The smile on Yuri's face is shaky as he glances at all the skaters with a silent thank you.
Isabella suddenly speaks up. "However, I do think that someone has a few words..." She steps to the side as do the others.
Otabek.
Yuri's smile falls and he starts to worry slightly as Otabek steps forward and stands directly in front of him. Blank face.
Eye to eye, they stand in silence, Yuri feels his legs shake that he might fall. Then, Otabek silently points at him before lowering his finger again. That's when Yuri's worries are beaten down by the small smile growing on Otabek's face.
"You..." Otabek begins, shaking his head as if words have none to describe how he's feeling. "You...Yuri Katsuki-Nikiforov are one crazy son of a bitch."
Yuri notices the tears beginning to cloud Otabek's vision. "If you ever think for a SECOND that something like this could make me hate you..." He trails off, unable to continue. Yuri waits. That's when tears fall down Otabek's cheeks and his smile grows.
"How could anyone hate a soldier for their scars?"
And Goddammit, that's exactly what could send Yuri sobbing for the hundredth time today. A shaky smile grows on his face as Otabek brings him into a kiss. A quick peck before Yuri's wrapped under his arms. Both silently sobbing and sniffling.
"I'm sorry-" Yuri whispers but he's quickly cut off by Otabek.
"Shh, sh. Don't apologize, you have nothing to be sorry for, maxabbat ."
...Love.
Otabek just called him 'love'.
He still loves him. If the soldier line didn't prove it to him, this certainly did.
Yuri lets out a water laugh as his arms tighten around Otabek, the latter responding with a series of kisses on his head.
"Listen!" Phichit yells. "While I love me some Otayuri- the courtroom calls. Now, don't think this is over, there are certainly going to be more hugs, but I would love if we could throw the monsters into their cell now." He laughs.
Yuri and Otabek break the hug as they and the rest of the group laugh.
Together, as a family, they walk back in. Mikhail. Yakov and Lilia, who sent reassuring smiles Yuri's way as confirmation of their acceptance, and Nikolai don't say anything about the red eyes and tear streaks on the family's faces. The judge's lips twitch to a quick smile before she calls out in all seriousness.
"Order!"
Yuri sits by his parents, hands holding his on his lap.
"Today, we have heard from both sides the truth and the lies. Now, the court has spoken and decided." She turns to Igor and Yeugenia. "Volkov! You are charged guilty for the following criminal penalties of child abuse, as stated by the law; assault of a child, unreasonable or excessive discipline, child neglect or endangerment, child sexual assault and rape, and threats and emotional abuse- all you've pleaded guilty and given witness testimony, you're charged with a capital felony! As agreed by the court, you are sentenced to a death penalty!"
Yuri's jaw drops with everyone else, some gasp quietly.
"Plisetsky! You are charged for the following criminal penalties of child abuse, as stated by the law; assault of a child, unreasonable, or excessive discipline, child neglect or endangerment, child pornography, and threats and emotional abuse. Plus! The taking of illegal substances and deals for said illegal substances- all you've pleaded guilty and given witness testimony, you're charged with a capital felony! As agreed by the court, you, too, are sentenced to a death penalty!"
How can one's jaw reach the floor? Yuri's too shocked to even breathe!
Igor and Yeugenia begin to stutter to try and save themselves but the judge leaves them no room to speak.
"Officers! Grab them both to the back room."
"Yes, your honor." Four officers say at the same time as they drag a screaming Yeugenia and a raging Igor to the back room.
When the door shuts closed, the judge turns to Yuri.
"Yuri Nikolai Katsuki-Nikiforov," He turns his gaze, shakily facing her. "In the matter of the state against you, this case is dismissed. You're free to go." She smiles his way.
Yuri is...he's trembling so much that his laughs are let out one by one in shock as the skaters all jump up and cheer loudly, surrounding him. He knows his parents hold him tight, he knows they press kisses on his face and head. He just doesn't know what the turns are on who's hugging or kissing him after. Mikhail is clapping with Dimitri as the family embraces again, this time with Nikolai and Yuri's coaches.
"JUSTICE!" Phichit and Leo scream as they open the courthouse doors for Yuri and the others. Yuri's cheeks hurt so much from smiling. His entire body is trembling as his mind yells 'I'm free' over and over again.
He's been dreaming of this moment and...it's come true. He's free.
"Yuri?" Mikhail calls for him.
He turns and sees Mikhail holding the folder. Frowning, he takes the folder but doesn't open it. Everyone watches patiently before Dimitri steps forward with a lighter. Eyes wide, he watches as Dimitri snatches the folder and lights it on fire.
Before he could ask, Dimitri answers gently. "Let it go, kid. It's over now. You never have to face those times again."
Yuri's smile grows back on his face. "Thank you..." He whispers.
Dimitri only responds with a smile. "Don't thank me, kid. You did it."
Exchanging numbers with Dimitri, Viktor thanks the man once more before the family watches him leave. Yuri will never forget him.
"So," Guang speaks up, turning to face Yuri. "How do you feel?"
Yuri takes a moment to think of his answer. "I feel...free."
Yeah. That's exactly how he feels- and holy shit the weight on his chest is non-existent!
"I'm free," Yuri repeats, a shaky sigh escaping him.
"That you are," Nikolai reassures him, bringing his dear grandson into a big embrace.
"Hey! Everyone say 'family'!" Phichit holds up his phone for a group selfie.
"FAMILY!" Everyone cheers.
As the camera snaps the photo, Yuri breathes in the new start.
With Igor and Yeugenia, the lead officer takes off her hat and as she ties them to chairs in what appears to be a torture room.
"Well," She smirks. "This is going to be happy hour!"
The door opens to reveal hundreds of readers.
The 'officer' smirks. "Hey, lovely readers! I know I put you through lots of emotions- but here you are!" The author cheers. "New chew toys, ready for
torture and death! Have fun!"
With sinister smirks and sharpened weapons, the readers crowd over a screaming Igor and Yeugenia.
" Tadaima ."
" Okaeri ..." When he says those words, Yuri feels light. He feels unreal. They're finally gone. He's finally alone.
He drops on the couch, his family still around him, Yuuri and Viktor on either side.
"PHEW!" Phichit drops down on the other couch. "This day feels like a dream, dude! I have no words to describe how happy I am!"
"A new start!" Sara cheers.
"A new start, indeed!" Emil nods.
"We must celebrate this new start...anyone have any ideas?" Michele asks.
Yuuri and Viktor's faces grow suspicious smiles as they turn to face Yuri who snaps out of his happy daze and glances between them in playful worry.
"W-what?" He asks.
Glancing at each other, Yuuri and Viktor smirk before attacking Yuri with tickles.
"AH!" Yuri lets out piercing laughter as Yuuri and Viktor attack his weak spots; his armpits, stomach, and neck.
If there was one thing the family knew, it was that Yuri is extremely ticklish. With that reminder, playful evil smirks grow on everyone's faces as Isabella screams.
"TICKLE FIGHT!"
Nikolai, Yakov, and Lilia laugh and shake their heads at the chaos but Yuri's loud laughter is the best sound they've heard all week.
Yuuri, Viktor, Mila, and Georgi couldn't help but let a few proud tears escape.
And Otabek couldn't help but somehow love Yuri even more.
It's a new start for them all. Yuri's free now.
He's free.