take my words, i won't leave

Part I

"A little more to the side— excellent!"

Viktor was used to having a partner in some of his sponsor photoshoots, he could loop arms around the others' shoulder if he finds it mutual for them while flashing what seemed to be an appropriate smile for the camera. In his defense, it was fun when he was younger. The theme was mostly lively and adorable, highlighting his youth and at the same time shows skating, his forte. 

It changed when he reached twenty, leaving his teenage life. To tell them honestly, Viktor is not ashamed of showing off some skin, especially if it's him who offers it sometimes. He takes care of his body, he is fit and muscular enough for a skater so it will not hurt his pride to showcase his hard work. 

"Bring your shoulders together— perfect! This is lovely!"

Since then, he started receiving offers from different brands to model for. Yakov told him it's fine but he gets to choose what fits to his schedule, saying they are just temporary and he should focus on his upcoming season, Viktor agrees. Who would want to drop their titles, Viktor doesn't want to let his country down. 

"One last shot!" 

"Do you mind?"

Viktor glances aside, her elbow resting on his left shoulder to bring a closer look whilst posing for the camera. He was seated on a velvet sofa with a fake background of classical paintings and an antique vase, Viktor won't call it low budget when the set has the newest camera equipped. 

"He says closer, you can hold my waist, I don't mind." she whispers, suggestively but Viktor didn't want to find it a move. 

The problem is he minds, he's not someone to casually loop his arms around anyone's body to look intimate, he is clingy but only to one that owns his affection and especially not to imply a double meaning to the public. Media likes to twist stories.

"You can sit, the arm rest must be uncomfortable." he suggested instead, looking back at the camera with more sharp glare until they called it done. 

The staff group themselves quickly, one handing Viktor a bottle of water and a fan to wipe off the beads of sweat forms on his forehead throughout the photoshoot. He couldn't see where Lilia was seated but he hopes she's near to pull him out the crowded room. Viktor likes the attention but right now, he was deprived of someone's attention. 

"That went well, hope to work with you again Viktor." 

Natalia, the one he's working with under the same sponsor, spoke up to him. Still wearing the black coat since they are modeling the winter collection. Viktor felt hot under the double layer, they really should try staying in his apartment during the winter season and as if he isn't used to going to the rink in the middle of a freezing street in his tracksuit. He can rock the winter fashion but doubts Yakov will let him live. 

"Well, I hope to see after the pictures are out but great work. Thank you." he says, flashing a polite smile before turning away. "Lilia?" 

Viktor sees her tall and lean frame standing on the side with fair treatment. He laughed silently, there's no way they would let Lilia Baranovskaya stand on the side. To see her is overwhelming, exchanging convo is intimidating and Lilia staring back is a nice self destruction. He wondered how Yakov convinced her to switch in accompanying Viktor to the photoshoot.

"We need to have a talk about your posture, that was the most terrible feign of elegance I've seen from you Viktor."

Just like Yakov in the kiss and cry, Lilia will not let this chance slip of lecturing him about forgetting stance. 

"Thank you for your hard work!"

"All the best in the upcoming nationals!"

After declining an invitation for a celebratory drink, they leave the set in a heartbeat. Maybe only Viktor, he hurries in the lift and waits for Lilia to click their floor. Now he was glued to his phone, he hadn't been able to check it for a while. Dismissing the ones from instagram and twitter, he directs to messages.