Endless night {yuri! On ice}

Routines

The snow crackled, crunching underneath my feet as I made my way towards the Ice Castle. The cold breeze battered against my coat as I jogged down the road. Yuuri had gone ahead, soon joined by Yuri and Viktor. I had left later, not exactly keen on early morning practices.

The Ice Castle was deceptively quiet when I arrived. I waved to Yuuko, calling out a greeting, "Good morning, Yuuko!"

"Good morning Sam-kun," she said, chipper even before eight.

"You don't have to add the -kun! It's fine," I told her, stepping into the changing rooms without waiting for a reply.

My phone buzzed and I took it out of my pocket. "Hello?"

A shout came from the other end. "Big bro?!"

"Yeah?" I asked, holding the phone away from my ear, "Please lower your volume, Samantha."

"Cathy said you were in a competition!"

I sighed and placed the phone back against my ear. "I-um..."

"Let me guess, wrong place wrong time?"

"You know me too well, Cathy." I admitted, pulling on my skates. She laughed, the sound carrying through the phone. My attention drifted to the strains of music coming from the rink.

"Hey, Cathy?"

"Yes, Sam?"

"I gotta go. Can you give the girls hugs for me?" I asked.

"Sure. Did you get a reply from that person you were emailing yet?"

My face broke into a grin. "I got a reply this morning, actually. I'll message you later. Thanks, Cathy." I then hung up, striding into the rink with some rather unstable bravado.

Viktor suddenly whirled around from where he had been staring, pointing to Yuuri, "You get Eros-" he then pointed to Yuri "-and you get Agape!"

Yuri screeched.

"Yo," I called, saluting with two fingers.
"Ah, perfect. Sam you'll-"

"Sorry, Viktor, but I already have something prepared." I cut him off, inspecting my nails.

Yuuri seemed a little put out, Viktor was more than slightly surprised. "Let's see this routine, then."

I stepped onto the ice, motioning for someone to start the track after plugging in my MP3 player. The music flowed through my bones and I pushed myself to go faster, completing the entry sequence to launch myself into a triple axel.

My landing was slightly off, a slight wobble. The chorus erupted shortly after, sending shivers down my spine even as I switched directions and slipped into a step sequence, ending it with a lunge.

This is what I skated for, that rush of excitement, being able to surprise people with my talent.

The quietness of the ice rink was bliss at the end of a performance.

"Another fantastic routine," came three shrill voices from the side of the rink.

I groaned as the triplets ran off to post the video. I skated over to the side, taking a huge gulp of water.

"Right... well, then... You two will do Eros and Agape," Victor stated, turning his back to me.

I used the rest of the day burying myself in jumps.

• • •

The hot springs were a blessing in and of themselves. The water was warm, easing aches from the day's work and keeping the cold from chilling visitors to the bone.

Victor had taken to sitting with Yuuri, practically stuck to his side. Yuri sat a way away, glaring at the water.

I tilted my head back, eyes widening. I traced my eyes over the bright lights, picking out the shapes I knew.

Stars weren't easily visible in London, a rare luxury reserved for blackouts. A smile graced my lips a memory of bringing the girls out to see them popped to the forefront of my mind, along with that of Alfie, dancing around on the apartment building's roof.

I dunked my head underwater to avoid tear tracks.

I got out, feeling my skin pruning, and went inside. I had been reading a new fantasy novel, staying up late against my owl counsel and it had been getting good.

I changed into pajamas and picked up my book, flopping down on my bed with little ceremony.

I had just relaxed fully, nose all but buried in the pages, when a knock startled me out of fabulous adventured.

I groaned, swinging my legs over the side of the bed and trudging over to the door. I pulled it open and Yuuri smiled awkwardly, scratching at his neck,

"I'm sorry to disturb you, Sam, but there's a woman is at the front desk asking to talk to you."

I nodded and thanked him, shutting the door behind me as I made my way to the lobby. Where is she? My question was answered with a pat on the shoulder and a familiar voice.

"Glad you're still alive, idiot."

*gasp* who's this person?

Bello^^

This person will be revealed in the next chapter!! I'm too hyper on warheads! I just can't function! Also thanks to NekoAisu for editing this chapter! Again your writing never ceases to amaze me! ^^

Ja ne

~Charlie-chan