Left Behind

Chapter 6

Viktor left early that morning for business at the ice rink while Yuuri slept in. The curtains were drawn so when Yuuri awoke he was met with a somewhat lighted room. He laid in bed, enjoying the feel of the sheets and duvet, soft and comforting.

He would eventually have to get up and get dressed since he did come here as Viktors plus one; He would have to make an appearance at the rink at some point. Waiting till the last minute sounded tempting to Yuuri, but he decided to do the responsible, adult thing which was to get up. He stretched his thin arms, reaching up as far as he could, and let out a sigh as he let his arms fall.

He threw his legs over the edge of the bed and regrettably stood, making his way around the bed and to the bathroom; A shower sounded good to him. He ended up drawing himself a bath, which took more time than he was hoping, but Yuuri certainly felt relaxed. Once he was out, dry, and lying on the bed fully clothed in sort of formal attire he checked his phone; it was 9:00.

The Men's Short Program would be starting soon and Yuuri felt sick to his stomach. It had been years, literal years, since he had last gone to an ice rink and he was terrified of the memories that he had suppressed resurfacing. Yuuri took a deep breath and stood, not bothering to think about breakfast; He had too much on his mind and not enough time.

Yuuri made his way down to the lobby sluggishly, the man behind the front desk smiling at him and wishing him a lovely day. He decided to call a taxi since walking would take to long. Yuuri couldn't speak any italian so he simply showed the driver a picture of the ice rink.

15 minutes. He had 15 minutes till it would all come back to him. The car pulled up to the front of the rink that was already flooded with people waiting to get in. Yuuri payed the driver the amount he was probably supposed to pay, an agreement on the price finally being found thanks to google's not so great translator.

Yuuri stepped out of the car and felt a gasp escape him; This all felt so familiar. The hundreds of people that stood in lines, the red rope keeping them organized. He checked his phone to make sure his authorized pass was shown. He took a deep breath then started walking straight in between two lines down the middle. He walked slowly at first, but soon felt the stares on him, heard the whispers.

"It's Yuuri."

"No way Katsuki is here?"

Yuuri's pace quickened to the front doors. Two tall men in suits stood, one of them had their arms crossed tightly while the other held a tablet in his hands. He approached them and nervously held his phone out. They checked the picture carefully before asking for ID.

Yuuri pulled out his small card and they inspected it thoroughly before the other man with the tablet checked something on its screen. He nodded to the man holding Yuuri's ID, the man returning the ID, and stepping to the side along with the other, both opening the double doors. Yuuri carefully stepped inside, the doors closing behind him.

He nervously flattened his white dress shirt and straightened his tie before taking any more steps. He looked around the lobby he seemed to be in curiously, his gaze halted by Viktor who was happily making his way to Yuuri, his movements quick. Yuuri was scooped up in a hug and a kiss was placed on his cheek.

"You got here safe, thank god." Viktor murmured and placed a kiss upon Yuuri's forehead. Yuuri nodded and gave a weary smile, Viktors heart pulling at the sight. Viktor kissed his forehead one more time before offering Yuuri his arm. They walked down the halls of the rink, Yuuri's arm looped under Viktors, their destination being the judges table in the stands. "Your seat is going to be behind mine, so if you get nervous, poke my back and I will reach my hand up to yours."

"Ok..." Yuuri pressed his side against Viktors as two judges approached them from down the hall.

"Viktor!..." Their italian was fast and Yuuri was absentminded for all of it. Viktors light banter with the two other judges was short lived as an announcement for the judges to take their seats echoed through the rink. The two men nodded to Viktor and headed down back the way they had came.

"Are you ready Yuuri?"

No

"Yes."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yuuri nervously wiggled in his seat. It was currently 3:03 PM and the men's short program event would still be going on for another forty two minutes. Yuuri's hand was grasping Viktors, it had been since the beginning of the event with the exception of when Viktor had to work. Yuuri felt calm the entire time that he felt Viktors warmth through their linked hands.

As the men's short program came to an end Viktor released Yuuri's hands so he could stand for the formalities; a feeling of coldness taking over Yuuri's hand. Yuuri cleared his throat quietly and sat back in his seat anxiously. Viktor turned to Yuuri with a smile, but instantly frowned at Yuuri's obvious nervousness.

"Yuuri my love, it's ok, calm down." Viktor comforted him placing both hands on Yuuri thighs. The people in the stands were already rushing out, but Viktor new better than to make Yuuri go through the crowds. Once the ice rink was practically empty Viktor helped Yuuri to his feet. They walked down with hands locked through the stands to the halls.

"Do you want to stay for the pairs free skate? Or do you want to go to the hotel?" Viktor softly asked Yuuri, his anxiety only rising the more they neared the entrance.

"Hotel... Vitya I would like to go back." Yuuri mumbled.

"Of course." Viktor picked his pace up a little, but suddenly stopped when flashes of light obstructed his view.

"Viktor! Hey Viktor!"

"Viktor!"

"Viktor! How does it feel to be invited to judge here at the Grand Prix?"

"Viktor! is that Yuuri Katsuki with you?"

"Are you and Katsuki back together?"

"Viktor is it true that Yuuri quit skating because of you?"

"Is it true that you abandoned Yuuri?"

"Yuuri! Yuuri!"

Viktor pushed through the cameras and yelling, Yuuri now in front of him.

"Yuuri did Viktor leave you after you won gold?"

"Yuuri give us details!"

"Is it true you had a breakdown after Viktor left you?"

"Thats enough!" Viktor yelled and the cameras stopped along with the shouting. Yuuri, trembling, was escorted out by Viktor, both of the Russians arms on Yuuri's shoulders gently guiding him forward. Viktor called for a cab and settled Yuuri into the back. Viktor paid the cab driver the amount for a ride to the hotel then shut the door, turning to face the crowd that awaited him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When Yuuri's cab pulled up in front of the hotel the man from behind the front desk was standing outside. He opened the door and thanked the driver before helping Yuuri out of the cab and into the hotel.

"Am Piero, will help to room." He spoke in broken Japanese, but was still understandable for Yuuri. Piero opened the door for Yuuri as he shuffled into his suite. "If need anything, call."

The door was shut behind him, its noise almost silent. Yuuri staggered into the room, his shoes scraping against the hardwood. Yuuri sat on the bed, undid his tie, and placed both his elbows onto his thighs, he let out a long sigh before placing his head in his hands. This was all too much for him. He shouldn't have come. Yuuri let out a quiet sob and felt a shiver go through him. His sobs grew louder as more and more tears fell.

They are cruel.

They are scary.

Yuuri leaned back, letting himself fall on the bed.

"Viktor. Viktor come back. Viktor I need you. Viktor. Viktor."

I love you. I love you.

"DON'T LEAVE ME ALONE!"