Unimaginable | Victuuri/Otayuri Fantasy AU on hiatus

Chapter Five

Yuuri's P.O.V.

I don't impress as a knight or a swordsmith might. I'm an artisanal member of the court of Sketra. I skate when there is ice on which to skate, a pastime for most countrymen made into my entire life. I am admired by all who see me, but it is not the same glory that comes with the manlier careers, mostly because it is an entirely different glory to be marveled upon as a show of art.

I wasn't having a good day, or a good year, on the ice when I recently met the first prince descending. He happens to be very good on the ice, himself, the one who popularized skating throughout the kingdom. He thought I'd done alright, seemingly expected me to be happy with my performance, even. But, I was so disappointed in myself, I didn't realize the rank of the admirer when I shrugged him off my shoulder.

I don't know what he saw in me, but whatever it was caused him to chase me down. It was unbecoming of him, at first, I wasn't sure how to feel. But I've gotten to know him, and I've gotten to become entirely smitten. I can't stop smiling at the memories of he and I together, captivating me with that oh-so persuasive and contagious smile and those beautiful eyes and his overflowing heart.

I don't think I was truly living until I met him. I never felt as awake as I do now. I'm a little more confident, a little more daring, a little more open. I feel as if I could fly right off the ice. But the ice holds me down like a gentle kiss.

"Isn't he marvelous?!" a chubby woman I know to be a Night Constituent coos to another noble lady. "He's got energy, today!"

Yeah, I silently agree, I do have extra energy. I can't explain it, but knowing that I'll see him again tonight beckons unadulterated joy into my previously disheveled heart. I'm anticipating the sex, I suppose. He's arranged a guarded escort for me to meet him in his own bedchambers. We're moving rather fast, but I suppose love affairs often are fast-paced and short-lived.

I finally come to a halt on the ice. The small crowd of onlookers drums up a light applause, a few tossing a gold coin or a flower toward me to show their appreciation. I bow graciously before collecting my winnings and my thoughts and leaving the ice for another performer. I wonder when the prince will become bored of my company.

The thought makes my heart heavy, but I'm certain he will eventually fade out of my life. I'm determined to enjoy the time I have with the mesmerizing Day Constituent, but still my heart pangs, knowing he will eventually move on. We can talk of forever all we want, but I have a fairly realistic expectation of how this will truly play out.

Where did my energy go? Buck up, I tell myself. Permanent or ephemeral, I love being with him, and I ought not entangle my thoughts in what happens after. I'll spoil the present if I think too far ahead.

"Yuuri!" a familiar voice approaches from behind. "I saw you on the ice— that was great!"

"Oh— thanks, Phichit," I smile to the ground and shrug.

"What are you doing for the rest of the evening?" he nudges me. "There's a gang of us going out. Do you want to join us?"

"I'll pass," I smirk. "You know I'm no fun when I drink."

"Au contraire!" he chastises me teasingly. "But if you're busy, I won't drag you along. What is it, then? Plans with a girl?" he nudges me again.

"Something like that," I mutter and blush, unwilling to admit the truth but unsure how to lie about it.

"Oh, is there a lucky guy?" he drops his voice an octave. "Yuuri, I'm impressed."

"Shut up," I mutter, unable to stifle a reluctant laugh as I roll my eyes.

"Oh, you like him," he gasps, observing the blush on me cheeks. "Well, far be it from me to get in the way of that. You have fun tonight, Yuuri," he winks and peels off.

And with him, goes my reserve. He's right. I'm going to give Victor a good show tonight. I don't want him to forget me, if he must go. So I've got to deliver. And as a performer, it's in my nature to deliver a pleasing act.