Until the End | ✔

Chapter 11: Unexpected Visitor

A week or so had passed and Viktor still decided they needed time alone. He felt as if their relationship were as fragile as glass and did not want to risk making things worse. So, he only came into work when it was absolutely necessary. Ah, the pleasures of being your own boss, he thought, propping his feet up on an ottoman. It was like a mini stay-at-home vacation, minus the circumstances of course.

A few times had he actually bumped into Yuuri after their mini-fight. He tried to read the latter's expression, but he was not letting on. There seemed to be a barrier to his true feelings. Despite this, Viktor still could pick up on was the dullness in Yuuri's eyes. Was it from disappointment? If so, was it from himself or...? Viktor felt himself fidget a little at the very thought at Yuuri being disappointed in him.

He sighed, leaning back to look up at the ceiling. If he wanted to get closer to Yuuri, he needed to get used to the fact that their relationship is never going to be perfect. In the middle of Viktor's convenient reflection time, without warning, Makkachin leaped onto the couch and landed right on his stomach. Viktor felt the air being knocked right out of him and let out a hhhnng sound. The poodle proceeded to yip, right in Viktor's face, and then ran off the couch and began to paw at the door.

Viktor then heard the faint sound of footsteps approaching the door. A visitor? I'm not expecting anyone. Sure enough, the doorbell let out a ring, which made Makkachin yip even louder. He finally stumbled up, quickly brushed his silver hair in place with his fingers, and made his way over to the door.

He pushed the door open, rubbing his eyes. Immediately, the crisp night-time air slapped at his face. "Hello?"

"VIKTOR? I thought you died!" said a blonde-haired teenager, his green eyes sparkling with playfulness.

"Only on the inside" he replied, showing an amused but tired smile.

"Fair enough" said Yurio. Pushing past Viktor, he invited himself into the house. The visitor looked around, eyes narrowed in focus.

"Umh, why are you here? And at night too" the man asked, rushing to block Yurio from walking any further into the house.

"Oh, Yuuri asked me to relay a message. It's urgent. He told me that he wants to quit fighting and talk things out with you. He wants you to go over to his apartment ASAP" he said matter-of-factly.

"ASAP? At his apartment? And It's like, what, 10 at night now? Also, I still think it's too soon. I'm not ready yet."

"Yeah, but you might as well get it over with. It's not doing you two any good by ignoring your problems. Plus, Phichit is Yuuri's roommate. He'll be there, happy to help sort things out for you two."

"But still..." Viktor's voice faded, his arms crossed.

"You don't have decide now. I'll give you time to think about it. In the meantime, can I see Makkachin? I miss the guy so much!"

Viktor nodded, expression softened. "Of course. Makkachin! Come here, Yurio's here to see you" he beckoned.

The dog came trotting over. When he saw Yurio, his tail wagged so much he almost stumbled over. "Hey, Makka-dog" the teen cooed, scooping up the poodle into his arms. The ball of fluff let out a satisfied huff and licked his handler's nose.

After a period of doggy-affection-time, Yurio looked up at Viktor "Do you have a bathroom here?" he asked, breaking the comfortable silence.

"Down the hall, to the left"

"Thanks" said Yurio, putting the dog down. He shuffled over to the hall, Makkachin in pursue.

Viktor sat down and stared off in the direction he went. It was not like Yurio to show up at his house unexpectedly. Now that he thought about it, the boy was not even that close to Yuuri, so why would he bother to help him? He decided ignore his suspicions, at least until Yurio came back. He wanted to confront him directly.

The time never seemed to come. Viktor felt his suspicions rise to the max. He could not take it anymore. He rose from his seat and made his way over to the bathroom. "Yurio?" the man called. No answer. He began to jiggle the door knob, but it opened. Unlocked.... Viktor slowly pushed the door open, feeling the tension rising. He called out his name again, just to make sure, before walking in. What he saw, was the least of what had been expected. Yurio was gone, and the bathroom window was open, the curtains calmly blowing in the breeze. The only thing that was left was pieces of a dog treat scattered across the floor.

"M-a-k-k-a-c-h-i-n?" he cried. He called once more, walking throughout the house, but to no avail. The familiar clicking sound of paws traveling across the hardwood floor was non-existent. Then, Viktor came to a realization: Makkachin had been dognapped.