Yuri!!! On Ice Book 1

Chapter 45

December 21st, 2017- Immediately Following the Last Chapter-

Victor's POV 1st Person

"I'm not getting married," Yuuri's voice comes through the TV clear as day, cracked and broken. He shrinks down onto the podium, crying, his tears streaming down the gold medal that hangs around his neck. And I know why he does. The gold medal, the very one that shimmers against his costume, stood for us. It was a promise that we made almost a year ago, vowing we'd be married a soon as he wore it. And now he's wearing it, but we're not getting married. 

These past few months, I've been so upset, so angry and so broken I don't know how to go back. Yuuri's been there though, every step of the way. Trying to fix me, to put me back together and help me stand on my own two feet again. But I pushed him away. I hurt him and yelled at him and took out on him everything that I felt, everything that I couldn't control. And now I've done the worst thing of all, I broke him. It's said that skaters' hearts are as fragile as glass, and that's something I know to be true. I broke Yuuri's heart once before, but not like this, not in such an irreparable way. But still, as I look at him, a shattered piece of artwork on the screen, I know I have to try.

I do something I haven't done in a long time; I put on my skates. I walk into the rink, and, for the first time in what seems like years, I skate. I twirl and dance across the ice, slowly and sloppily at first but gradually gaining speed until I lift off, sailing through the air. I land, and the breath goes out of me. I crash to the ground, sliding and hitting the wall lamely. I get up though, and do it again and again until I've reached my goal. After hours of work, I do a triple Axel. 

By the time I leave the rink late that night I'm exhausted but happy. I've accomplished something I never thought I could, and Yuuri is the reason I have. He was right, I had given up, I had stopped trying and let myself fall. But now I'm finally doing what he wanted, what he's helped me to do; I'm climbing back up. And not only am I doing this because of Yuuri, I'm doing it for him. I need to become the person I was before this whole mess. I need to get back to being the person he fell in love with, the person I know I can still be. 

I buy a ticket for Zurich, shooting off to the airport at 6 am the next day, almost forgetting my passport. After returning to the house to retrieve it, getting stuck in traffic, and arriving at the airport with only 45 minutes until the plane takes off, I'm dying. I sprint through security, dodging old people and children and making it just in time. I reach the gate just as the flight attendant closes the door, stopping her seconds before it seals shut. 

Letting my head fall back and rest against the plane seat, I retreat into my mind, formulating a plan to get my fiance back.

***

Yuuri's POV 1st Person- Three Hours Later-

I go through the exhibition skate mindlessly, mentally unfocused and drifting. With the abilities only years under the spotlight can perfect, I dodge the media and escape to the hotel, waiting until I can leave. I'm simultaneously awaiting and dreading the prospect of returning to Russia. I'm not sure what I'll do once I get there, but I know it'll be painful. I'll need to go somewhere else, as- as Victor and I are no longer together. I've finally accepted it though, no more sick fantasies or delusions of working things out. He's gone for good, and he's never coming back. 

My thoughts wander to yesterday, to the humiliating experience that was telling the truth. Phichit found me after the free skate, having seen my breakdown and knowing me too well not to be worried. I did try to hold it together as I confessed, but I just couldn't. I returned to my true form, the one I'd been repressing for so long; a sobbing heap upon the ground. He was better than I could've hoped, and, along with Yurio and everyone else I told, forgave me. They've put it behind them and are acting as if this whole fiasco hasn't happened, apart from the fact that I am no longer engaged that is.

Our taxi is arriving soon and I wait in the lobby with the others, eyes on my phone but not really paying it any attention. Right now I'm doing all I can to suppress the little mind wanderings I've been enjoying over the past few days. Every time I look up from my screen Victor rounds a corner, calling to me with a light in his eyes. He holds me close and kisses me, the most beautiful feeling in the world. That's how I know it's fake though, the kiss. Every other detail of the illusion is perfect, every other aspect of him; appearance, scent, smile- perfect. It's just the kiss that isn't right. I feel his arms around me, embracing me, but as I touch his lips, they disappear. He evaporates, as if into smoke, and I never get to experience, even in my own head, the sensation of his kiss.

The taxi comes and soon we're paying the driver and walking into the airport, a good four hours until our flight leaves. Before we head through security we do one last check over; no water bottles, no skate sharpeners (the customs people always think they're knives) and no food of any kind. This last one, in particular, is difficult for skaters as we cannot function without periodically consuming granola bars in place of normal meals.

At last, we're satisfied that we won't be stopped and head down the hall to the next wing of the airport where our destination is located. Even though I keep my mind determinedly on our group (I am NOT getting lost in a foreign airport) as we pass the International Arrivals Hall the silver head that seems to haunt me ceaselessly appears. I lower my gaze and walk more quickly, even as the Victor of my mind calls out, recognizing our party and seeing me leading it. 

I quicken my pace and find myself almost jogging to escape the ghost of my fiance, now running after me. I look back to find him still there, just on my heels and the rest of the group watching open-mouthed. I'm sure they think I'm insane, I shake my head slightly, still fleeing my imaginary pursuer, I did start running in an airport for no apparent reason. Except for the fact that my mind is melting down, that is. Maybe I am insane.

A figure catches my arm and drags me to a stop. I turn and find Victor, flushed and staring at me intently. This is where the fantasy begins, always going through the same steps; he takes my hand, pulls me to him, and kisses me. My heart sinks as he does so, knowing this'll be the last time I'll see him in this capacity, even if it isn't real. I won't even be able to kiss him, ruining the illusion I've so carefully constructed. When our lips meet, I close my eyes, prepared to face the harsh reality that I've been evading for so long. Ready to finally, truly, believe that our relationship is over.

We make contact and my eyes fly open; I feel him. He runs a hand over my cheek and his engagement ring is cool against my skin. I can feel the metal, I can feel his arms around me, I can feel his lips on mine, all of which leading me to believe one thing; this is real.

**Author's Note!**

............ Sequel!

It's called Yuri!!! On Ice Book 2 and it's up on my page right now! There's no content yet, but that will change very soon! I really hope you enjoyed this book and the ending wasn't too cliche for you! I've loved this journey and can't wait to continue it through the next phase of their lives! See you soon! <3