mixingbowl | Good friends are those who stick together

[Holy hickory dickory dock, it's cold. Which is kind of funny considering the fact he ice skates. Actually, no, it's not very funny. Kenjirou's huffing into his scarf as he walks along, glancing around. Something has briefly caught his eye only to be shrugged off. A questionable looking sweater. He doesn't know much about style, that's for sure, but even he has some sort of limits. Tiger print is going a little overboard in his book.

Yeah, okay, keep it moving.

He shuffles along for things on display to thin out only to be distracted by something else completely new. Whatever his purpose is to be where he is definitely doesn't matter and no longer holds up any weight. He pulls his scarf out of his face as he squints to be sure of what he is seeing. But there is no mistaking it. Nope, he can hardly contain himself. Forget behaving anything like a remotely normal human being.

Kenjirou only walks faster. Faster. Faster!! To where he's actually kind of sprinting. He isn't about to let that very small target leave his sight. This might include bumping into a couple of people, who he does take time to apologise to, which only encourages him to move. more. quickly. He's no longer thinking about freezing his jingle bells off and is waving his arms though his subject of interest isn't facing him.

There's just no way he is wrong. This person can breathe a few kilometres away and Kenjirou would know 110% who it is.]

Yuuuuuuuuuuuuri-kun!!!!

[Just like Kenjirou can pick out Yuuri's silhouette even at a considerable distance, Yuuri can immediately sense when someone is watching him with intense focus. When that feeling--just like the one he'd felt during the Chugoku, Shikoku, and Kyushu Championship--strikes him again, paired with that voice, Yuuri feels himself freezing in place.

There's disbelief in his eyes when he turns around and confirms his suspicions.]

Mi...Minami-kun?? [Like that hair could belong to anyone else. But the sheer incongruity of this particular skater in Hasetsu has him gaping until they're just a few feet apart.] What are you doing here?

Yuuri-kun! I totally knew that was you!

[He's pretty satisfied with himself right about now. With all the quivering he's doing, the scarf really isn't necessary and kind of just falling off him. Though the question gets him to pause.]

Eh? Well, I'm here on a visit, kinda? I'm here with my brother.

[He nods as that explanation sounds good enough to him.]

That's not super important, is it? What matter is that you're here, Yuuri-kun! But shouldn't you be practicing...? I mean, what are you doing around out here?

[This kid is as nosy as Yuuri remembers, though he's not particularly bothered by it so much as slightly taken aback by the interest Minami's shown toward him. He just pushes his glasses up his nose, standing there a bit awkwardly. There's no competition muddling their interaction now, but Yuuri still has no idea how he's supposed to handle the younger skater.]

Ah, I live around here. My family's inn is just a short walk that way. [Yuuri pauses before reluctantly pointing down the street.] A-anyway, I can't really practice without my skates. I left them at the shop to get new blades mounted.

[He looked in the direction that Yuuri was pointing and then back at Yuuri. Back and then at Yuuri. Back and then at Yuuri. Back and then at Yuuri. Kenjirou was holding his breath as he beamed. He swayed before standing on his tip toes and kicking a leg back. Yeah, he couldn't contain himself. There was just no way. The day couldn't get any better.]

I'm so close to where Yuuri-kun lives! This might just be my lucky day!

[He settled back down flat on his feet and tilted his head as he allowed Yuuri to continue speaking. He hung onto every single word and crossed his arms in thought.]

So that means... You aren't doing anything right now?

[Is it too early to regret mentioning his family's inn? Probably. That doesn't stop Yuuri from feeling the slight tickle of trepidation, though.]

I...guess I'm not. [Yuuri says slowly, grip tightening on his duffel bag's strap. Why's he getting a bad feeling about this?] Why are you asking? A-actually, aren't you here with your brother?

[He remembers when Yuuri went up against Yuri but it didn't exactly occur to him that Yuuri actually lived so close. It's now a purely historical spot that needs to be protected.]

You don't have to worry about that! I mean, he's not with me right this second! [Kenjirou is going to do his best to assure Yuuri that.] And, well, since that's the case! [He is quick to bow lowly.]I want to hang out with you, Yuuri-kun!

[Yuuri stares at the back of Kenjirou's head with surprise. Then, snapping out of it, he quickly protests, reaching out to pull Kenjirou upright.]

You don't have to do that, Minami-kun!

[He feels a little lost for words as he stands there.] I...I guess you could. I'm not really doing anything interesting today, though...

[Part of him wonders if Kenjirou might be disappointed by how boring he actually is, honestly.]

[Hopefully Yuuri's greatness is gonna rub off on him! He easily straightens as not to give Yuuri too much trouble. But he's definitely still hyperventilating. This has to be a dream! Hopefully he isn't about to wake up. With Yuuri's approval, Kenjirou's soon tilting his head.]

Isn't the point of hanging out being casual? It doesn't have to be interesting, Yuri-kun. I mean, getting to be with you is pretty exciting! [He's then nodding with determination.] And there's nothing better I could be doing.

[That's...actually one of the nicest things anyone's said to him. And it's what really wears down Yuuri's defenses in the end. He still doesn't understand how Kenjirou and his friends might see him in such a way, but Yuuri supposes it doesn't really cost him anything to acknowledge them. It had seemed to mean a lot to Kenjirou before.]

Come on, then. [This time, there's only the slightest bit of hesitation as Yuuri gestures for Kenjirou to follow him. ] We can head back to the inn together. Just make sure your brother knows where you are.

[If Kenjirou wasn't a normal person, he probably would have exploded into confetti at this point. Instead, he simply takes a few leaps which ends with a spin on one foot. He is breathing air with Yuuri once again! He's already celebrated it before but it deserves a bit more of a happy dance as far as he's concerned.]

Yeah, yeah! Don't worry, Yuuri-kun! [He claps his hands together as he follows along.] Oh, but... since you live at an in, should I pay to go in...?

[That draws a soft, surprised laugh out of Yuuri.]

Of course not. I'm the one inviting you over. [Technically. He hadn't been expecting anyone like Kenjirou would quickly take over the rest of his day, but Yuuri feels surprisingly...alright with it. More than he would've before heeding Viktor's words and cheering for the kid, anyway.]

Besides, the guests pay for the rooms. Unless you're planning to stay the night, that doesn't apply to you.

[Suddenly he bites his lip and wonders if Kenjirou is planning to stay that long...]

I have to go back to my brother sooner or later, Yuuri-kun. Maybe one day I'll use all my earnings to stay a month or something at one of those rooms. [He's dreaming big here, Yuuri.] Though that'll probably go to university. But one day in the future, I'll totally stay!

[This place is definitely quiet. He can't say he isn't accustomed to it as even when he's at home it's not like his family always is. It's not unnerving, at the very least, though he might be... disturbing the peace. Kenjirou's not trying to go out his way to do that, though. Whisper or speaking quietly just aren't settings available.]

Hey, Yuuri-kun... I know you said that stuff before about not being anything special but do you ever go to an arcade?

[The arcade's nothing special. Or maybe it is super special which makes existing extra fucking special.]

[A...month. He's not sure he can handle someone with this much energy for a month--oh wait, he already does. Though the idea of handling Viktor and Minami both is already giving him a headache.]

Using it for university sounds like a great idea. [Thankfully the politeness he'd been brought up with kick in right about now, and he's able to give Minami a decent answer.

He tilts his head, looking a bit confused at the subject change, though.] Oh, the arcade? I haven't gone in a while, but my friends used to make me tag along with them. [Suddenly, he's smiling more widely than he has since Minami caught up with him.] Nishigori and I ended up being pretty decent with those UFO catchers after a while. [Thanks to Yuuko, of course.]

Yeah, I mean... [He wrinkles his nose.] I'll be starting my first term of my third year soon. Then I'll graduate. And I guess I haven't really given much thought about that.

[Which doesn't really concern money too much as to why he hasn't thought about it but... He's soon perking up.]

Huh, UFO catchers- I wonder if that helped you at skating at all?! Maybe we should go do that if an arcade is around here somewhere! [Inhale.] I think I like those rhythm games! Not that they're as cool as winning something out of those machines.

UFO catchers and...skating?

[There's a quirk of his brow, and the sudden glint of humor in his eyes. He frankly doesn't see where the connection would be, but he isn't cruel enough to burst Minami's bubble.]

I don't know. I've never even thought of it. [With a rare streak of playfulness, though, he adds:] That dancing game with the platform might help with step sequences, though.

I mean, don't those sort of things help with, um, eye coordination! [He blinks a few times.] Huh... Maybe! I dunno. Though I think step sequences are my strong point. So maybe video games are the answer to everything, Yuuri-kun!!

[Now he's kind of swelling up with excitement all over again.]

I guess that's true. The more you practice, the better you get at directing the claw around.

[This time, Yuuri gives a soft huff of amusement.]

Minami-kun, are you saying we should add video games to our training regiment?

If it sounds too stupid you can tell me. [It might be dawning on him that, yeah, it was actually kind of dumb.] But I guess you should be practicing actual skating for the Grand Prix...

[Though Kenjirou has already determined that Yuuri was going to be the winner with no question.

Wait, what were they doing again? Oh, right, going back to the inn.]

[Ah, did he say something wrong? He can almost feel the combined weight of Kenjirou and Viktor's disappointment again, like he did back at the competition.

Yuuri pauses in his steps, watching Kenjirou carefully, as he mentally flounders for what he's supposed to do. He's never been the best at dealing with people--Phichit was always the natural of his friends in America.]

Ah, no. I wasn't implying that! It's not stupid. [He finally says, thinking of the way Kenjirou's face had lit up after just a few words of encouragement before. He smiles ruefully.] Sometimes we have to think of different, unusual ways to improve our skating.

[His face grew hot. He wasn't sure what to make of that. But he was feeling a little embarrassed. His scarf was a little more unnecessary all of the sudden. But Yuuri-kun wasn't the type to lie, Kenjirou thought, and easily took his word. Maybe that was why he felt warm as Kenjirou had found his own thought super dumb.]

Yuuri-kun! Thank you!

[He would proceed to hold things up again as he came to a stop in a deep bow.]

Please, let me practice with you!

[Thank you, he'd said. Yuuri's expression softens, feeling something in his chest warm at the show of gratitude. Maybe Viktor had been right after all--then again, Viktor's always been gracious to anyone who approaches him.

Without a doubt, Yuuri knows it's something he'll have to consider on his own. Starting now, perhaps.]

Well, I can't practice on the rink without my skates. [An idea blossoms in his head now, and he starts to smile, even as something in his twists a little nervously at the thought of putting himself out there like this.] There's an arcade on the way back to the inn, though. We could always try that other kind of training there.

[He straightens up quickly to where he stumbles back slightly. The new bit of distance between them allows Kenjirou to kick up a leg out of growing excitement. He'll actually get to practice with his idol and he almost can't even believe it. But he soon freezes with something dawning on him.

Oh. Maybe he can pretend to have skates with him if that means he can be with Yuuri because he doesn't have his own skates with him, either. Or be normal and rent a pair. That sounds reasonable. The wonders of using a brain.

Kenjirou leaps a few paces ahead-]

This is the best day of my life!!

[His cheeks flush; honestly, part of him still doesn't understand how Minami could look up to him like this, but spending some time with him like this... isn't so bad. It makes him feel a little silly for having been so reluctant to interact with him at the competition now.

Yuuri laughs, just a tad awkwardly.]

Speaking of training, how are your friends doing? The ones you were with at the championship?

[Aaand that's him very expertly trying to steer the conversation back to safer grounds.]

Ah, Hikaru-kun and Yuuto-kun? [He claps his hands together, easily distracted by Yuuri's question. How's he to deny his idol of any answers?] They're doing pretty good, last I checked! I did text Hikaru-kun earlier today but he hasn't replied yet. He's probably busy! I know he's out somewhere for his vacation, too.

[Kenjirou skips ahead, taking in the cool air now that he's a little less flustered. He then turns around to face Yuuri and walks backwards.]

Ummm, what about you, Yuuri-kun? I mean, you have friends too, right? Unless you try to keep those two things separate. But I can't imagine that with Victor-san...

[The names sound familiar, tickling at his memory of the competition. Yuuri nods along.] Does that mean the three of you are rinkmates?

[Honestly, Phichit had come to mind as soon as he began wondering about Minami's friends, so Yuuri doesn't feel as uncomfortable bringing him up.]

You mean friends who are skaters like us? There's Phichit. He was my rinkmate back in Detroit. [His entire expression softens with fondness for his friend.] My roommate, too. We still facetime whenever our schedules match up.

Viktor... [There's a touch of hesitance now, though he doesn't look any less fond.] He's my coach, but he's my friend, too.

Yeah, that's right!

[But he doesn't bother to go into that too much. He's a lot more interested in Yuuri than he is in himself because he feels he's a little familiar with himself after seventeen years. The fact that Yuuri exists off the ice is something that he still has to digest, really. Kenjirou nods along, hooked onto every word. Yuuri is very happy.]

Oh...

[Something about Yuuri's pause is attention grabbing. Or maybe it's just the whole tone the conversation has suddenly taken. He's not thinking about that pesky breathing business as there's something developing. But Kenjirou's trying to swallow.]

Yuuri-kun's so happy! [It's now that he's actually crying.] There are people out there who want to be with you a lot! I... I'm glad! People see you for what you are!

[Oh my god??? As soon as the tears start flowing, Yuuri has a moment of panic, wondering if he'd said something wrong again. He can see the headlines now: Grand Prix Finals Hopeful Displays Appalling Behavior! Makes Japanese Nationals Champion Cry!

Thankfully, Minami's words cut his visions short before they can get too out of hand. And then Yuuri's left blinking with surprise.]

You... [Yuuri's finding it a little difficult to swallow himself.] Minami-kun, you're crying because you're happy...for me?

Yes! I'm so happy for you, Yuuri-kun! I'm so...so happy! [He sniffed, mustering a smile.] I'm so happy that you can live things out and smile! Yuuri-kun, I... I've watched you skate for years. All I've wanted was to be like you! You've been something that I wanted to follow. But you're more than an idea, Yuuri-kun. You're a person. And knowing that, I've wanted to still be what you are even if I can't be because I'm not Yuuri. I can accept that but I still do this! And I just wanted you to be happy with yourself when you've left the ice. I've seen your face...

[And he is now frowning slightly again.]

You weren't always happy, Yuuri-kun. But you haven't given up. You have friends and you still go out on the ice. And that just means I'll keep looking up to you.

Edited (lol drowning) 2016-12-13 01:13 (UTC)

[Wow. It's all Yuuri can think for a few seconds, overwhelmed by Minami's sentiment as he is. While he's slowly come to realize just how much love and support he's been getting from his family and friends recently, Yuuri wouldn't have ever counted Minami among those people. Until now, perhaps.

There's no getting around it: he's touched that the other skater's been so concerned about him all this time, and yet, he'd practically brushed him off at first.]

Minami-kun... [One hand rests over his own heart, and he can feel it pounding in his chest.] I had no idea you felt that way, that you noticed that much.

It's only natural to notice that sort of stuff, right? I mean, feelings go into skating.

[He rubs at his face and sniffs again. He's definitely already made a scene and there aren't any regrets about it but he feels he said enough to get his point across. Though he might consider crying again since, well, he gets to talk to Yuuri this way. Instead, Kenjirou pins his arms to his sides and leans over in a bow.]

I'm sure a lot of people feel that way, Yuuri-kun! It's just hard to know when it's not like you've met everyone who looks up to you.

Minami-kun, no... [One hand gently tugs him upright, because although Yuuri's probably stepping a few boundaries to do this, he's still got that politeness instilled in him.] You don't need to do that again.

[His expression's just a little conflicted whenever Minami looks up at him again.]

You really think there are...others. Who look up to me because of my skating. [He winces, realizing just then how often people like Phichit and Victor interacted with their fans through their accounts. And yet--] I haven't been paying attention to anyone like that at all. [He says softly, frowning.]

[There's no fighting Yuuri and he does straighten up. But now his brow is furrowed. He should have anticipated this. Yuuri has a reputation, after all, being the skater with the gl-]

Yuuri-kun.

[Now it's his turn to reach out to Yuuri, firmly grabbing onto his arms and leaning up to him.]

What's the point in thinking like that? Even if it's true, what does it matter? You can't be aware of everything! You can make the choice if you want to do that or not, now, you know. Stop looking down on yourself for stuff like that. You're growing. At least acknowledge that.

[It sure is something, being told off like this by someone years younger than him. Yuuri blinks down at Kenjirou, a little stunned at the contact.]

I'm growing. [He says quietly, staying right where he is, instead of shrugging out of Kanjirou's grip like he might have done before. Then, he's smiling wryly.] Viktor said he was disappointed in me, last time. When he saw me close myself off to the other skaters at the Championship. But I'm trying now. I'll get better...at--at this.

Like I said, even if it's true- what's the point in beating yourself up over it?! [He loosens his hold on Yuuri as he's realising what is happening here.] But that's... I guess that's how Yuuri-kun is. It doesn't make you a bad person. And Viktor-san knows that.

[Kenjirou's back on his feet now and one of his hands falls to his side while the other reaches for one of Yuuri's hands. And now he's going to turn away from the guy in favour of trying to drag him along as he begins to run-!]

C'mon, Yuuri-kun! You're here with me right now! You're opening up right now!

Mi-minami-kun?! [The enthusiasm isn't new, but getting dragged along like this definitely is. You'd think he would be used to it after spending so much time with Viktor, but Yuuri occasionally forgets that other people can be just as excitable as Viktor is.

Strangely enough, all the little revelations he's had this morning make it easier to accept someone else's touch like this. He follows along as best he can, without stumbling too much.]

Where are we going?

Huh? Oh...

[Kenjirou comes skidding to a halt with that. Sorry, Yuuri-kun. Hopefully no one is hurt in the making of this moment. He has to quit pretending like he is a lead protagonist.]

I forgot, you have to lead because I don't know what way we're going. [He lets go of Yuuri, finally.] But you're still opening up! Good job!

[It's a close call, but Yuuri manages to avoid crashing into Minami when he abruptly stops in the middle of the street.]

It'd help if I knew where you wanted to go. [Yuuri straightens up, still confused about so many things right now. At least Minami's not lecturing him anymore?] Are we still heading for the arcade?

[You get a thumbs up for being smarter than the average bear, Yuuri.]

Yeah, I think so! But you still have to lead because I have no idea where we are going. Um, I kind of get ahead of myself.

[That's ninety-five percent of the time, actually.]

[The sheer ridiculousness of this situation gets Yuuri to chuckle, not even really upset that he's being dragged around like this.]

The arcade's this way.

[This time, there's little hesitation as he takes the lead, one hand on Kenjirou's shoulder as he steers them in the right direction. Progress!]

O...kay.

[And they're just going to make it there, okay. Because they've been walking forever without getting anywhere and Kenjirou probably cried another two times along the way and there just isn't any time for that. Look at the amazing...ness that is the arcade. Kenjirou's undoing his jacket, that's for sure. It gets hot in those sort of places, you know.]

[Yuuri, on the other hand, simply wanders in, turning this way and that as he studies the games that are available.]

This place hasn't changed much in the last few years.

[He murmurs, stopping just in front of the UFO claw machines. There's a few cute cat stuffed animals in one of them that he thinks Yurio might have liked, if he were still in Hasetsu with them.]

What do you want to try first?

[Right, Yuuri hasn't been at home in a long time. But it's a wonder if he has been to an arcade in a while. Being an adult doesn't make one immune to that sort of thing, right...?]

Well! Yuuri-kun should show off those UFO abilities first, right?! My treat!

[He casually rolls up his sleeves. Super cool.]

[Very cool. Yuuri looks amused as he examines the prizes inside each claw machine, and finally chooses one.]

Don't be disappointed if I don't manage to get something right away. It's been a long time since I've played any of these games.

Huh, huh? It's not always about winning, is it?

[Like skating, right? Granted, some people don't have potential marriages in the danger zone if they don't do their absolute best.]

I said it was my treat so don't sweat it, okay? [He huffs.] I'll only be disappointed if you don't have fun.

[Yuuri looks up at him in surprise, then smiles ruefully.]

Caught me again. You're... [He taps his chin, humming as he thinks of a word.] Surprisingly mature. And very convincing with your words.

Eh?! [He freezes up.] Ummm, sorry, sorry! I'm not trying to be or anything! It's just how it is right? Uh, I'm not really mature or anything...

[Maybe he should be more happy about being called that but he isn't Yuuri cool. He rubs at his face before digging into his pocket for money to hand off to Yuuri.]

Good friends are those who stick together

let's make yuuri-kun a social butterfly!!

\o/

SORRY the email alert went to my junk mail for some reason???

that's okay!!

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aaa yuuri, too cute

:3

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SORRY FOR THE DELAY... also kenjirou is so precious

no, you're good! ccc: yuuri is even more precious

<3

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ugh minami...

if only episode twelve yuuri could come in and shake this yuuri

thank god for minami

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