mixingbowl | Took a wrong turn somewhere (or is it right?)

[Yuuri inhales sharply, starting to lean into the touch before he catches himself.]

Um. [There's really no point in denying it now, is there?] I guess if you put it that way...

That's so cute. [smitten and sincere he'll add]

I don't think I've fallen for a fan, before.

F-fallen? [Yuuri's eyes widen. That's a pretty heavy word.

He's not so dense that he'd misunderstand the flirting when Victor's been straightforward about it, but to imply that there's more than just attraction makes Yuuri's head spin. And he's pretty sure that's not the hangover making a comeback.]

[he's behind where Yuri is seated, leaning his chest against the man's back and looking over his shoulder. He can make out Yuri's expression in somewhat profile. This is too strong, right? Victor thinks he should back up, but he wasn't blocking Yuri in, the man could bail from the seat to either side, Victor's arms crossing behind his own back.]

I brought you home, Yuri. Maybe it was protective, I really didn't want you falling into the wrong hands. [he considers the robbery a moment, and Yuri's utter lack of memory of the part]

Very glad I did, too.

[Though Yuuri tenses up at first, he slowly relaxes and doesn't try to scoot away. True, Victor's close, but he's not being pushy about this, and that makes all the difference in the world to Yuuri.]

I'm...glad you did, too. [Yuuri's head bows slightly as he stares down at his lap. He can feel Victor's eyes on him, but instead of making him falter, it only makes him want to get the words out even more.]

You said have time to get to know each other now. [He breathes in.] After--after I know you better, I think I could fall for you, too. I want to make up for the memories that I don't have anymore.

[Victor will straighten up, giving Yuri space after he makes his little point. He's attracted to Yuri, he's glad that's clear, but that's not all it's about. Getting to know Yuri was what he wanted just as much, if not more, than some physical fling.]

I wish it was under better circumstances, but let's make the best of this time. I'm curious about you, Katsuki Yuri. [he laughs a little after the name, since he probably existed more as Victor Nikiforov in Yuri's mind than just... Victor.]

Let's do that. [Victor's laugh pulls a smile out of him, emboldens him to turn his head and let Victor see that he wants this, too. It's not his style, that's for sure, and he can imagine both friends and family voicing their shock, but all Yuuri has to do is think of those pictures of them smiling and dancing together to feel certain again.

His head jerks up in surprise when he hears a knock and some muffled Russian from the front door. Yuuri glances over at Victor.]

Think it's the food or the police?

Food. The police wouldn't knock that hard. [sounds backwards, but okay Victor. He'll spin towards the door, grabbing his wallet to pay the delivery guy. He's actually surprised to be wrong, seeing the police there. They perk an eyebrow and he laughs, putting his wallet away as he greets them in Russian, ushering them in.

He'll act as Yuri's interpreter, not being half bad at relaying back and forth. The cops had one of Yuri's bags with them, stuffed with what hadn't been stolen, but it's really just clothes. They write down a full list of what Yuri remembers having with him and doesn't find in the bag-- his costumes, skates, passport, etc... They take it down and snap a photo of Yuri as confirmation he's not missing. It's really not that anxious a process, Victor actually has the cops smiling with his charm, though he could really be saying anything to them without Yuri knowing better]

[Though it all goes relatively smoothly thanks to Victor, Yuuri can't help but breathe a sigh of relief when the police finally leave. He plants himself on the chair again, peeking into the bag briefly.]

At least I won't have to replace everything, but all the important stuff, like my passport and wallet are gone. [It's not too surprising, considering his room was broken into, but still depressing to have confirmed. Yuuri smiles wearily up at Victor.] I won't be able to leave until I get a replacement. Looks like you're really stuck with me for a while.

I've got everything handled for you. Long as you need to stay, the place is yours. [aww yis, a chance to show off and be a cool guy! Victor is all too ready to make a good impression, what better way than being a generous host? Unless that ends up reading as him being a braggart... hrm.

He opens his mouth to say something, but instead the doorbell rings. The food was very late, it seemed, he'll go to the door to get it. At least it's warm and really very good smelling, long as it too to arrive]

[Another "thank you" is at the tip of his tongue when the doorbell catches his attention instead. Yuuri sighs, but knows he'll have plenty of chances to say the words if he's really staying here while he gets everything sorted out.

Once the smell hits him, Yuuri's reminded just how long it's been since he last ate. His panic over everything had pushed his hunger to the back of his mind earlier, but he can't ignore it any longer now that the food's sitting right in front of him.

Yuuri perks up visibly, then shifts, poised to stand.]

Should I grab plates and utensils from the kitchen?

Just spoons will do! Far left drawer, by the fridge. [he'll put the food on the counter, bowls of Borscht could be eaten directly out of the breads and pastries didn't need their own plates really]

You'll like these, well worth the wait. [he can tell by the smell! It definitely made his house feel more living in and less sterile, to have the warm food smell in the air.

As if summoned by the arrival of the smell, out from a room upstairs will stride a standard poodle.]

Makkachin! Stop, stay! [he'll call to the dog, which nervously sits between stairs, looking anxious to be told to come, tail wagging wildly because NEW PERSON? Victor looks to Yuri.]

Do you like dogs, Yuri? I can try to keep him upstairs if you don't.

[Just as Yuuri smiles and ducks his head bashfully, ready to head into the kitchen, Makkachin's arrival makes him stop in his tracks.

Oh. Right. With the whirlwind of disasters that's been this year's Grand Prix Finals, Yuuri had almost forgotten what had sent him sliding into his horrible mental state to begin with. Now, faced with the poodle that had spurred him into getting Vicchan, Yuuri finds himself choking up a little.]

Um. Yes. [He manages to keep his voice relatively steady, if a little weak.] I love dogs, actually.

Ah, well, brace yourself. [he can tell something is odd, but Yuri if wouldn't want to dog barreling down on him he would have been more passionately against the idea. Victor whistles for Makkachin and the poodle bounds down the stairs and up to Yuri.

Promptly, the dog tackles him onto the carpet for snuggles]

[There's nothing quite like getting pounced on by an eager dog, Yuuri thinks. Despite the brief pang of hurt at the familiar sensation, Yuuri can't help but laugh a little as Makkachin whines and wags his tail.]

Hi, Makkachin. [Yuuri pushes himself up off his back, scratching behind the poodle's ears affectionately.] Are you joining us for, um... [He squints at the laptop screen from the floor.] Late lunch?

[the dog borf borfs happily at Yuri in response. Victor whistles for his attention, to get the dog off Yuri and into the kitchen for a snack bone. The dog takes it from his master and immediately runs back to Yuri, dancing around him to show off his new prize. Victor just chuckles as he gets the people food out for them to finally eat.]

[Yuuri, finding it a lot easier to smile now that the initial surprise has faded, just grins at Makkachin's enthusiasm and ruffles the poodle's fur.]

Oh, spoons! [He suddenly remembers when he sees Victor fussing with the food on the table. Far left drawer, far left drawer, he reminds himself as he hurries to the kitchen and comes back with the utensils.]

[Victor will be leaning on the counter, watching his dog run around with his new bone. When Yuri appears with the spoons he'll snag one with a gentle thanks, pulling a bowl of soap to eat standing, still leaning on the counter. His eyes fall back on Yuri, watching him intently. Yuri said he didn't mind the staring, which is good because Victor isn't too mindful of when he's doing as much.]

Tell me what you think.

[After a half-second moment of indecision, Yuuri joins Victor at the counter with his soup. He dips his spoon in, and tastes the borscht curiously, aware of Victor's gaze on him the whole time. Instead of feeling put off by the staring, Yuuri lets the interest warm him, now that he's heard Victor say it in his own words.

Finally, he turns to Victor with a smile.]

It's good. Mr. Celestino and I didn't really get a chance to try any of the local food, since we just stayed in the hotel to eat. [An idea starting to form in his mind, Yuuri stirs at the borscht with his spoon.] Did you try any Japanese food when you were there for the NHK Trophy?

I didn't get to try much in Japan! The plane arrived late and we had an early flight right after. So, we only went out for Sushi once. Though, what I did have was divine!

[Yuuri brightens up, opportunity spotted.]

Um, I've picked up some cooking skills from my mom. [You didn't help out at the inn for so long without learning a few things. And Yuuri had always liked helping out in the kitchen the best.] Maybe I could cook some Japanese dishes for you to try. As a thank you for taking me in like this.

[If Yuri's face had brightened, Victor's SPARKLES]

Would you really!? That sounds amazing!

[Any misgiving Yuuri had about offering is immediately erased by that smile.]

Really? I can show you the ones I know how to make later, and you can tell me which ones you want to try!

All of them! I'll try it all. I love to be surprised!

Okay. [Yuuri beams, suddenly feeling better now that there's something he can do for Victor in return.]

I'll just have to stop by the market to pick up the ingredients beforehand. Unless you think you have anything here...? [He glances toward the kitchen.]

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