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

[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.]

Just some dry pasta, nothing very good. We can go do some shopping together! [Victor makes this mundane thing sound fun, somehow. He might really enjoy these little domestic moments, not very used to sharing them]

[The sheepish look returns. Yuuri isn't exactly minding these domestic moments either, though he's still blown away that they're happening at all.]

That... would be helpful. I don't think I would be able to find anything if everything's written in Cyrillic.

Make a list in English, I'll help you find everything. [he thinks a moment, looking at his phone]

We should probably go soon, there's a storm rolling in tonight that might snow us in. Would be better to have food stocked up.

[Out of sheer habit, he reaches in his pocket for a phone that he no longer has, and sighs ruefully when he realizes this. He's nowhere near Phichit's level of dependency on his technology, but he didn't think he would miss it this much either.]

I guess I'll have to use pen and paper until I can figure something out for my phone... [He quickly finishes the borscht and sets aside the rest of the bread bowl to the side while he scans the table for a notepad or something similar.]

[A pad of paper and a pen is produced relatively quickly. Victor had been using it to write down the police information while on the phone earlier. He'll be finishing up his meal as Yuri scribbles on the pad, actually focusing on his meal more than watching Yuri]

[While Viktor eats, Yuuri tries to recall the various ingredients that go into the dishes he does remember off the top of his head.]

Hmm. [The pen rests against his lips as he thinks.] How long do you think the storm will last?

Mmm, not sure, let me check the forecast... [he'll take his own phone out, flipping along to a weather app. He coughs a bit, looking concerned.]

Uhm... several days? [3-5 was forecast for snow, it would be difficult to know just how many might solidly trap them, but... better safe than sorry.] We should really go now.

[If Victor's concerned by the weather, then it increases Yuuri's worry several times over. Strangely, the thought of being snowed in with Victor for days doesn't bother him, when it would have sent him into a panic just days before--though, Yuuri supposes he should wait for it all to really sink in before he feels too relieved by this.]

I think this should be enough. [Yuuri decides, dropping the pen as he finishes his list.] Let me grab a jacket from my bag and we can head out.

[Victor's concern is severely under stocked home in general and he doesn't want Yuri to have an uncomfortable stay, especially not from Victor being under prepared. He'll grab a jacket for himself, giving Makkachin another snuggle at the door before they can head out to town. Victor goes into a rather busy corner market, seemed like a few other people had this same idea. He'll hand Yuri a basket and have one for himself, his other hand taking Yuri's to guide him around and make sure he didn't muscled away by another hasty shopper wanting to stock up before a storm.]

[Despite the thrum of worry that's been under his skin since this morning, Yuuri finds himself studying the busy market with wide, curious eyes. He hadn't been kidding when he said he and Celestino had barely gotten out of the hotel to sight see, and now he's getting a taste of Russia in a rather unconventional way.

There's a flush of color on Yuuri's cheeks, one that's been there since Victor first took his hand. It hasn't had a chance to abate at all, returning in full force every time Yuuri sneaks a look at their joined hands.]

Is that rice over there? [Yuuri forces himself to concentrate on the task at hand, clutching his basket closer.]

[If the hand holding is embarrassing, the fact that Victor presses himself right up against Yuri when they're stopped is on another level. It's so casual, he's just trying to take up less space in the crowded and not all that large market. It's also easier to hear Yuri when he inquires about something. He goes to the pointed out rice, grabbing a bag and putting it over his shoulder since it would take up too much room in his hand basket alone. He's sure to snag some treats for Makkachin and extra dog food cans. Victor is only inches from Yuri's face, to ask]

Think that's everything? [there's clearly eyes on them, glances or outrights stares from people in line. It's unsure if it's from them looking like an open gay couple or simply Victor's attractive and unique presence. Very well it's a combination, really...]

Um...! [Yuuri inhales sharply, blush deepening immediately. It's a bit of a relief to use the list as an excuse to duck his head. Though it sort of hides his red face, it does nothing to hide the flustered stammer.] Y-yes, I think so.

[Sensitive as he is, Yuuri's been noticing the curious looks thrown their way for a good while. Though they make him a little self-conscious, he continues to let Victor hold his hand and press close. It's not like he actually minds--letting someone in like this is entirely new, but...it's nice in its own way. Yuuri thinks he could get used to it.]

Lets get home then. Sky went still so the snow is going to start falling soon. [he'll point out the window of the shop, where the sky was solid with clouds and unmoving, in complete contrast to the bustle of the corner store. Victor sticks close to Yuri until they reach the counter, only having to let his hand go to set out the items and pay. Bagging everything up, it's a short bounce around the corner to where his car was. It was dropped below freezing at this point, air biting.]

[Though the walk helps him warm up, Yuuri's still shivering by the time they reach the car, the jacket he'd pulled on earlier nowhere near thick enough to keep the cold out.

Once they've packed the bags of groceries into the car, Yuuri sticks his hands into his pockets, hoping it'll help.]

Looks like we just made it in time.

[Victor hops in the car with a loud BRR, not exactly dressed warmer that Yuri, save a pair of gloves. He'll kick the car and the heater on for them to make it up the hill to his house]

We'll be set for a week this way. I'll try not to drive you crazy!

I think I should be the one saying that. [He says softly, while Victor's antics draw a smile out of him.]

At least we'll have a lot of time to get to know each other while we're waiting out the storm...

[The hopeful tone sneaks in, and Yuuri can't quite squash the worry that Victor will change his mind once he's spent more time with him and seen how unlike his drunk self he actually is.]

I want to learn as much about you as I can! [grin, even if the cold stung a little to do so. He'll get the car rolling]

Hopefully I don't come on too strongly. I've never been a shy type, so just push me away if I'm getting more friendly than you like.

[Amusement bubbles in him--never been a shy type, indeed. With a hint of that amusement, he says] I couldn't tell.

I, um, I didn't think you were too friendly. [Maybe at first, when he'd been completely confused by the whole situation. But now that he's aware of how he'd acted at the banquet, and seen the pictures for himself...well, it's changed his mind. Besides, Yuuri can't remember if there was a time anyone had been so attentive to him, and he can't honestly say that he wants Victor to stop noticing him.

He smiles down at his lap.] I'll let you know if...it's too much.

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