A/N: Sooooo before the chapter begins, I would answer some of your questions from the reviews, which I have read. I enjoyed reading it so I'll answer some of it.

To Guess, yes Nika2804 is meeee. Yes, I based Michael Mendoza to Michael Martinez. Yup handsome º(/∇/)º. And thank you for the compliment~

To Little Miss Pumpkin, I may let you all take a peek at other skaters. But some chapters will mainly focus on Michael and Yuuri first (maybe).

-Shout out to Little Miss Pumpkin for the rival shipping, Michuuri~ I find it adorable-

To Shiranai Atsune, already explained it to you :)

So to summarize some of the same question and need of explanation (again),

Yes Nika2804 is also me in Ao3, yes Viktor did some shit and all will be revealed, yes Victuuri vs Michuuri, remember the bashers, all will come soon. Trust me guys XD.

And, yes, Michael Mendoza is based on Michael Martinez. I planned to have the rival as a Filipino :) and I already love my OC XD

Disclaimer (because some might forget): Yuri On Ice doesn't belong to me, I only based my OC to someone, anything that seems to have the same occurrence in my fic to the real world is only coincidental.

-/-/-/-

It's been two days since Michael came to Japan. Those first two days were fruitful and eventful for our Filipino skater. Two days and he learned a lot from his idol.

He knew that he doesn't need a week to prove his worth. He already has.

Things worked out well.

Right?

Righhtttt?

Nah, it didn't. For Michael, since the first day, it was already stressing him out.

So here's Michael's first day in Hasetsu.

After he unpacked, he put out his phone and connects at the inn's WiFi. Turns out, the access was easy and Michael's eyes widened at the speed of the WiFi.

So far he went to his social media account and scroll on his news feed. He could see that some of his followers were wondering where he was. His friends from his country also private messaged him for some confirmation of his activities.

He sighed and decided to remain silent for his plans. He still has two things to do. Michael could already feel the difficulty of his one month stay.

A wary Yuuri + Unsatisfied programs + Uncertain that help shall reach + Limited Time = Total Nightmare.

While finishing or fixing some of his remaining things, he changed his clothes that are comfortable for sleeping. He got another bag which contain some of his used clothes. He'll just have to ask the family if there's a laundry room for him to use.

With that, jet lagged and tired Michael is currently in his bed sleeping. He spends the night until 11:30 pm unpacking, checking his social media and some messages from his friends, thinking of possibilities about his plans, and fixing some of his stuff.

His sleep is silent without any snore. His body snuggled another pillow and his blanket covered him until under his chin.

Sleeping Michael felt so comfortable in his life, sleeping in a very soft and fluffy bed.

But all came to an end.

His eyes snapped open when he heard a loud and ungodly sound. Someone at this ungodly hour woke him up by using an alarm clock. He knows that he's not in school anymore since he's already finish with it.

'I finished school... yet someone is waking me up!'

He groaned and slowly turned. He saw Yuuri all fixed up in his gear. In his right hand is an alarm clock which indicates the time 3:00 am. Yuuri turned the alarm off at the sight of Michael's eyes widely open. Michael sat up and rubbed his eyes. But the look in his face seems far from a very 'good' morning.

"Seems like you had a good night sleep." Yuuri said in a amused tone.

"GOOD morning to you too." Michael tried to be cheerful, but it failed epically.

Michael asks Yuuri once more while stretching his still sleepy body, "Why did you wake me up at 3:00 am in the morning anyway?"

"We're going out for a run of course." Yuuri simply answered.

"W-what? T-this early!?" Michael stuttered from shock.

"Of course. I do this all the time. Besides, it can help your stamina."

Michael groans in despair, "Is this part of the test?"

Yuuri shrugs Michael's question, "Figure it out."

Yuuri went towards the door. He spared a last glance towards Michael and said, "I'll be waiting for thirty minutes then."

Yuuri left and gently close the sliding door of his room.

So far, Michael's first day, his first wake up at Hasetsu, is unprepared of the trials and tribulations that Yuuri would likely make him face.

He was about to just return to sleep when a thought entered his mind.

"Go to sleep then. With that kind of attitude, you'll never impress your idol." His inner self seems to snicker at him.

Michael bolted up and quickly entered the bathroom in his room.

'Oh no! I'm not going down without a fight!'

By ten minutes, he's fully in his training clothes and ready to start his day.

'First day, here I come!'

-/-/-/-/-

The sound of skates landing on ice echoed at the whole rink. Yuri finshed a Quad Salchow with two arms raised. After he had done his warm ups, he went on ice to train and improve some of the jumps that he knows. He would always try it with his arm or both his arms raised.

After that, Yuri did laps on the ice and looked around. He saw Yakov talking to someone on the phone. Mila is doing her warm ups. Georgi came a few minutes later. The young Russian skater noticed that the only one who hasn't arrive is Viktor.

Yakov ended the call and even seem to notice that Viktor hasn't arrive yet.

"Vitya is late again! How many times must I put in his head to arrive early or if not, on time! He should be training for the Worlds not slacking off!"

Yuri clicked his tongue in annoyance, 'Late again huh?'

Yuri sighed and decided to try another jump. But his thoughts were interrupted when he heard Yakov's booming voice calling him.

"What is it Yakov!?" Yuri shouted in annoyance.

"Your phone is vibrating non stop! Just answer your phone and try to find Viktor!"

Yuri clicked his tongue and skated towards the edge. He reached for his skate guards and clipped them nice and secured. He went towards his water and towel and grabbed his phone. His eyebrow arched when he saw the name 'Chris' in his screen, calling him.

He presses the answer button, "Hello?"

"Nice to hear that you finally answered. I thought that you'll plainly ignore me!" Chris chuckled.

"Why the hell you would call me anyway? You have that old man's number right? Call him instead!"

"Aww, I didn't properly had a chat with you when we all got together."

Yuri clutches his phone in annoyance, "Go bother someone else!"

"Wait! Don't drop the call! There's a reason why I did this!"

"Can't you just get it straight to the point when I answered your call?!" Yuri exclaimed, he was ready to drop the call anytime.

"Wow, you sure are feisty."

"Get to the point Chris Giacometti." Suddenly, Yuri's eyes widened, "Wait... did you call because of Viktor or Katsud— Yuuri?"

"Both." Chris seriously answered, there was no hint of amusement of cheerfulness to how he said it.

Yuri didn't answer him directly. He wants to answer thr questions, but his mind is currently thinking of a proper answer without breaking Yuuri's respect and his privacy. He can tell what Viktor did but only a brief summary.

"Yuri?" Chris called the blonde Russian's attention back.

Yuri was able to snap out of his thoughts and answered back, "It's not my place to tell you. But all I could say is that they both got into a big and serious fight... truthfully, it was Viktor's fault."

Yuri could hear a faint gasp in Chris' voice.

"Yuri... I— no. Don't go further than that... I think... I kinda got what happened. But I need Viktor's confirmation first."

"What are you gonna do?" Yuri asked.

"Leave that up to me. I have a faint idea to what Viktor did. Max and I may go to Russia for some important business." Chris said.

"Thanks for the time, Yuri Plisetsky."

Before Yuri could answer back, the call ended. Right on time, Viktor came. Yuri decided to hide his phone and made sure that Viktor doesn't know that Chris called him.

But he can feel something will likely happen when Chris and Viktor meet up.

-/-/-/-/-

Michael groaned and collapsed on a nearby bench. He didn't even imagine a Spartanic running session between him and Yuuri Katsuki himself.

'Is what Phichit told me about... that Yuuri Katsuki has a hell of a stamina? Damn I should have never laughed when he said that...'

Yuuri seemed to smirk and let out a soft chuckle. Michael just groaned and continued to breathe heavily. The sun has aleady risen when Yuuri decided to take a break. Michael was the last one to reach their destination and collapsed.

"I'm impressed. You manage to last this long."

"What... time... is it?" Michael asked every time he breathes heavily.

"6:30 am. You managed to last for three hours." Yuuri chuckled.

"And you're... not even tired!?" Michael exclaimed.

"Nope, I actual felt amused when you desperately tried to catch up."

'Damn...what have I even signed up for...'

He mentally groaned. But as he deeply put thought to it, he is actually enjoying it. His inspiration in skating is running with him. Even if there's a hint that Yuuri may not help him, he felt so honoured that he gets to spend time with Yuuri.

"Why are you smiling?"

Michael didn't notice that his lips curved upward. He chuckled and let out a cheery laugh. Yuuri sighs and shakes his head.

"Did something hit you when we ran? Maybe this kind of time doesn't suit y—"

"Oh no!" Michael quickly interjected, "I just let out a laugh because... I'm actually happy and excited."

"Don't get your hopes up."

Michael grins, "Nah, I wanna be positive about it. Besides, I'm always positive that things will go well."

Yuuri looked away when he saw Michael's smile and laugh. It reminded him of someone. It may not have the same sound, but the manner of his cheerfulness is the same as someone who he once adores.

Yuuri clicked his tongue in annoyance.

Michael seemed to notice the change in Yuuri's expression. He stood up and carefully put a hand on Yuuri's shoulder.

"Maybe we should get back and have something to eat. We can continue this later." Michael suggested.

Yuuri shrugged Michael's hand and nodded.

Then Yuuri regretted looking up.

Michael stares at him with a bright smile. He gently grabbed Yuuri's hand as they quickly walk back towards the inn.

"I can't wait to taste your family's cooking again! It's been a long time since I had a homemade meal..." Michael continued to babble.

Yuuri was able to make out some of his words. But his thoughts were still clouded by Michael's actions.

Michael was too positive. Regardless of him knowing that Yuuri may not help him, he continues to be positive on the future outcome of his actions.

But the smile that Yuuri saw in Michael painfully reminded him of something in his memories.

He didn't annswer. But Michael stayed cheerful. He didn't let go of Yuuri's hand.

Yuuri let Michael lead them back.

-/-/-/-/-/-

The second day was the same routine. Yuuri still woke Michael up at the same time and gave Michael the same time to prepare.

But the run was different from their first.

Michael tried conversing a conversation to Yuuri. He would say that the weather is lovely, the sky is beautiful, or anything that may peak Yuuri's interest. But Yuuri didn't answer him back.

But Michael knew that Yuuri still doesn't ignore him. Michael would always say when they would call it a day. It was always the right time and Yuuri didn't complain.

Everytime Michael would hold his hand and takes the lead back to the inn, Yuuri didn't show any complaints. But Michael would always feel Yuuri's hand clutching him. His heart flutters and he can feel butterflies in his stomach.

The touch of Yuuri's hand made him feel something. He doesn't want to get his hopes up, but he enjoys every bit of the warmth. He could feel the beating pulse and the same warmth.

Michael didn't let go of Yuuri's hand and let out a soft whisper, "The beat of your heart is beautiful."

Yuuri wasn't able to hear what Michael said. But for Michael, it's best to keep it that way.

"Hey, Yuuri." Michael called the Japanese skater's attention.

"Y-yeah?"

"I want to try your family's signature dish... Katsudon is it?"

Michael saw Yuuri's eyes brightened. Michael smiled and saw it as a good sign.

"Oh, you must! Mom's Katsudon is the best! I'm sure that you'll love it!" Yuuri for the first time seem to speak a bit cheerfully.

Michael clasped both Yuuri's hand, "Really?! I haven't had Katsudon. So it's my first time trying it. It's good right?!"

"It's the freaking best!" Yuuri exclaimed.

Michael's smile seemed to brighten up even more. He knew that there's progress.

"Great! I want to eat it with you, and it will be our breakfast!"

"But... I can't. I'll—"

"Oh one can't hurt. Come on! Let's go!"

Michael still held Yuuri's right hand as they both ran. Michael seemed to be faster than Yuuri today due to him hearing about food.

"Michael! Slow down! I might fall!" Yuuri exclaimed as he tried to catch up.

Michael looked back and smiled, "Don't worry! Just don't let go! You can do this!"

Michael knew it that he can really do it. Even though it's faint...

He could see that small flicker of light in Yuuri's eyes .

-/-/-/-

Night time came and Yuuri was in his room. Yuuri didn't know what had him being like this. He was reluctant at first but for the past two days, being with Michael both made him feel comfort and pain.

Not only that, he was able to know a few bits to add about Michael Mendoza. His respect for the Filipino skater rose and his reluctance seems to slowly dissipate.

From the events of their meals today, it made him think twice about Michael.

It was only the second day, but when they eat, he would always eat the same time as Yuuri and his family eats. Michael said that he prefers eating together with Yuuri and his family. His mother and father agreed wholeheartedly to eat together along with Michael.

Mari seemed reluctant. She seemed to observe every bit of Michael's actions. But she still agreed to let Michael eat together with them.

Yuuri merely watched the interaction. Mari sometimes asked Michael some questions and he politely answers them. Hiroko and Toshiya would ask some about Michael's personal life. But he only answered a few.

Michael had background knowledge for architecture. He almost became a part of being an honor student but one of his grade got a two mark.

Yuuri also heard that Michael loved to dance. The only dance that he found difficult was ballet.

But when they asked him about his parents, he became silent.

"My father is doing fine." Michael answered.

They noticed that Michael didn't mention his mother.

"Dear, what about your mother?" Hiroko asked.

"She... she's gone. She died from leukemia when I was 19."

"Oh, I'm very sorry." Hiroko said.

Michael gave her a soft smile, "I know that my mother is in a happy place. There's no need to be sorry. But thank you, Hiroko-san."

Then after their meal, Michael offered to fix and wash the dishes. Even if they said that they can handle it, in the end, Michael did all of it.

Yuuri was now thinking of what Phichit said during their conversation. The Thai skater said that he would never regret letting Michael come to Japan. Yuuri decided to further push his decision.

He's close to see if Michael is really worth it.

He'll have to step up his test.

-/-/-/-

The third day,

The same routine as usual. Yuuri would wake Michael up. But luckily, Michael seems to improve in his wake up schedule.

As they went for their early morning jog, Yuuri could see that Michael's stamina improved quite a bit. But it still isn't a satisfying result.

By sunrise, Michael and Yuuri stayed near the Hasetsu castle. Yuuri decided to take a short break before beginning the exercise for Michael.

Yuuri noticed Michael staring at the top of the castle. The Filipino skater smiled and also enjoyed the trees surrounding them.

Yuuri decides to break the silence within them, "So... I remembered that this is your first time entering a major competition, right?"

Michael looks at Yuuri and nods, "Yep, the 4 continents first, then the Worlds. If I can get a good result, I may be able to join the Grand Prix Final."

"I see." Yuuri said, "You seem to be ready. I mean, you're cheerful and calm."

Michael looked at Yuuri, his smile faltered. The Filipino skater looked at the clear sky above.

"Actually... no. I'm not. I'm absolutely terrified."

"Why?" Yuuri asked.

"Um... I... just want to make someone proud. But I'm not sure if I could meet the standards after what I've said from that person in the past."

Michael looks at Yuuri again, his eyes had a spark of determination, "That's why I asked for your help. But I know that getting it would never be easy."

Before Yuuri could answer, Michael held his shoulder and spoke once more, "Yet, even though I know that it's uncertain, I can still learn from it. I want to skate because I love it. But if I notice that something is missing, I want to resolve it."

"Then... if you may say that you can resolve it alone, why would you need my help?" Yuuri asked.

Michael smiled, "Figure it out~!"

Yuuri's face showed annoyance. Michael chuckled.

"You have your secrets. I have mine. But I'll tell you something. When the time is right, I might also share some."

Michael then went near towards Yuuri. Their face is only a few inches away. Yuuri could feel his heart swell and his blood flow upward.

"Sooooo, do you now agree to help me?"

'His smile...'

"No comment." Yuuri smirked, he hid his wariness and put on a sarcastic look.

"Awwwww..." Michael pouted.

For the first time, Yuuri let out a soft chuckle.

"Let's start exercising now. We'll see how your body functions. Also, before I could forget, did you bring both the songs of your SP and FS?"

Michael warms up and looks at Yuuri, "Yeah, I did."

"Good, I'll see through your programs at the seventh day. Let me see if you got what it takes."

Michael's eyes widened and sparkled, 'I STILL HAVE HOPE!' "Of course! I'll make sure to give you a satisfying program!"

Yuuri looked away again.

Michael noticed it and sighed. But he smiled and continued to stretch.

"By the way..." Yuuri paused and looked at Michael. He smirked which gave Michael goosebumps.

"Ah damn, kill me now..." Michael muttered and groaned. He doesn't know why he felt something behind Yuuri's playful smirk.

"My ballet teacher has her own studio that we can use. I want to see how you fare." Yuuri smirked. "She'll see some of your steps."

"Minako Okukawa right? The former prima ballerina?"

"Yup."

Michael groaned, "Ah damn..."

-/-/-/-/-

Yuuri left Michael to Minako. She agreed to see Michael in his programs. Yuuri told Michael to do some balllet first then his programs. Yuuri left, stating that his sister called him for some assistance. Minako continued to observe every bit of Michael's dance. From footwork, to spins, and the movement of his arms. She mused about Michael's body structure. Not so muscular, but still a bit brawny than Yuuri himself.

But Minako seems to smile. She noticed that his body is capable of dancing.

Yuuri told him some of the background information that he got about Michael. She also searched it and felt impressed. His body may not have the body as a graceful ballerina, but his body is capable of adapting.

'Where did Yuuri got him? He's pretty good.'

Minako clapped her hands, signalling for him sto stop. Michael sat down and breathe heavily.

"Not bad. Though it needs some tweaks." Minako pointed out some of the flaws that she noticed. Michael only nods as he drank a mouthful amount of water.

"Take a one minute water break. Then I want to see how you fare to your programs."

"Okay." Michael nodded.

After taking a sip of his water, Michael returned in his position. He took a deep breath and began his steps.

Minako could see the fluidity of his movements. But something was lacking.

Michael could feel that his dance was off. He couldn't feel it and he can't imagine anything. But an image of Yuuri entered his mind. He closed his eyes and just go with the flow.

But what Michael did reached Minako's own eyes and it widened out of realization and shock.

Michael continued to dance his programs in front of Minako. The former ballerina could see some flaws, but as he put out some effort and thought, it drastically changed.

She didn't know why... but it felt familiar. Even Minako couldn't put it inti words.

'Familiar... it felt familiar. I only pointed out a few mistakes and by a few minutes, it's all fixed. But seeing how he moves right now... it truly is amazing.'

After a few steps and turns, he finishes it with his ending pose.

'I'll confirm something when Yuuri would see his performance on ice. I'll keep it in my mind first.'

"Michael," Minako called his name, "Who taught you how to dance?"

"Oh, no one. I just watched some videos." Michael answered.

"How about ballet and skating?" Minako asked once more.

Michael answers every question, "A friend taught me ballet. Skating... my mom taught me." He whispered the last part.

Minako smiled, "Then they must be great teachers. You have a crooked leg in some parts of your dance, but I know that you noticed it. Yet, you were able to improve it quickly and showed me an impressive programs."

Michael blushed at the compliment and smiled, "Thank you very much!"

"But still, I noticed something when you came here."

Michael slightly tilts his head,"Eh?"

"Yuuri. It's not that much, but it's a small yet big step. He's slowly recovering."

Michael wanted to ask anything about Viktor, but Minako beat him into it.

"I haven't seen Viktor too. He once was Yuuri's coach. Yuuri didn't told me much, but he said that they both decided to split first so they can focus in their respective competitions."

'So she doesn't know huh...' Michael thought.

"What happned to Hiroko-san was like a constant reminder to what happened to his beloved dog... it really struck him hard." Minako sighed.

She looked at Michael and patted his shoulder, "But when you came, he slowly got over to the accident. Yuuri told me that you needed his help right? But I could see something that benefits Yuuri too. I know that he'll agree. But still, thanks for being here. You're like Viktor. He unexpectedly came to help Yuuri... then it's now you. Yuuri must be very lucky."

"I guess so..." Michael chuckled. He didn't want to reveal anything not unless Yuuri would tell them first. But he felt some discomfort for comparing him to the person that played Yuuri.

"I got a feeling, if you find out your problem, you have the very potential to even beat Viktor Nikiforov. Heck, you might give Yuuri a run for his money."

Michael chuckled, "That's what I also wanted every since. I want to be at the same ice as Yuuri... at the Grand Prix Final."

'After I help him return on ice first. The whole world deserves to know Yuuri's story.'

But as he put some thought about it, Viktor Nikiforov was Yuuri's idol. It was also one of the reasons why he skated. His fist secretly clenched. He'll train hard so Yuuri would say yes.

Then he'll fight Viktor Nikiforov on ice.

-/-/-/-/-

The fourth day,

Michael woke up at 2:30 am. He knew that he still had an hour, but he decided to get up.

As he got out of his room, he heard a faint sob. He followed the sound and he stopped right in front of Yuuri's room. He wanted to turn away and ignore, but his gut told him that it's stupid of him to leave it alone.

With a heavy sigh and some courage, he entered the room. It was a bit dark. But he could still see Yuuri. His back is facing Michael. But the Filipino could see his shoulders shaking uncontrollably. Michael slowly went forward without waking Yuuri up. When he came near, tears were falling onto Yuuri's eyes. He was still asleep. But Michael can see that he's suffering in his dreams.

Michael did what he can to calm him down. He carefully sat beside Yuuri's bed. Slowly, he reached out his hand and touched Yuuri's cheek. He wiped the tears away and proceeded to caress Yuuri's hair. The contact of his skin made Yuuri slowly calm down.

'You shouldn't bottle up every emotion... Yuka...'

Michael continued to caress Yuuri's hair. Eventually, his sobs fade and his breathing calmed down. Yuuri finally slept peacefully.

Michael smiled at the result. He carefully stood up and walked at the door. But he looked back at Yuuri and did something that he couldn't even imagine.

He covered Yuuri's cheek with his hand and closed his eyes. Then, Michael gave him a kiss on his cheek.

He slowly opened his eyes and it widened. Quickly and carefully, he turned away and left the room. He collapsed and sat on the floor. His blush deepened as he remembered what he did. It still didn't make any contact towards Yuuri's skin, but he's starting to realize that he felt something for Yuuri.

'Oh god... I kissed him...'

He went to his room and prepared for an early jog.

-/-/-/-/-

Yuuri woke up around 6:00 am. He groaned and decided to prepare again for their (late) morning run. When he went towards Michael's room, his eyes widened in shock. He finds the room to be all fixed up and empty.

Yuuri went down and greeted his family, and some of the guest good morning. He changes his shoes and went out.

He jogged around the area as he looked for Michael. For thirty minutes, he couldn't find his whereabouts. He then heard the ringtone of his phone. Yuuri took it out and saw that it was a call from Takeshi.

Yuuri answers it, "Hello, Takeshi?"

"Hey, Yuuri, listen... Michael is here with me."

"Michael? Wait, how did you even meet him?"

"Um..." Takeshi paused. "Actually, Yuuko went out for some fresh air an hour ago. I just heard some shouting or squealing from her when she recognized Michael."

"Wait... She recognized Michael?"

Takeshi chuckled, "Social media flooded many news and articles about him. Yuuko watched some of his minor competitions and she loves his performance. Apparently, many called him Philippines' rising star. Even some claim him to have the utmost potential."

Yuuri sighs, "Explain some later, I'm gonna go to wherever you two are."

"We're near the view of Hasetsu know the park where we can see it?"

"Yeah I know. See you."

Yuuri ended the call and ran towards their location.

-/-/-/-/-

Yuuri and Takeshi observed Michael who is currently doing the step test by the stairs. At first, Yuuri finds him in his splits, stretching.

Michael seemed to focus in his training and ignoring Yuuri and Takeshi.

"When Yuuko found him, he looked for me. He asked me to help him in some stretchings and some heavy training." Takeshi told Yuuri.

"Yuuko is also very worried for you. She hasn't seen you for weeks let alone talk to her. Michael assured her that you're fine. He told us of his predicament. " Takeshi looked at Yuuri, "He went here because he needs something here. He only told that it relates to you. He also told us that you're testing him."

"Yup." Yuuri sheepishly nodded.

"He doesn't have your stamina, Yuuri. But still, whatever you did, he was determined to get your approval."

They looked at Michael who breathes and pants heavily. He lets out a choke shout and continued to run.

"He means well, Yuuri."

Yuuri looks at Michael and smiles, 'He really is...' "You may be right."

Yuuri stood up and called his name, "Michael! Change of plans. Get some rest for now."

Michael stopped and panted. He looks at Yuuri with determination and shock, "W-why?"

Yuuri smiles, "You'll touch the ice tomorrow. I'll see your programs."

Michael's eyes widened. He smiled and jumped with glee, "Yes! Yes! Yes!"

Takeshi merely smirked, "You know how he does it on ice, right?"

"I watched some, I'll see it for myself."

-/-/-/-

The two of them are currently located at the inn's dining room. No one was with them. It was late at night that time and they both decided to take a couple of hot chocolate for tonight. Neither of them uttered a single word. Michael took a sip and decides to break the silent tension.

"Yuka." Michael patted Yuuri's shoulder which caught his attention. Yuuri seemed bewildered at the nickname.

"Yes?" Yuuri reluctantly looked at Michael. The way Michael's face is showing right now means that he wants to know something.

But Michael didn't ask anything. He merely sighs, "Um... I'll do my best tomorrow."

"Um— of c-course you will." Yuuri answered, there was still a hint of disappointment within himself. He had a feeling that whatever Michael was about to say was cut off.

"Also... what tips you would give me at a time like this?"

Yuuri looked at Michael. Michael didn't even let his gaze towards him.

Yuuri quickly replied to Michael's question, "Be yourself on ice. Skate like it only belongs to you."

Yuuri's eyes widened. Realization hit him. It's like the tables have turned.

"Yuka?" Michael called his attention.

Yuuri clutched the handle of his mug. His bangs somehow hid the hollow in his eyes. There it is again. The memories of Viktor. He begins to breathe heavily.

'Not now...'

'Not now...'

'Not now...'

'Not no—!'

He felt a hand brushing off the bangs in his eyes. He looked up and saw Michael with a worried glint in his eyes. Yuuri flinched when Michael's hand roamed around Yuuri's face. From his eyes, cheek, and to his nose.

"Are... are you angry?"

Yuuri's eyes widened. Angry? That hadn't even cross his mind. Worry amd regret was all there is. But being angry? When was the last time that he was either mad nor angry? Yuuri knew that he experienced being pissed. But thr emotions of anger, he hadn't felt it.

"Y-your eyes are narrowing. You clutch the handle of your mug tightly. You've been shaking uncontrollably too... and your mouth is twitching. I... I just noticed it."

"No." He quickly answered and stood up, "I'm going to bed. Get some rest." Yuuri took his mug and quickly left Michael alone.

Michael didn't look away to where Yuuri left. 'You've been suppressing too much. I can tell that you haven't let out your frustrations.'

That's where Michael changed his mind. Damn it all if Yuuri didn't approve of his skill. Screw it all if he doesn't fix his programs.

He is going to help Yuuri fully. Without worrying for his programs or that it will be his first major international competition.

Right now, the one he looked up to in skating isn't himself right now. Rather than being disgusted, he felt the urge to just realize Yuuri that sometimes he has to be selfish. Or that he slowly must let go. Michael knows it and he acknowledges it.

He's gonna make Yuuri release every bit of negativity inside of him.

Michael knew he had some work to do.

'Binge watch some of his videos again. Then go to the skating rink as early as possible as I can.'

He quickly got his phone and called someone.

"Nishigori-san? Yes it's me... can I borrow the rink early? Yes I need it for Yuuri... yes I have to practice... your kids? Oh they can watch ... yes Yuuko-san can watch too... fine they can record and keep it for future references but please don't post it... Really?! Thank you very much!"

The call ended. Michael quickly finishes his drink and wash the cup. He quickly got up and collapsed on his bed.

After a few videos, he set his alarm and sleeps soundly.

-/-/-/-

Yuuri woke up not so greatly at 8:30 am. He felt a bit awful about yesterday's events. In front of Michael, he almost blew out on him. Yuuri knew that he's just worrying about him. He rubbed his forehead and groaned.

He yawned and slowly sat up. He stretches his body and let out a content sigh.

After fixing his bed and himself he got out of his room and went towards Michael's guest room. He knocked a few times and noticed that no one was answering. He opens the door and finds it empty.

He quickly got down and ran towards the entrance.

His sister seemed to notice his brother rushing. Mari held his shoulder which caught Yuuri's attention.

"Looking for him?" Mari pointed out.

"You know where Michael is?"

His sister nods, "He went ahead an hour ago. He said that he's going for a training run. But he asked me to tell you that you'll see him at the ice rink."

"Thank you, Mari-nee." Yuuri quickly wore his training shoes and went out.

He ran as quickly as he can towards the ice rink. A lot of people who he passed by waved and greeted him. Yuuri barely acknowledged them since he was on a rush.

He got at the ice rink and panted by the door. The door opened automatically. Yuuri regained his posture and saw Yuuko standing in front of him.

"Y-Yuuko-chan! Good morning!" Yuuri stuttered.

Yuuko giggled, "Good morning too. Just in time though. Takeshi-kun asked me to come and get you. My daughters seems ecstatic to finally see Michael's free program."

Yuuko grabbed Yuuri's arm and drags him inside.

"He said to all of you that he'll show first his Free Skate?" Yuuri asked.

Yuuko nods, "Apparently, he said that we should wait for you before he could start.

They arrived at the ice and saw Takeshi and the triplets eagerly waiting for Yuuri.

"Finally you came Yuuri!" The triplets exclaimed.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm here." Yuuri chuckled.

They all looked Michael who seems tk be practicing his jumps.

Yuuri observed and noticed that Michael is about to do a quad. Slowly Michael got into position, gained speed and jumped.

Yuuri's eyes widened.

Michael did a Quadruple Flip with both arms raised up.

'Ballet is the dance that he finds difficult, but he managed to do a Quad Flip with both arms raised.' Yuuri thought. 'Just like what I did at the Grand Prix.'

Michael stopped as he notices Yuuri at the edge of the rink watching him.

The triplets recorded the ratified Quad Loop and Yuuko clapped.

"Wow!" Yuuko exclaimed.

Yuuri looks at Michael, "Is Quad Flip your favorite jump?"

Michael answered, "I have no favorite jumps. I don't know why, but Quad Flip is the first jump that I've learned."

It confirmed to the quads that Michael learned. In the vids that Yuuri researched, the quads that Michael only showed are the Lutz and the Salchow. But never he had seen Michael do the same jump at the final.

'Just like what I did for Vikto—!' Yuuri shrugs off the thoughts.

"Yuka." Yuuri blinked and saw Michael in front of him, smiling.

"I'm ready to show you my program."

"S-sure..." Yuuri nods.

Michael smiled and skated back at the center of the rink. Yuuri saw that Takeshi has the remote of the sound system.

Michael signalizes that he's ready. Takeshi nods and presses the play button.

'I'm ready. Watch me, Yuka.'