I actually forgot to post the last chapter yesterday. I was traveling all morning and then I was helping to lay down new flooring at my house.

Hope you enjoy the last chapter.

Skate Like No One Is Watching

Level 7

o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o

Before he could qualify for seniors Yuuri would have to skate in a regional Japanese National Competition.

Yuuri would have to skate in a regional Japanese National Competition in order to qualify for the Grand Prix.

Yuuri had expected to be able to get through with little trouble because the majority of the competitors were younger than him. There were 4 competitors in the senior division and Yuuri was the oldest by a wide margin. The youngest was just 16. It made him feel inferior that he was starting so much later than the others.

Whispers went around the arena wondering what the great Viktor Nikiforov was doing hanging around a Japanese qualifier.

It was so early in the season Viktor was able to come as Yuuri's coach. He had also invited another coach named Celestino to come and watch because he wanted the man to take over as Yuuri's coach for the season. It would be good if he became familiar with the Japanese skater's style.

All the skaters were warming up on the ice. It wasn't until the audience saw one of the Japanese competitors come over and openly talk to Viktor did they realize he had come for another skater. Gossip started to fly. What was their relationship? Who the hell was he?

Pictures started to show up on Instagram of the two of them together. It wasn't long before it was a trending topic in the figure skating tag. It soon reached the other senior figure skaters. Viktor turned off his phone because he was receiving so many messages.

Everyone was asked to clear the ice because the qualifiers were going to start soon. Yuuri put on his skate guards. Viktor explained that he needed to go talk to someone but would be back. Yuuri nodded and headed to the antechamber. He knew he would probably only get nervous if he watched the others skaters. Viktor would come and get him when it was close to his turn. There were only a few skaters around talking with their coaches.

Yuuri put in his ear buds to drown out the sound of the crowd. He could already tell by the crowds cheering that the first skater was doing very well. His main goal was just to stay calm. This was the time where his nerves usually started.

Listening to his program song, Yuuri performed some stretches against the wall. Using the vertical surface to push off of. Leaning forward Yuuri twisted his hips. He had to keep his muscles loose so that he could perform all the jumps.

When Viktor came back he ended up watching with his mouth hanging open. He had never thought about how suggestive the stretches could be before now. Yuuri was so focused on himself he wasn't thinking about how he looked to others. When he noticed one of the other competitors watching, Viktor shot the boy a dirty look. The kid with the red hair with a yellow streak looked away immediately after being caught.

The competitor before Yuuri had just been called. Viktor went over and tapped Yuuri on his shoulder to gain his attention. Turning his head, Yuuri took one ear bud out. "You're up soon."

Yuuri nodded in understanding. They both headed to the rink. When people started to respectfully step out of their way as they passed, Yuuri finds he has plenty of time to develop a nice healthy case of anxiety before they reach the ice rink.

Yuuri took deep breaths as he waited for his name to be called. The nerves usually hit a lot sooner. He unzipped his jacket to reveal his costume. They had decided to go with a bedazzled blue jacket over black pants.

Viktor took his jacket. "You have this, so there is no reason to be nervous. Just skate like you do in practice," When an organizer opened the door for him Viktor leaned over and whispered to him. "Remember, skate like no one is watching."

"Right," Yuuri nodded in understanding. It was easier said than done. He took off his glasses and handed them to Viktor, who tucked the frames into his coat for safe keeping. As he skated out onto the ice, Yuuri could hear the announcer say his credentials. "Yuuri Katsuki, Age 23."

They had worked tirelessly the past two months to create this routine and to get Yuuri ready to perform it. The first notes of Foxes Feet Don't Fail Me Now started to play as he took his starting position.

Yuuri had become much more confident with skating in front of people. Without his glasses on all the faces just blended into each other except for Viktor. His silver hair stood out in the crowd of black. Whenever he needed something to concentrate on, Yuuri would find the Silver hair at the edge of the rink.

You would think it would be nerve racking having the figure skating world champion watching him but it was comforting. If Yuuri had no talent, there would be no way Viktor would be encouraging him to attempt to become a figure skater professionally.

Viktor watched critically. When he started Yuuri looked too stiff. It was probably just his nerves getting in the way. There was a planned a quadruple loop, whoops it turned into a triple. This wasn't a major competition so the point loss wasn't a problem. Yuuri would just have to do better next time.

Yuuri tried performing a double toe loop but landed badly. He didn't fall but had to touch two fingers to the ice to keep his balance. Viktor hoped that the mistake didn't shake Yuuri's confidence too much. He needed to remember to just keep going.

Pulling himself together Yuuri managed to do just that. Performing the next step sequence with determination. Taking out one rotation from his next jump so that he could get back in time with the music. It was a sign that you were a professional when you were able to calculate what you needed to do to fix a mistake while skating your routine. Viktor knew the first time he had seen Yuuri skate that he had what it takes to be successful.

Yuuri wasn't nailing all his jumps but still has the audience because of the way he moves to the music.

The second half of the program was much better. It appeared that Yuuri had started to get more comfortable on the ice. There was an over rotation here or there but otherwise, it was exactly how Viktor choreographed it.

Coming out of a spin Yuuri did his ending pose. Letting out a sigh of relief that he had managed the routine without any major screw ups. His worst fear had been falling into the boards. He knew that he'd began the program stiff but eventually started to have fun.

Yuuri skated over to the exit where the last skater was getting on the ice. Practically as soon as Yuuri had his skate guards on, Viktor started to critique his skating. The first half was sloppy but your second half was good. It was probably the same way that Yakov coached him.

Since it wasn't an actual ISU competition, there was no Kiss and Cry. They had to wait for his marks in the crowd. "Katsuki Yuuri's Short Program score is 94.36." The announcer was calling it a solid short program performance. Yuuri was disappointed that he just missed the 100 point mark. It was his own fault for his bad transition out of the jump. He promised himself he would do better in his long program.

.O.

They had to wait for all the other two skaters to finish their short programs. In the meantime, Yuuri changed his skating costume.

By the end of the first round, Yuuri was in first place. It wasn't that surprising because he was older than many of the other competitors. Some of them may have more experience competing in competitions but Yuuri had been perfecting his skating over a much longer period of time.

...

He was the second last to perform for the Long Program so Yuuri had much more time to get nervous.

His mind kept coming up with predictions of what could happen. Yuuri had practiced this routine so many times he could do it blindfolded but still he was having misgivings. Thoughts kept creating self-doubt and low confidence. It was like a shot of adrenaline that made him want to run. He started to slouch. He fumbled with his water bottle.

The opportunity Yuuri had been waiting for years was here. Years of practice and training for this moment. He had learned every step of the routine, and Viktor kept complimenting his skating while in practice. Yuuri knew that he was a completely different skater in competition while under pressure.

The stakes were high. If Yuuri screwed up here, all of Viktor's work would go to waste.

He wasn't worried about how it would reflect on him but how others would think of Viktor. There was a chance his reputation could be completely ruined. If it came out that Viktor had coached Yuuri and he completely failed, others would think Viktor wasn't a good teacher and if he wanted to coach after he retired

Viktor could see that Yuuri's pupils were dilated. Which made improved your long range visibility and making you more aware of the audiences facial expressions. "Give me your glasses," Viktor commanded because it made it much harder for Yuuri to see other people. "Now take three deep breaths." He breathed along with Yuuri to show him how it should be done.

It was actually working. Yuuri could feel his tense muscles loosening. "This is exactly like last time. I got so nervous that people thought I was injured."

"Nerves can do that to people. Make you just freeze in place even though you are physically able to move." Viktor nodded in understanding. "You don't have to be perfect, it's OK to make mistakes." Viktor reassured him.

The skater before Yuuri was called, it meant they had to start heading to the ice. Viktor placed his arm supportively over Yuuri's shoulder as he escorted him into the main rink area. They were able to catch the tail end of the last skater's performance. He fell while performing a simple jump but the audience still politely clapped at the end.

It made Yuuri realize he was freaking out over nothing. He would have to not land a single jump to not be able to qualify.

"Skate like no one is watching," It seemed that it was going to be part of Viktor's pep talk every time.

Stepping out onto the ice, Yuuri glided towards the center of the rink to take his starting position. He pretended that the crowd wasn't there. That this was just another of his evening skates back at the Ice Castle.

Though, now when Yuuri skated at the Ice Castle he was hardly ever alone. Viktor was usually always watching. He wasn't going to skate like no one was watching, but just for Viktor.

When the music began Yuuri took off immediately. Unlike his last song, this one picked up very fast. They picked In My Head by David Guetta for his long was a compromise from the other David Guetta song that Viktor had played him before. Yuuri had just related so much more to this one. It represented his drive to win and how he wouldn't give up.

It wasn't hard for Yuuri to get lost in the music. Once the music picked up he performed a twizzle. Straightening his skate for the next step sequence that included mohawks. Viktor made sure to include many step sequences in his performance because they were what he was strongest at.

It was all in his head. The only thing in his way was himself. Yuuri had everything that was needed to become a professional figure skater. He hadn't realized that until Viktor told him.

The first jump was met with cheers of the audience as Yuuri landed the salchow perfectly. Moving quickly into an upright spin, arching his back with his free leg drawn slightly. Coming out of the move, he transitioned gracefully into an axel jump.

All the nervousness had melted from his body, and Yuuri started to have fun. He danced along to the uplifting beat. The song made him believe that he had what it takes. They had placed a lot of dance moves in the second half. It felt like he wasn't just back at the Ice Castle but at Minako's dance studio. He was able to let go.

Landing his last jump perfectly, Yuuri was surprised to hear the crowd cheer so enthusiastically. It gave him the confidence to finish his program strong. Ending his routine with a final spin. Yuuri stood out of breath as the other contestants cheered for a job well done.

Yuuri squinted at the edge of the rink. Trying to pick out Viktor's blob out of the many. Finally, he saw the silver-blond hair and dashed towards it.

When he arrived at the exit Viktor scooped him into a hug. They ignored the clicking of camera phones around them.

"You were amazing," Viktor congratulated. There was only the minor slip up. He was extremely confident that Yuuri had done enough to qualify.

"Katsuki Yuuri's Free Skate score is 165.20."

When his marks came in Viktor scoped him up in his arms again.

Yuuri hugged the Russian skater back. "I actually made it." He whispered with disbelief. It amazed Yuuri that he had broken past 200 points by a large margin. It made him believe that he actually had what it takes to skate professionally. Though he would be competing against all the other international skaters when the season started.

"Making his combined score 259.56. Which is one of the highest ever qualifying times."

.0.

By the time they had exited the arena a swarm of paparazzi had descended. It was mostly just local reporters because it was such a surprise that the Viktor Nikiforov would turn up there. Yuuri shied away from the cameras but Viktor held him firmly beside him so that he couldn't escape.

"What brought you to the Kyushu championships?" One reported asked.

"I came here to support Yuuri Katsuki," Viktor answered simply.

"What made him stand out to you?" Another one asked.

"I have seen a lot of talent in him and am helping Yuuri to go through the process of becoming certified to become a professional figure skater to represent his country." Viktor had gone through enough press conferences before he knew how to answer reports questions.

"Katsuki is just a children skating teacher, what makes you think he has what it takes." A female reporter asked. Yuuri blushed when his current profession came up. It seems that some of the reporters had already Googled him.

"I have never seen anyone skate with the amount of emotion he has before," Viktor answered truthfully.

"Katsuki skated a season in the junior division a few years ago and crumbled under the pressure." The male reporter from one of the skating magazines brought up. Yuuri shifted awkwardly on his heels when his past was brought up. "What makes you think this time around will be any different?"

"As you can tell from the high score he received today, that we have already addressed that issue," Viktor said into one of the microphones that were pushed into his face.

"Who is Katsuki Yuuri to you?" One of the reporters from one of the more local TV stations asked.

Viktor knew that if he didn't give them the story they would just make up something worse.

"While I was staying in Hasetsu over the summer, Yuuri became a dear friend to me and I'm hoping for something more between us in the future." Viktor didn't want to lie about his intentions anymore.

"What?" Yuuri said beside him with a surprised tone.

"No more questions for today." Viktor grabbed Yuuri's hand and dragged him towards the car he had called for. The photographers snapped pictures as they fled. Opening the door he forced Yuuri in before he sliding in beside him.

Closing the door behind them, Viktor indicated for the driver to just go. They left the reporters behind them. They sat in silence for a moment.

"Did you really mean what you said?" Yuuri asked unsurely.

"Of course I did. I would never joke about my feelings?" Viktor asked sarcastically. Despite his light tone, he was worried about the Japanese skater's answer.

"I don't know. Why would someone as amazing as you want to be with someone like me?" Yuuri asked self-consciously.

"Do you really have so little confidence in yourself that you can't believe that I would be interested in you?" Viktor asked with disbelief in his tone. He wanted to call Yuuri amazing until he believed it.

"Viktor-" Yuuri murmured, chewing on his lip nervously.

"I've been dropping hints since I first talked to you," Viktor stated truthfully. It had practically been infatuation the first time he had seen Yuuri skate. Once he had gotten to know Yuuri personally, Viktor knew it could possibly be love.

"And I've been oblivious," Yuuri thought of all the moments when Viktor had leaned too close to him or when he had held his hand when they walked together.

"I would like to actually see where this relationship will take us," Viktor asked anxiously. "Do you feel the same?" It would hurt him if the Japanese skater didn't return his feelings. It was far more than a crush. Over the past few months, he had grown to love him.

Deciding to forget what his mind was saying- that Yuuri wasn't good enough- instead, he said with what his heart was shouting. "Yes."

Leaning in Viktor wrapped his arms around Yuuri to hold him close. "Will you be my kareshi?" Viktor whispered into his ear, remembering to use the word he had heard the shop keepers referring to them as. His Japanese was still pretty terrible but he couldn't forget that word.

"I would love to be your druzhok," Yuuri replied back using the Russian word for boyfriend. He had been studying the language and had found himself looking up the word just in case. It had seemed an unlikely development at the time.

Releasing his hold, Viktor leaned back so that he could see Yuuri's face. There was a bush spread across Yuuri's cheeks and his glasses were crooked. His brown eyes were so open and Viktor had a strong urge.

Viktor checked to see what the driver was doing. The man had his eyes on the road. He was probably just pretending not to listen to what was happening in his back seat. He was sure the cab driver had seen worse than what he was going to do.

Viktor pulled Yuuri into a kiss.

o0o

Conclusion

It had been a while since Viktor had been able to see Yuuri. They had both been going to different skating competitions. While he was competing at Skate Canada, Yuuri had been assigned to skate China. They had both supported each other from a distance. Viktor even had to give Yuuri a pep talk over the phone before a nerve-racking competition.

Their plane had been delayed so by the time Viktor had gotten to the rink the competition had already begun. He headed to the skater area and looked for any sign of Yuuri. As soon as he saw Celestino he ran over.

The man had agreed to be Yuuri's coach as long as he could bring a skater he already had with him. Phichit Chulanont was a young Thai skater that was making his senior debut, the same as Yuuri. The two of them became fast friends. When Viktor was away he always looked at Phichit's Instagram because he was always posting Pictures of Yuuri. He wished that Yuuri would get into social media.

"Where's Yuuri?" Viktor asked while clutching at the man's suit. The Italian pointed him to the back hallway. It made sense because Yuuri tended to get nervous before competitions so he liked to be alone. He thanked the man and headed into the hallway.

When Viktor saw Yuuri stretching against the wall with his ear buds in he couldn't help hugging him from behind.

When Yuuri felt two arms wrap around him he froze in shock, until he saw the silver-blond hair in his peripheral vision. He melted into the hold. Placing his hands over the arms wrapped around his waist.

"I missed you," Viktor whispered into his ear.

"I missed you too," Yuuri replied back affectionately.

Somehow they were actually managing to make their relationship work. Even though they spent weeks apart jetting around the world for different competitions, they always knew the other would be waiting for them when they returned.

They had made the rink in St. Petersburg their home rink for the rest of the season. Yakov had approved for Yuuri to train at his rink in Russia. He had realized if he wanted Viktor to come home all he had to do was allow the Japanese skater to come alongside. If he tried to separate them for a long period of time, Viktor would just run off again.

After spending more time with the Russian team, Yuuri realized that Yuri didn't actually hate him but acted that brusquely with everyone. They had come to an understanding and were on friendly terms. Yuuri had become fond of the teen. He would also be cheering Yuri on during this competition.

"What number did you draw?" Viktor questioned.

"Number 2," Yuuri answered with a sigh.

"That's soon," Viktor stated and Yuuri elbowed him to communicate he wasn't helping. "You're going to do amazing."

"Just because we're skating on the same ice as competitors, I don't want you going easy on me." Yuuri was worried that Viktor would hold back when he was competing against him. He wanted to win on his own merit. They both had very competitive personalities.

"I promise I won't be going easy on you," Viktor claimed, kissing Yuuri's knuckles. He wanted to do a lot more but they were in public.

Yuuri never skated with the intent to lose but he knew that it was unlikely that he was going to win up against such tough competition. It wasn't just Viktor either. He was familiar with the whole Russian figure skating teams capabilities and Yurio could give him a run for his money.

"Group A will be taking the ice." The announcer said over the speaker.

Seeing Yuuri turn to head to the ice, Viktor grabbed the sleeve of his Japanese team jacket to stop him. Viktor pulled him closer and tipped Yuuri's chin up then indulgently brushed their lips together in a chaste manner. The move didn't surprise any of the other skaters, it wasn't a secret the two of them were dating by any means.

Viktor rested their foreheads together. "Good luck kiss." said as an explanation.

"You think I would completely fail without it," Yuuri said sarcastically.

"I just have so much luck I thought I should share some with you," Viktor said good naturally.

Celestino was gesturing at the door that Yuuri needed to head to the rink. Quickly Yuuri pulled Viktor into a deeper kiss then headed towards his coach.

...

After performing a combination jump, Yuuri twirled out of his last move. Ending his long program with a hand over his heart and his arm pointing to where Viktor was waiting for him in the kiss and cry.

Panting Yuuri dropped his arms and pushed his hair back that had become un-gelled. He could hear the crowd more than he could see them. While he had been skating all he concentrated on was the rush of emotions the song gave him. Yuuri had given his all in this program and not allowed his nerves to get the best of him.

The crowd cheered and tossed flowers and stuffed animals onto the ice to show their approval.

He picked up a sushi plushy on his way to the Kiss and Cry where Viktor was already waiting for him. It was usually unheard of to have another skater representing another country as support but Viktor refused to stay at a distance.

Like always Yuuri didn't skate solely for the audience or the judges, he wanted to know what Viktor thought. Judging by the adoring look he was receiving, Yuuri assumed he did pretty good.

Yuuri received a passionate kiss when he received his new high score. It didn't seem to matter to Viktor that it was broadcasted on live TV broadcast.

.o.

From the podium, Yuuri looked down in astonishment at his Bronze medal.

It had seemed an impossible feat when Viktor had suggested that he had what it took to make the podium. Yuuri never really expected to be able to beat any of the really good skaters.

Yuuri looked up at the score board with amazement.

Short Long Combined

Viktor Nikiforov 1st 124.34 207.31 331.65

Yuri Plisetsky 2nd 118.56 200.97 319.53

Yuuri Katsuki 3rd 97.83 221.58 319.41

Christophe Giacometti 4th 112.45 189.01 301.46

Jean-Jacques Leroy 5th 11.34 177.25 288.59

Otabek Altin 6th 112.38 181.19 293.41

Phichit Chulanont 7th 86.75 199.01 285.76

Georgi Popovich 8th 87.98 159.23 247.21

Viktor clapped him on the shoulder from the top of the podium. He had managed to keep his first world standing despite the stiff competition from new younger skaters.

From the second place on the podium, Yuri Plisetsky had a sour expression on his face. He must have really wanted to beat Viktor. Even having the Silver medal for the Grand Pre didn't seem to cheer him up. The boy had skated his short program to Sum 41 song Sucker Punch and his long to IAMX song Spit it out. He was sure the two songs were a little out there for the judges. Yuuri was surprised that Yakov let the kid use them.

Yuuri had done the worst in the short program, coming the highest in the Long program by a high margin. Though the combined scores pushed him into the third place. The younger Yuri had just managed to edge him out by not even a full point from the silver position. In figure skating, every point counted, it could mean the difference between meddling and coming in fourth.

Yuuri was just happy that he had achieved his dream of ending up on the podium with the great Viktor Nikiforov. It meant so much more now than his younger self could have imagined. He could never have dreamed of being friends with his idol let alone being in a relationship.

Viktor hauled Yuuri onto the top of the podium with him. Viktor pulled Yuuri into a kiss, Yuuri gripping his shoulders as he kisses back. He hears shouting, applause and cheering; but it is faded to the feeling of Viktor's arms pressed around him and the heat of his mouth.

Instead of skating like no one is watching, Yuuri would rather skate purely for Viktor.

The End