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He didn’t mean it to be malicious, when he saw Katsuki with his head kind of down, a fellow skater who was no doubt a fan of his, he just wanted to cheer him up. After all, no matter the placement he had made it to the Grand Prix for the first time, that should still be an achievement. And no one ever wanted to miss a chance to get a photo with THE Viktor Nikiforov. Sure, maybe he could have phrased it a little better but no one ever accused him of being too tactful. He grew up with Yakov the Yeller for a coach after all.
“Yuri your step sequences are a bit…” Viktor started and then trailed off when he caught Katsuki looking out of the corner of his eye. Yuri started talking when he noticed Viktor trail off something about “what were you saying old man” but Viktor wasn’t paying attention. “Commemorative photo? Sure!” But instead of having the intended effect (i.e. him enthusiastically agreeing and then he offers to send him the photo to smoothly get his number), the offer seemed to disappoint him instead and he started walking off. Stunned for a moment, Viktor suddenly startled and started walking after him. “Yuuri, Yuuri! ... Katsuki!” Hearing his family name seemed to get his attention finally.
Yuuri had been trying to stay unnoticed as he walked out of the arena. On top of the already news about his dog Vicchan, he also placed last in his first Grand Prix. How was he supposed to look Viktor in the face? Unfortunately, Viktor took that moment to notice him and offer a photo. In some other universe Yuuri might have swallowed his pride (Viktor didn’t recognize one of the 5 other skaters in the Prix!?!), but he also felt like he didn’t deserve the photo. Just like he wouldn’t deserve any Katsudon when he got back home. That changed when Viktor called his family name. “If you recognized me, why did you offer me a commemorative photo?” He asked Viktor, who had by now caught up next to him and stood at his side.
“Yuuri, did you really think I didn’t recognize one of the other 5 fellow skaters I competed with? Do you really think I would be that shallow?” Viktor pouted. “I just thought you’d like something to remember your first Grand Prix by.”
There must have been something in the sudden swell of emotions that made Yuuri forget who he was talking to, because the callous way Viktor referenced his first Grand Prix grated on him and he blurted the first thing that came to mind. “What part of finishing 30 points below the last place makes you think I want to remember?” He witnessed Viktor’s eyes pop open and his jaw drop.
“Wow! Yuuri so cruel to yourself, and greedy too. Isn’t it enough that you made it here?” Viktor responded when he got over the initial surprise.
There came an annoyed “tch” from behind them and “I didn’t expect sass from a last place loser, congrats Katsuki.” Yuri Plisetsky made his presence known.
“Sorry, sorry, I don’t know why I said that. It’s been a long weekend.” Yuuri quickly apologized while Viktor and Yuri had also been speaking.
“No don’t apologize, the old man needs to realize he’s actually terrible at talking to people.” Yuri responded.
“What do you mean Yura, everyone loves me?” Yuuri noticed that he gave an exaggerated pout when he said this too.
“Yeah, sure, they love you because you’re the ‘Living legend’, not because you know how to be tactful.” Yuri spat back.
“So says the angry kitten.” Yuuri didn’t know what was going on anymore but Viktor and Yuri seemed to be having an argument without him, so it seemed like a good time to slip away. Except that Viktor noticed. “So Yuuri, does that mean I can get a photo?”
“Eh? You’re still on that? I’m sorry, now is not a good time. I received some upsetting news from home, I just want to get back to the hotel and call them.” Yuuri started walking away again as soon as he finished his sentence.
Yuri scoffed, “What did your dog die or something?” Yuuri flinched and the Russians startled again. “Wait for real? I was just…” Yuri trailed off for once feeling slightly guilty about his sharp words.
Viktor as tactless as ever turned on Yuri, “Now who’s the one without tact!” He crowed. His whole face had lit up in a winning smile.
Yuri kicked him. “Idiot” he said. “Look at Katsuki.” Yuuri was looking back and forth between the two of them and it looked like his eyes were close to shedding tears.
“Yuri! Viktor! Where did you run off to, we still have a press conference to do.” Their coach Yakov had been distracted by another coach and competitor when Yuri had walked off, but he was not distracted anymore.
“Yuuri! We’re sorry but we must go. Go call your family, will we see you at the banquet?” He looked comical as Yakov had grabbed his ear (like he was a damn child!), to get his attention and start dragging him.
“Speak for yourself, I’m not sorry to leave this loser behind. Next time drop out if you’re going to suck because something bad has happened.”
And before Yuuri could respond to Viktor or the Russian Yuri, they were both dragged away by their coach. Yuuri shook his head, that almost sounded like concern coming from the angry teen, which is weird because he insulted him in that same sentence. Maybe there was a nearby bathroom that he could retreat inside to call his family because he didn’t think he could make it to the hotel before crying now. Well, at least Viktor knows who he is. And with that thought, Yuuri left as well.