maskormenacelogs | [ open ] a man is not made for defeat

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[ open ] a man is not made for defeat

WHO: otabek altin and various
WHERE: heropa, cape canaveral, your house
WHEN: 9/12 through 9/14
WHAT: he finally gets some help with his powers
WARNINGS: injury from abilities and training; will update as needed

9/12 - heropa

[Out behind Otabek's place, he's found a little space of green that isn't too close to anyone else so he can begin practicing. Hours pass without any result. He knows that his abilities run on emotion or at least they do for now. He was upset the last and only time he's ever used them, but he can't fake any emotion for the sake of practice.

Fortunately, it doesn't take long for something to develop - frustration.

With an angry huff, that abrupt ache in his chest as shaking migrates from his hands to his arms, body growing colder. He exhales roughly and then a sharp pain shoots up his side, causing him to double over. Otabek squeezes his eyes shut as the grass blurs out of focus. It feels as if his whole body is cracking and splitting apart, a tightness developing in his chest that hurts, he can't breathe, and then abruptly, in a matter of moments, it's all stopped.

He's somewhere else. Outside the cafe in Heropa that he loves. The park there. Cape Canaveral. Back to his apartment. He always has to wait in between each jump, leaving him open to be approached if he hasn't already interrupted someone.]

9/14 - your living room

[As Otabek gets into his training, the pain lessens but his movements are more abrupt and varied. Instead of landing outside buildings or on streets, he begins teleporting inside of businesses and on top of restaurants.

His focus is all over the place, uncertain of what he needs to do to control where he ends up. Which is a growing problem. Maybe it's early morning and he's suddenly standing in your kitchen. It's almost midnight and he's abruptly behind your couch. He's flushed, sweaty, and has his hands up.]

I'm sorry. I'm practicing.

ooc - wildcard

[Otabek has teleportation abilities, more info here, that he hasn't tried to master since the first time they made an appearance. It's painful until he learns to control it but has lacked a good reason to care about using it until recently. Now he has the motivation and he's practicing, with side effects. Feel free to tag any of the above with your character coming across him or have him pop up somewhere else.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Yusuke invites himself over, now.

It's less formal than how he was raised to be, but so are protest art installments and polyamorous relationships with boys from other worlds. Slowly, but surely, he's leaving Madarame's influence behind, and while it does creep in uninvited and inconveniently, he's happier now than he has been in a long time. This world is volatile and unpredictable, little things like texting a boyfriend to make sure he's home and skipping the part where he asks if his presence is okay seems like a victory.

It's a good thing he did, too, because Otabek telling him that he was working on his powers lets him be prepared, with a card for a healing spell and comfortable clothing. Training with Yuri was combat and agility-oriented, which meant Fox attire, but teleportation is different. They'll have to see how it goes.

When Yusuke arrives, pushing open the fence to the back yard, it seems that the answer to that is...not great. Otabek looks sweaty and frustrated, an uncomfortable grimace splayed across his features. ]

Are you feeling alright?

[Otabek had asked Yusuke for help with his powers, but a stubborn part of himself wanted to get a little bit better with them before that happened. He didn't want to show Yusuke that he couldn't manage it on his own or reveal that he was possibly a threat to the other man.

When he arrives, he's genuinely happy to see him. Sweaty and otherwise displeased, but glad that he's being distracted by his boyfriend.]

Yes, of course.

[Hands on his hips, he pushes his chest out as he struggles to catch his breath. Otabek closes his eyes and breathes through it for a few seconds before realizing how silly he's being. He'd promised to lean on Yusuke if the situation were turned around and it is.]

No, I'm not really okay. [He lifts a hand towards Yusuke, eyes still squeezed shut.] I feel as if I'm going to explode.

[ Yusuke is ready to call him out on that obvious lie, but Otabek backpedals quickly enough. He huffs, shaking his head and stepping forward to take the skater's hand. ]

Does it hurt? Hold onto me, I can help you.

[ He puts Otabek's hand on his shoulder so that he can dig through his bag and pull out a drawing. It's a picture of his friends, Akira laying his head down on Makoto's lap with a look of calm across his face, labeled Diarahan. Persona-speak for "max HP healing spell." Yusuke runs his finger down the portrait and it quickly disappears with a gentle popping sound. Long fingers wiggle between himself and Otabek, pink and teal light wrapping around them.

His hand cups the side of Otabek's face, the light spreading over him in a circle, instantly invigorating. ]

Is that better?

It does.

[He can be vulnerable here, with Yusuke. Otabek can show his soft spots and ask for help, because that's part of their relationship. He squeezes his fingers and shuts his eyes as the light wraps around them, only opening them again when Yusuke touches his face.]

How did you do that?

[His voice is laced with awe and as they stand up, the pain gone, he stumbles forward into Yusuke's arms. It's more openly needy than he usually is but the exhaustion and frustration have worn him thin.]

[ Yusuke's arms remain outstretched to wrap around Otabek and hold him to his chest, giving him the time to feel normal again, not just physically, but mentally, as well. The other man's seen him at...not quite his worst, that would be the night of the Adachi Incident, but close. Banged up, drugged up, terrified, in tears. He doesn't enjoy seeing Otabek like this, but he likes that he is allowed to. That the other man can let himself be vulnerable, let someone else support him once in a while. ]

I can copy other people's abilities by drawing them. I am not sure if you have met Makoto? She was our healer, when we went on our missions back home.

[ He kisses Otabek's forehead, and doesn't seem to mind the salty taste of sweat that comes with it. Yusuke came here to help, and that is what he will do, however he can. ]

With her healing spell, and my speed, I can make sure you don't have to struggle with it on your own. Let me know when you are ready.

[Otabek soaks it up, the affection and the general sense that this time he doesn't have to take care of himself. He's found someone else to help with that and he's not a pessimist but he'd never imagined it happening for him here.]

I haven't met her.

[He stays leaned up against Yusuke a while longer, breathing steadily, and enjoying the warmth of the other boy as it spreads through him.]

You'd do that for me? [Beka leans back, meeting Yusuke's eyes.] I want to get better at this in case I am needed.

[If Yusuke is in danger again or Yuri is.]

I will introduce you later. She knows about you already.

[ Yusuke relaxes his grip on him, only when Otabek pulls away to meet his eyes, letting him know that he's ready. He nods, the gentle smile on his face turning into a chuckle. ]

That is what I am here for, is it not? To support you and help you however I can. If you want to be in better touch with your powers, then I will make it happen.

[ He leans in, giving Otabek a quick peck on the lips, before letting go of him entirely and walking backwards to the opposite end of the yard. He leans back, hands bracing against the chain link fence. ]

We start small, alright? Just across the yard. Come here.

She does?

[Had Yusuke told her about him? Otabek finds that endearing and sweet. He shows it by leaning up to press a kiss just below Yusuke's mouth.]

You're so very tall.

[He nods, hands on his hips as the other boy crosses the yard and gives him a point of reference. Otabek hadn't thought to try something like that.]

Be careful. I don't want to hurt you.

[Breathing out, he shuts his eyes as the shaking starts. It's across the yard, he can do this. Yusuke is right there. When it happens, it's always sudden. Harsh breaths and the shaking and then his body doubles forward and splits apart into black wisps. Otabek makes a violent noise and when he reappears it's close to Yusuke, body hitting his as he stumbles forward.]

[ He nods, bracing himself for either a potential impact, or having to run to his boyfriend's rescue. His eyes are fixed on Otabek, watching for anything he can use to help him, but one second he looks like he's vibrating, and the next he's just barely missed crashing into him.

Yusuke makes a startled noise, but reacts quickly, throwing his arms out to make sure Otabek is supported, whether he needs it or not. Already, the bright, soothing lights are flowing through his hands and wrapping around the other man as he holds him tight. He recovers quickly from any shock, keeping his voice low and smooth, settling gladly into the role of a pillar of strength for Otabek to rely on. ]

Exactly on target. How do you feel?

[Otabek's fingers grip Yusuke's shoulders, and any pain he felt or might have felt, blurs and disappears with the magic. He doesn't move, though. That was the most accurate he's ever been with it.]

I am fine, Yusuke.

[He smiles up at Yusuke in surprised, butterflies filling his stomach and threatening to bust out of him.]

This isn't what I expected to feel.

[They had come into this relationship with the understanding that they may or may not hit it off and even after they had, it didn't mean they'd grow to have feelings for one another. Otabek is nervous, abruptly, and his eyes drop down to Yusuke's chest.]

[ With the way Otabek looks at him, he can't help but offer a soft smile back. The tenderness is different from his training with Yuri, but their powers are different, they're unique individuals, of course they'll need different things. Even between Yuri and himself, where a lot of their abilities are similar, what works for one doesn't always work for the other. Yusuke enjoys the puzzle, and knowing that he has helped someone in a tangible, potentially life saving way.

Even in his regular clothes, with his arms around Otabek, speaking in soft reassurances, Yusuke is very much in training mode. That his boyfriend's thoughts have trailed off onto their relationship escapes him, his own focus is on making sure that Otabek is ready to go again, a little further this time. Small steps. ]

What do you mean?

[Otabek's brows pinch together and something similar to confusion flits across his face. Then fear followed quickly by surprise. He doesn't know how to process so many emotions, especially when they're so new and he's already exhausted from practice.]

I had hoped, Yusuke.

[He shakes his head and drops in to rest his forehead against Yusuke's chest. Otabek felt safe, then. Comfortable. Himself. The butterflies he felt around Yuri were present and he was oddly vulnerable, as if all his soft spots were open to scrutiny. He didn't want to do this now but his heart was ten steps ahead of him. Beka realizes in that moment that he has feelings for Yusuke. And Yuri. Different, but at the core of it all, very much the same.

He doesn't know how to say any of that.]

[ There's something going on behind Otabek's eyes that he isn't aware of. That much is obvious. Whatever it is feels like more than just exhaustion from training, but Yusuke can't place it. That makes him feel a little nervous, but he tries to hide it. Otabek needs him strong.

His hold on the other man tightens, one hand coming up to the back of his head, holding him to Yusuke's chest. Long fingers smooth over his hair, the long and short parts equally, gently massaging in a motion he hopes is soothing. ]

I've got you. No need to worry. What is it, that you were hoping?

[He needs to focus on the task at hand. It's important to him that he learns how to manage his abilities. The only issue is that the more he tries the more exhausted he becomes and with that physical weariness a whole myriad of internal problems crop up. Like the sudden understanding of his feelings or the willingness to share them abruptly without taking the time to think it all through first.

Beka blinks a few times and then leans back, pressing into Yusuke's hands but putting enough space between them that he can look up at his face.]

That I'd feel this way for you.

[Different, special. His heart always had the room but it took time to open up to the idea of caring for more than one person.]

I like you very much, кролик.

[ He looks down to meet Otabek's eyes, fingernails scratching gently at his scalp. His hands are still bright with that healing glow, whether the other man actually needs it or not.

Yusuke can't help but chuckle, as someone who's head is constantly trapped in his feelings whenever he's not training or actually fighting. That Otabek wants to talk about his feelings right now, force him to switch gears, is endlessly amusing to him. He doesn't mind it, he embraces it, the chance to see those soft spots, not to scrutinize them as the the other boy fears, but to hold them, to adore them, to take them on as his own. The artist's smile is warm, instead of teasing, Yusuke wants to support him in everything, no matter what it is.

Maybe a little teasing. ]

Is that what has you so flustered? I should hope so. I would hate to be the only one enraptured.

[ He sounds collected, if a little quieter, but he's in deep, and he feels like he's stumbling there, as if by accident. There's just a hint of a warmer color making its way to Yusuke's cheeks, he was already confident that Otabek has feelings for him, why continue this arrangement, otherwise? It's evident to him, and it has been, in the way he catches the other man looking at him, the way he makes Yusuke melt with such ease, the way they kiss. Of course he knows, but hearing it said out loud makes it feel solid, a real thing that pounds against the inside of his chest without mercy. His hand trails around to caress his cheek with care, soft as the fond expression laid across his features. He feels like the entire neighborhood can hear his heart beating, he hopes they can, he would tell the whole world if he could. ]

I really like you, too, Otabek. My own feelings are becoming stronger all the time. In moments like these, I...[ forget to breathe? ] They mean the world to me. That you would let me in to see another side of you is important. I want you to feel safe, trusting me with all of this is part of that.

[ His feelings, his fears, his exhaustion at this training process. All of it. Yusuke runs his thumb down the other's jaw, down to his chin, lingering there briefly, and then pulls himself away. He scales the fence behind them with the swift dexterity befitting a master theif, and starts backing down the alley separating Otabek's place from his neighbor's, talking as he goes. ]

We are not finished yet, Beka. I will move back a little further this time, if you can meet me within kissing distance, you can claim your prize.

Edited 2017-10-16 18:28 (UTC)

[Otabek would have preferred that he didn't need to talk about his feelings right now. Not when they're training and he's exhausted, after he's had time to think about everything going through his mind and how it makes him feel. The pros and cons, the ins and outs, but his heart needed to have him say it so he had.]

Are you? [He tips back and watches Yusuke closely, looking for any indication that he's being as honest with his feelings as Otabek is. He couldn't bear it if the other man was only saying this to appease him. His heart would break.] Are you truly enraptured?

[The truth of it is easy to see, if only because Yusuke always Otabek to see it. The flush to his cheeks, the honesty he can see in his eyes. It's a lot, but never more than he can handle and that's how he knows that it's right. He has room in his heart for Yuri and Yusuke and all he'd wanted was to know that they had room in their hearts for him. He smiles softly at Yusuke, pressing into the hand on his cheek.]

I do feel safe. [Only two people make him feel this way. He's a fortunate man to have that with one person, let alone two.] You make me very happy.

[Beka stumbles when Yusuke pulls away, immediately overwhelmed by the chill in the air and the uncomfortable reminder that he has to do this right if he wants to be back where he just was. He nods and focuses, this time he closes his eyes - he concentrates on Yusuke, not the ground or air or space between them, and he moves. Everything cracks and splinters, piecing together again right in front of the other man. His eyes snap open.]

It didn't hurt.

[ If this is what Otabek needs, Yusuke is here to encourage it. That was part of the promise he made when he accepted his Persona, never to run from the truth. It was do or die then, and it still is, in his mind, he wears his feelings freely. Waiting for the right time to express himself had never gotten him anywhere, if he feels it, he'll say it. If he does not, he won't. It's as simple as that, there is no appeasement here. He only hopes that he can inspire Otabek to be as open. There's never a good time on paper, but getting the load off one's shoulders is always freeing.

Again, Yusuke braces himself for impact, digging his heels into the dirt with his arms up, ready in case Otabek needs to be caught. To his surprise, the other man appears in front of him, close enough to touch, but upright and seemingly steady. He steps towards his trainee, glowing hands resting on his shoulders. ]

It doesn't? You're sure? You feel fine?

[ He tilts his head and looks Otabek up and down, as if a visual examination would somehow prove or disprove it. He looks fine, so the expression that Yusuke wears shifts from concern to pride, and he leans in to make good on his promise of a reward. It's a soft, languid kiss, only half-broken by Yusuke's lips turning upwards into a smile despite himself. When he speaks again, he does it without pulling away, nice and comfortable where he is. ]

To answer your question, yes, I am. Completely enraptured. [ And then he pulls away, still in arm's reach, to grab Otabek's hands and give him a questioning look. ] What is кролик?

[In a sense, it was uncomfortable. That strange ache still thrummed inside his body. His limbs were heavy and leaden. But the sharp snap of pain that he'd felt each time before, gone. Possibly just so light that he doesn't notice it now as it doesn't compare.]

I don't feel good, but the pain wasn't the same.

[He doesn't know how to explain it but he owes it to Yusuke to try.]

I am still tired, as if all my energy has been drained. [The glowing hands make that go away and he smiles softly up at Yusuke.] That helps.

[Otabek puffs up at the pride in Yusuke's expression, shoulders raising and hands gripping the other's shoulders as they kiss.]

It is rabbit. I call you кролик in private since it is sweet but сильная лиса, strong fox, in public. I do this to spare you. Not all people like to be called sweet names in front of others.

[ Yusuke laughs, as it is painfully obvious that he is referring to Yuri. He, however, is much more free in his affection, even if he isn't much for nicknames. ]

I don't mind it one bit. But 'Fox' is a codename, you shouldn't call me that in public, even in Russian. [ Maybe especially in Russian, given the sort of looks it attracts from the natives. ] Why rabbit, of all the things?

[Otabek's brow furrows as he considers what to change Yusuke's nickname to.]

Rabbits represent creativity and luck. You are artistic, creative, and I was very fortunate to meet you. You keep me on my toes and have had me looking outside the box when it comes to relationships. [A short pause.] I will call you умный паук, which means clever and spider.

[The former is probably more obvious why he chose it but spider because they are intelligent and very far from a fox.]

[ Sorry, Beka, secrecy before cutesy nicknames. Hopefully, a kiss is a decent enough apology, because he's getting one. ]

You've put thought into this. It's sweet, but I'm not sure I could think of anything I like better than the sound of your name.

You don't need to call me anything else. This is for me.

[He enjoyed thinking it out. Deciding and assigning a sweet name to the people he cared most for. It was another way he could show that he did care when sometimes the words he wanted to say failed him.]

I don't mind Beka.

Good. [ And again, he steps back. ] If you can dream up pet names, Beka, you must be ready to go again.

[ And in a flash, following a speedy blur of blue, Yusuke is across the street, leaning against a lamp post, further away still, but within sight. ]

[Otabek places his hands on his hips and levels Yusuke a look. It's playful but full of mock indignation.]

You're a tough teacher, Yusuke.

[But he needed that. Beka closes his eyes and focuses on his boyfriend.]

[ Yusuke waits until Beka appears in front of him again, his arms still outstretched and ready to catch him if he needs it. ]

You were a world class athlete, surely you've had tougher teachers than me.

[He's not quite as close so he doesn't stumble but he's right in front of him.]

They didn't have the same interest in me as you do.

[Coaches, teachers, choreographers - they all had their reasons for being stern and tough with Otabek and it wasn't out of affection or caring.]

But you're what I need.

Being charming isn't going to make me take it easy on you. We've only just gotten started.

[ A quick kiss, and he's off, further still. ]

[ Laurie's been peeking out now and again. Initially, it's curiosity without much concern; people just have to learn how their powers work and that usually goes one of two ways. You either have to learn to turn them off or turn them on. Mutants... Most usually, stopping is the issue.

ImPorts are different, and that's probably better for them.

She's not sure if she's asked Otabek about his powers, or if he's really experienced what he can supposedly do now. Teleporting? Or is she conflating him with others who have possessed similar?

That line of questioning is answered when he doubles over in her peripheral vision, and she turns more fully towards the window just in time to see him vanish. He looked like he'd been in pain, so... Yeah. That's worrying. Abandoning her current paperback, she reaches for her phone. ]

Omg. Are you okay? Where'd you end up?

[ Hopefully, he's the kind of person who keeps his phone on him. If he doesn't answer... What then? She'll call. Then she'll panic if that doesn't work.

Hopefully it works. Hopefully this is fine and uncomplicated. ]

[Otabek doesn't respond immediately, even though he can feel his phone vibrating in his pocket. There aren't many people who have his number so he knows it's someone important. He would but - he'd gone from Heropa to a neighborhood he didn't recognize and he's pretty sure he's in someone's closet.

He pulls out his phone, quietly.]

I don't where I am.

[He's as physically okay as he can be given the circumstances, but what he really needs is some help.]

I'm going to go outside and then I'll tell you. [Otabek waits a few seconds and then bursts out of the closet into an occupied bedroom, apologizing as he runs towards the door. When he's on the street, he crumples to the ground, legs barely holding him up.] I'm in Heropa, here. Can you come get me?

[He attaches a picture of the area, hoping she'll know.]

[ Laurie fidgets until the text arrives, and then fidgets more until she gets the subsequent messages. The picture... It's vaguely familiar, but one residential area looks much like the next here. Still, it's something! Laurie tries to type and fetch her purse at the same time, and as quickly as possible. She's out the door by the time she hits sent. ]

I'm coming. I'm not TOTALLY sure where you are. Can you get me a street name or anything?

[Otabek breathes slowly as he pushes himself back up to his feet, stumbling down to the street sign on the corner. He lifts his phone to take a picture, hitting send and hoping it's clear enough then.]

Do you know it? I thi

[He hits send prematurely, slumping against the cold metal bar.]

I think it's not far from home.

Pulled up a map. I'll be there in a few.

[ And she does get there as fast as she's able, coming from around the nearest block at a jog, looking at her phone and then around. When she spots him, she lets out a little "Oh!" and picked up the pace. Her phone goes back in her bag, and she reaches her arms out as she approaches. ]

Oh, my god! Are you okay?

[ Because he doesn't look okay... ]

[Otabek lifts his head at the familiar voice and turns towards her, stumbling in Laurie's direction.]

I've been practicing.

[He wants to reach out for support, but he lets her decide what she wants to do.]

My ability. It.. hurts and I need to get better anyway.

[ Support is fine. Laurie's arms stay out as she approaches and, while she struggles with the weight distribution for a moment, she's able to position herself under one of his arms to help him remain upright. ]

You shouldn't mess with it as the expense of hurting yourself. [ Not that she means to berate anybody. She hums and tries again, tone softer. ] There's help for people who need to learn their powers, you know.

Is it just... It's teleportation, right? Tell me about it.

[ If nothing else, it gives him something to focus on that isn't physicality at the moment. She didn't think about how they'd get home in a state like this. Walk?

That'll take plenty of talking. ]

What hurts?

Help?

[Otabek hadn't considered that there might be someone who could teach him how to use his powers, a person that would know what to do and possibly how to make the pain go away.]

It is. I.. break apart.

[He repositions himself so that he's partially leaning on her but not weighing her down. That way they can start the journey back to their apartment.]

I try to picture where I want to go and I shake. Everything gets tight and I break apart. It feels as if I'm nothing and then I appear somewhere else. I don't know how to control it.

[The only consolation was that it became less painful each time.]

Oh. That's... Usually, teleporting doesn't sound all that horrific. I've known people who sort of pass through portals or whatever, but not the whole Willy Wonka shtick.

[ You know. Mike TeeVee? That whole thing? She sighs and starts forward, not totally sure what comfort or ready help to offer, except...]

You want a little endorphin boost? It'll make you feel less cruddy.

Willy Wonka. I enjoy that movie. Especially that part where they ride in the elevator.

[Recalling the film distracts him. Otabek limps as they walk, mulling her offer over before responding.]

Yes, I'd like that.

[Yusuke had abilities that he used to make Otabek feel better. He assumed it was similar and he trusted Laurie.]

[It's a good night for binge-watching low quality horror movies, which is definitely the best time for Otabek to pop into existence just behind Yuri at midnight. It's the height of the movie—the heroine is sprinting through an abandoned building, trying to avoid the barely believable monster that's been killing off all her friends, and just as she turns an ominous looking corner Otabek speaks up from behind Yuri.

So, of course, he screams in time with the actress and tumbles off the couch while he's snapping around to see who the hell is behind him. It's a moment of panicked scrambling later before he actually recognizes his boyfriend and gapes at him in bewildered relief.]

Beka? What the hell...

[Otabek stumbles forward and around the couch, arms outstretched as he reaches for Yuri. He falls to his knees beside him, out of breath and frustrated.]

I didn't mean to do this. [He smooths one hand through his hair, the other tugging the blond by the wrist so that he's more upright.] I was practicing.

[Though he's not sure why he goes where he goes, he can see the connection to this particular jump. It's late and he's exhausted, why would his mind not supply that the best place to be is with someone he cares about.]

The more I do it, the less it hurts, but I can't seem to pick where I land.

[He curls an arm around his waist, breathing out heavily.]

I'm done for the night.

[Yuri reaches back for him with a tight hold, still a little shaken from the alarming timing of Otabek's arrival. It's hard to hold onto that fear for long though. Otabek looks too winded and distressed himself, and Yuri grips his shoulder with a look of sharp concern.]

Does it hurt right now? I can get you some pain killers.

[It did hurt, but the more he sat there, the less pain he felt.]

Yes, but no. I want to accustom myself to it.

[Otabek clings to Yuri as he breathes steadily in an attempt to catch his breath and push through it.]

I can.. I can leave when I've calmed. I didn't mean to scare you, Yura.

It's fine! I know you didn't mean to.

[Frankly, he finds the thought of Otabek scaring him on purpose laughable. Yuri can't imagine why he'd want to.]

Is getting used to it really going to help the pain? You should be taking care of yourself while you practice.

[Otabek's face nuzzles into the side of Yuri's throat, breathing labored and hands grasping and smoothing out over and over.]

I don't know. I don't want it to hurt.

[He thought it felt better each time but now he wasn't sure if it was that or that he was slowly becoming accustomed to it.]

I have to be ready, Yuri.

[Yuri starts to pull him towards the couch and settles one hand at the back of Otabek's head, stroking in light and soothing motions. He hates seeing Otabek like this whether it's important training or not. This is too different from the practically welcome exhaustion that comes from a day spent on the ice.]

I don't want it to hurt either. I wish I could help you with it.

You help by being here for me.

[Otabek trusted Yuri to keep him safe while he was weak. He curls up on the couch, knees pulled towards his chest with his head in Yuri's lap.]

I will get better.

[He had to. It wasn't an option anymore. There were people who needed him to be the best and he was far from it right now.]

[He sighs softly and lays his hand over Otabek's forehead, resting it there for a moment while he stops to actually gather his thoughts. He still feels on edge, partly from being startled and, now, partly out of worry over his boyfriend.]

Well... For now, you just need to rest.

[Otabek nods, snuffling softly as he squeezes his eyes shut and presses even closer. He feels safe here. Yuri wouldn't let anyone hurt him.]

I am not tired.

[He can barely stay awake.]

[Not tired, huh? Yuri rolls his eyes and threads his fingers into Otabek's hair again, stroking gently to try to get him to relax more and, ideally, soothe him into sleep.]

It's almost midnight, dumbass.

[A fond smile, lazing and soft, curves his lips. Only Yuri could say something insulting and have Otabek feeling endeared, touched even.]

The mouth on you, Plisetsky.

[A few moments later, he drifts off.]

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[ open ] a man is not made for defeat

9/12

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9/12

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9/14

lmao this is so cute

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