maskormenacelogs | (no subject)

Are you sure you're feeling alright, Yura?

Yes! I told you already: I'm fine.

[There's an almost pleading, whining quality to his voice now. He doesn't understand what Viktor's so worried about. Even if he had been hiding an injury he knows it wouldn't be hard for either of the other skaters to spot it. They were all too used to studying the movements of other athletes for that to last long. Viktor had to know he wasn't hurt, and as far as Yuri can tell he isn't acting strangely... He feels normal... So all this line of questioning is managing to do is frustrate and confuse him.]

Well, it's just ... normally you'd grumble at a suggestion like that. But you're not now. You're not even put out by it.

Well yeah, but... [He frowns sharply, looking more upset with himself than Viktor. It was easier to see what was different when he pointed it out that way, but Yuri still doesn't know what to do about that.

He settles for scowling down at the mixing bowl he's holding.]

Look, do you want me to teach him or not?

[ There's another beat or two of staring before Viktor gives a light shrug. He turns the water off, reaching for a cloth to dry his hands wearing a fond smile. ]

Mmm, I think he'd enjoy it.

[He makes a little sound of relief and sets the bowl down.]

Okay. Then I'll show him.

[ Viktor gives in to the sudden impulse he has, reaching out to ruffle Yuri's hair again. He'll have to wash his hands again but. Worth it. ]

[He ducks his head this time, but what's left of the tension he'd been building up finally releases.]

[ Wow, it's so weird when Yuri's not acting like an angry cat. Nice! But weird. It actually kind of reminds Viktor of when Yuri first came to St. Petersburg to train; he had all the confidence of a pro, but he was young enough to still want to please people around him.

A memory makes him chuckle while he dries his hands a second time. ]

Hey Yura, do you remember that time when you wanted to help me with carrying some of the equipment? And the bag was bigger than you were?

[Yuri stops for a second in the middle of measuring out some flour.]

Right after I got to St Petersburg? I carried it just fine.

[There's that familiar petulant tone. Of course he'd tripped with it more than once, but even now he wasn't going to admit that.]

[ He chuckles some more. ]

Oh just fine, yes. Until the contents spilled out. You looked so distraught!

That was—because the steps were uneven! It wasn't my fault.

I'm not blaming you, Yura. It was just a fond memory because I took you out for ice cream after that.

Oh... Really? I thought you just felt bad because I was a kid.

I was trying to make you feel welcome, and thank you for helping out.

Oh.

[He turns away to mix the dough. And to hide his smile.]

... Thanks.

Welcome~ I know how hard it is to come to Yakov's rink when you're so young so I wanted it to not be all bad for you.

[ Viktor sets to cutting some of the vegetables he bought, slipping on the apron he got earlier. ]

I would've been fine anyway. I was determined to learn everything I could from him.

...But it did make it easier.

Mm, I was fine too. [ Good thing they're both turned to what they're doing so Yuri can't see the kind of smile Viktor's wearing. His tone brightens with what he says next though. ] But Mila joined us a year later right? At least you had someone more your age to talk to then.