For the space of a few seconds, he thinks he's done it wrong again: that even offering something of himself before asking anything more of Yuri was somehow, still not right –
But he waits. Takes that breath, and the next one, because he can be patient, when it's important. And it is important. It's Yuri's whole career. It's his, that he dropped in a heartbeat, for the memory of one night and a three minute video online.
For him. The boy sitting next to him, tucked into himself, peering worriedly at the world through glasses, hair gone ruffled in the sea breeze, and still more beautiful than Victor knows what to do with. Different than he had been that night, but more real. This foolish thing in Victor's chest that has been reaching for him and dreaming of him and longing for him for over a year, still yearning.
But mixed up, now, with a new need. Wanting to help. To prove he could, that he isn't just playing at being a coach, like Yuri's career is a silly diversion, as if it's something Victor would take so lightly.
Uncurling itself like a cat to relax around Victor's ribs when there's a pause, but some words actually come, and even if they aren't what he expected, they're more than he thought he'd get.
And maybe more useful, too. Someone trying too hard to push past Yuri's barriers, who hugged him without warning and got pushed away: It sounds familiar.
"Wow," is not quite a laugh, because it isn't funny, but he's breathing relief, and keeping it light. "Why?"
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But he waits. Takes that breath, and the next one, because he can be patient, when it's important. And it is important. It's Yuri's whole career. It's his, that he dropped in a heartbeat, for the memory of one night and a three minute video online.
For him. The boy sitting next to him, tucked into himself, peering worriedly at the world through glasses, hair gone ruffled in the sea breeze, and still more beautiful than Victor knows what to do with. Different than he had been that night, but more real. This foolish thing in Victor's chest that has been reaching for him and dreaming of him and longing for him for over a year, still yearning.
But mixed up, now, with a new need. Wanting to help. To prove he could, that he isn't just playing at being a coach, like Yuri's career is a silly diversion, as if it's something Victor would take so lightly.
Uncurling itself like a cat to relax around Victor's ribs when there's a pause, but some words actually come, and even if they aren't what he expected, they're more than he thought he'd get.
And maybe more useful, too. Someone trying too hard to push past Yuri's barriers, who hugged him without warning and got pushed away: It sounds familiar.
"Wow," is not quite a laugh, because it isn't funny, but he's breathing relief, and keeping it light. "Why?"