Yuri isn't normally one for doing much other than worrying himself into an anxious knot the day before a competition begins, and he almost never pushes back when Victor's given his recommendations and advice.

(Not vocally, anyway. He hasn't always been the best listener, even if he's quiet about it.)

All of which makes it doubly surprising when his suggestion is summarily brushed aside in favor of Yuri's determined request. Sight-seeing?

Before a competition?

Just the two of them?

Even with some more responsible, analytical segment of his brain hesitating and cautious, wondering what Yuri's ploy might be, it's not enough to keep the rest of him from leaping whole-heartedly at the thought. Idea. Image.

(It's not skating at the Red Square, but it's still, it's still --)

But there's still that faint, concerned, questioning note ringing like a doorbell in his head. Should he allow it, encourage it?

What could go wrong? It feels like a trap to say yes, but it's harmless enough, surely?



And then Yuri's smiling and ready and what few arguments Victor had are summarily dismissed. He's a fool, perhaps, but at least he's aware of it. "Leave it to me."