As Victor continued to celebrate, Yuuri smiled, but felt torn. On one hand, he decided there were no words that could adequately describe the joy he felt at seeing Victor succeed in such a way. But on the other hand, the thoughts he had tried to silence from earlier came back with a vengeance. It's his senior debut, and he's already done better than I did in my entire career. There's absolutely no way he can continue to make progress with me. He has to go back to Yuri. There's no other way. I still want to be with him, and I'll still support him however I can, but I can't continue to be his coach. I'll only be holding him back.

Yuuri turned to Victor and smiled softly.

"I'm so proud of you Victor. You've grown so much this season, and I'm so happy you've come into my life. What do you say to this. After everything is done today, we go get a reasonably sized and reasonably caloric, at least for you, celebratory dinner before we head back to the hotel?"

Victor smiled and winked.

"It's a date!"

"The next skater is Stéphane Lambiel of Switzerland, age 20. The audience is still awestruck by Victor Nikiforov's new world record, but the arena is filling with Swiss flags! He is skating to 'Intoxicated'. He's changing the mood 180 degrees, from agape to adult sex appeal."

"Stéphane Lambiel's score is 102.37! He's passed Yakov Feltsman and is currently in second place."

"Now we have Denis Ten, age 18, from Kazakhstan. This is his very first Final. He is skating to 'Samarkand Overture'. Ten is a dark horse in this year's Grand Prix series. He was telling fans and reporters alike that he'd like to bring gold back to his country."

"Denis Ten's score is 112.38! He's beat his personal best again, and he's currently in second!"

"Victor Nikiforov remains in first place as we welcome the last skater, Alain Leroy. He has a huge group of supporters here from Canada. He's the only skater here who won both his qualifying events. He is skating to 'Theme of King JJ'."

"He seemed to allow himself to be swallowed by the Grand Prix Final pressure, something we don't normally see in Alain. He tried to pull himself together for the second half of his program with the help of the crowd singing along, but his jumps were still downgraded. Let's see how this affected his score. It's 86.71, his lowest score thus far in his Senior division career."

*****

"The Short Program standings are as follows: Victor Nikiforov in first place with a new World Record, Denis Ten in second place, and Stéphane Lambiel in third place, followed by Yakov Feltsman, Celestino Cialdini, and Alain Leroy."

*****

"Yuuri, do you mind if I go find Chris really quick before we leave? I want to make sure I know when he's supposed to skate so I can watch and support him if I'm not busy with something else. Is that okay?"

"Yeah, that's fine. Just be quick, okay?"

"I will!"

As Victor turned to dash off, Yuuri got his attention one more time.

"Oh, and Victor. When we're done today and back in the hotel, there's something I'd like to talk to you about."

"Sure thing! Just don't forget to remind me."

*****

By the time Victor had gotten out of the shower, Yuuri had settled in on his bed and was scrolling through something on his phone. Victor smiled at the sight of such a relaxed Yuuri, and sat on the windowsill to avoid getting the bed wet while he finished drying off.

"By the way Yuuri, what did you want to talk to me about?"

Yuuri sat up, put his phone down, and looked Victor in the eyes.

"After the Grand Prix Final is over, I wanted to know if you were interested in going back to being coached by Yuri Plisetsky. He'd probably be a better coach for you in the long run."

"Wait...what?!"

Victor's mouth hung open as he stared at Yuuri. Yuuri just looked down at his legs.

"B-But why?"

"I just thought that-"

"How could you?"

Yuuri cringed when he heard Victor's voice wobble. But when he saw drops of water falling on Victor's feet, he looked up in dismay.

"Victor? Are you...crying?"

"I'm mad, okay? How could you? How could you tell me to go back to Russia and Yurio? Do you not want me anymore?!"

"No! That's not it. It's just that-"

"What?! It's just what?! Because I'd really like to hear your reasoning behind first promising me you'll always be my coach, and then trying to back out of it! Do these rings not mean as much to you as they do to me?! Do I not mean as much to you as I thought I did?!"

"Of course they do!! Victor, I'm not trying to get rid of you!"

"Oh...y-you're...not?"

"God, no! I would never want to lose you!"

Yuuri shuffled up to the top of the bed and leaned against the headboard. He held out his arms and gestured for Victor.

"Come here."

Still sniffling, Victor crawled onto the bed and curled into Yuuri's embrace. Yuuri pulled Victor close so that Victor's back was against his chest and wrapped his arms around Victor.

"I'm sorry. I never seem to say the right things with you. It's just...you've improved so much in such a short amount of time. I mean, you just broke my short program world record."

Victor looked up and half-heartedly giggled and mumbled what sounded like "Thanks." Yuuri looked down and wiped away the remaining tears still slowly falling down Victor's face.

"But think of how it makes me feel. I have no coaching experience other than the fumbling I've done with you this year. So how in the world am I supposed to keep your career going forward if you've already progressed further in your Senior debut than I ever did in my entire career? I don't have the knowledge or skills necessary to keep you from plateauing. Yuri does, and I just want what's best for you."

Yuuri started combing his fingers through Victor's hair and almost instantly felt the tension in Victor's entire body relax.

"But even if I'm not in your life as your coach, I'll still be in your life as 'just Yuuri'. I will never leave you Victor."

Yuuri pulled Victor close and buried his face in the top of Victor's head.

"I love you Vitya."

Victor jerked forward and twisted his torso to look Yuuri in the eye.

"Uh...d-d-did y-you just say t-that you...um..."

Yuuri smiled softly as he reached up to caress Victor's cheek.

"Yes, yes I did. I said I loved you. I love you so much. I never knew that the bullheaded dork that invaded my home was going to mean so much to me in the end. But you do Victor. You really, truly do."

Victor felt his lip tremble as he tried to hold in another round of tears. He got up, turned around, plopped between Yuuri's legs, and wrapped his own legs up and around Yuuri's waist. Yuuri bent his knees and pulled his feet in, drawing Victor even closer, and grabbed Victor's hands.

"You have made me feel so...alive. After feeling so dead inside for so long during competitions, I wasn't sure if I'd ever feel the joy I once did when it came to the ice. I thought I'd end up some crotchety old man, my hair grey and falling out, and yelling at my skaters for doing the same dumb stuff I did when I was their age. But then you came along, and everything changed. I know it sounds absurdly cheesy, but with you, everything was better, colors were brighter, and the simple things in my life were enjoyable again. And it's all thanks to you. So yes, I know what I said when I accepted this ring, and I still hold to it. I just wanted you to know that the option was there and available to you if you wanted to take it."

By the time Yuuri was done talking, tears were streaming down Victor's face again. He threw his arms around Yuuri's neck and wrapped Yuuri in a full body hug.

"Yuuuuuuri~! How did I get so lucky to have someone as wonderful as you in my life?"

"Standing. Naked. Onsen. Not taking 'no' for an answer. Being jealous of my cling tolerance of three single-digit aged girls. Ringing any bells?"

Victor's face flushed in embarrassment.

"I said I was sorry about that, okay?"

Yuuri chuckled.

"Just...promise me you'll think about it. You don't have to make a decision right now. Just consider all your options. And remember, whatever you decide, I'll be right there with you. Okay?"

"Okay, I promise I will. But...can I wait till at least after the Grand Prix Final is over to give you my decision?"

"Of course. Your focus right now needs to be on your upcoming free skate anyways."

"Thank you Yuuri."

Victor started to slowly untangle his limbs from around Yuuri to finish getting ready for bed. As he went to stand, he paused, and turned back around and leaned forward, bringing his face closer to Yuuri's once more.

"Oh, and Yuuri?"

"Yes Victor?"

Victor grinned and gave Yuuri a quick kiss on the lips.

"I love you too."

Victor stood up and walked back to the bathroom, a satisfied smirk on his face from seeing the redness that had risen up Yuuri's neck and face.

*****

"This is the Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final. Tonight, we'll know our world champion. We have Victor Nikiforov in first, with the highest ever short program score. Denis Ten, the hero of Kazakhstan, is in second at his very first Grand Prix Final. Stéphane Lambiel of Switzerland is in third after a very distinct performance. Yakov Feltsman, Russia's newest prodigy, hopes to turn his fourth place into a spot on the podium. Celestino Cialdini, the first Thai skter to qualify for the Final, is in fifth. And Alain Leroy of Canada enters the free skate, shockingly, in sixth. Will he make a comeback? The final chapter of the Grand Prix Final is about to begin."

*****

"First on the ice is Alain Leroy of Canada, age 19. A string of short program mishaps has cost him points, and he's far behind. Let's see if he can contain his nerves and perform well in this free skate."

"Alain Leroy of Canada's score is 181.89, a wonderful score to receive after his short. His total is 267.90. He is currently in first place."

"In his short program, Celestino Cialdini of Thailand, age 16, bewitched the audience here in Spain. His supporters back home have high expectations as well. His family might not be native to the country, but that has never lessened the support he has received over the years."

"Cialdini's score is 193.83, for a total of 289.56. He is now in first place."

"Up next is the Russian 16-year-old, Yakov Feltsman. He is skating to 'Piano Concerto in B-minor: Allegro Appasionato'."

Yakov Feltsman's free skate score is 218.63! He was only a few points shy of being the second Russian to break one of Katsuki Yuuri's world records during this competition! His total score this evening is 316.46, shooting him into first place by a large margin.

"Stéphane Lambiel, age 20, is skating to 'Rapsodie Espagnole'."

"His free skate score is 188.32. His total score is 290.69, putting him currently in second place."

"After the short program, Denis Ten was 6.18 points behind the leader, Victor Nikiforov. He's now on the ice, gunning for a spot on the podium at his first Grand Prix Final. He is skating to 'Beethoven: Symphony No. 9, 2. Movement "Advent", Genesis edition'."

"After another flawless performance, Ten's score is 200.97! His total is 313.29! No matter what Nikiforov's score is, Ten is now guaranteed a spot on the podium!"

Oh god, it's my turn. I've got to win the gold medal. I will prove that my love for Yuuri makes me the best!

"Don't worry, you can win gold Victor. Believe in yourself."

Victor shook his head slightly, took a deep breath, and pulled himself out of him thoughts.

"I'll do my best!"

Yuuri noticed that with as much confidence as his voice seemed to have, Victor's face was still hiding some nervousness and fear. I know he's got a strong competitive streak, but what can I do to bring that out now? After a split second decision, Yuuri grabbed Victor's hand and kissed Victor's ring.

"You know, I debated whether I should tell you this now, but...I gave up my year break to myself after becoming a five-time world champion to coach you, so how is it possible that you still haven't won a single gold medal? How much longer are you going to stay in warm-up mode? I'll even kiss your medal if you win."

Victor looked up in shock, then started to laugh at Yuuri's ridiculousness. He gave Yuuri one last final hug, before skating to take his position on the ice.

"The final skater to take the ice is Victor Nikiforov, age 17. He said he'd like to use this program to show the progress he's made as a skater and express the love he feels to those close in his personal life. His music for the free skate is 'In Regards to Love: Eros'."

For more than half of my life, I've been trying to catch up to Yuuri. So I know my performance needs to be better than flawless to keep my first place standing and skate in a way that best honors all that Yuuri has done. I've been thinking ever since the short program that I'd like the last skate of our initially agreed upon time together to have the same difficulty as the last skate of his career. But I don't want it to just end here. Yuuri, I want to be in figure skating with you forever. Look at what you've helped me achieve. I wouldn't be here without you. You might doubt your skills as a coach, but I'll prove to the world that you're the only one I need.

Victor stood, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath as the music ended.

"Victor Nikiforov has succeeded in creating a masterful culmination of his Senior debut."

"Victor!"

Victor turned to see Yuuri smiling, arms open, silently asking for a hug.

I...don't want to go. That means I'll have to face Yuuri and tell him my decision. I just want to stay in this moment forever.

By the time they were both settled in the Kiss and Cry, Victor's knee was bouncing from nervous energy.

"Don't worry Victor. Your performance was so perfect, I'm sure you'll get a great score."

"We have Victor Nikiforov's scores...his free skate score is...213.91! He might not have gotten the most points in the free skate, but combined with his record breaking score during the short, he has easily managed to hold on to his first place position with a total score of 332.47! I think I speak for everyone when I say that I'm very excited to see what Nikiforov will be able to bring in future competitions!"

*****

Victor shyly held out his gold medal.

"A promise is a promise, right?"

Yuuri smiled and pulled the gold medal to his lips, kissing it lightly.

"It is indeed."

Yuuri stood still as Victor finished putting his skate guards on. Once he was done, Yuuri gently drapped the medal back around Victor's neck.

"So, have you given any thought to what you want to do for next season? What will my role be in your life, hm?"

Victor blushed as several thoughts, both appropriate and inappropriate, flashed though his mind.

"Oh, what did you think just now Victor?"

You love him. He loves you. Just go for it. Victor lunged at Yuuri so quickly that Yuuri lost his balance and fell, but Victor just followed him down, his arms around Yuuri's neck and his knees bracketing Yuuri's thighs.

"Yuuri! Please continue to be my coach!"

Victor put his hands on Yuuri's shoulders and leaned back.