42. I'm only here to establish an alibi...
Yuuri was nearly finished with the prep for dinner when a knock at the door interrupted him. He and Makkachin shared a look as he quickly washed and dried his hands before going to investigate.
“Took you long enough!” Yurio grumbled quickly kicking his shoes off and pushing past them into the hotel suite. “Is Victor back?”
“Not yet. I'm doing fine thanks, always a pleasure to see you too Yurio.” Yuuri replied with a smirk as he closed the door. “What brings you to our side of the hotel?”
Ignoring him Yurio snatched the remote from the coffee table before throwing himself on the couch; kicking his feet up on the aforementioned table.
“Are you staying for dinner?” Yuuri asked crossing to the kitchen. “I haven't started yet and can make extra.”
When he didn't get a reply he took full stock of the seventeen year old slumped on the couch. Although he held his usual grumpy demeanor close like a security blanket, something wasn't right.
“Yuri?” Yuuri asked foregoing the family nickname; crossing back to the couch and sitting down on the far end. “Is everything ok?”
The teen glanced at him, his glare evident beyond the safety of his hood that hadn't been pushed back, before turning his attention back to the TV.
The silence stretched on and Yuuri tried to be patient, let the younger man breach whichever topic there was, but when it was apparent that he was going to remain silent Yuuri pressed on.
“If something happened Yuri you know you can tell us right? We'll help however we can. That's what family is for.” The concern was unmistakable in his voice and must have been painted clearly across his face. “Your safety is important and we only want the best for you.”
The was another pause as Yurio gave him a once over.
“Oh my God!” He finally groaned throwing his head against the back of the couch. “Your anxiety kills me sometimes!”
Yuuri laughed, a bitter laugh, and shook his head. “Welcome to my world.” He paused to ensure he held the others full attention. “I was serious Yuri.” He continued softly. “Is everything ok?”
Yurio sat up and tossed the hood from his head, his shorter hair in disarray; the usually styled spikes brushed back and windblown. “Look I'm only here to establish an alibi. Nothing's wrong Katsudon. I'm fine.” He glanced at the door over his shoulder. “Mostly fine, for now anyways.” He added with a shrug.
“You didn't kill anyone did you?” Yuuri asked raising an eyebrow. “Was it JJ?” He added in a stage whisper.
Yurio smirked, “Gods no! I don't want to do jail time, I have to keep you two idiots off the top of the podium!”
They sat in comfortable silence for a second before Yuuri grinned. “Did anyone see you not do whatever you didn't do?”
Yurio gasped appalled at the implication. “What kind of amateur do you take me for?!”
“Well come on then and help with dinner, it's our word against theirs.” Yurri laughed as he stood, “Although they’ll probably believe the alibi if I give it first.” He added teasingly.
The two finished chopping the vegetables before moving on to seasoning and prepping the chicken breast.
“Aren't you curious?” Yurio asked washing the knife while Yuuri fussed with the rice.
“Not really, I'm sure we'll hear all about it once Victor gets back, you know how news travels in our little world.”
