The rest of the Integrity crew just presented Jeremy with his gold Astronaut wings (gold means "has been in space"). Gotta admit, got some tears in my eyes. : )
Also, apparently someone in the crew (Christina, maybe?) hid some scrambled egg packets around the cabin as an ersatz Easter egg hunt, which is cute.
And it's Victor's Dad's birthday. Happy birthday, Victor Glover Senior!
Lastly: Since the crew will be practicing emergency suit donning, Housing just reminded them "Slow is smooth, smooth is fast" - hah hah! I laugh because that is such a military cliche, something I heard a billion times, but it's a true statement (and that's why you repeatedly train).
"What are you gonna get?" I asked him with a smile.
"I don't know, maybe like a latte ?" He said as he picked up his menu.
"I'm gonna get a hot chocolate" I added happily.
"You're such a child" he replied lightheartedly.
I rolled my eyes.
Soon a waiter came by and took our orders.
"You excited for the short program tomorrow?" I asked him, resting my head on my hand.
"I'm excited to score higher than you" he laughed.
"Yea in your dreams asshole"
"But to be honest I'm a little nervous, I really wanna have a good start to the season" I add.
"I'm sure you'll do fine, but obviously not as good as me" he replies.
"Is everything you say backhanded" I say.
"I can't help but say the truth" he adds with a cocky smile.
"Here you guys go!" The waiter says as she places down our drinks down on the table.
"Thank you!" I say as she turns to walk away.
I lift up the hot chocolate and lightly blow to cool it off.
Ding!
I heard the message notification come from yuris phone.
I watched as he picked it up and start rapidly typing.
"Who ya texting?" I ask.
"Nobody" he says coldly.
Could that be her? The girl he wants to ask out?
I quickly shut my mouth after the realization.
I took a sip of my hot chocolate, but it burnt my tongue.
"Shit" I whispered as I covered my mouth.
"What happened?" He asks looking at me from behind his phone.
"Nothing I’m fine” I replied, my voice monotone.
My expression sank, and I sat swirling the small spoon in my hot chocolate until Yuri finished texting.
"Ugh" he groaned as he dropped his phone onto the table.
"Whats wrong?" I asked noticing the sudden change of mood.
"Nothing" he said as he rested his palm on his forehead.
I decided not to pry, mostly because I didn't wanna hear Yuri talk about some other girl, but also because I really didn't know what to say.
"Why don't we head back, it's getting kinda late" I suggested as I put my hand on his, plastering a fake smile on my face.
"Yea..we should get going" he said as he quickly slid his hand away from mine, his face now a light shade of pink.
I pulled a few Euros out of my bag and walked up to the register with Yuri.
"Here" I said as I handed the waitress the money.
"Thank you, come again!" She said as we turned to leave.
We stepped out of the café and started walking back down the steps of the mall.
The entire time we were walking back to the hotel it was silent. Occasionally Yuri would get a text notification but other than that no words were shared.
When we reached the hotel we knocked on our room and Lilia quickly opened the door.
"You guys were out way too late! If the two of you perform badly at the short program tomorrow because you're tired you will be in serious trouble!” she lectured as we stepped through the door.
I walked over to my suitcase and pulled out a pair of silk pajamas, which I only wear before competitions.
I walked into the bathroom to change. I quickly slipped out of my clothes and into the new ones.
I sat down on the toilet like usual and wiped off my makeup. I put on a face mask and walked out of the bathroom and plopped down onto my bed. I was both mentally and physically exhausted, I plugged my phone in next to my suitcase and immediately fell asleep.
beep beep
my alarm clock buzzed in my ear. I sluggishly rolled over and yanked my phone off the charger to checked the time.
'7:30 AM'
I scoffed and sat up on my bed.
I looked over and saw Yuri eating at the small table in the corner of the room, Lilia and yakov no where to be found.
"..where are Lilia and Yakov?" I ask, my voice raspy.
"They went to go pick up some stuff" he replied, shoving a spoonful of cereal into his mouth.
I unlocked my phone and took in a deep breath.
Today marks the first competition of the series, and the first chance I have at getting a lead in the bet.
Yuri competes before me, so at least I'll have an idea of what I'll have to beat before I go on.
I walked into the bathroom and lathered my face in cleanser, like I did every morning.
While I was rinsing my face in the sink I heard the hotel door open and slam shut.
Lilia and yakov were back.
I walked out of the bathroom and saw them placing food onto the table yuri was sitting at.
"What is this shit" Yuri said as he picked up one of the containers.
"It's a yogurt parfait, and do not use such foul language with me" Lilia scolded.
I sat down across from Yuri and grabbed one of the yogurts.
I took off the plastic lid and shoved a big spoonful into my mouth.
"What's it taste like" Yuri asks, giving me a confused look.
"Vanilla yogurt, granola, and berries?" I reply giving him a look.
As soon as I finish my sentence he takes the spoon out of his cereal and takes a spoonful of my yogurt and huffs it down.
"What the fuck Yuri!" I hissed.
"I just wanted to try it" he adds rolling his eyes.
"Well now your spit is in my yogurt!" I exclaim.
"You'll live" he replied, slouching back in his chair.
I grabbed a paper towel and scooped up any part of yogurt he might’ve touched.
“Yuck” I thought as I threw the towel into the trash.
After I finished my yogurt I started to get ready for the competition.
I walked over to the tiny closet in the corner of the room and grabbed out my short program dress. It was red with lots of black lace and jeweling.
I snatched up the dress and a of a pair of tan fleece tights. i stepped into the bathroom and slid on the clothes. I started brushing out my hair, and then slicking it back into a tight bun.
I opened the drawer connected to the sink and pulled out my makeup bag. I layered on primer, foundation, concealer, contour, and blush and then dusted my eyes with a black eyeshadow.
I drew on a sharp wing of eyeliner and then lightly dusted my face with glittery setting spray.
I unlocked the door to the bathroom and walked out.
"What took you so long" Yuri whines.
"I was getting ready??" I reply matter-of-factly.
"I could never spend that much time getting ready" he adds as he passes me, entering the bathroom.
"Yea don't worry we can tell" I scoff.
He huffs and angrily slams the door.
"I HATE YOU" He yells from inside the room.
"The feelings mutual" I reply, making my way over to my suitcase.
I pulled out my team jacket, which was red, white, and blue and had 'RUSSIA' spelled out across the front.
I unzipped the front and layered it over my dress.
It covered almost the entirety of dress, only leaving the skirt showing.
I plopped down onto my bed and scrolled on my phone for the time being.
About five minutes later I heard the bathroom door creek open.
Yuri stepped out of the room wearing a black, almost suit like outfit with a fancy desgin on the sleeves and chest.
He had his hair fully slicked back into a ponytail, and I won't lie, he didnt look awful.
I turned my attention back onto my phone and saw a new message from Mila appear on my screen.
My heart sank, as memories from yesterday came flooding back in.
I took in a deep breath and pressed on the message.
"Good luck today"
The message read.
"Thanks”
I replied as I quickly exited out of the conversation.
I sighed and threw my head back onto my pillow.
"Y/N were leaving soon"
I looked down at my phone and saw the time was 12:30.
I quickly sprung up from the bed and slid on my sneakers.
I grabbed my bag and put on my headphones and waited until everyone was ready to leave.
Lilia lead the way out of the room, as Yakov, Yuri, and I followed out.
When we reached the car I hopped into the back and Yuri sat next to me like he always did.
Lilia parked the car in the section reserved for the competitors and we entered through the back doors of the rink.
"Names please" a lady sitting at a plastic table said sternly.
"Yuri plisetsky and Y/N L/N" Lilia spoke.
"Your all checked in" she said, allowing us to enter.
The rink looked different than it did yesterday, it felt bigger, more intimidating. I gulped and walked over to the stairs leading to the ballet rooms.
I opened the door to the room and tossed down my bag and started warming up.
"Make sure you two stretch and run through your programs on the floor, I have to go and check myself in. Behave." Lilia said as she made a swift exit from the room.
I sat down on the floor and started stretching.
I could feel the pressure starting to get to me, my heart was beating out of my chest and I could feel my stomach in my ass.
"Are you ok?" Yuri asks.
"Huh" I say as I snap back to reality.
"Are you ok?" He repeats.
"Oh yea I'm fine" I say, exhaling my breath.
"You suck at lying, what's wrong" he says, sitting down across from me.
"I'm just nervous...It's the first competition and I don’t wanna mess it up” I reply.
“if it goes wrong you still have time to turn it around" he says as he slides into a split.
"Yea I guess, but there's just so many people.." I add, as I stretch my straddle.
"those people don't matter, who gives a shit about them. I'm the only one who you should listen to" he says as he scoffs.
"And why should I do that?" I reply with a laugh.
"Because I said so?" He adds as he rolls his eyes.
We continued stretching in silence until Lilia came back from registration.
Lilia groaned as she entered the room.
"Why can't anyone do their job I mean does it really take you 15 minutes to check my damn papers. I have skaters to prepare!" She yells.
Yuri and I look at each other in confusion.
"I trust the two of you are stretched because I cannot deal with anymore incompetence today" Lilia said as she sat down in a plastic chair near the corner of the room.
I nodded.
"Good. Y/N run through your program. please." she added as she rubbed her temples in frustration.
I got up from the floor and got into position.
Performing for Lilia and Yuri was a breeze, they watch my programs all the time. But would I be able to perform the same infront of hundreds of people?
I heard the speakers click just before my music started.
I took in a sharp breath and began my program.
I huffed as I took my final position.
I looked over to Lilia, to see her reaction.
"Not bad, however you're missing that emotion from the other day. You need to resurface that to win" she bluntly said.
But I didn't want to think about that, hell I was avoiding it like the plague.
I just nodded and sat down.
She called Yuri to start his program and I took a sip of my water.
I don't even know how i would feel that again, I mean it was kindve an 'in the moment' thing.
But I had to do it regardless, because I need to win no matter what.
Before I knew it, it was time for the men's short program. I sat on the bleachers next to yakov, Lilia was somewhere with Yuri getting him ready.
Around 30 minutes go by and we're almost finished with group one.
I watched as the last person skated, I felt a twinge of anxiety knowing Yuri was in the next group.
And that I was competing in about an hour.
The Zamboni cleared the ice, and I saw Yuri and Lilia enter the main area out of the corner of my eye.
"Group 2s warm up starts now, you have 7 minutes." A lady said over the loudspeaker.
I watched as Yuri stepped onto the ice and skated around the perimeter. As he started warming up his jumps, I felt myself grow anxious.
I leaned back in my chair and took a breath.
After the seven minutes were up, the first person in group two started his program.
The programs flew by and before I knew it, it was Yuris turn to skate.
I watched as he unzipped his jacket and handed it to Lilia.
She leaned into his ear and whispered something.
He looked like he'd seen a ghost, but gave lilia a slight nod before he was interrupted by the announcer.
"Representing Russia, here is Yuri Plisetsky!" The lady said as Yuri skated towards the center of the ice.
My heart was beating out of my chest as the arena fell silent.
The moments before the music started were always the worst.
All of a sudden, the speakers flick on and the music started.
I watched as he skated, my breath hitching on every turn and jump.
He looked abnormally nervous.
I'd seen him get anxious before competing, but never during his actual program.
I wonder what Lilia said.
But on the bright side, he looked really into the music. Like you could feel it radiating off of him, which was also not normal.
As he took his final position the crowd erupted into applause.
I clapped as Yakov stood up to go meet him and Lilia at the kiss and cry.
On one of the TVs I saw him pop up. He was drenched in sweat and had a cat plushie in his lap. Lilia was talking to him, but once again I couldn't tell what she was saying.
"And now the score for Yuri Plisetsky" the announcer said.
I gulped and stared at the screen.
"98.75"
He shrugged and made a face at the average score.
I mean average for him at least.
On another note, how the hell am I supposed to beat that!
I groaned and slapped my face.
Moments later Lilia, Yakov, and Yuri came back and sat down on the bleachers with me.
"Have fun beating that" Yuri teased.
"Psssht I could beat that in my sleep" I replied, rolling my eyes with false confidence.
"Yea ok, I'd like to see you try" he added leaning towards me.
"Fine! I'll put your shitty score to shame!" I replied angrily, also leaning towards him.
"That's enough! you two are so immature!" Lilia scolded.
I huffed and slouched back into my seat.
"Y/N we need to start stretching. You're up third in the second group" Lilia adds getting up from her seat.
"Alright..." I sighed as I stood up and followed her off the bleachers.
We walked into an iscolated area behind the rink.
I stretched out my splits and warmed up my jumps.
Before I knew it, the first group was done and I had to get out on the ice soon.
"Y/N..whatever happened the other day I need it to happend again" she said as she walked me out to the ice.
"Group 2s warm up starts now, you have seven minutes" the lady says once again.
I stepped onto the ice and skated around the perimeter. I started working on my jumps, feeling the ice once again.
I wasnt happy with Lilia's comment, but I trust she knows what she's talking about.
I knew what I had to do.
After I got off the ice, and moments before I went on for my program, I grabbed my phone and re-read the messages.
They seemed more real than ever before, maybe it was the adrenaline, maybe it was the anxiety, but I have never felt something so strong in my life.
"Good luck" Lilia whispered in my ear as I stepped out onto the ice.
"Representing Russia, here is Y/N L/N!" The announcer spoke as i stepped onto the ice.
People clapped from all around the stadium, but I really felt nothing from it.
My breathing was erratic and my heart was pounding as the music started.
Then I found myself in a state of nothingness.
I felt light and calm as I continued through my program, the music guiding me along the ice. I felt slightly uncomfortable with how calm I was, given the intense state I had found myself in moments before.
I landed all of my jumps and as I took my final steps in the program the crowd erupted into cheers.
I relaxed out of my final pose and skated off the ice.
"That was almost perfection Y/N, you did well" Lilia said with a slight smile.
I smiled back and walked towards the kiss and cry.
"Wow I'm surprised you didn't shit your pants out there" a way too familiar voice said behind me.
"You're such a comedian Yuri" I reply with an eye roll.
I step onto the kiss and cry platform and sit next to Yakov, who had the same cat plushie with him from earlier.
I held my breath as I waited for the scores
"And the score for Y/N L/N...94.01"
The crowd cheered and I pulled Yakov into a big hug.
"A new personal best!" He says happily.
I get up and walk over to Yuri.
"Guess who just scored a new personal best!" I rub in his face.
"And yet your personal best isn't even close to my average score" he scoffs.
"Whatever, I'm still winning because I'm in first and you're in third!" I laugh.
"We'll see where you place after the free skate loser" he adds as he sticks his tongue out at me.
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I skated into the middle of the rink and took my starting position like usual.
It wasn't usual.
I heard the music start but I didn't feel like moving.
Against my will, I started my program.
I moved along with the music like I was on autopilot, not really thinking about the way I moved, just moving.
Thankfully my free program was more melodramatic than my short so no one really noticed I was actually upset. I went through my jumps and spins with ease, not really realizing I was doing them. When I finished the program I huffed and took my final position.
I looked around as I gasped for air.
I skated over to Lilia who was at a loss for words, which scared me because that usually wasn't a good thing.
"I'm sorry, I haven't been feeling very good" I say as I lean against the wall of the rink, trying to catch my breath.
"...No Y/N that was..beautiful" she says as if she were in shock.
...
"..really?" I reply as I feel the mood slightly lighten.
"If I were judging that, I would've scored you in the hundreds" she said smiling at me.
"I'm proud of you"
I could feel my eyes start to tear up as I smiled back at her.
She put her arm on my shoulder and told me that I deserved a break.
I skated off the ice with a smile on my face, completely forgetting about Yuris mystery crush.
When I stepped into the rubber flooring I saw Yuri standing at the entrance of the rink.
His face was slightly pink and I could see tears welling in his eyes.
"Are you alright..?" I ask, slightly tilting my head to the right.
"Psssht! I'm fine, out of my way I have a program to complete" he said avoiding my gaze.
As he walked by me I turned around and watched him skate into the rink with a confused look on my face.
I slid my guards on over my blades and walked over to my bag, which was on the bleachers. I grabbed out a snack and sat down.
The music for yuris free program started and i grabbed out my phone to pass the time.
I scrolled on instagram for the few minutes he was skating and when he was done, I walked off the bleachers and onto the floor.
Lilia and Yuri met me at the entrance to the rink.
"Both of your programs today were pretty good. I'm very proud of how hard you've worked up until this point.
However, that doesn't mean you get to stop so I am expecting this and above at tomorrows short program" Lilia sternly said as she slid her gloves off her slim hands and shoving them into her pocket.
"Also the two of you need things to wear to the gala at the end of the series, so while we're in Paris I suggest you do that" she added.
Yakov came down off the bleachers, carrying my things, and stood next to Lilia.
Lilia sighs loudly and then says "you will not have a budget on your attire to the gala, but if anything else is bought using my credit card it will be returned. Immediately."
"Do you understand?" She says with a serious tone.
"Yes" me and Yuri say in unison.
We walked out of the rink and out to the parking lot. Lilia started the car and we all got in.
She drove us back to the hotel and when we got inside I changed out of my skating clothes and put on a nice outfit to go shopping in. While I was in the bathroom I remembered the texts between Mila and Yuri and my heart sank again.
I couldn't really do anything with my feelings, if I asked Yuri about it he'd know I read his texts and I'd never hear the end of it, and Mila wouldnt be any help either. I groaned and threw my head back in frustration and sorrow. I took in a deep breath, and continued getting ready.
I changed my clothes and walked out of the bathroom to see Yuri waiting for me.
He was wearing cargo pants and a sweatshirt, both of which we had bought together at the mall.
"You ready?" He asks nonchalantly.
"Oh um yeah" I awkwardly stutter out.
He opens up the door and we walk down the hotel hallway to the elevator.
"Do you have Lilia's Card?" I ask, looking over at him.
"Yea, I grabbed it before you came out of the bathroom" he replies, hitting the button to call the elevator.
When the doors open, we simultaneously step inside.
I stood in the corner, next to Yuri who was on his phone.
I took in a breath, and got a whiff of Yuris cologne.
He smelled good, like a weirdly comforting kind of good.
I felt my face heat up, but luckily the elevator doors opened before Yuri could notice.
We walked out of the hotel and outside onto the street.
"Do you know where we're going?" I say.
"Yea, there's a popular mall nearby that has a lot of places we can look in" he adds, looking over at me.
"Cool" I reply awkwardly.
There was an awkward silence.
"What was that today" Yuri asks.
"Huh" I reply confused.
"When you were in the bathroom" he adds.
He looks at me out of the corner over his eye.
I felt my face go white.
what was I supposed to tell him? "Oh yea I was snooping through your phone and I found out you liked a girl and didn't tell me!".
"Like I said I..wasn't feeling good" I say as I avoid his gaze.
"Y/N I've said this before, you're an awful liar" he replies.
"Tell me what really happened"
"I told you what happened Yuri, drop it" I say with a sudden change of tone.
There was a strange beat of silence before he spoke again.
"Fine" he replied with a fake nonchalant attitude.
I watched with regret as he looked away from me, his gaze hardening on the ground.
I swallowed hard and took out my phone.
I tried to forget the conversation, but the guilt eventually got to me.
"I'm sorry Yuri, I didn't mean it to come off like that It's just..personal" I say as I look up at him.
He looks back down at me.
"It's fine, I get it" he replies, his face relaxing.
A few minutes later we approached the mall. Yuri reached for the door and held it open so I could enter.
"Thanks" i quietly said.
We walked down the hallway until we approached a bridal store.
"You wanna go in here?" I asked.
"Sure" he replied while sliding his phone into his back pocket.
We walked into the store and saw thousands of dresses and suits.
Yuri and I decided to split up and grab a few things we liked, and then meet up again at the dressing rooms.
I walked over to the area titled 'dresses'
And began my search there.
I grabbed a dark blue poofy floor length dress, a mid length satin black dress, and a wine red dress that was also floor length.
I walked over to the fitting room area and saw Yuri sitting down on a bench.
He looked up and saw me.
"I've been texting you for the past 20 minutes" Yuri says, obviously annoyed.
"Oh I wasn't paying attention...sorry" I say awkwardly.
He groans in response.
"I got us a room" he adds pointing to the door infront of him.
"Who's going first?" I ask.
"Do you wanna go first?" he says.
"Sure" I reply pushing open the door.
I locked it behind me and hung the dresses up on the wall.
I first grabbed the dark blue dress first and slipped it on.
I unlocked the door and walked out.
"What do you think?" I asked Yuri.
He looked me up and down.
"I think you look like a princess" he replied.
"In a good way or a bad way?" I added with a smile.
"Both I guess" he shrugged.
I laughed a little and spun around in the dress.
"I certainly feel like a princess...but I think it's a little much" I say as I lift up a little bit of the fabric on the skirt.
I walked back into the fitting room and took off the dress.
I grabbed the black satin dress and quickly put it on.
I looked in the mirror, the dress was extremely pretty. it was fitted around my body but left just enough room to move comfortably. I once again unlocked the door and walked back out to the waiting area. "what do you think of this one?" I ask.
he looks up from his phone and scans the scene Infront of him.
his breath slightly hitched before he spoke, "it looks fine I guess".
"what do you mean fine, like fine as 'in meh it looks fine' or fine as 'in yea it looks fine!'" I add.
"I don't know, I guess the second one" he says awkwardly.
I roll my eyes and retreat back into the room.
I slid off the black dress and hug it back onto the wall. I then grabbed the last dress, a wine red dress that was fitted along the torse, but flared at the bottom.
I zipped up the back and left the room again.
"Alright last one, what do you think" I say.
"It looks ok" he said nonchalantly.
"You're no help" I retort, making a face.
"I liked the last one more" he says, gaze returning to his phone.
"Do you think I should get that one?" I add.
"I guess" he replies.
I walk back into the room and take off the dress.
I slip the dress onto its hanger and grab the other two dresses and walk out.
"its all yours" I say sitting down next to yuri.
he grabs the pile of suits next to him and walks into the changing room.
i open my phone and scroll on instagram for a few minutes until yuri returned,
when he came out he was wearing a white suit, with a black tie.
"well?" he says after a few moments of silence.
"uhhh it looks fine i guess" I reply, mocking him.
he scoffs and turns around to go back into the room.
"it looks nice, but it kinda washes you out" i add.
"whats that supposed to mean?" he retorts.
"im just saying i think you should go with a different color, but if you like it then I dont really care" I reply.
he rolls his eyes and goes into the fitting room to change.
a few moments later he returns wearing a plain black and white suit.
"that one looks nice" I say, inspecting him.
"I feel like I look too boring" he complains.
"then go put on something more interesting" I reply.
the last suit he comes out wearing is a gorgeous red suit with a red tie, and black button of shirt.
I watched as he emerged from the room, my cheeks starting to turn a slight shade of pink.
"whats wrong" Yuri says, snapping me out of my trance.
"N-nothing im fine! you look really nice Yuri, i think you should go with that one" i say awkwardly.
his cheeks pinkened and lips ever so slightly curled into a smile.
he turned around and walked back into the changing room without a word.
when he came back out , he was back in his normal clothes and carrying the pile of suits.
"done?" I ask.
"yea" he replies.
I walked back to the dress area and hung up the dresses I wasnt going to buy, and then met up with yuri at the cash register.
"did you guys find everything ok?" the lady asks as she rings up our stuff.
"yup!" i cheerfully say.
"alright, your total is 709.57" she adds.
yuri pulls out the card from his pocket and proceeds to purchase our clothes for the gala.
"have a nice day!" the lady says, handing us our stuff now put into pink bags with white tissue paper.
"you too!" i reply, grabbing the bags.
i handed Yuri's to him and we walked out of the store.
we walked around the mall for a little, until a cafe caught my eye.
"Yuri!! look at that café we should get something to eat!" i say excitedly.
''do i have to" he complains.
"absolutely!" i reply, grabbing his arm and dragging him into the restaurant.
I opened the door and we sat down at a two person table next to one of the windows.
I picked up the menu and began to read it.
"make sure you read the english side this time" he says with a sly smile.
"i hate you" i say reply rolling my eyes.
"hate you too" he adds with a smile.
A/N: sorry this one’s kinda boring I’ve been super busy and I’m kinda just trying to get stuff posted 😭
