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It was a dance much like any other Yuuri had attended since coming out into society three years ago. The guests were almost exactly the same as always, the food was the same as always, and the band played the same songs as always, and Yuuri had danced all the sets as always. He slumped against the wall of the corridor leading to the ballroom, as he tried to catch his breath. He felt as though he had barely left the dance floor all evening because of his packed dance card. As soon as they had arrived his omega father had started working on filling the slots on it, and even before they had fully circled the room Yuuri was fully spoken for for the evening.
It was an impressive feat. Yuuri had no idea how his father always managed to make him seem so coveted, but he supposed that was one of the roles a parent was to play in a society as theirs. He was sure that once his father was done with Yuuri’s dance card, he had swiftly moved over to speak well of Mari to any and all parents with omegas who were of mating age and with a decent dowry. Luckily, Mari was good at keeping her boundaries and her head clear from their father’s meddling, even if she too surely had danced a few sets by now to appease their father. Surely she had not danced as much as Yuuri had, but even Mari had to bend to the will of society.
Yuuri let out a sigh and pressed himself firmer against the wall, closing his eyes for a moment. Another set was soon to begin, and Yuuri knew he should push off the wall to try to find his next partner, but he simply could not find it in him to do so. A few others were milling about the corridor, and Yuuri was sure that his odd behavior of needing time to calm would stir the gossip mill. He truly should get a grip on himself, so as not to embarrass his parents. He just needed one more moment to gather himself, and then he would go.
“Mr. Katsuki!” a familiar voice called, and Yuuri pried his eyes open, only to see Mr. Giacometti make his way through the crowds of the ballroom towards him. Part of Yuuri wanted to scold him for drawing attention to Yuuri when he was clearly hiding, but at the same time he could not fault his friend. It had been a while since they had last seen each other, and Yuuri was happy to be in the presence of his old childhood friend once again. Their parents' estates were neighboring, and Yuuri had spent many hours in Mr. Giacometti's company before they both presented.
“Mr. Giacometti,” Yuuri greeted, pushing off the wall to straighten. He corrected his skirts as he did, just by the time Mr. Giacometti reached him. “What a lovely surprise. I did not expect to see you.”
“The pleasure is all mine,” Mr. Giacometti assured him, and Yuuri shook his head as he reached his hand out for Mr. Giacometti to take. The alpha leaned down to place a kiss just over his knuckles, and then glanced up into Yuuri’s face to smirk.
“I see you are just the same,” Yuuri commented, and Mr. Giacommeti laughed warmly, further proving Yuuri’s point. Ever since presentation, Mr. Giacometti had been a terrible flirt. “What has brought you home? And so late in the season too. I would not have expected to see you until summer.”
“Yes I do agree it is the wrong season to come out into the countryside, but I had a friend who was begging me to bring him with me out here. Apparently I speak in very romantic terms of my -shire.”
“Oh you do not say?” Yuuri said with a smile. “And who might this friend be? Someone more than a friend perhaps?” Yuuri asked, but Mr. Giacometti shook his head, making Yuuri’s brows raise in surprise.
“No I assure you he is just a friend,” Mr. Giacometti said as he straightened. “We attended Oxford together. He’s a good chap, one of the closest friends I have made since being away.”
“I am happy then, that you have brought him back to the -shire, especially if he too wanted to see it,” Yuuri said, glancing to Mr. Giacometti’s side. “Is he with you here as well?”
“Ah, yes he is,” Mr. Giacometti said, turning away from Yuuri to peer over his own shoulder for his friend. Yuuri was not sure why he too peered into the crowd, for surely he had no idea what to look for. It didn’t take long for Mr Giacometti to spot his friend, and he turned even more towards the direction of him, or at least Yuuri assumed so, and called out.
“Victor!”
A man with silver hair a few paces away looked from the company before him towards them, and then his face spread into a charming smile. Yuuri himself felt as though he was growing faint. The man was truly gorgeous, in a way Yuuri had seen no alpha be before. His blue eyes sparkled, as he turned from them to his company to excuse himself, and then started to make his way over to Mr. Giacometti and Yuuri. The closer he walked, the more butterflies gathered in Yuuri’s stomach. The man had a sharp jaw as well as cheekbones, that were high and decorated with a slight flush. The slope of his nose was delicate, his lips pink and smooth, and his silver hair was pushed away from his face just slightly, giving all the sharpness something soft in contrast. He was in a sharp outfit of dark blue trousers, a white shirt with a golden vest and a dark blue coat, which all hugged him just right.
Never before had Yuuri seen anyone so beautiful.
“Sorry old friend,” Victor said with a grin as he reached them. “It seems I get held up at every turn here. People seem to enjoy a new face.”
They might just like to look at your face, Yuuri thought, but did not say. Of course the ton would be very interested in someone new stepping into a party such as this, where everyone knew everyone and everyone knew everyone's business. Especially an unmated alpha with such a pleasant appearance.
“Now do not play as if they do not act in such a way wherever you go,” Mr. Giacometti jested, and his friend laughed. He then turned his attention to Yuuri, who’s heart jumped in his chest when their eyes met. What a silly reaction, for only a charming face and a pleasant scent.
Perhaps more than pleasant, but Yuuri chose not to focus on it.
“Now, my friend you must introduce me to this lovely creature,” the alpha said, and Yuuri’s heart rushed again, and he willed his scent to behave to not show his emotions. Mr. Giacometti looked taken aback, but turned to Yuuri swiftly.
“Of course, where are my manners,” Mr. Giacometti excused and looked back to his friend. “Victor, this is Mr. Yuuri Katsuki, an old childhood friend of mine. Our parents have neighbouring estates.” He turned to Yuuri then, and that tell tale smirk formed on his lips once more. “Mr. Katsuki, this is Earl Victor Nikiforov, of the Westerwood earldom.”
Yuuri felt his cheeks heat. Oh yes an unmated earl of another region stepping into a party, after the season as well, would cause a great fretting among the gossip mill. No wonder Lord Nikifofov had trouble pulling away from all those seeking his attention. Yuuri would surely have heard of him prior to this, had he not been occupied on the dance floor all evening. He was sure the attendees were growing mad with catching Lord Nikiforov’s attention.
“A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Katsuki,” Lord Nikiforov said, and Yuuri reached his hand out almost unthinkingly. The alpha took it, and Yuuri curtsied as Lord Nikiforov bowed down to place a kiss on Yuuri’s gloved knuckles.
“The pleasure is all mine,” Yuuri assured, and felt his breath catch as Lord Nikiforov looked up and caught his gaze. The alpha smiled, and Yuuri felt his stomach swoop, as he felt his cheeks heat.
“Oh surely it is not,” Lord Nikiforov said, holding on to Yuuri’s hand a tad longer than was expected. Yuuri hardly noticed it, already getting lost in the sea blue of the Earl’s eyes. “Are you enjoying this party?”
“I am, even though I am currently hiding,” Yuuri admitted, and Mr. Giacometti laughed knowingly. Mr. Giacometti was well accustomed to Yuuri’s behavior after all. Lord Nikiforov however raised both his eyebrows in surprise.
“Oh, not from us I hope,” he said, his brows knitting together. He was very animated. How charming. “Should we leave you to your solitude?”
“Oh no it is not you I am hiding from,” Yuuri assured with a shake of head. “My father seems to have overfilled my dance card and I am merely trying to catch my breath between it all.”
“Ah, yes well I am sure you are very sought after as a dance partner,” Lord Nikifofov said with certainty, and Yuuri felt heat rise to his cheeks again from the odd words. Why on earth would the earl think that?
“No I-” he started but was instantly interrupted by Mr. Giacometti.
“Oh, yes Mr. Katsuki is an excellent dancer. It is like this at every ball,” he confirmed, and Yuuri shook his head fiercely.
“Do not listen to Mr. Giacometti’s exaggerations,” Yuuri prompted, which only led to Mr. Giacometti laughing again. Lord Nikiforov smiled, and looked between them, perhaps trying to judge who was more correct.
“Do not listen to Mr. Katsuki’s humble, but wrongful, view of himself. He claims his father has filled his dance card, but I can promise it all but fills it self within the minute he steps into the party, with alpha’s throwing themselves over him,” Mr. Giacometti said, and Yuuri was shocked and applied by the way his friend deeply diluted his friend the earl.
“Oh really?” Lord Nikiforov said, and Yuuri was about to argue, but was cut off by the alpha continuing. “I shall have to be quick then, if I am to score a place on that card… since there is so much competition for your time.”
“Oh I assure you Lord Nikiforov that Mr. Giacometti is only spinning tales and none of them are accurate,” Yuuri said, but Mr. Giacometti did not seem inclined to take any of his words back.
“I’m very inclined to believe my friend here,” Lord Nikiforov said with a grin, and Yuuri felt uneasiness stir in his chest from it. He did not want the alpha to get the wrong idea, when truly Yuuri was not sought after in the slightest. “While he has been known to throw a jest, I doubt he is this time.”
“What jests have he thrown your way then?” Yuuri asked, in hopes of changing the subject.
“Oh please Victor do not tell and embarrass me in the eyes of such an esteemed friend as Mr. Katsuki,” Mr. Giacometti begged, and Lord Nikiforov got a mischievous gleam in his eyes, clearly indicating he was not planning on hearing his friend’s plea.
The music had been paused for the a break between the sets, and because of it, it became much evident as an argument broke out. A loud shout rang through the room even over the chatter of the crowd, and all three parties turned towards it, seeing the Crispino siblings seemingly fighting.
“Oh dear,” Mr. Giacometti muttered with worry, and Yuuri knew they had family relations and must surely feel responsible for hindering them to cause a scene. “Mr and Ms Crispino seem to be throwing fists again. Excuse me.” With that the alpha moved away from them swiftly, not looking back.
“Is this a common occurrence?” Lord Nikiforov asked, as hushed whispers filled the room while the increasing volume of the argument boomed over the room. Yuuri turned away from it, and caught Lord Nikiforov’s eyes instead.
“Yes unfortunately,” Yuuri admitted. “They came out last season, later than most. You see they are both omegas, but only Ms Crispion presented during their sixteenth year. They decided to hold off on letting the twins come out so they could do so together, but then Mr. Crispino presented as an omega as well at eighteen, leaving the family without an heir.”
“How cruel it can all be,” Lord Nikiforov said, leaning back against the wall Yuuri had previously occupied. Yuuri nodded. His family had been lucky to have had Mari early, and that she had presented as an alpha. He was not sure what they would have done if both Mari and Yuuri had been omegas. They had no title to inherit, but Yuuri knew that when it came to inheritance it was always much easier if there was an alpha or beta to pass the family name and fortune onto. It was not fair in Yuuri’s opinion, but it was the way the society was formed.
“Indeed it can,” Yuuri agred, and looked back to the alpha, who had his eyes trained on Yuuri. “Now, I’m sorry to have included you in such gossip. Have you been enjoying your time here in the -shire?”
“I have so far,” the alpha agreed with a smile. “It is very pretty, and I am sure it will be ever more so if we get some snow. The Giacometti estate is very comfortable as well. It feels rather odd to be out of my own for the holidays, but it will be nice to be among friends.”
“Oh will you stay over new years?” Yuuri asked, and the alpha nodded. “How wonderful. You will attend the Christmas celebration Mr. Giacometti’s parents host every year then?”
“I certainly will,” Lord Nikiforov said. “It sounds like a lovely gathering. Is your family invited to it as well?”
“We are, we go every year,” Yuuri disclosed. “It is always a wonderful time. Mr. and Mrs Giacometti are wonderful hosts, as well as Mr. Christophe Giacometti as well of course.”
“I look forward to it even more then,” Lord Nikiforov said, and Yuuri smiled as he felt his cheeks heat once more. Lord Nikiforov truly was charming. Yuuri was certain he would have the whole county swooning before he left. Yuuri truly should go and try to find his next dance partner, but perhaps the drama that had just been displayed had pushed it back slightly. Yuuri was grateful if it had. He didn’t want to part from Lord Nikiforov just yet.
What an odd sensation to feel for a stranger.
“How do you usually spend Christmas?” Yuuri asked, but then there was a terrible ruckus from the room right next to the corridor, and Yuuri looked to it in surprise. Ms Crispino came rushing forward, and hurried down the corridor, seeming angry and distraught. Yuuri followed her with his gaze after she had passed, his voice stuck in his throat. He was so caught up with looking after where she had gone to that he did not pay attention to his surrounding, and completely missed how Mr. Crispino came rushing after her. His arm pushed into Yuuri’s back, and Yuuri stumbled forward with a yelp, thrown completely off balance by the shove. He merely happened to see the blur of Mr. Crispino hunt after his sister, as he tumbled forward, and pressed his body into Lord Nikiforov’s. The alpha let out a surprised gasp, and then Yuuri snapped his eyes to him in horror, realising he had pinned the earl to the wall with his body. Lord Nikiforov’s hands curled around Yuuri’s elbows, and Yuuri’s eyes grew wide as his mind tried to catch up to what had just occurred.
“Oh good god I am so sorry!” Yuuri yelped, pushing himself off from the alpha in a haste. Lord Nikiforov blinked, his cheeks stained red as he gaped. He was surely terribly embarrassed by Yuuri’s behaviour. “I did not mean-”
“No, no I did not see him coming either,” the alpha said, his hands sliding from Yuuri’s arms slowly. Yuuri’s heart was beating far too quickly in his chest, and he felt horribly, terribly shocked and embarrassed from the whole event. He would much rather sink through the floor than stay here under the alpha’s scrutinizing gaze. Anxiety became almost testable on his tongue.
“I am so sorry,” Yuuri said in a rush, and then curtsied again. He needed to get away, he needed to move far away from this awkward situation and the still shocked expression on Lord Nikiforov’s face. “Good bye.”
He did not give the alpha the opportunity to answer, because he did not want Lord Nikiforov to have to console Yuuri any further. He turned on his heel swiftly, and rushed into the crowd. The band seemed to be getting ready now, and Yuuri elongated his steps to try to find Mr. Minami for the next set, trying and failing to push the encounter with the earl from his mind.
“What a surprise!” Yuuri heard his father cheer by the front door as Yuuri was stepping down the staircase. He had heard a knock on the door, and had been sure it would be his mother’s friend Mrs Okukawa that often came by to visit them. He had pushed away from the upper sitting room to come greet her, but was stopped in his tracks by the tone of his father’s voice. He stepped carefully down to the bend of the stairs, and peered into the hallway.
“Yes it has been too long since I visited,” the familiar voice of the younger Mr. Giacometti said in a chipper manner, just as he stepped into the hallway, followed by Lord Nikiforov. “I felt it was time. And of course I wanted to introduce you to my friend, Earl Nikiforov.”
“Good day,” Lord Nikiforov said, and Yuuri’s father lit up with a wide smile, giving his hand in greeting. “What a lovely set of grounds you have, as well as the abode.”
“Thank you so much for your kind words,” Yuuri’s father said with a smile. “It has been in my wife’s family for generations, and we do our best to keep the standards up.”
“You do a tremendous job of it,” Mr Giacometti said, and Yuuri saw him glancing around the hallway, as if looking for something. “Are you alone today? For I know your son made quite the impression on my friend the other night, and I am sure we would both be happy to see him.”
Yuuri had to smack his hand over his mouth not to let out a yelp, and he took a quick step back, almost pressing against the wall. What was he to do now? Should he rush up the stairs as quietly as possible? Would they notice that he was halfway down already if his father called for him and Yuuri started moving? His heart raced, and he was torn between decisions, as he tried to quiet his mind in the instant fear of Lord Nikiforov having come to scold him for his actions and demand a public apology.
“Yuuri?” his father questioned, delight in his voice. “Whenever did you meet him? He did not say he met such esteemed company.”
“The other night, at the Leroy ball,” Mr. Giacometti informed him, and Yuuri could already tell he was to get a scolding later in the evening when the guests had left.
“Oh really? How marvelous, and now you have come to see him?” his father asked, and Yuuri squeezed his eyes together tightly. However had he ended up in this situation? However had he managed to get caught in such a predicament?
“Indeed we have,” Mr. Giacometti said, and Yuuri let out a slow breath as he tried to calm his racing mind. Mr. Giacometti was a good friend, and surely he had not come with any intent on harming Yuuri. Still, the visit was deeply curious.
“If it is a good time of course, we do not wish to intrude,” Lord Nikiforov said, his voice so smooth and charming. How could someone be both handsome, and charming, as well as have inherited a title? Yuuri knew little of his fortune, but from what he heard from the gossip mill yesterday at tea over at the Altin resident, it was quite the sum.
“Not at all,” his father assured them. “Please, come into the sitting room and I shall send some of the maids to fetch him.”
Yuuri heard joined steps, and he could only assume they had started moving into the sitting room. He let out a sigh of relief since his father had not simply called for him, and rushed up to his bedchamber as quietly as he could. He contemplated for a moment to dive into bed to fake an illness, but decided it was better to simply face this head on. Whatever reason the alphas had come for, Yuuri would simply have to deal with it.
He shrugged out of the brown day dress, and instead pulled on the deep blue one, for he was sure his father would approve of it more. He was just running a brush through his hair, when the maid appeared in the door, a wide smile on her face.
“Mr. Yuuri?” she called, and Yuuri turned to her, fretting with the brush between his hands. “There are two gentlemen here to see you. Mr. Giacometti and an earl. Would you like me to help you with anything?” she asked, and Yuuri pondered for a moment, but decided as he put the brush on the vanity.
“No, I think I am presentable,” he said, and the maid eagerly agreed, before rushing down before him. Yuuri took slow steps down the stairs, and stopped just outside of the sitting room to try to collect his nervous heart. Time did not help much, and he let out a long slow breath, before he pushed inside.
Lord Nikiforov was seated facing the door, and as soon as it opened and Yuuri stepped inside the alpha was on his feet. Yuuri’s heart thumped violently in his chest. He was even more handsome than Yuuri remembered, which was truly not at all fair. Mr. Giacometti turned to see him, and soon stood as well.
“Yuuri!” his father cheered, twisting in his spot on the couch to look over the backrest at him. “Have you seen what lovely company has come to see us? I have been informed you made the acquaintance of Lord Nikiforov at the Leroy ball. Please join us.”
“Of course,” Yuuri said, and let the door fall from his grip to stepp fully into the room. “What a surprise. I did not expect it.”
“Well we both had such a lovely time during our brief conversation so we wanted to come and continue it,” Mr. Giacometti said as he sat down again. Yuuri reached the couch where Lord Nikiforov was still standing, and he greeted Yuuri with another nod, and let Yuuri sit first.
“It is very lovely to see you again,” he said, and Yuuri felt a shiver race up his spine. “I was sad to see our time be cut so short the other evening.”
Yuuri felt his cheeks flush, as the memory of his body pressed against the alpha’s making a startling appearance in his memory. How his scent had wrapped around Yuuri and how his hands had come to almost hold him as he tumbled ungracefully into his personal space.
“That is very kind of you to say,” Yuuri managed, reaching for the teacup set out for him simply to have something to focus on. “I am sorry I had to rush off for the next set but Mr. Minami was waiting for me.”
Something knowing came over Lord Nikiforov’s expression, and Yuuri was fully sure he did not believe his excuse in the slightest.
“Yes we heard you are keeping dear Yuuri very busy at the dances,” Mr. Giacometti said, turning to Yuuri’s father. “He said his dance card was fully packed, neither of us had the chance to even request to lead him to the dance floor.”
“Well it is my job to make sure Yuuri is presented in a manner so that others see his qualities. Yuuri is an excellent dancer as you know Mr. Giacometti, and he is always in high demand at dances. I hardly have to do anything.”
Mr. Giacometti grinned far too smugly, and Yuuri threw him a glare, which only seemed to make the alpha grin wider.
“Yes that is what I assumed as well,” Mr. Giacometti agreed. “From what I remember Mr Leroy, Mr Minami and Ms Muramoto were always keen on having Yuuri on their arm on the dance floor.”
“Yes and since Mr. Morooka became widowed, he too has been very happy to have a slot on Yuuri’s dance card as well,” his father said, and Yuuri tried to ward off the rising panic in his chest by sipping his tea. He felt deeply uncomfortable by the subject, and he most certainly did not enjoy being talked of as if he was not even in the room.
“Mr. Katsuki,” Lord Nikiforov called to his side, quiet enough to be clearly addressing only Yuuri. Yuuri looked to him, and was met with a soft smile. “Did we interrupt you today? We did not wish to intrude.”
“No, not at all,” Yuuri said with a shake of head. “It is good to have company. We do not often keep it, but we often go out so it was good you caught us on a day we were in. I was simply reading.”
“What book, if I might ask?” the alpha incurred, and Yuuri blinked, and then answered that he was reading Ivanhoe. The alpha had read it as well, and inquired about how long Yuuri had come so not to spoil anything. Lord Nikiforov had interesting views on the story, and while they did not share all their beliefs on the characters it was fascinating to hear Lord Nikiforov’s ideas. They got a good couple of minutes of quiet conversation about the book, before they were interrupted by the rest of the company who inquired about what they were discussing.
Neither Yuuri’s father nor Mr. Giacometti had read the book, so the conversation moved over to the more common ones like the most recent gossip, the preparations for the holidays, and the weather. Yuuri did not add too much, since his father did most of the talking, but was happy not to be the center of the conversation anymore.
“I would say that even in the late autumn and the grey and brown dullness of nature, your gardens are much more superior to my parents,” Mr. Giacometti complimented, and Yuuri could see his father preen. “Perhaps it is childhood nostalgia, but I do still feel there is something so fairytale like about it all.”
“I am so happy for you to say that, it is a rather charming space, I must agree,” Toshiya said, and Yuuri sipped the last of his tea as he hummed along.
“What would you say are the high points of it?” Lord Nikiforov said, and Yuuri saw his father light up, as he sat up straighter on the couch.
“Lord Nikiforov, I think it might be best to see for yourself,” he said with a sharp nod. “I would admit it is much more pretty in the summer, but I am sure a man with your whits will be able to grasp it anyway. Yuuri, would you be so kind as to show him?”
“Oh,” Yuuri said in surprise, and then looked over at Lord Nikiforov’s hopeful gaze, before he put down his cup on the table. “Yes, of course.”
“Splendid!” Yuuri’s father cheered, and soon Yuuri was in his boots and coat, stepping out of the manner behind Lord Nikiforov. It was still fairly early in the day, but the sky was dark and heavy, and Yuuri was certain it would rain sometime during the evening. The alpha extended his arm, and Yuuri paused for a moment, and then let his hand slide into the crook of it. He did not promenade often with alpha’s and this was a new sensation, to be so close to one.
Lord Nikiforov smelled wonderfully of evergreen and roses, and Yuuri took a deep breath of it as he guided them around the corner of the main house.
“Have you grown up here?” Lord Nikiforov asked, and Yuuri hummed in agreement. “It is a very lovely house.”
“Yes, it is a good size I think,” Yuuri said, moving them along the row of cherry trees towards the back. They were all bare now, but in the spring they bloomed a pretty while and pink, traded in the summer for lushes green. “When growing up, my sister lived here as well, and even though we rarely host anything as big as a ball, there’s room for a good sized company for dinner.”
“Sounds perfect then,” Lord Nikiforov agreed, as they rounded the house to the back. The wind picked up, and Yuuri did his best not to shiver. “Your sister does not live here now?”
“No, she has her own cottage in the village,” Yuuri said as they came around back. “She is six years my senior, and I think she found it liberating to be out of the house when building her life. She is an alpha so she has the opportunity to.”
“That is good then, was she at the dance as well?” Lord Nikiforov asked, and Yuuri nodded.
“Yes, her name is Mari. You might have come across her,” he said, and then paused in his steps. They had come fully round back now, in view of the hanging willows and birch. They were all bare now as well, but the small river still snaked between them sleepily. In the winter it often froze, creating a magical landscape.
“Perhaps I did then, I do not remember being introduced to any other Katsuki then you however,” Lord Nikiforov said, and Yuuri hummed. “Perhaps I will be at some other occurrence.”
“I am sure you will, she and Mr. Giacometti are friends as well. I am sure he will take you to her too as you are visiting his acquaintances. I can imagine you have many stops to make and many to see.”
“Perhaps,” Lord Nikiforov mused, and Yuuri turned from looking at the dull garden to look over at the alpha. He was looking out at the landscape as well, and Yuuri took in the view of his profile. He swallowed, and then looked away as well.
“Lord Nikiforov,” he stared, and he felt the alpha shift to look at him. Yuuri did not gance back however, not yet. “I must apologize for the events that transpired last time we met. I promise I had no intention of acting so tactless and I hope I did not make you too uncomfortable with my clumsiness.”
No answer followed, and because of it Yuuri turned to Lord Nikiforov slowly, meeting the alpha’s perplexed gaze.
“I do not think you have anything to apologize for,” he said with raised eyebrows. “It was not your fault that Mr. Crispino shoved you.”
“I could have seen it coming however, and I should have corrected my balance better,” Yuuri argued, and Lord Nikiforov shook his head. What a stubborn creature.
“Please know that I hold no grudges and did not see it as an issue at all,” Lord Nikiforov reassured, and Yuuri let out a sigh, deciding to let the subject rest with that. Lord NIkiforov seemed to have a similar idea. “We visited the Crispinos yesterday, and it was quite the adventure.”
“Oh really?” Yuuri asked, and Lord Nikiforov easily launched into the tale of meeting the twins more personally, as well as their mother who was at home when they visited. Yuuri was giggling by the end of it, trying to hide it in his glove.
“I have forgotten how peculiar they might seem to someone coming from outside, I am so used to them I rarely think of it,” Yuuri said with a giggle, and Lord Nikiforov grinned proudly.
“I do not put shade on how others spend their time, but that was the oddest call I have ever made to someone,” he said, and Yuuri shook his head. The sky was growing increasingly darker, and perhaps it was starting to become time to head inside.
“I should not keep you out longer, in case you might catch something,” Yuuri said, and Lord Nikiforov hummed, still keeping Yuuri’s hand in the crook of his arm. They started walking slowly around the building again, passing the cherry trees once more.
A drop hit Yuuri’s nose, and then his cheek, and he glanced up towards the sky as he tried to take longer steps.
Then, the sky opened up, and poured.
“Ah!” Yuuri exclaimed, and without thinking pushed Lord Nikiforov in under the ridge of the house for cover. They hit the wall roughly, and once again Yuuri found himself pinning the poor lord to the wall. His eyes grew wide, and he was just to apologise again, when Lord Nikiforov laughed, loud and genuine. It vibrated through Yuuri’s chest, and he tried to scratch his breath as the rain that had hit him clung to his eyes.
“What a storm!” Lord Nikiforov said, and Yuuri laughed too as he pulled off the alpha, mesmerized by the raindrops clinging to his silver eyelashes. “Are you alright?”
“Yes, I- sorry!” Yuuri said, raising his voice over the roar of the rain hitting the ground. Lord Nikiforov shook his head, a smile still on his face.
“No, you saved me, there are no apologies needed here,” he assured, and Yuuri shook his head from the insane concept of having pinned an alpha to a wall twice.
“Let us get inside,” Yuuri said, and then wrapped his hand around Lord Nikiforov’s elbow, to carefully tug him alongside him towards the entryway door.
Snow creaked under Yuuri’s shoes as he pushed on. He had been foolish to come into the village on his own, but his father had been terribly distraught when he realised they had no almonds. The maids were swamped in cleaning, and the footmen and butler were preparing the set up, and the cook and her maid were running around the kitchen in a frenzy to prepare as well. They would be hosting quite the number of people, and Yuuri was fairly sure the almonds weren’t truly what his father was fretting over, but if he could give him some piece of mind by retrieving them he would gladly do so.
It would of course have been preferable if the carriage had been home, so that Yuuri could have taken it into the village, but unfortunately Mari had lent it since she had visited the night before and needed a ride back into ton. The snow laid thick on the ground, and Yuuri had to take one of the horses instead. It was alright even if it had not been ideal, and Yuuri had been able to retrieve the almonds as well as some candied orange peels that he would be very happy to give over to the cook for the staff to feast on for all their hard work.
Lord Nikiforov would be in attendance that evening, and Yuuri felt a smile curl on his lips at the thought. It was silly, truly, to have formed a crush on an alpha so sought after. It would never come to anything, and Yuuri knew that as a certainty. He did not have a name, nor a fortune that would interest a mate of such rank as Lord Nikiforov, and he was not charming enough either. Still, he deeply enjoyed the alpha’s company, and would surely be sad to see him leave and go back to his own estate once the holidays were over.
They had been spending much time together ever since that fateful day when Yuuri had pinned him to the house wall to try to shield him from the rain, and since then he had yet to embrace himself so gravely again. Mr. Giacometti and Lord Nikiforov often called at the Katsuki estate in the afternoons, and every now and then Yuuri and his father had repaired them by calling at the Giacometti estate. The entire family had been invited a few times to dinner as well, and it had been a very pleasant time.
Lord Nikiforov was sometimes a bit blunt, but charming, and very well spoken as well as clever. Yuuri enjoyed their discussions about books and plays and about politics. Lord Nikiforov rarely shied away from a subject, regardless when it was Yuuri who he spoke to, and Yuuri found it incredibly refreshing.
Yuuri turned from the main road down into an alley to take a short cut back to the horse, his cheeks flushed from the cold weather. The snow blanketed everything in beautifully, and Yuuri took the time to slow a little, to simply enjoy it. The tip of his nose was chilled, and he nuzzled further down into his jacket.
Then he heard it.
Footsteps fell behind him, almost completely quieted by the snow. Yuuri’s heart started to pound in his chest, and he strained his ears to listen closer, just in case he was imagining it. No, there were definitely steps there behind him, and they seemed to be getting closer.
Perhaps it was nothing. Perhaps there was simply someone who was in a rush and wanted to move past him. Yuuri still swallowed thickly, and straightened his posture as the sounds came closer and closer. Soon they would pass and Yuuri could relax. Soon it would all-
A hand touched his elbow, and Yuuri felt adrenaline rush through his body as his heart raced. He acted purely on instinct, and turned on his heel and pushed the person behind him against the alley wall roughly.
“What do you want!?” he snapped, and then his eyes grew wide as he was met with Lord NIkiforov’s surprised gaze.
“I am starting to suspect you simply like pinning me against things,” the alpha said, sounding breathless. Yuui felt heat rush into his cheeks as he stepped away, stuttering as he blinked.
“You startled me! I thought someone was following me!” Yuuri exclaimed, and the surprised and amused expression fell from Lord Nikiforov’s face.
“Oh, Mr. Katsuki I am terribly sorry. I should have announced myself,” the alpha said, pushing off the wall to take a step closer, his arm reaching out. He stopped himself well before he reached Yuuri however, his hand falling limp by his side. Yuuri was trying to take calming breaths, sucking in one after the other, as he hoped to get his hands to stop trembling.
“It is alright,” Yuuri said, even if he was far from it. “You startled me.”
“It seems I even frightened you, which was not my intention,” Lord Nikiforov said. “I am deeply sorry. I fully understand that it was unsettling. I merely saw you and got excited to reach you in time.”
“You did?” Yuuri said, still taking deep breaths. Lord Nikiforov smiled then, and his cheeks seemed to grow ever redder. It must be the weather.
“I was! I have not seen you in the village before, and I had not expected to see you until this evening,” Lord Nikiforov admitted.
“Ah, yes the house is in a frenzy over it all,” Yuuri admitted with a chuckle, feeling slightly better even if he was still taking deep long breaths. “Apparently, we were in desperate need for almonds.”
“Did you go into the village for almonds?” Lord Nikiforov asked in amusement, and Yuuri nodded, raising his bag to shake. Lord Nikiforov laughed then, heartfelt and warm, as he shook his head. “In a weather such as this. Must be spectacular almonds.”
“One can hope,” Yuuri agreed with a smile. “You will have to eat them with devotion tonight.”
“I promise I will,” Lord Nikiforov said with a laugh. “Can I walk you to your carriage?”
“Oh, you can walk me to my horse,” Yuuri said, and Lord Nikiforov frowned. “Mari has the carriage, so I took the horse.”
“The horse!” Lord Nikiforov exclaimed in shock, blinking as he looked down at Yuuri. “In this snow? Surely you are jesting me?”
“I am not,” Yuuri promised, and Lord Nikiforov shook his head in disbelief. “It was the best solution.”
“Well please accept my offer of driving you back then. I am going back to the Giacometti estate either way, and it would be no trouble,” Lord Nikiforov said, and Yuuri’s heart flipped in his chest. “We could tie your horse to the side of the carriage. Please, it would give me much peace of mind.”
“If you are sure,” Yuuri said, and smiled as excitement filled him from knowing he would be spending some time with the alpha. How silly his heart was. “I am very grateful for your assistance.”
“The pleasure is all mine,” Lord Nikiforov said with a smile. “I would happily assist you as often as you were to need it.”
“You cannot say such a thing I might take your word for it,” Yuuri jokeed, and started leading them towards where he had left his horse. They spoke of this and that as they retrieved it, and Yuuri led it over to where Lord Nikiforov’s driver was waiting. After the man had secured Yuuri’s horse to the carriage, Lord Nikiforov helped Yuuri step inside it. Yuuri settled against the plush seats with a sigh, smiling once Lord Nikiforov was seated opposite him.
“This is truly so kind of you,” Yuuri said, and Lord Nikiforov shook his head dismissively. “I mean it, you did not have to.”
“Perhaps I simply wanted to make sure I could spend some time alone with you. With how it has been rumoured, I would not have gotten a single word in with you all night,” Lord Nikiforov jested, and Yuuri rolled his eyes, just as the carriage started to move.
“You believe what Mr. Giacometti says far too much,” he pointed out, and Lord Nikiforov grinned. This had become a common joke between them, the alphas kept jesting Yuuri for being so sought after, and Yuuri dismissed them for their false pretence.
“I have seen first hand how filled that dance card was the first time you pinned me to a wall, so I feel I am capable of making my own conclusions,” Lord Nikiforov said, and Yuuri let out a chuckle, even as his cheeks heated from the topic.
He took a deep breath, and felt Lord Nikiforov’s scent fill his nose. When walking outside it had not been as prominent, but in here in the cramped space of the carriage it became much more potent. Yuuri adored the alpha’s scent, and couldn’t help but indulge in his a little more than he usually did.
“What about you, Lord Nikiforov,” Yuuri said, trying to change the topic from himself. “If someone is sought after it is surely you. How many parents have presented their unmated child to you since you first arrived here.”
“Oh, I could never keep track of all of them,” Lord Nikiforov said, and Yuuri could not help but smirk. “Oh do not give me that look. They are not truly interested in their children becoming my mate. They are interested in their grandchildren becoming heirs.”
“That is true,” Yuuri agreed, his tone softening. “I am certain however that whoever becomes your mate, will be a very lucky person.”
“Mr. Katsuki, those are very kind words,” Lord Nikiforov said, and Yuuri had to avert his gaze from the intensity of the alpha’s. “I merely hope I can find someone who will be able to see past all of the inheritance, and the titles. Perhaps I am a romantic.”
Yuuri looked back at him then, but the alpha was staring out the window now. Something about his expression made Yuuri pause, and he felt his heart ache form the sight of the solemness decorating it.
“I sincerely hope that whoever becomes your mate, that they do it because they love Victor, and not the title,” Yuuri said, and Lord NIkiforov’s eyes grew wide as he snapped his gaze over to meet Yuuri’s. Yuuri flushed, and bit into his lower lip. He wanted to avert his eyes again, but held still. “I am sorry, if that was too much.”
“No, not at all,” Lord Nikiforov said, shaking his head as a soft smile played on his lips. “It is perfect.”
“I did not know there would be dancing,” Lord Nikiforov said with wide eyes, as the space of the hallway at the Giacometti estate was cleared. Yuuri stood beside him and looked on as well, as Guang Hong Ji settled behind the pianoforte that had been rolled out. They were at the Giacometti Christmas party, and dinner had just ended. Yuuri had been seated between Mr. de la Iglesia and Mr. Chulanont, and it had been an overall jolly time. It looked as it was about to become even more festive.
“There has never been before,” Yuuri assured Lord Nikiforov, smiling as he saw Mr. Christophe Giacometti help the footmen carry away chairs. “I think this was a mere impulse sparked from the conversion as dinner.”
“It must have been,” Lord Nikiforov agreed. “I must say I am happy about it however.”
“How come?” Yuuri asked, and looked away from where they were rolling away the carpet to look at the alpha by his side. “Are you a big fan of dancing?”
“I do enjoy it yes,” Lord Nikiforov agreed, as the first few notes of a waltz rang out through the room. The guests cheered, and Guang Hong flushed, calling out for requests. “However, tonight it is mainly, because I know I have the opportunity to ask you to the dance floor.”
“Oh,” Yuuri said in surprise and looked over with wide eyes. “You would like for us to dance together?”
“Yes, and at an impromptu event such as this, there cannot be a dance card that is already filled hindering me,” Lord Nikiforov pointed out, and Yuuri felt an odd warm sensation fill his chest, alongside the butterflies rushing around in his stomach.
“I would happily dance with you, dance card or not,” Yuuri said surely, and Lord Nikiforov ginned happily from the admittance, which Yuuri felt might have been a tad too honest. It was too late to take back now however, and it had all been true nonetheless. Surely Lord Nikiforov knew the effect he had on people. Yuuri saw him shift toward him in the corner of his eyes, and he turned towards him too, so that they came to face each other. Lord Nikiforv smiled charmingly, and Yuuri’s heart flipped.
“Then, lovely Mr. Katuski,” Lord Nikiforov said and held out his hand towards Yuuri. The music was fully playing now, and others had already stepped up to dance. “May I have this dance.”
“You may,” Yuuri agreed, placing his hand in the alpha’s. Lord Nikiforov smiled, and then led them onto the dance floor. He took Yuuri into his arms, and guided him into the waltz. Lord Nikiforov was a splendid dancer, with light steps but a solid frame, and Yuuri thoroughly enjoyed dancing with him, swirling around the makeshift dance floor together. The song seemed to be endless, and only when Guang Hong paused for the first time were Yuuri able to catch his breath, feeling breathless from the dancing as well as being so close to Lord Nikiforov for so long.
“Would you like to get some air?” Lord Nikiforov asked, and Yuuri nodded, taking Lord Nikiforov’s offered arm to be led off the dance floor. Yuuri was not sure where Lord Nikiforov was taking them as he guided them down a hallway, but it was not many steps before he pushed open the door to the library, and they both stepped inside. The door swung shut behind them, and suddenly it was all so very quiet.
“Thank you for the dance,” Yuuri said simply to be able to say something. He let his hand slip from Lord Nikiforov’s arm, and stepped further into the room. It was dark, but the moon reflected in the snow through the window, casting the room in a pale light.
“I can very much understand why so many want to lay their hands on a dance with you,” Lord Nikiforov said, and Yuuri rolled his eyes. “I am serious! You are an excellent dancer Mr. Katsuki.”
“I wouldn’t know about that,” Yuuri said with a shake of head, as he glanced over to the alpha who had started moving along the wall. “I do enjoy it though.”
“I am glad,” Lord Nikiforov said. “And I am glad to have shared it with you.”
“Why would you say that?” Yuuri asked, and stepped after him. Lord Nikiforov looked ethereal in the pale light of the room, heightening his beautiful features. Yuuri’s heart was pounding a little too roughly in his chest, and he longed to reach out and touch the alpha again. It had felt good to be in his arms, and while Yuuri knew it could not be as he wished, his heart still ached for it.
“You are very talented for one,” Lord Nikiforov started, and Yuuri hummed, deciding not to fight it this time. “And I did enjoy having you in my arms.” Yuuri blinked, and came to a pause as he looked at the alpha. Lord Nikiforov had stopped as well, and for a moment they simply looked at each other. “Have I said too much?” the alpha asked, and Yuuri had no idea how to respond to that.
“I do not know what you mean,” Yuuri said truthfully, and Lord Nikiforov wet his lips, making Yuuri’s gaze drop to them, before snapping back up.
“I enjoyed having you in my arms, to touch you,” he said, and Yuuri’s heart pounded so quickly it could not be healthy. Still, his heart sang from such a declaration. It may not be love or a proposal, but perhaps it did not matter. Yuuri had never wanted anyone in this manner before, and he had never loved prior to this either. Yuuri longed for the touch of Lord Nikiforov, and surely it would be better with the touch of someone that you yourself desired, than the love of someone you did not want it from.
Yuuri threw caution to the wind, and took a step closer. He could see the alpha suck in a breath, and Yuuri took another step and he did not pause until he had the alpha pinned against the wall. He was not touching him however, but oh how he wanted to.
Lord Nikiforov looked at him with an emotion Yuuri was not familiar with seeing, but perhaps was the same he himself felt. Want was coursing through his veins, and he bared his throat in submission to display it. He knew he should not. He should not succumb to this urge, but he could not stop himself.
If Lord Nikiforov wanted him, Yuuri would gladly be his - even if it was only for a night.
“Touch me then,” he breathed, exposed and raw. “I want you to.”
A moment passed, and then Lord Nikiforov surged forward. His hands cupped Yuuri’s cheeks, and then he pulled Yuuri forward, until they were flushed together. Lord Nikiforov’s gaze met his, and Yuuri met his own feelings in his eyes, longing, passion, need. He closed his eyes from the intensity of it all, and felt Lord Nikiforov’s breath ghost over his lips.
A hand caredded over his cheek, and his nose, and Yuuri trembled, as Lord Nikiforov explored him with his hands. His hands moved down Yuuri’s neck next, careful not to touch the scent glands, and then down his sides. Yuuri trembled, and wet his lips again.
“Victor,” he breathed, the given name tumbling from his mouth in a whisper. A growl - possessive and claiming - rose from the alpha’s chest. It made something in Yuuri’s body ache with it, and then he was turned around in one swift motion, finding his own back against the wall as Lord Nikiforov pushed him against it.
“Say it again,” he said, and Yuuri blinked, his eyes opened slowly, meeting the storm in the alpha’s eyes once more. He let his hands land on the alpha’s chest, and then curled them slightly into his coat.
“Victor,” he said again as he tipped his face up, and Victor surged forward, claiming Yuuri’s mouth with his own. Yuuri moaned, and gripped his clothing tighter to pull him firmer into the kiss. He had never kissed before, but somehow this felt so right. Victor’s mouth was hot against his own, and Yuuri trembled as he pushed their bodies firmer together. Yuuri’s hands moved up to the alpha’s neck instead, and he sucked in a breath, his senses filling with aroused pheromones.
“Yuuri,” Victor gasped into his mouth, and Yuuri felt his knees grow weak from the intimacy of it. Yuuri kissed him again, open mouthed as wet, as he slotted their bodies together firmly. “Yuuri, I want you so much.”
“Have me then,” Yuuri breathed into the kiss, his hands traveling down to grip Victor’s hips. Lust was tangale between them, and Yuuri had never wanted someone to touch him so much before in his life, as he wanted Victor to. He knew it would only be for now, only for tonight, so he would enjoy it as best as he could. “Have me if you want me.”
“I do, I do want you,” the alpha said, his hands starting to move down Yuuri’s body as his lips kissed down Yuuri’s neck. Yuuri gasped, baring his throat to give the alpha more room. The sensation was so good, and a breathy moan fell from his lips as Victor’s leg slotted between his thighs.
Yuuri felt Victor’s hardening cock press into his hip, and he trembled from the sensation, his own cock hard under his skirts as well. He was growing slick too, need coursing through his veins as he let himself go and simply feel.
“Please tell me to stop if you want me to,” Victor breathed into the crook of his neck alongside the kisses, and Yuuri whimpered, as Victor caressed over his erection outside of the skirts.
“Do not stop,” Yuuri urged, and Victor’s mouth found his again. Yuuri opened up so easily, and Victor licked into his mouth. The sensation was foreign, but sparked even more want in Yuuri’s body. He let his own hands move from the vice like grip he held on Victor’s hips to caress down towards his groin.
“Yuuri,” Victor breathed, and Yuuri sucked in a breath, before he let his hand caress down over Victor’s strained erection. “Haaa.”
“Does that-,” Yuuri started, swallowing as he tried to find his voice while he kept caressing over Victor’s clothed length. “Does that feel good?”
“Yes, mmmh,” the alpha gasped, and Yuuri put slightly more pressure on it, adoring the way pleasure flooded Victor’s expression. “Yuuri, Yuuri.”
“You are so gorgeous,” Yuuri breathed, and Victor's eyes opened to meet his. Yuuri’s stomach swooped, and then his hands moved further down Yuuri’s body, and lifted him off the floor.
“Ah,” Yuuri gasped in surprise, his legs coming to wrap around the alpha’s waist as his skirts slipped down his legs, rendering them bare as the piled at the bend by his hips. He was so exposed, more so than he had ever been before another person, but then Victor was kissing him again, deep and wet, and Yuuri moaned into it as he pulled him tightly into the press of lips.
“You are everything,” Victor gasped into his mouth, pinning him firmly to the wall. His hands caressed up Yuuri’s thighs, and Yuuri whimpered from the sensation of lust sparking up his skin. “So beautiful, so lovely.”
“Victor,” Yuuri moaned and then Victor's hands pushed his skirts fully away, exposing his erection. Yuuri saw Victor’s gaze lower, and then he licked his lips, making a moan push from Yuuri’s mouth. How could anyone look so erotic?
“May I touch you?” Victor asked, and Yuuri nodded as he kept his eyes on the alpha’s face. Victor moved his hand further down, his other helping in keeping Yuuri up. Anticipation was tangible in the air, and Yuuri’s heart raced from it, from lust and need. He was so wet now as well, and a longing to be filled that he hadn’t experience outside of his heats filled his body.
How would it feel, to have Victor push into him and fill him properly, in a way no one had before? Yuuri truly hoped he would.
Victor’s hand came to wrap around his erection, and it felt so good that Yuuri had to close his eyes from the sensation, his hands gripping into the strands of hair at the nape of Victor’s neck.
“Haaaa,” he moaned, as Victor stroked slowly upwards, only to move his hand down again. The sensation was a mix of familiar and foreign, for Yuuri had taken himself in hand so many times, but never had someone else do it. “Victor, Victooor.”
“I love the way you say my name,” the alpha said, continuing to move his hands up and down Yuuri’s length, increasing pleasure just slightly. “You look absolutely erotic like this, so beautiful.”
“Mmmh,” Yuuri moaned, unable to stop himself from rolling his hips into Victor's touch, even as he was pinned to the wall. “Good, good it feels- aaah.”
“You smell so good too, so wanting,” Victor said, and Yuuri whined, because he was wanting, and greedy for so many things. “Is that it my darling, are you wanting?”
“Yes, yes,” Yuuri gasped, as Victor’s hand continued to move over his erection. He could feel Victor's other hand caress down his bare cheek, but came to stop right before touching where Yuuri wanted his hands the most, where he was wet and aching. “I want you inside me.”
“Fuck,” Victor cursed, and Yuuri coudln’t help but smirk, prying his eyes open to look at the alpha. Victor’s cheeks were flushed, and his eyes were dark with want. His lips were kiss swollen, and he looked debaculed in the most wonderful way, for Yuuri had made him look so desperate. It was an empowering sensation, to see someone Yuuri wanted to to want him in return. “Yuuri.”
“I want to feel it,” Yuuri said, biting into his own lower lip as he whined from the pleasurable sensation of Victor's hand moving up and down his cock. “I want to make you feel good.”
“Oh Yuuri, love,” Victor said, and Yuuri surged forward to kiss him again, just to taste him on his lips. He could barely take such endearments now, for he would surely lose them as soon as the pheromones settled. For now however, he could revel in being Victor’s love.
“Please,” Yuuri asked into his mouth, and Victor nodded against his lips, just before his hand dipped into Yuuri’s cleft.
Yuuri gasped, and kissed him deeper as Victor's fingers caressed through his slick. Yuuri was so wet, and now Victor could feel it too. He moaned into Yuuri’s mouth as he moved his fingers over Yuuri’s hole over and over, teasing sensations rushing through Yuuri’s body.
Victor’s hand fell from Yuuri’s erection to steady them, but Yuuri couldn't mind too much, for Victor’s fingers stopped over his hole then, and then one slowly pushed in.
“Aaaaah,” Yuuri moaned, tipping his head back under the sensation. Victor moved the finger in slowly, and Yuuri clung to him as he did, and continued to do so as Victor moved his finger out. “Victor, Victor.”
“Is this alright?” the alpha asked, and Yuuri nodded, whining in pleasure as Victor moved his finger into him again. “You feel so good, so wet and good for me.”
“Yes, yes just for you,” Yuuri moaned, and a growl rose in Victor’s chest, vibrating through them as Victor moved his finger in and out of Yuuri’s hole. “Only mmh- ever for you.”
“Yuuri,” Victor said, sounding breathless, and Yuuri surged forward to kiss him again. Victor moved his finger in and out of him faster and soon he added a second finger, stretching Yuuri properly. Yuuri felt so good here, with his legs locked tightly around Victor’s waist as his fingers gave him pleasure. He could smell how much Victor wanted him, and it only made the pleasure more intense, the anticipation more pliable. Victor added a third finger, and Yuuri was growing desperate now, wanting to feel Victor inside him fully, to have his pleasure in return.
“Victor, please, please,” Yuuri moaned, his fingers trembling at the hairline of Victor’s neck. “Take me please.”
“With pleasure,” Victor moaned against his lips, and then he pulled his fingers from Yuuri’s hole, leaving him empty. Victor’s hand moved down to his own pants, and Yuuri heard him open them as they continued to kiss. Anticipation grew in his chest, and then he felt the head of Victor’s cock press against his hole.
“Oh,” Yuuri gasped, and Victor pulled back just enough to look at him. Yuuri met his gaze, and he let out a long breath. “Fill me please, make me yours.”
“Yesss,” Victor moaned, and Yuuri knew he was giving too much of his heart, but it did not matter. Victor looked so wanton, and Yuuri wanted him to have everything. Victor’s cock pressed firmer to his hole, and then slipped inside. “Yuuri aaaah.”
“Yesssss,” Yuuri moaned loudly, as he felt himself be stretched fully by the alpha’s girth. “Haaaa.”
“Yuuri so good, soo mmmh so tight and wet aaaah,” Victor moaned as he sunk in fully, and Yuuri whined from the sensation of it all. It was perfect, and he barely knew how to deal with it all. It was so good though, and he pushed forward to kiss Victor again.
Victor sunk in fully, and then moved his hips back, only to thrust back into Yuuri. Yuuri moaned, pleasure shooting through his body, but then Victor did it again, and again, and again and Yuuri was rendered into a trembling mess as Victor pounded into him, so hard the books in the shelves beside them shook. Victor’s cock filled him so well, and Yuuri felt claimed and exposed, and so wanted that he could barely breathe.
“Haaa, haaa haaaaa,” he moaned as Victor cock moved in and out of him, creating pleasure with each thrust.
“You are so perfect, so good for me, all mine,” Victor moaned, and Yuuri was. He was all Victor’s. No one had ever made him feel the way Victor did, and even though he could not have him, it was enough to be his for tonight.
“Yes, all yours,” Yuuri agreed, and Victor moaned. He adored that he made Victor feel this way, and he could feel his own pleasure hum through his veins. “I am going to come.”
“Yes love,” Victor said, wrapping his hand around Yuuri’s cock as he continued to move inside him, pushing Yuuri firmer into the wall. Yuuri clung to his shoulders, his legs still wrapped tightly around his waist. “Come for me, mmmh-, show, show me your pleasure.”
“Aaah, Victor,” Yuuri moaned, and gave himself away to the sensation of it all fully. He felt like putty in Victor's hands, and let the pleasure grow and grow from all the sensations, until he was merely gasping against Victor's mouth, unable to do anything else. Pleasure rushed through his body, and then, it snapped.
Yuuri came, clenching around Victor's cock inside him as he spurted come all over Victor’s hand. Victor moaned his name loudly, and then Yuuri felt him spill inside him, filling him with his come. Something felt so right about it all, and Yuuri shook with the aftermaths if his orgasm, as Victor continued to fuck into him as he came. Yuuri slumped against the wall once Victor stopped moving, their bodies pressed tightly together and Victor still inside him. Yuuri caught his breath slowly, and closed his eyes as he tried to gather his mind over what had just transpired.
“Yuuri,” Victor said softly, and pulled away just a little so they could look at each other. Yuuri met his gaze, and his heart ached. He loved him so terribly, and he wished he could have kept this for longer, perhaps forever.
“Put me down, will you?” Yuuri said softly, and Victor nodded, shifting to pull out of Yuuri slowly. Yuuri untangled his legs, and carefully put them on the floor. He was wobbly, his thighs trembling from exhaustion. The silence of the room was heavy, and Yuuri did not want it. He did not want to hear Victor’s rejection or his false promises. Instead he corrected his skirts as best he could as Victor used his handkerchief to dry himself off, and once the alpha had pulled his pants back up, Yuuri leaned in to kiss his cheek.
“Thank you,” he whispered, and before Victor had the chance to say anything else, pulled away hastily, and left the room without looking back. His heart ached, but he did not regret any of it. Victor had given him a lovely gift of indulging in something Yuuri thought he would never have, and he would cherish it for always, even if the heartbreaking pain of never getting to share his life with Victor would follow him forever.
The dance was seemingly quieting down once Yuuri came back out, having the luck of passing a mirror on the way, and making himself presentable. The room was filled with scents, and Yuuri was lucky in that too, for it would probably mask the way he smelled like alpha and arousal. There was quite the amount of arousal hanging in the air, even if no one spoke of it of course.
“Yuuri,” his mother called, and Yuuri looked over to the side, spotting her and his father. He walked over quickly, smiling as if his entire world had not just shifted. Had they known what he had just done, they would have been deeply angered. “Have you heard of the weather?”
“The weather?” he asked, and his father nodded, a creas appearing between his brows.
“Yes, the snow has been coming down heavily, and the footmen seem to be sure the roads are all snowed over,” his mother said, and Yuuri raised his brows in surprise. “They did not even think we who live so close would be able to make it back home.”
“Really?” Yuuri asked, feeling his heart beat faster in his chest. He had not expected to spend the night, and most certainly not to have breakfast here in the morning and then to stay however long it took to clear the roads. He was not sure how he was to face Lord Nikiforov so soon after what had just transpired between them. “What are we to do then?”
“Do not worry,” his mother reassured. “This is a large house, and Mrs Giacometti assured they had most beds prepared beforehand if it were to be needed. They have graciously promised to host us overnight.”
“That is very kind of them,” Yuuri said, not daring to look around in case he would see Lord Nikiforov. His heart beat a little too roughly in his chest, and he felt himself fidget. “Did they say when the rooms might be finished?”
“Are you tired dear?” his father asked, and Yuuri nodded. He was not particularly tired, but he would much rather have some peace of mind to calm his racing thoughts than to stay down here. He also felt a violent need to nest.
“Say no more, I shall go inquire,” his mother promised, and then stepped away from them to go speak to their host. She came back swiftly, and Yuuri was relieved to soon be guided up to the second floor and into one of the guest rooms. A maid came and lit the fire, as well as leaving a basin of water, and Yuuri thanked her, and dismissed all help in getting undressed. She left soon after, and Yuuri let out a soft sigh as he started to strip out of his clothing. He stopped once he was in merely his shift, and then got to work on his nest.
It was odd nesting in a place that was not his own room, but he had done it a few times before. He had not nested it when having just been taken in the library however, and over and over he was hit with the scent of Lord Nikiforov filling his senses. It was terribly distracing, for even if they had not scented each other, the evergreen and roses seemed to be clinging to him anyway.
He was just finished with the nest, feeling quite content with it, when there was a knock on the door. Yuuri froze, and was not sure how to answer. He was in no condition to agree to let anyone in, and he did not have a robe to pull on over his shift either to make himself more presentable.
“Yuuri?” a soft voice came through the crack of the door, and Yuuri felt his eyes grow wide from the sound of Lord Nikiforov’s voice.
“Yes,” he found himself answering, and then without further adieu, the door was pushed open, and the alpha slipped inside. Yuuri yelped in shock, grabbing one of the blankets he had not used for the nesting to hold in front of his body. The door fell shut softly, and the alpha leaned against it, looking at Yuuri with wide eyes.
Lord Nikiforov looked much more decent than Yuuri, with his nightshirt and being covered in a silk robe, but he was clearly ready for bed. His scent filled Yuuri’s nose again, and he too smelled like the both of them, making Yuuri’s heart clench, a possessive monsted in Yuuri’s chest chanting mine, mine .
“Lord Nikiforov, what on earth are you doing here?” Yuuri asked in a rush, since Lord Nikiforov seemed to have lost his tongue, simply staring at Yuuri from the door. The alpha snapped his eyes up to meet Yuuri’s, and Yuuri fought the impulse to curl in on himself in his state of undress.
“I beg you, Yuuri, to please not call me that,” he said, and Yuuri’s heart clenched, for he could not take such liberties as to call the alpha by his given name. It had been done in the moment of passion, his foolish fantasies coming to life. “Darling please.”
“How can you say such things?” Yuuri asked as he shook his head, his heart aching in his chest. “I cannot- Why do you call me darling?”
Lord Nikiforov looked at him for a long moment, and Yuuri did not know if he wanted to beg him to leave or to stay. After several heartbeats Lord Nikiforov cleared his throat, and took a step into the room. Yuuri stayed put, unsure what was about to happen.
“I have realised that perhaps I had not made my intentions clear,” Lord Nikiforov said, and Yuuri frowned for he did not understand his meaning. “When you stepped out of the library, I realised I never said it, that I never told you, and that perhaps you did not know that…” He trailed off, and Yuuri longed for him to continue. He was not sure if his heart would break from it, but there was something like hope lighting in his chest.
“Lord Nikiforov please,” Yuuri said, and the alpha took another step towards him, his scent wrapping around Yuuri, making Yuuri ache to touch him. “What do you mean, I do not understand.”
“Please love,” Victor said, so heartbreakingly tender and with a gaze so full of uncertainty it made Yuuri’s heart break. “Please call me Victor.”
Yuuri looked into the storm of his eyes, and he knew he could never deny him anything at all.
“Victor,” Yuuri echoed, and the alpha let out a soft gasp, happy and accompanied with a smile. Yuuri could not stop the tug of his own lips at the sight, even if he still did not understand. “Victor, I do not know what you are talking about. Your intentions? Have you come to tell me we can never be more than what transpired between us this evening?” he asked, feeling tears fill his eyes at the words. It had been alright to think them, but to word them out was torture. “I do not think I can bear to have you say it.”
“Not at all,” Victor rushed on, his hand coming up tentatively, reaching out for Yuuri’s cheek. Yuuri stood still and let his fingers caress his skin, and then for his palm to cup it. A tear rushed down his cheek, but the touch felt wonderfully good. “It is quite the opposite.”
“Victor,” Yuuri said, and Victor smiled, cupping his other cheek. Yuuri could not help but stop himself from letting go of the blanket, only so he could grip the alpha as well. The blanket tumbled to the floor, and Yuuri’s hands found Victor’s waist as he looked into his eyes.
“I adore you,” Victor said, caressing his thumbs over Yuuri’s cheekbones. “I adore your mind and your stubbornness and your sense of humor, and the way you see me so clearly. I love that you pin me against things constantly, and that you are an excellent dancer and a terrible knitter and that you draw beautifully.”
More tears tumbled down Yuuri’s cheeks and he could hardly grasp what the alpha was saying, it was all too much, too wonderful.
“I don’t-” Yuuri said, but paused himself for he did not know how to continue. “Victor.”
“I had not planned for this evening to go as it did,” the alpha said, keeping Yuuri’s gaze as he tried to caress the tears from Yuuri’s face. “I had planned to call on you in the morning.”
“On Christmas day?” Yuuri asked, and Victor laughed, as a blush painted his cheeks. “Whatever for?”
“You see I am a romantic,” Victor said, and Yuuri took a deep breath. “And tomorrow is my birthday.”
“Oh,” Yuuri said, as if the information made him any wiser to why Victor wanted to call on him on such a special day.
“Yes and well,” Victor said, one of his hands falling from Yuuri’s cheek to disappear into his pocket. “Even if I would have been terribly nervous, and still am, that a rejection will break my heart fully - it seems my miscalculations demand an explanation of a more urgent kind.”
“I still do not understand,” Yuuri said truthfully, and Victor chuckled as he nodded. He took a deep breath, and looked into Yuuri’s eyes as he pulled his hand from his pocket. Yuuri broke their gaze, and then saw the jewellery box in Victor’s hand. His heart stopped, for he had seen them before, knew the shape but surely it could not be. “Victor…”
“Yuuri Katsuki, please excuse my unclear way of trying to show my devotion and affection. I should have been more truthful much sooner in regards to how I feel. No one has ever made me feel as you have. I am terribly hopelessly in love with you,” Victor said, and Yuuri looked up into his eyes as his heart rushed. Victor looked terrified, and even though Yuuri now understood what was about to happen, he could not believe it.
The jewelry box opened, and Yuuri looked down into it, feeling his heart pause in his chest before it started to race. He spotted the silver, diamond and sapphire collar resting inside, and it was terribly beautiful.
An engagement collar.
“Will you do me the utmost honor of becoming my mate?” Victor asked, and Yuuri tore his gaze from the collar to Victor’s eyes, feeling his chest overflow with emotions.
“I-” Yuuri started, swallowing as he tried to catch his voice. “I did not- I did not think you-” he stuttered, and Victor let out a breathy chuckle.
“Yes that is why I am here now, since I am seemingly incapable of indicating my emotions for you,” he said, his thumb still caressing over Yuuri’s cheekbone. “I could not stand the thought of you thinking that tonight- that I did it for any other reason than that I plan to spend my life with you.”
Yuuri let out a stuttering breath, and he had to close his eyes under the onslaught of emotions in his chest. He gripped Victor’s waist tighter, trying to take a calming breath but failing from his wife he started to smile. He looked up into Victor’s eyes once more, and went up on his toes to press a sweet kiss to the corner of his mouth as his heart sang.
“Yes,” Yuuri breathed. “A thousand times yes.”