Fragmented Snow Chapter 8

Chapter 8
Yuuri stirred beside Victor as the dull chime of an alarm came through the wall. Victor’s eyes fluttered open but he made no effort to move as to not disturb the sleeping beauty beside him. The sun was barely shining through the overcast sky. He glanced at the alarm clock. It was only seven in the morning. Apparently his new student did run on coffee with being up this early. Perhaps being back home had some effect on her. She certainly seemed different, especially after the warm welcome she had received from everybody at the airport. Her eyes had hardened with determination, she seemed much more focused. Much more so than what she was in Russia. Perhaps it was the upcoming competition. Yuuri stirred again, snuggling closer before opening his eyes.

“Morning,” he whispered, sleep clinging to his breath.

“Morning,” Victor ran his fingers through Yuuri’s jet black hair as he kissed his forehead.

“Did she even get any sleep?” Yuuri’s words were slurred. “I swear she has coffee instead of blood.”

“We still have time, get some more sleep,” Victor said softly. “The train isn’t until nine-thirty.”

Yuuri nuzzled his husband, wrapped his arms around him. “Which means she’ll have us there by nine. I still need to shower.”

“We can share,” Victor said simply but with a sensual edge to his tone. “Saves on time and water.”

“Hm... I’m not sure about that. Our shared showers seem to take longer.”

“I like to be thorough.”

“Whatever helps you sleep at night,” Yuuri snarked.

“Oh you know what helps me sleep at night,” Victor said sensually as he caressed Yuuri’s face, stroking his cheek with his thumb. “It was quite exciting to keep quiet last night.” Yuuri blushed lightly as he leaned his head into Victor’s touch.

They said nothing and just enjoyed each other’s company in the comfort of their hotel room. The sounds of the city were faint outside the window. They heard Clara’s shower start. They would meet her for breakfast so they still had time.

Yuuri sighed and kissed Victor’s lips before sitting up. The linens fell from his bare body, now dotted with the aftermath of Victor’s affections. Victor sat up and wrapped his arms around him. “Feels weird being here again.”

“The Grand Prix isn’t the only competition.”

“I know.” Yuuri fidgeted. “Victor, I’ve been thinking.”

“What about?”

“This season being my last one.” Silence fell over the room. Yuuri felt himself relax when Victor stroked his hair. “I think maybe we should move onto the next chapter of our life together.”

“You miss having me on the ice?” Victor teased as he nuzzled his husband’s neck. “Honestly, you’re so greedy.”

Yuuri chuckled. “I’m serious, Victor.”

“What do you have in mind with this next chapter?”

“Well, we’ll continue to coach Clara as long as she’ll have us. Maybe we can take on a few more students.”

Victor nodded, planting a soft kiss on his husband’s neck. “What else?”

Yuuri sharply inhaled and slowly released his breath. “What would you think about us adding to the family? And I don’t mean another dog.”

Victor blinked. “Kids?” A warmth washed forth inside him as the thought settled in his mind. He squeezed Yuuri tight, sharing this sensation through their bare skin. “I’d love to.”

Yuuri smiled. “We can look into it more once we get back home. For now we’ll focus on Clara.”

Victor nodded in agreement. The two of them shared a shower, of which they did in a timely manner for once. Yuuri was much too jetlagged to respond to Victor’s attempts to seduce him properly. They met Clara for breakfast in one of the dining halls. She was already refilling the paper cup from the freshly brewed pot. She seemed to have had a fairly decent breakfast, Yuuri noted. He saw a lot of himself in Clara and he was interested in learning more about her. Which is why they had come to the city earlier than the other skaters. Yuuri hoped some time away from the ice would help. She was always too focused on at the rink and at the dance studio to talk about anything else. Heather’s reluctance to divulge details only made him more curious about this young woman who dropped everything to come to train in Russia. Perhaps Victor shared the same curiosity and that was what made him interested in her to begin with.

After they were done with breakfast they caught a taxi to Ogilvie Transportation Center, riding past Millennium Park along the way. Clara stopped in the nearby pharmacy and bought a bouquet of flowers before they went into the station. People were milling about in the various shops and in the food court. Others were rushing to catch a train or running to grab a cab outside. Yuuri checked his watch, they still had about twenty minutes until the train left. He and Victor followed her to the second floor, passing by the screens with the departing and arrival times. The second floor had the door to the terminals along with some small shops and a bar. Victor went and bought a bucket of caramel corn from one of the stores while Clara purchased their tickets. She insisted on buying them at the station, apparently there was an extra charge to purchase them on the train.

“Yuuri, you have to try this popcorn,” Victor said while enthusiastically handing him a small plastic cup with a sampling of caramel corn.

“Victor, it’s too early for sweets,” Yuuri stated. “I’ll have some from the bucket you bought later.”

Victor huffed. “Fine.” He ate the sample and threw away the cup.

“We’re train nine,” Clara stated as she came back with the tickets. “We should hurry. It's  pretty busy today.”

They followed her into the terminals, the space echoing with chatter and the wind blowing through the station. They sat on the main floor the car. Victor and Yuuri beside each other while Clara sat across from them. Yuuri noted that she was wearing makeup, a natural look but still noticeable. The mascara and lipstick tipped him off. Her blue eyes were cloudy, as if she weren't fully there. Lost in her own thoughts.

“So how far are we going?” Victor inquired.

“Pretty far. It's about an and hour and a half out,” Clara said simply.

“Wow.” Victor gasped. “I thought you were from Chicago.”

Clara shrugged. “It’s easier to say that when you travel abroad. Easier frame of reference. Plus did live in the city until I moved to Russia.”

Victor nodded and silence fell between them. Yuuri didn't press for conversation with her. The way she was biting her lip and fidgeting with the flowers was enough to tell him that she wasn't up for it. He found himself dozing off, the motions of the train rocking him to sleep. Victor gently shook him awake when they were approaching their stop.

They stepped off the train and Yuuri found himself transported to another world. One of small shops and small brick buildings that stood parallel to the tracks.

“What an adorable little town,” Victor said as he held out his phone and snapped a picture. “Where's the bus stop?”

“There’s isn't one,” Clara said simply. “I have a vehicle lined up, but we’ll need to walk a bit first.”

“Must be a small town if there isn’t a bus,” Victor commented as he and Yuuri followed Clara’s lead.

They crossed the busy road that ran alongside the tracks and started walking. The warm colored leaves swirled across the sidewalk in the chilled October air. The sun was out now which helped. Victor held Yuuri’s hand as they walked. They passed by a Dairy Queen, then a small cluster of tiny apartment buildings, Clara seemed to hesitate when they came to a crosswalk by a gas station. They ran across the road, taking Clara’s lead. Victor found it amusing that she would run even if she had the right of way. Soon a small shopping strip came up and Clara lead them to a bakery that was nestled between a dollar store and a thrift store. Clara paused and glanced at them before opening the door.

A bell chimed as they crossed the threshold into a cozy venue. Glass displays and counter tops were expertly filled with sweet treats and confections separated the rest of the space from the kitchen. Tables covered in local wares spotted the back before giving way to a small seating space. The establishment was empty from customers besides them and the commotion in the kitchen.

“Be right there!” Somebody called from the back. “Feel free to look around!”

Victor had no trouble taking the invitation and started browsing the tables of sweets and gift baskets. Yuuri followed beside him, still holding his hand. He glanced back at Clara, who seemed to be frozen in place, the plastic wrapping of the bouquet of flowers crinkled in her grip. He looked to Victor when he received a gentle nudge. His husband motioned to a small section of the wall that was covered in newspaper clippings and many photos. The older ones were from the founding of the business, back from the mid-fifties. Color gradually came into the photos as they moved forward in time. Where the clippings became flyers and newsletters from the local ice house with the occasional local news paper article thrown in. The pictures were of Clara on the ice, all varying in age, but stopping around the time she was thirteen. That’s when it stopped.

“Clara?!” Yuuri jumped and looked back to the counter. A woman about his sister’s age came out from the kitchen. Her dark hair was pulled back into a bun and her apron was covered in flour and smears of batter. She pulled down her glasses from atop her head and beamed. Yuuri swore she vaulted the counter with how quickly she moved. “You should have just come in back.”

“I brought company so I thought it was best to wait out here. Sounded like you were busy.”

“Nah, just a small cupcake order. These your friends?” She narrowed her eyes as she inspected the two men.

“They’re my coaches,” Clara said. “Dez, this is Victor and Yuuri. Victor, Yuuri, this is Dez.”

Dez shook their hands. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both.”

“The pleasure is ours,” Victor said. “Do you own this bakery? It’s quite charming.”

“Part owner. Sam,” she motioned to the back, “and I split the cost. I couldn’t stand to see this place close up so we took the opportunity when it came.” Dez smiled at Clara. “Haven’t changed much, promise.”

“Cupcakes are new.”

Dez shrugged. “People love cupcakes. Helps keep the doors open. So what brings you to our sleepy little town?”

“Skate America is in a few days, we came early,” Yuuri said.

“That time of year already?” Dez chuckled. “I guess luck was on your side. Did you want some coffee before you guys head out? We just got a new espresso machine.”

“Coffee sounds nice,” Victor said. He looked to his husband with puppy-dog eyes. “Perhaps we have time for a treat as well.” Yuuri shrugged and sighed, nodding in defeat. How could he say no to that face?

“I’ve got just the thing,” Dez’s dark brown eyes sparkled as she hurried off to the back. The three of them grabbed a table. Clara looked a bit more relaxed now, Yuuri noted.

“You’re quite the local celebrity, aren’t you Clara?” Victor asked.

Clara blushed. “I wouldn’t say that. Poppo was just a very proud man.”

“He had every right to be. You basically taught yourself how to skate on that pond out back.” Dez stated as she came up with a cardboard platter and set it on the table. A Napoleon cake, layers of puff pastry and homemade custard whipped topping that was covered in a flakey crumble and careful decoration of blackberries, strawberries, and blueberries. “Here you go. Made this this morning. I’m trying out a new method for the custard.”

Victor’s eyes sparkled as he beamed. “Wow! Napoleon cake.”

Dez chuckled. “I know these were only for special occasions, but I think this counts.”

“Special occasions?” Yuuri inquired.

“Arti would only make these for special occasions. Birthdays, holidays, whenever Clara placed in a competition or did well in school.” Dez started carefully cutting pieces and placing them on the plates she had brought out with her. “When Sam said you were coming into town, I knew I had to make this.”

“But I haven’t won anything yet,” Clara stated. Though she would be lying if she said she didn’t want a piece. While Dez did respect her late grandfather’s legacy and recipes, she always added her own flair to the recipes. And they were always delicious.

“So? You’re visiting, I think that counts for something.” Dez smiled. “It’s been a rough year, treat yourself.” She offered each of them a fork. “Now enjoy and I’ll get your coffee.” Dez turned on her heel and headed back behind the counter.

Once they had finished their share of the Napoleon cake and finished their coffee Sam came out from the back to give Clara the keys to her car. They had full use of it during their time in town, but Clara didn’t plan on staying all day. She had to still get her practice in even if she did enjoy her time amongst familiar faces. Dez gave them a bag of sweets and cookies, as she always did when old friends would come by. Arti used to do the same when he ran the place. Dez was just as passionate about the small business as her late boss, she had to be since she had been running it for several years now.

They made a quick stop in the thrift store next door upon Victor’s request. Clara found herself buying a tiger hat. It reminded her of Yuri and the thought of him wearing it amused all three of them. Whether or not the punk would actually wear it was a whole other question.

“Where to next?” Victor asked the subtle charm of the area was taking hold on him. He and Yuuri only ever stuck to the hosting cities when they traveled for competition. This was a pleasant change of pace.

Clara bit her lip but took a deep breath and looked at them. “To see Poppo.”

Yuuri blinked, but said nothing as they got into the car. Clara was silent as she drove them to a nearby cemetery. He suddenly felt underdressed as they walked through the rows of headstones. Everybody was much more spread out than they were in Japan. Clara stopped in front of a pair of headstones. Yuuri held Victor’s hand as they kept a short distance between them and their student. The headstones were clean and there were frostbitten flowers resting in the grass. Somebody was here recently.

Clara’s breath caught. “Sorry I’m late, Poppo.” Her voice was soft but crackled with emotion. She took a shaking breath and forced a more cheerful tone. “Saint Petersburg is just as beautiful as you told me it was. I’ve made some friends and my new coaches are great. I might be able to win gold this year thanks to them.”

Yuuri squeezed Victor’s hand. He was unsure of what to do in such a situation. He didn’t want to overstep any unspoken boundary. Besides the morning of Clara’s hangover, he had never seen her so vulnerable.

Victor watched on with a soft expression. When she bought the flowers he had an inkling of what their purpose was. They were for somebody special as one just doesn’t buy flowers then ride a train for nearly two hours for no reason.

Clara knelt down and placed down her flowers. “These two are Victor and Yuuri. They’re my coaches and they’ve been great. I think you’d like them. They’ve made me feel at home in Saint Petersburg.” Yuuri’s breath caught as his eyes widened. Victor covered his mouth as he closed his eyes. Clara paused. “I miss you,” her voice cracked. “I’m sorry I didn’t win gold like I promised, but I’ll do it this year and just not at the Grand Prix Final.” She curled her fingers into fists. “I’m going to make all our hard work pay off. So...So please watch over me! Watch me take gold!”

She turned to Victor and Yuuri, tears cascading down her face causing her mascara to run. Yuuri blinked back his own as Victor’s hand broke from his as he opened his arms to Clara. Clara stared at him but then found herself running into his embrace. She buried her face into his coat as his warm embrace enveloped her. Yuuri joined and Clara clung to the both of them. They just stood by her as she allowed her tears to flow.

In nearly a year she didn’t allow herself to cry like this. Not even at the banquet when she got the news. Not even during the funeral or what she had to settle afterward. But now she needed to move forward and that meant she couldn’t hold anything back or bottled up. She dropped her arms and stepped out of the group hug. Victor offered her a tissue from the pocket pack he kept with him. She nodded in thanks and took a few to dry her tears and attempt to make her make up more presentable.

Victor wiped away a tear of his own and gently smiled. “I suppose we have to win gold now. With such a bold promise.” He caressed Clara’s head and pulled her into place a gentle kiss atop her head.

Clara let out a light laugh. “I guess so.”