Hello everyone I know I haven't updated in a long time but I've been a bit busy so I hadn't had time to write or edit until now so I apologize and hope you guys enjoy the chapter.

Your POV

After enjoying some delicious food and a nice bath I lay in my bed. My room hasn't changed since I left for Russia. The only thing missing here are my books and my dog, Victor. Mila sent me a text with a picture of her and Victor watching TV. Potya was just sleeping in the bed that we got for her.

"Hey, can I come in?" Mari said as she stood at my door with a smile.

"Yeah, what's up?"

"Well I just wanted to hang out with my little sister, you know have a girl's night as we used."

"Sure what do you want to do?" I asked as she sat beside me and lay her head on mine.

"Let's just talk, how's everything in Russia?"

"Everything alright why wouldn't I be alright?" I said smiling hoping she won't read into it more.

"(F/n) you can talk to me when you have a problem that you can't handle, I just want you to know I'm on your side," she said as I looked at my hands. I took a deep breath and hold her hand tight before I could say anything.

"Well I'm a bit uncomfortable with the girls at the ice rink, and lately they've been making some nasty comments about our relationship. Mila was there listening and told them off but sooner or later they'll start up again." She sigh and patted my head as I try not to make a big deal.

"I don't want Yuri to worry so when things like that start coming up I brush it off and ignore it, but it does make me question myself if I'm good enough for Yuri. I love Yuri so much but I sometimes wonder if I even deserve to be by his side." I felt my tears starting to come out but I didn't want to cry. I wanted to be courageous just like Yuri and the others but it isn't easy sometimes.

"You know brave doesn't mean you have to do it all on your own, rather facing things alone you can trust those that are close to you. I'm sure Yuuri and Viktor would help and Yurio loves you so much he will kill anyone with those knife shoes you all use to skate." She said as I laugh seeing she knows Yuri well enough to see his weapon of choice.

"Now that's the smile I've been looking forward to seeing all day," she said as I felt a bit better now that I talked about it.

"Thanks, Mari for listening to my worries," I thanked her as he hugged me real tight.

"Any time it's what I'm here for."

Yuri POV

"WHEN IN THE WORLD ARE YOU GOING TO COME BACK TO TRAIN, IF YOU KEEP THIS UP YOU'LL NEVER GOING TO WIN THE GOLD LIKE THIS!" Yakov yelled as I pulled the phone away from my ear not bothering to listen to him.

"Listen I haven't been goofing off over here I've been practicing too. Plus my girlfriend has been helping me out with the mistakes I've made so shut up and I'll see you when I get back." I hung up before he could say anything else. I was tired of his messages that I called him to stop only to be lectured.

'I need my little mouse here beside me,' I got up and headed to her room and only to hear her talking to her sister about her problems. Even when she's doubting herself if it's right for her to stand beside me. I knew she had been struggling with those rumors but she acted like it wasn't a big deal. I walk closer to the door and knock before going into her room.

"Oh, Yurio want to spend time with my sister?" Mari asked if she knew why I was there.

"Yeah but if I'm interrupting something I can come back later," I said as she smiled and patted my cheek.

"I'm so happy that my little sister has a gentleman as her boyfriend. I wish I could find a guy like that," she said as she gave little mouse a thumb up to approve of our relationship.

"Well I'll leave you lovely couple to do whatever you want to do," she said and walked out of her room leaving us alone.

"Did you need me for something Yuri?" Little mouse asked as I walked up and sat beside her. I pulled her in to hug her and smelled the scent of (f/s) which makes me relax knowing she was here.

"Yuri, what's wrong? Did Yakov make you mad?" She asked as I nodded. She hugged me closer and we lean back to lay on her bed.

"Hey I've been thinking about this for a while since last season but what if we do pair skating?" I asked feeling a bit nervous about her answer.

"As a hobby or competitive?" She asked as I felt my face go red.

"Well I was thinking more as a hobby and if you ever want to do pair skating maybe we can do it together too." She moved a bit to see me and I saw her (e/c) eyes looking into my soul.

"Alright let's try it plus it sounds like fun," she said as I smile seeing she was willing to try new things.

"Let's just not mention this to those idiots," I said as she laugh seeing that I didn't want them to see me like this.

"I promise not to mention this to my brother and Viktor, but I can't promise them from following us," she said as I lean in a kissed her forehead. I kissed down to her cheek before I kissed her lips but something inside me wanted more. I've been wanting to move our relationship to the next level but I don't want her to feel pressured about it. Plus it's sorta embarrassing to talk about this with someone I'm close to.

"Yuri?"

"What is it?"

"What if we stay and continue our practice here in Hatsetsu?"