The afterparty, thus far, has been an elegant and restrained affair. There's a lot of posturing going on, with political allies who need to be thanked for their attendance and court members that Yuuri needs to be introduced to, but no one seems insistent on stirring up political debate or trouble. Whether that's because everyone is eager to stay on the good side of the newly allied kingdoms or the wedding simply has everyone in a jovial mood, Yuuri can't say.

Yuuri and Victor haven't left each other's sides the whole night. Their arms have remained linked since they left the altar, even though there's no expectation for them to stay together like this. Yuuri hasn't felt the compulsion to split away, and it doesn't seem that Victor has, either. So, Yuuri stays close to him and tries not to feel too giddy at the casual touch.

"A drink, your highness?" A servant at Yuuri's other side offers a platter of champagne flutes.

Yuuri is just about to politely deny when the man talking to Victor says, "Yes, let's all have a drink and toast to the newlyweds!"

Everyone around him takes a flute of their own, eager to make a toast. Vaguely, Yuuri recognizes the man as Georgi Popovich, a close friend and ally of Victor's. He's probably not someone Yuuri wants to offend. So, not wanting to look rude or standoffish, Yuuri accepts a drink.

Georgi raises his glass, proclaiming, "To King Victor and Prince Yuuri! May your years be many and full of cheer!"

Other guests applaud and raise their own glasses in acknowledgement of the toast. Yuuri and Victor do the same, and Yuuri takes a tentative sip. As long as he strictly limits himself to one drink, he shouldn't have trouble reigning himself in. With that in mind, he relaxes and allows himself to enjoy the drink.

He and Victor make their way around the room, chatting with guests. Yuuri gets to meet some of Victor's friends, Mila and Christophe, and Yuuri introduces Phichit and Victor. He even gets to meet Yuri, who mostly scowls and hisses every time Victor makes a joke at his expense. Jokes are made and embarrassing stories are shared, but overall, it's a wonderful night.

By the time he finishes his glass and hands it to a servant to be taken away, Victor smiles teasingly at him and murmurs, "Remember not to drink too much."

The champagne has him feeling light enough to laugh. "I won't. Don't worry."

"We wouldn't want a repeat of last year, after all," Victor states with a gleam in his eye.

... Last year?

The lightheartedness of the champagne immediately drained out of him. Last year? What does that mean?! What happened last year? Entirely unaware of Yuuri's dawning horror, Victor strikes a thoughtful pose and says, "Well, maybe we would, but now we're married. It would certainly complicate things..."

Unable to stand the terrifying confusion anymore, Yuuri asks, "What... what are you talking about?"

Victor blinks at him. "The gala your parents hosted last year. Remember?"

He wishes he didn't, but yes, he recalls. His parents hosted a huge ball for several world leaders. It was a huge event, and Yuuri was forced to make an appearance. Unfortunately, it had coincided with a day that he had horribly embarrassed himself in front of the court, so he hadn't been feeling too sociable. So, he stood in the corner and had a drink. And another. And another...

In the end, he didn't remember what happened the rest of the night. All he remembers is the next morning, he'd had a million calls and texts from Phichit, and Mari thrust a cult of water in his hands while calling him a lunatic. Assuming he'd humiliated himself in some drunken spectacle, he refused to ask any questions about the event. Ignorance was bliss, he'd decided.

But right now, he's starting to think he made a terrible decision on that front.

Sheepishly, Yuuri admits, "I remember the party, but... but I don't remember anything that happened that night."

Victor nearly chokes on his drink. "You don't remember?!"

Yuuri grows pale. "What did I do?"

Did he humiliate himself on live television? Did he say something to someone he shouldn't have? Oh god, did he get naked?!

Yuuri could've never expected what Victor says next. "You proposed to me!"

Yuuri stares at him. Victor stares back.

...

...

"...WHAT?!"