For the love of coffee

Dinner?

"This was my favorite. I was going to hang it up in my window at the office." He explained to the skater.

It was Viktor, standing tall on his skates. In one hand he held the coffee cup Yuri took to be a fixture for the skater. In the other hand there was a rose. Viktor was gazing off to one side. The light coming from slightly behind him on the other side. It made him appear to be outside in bright daylight somewhere. Maybe waiting for that special someone to arrive.

Viktor wore a white turtleneck, under a beige suit jacket. The material hugged his every curve. His legs were clad in tight form fitting black pants. It left little to one's imagination. Viktor chuckled upon seeing this.

"Maybe I should have worn my cup." He snickered.

"What?" Yuri frowned confused.

Viktor laughed out loud. "You didn't even notice!" He cried laughing harder.

"I liked how the light played with your face." Yuri looked down at the picture. The bulge in the pants was all he could see now. He frowned.

"Guess I will pick a different one." He muttered about to slip it back into the envelope.

Viktor snatched it up. He flipped it over. Leaning across the counter, he snagged a pen that was clipped inside the waitress's apron pocket. Yuri watched as Viktor wrote something on the back of the picture. He slipped it back inside the envelope, before Yuri could make it out.

Viktor tucked it inside Yuri's jacket. He leaned over to whisper to the other.

"It's a bit crowded here. Can we go someplace less...?" he gestured to all the women.

Yuri glanced around. Wasn't this what Viktor wanted? Didn't he want the world to see them together? Yuri wasn't sure any more.

"My car is out front. Come." Viktor stood up holding his hand out to Yuri.

As if he were in a dream, Yuri took it. His skin tingled from the contact as his fingers curled around Viktor's hand. Gently, Viktor drew him to his feet. Four men appeared. All were large, wearing dark suits and had a ear piece. They made a tunnel through the bodies toward the door.

Viktor led the way. One hand clutched tightly to Yuri's, while the other waved, blew kisses or shook hands with people as he walked out. The night air struck Yuri, as he exited the dinner. The air had been stale, cramped inside. Now he was able to draw a deep cold breath. He smiled at Viktor.

The door to the limo was held open. The got in the back. Yuri sat across the way, facing the back seat. Viktor waved to the hordes of female fans outside as the door closed. He turned to look at Yuri.

"Yakov had an interview." He said as the warm friendly smile left his face. It was replaced by a bitter expression.

"Did he tell everyone where you were because of this morning?" Yuri asked.

Viktor sat back in his seat. He closed his eyes as he laid his head on the headrest. For awhile, Yuri just watched, amazed at how peaceful he looked.

"Maybe." The soft voice spoke out of nowhere.

"Yuri?" Viktor asked, sitting up.

"Would you mind if we just went back to my place?" he offered looking both tired and hopeful.

"We could cook together!" He cried smiling delightedly.

Yuri chuckled. He was certain Viktor didn't know how to cook very well. Good thing Yuri did. He nodded. Viktor cried out his joy as he sprang from his seat to sit next to Yuri. He hugged the startled man tightly to him. His head resting on Yuri's shoulder.

The car pulled up before an elaborate building. It was a steel and glass. Yuri thought it look modern, but cold. Viktor pushed him toward the open door. He got out. Viktor thanked the driver as they walked toward the door. A door man opened it, bowing to Viktor.

Once inside there was a woman dressed in a business suit. She rushed forward with a coffee for Viktor, exclaiming she hadn't expected him so early, or with a guest.

"This is Yuri." He introduced the male at his side. She bowed asking bow he liked his coffee.

"Oh, um I prefer tea this late." Yuri insisted.

The woman disappeared. By the time the couple got to the elevator, she had a steaming cup of tea to hand Yuri. The doors closed as Viktor sipped his coffee.

"That was something." Yuri muttered sipped the tea.

"Yes, they are quite welcoming here." Viktor watched the man beside him.

Yuri didn't know what to do, so he drank his tea watching the number click by. The elevator didn't stop, once. They reached the twentieth floor before the doors dinged open. Stepping out they were in a short hall. Viktor glided forward. He unlocked a door on their left, the only door on that side. There was another door across from it.

"That's Yuri's room. Come, come." Viktor escorted Yuri inside.

The room he stepped into was just as cold as the rest of the place. It was a hall that opened up to a living space. Everything was cold. The pale blue wall paint, the chrome edgings on the walls, the chrome kitchen accessories, to the neutral framed art work.

Yuri walked deeper inside once he slipped his shoes off. The house slippers were even white! There was an area to the right that had huge glass windows. A couch sat across from it. Pale blue with white throw pillows. The only thing of color was the light beige blanket discarded over it.

Yuri's attention was pulled away from this by the sound of pattering feet. He looked back to see Viktor laughing. A large curled haired brown dug came running up to the skater. Yuri couldn't hold back the smile as he saw how happy its appearance made Viktor. He was genuinely laughing as he knelt to rub the dogs fur. The dog licked Viktor's face.

"They are cute." Yuri smiled.

"This is Makkachin." He introduced Yuri to his one true friend.

Yuri noted the steps around the corner from the kitchen where the dog had appeared from. He petted the dog after it sniffed his outstretched hand. Once Viktor was done greeting the large happy Makkachin, they all padded into the kitchen.

"See what we can make!" Viktor encouraged him.

Yuri went to the fridge. There was nothing there but a left over bowl of rice. He searched the cabinets. Didn't Viktor eat? He turned to tell Viktor there wasn't any food.

"Oh, yes. Yakov doesn't like when I cook. I always set that thing beeping." He laughed as he gestured to the smoke alarm.

"How else would I know the food was done." He chuckled. Yuri hoped he was joking.

"Maybe we should order in." Viktor looked crestfallen over this.

"There is a shop not too far away. It's on the next block. We can walk there." Yuri offered heading toward the door.

Viktor perked up. "You'll cook with me!" He cried hugging Yuri tightly.

It was enough for Yuri to see what types of appliances Viktor head to cook with. He made a mental note of them all. Patting Viktor's back he said he would. They got ready to go to the ship. Makkachin pulled on his leash.

"Its OK, they allow dogs." Yuri offered.

This pleased Viktor even more as he hooked up the dog before they headed out.