This year, everything had gone as well as possible: both the Russian and Japanese nationals took place at the beginning of the twentieth of December, which meant — and the thought made Yuuri’s stomach twist, his hands grow cold and his pulse quicken — which meant they could finally celebrate Victor’s birthday not on Skype in hotels in different countries, but truly together.

They pass old red brick buildings, mixed with modern glass and concrete business centers, then with even older houses from the 18th century. Yuuri likes them far better than other buildings, despite the cracks and faded colors.

The next turn brings them onto the Embankment itself, and now Yuuri physically can’t look away from the dark waters of the Neva river. It glows with the orange and yellow and purple and blue lights of the many lamps and buildings; but as they drive down the street, there are more and more boats swinging on the waves. It’s confusing at first, but then Yuuri looks at the time and understands everything, including Victor’s plan.

“Are we really going to—” he starts, but Victor’s fingers find their way to Yuuri’s lips, shushing him gently.

“It’s just a little detour. It’s almost the end of the summer, and you’ve never seen it. Isn’t now the best time to catch up?”

“Is it okay that he just stares at the screen, mumbles something and looks like he’s going to kill someone? Yurio or me, I haven’t decided yet,” he whispers into his phone, and hears Chris let out an exaggerated sigh.

“I don’t even know, Victor. You tell me, is it okay that your husband is acting weird, and you’re asking me about it and not him?” he wonders. Victor just groans.

Here he is — he’s come to Saint Petersburg five days early without telling anyone except his family; without even telling Victor, who was so eager to meet him off the plane. So, now he’s standing in front of him, bag in hand and backpack on shoulders, sweating because of the winter coat he’s wearing. Or maybe because of something else. The stupid decision he made, for example. 

When Yuuri left his home to go on to a never-ending adventure, he couldn’t really imagine how small and imperceptible he is—and all of them are—in the face of the cosmos.

But sometimes he wishes he could be even smaller and imperceptible — especially when a group of three heavy armed fireships surrounds his small versatile vessel.