[Anonymous | Text]

[beautiful_monster]

[After a series of texts early that day, Yuri spent the rest of his morning trying valiantly to figure out how to hide his name from the network. There was a very serious matter he needed to ask about, and he didn't want to think of the consequences he'd face if anyone knew he was the one asking.]

What the hell are you supposed to do on a date? A first date if that matters. Something like that has to be special, doesn't it? So...what do people expect? Do you have to dress up? How do you know who pays for everything?

I really don't know anything about this junk so I'll take any advice people have got.

[Viktor would never let him hear the end of this if he knew.]

Comments

[fourlevels]

[ Oh, Yuri. Viktor grins a bit, casually getting up from the couch, still looking down at his phone like he's reading it and bringing in the mug of coffee he'd been drinking before. He moves towards the kitchen like he's going to refill is despite the fact that it's barely half-empty. ]

I've heard it on good authority!

[beautiful_monster]

[Yuri spares a quick glance at him to make sure he's not passing close enough to spy, and even when he's satisfied he pulls his phone closer to hide the screen.]

Hearsay doesn't count for anything.

[fourlevels]

[ He moves to refill his mug, turning to lean against the counter facing Yuri's direction and sipping his coffee oh so casually. ]

Even when you've known them for years and trust their word and experiences?

[beautiful_monster]

[Yuri pauses, narrows his eyes. Why the hell is Viktor just...

Ah.

He never looks up, only watching the other skater in the periphary of his vision.]

I never trust anything balding old men have to say.

[fourlevels]

[ Viktor gives a soft chuckle. ]

Good thing Chris isn't balding or old!

[beautiful_monster]

[The sharp, furious intake of breath is all the warning Viktor gets—]

I don't want second-hand advice from a pervert either!

[fourlevels]

[ He laughs a little louder now. ]

But you thought it was good advice before you knew where I got it from!

[beautiful_monster]

Context changes things.

[fourlevels]

Not that much! It's still good advice.

[beautiful_monster]

You think it is. And anyway, I'm nothing like Chris! That guy is like some weird romance novel came to life.

[No way could any advice he had apply to Yurio, clearly.]

[fourlevels]

Haha, he is a little bit. But he does have a steady boyfriend now, and he was telling me they were thinking about becoming engaged too. That should count for something, right?

[beautiful_monster]

It'd count more if he were here to speak for himself instead.

[fourlevels]

Ah ... I'd like it if he was here ...

[ Oops, that sad smile is back. He tries to cover it by taking a sip of coffee. ]

[beautiful_monster]

[That sad joke of a smile sparks a pang of guilt, and a surge of frustration follows hot on its heels. He's already spent weeks worrying about Viktor and looking after him in spite of hurt and angry feelings. He doesn't want to waste today on that too! Viktor can stand to wait a day this time.]

I can't do anything about who is or isn't here. Are you going to help me or sulk like a little kid?

[fourlevels]

[ He blinks over the rim of his cup. ]

Haven't I been helping you?

[ He waves the phone in his other hand. ]

[beautiful_monster]

Help me more. [He points accusingly.] You owe me by now!

[fourlevels]

You're the one who posted anonymously rather than coming to me directly ...

[ But he's right, Viktor does owe Yuri for all that Yuri did for the past month or so. He's actually glad that this came up since it is something that he can do for Yuri. ]

[beautiful_monster]

You would've have been ridiculous about it if I came to you directly. This was easier.

[He huffs and turns his attention back to his phone, trying not to look disappointed while he jumps to his own conclusions about whether Viktor is going to help or not.]

Forget it. I'll figure it out myself.

[fourlevels]

What about my answer was ridiculous?

[ The mug lowers as Yuri's dismissal though, looking a little sad at it again. ]

... You don't want my help with this?

[beautiful_monster]

I said it would have been.

[He frowns and glances up uncertainly, questioning.]

Do you want to?

[fourlevels]

Of course I do!

[beautiful_monster]

Then say that first! It sounded like you were trying to brush me off instead.

[fourlevels]

It sounded like you didn't want my "ridiculous" help!

[beautiful_monster]

Viktor, what would you have done if you knew it was me asking about a first date from the very beginning?

[fourlevels]

[ He holds up the phone again. ]

Given the same advice? And maybe ask what you thought about wearing.