borschtkot

Not every driver could be perfect 100% of the time. Otabek did his best. In fact, that day he wasn't legally at fault. The other drive was the problem. Yuri couldn't remember the accident. Probably for the best. It meant he couldn't remember his injuries at the worst time. He was told there was a lot of blood, that Otabek had managed to save himself from anything severe, and honestly if it wasn't for Otabek, Yuri would have been dead.

The accident was bad, but it could have been worse. It could have been a lot worse than some broken bones, torn ligaments and road rash. It did mean skating was on the back burner for awhile. Something that was extremely difficult for Yuri to take for over a year of recovery. It was going to be longer than a year. Depression clung hard and it made that first year very difficult.

The angry teenager was angrier. Cabin fevered, irritable, snapping at anyone and everyone. Then there were the moments of just depression where he didn't want to get up and do anything at all. What would be the point? He probably wouldn't be able to skate again, not like he used to.

It didn't help that he was rather suddenly cut off from what he would call his 'source of entertainment'. Apparently his Grandfather wasn't pleased with what he found on Yuri's phone. Threatened legal action, the whole thing. Yuri ended up with a new phone, his old one kept by his grandfather.

Harsh.

At least Yuri had a friend that was allowed near by. A few actually. During the off seasons he was visited by others. Victor, Yuuri... both would be retired by the time Yuri skated again, if he ever did. It meant Yuri would never get to skate on the same ice as Victor.

More depression followed that realization. Otabek felt guilty, Yuri knew that. He probably didn't help in that first year, reacting out of anger, saying things he shouldn't have said. He was eternally thankful for Otabek's patience. It was because of his friend that Yuri started recovering properly, regaining strength.

The scars he had were covered over with increasingly intricate tattoos, as he had little else to do except sit about. The idea came from.. well, he'd never admit it openly. His grandfather was happy to sign off on anything Yuri wanted at that point to make him happy and to help hide away the remaining reminders of young talent almost lost.

Almost.

Because Yuri was back on the ice.

Yuri had grown taller, reaching five foot seven and three fourths though if you look at his identification it said five foot eight. Only when standing next to Yuuri Katsuki or anyone else of that height did it seem slightly off. He wore heels more often than not anyway, making him taller than even Victor. He'd been short for so long, he liked to be tall. He was still long limbed and had adapted to the changes in his body quite well, probably because as he was growing he was recovering.

And his hair.. He had allowed it to grow and it hung past his shoulders now, often held back in some form of braiding or pony tail. Today it was a loose braid hanging over one shoulder, as he was just here to get a feel for the rink.

He hadn't posted on the social media networks in awhile. Everything was private on the majority and the skating SNS... he just hadn't put anything up. Not until about a week ago, at least. It was a photo of his old skates beside his new pair, the blade black with an etched red pattern. His heel was a bit higher than normal, he liked the look of it.

His phone had exploded with notifcations. Three years since his last time seen on the ice! And his doctors weren't exactly overjoyed. Yuri had pushed hard to be here, and his grandfather was glad this first competition Otabek would be there. The young man was a good friend and Yuri's grandfather was too ill to come.

It was nice to know people were still happy for Yuri to come back to the ice. He'd missed out on other skaters. Victor, Yuuri, Chris.. It was frustrating, but he still had years left. Yuri felt good enough to get back out there. He wasn't going to sacrifice any more years.

He sets his skate down against the ice, holding on the half wall with both hands. He takes a deep breath, knowing he probably should wait for Otabek, but... It was a competition rink. There were one or two skaters there just getting a feel, so Yuri didn't feel too nervous. He brushes his hood down, his clothing the same body hugging styles he always enjoyed.

There were new skaters around. Then the faces that he hadn't seen in awhile. He didn't approach anyone, wouldn't. He needed to focus. So he starts the warm up, drifting around the rink. It felt so.. good to be back here. It was just a stupid qualification competition, but his end goal.. Grand Prix.

He was going to get there. He was going to get another gold, and he intended on breaking more records. He fits his earbuds into his ears, making it very clear he didn't want to talk to anyone, even people he knew right now. Instead he just skates, letting himself go into step sequences made up on the fly and few small jumps, singles and doubles, just to get his muscles going.

This was just to get a feel, he reminded himself. The others were here for that same reason.