Potential To Be Strong

Chapter 8: Russia

It's Yuzuru's first assignment. I've never been to Russia before so this is pretty exciting for me. As much as I want to play tourist, I know I have to stay by Yuzuru's side as he's quite nervous over this upcoming season. His programs are solid, but I know the quad lutz is his biggest problem. He's trying to feel confident about executing it, but the rate of execution fluctuates. Let's hope for good programs at this event.

As I'm standing at the side of the rink during the men's last practice, I watch Yuzuru circle the ice a few times. I say 'hi' to Nam when I notice him on the ice. I remain focused on Yuzuru to gage his emotions. I know he puts on a front for the crowd and the cameras, but I can see past that as his girlfriend. Every time he comes over, I make sure to ask him about how he feels. I know I'm not a psychiatrist, but it doesn't hurt to find out how he's feeling. I always get the same response, but it's worth a try.

I know his biggest competitor is here, Nathan Chen. He's definitely someone who constantly rivals Yuzuru for gold. Yuzuru will have to defend his title once the Olympic comes around. And that's pretty scary to me. Yuzuru wants to retain that title so bad, but with so many factors in the way, it will be hard for him. His practice appears to be going well, except for the quad lutz. I don't want the nerves to get to him, but I can't really stop that.

At Coach Brian's side, I watch Yuzuru mentally prepare himself for the short program. I make sure I look confident for Yuzuru in case he needs that source of confidence. Yuzuru comes over to me and softly kisses my lips. I blush as everyone seems to cheer for us. Coach Brian shoos Yuzuru away before Yuzuru can say anything.

"I don't know whether you're a distraction or support for him," Coach jokes as Yuzuru is called to the ice. "Maybe you should stay backstage next time. I can't have my skater out there focusing on your lips opposed to his skating."

The blush on my face deepens. "I can't help what he does, Coach," I argue back weakly. "He doesn't have to kiss me before every performance. He just does."

"Well, if that's what he needs during his rituals before taking the ice, I guess I'll have to let him have it."

Coach Brian wraps his arm around my shoulder as a sign of comfort. We both watch as Yuzuru begins his program. His costume looks flawless as he skates around. But I can't help but feel as though Yuzuru isn't completely on right now. As the program goes on, he narrowly holds on to his quads and then he nearly falls on the second jump of his combination jumps. Once he's done, he gives his face of 'I could have done better.' I know he could have. But it didn't feel like it was his night.

Something though that I know everyone is going to go crazy over, is the little flower boy wanting to give something to Yuzuru. I couldn't help but aw at the sight of the little boy handing something to him. I'll make sure to grab it from Yuzuru before he sits in the Kiss and Cry. But I know that'll stick with the fans for a while.

Yuzuru's score wasn't enough for put him in first place. He's well behind Nathan Chen in second place. Not too bad of a position to be in. Yuzuru can rise through in the free skate to get back gold at this event. I have faith in Yuzuru. He always knows how to pull through when he's in a bind. This isn't anything new to him.

While Yuzuru is stretching in preparation for the free skate, I decide to take some time away for myself. As I am wandering through the halls of the ice arena, I accidentally stumble into someone. I look up and see that I have stumbled into Nathan Chen. Nathan looks down at me and smiles awkwardly. He pulls out his head phones to talk to me.

"Sorry about that. I wasn't paying attention to where I was going," Nathan says scratching the back of his head. "I'm Nathan, Nathan Chen."

"That's okay. It's only natural with such small hallways," I reply back with a smile. He may be Yuzuru's competition, but that doesn't mean I should be mean to him. "I'm Marie Vincenté."

"You're Yuzuru's girlfriend, right?"

"Yes. I am his translator and mini-manager as well. My job comes first though."

"That's good. I've seen you around at competitions before. Yuzuru's pretty lucky to have someone like you on his team."

"I'm lucky to have the opportunity to support Yuzuru and work as well. I've learned about from being his translator. And I really enjoy watching this sport."

"I'm glad you're enjoying yourself here. I gotta go back to warm up, but it was nice to meet you. I'll probably see you around again."

"Definitely."

Nathan jogs away after that. I head back to where Yuzuru's warming up. I know Nathan is his competition, but he's a nice guy. There is a lot of pressure for them to be rivals seeing as Nathan can put out the same kind of scores as Yuzuru. But the rivalry is only in the ice. I'm sure Yuzuru does like Nathan outside of the rink. Too bad there is so much pressure to one-up one another. I wish we could all get along.