An Unexpected Love (A Yuri Plisetsky Fanfiction)

Chapter 29: Selections

It was 5 a.m., and Yuri was waiting in Lilia Baranovskaya's ballet studio. He was leaning on one of the walls absentmindedly scrolling through his phone.

Damn it, he thought. Even my practice hours on the ice aren't as early as this.

When he decided to obey Lilia's commands, he did not think he was singing up for practices scheduled in such ungodly hour. If it were up to him, he would show up a couple of hours late. But he did not. He swore to give his body and soul into winning the Grand Prix Final, and being late was not going to help him.

He was not alone anyway. After all, Ayumi was there too.

She was sitting in front of a grand piano near him, eyes scanning through a bunch of sheet music. Lilia was insistent on providing her the use of the studio as well, knowing that she had a background in ballet. The girl admitted to needing a studio with mirrors, so she accepted the offer. The only condition, however, was that she and Yuri share the same practice time.

Of course, they did not expect the woman to actually run late on a practice time she set herself.

"What are you doing?" Yuri asked, walking closer to the piano.

"I'm just looking through the pieces Madame Lilia left on top of the piano. There's quite a lot of interesting selections here."

He sat beside her on the piano bench and resumed fiddling with his phone.

Ayumi's interest was piqued by one of the pieces she saw. She set the sheets on the rack and started playing.

Yuri's attention was suddenly grabbed by the music. He watched as Ayumi's fingers pounded on the keys. The song was fast, difficult and intense. It was heart-pounding, and there was something about it that just drew him in. He looked at the sheet, trying to read the title. It was...

"Allegro Appassionato in B Minor, by Camille Saint-Saëns." Lilia said as she entered the studio, eyes curiously looking at the two teenagers.

Ayumi stopped and stood up. "Good morning, Madame Lilia."

"Now tell me, Ayumi. Why did you choose to play that piece out of all the ones I laid out?" the woman said as she set the coffee mug she was holding on top of the piano.

The girl was confident as she answered. "Camille Saint-Saëns has always intrigued me, madam. With pieces like this, the Danse Macabre, and Le Carnaval des Animaux, he uses elegant lines and an ordered musical style. But despite his adherence to conservative ideals of French music, I find his pieces strong, passionate and unique."

Yuri's mouth hung open. He knew Ayumi was an intelligent girl despite her years, but he had no idea she was so well-versed in classical music.

"Quite insightful," Lilia commented, taking the piece from the rack and looking at it thoughtfully.

Ayumi pondered about the piece as well. Strong, passionate and unique. She couldn't help but look at her best friend. Those words were an accurate description of him. Now, that I think about it, the song would be perfect for...

"I've decided," Lilia suddenly announced. "This piece will be the music for your free program, Yuri."

The girl smiled. Yes. It's the perfect piece for him.

------

Yuri was practically sweating bullets.

Lilia has been making him do ballet moves repeatedly for the past few hours. He felt his patience drop with every penché, assemble and jeté he performed. As much as he wanted to just scream and walk out, he decided to shut up and endure the repetitive process until Lilia was satisfied.

It was only until noon that the woman decided to give him a lunch break. He walked out of the studio feeling like his lungs were about to give out. Ayumi came out of another room and smiled upon seeing him.

"How has your first day been so far, Yura?"

"Frustrating as hell," he complained. "My legs feel like jelly. I'm starting to doubt not taking your advice."

"Well, I did warn you." Suddenly she pulled out a food container and handed it to him.

"What is this?"

"Remember when I told you I'd treat you to some of Kamoshita's cooking after the Grand Prix Final? I realized I haven't gotten around to doing that yet," she answered. "It's beef stroganoff."

Yuri's heart skipped a beat as he smiled at her. "Thanks, Ayu."

"Ayumi!" Lilia called from the studio. "I want to have a word with you."

The girl gulped as she followed the ballerina.

"Who is choreographing your free program, Ayumi?" Lilia asked. She was never one for beating around the bush.

"I've decided to choreograph it myself, madam. I want to express my own voice in the routine because I'm dedicating it to my friend. But I admit I lack experience in it."

Lilia nodded. "Then allow me to assist in finalizing your choreography. I refuse to see a woman of your stature perform a lackluster routine. Submit to me your plans as soon as you can and I'll work to fine-tune it."

Ayumi was beyond grateful. She did need all the help she can get.

"Have you selected a piece to work with?" the ballerina questioned.

"Yes, madam. I... actually just chose the piece today while I was alone in the other room."

Lilia was intrigued. "What is it, then? I want to hear it."

Ayumi fished her phone out of her pocket, increased the volume, and pressed play.

Lilia's eyes widened. "This song is..."

"I know that it isn't a classic, madam. But it portrays the emotion I need to express. I WILL dance to this song." the girl said firmly. Lilia was even more surprised when she suddenly smirked. "After all, wouldn't it be quite the show if I won with this?"

The woman couldn't help but smirk back. "Yes, it most certainly would."