mizubox | What can I do for you?

What can I do for you?

[Yuuri is overworked and exhausted and running on more coffee than should strictly be legal- but he's also at least not driving anywhere. No, he's the editor for a publishing company and as such has several different writers under his wing at any given time.

And somehow, somebody assigned him to Viktor Nikiforov. Who's idea was that? He's always looked up to the man, he practically grew up on his short stories- he has no idea why somebody like Viktor would sign under their publishing company, but here he is.

They've made arrangements to meet at a coffee shop not too far from the company- at least Yuuri isn't late to this. Even if he's sure he's running on far, far too little sleep to be healthy.

He glances at his phone. 1 PM, just like they agreed last week.]

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[ and in typical viktor fashion, he shows up at exactly 1PM, just before it turns 1:01. he spent a bit too much time this morning admiring the sunrise, which really set his whole morning routine back by a whole half an hour. it's a wonder he's even here on time. (he had to cut down on the time he sat reading through the morning news - what a shame.

he glances down at his phone, scrolling through the correspondence he's had with yuuri the past few days. the company sent him a tiny bio on his new editor, which graciously provided a tiny headshot of the guy. very helpful for first encounters!

he spots him with little effort and waves a bit too energetically. in tow is a dog that, yes, is very fluffy and probably isn't really allowed in here, but no one seems to care. maybe he's a frequenter, or maybe people just know his name well enough to know not to bother him. after all, the dog is precious and why would anyone complain!? ]

Hello - Yuuri!

[Yuuri's been here for what is approaching half an hour, and he already has a cup of coffee in his hands. As much as he'd like some spare time to admire the beauty around them- and there's a lot of it in Hasetsu- he doesn't have the time most days.

He perks and stands up when he sees Viktor enter. He's only a little surprised when nobody objects to the large poodle.]

Hello, Viktor. I-I'm your editor- I mean, you already knew that we've been talking for a little bit... It's nice to meet you in person!

It's a pleasure.

[ viktor smiles, charmingly of course. he reaches for yuuri's hand that isn't primarily holding his coffee, and brings it quickly to his lips. he kisses it chastely and then lets it go, just as his dog gives an excited bark in greeting. he moves to sit down at yuuri's feet, glad for a new friend. ]

I can't tell you how many questions I already have for you! Of course, not right this minute, but I have lots of mark-ups that definitely could use a professional look.

[ he seems so genuinely excited and happy about this! ] Oh, but we should sit first.

[Everything Viktor does is charming. If he wasn't running on so little sleep he might swoon. Yuuri glances down at Makkachin, who's a good dog? Makkachin!

He's not quite sure why Viktor's so excited to meet up with him. He's not that well known in the industry- or at least, that's what his anxiety tells him.]

Right! Right, I'm here for any questions you might have and to look over your drafts as you turn them in.

[He gestures to the table he was waiting at.]

Please, take a seat- Uh. Unless you wanted to get coffee first?

Yes! A latte would probably be good. I'll grab us some scones, too.

[ and with that, he's off to the counter in a flash! he's usually this energetic and upbeat, yes (when he's not deep in thought and watching the rain and writing beautiful stories - usually ones with lovey-dovey undertones, but you know).

makkachin decides to stay with yuuri besides he likes him already!!! viktor returns not so long after he disappears for the line, an iced latte and a plate of scone. ]

Here we go!

[Who is Yuuri to mock the love-dovey undertones when he ate them up so readily in high school? They're exactly the kind of thing that Yuuri would fall for- and wishes for on particularly lonely nights.

While Viktor's in line, Yuuri's petting Makkachin's head. It's been a long time since he's been able to pet a dog like this.]

Thank you, Viktor. Where did you want to start?

The beginning.

[ viktor says it as he sits down, getting comfortable. though, he pauses for dramatic effect, rubbing his chin as a thought particularly strikes him. ] Though, if we started in the middle, that'd be in medias res, right? I know quite a many successful stories that do that. Maybe I'll try that in the future. Thank you, Yuuri!

[ this is already a hot mess, but at least it's a warm and cordial one. he grins and takes a sip of his latte. he'll remember to take the drafts out of his shoulder-bag eventually. ]

[He has to sit there for a moment, a bit confused at how they managed to get talking about this- but he supposes it's his fault for not being more clear.]

... I was talking about the questions you wanted to ask about the book or me. But I'm here to bounce ideas off of too.

Did you bring your drafts?

I did!

[viktor reaches down to take the drafts out of his bag. they are neatly clipped in a folder with color-coded sticky notes and flags. he seems to be very organized for such a hot mess in this conversation. he pauses, though, and sets them down on the table. ]

Though, I think we should start with you. Tell me about yourself!

[He blinks- and then points at himself.

Well there's nobody else here.]

Me? I'm nothing special. I work for the publisher you've signed to and I'm responsible for several other writers. I've been working here for three years now. Uh... I grew up in Hasetsu- I went abroad to Detroit to finish up my degree.

[ of course you silly!

which is what viktor would have said aloud if he wasn't captivated by the story of yuuri's life. and by story, the few tidbits. but you know, viktor is captivated nonetheless. he leans his chin on top of his laced hands, elbows propped up on the table. ]

Oh! America! It's nice there, isn't it? I've been meaning to go there sometime to see the mountains, but... You know. Busy busy.

[In Yuuri's eyes he doesn't consider himself interesting in the least. He's just a dime-a-dozen editor from a small town in Japan. It's easy to find somebody like him- but then his judgement of himself has always been a bit clouded.]

It's pretty nice. I met a good friend there. But if you want to see the mountains you'd have to go a bit farther west than I was.

[ that's where you're wrong, yuuri. you're very interesting! far more interesting than the other writers viktor sometimes has to be around for "publisher meetings." yuck! ]

West. Hm. Ok. You'll show me someday? [ forward much? ]

[What?

What's happening right now? Is Viktor trying to make fun of him and his pitiful love life? ... How would he even know about that?]

I'm your editor, Victor.

[ OF COURSE NOT.

but he doesn't pick up on any change, because well, this is his first time meeting yuuri. so he just continues the conversation naturally. ]

Yes. But suppose I want to go write out there for a change of scenery and I need your advice.

You can always call or text me. I doubt the company would reimburse me for travel that far.

[He's been working for a while now, and he knows what their max tends to be.]

The company doesn't have to reimburse you. I'd consider it my privilege. I'd take care of everything.

[ clearly boundaries don't think exist, even when you're just meeting someone. ]

[He just stares blankly at Viktor for a moment. Is this seriously happening and not a dream?]

W-with you? You want to travel all the way to America with me? We just met. I-I could be horrible to spend time with- you don't know anything about me?

I think you're great!

[ with this whole first meeting and all. viktor, still smiling, passes a glance down at his draft and then back up to yuuri. he dramatically lifts his hand to stage-whisper: ]

Besides, you're going to be reading this mess of a draft, so you deserve it.

You barely know me...

[But he gives a patient little smile at the stage whisper.]

I'm sure it's not as bad as you think it is. Just needs some shine and polish.

Oh, it's horrible. It kept me up all night!

[ viktor, again a bit too dramatically for the situation, presses his hands to the sides of his face. ]

Hopefully it won't keep you up, too.

A writer is always their own worst critic.

[He's used to dramatic, but he's not used to this dramatic. Yuuri just keeps up his patient work smile.]

We'll get it polished up, don't worry.

Your dedication is admirable.

[ he gives yuuri a hopeful smile and finally seems to relax a bit after that dramatic stint. he reaches for his coffee and takes a long, long sip. ]

What made you interested in this?

[He takes a small sip of his own drink.]

In being an editor? I love books, especially fiction. I fell in love with them when I was young, and I wanted to be involved somehow.

So why not a writer yourself? I'm sure a cute guy has cute ideas.

[ shameless forever! ]

M-Me? You've gotta be mistaken. I'm really very plain as a person.

Really? I think you're a very bright person.

You also just met me.

Of course. But I can tell a lot about you already.

Okay, I'll bite.

What have you learned?

Well, you're very cute. And you seem to be very open-minded and have a good heart.

[ viktor just smiles and takes a sip of his coffee!!! ]

[He's sure he's turning pink.]

All that from one conversation?

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What can I do for you?

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sorry for delay <3

no worries!

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