What can I do for you?

[stepsequence]

[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.]

Comments

[stepsequence]

[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?

[vitrissimo]

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!

[stepsequence]

[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.

[vitrissimo]

[ 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.

[stepsequence]

[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.

[vitrissimo]

[ 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? ]

[stepsequence]

[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.

[vitrissimo]

[ 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.

[stepsequence]

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.]

[vitrissimo]

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. ]

[stepsequence]

[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?

[vitrissimo]

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.

[stepsequence]

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.

[vitrissimo]

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.

[stepsequence]

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.

sorry for delay <3

[vitrissimo]

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?

no worries!

[stepsequence]

[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.

[vitrissimo]

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

[ shameless forever! ]

[stepsequence]

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

[vitrissimo]

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

[stepsequence]

You also just met me.

[vitrissimo]

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

[stepsequence]

Okay, I'll bite.

What have you learned?

[vitrissimo]

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!!! ]

[stepsequence]

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

All that from one conversation?