Welcome to the Madness

"You be safe." Georgi strokes a thick curl out of Sergei's face, only for that same stubborn lock to find its way right back to where it was. "And you be good for Uncle Vitya and Uncle Yuuri. If they tell you to stay with them, you STAY. Got it, moya zoloste?"

"Yes, mama." Sergei says, his soft voice a contrast to his larger frame, despite being eight years old. He's much bigger than the other kids in his class, though one may not guess by his tender nature, or by his sweet acts of friendship when first meeting him. He has his father's big genes.

Georgi lets go of his shoulders, his free hand settling on Serik's arm. "We'll call if something changes, and you do the same, alright?"

He buried his face in the wild bird's nest of untamed curls and breathed the soapy, floral-tinged musk of his mate for the first time in months. Shirt-exchanges just .. weren't the same as feeling the warmth of Georgi's skin against his and filling his nostrils with the tickle of hair. For a brief moment he was overwhelmed and his body shuddered softly at the strength of that scent and the knowledge that the person it belonged to was his soul mate.

"Mmm." He retorted - an answer to Georgi's soft hum of delight. A deep, chest-rumbling purr of his own.

"You be safe." Georgi strokes a thick curl out of Sergei's face, only for that same stubborn lock to find its way right back to where it was. "And you be good for Uncle Vitya and Uncle Yuuri. If they tell you to stay with them, you STAY. Got it, moya zoloste?"

"Yes, mama." Sergei says, his soft voice a contrast to his larger frame, despite being eight years old. He's much bigger than the other kids in his class, though one may not guess by his tender nature, or by his sweet acts of friendship when first meeting him. He has his father's big genes.

Georgi lets go of his shoulders, his free hand settling on Serik's arm. "We'll call if something changes, and you do the same, alright?"

"Mmm." He grunted in soft agreement, moved to wrap one large arm around his mate's waist and gently pulled him down into his lap.

He adjusts to face him, his legs on either side of his lap, getting cozy, before his arms find their home around broad shoulders. Georgi rests his cheek to his collar as he takes in a deep breath.

That was no accident - Georgi's body was trained to adapt to sudden changes in pitch and height. That wonderfully tall frame shifted without a conscious thought as Serik moved to his feet.

With the soft dusting of pink on his cheeks, his hands hold tight around his husbands shoulders, and ankles lock behind him to assist. “I think…. It’s gonna finally be perfect if it smells like you again.” A kiss is placed to his cheek, before he buries his face to his neck, just to breathe him in.

Now it housed 3 on occassion and nearly filled the small room that had once been a walk-in closet. There was a small area left open at the front that housed what could be considered a micro-kitchen. A small mini-fridge to hold food and drink, a countertop that housed a small toaster oven/air-fryer and Georgi's biggest indulgeance... an expensive espresso machine/coffee maker combination machine that saw more than it's fair share of use, one kitchen cabinet of drawers that housed utensils, bowls and cups - and in the upper cabinets there was a small microwave that also housed the vent to the outdoors and smaller cabinets that housed some dry goods and medications.

He had done his best to make sure Georgi was as well taken care of as he could possibly be, and now their young son was joining them for family bonding time, they had added a small projector into the ceiling, and a simple docking station for a laptop that could play movies. They could spend literally -days- without leaving the nest, and they had on more than a few occassions.

"You be safe." Georgi strokes a thick curl out of Sergei's face, only for that same stubborn lock to find its way right back to where it was. "And you be good for Uncle Vitya and Uncle Yuuri. If they tell you to stay with them, you STAY. Got it, moya zoloste?"

"Yes, mama." Sergei says, his soft voice a contrast to his larger frame, despite being eight years old. He's much bigger than the other kids in his class, though one may not guess by his tender nature, or by his sweet acts of friendship when first meeting him. He has his father's big genes.

Georgi lets go of his shoulders, his free hand settling on Serik's arm. "We'll call if something changes, and you do the same, alright?"

"Mmm." He grunted in soft agreement, moved to wrap one large arm around his mate's waist and gently pulled him down into his lap.

He adjusts to face him, his legs on either side of his lap, getting cozy, before his arms find their home around broad shoulders. Georgi rests his cheek to his collar as he takes in a deep breath.

That was no accident - Georgi's body was trained to adapt to sudden changes in pitch and height. That wonderfully tall frame shifted without a conscious thought as Serik moved to his feet.

"You be safe." Georgi strokes a thick curl out of Sergei's face, only for that same stubborn lock to find its way right back to where it was. "And you be good for Uncle Vitya and Uncle Yuuri. If they tell you to stay with them, you STAY. Got it, moya zoloste?"

"Yes, mama." Sergei says, his soft voice a contrast to his larger frame, despite being eight years old. He's much bigger than the other kids in his class, though one may not guess by his tender nature, or by his sweet acts of friendship when first meeting him. He has his father's big genes.

Georgi lets go of his shoulders, his free hand settling on Serik's arm. "We'll call if something changes, and you do the same, alright?"

"Mmm." He grunted in soft agreement, moved to wrap one large arm around his mate's waist and gently pulled him down into his lap.

"You be safe." Georgi strokes a thick curl out of Sergei's face, only for that same stubborn lock to find its way right back to where it was. "And you be good for Uncle Vitya and Uncle Yuuri. If they tell you to stay with them, you STAY. Got it, moya zoloste?"

"Yes, mama." Sergei says, his soft voice a contrast to his larger frame, despite being eight years old. He's much bigger than the other kids in his class, though one may not guess by his tender nature, or by his sweet acts of friendship when first meeting him. He has his father's big genes.

Georgi lets go of his shoulders, his free hand settling on Serik's arm. "We'll call if something changes, and you do the same, alright?"

"I'm glad to hear you're finding something to help. It'll be a long time before he's finished." Serik hadn't missed it all - Sergie was only 8, though he looked so much older. He stood head to head with the average 12 year old.

There would be plenty of time to be there for all of that. And Georgi would have more than his fair share of opportunities to take Sergei clothes shopping. Even now he didn't stay in a set of clothes for more than a few months at a time. Keeping him dressed was just one of the many challenges they faced, but at least Georgie loved shopping.

Which reminded him where his focus was supposed to be.

"We've only got a week.. we should make the most of it. Are you packed?" He asked gently.

Sergei wasn't the only one going on a trip, but He and Georgi weren't going nearly as far. Just outside of town, really - a small but quaint little Airbnb cottage (with all the amenities) just a little over an hour past the city limits. Far enough away they had plenty of privacy and room to breathe... but close enough that if they decided to go back into town for something, it was just a matter of a relatively short drive to civilization.

He leans back somewhat, looking to the top of the stairs where his suitcase was. It wasn't stuffed to the brim, he wanted to have some form of restraint, as they weren't off to Paris or Tokyo. After all, he could shop later.

The idea of simply staying in, scent-sharing, and ordering something in sounded so much more enticing than packing up the car and driving for an hour, to unpack the car again and -then- try to find the right spot to curl up together.

It wasn't going to take Georgi twisting his arm to keep him home for the night.

"You be safe." Georgi strokes a thick curl out of Sergei's face, only for that same stubborn lock to find its way right back to where it was. "And you be good for Uncle Vitya and Uncle Yuuri. If they tell you to stay with them, you STAY. Got it, moya zoloste?"

"Yes, mama." Sergei says, his soft voice a contrast to his larger frame, despite being eight years old. He's much bigger than the other kids in his class, though one may not guess by his tender nature, or by his sweet acts of friendship when first meeting him. He has his father's big genes.

Georgi lets go of his shoulders, his free hand settling on Serik's arm. "We'll call if something changes, and you do the same, alright?"

"I'm glad to hear you're finding something to help. It'll be a long time before he's finished." Serik hadn't missed it all - Sergie was only 8, though he looked so much older. He stood head to head with the average 12 year old.

There would be plenty of time to be there for all of that. And Georgi would have more than his fair share of opportunities to take Sergei clothes shopping. Even now he didn't stay in a set of clothes for more than a few months at a time. Keeping him dressed was just one of the many challenges they faced, but at least Georgie loved shopping.

Which reminded him where his focus was supposed to be.

"We've only got a week.. we should make the most of it. Are you packed?" He asked gently.

Sergei wasn't the only one going on a trip, but He and Georgi weren't going nearly as far. Just outside of town, really - a small but quaint little Airbnb cottage (with all the amenities) just a little over an hour past the city limits. Far enough away they had plenty of privacy and room to breathe... but close enough that if they decided to go back into town for something, it was just a matter of a relatively short drive to civilization.

"You be safe." Georgi strokes a thick curl out of Sergei's face, only for that same stubborn lock to find its way right back to where it was. "And you be good for Uncle Vitya and Uncle Yuuri. If they tell you to stay with them, you STAY. Got it, moya zoloste?"

"Yes, mama." Sergei says, his soft voice a contrast to his larger frame, despite being eight years old. He's much bigger than the other kids in his class, though one may not guess by his tender nature, or by his sweet acts of friendship when first meeting him. He has his father's big genes.

Georgi lets go of his shoulders, his free hand settling on Serik's arm. "We'll call if something changes, and you do the same, alright?"

Serik strode over to the nearest seat as soon as Sergei was out of sight and sank heavily down into the cushions. He buried his face in his hands and let out a subtle, shaking breath. The skate season had just started and he knew just how hectic it was going to be until late February - they would have plenty of time at the rink, in airplanes and hotels over the next few months.

It made sense to take this first one as the opportunity for he and Georgi to reconnect. To have some kid-free time and catch up on all the bonding they had had to push aside for Serik to get to where he was now; a fully-fledged lawyer with all the certifications he needed to start practicing. It had been a long, hard and very lonely road - for both of them.

He was grateful that their little family, and Georgi in particular had such a wide network of friends and family who could and often did help with the task of raising Sergei and keeping Georgi company. Serik would never have left them for so long without knowing that Georgi and Sergei were well taken care of.

Now that he was home, he could pick the mantle back up again. It just felt so premature to send Sergei off.

And Victor and Yura -would- take good care of him. There was no doubt about that. He just had to let himself find that place of calmness so he could focus his attention where he wanted it most desperately to go - his beloved mate.

His hand settles on his husbands forearm, fingers slowly stroking against it.

"How have the nights been?" The downside of Sergei's growth spurts meant unbearable pain - muscles ripping apart as the bones grew faster than they could stretch to keep up. It was a memory that was still fresh in Serik's mind of his OWN youth and he had hoped that Sergei wouldn't have to deal with it.

They hadn't been so lucky. The periodic surge in growth meant sleepless, tear-filled nights as they fought to try and help the boy through the cramping and pain. The training he was undergoing often meant the nights were far worse than Serik's had been. The first time, they had ended up in the emergency room because Sergei couldn't stop screaming in pain. That night, Serik's stomach sank to the pits of the earth and he had to explain both to his mate and to his child that it was 'normal' and that they shouldn't be afraid - but that it would happen until he finished growing.

This last summer couldn't have been easy for either Sergei or Georgi.

"You be safe." Georgi strokes a thick curl out of Sergei's face, only for that same stubborn lock to find its way right back to where it was. "And you be good for Uncle Vitya and Uncle Yuuri. If they tell you to stay with them, you STAY. Got it, moya zoloste?"

"Yes, mama." Sergei says, his soft voice a contrast to his larger frame, despite being eight years old. He's much bigger than the other kids in his class, though one may not guess by his tender nature, or by his sweet acts of friendship when first meeting him. He has his father's big genes.

Georgi lets go of his shoulders, his free hand settling on Serik's arm. "We'll call if something changes, and you do the same, alright?"

Serik strode over to the nearest seat as soon as Sergei was out of sight and sank heavily down into the cushions. He buried his face in his hands and let out a subtle, shaking breath. The skate season had just started and he knew just how hectic it was going to be until late February - they would have plenty of time at the rink, in airplanes and hotels over the next few months.

It made sense to take this first one as the opportunity for he and Georgi to reconnect. To have some kid-free time and catch up on all the bonding they had had to push aside for Serik to get to where he was now; a fully-fledged lawyer with all the certifications he needed to start practicing. It had been a long, hard and very lonely road - for both of them.

He was grateful that their little family, and Georgi in particular had such a wide network of friends and family who could and often did help with the task of raising Sergei and keeping Georgi company. Serik would never have left them for so long without knowing that Georgi and Sergei were well taken care of.

Now that he was home, he could pick the mantle back up again. It just felt so premature to send Sergei off.

And Victor and Yura -would- take good care of him. There was no doubt about that. He just had to let himself find that place of calmness so he could focus his attention where he wanted it most desperately to go - his beloved mate.

"You be safe." Georgi strokes a thick curl out of Sergei's face, only for that same stubborn lock to find its way right back to where it was. "And you be good for Uncle Vitya and Uncle Yuuri. If they tell you to stay with them, you STAY. Got it, moya zoloste?"

"Yes, mama." Sergei says, his soft voice a contrast to his larger frame, despite being eight years old. He's much bigger than the other kids in his class, though one may not guess by his tender nature, or by his sweet acts of friendship when first meeting him. He has his father's big genes.

Georgi lets go of his shoulders, his free hand settling on Serik's arm. "We'll call if something changes, and you do the same, alright?"

It wasn't Sergei's first international competition, but it would be the first that at least one of them weren't going.

It should have been easier to let the little boy go with his 'uncle' and life-long coach. He should have been 'used' to it by now. Old hat, right? No big deal?

Serik had spent so much time away studying, nearly a year gone with an internship halfway across the globe. Maybe that's why this was so hard - he'd just gotten back. He was finally home for good. He could unpack the suitcase and put his passport in a drawer.

Only to pack his son's suitcase and make sure he had all his paperwork to send him ... halfway across the globe.

It was turning out to be a big deal. But, he didn't want Sergei to lose confidence, so he kept his emotions in check.

He reached a massive hand out and mussed the mop of hair his mother had just tried to sort out. There was no saving it - the wild curls had a mind of their own.

It wouldn't be for long, Serik reminded himself. Just a week, but it felt like an eternity. Sergei had grown so much in the last year. Towering over his friends, strong like a bull - but gentle like his favorite bedtime story bovine - Ferdinand. Content to smell the flowers and sit under a tree rather than to use his disproportionate size and strength for trouble. Serik was so proud of that gentle soul.

"Don't cause any trouble." As if the boy was predisposed to it. Both he and Georgi knew the reminder was unnecessary. The corners of Serik's mouth turned the slightest bit upward when Sergei nodded quietly. "I miss you already."

Serik reached out and pulled his son into a gentle hug and kissed the top of his head. The smile turned into a tight-lipped smirk when he heard the car-horn beep outside. "Now hurry along - it sounds like Yurotchka is getting impatient."