News travels fast in a small space, and so it is hardly surprising that a sharp reporter has already sent Yakov a message, asking for him to comment on the incident between Yuri Plisetsky and Viktor Nikiforov downstairs in the hotel lobby. From the reporter's description, incident is a mild word for it. But considering the number of questions that Yakov has had to answer this year that have made the whole situation sound like a well-worn Chekov drama -- a rift between the domineering father and headstrong eldest son, with the ambitious younger sons suddenly thrown forward into the spotlight -- he's become skilled at avoiding the most obvious bait for a juicy soundbite. So he reserves his private thoughts and keeps his comment pointedly neutral ('I have no opinions on Viktor Nikiforov's actions or his remarks, but I have every confidence that Yuri Plisetsky's talent and clear determination to succeed will enable him to give the strongest performance yet of his senior debut, here in the city of his birth') before hanging up and rubbing his eyes with one hand.
If they all make it through this weekend alive and in one piece, he'll consider this year's Rostelecom Cup a smashing triumph regardless of who ends up where on the podium.
When Yuri shows up at his door in response to his message, necktie in hand and a look in his eyes that falls somewhere between loaded for bear and desperate to be anywhere else, Yakov says nothing. Lilia is already there, waiting to take care of the few final touches, and he leaves her to it -- tying Yuri's tie, running a brush through Yuri's mostly dry hair, picking a few stray cat hairs off Yuri's suit. The familiar routine, calm and unhurried, trying to prove that there's nothing all that different about this particular competition. And by the time Lilia finishes, a little of the tension in the room has fallen away.
Two lifetimes of experience have given them one solid rule: Performance is often more psychological than physical. There's enough pressure here on Yuri without adding to it unnecessarily -- and reminding him of his own faults is not what he needs this close to the start of the performance. So there's no lecturing, no scolding, no criticism tonight. There will be time enough for that later. Right now, Yuri needs to know that his coaches have his back, no matter what.
(And Yuri does know this, deep down. It's why he knows what they ought to be saying to him, and can guess they aren't saying it. He'd be more grateful if he were any less frustrated with all of it. But he keeps his mouth shut as they leave the room and head downstairs to the lobby to meet Mila and Georgi. He can do that much for now.)
no subject
If they all make it through this weekend alive and in one piece, he'll consider this year's Rostelecom Cup a smashing triumph regardless of who ends up where on the podium.
When Yuri shows up at his door in response to his message, necktie in hand and a look in his eyes that falls somewhere between loaded for bear and desperate to be anywhere else, Yakov says nothing. Lilia is already there, waiting to take care of the few final touches, and he leaves her to it -- tying Yuri's tie, running a brush through Yuri's mostly dry hair, picking a few stray cat hairs off Yuri's suit. The familiar routine, calm and unhurried, trying to prove that there's nothing all that different about this particular competition. And by the time Lilia finishes, a little of the tension in the room has fallen away.
Two lifetimes of experience have given them one solid rule: Performance is often more psychological than physical. There's enough pressure here on Yuri without adding to it unnecessarily -- and reminding him of his own faults is not what he needs this close to the start of the performance. So there's no lecturing, no scolding, no criticism tonight. There will be time enough for that later. Right now, Yuri needs to know that his coaches have his back, no matter what.
(And Yuri does know this, deep down. It's why he knows what they ought to be saying to him, and can guess they aren't saying it. He'd be more grateful if he were any less frustrated with all of it. But he keeps his mouth shut as they leave the room and head downstairs to the lobby to meet Mila and Georgi. He can do that much for now.)