Otabek really didn't need to tell Yuri twice. It was so relaxing, laying in the other's arms, lulled by Otabek's breathing, his heart beat. Yuri mumbled that when he got up, he needed to eat something, but had hardly finished speaking these words and he was dozing. Out like a light.
As promised, Yuri started to pack the very next day. They browsed the internet together, looking at available places. Avoided phone calls, aside from one made from Yuri's doctor saying when his ultrasound was scheduled that week, and that his prescriptions for his prenatal vitamins were available for him to pick up, when he could. He sent Otabek to get them- because there was no point putting it off, now that they were both on the same page.
Hearing the heartbeat for the first time was like a revelation. It was as if Yuri had never lived, until he heard that heartbeat inside of him. It was better than skating, better than a gold medal at the GPF or the Olympics. They went away with pictures and recordings, Yuri unable to stop babbling excitedly about how strong her heart had been- realizing he was already calling it a 'her', and gushing, embarrassed. He felt as though he was on cloud nine.
The next thing they had to face though, was telling those who needed to know before it broke on social media, and Yuri couldn't hide it anymore. They still hadn't told Yakov or Lilia- but his Grandfather was even more important than their coaches. Poor Otabek had had to awkwardly tell the both of them that he was going to be out a little longer while they made the trip to Moscow.
It was one of the first times Yuri hadn't taken the train to get there. Instead, he and Otabek had rented a car. Thinking it better that way so as to not have to worry Nikolai picking them up. The closer they got, the more Yuri's knee began to bounce against the dash. Nervous, and excited both. Reaching over he gripped Otabek's thigh gently, not wanting to distract the other from his driving, but also excited. Terrified.
They immediately went to work the next day. Otabek wasn't keen on putting anything off, and Yuri wasn't, either. They both knew it wouldn't be long before he would hit a point where it just wasn't going to be as possible for him to participate in helping with the move. Otabek was afraid that time was going to fly by with this. After all, they found out about their baby around two months in. They had a lot to do in about seven month's time. But they were both motivated, so it wouldn't be difficult, he was sure.
Otabek, a quiet person anyway, was completely silenced when he heard their baby's heartbeat for the first time. He just wanted to keep listening to it, or looking at the pictures they now had - of her Yuri would say. Otabek didn't doubt, since he trusted Yuri's instincts. They wouldn't know for sure for another couple of months. He just listened to Yuri talk about her.
They both knew that the secret would come out before long. They were in public places, after all. So, they scheduled a trip to Moscow to visit Yuri's grandfather. (Lilia and Yakov were not too pleased when Otabek mentioned he'd be out for a few more days. He had to come up with a very sloppy cover story on how he must of caught something.)
The car ride was nice, but... Otabek was nervous the entire time. He could hear Yuri's leg bouncing. This was a big piece of news they were going to share, after all. Otabek knew how important Yuri's grandfather was to him, so he had to be hopeful that a positive response was coming. He looked up to Yuri when the other gripped his thigh, before his attention immediately settled on the road.
"Almost there," he said, turning down the street to his grandfather's house. His nerves were on edge, but he tried to keep a cool exterior. It was getting difficult. He pulled up, and parked on the side of the road near the house. "Ready?" he asked. They had the recordings and pictures to present him with, as well. After all, might as well also show him and let him listen to his great-grandchild.
Yuri had teased Otabek endlessly for how poorly he managed to lie to Yakov and Lilia. If they hadn't thought something was up before, Yuri knew that they certainly would now. Still, Yuri refused to tell them before his Grandfather knew. He meant the whole world to Yuri, and if he didn't approve... Yuri wasn't sure what he would do. It would break his heart if his grandpa didn't want this, wouldn't support them in it.
He didn't say anything when they turned down the road to his grandpa's house, but he did sit up much straighter, his breath catching in his throat as his childhood home came into view.
It really wasn't much to look at; a little dilapidated and in a poor neighbourhood- but of course none of that mattered to Yuri. To Yuri, it was one of his favourite places in the world. It had been home, once. With a start, he realized that for the first time he didn't think of it that way anymore. Home now... was with Otabek.
"As ready as I'll ever be," he murmured, thumbing the photos that he was hiding in the deep pockets of his hoodie, biting his lip and glancing at his phone, before throwing open the car door and bouncing his way up the stairs. He had told his grandfather that they were coming to visit, but hadn't mentioned that they had news. Of course, Yuri knew his grandfather probably suspected, given that it wasn't like him to skip training.
He didn't knock, just let himself in, calling out, "Grandpa? We're here!" as he lead them inside.
Always blunt and straight forward, Otabek had never been a particularly good liar. Amidst the teasing, he reminded Yuri that he could at least, always, be assured that his poor lying skills would mean that he'd never lie to him. At his core, he was sure Lilia and Yakov had some idea of that something was going on. Otabek didn't like missing practice, and rarely did.
Yuri was moving faster than he was, he got out of the car, locked the doors, and made his way after him. He caught up quickly, and then kept close to him - following him inside. Walking through the front door caused Otabek to be hit with the reality of having to tell everyone. It was scary, because there was always the potential for disapproval of what was going on - and disapproval would hurt. But at least he and Yuri knew what they wanted.
Otabek heard an answer come from the kitchen. It made sense, Otabek realized, he had been expecting them after all. And, he was the one who made Yuri's favorite (something, he realized, he'd have to get the recipe for during this). Otabek looked to Yuri for a moment so that they could move towards the kitchen and meet him there. In general, Otabek really liked Yuri's grandfather, but today - seeing him caused something to settle in his gut. His nerves on edge.
Yuri couldn't help but be his usual, excitable self when he saw his grandfather in the kitchen, making pirozhki for them. He threw his arms around his old man's neck from behind, squeezing him and nuzzling the back of Nikolai's shoulders, happy and excited to see him, his nerves momentarily forgotten.
"Yuri be careful! The hot oil!" his grandfather exclaimed, and Yuri only laughed sheepishly, letting go and moving back, one of his hands finding Otabek's. Despite everything, Yuri couldn't stop beaming. Couldn't wait to tell him. As frightened as he was that his grandfather would be upset, so too was he looking forward to becoming public with this news. Telling others that he was the lucky boy to carry Otabek Altin's child. The only one who would ever be blessed with such a thing.
"So, to what occasion do I owe such a surprise visit from my grandson, eh?" Nikolai asked, finishing up the last of his work with the pirozhki, before wrapping them gently in paper towel, and offering each of the boys one. Yuri took both, likely to Nikolai's chagrin, but he just huffed out a breath of laughter, and moved to wrap another one for Otabek.
"Lets sit in the living room grandpa," Yuri suggested, before biting into his pirozhki. "Ah!! It's hot!!" he exclaimed, holding his mouth open and sucking in air, trying to cool down the filling as Nikolai laughed, and smacked Yuri gently on the shoulder.
"Of course it is, boy! It just came out of the fryer! He does this every time," Nikolai said, directing this comment to Otabek as he shook his head, immeasurably fond as Yuri pouted.
Otabek was at ease when he finally saw Yuri's grandfather again. He thought food would be a good way to break news like this, anyway. He seemed not bothered by the fact that the pirozhki intended for him had originally been swiped. He accepts the second one that Nikolai hands to him with a nod, and a "Thank you." He offered a small smile.
He listened and watched quietly as Yuri and his grandfather interacted. He was nervous, but excited now. The bad anxiety seemed to fade. He was sure, and hoped he was right for Yuri's sake, that this news would be happily received. It had to be. Nikolai always seemed so kind and loving. He always acted in Yuri's best interest. So, Otabek was optimistic that he would also act in his great-grandchild's best interest.
The way he watched Yuri, though, there was nothing but total adoration. It was more obvious to others now than it ever was before. He kept his eyes on him. He watched as he bit into the all-too-hot food. He waited himself. He'd give it a few to cool off before he'd take any bites.
"Only for your pirozhki," Otabek nodded. He stepped back, holding his pirozhki as he did. He was making his way towards the living room, as Yuri had suggested only a moment ago. He felt like it'd be a good idea to be relaxed so they could talk. And deliver the news as they ate.
He settled himself on a couch, so he could sit next to Yuri comfortably. He had to tell himself not to do some of the behaviors he had caught himself doing since they had found out about their baby. He tried not to let his eyes drift to Yuri's stomach, especially. That would be a dead giveaway. Still, his body language was still protective. It was much like that of an Alpha over his mate. It wasn't as though the behavior was intentional, it was just how he was.
When Nikolai settled into a chair, Otabek took a bite of the pirozhki he had been given, now that he felt it had cooled off a bit.
Yuri still wasn't sure how his grandfather would take the news, but he wanted him to be in their baby's life so badly. That was more important than anything else to him. If his grandpa was upset, well, Yuri would do everything he could to explain. The circumstances weren't, perhaps, the most ideal- what with Yuri still so young, but he knew he could get his grandfather to come around.
Dropping onto the couch alongside Otabek, Yuri had already polished off his first pirozhki just in the short journey from the kitchen there. It seemed that not even the ht insides would deter him from the tasty snack when he wanted it. He leaned into Otabek's shoulder, not as shy with affections as the other was. Especially not when he was practically vibrating out of his skin with excitement.
For a few moments, Nikolai just watched the two of them. Smiling faintly and letting out a soft sigh. Ah, young love. He remembered it all too well. The two of them sitting as they were before him reminded him of when he had sat down to ask his late wife's father for her hand in marriage. He doubted his grandson was so traditional, and he had his own suspicious about what news was so pressing that it was required to be given in person like this. But still, he couldn't help to recall the memory.
"So what have you come to tell an old man that was so important it drew you away from your training, Yuratchka," Nikolai asked, his voice gruff, hiding his own smile. The blond seemed to startle a moment, pausing in chewing his second pirozhki, and glancing to Otabek for a moment. He swallowed, took another bite, and gripped Otabek's free hand in his own.
"Otabek and I are going to move in together," Yuri blurted out, flushing as he said it, and then smiling brilliantly as Nikolai huffed out a breath of laughter.
"That seems like something that you could have told me over the phone, Yuri. Come on then, out with it. Why are you really here?" the older man asked, and Yuri sucked in a breath, squeezing Otabek's hand just a little tighter. This was it. The moment they had come for- and Yuri found himself at a loss for what to say. How to say it. Silence lapsing between the three of them, Yuri just staring with his mouth open like a fool.
When he settled next to him, Otabek pulled Yuri towards himself, so that their bodies were close. The movement was protective, knowing that sharing what they were about to made them both a little nervous. But once they told the older man, they could start telling others with much more ease - or that was Otabek's hope.
Otabek's thought of letting him know of them living together first seemed to not really work as he intended. Yep. The older man was suspicious of something going on, and he had figured out it was something other than what they had already shared. Typically a fan of silence, this one wasn't fun because Otabek was searching desperately for the words to say.
He needed to make sure it would make sense. He also wanted the fact that they had even mentioned moving to be a good segue into the announcement that was to come. The words weren't easy to find, though.
He thought maybe showing would be easier for a moment. So, he reached into Yuri's hoodie pocket, figuring that with the photos from the ultrasound, there was nothing that could be disputed. And seeing it was so much more than hearing about it. He watched Yuri for a moment, then he laid out the photo on the coffee table before him. "We're going to find a place with some needed extra space."
There. He had said it. Well... sort of said it. He wasn't relieved quite yet, and he wanted to give Nikolai some time to take in what he was seeing. This was big news.
Everything was quiet, in that moment. When the pictures were placed on the table, Nikolai was still. Yuri was still. And then, with a slow, shivering breath, the old man reached to pick up the photos, unable to keep from smiling, despite himself.
"You won't mind, then, if I keep these pictures of my great grandbaby for myself," he said, his voice thicker, a little wet with emotion. Beside Otabek, Yuri beamed, and let out a sharp breath of laughter.
"We had them print a ton of extra copies," Yuri grinned, "I'll make sure to send you more, as we get them. I can't really- believe it, a little, but-" Yuri cut himself off, practically vibrating beside Otabek, "A baby, grandpa. Our baby,"
Nikolai smiled, running his thumb over the small bean shaped figure that was his growing great grandchild in the photo, before looking up at Yuri again.
"You'll have to stop skating," he broached this subject as gently as he could, and while Yuri looked a little uncomfortable, he nodded anyway.
"I know. It's okay though- I'm still young, right? I'll make a come back," Yuri had already decided that this was how it would be, and so he would make sure he made that happen. Nikolai seemed satisfied with the answer, nodding, though the smile slowly slid from his face.
"I know you're not going to like it, when I say it, Yuratchka, but I'm going to say it anyway. You should call your mother, she'd be so proud-"
Everything in Yuri had stiffened up, then, his fingers squeezing Otabek's hand almost too hard, the other pinching the last bite of his pirozhki so that the filling was starting to gush out the top.
"No," he said immediately, cutting his grandfather off, "Absolutely not."
Telling Yuri's grandfather had gone well. His response was exceptionally positive, as Otabek had hoped hard for. Every time Otabek saw those photos himself, he felt a little emotional. He couldn't help himself. His expression would soften, and this typical distant and aloof seeming self would vanish. He was clearly completely, already, in love with this. And Yuri's excitement at Nikolai's reaction was contagious. He was just as happy (though he was calm and still), and a smile was present.
But the easy joy that was present quickly vanished at the way that Yuri had reacted to the idea of telling his mother. Otabek's hand was being gripped tight, and he felt a little awkward. He would never fully understand what had happened, of course, he wasn't in Yuri's shoes. But he was also incredibly biased towards Yuri's wishes.
He curled his fingers around Yuri's hand tighter, squeezing it so that the other knew that he was there, and would remain there regardless of what he chose to do with this. His attention shifted to him, and he said what he felt needed to be said at the moment. "Only if you want to," he emphasized. Ultimately, it was their decision and no one else's, as far as Otabek was concerned.
"Yura," Nikolai sighed, his shoulders slumping just a little, "You know she loves you. She just wanted to provide a better life for you," Nikolai pleaded, while Yuri stared at the floor, frowning as he polished off his second pirozhki, and reached to steal a bite of Otabek's.
"I don't care," Yuri replied icily, scowling, "And I don't want to talk about this anymore grandpa," especially not in front of Otabek. He didn't need to know how fucked up Yuri's family was, that his mother hadn't even wanted him so she'd left.
Nikolai nodded, wanting to respect his grandson's wishes, but also adding, "Just think about it, Yuri. And stop stealing your boyfriend's food. And bonding- I assume you've spoken about that?" this time, his critical eye was directed at Otabek, one grey eyebrow risen.
Otabek, having been more focused on the conversation, hadn't even originally noticed Yuri stealing a bite of his. And when it was brought to his attention, he didn't protest, either. He was going to let Yuri have as much as he wanted of whatever it was that he had wanted. After all, he was eating for two. Otabek was mostly glad a food Yuri had always liked was still appetizing through this, else he would have been miserable.
His arm shifted around Yuri's waist, holding him close. Otabek's fingers rested on his hip, getting comfortable with him sitting there. The question from Nikolai brought him pause. He kept a straight, serious face somehow. His brows furrowed slightly in considering how to explain it.
They hadn't bonded because Otabek said that he wanted them to both be sure they really wanted it. And now he thought they both wanted it. Still, he answered carefully, trying to find the right words. "Yes, but before this. I hadn't wanted to rush it." But things were already moving fast. "It's...a future plan."
When he knew they were both really ready, he'd make Yuri his for real. His mate.
Nikolai seemed to accept this answer, nodding his head slowly, giving them both a knowing look. "Well, don't let an old man rush you," he smiled, leaning back in his chair and gazing with a soft expression at the ultrasound he still held gripped in hand.
Beside Otabek Yuri was bright pink from the question. Glad that Otabek had handled it, because Yuri's reply probably would have been a babbling, shouted outburst. His reply was far more reasonable.
"We'll bond when we're ready grandpa," Yuri mumbled, hiding his face into the other's shoulder, embarrassed.
Otabek quietly offered what was left of his his pirozhki to Yuri with his free hand. The other had been after it, so he was going to let him have it. He had easily fallen into the thought that if Yuri wanted it, then Otabek was keen to let him have it when it came to food. He tilted his head, cheek against the top of Yuri's head, taking in his scent happily.
"Exactly. Sooner rather than later, though," Otabek noted. He wanted to be sure that Nikolai understood that when he said 'future' he meant - not too distant. After he and Yuri had a conversation about it. Did he want to do it before the baby, or after?
After a moment, he realized they forgot something, and he shifted away to pull out his phone to get the heartbeat recording. He already had a music folder on his phone for things just related to their baby (and a photo folder, with digital versions of the ultra sound so far). He found the file, hit play - and put it on loop before handing it to Nikolai so that he could hear it best. To him, this was the best part.
Every time he heard it, he was more in love. That much was easy to see for any person who saw him now.
Yuri finally managed to drag his face from the other's neck as Otabek started the recording of the heart beat, his stomach swooping in that funny, excited way it so often did as soon as they began talking about the reality of the baby. Their baby. Polishing off the other's pirozhki, Yuri's hand drifted to his stomach, his eyes closing as he listened to that little heartbeat steadily, knowing that it was growing steadily inside of him.
"Oh, Yuratchka," Nikolai breathed, closing his eyes and smiling softly as he listened to the sound, "You will have to teach Otabek the lullabies I used to sing to you," he murmured, but then was silent, just to listen to the heartbeat for a little while longer. Whatever trepidation Nikolai might have felt with the news his grandson had delivered him, one look at Otabek now soothed any of the fears he might have had. That boy wasn't going anywhere, and the two of them together would move mountains for the small blessing they had been gifted. Planned or not, Nikolai had meant to ask- but decided, watching the two of them, that it just didn't matter. The baby would be loved, well cared for- and so would his grandson.
The remainder of the trip with Nikolai had gone well. After he had heard the heartbeat, even Otabek became slightly more talkative. He was excited, clearly, about the future that was ahead. Nikolai also left him a lot to think about. He needed to think about when they would bond, since it became so much more important to him to bond. He also didn't want others to treat Yuri as if he was an unbonded, pregnant Omega. Technicalities aside, they were in a long term (permanent, as far as either of them were concerned) relationship.
They could talk about it more after they finished announcing to people. Or before they went and saw his parents. Something that he wasn't so pleased about. They'd have to do it soon. He was looking at flights to Almaty. After they finished their announcements in Russia, they'd have to get there. He reluctantly booked a flight next week. A short trip - three days - planned carefully around a weekend so it wouldn't interfere with his training much, and he could return sooner versus later.
Otabek held onto the rental car for a couple extra days after they returned from Moscow, so that they could go make sure they told Yakov and Lilia. (This caused Otabek to realize that maybe they should get a car soon. A baby couldn't ride on a motorcycle, and Yuri's time on it was very limited.) They knew the others' schedules at the rink, and decided on a time where it would be just after practice with one of the new kids. They also figured it'd be better to wait until after, so Yakov wouldn't take it out on the new kid.
They brought the ultrasound photos and the recordings, just in case Yakov didn't believe them at first. Having already told Nikolai, Otabek wasn't nervous with this announcement. He remained quiet for most the ride, hand resting between their seats so that he could hold Yuri's hand as he moved. As he pulled in, he looked towards the other and parked the car.
"Only a couple more people to tell, then we can start announcing." They were both so excited about what was to come, so it was getting more difficult to not start sharing on social media - even for Otabek, who rarely used it.
Since telling his grandfather, every morning Yuri had the same routine. He'd head into the bathroom and lift his shirt, pouting a little as he took a photo of that day's progress. From the side, and from the front. Yuri was disappointed that he couldn't see more yet, but he knew that it wouldn't be too much longer, either. Thus why they had to get all of the important announcements out of the way, first.
Yuri had teased Otabek about sending the other to face his parents alone; Yuri had only met the other's parents on one other occasion, and it had been awkward. Maybe even a little uncomfortable. He hadn't really gotten the impression that Otabek's mother cared much for him, so the thought of facing her with this news was... a little bit daunting. That, at least, was for the future.
"We're going to have to put up the instagram baby announcement photo to end all instagram baby announcement photos," Yuri deadpanned, already thinking about the best way to do it. What he would want, how it would look.
"Yakov won't hurt a pregnant omega, so if he lunges to kill you after we tell him, duck behind me," Yuri teased, squeezing Otabek's hand and grinning despite himself, before climbing out of the car to head into the rink.
Otabek's family was a complicated story that he didn't enjoy the thought of announcing it to. If he could avoid it all together, he would. But it would be bad if they found out about it through Social Media or tabloids before he got the chance to tell them. He dreaded it. He was ready to pick a fight with his mother last time (so traditional, he always had a hard time getting her to approve). Going alone was more terrifying than anything.
"Hmm..." Otabek considered over the way to announce on social media. "I think we should put a picture of the ultrasound up." Of course, Otabek was keen to showing their baby off to everyone, and that ultrasound was an indisputable piece of proof about what was going to happen. He also knew that just that wouldn't satisfy what Yuri seemed to be wanting to do.
"He won't kill me and leave our baby fatherless," Otabek noted. He walked in, hand-in-hand with Yuri, to the rink. He saw the last couple of students leaving, walking past them curiously. Otabek nodded to them in greeting. He didn't know them well, but they had trained together, so he was polite. In the lobby, Yakov and Lilia seemed to be having an animated conversation about something (Otabek didn't know what).
It wasn't as though he wanted to see the other fighting with his parents, but he knew that their values didn't always... align. The last thing Yuri wanted to do was cause tension between Otabek and his family, but this was something that had already happened. Something that both of them wanted. The baby was happening, and they would handle it together, whether Otabek's parents supported them or not.
"The ultrasound over my belly, with our hands shaping a heart around it," Yuri replied, grinning and nudging his shoulder against Otabek's as they walked in.
"Yuri! Otabek! It's about damned time!" Yakov barked, immediately flushing red with fury at seeing the two of them. Not just seeing them, but seeing them carrying such a carefree nonchalance with one another, "We have been worrying sick about you two! Explain yourselves!" he demanded, shouting himself hoarse.
Yuri rolled his eyes, and immediately thrust the ultrasound pictures at the other.
"You're going to have to get used to me off the ice for awhile old man, I'm going to be busy for the next seven months with other things." Yuri deadpanned.
"What the hell is this?!" Yakov demanded, going impossibly redder, even as Lilia marched closer, her high heeled boots clacking and echoing down the hallway.
This was going... exactly how Otabek had anticipated. It wasn't to say that it was a good or bad direction, either. He had expected to get yelled at immediately upon being seen, and sure enough, Yakov was shouting. At least for a few moments. And then Yuri shoved the ultrasound at Yakov. Otabek waited, watching Yakov's reaction. Seeing his face get redder with every passing moment. He asked what it was, but Otabek opted to wait until Lilia was there, as well, before saying.
He could already hear her approaching, and while he knew he should probably answer immediately, when Lilia was close enough that he was sure she could hear, he answered the question.
"An ultrasound." Otabek's fingers tightened around Yuri's. "We're having a baby." He figured the blunt and straightforward approach would probably be the best way to go, since further dancing around the subject would probably only frustrate Yakov.
Lilia, now standing next to Yakov, could see how bright red his face was. he looked frustrated. "I win the bet, Yakov." Of course, this only made his face redder. He looked like his head was about to pop right off his body.
Wait, did Otabek hear that right? Were they betting on this?
Yakov looked from the ultrasound in his hand, and then to Yuri and Otabek again. Yuri, who looked completely smug as shit. If Yakov's blood hadn't already been boiling, it certainly would have been then.
"How could you do something so irresponsible!" Yakov demanded, slamming a foot down and getting in both their faces, before rounding on Lilia, "And don't be so smug!!"
"If your blood pressure gets any higher we're going to have to clean your head off the walls, Yakov," Yuri warned, rolling his eyes and leaning into Otabek's shoulder, "And what bet? You were betting on what was wrong with me?!" Yuri demanded, his own features colouring as he began to get heated, unable to decide whether this fact warranted being pissed off or not.
Otabek didn't seem too pleased by the situation, especially when the feelings started to become heated. A wave of need to protect both Yuri and his child swept over him and his arm wrapped around Yuri's waist, and he tugged him into his arms, holding him close. His eyes shifted to Yakov and Lilia, but he said nothing to them for the moment. He didn't look pleased, though.
Lilia answered Yuri's question simply. "I thought you were pregnant," she answered. She looked smug because she had been right, and Yakov looked like his head was going to roll off his body or explode. "You have gained weight, Yuri, and your stamina has definitely lowered." She looked to Yakov. "He didn't think you were. So I won."
Otabek was not quite pleased they were betting on what was wrong with Yuri, but he calmed himself a little after a few moments. "I'll be back soon, but we have to go to Almaty soon."
"How the fuck did you know?!" Yuri demanded, even as Lilia explained her reasoning, shaking his head in disbelief. How had he and Otabek been the last to figure it out? Or at least that was how it felt!
Yakov had started to shake, he was so frustrated. He blew out a breath, before shoving the ultrasound back into Yuri's hands, scowling.
"Congratulations," he barked, but didn't sound particularly enthused at all, "And you," he rounded on Otabek, Yuri pressing back into Otabek's grasp, his lips curling into a warning snarl, "Take a short break to tell your parents, but then get your ass back here. I am going to work you so hard for this, boy!"
Yuri exhaled, relieved that this was the brunt of Yakov's ire, sighing out, and then laughing despite himself.
"Just think, you'll have another student to run circles around you and drive you crazy soon enough Yakov!" Yuri laughed.
"I'll retire before that happens!" Yakov roared, which only made Yuri laugh harder.
The banter helped him relax. His arm moved to Yuri's hip, fingers moving there, teasing through the sweatshirt. "Yes, sir," Otabek answers. He knows that is the best way to go rather than protesting anything. He nodded, "Sooner rather than later." He knew that he had to get back soon. He didn't like the idea of missing training, and he had to win now. Every competition he could, he had to do all that he could. He was skating for Yuri and their baby, too.
He sighed, his phone had been buzzing for the past several minutes and he realizes he can't ignore it anymore. He doesn't get many notifications, at least not like this. He tugs his phone out of his pocket and looks at it.
He has 27 new e-mails. This was since they had walked into the rink. Then, he had 9 notifications from his mother, 4 from his sister. He showed Yuri the notifications on his phone. Particularly, he showed the notifications which alerted him of new articles posted with either of their names in it.
He looked to Yakov. "I'm sorry, but we have to go."
"I hope you've at least been keeping up with your cardio and weight training, Otabek! Don't think that this little hiccup means I'm going to go easy on you! You had better be in top condition when you get back on the ice-!"
Even with Otabek's admittance of having to leave, Yakov kept shouting instructions after them, causing Yuri to flip the old man the bird as they exited the rink, and headed towards the rental car. Yuri's face twisted at the sight of the notifications, and he immediately whipped out his own phone to see for himself.
"Oh, Otabek. Shit," he said, pulling up the most damning one- of himself, entering an omega clinic, and exiting with what was clearly a pharmaceuticals bag. He hadn't even bothered trying to hide the receipt, and someone had zoomed in and enhanced the photo; showing the confirmation for all of his prenatal vitamins.
"Jesus christ," Yuri groaned, "They've made a poll for people to vote who the damn baby daddy is," he hissed, pulling his phone back and scrolling viciously, and then practically screaming- "WHY THE HELL IS JJ ON IT?! AS IF I WOULD EVER LET THAT MAPLE SYRUP SUCKING FUCK NEAR ME IN A HEAT!!"
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As promised, Yuri started to pack the very next day. They browsed the internet together, looking at available places. Avoided phone calls, aside from one made from Yuri's doctor saying when his ultrasound was scheduled that week, and that his prescriptions for his prenatal vitamins were available for him to pick up, when he could. He sent Otabek to get them- because there was no point putting it off, now that they were both on the same page.
Hearing the heartbeat for the first time was like a revelation. It was as if Yuri had never lived, until he heard that heartbeat inside of him. It was better than skating, better than a gold medal at the GPF or the Olympics. They went away with pictures and recordings, Yuri unable to stop babbling excitedly about how strong her heart had been- realizing he was already calling it a 'her', and gushing, embarrassed. He felt as though he was on cloud nine.
The next thing they had to face though, was telling those who needed to know before it broke on social media, and Yuri couldn't hide it anymore. They still hadn't told Yakov or Lilia- but his Grandfather was even more important than their coaches. Poor Otabek had had to awkwardly tell the both of them that he was going to be out a little longer while they made the trip to Moscow.
It was one of the first times Yuri hadn't taken the train to get there. Instead, he and Otabek had rented a car. Thinking it better that way so as to not have to worry Nikolai picking them up. The closer they got, the more Yuri's knee began to bounce against the dash. Nervous, and excited both. Reaching over he gripped Otabek's thigh gently, not wanting to distract the other from his driving, but also excited. Terrified.
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Otabek, a quiet person anyway, was completely silenced when he heard their baby's heartbeat for the first time. He just wanted to keep listening to it, or looking at the pictures they now had - of her Yuri would say. Otabek didn't doubt, since he trusted Yuri's instincts. They wouldn't know for sure for another couple of months. He just listened to Yuri talk about her.
They both knew that the secret would come out before long. They were in public places, after all. So, they scheduled a trip to Moscow to visit Yuri's grandfather. (Lilia and Yakov were not too pleased when Otabek mentioned he'd be out for a few more days. He had to come up with a very sloppy cover story on how he must of caught something.)
The car ride was nice, but... Otabek was nervous the entire time. He could hear Yuri's leg bouncing. This was a big piece of news they were going to share, after all. Otabek knew how important Yuri's grandfather was to him, so he had to be hopeful that a positive response was coming. He looked up to Yuri when the other gripped his thigh, before his attention immediately settled on the road.
"Almost there," he said, turning down the street to his grandfather's house. His nerves were on edge, but he tried to keep a cool exterior. It was getting difficult. He pulled up, and parked on the side of the road near the house. "Ready?" he asked. They had the recordings and pictures to present him with, as well. After all, might as well also show him and let him listen to his great-grandchild.
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He didn't say anything when they turned down the road to his grandpa's house, but he did sit up much straighter, his breath catching in his throat as his childhood home came into view.
It really wasn't much to look at; a little dilapidated and in a poor neighbourhood- but of course none of that mattered to Yuri. To Yuri, it was one of his favourite places in the world. It had been home, once. With a start, he realized that for the first time he didn't think of it that way anymore. Home now... was with Otabek.
"As ready as I'll ever be," he murmured, thumbing the photos that he was hiding in the deep pockets of his hoodie, biting his lip and glancing at his phone, before throwing open the car door and bouncing his way up the stairs. He had told his grandfather that they were coming to visit, but hadn't mentioned that they had news. Of course, Yuri knew his grandfather probably suspected, given that it wasn't like him to skip training.
He didn't knock, just let himself in, calling out, "Grandpa? We're here!" as he lead them inside.
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Yuri was moving faster than he was, he got out of the car, locked the doors, and made his way after him. He caught up quickly, and then kept close to him - following him inside. Walking through the front door caused Otabek to be hit with the reality of having to tell everyone. It was scary, because there was always the potential for disapproval of what was going on - and disapproval would hurt. But at least he and Yuri knew what they wanted.
Otabek heard an answer come from the kitchen. It made sense, Otabek realized, he had been expecting them after all. And, he was the one who made Yuri's favorite (something, he realized, he'd have to get the recipe for during this). Otabek looked to Yuri for a moment so that they could move towards the kitchen and meet him there. In general, Otabek really liked Yuri's grandfather, but today - seeing him caused something to settle in his gut. His nerves on edge.
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"Yuri be careful! The hot oil!" his grandfather exclaimed, and Yuri only laughed sheepishly, letting go and moving back, one of his hands finding Otabek's. Despite everything, Yuri couldn't stop beaming. Couldn't wait to tell him. As frightened as he was that his grandfather would be upset, so too was he looking forward to becoming public with this news. Telling others that he was the lucky boy to carry Otabek Altin's child. The only one who would ever be blessed with such a thing.
"So, to what occasion do I owe such a surprise visit from my grandson, eh?" Nikolai asked, finishing up the last of his work with the pirozhki, before wrapping them gently in paper towel, and offering each of the boys one. Yuri took both, likely to Nikolai's chagrin, but he just huffed out a breath of laughter, and moved to wrap another one for Otabek.
"Lets sit in the living room grandpa," Yuri suggested, before biting into his pirozhki. "Ah!! It's hot!!" he exclaimed, holding his mouth open and sucking in air, trying to cool down the filling as Nikolai laughed, and smacked Yuri gently on the shoulder.
"Of course it is, boy! It just came out of the fryer! He does this every time," Nikolai said, directing this comment to Otabek as he shook his head, immeasurably fond as Yuri pouted.
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He listened and watched quietly as Yuri and his grandfather interacted. He was nervous, but excited now. The bad anxiety seemed to fade. He was sure, and hoped he was right for Yuri's sake, that this news would be happily received. It had to be. Nikolai always seemed so kind and loving. He always acted in Yuri's best interest. So, Otabek was optimistic that he would also act in his great-grandchild's best interest.
The way he watched Yuri, though, there was nothing but total adoration. It was more obvious to others now than it ever was before. He kept his eyes on him. He watched as he bit into the all-too-hot food. He waited himself. He'd give it a few to cool off before he'd take any bites.
"Only for your pirozhki," Otabek nodded. He stepped back, holding his pirozhki as he did. He was making his way towards the living room, as Yuri had suggested only a moment ago. He felt like it'd be a good idea to be relaxed so they could talk. And deliver the news as they ate.
He settled himself on a couch, so he could sit next to Yuri comfortably. He had to tell himself not to do some of the behaviors he had caught himself doing since they had found out about their baby. He tried not to let his eyes drift to Yuri's stomach, especially. That would be a dead giveaway. Still, his body language was still protective. It was much like that of an Alpha over his mate. It wasn't as though the behavior was intentional, it was just how he was.
When Nikolai settled into a chair, Otabek took a bite of the pirozhki he had been given, now that he felt it had cooled off a bit.
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Dropping onto the couch alongside Otabek, Yuri had already polished off his first pirozhki just in the short journey from the kitchen there. It seemed that not even the ht insides would deter him from the tasty snack when he wanted it. He leaned into Otabek's shoulder, not as shy with affections as the other was. Especially not when he was practically vibrating out of his skin with excitement.
For a few moments, Nikolai just watched the two of them. Smiling faintly and letting out a soft sigh. Ah, young love. He remembered it all too well. The two of them sitting as they were before him reminded him of when he had sat down to ask his late wife's father for her hand in marriage. He doubted his grandson was so traditional, and he had his own suspicious about what news was so pressing that it was required to be given in person like this. But still, he couldn't help to recall the memory.
"So what have you come to tell an old man that was so important it drew you away from your training, Yuratchka," Nikolai asked, his voice gruff, hiding his own smile. The blond seemed to startle a moment, pausing in chewing his second pirozhki, and glancing to Otabek for a moment. He swallowed, took another bite, and gripped Otabek's free hand in his own.
"Otabek and I are going to move in together," Yuri blurted out, flushing as he said it, and then smiling brilliantly as Nikolai huffed out a breath of laughter.
"That seems like something that you could have told me over the phone, Yuri. Come on then, out with it. Why are you really here?" the older man asked, and Yuri sucked in a breath, squeezing Otabek's hand just a little tighter. This was it. The moment they had come for- and Yuri found himself at a loss for what to say. How to say it. Silence lapsing between the three of them, Yuri just staring with his mouth open like a fool.
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Otabek's thought of letting him know of them living together first seemed to not really work as he intended. Yep. The older man was suspicious of something going on, and he had figured out it was something other than what they had already shared. Typically a fan of silence, this one wasn't fun because Otabek was searching desperately for the words to say.
He needed to make sure it would make sense. He also wanted the fact that they had even mentioned moving to be a good segue into the announcement that was to come. The words weren't easy to find, though.
He thought maybe showing would be easier for a moment. So, he reached into Yuri's hoodie pocket, figuring that with the photos from the ultrasound, there was nothing that could be disputed. And seeing it was so much more than hearing about it. He watched Yuri for a moment, then he laid out the photo on the coffee table before him. "We're going to find a place with some needed extra space."
There. He had said it. Well... sort of said it. He wasn't relieved quite yet, and he wanted to give Nikolai some time to take in what he was seeing. This was big news.
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"You won't mind, then, if I keep these pictures of my great grandbaby for myself," he said, his voice thicker, a little wet with emotion. Beside Otabek, Yuri beamed, and let out a sharp breath of laughter.
"We had them print a ton of extra copies," Yuri grinned, "I'll make sure to send you more, as we get them. I can't really- believe it, a little, but-" Yuri cut himself off, practically vibrating beside Otabek, "A baby, grandpa. Our baby,"
Nikolai smiled, running his thumb over the small bean shaped figure that was his growing great grandchild in the photo, before looking up at Yuri again.
"You'll have to stop skating," he broached this subject as gently as he could, and while Yuri looked a little uncomfortable, he nodded anyway.
"I know. It's okay though- I'm still young, right? I'll make a come back," Yuri had already decided that this was how it would be, and so he would make sure he made that happen. Nikolai seemed satisfied with the answer, nodding, though the smile slowly slid from his face.
"I know you're not going to like it, when I say it, Yuratchka, but I'm going to say it anyway. You should call your mother, she'd be so proud-"
Everything in Yuri had stiffened up, then, his fingers squeezing Otabek's hand almost too hard, the other pinching the last bite of his pirozhki so that the filling was starting to gush out the top.
"No," he said immediately, cutting his grandfather off, "Absolutely not."
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But the easy joy that was present quickly vanished at the way that Yuri had reacted to the idea of telling his mother. Otabek's hand was being gripped tight, and he felt a little awkward. He would never fully understand what had happened, of course, he wasn't in Yuri's shoes. But he was also incredibly biased towards Yuri's wishes.
He curled his fingers around Yuri's hand tighter, squeezing it so that the other knew that he was there, and would remain there regardless of what he chose to do with this. His attention shifted to him, and he said what he felt needed to be said at the moment. "Only if you want to," he emphasized. Ultimately, it was their decision and no one else's, as far as Otabek was concerned.
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"I don't care," Yuri replied icily, scowling, "And I don't want to talk about this anymore grandpa," especially not in front of Otabek. He didn't need to know how fucked up Yuri's family was, that his mother hadn't even wanted him so she'd left.
Nikolai nodded, wanting to respect his grandson's wishes, but also adding, "Just think about it, Yuri. And stop stealing your boyfriend's food. And bonding- I assume you've spoken about that?" this time, his critical eye was directed at Otabek, one grey eyebrow risen.
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His arm shifted around Yuri's waist, holding him close. Otabek's fingers rested on his hip, getting comfortable with him sitting there. The question from Nikolai brought him pause. He kept a straight, serious face somehow. His brows furrowed slightly in considering how to explain it.
They hadn't bonded because Otabek said that he wanted them to both be sure they really wanted it. And now he thought they both wanted it. Still, he answered carefully, trying to find the right words. "Yes, but before this. I hadn't wanted to rush it." But things were already moving fast. "It's...a future plan."
When he knew they were both really ready, he'd make Yuri his for real. His mate.
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Beside Otabek Yuri was bright pink from the question. Glad that Otabek had handled it, because Yuri's reply probably would have been a babbling, shouted outburst. His reply was far more reasonable.
"We'll bond when we're ready grandpa," Yuri mumbled, hiding his face into the other's shoulder, embarrassed.
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"Exactly. Sooner rather than later, though," Otabek noted. He wanted to be sure that Nikolai understood that when he said 'future' he meant - not too distant. After he and Yuri had a conversation about it. Did he want to do it before the baby, or after?
After a moment, he realized they forgot something, and he shifted away to pull out his phone to get the heartbeat recording. He already had a music folder on his phone for things just related to their baby (and a photo folder, with digital versions of the ultra sound so far). He found the file, hit play - and put it on loop before handing it to Nikolai so that he could hear it best. To him, this was the best part.
Every time he heard it, he was more in love. That much was easy to see for any person who saw him now.
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"Oh, Yuratchka," Nikolai breathed, closing his eyes and smiling softly as he listened to the sound, "You will have to teach Otabek the lullabies I used to sing to you," he murmured, but then was silent, just to listen to the heartbeat for a little while longer. Whatever trepidation Nikolai might have felt with the news his grandson had delivered him, one look at Otabek now soothed any of the fears he might have had. That boy wasn't going anywhere, and the two of them together would move mountains for the small blessing they had been gifted. Planned or not, Nikolai had meant to ask- but decided, watching the two of them, that it just didn't matter. The baby would be loved, well cared for- and so would his grandson.
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They could talk about it more after they finished announcing to people. Or before they went and saw his parents. Something that he wasn't so pleased about. They'd have to do it soon. He was looking at flights to Almaty. After they finished their announcements in Russia, they'd have to get there. He reluctantly booked a flight next week. A short trip - three days - planned carefully around a weekend so it wouldn't interfere with his training much, and he could return sooner versus later.
Otabek held onto the rental car for a couple extra days after they returned from Moscow, so that they could go make sure they told Yakov and Lilia. (This caused Otabek to realize that maybe they should get a car soon. A baby couldn't ride on a motorcycle, and Yuri's time on it was very limited.) They knew the others' schedules at the rink, and decided on a time where it would be just after practice with one of the new kids. They also figured it'd be better to wait until after, so Yakov wouldn't take it out on the new kid.
They brought the ultrasound photos and the recordings, just in case Yakov didn't believe them at first. Having already told Nikolai, Otabek wasn't nervous with this announcement. He remained quiet for most the ride, hand resting between their seats so that he could hold Yuri's hand as he moved. As he pulled in, he looked towards the other and parked the car.
"Only a couple more people to tell, then we can start announcing." They were both so excited about what was to come, so it was getting more difficult to not start sharing on social media - even for Otabek, who rarely used it.
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Yuri had teased Otabek about sending the other to face his parents alone; Yuri had only met the other's parents on one other occasion, and it had been awkward. Maybe even a little uncomfortable. He hadn't really gotten the impression that Otabek's mother cared much for him, so the thought of facing her with this news was... a little bit daunting. That, at least, was for the future.
"We're going to have to put up the instagram baby announcement photo to end all instagram baby announcement photos," Yuri deadpanned, already thinking about the best way to do it. What he would want, how it would look.
"Yakov won't hurt a pregnant omega, so if he lunges to kill you after we tell him, duck behind me," Yuri teased, squeezing Otabek's hand and grinning despite himself, before climbing out of the car to head into the rink.
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"Hmm..." Otabek considered over the way to announce on social media. "I think we should put a picture of the ultrasound up." Of course, Otabek was keen to showing their baby off to everyone, and that ultrasound was an indisputable piece of proof about what was going to happen. He also knew that just that wouldn't satisfy what Yuri seemed to be wanting to do.
"He won't kill me and leave our baby fatherless," Otabek noted. He walked in, hand-in-hand with Yuri, to the rink. He saw the last couple of students leaving, walking past them curiously. Otabek nodded to them in greeting. He didn't know them well, but they had trained together, so he was polite. In the lobby, Yakov and Lilia seemed to be having an animated conversation about something (Otabek didn't know what).
And then they were spotted.
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"The ultrasound over my belly, with our hands shaping a heart around it," Yuri replied, grinning and nudging his shoulder against Otabek's as they walked in.
"Yuri! Otabek! It's about damned time!" Yakov barked, immediately flushing red with fury at seeing the two of them. Not just seeing them, but seeing them carrying such a carefree nonchalance with one another, "We have been worrying sick about you two! Explain yourselves!" he demanded, shouting himself hoarse.
Yuri rolled his eyes, and immediately thrust the ultrasound pictures at the other.
"You're going to have to get used to me off the ice for awhile old man, I'm going to be busy for the next seven months with other things." Yuri deadpanned.
"What the hell is this?!" Yakov demanded, going impossibly redder, even as Lilia marched closer, her high heeled boots clacking and echoing down the hallway.
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He could already hear her approaching, and while he knew he should probably answer immediately, when Lilia was close enough that he was sure she could hear, he answered the question.
"An ultrasound." Otabek's fingers tightened around Yuri's. "We're having a baby." He figured the blunt and straightforward approach would probably be the best way to go, since further dancing around the subject would probably only frustrate Yakov.
Lilia, now standing next to Yakov, could see how bright red his face was. he looked frustrated. "I win the bet, Yakov." Of course, this only made his face redder. He looked like his head was about to pop right off his body.
Wait, did Otabek hear that right? Were they betting on this?
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"How could you do something so irresponsible!" Yakov demanded, slamming a foot down and getting in both their faces, before rounding on Lilia, "And don't be so smug!!"
"If your blood pressure gets any higher we're going to have to clean your head off the walls, Yakov," Yuri warned, rolling his eyes and leaning into Otabek's shoulder, "And what bet? You were betting on what was wrong with me?!" Yuri demanded, his own features colouring as he began to get heated, unable to decide whether this fact warranted being pissed off or not.
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Lilia answered Yuri's question simply. "I thought you were pregnant," she answered. She looked smug because she had been right, and Yakov looked like his head was going to roll off his body or explode. "You have gained weight, Yuri, and your stamina has definitely lowered." She looked to Yakov. "He didn't think you were. So I won."
Otabek was not quite pleased they were betting on what was wrong with Yuri, but he calmed himself a little after a few moments. "I'll be back soon, but we have to go to Almaty soon."
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Yakov had started to shake, he was so frustrated. He blew out a breath, before shoving the ultrasound back into Yuri's hands, scowling.
"Congratulations," he barked, but didn't sound particularly enthused at all, "And you," he rounded on Otabek, Yuri pressing back into Otabek's grasp, his lips curling into a warning snarl, "Take a short break to tell your parents, but then get your ass back here. I am going to work you so hard for this, boy!"
Yuri exhaled, relieved that this was the brunt of Yakov's ire, sighing out, and then laughing despite himself.
"Just think, you'll have another student to run circles around you and drive you crazy soon enough Yakov!" Yuri laughed.
"I'll retire before that happens!" Yakov roared, which only made Yuri laugh harder.
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He sighed, his phone had been buzzing for the past several minutes and he realizes he can't ignore it anymore. He doesn't get many notifications, at least not like this. He tugs his phone out of his pocket and looks at it.
He has 27 new e-mails. This was since they had walked into the rink. Then, he had 9 notifications from his mother, 4 from his sister. He showed Yuri the notifications on his phone. Particularly, he showed the notifications which alerted him of new articles posted with either of their names in it.
He looked to Yakov. "I'm sorry, but we have to go."
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Even with Otabek's admittance of having to leave, Yakov kept shouting instructions after them, causing Yuri to flip the old man the bird as they exited the rink, and headed towards the rental car. Yuri's face twisted at the sight of the notifications, and he immediately whipped out his own phone to see for himself.
"Oh, Otabek. Shit," he said, pulling up the most damning one- of himself, entering an omega clinic, and exiting with what was clearly a pharmaceuticals bag. He hadn't even bothered trying to hide the receipt, and someone had zoomed in and enhanced the photo; showing the confirmation for all of his prenatal vitamins.
"Jesus christ," Yuri groaned, "They've made a poll for people to vote who the damn baby daddy is," he hissed, pulling his phone back and scrolling viciously, and then practically screaming- "WHY THE HELL IS JJ ON IT?! AS IF I WOULD EVER LET THAT MAPLE SYRUP SUCKING FUCK NEAR ME IN A HEAT!!"
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