[To be honest, she's on vacation. It's rare that she gets to return to Russia considering how busy idol work is, but she was finally granted some time back considering how well her last concert went. Her producer worked very hard to get Anya a chance to go home and she might've been more than a little enthusiastic with how she packed her bags in record time and ran for the closest airport.
Here she's got full mastery of the language, fluent in Russian and speaking easily to make conversation with a vendor in the busy street mall. Still, ever since her time in Tokyo, she's found herself conscious of different languages being used around her -
When she hears someone mumbling softly to themselves in Japanese, even briefly, she grows distracted and turns her head.
.... But isn't that -
She dismisses herself from her new company with a smile and a polite wave before approaching the fairly familiar dark-haired man. Anya doesn't follow many sports, her schedule doesn't allow for it, but she takes pride in anything that Russia does well in. Her patriotism remains stronger than ever. So when history was made in the Grand Prix Final this year, she might not have gotten the chance to watch it live, but she most contributed to the view count on YouTube once she did get a chance to sit down and watch it. So that's why she thinks she can recognize the person in front of her.]
Ah... Извините. [Oh, she blinks before switching to her simplified, gently accented Japanese with a smile. Sumimasen.] Excuse me?
[When Anya approaches him, Yuuri's just about given up on trying to use his phone to find his way back to Viktor's apartment and resigned himself to his fate; Yurio's never going to let him live this down, when Yuuri had been adamant he'd be fine on his own.
The Japanese makes him look up immediately, clearly conflicted about being recognized right now, of all times.]
Ah, yes. [Yuuri fumbles, pushing his glasses back up his nose when they slip down. He attempts to smile, trying his best not to look like he's as lost as he is.] That's me.
[Meanwhile Anya, having no time for fuddling around given her language barrier struggles:]
Are you... Потерял? Lost?
[Though admittedly to temper the directness a bit, she offers a sheepish smile.]
Ah... My name is Anastasia, but please call me Anya. [did she just throw every rule about Russian diminutives out th window, she might've] I am from Tokyo.
[He wilts. So much for keeping up appearances--she'd seen right through him.]
I...might be lost. Потерял... [Though he's started studying Russian when he has time, his pronunciation's still terrible, and he's nowhere near fluent enough to ask for directions.]
You're from Tokyo? Really? [Now that he isn't panicking about his phone's unhelpful directions, Yuuri thinks, oddly, that she looks a little familiar.]
[There's no time for appearances when you're talking to Anya, Yuuri!! Still, she doesn't seem to mind, instead opting for a gentle smile and a tilt of her head.
She gently repeats the word for him - slower, just so he can pick up on the syllables since he's learning.
Then she moves on!]
Да! Anya is here on vacation, but Grandpa and Grandma live in the city. Um, I hope you are not.... Смущенный?
Mm... [She seems to worry over the word she needs for a moment - ] Ah! Um, embarrassed by me asking you.
You are... new, yes? So it is okay still to get lost. Even in Tokyo, I would get lost too.
I just moved here last week. [It's a relief to slip back into Japanese, and Anya's gentle nature draws a small smile out of him in return.]
A little bit. [His cheeks flush as he admits it.] I told Viktor and Yurio I'd be able to find the store on my own, but I must've taken a wrong turn somewhere.
If you're sure. [Time to swallow his pride and just accept her help. Besides, Yuuri figures he can always find some way to thank her later.]
Ah, this is the store I was trying to find. [He whips his phone back up, tapping at the screen until he can show her the name and address of a bakery that sells confectioneries for pets.] Do you recognize it?
[She's sure!! And to be honest, her eyes light up in recognition and she nods.]
Да! Yes, I do. I was going to visit because my friend has a puppy that she loves very much.
It is... [She glances around for a moment to gain her bearings before figuring out the direction to go, nodding as she takes a step forward.] This way! Follow Anya, please.
[It's hard to stay reluctant when she's so cheerful and earnest. Yuuri finds himself relaxing just a bit, enough to pull up a picture of Makkachin from his phone's gallery.]
Dog. He's Viktor's dog, so you might recognize him. Makkachin? [He turns the phone toward her.] Yurio has a cat at home, though. I was going to get something for both of them...
[!!! She claps her hands together when she sees the picture and automatically:] Wan wan...!
[mimics the sound a dog makes in Japanese. nice.]
Cute...! Ah Makkachin looks like a very good dog. Плакаты...? I think he is in posters sometimes? [She giggles faintly.] I did not know that Yuri had a cat.... nya!
[she loves onomatopoeia so much]
That is very nice. Ah... Yuuri does not have a pet? Or do you share with Viktor?
[He stares at her for a moment, startled by the sound effects, before something like a giggle escapes him. That was oddly cute, in its own way. And unexpected.]
Wan wan. [Yuuri agrees, still grinning.] Yeah, Makkachin's been in a few posters with Viktor before. Not a lot of the recent ones, though.
Ah. [There's a flicker of something--sadness, maybe--but it's gone in a flash.] No, I don't have a pet. I share with Viktor these days.
[The confusion that had started to tickle at him immediately clears up when she finds the right words.]
He's a good dog. [It's obviously from his fond smile how much he loves the dog, even if he's only a recent addition to Yuuri's life.] He's been through a lot with Viktor, too.
What about you Anastasia? [Formality means out in the end, and he opts for her whole name rather than the nickname.] You don't have any pets of your own?
[Oh - but that's a diminutive and she's in Russia, where most people don't have issues with that sort of thing? Still, she explains.]
Anastasia... can be hard to pronounce? [same for Viktor and Georgi and Yakov probably but listen, she's trying] So it is okay to call me Anya. I like it.
[as for the question itself - ] I do not have a pet... In Tokyo, I stay in a dorm? No pets allowed! Very sad.
[At first, Yuuri just looks dubious, but if she's insisting, he doesn't want to go against her wishes either. Just as gently, he repeats-] Anya.
Oh, that's too bad. [Yuuri winds his scarf more tightly around his neck as they walk, the cold wind making him shiver.] What kind of pet would you want if you could have one?
Yuri Plisetsky...?! The winner of the Grand Prix Final? [his name rolls off her tongue easier than the event name, but she makes an attempt at both] Разве? Do you really think so?
[she claps her hands excitedly]
I saw when he won the medal. Kрасивая! He is very amazing. Yuri and Yuuri both.
[Even if she didn't say yes, Yuuri would introduce them if only because of the way she'd perked up so obviously.]
I do think so. [Aaand side-stepping that compliment because haha what is accepting those??]
He is amazing, isn't he? He can be a little prickly when you first meet him, but as long as you're not too pushy with him, I don't think he'd mind meeting a fan of his.
[Besides, Yuri's Angels' level of crazy is pretty hard to hit, so Yuuri thinks Anya will be fine.]
[Anya's terribly easy to read. Still, she smiles at the way that Yuuri talks about him, nodding along.]
Hежный.... You are fond of him too, yes? And proud? Ah, it is nice to see the support.
[It does remind her of her idols back in Japan....]
Mm, if you are not busy, I would like to. [she giggles faintly] In Japan, Anya is the only one who is even part Russian. But I am very proud to be from Russia! So when I was told by Mama and Papa about Viktor not competing but Georgi and Yuri instead... Захватывающе! Exciting!
I would record everything to watch between practice.
Of course. He's really come a long way since he showed up in Japan last year. [Yuuri smiles, thinking the incredible progress Yurio's gone through.]
Ah, so you're a fan of the whole Russian team? [That's cute... The more Anya talks, the more Yuuri wonders if he should just introduce her to both Viktor and Yurio down the line.] I think I understand how you feel, a little. Living in another country can be lonely sometimes, even if you have friends to keep you company.
[And then he tilts his head, just realizing what she'd said.] Practice? What are you practicing for?
Ah! Anya is an idol in Tokyo. [And she smiles before striking a brief pose with her hand on her hip and the other framing her face - it's immediate, before she giggles and falls out of the pose naturally.] There is a lot of practice. For dance, for singing, for posing.... Oживленный! Every day is different and new.
[and she loves it, she does - but she thinks back to what he mentioned before and hums softly]
But it is like Yuuri says.
Mama and Papa are faraway - they are in Hokkaido, Grandma and Grandpa even more. They are here in Russia. Old friends, very different places. Lonely can be easy.... but товарищество - I know you are with people who love you.
[and she offers him a smile]
Anya is too. The people far away still send their love too.
So Yuuri and Anya will do our best together....! Yes?
Oh! [Finally, things are starting to click into place.] That's why you looked so familiar. I've seen some ads around the bigger cities--and my friend's triplets are fans of yours.
[His laugh is both soft and slightly sheepish.] I don't really follow pop culture like a lot of people do, otherwise I would've recognized you sooner.
да. We'll do our best together. [Yuuri hums thoughtfully.] Say, Anya? How long are you staying in Russia for?
[There's a brief little laugh and she shakes her head.] It is okay! In Russia... I am not very popular here yet? Pаспознавать - I did not expect anyone to know me.
[Though the question gets her attention and she tilts her head.]
Well, I did say I should introduce you to Yurio... [Yuuri laughs quietly.] I'd offer to let you meet the rest of the Russian Team, but I don't think Yakov would be too happy if I let a stranger into the rink during practice.
Yurio's coming over for dinner in a couple days. You could join us, if you're free, I don't think Viktor would mind. [Pausing, and then coughing sheepishly.] Ah, that's... if you want to, I mean! I shouldn't assume.
It wouldn't bother us. Um, here. [Yuuri fiddles with his phone, bringing up the contacts list.] Let's exchange numbers so I can text you the address and time later.
Oh, how do you feel about hamburg steaks? [A slightly healthier version than what you'd usually find in Japan, of course. With the season just kicking off, the three of them have to stay in stop form, and that means stricter diets.]
And she's giggling even as she types her name into his phone - using the Japanese characters available? Look, she's doing her best for you, Yuuri.....]
[It's such a familiar word to him, Yuuri having heard Viktor say it over and over during his stay in Japan, that he can't help but laugh softly in response.]
Bкусно. [He agrees, as he does his best to create a contacts entry for himself in Russian. They're both doing their best....!] That was one of the first Russian words I ever learned.
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sugarcube2017-04-25 10:32 am
lost;
Here she's got full mastery of the language, fluent in Russian and speaking easily to make conversation with a vendor in the busy street mall. Still, ever since her time in Tokyo, she's found herself conscious of different languages being used around her -
When she hears someone mumbling softly to themselves in Japanese, even briefly, she grows distracted and turns her head.
.... But isn't that -
She dismisses herself from her new company with a smile and a polite wave before approaching the fairly familiar dark-haired man. Anya doesn't follow many sports, her schedule doesn't allow for it, but she takes pride in anything that Russia does well in. Her patriotism remains stronger than ever. So when history was made in the Grand Prix Final this year, she might not have gotten the chance to watch it live, but she most contributed to the view count on YouTube once she did get a chance to sit down and watch it. So that's why she thinks she can recognize the person in front of her.]
Ah... Извините. [Oh, she blinks before switching to her simplified, gently accented Japanese with a smile. Sumimasen.] Excuse me?
Yuuri Katsuki, maybe?
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The Japanese makes him look up immediately, clearly conflicted about being recognized right now, of all times.]
Ah, yes. [Yuuri fumbles, pushing his glasses back up his nose when they slip down. He attempts to smile, trying his best not to look like he's as lost as he is.] That's me.
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Are you... Потерял? Lost?
[Though admittedly to temper the directness a bit, she offers a sheepish smile.]
Ah... My name is Anastasia, but please call me Anya. [did she just throw every rule about Russian diminutives out th window, she might've] I am from Tokyo.
St. Petersburg is a big city? Are you okay?
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I...might be lost. Потерял... [Though he's started studying Russian when he has time, his pronunciation's still terrible, and he's nowhere near fluent enough to ask for directions.]
You're from Tokyo? Really? [Now that he isn't panicking about his phone's unhelpful directions, Yuuri thinks, oddly, that she looks a little familiar.]
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She gently repeats the word for him - slower, just so he can pick up on the syllables since he's learning.
Then she moves on!]
Да! Anya is here on vacation, but Grandpa and Grandma live in the city. Um, I hope you are not.... Смущенный?
Mm... [She seems to worry over the word she needs for a moment - ] Ah! Um, embarrassed by me asking you.
You are... new, yes? So it is okay still to get lost. Even in Tokyo, I would get lost too.
[so clearly it's all ok!! big cities are A Lot]
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A little bit. [His cheeks flush as he admits it.] I told Viktor and Yurio I'd be able to find the store on my own, but I must've taken a wrong turn somewhere.
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[patriotism
Still, she giggles faintly and offers a smile.]
Do you want помощь? Help? It would not be good if you spent too much time away?
[and she'll lift a finger to her lips and hum]
Секрет... Anya will keep a secret.
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You really don't mind? I don't want you to go out of your way if you're busy.
[Why is he even arguing when he's lost...]
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anya doesn't
it's why she nods easily]
Нет. It is no problem. Anya is... mm - souvenir shopping? I think that is the word. For what I can bring my friends in Tokyo.
And also... helping is something that I want to do.
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Ah, this is the store I was trying to find. [He whips his phone back up, tapping at the screen until he can show her the name and address of a bakery that sells confectioneries for pets.] Do you recognize it?
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Да! Yes, I do. I was going to visit because my friend has a puppy that she loves very much.
It is... [She glances around for a moment to gain her bearings before figuring out the direction to go, nodding as she takes a step forward.] This way! Follow Anya, please.
Is a good dog or kitty in Yuuri's home?
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Dog. He's Viktor's dog, so you might recognize him. Makkachin? [He turns the phone toward her.] Yurio has a cat at home, though. I was going to get something for both of them...
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[mimics the sound a dog makes in Japanese. nice.]
Cute...! Ah Makkachin looks like a very good dog. Плакаты...? I think he is in posters sometimes? [She giggles faintly.] I did not know that Yuri had a cat.... nya!
[she loves onomatopoeia so much]
That is very nice. Ah... Yuuri does not have a pet? Or do you share with Viktor?
[love wins]
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Wan wan. [Yuuri agrees, still grinning.] Yeah, Makkachin's been in a few posters with Viktor before. Not a lot of the recent ones, though.
Ah. [There's a flicker of something--sadness, maybe--but it's gone in a flash.] No, I don't have a pet. I share with Viktor these days.
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She makes a note of the flicker - before deciding it's better to stay on happy things for now. Then she offers a smile.]
That is good. Then Makkachin gets two... [ummm "two time as much"? "two much"? no that doesn't sound right] Oh! Twice the love.
I am sure he is very happy.
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He's a good dog. [It's obviously from his fond smile how much he loves the dog, even if he's only a recent addition to Yuuri's life.] He's been through a lot with Viktor, too.
What about you Anastasia? [Formality means out in the end, and he opts for her whole name rather than the nickname.] You don't have any pets of your own?
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[Oh - but that's a diminutive and she's in Russia, where most people don't have issues with that sort of thing? Still, she explains.]
Anastasia... can be hard to pronounce? [same for Viktor and Georgi and Yakov probably but listen, she's trying] So it is okay to call me Anya. I like it.
[as for the question itself - ] I do not have a pet... In Tokyo, I stay in a dorm? No pets allowed! Very sad.
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Oh, that's too bad. [Yuuri winds his scarf more tightly around his neck as they walk, the cold wind making him shiver.] What kind of pet would you want if you could have one?
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A warm cat to cuddle. That would be good. People in Japan... They already say Anya is like a cat? Mm, like... Nyanya!
So we could match.
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You know, I think you'd get along pretty well with Yurio--um, Yuri Plisetsky I mean. He really likes cats, too.
Maybe I should introduce you two.
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Yuri Plisetsky...?! The winner of the Grand Prix Final? [his name rolls off her tongue easier than the event name, but she makes an attempt at both] Разве? Do you really think so?
[she claps her hands excitedly]
I saw when he won the medal. Kрасивая! He is very amazing. Yuri and Yuuri both.
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I do think so. [Aaand side-stepping that compliment because haha what is accepting those??]
He is amazing, isn't he? He can be a little prickly when you first meet him, but as long as you're not too pushy with him, I don't think he'd mind meeting a fan of his.
[Besides, Yuri's Angels' level of crazy is pretty hard to hit, so Yuuri thinks Anya will be fine.]
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Hежный.... You are fond of him too, yes? And proud? Ah, it is nice to see the support.
[It does remind her of her idols back in Japan....]
Mm, if you are not busy, I would like to. [she giggles faintly] In Japan, Anya is the only one who is even part Russian. But I am very proud to be from Russia! So when I was told by Mama and Papa about Viktor not competing but Georgi and Yuri instead... Захватывающе! Exciting!
I would record everything to watch between practice.
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Ah, so you're a fan of the whole Russian team? [That's cute... The more Anya talks, the more Yuuri wonders if he should just introduce her to both Viktor and Yurio down the line.] I think I understand how you feel, a little. Living in another country can be lonely sometimes, even if you have friends to keep you company.
[And then he tilts his head, just realizing what she'd said.] Practice? What are you practicing for?
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[and she loves it, she does - but she thinks back to what he mentioned before and hums softly]
But it is like Yuuri says.
Mama and Papa are faraway - they are in Hokkaido, Grandma and Grandpa even more. They are here in Russia. Old friends, very different places. Lonely can be easy.... but товарищество - I know you are with people who love you.
[and she offers him a smile]
Anya is too. The people far away still send their love too.
So Yuuri and Anya will do our best together....! Yes?
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[His laugh is both soft and slightly sheepish.] I don't really follow pop culture like a lot of people do, otherwise I would've recognized you sooner.
да. We'll do our best together. [Yuuri hums thoughtfully.] Say, Anya? How long are you staying in Russia for?
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[Though the question gets her attention and she tilts her head.]
In Russia? Another week, I think. Почему? Why?
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Yurio's coming over for dinner in a couple days. You could join us, if you're free, I don't think Viktor would mind. [Pausing, and then coughing sheepishly.] Ah, that's... if you want to, I mean! I shouldn't assume.
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Me? For dinner? Really...?
[She seems a little surprised, but ends up relaxing into a smile easily enough a moment later.]
I would be благодарный! Very grateful. If it would not bother you or anyone else... I would be very happy.
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Oh, how do you feel about hamburg steaks? [A slightly healthier version than what you'd usually find in Japan, of course. With the season just kicking off, the three of them have to stay in stop form, and that means stricter diets.]
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[VKUSNO.
And she's giggling even as she types her name into his phone - using the Japanese characters available? Look, she's doing her best for you, Yuuri.....]
That sounds delicious to Anya.
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Bкусно. [He agrees, as he does his best to create a contacts entry for himself in Russian. They're both doing their best....!] That was one of the first Russian words I ever learned.