We’re introduced to viktor through yuri’s perspective; he’s presented as a godlike figure, this steely competitor who lives to skate and no one can touch him. And I can only speak for myself I guess but I probably subconsciously expexted that cliché like Hyperfocused Superstar Who Learns To Love but then we meet him and he’s the softest person ever? He’s the softest EVER. Like here is yuri idolizing this seemingly untouchable god and unbeknownst to yuri this god has a huge mushy crush on him?? VIKTOR, wow like loves his dog so much he loves spending time with his dog, he has a tissue holder shaped like his dog that he cuddles at the rink at practices?? His beautiful hair that gently flows in the breeze. Wow. He loves delicious food wow #relatable!! He gets excited about ninjas! He likes sequins and scarves! He just wants to fall in love and he DOES!!!! He’s so in love he’s just so full of love, he has so much love to give and he deserves to be loved equally in return and he does. He does
Some less-explored aspects of Viktor Nikiforov’s character that I will love and protect until my dying day:
Finally learned how to be a young and careless person at age 27
Was absolutely 100% willing to jump straight into a “Married for five years with a dog” type relationship with Katsuki Yuuri the moment his feet hit the ground in Japan (Viktor “U-haul” Nikiforov)
Arrived in Japan assuming that he and Yuuri were already in a relationship and, once realizing his error, didn’t pressure Yuuri into ‘Keeping his promise’ or something similarly creepy
Literally is such an affectionate person and lets exactly zero (0) stereotypes regarding Eastern European men apply to him
He never raises his voice in anger to anyone??? ever?? I love it
Is an extremely competitive person but probably also the most sporting person in the entire fuckin show? Like even Yuuri can sometimes be a bit of a sore loser but Viktor’s like, Yuuri you better inspire the fuck out of that smol multi-colored skate child. Hell yes I’m proud of Yurio, that’s my boy, that’s my actual son.
Is a masculine person who gives ZERO FUCKS about perceived gender
NONE of his compliments to Yuuri are overtly physicality-based? He showers Yuuri in compliments about his stamina, about his ability to wow the crowd. He tells him how sexy he is but it’s entirely because of how Yuuri’s CONFIDENCE makes him sexy. Viktor is, at every moment, using positive reinforcement to make Yuuri see himself in a kinder light.
Is literally always unashamedly high key about everything.
My favourite Viktor moments are when he is an adorable idiot.
I love exploring Viktor’s character because despite being the most senior character among the skaters and being seen as the one to chase and look up to, this boy truly does a lot of stupid things. To be fair, 27 is still quite young. It’s a shitty age when everyone plus their dog seems to think you know what you are doing except you. I can tell you all the weird decisions and unnecessary drama people have and get into at 27, but then this post will never end.
Now, we know about the whole banquet fiasco and the whole impulsively flying to Japan arms open, dick out thing, not to mention the whole car park “let’s shatter his heart” shenanigans, but I also have these screencaps stewing for maybe a month in my phone because I remember I was rewatching the show and these just made me go, “Oh, Viktor.”
Okay, so we know Hot Springs on Ice all started with Viktor’s idea…
…to which Yurio gamely accepts the challenge and issues his own (while Yuuri adorably panics in the background like the puppy he is)…
…which Viktor also accepts.
Look at him all excited.
Here, though, is where Viktor gets himself in trouble:
He’s been riling Yurio up the entire morning that the kid just up and threw a tantrum and demanded this prize. But then, no problem, since it’s not like Viktor had to accept or anything–
Yuuri’s face when Viktor agreed, though.
*sigh* Same, Yuuri. Same.
It seems that it’s not until later that Viktor realises the trouble he put himself in. At this point, we didn’t know yet just how invested Viktor was in Yuuri Katsuki (i.e., very invested and nursing a weird kind of crush, probably) and how important it is that he doesn’t coach just anyone, but Yuuri Katsuki only. How ever good Yuuri could potentially be, however, there was still a big chance that he could actually lose to Yurio. Yuuri sometimes choked during competition. Yurio, on the other hand, was the juniors gold medallist. There was a very real possibility that Yurio would win and Viktor to have to go back to Russia.
Having realised this, Viktor then began to sport this face:
This is Viktor during Yurio’s performance:
At this point, Viktor didn’t know yet that Yuuri had a breakthrough on his Eros performance. As far as he knew, Yurio was the one who found his Agape. While Yurio’s performance was not perfect, he was doing well enough.
That, right there, is what Viktor Nikiforov looks like when he knows he is in very deep shit.
What’s interesting though is that these expressions were not really blatantly pointed out in the show. No one notices this, and Viktor just stands in his corner looking like that. With what knowledge we had at episode 3, we don’t know, maybe he just looks thoughtful because Viktor Nikiforov is just a mysterious character. Lol, but rewatching this after season 1 is over?
Yeah, Viktor. Because of you, for about an entire episode, we were in danger of never having the events that would lead to the kiss at the Cup of China, the exchange of rings in Barcelona, and the glorious masterpiece that is Yuuri’s record-breaking free skate. Viktor, Viktor, Viktor… sometimes just *facepalm*
Thankfully, Yuuri DID find his Eros at the last minute, wins the competition, and consequently saves Viktor’s gorgeous but impulsive arse and gives us the wonderful events of season 1. Thank you, Yuuri! ♡
Lol, look at how happy and relieved this dork is:
There he is, ladies and gentlemen, our Viktor Nikiforov – king of impulsive decisions. For a long time we thought he was such a mysterious character. Now, we just… wtf, we know him better and we love him very much, but sometimes
Viktor, no. For fuck’s sake.
*sigh* Same, Yuuri. Same.
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Bonus: Viktor during Yuuri’s Eros performance. He probably realised he’s safe at this point, and I bet he was enthralled again, and possibly getting turned on by Yuuri Katsuki falling in love again.
Nothing but My Aching Soul 