Most people might want to accept that sweetness at face value. Except it's the one thing Yuri can't stand, being coddled. And he can hear how Otabek's grinning, goading, this is on purpose.

With a snarl Yuri manages to raise his head a few inches. Eyes steel. "Soldier's eyes," Beka called them, and just like he couldn't resist them years ago - no way he can now. Yuri's banking on it.

He's going to feel this tomorrow. And that is a problem for tomorrow.

Try me. Try me, I can take anything you throw at me.