You and Natalia get settled in your attic space seating just as the curtain to the ballet opens. The music starts to play, and the dancers come onto the scene, poised with such beauty and grace that you no longer wonder why Natalia enjoyed it so much. You were just as enthralled.

"This is amazing," she says half-way through, turning to you. "Thank you, [Y/n]. No one has ever done anything for me, not like this."

You give her a smile. "We can come as often as you like. We can make it our little secret." Natalia laughs, the first time you've ever heard her do so. "You have a cute laugh."

She blushes, turning her attention back to the dancing. The Nutcracker Ballet was the one you were watching, and even as the dancers floated by, you are more interested in watching Natalia's eyes light up.

After it finishes, and the final curtain closes, you and Natalia make a quick break for the alleyway window. You help her down, catching her as she drops. She holds onto your arms for steadiness, looking into your eyes as she does. "[Y/n], I-"

"-Don't." You cup her face in your cold hands and kiss her right there, in that alley outside the Moscow theatre under the falling Russian winter snow.

She kisses back, and after you both pull away, she giggles softly. "That was my first kiss."

"Mine, too." You pause, just laughing together with her. "Run away with me, Natalia."

"Where could we go that they wouldn't find us? Where Ivan wouldn't find us?"

You shake your head. "I don't know. All I know is I can't stay here anymore, but I won't leave you. Come with me? We can leave now."

She nods, taking your hands. "Da."

-

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