Do svidaniya: Chapter Three

[antivanruffles]

Name: Do svidaniya 

Characters: Kunzite, Minako with other appearances. 

Rating: R 

Warnings: Swearing (though mainly Russian), adult themes, some violence. 

A/N: The Russian Revolution was a time of great turmoil and political intrigue. In these trying times can young love succeed or will fate pull them apart? 

Chapters: One, Two 




I ran into Milena again a few times over the next few days, and each time I managed to make a bigger fool of myself, tripping over words and staring. Because of this, I was immensely thankful that when I ran into Milena exactly one week after our first encounter, Helena was with her. The children would chatter and distract from my idiocy.

We were out in the courtyard between the main part of the palace and the barracks. The girls had been making snow angels when I had come along, and they coerced me into helping them make a snowman. After we all sat on the edge of the frozen fountain to admire our handiwork, talking and laughing.

“Have you been to the ballet before, Kostya?” Helena asked suddenly. Her mittened hands folded neatly in her lap, one foot kicking slowly back and forth.

“Not since I was a boy; my mother used to take me.”

“Why did she stop?”

“Helena! Be polite,” Milena hissed. Her eyes met mine over Helena’s head, apologizing for her charges rudeness.

“It’s alright.” Glancing back down I looked at Helena for a moment, judging. I knew her mother had died in childbirth, so she understood death. “She died when I was young.”

“Oh.” Helena’s face fell slightly. “And I know your Papa died.”

“That‘s right,” I nodded slowly.

“You’re an orphan then?”

“I suppose so, but I might be a little too old to be considered that.”

“You’re never too old.” She leaned over and wrapped her thin arms around my neck. Smiling, I gently patted her back in return, “Well, I might be an orphan, but at least I have good friends, hm?”

“Of course!“ The girl brightened as she pulled back. “You should come to the ballet with us! Milena’s old troupe is performing next week.”

“Helena, I’m sure Kostya has more important things to do than attend the ballet with us.”

Helena looked stricken at this news and turned watery eyes toward me. “You want to come with us, don’t you Kostya?”

I was saved from answering as Milena clicked her tongue at the girl. “It doesn’t matter either way, the performance is sold out. You know that.”

“But can’t you get a friend to let us in?” Helena pleaded.

“Don’t pout. You know I can’t.” The sadness that flickered in Milena’s eyes had me wanting nothing more than to take it away, and I said the first words that came to mind: “My friend could get tickets.”

Two sets of hopeful eyes swiveled toward me, and I immediately regretted getting their spirits up. “Kostya, do you really think so?” Milena’s face was glowing, and she slowly reached across Helena to grip my arm.

“Mmm, I’ll go see her later today,” I said with the utmost confidence, silently praying Mischa would be able to arrange something….. and hopefully not kill me in the process.

*****

“Kostya…” Mischa’s breath puffed out like a plume of smoke in front of her face. Brushing back her thick curls she glared up at me, her cheeks pink from either annoyance or the cold--I couldn’t tell. I had been on my way to the restaurant to speak with Mischa when I literally ran into her outside the repair shop. Now we stood on the sidewalk as I explained my situation with Milena and Helena.

“I can’t believe you would make promises like that.” I opened my mouth to reply, closed it, then tried again. Mischa merely raised one delicate eyebrow at me, and a smile spread across her face that reminded me far too much of Alexis.

“You like her!” She jabbed an accusing finger into my chest.

“No!” Unfortunately my denial came a bit too quickly and a bit too loudly. I was tempted to sulk as Mischa crowed at me: “You do! I can’t believe it…. ah, young love!”

“Stop it, you sound Alexis.” She tried to pinch my cheek but I batted her hand away.

“Fine, fine,” she waved airily. “But you, my friend, have come across a bit of very good fortune.” Mischa laced her arm through mine, leading me down the street. “You see, I happen to have four tickets to the show. My parents and sister were supposed to go with Alexis, but with things how they are at the restaurant, they won’t be able to come.”

“Leaving you with three extra tickets?”

“Exactly! This is perfect, because now I will get to meet the young lady who has captured the heart of the ever stoic Kostya.”

“Maybe this isn’t such a good idea…”

“What isn’t a good idea?” We came to a halt in front of the restaurant where Alexis was waiting for us, leaning back against the door. Her arms crossed over her chest, and a catlike grin on her face that gave me a sinking feeling in my stomach. Before I could get a word in, Mischa lunged forward, wrapped an arm around Alexis’s waist, and started explaining about Milena.

“Milena Guseva? You mean General Artamov’s niece?” At those words I could feel the blood drain my face, and I’m sure it was as white as my hair judging by Alexis’ uproarious laughter.

“You didn’t know! How could you not? Lord, you’re in love with the General’s niece.”

“I‘ve never discussed anything like that with her! And I’m not in love with anyone!” Now all of the blood came rushing back, a warm heat spreading across my cheeks despite the cold air.

“Come on, let’s go inside and you can tell me about this… politely,” Mischa warned as she grabbed Alexis by the ear and drug her inside. I followed behind, slowly shuffling my feet, wondering what I had ever done to deserve this.

Once inside we disposed of our coats, gloves and hats. I took a seat across from Alexis as Mischa disappeared for a moment to get tea for us. When she returned she sat next to Alexis, calmly stirring honey into a steaming cup with her chin resting studiously upon her fisted hand.

“Now, tell me, what’s all this?” She quirked one eyebrow at me, but Alexis was the one to answer.

“General Artamov is the most renowned and feared man on the guard. Basic training is nearly impossible because of him.” Alexis smiled at me, eyes dancing with amusement. “He’s very scary and very protective of his precious niece. There are many stories that float around the barracks of men who’ve come to court her in the past.”

Alexis stopped for a moment to sip her tea, obviously relishing the suspense. “One guard told me he sets up tests for would-be suitors; no man has ever passed them.”

“Do you know what they are?” Mischa was leaning forward, completely engrossed in the story, while I wanted nothing more than to sink into the ground.

“No, I think they vary depending on the man. I wonder what yours will be cousin?” I glared balefully at Alexis while she laughed.

“There will be no tests, I am not courting Milena.” Although I had admit the thought was quite pleasing, overbearing uncle or not.

“You say that now, but I saw the twinkle in your when you said her name. You like her, plain and simple.” Mischa wagged a finger at me knowingly.

“If you say so,” I muttered while they started chatting about the ballet. This was a very bad idea.

*****

The night of the ballet I was excited, despite my constant denials to Mischa and Alexis. I had taken out one of my father’s old tuxedos for the occasion. It snug across the shoulders, but the cut was plain, no embellishments to hint at it’s age, which was older than I was. I made sure everything was in perfect order; my tie, my hair, my shoes shined to a gleaning polish.

After everything was settled I waited not-so-patiently for Alexis to arrive with the carriage. I rose quickly as soon as I heard her coming up the steps, and opened the door before she could even knock. I found her dressed in coat and tails, her wool coat open, and her close cropped blonde hair combed back from her face.

“Looking dapper tonight, cousin.”

Alexis grinned at me and adjusted her collar. “Always, besides I need to impress your lady love, can’t have her thinking you run around with disreputable people.” She patted my cheek condescendingly and snatched my coat from the rack. “Come on, let’s go!”

The ride to the theater was short, and I was thankful for that as it started snowing the moment we stepped out of my house. We checked our coats and started toward our seats, I made for the main floor but Alexis stopped me with a hand on my shoulder.

“Ah, ah. Up there.” She pointed to the staircase that lead to the private boxes.

“Really?”

“Of course! Mischa only believes in the finest things… why do you think she’s with me?” Alexis smirked. Laughingly I followed her up the stairs and looked around the theater.

This one was a newer, only built a few years ago. The old one had been small and dark, but this one well lit with sparkling chandeliers and that reflected and shone off vaulted ceilings. The carpet beneath our feet was a plush red, and muted the sound of our steps on the marble stairs. The white walls were lined with lights set in gold brackets and the crown molding that ran along the ceiling and floor was inlayed with gold as well.

It was nearly as beautiful as inside the Winter Palace, and I felt slightly awed by it all. Walking down the hallway, which was just as grand as the entry, we met the girls outside the box, and I found myself nearly tripping over air when I caught sight of Milena.

Her golden hair was piled atop her head in a cascade of golden curls that ran down her neck and framed her face. A simple strand of pearls was wrapped around her slim neck with matching earrings. She wore a sapphire blue satin dress, the color matching her eyes perfectly, with a cream colored overlay that was strewn with gems and gold stitched flowers.

She was absolutely radiant as she turned to smile at me. “This is amazing! Thank you so much for this, Kostya.” Lacing her arm through mine we walked into the box and took our seats.

Helena was practically bouncing with excitement as she sat in the chair next to mine. Her velvet dress changing colors as she moved; ranging from lavender to a deep amethyst. “Which one is your sweetheart, Alex?” she asked, leaning forward to peer down at the stage.

“The violinist, with the dark hair.” Alexis leaned her head next to Helena’s and pointed toward the orchestra pit where Mischa was tuning her violin, chatting with one of the flutists.

“Oh! She’s lovely!” Helena gushed.

“Yes, she is.” Alexis smiled and settled back in her seat. We chatted a moment until the lights dimmed and the curtain rose. I realized, as the first notes of the orchestra, I didn’t know what was to be preformed. I opened my playbill and glanced inside: Sleeping Beauty.

The performers came out on stage, and the audience quieted down. There was a woman with long limbs and dark blonde hair twirling about, and even my untrained eye could tell she was quite good.

“That’s the part I used to play,” Milena whispered in my ear, her warm breath tickling the fine hairs on my neck. “She’s good.”

“I’m sure you were better,” I whispered back and Milena turned shocked eyes to me. She studied me a moment before her eyes softened and a meek smile graced her full lips. “Maybe,” she said.

I tried to concentrate on the ballet, but I found my eyes more often than not drifting toward Milena; she sat on the edge of her seat, perfectly poised and completely enthralled. Her eyebrows were knitted together in emotion, and her fingers tapped against her leg in rhythm to the music.

As the curtain fell at the close, she rose to her feet, clapping loudly. I followed suit and leaned down to whisper in her ear. “Would you like to come with us backstage, while we collect Mischa?”

“Can we meet Aurora?” Helena piped up from somewhere near my elbow. “Please, Milena, can we?” The hope on the girl’s face seemed to disperse any doubt Milena might have had about seeing her old troupe again.

“Yes, we can.” She nodded slowly and bent to gather her bag and playbill.

“Allow me to escort you, my dear.” Alexis held out a hand to Helena, and the girl giggled sweetly as she linked arms with Alexis. Nervously, I offered my arm to Milena, which she took with a smile and I drew her close. She was warm, and soft, and I found breathing to grow increasingly difficult.

Comments

[dhoney.livejournal.com]

Is Mischa's sister an OC or one of the gang? Is there more backstory to Milena's dancing days? I feel like there are hints of it here & there but that may be me just wanting more fic.

Kotsya is so obviously young & fumbling. It's adorable. I hope he goes through some crazy test of the general. So much fun to be had!

[sugarcross.livejournal.com]

"I ran into Milena again a few times over the next few days, and each time I managed to make a bigger fool of myself, tripping over words and staring. "

It isn't everyday that one reads about a version of K that is clumsy and so young! Too cute.