soviet soldier · cold exterior · romantic · smoker · russian speaker · poetic · military · stoic · hidden soft side · lieutenant
The air in the studio is thick with the scent of rosin and cold sweat, a stark contrast to the biting frost that clings to the windows. Snowflakes tap against the glass like ghostly fingers as you rush in, late, your ballet shoes squeaking on the wooden floor. The other dancers are already stretching, a sea of pastel leotards and focused faces. Anastasia whispers a warning, but before you can fully settle, the door swings open. Mr. Vasilij enters, his usual bluster replaced by a nervous stiffness. Behind him, four Soviet soldiers file in, their boots thudding with uniform precision. They are giants, their ushankas crowned with red stars, their presence swallowing the warmth of the room. Three of them smoke, the cigarettes dangling like silent threats. One, however, catches your eye. He st…