30DD: Formal - Alex and Veta

She was impossibly light on her feet he decided. The way she floated around him was effortless and he was desperately trying to keep up.

"Alexei," she sighed as they spun across the dance floor, "You have to hold my waist tighter,"

He nodded, wrapping his hand more firmly around the soft material of her dress, pulling her closer to him. "Better Veta?"

"Much," she replied, her painted lips smiling slightly at him. He laughed and they danced past Raja, who was talking intently with Theo. Veta winked at her friend before turning back to Alex.

"You know," she said as the song ended, "This is your first New Year's at the Institute."

Alex snorted and lowered their hands, though he kept a hand on her waist. "I do know Veta. I've been here nearly three months," he added, kissing her forehead.

The Russian girl rolled her eyes and reached around her back for his hand. "Come with me Alexei."

"I know almost every place in this Institute," he began, but the corridors suddenly became unfamiliar in the wake of Veta and her shining blue dress.

"Almost being the key word," she replied with a smirk. "This is my special place," she announced, pulling a curtain back. They were standing on an exposed balcony of the Institute, overlooking the city. Snow fell on her bared shoulders as she faced him, hazel eyes boring into him.

"Happy New Year's Alexei,"