Your hand in his, Mikhail, with a wide smile on his face, attempted to pull you towards him. Around his feet was the soft blue glow of the air walker spell, allowing him to step on the air as if it was solid ground.

“C’mon, live a little!” He teased, twirling around you as he lightly tugged at your hand again.

A couple months ago, you had stumbled upon Mikhail’s cottage deep within the forest while you were investigating an explosion within the same forest.

That day, Mikhail had been attempting to create ‘soap’. It would be a potion that when poured over a dirty plate would cause the grease on it to disappear, making it easier to wash the dishes. Unfortunately, during the brewing process of the potion, he overestimated how much of an explosive newt’s tail was needed and caused the mixture to explode.

After you confirmed he wasn’t a threat, you accepted his enthusiastic offer to come inside his home for a tour.

Showing you around, Mikhail rambled on and on about each of the potions stocked around his home as well as the ingredients needed for each one. Ending the tour in the mess of his brewing room, he offered you a chance to try brewing a potion of your own. Soon, you became a frequent visitor of his home, spending many afternoons watching him brew potions.

Mikhail tugged at your hands again, snapping you out of your thoughts. “Come on! I won’t drop you. Promise.” Smile widening mischievously, he leaned down, dipping you. “Well, not on purpose at least.”

Giggling at your face of horror, Mikhail reeled back, pulling you back up to standing. “I’m kidding, I won't ever drop you.” He said, an uncharacteristically soft smile crossing his face for a moment before melting into the carefree one he usually wore.

“Now let’s go!” With a final tug, Mikhail led you upwards. His steps were sure as he walked on air, leading you up until you would have a clear view of the entire forest below. Once he deemed you high enough, he gently nudged you, waving a hand out over the scenery below.

“Look.”

You hesitated, eyes squeezed shut in fright.

“It’s okay, I won’t drop you.” Mikhail whispered, squeezing your hand.

Waiting patiently, he watched as you slowly opened your eyes, breath hitching at the sight he wanted to show you. Beneath you, the forest glowed. In soft blues, pinks, and yellows, the lights that Mikhail used to light up the forest flickered softly, mimicking the twinkling of fairies as they flitted between the trees.

Mikhail leaned closer, examine your expression before laughing, pleased with himself. Placing a hand on your waist, he raised the hand that was holding yours. Beginning to hum, he led you through the familiar steps of a waltz.

“Do you like it?”