Another companion piece to 'Measuring Up', a story that was supposed to be a fun romp with Nya and Dixie working my RL job but turned into 'My Big Fat Cathar Wedding'. Many thanks to Clicketykeys for all her help with this ^,^
"Annnnd, one, two, three. One, two, three. Come on everyone, feel the music."
Numen's voice held a hint of exasperation as he walked from couple to couple, making adjustments to hand positions or the angle of their arms. The handsome Twi'lek had a dancer's physique but didn't seem to have the temperament for teaching the art. Dixie was content to ignore him though, in fact most of the world faded away while she floated across the floor in Corso's arms.
Nya hadn't lied, she thought, the boy had moves. Corso was all strut and swagger as he guided her through spins. His strong embrace supported her while they sailed throughout the room, and she burst into a fit of giggles when he dipped her. She arched back as far as she could and her flexibility made his big, brown eyes widen.
"Way to go Dixie-girl." He grinned as he twirled her again, letting the skirt of her flirty violet dress swirl around her. "Let's show 'em how it's done."
Completely disregarding Numen, Corso led her to the center of the floor where they stopped with a sassy snap and he swung her into an arcing dip that had her hair almost brushing the floor. Some of the other couples hooted and applauded lightly as they sashayed in a graceful circle. Dixie backed up, sliding her hand along one of his arms until her fingers gripped his and lashed her foot out in a saucy kick before whirling back into his embrace. The clapping increased and he smiled widely, spinning her again before they danced back to the edge of the floor.
"Hey! No making the bride and groom look bad!" Nya's scolding laughter had Dixie giggling again.
"Then get better," she retorted laughingly.
It was Nya's idea for them to attend the class in the first place. She'd won lessons in a drawing at some event catering to soon-to-be brides, and confessed to Dixie that as much as she loved Aric, she wouldn't mind seeing him lighter on his feet. But Dixie had lost count of how many times she'd seen the large Cathar stumble over his fiancee, seeming oddly nonchalant about the whole thing.
"Don't worry about them Hotshot. We'll be the center of attention no matter what," said Aric.
"That sounds like a challenge to me, 'bout you Honey?" Dixie prodded Corso, but his eyes were on Aric and Nya. His lips twitched and if she didn't know better she would've thought he was trying not to laugh.
She tugged on his arm, capturing his attention, and he beamed down at her as they flowed like water past the other couples. But when they heard a quiet 'oof' from their friends' direction Corso glanced at them again and his shoulders shook slightly. Something's up, she realized. Reaching up she brushed her thumb across Corso's cheek and he looked down at her in surprise, only faltering for a moment before regaining his rhythm.
"Now what was that for?"
"You had a little 'smug' right here." She pointed to her own cheek and grinned. "Though I'd take care of it for you."
"C'mon Big Guy, I know you move better than that." Nya's voice carried across the dance floor as she pulled on Aric and Dixie heard a small snicker from Corso.
"Alright," she whispered. "Fill me in. You know something."
"I know lots of things. Like... I can make you giggle if I do this." He dipped her in another sweeping arc and true to his prediction another stream of giggles bubbled from her. But she wasn't about to let him distract her.
"Start talking Honey."
"I can't." He tried looking solemn but the twinkle in his eyes ruined the effect, "Been sworn to secrecy, Best Man's Honor."
"Can't even tell me?" Dixie ducked her head down slightly to look at him from under her lashes and stuck out her lower lip "Pleeeease."
Corso faltered again, his brown eyes going blank for a moment before he shook his head. "Now that's plain mean. You oughta warn a fella before makin' him forget his name like that."
"Oh come on, dish." She batted her eyes at him and smirked. "I can tell you wanna."
"Well if I didn't before, I do now." He chuckled as he lowered his mouth to her ear. "This 'klutz' thing Aric is doing... it's all an act."
"No!" Dixie looked over at the couple again. Nya was still smiling patiently up at Aric who stumbled for the dozenth time, but now that Corso had pointed it out Dixie could see that the stagger did look forced. "But why? Don't he want to dance with her?"
"He wants to surprise her at the wedding," Corso whispered. "Make a show of it, music planned and everything. Wants it be be extra special."
"Ohhh."
Corso quickly put a finger over her lips, giving her a mock-stern look. "Now don't you be goin' off and tellin' her. This means a lot to him."
"I won't." She crossed her fingers over her heart and giggled. "Lucky for me I'm not as easily swayed as you are."
"You never had t'resist these." The same finger that had been over her lips traced along her brow whisper softly. "All the colors of dawn, and just as bright and hopeful."
"Hopeful, huh?" The poetic description had her knees going weak. "And what are they hoping for."
"A kiss, I think." He'd leaned in closer and she could see gold flecks sparkling in the rich, brown depths of his eyes. "And I don't mind obligin' one bit."
"Smoothie," she whispered as his breath caressed her lips.
"Excuse me."
The interruption startled them and they pulled back just enough to see Numen beckoning. "You two move so well. I'm wondering if I might borrow the lovely young woman for a moment."
Corso's eyes still held a hint of smolder as he looked questioningly at Dixie. "Whatcha think, Girl?"
"Can't hurt." She shrugged then winked at him. "Give you a chance to miss me."
"I always do," he called to her as she sauntered to the center of the dance floor.
She hadn't had much one-on-one with the dance instructor, but even as smitten as she was with Corso she could admit he was a hunk. The snug shirt and pants he wore seemed designed to emphasize his physique, making her wonder if it was by personal preference or typical of men in the dance industry. His startling blue eyes were filled with appraisal but she gave him a bland smile when she reached him.
"You move great. Professionally trained?"
"Not a lick," she admitted. "Just go where the music tells me." Turning back, she nodded to Corso. "Helps to have a good partner."
"I wholeheartedly agree. That's why I wondered if you'd help demonstrate a move. Just an easy lift, suitable for beginners."
"I guess I'd be alright with that."
"Good." He smacked his hands together loudly to grab everyone's attention. "Gather 'round students. Now a small lift can enhance your presence on the dance floor and impress your audience. Now lucky for me I've procured a beautiful volunteer, let's give her a round."
Dixie was ready to sink into the floor as he started clapping and the rest of the class followed dutifully, except for Nya who let out a shrill whistle and hooted. She caught Corso's eyes and he mouthed 'Need help?', but she shook her head. She had agreed to do it, might as well get it over with.
Numen came up behind her, patting her shoulder reassuringly before putting his hands at her waist, then whispered to her, "Now I'm going to move your arm into position, you just need to keep it straight."
He cued the music then gently started swaying with her. Despite the switch in partners, Dixie went with it easily, feeling the notes flow through her. Numen ran one hand up her side to just under her arm, encouraging her to kept it outstretched. "Very good," he murmured, "Now, raise your leg."
Understanding hit her and she lifted the opposite leg, keeping it taut. Before she knew it Numen placed a hand under her ribcage and another just shy of her knee then lifted.
"Oh!"
She gasped in surprise, suddenly off the ground and supported against his chest. He hadn't raised her far, but she felt as though she might have been flying. Unsure of what to do, she squeezed her eyes shut, stretching out her other arm and leg in what she hoped was a graceful pose. He lifted her higher, gaining 'oohs' and 'ahhs' from the class as he turned in a slow circle before letting her down softly.
Applause echoed through the studio and Dixie looked around for Corso, but couldn't see him. Her eyes darted over the group and she was about to walk away to search for him, but Numen still held her hand. He bowed for his class, pulling her gently so she dropped a small curtsy before extracting her hand from his.
"So that's how it's done class. Now let's take a quick break, and then you'll try it with your own partners."
Most of the students scattered, but Numen gestured for Dixie to come closer and they walked to the side of the room. "You're quite light on your feet. Were you kidding about no lessons?"
"Nope," she confirmed, and he smiled widely.
"A natural talent, very nice." He took her hand and leaned in. "You know, I'd be more than willing to help you see where that talent could lead."
Dixie knew a line when she heard one and laughed. "Get a lot of mileage from that one?"
For a moment he looked surprised, then his smile grew more genuine as he shrugged. "So much so it's worn thin it seems. Guess I need new lines."
"Why use lines at all? What's wrong with 'Hi. How's caf sound'?"
"Alright," he said, his smile warming up. "Hi, how's caf sound?"
"Ummm." Now that she didn't expect, that there was actual charm under the smooth veneer. "Sounds nice, but I'm kinda with someone."
"That fellow you were dancing with?" She nodded and he patted her hand. "Should've figured. You two dance like you can only see each other."
It wasn't the first time Dixie had heard comments like this, about how right she and Corso seemed together. But shades of the past had a way of coloring the future, and some of those shades were darker than she liked to remember. Still, when Corso crossed her mind she couldn't help but feel warm and fuzzy, well, fuzzier than normal. A wistful smile pulled at her mouth as she looked at Numen. "Yeah, we do."
He smiled back approvingly. "No harm, no foul. Never was one to drive a wedge. But I might have another proposition for you."
"Really?" Drawing out the word, she raised an eyebrow at him and he shook his head.
"Nothing like that. Your friend, Nyarah, you're her maid-of-honor, right?" Dixie nodded and he leaned in again. "Are you throwing her a bachelorette party?"
"Oh, those?" She'd planned on helping Nya with an outing with all the girls, but a 'bachelorette party' sounded so tawdry and dated. "I was putting something together, why?"
"Well you've got a bonafide pro right here little lady," he said proudly.
"What? Like a party planner?" she asked, and Numen started grinning.
"Parties yes, planning no. Used to run the Balmorra venues as 'Sir Loin'." He raised his hands behind his head and moved his pelvis in a slow grind. Her mouth fell open in shock and if her fuzz-covered cheeks could blush they'd have been bright red.
"So you were a..."
"Entertainer," he said, his grin softening. "I'll admit it's a bit unconventional, but it helped me open this place. And if you need something to get the girls going..."
He started gyrating and the sheer absurdity was too much for words. She started giggling again, covering her mouth with her hand.
"Hey buddy!" The harsh bark had both of them jumping back, and Dixie looked over to see Corso storming towards them, thunder in his eyes. "Why don't you lay off the lady?"
"Now listen friend..." Numen started while Corso glared at him.
"I ain't your friend," he snapped. "That's my girl you're tryin' to rub up on and..."
In a blink Dixie grabbed Corso's hand and gave him a sweet smile. "Honey, why don't we step over here?"
She tugged him along and he followed obediently, though his eyes were still flashing with ire. "Where we goin'?" he murmured.
"Just getting you outta there before you look like an ass," she whispered fiercely.
He jerked in surprise but thankfully let her lead him out into the hallway before asking, "What do you mean an ass?"
"I mean actin' like you were gonna tear Numen a new one just for dancin' with me."
"Dancin'?! Is that what you call it? Excuse me if I don't like seein' some guy getting' all..." He huffed and run his hand over his forehead. "Well it just seemed uncalled for."
"You trust me right?"
The quiet question took all the wind from his sails, the storm trickling down to a drizzle. "'Course I trust you Girl."
"And you trust that I can handle myself?"
"Well, yeah." He started looking chagrined and shifted from on foot to another while taking her hand. "It's just, the way I was raised you should look after your girl. And seein' him get like that, well it's my duty to..."
A chill went through Dixie as memories poked up from the dark corners she thought she'd banished them to and she couldn't hold back a shiver. "You don't have a duty, you have a girlfriend," she stated softly as she took her hand back. "And she doesn't much like being treated like an obligation. Or havin' to worry about her boyfriend going off half-cocked because some guy flirts with her."
She turned swiftly and trotted to the nearest door, blinking her suddenly hot eyes. "Dixie, I didn't mean it like that," called after her, but it was followed by a low growl of warning, and she chuckled bitterly as she walked through the door, already knowing who had her back.
Stepping into the parking lot the night breeze cooled her face as she raised it to the stars and gazed at the faraway twinkles. They'd always calmed her and she sighed as she mentally traced the familiar constellations, then again as a warm arm draped over her shoulders.
"Didn't bite him, did ya?" she asked, and heard Nya's low chuckle.
"No, would you feel better if I had?"
"No, probably would've ended up tending the wound."
Nya tugged Dixie close enough for the shorter girl to lean on her and they stood in silence, faces turned upwards. For a while Dixie just breathed in the scent of her friend, letting it calm her, then let out a long sigh. "I know he's a good guy," she said and felt Nya nod.
"He is," the red-maned Cathar tugged her tighter. "I also know you."
"Jealousy just..." Dixie shivered again, "It can get bad."
No words, just a soft purr vibrated against Dixie as Nya rubbed her cheek on the top of her head. Soon she was purring too, bad memories being pushed back by her friend's affection. She turned to the side and their arms came around each other in a supportive hug. "You're the best, you know that?" she murmured.
"You're pretty awesome yourself, and you deserve someone awesome." Nya laughed then pulled back to look down at her. "Just don't be trusting my taste in guys. You saw who I ended up with."
The wry comment got a chuckle from Dixie as she looped her arm through Nya's. "Don't shine me on, you picked a good one. And you love each other to death."
"Yeah, we do," Nya's eyes softened and shimmered in the starlight, then she gave Dixie another squeeze. "But I love you too, and it's always mates before dates. So you need me to take you home? Or I could ask Aric to strangle an apology from Corso?" Nya wiggled her brows at Dixie, "He'd do it too."
"Bet he would," Dixie giggled at the image then shook her head. "No, something tells me Corso'd be willing to apologize on his own."
"Bet he would," Nya agreed, "Let's head back in. My toes are starting go numb so I can probably handle that big klutz stomping all over them again."
The ladies headed back to the studio, arms still looped as they entered the building. They didn't have to go far before they saw a very remorseful looking Corso. "Dixie?" he called out and moved towards them, but his path was blocked by Aric. The tall Cathar's gaze darted to each woman, and when Nya nodded slightly he stepped aside.
Corso walked carefully to them, wringing his hands as he got closer. "Dixie-girl, I'm ... I can't even figure out how to say how sorry I am. I hurt you, an' even though it wasn't on purpose, I did, an' I'm so blasted sorry.
He stopped a few feet from the ladies as if not wanting to test boundaries. "I wasn't thinkin', an' it was stupid, I was so gorram stupid... I hope... can you maybe forgive me? I mean I know if you need awhile to ... if... it's... I understand..."
Nya nudged her and whispered, "Need me to stick around?" But when Dixie shook her head she headed to Aric. "Come on Big Guy, they're gonna chat."
Aric met Dixie's eyes for a moment, the concern in them warming her, and she gave him a little nod as Nya led him back to the studio's main room, then stepped closer to Corso. "So, no more outbursts like that."
"None, promise. " He drew an 'x' over his heart, worry still swimming in his eyes.
"Good," a tentative smile trembled on her lips. "'Cause I like where this seems to be leadin'."
"Me too, Dixie."
He let out a huge sigh of relief and took another step towards her, then froze again, letting her close the gap. She reached forwards and smoothed her fingers over his, then clasped them firmly, watching his smile blossom. This time they moved together, arms sliding around each other as he pulled her tight and her cheek rested on his chest.
Corso's hands stroked her back gently, and she got the feeling it was as much to soothe himself as it was her. Relaxing against the beat of his heart, she listened while the rapid thudding slowed and his breathing fell in time with hers. Notes flowed in a quiet stream from the other room and they started swaying as one, as if pulled by the same musical gravity. It was only when the melody stopped that she leaned back to meet his eyes and smiled.
"Well, you know what this means?" When he shook his head, she winked at him. "We had a fight. Now we get to kiss and make up."
The grin that spread across his face was as warm as his hot cocoa eyes. "Sounds good ta me."
His fingers grazed along her jaw whisper soft as his face dipped down and his lips brushed hers, once, then twice before pressing gently to hers. The warmth of his body wrapped around her, his firm arms holding her close, and suddenly nothing else mattered. The world faded away, her head spinning, her heart light.
It was almost like dancing.