Day 6 - Song Day
It's Varrick and Zhu Li's wedding, and Opal really wants to dance.
Song is "Shut Up and Dance" by WALK THE MOON
"Oh don't you dare look back
Just keep your eyes on me.
I said you're holding back,
She said shut up and dance with me
This woman is my destiny
She said oh oh oh
Shut up and dance with me."
…
The sounds of the wedding band drifted pleasantly through Bolin's ears. Who knew Tahno had such talent? He'd definitely recommend him if he got the chance.
This whole shebang of Varrick and Zhu Li's and been fantastic. People would be talking about it for a long time. It was truly amazing how Varrick had been able to pull this all together in a week, how all his guests from the Southern Water Tribe and farther had managed to arrive, and that they were even able to contact anyone after the destruction Kuvira caused. Bolin reasoned, though, that if anyone could do it, it was Varrick and Zhu Li.
The atmosphere was unlike any party he'd been to before. The yellow and blue lights were soothing, but the energy was electric. For just a little while he'd allow himself to relax and forget about all the strife and heartbreak of the past few weeks. It was time to celebrate.
And who better to celebrate with than the sweet and graciously forgiving airbender before him: Opal.
…
We were victims of the night
The chemical, physical, kryptonite
Helpless to the bass and the fading light
Oh we were bound to get together
Bound to get together
…
Bolin, along with Mako, Korra, and Asami, had been seated for the dinner with Tonraq, Senna, and the Airbender family. When Team Avatar scattered when the music started, he took the opportunity to slip into the seat next to Opal at the Beifong table.
"There you are!" she exclaimed. Her eyes are wide and bright from the hanging lights. "I was wondering when you'd make it over here. That speech was amazing! The best I've heard it. All that practice really paid off." She smiled at him with a wonder he hadn't seen from her in a long time.
"Well, you were a lot of help," Bolin replied. "You had a lot of patience to listen to it over and over again. But what about you? That flight show was awesome! I can't believe you guys came up with that in one week!"
Opal tugged at the collar of her flight suit. "Well, Jinora and Kai did most of it. And Ikki came up with the streamers."
"But I was able to pick you out in formation. You were stunning."
Opal's cheeks turned pink as the two of them laced their fingers together. It had been so long since they were able to be affectionate with each other; now they took every chance they got.
Suddenly Tahno's band started another song, fast and upbeat. Varrick and Zhu Li were already on the dance floor. Ikki pulled Huan after them while hopping up and down like baby chick. Other couples slowly started to join them, and Opal got an excited glint in her eye. "I love this song! Bolin, come dance with me!"
Bolin's eyes widened. Opal wanted to dance with him? In public? "What? Really? Won't I embarrass you? I mean, there are all these people! And you know, my ribs are still a little sore from that Colossus explosion…"
Opal just rolled her eyes. "Come on, you goofball." She grabbed his wrist and pulled him to his feet, then onto the dance floor.
…
She took my arm
I don't know how it happened
We took the floor and she said…
…
Bolin looked around frantically, but Opal jerked his wrist. "Bolin, I'm your partner, you're supposed to look at me."
"B-But…" He stuck out his lip. "You know I've never done classic ballroom dancing. I'll look stupid, and people will think, 'What does she see in him?'"
"Nevermind what other people think. And I told you a long time ago that I'd show you some moves. So come on!" She placed one of his hands on her waist, then took his other hand and held it aloft. "I'll even lead you." Her feet danced from side to side.
Bolin kept his gaze down as he tried to match her steps, but Opal tutted at him. "Try to keep your eyes on me, Bo. Remember when we danced with the kids three years ago? You feel the beat."
They started moving slowly, very slowly, until Bolin blew a puff of air at his spit curl. "We're going a little slow, don't you think? Are you going easy on me?"
"Yes. But now that you've found me out…" She pulled him and swung him around. "You can just shut up and dance."
…
Oh don't you dare look back
Just keep your eyes on me
I said you're holding back
She said shut up and dance with me
This woman is my destiny
She said oh oh oh
Shut up and dance with me.
…
The two sped up as Opal led Bolin in a circle. They kicked their heels and spun until giggles were tumbling from their lips. Opal was a natural with this classic style; it looked almost effortless. Bolin's mind had been filled with uncertainty, scared that someone would realize that he had no place doing something as sophisticated as ballroom dancing, but soon all those fears were gone. All he thought of now was the fun they were having; he barely noticed when Opal gave him the lead. It was like the music was pulling them with the whim of a breeze.
…
Deep in her eyes
I think I see the future
I realize this is my last chance
She took my arm
I don't know how it happened
We took the floor and she said…
…
Bolin flung her out on his arm. The winds blew as she twirled and struck a pose while clutching his hand. In an instant he was three years younger, standing in his old green tunic and Opal in her yellow training uniform as they danced for the first time. Opal had that same sparkle in her eyes, and Bolin felt just as giddy as he had then.
He wanted nothing more than to feel this way with her every day for the rest of his life.
He pulled her back into his chest as they spin in another circle, and just as Tahno blared the final note, Bolin dipped Opal over his knee and gave her a deep kiss, one she happily returned.
…
Oh don't you dare look back
Just keep your eyes on me
I said you're holding back
She said shut up and dance with me
This woman is my destiny
She said oh oh oh
Shut up and dance with me
Oh oh oh shut up and dance with me
Oh oh oh shut up and dance with me
…
"Hey, hey, hey!" Varrick growled as he pulled Zhu Li over to them. "This is my wedding! Quit upstaging me!" He shoved the young couple offstage as he took their place and waltzed with his bride as if nothing had happened.
Bolin and Opal were still giggling as they collapsed into some empty chairs. "Hey," Opal smirked, "Whatever happened to those sore ribs of yours?"
"Sore ribs?" He leaned in, a sultry look in his eye. "It looks like I forgot. But I think I found a cure." He kissed her again, and she didn't mind one bit.
For the first time Bolin and Opal danced, please read Chapter 11 of my other story, The Lives and Times of Bolin and Opal.
Thanks for reading! Reviews are appreciated!