Chapter Text
Personally, Jinora thought that was too short of a time to plan a wedding, but honestly, Varrick and Zhu Li's whole relationship was fast-paced to begin with. What really caught her off guard was how skittish Kai acted whenever the wedding topic came up.
Since being rescued from the Earth Queen, Kai had only displayed how truly kind, witty, and brave he could be. Of course, he wasn't perfect, he was still human after all. But this was completely out of left field.
Finally, one morning about two weeks before the big day, Jinora found the source of the strange behavior.
Kai had pulled her into an empty temple hallway, in hopes to escape little prying ears.
"I can't dance." he said suddenly.
He turned and let go of Jinora's arm as she eyed him cautiously.
"Wait. What?"
At first, she was confused as to what this had to do with, well- anything to be honest. But another close look at his face put the pieces together.
THAT'S what this was all about? I almost can't believe it.
Kai could sense she was waiting for him, so he continued.
"I just... I don't think I have it in me. I've never needed to dance before. Now here I am right before this big wedding that is gonna have just that! Probably a lot of it too! I'm gonna look so stupid." Kai held his head in his hands, unsure of what to do next.
Since when was Kai the type of person to care about what anyone thinks? Is this even the same person?
Jinora could feel her smile widening, not only because her boyfriend was adorable but also because an amazing idea was forming inside her brain
"You know, there's still time before the wedding. We could use it to practice! If you want of course."
Jinora was all too aware of the short amount of time she had gotten to spend with Kai over the past three years. With the airbenders acting as peacekeepers, Kai being stationed with Opal halfway across the Earth Kingdom, and her new master duties, there weren't many opportunities for just them anymore.
On the bright side of all this, the cleanup and reconstruction of Republic City had given them more time together. Albeit, that time was spent working, rather than relaxing and enjoying.
Kai lifted his head slightly at this. A pink tint covered his cheeks. "You mean like, together? Us dancing? ...Together?"
The sight of Kai blushing was something Jinora believed she would never get tired of. She absolutely reveled in the fact that only she can cause it as well.
Jinora collected herself and proceeded with a forced straight face.
"Yes, together. I know some basic steps, but I'm no expert. This could be a learning experience for both of us! Are you in?"
Kai still looked a little embarrassed, but his determination was strong. He really wanted this.
"Yes! Absolutely! But uh, we won't do it in front of people, right? I really don't need other people knowing this about me."
"I'm aware of that. So no, we're not doing it in front of the others. The temple courtyard has perfect lighting at night and a great view of the city. We can practice there tonight after everyone has gone to sleep. How's that sound?"
Jinora swore the brightness from Kai's smile could be seen from space
"Sounds perfect."
That night couldn't have come slower. After their discussion, they were again separated. Her father needed a second in command at Air Temple Island and the city wasn't going to clean itself.
Consequently, Jinora's whole day was filled with waves of excitement and uncertainty.
It's gonna be nice to be so close to Kai again. I should've thought of this a long time ago.
But what if we're too close? What if it's awkward? What if I step on his feet? I'm sure I'm better than him, but I'm still not fantastic.
Jinora was in a battle with her mind until dinner. The sigh of relief she let out when she saw Kai at the table undoubtedly turned some heads, but she couldn't find the energy to care.
Finally.
As Jinora walked closer she noticed that Kai looked about as exhausted as she felt.
"Long day?" Jinora asked as she sat down next to him
"You have no idea. What about you?"
Looking down with a small sigh, Jinora replied. "About the same I suppose."
Kai then looked back at Jinora, a smirk erasing his tired features.
"Then I sure hope you're not too drained to dance with me later, Sifu Jinora."
Kai's carefree flirting. She both loved and hated it. But two can always play that game.
With a smile, Jinora lifted her arm to put her hand in his fluffy hair, before giving it a little ruffle. Kai always loved it when she played with his hair.
"Pfft. Sure big guy. Let's see if you can stay awake through dinner first. Then we can dance."
Jinora then got up to get her serving, not without getting one last glance at Kai of course. Looking back, she saw that his eyes were still following her in slight awe.
Jinora turned back around with a smile.
Jinora: 02 Kai: 00