66. Dance with me?

- They cancelled everything fun about Independence day, Venla sighs. It’s much easier to cuddle on the couch now when the most pressure is off and they just enjoy being close. TV is on but they don't really watch it.

- Mm, first time I won't be in military parade, Ilari muses. - Though I like it. makes me feel proud of our little nation. Venla gives him a small smile. 

– Patriot much? 

- Why yes? 

– I've just stared at the presidential reception and swooned over everything.

 - Uh, it's so hot in that presidential palace, Ilari grimaces.

 - Have you been there? Venla is dumbstruck. 

- Once as a cadet.

– Wow. How it was? Venla is impressed.

– Crowded, too hot in uniform. Punch is much stronger you’d think and the real party starts as soon TV cameras are off.. 

- So what did you do there? 

– Cadets are escorts and dance partners to ladies that arrives alone. 

– No way. You can dance?

- It’s part of our training. Ilari shrugs. – I can but don't care so much about it. 

– I never even had a prom, Venla looks at her hands. – I was still in wheelchair at that time. Other girls got their prinsess dressed and all that fuss and I… Nevermind. She twists her hands but doesn't say anything else. 

– Do you want another try? Ilari asks and touches Venla's hand. 

– You can't turn back time. 

– No. But I’d need a date to officers annual party.

- Want to come with me? Ilari asks. Venla blinks. 

- What's happening there? 

- Formal event. Full uniform, evening gown for ladies, fine dining and dancing at the officers clubhouse.

 - Oh. 

- It’s in Santahamina in case you want to see your childhood grounds. 

– I… oh. Venla feels stunned. – I can't dance. I don’t know how. 

– I could teach you. Just follow my lead? Ilari stands up and offers his hand. 

– Come on. It will be fun. 

- With you? Now? 

– I don't see another person here, Ilari smirks. -Try? Venla takes his hand and Ilari pulls her up. 

– Put your hand here and you really need to come closer, he instrucks. – Closer. He says when Venla hesitates. – Like this, he puts his hand to Venla’s waist and pulls her in. – It's easier for you to react to my guiding when you are close. 

- Ok. Venla gulps. This is so foreign ground. 

- Let's start with easy way. We can just sway here, He tells. 

- You said evening gown. I haven't got anything like that, Venla whispers and leans her head to Ilari's chest. 

– There’s plenty of time to get one. It's in end of january, Ilari says softly. – Just say yes. 

- I don’t know, Venla says. 

– I'll be there for you. 

– But If I have to go back into wheelchair? Venla says her worst fear aloud. Ilari looks straight to her eyes. 

- You'll get up from it. You are much stronger than that, soldier. You have already done it once and you can do it again. He really sounds convincing. 

 – No. I meant the party. If I'm in wheelchair then. Ilari thinks a moment and shrugs. 

– We need to get a bigger cab then.

A/N

6.12. is Finland's Independency Day and The most popular thing is to watch how President is shaking hands with his guests for hours. Yep. It's weird but it's important for us.