Prompt: Bittersweet

"This is a bad idea."

Jinora barely restrains herself from rolling her eyes. "Skoochy, repeating that over and over won't change the fact that you're going."

But Skoochy is barely deterred. "Remember the first time you escaped that place, the day you met me, remember how your parents reacted? They-"

"- were livid," Jinora supplied. "But it's different now, Skoochy. For one thing, I'm not eleven years old."

"But-"

"It'll be fine." She pressed her open palm to his, intertwined their fingers. "I promise."

Skoochy released a barely satified huff. "Alright." He squeezed her hand, once, before looking down at himself. "Do I look okay?"

It was that question, more than anything, that makes her understand how difficult this was for him- Skoochy never truly cared about how he dressed, and he never sought to impress anyone with something as superficial as clothes. Jinora smiles reassuringly before leaning up on her tiptoes and pressing a kiss to his cheek. "You look perfect."

Finally, they reach the front door to the air family's home; Ikki greets them. "Well, it's about time," she drawls, hand on her hip.

"Hello, Ikki," Skoochy says stiffly, and as they move past her, Jinora gives a heated whisper in her ear: "Be nice."

Ikki only shrugs and smiles mischievously.

They move into the living room, where Tenzin is sitting on a low cushion. He rises to shake Skoochy's hand, which makes Jinora smile; then he presses a kiss to his daughter's head.

"Jinora, is that you?" her mother calls. "Come help me in the kitchen."

Though Jinora doesn't want to leave Skoochy alone with her father when they've only just arrived- and a part of her suspects that's exactly what her parents have planned- she smiles apologetically at Skoochy and makes her way to the kitchen.

"Mom, you and Dad are going to be nice to Skoochy, right?"

"Of course!" Pema barely looks up from the brew she's stirring. "You know I like him."

"I know you do- here, let me." Jinora takes the wooden spoon from her mother and begins to stir. "But Dad never really got past his... uh... work choices."

"Skoochy's had a rough childhood, and your father understands that." Pema pats Jinora's back reassuringly. "If anything, it's made him into a strong man."

At her mother's words, Jinora smiles appreciatively. "Thank you."

"No problem."

"But you and Dad did still plan to seperate us so he can talk to him alone, right?"

Her mother shrugs, her expression betraying the truth. Jinora heaves a sigh.

"You're father's an airbender, what's the worst that can happen?" Pema picks up two platters and heads out of the kitchen. "Be grateful he's not a firebender!"

Jinora couldn't help but laugh.

A few minutes later, the air family is seated around the low table; plus one guest. Jinora is relieved to see that Skoochy looks alright, and as soon as she's seated beside him, she intertwines their hands underneath the table.

Dinner is a suprisingly festive affair. Much to their amusement, Rohan insists to be seated by Skoochy, and a severe case of hero worship is quickly revealed throughout the meal. Meelo questions Skoochy about his life, fascinated by the prospect of a life without parents and curfews and restrictions; Skoochy replies with awkward half-truths. Ikki continues to nudge Jinora's foot underneath the table and wink. Skoochy is plied with so many questions that he barely has a moment to eat; eventually, Pema notices his untouched plate and forces her husband and children to "be better hosts and let the boy eat, really, it's shameful."

Despite the intrusive questions, Skoochy is anything but bothered; he enjoys the entire affair far more than he expected. Occasions like this are rare; sitting with a happy, functioning family. Being a part of said family, however external. As soon as the thought crosses his mind, a damper eradicates his happy mood- however, he does not let his face or words betray this, continuing to talk and smile as though nothing had changed.

Finally, the three women clear the table, with the help of Skoochy, who gallantly volunteers his assistance. Pema brings out a kettle, and Ikki helps her place cups before them all.

"How's your tea, dear?" Pema asks when she is finally seated.

It's a moment before Skoochy replies. "Bittersweet."