Summary:

Zaheer, last of the Red Lotus, is but the only member uncaptured and still undercover as Yorru on Air Temple Island. A loyal supporter of the Red Lotus, whose appearance closely mimicked Zaheer's, took his place during the group's capture. Now alone and without any idea where his comrades are, Zaheer must try and end the Avatar on his own. Strangely, however, he is finds himself falling for her.

Major Ships: Zaheer/Korra, Mako/Kuvira, Bolin/Opal, Asami/Iroh II.

Minor Ships/Hinted At: Kya/Lin, future Huan/Ikki.

Title: Affinity

Rating: T for language, violence. Possible M situations including sex.

Disclaimer: I do not own The Legend of Korra, and there shall be no financial gained or sought from this. This is simply for entertainment purposes.

Author's note: If anyone is interested, I might be looking for a beta.


Weeks passed, and news from the Earth Kingdom that military forces were helping to stabilize the kingdom. Kuvira, who led an army, had been titled the "Great Uniter" for her efforts. Although, Zaheer felt less than assured by her leadership. Something told him she was not entirely trustworthy.

Not that Zaheer trusted any sort of political or military leaders. But at least he gave her more credit than the soon-to-be king Prince Wu, who from the radio sounded like he was much less than what the great Earth Kingdom deserved.

Zaheer would have preferred to not at all come near or in contact with any of these tyrants, but he had been personally invited but by who else, the Avatar.

"I know this probably isn't your scene," The Avatar had said, with a less than excited expression on her face, "Neither is it mine, but I'd rather dance with someone I can stand rather than Wu."

"He's been bothering you?"

"Flirting with me, and I'm not interested."

"Why not dance with the firebender or earthbender?"

"Mako and Bolin?" A red flush creeped over the Avatar's tan skin, "Mako and I are exes, and Bolin's just a friend. Besides, I think he's going out with Opal. Oh, you probably don't know who she is. She's an airbender at the Eastern Air Temple."

"I mean, you can refuse if you want, but you're the only guy here that I'm sorta comfortable around. And I'd like to use you as an excuse if Wu approaches me." She admitted, not looking at him. Zaheer felt oddly pleased by this, and quickly brushed the emotion away. Korra hadn't mentioned her breakdown on the beach cove, but had shown her gratitude and had spent more and more time with him after that. Zaheer hated to admit it, but she had grown on him a little bit.

"If you insist. But I'll need to buy some robes beforehand." Zaheer had hidden away a little pocket money before coming to Air Temple Island, and was suddenly glad he had.

Korra immediately perked up, giving the older man a smile. "I can help with that. Asami lent me one of her satomobiles to go shopping, although I'm guessing she's already got a dress for me hidden away. Although… I'm not a fantastic driver."

And she wasn't, but thankfully enough Zaheer knew more or less how to operate one. Soon they were in the Little Ba Sing Se Fashion Mall, something Korra had mentioned her friend Asami spoke often of. The two of them stuck out like a sore thumb, a man in airbender robes and the Avatar. They quickly made their way towards store. Zaheer wasn't really picky about what he wore although he did have common sense what would and wouldn't look appropriate on him. Korra was no help, as it seemed she wasn't fantastically adept at fashion herself.

"This should work." He said, pulling out a simple black outfit. A grey button up vest with a dark blue undershirt, black jacket and pants. Shoes were of no issue, as Zaheer had a pair of plain black leather boots under his cot. Despite the suit's simplicity, it was costly and Zaheer's funds were practically gone once they were back on the island.

Korra had offered to repay him after the coronation, but he had refused. He didn't particularly need any money when he was living for free on the island. Most of the things the people of Air Temple Island needed were paid for by Republic City taxes, although Zaheer didn't know how long that would last.

When the coronation finally came, Zaheer woke earlier than usual and ate, bathed, and dressed accordingly. When he finally joined the Avatar and her friends on the dock, she seemed rather surprised by his appearance.

"Your friend cleans up quite nicely." The dark haired woman, Asami Sato, observed. She was a beautiful young woman, even Zaheer noticed, but she lacked a partner. However she seemed less than bothered by this, because by the time they stepped foot near the City Hall she was joined by a man in a Fire Nation red suit, who introduced himself as Iroh, commander of the navy's first divison.

"It's nice to see you all again." He smiled at the three younger people before addressing Zaheer. "And it is a pleasure to meet one of the new airbenders. I'm glad to see that the air nomads are returning."

Zaheer nodded politely, introducing himself under his assumed name. The group entered, quickly catching sight of the "Great Uniter" Kuvira. Zaheer, upon sight, found her quite impressive. She was attractive, but her stature demanded respect. The brothers of their group, Mako and Bolin, quickly made their way towards her and her group.

"I support Bolin wants an update on the stability of the Earth Kingdom." Korra discerned, and followed after the men. Zaheer felt there was no other option than to follow her, and did as such.

"Avatar Korra." Kuvira acknowledged with a tilt of her head, "I'm happy to see you are in good health. The last time we spoke there had been quite the ordeal. Hopefully we can speak more often now, and on better terms."

"Of course. It's great to see you again. How's Suyin doing?" Korra replied, put more at ease with the military leader's friendliness.

"She's not entirely pleased with my decision to lead an army to stabilize the Earth Kingdom, but she's coming around. Besides that, she's in good health. I heard Opal is happy at the Eastern Air Temple?"

"Yeah. Tenzin is hoping to return home soon. They found a great herd of flying bison and are working on taming them for the trip home."

Tenzin. Zaheer stiffened at the name, but showed no real reaction to the name. The last he had seen of Tenzin was when the Red Lotus was planning to kidnap the Avatar and teach her in the ways of the Red Lotus, and had been stopped. Zaheer expected that age and his different appearance would help disguise him. Zaheer was much younger when they had last met, and had longer hair and multiple wounds from their battle. Still, he would have to avoid the airbending master if he wished to remain safe.

Zaheer spoke little with the military leader, other than a passing introduction and polite small-talk. He remained at Korra's side for most of the proceedings. The coronation began, the young Prince Wu being crowned the king of the Earth Kingdom. Zaheer was immediately aware of how young and small the man was, and knew how easy it would be to kill him.

The little man gave a short speech, thanking his countrymen for their efforts in stabilizing the country, but not without labeling himself their "beloved king". Kuvira was eventually called forth and given the Kyoshi Medal of Freedom for her efforts and service to the kingdom. The crowd gave a great roar and applause, and Kuvira took it in stride. Kuvira gave a speech as well, one of encouragement for the people of the Earth Kingdom, to not cower but to fight back and rebuild despite the chaos that had been wrought. Despite his feelings against such people, Zaheer felt that he had been wrong about Kuvira, if only a small part of him.

City Hall, which was decorated in Earth Kingdom greens, browns, and golds, was suddenly filled with excitement when the festivities commenced. A small troupe of trained badgermoles was brought forth, and began dancing. Civilians around them began clapping, although Zaheer was less than impressed with the display.

Eventually the performance ended, and people were once again allowed to mingle and eat amongst themselves. Still, Korra and Zaheer were inseperable. And, as she had predicted, Korra was approached by the newly crowned King Wu.

"What do you think, Korra? The crown does look lovely, especially with this face. Would you like to talk for a while, maybe dance?" The man said this in such a fashion that he seemed to expect that she would say yes. Of course, she didn't.

"Oh, I would Wu, but I think my date would get a bit angry if you did." The Avatar stepped back, practically bumping into Zaheer. Automatically he wrapped an arm around the small of her back, playing along with a smile on his lips. "Wu, meet Yorru. He's one of the newest airbenders, and the most promising."

"Oh, uh, a pleasure to meet you." The king, who hadn't expected the Avatar to bring a date, said. However, he quickly made up for his nervousness with a charming smile. "I'm extremely excited that the air nomads are returning. And to meet one of the most skilled, introduced by the Avatar herself? Please excuse me. King Wu of the Earth Kingdom, you may have heard of me."

Zaheer took the smaller man's and, giving him a strong handshake. Despite his dislike for the boy, he was surprised how quickly he made up for his mistake. But no matter how impressed Zaheer might have been, he wanted the boy to leave their presence as quickly as possible. "A pleasure. Now, if you'll excuse us, I'd like to dance with the Avatar."

Taking her arm, he led Korra onto the dance floor, expertly taking her hand and waist as if he had done this a million times.

"Thanks for that." The Avatar said with a nervous smile, trying to watch her feet as they slowly danced. "Maybe I should take you along with me every time I go out. You'd be the perfect bodyguard."

"I doubt you'd appreciate me breaking up a fight for you." He countered, spinning them along the dance floor to her surprise. She huffed, smoothing her hair with one hand before returning it to his shoulder. He hadn't really noticed it before, but she had been dressed unlike she probably would have herself. Asami Sato's work, most likely. She was wearing a cyan gown that reached past her ankles and only hinted at the black heels she wore. Despite this she still wore a water tribe pendant and bracelets, which more or less matched her dress. Spinning them, Zaheer smirked, "Did I forget to tell you how lovely you looked tonight?"

Her brown skin turned a firey red as she blushed, not meeting Zaheer's eyes. "Asami dressed me, so thank her."

"Remind me the next time we see her."

For the rest of the ceremony they were occupied. For Zaheer and Korra it was dancing and mingling with other guests and the friends of Korra. Mako and Kuvira were speaking with a rather startling familiarity, as if they had spoken at such length before, although Zaheer doubted as such. What he gathered was that the bending brothers Mako and Bolin were orphans, and so similarly was Kuvira, adopted by the Beifong family. It was no wonder the two got along so quickly.

Asami Sato and Iroh II were deep in conversation about helping Kuvira's army. Asami Sato being the head of Future Industries and Iroh as one of the youngest generals, it was no wonder.

Soon the festivities came to a close and the guests dispersed. The ride back to the island was a rather warm one, and Zaheer felt a bit more relaxed. Perhaps the Avatar's presence did that, not that Zaheer would admit as such.

Zaheer was glad to be rid of the suit once they arrived. He quickly changed into some looser clothing, although he neglected to consider his usual airbender robes. The night was still young, and the Avatar had invited him to join them for a late night meal.

A bottle of sake was brought out in celebration, and the group of seven (as Kuvira and Iroh had decided to join the youths) ate and drank. Zaheer wasn't much for alcohol, but took the drinks when offered to him. The younger ones of the group were quickly drunk off their seats and dragged to their rooms. Only the Avatar, Iroh II, and Zaheer remained near the end.

"I think another drink is in order…" The water tribe woman sputtered, her face cherry red with intoxication. She lifted the bottle, only to find it almost empty, a few drops spilling out over the table. "Damn." Despite this, she still attempted to drink the last few drops.

"Alright, that's quite enough." The commander chuckled, slipping the bottle from the Avatar's grasp with ease. "You don't wanna have to vomit in the morning, do you?"

The Avatar hiccupped and pointed an unstable finger at the firebender. "Y-You can't tell me what to do… I'm the friggin' Avuh…. Avatar! I bring stab- stuhbl- … balance to the world! So I'm gonna go get another bottle…"

As the Avatar stumbled towards the kitchen, Iroh laughed and gestured for Zaheer to follow her. "I'm not as drunk as her, but no way am I stable on my feet. Can you get her and lead her to bed?"

Zaheer nodded and followed her. It was easy to follow her, due to how much noise she made as she stumbled through the halls towards the kitchen. He was able to stop her before she reached the door however, gently grasping one of her hands. She made little protest as he lead her through the hallways towards her room, where he opened her door and laid her on the bed. She complained when he began to leave, but calmed somewhat when he said he would return.

He did indeed return, with a bucket and a cup of water, foreseeing that she would indeed have to vomit that morning. He even had time to get a couple of painkillers, and set them on her nightstand.

"Don't leave…" She muttered drunkenly, reaching towards him. "Sleep."

"My room is not too far, it's where the rest of the airbenders—"

"Yorru." She interrupted him, her voice sleepy and pleading. Finally, he succumbed, curling up into the bed next to her, an arm around her.

He wasn't aware of the three eyes watching him.


Oh boy, who's that I wonder?

Heheh. Bolin is not in Kuvira's army, Kuvira isn't going to try and take over the Earth Kingdom, and Mako isn't Wu's personal guard. Oh boy, an AU. You didn't expect that, huh?

And yeah, my chapters aren't beta'd so I might have some errors here and there. Please ignore them!

To be continued...