Family
July (two months)
Kuvira grinned as the train slowed to a halt and she looked over her shoulder at Korra and raised her eyebrow.
"What?" Korra smirked, "Excited to see Lin, huh?"
"Not Lin," Kuvira chuckled.
"Kya?" Korra offered with a shrug.
"Nope," Kuvira's grin got wider as the train doors slid open and people began coming out.
Korra rolled her eyes, Kuvira knew she did, and it took a few minutes for her to find Lin. Shady Shin was getting off the train behind Lin and Kya, and when Kuvira saw him she started jogging in his direction.
"Kuvira!" His face lit up when he saw her, his arms already held open by the time she reached him.
She threw her arms around him and laughed, lifting him off his feet and spinning him in a circle.
"I've missed you, asshole," Kuvira chuckled as she finally put him back down.
"I've missed you too, boss," He replied, patting her back.
"Aww, you two do care about each other," Korra snorted from behind them.
Kuvira let him go and shot Korra half of a glare, only to find her laughing a moment later.
"I'm glad you three could make it," Kuvira said, rolling her eyes and looking back to Shady Shin, Lin, and Kya.
"As if we're going to miss your wedding," Shady Shin grinned, "That might actually make the train ride worth it."
"Oh shut up," Kuvira huffed, "Don't get Korra started. I'm just glad they brought the airship."
"An airship would have been nice," Kya chuckled, "So when's the wedding?"
"Tomorrow afternoon. Opal is running around like she's crazy trying to get everything together."
"Yeah," Korra started laughing harder, throwing her arm around Kuvira, "Opal's not even letting us near the house all day tomorrow. We're supposed to go find somewhere to spar-."
"To stay out of her hair," Kuvira finished with a grin.
"You two are something else," Shady Shin told them before clapping his hands together, "But! I've never been to Zaofu before. Which one of you is gonna give me the grand tour?"
"Why don't we both go?" Kuvira offered, looking at Korra with a shrug, "Gives us a way to kill time."
"Sounds good to me."
Korra grinned and dove at Kuvira, tackling her to the ground and rolling on top of her trying to pin her.
"Admit it, I got you!"
"No fucking chance," Kuvira growled, elbowing Korra roughly before flipping their position.
They had begun sparring before lunch time, and were now well into the afternoon. They had been waiting for the twins to come and get them in order to get ready for Kuvira's wedding, but they hadn't seen either of them in hours.
Korra managed to push Kuvira off, sending her rolling away through the grass, and Korra grinned. Kuvira's response was to immediately pick herself up and dive at Korra again, only to stop abruptly when they both heard Korra's phone ring.
They looked at each other in surprise, and Korra picked herself up off the ground and went over to where she'd left her phone. She raised her eyebrow when she saw it was Opal calling, and she shrugged at Kuvira before she put the phone to her ear.
"Hello?"
'Avatar Korra!" Opal's voice had a scolding tone as she snapped at her, "Where in the ever-loving fuck are you and Kuvira?"
"Uh…down in the field, sparring?"
"KUVIRA IS GETTING MARRIED IN TEN MINUTES AND THE TWO OF YOU ARE STILL SPARRING?!" Korra had to hold the phone away from her ear at the volume of Opal's voice, and she blinked rapidly. Uh oh.
"Oh shit!"
Opal was still yelling, something about how they both needed to get their asses to Kuvira's home to get ready, but Korra didn't hear her. She was too busy staring at Kuvira, her mouth hanging open, her eyes no doubt wide. Kuvira realized immediately, her face paling, and the next thing Korra knew they were both sprinting toward Kuvira's house. Opal was long forgotten, due to Korra having dropped her phone immediately when she began running.
"Run faster!" Kuvira called over her shoulder, "Fuck! Fuck, fuck, fuck, FUCK!"
It took them five minutes to get there, thanks to some expert airbending on Korra's part. Opal was waiting outside with her arms crossed, her foot tapping impatiently as she glared at them. Korra barely ducked in time when Opal swung at her as she slid through the door behind Kuvira.
"You are both filthy!" Opal snapped, motioning at the pair of them wildly, "You have five min—four! FOUR MINUTES!"
"Fuck," Kuvira muttered, skidding into the bathroom.
Korra jogged in the bathroom after her, already pulling her clothes off.
"Take your clothes off," Korra instructed, throwing her shirt in the floor, "Opal! Get our clothes ready!"
"You're serious." Kuvira stared at her a moment as she heard Opal start complaining behind them.
"Yes, I'm serious," Korra nodded, shucking her pants off, "We are about to take the fastest shower of your life. I'm the avatar. I've got this. Trust me."
"No time to argue!" Opal yelled at them.
Kuvira rolled her eyes but immediately began stripping,
"This better not take longer than a fucking minute."
"It won't," Korra promised, stepping into the bath tub, "I know what I'm doing."
"Oh my god," Kuvira muttered under her breath.
"Oh my god," Asami took a deep breath as Opal sat beside her, rubbing her temple, "They were where?!"
"Sparring," Opal rolled her eyes, "They should be here soon. They were starting to get dressed when I left them."
"Oh my god," Asami repeated, looking around at the crowd sitting around them, "I'm going to kill them."
"They took a power shower," Opal snorted quietly, drawing Shady Shin's attention, "Spirits know there's no telling what they're going to look like when they show up."
"Where are they?" Su sighed, craning her neck to look at Opal.
"They're coming," Opal replied, "They were…well it's Korra and Kuvira you can imagine what they're doing."
"Oh my god," Su murmured, putting her forehead in her hands, "I don't know what I expected."
Asami was glad, at least, that Bataar Jr. seemed to be entertained. He was standing in front of everyone with the truth-seer Aiwei, his arms crossed, a grin spread across his face. Every time he looked toward Asami and Opal he had to cover his mouth, his shoulders shaking with his silent laughter.
"I'm glad he's enjoying this," Opal huffed, crossing her legs and folding her hands in her lap, "I tried to smack Korra upside the head, but she moves too fast."
Asami crossed her arms and looked around with one eyebrow raised while Opal huffed again beside her. Eventually Kuvira and Korra came jogging into sight, both out of breath. Bataar chuckled to himself, and when Asami saw them she sighed.
Both of them seemed to have forgotten their shoes, and they stood there barefoot looking from each other to the gathered crowed with nervous expressions. Kuvira had a smudge of dirt on her cheek, but other than that, she looked fairly well put together. The same couldn't be said for Korra, who had buttoned her shirt crookedly with her hair sticking out in all directions. Asami caught her eye after a moment, and she shot her a warning glare. Korra blinked, her eyes moving quickly to Kuvira, and Asami arched one eyebrow when Kuvira looked at her. Korra muttered something to Kuvira out of the corner of her mouth and Kuvira nodded. When she did, Korra brushed her hair back with her fingers before offering Kuvira her arm. Kuvira linked their arms together and smirked as the pair of them walked arm-in-arm down the aisle.
"Oh my god," Opal sighed, as Shady Shin snickered quietly behind them.
Korra walked Kuvira to where Bataar was waiting then stepped off to one side, folding her arms behind her back. She looked at Asami and bit her lip, only to shake her head rapidly when Asami motioned for her to come sit down.
Bataar was laughing quietly, and he licked the pad of his thumb before wiping the dirt off Kuvira's cheek.
"I love you," Bataar chuckled.
"I love you too," Kuvira grinned.
Aiwei raised his eyebrows and looked between them before casting a glance from Korra to Su.
"Is everyone present?" Aiwei asked, lacing his fingers together, "May we begin?"
"Please," Su told him before shaking her head.
"Very well then."
By the time the wedding reception rolled around, Kuvira was having a blast. Korra had been drinking, though Kuvira didn't know how much. This had left Asami and Opal both sitting at the table with her looking like put-upon babysitters.
Eventually Korra had coerced Asami into dancing with her, and the pair of them seemed to be enjoying themselves. Korra managed to see Kuvira over Asami's shoulder and she waved, beckoning her over, and Kuvira was about to head over there when she felt a hand on her arm. She was spun around and within a moment she found herself face to face with Aiwei.
"Kuvira," He smiled at her, "May I have a moment?"
Kuvira had to concentrate to keep herself from rolling her eyes, and she nodded. She'd never particularly cared for the truth-seer, though he was one of Su's closest advisors. She let him lead her a few steps away, and when he stopped he leaned close so that he could keep his voice low.
"Su has…requested…that I find out why you and the avatar were late to your own wedding, Kuvira." Aiwei told her.
Part of her felt like he was lying. She hadn't seen him near Su all evening. She didn't buy it, but she wasn't going to lie to him. We weren't doing anything wrong. Everyone knew where we were. Does he think we were doing something?
"We were sparring," Kuvira shrugged, "Wing and Wei were supposed to come get us in time for us to get ready, and that didn't happen. Opal was kind enough to call, and it could have been worse. No big deal. Tell Su not to worry about it."
Not that Su cares. She would have asked me herself. She wouldn't have sent you.
"Of course," Aiwei nodded before glancing back toward where people were dancing, "Were you going to join the avatar?"
"Dancing?" Kuvira raised her eyebrow, "I mean I don't see why not. It'd definitely be fun."
More fun than this conversation.
"The avatar and her…friend…seem close." Aiwei observed, looking over to where Korra and Asami were dancing together.
"I would hope so, they're married."
"Ah." Aiwei's eyes lingered on them longer than they should have, and it didn't sit right with her.
"They probably won't appreciate the staring, Aiwei." Kuvira was having a hard time now to avoid losing her temper with him.
Aiwei's eyes flitted to her and he watched her for a moment after narrowing his eyes. She scowled and looked over his shoulder to see Shady Shin at a table not far from them, staring at her with a worried frown. Of course he noticed.
"Is there a problem, Kuvira?" Aiwei followed her gaze to look over his shoulder, raising one eyebrow when he saw Shady Shin watching them.
You. You're the problem. You're just waiting for me to lie about something. I know your game. You're looking for something to use against me.
"I don't see a problem," Kuvira shrugged, "I'm fine, and I'm enjoying-."
"Kuvira," Aiwei said firmly before jerking his head in Shady Shin's direction, "If there is something you would like to talk about…perhaps someone bothering you…"
The only person bothering me is you. Why are you still talking? Wait. You're trying to say something about Shady Shin, aren't you?
"Shady Shin's a friend, Aiwei. A good one." Kuvira finally snapped, glaring at him.
"You will forgive me," Aiwei bowed his head, "Part of his name does consist of the word 'shady'…"
"Shin then." Kuvira growled, "He's my friend. My guest, Aiwei."
"I was just going to suggest," Aiwei shrugged, his voice smooth, "That your friend may be lying to you about who…or rather…what he is."
"He's a triad boss," Kuvira fired back, defensive, "What of it? I was too for a while. He's a waterbender, and a damn good one. He's my friend, Aiwei. I will not tell you again. Whatever he's hiding? He's hiding it from you, because he's been nothing but honest with me since we've become friends. If you have a problem, take it up with him because I won't tolerate it. If I trust him, you should too."
"Very well, Kuvira," Aiwei bowed his head slightly, "I'm sorry if I've caused you any irritation. If you'd like I will go-."
"Good." Kuvira cut him off, looking for an excuse to get away from him, "I've got to go anyway. There are people I need to talk t-."
"Kuvira!" Korra boomed, sauntering over with a grin on her face. That'll do. "I need to tell you something."
"Tell away," Kuvira smirked, her mood lightening as she watched Aiwei bow to the pair of them and leave.
"Listen, Kuvira," Korra told her, taking Kuvira's face in her hands, "Listen."
"I am."
"I love you." Korra was looking at her seriously, "You are…the best shithead…I have ever known. I am so glad you're happy. And I want you to know—how important—your eyebrows are to me."
"Thanks, Korra," Kuvira laughed, letting Korra hug her, "I love you too. Even when you're…nearly drunk."
"I am not," Korra objected, blinking slowly a few times, "I'm fine."
"Ok," Kuvira smirked, shaking her head, "Want to help me find Bataar? Then you can go back and dance with Asami again."
"Hell yeah!" Korra exclaimed, "Where the fuck is he? Bataar!"
"Which one?" She heard Lin ask, only to hear Kya snickering nearby.
"Ugh," Kuvira rolled her eyes, grabbing Korra by the arm, "Come on."
Asami sat back down at the table and pushed her hair out of her face, laughing when Korra sat down next to her and huffed.
"You know when I agreed to dance," Asami chuckled, looking at her, "I didn't expect groping to be a part of that deal."
Korra muttered something in return, taking Asami's hand and lacing their fingers together. Korra had a red mark forming on her cheek from where she'd fallen when the twins tripped her, so Asami leaned over and kissed the spot before smoothing Korra's hair back.
"Tired?"
"Exhausted," Korra nodded before leaning her head on Asami's shoulder, "How long do these things last?"
"We can leave at any time," Asami told her, "We just have to tell everyone goodnight."
"I'm not leaving until Kuvira leaves." Korra insisted firmly a moment later.
"Alright," Asami smiled, squeezing Korra's hand.
She couldn't blame Korra for wanting to stay. She knew it would be at least a few months before they saw Kuvira again, and knew Korra wanted to at least show Kuvira she was still there for her.
"I love you," Korra yawned.
"I love you too," Asami chuckled, kissing the top of Korra's head.
Most of the party had already dispersed, leaving only the Beifongs and a few stragglers behind. Asami's eyes wandered from where Wing and Wei were tormenting Huan to where Shady Shin was sitting. He was leaning back in his seat, his arms crossed, with a deep frown on his face. Asami raised her eyebrow, following his gaze to where Aiwei was talking to Su and Bataar Sr.. Is Shady Shin ok?
She'd almost made up her mind to go talk to him when she heard Kuvira's voice behind her.
"You know," Kuvira chuckled, "You two can leave at any time."
"Wanted to stay until you left," Korra grumbled.
"It's ok, Korra." Kuvira insisted, "You guys were here, that's what matters. Today has been the best. Even if we were late."
"At least it wasn't our fault," Korra huffed, shooting a glare at the twins who seemed to be leaving.
"Well, to make you feel better…" Kuvira grinned, looking at the pair of them, "If you two decide to have a second wedding in Republic City, not only will I be there, but I'll be on time."
"You better," Asami teased, "Though if we do, I'll just put Opal in charge of finding the two of you beforehand. She won't forget."
"Spirits help us," Kuvira snorted.
"Yeah," Korra grunted, "I don't want Opal chasing me down. She nearly took my head off."
"Not hardly," Kuvira insisted, "Go to bed, Korra. I love you guys."
"We love you too," Asami laughed when Korra yawned, "Where's Bataar? We'll tell him goodnight."
"He was fighting Opal over a piece of cake when I came over here," Kuvira chuckled when Asami stood, "Let's go see if they're still going at it."
"Let's get a piece of cake for Shady Shin while we're at it," Korra told them, stretching when she let Asami pull her to her feet, "He looks really grumpy. That ought to cheer him up."
"Good idea," Kuvira agreed.
Kuvira leaned back in her chair and raised her eyebrows as she looked at Asami.
"I thought we got Korra to agree to go to bed." She smirked as Asami shook her head.
"I thought so too."
"Well," Bataar chuckled next to Kuvira, crossing his arms, "At least she's having a good time?"
"At least one of them is," Asami nodded, a faint smile crossing her lips.
Kuvira snorted, her gaze going back to where Korra was trying to feed Shady Shin a piece of cake. He was staring at Korra with his arms crossed, his mouth clamped shut, his shoulders shaking periodically as he tried to keep himself from laughing.
"I'm surprised she's not just wiped the cake on his face and forgot about it," Bataar remarked after a few more failed attempts.
"Well she told him she'd stop if he smiled," Asami shrugged.
"Maybe we should help him," Kuvira offered, "Korra can be relentless."
"Oh my god…just eat the cake," The three of them heard Korra sigh, only to see Shady Shin press his lips tighter together and shake his head, "Why do you hate me like this?"
Shady Shin let out a forced breath through his nose, and Kuvira knew it was getting harder and harder for him to keep from laughing. At least he's in a better mood.
"Please?" Korra whined, waving the spoonful of cake in front of his face, "Just one bite."
Kya was sitting behind both of then laughing, and even Lin seemed entertained from where she was seated with her arms crossed. Shady Shin shook his head again, and Korra huffed at him.
"If you smile, I'll stop," Korra repeated for the third time in as many minutes, "Otherwise you're gonna be eating a bite of this goddamned cake."
Shady Shin raised one eyebrow as if accepting the challenge, and Kuvira looked to her right to see Asami laughing and shaking her head.
"Starting a food fight with the avatar probably isn't a good idea," Kuvira called out, cupping her hand in front of her mouth to make her voice carry over to him.
Shady Shin flipped her off with one hand, once more pushing the offered cake away with the other.
"Son will you just eat some of it already?" Kya huffed, "We all want to go to bed, and you two are holding that up."
By then Korra had started eating the cake herself, making faces at Shady Shin while she did so.
"You want me to do it?" Kuvira asked Asami, raising her eyebrow.
"Oh no," Asami insisted with a chuckle, "Let me."
Kuvira watched Asami get up from her seat, only for Opal to storm over to where Korra was and take the half-eaten piece of cake away from her.
"Go to bed, Korra," Opal huffed, glaring at her before smacking her across the back of the head.
"Yes, Mama Beifong," Korra rolled her eyes, sliding out of her chair and slinking over to where Asami was.
Shady Shin smirked when Korra stepped away from him, and he stood a moment later before thanking Opal. Opal nodded at him, and Kuvira roared with laughter when Shady Shin cast a glance at Korra and took the cake from Opal long enough to take a bite. Kuvira laughed so hard she had to put her hands on the table to keep herself upright, and she could hear Kya cackling from nearby.
"I'm going to kick your ass," Korra warned, glaring at him.
"Thanks for the cake, boss," He chuckled before winking at her, "I'm going to bed."
Korra huffed, crossing her arms, and Kuvira wiped her eyes when she saw Asami smirking.
"Oh spirits that was great," Kuvira wheezed, hearing Bataar laugh next to her.
"I hate him." Korra muttered.
"You do not," Asami giggled, kissing Korra's cheek, "Let's go to bed."
"Fine," Korra sighed before coming over to hug Kuvira and Bataar, "I love you guys."
"And you love Shady Shin," Kuvira laughed, "But we love you too. Sleep good. We'll see you later?"
"You'll see me later," Korra grumbled, "You won't see Shady Shin again I'm gonna-."
"Korra!" Asami laughed, taking her by the arm, "You tried to force feed him cake. Let it go. Goodnight guys."
"Night, sparky," Kuvira grinned, waving at her, "You better go before Opal comes after Korra again."
"Ugh," Asami shook her head, "Love you guys!"
Once Asami and Korra had gone, it didn't take long for Kya, Lin, and Shady Shin to follow. Kuvira stood up as they left, holding her hand out to Bataar.
"I love you," He told her with a smile, "But your family is pretty fucking weird."
"I know," Kuvira laughed, "I love it."
She did, deep down. They made her happy. They were a little mismatched, a little strange, but they fit together. And after so many years of feeling isolated, Kuvira felt like she really belonged somewhere. With them. They were weird, that had been the truth. But they were hers. Her family.