20 Questions – Bonus Chapter:
20 Answers
If asked why Jinora felt nervous in the passenger seat of her boyfriend's car with the two of them looking at her parents' house, she would've given a list of reasons. Some may call her foolish, as a few reasons were completely illogical, but she didn't care. You see, there were many reasons why she was nervous to introduce her boyfriend Kai Fong to her parents:
#1) He had multiple piercings and a tattoo. Her father, Tenzin, was a strict man, and Jinora knew that Kai's 'bad boy' reputation would proceed him in her father's eyes. Even if Kai wasn't actually much of a bad boy - he was actually such a big dork Jinora couldn't believe it. But he was her dork.
#2) Kai rode a motorcycle, and while Jinora loved riding on it with him, she knew her father would absolutely flip, declaring the bike was too dangerous. That's why they had chosen not to take the bike. Luckily, Kai's foster parents had an old foster child named Bolin who adored Kai, and was willing to let them borrow his car.
#3) Jinora's siblings, Ikki and Meelo, were absolutely vicious with the way they prattled off questions. Jinora would have to do her best to keep Kai from being eaten alive.
#4) And well, what if her family didn't like him? It would cause a rift and that was the last thing Jinora wanted. She cared a lot about him, but she also loved her family.
"It'll be okay babe," Kai told her, as the car slowed to a stop in the driveway. She stole a glance at him; he looked as nervous as she felt, his fingers constantly drumming on the rim of the steering wheel.
Jinora took a deep breath. "I know," she said, prying his fingers off the wheel and lacing them through her own. "Just..." she gestured with her other hand, searching for the right word. "Nervous," she settled with.
Kai gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "Imagine how I feel," Kai joked, cracking a smile. Jinora smiled feebly in return. "We'll be fine babe."
With a sharp inhale, Jinora opened the car door, stepping out into the mid-afternoon air and shutting the door behind her. Kai got out of the car, and with a click of his keys the doors were locked. He turned towards her. "Ready?" Jinora asked.
He shrugged. "I'm as ready as I'll ever be."
Jinora figured that was a good enough answer, and holding hands they headed into the house.
All in all, things went pretty well. Or, at the very least, Jinora hoped they could laugh about it one day, and it felt like a heavy weight had been lifted off her shoulders.
Her father, Councilman Tenzin, had reacted pretty much the way she had expected: spluttering and red in the face, eyebrows slanted in anger. Her mother Pema had been gracious, welcoming, quickly and quietly calming her husband. Ikki and Meelo had fired off about a hundred questions a minute; Jinora had done her best to deflect them. Little Rohan, only six years old, had been eager to shown Kai his favourite trucks and cars. Even though Kai didn't have any younger siblings, being the last foster kid of his home, Jinora was impressed at how well he had handled it, showing genuine interest in her youngest brother's toys. She was sure that had helped her father deal with her 'hooligan of a boyfriend.'
In any case, she and Kai's relationship had continued on without any real bumps.
The end of grade eleven was nearing the corner - grade twelve, their final year, would be coming all too soon. For now, Jinora was just content to enjoy the summer. She had even managed to score working at a library, which was a job she was enjoying immensely. She loved her days off too though. It was warm and air buzzed with cicadas, the sun filtering in through the leaves of the tree she and Kai were curled up under.
"Decided what university you're going to yet?" Kai asked.
Jinora fiddled with the bracelet on her wrist. "I'm considering a couple, but I think one option is definitely Republic City University. That's where my favourite author, Hope Taylor went, but it has a lot of good opportunities for me. You?"
Kai hummed in the back of his throat. "Not sure," he said finally. "I'm sure I'll figure it out." There was a buzz from his phone and he looked at it. "Hmm..."
"What is it?" Jinora inquired, rolling over onto her side, half propping herself up with her elbows.
"Korra. She's demanding to meet you. And her - my, our, friend, Bolin..." Kai fidgeted nervously with the trim of his t-shirt. It struck Jinora that Korra, by all means, was Kai's family, or part of it anyway. He had met her family, and now he was trying to ask her to meet his. She took his jittery hand and gave it a squeeze.
"I'd love to meet her," Jinora said quietly. "And anyone else you want to invite. How about lunch, sometime this week? Maybe Saturday, because we'll be off work?"
Slowly, Kai grinned at her and she can't help but grin back. "Yeah," he said happily, pecking her quickly on the lips. "Yeah, that'll work."
"So you're the girl Kai can't stop going on about," a pale young man with black hair and green eyes said jovially, scooping Kai up in a big hug and ruffling his hair. Kai straightened his leather jacket.
"Jinora, this is Bolin." Kai said, grinning from ear to ear. "Bolin, this is Jinora, my girlfriend."
"She's as pretty as you'd said," a voice piped up. A muscular darker skinned woman with short brown hair and bright blue eyes smiled warmly at her. "Or actually, more so. Kid didn't do you justice. I'm Korra, nice to meet you." They shook hands. "Kai's told us a lot about you."
Kai grabbed Jinora's hand and gave it a squeeze. All good things, he reassured her.
"And you're Kai's family," Jinora said, and suddenly she felt worried she had overstepped a line, crossed a boundary she wasn't supposed to, but then Korra and Bolin both laughed loudly and Kai had such a happy, content look on his face the worry vanished instantly.
"Yeah, the little bugger's stuck with us!" Korra pulled Kai into a headlock, giving him a noogie. Kai wormed his way out of her grip, only to be embraced tightly by Bolin again.
Scowling, Kai got out of that too and tried to fix his hair. Jinora reached up and ran her fingers through his hair. "I can't have a pouty boyfriend," she teased him. Kai stuck his tongue out at her.
"I can't having a nagging girlfriend," he shot back. Jinora chuckled softly. Kai slung his arm around her waist, pulling her closer so they even bumped hips, with her pressed against his side. He was so warm, Jinora felt a sense of comfort wash over her. All of her previous nerves of meeting Kai's family were completely gone now. "So, onto lunch?"
"Only if we're buying," Bolin said. "C'mon lil' bro, and lil' bro's girl, you're in for a treat."
Grinning, Jinora followed Bolin and Korra, who said they would be meeting a man named Mako at the restaurant, and found herself thinking that Kai's family, although unconventional, was a great one.
Buzz!
Jinora woke up in her dark room, groggily trying to locate the source of the noise. It was her phone, and from the screen's picture, it was a text from Kai. She cast a bleary look at the phone's clock - 12:01 AM. Why was he texting her? At least it was the weekend. With a groan she shifted into a sitting position on her bed, the covers creating a sort of tent over her knees, and accepted the text.
happy bday babe
Jinora shook her head, chuckling to herself. He waited until it was officially September 16th to wish her a happy birthday, even if it was technically only a minute into the day. Her boyfriend could be such a dork sometimes. Thanks. Did you stay up for this?
nah i set an alarm. im afraid i love sleep a lil bit more than i love you babe
I'm flattered.
you should be. i have something special planned.
you'll LOVE IT :)
Alright then. I'm having a birthday dinner with my family tonight at 6, though.
already took it into account. i asked your mom if you were doing anything special. i'll be over at ten ok?
Okay.
It was harder to fall asleep afterwards, excitement building up in her stomach, but somehow Jinora managed it. She was up bright and early at 8:00 to shower and fix her hair. Then, she had the issue of figuring out what to wear. She wanted to look nice of course (even though Kai insisted she was beautiful even in her ugliest pair of sweatpants) and what if it was something fancy? And what if it wasn't somewhere fancy, she didn't want to overdress?
"Off to see Kai?" Ikki's head poked into her room, smirking. Articles of clothing were spread over Jinora's bed, the older girl still indecisive. "Happy birthday, by the way," Ikki added, coming into her room and plopping down on the bed too. "Where're you going?"
"I'm not sure," Jinora admitted. Usually, she would've been annoyed by Ikki coming into her room uninvited, but maybe her sister could help her. "It's a surprise. I don't know what to wear. Any ideas?"
"Watch the master at work," Ikki said proudly, stretching her hands and flexing her shoulders. Then, the young teen went into Jinora's closet and pulled out a pretty light blue blouse, a pair of comfy jeans from Jinora's bed, and black flats. To top it all off, she handed Jinora a cozy, yet stylish, creamy white sweater. "Here," Ikki shoved the clothes at her sister. "Consider this your birthday present."
The outfit was perfect. "Ikki, you're a lifesaver."
"Tell me something I don't know."
Jinora rolled her eyes but was grinning anyway. Ikki made her way to the door.
"Breakfast is waiting for you downstairs. Mom made your favourite."
Content in what she had chosen to wear, excited for her date with Kai and with her stomach grumbling for the blueberry pancakes waiting for her downstairs, Jinora walked out of her bedroom and down the stairs with a huge smile on her face.
"Big plans today with Kai hmm?" Pema smiled, a knowing look her eye. Jinora nodded, digging into her pancakes. She could remember how they had celebrated Kai's birthday together, on April 6th, after being together for three weeks. Her present had been a new seat for his bike, as the old one had started to tear at the seams, and she knew he always liked to keep his bike in the best condition possible.
"Apparently," Jinora replied. "He's refused to tell me what it is. A surprise of some kind."
"Well have fun sweetie," Pema kissed the top of her daughter's head. "And be safe."
"I will Mom," Jinora promised. There was a knock at the door. "That must be him. Bye mom, bye Ikki, love you!" Grabbing her book bag, Jinora pulled open the door. Standing there with a lopsided smile and his hand in his pockets was her boyfriend.
"Ready babe?" Kai asked with a grin, giving her a quick peck on the cheek. Jinora took the extra motorcycle helmet out from under his arm.
She nodded. "So," she said as they got onto the bike, pulling on her helmet, "can you tell me where we're going?"
"Nope," Kai replied, popping the 'p'. Jinora tightened her grip around his torso as the bike swung onto the street. As time had gone on, Jinora's love for motorcycle rides had only grown, so she was slightly disappointed when the ride ended so early, and Kai parked the bike in the driveway of one of her favourite book stores. As much as she loved shopping for books, Jinora wondered if there was something more to it... It didn't seem like a big enough surprise, almost.
"There's someone I think you'll want to meet," Kai said happily, opening the door of the book store for her. Giving him a perplexed look, Jinora walked into the door. And then let out a gasp.
Standing in front of her was a young woman with short, curly blonde hair and brown eyes. There was a pen clutched in her hand and big smile on her face; it was Jinora's favourite author, Hope Taylor. She was here. Right now.
"Oh my god," Jinora muttered. "Oh. My. God." Her eyes flitted to Kai and then to Sheila and then back and forth again. Kai hovered nearby, ready to catch her if it looked like Jinora was going to faint. "Ms. Taylor, it's so - I've always wanted to meet you - you're my favourite author - I -" Tears welled up in Jinora's eyes as she shook the author's hand. "It's an honour to meet you Ms. Taylor! Can - can I have your autograph...?" Jinora rummaged in her bag for a slip of paper, when Kai handed her one.
Jinora was practically bouncing in the balls of her feet, barely able to contain her giddiness as Sheila Taylor signed the piece of paper. Unfortunately, Hope couldn't stay long, only for twenty minutes or so, but Jinora couldn't care less.
Once the author had left with a final farewell to Jinora and Kai, the girl turned to her boyfriend and threw her arms around him. "How did you manage-?" she asked incredulously.
"My foster mom went to school with her and pulled a few strings," he shrugged, grinning. The look on Jinora's face was so worth doing the extra chores around home for the next six months. All thoughts of chores were completely wiped from his mind when Jinora pulled him down into a long, hard kiss, not unlike the first one they had ever shared.
"Thank you Kai," she whispered against his mouth. They swayed on the spot, Kai's arm curling tighter around her, pressing her against him.
"Anytime Jinora," he said happily, kissing her again, grinning, and the grin didn't leave his face for the next couple of weeks as Jinora's meeting with Hope Taylor was all she wanted to talk about with anyone.
"You know," Kai said slyly, the last day before winter break at school, his arm wrapped around his girlfriend's waist, "I think my favourite holiday tradition has to be kissing under the mistletoe."
"Oh really?" Jinora smirked, raising an eyebrow at him. "I wonder why."
Kai pulled out a tiny plastic plant with a few red barriers from his pocket and held it over their heads. "I'll let you take a guess."
"Not until you tell me what you want for Christmas," she bargained, snatching the plant out of his hands. Kai pouted.
"There's nothing I want," he insisted. She gave him a doubtful look. "Really! Although I wouldn't mind getting the berries back; I spent 30 cents on that thing."
Jinora grinned, buttoning up her coat. "Only if you can catch me." She bolted out the door, out into the snow.
Laughing, Kai followed. He was thankful that their last period of the day was a spare this weekend, and that he was pretty good at making snowballs. The icy projectile soared through the air and hit Jinora square in the back.
Cheeks flushed, she whirled around, snow getting tangled up in her hair, giggling. "Kai!" He wrapped his arms around her and they fell down into the snow together, neither caring that their pants were getting completely soaked in the process.
Jinora wiggled out of his arms, spreading out her arms to make a snow angel. With the snow above her head, Kai thought she looked a lot like a real angel. He reached over and stole her red hat, jamming it over his own head.
"Hey!" she protested through giggles. He stuck his tongue out at her playfully.
"Trade for the berries?" he offered, rolling onto his side to look at her.
"Fine," she said and tossed him the plastic plant. He handed her back her hat, kissing her on her rosy red nose in the process.
"You know why I don't want anything for Christmas?" he asked her. Jinora looked at him, her brows furrowing; she looked especially cute when she did that. "I already have you."
Touched, Jinora lightly swatted his arm. "That was so sappy."
"Admit babe, your heart melted a little," he teased, getting to his feet and brushing snow off his clothes. His wet pants were clinging to his freezing legs. He held out a hand and helped pull her up.
"Alright, it did," she confessed, grinning, pecking him on the cheek. "I'm still getting you an actual present though. I'll come over on Boxing Day, okay?"
"Sounds good to me babe," he said, grinning. "Although how I'm going to live without you for a week is beyond me."
Jinora's expression fell a little, but then her smile resumed its usual brightness. "Tell you what, let's go to lunch this weekend, at that little café."
"Aah, much better," Kai said, pressing a kiss to her cheek. Her smile grew.
Jinora took his gloved hand in her own. "Now let's get home before we freeze."
"Kai... I have something to tell you." Jinora's tone was surprisingly solemn considering they were sitting in a cozy coffee shop the first weekend after school started up again. Kai's eyebrows knit together, looking up at Jinora, who was wringing her hands together.
"Okay," Kai said slowly, and watched her sit down next to him. What could be so bad she was this nervous and sad? Oh god... "You're not breaking up with me are you?" he cried, panicked.
"No, no!" Jinora said hurriedly. "No, don't worry. It's just, you decided you'd be going to Republic City University, right? And over Christmas break I decided where I would go, and I've been accepted. I'm going to Ba Sing Se."
It took a few short seconds for that to register in Kai's mind. "That's really far away," he said. Jinora sighed. "But I think it's the right choice. It has an awesome teacher and English program, right? It's a great opportunity for you. I'm glad you're taking it."
Jinora sighed again. What had she done to deserve such an amazing boyfriend? "It is... but the chances of high school relationships lasting through different colleges... The odds aren't good, Kai."
"Life is a lot more than math," Kai reminded her. "Thank God or I'd be flunking everything." He had hoped to make her smile, but to no avail.
"I'm serious Kai."
"So am I. We have to at least give it a shot. Besides even if 19 in 20 don't make it or whatever, that doesn't mean we can't be the 1 in 20 that makes it." He kissed her gently, their foreheads touching. "We'll find a way, okay, we at least have to try. You're not getting rid of me that easy."
Finally, Jinora gave him a small smile. "Okay," she said gently, squeezing his hand.
Kai grinned at her. "Just accept it babe, I'm gonna be around to annoy you for a long time."
Everything was a blur as Kai drove to the hospital, his head spinning. Pema's phone call had been brief - understandably so, since her daughter had just gotten into a car accident - Kai had fallen off of his bed when he had heard, hitting his head. The pain of his head had decreased to a dull throb, or maybe that was just because the rest of his senses were in overload - his heart was pounding so hard in his throat he felt like he could barely breathe.
He pulled up at the hospital, seeing the Windson's family car there, moonlight glinting off its headlights. He fumbled with opening the door of Bolin's car (the young man had been staying overnight and with the horrible weather, had refused to let Kai go off on his bike) and stumbled onto the pavement. The night was chilly, winter holding onto the bitter end of February, with light flurries of snow whirling by.
Jinora's going to be okay, he told himself, his feet steering him to the hospital doors, as if on autopilot. She'll be okay, right? She has to be okay.
The clerk at the desk gave him a sympathetic look as he made his way over. "I'm Kai Fong, I'm here to see a Jinora Windson," he said breathlessly, his mind reeling.
"I'm afraid you'll have to wait with her family in the waiting room, sir. They're outside room 302, off to your left."
When Pema saw Kai, she walked over to him and enveloped him in a hug. It was brief, but warm, and gave him a sense of comfort, despite the fact he still felt like he was losing his mind.
"I came as fast I could. How's she doing?" Kai's urgent eyes looked to Pema first, and then to Tenzin, who was sitting with Jinora's siblings. The man's face was grave, the kids all looked exhausted and worried.
"She was driving home from the library, a drunk driver smashed into her," Tenzin said heavily. Kai had never thought of the man as old, but it looked like Tenzin had aged 10 years in a matter of minutes. "It could have been much worse. The doctor's informed us a few minutes ago that although she'll need stitches, she will be okay overall."
Kai moaned as he slumped into a chair, covering his face in his hands. "Oh thank God," he breathed, a shudder running through him. Quickly, he wiped his eyes. Oh thank God. A heavy weight had been lifted off his shoulders, the world seemed much brighter now and it was so much easier to breath. He barely heard Tenzin talking to his wife. ("Pema dear, why don't you take the children home? I'll stay here and call you if anything changes.")
Kai jumped, startled, when a gentle hand was clapped on his shoulder. "Kai," Tenzin said kindly, his tone and the fact he had used his name a surprise to Kai. "Why don't you go home? Get some rest. You have school tomorrow, after all."
A determined look came across Kai's face. "With all due respect sir," Kai stared Tenzin straight in the eye, "there's no way in hell I'm leaving," he said firmly. Tenzin held his gaze, and then finally looked away, and Kai knew he had won the right to stay.
"I'm going to go down to the kitchens to get coffee," Tenzin explained, gesturing with his hands and seeming unsure and awkward about the situation they had found themselves in. "It's going to be a long night. Would you, um, like some...?" he finished lamely.
Kai half-smiled. "Yes Mr. Windson. Two creams, if you will."
Tenzin almost smiled, and then left the room, leaving Kai alone. Mostly, the teenager focused on his breathing. The heavy tightness that had been sitting in his chest was starting to dissipate, but he knew it wouldn't go away fully until he saw Jinora smiling at him again. Groaning, he ran his hands through his hair, fatigue weighing on his eyes.
Tenzin was right: it was going to be a long night.
Three coffees later apiece, Kai and Tenzin were allowed into Jinora's room at 3 am in the morning. Jinora was beaming at them, paler than usual but sitting up and looking as beautiful as ever, in Kai's opinion. There were some scratches and scrapes on her face, but other than that she seemed unharmed. Kai kissed her without caring that her father was there, but made sure to keep it brief; he didn't want to push Tenzin's new found acceptance of him.
Jinora's smile grew as she slowly pieced together what had transpired between the her father and her boyfriend. At the very least, something good at come out of her ordeal, and that sort of made it all worth it.
Jinora had never fully appreciated how protective Kai could be until she returned to school a few weeks after her accident. Her face still bore the marks from it, and whispers and mutterings from the other students followed her down halls, with Kai glaring at everyone in return. Jinora didn't care; she was just happy to be back at school, especially since the school year was almost over: there were only three months left.
In fact, she and Kai had just had their one year anniversary. They had gone out to dinner, but that had been the extent of their celebration. It had also been all either could afford by splitting the bill, and Jinora had a feeling they would have to get used to it. If Korra's stories about college were anything to go on, they would be pretty much broke 85% of the time.
Still, the fact that their parting from one another was coming closer and closer didn't make her feel at ease at all. If anything, it made her feel like her feelings for Kai had intensified. Even on her worst days, even if they had had a petty fight, she still wanted to be around him. Kai could still make her smile, and it was something she was growing to appreciate more and more - no one had ever made her feel that way before.
It was only on a Monday night when Jinora was finishing up homework and listening to a love song did she realize: she was in love with Kai. All the love songs made sense. The thoughts and feelings that had seemed foreign in her romance novels suddenly felt familiar and recognizable. She, Jinora Windson, was in love with Kai Fong. Which then begged the question: did he feel the same way?
The question was starting to drive her crazy, and her thoughts continued to drift to it...
"Babe? Hello-ooh? Earth to Jinora?"
Jinora blinked, her stupor broken. She refocused on Kai, offering him an apologetic smile. "Sorry babe, I zoned out. What were you saying?" They were sitting in the garage of his foster parents', with her situated comfortably in between his legs, her back on his chest. Her fingers were laced lazily through his.
Kai rolled his eyes, exasperated, but there was a tiny smirk playing on his lips. "I was just saying, that as you hate being late for work, you should probably leave now.
Jinora glanced at her watch, eyes widening. "Crap you're right!" She scrambled up onto her feet. Kai got up as well, handing her her bag. "I gotta go babe," she said, rummaging for her keys. "I'll call you later," she pecked him on the cheek, words still tumbling out of her mouth. "I love you."
They both froze. Jinora winced, curling in on herself and peeked at Kai, trying to read his expression but he was hopeless: he had a completely blank look on his face. Then, slowly, a huge grin split his face. He leaned down and kissed her, murmuring, "I love you too," against her lips.
"Now get to work," he told her cheerfully, fully appreciating the dumbstruck expression she had on her face, mouth agape. "I won't have you be tardy on my account."
Jinora spent the rest of the day floating in a little cloud of her own personal happiness, and she and Kai must have texted 'I love you' to each other at least 10 times each that night.
As much as Kai knew that going to Ba Sing Se University was a great thing for her and her future, he still didn't want her to go. The three months that had remained had flown by all too quickly for Kai's liking, and somehow, it was their last day together until Thanksgiving, almost six months away. Kai was not a happy camper.
"I'm gonna miss you so much," he whispered, hugging her tightly. Her car was loaded up with her stuff (he had even helped her pack) and they didn't have a lot of time to say goodbye if she wanted to beat traffic. (A part of him thought, Traffic be damned!)
"Me too," she said. "But we'll call and skype and email each other all the time. We'll make it work, remember?"
Funny, how the tables had turned, and now she was the one reassuring him. "You got it babe." Reluctantly, she went to walk away, the sudden absence of her in his arms so overwhelmingly wrong, and Kai's fingers latched around her wrist. Pausing, perplexed, she turned around to look at him. "Jinora?" His tone was soft, loving.
She smiled tearfully at him. "Hmm?"
"I love you so much."
She gave him one last kiss. "I love you too."
Kai watched her car drive until he couldn't see it anymore, and sulked for the next couple of hours. That evening, however, his sulking came to an abrupt end with Jinora calling him already.
It would be hard, but they would find a way.
so how's basingse jin?
It's great. I'm loving all of my classes and I've already made so many friends. There's a girl named Opal in my English class and we've already become pretty great friends. I think she and Bolin would make a cute couple so we'll have to get them together somehow, won't we? I do miss Mom and Dad a lot though (Ikki and Meelo, not so much. Kidding!) And you, of course. How's Republic City?
it's nice to know you're having such a great time babe. bolin does need a girlfriend. we'll have to set them up. uni's fun tho. i love most of my classes (all of the homework, not so much). i miss you like hell jin. thanksgiving can't come soon enough.
I know what you mean. The homework can be hard to handle too. And group projects are the worst. I'm really excited to come home for Thanksgiving. In fact, I'll try to come home a little earlier if I can. Do you think you'd be able to as well? I hope so. I love you Kai.
don't even get me started on group projects oh my god. i'll do my best babe, but i can't promise anything, unfortunately. i love you jin.
Jinora decided that Reading Week was her favourite week. Or at least, it was the week she was going to get to see Kai again for the first time in a month and a half. For a whole week.
"Kai!" she said excitedly, waving him over. Grinning, Kai made his way through the crowded subway station towards her, scooping her up and in his arms and planting a kiss on her mouth. Jinora smiled into the kiss, but pulled away, flushing. "We're in public Kai," she mumbled. They had never really been a couple for PDA, and she didn't plan on starting anytime soon.
Kai smirked at her, arching an eyebrow. "But the high school library was okay?"
Jinora's blush deepened. "Oh shush you," she poked a finger against his chest. He enveloped her smaller hand in his larger one. "Besides," Jinora mumbled, clearing her throat, "it was usually pretty deserted and you never said anything either!"
"Mm hmm," Kai said, clearly only humouring her. Jinora rolled her eyes, letting out a soft giggle. "So, how's my girlfriend?"
"Ready to spend the week with her boyfriend," Jinora replied. "I missed you so much."
He kissed the top of her head. "I missed you too babe. Wanna go get coffee?"
"Sure. So, how's your arts class going?" she wrapped an arm around him, pulling him closer. The cold wind of February cut their faces as they exited the station and out into the parking lot.
"We have to draw models and stuff," Kai told her, "but don't worry, none of them are nearly as pretty as you."
Jinora flushed. "Good to know," she said lightly. "Now, let's get out of the cold and find the cheapest coffee available."
Kai shivered against her as a rush of cold wind came their way. "Agreed."
"Can you believe we've been dating for over two years?"
Lying beside him, Jinora found it hard to imagine her life without him. They were sitting alone in her apartment, on the couch, as the credits of Aladdin rolled by nearing close to midnight. Jinora had her head laying on his chest, her arm draped over his torso. It was one of their last nights before they went off to university for their third year.
"Sort of," she said gently. "I feel like I've known you - really known for way longer. It's too bad we didn't get to know each other before."
"It's funny, actually, 'cause before our fistfight when we were kids, when I was in grade seven, I had a huge crush on you," Kai admitted. Jinora smiled.
"Aw, that's so sweet. If it's any consolation before Ms. Sato paired us together, I always thought you were attractive. Even if I tried my hardest not to be." Jinora rolled onto her side, ignoring the fact that she could roll right on top of him, kiss him, go all the way... As a 19 year old woman, she couldn't deny the thoughts hadn't come before, but never had they been so tantalizing.
Kai seemed to have picked up on her thoughts. "Jinora...? Do - do you want to?"
"Only if you want to," she said quickly. "I don't wanna pressure you into anything."
"I don't wanna pressure you into anything," Kai said hastily. They both sat bolt upright, looking for any sign of the other looking uncomfortable or hesitant, and then, they gradually grinned at each other. "And uh, we should use condoms right?" Kai added.
"Good thinking. I know where they are." She led him through the house, upstairs, to the closet in the hallway and pulled out a small packet. "Mom figured it was better for me to be safe than to tell me to never do it."
When Jinora turned back to him, Kai had a nervous expression on his face. "Are you sure?" he said softly. It was her first time, his, theirs. It was a new sign of vulnerability, of trust, but as far as Jinora was concerned, Kai had already seen all of the sides she had kept hidden to other people. He knew her better than she knew herself.
"There's no one I'd rather do it with than you, Kai," she said gently, and he finally met her eyes. "I love you."
It was slow, clumsy, humourous, even, but lying in bed as the sunlight streamed in the next morning, waking up side by side, with his smile greeting her, Jinora thought she wouldn't mind spending every day like this.
Why Jinora had agreed to a skype this late in the night was beyond her, but she was really regretting it. She was curled up on the couch in her apartment, half asleep, her laptop on the other side of the couch, the volume up far too high. Through bleary eyes she could make out Kai in a similar position, halfway across the continent from her.
"Jinora?" he mumbled.
"What?" she said irritably. If she had the strength, she would've gone over and shut off her computer, but she couldn't find it in her.
"Do you think squirrels have feelings?"
"Shut up babe."
She made a mental note to never schedule a skype that went past 2 am with her boyfriend again. ("'Cause I ran over a squirrel today and I need to know if the family mourned Jin!")
The candlelight cast a low, lovely glow over their glinting plates. The night was cool, but not uncomfortably so, the waiter leaving them to peruse the menu for their meals.
"I can't believe you got us a reservation at such a fancy place," Jinora said happily. Kai grinned at her, his eyes gleaming over top his menu.
"Only the best for you Jin. Three years is a long time, after all. And only one more year of university," he reminded her. "And then, the rest of our lives. Together, hopefully."
Jinora beamed at him, raising her wine glass. "To us?" she offered.
Kai clinked the rim of his glass against hers. "To us," he agreed, gently kissing her. In a world of change and decisions and opportunities, the one constant had been each other, and they wanted to keep it that way.
When he was younger, Kai had thought enviously of university graduation. No more rules, no more school. Your life would be yours, and you would get to make all sorts of cool decisions. But now, standing at the threshold of his own, he felt so nervous he thought he might throw up. The only way he made it through the ceremony, as the speakers at Republic City went on and on, was reciting Jinora's speech in her head.
It had been no surprise when she had announced she was the valedictorian of her school, and had practiced her speech a million times with him as her only audience, and he helped it through its earliest stages. Soon, the professor would call his name, and it would be his turn, and then he had his whole life stretching in front of him - oh God...
In grade eleven, I learned a very valuable lesson. I judged people too harshly and refused to give people second chances, or anything really. I thought I knew exactly who I was, that I was already who I wanted to be. What a lie that was.
"Brian, Andrews," the professor called. Kai's stomach continued to tie itself into knots.
Little did I know that someone would come into my life, and pretty much redefine everything I thought I knew. I have my English teacher, Ms. Sato, to thank for that, by pairing me up with that partner for a project. I'm not going to elaborate on exactly who this person is, or how much he has done for me, or else I would be standing here all day. I am merely going to stress the importance of having one person go share life with.
Your family is important, and to diminish their importance in our lives would be wrong. But family, most of the time, is by blood. A friend is family, by choice. A friend is someone on equal grounds with yourself. A friend, a true friend, is someone who makes you a better person, not because of they themselves, but because they inspire you, and in turn, you inspire them.
"Claire, Fabbri. David Fairchild."
He taught me that, most importantly, people can change. The person you were yesterday is not the person you are today. The person you will be tomorrow is not the person you are today. Our lives, like air, is fluid and constantly shifting. Sometimes the air is cold, its bitter chill stinging us. Sometimes the air is warm, pleasant, pushing us forwards.
"Foley, Kate."
What you need to find, however, whether in romance or friendship, is someone who will brave or appreciate the wind with you. Someone who will wrap a scarf around your face. Someone who will love the person you were, the person you are, and believes in the person you can be.
And I tell you, now, that once you have found the person, the world will be a better place. It will not always be easy - hardly ever, in fact - but it will be better. The world will try to break you, but let it make you instead. Form yourself to be whoever you want to be, and know this person will always love them.
I would not be the person I am today without the boy I thought I knew but actually got to know in grade 11, and could not be more thankful. And trust me, when I say, that even if it seems the whole world is against you, everything will be okay. And if you only remember a few words of what I've said here today, it is to cherish your someone.
"Fong, Kai."
Trembling, Kai approached the podium. With shaking hands, he accept his diploma, shook hands. He could see Bolin, Korra and Mako giving him little waves in the crowd. He swallowed hard.
The lessons that Ms. Sato taught me vicariously is ones I want to teach all of you, and it also makes me realize, that it's no wonder we got an 'A' on that project.
Half-chuckling, Kai smiled for the camera. Jinora always managed to be with him, no matter what. It made him happy to know that she was thinking about him today, as much as he was thinking about her.
"Kai!" Jinora's voice rang out from the other room of the tiny flat.
"Hmm?" her boyfriend hummed, poking his head into the kitchen. It was a pretty small kitchen, with old white appliances and a little table for two shoved away in the corner. The entire flat was like that really: small, with one bedroom, one kitchen. The best part was the balcony, and living room (already set up with a couch and TV) and the location: nestled in the middle of downtown Republic City, with a park right across from them.
It wasn't perfect by any means, and he and Jinora were still moving in, but it wasn't all that hard to think of the place as home.
"I need your height," Jinora said, gesturing helplessly at the top shelf, just out of her reach. Kai carefully took the plates out of her hands - old ones Pema no longer wanted to use - and placed them on the shelf. He put his head on top of hers, smiling down at her. "Now you're just rubbing it in," she grumbled.
He wove his arms around her waist, placing a kiss on her cheek. "Maybe," he teased. Jinora chuckled softly.
"I think we've done enough for today," she decided, letting out a sigh. Moving in was about as much fun as moving into her college dorm had been, that is to say, no fun at all. The biggest difference, however, was that Kai was here, and he always managed to bring a little fun into her life.
"I was thinking we could watch a movie tonight," he suggested. "Before dinner. Or rather, popcorn for dinner. Disney movie marathon, what do you say?"
Jinora rolled her eyes, smiling softly. "I can't believe I ever thought you were a 'bad boy'. You are the biggest freaking dork I've ever met."
"I'm not hearing a no." He grinned. "I'll make the popcorn, babe," he added, winking.
Jinora giggled. "I'll pick the movies. Aladdin first, then Beauty and the Beast? Or Lion King?"
"Gimme a sec." Within a few minutes Kai carried the big bowl of popcorn into their tiny living room. And then, a sudden realization struck him over so hard he almost dropped the bowl. The scene he had walked in on wasn't anything special: Jinora was rummaging in the box labeled Movies (Jinora had organized everything ridiculously well), cars were beeping as they zoomed down the street below, boxes full of their things scattered around the room.
But it made him realize that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with the smart, wonderful, beautiful girl sitting in front of him.
"Kai?" Jinora asked, shaking him out of his stupor. She was holding up the Lion King and the Beauty and the Beast.
"Oh..." Kai swallowed the lump in his throat, blinking rapidly. "Beauty and the Beast," he managed out. The nerves soon faded, as Jinora sat squarely between his legs, the bowl of popcorn in her lap, his arms wrapped around her.
Really, it wasn't such a big realization, because he wouldn't have traded anything in the world, because where he was right now, was exactly where he wanted to be. Now, to make it official, he just had to get a ring.
Jinora only hoped he wouldn't suspect anything. She had carefully planned for weeks, getting in touch with the owner's and doing loads of research to find just the right one. It was a big responsibility, she knew, but it was something he had always wanted. And now it was finally ready. Any moment now the door of their flat would open...
"Hey babe," Kai chirped, turning away to lock the door before turning back to her. His gaze dropped to the big circular red band on the floor. He picked it up: it was a collar. "Jinora, what's going on?"
"You'll see in a moment, just wait a sec, okay?" She could barely contain her giddiness. "You'll love it." She took a few steps and opened their bedroom door.
And a big, furry puppy bounded out of it. The puppy went straight for Kai, big brown arrow like markings running down its back and head. Its fur was white, its ears the same brown as the arrows. All of its paws were the same white colour, except for its left front paw, covered in a dusty brown. It jumped onto Kai's knees.
"Surprise!" Jinora squealed, beaming and looking at her boyfriend expectantly. There was a tear running down Kai's cheek, and grinning so widely she thought it might split his face, he wiped it away and picked up the dog.
"He's wonderful," Kai gushed. "Er, he is a he, right?"
"He's a he," Jinora confirmed, joining him. Kai placed the puppy on the floor, and he ran happy circles around both of them. "He's yours, well, ours, but mostly yours. You're picking up after him, anyway."
"Gladly, but first this handsome boy needs a name, don't you, don't you Mr. Fluffy pants?" Kai was giving the dog a belly rub. "I think I'll call you Lefty." Jinora snorted. "What's wrong with Lefty?"
"It's a rather, uh, unconventional name for a dog, don't you think?" Jinora said, trying not to laugh.
"I think he likes it, don't you Lefty? Yeah, Jinora's just a meanie isn't she, yes she is. But she's our meanie, isn't she?" Kai kissed her. "Thank you," he whispered in her ear, another tear sliding down his cheek. "Thank you."
"Anytime Kai," she replied, wiping away his tear with her thumb. "Now, why don't we get Lefty all set up, hmm?" The dog let out a soft little 'woof' in response, which she took for a yes. "Alright, let's get started then."
To say that Kai was nervous was an understatement. He couldn't help but think of another time he had been sitting in Bolin's old run down truck (now his, as he couldn't get everywhere with his bike) in front of the Windson residence, but at the time he hadn't thought it possible to be more nervous: now he knew that he had been so wrong, five years ago. And before, Jinora had been there to reassure him; now, he was alone.
Trying to calm his jittery nerves by sticking his hands in his pockets as soon as he had rung the doorbell, Kai waited for the door to open. He almost dreaded its opening, if he also wasn't so determined about what he had come here to do.
The young man was taken aback when it was not Pema or Tenzin who had opened the door, but Rohan. The kid was now nearly thirteen years old, spry and gangling. He took after Ikki and Pema most in appearance, but his personality was a lot like Jinora's. "Hey Kai," Rohan greeted. "Come on in." Kai stepped into the house, still trying to reel in his nerves. "What's wrong? You look like you're going to faint."
"I'm just a little nervous, I came to ask your dad a question," Kai explained, silently begging that Rohan wouldn't press him to answer.
It seemed the younger boy had enough tact to not push him, and simply said, "I'll go get dad then." He scampered up the stairs. "Dad!" Kai heard Rohan's voice yell overhead. "Can you come down here for a sec?"
Kai kept himself preoccupied by looking at the pictures on the wall. Most of them were of Jinora and her siblings, there was one of her holding Rohan when he was just a baby, there was a big family portrait with Jinora and her family, plus her aunt and uncle. There were a couple of Tenzin and Pema, most notably one of them on their wedding day. Kai felt a rush of joy at the thought of a similar picture hanging there someday soon, except with him and Jinora there instead...
"Kai?" Tenzin's voice was soft but firm, something Kai had gotten used to. The man, his beard now turning gray, had a slight look of concern on his face. "Rohan said you wanted to ask me a question."
"Yes Mr. Windson." Kai offered him a nervous smile. "It's about Jinora, well, Jinora and I, I... I know I'm probably not the person you expected or wanted for your little girl, and I know that Jinora deserves the best out of her life, and I swear, I will spend every day of my life giving her the best I can. Four years ago, I refused to leave that hospital until I saw Jinora, alive and well. Now, I'm asking that I can spend the rest of my life with her. I love her so much, she is the best thing that's ever happened to me. Mr. Windson, can I marry your daughter?"
Kai had been expecting a soft "Yes," or dreading a "No," but what he hadn't expected was to be pulled into a stiff hug with the older man. It was a brief hug, and Tenzin towered over him, but Kai knew that the hug meant yes, and happiness threatened to spill over in an abundance. Kai's eyes misted over with tears, and he blinked rapidly, smiling up at Tenzin once he had pulled away.
"I admit I once had my reservations about you Kai," Tenzin said, a smile on his face as well. "But if I had to choose a man for my daughter, I would choose you. I know you'll treat her as she deserves. You have my blessing."
"Thank you Mr. Windson," Kai gasped out.
Was it Kai's imagination, or was there a twinkle in Tenzin's eyes. "On one condition, Kai: call me Tenzin from now on."
Kai beamed at him. "Of course, Mr. W- Tenzin."
This was not how Kai had planned the night to go. It was supposed to be perfect, and had turned into a total disaster. He had made reservations at a wonderful, upscale restaurant. He had decided to drive his bike, as Jinora's love of motorcycle rides had never fully faded. It was supposed to be perfect.
They were not supposed to be stranded on the side of a deserted road, with a broken down bike and waiting for a tow truck to come. Of all the times for his faithful motorcycle to reach its end, why did it have to be now?
"They say they'll be here in half an hour," Jinora informed him, clicking her phone shut. She had opted to wear a pretty blue blouse and a long skirt that went down to her knees, yet thankfully was not a hazard when riding the bike. She sighed, fiddling with her bracelet - a gift from Kai the previous Christmas. "This wasn't how I expected the night to go."
"Trust me," Kai said, running a hand through his hair. "I know how you feel." He glanced upwards. "Least the stars are pretty." Deciding he didn't care if his tuxedo got dirty, Kai sat down on the grass. Jinora seemed to have a silent debate with herself, and then joined him on the grass.
"Definitely could be worse," she agreed. "Look over there, there's the North Star. And Ursa Major. You know, this actually reminds me of the garage back at your foster parents' house. We spent hours in there, remember?"
"Had our first kiss there," Kai reminded her, smiling. "You know, I had imagined kissing you so many times before then, I hadn't thought our first kiss would be in that garage."
"Me neither," Jinora replied. The huge grin that had spread across Kai's face caught her by surprise. "Er, Kai...?" He had shifted so he was on one knee.
"Jinora, you're pretty much perfect," he began, the grin never leaving his face. Tears were pooling in Jinora's eyes, as she covered her mouth with her hand, a look of comprehension dawning. "There's just one thing that isn't: your last name. I think we should get it changed. I love you with all my heart, and even if this isn't the best time for this, well, is there ever? We've always been unconventional." He opened the tiny box, revealing an elegant yet simple ring with a decent sized diamond. "The one thing I want more than anything else in the world is to spend the rest of my life with you. So, Jinora Windson, will you marry me?"
There was an agonizing beat of silence in which all of Kai's previously almost nonexistent worries came crashing down on him, when Jinora threw herself at him, peppering his face with kisses. "Yes," she cried, tears trickling down her cheeks. "Yes!" She wiped her eyes as Kai held the ring up to her.
"Read the inscription first," he requested.
It was hard to see in the dark and through her tears, but Jinora manged to read the two words engraved into the ring: 20 Questions. Then, slowly, Kai slid it onto her finger.
"You're such a dork," she mumbled, still crying tears of happiness. Kai hastily wiped away the tears at his own eyes.
"Ah," he said fondly, "but I'm your dork."
If asked why Jinora felt nervous, standing in a meadow on a warm summer day, she would've given a list of reasons. Some may call her foolish, as some of the reasons were completely illogical, but she didn't care. You see, there were many reasons why she was nervous to marry her fiancé Kai Fong:
#1) It was the biggest decision she had ever made. A decision that would affect the rest of her life. And well, who wouldn't be nervous? But she was also excited, so, so excited. She knew that Kai was the love of her life, her soulmate, and now she was going to get to spend the rest of her life with him. Even if he was the biggest dork she had ever met. But he was her dork.
#2) Kai was standing at the end of the aisle, and she clutched her father's arm tightly. Initially, of course, Tenzin hadn't really approved of him - of his motorcycle and piercings and tattoos - but once he had realized Kai loved Jinora as much as he did, Tenzin had declared him worthy of his little girl. That's why Jinora was so happy to have him here, smiling. On Kai's other side, as his best man, was Bolin.
#3) Jinora's siblings, Ikki and Meelo, and now Rohan, were absolutely vicious with the way they prattled off questions. She would have to do her best to keep their new brother-in-law from being eaten alive.
#4) And well, what if something went wrong? Anything? That was the last thing Jinora wanted. She loved him and wanted to spend the rest of her life with him.
She was gliding down the aisle now, and could spy her crying friends and family in the crowd. She could see Korra and Mako, along with Kai's foster parents as well. Ikki was up in the front already, as her Maid of Honour. Jinora's Gran-Gran had made the trip all the way from up North and was holding a handkerchief up to her eyes. Rohan and Meelo were sitting next to her, holding Lefty by the leash.
And then, everyone else fell away when Jinora's eyes finally fell onto Kai. He had never looked more handsome, his hair still messy, just the way she liked it. She watched him take a sharp breath at the sight of her, both of their eyes misting over with tears. Jinora's veil bathed everything in shimmering waves of white. Her heart was pounding in her chest.
She gazed up at Kai as the priest asked, "Do you take Kai Fong as your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for better or for worse, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?"
And as she thought back of all the times they had shared, and all the times they would have to look forward too, with eyes full of adoration and heart full of love fit to bursting, she answered, "I do."
She watched Kai's lips form the same simple two words - that would bind them together for the rest of their lives - she felt tears spark in her eyes again. "I do," he answered, his voice full of certainty and confidence and affection.
"You may now kiss the bride."
It felt only fitting to Jinora, that as she had kissed him for their first, he would kiss her as their first as a married couple; they had come full circle. Jinora watched as all the young women - Ikki and Korra among them - clustered together, and Jinora tossed her bouquet into the air.
Jinora thought it was only appropriate that it landed in the arms of their old teacher, Ms. Sato.
I figured this would be longer than the original, and I hope you all enjoyed this. I can't promise there won't be another bonus chapter - just not for a while, definitely.
Thank you guys for all the amazing feedback you've given me, whether by reviewing, favouriting, following, or simply just be enjoying this fic. :) Consider this a thank you present.
Love you guys!