Day 06 - Secrets

"... and then, in order to ensure they won't withdraw from our agreement, we'll move the airbenders to the cave and our sentries will guard them. One of us should supervise it."

"I will," P'Li offered immediately.

"I would prefer it that way," he agreed. "Ming-Hua and Ghazan will take out those who would come to retrieve them to Northern Air Temple. You and me will get the Avatar at Laghima's peak."

Lately, Zaheer's been discussing their strategy with her beforehand and then he presented the final plan to Ming-Hua and Ghazan. Not because he considered them less trustworthy or valued their opinions and remarks less. Preparations for their actions just slowly crept into every moment they spent together.

Even now, as they were wrapped in sheets and each others' arms, the usual afterglow of their lovemaking was replaced by importance of oncoming mission, creating an uneasy, tense atmosphere. In past few days, Zaheer grew more and more distant, seeking relief in meditation and solitude. During their time together, his kisses and touches felt desperate and somewhat apologetic, as if he regretted his behaviour. Something was bothering him.

P'Li always considered their relationship open, without any forbidden topic in their conversations. If she felt the need to confide, Zaheer was there to listen, but never pressured her into doing so. They were, after all, both marked by experiences difficult to talk about and sometimes, reopening old wounds didn't bring expected relief, only the pain of reliving it all again. Over years, they learned to recognize when the situation rather needed an unconditional, silent support.

One of those times has come just now. P'Li didn't feel upset or disappointed that Zaheer didn't trust her enough to tell her what was going on, didn't pry about it. She just continued to be where he needed her, by his side, fighting, planning, sharing every success and every failure. Sure, many doubts and fears plagued her mind, too, but she repressed them, knowing that soon, it'll be over for good. They won't have to worry about blowing their cover, running and hiding, finally free.

Soon, the right time will come for her to reveal one of secrets of her own, without worrying about jeopardizing their plans. It was still too early for her to know for certain, but deep down, she felt her inkling was right.

She lifted herself on her elbows to look him in the eyes, her sight unwavering and determined.

"After we're done with her, everything will change. We're as close to achieving everything as never before. I believe in you - in us, Zaheer."

"I know," he answered after few seconds. "I wouldn't be able to get this far without you, P'Li," his gaze softened. "Soon, I'll make it up to you for thirteen years of lost time. I promise."

Instead of responding, she kissed him lightly and then laid her head on his chest, falling asleep to sound of his heartbeat.

In short time, we will have everything we dreamed of. Just a while longer until I tell you, Zaheer.

What could have been... *sigh* I made myself sad with this one, don't know about you. I higly suggest you reading Chapter 7 of Chaos Theories by shadowedstormy, a perfect fic for denial, which inspired me a bit with this implication about P'Li being pregnant (I mention it just to make sure, I think it was clear enough).

That leaves just one day to go for me. A success, if I wasn't two days late.

Thanks for reading and everything else, I hope you enjoyed this chapter :)