Disclaimer: I don't own anything or anyone except Hikari.

Things that are italicized are someone's thoughts.


"What are you going to be doing today?" I questioned the airbender before biting into my toast, only slightly paying attention to what was on the radio.

It was the next morning after the final match, everyone was tired and not looking forward to today. Tenzin would be going to the police headquarters and him and Lin would be questioning the Wolfbats and some other people that worked at the arena. I felt bad for the Wolfbats team members. Even if they were assholes, no one deserved to have their bending taken away. I didn't believe that Amon could permanently take away someone's bending. There was no way that the spirits would bless him with that. There had to be a healer somewhere who could restore their bending. Master Katara would know something about it surely?

"Mind if I tag along?" I finished off the last bit of toast. "I want to see the town and to help in any way that I can."

Part of that was a lie. I didn't want to admit it, but I wanted to go see Lin. The metalbender had been on my mind all night as usual. That wasn't the only time I thought about her. It was almost on a constant basis now. I was really getting sick of it. There was just something in the back of my head telling me to be with her. My master would tell me to never ignore those feelings. Even if we aren't connected to the spirits like the Avatar is, they had their ways of communicating with us. Guess that meant I wouldn't be ignoring it any longer. Tenzin, of course, didn't mind if I went with him. I was sure I was better company than his fellow councilmen.

The news reporter on the radio would now be covering Tarlock's press conference over the events that transpired at the arena last night. This was the main reason we had the radio on during breakfast. Tenzin and I listened to it. The airbender especially wanted to hear what the waterbender had to say. I just wanted to hear if he had anything to say about Lin.

"Chief Beifong was supposed to protect Republic City," Tarlock's voice buzzed from the radio "but she was powerless to stop Amon's attack upon the arena. She has failed us all. If we are to survive these dire times, our law enforcement needs new leadership."

"He was the one who was backing her up!" I said once the interview was over. "He has no right to say that Lin needs to be replaced!"

"Tarlock wants to replace her with someone he can control." He said irritably. "He knows he can't fully control Lin, especially now."

Tenzin started to rub his temples. He had been up all night in his office making phone calls to various individuals. He wouldn't be getting the much-needed sleep anytime soon.

Tarlock had come out of this whole fiasco looking like a damn hero, even if he didn't do anything. There would be a day where I would bash his head in. I sipped at my tea a little longer, thinking over last night's events and Tarlock's interview. If he wasn't a bender, I would suspect him of being an Equalist-even with his Equalist Taskforce.

"I'm going to go to my study for a moment." Tenzin got up from the table and took the paper he had been previously reading with him. "Then we will head to the police station."

I nodded my head in a reply. I hadn't been in the city many times, so I was excited to go again.

While I was pouring another cup of tea, Korra came in.

"Hikari, can I talk to you?" the young Avatar asked while she took the now vacant seat in front of me, helping herself to the food that was on the table.

"Of course," Setting my cup down, I gave Korra my full attention. A bluish tint could be seen underneath her eyes as a result of lack of sleep and the stress she was under. Gone were the days of her running around the Southern Water Tribe with Naga, not a care in the world. Now she was learning about the real world and the problems she would face as the Avatar. I wished that I could be there for her always, but I knew I wouldn't be able to. Especially when…

"I think I'm going crazy." Korra began, running a hand over the top of her head. "When I was being attacked, I had these…. hallucinations."

"What of?"

She let out a long breath before answering, " Of Aang, Toph, Sokka, and there were other people I didn't recognize." A look of worry appearing on her face.

"Korra, you're not going crazy" I assured her. "I'm not as spiritual as Tenzin, but I think your past lives are trying to communicate with you."

"Really? But I haven't been able to talk to them before."

"You need to tell Tenzin. As I said, he is more suited for this conversation than I am."

Korra agreed that she would talk to the airbender later today. She poured herself a cup of tea. Korra never liked it that much, but now and again she would drink a cup.

"I'll never understand why you love tea so much."

Smiling, "It grew on me. My master always drinks it. Hopefully, I bestow the love of tea on you one day."

"Fat chance" I chuckled at her wonderful response.

There was an announcement on the radio that caught our attention. Apparently, Cabbage Corp had been supporting the Equalist and were the ones that made the new technology that they were sporting. Lin was wasting no time in trying to find the culprits it seemed. It made sense for a large technically advanced corporation like Cabbage Corp to be the ones that made those gloves. They had the know-how and the materials to manufacture them. It was outstanding that such a major company went this long without being caught.

Tenzin came back from his office- he was heading to the Police Station and both Korra and I were going to go with him. I wanted to learn more about what happened at the arena while Korra was going to go to Asami's home. She had been bummed out when she found out Mako and Bolin were going to be staying with the heiress instead of living here on the island. Korra had grown close to the boys, particularly Mako. It was nice to see her with friends her own age instead of just me and the airbender kids. I downed the remainder of my tea before setting off to the Police Station.


It ended up being a long day. Korra had gone off to Asami's a couple of hours ago. Tenzin and Lin had been interrogating people that were at the arena since we had arrived. While everyone was off doing something, I was left to my own devices. Lin had told me to stay in her office since she didn't want me to be poking my nose around the station. Plus, I wasn't very threatening looking during an interrogation. I didn't have Lin's death glare or harsh attitude.

Her large office was unsurprisingly clean and organized. Not an ounce of dust could be found on any of the shelves. She had a couch in one corner and a sitting area in another. No doubt meant for important people like members of the council or high-ranking officers. Tenzin had convinced Lin to let me look at the files pertaining to the Equalist. An officer had brought in two large stacks of folders and set the om the table over on the sitting area. I had spent the rest of our time pouring over everything that the police had come up with.
According to the reports, the Equalist had been around more than just a year- they had been around for seven years, maybe even longer. In the files, I had found a list of people who had their bending taken away. At least half of them had criminal records, while the others were just everyday citizens- shop owners, people who had just been taking a stroll at night, etc. The Equalist targeted all benders. For Amon to take away that many people's bending, he had to be an incredibly strong and also outright ignorant. If he wanted to even the playing field, he would need to take away every bender's abilities in the world. One man could not do that in their lifetime. He may be able to in Republic City, but not the world. The Avatar was the only one who was able to take away someone's bending. It still bothered me that no one had a clue how he was able to do so.

There were many other unknowns when it came to the Equalist, but hopefully, since Lin's officers were investigating Cabbage Corp, this would shed some light on the subject. It had been surprising when I found a folder dedicated to Future Industries and Hiroshi Sato. I guess Future Industries and Cabbage Corp were the two main suspects since the electrified gloves were advanced technology. In the end, though, Cabbage Corp was the ones that conspired with the Equalist. Hiroshi Sato did seem weird to me. When Tenzin and I came to the police station earlier, he was here. He seemed almost excited to see me in particular. It wasn't like I was anyone important here. I think Tenzin noticed he had been unusually friendly, but he didn't say anything to me after Sato left. Of course, like always, I was being paranoid. Like when I thought he was glaring at Mako during the gala.

When it came to Lin and Tenzin questioning the Wolfbats, the only information they were able to get from them is that they did bribe the referee. However, it was from a new mysterious sponsor that had suggested it to them. While no one was surprised by the fact they bribed the referee, it was surprising that they didn't even know who this sponsor was. They just wanted the cash but didn't care to know who it was coming from. Lin thought that their mysterious sponsor had in fact been Cabbage Corp. It went well with Amon's plan at showing benders as the enemies and cheaters.

I looked out of the large windows in Lin's office. It was dark now. Tenzin would probably be in soon to tell me that it was time to go. I didn't like taking a boat across the bay, so I had to leave when he wanted to. Which today was no big deal. I didn't have anything else I wanted to do.

The door opened- Lin returned from her latest questioning.

"Find out anything?" I asked as I closed the latest folder that was filled with nothing but Equalist posters.

"Nothing we didn't already know." She grumbled. Eyeing the mess I had made in the corner of her office, " I hope you know exactly where everything goes."

Looking uncertain at the mess of folders, "Of course I do." I started to put all the papers back in the folders. I guess I was doing something that annoyed Lin, because she snapped at me.

"Why are you even here? What could you possibly contribute to this investigation?"

I looked down at my lap. I knew I wasn't contributing anything, and I couldn't. I didn't have any power here, I didn't know the area and the people like Lin or Tenzin did. But I still wanted to help.

"I just want to help." Still not looking at Lin. "I want to find some way to help. If that means just getting caught up on this case, then that is what I'm going to do."

I heard a sigh come from the Chief. I looked up from my lap to watch as she came over and sat in the chair across from me, crossing her legs and leaning back.

"I'm sorry." Two words that I thought I would never hear come out of the metalbender's mouth.

"No need to apologize. I'm sure that was the stress talking." I continued to put the files back in order, no longer interested in what they contained. "You're right. I don't have anything to offer, but my support."

Lin looked at me thoughtfully as I put the files that were on the ground on the table. She said nothing more as she sat there. I wondered what she was thinking. Probably about how stupid I was or something along those lines.

There was a knocking on the door as soon as I was done. Tenzin came in along with a frantic looking Korra. In Avatar fashion, she started wildly telling us about a conversation she overheard while she was at Asami's house.

"So, you think Mr. Sato manufactured those gloves for the Equalists then framed Cabbage Corp?" Tenzin summarized.

"That's a bold accusation." Lin sternly said. "But what proof do you have?"

Korra said she just knew and that she didn't think her instincts were wrong. Both Tenzin and Lin pointed out that Mr. Sato did have a motive, which I had read about in his file. They were going to question him tomorrow. I didn't want to go to Sato's home, mainly because our interaction today rubbed me the wrong way. I would be staying on the island, patrolling with the White Lotus. The numbers had increased some since Korra had arrived on the island, but there weren't enough to take on many Equalist if they showed up for the kids. Especially since Lin's every move was being watched. She couldn't have her metalbenders patrol around the island as much thanks to Tarlock.

The ride back to the island was short. It was mainly filled with Korra talking about Sato and how she was positive he had something do to with the Equalist. A part of me wanted to believe her, but she might just be letting her feelings for Mako get to her. We would soon find out.


It turned out that Korra had some proof in the form of a witness. Her, Tenzin, and Lin met with him earlier that evening. Lin had everything she needed to go back and search the mansion. That was how I ended up flying above Republic City, heading to the Sato Mansion. I didn't want to miss out. This all seemed too convenient and Tenzin had agreed with me. This would be the night to finalize if Mr. Sato was truly supporting the Equalist or not. I shuddered when I thought of the man. Every encounter I had with him made me uneasy. I couldn't totally see him being with the Equalist, what with him letting the police go through all of his factories, but if he truly had a secret workshop underneath the mansion, I would be astounded. I hoped Asami wasn't in on this. She seemed like a good enough girl with a head on her shoulders.

The officers that were in the airship were talking strategy with one another. The only strategy I had was staying close to Korra and Lin. Lin was talking with Tenzin near the front of the airship, while Korra was sitting next to me bouncing her leg in anticipation. It was getting rather annoying. But thankfully soon, the mansion was in sight and we landed on an empty patch of land. The officers filed out one by one, Lin commanding them to secure the grounds. Her officers were the first to enter the mansion with us following close behind.

It was a beautiful home that I would have loved to tour. We were on a mission though, there was no time for sight-seeing. We found the kids in one of the rooms listening to the radio. They were naturally startled by several armored officers barging through the doors. Asami was the first to regain her composure- not at all delighted to see us again. She ended up escorting us to her father's workshop where he would be.

Compared to the rest of the place, Sato's workshop was a shack. The officers once again busted the door open, but no one was inside. Asami called for her father, but he was obviously not there. She was distressed and didn't know what was going on. I knew just from that she truly believed that her father wasn't supporting the Equalist. She would be innocent if he was guilty of supporting them. That would be the only good thing that would come out of this situation.

Lin used her metalbending to remove the large door that was covering the tunnel underneath. It was a huge tunnel that could have easily fit a herd of sky bison. Officers started descending into the tunnel where there was a platform. It would no doubt be loud, so whoever or whatever was waiting below would hear us coming. Lin told the three kids to stay, they all argued for only a moment but knew it was futile. I didn't agree with Lin, I waited till Korra, Lin, and Tenzin started going down onto the platform.

"If you hear anything or think we've been down there too long, come down," I whispered low enough so that Mako and Bolin were the only ones able to hear me. I winked and followed everyone down onto the platform.

As we went lower and lower, I felt a rush of adrenaline. None of us knew what was waiting for us down there. For all we knew, it could be a trap. The platform jolted to a stop. I could not believe my eyes as we entered a gigantic room, filled with Equalist banners hanging from the ceiling- effectively pushing my doubts and everyone else's out the door. It was crazy and amazing all at once. There were large machines along both sides of the area- none of us knew what they were for, but I had a sinking feeling we were about to find out. The officers that came with us surrounded Tenzin, Lin, Korra, and myself as we continued into the enormous room that rivaled the mansion up above.

"Not your average backyard workshop" Lin dryly commented.

"Where's Sato?" I questioned. There were no traces of anyone in the room. He had to be in here somewhere.

A large wall suddenly came up from the ground, effectively blocking the exit. A loud thump was heard when it reached the ceiling. Lin tried to bend it, but it was to no avail. The lights started out one by one, but they were replaced with the lights that were on the machines that lined the workshop.

"I'm afraid you won't be able to bend that wall, Chief Beifong." A familiar voice rang out. "It's solid platinum." The machines roared to life and came towards us. Inside each of the machines was a person that was now clearly seen thanks to the lights inside. "My mecha tanks are platinum as well. Not even your renowned mother could bend a metal so pure." Sato said from the mecha tank directly in front of us.

"Hiroshi? I knew you were a no-good lying Equalist! Come out here and- "

"And do what, young Avatar? Face the wrath of your bending? No, I think I will fight from inside here, were my odds are a little more… equal."

"That source was a setup! You lured us down here!" Lin called out.

"Guilty as charged."

Something sprung from the mecha tank, I dodged it easily. Everyone scattered and started taking on a mecha tank. I hurled fireball after fireball at a mecha tank that was close to where Lin was. It didn't seem to have much effect. It launched a metal claw towards me, but I dodged and continued to attack it. If I got the mecha tank hot enough, maybe the person inside wouldn't be able to control it. I lashed two very large fiery whips at the mecha tank, the only thing that it did was push it back. I had no idea how hot I needed to get the platinum tanks for my plan to work. So, changing tactics, I lashed both fire whips down on the tank, hoping to cover the glass long enough to block their view. As quick as I could, I moved my arms in large circular motions, gathering as much lightning as I could to take it down in one shot. Once I felt the electricity flowing through every fiber of my being, I directed the lightning towards the mecha tank just as it shot a metal claw towards me. The mecha tank started groaning and the claw just fell short to where I was. That was one down.

I was just about to go help the officers when I heard Lin's pain filled cry. I saw her being thrown high up into the air. My body reacted as I jetted over to where she was about to heavily land. I was barely quick enough, but I hadn't anticipated the force the metalbender was thrown at. We both rolled back on the ground- my body banging against the ground and Lin's armor. I opened my eyes when we stopped. Lin was laying on top of me haphazardly with my arms wrapped around her- knocked out. My head was spinning from the last bash to my head. I could feel myself drifting off into the darkness- a now familiar feeling

"Lin" was the only thing I could muster before blacking out.


I felt a nudge on my shoulder. Waking me up, my eyes slowly adjusting to the lights. I was about to say something, but Bolin put a finger to his lips. Looking around, I realized why. Sato and his men were putting the officers into a van, too busy to notice Bolin and Mako gathering up Korra and Tenzin. I got up as quickly as I could, Bolin helping me as best as he could since he had the airbending master on his back. Once I was up, I could feel all of the spots I landed roughly on. Nothing was broken though. I picked up Lin in my arms- she was heavy because of her armor, but I managed. Bolin had opened an escape hole near us. Mako motioned me to go down first. I held Lin close as I jumped down the dark tunnel- losing my balance a little due to the extra weight when I landed.

It sounded like Sato and his men heard us because I could hear Mako talking to them. I wasn't sure what they were saying. Walking a little further away from the opening, I crouched down and put Lin partway on the ground- giving my arms a break. With my free hand, I lit a flame to see Lin clearly. She groaned as I shifted her in my arms, trying to make her as comfortable as possible as we waited for a sign on what our next move would be.

"Lin, where does it hurt?"

She opened her eyes slightly the flame slightly blinding her, "My arm and back mainly."

"I'll try to be careful lifting you."

"I can walk."

She tried to get up, but I held the bender down in my arms.

"You'll hurt yourself even more," I told the stubborn woman. "I'm carrying you, so stop moving."

Lin didn't have the strength to argue with me much, which was a blessing.

Thud Thud

Bolin with Tenzin still on his back, Mako, and Korra came down the hole followed surprisingly by Asami. Bolin closed the top quickly to insure our get away.

"We need to get out of here fast." Mako said.

Tenzin got off of Bolin's back and with the help of Mako, started to followed Bolin who was bending a tunnel for our escape. Thankfully, Tenzin's injuries weren't as bad as Lin's. Both he and Mako offered to carry Lin, but I wouldn't let them. I denied their offers kindly, but I had too strong of a sense to protect her to let anyone else touch her. The trip up was a quiet one. Mako comforted Asami, but they were the only ones who said anything. Everyone else was going over the events that just transpired in their heads. Lin would occasionally let out a grunt of pain, but she too was quiet.

When we made it up to the surface, what was left of Lin's officers were there to greet us. Tenzin filled them in on what happened and gave them orders on what to do next in Lin's place. I ignored everyone and went straight towards the airship. There were officers that looked at me weirdly, but I didn't say anything.

Once inside, I tried to carefully lay Lin down on the metal bench I had occupied moments before. My muscles in my arms were aching from the extended use, so it wasn't as careful as I had hoped.. Her eyes were open fully now- they were filled with anger and grief.

"Korra can heal you." I offered the metalbender.

"No thanks. I'm fine." She tried to sit up, but went quickly back down from the pain she was in.

"You're right. You look like you usually do."

Everyone else started boarding the airship. Tenzin came over to check on Lin, but she only had one thing on her mind-

"My metalbenders are on their way to Amon and it's all my fault." She closed her eyes in acceptance. "Tarlock's right. I've failed as Chief. First thing in the morning, I'm handing in my resignation."

"No!" Tenzin all but shouted at her. "you can't give up like this."

I agreed with the airbender.

"I'm not giving up." Lin once again tried to set up, but only managed to half way do it. "I'm going to find my officers and take Amon down. But I'm going to do it my way: outside the law."

She must've hit her head pretty hard back there. She showed absolutely no tolerance for people who would use vigilante justice against criminals, yet here she was going to do just that.

"Do you want to come to the air temple and rest there?" Tenzin offered.

"No. I'm going home." She stiffly replied.

The thought of her by herself in pain didn't sit well with me. It would be best for her to go home and sleep in her bed, but she needed some form of treatment. She was too stubborn to let Korra heal her. She wouldn't be able to put anything on her back in this condition.

"Let me come with you." I said, receiving a weird look from Tenzin. "I can help you with your back and ribs."

"I don't need a babysitter." Lin all but growled.

"The Equalist are after all of us now more than ever." I tried approaching it from a different direction. "You wouldn't be able to fight them off in your condition."

Lin seemed like she wanted to argue more but didn't. "Fine, do whatever the hell you want."

I was glad she didn't put up too much of a fight, which was what I was expecting. Tenzin went over to comfort the Avatar. She looked fine besides the sad puppy dog look on her face. I sighed and leaned against the cool metal of the airship.


One of Lin's officers kindly drove us to her apartment. They were extremely nice apartments in a well to do area of the city. She was a Beifong and the Chief of Police, so it wasn't like she didn't have any money. Lin's apartment was on the top floor of the building. But by the time we arrived at the apartments, Lin could walk as long as she was aided. Thankfully this particular apartment building had an elevator. I didn't think I could carry her all of those flights of stairs without dying. Lin dug out her keys from her pocket and opened the door. I wasn't surprised at the minimalistic decorating and the cleanliness since I had seen her office. I closed the door behind us and locked it. The apartment was huge. I got to see more of it as I helped her to her room. From what I saw, there were two very large rooms about twice the size of the bedrooms at the island. She also had to full bathrooms. I helped Lin get to the edge of her queen-sized bed and set her down. I went into her master bathroom- looking for some medical supplies. I grabbed some bandages and a paste she told me about that was underneath the sink. Lin had taken off her armor and was left in her white tank top and her regular pants. There was already a nasty bruise on her upper arm. I had never seen one so dark before. I bent down to take off her boots since she couldn't bend down herself. Lin wouldn't look at me while I did so. She more than likely hated this whole situation.

Once I set aside her boots and put her armor in her closet where she said it went, it was time to get to her favorite part of the evening.

"Can I look at your back? Do you think you are bleeding anywhere?"

"I'm not bleeding." She snapped.

Geez. She was treating me like one of her officers. I started to uncap the container that held the paste Lin wanted me to put on her.

"I can do it myself." She made an attempt to take the container out of my hands, but I easily moved it away from her reach.

"I'm sure you can, but I'm going to."

"No- "

"You're going to shut the hell up and take off your damn shirt." My patience was wearing thin with the woman. "It won't be anything that I haven't seen before."

" Yes, ma'am." She sneered sarcastically.

She struggled with taking off her tank top, so I quickly pulled it over her head and tossed it out of the way. Her binding and pants were the only article of clothing she had on. I got on the bed and sat behind her to look at her back. The same nasty bruises covered her mid to lower back. She would no doubt be sore tomorrow. I got the cold green paste and began to gently out it on her back. She inhaled swiftly when the paste came into contact with her soft skin. Her skin was absolutely gorgeous. It was silky smooth, and I hated to admit it, but I loved the feel of it underneath my hands. Her back muscles were toned and could easily be felt. I went higher than I needed to and felt some knots around her shoulders. Since I was already here, might as well help her out with those. I kneaded the knots firmly, but not hard enough to cause any pain. I could feel them start to loosen underneath my hands. Occasionally her hair would brush against my hand. I had thought it would be coarse and not that healthy, but I was wrong. As with her back, her hair was silky smooth. It took all of my will power not to run my hands through it, those strands slipping between my fingers and they went.

"That feels good." Lin groaned.

Her voice caught me off guard. It was deeper and sexier than it normally was. I could feel the heat build inside me. I stopped massaging her neck and shoulders, slightly out of fear of what I might do next.

I put more paste on my hands and scooted over to Lin's hurt arm. I thickly applied it over the bruises. I sneaked a peak at Lin's face. Her eyes were closed, and she looked relaxed- something I had never seen on her face before. Her binding also stole my attention. Just to think, underneath that fabric-

No, no I need to stop.

I shouldn't be thinking about this. I wrapped her arm and back in the bandages, so the medicine wouldn't get on her bed or nightwear.

"You can pick some pajamas out. Just hand me the ones on top."

I did as Lin asked. The ones that were on top were a light-yellow set. The top was a simple button-down shirt that had a pair of long pants that went with them. I dug around for something for me. I usually got hot at night, so I didn't want winter pajamas. The ones I found were at the bottom and looked comfortable. I handed Lin her night clothes. I was about to ask if she needed any help, but she adamantly told me she could do it by herself. Honestly, I was thankful. As I went into her bathroom to change, I couldn't keep my thought at bay. If I saw Lin completely naked, I would've lost it. I would've jumped her- hurt or not. The pajamas were tight, but comfortable. I left the bathroom, subconsciously hoping to walk in on Lin mid-change. I was disappointed when I found her instead laying underneath her covers- looking absolutely exhausted.

"Need anything else?" I picked up her dirty clothes and put them in the hamper in her bathroom.

"Why did you insist on come here?" That wasn't the answer I had expected.

"I already told you that."
"What do you want from me?" she said coldly.

It saddened me to hear her say that. She must've been taken advantage of before. She wasn't used to people being nice to her for no real reason at all. I had been in that situation before.

"Nothing but your friendship." I said honestly. A thought crossed my mind. "You know that we will find your officers, right? They're going to be fine."

"Easy for you to say. Amon probably already took their bending away."

"Even if he did, it isn't your fault. Your officers knew what they were doing. They are still your officers with or without their bending."

And with that I said goodnight to the metalbender and closed her door shut. I went to the living room since the spare bedroom has been turned into a home office. It made sense that she would do that since I didn't think she would get many visitors. I peaked in her home office. It looked like it was decorated more than anywhere else in the home. There were some newspaper clippings almost covering on the walls- all had to do with either Lin or her mother. The desk had some open paperwork on it, but I didn't read it. Curiously, there was a large belt in a glass case sitting behind the desk on a table. I wondered what that was all about. It looked like one of those wrestling belts, but I wasn't too sure. Was Lin a wrestler?

After looking around the office, I went back into the living room and laid down on the spacious couch. Surprisingly enough, it was quite comfortable. It definitely was miles more comfortable than my bed back on the island. It was nice being away and in Lin's home. Even if the metal head wasn't very welcoming. I felt comfortable here. She had nice taste too.

Why was it when I was supposed to help Lin, I ended up thinking about what I wanted to do to her instead? I mean, if she hadn't been hurt, I would have kissed her. She would've killed me, but it would be so worth it just to feel her lips on mine.

I really needed to stop this. I shouldn't be thinking of Lin this way. It wasn't right. I let out a noise of frustration before turning on my side. Trying not to think of the woman laying in the other room.


"Yes, you heard me right. I'm resigning."

I sat up from the couch, rubbing my eyes before opening them. I found Lin sitting on the plush chair beside the couch, talking on the phone with someone. She was still in her pajamas, so she must've not been up long. She hung up the phone and let out a long sigh.

"It's only temporary" my voice was a little hoarse from sleeping.

She leaned back in the chair. "I didn't mean to wake you."

"I would've slept all day if you didn't." I stretched my arms a little before pulling my legs up to my chest and hugging them. "How are you feeling? You should be in bed resting."

"I'm a little better." She admitted. I don't like staying in bed all day."

"You're not leaving the apartment then." Well I just made it weird. Who was I to be ordering her around? Both of us were sitting in our pajamas, avoiding each other's eye contact. "Want me to fix you something?"
"There's not much in the kitchen. Except some rice and maybe a few other items." She waved her hand towards it. "I usually eat at the office."

"I can't cook very well anyway." I sighed. "I can make steamed rice though."

Lin looked at me curiously. "Didn't your mother teach you?"
"No, I didn't know her or my father."

"Oh." A frown graced her lips for a moment. "I don't know that much about you."
"I don't know much about you." I countered.

She ran a hand through her hair, which was looking wonderfully disheveled. "You were the one who wanted to be friends. You should be the one who tells me about yourself more."

"What do you want to know then? I would've guessed you did a background check on me."

I wouldn't have been surprised, however she wouldn't have found anything. I would've known if she had.

"Who raised you then?"
I studied the metalbender. I didn't like talking about these things, however I felt different with Lin. Even with her cold exterior I knew she had a warm heart. I truly did want to get to know the woman sitting in front of me and for her to trust me. I had to open myself up to her though. There would be things she found out sooner or later anyway.

" A kind family found me when I was small. I don't remember much before then. They raised me and treated me as if I was one of their own."
"I assume they were a wealthy family since you were raised in Capital City?"

"Ooohh, you do listen." I winked at her. She looked as if she were blushing. "Yes I was. They are still living there. I became Korra's instructor to get away from there and see the world. Not because it was bad or anything. On the contrary, I had everything I could have ever wanted." "What about you?" Of course, I know about your mother, but what about your father?"
"I didn't know him. My mother would never talk about him even though I wanted to."

"I'm sorry. I feel like everyone should know where they came from." I started to pick at my nails. "Were you raised in Republic City?"
"Yes. There would be sometimes where we would go visit my grandmother and grandfather in the Earth Kingdom for long periods of time."
"I've been to Ba Sing Se a couple times, but I wasn't allowed to go anywhere. I had to be by my family's side always."

"Strict, huh?"
"You could say that." My stomach took that opportunity to make itself known. "So, do you want any of my amazing steamed rice or not?"
"I guess."


Lin's Prov

I watched as the firebender went into the kitchen and started preparing breakfast. Occasionally she would ask where something was, but for the most part the only noise in my home came from her. I hated to admit it, but it was nice to have another person here, even if she was a stubborn flame head. I was glad she insisted on coming. Her presence was rather relaxing. It was especially relaxing last night when she rubbed my shoulders. It had felt so good that I had actually moaned. Thank the spirits she hadn't said anything.

Hikari had been kind to me even when she didn't need to and when I insisted otherwise. If it wasn't for her catching me mid-throw, my injuries would've been worse no doubt. All she wanted in return was my friendship. She didn't want to use my name or position in the city for her own gain. It had been a long time since I met a person like that. And I knew she hadn't lied to me thanks to my seismic sense.

My eyes never left the firebender as she moved around the kitchen- my pajamas tight on her body. They left nothing to the imagination the way they clung to her. She had gotten an old pair that I use to wear before I opted to my current style. The green tank top was short on her, so every time she would reach up for something it would expose her midriff ever so slightly. I wished that I had put everything higher in the kitchen- just so I could see more of that tantalizing skin of hers. It had been torture last night. Her hands were all over me, teasing me.

Spirits. What the hell was I thinking? I knew it had been some time since I had sex, but damn. I was acting like a pubescent teenager. Hikari was here to help me, not to be here for me to stare at and undress her in my head. She was my first friend in a long time and all she wanted was to be friends. That's it. Not whatever I was fantasying about. Plus, she was younger than me by 20 years. She was too young for me. I was too old to be thinking about her like that. Besides, she was probably not into women. Even if she were, she wouldn't go want someone old, grouchy, and ugly. It was few and far between that people in the Fire Nation were gay anyway. But spirits, she was captivating.

"Lin, where are your bowls again?" her voice broke my focus on her body.

"On the middle shelf to the left of you." I mechanically said.

I got up to see what exactly the firebender was up to, since I wasn't paying attention. For such a simple dish, she sure did make a mess. Some rice was spilled on the floor, a red powder was all over the counter tops, and not to mention the sorry state my pajamas were now in.

"Don't worry. I'll clean up."
"Damn right you are."

I sat down at the table and Hikari set the food in front of me along with a glass of water. It looked like she added an egg to the rice, but it was hard to tell with the overwhelming amount of red powder- which I found out was paprika- that was also in the bowl. I looked at her as of she had lost her mind. She was actually eating it. I didn't want to hurt her feelings, so I shoved some of the food into my mouth. As soon as my taste buds touched the overwhelming amount of paprika, I started coughing. The mushy rice didn't help nor the spoiled egg. I downed the glass of water Hikari set on the table, trying to rid the awful taste in my mouth.

"That bad?"
"I'm never letting you cook again." I coughed some more, which angered my sore body. "How are you even eating that?"
"Eh. I've had worse at the Southern Water Tribe." "Do you want me to go get you something from a restaurant then?"
"That would be preferable, since you're not letting me leave."
Hikari started cleaning her mess. My ribs were hurting again as well as the place on my back. As if reading my mind, during the cleaning, Hikari commented that she would put more medicine on it once she was done. She helped me back into my room since I was feeling a little woozy.

"Start stripping." I looked up at her in shock, but I quickly replaced it with my usual no-emotion face. In a different context, I would've loved to hear her say that.

Hikari gathered the medicine and had bandages already to go. I tried to lift my shirt up, but it triggered the pain in my ribs and arm again. Hikari gently started to unbutton it. I couldn't look at the firebender. It was too intimate for me. The brush of her fingers against my skin was making it tingle.

Spirits. I need to get laid.

She shouldn't have this effect on me. She slowly unwound the bandage I had around me, careful not to hit any of my new bruises. Again, when she put the paste on my bruises. I tensed up at first. It was cold on my warm body.

"Good thing nothing is broken. Cracked, but not broken."

I mumbled in agreement. I was focusing too much on the floor- trying not to think about what her touch was going to me.

"There's a restaurant down on the corner. Just get anything from there." I said once she was all done.
"Will do. I'm going to swing by the island and get some more clothes. Want anything else while I'm gone?"
"The paper." and you to not stop touching me.

Hikari left, the all too familiar silence filling the room and an unfamiliar ache for the woman.