Chapter 10: Ba Sing Sa

"Smellerbee! Can you come in here?" Cris called from the living room table. He waited and Bee came from the living room from where she was listening to The Sound of Music – being her mother's favorite musical, it never failed to offer her comfort – and stumbled into the chair sitting at one end of the table.

"What is it, Dad?" Smellerbee asked, brow frowning. She didn't wear her shades in the house; the irritation was still fading to a point where it was barely noticeable.

"I want to speak to you about something," Cris cleared his throat. "About the school you are going to."

"Oh, what about it?" Smellerbee asked, now curious as to where this was heading.

"You're unhappy there," Cris stated. It wasn't a question; he knew his daughter wasn't enjoying being there.

"N-no," Smellerbee stuttered. "It's an adjustment, is all."

"You are a lousy liar, Bee," Cris grunted.

Bee bit her lip. "It's just different."

"I don't want you to be there because you think you have to be," Cris said. "There are other options."

"Like what?" Smellerbee asked bitterly. "Home school?"

"Ba Sing Sa Academy," Cris said bluntly and Smellerbee froze.

"What?"

"I've been calling around and Ba Sing Sa is one of the few schools that offer special services for those with disabilities," Cris told her, a smiling gracing his lips, "and there is also the benefit of knowing a few people there."

"You – you want to send me to Ba Sing Sa?" Smellerbee asked breathlessly, hardly daring to believe what she was hearing.

"If you want to," Cris nodded. "At Ba Sing Sa you could join the glee club and be with your friends and Longshot."

"I – Dad, I don't know what to say," Smellerbee breathed, tears welling in her cloudy eyes.

"What do you think?" Cris asked. "Is that something you would like?"

"Daddy, I would love to," Smellerbee gave a watery chuckle. "You would do that for me?"

"Of course I would," Cris grunted. "I'm your dad and you deserve the best."

Smellerbee stood up and ran her hands along the table until she reached Cris and hugged him tightly. "Thank you, Daddy," Smellerbee whispered in his ear.

"You're welcome," Cris said gruffly. "You still have to learn to read brail before you can attend, mind."

"Of course," Smellerbee nodded, pulling back. "Thank you so much."

For weeks Smellerbee had deceived Longshot. She hadn't told the boy that she would be transferring to Ba Sing Sa, wanting to keep it a surprise. They met up nearly every day, sometimes going out to a Oroshamu Coffee for coffee, Longshot helping Smellerbee get used to being in public places without the fear of running into anyone from Yu Dao there, other days staying home. Most of the time, they were content to just be together. Longshot knew that Smellerbee was still adjusting and didn't want to push her. For hours on end, they would just talk; listen to music and share moments that both teens would treasure far into later life.

Four weeks later and Smellerbee was finally able to attend Ba Sing Sa. She dressed slowly in her new uniform, feeling the material under her fingers. Cris helped her with the optional tie and passed her the blue aviator sunglasses. Smellerbee fumbled for her satchel and Cris helped her to the car. Unfortunately Smellerbee couldn't take Korra to Ba Sing Sa and was forced to use her cane.

Smellerbee fidgeted nervously in the car as Cris drove to Ba Sing Sa. She was nervous about starting a new school, about Longshot's reaction and everyone treating her differently.

"You OK?" Cris asked as they drove.

Smellerbee shrugged. "Nervous," she admitted.

Ba Sing Sa came into view and Cris slowed down, pulling into the parking lot. He jumped out and helped Smellerbee out. She gripped her father's arm tightly, taking in all the noise around her, swinging her cane in front of her as she walked. There were students chatting loudly and laughing. Cris looked around in awe; the school was huge and so beautiful. Smellerbee swallowed nervously and gripped Cris's arm tighter. They got a few stares as they walked past and Cris was glad his daughter couldn't see them. Cris led them to front office where the principle was waiting for them.

"Mr. Futtermen, I'm Iroh Jackson. We spoke on the phone," Iroh greeted, shaking his hand. Iroh took Smellerbee's free hand and shook it gently. "It's nice to meet you, Alice."

"You too," Smellerbee nodded, biting her lip nervously.

"Your father was telling me that you know Liam Donato," Iroh smiled. "He will come and help you around with your classes. I was also told to not call you Alice. If that's okay with you Bee?"

"Thank you," Smellerbee beamed.

"You're welcome. Over the years we have had a few students who are blind attend our school so we have all the necessary equipment for you," Iroh explained. "We have ordered all the necessary text books in brail for you but we are still waiting for them to arrive. Because you have been taking senior classes but been out on so much school, you'll be put in the junior classes with the rest of the kids your year. "

"Thank you so much," Smellerbee said sincerely.

"You're welcome," Iroh smiled. "If you have any questions or problems, please feel free to come and talk to me."

"I will," Smellerbee assured him, grinning. She heard footsteps approaching behind her and froze.

"Ah, Mr. Donato," Iroh said and Smellerbee could hear the smile in his voice. "I would like to introduce to our new student."

Smellerbee turned, hoping that she was facing in Longshot's direction. If not, this could be mortifyingly embarrassing. "Hi, I'm Smellerbee. I'm new here."

"Bee?" Longshot gasped. "What – you're attending here now?" Smellerbee nodded, biting her lip. Longshot laughed and suddenly, Bee was engulfed in a hug. She chuckled and hugged her boyfriend back. Longshot punched her lightly on the arm as he pulled away. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I wanted it to be a surprise," Smellerbee shrugged. "That's Okay, yeah?"

"Are you kidding? This is fantastic," Longshot beamed brightly and Smellerbee smiled in relief.

"Well I can see you are in good hands, kid," Cris chuckled. "I'll see you after school."

"Thanks, Dad," Smellerbee smiled, reaching out for her father. Cris gave her a brief hug and pulled away.

"Have a good day. Bye, Longshot," Cris grunted and headed out.

"Mr. Donato, I trust you will show Smellerbee around and help her out," Iroh smiled.

"Of course, sir," Longshot said cheerfully. "Come on Bee. I'll introduce you to everyone." Iroh handed Longshot her timetable and Longshot took his girlfriend's hand in his. "Ready?" Longshot asked and Smellerbee nodded nervously. They walked out together and when they stepped into the corridor Smellerbee's hand flinched in his. "Everything OK?" Longshot looked at her in concern.

"It's just – won't people mind – us holding hands, I mean? What if they think you're gay! I didn't pull my hair back today and I think I look like a guy. Dad told me I looked fi-" Smellerbee asked, biting her lip.

"Zero bullying tolerance," Longshot said quickly, "and everyone's pretty much okay if your gay and they will not think you are a guy. You look beautiful today. That and everyone knows you already…"

"Oh," Smellerbee breathed.

"It will take some time to get used to," Longshot assured him. "It took me time and if makes you uncomfortable, you can hold my arm instead."

"No," Smellerbee shook her head. "I want to hold your hand."

She missed Longshot's smile but felt Longshot give her a quick kiss on the cheek. "Come on, I want you to meet the rest of my friends," he announced and started walking again. Smellerbee stuck close to Longshot, holding her cane tightly in her other hand. They got some curious glances – though they were thankfully devoid of judgment – and Longshot was glad that Smellerbee couldn't see them. She didn't need to be any more nervous than she already was. "Guys," Longshot called out suddenly. "I want you to meet our new student. Alice Futtermen. But she has kindly requested we all call her-"

"SMELLERBEE!" said a female voice that Smellerbee recognized as Kori, cutting off the rest of Longshot's sentence.

"Hi," she greeted shyly.

"Nice to see you again Smellerbee," David said and Bee instantly recognized his voice.

"This is Feroza and Alli," Longshot introduced.

"I'm Alli," the brunette girl spoke up and Smellerbee paid particular attention to her voice, storing away a mental note for future reference. Noting that it was much softer and smoother than Kori's.

"I'm Feroza," the blonde girl smiled. Her voice was louder and more aggressive than Alli's.

"Welcome to Ba Sing Sa, Smellerbee," Kori beamed and Smellerbee smiled, her nerves starting to dim in their presence.

"It's nice to finally meet the girl that Longshot talks not stop about," Alli grinned and Longshot blushed.

"She has the prettiest skin," David impersonated Longshot and Smellerbee blushed.

"Well it's true," Longshot mumbled and Smellerbee nudged him. The friends laughed good-naturedly and Smellerbee smiled.

"Alright, enough teasing," Longshot called out over the noise. "What do we have first?"

"English," Alli answered promptly.

"Come on," Longshot said and propelled Smellerbee forward. Smellerbee tapped her cane out in front of her and started counting under her breath.

Longshot let her be as they walked, the friends chatting alongside them, watching Smellerbee curiously. They reached the classroom and Longshot helped Smellerbee into her seat.

"Smellerbee? Why were you counting?" Longshot asked.

"Oh," Smellerbee blushed, "I'm trying to remember how many steps it was. That way, if I get lost, I might be able to find my way again."

Longshot gave her an adoring look that had his friends sniggering quietly. "You are amazing," Longshot murmured quietly to his girlfriend and Smellerbee blushed.

Smellerbee was pleasantly surprised as the F.N.S helped her throughout the day. They happily helped her make notes, explaining things to her when she got confused. When they were walking down the grand staircase to lower levels of Ba Sing Sa, Smellerbee missed a step and Longshot along with Alli quickly grabbed her under the arms to stop her from falling.

Smellerbee shook in their arms and Longshot held her closely. "I'm OK," Smellerbee mumbled, embarrassed and slightly scared. They helped her down the stairs carefully and Longshot gripped Smellerbee's hand in his as they walked to the cafeteria for lunch.

Smellerbee enjoyed her first day at Ba Sing Sa; it was already much better than her other school and a world away from Yu Dao. She had made friends with Feroza and had plans to hang out with Alli. At the end of the day Longshot walked her to where he knew Cris would be waiting for them.

"Before you go," Longshot said, gently pulling Smellerbee off to one side for some privacy. "There is something I've wanted to give you all day."

"What?" Smellerbee asked, confused.

Longshot grinned and pressed himself closer to Smellerbee, sealing his lips against his girlfriend's. Smellerbee gasped and melted into the kiss. She held Longshot tightly and kissed him back.

"Did you have a good first day?" Longshot asked, pulling back slowly.

"The best," Smellerbee breathed a huge smile on her face.

"Good," Longshot replied, putting his lips back to Smellerbee's.