By the time Kya and Avan made their way to the docks, everyone else had already gathered. It was a spectacular night, cool, clear and with a light breeze. The light waves on the bay could be seen all the way across to Republic City. There was a yacht docked that was obviously out of place among the rest of the simplicity of Air Temple Island, clearly marked with the Future Industries logo and Asami's signature color scheme. Tenzin and Pema were still discussing how Asami went through too much trouble for them.

Kya spoke up, "Who says we don't deserve some luxury over here every now and then! You two should stop discussing it and just get on board and enjoy yourselves!" She quickly pointed towards the kids who had obviously already taken it upon themselves to investigate every nook and cranny of the spacious craft. They all heard Meelo yelling, "Look out below!" as a barrage of water balloons flew over the side, threatening the four of them. Kya and Avan made quick work of them, water-bending the balloons right back where the came from. "No fair bringing water-benders to a water balloon fight!" Meelo yelled form out of sight.

While Tenzin had chosen to wear his typical, though formal style, air-bender robes, both Kya and Avan were surprised to see Pema in what Kya assessed to be a gorgeous outfit in the typical Air Nation colors. It was made up of a form-fitting, sleeveless dress of deep orange with a flowing, long-sleeve second layer in deep red with gold trim that was fitted around the chest, shoulders and upper arms, but opened up widely as it flowed to the wrists and ankles. Though hidden, much a testament to Pema's practicality, she still wore simple, comfortable sandals on her feet and had her hair tied back into a classic tail. Kya couldn't help but comment, "Pema, you look spectacular tonight! I have to be honest, I didn't know you had this kind of style!"

Pema responded, "Well, with all of this going on," she motioned to the kids already on-board and Tenzin as well, "it's hard to ever get a chance to dress up, but I'm glad I still got it." She had such a proud and honest smile about her. "Kya you look lovely tonight as well." Kya had decided on a more simple, dark blue sleeveless dress that was trimmed in white and gold with matching water nation arm bands.

Tenzin motioned towards the ramp to Pema, "Shall we?"

"I can't remember when we last all had a real night out," Pema commented, "I say we make the most of it!"

Avan was a bit surprised, "Pema, I never took you for a night out on the town kind of person."

She sighed, "With four kids, maybe six if you count Korra and Tenzin, you can't really ever be a 'night out on the town' kind of person." Air quotes included. They all, except Tenzin, shared a laugh.

On board, they were greeted with all manner of hors d'oeuvre with both vegetarian and meat options to meet everyone's needs and a fully stocked and staffed bar. Both Avan and Kya had skipped lunch in anticipation for the evening and wasted no time digging in. Much to everyone's surprise, Pema headed straight for the bar. She saw Kya and Avan looking and decided to explain, "The kids are older now and can manage on their own." No sooner had she spoken when a small, chocolate tart, turned projectile, nearly missed Meelo, having been fired by Rohan. Pema shot Tenzin a commanding look, who quickly scooped up Rohan and Meelo both, whisking them out of sight. "Also, Tenzin owes me, so he is on duty tonight and I am free." With that, Pema turned to the bartender and quickly began explaining what she wanted in surprising detail.

"I think I'll join her," Kya said. "Make that two of whatever she is having!" she yelled to the bartender. "Avan, do you want to join us?"

"No, no, I'm going to explore this place myself. I don't think the two of you need any more encouragement."

"Boys...," Pema commented. As Avan turned away, he heard the first of many clinks of glass for the evening. He laughed seeing Tenzin almost overpowered by his two youngest as he headed aft. Avan passed by Jinora and Kai who were sitting closely by a fire that had been setup poolside, probably still closer than what Tenzin would like, but what could he do, she was growing up too. A short distance past the two love birds, Ikki came running past, barely noticing him. The next thing he heard was Jinora trying to get Ikki to leave them alone. At the stern, she found Opal standing by herself watching the Air Temple Island slowly fall away.

"Hey Opal, I didn't know you were even on the island. I figured you would be with Bolin." Opal was standing quietly with a cup of tea, taking in the bay. Her face appeared a bit tired, but she looked great in classy, high necked Earth kingdom style dress that had been made in Air Nation colors. While she always looked well-kept, she seemed especially put together. "You look really nice tonight!"

"Oh hey Avan, thanks, I...ummm...had some last minute business to take care of in the Fire Nation...for Asami. I just made it back in time to change so I am going to meet Bo at the party tonight. Not often I get to hitch a ride on a luxury yacht and it'll save me from messing up my hair. Congratulations by the way!"

"Oh thanks. I was telling Kya that I didn't really think it would make much difference. I mean it's just a piece of paper and another day, but inside it really does feel like a change. I'm not sure why or how to explain it."

"You can't explain family. They somehow create an attachment that just can't be broken." They turned to observe Tenzin nearly falling into the pool, being tackled by Meelo and Rohan, Ikki following Jinora and Kai around asking questions about their relationship and what they either have or have not done together, and Pema and Kya boisterously laughing at the bar together. "Like I was saying, an attachment that you just can't shake...no matter what. Even though you were close with Kya, just like with her, there is something to that piece of paper, as you call it, that deep down meant something much more to both of you."

"Opal, I doubt I could have come up with a better description of all this than what you just said."

"I am amazing after all!"

"Well, try not to let it go to your head, but I'll make sure Bo knows."

"Too late, Bo knows." They both share a laugh.

"So why did you have to run off to the Fire Nation?" asked Avan. "I haven't heard of much unrest there for some time now, and most of our patients are still coming from the city or the Earth nation. Luckily the numbers are far fewer now."

"Oh, ummm, it was some...emergency stuff for Future Industries. Kind of competition sensitive kinda things and all." Avan gave Opal a slight look of skepticism to which Opal returned a goof-ball smile as a response.

"Well, looks like we're almost there. I guess the problem with a boat like this is that it really moves so you can't enjoy it too long. I'm going to go freshen up."

"Okay, see you Opal."

Avan stayed to watch the docking process before joining up with the rest to disembark. Kya and Pema were last on the boat. "Are you guys coming?" Avan questioned.

"Sure, sure young man." Pema responded, already developing a slight slur to her speech.

"Are you going to be alright Pema?" Avan asked.

"Oh, that's so sweet of you to ask. He is so sweet Kya."

"Yes he is. She'll be fine. She is just planning to relax one-hundred and ten percent tonight. We'll all keep an eye out for her." Kya gave Avan a wink. "Come on, let's get moving, we still aren't even at the party yet."

"The party has already started!" Pema announced as she grabbed Avan and looped her arm through his. "Onward to the limo!" Kya nearly fell down laughing as Pema dragged Avan, hanging from his arm, as Avan mouthed, "Help!"

Again, in pure Asami style, there were two, black Satolimos waiting for them right off the docks. Pema instructed Tenzin to take the kids in one, while she, Kya, Avan and Opal stepped into the other. Jinora pleaded, unsuccessfully, to ride away from Ikki at least, but Pema already had her plan set. Kai purposely stayed out of it and just followed Pema's order. "Don't worry, it's not a long way there anyway, Jinora, honey," Pema added. "You and Kai can find a nice, dark, quiet corner to yourselves at the party," Pema said reassuringly. "Where I can keep an eye on you!" she added. This earned Pema an eye-roll and a puff from the teenager.

"You can be a cruel one Pema," Kya said.

"Oh, I'm just playing with them. My little girl is really all grown up now. I know how they look at each other. It's only a matter of time before they decide to move out, take the next step together, get married, or who knows what. Then, she really won't be mine anymore." Pema took a sip of a drink that no one was quite able to figure out how she obtained so quickly. "No, she already isn't really mine anymore, she is her own woman now. All I can do is support her as best I can...and make fun of her at any chance I get." Pema smiled widely as she took another long gulp of her drink. "Anyone for something to drink?" she offered, shaking a bottle in the air.


It was barely a fifteen minute ride to the Platypus Bear Bistro, one of Asami's pet projects. Some years back, Korra had taken her to a hole in the wall place called Hold Your Fire that she had found for dinner. Asami fell in love with the food immediately and was enamored by the hard luck story of the chef, who had started many times to get a restaurant off the ground. A Fire Nation native, she wanted to bring the cuisine to the Earth nation, but twice was shut down. Once due to getting tied up in the middle of some political argument over land and again due to the civil war. Then she tried to start up again in Republic City only to have her place destroyed yet again when Kuvira attacked. Still undeterred, she setup out of the basement of a small grocery where she was just able to make rent while living out of the back room.

In the end, Asami ended up bank rolling nearly everything for the new place to get it up and going, even without any real collateral. She even helped to fix up the chef's old place just a bit so that she wouldn't be abandoning her blue collar fans either. At the bistro, they have a couple nights a month that are set aside with special pricing for people that normally couldn't dream to afford a meal there, the patrons of the original shop. They take a slight loss, of course, on those nights, still not sparing any of the usual fair, but the good will it has generated for both the restaurant and Asami is priceless. In the end, Asami says that she is on track to break even on the entire investment in just another year or two if things remain stable. Korra suggested on multiple occasions that if the whole engineering thing doesn't pan out, she could always fall back on hospitality.

The Platypus had held a reputation of being one of the top restaurants in the city almost from opening night. Despite the name, it prided itself on creating a fusion of cuisines from all four nations and Republic City itself. This variety was just part of its allure. Avan had never actually seen it himself, much less eaten there, but Korra and the other raved about it on multiple occasions. When they pulled up, he was surprised that the front was very warm and inviting. Almost as if it were just the corner, mom and pop place that you would go to any night of the week. He had for some reason expected some modern industrialized decor given Asami's background.

Asami and Korra came out to greet them just as they started exiting their vehicles. Asami looked stunning as always in a mostly black, slim evening dress with dark red and gold detailing. Korra had on one of her warmer weather, semi-formal Water nation dresses, arm wrapped around Asami's torso. Quite the scene unfolded in front of them. Tenzin nearly flew out of one car with what seemed like a tornado of children, only two, whirling around him. Jinora and Kai ran by with a passing, "Hey guys," trying to get away from the Ikki who had now made it a point to annoy her older sister as much as she could. Kya and Avan were helping Pema out of the other Satolimo. Even from a slight distance, Korra and Asami could see Pema, red cheeks and all, was well on her way to a good time for the night.

Suddenly, in the midst of the cacophony, Pema stamped her foot, saying in a stern but not quite yelling tone, "Children, behave!" A silence fell across the the group as the winds around Tenzin died down leaving Rohan and Meelo standing calmly next to their father and Ikki came back to stand with Pema. Korra, Asami, Kya and everyone else were truly in awe of this woman's power. Even if she did subsequently break character a bit shouting, "Sami, let's party!" Asami and Korra held each other to avoid falling down with laughter at the sight.

Asami ushered them towards a back room which they had to themselves for the entire evening. They shared greetings and complements on how everyone looked for the evening. Opal found Bolin and shared a kiss before settling at one corner of the table. Mako said hello to everyone. He pulled Kya aside to tell her that Lin was sorry that she would be late arriving. Avan saw the slight drop in her face before recovering. Kya was again surprised to see Pema had already found another drink, some yellowish concoction this time, "How does she do that?" Several staff came around and began taking drink orders and passing around small bites for everyone to get started. Much to Tenzin's relief, Asami had planned ahead for the younger ones and had a room setup adjacent with everything they could want, at least for a few hours.

After everyone appeared settled, Asami stood up. "Everyone, welcome to Platypus Bear Bistro! Tonight we are celebrating the great news that Kya and Avan received that made the creation of their family now official!" Everyone cheered and reiterated "Congratulations". Kya and Avan were both a bit embarrassed by all the attention, but happy to have so many friends close enough to be family themselves and offered thanks to everyone there and those who couldn't be there. Asami continued, "So I don't want to make some long speech or anything, we are all friends. I want everyone to have a great time, the kitchen is open to us. They are awesome here and can put together almost anything you can dream of and a couple things you never could! I hope everyone can stick around through the night for some of "special" courses that we have planned out too!" Avan couldn't help but pick up on how Asami shifted her gaze between Kya, Korra and himself at the mention of special courses, but he had learned it best to not try to resist whatever this group had in store. "Drink up and have a great time!"

Happiness permeated every inch of the room that evening. Plates of food came in and out and drifted around the table. Everyone was up and about talking about daily life, events of the past, plans for the future. Most had a drink in one hand and a fork in the other; sipping, talking and stealing bites off the plate that looked most interesting to them in that moment, then repeat. Even the kids had settled down and circulated around in their own way.

It wasn't long before mischief began to break out as well. Much to everyone's surprise, Avan was the first to instigate, but in his own way, it was some time before people realized he was the one up to it. Using water-bending, he started swapping out people's drinks, many times from one sip to the next, but always managing to do it when no one was paying attention, taking advantage of the inebriation of the group. Somehow, in spite of being probably the least sober of the group, it was Pema, with all the training she had from her kids, that caught Avan spinning a globule of wine that led to his down fall. Although this just sparked another round. Kya couldn't help but comment on the fact that the room held some of the top benders and minds of the world, and they were there whisking chairs out from under one another and pulling other practical jokes. The laughter of it all was infectious.


Later in the evening, Asami and Korra left together, returning after a few minutes. "Ahem," Korra cleared her throat in the most conspicuous manner imaginable, getting most everyone's attention. "Avan, we have prepared a special surprise for you. It is, uhh, being delivered right now if you would be so kind as to get it from the driver out front." Avan of course held nothing but suspicion at this point due to the grins that both she and Asami were wearing from ear to ear. He eyed the two of them, but received nothing in return. "Go on, it should only take a few moments," Asami prodded. Avan signed and relegated himself to whatever it was they had in store for him.

"Do I need anything to carry it in?" Avan innocently asked, assuming it was a dessert or something, as Korra practically shoved him out of the room. "Nope, you'll be fine carrying it all on your own." He was perhaps a bit tipsy, but quickly gathered himself and headed to the large, wooden doors leading out to the street from whence they came earlier in the evening. He could see a car parked out front with the driver waiting by the rear door. When he stepped out of the restaurant, the driver spoke up, "Avan?"

"Yes, that's me," he responded pointing to himself. At that, the driver didn't say a word, but turned and opened the door of the waiting Satomobile. Avan, mouth agape, stood stunned at the top of the steps as a young woman stepped out. "Ziara!" he shouted as tears inexplicably blurred his eyes.

"It's me!" She returned. They speedily closed the distance between one another and shared a tight hug. "It's so good to see you again."

Avan exhaled a trapped breath, "You too, I've...really missed you. Letters are wonderful, but just aren't..." He could feel her nodding in agreement, face buried in his chest. After a few moments, he gathered himself a bit as they finally separated. "You...you look stunning," he declared, taking her in. Ziara blushed. She thought herself to be rather simply dressed in a long, dark red, sleeveless dress with whimsical black floral pattern. It's collar high enough to be modest, while still displaying, highlighting even, the well defined lines of her collarbones. While not truly fitted, the light material seemed to flow over each of her curves and down over her long legs. Over it she wore a short, cream colored jacket, left open, ending just above her hips, with sleeves ending just short of her elbows. Her black hair was shorter now, styled, but left loose.

"You look nice yourself," she commented, examining Avan head to toe. "You still carry your mementos around I see," pointing the small collection tied at his side.

"Both now, old habits you know." Avan reached out to move a few strands of hair that had been blown into her face. She brought her hand up to hold his against the side of her head and shared a smile, "You changed your hair, I like it."

"Well, it was getting too long anyway and just taking too much time to get ready everyday." A light cough came from behind, popping the bubble Avan and Ziara had been living in for the past few moments.

They both seemed to suddenly realize that their shared moments had been between more than just the two of them. Soufa, Ziara's mother, had also stepped out of the car and been watching their exchange while they were nearly entirely oblivious. Avan glanced at the restaurant and found nearly the entire party had noses mushed against the windows watching them. Based on the looks and pointing, he could only imagine what they were suggesting inside. Ziara and Avan dropped their hands and smiled at the whole scene.

"Soufa, it is so good to see you again. Kya will be happy you are here."

"Oh, I know it isn't me that you are so eager to see," she jested, "...and why don't you start calling me 'mom'," she added with a wink. Avan blushed at the suggestion, which elicited a "Mom!" from Ziara.

"Well, why don't we continue inside. I'm pretty sure everyone is itching to meet you." Avan waved his arm to point out the window watchers who were hard to miss. He walked the two of them in, arm in arm.

Everyone filtered back to the private room. Soufa and Ziara offered congratulations to Kya and Avan, then Kya and Soufa exchanged hugs and Kya took her around introducing everyone to her. Avan took the lead introducing Ziara to the rest of the group. Opal, Bolin and Mako all broke out into whispers with one another after they talked. Avan was quite curious what it was they had to say. Meelo seemed to have to reservations about switching his "pretty lady" sights onto Ziara.

"What is Asami going to think if you start calling Ziara 'pretty lady' Meelo?" Avan asked.

"Why can't I have two pretty ladies!" he asserted. They laughed at the comment.

"I guess you'll figure it out eventually." They moved on. "This is Pema, Tenzin's wife and mother of Jinora, Ikki, 'pretty lady' boy there, and Rohan." Ziara offered warm salutations. Pema on the other hand decided to grab the girl in a full body embrace. Ziara appeared slightly uncomfortable, but no worse for wear.

Pema stepped back, "Oh you look wonderful! That dress is beautiful and really suits your figure. I can see why Avan was so smitten by you!" Avan's face turned just another shade more red. "You know, he has had this on-going problem for, it must be a month now, about writing letters to you..." The redness on Avan's face now cranked up to eleven.

Avan stepped in and turned Ziara slightly, "Okay, let's move on...you should meet Tenzin."

"Wait, what is she talking about?" Ziara asked.

"Oh nothing, we can talk about it later."

"Nice to meet you Pema!"

"So nice to meet you too. We'll talk later!" Pema responded with a devious smile, rising a drink to the two of them.

After some time, things settled back down and people were back in the mode of talking with a few drinks and bites to eat in between. Kya, Pema and Soufa all settled in next to each other on an over-stuffed sofa and were deep in conversation. Tenzin had finally embraced his duty for the night and had struck up some kind of bending game with Ikki, Meelo and Rohan and, to everyone's surprise, Mako also joined the group of kids. Korra commented on the whole scene, "I would have never guessed at that. Those are probably the two most serious people in this room and now they are playing a kids game." Asami and Korra examined the two of them as they finally took a seat with them.

"Asami, I wanted to thank you so much for the day at the spa. My mom and I have never really treated ourselves to anything like that, it was amazing!" Ziara offered earnestly. "On top of that, arranging for us to come out to Republic City and arranging time off for us! It was all really just too much, I don't know how we could ever repay you."

"Oh stop, this is a night to enjoy and we were all quite aware of how well the two of you got along with Kya and Avan. I hope you enjoy yourselves and can stay a while in the city. After what you went through dealing with this conspiracy business, Mr. Hazar was more than happy to oblige my request to get you guys some time off."

"Wait, did this have anything to do with why Opal was in the Fire Nation today?" Avan asked.

Asami nodded, "She was the on-site facilitator so to speak."

"I'll have to thank her." Avan glanced over in her direction, seeing Opal and Bolin curled up on a too small loveseat, napping in one another's arms, "Later. Opal has her duties with the Air nation and Bolin is so busy now with Verrick's movers, they only see each other a couple times a week now. Obviously they can sometimes be pretty worn out by then too," Avan explained.

"Asami has this way of getting her way with people," Korra added, wrapping her arms tightly around the dark haired woman, causing Asami to blush just a bit. Avan smiled in agreement. He had to admit, she did have this strange ability to get others to follow her direction, even the most strong willed of those around them. He just chalked it up to the fact she had honed such skills due to her roles at Future Industries nearly her entire life.

"Korra, just how much have you had tonight?" Asami asked with a wide smile on her face.

"More than plenty, but not quite enough!" Korra declared, now hanging off Asami's shoulder, to which the taller one relented and tilted her head back onto the other.

"My one true weakness, right here," she added, pointing to Korra, nuzzling in her neck.

The four of them shared past stories of getting to know one another. Korra was keen on digging up embarrassing events during Avan's training and early days at the Air Temple. "Early on, when he was still getting the hang of his water bending, he tried to show off by diving into a water spout in front of the kids. Instead of making the spout, he pushed all the water out and so he flopped flat into the mud at the base of the beach, then to top it off, it made him lose concentration so the water all came collapsing back on top of him. He nearly drowned himself!" Korra shared.

Avan gave a weak laugh, "Yep, almost killed myself! I still have a scar on my chin from hitting the ground that time."

"Oh, you were never in any real danger with Kya and myself around."

"You know, I never thought about it, but you guys *were* both there! Why didn't you do anything to break my fall?! ..."

The night grew later...

"Wait, so you spar with *the* Avatar?!" Ziara says with surprise and some concern. "You mentioned training in your letters, but maybe you should be a bit more detailed. You are too modest."

"He is," Korra added, messing up Avan's hair. "He's pretty good too! Now, I'm not saying he could go up against the Avatar state or anything," Korra begins flexing her biceps for all to see and Asami "Oo's and ah's," holding her arms, "but he can hold his own and is definitely on the short list of the friends I like to train with...that is those who aren't actually out to kill me or anything."

Avan noticed that Ziara seemed to pull back from the group just a little bit. He placed his hand on hers and spoke quietly to her, "Is something the matter? Are you feeling okay?"

Ziara shook her head, "No...I mean, I'm feeling fine." She glanced at the three of them, realizing she had attracted the attention to herself. "I'm sorry, it's just I have to admit I feel a bit overwhelmed sitting here talking to Avatar Korra, the CEO of easily the largest corporation in the world. Even Avan here spars with you? I guess I'm just feeling a bit...insignificant."

Asami leaned forward and touched Ziara's chin to level her gaze. "Ziara, never discount yourself for anyone and certainly not anyone at this table or in this room. If not for you, we may have never tracked down the group going after Korra and she may well have ended up a slave to their plans. Everyone has their part to play and no one melody is less important than another to drive the world forward." The younger girl became glassy-eyed and smiled. "Maybe Asami really did have some kind of power to truly move people," Ziara thought to herself.

Asami and Ziara became surprisingly close in their short time together. They found quite a lot in common, having lost parents and both, non-benders, being involved to one degree or another with a bender. Asami suggested some ground rules for Ziara about the bending, perhaps a bit more than she needed to know so early in their relationship, but Ziara laughed all the same assuming some of the comments were likely fueled by the night of drinks. They even got along on discussions of business. Ziara felt quite humbled due to Asami's high stature of course, but was amazed at how down to earth she actually was.

"I didn't bring up Future Industries from nothing, my father and many other people contributed to where we are now. What I really appreciate and value is that hard work that people invest. You do the same thing for Slagwerker in your own way. None of it would work without every piece doing their best to move the beast along."

"Oh, don't be so modest. Your father did start the business, but I know that since you have taken over, you have transformed the company into something much more. You practically represent the ideals of working together, change for the better to the nations now. You're really the driving force for pulling the world into a new age. The other companies, despite what they may claim, are just trying to keep up with you." Asami was quite surprised at the assessment she had been offered, hugged the younger woman and offered heartfelt thanks for the candor.

Friendly conversation continued among everyone. One person could hardly keep up with it all. The restaurant had cleared out and their party was the last remaining with just a skeleton staff to keep things going. Everyone had their fill and many were well pickled. They all thanked the chef profusely for the hard work and the delicious food they had enjoyed all night. Sleep was beginning to take over many of their eyes when there was a late knock at the doors of the front room. It was Lin.

"Sorry I'm so late, there was some last minute clean up on a case that required my attention," she announced to the group. "It looks like I've missed most of the evening. I hope none of you are planning to drive yourselves back," she said with her own judging smile.

"Lin! I'm so glad you could make it, you're always welcome!" Asami announced. She hustled off to gather what food items would still be available for Lin and brought her a drink, which she eyed somewhat suspiciously before downing in its entirety, surprising Asami.

"Looks like I have a lot of catching up to do," signaling for another.

Lin made her way around to say hello to everyone and introduced herself to Ziara. She gave Avan a small nod of approval after speaking with Ziara for a few moments. Eventually, she made her way over where Kya, Soufa and Pema were seated and joined the ladies. The small influx of energy that Lin brought to the group endured for another hour or so. Opal and Bolin had fully fallen asleep and the kids were obviously done for the evening as well. Tenzin carefully woke up the sleepy-heads, gave goodbyes and headed out with them. Eventually, Kya asked to talk with Lin privately, leaving Pema and Soufa to continue without them.

Pema placed her hand on Soufa's leg, "They have a few issues to work out on their own. Now the question is what are we going to do about those two?" Pema nodded towards Avan and Ziara who were talking quietly, shoulder to shoulder with legs intertwined.

Soufa assessed the situation, "Oh what can anyone do really. I don't know if they quite realize it yet themselves, but they have fallen for one another. If they can be as close as they are through writing, they will find a way to be together." She patted Pema's leg, "I'm sure you know too. Jinora is it? She is far down that path as well, they all grow up. Mine took a while to get going. I think she was always a bit worried about what would happen to her mother if she became seriously involved with someone, though she would never admit it." The two mothers sat quietly with pleasant smiles on their faces. "So what can you tell me about the Korra and Mrs. Sato? They certainly look close..." Pema perked up and brought her head in close, "Oh, let me tell you about those two..."


Kya and Lin slowly walked a bit down the street from the restaurant. Neither was quite sure how to start and they both had words in mind that wanted release. "Kya," Lin started, "Listen, I know I have been...a bit distant recently. I have just never been good at putting my feelings out..." Kya grabbed the metal-bender's hands and turned her around, face to face.

Kya fixed her stare into Lin's eyes. "Lin, we both have our own issues arising from being a bit hard-headed. You are so selfless that you would rather hurt yourself than see those you care about get hurt themselves. I know I sometimes can get so tied up in things that I can forget the other people involved. I am truly sorry about what I did. I just wasn't thinking. We had been distant for a while and I wasn't sure where..."

Lin sandwiched Kya's cheeks between her palms and pulled her close for a lingering kiss. The two visibly relaxed together, just taking in the feeling of one another until after what seemed like ages, Lin pulled back slightly. "I don't want to dwell anymore on what happened or what we should have done. We never talked, I mean really talked, about what this is between us when we should have long ago." Lin brought the water-bender in close for a hug. "Please, don't think that Avan came between us in any way. That isn't fair to you and isn't fair to him. All I want you to know is that I want to try and open up more to you, as hard as that may be for a crotchety, spinster of a chief." They both finally stopped holding back their tears and pulled one another closer.

"Only if you can put up with this oblivious, emotional old-maid." Through the tears, laughter. "Why do we let these things build up like this before we really talk to one another?"

"I guess in the end we're both pretty stupid when it comes to the people we love, wouldn't you say?"

"The worst! Spirits, Avan and Ziara resorted to nothing but letters and have spent at best a day together their whole lives and I think they have this whole business figured out better than us!" Kya jokes.

"We are sad aren't we..." Lin took a breath and stared up at the night, "Kya, do you think Avan will like me?"

"Lin, he already adores you. Did you forget who was the one that opened up this life for him in the first place? He knows you have everyone's best interests closest to your heart." Kya thinks for a moment, "He's not stupid like us, he had already picked up on 'us' and our rocky times. I think he is a good reader of a person's true nature."

"Sounds like trouble if you ask me."

"Yep, family make the best kind."

The two turned back toward the restaurant to find the rest of the party waiting on the steps, observing the two of them. Grins and goofy faces greeted the two as they approached. Lin stepped up, "Okay that's enough of that!" This only had the opposite effect on the inebriated group. Lin shrugged and decided to just accept it. The group started to pile themselves into the waiting Satolimo. Avan glanced over to Kya and Lin with a grin.

"If it's alright, I am going to stay with Lin. We have some things to work out that we shouldn't be put off any longer." She looked to Lin. "We'll be fine walking; it's a nice night out." Avan walked up to Kya and gave her a hug, "Good night mom, I'm glad you two finally decided to talk." He smiled at Lin, "I know I don't have to mention to keep an eye on Kya for me." Lin responded by rolling her eyes, only increasing the size of Avan's smile.

"Where are you guys staying?" Avan asked Ziara and Soufa stepping into the vehicle.

"Asami set up us in the Republic City Suites, which by the way Asami, is just way over the top for us you know. We didn't need something so lavish," said Ziara.

"Speak for yourself!" Soufa corrected, eliciting a smile from the green-eyed woman. "Ziara, as you get older, you need to learn to just enjoy what life provides you."

They arrived at the hotel to drop off Soufa and Ziara. Avan exited with them. "Will you be staying in the city for a while?"

"Well, we only made arrangements for a couple days, but we'll be here for at least two more days." Avan's face visibly lit up a few degrees at the prospect. "Asami set us up with some mother and daughter time at the spa here tomorrow morning, but I'd hoped to see you again afterwards."

"You should come to Air Temple Island! I would love to show you around, and I can show you where Kya and I work too. I mean if that doesn't sound boring. Or, if you'd rather, we could also hit a couple of the sites around the city before you have to head back. Or if you already had plans, we could..." Ziara smiled at Avan's flustered response, trying to plan out an entire day on spur of the moment.

"That all sounds great," Ziara responded, "I'd love, I mean, we'd like to see the Air Temple," she corrected looking to her mom since it was her vacation too. Soufa had made her way to the lobby while the two had hung back. "I guess I should head up with mom for the night, it's been a long day. Avan, I really had a good time tonight and I had been wanting to see you again after all this time, congratulations again." Ziara slow began her turn toward the lobby and Avan seized the moment to grasp her hand. He paused for the briefest moment to scan for any hesitation, and seeing none, he gently placed his hand on Ziara's back and coaxed her in close. She naturally closed her eyes as the distance between their faces vanished. Her soft hair brushed his face; sweet, intoxicating smell. Heart pounding, chest tightened. Lips met tenderly forever for an instant. Relax, joy. Their eyes opened to shared happiness. Ziara was unable to close her lips as the smile, stretched by her blushed cheeks, prevented it. Finally, Ziara moved to depart, arms stretching to maintain contact as long as possible. "Good night Avan."

"Good night Ziara."

After she disappeared into the hotel lobby, Avan made his way back to the car, now slightly more empty. He was unable to tame the enormous smile pasted on his face, but really had not desire to do so either. Approving grins greeted him from all sides as he settled down in the back next to Pema. He rolled his eyes at the collective group as the car headed back to the docks. Inside, his spirit was happier than he could ever recall, it felt as if his chest would burst. He couldn't even recall what or if anyone said anything to him the rest of the night. His mind was elsewhere as he stared at the passing cityscape, thinking on the evening and the next day.

"She's got 'em; he's a hopeless case now," Korra whispered to Asami, wrapped up in her lap. "Undeniably," Asami agreed, "...you're a hopeless case." Korra rested her head down on Asami's lap, "Yep, I wouldn't want it any other way..."