Chapter fourteen: The flat issue
I arrived in the headquarters, the night shift was starting its work and so I went straight to Captain Saikhan, for he was the commanding officer in the Chiefs usual absence. Why – well, Captain Mochee did not work on night in which a moon could be seen! The Headquarters were busy, everybody in a cheerful mood. They had arrested the most vicious criminal in the citys history. Yakone was in jail, this rumor had rung through the street like a bell. Chief Bei Fong and the whole metalbending corps had arrested the man inside kuangs cuisine. He had not even put up a fight – much to my disturbance. The stories then still cursed through shangyang spoke of another man. Of a waterbender sekond to none – of a man who stood his ground and fought despite the odds against him. To be short of a true son of the Yurak tribe!
The monsoons were silent, as were the triple theats. It was to be seen which new heads the two gangs would grow, or if the would persish and make room for the terra triad. The terras were young, consisting of the remains of the woukou who had abandoned the seas for good. I walked in there and was patted on the back by nobody else than Ping. „Eh Lee. Whats up partner. Have heard you made quite the appearance yesterday." He shrugged. I just stayed silent – quite teh appearance sounded so positive. I just had let a man die an me – there was nothing heroic about the whole shit. If any silly idiot had the idea to offer me a medal I would tell these guys how sick the whole concept behind it was. Heh – you are good at killing, lets give you some piece of metal and throw feast.
„Was it really that bad man – or why the spirits did you not even celebrate with us?" he asked. I did not know what he expected me to say – that I cried like a fucking baby? „Was a rough day Ping. Really. So what is on the table for tonight?" I asked him. „Guess a round of corners and pai cho. For you – are off duty, as are all guys who went in yesterday. You know one of the officers stayed dead." he spoke far from being his bubbly self. It made you think when one of you colleagues was killed doing his job. I nodded. „Did not see it. Have the people already started a donation. Is there a funeral we should attend?" I asked him. Ping shrugged. „We have passed around a hat, if you mean that one Lee. But I guess the family does not want a bunch of cops on the funeral. Do not even know the guy. Was some Metalbender, name was Hishihito something.." Ping explained. A name I never had heard.
„May he move on in peace." I spoke shrugging. The man was dead – which was sad but life went on. And of course I had been aware that there was the possibility of my early death in the peolice force. „So I am off Ping – I suppose I will check this one with Captain Saikhan." I stated dryly. „Can imagine that some guys simply take a day off because they do not want to see their badge again." I answered with a frown. „Thinking about quitting Lee?" he asked me, suddenly serious. „Man – the job is not that bad, come one it was cool when we do usual business, the people like us." he tried to peptalk me. I just chuckled. „If I thought about quitting Ping, I would not even be here." He seemed calmed by my words. I arrived at the office of the Captain. „By the way Ping, why do you have to work – new partner?" I asked him. He shrugged. „Izumi – this mean monstrosity." he sighed almost depressed. „Izumi is not that mean Ping. She just wants to be treathed like a woman - you know man." I explained while realizing that Ping most definitely had no idea about what I was talking.
He proved me right. „Man – I do not want to fuck her! Yuck – those pictures!" he whined. I just slapped his head. „How on earth Ping..." I trailed off and knocked on the Captains door. „Come in." his voice was bored. I entered. „Officer Bei Gao reports to duty Sir." I saluted. He looked at me and laughed. „You should go home lad." he stated and locked eyes with me. „If you think your flashiness is appreciated you are wrong Bei Gao." he stood up and stared down on me. „You should remember your place Officer." he made a pause, while I felt my guts turn. It was always a bad idea to piss your superior off. „You will always be below my boot, so do not squirm – got me?" he snarked. Even though I wanted to polish the face of this arrogant prick with his own fucking teeth I bowed low. „I never meant any disrespect against you sir." I answered my voice blank. „I can not hear you – show me." he stated sneering. What the fuck did this guy want? Was humiliation not enough for him? „What do you want from me sir?" I asked him. He chuckled.
„Now we are in business – first of all – for a dirty steetkid like you it is MY LORD! Second – if you are onto something besides pickpockets and little thugs you let ME arrest them. Otherwise you will not be into this force for long Bei Gao, for I will make it my sole purpose." he leaned closer. „To prove that you are the criminal scum your kind always is." he whispered. I almost felt fear of this man, whose green eyes were gleaming with glee as my head touched the floor. „As you wish my Lord." I responded. „Good kid – and now get your filthy ass out of my presence. - and do not even think to work today." he commanded. I obeyed – I knew how easy it was for somebody like Saikhan to fake some evindence and get me into jail for good. Not even the Chief could clean me if somebody found opium in my room, or a bloodied knife. I felt sad and agry for – I really should have seen this coming! Of course good officers were exploited by their superiors and to be frank I found nothing wrong with it. I just was pissed about the obvios , humiliating way in which this bloody bastard was doing it!
Thing was – I could not rely on the Chief, if I tried that I just would get burned. Why – well, Toph Bei Fong was the Chief of police, but she was not the backbone of the force, the backbone were her Captains. And if the people found out that Lee Bei Gao – for some unfathomable reasons – was friends with the Chief, it would just lead to everybody hating my guts! Or, what was even worse than plain hate – it would inflict jealousy. I just went out the office. „Whats it Lee?" Ping asked me. I just sighed. „Well – lets say we are working for Captain Saikhans report now. And Ping – if you do not, I will personally remove your balls." I stated dead serious. I could not allow myself a backstabbing partner, Ping bragging about auch achievements would lead to me being blackmailed. „Eww what?" my partner was startled. „Well – made too well an appearance on my first days. So – every real criminal we turn in. Every fucking yuan we confiscate will get directly to Saikhans desk!" I snarled. Ping eyed me, fear plain evindent in his eyes. It hurt to threath a pal like this, but nevertheless I had to do it.
„Why that? Whats the fucker gonna do if we do not? Lee – stop being a sissy!" Ping griped, he almost wanted to turn and beat Saikhan up. I raised my hands. „Easy there man. Easy." I calmed. „What he will do? Well – he will bring us in jail. Do you know what it takes a guy like him to write something in our report, some looting and bribing? Do you think he could not smuggle some opium in our rooms and get us in for twenty years?" I sneered happy that I could kick at somebody else. Bings face became pale. „But he is a cop – he would never do something like that." he stated weakly. I just chuckled. „Man – there are a lots of assholes under the badge. And furthermore it is common that the Captain gets stuff provided from his underlings right?" I asked him. He balled his fists. „But this is not fair." Ping bitched. I almost blew the lid – of course it was not fair. But the world was not fair – the world was uggly sometimes! „Can not change that one Ping." I shrugged. „But fuck it pal – we know what we are doing. So just do the stuff – and furthermore, if you stick with Izumi you will have no problem." I answered him. Of course I did not want another partner, for Ping had proven trustworthy, something that made me oversee his faults.
But it was just proper to give him the option to leave me with honor. I could also work with somebody else, or if necessary - alone. „You think I am honorless Lee?" Ping asked me quirking an eyebrow. „Nope- we are in this shit together shorty, and you should say a proper thank you to Ping Hungju for not letting you down." He grinned. These words made the whole situation bearable, for I knew that I had somebody at my back. „Thank you Ping. I really appreciate this buddy." I spoke in a soft tone I mostly reserved for Yumi. Ping just patted my back. „Screw it Lee, and you should make yourself a nice day man. I have to catch up to our titaness. And if you hang out in here I will personally bend your sorry ass outside, got me?" he did not speak playful at all. „Why so serious about that Ping?" I asked him baffled.
„I am not silly Lee. I know you were quite shaken yesterday. Almost all people in the hostage rescue team were. Cut yourself some slack shorty, you damn well need it." he told me. I almost flushed red like a little boy. Ping had hit home, with an accuracy that showed he actually was a sharp guy. He made a halfturn „Ey I talked with our nice opium dealer yesterday. He says something big is on with the monsoons. They and the Triple treats seem to part ways. Heard something about a guy namen Thai -Thong or something like that. The man was righthand of Yakone and now went away with a lot of money." Ping told me. „And yeah – he takes the Triple treats as his property, too." He shrugged. „Do not know what to make of this though." he scratched his chin. I just shrugged. „Me neither Ping. Nice you dug this up man. I will give myself a good thinking about that one." I answered. Ping strode away and I left the Main quarters and returned to the bunks. Yumi of course was rather pleased to see me now.
I changed into my robes and prepared myself for a rather dangerous topic. „Eh Yumi, I have told you about this guy named Sokka right." I started, my head racing. Of course she caught me before I was up to something. „What is it you want from me Lee." she turned around frowning . I just shrugged – it was the slightly annoyed frown, not the furious frown. In fact Yumi had eight different frowns and I knew them all by heart. „I want to introduce you to councilman Sokka and I want to clean the flat issue with him." I explained, but Yumi did not let me get away that easily. „And what exactly is the flat issue Lee?" she was still frowning, but now it was just the skeptical frown."Uh- yeah. Well – as is stated you are not officially allowed in here, well if we are formal you are but..." I stammered. „What the ever living fuck Lee? I do not get anything?" she interjected. I breathed deeply chuckling. I had told this girl why I had problems with girly girls, why I hated public kissing and where my scars came from, not to remember a lot of depressing or embarrassing stories she mostly was somehow conneted with. So why was I stammering? I chuckled at that. „You are right – I am acting hilarious." I admitted. A sly grin was playing around her mouth as she gulped down a snarky remark.
„Nevertheless this is embarrassing for I should have gotten you a decent place before you arrived." I admitted speaking rather silent. My girlfriend punched my arm. „Come on Lee I am no damsel in distress!" she grumbled. „No – that was not what I wanted to say girl. Just - well I was the one behind this whole moving action right? So I should make it as comfortable for you as possible." I answered. Yumi shook her head chuckling her melodic chuckle that warmed my insides. „You really are one of a kind Bei Gao Lee. You know it is nothing a girl can expect you to do - do you?" she asked me in earnest. I was baffled – what was she even talking about? „Please what?" I was slighly offguard, also because Yumi nibbled on my earlobe. „You know – I – I did not expect you to write or such stuff." she whispered. I just ruffled her hair. „Sometimes you are an idiot Adachi Yumi." I chuckled. „Who besides you would put up with ME?" I joked, I actually knew that there were women who would – and not just uggly looking ones.
But I did not want some random girl and Yumi – I could not believe that she had doubted me. „So come on Yumi – if we proceed this, we will never get to the councilman." I stated decisive and pushed her away from my face. Yumi did frown. „Aww stormy." she pouted. „No stormy time – business time." I answered and got the finger from her. „ Yeah Yeah I know what you think of me... Furthermore I am allowed to choose. You got three in a row lady." I answered with a sly grin. „And I say that it will be cuddle and not fuck your brains out time this evening!" Yumi snorted. „You are no fun Mr. Prudeness." she snickered, mumbling something under her breath. I rolled my eyes at that one. „So are you coming with me or not?" I asked while I tried to look as cute as possible. „I will visit your fancy pants rich friend. But tell me Lee, will you make HIM pay our flat?" she frowned again. Yumi hated getting something for free – in fact she had to be very happy that I sent the money for the tickets.
Otherwise I would have gotten a good shouting about this up till now. „He has to pay some debts. In fact he killed my friendship with Bumi and ruined all plans regarding my father. So yeah – he will pay the first month, or we are moving in with him. Fuck his status." I was determined to do so. Yumi sighed defeated. „You are serious with this right? But I will move out after this month Lee. And better make such begging not you habit." she told me with iron in her voice. I nodded. „Thanks Yumi." awarded her with a sloppy kiss that just made her frown. „Asshole." she bickered while I chuckled, that woman was overaffectionate, something that was said to go along with being a firebender. So we made our way, silently sneaking out of the bunks. I followed Yumi after some time and we met up outside again. I offered her my arm what she awarded with a snort. „I am not sixty boy." she snickered.
„Yes you really are into romantic things Yumi. You know – maybe I should consult the Avatars wife about some things. You know flowers – candles..." I teased her, Yumi whined. „Lee – stop this crap or I will just start getting friendly right now." she purred while wrapping herself around my chest. „YUMI – that is embarrassing." I yelped turning a deep purple. I hated it when she started playing slutty in public, even though almost all people were perfectly fine with kissing couples in the streets - it just made my heart sting. Yumi of course did just know that I felt awkward – I feared telling her the truth. She had mercy on me and kept just walking besides me. We made it all the way up to Kantu hills. But we took some time for the Councilman surely was working today. It was nice to explore the city together and Yumi was gleeful like a little child about all the fascinating things that were presented.
Artists performing in the streets for free, paid by store owners. Stores selling shoes we both had not seen alike in our lives. Everything had a different taste here – it was as if something new arose around us. It was on this day I realized that the time of kings and Lords was nearing its end. In republic City the power belonged to people – not to dynasties and I had the feeling that it would be desastrous if the citizens of the other nations noticed that. Despite all the bickering in the council the people were more prosperous than anywhere else – the technology was searing ahed of even the Firenation. And all this in twenty short years – it was not for me to imagine how this city would look when I was the Councilmans age. „This is so cool Lee- look at this thing." Yumi cheered pointing at rattling machine. I did not figure out what it was at first. It was open, a drum with a wooden constructionspinning - powered by a tiny steamengine, which puffed steadily. The water was heated, while the wooden construction swirled clothes through soapy water. It was a machine that could do half the washing, that came in quite handy for the girls. Yumi stared at the machine with so much joy I would have bought it if I had had the money.
„Yumi – I guess we have to walk on." I poked her shoulder, while she turned. „Why such a hurry Lee. This city is so awesome- what kind of guys can design such a thing?" she asked me. I shrugged. „People who know more of mechanics than me. The priciples behind this are quite simple. If you heat air, it wants to expand. If something hinders it, pressure is generated. With pressured air you can push a piston, a valve can release the air – or in our case the mostly vapourized water. The piston slides back, and with some crancy mechanics you create a spinning motion out of this. The spinning motion turns the wood in the middle." I told her. Yumi eyed me blinking. „Where did you learn this Lee?" she asked me. I shrugged. „School. We had physics and even though I am quite the loser at it I got that much." I admitted frankly. Yumi looked saddened. „I wished I were intelligent like you." she mumbled. I nudged her hard. „Nonsense Yumi – you are as sharp as I am – everybody has things he can not do properly. Have you seen my paintings?" I asked her. She giggled.
„They look like the ones you get from toddlers." she answered smugly. „Just trample on my feelings.." I bickered on. I was happy to have avoided the reading topic. Nevertheless it made me wonder why she simply could not read. Yumi knew the signs, she knew them all – but she simply could not piece them together. When we came near Kantu hills Yumi became silent. The houses were bigger and more beautiful than any she had seen her whole life. The securityforces of course spotted us. Three bulky men arrived. „What do you want here." One of the grunted unfriendly. „Do the gardening work for Councilman Sokka. He wants a new Pond for his imported Koi." I stated talking, locking eyes with the man.
I was calm – what should the guy do? „Eh – are you no cop kiddo?" another one asked. I was not startled by this. „Yep – but somehow a man has to earn a decent living.A Steamcar is an expensive hobby." I answered, the men chuckled at this. „No problem, get a go." the man answered. As we had passed the men Yumi released a sigh. „How can you be such a smart ass with guys like these? You really have changed a lot Lee." she spoke wideeyed. „Why not Yumi? What should these guys do – beat me up for nothing? Furthermore I already was on patrol here. These men do know how to behave." I explained. „This is not shangyang or the dragonflats. So no great change at all." I shrugged and we walked on. „What is this giant stone thing?" Yumi asked giggling. „That is Omashu." I sighed without looking in the direction. Yumi giggled. „Lee – Omashu is a city, everybody knows that." she nudged me. „Yep – and this is a model, look at the train systems and the palace. The guys there are decendants of some kid of a long dead King of Omashu. So they build the city in their frontyard." I shrugged. Yumi actually went over there, simply walking throught the frontyard until she reached the big stones. „Geez – you even are right Lee." she admitted cursing in Nidhongo.
I laughed „I am not kidding you that often Yumi." I answered. Finally we arrived Chairman Sokkas house and Yumi did not want to step up to his door. „Lee- we can not simply knock on a Lords door. They will whip us out of here, if we do not go into prison." She chlutched my arm. „If the Councilman wanted to see you he would invite you." She whimpered. „Its ok Yumi. The guy is nice. And nobody will arrest you for anything." I chuckled. „This is not Ba Sing Se – there are no noble rights in republic city. At least no written ones." I stated. She blinked. „D – does that mean a noble man is not allowed to rape any peasant girl he wants?" she asked me. It was rather satisfactory to answer. „Nope – in fact I could lock everyone who tried this up." Yumi was baffled, then she lifted her chin. „Than lets visit this Sokka guy." she spoke. I was halfway at the door by now. I pressed the bell buttan while Yumi looked for a gong.
She shrieked as the sound of the bell rang. „Spirits – what is this?" she almost yelled. I laughed, in fact I had reacted rather similar when I heard my first bell in phsysics class. „It is a bell – please do not ask Sokka how it works." I pleaded – I guessed he could talk half an hour about that topic. It took a while until a servant opened the door. The man eyed us suspiciously. „What do you want?" he asked. „I want to visit Councilman Sokka, you may say Lee Bei Gao is waiting." I answered politely. „And I am his girlfriend." Yumi stated with eyes that screamed – do not dare to let me wait outside! The servant was startled. „I am sure the Councilman had told me if he awaited such – guests." he spoke, clearly looking down on our rather cheap clothing. „What is your name?" Yumi snapped. The Servant flinched.
„Spill it." She hissed making quite the performance. „Hu, Hu Ji." he answered. „So Hu Ji – either you behave like the polite servant you should be or I will tell the Councilman what a snobby little prick is doing his doorwork." she stated looking quite intimidating. I just frowned along with her. „I suppose Sokka will not be happy about this little trouble – but have it your way." I added. „Ehm- I – I will ask the councilman. Maybe he had forgotten to tell me – he is a hard working man." the servant apologized himself. He retreated behind the heavy door. It took some time until the door was opened again. A tall woman eyed us. She looked firenation, amber eyes and all. So that was Sokkas wife. The woman looked strict and snobby. „You want to speak with my husband?" she asked wrinkling her nose as if she was eying some hobos. „If that is Counciman Sokka you are right." Yumi answered snidely. The woman glared daggers at her. Why had that girl to be so blunt! I almost regretted telling her that here no noble privileges did exist. „Of course I am." she bitched indignated.
„But my husband is out of house, I find no joy in your presence. Return another time if you insist." She snarked and closed the door. I laughed as Yumi threw herself into a queenly poture. „I find no joy in your presence - filthy scum!" she huffed quite authentic. I started laughing loudly, while I retreated from the frontyard, Yumi following me. „If this Sokka guy is the manly version of this bitch I will not speak a word with him, got that Lee." she snarked. I finally got a hold on myself again. „No – he is quite the nice guy. Drew a bad lot with his wife. Was an arranged marriage." I explained her. Yumi snorted. „How can any guy do such a bullshit?" she asked. I did not bother to explain, mostly because I could not understand it myself. „Politics." I sighed. „He has a girlfriend though – he and his wifey, well they live in the same house, that is all I suppose." I chuckled. Yumi shook her head.
„People are crazy." I just could nod to that. „So we head home?" Yumi asked. I shrugged. „Lets stop by at his Girlfriends house. I suppose he is there." I explained. „He is four days a week if I recall correct." I explained. „She lives around here? I thought these rich guys kept their bitches away from home." she stated bluntly. O sprits – if she had spilled that in front of Chief Bei Fong! My guts turned around at the lone thought! „Why do you look so queasy Lee?" she asked me. „I just thought at the destruction that might have caused if you had spilled it in front of Chief Bei Fong." I admitted silent. „What has your boss to do with – geez seriously?" she asked. I just nodded confirmative. When we arrived at the Bei Fong manison she started giggling.
„What kind of freaking castle is this? And those giant stones in the frontyard.." I mused if it had been a bad idea to take her with me. I shrugged. „Its better than buidling temples in ones garden – and yeah my father does this kind of thing. Air temple island is the strangest place I ever visited." I explained. „Stranger than the yellow koi?" she asked. „Yeah, much stranger than a place where men fuck each other. Even though not nearly as disgusting – that even stuck with me being totally drunk." I answered with vigour. „Aww come on Lee – its fun to watch, too bad I am stuck with a prude gramps like you." Yumi whined. „You knew that beforehand girl." I sung. She just rolled her eyes dramatically. Than we started hammering at the gong. It took some time – the door was opened. Lin stood there, her face lighting up in an instant. „Leeeee." she squealed and tackled me into a rather manly hug, a hug nevertheless. „Spirits boy, I thought we were friends no more." she mumbled.
I released her as I heard this. „And why that Lin?" I asked her. She had nothing to do with my problems with Avatar Aang -erm my father. She did not look into my eyes, I could not blame the girl. „Well uh." she shuffled her feet. „My boyfriends father just abandoned you. And well – I yipped around about being put behind my little sister. You must think we all are a pitiably bunch of sissies." she admitted almost whispering. I had to chuckle at this one, nevertheless there was a pleasant warmth in my chest. „You are laughing?" Lin stated finally noticing Yumi standing next to me. „And who is that?" she asked with big eyes. „I am Yumi – the terrible ball and chain who takes this poor guys freedom." she stated with a slight tilting of her head. „Oh.. I thought you were." Lin stopped. I just crooked an eyebrow. Yumi did so,too. Lin flushed. „N- noting." she stammered. „Just spill it girl." I poked again.
„Or I take little TenTen into the Dragonflats, even if I have to tie him up." I treathened. „Fuck you Lee." Lin growled protective. „Not without me girl." Yumi interjected purring. „Actually it would be a great idea.." she trailed off. I just rolled my eyes. „You will never stop it – will you?" I sighed. „Bet your ass pretty boy. " She grinned superior. I just rose my middlefinger at that. Lin looked at us wideeyed, were we behaving strange?
„And where is my hug? Come on girly girls always do the tits check." Yumi bantered happily. Now it was Lins turn to raise the finger. „In your dreams girl." Yumi chuckled. „Yeah – decent describes her Lee." She told me silent. Lin nevertheless heard it I supposed. „And why have you decided to come here today? I mean – you had a really harsh time yesterday." Lin asked. Yumi had a hand on my arm. „Yeah – but some guys have to do the job right?" I shrugged. I did not want to tell her – she would find out herself. Sadly she would – but that day would come early enough. „You are right. So – we are in for some inns in the Docks or what?" Lin asked. „What – with Ten Ten?" I asked her wiggling my eyebrows. „His name is Tenzin." Lin snapped. „No – of course not. But he has his shitty meditation day! Curse this air nomad customs and their – run away from the world mentality." she griped. Yumi almost giggled at this.
„Have some pity girl – its their first month." I whispered into her ear. She stifled a grin with an heroic effort. „Say – is Sokka there? I have to do some business with him." I stated while I stifled my anger. This guy would suffer a bit – I would make sure of it. Lin stopped. „Yes he is there. But he just wanted the best for all of you Lee. He just is a dork sometimes." Lin stated. „I have noticed that. A smart dork still is a dork." I grinned wickedly. „And he will pay a flat for the two of us. Or he can explain his lovely woman why some strange people are in his bedroom and kick everybody else out." I huffed. Lin giggled at this. „Why that? Do you not earn enough?" she asked me.
„The point is Yumi is here now – and my money comes next month. Its just for the first month, we can not live in the bunks together. Even though your mother said its no problem there is no protocol for this." I explained. Lin just shrugged. „As a Bei Fong I say fuck protocol." she begun. „See – this girl is in line with me. At least someone with common sense." Yumi interjected. I just sighed. „YOU have not to deal with the stuff, so keep quiet women." I frowned. In the meanwhile we had almost reached the manison. We entered the living room. Yumis eyes bulged. Nevertheless she kept silent. „Have a seat guys, I will go to get uncle – I hope he and Mother are not into the sloppy stuff. That would be unbearable." Lin stated gravely. I had to stifle a grin at that. Lin went upstairs and returned rather soon.
The Councilman followed, he looked rather miserable, like a child which feared being scolded. Yumi seized him up. „Dont be too harsh Lee." she nudged me. I just rolled my eyes at her. I was not even sure I could kick at this miserable figure! „Have you something to say Concilman." I spoke dryly. He flinched at the word Councilman as if I had kicked him between the legs. „I – I really am sorry Lee." he whined actually falling to his nees. He bowed low. „I humbly beg for your forgiveness." his voice was so pitieable I started to feel bad. Yumi clearing her troath and glaring at me made it not better. „Geez man – stop kissing the floor. Just forget it. We are all alive and well, I just hope Bumi gets over his silly pouting sometimes." I could not chugg down that one.
Sokka rose. He was wringing his hands. „I really hope so. I am thankful Lee – in fact he finally did joing the forces. You managed that much. I am really happy he finally stood up against his fathers ideals, to pursue his own." he paused. „Also I would have preferred he had not directed his anger at you,too. I mean – you are the guy who got fucked in all of this." he sighed. Much to my marvelling there was no rage burning in my chest. I did not even get teary. I was calm – it seemed I was able to accept the past. „I was." I admitted. „And who is this beautiful young Lady?" Sokka asked, managing a polite bow. Yumis cheeks got a slight pink – I almost wanted to swear at that. „This is my girlfriend Yumi." I introduced her, even though Sokka undoubtedly had figured that out as he laid his eyes on her.
„It is an honor my lady." he spoke, I almost snorted at the my lady comment. „Yeah – uhm thanks I guess.. Lord Councilman." Yumi answered unsure. The Councilman started chuckling, while lin was shaking in hysterical laughters. She did not even get a hold on herself. „Oh I am being very impolite, so please have a seat. You like tea?" he asked. I just nodded. Yumi flushed brightly. I just patted her shoulder comforting. „Please. It is Sokka for family." he answered making perfect puppyeyes. „If you insist Sokka, so I would like some tea." she answered feeling a bit uneasy. Sokka disappeared at once, while line was panting heavily.
„C- C- Councilman. L – Lord -C..." she started giggling again, while tears streamed down her face. Yumi frowned, while she fought with laughter herself. „Shut the fuck up girl. I am just being polite." she rambled. I just sat there and enjoyed the painting of the Earthern palace. Sokka returned with the steaming tea and loads of food. Dryed meat? Seriously? It was not even midday. Yumis eyes lit up at that – this girl belonged to the sort of people that could begin the day with a slice of stew! I considered that almost scary. I took my steaming cup, while Yumi started crunching the almost black looking meat. „Its delicious Stormy." she piped. I just frowned an indignated frown – this cursed nickname was making me hilarious! Sokka just ignored it and even Lin seemed not to notice it, while I was fighting Yumis advance off. „No – I will not try meat at that time." I hissed silent.
„And no fucking sloppy action in public." Yumi just grinned mischievously and stuffed herself, leaving me be. Half the meat was gone in few minutes. The Councilman of course crunched the stuff himself. There was not much speaking. Lin had decided to get herself some kind of cake. So I sat there with my tea as the Chief of police headed downstairs. Her hair was sticking in every possible direction, her eyes closed. She passed us as if nobody was there and disappeared into another room. I just gulped – what was that? Had I angered her that much I was death to her? „What was that?" I asked. Sokka answered violently chugging down the content of his mouth. „Nothing – she just is sleepy." he continued to eat.
Sleepy? Did that mean she had not even noticed us? „You are kidding me, that woman was barely two steps away from us, she had to see us." Yumi was puzzled. „My mother is blind – and her earthbending sight – yeah – it is different to see this way. You have to focus you know." Lin explained. I hated bender babbling - bending was a tool, not a whole fucking lifestyle! „So be it." I sighed in defeat sharing an understanding look with Sokka, while Lin babbled on with gusto.
Yumi was fascinated and even asked questions, which made the whole thing much worse. I silently got up and waved the councilman to follow me, he did soon. Now I could speak about serious matters without being interjected, it was a pleasant though unexpected opportunitiy. „So whats up Lee. Nice girl you have there." he stated an patted my shoulder I just jerked his hand away. „Fuck man – stop groping me." I whined. The Councilman just chuckled to himself. „We have a problem now Yumi is here Sokka." I spoke far less determined than I had thought. He looked at me. „Being?" he asked. „Well – I am broke till the end of the month and we need a flat. Yumi can not live in the bunks, it is not allowed." I explained.
„Is it? Toph rambled about this topic some days ago Lee. But - no problem kid. How much do you need? A thousand?" he asked me. I dropped my jaw. The man was offering me thousand yuan as if it was nothing? „Come on Lee – just some yuans. Your brothers got a lot more from me." he stated, crossing his arms. I had found my vioce again. „No – no fity , sixty yuan are enough." I raised my arms. It was still a lot of money I was asking for. At least it felt that way for me. „And Bumi is your nephew Sokka, I am not." I corrected him. „Huh? You are as much my nephew as he is – Azumi is my niece and she is just the kid of my bro!" he waved his hands along with his words. My throath consticted. This guys heart was as big as his chest – I simply could not get him. Nevertheless I was grateful to make his aqqaintance.
„Thousand yuan are nothing fancy Lee- not for me." he sounded serious. „You know – I have no children, will never have. So why save things up?" he asked. I answered without thinking. „Lin and her sister? They would be your heirs would they?" I asked. Sokka laughed at that. „You are smarter than this usually." I crooked an eyebrow and started thinking again. „I enlighten you Lee – both daughters of Toph will have more than enought to be taken care of when her mother dies. You know – the Bei Fongs are even richer than me and Aang – which not many people can say for themselves." he explained. Of course, what would thousand yuan matter to somebody who owned millions? I facepalmed myself. „Right – they might quarrel about your favourite steamcar someday but not over your bankaccounts." I chuckled.
„Se where I am getting Lee? So why not spread the money while I am alive and see it cause joy. Heck – it was made for this purpose!" he spoke determined. There was nothig I could answer furthermore I felt joy surging through my veins. For thousand yuan I could buy furnitures that did not look like it came out of a dumpster. „So – you would lend me thousand yuan? I got you right about that one?" I asked almost mumbling. „Lend? Fuck you Lee its a present!" he snapped. I blushed like a little child and bowed low. „Come on kid – you could at least give me a hug, that is what good nephews do! Damn it – you are more into the nobody touch me business than Zuko was back the day!" he bickered. I just stood there. I obeyed him feeling really awkward. I tore myself free after two clasps on the back. Sokka just laughed. „What?" I griped. Sokka shook his head, greying hair whipping around in his wolftail.
„Hard to imagine you carry the same blood as Aang. I never even imagined an airbender could be that – uh – manly." he stated scratching his head. „Um thanks." I started staring out in the garden. „Knowing just Aang and Tenzin I thought all Air bender would be gentle like little girls."he explained. I just chuckled. „Come on Sokka – Yumi calls me a sissy boy almost every day. You have to start factbending if you want to be taken serious as a scientist." I bickered. „What? All these farts in Ba Sing Se do not even know what an empiric survey is – and they write anthopology books!" he bitched. „Fuck – one of the physics professors there could not tell me why you can not divide by zero." he bickered. „Can you?" I shot back. „No – nobody can, because we have postulated it is not possible for otherwise the number zero had not fucking excuse for existing!" he rambled on.
„But these incompetend idiots have not half the witts of some ordinary engineer. And they whorship themself as genuises." he rambled. „You know. Yumi and me stole some Jade statues out of the art gallery at the university." I grinned at our biggest coup. „What? Come on guy -I want to know that one." he almost begged. „Ask Yumi – she tells it much better than me. If Lin has finished bending." I sighed. „Kid – you have no idea how long it takes to change the topic away from bending when a Bei Fong is on the table." he pinched his nose in despair.
Note:
So here I go again. I hope I did surprise at least someone with the little twist. Yeah – that is how official work goes – never be smarter than your boss. NEVER! And if you wonder – Yumi is a woman so in that time she does the household, it is usual that way which means the would love a half automatic washing machine (too lazy for transator...). Also we are onto something. Lin actually is rather girly – she was just raised very boyish. By the way Am I the only one who thinks that Zuko was raised the only proper way for otherwise he always would have been a total whimp?