Celebrations were in full swing at the Royal Palace Grand Hall. It was, without a doubt, the party of the year. Family, friends, and distinguished guests from around the world gathered to enjoy the festive side of the nuptial ceremony. Expectations ran high for such a high-profile event as the union between the president of the Earth Provinces and Republic City's premier industrialist. It was the type of activity that would assuredly fuel the presses' feeding frenzy with plenty of material to fill the pages of the society columns for weeks to come, obsessively covering every minutia from the VIP guest list to the fashions on display. Fortunately for the organizers, months of painstaking preparation were finally paying off with resounding success. The initial controversy and doubts that had once arisen from some conservative members of Kuvira's cabinet with the announcement of the first high-profile same-sex-nuptials of the nation was now a faded memory, and the concern that some people's intolerance might tarnish the occasion fortunately never came to be. The former Earth Kingdom showed it was wiser and far more willing to move with the times than many had given it credit for, a fact that made Kuvira immensely proud of her people.
After an afternoon of dancing, feasting, and too many pictures taken to even keep track of, Asami was finally taking a breather. Following her first dance with Kuvira as newlyweds, a long list of dance partners lined up. Next came the congratulations and the speeches and later, a banquet that featured some of the best cuisines from Republic City and the Earth provinces after gathering some of the most talented chefs for the occasion. Judging from Bolin's awestruck face, it exceeded everyone's expectations.
Between the pictures and the good wishes and the dancing, Asami barely had a moment of peace since she left the temple. Her mind had been sunk into such a blur of frantic activity for the last few hours, she felt lightheaded for a moment. By the looks of it, Kuvira wasn't faring much better either. The way she subtly arched a brow at Asami as she politely endured Raiko's ramblings spoke of her wife's growing exasperation with the situation at hand. They both deserved a break, so once she exchanged knowing glances with Kuvira again, Asami made a beeline towards the powder room "to retouch her makeup" as she told Opal. Kuvira had been just making her way through the crowd with a wicked grin perched on her lips when Baatar suddenly intercepted her. She shot an icy stare at her former second-in-command, but he remained undaunted, claiming (rightfully) she still owed him a dance. Kuvira directed a dismayed glance at Asami. Giggling, she shrugged playfully in response, leaving no option to Kuvira but to concede defeat, returning to the dance floor to fulfill her side of the bargain.
Now, as she took a moment to rest her aching feet, Asami's glance swept over the hall from her vantage point at the seat of honor. The dance floor was crowded with people as the orchestra played an extensive set of high-energy tunes. Many guests engaged in lively chats, some fueled by some exquisite fire wine, while others mingled around meeting again with friends and acquaintances. Others, like Tenzin and Pema, along with Tonraq and Senna, seemed to be lost in the joyful remembrances of their nuptials, sharing dreamy looks as they held hands. Asami remembered how the older couples joined her and Kuvira on their first official dance. She sensed a message of hope and happiness directed towards them in the gentle smiles spread across their faces.
"You have outdone yourself today," she told Kuvira mid-dance. "Your poem was amazing! I get chills just by remembering it."
"I meant every word I said," Kuvira replied with that unwavering certainty in her voice. For a magical moment, the world around them vanished, and it was only the two of them cheek to cheek, heartbeat to heartbeat swaying in unison to a gentle melody. Asami wished she could capture this moment in a bottle to preserve it forever, pristine and pure.
"Anything interesting happened in my absence?" The voice of Kuvira pulled Asami back to the present as she sat down beside her with an exhausted sigh. She just returned from the dance floor. In a curious twist, her assistant Noriko gathered the courage to ask Baatar for the next dance, and now they moved to the melody of a slow song. Kuvira found it very amusing the way her assistant blushed under his intrigued gaze.
"Hmm, I didn't see that one coming…what do you think 'Sami, do we have a couple potential there?"
"I think we do. Come to think of it, they worked together a lot with the wedding preparations, so perhaps it is just now that we're noticing it."
Kuvira grinned as she observed a very talkative Baatar giving all his attention to her employee. "Her eldest son marrying would thrill Su. I know she's dying to throw a splendid party in Zaofu. That is if Bolin and Opal don't tie the knot first. Either way, she gets to show off Zaofu's wealth and refinement."
"And I think a newcomer has captivated Korra's attention," observed Asami.
"You mean the Kyoshi Island delegate? They've been chatting for a while now, right? I've honestly lost the sense of time between all the speeches and the dances."
"You're not the only one, love. I've had a lot of fun, but I think I've run out of dances for the rest of the day," Asami lamented as she flexed her feet underneath the table.
Kuvira's eyes shimmered playfully. "Ready to bail out?"
Asami smiled, intrigued. "I'll finally get to know what you've been planning for our honeymoon all along. I'm ready if you are."
Kuvira nodded. "I am. Let me start the final preparations now before I'm sequestered back to the dance floor. I can barely feel my feet."
"As long as the rest of your body can feel, we should be fine," Asami whispered in her wife's ear.
Kuvira chuckled. "You'll have plenty of time to test that yourself. Anyway, look out for Amir. He'll come for you once I have everything ready to make our getaway."
Kuvira was about to head out when Asami placed her hand over Kuvira's right thigh under the table.
"You know, I'm finding all this mystery very exciting."
A mischievous smile hung from Kuvira's lips. She leaned close enough for Asami to sense her warm breath against her cheek.
"Darling, believe it, this is just the beginning."
Asami followed Amir's large outline with a hastened stride as they made their way through one of the underground corridors leading to the outer palace grounds. After discreetly disappearing from the reception, Amir guided her to a room where she found a bag with a change of clothes, more fitting for travel than the elegant wedding dress she had been wearing. By now, Noriko and Baatar should make their public address to the guests, revealing to them that the newlyweds were on their way to an undisclosed location for their honeymoon.
Before she departed the hall. Asami met with Mako, Bolin, and Opal. As they were sharing an emotional farewell, she anguished for a moment, when she couldn't locate Korra nor her father anywhere among the throng of guests. A tense moment ensued when Asami almost left Amir's side to look for them, fearing she wouldn't be able to see them before she left. As if he had been expecting this reaction, Amir's large hand swiftly surrounded her wrist, but she unbalanced him with a quick sweep of her leg to his feet. As he quickly bolted upright, he rushed to assure her they would wait for her outside to bid their goodbyes.
"Are you sure?" she questioned, glaring at him with narrowed eyes.
"Totally! It's all part of the commander's plan!" he blurted apologetically.
"Asami is a force to reckon with, even on her wedding day!" Opal exclaimed admiringly.
"That comes to show that nothing can come between Asami and her friends," Mako affirmed confidently. "You should go now," he added with a gentle smile, sharing a last embrace before they parted ways.
After the incident, bride and bodyguard navigated the maze of secret paths that crisscrossed beneath the palace, with Amir occasionally lifting his eyes from the map in his hands to peer at Asami with a cautious expression.
"I'm sorry for that little scene," Asami offered apologetically to break the silence.
"That's okay. For what it's worth, now I'm completely convinced the commander made the right choice with you."
"Really? What ended up convincing you?"
"You can hold your own, which means you're as strong, decisive, and fearless as the boss. Exactly the kind of person she deserves at her side. I already knew you weren't like the other rich girls, and that you're a smart and pretty lady, but I still wasn't sure if you could defend yourself. I feared the boss would end up always protecting you, but you've proved me wrong."
Asami stared at the chief of security, amused.
"Don't tell her I told you this!" Amir sputtered. She chuckled as she patted his huge shoulder. "I won't. I find your loyalty to Kuvira endearing. I hope I'll be able to earn it too, someday."
Amir grinned. "I think you already did." The chief of security paused for a moment before making a sharp turn left. A doorway was visible at the end of the corridor.
"Finally, we're here," Amir exclaimed as he pushed the heavy door. The sudden brightness that pierced the dimness of the narrow enclosure confirmed his assessment. When Asami's eyes finally adapted to the light, she realized they emerged at what appeared to be a small airport just outside the palace compound. The imposing royal buildings laid behind her and the edifications of the Upper Ring spread in front of her.
"What took you so long?" Korra exclaimed with a smirk. "Aren't you eager to begin your honeymoon?"
"I would never hear the end of it if I left without saying goodbye, doofus."
"And you're absolutely right. I bet you panicked when you couldn't see us at the reception," Korra added teasingly.
"In fact, I did. By the way, where's my dad?"
"He's at the hangar with Kuvira. They're prepping the plane."
"Plane?"
"Yep, your wife is going to be at the controls for a change, and…"
Just as Korra was finishing the sentence, a biplane in the color scheme of the Fire Nation emerged from the hangar, making its way towards the runway. When it stopped, two figures descended from the cockpit. A shock of white hair gave the identity of the man at the pilot's seat.
"It's been so long since I sat at the helm of an aircraft," Hiroshi said. His voice was husky as if drenched in a deep longing. He moved around the plane almost reverently, gauging with keen eyes every inch of its surface. He paused to rest a palm over the frame and nodded slightly to himself, sensing the rumbling of the engine under his fingertips. Asami joined him, placing her hand beside his. The gesture took her back to her childhood when they would spend their Sunday afternoons working on her father's prototypes. The roar of an engine wasn't just an amorphous wall of noise to her. From an early age, Asami learned to pick up things that would take experienced mechanics longer to diagnose just by ear. She could still picture her father peering at her proudly as she confidently and correctly pinpointed a malfunction to her father's crew.
"Your father was kind enough to help me prepare it. He even gave me some useful pointers on piloting," Kuvira said. Like Asami, she had also changed clothes and was now wearing a aviator's jacket. A pair of goggles were pushed up to her forehead.
Hiroshi turned around to face the metalbender. "Asami has taught you well. It's a clear day and the weather is excellent, so your flight should be pleasant."
"Hopefully, we should arrive at our destination just before the sun sets. I'm still not that confident with night flights," she admitted.
"Nothing that some practice can't fix," Hiroshi replied, smiling. "Kuvira, now that my daughter is here, I would like to thank you again for this opportunity. I can never repay you for this. Yasuko would've been elated!"
"Asami's happiness is all the payment I need," Kuvira affirmed as she sought Asami's hand. "Mr. Sato, I know this might be a moot point now, but before we leave, I would like to have your consent to our union. I don't think I'm the type of person you expected your daughter would end up marrying." A knowing look crossed between Hiroshi and Kuvira. No further explanations were needed. He understood exactly what she was referring to.
"I appreciate the gesture. You can count on it, but to be honest, Asami's approval is all I need. I learned a very important lesson the hard way, and that is to trust and respect her decisions. What I ask of you is that you take better care of her than I did."
"You have my word," Kuvira vowed as she extended her open hand towards Hiroshi. He met it with his in a vigorous handshake that morphed into a heartfelt fatherly hug.
"Guys, I think we have trespassers," Korra announced amusedly as she pointed at Amir talking to a trio of women staring at them with star-struck faces. They appeared to have popped up out of nowhere but judging by their attire, they were probably guests, or most likely, wedding crashers.
"How did they sneak in here?" They better not be more paparazzi. We already had to deal with that nuisance when I arrived," Kuvira commented, dismayed.
"I don't think so. They look more like fangirls," Asami observed, mimicking Korra's amused grin. "I know the type from Korra's admirers in Republic City."
"Yep, definitely fangirls. Just listen to the giggling and the squeals," the Avatar added. By now, Amir was desperately attempting to steer them away to no avail.
"Avatar Korra!" The short-haired woman of the trio cupped her hands over her mouth. "Where's the girl from Kyoshi Island? It was very cute when you two danced. I ship it!"
Korra's jaw dropped. Asami burst out laughing.
"I ship it. What's that supposed to mean?" Kuvira lifted an eyebrow, confused.
"Yeah, Korra, where's the Kyoshi Island delegate? And how come I missed that?" Asami glanced at Korra intrigued.
"Ahem, her name is Nergüi and right now she should be at the reception," the Avatar replied as she attempted to keep her composure. Fortunately for her, Amir finally removed the trespassers from the premises.
"Come to think of it, Korra seemed particularly interested in this guest," Kuvira remarked with a grin.
"I've never met a Kyoshi Warrior before and they've always been favorites of mine, so when I found out there was one among the guests, I knew I had to meet her."
"Hmm, that sounds strangely familiar, don't you think?" Kuvira exchanged a knowing look with her wife.
Asami opened her eyes wide. "Indeed, it does! Listen Korra, when I come back, I want to know all the juicy details, okay?"
"What juicy details are you talking about? What are you two up to?"
"She's playing coy now," Kuvira noted.
"I know, but I think we should get going before more fangirls end up here." Asami embraced first her father, and then Korra before climbing on the aircraft.
"Mr. Sato…"
"Call me Hiroshi," he interrupted.
"Hiroshi, Amir, and Korra will take you back to the party. Chief Beifong is aware you're here so don't worry about your absence arising any suspicions."
"Have fun you two and thank you for everything," he replied before following the bodyguard towards a satomobile.
Korra was about to follow them when Kuvira's hand over her shoulder stopped her. "I didn't have the opportunity before to tell you this, but I can't thank you enough for everything you've done for Asami all this time. I don't think we would've pulled this off without your support. And what you said at the wedding, it was beautiful. I sincerely hope we can become good friends."
Korra's lips curved into a gentle smile. "Asami is more than a friend to me, she's like family, and now you're part of the family too. I'll be honored to count you among my friends." Korra extended her arms and two women came together in a heartfelt embrace under Asami's approving glance.
"First order of business when we return is to meet for some quality time for the three of us. I'm sure your take on your adventures with Asami must be really interesting," Kuvira said as she took her place at the front cockpit.
"Oh, you betcha it is! Now enjoy your trip and have fun you two!"
"A yuan for your thoughts," Kuvira inquired, a lilt of concern in her voice.
"Uh?" Asami opened her eyes and adjusted her headset. Once the aircraft had reached cruising altitude, the brisk air against her exposed cheeks had lulled her to a state of relaxation.
"You've been awfully quiet for a while. It's everything okay?"
"Yeah, I didn't mean to worry you. I feel I'm just now getting my bearings back so to speak. After the whirlwind of activity that has been today, flying is allowing me to find a moment of quiet I didn't realize I needed until now."
"I feel you. We should arrive soon so we can finally unwind as we please. I can't wait to have you all for myself."
Asami smiled widely. "You and me, darling. After seeing you in that dress, I've been having all sorts of ideas. It's a pity you changed," she added with a pout.
"It would've been rather difficult to climb onto the plane, much less pilot dressed like that."
"I know, but wait for the newspapers tomorrow and you'll see what I mean. You looked simply ravishing! Oh, by the way, you haven't told me yet where we're going, or what's the deal with this plane."
"If I tell you where we're going, I'm going to spoil the surprise, but the plane, I can explain. It's simple: no one expects the President of the Earth Provinces to be traveling on a Fire Nation aircraft."
"I get that, we are traveling incognito, but wouldn't that be an unauthorized use of another nation's colors?"
Kuvira grinned. "Not really. Iroh himself green-lit the loan as a honeymoon gift. I know you're familiar with this particular model. It's very maneuverable and quite swift too, faster than anything we have in our Air Force's inventory. Just what we needed for our escapade."
"You did your homework. I'm impressed!"
"Wait until we arrive, and then you can tell me everything about being impressed. Here, take a look," Kuvira made a gesture for Asami to look down. "I can already see the outline of our destination."
Kuvira tipped the nose of the aircraft downwards, allowing Asami to see a valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains on one side and a thick forest on the other side. As they got closer to the ground, the shapes of edifications could now be discerned in more detail.
"I don't think I've been here before."
"Neither had I, but I was told this is the elite's best-kept secret, not only for its natural beauty but for its privacy. Most well-to-do families have a villa here, and as you might expect, the Beifongs own the most luxurious one. This is Lin and Su's gift to us, a week on their private vacation resort."
"I know a thing or two about luxury, but I have to admit this is pretty impressive," Asami acknowledged as they flew over the exquisite vacation house.
"There's so much terrain on their property that it even fits a small runway. Speaking of which, see that building there? That's where we'll be staying."
A successful landing later (which made Asami particularly proud of Kuvira's improvement in the piloting skills department), the newlyweds were being greeted by the villa's administrator, a short, balding man named Su Lan.
"You honor us with your presence, Madam President. Let me extend my heartfelt congratulations to you and your spouse on your nuptials. We received your instructions and I can assure you, everything has been prepared as requested down to the smallest detail."
"Perfect," Kuvira nodded, pleased. She directed a teasing smile towards her wife as she opened her arms in front of her. "Asami, would you care to do me the honors?"
"Do you mean to carry me bridal style? I'm way ahead of you," she replied, swiftly sweeping Kuvira off her feet.
"Where to, darling?" Asami purred. She arched an elegant eyebrow when she noticed how Kuvira's cheeks hued with a deep shade of pink. A mischievous smirk hung from her ruby-colored lips.
"Just follow my directions," the metalbender muttered, startled, as she surrounded her wife's neck. The administrator bowed as the couple made their way towards their room, albeit slightly unsteadily, which made them erupt in giggles.
"You're stronger than you look, Ms. Sato," Kuvira quipped while unlocking the entrance with her metalbending.
"I too have my surprises," Asami replied smugly, allowing Kuvira to be back on her feet. Once the metalbender made sure their door was closed, she surrounded her wife's waist from behind.
"Alone at last," she proclaimed triumphantly, planting a kiss on her cheek.
"So, what else do you have planned for the evening? I noticed we have this entire wing for ourselves," Asami queried as she turned around to face the metalbender.
"I've been told the thermal waters around these parts are reinvigorating," she retorted as her lips curved in a lopsided smile.
Asami's eyes brightened at the prospect of a pleasant evening soaking in hot springs with her wife in her arms.
"They have an onsen ? What are we waiting for then?"
"Just one last thing and we'll be there in no time," Kuvira replied before cupping Asami's cheeks and joining her lips with hers. The engineer threw her arms around the metalbender's neck, bringing her closer as they indulged in an overdue caress.
"At last, I get to properly kiss my wife." Kuvira was now brushing her lips against her neck.
"What took you so long?" Asami challenged with a flirty grin.
"I was about to after I fled Raiko's inane chatter when Baatar cockblocked me."
"By the sound of it, I believe you had more in mind than just a kiss."
Kuvira grinned impishly. "Perhaps. How about we continue this in the onsen ?"
Asami placed a soft peck over her lips. "I second the motion. Let's go!"
To be continued