Korra wandered through the quiet halls of the mansion, taking it all in one more time. When she'd moved in with Asami a few years ago, Asami had made it plainly clear that the massive house was just as much Korra's as it was hers. And while Korra had never felt anything but at home in it, in less than three days' time, the mansion and everything in it would officially be hers.
Well, hers and Asami's. Together. It wasn't the highest thing on her "perks of being married" list (in fact, it was right near the bottom), but the thought made Korra smile anyway. She rounded a corner and ambled down the stairs that led into Asami's massive workshop that was situated underneath the house, knowing she was going to catch her fiance by surprise.
She slowed her pace as she got near the bottom of the stairs, seeing that Asami was, unsurprisingly, hard at work. Old mecha-suits in various stages of disassembly were scattered all around the workshop, while a brand new machine–the one that had been keeping Asami busy down here for the better part of the last year–sat in the center of the space.
Asami was currently elbows-deep in it and Korra took a moment to admire the view. It was one no one but she was privy to–and it was one of Korra's favorites. Asami had rolled her coveralls down to her waist and tied them off, and Korra could see that the light grey tank top she had on had grease stains everywhere. Her hair was tied up in a messy bun and even as Korra watched, Asami pushed back some strands that had fallen free, leaving another streak of grease across her cheek.
Korra grinned and, unable to stand still any longer, let out a low, suggestive whistle as she walked into the room. Asami jumped slightly in surprise, then turned and rolled her eyes at Korra, feigning annoyance with a smirk on her face.
"I wasn't expecting you home until later," Asami said as Korra slid her arms around Asami's waist and leaned in for a kiss.
"Zhu Li was kind of enough to cut the meeting short so I could 'make my preparations for the big event', as she put it," Korra replied, chuckling slightly. "I think she's still a little hurt that she and Varrick weren't invited."
"And they both know perfectly well why they weren't," Asami replied, somewhat indignantly. "We agreed that we'd have a small, intimate ceremony. There's nothing small or intimate about Varrick. Plus, you know...Vira."
Korra nodded. She felt guilty about not inviting Republic City's President as well as Varrick, but Asami was right. Small and intimate is what they both wanted and Varrick and Zhu Li's presence would only complicate things. Their wounded egos (or Varrick's, specifically) were a small price to pay for keeping the ceremony simple. And for keeping Kuvira's secret.
"Varrick can't keep his mouth shut to save his life," Korra said, "and I really can't see Zhu Li being as understanding as Tenzin if she ever found out that Vira was still alive. And not only alive, but free and living happily ever after in the Southern Water Tribe."
"No, she definitely wouldn't be," Asami agreed. "Which is why she's going to remain blissfully ignorant."
"Speaking of Vira," Korra said, "how's the prototype coming?" She gestured to the machine behind Asami and Asami sighed.
"It's coming. I think I've just about got it figured out, but I keep running into problems." She let go of Korra and turned to the assembly line prototype that Kuvira had dreamed up a year ago. The two of them had been working on it ever since (albeit from afar, as Kuvira was still in the South) and Korra had had the privilege of watching the thing come to life, so to speak.
And now, it was in its final stages of completion. Essentially, it was just an extension of the mecha-tech that Asami's father had invented years ago, pared down to fit the needs of an assembly line worker in one of Future Industries factories. The worker could sit or stand and operate the hydraulic arm, allowing the machine to do all of the work, in place of the worker. If Asami could get it to work correctly, then it would save her company millions in lost wages due to injuries.
"The arm itself is working just fine," Asami continued, "but the hand freezes up every time I try to get it to do something more complex than opening or closing its fist. I've checked everything I could think of and still can't figure out why."
Korra frowned slightly. She knew absolutely nothing when it came to anything related to mechanics or engineering. "Have you thought about asking Varrick? Besides you, he's the only other engineering genius we know."
Asami wrinkled her nose at the suggestion. "Absolutely not. I'm not letting Varrick anywhere near this. He'll pretend to help me, then steal the idea and pass it off as his own."
"Okay, yeah, that was a bad idea," Korra conceded, laughing slightly and knowing Asami was right. "Well, you could always talk to Vira about it after the wedding, I guess. Maybe the two of you could put your heads together and try to figure out how to fix it?"
"I could," Asami slowly said, sliding her arms around Korra's waist again, "but I promised you I wouldn't so much as even think about work during the wedding and the honeymoon. And I have every intention of keeping that promise."
Korra smiled then leaned in to kiss her. Asami had made her that promise, although Korra wasn't sure how long she'd be able to keep it for. They indulged themselves for a few moments and Korra had just started thinking about the last time she and Asami were down here...alone...when Asami suddenly pulled away.
"What if Vira came up here?" Asami asked, making it clear that her mind and Korra's were most definitely not on the same page at the moment. "That way, she could see the prototype up close and we could work together on trying to get it operational."
Korra frowned, and not just because Asami wasn't having the same thoughts as her. "Are you sure that's a good idea? Having Vira leave the South?"
Asami shrugged. "I don't see why not. I could send an airship for her, so she could fly straight here and straight back. No one would ever have to know she was here."
"I don't know…" Korra said slowly, still frowning. "Seems like a huge, unnecessary risk to me. And I'm not even sure she would be willing to take that risk."
"It couldn't hurt to ask," Asami said, in a tone that was clearly meant to try and placate Korra's worries. "I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I really could use her help."
Despite her misgivings about Asami's suggestion, Korra smiled. Asami and Kuvira's relationship had come a long, long way in the last couple of years. Korra still didn't know if Asami had ever managed to forgive the metalbender for killing her father, but she seemed to have moved past her animosity towards Kuvira about it.
"You're right, it couldn't," Korra agreed. She leaned in and kissed Asami again. "Just...let me talk to Tenzin and Lin about it first, okay? Not everyone needs to know, obviously, but if we're planning on bringing Vira into the city then they have the right to know, I think. Just in case, spirits forbid, something does go wrong."
It was Asami's turn to frown. "You know the moment you tell them what we're planning they're going to tell you no, right?"
Korra fought the urge to sigh and roll her eyes. This wasn't how she'd envisioned her surprise entrance going on her drive home. "Not necessarily, if we give them a good reason why."
Asami's jaw set and she crossed her arms, which Korra knew from experience meant that she was about to get into an argument that she wasn't going to win. Not if she wanted to salvage the rest of their evening together.
"Korra, you're the Avatar. You don't need anyone's permission to do anything. Vira isn't a threat to anyone anymore. Why stir up trouble by bringing Tenzin and Lin into this, when you don't need to? And, even if Vira were to somehow step out of line–which I highly doubt she would–I know for a fact that you'd be able to reign her in. Just like you have in the past."
Korra studied Asami for a few moments, trying to figure out what she wanted to say. Asami was absolutely right: she didn't need anyone's permission to do anything, but…
"Just because I don't need their permission doesn't mean I shouldn't let them know...at least as a courtesy," Korra replied, crossing her arms as well. "As the Avatar, it won't look good if I start going behind people's backs and making decisions that could affect everyone."
For a few tense moments, they stared at each other, neither willing to back down. Then, finally, Asami's shoulders relaxed and she uncrossed her arms. "You're right." She sighed. "I'm sorry...I'm just frustrated that I can't get this stupid thing to work the way it's supposed to."
Korra relaxed as well and put her arms around Asami's shoulders, drawing her closer. "Leave it for now, babe. It'll still be here when we get back from Ember Island and maybe some time away from it will help you come up with a solution."
Asami smiled and leaned her forehead against Korra's. "Can you believe we're actually getting married in a few days?"
"Nope," Korra replied, her voice going quiet, "but I am so ready to become Korra Sato."
Asami pulled her head back and studied Korra for a moment. "Are you absolutely sure you're okay with taking my last name? I know that's not really a part of your tribe's traditions…"
"Yes," Korra firmly answered, "I am. Now please stop worrying that I'm suddenly going to change my mind." She leaned forward and kissed Asami. "Because I'm not."
"Yes, ma'am," Asami playfully replied, before kissing Korra again. "And speaking of the wedding, we should probably pack."
Korra laughed. "Yeah, we probably should, considering we're leaving first thing in the morning. Can we maybe eat first though? I'm starving."
"Of course you are," Asami replied, laughing as well. "Okay: dinner...packing...then…" She trailed off and waggled her eyebrows suggestively, causing Korra to grin. Maybe this night would be salvageable after all.
"After you," Korra said, bowing slightly but still grinning. Asami strolled past her, making sure to over exaggerate the swing of her hips as she walked. Korra took a few moments to enjoy the view, then hurried to catch up.
Korra Sato. Yeah...she definitely liked the sound of that. And in a few days' time, it would finally be official.
"I'm getting ready to head out," Kuvira said as she popped her head into Sakku's office, "unless you need something from me before I go."
Sakku looked up and smiled. "Nope. Have a good weekend." He suddenly looked thoughtful. "The wedding's this weekend, isn't it?"
Kuvira nodded. The wedding between the Avatar and their boss was supposed to have been a small, quiet, intimate affair. And while Kuvira knew that only Korra and Asami's close friends and family would be attending, word had gotten out about the event and it was all anyone in the South had been able to talk about for the past month.
"Tomorrow," Kuvira said, smiling as well. "Should be a good time."
Sakku chuckled. "If the Chief knows how to do one thing really well, it's throw a party. I'm sure it'll be a blast." He gave her a conspiratorial look. "Did you know he had to get special permission from the Council to even allow his daughter to get married here?"
Kuvira couldn't keep the surprise off her face and, despite the fact that she was ready to head home, stepped farther inside Sakku's office. "No, I did not. Why? Weddings happen down here all the time. Is it because his daughter is the Avatar?"
Sakku slowly shook his head. "No…it's because of who she's getting married to. You see, this is a first for the Tribe."
"What is?" Kuvira asked, completely confused. Surely, outsiders married into the Tribe often enough that special permission wouldn't be needed. Nayuh's own family had started from her grandfather marrying someone who wasn't from the South, and she'd never said anything about him needing to get special permission for it.
"Two women getting married," Sakku answered matter-of-factly.
"Oh." Kuvira had no idea what else to say other than that. Times had certainly changed and the world was becoming more and more open to "non-traditional" relationships, but apparently, the South was still a little slow on the uptake.
"Oh, you know I don't care," Sakku quickly stated, mistaking Kuvira's sudden silence for something it wasn't. "And apparently, neither does the Council because they voted to approve it. Not just for the Avatar, but for everyone." He smirked slightly and Kuvira didn't miss the blatant hint in it. It was all she could do to not roll her eyes.
"Don't start," she teasingly warned him and Sakku threw his hands up, feigning innocence.
"Hey, I'm just saying," he replied. "Should you and Nayuh ever want to, well...now you can."
"Duly noted," Kuvira said. Sakku opened his mouth to say something else, but Kuvira cut him off. "We're not having this conversation right now," she said, chuckling. "I'm going home…have a good weekend."
Sakku grinned and shrugged. "Fine...but you won't be able to avoid the subject forever."
Kuvira rolled her eyes and turned to go. "Bye, Sakku," she pointedly said as she started walking out.
"Have a good weekend, enjoy the wedding!" Sakku called after her, and Kuvira could hear him laughing to himself as she left his office.
Unfortunately, Sakku was absolutely right: she wasn't going to be able to avoid the topic forever, even though she very much wanted to. And with Korra and Asami's wedding right around the corner, the topic of marriage seemed to be on everyone's mind. Including Nayuh's. Her girlfriend hadn't so much as outright asked Kuvira if she'd ever thought about the two of them getting married, but she'd been dropping subtle hints over the last month or so.
Hints which Kuvira had successfully managed to avoid so far. It wasn't as if she hadn't thought about it, though. She loved Nayuh more than anything in the world and could honestly see herself spending the rest of her life with her. The problem was her past–more specifically, her previous engagement and its spectacular failure. She didn't think anything like that would happen with Nayuh, but she also wasn't sure she could bring herself to even take that chance.
She spent the entire fifteen-minute walk home trying to think about something other than her doubts and insecurities but was largely unsuccessful. Fortunately, Nayuh wasn't home from work yet when she arrived, so Kuvira flipped the radio on to her favorite station and got started on dinner, allowing both to take her mind off of everything. Nayuh could read her moods better than anyone and Kuvira really wanted to avoid an interrogation session tonight, if she could.
Dinner was about halfway done when she heard the front door open, then close. "I was going to suggest getting takeout to eat tonight," Nayuh said, as she walked into the kitchen, "but that smells amazing."
Kuvira turned and offered her a smile. Cooking hadn't been something she'd been very good at, since she'd never really needed to do it before, but after a few months of living with Nayuh, she'd become decently proficient. She found it relaxing and never minded doing it. Especially if it meant being able to surprise Nayuh with a new dish she'd concocted, like she was trying to do right now.
"Hopefully, it tastes as good as it smells," Kuvira replied, leaning away from the stove to give Nayuh a kiss. "I wanted to try something new, so if it sucks, tell me and then we'll just go out and get something."
"I'm sure it'll be fine," Nayuh said. "And besides, we can't miss tonight's episode. I need to find out what happens to Jiro and Hana."
Kuvira chuckled. Friday nights were always reserved for Republic City Playhouse, which was an ongoing radio series that originated out of Republic City and was essentially like listening to a play one might see in the theater, but over the airwaves. Each "play" consisted of about eight to ten, one-hour-long episodes, ranging from drama to romance to comedy.
Kuvira and Nayuh had been hooked on it ever since it started airing six months ago and currently, they were in the middle of a star-crossed lovers drama that revolved around a young man and woman–Jiro and Hana–from rival clans in the Fire Nation.
"We won't miss it, I promise," Kuvira said. "If anything, I can run out real quick...that way you won't miss anything and you can just fill me in when I get back."
Nayuh reached around Kuvira, plucked a still-cooking piece of meat out of the pan, and popped it into her mouth. She chewed thoughtfully for a few moments while Kuvira closely watched her, waiting for her decision. Finally, Nayuh's lips spread into a smile.
"Not too bad." She tilted her head up and gave Kuvira a kiss. "So you're off the hook for needing to go back out. I'm gonna change. How much longer until that's done?"
"Not long," Kuvira replied. Nayuh left her in the kitchen to change out of her work clothes and Kuvira finished getting everything ready to eat. They spent the meal (which turned out surprisingly better than Kuvira had anticipated and she filed the recipe away in her brain to use later) filling each other in on how their days had gone.
The topic of the wedding came up, once again, but Kuvira managed to deflect Nayuh's attention off of the two of them and onto the gossip Nayuh had overheard from the other healers and their patients during the day. Most of it revolved around what the brides would wear, who all would be attending, and other mundane things that, for whatever reason, people were assuming would be different just because it was two women getting married.
"I don't know why they think it's going to be any different than every single other wedding the Tribe conducts," Nayuh remarked, as they settled onto the couch. Kuvira had tuned the radio to the correct station and the show was set to start in the next few minutes.
"People just need something to talk about," Kuvira replied. She leaned back into her favorite corner and Nayuh immediately followed, climbing in between Kuvira's legs and laying back against her chest. "This is the most exciting thing that's happened down here since the bending arena opened."
"True," Nayuh said, "but still. They're going to say their vows, the Chief will bless them, then it'll be official and we'll all get drunk and dance the night away. Same as every single other wedding that happens down here."
Kuvira couldn't help but chuckle. This was her first wedding as a Southerner and she had no idea what to expect, but the way Nayuh was making it sound, it wouldn't be very different from how it was in the Earth Kingdom (or the Earth Republic, as it was now known).
"You know why it's a big deal to everyone," Kuvira said, knowing she was leading the conversation in a direction she didn't want it to go in, but was unable to stop herself in time. "Not only is it the Avatar and the CEO of the world's largest company–"
"It's because it's two women," Nayuh interrupted with a sigh. "Yeah, I know." It was quiet for a few moments. "It is a big deal though," Nayuh said. "They're making history down here, whether they wanted to or not."
Kuvira chuckled again. "Something tells me neither one of them cares about that. But, leave it to Korra to break barriers and make history. She's been doing it her entire life."
"So has Asami," Nayuh added. "That woman might not be a bender but I'm pretty sure there's nothing she can't do once she sets her mind to it." Kuvira nodded her agreement and Nayuh turned slightly to look at her.
"Speaking of, have you heard anything from her about the prototype?"
"Not in a few weeks," Kuvira said with a slight shake of her head. "But with the wedding and everything that doesn't surprise me. And I'm not going to bring it up tomorrow," she added, seeing the question forming on Nayuh's lips. "They'll be back down here for the Festival in a couple of months. I can ask her about it then."
Nayuh nodded and turned back around, resting her head against Kuvira's chest. "Who do you think will cry first? Korra or Asami?" Her tone was slightly mischievous.
"Oh, Korra, for sure," Kuvira answered with a laugh. "I'm willing to bet money on it. She's going to take one look at Asami and then, boom: waterworks."
Nayuh twisted around in her arms again and gave her a playful smile. "You're on. My money's on Asami."
Kuvira raised an eyebrow at her. "You sure you want to take that bet? Asami doesn't strike me as the more emotional one in that relationship. Korra wears hers on her sleeve."
Nayuh casually shrugged. "I stand by my pick."
"Alright then," Kuvira replied. She leaned forward and kissed Nayuh. "Just don't get mad when you owe me money tomorrow."
"Right back at you," Nayuh said, giving Kuvira a smug smile before kissing her again. The ads leading into the show finally ended and with the opening fanfare of music, the show finally started.
"Oh, when is your family getting in?" Nayuh quickly asked, as the announcer went over the recap of last week's episode.
"Their ship is supposed to dock around nine tonight," Kuvira quietly replied, keeping one ear to the radio so she could listen to the recap. "Su said not to worry about trying to see them tonight, so we'll just catch up with them tomorrow at the wedding. They're staying for a few days, so we'll have some time to hang out with them."
Nayuh nodded and shifted slightly in Kuvira's arms, getting comfortable as the show finally got underway. Kuvira hugged her girlfriend to her as they both settled in to listen. So far, the two young lovers' families had managed to keep them apart and Kuvira was hoping tonight would be the night they'd find a way around that and finally get together.
In many ways, the story reminded Kuvira of her and Nayuh's relationship. Not so much in the sense of their families standing in the way of their happiness (although, Kuvira hadn't forgotten that Nayuh's mother had certainly tried that), but more in the seemingly endless ways the universe was conspiring against them. More than anything, Kuvira wanted to see the two lovers get their happy ending, just as she and Nayuh had.
The following morning, after rushing around trying to get out the door on time, Kuvira and Nayuh made their way over to the Palace, where the ceremony was scheduled to take place. One might be forgiven for thinking nothing important was happening at all, given how un-decorated the outside of the Palace was. But the moment they stepped inside, Kuvira could see that Senna had outdone herself.
Nayuh let out a whistle of appreciation as they made their way to the banquet hall. "My thoughts exactly," Kuvira agreed. "This is amazing."
They entered the hall and Kuvira could see that Tenzin and his family had already arrived, as well as Lin. The rest of the Beifongs were also milling about and Kuvira smiled as she caught Su's eye. She took Nayuh's hand and started walking towards Su, but stopped in her tracks when she saw who Su was speaking to.
Bataar Junior turned and as soon as he saw Kuvira, his eyes went wide–then, much to Kuvira's utter shock, he smiled at her. It took Kuvira's brain a few seconds to process what she was seeing and she awkwardly stood there, gaping at him, before she managed a small smile in return.
To say she was surprised to see him would be a massive understatement. She'd had every intention of saying hello to Su and the rest of the family, but now all she felt like doing was crawling in a hole and hiding. There were so many things she wanted to say to Bataar, things she'd ached to say for years. To see him actually smile at her, to know that maybe he didn't hate her after all...it was almost too much.
"You okay?" Nayuh asked, snapping Kuvira out of her thoughts.
"Umm, yeah," Kuvira replied, swallowing hard. "You remember me telling you about Bataar, right?" Nayuh nodded. "Well, that's him...standing in front of Su, in the glasses."
Nayuh looked over and nodded slightly. "Come on," she said, tugging at Kuvira's hand, "let's go say hi and you can introduce me."
Kuvira sucked in a deep breath and allowed Nayuh to drag her across the room. It was a situation she'd never, ever, imagined herself being in–introducing her current love to her former one. But Nayuh either hadn't picked up on her uneasiness or was blatantly ignoring it, forcing Kuvira to do something she was wholly uncomfortable with. Which was probably the entire point. Nayuh had an uncanny ability of knowing when Kuvira needed to be pushed out of her comfort zone and then making sure it happened.
Su gave them a warm smile as they walked up, reaching for a hug from Kuvira first. "It's so good to finally see you both again," she said, as she let Kuvira go and reached for Nayuh. Given the rocky start her adoptive mother and her girlfriend had had, Kuvira was happy to see them getting along now.
"You haven't met my eldest yet, have you?" she asked Nayuh, gesturing to Bataar Junior.
"No," Nayuh replied, smiling politely at Bataar, "I haven't."
"Bataar," Bataar said, sticking his hand out. "And you must be Nayuh. Opal has talked quite a bit about you."
Nayuh shot a quick look at Kuvira, who could only shrug, before shaking Bataar's hand. "That's me. What, exactly, has Opal been saying about me?"
"Only good things, I promise," Bataar replied with a chuckle. "And speaking of Opal…" He trailed off as he peered past Kuvira and Nayuh. They turned and sure enough, Opal was walking quickly toward them, her face breaking into a grin when she saw Kuvira and Nayuh.
"Just the two people I was looking for." She gave them both a hug, then fixed Nayuh with a purposeful look. "How are you with hair? Specifically, traditional Southern Water Tribe styles?"
"Okay, I guess?" Nayuh answered, obviously confused.
"Good enough," Opal said. She grabbed ahold of Nayuh's hand and started dragging her towards the entrance to the hall. "Asami needs help, and Senna is busy, and I have no idea what I'm doing so congratulations: you get to help me do Asami's hair."
Nayuh gave Kuvira a helpless look as Opal drug her away. Kuvira couldn't do anything but laugh and wave, and when she turned back to Su and Bataar, they were wearing equally amused expressions.
"I should probably go make sure she's okay," Kuvira said, suddenly a little uncomfortable now that Nayuh was gone. "Opal seems a little stressed."
"That's an understatement," Bataar replied. "You'd think she was the one getting married and not Asami." His gaze settled on Kuvira and she fought to hold it without looking away. It was the most Bataar had spoken to her in over three years. And his voice held none of the animosity or hate it used to, which was both welcome and disconcerting at the same time.
"Maybe we can catch up later though?" he asked her, a hint of hopefulness in his voice.
Kuvira let go of the breath she didn't realize she'd been holding and smiled at him. "Of course. I'd really like that." She gave him and Su a small wave and hurried out of the hall. After checking a few rooms, to no avail, she finally found the bride. Well, one of them, at least.
Asami was seated in a chair in front of a mirror, with Nayuh behind her and Opal standing off to the side, watching them both like a hawk. Asami hadn't put on her dress yet, but her makeup was already done and Kuvira couldn't help but smile at how beautiful she looked. I'm definitely winning this bet, she smugly thought. Between the dress, the makeup, and how Nayuh was fixing her hair, Kuvira knew Korra stood no chance of not crying.
"You look beautiful, boss," she said, walking up behind Asami.
Asami smiled at Kuvira in the mirror, unable to move as Nayuh had a hold of her hair. "Thanks...but you know you can just call me Asami. I'm not your boss today."
"I know," Kuvira replied. "Oh, Sakku sends his congratulations as well."
"You'll give him my thanks the next time you see him?"
"Of course," Kuvira replied. Then she looked at Opal. "Is there anything I can help with?"
Opal, who was nervously biting one of her nails, shook her head. "No, I think we're good. Bolin is with Korra in the rec room, if you want to check with him. I gave him strict instructions to keep Korra away from here."
Kuvira chuckled. "Alright then, rec room it is." She leaned in and gave Nayuh a kiss on the cheek. "See you in a bit." Then, she added, in a whisper, "I'm so winning the bet."
Nayuh, whose hands and attention were currently occupied, couldn't do anything but roll her eyes and smile. Kuvira left them to it and wandered back down the corridor, heading straight for the rec room. It had been a while since she'd walked the halls of the Palace and she took a moment to enjoy the memories of when she'd call it home.
Sure enough, as soon as Kuvira walked into the rec room, she saw Korra and Bolin hunched over a Pai Sho board. Korra looked to be already dressed and ready for the ceremony; as soon as Kuvira saw her, her earlier confidence about winning faltered slightly. Korra was naturally beautiful, just like Nayuh, so when she actually made an effort, the results could be breathtaking. Today was one of those times.
Kuvira whistled in admiration, causing Korra and Bolin to look up from the game. Both gave her easy grins, but the other man standing next to Bolin was eyeing her suspiciously. He looked very familiar, but for the life of her, Kuvira couldn't place a name to his face. Bolin jumped to his feet and started towards Kuvira, arms wide open, clearly going for a hug.
"Vira!" he exclaimed.
"Kuvira," the other man said, not two seconds later. Except his tone was the furthest thing from friendly and held more hostility than Kuvira had heard in a long time from someone saying her name.
Bolin visibly flinched and stopped, turning to face the other man, who was staring at Kuvira with fire in his eyes. A small, fiery blade suddenly ignited in his hand and Kuvira's eyes went wide as he started towards her.
"No, Mako, wait!" Bolin said, holding his arms out, trying to stop his brother. "She's okay, she's not the same as she used to be!"
"Mako, back off," Korra sternly said, getting to her feet and also putting herself between Kuvira and the angry firebender. "I can explain."
Mako looked between the Avatar and Bolin, clearly trying to figure out what to do. Finally, he extinguished the blade and crossed his arms.
"Okay...fine. But there better be a damn good reason why she's–" he angrily pointed to Kuvira "–not dead."
