Bolin ran his hand critically over his fuzzy new crop of hair. Then he sighed and began to shave his chin.
"Your hair looks fine," Mako grumbled, as he combed his own. "You'll look fine at the premiere."
"I wish you could go as a spectator and not just as security," Bolin said. "I'd rather go with you. Nothing against Rie, but I know she'd rather take Li."
"I know." Mako finished with his hair and rubbed his bad arm. "But I'm fine with just seeing it at the theater with everybody else. I don't have to dress up."
"You've got a point. I'm glad I still have the suit I wore for Varrick's wedding. If I had to buy a new one, I wouldn't have been able to pay my share of the rent this month."
Mako looked out the window. "But you did. And I can eat an extra month."
"Because of all the times you slept in your office," Bolin made a face. "Still, I'm really glad we've got our own place again."
"So what are you doing today?"
"I have to practice for the premiere. But I could meet you at the station for lunch if you want."
"I can't; we have a big meeting with the Chief. But I bet San and Chow would be up for it."
"Yeah!" He grinned. "I haven't been to their new store since it opened. That'll be fun."
….
INT. FIRE NATION PALACE- NIGHT
The Great Sage of the Fire Nation Capital temple waited calmly in the hallway outside the receiving room. He was only vaguely surprised to see Fire Lord Akoko alone when he was told to open the door.
"You're here," she said, as though she wasn't the one who had kept him waiting. "The maids brought tea. You can pour it."
"Anything for the Fire Lord," Great Sage Mori obediently began to serve. "Speaking of which… how am I honored to serve you?"
"I am engaged to the eldest son of Governor Eiji. You will perform the marriage ceremony. And crown him as my consort."
"An honor typically reserved for the High Sage, your Majesty," Mori said, mildly as he studied his tea.
The Fire Lord had not drunk any tea yet, so he could not, either.
"The High Sage is not here," she snapped. "I admit it is my fault… that's the worst thing a Fire Lord can confess to one of you, isn't it? A mistake. But it is a mistake I shall correct… if I am ever to have any peace, I must."
Mori put down his tea more forcefully than he intended, due to surprise. "You still love him."
"Hold your tongue, priest!" Akoko pointed angrily at him, a few sparks escaping her mouth. "I've confided my mistake to you, not my love! You'll replace Avatar Xing for me, but neither you nor any other citizen of the Fire Nation will ever speak a word against him!"
Mori bowed submissively, only just hearing over her sigh, "That is my lot."