The balcony from their beach guest house wasn't as impressive in size and refinement as the Fire Lord's but it was still quite luxurious. What it lacked in ostentation it made up with a commanding view of the eastern Ember Island bay. Asami stood at a corner, her body gently leaning forward, hands gripping loosely the wood railing. She tilted her face up and a gust of sea breeze tousled her hair like a caress. The sea hurried towards the shore, leaving behind a foamy trail over the dark volcanic sand in its retreat. The moon peeked like a shy maiden from a curtain of clouds, her silver tendrils piercing the blue-black expanse below, reaching towards the horizon and beyond. Formations of stars surrounded the satellite like tiny diamonds encrusted on a long silken cape.

Asami's gaze was lost in the vastness of the sea, thoughts swaying freely with the ebb and flow of the currents. The cool breeze and the hypnotic murmur of the waves felt like a balm for the restlessness that snuck in inside her heart. Her mind kept replaying the conversation with Izumi, and clarity of purpose that seemed to have been eluding her for weeks suddenly illuminated a path in front of her. She closed her eyes, filling her nostrils with the fresh, salty air. A sense of inner peace washed over her.

Asami caught the sound of the door closing and she turned around. The time had come and she knew what she had to

"Finally! I thought this day would never end!" Kuvira exclaimed. A whistle-like sound left her pursed lips as she tossed her pumps inside the closet.

Asami smiled as she observed the metalbender change from the green elegant summer ensemble she wore at dinner to a light yukata-like robe similar to the one she had on. Asami sat down on a long, cushioned rocking bench and patted the space beside her, beckoning Kuvira to meet her at the balcony.

"I was starting to believe Iroh convinced you to join the Fire Nation Navy. It's everything okay back home?"

"Yeah," Kuvira sighed as she sat down. She eagerly rested her head over her fiance's lap, prompting Asami to trace the contour of her jawline before nimbly undoing her braid. "Baatar was just filling me in on the day's events. Fortunately, it was mostly routine stuff which means the country has not collapsed in my absence. Oh, and he also reminded me to fetch some premium jasmine tea for Su."

"Then you should get to that first thing tomorrow. You don't want a diplomatic incident with Zaofu."

"I know," she chuckled under her breath. Asami bent down and placed a peck over her right temple and she closed her eyes, lulled to relaxation by the sound of the waves swaying and the soothing effect of Asami's fingers on her hair.

"That feels good. I think I'm a little sunburnt from my nautical expedition. I think I've had enough of seafaring adventures for the rest of our stay."

"At least you got to do all the exciting, fun stuff. Half of my day was spent waiting for my audience with a bunch of crusty, old men. As usual, I was the only woman and the youngest of the bunch to boot."

"And the prettiest of course," affirmed Kuvira. "So, how did it go? We could barely talk during dinner with half of the Fire Nation nobility hovering around us, but it was obvious you got on the Firelord's good side."

"To be honest, It went better than I'd expected. Not only did she have knowledge of the main points of my plan, but she also raised some very interesting questions and I had little to explain. I felt the ministers' pain because I'm sure they felt as useful as wallpaper."

Kuvira snickered. "Yeah, my officials accuse me of making them feel useless because I still struggle to delegate. I really need to stop trying to control everything."

"Yes you do, you don't have to pretend you're on top of everything" chided Asami gently. "By the way, that nasty piece of the press made it all the way here quicker than I had anticipated."

Kuvira sat up startled.

"It did? Asami I'm so sorry!" she blurted apologetically. "I shouldn't have dismissed it as something trivial. What did the Firelord say?"

"Well, for starters, Future Industries was added to the royal shortlist of companies vetted for the next bidding process."

"I'm so happy and relieved to hear that," Kuvira beamed.

"But that wasn't the only surprising thing that happened. In fact, that's just the beginning. Pay attention because this is going to surprise you," Asami announced.

By the time Asami finished recounting her conversation with Izumi, Kuvira hung to every word completely enthralled.

"Wow! I wouldn't have suspected that Aang's daughter and the Firelord's daughter used to be an item. And the part about the scrutiny from the press and government officials, ugh, I can feel it hard. It's just like us now."

"I'm glad you caught on the similarities. You realize Izumi didn't share this just to make small talk with me. This was a cautionary tale."

Kuvira gasped, alarmed.

"I have no intentions of giving up on you!"

Asami's lips curved into a gentle smile. The steeled determination in Kuvira's eyes proved beyond any doubt what she was about to propose was in their best interests.

"I know it and I love you for that, but the message that Izumi wanted to convey was for me. I realize that deep inside, I've always known it would come down to this but denial and self-delusion are powerful drugs and I've been telling myself the situation was manageable but today Izumi made me realize the truth. She just steered me in the right direction. I can't keep delaying the inevitable. "

"Asami please," Kuvira pleaded as she placed her hands over Asami's shoulders. "I'll be more supportive. I'll do whatever it takes, anything, but don't give up on us!"

"Never," Asami vowed. One of her hands went to cup her cheek, elegant fingers tracing gently the metalbender's strong jawline.

"I have a proposal for you: If I do this and you accept, we'll eliminate the main source for those accusations of corruption and favoritism. Kuvira, upon my return to Republic City I will announce that I'll be stepping down as CEO of Future Industries"

"What? No, you can't! Asami, I can't accept this!" Kuvira exclaimed, dismayed.

"I've made my choice. More than three years ago I chose to throw my lot with you when many saw stabilizing the Earth Kingdom as a lost cause and I'm so proud we proved them all wrong. We've come too far to fail now and I won't let anything sabotage what we've achieved. Besides, I didn't say I was retiring. I will defer the day to day operations to my CFO and the Board."

"But what will you do? I seriously doubt you'll just stay back doing nothing. This is the company you've poured your own body and soul to rebuild. I can't seriously believe you'll just throw your hard work away just like that."

"And I won't. You know me too well to think I would do something like that. What I'll do is that I will focus on my true passion: inventing. Lately, I've been itching to hunker down on my workshop to test my new concepts but managing the company and handling the increased public attention has consumed all my time and creativity. I need to create, to do something with my hands before I get blocked with all these ideas stirring inside my mind without an outlet. I can't wait to change into my coveralls and start tinkering in the workshop until my nails are dirty with grime and grease."

Asami stopped when she noticed Kuvira staring at her with a curious expression.

"What's with the weird look. I'm sorry I can look like a fashion model all the time," the engineer remarked indignantly.

Kuvira caught Asami's pout and suddenly slapped her tights, guffawing. "You're kidding me, right? You have no idea how amazing you look in those mechanic's coveralls. It's a delight to see your work because you look so happy and comfortable in your shop dismantling an engine. I don't care if you flaunt a designer's dress or if you're in a tank top and baggy pants, I want you just the same. But between you and me, that look on you, it's such a turn on."

The metalbender arched an eyebrow suggestively and Asami uttered an audible groan, playfully slapping Kuvira's shoulder.

"And now she tells me! Well, If we're going, to be honest here, I admit I miss your uniform. Don't get me wrong, you're quite attractive in your civvies but you cut a very dashing figure in uniform, missy."

Kuvira flashed a crooked grin. "I can always bring it back just for you. But seriously, are you sure you want to go through with this? Future Industries is your life. I might appear I don't care about your side of things but I do, a lot."

"I know and I'm sorry I doubted you. I shouldn't have said those things to you. I was just so frustrated and angry and tired, so tired…"

Kuvira brushed a lock of hair behind her ear. "That's okay. You had a good reason to be angry."

"Still, it was uncalled for. I'm just glad that once I cut back on work, it will be so much easier to deal with our schedules. Honestly, I don't know how we managed to pull this trip off. Scheduling has been a nightmare now that we have to accommodate so many interviews about our engagement."

"Told you we should have just eloped," Kuvira quipped with a smirk.

"Don't tempt me. This place is amazing for an impromptu wedding," Asami exclaimed with a grin of her own. "So, can I count on your support?" The engineer queried expectantly, gazing deeply into her fiance's eyes as she gathered her hands with her own.

"If that's what you want, then yes."

"Kuvira, I don't want you to think that this is somehow your fault. I knew what I was getting myself into when you proposed to me," Asami affirmed as she traced the silver and platinum band on her ring finger. "I'm so proud of what I've accomplished with Future Industries but I want this more. I want us, together. Besides, this is not permanent. I've been needing to stand back to get my head in order and this media insanity has made it harder for me to concentrate. Once the public curiosity dies down, I can go back to lead. I just don't want us to end like Izumi and Kya. Call me a sappy romantic but I want a happy ending."

Kuvira brought Asami into her arms in a tight embrace. "I swear I won't let you down." Her voice was husky, drowned with emotion.

Asami stared at her fiance lovingly, a mischievous smile curving on her mouth.

"Don't you think I deserve a kiss for this?"

Kuvira chuckled as she titled Asami's chin up. She traced the corners of her lips with her thumbs, prompting them to part.

"You deserve that and much more."

And with that, Kuvira proceeded to put actions into her words.

~oOo~

It was a perfect day for the beach and Asami was making the most of it by sunbathing on a quiet corner of the most exclusive strip of the island. Many of the guests had already vacated the premises to prepare for the evening festivities. The ones closest to Asami were either napping or reading under the shaded comfort of a beach umbrella. Giddy laughs could be heard over the splashing of the waves as other guests took refreshing dips in the turquoise waters. A gust of wind blew her wide-brimmed hat away but she didn't feel like standing up and recovering it, so she just adjusted her sunglasses and turned on her stomach to even her tan while she waited for Kuvira to return from her private meeting with Firelord Izumi.

"Your suntan is coming out great," a raspy voice whispered in her ear. Strong hands ran slowly over her shoulders and back. Asami felt a cool, soothing sensation spread over the area that Kuvira touched.

"I fell asleep," Asami drawled groggily.

"Yes, you did. I caught your sunhat on my way here. It got stuck on a rock."

"Yeah, I didn't feel like retrieving it. I was too comfortable here."

"I can see that. How does it feel?" Kuvira had just finished applying the suntan lotion over her arms and back and now was working her way down Asami's legs.

"Very good," she hummed contentedly. "How was your meeting?"

"It went well. By the way, we're guests of honor for tonight's ceremonies for the Ember Island Summer Festival. Izumi herself will be preceding. I wanted to relax and soak in the water for the rest of the day but I guess some protocolar obligations are unavoidable. At least I got to see your new swimsuit."

"If you're done with my back, let me turn around so you can continue with the rest," Asami said as she turned around and sat down with her legs extended. Kuvira nervously slid her sunglasses up the bridge of her nose as she felt a blush unrelated to the sun spread across her face. The crimson bathing suit proved a striking contrast against the pale sun-kissed skin. The low cut of the top garment emphasized the cleavage between her breasts and the metalbender's eyes inevitably paused there longer than was polite to do in public.

"Do you like it?" Asami tilted her head to the side, her abundant dark hair bouncing over her left shoulder.

Kuvira cleared her throat. "I prefer to give you my opinion in private if you catch my drift. Would you be disappointed if I told you I'd rather not stay here for too long?"

Asami threw her head back and laughed. "Not at all, but you should at least dip your toes into the water. It's perfect."

"I was thinking about going for a swim. The water looks divine," Kuvira noted, shielding her eyes from the sun.

Asami stood up. "I'll join you. I'm pretty sure we'll provide a great photo op for Monday's newspaper."

Kuvira let out a sigh as she disrobed, revealing a green and silver one-piece bathing suit. Asami nodded in approval, allowing a subtle appreciative hum to escape her lips as she began to apply sunscreen over her toned arms and back.

"I can't wait to return to the boring section of the news," the metalbender remarked, moving her hair to the side to avoid getting in the way of Asami. After she completed applying the lotion over her fiance's exposed limbs, Asami smirked.

"You know well that ain't happening, love." She dove for a quick peck as she reached for Kuvira's hand and began walking towards the sea.

"Now let's go, the water awaits."

~oOo~

"Who was at the door 'Sami?" Kuvira exclaimed, trying to project her voice over the steady sound of the shower stream. She was working a lather on her lush, dark hair leisurely. They still had some hours for themselves before the traditional procession preceding the opening of the summer festival began.

"It was from the cultural attache's office," Asami replied as entered the bathroom. Her hair was still damp from the shower she had taken before Kuvira.

"They sent typical Fire Nation outfits for us. Oh, and your request for jasmine tea was fulfilled. Crisis with Zaofu averted!"

"That should keep me in Suyin's good graces for a while."

"And this came from Izumi's personal aide. We've been treated with chocolate straight from the Fire islands."

"You should become my ambassador to the Fire Nation," Kuvira jested. "Genuine chocolate from the Sun Warriors is an exquisite treat indeed!"

Asami chuckled. She untied the knot that held her bathrobe and it soon pooled on her ankles in a heap. "I'm flattered but no, thank you. It's the workshop for me now. I'll leave the politics to you."

She stepped inside the shower and found Kuvira under the spray rinsing the soapy remnants of shampoo off her hair. She took a moment to look at her fiance, delighting in the sight of her strong limbs and firm torso. If there was something she admired from her it was her tenacity and her discipline, displayed in her ironclad commitment to maintaining her fitness routine despite difficult work schedules. For Kuvira it was more than just for health concerns or vanity, Asami came to learn over the years. Kuvira's mental sharpness benefited greatly from her physical fitness and for Asami, Kuvira truly embodied the saying a healthy mind in a healthy body.

Kuvira was now applying the conditioner when Asami moved behind her. "Here, let me help you with that," she offered as she massaged her scalp.

"Thanks, that feels good. You know what? I'm glad we took the time for this trip."

"Me too. It has been a welcome change of pace and scenery. And speaking of scenery, you caused quite a stir in your bathing suit. The Fire Nation prided themselves in having the most attractive ruler in all the Four Nations, that is until you came along," Asami commented as she removed the product from her hair.

Kuvira turned around and the engineer snickered at her wry expression. "You're starting to sound like the headlines of those wretched gossip columns," the metalbender complained, rolling her eyes.

"Well, in this case, they're not wrong," Asami affirmed coyly as her eyes traced a path from the piercing green eyes downwards and then back up. "We have to work on your tan lines though."

Kuvira chuckled as she made a gesture with her hands and the spray of the showerhead trickled down until it stopped. She grabbed two large fluffy towels and gave one to Asami as they took turns assisting in drying each other. She was hanging the damp towels over the towel rack when Asami's arms linked sensually around her waist.

"And what was it that you wanted to tell me about my bathing suit," Asami inquired seductively.

The metalbender turned around, flashing a mischievous grin. She gently guided Asami until her back encountered the smooth surface of the tiled wall. Kuvira leaned forward, her lips ghosting over Asami's pale neck.

"That I could not wait until I could take it off," Kuvira whispered to her ear as her teeth found her earlobe and gave it a playful tug. Her warm breath tickled Asami's neck, triggering an involuntary shiver and Asami sighed. Asami placed a hand over the back of Kuvira's neck, bringing her face closer until the tip of their noses touched.

"I've seen to have done that already. Disappointed?" Asami remarked with mock remorse.

"Not at all." Kuvira's voice was warm and inviting. She brushed her index finger over Asami's lower lip, coaxing her mouth to open. Asami gazed at her deeply, a quiet beckoning shimmering in the bright green eyes. Kuvira's finger slid half an inch inside and Asami bit on it gently before swallowing it completely, earning her a low sigh from Kuvira. Her middle finger came to join the index and Asami took them inside eagerly. Her eyes never left Kuvira's as the metalbender slowly slid her fingers inside Asami's mouth, with slow deliberate moves. Kuvira's knuckles scraped against Asami's sharp teeth, providing an alluring contrast to the softness of her tongue. The metalbender sunk her digits past the knuckles and Asami moaned deeply. Her core stirred in protest, yearning achingly for the same treatment.

"Do you want me?" Kuvira asked, her voice engulfed in a raspy whisper that unleashed a jolt down Asami's spine. A devilish smile curved in her lips when she withdrew her hand.

Asami captured Kuvira's lips as her sole reply. It was at first a gentle caress that soon became demanding when their mouths engaged in a battle for dominance. Asami's teeth caught Kuvira's lower lip, the tip of her tongue darting forward to savor the contour of the metalbender's mouth before it slipped inside deeply, prompting a stifled moan from Kuvira. Asami's mouth moved away from the metalbender's swollen lips and engaged in a quest towards her sharp jawline, tracing a journey from her ear down the base of her neck. She paused as she peppered subtle kisses over Kuvira's shoulders and clavicle at an unhurried pace, her lips barely brushing her skin. Kuvira sighed, pleased as she ran her fingers down Asami's back, her hand settling possessively at the juncture just above her butt. Suddenly, Asami's mouth clamped down over Kuvira's neck, sensing her pulse beat under her tongue. Kuvira hissed and Asami sucked hard until she left a red bruise.

"Does that answer your question?" challenged Asami, her fingers intertwining with Kuvira's damp hair as her hips gyrated invitingly against the metalbender.

"Loud and clear," Kuvira affirmed, as she dove down for another kiss, her hands running over every inch of Asami's body. Desire was being fueled with every single of Asami's deliberate thrusts against her solid frame and in every delighted moan. The steam from the hot shower had already dissipated but the heat from their own bodies took over with a flame that menaced to consume them both. A pleasurable warmth spread all over her nerve endings, a heady sensation taking over her senses, seeking to touch and taste and feel her lover until she could take no more. Without warning, Kuvira lifted Asami up, encouraging her to surround her waist with her legs, making their way out of the bathroom and towards the bed. The backs of Kuvira's legs collided with the bed and they collapsed in a heap of limbs intertwined against each other. Kuvira straddled the taller woman, engaging in a systematic exploration of Asami's suntanned skin, reveling with reverent lips and fingers in the contrast between the paler skin that had been covered by cloth and the darker one exposed to the sun's caress. Kuvira captured one pink nipple with her lips and Asami let out a throaty gasp, arching her back as her fingers sunk deep into Kuvira's hair, prompting her to stay in place. Kuvira didn't require additional motivation to do so and soon her tongue lashed around the taut peak, savoring how it hardened inside her mouth. Soon her hand began a dangerous journey downwards, slithering down Asami's flat stomach, pausing to dip a finger inside her navel before it kept sliding down. Kuvira placed her knee to part Asami's legs and as she kept hovering her lover's breasts with her mouth, her hand began to caress her inner thigh.

"Ku...veera…" Asami groaned in shuddered gasps, her nails raking down her lover's back.

"Yeah?" the metalbender replied hoarsely as she gently bit a pink nipple.

"I want to touch you, now!" Asami demanded with a growl.

Kuvira arched an eyebrow as a pleasurable shiver ran down her spine. She sat up as she glanced at Asami in all her naked glory and her breath caught on her throat, overwhelmed by sheer want. Asami's abundant hair was spilled in disarray over the pillow. Red marks of her doing dotted her fair skin. She was looking at her through half-closed lids, a challenge flashing in her green eyes darkened with lust. Kuvira inhaled deeply as she felt a familiar stirring between her legs. She couldn't wait any longer to be ravished by her.

"What are you waiting for then? Touch me."

Kuvira's words were all the encouragement Asami required. Soon it was Kuvira who laid on her back with Asami wreaking havoc over her senses, writhing desperately under her ministrations. Asami wasted no time in getting what she wanted and after capturing her mouth in a heated kiss, her lips traced a path down Kuvira's torso, pausing to feast on the dark peaks. Asami pressed them between her thumb and forefinger in a rolling motion before doing the same thing with her mouth and teeth. Kuvira trembled as her hips rocked in abandon against Asami, desperate for a deeper, more intimate touch.

"Ah..asami, please…" the metalbender moaned haltingly. Suddenly, a throaty whimper rewarded Asami's ears as elegant fingers plunged deep into Kuvira's core. It was now Asami who gazed breathlessly at the spectacle in front of her. Kuvira's strong legs clung to her waist tightly. Sweat beaded over her forehead. Her hair fell in all its messy magnificence over her shoulders and neck, barely concealing the red marks that Asami had left behind in her path. Her cheeks were flushed and when Asami curved her index finger inside, a hiss escaped through Kuvira's clenched teeth as she threw her head back. The raw, primal power Asami exerted at this very moment intoxicated her, fueling her hunger for the woman underneath her. It was something Asami knew she would never get enough of.

"Don't stop...don't fucking stop!" Kuvira commanded when Asami entered her again, her fingers curving deep inside. Kuvira's hips arched against her hand and Asami quickened the rhythm of her thrusts as she pressured her swollen nub with her palm. Kuvira's breathing came in ragged gasps now, her hands flailing at the sides grasping for purchase as she sensed the impending release fast approaching. Asami felt her hand cramping but she didn't care. Her only purpose now was to guide Kuvira to a glorious climax.

"Asami!" Kuvira shouted. Her inner muscles contracted tightly against Asami's digits as a powerful orgasm rocked through her core, her body taut like a bowstring before it finally slackened, sated. As Kuvira gasped, Asami gathered her in her arms, resting her head over her chest as she sensed the drumming of her heart steady under her ear.

"You're amazing," Kuvira whispered breathlessly against the top of her head.

"You're not so bad either," Asami jested as she brushed aside the hair that fell over her brow.

"Are you sure you don't want to elope? I'm starting to believe our honeymoon here would be unforgettable," she proposed with a lopsided grin.

"Perhaps in our next life but for now we have to go with what we already planned unless we really want to stir a diplomatic conflict between the United Republic and the United Earth Provinces."

"Yeah, I know...politics. Asami…"

"Hmm?" The engineer looked up and caught a mischievous shimmer in Kuvira's eyes.

"I wasn't done yet when you interrupted me."

Asami flashed a wide smile. "You want to take over?"

"I don't mind taking it from the top," the metalbender affirmed with a sensuous lilt.

"Me neither."

Kuvira maneuvered Asami to her back as she brought their lips together for a hungry kiss. Asami moaned delightedly as she traced the muscles of her lover's arms. Suddenly, Asami gasped, breaking the kiss when she felt Kuvira's fingers sneaking into her slick entrance. A pang of desire hit Asami like a gale. Another moan was coaxed out of her when Kuvira entered her again, deeper this time. A third one was stifled when Kuvira's mouth clamped over her lips as her tongue sought to follow the pace of her hand inside her lover.

"Liar..." Asami muttered breathlessly when she broke for air. Her body writhed hard against Kuvira, seeking to deepen her intimate caress.

"You wouldn't have lasted if I had started again...I know you well," she asserted as she palmed Asami's aching numb.

"Indeed you do…." her words trailed off in a shuddered cry. She was right. She could already feel the stirrings of her release fast approaching. She heard Kuvira's wicked laughter but she was too overwhelmed by desire to even muster a weak protest.

And as Asami rose to the heights of pleasure, the last thing she saw before Kuvira buried herself between her legs was the penetrating gaze of the woman she chose conveying without words her love.

~oOo~

Midnight had arrived and this year's first day of the festival had been blessed with a clear sky perfect for a fireworks display. From every balcony and every home on the island, rich and humble alike waited with bated breath the display of light and colors. Standing in the honored company of the members of the Royal Family at their beach house, Kuvira and Asami also stood side by side, Asami's fingers wrapped around lightly around Kuvira's forearm. They were both dressed in the style of the citizens of the Fire Nation and a very skilled hairdresser had even arranged Kuvira's hair with a top knot to denote her rank as president of a nation. An elaborated green and black headpiece provided an elegant finishing touch. As Asami eyed Kuvira while she made small talk with the Northern Water Tribe ambassador, she concluded that her future wife successfully pulled off Fire Nation fashion with elegance and grace.

Firelord Izumi made the rounds with her son and daughter at each side, acknowledging their honored guests and when she noticed the visiting couple, she gave them a subtle nod. Asami thought she had seen Izumi's eyes narrow behind the lenses and blushed profusely, feeling suddenly very self-conscious of the mark she had at the base of her neck. She had applied a generous layer of concealing makeup to Kuvira and herself. As they dressed for the occasion, a quick assessment revealed upon its wake, their unleashed passion had left behind visible marks over their skin. Asami fell herself fluster deeper when the image of the hickey she left Kuvira just on top of her right breast flashed quickly on her head. Asami mustered a nervous smile and Firelord Izumi adjusted her glasses and smiled back amiably. If she noticed the indiscretion, she didn't let it show. Asami sighed in relief, suddenly now realizing she had been holding her breath all this time.

"Sami, are you okay?" inquired Kuvira gently.

Asami nodded, basking in the warm gaze of the deep forest green eyes that stood out prominently over a sea of red and black.

"I've never been better," she affirmed. Kuvira placed a discreet peck over her temple and as the excited chatter of the guests signaled the start of the display, Asami leaned against her fiance's shoulder. As the display of sound and color against the sky enraptured everyone, Asami closed her eyes for an instant, the certainty of her renewed choice cementing inside her heart. It felt as palpable and real as the ring in her hand.

And as her eyes went to the shimmering colors, Asami made a wish:

"I wish for many years of festivals and fireworks together, Kuvira."

~The End~