Note:
Chapter includes sexual content. Situations of a sexual nature will be identified with a break (-)
Break begins
"Good morning commander, time to wake up."
"Hmm, good morn…oohh…" trailed off Kuvira with a low sigh. The metalbender caught a devilish chuckle against her ear, feeling Korra's soft lips running down the length of her neck. As curious fingers explored the curvature of her breasts, she sensed how a spark of desire was igniting amidst her somnolent state. Kuvira chuckled softly as she gazed with sleep laden eyelids at Korra.
"If you keep that up I won't be able to leave for a while…" she whispered, her husky morning voice reflecting the delight of the particular wake-up call method Korra was applying.
Korra flashed a grin. "I know but I couldn't help myself. You looked just too damned tempting sprawled in my bed but I can stop if you want." Her thumb and forefinger were busy applying just the right amount of pressure to the metalbender's nipple.
Kuvira hummed, her lips curving in a lazy smile. "Do we have the time?" Her sight shifted towards the window. It was still dark but sunrise was about to break.
"Yeah, I think we do" whispered the Avatar back with a peck to her lips before sliding towards her torso.
"Then don't stop" the metalbender urged. She let out a long exhale as she closed her eyes, her hands sinking eagerly into Korra's lush hair. The semi-conscious haze she was still immersed seemed to paradoxically increase her sensory awareness, sensing how a pleasurable warmth spread all over her nerve endings until heat increasingly pooled between her legs.
With the proper encouragement provided, Korra dutifully continued her early morning ministrations, her tongue delighting in mapping each of the metalbender's hardened peaks as an exploring hand soon moved downwards gliding over taut abdominal muscles until it found its intended destination below. A moan was soon unleashed from Kuvira's throat.
"Spirits Korra, that feels so good…" muttered Kuvira, her hips lifting invitingly against the Avatar's hand.
"Glad to hear that" Korra smiled as she replied to the metalbender's beckon allowing knowing fingers to plunge deep into her heated core, initiating slow and deliberate movements, then following with quicker and deeper ones. The sweeping gentler pleasure increased its pitch almost all of a sudden summoned by the faster tempo and Kuvira found herself reaching out to her lover's powerful shoulders to latch onto. She was huffing now, the languorous purring moans giving way to erratic puffs. Her hips rocked insistently against Korra and the pulsing ache below her belly felt unbearable now the deeper and quicker the Avatar moved inside.
"Are you mine?' whispered Korra as she left a trail of heated kisses along her neck and jaw.
Kuvira's response came not with words but in the form of hisses through clenched teeth until a last long hoarse groan heralded the sought release that powerfully washed over her.
Break ends
"That felt…amazing…not how I expected to be awaken" Kuvira was finally able to articulate once she recovered her normal breathing pattern.
"Well, I did wake you up, didn't I? And right on time to boot" Korra affirmed proudly while glancing at the window. Darkness was giving way to the orange and yellow palette of the day's first light. Kuvira's arms snaked around the Avatar's back as she captured her mouth in a long kiss.
"To answer your question, yes I'm yours and I'd really love to show it to right now you but I must be on my way out" the former commander affirmed, delighting in the joyful shimmer of Korra's sapphire eyes at her response. Kuvira glanced at the window again and her mouth curved slightly downwards, the regret of the inevitability of the sunrise putting an end to their interlude evident in her wistful expression. The reality of their situation reared its ugly face again cutting their pleasant lull short.
"I know" replied Korra as she observed Kuvira stand up and head towards the bathroom. It wasn't too long before a refreshed and fully clothed Kuvira bid goodbye to Korra with a last passionate kiss as she slipped carefully from the suite to her own room across the Beifong manse. The former captain made her way with quick yet light footfalls when all of a sudden, the sounds of voices coming from the far side of the corridor captured her attention making her stand still against the wall instinctively.
"See you at breakfast?" A male voice said.
"Uhum….don't take too long" a female voice replied playfully.
"I won't, I just need to make myself more presentable. I mean, just imagine the murmurs and smiles across the table if I were to appear in last night's clothes."
The female interlocutor chuckled. "We can just skip breakfast and your clothes would be a non-issue."
"Uh no, you don't know my mother too well yet. I'll meet you there, okay?"
After what it suspiciously sounded like a kiss, the voices ceased and the hallway went silent save for the firm steps of the tall man who was now approaching the corner where Kuvira stood quietly. When the bespectacled man walked by her hiding location, she lined beside him with a smug smile.
"Good morning Bataar. Didn't your room used to be at the opposite wing of the manse?" Kuvira greeted with a hushed voice.
The engineer gave a startled jump. "Shit Kuvira! Where the hell did you came from? Do you want to give me a heart attack?"
"Sorry, it wasn't my intention but I just couldn't resist. You were pretty distracted to notice me anyway. Long night?" Her lips curved into a knowing grin.
Bataar regarded Kuvira with a suspicious stare. "You're one to talk. I'm pretty sure you room is nowhere near here and your guards are nowhere to be seen. Let me guess: you spent the night at Korra's."
Kuvira nodded with a mischievous twinkle in the green eyes. "Guilty as charged. And you were at Asami's, right?"
"Correct." Bataar stared at her with a grin for a few moments when all of a sudden, laughter began erupting from his throat. Kuvira's eyes opened wide as she attempted desperately to shush him and grabbed his upper arm as she began to walk frantically away practically dragging him.
"Fool, do you want to wake up everybody?" she whispered as she scanned around. The sound of laughter must have not reached the patrolling guard's vicinity. Kuvira let out a relieved sigh.
"No" he muttered back. "But you've got to admit this situation is weird. Before we left Zaofu, we used to sneak out from each other's rooms all the time and now look at us. We're playing accomplices for our new relationships."
Kuvira's mouth curved first into an "o" then morphed into a sympathetic smile. "It is weird, I'll give you that. Korra and I talked about a while ago it and we arrived to the very same conclusion. Oh, by the way, last night we walked past the two of you by in the gardens and you didn't even notice us."
"Really?" Bataar's face acquired a light shade of red.
"Don't worry, your secrets are safe with us. Just kidding, we didn't see anything embarrassing" the metalbender winked.
Bataar let out a long exhale as they continued to walk together in companionable silence until they reached the large double doors that led to the main entrance.
"Well, my room's that way" said Kuvira as she pointed towards the doors. Since you are here, can you distract the patrolling guard while I sneak out? I'd rather not have witnesses blabbing at Su that they saw me here at this hour."
Bataar chuckled as he glanced at the lone guard pacing close to the entrance. "I can do that. See you both later at breakfast?"
"Nah, just Korra. I try to stay out of Su's hair as much as possible. Besides, Lin must be worried sick by now. Give my regards to Asami, okay?"
"I will."
"And Bataar?"
"Yes?"
"I'm glad to see you so happy again. You deserve it."
The engineer stepped forward and hugged his former fiancée. "I'm really glad for you too."
"Thank you" replied Kuvira returning the gesture.
Moments later, after succeeding in distracting the bored guard with innocuous conversation, Bataar gave her an "all clear" signal and Kuvira sped past the door before the guard could notice. She stealthily closed the distance towards her building complex in no time and before she could knock at Lin's door to request discreet access to her room, it opened revealing the Republic City Chief. A hard inquisitive glace fell over the metalbender who was still with her hand closed in a fist caught in mid movement. Her face was displaying a deer caught in headlight's expression.
"Oh, hi Lin" stammered Kuvira.
"About time you made it back" replied Lin sharply. "Hong Li's guards took care of the night shift but the guard is about to change back to the United Republic team. I hope your little escapade was worthwhile."
Kuvira flashed a wide smile, eyes gleaming happily as response. The elder Beifong sister let out a groan, eyes rolling upwards as she gestured the former commander to step inside.
"Hurry up, your breakfast should be on the way along with the change of guard."
"Thank you Lin, really. You don't know how much I appreciate how you stood up for me with Su and for covering for me last night."
The Republic City detective arched an amused eyebrow as she noticed reddish markings traveling down the metalbender's neck that the flowing hair was unable to conceal. "Well, it seems your little date with Korra was a success, but don't make this a habit, okay? I'd rather stay on Su's good side for the time being and complete this mission with as few incidents as possible. I'm so relieved the situation with Asami died down just as quickly as it started. If you two hadn't gotten along, you would have probably ended in that prison cell Su was so eager to send you."
Kuvira nodded in agreement. "Yeah, that conflict played almost too well into her agenda but I'm glad it's over. Well, it's back to my room for me. And I know I'm starting to sound like a scratched record, but really, thank you for all you've done for me. I'm sure my experience would have been far worse if you hadn't been around. I don't know how I would be holding out without your support."
Chief Beifong's usually severe countenance softened at the unexpected honest remark. It wasn't the kind of thing she would have thought possible to come out from the former Great Uniter years ago but it evidenced how far she had progressed since then.
"Oh, before I forget, I'll be gone for a couple of days. I'll be traveling with Su to the Foggy Swamp to take mom back so things should be quiet for you around here while we're gone."
"Really?" Kuvira couldn't contain the enthusiasm this piece of news made her feel. If Su was gone, it meant more chances to meet Korra freely but before she could indulge in such ideas, Lin was already one step ahead anticipating her response and quickly cut her planning short.
"Sorry to disappoint you kid but Korra's coming with us too."
"Oh" uttered the metalbender. It made sense that Korra would want to spend time with the legendary earthbending sifu but she couldn't avoid the sinking feeling of disillusionment dampening her expectations.
"It's okay" muttered the former commander. "At least we got to enjoy a great time last night."
"And I'm glad you did" Lin replied as she patted her shoulder and offered a sympathetic glance. "Just keep playing your cards as you've been doing and once this whole earth Kingdom mess is sorted out, we should be negotiating your reduced sentence terms in no time."
Kuvira's lips curved in a small smile. "I sure hope so Lin. I sure hope so."
-oOo-
The fading glow of the setting sun caught Kuvira walking unhurriedly across the meteorite garden. Most of the Metal Clan's members joined the Matriarch in their trip to Toph Beifong's swamp so the metalbender left her room as soon as the group departed. After electing to remain as inconspicuous as possible after the incident with Asami, Kuvira decided to jump at the chance of the unusual situation to enjoy a day outside with the reassuring knowledge that she wouldn't cross paths with Su or the twins or Bataar Sr. She was aware of the discreet surveillance by the Republic City security detail but not even that lessened the pleasure of a relaxing day.
After countless patrols performed as captain of the guard, Kuvira allowed muscle memory to lead her way through the expanse of the manor grounds. Directions for every facility and garden and landmark were still stored in her gray matter even after years away from the city she once served. One sobering fact flashed through her mind: the last time she'd been here it had been as a conqueror rather than a protector. A shadow of guilt crossed her face, making her walk faster as if trying to leave the uncomfortable feeling behind. The metalbender inhaled deeply, concentrating in recalling the highlights of her day instead to exorcise the aching that had lodged inside her chest.
Nature had granted the metalbender a beautiful day of warm sunshine, a clear blue sky and a caressing soft breeze, ideal conditions for her to resume her truncated outdoor training. A vigorous workout was followed by a stroll and lunch chatting away with the Republic City guards who were grateful she had abandoned the confines of her room, allowing them to also enjoy the pleasant day outside instead of being inside keeping guard to a most well behaved prisoner.
The day before she had noticed a zen garden far larger than the indoor one in Varrick's compound at the South Pole and a challenge lodged on her mind: she would attempt to enter the Spirit World but without Korra's guidance. Under the protective shade of a large tree, Kuvira sat down with legs crossed as she meticulously recalled the Avatar's lessons. Soon she was under a deep meditative state, the distractions of the physical world around her vanishing giving way for her spiritual energies to be revitalized by the closeness to her native element. Kuvira wasn't sure if the time lapsed had been just minutes or hours but when she opened her eyes, the majestic view surrounding her took her breath away. She had been transported directly in front of the Tree of Time. As a flock of spirits seemed to greet her, Kuvira couldn't help the triumphant smile that illuminated her face anticipating the pride and satisfaction Korra would feel when she found out. Of all the things they had come to share over the years since the Avatar reached out for the deposed tyrant during her incarceration, one thing Kuvira knew Korra was most proud of was the ever growing spiritual bond forged between then. What began with the inception of the Republic City Spirit Portal culminated in the metalbender's awakened spiritual awareness and the newfound ability to cross into the Spirit World. There was a time Kuvira believed such a feat would be impossible for her to achieve. Korra once again defied her expectations and proved her wrong. As she returned to the physical world, a beaming Kuvira muttered a quiet "thank you" wishing it could reach Korra wherever she was.
Hours later, with that high note still lifting her spirits and sunset upon her, the metalbender allowed her feet to dictate her destination and before long, she found herself staring silently at metal cables and huge metal props. The dance troupe practice hall. It was now empty but Kuvira was certain that it was still being regularly used not only by the performance she witnessed before the banquet but by the small details that silently spoke of the practices still taking place here. The mats rolled against the wall, the towels and fresh wrappings stocked at a corner of the hall, the gym chalk, the subtle smell of oil used for the rigs that held the cables. She was intimately familiarized with the place having being a regular performer herself for years under Suyin's demanding tutelage. The former captain attributed her particular agility and quickness to the deceivingly effortless grace she developed during her years as part of the troupe before her duties with the guard eventually pulled her away from the stage.
"When was the last time you performed?" a female voice inquired amiably.
Kuvira's head snapped back. "Opal? I thought you had left with the others."
"I had to stay behind. Tenzin wanted me to visit the Eastern Air Temple. Jinora and Kai are on their way to Zaofu and we should be heading there together tomorrow."
"And Bolin?"
"With Su and the others. He wanted to know where his longtime idol lived. Grandma wasn't thrilled with the idea but you know Bo."
Kuvira chuckled. "Yeah, he wouldn't let an insignificant thing like Toph's moods to dampen his enthusiasm. It's good to see that you two are still together and disgustingly cute."
Opal smiled prettily at that. "It has been a while right?" she said while gesturing at the large closed petals that were the highlight of the metalbending troupe performance.
"Since I performed? Yeah, I don't even remember exactly when it was. After the Red Lotus' attack everything becomes a blur in my head. After that, it was the Earth Queen's death and well...you know the rest."
"You haven't danced after that?" Opal seemed genuinely surprised.
"Not really. Bringing the kingdom back to order and spreading unity left little time for artistic endeavors and prison isn't the most nurturing place for artistic sensibilities."
"I see. Would you like to try now?"
"I don't think Su would approve."
"But Mom's not here now" the airbender offered her a conspiratorial look.
Kuvira smiled. So many things of her life changed once the decision to leave Zaofu was taken and dancing had been one of them. She thought it incompatible with the image of the stern military leader she had to show the world, but deep inside, she'd yearned for the simpler moments when her body moved with the music as an expression of beauty rather than a show of might. Kuvira turned to her side to face the airbender who stood beside her.
"Opal, can I ask you something?"
"Sure, go ahead." Opal stared at Kuvira intrigued.
"Not so long ago, you used to be angry at me and for all the right reasons. How come you're not angry anymore? I know we had a good face to face chat but I'll admit I'm still surprised by the fact that you accepted to talk to me and how you have managed things since then. You have even covered up for me and Korra about, well…you know…"
Opal nodded in understanding.
"To be honest, you are not the only one to be surprised by this. I was angry for the longest time until I talked with both Tenzin and Korra. The hate I harbored towards you was affecting me. It came up to a point that it even affected my bending."
"Really?"
"Yep. Airbenders shouldn't hold on to grudges and that was exactly what I was doing. I think Zaheer showed us all the things an airbender shouldn't do and how in doing them, the bender's spirit gets corrupted and away from the true path of the Air Nomads. Not all spirit energy is positive, something we also learned from Unalaq and his misuse of the spirits for his own selfish goals. So I decided to follow Tenzin's admonitions to approach you with an open mind and heart. Then I began to learn about your collaboration with Wu and Zhu Li, your conversations with Lin and Korra, and that's when I finally felt I was ready to read and to reply to your letters."
"I remember. I was really grateful for that. It meant a lot to me to have someone from the family write me back."
It had been a small gesture for Opal but as she saw the way the metalbender's face brightened by the memory, she realized just how much it had really meant for the woman she had used to look up to when growing up as the only girl among brothers. Kuvira was the closest thing to a sister she ever had even if her family didn't actually treat her as a full-fledged member. It took the young airbender a detached look to her past to realize how things had actually been for the metalbending prodigy.
"It wasn't much if you remember, but it was a start" Opal continued. "But when I saw you with Korra when we were preparing for the mission against the pirates I noticed something. You seemed different in a sense and very familiar in another. It felt like I was meeting Zaofu Kuvira again, the girl who would defend me from my brothers and would spend time with me when I felt alone. I also realized that what you had alleged was true. We knew each other and crossed paths almost daily but we weren't really family. My brother also opened up my mind about that. You knew that there was a time he made it clear to mom that he chose you over us, going as far as consider you his only family, right? "
Kuvira glanced at Opal perplexed.
"I…I wasn't aware of that…" her voice cracked ever so slightly but enough to reveal the impact of the revelation. What Opal had just told her made her past transgressions against her ex-fiancée even more heartless. She gathered a deep breath in order to maintain her calm demeanor but the disclosure had shaken her deep inside. Opal noticed the slight nervousness in the former captain and continued on with her answer.
"Once he came to terms with his own emotions about you, he was influential in my decision to give you a chance. Bataar accepted that he had a lot to answer for and was willing to shoulder his share of the blame. And that's why I'm able to talk to you now. Bataar was able to forgive you and Korra was willing to give you the benefit of the doubt because she sensed the deep pain inside you, so I chose the path of forgiveness too. I was given a second chance in life when I became an airbender and it opened up a world that I would have never experienced had I remained confined to remain in Zaofu. I think you deserve a second chance too like my brother because I have perceived that your repentance is real. Besides, I missed you. It torn me apart when I realized I had lost both of you, and being able to talk to you again makes me feel I've recovered an important part of my life." The airbender closed in on the former captain and clasped her hand.
A tear slipped down Kuvira's cheek, her voice unable to mask the emotions brewing inside anymore. "I missed you too Opal. I haven't been the best role model and much less a good friend or a sister to you. I'm really sorry I hurt you and let you down." The metalbender glanced at Opal tentatively, fearful of crossing an invisible line. The airbender sensed her uneasiness and brought her close in a warm hug. Kuvira rested her forehead against Opal's shoulder as she surrounded her lithe frame. Since when the girl she used to cheer up when her brothers shunned her from their games had become so strong? Kuvira wondered to herself. Opal had transformed from a shy, sweet girl into an amazing woman right in front of her very own eyes. Now that woman that was part of history in the making as a member of the fledgling Air Nation was accepting her back.
"I'm so proud of you. You've become a better person than neither Su nor I could have ever imagined."
Opal stared at Kuvira with a soft smile curving at her lips, unable to hide her own emotion in the shimmering of her eyes. "Thank you. I'm glad I had to stay back. It's good we had this moment."
"I think so too. Do you have any plans for dinner tonight?"
"Not really but I could certainly use the company since everyone's gone. And Kuvira…"
"Aha?"
"If I were you, I would take advantage that mom's not here. It would be nice to see you performing again."
Kuvira chuckled. "Alright. After dinner you'll have the privilege to see me fumble miserably and gracelessly in a lame attempt at dancing, but I'll do it because it is you who's asking."
Opal laughed brightly and as she waved Kuvira goodbye, the metalbender's eyes returned to the practice stage, picturing a younger version of herself performing for a giggling Opal. Even with her best years of dancing behind, Kuvira promised herself that she would one day offer the airbender the performance she deserved. For returning fond memories of better times that restored yet another piece of Kuvira's lost humanity, it was the least she could do.