So this chapter has a lapdance in it, in honor of vday. Happy reading!


Keisai had predicted a week of deliberation before the tribunal reached a verdict, which meant ample opportunity for the press to dissect every moment of the trial multiple times over. Kuvira's mouthed words before her testimony were the stuff of countless debates over the radio and in the Times, with lip reading experts of both questionable and considerable acclaim arguing over her intent.

The lawyer himself was subjected to the hounding of the press once again, though their efforts this time were redoubled when compared to the attention after his injury. "A new star has exploded onto the legal scene," one paper declared. "Keisai Sabad, an international lawyer with a military history and close ties to the royal family of the Fire Nation, has made his official debut with the most high-profile case of his career." Despite plaudits Keisai received from the legal experts interviewed both on the air and in the papers, the consensus was far from optimistic. Key parts of the young attorney's defense statement were reprinted in the papers and picked over by the analysts with glowing praise, but his concession of various points of the prosecution's case had not gone unnoticed. Many of the claims made against Baatar dealing with the destruction of property in Republic City and along the United Republic border had gone uncontested, as had the conspiracy to annex the republic. Defense of his involvement in the Reunification Order was shaky at best, and it was generally agreed upon that while exceptional and unexpected, the legal defense would prove insufficient to get the former Earth Empire vice president acquittal.

Keisai himself seemed skeptical, and had lost his temper with Su the day after the trial when she asked him what he expected of the outcome over dinner. "I don't know, Su," he had snapped, shocking the table into silence. "I said everything is up to the tribunal now. Can I read their minds?"

Baatar frowned. "Mom, I've told you. We won't know for a while yet, stop bothering him."

Keisai exhaled noisily. "I'm sorry, Su. But you've waited for a year, so stop being so damn impatient."

Baatar's time in court, though obviously necessary and mandatory, had naturally resulted in time away from his responsibilities at Future Industries. Work on the city hall had been suspended during the trial's proceedings, due to the heavy civilian crowding of the site, and now that it was over his days disappeared behind a wall of paperwork and calculations that never seemed to shrink, no matter how long his hours were. His mother and father seemed reluctant to approach him, but were all too happy when he stopped by visits after work. Baatar Sr. always was ready to listen to his progress with the expansion, even puzzling over a tricky bit of mathematics with him one evening when the calculations for a new bridge repeatedly came out wrong.

Baatar suspected that his parents were hesitant for the same reason he was reluctant to visit. Seeing his family together was more than he was willing to deal with, after Kuvira's outburst at his trial's conclusion. His mother and father, with their easy familiarity and thoughtless comfortable affection with one another only reminded him of what had been promised and subsequently destroyed in the leveling of a canon and a flash of purple light. Su seemed conscious of it too; when Baatar and his father worked on the expansion she originally had joined them, resting her hands on her husband's head as she watched the two work. She seemed to realize herself suddenly, leaving them with a troubled frown and wandering off to talk to the twins. Baatar's work was the perfect excuse to delay visiting Kuvira, and with his family around him and the familiar clink of metal accenting their movements, he was reminded of her whenever they were in close proximity.

"You should probably visit her," Opal said quietly from her seat on his bed, her arms wrapped around her knees. "I talked to Mom and Dad.. I think they know you aren't just staying away because you're busy."

Baatar looked up from his grid, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I don't know... how would a visit help either of us? We don't know what my verdict is yet."

She sighed. "Baatar, we all heard what she was going to say. And we heard her over the recording-"

"Yes, about that," he said, cringing at the memory. "Let's forget that was ever played for a court of nearly three hundred fifty people, shall we?"

Opal smiled. "She must really love you to still be in the mood if that's the sort of stuff you say.."

"You really think I ought to visit?" he asked, resting his elbows on the desk and his head in his hands. "I don't know, Opal.. "

"I think it'd be good for you," she said, hopping down from the bed. "I think it's a better alternative than trying to keep her off your mind by working like a crazy person, anyway."

"I have a lot of catching up to do," he protested.

"Right, but are you telling me Asami is putting unrealistic deadlines on you?" she said flatly. Baatar didn't answer, but nodded after a few moments. "Just go visit," Opal said, hugging him around his shoulders. "I think we all ought to visit with her, honestly. Kuvira's long overdue for a family talk."

"Family?"

She grimaced. "I've been thinking -and the twins agree with me- that we wouldn't have been so upset with Kuvira if we hadn't seen her as an older sister, at least a little bit."

He hugged her tightly, hoping the dimming light would be enough to obscure the incandescent happiness that lit up his face at the mention of Kuvira as family. Baatar ruffled her hair before letting her go. "I think she'd love a visit from you all... tomorrow's her birthday, you know."

"I'll still probably give her a piece of my mind," Opal said, smirking, "but I think we should probably thank her too. She wasn't supposed to testify the way she did, was she?"

"No," he said slowly. "She wasn't. What gave it away?"

"She mouthed 'I'm sorry,'" Opal said matter-of-factly. "You didn't see?"

"Lip-reading experts might disagree with you," he said evasively.

"Well, I know the both of you, and I thought it was pretty clear," she said. "She knew what she was doing, and I bet your lawyer didn't put her up to it. He's trying to get her acquitted too, after all."

"The last thing I want for her is another charge of homicide," Baatar said helplessly. "She didn't used to be this rash-"

"Stuff it," Opal said. "But drive me home, please? You probably want to think about what you'll say tomorrow, and that won't happen with me crashing here for the night."

"You're welcome to stay, little sister," Baatar said. "I'll call Mom and Dad so they'll know where you are."

"Perfect," she said happily, making herself at home under the covers. "Who always has known you best?"

He rolled his eyes. "You did," he admitted, snatching an extra pillow from under her head and stretching out on the couch, trepidation weighing on his chest as he readied himself for an overdue visit.

o0o

"What a wonderful surprise," Kuvira said, tossing a tabloid across the room and sitting up as the lawyer walked in. "Any news for me?"

"Sort of," Keisai said, reaching into his bag. "Catch." A little black leather-bound book flew through the air and Kuvira leapt up from her cot to grab it. "Happy birthday, sweetheart. Baatar told me you're twenty-five today."

She flipped through the book, her eyes widening. "Where did you get this?"

"It was with some of your personal effects," Keisai said easily, sitting down at the table. "Looks like any old planner, so the state took it as evidence when they were investigating your case. Imagine their disappointment when they found it was a wedding planner." He chuckled. "Baatar has quite the eye for gowns... you know, my sister started a wedding line in the Earth Kingdom."

Kuvira flipped through the book, her fingers tracing over the long-dried ink lines from Baatar's pen and lingering on the little notes she had pasted into the margins. She brought the book to her nose, inhaling; on the later pages, she thought she could detect a whiff of his signature scent. "Wait," she said, her finger marking her place as she registered what he had told her. "Your sister's a designer?"

"She's pretty well-known in the Fire Nation," Keisai said with a fond smile. "She's a pint-sized firebrand when you provoke her enough, too. I was thinking about asking her to fit you for your wedding, assuming you haven't ruined my chances of getting you a decent sentence," he added, an edge creeping into his voice.

"Meaning?" Kuvira set the book down, her gaze hardening.

"Thanks to you, I'm going to be working overtime on your case," Keisai said, his usually affable voice taking on a frighteningly cold tone. "I can't believe that you deviated from what we had agreed on for your testimony. 'Because he defected?' Really, Kuvira? Are you angling for a double-charge of attempted homicide?"

"As if I'm the only one that broke our agreement," she said, jumping to her feet. "You were supposed to use Raiko's concession differently-"

"There was no need with his trial," Keisai said, crossing his arms and remaining in his seat. "Remind me, which one of us has the law degree again?"

"We agreed that if you were forced to choose, you'd play that card to save him," Kuvira snapped, undeterred. "I did what I had to do, since you weren't about to—"

"No, all you've done is prove that you're still impulsive, recalcitrant, and blatantly opposed to trusting any authority other than your own," Keisai said coolly. "I told you to listen to me, and I told you to trust me. I had a game plan I told you to stick to, and you decided to ignore me. So I had to hold a few things back for your case. I hate to rub salt in an open wound, Kuvira, but you keep bringing this shit on yourself. If I hear that 'I did what I had to do' bullshit in your case, I'm sending you the complete invoice. I have half a mind to now, if I'm perfectly honest."

"I thought—"

"It is not your job to think!" Keisai exploded, just as the door opened to admit Baatar and his family. "That's my area of expertise, so shut up and either listen to me or postpone the trial and take the damn plea deal, it isn't too late."

Kuvira nodded, casting a furtive glance towards the door. "Odds of acquittal?"

"For Baatar? Why does everyone keep asking me that? I can't say," Keisai said. "It's all up to the judges now. You know, I never did figure out why Su decided to ask me to take Baatar's case... but I think she might have a real knack for seeing the potential in someone others may write off." He looked at Su intently before returning his gaze to her. "I think she saw it in you too, Kuvira." He stood. "And on that note..."

"Cueing your own exit?" Kuvira said snidely.

"I'm just giving you some alone time with the Beifongs," Keisai said. "I'll be right outside if you need me." He clapped Baatar on the shoulder as he left. "You had to bring the entourage?"

"Opal wanted to see her," Baatar retorted, "and so did the twins."

Keisai shrugged. "Whatever. Have fun sorting out this family drama." He took Su's hand as he left. "Best wishes, Su."

Suyin frowned. "Meaning?" Keisai merely laughed, bringing her hand to his lips and winking at Opal before he slipped out the door. The twins bumped fists with him in greeting as he left.

Baatar was the first to break the silence, sitting down in the seat Keisai had just vacated. "Happy birthday," he said, trying and failing to smile. "Does twenty-five feel more perfect than twenty-four?"

"Thanks, you're hilarious," Kuvira said stiffly. "Suyin, Opal, boys... please, sit."

Wei and Wing were the most at ease, plopping down in the other two chairs. Opal and Suyin stood on either side of Baatar. "So, the first time I saw you after you and Baatar betrayed Mom, you said something about it being time to forgive and forget," Opal said, crossing her arms. "And I can't believe I'm saying this, but I almost think it's time."

The shock registered on her face for a moment, but Kuvira recovered quickly. "That means so much to me, Opal. I want the same thing that you do for your brother."

"I forgot it was your birthday," Wei said awkwardly. "Uh... well, I guess we could tell Aunt Lin and she could arrange for a fruit tart with your usual dinner?"

"She hated fruit tarts, idiot," Wing said, shoving his brother.

"Not if they're-" Kuvira paused, realizing she and Baatar had spoken at the same time. "You go first," she said to him, a genuine smile at the corners of her mouth.

"Not if they're dragonberry," Baatar said, rolling his eyes. "Opal was talking, boys."

"Why was Keisai so angry?" Opal prodded. "Was it about what you said in court?"

Kuvira grimaced. "Yes." She traded an uneasy look with Baatar. "Not to be rude, but what exactly is the occasion for a visit from the entire family?"

"Opal wanted to tell you that if you aren't sentenced to life imprisonment, she's ready to start trying to forgive you," Wing said. "Wei and I talked about it last night, and we decided that even if we weren't ready to move on, Baatar would still want you around-"

"Shut up, Wing."

"-so it's pretty lucky that we're cool now," Wei finished. "If you ever get to come back to Zaofu..." He glanced at Su, and the sight of her stony expression was enough to make him backtrack. "Well... never mind."

"Kids, could you give us the room, please?" Suyin uncrossed her arms to rest a hand on Baatar's shoulder. "Your brother and I would like to speak to her alone."

The twins shrugged. "Think Keisai's in Aunt Lin's office, Opal?"

"Probably," she said, casting a worried look over her shoulder as she followed them to the door. "Good luck," she whispered, and Kuvira couldn't tell if the words were directed to Baatar or herself.

"So, you've been seeing one another consistently ever since your imprisonment," Suyin said, voice accusatory. "And planning the case defense together, I imagine?"

"Only where there was overlap," Kuvira said. "Baatar wasn't privy to much that dealt exclusively with my case.. he tends to worry-"

"I know enough about my own son's tendencies, thank you." Kuvira averted her eyes, frowning, and for a moment she felt as though they were back in Zaofu when Raiko had begged for Suyin's support and her suggestions had been shot down.

"Mom," Baatar said carefully, "If you came with me to badger her with accusations, maybe you should join the boys and Opal. I thought you wanted to ask her something more specific?"

Suyin was silent, and her mouth worked furiously as a myriad of expressions crossed her face. "Why did you do it?"

"Do what?"

"Why throw your case into jeopardy? You were prepared for him to die-"

"Baatar is more useful than I am," she said, the words sounding rehearsed to her own ears. "I love reading about his progress with the rebuilding," she said, pointedly referencing her little outburst after the trial as dismissively as she could. "I'm sure he's shown you the tourist attraction he's made for downtown?"

"Enough," Suyin said, her voice tightly controlled. "You know perfectly well what I'm talking about, Kuvira. I want an answer from you, in front of him. Why'd you say it? What did you plan to achieve?"

"I'm not the Great Uniter anymore," Kuvira said, leaning back in her seat. "I'm sorry for all the anguish I caused you, Suyin, and I know it makes it hard to believe me. But when I said I'd accept whatever punishment the world saw fit to give me, I wasn't exaggerating. If that means I'll stay in prison while Baatar helps our people, then that's fine. Without a need for military conquest, a talented engineer will be more than enough to help the people of the empire lay the foundation for achieving their own greatness."

Baatar looked at his mother anxiously, and Kuvira's eyes flitted from him to Suyin as she waited for a response. "I can tell you're as stubborn as ever," Suyin said at last, standing, "and you refuse to give me the answer I want to hear. But if anything comes of it, you'll have at least put right one of the many wrongs you did to the family that took you in."

"I don't think now is the time to bring that up, Mom," Baatar said, leaving his chair. "Kuvira, tell her why-"

"No," Kuvira said firmly, mirroring Suyin's position and crossing her arms. "If I choose to share that with your mother, I want to do it correctly. Now is not the time."

Suyin turned to leave, pausing at the door. "Junior, aren't you joining us?"

"I'll catch up, go on," Baatar said. "I'll visit in the evening, Mom. Don't worry."

Suyin nodded, and as the door clanged shut behind her Kuvira though she heard a frustrated sigh.

"So...you're up to date on the press..." Baatar said awkwardly, trying not to look at the headline of the magazine article on the table. "I knew this would happen the second I heard myself saying that garbage about the spring constants..."

"The guards thought it hilarious to include it with my paper," Kuvira said irritably. "Their level of maturity never fails to astound me."

"At least you didn't make any innuendos in the tapes," he muttered. "What was I thinking?"

"You were thinking about putting the grand unification theory into practice," she said matter-of-factly. "Don't feel too badly about it, everyone's made embarrassing sex jokes at some point in their lives. It's times like these that I'm happy with my cell, though. The bed's a bit hard, even for me, but at least I don't have to worry about the remarks."

"Speaking of what you said in the tape," Baatar said, trepidation in his voice. "And what you said afterward-"

"We don't need to discuss it," Kuvira said softly. "That was a long time ago."

"And so you won't have any problems with your case resulting in life imprisonment?" Baatar said, his voice cracking. "I can't be in Republic City forever, Kuvira. In another few days, I'll know what my fate will be. If there's anything you want to tell me, now might be the time to get it over with...I'm not sure that we'll have another chance."

"I have nothing to say," she said. "And even if I did, what's the point? I'm stuck in a cell."

"You don't have anything to say to me?"

"Just this," Kuvira said, locking her eyes on his. "Keisai can curse all he wants, but he told me that my testimony might prove extremely helpful in swaying the judges for you. If I can be even a fraction of the reason for your acquittal, I'll have that to think on if the worst comes to pass. I regret nothing, so you shouldn't either."

He groaned, his face in his hands. "You're not a martyr, Kuvira. You martyred our relationship with the colossus already, did you really need to try and martyr yourself next?"

"What would you have me do?" she said quietly. "I've done enough to you and your family... don't you think I ought to make up for it, in whatever way I can?"

"I can't answer that," he said. "Fine, we'll talk more once I've heard the verdict. Is there anything you want for your birthday?"

"Keisai got me my old planner," she said, her throat tightening as she saw his eyes turn misty. "No, I don't think I need anything."

"Is there anything I can do?" he persisted, taking her left hand in his. "I thought the planner would only make you upset."

"The best birthday present I could ever receive is news of your acquittal," she said, squeezing his fingers. "And if I hear the news from you before anyone else, I'll be the happiest woman alive."

o0o

The day the tribunal reached a verdict, the skies were overcast and grey. Keisai walked with Baatar a few steps ahead of his family, accompanied by Lin while her men managed the crowds outside the city hall. "Don't look so worried," Lin said bracingly. "You've done all that you could, kid. I don't think any other lawyer would have done half as much for my nephew."

"Thanks, Chief." Keisai helped her into her seat in the gallery with the rest of the family. "Did I really look all that worried? I thought I had more of a grim smolder going on."

Lin snorted, but her eyes softened when her reaction prompted the lawyer to smile.

Baatar and Keisai took their seats at the defense table, observing the goings on as the courtroom slowly filled to its maximum capacity. "The radio is broadcasting everything live," Keisai said in an undertone, stroking his chin. "This could either turn out excellently or be the biggest disaster of our lives."

Baatar cast around for something reassuring to say, but found that he was as nervous as the lawyer. "Are you ever going to shave?" he said at last.

"Maybe," Keisai said, standing. "Now shut up, the moment of truth.."

The courtroom rose with a shuffling of overcoats and boots as the judges entered from the chambers and the clerk called the names of each judge. "Judge Hotah, has the tribunal reached a verdict?"

"We have," Hotah said, his voice echoing off the marble in the silent hall. "The court finds Baatar Beifong the Second guilty of the following crimes against humanity-"

Keisai's eyes blazed.

"The defendant has been found guilty of needless destruction of property in Haven City, Republic City, the United Republic border checkpoint, Zaofu, Xai, and the swamplands. In addition, the defendant has been found guilty of the following crimes against peace: the conspiracy during a time of peace for the attempted annexation of the United Republic and complacency in the Reunification Order. Of the remaining twenty-four charges..."

Baatar found himself sagging against the chair back, and as Hotah read out the verdict on each of the remaining counts -crimes against humanity, crimes against the state, chemical weaponry on the battlefield, pacification operations- he felt his jaw go slack and his entire body go numb. Keisai was saying something excitedly in his ear, but he registered nothing but the repeated verdict of "Innocent" to each succeeding crime. The room blurred despite his glasses, and rush of excitement began to build in his chest as the realization that they could go home at last swelled like the crescendo of a battle hymn.

He. Not they. The thought sucked the music that drowned out the court proceedings from his ears, and he suddenly was aware of the cacophony of camera shutters and Hotah calling for order before he announced the sentence.

"We have determined that the defendant will serve a five-year sentence on a convict lease, contracted to Future Industries-"

"Your Honors," Keisai said, standing, "if it please the court, I'd like to ask leave to make a motion with respect to the verdict-"

"The first year has been deemed completed in service to Republic City," Hotah said shortly. "Are there any further questions by either legal party?"

Keisai nodded deeply. "No further questions, Your Honor." The prosecution, Baatar noticed, seemed curiously content with the verdict, despite the stony expression of the attorney general.

"I declare this tribunal adjourned," Hotah said, and as the formalities of the trial were conducted bringing the court to the close, Baatar could only think of his acquittal for twenty-four counts against him by the United Republic, and the look on Kuvira's face when he would be able to break the news to her. Keisai was dragging him from the court room, his eyes alight with joy and a renewed energy as he fended off reporters and guided Baatar to his family.

"Congratulations, you're almost a free man," Keisai said, clapping him on the shoulder once they all had regrouped in the side room the legal counsel shared before court was called into session. Meilin stood at the far side of the room, her arms crossed as she talked to Zhang.

"Congratulations do seem to be in order," she said, pausing near the door. "Go on, Lushi, I'll catch up."

"She's right, we ought to be congratulating you," Lin said, slowly applauding. "I knew you had it in you, kid."

"I'm so happy I could kiss you," Keisai said delightedly. "In fact-"

"Don't do it, don't-" Baatar said, groaning in disgust when Keisai seized Meilin around the waist, dipping her as he presumably kissed her. "And you did it. Well, at least it wasn't Aunt Lin..."

"Strictly friendly," Keisai said, winking. "Come here, man-" and he pressed a kiss to Baatar's cheek, uncomfortably close to his mouth. "See?"

"On that note, I'll be going," Meilin said stiffly, her fingers probing the reddened area of her cheek. The sound of her heels echoed on the tiled floor, and Keisai grinned ruefully as the door shut behind her.

"At least I only went for a peck on the cheek," he said. "Think she resents that, or the beard burn?"

Baatar growled in frustration. "Are you going to go apologize, or not?"

"Going," Keisai said, and in moment he was out the door. "Meilin," he said, following her. "A word, please."

She turned, her arms crossed. "I'm issuing a restraining order if you touch me again."

"Sorry," he said, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. "I did give fair warning, you were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. I was hoping ask you, though I've likely blown my chance… what's your availability for tonight?"

Meilin arched a brow. "I'm occupied. There's a lot of work to be done for Kuvira's case... you of all people ought to know how difficult it is to prepare for a trial like this. Frankly, I can't quite believe you pulled it off." She began to walk away again.

"Wait, was that a compliment?" Keisai said, blocking her way to the door. "You know, I wouldn't mind extra help on the case.. it isn't too late to defect." He winked, adjusting his tie. "What do you say?"

"That's completely against the terms of my contract, which you very well know. Absolutely not."

"We did agree on a consolation prize," he reminded her. "What's your favorite drink?"

"I don't drink on the job," she said firmly. "And acquittal for twenty-four charges isn't enough to win me over, I'm afraid. Thank you, though."

"Dinner, then?" he persisted. "I promise I won't rub the victory in-"

Meilin narrowed her eyes, a slight smile on her lips. "Let's wait until the trial concludes, shall we? In case you forgot, there's still a bit of a rematch between the United Republic and the Great Uniter's defender."

"Of course, no need to make things awkward—"

"Oh no," she said as she walked away, "you've already done that beyond repair."

Keisai returned to Baatar and the rest of the Beifong family, good-naturedly suffering through congratulatory pounding on the back by the twins, tearful thanks from Su, and a heartfelt word of appreciation for Baatar Sr. before turning to Baatar with a frown. "Well, she's got quite a stuffy attitude for someone her age…I can't remember the last time a girl turned me down."

Baatar stared. "She's your age. And you sexually harassed her, if you want to get really technical."

"I know... theatrics... foibles..lack of boundaries..." Keisai said, wincing. "But in all honesty I'm an old soul, man. You know that."

"You have a hot moms list."

"Whose side are you on?" the lawyer said petulantly. "Fine, so I jumped the gun, but she didn't need to be so dismissive about it... Would you turn down drinks with me, Baatar?"

Baatar groaned. "Keisai, you can't ask out a member of the prosecution before the Kuvira's trial has even begun. And you can't kiss people in celebration of your victory if they aren't okay with it. You know this, stop acting like a child."

"I didn't really ask her out, it was ambiguous," Keisai said. "I should offer as a consolation prize if I win Kuvira's case, though. She referred to it as our 'rematch.'"

"Please tell me you're joking."

"I mean, she'll be upset if they lose again," Keisai said with a shrug, "and she's smoking hot, whip-smart, and calls me out on my bullshit, so...it seems the appropriate thing to do."

"What about my aunt?" Baatar said, grinning.

"She's like an aunt to me too at this point," the lawyer said with a shrug. "Again, if I were fifteen years older, I'd make a serious effort."

Baatar pinched the bridge of his nose. "Why do I always ask.."

"But really, man," Keisai said suddenly, "how do you bring them around? I feel like you have more experience with rejection."

Baatar started to retort, but paused in thought. "Not really, actually..."

Keisai sighed. "Let me guess. Kuvira was your one and only."

"Yes, she was," he said softly. "I've never really thought about being with anyone else for as long as I can remember."

"Well, we ought to be celebrating this victory, not moping about Kuvira or my recent rejection," Keisai said, snapping his fingers. "I'm taking everyone out for drinks, my treat."

o0o

The venue Keisai had chosen was owned by a prominent Earth Kingdom businessman who had opened various bars and nightclubs throughout the eastern provinces of the country. The expansion into the United Republic had been a savvy business move, as the traditional drinks combined with specialty fusion items on the menu resulted in an experience that wasn't quite like anything else Republic City could offer. Keisai had invited Mako, Korra, Asami and Bolin along, but the owner of Future Industries had declined. "It's not that I'm opposed to a bit of fun," Asami had said with regret, "it's just that I'm not particularly close with the Beifongs, and I work with Baatar Junior..."

"Nothing to worry about," Keisai had reassured her. "And don't worry, I'll make sure Korra doesn't do anything under the influence that might make things awkward later. I'll make sure she gets home in one piece."

The interior of the bar was the first of the undamaged Republic City buildings to be newly powered with spirit vine energy, and Baatar's most recent patented lights pulsed with a cool purple light that strobed on command by a technician at the main switchboard. The lights strobed in time to the music, and as Keisai ordered a round of drinks for the crew, Baatar was able to fully appreciate the breadth of what he had accomplished in a short year. In his attempts to drown himself in work and banish thoughts of Kuvira from his mind, the magnitude of his innovations had entirely bypassed his notice, but as the spirit lights pulsed in time to the fast-paced music he felt a rush of pride, wishing she were there to see it. "To Keisai," he said, raising his glass, "the man who's given everyone a hundred percent reason to remember his name. I owe you my life, my career, and to a large extent, my happiness. I couldn't have asked for a better attorney, and I couldn't have dreamed of making a better friend."

"Stop it," Keisai said, beaming. "Or go on, I do enjoy praise. I'll hold off with the invoices, no need to spoil the mood."

"About that," Baatar Sr. said, smiling as Su drained her glass and promptly refilled it. "Junior, I'm ecstatic about your verdict. I've been saving a present for you, and I'm happy to be able to give you this." He reached into his pocket, pulling out a slim box. "Go ahead, open it."

"Dad, you didn't need to give me a present for my acquittal, I had nothing to do with it," Baatar protested.

"No, I did," his father said, smiling. His smile only broadened as Baatar opened the box to behold all of the invoices Keisai had sent from the start of his contract. "I'm very happy for you, son."

Baatar winced. "You... didn't total them up."

"Well, since we're paying our dues," Keisai said merrily, "add this one to the stack, man."

"Fantastic," Baatar said flatly. "Four years of hard-earned success and I'm back to starting over... I suppose I deserve this."

"Sweetie, we can write it off," Su said too loudly, her bottle of wine nearly empty. "We have enough money, don't make Junior start from scratch-"

"No," his father said. "Spoiling our sons is the reason one of them ended up the vice president to a military dictator, one of them ended up a selfish artist, and two of them ended up five shots deep with the Avatar within the hour- Get off the bar, boys! You look obscene!"

"I'll write the check," Baatar muttered. "Once my assets are officially unfrozen, I'll pay you both back for everything. I appreciate you doing this for me, really."

What was supposed to be a fun night out quickly devolved into a borderline traumatizing experience, and Baatar felt bad for the lawyer, having willfully placed himself in the middle of the chaos. Su was prone to more indecorous behavior when she was intoxicated, and their location didn't seem to be a deterrent. After pouting and loudly insisting that it was unfair to saddle their son with invoices on the day of his acquittal, Su turned her attention to her husband, causing Opal and Baatar to exchange resigned looks as their mother proceeded to grow increasingly aggressive.

"Baatar, I'm worried," Keisai said, leaving Mako and Lin at the bar after a few blissful moments of sanity. "I promised Asami that I'd keep Korra from doing anything she'd regret-" He winced as he saw Korra dancing with Wei and Wing in an increasingly provocative manner, a drink in her hand and increasingly sloppy footwork on the floor. "I thought the avatar was a mature young woman-"

"She grew up in a compound," Baatar said flatly. "She probably hasn't had much experience, you know. Why are you acting so disturbed, anyway? Somehow I doubt you were a paragon of virtue when you were twenty-two.."

"I wasn't," Keisai admitted, "but I'm thirty, man. I'm basically responsible for these kids, since your aunt is just enjoying the show and your mother seems hell bent on getting some metal to harden-"

"Su! Stop that, we're in public."

They turned to behold Su with her lips to Baatar Sr.'s neck, completely oblivious to her surroundings. "Okay," Keisai said, grimacing and turning away as she proceeded to give her husband a lap dance, "she's had enough.."

"Oh, that?" Baatar said, knocking back his drink in a manner reminiscent of Lin. "How do you think all of us were conceived? You get used to it after a while," he added, idly swirling a new glass of Su's dragonberry wine. "Mom won't miss this," he said conspiratorially as Opal gave him a pointed look. "She's got her mind on one thing."

"Come on, Baatar," Su was saying, "let's make another. The first one was a screwup, let's replace it with a better one this time."

"We're too old for more kids, dear-"

"I'm not menopausal yet!"

"Where are the twins?" Keisai said suddenly. "Where's Korra? Last I saw the twins were pulling her to a side room..." His face paled. "Chief! Lin, we've got to stop your nephews before I end up filing allegations against your family-"

"Calm down," Baatar said, cruelly amused at the Keisai's worry. "I know my brothers, and they're not about to take advantage of the avatar when she's intoxicated. Everything will be fine-"

He was interrupted by the sound of a thump and banging against the door of the side room, and Keisai swore. "That's it," the lawyer muttered, and seizing Lin and a very displeased Mako he forced his way into the room to behold Korra slumped against one of the boys, thoroughly drunk and completely unharmed.

"Truth or dare?" Wei asked, filling a shot glass.

"Truth or dare?" Korra loudly guffawed. "I'm the avatar, I'll do both. And you've gotta deal with it!"

"Cool," Wing slurred happily. "I wanna see your eyes glow."

"Okay, Wei," Korra said, but before she could enter the state Lin shot out a cable to hoist her up.

"I don't know of a precedent," she said grimly, "but something tells me a drunk in the avatar state means damages I don't feel like paying for."

Keisai deflated in relief. "Okay, that's enough," he said. "Korra, I'm getting you on a cab back to your roommate's, alright? You've had enough for the night and Asami's going to be pissed seeing you this wasted."

"No!" Wing protested. "C'mon, Keisai, don't be a buzzkill!"

"Your family," Keisai hissed as he and Mako each dragged a twin along once Korra was safely on her way back to Asami, "is crazy."

"Why do you think I stayed in Republic City and never reached out?" Lin said drily, taking another swig from her glass. "Amateurs."

"I still haven't seen Kuvira," Baatar muttered. "Keisai, think I could-"

"Junior!" Su detached herself from her husband long enough to regard her son with imperious disapproval. "You are not to visit that woman during family time, understand?"

"How is this family time?" Baatar exploded. "You're making out with dad while the twins have probably taken fourteen shots each, and Opal's stuck babysitting her boyfriend!"

"It's fine," Opal said irritably. "He gets a little more intellectual when he's tipsy."

"It's family time if we're expanding the family," Su said, returning her attention to Baatar Sr. "Sweetie, let's move this somewhere a little more private..."

"Keisai, I'm incredibly sorry," his father said with a combination of disgust and amusement. "I'm going to get my wife back to the hotel. Please watch the boys while I'm away, I shouldn't be more than thirty minutes."

"No problem," Keisai said.

"It doesn't take nearly that long for you to finish," Su said, her voice carrying embarrassingly far as her husband forced her off and dragged her to the door.

Mako crossed his arms. "Nice work, Keisai. You're a natural in the courtroom, but you're a rookie when it comes to dealing with drunk Beifongs. It shows."

"Have you ever seen them like this?" Keisai asked flatly.

Mako winced. "No. But hey, now we know, right? Thanks for looking out for Korra. I would've interfered, but.. our relationship is under enough scrutiny as it is."

"Women, right?"

"Tell me about it."

"It's getting late, you two," Lin said, joining them. "Nothing good happens after twelve in the morning-"

"Nothing good happens after your sister is two bottles deep with the dragonberry wine," Keisai said. "But I agree, I think it's time to call it a night.." He linked arms with Baatar. "I would say it's been a pleasure, but if there's an open bar at the wedding I don't think I'll be in attendance."

"There's no wedding," Baatar snapped.

"Whatever," Keisai said. "Funny how it all works out... we got the verdict a couple of days after her birthday, and the court date is set for the twenty-sixth.. isn't that the date you both picked?"

Baatar sighed. "I'm going to leave a message for Kuvira," he said. "Opal, do you want a ride?" He grimaced with distaste when he saw his little sister demonstrating the existence of Su's genes with Bolin. "Never mind."

"I'll take care of them," Mako said in disgust. "It's tough being the oldest, huh?"

"You can say that again, kid." Lin set her newly empty glass down.

Keisai and Baatar carpooled on the way back, the ride curiously silent as the lawyer presumably tried to process what he had just seen. "Well, at least we know one good thing," he said at last, parking in front of Baatar's door.

"I told you, I'm grateful," Baatar said, clasping the man's hand. "Whatever I'm paying you will never be enough."

"Well, yes," Keisai said gently, "but you're effectively free. Asami's a sweet girl, she'll be willing to listen to you when she contracts you with a job under your lease. You know what your outcome is, so I think you know what you need to address next."

Baatar nodded. "Thank you for looking out for her."

"Let's hear it, man," Keisai said as the car locks clicked open. "You're still head over heels, aren't you?"

Baatar flushed. "I do a poor job of hiding it."

"Good thing she does too," Keisai said. "You know what you need to do." As the lawyer's car sped off into the night, Baatar found himself unable to sleep, his buzz fading as his mind filled with the thought that morning couldn't come soon enough.


A/N: Happy Valentine's Day, loves! This chapter was a bit crack-y, haha. If you thought the lapdance was from Kuvira, PSYCH. Also, hope y'all caught the terra-7 reference, she's fab!