AN: I am so overwhelmed with all the people who replied to my inquiry and said how much they like this story. It really helps me want to put in the effort to keep going with it. I appreciate everyone so much, I can't even begin to express it.

This chapter was thrown together really quickly because I wanted to get something out before NaNo because I will be focusing on original work for that. So here's something to hopefully tide you over until after November! It's pretty rough, so please excuse any mistakes!

The fastest way to travel from Zaofu to Republic City was usually the train. The design was modified-stolen, her mind wanted to say-from the train Baatar Junior had designed for the purposes of traveling quickly throughout the Earth Empire. After her defeat, the technology fell into the hands of Asami Sato and was then repurposed into an extensive network of railroads that spidered across the continent. Future Industries made a fortune off of the project, and Kuvira always felt slightly cheated. The trains were her idea and Baatar Junior's design, yet Asami got the credit. In her heart, she knew it didn't really matter. She didn't need the recognition or the accolades. She just wanted people to know that not everything she had done made the world worse. Some things had been an improvement, still made peoples' lives better. She just wanted the public in general to understand that she was not a flat, one-dimensional villain who did not care at all about other people.

But then, that was what this trip was about.

She, Baatar, Suyin, Lin, and Kya were all on their way to Republic City to testify before the Council as to what progress Kuvira was making. And they were not taking the ingenious train, but the also brilliantly designed airship that Suyin owned.

Kuvira stood next to the large front windows, looking out as the land passed under them, her arms crossed protectively over her chest. This entire ordeal had put her on edge, her anxiety only a hair's breadth from becoming a full blown panic attack at any moment. Suyin and Baatar seemed to know that she needed to be left alone. There were so many thoughts in her head, and she did not need any idle chatter clouding her further. For months, she had been in the safety of Zaofu, surrounded by people who knew her, who knew what her situation was, what her life with Suyin was. Now, she was going to have to try and hide all of that from people who wanted only to see the worst in her. They would only see who she used to be, who she was as The Great Uniter. They would not see who she had become, who she had worked so hard to be. It terrified her to think that after everything, she might be sent back to her tiny prison cell, unable to touch Suyin again, unable to teach Kaori how to bend, unable to sit and have tea with Baatar Senior.

The thoughts circled her head, swirling and swimming, tightening around her heart, constricting her chest. Swallowing, she turned away from the window, taking deep breaths as she sought out Suyin.

The older woman was sitting with her husband, their heads leaned together as they talked quietly. Baatar's hand was on Suyin's knee, and Kuvira felt a pang in her gut as she longed to be between them. Until they were safely back in Zaofu, however, she knew she needed to attempt to keep her distance, at least physically.

As she approached, Suyin looked up and gave her a soft smile, though Kuvira could see it was strained.

"Come sit with us," Suyin said quietly. "You're a ball of nerves."

Sighing, Kuvira lowered herself onto the bench next to Suyin. "Well, I have a lot on my mind."

Suyin took her hand and squeezed. "We will be with you the entire time. You are not alone in this."

"I know. I'm not sure if that's good or bad," she admitted.

"Why would it be bad?" Suyin tilted her head with a small frown.

"You have a habit of distracting me."

"I'm usually trying to. I will be on my best behavior, I promise."

"I'll hold her to that," Baatar said, leaning around his wife to look at Kuvira. "We are going to get through this. All of us. In a week, we'll be back home, together."

"Together," she repeated with a small nod of her head. When Baatar said it, she almost believed it.

"We love you, sweetheart," Suyin assured her. "And we will not let anything happen to keep you from us."

"I know." She leaned her head back against the hull. "But what if...Never mind. It doesn't matter."

Suyin frowned, her brow crinkling. "What?"

"Nothing."

"Kuvira."

Sighing, Kuvira shut her eyes. "I mean, what if they do make me stay? What then? Are you going to….I don't know, go to war with them over me?" She was not sure she wanted to know the answer. Either way it was bad. Either Suyin would go to war for her, which would just compound Kuvira's guilt, or she wouldn't. That would almost be worse. To know that Suyin would just let her go.

For a long time, Suyin did not say anything and Kuvira started to fear the worst. "I don't know," the older woman finally said. "I'm not sure yet what I'm going to do." She reached over and took Kuvira's hand in hers. "All I know is that I will fight for you, okay? If the outcome of this is not what we hoped for, then we will cross that bridge when we come to it. Until then, we will just plan on returning home in a week."

"I know you're worried," Baatar cut in, "and I understand that. But you're going to make yourself sick."

"Easier said than done," Kuvira grumbled.

"Maybe you could try meditating with Kya," Suyin suggested. "Get centered before we land."

"I'm not sure if I can concentrate enough for that, but I'll try." She pushed herself up and kissed Suyin's hair before going over to find Kya. The waterbender was looking out the window on the other side of the room, her head leaned against the glass.

"Feeling all right?" she asked as Kuvira stepped up next to her.

"I've been better."

"Hmm. Anything I can do?"

"Su suggested I try and meditate."

Kya turned to face her. "I can definitely help with that." She settled herself on the floor, crossing her legs. After a moment's hesitation, Kuvira joined her. "Empty your mind. Let all your stress run down to your fingertips and out of your body." She continued speaking in a low tone, leading Kuvira through her breathing. It was different from the way Korra meditated, but Kuvira found it just as helpful. Her nature was an anxious one despite the facade she had worn as The Great Uniter. She was a perfectionist, and that let her to becoming obsessive about controlling every aspect of her life. When she was incarcerated, all of that control was taken from her. Meditating was a way for her to try and convince her body that the world was not, in fact, falling apart.

As Kya spoke, Kuvira emptied herself and let her mind calm down. She did not need to go into her meeting with the Council while she was wound so tight. She needed her head to be clear and tranquil. They needed to see the difference in her, how much she had grown. She was no longer in danger of snapping at the drop of a hat, no longer someone who needed to be watched constantly. The members of the Council could not even begin to comprehend her remorse and guilt. Most of the time, she was sure they still saw her as the cocky, arrogant woman who decided to take over an entire continent. They never understood her reasons. They never understood her. To them, she was a criminal and nothing more.

But they did not matter in the long run. They were not the people who knew and loved her, and they were not her victims. They were rich and prominent, men and women who had everything handed to them on a silver platter. They recovered quickly from her attack while the poorer people of the city were still suffering. Kuvira carried guilt and anger because of that, knowing that she could not right her wrong and that others were making the situation even worse.

As she focused inward, the journey slid by her, the fields and mountains passing below easily and quickly. Before she knew it, Kya was telling her that it was time to go. Reluctantly, she got to her feet and straightened her clothes. This was it. She would not get a second chance at a good impression.

"Let me just…" Suyin was in front of her now, fussing over her hair.

"It's fine." Kuvira gently grabbed her wrist and moved it away. "We can fix it once we get settled." They were staying at Air Temple Island, where she was away from the public, but not incarcerated.

"Her hair looks fine," Lin said gruffly as she walked by them. "I don't think Tenzin gives two shits what her hair looks like."

Suyin glared after her. "She needs to look her best. Their impression of her is so important. If she looks unkept, that will send the wrong message."

"And if she looks too pristine, they'll be suspicious," Lin replied over her shoulder. Kuvira could almost hear her rolling her eyes. "You're over thinking things. Just come on."

With a helpless look at Suyin, Kuvira followed Lin, grabbing her bags before departing. Lin led the way with Suyin, Baatar, and Kya flanking her on both sides. The acolytes had come out to see her, to gawk, she supposed. Hyperconscious of how dangerous they thought she was, she kept her eyes down, head bowed. She did not want to look like a threat.

Tenzin was waiting for them, looking down his nose at Kuvira. "I'm not pleased about this situation, but Lin assures me that you will not cause any problems."

"I won't," Kuvira said softly, trying not to let her temper flare. "I appreciate you allowing me to stay here."

He just narrowed his eyes and turned to Lin. "Your rooms will be on the south wing, away from everyone else. I expect her to have a guard at all times. She is not to go anywhere on unaccompanied."

"Yeah, yeah. Don't get your panties in a twist. She's not a prisoner." Lin gave her brother a flat look. "But don't worry. I'll protect you."

Tenzin's face started to turn red, and he glared at her. "This woman threatened my children! She attacked my city, and you want me to just let that slide?"

"No, Tenzin. I don't. But you and your Council decided she was well enough to leave prison." Lin put her hands on her hips.

"Lin, please," Kuvira said quietly. She laid a hand on the other woman's arm and looked up to address Tenzin. "I am deeply sorry for the pain I've caused your family. I was a different person then, and I'm...I'm doing everything I can to make up for my mistakes. I don't ask for your forgiveness because I know I don't deserve it. But you don't have anything to worry about with me. I just want to live out the rest of my days in peace, at home in Zaofu. That is why I'm here. To show that the Council's trust in my recovery was not misplaced."

He studied her for a moment, then inclined his head. "My father was once enemies with Firelord Zuko. Within a few years, they were close friends. I don't know if I can forgive you, but I do know that my father was a believer in second chances. If you'll follow me, I'll show you to your rooms."

Their group followed him to a secluded wing, well away from any other living quarters. Kuvira had a room to herself, but guards were placed at the entrance. No one would come in or out without them knowing. Suyin and Baatar's room was down the hall, well away from her, while Lin and Kya's room was next to hers. The members of Suyin's security force that they had brought with them filled up the rest of the rooms. Most of them were at least friendly with Kuvira, so she thought maybe it would not be so bad to be surrounded by people she knew during this trip.

"Meals are given in the Great Hall. I would ask that you not take yours there as it may upset some of the acolytes," Tenzin said to her once she had put her things down.

"I understand."

"There is a small room at the end of this wing where you can eat. We will have food brought to you."

"Thank you." She bowed her head to him. Once he left, she sat on her small bed and sighed, resting her head in her hands. Soon, there came a knock on her door. Her heart fell when she opened it and it was Lin.

"Shit, don't look so excited to see me," Lin said, brushing past Kuvira without waiting to be invited in. Shutting the door, Kuvira tried not to sigh.

"I wasn't expecting you."

"Yeah, I know. But honestly, you two are going to have to chill out while you're here. Tenzin is oblivious, but that doesn't mean no one will notice your moony eyes."

The blush spread over Kuvira's cheeks. "We're being careful."

"Oh sure you are." Lin did not look or sound convinced. "Anyone with half a brain can see there's something between you."

With a small groan, Kuvira rubbed her hands over her face. "No one can know. It would be a disaster."

"It's something you should have thought about earlier."

"You were the one who told me I should go for it!"

"Hey, what can I say? I don't always give the best advice. Look, it is what it is. You're happy, she's happy. Whatever. Just know that you need to tone it down."

"I'm trying! It's not that easy. What if someone told you and Kya to tone it down?"

"Honestly, I'd punch them in the teeth. But I'm not on parole." Lin tilted her head. "It's just for a week. And it's for the best in the long run."

"That's what everyone keeps telling me." She laid back on the bed, arms crossed under her head. "I know they're right, but...I've gotten used to Zaofu, where we don't have to be as careful. Spirits, the entire staff knows what's going on."

"Are you telling me you can't handle blue balls for a week?"

"It's not about sex, and you know it. I've never...I've always hidden my emotions. That was never a problem for me before. But I was also more unhappy as a person. Emotionally stunted. Now...I've let myself grow in that way and I can't just shut it off like I used to."

"You and Su. So damn dramatic. It's just a week. You'll live. Get over it."

At first, Kuvira wanted to snap back at Lin. Get angry and defensive and tell her it wasn't that simple. But then, she realized Lin was right. She was whining about something that really wasn't all that difficult. "She's going to have more trouble with it than me."

Lin snorted. "Don't I know it? I'm going to have a talk with her next. You and me may have started off rocky, what with you ruining my city. But despite all that, I like you. I want you to be happy. I don't understand why my sister fulfills that for you, but I'm going to go in there and tell the Council the truth. That you're better off at Zaofu, and that you're now a productive member of society or whatever bullshit they want to hear."

"Thank you, Lin. I...I really do appreciate everything you and Kya have done for me."

Lin flapped her hand in exasperation. "Don't get all sappy on me. I'm just doing what's right. Korra should be here soon to talk with you and make sure everything is all good. I'll send Su in once I get done telling her to keep it in her pants." She looked for a moment like she wanted to go to Kuvira, but she just shook her head and let herself out.

It was almost a half hour later when Suyin finally did knock on Kuvira's door. They both kept a passive face until the door was shut firmly behind them.

Suyin moved to embrace her, but Kuvira put up her hands between them, trying to ignore the look of pain that passed over her face. "No. Not yet. Not for a week."

"But we're alone," Suyin said, trying to move towards her again. "No one can see."

"I know, but I have to be able to face the Council and pretend like nothing is going on."

"So now I can't even hug you?"

"Su, please. Don't make this harder. You're being childish." Kuvira gave her a pointed look. She was always aware of how easily Suyin could manipulate a situation to her liking. How it came so naturally to her, how she usually did not even realize what she was doing. It was something they were working on, but sometimes it still got the better of the other woman.

Suyin blew out a disgruntled snort through her nose. "You sound like Lin."

"She's not wrong. We do this week, keep it together, and then we go back home where we don't have to be so...discreet."

"This isn't even discretion. This is a complete lack of contact."

Kuvira watched her for a moment, then stepped up and took Suyin's hand in hers. "I love you. You know that. What's going on that's making this so hard for you?"

Suyin shook her head. "It's not important."

"No, you always make me tell you when something is bothering you. It goes both ways, you know." She dipped her head to look into Suyin's face. "Tell me."

"Kuvira, please. I don't want to worry you more."

"Would you just tell me already?"

"I can't lose you!" Suyin finally relented. She swallowed hard while Kuvira watched, unsure what to say. "I keep telling you everything is going to work out, but I'm terrified that I'm wrong. I fought so hard to get you home, and I've done...everything I can to try and make this thing between us work. I've made concessions that I never thought I'd make and I'm happy to do it." She looked into Kuvira's eyes, her own swimming with tears. "I've never felt this way about anyone except Baatar. Losing you would be as hard for me as losing him. I know it's only been a few months, but...with us, it's so much more than that. We have a lifetime of history that is wrapped up in everything. The years we spent apart….Spirits, Kuvira, I thought I'd lose myself. I almost did."

"Su…" Kuvira's throat wanted to close in on itself, trying to clamp down on the tears that threatened to fall. Kuvira knew from Baatar how hard that time had been on Suyin. She was afraid of what the other woman was about to say.

"I shut everyone out. I was hurting and...and so betrayed. I don't say this to make you feel guilty. I just...you deserve to understand how deeply you are rooted in my heart."

"Su, I know that." Distressed, Kuvira cupped Suyin's jaw in her hands and leaned in to kiss her, but Suyin pulled back, wrapping her fingers around Kuvira's wrists.

"Please, let me finish. If you kiss me now, I'll never get it out." She turned her lips to Kuvira's palm to soothe the sting her words left. "I have never been prone to depression. That was always Lin. I've lived my life how I wanted and never let my past mistakes haunt me. And that worked well for me until you. From the moment I met you, even as a child, you worked your way into this deep, uncomfortable place inside me. You made me reflect on myself and...and everything I had done wrong. I saw this wounded pain in you, and it made me think of the pain I had caused."

"Suyin," Kuvira stressed, her voice cracking. She hated feeling like she was the cause of this.

"You cracked me open, just pulled out every emotion I had. Only Baatar had ever done that. And then you grew up and you hated me because I… I wasn't what you needed or wanted or...or something. I was never sure what I did wrong."

"Su, it wasn't that. I was angry. I was...I didn't know who I was, and I couldn't make you fit into the life I thought I was supposed to have. I suppose maybe I've always had these underlying feelings for you that made every interaction we ever had that much more intense. But I never hated you, not really. I couldn't, even when I wanted to."

"Regardless, you left, and I...I was shattered in a way I was so woefully unprepared for. It was like a personal failing. And then came the anger. I was so angry. I've never felt that kind of anger before. It was all-consuming, and I could think of nothing else but getting back at you. It took me years to realize why I reacted so strongly. It's not what you did. I mean, of course that played a part in it. But more...it was the fact that it was you. I wasn't upset at Junior the same way. I wasn't obsessed with stopping him. It was you, Kuvira. It was always you. And then one day...it all made sense. All of my anger, all of my emotions, the turmoil. It clicked. It took me so long to realize it because I never looked at you that way. I know what people say about me, about how young I like my partners. It's all lies. I've never...would never pressure someone so young into anything. Ever."

"I know," Kuvira croaked out.

"It's always been complicated with you, and I did not know how to handle everything that happened. I isolated myself. I left every single one of my lovers except Baatar, and truthfully, I would have left him, too if not for the children. I felt...like I was broken, like I couldn't be the partner he deserved, any of them deserved. Not while I was so fixated on you and what went wrong. If I lose you now after I've finally managed to figure everything out...I don't know what will happen."

Kuvira could not stand it any longer. She pulled Suyin into a tight embrace, pressing her nose to the gray hair. "I'm here. I'm not going anywhere, I swear it."

"You can't make that promise. It's in someone else's hands."

"It is, but it's also partly up to me. I just have to go in there and make a good impression. They'll see that this is best for me."

"Is it?" Suyin pulled back enough to look at her. "Is it best for you? I mean...obviously being out of prison is good for you, but what if being with me is hurting-"

"Stop it, Su." Kuvira took Suyin's face firmly in her hands. "Look at me. I have never been happier. Ever. Not in my entire life. There is nothing to discuss. I never imagined that I would love someone this way. I couldn't comprehend it. And now that I have it, I will do everything I can to keep it. You are not hurting me. Being with you makes me happier, calmer. Having you in my life has been a blessing. Please don't ever think otherwise."

"Are you sure?"

"I've never been more sure of anything." Kuvira did kiss her then, softly and slowly. It would have to last them the week, but she knew they both needed it at that moment. "I love you, Suyin Beifong. With everything that I have."

"You know I feel the same way." As blush spread across Suyin's cheeks. "I'm sorry for losing it on you. You don't need to deal with that right now."

"It's all right. I want to know how you're feeling. I don't want you to feel like you have to hide things from me. I'm not fragile, Su. I can take it."

"I know. It's not about you. It's...It's my own perception of myself. I hate feeling weak or out of control."

"You know, over the last ten years, I've had many a waterbender tell me that having emotions and emotional reactions is not weak."

Suyin laughed and wiped at her eyes. "Well, what do they know anyway?" She kissed Kuvira once more, then took a deep breath to pull herself together. "Lin seems to think I'm very...obvious with my feelings. It would seem she's not far off. I don't want to jeopardize this for you."

"They'll just see what they want to see between us. They won't guess at the true nature of it. You loving me isn't something that would be strange. They know our history. They know you volunteered to take me in."

"But then I asked that you be moved to Lin's supervision. What if they want an explanation?"

"Then we tell them what we told everyone else. It was because of my nightmares and panic attacks. Kya is more equipped to handle those things. She'll back us up."

With a small smile, Suyin shook her head. "I'm supposed to be the one calming you down, not the other way around."

"We can take turns. And Baatar is calm enough for all of us."

"He's not so calm now. He's as worried as I am, but he doesn't want you to see it. Let him have that. He wants to feel like he's helping."

"He is helping. Always." She sighed and looked down. "I wish I could go to him."

"I know, and he knows. But while I can get away with visiting you, it would be more suspicious if he did. People know you're friendly, but no one knows how deep it runs." She rubbed Kuvira's arm. "He is here for you, even if he can't come hug you like I can."

"Tell him I know, and that I love him too."

Suyin bumped their noses together, and it took everything Kuvira had to keep from kissing her again and again. It felt as though they were being drawn together like magnets.

"You should go before anyone become suspicious." Reluctantly, Kuvira drew back, marveling at how the loss of Suyin's touch felt almost like a physical pain. "Korra will be here soon. You should take the opportunity to...to go see Opal."

Suyin's face darkened with pain. "If she'll see me."

"I thought she was speaking to you more."

"Speaking, yes. But not much more. When I told her we were coming...she did not say anything about seeing us. She's still very upset by all this."

"I'm sorry. I hate that she found out that way."

"I know. It's not what I would have chosen. But at least she's reacting better than Junior."

Kuvira swallowed. "Is he still refusing to speak with you?"

"He won't return our calls or out letters. It's like we don't exist anymore."

"That's my fault. If I hadn't hurt him…"

"He would still be angry about this. He...he is not as open-minded as I would have hoped. I suppose I sheltered him too much, I don't know. Whatever the reason, it's not your fault that he's so unhappy. Not now, at least. He's had ten years to move on. He has a wife and children. But he's still stuck on what happened."

"Maybe...maybe I could try to talk to him. Try and help him reach some sort of closure."

"No, I don't think that's a good idea," Suyin said firmly. "He wouldn't react well to that."

"If it was just the two of us, no one else. I think it's worth a shot."

"Oh, Kuvira, I just don't see that working out how you hope." Suyin touched her cheek.

"Maybe not, but at least I could say I tried." Her guilt over Baatar still ate at her, carving up a hollow in her stomach every time she thought of him.

"We should focus on this hearing first," Suyin suggested. "Then maybe we can consider trying to contact him. He probably won't even agree to see you."

"And if that happens, then we can go home." Kuvira raised her brows at Suyin. "In the meantime, you should go see Opal. I know I'm no longer her friend, but I did know her well, and I know she misses you, even if she won't admit it. She'll forgive you sooner rather than later, even if she's never happy with this."

"I hate fighting with her." Suyin's voice was small and insecure as her arms wrapped around her middle.

"I know. But...all you can do is try and move forward with her. Please. I'll be all right here. I'll have Korra and Lin and Kya."

Suyin still looked hesitant. "If you're sure…"

"I am. Go. See your daughter." Kuvira touched her cheek, promising herself that they would keep the kissing to a minimum until they went back home. "I'll be here when you get back."

"All right. But you have to promise to find Kya if you start having a hard time."

"I will, I promise."

"And see if they'll let you spar with Lin. That will take away some stress."

"Mhm, will do." Kuvira started steering Suyin to the door.

"And make sure you have dinner."

"I will. Now go, before you talk yourself out of it." She gave Suyin a gentle push through the door, watching her return down the hall to the room she shared with Baatar.

Kuvira only hoped that her optimism was not misplaced.