They circled each other; tension built to the point it solidified their lethal dance. He struck. She dodged the first punch but couldn't move fast enough to miss the backward kick to her back. Asami landed on the matt with a thud. The only reprieve he allowed his conscious for hitting a lady was that he was holding back most of his strength.
Iroh offered her his hand. "You have to remember to anticipate your opponent's moves."
"I've been trying but I'm obviously not a mind reader," she groaned as she got up.
"'If you know your enemies and know yourself, you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles'. Try again. You already know yourself, you just need to focus on the small details to understand your enemy," he explained as he got into fighting position.
"Within the span of a second," she pursed her lips in displeasure.
"You have my upmost confidence in your ability, Ms. Asami."
She definitely didn't disappoint. Her only warning was the slightest flex in his arm muscle. She ducked this time and immediately jumped, this time also dodging the following kick. Figuring he'd anticipate her falling back to the ground, she flipped forward midair and landed behind him. Surprising him, she threw her body's full force against his back which knocked them both to the ground.
"Do I win?" she murmured against his ear.
"Not quite," just as quickly said, he crudely flipped them over and rolled to face her. He cupped her face as his thumb traced over her cheek bone. "If I were truly an enemy, I might have hurt you by now. You underestimated my strength by overestimating your own. But you're progressing."
Asami wrapped her arms around his neck. "Do me a favor and never mentor Korra," she innocently fluttered her lashes at her jealous request.
His loud, masculine laughter melted over her. "I don't think the Avatar would appreciate my advice as much as you."
"I'm only afraid she might appreciate it too much," she said through thinly veiled implications.
He wrapped a finger around a tress of her hair at her nape. "In my eyes, Asami, you have no competition."
In reward for saying the right words she kissed him sweetly. That electrifying (pun intended) night's events a few days ago eased most of the emotion tension she felt around him. They spent their days training, various sorts of entertainment with the group, and wining and dining. She found that those around them would sometimes send a questioning look but she didn't give answers – mostly because she didn't have answers to give. Korra wasn't exactly girl-talk material anyway. Some reflection made her realize that while he'd taken the role of the Prince Charming (literally), he hadn't exactly put into words if they were in a committed relationship. Most likely yes but still… Once they drew apart, Iroh stood up, pulling her up with him.
He brushed himself off and told her, "For dinner tonight, I set something up on my ship."
She bit her lip and her eyes dropped to the ground. It will be the same ship that he's going to leave on. Since it arrived this morning, she's been dreading the final countdown. Two days. Although she told herself that she was going to accept the long-distance relationship (is it an actual relationship?), she couldn't help but be upset by the thought. Will he remember her? Will he call and send letters? Will he find some firebending floozy that might tempt him? If so, she'd personally hunt down the girl and beat her to a pulp. And she'd make it hurt. Already planning how she'd assault this faceless woman, she didn't notice he was walking out of the gym area with her hand-in-hand.
"Where are we going?" she finally thought to ask.
"We've been training all morning. I think it's time for a break. Yesterday, I spoke with my 'cousin', if you want to call him that. He insisted that I visit before I leave. I told him I'd bring a beautiful lady along."
"Why haven't we seen your 'cousin' before? Wouldn't he have shown up at the celebrations?"
"He and his family escaped Republic City when things became too rough. They just got back from Kyoshi Island, where his parents live."
"What's his name?"
"Hakoda. Now go get ready." He gently pushed her to the direction of her room.
Asami was tingling with excitement. Sure, they were not immediate or blood related but he was taking her to meet his family. She rushed through a quick shower. Darn but she had to pick out the perfect dress. Something that said sophisticated and classy. Even though she might not be living in a mansion anymore, she still had all her fine dress and jewelry her father had bought her. She opted for a light green dress she wore to meet an Earth Nation investor and silently thanked her aristocratic upbringing. She added the matching emerald tear drop earrings and reapplied her make up. She caressed the golden, diamond studded bracelet that formerly belonged to her mother but decided against wearing it. No, she would save that for a very special occasion like her wedding.
He was already waiting, dressed in the finery of a flattering red-tinted dress shirt and waistcoat. She had to keep from fanning herself at how gorgeous he looked.
Drawing his attention to her, she said, "Are you going to escort me or not, General Iroh?"
Life sparking into his eyes, he silently offered his arm. Once she placed her hand, he took the other one and dropped a kiss on it. She sharply inhaled. It seemed he didn't even have to kiss her in any sensual place to send lightening through her body. Judging by the amused smile that touched his lips, he noticed this too.
"I've been waiting my whole life," he smoothly said.
Sweet words from fatale lips. Surprisingly enough, there was a carriage waiting to take them outside. He helped her inside before sitting beside her. She was tempted to ask where the mongoose dragon was but he answered her unspoken question first.
"She was transported back to the Fire Nation since it seems we distracted people from driving."
"Was there an accident? Did anyone get hurt?" she asked, full of concern.
"No one got hurt," he promised her.
She relaxed back into the seat at the information. "So what's your cousin like?"
"Interesting," his lip curled upward as if remembering a fond memory, "and enthusiastic. He has a wife and two children, shockingly enough. But I'm sure Hanna will keep us safe."
She didn't want to ask.
They passed through metal fence to a reach a large, yet modest home. It was a beautiful place but it wasn't aristocratic like she'd imagined. She hesitated. Were they overdressed? The carriage slowed to a stop. Iroh led her to the front door. Before they had a chance to knock, the door was flung open. A wildly grinning twenty-something tan-toned man rushed Iroh into a bear hug. Pulling back, the man started to noogie General Iroh.
She knew she didn't want to ask.
She questioned the reality of someone giving the General Iroh, Prince of the Fire Nation, a noogie. She almost pinched herself to make sure it was real.
"This guy!" exclaimed Hakoda to Asami suddenly, "you should have seen this guy back in the day. A lot quieter, I'll tell you that! Hanna complains you never visit anymore, not since Tara's last birthday. Been hiding from your cousin, huh, Ro?"
"It's good to see you too, Koda," Iroh said in a decidedly halfhearted manner as he pried himself out of the burly man's arms. "I'd like you to meet Ms. Asami Sato."
She held out a hand but he went in for a hug instead. Pulling back, Hakoda elbowed Iroh as he winked at her, "Ro here's lucky I'm already taken. Sure would have given him a run for his money."
"Or rather would have given her a run for her life," came the charming, light voice of a breathtakingly lovely woman. "Hello, Asami, my name is Hanna. Won't you all come in? I had just laid down my youngest for a nap."
That sounded sane enough. On the inside, the home was large enough to be spacious but small enough to be cozy and warm. It was finely decorated with varied cultural items and furniture. She took their appearance into account. They wore formal blue linens with white trims, him in a thin short sleeve, and her in a dress. Hakoda was lightly tanned with iceberg blue eyes and chin length auburn hair. Hanna, voluptuous in frame, was darker in tone and hair but had electric blue eyes.
Hanna offered, "Please take a seat. I've just rung for tea."
Iroh and Asami sat on one of the two love seats.
"Your home is beautiful, Hanna and Hakoda." Asami furrowed her brow and cast Iroh a long look. "I'm sorry, I thought General Iroh said your parents were in Kyoshi Island. You're obviously both from the Water Tribe."
Hakoda indulged, "No, he's right. My parents are in Kyoshi Island. In fact my mother is a former Kyoshi Warrior and—"
"his grandmother before that," finished Hanna the well rehearsed lines. "But he didn't care so much for his Kyoshi heritage as he did for his Water Tribe. It was his sister that was into that Kyoshi 'stuff'. He wanted to be just like his grandfather, Councilman Sokka. Isn't that right, honey?"
The full grown man pouted, "You take the fun out of everything. Grandpa was cool!" She crossed her arms. He quickly recanted, "Well, maybe not everything."
"It's the reason he met me in the first place. Strictly speaking, he's Kyoshi twice-over since his father was already half."
"—while my wife's a purebred Southern Water Tribe waterbender," he excitedly added.
"I don't think he would have married me otherwise," she dryly said.
"Hanna, you wound me. I totally love the way you still play hard to get even though we're married."
"It's not playing," she lifted her nose in the air.
He mock died of heartbreak, throwing his hand over his heart. His wife grudgingly allowed a smile. The thus far silent audience shared a few chuckles.
Turning to Asami, Hanna said, "Asami, tell us a little about yourself. I was surprised when Iroh said he was bringing someone. Been a while since he had a woman to entertain."
Hakoda agreed, "I was actually worried. For him, it's always work this, work that. You must be some lady." He wiggled his brow at the last part.
Iroh cleared his throat. "I don't think Ms. Asami wants to hear that."
Asami gave a fluttering gesture, "Oh, I'm okay. I mean, we met as we were taking down my fath– I mean, some of Amon's henchmen."
Hakoda tugged at his beard that traced his chin. "Hmmm, so he won you over with his fighting skills? Wellll, I don't mean to brag but I showed him a couple of my moves a few years back. I'm a pretty good fighter if I do say so myself."
The sound of feet padding across the floor caught everyone's attention. An adorable, sleepy four-year-old boy in footy pajamas came around the couch and tugged on his mother's sleeve.
He loudly whispered, "Mom, I can't sleep. I keep seeing those bad men."
Asami fisted her hands in her lap. She knew too well who he was talking about. It broke her heart that this baby boy had to feel fear at such a young age. It broke further when she realized her father was indirectly responsible for this.
Hanna's face drew tight as she pulled him into her arms. "Those men are gone, baby. Uncle Iroh and the Avatar made them go away."
"Uncle!" he just realized his presence and jumped out of his mother's arms to run to him. "Uncle, dad told me about how you were a hero."
Iroh caught the boy and looked him seriously in the eye, "Ko, you don't have to worry anymore. I promise."
"Really, Uncle?"
"Yes," he solemnly swore. Lightening up considerably, he said, "Look at how big you are. Soon, you'll be able to wrestle me to the ground."
The boy beamed at the thought. "Yeah! I'll be the greatest General ever! Just like you!"
Hakoda groaned, "He idolizes you while he thinks I'm just his silly father."
"Because you are just his silly father," Hanna patted his hand.
"No way! I'm an awesome scientist and I know how to fight. You saw how I kicked some Equalist butt when we were leaving. So remember the Day that Shall Not Be Named? While we were packing, I saw some suspicious people in green jumpsuits around the fence. I grabbed my spear," he pointed to the weapon mounted on the wall above the fireplace, "and I charged at them! There must have been five, no, ten, of them," his wife rolled her eyes and raised two fingers, "I knocked one down before the others surrounded me. I thought I was a goner until Hanna froze some of them. I took out the rest singlehandedly! Not bad for a nonbender, huh? Bet you wish I was in your army now, Ro! See, Ko? Dad's cool too! Tell him, honey."
"Your father's cool too," Hanna wryly obeyed and then snipped, "except when he's losing a fight."
He rebuffed, "I never lost a fight! I was trained at the Southern Water Tribe to be a great warrior like my father, my grandfather, and even my great-grandfather, Chief Hakoda! I just chose to be a scientist for a living."
"I would have made you Captain," Iroh sarcastically humored.
Hakoda dramatically rejected him, "Too bad! I happen to enjoy my inventor's life."
At that moment, the butler walked in with the tea. As he gingerly poured for Asami, Ko turned to see her and smiled. He trotted down from Iroh in favor of Asami. Shyly, he raised his arms up so she'd pick him up. She obliged with a small smile. Blushing, he whispered in her ear, "You're really pretty."
"Thank you but you're not the first four-year-old to tell me that," she sweetly told him.
"Asami, meet Hakoda the third," Iroh introduced.
"Hello, Ko," she cooed.
Ko loudly announced, "Will you marry me?"
Iroh smiled brightly as Hakoda howled his laughter, "Looks like the little tyke takes after me! Gonna be a heartbreaker like his dad. But Ko, you have to woo her with some roses first!"
Ko seemed horrified at the forgotten detail. Asami patted his dark hair. "Maybe when you're older…"
Ko nodded eagerly. He held up five fingers, "I'll be five in three months."
Hanna swooped in for the rescue, "Before Asami gets engaged, I think it's time for this little one to take a nap."
"But I don't wanna," the little boy whined.
"Then go play with your sister."
"Yuck, Tara's playing with dolls," he complained. "Fine… I'll go play with Tara. Bye, Asami. Bye, Uncle."
He pecked her cheek. She couldn't help but get caught up in his cuteness and pecked his cheek too. That's when he scampered off her lap and up the stairs. As soon as they heard the door close, Hanna turned to Iroh.
In a firm, grateful tone, she said, "We don't know how to thank you, Iroh. You and Asami. You made our home safe again."
"Remember to invite me to Ko's birthday in three months. That's the greatest thanks I can accept," he humbly said.
Her respect for him, already dangerously high, toppled over at his easy reaction. Hanna bluntly asked to no one in particular, "How long have you two been in a relationship? Since Amon's defeat?"
She felt the blush creep up her cheeks. Her eyes flicked over to Iroh who was watching her. "Ah, well… General Iroh could probably say it better than I can."
"Ms. Asami and I have only recently gotten involved. Although, I'll say she's been my interest since I first met her." Dapper, Iroh, very dapper.
Asami nodded dumbly. Hakoda swung his arm around his wife's shoulder. "Would you look at that, honey? I don't think I remember you being sweet and innoce-"
She pinched his hand, forcing him to recoil. He pouted, "You're so mean to me."
"Maybe you should have married someone 'sweet and innocent' then. Like that Kyoshi girlfriend you had," she huffed, crossing her arms.
"But I don't want someone sweet and innocent. I love you."
The matron seemed to mull this over before she reluctantly held his hand. Iroh quietly said to Asami, "Don't mind them, they're always like that."
"It's actually really sweet," she whispered back.
The butler stepped back in and announced, "As Mrs. Hanna asked, I have prepared five-flavor soup and fish soup for lunch."
"You'll stay, won't you?" Hanna said.
Hakoda answered her, "Of course, they will! Ro won't escape so easily." To Asami, he winked, "As a bonus, I'll be able to tell you some embarrassing stories about his childhood!"
"That, dear cousin, is a lie. All the embarrassing stories involve you and your crazy schemes," Iroh asserted.
"But you were right there with me!"
"To keep you from dying."
"You had fun, admit it."
"It was fun," Iroh genuinely smiled and slapped his friend's back. "I've missed you, Koda."
The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Hakoda the third had the same uplifting smile his father does.
AN: I hope the length compensates for how long you guys waited X0. Who else is dying to know what Sokka's and Suki's kids/ grandkids are like? I am!