Months later
Kuvira was alone in her cell practicing some of her old dance steps because it gave her something to do. She balanced on one leg and lifted her other leg high in the air. After holding it in the air for a while she brought it back down.
"Been awhile since I've done that," she said.
Every so often Kuvira would stretch and do dance moves to maintain her strength and flexibility. Kuvira shifted into another pose; even though she had a baby 5 years ago her body was still fit. Kuvira eased and supported herself into a straddle stand. After coming out a guard said, "You have visitors." Kuvira's heart fluttered in anticipation.
"Mommy!" she heard a little voice cry out. Kuvira bent down to hug and kiss her daughter. Baatar and Kuvira made eye contact with him giving her a small smile.
"Mommy I made you something," Hikaru said.
"You did?" Kuvira asked lifting her daughter onto her lap.
"I drew a picture there's, Daddy, me, and you," Hikaru said. Baatar sat on the couch next to Kuvira.
"She started kindergarten awhile back, tell Mommy what you have been learning," Baatar said.
"I can count and I'm learning to read a little," Hikaru said. According to her teachers, she had a knack for learning.
"My little girl's so smart. How old are you now?" Kuvira said hugging her daughter.
"I'm five, Mommy," Hikaru said holding up five fingers.
Kuvira's hand grazed Baatar's when she put her hand down.
"Mommy, can I play with your hair?" Hikaru asked.
"Yes honey," Kuvira said. Hikaru slid off of Kuvira's lap and went behind her mother.
"Does Suyin know that Hikaru visits me?" Kuvira asked Baatar.
"No and I would kind of prefer to keep it that way," Baatar said.
"How is Suyin around Hikaru?" Kuvira asked.
"When we first found out about Hikaru, Mom wasn't happy. She tried to persuade me to give her up, more for the reason of me starting again. However when Hikaru was about 2, she wanted me and her to come home. Mom regretted pushing Hikaru and as a result me away. I was adamant with her that I wouldn't give my child up. Anyway Su dotes on Hikaru, she reads to her, spoils her, when I'm busy Su or one of my siblings will watch her," Baatar explained.
Kuvira's heart hurt thinking about Suyin, her former teacher, master, and caregiver. She was happy that Su and her family had embraced Hikaru, but she wished she could be a part of that. Hikaru happily arranged her mother's hair not paying attention to the adults.
"Did you read the letter?"
"Yes, I don't know how you could ever forgive me," Kuvira said.
"It took a long time but Hikaru-," Baatar was cut off.
"All done Mommy!" Hikaru exclaimed. The little girl had arranged her mother's hair into something related to a braid.
"We'll talk later," Baatar said giving her hand a squeeze, causing Kuvira to blush.
Hikaru looked down when the visit was over; this was always the downside of visitations. "I love you so much, never forget that," Kuvira kissed the center of Hikaru's palm. "Whenever you're missing me, just press your palm to your cheek and remember that I love you." (This is referred to as the kissing hand in my family).
"I love you more, Mommy," Hikaru hugged her mother and gave her a kiss on her cheek.
"I love you most," Kuvira gave her daughter one last kiss.
Kuvira looked at Baatar and said, "Baatar-" she was cut off when he wrapped his arms around her frame in a tight hug. He didn't know what pushed him to hug her; he just felt that he wanted to embrace her.
After Baatar left, Kuvira was a bit taken aback as to why Baatar hugged her. Before this, she and Baatar didn't really even hold a conversation. This was the most that Baatar and Kuvira had ever talked in years. It came so effortlessly, which was surprising. Before Baatar and Kuvira were romantic, the two were simply best friends. Baatar seemed to understand Kuvira so well and the two shared laughs together and were at ease. The two both understood what it was like to not be listened to, or be in another person's shadow. When Kuvira wanted to unite the earth empire, Baatar was the only one who completely understood her reasoning. Maybe this was the first step to rekindling their relationship.