New Recruit
The work week reared it's head and everyone felt the odd sensation of having to readjust to a copious schedule. The weekend of the worlds conference felt like time had stood still. Everyday blended into the next when you were at arms length with your friends and family. Similar to their college days, everyone was always around to entertain and keeping in contact was the easiest thing to do.
However all good things must come to an end and the fun was over now. Everyone went their separate ways, wondering the next time they'd cross paths.
Tuesday; 5 A.M. Republic City Airport:
Bolin stood at the gate with two large carry-on bags slung around his shoulders and Pabu, his red panda in a traveling carrier. He shivered against the morning breeze as the sun peered over the horizon. About a football field distance away was a private airplane that he was getting ready to board along with Prince Wu, Kuvira and the rest of her squad. It was thirty minutes till they left and the reality of where his future was taking him began to set in. They were leaving for Ba Sing Se today and he had a worrisome feeling in his gut that this was all happening so fast. His interview was literally four days ago.
"I'm so proud of you!" Opal smiled, placing a sweet kiss to his cheek. Her boyfriend pouted looking down at his 5'2 girlfriend longingly, "One more for dexterity?"
Opal giggled and cupped his face, placing several kisses in random places on his face and neck. "You're going to do great! I know you will. Kuvira wouldn't of accepted your application if otherwise."
The General told Bolin the night of the Gala that she was leaving with Prince Wu and wanted him to join their troop. Like most events in the world, he needed to be prepared for sudden changes and be ready to act on a moments notice. This was a test to see just how committed he was and he eagerly accepted her offer.
Prince Wu needed people around him who could point his wallet in the right direction. He didn't want to fund projects that weren't going to succeed for his people as well as his reputation. The pressure was certainly real now.
"I know, I'm just nervous." Bolin confessed.
After three years of being at University with no declared major the 23 year old decided to turn to the military. More specifically the humanitarian support team Kuvira had put together during the wake of the Earth Queen's assassination two years ago. Bolin didn't know exactly what he wanted to do with his life but like his older brother, he wanted to help people. He experienced homelessness at a young age and knew how important systems of support were. Now that he was contributing to one, a part of his life truly felt full-circle.
"You have a good heart Bolin, and now you can help so many people."
He smiled softly, "Yeah I know but...I'll miss you."
She hugged his arm trying to soften the blow that their winter vacation touring the Earth-kingdom had to be put on hold. "Don't be, Zaofu is only an hour away. I can always visit and I'll see you at Mako's promotion next Friday."
"An hour seems too long when you're missing you're one true love," Bolin sighed grabbing her hands tenderly.
Opal blushed, she always loved how much of a hopeless romantic Bolin was. He was a man who wasn't afraid to express his feelings without enforcing the stereotype that it compromised his masculinity. Ever since she met him she was completely enamored by his sensibility.
"I know," She replied, "But, what's a few months versus the rest of our lives?"
Bolin's brows raised at what she unintentionally insinuated. They had been dating for a solid three years now and never really talked about marriage. Although if she wanted he would ask for her hand in a heart beat. They were just the type to take one day at a time and enjoy their love and company with no added pressure. Opal was starting Grad school, he was joining the military, so they had other obligations to worry about first.
Just then a very large limo SUV pulled onto the catwalk. It parked a few paces in front of them and a man dressed in all black rushed to the passengers door.
He opened it and stood aside as Prince Wu leaped out of the car. "Good morning my Earth-kingdom patrons!"
He had a green clay mask painted on his face and a golden floor length robe wrapped around his lean body. "Don't be fooled by the appearance, 6 A.M. is not my calling, but in due time I will look just as radiant and princely as ever!"
Opal smiled and bowed to the prince, "Good morning Prince Wu!"
Bolin waved and bowed as the Prince began ordering his henchman where to place his luggage once they got on the plane. Apparently he had all of his belongings alphabetized and organized based on the occasion, color, time of day, and matching jewelry. If there was one thing the Prince knew very well it was luxury and appreciation for the finer things in life.
The sound of a car horn blared and they both looked to see Mako's black jeep driving along the runway.
"Mako!" Bolin exclaimed practically running over to meet his older brother. He was so relieved to see him before he left.
"Bolin!" Mako welcomed him into a bear hug that quickly turned into a duel as they threw several punches at each other in a playful fight.
"Did you really think I was going to miss your send off Bro?" Mako added wrapping his arm around his little brother encouragingly.
Admittedly, he was still hung over from the night before and barely had time to leave Korra's house this morning, hurry home, clean up, and rush over to the airport. Nonetheless he made it on time.
"Thanks, I'm glad you didn't" Bolin sighed. He was beginning to feel very sentimental and forced back the water building behind his eyelids. Republic City has been his home since the day he was born and now he was being thrusted into a new life, new surroundings, new responsibilities and expectations.
"I'm proud of you, you're really growing up on me." Mako said, his hazel eyes glistening with gratitude.
Several more vehicles drove toward the runway and parked in an orderly fashion almost as if choreographed.
Kuvira exited the first car with tenacity fueling her steps as her team unloaded and followed behind her like good little ducklings. She was dressed casually in a black long-sleeve top with a plunging V-neck, cargo pants and combat boots. Her hair was brushed away from her face and braided down her back. Her eyes were concealed behind black sun glasses making her look even more intimidating.
Mako could acknowledge that for someone who was probably still slightly hung over, she played it off very well. They both woke up early and decided to let Korra and Tahno sleep in. Showing up together would have seemed weird so Kuvira rented a car service as Mako went home to change.
"General Kuvira!" Bolin exclaimed as he saluted the woman.
She smirked, "At ease Bolin, you can save the formalities for when we are back in the city. Glad you decided to join us..."
He nodded with excitement.
The General and Detective shot a quick glance to one another but said nothing.
"It's always good to see my future sister in-law." Opal smiled. She was hesitant to move in closer for a hug, Kuvira wasn't really a touchy woman. Now that she thought of it, she couldn't even remember the last time she saw her hug her brother Baatar.
"Right," Kuvira breathed, "Likewise..."
The General marched away and gathered her team together for a quick briefing. As soon as they got to Ba Sing Se they had almost no down time before they had to jump back into their work. She expressed her gratitude for their strength and support before dismissing them.
"That is all. We board in ten minutes." She finished.
"General Kuvira!" Prince Wu exclaimed as he sauntered over to her.
She bowed respectfully to him and eyed his...choice in attire curiously but kept her opinion to herself. "Thank you again Prince Wu for offering to fly us back to Ba Sing Se."
He flicked his wrist nonchalantly, "And have you sitting in coach?! That's no way to travel!"
She raised her brow thinking it so strange how rich people thought and behaved. Even when around Baatar and his family; catered meals, expensive clothes, personal chefs, vacation homes, University tuitions paid in full. Meanwhile thousands of people laid their heads on matts every night not knowing when their next meal will be. Sure she enjoyed things like private suites and first class flights, she mainly needed those things for security reasons as most government officials do, but that never deterred her from her roots and the mission for equality that was instilled in her at such a young age.
Out on the field she was at the same level as her troops, if they were in tents so was she. If they woke up for morning drills at 5 A.M., her drills were at 3 A.M. and so on. That level of understanding gained her so much respect amongst her peers and she kept that privilege close to her chest. Prince Wu wouldn't have allowed them to join their flight if Kuvira didn't basically threaten him to do so.
Perhaps that was why she liked Korra so much; the Water-Tribe girl hated being waited on, disliked fancy things, she even hated being called a princess when that was technically what she was.
"Who is that?!" Prince Wu exclaimed.
Kuvira followed his line of sight to see he was staring at Bolin and his brother. "Him?!" She pointed to Mako just to be sure they were both looking at the same person.
"Tall guy with the hazel eyes..." Wu swooned.
"Bolin's older brother, he's an officer for Beifong's police department. He'll be promoted to detective next week" Kuvira replied matter-of-factly.
"Reeeaaallly.." The prince cooed. She watched in disgust as Wu continued to gawk over the man and she wanted to puke. "Good to know. Good to know..." He commented patting his chin like he was conducting a plan.
Kuvira walked away towards the plane. She didn't even want to know what he was thinking. She placed two fingers in her mouth and sounded a high pitched whistle, letting her task force know it was time to leave.
Prince Wu strolled up the steps of the plane with the trail of his robe draped behind him. "All aboard, royalty waits for no one!" He announced.
Opal and Mako hugged Bolin again before he ran toward the plane and joined the others. "Call me when you land!" Opal yelled.
"I will! I promise!"
They hurried off to side of the runway and waited for the plane to take off. Bolin sat by the window waving them goodbye.
9:15 P.M.; West Wing, Sato Estate:
Asami sat at her large vanity, wiping off the excess makeup from her eyelashes. Her eyes looked puffy, practically swollen as a soft towelette damp in warm floral oil rubbed over her lids.
Yesterday was a disaster.
Her shoulders slumped as she fought back tears that began to pool along her water line. She couldn't shake the feeling that Korra must hate her now. That she must think so terribly of her.
Her chest twisted and tightened making it hard to breathe. Korra looked devastated during the whole ordeal. She wasn't even supposed to go to the crown unveiling specifically for this reason. Hiroshi insisted she be there "in support of her fiancé" actively ignoring that that was Korra's place of work. Of course they'd see each other!
She whimpered, quickly wiping away the tear that streamed down her cheek.
I have to stop crying! She thought.
Nothing productive ever came from moping around. Her anxiety would get the best of her if she kept up with this type of mindset.
She sat up and tossed her makeup stained rag into a bin. She picked up a fresh one and dipped it into a steaming bowl of fresh water. She laid it over her face and let the soothing warmth calm her down.
After a few minutes of silent, deep breaths she dabbed her face and dried off.
A soft knock sounded at her door and General Iroh walked into her powder room holding a tea tray dressed with a pot, two cups, and an array of mini pastries.
"I figured you'd still be awake." He said, his raspy voice welcoming.
Asami grinned very softly and walked into the lounge area of the room where a velvet love seat was fixed in front of a glass coffee table.
Normally only her lady's maids were allowed in this room, but she trusted Iroh and admittedly felt very comforted by him.
"I don't think I'll be getting much sleep tonight." Asami sighed, plopping down on the couch.
"Well," he places the tray on the table and sits beside her, "Some tea for the soul."
Asami cocked her brow curiously, "Fearless general of the United Nations can brew his own cup of tea?"
His eyes brightened, "Tea was always a big part of my family's traditions. Pretty sure I learned to brew tea before taking my first steps."
He chuckled, and Asami noticed how dark and sultry it sounded. He was so alluring in that way, intimidating and rugged on the outside, but sensitive and compassionate on the inside. She watched him as he poured her cup of tea. His rough, scarred hands moving with such careful intention.
"mmm...It's smells great," She leaned over the steaming pot and took another deep breath.
"Jasmine Dragon. A very old family blend." He winked. She sat back against her cushion and placed a fine silk pillow over her lap.
"I'm sorry about Monday." Iroh added, handing her a delicate cup. He could tell she was still sulking over the mishap.
"It's not your fault, and thank you for being kind to Korra. I...I really just froze, I didn't really know what to do..." Asami looked away, "and her face."
Her voice cracked and a single tear streamed down her face. She quickly wiped it away again and sat up a little taller taking the cup gratefully. "But that's okay, awkwardly unexpected however I can fix it."
That's what she was always good at. Repairing things that others could not. Finding a new perspective to a problem and persevering.
Iroh cupped her small hand earning a doe-eyed expression from his fiancé. "You are a very strong woman Asami, it takes courage to be vulnerable." He wiped her cheek, "Don't mistake that for weakness."
Asami's eyes gleamed like sunbathing emeralds as she gazed at him. During the entire duration of her break up she wasn't allowed to grieve. Her fathers grip on her was tight and unrelenting. She didn't realize how much she was still hurting until she saw Korra yesterday.
She regretted being so compliant with her father. She never should have hidden Korra from the world. Make her pretend to be something she's not. It was suffocating them both. She was blessed to have Iroh here now to help. To finally break free of this. He was truly a safe space for her.
"Thank you,"
Her gaze dropped to her hands and she stared at her reflection in the golden colored water.
"What's on your mind?" Iroh asked after taking a brief sip of his tea.
"I..I don't think Korra wants me back."
She sighed heavily and he knew that took a lot for her to confess. He rested his hand on his broad chin and hummed.
"That was the plan.." he began. "But from my experience, sometimes the plan doesn't always align with what I want."
Asami looked at him dumbfounded, she never wanted to come off as selfish. She just assumed Korra would want to try again once she was ready. Once they could be truly open and honest.
That was initially the issue.
"Forgive me if I'm being too blunt," Iroh added, not wanting this to sound like a lecture. He knew too well she had enough of that belittling nature from Hiroshi.
"No you're not," Asami sipped her tea, feeling the hot warmth spread throughout her chest.
"It's like breaking a mirror, you can apologize, even go so far as to glue the pieces back together. But in the end, the mirror is still cracked. Fractured pieces that will never be what they once were."
"You're right" She placed her palm on his knee, visualizing what he was saying.
Korra was the mirror and Asami was so focused on fixing, 'gluing together' why they broke up, that she was ignoring the damage she had already done. Thinking they could go back to what they were.
"So what do I do?" She whispered, squeezing his knee as anxiety prickled in her chest. "I don't want to loose her."
"You won't, but I think it'll be in your best interest, to be what she needs. Not what you want. I think you'll find harmony in that union"
10 P.M.; Southern Wing, Beifong Palace Zaofu:
Opal sighed heavily as she dipped into a large tub of steaming hot bubbly water. Her large bathroom was filled with warm candle light and lavender smelling incense. She spent the entire day on a plane having departed about an hour after Bolin left and she was in desperate need to unwind. Her muscles relaxed as she settled under the water brushing off the day with calming thoughts.
Her phone was on a folded towel beside her head as she waited for Bolin to call her. It was about 11 o'clock in the mainland and she knew it would be a little bit of time before he was settled down enough to let her know he landed safely.
She swirled her finger around the water aimlessly, watching as the fresh flower petals danced around in playful ripples. She was thinking a lot on her way back to Zaofu from Republic City. About whether or not it was smart to return home for winter break.
She really didn't have a choice now that Bolin wasn't going to be accompanying her. She loved her family, It was just that they could be so overbearing. Of course it was because she was the only girl and therefore they were unnecessarily over protective. Even the twins who were younger, acted like she was the baby of the family.
She was overjoyed to leave for college and finally get a taste of freedom. Her own apartment, her own schedules, nights out on the town, dating...
Just then her phone rang and she eagerly answered it.
"Hello?" She said, her voice like a bell.
"Opal! Hi! It's it too late there?" Bolin replied, he sounded a bit out of breath through her speaker phone.
"No, you called at the right time actually." She placed her phone back on the towel and splashed the warm water up her arm and across her chest. "How was your flight love?"
"Long!" Bolin groaned, "With all the border and security checks we just made it home. I'll be in a housing unit with the other volunteers. Luckily with my own room."
Opal hummed innocently, although her thoughts were less than such. "oh? That's good...Are you there now?"
"In my room?" Bolin asked not entirely sure where she was going with this.
"uh..huh...Alone." Opal whispered.
There was silence on the other end as she heard several noises of things being moved around followed by frantic steps and a door slam. Bolin rushed back to his cellphone, "I am now." He breathed.
"Good," Opal blushed. She took a loofa and lathered it with soap. "I didn't realize how much I'd actually miss you until you were gone."
She extended her leg out of the water with primly pointed toes and dragged the sponge down her smooth skin.
"Yeah.." he sighed. "I wish I was there with you now."
"Me too, this bathtub is too big for one person." She pouted.
"O-oh?" Bolin swallowed, he looked around his small quarters nervously as if someone would be ease dropping on their phone call. "D-do you want to call me back when you're done?" He asked, only out of polite habit, he had no desire to end their conversation now.
"No, I need your company..." she smirked, "I'm just so lonely...and naked..."
"Naked..." Bolin swallowed, his mind instantly transported to the last time he saw Opal in all her nude eminence. She was so petite and soft and she always smelled so nice...
"Very naked," She giggled. He swooned, undoing his pant bottoms as they began to get more and more uncomfortable.
Opal loved making Bolin flustered, he wasn't the type to be an ostentatious flirt so she usually enjoyed the role of being promiscuously deviant.
"Well, do you know what I would do if I was there?" Bolin whispered. He loosened the collar on his shirt as the temperature in his room got several degrees hotter in a matter of seconds.
He closed his eyes and allowed the sound of her breath and subtle ripples of water guide his imagination. He knew the layout of Opal's bathroom. The marble counter tops, floor length mirror, jacuzzi tub that could easily fit ten people in it.
He saw her lean frame bathing under a mass of soapy water. Her loofa gliding along her collarbone before traveling down her chest and caressing her breasts. Her fingers lightly brushing her brown nipples...
Opal held her phone to her ear, her heart beating faster with anticipation. Her eyes fluttered closed as she imagined Bolin by her side, bathing under the water with her. His big hands and firm chest pulling her in close. His muscular thighs framing her hips as she ventured between them...
They were synced in this moment now, body and mind with the promise of erotic satisfaction.
"What would you do?" She whispered, biting her bottom lip.
She craved the act of knowing, of hearing all the things he wanted to do to her, with her, for her. She clung to every syllable of his words desperately.
"First I would-"
"Is that Bolin I hear!?"
The bathroom door burst open as Opal's mother Suyin bardged inside. "MOM!" Opal yelled ducking under the water with her arm raised so that her phone didn't get wet. "Privacy please!"
Bolin scrambled for his clothes as if he was there being caught in the act just as much as his girlfriend. His phone dropped from his hand in shock and he frantically picked it up.
"Please Opal I'm your mother. I've bathed you and changed every diaper you've owned, there is nothing you have I havent already seen."
Her daughter groaned as she took the phone from her damp hands.
"My boy Bolin!"
"H-hi Mrs Beifong!" Bolin stammered.
"Call me Su, Beifong is my sister!" She groaned sarcastically.
"Yes! yes! Of course," Bolin blushed. He sandwiched his bulge between his thighs feeling so awkward talking to his girlfriends mom while also being incredibly turned on. "I'm doing great, I just landed!"
"Tell Kuvira I said to take good care of you. You are like a son to me." She winked at Opal who only rolled her eyes embarrassingly. She sat in the water with her knees against her chest debating whether or not she should check into a hotel and ditch her family all together.
Opal's quarters were on the complete opposite side of the estate from her parents, there was no reason for her mom to be here other than to be nosey.
"okay..Sounds good. Talk to you soon." She smiled. She handed Opal her phone and casually walked out of the bathroom.
"Mom! Why did you hang up?!" Opal whined.
"Don't stay in the tub for too long, you'll get all pruny."
"Uughh!" She exclaimed.
As the door closed Opal sunk underneath the water until her head was completely submerged.
Bolin set his phone down as he figured it was better to call Opal back at a later time. He was undoubtably fatigued and ready for bed. Pabu was already curled up on his pillow slumbering peacefully and he quietly joined his companion once he changed into his pajamas.
After a few minutes he rolled over onto his back with his mind racing. He laid awake under his sheets looking at the four corners of his room, pondering the future he will make for himself.
(I will be uploading a few mini chapters leading up to Mako's promotion. Just snap-shots of everyone's lives, outside of the main Korra-centered plot. So expect more frequent updates!)