Like Old Times

Kuvira awoke to a dark sky and the blaring noise of her alarm clock. She quickly silenced the device and took a moment to collect her thoughts. Just a few seconds of silent meditation before she was launched into another weary day of work.

She slowly rolled over to the left side of the bed to find it was empty. Her palm brushed along the vacant sheets as she pondered why she even felt disappointed. Of course he wouldn't be there, they hadn't slept in the same bed in months now. She rarely saw Bataar although people assumed they still lived together. They acted as if they did. Although truthfully, he would be working late and by the time he got home she'd be out on the field. Then when she was home free of distractions, he'd find somewhere else to occupy his time. They were like the same side of magnets, often repelling one another.

There was no meeting in the middle anymore and she finally accepted their relationship has come to an end. In the five years they were together Kuvira could genuinely say she loved him. His world wasn't meant for her and succeeded in finally spitting her back out on the streets where she came.

It was only a matter of time before he blew the lid off everything and their failed engagement was broadcasted for the world to know.

She swung her legs over the side of her bed and paused, why the need to wait? She thought.

At first she was too remorseful and ashamed to announce her failed relationship, but it would only make her look even worse if he did it. Kuvira was "power hungry", a gold digger, their marriage was a contractual obligation. Having to walk on eggshells in order to avoid the judgement she basically already received was idiotic.

The only opinion that mattered to her was that of the Earth-kingdom people. She knew how they felt about royal families and their lack of empathy. Su Beifong and the rest of her clan sitting on stolen land with their own personal sanctum to govern was no different.

Kuvira provided more for Ba Sing Se in the few years she's been deployed than any Earth King or Queen had ever done during their entire rein, which ultimately lead to the previous Queen's assassination. Now they wanted to replace her with her naive nephew and somehow all will be well again? She scoffed at the thought.

In this present moment it couldn't be helped and she was sworn in to preform her duties of rebuilding Be Sing Se and only that. Kuvira had the side of the people so she no longer cared to fit in with higher society. It had been a long and productive year and she was more than ready for a vacation.

The General began her morning routine of a workout and protein enriched breakfast. She showered and dressed, brushing her hair into a tight braid before starting her day.

-O-

Bolin chopped potatoes into diced squares and tossed them into a large metal bowl. He had several pounds of spuds to cut down but he was determined to finish in time. Kuvira told him if he helped prepare the camps breakfast he could take off for the airport with them Friday evening. He was so excited to leave for Mako's promotion on Saturday. He was texting Korra yesterday night all about their color-coded attire. Kuvira had told him her plans to spend Christmas and New Years Day in Republic City so he was stoked to be given leave as well.

It'll be a nice surprise for his brother and friends although he was a bit bummed Opal was still held up in Zaofu. He missed her so much.

The kitchen staff of mostly older men shuffled around him carrying sharp knifes and other utensils. He made sure to keep out of their way as they cooked on large open flames with pots and pans the size of his torso.

Bolin enjoyed volunteer work more than he realized. Especially when they would bring goods out to the camps and give them to the families in need, there was nothing more gratifying.

Another recruit floundered over to him with a large sack of potatoes in his arms. He struggled to carry the weight and could barely see where he was going over the top of the sack. His knees buckled as he ultimately ended up tripping over his feet. Bolin turned hearing the cooks errupt in a fit of laughter as the boy face planted into the ground.

Bolin hurried to his side and hoisted the sack of potatoes over his shoulder. He bent down and placed his hand on the volunteer's chest, "Are you okay? That was some fall!" Bolin exclaimed.

The boy looked a bit disillusioned at first, his short black hair sporadic as his eyes struggled to focus. Bolin looked at his name tag that read "Li, Hong".

"Hong is your name?" Bolin patted his chest, "Hong...You okay?"

The boy blinked several times before coming too. He looked up at Bolin surprised and little embarrassed. "Y-yeah..." He groaned. He took Bolin's hand and carefully stood up. His body ached from his fall but he put on a brave face.

The cooks snickered but he ignored them, he was used to the elders picking with him. He was the smaller one of the bunch so it was a given.

He gazed at Bolin, surprised that he was able to carry the entire sack of potatoes, let alone in one arm.

"Wow, thanks, I could have used your help 5 bags ago.." He pointed to the pile beside Bolin's work station.

"Ah," Bolin blushed, he set down the potatoes with ease. "Don't mention it, you could always ask me for help when you need it."

"I'd rather not humiliate myself further," Hong rubbed the back of his neck.

The only thing worse than not doing it yourself is admitting to be the weakling you are and have someone else do it for you.

"I'm only in here because I failed at being a guard at security check points. Kuvira thought I'd be more useful here."

Bolin could tell he was young, he looked no older than 18. He was surprised someone like him could commit to a decision like the military so early in his life.

"This job is just as important!" He placed his hand on Hong's shoulder, "security is essential to our safety but food is beneficial to our survival."

Hong looked a bit puzzled, what Bolin said wasn't wrong he just didn't understand the need to state the obvious.

"When we go out out there and hand out food and supplies. Those people will remember our faces and the joy we bring them. You get to see all our hard work up close and personal. That's priceless, and it certainly beats sitting in a small metal box staring at security monitors for hours"

Hong chuckled, "yeah you're right, thank you..?"

"Bolin." He smiled, shaking his hand.

"Bolin." Hong repeated, "it's nice to meet you."

Friday afternoon rolled around and Bolin eagerly packed his suitcase. Mako would be waiting to pick him up at the airport once he landed and then it would be one whole week of being surrounded by his closest friends. Although he was only deployed for a little over two weeks, the isolation was jarring. No wonder Kuvira needed a break, she'd been at this for years.

"So where are you headed for Winter Break?" Bolin asked Hong who was coincidentally only across the hall from him, their doors openly facing.

The boys dark grey eyes lowered a bit, his plans weren't nearly as exciting as Bolin's. "I'll be visiting my grandmother." He replied. "She was relocated to Zaofu after the Queen fell and the raids sweeped the city."

He only had a few belongings that he neatly folded into his nap-sack. "I'm helping Kuvira's work force in exchange for her lodgings."

"Wow," Bolin smiled, "That's very noble of you. I'm sure she's very proud."

"Thanks." He shrugged.

Bolin walked out of his dorm room and paused, "I'll be sure to bring you back a souvenir!"

Hong looked up at him surprised and a bit flustered, why was he so kind to someone he had just met? Most recruits weren't nearly as friendly here.

"T-thank you Bolin. I hope you have a great trip."

Bolin jogged down the hall with his belongings as he waved goodbye. "Likewise!"

It was a bright and sunny afternoon, finally Saturday!

Korra walked up the steps leading to the reserved seating area opposite the stage and handed her invitation to the escort. He pointed in the direction of her designated seat and she carefully walked away. Her heels being a bit on the tall side making her a bit cautious with her steps. Her right hand held up the length of her dress as she strolled down the isles of seats. Her eyes were set on her destination, ignoring the cameras of press coverage snapping pictures and video of her entrance. Today like every other government officiated event was documented and aired on a public broadcast. It was important for the citizens of Republic City to know who they are putting in charge of their safety. She didn't mind the paparazzi as she knew it wasn't for her. She was so proud of Mako and was elated to be able to celebrate with him.

Korra woke up bright and early and spent the majority of the morning shaving, doing her hair, clipping her nails, perfecting her makeup and about a dozen other self pampering rituals. Admittedly, she went a bit overboard, but she needed to look perfect.

Her heart was pounding violently in her chest as she continued down the walkway. Her anxiety whispered doubtful thoughts in her ear but she ignored them all. There was no reason to fret now, she just needed to face her unknown future and leave the past behind. The tingling in her chest breathed life into her steps and encouraged her pursuit.

Once she spotted Bolin sitting at the end of the row a smile spread across her face. The boy sat facing the stage, unaware of her onlooking. He was dressed in a deep olive toned suit with his curly hair tousled perfectly about his head.

"Bolin!" She called.

Her turned around and jumped to his feet at the sight of her. "Korra!" He welcomed her into his arms and buried her in a big hug. He stopped squeezing her so hard once he realized he was wrinkling her dress.

"I'm glad you could make it!" Korra sighed. She relaxed in his arms feeling instantly relieved. Bolin was the rock that anchored her when she felt lost at sea. She missed his humor and bubbly optimism so much.

"Me too! Kuvira gaze me the whole week" They stepped apart and he looked her over with a small blush. "Wow, you look great!"

Korra glanced down at her teal dress bashfully. "Thank you, so do you-" The water-tribe girl caught sight of someone watching them from over Bolin's shoulder. As she stared into those large green eyes she froze in place.

Asami courteously stood to her feet as well, her hands running down her thighs, smoothing out the wrinkles of her gown. She wore her signature red, although it looked more maroon. Like when you mix just a touch of blue to red paint and it dips into more purple tones.

She looked so tall and lean in her dress with high heeled pumps to match. Korra squeezed Bolin's hands anxiously as they watched each other quietly. He knew this was a big moment for the two of them and didn't want to interrupt.

Bolin moved to the side and allowed Korra to approached her in-between the row of seats. Korra slowly walked toward Asami while her ex-girlfriend met her half way.

There was a moment of awkwardness, like when you lean into a hug but aren't sure if the other person wants to hug you back.

Korra was afraid to make the first move, her arms hovered by her sides timidly. "A-Asami I'm sorry-" She stopped as Asami pitched forward and wrapped her arms around her chest.

The taller woman pulled her in close and wholeheartedly embraced her.

After the initial shock Korra hugged her back, unintentionally squeezing her tighter.

Asami smiled, not an ounce of anger in her heart. None of that drama mattered anymore, there was no need to dwell on miscommunications.

She felt absolutely touch starved and just wanted to feed that bleeding want to hold Korra again. She had been denied it for so long.

Asami wanted to reconnect and finally mend their conjoint pain. She knew their circumstances were messy but deep down they both had pure intentions.

"Korra.." Asami breathed. "I've missed you.."

The water-tribe girl swooned, feeling almost like putty in her hands. She was grateful to hear what was and could only be Asami. There was no substitute or hallucination that could even compare to her.

"I've missed you too.." She buried her face into her shoulder and breathed in a familiar scent. Her stomach pounced as she recognized the perfume Asami was wearing.

Peaches...her absolute favorite scent Asami would wear, exclusively for her.

That had to of been intentional, Korra was sure of it. Asami knew she would notice that and a part of Korra wondered what she was hinting at.

They separated although remained holding hands.

"Korra..you look...stunning." She sighed. Her eyes lingered on every detail of Korra's form with admiration.

The thin straps of her dress acted as accessories for her protruding collarbones and broad shoulders. She loved how the neckline pooled around her bust in delicate silk waves and how cinched it was to her waist.

"And your hair." She lightly combed the tips of her fingers threw the ends.

"Oh yeah." Korra blushed. Asami never really saw her big chop until now, she was the whole reason Korra did it in the first place.

"I love it." Asami sighed.

"And you..just breathtaking." Korra replied.

Asami blushed before meeting Korra's gaze again. She seemed to be just as relieved Korra approved.

They didn't say much else, too many things running through their mind to get out in such a short burst of time. There was a shared energy of gratitude though that kept them content.

If it wasn't for Bolin clearing his throat they probably would have stayed standing there gazing at one another all day.

However, today was for Mako and the ceremony was beginning. Korra sat beside Asami with Bolin on her left and couldn't help but feel overjoyed. They were all together again, like old times.

An hour had gone by of speeches and technical jargon before they began the graduation style promotion of calling each officer's name individually. There was a handful of men and women who sat on bleachers at one end of the stage, waiting patiently to be called.

Once Mako's name was announced he stood up from his seat on the stage and walked up to chief Beifong who pinned a new shinny badge to his vest.

The audience clapped as Mako posed for photos, clutching the chiefs hand so stoically.

Korra felt her heart swell with gratitude as she watched him. She remembered how she felt when he was initially indoctrinated into the force. How she sat at home, watching the broadcast, wishing she could be there for him. Now she was, in the flesh and with a personal invitation from him.

Her eyes watered from the realization of how 'full circle' this all felt. In the moment it felt like things would never change. She was grateful to learn to trust the process no matter how difficult it might seem at first.

Mako scanned the crowd for his brother and friends. A genuine smile spread across his face as he saw them clapping in his support. He was happy to see them all together again; Korra, Asami, and Bolin. His true companions in life that have been with him through pretty much everything.

He met Korra's gaze and saw tears welling behind her eyelids. This was a big step for both of them and he realized it was the exact opposite of their dynamic from only a few months ago. He was perplexed to think that something as simple as this invitation to his promotion meant so much between them.

It subliminally told her that yes I do want you in my life. I do want to share these monumental moments with you. You're an important part of my life Korra.

That's truthfully all she ever wanted and after a few years, it finally came to fruition.

Korra and Asami exchanged a quick cheerful glance as they continued to applaud and he felt a strange sensation in his chest. He didn't feel that adolescent sense of jealousy anymore, but there was a lingering notion that things between him and Korra might be changing once again. Korra needed him to ease the pain of their breakup but now that her and Asami were becoming friends again, where did that leave him?

Once the ceremony was over they waited for Mako to exist the stage along with other family's congradualting the new detectives. Drones of people gathered along the barrier taking pictures of the event.

Mako approached his brother and friends with a beaming grin on his face.

"Congrats bro!" Bolin hugged his older sibling and lifted him a few inches off the ground.

"T-thanks" Mako muttered under his grasp.

He hugged Asami and Korra as they congratulated him too. "Thank you for coming. I really appreciate it."

"We wouldn't miss it." Asami smiled, sharing another glance with Korra who silently agreed.

A photographer approached them and offered to take their picture. They all lined up beside one another, arms interlaced, and posed for the photo.

"Aw guys!" Bolin cried, after the flash from the camera went off.

He circled them up in a big group hug, "I missed this so much!"

They all cuddled together feeling the same sentiment. It did feel good to have the team back together. Even Asami who although wasn't a Fire Ferret, became the main beneficiary for the team and a valued member of the group.

"I missed this too." Korra sighed.

They thanked the photographer and headed over to the Police Department for the main reception. Everyone who didn't have an invite for the ceremony gathered around in celebration. They strolled inside and began to mingle with the other officers and officials. Mako was instantly swept away by his troop and Bolin made his way to the refreshments table leaving Korra and Asami to themselves.

"So where is Iroh?" Korra asked breaking their silence.

"Oh, he's somewhere in here." Asami glanced over her shoulder nonchalantly. She wasn't ready to go back to pretending and wanted to stay with Korra a bit longer.

"He's been a major help to me at the museum," Korra beamed, "I can't thank him enough."

Asami nodded, "That's good, I was happy when he told me he was helping you."

"He's a very capable man,"

"Yeah he is," Asami sighed, "I owe a huge debt to him."

Korra felt like their conversation wasn't going in the direction Asami wanted. She was only trying to normalize her acceptance that Iroh was her companion now. But it didn't seem like Asami wanted to talk about that.

They walked aimlessly through the room, avoiding the groups of people around them as they spoke.

"Is something wrong?" Korra asked. "Iroh's a friend to you isn't he?"

"Oh yes!" Asami cupped her wrist, as if physically stopping any doubt Korra might have about their relationship, "He's been nothing but perfect to me. I only mean that, I can tell our 'union' means more to him than it does to me"

"Oh" Korra sighed. She could tell it was a bit one sided but didn't want to acknowledge something that wasn't her business. "So he agreed to marry you out of love?"

Asami paused, her eyes getting a bit wider, "Oh, well not exactly." She let go of Korra's wrist, her long painted finger nails trailing down her hand. "He is a family friend, my mother is originally from the Fire Nation...We were arranged to be married since we were kids."

Korra blinked, inhaling a large breath to stifle the blow to her gut. So she really never had a chance to have a future with Asami did she? Her ex was only prolonging her inevitable fate. Sooner or later Hiroshi would have pulled her away from whatever relationship she was in to cement their predetermined marriage.

"I guess Iroh has always had feelings for me and I for him." Asami shrugged. "Now I feel terrible because, I'm using our marriage as a way to get what I want, and I'm just using him"

Asami cupped her mouth in remorse. She said too much and the verbal confession felt too real to admit.

Korra rubbed her shoulder, "And what about you?"

Asami looked at her a bit shocked, "W-what do you mean?"

"How do you feel about him?" Korra asked abruptly.

It stung a bit to hear what Asami had told her, but again there was no reason to mourn over their past. Korra could tell Asami was holding herself back for her sake, but there was no need to do that. Korra hasn't been holding anything back these past few months and the experience has been so liberating. Asami needed the same push in that direction.

Her ex was stunned, unable to address her question. Was Korra really asking if she loved someone else? This whole ordeal began because she loved Korra.

"Asami it's incredibly selfless to do what Iroh has done for you, his love is very real and genuine."

"I know" Asami whined, her eyes shaking. She remembered all her family vacations back in the Fire Nation. All the times she spent with Iroh throughout her adolescence. She was perfectly content with marrying him one day. That was until Korra came along and turned her entire world upside-down.

"And it's okay to admit that you love him too." Korra added.

Asami blinked, she didn't want to deny what Korra had just said but she was too confused to agree with her. Iroh gave her stability and comfort. He was soft and understanding but also stern and willing to defend her honor. They were a good match, but she couldn't deny the attachment she still had for Korra.

The water-tribe girl took Asami's hand and led her outside to a vacant hallway, away from the main corridor.

Once they were far enough from any potential onlookers Korra stopped. She turned on her heel and took Asami's face in her hands. They kissed sweetly at first, Asami a bit taken back before fully embracing Korra's lips.

She hugged Korra's waist as they continued, a soft moan escaping her mouth as she was finally able to quench her burning thirst. Their desperation grew more intense as they exchanged heated breaths and eager pecks. This was better than Korra imagined, the firm press of her lips and soft touch of her tongue, completely authentic and irreplaceable.

Asami chased Korra's lips as they separated, stealing a few more kisses before she spoke. "If that was supposed to clear my head...it didn't" she sighed.

Korra breathed slowly, her eyes closed as they pressed their foreheads together.

Thinking back to what Pema advised, Asami's "candle" still burned very brightly in Korra's mind but it was lukewarm to the touch. Like the firey afterburn of a bonfire as it cooled down. A few sparks and little flames, but not the trailblazer it used to be.

"I think we both know deep down, this isn't what we want anymore..." Korra confessed.

Asami bit her lip, "It feels like I didn't get to make that decision for myself. It feels like it was taken from me."

Korra held her gaze, making sure she saw the resolute in her eyes. "None of this was your fault.."

"No but it is, You're worth fighting for Korra! And I didn't do it. I hid you away and made you pretend to be someone you're not. And I'll always be sorry for putting you through that."

"I know you are, you don't have to apologize. We both did what we thought was best in the moment." Korra knew how difficult of a decision Asami had to make, she had to do the same at one point with Mako. When your family doesn't approve of your significant other, it can cause a big divide between the two of you.

She looked into her eyes somberly, "As of right now, this is how it has to be. I'll always love you Asami, but you can't expect me to wait around for you." She took a small step back but kept their hands intertwined. "Once you marry Iroh and gain your inheritance you're free to do whatever you want. To be with whoever you want...But I don't think that person is me."

"I knew you would feel this way...Iroh told me-" Asami stopped herself, not wanting to admit that Iroh knew her more than she knew herself at times. It was frustrating to work so hard toward something, just to realize the goal isn't what you initially thought you wanted.

"And I can learn to just be your friend but I'm still so overwhelmed-" She continued. Loving more than one person was complicated to say the least.

"And it's okay to be, trust me so am I!" Korra exclaimed, she lifted Asami's chin with her hand. "And that's perfectly fine. It's okay to...experiment. Test the waters and explore your options."

Asami's brow perked at what Korra insinuated, "oh I...Iroh and I...We-we've never" She looked a bit flustered as she tried to articulate the lack of sexual encounters in her life presently. Her and Iroh had plenty of times to be intimate but Asami never gave into those situations. She was so occupied with everything else that she ignored both of their desires.

Korra smirked, "Really? I mean he's your fiancé why wouldn't you?"

Asami shrugged, "I've only been thinking about you...I've ignored everything else."

Korra kissed her again realizing that all her sexual escapades were once fueled by her desire to be with Asami too. What a fucked up mess this has been?

Everyone copes differently and Asami's way to deal with her pain was leaving her smothered and suffocating. "It's incredibly liberating to just do what you want and act on what you're feeling."

"Well I know I want you..." Asami's large eyes peered into Korra's soul and the Water-tribe girl had half a mind to take her right then and there.

"I'll always be here for you Asami, but I need that same treatment in return and that's what sucks about this whole thing." Korra shrugged.

Asami knew she was right, they were stuck between a rock and a hard place. Korra couldn't go back to being Asami's secret girlfriend and it was unfair to ignore Korra's needs until she sorted out her own life's obstacles. It was better to put everything to rest and start over as friends. That gave them a new slate to unfold all its alternatives.

"So if you want to explore your options with Iroh. Don't let me stop you from doing it. He's a great partner and you deserve to have some fun too."

The only reason Korra was better assured about her emotions was because she was acting on them. Asami was on the complete opposite end of that spectrum. It wasn't fair that Korra got to fuck around and Asami didn't.

"Is that what you're doing with Kuvira?" Asami asked.

Korra swallowed, She was shocked she was able to make that connection. "Oh-well...Yeah I guess that is what we are doing." Her eyes looked toward the ground as she blushed.

They were, Emotional Support Fuck Buddies as Tahno put it. Korra seemed a little embarrassed to admit that but she was glad Asami knew.

"Well, then I'm happy for you," Asami sighed. "I have my confidant with Iroh, so I'm glad you have one too."

Or several... Korra thought brazenly, but there was no way in Hell she was telling Asami that. One confession at a time.

Asami hugged her one last time, "We should get back before anyone notices we are gone."

She placed a quick kiss to her cheek, "Thank you for this Korra..."

Korra hugged her back, feeling the same sense of ease. It was a relief to finally let go of all that baggage.

The pair walked back into the room to see that they hadn't skipped a beat on the festivities. Once Asami spotted Iroh she said goodbye to Korra and made their way home.

Korra weaved through the corridor in search for Mako and Bolin. She was also in the mood to ditch this place and wanted to know if they thought the same. Rounding the refreshments she passed by a familiar silhouette and stopped dead in her tracks.

"Kuvira?!"

The tall woman smirked as she heard Korra's voice. She turned around with a glass of champagne in her hand and a devious look in her eyes.

"Princess...long time no see..."