Chapter Eight: Zaofu and Secrets
Bag finished being packed as Alessia set it by her bedroom door before heading out of her room for dinner. She stopped in her tracks.
"Hope you don't mind. I invited them to dinner. Last minute planning before tomorrow morning." Kuvira spoke as Alessia nodded. She went into the kitchen to avoid looks from both Su and Lin. She was humming softly before finishing up the food she cooked. Pulling out dishes as she sat the plates and utensils at the table. Still humming while setting the glasses down as well. She popped her head in the living room and smiled.
"Dinner." She spoke before disappearing to bring the food to the table. Setting it down before taking her seat between Lin and Kuvira.
"Oh. I forgot. Be right back." Alessia spoke as she went back to the kitchen and came back with tea. Setting the kettle in the center.
"So. As you know. We will be leaving early in the morning." Su started as Alessia nodded her head lightly. She was more focused on eating and listening.
"Alessia, you'll be on security detail with Lin. Last minute change." Su added.
"I what now?" Alessia frowned. She had barely done any training in security let alone any bending recently.
"You'll be receiving an armor piece before we arrive at Zaofu. I expect you to be alert at all times." Lin put in. "Unfortunately the university can't spare anyone for security so I'm dragging you along." Her professor added. Alessia held the bridge of her nose and sighed before nodding.
"Yes professor." Alessia spoke while taking another bite.
"Dear, please call us by our names outside of the university." Su smiled as Alessia nodded.
"My apologies." She added with a returning smile.
"This is really good Alessia." Kuvira spoke while she was eating.
"Glad you enjoy it." She smiled at her friend.
"The dancers are rather excited that someone is coming to support them." Su spoke. Alessia had heard before. Apparently people weren't very supportive of each other when it came to sports or performing arts. They had finished dinner and gathered into the living room. Alessia stayed back to clean up dinner. Washing the dishes and putting them up before wiping down the table and counters.
"I'm heading to bed. You beautiful ladies have a goodnight." Alessia spoke as she entered the living room. Blushing at what she said, she bowed quickly and left while hearing them say goodnight behind her.
Kuvira rushed out of their apartment as Alessia was not far behind her. She had her bag over her shoulder since it was going to take a day to travel there and then for traveling back. Sighing softly as they made it onto the airship after handing their tickets over to the captain. Alessia was smiling at her friend as they sat down in the back. Hearing the excitement from the other dancers. Alessia was actually excited herself.
"Alright dears! Listen up! We are heading to Zaofu! I expect you to act like the lovely adults you are and be on your best behavior. We represent the Avatar University of Republic City. As a team you will be held as if you are still on the grounds. Also, have fun!" Su beamed as the dancers all giggled and started chatting among each other.
"Alessia." Lin's voice made her jump. She turned and followed Lin to the front. "Here. It's not official. More for rookies but it suits you." Alessia had metal bent the police armor on and raised a brow.
"I'm not gonna ask how you got my size. Thank you." She spoke as Lin nodded. Her professor got into her personal space and clipped on cables on each side of her hips. Raising a brow again.
"Just in case. You can never be too careful." Lin explained as Alessia nodded her head. "You are to stay by my side at all times until bed. You are bunking with Kuvira." Lin spoke as she nodded her head yet again. It felt weird being in armor. Rubbing the edge of her shirt against the armor. It felt hot. Was it really hot? Maybe she was coming down with something? Pushing the thoughts back as Lin went to speak with her sister. Alessia followed with her hands behind her back before looking to the side.
"With the weather like this, the captain said we'll arrive late tonight." Su spoke.
"Good. I'll feel better when we are back in Republic City." Lin spoke. Crossing her arms. Alessia couldn't help but smile at Lin before looking away. Waving at the ladies who waved at her. She still felt embarrassed from the night before.
"We'll be back before you know it, Lin. We'll leave once the performance is done." Su explained and she patted Alessia's shoulder. She snapped her attention at Su who was smiling at her. "You look good in that." She added before taking her leave.
"We are here!" Su's voice shouted across the small crowd as they piled off of the airship. Alessia gasped and looked around. The sight of the city was beautiful! A few massive Metal lotus cities! Her heart was beating fast. This was where she was born! She couldn't help but feel a small hint of pride in her chest. She looked over at Su who was smiling at her. A hint of pride in the professor's eyes as well. Of course, this was the main home of the Beifongs! There was a giant statue of Toph by the main entrance of the station they arrived at.
"Welcome to Zaofu, Alessia." Su gently nudged Alessia who was smiling from ear to ear. She didn't expect her home city would have such an effect on her. They followed their professor into a train. They arrived not long after to the guest houses they were staying at. It was beyond her expectations.
"I'm so exhausted." Kuvira sighed as she laid on her bed. Alessia nodded in agreement with her friend. They had finally arrived in Zaofu and in their respective rooms. "Weird seeing you in that." She added. Alessia bent the armor off and set it aside. She left for the bathroom they had in the room they were staying in. Changing into a silky green button up top and pants. Hearing a knock on the door, Alessia went to answer it. It was Su. She stepped aside to let the professor in.
"Going around saying rest well!" The professor beamed while giving them both another hug. Alessia smiled weakly. She was getting more hugs than she liked since she started coming to the university. Closing the door after the professor left. Alessia crawled into bed and sighed lightly. The green eyes had popped back into her head as she tossed and turned before getting comfortable. Hearing a light snore coming from Kuvira. She smiled at her friend before drifting off to sleep.
"Wake up!" Alessia was shaking her friend. Hearing a mumble as Kuvira sat up. Yawning lightly with a stretch before getting out. "There isn't much time for anything to do today. Professor Su wants all dancers gathered up for practice." Alessia explained. She had put on a green tank top and dress pants. It was loose enough to move around in. Metal bending the armor piece on and smiled. Her hair was already up. Kuvira had finally finished getting dressed into her gym clothes as they made their way out. Seeing the others gather around Su. Alessia stood next to Lin with her hands behind her back, Lin had her arms crossed. She was watching them closely while keeping an eye around their surroundings.
"Come along!" Su smiled while leading everyone to the main area. There they entered the larger building. It was an auditorium.
"Whoa." Alessia whispered as she was the last to enter. Hearing some gasps from the dancers as they made their way on stage and began warm ups.
"Security is only during the warm ups and what not. During the performance, you'll be seated next to Su and myself." Lin spoke as Alessia nodded her head once to show she understood. She was standing on the other side of the auditorium from Lin and was watching the dancers. Occasionally walking around the building. Checking the perimeter. It was nearing dark finally when Lin had dismissed her. Alessia went back and changed into the clothes Su picked out the first time they had met. She loved this outfit. Seeing Kuvira grabbing her dance clothes with a smile before leaving. Alessia followed Kuvira to the back stage where Su was helping with makeup and hair. Alessia decided to work on her friend's hair. Humming while brushing her long raven black hair before braiding it up like the others.
"Break a leg." Alessia whispered to her friend before hugging her. Su had escorted Alessia out.
Taking a seat right between her professors and being nervous. SHe was nervous for her friend but knowing her, Kuvira would do so well.
"Favorite outfit?" Su asked with a wink. Alessia nodded with a light smile. The lights had dimmed as the first group of dancers came up. They were from Ba Sing Se. They weren't bad actually. She could feel her heart beating against her chest as the next group came out. It was them. Alessia sat up a little more in her seat. Not noticing that Su was eyeing her with a smile before focusing on her dancers. The music had started. The lights made its way over to the stage. They began. It was elegant. Graceful. She couldn't even explain what she was seeing. The dancers were in sync with not only each other but with the music. It started lyrical and then moved a bit faster. There was a combat dance in the routine as well. Watching her friend Kuvira dance was mesmerizing. The look upon her friend's face. She was lost in the music. It was the same look Alessia would get from dancing as well. They had finished their dance. The crowd cheered. Alessia stood up while clapping. More and more stood up as well. Hearing cheering and shouting from the audience. They were the last performers. Alessia was beaming at this before Su touched her shoulder.
"Come on dear. Let's go get them." Her professor spoke. She nodded. Feeling Lin's hand on her lower back to make sure she didn't get run over by anyone from the crowd. Once backstage, Alessia ran over to her friend who was smiling non stop.
"So? What did you think?" Kuvira asked.
"I wanna audition." Alessia spoke. This made Kuvira smirked and hugged Alessia tightly. "You guys were so amazing! I just. Wow!" Was all Alessia could say. As they piled back onto the airship with their stuff.
They had finally arrived back at their apartment as Alessia changed into her nightwear. She had given Lin back the armor and cables. It seemed the security was a success before the performance. Sitting on the couch next to her friend. Alessia nudged her with a smile.
"You haven't told Su yet have you?" Alessia asked.
"No. I figured you wanted to surprise her." Kuvira smiled as Alessia nodded. "Get some rest." Her friend spoke as they both went to their bedrooms. Alessia was replaying the dance performance in her head. The sound of the cheer from the crowd made her smile. She loved that her best friend got to perform and show her love for dance. Alessia hoped she would be able to join in on that. Her friends on the team all deserved every praise they received that night. Professor Su was beyond ecstatic from the performance. Her phone had vibrated. Raising a brow before opening her screen.
Su: I hope you enjoyed the show! I am glad you came to support them!
Alessia: I loved the show! You taught them so well! Have a goodnight!
Su: You too dear!
Alessia smiled before setting her phone onto her desk and yawned lightly before curling up. It felt nice to be in her own bed. Her mind drifted off as the dance performance was playing again in her head as she went to sleep.
Morning sun had peeked through her curtains that hit her in the face. Alessia sat up and stretched. Sighing lightly while rubbing her side. She stood up and looked into the tall mirror. The scar was bruised. Frowning at the sight, she decided to maybe pay Kya a visit later. She had dressed in a shirt and blue jean pants. Putting on her sandals before fumbling through her bag. Frowning while pouring the contents out. Her sketchbook was gone.
"Hey Kuvira? Have you seen my sketchbook?" Alessia called out. There was no answer. She walked out and saw that Kuvira's door was open but no one was inside. Shrugging before grabbing her key and leaving the apartment after locking it. She made her way to the university. She waved at the twins and Korra. Bolin was smiling and waved.
"Hey Alessia! Come to a match sometimes! Invite a few others!" Bolin handed her four season passes.
"Bolin! Oh my spirits! Thank you!" Alessia patted Bolin's shoulder. She tucked them inside her jacket pocket before waving at them. She made it into the building and headed towards the art room. Smiling non stop as she couldn't wait to tell Kuvira about the passes. They had both talked about going to the matches.
"Hey professor have you seen…" Alessia knocked on the door and stopped in her tracks. Kuvira was sitting on a desk with her head back. Alessia's eyes dropped down a little and saw her professor between her legs! There was soft moaning as Alessia's eyes widened as she stood in horror.
"Shit! Alessia!" Kuvira spotted her friend. Su stood up and was frozen in horror.. "Alessia!" Kuvira's voice snapped her back to reality. She backed up her friend.
"I…I…." Was all Alessia could say. She turned her heels and ran from the room. Smacking right into someone and fell down. Looking up to see Lin. She let out a small cry while holding her side. It was giving off jabbing pain in her side.
"No running!" She snapped. "Is your side hurting?" Lin's face fell at the sight of Alessia in pain.
"Alessia!" Su's voice came as both of them came out of the classroom.
"What's going on?" Lin asked with a confused look. Alessia stood back up and ran. Not caring that Lin was shouting at her.
"Alessia! Come back please!" Kuvira's voice shouted.
"What just happened?" Alessia asked herself while pacing in her room. Her door was closed and her phone was constantly vibrating. She was ignoring it. Still pacing back and forth. Her best friend. Her professor. Why would Kuvira hide something like that? heard the door open in the apartment and then shut. Alessia sat on her bed and sighed. She felt her eyes sting from the pain. It wasn't just the physical pain but emotional pain. Did her friend not trust her? There was a knock on her door.
"Alessia? Can we please talk?" Kuvira's voice spoke on the other side. "Please? I can't stand my best friend not talking to me." Alessia frowned again and opened the door. She let Kuvira in before sitting back on her bed.
"Alessia… I don't know what to say." She started. Alessia held up a hand to stop her.
"I thought you're my best friend?" Alessia asked.
"I am."
"Do you not trust me?"
"I do."
"Then why didn't you tell me about the relationship?"
"Wait, you're not mad about Su and I?" Kuvira was confused now.
"No, I'm mad that you never told me!" Alessia spoke up with a frown.
"I don't know. I guess I was scared that you're gonna judge me." Her friend replied with a frown now.
"Kuvira, you two are so beautiful together. I would never judge nor hate you for loving someone." Alessia sighed softly.
"How about we promise to never have secrets between each other again?" Kuvira spoke with a hint of hope in her voice.
"I promise." Alessia spoke as Kuvira pulled her into a hug.
"Does this mean that professor Su is gonna be around a lot?" Alessia asked. Kuvira laughed lightly.
"If you're okay with that?" Her friend asked as Alessia nodded her head. "Great! I'm adding you to the group chat now." Kuvira added while opening her phone.
"The what now?" Alessia asked as her phone buzzed again.
You were added to a group chat.
Kuv: We talked. She's okay.
Su: Thank the spirits! I'm so sorry Alessia.
Kuv: She's okay about us.
Lin: Thanks for notifying me…How's your side?
Alessia: It's fine.
"Oh. This. Professor Beifong knew?" Alessia looked at her friend. She ignored the message Lin was sending in the chat now.
"Yeah, she walked in on us like you did. We need to be more discreet." Kuvira was blushing so hard now.
"Oh! Speaking of something. Bolin gave me these." Alessia pulled out the tickets and handed them to Kuvira.
"Oh my spirits! Season passes?" She was smiling. "You are still gonna audition right?"
"There's four of them! In case Su wants to come. Yes, of course I will." Alessia teased her friend which got her an eye roll. She nudged Kuvira before going to the kitchen. It was time she had gotten something to eat. She hadn't eaten since they got back. Humming softly while making a simple sandwich. She found herself blushing at a certain pair of green eyes that invaded her mind again.