Chapter Eighteen: The Ring
Several days had passed since the fall of Amon. Alessia was now an official officer in the police force where it had kept her busy. Not that she didn't need to be kept busy. Lin had as well Not only at work but in private as well. Coming to learn more and more about the woman made her feel good. That she got to learn things only she got to. Alessia had also shared her stories to Lin as well. Korra resumed her air bending training now that she could air bend. She hadn't dared bring up what had happened after dinner that one night before Alessia left back to the City. Bolin had taken over the Fire Ferrets and they weren't doing so well. Alessia did her best to cheer them on with her support. Mako had joined her on the force. Seeing that he had finally gotten his own place. This made Alessia jealous. Lin had offered her to stay nights with her and have dinner and what not. She thought it was too soon so Lin had agreed. Only wanting to make her happy. Alessia would love nothing more than to live with the love of her life but it would raise too much attention to them and Lin didn't like the public eyes on her. Alessia had agreed as well so they decided it was best for her to live nearby so they could at least have meals together or spend the night with each other without Tenzin's prying eyes constantly checking up on Alessia when she was off work or at night. He even had air acolytes check on her. It was getting annoying. Alessia wanted her own place. Her own space. Her space with Lin. She got paid more than enough to get her own place from the work she was doing. If Tenzin would even allow her to be by herself.
"Hey, wanna come over for lunch? I wanna show you my place." Mako spoke as Alessia nodded with a smile.
"Yeah sure! I would like that." She spoke while parking her cruiser in the police lot. She finally got Asami to teach her how to drive. Though, it was required to be an officer. Mako was learning as well. He wasn't good at it but still a work in progress. They were on clean up duty this week. Clearing out the rumble from the left over broken down buildings. They walked into the station to write their reports.
"Honestly, you need to stop writing essays for the chief." Alessia chuckled as she went over Mako's report.
"I don't want to leave anything out." Mako defended. Alessia leaned against his desk while reading over the report again.
"Maybe take out a few of these paragraphs. You only need to put in the main details." Alessia suggested. She took out her pen and crossed out a few paragraphs.
"Honestly, I don't know what I would do without you." Mako sighed. Alessia laughed. Not knowing Lin was watching them.
"Here you go. Just rewrite the report. Then file it." Alessia spoke while crossing her arms. She and Mako had gotten close as friends.
"Say, do you know what Korra would like for the holidays?" He asked as Alessia placed a hand on her chin.
"Well. She likes food. Take her out on a date during the festival?" Alessia shrugged while taking her seat at her desk which was next to Mako's.
"Wait, women like food just as much as men?" Mako raised a brow. Alessia laughed again while shaking her head.
"Oh Mako. You would be surprised." She replied while finishing up her report. Mako fixed and finished his report and handed it to Alessia. She smiled and went to knock on the chief's door.
"Open." Lin's voice spoke. Alessia closed the door behind her and gave her the reports.
"Thank you." Lin's voice sounded different.
"Mako and I are heading to lunch. Want me to bring you back anything?" Alessia asked with a raised brow.
"No, don't let me interrupt your date." Lin spoke coldly. "I'm sure whatever you have will be good." The chief added.
"Yes, because you're on the menu." Alessia whispered. Causing Lin to fluster before sending her out.
"Ready?" Mako asked as Alessia nodded. They took their leave after clocking out. Making sure they were on call just in case.
"Where to?" Alessia asked as they walked down the street. It was busy. Citizens were dashing everywhere trying to get to where they needed to go. She felt proud as some of them recognized her for her hard work and not because she was the sister of the avatar.
"I want something spicy." Mako spoke. Alessia nodded.
"Okay, fire nation it is!" She spoke as they entered the nearest one.
"Hello! Are we eating in or out?" The host asked.
"Actually, to go." Mako spoke as they placed their orders. It was not long after they paid for their food and left. Mako's apartment was small but it was nice.
"It's small but it's cozy." Mako spoke. He felt a little embarrassed.
"Hey, better than having a single room on air temple island." Alessia smiled as she took a seat on the floor by the center table in the living room.
"True. Maybe ask Tenzin if you can move out on your own." Mako spoke. Alessia sighed.
"I don't think Tenzin will allow that." Alessia frowned.
"He can't control you." Mako added. He was right. Alessia knew what she had to do. She started eating her food and gasped for air. Her mouth was on fire.
"What is this?!" She shouted as Mako was howling with laughter. She glared at him before chuckling herself.
"Fire nation is all about spice." Mako spoke.
"So you don't say." She laughed while finishing her food and drank all her water to cool her throat. Clearing it as well to make sure it was good.
"Time for work." Mako sighed as Alessia nodded. They left his apartment to head back to the station.
"So, how did it feel?" Mako asked as she raised a brow.
"From not talking to talking?" Mako asked.
"Good. Felt like I was no longer silent. That I had a voice finally." She smiled remembering Lin's reaction when she first spoke.
She took her seat at her desk while going through Mako's other reports. Raising a brow on how detailed this poor man wrote. She took out her pen and began writing in them. Hearing a slam she jumped. Seeing a stack of reports being dropped on her desk. She looked at the man who laughed.
"Go over these and file them please. Some of these are well. Old." Lu spoke as Gang laughed. Alessia rolled her eyes and sighed. She hated those two. All they did was eat doughnuts and boss the others around. They gave Mako a hard time as well. Why Saikhan had promoted them had her beat. Hearing the other officers leave, she nodded and waved her hand as Mako gave her a cup of coffee.
"I'm sorry. I gotta head out. Korra is waiting." He spoke.
"Go have fun." Alessia waved her hand to sho him away. Mako bowed and left. It was just her in the office now. Sighing as she took a drink of her coffee before working on the next report. Not knowing how late it had gotten.
"Crap!" Alessia spoke as she quickly cleared up her desk before setting the unfinished reports separate from the finished ones. Looking around and saw Lin was still in her office. Frowning, she walked over and knocked.
"What?" Her voice still sounded annoyed. Alessia came in and closed the door behind her.
"I'm sorry. I won't be off until late." Lin spoke while not looking up.
"Well, I can send food over for you once you are done." Alessia suggested.
"I won't be able to eat with you. Tenzin will want you back." Lin sighed as she leaned back into her chair and opened her arms. Alessia walked over and sat upon Lin's lap. Giving the chief kisses on her forehead.
"Speaking of. I'm off tomorrow and apartment hunting." Alessia spoke as a matter of fact.
"Wait, he is letting you?" Lin looked surprised.
"He can't keep me there. I'm not a child. I'm moving out whether he likes it or not." Alessia spoke while looking into the green eyes.
"I'm sure Mako would love to help you there." Lin spoke with something in her voice.
"Lin Beifong. Is that jealousy I hear in your voice?" Alessia gasped playfully while leaning back out of Lin's lap only for the older woman to quickly pull Alessia back onto her lap.
"Shut up." Lin grumbled while looking away.
"Hey." Alessia took Lin's chin and made her look. "I am yours. For as long as you want me." Alessia spoke as she placed a soft kiss upon Lin's lips.
"In that case, I have something for you." Lin spoke as she nodded towards her desk drawer.
"Oh?" Was all Alessia asked as she pulled out a small box. She opened it and inside was a silver platinum ring with a boar with wings on it. Her heart was racing against her chest. Alessia raised a brow at Lin who took it.
"It's a promise." Lin spoke as Alessia nodded her head. Waiting to hear more. "I promise myself to you for as long as you want me." Lin spoke while slipping the ring upon Alessia's finger.
"In that case…forever?" Alessia smiled as Lin raised a brow. "We're soulmates Lin!" Alessia chuckled and gave Lin a deep kiss before pulling back. "I'd want you forever. You're my other half and I'm lucky to have you." She added as Lin was smiling at her. How she loved that smile only she got. She stood up and stretched. Smiling at the ring upon her finger. She was definitely getting Lin one as well.
"I want you to come with me tomorrow." Alessia added while putting on her jacket.
"I can do that. I'll be on call though." Lin spoke as she stood up to put her jacket on as well.
"Good. Then it's settled. You can stay the night at my place and I can give you something of me." Alessia smirked at Lin with a wink.
"Are you sure?" Lin spoke while locking her office. She had told Lin she had never done it. She's had relationships before but never went all the way. With Lin, she felt complete.
"I'm sure. It belongs to you." Alessia spoke softly as Lin pushed Alessia against the wall and kissed her deeply and lustfully.
Alessia was back at the temple with a smile on her face. She could still feel Lin's hands upon her. She only had clothes to pack so it wouldn't be much. Pema had called for dinner as Alessia smiled while walking to the dining hall. Seeing the others there including Bolin.
"How are the Fire Ferrets?" Alessia asked as Bolin sighed.
"Not well. We might retire this year." Bolin spoke while poking his food. "I'm sorry Asami." He added.
"It's all good, Bolin. No worries." Asami spoke before taking her leave. She frowned as her friend left. It was now awkward between them. She waited until dinner was over. She found Tenzin outside with Korra as she weaved through the gates now. Alessia smiled at her sister. She was finally able to get through the gates.
"Tenzin, I need to speak to you." Alessia spoke as she walked up to him.
"What is it?" He asked.
"I'm moving out." She held her breath.
"Out of the question! You are both my responsibility." Tenzin spoke. He now looked upset,
"Tenzin, I'm not a child! I'm an officer of the police force!" Alessia spoke.
"I don't care. You're only there so I know Lin had an eye on you." Tenzin crossed his arms.
"I don't care what you say. I'm moving out. You don't control me. Lin doesn't have time to babysit me either." Alessia now had her arms crossed.
"Master Tenzin. She's right. Besides, if anything happens to her, the whole police force will rain down fire." Korra spoke as she nodded at Alessia. She sighed and silently thanked her sister.
"Fine! Do what you want." Tenzin gave up before leaving.
"Thank you Korra." Alessia hugged her sister who nodded.
"I want to see the place once you get it." Korra added.
"Of course!" She smiled. As she gave Korra another hug before heading to bed. SHe was glad Tenzin didn't give her a time limit. Though, she did feel like it was time to leave the nest like she should have years ago.
She changed into her casual clothes and crossed the ferry. Humming softly as she made sure she had everything she needed. She stopped when she saw Lin leaning against her cruised with arms crossed and a smirk. Alessia raised a brow before watching Lin open the side door for her. She got in and put on her seatbelt and waited.
"So, what's up?" Alessia asked as Lin got in and started the sato-mobile.
"Let's just say you don't have to go hunting. There's a single room apartment in the one I'm staying at. Different floor but still." Lin spoke. Alessia couldn't help but smile at Lin for this. How could she ever live without this woman in her life? She hummed softly as Lin drove. She loved Lin's driving better than Asami's. Then again, Asami drove safer when she was with Mako. Now, she was reckless again. It was not long until they came to the building. Alessia got out and looked around. She knew this area from her late night adventures until Tenzin caught her sneaking out once. She felt like a child being kept in a cage. Now, she was about to get a taste of freedom. She shut the door while following Lin up the stairs.
"The landlord is already there waiting." Lin spoke as she knocked on the door.
"Ah chief! Good to see you! This must be the officer you mentioned." The man spoke as he answered the door.
"It is." Lin spoke as she entered the apartment door. Alessia followed. It was bigger than Mako's apartment. The carpet was so white, it made her eyes hurt. She took off her flats by the door and waited while looking around. It was a full sized apartment. Complete with both living and dining areas. The bedroom had the bathroom connected to it. Alessia was already in love with the apartment. It was almost identical to Lin's except Lin's was a lot bigger. Her being the chief of police gave her higher pay for a better place to live. She didn't care. She already loved the look of the apartment.
"So, what do you think?" The landlord asked.
"I think Mako is going to be jealous. I love it!" Alessia chuckled as Lin gave a soft smile.
"Great! I have the papers and lease already out for a signature!" He smiled proudly as he led Alessia to the kitchen and on the counter, sure enough, there were papers.
"Now, here is the cost of each month, this is a yearly lease. Utilities are included for a higher price or you can pay lower without." He explained the two different leases as Alessia went for the higher cost. She didn't want to go through the stress of paying several separate bills.
"Great! Now sign here and here. I'll need the first month and the deposit and the key will be yours. Any questions?" He asked.
"The locks, are they metal or platinum?" She asked.
"Metal, why you ask?" He asked.
"Metal benders." She replied.
"Ah. Well I can have them replaced with platinum. Good catch. I might as well change them all." He thought before collecting the papers. He led the way out.
Alessia was sitting at a table with Lin for lunch. Mako had joined them.
"So. How did it go with Tenzin?" Mako asked. Lin raised a questioning look as well.
"He was not happy. He said no the first two times and said to do what I want the third time. Only because Korra sided with me. She wants to see the place." Alessia took a sip of her tea. "Oh my spirits!" She gasped as Lin and Mako both looked at her.
"I have to go shopping for stuff!" She laughed. Lin pinched the bridge of her nose at this as Mako laughed. "Also, I need new clothes. I need to toss these out." She added while finishing her tea.
"Well, I can help you with the furniture once you get some." Mako offered.
"You might have to ask Korra for permission." Alessia side eyes him as Mako smiles.
"I'm sure she will be fine with me helping her sister." He added while finishing his tea. "Well, I'm off to work. Also, can you look over my reports again?" Mako asked while scratching the back of his neck.
"Of course. Set them on my desk and I can go over them tomorrow." Alessia spoke. Mako gave them a bow before taking his leave.
"He forgot to pay." Alessia chuckled while pulling out her wallet as Lin pushed it down.
"Let me. My treat." Lin spoke while getting up.
"No can do." Alessia spoke as Lin grabbed Alessia's wallet and took it from her.
"You are giving me something special tomorrow." Lin winked at Alessia as she blushed with a smile. It made her heart race and swell at the same time. It was making her nervous but she was ready.
"I'll need to get a bed first!" She teased as Lin rolled her eyes.
"I have to head to the station. Apparently Lu and Gang are causing issues." Lin sighed as Alessia nodded.
"It's alright. I can take Asami with me for shopping." Alessia gently nudged Lin.
"Oh great. Your apartment isn't going to be your style." Lin groaned as Alessia laughed.
"It will be! Don't worry!" She kissed Lin's cheek before watching the chief drive away. Humming softly as she made her way back to air temple island to find Asami for shopping.
They were at a furniture store as Asami was already having a blast.
"We need to do this more!" Asami laughed as Alessia nodded her head. She had already given the landlord the money for the apartment. She was now holding the keys. Well, one since she had a copy made for Lin and was going to give the copy to her later. Alessia had already picked out a black couch and armchair and a glass center table for the living room. They were looking at beds.
"This one?" Asami asked as she sat on one.
"Too small. I want a queen size." Alessia smiled while sitting on another one. It was soft. She loved Lin's soft bed and wanted to get one like it.
"This one will do!" She smiled as the man asked her if she wanted her stuff delivered.
"I can pay the extra. I don't mind." Alessia smiled while she paid for her furniture and wrote down her information and what not.
"Alright, they will be delivered tomorrow afternoon." He spoke as Alessia smiled and nodded her head. She would have to explain to Lin the situation.
"Alright. I am sorry I have to cut short. I have some people to meet for contracts." Asami frowned as Alessia gave her a hug.
"Hey, no worries! I can finish up." Alessia gave Asami a hug before watching the heiress leave. She smiled as she went about the mall in the city. She picked out a black and dark green bed set. 'I'll have to get another set another day.' She spoke to herself. She had finished getting everything she needed and spotted a store that carried rings. She went in and browsed. Carefully picking a certain one before Heading back to the island.
"So! You got a place?" Korra beamed while sitting in Alessia's bed at the temple. She nodded with a smile.
"I did! It's a lovely apartment. I got stuff delivered to it tomorrow." Alessia smiled. She had packed up her stuff and was ready to go.
"Can I help you settle in?" Korra asked.
"Sure! Mako offered as well. I'll have to ask Lin for a half day." Alessia spoke as she set aside her stuff since she didn't want to walk all the way back to her apartment then to the island.
"Maybe have a potluck and invite everyone over?" Korra suggested.
"Nope! I just want my friends." Alessia smiled as sighed contently.
"Uh huh." Korra rolled her eyes playfully.
"Anyways, head to bed. I have a big day tomorrow." Alessia smiled as she gave her sister a hug. Watching the avatar leave. This was her last night to spend on air temple island. She was ready to be out. Her own space she didn't have to share. Well, she would only share with one other. Smiling at the thought, she had actually drifted off to sleep.