-Oh, nice power, Wei!- the victorious twin turned to accept his mother's praise. She was not alone.

Outsiders, Wei deduced from their attire. To Suyin's right there were two girls, one was very clearly Water Tribe, behind them stood a woman in some sort of uniform. One didn't need seismic sense to tell she was absolutely fuming. To the left stood two boys in matching clothes. One seemed rather disinterested, while the other... The other had clearly been watching the game with intensity and amazement, leaning as close to the edge of the arena as he could without falling in.

Wei waved to his mother with a whoop. - Ha! Wing goes down!-

Su gave her youngest one last smile before motioning for the guests to follow her. The boy nearest to the edge seemed to hesitate, still looking at the twins with that excited, awed expression. Looking at Wei, who cheerfully waved at him. The newcomer waved back, awkwardly, and then realised his group has left him behind. He chased after them and disappeared from the twins wiew.

- Who do you think they were?- queried Wing, done with lamenting his loss.

- Maybe they're here for Opal.- Wei speculated, as they converged at the edge of the arena, panting slightly, wiping sweat from his brow. - They seem nice. -

Once the twins learnt Opal would be taken to one of the Air temples, in order for her to master her newly discovered bending, the two had an unspoken agreement to not trust whoever came to steal their sister away. Though seeing the genuinely kind look on that stranger's face had Wei's resolve crumbling a little. Just a little.

- He seems nice- Wing teased, elbowing him, a mischievous smile forming on his face .

- I have no idea who you could be talking about.- Wei feigned innocence, a slight warmth that had nothing to do with the work out crawling up the back of his neck.

Wing snorted, shaking his head, though he let it go for now. - But seriously, I thought airbenders were supposed to wear those weird robes-

They later learnt from Huan and Opal that none of their new guests were in fact Airbenders. Well, besides Avatar Korra, that is, but she didn't exactly count. Opal was extremely exited about the whole thing. And as happy as Wei was for his sister, he still worried about her inevitable departure.

For now, though, the youngest generation of the Beifong family, minus Baatar Jr, were content to lounge about and enjoy each other's company in the gardens. Huan was doodling something in his sketchbook, with the twins lazily passing a metal ball between themselves as Opal exitedly chittered away.

- Though I don't think our aunt Lin likes me very much...- she trailed off, after having gone on a full on speech about their newly discovered, grumpy family member.

- I don't think she likes anything very much- exclaimed Wing, and Huan quietly added 'a tortured soul'.

- That's a bummer. But maybe she's just like grandma.-

- Maybe...- Opal agreed, hopefully. -But the rest of them are all very nice. Especially Bolin.-

- Bolin?- Wei sat up. Could that be the exited boy from earlier?

- Banana guy?- Huan snorted. He, of course, had already complained to his siblings about the city ruffian grossly misinterpreting his latest statue.

- Yeah, he's really sweet. And handsome..- Opal blushed ever so slightly. Oh. Oh. Wing pretended to gag. Wei didn't react. It's not exactly the first time his sister's expressed intrest in someone, though those instances were few and far inbetween. Then why did it sting this time around?

Best change the subject.

- When are you leaving for the Temples?- Wei asked, bending the discarded metal ball into random shapes. Opal's face fell.

- Oh, I don't think mom wants me to go.-

- What? But you were so exited! What happened to 'seeing the world' and all that?- he protested, while Wing nodded in agreement. Even Huan put his sketchbook down in favor of eyeing their sister intently.

- I know, but you know how mom is. She wants me to stay here with the family. She's even asked Korra to stay a while to train me.- Opal said, crestfallen. A second later, her eyes widened, and she jumped up, accompanied by a rogue gust of wind - speaking of which, I have my first lesson right now. AND I'M ALREADY LATE!- she fretted, running off with a hurried 'wish me luck'.

The twins giggled and Huan shook his head with a grumble, returning to his sketches.

Wei had always found working with his cables relaxing. Either using them to swing around or to graple things, he was always happy to train with them. They were the most basic tool of a metalbender, versatile and multifaceted, invented by his grandmother. Meanwhile, Wing, as the loser of the game was to, was cleaning up the Power Disc arena, so that left Wei with some time to practice combat in his mother's meteorite garden.

That is until he heard a small squeal near his feet. He looked down and was instanly transfixed by a red ball of fur looking up at him with its tiny cute face. - A fire ferret! What are you doing here, little guy?- as the name suggested, fire ferrets were usually found in the fire nation, a far cry from Zaofu. Wei racked his brain on how the exotic animal had gotten here.

In lieu of answering, the little creature scrambled up his legs and right onto his shoulders, settling around his neck as if it were some fancy scarf. Wei cautiously lifted a hand to scartch it beind its ears , earning a grateful chirp for his effort.

- Pabu? Paaaabuuuu!- someone called, accompanied by the rustling of bushes. The fire ferret squeaked again and climbed onto Wei's head as if to announce its presence.- Oh Pabu, thank Spirits I found you! What were you thinking running off in a new place like that!- it was the boy from earlier, immediately scolding the fire ferret. He faltered, noticing his pet's new acquaintance. - O.. oh! Hi!-

- Hi! - Wei shot back, moving the ferret's bushy tail out of his face. - I assume this is your fire ferret. - He removed Pabu from his head. The little thing leapt from his arms onto its owner's shoulder chirping joyfully and nuzzling his face. The boy scratched its forhead.

- Bolin, right?- Wei asked. The boy gave him a surprised smile.

- Yep, that's me. And you are...- he hesitated, furrowing his bushy eyebrows.

- Wei- the Beifong mercifully answered the unasked question. He was rather used to the awakward pause that arose, as people tried to decide which twin he was.

- Yeah, Wei, that' s exactly what I was gonna say!- Bolin laughed awkwardly. At Wei's disbelieving chuckle, he continued.

- I saw you and your brother play that cool metalbending game! Your mom said you guys invented it all by yourselves. It looked so awesome! I'm an earthbender too, but I've never thought it could be so, so... elegant!-

- You really think so?- Wei felt his cheeks heat up at the compliment.

- Yeah, of course! It looks like so much fun.- Bolin seemed so geniuine with his dazzling smile and sparkly green eyes, that Wei couldn't help but offer.

- You know, I could teach you how to play.-

- You would? I'd love to...- the joy faded from his face, as he remembered something- But I have, um, important-Avatar's-friend stuff to do so I'm not sure...-

- Well, you guys are going to be staying a while, so the Avatar can train Opal, so maybe you'll be free then?-

Bolin semed unconvinced, staring down at the grass intently. - Maybe..-

Wei had grown up with Bataar Jr and Huan, both easily offended in their own right, so he knew a sensitive subject when he touched upon one. It also helped that he could literally feel Bolin's heartbeat speed up with his seismic sense. Usually the best way to deal with such things is to change the subject, he had learnt over the years.

- Did you know that this meteorite is the same type that Councilman Sokka's sword was made out of?- he pointed at a part of his mother's prized collection, one she had been ecstatic to present to her family when she'd aquired it.

- No way! Really?!- Bolin's exitement was palpable. Jackpot. Wei smiled triumphantly.

- Really. My grandmother has a bracelet made out of the same material.-

The two earthbenders (and one fire ferret) spent an overall plesant hour talking about meteorites and Toph Beifong, who turned out to be one of Bolins heroes.

As the panels around the city closed, the Beifong family and their guests converged for dinner. Both Baatars had opted to eat their meal in the office, swamped with work. As usual, making the world a better place, Wei thought fondly.

Su interrupted his train of thought. -That was my brilliant architect of a husband, Baatar, and our oldest son. He engineers all my husband's projects.- She told her guests, proud smile on her face.-

At that moment their newly acquired aunt decided to speak up. -Five kids. What a nightmare.- As one of said five kids, Wei bristled a little, but held his tongue. Father always said no arguing at the meal table.

-No, no. My children are a blessing.- their mother spoke with conviction, but clearly, aunt Lin was not done.

-Yeah, mom used to say that too, but she never meant it-

Before the argument could commence, Bolin, bless his soul, chimed in - Mmmm. I have to admit, I was pretty skeptical when he said "pea tendrils"- he laughed, and Wei was grateful for his sweet, warm voice that drowned out the tension -but this is delicious.-

Opal quickly caught on, a giggle leaving her lips. - I know, right. I don't think I've ever had a bad meal in my life.-

- Oh. I had plenty when Mako and I were living in the streets.- Bolin continued peppily as if his words weren't in horrific contrast with cheerful disposition. - I mean, you'd be surprised how bad food from a dumpster can be.-

Oh. Oh , at least no one felt like arguing after that revelation. Wei's stomach dropped and he grimaced sympathetically. Opal looked similarly disheartened, her smile gone completely -I'm sorry. I didn't know.-

-No, no, it's okay, that's all in the past.- Bolin rushed to reassure her, eyes flickering around the table, as if he were slightly panicked. -Things are great now. I got to be a pro-bender, fought against a dangerous revolution, became a mover star, and now, I'm helping the Avatar rebuild a whole nation.-

Wei looked at him with awe and curiosity. This boy, barely older than him, had accomplished and seen so much, while he and his siblings stayed stuck in Zaofu. Opal shared the same sentiment - Wow. Your life sounds so exciting.- Wei had spent enough time with her to recognise all her expressions and which emotions they represented. Envy included.

His mother decided it would be best to change the subject, turning to the Avatar with a quick question. -How's your search for the new airbenders going?-

-Honestly, not great.- she answered, eyes trained on her meal. For the first time, Wei saw her as a real, human girl, rather than some sort of figurehead. -We had to rescue a whole group of them from the Earth Queen.-

At his side, Wing muttered something about 'The royal bitch herself'. Wei sniggered into his cup of tea. Their mother was not discrete with her disdain of the Queen and perhaps a little of it had rubbed off on her kids -Oh, she's horrible. She thinks she can just do whatever she wants.-

Just then aunt Lin piped up again. -Sounds familiar.- Wei groaned inwardly. His mother, thankfully, didn't seem to hear.

-What?-

-Nothing.-

Suyin turned to Korra again. -I mean, the idea of even having a queen is so outdated. Don't you agree, Korra?-

-I ... I haven't really thought about it too much.- Poor Avatar, Wei thought. He knew how his mother got when she was worked up and poor Korra was completely unprepared for that.

-Well, you should start.- Su used the same voice she used when she was trying to covince Opal against going to the Air Temples - The world is evolving and the Earth Queen can evolve with it or step aside.-

Wei would have been grateful for an interruption, had it not been his aunt with another biting comment - Hey, everyone. My little sister is an expert on world affairs now.-

If these two were anything like Wei and his siblings, this would end in a fight, he thought as his mothers head snapped around to glare at her sister. -You want to talk about what's really bugging you? Because I'm right here-

They both stood.

Yep.

Fight it is then.

The door burst open and this time the newly arrived Varrick and Zhu Li were the ones to distract from the growing tension. Wei was surprised to find that he had some history with the group of guests, involving allegedly plotting to kidnap the president and escaping jail...? Seemed unbelievable with how nice the quirky businessman and his meek assistant were.

Needless to say, aunt Chief of Police was pissed. -I'm trying to keep the Avatar safe and you're harboring a criminal?-

Having an aunt is not as much fun as it's made out to be, Wei decided, sharing a look with his siblings.

-Ease out, Lin.- Su said placatingly, folding her hands in her lap, seeming like the polar oposite of her fuming sister. - Sure Varrick's made a few mistakes in his past, but that doesn't mean he should pay for it for the rest of his life. My chef was a pirate, but now he's a culinary master. People change.- that was his mother's motto after all.

Lin was not satisfied by that - You haven't.- she threw her chair backwards and stalked off, followed by the Avatar, wo was angrily calling her name.

Well.

That could have gone better.

Everyone finished their dinner in relative silence after that, save for Varrick rambling about magnets and Zhu Li occasionally replying, usually with an affirmation.

Sneaking into the kitchen and stealing snacks had become a game the Beifong children played with the family chef, almost since Baatar Jr could walk on his own. The ex-pirate would fill a designated jar with various candies and other goodies, stashing it in a random cupboard for the kids to find when one of them would inevitably get hungry in the middle of the night. Tonight Wei was craving something sweet, so it was him roaming the darkened kitchen, rifling through various containers like a feral animal. He was just trying to reach one of the overhead cabinets standing on his tiptoes and seriously considering bending his way up.

- ummm, need any help?- someone asked awkwardly. In the doorway stood Bolin, carrying Pabu. How adorable the two of them were, the fire ferret cradled in those muscular arms. How strong the older earthbender seemed, and Wei absentmindedly pondered what he would be like in a fight. He had to be a skilled bender, if Team Avatar's track record was any indication.

Wei wondered if Bolin would be up to spar.

But, back to the matter at hand.

- Sorry, did I wake you?-

- Nah, I've been up. I was actually talking to your sister, but Korra wanted her for something. So I ended up here. Are there any pea tendrils left?- he asked, hopefully. Wei laughed. Chef seemed to have garnered another fan.

- Afraid not. Junior ate the last of them, the monster.- He could tell Bolin was dissapointed even though he laughed at the joke. The way his entire form drooped was honestly adorably pitiful.- Were you hungry?-

- No, no.- Bolin protested- I wasn't hungry, uh, Pabu was.- he lifted the napping creature as proof. He smiled at Wei's bemused laugh -You wouldn't know it by his size but he's quite the glutton. -

- Okay, then if 'Pabu' is hungry, mabye he would be interested in helping me find Chef's stash of goodies? He always leaves something out for us.- Wei decided he would be willing to share the spoils with their intriguing guest.

- Oooh, what goodies?- Got 'em. He could literally see Bolin drooling. He giggled.

- Ah, I don't know for certain, but I think I smelled cookie batter earlier.- he whispered conspiratorially, with a wink.

- Okay, I'm sold.- well, that was easy- where do you think they are?-

- The only place I haven't checked are the cabinets over there.- Wei pointed above him. - I could bend myself up there, but I'd rather avoid breaking anything. -

- You could probably reach it, if you got on my shoulders.- Bolin theorised.

- You won't drop me?- Wei teased, leaning in. Bolin looked him up and down, from head to toe and laughed. Lovely sound.

- I think I can take you.-

Bolin put Pabu on one of the countertops and crouched down.

- Well, hop on!- he urged, as Wei carefully clambered onto his shoulders. Instinctively he buried his hands in Bolin's soft raven hair when the other stood, afraid he'll fall. -Relax, I'd never drop you- he laughed and for a moment the Beifong simply enjoyed the plesant sound reverberating off the walls of the kitchen.

Once again, back to the task at hand.

What was going on with him today?

Bolin was right, it was so much easier to reach the cupboards with his help. Quickly and efficiently searching, Wei was able to find the coveted jar.

- Yessss!-he whisper-shouted, showing Bolin their prize. He hopped off the boy's shoulders, landing softly on the ground. The two of them sat on the floor to inspect their loot, Pabu climing onto Wei's shoulder. As expected, it was filled to the brim with chocolate chips cookies, sweet buns, crab puffs and, Wei's favorite, taffy treats.

- Oooh, crab puffs!- Bolin exitedly reached for one, eyes sparkling with excitement..

- You like those? I don't think anyone in our family enjoys them exept for Wing.-

- Yeah, I got a taste for them in the Southern Water Tribe.-

- What was it like?- Wei asked, intrigued -The Southern Water Tribe, I mean.-

- Uuuuh, cold.- they both laughed -And there was a civil war going on at the time, so it wasn't the best time for tourism, but from what I saw it was really beautiful and the people were nice and the food was good, too.- Bolin took a bite of the crab puff -Oh, and I was also engaged to the princess of the Northern Water Tribe, so that took up a lot of my time there, since she never let me out of her sight.- he added with his mouth full.

- I'm sorry, you were what?- Well, that confession was out of left field.

- Her name was Eska. Well, she's the chief of the Northern Water Tribe now, along with her brother. They're actually twins, like you, but they were, like, creepy twins. They did literally everything together. I don't think I've ever seen them apart, except for when she tried to chase me down after we escaped the Water Tribe. Spirits, that was terryfiyng. Sorry, am I boring you?- he asked sheepishly, slightly winded after the long ramble. Cute.

- No. Actually, I like listening to you.- Wei concluded he really enjoyed hearing about Bolin's adventures. -Eska sounds awful.- he decided, shoving a whole taffy treat into his mouth.

- Well, in the end she did save me from an evil spirit and she and Desna helped defeat their father, so she's not all bad. But yeah, it didn't work out between us.-

- Fighting evil spirits was very brave of you.- Wei said, suddenly very aware that the boy in front of him had helped save the entire friggin world. For a moment, he locked eyes with Bolin, hoping to somehow telegraph his gratitude. The other looked away and chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck.

- I didn't feel brave when I was doing it. I almost peed my pants a couple of times, to be honest.-

- My father once told me that bravery is not the absense of fear but the ability to overcome it, so I still think you're very brave.- Wei reassured, gently patting the back of the other boy's hand. Bolin gave him a surprised, small smile. Something in his eyes felt vulnerable and raw, like rough, uncut emeralds. Okay, now it was Wei's turn to feel nervous. He realised they both had leant closer towards each other, faces only inches apart. He felt like he was doing something he shouldn't be.

Best change the subject.

- What was the Spirit World like?- he asked, straightening, and reaching for some more candy. Bolin, thankfully didn't seem to question his new friend's sudden switch in behaviour.

- Oh it was weird, but like, amazing weird...

For a couple more minutes Wei breathlessly listened to Bolin recount his and team Avatar's adventures with spirits. Bolin was a natural storyteller, charismatic and expressive to boot. Having captivated the young Beifong with his tales, Bolin seemed content to talk all night.

Both boys jumped as a gust of wind blew open the door and a sobbing Opal to rushed in. Wei's heart dropped to his stomach.

- Opal, what happened?- he rushed to his sister who looked rather surprised to see him there.

- Oh, it's.. it's nothing.-

- If it were nothing you wouldnt be crying.- it had at this point become almost a trademark of his sister to hide her upset. A habit all her brothers tried to combat, with varying results. When Opal didn't answer, he continued. -You wanna sit with us for a while? Bolin and I found Chef's stash.-

- Sweet buns?- she sniffled

- Sweet buns.- he replied. Those were her favourite, after all. He led to sit on the floor, next to Bolin, who smiled and nudged the jar towards her. As Opal searched for the desired sweet buns, Wei rubbed soothing circles into her back.

Neither he nor Bolin asked any questions and Opal seemed content to munch her chosen pastry in silence, leaning against Bolin's side. - Aunt Lin is nothing like mom told us.- she finally said, wiping her tears with her sleeve.

- Yeah, she can be... tough.- Bolin acquiesced. He opened his mouth like he wanted to say something more, but stopped himself.

- Korra was hoping if I talked to her, we could try and fix her relationship with mom. They seem to really hate each other.- she continued, staring down at her sweet bun with a little frown. -But it didn't go so well.- she turned to Wei, eyes wide and unsure.- Do you think mom could have done something so awful as to make her own sister hate her forever?-

- I can't imagine that.- he replied carefully

- I can't imagine hating any one of our family the way aunt Lin hates mom!- Opal declared, throwing her arms around Wei's neck and hugging him. He hugged back, burying his head in her jet black hair. This was his sister, all right, about as sensitive as Huan with none of his prickly exterior to protect her. Behind her, Bolin held up his hand as if to place it on her shoulder, but ended up lowering it back down.

- Hey, you know, Bolin was just telling me about the spirit world and Jinora, the Avatar's spirit world guide. She's an airbender, like you.- one sure way to distract Opal from her misery would definitely be a tale of the world outside Zaofu. Bolin seemed to pick up whatever Wei was putting down, because he immediately jumped back into storyteller mode.

- Yeah, and her whole family is so nice. Mako and I lived with them for a while. Tenzin's Avatar Aang's son and he taught Korra airbending, and..- Wei relaxed, as Opal began listening intently, especially to any mention of airbenders, absentmindedly petting Pabu, who had crawled into her lap. Wei mouthed 'thanks' to Bolin, who caught his eye and flashed a dazzling smile.

Bolin had just about ran out of things to say about Avatar Aang's grandkids, when a new voice sounded from the corridor.

- Opal! Are you here?!- that was the current Avatar, calling to Wei's sister. Opal sat up straighter.

- Korra, I'm here- the girl rushed in, a very guilty look on her face.

- Look, I'm sorry I never thought Lin...- she trailed off as she saw the three of them, plus Pabu -Bolin? What're you doing here?-

- Korra! Crab puffs- he yelled, waving the jar around instead of answering. Wei waved at the newcomer awkwardly, while Opal just laughed out loud.

- Hey, Korra. Wei and Bolin found our Chef's stash of candy.-

- Which for some strange reason includes crab puffs. - Wei butted in. He hated crab puffs.

- That strange reason is your twin- Opal shot back, mood seemingly completely lifted. - you can come sit with us, Korra.- when the other girl hesitated, she added- I'm not mad, honest. I'm not even upset anymore.- she smiled when the Avatar sat at her side.

- I'm really sorry.- Korra turned to Opal, bowing her head slightly. -I really thought Lin could see reason but she's just so... UGH!-

Opal laughed a little. - Yeah she really is 'ugh'. And really, I'm not mad at you. I know you were just trying to help.- she seemed more relaxed and Wei was extremely grateful for that. Now he could relax as well. - Korra, you haven't met my brother, Wei, yet right? - Opal asked.

- Not officially, no.- the Avatar shook his hand. - But I did see you and your brother play that game you invented. Power Disc, right? It looked really fun.-

- I know, right?- whispered Bolin, followed by a 'HEY', as Korra snatched a crab puff from him.

- Thanks- Wei almost stuttered, absolutely starstruck. - We wanted something exiting two metalbenders could play, but figured just hitting each other with metal plates might not be the best idea.- they all chuckled

- How'd you come up with the net and disc idea?- Bolin asked, his big, green eyes zeroing in on him again and Wei felt his cheks redden.

- An old airbender sport called Airball, actually. We modified it a little, so it would be more tailored to metalbenders and revised the point system.- he explained, this was the first time anyone had asked about his and his brother's thought process and it was surprisingly rewarding to talk about.

- Airball, huh? Ironic considering...- Bolin commented, nudging Opal, who giggled.

- So how did you find out you were an airbender?- Bolin asked her, changing the subject. She laughed harder.

- Oh no, it's embarrassing!- she shook her head.

- Aww, come on.- Korra piped in, poking Opal's shoulder. -If you don't tell us, I'll get Wei to.- she turned to him- You'll tell us, right?-

- Don't you dare!- Opal threatened, almost crying, from laughter this time.

- Who am I to deny the great Avatar, sister dearest?- he declared dramatically, one hand over his chest.

- Alright, alright. I'll tell you!- his sister submitted. -It was a rainy day and we were all in our father's study...- she began telling a story Wei knew all too well, so he let himself relax and tune it out.

At first he worried terribly about what kind of people would come take his sister away. But now, as he watched Korra laugh and encourage Opal, the Avatar herself proved to be a regular teenager just like them all. And as he watched Bolin put an arm around the newly made airbender, Wei couldn't help but think that, yes, his sister was in good hands. Then why did he have such an odd, fluttering feeling in his heart.

The clock struck midnight, but the four continued chatting late into the night.

New day, new friends, Wei thought.