After getting to the medical bay, they set me up with an oxygen tank. Apparently, I was suffering from a latent form of shock. I think it was just a panic attack, but hey, I'm in no position to diagnose.

I hear a scuffle outside the door. I turn to look out the little porthole window, and I see an angry Suyin briefly before she walks out of view. I do hear voices through the door, and one sounds like Lin. I sniff the air, but all I can really smell is antiseptic and the plastic from the nonrebreather on my face.

The medical attendant keeps a watchful eye on me since I've tried taking off the mask multiple times already. My oxygen levels were so low when I got here, but I'm already feeling better. I look up at them annoyed. They're working on getting another set of vitals as this all goes down outside.

Yomeh walked out maybe five minutes ago, I wonder if she's got a visual on what's happening, because I damn sure am going to probe her for info.

The noises stop from what I can tell, so I just lay my head back on the pillow. My entire body feels like it's overstimulated. I can feel every fiber of the blanket touching my skin. They made me strip down to practically nothing so they can do an exam.

I had told them I wasn't expecting my heat to come anytime soon, but they sure had a lot of questions to ask about it. Apparently, there was some fear about ectopic pregnancy, which they had explained after my answers ruled it out. They said it was protocol.

I close my eyes for just a moment as I try to get comfortable, then the door opens. I immediately look to see who's entering, and it's Yomeh. "Did you see what was going on outside?" I ask instantly.

"Uh, no." She looks at me quizzically, but something is off.

I look a little more intently at her, and I know she can feel the scrutiny. But she doesn't flinch.

"Mhmm," is all I respond with. I don't believe her, but if she saw something and isn't telling, then it's for a reason.

The medic finishes up with the vitals and lets me know that I'll have to remain here for the rest of the night for observation, and they'll check back in with me in the morning.

When they leave, I turn to Yomeh. "So," I say, and she stares at me expectantly. "What was going on out there?"

"I didn't see anything. I told you that." She returns her attention back to a stack of papers in her hands.

I give her one of those yeah, right expressions, but she ignores me entirely. I keep applying pressure, "c'mon, I heard something, and Suyin was out there practically manhandling someone."

Her gaze returns and she pouts before heaving the most dramatic sigh. "Okay," she says and sets down the paperwork she was using as a cover. "Look, I just don't want you to get hurt or throw off your hormones. I… I don't want to say anything that'll upset you," she says quietly.

My lip purses. Yomeh's demeanor is entirely too serious. I want to let her know everything is okay, so I do what we'd normally do: give her shit. "Aw, you care about me?" I say too sweetly.

The waterbender glares at me and shoves at my arm before laughing. She looks back at me through her eyelashes as she debates on what to say next. "Promise me you won't go into a panic if I tell you?"

"I promise! We're alone," I say, but also understand her trepidation. "It's not the same situation as before…" I concede and the words taper off as my voice lowers.

Yomeh nods tersely and says, "alright, fine. It was the chief." My eyes widen, and she points a finger in my face. "You said you wouldn't wig out!"

"I'm not! I'm a little surprised. That's all." I raise my hands in a defensive posture, mostly just to be a smartass.

She continues to stare at me, without blinking.

"I mean it!" I tell her. "I'm fine. Just tell me what you saw."

She mulls over my response and finally gets close to the bed as if she's about to tell me a secret. "Alright fine, but only because this is juicy, and I don't have the full story. So, I want to hear everything once I tell you this." The woman folds her arms defiantly like a child.

I raise up a hand to stop that train. "Look, it was nothing. I have some omega instinctual issues going on. Chief's an alpha, and I have it under control."

The deadpan look she gives me nearly makes me bust out in laughter, but I refuse to tell her any more than that. "Continue," I say.

"Whatever, keep your deadly secrets, I guess." She sighs heavily, and I almost dig into her for the details before she simply states them. "I was walking back from the breakroom, they ran out of coffee, and I saw her and Suyin arguing. Chief was talking about how she needed to check on you since everything that happened and said it was 'her fault,' but Suyin demanded that she walk away. Told her she 'wasn't in the right state of mind,' and that she needed to let you rest. It seemed like the chief really wanted to come in, but I'm glad she didn't. As soon as they caught me, Chief Beifong clammed up and stormed off."

"Woah," I said quietly. "What does she mean by 'her fault?'"

"I don't know," Yomeh shakes her head. "Maybe about your panic attack?"

"Maybe," I say, because it could be true.

"Asami also didn't say much when she came to get me. There was some talking in the halls between Mako and the Avatar. But they were mostly worried and didn't understand what happened."

I smack my hands to my face as I realize how that probably seemed to everyone. "They probably think I can't hack it or something. It probably seemed like I got scared from the conversation and left."

"But… that's not what happened, right?" Yomeh asks gently.

I hang my head. "No," then I look at her with a side eye, before the damn just bursts open. "It was because of Chief. My omega, like," I groan at my own ineptitude. "I don't know what's happening, but ever since my last heat, I've just been stuck on her. She apologized, because my last heat was unexpected, and it happened at work. She took me home so I could be safe, but I think her alpha got caught up in the moment."

Yomeh gasps, "Are you alright?" she asks with genuine concern.

I briefly regretted mentioning it but decided to carry on. "It wasn't anything bad or crazy, but we did get a little physical. But, she got control of herself and left before it went too far. I think she probably regrets what she did… but she's also been really confusing, because she's been on me like white on rice. Kind of a hot and cold kind of thing. And lately she's just been so angry and disappointed with me, especially after what happened with the Avatar." I roll my eyes.

"Hmm," she interrupts. "But she can't blame you for that. Terrorists literally kidnapped you."

"I know," I start to get choked up as I speak, and a few tears start to fall. "I-I don't know what's happening, but I also know my omega is like pining after her. It's driving me fucking crazy." I punch my fist into the mattress.

"Woah, dude" she sounds a little disappointed. "You've kept all this to yourself?"

I laugh through my tears, then bite my lip before nodding.

"I'm so sorry, that really is a lot going on. No wonder you had a panic attack." Yomeh reaches out her hand and rests it on my forearm.

"I guess I haven't really let myself…" the words don't come.

"Uh, process?" she supplies with a small laugh.

I laugh too at the absurdity. "Yeah, but it's not like I was avoiding it. I guess I hadn't really said any of it out loud, though. It's kind of like I was mentally processing it, but not physically, I guess? I've been getting angry at myself for losing control and letting my instincts dictate me."

"Yeah, but they're instincts for a reason. Sometimes we don't always have control of our bodies and that's okay. Don't blame yourself." She speaks kindly, and then gets a cheeky grin. "Besides, the chief is a pretty hot piece of ass."

I shove her and laugh immediately. It takes the tension away from my throat and chest. "She is though! Like damn, she's focused and strong and brave. But I also get that I know practically nothing about her. We talked a bit the first day when she helped me out, and obviously in passing with work stuff. But it hasn't been much." I sigh and begin to chastise myself internally.

"That's not on you, bud. You know what you like, and she falls into those categories. But you're right about not knowing much about her. Just because she has a few attractive characteristics doesn't mean she isn't toxic… or boring."

We both laugh after her statement until the air grows silent. I start to feel better and take the oxygen mask off.

Yomeh looks at me concerned. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah," I wave her off. I swap a few things around and put the nasal cannula over my nose instead. It's much more comfortable. "Medic said I could switch them when I wanted to sleep. Should be more comfortable at least." I yawn just after I finish speaking.

The waterbender smiles at me. "Yeah, I suppose I could use some rest, too. I'm gonna head back to my room, though. You going to be okay?"

"Definitely… thank you, again. I really appreciate you being here. You didn't have to."

"Of course I didn't have to, but that's what friends are for." Yomeh smiles sweetly again and gives my hand one last squeeze. "You sure you're alright? I could probably stay. Sleep on the chair or something," she laughs a little, but I can see the pain behind her eyes. This woman loves her beauty sleep.

"I promise, I'll be okay. Thank you though."

"Okay, call for me if you need anything."

I nod my head, and she walks out.

The door shuts and everything goes weirdly silent. I roll over onto my side, trying my best to avoid bumping any wires from the machine they attached to track my vitals. Things have been so crazy lately, not just Lin stuff but a kidnapping too. Tears well up in my eyes as I recall some of the harsher moments. The damn breaks when I think of that Ghazan guy finding out I'm an omega. I… I know I'm strong and I don't take shit from anyone, but when he realized, I felt like a trapped animal. Like a plaything being scrutinized. It makes my stomach churn just remembering it.

I've constantly been on guard my whole life once my mother talked to me about what it meant to be an omega. She said it was a damning privilege. On one hand, you're coveted and admired, blessed with sometimes unique abilities; but on the other, vicious vile people will do anything to get their hands on you. I was told horror stories as a young adolescent, some of which my own mother suffered, and some I suffered as well. I'm grateful, because it made me aware, but I also feel like I've carried a burden. She passed the baton so to speak, and now I'm afraid just like her. And that makes me resent myself. I can't stand it. I can't stand feeling this way, like some pitiful thing that needs protecting. I don't need protecting… but I really hated how that guy made me feel. I guess in the end, I really showed him. But there are others like him out there, and that frustrates me just as equally.

I sob quietly into my pillow, not because I want to, but because I can't hold it in anymore.

Talking to Yomeh had helped put a few other things into perspective, though. It's not that I think the chief is totally boring or that she's some other person off duty. Because I know that her job means everything to her. She works her ass off to help people and keep them safe, and that's what I truly admire about her… I've heard the stories of her losing her bending, and I was there when she temporarily retired to get her metalbender's back. Her honor and courage aren't fake persona's she wears for work. They're parts of who she is, and that's who I find so attractive and charming. It just doesn't outweigh the fact that she doesn't choose me.

Or am I just making excuses? Why does this have to feel like such madness?

Probably because I keep it all inside tucked away for a later date. Now, it's just a stockpile of bullshit. I roll my eyes and scoff at my sorry state. It could be worse, I suppose. Could be dead. That makes me outright giggle until my stomach hurts.

Now, I'm really tired. I fall asleep easily, and a little lighter than before.

The medic cleared me this morning, which I'm grateful for. I don't want to be in there any longer than I have to. I'm feeling much better after resting anyways, and probably also because of the chat I had with Yomeh. It was really nice to get all of my thoughts out – using her like a soundboard.

I'm so thankful for Korra's healing, yesterday. I almost feel as good as new. I barely noticed the weight of my gear as I put it on this morning. The bags of my personal stuff dig in a bit as I carry them down the loading dock of the airship, but it's nothing too burdensome. Yomeh is just ahead of me, she hasn't taken her eyes off me since this morning. She's like a polar bear-dog.

The chief and Suyin finally decided it was best for us to head back to Republic city along with the Avatar. Since Ms. Opal was sent to the Northern Air Temple to join with Master Tenzin and the other airbenders, and we've done what we can with the Red Lotus, Chief doesn't think there's any reason to stay.

We make it down to the dormitory. Our lieutenant instructed Yomeh to bunk with me just to keep an eye out. It's totally overprotective, but I understand, I guess. We still have about a week of travel before we get back to the city.

I just feel so impotent. I know that we got one of their members, but I can't help but feel this isn't over. I hate how I feel like we're running away.

Given the meeting from the other night, that seems to be how Korra feels, too. It just sucks, because the best thing we can do is get her to safety and take some of the heat away from the Earth Kingdom. But I don't like leaving the Red Lotus open ended. It's like having an unsolved murder case. It sends creepy chills down my spine.

"So," Yomeh interrupts my thoughts. She continues to put some of her essentials on the dresser next to her bed.

"So, what?" I respond with a bit frustrated.

The other woman sighs. "Look, I don't want to make it all mushy, because I know you're not like that. But" her eyes are probing but lacking the usual snarky harassment. She then looks to my own dresser at a few of the things I place down. "Are you still trying to cover up your scent?"

I had just placed the spray down and contemplated the same thing. I shake my head slightly, "I don't know. Seems a bit late to worry about it now."

"Yeah," she laughs softly. "But not everyone knows. It's mostly rumors anyways, and nobody trusts those."

I smile a little at her attempt to ease my worry. I hadn't really thought much about it since everything that had happened. "When we were out there – y'know when everything was happening – nobody made me feel any type of way. From our side at least. Just the Red Lotus."

"They knew?" she asks.

"Yeah."

"I'm sorry, are you" she pauses to think of how to ask. "Are you okay?"

I nod and look away. "It wasn't bad. I think my mind was freaking me out more than being in any actual danger. But I didn't really give him a chance, y'know?"

Yomeh nods back. "Well," she starts "there's no pressure either way. Do what's best for you." Her eyes are full of sincerity.

"Thanks," is all I respond with before I continue to unpack my shit, and we finish in amicable silence.

I look at the spray bottle for longer than necessary. Contemplating which approach to take. Safety is always my priority, but… does this actually keep me safe? The way Kuvira had control over her own instincts makes me realize that the primal nature isn't so overpowered that alphas succumb to it innately. There also seems to be a choice. Although, I suppose Kuvira is no ordinary alpha.

I sigh and spray a few times on my neck and wrists before laying down on my bed.

We take a nap before our patrol shift on the airship starts. We lucked out for the overnights again. The crappiest part about it is that the DFAC only operates during the day. So around 1-2 am, when we take our lunch, it's either a hot soup cart or any snacks we swiped from breakfast and dinnertime. The nice thing is that most of the upper ranked personnel are off slumbering away while the joes keep watch.

A lot of the guys usually dick around in the rec area or play cards while the others walk their routes. I usually just shoot the shit with whoever, or I'll go talk to the on-duty ship captain and learn about what they're flying and how long it'll take to get back. When I get a moment though, I love to go out onto the deck and just watch the night sky fly by. Sometimes I'll be out there until the sun starts to peak over the horizon.

Tonight, though, I'll be walking the route for the first half, and I'll trade off with Yomeh afterwards. It's nice because we both get a chance to rest and relax. We prefer to do it in larger chunks so when it's over it's over. Instead of doing it in 1-2 hour shifts, then switching back and forth.

Unfortunately, mine just started, so I have a fun six hours ahead of me.

I turn the corner and see Asami leaving a room and entering the hallway. She shuts it gently and looks around to see if anyone notices. When her eyes meet mine, a huge blush blooms all over her face. The raven-haired woman gives a shy smile. "Yamada, hi." As if her mind supplies her with the last time she saw me, her entire demeanor shifts. "How are you? Korra has been asking about you."

Apparently, having heard the commotion, the Avatar herself opens the door Asami just came from. "Yamada?" she says a bit too enthusiastically. The meat-head runs for me and gives me a giant gorilla-bear hug.

I grunt from the air being nearly forced from my lungs. She sets me down and I laugh heartily. "Heya, big guy." I smack her on the shoulder and give her a big grin. There's just something about her that makes me feel so… good. At peace. With a close friend.

"How are you?" she asks with a bit of urgency. "I haven't seen you since the other night. A lot of people said to just give you some space to recover, but I didn't really understand what from, since I healed you. But then someone said you might just be overwhelmed after everything." The concern in her eyes is heartbreaking, like a moose-lion cub.

Asami walks up next to Korra and they both look at me warmly.

"I'm much better, thank you for asking. Yeah, it was more, uh, complicated than bodily injuries." I slide some of my hair behind my ear feeling incredibly awkward.

"Oh, like mental health? Because we definitely went through some shit. I wouldn't blame you," Korra says honestly.

This makes me grit my teeth and shoot a glance over to Asami. The heiress shakes her head 'no' as if to acknowledge that she hadn't said anything, and I felt like I could breathe again. I hate making Korra think I couldn't hack the real deal kind of threats of the world, but I also don't want everyone to know my business. "Something like that I guess," is all I respond with.

"Hey, there's no shame. If I hadn't fought Amon, that crazy guy who claimed he was a nonbender and stole my bending, as well as fighting my uncle as Unnalaq that nearly destroyed Raava, I'm sure I'd be in the same boat."

My eyes widen, and I give her a bit of a quirked brow, "are you okay?" I say jokingly.

"Y'know, sometimes I question it." Korra laughs shyly as she lets some vulnerability show. She slides her hand behind her head as she blushes a bit.

We all laugh together, and the simpleness of the moment brings me a peace that I've been craving for.

"Well, you two should get some sleep. I'm on nights for the duration of the trip, so if you guys get bored, hit me up." I give them a smile and they agree and wave me off before departing.

I keep walking my route until I get to the lower deck. I glance out into the night sky initially to keep an eye out for any approaching vehicles but see nothing. I then soften my gaze to look at the crevasses of the nearby mountain range and the slopes of the valley below. I lean on the railing and look up at the night sky. The stars are shining so brightly along with the vibrant moon.

"Y'know," a random voice from behind me says.

I nearly jump out of my skin as I turn to face the direction of the voice. "Sweet Raava," I nearly shout as I place my hand over my thunderous heart.

Captain Kato, Chief's second, stands behind me approaching slowly. He smiles wryly before he continues, "they say the full moon gives waterbenders increased power."

"Yeah, even the ability to bloodbend," I respond as my heartrate continues to regulate itself.

"Correct," he eyes me critically as he approaches. The rigid man simply places his free hand on the railing and stands there looking out at the scenery. His other hand is curled around a glass filled with an amber liquid.

I turn my own body back to the view and just accept his presence. His scent is very mild for a beta. He's not someone you'd ever want to cross sideways however, since he's been clawing his way to the top with sheer determination; but there's something soothing about it. Betas don't typically get to his position. There can be a lot of bias towards alphas within the force, but the chief saw his potential and didn't care about his status. He got it all on his own merit, which is why I look up to him. His case also helped lead to formal regulations forbidding discriminatory behavior towards betas and other non-primal identities.

He clears his throat. "The chief has been asking after you. Since you've been out of commission."

My heart drops into my stomach at the mention of Chief Beifong. "Yeah?" is all I give.

He hums in confirmation. "She seems concerned."

I nod, unsure of where this is going. If the chief is telling people I can't hack-it, I might lose my shit. I can see him glance at me out of the corner of my eye.

"I mean, don't get me wrong," he starts. "You were kidnapped by a terrorist organization. That's… gotta be shitty."

I swallow as images from the event flash through my mind. "Yes sir," I say somberly, but maintaining decorum.

He nods and takes a sip from in his short glass. Clears his throat, "you good?"

I look at him a bit shocked. I hope he doesn't think I'm a liability and should be taken off duty. This guy is all by-the-book and doesn't usually let on that he cares. So, I can't tell if he's asking because there's a need for concern, or if it's genuine. It's a bit unnerving. I gather my composure and look down at my hands that are twiddling on the rail. "Yes, sir. I'm all healed up and fit for duty."

The face he makes shows a bit of hesitancy, but he nods silently. After a moment he says, "proud of you sergeant, for holding your own." He pauses briefly to give a soft smile before continuing. "There's no shame in taking some time to recoup."

"Thanks, cap," I hurry-up and say, "but I think I'll be alright. Work keeps me sane." I second guess that statement as I contemplate the drama between myself and who I work for, but I'll be damned if he thinks I'm weak.

"Mmhm." We just stare out into the night sky. "Well, I've got your back. Whatever it is that you decide." His tone is calm, and he raises his glass up for another sip.

I swallow hard at hearing those words. He's not pushing me to continue or demanding that I stop moping. It's not something I'm used to. It's throwing me completely off. "Roger," I say.

He nods tersely before stepping back from the rail and downing the rest of his drink. "I couldn't think of anyone more deserving." He laughs silently as he shakes his head, then turns to look at me. "You going for a promotion when we get back?"

I chuckle at his implication. Risking your life in the line of duty to help protect the Avatar does look good on a resume. "Uh, maybe" I say a bit caught off guard. "I have been wanting it for a long time, now."

"You'd make a great lieutenant, Yamada." His serious tone and body language indicate his sincerity. He nods once and walks away.

I watch him disappear from sight before I return to my senses. That was so weird and unexpected. I quickly realize that I should be continuing my route. I've been a bit stagnant for too long.

I head back inside and continue walking around a bit more. Thankfully, everything seems to be in order. I grab a broom and a mop and start cleaning up one of the corridors. Usually, we leave some of these tasks for the lower ranking officers, but since I'm just trying to kill time before my six hours are up, I don't mind. The monotonous work is kind of relaxing.

I can't believe Captain Kato said all that stuff to me. It was weird, but nice. He doesn't usually show subordinates his personal side, but being in his nightwear and sloshing a bourbon is way more than anything I've ever seen before. I can't be certain if Lin actually spoke negatively about me, but I really hope she didn't. I can't think of a single reason why she would do that – that makes sense at least.

The rhythmic motions of the mop against the floor makes me kind of drowsy. It being the first night on duty is usually rough. At least I'll get my lunch soon, that'll probably perk me up a bit.

Not long after, Yomeh meets me on our route and taps me out. As soon as we do, I get a pep in my step. So glad to be off, but not technically, since there's six hours left. I won't go to sleep. Instead, I'll probably just relax in the rec room with the other guys or figure something else out. Always have to be prepared in case something happens.

I got a nice hot bowl of miso soup from the soup guy and some cabbage on the side he calls kimchi. The flavors are bursting and delicious. I also scarf down some snacks too. Ever since the shock/panic attack thing that happened, my appetite hasn't been the best. And now, I'm finally hungry. It feels so good to satisfy my body. I can feel the life coming back to me.

All in all, the first night goes pretty smoothly. We were suspecting the ship to be the most vulnerable to the Red Lotus within the first 24 hours after leaving Zaufu, but it seems we've overestimated their capabilities. Mostly meaning their resources. They must be having a difficult time recovering from the last ordeal. To lose a primary member must also have been a devastating blow.

When I got off shift, I saw the Avatar coming out of her room. She was stretching her arms and yawning.

"Wakey time, Avatar Korra." My tone is playful, which goes along with my tired bloodshot eyes. Feels like sleep deprivation. First nights are always the hardest.

Korra smiles and laughs at my antics. "Go to sleep Yamada. You look exhausted."

"Ahhh, I'm alright." I say right before yawning. "Shut up."

The look of defiance that crosses the Avatar's face reveals how she interpreted that declaration. "Excuse you? Did you just tell the Avatar to 'shut up?'" She gets closer to me like she's about to pounce.

The playful energy is helping me stay awake long enough to make it back to my room. I shove out my arm to keep her at bay and my hand lands in the middle of her chest – above her bosom.

Korra pushes further into me, undeterred, as she laughs and tries to get to me.

"Okay, children. The grownups are walking the halls," Yomeh chuckles from behind us and it kind of catches Korra off guard. The Avatar actually flinches away as though she'd been caught fraternizing.

"Sorry," the Avatar says. "I'd better get to breakfast, anyways. Got a meeting in about an hour with Lin about what to do when we land."

The name shocks me a bit, and I stare at her a tad dumbfounded before I nod my head and smile politely. "Sounds great. Keep up that energy," is the only thing I can think to say. The awkwardness is enough to get my feet moving in the opposite direction, but not before getting a wave from Korra before she heads out.

"Was that weird, or was that just me?" Yomeh says.

"Just you" I say with a deadpan look.

The waterbender laughs and shoves me nearly to the opposite side of the hallway.

I feel a bit left out after learning of a meeting with the chief and probably the rest of team Avatar. I suppose I shouldn't though. It's not like I'm a fully-fledged member, and the last meeting was specifically for intel purposes. I guess I shouldn't be surprised I'm not needed – although it does feel like a blow to my ego.

It feels as though I'd been demoted. Which sounds ridiculous and absurd. Just because I've gotten acquainted with them, doesn't mean I'm one of them, I suppose. Silly assumption.

We make it back to the room in silence and toss our shit to the side before getting a bit more comfortable.

"I'm going to head to the shower," I say aloud.

"Sounds good. I'm cooked. Just going to go to sleep. Oh," she says as though she's remembered something. "Can you please stop at breakfast to get me some of those cakes I like. I'll owe you one." The pleading smile is enough to convince me, unfortunately.

"Fine," I elongate the word out of irritation. She knows I don't mind, though.

"You're the best!" she says just as she's about to yawn.

I hum an acknowledgement while shaking my head. Then, I grab my shower caddy.

"Stop!" she whines behind me. "I'd do it for you." Her pout is adorable, and I acquiesce with grace.

I walk out and down towards the showers. It's still pretty early, so there aren't many people roaming the halls. A handful of officers that started their shifts and a few early birds.

For the most part, there isn't really a day shift for patrolling. The other officers work the ship and keep it clean while walking routes, but it's mostly for the higher ranked officers to run their normal day-to-day business and any civilians that caught a ride with us.

I make it to the showers and set my stuff down at a locker. I begin to undress where I stand.

I'm by no means modest. When you go through the academy and have to shower around numerous women, you become desensitized to that sort of thing. And I am not ashamed of my body.

I pause and realize something. I used to time my showers to a tee in order to coordinate my beta spray and limiting the amount of potential exposure to alphas. I haven't felt this vulnerable since the academy either. I used to wake up at 4 am just to shower completely alone. It's almost 6 am, now.

I wrap my towel around my naked body and make a concession as I logically analyze my situation. There are repercussions for assault, and any officer in the department would either already have the training for encountering an omega, or I'll have to rely on my own abilities. Either way, sounds like a win-win for me. I swallow hard and push past the fear.

"Chinda, you play a mean pai-sho."

"As do you Chief Beifong. It was a pleasure kicking your butt."

The two women laugh as they walk into the washroom and set their stuff down on one of the benches. They must've walked in and went to the front lockers while I'm towards the back.

The fear I was so determined to overcome reemerges as something else. This is more akin to anxiety, but I catch her scent immediately, and it also soothes me like a balm. It smells like petrichor and sandalwood with a hint of musk. My body quivers, and I think it's the first time I don't feel ashamed to accept it. My body is reacting to the scent, but ultimately, I'm in control, I decide. And that fills me with power. I bite my lip as my lower center's wetness spreads onto my thighs. I squeeze them together and my lower lips slide against each other.

I'm startled as Chief laughs in response to the quip and says, "you got lucky this time. But don't count on luck remaining on your side forever."

That doesn't sound like the chief. Well, it does but a more watered-down version, like she's talking to her parents. It must be someone important. A councilwoman or someone with esteem. Chief Beifong must be playing her cards right with this one. It's almost placating.

Ugh politics. I shake my head. Before I lose my nerve, I'm going to just go for it. I'm going to just walk right out and own my space.

Just after I close my locker, I hear metal groaning.

"Woah, everything okay there chief?" I can hear Chinda say.

Lin clears her throat, but she doesn't speak.

That's it. There's nothing going on, and I am going to take up space. She doesn't intimidate me, and she can have whatever opinions she'd like about me. I walk around the set of lockers that was dividing us in nothing but my towel around my body and my caddy in my hands. My thick black hair is normally up, but this time I let it fall over my shoulders.

I continue to hear this Chinda woman talking to the chief, but Lin doesn't speak a word.

I walked right by them and down the walkway to the shower. I reach in to start the water. It's far too cold to enter, so I start placing my caddy down onto the bench that's attached to the interior shower wall. I can feel eyes on me as I remove my towel. I place it on the hook just outside of the stall, and I stand there momentarily before I can feel the heat emanating from the running water.

Just as I enter the shower, I rotate my body to position myself to close the curtain behind me and I see her.

Dark green eyes peer at me, shifting away as soon as I notice. Her mouth is open as she breathes. A white tank adorning her torso and short green athletic shorts, like she'd just been running. I briefly glance to the other woman who has forgotten all about the chief's change in demeanor and seems to be talking her ear off about some other important topic.

It only lasted for about a second of actual time, but it felt much longer. I enter the stall and exhale a breath I must've been holding.

The water flows over my sensitive body and embraces me like a warm blanket. The tiredness is all but gone from my body as pure electricity flows from toes to fingertips. I tremble at the memory of taunt muscle, and I don't feel an ounce of shame. Accepting my desire, instead of fearing being overtaken by the strong pull. Allowing my body to just feel and sliding my hand down my stomach.

The woman, who doesn't shut up, her voice gets closer in proximity to me. I can't see through the curtain, but I can make out a shadow standing in front of it.

"What's up with you Beifong? Your scent has completely changed. Are you feeling well?" Chinda says as she passes by my stall.

A low growl comes from Lin's throat, it nearly sends me, my heart pounds and a thrumming sensation emanates from my center. "Fine," Chief responds tersely, "just remembered I have a meeting with the Avatar in less than an hour. Need to hurry this up and get going." After Chinda passes by, that's when Lin walks away as well.

The pair head towards the last two stalls, if the woman's voice is anything to go by.

My hand reaches my core and the heat spreads down my thighs. I'm not ashamed of my desire. I am in control of what I do and don't do with it. She may ignite the fire, but I decide whether to let it burn or extinguish it.

I slide my fingers into my folds and delicately lace them through. A sigh escapes my throat. A long and luxurious one filled with content. I never realized I could feel so good. That I could command this energy flowing within myself. Ignited not on its own but directed and guided by my own will. Very much like firebending itself. Perfection.

I stop just before the blaze overtakes me. Because I just decided I'd rather wait. Maybe when I'm in my room and after I make sure Yomeh is passed out. And knowing her, she probably will be. That sounds perfect.

I take the soap and run it through my hair and rinse myself down to my toes. I shift the water to cold and intake a sharp breath of air as it hits my overheated skin. It feels like my body is in shock but only momentarily.

"Shit," I hear Lin just audibly say.

"What, did you drop your soap? Want some of mine? Y'know, it's never a good idea to use soap that's been on the ground," Chinda says cluelessly.

I laugh silently into my hand and turn off the water. I reach out and grab my towel to wipe myself and bundle it around me. I place my things back into the caddy and rinse off some of the hair I left behind on the tile.

I slide open my curtain to exit and do so without any peering eyes. I walk out with my chin held high and the anticipation of finishing myself alone in my room. I get to my locker easily and begin to get dressed, taking my time and not feeling pressure to rush.

I hear another curtain slide open.

I get a little nervous at the idea that it might be her. I could smell her scent wafting in the steam, but the crisp cool air out here helps clear out some of the fog it creates. Although, now that I'm actually allowing myself to wander, the fog's not so disassociating as it was before. Flowing with it almost makes me feel more in control.

"Chief, you almost done in there?" comes Chinda's voice from the other side of my locker. "Thought you said you had an important meeting?"

"Yeah, I uh –" she pauses for a moment. I continue putting on my clothes and twirling my wet hair up into a clip. "Just a minute," she decides on saying. A tone of irritation bleeding through.

I finally decide this is enough torture and grab my stuff to leave. I close my locker and walk out. I release a huge deep breath that takes a lot of the tension out of my shoulders.

A clock that I walk past reminds me that more people will be up and getting their day started quite soon. So, I pick up the pace a little to make it back to my room. It wasn't necessarily out of concern, but just a deep desire to satisfy myself. Last thing I need is someone walking by my room and realize what I'm doing.

I get inside and already hear the loud snores Yomeh is making across the room. Thankfully there's some semblance of privacy as the common area is directly between us. There's a half wall that encloses our beds, but no doors for complete privacy. I just decide it's good enough and hop into bed.

I lay there almost in shock with myself. I'd never felt so empowered before. It's like something came over me, and I just wanted to stop fighting with myself. It's okay to feel things with my body, because it's natural and it feels so good. Even as I think the thought my hand dives down beneath my waist band to find slippery wet folds. My clit is so swollen and hard. It'll take no time at all.

I start applying pressure and thinking about whatever in the hell I please. Like Lin in the other stall unable to control her shaft from engorging. She had to stroke herself just to get me out of her head. To make the pounding in between her own legs stop. Spilling her own seed onto the tile floor while that Chinda lady kept talking to the ether.

I bite my lip at the thought of it and the throbbing in my own center increases to a degree I can no longer resist. I swipe faster over my clit and the heat expands up into my chest and to both of my nipples. I grab my left breast and squeeze it playing with the nipple between my fingertips.

I let it go for as long as I can. The twitching and power building within. Then, it all crashes down. I come as my walls clench on nothing, but the satisfaction is still there. Relief washes over me as I let the pent-up energy flow.

"Fuck," I whisper softly.