The ride to the apartment was silent, Sokka had tried to do any joke, anything really, to spark another conversation. He watched how late it was and forgot that they were supposed to go to Toph's house for drinks.
"Hey" Sokka barely said, gulping a bit, nervousness or darkness, it was something he hadn't managed to separate. "We were supposed to be meeting Toph for drinks…do you still want to go?"
"Will Zuko be there?" Suki asked, Sokka shrugged, unsure. "I'm alright, if you want to-"
"Don't worry, I'll make sure you arrive then I'll leave" Sokka reassured "Music?" he asked, putting the radio on.
"Nice, I like this song" Suki said inspecting the radio "No wonder you managed to do the gauntlet that fast"
"Inspiration and necessity, just like I told you" Sokka bragged "When you burn someone you will bow and thank my hands and wits"
"Your insomnia and coping mechanism, you mean" Suki laughed, relaxing Sokka. At least they would be civil enough to get through the mission
"Aren't we meeting Toph?" Zuko asked as he wrote down words he wasn't sure they were what he remembered, passing them to Katara to search in the book.
"They always drink, we can meet them tomorrow. You don't miss much" Katara replied, concentrating on the words "Had you formed a sentence?"
"It's a long paper, you one per one or the full passage?" Zuko asked annoyed as Katara groaned "In a general view it seems that this paper is a letter from Electra"
"Isn't that suspicious to you?" Katara asked as she continued searching in the book for that word. "She is even using some…some really strange words. I can't find them"
Zuko looked up "Hand it to me please"
Katara obeyed and handed him the paper and book, the firelord passing through the pages until he found the glossary. His eyes widened for a moment, trying to keep his composure.
"Why did you make that face? What does it mean?" Katara asked, walking to his seat, taking the book out of his hands.
Dyke
"I think we should focus on this paper" Zuko immediately grabbed the paper which contained the word, looking to translate it as soon as he could. Katara sat next to him and did her part as quickly as possible, searching for every word that he wrote in the paper for her.
"Why haven't you asked her personally?" Zuko interrogated "She is your, well, was, your sister in law?"
"We don't…I didn't like her that much. I don't hate her but I don't trust any politician here in Republic City" Katara explained "It's not personal"
Zuko hummed along, focusing again on the passages, which made him feel like he was prying on a diary of a young girl using a dictionary for the first time. It was almost poetic.
The passage had finally made sense with all the words Katara had helped him translate, it was nothing out of the ordinary for him, law making and penalty fees. It was a scream of anger.
"Katara, this is a personal letter" Zuko said not wanting to translate "And it's getting really late, we should head up to our places"
"I know, but when I read the other 'personal' paper it said something regarding the festival and shock groups" Katara explained worried "I thought these one might have other plans or what those shock groups would be"
"Tomorrow we will review it in depth, take that other paper and bring it here to translate it instead" He said, handing back the papers.
"Thanks Zuko" the waterbender said putting all the work in her bag "For giving me a hand"
"We are friends" He smiled "I wouldn't give my back to the one who saved my life"
"Friends? You don't even send a letter to my house anymore" Katara smiled as they walked out towards their vehicles "You have me in the dust"
"It's not on purpose I swear…it's just that my home is…chaotic, with all the changes" Zuko tiptoed his words around her. She was Sokka's sister after all.
"Oh, I haven't-" Katara remembered Electra's picking on her "Congratulations on getting engaged"
Zuko smiled as they hugged, something they hadn't done since her own wedding day. She was sure the excitement of marrying someone he loved dearly was overshadowed by this mission, or she hoped so.
He didn't look too happy
"Thanks Katara" Zuko responded with a small smile "Should we head home?"
"I'll actually…like to sit with you and talk" Katara said, readjusting her bag, gripping it uncomfortably for her. "About how it all…happened, we haven't had time to sit and talk"
"Sure" Zuko hesitated at first, sitting by her side instead of in front of her "Do you want to order something to eat?"
"What would be good today…" Katara thought leaning on the desk for support "Oh! Can we order those delicious fried cheese balls?"
Zuko smiled more fondly, remembering how she burnt her tongue the first time the group tried it at the fire nation play. "Yeah, let me call my assistant"
"Electra we are home!" Sokka screamed searching for the blonde, walking away from Suki to avoid more time spent alone in the evening. He immediately checked the bathroom and smelled fresh perfume.
"Oh great, she just got out" He cursed under his breath, now being obligated to spend more time with Suki alone. Not in the same room but under the same roof. He walked to the living room plopping on the sofa, melting on it as he thought of his last conversation.
"Why is Azula so focused on ruining all of our lives?" Sokka thought about trying to make sense of getting Suki away from her brother. While the warriors theories weren't out of the blue, Azula overruling Zuko would have happened months ago, before any of them knew.
She still had a presence and was seen as a martyr to the people against Zuko's regime.
"That can't be the same girl that was plotting and winning against us years ago" Sokka kept trying to make sense of Suki's motive. "It's a stupid plan to help other people marry your brother, it's easier to put a hit on him, having one of her friends who previously betrayed you won't help you either"
Suki was lying on her bed upset, yearning to go back to the fire nation and forget about almost cheating on her fiance. After knowing Azula had willingly shown and stolen her letter, a personal and really drunk letter she wrote to Sokka.
Now she was sure it was a conspiracy, it was not to help her, it was to test her towards her love for him. He started the relationship doubting it, with good reasons, but her word was sacred for her and him not trusting it made her angry.
Zuko should be on her side, he knows she wants the best for him. She even promised Mai, of all the people, to actually protect and love Zuko. She was angrier, she needed to talk to him now.
Sokka heard Suki's door closing and was taken out of his thoughts, sighing with shame. He had to stop trying to force the relationship, he was not seventeen anymore to run behind her, he needed to be reliable and if he couldn't be a shoulder to her, he would lose her forever.
He walked towards Electra's room, searching for the small paper she used to send notes when they would arrive early or too late, unable to see each other. He thought about a poem and saw if he could amend his pressure.
A warrior heart you have
words and eyes to believe thou side
my apology my dear leader
He pushed it under the frame of the door that irked him everytime he closed it because Electra would leave a goddamn light on. He considered filling it with paper or dirty socks as a statement. He held a breath as he tried to knock, opting instead to leave her alone as she had wished.
"Suki I'm going with Toph and Electra, don't hesitate to grab anything, this home is yours" Sokka said to the door who was making him upset, because it was closed, but as there was no reply from his ex lover he decided to follow his word and leave the house.
"Stupid piece of shit" He thought to himself angry at ruining the small friendship that was blossoming. Or was it a friendship at all?
Maybe they were hanging on the last strands of love to give to each other.
"Wow, it….it all seems so sweet" Katara said taking the last bite of her food, listening a bit awestruck by how Suki and him got to actually date. "Which date would you say was your favorite?"
Zuko smiled, his heartbeat rushed like crazy every time they had one of those dates but there was one where looking back, a light tint of melancholy covered and made it remarkable for him
"Our second date, where I took her to the theater and watched my favorite play, followed by eating her favorite cookies at the palace" Zuko answered with an unmatched smile, making Katara understand how deep his love has gotten for her.
It did suck for her brother, as the dates he detailed were incredibly romantic and well thought, and he hadn't done anything stupid like Sokka did in the beginning. That was a big advantage.
"Oh you watched the play Love Amongst the Dragons? That had to be incredibly cute" Katara replied, having read that book afterwards to calm herself on Ember island.
"Wow, you remembered it was my favorite" Zuko replied a bit surprised, but happy "You have a really great memory"
"Or a great appreciation to you" She added, playing with her hair, the question in the back of her mind dangerously getting in the center of her brain, feeling like it was her last chance. He would be a married man.
Zuko was pensive being unable to follow up the chat, catching up on everything after the wedding to the present date. He wanted to ask her why he was still hostile towards his friends (Suki more specifically) but didn't want to sound aggressive.
Good thing Katara always carried the conversation, like in the catacombs, he hasn't worked that part of himself unless he is in a special meeting or reunion, putting on that mask was easier.
"Can I ask you a question?" Katara asked as Zuko cringed a bit by the upcoming joke "I know I already asked one" she laughed dryly
"Sure, what more I haven't told you?" Zuko asked back, interested in the indecisiveness of his friend.
"I was thinking about…the end of the war. With Azula getting out of prison, you…you having a wonderful woman by your side"
Zuko was getting the hint, he wanted to talk about that.
"I…I wondered….What stopped you?" Katara asked, gripping a bit too hard her strand of hair, it hurt her a bit and let go of it.
"I thought we were under attack" Zuko said with a guilty look, his eyes suddenly wandering at the design of the walls.
"Afterwards. What stopped you?" Katara pressed as the firelord looked down to his feet "Why….?"
It was difficult to explain now that he was head over heels with Suki. Because yes, he had a crush on Katara, he did want to talk more and get to know each other.
"Aang" Zuko replied as Katara sighed disappointed "Aang and Mai"
"You…you Zuko, the other day I was expecting you, but you never came. Was I…"
"You are amazing, beautiful and gentle. You were too much for me in that moment" Zuko laid her down gently with his words as old feelings resurface briefly, reminding himself that it was not their time, it would not be.
"So your future firelady is…" Katara tried to ask without the feeling of betrayal, she wasn't doing this because she was in love right now. She was just curious on what…what was lost when everything ended. "It was just out of the blue for me"
"Well you chose Aang" Zuko replied a bit too fast "I…I didn't want to cause another war for that and, Mai. I did have strong feelings for you but I had stronger feelings for Mai. I am sure you felt the same"
"That's a bad excuse, considering what you did to get with Suki" Katara defended herself "It's called hypocrisy"
Zuko knew it and frowned. But it was the truth, his feelings towards Katara weren't as strong in comparison to Mai, then he got together with Mai and when he wanted to talk she was already kissing Aang.
Not fair
"Anything else you want to ask me?" Zuko whispered, trying to calm his mood. "It seems you are searching for…"
"Closure" Katara finished "I am married to a wonderful man and you…you will be with an extraordinary woman. I just wanted to know why…why we couldn't be. Why we didn't explore it"
Zuko was too proud to admit he did think about it frequently after he and Mai broke up the first time. That day they were close to a kiss, plaguing his mind about the fear and love he felt in that moment.
"I am not sure myself. I…after everything that happened when our friends where diagnosed…when I was diagnosed….getting away and opening up at my home made wonders to me" Katara explained as she briefly touched her necklace "the only thing I couldn't resolve was you"
"Me?" Zuko asked surprised with a small tint of pink in his skin
"Unfortunately" Katara replied with sass and a small smile "See, here I am again, trying to make sense of you and why I chose Aang over you"
Zuko smiled a bit, putting a hand on Katara's shoulder
"You see, a beautiful friendship blossomed out of this. Instead of the heartbreak and emotional turmoil you don't deserve, not anymore" Zuko replied as Katara rounded him for a hug, which he returned. "You will always have a special place in my heart…and back"
"You too Zuko. I am happy you're happy" Katara replied in her seat, a sincere smile and the last of her crush fading away. "Maybe in another life I would have loved seeing red, putting my head on your chest and walking in big flowy silk dresses"
"And I would have loved seeing blue around the palace, waking up to you" Zuko replied as they held hands. "We have the beautiful memories at least of our adventures"
"We do" Katara said feeling closure "and the lessons that brought us"
"Like don't attack your friends for no reason" Zuko mocked as Katara slapped softly his shoulder "Don't do it, please" he said more seriously
"I won't, you are all family to me" Katara said with firm shake "Don't hurt Suki, she is still like a sister to me"
Zuko's heart pained a bit at the threat, knowing Mai would arrive and that he still needed to come clean to Suki about everything, about their future and a possible arrangement.
"I wouldn't dare to" He lied, already taking in count all the times he had possibly done at the palace. "Where is Aang? Don't you go out together?"
"I usually take him out of the office and we fly home, want a ride?" Katara asked as Zuko nodded, walking on the empty halls. They glanced at the clock and saw the hour
"Midnight? Time really does fly huh" Zuko said as they walked towards the air nomad section, waiting outside to give them privacy.
Closure, he needed closure with Mai again? He didn't seem to want to let go of her, not at this point where he was feeling lost about the future. It was not fair to anyone involved, but it felt like the right thing to do.
His uncle not guiding him as he vented made the frustration worse, frowning as he struggled to find a good way of saying it without pointing at the social pressure he was suffering. He wanted this for such a long time and now he was giving it all up?
It seemed like a good option, he wouldn't be the first firelord to do it. But he didn't want to be like his ancestors so he opted to grab someone foreign.
"Let's hope she is not already fuming at me overworking" Zuko thought as he followed behind the couple, ready to confront her.
"You did what?!" Electra asked, shocked. Sokka wanted to bury himself in a hole, with a lot of meat, but alone.
"How did Suki even fell in love with you?" Toph questioned what at times, Sokka thought a lot "That was incredibly outstanding idiotically for you. WHY two days before the actual goddamn festival?"
"Because… I felt like it was a good moment?" Sokka tried to explain with embarrassment "I'm only venting to both of you because I feel stupid about thinking I had a chance to make her take it back"
"You are stupid, Tui and La" Electra confirmed drowning her drink "Good thing you left her alone when she told you"
"I did apologize" Sokka said, trying to redeem himself, Electra and Toph looked at him (or in his direction, in Toph's case) with an irritated face. "I left a note under-"
"HOW are you the smartest again?" Toph said walking angrily at Sokka who stood up and began walking alongside her living room to avoid being caught "You are compromising EVERYTHING"
"I am not!" Sokka replied maneuvering to hide behind Electra who touched her temples in frustration "Besides, we are just waiting for the benders to construct and the people to come, what else is there to compromise?"
"You work together in security, I hope for my selfish reasons, you focus and not mess it up" Electra answered exhaling a breath, drinking more of her wine. "She is over you at this point"
"Not over him, she was about to be scandalous" Toph grinned "Again"
"Again?" Electra asked surprised "Well, not that it matters anymore, they will be in their own little world. You talked, you were rejected, you have to either conform or completely ruin the friendship attending the wedding and hoping she picks you over the handsome firelord Zuko"
"Oh wow, who gave you firebending? That must have burnt so bad" Toph joked pouring herself more alcohol, frustrated "Sokka, you need to get out of Suki's a-"
"Just because you are 'okay' without Noburu doesn't mean I have to follow your lead, you are grumpy, annoying and frankly, uncool because Ty Lee managed to steal- OUCH!" Sokka complained as he fell, frowning "Seems like someone is angry at not having any SEX"
"That makes TWO of us" Toph said as Sokka rolled his eyes "Poor Electra hasn't had a proper shag thanks to your moping"
"It's not necessary" Electra kept drinking
"Is he THAT bad?" Toph asked "Good thing my crush died years ago"
"C'mon!" Sokka complained rolling his eyes "Thanks for the help Electra" he mumbled annoyed
"He is not bad actually, but he is not my type" Electra said flirtatious, making Sokka grin wildly
"Yeah, you can't compete with the best earthbender in the world" Sokka mocked as Electra icy glare made him just a tiny bit scared, while Toph blushed "after all, money triumphs over love huh"
"WhaT?" Toph asked confused "We all are ugly rich, you insisted in staying in that overshared department building"
"It does help us invest and save better" Electra changed the topic, but Sokka was going to have revenge after the girls had been attacking him.
"Yeah, but why are we even waiting to get out of it? We should buy a house next to Tophs" Sokka declared wickedly "You could always ask Toph for company in case I don't arrive on time to dinner"
"You are never in time to dine? What kind of Sokka is this one?" Toph asked feigning shock "And you still can't seem to lose weight"
"HEY these are muscles, pure force you are jealous is not on your skin" Sokka said flexing a bit "Remember this babies caught you in my net"
"Toph, I give you permission to do anything you want to him" Electra talked with clear glee in her voice "We can always find a new representant"
"Yeah, do anything you want" Sokka dared as he walked like a cat towards her "If I even let you!"
Toph simply grabbed the metal and made his hands get clasped together, frustrating his attempt at a sneak attack he had in mind.
"Aw man, and this time I didn't announce it!" Sokka complained giving up with his arms above his head
"Well, it was not a good move to do it with someone who has seismic sense you know?" Electra asked rhetorically as Toph laughed "But okay, what were we even arguing about?"
"Sokka's dumb attempt in getting Suki back from his friend while compromising our whole mission" Toph answered annoyed "But hey, props on almost getting Suki to kiss you, that girl has a really strong will"
"I know" Sokka said with a pointed tone "Why was I so fucking stupid to lose her?"
"You lost the battle, not the war. You are still her friend" Electra tried to cheer him up "She won't last"
"It's so weird seeing your girlfriend help you get back with your ex girlfriend" Toph chimed in with a curious look "Why are you saying Suki won't last with Zuko?"
"Sixth sense" Electra replied standing up and grabbing her bag, walking to say goodbye to Toph. She hugged her first as Sokka groaned on the ground, turning around to give them some privacy.
"Ookay, well, goodbye, you know where the door is" Toph replied, concentrating on the physical touch, although not unwelcome, breaking the hug as Electra's eyes shone at seeing her up close, she had to try it.
Electra quickly pecked her, Toph sensed it and moved her head where she pecked the corner of her lips, a devilish grin appearing in Electra's face as Toph blushed crimson.
"See you tomorrow" Electra walked as Sokka waited on the ground for Toph to actually take the cuffs off.
"Hello?" Sokka asked as Toph nervously (something she wouldn't say out loud) walked towards the kitchen "TOPH! get me out of these!"
Toph quickly pulled him out of them until she had kicked him out of her house, the pieces of metal laying next to Sokka on the street.
"What did you do to her?" Sokka asked, standing up and brushing off the dust in his pants and back, surprised as Electra had a tiny smile. He was smart enough to not nag and guess she had succeeded in something that made Toph pensative.
"Hello?" Zuko knocks on the water tribe apartment, waiting for any of the three to greet him and let him in. If he was lucky Suki would be the one
And he was, as the warrior opened the door with a neutral face, similar to the one she used in Azula's classes. It was telling that she was not happy by the way the corner of her eyes squinted slightly, a tip Zula told him to beware when talking to her.
"Come on in" Suki invited as Zuko walked inside examining the room. "Let's go to my room to talk, any water before we go?" She offered to stop for a bit, as he denied she guided him to Sokka's room, securing the door while he quickly looked around.
"Where can we sit?" He asked as he glanced around the room, only seeing the bookshelves, the small office set and bed. She gestured towards the bed without emoting anything. Zuko held her hand as they sat, she was letting him but the touch felt colder than usual.
Zuko knew he had to explain as Suki looked at him without saying anything, letting him start the conversation. Agni how he hated starting the chats and meetings.
"I know there are some things you would like clarified about…everything" Zuko began feeling a bit uneasy at how Suki stared at his soul, listening. "Where would you like to start?"
"I just had two things in mind" She said almost in a whisper, straining Zuko's ear to catch her words "It seems you have many more, empty your woes then"
"There you go, now what topic is the least controversial?" Zuko thought gulping as Suki inspected his face, the blue beginning to turn dark. The moonlight shone on them and it made it harder for him to distinguish her emotions.
"Azula…Azula did a lot of bad things. Not only to you but to a lot of people, including me, including your friends, including…Sokka" Zuko began his monologue as his fiancee said nothing "We know it was in the name of war, were we both did horrible things to others involved"
"I don't remember manipulating anyone to the point of breaking them" Suki replied "But go off"
"I know, she already apologized, and that won't change anything or much at all" Zuko said "I can't talk for her, I can vow to…to take her away in case she loses her moral compass, that according to her reports that shouldn't happen. She is doing a great recovery and her interacting in a controlled environment will help her finish up the darkness that accentuated her actions"
Suki nodded along, still uncertain about trusting her. That's the motive she would be firelady and if Aang had already made peace with it, she should just be extra careful around as Azula already had tried to manipulate Sokka again.
Which makes her question that if Azula doesn't want her to marry Zuko is a good or bad thing.
"What I can do is offer an apology, I am sorry for hiding all those things she did to your friends and loved ones" Zuko apologized, gripping her hand. She did too and gestured to him to continue, which seemed to work as Zuko continued with a small smile.
"I also want to apologize for overworking today, Katara asked me for help in some scrolls she found and we catched up with everything that happened in our lives" Zuko said kissing the back of her hand who rested securely in his, she was beginning to feel a bit of sweat on her hand but she wasn't sure if it was her anger or his nervousness that irradiated that much heat.
"You always overwork and that's not good at all, you are starting to look tired most of the time" she touched the bags of his under eyes trying to ressurge "and we don't have Ty Lee here to help you with the masks"
He smiled at the light joke, trying to treasure this moment before making it all go down the drain. He knew it was not the appropriate place to discuss it, but she had to know before Mai came to Republic city. She needed to know.
"What did you have in mind babe?" Zuko asked as Suki sighed, unable to bring up the fact that Sokka and her almost kissed.
"You covered all I wanted to know, actually" She said, surprised. "I just…wanted to dig deeper in the Azula situation" Zuko didn't look surprised, on the contrary he understood whatever complaint she would say.
"I am all ears" He tried to joke pointing at both, which made Suki caress gently the burned side, always tingling him by the unusual touch of the area.
"I…I don't trust her and I think she is manipulating us again" Suki said as Zuko tried to comprehend if in the private classes Azula had tried to convince her of doing something out of character. "I would like her to not have a vote or voice in the meetings nor decisions in the palace"
"Oh" Zuko said, amazed at the request on hand. Zula would be furious and frankly, that was something he had to actually ask his hands and sages. Otherwise that would reflect badly on them. "I..I will try my best to make it done"
"Thank you, when we have more time alone I can explain why" Suki said with a smile, his heartbeat was running faster than Appa in the sky, trying to suggest a new idea for her to be free.
"Is that all you wanted to know?" Zuko asked with a nervous smile as Suki scooted closer and kissed him on the lips. Agni and goddesses, he was starting to regret the plan. "Ookay"
"Anything else on your mind?" Suki calmed down by his try. She always thought that was the gentle way of imposing his rules and it endeared her.
"Speak now Zuko"
"Yes, it's about us" he could see Suki's eyes falling a bit, before holding her stare, paying attention to him and whatever he wanted to say "It's about kids…our children"
"Are you afraid they are not going to be able to bend?" Suki asked with notable disappointment as she gripped his hand
"Yes" honesty is better than to believe the rumors, might as well he thought coming clean "It is important to me, to the nation that we have a firebender, a heir to the throne that bends"
Her eyes opened in awe "well, I honestly can't…make you the promise of a child with bending"
"I don't expect you to, that's why I didn't want to tackle this issue until I had found an answer to it" Zuko reassured, she lowered her guard
"That's why you were so pensive all these past days?" She asked, getting confirmation from him with a squeeze
"Yes, I think I hit the nail" dumb choice of words he thought "It will let us be freely in love and mostly, not caged to a bunch of outdated rules"
Suki knew Zuko was intelligent by all the work and studies he did in his teen years, she was amazed at his ease in dialogues with rowdy politicians she wanted to punch.
But whatever idiot idea he had said to her joking or by accident, it would never top his suggestion at this very moment
"What?" She wasn't this lost in a single word since that day at the boiling rock where she was again in a solitary cell. Where they told her she was betrayed. Rage, anger and deception creaked out of her voice like right now. "You're lying"
"Suki…I…I really am thinking about you. We would get to be a couple, you could be training, singing, doing anything you want, even serve again if it's your wish, without having to go to the meetings and balls and.-"
"You are saying this right now after I had to spend my days and nights with your sister?!" Suki roared, unusual for her to lose her cool. "To be your doll and play mother as you parade around with your ex?"
"How in Kyoshi does he even know I sing?! I haven't sang in front of anyone since…" Suki thought angry " If this is his payback then I can assure him is successful"
"Mai is an ally to us" Zuko tried to defend her to an angry kyoshi warrior that was at her limit point, already regretting everything.
"Oh really?" She asked sarcastically "She is such a caritative soul and wonderful girlfriend, I do wonder why did you let her go to date a small word short fuse tempered warrior you met at jail"
"Suki it is not because I love her, I love you and that's why I'm doing this" Zuko explained trying to reason with her, she only heard the word love and exploded.
"You don't love me Zuko, love is when you willingly choose a person time and time again, above anything and everything" Suki explained, irritated as the darkening began to show on her. "You are choosing her"
"DO NOT PLAY THAT TILE" Zuko raised his voice angrily, unable to continue expressing how this was for her, for her comfort and her freedom "I chose you, I lost friends because of you, I made myself a fool time and time again for almost five years for you. Every single time I had the chance to end it I chose you. Don't say I don't fucking love you"
"YOU HAVE ME RIGHT NOW" Suki matched his tone, not caring if her roommates were in the loft at this very moment. "WHY ARE YOU LETTING ME GO? SHE IS NOT A BENDER"
"She is a high class noble, a fire nation citizen" Zuko calmed breathing heavily as Suki grinned trying to mask her anger. "She doesn't know of this plan and she is coming tomorrow"
"Wonderful" Suki paced around not willing to accept the deal "So I have to share you to be with you, all those months training are gone because you don't see me ideal enough for a tough public… like that mattered in the beginning"
"Suki, please understand I don't want them to kill you! Or our baby! They can always go and ask you for an Agni Kai. I am sure you are an excellent nonbender and chi blocker, I just don't want to risk you for the rest of your life" Zuko answered with urgency, pleading with her to understand, stopping her pacing.
Suki wasn't having that explanation. It was too coincidental that Mai would be the one selected again. Why not Ty Lee or another girl with actual bending.
"Why Mai?" She questions, her frown visible. Not because she hated her, she didn't trust her. She couldn't trust anyone there.
"I told you sh-"
"NO" Suki interrupted angrily. "You want bending babies, go marry a bender. Why are you choosing Mai over a thousand girls?"
"She is the only one that could… go with this deal without killing you in your sleep. You are almost all the time together-"
"Under your orders" Suki interrupted as Zuko rolled his eyes "Oh you are annoyed? You don't want to know what my mood is"
"I can see it, no need to tell me anything" Zuko pointed, resuming his thought "And she has pure blood…that's why she is a high rank. There are benders in her family, strong ones. Tom tom has shown signs of being a bender"
Suki looked with disbelief, arms crossed with her heart breaking. She laughed, boys will be boys after all. Zuko's worry increased as the intensity of her laugh increased.
"Okay, you win. You are making me feel like the worst person on earth and frankly maybe I deserve it after all the shit I put you through with loving two guys and spending my days with my ex boyfriend who clearly still loves me" She walked towards him and kneeled in front, their hands intertwined with eyes glued to each other. "Don't tell me this is real, don't do this Zuko, we can do it, just the two of us"
Zuko wanted to say yes to everything, to do as she wished and live a happy quiet life with some missions here and there. His silence was enough for her to confirm it wasn't a suggestion, it was an order.
"I'll talk to Mai tomorrow. If she agrees with this…Do I have your consent on being my doxie?" Zuko asked with shame as Suki's face fell to his legs. "A mistress" Suki thought laughing tearfully.
"Get out of the room, please" She stood up proud as ever, he didn't object and opened the door, startling Sokka. The boys exchanged a brief look before Zuko walked himself out of the loft, going through the front door without muttering anything. Sokka could only catch a glimpse of Suki as the warrior shut the door quickly, worrying him.
" Get back to sleep, if she wants help she will ask you" Sokka thought lying down on the sofa again, almost being successful in continuing his dreams: a liquor company with his name and momo's face plastered, all shattered at the sound of a sob.
A familiar hushed sob coming from his room.
He didn't sleep at all and kept guard as the tiredness left his body, wondering if this was the first fight they had.
The sun peaked at the room and Suki had a sleepless night too, after crying, throwing punches with no one in particular and reading that damn haiku slipped down her door frame
It would never be the same, they never even liked each other as friends. They always flirted and gave each other pretty eyes and long laughs, never as friends, always a double meaning in their words, saving each other seats to be close enough.
Maybe Zuko had that connection to Mai as she did to Sokka, she couldn't then blame him, she could strike a deal and see if that would make Zuko happy at all.
She grinned at the thought of having her own concubine, Sokka. Her head throbbed from silently crying knowing her ex slept in the living room and she would probably need to explain her swollen face and restless bags.
Maybe she needed to try and trust like a friend
She opened the door and saw Sokka bolt in a seating position, his eyes sleepy and tired, a bit too similar to hers. He hadn't slept well on the couch it seems. She pitied him briefly before remembering he could just share the bed with Electra.
"Morning" she whispered as she walked to the kitchen, grabbing a glass of water and refilling it multiple times.
"Morning" he whispered back looking at her movements before laying down again, trying to rest his eyes before starting his workday. With how the sun was rising it shouldn't be long before Electra woke up to eat or try to because nothing ever satisfied that woman
He got up and stretched as wide as he could, not complaining as sleeping in the tundra and floor was worse than this coach, then he dragged his feet to the kitchen and began his routine
Suki observed him from her side, trying to not be obvious. He noticed and flexed every inch of his body as he put the apron on and began to cook some ostrich eggs and meat.
"How was your night?" Sokka asked trying to break the ice and feign ignorance at some screams and sobs he heard hours before
"The usual" she replied, masking her feelings, thanking Azula's training probably for the last time. She hated how weak her body felt the more she controlled herself
"I'm glad then, you'll miss this bed in the fire nation" Sokka chuckled as he cooked the meat, jumping a bit at the salt that almost burnt him
"I'll make sure to export one, in fact, I will tell them to raid your room" Suki continued watching him prepare the plates "Better start saving up to buy another one"
Sokka smirked "I will tie myself in that bed before any guard considered stealing it" he pushed the plate at Suki's hands, the eggs and meat making a face smiling at her.
Suki blushed at the gesture "Thank you Sokka"
"No problem!" He answered with glee, stopping the squeeze on the orange in his hand, a sincere smile across his face. "Juice?"
"If it is on the house why not?" Suki said helping put the other plate on the table, where she assumed Sokka and Electra would sit, she had already taken a bite of her meat so it was easy to distinguish her plate.
Not because of the smiley face
"Here is it" Sokka handed her the juice and patted her shoulder as he went back to the kitchen and continued squeezing more juice "Go ahead and eat, I'll be be there in a few seconds"
She obeyed and sat down to continue eating the eggs, smiling a bit too much to her liking. Platonic relationships were really hard to work on with an ex lover
When she picked her eyes out of the food she noticed Sokka reading some news, as he usually would do, in the mornings. Her eyes searched for certain blonde that was missing
"Where is Electra?" Suki asked as Sokka turned the page of the paper "Her food will turn cold"
"The usual, braiding herself probably. Darling, can you tell what time it is?" Sokka asked absent minded until his eyes opened scared, red faced, putting down the paper to search for the clock
Suki was living for this mistake "8:17am, dear friend" she said trying to act nonchalant, the pink tint on her cheeks betraying her. "We have-"
"To go! Electra!" Sokka screamed as he quickly ate everything, making Suki rush at eating her food "Traffic is awful" he whispered running away to brush his teeth, the toothbrush in his mouth as she did the same, being a bit faster thanks to the new constant training.
"I thought we used the secret passages?" Suki asked as Sokka continued picking up everything on the table, swatting Suki's hands away when trying to help "Hey!"
"Even there the traffic can be pretty wild, best transportation is in the air" he explained as he tapped impatiently for Electra, who finally got out of her room. Her perfume immediately penetrated Suki's nostrils, wowing her at how strong it was.
"Good Morning Suki, did you rest well yesterday? I'm sorry I couldn't make sure earlier that the room was appropriate" Electra said as the warrior shook her hand
"I slept very well thank you, the service is amazing" Suki elaborated as Sokka pressed the button and lever, huffing
"I would describe it as extraordinary but it's better than good" Sokka complained as Suki noticed the elevator was in the same room as them.
"Know she knows it was on purpose" Sokka thought with a nervous smile as Suki connected the dots, raising an eyebrow as they entered it.
She tugged on his manly hairstyle by surprise, he had it coming and he did expect it so he only grunted in response, a grin on his face as the doors closed.
"Katara, are you sure we can teach anything to her?" Toph asked as they tried to work on the space where Toph used to train new recruits "She doesn't have bending at all"
"I know, but it can be of use helping her gain some reflexes to attacks. Besides, Suki wrote this down, I'm just adding you" Katara explained as she stretched and twisted, not wanting to break anything.
"What do you mean by adding me? We should all be here! Except maybe Aang, he is the only one in the world with airbending. But another firebender would be a good election. The group is not only consisted by water tribes"
"Yeah, but for some reason Suki asked me, don't be jealous, it's fine. Big girls get along better with big girls" Katara mocked patting her head (even if Toph was taller than her) making the girl huff annoyed "Hey don't smack me!"
"Want to train and see why Suki was too scared to ask me?" Toph grinned positioning herself in an offensive stance, Katara smirked
"I do, want to see why she thought you weren't good enough" Katara picked on as Toph frowned, already planning her tricks to counter whatever Katarah had in her mind.
Katara unclasped the water on her larger than average pouch and jumped forward, Toph grinned at how easy the win was going to be, the ground below shifting to catch her and secure the win.
She always did this to test and see how smarter they thought they were, to let their guard down. As katara maneuvered to avoid getting caught, she got enough impulse to take out the rest of the water and use it to her advantage, a whip coming out to smack Toph from her place
Toph moved out of the way, breaking the water with her metal gauntlet, her smirk fading the moment she noticed she couldn't feel Katara on the ground.
"New trick huh?" Toph walked around listening to the constant current of water flowing on her right side, throwing discs and hands at the waterbender who glided away fast enough for the rocks to crash.
Katara kept quiet, focusing her strength in levitating with her water tornado, she needed more water, good thing this technique was also a good cardio workout! She made spears and rained them on Toph, who heard and covered herself with a shield.
She returned the favor making a hand to yank Katara out of the tornado and back to fighting level as Katara prepared to make Toph fall and have time to reposition her tornado.
"What in Kyoshi are you doing? Don't waste your energy!" Suki scolded as the girls stopped mid throw, the water hitting Toph's legs and the hand clasping Katara's body to the ground.
"Why are you training with her?" Toph interrogated making Suki confused
"Toph, we need Electra to know the basics of defense" Suki explained "Earthbending stances or Kyoshi warrior defense are a bit harder than waterbending"
"Just say that I'm a better teacher, I'm sure she can handle it and not whine" Katara mocked walking to greet the warrior "because waterbending is not easy"
"For her it might be, she is from the North" Suki said, trying to not rub off Toph or Katara badly. "It'll basically be a mix and match of techniques just in case she needs to be in a defensive stance. Your teachings are rougher"
"So youre saying she is a crybaby? I helped her yield and cut people with a sword, don't underestimate her ability to adapt" Toph defended her to a very suspicious Suki and grinning Katara.
"OKay okay! You will be in the practice section" Suki explained defeated "But we don't need you right now, if she adapts as fast as you say, maybe in three hours I'll call you back"
"Ughh fine! Do it without me, I'll go solve some shit in the meantime you dorks dance around each other and gossip" Toph replied upset walking out of the training grounds "I'll be back in two hours"
"Well, it went better than I previously thought it would go" Suki said preparing the dummies to cut
"She already vented out with me" Katara said fixing a bruise the hand made on her "You got the calmest Toph"
"So what about it?" Electra replied, annoyed as Sokka revisited the papers Katara left in his office, with circles and red angry lettering on them as to be read.
"Here it says something about colonizing, and you let me just sign it like that!" Sokka complained to Electra who rolled her eyes annoyed. "You were supposed to help me read these type of scrolls"
"First of all, you didn't even ask me for help when you signed that, remember it was days after the avatar's wedding ended? You wouldn't talk too much, even at work unless we were at the meetings"
Sokka sighed frustrated, thanking that he had left to the fire nation so the bill wasn't in effect
"You have a point there" Sokka conceded "We need to thank Tui and La nothing ever passed, there would be a civil war and we don't want none of that, not with how everything is going here in the city"
"I know, I know" Electra reassured him. "It is odd that they want to create a shock group after our plan at the festival"
"It's a brilliant idea because it-"
"Sokka, yes but no" Electra interrupted "We have someone who is sending reports about what we are planning and what we are doing"
"But Kura is an earth citizen, Onika fire nation. Nobody else speaks this old language but you" Sokka pointed the facts as Electra nodded along
"That makes it worse" Electra replied unconvincingly "This is old, really old language. This is something…he used to tell me. Generals would speak like this when imprisoned"
Sokka looked at the papers, trying to rule out people who might be against them. Nobody was in the reunions, it was impossible that Electra wasn't the one saying everything.
"We might use Suki then to patrol around" Sokka said as Electra crossed her arms, unsure of his plan "She can sneak enough to see who is the one that's saying everything. It's compromising the entire mission"
"I am actually going to train with Suki in…fifteen minutes. I don't think-"
"Why?" Sokka asked shocked "What do you mean by train? Like in puckow BOOM dodge dodge?" he acted as Electra stared annoyed
"Yes, defensive stances only" Electra replied "We need to find that someone in less than eighteen hours or…this will all fail"
"We won't, I promise you. You'll be protected at all cost, they'll have to climb over me and Suki to lay a hand on you" Sokka reassured as Electra sighed
"With your little convo yesterday, I'm not entirely sure Suki will gladly work with you" she expressed with distrust "I will trust she is professional"
"She is the best one in the whole world, believe me" Sokka smiled fondly at the memory of her piloting the airship and breaking out of prison.
"You are doing it again, ew!" Electra mocked pinching his cheek as Sokka blushed, pouting
"You're jealous," Sokka mocked, kissing her cheek, returning the sweet gesture of trust.
"I'm allowed! I am still your girlfriend and you are boasting your ex girlfriend"
"I want to guess there is a lot of paperwork for Electra to run late, apparently she was the one who always gets in time…not today" Suki said annoyed, as Katara fanned herself with Suki's weapon.
"It is hard being in their places, I remember doing it with dad. It makes you feel good, until it consumes most of the time…at least with these two" Katara continued as Suki ears perked
"These two?" Suki asked, wanting to confirm the names of the water tribes.
"Yeah, Sokka and Electra overwork. Before the wedding Toph had to drag him out of his office everyday, specially on fridays" Katara explained with a laugh "She would send her small squad dedicated to it"
"Oh, there must be a lot of papers to review and rewrite," Suki pitied, thinking on how Zuko had similar tasks in the fire nation. Remembering his plea she frowned, making Katara tilt her head cautiously. "Sorry, I got other things in my mind"
"Anything I can help you with?" Katara asked, doing her best to close the gap between them.
Suki felt unsure about her deal with Zuko. Of course she loved…. loves him enough to get along with Azula and be involved with the court and politics. She doesn't know if it's enough t handle the thought of being a concubine.
If she told Katara everything it would probably turn against him, she didn't want him to be the most hated person ( again).
"It's…something really fragile to touch" Suki began as Katara listened preoccupied "I am not even sure how to tackle the way I am feeling"
Katara didn't want to think it had to do with her brother, but it probably was, as Suki was becoming less and less happy when hanging around them. She put a comforting hand on her shoulder
Suki opened her mouth, but a breath left where words were meant to be said. "This is so hard…everything" she teared, the small gulp in her throat challenging her ability to speak clearly
"Everything will eventually fall in place" Katara tried to reassure "Nothing will ever flow as easy as a river, even the rivers have rocks and ramps"
"You…you know how…" Suki tried explaining, putting her hands on her stomach "how to know…"
Katara's eyes widened shocked "Suki do you…think you are…expecting?" she asked worried, grabbing a bit of water to immediately check on the girl
"No. Not that I know of…that's what worries me" Suki trusted her fear on her, lying on her back with both eyes tensed. "I…I…"
"Let me, try to relax" Katara took the initiative as Suki laid as still as she could, feeling every force, every drop of blood trailing on her body. Katara concentrated trying to feel the condition and current state of the woman, who involuntarily grabbed her wrist.
"Sorry" Suki replied, crossing her arms across her face, the waterbender continued her work, noticing nothing out of the ordinary.
"It's okay, I get why you are nervous with me around, still." Katara smiled, helping her sit "I found nothing out of the ordinary"
Suki's smile was contagious to her, feeling happy at the way her eyes shone at the news. The warrior's gaze lowered briefly.
"Thank you Katara. I should have gone elsewhere but-"
"No buts! I'm glad you could trust me for this…sensible information. Secret safe! I will even boast to Zuko how lucky he is" She winked as Suki laughed, masking how angry she was feeling towards Zuko
"Thank you. Now we can only hope for Electra to come, at this rate Toph will arrive first and Electra is going to be just in the beginning of the training" Suki jokingly said, waiting for the ambassador to arrive as they held hands, finding comfort they didn't have for different reasons.
"I am nervous about this mission" Katara admitted as Suki gripped her hand, trying to reassure in silence nothing would go south. They had basically planned most of the possible attacks, apart from having conventional police in the area if a brawl began.
"Don't worry about it, I am the one that will carry all that weight alongside your brother," Suki said as Katara smiled briefly "We need to catch up too, go out to eat after all of this is done"
"Yes of course! After work, I can cook dinner and you are gladly welcomed, I'll invite Sokka too! Oh-Zuko, Zuko" Katara cringed at the mess up as Suki giggled "Sorry"
"It's a bit hard for me to get use to" Suki admitted, a weight coming off her shoulders as Katara worried "Of course I'll go, we will bring the dessert"
"No!" Katara smiled "It's on us, we want you in our home"
Suki smiled back, her armor slowly fading the more she spent time out of the palace. It was a cut throat environment and she loved it (as a warrior), with Zuko's plan going back home was a punishment and not the happiness she was experiencing before.
Zuko thanked at times for having help around to do most of the things he couldn't concentrate enough on or wasn't really interested in. Today his focus was split in finishing the documents Katara lended him, the slur words recognizable thanks to reforms similar in the fire nation where they forbid certain relationships described as -perversions-, to his annoyance.
And even if it was really interesting, right now his fiance's disappointment and possible death by his ex girlfriend, arriving at any moment, were his priority.
"Anything new on the scroll firelord?" Onika asked as Zuko nodded along "Should we call ?"
"Not yet, thank you for asking," Zuko replied as he kept brainstorming a way to strike a deal with Mai. She had already told him she was not to be played with, while admitting her feelings are still present in her heart. "I do, need a favor"
"How can I help you, firelord Zuko?" Onika asked closing the notebook on her desk, her small notes replacing it as she waited for the instruction.
"It's regarding the firelady" Zuko smiled a bit to Onika's grin "We need to receive her, and her friend, with the best commodities"
"So, it is a firenation noble?" Onika whispered surprised, before glancing rapidly to Zuko's judging eyes "Sorry, I'll make sure they have the best options before any other of the guests are assigned"
"I will also need you to hunt for a special dessert for my lady: fruit tarts with rose petals on top of each of them, please" He ordered while Onika nodded, trying to not make faces and upset her boss
"It'll be done right now, they are probably close to arriving. Anything else I can help you with?" Onika asked as Zuko denied, dismissing her. She ran out of the room crossing Sokka and Electra who were heading out too, greeting them.
"Hey Onika! Are you taking lunch that early? Can you buy me a meat sandwich please?" Sokka asked as Onika rolled her eyes, approaching them to collect the money while he blinked rapidly "Here, thank you very much awesome and mercyful lady"
"Your welcome for everything" Onika joked as Sokka looked confused and nodded along "Why are you looking at me like that? Well, I don't have time to banter right now, but good luck with Suki!"
Sokka blushed deeply as Electra looked confused at them, a frown appearing as Onika headed to the tunnels to do as she was told.
"What? She knows?" Electra asked as Sokka facepalmed himself, embarrassed.
"Of course she knows! Remember she was the whole reason we collected Suki and Zuko" Sokka admitted as they continued walking towards the training grounds. "I do wonder why she just scream it out loud when we are still together"
"Be careful what you tell your friends" Electra scolded as they arrived at the training grounds, a grin appearing at seeing Katara and Suki talking. "And be more careful what you tell your sister"
Suki waved at them, gesturing Katara to stand up quickly, giggling as Sokka let Electra go alone.
"I should go" Sokka whispered as he turned around to leave, stopped by Suki's mock
"Aren't you dancing with us today?"
"I wouldn't like to distract any of you" He winked, Katara rolled her eyes while Electra watched amused, unable to hide her grin as Suki's smile widened.
"Oh? A big, strong, man like you? Distract us? What do you think of that Electra?" Suki asked as Electra fixed her posture, scoffing. "You'll pin him down as your last test"
"What?" Electra asked nervously inspecting Sokka "He is huge!"
"Ouch" He expressed resentfully, walking out of the room as the girls giggled "It's muscle! not fat!"
Zuko had finally finished translating the scroll, to his amazement, nothing had to do with the plan they were creating. It had to do with something more personal for the ambassador:
"Hello? Zuko here…yes, firelord Zuko" he gritted his teeth awkwardly "Is Katara there? No? Well, please tell her that I need to discuss some pressing matters. Thank you"
He hung up the phone, staring at the scroll with his eyes strained and tired at doing it too quickly. It still surprised him the contents, realizing he should probably be as vocal as Electra was being against her own hometown.
And she wasn't even royalty, she was just a chairman.
It was too late to back down, he needed to either strike a really good deal or confront the consequences of his nation: wherever they are good or deadly bad.
"Welcome to Republic city, please hand out your designated piece to the guards in the building to be escorted out into a facility designated for your commodity"
Mai and Ty Lee let the guards handle the work, sitting on the chairs as they waited for further instructions, the acrobat rambled about how the city was amazing and even more modernized then the fire nation, the parties, the places were beautiful.
Mai was more focused on why Zuko was so insistent, more specifically if he would go forward to what he had previously confided in her on the relaxing party, snuggling some of the merchandise to use it and let out more truths.
She couldn't handle letting her heart be shattered again, after letting him go while her mother insisted on turning a blind eye to his adventures with his bodyguard, after all, it was considered normal for the firelord to have concubines.
But she wanted to be the only one, she couldn't be humiliated to share her friend ,her lover-ex lover.
"Are you nervous on seeing Zuko?" Ty Lee asked as Mai nodded, unsure if the place was secure enough to talk about it "Hey…he called you for something, I think he still likes you"
"I wouldn't put my hopes too high" Mai replied, bored and hurt "He has always loved her"
"Well, Azula says that it is just infatuation, nothing too serious. It is odd she is so invested in helping her be a good firelady" Ty Lee introspected at the action "But I wouldn't just give up"
"Azula is letting you dream"
"Miss Mai?" A lady asked with formality "Greetings, my name is Onika, I work for firelord Zuko here in republic city"
"Hi" She greeted unfazed, eyeing the tray she held in her companion held behind her and the book in her hands. "Please tell me this is not another catering proposal, the first time around was annoying"
"Uh…no. Firelord Zuko requested us to greet you with some special food and to let you choose your room and your friends too, miss Ty Lee" Onika said handing her gently the book, whom they took to glance at the variety of rooms
"We want the closest to Zuko's" Ty Lee said, closing the book, not letting Mai look around more. Onika eyed Mai with tired eyes, asking for confirmation. Mai nodded and Onika bowed.
"We will take you there then, please accept the food to make your stay as comfortable as we can" Onika said as Mai grabbed the plate, closed carefully in a box. They walked with the ambassador towards a car, with Ty Lee thanking everyone on the way to it.
"Open it!" Ty Lee said cheerfully as Mai rolled her eyes, opening the box to find her favorite dessert. A small smile formed in her lips while her friend giggled "See! He is trying to be romantic and all of that"
Mai took a bite of the dessert, enjoying the gift but not forgetting the possible subject they would touch at their arrival. She knew Zuko too well to suspect he was asking for a favor or trying to rekindle their relationship.
Her intuition inclined more to the favor.
"Sorry! Electra got a bit in trouble trying to learn the defensive stances, she can't bend so dodging my attacks startled her" Katara said as she closed the door, making Zuko look up from the second paper he held.
"Don't worry, it forced me to double check to pass some time here" He answered indicating her to sit down. "This second paper where you told me they wanted to cause disturbs is with it's own language. There is a mix of old language, new language and some syllables from the earth kingdom and fire nation"
"So it's basically coded" Katara intuited as Zuko nodded "Oh no, somebody probably knows everything and told them!"
"Let's hope not, Sokka and Electra had already checked it before the secretary handled me the paper, so my best guest on their move would be to know that the kyoshi warriors are here and that the future firelady too. We would just need to add more security around," Zuko explained as he sighed, tired "It was a good call from Suki to teach and train Electra for the basics, they are going in with everything"
"Violence is never the answer, why can't we just be at peace, all of us? What's the need to segregate and…be hateful" Katara lamented as she leaned on her chair.
"A mix of cultures…maybe it was too soon. The world and the views of the older generations change at slower pace, as stated in this other paper….I think you would like to read it and…not mention it to Electra" Zuko said handing her the paper, as Katara read it in silence, intrigued by the mystery and regret in his eyes.
The Northern Tribe was a place where we proudly advanced in techniques, quality and infrastructure. I am ashamed to read and discover that the frozen statues and mountains aren't the only things that are unmovable.
Upon showering me in this new world and the benefits on being included, I demand, as my companions have suggested, to remove certain laws and penalties held in the Northern tribe here in Republic City, as this is the nation where everyone is free and peaceful with each other:
- Remove from the books and scrolls the hateful words and adjectives that suggest love is only correct as long as the couple is male and female. Dyke, faggot, snowpillower, snowballchovel and milkshake be penalized as hate crimes.
-Remove the law where same sex couples are incarcerated for a week or more if they were in public: displays of love should also not be considered a penalty anymore.
-Add a 'freedom walk' in republic city, where, if these laws are not removed by my next visit (in 3 months) all the people in the new country should not be subjected even if they are water tribes.
I do also suggest writing an open letter to be published apologizing for the hateful, denigrant, horrible and disrespectful laws still being applied.
Ambassador Electra
"Oh…"It's the only thing Katara could answer, feeling like she invaded the girls private matters "So the important paper is unintelligible and this is…something actually really sweet. HuH" She breathed out stressed
"We can't do anything else right now…until tomorrow night where we meet and capture them" Zuko said nervously
"Aren't you…nervous? The plan seems a bit too.." Katara hesitated a bit with his brothers thinking, after all, he has been distracted a lot at work.
"I trust Suki and Sokka with the planning, her work against the Dai Lee was phenomenal" Zuko reassured "All the possibilities are plastered in the scrolls to act accordingly, honestly, I get surprised at all the scenarios they think of"
"You're right about that, what an imagination they possess" Katara grinned "Oh by the way, I will host a dinner at my house, I already told Suki about it"
Zuko clenched his teeth and smiled awkwardly, bowing "Thank you for the invitation, I'll make sure to clear the work and planning as fast as I can to go"
Katara noticed his tensed manners but opted to ignore them, probably linking Suki's issue with her fertility could have caused a misunderstanding between them, or not. She wouldn't really be nosy and ask him like that.
"Okay! We will save you a seat" Katara smiled and grabbed the scrolls, shaking Zuko's hand on the way. Closing the door behind her, she sensed something was suspicious, they all needed to get their minds on the mission and afterwards, clean their problems.
"Hey sweetie! Are you ready to eat?" Aang strutted to hug her, melting under her embrace. "I'm actually hungry for some miso soup around the corner"
"It sounds nice, although, I need to go and buy some grocery food for tonight's dinner" She notified Aang who smiled and nodded, grabbing her hand to talk it out at the restaurant.
"Who's coming tonight? The gang?" Aang asked as they walked to the restaurant, smiling and waving at the people who saluted him.
"Yes, I realized we haven't had a proper sit down together, like old times. We were so busy our wedding day" Katara admitted sadly "I hope this can fix that…and my screaming on our way here"
Aang kissed the back of her hand, waiting for the waitress to pick their order. He knew better than to talk with Katara in public about their wrong doings, he rather discuss it in the privacy of their house.
When they saw the paper with the false divorce claims it created a rift between them, especially because the insider told them the cause was an irremediable temper, angry issues specifically with an explosive declaration of murder. Katara had joked about killing and it made him upset, jokingly.
Killing him with a lot of intercourse to repopulate the air nation. They vowed to not discuss anything that could be misinterpreted.
"I'm sure they won't hold it against you babe, but we should talk about this at home" Aang advised as Katara sighed displeased "It's not that I don't want to hear you"
"But we can't get caught, I know" Katara replied "Now let's eat, we must because in a few hours we will be running around"
"I'll gladly fly you around, if it helps you to shop faster" Aang answered, kissing her temple, a happy hum confirming the offer.
Electra was tired, as Toph grinned above her body a hand stretching to the front as the ambassador's breath heavied.
"Get up and hit me, you can't let a blind woman punk you" Toph mocked as Electra frowned, trying to slap her leg who moved to the side, poking her hip. "Too slow"
"You are not any blind woman, you are Toph. " Electra replied annoyed, trying to get off the grip the earthbender currently held with her legs
"Stop it, she is too tired to continue, we can't strain her" Suki interrupted elbowing the earthbender, as she huffed weakening the grip
"I can continue" Electra said slipping from under Toph
"I know" Suki replied smiling, trying to be sensible "But we can't have you sore the actual day you are going to use everything you learned today"
"True" Electra replied a bit dizzy, Suki noticed and handed her liquid serum. The northerner quickly gulped "Is it over today?"
"Yes, tomorrow you'll come here to stretch and just do the basics" Suki said as they walked alongside each other. "Are you going to the office?"
Electra nodded, making Suki internally grin as the ambassador tried to not look tired: her flushed skin, greased hair and heavy breathing was betraying her attempts.
"I suggest you take a shower" Suki replied "It'll help for the soreness" she added as Electra looked at her humid clothing, nodding along and dragging her feet towards the shower rooms.
"Hey! Chin up" Toph grinned "You survived a training with the greatest earthbender, Suki and the masterbender Katara"
"Why do you get grand introductions and I'm just Suki?" Suki questioned as Electra smiled and continued her walk "Have I not knocked enough sense to your metal?"
"Hush" Toph walked clasping a hand to Suki's hand "We need to discuss something serious matters"
Suki was confused as to why she was being so secretive, briefly remembering that in her introductory party she wanted to talk.
"Isthisabout -" Suki tried to mumble as Toph's grip tightened, earning her a push from Suki
"Bitch" Toph whispered as Suki frowned "Yes, it is about….her"
Suki moved Toph to the view of the bathroom so she could see when Electra got out
"Talk" Suki replied seriously, as Toph sighed confused about what had happened
"Remember the relaxing party we had at your place?" She began as Suki nodded, crossing her arms to rest for a bit.
"Who is it?" Ty Lee chirped from Mai's bed, as the door opened, a series of small tugging on her dress made her sit as the nervousness inside her had suddenly increased to a maximum point, her eyes setting on his scar.
"I'm glad you are liking the room" Zuko said with a somber look "I…uh…wanted to talk to Mai alone"
Ty Lee nodded and jumped out of the bed and room, cartwheeling to her own, flashing a wink to Mai as she closed the door.
"Hello, again, friend of a friend" Mai said as they locked eyes, nothing coming out of their mouths for minutes as Zuko waited for something to come up and pick him out of his life.
"Hello, Mai. Did you enjoy the tarts?" He gained courage to talk as Mai nodded along, her face not expressing anything as they continued in their little staring contest.
Mai won, as always, Zuko broke contact first as he approached closer to the bed but not her, feeling something different this time around.
It was not the same like the other times he proposed things to get out of trouble. Technically, it was to avoid conflict, but he was looking forward to it. Suki's pained face made him wince physically as Mai raised an eyebrow, judging him.
"Sorry I…I am happy to see you" He spit out quickly, fidgeting with his cape
"I can tell by the way you winced at sitting down next to me" she replied sarcastically, a bit hurt
"No, it was not because of you…I…actually wanted to talk to you alone because…" Zuko struggled to find the right words. It was something that could go either really good or really bad.
"Please don't tell me this is another proposal" Mai interrupted as Zuko's eyes grew as he was busted "On Agni Zuko, you can't keep doing this"
"Hear me out! Wait" Zuko interrupted, stopping her. "I…I made my mind. And…since that day at the relaxation party you…you have owned a big part of my brain"
"Wow, I couldn't imagine how romantic that must be. You love me when you are on drugs, girls everywhere must be jealous" Mai rolled her eyes, even if her words wanted to cut through Zuko, the blush on her cheeks made him smirk a little.
"One for sure is" Zuko chuckled "I don't only love you when you are on drugs…I…I realized I was wrong, on choosing Suki as a firelady"
Mai listened with a raised eyebrow, incredulous. Everyone could see he loved her to death.
"I know it sounds strange…but I know my destiny is to be with you and…to make you my firelady. With everything included" Zuko placed a hand on Mai's knee, her heart jumping out of her chest "I must say I adore you, I…am choosing to love both of you"
And her heart returned to the cave.
"You want me to be a concubine, that's your idea of romance?" Mai asked annoyed, as Zuko looked guilty
"No. Suki will be the concubine. Remember you broke up with me? I…I can say I tried to win you back and I succeed" Zuko tried to explain as Mai bilis caught in her throat, her frown scaring the firelord who gulped.
"You can't keep doing this Zuko" Mai whispered, her tone in volume rising the more it weighed on her how he saw her "You can't keep using me and expect me to go along with every idea you have without considering my feelings. At first I was willing to share you until…until I couldn't"
Zuko knew this, and he was ready to decide if it helped Suki get out of it. He was still thinking of her first, his need later.
"I won't do it Zuko. I need someone to love me more than I love them for my own good…just like you do to Suki, I need a love like that. And as much as I love you Zuko, I really do…I cant -"
She was cut short as her heart stopped, opening her eyes to make sure what happened was not her imagination. She pushed him away, he licked his lips looking determined.
"I love you, both of you. I…I will push myself to love you even more if you help me please" Zuko begged as Mai looked incredulous
"You are being inconsiderate" she groaned, her feelings triumphing above her dignity "why do you keep saying both?"
"Because I do" Mai rolled her eyes "And I know you don't believe me, I could have asked anybody…especially if i wanted to have a bender as a descendant but…I trust you, I love you, you are my best friend…if I had to share my life with someone it should be you. I owe it too"
"You just keep confusing me" she placed her hands on her head, tired of all the rush of emotions in her body "Please stop it"
"I will, you…you don't have to answer me today or tomorrow. If you wouldn't accept I…I wouldn't know what to do" Zuko admitted with a shy smile "Don't feel pressured to say yes, I intend to keep my promise: the same way after you broke up with me, it is the same deal"
Mai nodded, her heart jumping at Zuko's romantic side until his current girlfriend was mentioned again. Why would Zuko even put the thought of a firebender baby-
"Oh" it clicked with Mai. He wanted to avoid more uprisings, and have a piece of the cake. Or was he really in love with both? "Let me think it"
"I will" Zuko replied, leaning in with open arms. Mai conceded and hugged him, his familiar aroma dizzying her as her self control left and her hands roamed at his back.
And it happened again, soft as the silk in her dress were his lips, warm as the midday in the city. It was only in the cheek and it lingered softly on her skin, her hand touching the crime scene where her blood concentrated.
She seemed intoxicated by him and it made her loathe him more, but if he had gone out of the way to actually propose it, it meant Suki was alright with it.
It happened again, and again, until a knock in the room interrupted them, his hands leaving her waist. The intention behind those kisses in their faces meant a lot more than trying to say goodbye in a friendly manner, something that momentarily scared Zuko and confused Mai, who looked at each other amazed at their actions.
"Katara will hold a dinner at her house tonight, you are invited, or at least I'll ask her if-"
"Let me think about it" Mai reminded him "I'll call you if I want to"
Zuko smiled guiltily. Nodding as he rearranged his cape and walked out of the room, Ty lee grinned but her eyes expressed contradicting feelings.
He needed to inform Suki as soon as possible, now that it might be official.
"Oh agni" Zuko whispered, walking down the stairs, Karina looking suspicious at the visit but not saying anything for the sake of patrolling.
It would be another long night for them, hopefully, a calm one after they had eaten. He knew better than to cross Suki with an empty stomach.