forge your own path.

Goro is early in the empty training hall, whipping out moves while....................................... belting out some questionable vocals

He stood there a while, shoulder leaning against the doorframe as Goro's lone audience member — unbeknownst to him... that was until Junsei cleared his throat.

"You sure the 'Gull' in your nickname isn't from your lovely singing voice?" he joked.

𝘛𝘩𝘦 '𝘢𝘩𝘦𝘮' 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘶𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘎𝘰𝘳𝘰 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨, not because he'd be embarrassed to be caught like this, but out of courtesy ; he's eager to hear out whoever wants a word with him here at the training hall. ( More often than not, it's that one grumpy janitor. ) Besides, he knew he'd have to stop once his teammates show up.

He'd recognize this particular 'ahem' anywhere by now though. At least Cap Jun is in a good mood this morning, which is always great.

His comment gets a laugh out of the firebender. " I heard the word 'lovely' in there, Cap. You can't take it back anymore! "

" You must know how things work around here. Heh, I... actually used to date a probender. But even that doesn't make me an expert. " ー Asami to Sumiko ( book you decide heheh )

It took a moment for Sumiko to register who was talking with her as she heard her voice before on the radio, but hadn't formally seen what the heiress of Future Industries looked like — until right now.

"Oh! Miss Sato!" she flustered. "Spirits, you're so pretty in person-" Sumiko gasped before clutching her hand over her own mouth, clearly unable to undo the stream of words that spilled from her lips even though it was more under her breath, but still very much audible."Sorry! I mean! Hello! Yes! Um. I'm Sumiko Masamune," she started to bow in greeting as her hand quickly dropped to her side, which also doubled as a way to hide the rapid reddening of her cheeks. "I help coordinate events here at the Pro-bending Arena."

She had to straighten her posture sooner or later. As she did, she tucked a stray lock that had fallen in front of her face from her bow, but her gaze shifted away to not look at Asami directly, the blush still clear on her face. "Before working here I was mostly just a fan, so I remember Future Industries sponsored the Fire Ferrets a couple of years ago, so I'm assuming one of them? Notthati'mtryingtopryoranything it'sjustsomethingIremembered," The last bit came out at rapid speed as she wished she could just shush herself already.

"But, um, what brings you to the Arena today?" Totally a casual thing to ask to try to salvage this first impression.

𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘍𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴, 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘰𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮.

It's what a responsible leader does, to be prepared, even as the glamour and finesse that others perceive in her is but a polished hull.

The flusterment and instant-bought respect that the mere name of Future Industries brings -- often excerberated by the appearance of her, someone unexpected to lead such a venture -- strikes an awkward chord, but it's one she has heard enough times to smile away.

This compliment is so candidly out of step however, that it almost makes her blush. There has to be something she can do to soothe the nervous display before her. " Oh, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to sneak up on you like this. "

It was her fault to begin with, starting on such an awkward personal snippet, regardless of how widely known it's become.

Ideally, her smile is reassuring. " Pleasure to meet you, Miss Masamune. " Her hand is offered, right as the other already bows down, and so she can but follow in turn.

Spirits, not off to the best start here.

" Yes, I've heard. "

Of course, the coordinator would know the ins and outs of team histories and finances. Only a real and dedicated fan would reach her position.

She offers a reassuring laugh. " No, no, you're not prying! In fact, I'm impressed you made the connection. It seems Yue Bay Arena has chosen their coordinator well. "

Now then, to business. Here goes nothing.

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Junsei clocked the growing smile on his teammate's face — which made the wrinkle between his own brows deepen... even more so when that pun was offered back to him. He scoffed and rolled his eyes as he shook his head. "Horrible," he huffed, though clearly used to Goro's antics.

Though the hand on his shoulder was meant to assure him, the juxtaposition of how easily it was brushed off versus how much he expressed how much he couldn't have made it didn't sit comfortably with Junsei.

He knew Goro to an extent; usually in a cheerful mood — especially when compared to himself — but there was something in the firebender's depths that he didn't share, a feeling similar to looking into the dark blues of arctic waters Junsei grew up with that held so many untold things besides the unforgiving cold, but he wasn't going to push or prod Goro about it if he didn't feel comfortable in doing so.

The compliment took him out of his reverie.

"Hey now," he huffed a laugh through his nose as he reached out to muss Goro's already wild hair. "Don't go spreading rumors about me. I've got an image to keep up; a brand." Junsei pushed a hand through his bangs that somehow perfectly fell around his face to frame his sharp features softly.

"But I know what we both know Taktuq would be yelling at not only you but me as well for you not showing up," he added with a laugh, referring to the former captain of the Komodo-rhinos and his mentor before the older waterbender retired from pro-bending.

His hands then rested on his hips as he took a pause to look over Goro again, trying to spot anything else could hint at whatever kept him away from practice. "But really though, I know that you also know that if you need anything, I've got your back." His tone was soft again.

However that didn't last too long as a smirk graced his face.

"Anyway, because you said I'm sooooo nice, I'll let you pick how exactly you're gonna make it up to me."

𝘑𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 are the waters he sails best, so when Junsei's hand lands to muss at his hair, he's ready. A sympathetic pout for the worried Captain, then a salute. " Aye aye, Cap. I'll hold on to that secret like a Coconut-Crab onto a toe. "

Then, to make sure Junsei understands just how serious that vow is, " and they can break coconuts with those pincers. Think about it. "

A wink.

Time to get a bit more serious again, so that Cap Jun doesn't change his mind about heinous punishments for his lackluster crew. His affection towards his old mentor makes Goro smile, but the silent reprimand in his words is clear. This team means everything to Junsei, and Goro can see the cracks he's left on his trust.

Spirits, he doesn't know how to deal with such genuine, good people. The sea stole his own candidness a long time ago.

But who's to say that pieces of it didn't wash ashore here, between him and his new Captain?

I've got your back, Junsei says, and Goro wants to ask him to not give up on him yet. The same thing he hopes his father is doing -- waiting just a little longer, because he's figuring it out.

He's lucky that in this particular crew, debts don't mean things that probably leave some sort of scars. A debt means mending trust. He's got a chance to do things right.

" Thank you, o benevolent Captain, " he jokes nevertheless. " I'll put my heart, soul and body into becoming the kind of player the Komodo-Rhinos deserve. Even more than I did so far. That's why I'll-- how about I take over the cleanup for a bit? "

Eyebrows raised, he's giving Jun a look that asks, sound good Cap? Under the surface however, he knows this can't continue -- he'll have to cut ties with his father's old lot and hone in on the Pro-Bending if he wants to earn his place on the team.

@avatarwithin sent: "Tell me what I can do to make you stay." 一 Asami to Mako

𝘏𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦, 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳... none of it is enough to change anything, or convince anyone.

Her reply is instant, voice thick and pained. " No! You know that's not right. "

Her hand finds his and grips tight, telling him to stay, to listen, to come to his senses. Pale green eyes plead to him, worn out by all the recent betrayal and sorrow.

" How can you even say that to me, after everything that's happened? "

To claim she never expected this conflict would be a lie -- but perhaps, under Mako's unshakeable confidence and capability, she lost sight of the struggle and worry that have marked his life and wounded him. And that is where she has gravely failed him.

Perhaps it was unfair of her to expect him to be above this.

" No, " she repeats, softer this time, looking up at him, bringing her hand to his cheek, willing him to face the patience and love within her. " My father only said that to hurt us. I want you exactly as you are, Mako. You're so much more amazing than you realize. "

" Hey, uh. I'm sorry I missed today's practice. I promise you, I tried everything I could to make it, but I just couldn't. " 一 Goro to Junsei

Junsei waved his hand dismissively, but he didn't carry an air of annoyance while doing so. With a huff, he crossed his arms across his chest. "Look, Go. I don't know where your head's been at lately — like, I know you're carrying a lot, but at least leave a note or something."

He didn't need to go on to tell him how much every practice mattered if their team was finally going to make it into the Pro-bending League Championships; they had been working their asses off to get this far together.

"What happened?" Any lingering frustrations he had in his tone was replaced with concern.

𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯𝘦'𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯. Countless times, he has been in places where the result of such disrespect would have meant lost extremities, if not the ruthless waves lapping at the ship's flank. Cruelty completely unimaginable in this worn and cozy locker room.

Now, then, to be met with Junsei's muted, so obviously well-meaning and good-hearted frustration -- it makes him smile, even though it shouldn't.

" I'll make a note of that, " he replies, a twinkle in his otherwise apologetic gaze. He shouldn't push his luck with these puns, he really shouldn't. " I mean it. I have to do better than this. I'm sorry about today. "

Does Junsei know how unconvincing his whole tough-as-ice act is? That concern, so quick to replace his disappointment, is so warm that palm trees could grow beneath it.

" Don't worry about it, " Goro replies, and his hand on Junsei's shoulder is not only assuring, but grateful.

His teammates don't need to know the details of this morning's botched shipment, or any of the other perils his job at the docks throws his way. It's just how it is.

Besides, honesty is a heavy load, as they say -- and those slow ships down, if not outright sink them.

" You know, you're really nice, anyone ever tell you that? I wonder if the other teams are so lucky. "

Eyes of mismatched color float towards her, amused and grimly curious at once.  “ My volume isn't the one which ushers in noise complaints from the neighbors on a semi-regular biweekly schedule. ” The infernal Prince's look to his companion pairs itself with a smile, unwillingly and unknowingly impressing itself upon his lips. It would be hard to contain such a thing on most occasions. “ But if you're really that determined I might suggest over by some trees away from the water. Sound will carry less the further away we are from the— ” 

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮, not with the topic of their conversation and the cindering tension beneath it. In the thickening darkness, the gleam of her lover's otherworldly eye gains prominence, brighter and redder. It draws a shiver up her spine. Almost enough to throw her off guard, but she holds on to her footing.

She makes sure to add a very sceptical edge to the look she gives at his retort. Oh, so it's just her volume? Mr. Prince is in sore need of a reminder of just what sort of actions make it sound like an earthbender is practicing in the----

But of course, he's quicker of mouth. And smug enough to keep on talking despite the seething fire in her eyes. Arrogant enough to bask in it, too.

Oh, he knows just how to strike her pressure points. Better brace, because hitting back and coming out on top is not only what she was born and trained to do, but also what she needs enjoys.

" Oh, is that what you hoped? "

Now, it's her turn to grin. Shifting closer, she lets him see the victory in her eyes. " Sounds to me like a fantasy of yours. Wait, is that drool on your mouth? "

❖ || 𝔹 𝕆 𝕃 𝕀 ℕ 𝕀 𝕋 𝕐 - roleplay blog for BOLIN from the legend of korra post-series & post-comics ❖ multiship & multiverse ❖ low/mid activity ❖ written by al { rules || pinned post || aus & verses } ❖ please read rules before interacting. thanks!

i need to go away for a while.

i need you to start trusting me.

i need things to go smoothly this time.

i need everyone to calm down.

i need you to stay with me.

i need to be something more than this.

i need you to listen to me.

i need you to stop talking and let me do this.

i need to tell you something serious, and it might scare you when i say it.

i need more out of this relationship than you're giving me right now.

i need a stiff drink.

i need to take a nap.

i need things to go my way for once.

i need better than you. i just didn't see that until right now.

i need answers.

i need a quick explanation.

i need at least five more minutes to finish getting ready.

i need your body against mine.

i need your tongue in my mouth.

i need you to fuck me.

i need my head to stop spinning.

i need to sit down for a second to catch my breath.

i need everyone to clear out of this room.

i need a change of clothes.

i need you to look at me when you're talking to me.

i need to leave this place and never come back.

i need to tell you something urgently.

i need you to shut up.

i need romance. i need passion.

i need you to give me more emotion.

i need your gun.

i need you to cover me.

i need this to go perfectly.

i need a win.

i need you in my life.

i need there to be more communication between us.

i need to know how you feel about me.

i need you to stop bullshitting.

i need to know if we're more than friends.

i need you. only you.

i need to get to a hospital.

i need you to put pressure on that wound.

i need you to keep talking to me.

i need more than you're willing to give me, and i think that's always going to be a problem with us.

i need someone better.

i need you to tell me what happened from start to finish.

i need to go to the bathroom.

i need a trash can.