#thread: complete

Aden

The two of them had been together since they were children. They learned to live with each other’s flaws (though Aden would argue that Jinora was perfect) but Aden still had his secrets. He hated keeping things from her but his time in prison was something Aden wanted to keep buried away in his mind. Jinora didn’t need to know the horrors of what he went through.

A few months ago Jinora had accepted Aden’s necklace. Wedding plans had them both fairly stressed, but Aden probably took it a bit more to heart. Most of Aden’s friends were criminals and Jinora’s parents were still clueless of his past. If he messed this wedding up no one would ever forgive him.

Every morning was the same for Aden. He made sure to give himself enough time to hide away in order to cover the mark he was most ashamed of. Though with all the stress of planning, he just wasn’t getting enough sleep.

When Aden woke up and saw the time, he rushed to get out of bed to get ready. They had to figure out the food choices today. So without a second thought, Aden ran out the door. Forgetting all about touching up the makeup on the side of his face.

Jinora

Punctual as ever, Jinora had arrived at the selected restaurant five minutes before the time she and Aden had agreed to meet, ten minutes before their appointment. A quick glance at the city clock told her they had four minutes left until their appointment, and she wasn’t sure if she should worry or not.

He was generally on time, sometimes early, sometimes a few minutes late, but never this late, it seemed, unless something had happened. Jinora hated the idea of becoming one of those women who worried endlessly over how late their man was, but Jinora knew she was justified in at least wondering about worrying. She was marrying Aden, after all.

They had met young and hadn’t gotten off on the best foot, but things had happened and they ended up as close friends. It wasn’t too long before close friends had turned into a couple, and their engagement happened. Her parents didn’t quite approve (her mother did, her father was still on the fence it seemed), but she was happy they didn’t outright disapprove based off the little she had told them about Aden.

Before her worrying could gain anymore ground in her mind, she saw him. Running up the street like he was, she was surprised he hadn’t knocked anything over. She smiled, giving him a hug and a kiss on the cheek once he was next to her.

“Morning, Aden. We’ve got three minutes, we should get inside. Unless something came up?”  She asked, subtly prodding.

Aden

Jinora had to be worried by now. He was never this late. His half of the guest list kept him up most of the night. Aden was marrying the most perfect woman in the world and no one he knew was going to be there to see it.

Pulling out his pocket watch to check the time, he picked up speed. The guest list would have to wait, their appointment was in five minutes and spirits be damned if he was going to miss it.

As he rounded the corner to the restaurant, he narrowly avoided a group of people. Tripping and stumbling, but not falling, over a dip in the sidewalk Aden rushed over to where his soon-to-be wife was standing.

“Morning, Jinora. No no, nothing came up. I overslept. I didn’t expect wedding planning to be this stressful” he returned the hug and kiss, smiling at her sweetly. “Let’s get inside. We don’t want to miss it.”

Jinora

“I’m sure they would let us reschedule again..” Jinora trailed off even as Aden led her inside. This was the third time they had set this appointment. First time around Jinora had to cancel due to being called out to the Southern Temple for some spirit issues a few days earlier. The second time hadn’t been their fault, but the restaurant’s for mixing appointment times with several others Jinora would like to keep this appoint, but if they had to change, she as sure they would allow it. Hopefully.

She turned her head to look at him, to make sure nothing was wrong, and nearly tripped at what she saw. She had known Aden for years, knew that he had received a very difficult hand in the game of life, and knew at least the very basics of everything about him. But the tattoo (yes, it was a tattoo, not a wound like her mind first assumed) on his face? She had never seen that before, and it definitely wasn’t new. She didn’t know he even wanted tattoos!

Her grip on him tightened a result from nearly falling and being so surprised. She had stopped walking as well, and had just opened her mouth when the restaurant manager hurried up to them with a greeting. Steeling herself, Jinora returned the greeting best she could, but didn’t let up her grip on Aden’s hand. She had never seen this tattoo on her fiancé, not something she could easily ignore; they were going to have to talk after their appointment.

Aden

“We are not rescheduling again. Especially just because I slept in. We have to get this food figured out.” Aden grabbed her hand and started to pull Jinora into the restaurant. “They aren’t going to keep letting us change days.”

He started to lead her inside over to where the restaurant manager was when she suddenly stumbled slightly and her grip on his hand tightened. “Careful, Jin”

When she suddenly stopped walking, Aden turned his head to face her. She still had a tight grip on his hand. “Is everything okay?” The manager rushed over to them, he returned the greeting before following them. Squeezing Jinora’s hand back, he kissed her head. They would have to talk later.

Jinora

Managing a quick nod, Jinora tried to direct her full attention to the manager. She paid attention to his words for the most part, but she couldn’t get the tattoo out of her mind completely. How long had Aden had it? Why did he get a tattoo there, and why tattoo that symbol? More importantly, why was she only just now seeing it?

The appointment went smoothly. They met the head chef, discussed what they were hoping for, looked at and sampled a few, and selected a few to try as they continued discussing over brunch. Eventually it was all done. Paperwork given for the couple to fill out and return, light notes for the restaurant n the meantime. Pleasantries were exchanged, and the young couple left the restaurant.

Aden

Aden did his best to pay attention to the meeting. The couple had been dealing with these types of conversations for weeks now and he couldn’t help but zone out every now and then. Especially with Jinora acting so oddly, hopefully she wasn’t getting sick.

As they left the restaurant, Aden couldn’t help but wrap his arm around her as they walked. The rest of their day was mostly free, so the couple just took their time getting home.

Once they had made it to the stairs of Aden’s apartment, he finally spoke up. “Are you feeling alright, love? You seemed a bit out of it back there. I have some tea inside, would you like me to make you some?”

Jinora

“Tea sounds great. I’ll help,” Jinora replied after a moment, following him inside. She put her bag on the coffee table before heading to the kitchen. She got two mugs out and set them down, leaning against as she watched Aden move, her eyes never leaving him. Specifically, never leaving the tattoo.

She knew she would be the world’s biggest hypocrite if she said she didn’t like tattoos. She had gotten her arrow tattoos when she was 11, for spirit’s sake, and she honestly didn’t mind when others chose to have tattoos. It wasn’t wrong, in her opinion, to ink something meaningful onto your skin, to make it a part of your identity. She just didn’t know why this tattoo had somehow become part of Aden’s identity, it seemed so unlike anything he would ever choose.

A tense, awkward silence seemed to settle between them as they waited for the tea. Jinora had no idea what to say; how did one even start a conversation like this and not have it turn into an argument of some kind? As in love as she and Aden were, it seemed they excelled at turning certain topics into fights, and Jinora felt this tattoo would be one of those topics.

It wasn’t until they were settled on the couch, tea in hand, that Jinora dared to start the conversation. She had tucked herself into one end of the couch, facing Aden, her toes tucked beneath his leg for warmth. She wiggled them once, took a sip, and braved herself for whatever was to follow.

“Aden.. How come you never told me you had a tattoo?”

Aden

Unlocking his door, Aden made his way inside toward the kitchen. “You don’t have to help. Just go sit down and relax” He hummed as he dug through his cupboards, getting out everything he needed. Hearing Jinora following behind him. “You’re stubborn.”

She was acting so weird. It didn’t seem like she was sick, maybe all the planning and her airbaby duties were finally getting to her. Aden could feel her eyes on him the entire time he made the tea. Was Jinora having second thoughts? Is that why she wanted to reschedule again, she wasn’t sure she wanted to go through with it all.

The silence just added to Aden’s nervousness. This kind of quiet always meant something was up. Probably a hot topic between the two of them. He really didn’t want to fight today.

Aden filled their mugs with tea before leading the two of them over to the couch. Chuckling at Jinora as she got comfortable. As he went to take a sip of his tea, Jinora’s words sucked all the air out of his lungs. Tattoo.. She shouldn’t be able to see it. He covered it up before-No.. No, he rushed out the door before he could. How stupid could he be! That’s the most important thing he has to do!

He was starting to panic, hands shaking and before he knew it his mug had shattered on the floor. “I..I..”

Jinora

Before she realized it, Jinora shot forward, mug still gripped in one hand. Her other hand and landed on Aden’s chest, just under his collar bone and above his heart. Forcefully she pushed him back against the couch, and kept him there for a second. “Don’t move,” she stated, her tone demanding his attention.

Seeing the look she got in return managed to clear her head a bit. Aden had been through so much, she didn’t want to hurt him if she could help it, so in a gentler tone she said “The mug, it’s broken. You’ll cut yourself on the pieces, so don’t move until I clean it up, okay?”

Carefully, she got off the couch and set her mug on the table. Disappearing to the kitchen for a moment, she returned with a bowl, a small brush and a damp towel. She kneeled on the ground and carefully began picking up the larger pieces of the mug.

“I’m sorry I surprised you. I wasn’t expecting to see you with a tattoo, I know how much you dislike them,” she said after a few silent moments. “Why didn’t you ever tell me?”

Aden

Aden didn’t have the chance to run before Jinora pushed him back against the couch. Her voice scared him. She was mad.. She had to be mad. He had left his equalist life years ago but the mark of a traitor still dawned on the side of his head. His widened eyes shot to her face. Her next words sounded nice but that would change. Aden knew it would. She had to be mad.

When Jinora moved, he debated running to the bathroom, going and quickly covering the mark back up. Make up some dumb story of it being marker or something, but Jinora was back before his mind could figure anything out.

His hands were still shaking, while she was away he had managed to adjust his hair to cover the tattoo. “I.. I don’t have a tattoo..” Spirits she was never going to believe him. “I passed out working on some things. I probably just got marker on my head.. I should go wash it off…”

Jinora

“Aden, I’m not stupid. I know that’s a tattoo, and not marker. Marker ink spreads on skin through the tiny lines. Tattoos don’t.” She wasn’t mad at him. Not entirely. A little upset he never told her, certainly, but she wasn’t truly mad.

Jinora knew Aden kept secrets. He had kept them his entire life. From the equalists, for the equalists, from the public, from her. She knew that some of these secrets were okay for her not to know though. She didn’t want to know everything about the equalists, as much as she disliked the actions of the group. She had accepted aden’s proposal knowing about these secrets, and she was fine with it. This secret though, this one hurt a little. He knew she wouldn’t care if he had a tattoo. So why hide it from her?

She finished cleaning up the broken mug and spilled tea, and set the bowl on the table before sitting back down on the couch with him. Gently, she took one of his hands in hers, rubbing her thumb across the back of his hand. “Please, Aden. Talk to me?”

Aden

Aden was shaking his head the entire time she spoke. Why wouldn’t she just let it go. He didn’t want to talk about it. It was painful to remember. “It.. It’s marker. I’ll show you. I’ll make it go away.. If I can go to my room I’ll make it go away..”

He didn’t know what to do. He couldn’t tell her how it happened, where it happened. She didn’t need to know he’d had it since he was 16, marked as a traitor at 16. Aden had many secrets and he did his best to not keep any from Jinora anymore, but this was different.

When she made her way back up onto the couch and grabbed his hand, he flinched slightly. “It’s not real..” Aden squeezed her hand. “Please.. I can make it go away..”

Jinora

Returning his squeeze with one of her own, Jinora scooted closer to him. Tilting her head, she tried to get him to look at her.

“Aden,” she said softly. “Aden, please. I’m not mad that you have a tattoo. It’s okay, it doesn’t have to go away. I just… I just want to understand, okay? So can we talk? Please, Aden?”

The repetition of his words and his tone was worrying her. She’d only heard him like this a few times, and every time turned out to be terrible. She couldn’t just walk away though, he was her fiancé. More importantly, he was her friend. She had to help him, and as much as he seemed not to want her help, Jinora felt that he really did need her help, need her.

Aden

He couldn’t look at her. Not now that she saw the mark. He was mad and embarrassed and all the feelings from when the tattoo was forced onto him were coming back. So his eyes closed tightly.

Jinora’s voice sounded so nice though. She always knew what to do. Always knew how to make things better. Maybe Aden should tell her, but.. she would give him that look. The look of pity and regret and no.. She had to know. He had to tell her. They were getting married. She needed to know.

“It.. It’s not a tattoo. Your arrows are tattoos. Mako’s dragon is a tattoo. I don’t have a tattoo” Aden still couldn’t look at her. He was too ashamed. “It’s the mark of a traitor..”

Jinora

Jinora desperately wanted to contradict him on that statement right now, but bit her tongue. She had a feeling that saying anything like that right now would stop Aden from talking, from telling her this. She would have time after to prove him wrong, prove that he wasn’t a traitor. Time to prove that he was just Aden.

So instead she dropped her eyes from his, squeezing his hand again. She curled herself up against his side, leaning her head on his shoulder in a silent display of support. He needed her right now, she though, and she needed him too. So silently they sat, Jinora waiting patiently for him to continue, her thumb still rubbing the top of his hand. Silently telling him that she was still there for him, that she would always be there for him.

Aden

Aden sat in silence for a long while. Relaxing slightly as Jinora leaned against him. Maybe she would understand why he kept it hidden for eight years. Why he couldn’t tell her. She would understand. No.. He couldn’t do this. He couldn’t relive all the pain and fear. Couldn’t tell Jinora about all the pain he went through in that hell. Lying was the only way. Stories of him being dumb and vulnerable.

His whole demeanor changed. More stiff. More cold. Less weakness. “The equalists had just fallen apart and I couldn’t accept everything I had done. Everything I lied about. Everything I did to you. Betraying my family…” He couldn’t thank Kason enough right now. Her training did wonders sometimes. “I was young. I was dumb. I wanted to remind myself everyday of all the people I hurt.” Hopefully Jinora wouldn’t see through his lies, but she was always good at seeing the real Aden.

Jinora

If Jinora hadn’t known Aden and his moods so well, she might have missed the subtle change from him. His words sounded true, and anyone else would probably accept them as the truth, but something about them just rubbed Jinora wrong.

She knew that he had been upset, devastated even, when the equalists had fallen. They had been his family, taught him so much. Jinora didn’t know much about his blood family, but she didn’t think he thought of joining the equalists as betraying them. Maybe he meant betraying the equalists by being a bender himself? That didn’t sound right to her, nor did his admission of feeling guilty over everything he had done. Just last month, they had gotten into a spat about the old days of bending versus non-bending. None of this sounded right, and she had no idea what to do.

“You weren’t dumb,” she started, slowly, unsure of what exactly she wanted to say. Slowly, she reached one hand up behind him, stroking his hair by the tattoo gently, hoping he could feel what she was trying to convey to him.

“You were young, yes, and you were hurting, but you weren’t dumb. I don’t know why you won’t talk to me about this, but I know you’re not telling me the truth. Not all of it, anyways. But know that I’m here for you, okay? I love you, and if you ever need help with anything, anything at all, please, just tell me and trust me. I don’t ever want you to feel alone. We’re going to be married, going to spend the rest of our lives together. I want you to know that you can trust me with your life. Your past, your secrets; everything. I’m always going to be there for you, Aden, even when you won’t trust me,” she finished, letting silence fall between them, even as she continued stroking his hair.

Aden

The silence that hung between them gave Aden the slightest bit of hope that Jinora has believed him. She knew he had regrets of his past, but she also knew that joining the equalists wasn’t one of them. Amon and the equalists fell almost a decade ago and the couple still had arguments about their beliefs. Aden didn’t feel guilty about the things he’d done. He did what he thought he has to in order to survive. Spirits why could be never master making up lies.

“You can’t say I wasn’t dumb. I was an equalist living in Triple Threat Triad territory. I became friends with the 3rd in command’s brother. I was threatened daily and never left until I went to.. went to prison” He flinched slightly when Jinora’s hand touched near the tattoo. She was never going to let this die.

Aden finally opened his eyes. Finally looked at her. “I love you, Jin, and I trust you with everything. But this. I just.. I never wanted you to see it. No one out here has seen it. ”

Jinora

“Then you can’t say I wasn’t dumb either. Look at the family I was born into; I’m certain no one would have guessed I would become best friends with a group of street kids. I got into trouble, even caused some. I fell in love with an equalist. I still love him, and I’m going to marry him, criminal record and all,” Jinora responded, turning her head to press a kiss to his shoulder before looking at him.

“I know you hated prison, I know your time there hurt you, in ways I can’t even imagine. You can’t just leave it in the past, though. It’s a part of your memories, part of you. I know you think that what I believe sounds silly and stupid sometimes, but you need to accept those memories. Not all at once, but maybe start with the tattoo? You can’t hide it forever; one day, you’re going to forget about covering up, just like today.”

Aden

“You’ve never been dumb. You saw a bunch of street kids and instead of treating us like the garbage we slept near, you got to know us. No one would give us the time of day. I don’t want to even imagine where I would be if it wasn’t for you” Aden let out a shaky breath and pulled Jinora up into his lap, wrapping his arms around her.

“I have to leave those memories in the past.. You just. You don’t get it, Jin. I was a kid and I was in prison.” He buried his face against her. “They found I was an equalist. The guards put me with a triad. The triads… They.. I..I couldn’t get away.” His breathing had sped up and his eyes were starting to fill with tears. “They pinned me in my cell, pushed my face into ground.” The tears had started to flow, shaking his head. “Carved that bloody symbol into my head. Marked me as an equalist. Marked me as a traitor.”

Jinora

She let him pull her closer, her hands automatically linking together loosely behind his neck. Feeling more than seeing the change in his breath immediately made Jinora feel terrible for causing him to relive so much pain, but she knew that he would have to deal with it sometime. Better now, with her in the privacy of their new home, than some other time in public, with who knows watching and judging.

Pulling herself closer, bringing his forehead down to rest on her shoulder. Pressing a soft kiss to his hair, she hugged him, stroking his hair and rubbing circles on his back as she murmured in his ear. “I’m sorry, so sorry you had to go through all that. I’m sorry I couldn’t help you, couldn’t get you out of there. But you’re not there anymore, you’re here with me. You’re safe, and none of them can hurt you like that anymore. I’m sorry. You’re okay, you’re okay..” Her voice trailed off, murmuring the words again and again, even as she fought to keep her own tears from falling. He didn’t need to see her crying, not when he had been hurt so much.

“You’re okay, Aden, you’re safe..”

Aden

His body had started to shake again. All the memories of the years he had spent behind bars flooded his mind. The years of freedom he lost. Years of torture he endured. “I made my mistakes. I..I had to live with them. There was nothing you could have done. Mako got under my skin and I got caught. I hurt everyone that day. Ruined everything.”

That time was done. He was free, happy, engaged. Aden had to stop this, had to be strong. Stay strong. He pulled away from Jinora slightly, wiping his eyes and looking at her. “You find friends when you’re hurting. I found someone. I had my protection after I was marked. Protection from the guards, the triads. It wasn’t ideal, but it was better than nothing. I don’t remember most of the attacks. Just the pain. Hok'ee protected me the best he could.” She didn’t need to know who Hok'ee was. Didn’t need to know that when Aden’s eyes glazed that it was just Hok'ee checking in. She had met him more times than Aden could count. Jin didn’t need to know the truth.

“I’m safe with you, but this mark.. No one can find out. No one can see it.”

Jinora

“I would normally say friends in prison aren’t good friends to make, but I’m glad you found this Hok’ee,” Jinora attempted to joke. It sounded pathetic, even to her ears. She let out a sigh, before pulling herself closer for another hug.

“Still, I’m sorry I couldn’t be there for you. And the tattoo, don’t worry about it so much. Cover it if you still want to, but don’t worry if you forget, okay? No one’s going to notice it, no one looks at anyone’s faces on the streets.” She pulled away, enough to kiss his cheek before tucking herself into his arms, head beneath her chin, their arms around each other.

“I’m sorry I made you tell me, but I’m glad I did. I’m always going to be here for you, Aden. I love you.”

Aden

“Finding people is the only way to survive.” Hok'ee’s name had been hidden for so long. Actually saying it calmed both their nerves. “Hok'ee is a life saver”

“It’s hard for you to help me when you all hated my guts.” He gave a small smile, squeezing her tight. Face-dropping again slightly at the mention of the tattoo. “No. It.. It has to stay hidden. I’m not going to be invisible once our wedding hits the papers. If anyone sees it. They’ll… I.. No one can see it. No one needs to know that I was an equalist. ”

The kiss helped him relax. “I love you too” with that. He just held her, humming lightly to himself.

Jinora

“They never have to know that you were an equalist. But you never have to hide it from me. I know you’re not a traitor,” Jinora mumbled into his shirt, eyes closed. She cracked one eye open after a moment, mischief evident in the brown color.

“Even if they do find out, I’d like to see them try and stop me from loving or marrying you. They won’t know what hit them, I can promise you that.”

Aden

Tenzin

Tenzin couldn’t help but to smile - his eldest daughter was getting married. He couldn’t be happier, especially since the groom had his upmost approval. Tenzin genuinely loved Kai like a son, and now he was about to be his son-in-law. It was right before the ceremony, and he was looking for Jinora to see how she was doing. If this was anything like when he and Pema got married, he knew that she would be freaking out by now. They had roughly an hour before the ceremony.

Walking through the corridors of the ceremony hall, Tenzin walked towards where all the girls were preparing. Since he didn’t have much to prep (just his clothes), it didn’t take him long to get ready. He was excited to see what Jinora would be wearing. Jinora wanted to keep it a secret, only Pema knew, so the chances of Kai finding out were low.

Eventually, Tenzin approached the room that the ladies were in, and knocked loudly on the door. He didn’t want to enter if somebody wasn’t decent.

Jinora

There was the sound of movement, what may have been someone knocking something to the floor, before Ikki opened the door a crack. Seeing it was their father, she opened the door further, motioning for him to come in.

“Mom went to check on the boys and make sure they weren’t causing trouble. Jinora is.. Well, Jinora’s kinda freaking out, I think. She locked herself in the bathroom,” She explained softly, closing the door and moving to another door on the other side of the room and knocking gently.

“Jinora? Dad’s here, won’t you please open the door already?”

Tenzin

“Jinora, honey. Do you mind opening the door so I can talk to you?”

Honestly, if Jinora wasn’t freaking out, then Tenzin would’ve known that something was even more wrong. It was almost a relief that she was hiding away. This brought him back to his own wedding. His father told Tenzin before he passed away that Katara had to give Pema a similar talk.

However, he needed to talk her out of it soon if she wanted to have time to actually prepare to look as decent as she probably wanted. Tenzin didn’t know much about make up or anything like that, but if anything, he knew it takes a long time to do.

Jinora

There was a long moment before the lock disengaged. Ikki, recognizing the opportunity, quickly excused herself and left the room, off to help Pema and the boys, leaving father and eldest daughter alone.

Inside the bathroom, Jinora plopped herself down on the edge of the tub, keeping her eyes on her hands instead of her father. She was wringing them together, one thumb repeatedly rubbing over the tattoo on her other hand, a clear sign she was very worried about something. She was in her dress, and her hair was styled sans the hair ornaments, and she had done just enough of her makeup for it to be clear that she’d been crying.

“Dad, am I making a mistake?” She asked quietly after another long moment.

Tenzin

Tenzin got down on one knee and brushed a stray hair away from his daughter’s face, wiping away a single tear that falling from her eyes. “I don’t think so. I wouldn’t have approved of Kai if I thought it was a mistake.” He smiled warmly at her.

“Your mother actually had a similar situation on our wedding day.” He chuckled, “Your Gran-Gran had to give her a talk of inspiration. I guess it’s my turn to do that for you.”

“Jinora, you and Kai have a beautiful relationship. You love him very much, and I can tell that you mean everything to him. This is your time to show everyone how much you truly love him. This is a celebration of your love for each other, and you’ll look back on this day as the best of your life.”

Jinora

“I do love him,” Jinora replied, finally looking at her father and managing a smile. “There’s no doubt in my heart that I love Kai, or that he loves me. He’s my best friend, I couldn’t be happier.” Her eyes dropped again, and she rubbed at her tattoo harder.

“But.. Am I making a mistake, getting married now? We’re not teenagers anymore, but we’re still young. Our entire lives ahead of us. I’m a master airbender, granddaughter of Avatar Aang, and good friends with avatar Korra. I’ve got a duty to the world, no matter how small in comparison. Should I be focusing on my duties more than I focus on my personal life?”

Tenzin

“It’s okay to focus on yourself, Jinora.” Tenzin tried wiping away some of the smeared make up. “This is your time to be yourself. Yes, you have a broad future ahead of yourself, but now you’ll have your best friend at your side.” Tenzin rested his hands on her shoulders.

“I know you can do this; and I know that you’re making the right choice. You’re able to spend the rest of your life with the man that you love.” He smiled at her, “You both can figure out your duties together now.”

Jinora

“Is it okay, though?” Jinora asked, her words coming faster as her thoughts flew. “I mean, is it really okay to focus on myself? There’s so many things in the world that need doing, so many people that need so much more than I. As an airbender, a master, it’s my duty to help them. Service and sacrifice, right?”

She stood abruptly, still wringing her hands. She made to move for the door, still talking quickly. “I need to stop this, we need to tell Chief Beifong that the wedding’s cancelled, this isn’t right.”

Tenzin

“Jinora!” Tenzin reached for her arm, stopping her, “I think it’ll be a mistake for you to cancel it.” He took a deep breath, “I promise that you aren’t making a mistake by marrying Kai. Now is the right time. You both are young and can explore the world together. Trust me, it’s easier with a partner by your side.”

“There would’ve been multiple times that I would’ve failed without your mother next to me.” He pulled her into a hug, “You can do everything you need to do as a master Airbender, and a wife, and maybe in the future, also as a mother. If your grandmother could do it, if your mother could do it, you can do it.”

Jinora

“It’s so much, though,” Jinora responded quietly, trying very hard to keep her voice from shaking. Her mind was so jumbled, she had no idea what to think, she almost wanted it all to just stop. Her hands clenched tightly into fists in hopes they wouldn’t start shaking as well.

“What if I’m not strong enough? What if I’m not good enough? What if I can’t divide my time well enough, and be where I need to be at the right time? GranGran survived an entire war before she married Grandfather, she always knew what she needed to be doing. Mom.. is Mom, she’s just amazing, she survived a war while pregnant and raising three young kids, and me? I’m just some dumb kid who had enough luck to become a master. I haven’t done anything, to help make a difference or better the world, I’m just… What if I can’t do it?” She ranted, words coming quick, slowing as she neared the end, her voice breaking under the mental pressure.

Seemingly seconds away from tears again, Jinora tugged her arm to try and break from her father’s hold. “I need to tell the Chief, tell Kai, I can’t do it, I’m not ready, not right..”

Tenzin

Tenzin shook his head, “Jinora, I wouldn’t have let you become a master at such a young age if I didn’t think you were ready. You are one of the strongest people I know.” He gave a confident smile, “Honestly, being your father has been one of the best blessings of my life, and I am so glad you’re marrying someone as great as Kai.”

“As for your grandmother surving a war with your grandfather, you and Kai have survived multiple conflicts as well. You survived through both the Red Lotus and Kuvira. I think that’s pretty outstanding. Not only that, but you’ll survive through other conflicts as well.”

Tenzin inhaled deeply. He was running out of things to say, and hoped that his words worked this time. He knew that deep down in his heart that this was the perfect time for Jinora to get married.

“Besides, marriage doesn’t change your life as much as you think it does. Sure, the symbolism is amazing, but your day to day life will essentially stay the same; you’ll just have an extra person with you to make it easier and better. While it’s a slight change, it’s a change for the better.” He chuckled, “You’ll be grateful to have Kai by your side, especially when things do get rough.”

Jinora

As he spoke, Jinora had calmed down some, and had situated herself in a hug with her father. She clutched the back of his robes tightly, something she hadn’t done since she was very young and scared. A few deep breaths stopped her tears and for several long moments she stood there, simply soaking up the offered strength.

Slowly, she nodded, speaking as she pulled away to look in the mirror. “You’re right. I can do this,” she said firmly, wiping away the messy makeup with a hand, giving herself a strong look in the mirror. “I can do this. I’m not a kid anymore. I might stumble through life, but I know I’ll always have someone to count on if I ever need help. I can do this.”

Another deep breath, as if to cement her words, and she reached for a makeup item. Her fingers paused before touching it, and she drew back just an inch. She suddenly felt like a little girl again, playing dress up with Ikki. Looking up into the mirror again, she said something she hadn’t since she was probably six years old.

“Daddy.. Will you promise me something?”

Tenzin

Tenzin held Jinora close, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. “You’re right, Jinora. You CAN do this.” He was relieved that he was able to convince Jinora that she was making the right decision, “You’re so strong and brave. I believe in you. And I’ll be right there for you during the ceremony. I promise you’ll feel better after it’s done.”

In all honesty, Tenzin was excited that the ceremony was back on. Most fathers will admit to dreading this day, marrying their daughters off, but he couldn’t wait. His little girl is grown up, and he’s excited to see where life will take her. He wants to see how much more she will continue to grow.

As she asked her question, Tenzin couldn’t help but feel his heart melt. Jinora hadn’t called him Daddy since she was a small child.

“What is it, sweetie?” He would capture the moon if that’s what she truly wanted. He’d be willing to do anything for his children, especially in their time of need like this. He would support her no matter what.

Jinora

The young bride bit her lip, nervous for a second. It was gone as quick as it had come, replaced with a small smile, as if she had a special secret to keep.

It was a simple request, but meant so much. Something she instinctively knew, but wanted to hear anyways, if only for the chance to commit it to memory and to always hold it.

“Don’t let me fall.”

Tenzin

Tenzin couldn’t help but to chuckle at her request. It was a simple enough question in theory, but it held so much deep meaning. He placed a gentle kiss on Jinora’s forehead.

“I’ll never let you fall.” He said with a strong tone.

Walked Jinora back over to the make up table just as Pema was getting back from checking on the guys’ side. “Now, I think you should work on your make up. We have 45 minutes until the ceremony. We can’t have a bride that looks like she just cried, now can we?”

Aden

Well over a decade had passed since the unlikely pairing had taken the next step and wed. The years had brought the couple two children even with Aden’s fear of passing on his ‘curse’. Everything seemed to be going well, but as the children grew and eventually went off to school, Aden’s worries grew.

The children would bring home Republic City history books and homework that included lies about the ‘terrorist’ group that attacked the benders of the city. Years of keeping his past a secret was starting to wear the former equalist down. No one, but his loving wife, knew the truth of Aden’s past. Of how his parents died, of his few years in the Threats, and especially not of his time as an equalist. Everyone had to learn the truth. Jinora’s parents, their friends, their kids.

One night after a trying day at the docks and an afternoon of helping the children with their homework, Aden spoke up. “I can’t handle this anymore, Jin. I can’t keep lying to everyone.”

Jinora

“So stop lying and tell them that you still hug the kids each and every morning. No one will think that’s a bad thing, they’ll think ‘oh, such a good dad,’ which you are,” Jinora responded tiredly without looking at him. Instead her attention was on the basket of clothes by her feet, which she was steadily folding and sorting into piles. She had meant to get to them earlier, but the day’s events hadn’t allowed it until she and her husband managed to get the kids to bed.

The couple’s lives had always been hectic it seemed, and being married with kids was no different. It made her wonder just how her mother and father managed four kids during everything that had happened. She always made a note when she thought of it to tell her parents she loved them and was thankful for them and all their help. Having someone who loved the kids and loved to watch them was always nice when she and Aden needed some down time.

Today hadn’t been one of those days. The entire day had been hectic and busy, both at home and work, and she was glad to just sit and do something mundane without serious thought for a few minutes. When she realized he hadn’t responded to her words, she looked up at him, brow furrowing slightly.

“You’re not talking about morning hugs , are you?”

Aden

His wonderful wife was so busy with her own work that she really didn’t know what he was talking about. Most afternoons it was Aden’s job to make sure homework got done while she finished whatever air duties she was tasked with. As Jinora spoke he responded with a shake of his head. “My boss knows I have to help with the kids in the morning, that’s not a problem anymore.”

Grabbing the extra basket, he started placing the folded clothes that were to be taken up to the couples bedroom inside. Jinora was in her own mind right now, she looked exhausted. He leaned down to kiss the top of her head while she finished folding the clothes.

Maybe now wasn’t the best time to start this conversation. They could talk when she wasn’t so out of it. “No. It’s not the morning hugs. Just when you have some free time, look at Navid’s latest lesson.”

Jinora

Jinora paused in her folding, giving her husband a curious look. “Navid’s lessons? What about them?” she asked, folding the shirt before pausing completely. She leaned back into the couch, looking at him carefully.

“Aden, talk to me. I probably won’t get to look at his homework tomorrow morning, and I’d like to avoid talking to his teacher. The man doesn’t know his gurus from his Water Tribe leaders,” she muttered offhandedly before putting the shirt in the basket. She covered one of his hands with her own, tangling her fingers with his.

“What’s the deal with the lessons, honey?”

Aden

As Jinora wrapped their hands together, he brought them up to kiss the back of her hand. “It’s not Navid or the teacher.” He sighed. This stuff should not bother him. Amon and the Revelation fell over 20 years ago, and he still couldn’t help but feel something when his old cause was brought up. Especially when everything he had read earlier in the day was completely false.

“They’ve started looking into a little more recent history. They’re going to start getting into Avatar Korra’s arrival to the city. You remember what was happening then..” He looked up at Jinora, face showing the slightest bit of sadness.

“I don’t want to lie to everyone anymore.”

Jinora

Automatically Jinora moved closer to him, her free hand reaching out to touch his cheek as she leaned in to kiss him. She pulled away after a moment, squeezing his hand as she looked at him seriously.

“So don’t,” she said simply. “Don’t lie about this. I know, and I love you. We can tell the kids, and they’ll both love you. Navid will think you’re the toughest, coolest dad ever and Sesi will think you’re even more amazing than before. We’re not going anywhere, and no one can make us leave you. You don’t have to keep the truth a secret anymore.”

Aden

Aden can’t say he wasn’t a bit shocked by the kiss. As Jinora broke it though, he pulled her up onto his lap and returned the kiss. The former street rat was definitely blessed with such an understanding wife, but it didn’t help with his worries.

“You didn’t read the stuff he brought home. It’s all lies. Everything was so exaggerated. And what about your parents? Sesi and Navid are with them so often. And the people at school and they’re gonna learn about what w- what the equalists tried to do to you. Your family.”

He closed his eyes for a second. “I’m scared, Jin”

Jinora

She settled in his arms, cuddling to him as she thought. Admittedly they had never really planned something like this happening, or discussed it much. Telling her parents about the past had always been something they’d disagreed about on some level, but these were their children. They couldn’t be arguing about what to tell their kids.

“No need to be scared,” Jinora muttered, lifting their joined hands to kiss the back of his hand. “The kids will still love you and my parents.. they’ll understand, they’ll be okay. I can talk to the teacher and tell him I don’t want him teaching Navid about the movement, tell him I’ll take care of Navid’s history lessons. I can teach Sesi history when her class gets there as well.”

“We can do this, Aden. We can be us, we can be honest, and it’ll all be okay. No need for fear.”

Aden

This is something Aden should have been able to leave in the past. The movement was dead and he had nothing to do with it or his former allies anymore. He was happy. Finally actually happy but for some reason he still felt attached to the dead cause. Maybe he should have listened to Jinora all those years ago and told her family. Everything would be so much easier.

“I can’t ask you to do that just because I’m sensitive of my mistakes. You’re far too busy to be adding history lessons to your plate.” He sighed laying his chin against her. “How to you know your parents will understand… That they’ll be okay knowing that their eldest daughter became friends with and married an equalist”

“I hope you know what you’re doing, love, cause I sure don’t.”

Jinora

“I know they’ll be okay because you’re family to them now,” she said confidently, lightly shaking their hands, as if in triumph. “You’re not just some guy who married their daughter, you’re their son-in-law, a third son. Father of two of their grandkids, you are family. Family makes mistakes, it happens, but there’s forgiveness for everyone. Family, friends, rude neighbors, mean shoppers, thieves, equalists; everyone is deserving of forgiveness, and you’ve had it for such a long time, even if you didn’t know it.”

Jinora shifted in his arms again, making it so she could comfortably rest her head on his shoulder. “I don’t know what I’m doing wither, but I know we’re doing it together. Marriage is a team, and you’re my partner- I’d bet on us in a parenting competition against the other parents from school.”

Aden

Aden stayed quiet for a few minutes as Jinora spoke. She was right. He had long since become a member of the airbending family. Everyone treated him so nice and even Tenzin didn’t act like he was just someone who took his daughter away. The news would probably come as a shock, but they would understand. Jinora was always right.

Squeezing her hand, Aden finally spoke. “After a life of mistakes, I don’t know how I got so lucky with you. You’re just.. You always know what to do and say.” As Jinora adjusted, Aden released her hand so that he could wrap his arms around her with a little laugh. “You’re weird sometimes, Jin”

“And I know that you’re right.. But I’ve kept this hidden from them for so long. I can’t help but be a little scared.”

Jinora

“Not always,” Jinora responded, stifling a yawn. “I’ve made plenty of mistakes, said and done the wrong things; Ikki and Meelo will attest to that. And you love my weirdness.”

“I’m a little scared too, but I’ve got you. I know we’ll make it through it all together. We always have, remember?”

Aden

“Seems like you always do and Ikki and Meelo just love proving you wrong.” Aden kissed her cheek. “We somehow keep making it through to the other side. Don’t know how we keep doing it.”

“I do love your weirdness. Now why don’t you head up to bed? I’ll finish folding the laundry and we’ll figure out how to bring up this topic tomorrow.”

Jinora

“I’m the lucky one,” Jinora muttered with a grin. “Two great kids and a loving husband that sends me to bed so he can finish the laundry; how did I get that lucky, hm?”

She let out a light chuckle before moving so she was next to Aden instead of in his lap, pressing a kiss to his cheek as she did so. She then leaned forward to grab another shirt and folded it. “Team effort, honey. Team effort.”

Aden

A smile crossed Aden’s face. “You gave a street rat, who would do anything to make the ones he loves happy, a chance. Your kindness is how you got lucky.”

Aden sat back up as Jinora moved off his lap. Returning the kiss as she folded a shirt. Once the shirt was set down, Aden stood up in order to pick Jinora up. “You are not folding any more clothes. I am taking you upstairs to bed and I’m going to finish these.”

Jinora

“Aden!” Jinora laughed, wrapping her arms around his neck as he picked her up. “Aden, put me down. You lift heavy things at the docks all day, no reason you should be picking me up at home,” she argued, even as she lifted her feet so she didn’t knock a vase of flowers down as Aden walked past it.

She let out an exaggerated sigh as he started up the steps, making sure her legs were tucked down to avoid scraping against the wall. “You should come to bed with me; laundry can wait until tomorrow.”

Aden

“Shhhh Jin. You’re gonna wake the kids and I don’t want to have to tell Sesi another story.” Aden stated in a hushed voice. “Exactly. I lift heavy crates at work. You’re far from heavy, love. Plus you deserve a little spoiling sometimes.”

“Do you really want it to wait until tomorrow?” He asked as he carefully set Jinora down on the bed. “I can go down and finish it so we don’t have to worry about it.”

Jinora

“Stay- you get up early for work too, you need sleep more than I do,” Jinora responded, refusing to unlock her arms from around his neck.

“Laundry can wait. It never goes away, and Navid would probably knock the basket over in the morning anyways and I’d refold it all tomorrow. Stay, sleep.”

Aden

“Everyone in this house wakes up early. I do not need more sleep than anyone else. You deal with all the air acolytes from all the different temples daily. Along with training and household stuff. You’re always so busy.” Aden kissed her head with a smile.

“You will not. I’ll fold it. I told you that I would so I will in the morning.” He shifted slightly so that he was laying next to her. “Okay? Now you sleep. I won’t go anywhere.”

Jinora

“You lift heavy crates all day, said so yourself. You need rest and relaxation at home, not carrying your wife and staying up to finish folding clothes,” she muttered, rolling onto her side and snuggling up to him.

“Hey,” she mumbled after a few minutes of silence, her voice sleepy. “We can make the kids fold the clothes. Try to fold, anyways. They can sort at least.”

Aden

“I don’t need rest and relaxation. I’m perfectly fine. Plus I enjoy carrying my beautiful wife and helping her with stuff around the house.” He waited until she got herself comfortable before wrapping his arms around her.

“I think that’ll end up being more trouble than it’s worth” he stated with a yawn. “Now sleep. You sound exhausted”

Jinora

“Worth a try,” she chuckled. It felt like a perfect golden moment, both of them sleepy and in each other’s arms. A perfect shining moment to be added to their growing collection, and despite all the dark and scary moments, Jinora wouldn’t have traded any of them in. They simply added to the happy times in their life, partnership, marriage. It was simply them, and it was perfect.

Rohan

He walked outside to see Jinora reading and took the book before leaping into the tree. he read a page out loud of a heart filled story of two lovers in a cave. he stopped as he then read on and set down on the branch seeing as it was a really good story. “Wow ,you always get the best books why don’t you read them to us anymore?” he said handing her back the book with a frown.

Jinora

Jinora rolled her eyes, smiling as her youngest brother snatched her book before settling in the tree. She sat quietly beneath the tree, knowing he’d hand it back eventually. “You know why. Ikki hates being silent for so long, and Meelo can’t stay still for so long. Plus, we all got really busy with our studies, so reading time was cut. Glad you like my selections though. How was your meditation, Rohan?” She responded, chuckling as she explained. She took her book back, noting the page before closing it and looking up.

Rohan

He got down and smiled to her “Jinora, your stories about grandfather are one of the reasons why I try so hard. I want to be one of the best if not then THE BEST air bender ever” he said raising his hands but serious about every word “I train harder I study harder and father still wont let me get my arrows even though I am a master already he says my attitude is bad and not the image a airbender should carry. I just dont have patience for stupidity is that such a bad thing” he said venting

Jinora

“We’re all the best, Rohan. Not too many to compete for the title, really,” she said, looking down at her book for a second, regretting bringing the mood even lower. Pushing those thoughts away, she looked at him, pondering his words. “It’s not a bad thing, but it is very helpful. Some people need more time to learn something, that doesn’t make them stupid. Not everyone can be prodigies, you know,” she said, nudging him and giving a smile. “And Father has a reason for not permitting you to get your tattoos. Patience is a necessary thing, for so many reasons. Perhaps you’re trying too hard for your tattoos and that’s why Father won’t allow it.” It was certainly a possible reasoning their father was using. It made sense to Jinora, though she couldn’t be certain. She had never been as much of a hothead as Rohan, though she had never had to fight for her tattoos either.

Rohan

He frowned as he listened to his sister “but If I do not train hard then how will I ever get anywhere I mean …ehh forget it I knew you wouldn’t understand” he said with a huff blowing the hair from his face.

Jinora

Her smile faltered at this. At ten years apart, there was no doubt they were different in many ways, but they were siblings. She had to earn her tattoos as well, though she didn’t have to fight for them like Rohan was doing. Still, she had earned her tattoos, and it was essentially her job to teach and advise.

“I may not understand immediately, but I am trying. I want you to get your tattoos, you’re incredibly talented, Rohan. But you have to think like Father as well, to understand why he won’t let you have them.” She paused for a second, carefully selecting her next words.

“Everyone knows that you are continuing to train and study as hard as you can. But by working so hard, you could easily be overlooking the solution. Take Meelo’s favorite advice, and be like the leaf.”

She smiled at the thought of her loud and hyperactive brother. He would always say “be the leaf” whenever something wasn’t working. His favorite advice, ever since he was little and Jinora had told him those very words herself. Bringing herself back to the present, she slung an arm around Rohan’s shoulders.

“Your current method to earn your arrows isn’t working, so find a new method. Find the path of least resistance, and earn your arrows. Be the leaf, Rohan.”

Rohan

He listened before hearing her words as his voice then hit a very high tone as he tried to get his words out

“WHAT!!!!..you have to….are you serious…OH-MY-DEAR-FU…….I mean spirits!”

He began to bang his head on the tree as that was what his mother said and his father and other sibling it was so easy for them. he cursed under his breath as he then stopped beating his head sitting down as he now had a headache and rubbed his head

“Gee thanks a lot”

he said as he laid back being he was dizzy now and closed his eyes trying to calm down. he brought his hands to his face actually wanting to cry he was so frustrated and even let a tear fall as he remained silent laying in the warm grass. He was known for his temper tantrums and many times it would amuse his mother but this one was because he didn’t know how else to react.

Jinora

Jinora quickly retracted her arm, surprised at Rohan’s reaction. Obviously that was not the advice he was seeking, and she could guess why. She frowned as he made to curse, and proceeded to bang his head against the tree. She stayed silent as he muttered to himself, waiting for him to calm down some.

She shifted closer to him, giving him a moment’s peace before speaking. “Guess you got the same advice from the others,” she said softly. Searching her mind, she thought for another way to help him. He really was talented, and Jinora wanted her brother to have his markings, he was so talented.

“It’s not bad advice, though. You just have to replace the variables. You are the leaf, and Dad’s the spinning gates. You don’t force yourself against the gates, you go around them with their guidance,” she said, reaching a hand out to smooth his hair. “Do you want to know what I would do, if I were in your position?”

Rohan

He grumbled as she spoke. his eyes shifting back to her before he stood and plucked her robes.

“Well yea, you can speak as if it is so easy sister you have your arrows”

He spoke thumping her on the head as he turned to walk away with his hands in the air as he was very angry right now before listening to the rest of her words and flipping onto his hands walking a bit then hooking his feet over a branch and hanging up-side-down glaring at her.

He knew he shouldn’t be upset with Jinora and sighed as she said her last bit.

“Well father is the spinning gates that wont spin no matter how hard i push it with air so there is no point. Fact is, I am not good enough I could out do Aang with airbending and I will still not BE GOOD ENOUGH FOR SIFU”

he said before flipping down approaching her

“What would you do Jinora. Please tell me would you stop your entire personality and change everything that you are do get by orrrr even better would you become buddy buddy with a man who thinks you are a failure? because that’s how I feel Father looks at me. Intrigue me sister exactly what would you do.”

he said inches from her with a frown a he then took a breath

“I am sorry Jinora you don’t deserve my anger it isn’t even suppose to be directed at you , your just trying to help me”

Jinora

She shook her head, shaking off his apology. “It’s fine, I know you’re frustrated by all this. And don’t forget that I did earn my tattoos. I didn’t have the same problems you face now, but I had some too. So did Ikki and Meelo when they earned theirs, and so did Dad. Yours just happen to be the most prominent because you’ve got the most talent, Rohan.”

She flashed him a quick smile before shifting her position a bit and giving him a moment. As she settled against the tree again, she thought of a way to continue the analogy they had picked up to explain her thoughts and suggestions.

“You’re right that Dad is the spinning gates, but you’re wrong when you say that they aren’t spinning with the air you send at them. The gates are already spinning, so you don’t have to send anymore at them. You just have to make your way through them now. Focus your energy, clear your mind, and make your way through the gates. Anger, determination, and force won’t get you through, but will only hinder your progress.”

She paused, looking at Rohan, searching his eyes for some sign that he had understood what she was trying to say. She didn’t want to hand him the answer, but for him to find the answer himself. “Do you understand what I’m trying to say, Rohan?”

Rohan

Rohan frowned as he laid back down on the grass and thought about their words. he held his quick tongue and finally set up Gazing to Jinora before standing and hugging her speaking now only in a soft voice.

“Sister I am going to go take a nap its exhausting being angry”

he said before walking away being he really intended to meditate but did not say it to her for now she should know his words. Since he was young he would when angry call it napping as he only did it so not to do something stupid or irrational.

Rohan walked down the halls and pushed the door open seeing his father having fallen asleep once more at his desk and giving a sigh before walking in and moving the paper pin away from him so if he shifted he wouldn’t hurt himself and gripping the quilted blanket Pema had made and throwing it over him.

“Thank you Pema”

he heard his father mumble still sleep causing the boy to sigh but it also brought a smile to his face for it proved he held the same heart as his mother and the same caring soul and spirit.

Rohan turned and shut the office door walking past Ikki’s room placing a finger to his lips telling her and Meelo to be silent for reasoning they understood. Rohan only interfered with them in their own space when it was crucial for the cause for Rohan’s attention.

Rohan made his way to his own room and set down closing his eyes and with ease he entered a state of peace but somehow had managed to have actually exhausted himself and fell back against the floor sleeping. his chest rose and fell slowly as he slept peacefully under the soft breeze coming in through the window he never shut even during the storms. he preferred to be able to hear the wind.

Jinora

Jinora nodded, accepting Rohan’s hug and patting his back lightly. “Don’t stress too much about this, Rohan. You’ll get your tattoos, I’m sure of it. Rest well,” she said, a small and knowing smile on her face.

She watched him leave, heading towards the family’s quarters for his “nap”, and thought of his youth. There had been obvious problems and issues, more than she had ever had, but she could follow his thoughts well enough to know that he would figure everything out eventually. He was smart like that, and a prodigy. He’d figure it all out.

Aang

Korra had long since been granted access to the avatar state. she was studying the tactics of air bending. His gaze stayed upon her as he sat in front of her she had crossed over into the spirit world speaking to aang about some troubles she was having with air bending  he stood and smiled “air is not a easy element because like the rest it is not formed meaning simply this korra air is around you free you can guide it never control it you can push currents with your energy and then follow accordingly  many consider air to be the weaker of elements but is it truly? air is freedom peace and harmony for it holds no restrictions no boundaries so try this.” he smiled as he made a air ball and let it dissipate  “korra watch the currents of air to do this you must learn the basics so watch closely as i form the airball” he spoke before waving a hand over his head his other in front of him as air pulled and formed in front of him swirling and he then held it out with a smile. korras body still sat there as she spoke to him in spirit state. it was then a small girl ran past and he studied her loosing track of what he was saying watching the child. he gazed at the black hair placed neatly and her air bender robes traditional.

He could not help but smile as he then lost track the airball then ignored as it dispersed as his eyes followed her. he turned to face the direction before he hung his head feelings of pain crossed his features as a tug was felt at his head and he spoke in a low voice. “I didnt get to hold my grandchildren” he turned to face korra

He thought for a second his features lightening up and in a flash he had korra by her shoulders. “do you trust me korra” he asked earning a nod from korra who held a expression of silent thoughts of smacking him for startling her so. “if you allow me to surface in your body i can hold my grandchildren and hear their tales” he smiled excited “listen” he released her and cleared his trough and shook the wrinkles out of his robes “avatar roku showed me this when i was younger” he said being serious and gazing back to where she had ran “I wish to hold my grandchild I wish to hold my son for a second i wish to visit katara as she sleeps and run my finger along her jaw and tell her its ok ” he said fighting a tear that wished to fall “but only if you desire korra thought we are all connected it is your life and body” he hung his head as she placed a hand on his shoulder “avatar aang you can use me” he smiled as he   placed a closed fist into the palm of his hand and gave a light bow “thank you korra i shall never forget this” he spoke in a silent tone. she then pulled his essence back into there leaving the spirit world and it was then aang took over and stood there gazing upon his hand. “Thank you” he mumbled heading to go find the grandchildren and tenzin he would visit katara later so not to startle her.

Jinora

Jinora was perched about halfway up a tree, a book in hand when Ikki came racing past. Spirits would only know what had her sister running with such energy. Of course, Ikki always had energy, though perhaps she had made up some new game to entertain herself while Meelo slept and their mother was busy.

She shrugged, settling back into position against the tree trunk. She was quite happy with finding such a good reading spot. Easily reachable with bending, it gave her enough privacy and silence for her reading and personal thoughts, while at the same time leaving her visible enough for her mother to look out the window and see that she was fine.

Comfortable once again, Jinora shook thoughts of her family away before returning to her book. Her recent selections had been of her grandfather’s journals, which he had begun writing not long after the Hundred Year War had ended. His earliest ones all seemed to be of his past and the culture of the Air Nomads. Probably his efforts to capture the long forgotten culture so that the basis would be there for the new Air Nomads. For her and her siblings, she realized. Much of what she was reading sounded very interesting and somewhat familiar, as if she had been doing the same things. Which, technically, she supposed she had. Grandfather Aang had taught her father, and now he was teaching his children, and even the acolytes.

She smiled, looking at the book. She, her siblings, and her father were her grandfather’s legacy in a sense. Of course, Korra was his literal legacy, in regards to being the Avatar, but in a familial and cultural sense? The legacy belonged to her family. They were charged with bringing the Air Nomad culture back to the world, protecting it from all evils.

Looking up, glancing in the direction of Avatar Aang’s statue, she made a silent promise. She would do her best, earn her tattoos as soon as possible, to make her grandfather proud. Idly, she wished she could have met him, learned from him, but that was not a thought to ponder now. Not when she had so much more learning to do.

Aang

He was called twinkletoes by toph for a reason he would not be heard if he did not wish to. with a small blast of air he landed behind her and placed a arm around her and a hand over her mouth pulling her off the perch in the tree. He knew she would freak out so he quickly calmed her by turning her to face him and placing a finger to his lips “suuuush relax grandchild its me aang korra helped me to get here its a avatar thing. just trust me and calm down” he said with a smile to her tilting his head so proud to see her “I never got to hold any of you so i wanted to at least meet you and I want you to know I am so proud of you” he brushed her hair back with a caring smile to her.

Jinora

As soon as she had been released, Jinora distanced herself from the man. Settling in a defensive pose, she stared at him. He looked very similar to her dad, and hearing his words made her rethink. Could it really be her grandfather? She didn’t know much (at the moment) about the spiritual abilities of the Avatar, but a single past Avatar taking control of the current Avatar’s body was something she was sure didn’t happen often. Usually, it was all the past Avatars or just the current Avatar.

She relaxed, just barely, still staring. He wore air nomad clothes, and had his masters tattoo. Maybe it really was him. Still, she was too smart to trust complete strangers. “Can you prove that you are Avatar Aang?”

Aang

He simply laughed at how she held the airbending pose ready to attack him if he posed a threat. he shook his head reaching out to her gripping her left arm pulling her hand so it extended further “now you can get more air when you do need it quicker also it creates a availability for you to move from one stance to another should you have to react quickly as well” he added with a casual smile to her. he then studied her entire form impressed at her age she was doing amazingly well. His eyes softened to the book she was reading and he picked it up with a smile “hummmm they write interesting books about our travels and trials i wonder if they tell all of the truth in here” he asked outloud handing it to her not fazed by her in defense at all “No I can not prove I am avatar aang because I am Grandfather Aang” he smiled placing a hand on her shoulder knowing she would understand that even though he was the avatar he was and always would be a airbender first.

He then placed a finger to his chin and thought for a second before picking up a few pebble and in a instant he held out his hand using airbending to move them around in perfect form in the palm of his hand “is that good enough or do you wish to see something else” he asked before stopping and letting a all but one of the pebbles fall to the ground before he then wrote her name into it using earthbending to carve it in a few seconds and handing it to her sitting down in front of her “so tell me about yourself Jinora” he said still laid back about the entire situation.

Jinora

She stared at him for a moment longer before relaxing her pose. It certainly seemed as if he was who he said he was. That airbending pebble trick was a classic of his, something she had read in his own journals and been told by her own father. She accepted the pebble, staring at her name for a few seconds before slowing sitting down before him. Turning the pebble over in her hands, she thought of what to say.

“Well, I’m ten. I have a younger sister and two younger brothers. I live with them and my parents here on Air Temple Island. I have my own glider staff. and I love reading.” She looked at him, as if to make sure this was the kind of stuff he was asking. Granted, she could probably do better, but she thought she was doing just fine for meeting her dead grandfather for the first time.

Aang

he smiled to her as she spoke and even held a urge to pick her up but didnt really make too many moves “lets go to the fields so that i wont be seen so easily” he said with a smirk as he heard about her reading ”then tell me what you are reading” he said with a smile placing a hand on her back.

He laughed hearing about her glider “That is wonderful I am proud that you and your siblings are airbenders it gives hope to my well our people who were wiped out a long time ago” he said simply as he studied her clothing and it warmed her heart that his son had taken each lesson to heart. “how are you airbending lessons?” he asked casually wondering what she would tell him about them. His grey eyes studying her and the temple that was behind them.

Jinora

She paused for a second before nodding. “Okay. There’s a lot of area and trees behind the airball court we can go,” She said, just before mentally hitting herself in the head. Grandfather would know that, he BUILT the island; he doesn’t need her telling him where stuff is! Doing her best to recover from her brief moment of stupidity, she stood, scooping her book up and closing it before she began to walk towards the court. Her mother wouldn’t be too worried if she didn’t see Jinora. She was smart, and wouldn’t get lost.

“My book?” She flushed slightly at this. She internally debated lying, telling him it was some recent story that had been written, but she didn’t even try. He was her grandfather, and the Avatar, not really someone you should ever lie to. “It’s actually a copy of one of your journals. The one about the history of the Air Nomads, what you learned from your studies.” She refused to look at him, instead choosing to keep looking forward as they made their way to the airball court, giving herself a little mental pep talk. So what if she liked reading about history? It was interesting!

They were close to the court now, Jinora could just see it in the distance. Hearing that he was proud, and his questions on her lessons made her smile. Glad to know that her dad wasn’t letting his dad down. “I like my lessons. They’re interesting, and it’s fun learning new ways to apply my bending. It makes me feel alive, in a way. Ikki and Meelo like them a lot too. Well, when we’re actually learning or trying something. They don’t like meditation very much. Ikki hates being quite, and Meelo doesn’t like being still for so long. It makes him fall asleep. I like it though- gives me time to sort my thoughts and really think, you know?” She said, finally looking at him as they arrived at the courts. Behind the court ther was a bunch of trees, good cover for hide and seek, though part of it did lead to the edge of the island. Still, a great area to hide.

Aang

Aang listened to her and beamed with pride as he head her tell him of her lessons “meditating can be quite hard it came easy for me but for some who are as active as Ikki and Meelo it would be difficult I am sure.”My journals hummm, interesting, O suppose it is good you desire to study and learn it gives me hope for my people you have no idea how your words bring joy to me even after my demise” he said with a soft smile sitting down in the area she had led him to. “lets start with relaxing ourselves this was quite a stirring event my being here that is so if we relax ourselves we can calm our minds and open them to the things that have and are going to happen” he said softly feeling as if he was teaching his son all over again “you remind me of your father, he was very humbled to the lessons and teachings of a airbender as well”

Jinora

Her smile widened upon hearing how he was proud and happy he was with the lessons she and her siblings had with their father. She paused when he sat though. Did he intend to to meditate with her, to instruct her as he had with her father? Her chest swelled with emotions she couldn’t identify, but felt a bit like honor and privilege a bit. Avatar Aang, her grandfather, the last airbender until her father had been born, was silently offering to teach her. She would be mental to not accept.

Quickly, she sat before him, studying him for a moment. She smiled at the comment of her dad, feeling proud once more. Of all the people she knew, she admired her dad the most. To be told that she was similar to her dad by someone who knew him when he was her age, by his dad, her grandfather, was amazing. Her father didn’t talk much about his youth, and her mother was too young to know Tenzin when he was the age of any of his children, and she never saw her aunt, uncle, or GranGran enough to make a similar impression. Hearing it from Avatar Aang though (she mentally supposed she could call him Grandfather or grandpa now) was a huge compliment, one she’d hold in her heart forever.

 Jinora

Jinora walked the halls of the family’s living quarters quietly. The air around her was quiet and calm, though there was a touch of panic and worry. Probably Rohan, preparing for his first date. Ever since he had let slip a few days ago about the date, Ikki and Meelo had been pestering him nonstop for details. Tonight though, Pema had put those two on kitchen duty, so as to give Rohan time to collect himself. Their wise mother had sent Jinora to check on the baby of the family, make sure he was ready and didn’t need anything, like a snack, before he left. While Jinora had teased Rohan a little about finally having a date, she had left most of the work to the two troublemakers, knowing how irritating it was to have the other two on someone’s case about a first date. Lucky her, she didn’t have another sibling to really just be there for her to talk to, so she figured she could play that role for Rohan, if only a little.

As she approached the closed door to Rohan’s room, she slowed, sensing how tense the air was. ‘He must be nervous…’ she thought, raising her hand and knocking quietly on his door.

 Rohan

Rohan had spent all day preparing and after being teased he was really nervous about how he would say something stupid or mess up. He set on the bed his undone hair falling into his face as he would never cut it until the day he got his arrows. His soft eyes stayed glued to the floor as he twirled his thumbs around each others still wearing the loose robes from airbending training. He had gotten a shower and thrown on loose robes tied b y a sash that draped over his shoulder. He had earlier asked his father for help but could not bring himself to put on the formal long robes and cape. the studied the necklace with the airbending carving Tenzin had given him but ran his fingers over it. He sunk into his thoughts before giving a distant sigh. He felt the current in the air in his room shift even if he could not see the door and simply spoke in his usual low voice

“What if she doesn’t like me for me. What if she only likes me because my father is a councilman and my grandfather was the avatar. I dont know if she truly even knows me I mean she knows me but does she really like Rohan.”

He said before standing and looking out the window then back to the formal robes and giving a sigh of frustration.

 Jinora

Jinora smiled, a bit sadly, at Rohan’s thoughts. He had enough problems, trying to earn his tattoos and become a master, without having to worry about a relationship with a girl. She leaned against the wall by his door, not opening it, and took a deep breath. She guessed he knew she was there, so she had no problem speaking to him, even if it was through a closed door. She knew he didn’t like appearing weak. If he didn’t sense her, than it was his own fault- she did knock and let her presence be sensed.

“She’ll like you, Rohan, don’t worry too much about it. You’re a nice kid, and as long as you don’t lose your temper, I think it will be hard for her to find something to dislike about you,” she said calmly, smiling a bit now. Poor kid really was nervous. She crossed her arms, making herself comfortable against the wall before speaking again.

“As for her knowing you, this would be a great opportunity to find out. Think of it as less of a date, and more of a chance to learn about a person who could become a good friend. It’s all baby steps, little brother.”

 Rohan

Rohan frowned as he looked to her as she spoke and held out the robes “these are a lot of layers to wear I will look like I am filling in for dad at the council meeting” he said with narrowing eyes before he lowered the garments and sighed

“I have a friend his name is kin he is a earthbender but…He has had sex and he says the monks are weird because it is not a..uhhhhhhhh first thought when we meet a woman.”

he said shifting his eyes

“If she asks me I will turn her down and basically this is not my first small Date but the girl was all I want to sleep with you”

he said looking to her

“I asked her why and her reply was because I am rare, an airbender.”

he said with a frown

“I paid the bill and left”

he finished as he took a breath before turning away

“I don’t really think I have to wait for marriage but I want a spiritual connection”

He finished before realizing what he was saying

“I am sorry if I am bothering you, but I tried to talk to father he was all”

he went mono toned and stood straight lifting a finger

“Sex is not all that great you should have a spiritual connection with her then it is perfect, blah, blah, blah”

he rolled his eyes before continuing

 ”The monks do not share their temples with the world the world has to be invited into your heart”

he said with a laugh lowering his finger and walking behind a changing door and changing his robes before after a few moments he walked out

“This stuff is heavy”

he commented before gripping the wooden necklace and placing it over his head pulling his still messy hair from under it and turning showing his sister sarcastically

“How do I look”

 Jinora

Jinora blinked, staring at Rohan for a second. Had they really just gone from being nervous for a date to talking about sex in the last three seconds? They had all gotten the sex talk from their parents. At least, her and Ikki had gotten it from both parents. Pema had explained things when they started their monthly bleedings and then Tenzin had told them about the sanctity of sex a few months later. As for Meelo and Rohan, she guessed they had gotten the talk from just their father, around the age of 11 or 12.

She chuckled at Rohan’s imitation if their father- it was pretty accurate, and she had been told those same things. “Dad has a point though, even if he doesn’t always explain exactly what he means to say,” she said as he changed.

Her eyebrows rose as he showed her the robes. “You don’t look like yourself, and you don’t look like a teenager getting ready for a date.” She paused, moving across the room and picking up a hairbrush before sitting sideways on the bed. She patted the spot next to her, inviting him to sit down so she could brush his hair.

“Let Kin think what he wants to think, it’s his life. The monks and acolytes simply have a different way of thinking, and sex does not make it to the top of the list. As for that girl…” She paused again, thinking how to word her thoughts as she worked a knot out of his hair before continueing. “Well, let’s say I’m happy you didn’t sleep with her, and didn’t flip on her. It wasn’t polite of her to say any of that. Sex is a big thing, both spiritualy and pshysically, and it’s important who you share with it. You don’t have to wait until you’re married to do it, but it should be with someone you true. you know what I mean?”

 Rohan

Rohan set in front of her listening a she combed his hair and actually enjoyed the attention.

“Don’t take this wrong or weird or anything but I want my wife to be just like you and mother caring and sweet and well holds natural beauty no makeup. I want to wake up and not be shit-faced scared of her. I want a cute smile and good heart and unconditional love and devotion”

He said softly as he leaned into her brush enjoying the soft strokes and care she gave before a question popped into his head.

“Really now, so tell me Jinora, how are you so good at this conversation you speak as a mind of experience not a mind of curiosity” 

he said narrowing his eyes as he pictured literally trying to kill any man who dared to touch his sister.

 Jinora

Jinora nearly choked on the words she had been about to say, hearing Rohan’s question. She really did not want to discuss her sex life, especially with her youngest sibling. Still, she wouldn’t lie to him, not completely, anyways.

“Rohan, I’m twenty-five. Do you honestly think I don’t have some experience with guys and sex? Besides, we’re discussing you, not me, in this conversation.” She said, smoothly deflecting the topic. For the time being, at least.

She smiled at the compliment he had given her, and their mother, though. “Has anyone ever told any of the tales on how people find their partners?” She asked, running the brush through his hair a few more times before stopping and smoothing it with her hands. “Some people say that girls will find a guy that reminds them of their father, and boys will find a girl that reminds them of their mother. So it makes sense you’d want the person you marry to be like Mom, and by extent me. Trust me though, you’ll want her to be different in her own way. Now, go change into something less formal, but still nice. And clean.”

She patted his shoulder and got off the bed herself, placing the brush on his dresser and grabbing a hairband for him to use.

 Rohan

he growled hearing her words and rage surged through him before he stood and jerked the hair tie from her hands

“Well he had better be good to my sister”

He said in defeat before changing into more formal robes they were all yellow tied with a red sash but he kept on the necklace his father had given him to wear. Even if he did not have his arrows the necklace gave him the recognition of a airbending master and elder.

He smiled in the mirror as he simply walked out giving the tie to his sister and setting in front of her. He ground his teeth still angry as he set in silence thinking about how different things were now that they were grown. He took a breath and looked out the window.

 Jinora

She should’ve expected him to blow up like that, but she’d let it pass for now. He was stressing for his date, that was all. she nodded as he went to change again, sitting back down on the bed.

“He is, don’t worry. And I can take care of him myself, if he ever isn’t. But thank you for your concern, Rohan,” she said, smiling softly as he sat back down in front of her. She finger-combed his hair to fix it up a bit after his outfit change, before gathering it up and tying it into a ponytail.

Sixteen days.  12 hours, and to many minutes and seconds to count.  She didn’t consider herself to be sulking, no matter what Ronda thought.  Mercedes needed down time and a staycation had been just as good as a romp on the beach.  She rolled her eyes, even she couldn’t swallow that lie. Blowing a breath, she looked back to her notebook crossing out the last line in her song.   Her evening with Ivan had gone surprisingly well, considering she had no idea the man was coming over.  She looked up to the TV checking the time.  There was still plenty of time before she need to get ready.  Ivan had made it quite clear, in his thick accent, that the popup date didn’t count as his rain check. Then proceeded to ask her out for a proper date.  Sitting her book down on the chair she moved to the sliding glass door. Pulling them open, she exhaled at the wash of heat that wrapped around her body. It was welcomed considering how cool her home was.  Slipping her feet from her shoes, she stepped out into the sunlight, warm concrete under her feet.  Reaching the bannister, she rests her hands on its smooth surface eyes tracing the city scape. The air wasn’t as clear here as it was in Ohio, but the view was still priceless.  Tilting her head back, she basked in the sunlight.  The chime of her phone broke the spell the moment, slinking back through the door, she picked up her phone to see it was her publicist.  Sucking her teeth, she answered,

“Yes?”

“Are you THE Bitch?” Janet switched the phone to her other ear.  Turning the pages of the book.

“What did you just ask me?”  Mercedes shifts her eyes from side to side, trying to figure out what this woman was talking about.

“Mercedes look, I don’t usually pry into your personal life, but, girl this could be epic.  I know you have always wanted to keep your private life private. But please tell me the truth are you the bitch, Novelist Samuel Evans is talking about on his Instagram?”  Janet asked, licking her lips as her eyes scan yet another page hungrily.

“Oh God, not this again.  I’ve told you repeatedly NO.” Mercedes massaged her tipples.  Six months ago, Janet had started reading Sam’s books and now at least once a month she would get one of these calls.  The woman was basically salivating at the notion of the two being linked.  She would often throw around the words “Game changing” to Mercedes.

“Mercedes you are killing me here sweetheart.  This connection could, hell, would be Game changing for you.  Can’t you see that.” She repeated, trying to drive her point home. “This man is an Adonis,” She said looking at the back cover.  “The idea, the notion…” She stressed, unable to form a coherent sentence, pondering all the angles.  “This girl, whose name is oddly similar to yours, even her looks. Stop bullshitting me.  I know you guys went to the same high school, and before you deny anything again.  I have a source that confirms he was at your parent’s party.”  She sang into the phone.