Avani couldn’t really make out the words Kasai had said at first, something about sorry, but she’d been talking too fast. She’d interrupted her with that kiss once she’d slowed down, so she hadn’t caught the entire meaning of what she’d meant to say then either. She was surprised when Kasai moved a hand up her body, and almost pulled away. If they weren’t careful, this would be another embarrassing moment that involved her relatives. She thought she’d heard giggling, but it was probably just paranoia. Even if someone was giggling, it didn’t have to be because of them.

Avani was about to explain that she’d wondered what Kasai wanted to do about their living situation. Should they stay for free with her family, or find some room to rent? She didn’t get a chance before Kasai pulled away and turned around to Iluq on the motorcycle though. Avani certainly could have stopped her, but not without using force to keep her in place. That would have made the situation worse, and even more suspicious. Maybe she could talk her way out of it still. No, knowing Iluq she wouldn’t get that chance either. Maybe she should retreat back into the house and lock the door behind her.

“That’s…” Avani tried to think up an explanation on the spot. “just a tourist. Haha, crazy waterbenders this time of year.”

Iluq noticed that they’d stopped ignoring her at that point, of course she would, so she got off the motorcycle and came running up to Avani with a wink and a smile.

“Hey, Avani. I didn’t know you were back home. I recognized the bike.” She grinned with her whole face, while leaning on her toes with her hands behind her back. At least she was keeping her hands to herself. “You’ve changed though. What happened to your eye? And your arm?”

“Oh! Oh it’s you, Iluq!” Avani said, trying to play it off as she’d just now realized that the waterbender was familiar to her, not a random stranger. “Um, well, that’s a long story. I lost my eye, and my arm was badly injured so I got a tattoo to cover it up.”

“Aw, you trying to hurt my feelings. I haven’t changed much.” Iluq said, but Avani could see she’d changed quite a bit. She’d grown in all the right places. She supposed it wasn’t that odd when they hadn’t seen each other for years. Avani quickly averted her gaze to stare at the ground when she remembered Kasai. 

Iluq switched her attention to Kasai at that point too. “Your new girlfriend, I take it?” Before Avani could respond to the question, Iluq had pounced on Kasai with a hug. Avani knew that while the hug may seem innocent or awkward, it had a sinister purpose. 

“It’s nice to meet you. My name is Iluq.” She said, while searching through the woman’s pockets, but disguising it as if she was getting a little too handsy. Eventually, Iluq pulled away and pocketed anything of value, assuming she’d found anything. Avani had seen her do the same routine a number of times, but she was a quicker pickpocket than anyone else she’d known. She wondered if Kasai had even been able to tell that her ex had searched through her pockets, or if the sudden experience of getting felt up by someone dressed like Iluq with that body had been too much for the cop to pay attention to basics.

“Did you have anything in your pockets, Kasai?” Avani asked with a smirk.

“Aw, when did you become such a tattletale.” Iluq laughed.