"What could be more unifying than pro-bending?" Korra looked from Bolin to Mako, the latter shrugging in equal uncertainty. Pro-bending was an event both benders and non-benders could come together and enjoy, and was one of the most popular things in Republic City. Uniting the city in any other form would be just as ideal, but after the events related to the Equalist movement there may be tension between both parties. Secret supporters of Amon would likely still be out there no matter the revelation of his actual status as a bender. He still stood for something, and while exposure as a fraud would cripple his movement he would no doubt pose a threat should he have returned. Leaving them to mull over what could be used other than the phenomenon of pro-bending, the trio had set out shortly together with Naga and took time to process the city's state, as well as the improvements being made. People were already banding together to help clean up what debris they could and some of the shops they passed would be up and running again in no time, something Bolin was quick to point out, especially with meat skewers being in mind.
"We'll get around to those, count on it." Korra pat Naga on the head, knowing she was salivating a little at the mention of said skewers.
Mako let out a small chuckle and came around Korra to place both hands on his brother's shoulders. "Just don't let the role of law enforcing get to your head, little brother. I remember when you wanted to play cop as a kid, and you put sticky notes on everything that looked out of place. Fake fines."
"What?" Korra laughed, "Little Bolin played officer, huh?"
"He played a lot more than officer. If you ask me, Bolin should be acting in stage plays!"
"I could see that, but I could also see him being the most dangerous cop since Lin was born." Korra joked, imagining Lin as a toddler with that same scowl on her face metalwhipping criminals into submission. She didn't know much of the woman's career, but you didn't become Chief being a passive buffoon. At least not in this city. "What if he was made Chief?"
"Chief Bolin?" Mako mused aloud, imagining his brother as hardened as Lin. He shuddered immediately. "I could see it, but if that were to ever happen, just promise me you'll keep your sense of humor bro."
Korra and Mako wanted to know Bolin's own expectations as far as his future, as well as his ability to become the chief in place of Lin in the future.
~-~
Lin.
Relaxation.
Two words, complete opposites, rarely can they be put together in the same sentence without confusion and curiosity. Lin's job brought stress. Lin and stress. Two words that could come together perfectly well. There was also enforcement, resistance, stubbornness, and ...cute. Behind all the strength and vigor that Lin carried with her each and every day, the qualities of an adorable Beifong were resting within her. The world could never know that the Chief of Police in Republic City actually had moments of intense sweetness in the past. She baked for him once, Tenzin looked back in his mind, and he recalled the sweet taste of her sugary treats. Yet what was even sweeter than the actual goods was the gesture itself. It was before they admit to themselves that attraction was undeniable, a necessity to continue their day to day lives. Lin knew love and had it in her heart. In the presence of a dear friend with a new, stronger outlook of the life he was living, Tenzin was becoming more and more elated. His fingers repeatedly tapped onto the cup he held, a warm smile idle but beaming as Lin spoke. Lin may not have preferred sugar, but she was undeniably sweet within, sweeter than any good on the face of this earth.
He could see that embarrassed blush now, years and years ago...
"Yes, but I don't intend for her to be alone forever. Jinora will be a big help, as she's always been, and I can come home and take over when necessary." Tenzin responded, taking another sip of the strong espresso and exhaling quite audibly. A small tingle went down his spine, resulting in him laughing a little to himself in glee. He should have tried this stuff years ago!
The item of question on her desk was alluded to nothing dedicated to pride, but instead a fond memory. Were Tenzin younger he might have begun to pry, or at least if he had a few drinks in him. Instead the airbender had nodded just once before not pressing the issue any further. It was only in his interest to spark continued conversation of mutual interest, and lingering on something she did not wish to remain speaking of was the last thing he wanted to do. Finishing his cinnamon roll and politely accepting the napkin handed to him, Lin proceeded to discuss the idea of getting out on the town.
"A long time? It has been, family does that to you," Tenzin removed his gaze on Lin and took a few steps forward, staring off into nothingness just ahead of himself. "but I don't think I'd trade it. The days of my youth are very much behind me. I won't forget how much trouble we got in as children, I think Meelo and Ikki get their mischief from me." Tenzin chuckled loudly, recalling the amount of pranks he loved to pull. The wisdom and maturity he displayed now was quite the change from the lack of care he had in his younger years. Irony of his status as the son of the previous Avatar, Aang, was that he wanted to be more than a symbol at the time. Rebelling with Lin when they were younger and forgetting that they were the children of heroes known across the world, just for a day, was the greatest reward he could have in those times. "Eventually our lives took shape. You, a great keeper of the peace, and myself ..." Tenzin looked down at himself, wondering what he could possibly say. He was no legend. He was simply an airbender, one of the last in the world, who was meant to lead the way for his children to understand their place in the world. Traditions to be kept and techniques to pass down, otherwise maintaining Republic City was the objective he's held for much of his life.
"What would you call me? A stick in the mud, like when we were younger?" Tenzin returned his eyes to Lin, smiling in amusement.
Taka
Dane
erikh