Chapter Text
[ZAOFU, 2 YEARS AGO]
Wei sighed heavily, knocking on the door of the guest house Bolin was staying in.
No response. Of course. Bolin was one of the heaviest sleepers the metalbender had ever encountered. Even more so than Huan, who famously slept like the dead.
Rolling his eyes and squaring his shoulders, Wei begrudgingly threw the door open, forcing himself to seem relaxed as he stepped into the dark room. - Oi, wake up!- he bellowed, only getting a startled grumble in response.
- Wha... what?- Bolin whined, tossing in the bed.
Wei threw open the curtains, flooding the room with sunlight. Bolin groaned, sitting up in bed, the duvet pooling around his hips, exposing his bare torso. His bare, gorgeously sculpted torso, pale skin stretched over powerful muscles. Wei struggled to avert his gaze, face burning and an odd feeling swirling in the pit of his stomach.
- Wei?- Bolin was rubbing his eyes, yawning widely. - uh, what's... what's going on?-
Wei swallowed hot, sticky saliva. It clung to the inside of his throat all the way down. - I know that you wanted to spend more time with Opal this week, but she just got a message from Tenzin. She's leaving this evening. I thought you'd want to know. - he explained himself, folding his hands behind his back, very much regretting his decisions at the moment.
- WHAT?- Bolin shrieked, throwing back the duvet and leaping out of bed. He'd been sleeping in only his boxers and Wei thought that he may just die right then and there out of sheer embarrassment. - Seriously?!?-
Wei just nodded, staring down at his shoes. Bolin groaned, rushing to the chest of drawers and rummaging through his clothes. Pabu shrieked at the rude awakening and dashed up Wei's legs. Wei himself was standing in the corner, doing his best to pretend he doesn't exist as Bolin haphazardly pulled his clothes on.
- Thanks for waking me up! - Bolin breathed, fumbling with his sleeve. He grumbled down at the fabric as it seemed to have developed a mind of its own. He once again tried to roll it up and it once again fell back down.
Wei snorted in amusement and took pity upon the struggling lavabender. Stepping closer to Bolin, he folded the sleeve up for him. Pointedly ignoring how the warm skin of Bolin's forearm brushed against his fingertips.
Done with the sleeve, he paused. He should probably back off, but his feet were glued to the floor.
Noticing that Bolin had done his buttons up crookedly, he found a, poor as it was, excuse for his lingering. He adjusted the buttons, undoing and then redoing them, biting the inside of his cheek, almost drawing blood.
Finished with that too, he smoothed down Bolin's shirt, eyes trained on the lavabender's bobbing Adam's apple, unable to lift them to look at the other man's face.
- There. Now you look date-ready. - Wei announced, his treacherous mind playing with fantasies of leaning upwards and planting a kiss on the lavabender's lips.
Big, warm hands caught Wei's and oh, he's sure that he could just melt into putty under them. -Thanks. - Bolin smiled, stroking the pads of his thumbs over Wei's knuckles before stepping away.
- no... no problem. - Wei mumbled, scurrying backwards, like a mouse frightened by a particularly loud noise.
Bolin walked towards the door, but Wei remembered something. - He, didn't you have a gift for her? Or something.- he asked and he couldn't help but smile as Bolin gasped and rushed back to the chest of drawers, pulling out a cute, heart shaped box of chocolates. A fancy red bow held the pink container shut, only adding to the ridiculously over the top display of affection.
Bolin was a sweetheart and a hopeless romantic, after all. Opal was being spoilt, wasn't she? Good for her. She deserves it, he reminded himself, his inner voice a tad harsher than it should be.
Ugly longing squeezed at Wei's heart, but he choked it back.
He didn't even like chocolate anyway. It was a silly thought to cling to, but at least it distracted him from wallowing in the shadows of his selfish, never-to-be-fulfilled desires.
Bolin started towards the door again, but hesitated yet again. He turned around, wide emerald eyes locking onto Wei, quiet and wordless for a while.
The silence formed a thick layer of dead air between them, oppressively sweet as it pulled at Wei's lungs with each shallow breath he took. - Pabu needs his breakfast. - Bolin said in the end, barely audible, glancing at the ferret.
Wei sighed, exasperated, and shook his head. The odd air of mystique had completely dissipated. -I'll feed him, doofus. Go have fun with your girlfriend. - he urged, ushering the lavabender towards the door.
- What would I do without you? - Bolin breathed a chuckle, letting himself be shoved out the door.
Wei forced out a stuttered, strangled laugh. -Crash and burn, I'm sure. - he jived, before uttering a small, surprised squeak that was promptly muffled by a soft yet firm chest when Bolin hugged him tightly.
- You're a spiritsend. - Bolin whispered, breath tickling at the sensitive shell of Wei's ear. The metalbender hoped he didn't feel how his rigid body shuddered from it. He couldn't do much but let his burning face rest against his friend's broad, clad in soft cotton chest and try desperately to not panic. Finally, Bolin pulled back, offering him one last ridiculously adorable grin as he ruffled Wei's hair in a heartbreakingly platonic gesture. -Love ya, man.-
And with that he was gone, a breeze pushing the door fully closed behind him. Leaving a completely stunned Wei alone in the room.
'Calm down, calm down' he pleaded with himself, pressing the palm of his hand over his pounding heart. 'He doesn't mean it like that.'
From where he sat upon Wei's shoulder, Pabu squealed impatiently, visibly awaiting his breakfast with great anticipation. Wei sighed, petting the little creature. - At least you love me Pabu. - he laughed, slightly bitter, taking a deep, painfully heavy breath. - Though I think it's because you know that I know where Chef keeps the komodo chicken.-
Pabu chirped affirmatively as Wei walked towards the kitchen. After providing Pabu with his breakfast, Wei let the ferret scamper off in search of its master.
Meanwhile, Wei retreated into the dance studio, shamefully hiding amongst the rafters for the remainder of the day.
----+
[REPUBLIC CITY, CURRENT TIME]
Wei opened his eyes slowly, a bit addled by the sunlight. He shifted slightly, finding his left arm pinned beneath a large weight, his right thrown around someone's waist.
Bolin. Warm and soothing against him.
Wei hid his gleeful smile against the spot where Bolin's shoulder blades met, pressing his nose against the soft skin, relishing in his boyfriend's scent, earthy, yet oddly sweet.
The couple had found that Bolin enjoyed being the little spoon rather soon into their relationship. A new discovery even for the lavabender himself, apparently.
And while Wei felt rather silly being the big spoon sometimes, awkwardly splayed across his boyfriend's wide back, he couldn't deny there was something he adored about it as well.
Something about being able to just hold Bolin close, so close to his heart. About feeling his broad chest rise and fall beneath his hand, being able to hide his face in the crook of Bolin's neck. About the illusion of being able to keep Bolin safe from all harm.
Something about it all just felt so ludicrously perfect.
Wei's eyes fluttered shut again.
For a second or two, he battled the traitorous urge to simply cuddle up to the lavabender and fall back into blissful, blissful sleep. But he was well aware that if he did that, they would be sleeping till noon. Bolin certainly wouldn't be waking them, that's for sure. The sleepyhead.
Plus, Wei's arm had just about fully fallen asleep beneath the larger man's weight.
With a sleepy little grumble, Wei dragged his arm, all pins and needles, out from beneath Bolin, lifting himself slightly in order to look around.
They were in the room Wei and his father were staying in on Air Temple island. Though Baatar Sr was notedly missing. Probably staying up late, drawing up plans for the rehousing project with Varrick and Zhu Li, Wei thought, with fond annoyance.
He made a mental note to remind himself to force his father to take a nap today. Designing new homes for the refugees was all very well and good, but father wouldn't be helping anyone half dead from sleep deprivation.
Most the Beifongs had a tendency to fixate on things and never rest until their goals were achieved. This had proven to be both a blessing and a curse, depending on the person and the goal.
Toph's legendary mastery of metalbending being an example of the former. And Baatar Jr's creation of what may just be the most horrific weapon of mass destruction known to both man and Spirit was proof of the latter.
While Baatar Sr may not have any Beifong blood in him, he was no different from his wife and her side of the family in this regard.
At least Wei'd had Bolin to keep him company the day before. The lavabender had come over to the island for a while yesterday. It had been nice to just hang out and talk.
For a while it had just been the two of them, but soon enough Jinora had enticed Bolin into playing Pai Sho. Wei hadn't exactly been complaining, he'd thoroughly enjoyed watching Bolin play. How the lavabender furrowed his brows and scratched his chin when thinking about what move to make. How he stuck the tip of his tongue out ever so slightly when stumped by a particularly crafty move from his opponent.
Wei wasn't exactly the most knowledgeable about Pai Sho, but he had done his best to cheer and wince sympathetically in accordance to what was going on upon the board while making casual conversation with Kai, who was in the same boat as him.
The original plan had been for Bolin to leave before nightfall, but he ended up missing the last ferry out. And Wei had secretly been rather glad for the opportunity to have Bolin stay the night.
Sighing in contentment, Wei enjoyed the simple coziness of the moment.
The two of them tangled in the blankets, the sun peeking through the cheerily orange curtains. Pabu curled up on the pillow next to Bolin's head, sleepily swishing his tail every now and then. The livening sounds of birds singing and lemurs chattering outside. Wei's jewellery glinting in the fresh daylight from its place upon the dresser. Father's papers scattered across the table. Bolin's police uniform slung over the chair.
Glancing through the window, Wei noted that the sun was quite high up in the sky already. He played with the sleeping Bolin's hair, thinking. He was pretty sure that the lavabender had to go to work at the police station soon. And he was also rather sure aunt Lin would not be very forgiving of any tardiness.
- Time to wake up, sunshine. - He purred, nuzzling into Bolin's neck and giving him a little shake. Hearing the lavabender groan, he redoubled his efforts. - Wakey, wakey... Eggs and bakey!-
Bolin flipped onto his back and slung a heavy arm over Wei's waist, his chuckle still bearing the groggy huskiness of sleep. - Lies. There's no bacon anywhere on Air Temple Island. - he argued, trapping Wei in his mighty embrace.
Wei huffed, rephrasing his sentence. - Wakey, wakey... eggs and... - he racked his drowsy brain for an alternative for 'bacon' that would be acceptable to the famously vegetarian air Nomads. -... uh. Brocolli? -
They both laughed. Bolin held Wei tightly against his chest, kissing the top of his head. - Someone's up all bright-eyed and bushy tailed.- he noted, stroking Wei's cheek, sleepy eyes half-lidded.
- Early bird gets the worm. - Wei quipped, fruitlessly squirming in Bolin's arms. His mother had instilled a ridiculous amount of phrases extolling the merits of an early morning in both him and Wing. Phrases Wei was more than willing to use in order to annoy various people, his boyfriend included.- We should get out of bed soon. -
The displeased rumble that shook Bolin's broad chest could've intimidated a raging platypus bear into turning tail. Utterly undeterred, Wei chuckled at the lavabender's demonstrative grumpiness.
- C'mon, grumpy. - he gently pinched Bolin's cheek, knowing full well just how much of a nuisance he was being and enjoying every second of it. - Don't you have any bad guys to bust today?-
Bolin sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. -Probably. It's not concrete, but Mako says that there's a lot of activity between the Creeping Crystals and the Triple Threats. - he pursed his lips, shaking his head. - I'm not really sure what's going on most of the time. I just do what Mako and your aunt tell me to do. -
There was a faint taint of bitterness in his voice and Wei wanted to ask, but before he could, Bolin was pulling him closer and changing the subject.
- Think your aunt'll let me off the hook for being late if I tell her I was cuddling her nephew all morning? - he lilted, the airiness of his voice seeming slightly fabricated, but Wei let it go for now.
He chuckled, brushing his lips over Bolin's bare shoulder. -I'm not sure aunt Lin believes in cuddles.- he countered, his index finger tracing along the light bump of Bolin's collarbone.
Bolin mumbled out an amused agreement, letting his head flop back onto the pillows, not bothering to cover his mouth when he yawned widely.
Wei gave an amused scoff as Bolin wiggled deeper under the blankets, making himself comfortable, eyes snapping shut again.
While in the first few weeks after the invasion, everyone's sleeping schedule followed the pattern of : 'Work until you're literally dead on your feet, pass out onto the first vaguely horizontal surface available and sleep like a log until you're needed again', as the days became less hectic and more structured, so did everyone's body clocks begin to readjust.
For Wei, that meant falling into something resembling his routine back home. Both the twins had always been rather particular about their sleep schedules.
Early to bed, early to wake, Wei was usually out like a light way before midnight and bursting with energy just moments after dawn. While his older siblings often would often good-naturedly mock his self appointed 'bedtime', it was what worked best for him.
On the flipside, Bolin was much more lax with when it was time to sleep and that certainly showed in the way mornings didn't agree with the lavabender.
But that gave Wei the opportunity to harass his poor, half awake boyfriend into waking and, boy, did he enjoy it.
Though Wei would be lying if sometimes he wasn't tempted to give in and snuggle up to Bolin's warmth, slipping back into sleep as he felt his boyfriend's strong arms around him, bracketing him in a lovingly firm embrace.
He shook his head, trying to push the persistent remenants of drowsiness out of his being. He rolled out of Bolin's arms, disregarding his boyfriend's quiet yet pointedly disappointed wail. -Fine, but don't expect me to defend you when aunt Lin's busting down the door to tan your hide. - he singsang, peeling himself off the bed and trotting up to the wardrobe.
That seemed to do the trick. No one who knew Lin Beifong wanted to face her wrath and that most definetly included Bolin, the lavabender finally stirring with more intent this time.
Wei slid open the closet, rifling through the shelves. After the rest of his family had made their return to Zaofu, they'd sent back a suitcase containing some of Wei and Baatar Sr's clothes. Finally, after what seemed like ages of running around in what precious little he'd had on him at the time of his capture and whatever the Air Nomads could spare, Wei had at least a semblance of his regular wardrobe.
So now he had enough clothes. More than many could wish for at the moment, actually.
Things that wouldn't get worn to quickly while training or fighting. Plus several outfits set aside for more formal events, just fancy enough for him not to embarass his family's noble heritage.
Most of the clothes he'd asked Wing to send over were rather practical. Sturdy cotton and cloth shirts and robes, always paired with the most durable trousers Wei's closet could offer. Neutral greys and greens formed into neat piles upon the shelves, bland and boring, but filling Wei with a sense of familiarity, almost security.
Amongst the more 'special' items of clothing, stashed away in the very depths of the closet, was one Wei hadn't yet dared to even unfold.
One of the fanciest things he'd ever owned, a tight, dark green robe that he knew would snugly hug his chest and hips, with slits that would reveal his shoulders. Tiny golden stars embroidered onto the bust area and long gossamer sleeves that would be tucked into the metal cuffs he often wore.
Wei had bought the robe on a whim about a year ago, a gift to himself from himself for his 19th birthday.
It had caught his eye, all sparkly and pretty, while he'd been out to replace yet another shirt that had fallen victim to his rather active and not always safe lifestyle. And Wei had gotten carried away with daydreams of being all sparkly and pretty himself.
But he'd almost instantly regreted the purchase, hiding it in the very back of his wardrobe. Ashamed that he'd even thought about such frivolous things while war was quickly approaching his home.
He hadn't worn it much. Hadn't had many opportunities to; not many causes for celebration in the past few years.
In fact, he was pretty sure that Wing was the only person other him that even knew of its existence.
Which would explain how it had gotten here.
Oh, Wei could practically see the smug, wicked smirk Wing had no doubt been wearing while he'd been packing the damn thing into the parcel he'd mail back to Republic City.
He could practically hear his twin crooning a mischievous phrase about 'enticing his lover' or something as stupid and sappy as that.
Bolin hadn't seen Wei in this robe and, back then, Wei hadn't even dared entertain the possibility of Bolin being someone who could even be so 'enticed' by him.
Hearing Bolin clamber out of bed, Wei felt himself flush and he shoved the stupidly sparkly, pretty thing back where it belonged, at the back of the closet.
Settling on the much safer grassy green robe with a light grey pattern, Wei stripped out of his pyjamas (also sent over from Zaofu). He quickly slipped on the chosen outfit, properly tying up the laces that held it in place.
Turning around, he saw Bolin doing up the last buttons of his police uniform. Last night, the lavabender had simply shrugged off the jacket and trousers, before snuggling up to Wei under the soft blankets.
Now Bolin was back in the uniform, the grey material slightly wrinkled and ruffled. Driven by an yet unidentified instinct, Wei stepped over and smoothed the soft material down, his hands flat upon Bolin's chest.
Bolin looked very handsome in the uniform, Wei decided. That wasn't saying much, however, because Bolin looked handsome in most anything. Though Wei wouldn't tell him that particular detail, lest his head gets bigger than a Future Industries airship.
The light grey jacket, its gold accents jauntily reflecting the same sunlight that danced in Bolin's beautiful, emerald eyes, adding ambery flecks to his irises. The rolled up sleeves exposing Bolin's burly arms, sinewy muscles visible under ivory skin. His raven hair was a little mussed up by sleep and the lavabender was trying unsuccessfully comb it with down one hand.
The badge pinned above Bolin's heart was slightly crooked, so Wei adjusted that too, fingers brushing over the sparkling faux gold.
- You look good. - the phrase slipped out of his lips as easily as he would exhale a breath.
Bolin beamed a wide and mischievous smile. -Ah, you like a man in a uniform? - he leant on the desk, pulling a face that was probably meant to be smouldering, furrowing his eyebrows slightly, his lips forming an exaggerated pout.
Wei snorted a laugh, giving Bolin's shoulder a weak, playful smack. - I like this one, it brings out your eyes. Makes you look much more handsome than that tacky crap Kuvira made you wear. - he confessed, grabbing his necklace from the dresser as Bolin's chuckle rang in his ears.
He fiddled with the necklace's clasp, struggling to secure it around his neck. He pursed his lips, trying to focus.
Warm, big hands covered his. - Let me. - Bolin offered, and Wei complied, dropping his hands to his sides.
- Thanks.-
Bolin hummed in acknowledgement, easily doing up the clasp, placing his hands on Wei's shoulders. - Done. - he murmured, kissing up the side of Wei's neck. - I love you. -
Wei's heart quivered gently. He reached backwards to tangle his fingers into Bolin's hair. - Say it again. - he pleaded softly, half fearing that Bolin would refuse.
- I love you.- Bolin repeated, breath hot against Wei's skin. - I love you, I love you. I looove, love youuu!- his voice rose to a little and reached a slightly more playful tone, but somehow remaining equally sincere and tender. He wrapped his strong arms around Wei's waist, trapping him against his chest and rocking them both slightly. He blew a raspberry into Wei's neck, the tickling sensation starkly surprising.
A little giggle bubbled up in Wei's chest. He ruffled Bolin's hair. - Okay, you big sap.- he squirmed a little, trying to escape his boyfriend's teasing. - Enough...-
Bolin held him tighter, laughing against his neck. - It's never enough. - he mumbled into Wei's skin, the words slipping into his bloodstream, going straight to his head and heart, filling him with a sweet, hazy euphoria.
Wei spun around, to face Bolin, gently pressing his lips to Bolin's.
Bolin linked his hands on the small of Wei's back, pulling him close, kissing back with a little more fervour. Wei sighed, teeth scraping over the other's bottom lip. His hands came up to cup Bolin's face between them, stroking his thumbs along delicate angles of his cheekbones.
The rays of sun that filtered through the window were like phantom caresses, their pleasant warmth spreading across his back, all while his heart warmed the inside of his chest.
Separating, Wei took a deep breath, inhaling the moment and wishing that it would fill his lungs forever. - I love you too. So much. - he whispered, barely audible over the bird's songs outside.
A sleepy yet inpatient chirp alerted them both to the fact that Pabu was now awake and very, very hungry. The little creature looked up at them expectantly.
Perfectly in tune with the ferret's body clock, Bolin's stomach growled rather loudly.
Wei laughed, reaching over to scratch Pabu behind the ears. - Breakfast?- he offered, not really to anyone in particular.
- Yes, please.- Bolin agreed readily, scooping Pabu up and giving Wei a loud kiss on the cheek as they headed out the door
----+
The Air Temple Island dining hall was alive with a multitude of voices and the everpresent clinking of cutlery against plates. Wei spied Opal and made a beeline for her, dragging Bolin over. - Morning!- he crooned, elbowing her and stealing a moon peach straight from her hand.
- Morning, asshole. - she grumbled, unsuccessfully trying to snatch the fruit back.
- Hi Opal!- Bolin greeted cheerily and politely, grabbing a bit of everything, creating an intricate pyramid of various foodstuffs upon his plate.
With one last glare sent towards Wei, Opal smiled at the lavabender. - Hello, Bolin! Did you sleep well?-
- Wow, just ignore your own flesh and blood, huh?- Wei snarked, piling dumplings onto his plate.
Opal elbowed him playfully. - Precisely. Especially when my own flesh and blood is being annoying. -
Bolin put an arm around Wei with a grin. - I slept great, thank you very much. Like a baby!-
- Like a rock. - Wei corrected as they sat at the table. - I was sorta worried I wouldn't be able to wake him up!-
Bolin snorted in mock offence. - I would've woken up on own... eventually. - he mumbled, shoveling a spoonful of sweet rice into his mouth.
- The 'eventually' being key here.- Wei said snidely, before turning to greet his hosts. -Good morning, Tenzin, Pema.- he smiled, pouring himself a cup of tea.
- Hello, you three. - Pema beamed, dipping her dumpling in some sauce. - Coffee? - she asked , lifting the pot and glancing questioningly at the newcomers.
- Oh yes please. - Opal replied, offering up her cup.
- Can I have some?- Meelo piped up, lifting his cup as well.
Jinora snorted. - We'd be scraping you off the walls if you did.- she shot down the idea and her parents seemed to agree.
As Meelo tried to argue his case, Wei was content to work through his breakfast, idly chatting with Opal. Bolin contributed to the conversation every now and then, between mouthfuls of food.
Wei took a sip of his tea, warm and earthy as it trickled down his throat. All around, he could hear joyful yet tranquil sounds of people talking and laughing. The sweet, grassy smell of the tea filled his nose.
He closed his eyes and leant on Bolin's shoulder, enjoying the peace, the soft haze of the morning.
They'd all been under a lot of stress recently, what with work at the refugee camps and the recent triad activity. Wei didn't want to admit it, but even he found himself slowly becoming worn down by it all.
Therefore, whenever a calmer moment presented itself, he clung to it with all he had, wishing to preserve it for as long as possible.
The droning call of the ferry's siren crept into the hall through the window.
Bolin groaned. - That's my que. - he announced, doing his darndest to finish off everything that was sti on his plate. Shoveling various breakfastfoods into his mouth as his cheeks puffed out like those of a chipmunk.
Shaking his head and giggling, Wei got to his feet. - C'mon, officer handsome. - he said, reaching to hoist Bolin to his feet. - I'll see you off.-
Face still stuffed with sweet rice, Bolin just nodded, waving goodbye to everyone, before letting Wei lead him out of the dining hall.
They walked down the stairs in an odd gait. Halfway in a hurry, Bolin had to get to work after all. Halfway as slow as they could go, savouring the time they had together.
- Do you think Mako's been worried about you?- Wei asked, to fill the silence between the chirping of birds and the crashing of waves.
Bolin, having worked through his breakfast, tapped his chin thoughtfully. - I don't think so.- he mused, skipping down the stairs. - He knew that I was coming over here and honestly, I think he'd enjoy the time alone. Working together, living together... I think we're both getting really tired of spending all the time so close to each other. -
Back was the odd upset, Bolin's pursed lips with a slight curve downwards. The furrow of his brows, the sullen look in his eyes.
- Yeah, I can imagine that gets annoying. - Wei prompted, hoping to not come off as too pushy.
Bolin exhaled heavily. - Don't get me wrong, I love working with Mako and I'm so glad I get to spend time with him and this is a great job. I get to help people, actually help people... for real this time. It's just that... I guess it kinda feels weird to spend so much time together after being apart for so long. I just feel so... ungrateful. -
- It's not ungrateful. - Wei argued, grabbing Bolin's wrist. - Everyone's adjusting. It's normal. We're all a bit changed after all this.-
- Thanks. - Bolin grinned, pulling Wei closer, pressing a kiss to his cheek. - I guess readjusting is hard. You're right, though. I do feel... changed. - he frowned quizzically. - I'm kinda scared of that. I wish that everything could go back to how it was. But it won't, will it?-
Wei sighed, squeezing Bolin's hand. - It won't.- he hated that he had to agree with that. The idea of the having to adapt to a completely new world was frightening. - But we'll be ok. We'll adapt. -
Bolin was silent for a little. - Yeah. - he finally said, as they reached the bottom of the stairs. -We will. -
- There we go. - Wei smiled, kissing Bolin tenderly, their lips slotting together easily.
- I love you.- Bolin announced as they parted, before quickly kissing Wei once again. -Thanks for helping me sort that out. You're really smart, you know?-
Wei blinked, surprised. No one had ever said something like this to him. Complimens on intelligence were usually reserved for Baatar Jr, or occasionally for Opal. But Wei wasn't the smart one of his family. Not by a long shot.
He didn't know what to do with this compliment from Bolin, so he just changed the subject. - Look, the ferry's already docking.- he pointed, leading Bolin down the pier.
Approaching the ferry, Wei noticed a familiar green clad figure. - Papa!- he called, as his father stumbled down the ramp.
Baatar's unfocused eyes locked onto his son. -Oh, hello Wing, sweetie.- he murmured, nodding shakily.
Wei sighed with an exasperated smile. He decided to not correct his father yet. It would only distress the man. - Hi, papa. Did you sleep at all yesterday? - he asked, though he already knew the answer.
He was rather used to his father's poor sleeping habits that only became more painfully obvious when Baatar Sr was working on a super important project.
Baatar Sr blinked slowly, looking at his son, seeming slightly confused. - I don't... think so.- he muttered, rubbing his eyes.
Wei shook his head. - You need some rest. And breakfast.- he ruled, gently taking his father by the hand. He turned to look at Bolin. - Stay safe today, sunshine.- he said, leaning up for a kiss.
Bolin accepted with a happy little hum, raising his hand to run his fingers through Wei's hair. - You too, bun. Love you. - he replied, hopping onto the ferry, cheerily greeting the ferryman. Pabu squealed loudly, swishing his tail as if he were waving goodbye.
Wei waved back, while also holding his drowsy father's hand.
Once the ferry was well into the distance, Wei turned to his dad. - Okay, let's get you to breakfast, papa. - he offered, tugging Baatar Sr towards the stairs.
It took a while to corral his father up towards the dining hall, but Wei managed in the end. He propped the door open with his shoulder, leading Baatar Sr in, and guiding the older man to sit at the table.
- Morning, papa.- Opal greeted, reaching over to pat her father's hand.
Baatar Sr smiled, taking her hand. - Ah, Opal. Is it morning already?- he queried, pouring himself a cup of coffee as if it were second nature to him. Which it probably was at this point.
Opal smiled, but it was slightly strained and sad.- Yes, papa. It's been morning for a while now. When did you last sleep? - she asked, pursing her lips as Baatar Sr struggled to answer.
- I'm not sure, dear. I suppose a couple days ago?- Baatar Sr muttered, as if he were asking instead of answering. Wei surreptitiously switched his father's cup off coffee with one filled with tea. The last thing the man needed was more caffeine.
Baatar Sr didn't seem to notice, even as he took a long sip from the cup. - But enough about me. - he said, as if they had been talking for hours. - Do you two have any plans for today?- he asked his children.
Opal nodded excitedly. - Yes, actually! Jinora and a few other airbenders were going to go to the Spirit Portal to meditate.- she announced and Wei rolled his eyes fondly.
He'd never seen his sister as a particularly 'spiritual' person, but ever since she'd began bending, well, she seemed to be constantly revealing new skills and interests. She was... blooming.
- That's lovely, I hope you have a great time. - Baatar Sr smiled tiredly, accepting a plate of food that Opal offered him. He turned to glance at his son. -What about you, sweetie?-
Wei shrugged. - Probably go to the camp with Tenzin and everyone else. - he decided, taking a sip of the coffee he'd confiscated from his father. He winced at the bitingly bitter taste. He hated coffee, but he needed all the energy he could get. - I've been helping reinforce the tent frames after the recent rainstorms. -
Baatar Sr frowned, reaching out to put a hand over Wei's. - Perhaps you should go with your sister. You deserve a breathing spell, after everything. -
Balking at the idea of sitting around a spirit portal and meditating, while there were still things for him to do, Wei shook his head. -I'm ok, papa. I don't do... Spirits. Or meditation. Or any of that mumbo-jumbo. - he protested, before turning to Opal. - No offence. - he apologised, to which she only shook her head with a smile.
But his father was undeterred, exhaustion sharpened into bluntness. - You've been overworking yourself. You both have. Take a break. Go with your sister. -
Wei bit his lip. He could argue, point out his father's hypocrisy. After all, Wei isn't the one who'd stayed up working for the last couple days.
So what if he'd been spending almost every waking moment in the camp? Everyone was. People needed help.
- Please. - Baatar Sr added and gently squeezed Wei's hand, mossy eyes pleading with him.
Wei sighed.
----+
He should've known better than to hope this would be even remotely relaxing, he thought to himself as he redirected another boulder sent his way by a Triple Threat. The projectile, predictably, hit its mark, barrelling the triad member over.
Unsurprisingly, Wei had ended up buckling to his father's demands. Under the condition that Baatar Sr would have at least 6 hours of sleep.
Baatar Sr had been very happy that both his children would be taking a break from helping out in the refugee camp.
Well, nobody could blame the man for not foreseeing the rather heated tiff between the airbenders and Wonyong Keum, the businessman who owned the area surrounding the portal. Thankfully Korra and Asami had returned from their vacation just in time to scare away the guy for now.
Pity the Avatar and engineer hadn't stuck around long enough to be here when the Triple Threats made their unexpected and very unwanted arrival.
Sidestepping a blast of fire, Wei summoned a wall to knock a couple more assailants down, one hand instinctively. Of all the days to decide to not take his cables with him...
The Triple Threats, on the other hand were armed to the teeth.
A triad member in a trenchcoat lifted two hooked swords above his head. Poised to strike a knocked down airbender.
With a wave of his arm, Wei pulled the swords straight from the man's hands, sending the weapons clattering to the ground a few meters away.
- whoops. did you need those?- Wei grinned as the man seemed to forget his previous target. His amusement faded as the man dodged his attacks with relative ease. Soon, too soon, the man was right in front of him.
The Triple Threat was concerningly fast. Wei stumbled backwards, narrowly avoiding a blow that would've caught his jaw.
Wei's foot caught on a vine. He staggered, a curse slipping from his lips.
Wow, thanks, spirit portal. Not like we're protecting you from literal criminals.
This time the man's fist struck him in the stomach. Wei doubled over, wheezing.
The confrontation would've probably ended very badly for him had Opal not stepped in, blasting the man with air, sending him flying.
Regaining his composure, Wei shot his sister a grateful smile.
He spied a waterbender shooting an ice blade towards Jinora. Slamming his foot on the ground, Wei raised a wall of earth. It shielded the small airbender from the attacks well enough until he joined her behind it.
She inclined her head in thanks, sending a blast of air at the waterbender, knocking the triad member out. - We can't fight them off alone! We need to get help.- Opal yelled over the sound of battle as she hid behind the wall next to them.
- well, good luck trying to fly out of here. - Wei hissed, ripping his metal necklace up into small, sharp blades. - They'd shoot you down in an instant.-
- I can try to contact someone with Spiritual Projection. - Jinora offered, ducking her head as a throwing knife missed her by a hair. -But I need some time to concentrate. -
Opal placed a hand on her younger friend's shoulder. - Are you sure you can do it?-
Jinora nodded, jaw tensing. She did seem
- Sure, ok. We've no better options. - Wei agreed, sending a metal blade towards another assailant. It only served to cut the woman's cheek a little, but was enough to have her rethinking her approach.
Jinora crossed her legs and linked her hands, her eyes screwed shut. Nothing else seemed to happen but then again Wei knew shit all about Spirits and meditation and all that.
He winced as something hit the other side of the wall. He linked eyes with Opal over Jinora's head. - So, uh, what do we do now?- Wei asked, bolstering the wall.
- Keep Jinora safe and try to hold our own until help arrives. I'll try to slow them down.- she answered, scowling at the Triple Threats over the wall. She summoned a howling gust of wind that swept the legs from under two more triad members
- Sound good.- Wei grinned grimly. Playing for time. He hated playing for time. - I've got your back. And I'll keep her safe. - he promised glancing at at the still unresponsive Jinora.
Opal nodded, leaping over the wall, dodging and weaving between attacking triad members. She gracefully avoided any blows. And those that came too close for comfort, Wei would block with a wall. Or knock the attacker down with a well placed rock or metal projectile.
A pair of nonbenders tried to jump Wei, one bearing a knife, the other a blackjack.
He managed to bait them away from the prone Jinora, this time carefully avoiding the spirit vines.
It made him all the more slower. Blocking a strike from the knife, he grabbed the triad member's wrists. Winding the knife's metal length around her wrists.
Wei pushed her into her blackjack-wielding comrade. The man lost his footing, landing harshly on the ground. He swung his weapon wildly, catching Wei in the knee. The metalbender yowled in pain, burning splinters scattering up his bone.
With no overt gentleness, Wei knocked the man out, grabbing the blackjack from his limp hands. Hurried, snappy movements. Wei's blunt fingenails worming under the seams. He managed to pry open the stitches between the leather, until he got to the lead ball inside. He pulled the metal free.
Immediately using it knock out a firebender approaching Jinora.
He hurried back to the still unconscious girl, swirling the metal of the led ball around his hands. Wincing at the ache in his knee. He'd be lucky if it were just severe bruising.
The onslaught of triad members was proving to be too much for many of the airbenders as many of them were pushed back towards the portal, taking cover behind more walls Wei had erected for them.
When Jinora finally awoke, promising that Korra was on the way with help, Wei still wasn't fully reassured. Who's to say that they'd even manage to hold their own until help arrived?Kai, part of his flysuit charred, with a small burn across his nose, landed beside Jinora. Punching a blast of air at an approaching waterbender.
An earthbender threw a boulder towards Wei, but that was easily deflected.
At the same time, a rather burly nonbender managed to grab him from behind. Wei thrasheded,legs kicking in the air. He headbutted the man in the nose.
The Triple Threat released him, letting out a string of expletives directed towards him.
Wei turned his attention back to the earthbender, who stuggled to dodge his attacks. A few more well placed attacks from Wei was enough to knock them out.
He thanked everything that was holy when he heard the roar of a nearing air bison. Korra lept down, glider clutched in her hands as she knocked several triad members to the ground.
Behind Wei's back, the big nonbender, nose bleeding profusely, had recovered. Grabbing Wei by the wrists, twisting his arms behind his back. Wei snarled, struggling despite the ache and strain it caused on his shoulders.
A rock connected with the nonbender's head, knocking the man out. Wei grinned, catching a glimpse. Just a glimpse, of Bolin's raven hair and the pigeon gray of his uniform. Then the flash of emerald green as the lavabender's eyes quickly scanned Wei's frame. Searching for injuries.
Bolin came to stand over him, reaching a hand out for Wei. - Hope I'm not too late?-
Chuckling, Wei took his hand and let himself be pulled to his feet.
- You are. - he snipped, sending a ball of lead over Bolin's shoulder. It hit an attacking firebender straight in the forhead. Bullseye. -But what matters is that you're here now. -
A thump and a muffled cry as Mako hit the ground harshly just a few meters away from them. Above him, the nonbender in the trenchcoat, having regained his hooked swords.
Wei didn't even bother to look at Bolin. He already knew what the lavabender was thinking. - Go. I'll cover you.- he urged, hearing Bolin rush to his brother's aid.
Trying to keep a bunch of triad members at bay while also keeping them off Mako and Bolin proved to be a struggle. But Wei managed well enough, if he played dirty.
Throwing sand in the face of an approaching attacker and slamming them into one of their comrades. The two Triple Threats crashed to the ground.
Slamming a rock into another waterbender's chest while struggling to dodge an earthbender's attack, Wei glanced at Mako and Bolin. The nonbender's swords had been cut in half, courtesy of Bolin's lava blade. The man pulled what looked like a grenade.
A blade of worry stabbed through Wei's stomach, twisting around his throat like a noose.
But when the man dropped the grenade to the floor it only exploded into a puff of smoke. Big and overwhelming, but ultimately harmless.
Wei heaved a sigh of relief, slamming his hand to the ground. Sending a trail of earth towards a Triple Threat who thought it would be a good idea to try and venture into the smoke obscuring Mako and Bolin.
The cloud was slowly dissipating and Wei could just barely make out the figures of the two brothers, Bolin supporting Mako.
A Triple Threat leapt towards Wei, a dagger poised in his hands. Wei dodged. Stumbled but held his ground. Deflecting the dagger with a wave of his hand. The weapon clattered to the ground. But the triad member wasn't deterred, summoning a flame to his hands.
The fire got much too close to Wei's face for comfort. He scrambled backwards, preparing to repel the attack.
But he didn't have to. A pebble struck the firebender's temple, stunning him. For a split second. And that was enough for Wei to knock the man down.
Wei smiled as Bolin and Mako approached him. The trenchcoat wearing nonbender seemed to have given them the slip. But Wei was just happy to see them both ok.
Well, mostly ok. Mako seemed a little roughed up.
- Took your sweet time. - Wei grinned, as he and Bolin worked in tandem to throw a large boulder at a nearby Triple Threats satomobile.
Bolin chuckled, tugging Wei out of an ice projectile's trajectory. - You seemed to be doing very well for yourself.-
Wei rolled his eyes, grinning. He used what he had left of the lead ball, hooking it around the ankle of a nearing triad member, tripping them up.
The earth rumbled, and shook beneath their feet. Wei could sense them, rattling the ground and the very cores of his bones, his teeth, his veins. Spirits... Spirits pouring out of the portal, their odd shapes carving dark, crooked, ragged silhouettes against the blinding gold of the beacon.
Wei's lungs filled with a very primal fear. His hands sweating and tensing up. He clenched his teeth , hesitating, caught between running and freezing.
He had yet to get used to the everpresent, looming nearness of the Spirits, even in a benign setting. He hated admitting it, even to himself, but they scared him, odd and unfamiliar. Touching the ground but not. Subject to his seismic sense, yet at the same time far beyond his comprehension.
- SPIRITS, PROTECT THE PORTAL!- the dark, serpentine Spirit that had previously confronted Wonyong Keum roared, its booming voice making Wei's heart hammer like a rabbit's, making him feel so utterly small and insignificant. The creature's brethren followed it into battle, stomping, slithering, stamping, pouring, crawling, scuttling.
To his great and utter relief, the Spirits seemed to only be attacking the Triple Threats, leaving everyone else be.
Certain triad members didn't seem to yet catch onto the fact that there were now supernatural forces beyond human comprehension hunting them.
Wei wasn't sure if it was due to a ridiculous stupidity or due to an insane amount of bravery.
Really, in the end it didn't matter. What mattered was that now, Wei had to try to keep fighting off triad members while also doing his best to avoid being crushed by the larger Spirits. Which, while not actively attacking seemed to have no qualms about accidentally squishing their very small and very fragile human allies. But then again, Wei wasn't certain if the Spirits even saw them as allies.
Hearing a sharp breath beside him, Wei glanced at Bolin, who looked like he'd seen a ghost. Or several. Which was understandable, remembering Bolin's history with the things.
In the distance, Korra was talking to the eel spirity, trying to reason with it perhaps. It didn't seem to be working.
Scurrying out of a huge, boulderlike Spirit's way, he idly wondered if he'd be be able to bend its seemingly earthy body. Buuuut he'd rather not die so he's never going to try that. Never, ever, ever.
A waterbender sent a water whip towards Bolin. Bur Wei had enough alertness to block it. Bolin smiled gratefully, ripping uo a patch of earth to knock out another pair of triad members.
An agonised scream tore through the air, the trenchcoat wearing man doubled over screaming. The dark eel Spirit swirled and hovered above him.
This finally seemed enough to thorough terrify the Triple Threats. The thugs grabbed the man and dragged him to one of their cars and they all retreated.
As did the Spirits, their odd, half translucent bodies absorbed by the portal.
Korra was kneeling on the ground, cradling an unconscious Asami. Wei heard Bolin gasp worriedly as everyone else neared the two women. After a few tense, tense seconds of silence, Asami stirred.
Her and Korra exchanged some words. And then kissed.
Now the silence was stunned, before Korra cleared her throat : - So, that thing we were going to tell you about earlier?-
Bolin, ever astute, opened his mouth: - You and Asami are a couple?- he queried, despite the evidence speaking for itself.
Korra and Asami both blushed as they both stood. -We are.- The Avatar admitted while she twirled a lock of her hair around her finger. This was the most timid Wei had ever seen her.
- Woo-Hoo! - Bolin cheered, his excitement endearing and infectious as it always was. - I knew you had some good gossip!- he hooked a hand around Wei's waist, pulling the metalbender flush against his side. - Wei and I get the first double date, ok?- he laughed, resting his cheek on the top of Wei's head. -We're free next Tuesday! -
Wei couldn't do much more than beam, as Opal and Jinora congratulated their friends.
Mako on the other hand seemed to be having an existential crisis of sorts. Korra glanced at her firebending friend. - Mako? You alright?-
Mako just nodded slowly, wide eyes skimming between his two ex girlfriends. - You're both dating each other now... that's cool...- he mumbled, stock still. - I'm cool... with it...-
In stark contrast to his brother's shell-shocked countenance, Bolin seemed a fountain of energy. He gently patted Mako's shoulder. -While Mako takes a while to process all this, I have a question. - his expression became more serious. - What were the Triple Threats doing here? I thought they were after the Creeping Crystals turf, not the Spirit Portal. -
Korra furrowed her eyebrows, shifting from one foot to the other. - My bet is someone sent them to intimidate the airbenders into leaving and I have pretty good idea who did.-
- You mean Wonyong Keum, right? - Jinora asked, crossing her arms, a scowl on her face. The businessman must've reallly gotten under her skin.
This snapped Mako out of his daze. - Wonyong Keum? What's he got to do with all this?-
- He was here a couple hours ago. - Wei explained, stepping forward a little. - Said he owns this land and that he wants to build some sort of amusement park here. Told us all to get out and then threatened us when he didn't. -
Bolin turned to look at him worriedly. - He threatened you?- he put his hand on Wei's shoulder. - Are you ok? -
Wei rolled his eyes. - As if that old pinchpenny could even lay a hand on me. On any of us.- he snorted, patting Bolin's hand. - He needed to hire those thugs to do the job for him. -
Bolin chuckled, lifting a hand to stroke Wei's cheek. Wei leant into the softeness. It was all the more soothing after a battle.
The conversation veered off to different topics after that. Mako, Korra and Asami were swapping ideas of how to deal with Wonyong Keum. Korra seemed to be on the side of beating up the old guy while Mako demanded a more by the book solution. Asami was somewhere in between those two options.
At the same time, Opal and Jinora were checking up on the rest of the airbenders.
But Wei paid them no mind. He shifted on his feet, tilting his body upwards, pressing his lips to Bolin's. It was soft, like butterfly wings perched on his lips. Their kisses were often like this after battle. Gentle, delicate, as if the two of them were fragile, flimsy things, not seasoned fighters. As if the other could disappear in an instant, become unwound from the very fabric of reality.
Wei sighed happily, feeling Bolin's hand upon his cheek, the other on his hip. His own hands crept up to curl over Bolin's shoulders. His lips gently dragging along Bolin's bottom lip.
They pulled back a little, just enough to not be speaking into each other's mouthes. Bolin now lifted his other hand to cup Wei's face, holding it between his palms. - Oh, Wei...- the lavabender whispered, thumbs running along Wei's cheekbones. - I was so worried. For a moment I thought we wouldn't make it on time. -
Chuckling, Wei pecked at Bolin's lips. - But you did. And we're ok. Well, maybe a little sore for a couple days but ok. -
Bolin smiled, pressing their forheads together. - Yeah. You're ok. -
He put an arm around Wei, the two of them sinking onto a rather large vine. Wei was still a little nervous touching the things, let alone sitting on them. But being with Bolin always eased away his worries. And it was good to get the weight off his aching knee.
Wei watched Asami and Korra share a tender embrace. - I'm glad they're finally together. - Bolin said, smiling at the pair. He hesitated, looking down at the ground. - It's... it's good to not be the only ones. - he muttered, tracing patterns into the back of Wei's hand.
Wei hummed thoughtfully, resting his head on Bolin's shoulder - It is. - he agreed, closing his eyes. - I'm happy for them. -
A faint flicker of light and a small Spirit skittered past them. Wei must've jolted, because Bolin glanced at him. - Still creeped out by them, eh?- he murmured, stroking a soothing thumb along Wei's knuckles.
Wei scoffed. - Not creeped out. But wary.- he muttered, cheeks flushing. - I don't understand them. I don't understand them and that scares me. - the admission came out of left field, almost reluctantly so. He pursed his lips.
- It'll be ok. You'll get them. - Bolin comforted, patting Wei's knee.
Huffing, Wei shook his head. - Thanks for the vote of confidence, but I don't think that's how it works.-
Laughing, Bolin kissed Wei's cheek. - You'd be surprised. - he quipped, nudging the metalbender's cheekbone with his nose.
Wei shook his head but didn't continue the conversation. He wasn't in the mood to drill further into the subject.
He was fae too tired. His body ached, his knee was throbbing, his stomach churning.
He shrunk away from all those new, upsetting feelings. Sometimes he felt as if he'd blinked and the world had changed when he wasn't looking.
As if one second ago he'd been living his normal life back in Zaofu, and now he was sitting in the middle of Republic City, staring at a Spirit Portal. His life, and the lives of many others forever changed.
Wei buried his face in the crook of Bolin's neck, enjoying the familiar scent of scent and exertion. Bolin slung a hand over his shoulder, sensing that Wei needed some quiet.
Wei thanked him for that, closing his eyes, blocking out the much too bright glare of the portal.