Everything was black at first. Koko couldn't see anything through the murkiness, nothing but inky blackness as far as the eye can see. It was like she was suspended in a pool filled with the night sky without any stars to guide her. There was nothing to light her path, nothing to give her any indications that there was anything else but her. She couldn't see her hands or legs, every time she thought she looked down at her limbs, she only saw blackness, no strong and long fingers, no knuckles that were wrinkled and worn, no long and firm legs, no faint scars on the knees, just a dull and matte void were they should be. She remained that way for however long, Koko didn't really know. There was no sense of time in that place, just being and existing like a wandering soul. She was beginning to think she was actually dead for a moment, at least, that was until she felt a faint pulsing where her chest would be, it was the only comfort for miles around. She was just floating, drifting through it like a sea full of oil. It was steadily lulling her to sleep as she felt the smooth slide of the darkness on her nonexistent skin like a gentle caress from a lover and yet she didn't dare close her eyes for the fear of something going to appear any second. Nothing ever did as she continued to be impaired by the abyss that seems to be all consuming.
Nothing materialized before her eyes, but she could feel something different, something new- a warmth that seemed to rise from deep within. It felt like hands slowly cascading over her body, their heat seeping into her like a faint candle light. They trailed up from her thighs, to her hips, to her waist, to her shoulders, and finally, stopped to lovingly cup her face between them, holding her like she was something precious. She was pulled forward gently, a tingling sensation spreading against her lips in the eery darkness, a feeling that was familiar, something soft and plush. She began to move her lips against the figment, feeling an oily residue being lathered over her. She could almost picture her- her wavy hair pinned back, her high, chiseled cheekbones, her jade-green eyes, and the scowl that seemed to never leave her face. It felt as though she was on the verge of seeing her, and in an instant, she did. The world seemed to shift, and suddenly, she was no longer imagining it- she was truly seeing her, right there in front of her.
Before Koko, Lin's face was inches from hers, smiling softly as she stroked her left cheek. Her fingers gradually moved to Koko’s lips, gently tracing the scars with the tip of her finger. Koko couldn't help but stare at her in awe, like she was the only thing to exist. She was the light at the end of the tunnel, the solstice Koko had been searching for in this desolate void. Koko longed to hold her, to let her hands learn every scar etched on her skin. She yearned to know everything that goes on in that pretty little head of hers, like she wanted to reach inside and pull out all of her thoughts. She could feel her chest burning, flames spreading through her body in waves. She gingerly wrapped her arms around Lin's barren waist, pulling her closer to her scorching body.
Lin had nothing on, her milky white skin glowing in the murkiness like she was the moon in the night. Her body was as gorgeous as the last time Koko saw it, toned and heavenly. From Koko's angle, she had a perfect veiw of Lin's breasts, looking like two twin peaks framed by the curvature of her collar bone. Koko felt her pulse spike at the sight as Lin was pulled her close, her breath wafting across her heated skin. Lin slid her hands around her neck, dragging Koko into an embrace so tender, their foreheads bowed together as their breaths mingled. She doesn't know how they got here or wherever here is, but Koko didn't really care anymore, she was engrossed in the way their bodies fit together like two puzzle pieces. Koko was overwhelmed by the sensations, her breasts were overlapping Lin's, their hips were pressed firmly together, their legs were tangled like a knot that cannot be undone, and the slick and smooth slide of Lin's cunt was on her thigh. She welcomed these feelings, squeezing her harder, wanting to merge their bodies together and become one, never to be separated again.
As she was lovingly held in Lin's arms, Koko felt a strange, uneasy pit form in her stomach. The warmth of Lin's embrace should have comforted her, but instead, an unsettling tension coiled inside her, growing with every passing moment. The darkness around them seemed to close in, pressing against her back, heavy and suffocating, as if it were something more than just the absence of light. Lin’s soft kisses on her cheek, gentle and tender, did little to ease the growing anxiety that gnawed at her. There was an unfamiliar stillness in the air, a quietness that felt too thick, too heavy. Something wasn’t right, and Koko couldn’t shake the feeling that something was waiting, just beyond the edge of her perception, ready to make its presence known. It felt like it was slowly crawling it's way closer to her mind, yearning to drag her away.
Even as Lin's hand trailed down the expanse of her stomach and slowly between her thighs, the dread continued to spread through her veins. Her grip tightened around Lin's waist as a chill ran down her spine.
"Ignore it." Lin's husky voice ricocheted through her head, an echo that seemed to make her ears ring. It was like she spoke them directly into her mind, imprinting them onto her thoughts.
Koko gasped as Lin dragged her fingers against her clit, sending sparks through her core. The pleasure was tame, more gentle than the time they spent previously. Her fingers inched further down to her entrance, carefully spreading the moisture between her lips. Koko's breath began to pick up, a coil tightening in her stomach, fear and pleasure mixing together like oil and water. It felt like something was looming behind her, its breath on the back of her neck. She moaned breathlessly as she felt Lin dip one finger pass her entrance just as the faceless fingers started digging into her shoulders, like the murkiness has finally gone sentient.
Lin slowly pumped her finger in and out of her as she gently captured her ear lope into her mouth, murmuring as she does, "Ignore it."
"This isn't real."
Dread began to overtake Koko, the fingers digging deeper into her back, pulling and yanking desperately. A voice that sounded strangely like her own, whispered harshly into her other ear, "This is not real."
More hands reached out, grasping and clawing at her, pulling her away. It felt as though a part of her mind was desperately trying to warn her, trying to protect her from something, as it tugged and yanked her body away from Lin. She was dragged further into the abyss, the light radiating from Lin shrinking smaller and smaller in her vision until, suddenly, a blinding white light engulfed the entire space, temporarily blinding her.
Koko opened her eyes and squinted against the harsh sunlight peaking through the curtains of the window. The blaze from the morning sun was shining into her cornea making her turn away from it. She buried her face into her pillow, wiping the crust and wetness from her eyes as she cursed her mind for such a cruel dream. Or maybe it was her heart that cursed her, it appeared her mind tried to save her, tried to tell her before she was consumed completely.
Koko laid there in the soft morning light, the sheets tangled around her waist as her fingers clutched the pillow with a desperate grip, her hands trembling from the strain. Despite sleeping through the night, she felt a deep exhaustion that wouldn't leave her. It was as if fatigue had sunk into her bones, piercing her like needles, relentless and unyielding. She wanted to move, to escape the weight of it all, but her body ached too much.
Her mind swirled with frustration and self-loathing, cursing her own heart for being too big, for loving too deeply, for caring too much. And then, in a moment of bitter frustration, she even cursed Lin. She knew it wasn’t her fault, that it was never her fault. It was hers- for being herself, for having a heart that gave too much, for letting herself be consumed by emotions that only led to pain. But in that moment, blaming her was easier than facing the truth: it was her own choices, her own heart, that had brought her here.
Until two years ago, her life had been nothing but obligation and duty. Koko served in the army with no real goal in mind other than to protect the nation she was born in, rebuilding its honor one brick at a time as if she were the one who tore it down herself. She donated part of her earnings to foundations and fundraisers that helped parentless children and the needy as a part of her sympathized with them. She just wanted to feel like she was doing something important with her time and money, she had too much of it and didn't know what to do with it anyways. She grew up on the streets as the nation was still healing from the 100 year war with Jin by her side, another unfortunate child left to rot in the shadows. She built a life for herself and him, with her own blood, sweat, and tears as she shielded them both from the lingering Ozai society's propaganda and poison. She always worked hard, doing the dirty jobs no one else wanted to do for food and a place to sleep because what else could she have done? It felt as though her choices were limited back then. Which is why as soon as she was old enough to enlist, she joined the army, obligated to fight for her nation and provide for it so others wouldn't have to live like she did. But now, as she had pulled up her roots and reclaimed her freedom, she felt more empty than ever.
Now with unlimited choices before her as she started reclaiming her life, Lin felt like a decision her heart had made against her better judgment, even before they had met. Choosing that path meant accepting the will and choices of the other, something she had always done in the past- whether in the army or in her childhood. She had accepted Lin’s choice not to choose her back, even though her chest ached with an unfamiliar feeling she was reluctant to call love. She admired and respected Lin’s need for space and independence.
It felt like she was in a limbo for the past week, all her free time taken up by her thoughts of Lin. Her heart was drifting in a bottomless abyss like the one she had in her dream. Her emotions were fluctuating between acceptance to bitter resentment that she knew was unreasonable. She was growing more frustrated, something Jin noticed in her more recently as he observed her. He made the decision to stay with her the past week, to keep her company as he himself also had all the freetime in the world to do so. She appreciated him so much even if she grew angry in the moments he wouldn't let her be alone.
Jin would hold her gently as angry tears threatened to spill down her sorrowful face, murmuring reassuring words to calm her spiking temper. It made her feel irrational, like she was a toddler. She couldn't quite understand why she was so hung up on Lin despite only meeting her twice. She wanted to rip her heart out and scream at it for beating. Jin would tell her it was because her heart was always too big for her, even if she was 'a big bitch herself.' It would make her snort and smile wetly at him. If there was anything she was grateful to Agni and the spirits for, it was Jin. Brother not by blood, but by choice.
Koko stayed prone on the bed, her grip now lax on the pillow as she stared aimlessly at the wall. It was going to be another day in bed, in the safety of her home. Maybe she'll go on the balcony and people watch today, get some sunlight on her skin and inhale the fresh air. Or maybe she'll burrow under the covers. She really just wanted to stay in the comfortable embrace of her sheets, but the shuffling of footsteps from down the hall alerted her that she may not get away with it today like she has the past week.
Jin peaked around the door frame, taking in her prone and sallow form on the bed. He's never seen her look so small in his life and it was starting to worry him that his usually boisterous yet somehow tame best friend looked like a hollow husk. He didn't really understand why she was hung up on the chief. He veiwed the chief like she was a rabid and tame gaurd dog that only lashes out when need be, but he still tried consoling Koko in her time of need just like she had for him many times before. Today though, with his frustrations peaking, he cannot indulge in her need for seclusion, he needs to get her out of the apartment and back on the streets, even if he had to drag her by the ankles. With his decision cemented in his mind, Jin clapped his hands together as he shouted, "Alright! Time to get up and get dressed. We're going out today whether you like it or not, beanstalk."
Koko didn't even glance at him as she pulled the covers over her head, effectively ignoring him. It appeared she was having another one of her temperaments. Jin tsked and stomped to the end of the bed and yanked the covers right off of her. Without missing a beat, Koko grasped at the end of the blanket before it could completely escape her and tugged it back. They were now fully immersed in a heated game of tug of war, their determination palpable as each of them yanked at the sheet with all their might. The fabric strained and rippled between them, and with every forceful tug, Jin's frustration grew. The constant back-and-forth, the relentless pulling, only made his annoyance intensify. His grip tightened, and his thoughts raced as the absurdity of the situation continued to escalate. Each time the sheet shifted, it felt as if his patience was unraveling thread by thread. Fucking soldiers, he thought.
As they contiued to shake the sheet like a maraca, Jin was being yanked towards the bed like it was the worst seesaw ride he's been on. Frustrated and losing, he cried out, "Spirits, woman! Why are you so hung up on her?!"
Koko growled and yanked the sheet with all her might, finally toppling his top half onto the bed and his bottom half ramming into the footboard. She slammed a pillow right on his head as he hit the mattress, exclaiming as her voice cracked, "I don't know!"
They both sat there, breathing heavily from the strain. Koko wanted to curl back under the covers, but Jin was laying half ontop of it. She pulled on them as she felt the need to cry again, and it only angered her even more. She croaked out, "I- I don't know."
Jin lifted his head and looked at her, his heart sinking as his eyes met hers. Koko's face was turning a deep shade of red, her cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and distress, while her eyes welled with unshed tears that threatened to spill over. Her normally vibrant hair hung limply around her face, oily and dull, as if all her energy had been drained away. Her skin, usually radiant, now appeared pale and almost gray, as though it had lost its life. She was trembling slightly, her body quivering as if she were caught in the grip of fear, her posture tense and fragile. A surge of guilt hit Jin, heavy and suffocating, as he watched her in that state. Without thinking, he crawled the rest of the way onto the bed, his movements hurried but careful. He reached out, his arms enveloping her in a comforting embrace, pulling her close as if to shield her from whatever torment had caused this. His heart ached as he held her, just as it had every day this week.
"I don't know why I feel this way, Jin. I knew what was going to happen." Her breath caught as she exhaled. "I just... can't describe it, I have no clue why she's different but she is- and don't you dare say it's because I have a crush on her again!"
"I wasn't going to!" He said, rolling his eyes. "I was going to mention something completely different that was going to most likely annoy you."
"Fantastic."
"Just hear me out, please." He gently turned her towards him, his eyes earnest and pleading as he said, "I- I just think you're so caught up in it because we only ever had each other. It was always you and me, scampering along the streets for money and food. The only love you've ever known was us, even in the army you only ever spent your time there and then back home with me. I'm not saying it's your fault or mine, I'm just saying now that you're free, you're letting yourself indulge in feelings you have left repressed for years. OK, maybe I will mention your crush on the chief, b- but it's only becuase you've kept so many newspaper clippings with her on them!"
He sighed as he took a hold of her hand gingerly, his next words soft and gentle. "I think since you finally met her in the flesh, that all those repressed feelings rushed towards the surface and have now just been... floating inside you with nowhere to go and-"
"Ok, Mr. Psychologist, I'm stopping you right there. "
"Wait, no-"
"I heard you, Jin." Koko gently withdrew her hand, her fingers lingering for a moment as she turned her attention to the bright blue sky outside the window. The sunlight bathed the world in a warm glow, but inside, her thoughts were clouded. Jin’s words lingered in her mind, turning over and over as she tried to make sense of them. He was right, in a way- who could she really give all her love to? Her heart, appeared so easily given, was it something she could just toss around without thinking? Why was she so fixated on someone she’d met only twice? The thought seemed almost absurd, like a teenage girl with a crush on a celebrity, out of place in her thirties. Maybe She had convinced herself that it meant something despite her also knowing it wouldn't. But now, as she sat there, the weight of it felt lighter yet somehow more solemn. The truth was undeniable- she was clinging to an ideal, not the reality. Jin had seen that, and she couldn't ignore it. She needed to face the truth, and to do that, she needed to step out of the apartment. Today. It was time to stop hiding.
She sprang out of bed as if an electric jolt had run through her, her body reacting before her mind could catch up. She hit the floor with a loud thud, her bare feet slapping against the cool wood beneath her. Without missing a beat, she planted her hands firmly on her hips and stood tall, her posture rigid with determination. Her voice rang out with an almost defiant energy as she threw her head back and declared, "I need a fucking shower and a spirit-saken drink!" The words left her lips like a battle cry, as if those were the only two things that could possibly restore some sense of sanity after whatever the hell had just happened. Her enthusiasm was admirable, but also seemed like a cry for help.
Jin flinched, taken aback by the sudden shift inside her, but despite the surprise, he couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement at the sight. He whooped loudly, almost like a kid on a sugar rush, before flinging himself off the bed and crashing into her. He immediately caught her upbeat energy and embraced it, squeezing her tightly in shared enthusiasm. However, as soon as the smell of her sweat-soaked, slightly rancid skin hit his nose, he recoiled and pushed her away, horrified. "Ugh, why did I do that?" he muttered, shaking his head. "Get in there already, ack!"
Her joy soared, yet somehow, she remained an unrelenting menace to Jin, even in her more upbeat mood. She let out a cackle as she made her way toward the ensuite, her energy high, but the moment she stepped through the doorway and caught sight of the sink, she froze. The sight alone sent a wave of memories crashing over her, as the sound of rushing water echoed in her mind. It was followed by the image of someone quickly hurrying down the hallway, fleeing from her, as if she were some kind of curse. Her heart clenched slightly, a mix of sadness and confusion bubbling up. But before she could dwell on it, fury overwhelmed her. Why should she feel this way over a sink? Over some water? It was so childish, so petty. All of this turmoil over something so trivial, all because of some fleeting fling that didn't mean anything . It was absurd- she just didn’t want to hear the pipes. The sound itself made her skin crawl, and yet she couldn’t shake the feeling of being haunted by it.
"What's wrong? You've been standing there for a few minutes. "
Koko startled at Jin's voice behind her. She turned, her eyes wide as she stared into his peridot ones. Calming slightly, she managed to mumble out, "I... I don't want to hear the pipes." She turned back to eye the offending appliance wearily.
He frowned at her. "The... pipes?"
"I- can you just talk to me through the door? Please."
He smiled, fond and exasperated. "Of course, I will."
She returned his smile, the warmth in her chest growing as she recognized once again how much she appreciated having a friend like him around. There was something calming about the simple presence of someone who truly understood her, and that realization made her heart feel a little lighter. He turned to leave, the soft creak of the door pulling his attention away, but before fully closing it, he left it slightly ajar, just enough for the sound of his voice to slip through. Koko turned back toward the sink, her gaze momentarily fixed on her reflection, and then she closed her eyes for a brief moment, allowing herself to take in a slow, deep breath. She held it for a beat, letting the air fill her lungs before exhaling it gently, like she was trying to release whatever tension had built up inside her.
She stepped toward the shower curtain, her movements slow and deliberate, as if the act of pulling it back held some significance she wasn’t quite ready to face. Her fingers brushed the fabric as she reached for it, feeling the rough texture against her skin, and she hesitated for a moment longer, staring at the curtain as though it might reveal something hidden within. Then, with a quiet sigh, she tugged it open, revealing the faucet and handle beneath. The dull gleam of the metal caught the light in the bathroom, its surface slightly tarnished but still reflecting the fluorescent glow above like a sword waiting to strike. It stood there, unyielding, as if daring her to touch it, to engage with it, to face whatever it might bring.
Her hand moved toward it almost of its own accord, but there was hesitation in the way her fingers hovered, as though testing the air before committing. She finally allowed one finger to rest against the cold surface, and the chill shot up her spine, an odd, tingling sensation creeping across her skin. For a moment, she simply stood there, eyes closed, her finger tracing the cold metal as if it could anchor her to something solid in a world that felt anything but. She drew in another steadying breath and, with one final exhale, she made the decision. Her fingers wrapped around the handle and twisted it. The pipes groaned and whined in protest, a sound that echoed around her, reverberating through the small, sterile bathroom. The noise was so familiar, yet in that moment, it was almost haunting, bringing a fleeting image to the front of her mind- an image of a certain someone, someone whose presence was both comforting and painfully absent.
As the water rushed out from the spout with a hissing sound, her mind briefly caught hold of the warmth it would bring, but the image of that person remained. Just as the water began to settle into a steady stream, the voice of Jin slipped in through the crack in the door, light and casual, telling her a story about his morning- something small, almost insignificant, but somehow it felt important. She let his words wash over her, filling the space with the familiar comfort of his presence, like nothing had changed at all. It was a reminder, a connection to a time when the world had been less complicated, and for just a moment, it felt like she could hold on to that piece of normalcy. At ease, she laughed to herself. She truly was being so unreasonable, water and faucets, what funny things to remind you of someone. Her little giggle developed into a full on belly laugh, the sound making Jin pause his words. For a beat, he listened to her, a little confused by the sudden burst of hilarity, but, as if her laugh was contagious, he soon joined her, laughing on the floor outside the bathroom door. The merry sound of their enjoyment mingled and filled the air just as the steam from the shower did.
Koko wiped the tears from her eyes as her laughter died down. She felt refreshed, breathing in the steam from the hot shower seemed to cleanse her soul in a way she couldn't describe. The warmth blanketing her felt like a comforting embrace, encouraging her to move forward, to get in the water and wash away the memories of the past week and half. Koko smiled to herself under the stream of hot water, the image of jade colored eyes melting and slowly slipping down the drain with the dirt and grime from her skin. Every pass she made with the wash cloth was like scrubbing away the faint touch of Lin, erasing her from her skin. It physically pained her as her heart clenched at such a thought, but it was a necessary step to move on. It was like she was wiping the slate clean, her body being new and untouched by the chief.
Koko glanced at the skin on her hands and arms, noticing it was softer, less resilient. The scars, wrinkles, creases, white streaks in her hair, drooping breasts, and the ache in her bones all served as reminders of her age that seemed to have crept up on her. The years have pass her by and she only now felt like her mind was catching up. She only has half her life left to live and she didn't plan on dwelling on Lin for the rest of it. Considering she already spent twenty years of her life with a small crush on the woman, she didn't feel the need to give her anymore of her time. She decided to do that she needed to move pass it all and try to meet new people. As if determined, Koko felt renewed energy sugre through her body at such a thought, her nerves alight with excitement. She had been in the city for two years and still hadn't made an effort to make new friends, which felt a bit sad. But in that moment, while shampooing, she decided today would be the day that changed. Yeah, I’m going to be just fine.
-----
Koko was definitely not fine. This was nothing like how her first day back on the streets was supposed to go. She hadn’t planned on finding herself in a full-on brawl with a massive slab of a man. The guy was enormous, his bulk making him look almost like a walking wall. But Koko wasn’t intimidated by his size; if anything, she was able to use it to her advantage. While he was big, wide, and slow, Koko was lean, quick, and agile. His fists came at her like sledgehammers, but she dodged each one, dancing around him with a speed he couldn’t match. Not once did he land a hit on her face, but she made sure to deliver blow after blow to his. After a few solid punches, his face was swollen and bruised, looking almost unrecognizable, like a pile of tenderized meat.
The crowd around them was going wild, shouting and cheering her on, but their voices were soon drowned out by the sharp, commanding shouts of the officers who arrived to break things up. Jin was already there, grabbing at her shoulder and trying to pull her away from the mess. But it was too late; a few of the officers had already broken through the throng of people, charging toward her with hands outstretched. Koko’s heart pounded, the rush of adrenaline telling her to run. The urge was almost overpowering, the need to escape the situation before it could escalate further. But then, as quickly as the thought came, it was replaced by a bitter reality. Running, especially in front of all these people, would be nothing short of disgraceful. She was a former soldier, and soldiers didn’t flee from their mistakes. Especially if the "mistake" was warranted.
She wasn’t completely innocent in this; after all, she had thrown the first punch. The weight of that knowledge hit her all at once, and it grounded her, despite the adrenaline coursing through her veins. Jin clung to her like an overzealous child, trying his best to drag her away as the officers reached her, their hands grabbing her shoulders roughly. They didn’t seem to care that she was outnumbered or that her body was still wired with tension from the fight. All that mattered was controlling the situation, and right now, she was the problem. The officers gripped her tighter, pulling her away from the chaos and Jin, but the crowd’s jeers still echoed in her ears as they began to haul her toward the waiting patrol car. The crowd began to unintentionally block Jin from reaching her further as the distance grew between them.
"You have the right to remain silent and anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law." the officer said, his voice stern and unwavering as they stepped closer to the mobile, the weight of his words hanging in the air. The crowd had grown into a faint background noise, with Jin's occasional plea ringing above them, watching the as they hauled her away, but Koko couldn’t focus on anything but the sharp shift in the atmosphere. Her heart pounded in her chest, not from fear but from what was waiting at the station for her. Or more like who.
She opened her mouth to explain, but no words came out. All the anger, frustration, and confusion she'd been carrying boiled over in that instant, but it felt impossible to find her voice. What does she say? All she knew was that everything was spiraling out of control, and now, here it was- everything she’d been trying to avoid, unfolding in the worst possible way.
As they shoved her into the back of the mobile, all Koko could think about was that she was about to be handed to Lin on a silver platter. Her heart sank into her stomach thinking about being in close proximity to her once again, wondering how that will play out for both of them. Will Lin be angry with her for infinging upon her job? Will she be disgusted that she was there on assualt charges? Maybe Lin will topple this building onto her and spare her the grief and embarrassment, Koko would certainly welcome it this time. The sorrowful mood from ealrier that day threatened to consume her once more, the emotion becoming all encompassing as they gotten closer to the station. She had a fleeting thought to try to open the door and jump out, but the feeling of shame washed over her at such a childish plan. Plus the door was locked and secured, she already checked. As the vehicle neared their destination, she started to sweat and feel nauseous. A thin layer of perspiration formed on her forehead as the building finally came into view from the corner of her eye. The statue of the former chief loomed over the vehicle like a bad omen, its cold eyes seeming to judge every move she made, like it knew how infatuated she was with her daughter. Koko shivered looking into the empty eyes of the renowned metal bender, the only thought crossing her mind as she peered into those sightless orbs being, "I'm so fucked."
The officers stepped out of the vehicle and slammed the doors, the sound echoing in the small space like a death toll. Koko knew, deep down, that she was about to ruin Lin's day- no, her entire week by stepping through those doors. If she didn’t do it physically, the report she knew would be waiting for her later would certainly finish the job. It was a mistake she couldn’t undo, and the weight of it pressed down on her. Before she could even prepare herself for the hell fire she was about to be tossed in, the officer wrenched open the door right infront of her.
"Alright, time to get out and walk." The officers reached for her again, yanking her out of her seat as she contiued to stare at the statue, apprehensive and meak.
Koko looked back and forth between the two male officers clutching at her sleeves and then back at the statue above, afraid and apprehensive of what was in-store for her beyond the doors, and she knew it certainly wasn't the law. She sighed and slumped into their hold in defeat. "Do I have to?"
-----
The police station that morning was relatively quiet- still early, and the usual hustle had yet to pick up. The atmosphere was calm, almost serene, as the soft murmur of casual conversations and the occasional sound of footsteps echoed through the halls. Officers moved through the building at a relaxed pace, enjoying the break from the usual chaos, their relief evident as the city seemed quiet. The day felt manageable, even easy, as if everything was in balance. But that sense of tranquility was suddenly shattered by the sharp, urgent sound of heavy footsteps reverberating down the corridor.
The chief appeared, her scowl as fierce as her stride was fast, her presence demanding attention. Her pace was nearly a sprint, her focus so intense that nothing dared to slow her down. The two young detectives behind her struggled to keep up, practically stumbling over themselves in their frantic attempt to match her speed. As she stormed past her officers and other staff members, every one of them paused in their tracks. They watched her, a mix of fear and curiosity written on their faces, wondering what could have possibly rattled her on a day that had seemed so calm, so ordinary. What had caused this shift in energy, this rush of urgency, on a day that was supposed to be like any other?
Lin’s heart pounded in her chest, its rhythmic thumping drowning out everything else. The sound of her metal boots striking the concrete floor was barely a whisper in comparison. Her vision was tunneled, everything outside of the narrow path before her fading into a blur. The name “Koko, Koko, Koko” echoed relentlessly in her mind, each repetition fueling her urgency as she closed the distance to the interrogation room. The boys behind her were struggling to keep pace, their voices a jumble of frantic explanations, but they were lost in the chaos of her thoughts. Without turning to look, she snapped over her shoulder, her voice sharp and commanding, "What are the charges?"
"The report said she was arrested under the charges of disorderly conduct and assault, but according to the witnesses in the crowd, it seemed to have been a mutual combat. When the police officers arrived on the scene the other suspect was already knocked out cold." Mako replied slightly out of breath.
"They said his face looked like ground meat! They also said this guy was crazy tall and beefy, they had to earthbend him onto the gurney! Wow, she did a number on him! I mean, she's tall too, but who knew she had a killer right hook!" Bolin's eyes shined with admiration for Koko's showmanship of strength and agility.
Mako shot bolin a disapproving look, "Bolin, now is not the time to gossip."
"Sorry." Bolin shrank back into himself, sheepish and tame as he mentioned, "There's also another lady here who insists she's innocent and was only trying to help."
Lin’s heart gave an involuntary lurch at the thought of another woman being near Koko. A fleeting surge of jealousy hit her chest, but she quickly dismissed it, feeling both foolish and childish for even entertaining such a feeling. There was no room for emotions like that right now. The situation was far too serious, and such distractions were unnecessary. What mattered in this moment was getting everything sorted, getting the facts, and handling the mess that lay ahead.
She came to a sudden stop, pivoting to face the boys. They nearly collided with her, their hurried steps faltering as they came to a skidding halt just inches away. Lin's eyes locked onto both of them, her expression hardening into one of unwavering focus. "I want you to find this woman," she commanded, her voice steady but commanding. "Press her for more details- don’t let her withhold anything. Get me the witness reports and bring them to me directly. I’ll take it from here and go speak to her myself." Her tone left no room for argument, the urgency of the task taking precedence over everything else.
"Is that a good idea, chief?" Mako frowned, looking apprehensive.
"Yeah, wouldn't you be a conflict of interest since you had somewhat of a personal relationship with her?" Bolin added oh so helpfully.
She growled, "Did I ask for your advice or did I give you two orders?"
The boys exchanged a quick, uncertain glance, as if silently debating whether to question her or just follow orders. After a brief moment, their eyes flicked back to Lin, who was standing with her arms crossed and her expression like stone. Her face had contorted into a scowl so fierce, so unwavering, that it left no room for hesitation or defiance. It was clear that she was not in the mood for any objections, and the weight of her gaze made it impossible for them to push back.
Without another word, the boys nodded in unison, the brief flicker of doubt vanishing as they turned away. They didn't need any further prompting. They knew what was expected. With quick, purposeful steps, they made their way toward the administrative office to track down the witness reports. The tension in the air lingered, but they understood the urgency in Lin’s voice. There was no time to waste.
As she watched the boys disappear down the corridor, Lin pivoted sharply on her heels and continued her determined stride toward the interrogation room. Each step seemed heavier than the last, as her heart sank deeper into her chest, a cold knot of anxiety tightening with every move. The thought of seeing Koko, of all people, in that room, under such unpredictable and unsettling circumstances, unsettled her. Her mind raced as she thought about Koko’s arrest- she couldn’t fathom why someone like her would be dragged into something so chaotic. Lin couldn’t imagine Koko getting arrested for no good reason; the woman just didn’t seem like the type to pick random fights on the street.
A strange, almost uncomfortable envy crept into Lin’s chest. She found herself thinking of the witnesses who had seen Koko in action. It felt somewhat shameful to admit it, but Lin couldn’t shake the desire to witness Koko’s strength firsthand. She wanted to see her muscles tense, her body move with fluidity and power during a fight- watching her in battle, seeing that raw energy in motion. There was something mesmerizing about the thought of it. Lin couldn’t deny it. And strangely enough, she also felt a quiet sense of pride. It was as if Koko’s prowess somehow reflected back on her, making Lin feel like she had won in some way. But that pride was immediately followed by a twinge of guilt. She was the chief of police, after all. She wasn’t supposed to be harboring such feelings- admiration for someone in her custody felt wrong, especially considering the role she played in Koko's current situation.
By the time Lin reached the door to the interrogation room, her doubts had intensified. Was it truly wise for her to be the one to interrogate Koko? Was she too emotionally involved? But she had come this far. The door loomed in front of her, a solid, cold slab of metal standing between her and the woman she couldn’t stop thinking about. It separated them physically, but it felt like more than just a barrier- it was a symbol of the divide between their worlds, their roles, their lives. Lin’s hand hovered over the door handle for a moment, her fingers trembling slightly as she realized just how much was riding on what happened next. She closed her eyes, inhaled and exhaled to release the tension in her shoulders.
The sound of the knob jiggling startled her and she opened her eyes just as the door swung open to reveal one of her rookie officers. They were young and fresh, the arrogant attitude that all new officers had still high on his face as he only joined the RCPF a few months ago after graduating from the academy. Their faces were close together, almost nose to nose with how close she was standing to the door. He blinked and flinched back from her, momentarily stunned to see her so suddenly and so close. His arrogant attitude giving way to stone cold indifference as he stood up straighter. He bowed his head slightly, acknowledging her presence as he greeted her, "Chief Beifong."
"Officer Ming." She said.
A faint groan could be heard from inside the room followed by a solid thump and a rattle of metal chains hitting the table. The sound stirred something inside her, pulling Lin through the door of the room as she said, "I'll take it from here officer."
"I- are you sure?" He stuttered looking slightly offended at her offer as he back tracked from her oncoming form, "I can handle it just fine, Chief."
"Did I ask you or did I give you an order?" Her temper flared, she had half a mind to earthbend his ass out of the room, but she restrained herself. She had to remain professional and unaffected, but in this moment, he was starting to feel more like a barrier than an employee to her. She narrowed her eyes and bared her teeth like a rabid dog, growling and seething as she spoke, "Out of the way and go to Captain Saikhan for an assignment or I'm sending you home."
He shrunk back even more, his posture almost childlike in its timidity, as if he were trying to make himself as small as possible. His eyes darted nervously, and with a quick, jerky movement, he side-stepped around her, not daring to make eye contact. Then, in a flurry of desperate energy, he scurried out of the room, moving as if an evil spirit was hot on his heels, his footsteps echoing with the urgency of his escape. Lin watched him go, her lips pressed together in frustration. As the door clicked shut behind him, she allowed herself a long, deep sigh, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. She schooled her expression, forcing herself to mask the lingering irritation, before turning towards the form still cuffed to the table. The silence in the room was almost suffocating, but she steeled herself, ready to face whatever was next.
Koko was curled into herself, trying to appear small as if she could blend in with the table and chair. Her skin looked pale and her eyes seemed to lack the golden luster they held before as they gazed at Lin, impassive and indifferent. Lin took the time to observe her, her eyes roaming over her form as she took note of her slightly battered appearance. She had smudges of dirt on her black pants at the knees, and her red turtleneck was slightly torn at the left sleeve. Her once-polished boots were now scuffed, and her hair had fallen loose from its elegant bun, sticking to her sweat-slicked face. Her lipstick was faintly smudged and rubbed off as if she was chewing and biting at her bottom lip. But what caught Lin's attention the most were her torn and bleeding knuckles. Aside from the battered state of her hands, there wasn’t a single bruise or scratch on her. Lin felt her core throb with arousal at the sight, like some animal proud to have a strong mate. She felt disgusted but oddly turned on by Koko's victory. Even now, she appeared beautiful and graceful in the face of the law.
Lin forced herself to move, her legs feeling like two pieces of lead as her steps echoed in the room. With faux ease, she sat down and crossed her arms over her chest as she contiued to appraise her, waiting and watching. Koko continued to stare at her with the same impassive expression, not saying a word or acknowledging her existence.
They sat in silence for several minutes, locked in a tense staring contest, neither of them willing to look away. The stillness in the room was thick, as if time itself had slowed down, every second dragging on longer than the last. It seemed as though this was starting to become a habit between them- this strange, wordless game of chicken. Each of them stubbornly held their ground, waiting for the other to crack, to blink, to show the slightest hint of surrender. It wasn’t about winning or losing, really; it was about who would back down first. They both knew it, but neither was willing to be the one to tap out, not when victory seemed so close. The tension hung in the air, thick and heavy, until it felt like the only sound was the thumping of their hearts in sync, daring the other to make the first move.
Neither of them made the first move, what disturbed the silence in the room was the loud crash of the door slamming into the wall as the two young detectives crashed through it, papers in hand for their chief. They both stopped at the threshold, the tension in the room swallowing them whole as they gazed at the two women. Neither of them even flinched at the loud sound, still locked in their own world. The boys looked at them and then at each other as they pondered what to do next. Leave the report on the table? Hand it directly to the chief? Flee completely?
Mako cleared his throat, the sound slicing through the silence like a knife. He waved the papers in the air as he announced, "We have the report, witness reports, and the statement from the lady for you chief. We were also informed that, uh, her... brother is in the waiting room."
Lin remained silent, her intense gaze never wavering from Koko as she slowly extended her hand toward the papers. Her expression was calm, but there was an undeniable weight in the air, a quiet command that made it clear she expected no hesitation. The boys, clearly uncertain and visibly uncomfortable under her unwavering stare, fumbled for a moment before gingerly placing the papers into her open palm. They exchanged nervous glances, unsure of how to proceed, and with a mix of reluctance and confusion, they began to inch their way toward the door, their movements slow and hesitant as if they were trying to avoid provoking her further.
"Boys."
Lin's stern tone stopped them in their tracks, Bolin's hand barely an inch away from the knob. Turning towards her slowly, the boys waited for her to continue.
"Guard the door and make sure none of the other officers come in here." Her tone left no room for arguing, the boys without hesitation, agreed to her command and fled the room just like officer Ming.
Lin carefully grasped the papers in both hands, finally tearing her gaze away from Koko as she began to skim through the contents. Her eyes moved over the key points of the report: provoked the man, threw the first punch, knocked him out, and caused a concussion and broken eye socket. A frown slowly tugged at the corners of her lips as she glanced up at Koko, who was still staring at her intently, waiting for her reaction. Lin felt the weight of the woman’s gaze but quickly looked back down to focus on the witness reports. Most of the statements claimed that Koko had started the fight, while a few others mentioned that the man had been bothering a woman before the fight broke out and Koko had stepped in to intervene. One particular statement from the woman in the lobby caught her eye. According to her, Koko had been protecting her from the low life. Lin's eyes narrowed as she continued reading, absorbing the details of the woman’s account. It described how the man had been persistently harassing her, touching her inappropriately, and then tried to drag her into a nearby alley- until Koko had intervened, landing a solid punch straight to the face to stop him.
Lin felt a warmth slowly spreading through her chest as she considered Koko’s strong instinct to protect others. It reminded her of the pride she took in her own skills- whether it was her ability to command a room or her sheer physical strength. Lin admired Koko's unwavering desire to guard and defend, something that resonated with her own values. It gave her a sense of relief knowing that Koko hadn't started the fight out of impulse or for no reason at all, but to protect someone. Still, there was something that nagged at her. If that was the case, why hadn’t Koko simply explained herself right from the start? Why had she kept silent, letting others assume the worst? Why hadn’t she just told Lin or the other officers that she was stepping in to defend a woman? Lin set the report down on the table with a soft thud, her eyes still on Koko. The woman remained seated in silence, her face betraying nothing, and Lin couldn’t help but wonder what was going through her mind. The only way to find out was to ask and surrender herself in this game of chicken.
She leaned forward and asked quietly, "Why didn't you explain yourself to the officers?"
Koko stayed silent, and Lin felt her patience start to wear thin. The stubbornness in front of her was becoming increasingly frustrating, though she couldn't fully blame Koko- after all, she herself was just as stubborn. Her voice grew louder, more insistent, as she demanded, "Why did you let them drag you here? Why did you just sit there and take it without saying a word?"
Koko pursed her lips slightly, her eyes still dull and lacking it's usual warmth. She opened her mouth, finally speaking, "I didn't really see a point in the moment. I was partially in the wrong."
"This statement from the victim right here states that your are not in the wrong." She slammed her hand down ontop of the papers, "This lady right here just saved your ass from jail time. Why didn't you explain yourself? It's not like you to be so quiet."
"Oh, like you know me?" Koko snarled, the cuffs scraping against the metal table as she leaned forward suddenly, "like you care? Why don't you just do your job and dismiss the charges if you say I'm free."
"I don't need to know you to do my job, " Lin replied her voice even but carrying an edge, "But I do need you to be honest. If the reports are telling the truth, then you have nothing to worry about."
Koko sighed, tired and exhausted. She spoke with the same dead and monotone voice, "I didn't see a point. The officers wouldn't have listened, after all they witnessed me standing over the guy like some crazed hooligan. I knew my charges would be dropped by the witness reports or if Jin paid bale."
Lin was unsettled by the emptiness in her demeanor and voice; she couldn't hold back and blurted out, "Why are you like this? Why are you so- lifeless?"
Koko froze momentarily and then proceeded to burst into laughter, her whole body shaking as she curled over the table. She giggled and cackled uncontrollably, her laughter echoing through the room as she struggled to catch her breath. The absurdity of the question had caught her off guard in the most unexpected way, and she couldn't help but revel in the sheer ridiculousness of it all. It was the kind of question that made you question reality itself, and Koko, with her wild sense of humor, found it absolutely hysterical, "Oh, honey, don't make me think you care now. I've been asking myself that all week!" She leaned forward, her smile daring as she spoke, "I wonder who is the object of all my woes, my reason for all my troubles? It truly is a mystery, no? Are you going to use your detective skills to find out for me, chief?"
Lin's heart lurched at the implications, a sharp twist of guilt and shame mixing into an uncomfortable, distasteful feeling. The weight of her emotions settled heavily in her chest as she watched Koko's receding form, each inch distancing her from Lin. Su's words, spoken with such quiet certainty, echoed in her mind: “I know this mystery woman would be glad to have you.” It stung in the most unexpected way. Su was right- Koko wanted her just as much as Lin wanted her, almost to the point of madness. Koko had told Lin in the alley a week ago, but seeing her crumble in front of her now, her strength faltering, stirred something deep within Lin- a warmth she hadn’t been prepared for. It was fragile, tender, and unfamiliar, this feeling of wanting to hold Koko close, to soothe her and offer some kind of comfort.
She wanted to reach out, to take Koko’s bruised hands in her own and offer her solace, but the professional part of her- the part that had been carefully honed over the years- pulled her back. She knew she couldn’t let herself slip into that space, not now. She had a role to maintain, a barrier she couldn’t let crumble. Yet, as the minutes stretched on, Lin found it increasingly difficult to ignore the pull in her chest, the ache to protect and be there for Koko. But, she forced herself to remain still, her fingers twitching ever so slightly, resisting the urge to act on what her heart was telling her. The only thing she could do now is take Su's advice and be open and honest with her feelings, bare it all to her even if it tears her apart.
"I- I-" Lin stammered, her voice faltering. She cleared her throat, nervously rubbing her hands together as she searched for the right words to convey her feelings and desires. She spoke as her voice wavered, "I'm- sorry for what I said in the alley. It wasn't the complete truth, but it wasn't a lie either."
Koko raised her head and looked at her confused but did not say a word.
"It's not that it- can't happen." Lin wet her lips and looked down, suddenly shy and flustered, "It was that I wasn't... willing to try it."
"Yeah, I figured as much."
Lin flinched at her cold tone but powered through it, "I will assume that... you know about how Tenzin and I ended things back then. How he... was being disloyal, in a way, with, uh, Pema. And you must know that it- affected me negatively, of course. It was- a hard time for me in my life, with it being publicized and all. I- I thought I was passed it all when I rekindled my friendship with him and got used to his kids, but then you- you reminded me of him-"
"I remind you of that egg head?"
Lin sputtered at the insult and then chuckled. It was light and airy, releasing some of the tension in her body as she pictured him and his egg shaped head. She smiled softly at her even as Koko still looked at her with the same passive eyes, "No, not in that way. Just that- you remind of what we had... what you and I... what you and I could have. What I want with you- to share with you. Spirits, I- I know I'm bad with my words, Koko. What I'm trying to say is I want to try it with you."
Koko blinked, her mouth hanging open in shock, unable to comprehend what she had just heard. She was completely dumbfounded. The tough, stone-cold chief, who was never one to show any sign of softness, had just said she wanted to go out with her? It didn’t make sense. She must be hearing things. There was no way this was real- maybe the officers had somehow thrown her into some sort of spirit portal, and she was now caught in a bizarre, twisted version of reality. Her face scrunched in confusion, and she spat, as if trying to rid herself of the surreal moment, "That's bullshit."
Lin reared back slightly, taken a back by such venom after her heart felt confession, "It is not. It took a lot out of me just to say that."
"Why now, huh?" Koko rose out of her seat, her wrists still bound to the table as she snarled, "What's changed now? Why not tell me in the alleyway? What changed your mind? Pity? Do you pity me because I spent this past week wallowing over you? I don't want your pity date! You can't even say relationship! 'It?' Is that all you'll refer to it as, not a 'date,' not a 'relationship?' Just an 'it?' Tell me!"
Lin gazed upon her, her tall form looming over the table, wrists bound to its solid surface as she strained against its hold. The muscles in her arms and shoulders flexed, her chest heaved with each breath, smoke leaked out of her flared nostrils as she tried to contain her fire, her face twisted into a snarl that looked almost foreign on her beautiful face, her eyes no longer dull but alight with fury, her hair falling over shoulders in black and white silken curtains. She was stunning and terrifying all at once. Lin wanted to kiss her so badly, to wipe that snarl off her lips, to kiss her teeth, to drag her tongue along them, to taste the ash on her lips. Spirits, she was no better than an animal right now. Her heart ached along side Koko's, wanting nothing more than to comfort her, to reassure her, to tell her-
"You're beautiful, Himiko." Lin's voice was timid and shy.
Koko faltered, her usual confidence slipping away as her face twisted into something softer, more vulnerable, more uncertain. She took a small step back, but in doing so, she accidentally knocked into her chair, the unexpected movement sending a jolt of awkwardness through her. Her wrists remained firmly bound to the table, anchoring her to the spot. The anger that had once flared within her seemed to vanish in an instant, replaced by an overwhelming wave of exhaustion. The sharp edges of frustration melted into a deep, sorrowful look of defeat that softened her features. Her eyes, which had been filled with fire just moments ago, now reflected a quiet resignation, as if she was no longer sure of what to say or how to fight back. She murmured, her words barley above a whisper, "Don't play with me, Lin."
"I'm not," Her voice was soft as silk. She stayed still in her seat despite all of her nerves screaming at her to reach out to Koko. She can not cross that boundary, not here. "I'm telling the truth. I want to- to go on a date with you."
Koko’s breath hitched in her throat, a flush of deep red spreading across her face as she looked at Lin, her eyes searching for any hint of dishonesty in her words. Her heart raced, pounding in her chest as adrenaline coursed through her veins. She tried to convince herself to believe what Lin had said, struggling to find some meaning in the words that hung in the air. Her body trembled with an excitement she couldn’t contain, the idea of a date sparking a flurry of possibilities in her mind. She imagined a fancy dinner with wine and light conversation, the dim glow of the theater as they watched a play, the crisp air and soft grass during a carefree picnic, both of them shouting and cheering at a lively probending match. It was as if something inside her had suddenly shifted, and before she could stop herself, she lunged forward across the table. Her grin was wide and innocent, full of unguarded joy, as she spoke, "You really want to go on a date with me?"
"I- yes, yes I do." Lin flushed as Koko was only inches away from her face, her breath wafting over the heated skin.
Koko laughed, boisterous and carefree as she sunk back into her seat. Her form was more loose and languid than when Lin first came in here. She still appeared tired and drained, but their was a light in her golden eyes again, burning brightly with affection. Lin was content to sit there in the comfortable silence for a bit longer before she had to face the reality of her job again. She leaned back, closing her eyes as she relaxed into her seat.
"What changed your mind?"
Her eyes snapped open, locking onto Koko with renewed focus. She remained calm, her expression reflecting the curiosity of a child, her smile small yet playful, with a hint of mischief. "Come on, I know something happened."
Lin rolled her eyes, "What? Don't believe I can have an epiphany all on my own?"
"You? No." She snorted, "Come on, what was is it?"
Lin chewed on her lip, the familiar habit grounding her thoughts as they swirled with uncertainty. Her mind replayed the weight of the conversation she had just had, and for a moment, she hesitated, wondering if she should open up about her heartfelt conversation with her sister. It felt like a vulnerable choice, one that she wasn’t sure she could make. She glanced down, fingers lightly tapping against the table, as the quiet in the room seemed to stretch on. The conversation was important, deep, filled with emotions that were difficult to articulate, and she wasn’t sure if sharing it would bring them closer or make her appear silly. Would Koko think she couldn't handle her own emotions?
But then, like a sudden wave crashing against a stubborn rock, the reminder hit her once again- she had made a decision not long ago to be more open, to stop holding everything inside. She had promised herself that she would stop letting her emotions and thoughts fester in silence. She was trying, really trying, to be more open with the people who mattered. The realization pushed her forward, reminding her that vulnerability wasn't a sign of weakness but of strength.
With a quiet exhale, she pushed the hesitation aside, telling herself that the risk was worth it if it meant getting closer to Koko. "My sister called me this morning, said she missed me and wanted to talk. Even through the phone she was able to tell something was wrong, which was very annoying, by the way. So, I... told her there was someone on my mind, someone I couldn't get out of my head. I told her how beautiful and strong this woman was, how sweet she is."
"Sounds like she was quite the woman." Koko grinned at her, her blush traveling from the apples of her cheeks down to her neck.
Lin smiled at her with a soft, almost hesitant expression. "She is. I... I told her the reason I turned you down was because of my job and the stress it brings-"
Koko stared at her, disbelief written across her face. "Your job? Lin, come on. I'm a retired soldier. There's nothing you've dealt with that I haven't seen already."
"I... okay, you have a point, but it wasn't just that. My job takes up so much of my time. I’m fully dedicated to it, and I spend long hours here, sometimes even days."
"I already knew that, Lin. It’s impressive how you take care of the city and its people. I knew from the start that your badge would come first." Koko dismissed it with a wave of her hand. "I can't say it might not bother me, but I understand where you're coming from."
Lin's expression grew serious. "Well, don’t say it like that- it sounds worse than it is. I just... didn't want you to feel like I was neglecting you."
"Oh, Lin," Koko murmured, "We'll figure it out when the time comes. How about we just take it one day at a time, okay?"
"I- i’d like that."
They sat across from each other, the silence between them settling in comfortably, like a quiet bond that spoke louder than words ever could. The table may have physically separated them, but in that moment, it felt like it was nothing more than a small barrier. Mentally and emotionally, they were perfectly in sync, each one sensing the unspoken understanding that flowed between them. Lin found herself lost in the warmth of the moment, wanting nothing more than to stay there for the rest of the day, just gazing at Koko, memorizing every little detail of her- every curve of her smile, the way her eyes sparkled with unspoken thoughts, the rhythm of her breath. It was as though time had slowed down, and all that mattered was the stillness they shared. Lin longed to speak, to ask Koko about her day, to hold her hand and feel the connection deepen. She wished they could talk about everything- future plans, the next time they'd see each other, or even plan their first real date. Everything felt so simple and perfect in that space.
The silence was interrupted by a soft knock, followed by a hesitant voice from the other side of the door. "Uh, Chief? It's been about an hour. Are you almost finished? She needs to be released, and Jin’s starting to get frantic."
"Yeah, he's wondering if you killed her yet." Bolin added.
Koko grinned wide and menacing, the scars on her lips growing taught, "Well, what do you say, Lin? Have you killed me yet? Should I start screaming bloody murder now?"
Lin rolled her eyes at them both and let out a deep sigh as she stood up from her seat, the weight of responsibility settling on her shoulders once again. With a fluid motion, she raised her hands, concentrating for a moment as she manipulated the metal cuffs around Koko's wrists. Slowly, she bent them away, freeing Koko from the restraints that had kept her tethered to the table. As the cuffs finally gave way, Koko winced slightly, rubbing at the sore skin beneath them. She too stood, stretching her arms to relieve the tension.
Lin turned towards the door, her footsteps steady and purposeful as she moved to leave. Koko followed closely behind her, a silent presence just a step away. When Lin reached the door, she grasped the handle, her fingers curling around the knob as she turned it and pushed it open. The door swung wide, revealing the two boys waiting anxiously on the other side.
Bolin grinned as he caught sight of the two. "Oh, good, there's no blood and she's still standing!"
"Not that we thought anything bad was going to happen." Mako added quickly.
"Yeah, sure." Lin rolled her eyes, her tone dripping with a hint of frustration. She gave a small sigh before continuing, "I’ll take her to the lobby myself. You two can head out now. I don’t need your help anymore. Thanks for watching the door, though."
The boys seemed to ease up as the chief’s mood lightened, a quiet sense of relief settling over them. They exchanged nods with Lin before turning to head back toward their desks deeper inside the building. Lin followed a few paces behind them, Koko at her side, their footsteps in sync. It was clear there was an unspoken understanding between them- not a word was spoken, neither of them would dare discuss their plans out in the open with so many curious eyes and ears around. As the boys veered off in another direction, Lin and Koko continued toward the lobby. They walked just inches apart, their hands brushing with each step, but neither daring to make the gesture more than a fleeting touch.
With every step Lin took, she felt a little lighter, the weight of the day lifting bit by bit. There was a sense of excitement stirring within her, an emotion she hadn't felt in decades, as though the possibility of something new, something bright, was finally on the horizon. She longed to glance at Koko, to share the warmth of her smile, to let her joy show in a simple glance. But she couldn’t- at least not here, not with her employees around. She had to keep her composure, maintaining the impassive facade she always wore in front of the others.
The moment they stepped into the lobby, Jin nearly launched himself at Koko. He rushed at her with the frantic energy of a flying lemur diving for a peach, his concern palpable. His hands flitted over her, inspecting her like a worried parent checking their child for cuts and bruises. His eyes were wide with worry as he muttered to himself, blaming Koko for being so reckless, calling her foolish, and suggesting that they absolutely needed to take her to a healer. Koko didn’t seem at all phased by his over-the-top reaction. Instead, she chuckled softly, her smile warm and amused, as if she found the entire situation endearing. She didn’t try to pull away or protest; instead, she let Jin fuss over her, clearly used to the attention, offering him a soft, reassuring gaze in return.
Lin, standing a few feet away, watched the scene unfold with an expression of calm indifference, though inside, she felt strangely distant. Her arms were loosely crossed in front of her, the weight of her stance almost conveying an air of casual observation. She stood silently to the side, detached, as the two of them continued their quiet exchange. The atmosphere between Koko and Jin was one of familiarity and comfort- something Lin couldn’t quite place. She couldn’t help but notice the ease with which they interacted, how Koko accepted Jin’s frantic presence without hesitation. It was as though they had their own unspoken bond, an understanding that Lin couldn’t help but envy.
As Koko finally turned to speak to her, her mouth parting to say something, another body crashed into her with startling force. Koko lurched to the left, caught off guard, but before she could steady herself, a small, petite woman had wrapped herself around her midsection like a viper, clinging to her with surprising strength. The woman’s face was pressed tightly into Koko’s chest, her body practically molded against Koko’s as she sobbed uncontrollably. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she gazed up at Koko through long, trembling lashes, her voice thick with emotion. “Oh, I was so worried about you! I thought you were going to end up in jail because of me!” she wailed, her words tangled with guilt. “I’m so sorry for causing you all this trouble! I never meant for any of this to happen! Thank you for saving me! Thank you, thank you!” Her words came in a flood, desperate, heartfelt, as though she couldn’t get them out fast enough.
Lin froze in place, her eyes narrowing instinctively as she watched the woman cling to Koko. A hot, white heat surged through her core, radiating outward as jealousy flared unexpectedly in her chest. It was as if the room had suddenly grown smaller, the air more oppressive. Her gaze locked onto the woman’s face, her lips forming a pout, her expression almost exaggerated in its vulnerability. The woman’s arms were wrapped tightly around Koko’s waist, her face practically buried in Koko’s chest as she sobbed into her. Lin’s stomach twisted painfully at the sight, the intense proximity between them a silent reminder of something Lin hadn’t realized she was so desperately afraid of- Koko’s attention being taken by someone else, someone who seemed so eager to hold on.
The woman was clearly much shorter than Koko, her head barely reaching the middle of Koko’s chest as she clung to her, her face an inch from Koko’s collarbone. Her gaze was filled with such exaggerated affection, almost as if she was trying to crawl into Koko’s skin, her fluttering eyelashes and pouty lips conveying an intimacy that sent a surge of heat rushing through Lin. She didn’t want to feel this way- she knew the woman had been through something traumatic, that she had every right to express her gratitude and worry. Yet, the sight of her clinging to Koko so tightly, her voice thick with exaggerated emotion, made Lin’s blood simmer with something she didn’t want to acknowledge.
Lin glanced up and locked eyes with Koko, who was watching her with a curious expression. It was as if she had caught Lin in the act, silently glaring at the back of the strange woman’s head. Koko quickly gave her a small, reassuring smile before turning her attention back to the woman. Gently, she pushed the woman away just enough to create some space, her voice calm and steady. “I’m alright, miss. Nothing I can’t handle. But you take care of yourself out there, alright?”
The lady grasped both her hands between hers, pulling Koko down slightly as she cried, "Oh, ma'am, are you sure? At least let me repay you somehow!"
Lin tensed her jaw almost to the point of shattering her teeth as Koko tried to contain her amusement at her restraint. "That's alright, Miss. Your safety is my payment."
"I- yes, yes, Ok!" She sniffled, squeezing Koko's hands gratefully one last time before she wrenched herself away and took a step back from the trio. She hurried out through the front door, her face still red and tears still streaming down.
As soon as the doors closed behind the strange woman, Koko took a step closer to Lin, her presence almost electric as she extended her hand, palm open and waiting for Lin to take it. Her grin was playful, full of mischief and something a little daring, as if she were challenging Lin without saying a word. The smirk on her lips deepened as she looked into Lin’s eyes, her voice teasing but sincere. "I’ll try not to come back, chief," she said, the words lighthearted but carrying an unspoken promise, a playful dare hanging in the air between them.
Lin eyed her hand and then her face suspiciously. Then, very awkwardly, took a hold of her warm hand and shook it firmly, "You better not."
Koko squeezed her hand briefly before letting go completely, the touch lingering as she dropped her hand to her side. She burst into laughter, her giggle light and carefree like a schoolgirl, as she grabbed Jin by the arm and effortlessly hauled him toward the door of the station. Her energy seemed to explode out of nowhere, and Lin couldn’t help but blink in surprise at the sudden change. She was still trying to make sense of Koko’s playful outburst when she felt something in her hand. It was small and crumpled ball of paper. Lin glanced down, her curiosity piqued. Slowly, she unfolded the piece of paper, smoothing it out in her hand. There, written in neat handwriting, were a set of numbers followed by Koko’s name. A faint smile tugged at Lin’s lips, her heart skipping a beat as she realized what it was- a number, and the woman herself, leaving a piece of herself behind for Lin to hold onto.
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