This Is My Uniform

Grey Wool Overcoat

It boiled. Burned? Wu didn't really contemplate the emotion cresting in him, settling in his chest, searing his sternum.

Asami.

She was gorgeous. Elegant. Successful. Brave. Strong, if the rumors and stories were to be believed. And man, if he had done his research as well as he thought he did - he believed them

She was everything, everything, Wu knew he was not. At least, not in Mako's eyes. And watching the way his- No. The firebender watched her on stage during her presentation was everything Wu had only dreamed of receiving from his bodyguard during his own speeches.

It consumed him as he approached the woman.

"Hey." Smooth, over the top. Boisterous. Annoying. "Asami, right?" Brow lifted, upper body leaning into her personal space.

Of course he knew she was Asami, he'd listened to her prattling to the crowd only moments ago. But he wanted to piss her off. He wanted to get under her skin. He wanted to make her... Uncomfortable. And boy was he succeeding. Every inch of her screamed that she wanted him to get away. But Wu had to make it last, had to make her want to avoid them; avoid him. Avoid Mako. Had to leave his mark, had to- before Mako- Because he couldn't lose him too. Spirits he-

"Great train house." He rambled, not really paying attention to his words. "Maybe you can give me a personal tour sometime, what do you say?"

Even the suggestion made him feel sleezy, but it was working. Seeing her face contort to one of disgust. He could hear Mako approaching at a fast pace; could feel Mako behind him.

"I do like the idea of putting you on a train and sending you far, far away." Pale green eyes narrowed, shooting daggers.

Fair. But Wu wouldn't let himself be fazed, forcing out a casual chuckle. "That's..." Inhale to calm himself; brace himself. "That's funny. I like funny dames."

Spirits this was spiraling, what was he even doing? His mouth moving in response to her increasingly darkening glower. And then a hand on his shoulder.

"Prince Wu!"

Shit. Wu jumped a little, startled with just how much his heart was racing, by just how guilty he felt. Mako's face was as stern as usual, but the crease between his brows was deep. And Wu could feel his heart sinking as his bodyguard came up with an excuse to send him away.

That wasn't supposed to happen. His heart faltered, sunk.

With a flippant farewell and a kiss to seal the deal Wu strode over to President Raiko, missing the presence of Mako. Surprised by the ache of it. A glance over his shoulder assuring Wu that Asami had him well engaged in conversation; the two smiling, exchanging glances. Wu felt himself withering.

They looked like they were flirting and it killed him.

A mistake? He frowned down at his shoes as he climbed the stairs. Did I just push him further away? Did I offend him by... He closed his eyes briefly, plastering on his smile as he approached, noting the presence of Acolyte Tenzin and Chief Beifong. Shit.

~+~+~+~+~+~

Mako turned away from the retreating back, embarrassed by his employer, humiliated by his position. Asami had been incredible giving her speech to Republic City. Further rubbing in Mako's lack of... anything. It took a moment for him to realize the atmosphere between them was, well. Awkward.

"He's... a real charmer, huh?" Mako joked, trying to break the tension.

"He's... something." Asami took the offered olive branch, engaging in conversation at the expense of the Prince. "How can you stand being his bodyguard?"