Invisible String | Mako

Chapter 18

I sigh, drawing mindless doodles on my notepad as the men around the room give their meaningless updates. Aiko sat at the desk, Tadashi standing quietly behind him with his hands resting in front of him.

Despite the news we heard yesterday, I still found myself playing Aiko's game and being present for all the 'updates' his men shared from their 'work' trying to find my family. It was boring, but we had to continue to let Aiko believe we didn't know anything wiser.

"Thank you, Hobi" Aiko nodded, "Please continue your search to bring my beloved friend and his family home"

"Yes sir" the man bowed then stepped back in line with the others.

I turned to Aiko, "Shall we break for lunch?"

"That is an excellent idea" Tadashi smiles, moving from his spot, "Let's go get lunch, El"

He excitedly took my arm, helping me stand. Without another glance to Aiko, he leads me out of the office and into the elevator.

"How are you holding up?" He asks, peering over at me.

"I'm doing alright" I reply, resisting the urge to roll my eyes. Why would he care? He's the one helping his father in this demonic scheme.

"That is good to hear" He nods, hand over his heart in false sincerity, "If there is anything you need, I am here for you"

"Thanks." I say flatly, turning my head forward as the elevator door rings.

We stroll for a few minutes in silence. My mind struggling to find a topic of conversation. All I wanted to do was yell at Tadashi. To scream at him. Has he no shame? That is my family he has taken from me.

"This place is delicious," Tadashi says, stopping in front of a small café.

I nod, following him inside. It was a Fire Nation themed café, the menu filled with Fire Nation cuisine. We sit at a table against the wall in the back, a server pouring us glasses of water.

"So" Tadashi says, folding his arms in front of me, "Who is this troublesome Firebender I see you with so much?"

I sip my water, gently placing it down on the table. I hold back a frown. Why would he care? He has proven he doesn't care about me. The man in front of me has betrayed me after years of friendship.

"A friend" I lie, licking my lips. "I met him when I moved here with my family"

Tadashi nods, sipping his own drink. I could see he was struggling to find a topic to talk about with me. Perhaps he was feeling guilty.

"How does Vera feel about that?" He asks, "With him being a Firebender and all"

I frown, my expression turning sour. How dare he talk about Vera.

"She likes him" I reply through gritted teeth.

"How did her and Iroh end?" He asks, mindlessly stirring his drink with his straw.

I did not want to talk about this.

"He became too busy" I say, careful not to say too much. "It was before we left the Fire Nation"

"That is too bad" Tadashi frowns, "I remember how much he loved her"

I nod, trying to suppress the memories.

Vera was heartbroken. She didn't eat for days after. Iroh was truly the love of her life. That breakup effected the entire family. 

"Tadashi, why did you come here?" I say freely, fed up with the pointless small talk.