Bonds That Hold || A LOK Fanfiction

Chapter 9

Anika's POV

I hated Galas.

I hated getting all dolled up, trying to look like I was someone who came from money when in reality I did not. Mizu had lent me a long red dress that blew mine out of the water. 

"These people are going to see you and your brother, and they're going to ask who you are tonight" she smiled, hanging red gems on my neck, matching them with a pair of earrings.

Now we stood outside the town hall, fast music playing inside. I wished Shin was able to come along, but he insisted on staying home, leaving Mizu and my brother to stand by my side. Dazzling decorations covered the room, worth more than my apartment. Women flaunted themselves while men watched, some even looking to me. 

"Tell me, why are we here again?" I ask my brother.

"Councilman Tenzin invited us, Anika" he remind me, Mizu holding onto his arm with a comfortable smile. I would need to talk to her later. 

Suddenly, my feet left the ground, the air shot from my lungs. "It's so good to see you!" Bolin cheered like a child, twirling me around. He had grown since I last saw him, built even more than his brother.

Laughing , I pat his arm, making him set me down. "It's good to see you Bolin. I'm sorry we haven't had much time to catch up."

"It's been an interesting few days" he admits, turning to his brother. "You already know Mako, but here is his girlfriend, Asami and her father, Mr. Sato."

I turn, a warm smile playing on my lips. "Hiroshi, Asami, good to see you both."

Hiroshi nods, patting my back, nodding to Mizu and Haydn. "Good to know my daughter is dating a man who has such wonderful friends."

"I'll explain later" I whisper in Bolin's ear, giving Asami a quick hug. Her figure was smaller than  mine, but for once our clothing was equal, made with the same expensive fabric and fancy jewels. 

Behind her, Avatar Korra approaches, frowning at the sight of Mako and Asami. "Avatar Korra' I cough, holding out a hand. Years of lying had made my words seem real, though I still looked to the left, something Haydn always saw. "I feel as if we got off on the wrong foot. Perhaps we can set aside the past and start fresh?"

Korra raises a brow, and before she can answer, she is pulled away by another councilman. Puffing out my lip, I turn to the rest of the group but they've gone off to dance, just leaving Bolin. Shrugging, I pull on his hand, taking him to the others on the floor.

"Tell me" I say quietly. "How have things been?"

"Things have been good. I've just been following my brother around the city" he looks away, clearly embarrassed. "Anika, why did you and your brother leave the gang? I know it wasn't the best, but Zolt always thought of you and Haydn as his children."

Mako never told Bolin what happened that night. "I'm afraid it may not be proper to talk about it in such a public setting" I whisper.

"Anika you've never been one to be proper" Bolin frowns. "Mako never told me, and now suddenly you're carrying Shin around. Are you back in the gang?"

"Of course not" I snarl, pulling away from him. "I need some air."

He calls after me, but I keep walking, pushing through anyone in my way. As soon as I'm outside, I let out a frustrated scream. What was suppose to stay between Zolt, my brother and I had already become known to Mako, but now Bolin was asking questions. Who knew how long it would be until everyone in the city knew.

"Ani?" a voice whispers.

Looking up, I see Shin. He adjusts his suit jacket, looking at me with concern. "Why are you here?" I ask, watching as he approaches me. 

"Changed my mind about this whole Gala, thought I'd surprise you" he frowns, wiping my cheek. "Now can you tell me why you're crying?"

"It's nothing" I whisper, pulling away from his touch. 

"It's not."

Clenching my jaw, I glare at him. "My past is coming back to haunt me, which includes you and the entire gang" I growl. "I never should have let you back into my life."

"Then why did you?" he asks calmly. I freeze, pulling at the rings on my fingers, unable to respond. "Is it because you missed me? I know I missed you."

He runs his hand over the fabric that covers my scar. "I might have missed you" I whisper.

"Do you know how crushed I was when Zolt told me you and your brother left? He never told me why, so I always assumed you two bailed."

I bite my lips, meeting his tired eyes. "I don't want to get pulled back into that gang" I whisper. "I won't."

"No one is forcing you back" he replies, running his hand down my arm. 

"But you're in that gang" I note, taking his hand. "I don't want to constantly worry about you."

Pulling my hand to his lips, he presses a warm kiss to it. "We can figure it out, but I can promise you that I'll stay safe."

I suddenly realized how much I wanted his attention, and how attractive he was. He might be a few years older than me, but I still wanted him. Sliding my fingers through his hair, I pull his head to mine, our lips connecting. I almost expected him to pull away, but he doesn't. Instead, he arms wrap around my body, pulling me dangerously close.

In that moment, I didn't care who saw us, or if my brother happened to walk out. Breathlessly I pull away. He smiles, slowly taking my hand. "Now why don't we go inside?"