The Only Hope

Book 4: Chapter 4

Then

“I know you need time to rest, but just remember I’m just a letter or radio call away.”

“Thanks Bri, that means a lot.” Korra leaned over and hugged me. I bit the inside of my cheek and held onto her just tight enough it she wouldn’t notice or be hurt but one that wasn’t tight or long enough for me. I just wanted her to be better.

“Now don't take this the wrong way, but, I can't wait for you to leave!” Korra and I separated as Bolin rushed over. We both looked at him, slightly confused.

“How else is she supposed to take that but the wrong way?” I nodded my head slightly, agreeing with Mako- for the first time ever… maybe not ever, but it was rare.

“I mean, because I've never had a pen pal before! I'm gonna write so many letters and, just to get the ball rolling, here.” He took a letter out from his pocket, and gave it to Korra. “Spoiler alert: Pabu and I already miss you.”

“Thanks. That's sweet.”

“Are you sure you don't want some company in the Southern Water Tribe? I'm happy to come with you.” Asami leaned a hand on Korra’s shoulder. At that point I turned away, and started a small conversation with Tenzin. One of which was short because as soon as Asami and Korra were finished talking, Tenzin begun.

“Now, I don't want you to worry about a thing while you're gone. Your recovery should be your number-one concern. Zabri, Jinora, the air benders, and I have everything under control.”

I smiled, crossing my arms over my chest as I did. I watched as Korra was pushed up on the ramp, and waved to her as the ship docked off. We all did.

“So, what happens now?” I looked to Bolin, my eyes glancing at the dock and then to his face.

“Go on with life.” I patted his shoulder, giving it a single squeeze before moving past him.

~~~

Dear Kwon,

It’s official been two months since Korra left for the South Pole. I’ve written to her on a weekly basis but have yet to get a letter in return. I’m not too angry with her; I understand that she needs time to heal, but I wish she would just write something back. Even if it was just- ‘Hi Bri. I’m doing well, thanks. Bye, bye!’ I’m sure I sound like a little whiney rat right now, so I’m sorry. I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying the seas, but I don’t understand why you would want to go to the Earth Kingdom. I know they’re going through a rough time right now, but one of Sue Beifong’s best women is leading a group right now to try to bring some peace back to the Earth Nation. Bolin has even joined her. With Mako working hard at the Police Station and a possible special mission coming up; he saw no better reason not to join. He wants to do good and play his part in helping the world heal is all. I hope to see you soon. I know your next leave isn’t for about five months, and will only be a few days long, but I hope you find time to take a trip to the City. You still owe me a lunch date from the last time we saw each other. I won the bet- just as I knew I would. I miss you, and hope to hear from you soon.

Zabri.

~~~

“Yes- go on now, you’re almost there- you’re almost there- you- you- WHOOO!” I hopped up and down, clapping my hands. Rushing over, I embraced Terra with a hug. “Congratulations my little monk! You are the first one of your class to successful making through the spinning gates! I am SO PROUD of you!” I released her from the hug, patting her back as we started back to the other side of the gates where the rest of the class waited.

“You see class? THAT is how it’s done! Give a big round of applause to Terra and Shad? You’ll be next and then it’ll be-”

“Could I have a go at it?”

I stopped speaking at the sound of the voice, and the class grew quite as I was searching for its owner. I wasn’t sure if I heard what I actually heard. “What?”

“I asked, if I could give it a try?” I watched with an open mouth, as the owner of the voice moved from the back of the crowd, around the side and then stopped in the front- a few feet away from me. My mouth moved for a few seconds, but no words came out as I was utterly shocked to see him. Finally, I found my voice, in an excitement filled shocked squealed out; “Kwon!”

Rushing forward into his out stretched arms, we hugged.  I giggled at the embrace, not really believing he was here in front of me.

“What- what are you doing here- you-you-your leave isn’t for another three months!” We pulled away, and gripped his forearms in my hands.

“I know, I got two random days off, so- I came to visit you! I do owe you a cup of tea, don’t I?”

I smiled, “You do actually- and I know the best tea place in the City! We can go right now!” I started to wrap an arm around him, intending on pulling him away when he stopped me.

“But- what about them?” My eyes slide over to where he pointed- my class.

“Oh yeah- um, everyone, class is dismissed for the day- let’s say we all get up an hour early tomorrow and meet up at the meditation pavilion and start class there. Have nice afternoon! Come on, I want to stop by my room to change real fast!”

~~~

“So?”

Kwon swallowed his sip of tea, sitting his cup down. “It’s… amazing! You weren’t kidding when you said this is the best tea- it really is!”

I nodded, swallowing the tea in my mouth as I sat my own cup down. “I know.” I smiled at him, glancing down at my cup. It was crazy to think that just about a year and a half ago, this was the spot where Korra and I first became friends.

“You’re thinking about something, what is it?” I looked up, realizing that he had been studying me for the past few minutes. Shaking my head, I looked back to my cup.

“It’s nothing really, it’s just, this is the tea house Korra took me right after I found out Maia had died. We sat at that corner table over there, and that was when we started to become friends… I can’t believe it’s been only a year and half… so much has changed in such that small amount of time.”

“Yeah…woul-um, would you be opened to more change?” I looked at slightly confused as I took a sip of tea.

“What do you mean?”

“I was kind of, I mean, I came to the City on this break for a reason- to see you.” He placed his palms in his lap, and if I was to guess he was wiping them on his pants.

“Okay?”

“And, I wanted to ask you a question.”

“A question?”

“Yes.”

“Why didn’t you just write me?”

“Because, it’s not the type of question you write down.”

“Whoa-whoa-whoa, wait- you came all the way here to ask me a question?! What type of question is so important that it can’t be written down in a letter?”

“I want you to be my girlfriend! I mean, will you-will you be my girlfriend?”

“Oh,” for the second time in one day, I was in utter shock, “that type of question.”