New Perspective

Talk To You

"While I was in the shower I figured that I should probably talk to Bataar before we have this conversation. There's just some...loose ends that need tying," Kuvira muttered through gritted teeth. Her face showed nothing but pain and anxiousness, and even after spending most of her life knowing how to comfort people, Suyin was at a loss for words of comfort.

"Yes, I understand. I'm sure you'll be able to find me when you're ready to talk. Goodbye for now, Kuvira," the older woman replied as she quietly made her exit from Kuvira's home.

As Suyin left Kuvira couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. It's not that she wanted to avoid the conversation. No, it definitely wasn't that. Maybe it was more that she couldn't read how her mentor felt about the whole situation. She couldn't tell whether their situationship would end or turn into something more. As much as she wanted it to, she still had many worries and obstacles to get over.

Thinking about everything, she sighed to herself. She decided to finally finish getting ready for the day and hesitantly left her small home, making her way towards the Beifong compound.

—

A sharp knock on the cold metal doors of his office drew Bataar abruptly out of the depths of his work. He slid the door back with ease only to reveal the nervous wreck that was Kuvira.

"Kuvira," he said as a warm smile spread across his face. His welcoming reaction to her only made her feel worse. "Suyin told me you would probably be coming by at some point. So, what can I do for you?"  Kuvira hesitated score finally moving closer to him.

"Did she not mention why I would be coming by?" She asked tentatively. Bataar made his way back to his desk and gestured for the younger woman in front of him to sit down.

"Of course not. She just said whatever it was was very important to you." Knowing that Suyin had not told Bataar beforehand made Kuvira feel slightly more at ease and less exposed. She managed to sit in one of the chairs adjacent to his desk and the pit in her stomach subsided.

"I'm here to talk about my relationship with Suyin actually." Her words brought no surprise to Bataar, as he knew he should've expected this. "I just...I just need some questions answered before I can talk to Suyin." He sighed deeply but the smile on his face remained.

"Of course, Kuvira. I'll try my best to ease any worry in your mind. What questions do you have for me?"

He truly did care for the girl, and he knew how important she was to Suyin. Bataar had been married to Suyin for about 17 years or so at that point. He had been with her through most hardships after her big fight with Lin. He was there for all of her many victories as well as her many struggles. He had been there through it all. He cared deeply for his wife and only wanted the best for her and in his mind Kuvira was it. Just being in the younger woman's presence caused his wife to be happier, lighter, and more at ease. Anything that made her feel more free he would happily support.

As for his feelings for Kuvira, well that was a different story.

"Bataar," the younger woman started, "tell me how you really feel about me." The words seemed to shake the huge man in front of her right down to his core. Whatever he was expecting her to ask, this was not it. A gentle blush crept up into his face as he tried to gather his words.

"To put it simply, Kuvira, I love my wife. I love Suyin with all of my heart, you of all people should be able to recognize that." Unaware of where he was going, she let him continue.

"Anything that makes her happy, within reason of course, I'm willing to accept. I've seen her during her darkest hours and believe me when I say I never want to see her like that again. She deserves so much better." Bataar got up from his seat behind the desk to sit directly in front of Kuvira on top of the desk. "What I'm trying to say is that you make her happy. When she comes back after spending time with you she's more...relaxed. She's more open and loving and attentive...she's much more herself. You should already know how I feel about you Kuvira. I think you're a wonderful captain and a powerful bender. Truth be told you could end up taking over Zaofu someday, if Suyin were to ever stop being a workaholic," he paused to laugh after his last comment. "I guess what I'm really saying is that I have no problem with you being here. I'm happy that you're making her happy and I only want the best for both of you."

The overwhelming amount of reassurance and firmness in his voice was enough to bring Kuvira to tears. With a new look on the situation she leapt out of her seat to give Bataar a hug.

"Thank you. I'm doing what I can to keep her happy while also looking out for myself. I just knew I couldn't proceed without seeing how you felt first. I would never do anything to get in between you and Suyin, rest assured." Bataar's callused hand came up to gently cup the side of her face before beaming.

"I know you wouldn't Kuvira. I know."

—

Authors note:

I'm so sorry for the short chapter. I don't have an excuse as to why I've been gone so long but I promise you I will see this story through to the end. I've got many more plans for it so please don't give up on it.