Chapter Text
I’m staring at myself in the mirror with a small smile on my face. I bring a hand up to gently touch my forehead for what has to be the millionth time. Tenzin left the room about half an hour ago to let me finish getting ready for the ceremony. I just can’t believe this. I’m an airbending Master. The tattoos are going to take some getting used to. The blue ink that is now on my body permanently still looks foreign to me. I wonder how Lin is going to react to my new appearance. I didn’t mention to her that I wasn’t getting the arrows. The thought of my partner causes my smile to widen. Things have been going well for us over the past eight months. Even with our busy schedules we make a point to try to see each other every day. Between my formal airbending training and working at the foundation it’s been difficult to find free time which has resulted in Lin being the one to take time off from the station so that we are able to be together. And she said she couldn’t change her hours that much when we first started dating. I never thought that Lin Beifong would be such a softy in a relationship.
The Fevon Memorial Foundation is a fully functioning operation as of a few weeks ago. Kasa agreed to be on the outreach team which has been a perfect fit for her. The firebender and the other members of the team go into the camps within the city to convince people to give the foundation a chance. She also administers supplies to the homeless population. Ban was originally part of the engineering division but after Asami saw a few of his designs she hired him to be a part of Future Industries. That actually benefited the foundation because Ban got Asami to agree to help us with building our shelters for a fraction of what it was going to cost with the company I had been considering for the job. The shelter and orphanage are almost completed and both should be up and running within the next week or so. We have a fundraising gala planned for the end of this week as well. I purposely scheduled it to be after my ceremony. I mean who is going to say no to donating to a foundation run by an airbending Master?
There’s a knock at the door that pulls me back to reality. “Yes?” Tenzin opens the door slightly to stick his head in. “Everyone is in place, Ashi. We’re just waiting on you.” I nod my head at him. “I’ll finish getting ready.” After he closes the door I walk over to grab the long yellow robe that’s on the dresser. I was surprised to learn that I would not be wearing the same thing Jinora did for her ceremony. While I have on the same deep red shorts instead of the shirt that she wore, I have on matching red bindings. Tenzin explained that people who get their tattoos as adults wear less clothing than the children to show off the majority of the blue ink. Men actually only wear the pants for the ceremony.
I pull the hood up on the robe as I exit the tattoo room to make my way over to the main room of the Temple. I take a deep breath to prepare myself before I walk around the altar to take my place in front of my friends and family. The smell of sandalwood coming from the incense hangs thick in the air of the Temple. The airbenders are lined up like they were for Jinora’s ceremony. Tenzin and my cousin are standing slightly in front of the others. I take a peak at everyone who is sitting in the crowd below, careful to not move my head in a way that would cause the hood to fall off. My eyes immediately find Lin amongst the sea of people. She’s sitting to my right in the front row in between Kya and Bumi. She offers me an encouraging smile. I’m so glad she’s been here for me throughout this entire training process.
Jinora is the first one to speak. “Ashi, come forward.” I step forward to stand between her and Tenzin. I kneel with my gaze glued to the dark brown wooden floor, just as Tenzin had shown me when we were going over how the ceremony would proceed. My Uncle addresses everyone next. “We are here today to welcome a new airbending Master to the Air Nation. It fills my heart with joy to be anointing another airbender less than a year after Master Jinora’s ceremony. I could not be more proud of my niece. She has put in many hours of hard work and training over the past eight months in order to receive her tattoos. I am sure that wherever they are; her Mother, her sister, and Avatar Aang are proud of her as well.” I smile brightly at his words. I hope they are. I hear my cousin's voice again. “Even though Ashi had only known that we were family for a short while and had no true commitment to the Air Nation at the time; she was willing to sacrifice her life to save ours at the Northern Air Temple. She willingly put herself in harm's way in order to give the rest of us a chance to escape. Ashi is one of the most kind hearted and selfless people I have ever met. I am proud to call her my cousin and to share the rank of Master with her.” I can feel tears forming in my eyes as Tenzin speaks again. “Like many of the members of the new Air Nation this was a journey that Ashi chose to undertake. Unlike the airbenders of the past, she was not born a Nomad. Even though she has chosen to become one, Ashi still feels a deep connection with her Earth Kingdom heritage. Her Iyusan heritage. With that in mind Master Jinora and myself both agreed to let Ashi choose to receive the tattoos of an airbending society that was lost to time. As of today any new Master being anointed will be given the same choice.”
I can hear a few gasps come from the crowd as Jinora places her hands on the hood of my robe. “Now, let us anoint that Master who has already brought change to our Nation and will continue to do so for the rest of her life.” When she removes the hood from my head I look up from the ground. Everyone is looking at me with shocked expressions as I stand with my head held high. I unhook the robe and let it fall to the ground to pool around my feet. The other airbenders start to bend the incense up towards the ceiling. When I hear the chimes start to ring, a tear escapes from my left eye. I am finally a Master. Jinora engulfs me in a fierce hug which I return just as tightly. I can’t believe it. Mom. Fevon. I hope you’re watching this.
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Everyone who attended the ceremony is now waiting in the main courtyard of the Island for Ashi to join us. She went back to the tattoo room in the Temple to get changed into the Master robes like Tenzin used to wear. She has been adamant that she won’t be wearing the fly suites that Asami engineered for the airbenders. A small smile forms on my face at the memory of her telling Tenzin there was no fucking way she would be caught dead with that on when he showed the whole family the prototype. I look over at the oldest Master who is talking to Raiko and I shake my head a little. I can’t believe Mr. Stick up his ass agreed to let Ashi receive those tattoos. I also can’t believe she didn’t mention it to me. I was a little relieved when Jinora took off the hood and there wasn’t a bright blue arrow on Ashi’s forehead. I think the tattoos she got look much better.
I’m so lost in thought that I jump slightly when I hear Kya’s voice. “So have you told the new Master yet?” My cheeks start to heat up because of what she’s referring to. I send her a glare. “Will you keep your voice down? I don’t want anyone to overhear. We shouldn’t even be talking about this right now.” The waterbender rolls her eyes. “I’ll take that as a no.” Kya grabs my arm and starts to pull me far away from the crowd. I really don’t want to have this conversation right now but there is no use in arguing with Kya. I’ve learned from experience. Once she’s satisfied no one will be able to hear us, Kya stops walking. She lets go of my arm to turn to fully face me with hers crossed over her chest. “You sent me that letter almost six weeks ago, Lin. Why haven’t you told her yet?” I start to rub the back of my neck. “She’s been busy. I’ve been busy. I just haven’t been able to find the time.” More like I’m scared shitless to tell her. Kya rolls her eyes at me. “That’s dragonshit and we both know it. Try again, Beifong.” I let out a heavy sigh. “Fine. There’s something I didn’t mention in my letter. I haven’t said that to someone in a romantic way since I was dating Tenzin. I’m nervous about how she’s going to react.” The waterbender blanches at me. “Are you telling me that you haven’t said I love you to someone in over 15 years?”
Before I can reply Kya starts laughing hysterically. I stop rubbing my neck to bring my hand around to pinch the bridge of my nose. “This isn’t funny, Kya. Now do you understand why I asked for your help?” The waterbender calms back down quickly but she is still shaking her head in amusement. “You’re right. I’m sorry. It’s just… Wow. That’s a long time. I get why you're nervous but you really shouldn’t be, Lin. From how Ashi talks about you in the letters she sends me it’s pretty clear that she’s in love with you. I’m actually surprised she hasn’t said it to you yet.” I wave my hand in front of me in slight annoyance. “She won’t say it first. It’s this thing we both agreed on in the beginning of the relationship. Ashi knows I’m not the most in touch with my emotions and that I’m not the best at being in a romantic relationship so she offered a proposal. Any of the big things would be on my terms. Saying I love you, moving in together, Spirits even proposing if we ever get there. It all has to be me.” The waterbender raises an eyebrow at me. “I take it that you’re regretting agreeing to that?” I sigh. “Yeah. I am.”
Kya steps into my space to place a comforting hand on my shoulder. “I’m going to give you the same advice I gave you in my letter, this can apply to the other things if you ever get there too. Just tell her! You don’t have to make a whole big thing about it. Grab her hands, look her in the eyes, and say the words.” I nod my head. “You’re right. I’ll do it soon.” The waterbender removes her hand from my shoulder to point a finger at me. “Before we all head up to the South to visit with Mom. If you don’t do it before then I’m showing Ashi your letter.” I narrow my eyes at her. “You wouldn’t.” She puts both of her hands on her hips. “I would. You know I don’t bluff, Linny.” When we hear shouts and applause coming from the courtyard the waterbender starts to walk away from me. “Tick tock, Beifong. You only have about a week to proclaim your undying love to my niece.” I’m going to kill her.
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Kasa pokes the dot on my head with a single finger. “Does that hurt?” I slap her hand away. “Of course it hurts! I’ve only had the tattoos for a few hours! My skin is still sensitive!” Ban is laughing at our interaction but he finds a way to speak through it. “Well congrats, Master Ashi. I hope it goes without saying that Kasa and I are proud of you.” I cross my arms over my chest as I mumble. “Kasa sure has a funny way of showing it.” The firebender shrugs her shoulders. “I pick because I love.” I’m about to make a comment about her acting childish but then I see my partner on the other side of the courtyard speaking with Mako. “If you two are done picking on me, I’m going to go talk to Lin.” As I start to walk away I can hear Kasa whisper to Ban. “More like go makeout with Lin. Twenty yuans Ashi takes her somewhere more private.” I look over my shoulder slightly so that I am able to send a gust of wind at her from my palm. Not enough to make her fall but enough to make her stumble a little. I have a smirk on my face as she yells at me. “Not cool, Master Ashi!” I just wave a hand at her in response.
When I get close to Lin and Mako I clear my throat to get their attention. “Officer Mako I am afraid I need to steal the Chief away for a moment. We need to have a word in private about the upcoming gala for the foundation.” The firebender turns to me and bows. “Of course, Master Ashi. Congratulations by the way.” I snicker at his formal response. “Please don’t call me that, Mako. Given the nature of our relationship it feels way too weird.” Lin has really taken Mako under her wing over the past few months. The three of us have dinner together at Lin’s apartment about once a week, if I have the time. If I can’t get away to join then it’s just the two of them. Their relationship has turned into more of a Mother-Son relationship than one of a Mentor and a Mentee. Mako gives me a knowing smile. “It felt weird as soon as it came out of my mouth.” I punch his arm playfully. “Just don’t start calling me Mom anytime soon. I am way too young to have a nineteen year old adopted son.” A blush starts to form on his cheeks as my partner grabs my arm. “Alright, that’s enough of that.”
I’m giggling as she pulls me away from the embarrassed firebender towards the Temple. “Why do you insist on teasing the poor kid?” I shrug my shoulders. “Because it’s fun. And he clearly sees you as a maternal figure. It’s only a matter of time before he slips up and calls one of us Mom.” Lin removes her hand from my arm with a huff. “If that happens I’m blaming you. You were the one to suggest the weekly dinners to him.” I roll my eyes at her. “Only because you wouldn’t man up and do it yourself! You kept talking about having him over but you would never follow through and ask! I just did what any supportive partner would do.” Lin just grunts in response because she knows I’m right.
We walked the rest of the way to Tenzin’s office in a comfortable silence. I let Lin enter first and I’m sliding the door shut behind us as she starts to speak. “What did you need…” I cut her off by crashing my lips into hers. I tangle my hands in her perfectly put up hair as she wraps hers around my waist to pull me impossibly closer to her. I nip at her bottom lip with my teeth which causes her to moan against my lips. When I swipe my tongue across the spot to soothe it, Lin pulls away. She speaks in a warning tone of voice. “Ashi. Not here.” I let out a groan of frustration. “Then how about we slip up to my room for a quickie?” My partner raises an eyebrow at me. “Are you being serious right now?” I let out a sigh as I bring our foreheads together. “It's been four weeks, Lin. Now that I have my tattoos I can break the stupid chastity thing Tenzin made me do and I seriously can’t wait much longer.” I was shocked to find out that during the month before you receive your tattoos you have to detach yourself from all earthly pleasures. Those weeks are meant to be a time of meditation and reflection. Which has meant no drugs, sex, or alcohol. It’s been a long four weeks. The lust in the earthbender’s voice is impossible to miss as she responds. “Oh I’m well aware of how long it’s been. I’ve been celibate for the past four weeks too, Ashi.”
I pull away to look my partner in the eye and remove my hands from her hair to cross them over my chest. “At least you could masturbate. I wasn’t even allowed to do that.” My partner raises an eyebrow at me. “Are you still upset about that? I’ve apologized at least a hundred times and I only did it twice.” I nod my head at her. “I am because you promised we’d do this together. Four weeks of no earthly pleasures. You didn’t hold up your end of the agreement.” Lin smirks at me before dipping her head into the crock of my neck. She places a few gentle kisses on the exposed skin. I close my eyes and tilt my head to give her more access with a satisfied sigh. I’ve missed the feeling of her lips. A shiver goes down my spine when she murmurs against my neck. “I think I can find a way to make it up to you.” I reply in a low and sultry voice. “Oh I can think of a few ways you are going to be making it up to me.” One definitely involves her head being settled between my thighs.
A knock on the door pulls us both out of our lustful trance. We barely have enough time to separate from each other before it is being slid open. Opal sticks her head in and her cheeks turn bright red immediately. Lin’s hair and lipstick are all messed up and I know for a fact that my neck is littered with light pink marks from my partner's lips. After the initial shock of finding us in this state wears off, the younger airbender smirks at us. “If you guys are done talking, you’re needed in the dining room. It’s time for the feast.” Lin clears her throat. “Um… Thank you for letting us know, Opal. Tell the others we will join you shortly.” Opal motions to the both of us with her hand. “You should tidy up your appearances first. Do you need to borrow some lipstick from Mom, Aunt Lin?” The earthbender’s entire face turns red from embarrassment. “No, I don’t. You can leave now.” Opal starts giggling before she slides the door back shut.
I start laughing as my partner drops her head into her hands. “That was mortifying.” I walk over to the small mirror hanging on the wall of the office. I bring up a hand to start wiping away Lin’s lipstick from my skin. “Oh. Don’t be so dramatic. Opal knows we are intimate with each other. Or do I need to remind you of the handcuff incident again?” Lin walks over to stand beside me to start fixing her own appearance. “You promised we would never speak about that again. I can’t believe she saw the bruises on your wrists.” I smirk at her. “I can’t believe she made a joke about it a few weeks later.” My partner rolls her eyes at me. “I can. She is Su’s daughter after all.” Satisfied with my now clean neck I drop my hand before leaning over to kiss Lin on the cheek. “Ah yes, how could I forget? Sass is like a second language to all you Beifongs.” She sends her famous scowl at me. “Watch it. Or I might not be in the make up for it mood later tonight.” I’m giggling as I start to make my way over towards the door. “I doubt that will be the case. Finish getting ready and I’ll see you in there, charming.” Spirits. It’s at times like this I find it hard not to just blurt out those three little words. I wish she would just say them already.
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The sun has set and most of the guests have left the Island. Leaving only family in the dining room. I was pleasantly surprised to see how many people came to support Ashi on her anointing day. Gen and a few of the Iyusans that are going to be playing at the gala made the trip over. Su and her obnoxiously large family came from Zaofu, minus her adoptive daughter Kuvira and her oldest son. From what she’s told me on the phone about what happened that day, it wasn’t pretty. The way Su knows how to hold a grudge I don’t see them making up with each other anytime soon. Izumi, Zuko, and even Iroh came to show their support. Everyone who has gotten close with Ashi in Republic City came as well. Unfortunately, Katara was unable to attend because of her daily healing sessions with Korra. Which is why after the gala Kasa, Ashi, and I are going back up South with Kya for a few days.
I see Kasa check the watch on her left wrist before addressing everyone. “We need to leave pretty soon so that we aren’t late for the party at Hatuk’s.” This is gonna be fun. No one told Tenzin about the party Yuri was planning. Tenzin raises an eyebrow. “Excuse me? What party?” Pema lays a hand on his forearm. “Well Yuri and Hatuk wanted to have something for Ashi at the bar, a few of us have been helping them plan it.” His entire face goes bright red. “Why did no one inform me of this?” Bumi speaks up from his seat beside his daughter. “Because we knew that you’d say no.” My partner tries to reassure the other Master. “Everyone that is going to be at the bar knows to keep their mouths shut. I promise it’s going to be okay, Tenzin. This party won’t make it back to the press.” Tenzin brings a hand up to pinch the bridge of his nose. “I’m not going to be able to talk any of you out of going, am I?” My partner shakes her head. “Nope! It’s happening whether you like it or not. You’re more than welcome to join us though.” That went better than expected. Now all I have to do is suffer through a night of being surrounded by loud drunk people. I glance over to my left at my partner who is smiling brightly. But it will make her happy so it’s worth it.