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Post by Fateful on Jan 8, 2016 1:58:38 GMT -5
The conversation and social setting was nice. It was comfortable. It was great to be around his people, to see Smellerbee and Longshot relaxed and happy. This was a reminder of what the Freedom Fighters were, why they existed, and most importantly, why they were going home.
"Yeah, I'm serious. I'm used to getting you out of trouble." He teased as he looked at her. Jet kept eating and continued to do so until he was satisfied, which for him, lasted quite some time. After eating the bare minimum for a few days, he was glad to finally be able to eat whatever he wanted. The wine was delicious and he didn't mind having a few glasses of that and water. Water he didn't have to hunt around for. Somehow, it made it taste better, even if it was warmer than it was from a stream.
Jet was starting to notice that Suyin drank a lot more than he thought she was capable of handling. He leaned back in his chair and watched her and when he noticed she was struggling to keep drinking the cup, he softly touched her hand to get her attention. "Why are you forcing that down when it's clear you don't want it?" Then he realized something. He grabbed his drink and finished it. As he put it back on the table, Meng leaned over to pour him another glass of it. He picked it up and started drinking it again.
Then he leaned toward Suyin to whisper to her. "If you finish it and you're done, flip it upside-down."
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Post by belated valentine on Jan 8, 2016 2:07:35 GMT -5
“Yeah, yeah. Whatever.” Smellerbee waved him off and took a sip of her drink. The food was amazing, the drinks were great, and the atmosphere was perfect. She didn’t care about anything at the current moment.
“I can do that?!” Suyin whispered in shock. She tried to finish off the last glass despite how hard it was to get down. Her stomach ratio was probably more liquid than food at the moment. After she finished the glass, she turned it upside quickly and sat back in her seat, a bead of sweat on her forehead. How many glasses had that been? Four? Five?
“What’s in that?” she asked, looking at Jet. “I feel kind of dizzy.”
Biyu looked there way. “Is she okay?” she asked Jet. “Looking a little rosy.”
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Post by Fateful on Jan 8, 2016 2:12:35 GMT -5
Jet watched Suyin and realized she had more than he thought she had. "Yeah, she's fine. I don't think she's drank anything like that before. I'll bring her outside and hopefully that will help. It's warm in here." He stood from the table. "Sorry, we'll be back in a few minutes." He smiled and took Suyin's arm softly. "Come for a walk with me." He whispered to her and helped to escort her from the room.
They went out the same door they entered through and he brought her into the cool yard, holding her by her arm softly. "How many of those did you drink? It was strong wine." He said, looking around. He pulled a somewhat clean rag from his pocket and dipped it in some cool water and offered it to her to wipe her face and neck. "Do you want to sleep?" He questioned, unsure if he should have her lay down or not.
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Post by belated valentine on Jan 8, 2016 2:24:33 GMT -5
"Take care of her!" Biyu called after them.
Suyin swayed when he helped her up. “Wait, where are we going?” she asked as he lead her outside. “I don’t know, it tasted sweet I didn’t know what it was,” she sounded slightly panicked. “They kept pouring and pouring me more, I couldn’t tell them to stop, Jet. Why did they keep doing that?” Her words were rushed together and she held onto his arm as they walked.
“Where are we going?” she asked again, having already forgotten that she’d asked once. When he asked her if she wanted to sleep, she shook her head. “No, I don’t. I want to walk some more. Stay with me for a little bit, please?” she pleaded, looking up at him, as if she had just asked him to blow up the world.
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Post by Fateful on Jan 8, 2016 2:30:18 GMT -5
Jet just shook his head as he held onto her so she didn't fall. "We're just going for a walk." He said softly as he continued to walk with her through the small garden in the back. "That's how things are done, Suyin. When you finish something, it's a sign you want more of it. If a host didn't pour you anymore, they would be considered rude for not giving you as much as you wanted. It's how parties and serving is done here. You're given all you want without having to ask for it. It's a symbolic gesture." He stated, grabbing her waist when she stumbled and held her.
Looking down at the fire bender and sighed, helping her stand to her feet. Now his hands were on her waist to help keep her standing.
"I'll stay with you as long as you want." He told her with a smirk. "Do you want to walk or do you want to sit?"
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Post by belated valentine on Jan 8, 2016 2:38:26 GMT -5
Within a few seconds, she changed her mind when she realized walking was rather hard at the moment. “Sit,” she responded. They found a bench nearby, on an empty street. There was chatter and laughter further away, other people probably having parties as well. Man, this place sure was one big party. “I didn’t know that...It’s different here. A lot is different. I don’t really know if I can fit in. I really stick out like a sore thumb, Jet.”
“I’ve never left the Fire Nation before. Everything is so unfamiliar to here. Everyone is so nice. I’m pretty sure half of the people in there know I’m a firebender and they haven’t said anything to me!”
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Post by Fateful on Jan 8, 2016 2:44:20 GMT -5
Jet watched her and heard that fear. He didn't know enough about her to comfort her if she started crying, So he reached up and touched her cheek. "Hey, you can get used to this and you will. It'll just take some time, okay? We haven't been teaching you much lately. Seeing is the best way to learn. If you eat and drink everything, they'll keep giving you more because they'll think you want more. Here, it's all about hospitality, kindness and generosity over status. If you asked for anything, they would give it to you, food, clothes, even money. My people are generous, amazing people. They would protect you even knowing what you are. Meng asked about you, about your eyes." He said, staring into those eyes, seeing them in the light of the moon. He'd never been this close to her and been able to see her. Even at the festival, they hadn't been this close together.
"You can fit in. I'll be here with you. I'm going to help you. That's why I took you here, it's why I offered to protect you. I..." He looked down at her neck. "It hurts me to see what was done to you by your own people."
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Post by belated valentine on Jan 8, 2016 3:26:31 GMT -5
Suyin touched the bandages and looked away. “Yeah, I don’t really know if I can call them my people now. Except Angel. He’s the most important person in my life. He’s what Smellerbee and Longshot are to you. And I’m really worried for him, because he’s still there.” She noticed him looking at her and she looked down shyly, at her hands. Ever since she got her neck mutilated, whenever people stared at her for long periods of time, it made her uncomfortable.
“Jet, you know when I first met you I really wanted to hate you. You came out of a tree at me and I was terrified. You know when you asked if I was scared of you? Well, in the beginning I was. The first time you looked at me you you looked angry and disgusted and it was the same look my leader had the night I messed up at the firelord’s party.”
“I’m not scared of you anymore though, even after you told me all the things you did. The reason is because I realized why you looked at me like that and why you felt that way. I’m here in the Earth Kingdom now and I realize that I don’t know anything about the war, Jet. I don’t know what was a lie and what’s the truth anymore. But I can see from the faces of the people - from your face - that the war was horrible to you.”
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Post by Fateful on Jan 8, 2016 3:44:16 GMT -5
If there was one thing Jet knew, it was that no one was ever truly safe in the fire nation. Now they were starting a civil war and killing those who weren't in favor of murdering those from other nations by the millions. Imagine that. Suyin escaped from that hell. Hopefully this man who she loved would make it out as well. "Hey," He said softly. "You made it out. If Aang can save his life, I know he will."
In the briefest of moments, Jet looked angry and hurt. "Let's get something right, that man, whoever he is isn't a leader. A leader would never hurt those he's sworn to protect. A leader wouldn't kill someone for a single mistake. A leader wouldn't abandon his own for escape. A leader is the one that takes the fall for any mistake. A leader is someone who protects his own and sacrifices himself for the good of his people. That's a true leader. That piece of shit isn't a leader, he's a coward, hiding behind a self appointed power and an imagined authority."
Her eyes were lowered and he moved close to her and took her chin in his hand and took her to look up at him. "I mean that. He was no leader and you have to believe that. What happened wasn't your fault. I'm glad you failed, and I'm glad you messed up. Otherwise, you wouldn't be here now. You wouldn't be helping us stop him and the pain he's bringing. I've been keeping the truth away from you because I was scared of you too. I was scared that this... that this was a lie. Aang is weak, he always has been. Ozai is still alive because our so called Avatar can't do what needs to be done. If you were sent here to betray us, which is something I considered, then it would be easy for you to manipulate the others. You're not that person."
The war was horrible. The things he had seen, the things he had done, the things he had to live through: what he had to carry with him as the price of survival. It was sad. "The war was horrible." He said looking at her. "And the fact that you see that now means more to me than you understand."
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Post by belated valentine on Jan 8, 2016 4:11:29 GMT -5
Suyin looked up, and she just stared at him for a moment. He was so passionate in the way he talked. She probably had the wrong idea about him in the beginning. He was a good leader, far better than any she’d seen. Suyin had noticed that he always ate last, always stayed up when they slept outside, and always took into consideration whenever someone in the party wasn’t feeling well enough to continue.
“Well, I wish I had you as a leader then. You clearly have a better outlook on leadership. Your freedom fighters are really lucky to have you. Whenever you talk about them, I get excited to meet them. I just don’t know how they would feel having a firebender staying with them. Do you think they’ll get upset?”
She laughed. “I’m going to tell Aang what you said,” she replied. Her head was getting heavy now. She pulled up her feet so that her legs were folded and pressed against her. It wasn’t cold, but there was a breeze that swayed both of their hair. Under the moonlight, she began to notice the slight indentations of scars over his face. They were very light and almost unnoticeable, but when in a certain light - like now - you could see them. She could feel herself staring longer than normal. Were there hints of green in his brown eyes?
Her eyelids were growing heavier and she yawned. “I’ve been very selfish lately and I don’t think I’ve actually ever thanked you for helping me.” Her eyes drifted off his face and before she realized it, her head fell to his shoulder. The alcohol was finally getting to her in that she felt tired finally. “So, thanks…”
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Post by Fateful on Jan 8, 2016 4:28:56 GMT -5
He looked down at the mention of the freedom fighters. He loved them. He missed them. A small smile appeared on his lips. "You'll see how they react when we get there." He told her. "But you've seen how these people reacted, and you believe they know who you are, don't you? Did they turn you away? The Earth kingdom is welcoming until we have a reason not to be. As for them being upset, no. They won't be." He wondered how long he should wait before telling them why she was with him. In any event, he was sure that wouldn't matter.
"I'm sure if you do tell him, I'll never live it down." He added with a grin. "But, knowing him, he's probably fucking around." He stated, watching her heavy eyelids droop. She wouldn't make it too much longer. Oh well, at least she was comfortable. At least she had experienced what people in the Earth Kingdom are really like.
Jet looked surprised when she thanked him. "You're welcome." He shook his head and watched her fall asleep. He wouldn't have to wait long. After a few minutes, he slowly stood and cooped her off the bench. She was lighter than he expected, never having carried her. Almost the same as Smellerbee, in a strange way. He walked back to the house and opened the door. The girls were in bed by now.
"She didn't make it." He said with a slight chuckle as he slid the door closed. He could carry her with one arm, she wasn't as tall as he, nor was she heavy. "Where can I lay her down?"
Meilin stood from the table and put her hand on her husband's shoulder. She brought Jet into an extra room with two modest sized beds. "Whichever one."
Jet put Suyin on the smaller bed and put a blanket over her and made sure she was comfortable.
"She means a great deal to you, doesn't she?" Meilin asked, standing in the doorway.
"She's growing on me."
"I'm sorry that Biyu upset you earlier. I'm glad you came back inside. I want to apologize for-"
"Don't. Really, it's alright. I've... seen more than most."
"Indeed. Meng told me you're from Gaipan. The fire nation occupied that area for a long time. I... can just imagine."
Jet walked over to her and put his hands on her shoulders, shaking his head. "Don't imagine it. I'm fine now. It gets easier every day."
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Post by belated valentine on Jan 8, 2016 22:53:28 GMT -5
In the wee hours of the morning, just before the sun rose and urge struck Suyin. She really really had to pee. Her golden eyes opened and she blinked twice before looking around at the unfamiliar room. Did she fall asleep outside? Shit. Her head really hurt too. Grumbling, she pushed her legs over the edge of the bed, took one step, and hit something on the ground which caused her to fall over.
Before she realized it, she was straddling the leader of the freedom fighters, her face directly above his. She pushed off of him, sitting on the floor next to him. “Why are you on the ground? I almost stepped on your face,” she said, face grouchy. The blanket was tangled around him as if he’d just been in a fight with it.
There was a grumble from the other bed and a pillow flew their way, hitting Jet. “Keep it down, trying to sleep here!” Smellerbee called from under the blankets.
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Post by Fateful on Jan 8, 2016 23:09:18 GMT -5
Sleep was a wonderful thing and it was immediately interrupted by him being kicked in the shin and something falling on top of him. he grumbled to himself and shifted and opened one of his eyes. "I know I was there for you when you got drunk, but there's no need to jump all over me." He mumbled and slowly tried to sit up to look at her. Then he blinked when she asked why he was on the floor. "I was sleeping." He answered, as if that was completely obvious. "You were in the bed, I'm not in the habit of taking advantage of women."
The pillow hit him and he grumbled. He could smell that the sun was about to rise. There was a wet smell in the air of dew just before sunrise. He stood up and pulled Suyin to her feet. "I want to show you something. Feel like going somewhere?"
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Post by belated valentine on Jan 8, 2016 23:49:07 GMT -5
There was a glint in her eye when he said he wanted to show her something. “What a sudden change. What is it?” she asked, leaning in, gold eyes excited. Sunrises were always her favorite and she loved waking up early to watch them, so the idea of going out made her happy. While sunsets brought an end, sunrises were always a beginning. She was a firebender after all.
“Where are we going?” she asked, as he pulled her up.
“Hopefully the fuck out of this room,” Smellerbee shot back, glaring at both of them. The rest of them had stayed up later and not only that, but Smellerbee loved her sleep and being woken up before she wanted to be was the worst. Both Longshot and Jet were well aware of what she was like in the mornings. Quite recently, Suyin had learned too.
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Post by Fateful on Jan 8, 2016 23:56:16 GMT -5
Jet laughed a little and gestured with his head. Once they were out of the room, he shut the door and walked with her down the hall. "Give me a second. He grabbed a bag and put a few things in it, starting with some water. Then put it over his shoulder with his weapons and started to walk with her. "It's a surprise. Trust me, you will like it." He added as they started to head outside. He walked a distance with her until they reached some trees.
Once there, he smiled when she paused at the creepy forest. "The people don't come here unless its for the harvest. The dogs and animals protect the fields on the other side from pests. We'll be safe. And you'll be sheltered from the village too." Once they reached the clearing, he dropped the bag down and offered her some water. "If you want food, there's some in there." He gestured to the bag. He eased himself to the ground to sit and pulled a wet stone and a rag out of the bag. The sun was starting to rise off in the distance.
"Why are you looking at me like that? Firebend. Do.. whatever it is you do." He honestly had no idea what benders did, how they got into their swing or whatever. He did know that he loved fighting and training. To go without that would be like death for him. Biyu mentioned Suyin's fire going on. He wasn't totally sure what that meant for a bender, if it truly could, but he didn't want to risk it. He wanted her to be relaxed and feel comfortable bending around him.
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