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Rangi squeezes Kyoshi's hand with her own. Kyoshi assumes she's trying to pull her out of her spiraling thoughts. Though, it could very well just be Rangi's own nerves. Probably a combination of the two.
The Avatar wishes she could've worn her armor, her mask of paint. It makes her feel less vulnerable. Not to mention it hides her emotions from being read.
But no. That would leave the wrong impression, for many, many reasons. She can't be the Avatar right now. She has to be just Kyoshi. Rangi's Kyoshi.
It feels like an eternity passes as the door in front of them slowly opens.
& Kyoshi feels nothing short of dread.
Two people appear from behind it. One familiar, the other a stranger. Hei-Ran holds herself proud as ever, with an iron disposition. The man flanking her just a step behind compliments the intimidating visage. They look strong, formidable. They'd be a hard fight for the Avatar, but a love struck teenage girl? Not a chance; & right now, Kyoshi is only the latter.
Rangi subtly kicks at Kyoshi's shoe.
Oh, right. She actually is also the Avatar. & this is the Fire Nation. She has to speak first.
She struggles to find words. Fights every step of the way to actually get them out.
"Headmistress." Kyoshi greets with a bow. "Corporal." Rangi had informed her that while her father was a respectable soldier, he had left the Fire Nation Army soon after his conscription was satisfied. "Thank you for inviting me to your home."
"It is a great honor, Avatar Kyoshi." Hei-Ran replies, being the next highest rank. "Please, come in."
The second the door shuts, Hei-Ran's entire demeanor changes. "I've missed you both so much." She takes Rangi's free hand & squeezes it - the Fire Nation equivalent of a hug.
"Mother, I stayed here last night." Rangi protests, albeit with a bright smile.
Hei-Ran ignores her, choosing instead to place her hand on Kyoshi's opposite forearm. "Welcome home."
The Falconfox gnawing on Kyoshi's insides calms a little from that. Not by much, but it does.
They're ushered to a dining table by Hei-Ran, where Junsik had trailed ahead. Rangi informed Kyoshi earlier that he's quiet until he isn't, but her insistence that she shouldn't freak out over it doesn't seem to have worked.
"So, pa," Rangi starts. "How's business going?"
"Great." Junsik's voice takes up the whole room, though he speaks somewhat quietly. "All the old Saowan ships that were hog monkeying the water aren't netting everything just to scare off the fish anymore."
"That's wonderful." Rangi turns to Kyoshi. "The Avatar's efforts are starting to show."
Kyoshi's cheeks heat up. "That one was more the Fire Lord's doing."
"Nonsense." Hei-Ran interjects. "If it weren't for you, we'd be having a civil war."
"But I made sure Zoryu didn't..."
"You saved lives, Kyoshi." Rangi says. "You didn't stop the Saowan from receiving consequences for their actions."
Kyoshi just stays quiet.
_╲\│/╱_
Dread comes back in full force when Hei-Ran & Rangi excuse themselves, leaving Kyoshi alone with the latter's father. Just when she was almost somewhat calm too.
"So, Kyoshi," Junsik starts. She almost jumps.
His voice isn't gravelly, like his wife or daughter's, but it's far deeper. She can see where Rangi gets her looks from; she might be indistinguishable from her mother to a stranger, but Kyoshi can easily tell her strong jawline, lithe frame & height are more from her father. The longer she forces herself not to stare at the ground, or over his shoulder, the more examples she finds.
"My girls tell me a lot about you. Rangi almost never stops, & Hei-Ran only encourages it." he says with a wide grin. Kyoshi can almost recognize the pride in it. "Based on what I'm told, our little tigerdillo chose well." 'Our' meaning him & Hei-Ran.
"Th- Thank you. I... I don't deserve her love, but I'll cherish it forever. I'll do everything in my power to keep her safe in any way I can."
"Good. You're right about that first thing, but I can't think of anyone that comes nearly as close as you do." he jests. Kyoshi takes it deadly serious. "& that means a lot, coming from the Avatar." He looks Kyoshi in the eye. "She won't make it easy on you."
"I know."
He nods, seemingly satisfied with her answer. Junsik glances in the vague direction of the other two. Nods his head slightly in that direction. "Let's head back to our girls. Best not keep a Sei'naka woman waiting for too long. Let alone two"
"Tell me about it."
_╲\│/╱_
Kyoshi's nerves are starting to subside in earnest. The warm Fire Nation air is diffused on a light sea breeze. The tea being served in calming & tastes sweet. Rangi's warm body is pressed to her side & their fingers are intertwined.
Junsik & Hei-Ran keep looking at them with this look. They're unabashedly proud of Rangi. Wholly happy for the young couple. They keep 'sneaking' looks at one-another.
Kyoshi feels warm & fuzzy once they're finally out the door. The Avatar can finally breathe fresh air again.
Rangi's arms wrap around her waist. She quickly surveys the area for onlookers before pulling Kyoshi close. "You did great." Her hand cups a now blushing, freckled cheek. "Father loves you. You already know mother does."
Kyoshi looks at her feet. She isn't totally convinced, but has learned not to voice those kinds of thoughts. Not in front of Rangi, at least.
Her glowing girl cuts off the view of the ground with her body. She pulls the Avatar in for a gentle kiss. Tucks her head beneath Kyoshi's chin.
They stay that way for some time before Rangi mumbles "We should get going." into Kyoshi's chest.
Then, they stay like that a while longer.
Rangi slowly pulls away, stealing another kiss in the process. She offers her hand once extricated.
Kyoshi takes it & they're off.
.oO㊋Oo.
Hei-Ran leans into her husband's embrace.
"They're so cute together." he says.
She hums in agreement. "I'm worried about them. About our girl."
Junsik pulls away to give her a confused look, keeping his hands in place. "Why? They seem so happy."
"The Avatar's job is dangerous. Rangi's nearly died already. Eventually it'll become too much."
"You think that's going to happen?"
"At least to one of them. & Kyoshi has the Avatar state."
Uneasy silence.
Junsik breaks it. "... Our tigerdillo cub is growing up."
"I'm not sure if I love it more or hate it."
"Me too."
More silence.
"Do you like Kyoshi?" Hei-Ran asks.
"She's everything you & Rangi said she was. I almost can't believe it."
"I told her she's always a part of our family."
Junsik nods. "She is... She is."