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“Are you in love?” he asked, out of nowhere.
Lin’s eyes blew wide open. She would’ve spat her drink out she hadn’t already choked on it, coughing in response.
“No- no, I’m not,” she stuttered through coughs. “Why do you ask?”
“I’m just wondering,” he said as if in deep thought “What’s keeping you in Republic City? If it isn’t a person or the job, you’re clearly miserable doing- why are you still there?”
“You’re right. There’s nothing and nobody keeping me here. I’m just trapped in a legacy like you and your brother.”
Bumi ingested her words before responding. “Join the United Forces,” he said. “It worked for me- I mean- feeling trapped in a legacy and then joining this- away from the city, the Island, everything. Your life is your own. Besides, you’d be good at the job and a great asset to whatever unit you join.”
This was four years ago. Recently, the former Chief Lin Beifong was going by General Lin Beifong. Climbing the ranks with her unmatchable work ethic was easy- even training with the bulky men of the UF was a walk through the garden. However, Lin missed her element greatly. Being constantly floating through the never-ending mirage of ocean, she craved for some Earth to her touch. There was plenty metal abode the ship, but nothing compared to the grounding she felt from her element.
Suited in her new uniform that was embellished with a smattering of metal, Lin was leaning against the railing that evening, staring into the emptiness beyond the sky and sea. She also hated the wooden flooring of the ship, because she would never know when she was being snuck up on. But most times than not, it was Bumi, and in this instance, it was the same Commander.
“May I bask in your melancholy, General Beifong?” he asked, sliding beside her.
Lin rolled her eyes, still looking at the sunset. “Do what you want, it’s your ship.”
“Oh, how I wish. I’d throw so many overboard.”
Lin’s lips betrayed her and spread out into half a smile. She knew Bumi’s eyes were on her and she could sense his satisfaction in making her smile.
“What do you want, Bumi?”
“I know you’re unhappy here,” he said.
Lin sighed. “I’m unhappy anywhere I go. So don’t take it personally.”
He placed one hand on her back and rubbed it gently. “They’re having a little party in the mess, if you’d like to come.”
“I’m good—”
She had barely replied and Bumi already knew what her answer was going to be. “Come on, now! Snap out of this gloominess. Let me take you dancing.”
“Bumi, I’m really not in the mood—”
“Not listening!”
He pulled her by the arm so that she’d face him and then tugged her away from the railing. Before she could get a word out, he quickly said, “Go slap on some lipstick and meet me back in the messdeck- this is an order from your commanding officer.”
“Bumi, you can’t play that card!”
“Fine!”
He plucked something out of his pocket and handed it to her. It was lipstick. Her lipstick. Her lipstick that she hadn’t used in over four years. She gawked at it for a minute and then scowled at Bumi. “You went through my stuff!”
“Lin, you need to go to this thing. You need to make some friends. You’re isolating yourself and feeling lonely, and sure, that may work in cities, but not on the sea! You need some socializing.”
Lin groaned and snatched the lipstick from his hand. She bent the metal plate off her sleeve and flattened it onto Bumi’s chest to use as a mirror.
Once she was done, she slid it into her back pocket and gave Bumi a look that challenged him to try and steal it again.
But instead, he gave her a genuine smile. “Why do you always have to look this damned good?”
She smacked his belly and said, “Shut up,” as she started to walk away. Bumi followed behind, chortling on his way.
The party was far bigger than what Bumi had described. Everyone was there, from the chef to the sweeper. It wasn’t just an affair for the military folks, no, it was for everyone. The music rose and the lights gleamed throughout the mess- it had never looked so glorious.
Bumi escorted his lady with him, hand delicately leading hers until they reached the dance floor.
“May I have this dance, my lady?”
She smiled and played along by tightening her fingers around his. In one swift motion, he pulled her close, securing one hand on her waist and she fell forward against his chest. He beamed and she bit her bottom lip. Thereafter, all their communication was through dance. Bumi moved like the wind, spinning and twirling his lady with the rhythm of the music. Lin felt weightless in his hands. He was strong, and his muscles felt taut under her palms.
Belatedly, Lin felt eyes on her. Amidst her trance, she found that she was right. They were the only two people remaining on the dance floor and they had also gathered quite the audience. They cheered and hooted with every spin and every lift. It was truly magical. Lin hadn’t felt this way since- since—
Since Tenzin.
She stiffened a touch and Bumi dipped her low. Her face was of the makings of shock and fear while Bumi was the picture of rich enchantment. When he pulled her back up, the music stopped. There was heavy silence until the crowd broke into cheers. The light shone over Bumi in a manner that blinded her to everything else. He was all she saw. All she wanted to see. And all she probably wanted but could never have. Bumi was a man of honor. He’d never try to date, let alone sleep with, his brother’s ex-girlfriend.
He was maybe too good of a friend, now.
A distraught General was seen fleeing the scene. And a concerned Commander was seen chasing after her.
“Lin!” he called after her.
“This is not what I signed on for!” she cried, still sprinting across the deck.
He finally got up to speed before grabbing her wrist. “Lin, what’s going on?”
“Bumi, this is- this is too much,” she said, turning towards him. “I can’t do this.”
“We’re sailing back to Republic City,” he revealed, ultimately. “I just wanted you to have a good night before we—”
“What?”
“The equalists- there’s an uprising in Republic City. The avatar, Korra’s there too with Tenzin and—”
“WHAT?”
“Linny, you’re miserable here. I’m bringing you back.”
“Bumi, I have feelings for you.”
It was his turn to widen his eyes in shock.
“I got you your job back at the RCPD.”
Lin sighed. She pinched her nose in horror and looked back at him.
“I am retiring.”
“What?”
“I’m retiring,” he repeated. “I’m going to stay back with you.”
“Bumi, you love this—”
“And I’m in love with you. I have been for longer than I am willing to admit.” He leaned into her space and cupped her cheek with one hand.
To his surprise, it was Lin who kissed him feverously.
Once he pulled away, his hand on her ass, he whispered in her ear, “I have your lipstick.”