The Sting

Elira bust into the practice room, making the Wolf Bats jump as she glared at them fuming!

"Real funny, guys" She snapped, sarcastically "Hilarious. Don't tell the new girl the song was already chosen so she can embarrass herself in front of everyone"

"Hey, don't snap at us. Tahno interrupted before we could say anything" Shaozu argued and El turned her glare on the waterbender.

Tahno sighed and stood up "Look, it wasn't my intention to embarrass you in front of Varrick. But the song  he picked is total garbage compared to yours. There's no way it's gonna inspire anyone, let alone the entire city"

"Yeah, well it doesn't matter anyway, Varrick wouldn't even look at my songs. No one's ever gonna hear them" Elira frowned disheartened at her songbook.

Tahno turned to look at the other Wolf Bats, who nodded at him before he turned back to Elira

"Says who?"

Elira looked up shocked " What? You...You're not suggesting--"

"That's exactly what we're suggesting" Tahno smirked as the other Wolf Bats joined his side.

"But Varrick--"

"Will see how wrong he is," Ming said, joining Tahno's side with Shazou

"We meant what we said earlier, Elira. With a tune, your songs could be killer" Shazou added

"And you know what? We'll prove it to you" Tahno gestured to the others and they rushed over to their instruments.

"Pick one of your songs"

El looked confused "What?"

"Sing one of your songs, we'll provide the music and you'll see just how great your lyrics are" Tahno explained

Elira looked reluctantly down at her book as Pichi chittered on her shoulder, nuzzling her cheek

"Come on, little airbender, take a risk" Tahno encouraged and Elira glanced up at him as he gestured to the microphone

"Trust us"

Elira sighed, giving in, and flicked through her book for a moment before settling on one of her songs.

Pichi jumped off her shoulder as she stood in front of the microphone and took a deep breath.

"He looks at me" She began to sing " I fake a smile so he won't see"

The Wolf Bats began playing a tune matching El's singing making the airbender glance at them, smiling slightly.

"That I want and I'm needing everything that we should be.I'll bet she's beautiful, that girl he talks aboutAnd she's got everything that I have to live without"

Pichi watched the band playing from where she was now perched on a table. She chittered happily, glad to see her owner enjoying herself.

"He talks to me. I laugh 'cause it's just so funnyBut I can't even see anyone when he's with me"

Elira closed her eyes, getting completely lost in the music as she began to dance slightly in front of the mic. Bouncing on her feet a little.

"He says he's so in love, he's finally got it right. I wonder if he knows he's all I think about at night"

Tahno then joined in on the singing, tapping his foot to the music.

"He's the reason for the teardrops on my guitar. The only thing that keeps me wishing on a wishing star. He's the song in the car I keep singing, don't know why I do"

Elira turned and smile at him as she sang.

"He walks by me, can he tell that I can't breathe? And there he goes, so perfectly. The kind of flawless I wish I could be. She'd better hold him tight, give him all her love. Look in those beautiful eyes and know she's lucky 'cause."

Elira moved away from the mic, dancing around the room as her bandmates smiled at her.

"He's the reason for the teardrops on my guitar. The only thing that keeps me wishing on a wishing star. "He's the song in the car I keep singing, don't know why I do"

Elira stopped in front of where Tahno was playing, playfully messing up his hair as she sang.

"So I fly home alone, as I turn out the light. I'll put his picture down and maybe get some sleep tonight."

Ming and Shazou then also joined in the singing, the whole band getting lost in the music.

"Cause he's the reason for the teardrops on my guitar. The only one who's got enough of me to break my heart. He's the song in the car I keep singing, don't know why I do. He's the time taken up, but there's never enough. And he's all that I need to fall into. "

Elira returned to the microphone as the song came to an end

"He looks at me, I fake a smile so he won't see...."

The music stopped and the band all looked at each other for a moment before bursting into laughter.

"What did we tell you, huh?" Ming grinned "Awesome!"

"Okay, so maybe you guys were right" The airbender admitted through her giggles. "That did sound killer"

"So, what do you say, Elira? Wanna take the risk?" Tahno smirked

"You bet" The airbender laughed "Oh, and by the way..."

She walked up to the waterbender, holding her hand out for a handshake

"Call me El" She smiled

*

2 days had passed, and the band had been practising none stop and were pretty happy with how they sounded. They just hoped Varrick felt the same.

Bolin had also been working tirelessly on his mover, so he and El didn't get much time to hang out together. But thankfully, the day of the premier arrived and Bolin was insistent that El joined them.

Not mine ⬆

Dressed once again in a cute little dress with her hair pinned back, she sat next to Bolin in the VIP section as on-screen, Nuktuk walked ahead and hid behind a mound when he saw an ominous castle in the distance.

"We finally made it. Now, we must stop the evil Unalaq!"

The crowd mainly made up of children, cheered.

The screen cut to a shot of "Evil Unalaq"

"The Southern Water Tribe is mine. Next, I will conquer the world with my waterbending doomsday device!" He declared and the crowd booed throwing popcorn at the screen.

The screen cut back to Nuktuk and his animal companions, which were just Pabu and Naga painted.

"Don't worry, Juji and Roh-Tan, I will end the evil Unalaq's reign of terror. For I am Nuktuk, hero of the South!"

The crowd cheered once again.

"Nuktuk, you're not just the hero of the South, you're our best friend." Juji(Pabu) said

"Nuktuk-ity!" Roh-Tan (Naga) added

"You two are the best snow raccoon and arctic panda a guy could ask for." Nuktuk hugged Roh-Tah making the crowd aww.

Music started to play as Ginger hugged Nuktuk while atop Roh-Tan.

The Narrator began to sing and Elira couldn't help but laugh a little at how unintentionally goofy it was.

"Who's gonna fight for friends and freedom? Nuktuk"

Nuktuk made dancing movements and a water jet hit Northern soldiers, causing one to fall.

" He's the biggest, baddest, bendingest man I know"

Nuktuk jumped up and tapped his companions' paws.

"Who protects the icy tundra? Nuktuk"

Nuktuk made dancing movements once more and water fell over another soldier

" Battling Northies out there in the snow"

Evil Unalaq looked ahead, while Nuktuk punched him off balance.

" When Unalaq starts trouble, he'll punch him in the mouth"

Nuktuk grinned standing next to Roh-Tan, while Juji emerged from a snow mound

"He's Nuktuk, the hero of the South"

The crowd cheered loudly as Elira clapped, giggling slightly still.

"Bolin, look up there. What do you see?" Varrick whispered to the earthbender

"I- is this a trick question?" He asked confused

"I'll tell you what I see: a star being born" Varrick grinned "You're a star. People love stars. Stars tell them what to think and how to act. Bolin, have you ever tried to force a monkey marmot to ride a bicycle?"

"Uh ... not that I can recall."

"Of course, you haven't. You can't force monkey marmots to do anything. They've got to want to do it themselves!" Varrick exclaimed

"Right ..."

Varrick wrapped his arm around the teen "With these movers and El's concerts, we'll have the support of the people, and before long, they'll persuade the President to lend his troops to the war effort"

Back on the screen, a bound Ginger was escorted to Evil Unalaq's throne.

Unalaq laughed sinisterly " My evil plan is working. I've captured Nuktuk's beautiful girlfriend."

Nuktuk suddenly burst into the throne room on Roh-Tah "Not so fast, Evil Unalaq! Oh, I will save my true love and the South!"

Nuktuk was lifted by a rope and easily defeated two soldiers with waterbending

"And now, your time is up" He glared at Evil Unalaq

Evil Unalaq gestured for his guards to attack Nuktuk who retreated such that only shadows of the fight could be seen.

He broke off a spear of one of the guards before throwing him away and blasting the other guard up with waterbending.

Two more guards suddenly approach and threw a net, capturing him.

"It's no use fighting, Nuktuk. My anti-energy net makes bending impossible." Evil Unalaq laughed

"No! Please. Power ... weakening." Nuktuk fought against the net dramatically

"Nuk-terrible," Roh-Tan said

"Will this be the end of Nuktuk? Can he escape from Unalaq's trap and save the beautiful Ginger? Find out next week on The Adventures of Nuktuk: Hero of the South." The voice narrator said before cutting to credits as the crowd cheered.

Back in the booth, Bolin turned to Ginger beside him.

"Wow. We got some major chemistry on-screen. Am I right?" He smirked flirtatiously at her

"We sure do" Ginger returned the smirk before getting up and leaving

"Wait, what's wrong? Where're you going?" Bolin called after her " Are you mad because I left you in the clutches of the evil Unalaq? I'm gonna save you in the next episode. Ginger, let's work through this"

He slumped against the back of the seat in despair as Ginger left before turning to El beside him.

"So, what do you think? Pretty good, right?"

"It's amazing, Bo. Who knew you were such a good actor?" El smiled at him, nudging his shoulder

"Say, Bolin, my first live concert's tomorrow night" Elira began to play with her hands nervously "It's the first time I'll ever be on stage doing something like this and I was wondering if...Well, I'd feel a lot more confident if you were there and..."

Bolin took her fidgeting hands in his and she looked up at him.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world" He smiled softly at her

*

The following night, it was time for the concert. El was in the attic, which had been conversed into a make-shift dressing room for the band, dressed in a tight floor-length sparkly yellow dress with a slit up the side, showing her leg.

Not Mine ⬆

Honestly, if her father could see her now, he'd probably have a heart attack. She was up on one of the platforms, the one which used to be considered Bolin's room, and sat at a vanity littered with make-up and hair products.

She was breathing a little heavily. To say she was nervous was an understatement. She was terrified. Not just about performing in front of possibly hundreds of people, but about what Varrick's reaction would be when he realised she hadn't listened and sang her own song. Pichi chittered at her, perched on the table, and El scratched behind her ear making the lemur purr.

A small knock was heard behind her, looking in the mirror she saw Tahno standing on the ladder dressed in a suit.

"It's showtime, you ready?" He asked

"Yeah...Yeah, only mildly terrified" El replied

"You and me both" Tahno climbed up fully and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder "But hey if worse comes to worst, I'll take the blame"

El whirled around shocked "But, Tahno--"

"It was my idea to do this. So if anyone's gonna take the fall for it going badly, it's me" The waterbender cut off her protest.

"Thank you, Tahno" Elira smiled at him

"You're welcome. Not let's get out there and show them what we're made of" Tahno held out his hand to the girl.

"Yeah, let's do it!" She grinned, taking his hand, now excited.

*

The arena was dark as Bolin took his seat in the VIP section along with Varrick, Zhu Li and surprisingly Ginger. Asami and Mako were also there upon Elira's insistence. Pichi then suddenly hopped onto the railing in front of them, chattering in excitement. Pabu squeaked a little, hopping off Bolin's lap to join her.

Shiro Shinobi's voice then rang throughout the stadium again "And now, the moment we've all been waiting for. Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for the world's hottest new band- " Elira and the Wolf Bats!"

"The Wolf Bats?!" The three teens shared a shocked look as the crowd let out a defining cheer of excitement and lights lit up the stage.

Elira standing in front of a microphone, looking absolutely beautiful while the Wolf Bats were behind her ready with their instruments.

The crowd yelled even louder when they saw them, but Elira paid them no mind. Glancing up at the VIP section anxiously, before looking over her shoulder at her bandmates.

Tahno nodded at her encouragingly.

Elira took a deep breath and turned back to the mic.

This was it. No going back.

She closed her eyes tightly, picturing herself back in her bedroom, radio blasting, with no one but Pichi watching her make a fool of herself.

Tahno played the first note

"Where have all the good men gone. And where are all the gods?" She sang " Where's the street-wise Hercules, to fight the rising odds?"

Up in the VIP booth, Varrick looked shocked and leaned forward in his seat confused.

"Isn't there a white knight upon a fiery steed?"

"Wait a second, this isn't the song I picked! Zhu Li, what's going on?!" He turned to his assistant

"It would seem they've chosen to sing their own song, sir" Zhu Li answered

"Their own song?!"

"Late at night I toss and I turn and dream of what I need..." Elira suddenly felt way more confident and she smirked.

"HIT IT!" She yelled, throwing her arm up and the tempo quickened making the crowd cheer

"I need a hero! I'm holding out for a hero 'til the end of the night. He's gotta be strong. And he's gotta be fast. And he's gotta be fresh from the fight"

Just like in the practice room, Elira began dancing, bouncing around the stage, getting lost in the music.

"I need a hero. I'm holding out for a hero 'til the morning light. He's gotta be sure. And it's gotta be soon. And he's gotta be larger than life. Larger than life..."

Far away at the Southern Air Temple, the kids were crowded around the radio, with their mother, grandmother, aunt, uncle and cousin behind them, all listening to Elira sing. Tenzin then came into the room, confused as to where they'd all disappeared to.

"There you all are. What is that, what are you listening to?" He questioned

"It's El!" Jinora grinned "El's on the radio, singing!"

"She's what?!"

"Somewhere after midnight, in my wildest fantasy" El's singing blasted through the radio, shocking her father.

Tenzin then smiled softly "How about that?"

"Somewhere just beyond my reach, there's someone reaching back for me"

"Daddy, dance with us!" Jinora and Ikki grabbed their father's hands as Meelo pulled his mother up laughing as she handed Rohan to Zira.

"Racing on the thunder and rising with the heat!. It's gonna take a superman to sweep me off my feet!"

Back in the VIP booth, as the song continued, Mako and Asami smiled as they watched their friend bounce around the stage wildly.

"This song is amazing. Bolin, why didn't you ever tell us El was such a good songwriter?" Asami asked

"I...didn't know..." Bolin muttered, shaking his head.

"Up Where the mountains meet the heavens above. Out where the lightning splits the sea. I could swear that there's someone somewhere watching me!"

As he watched his best friend since childhood have the time of her life, a warm feeling bloomed in his chest and a soft smile formed on his face. She looked so happy.

"Through the wind and the chill and the rain. And the storm and the flood. I can feel his approach like a fire in my blood"

Elira glanced up at the VIP section, making eye contact with Bolin as he watched her.

She winked at him, playfully, making him laugh slightly. Not noticing how beside him, Ginger scowled in El's direction.

"I need a hero! I'm holding out for a hero 'til the morning light. He's gotta be sure. And it's gotta be soon. And he's gotta be larger than life"

Elira continued to dance around the stage as the crowd cheered. She turned suddenly and airbent herself up onto the piano that Tahno was playing. The waterbender smirked up at her as they continued.

"Oh, he's gotta be strong. And he's gotta be fast. And he's gotta be fresh from the fight! " Elira sang

"I need a hero!"

When the final note played, Elira held her arm up, panting heavily and grinning as the crowd yelled and applauded.

This was incredible. It was like a dream. So unreal. She couldn't believe it. She'd never felt more...alive!

*

Walking into the locker room, the crowd was still cheering behind them.

"That was awesome! No, more than awesome! It was incredible!" Elira ranted excitedly as her bandmates watched her in amusement. "You guys were right, totally worth the risk! And did you see the crowd? They loved us!"

"They loved you, it was your song after all" Shazou corrected

"Maybe, but I never would've done it if you didn't convince me" Elira smirked

"But we wouldn't have needed to--"

"We all did great, let's just leave it at that" Ming cut in, making the others chuckle.

"You're right, Ming. We're a team now, which means - Group hug! You too, Tahno!" Elira pulled her bandmates into a hug making them all laugh.

Someone coughed for their attention, interrupting their laughter. Turning, they saw Varrick standing with his arms crossed while Zhu Li stood behind him.

"Varrick! Um...Hey, how's it going?" Elira smiled sheepishly "Uh...Did you like the show?"

"Did I like it?..." 

Elira's stomach dropped 

" Did I like it?!"

Tahno, Ming and Shazou all held their breaths as Varrick marched up to the airbender, stopped in front of her and put his hands on his hips, intimidatingly glaring at her while she leaned back away from him.

He was silent for a moment as everyone watched nervously.

"Kid...I loved it!" Varrick suddenly grinned, holding his arms out

Elira's eyes widened in surprise, sharing a glance with her bandmates "You...You did?"

"You bet I did! You got guts, kid, I'll give you that. But did you see the crowd? You had them eating out of your palm! Zhu Li!" Varrick turned and pointed at the woman "Fire that other guy! We don't need him!"

Zhu Li nodded and ran off as Varrick jumped between El and Tahno, wrapping his arms around the airbender

"We've got the perfect songwriter, right here!" He bopped the girl's nose slightly

"Me?!" She gasped, grinning as Pichi climbed onto her head, chittering

"Of course!" Varrick exclaimed "Now I'm gonna need some more samples of potential songs ASAP! Think you can do it, Tigershark?"

El glanced at her bandmates who all grinned and nodded at her, Shazou even giving her a thumbs up.

She turned back to Varrick "Definitely"

*

That following night, when Mako returned to his apartment, he opened the door and was surprised at all the new decorations now invading the small space. There was even a hot tub placed right in the middle of the living room which Bolin was relaxing in with Pabu lounging on the edge. Elira was laying on the couch, with Pichi beside her asleep, going through her notebook with a pencil in hand while the radio played music in the background.

"Hey, Mako, what do you think?" Bolin greeted his brother "I did a little redecorating. It turns out that one of the perks of being a star, you get lots of cash"

Mako turned and saw a statue of Nuktuk by the door "Is this a marble statue of you?"

"It's also a hat rack" Bolin grinned, pointing to his head.

"We don't even have hats." Mako huffed, irritated

"That's what I said" Elira muttered, before chewing a little on her pencil in concentration.

"That's because we never had a hat rack. And now we do. Mako, you seem stressed. I think you need to take a little dipity dip." Bolin tapped the surface of the water

"I don't have time to take a dipity dip, okay? I'm trying to catch whoever's been attacking the shipments, and I need your help." Mako snapped

"You need my help? I don't know. I'm kinda busy" Bolin groaned pensively.

"You're sitting in a hot tub." Elira looked up deadpan at her best friend

"I'm maintaining my instrument. As an actor, my body is my instrument." Bolin explained

" Are you gonna help or not?" Mako asked, annoyed

"You know, I recall a time when I needed your help, and you basically told me to get a life." Bolin stood up, glaring at his brother.

"So that's a no. What am I supposed to do now?"

"I don't know, Mako. Figure it out. Remember? That's what you said to me. Hurts, doesn't it?" Bolin smirked

Mako groaned in annoyance and turned to leave. As he passed the fire heating the tub, he bent in it, causing the water to explode into hot steam.

"Ow! My instrument!" Bolin screamed in pain as Mako stormed out the door.

When the steam died down, Bolin settled back into the hot tub "Geeze, can you believe him?"

"No, I can't believe you." Elira scoffed and got up, closing her notebook "Bo, I get what he said hurt, but he's still your brother - you're family! Even when I'm annoyed with Meelo, which I am most of the time, if he came to me asking for my help I would give it to him without a second thought"

"Well, Mako and I are not you and Meelo, okay?" Bolin crossed his arms

Elira looked shocked "What's gotten into you? Did you suddenly have a personality change in the last 24 hours? I thought you promised this new fame wouldn't go to your head?"

"It's not!" Bolin argued

"Yes, it is! You're changing, Bolin!" 

" I'm just enjoying my new life! "

"Well, since you're not going to do anything as you're so busy with your new life, I'm going to help Mako. Enjoy your hot tub"

"I will. Gladly"

Elira shook her head and scoffed "Unbelievable"

She grabbed her glider and stormed out of the apartment with Pichi running behind her.

Bolin glared at the door for a moment before his gaze softened sadly.

*

"Mako! Make, wait for me!" Elira ran after her firebender friend who stopped and let her catch up.

"I wanna help" She declared

"El, any other time I would've happily accepted your help. But, I think you should sit out this one" Mako replied

"What?" Elira scoffed, placing her hand on her hip "Why?"

"Because...Because I'm gonna ask the Triple Threats to help" Mako admitted

"You're what?" Elira gasped, shocked "Why would you go to them for help?"

"I know, I know, it's crazy. But we're out of options. Bolin refused to help and Korra's not here. I know you don't get along with the Triads and that's why I'm suggesting you sit this out" Mako explained

Elira looked uncertain

"You sure this is a good idea?" She asked

"No, but it's our last resort"

Elira sighed "Fine, just...Please be careful? You and Asami"

Mako pulled her in for a hug "We'll be fine, don't worry. I'll catch up with you tomorrow to let you know how it went, okay?"

Elira nodded and Mako took off.

The airbender sighed and looked at Pichi as the lemur climbed onto her shoulder. She pet the animal's ear softly making her purr.

"Well, guess we best head back to the island and work on these songs, hey, Pichi?"

The lemur chittered and nuzzled El's cheek making her smile.

"Come on, then let's go. I'll race you home" Elira held up her glider

Pichi chattered and jumped off her shoulder, flying away.

"Hey, wait for me!" El laughed, running after her.

*

The next day, Elira made her way to Varrick's yacht, songbook in hand and Pichi on her shoulder. She was so excited. The songs weren't done as once again they needed a tune, but she wanted Varick's input before she showed them to the band. She made her way to the movie set below deck, trying her best not to get in anyone's way as they bustled about preparing for the next scene.

She spotted Zhu Li overseeing things and smiled before walking up to the assistant.

"Hey, Zhu Li. Is Varrick around?" El asked

"No, he's in a meeting at the moment" Zhu Li replied

"I thought you never left his side?" Elira smirked

"I was just checking on the mover's progress, I'll be joining him again now" Zhu Li explained, ignoring the girl's playful teasing.

Elira giggled softly before holding up her songbook "In that case since he's in a meeting, can you give this to him? I wanted to get his opinion on some potential songs before I showed them to the band. I've dog tailed the pages for you"

Zhu Li nodded and took the book "I'll get these to him right away"

"Thanks, Zhu Li" El smiled as the woman walked away

Pichi then chittered on her shoulder, pulling on the girl's hair slightly to get her attention. Glancing up, Elira noticed what her pet was trying to show her.

Bolin sat in a chair, dressed as Nuktuk, in front of the set with a bowl of popcorn on one side. And Ginger on the other. The redhead was giggling obnoxiously at something, leaning on his arm with a flirtatious smile that made Elira's stomach churn.

Taking a deep breath, she walked over to the two who glanced up as she stopped beside them, Bolin looking slightly surprised. 

"Uh, hey, Bolin. Um, can we talk...alone?" Elira glanced at Ginger who narrowed her eyes at the airbender in distaste.

"Uh, I don't know, El. I'm about to shoot my next scene" Bolin replied

"It'll only take a second...Please" Elira begged

"...Alright" Bolin got up from his chair but Ginger quickly grabbed his hand, stopping him.

"But, Bolin, what about me? You're gonna leave me here, all alone?" The actress put on a seductive look, trying to coax the earthbender into staying.

"I'll only be a second, I swear" Bolin smiled, letting go of her hand.

Ginger scoffed and glared as the two walked away.

*

"So, what did you wanna talk about?" Bolin asked, he and El now standing outside in the hallway for some privacy.

"I just...wanted to apologise for snapping at you last night" Elira sighed "I shouldn't have gotten involved in your argument with Mako" 

"And I'm sorry for snapping at you like I did. You were just trying to help. Like you always have" Bolin smiled

"It's just everything's changing so fast and I can't keep up at times" Elira sighed 

"Yeah, it's strange, but it's also amazing. Everything is great now. Nothing like my old life" Bolin grinned 

Elira frowned slightly "What was wrong with your old life?" 

"El, I was a nobody, living in the attic of a pro-bending arena with barely any money. But now because of Varrick, I'm a somebody!" Bolin exclaimed happily before placing a hand on her shoulder. 

"But I tell you what, as soon as I'm let go for lunch in like an hour or so, you and me, we're going to the Noodlery and eating until we puke." He declared

Elira smiled softly "We haven't done that in forever"

"I know, it'll be just like old times...So?"

"...1 hour, I'll meet you there, dirt brain" Elira hugged the earthbender tightly before jumping onto an air scooter and flying down the hallway as Pichi followed over her shoulder.

Bolin chuckled a little, watching her leave. Unaware of a certain red-headed actress eavesdropping by the door looking livid! 

*

Elira reached the Noodlery 5 minutes before Bolin said he'd be let go for lunch. She got their usual table by the window, sat down and ordered herself a drink while she waited.

The clock on the wall hit the hour mark and Elira smiled. He'd be there soon.

10 minutes passed

El began playing with Pichi on the table while they waited. Using her bending to create balls of air for the lemur to chase.

20 minutes

Elira looked around the restaurant impatiently as Pichi groomed herself.

30 minutes

He'd be there any second now... Wouldn't he?

40 minutes

Elira huffed, drumming her fingers on the table bored, leaning on her hand as Pichi lay asleep on the table.

Where was he?

50 minutes

Elira fought back the tears that were building in her eyes.

60 minutes...

Elira stared up at the clock as it hit the 1-hour mark again. It was obvious now. No matter how long she waited for him, he wasn't coming.

He'd stood her up. He'd really lied and stood her up. 

Turning back to her table, a tear fell down her cheek and she hugged herself. Trying not to start sobbing right in the middle of the Noodlery.

"This seat taken?"

Elira looked up in surprise "Tahno?"

She quickly whipped away her tears but the waterbender had already seen the watery shine in her eyes as he stood in front of her table.

"Where's your partner in crime?" Tahno asked, knowing this was one spot the duo usually hung out at.

"He'll be here any second now, I'm sure" Elira tried to sound optimistic but deep down she knew what she said was a straight-up lie.

"Is that so? Well, want some company while you wait?" He asked "I know you've got Pichi but doesn't seem like she's up for much talking"

He gestured to the lemur now laying on her back, flat out and snoring slightly.

"Sure, why not?" Elira giggled softly, petting Pichi's stomach and Tahno sat down opposite her.

*

El ended up spending the rest of the day with Tahno after he found her in the Noodlery. Honestly, never in a million years did Elira think she would end up tolerating Tahno's presence, let alone consider him a friend. Yet here they were.

When Elira returned to the island that night, she was quickly informed her father and grandmother were on the phone and wanted to speak to her.  They were now at the Eastern Air Temple and the kids wanted to say goodnight. But instead they starting yelling excitedly about how they heard her singing on the radio. Tenzin asked how on earth she ended up on the radio, so she explained everything was Varrick's doing and that Bolin was also now doing movers thanks to him. She left out the fact that it was all propaganda for the Civil War, of course. 

After a while, Tenzin finally decided the kids had been up long enough and left to put them to bed, leaving Elira with her grandmother 

"So, how are things with you and Bolin?" Zira asked

Elira looked down sadly "We're...okay I guess" 

"What happened? What's wrong?" Zira quickly picked up on her granddaughter's tone, even through the phone.

"It's all this fame he's getting from the movers. It's going to his head even though he promised it wouldn't. He even lied and stood me up at the Noodelry. I'm loosing my best friend and I don't know what to do, Gran-Gran" " Elira ranted, feeling tears build in her eyes. 

Azira fell silent. 

"Gran-Gran?" El called 

"Don't worry, Lotus Flower. The only thing you can do at the moment is tomorrow morning, go and get his side of the story. Find out why he didn't turn up" Zira advised "Everything will be alright, sweetheart" 

"How do you know?" Elira asked 

"Because I'll be there to help sort it out " Zira revealed 

"What? No, Gran-Gran, please I just needed someone to rant to. Please don't drop the whole vacation, Dad deserves a break" Elira begged 

"I know, which is why he's staying here and I'm coming home" Zira replied "I'm not coming to take over, I know you can handle things by yourself. But if you ever need it, I'll be there to help you" 

 "Fine" Elira sighed "But before you get here, Gran-Gran, I need to tell you something. But you cannot tell Dad. You see, somethings...happened...."