How to Survive a Summer Romance

1: Party Scene

Summary: Same old party scene and introduction of major and minor characters.

The party was loud. Too loud. And too stuffy. And everyone was having a good time, sweating and spilling drinks on each other. And then there was Korra. Who slipped through the back door to the patio after letting her friends know she needed to get some air.

Outside, there were several people lounging around, Korra nodded to a few then headed down some wooden steps that led to a private beach area. She stepped off the last step and onto the sand. She kept walking along the shore until the loud music coming from the party was more like background music.

She sat herself down on the cold sand and watched the calm sea and its shy waves caress the shore. The moon shone proudly at the highest point of the sky. Even the stars were alluring with the sheer number of them. Korra didn't know if this was because she had manage to get high from the second-hand smoke or that she was secretly a hopeless romantic, but she couldn't look away from what was in front of her.

This may have been the second most beautiful sight Korra had ever witnessed in her short 17 years of life.

The water, the sky, the moon. Everything was set in motion for a perfect summer night, so imagine Korra's disappointment when Asami suggested they go to Wu's house party instead of a drive like they usually go on when Asami wants to run away for a while.

Korra didn't need to ask why Asami would even consider accepting a party invitation from Wu, an obnoxious rich kid who does nothing but flirt with every girl in sight and flaunt his wealth. It pained Korra to see how much thought Asami was putting to her wardrobe and makeup, how excited and giddy she was acting. All of this seemed new to Korra, not the make up or the dressing up part but the Asami that wanted to go parties, sneak out to hang out with boys and drink because that's what everyone else was doing.

It didn't make sense to Korra, and it frustrated her that the only thing she could do was just make sure Asami wouldn't get caught by her father, who knew nothing of Asami's new lifestyle but would surely worry just as much as Korra was. And that wouldn't be fair to him, a single father who's wife left him too early and was forced to carry all of the responsibility of raising their only child while building up his empire, Future Industries. The man had nothing but love and high expectation for his only daughter. And even though Korra caused more trouble than naught, Mr. Sato only thanked her for being a loyal friend because at least she was willing to take the whole blame even though it was Asami's amateur inventions which caused a fire in the first place, or a power outage, or the kitchen to be decorated with spaghetti sauce.

If Korra really felt like it, she could leave right now, leave Asami and their other friend Opal behind. Maybe a good lecture from Mr. Sato is exactly what Asami needed. But of course, Korra couldn't go through with that. She didn't want Asami to hate her, no matter how selfish she's been acting lately.

Korra picked up a pebble beside her and threw it at the ocean as the waves came forward. She huffed then stood up, not wanting to spend another moment thinking about her best friend. This time she found a good sized rock and chucked it farther into the ocean, disturbing its peace. It soon recovered however, so Korra got up and started to throw another one. And another one. Each one going farther than the next and just when Korra thought her arm was about to pop off from its socket, all the anger that she had bottled up since she had arrived at the party was starting to come back.

"Fuck this." Korra spat. She stomped back to her spot on the sand and sat down with her arms crossed and placed on top of her knees. She felt pathetic, coming out to the beach alone when there's a party going on, not even a mile away. And yet the company of others isn't what she wanted right now. Korra placed her chin on her arms, eyes closing so she can just listen to the waves, wondering just how much fun her friends were having without her. Have they noticed her gone from the actual party? Are they looking for her? Maybe it was time to go back. Korra mused without moving an inch. If she didn't head back soon, her friends would start to worry.

"Korra?"

Speaking of…

Korra lifted her head from her arms then looked behind her. She couldn't see the person, but the outline of those curves and that long black hair swaying was a dead give away. Korra raised a hand.

"I'm over here."

"I thought that was you. Wow, its beautiful out here."

Just like you, Korra couldn't help but think as Asami came closer and stood beside her. "Mhmm."

"I saw Mako just now but it was obvious he was trying to avoid me. Are you okay?"

Asami's eyebrows crinkled while her eyes held onto Korra's. She placed her hands at the back of her thighs to hold her skirt so she can bend down to Korra's level. It was clear that Asami was worried for her best friend. Korra understood where Asami would get the notion that she was out here to sulk over an ex-boyfriend but she was over that asshole a long time ago.

Still it warmed her heart that Asami gone to the trouble of looking for her.

"Iroh was there too, uhm, I think he was looking for you."

Korra snickered, the warmth she felt seconds ago, gone. "Doubt it." Iroh was a family friend, they hung out a lot when they were kids and a part of Korra will always think of Iroh as a good friend and an all-around great person. But lately Iroh was starting to get on her nerves.

"Maybe we should leave now, it's getting cold out here." Asami suggested as a breeze decided to play with her long hair.

Korra didn't think it was that cold. Hardly a shiver-causing wind and the weather was at it's summer peak but Korra had to remember this was Asami and her hyper sensitivity with the weather was probably affecting her right about now. How long was Korra out here for anyways?

Asami stood up first then held a hand out to help Korra up. She took it and they both headed back up the wooden stairs to the patio and back inside the house party.

Asami attempted to call Opal then shook her head at Korra when there was no answer. Korra gestured they split up to look for their third friend.

"Call me when you find her!" Korra tried to yell over the loud music. She wasn't sure Asami heard her right but most likely understood her.

The party was still going strong even after the two had split up and spent over half an hour looking for Opal. There seemed to be no end to the alcohol and guests. Korra didn't like this, she was getting a bad feeling and decided to put even more effort into searching for her friend.

Once Korra found a familiar person sober enough to ask of Opal's whereabouts, they pointed her to the basement. Sure enough, Opal was found, passed out on the couch. Quickly, Korra made her way to Opal and shook her shoulder. Korra became worried that she would have to carry Opal all the way to the car.

"Korra! Glad you're here, I was looking all over for you! You didn't answer your phone."

Korra looked up to see Bolin, a stocky young man who was only a year younger than her. They met in art class and got along almost immediately, they weren't as close now as they were once before but Korra still held a soft spot for Bolin and his lame jokes.

"What happened to Opal?"

Bolin's wide smile dropped, his expression evident of guilt. "I'm sorry, I should've stopped her when I had the chance. She said she could handle herself..."

"Fine, just help me get her to the car. Please." Korra added as she noticed how demanding she sounded. She had to keep in mind that this was also partially her fault for leaving Opal to go sulk by herself.

Guilt and panic started to trickle through Korra's conscious. Opal couldn't go home like this. Forget her and Asami's parents. The Beifongs sisters were definitely people Korra should be fearing the most. ...And maybe Opal's older sister too.

"Oh! Yeah of course." Bolin turned to Opal and held her up, bridal style. Korra nodded her thanks then made her way back up the stairs with Bolin and Opal in tow. Once they made it back outside through the front door, Korra took out her phone. It was close to dying so she would have to make this quick. She noticed the two missed calls from Bolin, then quickly texted Asami that she found Opal and were waiting for her outside.

Five minutes passed, then ten. Korra grew worried, not only for herself but for her two friends. And also Bolin who laid Opal on a lawn chair when his arms started to cramp up from carrying her for too long.

"Korra?" Bolin spoke up.

"What?" Korra didn't turn around, keeping a look out for her friend.

"I can stay here with Opal while you go look for Asami."

Korra turned around to look at Bolin who had a small smile, reassuring her that she wasn't alone. She smiled back. "Alright. Thank Bo." She didn't mean to call him by his old nickname but there was no taking it back. It felt a little weird.

Bolin waved his hand as if to say it was no big deal. He then stopped and looked behind Korra. "Oh, found her."

This made Korra whip around, ready to check if Asami was fine but apparently that wasn't necessary. Because next to Asami, was Iroh. Still, Korra stormed towards them.

"Why didn't you answer my texts?!" Korra growled. The two teens found Korra then looked at each other. Iroh was about to answer til Korra cut him off. "You made me worry. I thought something had happened to you." She was looking directly at Asami who seemed very surprised. Korra never rose her voice at her.

"Hey Korra, don't worry. I was with her this whole time," Iroh said while taking one step forward. Korra glared at Iroh, who didn't seem so affected, as he continued, "Asami asked me if I saw you or Opal so I thought I should help her out."

"I bet you did," Korra muttered under her breath but it was clear by Iroh's blush and Asami's raised eyebrow that they both heard her.

"Uh Korra?" Bolin called out to her, the trio turn to look at him and the stirring Opal. That was enough to snap Asami out of her silence.

"Opal?!" She passed both Iroh and Korra to run to Opal.

"Hnn." Opal's eyes twitched open. She made the mood to sit up, when suddenly her hand went to her mouth and she quickly turned to her side. Bolin yelped, jumping back as Opal emptied the contents in her stomach right there on Wu's front yard.

Asami rubbed Opal's back, Iroh cringed and Korra groaned, knowing she'd have to call Kuvira for her help after all.

In the midst of her worries, Korra hadn't noticed Iroh coming up to her side.

"Korra you okay? I'm sorry we made you worry." He sounded really apologetic but it only served to make Korra more annoyed with his presence.

"It's fine," she replied through gritted teeth.

"If you need some help, I can drive Asami home," he offered patiently.

Korra, however, was anything but patient. "If Asami's dad saw you, you can forget any chance of dating her," she spat.

Iroh's body visibly stiffened beside her. He sighed, "Okay, but if you need help, call me alright?" Iroh waved to Asami, who waved back with a smile that made Korra's mood darkened 10 shades darker. Iroh went back inside as Korra walked to the group. Opal, now crying and wiping her snot on Bolin's shoulder. He looked a little disgusted at the mucus, but hadn't pushed her away.

"Opal, you okay babe?" Asami cooed, running her hands through Opal's hair, trying to undo the knots.

"No," Opal sobbed. "I'm hungry, I'm drunk, I want nachos and sleep."

Bolin grinned. "Nachos sounds so good!" He looked over at Korra then suddenly took that back. "But I think water and a banana would do you better."

"Can you stand up?" Asami asked, grabbing Opal's elbow.

"M' think so."

"I'm going to call Kuvira, okay Op?" Korra commented, her voice soft as she watched Bolin and Asami steady Opal as she stood up. A whine came from Opal in response.

"She's going to kill meeee." Opal's eyes widened then began to tear up once more, probably noticing how much of a mess she was right now. Korra pitied her.

"She'll kill me before she ever thinks of touching you," Korra's attempt to joke ended with Opal openly crying once more, this time for Korra's life. Bolin, in the meantime, looked very worried for his own well being, seeing as he thought it was his fault for not stopping Opal before. Asami, on the other hand, was looking at Korra.

If she wants to apologize, she'd just have to do it later, Korra thought as she ignored Asami, took her phone out and searched for Kuvira's number.

"Huh? " A grunt was heard on the other line after several seconds of waiting.

"Hey Kuvira, it's Korra. Uh, listen, don't get too mad okay? Opal is alright but she's kind of a mess right now do you think she can stay with you for the-?"'

"Where are you? " Kuvira cut Korra off, sounding awake at the mention of her younger sister in trouble.

"Some rich kid's house. I was thinking I could take her to your house."

"Send me the address. I'll be right over. " Korra heard a beep which indicated the call ended. She sighed in relief, thinking the conversation could have gone worse then texted the address to Kuvira.

"Kuvira says she'll be here soon." Korra said, joining the small group. Opal was hardly conscious by this point but was still held up by Asami and Bolin.

"That's good...right?" Bolin answered, though it was obvious he was still worried. Korra ran a hand through her hair, knowing how he felt.

"I think we got it from here Bolin. You should probably head back to the party." Korra told him, nodding to Asami.

"Yeah, I'm sorry we got you involved in this," Asami added.

"Aw, nah don't worry about it. Besides I missed you gals! We haven't hung out in, like, forever!"

Asami and Korra shared a look, something like 'well if your brother wasn't such an asshole and kept us from visiting, we would hang out with you' was shared between them.

"I guess we should change that," Asami said with a smile after looking back at Bolin, who had completely missed whatever the two were thinking. Bolin grinned, looking pretty content now. Korra went over to take his place and help Asami keep Opal steady on her feet. After assuring Bolin several more times that they could handle the rest, he went back to the party. This meant Korra and Asami were left with a dozing Opal.

It was a little awkward because not another word was said between them after they made the decision to walk to Asami's car. Korra knew it was because of her blow up earlier. A part of her was angry but not for the same reasons. And she soon realize afterwards that it wasn't anger she was feeling either, but jealousy.

If it wasn't obvious yet, the true reason they came to the party was for Asami to see Iroh. The make-up, the excitement, the searching eyes once they got to the party. All for Iroh. Korra couldn't even blame her best friend for developing a crush. The guy had a heart of gold and, as annoying as he's been lately, he's also loyal as hell.

So loyal in fact, Korra knows that if she tells Iroh to back off, he will. Except what kind of friend would that make her? Especially when Korra knows that Asami likes him back!

She almost felt obliged to play cupid for them but Korra's selfishness wouldn't allow it. So, in the end, what kind of friend was she? And why did it seem like it was taking forever to get to Asami's car?

"Ughhhhh," Korra groaned out loud, frustrated and exhausted.

"Maybe." Asami panted. "Maybe I should've. Waited for you. With Opal."

"That probably might have been faster." Korra answered then took more of Opal's dead weight so Asami could catch her breath. Korra kept walking since the car wasn't so far by now and she figured the work out could only benefit her after the minor drinking she did at the party.

"Wow Korra, you're so strong."

Korra blushed from the sudden compliment which she was sure was Asami's way of putting whatever happened between them earlier, behind her.

"Maybe you could be my personal trainer?"

Korra wanted to roll her eyes at Asami but instead chuckled from Asami wiggling her eyebrows at her. A part of her wanted to tell Asami that Iroh would take that offer anytime but she knew what a mistake that would turn out to be. So instead, Korra pointed out the car, that was a few meters away. They picked up the pace and hauled Opal til she was safely snoring in the back seat. Asami and Korra sat in the front, listening to the radio though Opal's loud snores was enough to keep them both awake at first.

"Thanks for coming with me, Korra," Asami said after some time, which snapped Korra's droopy eyes open. Asami was smiling at her.

Once Kuvira comes, they'll head back to Asami's house to resume their sleepover. They will most likely pass out the moment they sneak back in Asami's room but Korra was fine with that. And yeah, the party was still a bust, Kuvira will probably still be mad, and Iroh was finally able to make his move but it will be Korra who will find it all meaningless when morning comes and she wakes up to the most beautiful scene she will never get tired of looking at.

"Anytime," Korra replied with a small smile of her own.

Thank you for reading! And hopefully you will come back for the next chapter.