Disclaimer: Don't own these guys, obviously.
"All right, everyone, snacks and cell phones away! We'll be picking up yesterday's lesson right where we left off, so please take out your notes on Guru Tang Xu and open your books to page three hundred and seven. Now, on the ninety-eighth day of his legendary fast…"
Korra groaned internally, rolling her eyes as she tucked her phone into her pocket and shoved her granola bar wrapper into her backpack. The first day had, admittedly, been rather interesting. After all, who had ever heard of someone who hadn't eaten for three hundred and twenty days?
But that was the first day. This was the fifth day. And it was all Korra could do not to bang her head against her desk in exasperation.
Sighing to herself, she tugged out a worn, yellow spiral-bound notebook from her backpack and opened it to her most recent page of doodles—er, notes. A grouchy, bobble-headed Tenzin glared at her from the margins of her paper, evidently displeased by the lack of notes. Korra frowned for a moment. Then she erased him; it wasn't a very good doodle anyway. Besides, she needed the space.
Three knocks on the classroom door interrupted Tenzin's monologue. Oh, thank the spirits. Korra sighed in relief. Disgruntled, Tenzin looked up from the worn book in his hand. "Otaku, if you would kindly open the door?"
A large, brown-haired boy at the back of the class hastily rose from his seat and rushed to the door, straightening his glasses as he pulled it open.
"Hey, everyone!" announced a beaming Wu, arms laden with small slips of paper and chocolate roses as he strutted into the room. A grumpy-looking Mako trailed behind him, carrying several more in his arms. Korra waved at him, grinning. He scowled back. "Your liaisons have arrived with the last of the Valentine's Day grams," Wu continued, oblivious to his partner's displeasure, "so if you could just raise your hand or something when I call out your name, that would be fantastic!" Wu picked out a small white slip of paper and brought it to his eyes. "O...Ol...Olro...wow, this handwriting is horrible." Shaking his head, he passed the paper to Mako, who raised a disinterested eyebrow as he plucked the paper from the shorter boy's fingers.
A small smirk replaced the scowl on his face. "Opal?" Mako read, scanning the room for a raised hand. A green-eyed girl on the other side of the room timidly raised her hand, a pink flush coloring her cheeks. Mako made his way to her desk and handed her the paper and a rose. Thanking him quietly, Opal accepted the offerings and read the note, eyes brightening as a love-struck smile swept across her face.
"Kai?" A tanned hand shot into the air, its owner's emerald eyes glittering with excitement. Wu hurried over to his desk. "For you, my good sir."
"Daw?"
"Oh, and one for Mr. Tenzin! Knew you still had it in you, Mr. T!"
"Hong Li?"
"And lady Mei, of course."
"Shinji…"
"And Yung, my good man!"
"Koko?"
"Oh, and another for Mr. Tenzin! Someone's popular with the ladies this year!"
When Mako passed by Korra's desk to hand a rose to the boy sitting next to her, she poked his shin with her foot. "Psst, Mako!"
He turned to face her. "What?"
"How's spirit committee work?" she grinned knowingly, waggling her eyebrows. "I heard Shiro's really trying to up school spirit this semester."
Mako glowered at her. "It's everything I thought it would be and worse," he deadpanned.
"I told you you should've taken your alternates seriously, but did you listen?" she sang, a smug smirk lighting up her face.
"How was I supposed to know criminology would will up that fast?" he muttered indignantly. "It wasn't that popular last semester."
"Just goes to show you shouldn't joke around when picking alternates."
"Whatever. I got ten yuans for it."
"But the real question is, was it worth it?"
Mako was about to respond when Wu pranced up to them, elbowing him aside. "Korra, my dear lady!" he said dramatically, leaning uncomfortably close to her. Grimacing, Korra leaned back. "Alas, it seems someone has beaten me to the chase in trying to win your affection, but should you realize that what your heart truly desires is the fine specimen that now stands before you, I am but a classroom away!" He handed her a pale pink slip of paper and a bright red rose.
"Right," she cringed as she took the offerings, hoping her smile looked as uncomfortable as it felt. "Thanks."
"Anything for you, my lady." Wu bowed, sweeping his hands in a dramatic flair. She rolled her eyes.
Wu and Mako walked back to the front of room to stand beside an impatient Tenzin. "All right everyone, that's the last of them!" Wu announced. "Happy Valentine's Day, and remember: fatherhood is forever. Make good choices, everyone, and see you Monday!" Without another word, he grabbed Mako's hand and all but sprinted out the door as snorts and giggles filled the room, no doubt hoping to avoid Tenzin's embarrassed rage.
"Teenagers," muttered Tenzin, his face a brilliant shade of scarlet. Clearing his throat, he opened the tattered book in his hand. "Now, as I was saying, on day ninety-eight…"
But Korra wasn't listening. She was too fixated on the folded slip of paper, turning it over and over in her hands. Who was it from? She couldn't think of anyone who would go to the trouble of buying a gram for her. None of her friends were really into that sort of thing —well, maybe Bolin—and she was pretty sure she had no secret admirers, so who…?
An image of a tall, elegant young lady with dark, wavy hair and eyes like slices of lime invaded her mind's eye. Korra felt her face heat up, and she bit her lip to hold back a bashful smile as she imagined the sweet voice, the dark, soft lips. Maybe, just maybe…
She shook her head. "Oh, this is ridiculous," she huffed to herself, cheeks a bright red as she impatiently flicked unfolded the slip. When she caught sight of her name in neat yet oddly familiar writing at the top of the paper, she felt her heart rate pick up, but the farther her eyes dropped, so too did her stomach, dread quickly replacing her hope.
To: Korra
From: Kuvira
You little shit, you were supposed to meet me in front of the library this morning. Do you know how fucking cold it was?
Since you obviously have no sense of time or responsibility, just wait outside your last class so I can come to you this time. You better not forget.
Enjoy the rose, fuckernut. The red symbolizes the blood that will be spilt when we meet again.
By the way, you owe me two yuans.
Korra paled, swallowing as she folded the slip of paper and tucked it into her pocket. Shit, I can't believe I forgot. She shivered as she pictured an irate Kuvira huddled up against the library wall, scowling in the face of the chilling February gusts. A cold Kuvira was an angry Kuvira, and an angry Kuvira was a murderous Kuvira.
She gulped.
"Hey, you okay, Korra?" She turned to face the boy next to her, concern glittering in his brown eyes.
"Yeah, I'm fine, Shu," she affirmed, smiling away her guilt and apprehension. "Just remembered I forgot something really, really important, but it's all good." I hope, she added silently, internally cringing. The folder she had borrowed contained all of Kuvira's history assignments.
"All right then, if you say so." He turned back to the front of the room and resumed documenting Guru Tang Xu's legendary fast.
Korra, meanwhile, resumed her doodles, Tenzin's dull lecture fading into the background. I hope she isn't too mad, she thought to herself as she gnawed her lower lip. But as her pencil swept across the paper paper, forming thick dark curls and an angular jaw, dreamy happiness displaced her worry, and her mind drifted off into a daydream filled with feather light touches and a sweet voice calling her name…
The moment the bell rang, Kuvira shoved her belongings into her backpack and hoisted it onto her shoulders, walking briskly out of the classroom. If she wanted to make it to Tenzin's room before Korra left, she'd have to hurry.
Minutes later, she found herself impatiently tapping her foot as she watched Korra leisurely pack her backpack, chatting away with the teacher as she took her sweet time getting to her feet. She sighed to herself; so much for hurrying. "See you Monday, and Happy Valentine's Day!" Korra called over her shoulder as she bounded to the door to greet her waiting friend.
Korra's grin slid off her face as she caught sight of Kuvira's unamused glare. "Oh, you're still mad…"
The pair began walking toward the parking lot. "It was four degrees outside, Korra; of course I'm still mad."
Korra winced. "Yeah, um, sorry about that. I kind of forgot…"
"Oh, no, really?" Kuvira exploded, biting sarcasm drenching her voice as she rounded on her friend. "You forgot? Somehow that didn't occur to me!"
Korra furrowed her eyebrows, frowning. "Hey, I said I was sorry. No need to get so mean about it."
Kuvira huffed, shoving her hands into her pockets. "Well, you cost me a fifty-point assignment, so I think I have the right to be a little bitter, don't you?"
Korra's cerulean eyes widened in dismay. "Fifty? I thought you said fifteen!"
"Does it make a difference? I stuck my neck out for you and all I have to show for it is a big fat zero."
Korra cringed in guilt, eyes flitting to the ground. "Sorry, Kuvira…" she mumbled, slowing her pace.
Sighing, Kuvira stopped and turned to face her friend, who was hanging her head in shame. Somehow, she could never stay mad at Korra for very long. Probably because of that sad little pout that had no place on her face. Regret prickled at the corners of her mind for having put it there in the first place. "It's fine, Korra," she sighed, "it's nothing I can't make up." Slowly, Korra raised her head, but her eyes still avoided Kuvira's, remorse clouding her otherwise bright face. Kuvira swallowed uncomfortably; apologies were never her strong suit.
Suddenly, a thought sparked in her mind, lighting up her jade-colored eyes. "Oh, hey! I, uh, I found out that, uh, that...thing...you wanted me to find out," she finished lamely, cheeks warming up.
Korra's head whipped around to face her, excitement dancing in her brilliant blue eyes. "You know where Asami works?"
Kuvira gave her a tight-lipped smile, trying to ignore the ache in her chest. Of course she wanted her friend to be happy, but damn, what a turn-around time. And only because she mentioned a certain robotics club president.
But that was neither here nor there.
She grabbed her emotions by the neck and shoved them down her throat, determined to keep a neutral face. "Yeah, she works at an auto repair shop on Wednesdays and Fridays after school until about 5:30. You might be able to catch her before her shift starts if you leave right now."
Korra beamed at her, face glowing with joy and anticipation. "Thank you thank you thank you!" she gushed, throwing her arms out to the side. "You're the best, Kuvira, I love you!" Laughing, she tackled her friend in one of her biggest hugs yet.
A soft gasp escaped her lips as Korra flung her arms around her neck. You're her friend; of course she loves you. Her heart thrummed in her chest, threatening to burst through her ribcage. This is just a hug. Stop reading so deeply into it. Mentally, she willed her heart to slow down. She's hugged you before; this isn't new. This is a completely normal thing for two friends to do. She tried to swallow the emotions bubbling in her throat, clenching and unclenching her jaw as she tentatively returned the gesture. This is your friend. Your best friend. She let her eyes close, focusing on keeping her breathing normal. Your best friend for whom you would do anything to make happy. Korra's soft brown hair tickled her nose, sending another jolt up her spine. Your best friend who's head over heels for someone else and needs your help to make it work. After a moment, Korra pulled away, a crooked grin adorning her radiant face. That best friend. Quickly, Kuvira let her dispassionate mask fall back into place. Her own desires had no place here.
Korra was and would always be her first priority.
"So, are you going or what?" she inquired, raising a sharp eyebrow. "If you don't hurry, you'll have to wait until after she's done."
"Yeah, I'm going, I'm going!" Korra clapped her shoulder in gratitude. "Seriously, thank you!"
"Any time, Korra. Now go. Run. Frolic."
Korra quickly enveloped her in another bone-crushing hug before sprinting ahead to the parking lot, positively bouncing in ecstasy. "And you still owe me two yuans!" she called after her. Korra raised a hand in acknowledgement but didn't turn around. Kuvira watched her go through half-lidded eyes, resolutely denying the way her heart both leaped and plummeted.
Korra was her friend. Her best friend. And Asami made her happy. So, by the transitive property of happiness, she should be happy, too.
So why did she still feel so miserable?
She sighed, melancholy creasing her eyebrows as she let her mask fall away. These...emotions would get her nowhere. Frowning, she shoved her hands into her pockets and resumed her solitary journey to her car, eyes focused on the ground in front of her.
Her phone vibrated in her pocket. Puzzled, she pulled it out.
Call from - Baatar. Kuvira groaned, tipping her head back in frustration. This day was just getting better and better. Grumbling, she pressed the green button and held the receiver to her ear.
"Hello?"
"Kuvira! I was hoping I'd catch you before you left. So, how'd it go?"
She pressed her lips together in a tight line. "Fine," she said in a voice devoid of emotion. "I found Asami's place of employment and relayed the information to Korra. She's headed there right now."
"What?!" Baatar's shocked voice crackled loudly through the receiver. Wincing, Kuvira held it away from her ear. "Kuvira, that's not what we agreed on!"
"Yeah, well, plans change, okay?" She brought the phone back to her ear. "She's happy, and that's all that matters."
"But you aren't happy."
"That's irrelevant, Baatar. Asami makes her happy, and that's all there is to it." Happier than I could ever hope to make her.
Baatar sighed on the other side. "I wish you wouldn't keep dismissing your emotions like this, Kuvira. It's not healthy."
"Whatever, Dr. Beifong. And I thought you were studying engineering, not psychology."
He snorted. "Point taken. But if you keep this up for much longer, I'm going to have to tell her myself."
"Breathe a word of this to anyone and you'll wake up one morning breathing through tube."
"Okay, okay!" A pause. "So, anything else noteworthy happen?"
Kuvira paused outside her car, one hand gripping the handle. Furtively, she glanced around the parking lot, making sure no one was within earshot of her before quietly admitting, "She said she loved me." Her heart pounded in her chest as she repeated the words. She grimaced, closing her eyes to fight the burning sensation behind them.
"...And?"
"And nothing, Baatar. We're best friends. Of course she loves me."
He sighed heavily into phone. "I'm sorry, Kuvira."
"It doesn't matter," she insisted, opening her eyes and yanking the driver's door open. "So, will you be home for dinner?"
"I think so, if traffic isn't too bad. Can you call Mom and let her know?"
"Sure. Love you, Baatar."
"Love you too, Kuvira." He paused. "And, listen, I know I don't exactly know what you're going through, but...it gets better, okay? Keep going."
She rolled eyes, scoffing into the phone. "Yes, okay, you hopeless romantic. Spirits, you're such a sap."
Laughter cracked through the speaker. "There's the Kuvira we know and love. I'll talk to you later, then."
"Yeah, okay, bye."
"Bye."
Swallowing hard, Kuvira hung up and stowed the phone in her pocket. The corner of her mouth twitched, and moisture suddenly filled her eyes. Growling in annoyance, she violently rubbed her hand against her face, scrubbing away the evidence of her weakness. Damn feelings. Why couldn't things just be simple?
Sighing, she turned the key and started the car, letting the hum of the motor sooth her agitated emotions. Just as she was about to put the car into drive, her phone buzzed. Twice. Frowning, she pulled it out.
From - Baatar: "Even love unreturned has its rainbow." ~J. M. Barrie
From - Baatar: "Promise me you'll always remember: you're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." ~A. A. Milne
She snorted, stowing the device away again. "Whatever, lover boy," she muttered, a half-smirk playing at her lips.
Breathing deeply, she put the car in drive and reversed, pulling out of the parking space and driving to the main road.
Korra did love her, she reminded herself. Albeit platonically. That fact alone would have floored her years ago. It still did, slightly.
Besides, this wasn't the end of the world. Crushes came and went, even if some lasted longer than others. At the end of the day, she still had her friends, and she still had her family.
And that was good enough for her.
A/N: So, yeah, that happened. I realize this is half a month late, but whatever. Definitely not what I started out writing, but the keyboard ran away from me and I had to follow. Funnily enough, I got this idea when a friend of mine told me he bought a Valentine's Day gram for himself to remind himself to take out the trash later that day. The muse took that idea and ran with it. I though it would end up happier, but oh well.
Anyway, let me know what you thought! Romance still ain't my forte, like, at all, so please please please educate me. Was the pacing good? Was it realistic? Was it complete and utter garbage?
Either way, thanks for reading, and happy last day of February!
AS OF SUN. 5/31/15: So yeah, just remembered I can respond to guest reviews by responding on the original document, so if any of you are still hoping for a response (so sorry about that, by the way), here you are:
To baavira: Thanks for your input—I'm glad you liked it! Sadly, this is just a one-shot, so there's no real "endgame" or anything, but you are right in that Kuvira and Baatar have strong feelings! It's just that they have strong filial feelings, 'cause in this story they're siblings. Guess I didn't really make that clear, sorry!
To Guest 1: Thanks! I actually really like pining!Kuvira, too, which sucks for her because it means I've got a bunch of other situations to put her in. Dunno if I'll ever get around to fleshing them out, though. But yeah, like I said earlier, this is still just a one-shot, so there's no endgame. Believe whatever you want!
To Korrasami 3: Thank you! Great to hear from you again! Alas, I had no plans to continue this story specifically, but I am brainstorming for a different, longer modern AU. It's set in a slightly different universe, though. Of course, it turns out that I really like writing for this universe, too, so if I were to extend this into a series of not-necessarily-related one-shots set in this universe, is that something you'd be interested it?
To Guest 2: Yeah, gotta love 'em! And I couldn't agree with you more; this kinda sucks for Kuvira, doesn't it? That's the price of love, I guess, in her mind. Oh, and thanks!
To Guest 3: Haha, thank you! Yeah, that gram was basically the starting point of this whole story. I don't know why, but in my head, modern!Kuvira's a person who swears a lot when she gets mad. It's quite funny. But yeah, this is a really sucky situation for her. Poor Kuvira. Too bad it's fun to write!
So yeah, that's that! Thanks again to you all! As a general question, would you guys be interested in some more one-shots set in this universe? They wouldn't necessarily be related, and they wouldn't always include these characters all the time, but I do have a couple of ideas floating around my head. They'd be unrelated to that other thing I'm working on, though. So, what do you say?