Chapter 2: Pema Knows
Rating: K
Type: Forbidden
Pema knows what people are saying. Not just those in the city, but also those on the Island. They say it behind her back, they say it to her face, and they whisper it around her. All the same.
Her husband. Her Tenzin was messing around with the young Avatar. That Korra had the man in her grasp.
All false.
Oh Pema knew that if things were different, they would be all over each other. But no. Not now. They wouldn't, for but two reasons.
One. Tenzin was a loyal man, who loved her with all his heart. She already won him from Lin. She knew his feelings towards her. Also, Korra was loyal and honest. She would blame herself for the rest of her life if she betrayed Pema. It would destroy her.
Two. Also Tenzin would come to beg forgiveness if he ever strayed. Just like he did when they started dating and he almost went back to Lin.
Still. She saw how the training became more physical. How Tenzin spent more time meditating. Or how Korra was spending more time with her Pro-Bending friends.
Right now Tenzin was standing by the window, watching Korra as she played with the children. Pema stood some space away.
"She's mastered Air Bending," Pema said. It was just an observation. Not an accusation or anything like that.
"Yes," Tenzin says. He doesn't turn to her.
"When will she leave to do her Avatar duty," again she just asks.
"Next week."
Pema wasn't sure what to think when Tenzin still hasn't come to bed. It was late. Way past midnight.
She hears the door open and her husband come in. She hears him dress in his pyjamas and climb into bed. Is that all he's going to do? Isn't he going to say anything? Where had he been?
Suddenly the alarm went off and Pema snapped up.
"Calm down Pema," Tenzin said. He sounds tiered. Old.
"What's going on," Pema asked.
"Korra's leaving."
"What!"
"Nothing happened Pema. Korra and I talked and we agreed that it would be better if she left."
"...Is she coming back?"
"...No."
Pema knew what people said.
Pema knew what was happening between them.
Pema knew… that Tenzin's heart just broke.