Jinora and Korra sat together excited, buzzing for their friend's arrival. They were at a bar in a fancy restaurant. Jinora had ordered a sandwich and she was shifting in her seat every few moments, clearly excited. Korra had ordered some noodles and she devoured them in time. Now she and her friend were chatting, awaiting smiles drawn on their faces.
"So sorry I'm late," a voice piped in, and Jinora's eyes widened, turning around to see Opal, hugging her black jacket. "kinda cold in here, don't you think?" she mumbled, but both Korra and Jinora could see the emotions play out in her eyes. Jinora wrapped the girl in a tight hug, laughing. Korra grinned and joined their hug, squeezing Opal.
"It's been so long!" Jinora said after they pulled apart, grabbing Opal's shoulders and shaking them lightly.
"I know! It's so great to see you both again! It's been like, since what, college? So sorry I hadn't came over sooner, my life's been busy." Jinora shook her head.
"Yeah I know how that is, this year has been a little smoother than previous years." Korra took a seat and the other two did as well.
"So, how's everything been? I know we talk pretty much every day but sometimes not everything is an appropriate conversation for texting," Korra chuckled at the end of her sentence and leaned over the bar table, ordering a light drink. Jinora and Opal did the same; only Opal ordered something a little heavier. Opal shrugged and took a sip of her Fire Nation beer, placing her hand on her cheek.
"Meh, nothing really. Life's been… boring. Stressful too, but not the exciting kind. The Earth Kingdom is pretty much okay again. I don't really do much around Zaofu now-a-days. That's why I came down here, because I have so much leisure time." She took another sip, then turned and smiled at her friends. "Anything interesting that you've yet so say for you two?" Opal added, with a slight tease in her tone. Korra snorted.
"My life hasn't been interesting since like, college. Now I just get up, go to work, come home, lay on the couch with Mako and Bolin. Sometimes play games. That's it." Jinora grinned.
"Things are pretty chill for me, I'm still studying, thinking about going back to college and getting my Ph.D. Just a thought, not sure yet. Oh and also, Kai and I have been hitting it off really well," her features flushed with a pink, "I'm really into him." Opal's eyes were wide and she had a large smile on her face while Korra's eyebrows shot all the way up.
"Wait- lets backtrack- you said Ph.D.? Wow, Jinora, that's insane! But awesome!" Jinora smiled and tucked some hair behind her ear, taking a few sips of her drink. "And you have a dude in your life? Your life is never boring." Opal shook Jinora's shoulder, taking a big drink from her glass.
"That's crazy, Jinora! We're so thrilled." She finished her glass and set it aside. Jinora shrugged.
"It's whatever guys. Oh, Opal, you haven't forgotten about that lady Korra's all into yet have you?" Opal grinned and Korra sighed, her face reddening.
"Lay off, guys. She's just a regular that I happen to be fond of." Opal giggled at Korra's denial.
"Alright, alright. So Jinora, when'd you get these tattoos?" Opal asked, grabbing her friend's hand and pushing her red sleeve up to reveal the tip of an arrow. "I'm assuming these are those Air Nomad tats right? Didn't know you were that into it." Jinora smiled when Opal's last few words left her mouth, and she pulled her sleeve back down.
"Well, I have a lot of Nomad blood in me, and I'm pretty hooked on their culture. It's what I've been into since pretty much middle school." Korra looked impressed. She knew Jinora was into that, but she didn't know for that long, or that she had the blood in her.
"You haven't gotten tired of reading about them- and there's still stuff to read?" Korra arched a brow and finished her glass, ordering a second one. Opal had already begun to down her next beer.
"Oh, yeah. There is plenty of research I still have to do. I would go into detail but I don't wanna bore you two to death," Jinora smiled and Korra nudged her.
"You said it, not me." Opal laughed and took another sip of her drink and Jinora arched a brow.
"You alright, Opal?" she couldn't finish her sentence without a hint of laughter, amusement playing on her face. Korra grinned and raised her eyebrows, waiting for a response. Opal's face flushed with red.
"I-um, we don't get to drink much over in Zaofu, so I'm taking advantage while I can." Korra laughed and Jinora nodded, looking down at still her first glass.
"Yeah, that's how it is over at the Temple, but I don't mind." Opal shrugged and finished the rest of her glass, asking for another. When she got her third glass she took a big gulp of it and turned back to Korra and Jinora.
"So, what's Kai like?" Korra leaned forward dramatically, bumping shoulders with Jinora.
Opal grinned and nodded, leaning in as well. Jinora's face heated up and she took a sip of her drink.
"U-um, he's great. Flirty, but kind. Polite, sweet, funny. Attractive, gentlemanly. Really great." Korra snorted. "He's also into Nomad stuff, which was surprising, and he said he's getting his Master's in their history." She downed the little amount of wine she had, and ordered whatever Opal had. Opal laughed and took another big sip.
"Oh, that's cool. Perfect match for you, then." Korra grinned teasingly. Jinora shrugged, unable to push her blush down, and decided to hide it with her drink to her face.
Opal poked her and laughed. Jinora huffed. "So, we see Korra's got a lady friend over here-" Korra opened her mouth to protest but Jinora cut her off. "-and I've got a boyfriend. So what's up with you? Anyone special?" Korra's scowl died and an expression of interest replaced it.
"Yeah, I haven't heard any love stories from you in awhile. What's up with that?" She raised an accusing brow and grinned. Opal sighed and took a gulp of her drink.
"I've been dating, but nothing more than that. A few guys at a time, but none of them really spark any interest. I haven't gotten laid in awhile, either." Korra snorted and swatted at Opal.
"At least I'm not that bad." She teased, Opal leaning over Jinora to give the Southerner a punch to her shoulder.
"Zaofu is small, okay?" Jinora shook her head.
"Excuses, excuses." Opal groaned and Jinora and Korra laughed.
x
"I'll s-tay in here," a buzzed Jinora slurred. Korra laughed and opened the door of her Satomobile, escorting a very drunk Opal out and into her hotel. She was whining and complaining all the way up to her room, and once they finally made it to her door, Korra stared down at the handle in helplessness.
"Key." Korra said, reaching her hand out. Opal stared down at her hand and high-fived it. Korra sighed, reaching to grab Opal's wallet, which was, unfortunately, in her back pocket. Opal flinched and lightly pushed the Southerner away.
"W-whooa nwow 'Orra, I, um. I'm not into that, but itf yu're upp for som weiord stuff then hell," Korra laughed and put the room key into the socket, waiting for the light to turn green. Once it did, she brought Opal in and laid her down on her bed.
"Goodnight, Opal. We'll see you tomorrow." Opal murmured something into the blankets and Korra rolled her eyes, turning to leave as Opal began to whine again. Korra trekked down into the lobby, telling whoever was behind the desk a polite goodnight. The person returned the gesture and Korra walked out the sliding doors, finding her car still in the front. She gripped onto the cool handle of her Satomobile and pulled it open, raising an eyebrow at Jinora, who was splayed out in the back of her car. Korra huffed in laughter and stepped in, driving off.
"We're home," Korra murmured as she stepped into her house. Laughs were coming from further in the house. Smiling, Korra walked deeper in to find the source, while Jinora grumpily and clumsily walked upstairs, ignoring Korra's 'goodnight'. When Korra spotted Mako and Bolin, Mako's face was dark red and he was spitting something out into the trashcan. Korra arched a brow while Bolin laughed and hit his back, his face red as well. Then Korra noticed the small box in Bolin's hand, with red font that read "Fire Chips!" on them. Snorting, she snatched the box away from Bolin.
"You're weak, Mako," she laughed, shoving her hand into the half-empty snack to grab a handful of square-shaped red crackers. She shoved them all in her mouth at once, a burning, flaming sensation ringing through her mouth, throat, ears, eyes and nose. Mako glared at her as her chewing slowed and eyes watered. Her entire face was stinging as if it was lighted aflame.
"As if you'll do any better," he snorted as Korra's face read regret. Bolin laughed and snatched the box from her.
"You're both weak!" he stuffed his hand inside of it and ripped out a large handful of squares, shoving them into his mouth and chewing them away. He grunted as he swallowed them and relieved a long sigh. "See? Easy." Korra scoffed and swallowed what she had taken, snatching the box from Bolin, and tilting the box up to her mouth, shaking the box so that the chips fell right into her mouth; once it hit it's capacity Korra closed it, chewing the bunch in her mouth down to mush. Bolin stared at her with a gleam in his eyes and did the same with the box, while Mako sighed and pinched his nose.
"What in the hell," he murmured. When Korra managed to swallow all she had without whining, she blew out a long breath and shot Bolin with a glare.
For another five minutes, Bolin and Korra went back and forth, but neither gave up. Mako knew exactly how to break one of the two of them, and he pulled out two glasses, pouring some soda into both of them and mixing a little bit of Polarbear-Dog's Roar into both of the glasses. Both Bolin and Korra's faces were steaming red and both of them had trails of tears lining their cheeks. Bolin looked like he was about to cry.
"Mako, uh, I think- I think some water would be a better idea," he whined, walking towards the fridge.
"Are you giving up?" Mako teased, laughter in his voice.
"I sure as hell am not!" Korra croaked, each word leaving a deeper burn in her throat and leaving a heavy reminder of the dry, fiery feeling deep within her throat. She snatched her glass from Mako and took Bolin's, handing it to him. "Backing down?" she scoffed, shoving the glass closer to Bolin. Bolin scowled and grabbed his glass.
"Never." Korra laughed and they began to down their glasses. Bolin barely got halfway through before he spat it out everywhere, water splaying from his nostrils. "Holy SHIT!" he screamed, yanking their refrigerator door open and snatching water out from it, clumsily opening a water bottle and downing it as fast as he could. The bottle was empty and crushed by the time he finished, panting and purple from lack of oxygen. "Alright, Korra…you win." Korra laughed, though it was a struggle since she was shaking from the feeling of acid burning her mouth and already hot throat. She groaned and moved beside Bolin, glancing inside the fridge.
"Anymore of that water in there?" she croaked, voice barely above a whisper.
x
Korra rubbed her face as she drowsily walked down her carpeted steps, nothing more than a loose bright blue tee on with some white shorts that were too small for her. Her hair was rumpled and she continuously rubbed her eyes and temples in attempt to properly wake herself. She stumbled into the kitchen, Mako leaning over the little island in the middle on his phone. His amber eyes were half-shut and his dark hair was a mess. He was wearing a loose police station top with black sweats. He rubbed his eyes and met Korra's gaze. Korra smiled sleepily and inclined her head to him.
"Morning," she mumbled, glancing over at Jinora who was very rapidly scrambling through their medicine compartment beside the fridge. She raised a brow and stared at her in amusement. "You okay, Jinora?" she asked, a slight hint of tease coating her voice. Jinora made a short grunt of success and snatched a container of Advil, dumping two pills into her hand. She opened the fridge and grabbed some water, popping both of the pills into her mouth and downing them. Sighing, she placed her hand over her face and released a long sigh, setting the medicine down on the island.
"Is Advil really all you have for headaches?" she mumbled, and Korra laughed, Mako completely out of the conversation.
"You mean for hangovers? Yes, it is. We ran out of the strong stuff." She replied with a slight shrug. Mako grunted.
"Do you guys want to go and see a movie today? I know Opal would." Korra beamed at her friend's idea.
"Good idea! I'll tell Opal now," Korra pulled out her phone and opened their group chat. Jinora seemed to be looking off into a different dimension, probably thinking.
"Ah! I I've got a date today, I won't be able to catch it." She said with a slight slump of her shoulders, though her face couldn't hide her excitement for her date. Korra smiled.
"That's fine. What movie would we be seeing, Mako?" He stared down at his phone for a moment before glancing back up.
"Hmm how about that one movie about the Fire Nation war stuff?" Korra nodded approvingly as she texted Opal.
K: u up for a movie?
O: hell ya im up for a movie! r we bringing the guys?
K: yea. were gonna be seeing 100 year war
O: i have been DYING to see that omfs literally dying
K: lmao then i guess its settled?
O: ya, wheres it at?
K: we'll just pick u up around noon if thats alright
O: ya thats totally chill :
K: oh and btw jinora wont be coming bc she has a date or smth like that
O: damn. :/ we're getting ditched for a dude. that hurts
K: ive got some advil if you need any btw
O: lmfao its alright ive got that covered
K: k well see you around
O: ;^)
Korra rolled her eyes and tucked her phone into her pocket and turned back to Mako with a nod. Mako took a deep sigh and stood up off the island.
"Guess I'd better wake up Bo and take a shower," he murmured, half to himself.
"Don't take too long." Korra turned to Jinora who was staring off again, only now her skin was shaded with red and the slightest smile played across her lips. Korra snorted and shoved her. "Go get fancied up, you lunatic." Jinora laughed and walked up the stairs, more gracefully than Korra ever could have this early in the morning. Her steps were light and no thumping sound drew from them, and she bounced easily up each stair. She could sneak up on a cat if she wanted to. Korra thought with raised brows. Stretching, Korra walked over to the couch to see Naga asleep on her back. Rolling her eyes, she pat her stomach and patted her thighs in signal to follow her. Naga happily obeyed, Korra snipping her leash onto Naga's collar and opening her front door. A cold gust of morning air hit her face and she groaned as the breeze wrapped itself around Korra, ruffling her loose shirt and hair. Naga lifted her nose in the wind and appeared to enjoy it while Korra scorned with her head down.
x
"Hi, I'm Opal," Opal said with a bashful gaze to Bolin. Bolin's face was pink and she gave her his hand and they shared a slight shake.
"Bolin," he breathed. Mako and Korra exchanged a glance and Korra laughed lightly when Mako stuck out his tongue and pointed at it, closing his eyes tightly with a scrunched nose as he made the gesture.
"Alright, love birds, how about we go and see this movie? I read the reviews and apparently it's amazing." Mako said as he fixed himself while everyone removed themselves from Mako's red Satomobile. Opal blushed and walked beside Korra almost as if looking for comfort. Korra scoffed and scooted over to walk beside Mako so that Bolin and Opal walked beside each other nervously.
"I guess we're gonna be the only single ones in the world here soon," Mako grumbled, looking away from the two. When Korra heard Opal laugh at something Bolin said she shook her head.
"They're hooked. I guess you're right, Mako," she scoffed. She smiled and hit his shoulder playfully. "this time." He raised a brow and gave her a mock-frown.
x
Mako walked out of the movie theatre with a frown as he walked out of the theatre, Korra sighing as she strode by his side. Bolin and Opal were standing awfully close to each other, cracking jokes and talking about the movie.
"It would've been nicer if you two weren't hitting on one another during the entire move, y'know," Mako grumbled, shaking his head.
"Sorry to say it, but I agree," Korra laughed. Opal smiled and shrugged, Bolin scratching the back of his head.
"Yeah, sorry," he murmured before quickly resuming his conversation with Opal. Mako rolled his eyes and sighed. The sun was beginning to dip behind the mountains, replacing the blue sky with a blood orange that splayed across the land, blinding but beautiful. Pink light drabbled the sky, painting the clouds in addition with a purple touch. Korra smiled and took in the sight before her. She loved sunsets.
"Why don't we hang around the mall for a bit? That way we can hang out a little longer. Jinora's date isn't over 'til eight." Opal beamed and Bolin nodded frantically. Mako sighed.
"I know what you're trying to do, Korra," he said below his breath. Korra rose her eyebrows innocently and gazed up at Mako.
"I haven't a clue what you're talking about it, Mako," she said, placing the palm of her hand on her cheek. "I'd just like to hang out with Opal a little longer," Mako shook his head and chuckled.
"Whatever. What time is it, five? We can grab a bite then start heading to get Jinora. Long drive." Korra nodded and the two of them walked behind the duo in front of them. Bolin stuck out his arm and Opal giggled, linking their arms. He pointed to a candy store that lined with other shops in the outdoor mall, and Mako shrugged his shoulders and let the two go. Korra shook her head.
"Yikes. It looks like we really will be the only single ones left in the world." She murmured. Mako shrugged.
"Whatever. At least they're happy. When was the last time you've seen Bolin's face light up that much? Since like… forever." Korra sighed and nodded.
"Yeah, they're good together and deserve this. Opal hasn't been in a real relationship since way too long." She placed a hand on her hip and pouted.
"But neither have I. Where's my special someone?"
"I'm not sure, but if I get a lady before you it's basically just the world saying that your destined fate is to be single. Forever." Korra stared at him with an arched brow.
"And if I get someone first, you?..."
"Will sulk. I will sulk." Korra laughed and patted her friend on the shoulder.
"I see you're already practicing." Mako rolled his eyes with a grin.
"I heard there's a good Water Tribe restaurant somewhere around here. Wanna check it out?" Korra smiled and nodded.
"'Course I do, who do you think I am?"
x
annnnd chapter 3! :0 hope you all enjoy, sorry that it's mostly all dialogue lol…btw, so sorry theres no korrasami or anything in this chapter, kuvira arrives in only a couple of chapters and the next chapter is really thick with korrasami ;v; i'll be posting it either tomorrow or sunday. so sorry if this chapter wasnt what you expected!