Korra stared at the blank text on her phone. In the past hour, she had typed and erased twenty messages to Asami. Mako looked over at Korra who was sprawled across the table.
"What are you grumbling about over there? You have seriously been looking at your phone forever now." Mako asked as he continued to jot down notes in his notebook.
"Yeah, Korra. What are you typing over there?"
Korra was supposed to be studying for her anatomy practical while Bolin and Mako worked on their own assignments. She sprawled across the table dejectedly and groaned loudly. She looked up and saw worried expressions on her friend's faces as they set aside their work.
"You've been acting weird for these past few weeks. What's going on? Is everything okay?" She knew she was going to have to tell them what happened between her and Asami. They didn't deserve to be in the dark; they were her best friends after all. She swallowed nervously, scared to let the words leave her mouth. What would they think? She surveyed her friends and straightened up. Mako and Bolin leaned back in unison, waiting for Korra to talk.
She let a long breath and steeled herself, "Remember the girl I fought in the championship match?"
"Asami Sato, the daughter of the Future Industries CEO Hiroshi Sato? Yeah, I remember. How could I not? She's a babe. What about her though?"
Korra sighed, remembering the shock from finding out that she was the heir to a Fortune 500 company. "I met her before the tournament one night when I went to the Lotus. She was working and seemed really cool, so we exchanged numbers." They nodded, encouraging for her to continue. "Well, we ended up hanging out at the Red Dragon when you guys were busy. Things kinda happened…"
Bolin's eyes widened while Mako's narrowed. "What do you mean 'things kinda happened?'"
Korra could feel his amber eyes searing into her and she nearly recoiled from his fiery gaze. "I cooked for her at the apartment and we ended up playing Beerio Kart and then eventually went to the Red Dragon for drinks. We were talking—getting to know each other sort of thing. The alcohol started hitting and we danced then eventually made our way back here. She agreed to stay over because I didn't want her to ride on her motorcycle drunk…"
"She has a motorcycle?!" Bolin yelled excitedly, cutting Korra off. "What type did she have? Was it a crotch rocket or a roadster? Oooh, I bet it was a 600!"
"Bolin, shut up!" Mako barked at him and he sat back in his chair sulking. "Go on." He instructed Korra.
"Right…well, somehow I slept walked into her room and fell on top of her." She paused, biting her lip. "We kinda sat there for a minute and I realized I was straddling her, so I attempted to climb off of her and she grabbed my wrists. Then…" She cringed some, not ready to tell them she made out with her. She was drunk. It didn't mean anything.
"Then what?"
"We made out." She closed her eyes, waiting for the barrage of negative comments, but it never came. She cautiously opened her eyes and the boys studied her momentarily.
"How was it? I bet she's a good kisser…I mean look at her lips." Bolin held his chin lost in thought. Korra ignored Bolin and flicked her azure eyes to Mako who was silent. She could see the gears turning in his mind and he opened his mouth to speak.
"What's the big deal with that? If you like this girl just text her. No need to get your panties in a wad."
"What?—No. That's not what it is." She sputtered, not expecting that reaction whatsoever. "We were just drunk and things happened—I'm not gay, guys."
"C'mon Korra, let's be serious. It's not a big deal, honestly. You might as well have gay tattooed on your forehead." He smirked at her teasingly and Bolin laughed in agreement. She stammered exasperatedly, face heating up considerably.
"Guys! This isn't what it's about! I mean, yeah, I liked it or whatever, but I was just drunk!"
"Okay, okay. So what is this all about then if this isn't about you coming out of the closet?" Mako asked pointedly.
"She just up and left right in the middle of it all. I feel like I ruined what could have been a good friendship. Asami is really cool and I definitely didn't want that to happen. We haven't spoken since, except for the tournament." She slunk into her chair and folded her arms.
Bolin's eyes widened in comprehension, "No wonder you looked so pale right before the match. I thought you were just nervous, but it was because of Asami!" Korra nodded silently.
"What should I do? I really do want to be her friend, but what am I supposed to say?"
"Quit overthinking it and send something simple. She didn't seem like she wanted nothing to do with you."
"Yeah, you two actually looked pretty cozy in the ring." Bolin wiggled his thick eyebrows suggestively and Korra threw her notebook at his face causing him to laugh.
"Okay—something simple. I can do that." She stared at the screen on her phone and thumbed a message.
Korra: Hey Asami.
"What did you end up sending to your lover?" Mako asked not bothering to look up from his paper.
"She's not my lover!" Her cheeks lit up brightly as she huffed. "I just said 'Hey Asami.'"
"That's it?"
"What the heck was I supposed to say? I knew it was stupid!" She flung her arms in the air irritated, but her phone chimed and buzzed in her hand. She scrambled to open the lock screen.
Asami: Hey Korra.
"Ooooo! What'd she say?! I bet she's craving some caramel." Bolin laughed at his own stupid joke and nudged Mako. "Am I right?!" Mako's lips curled upwards betraying his stoic face.
"All right, I'm leaving. Just lock up the apartment when you guys are finished. I'll see you guys later." She whistled for Naga who ran up happily. "Let's go get some fresh air, girl."
Korra walked through the streets, letting Naga lead the way. She opened her phone and reread the message from Asami. She looked down at the massive, white dog and asked, "What should I do, girl?" Naga licked her hand and she ruffled her fur lovingly. Sighing, she typed in a short message.
Korra: Do you want to meet up and get some tea at the Lotus?
Three dots danced on the screen as Asami typed in her response. Korra's pulse sped up rapidly and her mouth dried. She couldn't figure out why her nerves were out of whack, but she shoved the thought out of her mind as she read Asami's response.
Asami: Sure, I'm working right now but I'll be off in about thirty minutes.
Korra put her phone down, relief washing over her. At least she's willing to talk to me. She called for Naga and set out for the Lotus. She reached the building within ten minutes and realized she didn't know if they allowed pets inside. Korra ducked her head in and caught raven hair near the counter. Her breath caught in her throat as she ran her eyes over the slender girl, but Asami was looking in her direction when she reached her face. Shit, she must have caught me looking at her. Asami arched an eyebrow, wondering why Korra only had her head through the door.
Korra blushed and coughed awkwardly, "Can I bring Naga inside?" Asami nodded, so Korra slipped the rest of her body in with her behemoth dog causing a few necks to crane in her direction. She made her way to her favorite spot and Naga plopped down next to her feet. She tilted her head to get a good look at Asami from afar. She was currently starting up a customer's hookah. Korra watched Asami lean her head back, smoke leaving painted red lips in a slow, swirling in trail into the air. She bent down and handed the hose to the customer, making her way towards Korra. An upbeat song played in the background and the lyrics caught her attention.
I'm afraid I'm a prisoner of your sway
The swing of your hips and oh how you swing my way, yeah
Is it a coincidence
That you given me the same glance
Cause I think I have an idea of where you'll stay
Why don't you swing my way?
She stared Asami's hips moving back and forth hypnotically while she approached Korra.
"Isn't it funny how songs perfectly match what you're feeling and experiencing? It's kind of ironic, don't you think?" Korra asked pensively not directly looking at Asami. Asami lifted her eyebrow, perplexed. Sensing her confusion, Korra gestured to the speaker. "Listen."
Following Korra's instruction, she tuned into the song Elevator Talk by Satellite Brigade.
Tell me when can I see you again—this elevator
While I wait for your reply, it'll be until…
I'll be addicted to the sense of your touch—this elevator
While I wait for your reply, it'll be until you say you will
Come back
Say that'll you'll come back, yeah
Asami blushed and Korra coughed, reddening by the second. "Okay, maybe not that part—heh." She rubbed the back of her neck uncomfortably. "The song is about meeting someone and wanting to know more of them." She looked at Asami bashfully, not completely meeting her emerald eyes. "Sit with me?"
Asami gave Korra a small smile, joining Korra on the couch. There were a million things Korra wanted to say, but none of the words formed on her tongue. She bit the inside of her cheek trying to gather a sentence, but Asami spoke first.
"I'm sorry." The words severed all train of thought in Korra's mind and she turned to face Asami full on.
"Me too…things got a little out of control. I shouldn't hav—"
"It's okay, Korra. Friends?"
Korra visibly relaxed, releasing the tension she didn't even know was present in her bunched muscles.
"Friends." She shot a lopsided grin towards Asami, but then remembered that this was Asami Sato. Detecting a shift in Korra's demeanor, Asami tensed slightly. "Why didn't you tell me you were participating in the tournament or that you are the heir of Future Industries? To say I was shocked would be a massive understatement."
Asami exhaled slowly in resignation, "Before I explain, did you want any tea? I can get us something on the house. Besides, I'm going to get a hookah."
"I'll take jasmine tea if you don't mind."
"Sure. I'll be right back." Asami stood and made her way to the back of the shop leaving Korra to her thoughts.
Was she sorry that it happened? Or was she sorry how it happened? She shook her head violently. It doesn't matter. Why am I even thinking about this in the first place? Asami returned with a teapot and two cups and waved to one of the employees to bring the hookah to their table. Asami took her place on the couch and Korra felt like she was sitting closer than normal. She leaned over to pour the tea into the cups. She lifted the teacup to her lips and took a small sip then placed it back on the table. Korra thanked Asami for the tea and took her own sip. She watched Asami silently, mentally noting she seemed anxious.
"You really don't have to explain if you don't want to. I suppose telling a stranger you are the heiress to a multi-billion dollar corporation would be hard. I can imagine it's not easy."
"That's part of it, sure. Let me start from the beginning." She took a deep breath and began speaking. "When I was six years old, I witnessed my mother's murder. To say the least, it was devastating to my father and me. He threw himself into his work and created the empire you see now. In essence, I not only lost my mom, I lost my dad too. He changed—living and breathing Future Industries. I don't blame him, but it left me virtually on my own. I didn't completely lie to you—I did travel a lot, but it was mostly business trips with him to condition me for the company later. Every person I have met that had any idea of who I was used me for either my money or influence. This particularly hit me hard in my teenage years because I had fallen in love with a boy my age. It wasn't until much later did I catch his ulterior motives. I vowed then I wouldn't let something like that happen again. I wanted to leave after high school and learn about myself, but I had an obligation to my father and this company, so I couldn't. That's why I decided to attend RCU and double major in engineering and business. Part of me wants to up and leave still, but I have come to value the things that we provide to others—that and I love creating. I would be stupid to cast everything aside when I have everything at my disposal. As for the martial arts training, after my mom was killed, my dad wanted me to be able to protect myself at all costs. It's come in handy more than once, as you should remember, but apparently I have gotten rusty." Asami shot a cheeky smile in Korra's direction as she referred to the tournament. " Although you didn't strike me as the type that would use a person, I was still wary to tell you. I figured we'd talk about it eventually before the tournament. I wanted to keep the tournament a funny surprise because I didn't expect…whatever happened to happen, so I never got a chance to tell you anything. I didn't really know what to say honestly after. I'm so sorry" Asami inhaled the hookah deeply, avoiding Korra's brilliant blue eyes. Korra sensed the apology was more than Asami not telling her about the tournament and her company. Korra used her hand to lift Asami's chin, forcing Asami to meet her gaze.
"It's okay, really. I'm just happy that we are still friends." Korra stated, addressing the unspoken, implied apology. "I'm sorry about your mother and all the hardships you went through. It must have been so difficult. You had to grow up too fast. No wonder I felt like a child compared to you. You seemed so collected and graceful that it was unnerving to someone like me who's such a goof." She gestured to herself with a crooked grin, making Asami chuckle. " I will say it's awesome that you are literally a bajillionare, but never in my dreams would I dare use you for that. I like you for you, not your money or influence. You're a wonderful person, Asami. Not to mention a kick-ass fighter who almost caused me to lose the title." Asami saw a sincere smile etch onto the Korra's face. She was glad she had someone like her to call a friend.
Yogensha sat with his hands crossed before his face. He watched the video Yori sent him more times than he could count with a scowl. It was plain as day, Korra Atka possessed the mark of the avatar. He zoomed in checking over and over if it completely matched the sketch he had in his book. It could be a tattoo after all, she already had two others, but something tugged in the back of his mind that it wasn't. He stared hard as he hit play. The camera panned to the front section when she removed her shirt, circling to her back. His pale hand hit pause, inspecting the design on her back. It stretched across her entire back, stark against her brown skin. His onyx eyes traced the near white lines and flicked his eyes to the book opened on his desk. They perfectly matched, the marking appearing like a thick, swirled tribal dagger. His jaw bunched, realizing if she possessed the marking, he was not the avatar. This upset him more deeply than he cared to admit—he was the one called to the temple. Why?
He let the thought pass and threaded through the other thoughts in his mind. Very few people had any knowledge regarding the avatar and he wondered if Korra owned any power the tome mentioned. He could tell she displayed physical prowess—that much was evident in the judo tournament. Yogensha reached towards his office phone, picking up the receiver.
"Kaori."
"Yes, sir? Is there anything you need?" A small, meek voice responded.
"Please send for Yori and Miku, I have things I need to discuss with them." He stated flatly, directing his assistant.
"Right away. Will that be all, sir?"
"Yes, thank you." He placed the phone down and clicked play on the video once again. He didn't realize how much time had passed when a knock at his door pulled his attention.
"Come in." He called to the men outside of his door. They two men shuffled in and stood before his work desk, eyes questioning.
"I have a task for you. I need you to collect any information regarding Korra Atka. As you know, she possesses the mark. I want a full report entailing all information: birthplace, her current residence, what she does for a living, etc. Contact any person who she's connected to. I expect the report in my hands at the end of the week." He scanned the men individually, dark eyes scrutinizing every aspect of them. He narrowed his eyes, addressing them coldly.
"Do not disappoint me. That is all—you may leave." They bowed to him and exited the office. He returned his gaze to the book lying open on his desk.
This is my destiny.
A/N: The story is building now! What do you gals and guys think about the progression? Hopefully it's enough to keep you interested. Don't worry, Korra and Asami's relationship will be building soon, but I'm partial to the slow burn :)
As a side note, I know I post a lot of lyrics from different songs. I find a lot of inspiration from music, so if that bothers you guys, let me know and I'll slim down on it. For those of you interested in any of the bands I've listed, I'll post them below. The first two bands mentioned on the list below are local bands from Texas and very close friends of mine, so I'd love if y'all would take a moment and check out their stuff!
Songs and Bands to check out on YouTube:
**This is the Time (Ballast)—Nothing More
**Elevator Talk—Satellite Brigade
Wash.—Bon Iver
Fantasy—Alina Baraz & GalimatiasF
Sparks—Coldplay