~K-Glacier~
I really hope, Opal isn't home.
After I slowly open my dorm door, I sigh in relief due to not seeing Opal, and throw my duffel bag to the floor. It's been a very long weekend. Even though I had a wonderful time with Asami, I really missed my bed. And in a few minutes, I'll be reunited with it.
"Where have you been?"
My roommate's exit from the bathroom startles me.
Damn. I guess my bed will have to wait.
"I was just about to ask you that, Gurlll. How are you?" I ask, with a giant smile on my face.
"DO YOU KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON?"
I take a moment to think.
"Um, not really. But then again, I never do." I answer.
My impatient friend doesn't hesitate to catch me up. And I quickly regret not saying yes to her question.
"Everyone has been trying to contact you! Your Father is being accused of heinous crimes, while you're nowhere to be found."
You have to be somewhere, in order to be nowhere.
"I was staying over a friend's house." I reply, looking at my soft, well made up, and beautiful bed in the corner of my eye.
"What friend? I know all your friends."
Stalker much?
"A good one. She's actually the one that told me about the interview. I was so worked up about it, I decided to stay over her house, to cool off."
"For three whole days? You had to cool off, 'for three whole days'?"
"You always said I had a very strong temper." I tease, trying to make light out of the situation.
Opal stares me down, trying to read me.
"Why didn't you just come to my parent's house?"
"I was already upset, Opal! Do you think me hearing everyone voice their concern, would have been the best environment? If anything, my frustrations would have increased."
"Between your practices, classes, and random outings, I wouldn't know."
"I'm sorry you couldn't reach me. I'm here now so... if you need me. Just wait until my nap is over." I reply, taking off my shoes.
"Nope. There will be no naps for you, because you're coming with me."
"Why? I'm tired. " I whine.
"What's wrong? Didn't you get enough rest at your 'FRIEND'S' house?" she stresses.
No. Asami doesn't believe in sleeping. If she's not studying, she's doing chores, and guess who has to help her? That's right, me! And don't get me started on her errands.
"Your father and my mother want to have another meeting."
"But.."
"There will be no talking your way out of this. Let's go." She says, pushing me out the door.
Bye bed. We will meet again.
~A-Sato~
I'm anxiously walking towards my father's office and I'm super nervous. He's unaware of my visit. As much as I want to avoid him, I know it's better to face the music.
As I get closer towards the giant door, I'm pulled to the side and I quickly get into a stance to knee the person in the groin area.
Now seeing who grabbed me, I wished my defense skills weren't so controlled.
"Ah. You practice martial arts?" Haru asks, with that same smirk I hate.
"I'm also a skilled sharpshooter, now let me go." I reply, pulling away from him.
"I didn't mean to startle you. I just been curious on your whereabouts, lately. You haven't been to any college parties have you?" He teases.
"No, and shouldn't you be guarding the precious princess or something?"
"She's actually talking with the president, right now. So I don't see why you're in such a hurry."
If Yue's speaking with my father, that means I'm going have to wait. Therefore, I'm stuck with this fool.
Can my luck get any better?
"I have a feeling you don't like me." He says.
"What made you think that?" I ask, sarcastically.
"I would be offended by your response, but I don't have a heart."
"Sounds like a personal problem."
"It is. But I'll manage. Yue, plans to go shopping, and she want's you there."
"That sounds like an order and I'm busy today."
I wish I was lying, but I'm not. Korra and I have plans to go to the movies, later today. So I don't have time to babysit the princess, that Haru's job.
Speaking of the girl, I get a message.
Glacier- Change of plans. I'm forced to attend this family meeting. Can we reschedule ?
Sato: Sure, but you owe me one.
Glacier: Niceeee. I hope you weren't looking forward to the movies. I know you wanted to see Baywatch.
Sato: Yeah, I did. But we have plenty of opportunities to see it. So don't feel bad.
Glacier: But I kind of do, though.
Sato: Why? I said it's fine.
Glacier: I just don't understand why you want to see that particular movie. I'm practically the movie in human form.
Sato: Oh really, now? How so?
Glacier: Well, I could pass off as The Rock, with my great abs. I look smoking hot in a bathing suit, and I save your life all the time, like a life guard.
Sato: Don't forget you walk in slow motion, whenever I ask you to bring me something.
Glacier: It's in the script, Babe. I can't help it.
Sato: Stop, you're making me laugh and I don't want to. You're still not in my good favor.
Glacier: :( Are still stuck on the other day? It's not a big deal. Just tell your dad it was the tv.
Sato: Are you serious? Do you think he's going to believe that?
Glacier: Most people would. Also, I would find it quite disturbing that he would be able to recognize your voice in that manner. I understand your cousin…. but your father?
Sato: Shut up! I don't date my cousins!
Glacier: You better not. Because that's cheating, Darling.
Sato: I'm well aware.
Glacier: I have to go. Tell Daddy, I said hey :)
Sato: That's Mr. President to you!
Glacier: #Notmypresident.
I smile at her final reply, then slide my phone back into my purse.
"Wow. Who's the guy making you smile like that?"
I look up, realizing Haru been here the whole time.
"Seriously, must you be such a creep?"
"Since I love Radiohead, my answer is yes."
The oval office's door opens and I can hear both my father and yue laughing.
"Thank you, Mr. P."
"Anytime, Princess."
I quickly nod to address both exiting people, and Yue rushes over to me, pulling me into a giant hug.
"Asami, can you come to the mall with me?"
"Not today, maybe next time." I answer, finally gaining the courage to look at my father.
"Hey, Sweetie. What brings you here?" he asks.
"I just wanted to speak with you."
"Come on in. I'm all ears."
Ugh, don't remind me.
I say goodbye to the princess and her guard, then follow behind him.
~K-Glacier~
I enter the Beifong estate and I'm already dreading it. All you can hear is silence, but that's probably due to everyone already inside the game room. Which I personally call the war room, because that's where all our important discussions take place.
"Why so serious?" Opal asks, leading the way down the basement stairs.
"You sound like the Joker." I tease, while she opens the bat cave.
Once inside, I spot everyone at the large poker table and from their restless expressions, they were certainly waiting for me.
"Ayee Korra." Wei yells, with a yawn following.
"Sup, Bro."
I nod at my father and he gives me a sheep smile, causing my body to be engulfed with guilt. I'm such a terrible daughter. Out of all people, he should have been the one I replied back to. I'm sure he was wondering how I felt about the situation. He shouldn't have to doubt me, though. I know he's a good man.
"Guess who it is? A ghost." I look at Mrs. Beifong and wave after her comment.
Now you know damn well, I didn't call that woman back.
I'm about to take the final empty chair by Wing, but he opposes.
"Someone's sitting there."
"Who?" I ask, looking around. Because we're all here.
"Me."
A tall gentleman appears from the back door, and my heart drops. It's been months since I last seen him. Due to his humanitarian work, he has been traveling throughout the Four Nations.
"When did you get here?" I ask, pulling Baatar Jr. into a hug.
"Two days ago. I wanted to surprise everyone." He replies.
"We definitely received two surprises that day. Am I right?"
No one returns Wing's high five, and he slowly brings it back down.
I decide to sit on-top of one of the pool tables, even though Jr. insisted I take his chair.
"Can you believe that Bitch?" I start off , breaking the silence.
"Korra!" Opal says, shocked.
"What? She's spreading lies about my father and you expect me to be chill about it?"
"I understand where you're coming from, Korra. But you can't go around calling people out of their name." My father states.
"Soooo, you're perfectly fine with being called a war starter? Great! Forgive me for overreacting."
My comment, makes Jr. laugh.
"I certainly missed your attitude, Korra."
"Aww, thank you. I missed your peace maker ways." I tease back.
I really do enjoy having him back. Even though, he's much older than me. His wisdom helped me out a lot. He's actually the first person I came out to. So, when he left to start his new passion, I was torn. I knew he would visit, but it's not the same as having someone there with you all the time. I'm just glad he's here again. I just wished he didn't have to come home to this pointless drama.
"Shouldn't Uncle, Eska, and Desna be here?" I ask.
My father frowns.
"I don't want them to be apart of this. They're still trying to seek citizenship here. The last thing they need, is the Northern WaterTribe stopping their process."
"That's stupid. Why must Republic City wait until another tribe give a go ahead, in order for someone to become a citizen?"
"That's just the way this city works. But don't worry. I'm going to bring that to everyone's attention during the Vice President debate, in a few days." Mrs. Beifong says.
" What I don't understand is, why Mr. Glacier turned down an interviews to tell his side?" Opal, says.
He had a chance to tell his side and he declined? What's wrong with him?
I look at my father, waiting for an explanation.
"I did nothing wrong. Justifying my character just because a teen girl says otherwise, is pointless to me. I'm running for President of Republic City, not the Southern WaterTribe. Everything is pure hearsay."
"Then why did the princess say you smuggled Noutherns into your tribe? I know we weren't supposed to watch the interview, but I couldn't help myself. I love gossip and…"
"The princess is hot!" Wei adds, cutting Huan off.
"Boys, enough!" Mr. Beifong orders.
"The Southern WaterTribe is not 'my tribe'. I only guided them until Master Katara was well again. Yes, I don't agree on the other tribe's ways. But I didn't do anything to almost start a war. I'm an Admiral, it's my job to stop them or protect it. I find all these accusations humorous truthfully. I'll leave my explanations to when I have my debate with President Sato."
I admire my father's plan to take the high ride, but….that's foolish. We're trying to gain votes. How are we going to persuade the citizens of this city, by waiting till the last minute to tell our side? Rumors are already forming. You can't put on a rain coat, when it stopped raining!
"Why can't we do, what they're doing? Let's get some prince or someone to talk shit about Hiroshi." Wei suggests.
"It will look like we're trying too hard." Mrs. Beifong answers.
"We can't just sit here, and let it pass." I defend.
"Instead of an interview, why don't we do a commercial?" Jr. suggests.
"Sorry Big Bro. My girl K-Dawg go that on the wraps!" Wei replies.
"Yeah, I'm going through the editing portion at the moment. But what did you have in mind?" I ask, not wanting to shoot down his idea.
Jr. leaves the room and comes back with his laptop.
"When I was helping with the Omashu earthquake. A lot of the citizens were left homeless. All the other nations were accepting refugees, except one. Turns out, Republic City has the longest waiting list, out of all of the Four Nations. And it been that for the past 3 years. All in which, Hiroshi Sato been president. Since he's Chief Diplomat, I'm guessing his party and him are purposely not accepting people. "
"We know that, Son. This campaign has been stressing the importance of helping refugees." His mother says.
"Yes. But not actively and vocally. With this whole scandal happening. We could bring light to the situation. By showing these videos and images of the refugees, we can raise awareness. Sure, the news broadcast tragic events like this. But they don't do it continuously. Which is disappointing, because if you don't see a problem, how will you know how to fix it? Our opponents do a great job hiding the truth. It's even easier when it's not in our backyard. We can make a change!"
"I'm loving how passionate you're about this topic, but making a commercial about him supporting this. Will make him look guilty of doing what the princess says he done." I state, not getting the point he's trying to make.
Jr. gets up and kicks his chair over.
Dramatic much?
"What concept aren't you all getting? Everyone sitting around here moping like this fight is over. May I remind you, it's just beginning? The Princess said, 'Almost started a war' not 'He did!' There is no proof, it's just her words against Tonraq's. But here on this laptop, is the proof! Don't you see the irony out of all of this? They gave us a gift. They gave us an opportunity to promote one of our causes. The world is waiting for our counterattack, and we're going to give it to them. We're not going to let Sato's campaign ruin us. We're going to take two L's, tilt it counter clockwise and put it together and make a W because we got ourselves a win."
Damn, he's good.
My Father stands up, walks over to Jr., and lifts him into a bear hug. An action that almost knocks his glasses off.
"Su,you're fired. I think I found myself a new vice president."
The room erupts into laughter, except me. Should I feel guilty that my girlfriend's dad is about to have everything back fire on him?
~A-Sato~
We're sitting on the couch, facing one another.
I should probably start.
"I'm sorry about the whole phone call thing." I blurt out.
Yep, great start.
"My friend played a trick on me and hacked into my tv- and it played a very inappropriate video. I tried to turn it off, but it didn't work. I guess they hacked the volume control, as well. There was no way, I couldn't turn it down. I mean…stop it. It's not like I wanted to continue watching it or 's gross- I mean...it's life. Not my life of course! I would never...well, never is a strong word. IT WASN'T ME!"
From the look on his face, I'm pretty sure he's shocked.
Well done, Asami. You took just saying it was the tv, and turned it into a whole hacking crime.
He clears his throat and I prep myself for the awkwardness.
"You really know how to get straight to the point. Don't you?" he says, with a smile.
"Ugh, yeah. I didn't want to make things weird between us."
" Don't worry. I honestly forgot about the whole thing. So let's just drop it at that. "
Thank goodness.
"So…your idea. What was it?" I ask, changing the subject.
"Actually, I don't want to discuss that with you."
"Oh, okay. Well, that's what I came here for." I tease.
He just nods.
Soooo, is he really not going to tell me his big idea?
"What were you talking to the princess about, then?" I ask, hoping to get that explanation.
He scratches his beard to think.
"Nothing really. You shouldn't be concerned."
Is he really doing this right now? I'm capable of telling when someone is bullshiting me. But I still want to give my father the benefit of the doubt.
"Forgive me for this. But you have me under the impression that you no longer want to disclose information to me." I tease.
"You're right."
Um, I was not expecting that response.
"Please tell me you're joking, or clarify what you don't want me to know."
" I'm not joking, Honey. Don't take it personal. I simply feel, you knowing my political agenda is pointless. I'm not punishing you or anything. You have been very active with this campaign. I just find it unfair that you aren't living like a normal young adult. You shouldn't have to worry about attending meetings or helping promote me."
I'm going to have to disagree. He was certainly fine before, including me in his campaign. But as soon as I voice my concern about the princess, he suddenly has a change of heart? That's very suspicious.
"You're my daughter, not one of my public relations staff."
As he goes on about how much I mean to him. All I can think about is what could motivate him to do such a foul thing. Sure, my doubt about Yue was a false alarm, but my father knows my heart. There has so be another reason. You don't just wake up one day like, 'I want to fire my daughter'. There must be something else. Maybe P'Li influenced him? Since day 1, she been out to get me. I never understood why my father hired her in the first place. I could do her job better, and for free! All these thoughts go through my mind, then it hits me.
"The Princess is going to be your new young face." I blurt out.
"What? Asami, no!"
I quickly stand up.
"That's why she was just in here. What were you discussing with her? What she's going to say at the Ball? Yep, I put that together as well."
"Please, Sami. Calm down. You're taking everything the wrong way."
"No, I'm not. I'm thinking very logically right now. My emotions are not clouding my judgement. If they were, I would be much more upset. You said you were just giving her a platform. A platform, which she degraded Tonraq's Glacier's character. Which I can understand, why she did so. What he did does bring alarm to this city. If he's going to be president, we don't want to be involved in wars. But if the interview was all you were giving her, why is she still here? I'll tell you why. You want to show her off to the politician at the ball. Or maybe, get the Northern WaterTribe to join your new alliance you're developing . That's right, I know about that. I would tell you my opinions on your secret matter. But I'm afraid you will fire me from being your daughter!"
"Enough, Asami! You're going in too deep. It's nothing personal. I think your talents are better put elsewhere. You're graduating this year. Worry about enjoying your final year in college or by finding a job."
"What job, father? You're freaking president! I'm practically guaranteed any job, just by my last name. So please don't bring that topic into the real reason you don't want me on your team. So I rather hear your real explanation."
I can tell he's growing frustration due to my prying, but I need answers.
"Asami, It's nothing personal. I just want what's best for you. It just goes to show, you continue doubting my judgement. "
His judgement?
I'm not doubting anything! I'm stating arguments I can back up, by using past events as evidence. All he has done is pull the 'Daddy knows best card'.
"I don't doubt you at all. I know for a fact, your decision to exclude me from your meeting is foolish."
My response makes him smile.
"You remind me of your, mother."
Why he have to bring her into this?
The door opens and Yue comes walking in.
"Sorry to interrupt, but Is the meeting tomorrow or later this week?" she asks, bubbly.
I fucking knew it!
~K-Glacier~
Sato: Then he said I was no longer invited to campaign meetings.
Glacier: Really? And you're upset about that? Sounds like you lucked out. Soooo you're telling me, all I have to do is doubt my father's views and 'poof' no more meeting?
Sato: Ha-ha very funny. But I'm really upset about this.
Glacier: You have every right to be. If it makes you feel better, I don't agree with this teams's plan, either.
Sato: What do you mean?
Glacier: They think we should ignore the princess.
Sato: That sounds like a good idea.
Glacier: But that's so boring. She attacked not just my father's name, but mines too. Do you know what my last name is?
Sato: Iceberg?
Glacier: Close, but it's Glacier and she attacked that. Which makes it personal.
Sato: I can relate. Yue took my father away from me.
Glacier: I know, and I'm pissed about that too. Sounds like my Baywatch debut is about to make an appearance. I will destroy the princess and bring back both our honor!
Sato: You will not harm her! But I appreciate your support. You really helped me :)
Glacier: I'm glad I did. I just wished I was physically there with you. But I'm trapped in this jailhouse! But when my sentence is up, I'm going to shower you with love.
Jr. is showing everyone how he plans to execute his commercial. So I decided to head into the kitchen for something to drink. I roam through the cabinets, looking for my hidden Powerade. Sports drink are a hot pocket around her. Especially when two hulks (Wing and Wei) live here. As a survival technique, I decided to hide my snacks. The only problem is, I can't seem to find them.
"You know we keep the alcohol at the bar."
The new voice causes me to turn around.
Shit. It's her.
"Trust me, I know. I'm just looking for my old Powerade." I reply, as I climb down from the counter top.
"Korra, you haven't been here in months. Are you sure it's still here?" Mrs. Beifong asks.
Yes, it's still here! I hid it inside one of the huge pots….I think?
"I'm sure."
"I can run to the store and buy you another, if you would like."
"No, Thank You. I'll just drink water. I heard it helps with blood flow." I tease.
As I grab the Brita from out the fridge, I notice she hasn't left yet.
"Jr. brought back some imported liquor from the Earth Kingdom."
"Oh, have you tried it?" I ask, trying to sound interested.
"Now, Korra. You know I don't drink. I gave up that bad habit years ago."
I don't understand how someone can have the largest alcohol collection in all of Republic City. Yet, doesn't drink any of it. If the Beifong family wasn't so large, I would call it a waste of resources.
As I gulp down my water, she takes a seat at the table where I'm at.
"Do you want me to pour you a glass of his gift to us?" she asks.
Her question makes me smile.
"Apart of me thinks you just want me tipsy, so I can talk to you."
The architect looks around in confusion.
"Not at all. It's not like I been trying to reach out to you these past few weeks." She replies.
Now I know where Opal gets her sarcasm from.
"Also, I heard Opal's stories about you under the influence. I rather let those stories be tall tales."
My face starts heating up, thinking of the various stories my friend could have told her mother.
"So what is it? Why have you been avoiding me?"
"I haven't been avoiding you. I'm just busy."
"With what?"
"Umm college. Also, did your daughter tell you that she signed me up for the LGBTQ campus club? She did it without my permission. That's plagiarism! You're raising criminals! "
"I'll agree, she does tend to be in other's business."
"Another thing she got from you." I say under my breath.
"Excuse me?"
Damn, she heard me.
I quickly put up the water pitcher and scan the fridge hoping my comment will be ignored.
"It's like you can talk to anyone in the house, but at as soon as you see me you panic. What changed all of a sudden between us? You know when I become VP of Republic City, I'll still be _"
"My Mother? " I finish, already annoyed by such a sappy and unoriginal statement.
"I was going to say 'there for you'."
I was close enough.
"Korra, can you just tell me what I did to you? Because these indirect comments and your awkward behavior isn't productive."
"Just because my coach is your sister, doesn't give you the right to ask about me. It's very unethical Mrs. B. You could have just came to my dorm." I reply, shutting the fridge.
"I have! You weren't home!"
Okay, two points for her.
"You could have called me." I tease.
My response clearly wasn't humorous to her, and she sighs.
The real reason I been avoiding her, is the sole reason she can read me so well. I'm currently putting on my best poker face, at the moment. I want to keep my relationship with Asami under the wraps. Before, I was a bit down that Asami didn't want to be with me. So I knew she would question me about that. Now that we're together, Mrs. B is going to question my happiness. So I have to keep my neutral act going, to avoid suspensions.
"Opal, tells me you been hanging with someone new, lately. Why don't you invite her over for dinner."
Damn, my roommate! I'll have to be very careful, for now on. Opal's a spy.
"Did you just assume their gender?" I tease.
"Opal said it was a she. She's in your photography class, right?"
Ohhhh she's talking about Katie.
"Katie doesn't like food or big crowd." I reply.
"It can just be the three of us. Maybe she can tell me why you been so weird towards me."
My photography partner would never sell me out. Also, she wouldn't even know why I been avoiding her. Because I haven't been with Katie!
I always thought she would make a better lawyer, than building designer. My best bet in getting out of this, is turning the tables.
"You're concern about me, but I'm concerned about you. Let's say I were upset with you, which I'm not by the way. How come you always put the blame on you? Why do you always feel at fault? Anyone else would say I was the one with the problem. But not you. I can do no wrong in your eyes."
With the tables turned, I can tell she wasn't expecting to hear such a great argument. It's not only great, but true. Even growing up, I was the least punished for my behavior. If she really treated me like her own, why didn't I get the same treatment?
She's about to answer, when Wing comes rushing into the kitchen.
"Hey Ma, can you make us some bagel bites?" he asks, opening the third cabinet and pulling out my Powerade.
I knew it!
"Sure, Sweetie."
"Thanks." He gives her a kiss on the cheek and rushes back downstairs.
"I never want you to feel left out, that's all." She replies, getting up and heading to the freezer.
"I don't and I appreciate everything you do for me. And I'll never kick you out of my life. But these checkup of yours, have to stop. You're going to be the vice president, you have to focus your time on that."
"Awww, you're such a sweetheart. Can I get a hug?"
I roll my eyes, and drag my feet over to the woman.
" You know I care about you. I just want to make sure you're alright. " She says, holding me tighter.
I feel guilty I can't tell her about the girl that makes me happy. But when Asami's up for it. Mrs. Beifong is going to be the first person, she meets as my girlfriend.
"Can you buy me another Powerade? He took it." I say, between fake sobs.
"Aww, poor child. I'll buy you a whole case."
Because she's always on my case.
Author's Note
Wow. No one checked to see if I was kidnapped? Lol jk. Sorry for the long wait. I been very busy, but it's starting to slow down for me. I hope this long chapter, makes up for the delay.
Thoughts are appreciated.