Chapter 11

Calmly, Amon strolled up the stairs, down the hall, opened the large doors to the office in the middle of the hall and slid into the dark leather chair in his office, sitting in silence for what must have been at least ten minutes before slamming his hands down on the desk. "What have I done?" he sighed heavily before running his hands tiredly through his hair as the memory of kissing Korra replayed in his mind. That was not at all the way things were supposed to have gone. He had planned to pick her up and bring her back, not kiss her in the car! And dammit, she had even kissed him back, what was he supposed to make of that? Amon quickly remembered the look of utter shock on her face when she leapt from his lap and now figured she must have kissed him back as a natural reaction, after all she was still young reacting like that was totally explainable… So what was Amon's excuse? He was a forty year old man, his wild teenage hormones had gotten under control ages ago, so what was he doing? It was impossible for him to avoid her now, impossible to hide from what he had done and impossible for him to deny it anymore; the curiosity, the odd desire to reach out and hold her, they were all because of his feelings for her, but the problem was, he had no time for feelings.

Amon was the head of a revolution to take back power for the people who needed it by night and the head of a major company as well as a major figure in the community by day, his schedule was packed. He wasn't a very stable man underneath the mask he wore at rallies and the fake smiles he flashed at events and he knew that. Forming any kind of stable relationship between Korra and himself was simply impossible especially with her being a minor!

Pressing his fingers into his temples, Amon let out a deep breath. Okay okay, so for now he would wait, he had made a move and now he had to wait for her to react, trying to fix things now would only make things worse anyway. Glancing down at his watch, Amon decided he had no more time to spare on thinking as he had to be at work soon and he still needed a shower before he went for work. A long, cold

shower.

Korra hadn't left her room until she heard the slam of the front doors as Amon left for work. Letting out a sigh of relief, Korra wrapped a scarf around her neck so that Nina wouldn't ask about the little marks along the sides before composing herself and going to the study to find Nina.

"Hello, Korra." Nina greeted as Korra stepped through the entrance way to the study, "You have some nerve staying out all night without letting us know. Do you know how worried I was?" Nina demanded as she walked towards Korra and gently clasped onto her shoulders, brown eyes filled with concern.

"I'm sorry Nina, I was just with friends." Korra smiled gently. She wasn't completely lying, Tarrlok had saved her life and that was a kind of friendly thing to do.

"Hmmmm. Okay, well still, be careful out there, you have no idea what kind of men are out there wanting to feel you up." Nina swatted her arm gently as Korra felt a light flush spring up on her cheeks, thinking back to Amon.

"I understand." Korra laughed nervously, "I'll be careful. Wow, this place got awfully dusty since the last time, I'll get right to work." Korra stammered as she tried to escape Nina's worried gaze.

"I just finished this room, Korra."

"Did I say dusty? I meant spectacular! On to the next room then?"

"Sure, Korra…" Nina replied as she watched, Korra scurry out the door. "What is up with her today… something definitely happened.." Nina murmured to herself, crossing her arms as she followed Korra to the next room, "But what happened exactly?"

The day went on and Korra was thankful to have work to keep her thoughts from constantly drifting to Amon kissing her. Aside from work, Korra also had another thing to keep her mind busy, her worry about the well being of Tahno and Mako. Korra still didn't know if they had made it out of the riots and back home safely and wanted to go visit them the second she was done with work.

"I'm going out to meet up with Mako, Asami and Bolin. I'll be back before dinner!" Korra called to Nina as she ran through the door and outside before Nina could call her back.

Korra was still in the habit of walking everywhere she went. Sure she could have asked for a driver to take her everywhere, but Korra always found the walk relaxing, besides it was her travel method of choice before living with Amon. With a frustrated sigh Korra remembered that she was trying not to think about him at the moment. Ack! This was really driving her crazy, she was living in his house for crying out loud! How could she possibly ignore him? At this rate Korra was really feeling like she was going to lose her mind. Perhaps after she checked in on Mako and Tahno she would try and find Asami for a bit of advice on the topic. But then she couldn't tell Asami it was Amon who kissed her, she would have to keep in anonymous. If anyone, anyone, found out that Amon kissed her, it would mean big trouble for him and as freaked out as Korra was feeling about everything that was going on, she didn't really want him to get in trouble with the law or anything. He had saved her after all, she could at least try and spare his name.

With Korra's mind on a million things, she arrived at Tenzin's studio before she even knew it. "Hello Korra." Tenzin greeted as he swung open the door.

"Hi Tenzin," Korra responded as she stepped into the gym and the familiar smell of sweat and feet hit her nose.

"I was actually going out. Meelo is scaring the babysitter and I can't leave them at home alone, so I guess I have to close the studio early today." Tenzin sighed rubbing his forehead tiredly, "This is the third babysitter Meelo scared off this week." Tenzin sighed.

"Aww, hang in there."Korra smiled patting him gently on the shoulder in a friendly gesture.

"Well yes." Tenzin chuckled straightening himself out as he went to grab his coat, "Well I'm sure you didn't come here to hear the tales of my family life. You're friends are upstairs resting." Tenzin pulled on his hat as he spoke, "I really have to go, so I'll see you later." Tenzin smiled as Korra waved goodbye to him.

Seconds later, Korra walked up the stairs and found Tahno, Asami and Bolin all sitting around the small table in their room looking at each other with a look that couldn't mean anything good.

"Hey guys." Korra laughed nervously as she entered the tense atmosphere.

"Korra, thank goodness you're okay." Asami cried, throwing her arms around Korra's neck and pulling her into a tight hug. "What were you guys thinking going to that rally! That entire half of the city was destroyed!" Asami was now yelling, jerking Korra away from her before pulling her back into a hug, "You had Bolin and I so worried…"

"Yeah, I actually got out before things got too crazy. Sorry for worrying you…"

"You're not as worrisome as Mako has been lately…" Bolin grumbled from where he sat cross-legged at the table.

"What do you mean?" Korra asked taking in the worried glances everyone seemed to have, "Where is he?" Korra asked as Asami loosened her grip and took a step back just as Tahno stood to his feet.

"Last night things started getting crazy and I wanted to leave, I mean I'm all for the guy's message, but the whole 'Revolution' he wants, isn't for me, I can't risk getting disqualified from my matches." Tahno sighed, trying his hardest to seem unworried about it all and failing terribly, "Anyway, I told Mako we should get going, but he didn't want to go home instead, and told me to leave but to look for you first. I thought he lost his mind, but figured it was his choice anyway, so I did as he said, but I couldn't find you. Not that I really care, but it's good you made it out okay." Tahno added, shrugging as he spoke.

"Mako didn't come home until early this morning, right before Tanzin came in.." Bolin chimed in, fiddling nervously with his fingers.

"I tried to ask him about it, but he just stormed off, he's been so weird lately… It isn't like him you know?" Asami went on with knit eyebrows. Korra nodded in agreement, Mako was the one who always had his head on straight, so why was he being so careless now? Looking around the room, Korra knew that everyone was worried; Asami for her boyfriend, Bolin for his brother and well, Korra didn't really know if Tahno was really worried, but he was there so he must have been at least a little concerned...

"Maybe it's a faze?" Korra offered.

"Nah, he's just so absorbed with that guy's message, he was so worked up during the rally." Tahno walked to the door as he spoke, "I'm gonna get going, i had some plans with my friends for today, you guys distracted me asking about Mako and now I'm late." Tahno groaned as if it was a big deal and a major pain to him.

"Yeah, whatever pretty boy, just be glad we even tolerate your presence." Korra rolled her eyes, "But still thanks for worrying about us." Korra offered with a small smile.

"Who says worried." He snorted, making a big show of getting his fringe to move as he did.

"The fact that you're still here."

Tahno scoffed, but didn't say anymore as he left the room and went out of the studio. Korra to face Asami and Bolin again. While Bolin was staring into space, his mind clearly occupied in his own little world, Korra a bit surprised to find Asami staring at her with a look of amused shock. What was she staring at anyway? Korra wondered and then in flash of panic she pulled the scarf she was wearing up higher around her neck, but from the look on Asami's face, she knew it was too late to hide it now.

"Korra, can we talk for a bit, you know, girl to girl?" Asami asked as she dragged Korra out into the hallway. Korra sighed as she felt her stomach drop. There was definitely no say in this anymore, Korra didn't need to wonder whether she should ask Asami for advice or not, Asami was going to ask now either way.

"What's that on your neck, Korra?" Asami asked the second she pulled the door shut behind her.

"W-what do you mean?" Korra stammered as Asami came in closer, leaving Korra trapped between the corner at the end of the hall and Asami herself.

"This!" pale fingers shot out and snatched the scarf right off of Korra's neck, as a smile spanned over her face, "No way! They really are there!" Asami squealed as Korra slapped her hand over her neck.

"Shh! Asami Bolin will hear you!" Korra hissed.

"So who is it? Is it Tahno? Did it happen at the rally? It would explain why he kept asking if we knew if you made it home okay before you showed up." Just as Korra was about to insist that Asami was wrong, the words sunk in.

"He asked about me? Huh…" Korra pondered. The two still weren't on the greatest of terms, for him to have asked about her was nothing short of odd.

"So I was right? Wow, I always thought you two would make a great couple, you guys just clash so much that I knew there had to be more to it than just that!" Asami went on, clasping Korra's hands and bouncing with enthusiasm.

"No no no, it wasn't Tahno!" Korra quickly corrected her friend. For a spilt second, Korra pondered just telling Asami that it had been Amon. If Asami liked couples that clashed, she would have a field day if she knew Amon made a move on her. On the other hand, this wasn't just about her, she didn't want anything getting out and ruining Amon's name, so with a last quick consideration she decided to change the story a bit. "There's a guy I met while living at Amon's place, he lives nearby. He's from this really rich family and he's been kind to me since we met. I never thought of being with him because his family wouldn't approve of someone like me. He trained his whole life to take over the business and if his family found out, they might take that away from him." Korra started and looked up to Asami to see if she was buying it so far, from the concerned look on her friend's face, it seemed like it so far. Good. "A few weeks ago he just cut me off, but I ran into him earlier today and when he found out I went to the rally last night, he was really upset. I kinda pushed him asking why he even cared after pushing me away for weeks, I asked why he even pushed me away… and he kissed me." Korra cringed a bit at the last part as the memory played fresh in her mind.

"Wow, that sounds so romantic, like the drama's on t.v." Asami grinned, eyes far away as if she was trying to imagine living the scenario. "So are you guys together now?" she pressed, green eyes lit up with curiosity.

"Well… No." Korra couldn't help but notice the way Asami's grin fell, "I really don't want to ruin his name and I honestly never thought of him in a romantic way at all. I don't know what to do.." Korra sighed heavily. The weight that had been on her shoulders felt lighter now after talking to Asami. Though Asami may have forced Korra to spill, she had to admit, she was glad she did.

"Sooo, how do you feel about him?"

"I- I don't know, it just happened so fast, and I kissed him back without thinking and I just don't know!" Korra spat out all in one breath, "I really don't know." Korra bit her lip in frustration, eyes fixed on the little curves that formed on the wooden floor, the little curves that looked so much like the scars on Amon's face. Thoughts pooled in Korra's head; Could she even love a man that much older and that much different from herself? He was refined, calm and composed, while she was rash, blunt and not so classy. In her head, she tried to imagine herself standing next to him, or being in his arms, but the image couldn't quite form in her head. Maybe she wasn't interested at all. Her mind driving back to the sharp smell of his favorite soap and her hands tangled in his soft hair. Maybe she was interested… This was too much for her, she really didn't know and since earlier, it had been driving her crazy!

"Well give it time and see. You can't know just like that. Just make a bit of space and get your mind together and then once you really know how you feel or at least have more of an idea, face him again and make that idea solid." Asami grinned before adding, "That's what I did when Mako first asked me out when we were still all living together. Right before he got the job with Tenzin, I told him I felt the same about him. Getting the job the same day just made everything all the better." Asami smiled, but it was a sad bitter smile of a woman who could feel that her lover was slipping away. With Korra's lack of skills in this field, all Korra could really do was offer her friend a small smile and a few kind words.

"I'm sure he'll be back to the same old, party-pooper Mako once whatever this little rebellion of his is out of his system." Korra smiled, "And thanks for the advice." she added. The whole waiting thing wasn't really for Korra, but she really didn't have any other options right now.

Asami smiled and opened her mouth to speak, but just then, Bolin threw the door open. "You guuuuyssss." Bolin groaned, "It's really lonely being stuck in this room by myself, can we play go fish or something that's not all girl talky." Bolin begged poking out his bottom lip.

Asami and Korra laughed, "Sure, Bo we can play." Korra smiled as they walked into the room again, but don't cry after I beat you like I always do." Korra smirked mischievously as she flopped down on one of the orange cushions near the low table.

"As if I'd cry!" Bolin scoffed in disbelief as he shuffled the cards.

A few hours later, Korra walked home with a victory under her belt and a warm smile from being with her friends on her face. As Korra walked towards the house, she stopped in her tracks, surprised to see Amon's car pull up just as she got to the doors.

Korra practically launched herself behind one of the nearby pillars and out of sight as she heard the doors open and his feet hit the ground as he stepped out. She was completely aware that unless he was preoccupied in the car, he had totally seen her duck behind the pillar. Korra winced in fear that he might come talk to her, but immediately relaxed upon hearing the house doors slam shut. A long deep breath flew out that Korra hadn't even realized she had been holding in until then. She would wait about ten minutes before daring to go inside. By now, she had Amon's habits after coming home memorized. He would walk in the door, wipe his shoes, probably tell Nina there was no need for her to prepare him dinner as he probably had another dinner party, then he would mill around a bit checking on things before finally going to his room and taking a long shower. It was amazing the things you remembered while living with someone.

After the ten minutes passed, Korra made a mad dash to her room, shutting the door behind her before grinning. She had made it. But that was only for now. How could she go on ignoring this, ignoring him? She worked for him! She was going to have to see him eventually, right?

Turns out Korra was wrong, a week passed from the incident and Korra hadn't seen him once. Korra expected to feel happier or lighter or at least have a little more clarity on her feelings for him, but if anything, her feelings were more of a mess than ever. She couldn't get him off her mind, she didn't want to think about him, but he was still there, it was insane.

'Maybe Asami' was wrong, Korra silently concluded as she assisted Nina in cleaning the dining room table, 'Maybe facing him and getting this sorted out directly is the best way to go' she wondered. That was more her style anyway. She's talk to him, and try and settle things calmly, there was no way she could be with him anyway, so what was she even worried about? With her plan set in her mind, Korra went back to work full force, deciding already that she would talk to him that very night and get this whole thing done with so that she could move forward.

The day turned to night and Korra was done with work. Korra had just gotten out of the shower, hair still damp and scented with the vanilla shampoo she loved, when Amon finally arrived home. He didn't have a business dinner tonight, the first night in what seemed like forever, he was free to get some actual rest. He told the staff they didn't need to worry about making his dinner, but did request a cup of tea. That, Korra decided as she eavesdropped from around the corner, was her way in. Around the corner from the kitchen door, Korra waited patiently in the kitchen, chatting with the maid who was making the tea as she prepared it.

"I'll take that up for you Alisa." Korra smiled as the maid moved to pick up the tray, "You have a family at home and I have to stay here anyway so it's not a problem." Korra grinned even brighter as the maid's face lit up.

"Thanks, Korra, I own you one." Alisa smiled, handing Korra the tray and quickly whipping off her clean white apron.

"Don't mention it." Korra replied with a smirk as she turned and walked up the stairs. The walk seemed longer than usual as her mind raced wondering if she was doing the right thing, if she should just give him the tea and run, or better yet leave it by the door. One foot in front of the other, Korra felt herself knocking on his door in no time, mouth going dry as she thought about what she was about to do.

"Come in." His voice called through the door. Korra could hear the tray tremble from her hands shaking as she moved to open the door. She stepped quietly into the room, surprised to find he was sitting in the dark of his office only a single candle near his desk lit, back turned to the door as he faced a bookshelf. Korra gently placed the cup down on the table and took a step back.

"Amon. I think we need to talk." she murmured lightly.

He nearly jumped from his skin upon hearing her voice and was glad the shock on his face would go unseen as it was dark and his back was still turned to her. It had been a week and she hadn't said anything, he almost had begun to hope as he had forgotten about it. How could she have forgotten about it though! A man nearly twice her age kissed her! Even he couldn't imagine that being easy to forget.

After a long pause, Amon managed to pull himself together enough to reply, "I believe that may be for the best." he turned in the chair to face her and instantly wished he had carried on the conversation with his back turned to her. Even in the dim lighting, her eyes shone bright blue as if peering through every excuse he could think to make up, her damp hair clung to her skin and her lips that he learned only the week before how soft they really were, had been set in a determined smile.

"So, about last week…"

Yes, i will be cruel and end this here. I like cliff hangers. nah, I just really wanted to get this chapter up, and cliff hangers are good. I hope to get the next chapter done quickly :) So thank you very much for reading my story up to here and keep your eyes open for another chapter soon… hopefully anyway.