Back again for the next chapter, I hope you guys are enjoying it so far.
I don't own The Legend of Korra and I don't intend to make money off this story.
Chapter 12: Lights! Camera! Set up!
The week before the ball passed quickly, with Korra training and Jin teaching her how to surf. But the dreaded day, well for Jin at least, was finally upon them.
Day of the Ball
Jin was sulking around the courtyard, not at all looking forward to the events of the night to come.
"Why does it always have to be this ridiculous? I hate knowing the plot!" He fumed to himself.
Tenzin was making his way to his usual meditation spot when he saw the distressed looking teen, having grown more accepting of his second new charge he made his way to Jin.
"You're going to walk a pattern into the ground if you keep that up." Tenzin spoke up, Jin turning to face his direction
"Sorry." Jin replied to the older man, with a sheepish grin on his face.
"So what can I do you for Tenzin?" Jin asked, thinking he was needed.
"Oh nothing. In fact I was wondering what had you so stress."
"Me? Stressed? I think you have the wrong guy." Jin put up his hands and laughed nervously.
"Son, I have to live with three young air benders. I know what stressed looks like."
Jin lowered his hands and let out a sigh, "It's about tonight. I don't know if it's such a good idea."
"Join the club, however if Korra were to fail to make an appearance the people may lose faith that the Avatar is in fact on their side. Especially with the increased equalist activities."
"We all have to do things we don't agree with or want to. The trick is to go in with a clear and collected mind." Tenzin continued.
"So in other words, go in with a good attitude? You sound like my father." Jin sighed and then smiled, "I guess it can't be too bad, I'll be fine. Thanks Tenzin."
'I won't allow her to be roped into Tarlokks little scheme.' Jin thought as he turned to walk away.
"Say, where exactly are your parents?" Tenzin suddenly asked, stopping the teen in his tracks.
'Shit! What am I supposed to say now?' Jin thought.
Turning around to face the older man Jin replied, "Funny story that."
"Well in any case, where ever they are, I'm sure they want to know where you are and if you're ok or not."
"I know. But that's a problem to be solved at a later time." Jin sighed, turning around and walking away.
'Smooth, real smooth.' He berated himself as he walked.
3 hours before the Ball
Jin was looking into a mirror, fighting with the accursed piece of material known as a bow tie.
After what was probably the hundredth time, Jin threw his hands up in the air and slumped onto his bed. Letting out a sigh, he looked towards the mirror again.
"What am I doing?" he asked himself.
'I can't be this guy, I can't act like somehow I will get back home and I definitely can't allow Tarrlok to get his way.' He thought as he got up to attempt his tie again.
"You look like you're having trouble with that." Said a quiet voice from the door way.
The look of shock was clearly evident on his face when he turned around to see who was at his door.
It was Korra, but not the tomboy Korra, she was wearing an elegantly made midnight blue dress that flowed from her right shoulder to the floor, covering the heels she was wearing. Her one arm donned a sleeve, whilst the other was bare. Her hair was tied back neatly into a single pony, instead of her usual three.
In what few words his brain could compute 'beautiful' was the most dominant.
"Yeah, I could never do these things." He said snapping himself out of his stupor.
She walked through the door and up towards where he is standing. He fell silent once she was in front of him, not knowing quite what to say as she skilfully mended his tie.
"Where did you learn to do a tie?" he asked, it being the only thing he could think to say.
"My dad taught me." She said quietly as she worked, as though she was embarrassed about being so dressed up.
"My dad tried to teach me." He said with a chuckle.
"Idiot." She said with a smile.
Silence falling between the two, "Done." She said, breaking the silence.
"Thanks." He said, turning to take a look at her handy work, 'She actually did a really good job on this.'
Finally find the courage to compliment her, "You look incredible." He said whilst still looking at the mirror, hoping to hide his blush.
The blush now appearing on her face, "Thanks." She said,, thankful that he wasn't facing her.
"You know, I think you owe me a dance for tonight." He said, turning around with a smile.
"I owe you a dance? Who gave you a place to stay, food to eat and cloths to wear?" she responded.
"Tenzin and Pema." Jin replied with a smirk.
"You're lucky I'm this dressed up, or I would kick your ass."
"Please without your bending you couldn't take me down. But fine, if dancing scares you that much you don't have too." He replied, with a planned challenging tone. Baiting her out.
"You are so on!"
"Fine we see tomorrow after your training. In the courtyard." Jin smirked.
"Fine!" she said with a huff, turning to leave.
"Still owe me that dance!" he said to her back.
"We will see. Now let's go, it's time to leave." She said as she walked.
"As you wish your highness." he said with a mocking bow.
"Idiot!" was all he heard.
Sorry this is so late; I have been busy and uninspired. It's not a long chapter because I intend to update again soonish. Thanks for being patient and all. Enjoy!
Friendly neighbourhood Spider