Flashback city. Flashbacks aren't really in order, so don't get confused.
Here's another chapter for you guys because I don't know when I'll get to write again. I'm behind on some other deadlines.
Chapter Twenty Six
"I don't know what else we can do. We just don't have the money to continue forward."
Hiroshi hangs his head down in defeat. He taps his finger on the desk. Katashi stole the contract from under his nose. They worked together for years and he betrayed him. The anger had settled. Now, it was a steady pulse in his stomach.
"Don't worry. We'll figure something out," Hiroshi says with a cold resolve. It was his own fault. He'd relied too heavily on the contract to continue to fund his small company. But, Future Industries couldn't fail. He wouldn't let it.
"But, sir. With all due respect…"
He silences him with a hand. "Ken, I'll figure it out. Go home for the day."
"Alright. Goodnight, Mr. Sato." He closes the door quietly behind himself.
Hiroshi sits there for about thirty minutes, staring at the picture of his pregnant wife. He'd figure it out and nothing would stop him.
#
Korra and Miki pull apart so they can grab some air. They'd been kissing nonstop for five minutes. They were supposed to be going inside to watch the movie, but they had yet to get out of the car. Korra was seventeen, finally able to see an "r" rated movie legally and had been excited. Until she discovered that she liked the taste of her girlfriend's new lip gloss.
Besides, Miki wasn't complaining.
As their hearts pound, Miki's dark blue eyes shine in mischief.
"Well, well. Looks like turning a year older has made you bolder."
Korra blushes and rubs the back of her neck. "Sorry about that."
"Who said I'm complaining," she purrs. "But I know how much you wanted to watch coeds get eaten by demons."
Korra's dorky grin paints her face. "I do like the sound of screaming college girls."
Miki rolls her eyes. She was barely a freshman in college, but Korra always made it seem like she was working toward her doctorate. But, it made her feel good that her girlfriend was so proud of her.
"Come on, you goof. We need to get our tickets."
"You're right. The previews have probably started."
They head inside. After they buy the tickets, Miki heads to the restroom while Korra gets in line for snacks. Once her hands are full of popcorn, a drink, and candy, she turns to wait for Miki.
As she's waiting, another group of girls walks in. She watches them giggle about something for a second before turning to look around some more. What she sees makes her heart skip a beat.
A girl with fair skin and long, silky black hair waves at the group of girls as she exits the restroom.
"Guys, we have to hurry. Ginger is saving out seats."
Korra stares at the tight, red sweater she's wearing, taking note of her curves. She doesn't get to stare any longer however, because Miki walks out of the restroom. The group of girls walk away and Korra blinks twice trying to regain her focus.
"I'm sorry, Korra. I didn't mean for you to hold all of that. But, I had to fix my hair and wipe my lip gloss from my face and neck. We got a little carried away," Miki laughs and grabs the popcorn that Korra is clutching to her chest.
"It's okay," she mumbles. "Let's go find our seats."
They manage to find two open seats toward the back in the middle. The movie turned out to be pretty good, but if Korra was honest, she didn't pay as much attention as she should have. She was too busy staring at the back of a certain girl's head three rows down.
#
"So," he begins, taking a sip of his scotch. "I heard that you have a problem."
"I do." He slams his shot of Fire Whiskey and allows the elixir to warm his chest.
"Well, I have a proposition that will benefit us both."
He nods to the bartender who discreetly slides Hiroshi a piece of paper.
Hiroshi opens it and reads it in silence before waving for a refill. He throws the second shot back before leaning forward in his bar stool. A predatory smile stretches across his face.
"I think this is going to be the start of a beautiful partnership."
"Indeed."
#
"Asami, honey, it's time to wake up. You have t-," Hiroshi opens the door to find the bed empty. He looks around. "Asami?"
There's a whimper from the closet. He steps over to it and slowly slides it open. His little girl is sitting there wide-eyed, knees to chest, clutching her favorite stuffed lion turtle.
Hiroshi sighs and sits down near the closet door. 'I don't know what I'm doing,' he thinks. "Baby, why are you in the closet?"
"To hide from the bad guys," she whispers.
"Asami, have you been sleeping?" he looks into his daughter's eyes and notices the terror inside of them and the exhaustion on her face.
She shakes her head profusely and sniffles.
"Oh, honey, I should have never left you alone. Why didn't you come and get me?"
"I tried, but you were angry. I heard you breaking stuff. I know you're mad at me because it's my fault that man hurt mommy. I'm sorry. I'm sorry." Asami begins to cry and Hiroshi pulls her in to his chest.
"No, I'm sorry. I don't blame you. I'm sorry that I let you think I did. I'm so sorry, Asami. We'll try for school again next week."
They both sit on the floor together crying and comforting each other.
#
"Do you have to go? Can't you just move into my dorm room and forget about moving to the other side of the planet?" Korra asks, even though she already knows the answer.
Miki kisses her cheek. "You know I can't. I have a responsibility. It's not like I wanted my mom to get sick."
"I know. I'm sorry. That was selfish for me to say. I'm just going to miss you. I don't want this to be over." Korra's eyes begin to well up with tears.
"I don't either. But, Korra, I'd never hold you back. I'm going to the North. Who knows if I'll be back in a month or a year? I'm enrolled in school there next semester."
"Well, I'll finish up here and come with you."
Miki touches Korra's cheek lovingly as her own eyes fill up with tears.
"Oh, babe. There's a reason you left the South. I'm not going to pull you back when you know you'd hate it. You're going to do so much good here. Besides, you're only eighteen. You'll find a new guy or girl and forget all about little old me."
"Miki, I'll never forget you." The tears are falling freely now. Miki pulls Korra in for a tight embrace. "I love you."
"I love you too, Korra. Now, come here. I don't want to spend our last night together crying the entire time."
#
"Ken had an unfortunate accident tonight."
"Good. I've waited three years to hear that. I'll have that shipment moved for you at the end of the week and those other items that you requested; I've been working on the prototype. I'll see what I can do."
"You're very clever, Hiroshi."
"I could say the same thing about you, Yakone."
"We'll keep making each other money and you let me know if there's any more… competition that needs an attitude adjustment."
"Of course."
"Good. And Hiroshi… Congrats on the new contract."
#
"I got accepted into the police academy," Korra tells her parents over the phone.
"Korra, that's amazing! We're so proud of you," her mother squeals.
"RCPD will be damn lucky to have you," her father adds.
Korra smiles. "Thanks. I'll do my best."
"Just be careful and pay attention. I know how you can think that you already know it all."
"I won't, dad. The reason I'm calling is because I have a month before the academy starts. I've been saving money and I want to come see you."
"Of course! We miss you so much. It's been too long," her mom says.
"Good. I'll see you next weekend, then.
"Okay, honey. We love you."
"Love you too. See you soon."
Korra hangs up and heads to the dining room where Tenzin and his family is waiting to start dinner. She walks past a newspaper with a picture of Asami Sato on the front of it and takes a seat.
"What did Tonraq and Senna say?" Pema asks as she fixes Korra a plate.
"They're happy for me and can't wait to see me."
"We're proud of you, too, Korra. When are you leaving?" Pema asks.
"This weekend. I'm going to stop and see an old acquaintance first."
Tenzin raises an eyebrow, but doesn't say anything.
#
"Oh, Korra. It is so good to see you. You look good." Miki pulls her into a warm hug.
Korra inhales her vanilla scent and returns the hug with equal affection. Miki opens her front door all the way to allow Korra inside. She happily steps in and takes off her coat. They stand and face each other after she shuts the door.
"You look good too, Miki. Real good."
Miki chuckles and brushes her long chocolate hair out of her face. "There you go."
"What?" Korra asks playfully.
"It took you less than thirty seconds to start flirting."
Korra laughs. "How could I not? Look at you."
"I'm glad you still remember me fondly after three years."
"You were my first and it's not like we broke up because we wanted to. I told you I wouldn't forget about you." They take a seat next to each other.
Miki shakes her head. "Korra…"
"Hey, I know it's not going to be anything. It's been a long time and I'm in a good place. I just want you to know that even though it's different, I still love you. I grew up because of you."
Korra gives her a genuine smile that Miki gladly returns.
"When my mom died last year, I didn't know what I was going to do with myself. But, your letters really helped me, Kor. Thank you for that."
"Ah, it's not a problem."
"Soo.. are you still with that girl?"
"Nah, we just went on a few dates and that's it. Nothing too serious."
"I see."
"What about you? Are you…seeing someone?"
Miki shakes her head. "There's this girl that I like though." She blushes. "She doesn't seem to notice me though."
"How could anyone not notice you? You're beautiful."
Miki shakes her head again. "You've always had terrible judgment."
Korra grabs both of her hands with a smile. "Not when it came to you. You're beautiful and I'm sure she notices you. You should talk to her. Stop playing everything so safe. After everything you've been through, Miki, you deserve some happiness."
She gently pulls away from Korra. "Coffee wouldn't hurt."
"Exactly."
They lock eyes.
"Thank you, Korra." She kisses her cheek. "I'm so glad that I had the chance to love you."
She nods and her heart thumps a bit. She really had moved on, but it doesn't mean those feelings changed. This has made her realize that she'll be comparing her future lovers to this girl for a long while. They weren't meant to be forever, but Miki helped her learn so much about herself. For that, she'd be eternally grateful.
"Hey, I've got some big news."
"Well, let's hear it."
#
"Asami, wait. Are you sure this is a good idea? Your dad could-,"
"My dad hasn't been home all week. He's not going to walk in on us, Dominic. We're find."
"I-If you're sure."
"Do you not want to do this?" Her green eyes bore into his brown ones.
"No, I do. It's just that your dad can be scary."
"It's only because you're my boyfriend. He's supposed to be scary to you."
"I guess. I just don't want to jump out of any windows or hide under the bed."
"Come on, scaredy cat."
She pulls Dominic up the stairs and into her room where she doesn't hesitate to pull him into a kiss. He allows her to take the lead as she navigates to the bed.
They break apart as she tries to unbutton his shirt.
"I love you, Asami."
"You too, Dom," she mumbles against his lips.
His heart drops at her words, but he ignores it.
#
Asami lays with her head on his chest, staring at the closet she spent so much time hiding in as a child. Dominic is tracing circles against her naked back. He's memorized every mark there. The moment should feel much better than it does, however.
It was…nice, but it didn't feel…real.
"Asami?"
"Hmm?"
"How do you feel?"
Empty.
"Good," she answers quietly.
"That was my first time," he admits. "I know I told you I had done it before, but…"
"It's okay. It was good."
Silence.
"But, you don't love me, do you, Asami?"
She sees an image of the little girl she used to be hiding in that closet.
"I don't know if I can love anyone," she admits.
"I don't believe that. But, I do wish I could be the one."
"I'm sorry, Dom. I can try harder."
"What happened to you, Asami?"
"I hate this place. This house. Too many bad memories."
"Then you should leave. Go to college somewhere else. Do something else. You don't have to be what everyone expects."
"How do you make it sound so easy?"
"You didn't answer my question. What happened to you?"
"Where do I even start?"
#
"Everyone just looks at us like we're trash," Bolin says as he pushes his bowl of noodles away. His frustration has gotten the best of him and his optimism has been waning for some time now.
"Not everyone," says Mako.
"Yes, everyone but Korra."
Mako smiles. "Well, it's still not everyone."
"Mako, seriously. Most of them know our story. They've heard of the street rats that got a second chance. We're beneath them. At least I am. I haven't done anything but struggle this entire time. They're going to kick me out of the academy. And, they're going to kick you out too if you don't stop trying to look out for me. I wasn't cut out for this."
Mako pushes Bolin's bowl back to him. "First, you're my brother. Never in a million years would I leave you behind. Fuck them. If they think we're trash, that's their problem. When we prove them wrong, it'll all be worth it. You're not giving yourself enough credit. You've made it this far-,"
"And this is as far as I go. I'm going to quit, Mako."
"The hell you are. So, things haven't been that easy for you. When has life ever made anything easy for us? Huh? When has that ever stopped us? We ate out of a dumpster. We slept under cardboard boxes and you're telling me that a little test and obstacle course is too much for you? Where's my brother? I want him back."
"Mako…" Bolin hangs his head down in shame. "I'm just afraid that it won't last. Our life is finally turning around. We've made a new friend. We're going to be police officers, but every time I turn around, I'm reminded that we're different and I hate it."
"That's what's going to set us apart. Our differences. Our understandings. This is what will make us better police than them. We lived it, Bo. There's nothing wrong with being different and I love you just the way you are. Don't you dare change for anyone. If they don't want to know you, that's their loss not yours."
Bolin smiles. Then, hesitates. "Are you, afraid?"
Mako nods. "I am. But, through fear you learn courage. I want to save people. I want to help this city that nearly chewed us up. I don't want to end up a casualty to it."
"We were given this opportunity because we deserved it?"
"We were. You have to believe that. Find your strong points and hold tight to those. Tell me what you're weak in and I'll help you. We've been together all this time. There's no way one of us is leaving the other. Do you hear me?"
"I hear you."
"Good, now eat up. We've got some studying to do."
#
"Iroh, I think we need to talk."
He sets his gym bag down and steps into his mother's living room. "What's wrong? Are you alright?"
"I'm fine, love, but it's you that I'm worried about."
"I'm f-,"
"Iroh, I know about the nightmares."
"How did you-,"
"You fell asleep on the sofa one evening and you were talking in your sleep. I'm worried, son."
"It's under control," he says defensively.
"I'm not here to attack you. I just want you to know that you don't have to hide anything from me. Being in the military takes its toll on everyone. It's nothing to be ashamed about," she says gently.
"Mom. Please."
"Listen. I think that a change of scenery will be good for you. I've got plenty of money saved up and too much responsibility here. Maybe you should pack some bags and do some traveling. Give yourself a break."
"I can't, mom. I have work."
"Please don't lie to me. I know that you quit the force last week. You know they'd tell me something like that. It's fine. They seem to understand. But, you need more time to heal your mind, son. Take a vacation. Take all the time that you need. I'll be here when you get back. You can decide what to do then. Maybe get some counseling."
"Yes, ma'am. Whatever you think is best."
#
"I saw your letter on the table. Congratulations," Kuvira says sadly.
Baatar turns to her in surprise. He thought that he'd put the letter away.
"So, when do you leave?" she asks. "You're taking the job, right?"
"Kuv-,"
"It's okay. Of course you'd take the job. It's what you've been working toward. You've always wanted to teach."
"Listen."
"The university will be lucky to have you. They made the right choice."
"I'm trying to tell you…"
"I'm so proud of you."
"Spirits, woman. Would you please shut the hell up for two seconds!" Baatar finally snaps.
Both of their eyes widen as they realize what he said.
"Oh, Kuv, I'm sorry. It just came out."
Her eyes narrow in anger. He's never talked to her like that. Then, she realizes that it's kind of refreshing. She won't let him know that, though.
"It's okay. I don't need to hear you say it. I get it. We're done."
"Okay, yes. Shut up. I'm trying to ask you to come with me and you're ruining it. You're nosiness ruined my surprise and now you're ruining my…" He pauses and sighs. Then, he gets down on one knee as he pulls a box from his pocket. "What I was going to say is, Kuvira, I'm starting a new chapter of my life. I got the new teaching job that I've been waiting for. But, it won't be as wonderful without you to share it with me. I want to marry you. Will you marry me?"
Ten seconds tick by. Kuvira doesn't get surprised by too many things, but once she saw that letter, she thought that the man she loved was going to just abandon her. Like he'd just be another on this list of people that have let her down. She's ashamed to think that she even thought that for a second. So ashamed, that she can't even answer him. Finally, the look of fear on his face snaps her out of her trance. He'd been planning to make it a better proposal, but she just had to mess it up.
No matter. It's perfect enough because it's him.
"Yes. Yes, I'll marry you."
He slides the ring on her finger and then stands up, grabbing her cheeks and kissing her all over. "I thought you were going to say no. Don't ever scare me like that."
She chuckles. "I'm sorry. I could never say no to you."
They pull apart.
"Baatar, what about my job?"
"I'll talk to my aunt Lin. You can get a transfer. She'll take you. I know that you might have to stay in Zaofu a bit longer, but by then, I'll have everything set up. We'll make it work, I promise."
"I believe you."
"I believe in us."
#
"Mommy, what did you want to be when you grew up?" Asami asks her mom as they sit in the park licking an ice cream cone.
Yasuko taps her chin. "Well, let's see. I wanted to be a magician, a teacher, a police officer, an astronaut, a dancer, and a chef."
Asami giggles. "You wanted to be all those?"
"Yep. But, I became a mom and it was better than all those things combined."
Asami laughs again. "You're so silly, mom. But, what did you want to be the most?"
She grabs Asami's ice cream cone and gives it a quick lick.
"Hey!" Asami yells in protest. Yasuko laughs and puts a bit on Asami's nose before giving it back. "No fair." She wipes the cold off her nose.
"I don't think I ever really figured it out. I just wanted to do something that mattered?"
"And did you?"
"Of course, baby. But, the main thing is that I didn't let anyone tell me that I had to be something. I let me choose for myself."
"Why would anyone tell you what to do?"
"Because Sami bear, sometimes people think they know what's best for you, but they don't know your heart."
"Huh?"
"You know how mommy and daddy tell you to eat your vegetables?"
Asami makes a face and sticks her tongue out.
"That's because we know what's best for you. We want you to grow up big and strong. But, there are some things that even mommy and daddy won't know, because as you get much older, your heart will begin to tell you things that only you can hear. Does that make sense?"
"Ummm… I think so."
Yasuko smiles. "Well, when you get much older, your heart will start to talk to you to. It may say different things than your head."
"What do I do?"
"You listen, baby."