There was a drowsy atmosphere over all those who sat at the table. Breakfast was as delicious as always but everyone seemed sleepy and sluggish as the weather began to cool bringing heavier morning mist around the temple. It had been two weeks since the faithful day at the hospital and yet Korra had only allowed Tenzin to reveal her pregnancy to the children and the White Lotus guards the night before.
The latter group had asked no questions and merely agreed to secrecy, there really wasn't much they could do even if they were still the highest authority in charge of her which they weren't now that she was of age and under Tenzin's tutelage.
The children on the other hand had almost thrown a party around her and Ikki's prattling voice still echoed in Korra's head even after a full night of sleep. They had gone to bed late in order to clarify things with everyone and remind them all to keep it a secret for the time being so it was no wonder they were all dragging their feet that morning with Meelo actually falling asleep over his food with a chopstick stuck in his nose.
The only people that Korra thought she really needed to talk to now were her parents. She didn't really fear the encounter nor was she particularly anxious of their reactions, she knew they would trust her judgment and her choices, they always did; it was only the inconvenience of having to travel all the way to their village that was heavy on Korra's mind. She didn't really mind the trip, she craved it even, she just didn't want Tenzin to surround her with guards as she travelled.
Tenzin had become extremely overprotective. Thanks to him Korra had been confined to the island for the last couple of weeks without a single chance to visit the city; she would have tried to sneak out anyway but Asami and Bolin visited often enough to keep her mind off things, Mako on the other hand still refused to see her though Bolin claimed he wasn't angry, he was just being stubborn. Korra enjoyed the visits but she knew they were also an excuse to keep her in the island, something was up in the city and nobody wanted her to be involved, the only person who still informed Korra of anything was Chief Beifong and even she was sketchy about the details- all she kept saying was that the attackers that were still in custody refused to talk and would be trialed soon but the investigations had been hindered by a separate crime wave that was taking up manpower to control. The Chief also informed her that all the elected Council members were back in health and running their posts normally, though Korra knew from Tenzin that Councilman Gan-Lan was still shaken by the events and gave in easily to the others because of it.
Another fact that contributed to the trapped sensation was that everyone that entered the island was now monitored. Even the ex-benders that now only occasionally popped up for help were restricted to two people a day in order to keep Korra from exhausting herself. Tenzin had originally wanted her to stop the healings, fearing that entering the vague semblance of an Avatar State might harm the child, but Katara had voiced that if it hadn't done any harm so far then it should be just fine. The Air master had become increasingly paranoid since Katara had been allowed to explain Korra's theory of supernatural intervention having led to her current situation.
The Avatar felt extremely frustrated because everyone seemed to think she'd get into trouble again if they didn't watch her every move, the fact that she was expecting had made them look at her as if she were made of glass and it irked her. She wanted her freedom back and that was exactly why she was running her mind through different plots while eating her food.
"Katara?" Korra grabbed the woman's attention as she sipped on what she dubbed as Pema's 'miracle tea', something she now drank religiously. It helped feel like her usual self by obliterating the nasty symptoms that she hated so much.
"Yes, Korra?" The old woman replied warmly.
"When were you planning to go home?" Korra bit her tongue when she noticed how wrong the words sounded and tried to smooth it over. "I just thought I'd escort you, that way I can see my parents and inform them about…the situation." It was silly but she still had a hard time speaking about her condition out loud.
"I did originally intend to only stay a few days but I thought I might be needed. However, seeing how well you are now and since you have Pema and everyone at your side, I think it might be about time I go home." Katara smiled, she knew Korra wanted her to stay but she also knew the Avatar wanted the excuse to travel with her.
"So, can I go with you?" Korra sounded expectant.
"I don't see why not. I guess we could go tomorrow…" Katara hesitated seeing how Korra's face fell. "No, in two or three days. I'd like to see Toph before I go."
"Alright." Korra forced a smile. She wanted to go right away but she couldn't yet, there was something else holding her back.
Noatak had not showed up ever since the hospital night. Korra knew he'd return, she trusted his note, but she worried about what was taking so long, she wondered if it was because of the increased surveillance in the island or if he had gotten tangled into something dangerous. Nevertheless, she wanted to see him before she headed off to the South Pole, she didn't want him to come looking for her when she wasn't around and just hoped he would show up in the next two days.
After the meal, Korra made sure to impart on them that she intended to escort Katara alone. She would have liked to take Naga back home for a while, but travelling by polar bear dog was no way to carry the aging master, so she consented to taking the Sky Bison alternative though she resolutely refused to be saddled with guards no matter what Tenzin said. If it had been Bolin or Asami or even Mako it would have been fine and maybe even fun but they had responsibilities too and Korra just wanted a little freedom, she figured the trip back would be a good chance to relax at last. Tenzin wouldn't have it though and Katara had been imparted with the task of convincing him otherwise.
Korra was really sick and tired of being overprotected and she didn't intent to argue her point, she had told Tenzin what she would do, she hadn't asked. That was exactly why she cleaned her dishes and headed outside, not caring to join the argument between the masters.
Once outside, the Avatar stretched lazily under the morning sun. She was glad to be back in her old clothing now that the weather was cooling but she could barely wait for winter to come, she needed to feel the snow crunching under her feet again. She walked around the polished white buildings that made up the Temple and considered training her forms, she had been training daily again and Tenzin hadn't really been against it so long as she was restricted from certain things. He seemed to think it was a good way to keep her busy so he would have here practice a different airbending technique each week, under the premise that she would not overdo it. It was an honest relief since it made Korra feel like she was gaining back what little of her old life she still had and to add to her happiness, he had agreed to tone down the spiritual side of the training for the time being, since Korra was uncertain to dwell on such things after the horrible gazebo vision.
There was a wide open spot on a cliff, overseeing the city and Korra chose that place to train for the day. She felt great, the last two weeks had been good for her, she might have longed for Noatak like a missing limb and she might resent the trapped sensation of the island but she was used to being enclosed and she felt physically refreshed. Thanks to Pema's tea she had her appetite back and had managed to recover almost all the weight she had lost, training kept her in shape and she was slowly becoming accustomed to the dreams- they still made her wake up with the worst panic rush imaginable but she managed to recover quickly now and tried not to dwell to deeply on the images unless she needed to.
Korra flexed her legs and moved her arms, following through the new repetitive air form until she managed to gather a mass of her wind in her hands. She intended to keep this up until she had to eat again but it was hard work- not to the body, Tenzin had made sure she started practicing only simpler techniques, but it took a toll on her concentration which was exactly what she needed to keep her mind off things.
~~~~~~.:oOo:.~~~~~~
If there was one thing that never changed, it was that Tenzin always yielded to his mother's judgment. He had consent to allow Korra to accompany Katara back home alone, he had always intended to let her go, he wanted her away from the city for a bit while he tried to put out some rumors about the Avatar, yet he felt uncomfortable about letting her go alone but Katara had pointed out that Korra would do what she wanted and was perfectly capable to handling a simple trip herself as she had before so it was better if Tenzin gave in and chose his battles.
He despised having to hide things but he did not want Korra involved with the matters of the city while there was talk of Amon returning from the dead and reporters trying to sneak into the island to confirm the rumors regarding the Avatar's 'mysterious illness'. That had be reason he had let her go, to keep her away from the public eye for some time.
Korra didn't know anything about Tenzin's motifs though and she was simply happy to be allowed a little freedom.
All the preparations had been done and they were to leave the next morning but Korra was apprehensive- Noatak hadn't come by yet and she was beginning to panic. In the end she forfeited dinner and stated she was going to groom Naga before bed since she felt bad for not bringing her big furry friend along. Nobody really argued so she knew she'd be left alone with her thoughts.
She secretly expected that maybe he'd be there, in Naga's shelter, waiting for the right moment to sneak into her room. But she didn't want to get her hopes up and dragged her feet all the way to the pen.
Naga immediately trotted up to her when she walked in and the polar bear dog slobbered up her hands with affectionate licks as Korra smiled and petted the animal's large snout. She had been spending a lot of time with Naga and in the last few days the creature had been gaining the habit of sniffing at Korra, making her wonder if her scent was changing somehow, it was just one more reminder that there was something growing inside her and yet Korra still felt like it was all too unreal.
The Avatar nuzzled Naga's furry neck but movement caught her eye. There, in the shadowy corner to the hutch someone was watching her.
She stood up straight again and peered into the shadows. It took her only seconds to discern what she was seeing and suddenly she bolted into a run and flung herself into the stranger.
He caught her nimbly and allowed her to shove the mask over his head while her lips met his in a crushing kiss. Her enthusiasm was surprising and he simply couldn't resist responding to her in equal. Korra pressed her athletic body to his wrapping her arms around his hooded neck and pushing him all the way into a secluded corner without ever breaking the passionate gnashing kiss. Naga huffed at them and settled by one of the entries, almost as if keeping watch.
"What took you so damn long?" She breathed between hot needy kisses.
"Long story." Noatak replied breathlessly whilst giving in to each fervent kiss.
Korra merely nodded, not caring about the details at that moment. She just wanted him, she needed to be reassured that everything was still the same between them and her body was begging for him, not to mention the exposed area of the pen sent a thrill up her spine. She kissed harder, her teeth scraping his as she plundered his mouth with her tongue, relishing in the slightly spicy taste of him.
Noatak had no idea why she was so wanton and eager but he had learned not to underestimate Korra's unpredictability and her explosive feelings were becoming contagious, he felt his rational mind being pushed into the background as he attempted to dominate the kiss with feverish hunger as his arms locked around her back crushing her to him.
Korra's leg hitched over his hip as she fought for even more proximity, almost like a kid trying to crawl into his lap; he held her by her blue clad thigh and continued to duel her tongue sensually, feeling her push him hard into the wall before a rustling noise alerted him of the way her hands had broken free from his neck and were fumbling with his clothing.
He should stop her, he knew it would be imprudent to let her spur him into doing something so impetuous; but her couldn't resist her, it had been too long without her, and in frankly he wanted her too much at that moment making lust hazed his mind like toxic gas.
Her fingers pushed his clothing aside and found his skin, caressing and scratching at the hard marked flesh of his chest with desperation as she continued to flood his mouth with kisses. His hand slipped under her top, gliding up her smooth tanned back and urging her closer as they allowed themselves to slip into a world of their own. His free hand fisted into her ponytail and pulled her head back with ruthless desire, making her gasp as his lips found her vulnerable neck, planting kisses and suckled bites that made her moan low in her throat.
Eventually he pushed her back enough to pull off her top, discarding it on the ground as she pushed his coat off as well. She was bare underneath the abandoned garment and he decided he would wonder why later because at that moment he just wanted to pull her close again and feel her skin against his as he kissed and marked the flawless flesh of her neck and shoulders. Korra, however, was much friskier and reached into his slacks to caress the growing erection until he his breath caught in his throat and he had to move away enough to loosen himself from the constrictive clothing.
Korra smirked a little with her eyes glazed over with lustful need and quickly shook off her own pants before he could say anything about it; she then snaked all over him like a feline in heat and kissed his lips again eagerly. He was stunned and extremely aroused at the same time. When in darnation had the woman become so seductive?
Noatak grabbed her and reversed their position, pinning her to the wall corner and hoisting her thighs until her legs were crossed around his waist and her arms were firmly wrapped around his neck; her firm supple breasts smashed into his chest with dark hardening nipples grazing his skin and his hands clawed into the firm muscled cheeks of her rear as their bodies grinded together wantonly. His rock hard shaft slipped hotly between the slick folds of her sex, sending little sparks of pleasure up Korra's body whenever his heated flesh bumped the little pearl that always made her moan.
It wasn't enough. They needed more contact, more friction, more passion. Korra took the initiative, moving just enough to guide his length into her melting hot core; she sunk down until he was a deeply in her body as possible causing them both to groan in unison and break their ardent kiss.
"What's gotten into you, woman?" Noatak whispered with aroused astonishment in her ear and he pressed her harder to the wall.
"You. Now shut up and make love to me." Korra growled playfully and eagerly while biting his earlobe.
He complied, kissing the side of her throat and thrusting rapidly into her desirous body. She was moaning much louder than was safe though holding her mouth shut but they didn't care, her fingers clawed into his dark coffee hair and she arched her body to him wildly. One of his hands kept holding her up while the other let go so her leg could lower to the ground for further balance as their movements became more frantic and erratic. His free hand glided up her body to cup a naked breast, eliciting a somewhat breathy squeal from Korra's pursed lips; it was a very girly sound that was so unlike her but Noatak wanted to hear more. He nipped on her lower lip, forcing her mouth open and flicked a nipple, noticing how much more sensitive and swollen it had become- the resulting high pitched moan she let out was like a shot of pleasure to his groin.
A wicked little smirk took over his marred features and he repeated the action, over and over while slamming into her body with passionate abandon. The sounds she made were otherworldly and her body was quivering with pleasure, her face was pinched with overwhelming lust and he knew was about to tip over the edge.
Korra couldn't take it anymore, her whole body felt electrified with pleasure and she couldn't even control the embarrassing noises that came out of her mouth. It wasn't long before she was falling apart and climaxing so hard that once again there were sparks in the air as her every muscle began to spasm and her nails dug into his scalp with the loudest high pitch cry of all bursting from her swollen lips.
Her orgasm triggered his own and Noatak had to crush her to the wall to keep them from toppling over as his fingers bruised into her flesh and he groaned her name spilling into her body, feeling the indecent fluids that dripped down her thighs before he kissed her breathlessly and possessively, refusing to let go as she turned to putty in his hands panting and shaking with sensation as the sparks faded away.
Noatak pulled her along with him and they fell onto his coat that was sprawled out on the earthy hay strewn ground in that secluded corner of the hutch. She seemed utterly spent but there was smug grin in her face that didn't seem to want to go away. He was also breathless as he sat with his back to the wall but he couldn't take his eyes off her for a single second.
