Chapter Forty Three
"We've got eyes on Mr. Tanaka," Iroh tells Opal through the discreet earpiece. He's wearing a black, fitted suit with a white button up with the top two buttons undone. As he stands at the bar pretending to sip his drink, June pretends to laugh at something he said and touches his hand. She's wearing a very tight black dress that has a slit up to mid-thigh. In her heels, she looks to be all leg.
"Good. Turn a bit so the camera can pick him up," Opal orders.
He does as he's told.
Opal, Mako, and Kuvira are in a van outside of the governor's fundraiser ball. Two weeks ago, a young woman named Katarina Orlov came into the precinct and stated that she had been drugged by a man named Ken Tanaka. He was an owner of a multi-million real estate company based in Capital City in the Fire Nation.
She stated that when she met him at a party that her friend had thrown after a dinner, he had been very nice. Originally, she had agreed to spend some time with him away from the party. He had brought her a drink and when they went outside for a walk, she couldn't remember anything after that.
The next morning, she woke up alone, and bruised. She went to the hospital immediately, but her clothes from the party were missing and she had taken a shower. There was no evidence that presented a strong case against him, so they decided to try to catch him in the act.
Korra would be the bait.
She's wearing a cocktail dress that manages to be form-fitting and semi-loose at the same time. The dress is a navy color with a v-cut all the way to her lower back. The front clasps around the back of her neck and also has a v-cut that manages to show a healthy amount of cleavage. It's not something she would have ever picked out on her own, but the way Asami salivated when she made her try it on made her have to buy it. Luckily, she didn't have to pick up the tab.
"He's alone, but he won't be for long. Korra, it's your move," June tells her.
Korra makes her way over to the balcony where he's smoking a cigar. Just as she gets to the door, Bolin intercepts her, opening it for her. He's wearing forest green dress pants with a black top, suspenders, and black dress shoes. His hair is slicked back and he's sporting a serious grin.
"Thank you," Korra says timidly as the door opens.
"You are very welcome, beautiful," Bolin responds.
Korra walks over to the balcony's railing and smiles shyly at Tanaka who gives her an appreciative once over.
"I've been staring at you all night and I don't think I've seen you around here. My name's Tashi, may I have yours?"
"It's Yue," Korra says.
"It suits you, Yue," he chuckles.
Korra can't help but roll her eyes. "Thank you. I don't mean to be rude, but I'm not interested. I-I just want to get some fresh air."
"Oh, don't be like that, baby. Let me buy you a drink at least."
"N-no thank you. I'm fine."
"C'mon. You need to loosen up. Don't be a stuck-up bitch. Right, man," Bolin says, getting Tanaka's attention.
Until then, he was trying to stay out of the conversation.
Tanaka sighs as Korra gives him a "help me" look. "Look, I think the lady just wants to be left alone."
"No woman wants to be left alone. Look at her, she wants the attention," he says, waving at her clothes. He stumbles like he's drunk.
"Hey, I think it's time for you to leave." He makes a motion with his hand and a few seconds later, security comes to escort Bolin out.
"What? Why? I'm just trying to have a good time."
"Sir, please come quietly. We'll escort you to your car." They gently ease him back out into the ballroom.
"Thank you," Korra says, stepping closer to Tanaka so she can touch his arm. "I get nervous when men get too aggressive."
"Yes, it is shameful to have no tact."
"I guess that's the difference between boys and men," Korra responds with a lazy smile.
Tanaka's eyes go straight to her cleavage and then slowly up to her mouth.
"I'm Yue."
"Ken."
"It's very nice to meet you, Ken, my hero. I'm sorry that I interrupted your cigar. I hope you don't mind if I stand out here for a bit longer."
"Not at all. I could use the company."
"If I'm being honest, some of the company back in there really sucks."
Tanaka chuckles.
#
"I can't believe Korra let herself be drugged. Asami is going to kill her," Iroh says as he puts on his bullet proof vest.
"He was getting suspicious. She knew she had to do something drastic," says June.
"And she trusts us to have her back. Now, get your asses in gear," Kuvira orders.
"Bolin, Opal, do you guys have it set up?" June asks, checking the chamber of the gun.
"Almost. A little to the left, Opal. Okay. I can see inside the room," Bolin says. They drilled a tiny hole through the room next door so they could see the bed. Korra's sitting on it giggling at something Tanaka said.
"Good. We're in position," Mako tells the team.
"We're nearly in position too," Kuvira tells him. "Nobody move until I say so."
Tanaka starts to unbutton his shirt. Then, he takes off his shoes. Korra falls backward on the bed.
"I don't feel so good. I want to go home. Take me home." Her eyes begin to close.
"No, you can't leave so soon. We're just getting started."
"No, I don't want to," she says as he climbs on top of her to kiss down her neck. She weakly tries to push him away. "Stop."
"You don't really want me to stop. You want this." He pulls her dress up.
"Kuvira…" Bolin hisses.
"Do not move," she demands.
"No," Korra mumbles, slowly passing out.
Her dress is up to her underwear now.
"Go, go, go!" Kuvira cries.
They rush the hallway, guns out. Bolin kicks down the door and then they methodically go inside.
"RCPD!"
"Hands up!"
"Hands up, don't move!"
"Now, slowly get up and walk toward me. Keep your hands up. Now, down to your knees and lie on your stomach."
"Pat him down," Kuvira orders. "June, search the room."
Iroh pats him down thoroughly. "He's clean."
Kuvira takes the gun off of him and talks in her radio. "We need a bus to the White Lotus Hotel. I have an officer that ingested an unknown substance."
"His inside pocket of his jacket, sergeant," June says.
"Korra's breathing," Mako says.
Kuvira sighs in relief. "Ken Tanaka, you are under arrest for the attempted rape of detective…"
#
Mako, Iroh, and Akari's, (or as Opal has begun to call them, Imakari) housewarming party is in full swing. The wine is flowing and the guests are all mingling about, enjoying the artful decorations that Akari has expertly placed around the house, the furniture that is completely Iroh with its modern designs that still pay homage to his Fire Nation roots, and Mako's neat and simple organizational skills.
Everyone is shocked that somehow, it works. The three of them seem to have fit into each other's lives while still maintaining a sense of self and everyone can see where the small touches are.
It's Bolin who comes and remarks on it, pulling his brother into their bedroom.
"I just wanted to tell you if I haven't already that I'm so incredibly happy for you and that you make me proud. I haven't seen you this relaxed and happy in a very long time, bro."
"Thanks, Bo," Mako grunts as Bolin pulls him into one of his crushing hugs. "It's been a bumpy ride," he admits.
"I can imagine. But, you're living your truth. And you're living with and dating two smoking hot people. The naysayers are just jealous," he adds with a smile.
"The other day, someone left a note in my locker saying that Iroh and I should lose our jobs. I thought about turning it in, but I didn't want it to be a thing."
Bo stares at him wide-eyed. "It is a thing if you're being harassed. Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
Mako shrugs. "Because you have enough going on. I walked into the elevator last week and some rookie asked if I was the girl in the relationship out of me and Iroh. I ripped him a new one. But, the thing is, I'll probably never be seen as manly again no matter what I do. That's the stigma. Guys like us aren't supposed to like guys. But, that's the thing. I like my women feminine and I like Iroh… masculine. How do I explain that?"
"You shouldn't have to explain a damn thing to anyone. Look around you. Look at what you've built. You did that together with them, with the people you love. At the end of the day, your job is to come home to them, to us, and to take care of your family. You make sure that they feel protected and loved when they're with you. There's nothing more masculine than that."
Mako just nods as he blinks back tears. Bolin squeezes his shoulder and chuckles.
"I know, I know. When did I get so smart?" Bolin asks jokingly.
"You're not just smart. You're kind, brave, funny, and the best damn brother I could have ever hoped for."
#
Asami, Opal, Jinora, and Akari are sitting with their feet in the pool listening to the story JInora's telling them.
"When I was out of town speaking with that consultant on that serial killer case, I ran into my ex."
"The guy you dated before Kai?" Opal asks.
"Yeah."
Asami and Akari look at Jinora waiting to say what the big deal is.
"I know you guys don't really know the whole story, but he beat on me and Kai saved me from him. That's how we got together."
"Oh. I'm so sorry that happened to you," Akari tells her.
"Yes, thank you for trusting us enough to tell us that," Asami adds.
"It seems like so long ago, but it really wasn't. Anyway, when he saw me, he was so terrified that he began apologizing to me for everything. On his knees. In front of everyone in the coffee shop. He even started crying and I mean it wasn't fake tears, he was sobbing like a child. I felt so bad that I pulled him outside and he told me that my dad had gone to see him."
"What? When?"
"I have no idea, but he said that my dad told him he better get therapy or else he'd make him into a eunuch and that he had men watching him. He said that he's donated money to a foundation for domestic assault survivors and that he was in anger management."
"Wow."
"Yes. I told Kai about it and he was angry and then he laughed. He said he didn't know my dad could be so scary."
"That's crazy."
"Isn't all our lives a bit crazy? Speaking of, Akari…"
"Hmm?" Akari asks, sipping her glass of wine.
"What is the craziest sex you've ever had with Iroh and Mako?" Opal boldly asks.
Akari spits out her drink and Asami chokes on her cough.
Jinora says, "Oh, I am so here for this." She downs the rest of her glass and pours another.
#
"Everything's changing," Kuvira says to Korra on their ice run.
Kuvira's driving and Korra's leaned back in the seat in a blue tank top and sunglasses. She stares out the window as the world speeds by.
"It is. But change isn't always so bad. We just have to learn to embrace it."
"I'm pregnant."
Korra slams her knee against the glove compartment. "Holy shit."
"Holy shit is right."
"Are you… happy?"
Kuvira just nods.
Korra grins. "Then congratulations! Kids are always a blessing. And since you're telling me this, I'm assuming that it's because you're allowing me to name your first-born."
"Not a chance," Kuvira says with a grin.
"Does Baatar know?"
"No."
"Does anyone else know?"
"No."
"And you're telling me this first because?"
Kuvira pulls over and takes off her seatbelt, turning to stare at Korra. "Because I think you're the most like me in the entire world. You understand me without words. You're my best friend and I know you won't judge me when I say that I'm absolutely terrified. I feel like I've just jumped out of a plane without a parachute."
"Okay. Well first, you are married to a good man. A man that worships you. He'll take care of you. He'll do anything for you and I'm sure he's one thousand percent with you on this."
"He's the one that really wanted this."
"Then, that's half the battle. But, what is it that you want?"
"I didn't think I wanted to start a family, but I do, I really do."
"Good. All that other stuff, you learn along the way. You have nine months to learn. The baby will be loved. We'll pray for good health. You have an excellent support system and the best extended family anyone could ever dream of. That little bundle that you're carrying is under my protection. What's yours is ours, Kuv and you know we have your back one hundred percent."
"But the job…"
"Isn't going anywhere. Iroh or Mako will take over your load and we'll still catch the bad guys while you sit daintily behind a desk. Your job is much more important now. The most important. No one will begrudge you that."
Kuvira turns her head trying not to cry. Korra ruffles her hair good naturedly.
"Whatever makes you happy makes me happy. And I've always wanted to be an aunt."
"Thank you, Korra."
"You don't have to thank me. We're family. I love you."
"I love you too, Kor."
"The ice is melting. Let's get back so you can tell your husband the news."
Kuvira starts the car.
"Just don't call me to bring you ice cream and pickles."
Kuvira laughs.
#
Iroh, June, Baatar, and Kai finish their poker game with Kai throwing in all his cards and slapping his forehead.
"That's what I get for trying to outsmart a literally genius and two people who decipher body language for a living."
"It's okay, Kai. To be fair, poker is what helped me pay my way through college," Baatar tells him.
"So, you're saying we've been hustled," June observes, taking in her meager winnings.
"I'm saying that you asked if I wanted to play poker and I said yes," Baatar responds.
"Well, it's all in fun guys," Iroh adds.
"Of course you'd say that, you didn't just lose your house," Kai says dramatically.
"Neither did you."
"Only because I know when I'm being outsmarted."
They laugh.
"You know, this is the most fun I had in a long time. I've never hung out with my coworkers before, not even for a drink after work," June tells them.
"Well, maybe we can make this a habit. No need for any of us to be strangers. You guys are welcome here anytime. We're just grateful to have people in our lives that aren't judging us constantly," Iroh tells them.
"Life is too short to sacrifice one's happiness for the approval of others," June responds.
"So, what do you do that others don't approve of?" Kai asks curiously.
June shrugs. "Nothing much. I just like older men."
"How old is old?" Baatar asks.
"Well…"
#
"They were making out and I was alternating going down on both of them when…" Akari says.
"We're back," Korra calls out stepping into the backyard.
All the ladies groan.
"You have the timing of my father," Jinora says.
"Huh? Did I interrupt something," Korra asks as Kuvira goes to look for Baatar.
"Yes," they all respond at once.
Asami stands and kisses Korra on the cheek as she stares at everyone stupidly.
"Uh, sorry, I guess?"
"You should be," Jinora huffs.
Akari laughs. "Another time ladies. I'm getting a bit hungry. What about you all?"
Korra's stomach growls in response.
"Of course you are," Opal says. "Honestly, between you and Bolin, I don't know who's worse."
"Come on ladies. Let's see if my dad's done with the food," Akari says.
#
In the front yard, Kuvira holds Baatar's hands wondering if he can feel how badly they're shaking.
"What's wrong, baby? Did something happen? Do you have to leave for a case?" he asks worriedly.
"No, no nothing like that. I just wanted to be alone with you for a moment."
"Okay."
She takes a deep breath. "You've always been good to me, even when I probably didn't deserve it."
"You always deserve it," he says with a smile.
"Of course you'd say that. But seriously. I know my flaws. I know I can be difficult. I pretend that I'm always right and I know that there's plenty that I have been wrong on. But, there is one thing that I've definitely gotten right."
He raises an eyebrow. "And what is that?"
"Marrying you. Growing with you. Learning how to love you more every day, leaping into that next chapter of life with you. The chapter where we add on to our family. A piece of you and me running around the house."
She pauses as he slowly processes what she says.
"Jr., I'm pregnant."
His eyes go wide and his mouth forms an "o." Then, he scoops her up and spins her around screaming in excitement. She can't help but laugh at his antics. His hoops and hollers bring out the rest of the guests. He sets her down as her team piles outside out of instinct, wary of any danger that might be present.
"Everything okay?" Bolin asks.
"Yes! She's pregnant! Kuvira's going to have my baby!" Baatar yells in delight, pulling her into a hug and kissing her forehead, cheeks, and then lips.
The krew is silent and then, Opal runs out the door and pulls them into a hug, the rest of the team follows.
If you ask Kuvira later if she cried, she'll deny it, but according to Opal, she totally did.
