10 months later
Sato Estate, Republic City
10 months after the Battle of Republic City
He waited for the phone to ring once, twice, right foot tapping the ground in nervous anticipation. His left hand held the receiver to his ear as his right grasped a hardwood object. Finally, there was a click over the line, and a brief blip of static before the connection solidified.
"Hello?" asked a groggy voice.
He smiled a little. "Hey."
A pause. "Barry?"
"Yeah, gorgeous, it's me."
Another pause. "It's 3 AM," Korra nearly whined in exasperation.
"I know. I just…didn't want to wait 'til tomorrow."
"For what?"
Barry looked down, chewing his lower lip as a smile tugged at his features. "Are you available tomorrow? Say, right before sunset?" His right thumb found a seam in the wooden object, flipping it open as he let his mouth curve. "There's somethin' I want to ask you."
"Then ask," she groaned.
"No," he replied firmly, "tomorrow. Pick you up at six?"
"Nngh…okay. Can I go back to sleep now?"
He chuckled lightly. "Yeah, you sleep. I love you."
"Love you too," she slurred, the line clicking off a moment later.
Barry just kept grinning as he set the receiver back in its cradle, eyes never leaving the small rectangular box in his hand.
Or the blue-ribboned necklace contained within.
