A week after the Equalist rally, the nightmare persists. Every night. Unchanging. Equalist chi blockers swarm her. Amon appears from the shadows to take her bending.
And no one mourns the loss of Avatar Korra.
The nightmares worsen after Amon makes his first speech on the radio with the promises made to his listeners at the rally. ' The time has come for benders to live in fear.'
Having the words linger breaks Korra's focus on training. But she forces her way through every session as she had in mastering the other three elements. That stubbornness and determination do not help ease the heaviness in her heart and dark shadows looming over her. Feelings she ignores during the day, but resurface every evening when she joins Tenzin and his family for dinner.
He doesn't seem so tough. It's easy to threaten every bender in the world when you hide behind a mask and an army of idiots! Her thoughts drown the deep hum of Tenzin's voice as he gives thanks for their meal.
"I'm not interrupting, am I?" A water tribe man dressed in a finely tailored suit of blues and greys bows to the gathered table.
"This is my home, Tarrlok." Tenzin stands to protest the interrupting visitor, "we're about to eat dinner."
"Good," Tarrlok smiles at the older man and sweeps into the room, "because I am famished. Airbenders never turn away a hungry guest, am I right?"
"I suppose," the airbending patriarch sighs and sits back down as his wife frowns at him.
Tarrlok approaches Korra and with an air of sophistication says, "Ahh, you must be the famous Avatar Korra. It is truly an honor. I am Councilman Tarrlok, a representative from the Northern Water Tribe."
Korra stands and bows. "Nice to meet you."
As they sit, Tenzin's younger daughter leans over in the councilman's face. "Why do you have three pony-tails?" Ikki sniffs the air around him. "And how come you smell like a lady? You're weird." She sits back on her cushion with a grumpy pout.
"Well," Tarrlok grins awkwardly at Ikkia and says, "aren't you... precocious." He turns his attention to Korra. "So, I've been reading all about your adventures in the papers. Infiltrating Amon's rally, now that took some real initiative."
Huh, she's right, Korra thinks when a cloud of floral cologne creeps up her nose. What is that? Lavender? Seems kinda girly. Korra shakes the thought and scent out of her head as she says, "Oh, thanks." She shrugs and pushes another piece of tofu around her plate. "I think you're the first authority figure in the city who's happy I'm here."
"Republic City is much better off now that you've arrived," he says in a honeyed voice.
"Enough with the flattering, Tarrlok," Tenzin huffs. "What do you want from Korra?"
He holds up his hand. "Patience, Tenzin. I'm getting to that. As you may have heard, I am assembling a task force that will strike at the heart of the revolution and I want you to join me."
"What?" Tenzin sneers at the other councilman.
Tarrlok rests his elbows on the table and leans closer to her to emphasize his words "I need someone who will help me attack Amon directly, someone who is fearless in the face of danger, and that someone is you."
Fearless he says…
"Join your task force? I can't." Korra pops another piece of food into her mouth.
"I...must admit, I'm rather surprised. I thought you'd jump at the chance to help me lead the charge against Amon."
"Me too," her mentor mutters.
In a convincing tone, at least hopefully convincing to them, Korra calmly says, "I came to Republic City to finish my Avatar training with Tenzin. Right now I just need to focus on that."
"Which is why this opportunity is perfect," the young councilman insists. "You would get on the job experience while performing your Avatar duty for the city."
"Korra gave you her answer. It's time for you to go." The tone Tenzin used wasn't opened for further debate.
Tarrlok stands and bows. "Very well. But, I'm not giving up on you just yet. You'll be hearing from me soon. It has been a pleasure, Avatar Korra."
As he leaves, Ikki hops up from her cushion with a puff of her airbending and shouts, "Bye-bye, Pony-tail Man!"
After dinner, Korra sits on the stone steps in the courtyard rubbing Naga's belly when a sentry comes over the short hill escorting Bolin. The young earthbender strolls over with his hands behind his back and humming a tune. "Hello, fellow teammate!"
"Hey, Bolin."
"Missed you at practice this week."
Her fingers twirl Naga's fur. "Yeah, sorry about that."
He shrugs, "Aww, that's alright. We're probably out of the tournament anyway unless some money miraculously drops out of the sky by tomorrow. Anyway, the reason I came by was to give you this. Ta-da!"
His large calloused hands hold a dainty rose and a pink cupcake with cherries on top. Pabu chirps and jumps off of his shoulder.
"Wow, thanks," she says and carefully takes the gifts, "but, what's this for?"
Bolin rubs his chin with a smirk and sarcastically says, "Uhh, I can't remember now. Oh, yeah, now I remember! You saved me from Amon! "
"You were freed," she snorts and it feels good to make light of the situation; a much-needed break.
"Yeah okay but you guys still came to find me. Man, I would have been totally freaking out if he was coming at me with his creepy mask all, 'I will take away your bending forever!' I mean that is scary stuff! You know with just the thought, I still can't sleep well."
That makes two of us, Korra groans internally but hums aloud in agreement with him.
Two sentries come up the hill carrying a huge basket full of flowers and gifts followed by a scrawny office clerk. "Delivery for you, Avatar Korra," the clerk says and the sentries place the basket down next to her, "Tarrlok sends his compliments and urges you to reconsider his offer.
"Tell him I haven't changed my mind," she says bored, and waves him off. The clerk bows and leaves.
Bolin eyes the basket suspiciously. His voice surprisingly defensive as he says, "why is he bothering you?"
"Eh, he wants me to join his task force."
He mumbles low, "oh, good. Good, that sounds better. I like that better."
Korra gets up from the step, "Yeah, I gotta go do some airbending training, I'll see you later."
"Sure thing, superhero Avatar!" he shouts as she walks away.
The next week on the way to the octagon training area, she passes a group of sentries drooling over a maroon convertible Satomobile with an obnoxious, giant pink ribbon tied around it. Pft, waste of money since I don't know how to drive!
She likes anger. Anger means focus; means she won't have to think about Amon.
"I see Tarrlok's gifts are getting more and more extravagant," Tenzin says as he comes into her line of sight.
"Yeah," Korra quips and keeps up her moves. "That guy doesn't know how to take "no" for an answer."
"Korra, are you doing alright?"
"Yeah. I'm focused."
Unconvinced, Tenzin sits on the stone steps at the edge of the octagon. "Why don't you take a break?" He pats the spot next to him. "I'm glad you turned down Tarrlok but I just wanted to make sure your decision was for the right reason."
She drops her stance and sits beside him. "I'm just really focused on my airbending right now, is all."
"Right, that's what you said...you know, it's okay to be scared." He softens his voice as he says, "the whole city is frightened by what's been going on. The important thing is to talk about our fears because if we don't, they can throw us out of balance."
Balance? Great, let's just add being a coward to the list of reasons why I still can't airbend! She almost shouts it. But the Avatar has to be fearless.
"Korra, I...I'm always here for you if you want to talk." He bows and leaves to allow her to continue with her training.
In the evening, Korra lounges on the railing to the main building's porch, watching Ikki and Jinora play Pai Sho on a table below.
The voice of the office clerk from before catches her attention. "Avatar Korra, I have something for you."
She hops down from the railing to confront the page. "It doesn't matter how many gifts Tarrlok sends, I'm not joining his task force!" She uses earthbending to turn the sentry around, then kicks him in the butt to send him away.
"I-It's not a gift! It's an invitation."
"To what?"
"A gala in your honor." He pulls a dark card from his vest and holds it out for her. "The councilman humbly requests your attendance."
The sentry escorting him says, "Master Tenzin has been informed and is gathering a squad of sentries for attendance if you accept."
Korra takes the card with suspicion and the clerk leaves behind the sentry.
"Maybe you could invite your boyfriend," Ikki sings in a mocking tone. Korra whips around and bumps the Pai Sho table with a small earthbending pillar, making her whine and pout.
Grinning smug, Korra walks into the main building while flipping the invitation over a few times; thick parchment, swirls of silver and blue bordering the edges, and finely written calligraphy too pretentious for her to read. "No one's ever thrown a party in my honor, but a gala sounds too fancy," she groans, "it'll probably be a bunch of old people. But...it doesn't have to be!"
She runs into Tenzin's office and has the operator connect her to Toza's gym. The old earthbender answers in a huff, "Toza's Gym whadda ya want?!"
"Uhh, this is Korra, the Fire Ferret waterbender-"
"Toza," Bolin laughs in the background, "you can't keep answering the phone so angry." The old man grumbles her name and Bolin's voice rings in through the earpiece in his usual hilarious flirty tone, "Well, hey hey there Korra. It's awful late to be making phone calls ya know."
She snorts a laugh then says, "I hope you guys have a set of nicer clothes because you're invited to a party."
"Whoa sweet, what kind of party?!"
"Councilman Tarrlok is hosting a gala for me and since it's in my honor, I'm sure he won't mind me inviting you guys."
"Okay hold on!" His voice becomes a bit distant from the earpiece as he shouts for his brother, "Mako! Hey Mako! Do we still have the suits Asami got us?"
Mako...in a suit? If there was someone she wanted out of her head more than Amon, it was him. But he could make a good distraction.
Her heart rate jumps as Bolin tells his brother about the gala then drops as in the background he says, "Yeah, I dunno about that…"
"Aww, come on bro, there's gonna be a ton of amazing food! I don't know about you, but I can take a break from instant noodles and plain rice."
"Alright," Mako gives in. "Maybe we can sneak some out too."
"If Tarrlok's trying to get on my good side, he won't make a fuss about it. I'm sure Tenzin is taking Oogi there so we'll pick you guys up in half an hour," Korra says, her voice more excited than she thinks it should be; they aren't exactly friends yet, maybe she could skip that step.
Thankfully, her mother sent her a care package from the compound a few days prior that included a traditional water tribe style dress. Thick heavy fabric ideal for bracing against the frozen tundras harshest festival nights. Muted blues, grays, and browns common to the tribe. After she bathes, Korra splits her short hair into a warriors' wolf knot instead of the traditional half-up formal styles worn by water tribe women. She joins Tenzin outside issuing orders for the chosen White Lotus sentries to proceed to the gala, then the two of them leave for the arena on the sky bison, Oogi
Okay, relax! This party won't be that big of a deal. Plus I'm going with the boys and it'll be fine.
What is not fine is the little jolt of nerves springing up to her neck and scalp when Mako comes out of the arena dressed in an expensive tailored suit; black and dark grey with a touch of his signature red; form-fitting especially around his wide shoulders.
"You look great!" She grins.
"Thanks, so do you," Mako says, somewhat distracted from adjusting his scarf around his collar. "Bo's coming in a second."
One cue, Bolin runs out of the arena dressed in similar colors with his earthbender green. He's barefoot, shoes in one hand, chasing Pabu with a tiny black and white vest in the other. Pabu jumps over Mako as he climbs onto the sky bison and hides behind Korra.
"Korra grab him!" Bolin shouts.
She picks up the squirming fire ferret and he climbs over the edge of Oogi's saddle as the sky bison takes off towards the gala.
He dresses a grumpy Pabu. "Finally! Hey, thanks for inviting us Korra, and for the ride Master Tenzin."
"It's not a problem." The airbending master bows his head and says, "Korra hasn't had the best experience with the public media and I have no doubt Tarrlok has invited half the city, so when he said she wanted to invite friends to make herself feel more comfortable, I couldn't deny the request."
Is there some ancient rule somewhere that says all masters need to embarrass their students!?
"Pft, comfortable?" she snorts and flicks her wrist. "Nah, I figured the party might get boring so why not invite you guys."
"Hmm, maybe you can sweet talk our way into finding us a sponsor there," Bolin suggests as he ties his two-tone dress shoes to his feet.
They arrive at a brightly lit building with long banners of Korra at the entrance. Inside the golden, glittering ballroom, rows of decorated chest height tables boarders a massive water tribe style weaved rug. A small band high up on a platform plays the city's latest bumping jazz hits. Colorful spreads of dishes stews, fried and seared across a mile-long table attracts Bolin and Pabu who sprint towards it. Mako shakes his head and follows after them as a round of applause welcomes the Avatar and her entourage.
A bit bashful at the attention, Korra gaps, "I can't believe this is all for me."
Tenzin lowers his voice for her, "I'm not sure what Tarrlok's plotting but keep your guard up. It's not like him just to throw a party for the fun of it."
The young councilman materializes from the gathered party goers with arms opened wide. He greets her with a warm welcome. "So glad you could make it, Avatar Korra. If you'll excuse us," he motions for her to follow him through the crowd, "the city awaits its hero."
For the next hour or so, Councilman Tarrlok steers Korra around to meet several important movers and shakers; industrialists, entertainers, politicians. Every last one tripping over themselves to impress the Avatar and have their names remembered. Several in awe at her bravery for infiltrating an Equalist rally. Try as she might give credit to Mako and Bolin, the brothers' involvement was merely waved off as sidekick assistance. The councilman continues to guide her around the gala at dizzying speeds. There are too many names and faces to try to remember. None truly worthy of memory so far until he turns her around towards a pair of goddesses.
An older woman with the type of beauty and grace ancient men started wars over and a younger one; a near mirror image of the other, but less absorbed in the attention of bowing and gushing guests. Luxurious, modelesque figures dressed in modern style gowns in dark shades of reds and pinks. Twin porcelain powered faces highlighted with darkly stained lips the colors of crushed berries. Their finely sculpted high-blood facial features are framed by hair darker than the blackest Southern night sky, Korra half expects a streak of constellations to dance between the curls.
Geez with looks like that, why should the rest of us have bothered dressing up? As if she needs another hit to her decreasing self-confidence, Korra realizes one of them is Asami.
"Korra," Tarrlok says, "it is my pleasure to introduce to the beloved wife and daughter of Republic City's most famous industrialist, Yasuko Sato, and Asami Sato."
"It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Sato, and actually, Asami and I have already met a few times," Korra says with a cheerful grin.
"You look great Korra," Asami says and smiles at her.
When Korra was a little girl, her mother used to say, 'the best way to know if someone is genuinely happy is if their eyes smile when they do. It's how you know they mean it.'
Something about Asami's eyes makes her want to hide away with her tail tucked between her legs as if someone shouldn't be that happy to see her; not when she's done nothing to deserve it.
"I-thanks," Korra says with an awkward crooked grin, "you two look...wow, amazing! I...sort of... feel out of place."
"Oh, nonsense, you look appropriate," Mrs. Sato's breathy laugh could bring men to their knees. "You know my daughter had much to say about your daring rescue for your friend."
"Really?" Korra asks, surprised. "Well, she was supposed to help us, but the driver came to get her."
Asami's eyes wide-eyed as her mother arches a perfectly manicured eyebrow and says, "oh...I see. Well, regardless, we're all expecting great things from you."
At the reminder that she has yet to accomplish anything worthy of the Avatar's title, Korra meekly replies, "Right….greatness…"
Mrs. Sato bows to her before inclining her head to Asami then walking away. Her daughter follows like a disobedient child about to be scolded.
Korra whispers, "Did I just get you in trouble?!"
"I don't know," Asami stops to whisper back. "My mother isn't a fan of me doing anything remotely adventurous ."
"I am so sorry!" she groans and grimaces.
Asami waves her concern aside with a gentle smile, "It's okay."
Korra twists her hands over the fabric of her dress as she walks towards her mother. To add insult to injury, her current number one fan passes by. "Chief Beifong!" Tarrlok gestures to her. "I believe you and Avatar Korra have already met."
The grizzled metalbender scoffs and gets in her face. "Just because the city's throwing you this big to-do don't think you're something special. You've done absolutely nothing to deserve this."
Korra glares at her back when she walks away. Ugh, rude! Hopefully, this meet and greet will be over soon.
"This way Korra," Tarrlok says and ushers her to a gathering of journalists waiting for her at the bottom of a large stairway. They swarm like shark-piranhas as the councilman leads her to the top step. "If you'd be so kind, they just have a couple of questions."
Aw, not this again! A hint of panic bubbles in her gut. Beyond the journalists, Tenzin stands with the sentries. Korra steps back to retreat, but Tarrlok grabs her out in front of him, leaving her to fend for herself against the bloodthirsty press.
"Avatar Korra, you witnessed Amon take away people's bending firsthand. How serious a threat does he pose to the innocent citizens of Republic City?"
"Uh, I think he presents a real problem."
"Then why have you refused to join Tarrlok's task force? As the Avatar, shouldn't you be going after Amon?"
Her eyes sting from the cameras flashing. "Well, I-"
But the journalists are relentless. "Why are you backing away from this fight?"
"What?!" she snarls, "No, I've never backed away from anything in my life!"
"You promised to serve this city. Are you going back on that promise now?"
"Do you think Pro-Bending is more important than fighting the revolution?"
Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!
"How do you think Avatar Aang would've handled this?"
"Are you afraid of Amon?"
"I'm not afraid of anybody!" she roars. I'm not afraid of him! She forces down the flames in her guts then as calmly as she says, "If the city needs me, then, I'll join Tarrlok's task force and help fight Amon."
Tarrlok claps her shoulder and cheers, "there's your headline, folks!"
Crap. Flashing bulbs and exciting questions drown the shame of catching Master Tenzin shaking his head in disappointment.
MAKO
What a mess. Mako watches the journalists lose their shit over Korra's high brow decision. Looks like we're losing our waterbender again.
"Are you gonna finish that crab puff?" Bolin asks as he shoves three pieces down his throat.
Mako pops the half bitten morsel of food into his mouth then asks, "You see where Asami went?"
"Umm," Bolin says with his mouth full and looks around, "she's not with her mom, so she might be with Hanai?"
Great...
His brother gulps down his food and says, "that's if she's here. This is a party in Korra's honor and I don't think they'll be friends anytime soon."
"Yeah," Mako mutters, "but the Guo name holds weight in the city and they were likely one of the first invited." He scans the crowd as his brother and Pabu continue stuffing their faces down an assembly line at the buffet table.
Having seen Mr. Guo's burn scars, it's no wonder to him that his daughter shares some of the Equalists' sentiments. A brief moment of self-loathing crosses his mind; amplified by the memory of the rally's vocal anti-bender audience and he sighs internally, Does she hate me because I was a jerk to her in the past? Or… does she hate me because I'm a firebender?
Ugh! Why do I care what she thinks!?
He didn't give Hanai much thought when he and Korra ran into her with her father and Asami the day before. In fact, on that second look, he thought she hadn't really changed much. "Butterface" wasn't an appropriate nickname for her anymore, but she's still the annoying "good girl" he remembered her to be.
Hopefully, since he and Asami aren't together anymore, she might try to make the two of them be friends like she used to. He has half a mind to ask his ex-girlfriend if she'd convince her mother to have the company be the team's sponsor again. He groans. That'll never happen...maybe the councilman has a tab open at the bar.
The crowd gathered makes maneuvering around to the ballroom a chore, but he reacts quickly with a few muttered apologies to anyone he brushes past. The packed, rowdy bar comes into view a few feet away.
The young, broody firebender takes a step and the distance becomes miles; leagues; until the bar is an ocean's length away.
The band stops except for the drummer playing a steady rhythm. It climbs to a racing tempo. Faster. Wilder. The pounding drums vibrate in Mako's ribcage, rising to lodge itself in his throat.
Another step and everyone disappears.
No one exists, but him… and the girl at the bar.
No words.
No thoughts.
His breathing uneven as the world falls to nothing more than her.
No! I'm not doing this again. I don't have time for dating, he mentally chastises himself, but his body betrays him. He can't turn away; locked on her.
Young. His age, maybe. She has to be to pull off that dress. A floor-length satin gown in a rosy cream color with intricate ivory crystals; colors paler in contrast to the hints of warm tan skin. Lacy long sleeves with a high neck and dangerously low open back. His eyes trace the soft curve of her exposed shoulder blades and his mouth dries up like he sucked on a pair of cotton socks.
She's short-too short to get noticed by a couple of big wigs and she darts to avoid being sandwiched between. Her little bounce to get noticed by a bartender causes a ripple in her gown that pulls the fabric tight around her healthy waist and generous hips.
For a shameful moment, Mako wonders if she's wearing the strappy heels with the ribbon around the ankles that he likes. Heat crawls up his neck and face.
Damnit...
A giddy reporter doesn't notice the girl and she gets shoved to the floor with a furious pout. Blame it on biology or his deep-rooted need to be a protector, but Mako jumps in to rescue the damsel-in-distress. Cool-under-fire. He bends a knee to help her up. "Excuse me, Miss, are you alright?"
"Mako? I didn't think you'd be here." Asami's voice behind him brings him to a halt.
The dream girl turns her face in his direction. Her annoyed, puffy cheeked pout fades.
What. The . Fuck.
"H-hanai?!"
"Expecting somebody else?" she asks then stands to fix her gown. The bartender leaves a dark whiskey on the glass top that she grabs and brushes past a paralyzed Mako without a second glance. That's... impossible. There's no way! She's so beautiful-No! What the fuck is wrong with me?! This is Hanai! S-she can't look like that! Or so he tries to convince himself.
But his traitorous body turns as Hanai joins Asami standing with Mr. Guo. She hands her father the drink and takes a flute of champagne from a passing platter that she sips while trying her best to avoid the firebender's extremely obvious and extremely rude open-mouthed gawking.
"Mako, did you hear what I said?" Asami asks him concerned.
"No," he whispers, then clears his throat but chokes. Mr. Guo holds out his whiskey, but Mako flails his hand to deny it. "I-I'm fine, thanks! What, uh, what did you say Asami?!"
"You hate events like this. Did Korra invite you and Bolin?" The heiress looks over the people to try and find his brother or Korra.
"Uh, yeah." His eyes linger on her friend quietly sipping her drink. Greedy blazing eyes etch every unnoticed feature onto his brain like a red hot brand. Her affectionate doll-like face with an adorable stubby nose and wide cheekbones. The deep arch in the bow of her top lip and the softness of the plump bottom. And those eyes...
Her father pulls his focus away as he says, "the city is in a buzz about the Avatar's daring infiltration of the rally. It's difficult to believe Amon is capable of such terrifying power. I am relieved your brother was not harmed and for not believing your claims of his kidnapping, my daughter and I owe you both and the Avatar our sincerest apologies."
The businessman's daughter looks up at Mako and for the first time in years, the cool-under-fire pro-bender is anything but.
Daunting storm clouds gather in the depths of guarded slate blue eyes. Gentle chestnut waves fall over one of her shoulders as she copies her father's low bow. Dark lashes fan wide cheekbones from her lowered gaze.
Mako clears his throat without embarrassing himself this time and says, "I don't blame either of you for it. No one knew what they were planning, but thankfully we got away safely."
The older man smiles courteously then bows his head to Asami and his daughter. "If you'll excuse me, I have a few investors to speak with."
After her father steps away, Hanai hardly engages in Asami's conversation as Mako attempts to process the shock of seeing her like this.
That drink would have been a blessing right now. She probably hated having to say sorry to me...and I doubt she heard me say it at the park.
"Hanai," the sound of her name leaving his throat squeezes his heart in an unwelcome vice grip, "I'm sorry about that lunch. And for bringing up Tahno. I shouldn't have. I...I-I'm surprised you're here," he rubs the back of his neck and changes the topic of her ex-boyfriend when her hands tighten around her glass.
Her brows furrow and her voice is guarded as she says, "I'm here on behalf of my mother's organization, and I was hoping to get another chance to invite her to one of the meetings."
Asami, his saving grace, eases the tension. "I think Korra and Councilman Tenzin would be great additions to the organization. I know for a fact having Korra be a part of them will bring a higher attendance."
Hanai exhales heavily, "That'd be great, actually there were only a handful of people at the first one." She stands on her toes and swivels her head to look for them.
His towering height over her grants him a better view. When did he develop such a pleasurable joy for being so tall?
"Looks like Tarrlok is still taking her around to meet with people," he says. From his peripherals, Hanai shudders. She throws back her drink and grabs another one from a passing waiter that she quickly chugs down.
"Woah! Easy there, Killer!" Mako jokes, but she ignores him. His eyes turn back to Korra with Tarrlok; the councilman sporting a sly smirk fitting of a politician as he talks. Right. Damnit, I completely forgot about that. That's why she's barely talking.
The waiter comes back for Hanai's empty glass which she exchanges for another full one. Her thumb brushes away a droplet of champagne left on her dusky rose painted lips and a heatwave hits Mako's body.
It travels south. Past his heart. Stomach.
Settling lower.
He stares up at the ceiling to try and ignore it. This is fucked up; she's Asami's friend. She hates me and I… I don't like her.
But what reason did he have? He found her annoying before because of Tahno, but they aren't a thing anymore and he only clashed with her at the diner because he brought him up. As for the point of being his ex-girlfriend's childhood friend, Asami wasn't the jealous type, but he assumes she'll lose her mind if she thought he was trying to use Hanai as she did for Korra. He isn't trying to. He wants...he isn't sure what he wants. Her? His heart gallops. For what reason? The drastic change in her looks? He'd like to think he isn't that shallow anymore, but he is only eighteen. Looks aside, he knows almost nothing about her. Fat chance of that changing if she hates him. Her gaze locks on to her father. Mako's fear of having this be the last chance to change her opinion of him startles him more than the bewilderment as to why?
"Is the dress one of Asami's hand-me-downs?" He spits out and motions to the gown with a point of his chin. His knees weaken from one of her disobedient waves falling over her shoulder as she looks down at herself.
Asami beams, "It is, but I think it looks much better on her, don't you think?"
"Yeah sure," he agrees. Feeling overly confident that Hanai hasn't thrown her drink at him yet, he smirks and teases, "for being such a shorty."
The hurt in her eyes makes him want to scream. The need multiplies from her disheartened voice as she says, "there isn't anything wrong with being short."
She turns to leave and he panics. "No! I-I didn't mean it like it that, I, I-"
"-Mako and I wore the same clothes for years when we were kids." Bolin, with a platter of food, slides into the rescue. "These suits are the same ones Asami got us when she snuck us into her mother's banquet last year," he says through a mouthful then huffs and fakes a pathetically sad pout, "I sure wanted to get Pabu a suit too."
"He would have looked far too handsome," Asami says. The fire ferret hops out of Bolin's vest and curls himself around Hanai's neck with happy chirps.
"True," Hanai teases, "then he'd steal all your fangirls." Pabu slumps down her shoulders and melts into her arms as she scratches under his chin. The furry scoundrel purrs smugly as he stares at Mako.
Rub it in why don't you? "Pabu," he scolds him with a nasty glare, "you're shameless."
"Oh I wouldn't say so," Hanai giggles light and sweetly. The sound vibrates his spine. "He knows exactly what he's doing, don't you Pabu?"
He curls in her arms, up around her neck again then hops up on Mako's shoulder. When the ferret's tail swipes across his face, the scent of peaches and panda lilies swirls in his head. His heart and soul flutter from the influx of warm and loving memories of his mother.
Panda lilies. It had to be panda lilies. Of course, she'd smell like that...
"Out of your uniforms," Hanai says with a sweet smile leftover from Pabu's playfulness, "you guys clean up well."
"Thanks, you too," Mako says automatically.
She blinks and grins uncomfortably, "thank you."
Ouch. Ladies and gentlemen, the Champ takes a dive into the Drink, the brooding devil on his shoulders cackles maniacally. No amount of interference from the witnesses might help him recover. But Bolin sweeps in to pick up for his misstep.
His brother swallows his bite and asks, "Soo Hanai, now that your back, do you know if any of your dancer friends are single?"
"I'm not sure-"
Mako, annoyed by his brother, cuts in hoping to fix his mistake, "you have enough fangirls following you around, you don't need any of the pretty dancers-"
"Whoa hold on a minute!" Bolin gasps and points at him with a pastry, "I didn't know you think they're pretty too. Which one? It better not be Kyona!"
Shit! "No that's not what I meant. None of them are!"
Asami nudges him in the ribs as a young Fire Nation man wearing a deep red United Forces Navy uniform walks up behind them and says, "That's unfortunate, but they do say beauty is in the eye of the beholder."
Hanai glows like the damn arena and gives him a light hug. "Iroh! What are you doing here?!"
Who the fuck is this guy?! The jealousy from that touch burns down the last sliver of Mako's embarrassment.
"Well, it's a pleasure to see you too," the young sailor chuckles as Hanai steps out of the embrace then shakes his head. "I heard you left the capital. Were you ever going to tell any of us?"
"Your sister would have ordered the guards to lock down the docks. And you would have helped her," she accuses with a sly grin and arched brow.
He tips his chin up and looks down at her from his nose. "By sending word to my commanding officers that an honored guest of the royal family was taken captive by pirates? Of course."
The way he smirks at her. The way she looks up at him. Is she blushing? Mako hates him. Raw fury claws at his back.
It boils and festers from the way she purrs, "Mhmm, then the prince playing toy sailor would have his first glorious high seas tale to brag about."
"I'm guessing you two know each other?" Bolin asks through another mouthful.
Hanai scrunches up her face as if she forgot about the rest of them. "I'm sorry. This is Fire Prince-"
"Shh," he hushes her and lowers his head to her height, "not so loud. It's Lieutenant Iroh here. The newspapers will go into a frenzy if they find out."
Then why show up at all...
Bolin whispers in shock, "Wait the Fire Nation Prince? Like… related to Fire Lord Zuko?!"
Iroh tucks his hands behind his back as he leans down to frown at Hanai. She mouths an 'oops' and dips her chin to hide her closed mouth laugh as he says, "The very same, although my grandfather spends most of his time away since my mother took the throne."
After Hanai introduces Iroh to them, Mako fades into the crowd to sulk his way to the bar. A prince? An actual prince. What chance does some ex-triad pro-bender from the streets have against the real fucking prince charming?
ASAMI
Asami asks Iroh, "What brings you to the gala, Lieutenant?"
"Some of the officers received invitations, and I needed the break in training," he cocks his head and takes a tall glass of something crimson from a passing waiter.
Hanai teases him. "You mean you needed a break from your nanny?"
The handsome prince flushes crimson as he sputters his drink then glares at her. He clears his throat and corrects, "I haven't had a nanny since I was fourteen and they're called governesses in the capital, thank you very much."
"And how exactly did you two meet?" Asami continues with her interrogation of them.
In the twelve years that she's known Hanai, her best friend never once mentioned knowing the Fire Nation Royal Family, let alone have such a personal relationship with the Crown Prince. He's the most eligible bachelor in the Fire Nation, she wonders, could they secretly be together? No-she would have told me.
Mako rejoins them from the bar; stiff drink in hand and a darker shade of gray across his stoic face. Hmm, Asami wonders, he's not as lively as before. He certainly seemed to be in shock at seeing Hanai. I hope my theory isn't right...
"My grandmother's home is down the hill from the royal family's beach house on Ember Island," Hanai says.
"And my grandfather is highly fond of the memories of the time Avatar Aang and their friends spent there, that he often snuck my sister and I out of the academy. However," Iroh takes a sip from his drink and looks off in the distance with a slightly amused gaze, "there was always a little girl who often destroyed my sandcastles claiming it was justly deserved for having such terrible fortifications…"
Hanai rolls her eyes and tries to hide her devious grin. "The western wall didn't exist and your moat was flooding the courtyard!"
"I was ten!" The prince counters in mock offense and she laughs.
"Your grandfather agreed," she smiles, "but I'm sure your nanny would have lost his wig."
Bolin leans his head to peek around Iroh's shoulder then asks, "Speaking of nannies, is yours a short, bald guy, covered in medals with a puffy mustache and a belly that can totally be used as a floaty?"
"Damn," Iroh cusses into his drink and lowers his head.
Asami's mind raced at the possibilities it creates from analyzing Hanai and the prince's relationship as she wraps her arm around his elbow and softly giggles, "Don't worry dear Prince, I'll save you."
The two melt into the crowd while Korra joins Asami and the brothers. With an embarrassed grumble she says, "Well, that interview could've gone better."
"So does that mean you won't be at practice that often?" Bolin asks with a sad little pout.
Korra sighs and says, "I dunno, I pretty much just announced to the whole city I'd help him. I can't go back on my word now. Hey by the way," she turns her attention to Asami and points her thumb over her shoulder, "was that Hanai? I wanted to apologize to her for the other day. She isn't mad about it is she?"
"Dunno," Mako shrugs and scoffs before he takes a sip of his drink, "she seems fine with that Lieutenant around."
Asami stares at him suspiciously, is that jealousy? "You know," she says to him, "you've been acting kind of strange since that lunch at the diner. Are...you alright?"
"Fine" he argues and narrows his eyes at her.
"I dunno, you seem on edge, more than some fancy party would cause. And you've been surprisingly polite to Hanai."
"Mhm," Bolin agrees and empties his platter, "you were a lot meaner to her before she left." He points between his brother and Asami, "isn't that why you two broke up the first time?"
"You guys dated?!" Korra asks wide-eyed.
"It was a while ago," Mako brushes her off, "and I wasn't always mean to Hanai. Blame her ex, not me, I've got nothing against her!"
If you say so, but I can always test that. "Then you wouldn't mind if I talk to her father about your sponsorship?" Asami asks in an overly innocent voice.
"For real!? No way!" Bolin cheers.
"It's not a guarantee," she says then turns her attention to Korra, "but I think if you agree to join some of the RCCO meetings, her father might agree to sponsor the Fire Ferrets."
"You really think so?!" Bolin asks giddily despite his brother and Korra's doubtful expression.
"I do. His company is always looking to invest in underdogs."
"We are the underdogs of the underdogs!"
"Yeah," Korra drags out while twisting a few short hairs, "I don't really know how accepted I'd be there…"
"Nonsense, I know she'll love to have you and Tenzin participate," Asami says, "Just let me do the talking."
"Hey if this works," Bolin says and leans into her. He holds a hand over his mouth, covering his face from his brother, "maybe you can convince Hanai to get Mako together with the secret dancer he has a crush on."
"A crush on who?" Korra asks, confused.
Mako gets annoyed and grumbles, "ignore him, he's reading too much into what I said."
" Oh I don't know Mako," Asami hums and gives her ex-boyfriend an all-knowing look, "you wouldn't be this worked up about it if it wasn't true."
His eyes widen by a fraction while he takes another sip from his drink. Thought so...
"Korra, I believe we should return to the island," Tenzin says as he marches to the teenagers. The unit of sentries closely behind him.
"Councilman Tenzin," Asami interrupts, "I was just telling Korra about inviting you both to join one of the Republic City Community Organization meetings."
"Ah yes," the older man says and rubs his beard, "I heard your friend will be the acting moderator for the time being."
"I'd be more than happy to introduce you to her if you have a moment to spare," Asami says with a bow of her head. Master Tenzin follows her through the crowd while the Fire Ferrets trail them closely.
As they walk, Korra asks the brothers, "so, you really think Hanai will help us?"
Mako answers, "I don't know. I'm surprised she's even here."
"Because of me?"
He shakes his head and lowers this voice, "this gala is a tough situation for her since Councilman Tarrlok is Tahno's uncle by marriage."
"No way?!" she gasps loudly then lowers her voice, "but why what does she have against him?"
Asami inclines her head over her shoulder and Korra scurries up to get closer as she whispers, "he was the one that made Hanai and Tahno's break-up public. The newspapers had a field day with all the lies they said about her."
Korra slows her pace and mumbles, "that sounds awful." She falls back with the brothers. "It's no wonder she got so defensive when you brought him up."
"Yeah," Mako admits and rubs the back of his neck, "that's why I don't think she'll agree to sponsor us."
"You gotta be more optimistic bro!" Bolin cheers. "You know... that's why you don't have any adoring fans."
Asami and her followers stop at the coat check out by the entrance of the building. The Guos receive their outer layers from the attendant as Asami introduces them to Tenzin.
"It's a pleasure to meet you both," the airbending master says and bows. "Miss. Guo, I remember hearing about your proposal for funding an orphanage project."
Hanai and her father return the courtesy as she says, "yes, I had a portion of the funding from the charity games some of the Pro-bending teams agreed to be a part of last year."
While Hanai and Councilman Tenzin discuss the details of the old project, Asami hears Mako whisper to Bolin, "did you hear about that?!"
"Yeah," he whispers back, "she came to the gym to ask if The Fire Ferrets wanted to participate, but... you, kinda-sorta, yelled at her for something Tahno said on one of you and Asami's double dates with them. She left the gym crying."
"I… don't remember that," his brother admits in a painfully grim tone.
At the sound, Asami wonders if she had the wrong idea about his intentions with Hanai. She still believes he might be interested in her, but maybe his intentions weren't entirely malignant. Another spark flares in her mental workshop at the future possibilities of two of her cherished friends becoming closer, but she stores the thoughts for another time and returns her focus to the present.
Hanai frowns at the councilman, "the proposal was immediately denied."
Asami grumbles, "no doubt due to Tarrlok's influence…"
Hanai's eyes widen. She opens her mouth to protest against her friend's accusation, but Tenzin says, "off the record Miss Sato, I am inclined to agree. Miss Guo, I understand you have reestablished your mother's organization."
Her hands grip the fabric of her gown as she admits in an embarrassed tone, "Yes, I have, unfortunately, our membership is lacking in numbers and… civility. My mother's vision was to build a stronger sense of community between benders and non-benders. However, it seems now the meetings have become a public grievance forum for both sides to shout at each other."
"Hmm," Tenzin ponders her concern with a thought brush of his chin, "the goal is noble, but unifying both sides is no easy task..."
Korra insists in a surprisingly cheerful voice, "well count me in!"
"I thought you agreed to be part of the task force?" Hanai asks suspiciously.
Asami panics. Please, for the love of all that is spiritual, don't start arguing again!
Korra crosses her finely muscled arms and with a confident smirk says, "I can do both. The Avatar is supposed to be the bridge between the human world and the spirit world, but why not also be the bridge between the human world's two populations? It's time I helped the people of Republic City like I promised."
"Hanai's mouth falls open, but she recovers quickly and stammers, "I-I… didn't think-I...thank you." She bows to Korra then adds, "there's another meeting tomorrow morning. At-at the studio. Bolin and Asami know where it is."
"I have another meeting with the company's board members," Asami grumbles, "or else I'd give you all a ride."
"We can take Naga and Oogi," Korra suggests.
"Well then, if you'll excuse us," Mr. Guo says with a bow, "it seems we have little time to spread the word of our honored guest before the morning."
He helps Hanai weave her arms through her coat sleeves as Asami hurriedly says, "Before you leave Mr. Guo, I was wondering if the company is looking to branch out the entertainment business? I have it on good authority that the probability of The Fire Ferrets winning the championship tournament this year is at an all-time high."
"Asami?" Hanai challenges her cautiously as she buttons up her coat.
"As such," Asami continues, "it would be the best opportunity for the company to invest in the team at its early stages to avoid being overlooked by other brands, especially given the prestigious status of having the Avatar as one of their players."
Mr. Guo chuckles, "it seems some of your mother's business shark tendencies are rubbing off on you. But, after what happened with my daughter and Tahno, I cannot support the league. I am very sorry."
He fixes his hat and coat and walks outside towards the line of chauffeurs in their Satomobiles. Asami grabs Hanai's hands before she can chase after him. "Hanai, think of this as a way to knock Tahno off his pedestal!"
Korra tries to win her over by saying, "it'll be so satisfying to wipe the newspapers clean of Tahno's smug face!"
Hanai shakes her head apprehensive. "My...my father already said no."
"Yes," Asami says and squeezes her hands in encouragement, "but you can change his mind."
"I...I don't want to get involved with the league," she says thickly. Her timid eyes glance past Asami's shoulder. She follows the line of sight to see Councilman Tarrlok still in the ballroom surrounded by an entourage of "yes men" and journalists.
Bastard! He's done enough damage with the lies, now she won't even go near the arena. Asami turns back to her frightened friend. "He can't do anything against you for sponsoring another Pro-bending team! He knows it'll ruin his reputation."
"I-I can't...I'm sorry." Hanai pulls her hands back and hurries down the stairs after her father, leaving her friend in a heap of disappointment.
Asami apologizes with a sigh, "I thought she would-Bolin wait!"
"Just give me a minute!" He shouts as he and Pabu run down the stairs after her.
"Damnit, Bo!" Mako curses and painfully rubs his temples.
Bolin opens the car door for Hanai to climb into the backseat. After he closes the door, he leans against the frame then crouches down when she lowers the window. Pabu crawls through and Bolin's wide shoulders and back block the view of Hanai as they talk.
"What could he be saying to her?" Korra asks Asami.
"I'm not sure," she answers.
"It doesn't matter, he's only going to make it worse!" his brother spits.
Minutes pass before Pabu crawls back through the window and hops onto Bolin's shoulder. He nods then pushes himself away from the door with a back step to let the car drive away. When he turns to the three waiting teens on the stairs, his glowing grin can power the entire city. The three rush down the stairs to swarm him in praise and hugs.
"What did you say to her?" his brother insists.
He shrugs, "eh, not much. It's all about that positive outlook ya know. Anyways, she'll have a check made for us tomorrow morning after practice. We can get it when we go to the meeting."
"But how did you change her mind?" Asami asks. "I know you're friends, but I couldn't convince her..."
"Oh I let Pabu do all the work," he smirks and scratches his buddy's chin, "like Hanai said before he knows exactly what he's doing."