"Wow, there's a lot of people."
The shop was filled to the brim. And in all honesty, Korra didn't know what she was expecting when it was a Friday night, near the heart of the city, no less.
Colors of crimson and gold adorned the small cafe, giving it a nod to their roots in the Fire Nation. Apparently, the original owners were Fire Lady Mai's nieces. From what she heard from Bolin, they learned everything directly from Fire Lord Zuko. Maybe that's why it was bustling with people, Korra had to wonder.
Patrons squeezed past her and Tarrlok in a rush to try their drinks, while others were seated at tables. Some were louder than others, though the atmosphere was lighthearted, buzzing with energy, and truthfully, smelt of sugar and tea. After spending an hour listening to Tarrlok's voice - and more than likely another hour or two doing the same exact thing - she had to admit that the scents were making her stomach grumble.
Korra's been quiet since they arrived, but it was more so due to what this lesson entailed. It didn't help that Tarrlok was standing a little too close for her liking, but it couldn't be helped when people were pushing their way throughout the small shop. Small sparks of ire shot through her veins, but Korra tried to keep her temper in check when she didn't want any eyes on her, and more specifically, who she was with. It was damn near the beginning of winter, yet Korra felt her body heating at the warmth his own was emanating just a mere few centimeters behind her.
Cerulean scanned her surroundings in mild concern and a part of her desperately hoped there was some table off in a dark corner available, because one way or another, Korra knew they'd be discovered before this barely began.
Then again, most - if not all - of the people in the small shop were engrossed in their own lives to notice their Avatar and Councilman were even there. She had hoped these lessons remained behind closed doors - she didn't want the tabloids to find out and it'd ruin her only chance with Mako - but considering who she was taking instructions from, she knew she shouldn't have trusted him wholly after that tactic he used at the gala.
With an even intake of oxygen, Korra mindlessly stepped forward.
The line had been long, but at least it was going fast enough that some of her nerves relaxed the slightest bit under the constant strain. It wasn't that she was nervous about Tarrlok - he seemed to be genuinely interested in helping her without that creepy intent she knew he could possess in fleeting moments - but it was the fact that the longer she dwelled on their first lesson, the more she realized that she was completely lost. She very nearly jumped at the opportunity to put that lesson to the test with Mako earlier that morning, but Asami waltzed in with her stupidly perfect hair and stupidly perfect… everything, and ruined her chance.
Her spirits weren't completely gone, but it certainly dropped a significant amount since her first lesson. The night after it happened, she looked out at Yue Bay while leaning against Naga, relishing in the warmth, and considered Tarrlok's words. He'd been useful, sure, but Korra couldn't possibly do anything with little to no knowledge on this stuff.
She was proven right when Asami easily whispered sweet nothings in Mako's ear, or even pressed a feather-light kiss to his cheek. She wasn't sure whether that flare of indignant heat was from how much she envied Asami or something else entirely. She wished it was that easy. She wished she could confidently walk into a situation without being strong-willed, or overbearing.
It didn't necessarily help when Tarrlok was the complete opposite of Mako. Age, looks, interests. Spirits, the man looked as if he needed a bottle of wine each night to keep himself from keeling over too early. But that wasn't her problem.
Korra had already come to terms with the fact that her imagination would have to work extra hard if she really wanted to pretend Mako was accompanying her rather than an arrogant weasel-snake of a politician. However, that wasn't necessarily the case. She couldn't deny that it was a little fun to badger him. At least that was enough familiar terrain that she could muster up some tenacity and pester him simultaneously. As much as he was annoying and pretentious, the abundance of power and skill he held was admirable. And a small part of her wanted to match him. To prove him wrong.
"So, what do you recommend, Avatar?" Tarrlok asked, leaning close enough to her ear for her to hear. With her analytical thoughts of the Councilman and the memory of Asami doing something similar with Mako still fresh in her mind - a bright blush coloring his cheeks as she sauntered away - Korra tried to stop the heat from crawling up her neck.
"Um…" She drawled, attempting to bring herself out of her reverie. With an audible gulp, Korra tried to remember what was going on. Right, Tarrlok and his lessons. She shook her head and glanced at the menu hanging over the baristas moving to and fro behind the counter. "Well, was I right in thinking you like black coffee?"
She didn't dare turn her head lest she caught that hidden joke gleaming in his icy eyes. Though, it didn't matter when she could hear the evident amusement in his baritone a second later.
"You're correct."
The smug bastard. Of course, he could probably read her like an open book. Puffing out her lower lip, Korra thought back to her conversation a few hours ago with Bolin, and lingered on the 'coffee milk tea' written on the menu before skimming the other drinks absentmindedly.
"Are you okay with it being sweet? Bolin said it's pretty sugary, and no offense - or full offense - you look like you hate anything sweet… and really anything fun." Korra folded her arms underneath her bust and finally shot him a wicked glance over her shoulder.
Apparently, that didn't faze him. Tarrlok leaned in again, and pressed a warm yet firm hand to the middle of her back, guiding her ever so slightly closer to the baristas. "For someone who wants to learn from me, you sure relish insulting me."
She wanted to laugh at that, and opted for a cheeky smile. "And you don't insult me?" She questioned in return.
A moment passed. With an almost gentle pout on his features, Korra couldn't decide whether it was strange to even see him pouting or it was in some weird way endearing. But she snapped out of it. Tarrlok and 'endearing' didn't go well together. "Touche. However, you are wrong about one thing."
"Oh, really?" Sarcasm tainted her voice, attempting to keep their conversation lighthearted.
"I actually love sweets, but I prefer my coffee black." He uttered, and suddenly silence lapsed over them again. Korra didn't know why she apparently needed to know that. Tarrlok was many things, but she didn't peg him to be someone who randomly divulged in his interests. At least, not without the implication that he'd get something out of it, but even then it'd probably be a lie… maybe. "I think I'll get oolong milk tea, I don't want to be up too late." He mumbled with pursed lips, weighing his options.
When she turned to face him once again, Korra shifted her weight from one foot to the other and cocked a brow, wary. "You mean more than you usually stay up?"
Tarrlok merely looked at her - something in his eyes told her he was exhausted and part of the reason was because of her little quips - before pulling out a few bills. "What about you, Avatar Korra?" He asked, counting the yuans.
However, she didn't get to answer. "Oh, you're paying? I brought just enough for the two of us." She said, patting her thigh in an indication.
Effectively stopping, pale blue roved over her in silent question before straightening his spine and stepping forward with her. "This is a lesson, so I assumed I'd pay until you actually practice."
As much as she wanted to take that enticing offer - because, really, it was, seeing that considerable stack in his hands - she couldn't. It felt wrong despite the fact that this was Tarrlok. With a shake of her head, a sound that clearly denied his offer bubbled at the back of her throat. "Seeing that I fake asked you out, I'll pay. It's the best I can do since I asked you to do this."
Reluctantly, Tarrlok studied her with a slow smirk lining his lips. "Are you sure?" His voice dropped the slightest bit that sent all too confusing shivers down her spine.
Korra nearly flicked his bicep. It wasn't his words that irked her, more so the knowing expression on his face. She met his eyes that swam with temptation and a large part of her wanted to punch him for looking the way he did. "Just find us a table before I change my mind and order the whole damn menu." If it weren't for the sea of people, she could've guessed Tarrlok would have stumbled from her light shove. Instead, he was nudged into a couple nearby and pocketed his money.
Tarrlok seemed to consider her for another moment. Some irritation - of course - was evident as it usually was, but something indecipherable crossed his aristocratic features. "Very well." He mumbled softly, wearily, before turning away from her.
Korra eyed his back - those three distinctive ponytails ever so slightly disheveled - in a combination of mild fascination and bewilderment as she stepped closer to the front of the line. Tarrlok easily wove through the crowd before he disappeared behind a corner a moment later.
She couldn't figure the man out, and she really didn't know if she wanted to in the first place. Peculiar was he, even though the haughtiness outweighed that by a margin, but that didn't mean she should delve into that monstrosity of a mindwarp when she really should be focusing on her real goal: for Mako to break up with Asami and instead, be with her. She didn't know how Tarrlok would do it, let alone why he decided to agree with her.
Though she was more than a little glad that she found a willing 'teacher', it wasn't as though she held a knife to his throat. He never mentioned his reasons for going through with this, but there was something about the way he carried himself that even Korra sensed it was genuine. Genuine fascination? Yet another reason to boost his already large ego? She didn't know, and a large part of her didn't want to know. However, she could be completely wrong, for all she knew. Nothing changed between them, as if this wasn't even happening, in the span of a week since she asked him, and for that she was grateful.
She just hoped this wasn't all for naught.
Reaching the front of the line, Korra absentmindedly uttered her and Tarrlok's order and handed the cashier the few crinkled bills. To Korra's puzzlement, the woman's eyes twinkled with an anxious thrill behind amber orbs. That is, until she realized it was probably due to the fact that she was serving the Avatar, and upon this discovery, Korra slipped her a few extra yuans as a tip, smiling. Not even a few minutes later, her number was called. She pushed herself off the wall she leaned against and grasped her order warily.
Two drinks in hand, Korra squeezed past numerous patrons and made her way down the same path Tarrlok did. A mere turn and she found him sitting at a small table in a dim corner, right beside a large window. It was still crowded, though this extension of a room was relatively more private compared to the main one she came from.
Korra paused in her step, practically bumping into someone's side and nearly rolling her eyes when she caught sight of him. Why was he like this? As if some camera was already poised to take his photo? He should've noticed she was around the corner because he sat there, prissy, hand underneath his chin while his legs were crossed at the ankles, gazing out the window and onto the bustling street. His profile, while defined and somewhat grudgingly appealing under the dim lights, felt staged. And this was coming from someone, like him, who usually hid information - emotion - well behind a diplomatic smile and sweet yet slippery words.
Spirits, she wanted to repeat what happened last time by bending some water on his face. But this time, maybe his drink.
No, no, no. Korra shoved the thought aside. It'd only make a scene and she'd rather not have people looking their way considering what they'd be talking about. Well, actually, she wasn't quite sure what this lesson was about, but still.
It was when she nudged the chair with her booted foot that he met her eyes. It was weird how low these cushioned seats were, how he actually looked up at her considering this was a man that usually towered over her, menacing in contrasting ways that she never liked to think about too often. Regardless, he straightened his back, leaning into the pillows, as she placed his order down and sank into the soft yet almost stiff cushions of new seats.
"What did you order?" Tarrlok eyed her drink that looked similar to his own.
In all honesty, she wasn't sure. She settled with the first drink her eyes laid on considering the great deal of distractions she had been experiencing the whole day. Thanks to Mako and Asami, but she tried to rid herself of that memory… at least for now.
"Roasted brown sugar milk tea." She replied, taking a tentative sip while his fingers traced the smallest bit of condensation on the cup.
There was a mix of abhorrence and wariness that crossed his features as his icy orbs flickered between her and the drink a few times. As if he were disgusted by the prospect of the whole drink consisting of sugar. What a dope. "Surely, you want to keep awake for no reason, correct?" He smirked, sarcasm dripping from his lips.
Instead of taking the bait, Korra adjusted in her seat and offered him a teasing expression. "It's a Friday night, of course I want to stay awake."
Tarrlok shook his head and took a swig of his own drink. "Alright, lesson two: getting to know your target on the first date. Spirits, that's good." He mumbled, more to himself than to her as he inspected the tea and tapioca balls settling at the bottom from different angles. It was odd since this was someone who rarely divulged in completely transparent emotions such as his genuine praise. Well, she assumed so, that is. Watching him in subtle intrigue and chewing on the tapioca balls that tasted just as sweet as the drink, Korra didn't even realize she kept quiet. Tarrlok noticed a moment later and settled into that political veneer he held so closely to his heart. "What, no uttered complaint?"
And there returned that iciness.
"No." She said in a mild challenge.
"Very well. This'll be a short lesson, though you'll need to practice a considerable amount. Not necessarily multiple scenarios, but to keep conversation flowing. I'll guide you throughout it all." He reassured softly as he settled into the cushions. Rather than calm her, it did the exact opposite. "When it's the first date, especially when it's your first date in the grand scheme of things, the atmosphere is usually tense. Just like you are right now, you're nervous, correct?"
Her mouth opened to ask how he knew, but ultimately closed it as she realized that it must've been a stupid question. He's a politician. A conniving one, at that. Of course, he knew how to read the room, how to pick his companion apart without blatantly giving herself away.
"Yeah…" She responded hesitantly, her hands tightening its grip on the plastic cup.
Tarrlok smiled and tilted his head in something Korra couldn't decipher other than that usual smugness that exuded from him. "It's just me, Avatar Korra."
"All the more reason." Korra quipped with a smug smile that matched his own.
The older man across from her took a levelled intake of oxygen with closed eyes, before pinching the bridge of his nose, almost pained. It only compelled Korra to widen that smile when she caught a glimpse of the dark circles underneath his eyes. "In any case, seeing that this is the first of many, when it does happen with that firebender, you want to repeatedly remember to relax. The tone of your voice, the clamminess in your palms, the tremor of your hands. Little details may go unnoticed, but especially the tone of your voice, can give you away." He explained, pale blue roving over her form in mild scrutiny. "To quell the shakiness and clamminess, you might want to keep a bunched up napkin in one hand and keep them under the table or on your lap unless you need to eat or drink something."
Korra mimicked his hands, from what she could see, with a discarded napkin bunched in her fist. "Like this?"
Tarrlok nodded once with a smile. "Perfect. Also, no slouching. It's unbecoming, and it looks as though you don't care." He nagged.
Slouching even more, Korra glared at him. Seriously? "Well, it isn't exactly easy with how low these chairs are." She shot back irritatedly. When he matched her glare with one of his own, the cacophony of the cafe surrounding them, Tarrlok's brow cocked. Korra rolled her eyes and sat up as straight as she could muster given how awkward these chairs were. "Better, all-knowing Councilman?" She asked, lacking any form of enthusiasm.
He only responded with a mocking smirk. "Now, with the tone of your voice. I notice it's wavering, obviously giving away you're nervous. You did well enough just when we were in line earlier. However, I gave you an opportunity to open up the conversation, and yet you didn't take the bait. 'What do you recommend, Avatar?' That gives you an opportunity to ask what they prefer, tea or coffee, in this case. It provides you an excuse to keep conversation flowing from their tastes and what they like, not just in the confines of drinks, but really anything else. You began in that direction, but instead, you pushed me away and insulted me."
Did he expect her to apologize?
She couldn't do that, so she opted to shrug and take a challenging swig of her drink. "Well, yeah, it's you… and if you can't tell, it's packed in here. I wanted a table."
"Look, Korra, personally, I know that's our relationship." Tarrlok gestured between the two of them and placed his drink back on the table's surface. "I don't mind the banter. Honestly, it keeps me on my toes. But keep in mind, I highly doubt Mako would take a liking to it. I don't know the boy, but he does give the impression that he's a little… sensitive to these things, for the lack of a better word. But I digress, who am I to judge? What I'm trying to say is that any part of our lessons can be turned into an opportunity if you're willing."
"I am willing. It's just I need to prepare myself, and that there's other things on my mind." Like the thing that happened this morning, Korra wanted to say, but she didn't want to turn this into some therapy session, let alone with Tarrlok. She's already crossing that invisible line between them by asking him to teach her seduction, she didn't want to grow emotionally attached - much less confide - to some sleazy politician who would probably exploit them in the future.
"Fine, I'll leave it at that, but remember that in the future, I expect you to analyze any situation for an opportunity. Prove me wrong." His lips curled in a subtle, sneering way that told her he truly didn't believe she could take his lessons to heart. Just for that she wanted to tug his ponytails a little too harshly, but refrained from doing anything rash. "Continuing on, fishing for topics may seem daunting, especially when you don't know much about your target-"
"Can you not say 'target'? I feel like I'm doing something bad." Korra interjected with a scowl.
A drained look. Then a pause. "Person." He uttered, weariness coloring his baritone. When she took another sip of her drink and settled into the cushions comfortably, Tarrlok shook his head. "Good. In regards to topics, you can keep talking about probending, but I assure you, it won't get you that far unless the conversation naturally sways to something you both have in common. You can ask about friends or family, their interests, their experiences and in turn talk about your own. Perhaps ask about frivolous things- their favorite color, the way they prefer their eggs, truly anything."
"So, in essence, you don't have much advice for me."
A sound was heard bubbling in his throat as he contemplated his answer. "Yes and no. It's not the lesson that's important, but more the practicing. However, the best advice I can offer you, don't overthink it. Overthinking it will only make you more nervous, more quiet, and more of you dwelling on things you said rather than owning up to it, so to speak." He advised. "In regards to dates, you want it to be fun. But in this case, you want to seduce Mako, correct?"
"Yeah." She mumbled before sipping at her tea and instead got a mouthful of tapioca balls.
Tarrlok mirrored her and gestured. "So, you have to keep in mind natural social cues, as well as emphasize the little details that can be passed off as nothing. You want to accentuate your assets and your environment while not completely removing your personality from it."
Squinting, Korra's gaze scanned their surroundings in thought. There was nothing but tons of people spread out throughout the room, at their own respective tables, minding their business, and completely enthralled in their own conversations. Jazz played softly in the background, from what her ears could detect, though it sounded as though it were coming from the music shop on the floor above them, and was practically drowned out by the cacophony of voices around her and the Councilman.
"I don't follow." Korra muttered with a cock of her brow.
"To put it bluntly, don't act like a completely different person. From what I'm gathering, you want to entice this firebender, and in the long run, have him as your partner, right?" Korra nodded. "Last time, I mentioned for you to contemplate the things you could work on. Did you do that?"
"Mhm," she hummed in confirmation. Her pulse began to race the slightest bit at the memory of her leaning against the wall of the arena's gymas she took her break. She pondered that scenario repeatedly through stuttered thoughts because of the tempting image Mako sent her as he stripped off his white tank at the time.
"Good, explain."
Absentmindedly, Korra fidgeted with the napkin still in her grasp. Whether it was nervousness, or simply because she still couldn't get the image of Mako out of her brain, she couldn't decide. "Well, you mentioned me barging into the room and the tone of my voice." She began slowly, desperately attempting to keep her thoughts trained to the older man stretching his limbs underneath the table that barely grazed her own extended ones. "I was thinking, if I redid that whole scenario, I would've knocked first, popped my head in and smiled. Then I'd walk over to you and set the coffee down. With the tone of my voice, I would've been a lot less loud and focus more on complimenting you without the implication of me complimenting myself. If that makes sense."
Nodding, Tarrlok tilted his chin up. "Good. Anything else?"
Korra contemplated his words. Anything else? Well, if she was completely honest, she had a lot of things on her mind that she'd like to question and explain, or rather asked to be explained, though she didn't want to bore Tarrlok with those details… or actually, maybe she did.
Regardless, she replayed their first scenario in her mind. "You said the little things matter, so I was thinking about the way I sat on your armrest- thingy. Maybe, I should've leaned over or really done something more subtle with trying to get close to you, instead of being too forward too early, and gradually get closer to you over time."
"You did well, I'm surprised you noticed that." Tarrlok said, evidently pleased as he stirred his drink as best as he could muster with the straw pinched between his long fingers.
A part of her realized it was because of him - or more so his instruction - that she looked at their practice session with critical eyes. If she didn't know any better, she'd conclude that it was a great way to get close to Tarrlok, all while making fun of the old dope for being such a priss. But that wasn't the point, especially when he sat across from her with hooded eyes, utterly smug.
"Shut up, I can do my homework when I want to." A satisfied smile curved her features before closing her lips around the straw. But then she paused and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Actually, I have a question."
"Yes?"
"Well, you keep emphasizing seduction is about the subtleties. Why are we going over getting to know someone." It was one of the many questions she had conjured over the span of a short lived week, but it was one that wasn't completely idiotic or even on a level of vulgarity that she knew Tarrlok would - without a doubt - tease her for.
Tarrlok swallowed and cleared his throat. "Given that most of your crushes are essentially you admiring the other person from afar, from what you said, I can only assume you need some work- practice with the natural flow of conversation all while having that goal of seducing them." He explained and paused. It was just enough for him to scrutinize her, narrowing his eyes the slightest bit that accentuated the fine lines at the corners of his eyes, with a knowing smile. "Don't worry, Avatar Korra. We're getting to the part you're seemingly eager to learn about soon."
A fiery flush heated her cheeks at the implication, let alone the modest drop of his voice. Instead, she rolled her eyes and placed her almost empty cup on the table's surface. "What, next lesson?" Korra joked.
Chuckling, the Councilman nodded. "Actually, yes. It's nothing too concerning, yet, but- actually I'll keep it a surprise."
"Oh, joy." She muttered sarcastically, scratching her head at the meager sensation of annoyance coursing through her veins. It really would be like him to mention something enticing, then simply tease her by not continuing that line of thought. It didn't help seeing that stupid, conniving sneer he always held.
"Disregard the fact that we just had a lesson, and practice. This will be a little different, I don't want you to pretend with different scenarios even though you've only practiced with one. Instead, take this opportunity that we're at a cafe of sorts, and use it to your advantage." Tarrlok instructed, leaning comfortably into his seat.
It seemed as if it was a repeat of the last lesson, because he just stared at her, waiting. An awkward chuckle threatened to spill from her lips, but instead she chewed at her lower lip and conceded. "Where would I start? I'll probably just keep staring at you thinking if you don't give me something. Or you know, 'hey look at how crowded this place is'! And awkwardly laugh or whatever."
He seemed to consider her for a moment too long and she very nearly punched him in the jaw when he kept staring at her like that, but pale blue scanned the small room, before meeting her own once more. "Okay, I see they sell pastries. Is that enough of a start?"
Pastries?
Korra glanced around them and noticed a few couples and groups of friends had some sort of fruity desserts littering their table along with their drinks. Truthfully, it looked delicious if the way her mouth watered was enough of an indication. Leaning forward with piqued interest, Korra pursed her lips and nodded.
"Yeah…" She smiled confidently, standing from her seat and rolling her shoulders in a mild stretch. Korra nearly stepped in the direction to the main room, but Tarrlok's lesson weighed on her. Analyze any situation for an opportunity. Biting her lower lip again, Korra's nerves sang at the thought of proving him wrong.
She turned towards the Councilman with a subtle smirk. Icy eyes were still on her, critical and calculating, before she coyly tilted her head. "Wanna come with?" She asked, trying her best to keep her voice in a somewhat soft and flirty tone. Except the fact that it still sounded the slightest bit nervous to her own ears.
The small twitch of his brow in genuine surprise didn't go unnoticed by Korra and she nearly smiled in triumph. She refrained, attempting to keep herself composed for the sake of practicing, but she couldn't help but observe that he yielded without much convincing. Tarrlok nodded once. "Of course," he stood from his seat, silently following behind her. Bewildering was what it was, though she didn't voice her concern.
Korra's heart thumped against her chest, the sensation intense enough that it felt as though it were in her throat as they wove the crowd and neared the end of the line. It was still long enough that it had her dreading the wait - patience didn't come that easily to her, just as he noted earlier - but she held her tongue. His words rang and repeated in her mind as she scanned their surroundings.
"Man, it is really crowded here." Korra said in an attempt to act coy, loud enough for him to hear, before stepping ever closer to his side. He may have not noticed - or maybe he had - but Korra did, at the slightest brush of the side of her breast against his arm. She didn't mean to step that close to him, and she would've died from mortification if it weren't for the fact that someone actually bumped into her side as they made their way to the exit. Audibly gulping and feeling that uncomfortable heat prickling her cheeks, Korra's widened eyes strayed on the menu.
She was close enough to him that the spiced vanilla and sandalwood she had grown accustomed to tickled her nose. But before she could muse over the notion that it was in some ways comforting, she took a deep breath in and tried to steady her nerves. "Have you tried any of these? I've only had mochi a few times, but those were kind of shitty takes on it when I was younger."
If she could, Korra would've pat herself on the back at how casual her voice actually sounded. Try as she might, she thought of Naga as a way to help her relax, and surprisingly, it began working.
Nodding, Tarrlok offered her a sidelong glance. "I've tried them all since moving to the city, though I can't say in regards to this specific cafe." He chuckled softly.
It was a surprisingly endearing laugh, but she desperately tried to disconnect that thought with the fact that this was Tarrlok she was talking to. Instead, she settled with a sound to placate him. "Hm," she nodded. Suddenly, an idea, that wasn't even hers, formed. "Well, what do you recommend, Councilman?" She enunciated, gazing up at him from her side.
Tarrlok met her eyes, and something dark flashed behind pale blue orbs. What? She tried to interpret the meaning, but it was gone just as fast as it appeared and he was already leaning to whisper in her ear. "Depends. Are you willing to share?"
That teasing hint in his voice sent unwarranted shivers down her spine. Incoherent words stuttered in her mind, and nothing seemed to want to exit her mouth other than dumbly opening and closing it repeatedly. A tingling sensation began heating its way up her neck and cheeks and she decidedly turned away from him with a huff.
"I-I don't know." She stammered, genuinely confused on what to do next with her thoughts focusing on why in Koh's name her cheeks were burning so fiercely.
There was a pause, then Tarrlok nudged her arm with his elbow. "I'd rather save my comments until after you practice, but it'll help here. If you want to get physically closer to the person, then by all means share a dessert, however, since it is just practice, and technically the first date, do with your instincts on whether you want to move a little faster or keep it steady to your own pace." He murmured.
Nodding, still attempting to ignore her blushing cheeks, Korra forced out her voice as calmly as she could muster, "We can order our own desserts."
For once, Tarrlok didn't tease her. She expected him to laugh at her or mock her for the blatant embarrassment, but there was nothing. Just a responding hum rumbling at the back of his throat. "Then I recommend any of the fruit tarts - preferably the mango and moon peach ones - and, if you're willing, a box of mochi." He suggested. A part of her wondered if his recommendation was purely because he wanted to try these, or if mango and moon peaches were his favorite. Or a combination of both. But that thought ceased when he nudged her once again with a terse exhale of amusement as they reached the same cashier once again. "You know, the vendors down at the Downtown District market, as cheap as they are, they're delicious."
"You'll have to show me someday." She mumbled sweetly, before telling the barista their order. She paid, offering her sheepish thanks as Tarrlok slipped an even larger tip to the woman who gawked at the bills and adamantly tried to push the yuans back into his hands. They easily maneuvered to the side, waiting, and Korra gazed at the Councilman with growing curiosity. Pushed as close as they were to each other, she forced herself to find her voice. "Actually, I was wondering, how long ago was it that you moved here? You seem well acquainted with Republic City given your age."
There was a slow, painful squint of his eyes, but he answered her regardless. "I've been here since I was twenty-seven."
"Oh, so decades ago?" She joked with a smug smile.
Cocking his brow with a tilt of his head - something of which that had Korra noticing the sharp edge of his jawline - Tarrlok snickered. "Careful, Avatar. If I didn't know any better, I'd think lessons in mathematics are in order. But that was only a little more than a decade." He teased. "At any rate, I have to be well acquainted with the city if I wanted to hold a chair on the Council."
"True." She conceded. Korra opened her mouth to continue, but the barista called her number and she offered a muttered, thanks, in return.
As they made their way back to their dimly lit corner, Korra was in many ways astounded that Tarrlok took his role as her first date in strides. He didn't touch her more than necessary - or not at all given the crowded cafe - though the warm hand that settled on her back oddly comforted her, reassured her. The way he carried himself and played along with her feigned attempts of this so-called date, had her raising a skeptical brow as he poked and prodded her just as she was with him. It confused her to no end, though she tried to keep her questions at bay and her mind focused on practicing.
When they returned to their table, settling into her seat as if it were Naga's side, Korra fell into a rhythm with him. It was… friendly, for the lack of a better word. Strange was it that she could easily talk to him when after the past few weeks told her otherwise.
Maybe it was the fact that this was pretend, rather than reality? It certainly helped knowing that he was being just as responsive as she was without the excessive vanity. Well, at least no more than she was, anyway.
Regardless, Korra didn't even realize an hour passed as they spoke of inconsequential things, until the room began to clear out one by one. A part of her reveled in the solitude - it wasn't entirely free of other people, because there were still a handful of couples that languidly stretched at their tables - but it was also unnerving knowing that they weren't completely hidden.
Korra tried to push her worries to the side and concentrated on her piqued interest in the old fart. And interestingly enough, she discovered a few facts about one of Republic City's Councilmen. She recalled the few things he mentioned from his lesson and, in turn, asked him.
His favorite color, while not a surprise given his Northern roots and the way he dressed, was light blue, just like her. Or 'powder blue', as Tarrlok corrected. He preferred his eggs runny, and more specifically sunny side up compared to her own of soft boiled. Other than politics, he's interested in music and cuisine - or rather culture, in a general sense.
Korra had to sneak in a sly eye roll because of course he was interested in all these things that prissy, rich people were into.
She never wanted to know these things due to the fact that she intended to distance herself from acknowledging him other than a politician that happens to be Tenzin's abhorrent colleague. But she thought back and nearly cursed underneath her breath that she put herself in this position.
The more they spoke, the more he proved her point in being a snob. When he had the time, free of his other commitments, he loved attending the hottest jazz club in Republic City, The Blue Bearcat, along with his friends. Even though she'd never been, an image of Tarrlok puffing on some cigarette, chortling, and sipping on a glass of imported Fire Nation wine with other egotistical men, came easily to her. Disturbing, because she was now becoming more and more familiar with him, but it certainly wasn't out of the realm of possibility.
When she mentioned his friends, Tarrlok adamantly refused to call them friends, and more acquaintances that occasionally mingled with one another simply because they were in the same social circles. Bemused, Korra then mentioned his family.
A part of her didn't know what to expect. She had this notion that it'd be the picture perfect family. Maybe that his mother and father were utterly supportive of his career, wealthy, loving, intelligent, yet strict. She couldn't discredit the fact that he was from the North. Maybe he even had a sibling or two. And with all things considered, it felt as if she were right in her assumption, but instead she was wrong.
There was a tautness in his muscles that wasn't there before. He didn't elaborate on much, other than the fact that his family wasn't close and he consistently wrote to his mother. His father was immensely strict, and passed nearly a decade ago due to a grave illness. His mother, abiding in one of the more remote areas of the North, was apparently a warm, loving woman who lived with her younger sister. Tarrlok never mentioned whether or not he had siblings, but judging by the reluctancy in his body language, something told her not to push it like she usually did.
So, she left it at that.
The atmosphere, as much as she silently wanted to know more, was morphing into something dismal. It was affecting her as well, because in some ways she felt a weird sense of regret for him. That he wasn't close to many people, or rather seemed guarded enough that he didn't allow many people to grow attached to him, despite clearly having the city at the palm of his hands. He was the youngest member on the Council, right?
Korra didn't want to think too much on the subject. The thought alone of feeling mournful for Tarrlok, of all people, didn't sit well with her.
Instead, she reluctantly opted to ask him about his love life. A large part of her didn't want to know, mainly because it unsettled her that, if he did have someone special in his life, how'd he explain this to them? That he was teaching her, the Avatar, about seduction. Korra couldn't fathom it, and when he divulged with a wary smile, that he was single, she let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. I'm not looking for anything, Avatar, if that's what you're asking. Though, that's to say I'm not opposed to it. He had revealed, finishing his tea.
Again, the topic doesn't sit well with her, and she supposed it was due to the fact that it was merely Tarrlok who she was talking to. If it was anyone else, she had an inkling it would've been suitable for her to continue, but his tone always bordered on trifling and obliging. They exchanged stories of their life outside of Republic City, and it intrigued her. He was well traveled, roaming across the world before ultimately settling in the United Republic's capital, and during his stay on the Council.
Korra leaned forward, cerulean gleaming with undivided attention as he recalled his journey throughout the Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom. She traded stories of her own, though she doubted it'd be any more interesting than telling him she used to sneak out of the compound in the dead of night just to see her parents.
A combination of guilt and regret coursed through her muscles as she realized she really hadn't lived her life to that degree. At least, not without having everyone she came to know worrying over her every move.
Despite everything, it was when there were only two other couples occupying the tables in the small extension of a room, did Korra decide to try something she knew he'd appreciate. Barely registering his words, she took his lesson into consideration as he reminisced his trip to visit the Fire Lady with the rest of the Council.
Taking her fork and nodding as though she were listening, Korra leaned forward and scooped his partially eaten moon peach fruit tart. The taste, while subtle, was delicious as it danced across her taste buds.
And it tasted even better when she caught a glimpse of his stunned expression. His story forgotten, Tarrlok recovered easily and matched her by scooping the last bit of her mango fruit tart onto his fork and placing it in his mouth. He cleared his throat and she swore she saw the lightest dusting of pink on his cheeks, but she probably saw wrong considering how dim it was in their corner. Regardless, Korra wasn't sure whether the slightest stirring in the pit of her stomach was because she seamlessly staggered him, or something entirely different.
At this point, she didn't question it.
It's when he eyed the clock on the wall that he decided it was time they stopped their lesson. Ten in the evening, the hands read, though Tarrlok muttered something or the other about Tenzin worrying about her at this time of night, with an undeniable eye roll.
"I'm shocked. You did rather well." Tarrlok complimented as he tossed their trash into the bin near an empty table.
Korra shrugged, tranquility rolling off her muscles for the first time in the day. "Well, what can I say? I have a great teacher." She smirked.
A devilish, terse exhale left him as he tugged his coat back on, and Korra did the same with her anorak judging by the snow steadily falling outside of the warm confines of the cafe. "Korra, you'll make me blush." He teased, before taking his half of their untouched mochi and handing her her own. "Come," he gestured.
Korra fell into harmony beside him, the confident bounce in her step not going unnoticed by her as they made their way out the cafe. "So, any homework this time or no?" She nudged his arm playfully.
"Not necessarily. Keep thinking of what you can improve on, but from my perspective, it's not much, other than being more comfortable and confident in conversing." He nodded.
A sense of pride overwhelmed her nerves. "Awesome." She said, smiling triumphantly to herself. The high of performing well on their first fake date sang in her body, and she didn't know if it was some dull form of playfulness because something about his praise gave her the courage, the gall, to even open her mouth and teasingly ask, "Are you going to treat me to that jazz club you love next lesson?"
Slightly stunned by her request, Tarrlok considered it for a moment as they strode the streets, before pausing and allowing a knowing smile curl his lips in some kind of hidden joke. "Sure, it ties in well with the lesson. Just prepare to push the boundaries a little, though you did dip your toes in the lesson a bit earlier than I expected." Korra faltered at the implication. She did? Unable to answer, Tarrlok added, "I do have to say though, I think we'll have to visit Flameo Tea again, their drinks are amazing."
She nodded wholeheartedly before giving the shop an endearing glance from over her shoulder. Maybe she could take Mako.
It'd make for a great time, and if Bolin was there after a win from the Fire Ferrets, Korra could only assume they'd be just as rowdy as those that surrounded her and Tarrlok a mere hour ago.
Tarrlok offered to take her to the docks near Air Temple Island, though Korra awkwardly declined, telling him that she had Naga follow them and was probably napping somewhere at the park a few blocks away. Silently nodding, Tarrlok reminded her of their next lesson, same day, same time next week, he uttered before bidding her a goodbye.
They went their separate ways and Korra could only feel a hint of dread within the bemused thrills of their next lesson. A part of her hoped she was prepared for the unknown.