A/N: I'm not going to lie, I had a little too much fun writing this chapter. Feedback of any kind is welcomed and appreciated! Enjoy!
—-
"Korra! There's a present for you!" Ikki yelled, bursting the door wide open with a harsh slide that it rattled the walls.
Bristling, Korra bolted into a sitting position, awakened from her sleep. Despite the obvious dazed sensation of being abruptly woken, the room was spinning and her eyes stung with dryness, probably bloodshot if she caught sight of her reflection in the mirror. Her mouth felt like cotton and her breath more than likely reeked of booze from the little she did get to drink from the night before.
From what she could remember, her and Team Avatar were playing some pai sho at Asami's estate, before one of them - she couldn't remember who, though she had an inkling it'd been Bolin - pulled out some aged cactus juice. It wasn't much, just a shot - or maybe two - yet it was more than enough to get her disoriented.
Once some semblance of rational thought slowly trickled into her brain, Ikki's words registered. As well as the fact that the little girl and her younger brother were jumping on her bed, giggling, and each jerk of movement sent dull pulsations against her skull.
Wait a minute. Present?
There was a moderately sizable box grasped between Ikki's small hands. The wrapping was sleek and shiny, silver with the faintest hint of polka dots, while the rather large bow tied around the package was a shade of light blue. There were some flowers pinched between the wrapping paper and bow, starkly white as the snow outside, that had her immediately perking up and rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
It had to be from Mako.
They were talking about nonbending sports a few days earlier and he mentioned boxing. It sounded interesting - completely violent and rage inducing, but intriguing nonetheless - and the more he explained what it was, Korra needed to try it out with resources of her own. He had offered to pay for the gloves, though she declined simply because of the money they needed for the championship pot. She really didn't think he'd go through with it.
Giddy, she tossed her thick sheets away from her body with a flick of her wrist, ignoring the slight dizziness she still felt from the lingering effects of cactus juice, and chased the girl around her room. Air whipped around her that caused Korra to nearly inhale her hair, and suddenly Ikki was lifted, sitting upon a large ball of air and riding along any surface, laughing wholeheartedly.
"Ikki! Hey!" She shot back belatedly. "Give it!" Korra chased, but Ikki was always a few centimeters out of her reach.
Meelo just stood on her bed, watching the whole scene unfold as chuckles of his own melded with his sister's.
When she did manage to get ahold of the beautifully wrapped box, she snuck a pointed glare at the young airbender, holding the gift just out of Ikki's reach, before untying the bow when she deemed it safe enough. Excitement coursed through her veins and she couldn't stop the glower from melting into a thrilled grin.
Shimmying the lid off, Korra's face fell.
Definitely not what she had in mind. Maybe Tenzin bought this as a gift for Pema? There was a gorgeous dress folded at the waist, a few pieces of jewelry and matching shoes, and a dainty note lying on top of it with slanted penmanship. Confused, she took the note, eyeing the dress suspiciously.
From what she could see, it was stunning, if not a little intimidating. The fabric was a shade of deep emerald that she had an inkling came from a place she recalled a few White Lotus members telling her about when she was a kid. Zaofu, was it? Or was she misreading this and it was just an Earth Kingdom thing? The few pieces of jewelry seemed to be made of gold, and the heels that made her cringe the slightest bit were pointed enough that she had to narrow her gaze.
"Oooo, is this from that Mako guy you're into?" Ikki asked, already pulling the gown out of the box, pressing it to her small body and twirling around as though she were a princess dancing.
Korra shook herself out of her bewilderment and read the note in her grasp.
I doubt you have any formal attire other than the one you wore at the gala, but please, take this as a way to get into character for our next lesson. Or maybe just a way to feel the atmosphere and use it to your advantage as I've said before? Don't think this is out of the goodness of my heart, even though I am rather generous, but the jazz club has a strict dress code. Do us a favor and clean up nicely. I'll pick you up tonight at around eight.
With warm regards, Councilman Tarrlok.
She wanted to roll her eyes. Of course, it was from him. Giving the dress another once over, Korra should've sensed this was from the Councilman before reading the note. Despite her reservations, it was obvious that it'd been expensive. Probably costing her an arm and a leg if she did her research, but instead she shook her head and sighed.
"No, just some old guy Tenzin works with." She unceremoniously tossed the note back into the box.
"Oh, Councilman Tarrlok?" Jinora added in question.
How long was she standing there? Spirits, she really needed to rethink drinking anymore cactus juice in the future.
"Yeah…" Korra answered slowly, folding her arms beneath her bust. The older sibling leaned against her door frame, already dressed for the day ahead of her and cooly sipped on a glass of moon peach juice. "How'd you know?"
"I saw him drop that off an hour ago. He told me to give it to you, but Ikki got to it first." Jinora replied nonchalantly.
How long had she been awake? How long had he been awake? Judging by the sun's position in the sky, it was only seven in the morning.
"Him? Or his page?"
"Him." She answered indifferently. Korra had to wonder why Tarrlok, of all people - especially when he used that poor page of his to the brink - would bring her a gift himself at six in the morning… maybe even a little earlier? Jinora noticed the rumpled expression on Korra's face in utter confusion as she tried to rationalize, let alone comprehend, Tarrlok's motives. "What? I got up early to get a head start on my meditating and I saw him drop it off. There's nothing to it, Korra. He's probably just starting work early, too. Why? Are you interested in him?" Jinora pushed herself off the wall and meandered over to sit on the edge of Korra's mattress.
Ugly heat crawled up Korra's neck as she sputtered. What in spirits' name made her think that? "What? Of course not!" She vehemently denied, flushing.
Jinora simply shrugged, pinching Tarrlok's note between her thumb and index finger before her gaze quickly read it. Korra made a grab for the piece of paper, because that was her note dammit, but Jinora was faster. "Well, this letter says otherwise. And that dress." She pointedly glanced at the dress still in Ikki's grasp.
"Jinora!"
As if this could get any worse, Ikki jumped up and down beside her and tossed the gown onto her bed, singing, "Oooo, Korra has a boyfriend!"
Korra groaned, her hands bunching into fists and her face pulled taut. Why was her cheeks still hot? Why was she feeling hot in the first place? Spirits, she needed to open a window.
Upon noticing Korra's incoherent grumbling, Jinora took another sip of her drink and tilted her head to the side. "Do you have a boyfriend? Is this a date?" Suddenly, Jinora's eyes widened at the prospect, gasping and clapping her hands giddily. "I'll be more than happy to help you get ready."
Korra's eye twitched.
That was the last straw. In no way was she allowing anyone else to get involved in this, least of all the airbending kids. She didn't even want anyone to know about this except for the man teaching her! "Okay, all of you out!" She grabbed the backs of their clothes, carrying them all as if they were pups and dropping them in the hallway, before slamming the door shut with another rattle.
Leaning against the door and sliding her way down its length, Korra glanced at the mess that was her room and rubbed her hands over her weary face.
How was it only seven in the morning?
—-
Korra caved.
She didn't know how or why, but she did. And Jinora helped her.
What compelled the young airbender to help was beyond Korra's comprehension, but she went with pity, and maybe even this weird sense of utter elation. A part of her was, in some ways, glad that the person that knew a relatively vague form of her predicament was Jinora. Korra didn't want anyone getting involved in this, especially Pema or Tenzin - because she'd likely die out of mortification if they discovered she was getting private lessons on seduction from Tarrlok, someone who both evidently hated with a burning passion. And, as much as she didn't necessarily like Tarrlok, she didn't want him ending up hurt because of her request.
She had to release a sigh of relief. At least this was Jinora. At least she could keep her promises, that she knew for sure.
As young as the airbender was, she knew quite a lot about makeup and hair and whatnot. Bemused, she simply watched her reflection in the mirror as Jinora pulled her hair into a bun, stray tendrils framing her face adoringly, before dabbing a few foreign products on her skin.
She always hated the feel of makeup, the thick goop made her skin crawl and itch just settling on the surface like a mask, but even she could tell whatever Jinora used was light enough to make her comfortable. Her skin looked smooth, her lips plump with gloss, her eyes shaded by the tiniest bit of brown on her lids through thick, sooty lashes. Once she slipped the dress on and the adorning jewelry, Korra couldn't believe her eyes.
She looked girly. Maybe even sultry if she squinted hard enough.
Not in a bad way, but it was definitely something she hadn't been accustomed to. The last time was the gala, but that had been a somewhat traditional take on Southern formal wear. Try as she might, she had to give Tarrlok some credit. The gown was cozy, utterly snug around her that it emphasized her curves in all the right places. A part of her had to wonder if he had his page secretly receive her measurements. She wouldn't be surprised, though discomfiture seemed to tickle her arms at the thought.
Deep emerald with flecks of gold draped her body. The collar rose high with her neck - a sort of mesh fabric that showed some cleavage much to her dismay, before meeting with thicker material in a sweetheart neckline - sleeveless, and her waist cinched with gold. The hem grazed her ankles, though a slit dissected the dress dangerously, scandalously, high at the side of her right leg. A few gold pieces clasped around her forearms, and Korra swore she couldn't stop herself from feeling a little unnerved.
She paced the perimeter of her bedroom anxiously, still trying to get comfortable with wearing heels with and without Jinora's guidance as she waited for the Councilman. Korra didn't have to wait long because it was only a few minutes before eight that Tarrlok arrived. She weaseled her way out of the temple without detection and nearly tripped on her way to meet with him at the docks, her heart hammering at her chest because some part of this reminded her of sneaking out of the compound to see her parents.
Only this time, it was a sordid politician.
However, once she caught a glimpse of him, Korra faltered in her step.
Instead of the three simple ponytails he usually sported, this time, all three were braided in different variations. He wore a monochromatic suit, and something within her stirred in the pit of her stomach… or did something drop? She couldn't decide, but once that flattery-filled mouth of his opened to comment on her dress and makeup, she left it alone and lightly punched his arm with a slight scowl. He nearly fell into the water, but she held some form of mercy for him and kept him from doing so with a jerk of his wrist.
What a baby.
The ride to the jazz club was awkward, though she sensed that was more on her part than his. More so, because she couldn't stop fidgeting with the slit of her dress. She wasn't accustomed to something so sinful on herself, that is. Of course, she'd seen these types of dresses out on display at high-end boutiques, and on some wealthy folks, but she never intended to wear one, let alone possess one.
Regardless, she kept quiet, opting to peer out the window, before striding into the Blue Bearcat with Tarrlok at her side.
"I honestly don't know what I was expecting." She muttered to herself, though it was enough for Tarrlok to hear.
Odd was it that it was called the Blue Bearcat, yet just like Flameo Tea, shades of crimson and gold adorned the jazz club. Elaborate lanterns melded with chandeliers that bordered on gaudy, lighting the room in warm, dim shades. One half of the large room was filled with scalloped velvet seats and candlelight tables, while the other a near empty dance floor and a jazz band playing their instruments. Even if it didn't necessarily exude Water Tribe roots, it certainly felt like something the Councilman would frequent with his 'acquaintances'. Wealthy patrons sitting at lavished tables, the scent of expensive alcohol and cigarettes hanging in the air, the few couples slowly swaying to a romantic song in each other's loving embrace.
It was very Tarrlok, if not, even an Asami thing.
"Is that a good or bad thing?" He asked with a slight smirk, gesturing for her to follow.
"Good," she smiled, cerulean straying on the band playing at the front of the establishment and a woman lethargically singing, before shaking herself of the mild exhilaration and offering him a glower without the usual venom. "But just because I don't like you, I'll say bad." She added, flicking the same arm she punched a mere twenty minutes prior.
"I appreciate that, Avatar." He said, casually rubbing his arm, wounded. Rolling her eyes at how much of a priss he was, she caught sight of a waiter with a platter of octopus fritters that caused her mouth to instantly water.
Spirits, Tarrlok really knew how to get her attention.
Before she could make a grab for one, she nearly ran into another waiter with a platter of teetering flutes filled with champagne. She offered a hasty, sorry, and made her way to Tarrlok's side as she saw that icy, weary gaze directed at her. Irked, she tugged at her chair as he stopped at their table. Just like their previous lesson, he seemed to find a relatively private corner for them to occupy and for that she was immensely grateful. "Actually, I've been meaning to ask you, have you been implementing my lessons on that firebender? It's been, roughly, two weeks. You don't want to miss your chance." He asked, seating himself on scalloped velvet as she followed suit.
"I-uh… not yet. I was kinda hoping to get some grasp on these lessons before I do anything." She answered sheepishly.
His brows rose in mild surprise. "Really? That's shocking. Forgive me, but I was under this notion that you'd take any opportunity to blurt out your true feelings for the boy and the past few lessons would completely slip your mind."
He was insulting her again. As underhanded as it was - because really it did sound like something she'd do - he had this stupid smile curving his thin lips, and Korra refrained from getting up and simply walking out to figure this seduction thing on her own.
But that was stupid. He'd only tease her for it and she'd grudgingly come crawling back, vexed, merely because she didn't want to find another teacher.
Instead, she clicked her tongue and narrowed her eyes towards the older man. "Look, I have some patience, bub. I just don't have any when I talk to you." Korra leaned back into her seat and crossed her arms underneath her bust, before her hardened expression melted a fraction as she considered the real reason why she hadn't done anything with Mako yet. "And, well, I don't want to scare him away." She added.
"Oh, of course. How could I forget? I suppose you are rather intimidating, at least from what I can assume a teenage boy would feel when confronted by the Avatar." Tarrlok quipped sarcastically as he signalled a waiter to their table with a quirk of his hand.
"Are you saying you're not, Councilman?" Korra questioned, flexing her muscles the slightest bit in a silent threat. A young man - little older than her from what she could see - came to their side. Tarrlok mumbled something about wine and the octopus fritters she saw, before meeting her eyes once again, pale blue swimming with dark mirth.
"Of course, not." He chuckled softly. Insulted, yet utterly curious, Korra tilted her chin up and attempted to ignore the fact that the slight rumble in his laugh still sent shivers down her spine. "Should I be?" Tarrlok added, silent challenge colored that infuriating smirk of his.
"I-uh…" She mumbled dumbly. Thoughts suddenly became incoherent and she couldn't stop her brain from stuttering.
"It's only in jest, Korra." He responded as the waiter returned with the fritters, a bottle of - what she could see from the tiny label - imported Fire Nation wine, and two glasses. Tarrlok uttered a, thanks, to the young man before he left once more, leaving them relatively alone. She flinched as he popped the cork out of its tight space with a snap and deftly poured their wine, dark crimson liquid that beckoned to her just as any alcohol had. "Alright, before we stray any further, lesson three: flirting. Or in other words, getting closer to the person you're seducing."
Korra slowly nodded because it suddenly made sense. "Huh, no wonder you bought me this dress." She looked down at the undoubtedly expensive fabric that began slowly parting at the slit to expose her thigh and much of her leg.
Fortunately, he couldn't see, given the table cloth obscured his view.
Tarrlok scoffed. "Avatar Korra, do you really think I'd be shallow enough to buy you a dress simply to see you in it? And not that there's a dress code that I'm merely adhering to, as I've stated before?" The feigned innocence in his baritone gave away the fact that he was having fun teasing her. Sure, he may have done it purely for the dress code, because luckily, all the patrons were dressed in formal gowns and suits just as they were, but there was a tinge in there that indicated he also relished seeing her in something completely divergent of her usual sweats and turtleneck.
And, she highly doubted Tarrlok wouldn't take the opportunity to flaunt his wealth even though it could've been used for something to better the city.
"Well, you did buy me that other dress for the gala, and you weren't exactly blase with it, considering you got my measurements right, just like this one."
"Yes, well, as much as I know you'd like to think I would, I didn't lie." Tarrlok grasped his glass of wine and took a swig. "This is an important lesson because seduction is all about enticement. I know I reiterate this, but it's essential-"
"That the little details matter?" Korra sweetly interrupted with a knowing smile.
He'd mention it several times just in the past two lessons and she already wanted to impatiently nod past the repeating points he'd made before they were forever ingrained in her mind. If this were any other person she sensed she could get away with it, but considering this was Tarrlok, she had an inkling he'd smack her hand with a flattened icicle or insult her in a reprimand.
Wearily, Tarrlok paused. Then nodded once. "Yes. Now, if you're willing, I'd like to show you a glimpse rather than simply jump in and speak of the lesson."
Show her? Why did he need to show her?
"Oh, uh, s-sure." Korra stuttered nonetheless, taking a small swig of her own wine.
It's familiar enough that she could taste the evident alcohol gracing her taste buds, and truthfully, she couldn't detect anything different from cheap wine she bought from the market to this clearly expensive one.
The dark liquid was halfway down her throat when she felt the smallest of grazes underneath the table. Fortunately enough, their legs were covered by the draping cloth, but Korra nearly choked at the minute sensation of his legs lightly touching her own as he stretched his limbs languorously. The tables were small enough that it wasn't that hard to merely move a few inches and she'd be touching him, but she didn't want to notice that tiny detail to preserve her own sanity.
Though, she had to wonder if this was what he meant by 'pushing the boundaries'. It's hardly anything, a mere touch that if he didn't warn her or explain to her this lesson was about flirting, she would've brushed it off as an accident. She guessed this was one of the reasons why he told her to prepare for this lesson if this was a small taste for what's to come.
"See? Subtle." He said proudly, taking a bite of the fritter and pulling away as though he wasn't fazed.
Korra nearly gaped at him, and instead, opted to hastily scan the large room as if the people around them could notice something hidden from their prying eyes. Of course, there was nothing of the sort. If anything, she was the one that appeared frazzled out of the whole establishment. Cerulean met placid pale blue. How wasn't he affected? Sure, it was a mere graze, but it was enough of a reason to have heat coloring her cheeks and her heart practically beating out of her chest.
"Y-yeah. Subtle." She responded sardonically. "So, what exactly is this then? Just practice?"
Tarrlok shook his head briefly. "No. It's a variation of the lesson and practice melded together."
"I don't follow." Korra's mouth was left ajar, before taking a healthy gulp of wine.
"What I mean is, you need to incorporate these small actions of physical intimacy within the lesson. Think of it as a way to keep yourself alert to an opportunity, as well as an initiative to listen." Tarrlok clarified, clasping his fingers together underneath his chin as his elbows braced against the table's surface. "For instance, you did well last lesson in keeping the conversation flowing. If I had to give you some commentary, it'd merely be more on the subdued flow of the actual topics. Instead of jumping from one subject to the other just to keep it from growing into awkward silence, you need to naturally flow into one topic to the next, although that just comes with weeks, maybe even months of practice, and I didn't expect any of this to be perfect. At least not for the first handful of lessons."
Korra's face fell at his words. "So, I didn't do that well, is what you're telling me."
"You're twisting my words, Avatar. You're doing fine. I'm offering my criticism, but it's not bad criticism. It's so you can work on that area while practicing this lesson as well. In essence, so you can hone your newly budding skills rather than leaving it alone for one lesson and separating them in steps as if it's that simple." He said with a tilt of his head.
Considering his words, Korra reached for an octopus fritter and bit into it. A part of her didn't realize how much harder seduction really was compared to what she originally thought. At first, she had this inkling it would be - like what he said - steps. She didn't realize she'd have to incorporate all these lessons into future ones, let alone rekindle speech lessons she learned years ago. Even then, she barely paid attention.
Unconsciously chewing with furrowed brows, she shook herself out of her reverie. "Okay, so flirting? How am I supposed to incorporate speech with… physical intimacy? Do I just… you know, start touching you… or…?"
Spirits, why did it sound so perverted when she said it like that? And why, among all things that were unholy, were her cheeks blazing with heat again? She chalked it up to the wine - alcohol always made her heated, right? - though Korra nearly pawed at her skin in frustration, having half a mind to refrain from doing so for fear that Jinora's hard work would be ruined.
Something was so amusing to Tarrlok that he had to stifle a chuckle from bubbling in his throat. "Flirting isn't always heavy petting, Korra. That's just obscene groping if we jumped into that at this stage, and I'd rather not get thrown into Yue Bay for demonstrating a lesson." He paused, taking another sip. Korra opened her mouth, but Tarrlok continued before she could utter some sarcastic retort. "But no, flirting is like foreplay-"
"Fore- what?" Korra interjected, utterly bewildered.
That political veneer he loved so dearly faltered for a fraction of a second as he sighed, evidently exhausted. "Please, tell me you're somewhat acquainted with sex or sex education from your time at the compound?"
There was something almost pleading in his voice that she felt a little bad for having him go through all this with her. But she caught herself, internally shaking herself and questioning why she should feel bad for him when he didn't seem to have any qualms with pushing her own boundaries. Regardless, she licked her lips, tasting the artificial flavor of strawberries on sticky gloss, before almost meekly meeting his eyes.
Of course, she had some instruction on sex education, but it was more on the scientific - reproductive - basis rather than why exactly people did it for fun.
"Tarrlok, do you really think I'd be asking you to teach me about seduction if I couldn't already do so on my own?" She asked levelly.
Another sigh was heard. Then he grasped the stem of his wine glass. "Spirits, how could I forget? You could barely form a sentence in an imaginary scenario on our first lesson." He muttered into the glass with a roll of his eyes.
"Shut up!" Korra scoffed, kicking his shin underneath the table, uncaring if anyone dared to look their way.
And there were.
"Ow!" Tarrlok hissed, leaning down to presumably cradle his wound. Cerulean orbs glanced around them to discover a few of the nearby couples observed her and Tarrlok warily. Sheepishly, Korra offered them an all too sweet smile, while she lightly tapped the top of his head in a sad attempt of an apology before they finally looked away. Red-faced, the older man glared at her. "That hurt, Avatar." He sneered.
"Good." She said cheekily, smiling into her glass of wine.
Baffled, Tarrlok's mouth was left ajar as his body tensed. "You are an insolent child, you know that, right?" He grumbled.
"Yeah, yeah. Just go on with your fore- whatever, old man." She offered him a dismissive wave of her hand.
She had heard that insulting nickname thrown around before from other stuffy old people, and when it came from him, she doubted it held its full weight of meaning. There was something about him that compelled her to think she held a soft spot in him, regardless of how she truly felt about the prospect of that, because he ultimately did agree to teach her about this. But she might've been reaching. Maybe it was just a ploy to get her to fall into line with his plans.
Actually, the latter sounded much more like the infuriating Tarrlok - the shit-eating politician - she was well acquainted with.
Tarrlok was very insulted, if not, his pride and ego evidently wounded. If he glared at her even more, Korra assumed his face was just naturally like that - the way his muscles pulled taut with narrowed icy eyes, the undignified scowl curling his lips, the combination of exhaustion and quelled ire rolling off of him in waves. "I'm not old, and it's foreplay. It's a form of flirting. Teasing. Although, it is specifically in the context that leads to sexual intercourse. It can also slowly revolve around a long-standing session of flirting throughout the course of multiple dates. Now, that, is truly an art form, I must say." He explained with a gesture. "Flirting can be verbal and physical. Verbal involves different intonations in your voice, and I know that it's going to be difficult for you, correct?"
Korra merely offered him a snarky yet all too sweet smile in response. Just to make his job harder, of course.
When she didn't scoff or even make a move to utter another reply, Tarrlok cleared his throat with a clench of his jaw. "Now, you can do this by whispering in their ear, or having this lilt of sorts. Emphasizing and stressing certain words that can have a different meaning just between you and the other person."
"Like what?"
"I-" He began. Then paused, thinking with a slight pout before another smirk replaced it. "Actually, you already did so as we were waiting for our order."
"Really?" Korra deadpanned, obviously skeptical. There was no way in Koh's name she flirted with him outside of her practicing. Even then, it was fake. That was completely ridiculous and utter garbage in her ears.
"From what I recall, it was when you asked if I was intimidated by you. You emphasized your words in regards to me, and in a sense - even though it's the implication of bodily harm - it does hold some form of verbal flirting simply because of the intonations in your voice." The usual smugness that radiated from him returned in spades, and Korra could only glower in regards to the older man, her patience running thin at his gall for even insinuating she would do that on her own volition.
Especially with him in mind. Clownery, that's what it was.
"You're saying I flirted with you before practicing?" She questioned incredulously, an almost uncomfortable smile etching on her features.
A terse exhale left his nostrils in amusement as he shrugged, his hands lifting in mild surrender before leaning into the soft cushions of his chair. "You said it, not me, Avatar." She jerked her pointed heels to kick him again, though this time he artfully swiveled his crossed legs out from under the table. Charmed and provoked, Tarrlok attempted - and failed - to stifle the outright grin on his face. "But yes, certain tones or words can trigger enticement simply because of the implications that it entails. And in regards to physical, it involves what we've been discussing the past few lessons. Subtlety, stealth. Using your environment to your advantage." He added. "For instance, we have a relatively quiet corner to ourselves considering the energy of a jazz club, correct?"
"Yeah…"
Cerulean orbs gazed around them. They really were a little secluded in the back corner of the jazz club. Hidden by the warm, dim lighting that played across their features endearingly - a little too endearingly in regards to the Councilman, if she had to grudgingly admit. Most, if not all, were back to their own world, completely enthralled in romantic whispers and sweet nothings as couples shyly grew closer and groups of friends spoke and chortled their way through stories, catching up as if time barely passed.
The songs the jazz band were playing melded into one another, all sounding as though the woman singing was longing for love, or something of that romantic nature. In all honesty, this wasn't what she had in mind when it came to a jazz club. Sure, there's jazz playing - the soft yet harsh sounds of a saxophone and trumpet cutting through the cacophony of people talking - but it was a lot more lax than what she expected.
She imagined people dancing, laughing, the energy matching that of the arena on the weekend games. Instead, it's calming enough that even her nerves, as muddled as they were, were loose under his intense gaze. And above all, it certainly felt romantic.
Korra gulped, because she should've been here with Mako, but instead, she's with Tarrlok. It wasn't a terrible ordeal, but just the way he spoke, her mind picking up on what he meant with the intonations in his voice, it was blatant that he was doing what she should have done from the start of this lesson. To implement what he's teaching.
So, did that mean…?
Before she looked too far into that train of thought, Korra took another healthy gulp of her wine. "This atmosphere gives it a more romantic edge despite being in a rather public setting. It may be off-putting to some who aren't fond of public affection and rather would like to keep that private, but for the sake of learning and getting you more comfortable with seduction, assume they do in this case." They, meaning him, Korra nearly corrected, though she held her tongue lest he retorted with some other lie that made him think she was actually flirting with him, and she'd have to resort to punching him again. "Now, there are small advances that speak volumes due to the insinuation. For example, in my case, while we're talking, I can place a lingering touch here on your hand-" It was gentle enough that the slight scratch of his short nails against the back of her hand tingled with warmth. "Or like I did earlier, touch my leg to yours."
Ignoring the fact that her heartbeat spiked, even the slightest bit, she shook her head. "Okay, but what if he doesn't take the hint. Like I know you would probably get it, but what if Mako doesn't?"
Shrugging, Tarrlok merely sipped at his wine. "Use your femininity to your benefit." He uttered, as if it were so simple.
Korra wanted to let out a bark of laughter at that. She had to admit, he had his moments, and he nearly got her with that suggestion. But the longer they sat in relative silence, Korra's face gradually fell.
Spirits, he really meant it.
"I don't have femininity, though."
Snorting, Tarrlok placed his glass back down onto the table's surface before leaning back and eyeing her critically. "Yes, you do." He said.
What in Koh's name-?
Bemused, Korra's brows furrowed as she stuffed the rest of her fairly untouched fritter into her mouth, just to prove her point. Instead of getting the reaction she was waiting for - the mild grimace or uttered reprimand - Tarrlok smirked. "What I mean is, lean forward to show some cleavage, though act like you didn't mean it even when that was your intent. Offer some glittering eyes, linger on certain places a little too long before roving again. Perhaps, even mimic what I did, by touching their hand. I don't want to give you everything on what you could possibly do, but rather suggest a few ways you can physically flirt with someone so you can use your imagination and surprise me."
Spirits, hearing his already smooth baritone drop the slightest bit and mumble the word 'cleavage' didn't sit well with Korra. Try as she might, she attempted not to dwell on that - along with the other questions at the back of her mind - when other pressing matters needed tending to. "But what if I'm too forward? It's not really in my nature to be subtle."
"I'll guide you through it, Korra." He reassured, though something about that only caused Korra to shift in her seat, restless for yet another reason she tried not to think about. "Just remember, small actions - especially at this stage of newly flirting - speak volumes. I'll be lenient with this lesson and allow you to pause and consider if you're being too bold. But in the future, you'll have to put it to the test by incorporating it with a naturally flowing conversation." He said, gesturing for her to start whenever she felt the impulse.
Nodding, Korra took a deep breath in, calming her slightly frazzled nerves and downed the rest of her wine just for good measure. "Alright."
Something about that must've been amusing because Tarrlok gave her a somewhat dry look as his gaze flickered between her and her empty glass.
Despite it all, Korra straightened her spine and rolled her shoulders, conjuring some form of confidence and feeling the subtle thrum of alcohol coursing through her veins. It wasn't nearly enough to get her mouth as loose as the cactus juice did the night before, but it did calm her despite all the reasons why she should be anxious.
Similar to their previous lesson, Korra jumped into conversation with him in relative ease. She began with the typical, how was your day, and it felt as though she broke a dam to have him pouring out his frustration with the Council for, give or take, ten minutes. A part of her regretted even asking, but then she tried to look at any opportunity he was offering and used it to her advantage. While he rambled on about Tenzin, such a surprise when he mentioned her bald mentor, she grasped the half filled bottle of wine and poured some into her glass, refilling his near empty one as well. Especially when that irked dip in his brows was filled with obvious tension, only further proving her assumption that he was in some way an alcoholic out of sheer stress.
But that wasn't the point.
Korra nodded at the appropriate times in his story, vaguely listening to him and more on the strangely hypnotizing sound of his voice. What could she say? As much as he was a great orator, the topic was much less interesting.
If she wanted to talk about Tenzin she would've asked.
Instead, he caught himself and suddenly stopped before he got worked up, more than he already was. He returned the question and she prattled on about her failed attempts of meditation, let alone receiving any breakthrough with her airbending, and pointedly questioned him about the gift he sent.
"By the way, what were you doing up so early in the morning? Jinora said you dropped it off yourself at, like, six." She asked. Her interest piqued all the more when she caught a glimpse of pink dusting his features, though he hid it well behind a small swig of wine.
Why was he blushing?
The thought never fully formed. Brushing it off with a shrug, Tarrlok pointed out, "If you haven't noticed, being a Councilman means I need to work a lot, Korra. Besides, I had a meeting with the Council to attend to."
Such a lie that was.
"If that were true, Tenzin would've been gone, too. You know what I think?" Tarrlok's brow cocked nonchalantly in response, though judging by his trained expression, Korra could sense he was mildly intrigued. "I think you're a workaholic. You need to relax, Tarrlok." She enunciated, the insinuation not lost on him, even though she barely understood what she was saying.
Maybe she was spewing some bullshit, but something about the way he was responding told her she was on the right track. Grasping at the opportunity, Korra leaned forward, just at the right angle for his eyes to flicker from her face to her cleavage, and back again.
She smirked triumphantly.
Cerulean remained on his and she caught the slightest darkening of pale blue. It reminded her of what happened earlier on in their lesson and she didn't know how to comprehend something so small. Confused, she shoved it off to the side. It must've been the dim lights flickering, nothing else, right?
Despite her reservations, Korra learned quite a bit about Tarrlok just in the past few lessons.
That he played the tsungi horn when he was little more than eight and never took a liking to it. She nearly cooed at the picture her mind conjured of an adorable baby Tarrlok, but immediately caught herself. She internally shook her head. Why of all things was she now thinking Tarrlok was adorable? No, no, no.
That he both loved and loathed traveling to the Fire Nation, though more specifically Ember Island. He revealed it was simply because of the treasured memories he had there that it wasn't as terrible as he previously thought. Korra assumed it was an old flame, or even a casual lover that caused him to look off towards the jazz band playing with something akin to yearning. But instead, it was some stupid play that he attended.
Despite resisting the urge to, her eye twitched. Seriously? A play? About forbidden lovers?
She wanted to roll her eyes, though allowing her feigned act to falter even more than she already allowed, would be her downfall in the long run.
Apparently, it didn't fail to bring a few tears to his stinging eyes because he chalked it up to seasonal allergies as he sipped at his wine, pale blue scanning their surroundings. However, he was transparent enough that she concluded he was just a poor sap who was fond of the theatre. And that he was merely a man who was a sucker for romantic bullshit.
No wonder he agreed to do this for her.
Yet the more he tried to save himself, the more she couldn't decide whether to tease him mercilessly for it, or to rub her temples in weariness. Instead, she cooed teasingly, something of which had him pouting even more, before muttering that the only reason why he despised the island was simply because of the humid weather's effect on his hair. In her mind's eye, Korra imagined Tarrlok's normally prim and perfect long hair had morphed into a frizzy mess.
Maybe even as he lounged on some towel at the lip of the coast, basking in the sun's rays, and frustratedly attempting to tame his disheveled locks with that endearing pout she'd seen a few times. Before she could think better of it, Korra closed the short distance between them and reached to grasp one of his three braids. The silky texture against the pad of her fingers felt nice and a part of her didn't even realize how close they were as she toyed with his braided strands.
Icy orbs widened a fraction - enough to tell her that she was doing something right - though Tarrlok recovered relatively quick, almost emboldened. If she was on the receiving end of this, she'd probably excuse herself to the nearest bathroom, though she doubted any of that would help her cause in trying to seduce Mako if she couldn't get comfortable around her supposed teacher.
Regardless, his words echoed in her mind as it had the past few weeks, surprise me, prove me wrong, own up to it, so to speak.
A few ideas conjured in her mind, but she couldn't decide if it was subtle enough or too bold for the second date.
Throwing rationality out the window, she tested her theories. From pulling away in silent challenge after teasingly twirling the braided ponytail between her fingers to smirking at the way she rattled him, she received his undivided attention and a soft tone to his already smooth voice. It caused the tiniest of shivers to course down her body, a detail she adamantly brushed away, though his gaze darkened upon pale blue, and held some mixture of quelled adoration and enthusiasm.
It was fascinating, of course.
Words seemed to be spilling past her lips as the conversation continued, and in all honesty, Korra didn't know if any of it made sense. She's little more than distracted by the tempting gleam in his eyes that was directed at her and the fact that he looked somewhat - somehow - appealing under these warm lanterns. So distracted was she that she barely registered the gentlest of grazes against her skin as his fingers roved in soft circles over the back of her hand, and paused.
Coherent thoughts stuttered in her brain, but she tried to remain unfazed, as if this was completely normal between the Avatar and a Councilman. She spoke of… something she couldn't bring herself to fully understand, but it must've been enough for him judging by the slight nods he offered her.
Pausing, Korra considered the soft touches he graced her with, let alone his hands. They were large, of course. Maybe even considered menacing from different angles. However, they also held prominence, poise, prowess.
All of which he had in abundance.
Heat began flickering low in her abdomen. Swallowing over the growing lump in her throat, she clenched her jaw and mirrored his actions, and delicately - deliberately - trailed indecipherable patterns at the back of his hand.
Why she was still speaking, much less had the gall to openly flirt with the Councilman was beyond Korra.
Subconsciously mentioning something in regards to the task force and spending time with him, she smirked as she brought up how much she relished his company. It was obviously a ploy to puff him up with confidence - despite all the reasons why he had such a big ego in the first place - but she tried to choose her words wisely regardless of the fact that she was complimenting Tarrlok.
With a subtle shift to her right, Korra was encouraged by him responding and resumed testing her ideas. Another glimpse of cleavage. Then her lingering touch. And, ultimately, his answering sly smirk.
Honestly, she felt as though she were a school girl confronting a crush for the first time. Though this was completely feigned, right? She relentlessly reasoned that the way her heart hammered at her chest, or the subtle thrumming within her was due to her honing those subpar acting skills, but it sounded more of a stupid excuse than anything.
Instead, she shoved it off to the back of her mind.
After a while, Korra could truthfully say, she didn't know what they were talking about anymore. She hadn't before, but it was only proven further when she focused on simple actions rather than her words. Of course, she listened, but the words and their meanings were barely registering when his skin was just as heated as her own. She pushed it further by teasingly, playfully, plucking his nimble fingers with her own. The slight scrape of her nails was evidently enough to get him to reciprocate, no matter how small his movements were.
A small part of her realized that, if they were ever found out, this'd be one of the most scandalous stories to grace the tabloids. But those concerns were miles away.
Cerulean strayed on the hypnotizing depths of his eyes, slowly roving down to his defined nose, to his determined lips that smiled just enough for her to see straight white teeth. Beyond that was the sharp edge of his jawline, the subtle pulsing of an artery at the side of his neck, and the crisp collar of his dress shirt.
Korra refrained from going any lower lest she was discovered with the evident fiery flush, but it didn't matter when she met his eyes, something victorious glimmered within pale fire.
Toying with his long fingers, she had to duly note his skin felt amazing against hers, and it was against all of Korra's expectations that she was even feeling these strange things for him, of all people. She nearly cursed underneath her breath. That these odd yet addicting sensations of stirring heat at the pit of her stomach was - most of all - supposed to be an act
Yet, she knew she couldn't fake any of this.
As he spoke of… well, she wasn't quite sure, and frankly didn't care, she chewed at her lower lip, nearly dazed. Upon realizing her glass of wine was empty, she reached for his with her unoccupied hand and took a sip of the crimson liquid. Lethargically, deliberately, she tasted the wine with every fiber of her being. Yet one detail nearly set her ablaze. Most of her gloss had worn off at this time of night, but there still, an imprint of her lips remained on his glass. Something about that intensified the stirring. Was it simply because of the implication? But then, what was the implication? Was it because of the fact that it was proof that she was taking this a lot more seriously than she intended? She didn't want to know.
However, it was subtle enough that she could've chalked the slight falter in his voice to the fact that the song stopped before melding into another.
Heartbeat hastening the slightest bit under his hooded gaze, Korra felt a flare of something intangible shift. Whether it was feigned or not, it caused her cheeks to flush at his undivided attention and utter fascination.
Instead of focusing on the conversation like she should've done for the past hour, she vaguely dwelled on the realizations that tickled the back of her mind. The fact that everything around her was affecting the way she saw him. She tried to rationalize these bemusing emotions that only now were beginning to well up in her and she found a few plausible ones. Surely, it was merely because of the lighting… or the soft jazz… or the wine… or even just the lesson on flirting in general, right?
No. It didn't sound convincing to her, and despite all the reasons why she shouldn't have done this - or maybe she should have since this was practice - a part of her was restless.
Regardless, she firmly attempted to prioritize the lessons and pondered aloud the fact that they were at a jazz club, yet not many were dancing. He entertained her, because apparently the few bands that usually played at the establishment weren't there tonight, and thus setting a more subtle, romantic mood compared to the typical energetic buzz. Korra nodded, pursing her lips as she considered his words and imagined a lively version of the Blue Bearcat.
It would've made a much more interesting experience for the both of them, and maybe she wouldn't have come to that daunting realization that these lessons weren't all for naught when she inadvertently began playing at seduction with a Councilman, even though it'd been a mere two lessons prior. However, it was someone twenty years older than her, someone who clearly had questionable motivations and morals.
Someone who she, admittedly, found strikingly handsome in his own endearing and aristocratic yet menacing way.
He spoke of the usual occurrences at the jazz club, despite the peculiarity. When with his 'acquaintances', they'd casually talk of recent stories and events - more than likely politics that tiptoed around legalities - and calm their bodies with the familiar scent of nicotine hanging in the air. Something small shifted, as if he knew where this was leading, and that infuriating smugness rolled off him in spades. When with a date, he's fond of dancing together - slow and upbeat - or merely teasing them through bold insinuations of what the rest of the night entailed.
Heart racing with excitement, and beyond her comprehension - but at this point, she didn't question it - Korra's curiosity bested her as she audibly swallowed over her dry throat. Spirits, if she didn't know any better, she would've assumed his statement was entirely, wholly, directed at her. Genuine and enticing all the more.
But if he did this with a regular date, why hadn't he shown her the same treatment? If this was a real date, I'd be much more bold. He had uttered teasingly, tilting his glass for the last healthy gulp of wine.
Emboldened, Korra's imagination fluttered at an idea that she could only assume would be her undoing in this lesson, or prove her potential further. Chewing at her lower lip, she lightly trailed the pointed tip of her heels from his ankle, sneaking underneath the pant leg of his trousers, and up his shin.
He shouldn't have taken a swig of his wine because Tarrlok nearly choked on the intoxicating drink. Another proud smile couldn't be stifled when he coughed into his fist and regained some semblance of clarity, moved even the slightest bit under her ministrations.
Unrelenting, out of morbid curiosity, she crossed that blurred boundary and gently repeated the motions of her foot. Why does it have to be a real date to show me?
His skills in seduction, in comparison with her own, were largely out of her depth. A daring smirk intensified as he prodded in return, and grasped her ankle underneath the table's surface. It's much too early to show that type of flirting, Avatar. Perhaps next lesson.
Sweltering heat shot up her spine at the insinuation, at the fact that his firm hand had yet to release her ankle and had the gall to delicately stroke her skin with the pad of his thumb. Spirits, if she could, her body would've melted at his touch. Yet something about that, through the daze, the reciprocated banter that dipped into dangerous territory, the utter realization that her body relished what he was doing - his words, his small gestures - and most of all, the realization that she wanted him despite all the alarms blaring in her mind, it had her heart thumping wildly in her throat.
She couldn't do this, least of all with him when these confusing feelings were distracting her all too greatly.
Mildly panicking at what this truly meant - for the future of these lessons, and the future of her nonexistent relationship with Mako - Korra audibly gulped, eyes widened and muscles pulled taut, before hastily mumbling something about needing to use the bathroom.
She needed air. And maybe even a place where she could think rationally about this, without him in her vicinity.
When she hurriedly made her way out of the jazz club, leaving him utterly alone to finish their fritters, Korra assumed this was one of the last times she'd see Tarrlok in this eye-opening light, let alone on relatively good terms. This really wasn't something she needed at the moment. With an adamant shake of her head, she refused to acknowledge that she felt the same things for him just as she did with Mako.
Yet it wasn't completely a lie she thought she believed, and it scared her.