A/N: Hi, yes, I did rewrite/remove the previous chapter and melded it into one. I apologize if my writing isn't to your expectations :(
Feedback of any kind is welcomed and appreciated! Enjoy!
—-
The last she remembered from her dream was grasping at long, silky hair. Icy blue twinkling in the moonlight, darkened with yearning, leering at her from between her legs. It was strange that she could almost feel that tongue that tangled with hers just a few days previously against her most sensitive parts, even in her trance.
In her dream, she recalled silently crying, flushing, feeling every bit of her body beginning to succumb to something she's never experienced before. Let alone with someone. With the rapid tightness in her body rising, witnessing him in such a disheveled state, grasping at her thighs in nothing short of eagerness, completely unrelenting that had her blood rushing loudly in her ears. She always assumed he'd tease her, draw the tension out and hold it over her head in favor of something selfish, but it seemed her thoughts were nothing but the obvious jumble of frustrations.
Maybe it was the amalgamation of events, of her responsibilities that caused her to get so wound up, her body and mind, even in unconsciousness, seemed to respond to that stress, grasping at any form of release she could get.
She was right at the edge of that nameless feeling, on the cusp of something delicious. But then she heard it.
Woken from her sleep, Korra jolted in her spot, hot and flushed, though her dream was the last thing on her mind when it was barely dawn judging from the lack of sunlight, and a loud bang was heard from the hallway.
Shit, was it the Equalists? Amon? How'd they break in?
That was a stupid question, but she couldn't think straight.
Body still groggy from slumber, Korra felt her nerves prickle with some type of electricity, her muscles growing taut, before slinging the sheets off of her and sitting up, stiff. If she needed to fight, she was sure they'd best her, but she didn't want to think about that. Bloodshot eyes wide, waiting with evident fright, Korra stared at her closed doors and the few shadows that played across the screen until it harshly slid open.
"Korra! Tell Jinora to give me my last lychee juice back!" Ikki pouted, pointing a tiny finger at her older sister.
Taken aback, Korra's face fell. "What?" She asked no one in particular, her brow twitching in mild annoyance.
Then of course, before coherent thought was trickling into her brain at a snail's crawl, the other two had to trail in behind Ikki and interrupt any form of her musings. The elder's face was scrunched in a glower, clearly offended with hands perched on her hips sassily, while the youngest was coolly cradling a juice pouch in his small grasp and walking behind them with a devilish quirk to his face.
Even from her spot on the mattress, Korra's mouth fell open, trying to make sense of what in spirits' name was going on. But nothing came.
"Ikki, for the last time, I didn't take it!" Jinora hardened her scowl.
"Yes you did!" Ikki accused, her voice nothing but shrill, grating on Korra's ears.
"No, I didn't!" Jinora growled.
"Yes!"
"No!"
"Yes!"
Korra allowed her head to hit the back of her bed frame. Was it really necessary to do this now? Spirits, why were they even awake at this hour? How did they have this much energy to fight?
Closing her eyes and feeling the familiar sting of dryness, Korra listened as their argument continued in a barrage of yeses and nos thrown back and forth until a combination of a frustrated groan and growl escaped Jinora.
"If I did, why's Meelo drinking lychee juice that looks exactly like the one you just had?" Jinora retorted with pursed lips, challenge in her voice. Suddenly, a bump and a loud thud was heard near the threshold.
Cracking open her eyes, she found Meelo on the floor, face-first and clear liquid leaking from the straw of his juice box. "Ow!" He groaned, rubbing his forehead and elbows with a pout. With a gesture, Korra bent the juice back into the pouch, though she doubted he'd want to drink that again… maybe.
"See? Look, he spilled it all!" Jinora gestured towards Meelo who was slowly standing from his spot and looking around with mild interest and brows dipped in tension. Korra sat up in worry, looking over the foot of her bed, but then realized how shockingly immune these children were to injuries when they had airbending at their grasp.
When Meelo stood up and tilted his head to the side appearing as though he were a confused Naga, Korra sighed in relief and wilted a fraction. At least he wasn't crying this time. He barely ever cried, opting to run off whatever wound he did have, but there were a few occasions she'd seen him run off to Pema with a pout.
"The Ethical Tart? What's a tart?" Meelo questioned, holding the book up and his light blue gaze flickering between his sisters and Korra.
That sense of relaxation flew out the window in a snap of a finger as she bristled at the mere mention of the title, unconsciously making some indignant noise at the back of her throat.
She'd thrown the books haphazardly to the corner of her room all while furiously blushing - and it managed to somehow get on the floor throughout the few days - when Tarrlok handed them to her. With what happened that night in his office, Korra didn't even realize she forgot to grab them on her way out.
That is, until the next day she had to tag along with Tenzin for a Council meeting that ended up with her nearly punching the Councilman at his audacity.
Was he seriously trying to get her murdered? Did he want a death wish? Probably, considering he was nothing but smug about it.
He blatantly handed the books to her in front of her airbending mentor saying one thing or another about, I believe these are yours, Avatar. You left them in my office last night in your haste to leave. It was fortunate that he waited for the meeting to end, much less had Tenzin rifling through his drawers in search of the papers that he needed, but Korra could only gape at Tarrlok at her side, flushing, and rapidly making a grasp at the books by hiding them behind her back, all the more ready to smack him with some earth, or maybe sink him into the stone tiles underneath his feet. Tarrlok on the other hand, simply smirked, more than happy with his handiwork as he clasped his hands behind his back and waited for Tenzin to give him the correct documents.
What a bastard.
When Tenzin crouched down to the bottom drawer of his desk, Korra didn't waste the opportunity to get some revenge. Opting to injure the man at her side, she firmly gripped one of the two books and smacked Tarrlok's arm before reassuming her position once again. A flush burned at her cheeks while Tarrlok glowered at her, rubbing his wounded bicep with a stupidly endearing pout puffing his lower lip out.
Korra felt the same heat creeping up her neck and tinting her cheeks at the airbending kid's natural curiosity. Interest piqued, Jinora took the book out of Meelo's hands, inspecting it and flipping through the pages before blushing, while Ikki took the other. "Fire Nation Tips: Too Hot to Handle." Ikki read aloud.
Bunching the sheets in her fists, Korra quickly swung her legs over the edge of her mattress and stood up with a huff. "Okay, you know what, out! All of you!" She said, pushing the three kids out in blatant panic. When they did without hesitation, still grasping onto her books, she could feel her face burning even hotter. "And give me my books back!" She grabbed them out of their small hands.
Dear spirits, she hoped they didn't see anything too damaging. She knew two out of the three would go run their mouths, and more than likely tell Tenzin about it.
Before Korra could slide the door closed, Meelo and Ikki looked at her in confusion - probably wondering why she was mortified - but then she caught a glimpse of the elder of the group who was observing her curiously, almost knowingly. "Korra, did someone give these to you?" Jinora questioned.
"No! I-" Her brain malfunctioned, scrambling to find any sort of excuse. Although given that it was not even dawn, she was abruptly woken up, and these kids found her naughty books, Korra settled with the first thought that came to mind. "I bought them myself! Out!" She yelped, closing the door with a snap.
Releasing a heavy sigh, she pressed her forehead against the wooden panels of her door, cradling the books in her arms. She heard the muttering of a few things on the other side, then the following shuffles of their footsteps retreating away from her room.
Straightening her spine, she adjusted her grip on the books and in the process, a folded note slipped out, falling gracefully to the floor. What the hell?
Picking up the note, cerulean scanned the expensive paper, and immediately recognized that slanted penmanship.
Korra,
As promised, I cleared out my evening plans to meet with you for our next lesson on Saturday. Meet me at the entrance to Little Ba Sing Se at around 6pm. It wouldn't do being noticed by the public as the Avatar and Councilman, so please do change into something unrecognizable.
With love, Tarrlok.
Shit. She cursed underneath her breath, glancing into her wardrobe filled with few items that easily gave away the fact that she was the Avatar, and much more from the South. Spirits, she needed to ask someone.
—-
"So what do you need these for?" Asami asked, sitting herself at the foot of her bed as Korra glanced in the mirror.
Her reflection gave away the fact that she was pretending to be someone she wasn't and for once, that was a good thing, especially after that meager change with Mako at the Revelation. Deep reds and shades of black draped her body. A few outfits were splayed on the surface of Asami's bed, all ranging from extremely girlish to the way she normally dressed. One had a long skirt - which she already tried - while the other was a relatively short dress, though as Korra shrugged the button-down over her shoulders, she already sensed this was the winner out of the bunch.
It was feminine, comfortable, and immensely stylish, from what she gathered with a few of the articles of clothing still slung on a hanger or discarded off to the side. It was completely divergent from her usual style of sweats and her turtleneck, but she wasn't complaining like she thought she would. And it certainly wasn't revealing or scandalous in the least. Not like the dress Tarrlok sent her - well, the other dress he sent her, she corrected - for their date.
Expensive silk was certainly a different sensation against her bare skin as she clasped each button and watched her reflection with a slight narrow to her eyes, the room bright with the morning rays of the sun.
Korra shrugged. "Oh, nothing, just an undercover mission with Tarrlok. We've been tracking down this lead with a tip off and I don't really have that many clothes that wouldn't get me recognized. I would've asked Pema, but all her clothes that aren't air nomad robes are with her parents." She lied. For once, her voice didn't seem to betray her in the fact that this was a complete fib.
From the corner of her eyes, Asami cocked her head to the side as she stood from her mattress and made her way to Korra. "Well, it's not a problem, seriously. And I'm not going to lie, that sounds pretty cool. Just be safe, please." She said with a pleading smile, grasping onto a black vest neatly folded on a nearby table and straightening the fabric with her hands.
Snorting, Korra tied the thin ribbon around her collar and allowed her friend to help her slip the vest on. "C'mon, we're talking about me, Asami. I'm the Avatar, of course I'll be safe. Have I ever made you think differently?"
Reluctantly, Asami pulled back the slightest bit and offered a knowing, wary glance. "Umm," she said, her tone pitching higher with an awkward smile, before returning to the task at hand and buttoning the few clasps of the vest underneath Korra's bust.
"I'm joking!" Korra laughed. "Seriously, don't worry I'll be fine. Thanks." She said as she finished and caught sight of her reflection in the mirror.
Cerulean traveled the length of her body in approval. Although as much as it felt nice to have this time with Asami, there was something amiss. Maybe it was her demeanor, or maybe it was the nervous tinge in the chuckle she responded with. Korra wasn't sure, but as she finished by running her fingers through her tangled, unbound hair, she glanced at Asami in silent question when her friend retreated back to the edge of her mattress.
However, this time she was fidgeting with her fingers rather than splayed behind her on the plush sheets as she did moments prior.
"Korra," she said after heaving out a sigh.
"What?" Korra glanced at her friend's reflection.
Asami bit her crimson painted lip and looked almost reluctant. What the hell was going on? When she released yet another long, suffering sigh, Asami met Korra's eyes from the mirror. "Look, Korra, you don't need to lie to me. There's something going on with you and Councilman Tarrlok, right?"
Korra's blood froze.
"I-" She began, but then realized what in spirits' name could she say to that. Mind scrambling, she settled with turning towards her friend, batting her concerns away and laughing it off. However, it sounded grating, nervous, and flustered, instead of nonchalant like she had hoped. "What? Of course not!"
As much as she was trying to keep the mood light with a grin etching itself on her features, it was hurting in her attempt to not show her shock. Even though she knew it was fruitless.
Gazing at her in near pity, Asami tilted her head to the side. "Korra, you make it pretty damn obvious you're lying, you know."
Did she? Judging from what Tarrlok mentioned to her from the past handful of weeks being in his instruction, she was sure he told her otherwise. But then she realized the only reason for him saying that was because the lies she's spewed out in the past were the truth played off as a fabrication. She tried to deny it, or maybe even push it to the back of her mind before a headache throbbed at her temples, but she knew deep down her 'practice' wasn't even an act. At least not anymore.
Audibly gulping, Korra couldn't decide whether or not she should continue this lie when she was already caught in it. Casting her eyes down, she shrank in defeat.
"Yeah… there is." She nodded, voice nothing more than a whisper as she avoided viridian orbs watching her in judgment… well, probably in judgment, she corrected. Scratching at the side of her head, a nervous habit she had since childhood, Korra flushed. "How'd you find out?"
Did she even want to know? No… maybe… yes.
Asami shrugged. "Well, other than the tabloids, which I'm sure was a complete exaggeration… how you act when his name is mentioned, or you constantly being around him… And I saw you two flirting a few days ago when my father and I visited City Hall to meet up with Chief Saikhan about some information with Equalist activity. I saw Tenzin in the room with you guys, but I don't think he knew." She said quietly.
Spirits, did she really make it that obvious? Where the hell was she? More than likely too absorbed in trying to prove something stupid to Tarrlok, she thought. "Listen, it's not what you think. Er-" She caught herself, her lips pressed into a firm line. "Well, okay, maybe it is what you think it's just I… I don't know how to explain it, to be honest." She muttered in defeat, leaning back into the table at her side.
Giggling nervously, Asami tucked a few stray tendrils behind her ear. "It's fine, Korra. I mean, yeah, he's a little creepy and old and my dad's friends with him which makes it a little weird, but you can't help who you like."
Well, wasn't that the blatant truth. First a few small crushes on the White Lotus guards at the compound in the South. Then, Mako. And now, Tarrlok. A sardonic laugh threatened to spill past her lips. She certainly had some range, didn't she?
"Yeah, unfortunately." Korra grumbled to herself. When Asami didn't respond, she studied her friend fiddling with her fingers. "I'm surprised you're okay with this. I wasn't when I started feeling things for him."
"I'm not necessarily, I mean, I have some issues with it, but it's not my place to break you two up if he makes you happy." She answered slowly. Korra internally winced at her words. Because one way or another, these lessons began with her wanting to break up what happiness Asami and Mako had together for her selfish desires.
Korra nodded. "Please don't tell Mako or Bolin, okay? Or anyone else for that matter. I don't really know how to handle the situation outside of Tarrlok and I yet." She pleaded.
Viridian roved over her, utterly silent. Korra assumed her friend would've just left it at that, though as she made a move to grasp at the boots near her feet, Asami released a terse exhale of amusement. "Your secret is safe with me, don't worry. And if you need to talk about anything, I'm here to lend an ear. It's kinda difficult to have any girl talk when Mako's always around, or it's always about probending."
"Well, championships are pretty soon, but yeah, I get that." Korra chuckled, rubbing a hand at her nape awkwardly.
"By the way, I think I like that better on you than the other one." Korra smiled, before she turned towards the mirror and let cerulean rove the length of her body all the more earnestly. When she smoothed her palms against the fabric of the vest, Asami came up behind her, looking at their reflection. "If you want, I could do something with your hair. I think keeping your hair down would be best if you're trying not to get noticed." Asami suggested with a quirked brow.
—-
Korra leaned against the stone walls of the shopping center with pursed lips once Asami drove away with a wave goodbye. As abrupt as the whole day had been, she couldn't deny it was fun. She didn't realize gossiping could be so entertaining, much less with Asami after practically hating her guts for no other reason besides her being with Mako.
But that wasn't in her worries anymore. At least, for the past few weeks, she assumed. There wasn't the slightest tinge of jealousy she felt in regards to her friend, and spending the whole day quelled whatever issues she did have with her. It felt nice, refreshing even.
After changing into some of Asami's clothes and getting her hair curled into large bulbous waves that, in all honesty, resembled her friend's, they spent the rest of the afternoon on the racetracks. Either her or Asami racing each other, or racing a few of the staff from Future Industries, until they were spent and decided flitting through different records would be of good use to her gramophone.
The sun was still shining, splashes of orange and pink washing the sky as it nearly broke dusk, though the temperature around her told her it was anything but warm.
With a curious glance over the edge of the stone wall, she saw twin arches leading straight into the center of shops. She'd never visited Little Ba Sing Se, much less been to the actual Ba Sing Se, but watching the people walking to and fro with baskets and bags full of their purchases, laughing to their heart's content, gazing upon the large buildings strewn in rings, made her heart swell. Maybe it was Aang's memories or maybe it was one of the previous Avatars', but she was sure content had been present.
Although, that feeling all but lasted a few seconds. A tingle ran across the back of her neck.
Paranoid, her eyes hastily scanned her surroundings, and when she found nothing abnormal, she released a sigh of relief. She assumed it'd be Tarrlok making his way toward her, or even some hidden Equalist ready to attack, but it was nothing. Spirits, she needed to relax. With championships right around the corner, she needed to be free of any distractions lest she wanted them to lose.
Huffing, Korra crossed her arms underneath her bust as she waited for Tarrlok. As minutes passed and the nearby bell tower rang, signifying it was now past six, she could only assume the man himself was taking longer on his appearance than he intended. Well, as long as he didn't look like the sleazy politician he was.
Or maybe he forgot about this all together? Immediately, Korra batted that idea away. Of course, he didn't forget. After their last lesson, much less him giving her those books back a few short days ago, she doubted he could forget about her. She knew she couldn't, given that dream she had of him, though she quickly quashed that train of thought before she grew hot and feverish for being a fool for entertaining it.
She was adamant, growing on him like fungi if she could, and annoying him until he was forced to find her endearing. At least, that's what she hoped for, even though she knew it was more like a stupid game of tug-of-war and who'd fall for this idiotic play of seduction first.
Regardless, she took deep breaths and caught the lingering scents of street food cooking from over the wall she leaned upon that it calmed her even the slightest bit. She should've eaten something before leaving Asami's estate. Even a small snack would've sufficed, but smelling meat cooking was causing her stomach to grumble.
Surely, it was seal meat, right? The scents were reminiscent of the festivals in the South - and admittedly, the North, though she barely recalled those since she was so young the last time she visited. Huffing to herself in impatience, cerulean gazed around her.
At the sight of a man walking towards her from the corner of her eye, Korra couldn't help the lopsided grin from tugging at the corners of her lips. Wow. He didn't look anything like the well-groomed, prissy Councilman she was accustomed to. Pausing, she had to take that back. He was well-groomed in a way that was completely different from his usual tidy appearance.
This Tarrlok looked almost roguish, and it looked good on him. For reasons that weren't in her reach, she liked it.
His silky locks were unbound, entirely free of the multiple ties he adorned on the regular. His outfit - as much as she tried not to linger too long on the fact that he looked really good in the form-fitting clothes compared to his semi-formal robes - unintentionally matched the deep wine and blacks of her own. Surely, he didn't know she'd do that, right? It was just a coincidence, right?
Heavy footfalls of his boots against the ground almost sounded intimidating to her, though that trademark smirk of his made that air around him immediately dissipate.
Once he reached her front, his pale blue roved over her form appreciatively. Sweet spirits, the man had gall. "You look stunning, Avatar." He commended, incredibly pleased with her effort.
Feeling her cheeks tingle with heat, Korra swallowed over the growing lump in her throat and glanced at the few people entering and exiting the shopping center before meeting his glittering orbs. "Thanks. You too, I guess." She sniffed. "But don't let it get to your head." She added in an afterthought and prodded his chest with a firm index finger.
Puffing his lower lip out, Tarrlok rubbed the area, wounded. "That hurt, Avatar."
Korra didn't respond. Instead, she allowed a satisfied smirk line her lips as she nodded for him to lead the way into the shopping center. "So, what exactly are we doing here in Little Ba Sing Se?"
Smiling in a way that made Korra think he was hiding something from her, Tarrlok led her past the food stalls to their left and a few shops to their right. "All in due time, Korra. There's a small boutique here, relatively new, but it certainly has an… interesting type of merchandise I had an inkling you'd appreciate." Korra could hear more than see the smirk in his voice, though she discreetly stole glances of the food cooking.
Meat was sizzling, setting the area in a haze of steam and smoke, while dumplings were either in the process of being fried or were being served with soy sauce and flameo flakes. A few other stalls were filled with roast duck slowly spinning, pan-fried noodles crackling, and cotton candy gently rotating. By the spirits, she almost grasped Tarrlok's wrist at her side and tugged him toward the stalls, but ultimately refrained despite the grumbling in her stomach.
"Interesting merchandise?" She asked dismissively.
"Mhm," he hummed. "... And it does go along with the lesson quite well."
"Right…" She said, obvious in the fact that she was skeptical. Pursing her lips and considering the man, cerulean narrowed as she eyed the length of his body. He was very obviously baiting her. "What happened with keeping this hidden? Didn't we both agree that we'd keep this private?"
"Yes, but going about this topic in private is immensely different compared to discussing it in public. I couldn't find a reasonable excuse, or rather an alternative, for the lesson. That's why I asked you to change into something unrecognizable."
"Mn," Korra settled with, walking alongside the Councilman in relative silence besides the cacophony of shoppers going to and fro the pathway, and the footfalls of their boots against stone.
It was when he stopped, gesturing toward a small boutique that was painted a gaudy pink that Korra's brow quirked in a silent question. "Here we are. Gorgeous, isn't it?" He said proudly.
Confused as to why the hell he was proud - or maybe he was satisfied with something unknown - Korra took a few furtive glances between him and the shop itself. "Bad Badgermole?" She read the name in question.
Tarrlok shrugged, leaning close to her. "It's a toy shop."
Why was he taking her to a toy store? She wasn't a child, and considering their last lesson, she doubted he saw her as such when he managed to get hard from all that kissing. If he did, well, she had some serious questions she'd like to ask before parting ways with the man and seeking Chief Beifong to arrest him. But judging from the scantily clad mannequins and large sign that obscured the rest of the store that said, buy one get one fifty percent off, she could only assume this was anything but for children.
Bemused, Korra narrowed her eyes. "Toys? Like… rubber turtle-ducks?" She questioned with a sheepish smile. She knew it was anything but that, but it was still nice to play off the apprehension flowing through her veins.
All the man could do was glance at her with glimmering eyes, as though he were silently asking if she was joking. When she met his gaze evenly, Tarrlok released a small chuckle and placed a large hand atop her shoulder. "Well, I certainly am proud that you've come so far." He uttered, before sliding that hand down to the middle of her back and guiding her in. "Come."
Stepping past the threshold with a cute ring of a bell, Korra didn't know what she was expecting - maybe some scandalous lingerie - but it certainly wasn't this. Cerulean opened wide as they fleeted throughout the shop.
So this is what he meant by toys, she thought.
Objects of varying colors and sizes lined the walls while one appeared to be bare… or nearly bare. Though with one glance at the boxes strewn about and the few customers stepping around them, she could only assume the employees were restocking whatever was in demand. Spirits, she didn't even know these were in demand.
Most of the objects were shaped to resemble a man's groin, some looking like some strange variation of a claw, while others were nothing more than beads strung together by a measly string and what appeared to be an oversized ring. "Um," Korra managed to mumble out as she scanned her surroundings, completely out of her element. One wall was adorned with cuffs, paddles, feathers, leather and latex. Then it dawned on her. Shaking herself of her shock, Korra's brows pinched and attempted to smile her nervousness away, though that was anything but successful. "Wait, is the reason why you couldn't find an excuse to go to this shop because you'd be embarrassed?"
Tarrlok mirrored her smile then, however, hers faltered at the sight of it, feeling herself grow hot all the more intensely. Leaning in close, his lips brushed the heated skin of her ear. "Avatar, my comfort for sexuality is not an issue, let alone having the courage to step foot in an adult shop. If anything, I know for a fact that you'd be the one embarrassed. Just as you are right now." His tone dripped with satisfaction, his hot breath curling over her skin and stirring the stray curls at her side.
Attempting to hide her blush, Korra cleared her throat behind a taut fist as he leaned away, leading them to the side a bit as another couple entered the shop. "So, how does going to this boutique tie in with our lesson? Am I going to have to practice with all of this..? Or..?" She drawled in a failed attempt to change the topic, even though apprehension rushed through her by the way her eyes widened.
Tarrlok chuckled. Surprisingly, it wasn't teasing or condescending, it was a genuine sound that rumbled deep in his chest. "Dear spirits no." He smiled, evidently amused. "No, this time, I'll leave the practice up to you on your own time, on your own volition. There isn't a plausible way of practicing without getting caught, and I highly doubt that that's in any way sanitary-" He visibly shivered, cringing at the thought that even Korra had to follow suit. "But we can discuss the purpose of each toy and how to use them nonetheless." He concluded.
Nodding, Korra fidgeted with the flared fabric of the vest around her waist, unsure of how to go about being surrounded with everything. "...And the topic of the lesson?" She asked, straying on a couple evidently deciding between purchasing red ropes or the metal cables she knew Lin and the police force were equipped with.
"Different ways to achieve an orgasm." Tarrlok answered, smug.
Korra swung her head to face him. "I-what?" She questioned almost incredulously. How did kissing on their last lesson manage to jump to orgasms?
As if he could read her thoughts, Tarrlok smiled and gestured at nothing in particular. "Well, considering we took a rather large leap with our previous lesson, which I'd like to add, you did an excellent job."
"With the kissing or the lying?" She matched his smug smile and nudged his elbow with her own playfully.
"Both." He uttered quietly. It was enough for Korra to feel some warm shudder trail down her spine at his audacity, but before she could think too much on that compliment and his flattery-filled mouth, he leaned away. "Things did get a bit tense, and I thought it would be of good use for you to explore the different dynamics of sex. It doesn't have to be outright sexual intercourse, it could be out of your curiosity alone or with a partner, or whatever your heart desires, really. Exploring your sexuality is healthy. It helps guide you with what you and your body likes or dislikes." He paused, scanning the boutique. "Let's start here."
He guided her towards the nearest wall to their left. In all honesty, she didn't know what to make of Tarrlok teaching her about these toys, let alone him having pretty vast knowledge on their use at all.
In all honesty, watching his hands handle the displays was enough for her to clench her jaw, because it looked as though he were familiar with the feel of them.
But then again, their time sparring and nearly getting caught in the cave was evidence enough he knew what he was talking about. She didn't even want to think about their last lesson in his office, because as much as he made a healthy impression in her mind, solely based on his ministrations, she was sure she'd burn in a fiery blaze out of embarrassment at the fact that he made her feel that good with his lips alone. It wasn't even just the act of kissing that had her hot, but the way things were aligning before they were so rudely interrupted.
Her dream certainly didn't help make matters better.
Shaking her head the slightest bit, she stopped her musings before she got ahead of herself and tried to focus on the serious topic at hand.
Pointing to each toy, Tarrlok named them, what they did and explained their purpose - which truthfully, was always to achieve an orgasm or some type of pleasure. From hot pink to icy blue, from glass to rubber, all the objects were melding together that by the time they reached their last corner, Korra was nothing but quiet. As they made their way around the perimeter of the boutique, a part of her was sure Tarrlok would've felt the heat emanating off of her and assumed she'd be using some of her firebending.
At this point, she didn't think she needed it.
Once he stopped, utterly pleased with his explanation with hands perched on his narrow hips, Korra stood beside him, stiff and unsure how to respond. She was at a loss. Whether to even say anything or opt to keep quiet and let him lead just as he had been for the duration of this lesson.
Fortunately, one of the employees - apparently the other had gone off to the back for more boxes - cut her thoughts short and interrupted the lack of conversation between them. "How're you two doing? Need any help?" The woman asked vivaciously, carrying a relatively small box in her grasp.
"I-um-" Korra stammered. It was only then that she realized, besides the few staff members, she and Tarrlok were the only people still lingering in the store.
Apparently taking the reins, Tarrlok offered Korra a wary look, before that diplomatic smile of his softened towards the other woman. "No, just browsing your selection. It's our first time exploring all of this, so we're just weighing our options." He explained, smugly wrapping an arm around Korra's waist and tugging her close to his side.
Flushing, her eyes widened before nervously smiling and mirroring his movements.
"Ah, okay, so you're newbies." The employee said with a shrug. "Well, don't worry. I know it's both very intimidating and overwhelming with all the options since this is new territory for you two, and the last thing you guys need is to feel alarmed, but that corner over there-" she pointed toward the furthest corner of the boutique, "is where I usually refer to new customers. There isn't anything too big or too obscure, it's pretty tame and playful just to get you guys started. But if you have any questions, I'll be stocking that wall over there." She smiled, nodding toward the nearly replenished wall that was bare when they walked in.
"Actually, I have a question." Tarrlok piped up.
A part of her wanted to hide in mortification, because one thing he had, especially as of late, was the audacity to subtly tease her. If not outright, definitely in a meandering type of way when people were around.
"Mhm?" The woman tilted her head with a polite smile.
"Do you have any suggestions? Or rather, what's your most popular item?" He questioned. From his stance against her, Korra had an inkling he knew, or at least had some guess as to what it'd be, but he kept his mouth shut. For once.
"Well, most of the time customers come here for these two," she pulled out two displays of the toys from the box, and Korra pursed her lips in an attempt to hide her interest. One was a simple shape of a man's cock, while the other resembled a tube of lipstick that Asami always kept on her, though this didn't have a detachable cap. However, with one glance into the woman's golden eyes, a knowing glint flickered between her and Tarrlok. "... But… if you two are exploring each other, I have received a lot of positive feedback for this bad boy right here." The woman pulled yet another toy out with a lopsided grin.
It was another toy that was a near duplicate of a cock, though this time, attached to a harness of some sort.
Cheeks burning all the more fiercely, Korra braved a glance up at Tarrlok who hesitantly met her gaze - pink dusting his own skin - recalling the explanation he mentioned not even ten minutes prior.
"O-okay, thank you for your help." Korra squeaked.
Thankful that the woman walked away and returned to her duties, Korra scratched her nape, turning fully towards Tarrlok.
With an understanding sigh, he placed a gentle hand on her shoulder before trailing down to her bicep and rubbing indistinct patterns with his thumb. The light touch was enough to send small shivers lancing down her nerves. "I don't want to overwhelm you more than I already have, that's one of the reasons why I mentioned the fact that I'd allow you to practice this on your own time. But I am willing to purchase any of the toys that have piqued your interest."
Slowly nodding, Korra thought back to their lecture of sorts. "So, more homework?" She asked softly.
Tarrlok smiled. "In a sense, yes."
With a resolute nod, Korra managed to conjure up the courage to walk over to the wall the staff had just finished restocking and made a grab of the tiny box that cradled a shiny, golden bullet the size of her middle finger behind the display. There was nothing on his face when she silently pushed it into his hands except for the slightest quirks of his brows. Was that amusement? Was it fascination? Korra narrowed her eyes.
If he was about to make fun of her for her natural curiosity, and for taking him up on his offer, she wouldn't hesitate to give him a very well deserved punch. Only this time, it would most definitely be aimed at his nose.
When there was nothing, a discreet sigh of relief escaping her, they made their way to the cashier. It wasn't nearly as awkward as she was making it out to be, but that could be chalked up to who exactly she was with. No way in the spirit world did she think she'd ever do something like this. Maybe she was naive for that - and she certainly wasn't a prude - but the thought never crossed her mind when her knowledge before Tarrlok's instruction consisted of the basics of sex and the reproductive qualities of intimacy.
As she gazed upon the discreetly packaged toy, finishing up the dumplings he bought her on the way out and jazz playing softly in the background as Tarrlok drove down the busy streets, Korra couldn't fathom where in Koh's name she'd hide this from… well, everyone on Air Temple Island, really.
The airbending kids especially, considering they relished the idea of turning her room upside down on random mornings, while Tenzin still kept a wary eye on her at every mention of leaving the Island. She doubted he'd rifle through her belongings. That felt like it crossed some sort of barrier, but still.
She supposed hiding it in her underwear drawer would suffice.
Pulling her out of her musings, the Satomobile rolled to a gradual stop just before the docks that had Tarrlok clearing his throat.
"Before you leave, I'd like to mention I'm not sure when we'll have our next lesson. The Council is pressing for more meetings, though I know it'd be sometime next week." He said, pale blue lingering on the simple brown paper bag before meeting her own.
Nodding, Korra bit her lower lip. "Okay, that's fine. Just, you know, leave me a note or something." She shrugged, and before she could think better of it, she leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his cheek. "Thanks for the ride… and the gift."
Even if his face was utterly smug, his eyes were nothing but indecipherable. "It's always a pleasure, Korra." He said with a smile, longing - no matter how small - crossed his features underneath the moonlight.
Warmth shuddered down her spine. A large part of her knew that if she lingered just a moment longer, something would've happened, something that mimicked their last lesson, though at least then she had an excuse. Opting to leave, Korra slid out of the blue vehicle and muttered a, "G'night, Tarrlok," before closing the door and making her way to water moving by the command of her hands. The feeling of pale blue depths strayed at the back of her head for some time until it melted away. With a furtive glance over her shoulder, he was already gone.