"I don't think now is the most appropriate time to discuss this, Miss. Waters."
Judging from where her eyes are directed, I turn around and see the whole room watching our conversation with fascination.
It's like we're in a soap opera.
"You're right, I'm sorry." I reply embarrassed.
This is a business, not a place to have a heart to heart moment. What was I thinking?
"You should be. I rather us discuss this while you take me to dinner later tonight."
"Dinner?"
"Yes,dinner. And if it's not too of a problem... could you save your strength so you can help me take off Bolin's engagement ring for Opal, It's stuck." She replies, trying not to smile.
"Yeah! I can take off whatever you want."
The sound of whistles and commentary, causes my face to heat up, and judging from Asami's face she's loving it.
I no longer admire art.
"I would love to take you to dinner."
"Coach, wake up."
What am I supposed to wear to dinner? Should I dress up? Of course I should dress up. I'm supposed to look nice.
"Coach, wake up. We're here."
The feeling of someone shaking my body, causes my eyes to shoot open.
For the past eight months, I been having the same dream. Each time, I get closer and closer to telling her how I feel. But, just like the dream, I never get the chance.
" Geez, I can't believe you slept the whole 8 hours from Sydeny." Suki says, as she gets up from her seat, strutting her championship belt.
I unclap my seat belt, so I can get my carry on. I'm glad to finally be home. I missed this place dearly, especially Tenzin and his family. Since I deleted all my social media accounts, I haven't really stayed in touch with everyone.
By staying off the grid, I was able to give my student 100% of my attention. Which payed off, because Suki won her first UFC fight. I was extremely proud, that girl worked her butt off.
At first, I was skeptical of training her. Since Tenzin helped me be at my best, I thought it would be practical for him to do the same with Suki. But Suki and Tenzin both believed I could help lead her to victory. And I guess I did my job.
I'm honored to have Suki as my first student. It was a wonderful learning experience and like a mini vacation. To be able to travel the world and do what I love, is a dream come true. Sadly, all good things must come to an end. Well, until my champ has another fight lined up.
"What are you going to do when you get home, Coach?" She asks, as we wait for our luggage on the conveyor belt.
I playfully roll my eyes.
"The fight is over, you can call me Korra. And I'm going to head over to see Naga. I missed her terribly. "
"She's at Mako's, right?"
"Yep,I just hope Naga remembered to feed him." I tease, making us both laugh.
The moment I open the door, Naga tackles me onto the ground,showering me with kisses.
Mako giggles, as he tries to get Naga under control.
"Damn, Girl. I missed her too, but do you see me doing that?" He tease.
After my husky lets me go, I get up from the ground and stare at him.
"I missed you."
He smiles.
"I missed you too."
I pull him into a tight hug, not wanting to let go.
He still smells the same, and all this still feels familiar. I know it is, but I thought it would be different. It's supposed to be, right?
"I watched all the fights, you're an amazing coach. I'm glad you found something you enjoy, just as much as fighting. I'm sorry, I didn't take it seriously before." He says, returning the same tight embrace.
Before I left, Mako and I were still continuing our relationship. I told him everything, including my feelings towards Asami. Feelings, that were confusing at the time, but not anymore.
It was nice to finally have a heart to heart, without holding anything back. With everything on the table, there should had been no doubts. That's what we both thought. That's what we told ourselves.
However, the problems were still there. He still had his doubts, using his passive aggression to disguise his true anger.
During one of our many fights, I asked him if he ' Would marry someone he didn't trust?' and his silence was the answer he needed. The answer, we both needed.
We were holding onto a loose string. A string that had nothing attached to it. We were supposed to be improving, not ignoring each other.
We both deserved so much more.
It was also nice to hear about each other's insecurities. In conclusion we both realized we were both afraid of the same thing. Which was losing each other.
The past conversation we had before I left, allowed us to revisit situations and scenarios that helped justify that we would do better as friends.
We still have a love for each other, but it's better this way. I also think the distance between us, helped with the healing process.
"What did you do while I was gone?" I ask, as we pull apart.
"Well, I hired a couple project managers for the company. My employees say it makes things run a lot smoother."
"Aww, Look at you. Being such a great boss." I watch as his face turns red.
"Yeah…I have noticed a lot more smiles at Fire Ferrets than before. But enough about me! Did you have fun, minus the fighting life?"
I take a seat on the couch, thinking of all the memories I had there.
" are a lot of beaches in Australia. Suki also took me to this pole dancing class."
"Oohhhh, did go to watch?" I roll my eyes.
"No. I actually tried it. Turns out I was one of the bests in the class. Well…I wasn't the most sexiest when it came to the moves. But my upper body strength helped me have better control. Which according to the instructor, is a plus."
Never in my years would I had pictured myself doing such a task. When Suki mentioned it, I was horrified. I'm not like the younger girl. I can't twist and turn my body like she can, so effortlessly. Just like back at the Christmas party, she stole the show in that class.
"I'm glad to hear that we both are stepping out of our comfort zone." He replies.
"Yep, we're growing."
We both sit awkwardly, wondering what to say next. Naga luckiliy walks over to me, resting her head on my lap as I rub her.
"Asami has her own art studio downtown. Did you know?"
Of course, I know.
I would over hear Suki talk about it when she spoke to her. Unlike me, Suki was the only one who stayed in touch with her. Truthfully, I blame her casual mention of Asami's name that triggers the dreams.
I start to feel guilty. Thinking about why I never asked to speak to her, when Suki spoke with her. I wanted to focus on my student, but I didn't have to avoid everyone else.
"Yeah, I know. Have you been to her studio?" I ask.
"Why would I go, Korra?"
"I don't know? Why wouldn't you? She is your ex-employee. Don't bosses check up on their old workers?"
I know my response wasn't the most practical, but I didn't really have a counter.
"You still haven't told her?" He sighs.
"What do you want me to do, Mako? I been gone for 7 months, she probably moved on by now. Besides, my new job makes dating very difficult. I didn't travel as much when you and I were together. Also, I don't really know where her and I stand. "
"Then, find out!"
"How? I just got back!"
"Isn't this one of the reasons why we broke up? Yes, we had other problems, but your feelings for her was one of them. When was the last time you two spoke?"
"Probably a week before she left for her trip. I ran into her at the Whole Foods. It was just a casual greeting, nothing serious. "
"Why didn't you tell her then?"
"I know, right? As soon as she picked up a traveling shampoo, I should had told her the feelings weren't one sided. I swear you don't think sometimes."
"Well at least I say what's on my mind!"
"Yep, and see how far that got you."
"It got me pretty far, given I'm not the one at the same place as before!"
We both stare at each other, catching our old habits. It just goes to show, that even our distance couldn't prevent such a habit.
Mako rubs the temple of his forehead.
"I'm sorry, I'm just frustrated."
"Why? You have no reason to be." I reply, lighthearted.
"I'm frustrated because I want you to be happy. And this fear of yours is clearly getting in the way of your happiness. It's crazy. You rather take a risk in fighting, than communicating how you really feel. The funny part is, it has nothing to do with Asami. You always had difficulties being open with me back when we were together. Im glad you're finally able to be honest with yourself. Now it's time to stop fighting yourself."
He's right. I grown so much from this. I just need to trust in myself, regardless of the outcome. I never had regrets, I don't want this one to be my first.
"Why are you okay with this?" I ask.
"With what?"
"Her and and I both know if she wasn't involved, we most likey would had tried to fix us. Even though, it would had been pointless."
This question always comes to mind.
Mako told me about the conversation her and him had, back when Jinora was at the house party.
I was surprised by both parties words. I wasn't expecting for Asami to admit regretting not forming a friendship with him. Or Mako admitting he wanted to hurt me, by his past actions based on jealousy.
I'm sure it must had been a very diffcult discussion. And to think, I thought I had it bad that day. I was so broken back then, I was truly at my worse.
"All I could think about, was your face everytime you saw her. I knew I could never get you to see me like you saw her. Get you to look at me, like in the beginning. "
"My feelings for you were real, Mako. I think...you can have more than one soulmate."
I have given it a lot of thought and I truly believe you can. Usually when you break up with someone, you thought you were going to spend the rest of your life with, can be scary. With Mako being my first love, I couldn't see myself with anyone else. That was untill, I thought hard about how I felt.
I also believe things happen for a reason. I never felt as if, my love for him was a mistake. So I been conflicted for quite a while with this thought. I could be silly for thinking this way, but that's just how I see future is bright, and I can see myself loving someone like I did for him.
"That's not how fairy tales end." He replies, not getting my point, but not ignoring either.
"Who said anyone had to follow one?"
I see a smile form on his face.
"Hmm. Snow White did have seven soulmates."
"You would like a princess that served men."
We both laugh, forgetting whatever tension we had earlier.
"I'm just respecting the classics."
Asami
1 Week Later
Tenzin is yelling combinations at me, and I think I'm going to throw up, due to this intense workout of his. When I agreed to get a membership here months ago, I thought given my relationship with the staff that they'll take it easy on me.
Boy! Was I wrong. I actually think my relationship with everyone causes them to push me harder? Which is a good thing, I guess. But if you ask my sore body after training, it would be the opposite.
"Come on, Asami. Push it out."
I send a left cross, allowing the punch to tear through the pad.
"Great work, I think we're done for today."
After hearing the most beautiful of words, I instantly collapse inside the cage.
I don't know how fighters do it. If I had to fight inside the octagon I would be terrified.
Seriously! The only take down happening inside my fight, would be the referee trying to pull me away from the wires of the cage as I try to climb to escape!
Luckily for me, I just do boxing for cardio.
"Aww poor, Tsunami. Did this old guy, work you to death?" Suki asks, coming into the cage to start her training.
I take out my mouth piece trying to tell her I can't breathe, but I can't multitask when I need to focus on staying alive.
"Damn, Tenzin. I'm glad you no longer coach me." Suki teases, as she begins her stretches.
I slowly get up, so I can give her the floor. I know she doesn't mind me being here, since her coach is usually late.
But, I always make it a habit to leave before her coach arrives. I just find it easier doing so.
"How was your 'Vacation?' I never got to ask you. I feel bad, you usually listen to my crazy stories."
Suki empathizes the vacation part because I was gone for 5 months. I didn't plan to be away that long. At first, I was just staying with my father and catching up with him. Then I got an offer to help teach children in Sudan . Despite the language barrier, it was still a fun experience. The thing about art is, you can communicate through it.
I miss the children there, desperately. I enjoyed teaching so much, my experiance helped influnce my art studio downtown. Right now it's just a pop up store, but depending on how well it goes, I might buy the space completely.
I spent half of my life working for other people, why not do something I enjoy on my own terms?
New York City has an amazing art scene, and I know adding another art studio might not seem as groundbreaking as others may think. But I think I can still make a difference.
It's a space full of creativity, where others can share and express themselves. The grand opening was last month and it's been going well. Tonight will be the first time I will be allowing thoses under fifteen to come and enjoy how well tonight goes, I will then make a schedule for kids.
"It was good! I miss it. And it's alright, I prefer to listen to your wild adventures. I saw your photos on Instagram and it looked like a load of fun."
Suki's fighting brought her fans, but her documentation of her adventures during her fight journey brought her even more. That girl is bringing personality to the sport.
"Fun? Nothing is more fun, than home."She tease.
"This death trap? You're correct, I love it." I reply, sarcastically.
"Tell me about it. I can't believe you joined, especially when you just came back from such a peaceful place. When Tenzin called me on the road and said he had a new recruit, never in my mind did I think it would be you. Not like you're aren't good or anything, because damn you're a fighter. But putting yourself through all of this? You sure you don't want to become pro?"
"Hell No! I saw your past two fights across the country, you nearly killed those girls!" I reply, horrified.
"Do you think I'm a monster?" She asks, walking towards me.
I pretend to think about it.
"Umm…How can I say yes, politely?"
"At least, I don't get tired easily."
If I could move my arms, she would be punished by her words.
"Suki?"
"Hmm?"
"Come closer."
"Bien sûr, Amour." (Sure, Love)
As we stand in front of each other, I stare into her chestnut eyes. She stares down at my lips, as I make my way towards hers. Just when they're about to make contact, I turn my head so I can whisper,"You Ain't Shit." into her ears.
" Oh, You little.." Before I could back away, she lifts my body off the ground.
"Tenzin, help me!" I shout, as Suki runs around the cage with me draped over her shoulder.
The fighter then teases by trying to throw me on the ground, but backs out every time I scream.
The worst part is, no one in this gym seems to care that I'm being attacked. What happened to all for one, and one for all? Where is the loyalty?
As I'm basically giving up on life and this battle, I see her walk out of the locker room. Forget about collecting my breath, I think my heart just stopped.
Since Suki had to travel, that means her coach had to as well. Unlike my other friends, Korra and I havent really stayed in contact. Since the champion retired, she had deleted all her social media accounts and put all her focus in trainning.
I know our lack of contact was unintentional. We both were busy….
Korra has gotten so big. Not like she put on weight, but muscle wise. I guess not needing to make weight, allowed her to push her body further. Even her hair grew back to what it originally was when I first met her. It's almost like we're still in the elevator.
Sometimes her coach is featured in Suki's videos or photos. So it's not like I haven't seen her. Of course, the coach pretends to be annoyed by my friend's constant harassment on camera, but she's always smiling. Now seeing it in person, shows it doesn't beat the real thing.
"Hey, Coach. Should I opt for a body slam or continue the fight?" Suki asks.
Korra and I make eye contact, as she starts wrapping her hands.
"Well, judging by the exhaustion in your opponents' eyes. I think you should put her out of her misery, by doing a take down."
Great!
"However, if you body slam her. You have to let me body slam you." The coach continues, before giving me a wink.
She's even more flirtatious! 7 months, can really do wonders.
Suki quickly puts me back down onto my feet, and I pretend not to look weak in front of the coach. But of course, I can do ever so much. Especially when she's looking fine as ever.
"Sorry for taking up your time, Korra." I say, trying to get my legs to not feel like jello.
The feeling of her name leaving out my mouth, feels so strange. It's been a long time since I said it out loud. And the smile from her, isn't helping my feelings either.
"No, it's not a problem. I should be the one apologizing for interrupting. I think you gave my champ a little warm up. Do you want some more time?" She asks.
"NO!" I shout, without realizing.
"Damn, Asami. If you thought my game was bad. How can your eyes stand to see such hotness? I bet being in my arms, was the best thing that ever happened to you." Suki says.
Before I could reply, she does.
"Go get your knee pads, Suki. We're working on ground work today."
The coach enters the cage, and she doesn't even look at her student.
"No prob, Coach!" The student replies, leaving me alone with her.
Being body slammed, doesn't sound too bad, right now.
"Do you want to stay and watch? It would be great pay back seeing her get chocked out by me."
The thought of seeing Korra doing the choking, causes my mouth to go dry.
"No, I have a lot of work to do." I reply, quickly.
I really do have work to do, I just don't know why I can't explain the kid's night opening for my new shop. It would justify my reasoning to leave, much better than looking foolish.
"Okay. Don't let me hold you up, then." She replies.
Please hold me up.
"Alright." I reply.
" Yep."
"Great!"
Suki comes back, creating a good excuse to leave.
"It was nice seeing you. I'm glad you decided to join the family." She says, with her sweet smile of hers.
"Same. I wished you didn't see me look like this."
"You always look good, Sami. What are you talking about?"
"Me? Look at you! Your arms are just so. They're big and.. just there! You never fail to be at your best."
Did I just say that? What is wrong with me? It's like the old Asami is still in me, despite my self journey.
Her smile quickly drops, and I can tell my rambling comments made her uncomfortable.
"You seen me at my worse, and thank you. In order to keep up with this wild girl, I need to be in top shape. It was nice seeing you, Asami."
She quickly moves past me, and I already feel like a fool.
Why did I have to turn such a great moment into shit?
"Can you hold this curtain, please?" Baatar asks.
As I ignore him , I contuine telling my best friend about my flaw today.
"I think you're overthinking the interaction." Kuvira tells me, as we sit on the carpet in this empty apartment her and Baatar are renting out now.
"No, Vira. I'm a complete fool. Everything was going well until my old feelings came out of the blue and I started being weird." I defend.
"CAN SOMEONE HELP ME?"
"Shhh, Baby. Don't be rude. Sami and I are having a heart to heart."
"You should had saw the look on her face when I gave her a complement." I continue.
"What did you say, exactly?" She asks.
"I told you! I mentioned something about her 'Never looking bad' and she disagreed ."
"Welll…there was that time where you saw her beat up from that fight months ago." Kuvira adds.
"That's physical, though. Her words came out like she was truly hurt or even disgusted."
The sound of someone falling over, interrupts our conversation.
"Baatar? Can you be any louder?" I ask.
"I'm sorry, let me just get my ass up and get back to work then. While you two gossip and not help, at all."
Why does he have to be so dramatic?
Kuvira and I get back up, and get back to decorating the room.
I'm going to miss having Vira stay with me. But I know her and Baatar love each other and will do great together.
A lonely apartment, filled with my loneliness. Sounds like I'm a true artist.
"I can't believe you kissed the boss's girlfriend. I can't believe I never caught the chemistry, I'm usually right on it."
"Maybe if you weren't stinking up our office with ramen noddles, you may have." I reply.
"It's not the end of the world, I'm sure you're just overthinking everything. Was she happy to see you?" Vira asks.
"Strangely yes. It felt like she has this new form of confidence. I can't really describe it."
"Then don't. You should be focusing on the kid's night."
My friend is right, my feelings should come last. I have a lot of students who signed up for my class, including Jinora. I should focus on that.
Author's Note
I'm done with part 2, finally!
Sorry if the dream sequence, fooled you. You all know Korra's personality in this story, isn't as bold.
Let me know what you all think.
Seriously, I awakened this story lol.