The bus ride home wasn't long, Korra lived about 30 minutes from campus and actually enjoyed it, it gave her to decompress after a long school day. She sat in the back of the city bus as she usually does, her head leaned against the window and her earphones in playing her listening to her music. She watched the people as the bus sped by, people running, walking their dogs, sitting on park benches or on the terrace of their favourite cafe, it was all very calming to her…usually. But today her heart wouldn't have it, the note from earlier held tightly in her hand, the words replaying in her head, 'score me a goal tonight'…guess it's a good thing I've been practicing that new deke, maybe I'll use it tonight…she kept going over plays in head head, imagining herself executing the perfect plays, or blasting the perfect top shelf goal from the point. Tonight had to go well, it would go well, you've got this. The bus finally got to her stop and she hopped off, it was only a short walk the rest of the way to her house. She suddenly remembered that her parents had news to tell her about her Aunt Kya, she hurried her pace in excitement.
"Mom! Dad! I'm home!" She yelled as she kicked her shoes off at the door.
"Sweetie!" Her mother wrapped her up in a hug. "We missed you so much!"
"Mom, you were only gone for one night…I missed you too though."
"A mother always worries!"
"How was your night kiddo?" Tonraq finally came in from the other room, giving his daughter a hug as well.
"Good! I had the boys over, we just had a calm night at home. It was nice."
"As long as you were good. I didn't want to come home to you being all bruised up again because of some stupid fight."
Korra's eyes widened, she laughed nervously, "Me? Fight? Never. Last time was a umm…a once in a lifetime type of uh…thing." She discretely hid her hand behind her back.
"Glad to hear it," he said making his way to sit at the kitchen table.
"So what did Aunt Kya have to say?" She joined her parents in the kitchen.
"Oh she had great news honey! Kya and her partner are having a baby!" Her mom couldn't help but smile as she told her the news.
Korra's face lit up, "That's awesome!"
"Kya is going t carry it, at least the first time around anyways. We told her we'd all go back down once your semester finished."
"I can't wait!" Korra's smile was beaming.
"Don't get too carried away now, you still have a lot of work to do before we go down." Tonraq said more level headed than the two women.
"Why do you have to suck the fun out of it Dad?"
"I didn't suck the fun out of it, I just want you to stay focused. The next few weeks are going to be huge for you, graduation and some really important games. Speaking of which we're leaving for the rink in an hour and a half, you should eat a little something quick and then get ready."
"Has anyone ever tell you that you should have been a general or something?"
"Honey don't get snippy with your father. Bring your books upstairs and I'll make you a pre-game meal."
"Fine…" She made her way upstairs and threw her school bag on her desk. She new her Dad was right, but sometimes it would have just been nice to talk about things other than hockey with him. She couldn't be overly angry with him however, it was because of him that she loved hockey so much. Okay Okay Korra, pre-game, let's go. She sat on the edge of her bed and looked in her dresser, trying to pick out what semi-formal clothing she was going to wear to the game, Coach always liked it that they look professional for games. Why does picking out clothes have to be so difficult… tonight was going to be extra tough, she wanted to look good incase she got a chance to see Asami before or after the game. She leaned her elbows on her knees and her chin in her hands, she stared blankly at her collection of clothing. At least everything now found itself back where it belonged since her mom came home, her floor was actually clean. Still, more selection did not always mean easier choices, if anything it made it harder for Korra. Letting out a sigh in defeat, she gave up and went downstairs to eat before making a decision.
She quickly ate what her mother had put out for her as she watched TV with her Dad in the living room.
"Who are you playing tonight again?"
"The Wolfbats," Korra replied her mouth still half full.
"Oh right. Don't get too cocky out there tonight, you know it won't be hard game, use it to practice set plays with the girls."
"You're starting to sound like Coach Lin."
"Well if we're both saying it we must have a point."
"I guess…don't worry, I'll be good."
Tonraq could see the annoyance on his daughter's face. "You know the only reason I push you so hard it because I don't want you too look back on this and think that you didn't give it your all, I don't want you to have any regrets."
"I know Dad," she gave him a smile to reassure him.
"Above all just have fun out there tonight."
"I will." She replied as her father kissed her on the head.
"Good, now go and get changed, we'll be leaving shortly."
She got up to return to the frustration that awaited her in her room. Just as she was about to climb the stairs up to her room her mom called from down the hall.
"Korra honey! I just ironed you white button up, it's hanging in your closet!"
Perfect, thank god for that woman. "Awesome! Thanks mom!"
Once she had her shirt picked out the rest came easy, a pair of black skinny jeans with black vans, and a pair of black suspenders. She rolled her sleeves up just above her elbow and pulled her hair out from her ponytail, thankfully it didn't need much attention as it fell almost perfectly on her shoulders. Not as perfect as Asami's, but it'll do. She honestly didn't know how her teacher managed to get her hair so perfect everyday…
"Let's go Korra!" Her dad called from downstairs.
"Coming!" She gave herself one last look in the mirror, the pre-game nerves settling in, let's do this.
Her parents had dropped her off and went to get a coffee as they usually did, since the players were required to be at the game an hour a half early, they had time to kill. Korra thought it was cute in all honesty, that they still found time for dates here and there, it was never something she thought of herself doing until met Miss Sato. Korra wasn't usually the romantic type, but something about Miss Sato made her rethink it.That woman…what is she even doing to me…She hadn't seen her when she came in the arena, but then again why would she? No one besides the players and coaching staff would be here this early, maybe she'd find someway to see her after the game. Korra focus, you've got a game to play, a team to lead, at least try to keep that woman out of your head for the next few hours.
She sat in the locker room, earphones in, head bobbing to her pump-up list, getting in the zone. Players started arriving slowly, waving at their captain as they walked in, knowing that they weren't going to get much more out of her. By now the had all become accustomed to each of their respective pre-game routines, Korra liked to tune everyone out until right before game time, Jinora was quiet and minded her business unless someone asked her something directly, Kuvira on the other hand was loud and demanded attention, inflating her ego as much as she could before stepping on the ice bragging about past triumphs, or what she thought were triumphs, everyone usually saw right through her bull.
Opal was usually very chatty and liked to keep her focus on anything but the game to distract her form her nerves, but today this was not the case. She sat in her spot on the bench, staring at the floor blankly with a faint green colour in her face, a bucket not too far off incase things really went bad. Last nights endeavours were taking their toll on her. Korra couldn't help but laugh to herself as she looked at her rom across the room, so much for not drinking too much.
Players gradually shifted to the next phase of their routines and started to get dressed. This was the one game that Korra actually took care in hanging up her clothes after she had taken them off rather than throw them on the bench haphazardly, she didn't want any wrinkles in her shirt just incase she saw a certain someone after the game. Everyone had different order in which to get dressed, Korra watched as some of the girls pulled on their long or short sleeved UnderArmour shirts with their matching UnderArmour spandex shorts or pants, all of which had the letters RCHS monogramed on them. She personally didn't like wearing too much under her equipment, she got too hot otherwise, she settled for a pair of spandex shorts and a sports bra. Once her under gear was on, she followed with her protective equipment, always starting with her lower body. Her jill went on first, then shin pads, socks, pants, skates which she'd tighten as much as she possibly could before loping the laces around her ankles and tying them in the back. Then came the upper body, starting with her shoulder pads, then the elbow pads, neck guard, and finishing with her jersey. Their home jerseys were royal blue with yellow and white bands around the arms and waist, the letters RCHS written in diagonal across the chest and vintage laces at the neck. Korra hoped that one day Varrick would be hanging her Jersey up in the rafters with the rest of the school record holders, number 20 forever being hers, but she couldn't worry about that right now, one game at a time Korra.
It was minutes to game time, players were finishing up their last minute stretches, and getting their gloves and helmets out waiting for their Coach to come in and give them the line up. Korra sat nervously looking down at her skates, it didn't matter who they were playing, she always got nervous.
Coach Lin came in seconds after, commanding the attention of everyone in the room.
"All right ladies listen up. Let's not go into this thinking we've got the win in the bag. I know for a fact that they have been training hard so let's go out there and give them a good game. Don't forget we want to perfect that break out, also if we're relying on their past record this team lacks a little discipline so we'll equally be working on special teams, I'm looking at you power play unit. No show boating and no post goal celebrations, lets be professional out there. Korra your line starts us off up front, Kuvira pairing on D, now let's get out there!"
Korra got up and stood in the middle of the locker room, "Alright ladies you heard her! Hands in!" The players got up energized and ready to play. "Republic City on 3! 1, 2, 3, REPUCLIC CITY!" Everyone yelled in unison.
The music filled the arena as they were led out of the room by their coach. Korra stood by the door to the ice, fist bumping each player as they walked by her to get on the ice, offering words of encouragement, she stepped on last.
They skated around their end a few times to get warmed up before the pucks came out, a few players including their goalie getting down near center ice to continue stretching. Korra preferred to skate, focusing on the sound of the ice crunching below her blades every time she turned, the snow that would fly up when she'd stop and change directions. She couldn't help but peek up in the stands as she skated by scanning for familiar faces. She quickly found her mother who sat in the top row to be closer to her father who liked to remain in the standing area above the seats to pace as he watched. She continued scanning finding Mako and Bolin with RCHS painted on their faces, she really couldn't ask for two better best friends. She can't be serious…her gaze landed on Ila, who still sat next to the boys with her friends, all with her number painted on their cheeks…what more do I have to do to get through to this girl?
Asami chided herself for being late, she was always punctual. Her Dad would just not get off the phone, he was thanking her for handling his meeting so well yesterday but tonight she didn't have time for praise and she definitely did not have the time to argue with him about teaching. She was relieved to see that they were still warming up when she got to the arena. Quickly, she made her way over to the rest of the teachers whom she greeted with a smile as she sat down with them. Asami picked Korra out right away, her long brown hair blowing in the wind behind her as she made quick turns and would blow up down the boards. She watched as #20 would skate by, tapping her players in the shin pads, encouraging them, pumping them up, she smiled to see the girl be so influential and supportive to the rest of her teammates. Unfortunately her smile did not last long, Mr Tarok quickly found his was through the stands and took the seat next to her.
"Miss Sato, glad you could make it." Her greeted her.
Mrs Su Yin chimed up before Asami could think of an alternate, more civil answer to the one she had already formulated in her head. "Glad you could make it Mr Tarrlok, it's not often we see you at hockey games, or swim meets, or theatre events, or anything to do with school spirit really." Mrs Su Yin was never one to take anyone's bull shit.
Tarrlok just stared at her narrowed eyed as he sat down next to Asami without replying. "That number 20 is something isn't she Miss Sato?"
Asami played dumb, "Who's number 20?"
"Oh that's Korra," Mr Baatar answered from the other side of her, "word has it that she's a shoe in for this big scholarship to Southern University."
"Oh right, I had no idea what number she wore."
"She's an excellent player." He went on.
"Too bad she's not an excellent student." Mr Tarrlok threw in.
"Actually her grades in my class have been improving," Mr Baatar said happily.
"Well then, let's hope it follows through in all her classes right Miss Sato? Would be a shame if she missed out on her scholarship opportunity due to a silly technicality wouldn't it?"
Asami didn't know quite what to make of the situation, she tried to answer as neutrally as possible. "I suppose it would be." God this guy never goes away does he?
Korra took another lap around the ice before again looking up to the stands again, that's when she saw her, next to the rest of the teachers. Her heart beat sped up, the nerves got worse. How does she always looks so good? She was so distracted that she almost tripped and fell, that would have been smooth Korra…
Asami was looking right back at her, she had caught the subtle slip up and allowed herself to smile, dork.
The tanned girl took the next two laps to compose herself, alright Korra, she's here, now think hockey. The pucks finally came out, spewing across the ice, Korra picked one up and flipped it up bouncing off her stick a few times before letting it fall to the ice so she could handle it back an forth. They had changed formation, players were now skating around the outside of the ice and coming back down the center picking up pucks along the way to take shots from the slot before again skating to the outside. Korra would come down the center and send a puck off a different post each time, making the iron clang, it was part of her routine, saving the cross bar for last before their goalie came in to warm up.
The whistle finally blew, calling the starting players to the center of the ice. Korra crouched at the center dot in front of her opposing center, her stick ready to sweep the puck back to her team as soon as it hit the ice. The head ref gave a quick look to each goalie making sure they were set, checked with his linesmen, dropped the puck, and the game was on.
Korra won it back cleanly. Kuvira got the puck right off the face-off and pulled in the Wolfbat left wing, she sent the puck across the ice to her defence partner who then thread a perfect pass up to Korra who was waiting unmarked at the center of the Wolfbat blue line as their centerman had gone to help the other team's winger in an attempt to strip Kuvira of the puck. Korra skated the puck over the blue line into the Wolfbat zone and sent a pass out to Jinora on the right wing who used her speed to break by the defender that had been caught flat footed. She crossed the ringette line and sent a saucer pass across the slot over the remaining defender who had was sprawled on the ice trying to cut the passing lane. A wide open Opal received the puck on the left, the goalie wasn't quick or strong enough to push herself across the crease in time to stop Opal from burying the puck in the open net. And just like that it was 1-0 RCHS. They modestly met up in a short huddle, offering each other a quick congratulations on the tic-tac-toe play. Seeing her teacher cheering in the stands after she broke from the group sent butterflies to Korra's stomach. She was standing along with the rest of the staff, her hands around her mouth to better direct her cheers, next one is mine…Korra thought to herself, she wanted the cheers coming from her teacher to be directed at her, besides she had a request to fulfill, her mind drifted back to the note marked with a kiss.
Asami couldn't help but bite her lip as she watched Korra play, watching her dangle through players and set up her teammates, she could take hits and give them back just as hard. She would jump slightly every time Korra got the puck, every toe drag, every shot. Maybe I'll come to games more often.
The puck was in their own zone, the Wolfbats trying to get some sort of cycle going but could only manage to keep switching from D to D due to RCHS' superior coverage. A tussle broke out in front of the net as the Wolfbat forward fought against Kuvira to set a screen in front of the net, but Kuvira was too strong and made it impossible for the smaller player to stay in their goalie's view. Frustration setting in, she turned and slashed Kuvira in the wrist as their defender finally took a shot from the left point which was deflected off the RCHS forward. The ref's hand went up to signal a delayed penalty, Kuvira skated to the free puck in the corner to give her team control and extend the delay period. Korra was sitting on the bench watching her goalie make her way towards them to give RCHS the extra man. She looked down the bench and made eye contact with Coach Lin, "Korra get out there!" Gladly. She put one hand on the boards and swung her leg over, jumping on to the ice behind the Wolfbat defence. Kuvira saw it happening, saw Korra calling for the puck from center ice. She lobbed the puck out of the zone towards her captain who caught the puck out of mid air and set it down on the ice, turning her gaze to the open path to the net in front of her.
She picked up speed, handling the puck back and forth, examining her options as she made her way down the ice. The Wolfbat goalie moved up out of her crease to meet Korra, inadvertently leaving more room on her right hand blocker side. Big mistake, Korra planned to take advantage. She came down the centre of the ice moving the puck from her backhand to her forehand whilst pumping her leg to fake a shot to the glove side, the Wolfbat goalie fell for it exposing more the of the left side of the net making it easy for Korra to bring the puck back over and bury a backhander top shelf.
The crowd broke out in cheers, it was hard for Korra not to look back to the stands and point at the woman who commissioned her task, or at least shoot her a wink. She was just going to have to believe that Asami would know who the goal was for, she skated back to her bench.
Asami jumped up in excitement along with the other teachers as the puck went in the net. The crowd was loud when Opal had scored earlier, but it was 10 times louder this time, poster's with Korra's number being waved all around the stadium. It was impressive to say the least, the whole school was behind her, the leader of their top ranked team.
'Go Korra! That's my girl!' There was one voice that stood out above the rest. Asami sifted through the faces in the crowd and tried to locate it, finally her eyes fell on the girl, Ila. Her excitement dissipated, jealousy filling her as she saw the painted number on the girl's cheek, she gritted her teeth as she stared.
Tarrlok saw the black haired woman's mood shift, and followed her gaze finding a girl with number 20 painted on her cheeks, he grinned as he put the pieces together. "Everything alright Miss Sato?"
Fuck. She was brought out of her jealous stare, "I'm absolutely fine, Mr Tarrlok. I thought I saw someone I knew." She tried to make up a plausible excuse.
"I see. As long as you're alright." He didn't pry any further, just mentally took note and added it to the evidence he was piling up against the two.
—
As expected, RCHS had total control of the game. Coach Lin happy to see her players playing professional hockey, not running the score up too much and focusing on what she required them to. The Wolfbats had just got another penalty, meaning the power play was coming out again, they were already leading 5-0 so Lin let out their second wave power play rather than start with Korra's line. They successfully cycled the puck, sneaking in some back door passes and getting a few shots off within the minute they were out there. Korra wasn't really paying attention though, she had her chin resting on the edge of the boards watching Miss Sato from across the ice with a dumb smile on her face. How this woman could do this to her she did not know. Usually there was nothing that could take Korra out of the game, but somehow this woman had achieved it. All she could think about was how she was going to find some clever way to get to spend even just a minute with her after the game. The final buzzer sounded bringing her back, she was going to have to think of something quick apparently. They shook hands with the opposing team and headed off the ice to their locker room.
"Seems like you were missing a little focus at the end there, avatar." Kuvira shot at her as she took her helmet off.
"Fuck off Kuvira, 3 goals prove that I was pretty damn into it I'd say." Korra wasn't usually one to brag, but when it concerned Kuvira she made an exception. "How many did you get? Oh right, you only got penalties…"
Kuvira had to hold herself back from giving into her desire to send a fist in Korra's direction. She exhaled and let the corners of her mouth turn up as she remembered the plan she and Mr. Tarrlok were cooking up. She walked away and found her place in the locker room, you'll get what's coming to you.
The players got undressed and took their turns in the showers washing the sweat and stink off their bodies. The game might not have been against a high ranked team but everyone still put in effort. The warm water felt nice running down Korra's back as she lathered the soap over her body, imprints of her equipment still visible on her arms and legs. The wheels turned in her head, she needed to see her, but how? She rinsed the remaining bubbles off her body and made her way out of the shower with nothing but a towel wrapped around her.
"Penny for your thoughts?" a voice offered.
Her peripheries were blocked by her wet hair hanging by her face, she turned to face the green eyed girl next to her. She was caught off guard by the question, she didn't realize that anyone had been sitting next to her. "Hey O, I was just umm…come on Korra think…thinking about the game…you know seeing what I could have done better."
"You need to relax cap, you played great tonight!"
"So did you, even with your illness." Korra said sarcastically giving Opal a smile.
"What! How did you know?" She asked shocked, slightly embarrassed.
"Your face was almost as green as your eyes during warm up." She laughed at the girl.
"Damn, I didn't think it was that obvious…"
"No worries O, I don't think coach noticed, you played well regardless."
"God I hope not. I thought I was going to be sick all first period. I'll never let the boys talk me into going out the night before game day again."
"As your captain I guess I should be happy to hear that, but I actually had a lot of fun with you guys last night. I needed a night to just have fun."
"I'm glad you had fun, I don't remember much honestly… It was nice of you to meet up with the boys before school, Bolin was super animate about it."
Way to go Bo, I'm gonna have to think of someway to thank him. Korra to a mental note. "Yeah, I'm lucky to have such good friends."
The two got dressed. Korra took her time getting undressed, her logic being that if she took longer than usual maybe her parents would get fed up of waiting at the entrance and wait for her in the car, then she might be able to sneak off and see Asami without them noticing.
Most of the players had left, alright it's been long enough, Korra put her shoes on and headed towards the door. She pulled the large door open and headed towards the entrance, fiddling with her suspenders making sure they had no twists in them. Kuvira followed quickly behind her, keeping her footsteps light so that she would not be heard. Her parents were no where to be found, so far so good, she looked around for Asami but she did not see her either. Unfortunately Korra's plan had not worked out exactly as she wanted it too, she found her parents standing just outside as she opened the door to leave the complex. They had her back to her, facing towards the rest of campus, she could see they were talking to someone.
She put her hand on her Dad's shoulder as she reached them, "Hey Dad-" She stopped mid sentence, surprised written all over her face as he moved away from Senna revealing who they had been speaking to.
"Good game honey!" Her mom congratulated her.
"Thanks…" Was all Korra managed to say, not breaking her glance from who was in front of her.
"Oh, Mr Tarlokk just introduced us to your new english teacher." Senna continued. "Miss Sato was just telling us how much of an amazing student you are."
Korra just stared at her teacher, worry strew about her face. Her eyes soft as if to apologize for the conversation.
"We didn't believe her at first, but she's very convincing." Tonraq joked putting a hand on his daughter's shoulder.
"Miss Sato was even kind enough to offer Korra help with her math, I would have done so but with so many requirements of my time I just did not have the time." Mr Tarrlok seemed to revel in the awkwardness that had fallen over the conversation since Korra arrived.
"Honey you're having trouble with your math? You should have told us!" Senna asked looking concerned.
The look on Korra's face quickly shifted from surprise to embarrassment. "Mom it's fine, I was just-"
"Actually Korra's math skills had been there all along, she just needed to apply herself. I really didn't do anything. She's a very gifted student." Asami cut in. She internally cursed at Mr Tarrlok for getting them both into this situation, there was no way she would let him make this any harder on Korra.
She watched Asami defend her, subtly smiling at her to show her appreciation. This only infuriated Mr Tarrlok, but he had to play nice until he intended on using the information he had gathered so far. As he looked behind Korra's parents towards the complex, he could see Kuvira peeking through the window, a grinned crossed his lips. "Well I should really be going, I have lessons to prepare and paper to grade. Great game avatar, I have no doubt that you will carry our team to victory." He turned his focus to her parents. "Senna, Tonraq, enjoy your evening." He disappeared into the darkness as he walked towards the parking lot.
"We should be going as well honey." Senna motioned for Korra to follow. "It was a pleasure to meet you Miss Sato."
"You as well, goodnight." Asami smiled back, glancing at Korra one last time before turning to walk away.
Korra smiled at her and reluctantly followed her parents to their car. This only made her dislike for Mr Tarrlok grow, he's such a dick.
Kuvira watched as the they walked away from each other. She was about to open the door to leave herself, finally making her presence known, but before should could push the door open she saw Korra turn her head back to look for Miss Sato. To her surprise their teacher had also stopped and was also looking in Korra's direction. She watched as the black haired woman raised her hand to her lips and blew a quick kiss back at her student. The dumb smiled coupled with the blush that crept up on Korra's face sent disgust through Kuvira, yet it was not enough to steal the grin from her face. She had caught them, perfect.
