Title: Fire Dance
Pairing: Korra & Asami.
Rated: T
Disclaimer: I do not own Legend of Korra and its characters. All rights belong to their respectable owners Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino.
Authors Note: Hey Guys! We reached the halfway point! Yay! With that being said I have good news and bad news. The Good News is I finally got a new computer! (An Acer Chromebook to be exact.) Which means I'll be able to update more. The Bad News is that with all this going on right now with the Pandemic, I still have to work being an essential employee. So my updates will be slow but not as slow as before so that's a plus. I look forward to continuing this story til its completion. In the meantime, I hope you all enjoy this chapter because the next one is gonna be a crazy emotional roller coaster that I can't wait to write out. Thank you all for sticking with me this long, I do appreciate it. Stay safe and inside! Later Gladiators!
Asami was at work finishing up a call with a stubborn customer. "Yes all you have to do now is restart your device and -," she stopped with him cutting her off again with his concerns. "No, that will not delete your gaming files," she said, trying not to get annoyed. She sat back in her seat listening to him drone on. "Yes I can tell by the sound of your voice that this is very serious. No I did not know you were so high ranked in Fortnite," she said watching Fae make a choking gesture with her hand to her neck. Chuckling, Asami's smile disappeared when he asked to speak to her manager. She signaled Fae with the twirl of her hand, "sure sir I'll patch you through now," she said clicking over to Fae.
Fae answered the call and said she was management. Often times they got calls like these where customers complained about trivial things that Kuvira just didn't want to hear. When brought to her attention, she would threaten to deduct pay for lack of professionalism in customer service even if her employees were in the right. The whole office was in agreement with playing keep away with this bit of info in order not to deal with the wrath of their boss Kuvira Kinzoku.
"Yes I will report and reprimand the employee you spoke to. Thank you have a nice day," Fae said, hanging up the phone. "Jeez he was a pain. Can't call him an entitled Karen.." she said with a giggle.
"I know right more like an entitled Kevin," Asami said with her eyes glued to her computer.
Fae got up from her cubicle and peeked over Asami's shoulder. "What are you doing?"
Asami kept clicking on her mouse to an even higher number. "I'm in a bidding war. My son's birthday is this Sunday and I wanted to get him tickets to see the Dancing Dragon play downtown," she said, seeing an even higher bid than before. Shit.
Fae looked at the price it was now. "That's way more than the original price."
Asami clicked on the mouse again and added another 10 to the bidding price. "Yeah but it will be worth it."
"I hope so," Fae said, returning to her desk.
"I know so..." Asami said, smiling at the thought of how happy Iroh was gonna be.
Korra and Iroh went to the store to get some snacks before going home. "So you know what you want for your birthday?" she asked knowing it was right around the corner.
Iroh put down the fiery popcorn and looked at Korra. "Well I did want to learn more about my father's side of the family," he said knowing his dad had planned a multitude of things he never got around to doing. "It's kind of hard to do that now he's gone... I can't really ask him anything I want to know," he said looking down to the floor.
Korra knew that feeling all too well. "What do you know so far?" she said focusing on the positive.
Iroh thought about it for a good minute and looked back up at her to answer. "I know I'm half fire half earth nation," he said, placing his hand on his chest. "My father's family is from the Capital and we have a rich military background as well as a strong desire for authentic home brewed tea," he said, not coming up with anything else. "Hmmm I think that's it," he said, a bit stumped.
"I know it doesn't seem like much but it is something to go by," Korra said doing the same herself at one point or another. She placed her hand on his shoulder to get his attention. "You still have a lot of family in the fire nation who would answer any questions you may have and then some."
"Yeah but I wanted to hear it from my father," Iroh said, feeling even more down since his father's side wasn't nice to his mother except for his Grandpa Zuko. He then remembered something his father told him last year. "My father did say he would take me to see this play," he said reaching into his book bag. He had grabbed a pamphlet out and handed it to her. "Do you think we could go?" he said unsure if he waited too late to ask.
Korra took it and saw a picture of the play titled: Sun Warriors Presents The Dancing Dragon. "We'll see," she said holding it up before handing it back to him.
Iroh took it back and placed it into his book bag again. "Okay, I'm gonna get a cherry slushie," he said walking over to the counter grabbing a cup.
When he walked up to the counter, Korra took out her phone to make a quick call. "Hey how's the bid war going?"
"Not good but I'm a keep trying," Asami answered as she tried to keep the bid as reasonable in her budget as possible. So far she was dipping into her emergency savings.
"I can check and see if they have some at the theater hall," Korra suggested since she knew how high priced it would be online.
Asami was frustrated but in the zone. "If you do that would be great but I doubt if any are available," she said only to see the price rise again. "Come on..."
Korra saw Iroh coming back toward her slowly to not drop his slushie like he did last time. "I'll try to make it happen. I gotta go," she said, pulling her phone from her ear.
"Alright and thanks," Asami said before hanging up herself.
Korra hung up and placed her phone back in her pocket. "So I don't know if we can go but do you want to go and see where the play is at? Try our luck there?" she asked hoping it would cheer him up.
Iroh looked up at her with a content smile. "Yeah."
Asami was at this for almost an hour. Ducking and dodging Kuvira walking around like a hawk stalking their prey and answering customer calls like a multitasking machine. She was in the clear at 255 yuans until someone named 87 raised the bid to 1,000 dollars. "Dammit.." she said under her breath.
Fae heard the familiar sound of defeat. "How'd it go?"
Asami exited off the site and sat back in her seat with a clearly annoyed expression. "Out of my price range," she said, trying to think of a Plan B.
"At least you tried. It's more than my parents ever did," Fae said placing her headset back on.
"Yeah..." Asami doing the same and jumping right back into her customer service voice.
Korra and Iroh were downtown walking toward the theater hall. Iroh finished his slushie and placed it into the trash and rushed up to Korra's side. She slowed down so he could catch up. "You good?"
Iroh nodded his head and said, "never better," sporting a red tongue.
Korra chuckled at him as they walked up to the ticket booth. "Alright," she said, tapping the glass lightly to get the man's attention. "Hi do you have any tickets to the Dancing Drag-"
The man cut her off mid sentence, "there are no tickets available," he said turning back to his book.
"Well do you have any reservations that may have can-" she started only for him to cut her off again.
"No, there are none available," he said rolling his eyes.
Korra didn't want to lose her cool and instead pressed on the subject. "What about tours and stuff just to see where they perform?" she asked politely.
The man sighed and looked up at her once more. "You mean an access pass at the last minute? No," he said being a smart ass.
Korra was becoming aggravated with the guy but let it slide since Iroh was there with her.. "Fine. Thanks for your time," she said walking back over to Iroh. "It's a no go buddy," she said hoping he wasn't too disappointed.
Iroh knew it was unlikely due to how close the opening day was for the show. "It's okay at least we tried," he said, giving her a small smile. He was ready to go home anyway since it was almost dinner time for Druk.
"Okay let's go," she said, placing her hand on his shoulder. Korra was walking down the sidewalk with Roh when someone came out of the theater hall calling out her name: Sergeant Jīngshén!
Korra stopped dead in her tracks and turned around with a raised brow to see who it was. "Baraz?"
Baraz jogged up to them with a wide smile on his face. "I thought that was you," he said, sticking his hand out giving her a firm handshake. "How long has it been?"
Korra took his hand and shook it. "Years. How are you?" she asked, smiling herself.
"Great! I got so much going on right now it's crazy," he started to say when he noticed a small boy next to her. Baraz looked at him surprised. "This must be your kid!" he said pointing at Iroh before extending his hand to him.
Korra was about to correct Baraz when Iroh stepped in front of her. "Yes I am," he said looking up at Korra with a smile. He turned his attention back to him, "Iroh," he said, introducing himself and extending his hand to the man.
Looking like a deer caught in headlights, Korra was surprised by the kid and decided to go along with it by placing her hand on his shoulder with a more flattered expression on her face.
Baraz shook the young man's hand with delight, "nice to meet you Iroh," he said, taking his hand back and placing his hand back on his hip. "Wow," he said, never knowing Korra had a kid. "So what are you doing in Republic City?" he asked, wondering if she was setting roots here.
"Well we were trying to get tickets to this fire play for his birthday Sunday," she said lightly shaking Iroh's shoulder. Korra shrugged her own. "But it's sold out."
"Hold up," Baraz said, jogging back to the ticket booth. He grabbed a white envelope that was handed to him and jogged back to them. "Here you go. Tickets and backstage passes for Sunday night."
Korra took it when it was handed to her. "Thanks man but are you sure?" she said, looking at him astonished by his generosity.
Baraz looked at her the same way, baffled by her response. "For the one who saved my ass back then in the Si Wong Desert it's the least I can do," he said meaning that with all his heart. He took what she did for him and their unit very seriously. He clasped his hands together to switch gears. "Hey if you come back tomorrow you can see us rehearse," he said looking at the boy.
"Really can we?" Iroh said unsure if it was a valid proposal. He looked up at Korra for validation.
Korra looked at Iroh then to Baraz. "Sure we'll be there," she said, taking him up on his offer.
Baraz started to smile even brighter. "Great, I'll see you all tomorrow at 10 am," he said walking off in the opposite direction.
"Alright!" she said waving as he walked off. Once he was far away, Korra looked to Iroh with a serious expression before both of them started to break off into their celebratory dance. Iroh does his little pointing dance and Korra with a simple two step. She high fived him and stopped dancing when eyes were on them. "Let's get out of here," she said flagging down a taxi for the both of them.
When they got home, Iroh was still stoked about tomorrow's events. "I can't wait to tell Mya," he said pulling his book bag off his back and placing it in his room.
Korra grabbed his jacket and placed it on the hook of the coat rack with hers. "Let's see how many tickets there are," she said opening up the envelope. She saw there were only two sets of tickets and passes. "It's great seats," she said, not wanting to alarm the kid.
Iroh came back into the living room with a smile. "It's gonna be great. The online reviews aren't nothing compared to the actual experience of being in the theater and viewing it for yourself," he said slightly pacing back and forth from excitement.
"You should find something to wear for tomorrow," Korra suggested so he wouldn't ask to see the tickets.
"Okay!" Iroh said running into his room as fast as he could. He wanted to find the perfect attire for such a classic event.
Korra put the envelope in her back pocket and took out her phone to call Asami. Placing the phone to her ear, she heard it ring, "Hey," she said once she picked up.
Asami knew it was a long shot but still felt bad for not getting the tickets. "Hey," she said in a monotone of voice. "Any luck?"
Korra heard the sound of her voice and figured she had a rough go of it. "Yeah I got the tickets so don't worry so much."
"You did?" Asami said in a loud whisper. She instantly felt the weight lift off her shoulders and relief washing over her instead. "I'm so happy I could kiss you right now," she said meaning it in every sense of the phrase.
Fae leaned back in her seat where she peeked out of her cubicle. "Who are you gonna kiss?" she whispered.
Asami waved her off and continued with her conversation. "How'd you get three tickets out of them?" she asked curiously.
Korra was still stuck on her wanting to kiss her and snapped out of it when she spoke again. "A...bout that. It's only two."
"Oh," Asami uttered, unsure what else to say.
"Yeah. You could just tell me how it went when you both get back. I know Iroh will," Korra said, already taking herself out of the equation. Sure she wanted to go but she'd rather her and Iroh go together as a family.
Asami didn't want to go without her. "I want you to come too."
Korra looked down the hall to see if Iroh was still in his room. "I know but it's only two tickets. I mean I could ask my friend for an extra one but that's kind of pushing it last minute," she said dumbstruck she got any at all.
"Could you try.. I want all of us to go together," Asami said in a sweet cunning tone of voice.
Korra was a sucker for her pouty power of persuasion. "I guess I could try," she said, rubbing the back of her neck nervously. "But if I can't it's fine. My friend invited us to rehearsals tomorrow so we can all go to that."
Asami knew there wasn't more Korra could do in this situation but appreciated her for what she did thus far. "Okay sounds like a plan."
Korra licked her lips still thinking about her kiss statement. "Cool. See you later," she said lowly.
Asami turned a bit more toward the wall of her cubicle so Fae couldn't see her expression. "Yeah see you later," she said smiling uncontrollably. "Thanks again," she said before hanging up.
When she turned back around with a neutral expression, Fae smirked at her. "Oooo mystery man," she said, wanting the deets.
Asami gave a look with a raised brow and said, "it's no mystery," she said, turning back to her computer. "And no man," she said under her breath.
When Asami came home that evening, Iroh and Korra were still up watching the last few minutes of the Sun Warriors Documentary. "What are you doing?" she asked her son once she locked the front door.
Iroh shifted his attention over to his mother. "Research. I have a ton of questions for tomorrow," he said jotting down a few more in his little notebook.
Korra chuckled at his response. "In the military we call that recon."
"Oh right," Iroh said, looking Korra's way. He turned back to his mother and restated in a proud tone of voice. "I'm doing recon," he said with a smug little smile.
"Well if you want to see them in action tomorrow you should go to bed now so you won't be sleepy in the morning," Asami said putting her satchel down by the side of the couch.
Iroh didn't think about the time knowing something slipped his mind. "I'll go now," he said, getting off the couch.
Asami saw him rush pass her toward his room. "Brush your teeth before you go to bed," she said, seeing him head for the bathroom instead.
Korra grabbed the remote and turned the documentary off. "He's clearly excited," she said to herself.
Asami sat next to Korra and looked her in the eye. "How'd you pull that off? I know you said you ran into a friend earlier?" she said wondering who this 'friend' might be.
Korra shrugged her shoulders, eyes glued to some random infomercial that was on. "I ran into one of my old battle buddies who happens to be in the play. He hooked us up with the tickets," she said looking back at her.
Asami was a little relieved it wasn't a woman. "Thank Raava," she said in a sigh of relief. She leaned and bumped Korra's shoulder lightly. "And you of course."
Korra smiled herself and shook her head. "I didn't do anything, I just got lucky."
"Still thanks for this," Asami said knowing Korra was being modest. She went to reach for her hand when Iroh came running out of the bathroom.
"Finished!" Iroh announced with his shirt partially wet from how fast he was trying to brush his teeth.
Asami got up off the couch and walked over to her son. "Good, now change your shirt so you can go to bed."
Iroh held his hands up in his defensive. "I will but first I want to know when we are leaving tomorrow," he said, wanting to know to adjust his alarm clock and hour before.
Asami looked to Korra. "What time does the rehearsal start?" she said puzzled.
"Baraz told us to be there at 10 am," Korra said, taking her leg brace off.
Asami looked back at Iroh to give him her assessment of the time. "We'll leave around 9 am so be ready to get up early," she said knowing his alarm clock could be tricky.
Iroh noted it in his mind and said, "okay," and gave her a hug goodnight. "Night."
Asami kissed the top of his head. "Goodnight."
Iroh let her go and came over to Korra and sat back down. "Goodnight," he said, leaning over and giving her a hug.
Korra raised her arm up and gave him a hug in return. "Goodnight little dude."
Iroh got up and headed to his room to go to sleep.
Korra got up when he did to put her cup in the sink to wash it.
Asami saw him close his door and followed Korra into the kitchen. "Thank you again for this," she said knowing she sounded like a broken record at this point. "His father mentioned taking him for years so this was a really special treat for him to receive," she said leaning against the counter.
Korra turned on the facet and began to wash her cup. "It's no problem. I hope you guys have fun," she said, putting some soap on the sponge they had.
"Well when we go tomorrow I'll try to get an extra ticket so we can all go as a family," Asami said knowing someone else had to have one extra ticket and was willing to pay double for one.
"Family?" Korra repeated the word in a form of a question remembering Iroh agreeing he was her kid without a second thought. At first she thought it was endearing now she wasn't sure if it was more to it.
Asami knew how she felt about that word but pressed on. "Yeah a family. You know I consider you that right?" she said wondering what she was thinking.
Korra kept quiet and finished washing her cup before placing it in the drain. She started to walk back toward the couch when Asami stopped her.
Asami gently pulled her hand back to her. "Hey look at me."
Korra stopped and looked at her reluctantly.
"You are my family. Always have been always will be," Asami stated as fact. "You know that right?"
Korra gave her a nod, "yeah I know," she said slowly pulling her hand back. "I'm gonna get some sleep," she said pointing back at the couch before walking over there.
Asami was confused by her sudden change in mood. "Okay I'll leave you to it," she said walking back to her own room. She stopped and looked back at her friend. "Goodnight."
Korra laid back down on the couch looking at the ceiling. "Night."
The next morning, they got ready and left at a reasonable time when traffic hit hard stopping them in their tracks. Iroh was getting agitated in the back seat. "We're going to be late," he said, not wanting to miss a second of it.
Asami slowly inched her car up behind a red truck in front of them. "It's the weekend Roh. Everyone has places to be. We are not going to miss a thing. Right Korra?" she said looking over at her.
Korra was so lost in thought about what Asami said last night she didn't hear her now.
"Korra?" She repeated a bit. Asami reached over touching her shoulder to get her attention.
The blue eyed brute jumped in her seat. "Huh?" Korra said forgetting where she was for a second. "Yeah?" she said a bit more calm looking at her.
Asami wasn't sure if she got enough sleep or not that caused her to be in a daze. "We're not going to miss the rehearsal right," she said nodding her head to the back seat where Iroh was.
Korra caught on and turned around in her seat to see him. "Not if your mother has anything to say about it," she said with a smile.
"Ha ha," Asami added in a deadpan fashion.
Iroh took a deep breath and calmed down himself. "Okay," he said listening to her.
Korra turned back around in her seat and looked back out her side window.
Asami looked over at her as traffic was starting to pick up. "You okay?"
"Yeah just a bit distracted, " she answered. Korra wasn't sure what to do about the situation she was in and it was becoming very clear what her role was turning into. Mako was right... We're in a relationship without actually being in a relationship.
Asami was worried about her but kept quiet looking back at the road to move the car forward.
Once they arrived at the theater hall, Korra gave her name at the ticket-booth and got passes for her party to gain access inside. They walked in and saw so many posters of famous plays the theater had and continued down the hall til they got to the auditorium. So many people were already there on stage with the director and his assistant sitting in the audience giving notes.
Baraz saw his guests and rushed off stage to greet them. "You made it!" he said tapping Korra on the shoulder.
Korra felt the tap to her side and snapped out of her trance. "Yeah I did. You remember Iroh," she said reintroducing the little guy.
"Of course the man of the hour," Baraz said looking down at him with a smile.
Iroh smiled brightly while adjusting the collar of his shirt.
Korra gestured over to Asami. "And this is his mother Asami," she said with her own smile.
Baraz was stunned at her beauty and took her hand in his own. "It's lovely to meet you," he said kissing her hand.
"Pleasures all mine," Asami said with a smile.
Baraz nudged Korra with his elbow with a wide smile. "Look at you all wifed up now and I thought you weren't the family type."
Korra smiled nervously and pulled him aside. "I'm not," she said in a low tone of voice. "That's my friend and her kid."
Baraz looked at her confused. "I thought you said he was your kid," he said pointing back at Iroh.
Korra pulled his hand down with her own and shook her head. "No it's not," she said to be clear. "I would be honored if it was but that just wasn't in my cards," she said, hoping he dropped the subject.
Baraz gave her a nod understanding what she meant. "Say no more," he said, turning his attention back to Iroh and his mother. He clasped his hands together to get their attention. "Would you all like to take a seat in the front row? We're about to start rehearsals again," he said since they've been at it the majority of the morning. They all agreed and followed him down the aisle to the front row.
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When the stage performers took another break, Baraz came back to where his party was seated. "How is it so far?" he said, curious of their feedback.
Asami was surprised by his question. "Oh it's great so far."
Iroh was sitting next to his mom flabbergasted. "It's amazing."
Korra shrugged her shoulders unsure of how to view it. "Slightly confusing," she said, giving an honest answer.
Baraz didn't expect much coming from her. "Always a critic," he said with a laugh.
Korra chuckled herself.
Baraz turned his attention back to Iroh. "Hey, would you like to learn the dance first hand?"
Iroh was at a loss for words at his offer. "Yes!" he said with so much enthusiasm. "Is it okay mom?" he said, looking to her for approval.
Asami gestured toward the stage. "Go ahead."
Iroh balled up his fist as if he grasped for victory. "Yes..."
"Come on," Baraz said, leading him on to the stage where the rest of his cast mates were still going over the dance.
Asami moved from her seat to Iroh's to sit next to Korra. "He's so happy," she said looking up at him on the stage. "Happier than he's been in months," she said with a smile.
Korra saw him up on stage glowing with glee. "I'm glad he is," she said quietly.
Asami could tell her mood was off from the normal state she was in and wondered what it was. "Can I ask you something?"
"Sure," Korra said, still looking at the stage.
"Do you regret leaving?" Asami asked, knowing how selfish of a question it was.
Korra looked at her slightly confused. "Republic City?"
Asami wanted to say her but agreed with her assumption. "Yeah."
Korra shook her head and looked to the side. "It already happened. I don't wanna go back down that memory lane," she said eyeing the stage again.
"Not the question," Asami said since she was deflecting the question.
"I can't turn back time," Korra said looking back at her.
Asami didn't want to push her but wanted to know. "If you could?"
Korra looked away thinking about it. "I don't know. A lot has happened since I left. A lot of good..." she said seeing Iroh on stage. She looked down to her leg. "And a lot of bad. I really can't do the 'what if' game," she said looking back at her.
Asami understood but felt as if she was pulling away a bit. They sat quietly for a few minutes watching Iroh dance on stage with Baraz before Asami spoke again. "Did I do something?" she asked with concern in her voice.
"What?" Korra said looking at her confused.
"You seem upset or something," Asami said, not pinpointing exactly what she thought was bothering her.
Korra shook her head no. "It's not that it's just.." she said, getting quiet again unsure how to explain it.
Asami looked at her anxious for an answer. "It's just what?"
Korra gulped and looked at her a bit uneasy. "I can't do this..." she said seeing the confused look on Asami's face. "This is his dad's territory. This is your territory. This is an important time in this kid's life and I can't.." she said getting flustered.
Asami wasn't sure where she was going with this. "Can't what? Be a part of it?"
"It's not my place," Korra simply stated.
"Korra, stop. What did I tell you yesterday?" Asami asked, looking her straight in her eyes.
Korra looked at her and said with a sigh. "I'm family."
Asami wasn't sure if that was the problem or not. "Yeah you are," she stated again with more conviction than before.
Korra could tell her point wasn't getting across like she wanted it too. "But I'm not. When people ask who I am to your kid. I don't have an answer. All I can say is that I'm a friend of the family and I can't..." she said rubbing the back of her neck.
Asami wasn't sure where this was coming from. "So what… you wanna leave now? You don't want to be around us?" she asked, wondering if she was tired of them.
"No it's not that I just..." she said looking back up at Iroh. Korra remembered him claiming him as his mom and it sent a wave of anxiety over her the more she thought about it. "I'm just not trying to replace anyone. Not that I'm trying but the kid is getting so... attached. I'm worried," she said looking back at Asami with the expression to match.
"Worried about what?" Asami asked calmly.
Korra was quiet for a few seconds before answering. "Disappointing him." Among other things.
Asami took Korra's hand in her own. "Calm down, take a deep breath, look at me," she said as their eyes locked again. "You're not going to disappoint him. He is going to be fine. We're going to have a good time this weekend. Have some cake and stuff our face okay," she said trying to lighten her mood.
Korra gave her a nod easing up a bit. "Okay."
Asami rubbed the back of her hand gently. "Relax."
Korra started to calm down a bit but still felt this pressure to be something she wasn't sure she could be. Made her think of her other family.
Korra was relaxing on her cot in a tent reading a crime novel when one of her battle buddies got mail.
Baraz held his up with a smile until he noticed her without one. "Still didn't get any mail?"
Korra did but never really read any. She wanted to keep a clear mind. "It's just a distraction."
Baraz shook his head baffled. "Everyone gets some sort of mail from the civilian world," he said standing by the foot of her bed.
"Do bills count?" Korra asked to be cheeky.
"I'm serious! You must have someone you wanna talk to. Your mom, dad, friends anybody!" he said being obnoxiously loud as usual.
Korra thought about it for a second and shook her head no. "I'm good man," she said, eyes set back to her book.
Baraz shook his head at her stubbornness. "You must not be the family type."
Korra looked up from her book at him. "I have to have one first to be the type."
Baraz thought it was kind of sad but instead switched gears. "Well we'll always be your family, right!" he said hearing a few 'yeahs' as he gestured to everyone in the tent.
As much as she wanted to reject it, Korra couldn't help but smile. "Thanks man."
Korra shook her head looking down at Asami's hand and back up to the stage to watch Iroh get the dance routine down.
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After the rehearsals, Korra and Asami came up to Iroh and Baraz. "You sure you're not a part of the show?" Korra asked the kid.
Iroh had a giddy expression on his face at the implication.
Baraz chimed in. "An honorary member yeah," he said lightly tapping Iroh's shoulder.
"Really?" Iroh asked hoping it was true.
"Definitely," Baraz said with the same enthusiasm as the boy.
Asami could see how much Iroh enjoyed this by the look on his face. "Thank you for this. It was amazing."
Korra added to it to show thanks herself. "Yeah thanks for the tickets again," she said remembering it was only two. "Is there any way we could get an extra one?" she said, feeling bad for asking. She didn't want to take advantage of his generosity.
Baraz realized he only gave them two and it was three of them all together. "Yeah I can rustle up one more before tomorrow. Just ask for it at the box office with your name."
Korra dapped him up with a smile. "Thanks again man," she said, feeling a bit relieved now.
Baraz placed his hand on his heart. "Anything for the one who saved my life," he said again, seeing this as a small gesture of gratitude for what she did for him.
Korra was hoping he wouldn't bring it up again. "Stop that.." she said, waving him off.
Asami looked at her shocked. "You saved his life?"
"Yeah she did and our whole unit," Baraz added for good measure. "If it wasn't for her we'd all be dead."
"Drop it," Korra asked him in a low yet more stern tone of voice.
Asami looked at Baraz puzzled. "What happened?"
Baraz was about to tell her but decided against it. "I'll leave that up to the Sergeant to tell that one," he said, gesturing to Korra. "All I can say is that I owe her my life and if it wasn't for her I wouldn't be standing here now living my dream," he said looking back at her hoping she heard him clearly that time.
Korra shook her head at his words. "You saved my ass plenty of times," she said, downplaying it. She wasn't trying to keep score but everytime it was brought up she didn't want it to over shadow the things he and her unit did in return.
"Always the modest one.." he said, shaking his head at her. Baraz placed his hand on her shoulder. "Thank you."
"Nothing to thank me for," Korra said, leaving it as that.
Asami was listening in awe of her. It was still so much she didn't know about her old friend.
Baraz noticed the signal from the director to wrap it up. "We're about to start again but I will see you all tomorrow night!"
"See you then," Iroh said waving to everyone with some of the cast members waving back.
"Bye," Asami said, getting off the stage with him.
Korra shook Baraz's hand again. "See you," she said before leaving with them.
The trio went to a nearby burger joint to get some food. Asami sat in a booth as Iroh was across from her with Korra sitting near the aisle stretching her leg. "Order what you want," she told the both of them.
Korra eyed the menu seeing the different kinds of signature burgers they had.
Iroh already knew what he wanted. "I would like a chicken sandwich with fries on the side. Oh and a strawberry lemonade," he said placing his menu down on the table.
Asami was pleased with his choice in food. "Sounds good. Korra see anything you want."
Korra closed her menu since it was too many to choose from. "Just a cheeseburger," she said, placing her menu down on top of Iroh's.
"Just a cheeseburger?" Asami asked with a raised brow.
"Yeah.." Korra said wondering why she was getting that look. Is this about earlier?
Asami placed her own menu down and raised her hands up. "Okay don't ask for my fries," she said with a smirk on her lips.
Korra had a grin on her face from the insinuation. "What you wouldn't give me none?"
Asami shrugged her shoulders with a playful look in her eyes. "Maybe I will, maybe I won't."
Korra chuckled at her words. "Really? Okay," she said betting on that. She turned in her seat to flag down the waitress who came over.
Asami noticed how beautiful she was. I wonder if she's attracted to her.
Korra on the other hand didn't at all and began to order for everyone. "What do you want?" she asked looking at her.
Asami wanted to say her but stated her food order instead. "One cheeseburger meal with a sweet tea and extra fries on the side," she said looking at Korra with a smile.
The waitress said she'd be right back with their orders and left.
Korra locked eyes with Asami as the waitress left. "Extra fries?"
"Had to take extra precautions just in case sticky fingers decided to linger," Asami said, meaning her. It was something she always did back in school and wouldn't put it past her to do it now.
Korra laughed at her and nodded her head. "You're learning," she said, giving her props. They both had a tendency to eat off each other's plate. Some more than the others.
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The waitress came back to their drinks, two sweet teas and a pink lemonade. When he got his drink, Iroh twirled the ice around with a straw before taking a sip. He made a face from how sour it was.
Korra laughed to herself. "Is it too sweet?"
"Very," he said without hesitation.
"Add some water to it or wait for the ice to melt. That sour feeling will die down," Korra said grabbing the complimentary water that was for the table and placing it near him.
Iroh drank some water to clear his throat. "Thanks," he said, feeling better. He then remembered something he wanted to ask her from earlier. "Hey," he said tugging on the sleeve of her shirt. "What did your friend mean earlier about you saving his life," he said, wanting her to elaborate more than explain the phasing to it.
Korra wasn't sure what to say to that. "Well a.." she said looking at Asami. "It's a long story," she said looking back at Iroh.
Iroh shrugged his shoulders as if it wasn't a big deal. "I love long stories," he said, completely missing the awkward part of it. He wasn't the one for subtle social cues.
Asami knew Iroh could be a bit too curious at times without thinking much like herself. "You don't have too..."
Korra shook her head. "No no I can... it's okay," she said not knowing where to start. "Well during my last tour my unit was stationed at Fort Bosco. We were patrolling our usual route in the Si Wong Desert when we got ambushed by some sandbenders," she said reflecting on that time. "They surrounded our convoy, shooting in every direction. It happened so fast. I don't even remember, I just reacted. Got out, took out who I could til my clip went empty, reloaded, repeated till no one was left," she said, drifting off further into thought.
"That is so cool," Iroh said admiring her bravery and looking at her in awe.
Korra snapped out of her thought when he spoke. "I wouldn't glorify it but I didn't have a choice," she said, still wondering how many bodies perished in that desert wasteland.
Asami didn't know she went through all that. "I can see why you never talk about it."
Korra stretched out her leg and tapped the side of her brace. "Yeah it's where I got this beauty," she said looking down at her leg. She looked back to her friend and stated the following. "I'm a Former Marine Recon Scout Sniper for the United Forces. I was trained for this but nothing compares to actually being in it. When you're in the shit.. pardon my language," she said looking back at Iroh. "It gets real, real fast," she stated in all seriousness. "You do what you have to, for yourself," she said, placing her hand on her chest. "And for the men and women beside you, because that's all you got," she said looking back at Asami. "It's your family." As heavy as the subject matter was, Korra was feeling better now that she got it off her chest.
The waitress came back with their food feeling a slight shift from the last time she was here. "Everything okay?"
Korra looked up and gave her a thumbs up. "Just peachy," she said with a smile before taking a sip of her tea.
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They all sat and ate together with a better understanding between them. Korra switched the subject to lighten the mood. "You gotta show me some of those sweet moves you learned on stage."
"It is the sacred art of the fire nation's oldest and deadliest warriors and I will show you everything they showed me," Iroh said excited to demonstrate some of the moves. "It's actually very easy once you get all the steps down."
"Really?" Korra said with a smile.
Asami was smiling too until she got an alert on her phone. She picked it up and saw she got a message from Fae. She pressed play and held the phone up to her ears to hear it: Hey. There's a meeting tomorrow at 12pm and everyone has to be there. Asami hung up with disappointment written all on her face.
Korra noticed and got serious herself. "What's wrong?"
Asami fixed her face quickly and smiled. "Nothing. Let's order dessert," she said brushing it under the rug.
Once they got home, Korra waited as Asami put Iroh to sleep. He was exhausted by the time they got home. She spotted her coming out of his room a few minutes later. "What was that about earlier on the phone?" she asked with concern.
Asami pulled Korra by the hand away from Iroh's door and more toward the living room. She didn't want to say it but did anyway. "I have to go to work tomorrow for some emergency meeting," she said, getting another alert later on in her email.
Korra was dumbfounded by the gall of these people. "When will you be back?" she asked since it was Iroh's birthday tomorrow.
Asami wasn't really sure. "It's supposed to be at 12 so I shouldn't be that long. Two hours tops maybe," she said, not even convincing herself. It was always a catch with them.
"What if they decide to keep you longer?" Korra asked with her hands on her hips.
"I'm not missing his birthday," Asami said, raising her index finger up to extend her point.
Korra knew she wouldn't but that doesn't mean they wouldn't twist her arm to do so. "What if they don't give you a choice?"
Asami was on the verge of crying from how frustrated she was becoming with this job. "I can't miss it. I just can't," she said, starting to cry. She was starting to understand what her husband went through when it came to his job.
Korra felt bad for pushing the issue and pulled her into a hug. "I don't worry. I got you. I got the both of you," she said softly rubbing her back. She could feel her shirt damping as Asami cried on her shoulder. "It's gonna be okay. We'll figure something out," she said wanting to give her boss a piece of her mind. She pulled back to look at her. "Trust me," she said wiping the tears from her eyes.
Asami smiled and hugged her tighter than usual. "Thank you."
Korra held her just as tight knowing this is where she was supposed to be. I'm not going anywhere.
The next day, Iroh woke up to the smell of chocolate chip pancakes and bacon coming from the kitchen. He got out of bed and walked into the living room seeing his mom at the stove and Korra setting the table. "Is this all for me?" he asked, looking at a stack of pancakes in the middle of the table.
Asami finished making the bacon and turned off the burner. "It's for all of us," she stated knowing his eyes could be bigger than his stomach at times. "And is that how we greet each other in the morning?" she asked knowing he had better manners than that.
Iroh forgot and nodded his head. "Good morning Mom," he said, correcting himself. He turned to Korra and said the same. "Good Morning Korra," with a smile on his face.
"Good morning Iroh," Asami said, pleased with his correction.
"Morning Birthday Boy!" Korra said with an amused smile. "You excited for today?"
Iroh couldn't help but smile at the thought of seeing the play later on tonight. "Yeah I can't wait to see the actors on stage in their costumes. It's based on the historical attire of the Sun Warriors. The accuracy will be the real sight to see," he said knowing he'd be making comparisons during the duration of the show.
Asami placed the plate of bacon right next to the pancakes. "Well until then let's sit down and eat shall we?"
Korra took a seat at the table as did Iroh. "So got any birthday wishes in mind?" she asked curiously.
"Besides the play. I haven't really thought about anything else," Iroh said eyeing the huge pancake in the stack.
"I'm sure you'll come up with something," Asami said, placing an orange juice in front of him. "Korra what do you want to drink?"
Korra rubbed her hands together looking at the spread of food. "With a meal like this. I'll take a big ol' glass of milk please," she said ready to dig in.
Iroh perked up in his chair when he heard that. "Oh me too!" he said, wanting some himself.
"Alright two glasses of milk coming up," Asami said, taking out the carton of milk from the fridge. She poured two cups worth and brought it over to the table. "Here you go."
They both said thank you and proceeded to fix their plates to eat. Breakfast was going smoothly until Asami saw the time on her phone. "Uh oh. I gotta get going," she said getting up.
Iroh was confused since it was still early in the day. "Where are we going?" he said, getting up from his seat just the same.
Asami bent down to his level and took a breath before telling him the bad news. "Something came up at the last minute for work. A mandatory meeting. But I will still be there for the play tonight," she said hoping it would ease his worry.
Iroh's expression sank just like his heart. "But it's my birthday. I want to spend it with you," he said feeling his eyes getting a bit watery.
"I know and we will tonight," she said, placing her hand on his arm. Asami wanted to stay more than anything but couldn't risk her only source of income.
Iroh got quiet and sucked up his tears. He had a disappointed expression on his face. "Okay," he said in defeat.
Asami knew that face all too well. It was the same one he would give his dad when he left. It was breaking her heart to see him like that. She was starting to tear up herself.
Korra got up from her seat and placed her hands on Iroh's shoulders. "Yeah when she gets back we'll celebrate, eat cake and have any amazing time at the play," she said trying to lighten the mood.
Iroh looked over his shoulder at Korra who was behind him. "Really?" he said, wanting to believe that.
"Yeah of course. We're gonna have a great time," Korra said with her signature smile. "Right Asami?"
"Right," she said looking up at Korra with a smile. Asami stood back to her feet and gave Iroh a kiss on his forehead. "See you soon birthday boy."
Korra knew the kid was feeling down and decided to take him over to see his Uncles Mako and Bolin. She knocked on Mako's apartment door and waited. "Should just be a minute," she said to Iroh.
Iroh took a deep breath and let out a sigh. "Right."
Korra could see this wasn't helping and got an idea. "Watch this," she said, making a beat on his door. "Open up! Or I'll kick your butt! Open up or I'll kick your butt!" she repeated constantly.
Iroh laughed and joined in on the beat knocking on Mako's door. "Open up! Or She'll kick your butt! Open up or she'll kick your butt!"
Mako opened up his door with his eyes practically popping out of his head. "Stop it," he mumbled aggressively under his breath.
They both stopped once the door opened. Korra smirked as Iroh was trying to hide his smile. "You ready?" she asked since he was going to drive them over to Bolin's house.
"Yeah come in," he said waving them in. Mako didn't want another reason for his neighbors to hate him. "I just need to get my jacket," he said, closing his front door and heading into his bedroom.
Korra and Iroh stood by the front door looking around his small apartment. "Feels kind of claustrophobic in here," she said in a low tone of voice.
Iroh looked up at Korra with a puzzled expression. "Is this the apartment version of a tiny home?" he asked as his Uncle came back into the room.
"Why do people keep saying that," he said, hearing their comments. Mako walked up to Iroh and handed him a small box. "Here. Happy birthday," he said waiting for him to take it.
Iroh took the gift as it was handed to him. "Thank you," he said, beginning to open it. Inside there was an old school toy he'd only see in classic films from the 90's. "What is it exactly?"
Mako folded his arms a bit disappointed he didn't know what it was. "It's a paddle ball." When the kid looked at him still confused, Mako sighed. "I swear you kids nowadays don't know what cool is."
Korra shook her head and looked at him with a straight face. "You never knew what cool was," she said with a smirk.
Mako frowned. "Alright out! Now!" he said ready to head out the door himself.
Asami reluctantly went to work trying her best to keep a neutral expression on her face. Today was her son's big day and she was missing it for this nonsense. Everyone was in the conference room waiting for their boss to show up.
"How long is this gonna take… I gotta pee," Fae said under her breath.
"And I have somewhere to be," Asami said under hers.
Baatar showed up a few minutes later, entering the room with a fresh cup of coffee in his hand. "Good afternoon everyone. Glad you could make it," he said, adjusting his glasses on his nose. "I'll get right to the point. I have news that couldn't be stated in a frivolous email or text," he said taking a jab at Kuvira's suggestion on how to deliver the news to their employee's last night. "We will be branching out to two new locations very soon so now is the time to show me your worth," he said, eying every single person in the room.
Asami and Fae both sat up straight when he looked their way.
Baatar continued on. "If anyone wants a bump in their salary or to be taken seriously as a member of this team. Now is the time to show me how much you want it!" he said, feeling pumped for this next chapter. His company was making headway faster than his original time frame. He fixed his tie to regain his composer. "I will be evaluating everyone's work ethic to see who will be the new managers of the Yu Dao and Zaofu branch," he said, finally revealing the big news.
A sea of cheers could be heard all over the room. Baatar held his hand up to simmer them down. "Now for those who are interested feel free to stay today and get as much work done as you can," he said in an enduring tone. "Those who aren't interested can leave and enjoy the rest of their day," he said plainly. "It's your choice.. So choose wisely," he said almost in a threatening yet calm kind of manner before exiting the room.
Everyone was smiling and excited for this new venture for the company. Kuvira sat there unenthused waiting for this to be a trainwreck. Lee couldn't believe he finally had an opportunity to shine after all the years of working here. Fae was so excited she nearly peed herself and Asami was so stunned she wasn't sure what to do.
Mako drove Korra and Iroh to Bolin's house for more birthday surprises. They all went into the backyard where Bolin and the twins were located. Opal banned them from the house until she was finished making lunch.
"So how old are you now?" Bolin asked while getting San and Sulin situated on the swings.
Iroh held both his hands up in response since he wasn't in the mood to chat.
Bolin pushed both his twins hearing their endless giggles. "Ten! That's amazing dude!" he said enthusiastically. "Welcome to the double digit club!" he said with a wide smile.
"Double digit club!" Korra repeated while sitting next to Mako on the patio by the stairs.
Iroh shrugged his shoulders as if it wasn't a big deal. "Thanks," he said ready to leave.
Korra could tell he wasn't in the mood and decided to switch gears. "Hey you show him what Mako got you?" she said with a smug smile.
Iroh reached into his back pocket and showed Bolin the paddle ball. Bolin jaw dropped out of shock. "You got him this? Are you serious bro?"
Mako had a mouth full of honey salted peanuts when asked. "Wat?"
"Disappointing bro," he said, shaking his head at his older brother. Bolin turned his attention back to Iroh. "Don't worry Uncle Bo's got something way better than a paddle ball. I just can't get it right now since Auntie O isn't letting us in," he said, glancing over at the glass door that led into the kitchen where his wife was standing. "Til then do you wanna play a game?"
"Not really?" Iroh responded. He wasn't sure what he wanted to do.
Korra got up from her seat and walked up behind Iroh. "Well I do. Tag!" she said tapping him on his shoulder.
Iroh looked behind him and ran after Korra. "Hey!" he said, trying to keep up with her pace.
"Whoa. Can't catch me!" she said running past the stairs and over toward where Mako was.
Iroh ran up to her and then tapped Mako instead. "Tag!" he said knowing he wouldn't participate.
Mako choked a bit feeling a hard tap to his back. "Oh now it's on!" he said getting up and chasing after Iroh and Korra.
Iroh saw Mako picking up speed. "Oh no!" he said, running up the slide set to hide. He kept out of Mako's reach and sat there waiting for the hammer to fall.
Korra couldn't run as much because of her leg but still kept out of Mako's reach. "Come on slowpoke," she said ready to juke him if needed be.
Mako passed on Korra and Iroh for an easier target. His brother. "Tag!" he said, punching his shoulder.
"Ow!" Bolin shouted, rubbing it.
"Come on you big baby," Mako challenged his younger brother.
Bolin looked at him and smiled. "You wanna play dirty. I can play dirty," he said letting the twins out of the swings. "Get him!"
Mako fell to the ground on his own accord feeling the twins pounce on his stomach. "Ow you guys are heavy," he said, picking up Sulin before smelling a horrid smell. "Bo!" he shouted sitting up with his niece in his hands. "Code Brown Dude!"
Bolin eyes grew twice as wide. "Aw man. Code Brown. Time out Everyone!" he said, picking up San to take him inside to change. Mako did the same with Sulin and followed Bolin inside the house.
Korra watched as Mako and Bolin took the twins inside. "Oh boy," she said, walking over to where Iroh was hiding. "Having fun yet?"
Iroh peaked his head out when he heard her voice. "Kind of," he said, watching everyone leave. "I just wish Mom was here," he said, feeling down again.
Korra knew how much her being here meant to him. "I know but she'll be here soon."
"Yeah," he said before sliding down the stairs. At this point Iroh didn't care what happened today. He just wanted it to be over with already.
The rest of the meeting consisted of Kuvira going on for days about their lack of drive and numbers for this quarter. As soon as the meeting was over, Asami went to the roof and called Opal. She was nearly hyperventilating by the time she answered. "I don't know what to do," was all she could get out.
Opal could barely hear Asami. "You did what?"
Asami repeated herself again trying to calm down. "I don't know what to do," she stated more clearly for her to hear. "Your brother just announced the opening of two new branches in Yu Dao and Zafou," she said, still shocked about the news. It was a big opportunity, one that she couldn't get a year ago if she tried, bribed or cried. "I don't know what to do. If I stay, I miss Iroh's birthday. If I leave I might not have a job to come back too. What should I do?" she asked knowing she'd get a reasonable and reliable response out of her friend.
Opal understood the conundrum Asami and decided to give her a simple answer to her question. "Stay."
"What?" Asami said, not expecting that.
"Look you have to do what's best for you and Iroh in the long haul," she stated without hesitation. Opal walked into the kitchen since Bolin was being loud in the living room changing the twins. "I know it's his birthday today," she said, watching him and Korra in the backyard. "But he'll have plenty more for you to share with him in the future."
Asami was starting to get a headache from how stressed she was becoming. "I know but I can't do this today. I need to be there for him."
Opal didn't want to give her any bad advice but had to tell her the truth. "But if you did... it would be a great opportunity for the both of you."
"I know…" Asami said in defeat. "I know."
While everyone was inside helping to change the twins, Iroh sat on the porch playing with the new toy his Uncle Mako gave him for his birthday. He sighed as he watched the ball fall again thinking on the last birthday he had when his father didn't come because of work.
"Hey Roh can you hear me?" Iroh Sr. asked through the phone.
Iroh jr. remained silent on the phone listening to his father talk.
Iroh Sr. wasn't sure if the connection was bad or not. "Roh? Roh you there?!" he said a bit louder.
"Yes I'm here." he said softly. Iroh jr. really didn't have anything to say.
"Hey … I know you're disappointed but I need you to know if I could be there right now. I would be there in a second," Iroh Sr. stated.
Iroh wasn't sure what to say to him. "I know…" he said, hearing that often.
Iroh Sr. got an idea and smirked. "I tell you what. Next year we'll do it big for your 10th! I'll take you to the fire nation. Show you the capital. Hang around the villa. Go to the beach. Whatever you want," he said looking forward to it himself. "What do you say Junior? You up for it?"
Iroh jr. thought about it and smiled a bit for the first time that day. "Yeah I am Dad."
Korra came out of the house and sat next to Iroh on the steps. "Got you some juice," she said, handing him a fruit punch juice box. She had to sneak it out of there before the twins saw it.
Iroh looked up at Korra and took it once it was handed to him. "Thanks," he said, placing it down by his feet. "Did my mom call yet?" he asked hoping there was some form of an update on her arrival.
Korra took a seat next to the kid adjusting her left leg to where it could be comfortable in the process. "No not yet," she said, wondering how long Asami would be gone.
Iroh looked down at the ground in disappointment. "It's never gonna change."
"What's never gonna change?" Korra asked, opening her own beverage.
"First my father. Now my mother. Seems like… no one has time for me anymore," he said feeling down all over again. Just like last year.
Korra took a sip of her lemonade and shook her head no. "That's not true. Just seems that way cause you're a kid," she stated in a nonchalant manner.
Iroh became slightly offended by her assumption of his comprehension. "What do you mean?"
Korra wasn't trying to insult the kid and began to explain. "Look I'm not trying to downplay how you feel because what you're feeling is very valid. It's just… I went through the same thing at your age," she said remembering it like it was yesterday. "My parents were always busy. Work seemed to be in the way but at the end of the day it's what kept our family afloat," she said thinking of it more objectively now that she was an adult. She knew Iroh didn't understand what she meant and looked him in the eyes as she made her point. "My father died when I was 18 years old and it devastated me," she said in a serious tone of voice. "I lashed out at people," she said, remembering how she treated his own father. "Stopped speaking to those I cared for the most," she said referring to his mother and the rest of her friends. "It hurt more than anything I thought imaginable," she said shaking her head trying not to tear up. "That was my dad," she said looking down a bit. "Even though we didn't have much time together… I still cherish every moment we did have," she said looking back at the kid.
Iroh was stunned by her words. This overwhelming feeling of pain and sorrow he had been burying down beneath him was beginning to surface. He's eyes started to swell at the thought of every moment he had with his father and the moments he wouldn't get to have at all. He was about to cry and fought back his tears.
Korra saw him sniffle with tears in his eyes then turn his face away so she couldn't see it. "It's okay," she said, pulling him into a hug. "Let it out," she said, feeling her shirt becoming wet from his tears. "That's it buddy. Let it out," she said, rubbing his back gently.
Iroh couldn't help but cry. He never felt this way before in his life. All these emotions were coming out all at once. Pain, sadness, anger everything. He could barely speak. "I miss him so much," he uttered into Korra's shirt. He pulled back a bit to talk. He took a breath before continuing. "The memories that I have… feel like they're disappearing" he said unsure how to describe it. "I can't even remember his face clearly," he said in all honesty.
Korra knew that feeling all too well. "Look in the mirror kid," she said, tapping his shoulder lightly. "You'll see him," she said with a smile.
Iroh chuckled slightly at her words. "Still…" he said, getting serious again. "I don't want to lose anymore."
"You won't. You can still keep those memories alive by doing little things to celebrate the person your father was," she said from experience. Korra sat her drink down and turned more to face him. "One being by going to this kick ass play tonight," she said, trying to get him excited again. The last thing she wanted him to be was sad on his birthday but knew he had to let that out before he would explode.
"Yeah," Iroh said, thinking about the play again.
Korra snapped her fingers getting an idea. "I know a way he could be there tonight."
Iroh got confused all over again. "How?"
Korra took out her wallet and showed him a picture she had of her father. "When I have big events, no matter where I am. I take him with me," she said using this as a coping mechanism years ago and even to this day. "Here," she gestured to her wallet. "And here," she said pointing at her heart. "I know it's gonna take time, maybe even a long time but it will get better to cope with. I promise you that," she said knowing it's something you don't get over but strive to move forward.
Iroh wiped his tears away and looked her in the eyes and said, "thank you," while feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders.
"You're welcome," Korra said with a content smile.
Much to her dismay, Asami stayed the majority of the day to benefit her family. She had an hour left before the play began and decided to leave. She grabbed her things and headed toward the elevators to leave when Kuvira stepped in front of her.
"I knew you weren't serious about this job," Kuvira stated in a smug way. She always had a notion that Asami wasn't fit for this type of work and her leaving proved it. Baatar giving her a chance was a waste. "You're going to be in the same position you are now for the rest of your career. And you know why?" she asked, waiting for her to answer. Soon as she was about to respond, Kuvira cut her off. "Because you have no drive. You have no passion for what this job is all about. And at the end of the day you'll be stuck here as an underling beneath me with nowhere to go except unemployment," she stated trying to strike fear in her as she has many before.
Asami was tired and didn't have time for her weird and unnecessary scare tactics. "I know you don't understand nor care for that matter but it's my son's birthday today. So I'm leaving," she said, upset that she had to be here at all.
Kuvira stepped out of the way and gestured toward the elevators. "There's the door," she said, watching Asami walk past her. "Weakling," she said under her breath.
Asami heard what she said and waited to turn around and confront her but didn't. Instead she sucked it up and kept moving. I will make it to that play.
Korra and Iroh were outside of the venue waiting for Asami. It was almost time for the show to start and she was nowhere in sight. "Come on Sami.." she said under her breath.
Iroh waited by Korra's side looking around. "Where are you mom.." he said to himself.
One of the attendants came outside to let everyone know it was time. Korra sighed and placed her hand on the kids shoulders. "Hey. I'm sure she'll be here soon. In the meantime, let's go find our seats okay," she said, gesturing for them to head inside.
Iroh kept looking around hoping to spot their vehicle. "Okay.." he said knowing if they waited any longer they might not be able to go inside.
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Once they found their seats the lights went dim and the auditorium went quiet. Korra jumped a bit in her seat when she received a text on her phone. She took it out of her pocket and saw it was Asami with a text that said: I'm on my way.
Iroh's attention was on the stage until Korra placed her phone in his hand. He looked down at it and saw his mom's text and smiled up at Korra with excitement on his face. "I hope she gets here soon," he whispered to her.
Korra took her phone back when it was handed to her and placed it in her pocket. "I'm sure she will kid," she said as the curtains opened up.
Iroh got comfortable in his seat and thought about what Korra said earlier. He looked over at the empty seat next to him and placed his hand on his heart. Right here with me. He thought as he looked back up at the stage as they began the play.
Asami arrived with an hour left before the play was over. She was stuck in traffic the whole time since there was an accident a few blocks away from her work place. She rushed inside the building and stopped once she got to their seats. "Hey…" she said in a quiet tone of voice.
Korra spotted her and waved her over. "Hey," she greeted with her phone in hand.
"You made it," Iroh said with excitement in his voice before being shushed by someone behind him.
"Of course I did," she said, taking a seat next to him. Asami looked behind her and gave that person a death glare before looking back at her son. "Sorry I'm late. What did I miss?" she asked looking over at the stage.
Iroh leaned closer to his mom to explain in a quieter way. "The Students passed all the deadly obstacles and tests in their way and finally made it to the last and final challenge," he said, building up the momentum for the story. "Facing the Dragon Masters," he said, turning his attention back to the stage.
Asami saw the excitement on her son's face and smiled as she turned her attention back to the play.
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The play was nearly over with the actors about to do the Sun Warrior Dance. An attendant came over to their row and bent down on one knee to ask them something without disturbing the rest of the audience. "Ma'am, the producer wanted to know if your son would like to join them before the show is over," he said gesturing to the stage.
Asami looked at him confused. "What are you talking about?" she asked until she saw Baraz waving them over.
Iroh was surprised as was Korra. "Can I mom? Can I?" he said, pulling on her sleeve.
"Now or never," the attendant said.
Asami didn't have time to think and said," yeah go ahead," she said unsure what was going to happen.
Iroh got up and followed the attendant on stage. He put on a gown that was handed to him and walked onto the stage once directed. He looked out at the crowd a bit frightened until he saw Korra and his mom.
Baraz came up to him and bent down to his level. "You ready?" he asked knowing he put him on the spot but knew he got it down pat after yesterday's practice.
Iroh nodded with a confident smile. "I was born ready," he said as the drums began to beat loudly.
Baraz stood up and got into position and they were going to do the Dragon Dance. Two people in red and blue dragon customs circled around them waiting.
Iroh danced and moved the same exact way as Baraz did. He could feel the red costumed dragon next to him. He was making a circle when Baraz got close enough and they both touched with their fists completing the dance.
The dragons stopped and spurted out their flames with dancing actors in orange and gold to make the allusion. Once they were done, they all took a bow with Iroh doing the same.
Korra and Asami stood up with their fellow audience members clapping at the spectacle in all its glory the story of Students and the Fire-bending Masters.
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As the curtains began to close, Asami and Korra made their way backstage as everyone started to leave.
Iroh spotted his mom and Korra soon as they came backstage. "What did you think? Wasn't that cool?!" he said, still feeling the adrenaline rush from it all.
"So cool," Korra said, giving him a high five.
"You were amazing, I'm so proud of you," Asami said, pulling him into a hug.
Iroh held her as tight as he could feeling a lot better than he did earlier. "I'm glad you're here."
Asami held him back just as tight. "Me too."
Iroh pulled back and looked at Korra before giving her a hug as well. "You too."
Baraz walked up to them with a huge smile on his face. "Congratulations on your debut into the theater," he said to Iroh.
"Thanks," Iroh said, still pumped from the experience.
"How did you get the director to let him on stage like that?" Korra asked curiously. She wasn't a theater buff but something was amiss.
Baraz knew she was going to ask that and chuckled. "I have a hook up," he said shrugging his shoulders. He placed his hand near his mouth and whispered to the trio. "Plus I'm funding this play so they basically let me do what I want," he said claiming a spot as a producer in the process. "Well somewhat," he said, upset they still didn't go with his idea to use real fire.
Korra knew it was his way of going the extra mile and appreciated it more than he knew. "Thank you," she said holding her hand out.
Baraz took her hand and shook it with a smile. "Anytime."
Iroh pulled his mom to the side to show her one of the dragon costumes. "He's blue for reasons you won't believe," he said going into depth from all the research he did the night before.
Asami listened as her son explained the history behind it while looking over her shoulder at Korra and Baraz who were still talking.
"So how long are you in town for?" Baraz asked, hoping to get an answer.
Korra looked over at Asami and Iroh who were talking to other actors across the stage. When she caught Asami's eye, she smiled. "Maybe for good," she said looking back at her old friend.
When they got back home, Asami opened the front door and brought the cake inside. Korra and Iroh were right behind her with presents in hand. Bolin and Opal bought him some clothes and board games while Tu pitched in a nice card with a 20 stuffed inside.
"Can we have some cake now?" Iroh asked, wondering what flavor it was. Please be chocolate.
Asami placed the cake down on the counter and smiled at her son. "In a minute, let's open some of your presents first."
Korra sat the bag of presents down on the coffee table and plopped down on the couch beat. So many stairs..
Iroh sat on the floor and opened one with a fire nation insignia on it. "This one is from Grandpa Zuko!" he said ready to tear the package apart.
"What is it?" Asami asked while taking the cake out of the container.
Iroh sat there and read it for a bit before shrugging his shoulders. "Something about acres of land."
Korra finally sat up with a surprised look on her face. "Acres? Let me see that," she said reaching her hand out.
Iroh passed the note to her and moved on to his next present.
Korra looked at the letter with widened eyes. "I forgot how rich your dad's side of the family was."
Asami placed the plates down on the table and came over to where they were. "Can I see?" she said with her own hand out this time. She briefly read over it and smiled. "He's so sweet," she said, placing it back in the envelope it came in. It was a nice patch of land in the fire nation he had placed in Iroh III's name with Asami as the overseer until he was of age.
"Can he adopt me?" Korra asked with a smile.
Asami chuckled at her comment. "Well you do share an ancestor so he might," she said with a smile of her own.
Korra laughed and remembered the day she found out. Iroh II wanted to find a way to bond with her and dug more into her family history to get a clue only to find they shared an ancestor. It was a sweet gesture she didn't appreciate at the time but now felt grateful for it. "Talk about a 23 and me," she said, stretching out her leg.
"I know right," Asami said with a giggle.
Iroh looked at them smiling and laughing and felt content until he opened the box of clothes from Uncle Bolin and Auntie Opal. "Another pack of shirts… yay," he said with a sarcastic undertone.
Asami gave him a look with a hand on her hip. "What do I always tell you?"
Iroh sighed knowing better than to react that way. "Be grateful for what you have cause you'll never know if you'll have it again."
Korra chuckled at his reaction but didn't blame him for it. "You should see the gift Mako got him," she said to Asami.
"What was it?" Asami asked, knowing Mako wasn't the best gift giver but he tries his best. Iroh reached into his bag and took it out. "Oh that's what it is," she said leaving it as that.
"My sentiments exactly," Iroh said under his breath.
Asami saw the time on her phone and saw it was getting late. "Ready to cut the cake?" she asked her son.
Iroh stood up so fast he nearly fell in the process. "Yes!" he said with excitement in his voice. Bring on the sugar rush!
Korra got up herself ready to do the same. "I was ready when you bought it," she said with a smirk.
Asami tapped her playfully on the arm. "Come on," she said, walking over to the kitchen table.
They sang happy birthday to the young man of the hour. Iroh sat there as they finished and blew out the candles with a smile.
Asami picked the candles out of the cake as Korra got the ice cream out of the fridge.
"We got chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. What kind do you want?" Korra asked the birthday boy.
"Vanilla," he said knowing it would pair perfectly with the chocolate cake.
Korra scooped him up a bowl full and placed it down in front of him. "What about you?"
Asami cut Iroh's slice and placed it in front of him. "A little bit of everything."
"Greedy much?" Korra said jokingly.
"Not as much as you," Asami said, patting Korra's stomach. Damn that's solid.
Korra shook her head. "Hey I cut back a lot okay," she said sitting next to Iroh. "I was getting too many brain freezes," she said with a shrug of her shoulders.
Asami handed Korra her plate of chocolate cake. "Sure you did," she said with a smirk. She sat down across from her son and smiled. "So what did you wish for?" she said, eating a spoonful of ice cream.
Iroh looked to Korra who had chocolate icing on the side of her mouth and back to his mom who had a bit of vanilla ice cream on her shirt. He knew what he wanted now more so than before and that was for Korra to be a permanent part of their family. "I think it already came true," he said with a bright smile.
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After they ate, Asami began to put the cake away as Korra washed dishes.
Iroh placed all his presents in his room and came back out to see they were already done. "This was the best birthday ever."
Asami finished drying the last dish and placed it in the cabinet. "Glad you enjoyed it. Now get ready for bed, you got school in the morning," she said walking into the living room.
Iroh groaned forgetting he did. "Okay," he said walking down the hall.
Asami knew going to school was the last thing on his mind. "Don't forget to brush your teeth."
"I won't," he said, going to the bathroom. Iroh came out a few minutes later and walked up to Korra who was sitting on the couch. "Goodnight Korra."
"Goodnight Buddy," Korra said, placing her leg brace underneath the couch.
Iroh came up to his mom next. "Goodnight Mom."
Asami gave him a kiss on his forehead. "Goodnight."
Iroh walked into his room and closed the door. He turned on the lamp light and waved to his pet. "Goodnight Druk," he said before turning the light back off and getting into bed. He took his father's medal of honor off the nightstand and looked at it. "Goodnight Dad," he said, placing it back down before closing his eyes to fall asleep.
When Iroh went to bed, Asami sat on the couch next to Korra. She sighed thinking about all the crap she had to go through at work nearly missing her son's big day.
Korra noticed how quiet she was and muted the TV. "Hey. What's going on?"
Asami turned her attention to Korra and shook her head. "I know you were worried about disappointing him but that's all I've been doing lately. I just feel like I'm failing him," she said feeling overwhelmed. "Everytime I want to do something with him there's roadblock after roadblock and I'm tired of it," she said in defeat. "I'm so tired."
Korra grabbed the remote again and turned off the TV to give her her full attention. "You still came tonight and it made his day," she said knowing how down he was about it. "And don't worry if you think you missed anything I got it all on my phone despite the ushers threats to throw me out," she said after hearing that last warning in the third act. "I told you. I got your back."
Asami couldn't help but smile a little. "I know you do," she said, placing her hand on hers. She entangled her fingers into Korra's wanting to tell her how she felt about her. Everything she's done for them was above and beyond. She looked up at her ready to say it all but instead said, "thank you."
"Anytime," Korra said with a smile.
Asami smiled the same way and sat there quietly holding her hand. She wasn't sure what to say next and decided to switch gears to someone else. "Your friend was very sweet to let Iroh up there," she said, surprised they even allowed such a thing last second. "I understand now," she said squeezing her hand just a tad. "I'm happy you have more people in your life to call a family," she sincerely said.
Korra thought about it and nodded her head. "Yeah I have plenty all over the world." But no place to call home, she thought. "You know… Iroh told me he wanted to know more about his dad's heritage," she said knowing it was part of the reason why he was so eager to see the play. "I don't know how you wanna go about it but it's something worth looking into," she said passing along the information.
Asami rested her head softly on Korra's shoulder. "I agree," she said, feeling the same. "He should know where his father came from but his family is just so much to deal with," she said, feeling drained by even bringing them up.
Korra chuckled at her remark. "I know."
Asami started to close her eyes a bit. "How are your parents doing?" she said getting comfortable in this position. "You barely talk about them," she said knowing how close she was to the two of them.
Korra wasn't sure she wanted to go down that rabbit hole with her just yet. "It's too much to get into right now," she said, leaving it as that.
Asami felt the same when it came to her own dad. "I understand that," she said softly ready to drift off to sleep.
Korra stared at the blank TV in a daze. "I wouldn't know where to begin anyway…" she said only to hear a light snoring sound. "Asami?" she said looking down at her friend. Seeing her fast asleep, Korra chuckled to herself. "Some things never change."