AN: Lmao, these chapters are just going to get longer and longer.
Ch 2: Luck and Stories
March 29th, 188AG - *Korra's POV*
As I sit in my office alone, the endless stacks of paper that is drowning my desk are overflowing. Like a lot. I can't even see any desk! I am getting nowhere! I have reexamined these damn documents of information for the godforsaken millionth time now and zilch. Getting frustrated with this mess, I angrily swipe the papers off the table with my arm.
"DAMMIT!"
I can't help but grip my head in frustration as the papers flutter around. Where am I going wrong? I have never been stuck on a case with no leads for this long before. Something is clearly wrong but what? I need to look at this from another angle. The testimony Kuvira gave me… something doesn't add up. Why doesn't she remember anything that happened after she got into a fight with the victim? Why did they fight in the first place? A drunken bar fight usually doesn't lead to a man dying.
Right?
Sighing, I look off to the side and stare at the mess on the floor. I don't know how much time passes but I zoned out and focused on some other possible alternatives. Hmm… It finally hit me. I need to visit Kuvira! Abruptly standing up, I ended up staggering a bit before grasping the desk and shook off that dizzy feeling. I regained my composure and blinked before looking at the clock. It's about 12am.
Shit… I forgot to text Asami…
I quickly pull out my phone and see a spam of messages. Skimming through them, I couldn't help but frown. I didn't keep my promise again. I was supposed to be home before midnight, probably like around ten or so? Letting out a sigh I quickly rub my temples trying to ease my headache before stumbling over to my coffee maker. I reached over to start the machine before I noticed there wasn't any coffee left.
Great…
Everything sucks. My head is killing me, my eyes are burning like hell. Why the hell is everything vague! Slamming my hand on the cabinet, I let out another heavy sigh. I need to go home… I start walking over to where I put my keys before tripping on some dumbass papers and fall. Oww… I stare at the keys right in front of me before my eyelids get heavy and dozed off. By the time I woke up, it was 4am.
Shit! Oh fuck fuck fuck! Asami!
Panicking, I quickly pushed myself off the floor and rushed home. After speeding home (somehow) I fumbled while cautiously walking inside. The kitchen light was on… biting my lip, when I peeked inside I saw my wife with her head down on the counter. Asami… why are you up baby?
Feeling guilty I walk over to lift her up bridal style. Man she looks so tired… I've told her before that she doesn't need to wait up for me but she won't listen. I kiss her on the forehead before carrying her to our bedroom. But, right when I was about to take a step out of the kitchen, I see a couple different types of my favorite coffees.
"..."
When did she? As I walk up to our bedroom, I'm trying to figure out when she found out I needed coffee. Hmm… ah! I got it, when she visited me like what? Three days ago? A week ago? I'm not entirely sure but I can't help but feel truly blessed to have such a wonderful wife.
"Mm- mmh… Kor...ra…"
Looking down, Asami is cuddling against my chest and I couldn't help but smile. It is extremely adorable and I can't help but admire her before tucking her in. Once she was settled, I kiss her on the cheek and went to go check up on Han. Poking my head through his door, he was sound asleep with his blanket half on the floor. Smiling amused, I walked over and pulled it up before kissing his cheek.
"Sleep tight kiddo, I love you."
I quietly left and closed his door before walking back to our master bedroom. Once inside, I can't help but chuckle softly since Asami was now curled into a half lazy ball. Feeling chilly, I joined her and hugged her tightly from behind while nipping at her beautiful neck.
"Mr…mhh…Kor-raa…"
She nuzzled into my arms and slept soundly away. As I lay here, I couldn't help but rub the back of her hand with my thumb.
"I love you."
Softly pecking her cheek, I frowned when I noticed the dark circles under her eyes. She must've have stay up late waiting for me… I sighed before hugged her tighter and thought about how to repay her. After my case is over I should take Asami out on a romantic date… or maybe I should make a romantic dinner at home… or no, maybe… maybe… I should… get her… that necklace… I saw at the…
"Mmmfp…" I dozed off.
March 30th, 188AG - *Asami's POV*
"Mmh…"
Slowly opening one eye I find myself groaning from fatigue before realizing that I'm in bed. Korra must have brought me up here. Smiling to myself I stretched out before sighing when I placed my hand next to my side. The lack of warmth that I'm usually snuggling against was apparent. It wasn't there.
Korra wasn't there.
Sitting up, I pushed back my hair and stretching again. Feeling more alert, I rub my neck while looking at the clock, 5:45am. Han said he had a test today, hmm… I should make him a fruit crepe for breakfast. Getting out of bed, I quickly dragged my feet to the bathroom. Damn it… what time did Korra get home? How could I miss her?! Ughh last time I checked it was… 3am? Rustling my head, I cursed myself for falling asleep. I wanted to see Korra!
"Woah!"
I took a step back from shock and cringed badly at the mirror.
"Ohhh… damn, the bags are seriously dark today…"
Letting out a heavy sigh, I freshened up before getting into the shower. Once I was out, I looked into the mirror again and the dark circles looked even worse. "Just great…" slapping my cheeks, I quickly got ready for the day. Then after a good session of covering my… my flaws, I went into the kitchen and cooked away. After plating the cooked crepes, I grabbed the sliced fruits and whip cream before looking up at the clock. It was about time that Han got up. Adding the final touches to his breakfast, I took a deep breath before speaking out loud.
"HAN! YOUR FOOD IS READY!"
While I set his plate on the table with a cup of juice on the side, I hear some grumbling and feet dragging on the floor. Looking up, I couldn't help but giggle, Cute… just like Korra when she wakes up. "Good morning sweetie. Are you ready for your test today?"
He let out a loud yawn with that goofy face of his, "I… think so…"
Pouring myself a cup of coffee, I took a much needed sip while leaning against the counter before speaking up again. "Just don't forget what we went over last night honey."
He took a sip of his orange juice before that spark of energy hit him like with me and my coffee. "Yup! Don't worry mommy! I got it covered! It's gonna be a piece of cake!" He took a big bite of his crepe and I watched as a piece of peach fell back onto the plate. "Aww…" he munched away before quickly popping the piece back into his mouth.
I giggled before smirking slightly, "Good… with that confidence, it's fair to say if you get any points off then I'll just have to make you do extra work. Alright?" I can see him gulping with some fear in his eyes. Hmm, maybe I shouldn't have given that puzzle to solve the other day?
He quickly eats the rest of his crepe before chugging some of his juice. "D-Don't worry! E-Even if you make a h-hard puzzle for me, I'm sure I can solve it! As long as mommy gives me some time I can do it!"
I raise my eyebrow up deviously, "Oohhhhh, is that so? Hmm… maybe I should cut down your time to just an hour?" He shot upright, Okay maybe I shouldn't tease him so much. It did look like steam was coming from his brain the last time… but still I can't help myself, he's too cute.
"A-Anyways! Can we go yet?! I wanna get there early to review my notes!"
I smile before taking another sip of coffee, "Of course honey. Come on, finish your juice and then we'll go."
"Okkayyy!"
*Han's POV*
The ride to school was quick and painless, Thank the spirits mommy stopped testing me. But, after we arrived on campus, I gave mommy a quick peck on the lips and rushed to class. By the time I was at the door of my classroom, I saw that Amber and Kazu were already inside.
Dang it, they beat me firsttt!
I briskly ran inside and sat at my desk. Amber quickly flipped her chair around to face me and was hovering over my desk while Kazu pulled his seat next to me. We were all pretty early today so we ended up chatting it up before the big test! The nervousness left me but I could tell that they kinda were so… to kinda ease up this tension, I decided to bring up the latest Nuktuk movie we got to see before the premier date.
"I'm so glad that mommy helped with the props! The plane scene was so cool!" I say excitedly, remembering the awesome action scenes with a crooked grin.
"Heck yeah! Your dad was so cool Amby, I can't believe he actually got to ride a plane!" Kazu says with his eyes practically shining.
Amber was grinning smugly before humbly boasting, "I know! My dad is so cool! The way he snuck on top the plane to stealing it and then jumping off at the end! It was way too cool!"
We all grin and laugh before Amber stopped and started whining, "Aww man, noooo! I don't think I'm ready for today's test! I really don't like numbers!" Her head kinds slammed down hard on my desk. "Decimals are the death of meeeeee."
I couldn't help but laugh a little, "It's not that hard, you just have to carry the decimal over by how many zeros there are. Otherwise you can do the reverse and multiply for it. Though It's harder that way," I casually shrug.
She lifts her head up and is pouting, "Hey you got your smarts from your genius moms! I wish I got my mom's smarts. She's good with math but I take after my dad! Wheyyy!"
Rubbing my nose, "What can I say?" Smirking proudly while thinking to myself, Mommy sure is one of the smartest people in this city! I'm so glad that she's my mommy! Although… I think mom is good with math? She's more brawn than brain but, she is a lawyer… hm maybe I should get mom to help me with my homework next time.
Kazu starts laughing making me turn around, "I guess I'm the more balanced one then? I mean I'm good with some things but doomed with the others…" he then looked pretty grim. Guess he botched that history quiz. "Math is okay I guess…"
Amber pouts and is glaring at us before the bell chimes and Missus Harvey comes in. "Alright kids back to your seats and put your things away. Time for the math test!"
There are groans and sighs everywhere as everyone shuffled back to their seats. I looked at Amber one last time and she had this doomed expression on her face as she turned her chair around. Kazu on the other hand had an indifferent one. But as for me, I'm grinning looking forward to the challenge. I hope it's challenging this time, the practice questions mommy made me were really hard but fun!
As soon as Missus Harvey handed everyone a copy, she went back to the front and started her spiel. "Okay class, you have until break time to finish. I'll write how many minutes you have left on the board and if you have any questions feel free to ask. Are we clear?"
Most of us nodded or are focused on the paper in front of us.
"Okay, good luck kids!"
The swoosh of papers sounds off before the scratch of pencils clacked away against the wooden desk. Things seemed pretty simple to me so I'm blowing through this like nothing but I can't help but glance over at Amber. I'm worried for her but at the same time I'm trying to suppress my laughter because she looks like she's having a breakdown. As for Kazu… he seems to be steady. I think? Anyways… glancing back down at my exam I'm almost done.
Oh, shoot this one is kinda hard! Hmm… My tongue is sticking out as I'm completely focused now. Mmm… carry this one over and divide by four… okay there we go! Tricky tricky Missus Harvey but, not enough to get me! I'm grinning because mommy got me earlier this week with a problem similar to this but I got it this time!
I finished first like usual and walked up to the front. Handing Missus Harvey the test, she smiles at me and I bow slightly before walking back to my desk. As I pass my other classmates, I see that Amber barely is finishing the first half of her test and Kazu is completely stuck the one that almost got me. Sitting back down, I pulled out a piece of white paper from my desk and started sketching. Looking out the window, I stare at today's scenery and decided to draw an outline of the buildings with the clear blue sky. By the time I finished pretty much the full basic outline Missus Harvey called out for every one's attention.
I set my pencil down and stretch before turning to my friends. "So, how'd you two do?"
Kazu's lips were slanted, "I got stuck on the last one… what did you get? I got 3.45."
"I got 3.65."
"WHAT!? I got 7.63!"
We both looked at Amber funnily before talking in unison, "How'd you get that?"
She slams her head on my table, "Oh no! I'm doomed guys I'm doomed!"
We're both laughing hysterically before I catch my breath. "It can't be that bad… don't worry I'm sure you'll at least pass the test."
Wow those fake tears are pouring down. "Thanks…" Kazu hands her a tissue and she's sniffling. "Y-You really think so?!"
Grinning widely, "Of course! Don't worry!" Lowering my eyes I make a smug smirk before saying "I believe in your luck that is!"
Kazu lets out a loud laugh before Amber pouts. "Heeyyy!" Crossing her arms, "Yeah yeah rub it in! I'll beat you when we have P.E!"
Raising my brow competitively, "Ohhhh is that so? It's on!" This is where mom rubs off on me. I am a hundred percent competitive in both my academics thanks to mommy and in anything physical, thanks to mom. You can say that I'm well rounded with everything and anything. People have been calling me the 'golden child' or the 'prodigy' or whatever ever since I was born. Though I don't really like it… I just try my best like what my parents taught me.
Kazu puts his hands up and is backing off, "I hope I'm not included in this. I don't wanna be too tired today since I gotta help mom with some volunteer work after school."
Amber and I look at each other before we both grinned at him, "Oh Kazu Kazu. Tsk tsk tsk, you know it's gonna be on later!" I wiggled my finger teasingly,
"Come on, don't be such a party pooper Kazu! The last one has to help me wash my dad's socks!"
We both snapped our heads at Amber.
"What?!"
"Ugh eww no! Why hey that's not fair!"
"Yeah! I don't wanna wash your dad's stinky socks!"
Now she's wagging her index finger back and forth, "Tsk tsk tsk, there's no funny in a competition if there are no punishments and rewards!"
Ohhhhh I am not gonna lose. Leaning forward with determination, "Okay fine. It's on! But if I win you have to go buy the next volume of the Avatar comics for me!"
Amber grins while extending her hand for a shake, "Deal!"
I grin before grabbing her hand and shaking it.
"What?! Hey don't go on deciding things! What do I get?!"
Shoot! Right Kazu doesn't really have a reason… uh… I'm thinking real hard before coming up with the perfect excuse, "OH I got it! We'll help you with volunteering after class, no complaints!"
His face brightens up before joining the handshake, "Deal!"
*Asami's POV*
I couldn't help but tap the conference table as we are close to a three hour meeting. This was dragging on longer than I thought but there are some unexpected variables that Miss Waters is bringing up. Hmm… looking up from the portfolio in front of me, I couldn't help but be both amazed and impressed. Her passion for maintaining her homeland's ecosystem yet advancing their technology is admirable.
She reminds me of Korra…
As she paces back and forth while pointing at certain parts of her data, I couldn't help but focus on her eyes. They're a shade of deep blue so clear yet deep with passion. Although, I can't help but notice the way she's taking glances at me. Don't tell me she's…
Wait, did she just wink at me?
No, no I'm just imagining things… I hope. Feeling stiff, I sat up straight and stretched slightly before crossing my fingers together. After a moment, we make eye contact again but this time I smiled warmly. Have to be professional… She smiles back, of course, but I feel like she's… no, it can't be. It's extremely common knowledge that I'm married.
Letting out a soft sigh, I feel slightly annoyed. It's been a long time since someone has tried making a move on me after marrying Korra. Besides, suppressing my chuckle, Korra would just glare them down with her "I'll kill you so back off" look. Mmh, spirits… that thought of that is just…. maybe I should ask her to tie me up the next time we have sex. It has been a while since we've played around in bed.
Feeling warm, I stop myself from those wonderful fantasies before I start blushing. This is not the right time and place for daydreams, especially when this company's CEO is giving me thirsty looks. Anyways, time finally passes and this long meeting has finally come to an end and we're saying our "unofficial" greetings before parting.
I offer my hand, "That was an impressive presentation Miss Waters, I am sincerely looking forward to working with you for this project."
She smiles while grabbing my hand (more firmly than necessary). "Of course Miss Sato but please, call me Katara. And if you would like, I'd be honored if you let me take you out for dinner. You know… to go over some additional details for our contract."
I knew it. Cleaning my throat, I look her straight in the eyes while saying, "Thanks I appreciate the offer however I have plans with my wife so I'll have to pass."
She doesn't let go of my hand and looked me in the eyes, "Please, I insist, it'll be my treat Miss Sato," she pretty much coos while winking at me, again.
My brow goes up in displeasement. I thought I was being subtle, "Look… Miss Waters-"
"Katara, please."
I let out a breath before giving her an irritated smile, "Missus Sato."
She seemed a bit stunned. "Excuse me?"
"It's Missus Sato, Miss Waters. This is a warning. I don't know what games you're trying to play but I do have a lovely wife and a lovely son. If you can't keep up a professional front then… I'm afraid I'll have to reconsider our contract." I take back my hand before pivoting around and I'm about to leave the conference room before she grabs me by my wrist. Why this-
"I apologize for my behavior Missus Sato, I promise I'll do my best to remain professional. Please forgive me, it's just that I haven't seen someone so beautiful such as yourself before."
Why she… My brow twitches and I'm glaring at her feeling conflicted. Why does she remind of me Korra? Letting out a sigh I yanked back my wrist, "I expect this will not be a problem in the future… I look forward to working with you Miss Waters."
I can tell she's eating me with her eyes as her lips curl into a devilish smile, "I look forward to 'working' with you as well."
*Han's POV*
I can feel the tension in the air as we all lined up at the starting line. It was the 400m dash. Ohhhh I am so not gonna lose! Grinning, I took my stance and waited for the coach's signal.
"On your marks…"
We're giving each other on last look.
"Get set…"
I can feel my competitive spiriting burning.
"Go!"
We fell forward and went into an all out dash. Everything seemed to slow down as the sound of our shoes threading on the track and field was exhilarating. I can even hear some of my classmates cheering somewhere. Looking to my sides, Amber is right behind me and Kazu is right on her tail. We just hit the 200 mark and our roles have reversed.
Shoot!
Gritting my teeth, there was no way I was going to lose! Mom would kill me! Taking a deep breath, I high tailed it and went into high gear. I could hear Amber's competitive cry as we're right in front of the finish line.
No one's in front of me.
Smirking I raised my arms in victory, "WOOO! MY WIN!" Slowing down to a jog and then a stop, I turn around while panting. "M-My… v-victory…" my hands are on my knees as I catch my breath.
Kazu falls over onto the grass and starts crying out loud. "NOOOooo! I don't wanna clean Uncle Bo's socks!" He's rolling back and forth on the floor.
Amber falls onto her behind and looks up into the sky. "Noooo! I can't believe I lost! UGHH!"
Rubbing my nose while snickering, "Come on you know I wasn't going to lose!" I walked over and pulled them both into a sweaty huddle, "It was a fair and square match!" They're both whining and groaning while relishing my victory. "Hey hey! You're the one who wanted to have a match. Besides! Don't worry Kazu, we'll still help you with the volunteering."
Kazu perks up, "Really?!"
I grin, "Of course!"
Amber pulls away from the huddle, "What?! Nooo! I don't wanna!"
"Oh come on," I pull her into a loose, friendly headlock before whispering into her ear, "If we help you know Auntie Nora is gonna give us some snacks when we're done!"
She's pretty much drooling now, "Mmh t-that sounds good… alright! I'm in!" We all look at each other before we laughing together.
"Alright class, gather up. We're going to start the hurdles next."
Part of the class groaned in misery while the rest were pretty excited, including me. "Okayyy!"
*Korra's POV*
Tapping my fingers on the desk, I patiently wait for Kuvira to be brought out. After a while, I finally hear the buzzer and look up. I frown upon seeing her face before shaking it off and smiled. "Hey, how've you been holding out Kuv?"
She trudges forward and sits in front of me before mustering a weak smile, "Been better… anyways what brings you here? Did you find anything new?"
"..." I look at the table out of guilt before stating, "No, I just… had some more questions to ask you."
She makes an annoyed face, "Korra what does it matter? Just because you ask again doesn't mean anything is going to change! I've already told you everything I remember so it's insanity to ask me again and again."
I expected her to get upset but seeing it be true hurts more than it should. "I know Kuv… believe me I feel the same way but this time I feel like something is off. I'm not quite sure what it is but please… I feel like if we go through this again I'll figure something out."
She glares at me before looking up and lets out a deep sigh, "Fine… where do you want me to start from?"
"The beginning."
She gives me another sharp glare with that annoyed look before starting. "Fine fine… well, it was a tuesday night…"
"December the 25th" I confirm, once again.
Kuvira nods and continues, "I had just gotten off of work and felt like grabbing a beer so I went downtown to the Nakamura's Bar House. When I arrived, the first thing I did was headed towards the bar and drank a beer. After that, things were pretty chill until he came over."
"OKay stop. Before we get there, did anyone talk to you? Or even gave a weird look or anything before things went down?"
"Mmm… I don't think so, everything was pretty chill."
Come on, there has to be something. I close my eyes for a brief moment before crossing my hands. "Okay do me a favor, close your eyes and try to recall your surroundings."
She let out a huff before saying, "Really?"
"Come on humor me."
"Fine…" she took in another breath before closing her eyes.
I smile slightly before closing my eyes as well. "Let's start from the beginning again and walk together. It was a Tuesday night… tell me about the weather. Any interesting smells?"
"It was… it's kind of chilly. I can see my breath as I breathe out and it smells like the usual liquor and cigs."
"What about your surroundings? Is the parking lot empty? Full?"
"It was… less busy than I thought it would be. There aren't that many cars or bikes around…"
"Okay. Let's walk into the bar now, how many guests are there?"
"There are… only five people including myself."
"Tell me about them. Where are they? Their looks? Anyone attractive?"
"Well, at the bar there was the bar master Kenji, some middle aged guy and behind me… there's… a young woman and man."
"Are they together?"
"No, we are all sitting separately, enjoying some drinks while the TV is playing in the background."
I opened my eyes briefly, Strange… no one was interacting? "Let's fast forward to just before the fight went down, how many drinks have you had so far? Where are the others? Can you guess how many drinks have they had?"
"Mmh… I've probably had around six bottles by now? The guy behind me is loudly cheering at the TV over something. Kenji is serving the gal another drink since she's at the counter, next to me now. As for that one middle aged guy, he's still at the same spot."
My brow went up, That guy… there isn't much on him, strange. The woman went over to the bar, the guy is cheering for the TV, Kenji is bartending and him… hm. "Tell me more about that guy who hasn't moved. How many drinks has he had? What is he doing?"
"Mm… I'm not sure…"
"Think back Kuv… how many drinks are in front of him? What has he been doing for the past hour?"
"He's… hm… strange now that I think about it, he's probably still on his first or second drink and he's been… he kept glancing at the clock and checking his phone."
That's it!
I feel a grin forming on my face and I know this is the lead I've been needing. "How about Kenji, has he been talking to him?"
"Mmh… I think so? I'm not sure Korra… this is where my mind gets fuzzy. I don't remember much after having another drink."
"Okay one last thing, you mind explaining his character traits?"
"Well… he's got a sturdy built, tan skin, a buzz cut… and mm I think his name might have been Al?"
"Hmm… Al…"
*Han's POV*
"Thanks for coming! Please come back again!"
I wave and bow to the air acolytes before running over to Auntie Nora. "Auntie we're done! We finished passing out the supplies."
Auntie Nora smiles beautifully before leaning down to pat my head. "Aww auntie not my hair!"
She giggles before looking at uncle Kai, "Sweetie you mind bringing over the fruit pie we made? We ought to pay our little helpers for their help."
I grin, Yes! I love Auntie Nora's fruit pies!
Amber quickly runs over and jumps on my back making me almost lose my balance, "Uu uuu! I call the first slice!"
Kazu finally catches up with us, "Mommy can I have some lychee juice?"
I shimmy Amber off my back, "Can I have some to!"
Uncle Kai comes over with the pie and dramatically sets it on the table, "One fruit pie for our little workers!"
"Of course you kids can have some juice," Auntie Nora hugs uncle Kai and kisses him on the cheek, "Do you want the same drink Amber?"
"Yes please!"
"I'll be right back okay dear, go ahead and cut them a slice."
We all cheered in excitement, "Yay!" Sitting down together on a nearby bench table, uncle Kai cuts us each a slice of pie. We each got a slice and just in time, Auntie Nora comes back with the juice. The pie was simply amazing and the rest of the evening was chill!
I just wish mom and mommy were here…