"Nervous?"
"Why do you ask?"
Asami smiled at the younger girl's response, a knowing gleam in her eyes. Korra hadn't stopped fidgeting since the Nonbender started working on her hair, crossing and uncrossing her arms, wringing her hands together, her leg continually shaking up and down. "Just a guess," she replied. "This party is going to turn out a lot better than the last one. You can relax."
Korra remembered the last party. She'd played right into the former councilman's trap. She'd been made a fool of and that didn't sit well with her. The Avatar's fidgeting ceased for a second as her body tensed and her fists clenched. She felt a hand on her shoulder and came back to reality.
"Sorry," she muttered.
Asami nodded her head in understanding. "Besides, Tahno will be with you to make sure you have a great time." A light pink tinge appeared on the Waterbender's cheeks, causing a laugh to escape the heiress.
*** Tahno stood up straight as he waited for Korra in front of the main house on Air Temple Island, one hand in the pocket of his black trousers, the other hanging limply by his side. He wore black tux jacket, only the bottom three buttons fastened with a white undershirt and black suede shoes but no tie. His hair was back to its old flamboyancy, though he had to admit he had gotten use to it being so…not. It almost felt odd for him to have it fixed up again.
"Nervous?"
Tahno turned his attention to the Earthbending brother. "Not in the slightest."
Bolin raised a brow, not buying it. "Whatever you say," he replied, fixing his jacket and trying to straighten his green buttoned shirt. The youngest brother hadn't bothered to buy a new suit since the one he'd worn from Tarrlok's gala was still in good shape. But the Earthbender still had to dig through a few boxes to find it.
Tahno smirked at the younger boy as he continued to fidget. "So where is the Fire Rat?"
"Mako?" Bolin shrugged his shoulders. "Getting ready I suppose."
Tahno nodded before allowing all conversation to drop and his thoughts drifted to Korra. It never ceased to amaze him how long it took women to get ready.
Both boys heard someone clear their throat and turned to see the girls. Asami, looking as radiant as always, her dark red dress stunning and perfect for her, smiled at the boys. "Sorry it took so long," she apologized. Bolin nodded but Tahno hadn't seemed to hear her, his gaze never leaving Korra. Her dress was a dark blue with iridescent seed and bugle beads and sequins intricately sewn into the fabric. The beads were black or purple in color but the way the light shined made them appear silver. There were two rows of dark blue fringe on the lower part of the skirt, adding an eye-catching shimmer when she moved. The neckline was v-shaped with a scalloped hem. The top part wasn't as loose as the bottom but it still left plenty to the imagination.
Korra's dark brown hair was down, free of its usual clips and high ponytail. It had a certain wave and curl to it, framing her face which had the faintest traces of make-up.
Tahno thought she looked beautiful.
Korra walked up to him, her heels clicking against the cobblestone. They were small heels, barely even an inch. Asami had thought it best if Korra didn't break her neck. She grinned when she noticed the way he stared at her, her earlier nerves completely forgotten. "Now, who's going to be the best looking one at this party again?" she teased.
Tahno had to remember how to talk before he even tried to retort. He swallowed before sighing, mock disappointment in his tone. "It seems I have been out done. But alas," he grinned. "I'm a close second if I do say so myself."
Korra rolled her eyes at this. Bolin whispered something to Asami, to which she nodded and laughed. She couldn't have agreed more. That was about the time Mako made his appearance, looking handsome and suave. Tahno didn't miss the look the Firebender sent Korra. He placed an arm around her waist, leading her toward the docks.
*** The party itself was stunning. City Hall dressed finely and elegantly as the jazzy tune wafted through the air. Everyone was having a phenomenal time. Korra had never been one for dancing, she'd never really bothered to learn. But when Tahno patiently explained the steps, she picked up on it real quick. After all, she was a quick study. The Pro-Bending champ twirled her out before bringing her back to his chest, smiling when she laughed. She really did look amazing.
The other three members were scattered amongst the crowd. Asami was conversing with General Iroh while Bolin flirted with a girl, trying to make her laugh while Mako was harassed by fangirls wanting him to dance with them. He eventually caved.
The jazzy tune switched and Korra dragged Tahno off the dance-floor, claiming to need a break. "I'm getting something to drink. Want something?" Tahno offered. Korra nodded her head, trying to catch her breath as they stood to the side of the dance floor. Tahno grinned crookedly at her before walking over to the concessions.
He was filling up a cup when he felt someone's hand on his forearm. He turned to see a girl with dark hair and tan skin. He recognized her. What was her name again? It was on the tip of his tongue.
"Well, I'm surprised to see you here, Tahno," she purred. The Waterbender blinked a couple of times. He knew she'd been one of the girls with him that night the Avatar had called her beast on him but he couldn't remember her name to save his life.
"And why would that be?" he asked, his tone showing his disinterest.
Either the girl didn't notice or she ignored it, giggling like an idiot. "Well after that incident at the arena, you ditched us. We thought you didn't want to party anymore."
Tahno clenched his teeth together. So she thought he had ditched them. The idea was laughable. No, it had most certainly been the other way around. "Yes, well, if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to the festivities," he replied. He only had the one drink but he wanted to get away from this girl. He made a move to get away but the girl grabbed his arm again.
"What's your hurry? We never did get to have any fun," she stated, pushing her smaller frame up against his. Tahno backed away and kept the leech at a distance. She pouted slightly.
"Playing hard to get? That never was your style, Baby."
Tahno was about to say something when he felt an arm interlace with his. He turned to see Korra, smiling sweetly up at him but he could tell it was strained. "I leave you alone for two seconds and your already being harassed?" she asked, shaking her head with a chuckle. "You certainly are busy."
She turned her attention to the girl. "Oh, I remember you. You were at Narook's that one night," she said. The girl opened her mouth but Korra cut her off. "I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to steal my date away for a moment. Is that ok?" Tahno didn't miss the emphasis she put on the words 'my date' and neither, it seemed, did the other girl. He was suddenly very worried that Korra would punch the poor woman if she answered no. But she looked dumbstruck and nodded mutely. Korra's smile widened. "I appreciate it."
Once they were far enough away, Tahno let out a sigh of relief. "Thanks. I owe you." He noticed she was no longer smiling. Tahno watched as she leaned against one of the pillars, sipping the drink Tahno handed her. "What's the matter?"
"You were letting her hang off you," she said, her tone even though flecks of anger seeped through.
Tahno raised a brow. "I was doing no such thing," he replied. Korra shrugged, as if the matter really was of no concern of hers. The boy grinned crookedly, placing his hand next to her head on the pillar. "Were you, my dear, jealous?"
The Avatar almost did a spit take, choking on her drink slightly. She covered her mouth with her hand before sending a glare at the taller boy. "No," she replied. She hated that smug little look he had on his face.
"Seems like it," he teased. Korra frowned but said nothing as she turned her gaze on the crowd. He took her chin in his hand, making her look up at him again. "Now why would someone as amazing as you be jealous of someone like that?" Again Korra said nothing, her voice failing her as his pale eyes locked on her blue ones.
He leaned forward to envelop her lips with his. She kissed him back almost immediately, her mind going blank as his lips moved against hers. She wrapped an arm around his neck, standing on her tiptoes to get a better angle.
Tahno smirked into the kiss, moving his hand from her chin to her waist. When he pulled away, she was smiling at him, all traces of her annoyance with him gone. He kissed her forehead, a cocky grin on his face. "I'm all yours, Sweetheart. Don't forget that."
Korra gave him a chaste kiss. "You better be," she murmured against his lips, trying and failing to sound threatening. Her companion chuckled at that.
***** And thus they found there was no cure for the virus that had infiltrated my brain and I succumbed to the madness that is fluff.
Ugh! Is it season two yet?
I'm out! Peace!