Author's Note: SO so sorry for the delay, everyone! Real life business + writer's block is NOT conducive to sticking to an update schedule. Needless to say, I am going to try my very best to not take this long again, although I might need to adjust my update schedule later on for various reasons.
Now, you may (or may not) be wishing for a way to find out when updates are going to be late, like with this chapter. Wouldn't it be convenient, you might be thinking, if there was some means through which I could communicate with all of you?
Well, I also wanted to be able to communicate between updates, so I decided to create a blog for C&C! That's right, collisionandconsequence . tumblr . com exists now, and that's where I'll post update news and let everyone know if it looks like I'm going to be late posting a chapter. So feel free to stop on by! Follow me if it pleases you, lurk if it doesn't, ask questions, add comments, whatever you like!
Hope to see you there!
Finally, thanks go to my betas, Mothface and Mossu, for their help.
Happy reading!
"Are you sure it's ok that we're coming with you?" Mako asked for the third time, tugging at the high collar of his borrowed formalwear. He and Bolin were seated next to each other on the forward facing seat of the luxury Satomobile. Bolin was pressed up against the window watching the city roll by while Mako fiddled with his ever-present red scarf. The brothers were dressed in some of Tenzin's old formal clothes; both were wearing white, high collar shirts, waistcoats, open jackets with long tails, breeches, high socks, and dress shoes. Although Bolin's jacket was tight around his shoulders and Mako's was a bit faded, Korra thought they both looked very sharp. She had a much harder time imagining that Tenzin had ever worn the suits – she just couldn't picture the Master without his airbender robes.
"It's fine," Korra reassured him from the opposite seat. "The invitation was addressed to 'The Avatar and her associates.' If Tarrlok didn't want me to bring anyone else, he should have been more specific." He also should have been more polite. Tenzin hadn't been happy about being called an 'associate.' Whether it was the short notice or irritation at Tarrlok's insult, he almost didn't say yes when Korra asked to bring Bolin and Mako along. The brothers needed clothes and they had to call a second car to get everyone to the gala. Tenzin initially thought it was too much trouble, but Korra had been able to convince him with Pema's help.
"Besides, it's her party!" Bolin chimed in, voice slightly muffled by the window. He turned towards them and bounced forward in his seat. "Who's going to tell her that she can't bring some extra guests?"
"I guess you're right," Mako conceded, finally winding his scarf around his neck. "I've just never been to a 'gala' before." He tucked the ends of the scarf into his waistcoat.
Korra scoffed. "And I have? The whole reason I asked Tenzin if you guys could come was so that I'd have someone to talk to. I don't really have any idea what I'm supposed to be doing tonight." She wished she could have brought Asami along with her as well. The older girl would have been able to help her navigate her first high-society event. Mako and Bolin were great, but Korra doubted that they would be very good at that.
She leaned back in her seat and was momentarily distracted by the pull of her dress. She was wearing another one that Pema had selected for her. It was a looser, blue version of the dress she had worn to dinner with Asami. Although it was marginally more comfortable than the black one, it was still a dress, and by default, Korra wasn't happy in it.
"You're both overthinking this way too much. Just go with the flow," Bolin advised breezily, leaning back and kicking up his feet to rest them on the seat next to Korra. "It's just a party, no matter what you call it. You talk a little, you eat some food, you talk some more, you go home. Easy."
Outside the window, the front steps of City Hall came into view. The car slowed to a stop. "Yeah, right, easy," Korra sighed, sliding over to the door to let herself out. Then she caught sight of the building's façade and stopped with her hand outstretched in the air.
Mako, who was also reaching for the door, stopped at the same moment and peered out. "Wow," he managed, awestruck.
"Yeah," Korra agreed, equally dumbfounded.
Bolin scooted closer and leaned over Mako's shoulder. "Uh huh, yeah, I see what they were going for," he commented, rubbing at his chin thoughtfully, "But I'm not sure if they're big enough." Without turning, Mako reached up and pushed his brother so that the earthbender fell backwards into the car, grinning goofily.
Bolin was talking, of course, about the banners hanging on either side of City Hall's front entrance. They were simply enormous, stretching from the lowest roof of the building down to the ground. Both displayed an equally large image of Korra in her water tribe garb with her hand on her hip. Besides their size, they were well lit from the blazing lights that shone from inside City Hall. They dominated the front of the building – there was no way you could miss them. Korra didn't know whether to feel honored or embarrassed.
Before she could decide, the sound of a door slamming shut drew her attention to the car in front of them. A moment later, Tenzin appeared outside of the vehicle and opened the door for them. Behind him, Korra could see the kids clustering around Pema. "Is everything ok in here?" The airbender asked cautiously, taking in Mako and Korra pressed up against the door and Bolin on his back on the other end of the car.
"Yes sir!" Bolin answered smartly, picking himself up. "We were just admiring the décor."
Tenzin glanced over his shoulder at the display and stroked at his beard absently. "Yes, I see. Rather ostentatious, but Tarrlok always was one for theatrics." He turned back to them. "Are you ready to go?"
"Yeah." Korra climbed out of the car, closely followed by Mako and Bolin. Tenzin shut the door behind them and they joined Pema and the kids at the base of the long stone staircase.
"You three look so nice!" Pema glowed, reaching over to straighten Bolin's collar. "I just knew that saving Tenzin's old suits was the right thing to do! I told you they would come in handy someday," she chided her husband gently.
"Yes, you were right, dear, as usual," the Master agreed, his tone suggesting that he'd said that phrase more times than he could count.
"Can we go now? Can we? Can we?" Ikki begged, jumping up and down and tugging at her father's robes.
"Yes, Ikki, but don't…" The young airbender took off up the stairs, closely followed by her brother and sister. "…Run." Tenzin finished too late. He took in a deep, cleansing breath and straightened up, holding out his arm to his wife. "Shall we?" He offered grandly.
Pema took his arm. "Yes, let's," she replied, equally grand. The two began to ascend the stairs sedately, affecting a regal bearing that made Korra smile. They were obviously willing to have a little fun. Their attitude – and the enthusiasm of the kids – was catching. Korra felt herself relaxing a bit, but even so, she was startled when Mako held out his own arm. She looked at it for a moment, unsure of what to think of the gesture. Then she looked up and saw Mako's grin, and after another moment of hesitation, she took his arm and grinned back.
"Thank you, sir," she said formally.
"It's my pleasure," Mako replied mock-seriously, inclining his head.
"Oh! Me too!" Bolin exclaimed. He ran over and took her other arm. Korra laughed, and, arm in arm, the three Fire Ferrets followed the airbending family up the stairs and into the building.
The gala was being held in City Hall's main antechamber. A pair of large, stone double doors stood open and waiting, and Korra could hear music and the drone of dozens of different conversations growing louder as they approached. The kids darted inside followed closely by their parents. Korra and the brothers entered last.
Korra pulled her arms free and stepped forward, looking around eagerly as she entered the room. The antechamber had a high vaulted ceiling with a sweeping staircase at the opposite end that led to a second floor. The second and third levels were little more than hallways that stretched around three of the four walls and were open so that guests could look out over the main room. There was also an overhanging balcony on the third floor above the entryway, and Korra could just make out a set of doors at the center. Presumably, they led to some kind of roof-top terrace. Geometric designs decorated the walls between support pillars, and huge windows lined the walls of the second and third floor.
There were many more people than Korra had expected: some were gathered on the main floor, others were leaning over the railings on the second floor. They chatted and laughed, standing in small clusters as servers wove between the groups offering and refilling drinks. Korra smiled delightedly at the sight of them – all there to honor her. As she stepped into the room, conversations halted and everyone turned towards her and began to applaud. Korra felt a rush of pride and gratitude. If the past two weeks had left her feeling scared and guilty, seeing so many people that supported and appreciated her was a definite boost to her confidence.
The kids immediately dispersed into the crowd and Pema spotted a friend of hers and broke off from the group as well. As the applause died down, Korra, Mako, and Bolin followed Tenzin into the center of the room. "I can't believe this is all for me!" Korra exclaimed, nodding to acknowledge a few guests who raised their glasses to her.
She turned to Tenzin and saw that her airbending Master looked more serious. "I'm not sure what Tarrlok's plotting, but keep your guard up," he warned. "It's not like him to throw a party just for the fun of it." Korra was reminded of the advice that Asami had given her about not letting herself get trapped in a corner. She knew that she ought to listen to her friend and her teacher – she just hoped that she would be able to recognize when she was being manipulated.
"So glad you could make it, Avatar Korra!" Tarrlok's honey-sweet tones seeped over the music and the murmur of conversation. Korra turned and saw the Councilman approaching her with his arms outstretched in welcome. "And I see you brought some unexpected guests! Tenzin, isn't it past your bedtime?" The waterbender laughed at his own humor, though it sounded slightly condescending in Korra's opinion. She wasn't looking at Tenzin, but she could easily picture his scowl. "I'm joking, of course," he reassured them airily. Turning to Bolin and Mako, he said, "Welcome to my little get-together. I am Councilman Tarrlok. Who might you gentlemen be?"
"I'm Mako, and this is my brother Bolin." Mako made the introductions.
"Wonderful to meet you two," Tarrlok oozed, shaking both of their hands in turn. "Although I'm afraid I'm going to have to steal Avatar Korra away from you now. There are quite a few people who are eager to meet her." He stepped forward and placed his hand on Korra's back. She bristled at Tarrlok's presumption, but before she could object, Tarrlok started pulling her away and said, "If you'll excuse us, the city awaits its hero."
As they left, Korra heard Tenzin gasp and yell: "Meelo, no! That is not a toilet!" She glanced over her shoulder and saw the airbender hurrying away leaving Mako and Bolin standing together awkwardly. Mako held out his hands in question, but Korra could only shrug helplessly. She was the guest of honor and Tarrlok was the host. For the time being, she had no other choice than to follow along with him and greet the city's elite. She knew she had to be careful though – he could be setting her up for something.
"So, those young men are… friends of yours?" Tarrlok inquired as he guided her through the crowds.
"Teammates," Korra replied shortly, worried that saying too much would give him some kind of opening that he could use against her.
"Oh, is that all? I would have guessed something else with the way you came in together, arm in arm like that." He chuckled, and Korra could hear the condescension. "My mistake. And here I was about to warn you that, Avatar or not, people tend to talk when you bring two men to a party."
"Wha- no! We're just friends!" Korra spluttered out, mortified by the heat that rushed to her cheeks. What if Tarrlok thought she was lying? And how could he even say something like that to her? It was bad enough when Jinora and Ikki made those kinds of insinuations, but when it was an adult? Someone she barely knew? She saw Tarrlok's amused smile and crossed her arms in irritation. "Really, we're just friends," she insisted.
"Of course," Tarrlok agreed, his tone implying something else entirely. Korra scowled at him, but she had to quickly replace her glare with a smile as the Councilman continued to lead her through the tangle of guests. Many of the people they passed called out a greeting as she went by, or raised their glass in salute. Korra nodded politely to all of them, pushing aside her annoyance at Tarrlok so that she could put on a good face.
Tarrlok finally guided her around one last group of people and came to a stop in front of someone unexpected. It was none other than Hiroshi Sato, dressed in an expensive-looking red suit and smiling broadly. Korra opened her mouth to say something, but no words came out. She was too surprised to speak, although finding Hiroshi there shouldn't have been a shock – he definitely qualified as one of the 'movers and shakers' that the Council Page had talked about earlier.
Just as she began to wonder if Asami was around somewhere as well, Tarrlok said: "Korra, it is my pleasure to introduce Republic City's most famous industrialist, Hiroshi Sato."
"It's good to see you again, Korra," Hiroshi greeted her warmly, a touch of laughter in his voice.
Korra shook herself out of her stupor. "It's good to see you too, Hiroshi!" Out of the corner of her eye, Korra could see that Tarrlok was completely taken aback by their familiarity. She couldn't help smiling. It felt like a victory.
"I trust you've been training hard," Hiroshi continued. While he was speaking, Korra glanced around, trying to see if Asami was anywhere nearby. "I wouldn't want to think that I made a bad investment!"
"We all have!" Korra assured him, as she surreptitiously scanned the area. There was a flash of dark hair here, the edge of red dress there, but no sign of Asami herself. The Avatar didn't even know if she came to the gala. She'd have to just ask: "Is Asami here with you?" Beside her, Tarrlok was looking more and more confused.
Hiroshi chuckled. "Of course! She's around here somewhere…" he turned and craned his neck, searching through the crowds. "Ah, there she is!" Korra followed where Hiroshi was looking and finally saw her. Asami was engaged in conversation with an older couple, a man and a woman, who were standing at an angle that almost completely blocked her from Korra's view. Hiroshi waved, calling Asami's attention. The socialite looked over at him then her eyes slid to Korra and she smiled a small, mysterious smile. The Avatar smiled back, something warm and nervous settling in her stomach. Asami's gaze, focused and inscrutable, stayed on Korra as she excused herself. She stepped out from behind her companions and the Avatar got a good look at her for the first time that evening.
Asami's long, red dress was more daring than Korra's. It hugging at her curves and the neckline was low enough to reveal a hint of cleavage. The dress was accented by a sash around her waist and covers over her shoulders that were all a deeper red. The socialite's dark hair cascaded over her shoulders in soft waves, framing her face and contrasting sharply to her pale features. A hanging pendant and three golden bands on her wrist completed the ensemble, and light touches of makeup intensified the green of her eyes. She was fashionably dressed and easily the most beautiful girl in the room, but it was her attitude – the confidence in her bearing, the grace of her steps, the gentle sway of her hips – that commanded she be recognized as an heiress.
This was a different Asami than the one Korra had spent the last week with. This was Asami Sato, and no one would be forgetting it anytime soon. Korra couldn't help but stare as the girl – the woman – glided forward to take her place at her father's side. Then… something about her relaxed and her enigmatic smile turned playful. "I was wondering when you were going to show up," she teased. Korra blinked and, like an image sliding into focus, Asami Sato disappeared and only Asami, her friend, remained.
Korra let out a breath she didn't know she was holding and shrugged, struggling to pull her wits back together again. "We got here as soon as we could," she said after a moment, "But it isn't easy to catch a five year old airbender," she finished with a grin.
Asami laughed and Hiroshi joined in. "That certainly sounds like a challenge!" The elder Sato sympathized.
"I'm sorry, I seem to be the only one out of the loop here," Tarrlok observed, his smooth, cultured tones sounding slightly strained. "How do you all know each other?"
"Now that's a funny story," Hiroshi chortled, moving forward to clap Tarrlok on the shoulder and pull him aside. Hiroshi either didn't see or didn't care to acknowledge the dismay that flashed across Tarrlok's face. "Imagine my surprise last week when I get home from the factory and my daughter tells me that she's run over the Avatar…"
Korra glanced over at Asami who rolled her eyes. The socialite then stepped over and slipped her arm through the Avatar's. Korra glanced down at the slim hand resting on her forearm, idly noting that Asami's nails were painted the same deep red as her lipstick. As she was led away, Korra inhaled something subtle and lightly spiced. It was too faint to be perfume – something that nobody used in the South Pole, which frequently left Korra gagging when she encountered it in the city – but whatever it was, it smelled good.
Asami stopped once they were out of earshot from Hiroshi's enthusiastic retelling of their first meeting. "Don't mind him," Asami advised. "My dad loves a good story and he thinks it's hilarious that I crashed into you."
Korra's brow furrowed in confusion. "Well, it's a funny story, but I don't really see why he'd think it was that funny…"
"It's because I haven't had an accident with any of my vehicles since I was very little," Asami elaborated. She looked away, the faintest touches of red coloring her cheeks. "I actually was bragging about it to him the day before I hit you. I've been begging him for a motorcycle for a while now but he has this weird thing about them. He says that motorcycle crashes are the most dangerous and he doesn't think I should risk it." She scoffed. "It's ok if I drive racecars and test out his experimental vehicles, but a motorcycle? Suddenly it's too dangerous?" Korra could hear the exasperation of a long standing argument behind Asami's words, and she could sympathize.
"Reminds me of the arguments I used to have with the White Lotus Masters about taking Naga out alone," Korra offered with a rueful laugh. "You have no idea how paranoid they were about my safety." She hadn't been gone from the Compound for long; she could easily remember how their rigid rules used to drive her crazy. "They didn't let me go anywhere by myself until I mastered two elements and was halfway to mastering fire." She felt the frustration surfacing again. "I spent every day having rocks thrown at my head and fire blasted at me, but I couldn't go for a ride by myself? What, like I was gonna get lost? Or attacked? Like there was anybody there who wanted to 'get me…'"
"Or anyone that could," Asami interjected softly.
The rest of Korra's rant died on her lips and she found herself blushing at the compliment. She muttered out a self-conscious, "I guess," that had Asami laughing, her now-familiar teasing smile in place.
"So, I wanted to ask you," Asami continued after she quieted, "Are you doing ok with Tarrlok? Does he seem like he's after anything?"
Korra thought about it for a moment. "Not that I can tell," she concluded finally. "He says all he wants is to introduce me to some people."
"Well, that's good, you'll get a chance to practice what we talked about yesterday," Asami pointed out. "Who have you met so far?"
Korra grinned. "Your father was our first stop, and I don't think it's going exactly how Tarrlok planned." Asami chuckled as they glanced over at the two older men; Hiroshi was miming some complicated event that seemed to involve a lot of sweeping arm movements and the Councilman looked excruciatingly bored. Korra had no idea what part of the story the industrialist might be at, but at least he was keeping Tarrlok distracted. "The only other thing he said was…" she coughed a bit self-consciously, still embarrassed by Tarrlok's comments about her and the brothers. "Well, he thought that I was-"
"Hey, Asami!" Bolin's voice rang out, and both girls turned towards the source. Bolin was striding towards them with Mako trailing slightly behind.
"Ooh," Asami murmured, a strange tone in her voice, "His pictures in the papers do not do him justice."
Korra's brows knitted in confusion and she looked quickly at the other girl. "What are you talking about?" She whispered back as the brothers drew closer.
"Mako," the socialite answered. Her entire posture had changed – that subtle shift that Korra was beginning to recognize. A small, appreciative smile graced her lips as her eyes traveled lingeringly up and down the approaching firebender. She tossed her glory of dark hair back and slid one hand to her hip as she turned to Korra and purred: "He's so much cuter than I thought."