The Date
This was it. The big date. I was nervous as hell taking steady breaths, sitting in the back of the car as Arika drove to Asami's place. We'd be their soon. I just kept staring out the window as all the lights of the Republic City night sped by the window.
After a quick glance down me dress I was glad that at least I hadn't gone through having to pick out something to were; having just the one formal dress had that little perk. It was nice to come across it neatly folded in my room with a note from Pema wishing me luck on the date and mentioning how she got it ready for me.
Well at least there was a good chance of some meat on the menu tonight, I really missed meat on Air Temple island.
I tried to keep my mind off my nerves by running through bender katas in my head, which brought the conversation with Tenzin to mind. I still had no idea what he actually thought of mine and Asami's relationship; he said that he didn't disapprove and he's never really lied to me before but the way he said it... I honestly had no idea what to think.
Maybe Asami would be able to- wait, do I want to mention this to Asami? She already has more than enough to worry about with her company and now her secret scandalous girlfriend to keep under wraps; at least not tonight, I really didn't want to spoil the date.
"Avatar Korra." Huh? What? "We've arrived." I noticed that the car had stopped and Arika was standing at the open door; how had I missed that?
"Oh, Okay." I stepped out of the car and followed Arika to the estate's front door; she opened the door and moved aside into a bow gesturing inside in a single swift motion. I still didn't know how to act around her. I stepped past her and then saw her coming down the stairs.
"Hello, Korra!" She was magnificent in her red dress, shining beautiful hair and her warm deep green eyes.
"Hi, Asami."
Korra should be here soon. Taking into account how long it should take to get to and from the air temple docks, I should have more than enough time to finish my makeup; if my hand would stop shaking.
"Okay." I had to put down my lipstick for a moment to take a few deep breaths and compose myself. The months of feelings for Korra and now our first date was less than hour away. I was just about managing to stop my hand from trembling to finish applying my makeup. "And... perfect."
Time to head down stairs and find some nice music to put on, something light, just want to make a calm and pleasant atmosphere; I was not trying to seduce Korra, yet. Might also help me calm down a bit more, I was still shuddering with anticipation.
Then I got to the top of the stairs and saw the door opening, so much for having the music picked out by the time she arrived. She was wearing the same dress as she did to the gala the other night, not that I was complaining, she looked stunning in it. I had a minor epiphany in the back of my mind when I realised it was also the dress she wore to the other gala about a year ago when we'd first met. I wasn't usually one to believe in signs or omens, but I liked this one.
"Hello, Korra!" The excitement just burst out of my mouth, a little louder than I'd had liked.
" Hi, Asami." Our eyes met and we both smiled. Our dreamy eyed staring at each other was cut short by the sound of awkward throat clearing; I didn't often get lost in someone's eyes. The next few moments were spent avoiding each other's gaze and blushing; was Korra blushing?
"The parlour is prepared if you'd both like some tea?" Tea? Right, before dinner whilst the final prep is done.
"Y-yes, thank you Arika." Wait, what did she mean she'd 'prepared' the parlour? I honestly wasn't sure if I should be worried or not. "We'll be waiting in the parlour then, Korra." I motioned in the direction on the parlour as I came down the stairs.
I really shouldn't have felt embarrassed, Arika is my friend and Korra my girlfriend (I will never get tired of that thought) I still felt a tad embarrassed about my blush; I guess Korra wasn't the only one that needed to get used to feeling vulnerable, again in my case.
"The parlour is prepared if you'd both like some tea?" Huh, what? How long had I been staring at Asami? I hope I didn't seem creepy or anything. Trying to look anywhere but Asami I noticed that Arika had big smile on her face for some reason, it took a moment to remember her reaction to when she found me and Asami kissing; ah pleasant memories...
"Y-yes, thank you Arika." Okay I don't think that little daydream was too long, luckily.
"We'll be waiting in the parlour then, Korra." I noticed Arika politely bow and move away towards the kitchen, still smiling all the way, as Asami made her way down the stairs; so beautiful. Our eyes met again, and again I realised I'd been staring. I quickly blinked before she noticed, I hope. I turned in the direction of the parlour slowly so that Asami would catch up.
"Hey." came Asami's brief greeting as she took my hand in hers, gently rubbing my fingers, such a soft feeling; had I really been that obvious with my nerves. I was about to respond when she finished her thought, "You look beautiful tonight." I could stand to hear that more.
"Thanks." Now I was smiling as much as Arika was earlier, "You're beautiful too." Pretty sure I was blushing now too; I hadn't even thought about saying that, it just came out. And I really meant it.
Asami's free came up to cup my cheek, "You're so sweet." And then her smiling face leaned in to quickly let our lips meet for a moment before pulling back; a bit disappointing that it was so short.
"Shall we?" Asami nodded toward the parlour again and I nodded in response; she didn't let go of my hand, I liked that, it made me feel fuzzy inside.
I could've sworn I saw Arika smirking as she backed away with the usual bow as I descended the stairs, meeting Korra's eyes for a moment; she blinked away quickly. I guess she was nervous, so was I; for different reasons I imagine. That was probably a good thing, I'd rather not trip and fall down the stairs; no matter how funny an anecdote that would make.
As I came up to Korra I took her hand in mine to try and soothe her nerves, I really wanted her to be at ease.
"Hey." Not... my smoothest line. "You look beautiful tonight." That was better and very true.
"Thanks." she was smiling now, I liked Korra's smile "You're beautiful too." I didn't overlook the lack of the word 'tonight' in that sentence and the implications were quite pleasing.
"You're so sweet." I cupped her cheek briefly as I leaned in, tipping my head down to reach Korra's lips and give a my adorable girlfriend a quick kiss; as I broke away I noticed Korra had closed her eyes and followed after my lips for a moment, she really was adorable.
"Shall we?" I mentioned toward the parlour door as we began our way over, her hand still in mine. I still had the small gnawing worry about how Arika had 'prepared' the parlour; she always meant well but sometimes went overboard. And had again.
"Whoa." Whoa indeed. "That's a lot of candles." It really was.
"Yeah..." I really wish I could say something that would make the six or seven dozen candles, that Arika had set up in place of the usual lighting, seem like something other than overkill to a weird level.
Thankfully I was saved from the awkward moment by Korra herself as she inhaled deeply and all the little flames around the room grew larger for a moment before exhaling slowly. I let out a little chuckle at my own worry, I really needed to relax or I might screw this up somehow myself.
"Impressed?" Korra had a sly smirk on her face now as she a brief twirl of her wrist causing the candles around the room to likewise twirl with a flare. I couldn't help but give another small laugh at Korra's little display.
"Very." I mentioned towards the phonograph with a small nod as I asked, "Music?"
"Sure." Korra gave her answer as she went to take a seat at the table in the centre of the room and I went to pick out some nice and relaxing music. I flipped though the records trying to find something good and relaxing, perhaps some slow piano or strings; if I could only make out the titles, I was not exactly use to trying to see by candle light. I guess Korra noticed me having to squint as the candles by the phonograph suddenly grew, giving me all the light I needed.
"Thanks Korra."
"No problem." I could just about hear Korra smirking as I settled on a nice relaxing piano record, and made a personal note to thank Arika later for the candles, they really turned out well.
"Whoa."I was not expecting this. "That's a lot of candles." It was kind of pretty, all the little flames lighting the room. I'd always liked the little firebending exercise with the candles, always felt nice. I hadn't even realised that I was doing it till I noticed the extra light in the room fade away, then I heard Asami laugh at it; I liked that laugh.
"Impressed?" I made the candles give a little twirled flare with a quick wrist motion getting another laugh out of my girlfriend.
"Very." I always liked to show off my skills. "Music?" Music could be nice.
"Sure." I was glad that I could make Asami laugh, it was nice when she laughed. As I took a seat at the dinner table I noticed Asami having to lean in close to the records; I guess this lighting was nice for the mood but wasn't exactly good for reading, so I gave her a little extra light just raising two fingers.
"Thanks Korra."
"No problem." After she'd picked something and put the record on I let the candles back down to their regular size. Piano huh? Nice and soothing. "So, how you been? Anything exciting happen lately?" We hadn't had much time to talk at the gala.
"Oh nothing really interesting, the usual boring shipping manifests and factory quotas; well I did manage to get a date with a certain someone I'm been interested in for awhile and I think it could turn out really well." Asami was really smirking now, it was pretty obvious she meant me. "Anyway enough about me how's your airbending going?" Right, my airbending, that brought up the memory of Tenzin earlier and the weird way he acted.
"It's going okay. I guess." I was doing okay at my airbending but it was still a bit of trouble.
"C an you fly yet?" I wish, bloody staffs.
"Not yet, I -" I jumped a bit when the door opened as Arika came in with a tray with a steaming teapot which she brought to the table quickly still smiling.
"Dinner should be ready in a few minutes." said Arika formally as she poured out two cups; before leaving.
"Um-" Where was I? "Yeah, can't fly yet; I'm not used to using a weapon with my bending and the staff's pretty tough to get the hang of." I shrugged as I told Asami about my difficulties with the latest aspect of my airbending training.
"Maybe Arika can help?" The maid?
"Arika?"
"Yeah, she's a pretty good staff fighter, she might be able to help you with the basics." I just had to ask.
"Your maid's a staff fighter?" Asami looked a tad awkward before she responded.
"Well, technically she's also a type of bodyguard," What type of bodyguard- wait did Asami need a bodyguard? "The proper, albeit defunct, term is 'Otome' but that's not really import-" I had to interrupt at that moment.
"Do you need a bodyguard?!" was something up?
"N-no, Korra nothing's wrong, it's just part of her skills." I breathed a sigh of relief at that.
"Good, I was really worried there for a moment." I really didn't want anything to happen to Asami "You'd tell me if something like that was happening right?"
"Of course." Asami reached across the table to take my hand, "I don't want any secrets between us." That made me smile; I really liked the feeling of Asami's hand and knowing that everything is alright. I'd really been silly, I knew Asami could look after herself, I just really didn't want anything bad to happen to her.
"Thanks Asami, I probably over-reacted, It's just hearing that your maid is also a bodyguard is a bit surprising."She really didn't seem like a bodyguard; she was too... bubbly. Asami chuckled as she gave a roll of her eyes.
"Tell me about it, I was surprised too." Then Asami's smile faded as she took a deep breath "Korra there's something-" Asami was cut off my Arika coming through the door pushing a cart with our dinner on.
"Dinner is served." the smells coming from that food brought back so many memories; I saw why when Arika parked it beside the table.
"Water tribe food, " I hadn't seen so much of it in one spot since back home, "Thanks."
"My pleasure Avatar Korra." I noticed that Arika had given a little bow as she spoke, I wish she wasn't so formal. "I hope it all meets with your standard of quality." I think she meant she hoped it was good enough, I think.
"Thank you Arika."
"You are most welcome Ms. Sato." Arika gave another small bow to Asami before she started to unload the food on to the table. "We have Five-flavour soup with a side of Seaweed noodles and Arctic hen." Mmm, beloved meat. "I hope the meal is enjoyed." Oh it will be.
I'd barely noticed Arika leaving the room as I was about to dig in when I thought came to me, "Aasmi, you were going to say something, right?"
"Oh, nothing important right now, let's just enjoy just enjoy our first dinner date, I think Arika really out did herself tonight." I guess I should trust Asami, after all she was my girlfriend; I smiled at thinking that and started on the food. It'd been forever since I'd had some of this stuff.
"So, how you been? Anything exciting happen lately?" We hadn't really had much time for details the other night at the Gala, that night felt like an eternity ago and their hadn't been much time for details.
"Oh nothing really interesting, the usual boring shipping manifests and factory quotas," Not the types of details that make for interesting conversation, "Well I did manage to get a date with a certain someone I'm been interested in for awhile and I think it could turn out really well." I gave a coy smile that Korra responded to with a smile of her own .
"Anyway enough about me how's your airbending going?" she'd mentioned that she'd been having trouble with spiritual matters, but her airbending hadn't come up much.
"It's going okay. I guess." Bit of a vague answer, guess it couldn't hurt to be a bit more direct.
"C an you fly yet?" I had an idea of the answer before Korra responded; judging by the sight of her blush cheeks.
"Not yet, I -" Korra was interrupted by the, somewhat sudden, entrance of Arika and the tea she'd mentioned; which she wasted no time in pouring with a smile. I think Korra was still a bit unsure how to act around her, judging from the startled little jump she made at Arika's appearance in the door
"Dinner should be ready in a few minutes." Arika informed us as she finished up with the tea and left and left as quickly as she came. I noticed that Korra let a little breath as she exited the room.
"Um, yeah, can't fly yet; I'm not used to using a weapon with my bending and the staff's pretty tough to get the hang of." Makes sense, I'd never seen Korra use any type of weapon with her bending; I didn't really have much experience with using a staff, though I did know someone who was.
"Maybe Arika can help?" She really been able to hold her own back in the desert when we first met.
"Arika?" Korra cocked a eyebrow in confusion; understandable, I still hadn't related the story of how we met.
"Yeah, she's a pretty good staff fighter, she might be able to help you with the basics."If Korra managed to get the basics down without bending, it should be easier ; plus the giddy voice in the back of my mind reminding that it'd be another reason for Korra to visit. Perhaps spar with her myself, getting breathless and sweaty... together... which could lead to-
"Your maid's a staff fighter?"There goes that trail of thought, probably for the best, needed to keep my mind here and now, those thoughts are for later in bed.
"Well, technically she's also a type of bodyguard, the proper, albeit defunct, term is 'Otome' but that's not really import-" I didn't the chance to finish my sentence.
"Do you need a bodyguard?!" Korra's voice and face display just how worried that made her and I immediately felt guilty for not mentioning this sooner.
"N-no, Korra nothing's wrong, it's just part of her skills." I got out as quickly as I could, which it seemed managed to calm Korra's feeling judging from her letting out the breath she'd been holding.
"Good, I was really worried there for a moment." Korra looked me right in the eye, her face still showing worry and asked me, "You'd tell me if something like that was happening right?"
"Of course." I reached over the table, to take my dear Korra's hand; in an attempt to comfort her. "I don't want any secrets between us." Despite I hadn't planned to mention what had brought me to the desert where I'd met Arika, and I hadn't mentioned about the chi-blocking academy for fear of how'd she'd react. At least I'd managed to give her a straight answer about Arika, that was something I guess.
"Thanks Asami, I probably over-reacted, It's just hearing that your maid is also a bodyguard is a bit surprising." I couldn't help but chuckle with a roll of my eyes; 'probably over-reacted'? I'd taken out more equalilists back during the whole Amon incident than she had.
"Tell me about it, I was surprised too." Memories of my first meeting with my bubbly friend faded as a sense of guilt began to set in; I had just told her that I didn't want any secrets between us and I was holding back. I needed to fix that, it may risk what I had with Korra, but I felt sick at the thought of deceiving her; I loved her. "Korra there's something-" I didn't get the chance to finish as the parlour's doors opened with a clattering sound.
"Dinner is served." Came Arika's voice as she returned to the room with our dinner on the food cart she used for bigger meals. Korra noticed what was on the cart as Arika brought it to the table.
"Water tribe food, "A small smile grew on her lips as she noticed the special dinner that my dear Otome had devised, "Thanks."
"My pleasure Avatar Korra." I should probably make sure to talk to Arika about being less formal around Korra; not that seeing the water tribe girl get flustered at Arika's bow of response wasn't quite adorable, but I wanted her to feel comfortable. "I hope it all meets with your standard of quality." I imagine it would be considering that Arika had spent most of the day practising.
"Thank you Arika." I really meant that, perhaps I'll give her a few days off.
"You are most welcome Ms. Sato." Arika gave another small bow in response before listing off the menu for tonight's meal whilst setting it on the table, "We have Five-flavour soup with a side of Seaweed noodles and Arctic hen." I had to suppress a laugh when Korra heard 'Arctic hen' and licked her lips. "I hope the meal is enjoyed." If Korra's response is anything to go by, I'm pretty sure it will be.
I was still feeling a tad guilty about that which was left unmentioned, but seeing Korra light up, I really didn't want to ruin the mood. "Asami, you were going to say something, right?" I was but I'd lost my nerve.
"Oh, nothing important right now, let's just enjoy just enjoy our first dinner date, I think Arika really out did herself tonight." It could wait till another day, and Arika had spent the whole day practising these water tribe dishes, and they did smell good; and tasted good if Korra's reaction was anything to go by.
"Thanks for dinner, Asami, it was really good." I told my girlfriend as she walked me to the door; It'd been too long since I'd had a good water tribe dinner.
"I'll tell Arika, she'll be happy to hear that." She took hold of my hand again, I liked the feeling of her hands, "You sure you don't want to stay a little longer?"I let out a sigh thinking about how I wish I could.
"Early airbending practise, I think Tenzin'll get mad if I'm late or take the day off again." Plus I was still weirded out by how he was acting earlier, didn't want to make things worse or something... I really didn't have a clue.
"Maybe I'll stop by one morning and watch." Asami gave a smirk as she slipped her arms around my waist; I couldn't help but smile to myself as I did the same, glancing up to meet her eyes.
"I think I'd like that..." Asami leaned in as I did and couldn't help but savour the taste of her lips; mmm, Arctic hen too. I lost track of exactly how long I was tasting those beautiful lips, the moment was interrupted by someone clearing their throat; as I parted from Asami suddenly I noticed Arika standing by the door with a big smug grin of her face; I could almost taste my own blush.
"Arika, if you would be so kind as to drive Korra back to the Air Temple?" Why did Asami phrase it like that, if she was Arika's boss, couldn't she just order her? I really didn't how things worked between them.
"Of course Ms. Sato." Arika gave a small bow, as usual, before turning to open the door offering it open.
"Well, good night Korra." Asami took my hand and gave it a brief affectionate squeeze, not quite as nice as the deep kiss a few moments ago, releasing it I reacted without quite thinking and took her hand back myself.
I really wanted to do this and Asami had said we could trust Arika, and I trusted her; I mustered my courage, took a breath and quickly leaned up to kiss Asami again right on the lips. Afterwards and I gave my own little, "Good night Asami." I then walked right out that door, smiling all the way.
The ride back to the Air Temple was as quiet as the way to Asami's estate, but it was a comfortable silence, not the nervous kind. Regardless of what Tenzin says if he ever decides to stop being weird, I'm still going to be with Asami; he'd just have to deal with it.
"Thanks for dinner, Asami, it was really good." Korra complemented me, not that I really deserved it that much, Arika had done most of the work.
"I'll tell Arika, she'll be happy to hear that." I'd feel guilty taking credit where it wasn't due and my Otome had put a lot of effort into dinner; even if the even if the evening was ending a bit earlier than I'd like. "You sure you don't want to stay a little longer?"
"Early airbending practise, I think Tenzin'll get mad if I'm late or take the day off again." Good point, oh well, I guess dating the Avatar had its drawbacks; I imagine that my own obligations will get in the way sometime in the future. I suppose I'll just have to find ways around these little problems.
"Maybe I'll stop by one morning and watch." I snaked my arms around Korra's waist; resisting the urge to grab something that might make Korra uncomfortable. I was pleasantly surprised when my beautiful girlfriend responded in kind; looking up to captivate me with her eyes, I found myself leaning in without think...
"I think I'd like that..." I moaned a little as our lips met without meaning to, and the world seemed to melt away; I had to resist trying to take the kiss further, so many nights of fantasy of doing just that burned in the back of my mind.
I was at first dismayed when Korra pulled away, my lips trying to follow her as she broke away. What was she looking- When did Arika get here? Guess I lost myself in the kiss a little too much.
"Arika, if you would be so kind as to drive Korra back to the Air Temple?" I was trying to not dwell on Korra pulling away because Arika was their; it stung a little.
"Of course Ms. Sato." My Otome gave the standard bow and opened the door as was expected of her; maybe after I'd talked to her about being less formal around Korra she might be a bit more comfortable showing affection.
"Well, good night Korra." I took Korra's hand for a moment to give a smaller gesture that, hopefully, wouldn't upset her, it only lasted a moment before I let go; I was surprised when she grabbed my hand right after.
I hadn't the slightest idea what Korra was going to do when she let out a deep breath; it was a welcome surprise when leaned up to kiss me. It may have been brief, but the fact that she had initiated the kiss, in plain view of Arika, was not lost on me.
"Good night Asami." And with that the beautiful Avatar proudly strode out the door, whilst my hand lingered on my lips. I was still reeling from the gesture and was only mildly surprised to find a few tears, tears of happiness this time.
Wiping them away with a chuckle at myself, I started towards the kitchen to make a start on the dishes; after all the work Arika had put in today it'd just feel wrong to help a little.
To think just a year ago, pretty much every part of my life was in pieces and now I'd more than risen from the ashes, not being a firebender I wasn't sure if the phoenix analogy really worked; unless I built some type of wings out of steel but then-
"Huh." I stopped as I had a stroke on inspiration. It'd need quite a bit of thrust and some form of stabilisation to work properly and wings might be pretty bulky- This can wait till morning, after all, It'll probably take awhile to draw up plans to build a Steel Phoenix.
Korra: You know, I should be mad at just how long it took for you to get this done.
Asami: You can say that again.
Korra: But it's freaking huge!
Rottenwraith: I know, pretty sure it's my biggest yet, I think I don't keep very good track of these things.
Asami: On another matter, what's that thing at the end about-
Rottenwraith: Never mind, it's a story for another time.
Korra: So a sequel hook.
Rottenwraith: Pretty much, I'll need to finish the prequel off first and the side stories, but I'll get there-
Korra: Yeah in a decade or wo.
Asami: Nice one Korra.
Rottenwraith: You know it gets a little tiresome when you two keep insulting in these Omakes.
Korra: Hey, you're the one writing this.
Asami: Right, so what does it say about you?
Rottenwraith: Probably nothing good, anyway will all readers who enjoyed this story please leave reviews, I could really use the self-esteem boost.
Asami: Your own characters are giving you grief, I'm pretty sure that should be obvious.
Rotenwraith: Okay I get it, also good readers, if you would be so kind as to keep an eye on my other stories. Good bye and please review.