It's 10pm, and I know I'm on the verge of having one too many. I'm having a good night though - Kuv always makes sure of that, although I'm not sure where she gets her energy from sometimes.
We're sat in a booth, atop soft cushions on a bench that arcs around an oval table. It's a bit big for the two of us, but Kuv easily gets claustrophobic. We're regulars here by now, but it's still awkward when non-regulars visit and recognise our faces. There's one babbling at our table right now, a young girl. We both sign a napkin for her, and she tucks it into her pocket like it's the most precious thing in the world.
Weird, I'll never get over how people can view me that way. I'm just me. Korra. A person.
"Come on! Down the hatch!" Kuvira laughs, whilst wobbling in her seat.
We have the day off tomorrow, so I'm being less cautious than usual – not that I want a hangover. I take the thimble-sized vial of green ooze, link arms with Kuv and we both down our drinks together.
"Ick…" I hiss between my teeth, still not quite used to the burning-hot aftertaste.
"Hmmm, check out the buns on that meat factory…"
Kuv comes up with ridiculous idioms sometimes, and tonight is no different. I roll my eyes and turn in the direction she's gazing. Then, I groan and cover my face.
"Oh? You know him?" Kuv grins, and before I can stop her, lets out a shrill whistle, "Hey, sex-pot, yeah you! Over here!"
I practically slide down my chair in a puddle of shameful ooze. He raises his eyebrows, but other than that his expression's unreadable.
"Hey, Bolin." I mutter, whilst thinking that perhaps I should have focused on drinking more, rather than less.
"Take a seat, handsome." Kuvira purrs, patting the seat next to herself. Bolin does as instructed, and I sigh, fold my arms and look away. Why me?
"So… Bolin, was it?" Kuvira smiles wryly, darting eyes in my direction, "Why don't you tell me allll about how you two know each other?"
"Aww, come on Kuv…" I groan, "Just leave him be."
"You know, if you were a lady, you'd buy me a drink before asking my darkest secrets." Bolin jokes, and that seems to shock Kuvira into silence for a short while. I chuckle to myself at the sight.
I pull myself upright, no longer slumping under the table, and decide to face my responsibilities.
"Look, Bo…"
"It's fine Korra. He's fine…"
Kuvira looks between the two of us as though waiting for an explanation, then blurts out "Did you two used to bang?"
I bang my glass on the table, a little harder than I'd meant to, "NO, Kuv. We didn't bang."
"She banged my brother, then broke his heart." Bolin says, breaking out into a wide smile when he sees my tormented expression.
"Oh! Oh! Mako's brother! Am I right?" Kuvira is almost bouncing in her chair. I kind of want to slap her right about now, but pour myself another glass from the pitcher, and ask the waitress for a third glass.
"Yup, the one and only. Korra here's a heart-breaker, no two ways about it." Bolin sighs, though I can see he's putting on an act.
"Hah! She said it was his idea." Kuvira snorts.
"Oh did she now?" Bolin raises an eyebrow.
"It was a mutual agreement, you know it, and I didn't break anyone's heart!" I rant, fully aware that I'm pouting.
The waitress comes over with the extra glass and I pour Bolin a drink, since he doesn't seem to be going anywhere. I actually do like him, he's a good guy; just its awkward being around him after how things went with his brother… with Mako.
I met Mako not long after I started my new career, and we had a fiery, but short-lived romance. I miss him, but I don't miss the fighting.
"Earth to Korra, come in Korra." Kuvira's waving a hand in my face.
"Sorry, was thinking about old times."
"Mako misses you, you know?" Bolin asks, downing his drink. I notice that Kuvira has an arm around him, and a soft smirk on her lips. Poor Bolin… I'm half tempted to save him, but then again, he could have the time of his life tonight, knowing Kuv.
"I miss him too, Bo. But not in that way… and I miss you. We had some fun times."
"Yeah, we did. We should meet up sometime. He's totally over you, you're totally over him. We could just party!"
I nod absent-mindedly, and I'm surprised to find myself seriously considering the request. I could always use more friends in the city… and there's no reason to stay distant just because we're exes.
Whilst I'm lost in thought, Kuvira pours Bolin another drink, and she seems to be sat much closer to him. He isn't flinching, though. Maybe he hasn't noticed, or maybe he doesn't care.
"You trying to get your next victim intoxicated?" I ask, pouring myself a shot.
"Always." Kuvira chuckles, then whispers something I can't make out in Bolin's ear. It must have been something filthy though, because he's turning bright red, and quickly covering his groin with a nearby cushion.
I roll my eyes. I don't really mind walking home alone tonight, it's been a good night out, and I'm glad I came in the end. I rest my chin on my palm and watch as Kuvira torments the poor boy some more. It doesn't take long for Kuvira to catch my gaze, and she grins wickedly.
"What's up honey? You jealous? There's enough of me for everyone… We could go back to my place and have ourselves a real party."
I can see from her half-lidded expression that Kuvira's at least somewhat serious, and though I'm laughing, I'm appalled to admit that I find myself actually tempted by the idea. I definitely need to get laid if I'm humouring those kinds of thoughts! I study the glass in my hand, wondering just what the hell's in this stuff, and I start to think it's best to leave before I get myself into real trouble.
"I'm gonna leave you two lovebirds. Bo, get Mako to text me, we'll all grab a coffee sometime." There. Decision made. Hopefully not one I'll regret… I have no interest in rekindling an old flame.
"Your loss, sweetcakes! Be careful out there." Kuvira blows me a kiss as I get up, take my jacket and leave.
I push my arms into the sleeves, though they're still a bit tight. That's the problem with new clothes, you have to break them in. I bought this one straight after I'd left the old one with… her. I'm surprised to feel something akin to anxiety when I think of her, of Raven.
And then I'm plagued with guilt, my mood turning blacker with each step I take back home.
What right do I have to this kind of life, when people like her are still out there? As I lock the door and crash belly-first onto my bed, I'm glad that I drank just enough to fall straight into a booze-induced coma.