Korra
The ball is in two days. June, Eska, and I have a lot to discuss. I'm heading over to their apartment today, to review my plan. I didn't get much information, from Mako about the topic. I did however, get something quite useful.
As I'm brushing my teeth, I see Asami's reflection in the mirror.
"Oh I didn't know you were in here. I'll come back later." she replies.
I don't know whether it's her lack of mascara or not, but she looks like she been crying.
"No, come back, I'm just brushing my teeth. You can still do your make-up and stuff." she slowly walks back into the bathroom and I continue fighting the germs out of my mouth.
"Why are you up so early?" I ask running my toothbrush back under the water.
"I'm going shopping with my friend's today." she replies.
Great that makes me sneaking out, more manageable. I put my toothbrush down and dry off my face. Something is off about Asami today.
"Are you okay?" I ask.
"Yeah, I'm just tired, that's all."
When Mako dropped me off, I went straight up to her room. Sadly, she was asleep. I went back downstairs and on my way to my room, I found a gentleman's coat, lying on the ground.
Which reminds me.
"Did you have someone over last night?" I ask remembering the coat.
She doesn't say anything, just reapplies her lipstick in the mirror. The silence is killing me, also I feel a bit upset that she choose some guy over me. She knew how important the carnival meant to me.
"You could have just told me, the real reason you didn't want to go to the carnival. I don't care if you have a boyfriend. I just want to know, why you lied about studying?"
She jams her lipstick cap back on with force.
"IT'S NOT LIKE THAT!"
I'm taken back by her sudden outburst and aggressive tone. She stuffs all her make-up back into her bag.
She's just about to exit but hesitates and loudly exhales.
"I'm sorry, I snapped at you." she says rubbing the temple of her head.
"I just had a bad night."
"Did something happen last night, with your guy friend?" I ask.
She doesn't answer me and my blood starts to boil. If I find out that anyone took advantage of her, in any way, I'm going to kill them!
"Asami, did he hurt you?" I repeat.
"No, he didn't. Iroh is a sweet guy, So you don't have to worry about anything." she walks out the bathroom, with me right on her trail.
"You aren't being honest with me. Something happened last night. Just talk to me, I want to help you."
She grabs her shoes from her bedroom closet.
"Korra, I get it, you're the Avatar, it's in your instinct to help. I assure you, I'm alright."
I look down at her neck and notice she's not wearing my necklace. Maybe, she took it off before heading into the shower? Then again, don't people put on make-up after they shower?
"How was the carnival? I went to sleep early, so I couldn't ask." Asami says with a smile.
I sit on her bed, thinking about the best time of my life.
"It was perfect. I followed L.A.A.P ,and it worked for the most part. Sort of spilled lemonade on someone, but I handled it. I also met Bolin and Opal, they're a cute couple."
There is a silence and I'm debating whether or not I should tell Asami about the kiss. Then I remember, friends don't keep secrets, no matter what.
"Mako and I kissed." I blurt out.
Asami takes a while to react, she's probably taking everything all in. I know she will be skeptical about the information. Taking in count, that I'm the Avatar and he's an Equalist, but hopefully she will be happy for me.
"Did you like it?" she ask with a blank face.
I scratch the back of my neck, at such an unexpected question. Where is the excitement?
I shrug.
"It was a kiss. I don't understand why everyone makes a big deal about it. You're basically touching lips with someone else. Its propaganda really, we're told at a young age not to invade others' personal space. Yet, when you kiss someone, you're doing the opposite. The taboo of it all, is what makes kissing special."
"So you liked it?" she ask, ignoring my very deep and well thought out answer.
"I don't know, Asami! My mind was racing, I was confused." she's about to say something, but her text message alert goes off.
She looks down at her phone.
"It's Opal, she's here. Do you mind getting the door and letting her in?" Asami ask.
"Ugh, yeah sure."
I hop down the stairs and head to front door. As soon as I unlock it, I come face to face with not just Opal but two other guys. One being Bolin, and the other being a tall, muscular, and hazel eyes gentleman. The same guy from the bar, who left Asami.
"What's up, my sister in law?" Bolin ask pulling me into a hug which I slowly return.
"Hello Bolin."
Opal is just about to greet me, but I interrupt her, to address the mystery guy.
"Who are you?" I ask sternly looking him up and down. Spirits, why does he have to be so tall?
He extend his hand out for me to shake, but I ignore it.
"I'm Iroh." he replies with a smile. He has perfect teeth too!
I move aside to let them in.
"How's it like living with sassy Sami?" Bolin ask loudly, in hopes of getting Asami's attention upstairs.
"It's pretty good, she's actually a great roommate" I reply back.
"You both share a room?" Opal ask.
"Oh no, I have my own room." we walk into the living room and Iroh picks up the trench coat off the couch.
"So this is yours?" I ask, getting all up in his face.
"Ugh yeah, I left it here on accident." He mumbles flustered.
"When?" Bolin ask.
"Last night" he replies awkwardly.
"Oooohh so you gave our Asami an ole strip tease, I see." Bolin winks at Opal making her laugh. I don't find this conversation amusing.
"No, I would never." he replies grossed out.
"Why not? Asami is a beautiful, smart, and independent woman. Why wouldn't you?" I ask.
His face turn a bright shade of red.
"You're right, she is all those things, but we just watched a movie last night."
"Aww what movie?" Opal ask.
"The lion king." he answers lowly.
For a quarterback he's very shy. He should be responding, with confidence.
"So what part did you two, have your make-out session?" Bolin ask.
They all laugh, except me of course, I'm just a spectator.
" At the part where Mufasa falls off the cliff. It just felt like the right time, you know? " Iroh replies.
With that statement alone, I lose it.
I grip him by by the collar and push him against the wall. Asami's is not the affectionate type, so that must explain her behavior. I look up at the fool with rage, how dare he kiss Asami.
"Um, Kyoshi can you…. let Iroh down?" Bolin ask calmly. I look over at Opal's boyfriend confused. What does he mean by down? I just gave Quarterback here a little shove.
"What are you talking about?" I ask confused.
Opal clears her throat.
"You sort of have Iroh up in the air there." she replies frighten.
I finally take in the whole situation and see that I do have Iroh lifted off the ground. The worst part is I'm holding him with just one arm. I let go of his shirt and his body hits the ground.
"Yo, what's your problem?" he ask while getting up.
I shrug .
"What's yours, tough guy?" he glares at me and I glare back.
"What's going on?" Asami ask, coming down the stairs. The sound of her voice, breaks our glaze. I notice she has on my necklace and I'm relieved.
"Nothing, you look very nice." I tell her.
"Thank you."
she makes her way over to Iroh and gives him a hug which makes me tilt my head in confusion. They pull apart and Iroh starts massaging his neck.
"What's wrong with your neck?" Asami ask, examining it.
All eyes are on me now. So I start playing with the fake plant in the corner.
"I think, I may have hurt it in practice." he replies. Smart man, for lying.
"Um I think we should get going now, we have a long drive." Opal states, grabbing Bolin's hand.
"Yeah, see you later Kyoshi." Bolin calls out as they flee out the door.
Iroh wraps his arms around Asami's waist.
"I left money, in case you wanted to order a pizza."
Asami says avoiding my glaze. Oh now she's afraid of looking at me? All because I met her boyfriend, no need to be ashamed now.
"Okay, I'll be waiting for you. Maybe we can watch a movie when you get back" I suggest.
"Yeah, maybe."
Asami
As Bolin drives, Opal and him are singing show tunes. Which I'm not in the mood to hear right now. But I don't want to kill the mood, everyone seems to be having a good time. The warmth of someone touching my hand takes my eyes, off the window.
"Is everything okay?" Iroh ask. I place a smile onto my face, to let him know I'm alright.
"Of course, are you? You seem a bit shaken up. Do you no longer want to be my date?" I tease, squeezing his hand tighter.
"Yes, I still want to be your date to the ball. I just don't understand your cousin's hatred for me. She's also quite strong."
"Quite? Kyoshi is like a monster. She lifted ole boy in the air about 15 meters high." Bolin yells out in shock, while making a left going on to the interstate.
"Don't exaggerate sweetie, it was a few inches." Opal adds.
"Wait, she put her hands on you?" I ask Iroh.
"Yeah, but it's no big deal. She was just being protective over her cousin. I guess she took my sense of humor literally."
I told Korra I was fine and nothing happened last night. Why won't she believe me? Iroh did nothing wrong, to be attacked like he was.
"I'm sorry she hurt you Iroh." I reply.
"No worries, she would make a perfect linebacker, with her speed and strength. Damn, our team would be unstoppable."
"Kyoshi scares me. I don't know, something about her is off. Like she doesn't like attention on herself. No wonder, you didn't tell us about her, she's dull." Opal says. Which upsets me, because she has no right, talking about Korra like that. Especially when she doesn't know her.
"Kyoshi is energetic, funny, sweet, and talented. She's not dull. You shouldn't judge someone off one impression."
"Woah, I'm sorry. No need to get so loud with me."
I return my glaze back onto the window, staring at the sea as we drive on the bridge.
If Amon decides to invade the WaterTribe, I wonder if Korra will leave. Of course she would, that's her family. The thought of her not being with My Father and I forever, Is an eye opener. I can't picture my life without her.
"Kyoshi doesn't scare me. I like her, even though she does have that whole secret vibe going on. Also you must admit Mako and her make a cute couple." Bolin adds.
I get he's trying to get rid of the tension, but he's just making it worst for me. When I first saw the pictures Bolin sent me, I was happy seeing Korra, having a good time.
But as I continued to go through them. I also saw how happy she was with Mako, and that made me doubt whether or not, I'm the right person for her. That's why, I was a bit upset, earlier. What if I don't live up to her expectation? When I saw her in the bathroom and how concerned she was for me. I felt foolish for thinking she would give up on reassurance was short lived, When Korra told me about the kiss. Which I feel numb about.
"Are they dating now?" Opal ask excited.
"Not sure, but that kiss, probably sealed the deal" Bolin turns around and looks at me.
"How would you feel if my Brother dated your Cousin? Wouldn't it be weird since you two had a thing or whatever?"
"Mako and I never dated! I don't care what my Cousin does. Can we stops talking about her? There are more important things going on, in this world!"
Korra
"I basically attacked the boy. I don't know what came over me." June pulls out a sheet of paper from the printer and makes her way over to the boxes.
"Sounds like jealousy, my friend." she replies, placing a label on to one of the boxes.
"Jealousy?" I ask.
"Yep, now the question is, are you jealous about the Quarterback taking away your best friend? Or are you jealous about the Quarterback taking away your GIRLfriend?"
"What?" I ask, not understanding why she stressed the world 'girl' out of girl friend. Best friend and girl friend mean the same thing.
June chuckles looking down at her phone.
"Wow, I got another order. They really love my Cactus Juice. People been leaving reviews, talking about how Cactus Juice gives them Déjà vu. Like for example, if someone opens their refrigerator while on Cactus Juice, they will get a flashback to the time they touched a refrigerator before."
"Your drink does that?" I ask. My mind racing once again about this new information. I been having a hard time lately, separating fantasy from reality. If that's the case, it explains a lot, but also scares me a lot.
"Apparently, has it happened to you? " June ask.
My palms start sweating and I'm at a loss of words.
"No, I mean.. well … I don't want to talk about this anymore." I quickly sit down and start putting labels on to the boxes, to change the subject.
The apartment door swings open and the sound of someone dropping their bag. Bring us away from our task.
"I'm so tired of this!" Eska groans.
"What's wrong?" June asks stopping what she's doing and going to my Cousin's side. I'm still unsure about their relationship status.
All I know is Eska met June at some concert, and they were in desperate need of a roommate. Everything else between the two, is questionable.
"Those stupid Equalists, stopped me and I missed my train. I had to walk all the way, back from work. My feet are killing me."
My cousin takes a seat and June takes off her shoes to examine it.
"Damn, they're bruised. Let me hea.." Eska pulls her feet away.
"No, it's fine. I just need to rest and I can heal myself remember?"
June frowns.
"But your technique is sloppy, to be honest. You would most likely cause more damage, and besides you like it when I bend." June states with a cheeky grin.
I don't know, what's more weird, me being unsure what June's statement meant. Or me helping produce illegal alcohol? Both questions have me doubting myself.
I slowly get up from the boxes. "Why did they stop you Eska?" I ask
"Because she's a bender duhhh." June replies heading to the freezer pulling out a frozen dinner.
"You will not, put a frozen dinner on my feet. That's so unsanitary." Eska says in disgust
"It's the box, not the food itself." June replies.
"I don't care, I don't want it on my feet!"
"Just let me put the damn, steak and…" June looks down at the box.
"My bad, it's an impression of steak."
"Are you serious, I thought it was the real thing?" Eska takes the box and reads the back.
"Hm, guess it was on sale for a reason." Eska adds.
I knock the frozen dinner out of her hand they both look up at me shock.
"Can we stop talking about frozen dinners? There are more important things going on in the world! Like, hm I don't know my mission in two days!"
June moves to retrieve the frozen steak dinner, but I airbend it away.
"Don't." I state.
"You're right Korra. I forgot we were supposed to discuss the plan. What did you find out from you Boyfriend?" Eska ask.
"He's not my Boyfriend!" I reply.
Spirits, as soon as you get a friend, that's of the opposite sex. Everyone thinks you're in some kind of romantic relationship!
"Lies, Korra and her and Equalist boy toy kissed. She's a traitor." June yells
Eska covers June's mouth seeing how upset I'm getting.
"Please ignore June's childish behavior and you're not a traitor. Wait…you kissed him? Was that apart of the plan?" my Cousin ask.
June pulls away from Eska's embrace.
"YEAH IT WAS. NOW THE AVATAR IS ALL IN HER FEELINGS , BECAUSE SHE'S GETTING FEELINGS FOR HER SUPPOSEDLY BEST FRIEND. THAT'S HOLDING HER CAPTIVE IN HER BASEMENT!"
"That's not true!" I whine.
Chase after June, trying to get her to take it back. Her laughter and amusement is making me even more upset.
June uses Eska as a shield.
"Stop, messing with my Cousin, June." Eska defends.
"I can't help it, look at the face, she's making. She looks like a kid, who wasn't invited to a birthday party, even though the whole class was invited."
I look at the two amused and Eska burst out in laughter. Covering her mouth, quickly.
"I'm sorry Korra, this is not funny."
I cross my arms from not being taken seriously.
"I guess the blue print, I found in Mako's Jacket isn't important after all?"
Asami
We get to the dress shop and as soon as we step inside a man bows to us.
"Hello Ms. Beifong and Friends." Opal steps forward and pulls the elderly man into a hug. Which he returns adding a kiss to her forehead.
"Aiwei, this is my Boyfriend, Asami Sato, and Iroh. We all need to look our very best for Amon's Ball."
"Of course, you all came to the right place. Now let's separate the gentlemen from the ladies."
With one clap, a set of staff members come out of nowhere dragging Bolin and Iroh away. Leaving just Opal and I together.
"I'm so excited." Opal cheers.
A woman wearing a green and yellow uniform approaches me.
"I'm Dai Li and you must be Asami Sato." The woman says.
"Yes, Ma'am that's me." she smiles.
"I could tell, your Father is a well-respected man. Follow me, so we can make your dreams come true."
We get into a small room and Dai Li hands me a binder. I scroll through the thousands of fabric, designs, and colors.
"To think I was just going to walk out with a random dress." I tease.
"You could, but most people like to customize their own look."
No wonder Opal choose this place.
"A nice green or red dress would match with that lovely necklace of yours."
I touch my necklace.
"I most likely, won't be wearing this at the ball." I reply politely.
"Okay, but those colors would still look nice on you. Necklace or not, those two colors compliment your eyes. Your Father also picked out some designs for you to try on."
I think I'm having a Korra moment, because I heard a record scratch. At the part where Dai Li, said my Father picked something out for me.
"Wait, are you telling me My Father has choices for me?" her face turns a bright shade of red, probably never been questioned before.
"Yes, Miss Sato he wants you to keep it, as formal as possible. Our leader will be there remember, we want you to make a great impression."
She sounds so scripted. I bite inside of my cheek. First my Father forces me to go to this stupid ball. Now he's picking out what I'm wearing, this is not happening.
I flip through the pages and find the most scandalous dress possible.
"Can I try this on?" I ask showing her the dress type.
the woman gulps.
"Are you sure, your back is almost completely out?"
"I'm sure."
Korra
Eska puts on her glasses.
"So you plan to go through the air vents?" my Cousin ask.
"Well it's either that or I walk inside, in broad daylight."
"Why don't you do that?" June ask.
"Because, I will draw attention to myself. There will be ticket checks, I will stand out like a sore thumb, telling them I don't have one. The vents are my best entrance and escape."
I point to the dining hall on the blue print.
"You see here, the circles represent the guard placements. The majority of the guards will be outside the hall. "
Next I point to the squares which represents the vents.
"Mako told me before dinner starts, there will be a guest speaker in the auditorium. I'm sure Amon will say some words. So that gives me more than enough times to sneak into the dining hall and leave my mark, before they come back inside.
June claps slowly.
"That's brilliant, but one thing. How will you leave your mark, when there will be guards waiting outside?"
"I will be done before they even notice and if I do get caught I have a mask. A Blue Spirit mask, which will be my disguise. Just a few bending moves and I can easily make my escape. "
Eska gets up and paces the floor.
"This sounds too dangerous, even if we use walkie talkies like June said, who's going to be your eyes? You need someone watching on the ground. I can't do it and mad scientist over here can't do it."
"Aww are you afraid, I will get hurt?" June whines.
"No, I'm afraid you will be too drunk, to be reliable!"
My cousin has a point. About her alcoholic roommate and the fact I need eyes on the ground
"Hey, I have an idea, what if I hack into the surveillance cameras." June suggests.
"You can do that? I ask.
"Pshh of course I can, but I need someone to put a flash drive into one of their computers."
How am I supposed to sneak into the building, dining hall, and computer room? That's too much of a risk!
The doorbell rings and the blood bender shoots up.
"It's about time my delivery boy got here."
She opens the door and I make eye contact with the jerk who air bended me and stole the cabbages.
"Hey I know you!" his eyes enlarge and he tries to run off but June pulls him inside.
"You know, my delivery boy?" she ask locking the door.
"Yes, he stole cabbages and airbended me to the ground!"
"I did not, she's lying" he yells.
"How did you let Jet pull a fast one on you?" June asks amused.
"He's fast, sneaky, and…..perfect."
"What?" everyone says in unison.
"What if Jet sneaks into the building and puts the flash drive in for us?"
Asami
"Come on Asami, let's see your dress." Bolin whines.
"I'm coming ,relax." I look at the risky dress in the mirror, then push open the curtains and everyone's mouth drops.
"Wow Asami, you look amazing but…do you really think that's the dress, for a formal ball? One, where our parents will be attending also." Opal ask.
"Yeah, I think it's appropriate. Everyone has a back, what's wrong with me showing it?" I reply.
"Asami, I have to agree with Opal on this one. Every event has a dress code. The dress you have on is one is great, but it doesn't fit the theme of a dinner ball" Iroh adds.
"It's my body, I can wear what I want to wear!"
"You and I both know that I agree with you on that. But are you sure that's the dress you want to wear? Or is that the dress you want to wear, to punish your Father?" he ask.
Everyone is looking at me sympathetic and that opens my eyes. Even they know, how much stress I'm under. When it comes to me, being in the public eye.
Opal gets up and tries to comfort me.
"I understand what you're going through Asami. You're not alone, my parents picked this dress out for me. I hate the color yellow, but I know this is what they expect of me. You don't know how hard it is, living in my household. My parents are constantly fighting and I try to do, what I'm told to avoid, an extra argument."
"You look great in any color." Bolin yells while eating some crackers in his all black suit.
"Thank you Babe. Like I was saying, sometimes you have to do something, you don't want to do, because it's the right thing to do."
I think about the whole Kuvira and Baatar drama and I completely forgot how Opal is in the middle of it all. Talk about my life being hard, her life is nothing compared to mine. Yet she's wearing the yellow dress anyway.I put my hand on my friend's shoulder.
"You're right, I'm going to take this fabric and skin dress off and look over some of the designs my Father picked out. I'm thinking more of a royal blue to match my handsome date."
Iroh smiles "I think that would be an amazing choice."
I thank Bolin for dropping me off, and head towards my door. My Father still isn't home yet, which is strange he told me he would be back at five but it's seven and there is still no sign of him.
I take out my house key and I hear a car pulling up in my driveway. I turn around and it's Mako, he hops out of his jeep, frantic.
"Is Kyoshi here? I lent her my jacket and I had an important document inside!"
"Relax, yes she's here" he hovers over me as I try to get inside my house.
"I'll go get her, wait here."
I head to the basement stairs and knock on door.
"Can I come in? Mako needs his jacket back." I ask through the door. I get no reply, which is strange. So I push open the door and she's nowhere to be found. Maybe she's upstairs.
"Is she here?" Mako ask while I pass him heading up the stairs.
"Hold on, she should be!"
I take a look inside my bedroom and she's not there either. Where could she be? I start to get worried. I look inside my Father's room and nothing.
"You got it, Thank you!" I overhear Mako say downstairs.
"Of course, sorry I forgot to give it back to you yesterday" Korra replies. I sigh in relief looking over the railing to see Korra in her pajamas.
"I have it!" Mako calls up to me while holding his jacket up in triumph.
"Great, it's getting late, you should get going." I reply, making his smile drop.
" Um yeah, you're right. Thank you Kyoshi." he gives her a hug and exit out the door.
"Where were you?" I ask coming down the stairs.
"What do you mean?" Korra asks confused.
"You weren't in the basement, nor in my room. Where were you?"
"I was sleeping on the couch, you didn't see me lying there?" she says rubbing her eyes.
I look down at the couch and see the pile of blankets. I was so scarred, thinking of the worst. I guess, I was blinded, by what was in front of me.
"I guess not." I reply feeling foolish.
"Well sorry, if I scarred you. It's just…. the basement is starting to get a little stuffy." She replies, while collecting her blankets.
"Where are you going?" I ask.
"Back downstairs, your Father came home and told me he had some errands to run, and he will be back later on."
That explains his absents.
"You can sleep upstairs, you know? You been here for about a month and people already know you're my Cousin. You can stay in the guest rooms or even my room for today. We can still watch a movie, If you want."
I was sort of a jerk to her earlier and I want to make things right.
"I'm not really in the mood, for a movie right now. I have a lot on my mind at the moment." She replies.
"Like what?"
"Did you sleep with Iroh?" she ask.
"What?"
"Did you have sexual intercourse, with the tall quarterback? The guy you said was just your friend, but you two didn't look like friends today."
I shake my head in disbelief.
"I know who you're talking about, and it's none of your business, what I do. Did you sleep with Mako? You did come home late last night."
I can't believe she's attacking me right now. I offered to watch a movie, something she requested earlier and now she's asking all these questions.
She rolls her eyes, something I never seen her do before!
"So... you weren't asleep last night? And no, we didn't. Unlike you, I don't keep secrets, and it is my business. You been acting so weird lately ever since Iroh came into the picture."
"So you assume some guy, is the reason why I'm acting like this? Show me, how much you know about my character."
I didn't come home to have a fight, and Korra is usually not so pushy. I don't know what has gotten into her. I'm not giving her a hard time about the kiss. So she shouldn't be giving me a hard time about Iroh.
"You didn't deny it. Just admit it, he's the reason why you're giving me the cold shoulder and being so distant with me. Even back when you hated me, you didn't ignore me!"
I'm not ignoring her or being distant! I'm here, talking to her right now, and listening to what she has to say. I understand her frustration due to me not telling her as much as I should, but I have my reasons. One that I would like to tell her, but she's ranting right now!
"What's makes you think, I still don't hate you?" I reply back, since she wants to play this game.
She tilts her head back and laughs.
"Oh You still hate me?"
"Whatever, I'm going to my room. You can stay down here, for all I don't care."
Korra follows me.
"No, you are not shutting me out, like you do to everyone else. You need to tell me what your problem is. I'm tired of guessing, If you're bold enough to hate someone. You can be bold enough to tell me why, you're so jealous of Mako and I."
Now I laugh.
"You caught me Oh Great Avatar, I'm jealous an Equalist and an Avatar's love. One that will never last, because relationships rely on honesty and trust. Newsflash, you have been lying to him this whole time! How is he supposed to trust you?"
"Once again Asami, that was a low blow, and you know it." she glares at me and I don't care if I offended her. She offend me the moment, she assumed Iroh had something to do with my behavior.
"You're an Airbender right? Get over it and get out of my room!"
She shut the door and locks it.
"No, not until you tell me, why you're acting this way and don't give me the 'it's a bender /non-bender' thing. That you ever so love, bringing up, when there is the slighting little problem in your life!"
I grab my jewelry box from off my desk.
"if you don't leave me alone, I'm going to throw this at you." she raises her arm in alarm.
"Oh no, not a jewelry bo…." I throw it and it hits her eye. I cover my mouth and rush to her aid.
"Why didn't you bend it out of your way?" I ask trying to see her eye but she's shielding her face.
"Why did you throw it?"
"Let me see your eye, Korra."
"No, its fine but you aren't, and that's all I care about."
I finally move her hand away from her face and look into her watery eyes and I hate myself right now. Not just because I hurt Korra, but because I fell in love with her.
A bender and a non-bender can never be together in this world. We're destined to be broken, society would never allow us to be together. That's not even the worst part, I know she's going to leave eventually. I just don't know, whether it's willingly or if she's going to be dragged away. Both outcomes frighten me, because I know I will be hurt regardless.
I touch her cheek and brush her tears away.
"My problem is….I'm in love with you and I'm supposed to hate you Korra."
Now I'm in tears. I didn't know how heavy those words were on my heart, until I let them go.
She places her hand on top mine.
"Asami, I didn't know…. How long have you felt this way?"
I pull away from her and hug my shoulders, trying to calm myself.
"I don't know, probably ever since you helped me, from having a panic attack. I been trying so hard not to get attached to you, but I couldn't do it. I'm so sorry."
Korra wraps her arms around me.
"You can't stop yourself from falling in love, Asami. You have no reason to feel guilty or to apology."
"But I do, I treated you so badly and you don't deserve someone like me."
"No, you don't deserve someone like me Asami. I need to look at my eye." She unlocks the door and heads out.
I find her in the bathroom looking at herself in the reflection. So I grab a rag and place it on her eye. Which causes her to giggle.
"You do know, I can heal myself much faster, than a rag?"
"Can you just let me have control, of the situation?" Spirits, I just confessed my love for her, and she's still giving me a hard time!
She lifts my hand, along with the rag off her face.
"I'm leaving Asami. I can't put you or your Father in any more danger. I care about you deeply and I can't see you get hurt."
I knew she would leave, but not this soon. Especially when I just told her how I is supposed to be the hero. Heroes don't leave, she has to be kidding. I'm waiting for her laugh, but she looks serious.
"This is so hard for me, Asami. I didn't plan to get attached to you either. I was just going to let you carry on with your life.
The night when I first saw you, your eyes weren't the only thing I saw. I saw how broken and lost they looked. You're right, maybe it's the Avatar in me, but it was another part as well, that wanted to help you."
"But I'm fine Korra, as long as we're together. I will protect you and my Father."
She smiles as if I'm kidding but I'm serious. I will let no one tear us apart, not even Amon and his army.
"I would love to see you fighting for me. But listen, I have a destiny and you do too and it's not taking care of me." She grabs my hand.
"I can see you fighting for people like me and people just like you. You have so much passion. Spirits, Asami when people get you fired up, you can't stop.
You can put all that passion, in something that matters. You just don't have a strong will power, Asami you have a voice, one that can captivate others.
By using our story, you can explain how benders and non-bender can co-exist without rules.
I'm so glad you don't hate me and actually love me but I also wished you didn't tell me that. It's making my departure much more difficult. I made up my mind to leave a while ago. Please don't think, it's because of what you told me, I'm doing this to protect you."
I pull away from her.
"How is leaving going to protect me Korra? You're being selfish and breaking my heart."
She slams her fist down on to the bathroom sink, which puts a dent in the counter top. Eyes flickering with a blue and while glow. I never seen this side of her before.
"YOU'RE BREAKING YOUR OWN HEART ASAMI!"
she looks up at me, and can probably see the fear in my eyes.
"You don't' love me Asami. I was just a crush to you, simply eye candy, and I'm even honored to be that. I'm glad I helped you find out who you were, but you're going to find someone special someday who feels the same way about you."
My heart feels like it's been broken into a million pieces.
"You don't feel the same way?" I ask.
"I care about you Asami. It's just our circumstances, doesn't work out in our favor. I have responsibilities as the Avatar. I can't have you worrying about me all the time. Even though I will always worry about you, but that's just me. You need to let me go, so I can make the world safe for you."
"By you leaving, you're not making my world safe. You're just proving that I can no longer trust anyone, in this world. How is that safe?"
She laughs, probably because, she going through all these emotions right now. Laughter is the first thing, most people turn to, when they are either confused,nervous, or when they lost control of a situation.
"You told me you loved me. All the signs you're showing, aren't a sign of love. Love isn't built off jealousy, and self-righteousness. It's about understanding, where someone is coming from and understanding yours and their needs.
You called me selfish, for doing what I felt was right for your best of interest. That's love.
Asami it may not be the type of love you were expecting but that is the best example of my love for you. You know the type of person I am, and you know that I wouldn't just leave you hurt for no reason. This is not up for debate, I have to go."
With that final remark, she heads down the stairs, opens the front door, and exits.
I run down the stairs after her the moment I open the door. I see her running in the rain.
"KORRA" I call out but she keeps running.
*End of dream*
Korra
When Asami got home earlier, she went straight up to her room. I got a mumble and a poor excuse of a Hello then up the stairs she went.
So far I have gotten into a term called binge watching. At first it was exciting, knowing that I didn't have to wait a week to watch another episode but now I'm anxious and over whelmed.
It's like a chore for me. An obligation that I must finish Full House. I want to stop and take a break, but I know there is another episode waiting for me. It's truly rude, no pun intended.
As I click on another episode. I hear Asami call out my name. I put the show on pause and run up the stairs. I stub my big toe on top of the steps, but move through the pain anyway.
I push open the door in my bending stance. I look around seeing no sign of trouble, but do find Asami sitting up on her bed, wiping her tears away.
"Asami, what's wrong?" I ask rushing to her side.
"It's nothing, just had a bad dream, That's all."
I touch her cheek to dry up all her running tears. She looks up at me.
"Korra, if you ever have to leave to be safe. Don't hesitate to do so, don't worry about me or my Father okay?"
"Aww Asami I would never leave you, where would I go?" an image of a hot dog stand pops up in my mind but I brush it out of my head.
Her breathing calms down, so I'm debating whether or not, I should ask her what the dream was about.
"No, listen Korra. Whatever happens, you must go and be safe, promise me that."
I don't know where all of this is coming, but she looks like she's about to break out in tears again, so I agree.
"Alright, I promise." We pinky swear.
"Did Mako come over?" she ask trying to place a smile on to her face.
"Yeah for a quick second, I had to give back his jacket."
"Oh, did you two kiss again?"
"Yes, Asami as soon as we saw each other. I rushed into his arm, and we devoured each other." I tease.
"Sounds romantic."
Mako is a wonderful guy and all, but due to our circumstances, we can't really be together. Also, he helps treat benders badly and that's sort of a deal breaker for me.
" Mako and I aren't dating. So us kissing every time we saw each other, would be weird. He was also in a hurry talking about, preparing for Amon's Ball."
"Tell me about it, that's why I had to go shopping today."
"You're going to the Ball?" I ask hoping my mind is paying tricks on me. I have been moving cactus juice around, maybe the fumes are just now getting to me.
"Yes, sadly. I don't want to go, but Amon is expecting us to attend."
If she's going, that means her Father is going as well. This new information, really changes plans.
"Please promise me, you will go and be safe." I say in my Batman impression.
"Shut up, it's not funny."
I try to keep a straight face.
"Yeah, you're right it's not funny. I hate seeing you hurt, and about that, I sort of attacked your boyfriend Iroh, on accident."
"Oh on accident?" she ask amused.
"Yeah you know, accidents happen sometimes." I reply trying not to sound and look guilty.
"Iroh isn't my boyfriend."
"Really? You two make such a cute couple. Why don't you like him?"
I'm glad she doesn't like that fool, but I'm actually curious. I'm not too proud of my behavior today. I don't really act irrational, but something about that Iroh kid was suspicious. I could feel his heartbeat as he was talking, and he has the heartbeat of a liar.
" I dont like him because... I'm not attracted to guys, Korra."
She stares at me trying to read me, so I look away. I don't know what to say, about such a reply. I would have never thought, that was the case. I need to say something, before she gets paranoid.
"This bed is quite comfy, maybe we should switch rooms for the night, and you could get the basement."
Spirits, out of all things you could have said, you said that?
"Or you can just stay in here tonight. Like you did last time." she suggest.
"Thank you Asami, for the offer, but your bedroom floor is harder than my bed."
"No, I mean you can sleep here in my bed, if you want."
I'm confused, if I sleep here, where would she sleep? Then it clicks to me, she means together.
"Oh… well I was watching tv downstairs and.."
"You can say no Korra. If you don't feel comfortable, I can understand. No need to spare my feelings."
That's not the case at all, I just don't know how to handle things like this. Like I want to joke with her, but I'm not sure how she will take it.
Girls are awesome, I'm a girl and I can bend 4 elements and a few sub ones. Power to her, for finally realizing how great they're. I want her to know, nothing is going to change between us. I get up from leaning on her bed side and walk out the room, to stop myself from saying something stupid.
Asami
Korra exits my room and I cover my face with my pillow. How could I be so stupid?She clearly didn't take me liking girls well. Good thing, I didn't tell her how I felt about her. She would have packed up her bags, and left just like my dream.
Not to mention, after I dropped such a bomb on her. I had the nerve, to ask if she wanted stay the night with me. How could I be so foolish? That's like saying, I heard fire can burn you. How about I make one right now!
I lift up my pillow and lie on my side, trying to think about anything, but my humiliation.
"Sorry, I wanted to turn off the tv." I look up and see Korra holding her pillow.
"I will have you know. I don't snore, so you don't have to worry about that. She climbs into bed and I move aside to give her space.
"If I had your bed, I would never wake up." she sings.
I'm glad she can't see this giant smile on my face, because she's just too funny. As I'm trying to go back to sleep and contain my happiness from Korra not freaking out. I feel warm arms wrap around my waist pulling me from across the bed.
"What's up with the giant barrier." she ask burying her head into the side of my neck.
I'm paralyzed and I hear her giggle and I'm sure her Avatar powers can sense how nervous I am.
"You know, I think you should tell your Father about your sexuality." My eyes shoot open, why are we having this discussing right now?
"I plan to."I reply trying to keep my composer from being held by your crush!
"When?" she ask.
Spirits, why must she be so persistent?
"Soon, I'm trying to get some rest, can we not talk about this?" Way to go Asami. You're going back to your old ways. Just to have control of the situation.
"Well you had almost all your life, not to talk about it. I'm sure Hiroshi will be cool about it. He's cool about, keeping the Avatar in his home. If you're worried about him kicking you out or something like that. I doubt he would, but if he does, I'm leaving too."
I turn my head so I'm facing her and boy, was that a bad idea. Our lips are so close, that I'm literally fighting the temptations to kiss her. The thought of Mako being the last one to come into contact with those lips, motivates me even more.
"No, Korra you promised!"
"If a man can disown his daughter, but accept a wanted stranger into his home. I don't think I will ever feel safe. I put myself in danger, all the time. I wouldn't mind doing it for you." She runs her fingers through her hair and I'm about to lose it.
"I have to tell you something, Asami. I should have told you sooner, but I didn't know, how you would have taken it." She puts all her weight on her elbow.
"My Mother knew your Mother. I was walking around your house a week ago and I saw a picture of your Mom in your room. The woman was the same person, in one my Mother's photos back home. I think they were best friend. If so, maybe that's the reason why your Father took me in. Maybe he even told my parents, I was safe."
Everything is starting to make sense. All this time, I thought my Father was being a traitor, but he wasn't. He was doing all of this, for my Mother. I never knew my Mother's stance on the whole bending/non bending movement. I just assumed her and my Father, shared the same political views. Hiroshi practically built weapons for Amon, since I could remember. It would make sense, for them to admire Amon. Then again, I know my Father's love for my Mother is much greater than his Republic City love.
She intertwines our hands.
"Maybe it's destiny for us to be together." she says.
"Yeah maybe it is." I reply. I look up at her, and I can see the playfulness in her eyes, which came out of nowhere.
"Can you punch Amon, for me at the Ball?" she ask while wrapping her arms around me again.
"Do you want me to get electrified?" I ask like she's crazy, maybe I'm crazy? I thought she was going to kiss me.
"Come on, take one for the team. I'm sure you will make a lot of benders, and me happy." She tease.
We hear someone clear their throat and I jump out of bed.
"Father you're home."
He turns on the hallway light.
"Yes… this is where I live. Hello Korra nice seeing you."
"Likewise Sir." she replies bringing her legs from under the covers.
"Please don't leave, I know how girls love gossiping and having sleepover. I just wanted to wish Asami a goodnight, but I guess I can wish you both one." He says with a chuckle.
"Thank you Sir, and goodnight as well." he bows and shuts the door but reopens it leaving a crack.
"Oh my Spirits!" I lie back on to the bed covering my face, hiding my embarrassment. I didn't hear, the front door opening.
Korra rejoins me trying to pull my hands off my face. Of course, she finds this funny. In my Father's eyes, she can do no wrong!
"You should have told him right then in there." Korra tease.
"And what would have said? 'Hello Father, crazy seeing you home. I didn't tell you before but, I like girls."
Korra chuckles.
"Ugh yeah, that could have worked." I finally drop my hands.
"Then what would he had thought, seeing us together. After hearing my confession."
"He would thought wow. I can't believe my daughter, didn't just get any girl, but the Avatar, in bed with her!"
I roll my eyes and put up a pillow barrier between us. Which she knocks down in an instant.
"You're my designated cuddle buddy tonight."
I have no problem with that.
Quick question: Do you like it when I have long updates? Or would it be better if I split them up?
Next chapter is Amon's Ball, It's going to be crazy. I bet, I scarred a few people with Asami's dream. You should have known it was fake, when Korra rolled her eyes.
Btw I won my sparring competition. The head gear you wear are similar to the pro-bending gear.
Anyway don't forget to review ; )