Close Quarters

"Thank you for all who have decided to attend." Northerner Unalaq began. "Our three day summit will provide our refugees with the support they need to rebuild their lives after the dismantling of Be Sing Se."

Korra looked across the table to the empty place holder that read "Sato Industries" and clicked her teeth. Of course he wouldn't be attending, and more so wouldn't send Asami in his place because Korra was here.

"Once everyone is settled in we shall begin."

"Isn't Sato Industries expanding into war tech?" President Zhu Li asked. "Why are they not in attendance?"

"Because we're all here to talk about managing a completely voluntarily organization, which is no profitable gain for that company because Hiroshi's head is so far up is a own a-"

Tenzin loudly cleared his throat interrupting Korra's rant that was anything but professional.

She sat up a bit taller and shot Tenzin an apologetic expression. "Sorry,"

Unalaq clapped his hands together gaining everyone's attention before beginning his hour long dissertation. Korra was already in the mood to leave but the day had just begun. This being the second meeting she's had to sit through since this morning.

Once it was completed there was a thirty minute break before the next session took place. A meeting with the officers on Bei-Fong's team and Republic City's formal military which meant Korra could finally be in a room with people she knew.

Korra waited in the hall way aimlessly thumbing through her phone as people walked by. She wondered if Bolin and Mako showed up yet. If they were just as bored as she was in these dull managerial meetings. Bolin hadn't texted her yet so she assumed that was the case.

To think it was only day one...She inwardly groaned.

"Korra?"

She turned around to see a tall woman clad in green, black, and brown uniform. Her hair was slicked down and neat, with a long braid trailing down her back.

"Kuvira?!"

Korra looked her up and down with wide, playful eyes. "Oh my.. you look...amazing! and so 'official' "

"Damn right. I didn't spend all these years climbing the ranks for no reason..." She smirked, her voice smooth like silk.

They embraced and hugged each other tightly. "And you, just as beautiful as ever."

"thanks" Korra blushed. "Been a while since university" They stepped away and Korra's eyes awkwardly trailed the floor and she thought on how to continue their conversation.

"So you're the general leading the Ba Sing Se refugee camp I've heard so much about?"

Kuvira bowed her head bashfully, "Yes, it's been a long few years, but we're giving every one of those families homes."

Korra placed her hand on Kuvira's shoulder. "What you've done so far is amazing,"

An orphan most of her life, Kuvira knew the hardships of being displaced first-hand. Korra understood how important her work in Ba Sing Se meant. It was political but also, very personal.

Kuvira's motivation was always so inspiring. She remembered being a college freshman seeing Kuvira, a third year walking down the hall. Her eyes so sharp and confident. Just the booming presence she carried with her, her determination and intimidation.

"..and with the reinforcements we plan on sending, it won't have to be years to complete."

Kuvira smirked which was closest thing anyone would ever get to seeing her actually smile. "Thank you Korra...I really hope so."

There was a moment of silence where their eyes lingered, breaking only when Korra nervously looked away.

"And what have you been up too?" Kuvira spoke, seeing Korra's timidness.

"I'm head of anthropology and adviser at the Water Tribe Cultural Center downtown."

"Wow, impressive"

"Sounds cooler than it actually is," Korra shrugged. "It's mainly digging up old things, filing paperwork, and being bombarded by tourists who think indigenous cultures are a novelty."

Kuvira primly looked down at her low cut manicured nails, "So I see not much in Republic City has changed since college."

Korra laughed softly, "For the most part, there are some new eating spots that aren't too bad."

"Really?" Kuvira stepped closer, her shoulders squared confidently "great! You'll have to take me sometime, I'll only be deployed here for the next month or so."

"Ohh" Korra's eyes jumped. Was that just a sly way of asking her out on a date?

"S-sure,"

The water tribe girl felt so vulnerable under the general's gaze and strangely she was very attracted to that feeling. Kuvira was definitely a very capable woman and Korra's mind pervertedly pondered the extent of her dominance.

"Your number is the same right?" Kuvira asked.

"Y-yes," Korra stammered.

"Then I'll call you later." She strode away into the conference room with a confident smirk and conspiring gaze.

"See you in there." Korra's attention followed her as she seemed slightly dumbfounded. Kuvira was so out of her league. She felt that way even back then, but that's what made her so intriguing. Someone who had the power to instantly make her submissive. If she didn't end up hooking up with Mako this weekend, Kuvira wasn't the lesser alternative. Not by a long shot.

Speaking of, Bolin entered the corridor with Mako trailing behind him.

Her favorable friend lightly tapped her shoulder gaining her attention. "Hey Bolin! You clean up so nice!" She hugged him.

"Thank you! You look beautiful,"

Korra sighed with a light eye roll, "This dusty old dress is going right back in my closet when this is over." She wore a traditional robe only to represent the South but honestly she was desperate to get back into a pair of pants.

"I have an interview with Kuvira today, hopefully if all goes well I'll be joining her force in Ba Sing Se."

"Oh she just went inside for the next session, I'm rooting for you!" Korra replied, trying awkwardly not to stare at Mako who stood behind them stiffly.

Okay so technically this would be the first time she'd seen Mako in years. Having an actual sober interaction with him. It threw her for quite the loop to have to pretend this encounter was natural. How exactly would she speak to him after so long? Being drunk wiped away the awkwardness they'd clearly have. They argued and fucked out their frustration the morning after, so what's left?

So just..play it cool?

He looked at her with a small shrug just as unsure. His hands in his pockets creating small wrinkles in his pressed grey suit.

Bolin turned to his brother with wide eyes that begged him to speak to her. Mako silently complied,

"H-hey Korra." He muttered, "How have you been?"

Oh this is so weird...She thought.

"Hi Mako,"' she replied, her eyes scanning the floor before meeting his face. "I've been better."

They said nothing after, just stared. Seconds passed as Bolin watched their reactions and after confirmation they weren't going further than a simple greeting he headed toward the door.

"It's starting up so, we should get going."

"Okay, I'll meet you in there." Mako replied.

Korra turned to leave but jumped as Mako grabbed her wrist.

"What's our angle here?" He whispered even though the hallway was empty.

"Like the night I first saw you minus the bar and the drinks." She whispered before darting into the meeting room.

What the hell does that mean?! Mako thought.

During the meeting Mako's attention drifted to Korra the majority of the time. Like the first time they met again, minus the drunken charade. He scoffed under his breath recalling the feelings he had when he first saw her. That urge to reconnect. Well now they have, just not as friends. What exactly was the correct label to use?

Korra's hands were fidgeting in her lap as she struggled to focus on the guest speaker at the front of the room. Kuriva sat across from her and Mako four seats to her right and she could feel them both watching her. She wondered if she was the only one who felt this tension.

Mako figured it might be because they were too busy the past week to schedule to "meet up" or the fact that she looked so beautiful in her native attire that kept him from paying attention. He wondered when the next time they'd be able to sneak away, hopefully soon. The lesser part of him was craving her more than he'd like to admit.

Shaking that thought aside he caught a glimpse of Kuvira looking at Korra too. Her index finger glided along her jaw as she studied her carefully. Korra noticed her gawking and blushed before causally looking away.

Noticing his onward attention, Kuvira turned and they shared a quick glance before returning back to the speaker.

The general hummed under her breath. She knew Korra and Mako had split a while ago and weren't really on speaking terms, so then why did he seem so invested in her? He definitely wasn't an obstacle for her pursuit and she could care less of his opinion of her likeness for Korra.

Mako tried to settle back into his chair but he knew that look, that gaze of desire Kuvira had. The pencil in his hand threatened to break in half by how tightly he was now holding it. They agreed to date other people, so this shouldn't bother him as much as it did. He didn't know if Korra felt the same but the more jealous part of him wanted to find out.

The meeting concluded and they were granted an hour lunch.

As Korra walked out of the room Mako tried to catch up to her without being obvious. Too late however as Kuvira beat him to the punch.

"Heading to the cafe princess?" She asked ironically, knowing Korra disliked being called that.

"Very funny," She crossed her arms over her chest, "Yeah I-"

She saw from over Kuvira's shoulder Mako waiting by the end of the hall. He gave her a knowing glance and she immediately accepted the non-verbal invitation. Finally...

"Oh um, sure I just have to speak with Unalaq for a moment, I need to go over the preparations the North are planning. It's been while since I've spoken to my uncle so-"

Korra began walking the opposite direction, secretly toward her ex-boyfriend.

"Always working huh?" Kuvira commented.

"Yeah..ha that's me"

Kuvira pointed to her left, "I think I saw him go this way."

"Oh yeah you're right! Thank you! I'll umm, catch up to you." Korra nodded.

Kuvira gave a slow nod and walked away deciding not to question Korra's weirdness.

Once she confirmed she was gone, Korra approached Mako and eagerly placed her hands on his chest.

"Careful." He whispered stepping away.

"Relax! Everyone is heading to lunch, the building is practically empty." Korra's eyes slithered over his masculine form. "You wanna find somewhere?"

"Korra.." he glanced around their surroundings cautiously, "you know how I feel about this."

"Yeah yeah..not in a house, but you agreed."

Mako bit hard into his bottom lip. It had been a very long week. "I'm sorry, I know I agreed but there are very important people here."

Secretly why Korra wanted to do this even more.

"Fine," she whined. She stood on the tips of her toes and stole a quick kiss, "guess I wore no underwear for no good reason."

She smirked as Mako's jaw dropped. Turning on her heel she sauntered away making sure her hips swayed enough for him to regret his decision.

After a few seconds to throw away everything he just said Mako jogged down the long hallway trying to find her. He journeyed through the empty walk way, passing vacant rooms and closed doors.

Damnit! Where did she go?

"Korra" He whispered.

Suddenly a hand grabbed hold of his jacket collar and yanked him into a nearby closet.

As the door slammed Korra's hands were already cupping his face as she leaned in to kiss him, "you're so predictable" she chuckled.

She kissed down the side of his face as her hands rubbed up his stomach.

"And still unsure about this."

"Come on. You said discreet and how much more private can we get than a coat closet!"

"We still have to look presentable after this, I don't want to ruin your dress, or my suit."

Korra gathered said dress up to her waist, "then you'll just have to be careful." She turned around so that she was facing the wall.

Mako surrendered with an exasperated sigh. He wanted this too and was honestly just fighting his nobility complex.

"Fine. But we have to be quick and quiet." He reached inside his coat pocket for his wallet and pulled out a condom.

"What are you doing?" He whispered seeing as Korra remained facing the wall with her bare ass toward him and her back arched.

"It's called 'doggy style' Mako but don't worry it still goes in the same hole-"

"Shut up." He interrupted only to hear her laugh in response.

With the side of his foot he kicked her legs further apart making her audibly gasp. She sucked in a deep breath as she felt his lips ghost her ear.

"You're lucky I don't have my handcuffs.."

Korra purred, "ooh, please tell me that's a possibility?"

"Maybe."

She rolled her eyes, "you're no fun." Suddenly, she felt his velvety soft tip glide along the seem of her lips before pushing between them.

"Ah!-"

Mako clamped his hand over Korra's mouth hushing her long and drawn out moan.

"What was that you said?" He gloated.

"Mmmm!" She whimpered. Her eyes rolled as he began to thrust.

Being a foot taller than she was made it easier for him to curve over her body maximizing what little movement they had. So closely jammed into the closet made it hard for him to stride back and forth and he resulted to 'short and fast' which Korra didn't seem to mind at all. She writhed and shivered beneath him. Her back arched to give him enough leverage to penetrate as deep as he could go.

She grunted into his hand using it as a muzzle for her animalistic sounds. Mako watched, finding it so erotic that he had her helplessly pinned down like this. Korra always liked to be rough but this seemed different, here she seemed unhinged.

"I still wonder why this turns you on so much." Mako began, his voice low and raspy.

They skipped the several minutes of foreplay that usually eases the body into sex and yet Korra was already so wet and ready for him. It was honestly turning him on just knowing how much she was into this.

Korra pressed her hands against the wall bracing herself as he fucked her. Her eyes clamped shut as she focused solely on his lewd movements. The noises of wet body parts smacking together was unavoidable and Mako prayed no one was around to hear them.

"Is it because you know you shouldn't be doing this.." He continued.

Korra whimpered again,

That was exactly why. She spent her whole life having to follow strict rules. Always being watched and expected to stay pure and representable. Having secret moments like this to be so unadulterated and raunchy was such a liberating feeling. Her entire body subdued to it, to the release of any erotic fantasy she wanted to explore. The disgrace of it all.

"Is it the thrill? Or the defiance?"

He sucked in a harsh breath taking a moment to catch his breath. Her butt cushioning his every thrust felt amazing and if they weren't in such close quarters each cheek would be red from the palm of his hand. The sound of his hand slapping her ass was too risky to try although tempting it was.

Korra moaned forcing Mako once again to muffle her. "Are you trying to get us caught?"

She mewled deviously, "Maybe." Her voice hard to hear by his fingers curved over her lips.

His seductive whispering also didn't help calm her down. It was coaxing her into submission and heavily turning her on.

He flicked his hips sharply making her jump up onto her toes, "Ahh-" Korra bit her lip and sucked in her breath; effectively stopping herself from moaning too loud.

"Good girl," Mako cooed.

Her tongue slipped between her lips and licked his index finger which gave him hint enough that she wanted to suck them into her mouth.

"Mmm!" She groaned, suckling his fingers imagining it was another part of his body.

Mako grunted, finding it becoming harder and harder to focus on anything other than his billowing ache.

Korra gasped as he probed a sensitive spot making her jump again. "Fuck!" She mumbled.

Mako leaned forward adjusting his hips, "Do you like being bad?"

"Yes." She snickered, pushing against his forward motions as an even more act of disobedience.

"Ohh Fuck yes!" Korra squealed as he slammed into her hard enough that her hips to collided against the wall. She clawed into the drywall hard enough to chip the paint.

"Mako! mhmm!"

"Korra" he hissed, "Please!"

As fast as his heart was pounding he knew it was partly out of fear they might get caught. The other 75 percent because his adrenaline was spiking to its utmost limits.

"You're..doing this on..purpose," She groaned, "It's..not my fault you're so-fucking-good! ughmm!"

She trembled underneath him, her voice seeming to vibrate as it escaped her throat.

Mako spun her around to face him. He carefully maneuvered under her dress and scooped her up in his arms. She quickly wrapped her legs around his waist.

Korra gasped as he entered her again, his slick girth filling her up tightly. He pressed his lips against her mouth, silencing her scream with a forceful kiss.

"And do you know what I do to bad girls?" He grunted against her teeth.

Korra actually trembled at the sound of his husky voice. He never truly liked exhibitionism but sure as hell knew how to play along and get her so rilled up.

Korra smirked gleefully, "Punish me."

She threw her back as the motion of Mako's hips became unbearable. She was trying not to bite her lip and smear her lipstick but remembered it was probably already ruined and stained to the palm of his hand.

"Oooh spirits!"

Mako pressed his forehead against hers as an alternative to kissing her as he noticed her makeup was slightly messed up. They breathed heavily, filling the space with even more hot air. Luckily neither of them had broken a sweat.

Mako was loosing his focus, his body shaking and breath laboring in this hot sinful box they were trapped in. His eyes were jaded as his grip on her thighs tightened. He flicked his gaze to the small openings in the design of the door the resembled horizontal window shades and saw no one was there.

By how much Korra was shaking and how tired his body was quickly becoming, he was willing to risk a few noisy seconds if it meant they wouldn't draw out this situation any longer.

He quickened his pace and deepened his thrust, rustling some hangers in the process.

Korra shrilled wrapping her arms around his shoulders. Her eyes were clamped shut and teeth clenched together letting out only fragments of moans and heavy gasps. She bounced in his arms crashing down on his considerable length that curved between her thighs, penetrating the deepest parts of her. Her back knocked against the wall sounding like someone banging on a door but Mako adamantly ignored it.

"Ah! Right there!" She shouted louder than anticipated.

Mako cupped her mouth again and mimicked his movement, continuing to stimulate that spot Korra encouraged him to find.

Korra slapped her palm over his hand as if to add another noise proof shield that could drown out her cries.

"Mm! Mhmm! Mnn nh! Aa! Hgn! Mmh!"

Mako gazed at her looking for that moment he knew she would finally cave in.

Korra returned his stare with wide eyes and curved brows. She seemed to be trying to prolong her orgasm, relishing in the moment just before the peak. She failed helplessly to prolong it further as he silently urged her on.

She released a high and soft pitched whine as her face softened and eyes fluttered. She clawed into his shoulders and finally allowed herself to fall victim to her climax. His next several pumps sent her in decent.

She yelled into his hand as her body convulsed. Korra clutched onto him for dear life as she trembled down her toes, hearing her high heeled shoe hit the ground in the process.

Mako held her close, waiting for her to settle down. He couldn't remember the last time her climax hit her this intensely. She shivered and quaked uncontrollably.

As Korra finally seemed somewhat calm he slowly put her down and let her long dress sweep to the floor. They remained intertwined, her eyes shut and fingers curled against his biceps. He was so focused on her that his own orgasm came and left so swiftly.

She pressed her forehead to his and sighed finally opening her eyes. She lightly caressed the side of his face a her brain rebooted to its full capacity and she remembered where they were.

Mako really was the only person that could take her there and it reminded her of old times, down to the very setting of a naive place to hide.

"..I miss this..." She whispered.

Korra stopped her idle touching as Mako grew stiff. She held in a regretful breath as if to erase the sentence she just breathed life into. She watched Mako clench his jaw and a sinking feeling replaced the butterflies warming her chest.

She shouldn't of said that.

They quickly pulled away turning their backs to one another and began fixing themselves up. Korra's chest suddenly felt so tight she could cry. The mood was completely ruined.

Mako fixed his collar trying not to let what Korra said go to his head. She was just caught in the moment, endorphins too high. They had gone a week without sex. She had a lot of pent up emotion.

Korra turned around first, dipping down to the ground to put her shoe back on. When she stood back up Mako was facing her.

"Your lipstick it's a little faded and smudged." He said.

"Oh, thanks." Korra dug through the coats on the rack until she found her white faux fur jacket. "I think I have a compact in my pocket."

Rummaging through the interior pockets she found her lipstick tube and compact mirror. After fixing her face she looked to him and giggled.

"Your lips are a little too red,"

He looked stupidly shocked and touched his mouth regretfully. "I'll just have to go to the bathroom and wash it off...among other things.."

"And your hair is a little out of place." She reached up and combed her fingers through his locks, bringing down the tuffs of haphazard strands.

Mako gazed at her face that was so attentively focused on styling his hair and couldn't help but crack a small smile. He was sure this was a detail no one would care about to notice.

Korra smirked, "perfect."

Her eyes softened as their faces were close enough to place a single innocent kiss. Feeling the lingering tension caused by their close proximity they stepped away as far as they could given their current limitations.

"Okay, let's head out now." Korra went for the door handle.

"Wait!" Mako lightly took her wrist.

"What?"

"Shh. Someone's coming!"

Bolin pranced down the hallway speaking to someone out of view behind him.

"Thank you so much for your consideration! I'm so excited Kuvira!" He smiled.

They must have been conducting his interview during lunch hour.

"Oh shit" Korra breathed.

"Where are you headed?" Kuvira entered the room, "Cafe is this way."

"Oh yeah, just need to grab my coat."

"Shit!" Mako and Korra both exclaimed.

They moved away from the door, slinking between the jackets as if that would help.

"We have to hide!" Korra whispered.

"Where exactly?!" The inflection in Mako's voice highlighted the stupidity of that statement.

Bolin got within arms length of the door and Korra swallowed realizing now might be the moment to throw in the towel.

"That's a janitors closet Bolin." Kuvira spoke.

"You sure? I could have sworn I hung it up in there with the others."

Kuvira huffed, "well if you did it's covered in bleach now."

Bolin turned and headed out with her, "you're probably right, I'll go ask the front desk."

Kuvira put her hands on her hips, "probably?"

A minute passed before they deemed it was safe to exit but it was Korra who was hesitant this time.

"Hold on..."

Mako nodded and waited, "You think Kuvira knew we were in here?"

Mako scrunched his brows, "No, why do you?"

Korra reached beside him and pulled out a short tan jacket. "because Bolin's coat is right here."

He nodded, "But why would she cover for us?"

"I don't know, but I should find out."

"No! Just deny it!" Mako retorted.

"What good would that do?"

"She did not see us enter or leave, so she's acting off suspicion. If you talk to her assuming she knows you could be giving it away."

Korra blinked, "Good point. So just ignore it."

"Yes," Mako sighed.

She carefully opened the door and walked out closing it behind her. She started down the hallway hearing Mako exit too but only a few moments later.

Glancing behind her she gave a quick nod before they split up.

Korra entered the cafe after a quick trip to the bathroom to freshen up. Bolin waved her over to their table.

"Hey we saved you a spot!"

"Foods probably a little cold though." Kuvira added.

"Thank you anyway." Korra sat down and noticed Kuvira's eyes linger on her a second longer than comfort. It wasn't the playful flirting from before, she was checking for something.

The general mentally studied Korra's demeanor and appearance comparing it to earlier and couldn't find too big of a difference, although...

"Korra you look a bit flustered." She added.

"Really? I feel fine." Korra replied with a causal shrug. "It's just my uncle isn't the best person to talk to sometimes. He's pretty close-minded about certain parts of the world. If I look flustered its probably from arguing with him."

Kuvira only nodded, well played.

Mako then entered the area and Kuvira's eyes narrowed. Either they came in at just the precise difference in time that nothing would seem suspicious or it was entirely calculated.

"Is Mako really not going to sit with us?" Korra asked with a sad tone in her voice.

Bolin scanned the room for his brother who was sitting with other officers from Bei Fongs academy.

"Ah I'd leave him be. But I doubt it's because you're here." Bolin looked at Korra genuinely. She appreciated his attempt but knew that was a lie.

"Yeah. You might be right."

"So what hotel are you staying at?" Kuvira asked, actively changing the subject.

"For what?" Korra replied.

"The summit, the whole reason we're all here."

"Oh" Korra snap out of it!

"I was just planning on staying with Tenzin on the island and commuting here every day."

"Right," Kuvira straightened her back, always keeping such prim posture. "I'm staying at the Omashu Oasis."

"That's where Mako and I will be too!" Bolin added.

"Really?" Kuvira turned to Korra, "You might as well join in too. A fairie and cab ride everyday seems a little of an inconvenience."

She leaned forward placing her elbows on the table top, "We'll make it a little reunion."

Korra swallowed, her throat running dry for several different reasons. Mako said not to jump to conclusions but Kuriva's eyes were practically glowing.

Oh fuck.