Ludas (Part I)
Korra had finished her meeting with restoration and peeked inside the show room to see Prince Iroh directing the gallery staff on where to hang certain pieces of art and decor. It was so kind of him to donate so much of his own family's belongings to the museum. She could tell he was excited to showcase some proper Fire Nation history to Republic City.
She strolled through the exhibitions, languidly glancing over the paintings and wax sculptures of tribes who came before her. As much as she enjoyed her job, it could get pretty dull. As a tourist attraction it really only gained the attention of older guests, artsy teenagers, and school field trips. The long lost crown of an exiled prince was sure to bring in new crowds though, so she was looking forward to that.
Back inside her office Korra sat behind her desk and chipped away at her emails. The remaining hours of her shift stretched on until finally five o'clock rolled round. She stood up and stretched wishing today was Friday, but alas, a Thursday. It seemed as though the more anxious she was for this week to end the slower it ticked by.
Running into Mako at the shopping outlets was a nice surprise though. She felt a bit better about Saturday after her little rendezvous with him. Mako's reaction reassured her that she didn't need to worry about dressing to impress. She blushed softly as she remembered his fiery gaze and invasive touch.
A soft knock sounded at her door.
"Come on in." Korra announced.
"Pardon my intrusion," Iroh walked inside her office and bowed his head.
Korra welcomed him in with a small wave. She wasn't used to people bowing to her but knew he only did that out of habit and didn't want to be rude and correct him.
"Oh no, you're pardoned," she joked, "I'm not doing anything important."
He cupped his hands together gleefully, "Great, I made a few phone calls and I should have an authentic portrait of Fire Lord Zuko getting shipped this way in a week or so."
"Oh wow really!" Korra rounded her desk with her hands clasped to her chest eagerly. "That would be amazing but...I can't ask that of you! Really, you've done so much already!"
He paid for the entire redesign, restoration, historic reproductions and space to expand the exhibit in the future. He hired everyone to help with the event and all Korra really needed to do was supervise.
What started as a small display of the royal crown turned into an entire section of the cultural museum being dedicated to the Fire Nation. Which Korra was overjoyed by, it was the only section of the world that wasn't included yet.
Iroh smiled kindly, "It's my pleasure to do this. My family has rich history and I can't help but want to shed some light on our shortcomings"
Korra sighed, she understood his motivation very well. The Fire Nation was still considered a stain on the world. A century old peace treaty wasn't going to magically erase the generational trauma of war. Just like Mako, Iroh also felt the need to prove himself, just on a much bigger scale.
She also felt a sense of redemption on her part. It was no secret her family wasn't fond of them and she felt a strong desire to bridge the two together. She placed her hand on his shoulder encouragingly.
"I'd love to help you do that in any way that I can. I'm far from assuming the role of chief for my tribe but I can still lead by example and form allies from our enemies."
"Beautifully said Korra. You have my allegiance" He nodded. "And I'll try not to get too carried away." He chuckled softly before turning to leave.
She watched him walk away but felt the need to get a few things off of her chest. They were still in a work-type relationship and she felt the need to be more casual towards him. Her situation with Asami did heavily involve him too so he should be included in these conversations.
Korra stammered, "U-um Iroh?"
He paused, noticing she called him by his name without the formality of attaching Prince or General in front of it.
"Can I just say...thank you for being there for Asami when I couldn't."
His brows shot up in surprise for a moment before he settled again. "Of course, I'm sorry for how you both were treated. It wasn't fair."
"No it wasn't...And it wasn't fair how angry I was with Asami for what she decided to do."
Korra could hardly remember her drunken charade from a few months ago, but she knew how she felt in the moment. So betrayed and insignificant.
Then again, when she learned of their engagement, how she blew her off before Asami could even explain herself. It played out in her head over and over again!
She even disliked Iroh for a small amount of time and here he was showing her nothing but kindness.
"Sorry I don't mean to vent to you out of no where, I'm just nervous for Saturday I guess..."
Iroh was intrigued by Korra, sympathetic certainly but curious to learn her side of this story. From his point of view, they were just two woman caught up in a world that didn't want to see them together, but he knew there was always hope.
Acting out of emotion can often lead people to do things they don't mean or speak out of character.
"Asami has been very vocal about her decision and how much she despises having to loose you Korra. I wouldn't dwell on sins that have already been forgiven."
She bit her lip and let her eyes trail along the ground. "H-has she said anything about me?"
Iroh blinked. He obviously wasn't going to speak on the intimate dream Asami had about Korra. Luckily there was more than that he could share and hopefully lessen her anxiety.
"She still thinks very highly of you." He replied.
Korra sighed in relief, "thank you for letting me know that."
Her eyes dropped to his hands and she observed his wedding band.
"You're a great man Iroh, if there was someone deserving of Asami's hand it's you."
He bowed his head gratefully and this time she returned his gesture. They said their goodbyes and Korra locked up the museum for the night.
Although she was tired from working all day she had one very important stop to make first. She parked outside Tahno's bar and hurried inside escaping the chilly December air.
At the sight of his friend approaching the counter Tahno grinned, "Getting drunk on a Thursday.. I like it."
"I thought I'd keep you company for a bit" Korra replied as she plopped down on her usual bar stool.
"Good, I have a specialty drink I want you to try." He turned his back and began preparing his concoction.
Thursday nights were slow and the faces around them were that of older people and couples enjoying some casual cocktails. Tahno wasn't slammed with drunken crowds and she could tell he was grateful to see a familiar face.
Korra watched as he sliced fruit, measured alcohol, and tossed around ingredients with the precision of an artist. His sleeves were rolled back and apron slightly dirty making him look like one who is very passionate about his craft.
Tahno was so talented, she thought.
Only a year younger than she but already the owner of a successful business. Former MMA pro, one who rivaled herself and surprisingly an expert musician. Guitar, piano, and saxophone under his belt to name a few.
Korra looked down at her twiddling fingers. It wasn't what she was going to ask, but how he would react that made her anxious.
Gathering her wit, she finally decided to reveal the real reason she stopped by tonight.
"Do you want to go on a date?" She leaned against the counter with excitement and a welcoming smile.
Tahno paused, holding the mixer in shock. He peered over his shoulder in confusion like he misunderstood what she said. "Is this some kind of sick joke?"
"I'm being serious," Korra pouted, "let's go on a date."
Her friend turned around and approached her skeptically. He moved slowly, taking cautious steps.
"Like a real one? Like little black dress, suit and tie. I'll pick you up at eight bullshit?"
Korra laughed in disbelief that he was being this dramatic. "Yes!"
He looked around, making sure she wasn't speaking to someone behind him, although no one else was there. The lanky man then peered back at her and pointed to himself. "Me?"
"Tahno," Korra groaned, rolling her bright blue eyes.
He poured her drink and plopped a cactus flower in the lime colored juice.
"Wow, the most eligible bachelorette in town wants to take ME out on a date? What did I do to deserve this honor?"
Korra could tell he was using sarcasm to hide his self-doubt. The last date he went on was hazy in her memory, and it wasn't until after their brunch that she realized Tahno was being neglected from all the fun. He was there for her throughout this whole mess and she wanted to repay him.
Korra cupped his hand gently, "Because you've been a really great friend to me lately and I love you for that."
After her talk with Pema, Korra was thinking all week about the relationships in her life; well the meaningful ones at least. Tahno was the easiest to figure out. Ludas described them so perfectly.
Playful; a bit flirtatious but with respect for one another's boundaries. Korra always felt so at ease with him. There was a bubble of platonic attraction they had for one another and the water-tribe girl really gravitated toward it. He didn't make her question the significance she had in his life.
"You've never judged me or babied me for my decisions. You're always so honest and blunt and unapologetic-"
"Okay okay calm down, my ring size is 9 and I expect a public proposal."
Korra jabbed his arm, but not hard enough for it to hurt. She hated when he discredited their feelings, he was so against genuine affection.
"Come on, go on a date with me." She whined. "I owe you this."
He should consider himself lucky to be the only person Korra would beg for like this. She wasn't the type to dote on just anyone so that alone proved his worth.
He leaned his elbows on the counter with his head lowered, actively trying to avoid her puppy-dog eyes.
"princess.." he hissed. His bangs draped over his face hiding his reddened cheeks.
Korra moved closer to him, realizing his unbothered persona was cracking.
"You know you want to." She whispered. He tilted his head up to see she was right in his face, noses practically touching.
He locked eyes with her as his teeth tore into his bottom lip. "Dinner and dessert?" He asked, his voice low and breathy.
"Mhm." Korra nodded, "and if you play your cards right..." She tugged on his collar salaciously, "I might even let you touch my boob."
Tahno threw his arm up in the air and pulled it back down in a jerking motion, "Yes!"
Korra threw her head back and laughed, disrupting their role play. That's what she loved about him, for someone who looked so serious and threatening all the time he could be so playful when around the right people. Their stupid banter was so addicting not to play along with.
Tahno snickered, "Okay Korra, but I choose the venue and I pick you up."
"no! I'm taking you out!" She protested.
"I'll give you what you want and go on your little date" He scrunched up his face mockingly, "But let me do this. I promise you won't regret it."
After a brief moment she shrugged in defeat, beggars cant be choosers. "Fine, you seem like you already have a place in mind?"
He looked away with a fond expression. "A few places actually.."
Korra noticed how easy it was for him to slip right back into his mysterious, sultry energy. He pushed the drink toward her with titillation behind his gaze.
"Tomorrow night, 9 o'clock, expect to be out late.."
-O-
Friday, 8:45 p.m.
Korra walked out of her closet in a pastel sundress that was skin hugging but not too tight. She entered her room and approached her wall length mirror. After a few swift turns to access every angle of her body she groaned indecisively.
"What about this one?"
Turning on her heel she looked at Naga for her approval. Her dog's ears perked up before dropping suddenly. She then placed her paw over her nose and whined.
"Okay okay. Not this one.." Korra replied. She zipped it down and returned to try on the 6th outfit of the evening.
After a few more try-ons she settled on a deep red blouse with a long keyhole opening in the front. It was revealing enough to cause people to look at the swell of her breasts but still date appropriate. Her bottoms were black straight leg pants that were slightly tapered at the ankle. It was the colder part of the year so she wore a pair of low-heeled ankle boots and a fur coat.
The door bell rang and she quickly went to answer it. "Bye girl! Behave!"
As soon as her owner left the room Naga deviously jumped up on her bed and made herself nice and cosy.
Korra swung the door open and regarded the sight of him in gentle shock. Tahno stood before her with his hands casually down by his sides. He looked up at her from the curtain of his hair with a coy expression.
"Wow," Korra smiled, "y-you look great."
He was dressed in a modern, yet classically traditional silk tunic with black pressed pants. The shirt was adorned with elaborate patterns and a curved buttoned collar. It was also lined in red which coincidentally matched her choice in attire as well.
She couldn't recall the last time she saw Tahno look so done up. A part of her didn't think he'd go all out for this date. It wasn't a traditional one really and he didn't need to impress her, but this was a pleasant surprise. It was nice to see he was actually taking this seriously.
His lips parted crookedly, "And you, very attractive..."
Tahno gaped at her body with careful eyes. Korra revealing this much cleavage was an interesting sight to see but he wasn't complaining in the slightest.
He didn't know what to expect out of this date with her but was ready to give Korra a night to remember.
She blushed, "Is it too much?"
"No no! Perfect for where we are going." He replied. He extended his arm and she wrapped hers around it and they set off for the night.
After a thirty minute drive Korra found herself in Upper City. The last time she was in this part of town was on a date with Asami. The only thing she remembered was that everyone and everything seemed snooty and expensive.
To her surprise they pulled up to a quaint two story restaurant that looked like a vintage town home. It was painted a deep mahogony color with cobblestone brickwork. Tahno tossed his keys to the valet and escorted Korra inside.
"Wow, valet parking? Do they chew your food for you too in this place?"
Tahno laughed, his hand respectfully resting on her lower back. "only if you're into that."
Korra knew he was only playing up her joke but got the sudden notion he wasn't being completely sarcastic.
Once inside, Korra was engulfed in a vast array of sights, sounds, and aromas. A jazz band was playing along one side of the room. The soft beats and rhythmic saxophone instantly set the mood.
She smelled rustic embers from food being cooked directly over the flame and could practically taste the seared meats.
The locale was darkly lit and Korra got the same vibes she usually did during Tahno's poetry nights. People clad in semi formal garb sat at their booths, eating and drinking contently.
"Wow." Korra sighed, this place screamed Tahno's aesthetic. Prim like his taste in clothing, music, and finer things, but not gaudy. She loved it.
They walked down a long runway, where tables of varying sizes flanked either sides of their path. Posh individuals sat dining and quietly chatting.
She felt like she was in a 1920's speakeasy as she watched them drink from martini glasses and smoke thin cigarettes. The tables were adorned with candle light which lit their faces from a dramatic angle making them look all the more daunting.
As they casually exchanged eye contact Korra held onto Tahno's arm a bit tighter.
"Intimidated?" He joked. He knew she'd feel a bit out of place in this club. The gothic atmosphere something he never really exposed her to before.
"No, but I am worried they'll have a taste for blood" Korra smirked. Any one of these guests looked straight out of some vampire novella, including Tahno.
Her date snickered, "oh we do." He leaned down to her height, "and you're dessert."
He eyed the bend of her neck like he was considering taking a bite. Korra noticed his sharp cologne, it smelled like caramelized sugar and peonies. She chased the scent as he stepped away.
They were seated in a private booth toward the back of the venue. It was quite big for two people with a curtain to draw if they wanted secrecy. Korra couldn't help but feel like something was up, but she knew Tahno wouldn't lead her astray so she just went along with it.
Her friend ordered an entire assortment of food and drinks. Korra let him take full reign on their dinning experience and enjoyed the unique cuisines being offered to her. He knew her palate of taste very well and she was surprised by that fact. Korra never realized just how much her friends actually paid attention to the little details of her.
"Try this first," Tahno recommended. He laid out the chronological order of their meal and Korra gleefully enjoyed a mixture of seafood and rare expensive meats.
"mmm." She cooed as he fed her from the end of his fork.
Apparently the thinly sliced meat she was eating was directly imported from the Fire Nation. Each entree complimented the last and his choices in alcoholic pairs were obviously immaculate.
Tahno seemed pleased she was enjoying his selection. He even allowed her to show him how she'd eat certain fish back in the South. Raw wasn't his first choice, but tasty nonetheless.
Once their courses were finished, they ended on small cups of sorbet blended to cleanse their palates and freshen their breath. Korra swallowed the ice cold custard and dabbed her mouth modestly as they talked.
"You know I actually hated you in college." Korra smirked, biting down on another spoon full of cold cream. "No exaggeration,"
It was was crazy for her to admit that now, considering they were so close. Tahno became one of those friends that you easily lost track of time with. She couldn't even remember when they became friends.
Tahno smiled wickedly, "well princess the feeling was very much mutual." He turned his nose up at her and took a bite from his taro flavored dessert.
"Oh please!" Korra rolled her eyes and cocked her head to one side trying to put on her best Tahno impersonation.
"I could give you some private lessons." She quoted. "You were so high and mighty all the time. Like what the hell does that even mean?"
He lifted her chin with his index finger, "It means I wanted to fuck."
Korra blushed and quickly plucked her chin out of his grasp. "I don't believe that. What was your real plan? Mess around and get me disqualified from the matches?"
Tahno leaned back into the cushion with his legs parted wide. He smoothed out the wrinkles in his shirt casually, "You don't get disqualified for fucking around. And trust me Korra everyone did it."
By that time she was still a bit new to the pro MMA scene. She didn't mingle with many people other than her own teammates. Tahno made his presence known whenever he was around so there was no forgetting him and his team the Wolf Bats.
Korra crossed her legs and laid beside him, "so by everyone you mean you too?"
"Mmhm so much so my own family disowned me."
Korra was taken back by how casually he said that. He would never joke about something this serious but she never knew this about his life.
"W-what?" She stammered.
Tahno sat up, not wanting to kill the mood. "My teammates and I were...close. We fooled around like any queer college kids would, but things got messy. He liked him, she liked them, I fucked her." He rolled his eyes remembering the prepubescent drama.
"The team disbanded and I was outed."
Korra laid her her hand on his knee and squeezed it lightly. She remembered when he told her not to catch feelings for Mako as they formed their no strings attached relationship, as he was speaking from experience.
Now she knew what experience he was talking about.
"So I'm sorry for being such a dick to you back then but winning the championship pot was my chance at being able to support myself."
Luckily they did win and Tahno left university his third year, Korra's fourth. Loosing the championship before graduation still stung a bit but now that she knew his side of the story she was glad she lost.
"I opened my bar and met some people who were able to help me get by."
"And what about your family? Did they ever come around?" Korra asked.
"No." He replied bluntly, "but I'm not heartbroken. As far as I'm concerned it's their loss."
Korra wrapped her arm around his torso and hugged him. This was the second friend of hers with a shitty, homophobic family. She was getting so tired of having to combat these archaic narratives. That was another thing she would abolish once she was chief. Her parents, although didn't disown her for dating Asami, didn't feel the need for Korra to tell anyone. Which to her just meant they were ashamed and feared being publicly ostracized.
"Hey don't go getting all soft on me." Tahno playfully pushed her away but she held on. "That's ancient history"
She didn't move from his side.
"Korra..." he cupped her face and saw a few beads of water fall from her eyes.
"Hey hey no crying on dates!" He picked up a clean handkerchief and dabbed her face, careful not to smudge her makeup. "Especially not for me..." Tahno had tough skin, and at this point in his life he had nothing to prove to anyone.
"I'm sorry." She dropped her hands in his lap, "I'm too empathetic at times."
Tahno traced the underside of her jaw with his thumb. Secretly he truly appreciated Korra's kinship. Although he'd never admit this to her, he relied on it. Her energy was what gravitated him to her initially. Even back then, he enjoyed their rival banter and knew that if he was persistent enough, they'd make good friends.
Korra's affinity reminded him that he was actually capable of being truly loved. As much as he gave relationship advice to others he was a bit of a lone wolf. That was a direct response to the bruises in his past relationships that he never wanted to dig up again. So he kept himself kind of guarded most of the time, but that didn't stop Korra's persistence to find a way in.
"That's not a weakness love, I know you probably feel like your infatuation needs to be tunneled toward one direction. But I see no reason not to fully embrace it, even if it is for more than one person."
Korra realized that sounded similar to what Pema said. There was no need to rush to a conclusion.
"Trust me, I'm pansexual I'm an expert in that category." He smirked.
Korra smiled softly. Her hand very carefully trailed along his neck before cupping the space behind his ear and pulling him against her lips.
His eyes were wide at first, shocked in the moment. They separated and Korra watched his expression carefully. She hoped that was okay to do. Yes they've fooled around before during drunken activities but this time it was real and intentional. They were always playfully flirting, it was the magic that wove their friendship together. She just never took the risk to act on it until now.
They were never romantically involved and if they only remained friends he would be equally as pleased. There was never any pressure or concern on his end to pursue her sexually. He was comfortable with whatever she wanted and was happy with this alternative.
Tahno pitched forward without another word. His only thought was to find that feeling again. The euphoric moment when they kissed and everything else melted away.
"Mmmm." He purred, there it was. He savored every second of it. This physical comfort that came so naturally to her. It wasn't a weakness at all but a talent. Mako, Kuvira...Korra was able to provide for them individually. Her empathy allowed her to form to their needs and offer herself up as therapy, and in return she soothed her own troubles.
He tasted the sorbet on her tongue and enjoyed nipping at the fullness of her bottom lip. She clapped her hands on either side of his face as he snaked his arm around her waist and pulled her flush against his chest.
Tahno knew Korra was good, that was evident by the amount of people chasing after her. Now he got to experience first hand how much of a siren she was in nature. When she committed to her actions and intent, she went all in. When she kissed you, it was passionate and filled with singular devotion.
Mako was one lucky bastard, he thought. To think a woman like this was practically throwing herself at him and all she could say was how emotionally constipated he acted in return. You really don't appreciate what you have until it's gone.
Korra tugged on his collar and bit deeply into his lip. He hissed against her teeth but before they got too carried away he had to stop.
"Wait..N-not here." Tahno spoke in between heaving breaths.
"W-why?" Korra muttered, she was already in the mindset and practically forgot they were still in the restaurant. Like that even made a difference to her.
"I told you, we have one more place to go." He adjusted his shirt and slid out of the booth. He grabbed her fur coat and held it open for her to slip her arms into the sleeves. "come on."
He paid for their meal and they briskly walked to the left side of the venue, opposite the dinning hall. They walked down several hallways, growing further and further away from the main attraction. Stopping at a locked door, Korra watched as Tahno flipped a latch on the side and typed in a passcode. It buzzed to an open and they entered a corridor that was empty apart from two large elevator doors. Korra looked around to see a few other guests also queuing up behind them.
She took Tahno's hand, "where are we going?" She whispered.
He winked, "Time for dessert,"
The doors opened and the small crowd stepped inside the lift. Once closed it dropped down to the basement level and it was then Korra heard the faint sound of music.
A ding signaled their arrival and the couples ahead of them filed out two and three at a time.
The sight before her was a completely dark lobby that was lit by soft florescent bulbs. The colors of the room were a deep red, violet, and blue. The music was loud but sounding far off as if in another room.
Korra looked to her right to see other people standing along the walls. Some smoking while others chatted quietly. She noticed one person wore a dress that barely covered the swell of their ass. The thigh high tights she wore acting as pants.
"Are we...still in the restaurant?" She asked.
"More or less..." Tahno replied.
They approached a line of people who were taking out what looked like metal credit cards. She watched as Tahno did the same and realized this club they were at must have some sort of membership.
They walked up to a tall man who stood behind a booth of plexiglass. He was wearing a suit with a thin cigarette pursed between his lips. His desk had what looked to be a cash register, and several monitors set up in a semi circle around him.
"Tahno Le Pham and guest."
A few people behind them, assumingely also checking in, took notice when Tahno voiced his name. Korra watched as they whispered and pointed at them curiously.
The man swiped Tahno's credit card and handed it back to him.
"This way." He lead them out of the lobby and Korra began to hear the music grow louder.
The lights were brighter yet kept a soft ambient atmosphere, like a sunset. It smelled good here, like cologne and something soft, vanilla maybe? She started to hear groups of people ahead and began to grow anxious.
She took Tahno's arm tightly, "Where are we?" She whispered.
"Brace yourself princess" he breathed, holding her close.
Their escort lead them through a pair of double doors and what lied on the other side wasn't anything close to what she thought it'd be.
Latex, vinyl, fishnets, masked faces, dazzling displays of bejeweled bodies and corseted waists. She had never seen such an array of attractive people all in one place and they all moved about with one purpose in mind. To perform the many acts of service most only dared to do behind closed doors.
Korra's jaw dropped at the blatant display of what she could only describe as sin incarnate.
"Holy shit..."
A few things:
1) I'll ask just like I have before. How do you feel about a Tahno/Mako/Korra scenario? (It'll be believable, have some faith)
2) Ludas Part II is already written, so if this gets a good response I will post part two!
3) I'm on Twitter now :)