Twin Flame
"The names' Varrick!" He exclaimed.
Asami gasped as he took hold of her palm and pulled her down to his sitting height. The man eagerly shook her hand firmly with vigorous excitement. After a few seconds he let her go and nodded nonchalantly to General Iroh. Iroh responded similarly with a short bow of his head almost pessimistically.
There seemed to be a bit of tension between them that no one actively addressed. Asami chucked it up to their cultural differences noting that Varrick was part of the posh Northern Water Tribe society and Iroh Fire-Nation. When Asami dated Korra, she told her all about how indifferent her distance relatives were toward Fire Nation citizens, but she didn't realize how deeply rooted the hatred of tribes was.
"I'm glad you were able to find your way down here...I'm sure it came as a bit of a shock!" Varrick eyed Asami's attire and seemed pleased she followed their non-verbal dress code.
Shock is one word to describe this place....she thought, hugging her coat a bit tighter to her chest. "Yeah you could say that, but I'm as equally grateful to finally meet you in the flesh." It's always nerve wrecking handling money, and to think she put all of her eggs into his basket without meeting in person. Probably one of the most impulsive things she's ever done but very much needed.
Her brow perked as she glossed around the room, trying to decipher her current setting. A part of her felt a bit unsafe but maybe that was just because of the several pairs of eyes slithering up and down her body. Iroh placed an encouraging hand on the small of her back as he noticed her retreating body language.
His posse dressed much more...comfortably than she did and they seemed to have noticed that fact. One woman with a thin cigarette pursed between her lips wore a top that was completely sheer revealing her bare chest and small brown nipples. Another man wore a pair of leather pants with cut-outs in revealing places. Varrick was the only one dressed modestly, in a three piece suit no doubt making him stand out as the leader amongst the others. However, Asami could tell how they dressed wasn't considered taboo nor did it feel like they were being sexualized even though the venue suggested as such.
"I hope the secrecy wasn't too...ominous," He continued with his eyes narrowing dramatically.
"Your reputation precedes you." Asami replied. That was enough of a reason to trust his odd ways of conducting business.
"I am a man of many names and many of my endeavors require my attention. I'll only be in the city a few weeks so we should optimism my time here."
Asami clapped her hands together, "Right, well I completely agree. I won't take too long-"
"Sure you will! Pop a squat and ask away! I'm sure you're very curious." He smirked with a flamboyant wave of his hand.
Asami looked to Iroh a bit questionably, she got the vibe Varrick was a bit eccentric but now she was experiencing it up close. If he was going to help her pull her company out of the mud they might as well get somewhat acquainted. She sat down and awkwardly adjusted herself on one of the large ornate pillows, "First of all. What is this place exactly?" Her usual business meetings were in a restaurant or an office building, there must be a specific reason he wanted to see her here.
"W-wait?" He scanned the room, interrupting her yet again. "Where's ah..." snapping his fingers he made a twisted face trying to jog his memory. "Ah...where's ah...the kid? Le Pham?"
"Tahno?" Asami voiced.
"Yes!" He exclaimed. "Tahno! For some reason his name always escapes me! Yes," They all looked around to see if he had just gone unnoticed.
"He had to leave." Asami replied, her face looking a bit annoyed.
Varrick waved his hand dismissively, "That sound's like em'...anyway lets get another round of drinks in here!"
From the back of the room where heavy curtains were drawn two people emerged from behind them. One man and one woman carrying an array of refreshments. Asami averted her gaze once she saw how scantly clad they were dressed, practically naked in fact. They very easily walked around the room and distributed the multicolored beverages. As they walked up to the pair Asami and Iroh politely declined.
Varrick smirked and as the severs left he snatched one of the drinks from their tray and placed it in front of Asami. "No need to stand on ceremony...You might need it." His voice and demeanor changed in that split second of interaction, like he knew something Asami didn't. The heiress lowly glanced around again, reminding herself to keep her guard up.
"You said you go by other names..." She prompted.
"Oh yes. Straight to the point." Varrick lifted his palm in the air and almost robotically his guests all stood up and exited the room. Once they left he continued.
"My full name is Iknik Blackstone Varrick. Varrick Industries you are obviously aware of..." He ran his palms down his expensive jacket boastfully.
"One of the largest shipping distributors in the world. Leading franchise in modern and industrial technology and software-"
"You also own Blackstone wineries and Iknik Incorporated..." Iroh included.
"AND my most recent success in Deja-Varrick Body Shoppe and Physical Pleasantries!" Varrick rejoiced.
"What?" Asami asked.
"Ya' know! whips, gags, vibrators, restraints, sex machines, chokers, dildos, those little tassel things that stick to your boobs-"
"I know what you're referring to!" Asami interrupted as he brought his hands to his chest in demonstration. "I just didn't expect one of the wealthiest people in the world to operate out of a brothel."
Varrick chuckled darkly, "There's no money to be made in devaluing certain lines of work. Your narrow mind is one of the reasons Sato Industries hasn't grown past its terrorist reputation."
Asami sat back a little, looking a bit offended.
"Don't turn your nose up at my establishment or my workers, especially when the majority of the people YOU work with are members here. Including Ol' daddy-o Hiroshi Sato."
Asami shook her head, her father was a lot of things but this seemed...farfetched. "I don't believe-"
"You don't have to, but know this..." He lifted his index finger matter-of-factly. "sex sells and quite frankly I am where ever money is to be made!" He clapped his hands together happily and took a jolly sip of his liquor.
"Since I have many aliases most people aren't aware of all of my sources of income..." he leaned across the table. "Also does great when I'm dealing with taxes" He joked.
"The Secret Tunnel is one example of that, Tahno is my co-founder and tends to handle all the inner workings and mumbo-jumbo."
"And you just collect the passive income?" Iroh asked.
"Precisely! I like you! You pay attention!" Varrick said whilst pointing at General Iroh. Asami noticed Varrick spoke in a sort of sarcastic way that came off very subtlety condescending if you paid close enough attention.
"But also, most importantly, I would never tarnish the reputation of my beloved wife, my other half, my other name... Iknik Blackstone Moon.." He placed his hand on his chest and swooned.
"Moon..As in President Zhu Li Moon?" Iroh asked.
"Yes I took my wife's last name what kind of misogynistic man do you take me for!"
"No wonder..." Asami spoke under her breath. He was married to one of the most powerful women in the world! No wonder he had such high up connections and resources.
A pit fell in her gut as she felt like prey landing in a Venus flytrap and the mouth was slowly beginning to close around her.
"So your goal is to buy out as many companies and avenues as you can. All under your one corporate umbrella, headed by other individuals while you hide in the background." She spoke.
"I wouldn't technically say hide..but yes," He nodded. "Individuals like yourself Asami...I knew you were one intelligent young woman." Varrick called for an attendant and a very large intimidating man walked inside holding a stack of papers.
"And what if they say no?" Asami asked.
"Then I buy them, foreclose, sue, or create a competitor that pushes them out of the market leaving them without a penny to their name!" Varrick replied, he paused once he realized how hard that sounded. "However, if I can work with these smaller companies I'd rather choose the path with least resistance."
Asami hummed. "If my father is a member here, why did you decide to work with me to get him arrested?"
"Because the man's public image is disgraceful! One thing about making money is you gotta' be likable! No one in their right mind would partner with Sato Industries right now, but I'm confident in you Asami. I truly am." He took several of the papers and a few pens from the attendant and began sorting them out.
Asami could admit what he said was very true, her company was way under at the moment. Varrick was responsible for a lot of war propaganda a few years back and his short films very easily swayed the public opinion, she was hoping he could do the same for her company.
"I have been working on a charity drive for Winter Season, we haven't done one in many years and I'm sure the people of Republic City would appreciate it. It would also help us move away from our military background." Truthfully making machinery for war was never something Asami thought their company should be doing. They were the pioneers in automobiles and she wanted to expand in that way of transporting the future.
Varrick paused and his expression darkened a bit, "Sato tech empowered the North during our Civil War, laying to waste our sister tribe in the South." He titled his head slightly in thought, "You know my mother's side is originally South and I find my loyalty unyielding..."
He blinked and turned to them with a sly smile. "So! This charity thing you got goin' on is definitely a good first step!"
He clicked his pen and slid a contract across the table toward her. "I must remind you that whatever is done or said down here is very strictly confidential Miss Sato."
Asami looked down at the paper and glossed over the fine print, she felt like she could trust Varrick but only in the way you would trust a polar bear trap. It won't close on you as long as you watch where you step.
"That sounds like a threat." She retorted. "How many of your endeavorers would need a non-disclosure agreement?"
Varrick shook his head exhaustingly. Tahno was supposed to "de-brief" her but I guess that was his unfortunate task at the moment. She was still thinking far too small for a scale much broader than her own. Varrick worked with leaders from all over the world, some in direct conflict with each other. As a private contractor discretion was his very bloodline, he had to be the neutral party...most of the time.
"Let's stick a pin in this shall we?" Varrick announced. He scooped up the papers and handed them back to the security guard.
Asami hesitated, did she just blow her chance!? "W-wait no..I-"
"Get Miss Sato and General Iroh a few memberships so they can check out the facility for themselves." Varrick told the guard, his smile was wide and childlike. He stood up and patted his suit of any wrinkles. "Once you're ready, you know where to find me."
And with those few words he walked away, disappearing behind the curtains.
"I-I don't understand..." Asami mumbled, what did she say wrong?
Iroh shrugged a bit puzzled himself. "We should..do what he said?"
"Hello?" They heard a soft voice say.
A woman with long black hair dressed in a silk teddy walked into the room holding a platinum tray. Asami blinked, noticing how familiar she looked, she couldn't quite pinpoint how though.
"My name is Mae and I'd like to formally welcome you to the Secret Tunnel Society Miss-" She paused, catching Asami's green gaze that weirdly matched her own. It was like looking in a mirror although she was a bit older and way more expensive in taste and beauty.
"Asami?" She spoke. The tone in her voice seemingly surprised.
"You know who I am?" Asami asked, just as confused.
The girl blushed heavily and looked down at the tray holding their new credit cards and membership pamphlets. The remnants of Friday night flashed before her eyes as she connected the dots. This is the girl! This has to be her!
Korra's Asami...
Taking another glance at the credit cards she read Asami's last name and grew even more flustered. Sato...as in Sato Industries! She had sex with Asami Sato's ex-girlfriend!?
Mae quickly gathered her composure, thinking to herself what a strange coincidence this turned out to be. Her job never got this juicy before, it was a lot to unpack and honestly she didn't know what to do with this information.
"Ah..um y-yes! I...I I would recognize Asami Sato anywhere.." She approached the couple and handed them the platinum cards with their names engraved on them. "I saved up to buy my first Sato-mobile when I was only 19..."
"...Small world." Asami muttered, looking over her card.
"Yeah.." Mae huffed, she didn't even know that half of it. Korra and Tahno were here just the other night. "If you'll follow me, I would be honored to escort you around. Varrick instructed how crucial it was for you to see...everything."
Asami nodded, her eyes wide with hesitant curiosity. Before they ventured into the unknown, she swiped the glass of alcohol Varrick had placed in front her and drank the entire thing in one fell swoop.
Korra mumbled and rolled over onto her back as another morning crept over the horizon. After several seconds of lazy breaths she welcomed the day with a tired yawn. After a moment to gather her wit she quickly sat up and glanced to the right side of her bed. It was empty and a part of her questioned why she really thought it would be otherwise.
Was Mako sleeping beside her another cruel dream? Or maybe he snuck away again, not wanting to have another heated conversation? Her bottom lip poked out in a pout as she pondered the theatrics of emotions from last night. She finally told him... Are you happy now Tahno? Korra groaned threw her teeth realizing how unsatisfying this all felt. After a quick shower she traveled down stairs and instantly smelled the amazing aroma of a home cooked breakfast. Naga sat in the living room happily wagging her tail and that was indicator enough that Detective Mako was still here.
As the princess entered her kitchen Mako was facing away from her cooking something on the stove. Korra paused for a moment, remembering how familiar this all seemed. Although Mako was in her place and she in his attempting to offer a mid-morning brunch. If today played out anything like before, they'd be screaming in each-other's faces before fucking away all of the aggression. She cleared her throat and approached him cautiously, her eyes trailed very modestly over the curve of his shoulders and down his back.
Mako turned around a bit startled by her interruption but not in an unwelcoming way. He seemed really warm, as odd as that thought was...maybe it was just the rays of light peering into the kitchen and emanating off of his skin that conveyed this radiance. Korra half expected their argument to pick up where it left off but he seemed weirdly content right now.
He was holding a pan of stir fry and Korra appreciated the mix of Southern meats and spices he threw in. He was always so much better at cooking than she was and she didn't realize until now how much she missed that.
"Good morning." He voiced.
Korra leaned over the pot and inhaled the scent, "mmm-Morning, that smells so good."
"Thank you." Mako replied, he seemed grateful she thought so. He turned on his heel and plated the food. Along with the stir fry he made rice and eggs for more filling protein.
"Beifong is still intergoating the rest of the staff back at the station, so we have some time before we need to go in."
"Oh yeah," Korra muttered, she had almost forgotten the insanity that unfolded late last night. She couldn't stop the stab of guilt that pierced her chest knowing the crown was missing. "That's good, gives me time to get my head straight."
He picked up Korra's plate and carefully handed the hot contents to her. He stepped up to her suspiciously close, enough for her to smell his freshly showered skin. "Don't worry about it, I think it's safe to say you're innocent." He smirked.
Korra offered a small smile, indulging his humor and took her food. Mako remained standing in front of her with one hand under her plate. Korra looked up at him a bit puzzled and froze as he leaned down and pressed a gentle yet passionate kiss to her lips. A small squeak escaped Korra's mouth as his tongue very gently swiped across her lips. She found herself leaning into their embrace, kissing him back, sharing in...whatever this was.
They broke away and she remained gazing at him, trying to read his intentions. He turned away and plated his portion of their meal like that was something normal to do for someone who was just arguing with her twelve hours ago.
"W-what was that?" She asked a bit breathlessly. It wasn't unwelcome but she was just confused. Why was he acting like everything was cool?
"A kiss" he replied non-chalantly. He picked up his plate and sat down at her dinning table. Once Naga heard the chair scrape across the floor she hurried over to the table hoping to get a bite of his food. Mako picked up a small chunk of meat with a small smirk on his face.
Korra rolled her eyes, "Don't feed her that, you know she has a special diet."
Naga whined as Mako pulled away a chunk of his seal-sausage. "Sorry girl." He whispered, giving her sympathetic pats.
Korra clenched her teeth and glanced around again, seeing the edges of this wet-dream begin to fray. She walked up to the table and put down her plate. "I've lost my appetite."
The detective took a slow breath and watched as she turned away.
"You told me you loved me..." He breathed.
Korra stopped, took a breath, and turned on her heel, "So what?"
Mako remained cool, he didn't want to raise his voice although Korra knew which buttons to push to get him to do so. His hazel eyes watched her face, looking for any ounce of sincerity.
"That's really all you can say?"
"I'm sorry I'm not saying what you want to hear." Korra shook her head, not feeling the need to repeat herself. "Don't for a second think I don't know what you're doing." Although for a moment she almost fell for it.
Staying the night, cooking her breakfast, a kiss good morning, getting on Naga's good side..."I'm not going to play house with you..."
Mako stood up from the table, "I-I'm just trying to show you what we could be! What I want us t-"
Korra's shoulders jumped as she physically cringed, "Save it Mako!"
"You're not pushing me away this time!" Mako exclaimed, he reached for her arm and lightly took hold of her hand. "I understand what you're going through, and I can wait-I can help you-and we don't have to sex for me to do that! I-"
"I had sex with Tahno." Korra declared. She looked Mako straight in his face to make sure he saw how serious she was.
Mako blinked, he couldn't even comprehend her words...When did she even have time to do this? They were just...friends. Tahno and her never did anything serious before...Where did this even come from?!
"Wa-when did-how?"
"F-friday," Korra stammered, her throat running dry. "I asked him out on a date...and...it was a really good date..."
Mako looked down at their intertwined palms. Why didn't she ask him? He could admit she didn't have to but...He would have.. They could date other people yes but did that mean they couldn't date each other?...If she loved him why would she choose someone else? He swallowed harshly as the liquid toxicity of jealously bubbled in his chest.
"Then Saturday night...and Sunday..." Korra continued, her voice low and breathy allowing him to assume what she was alluding too.
Mako let go of her hand as this truly sunk in. After he told her he loved her, she decided to spend her weekend with someone else. Instead of running to him she ran away and he chased after her like an idiot.
He nodded abruptly, letting her words jumble around in his mind until he accepted them. He remembered last night, when Korra said goodbye and Tahno's smug little wink. Mako scraped his teeth together, cursing at himself for not seeing what was right in front of him. This was different, Tahno wasn't one of Korra's strings... They were...dating, she didn't just have sex with him. It wasn't "against the rules" but it still hurt like Hell.
Korra was right, he wasn't cut out for this.
But he was still stubborn enough to try. "So when you said-"
"I know what I said." Korra whined, her eyes glossy but tears holding still. "Tahno told me I should be honest with you so I did..." She shrugged. "That doesn't mean anything...At least not right now because I'm not going to string you along in hopes that you'll get this..." She turned back to her kitchen where their breakfast sat getting cold.
"You know what's funny! This is the one thing Tahno told me not to do! And as far as I'm concerned he was right because I don't even know if I want this!"
Mako started to mentally check out of the conversation. It was the only way to protect the shreds of his heart she was plucking at.
"I get it." He walked around her toward the office and like choreography Korra stopped him. "Do you know why! Do you even care why!"
Mako huffed, "I'm sure you're going to tell me anyway."
"Because he doesn't want anything from me! With Tahno I can just breathe! He's not asking for a partner or a relationship from me. He doesn't expect anything from me!"
"But you couldn't find it in yourself to tell him you loved him?" Mako turned his nose up at her, already knowing the answer to that question. "No...no you didn't, because you don't. Because you know deep down you're just using him!"
"No Mako! I was using you!" Korra snapped. Thick trails of water spilled from her lids as she physically repelled her own words. She wanted to believe them, but there was no more life in these lies and he knew that. He matched her gaze but still remained stern in his voice, "No you weren't" He responded.
"Why do you get like this!? You are so possessive! This little game you've got going with Kuvira has rotted your brain!" He wasn't going to quit!
"It doesn't matter what you tell yourself Korra, I know the truth. You Want him but you don't Need him...You want them...But this isn't good for you! Not anymore!"
Korra looked down at the floor, rejecting Mako's hazel eyes that peered into her soul. Why was she so caught up in these half empty desires when he was right here willing to give her everything?!
"I know what you need, I've always known what you've needed otherwise you wouldn't have gone down this shitty road with me! He's always been there this whole time right!? Why even bother with me then? If Kuvira was just as satisfying...If Asami is truly better without you..."
Korra shook her head, not wanting to hear his voice anymore. Her teeth tore into her bottom lip as she was out of excuses. Her chest twisted and prickled around her heart space, the sensation unbearable.
He gazed down at her from his towering height and carefully lifted her chin to see her softened gaze, "Korra...?" He whispered. He didn't like 'lecturing' her like this, but how else could he talk some sense into her?
She stammered, unable to speak another word, completely tongue-tied as several emotions fought for dominance.
How did their roles get so drastically reversed? Was all of this too premature?
"Mako..." She sighed. "Let this go..."
His fingers slipped behind her ear and tugged on a few strands of her hair. "I can't-"
His gaze fell on her lips and as he began to place another kiss she turned her head and his mouth fell upon her cheek lifelessly.
"We can't do this anymore..." She muttered. Their friends with benefits contract officially ran its course.
Mako swallowed his breath and nodded somberly as he took a moment to process. He backed away with his head gently swaying as she refused to watch him go.
Okay Korra, whatever you want.
(Whenever I post late there is more room for errors so apologies in advance! Glad to be back *in some capacity)