Case Closed
Asami straddled Prince Iroh as they rolled over on the plush, champagne red sheets of the bed. Her thighs squeezed either side of his hips as she sunk down on his slick erection. They let out a mutual gasp as she took in every inch of his shaft without skipping a beat. Even after a few minutes to adjust to him she was still a bit taken back. General Iroh wasn't lacking in size, his cock was a bit above average but with just the right amount of girth and a curve that promised to massage every thread of nerves bundled within her.
She clawed down the length of his chest, enjoying the stark comparison between his skin and her bright red nails. She never realized how attracted she was to men with chest hair until now. Her hand was smaller than the size as his pecs which reminded her of his strength. The muscles were hard and firm as she scratched them playfully. He hardly flinched, his large hands cupped and squeezed her hips in response. A good sign that he enjoyed it, although that was a tame way to describe how he felt.
The sight of her disheveled hair, smudged lipstick, and jaded expression left him awestruck in a lustful daze. No better than any other man, of course he'd imagine what they'd be like. What she'd look like naked, draped in a shade of blushing red. What she'd taste like...His fantasies paled in comparison to the real thing.
A nobleman tames his hunger though, and Iroh was bred to do just that and took pride in the fact that he was without a wondering eye. However, when it came to Asami...she always had a way of captivating him. Not only in appearance but intelligence, wit, tenacity. Nothing more attractive than a woman he admired.
Asami threw her head back and groaned as she was inching herself closer and closer to the end. She could feel his tip probing that sensitive spot deep within her and it took an enormous amount of restrain not to ride it out. She didn't want to stop. This was months of built up frustration being released in one fell swoop. If felt like she had been edging herself for weeks, distracting her own desires with work and a dysfunctional family. Now she could release all of her inhibitions with no shame and Iroh was happy to participate.
There were many nights between the two of them were they could have taken their relationship to this step, but he was always respectfully aware of her boundaries and she was still helplessly pinning after someone else. There was an air of relief in knowing those months of silent torture were over.
At first she could tell he was a bit hesitant to get rough with her so she had to take the lead momentarily. From the second they entered the room she was tearing at his clothes and him hers although at a pace that stunted her ferocity. Once they were on the bed, it was tender and soft caresses as he learned how she wanted to be touched and held. His large, veiny hands thrummed her pussy, fingering her clit and parting her inner lips to explore the tenderness inside her. He hungrily licked and sucked at her breasts, finding it amusing when she encouraged him to bite her. Asami never gave the impression that she was a rough girl behind closed doors, it was a welcomed surprise but slow to adjust.
This was all fine for the first ten or so minutes, but Asami didn't want to be loved, she wanted to be fucked.
Iroh soon got the idea and gave her just what she needed. He spread her legs wide and filled her to the hilt. The sounds Asami made encouraged him to go harder, faster. There was no room for foreplay with her and although a bit disappointed he couldn't cherish her longer, he happily aimed to please. A small part of him hoped there would be other times they could go again and explore different methods. A chivalrous man he was at his core.
Now that she was on top and got to control the pace, relentlessness was her motive. Her hips swiveled and moved in ways he couldn't describe. He reached up and began massaging her tits as she bounced higher and higher on his cock. Her hair fanned down her shoulders and messily over her face in such an erotic way he was quickly loosing track of himself.
"Ye-s!" She hissed. She cupped her hands over his and instructed him to squeeze harder and pull on her nipples.
"A-Asami!" He breathed as his legs began to tremble. He was getting dangerously close but she seemed to have an endless supply of energy.
She smiled down at him softly, "Come on General...That's all the fight you have in you?"
He sat up and hugged her to his chest with a playful smile. She wrapped her arms around his neck arched her back, pressing their bodies as close as they could be. He was so warm and strong, she practically melted in his arms. An overwhelming sense of security washed over her and for a moment her mind drifted. In this singular space she was free from any judgement, obligations, guilt, or duties.
Bare and wanting...fulfilling this dire need for intimacy.
Her hips rolled forward and back and she bit down the desire to scream. Her orgasm was quickly approaching despite her best efforts to contain it. She cupped his face and pressed their mouths together desperately. They exchanged sloppy, hot kisses as she struggled to focus. Her muscles were aching for release with every stroke.
"Let go..Asami.." He whispered against her lips. "I'm right here..."
She fell back against the bed and he placed the flat of his hand on her lower stomach, adding just the right amount of pressure as he continued to pump. Her body laid out and open for him was quickly becoming his new favorite position. He wanted to see it all, every expression on her face, each contraction of her muscles, his erection penetrating her over and over again.
"ah! yes Iroh!" Asami reached her arms above her head and tore into the sheets as if needing to make sure something was beneath her. The added pressure of his hand on her abdomen felt like he was massaging just the right spot to send her over the edge. His cock pushed against her tender walls and within a few more seconds she completely unraveled.
"Oh! ah!" She inhaled a large gasp as her toes curled and body tensed. She reached for him and clawed into his arms are her muscles seized. Iroh bent forward and kissed along her neck and chest reveling in the salt of her sweat. He quickly met his climax as well, letting it play out still sheath inside her tightening walls.
Asami's breaths were feathery and light as she began to climb down from her high. Even in a state of undoing she looked so regal. Her eyes gently opened and she smiled as warmly as she could despite her worn out disposition.
She combed his short hair out of his eyes and enjoyed the sight of him looking just as disheveled. The club's foreboding music sounded through the speakers and pulled them back into reality but for a few moments longer they laid together in serenity.
-O-
The ending credits of another long and boring movie scrolled across Korra's TV screen. Kuvira huffed as she sipped on a very light-weight (by her standards) bottle of beer. Completing the third one she'd consumed thus far into her night.
"That made no sense..." She turned to see Naga fast asleep beside her, expecting the dog to be watching along with her like she had been the past two films.
Her eyes trailed around Korra's home as the reality set in that she was now a newly single and freed woman alone with nothing going for her but stuffing her face with alcohol and cheap snacks. She looked out the porch window to see it was snowing, but not too heavily to risk a short drive in town. She turned to the coffee table and picked up her phone. It was nearing 10 pm. She contemplated if it was worth the amount of effort to get all dressed up and go out.
At the sound of Naga's mild snoring she snapped out of her indecisiveness.
"Yeah. Fuck this."
She leaped up from the couch, careful not to disturb Korra's sleeping companion and quickly cleaned up the living room. Afterward she shot up the stairs, showered, and managed to rummage through Korra's closet for something to wear. After her brawl with Bataar Jr. she left all her things in her rental and wouldn't be retrieving them until tomorrow.
She was taller than her Water-tribe friend so her selection of clothes was limited. Finally, she settled on a black, long-sleeve top that came down just below her bust. The stretchy fabric wrapped around her breasts tightly so she figured it was enough support to go without a bra. The low scoop neckline framed her cleavage nicely so she didn't mind. The place where she was headed often encouraged the least amount of clothing anyway.
Kuvira was able to find a pair of dark denim pants that fit her but sat low on her sculpted hips. She combed her hair back into a long, sleek ponytail and zipped up her black boots. Before she left she flipped through her wallet, pulling out ID cards, gift cards, etc until finally she came upon a gold credit card with her name engraved on it and the promise of access to the all the levels The Secret Tunnel had to offer.
The General threw on a leather jacket to brave the cold and headed out for the night.
Once inside the Tunnel she made her usual rounds. A brown liquor on ice, a poker game with middle-aged men blissfully unaware of the large amount of money she is about to swindle from them, and the promise of eye-candy without the sweet tooth to take a bite. She didn't come here very often, living abroad of course, but once she knew this place existed with all its investors and politicians. It would be ignorant for her not to join for it is always better to be on the inside than unaware.
She now ventured to the upper level suites that required an additional swipe of her credit card. Once inside the tacky, glittering rooms she walked around observing the mingling patrons. Some of them took notice of her but she didn't care about correcting any gossip. She didn't need a divorce for people to dislike her. At the sight of Hong Li bent over a nearby sofa she briskly approached him.
"Li! Where is Prince Wu!?" As soon as she rounded the corner of the furniture she saw the answer; passed out and sleeping off the wine.
"I'm sorry General Kuvira!" Li saluted, his face red and embarrassed. "He-I-I mean-" His eyes very quickly glanced at Kuvira, shocked by her unusual attire. He'd never seen her not in uniform or her signature pants, turtle neck, and combat boots.
"At ease...He's a handful I know. Sit down, you've done well enough..."
He sighed in relief and plopped down beside Prince Wu and gently closed his eyes. He looked equally worn out but far less drunk. Kuvira made a mental note that Li had "earned his stripes" and would be leaving kitchen duty when they returned back to Ba Sing Se. His new role however, was still up for discussion. There wasn't much he could do without having thick skin.
She wandered around aimlessly asking herself why she felt so alienated. The answer was simple and rather obvious but, usually she snapped back from hardship fairly easily. Her end with Bataar Jr. was inevitable and yet she was just now processing its conclusion. It was easier when she wasn't alone. Perhaps she was just better distracted. She glanced out of the large windows overseeing the city and thought about Korra and Mako. A soft smirk graced her lips as she spotted the twinkling lights of the festival out in the distance.
The reflection of red caught her attention and she turned on her heel to see Asami and General Iroh leaving one of the private rooms. Her soft grin turned almost devilish as she approached them.
"Enjoy yourselves?" She asked.
Asami whipped her head around at the sound of her voice. Seeing that it was Kuvira she rolled her eyes and looked away. "Yes we did actually..." She turned to Prince Iroh, "Can you give us a few minutes?"
He shot a quick look to Kuvira then shook his head and headed toward the tables of lavish refreshments. Once he was out of range Asami turned back to her.
"What brings you here?"
"I could ask you the same thing." Kuvira cocked her head to the side. "This doesn't seem like a place worthy of your presence..."
Asami scoffed, she didn't like when people made her out to be this innocent, damsel.
"...Breaking all the rules now aren't we?"
"I didn't know there were rules to follow General." She replied.
Kuvira shrugged off her hostility, "I'm only giving you a hard time..."
"Does Korra know you're here?" Asami asked, squaring her shoulders. She eyed Kuvira's skimpy outfit noticing the impression of her nipples through her cropped shirt and hip creases above the seem of her jeans.
"I didn't know I needed her permission." Kuvira replied with a puzzled look.
"Oh I just assumed..." Asami looked away, jutting out her chin a bit as if looking down at her.
"Ohh I know what this is about..." Kuvira's eyes flickered to a slumbering and yet nosey Prince Wu. He was never a talent for ease-dropping and Kuvira never let her guard down not to know when people were listening in on her phone conversations.
She couldn't help but smile at Asami's envy and discomfort. Unlike Korra, Kuvira didn't have much sympathy for her. Sure, she "made things right", but that didn't mean she got a re-do. Like Mako, she agreed, Korra wasn't doing anything wrong these past few months. She also wasn't one to spare people's feelings.
"I already know about you and Korra...she- she told me.."
"mm...is that all she told you?" She purred, taking a small step closer to her.
Kuvira's tongue danced inside of her mouth, she had so much power to shatter the small bit of confidence Asami had left and she was dying to do it. But was it her place to reveal Korra's "No Strings Attached" life-style of the past few months? Did it even matter now that she was out with Mako on an obvious date and Asami was here, fucking Iroh senseless?
"What else is there?" Asami was seemingly becoming annoyed by her teasing.
She smiled. "Well that depends...What do you think-"
"I don't know what to think anymore..." Asami confessed, her bottom lip pouting only slightly. She's with Kuvira or she's with Mako...she didn't know which rumor was true.
Kuvira took a step closer to her and whispered. "Do you want to know?"
The heiress matched her gaze intently. She had a dreadful feeling it was not going to be the answer she wanted to hear and contemplated if ignorance truly was bliss.
-O-
Mako begrudgingly threw the paper lantern away much to Korra's dismay. She wanted to keep it as a souvenir but the snow had completely destroyed it and left it a soaking, deteriorating mess. In hindsight, they made some new memories so it's not a total loss. She hooked her arm around his as they headed back to the festival, their shoes crunching the fast-falling snow as they walked.
Mako checked his watch again, it was almost 11 and the festival closed at mid-night. Most of the children and families were home and what was left was the overindulged adults. They could hear the ruckus getting just as loud as the band playing in the square. Mako wasn't much for belligerence but didn't want to call the night an end until Korra was ready.
"Let's see, food, drink, music, the lantern...I think we've covered almost everything.."
Korra yawned, her breath making a cloud of vapor. "I think you're right. Although next time you kiss me I better see a mistletoe.."
Mako smiled, "Next time?"
Korra froze as her cheeks blossomed a cherry red. She looked at him in a mixture of bashfulness and resolve. Was it really worth keeping this up at this point? Kuvira saw right through their little farce and she was glad to admit they were on a real date. Did she really need an excuse to kiss him?
She placed her flat palm on the center of his chest and looked up at him threw her slightly damp lashes. His lips automatically parted as if subconsciously asking to be kissed again. They could spend the rest of the night doing just this and he'd go to sleep a happy man.
Korra couldn't tell if the goosebumps running up her arms was from the winter weather or the look in Mako's gaze. It was so easy to get lost in his eyes... Her fingers lightly tugged on his red scarf as they closed the space between them once more. Instantly the shivering ceased as the warmth of their breath passed from his lips to hers. Korra's hand snaked up his neck to the back of his head as she pulled him closer. The frosted tips of their noses seemed to melt with each heated kiss.
The subtle ring of Korra's phone pulled them apart and she begrudgingly took the device out of her jacket pocket. At the sight of Tahno calling her she seemed a bit shocked.
"It's Tahno..." Korra muttered before accepting.
Mako rolled his eyes, "of course it is..." That ass-hole must have a "spider-sense" for the best times to interrupt Mako's plans with her.
Korra winced as Tahno's voice practically pierced her eardrum. "GET TO THE TUNNEL NOW!"
"What?! Why-"
"THEY WERE HERE! COME NOW!"
Korra looked at Mako puzzled but before she could explain a squadron of police vehicles sped down the main highway toward the upper East side of the city.
"What's happening?!" Korra yelled over the noise.
"I don't know!" Mako pulled out his phone to see that no one had contacted him letting him know about the dispatch. He assumed Bei Fong must be at the head of it since she usually never felt obligated to let him know significant updates.
"Where are they going!" Korra yelled.
"I don't know!" He repeated.
Korra pressed her phone to her ear again, "TAHNO?" He had already hung up.
She looked at Mako who was trying desperately to get a hold of someone at the station to no avail. Most of his team were on Holiday.
"We have to go back to the Secret Tunnel he said!" Korra finally spoke.
Mako nodded, "Then let's go!"
He took her hand but Korra hesitated, unable to get her feet to move. "Mako I don't think I can go back there-"
"Korra this is my job." He reiterated. He didn't want to seem harsh, she was only looking out for him, but he didn't need saving. He trained for years to be the savior in these situations. She looked up at him with a brave but weary face.
"I know."
"We're going to be fine! I promise..." He lifted her chin with his index finger and locked eyes with her confidently. She huffed and nodded, swallowing her anxiety.
"okay..."
He lead her toward the parking lot, not wanting to waste any precious time. "I have a feeling this is coming to a close..."
-O-
"They were with Varrick! I saw them!" Tahno shouted as they practically ran through the dark corridors. To Korra and Mako's surprise, no one was on the upper levels of the Secret Tunnel tonight. It was completely vacant of snooty rich politicians and opportunistic celebrities. "I panicked! I didn't know if I should confront him or call you!"
"You did the right thing." Mako reassured him.
"Where are they now?!" Korra replied. "Where are the White Lotus!"
"I don't know-"
Mako pushed the double doors open that lead in to Varrick's presidential suite. They stopped cold at the sound of a television blaring the local news cast. Several people stood around the dimly lit room starring blankly at the screen. Stark contrast to the usual, bright sparkly atmosphere this place usually encouraged. Mako's natural instinct told them they were walking head first into a trap.
Korra scanned the faces and again, not one regular patron of the club like before. Varrick must of had the whole floor evacuated.
"Welcome!" The man in question rejoiced, "Come on in."
The doors were closed behind them by two guards clad in black, giving them the no-so-subtle hint that they didn't have a choice. Korra took Mako's arm protectively as the trio slowly walked toward the center where they all gathered.
"No need to worry...No blood-shed tonight." Varrick added.
Korra first noticed Kuvira was here. She wasn't surprised she was a member of the club but hoped she was only a continent to this charade and not a contributor. She was pacing slowly behind some plush cushions with her thumb curtly between her gritted teeth. Prince Wu and his guard Hong Li were fast asleep on the couch adjacent to her.
Tarrlock sat near the windows looking cool and collected. Then she stopped at the sight of General Iroh sitting on the couch, and Asami standing only inches away from the television. Her eyes were wild and brows in such a harsh line they almost touched her lashes. Her lips were parted in a scowl and teeth clenched. If looks could kill Varrick would be in the spirit realm by now.
"HOW COULD YOU DO THIS!" She shouted, peering over at Varrick lounging on his tacky pillows.
"You wanted Hiroshi behind bars and now justice is being served."
"But not like THIS!-" She turned and froze at the sight of Korra now amongst the group. They locked eyes and for a brief second her expression fell, replaced by a look of shame. They didn't acknowledge one another as now was obviously not the best of times. Although she could tell Korra had much to speak to her about and the opposite also true.
Her eyes flickered to Mako...and then Tahno. They'd talk, just not now.
"This is not what we agreed on!" She continued.
Korra, Mako, and Tahno turned toward the news to catch up on what Asami was raving about. They now saw just where the squad of policemen were headed when they left the festival. Sato Manor and they were now promptly arresting her father.
Mako grunted as they read the ongoing report. "Hiroshi Sato convicted of theft for the Fire Nation heirloom once housed by the Republic City Cultural Museum...along with two counts of kidnapping members of Water-tribe White Lotus..."
Korra gasped as the White Lotus guards were shown being ushered away by a few Republic City officers.
"...More details later to come...As we all know, Sato was the main distributor of illegal weaponry during the terrorist movement of Amon and his equalists regime-"
Asami turned the TV off, not wanting to witness another second. Mako bowed his head, unable to voice his utter distain.
"That doesn't make any sense! Sato had nothing to do with the crown!" Korra marched forward throwing her hands up in anger. "He wasn't there during the conference or the viewing! Those guards are guilty, you were supposed to hand them over to us!"
"It doesn't have to make sense..." Varrick shrugged, "The masses don't know the true story and now this is the truth. Sato is racist, misogynistic, greedy egotistical terrorist. THIS is where you draw the line?"
"Convict him of the crime HE COMMITTED!" Asami sneered.
"Oh he will be." Varrick spoke, still completely calm and confident. "As soon as he is booked. Iroh will be free to detain him and ship him off to some Fire Nation penitentiary or whatever it is they do over there and be done with him."
He clapped his hands, "What's one or two more counts going to do for someone already seeing a life in prison?"
Asami looked down at Iroh as he sat silently on the couch, contemplating as deeply as everyone else was. "You have nothing to say to this?"
Iroh cuffed his chin and lowered his gaze. "I think the lesser of two evils is the best course of action here Asami..."
She did not like that answer but Iroh unfortunately agreed with Varrick. Sato was a war criminal and he promised his family that when he left Republic City, he'd have him in chains. They can't convict him here in Republic City thanks to the previous president Raiko giving him sanctuary, but the Fire Nation can.
Kuvira having little to do with this situation still understood the stance General Iroh was taking. In situations like this...your feelings can't really be center stage when hard decisions need to be made. Morality in tact or not.
"The White Lotus did take the crown didn't they!" Korra intervened.
"Then they tried giving it to you!" Tahno added while pointing an accusing finger at Tarrlock who looks just as smug as Varrick. "That's what I saw earlier! They are working for you aren't they?!"
Tarrlock snickered, "Our people are innocent. Manipulated by the power hungry elitist of this city who promised them peace and unity amongst nations. They didn't know what they were doing...Just pawns to that awful terrorist. Who knows what would of happened to them if they disagreed to help one of the most powerful men in this city?"
Korra took a step back in disbelief. Well rehearsed they both were. "I am not allowing them to continue serving our tribe or my family when they need to be held accountable!"
She looked at Mako to see the look of defeat in his eyes as well. Then she realized that Bei Fong probably already knew this story was false and yet there she was on the news, capturing the biggest arrest of the decade.
"You're going to need to have that conversation with your uncle then..."
Korra glared angrily. She knew it. Unalaq was just smart enough not to get his hands dirty, but it was a trap from the very beginning.
Varrick stood up and approached Korra sincerely. "I told you princess...We tribesmen look after each other." There was no way he would allow Mako to expose the Water-Tribe as anything other than the upstanding citizens they were. The Fire Nation on the other hand, already had that tainted reputation...one more "bad egg" added to the bunch.
"Your uncle gave you the Lotus guards under the guise that they were working for Tarrlock...While we were-distracted they stole the crown and delivered it to Tarrlock who conveniently flew in to town that same week. Assumingely tasked with retrieving the crown and delivering it to your uncle in the North. Varrick intervened and framed Hiroshi Sato in order to seal his deal with Asami...Did I get all of that right?" Mako finally spoke.
"Very inquisitive detective! I was also able to smooth things over with Chief Unalaq and since the Fire Nation embassy already granted the museum the crown, we won't have to worry about this nonsense happening again!" Varrick rejoiced. "Case closed!"
Korra knew the pride her family felt ran very deep, along with the generational wounds the Fire Nation had caused...it was so much deeper than just a crown. Although she hated to admit this. She was glad they could finally stop this childish arguing. The means at which this treaty transpired was less than favorable.
"No we are absolutely not done!" Asami yelled.
Varrick walked around the room counting his fingers like a check list. "The crown has been retrieved, The Water-Tribe has survived a potentially damaging scandal to our reputation, your father is going to pay for his war crimes, Detective here gets all the credit for the retrieval of the stolen artifact, and you're free to live your life marrying whomever you want, pioneering your mothers legacy and wiping your hands clean of the stain that is your father..."
Varrick walked up to Asami and extended his hand for a formal handshake.
"Congratulations Miss Sato, you are now the sole proprietor of Sato Industries and the largest business endeavor in Varrick Enterprises history. It's been a pleasure working with you."
Asami glared at his open palm, forcing back tears welling in her eyes. The image of her signing that dreaded contract was now going to haunt her for every penny she owes to him. After a few seconds Varrick turned and dusted his coat "Don't let me ruin the rest of your night! Till me meet again! Happy Winter Solstice!"
He strolled out of the room with a warm smile and Tarrlock followed not too far behind him along with his silent security guards. In a matter of minutes, the bright lights returned and music began to play in the speakers above them.
The room remained cold and dreadfully still as everyone collectively processed what just occurred. It felt like a mixture of relief, betrayal, and grief all at the same time.
Korra's eyes slowly trailed the polished floor, following the marble pattern and blurring reflection of lights before lifting her gaze to Asami, who was already staring back at her.