Family Ties
"Merry Christmas!" Korra exclaimed as she entered Tenzin's home on air temple island. She was dressed in a red sweater, black faux leather skirt, tights, thick knee socks and her signature boots. Her hands were full with presents for the kids, Pema and Tenzin. She even managed to buy Naga some new toys. They weren't wrapped particularly the best and Mako offered to do it for her but Korra insisted on contributing to every Christmas tradition, even the ones she failed at. Speaking of Mako, he came in from the cold right behind her with a gift as well, not wanting to show up empty handed. He was wearing a blue sweater with white snowflakes stitched across the front and back, his red scarf tucked into the neck line with some regular jeans and snow shoes.
They entered the main living room where the kids were already tearing through gifts with their parents overseeing the chaos. When Jinora was young, Tenzin didn't actually celebrate Christmas but as they had more children and assimilated to the culture of Republic City they decided to partake, as long as their other traditions came after.
"KORRA!" They all exclaimed.
"Don't let me interrupt!" She laughed as Tenzin was frantically scooping up ribbons and wrapping paper and other scraps being thrown around. As Korra set down her gifts she turned to see Naga running towards her in a full sprint.
She bent down to one knee and embraced her furry best friend, "Naga! I missed you girl! Merry Christmas!" She gave her dog the loosely wrapped gift and she immediately went to ripping of the packaging and chewing on the stuffed toy.
Mako awkwardly stood by, shuffling the gift in his hands. It was just a custom set of tea leaves that were dried and pressed from a local shop down town, nothing super groundbreaking. He wasn't exactly sure if he should participate or just wait for Korra to do her rounds with everyone. They were official now so, he was supposed to be here as her partner. It's not like everyone didn't already know who he was. Other than Bolin, he didn't have any other family to celebrate with so he was grateful Korra insisted he came.
Suddenly someone tapped on his arm. Mako looked over to see Ikki beside him smiling with her hands behind her back, "I knew you'd be here Mako.."
He raised a curious brow, "Really? Why is that?"
Her grin grew a bit wider, "Endgame.." She whispered. He still looked just as puzzled as before.
Pema came up beside her and shooed her away to go join her father in cleaning up their mess. She nodded her head looking slightly embarrassed, "Merry Christmas Mako, thank you for coming."
"Oh sure! Merry Christmas Pema, thank you for having me." He handed her the gift but she moved to give him a hug first. As they embraced, she smiled throwing Korra a quick glance who was still getting attacked by her dog. Pema had a feeling they would figure this out, Korra and Mako always seemed to make it through in the end and just in time for Winter Solstice, seems almost like fate.
They joined everyone to continue their annual festivities. Mako was surprised they even got him a gift, Ikki's intuition must of been really accurate. There was another boyfriend present for Christmas morning and Korra was eager to meet him.
"Korra, this is my boyfriend Kai..." Jinora introduced, her cheeks slightly flushed.
Korra laid her eyes on a tall, slender teen with dark skin and curly black hair. He was dressed in the same matching pajama's as everyone else, which made Korra feel happy how accepting Tenzin and Pema wanted to make him feel. He straightened his shirt and took Korra's hand in a firm and nervous shake. "Hi, it-its nice to finally meet you, Jinora has told me so much about you."
Korra smirked as she shook his hand, "Nice to finally meet you too stranger..." It wasn't passed any of them that Korra was present every time he snuck into their home unbeknownst to Tenzin. Now she could finally put a face to the car parked outside and the sound of those not so subtle footsteps. "Hopefully she's told you how mean and vicious of an older sister I am...and that my boyfriend's a cop..."
Kai froze, shooting Mako a guilty expression.
"Korra!" Jinora intervened, she turned to Kai and grabbed his shoulder. "She's joking!"
Korra laughed and pulled him in for a hug, "I know you'll be good to her.." She whispered. As they parted Kai nodded his head with a sense of pride and Korra could tell how deeply he did care. That sense of honor he had reminded her so much of Mako.
For the next hour or so, they played with their new toys, Pema served some traditional Air Nation food, and Korra found a small moment of peace to speak with Tenzin privately.
They walked out to an open patio that was sealed off by large open windows that blocked out the snow and freezing wind. Korra sighed as she watched the snow fall, the water in Republic City bay flowing with the rapid pace of the wind.
"The case is over but I'm not satisfied, we totally got played."
Tenzin nodded, "I'm aware and I'm sorry to hear that."
Korra thought about revealing the Secret Tunnel to Tenzin, Tarrlock alluded to the fact that he didn't know it existed but the longer they talked the more she realized he probably did. Tenzin wasn't as naive as the councilmen where lead to believe he was.
"I know my father will justify Unalaq's actions, there's no use in even telling them." Korra shook her head, "The crown is safe now. I guess I should stop ruminating about it."
"I'm sure the opening next year will still be a big success for the museum!" Tenzin tried to sound optimistic.
"Yeah with extra security and all," Korra groaned, "after Winter Break we'll be allowed to return so I'm excited for that."
"It was still a job well done, you and Mako make a great team."
Korra looked up at him realizing his change in subject, "Yeah...I think we do," She shrugged with a small smile.
"I wanna thank you Tenzin, for all your advice, same with Pema," She glanced inside to see his wife and Ikki chatting with Mako. He looked a tad overwhelmed with all the attention they were giving him. Korra couldn't help but laugh. She wasn't oblivious to Ikki's crush on Mako or Pema's enthusiasm to encourage their relationship. She actually thought it so cute.
"It's help us far more than you know."
Tenzin put a gentle hand on her shoulder, "We're always here for you Korra, you're family.."
Back home Kuvira, Bolin, and Opal were inside putting up last minute decorations and opening presents. Although it was a tad awkward, Kuvira and Opal remained cordial with one another. Both needing time away from their family ended up being the thing they could agree on.
Korra groaned as Mako pulled into her driveway and her sight fell on Prince Wu's finalized vision of his "Winter Wonderland" decorations.
"My place looks like that gingerbread house Naga chewed up and spat out." Her dog sat in his back seat wagging her tail happily innocent.
Mako laughed as he got out of the drivers side and ran to the passenger's side to open Korra's door. "Well, you didn't have to pay for it..."
Korra took his hand and stepped out of the car, "True.."
They walked inside and hung up their coats, grateful to be out from the cold. Some soft music was playing and everyone seemed perfectly comfortable sitting in her living room exchanging gifts, sipping on warm drinks, with a festive movie playing in the background. Although this holiday was meant to be extravagant, Korra enjoyed the more intimate moments like this.
"Oh good you're back! Come open your gifts!" Opal cheered.
Korra eagerly complied, honestly stoked to participate in this part of the holiday. Back home they didn't exchange gifts. Mako received a very nice and expensive touch screen watch from the Bei-fong's. A new set of sheets, pillow cases, and comforter from Bolin. His mind instantly erased the reason why his brother gifted him a change of bedding in the first place, and a pack of boxer briefs from Kuvira. Honestly he was surprised she got him anything at all so a practical gift like underwear was appreciated even with the sarcastic undertones attached to it.
For Korra, she received an antique gem from the Bei-fong family that was apparently carved and stoned from a real meteorite that Opal's mother collected. Korra was in awe by its shinny, black as night surface and texture hard as a diamond.
"Wow, thank you Opal!"
"Of course! The meteorite has been in our family for generations. We've made jewelry, swords, all kinds of stuff from it!"
"I'll be sure to take good care of it." She smiled.
"I told you she'd like it!" Bolin boasted, "Korra's such a history nerd she doesn't need anything fancy or expensive..."
Korra smirked and moved on to her gift from Kuvira. It was a delicately wrapped box with a satin red bow diagonally wrapped around it. Korra curiously untied the decoration and pulled up the lid. Inside she removed thin, white tissue paper to reveal a red garment inside. Korra took it out of the box to reveal a sheer set of lingerie with white trim around the bra cups. She instantly recognized it from their shopping trip last week.
"Kuvira! Jeez!" She stuffed it back into the box hoping no one got a good look at it. Opal and Bolin did seem a bit skeptical but didn't say thing.
Kuvira only shrugged with a smug look on her face, "I thought you liked it...you tried it on in the dressing room and everything.."
Korra narrowed her eyes and tried desperately not to smile in response. She instantly imagined the scenario Kuvira was referring to and couldn't fight the physical response tingling between her legs.
"You're so right, thank you..."
Mako leaned against the arm of the couch where Kuvira was sitting and casually crossed his arms over his chest. "I like it too.." He muttered.
Kuvira shot him a quick glance and fought the urge to reply with something witty and sarcastic. There's no way in the fiery rings of Hell he'd see that on Korra before she got to. However, they were amongst the audience of people unaware of their sexual escapades and she didn't want to ruin their fun.
For the rest of the evening they ate, drank, Opal sung horribly on the karaoke machine and Korra was satisfied with her first Christmas. Mako was in her kitchen washing dishes when she strolled up behind him with an envelope in her hands.
For some reason she was really nervous to do this. It's not something Mako would hate, but it was wildly important to him and Bolin.
"Hey tough guy, we have one more present for you."
Mako dried off his hands and turned around to face her. He seemed shocked as Korra handed him a large, manilla envelope. Bolin was coming around the corner with his hands behind his back looking just as jittery as Korra was.
"We?" Mako repeated.
"Y-yeah," Bolin chimed in, "It's been a pain keeping this a secret for so long! But we wanted to make sure everything was right!"
Korra hooked her arm around Bolin's and smiled as they eagerly waited for him to reveal their gift.
Mako carefully opened it and pulled out a few sheets of paper that just looked like regular documents. He looked up at them confused, to which Korra spoke, "Read them genius.."
He did as instructed and walked over to Korra's dining room table to lay them out. He froze as he realized these were genealogy reports. As he fumbled through them a small photo fell on the table. He picked it up to see an image of what looked like his young father, signature red scarf wrapped around his neck with an older woman standing behind him.
He looked up at them with wide, watery eyes, "This is dad?..and-"
"Yeah.." Korra sighed, her chest getting tight as she observed how emotional Mako became.
Bolin gulped, fighting back tears as well. "We found our grandmother Mako...well Korra found her.." He looked over at his friend with a small smile, wanting to give credit where credit was do.
"I was the computer behind all this, once I did the research, paid for records of the Lower Ring, then hours of emails...and phone calls...private investigators..I found a good match. Since Bolin is deployed in Ba Sing Se he was able to do the blood work, submit birth certificates etc. and confirmed, that's your biological grandmother..."
She took Bolin's hand and squeezed it, "We both found her."
Mako silently looked down at the photo of his father and grandmother and after a few more moments of processing this was real, began to cry. Once Bolin saw Mako was crying, he immediately burst into tears too.
"Oh bro! come on!" He reached over and pulled him into a tight hug. "Don't cry! It's Christmas!"
Korra wiped her face as a few streams ran down her cheeks as well. She knew this would be special for them, and Mako's reaction made all her hard work well worth it.
Mako chuckled and squeezed him tightly before pulling away and wiping his eyes, "This is-this is crazy...h-how did you..I mean, how much did this cost?"
How could you find one woman in a city full of millions of people? Korra was truly incredible.
He looked over at Korra but she refused to answer that question, "Her name is Yin and she's actually really excited to meet you..."
Mako looked at Bolin shocked, "Did you?"
"No, I wanted to wait so we could do it together!" He reached into the envelope and pulled out flight tickets for a round trip to Ba Sing Se. "All you have to do is get the days off and we can go!"
Mako bit his lip and shook his head in disbelief, "This is too much.."
"You deserve it!" Korra intervened, not allowing for any self-deprecating thoughts, "You both do!"
She pulled the boys in for another hug, "You've been talking about making this trip since we were teens.." She smiled, "Now let's do it!"
Bolin sniffled trying not to start another crying fit and they stayed connected in that tight knit hug for a few seconds longer. Mako's eyes rested on Korra's face in awe, he was absolutely floored that a woman like her existed. That she was someone he could claim to be his.
As they separated he pulled her against his chest and held her close. His eyes were lowered, hungrily fixated on her lips, "Can I kiss you?" He asked desperately.
Bolin took that as his cue to leave and slipped out of the kitchen to rejoin the others.
"Oh!" Korra smiled, she grabbed the collar of his shirt and scurried them over to the arched passageway that lead out of the kitchen to the hallway. Above it was the mistletoe she bought haphazardly nailed above them.
Mako eyed it with a crooked smile before Korra pulled his chin down to kiss her. A soft moan escaped her lips as this moment seemed even better than she imagined. That infectiously warm feeling in her chest seemed to bloom throughout her entire body and she could tell by his long, generous nips that Mako felt the same.
As the afternoon became evening, things began to wind down. As soon as the clock stuck 8pm Korra's shoulders dropped. She glanced around the room at everyone feeling a bit guilty. Asami's party had started and the majority of people she invited was here. Mako noticed her somber expression and glanced at his new watch to see the time.
"Do you think we should go?" He asked.
She shrugged, not able to predict if Asami would want them to come, "I would like to.." Korra spoke somberly.
"Oh shoot! It's eight o'clock!" Bolin said. "Asami's party started at six!.." Him and Opal began to gather their things. "You guys coming?"
Korra bit her lip and shared a knowing glance with Kuvira and Mako. Bolin and Opal were oblivious to the scandals that took place around them and there might be some lingering animosity as a result.
"You guys go ahead, we'll catch up..."
Asami poured herself another glass of champagne, drowning out the sound of Prince Wu complaining about his lack of lavish gifts this year. He couldn't overspend because of family restrictions, but also it would have looked terrible for his reputation if anyone caught him spending more than he donated.
Her home was decorated nicely. Warm twinkling lights overhead and draped along the windows. Red and gold ornate pillows that match the dinnerware, and a large green tree that reached from ceiling to floor. She had soft orchestra renditions of Christmas music playing and enough food to fuel a football team.
She tried her best to hide her disappointment from General Iroh but it's two hours passed six and only three people came. General Iroh didn't count since he lived with her currently. Prince Wu's body guard was here out of obligation and she had a strong feeling Tahno is here because he expected Korra to be.
She wore a thigh length sparkly red dress with an open back and thinly strapped heels. Her hair was curled, makeup done, the whole nine. As she sipped her drink she gave herself thirty more minutes before she went upstairs and changed.
Tahno came up to the opposite side of the counter and refilled his glass as well. They weren't really friends but he still felt bad. "Nothing better than getting trashed for Christmas right?"
Asami huffed, "Yeah seems like that'll be my night..."
Tahno tilted his head, "You want me to shoot her a text? Maybe they just forgot?"
Asami looked at him thankfully enjoying his optimism, "No, that's okay.. Maybe it's better I get use to this.."
Tahno did the math in his head and realized this would be their first holiday season post-breakup. "I know everything that went down was a lot, but Korra's not holding anything against you."
"I know," Asami whispered. "We're kinda in the same boat now aren't we?"
"Oh Varrick!" Tahno snorted, "Yeah, but believe me I'm on my way out..."
"Anything I can do to help?" Asami asked.
Tahno was shocked she offered, especially since she was in a higher debt than he was. He sat for a moment in thought, "Actually I think you can.."
Suddenly there was a knock at her door that made both of them jump. Tahno acted like he was surprised, "Oh! A Christmas miracle!"
Asami left to answer the call, her heels clicked rapidly on the glossy floor. She opened the door and a sense of shock ran through her followed by an overwhelming sense of relief.
"Sorry we're late." Korra said sheepishly. Asami eyed her entire entourage and smiled warmly, "Don't be, I'm glad you came. I'm glad you all came.."
She let them all inside and the party continued. Korra waited by the door as everyone filtered into the living room and kitchen. They embraced one other in a tight hug. Korra instantly smelled Asami's signature perfume and smiled.
"Merry Christmas Asami.." She whispered.
Asami squeezed her a bit tighter, "Merry Christmas Korra.."
"I actually got you something.." Korra continued. They separated and she fished in the pockets of her jacket. "It's small, nothing too crazy but-"
"I'm sure I'll love it," Asami spoke as they walked toward the large tree, "Since it's your first Christmas, I may have gotten you a few things too..."
Korra paused, surprised. "Really y-you remembered?" She looked at the presents under her tree as she handed her the palm-sized gift she made for her.
"Of course I did Korra.." Asami smiled, "I'm glad I'm able to celebrate with you..."
Like a good host, Asami made sure there was a present under the tree with everyone's names on it and they all took turns opening them up. As they joined the others Korra greeted General Iroh, Prince Wu, Hong Li, and upon seeing Tahno she ran over to him and punched his arm.
"Hey asshole...Merry Christmas!"
"Owe!" He turned and pulled her in for a hug. "Sorry, I thought you'd be here for the party." He whispered, "If I'd known the pre-game was at your house I would have ditched this place..."
Korra rolled her eyes and placed her palms on his chest. "I'm glad you're here.."
Tahno titled her chin up to face him and placed a kiss to her cheek, dangerously close to the edge of her lips. "Merry Christmas Korra.." He spoke with such a smooth and tender baritone that it made her toes curl. She turned her head, ever so slightly as if persuading him to give her an actual kiss but shyly pulled away as someone approached them.
Mako stepped up beside her and greeted him with a nod. Tahno mocked his formal greeting and bowed his head too, "Merry Christmas to you too prissy boy..."
He grabbed Mako's shoulders, acting as if to kiss him too and was promptly shoved away.
Music continued to play, more gifts were exchanged, drinks were poured, and within a few hours the games began.
The empty beer bottle spun on Asami's shinny marble floor and stopped on Opal. "Oh!" She gasped, her cheeks red as she blushed. This wasn't a game she got to play very often and luckily since her overbearing mother wasn't around she could partake in the 'adult' fun.
Korra who had spun the bottle smiled softly, "You ever kissed a girl before?" she cooed.
Opal swallowed, her green eyes wide and glossy. She and Bolin were the youngest here, obviously the lesser experienced. Although she was years in college, she was committed to Bolin so never really got to venture out in terms of sexuality.
Korra on the other hand looked like she knew exactly how to handle a girl. Opal always thought she was pretty, with a rock hard body anyone would kill for.
She swallowed, remembering to answer the question, "n-no"
Korra stood up from the couch and strolled across the room. She pulled Opal off Bolin's lap and on her feet. "Do you want to?"
Opal bushed again, finding that Korra's words sucked the air out of her lungs. She peaked over her shoulder at Bolin who looked at the pair silently curious. She turned back to Korra and shyly leaned toward her for a kiss.
Korra lightly cupped her cheek, guiding Opal's lips with her mouth. As they kissed, a small squeak escaped Opal's chest and Korra pulled back.
"Do you want to stop?"
Opal opened her eyes shocked. "No!" She quickly pecked her on the lips again, wanting to re-do their kiss uninterrupted then turned on her heel and sat back down next to Bolin. Korra smirked and returned to her seat as well. Opal looked over at Bolin to see he seemed a bit uncomfortable.
"W-was that okay? I'm sorry I should of made sure you-"
"Ohh, uh.." He crossed his legs, trying desperately to hide his growing erection. He was uncomfortable, just not in the way she assumed. "Y-yeah its just a game. That's was-that was fine..."
Opal tilted her head, not noticing his buldge and went about sipping her wine.
"Me next!" Wu shouted. He shot a quick look to Mako praying to god he'd land on the detective.
"No! This is childish.." Kuvira intervened. She sighed and eyed her empty bottle of beer. "I'm tired of these mediocre games.."
"You're right my melancholy friend." Tahno spoke. He walked to the center of the living room with a wooden bowl in his hands. "Good thing our gracious host allowed me to set up a new little game..."
Asami lifted her champagne glass in the air with a confident wink.
Tahno smiled devilishly, "That is..if you all consent...Let's play some Pai-sho!"
"What do you mean?" Korra asked. Obviously there was no Pai-sho board and she'd never heard of a game that accommodated up to ten people. She walked up to him and observed that the bowl was filled with Pia-sho tiles.
"Have a seat Love and I'll explain everything."
Once Korra was seated he began to set the rules. "There are pairs of tiles in the bowl, one at a time we will come up and draw one at random. Whomever you pair up with you can go venture off into one of the several rooms in this penthouse and well...Do whatever your hearts desire..."
"OOh I like this game.." Wu purred.
"Obviously we have a few monogamous people here," He shrugged, "So we all have to consent to sharing our partners for the night, you CAN NOT swap tiles with anyone and you can't put the tile back in the bowl and choose again. The person the universe hands to you is yours to keep..."
"So dramatic.." Kuvira muttered.
Opal and Bolin talked silently with one another and Asami and Iroh quickly agreed to play. Korra looked at Mako almost wanting to laugh, this wasn't taboo to them at all. She did pause once she noticed Mako did seem a bit hesitant.
"You don't want to play?"
He leaned over and whispered, "I mean the probably of you fucking my brother is one too many.."
"Oh," Korra blushed. She looked at Bolin and Opal who were still negotiating. "Well maybe they won't want to play?"
"We'll do it!" Opal exclaimed seemingly very excited.
Mako clenched his teeth, "It's fine Korra. It's not like Bolin from college wouldn't jump at this chance..." She shook her head remembering their brief history and very inconvenient love triangle.
"Well you better choose wisely city boy..." She winked.
Hong Li spoke to General Kuvira for a moment, not wanting to seem inappropriate or have his integrity questioned.
"You're just here to have a good time like everyone else," Kuvira began, "You're technically working for Prince Wu and I don't think he'd care if you play."
They both turned to see that Wu was tipsy and ready to indulge. "Thank you General..ah Kuvira..." He bowed.
"Anyone you're interested in?" Kuvira asked.
Hong blushed, still getting used to being so formal around her. He shot a longing glance at Bolin before he responded, "Not really..."
Kuvira noticed and gave a curt nod. "Let's see how it plays out then.."
"Alright! Everyone ready to start?" Tahno announced. Once everyone verbally consented they began.
Korra took a deep breath as she noticed no one moved. Glancing around the room they were all noticeably avoiding eye contact with her. It was obvious they wanted her to pick first as the majority of them secretly wanted her for themselves. She swallowed the rest of her sparkly champagne and sighed awkwardly, "Well okay, Guess I'll go first..."
She strolled over to Tahno and smiled when he winked at her. She stuck her hand in the bowl and swirled it around before drawing a tile.
"Oh! White Lotus!" She showed everyone in the room just to clarify her truth and sat down.
"Age before beauty..." Kuvira spoke, she stepped up and pulled out a tile. "Rose." She spoke showing everyone the rose carved on the game piece.
Wu went next, "White Jade.."
Then Hong Li, "W-white OH!" He glanced at Prince Wu and politely bowed his head in a formal gesture, "White Jade.."
"We have our first match!" Tahno exclaimed, "Go claim your prize.."
Hong Li awkwardly stood beside Prince Wu who looked slightly disappointed but still open to the possibility of enjoying himself. General Iroh offered Asami her turn next. She confidently approached the bowl and reached inside, secretly praying she'd pull a White Lotus. There was an unspoken energy amongst them that, that was the piece everyone wanted apparently.
Korra watched attentively, her chest tight with anxiety.
"R-Rose," Asami announced. She clutched the tile to her chest knowing she can't swap it out or trade. Kuvira didn't seem bothered in the slightest.
"I don't bite.." She smirked.
Asami sauntered to her chair and sat down, not wanting to look like she would chicken out. "I wouldn't mind if you did..." She replied.
"That's the spirit!" Tahno exclaimed.
Korra stirred a little, not out of jealousy but intrigue. She suddenly wished she'd chosen Rose as well, or even just the chance to watch.
Opal next, she smiled at Tahno playfully as she swirled her hand amongst the tiles. "Oh fuck!" she yelled, "White Lotus!"
Everyone shot a look at Korra who smiled at Opal warmly, "Lucky me.."
"Damn.." Mako breathed. Well at least it wasn't Bolin.
General Iroh went next, "Hmm...I got White Jade as well.." He showed everyone his tile just to prove he was being sincere.
"Hey you said this was in pairs!" Mako spoke.
"Oh I did?" Tahno said smugly, "Oops, I must have miss-counted..."
"Are you okay with that?" Asami asked actually curious. He would be entertaiing two other men.
General Iroh never refused a challenge, "If they'll have me." He spoke.
Hong Li swallowed hard and Prince Wu practically leaped from his seat. "Hell YES!"
Iroh took his seat with a slick smile as they continued.
"Whose left?"
"Me," Bolin said, he begrudgingly walked up to Tahno and paused before pulling a tile. "I draw the line at incest!"
"No shit!" Tahno yelled like that wasn't fucking obvious.
"Bo." Mako cringed rubbing his brows.
Tahno almost disqualified him just for saying that in the first place. "Pick a fucking tile!"
Bolin pulled one out and a wide smile panned across his face. He turned on his heel and lifted the tile in the air like he struck gold, "White Lotus!"
"Fuck." Mako muttered under his breath.
"Yay!" Opal clapped her hands. "Oh..Korra are you okay with that? Don't want you to feel like a third wheel or anything..."
Korra only smiled, sharing a long glance with the couple, "Funny you think I'd be the third wheel..."
Bolin gulped as his hard on was stiff against his leg. Opal couldn't find the words to respond, she'd never experienced someone as forward as Korra before. She made her so wet just by her words.
Mako was the second to last to pick, he eyed Tahno suspiciously as he walked up to the bowl. "Should you choose or should I?" Mako asked.
"Be my guest," Tahno spoke.
Instead of reaching inside he took Tahno's wrist and twisted his hand down toward the ground.
"Owe! What the hell are you doing!" Tahno dropped the bowl and struggled to get out of Mako's grip. The detective yanked at the sleeve of his shirt to reveal extra tiles falling out out and on to the ground.
"I knew it.." Mako spoke.
"Tahno!" Korra shouted, "No cheating!"
"Are you serious!" Asami yelled.
"You were padding the bowl!" Kuvira chimed in.
Tahno stood up and threw his hands up in surrender, "So I had a few extras in my sleeve, I just wanted to make sure I got the person I wanted..."
Mako rolled his eyes, "Let me guess who that is."
Korra shook her head. "Tahno that's not fair, how do we know who we chose was random?"
"It was I promise..."
"Should we start over?" Opal said sounding disappointed.
"Is everyone okay with who they got?" Asami replied. In a few silent glances, no one protested to switching teams.
"Well, out of respect for Mako. I don't think I should be in the same room with Bolin.." Korra spoke. She stood up to give back her tile. Everyone sat up a little taller as Korra was now free game again.
At the sight of how disappointed Opal looked, Bolin interjected. "Korra that's okay! I'll sit this one out!"
Opal looked at him surprised, "Really? You'd do that for me?"
"absolutely," Bolin smiled. If he learned anything from Mako, it was that he needed to trust his partner. Also, Opal needed an open-minded boyfriend. He knew how strict her family was and how she wanted to branch out and try new things. If they were in such a strict relationship, things might be stagnant.
"So then where is Bolin going to go now?" Korra asked.
"T-there's room here." Hong Li spoke timidly.
Bolin looked at his fellow recruit in shock. He never realized his friend from across the hall had this type of curiosity.
"That's four people in one room," Kuvira noticed.
General Iroh glanced at Asami, "Maybe then, I'll go with the rose Pai-sho?"
"If Kuvira is okay with that?" Asami added.
"Sure, anything to get the ball rolling.." She shrugged.
Korra didn't want to turn Opal away, or make her feel unwanted. She was happy to fulfill her little curiosities as most budding adults, like herself had them. But she couldn't ignore the fact that Iroh got the chance to be in the same room with Kuvira and Asami when she desperately wanted it.
"It's settled," Mako said confidently. "Pretty boy here is with me. Since he can't play by his own fucking rules."
"I'd rather eat glass." Tahno snorted.
"That works for me!" Kuvira said to which everyone agreed. She stood up from the couch and walked toward Asami, "Let's go Ms. Sato, I want the master suite..."
"Right this way," Asami smirked. Korra watched as General Iroh stood up and followed them down the hall. Her teeth tore into her bottom lip as she felt just a pinch of jealousy.
In their respective groups everyone peeled off in different directions through Asami's penthouse looking to continue the nights festivities. Korra waved goodbye to Mako as Opal eagerly pulled her down the hall. Mako smirked and waved her away, grateful she was able to eliminate Bolin from the equation.
Hong Li, Prince Wu, and Bolin went through a pair of large double doors and closed them. Mako could tell they were a bit nervous and figured they probably wouldn't do anything too risqué.
Now that just left him and Tahno awkwardly lingering in the corridor. Tahno began picking up the Pai-Sho tiles and Mako joined him.
"I got it officer, I don't need your help."
"It's not like you haven't had Korra all to yourself before. It's just a game.."
Tahno placed the bowl on the bar counter and turned around, "What can I say, I'm greedy.." He walked out of the kitchen toward the large lounge area and plopped down on the couch. "I had a candy cane thong and everything all ready to go..."
"I can't tell if that's sarcasm or not..."
Tahno switched on Asami's enormous TV and turned up the volume to a deafening degree.
"What are you doing?!" Mako asked.
"I'd rather NOT hear what everyone else is doing.." Tahno replied plainly. Although the sound of the TV won't drown out the screams, moans, and shouts of eight other people, it would help. Mako looked down the hall where Korra disappeared and clicked his teeth. He sacrificed his Pai-Sho tile for this, he might as well get something out of it.
"If you're not going to participate I might as well-"
"Be my guest, I'm sure they'd enjoy an extra eight inches..."
Mako scoffed ignoring his dramatization. Korra was off limits unfortunately since she was in the same room with Opal and he didn't think Bolin would appreciate that very much. Prince Wu, Bolin, and Hong Li was obviously not an option either...
That just left him with Asami, Iroh, and Kuvira. He turned to the left in the direction he saw the two women leave. Asami's master bedroom was most likely down the hall and up on the second floor. Mako pondered if he should try to join them, the probability they'd kick him out was medium. Depending if they wanted some variety in their experience. Although, General Iroh probably wasn't lacking in that department.
He squared his shoulders and turned to glare at Tahno. If he could conquer Kuvira's stubbornness, Tahno would be no challenge.
"And you wouldn't?" Mako replied.
"What?" Tahno scoffed at him. Since he was sitting, he had to look up at Mako who towered above him.
"enjoy an extra eight inches...as you put it." Mako repeated.
Silence followed as Tahno's breath quickened only by a fraction of its normal pace. He gripped the remote control a bit tighter but kept his eyes pinned on Mako's face.
He wasn't bluffing.
Tahno couldn't help but glance at Mako's crotch before he replied, "I'll go get the thong..."