Chapter Four:The Match
Celeste had sat up in bed and yawned while stretching her arms above her head. Looking over at the other side of the dorm. Korra had already moved out before she woke up. Frowning at the empty space before getting up. She slowly changed into her favorite earth style outfit with flats. Walking around barefooted was frowned upon. She decided the better of it. Sighing softly as she brushed her hair and left it down. Hearing the group chat going off about the match tonight. She texted Korra letting her know she was upset she didn't get to see her off. Her phone then rang.
"Hello?" She asked.
"Hey, I'm sorry. I didn't want to wake you." Korra spoke.
"It's all good. You move in okay?" Celeste asked.
"Yeah. It's awkward though. Asami is here all the time." Korra sighed. Celeste chuckled a little before grabbing her wallet and left the dorm room. She started down the path to Professor Lin's office.
"What are you up to?" Korra asked.
"Well, I have to go in and file a report against Haur after last night." She spoke while sighing. The sun was already high in the sky. A warm breeze was blowing softly as she felt it through her hair. She stopped for a moment to enjoy it before resuming her walk.
"Why is he treating you like that?" She could swear Korra was frowning.
"I don't know. Maybe because I didn't give any to him." Celeste chuckled lightly before reaching the office.
"I don't know how much longer I can take it Celeste!" Korra groaned on the phone.
"What do you mean?" Celeste raised a brow. Lin wasn't in her office yet.
"Asami. She's just so beautiful and her eyes. Celeste you don't understand." Korra groaned again. Her friend was definitely head over heels and she was sounding like it.
"Well, don't push it Korra. You got to be her friend first." Celeste spoke as Korra sighed.
"I know. Hey, are you going to the match tonight?" Korra asked as now her voice sounded excited.
"Of course I am! I am rather excited to see what it's all about." Celeste spoke as Lin was now coming down the hall. "Hey, I'll call you later okay?" She asked.
"Alright! Stay safe and see you soon!" Korra hung up as did Celeste. Setting the phone in her pocket and smiling as her professor unlocked the door and let her inside the office.
Lin waved to a seat for her to sit down as she did. On the other side of the desk. The office was plain. Not much decoration. Probably a couple fake plants in the corner of the room. The desk was neat and tidy. Lin was the opposite of Su. Su was more artistic as Lin was more organized.
"So, how do I do this professor?" Celeste asked almost quietly.
"Here is the report, you fill it out and at the bottom, you sign it." Lin spoke as she handed Celeste a clipboard and pen. She began right away. Knowing full well Lin was watching her.
"Why not suggest a restraining order while we are at it?" Lin suggested. Celeste nodded her head. She had finished the report and signed it while handing it back to Lin who gave her more papers to sign. Celeste couldn't help but take in Lin's features. The pale green eyes. The scar on her cheek. Why was she staring at the woman again? Something in her stomach had lit up again like from last night. She blushed and quickly looked at her hands as she held the pen. It was silent between the two but for some reason, it was comforting. She sighed as she placed her last signature.
"You alright?" Her professor asked as she nodded her head.
"Yes. Just a lot going on." Celeste spoke as she handed the papers back.
"Understandable. That's all I need you for." Lin spoke as Celeste got up.
"Um, professor?" Celeste started to ask.
"What is it?" Lin leaned back into her chair while crossing her arms. Her legs however were spread apart. Celeste had an image in her head. Slowly going down between. 'Nope!' She thought and was red faced.
"Never mind!" She quickly spoke and made a dash out of the office. She was going to ask if the professors usually go to the matches as well. Once she was a safe distance and leaned against the wall and tried calming her breathing down.
"You idiot!" Celeste said to herself. How could she think of that of her professor?!
She went down some stairs and sighed a little. Still frustrated with herself before pushing through a double door. She found herself in the gym. Hearing voices and music. She looked over and saw it was the dancers. She slowly walked over and sat down on the bleachers. Her eyes caught Kuvira. The raven haired woman nodded at her with a smirk. Celeste waved at her before watching again. Su was leading them through what seemed like an intense routine. It looked fun. She saw how amazing these dancers were. How in sync they were with each other and with the music. The goosebumps she was getting up her arms were telling her how exciting it was to watch them.
"Alright, that's all the time we have." Su spoke as the dancers all chatted among themselves before leaving. Kuvira slowly walked up the bleachers towards her.
"Like what you saw?" Kuvira asked as she crossed her arms. Celeste smiled in return and nodded her head. "I know I said stay away, but I know you like to dance. Try out." Kuvira added.
"So, you're giving me your blessing then?" Celeste asked with a returning smirk before standing up and crossing her arms. She could feel Su's eyes upon them.
"How about this, I'll show you some of the routine. If you can keep up. I'll consider it." Kuvira gave an evil smile as Celeste rolled her eyes.
"Bring it on!" Celeste spoke as Kuvira went back down the steps. Celeste followed. She didn't have a change of clothes but it didn't matter. Taking off her cover shirt to reveal a dark green tank top. Untying her sneakers as she was now bare footed. She did a few stretches before crossing her arms, standing next to Kuvira. Hearing the door open and close. Lin had come into the gym and sat next to Su who was watching them. Celeste could feel her heart pounding rather fast now but ignored it. She was more focused on Kuvira who showed her a few steps. She could see the Beifong sisters whispering to each other while watching them. Pushing it behind in her thoughts, Celeste copied Kuvira's moves easily.
"Beginner's luck. Now, I'm not going easy on you Alstair." Kuvira smirked.
"Bring it Beifong." Celeste spoke with just as much confidence as Kuvira had. She remembered the moves from earlier and was now in sync with Kuvira.
"Not bad. Fine. Can you keep up with the duet?" Kuvira watched Celeste as they circled each other. Celeste gave a smirk as she started. Kuvira catching up with ease. There was no music playing but she could hear it in her head. Smiling as she got lost in the feeling of dance. They finished as Celeste could feel her chest rising and falling while catching her breath. She smirked at Kuvira who returned the smirk as well.
"What do you think, captain?" Su's voice brought her back to reality. Their professor walked up to them with a smile and arms crossed. Celeste looked back to Kuvira who was now smiling.
"I think I found my co-captain." Kuvira spoke with a nod.
"Welcome to the team Celeste. Let's get your measurements for the costume." Su was now beaming. Celeste raised a brow as Kuvira answered her.
"Locker room." Kuvira spoke as Celeste nodded. She walked over to where her shirt and shoes were. Picking them up before following Su into the locker room.
"Don't worry, I'll be quick." Su spoke softly while still smiling. Celeste nodded her head while standing as her professor asked her too. Lin was leaning against the wall while watching.
"So, you were about to ask me a question earlier. What happened?" Lin asked as Celeste went red in the face again and turned to avoid eye contact.
"Are you going to the match tonight?" Celeste asked towards Kuvira who nodded.
"Of course. We have band practice as well remember Alstair?" Kuvira smirked.
"Oh! I forgot!" Celeste chuckled as Kuvira rolled her eyes.
"Do professors support the matches as well?" Celeste asked as Su finished.
"Of course we do. How else do we support our students?" Su asked. Celeste could think of hundreds of different ways but thought the better of it.
"Get your shoes on. I need to talk to you Alstair." Kuvira crossed her arms as Celeste nodded and put her shoes back on with her shirt.
"You know. You don't have to keep the charade up around us." Lin spoke as Celeste's eyes went wide.
"How did you?" She started to ask.
"I am a detective, you know." Lin smirked as Celeste blushed with a sigh. She felt Kuvira grab her arm and led her away from the locker room. They were linked by the arm. Celeste was relieved now that they were out of there and now outside. It got dark real quick.
"You need to learn how to hide your crush better." Kuvira spoke. Celeste stopped and looked at her.
"I don't know what you're talking about." Celeste crossed her arms just as thunder clapped in the sky.
"Oh come on. I saw the way you looked at her and then blushed and looked away when she asked you a question." Kuvira laughed.
"Don't tell anyone." Celeste sighed lightly.
"Your secret is safe with me. Does your best friend know at least?" Kuvira asked as Celeste shook her head. "Interesting." Kuvira smirked.
"So, what is it that you wanted to tell me?" Celeste asked as light rain began. Kuvira dashed over to under a tree to not get wet. Celeste followed her.
"I want you to move in with me." Kuvira spoke as she sat down.
"Whoa. We are moving too fast here!" Celeste teases as she sits down as well. This earned her a shove. "I'm kidding!" She laughed.
"I know. I would like you to be my roommate. I know everyone else moved out and you're still in the dorms." Kuvira spoke as it started to rain more.
"I thought you and Su were, you know?" Celeste asked as Kuvira shook her head.
"No. She and Lin live together. I'm her student. We want to make sure we keep it under the radar. Living together would cause too many issues. Plus, she visits every day." Kuvira added. "Plus, you can see more of Lin." It was Kuvira's turn to tease Celeste who shoved her back and laughed.
"I guess I can do that." Celeste sighed with a smile.
"So, you'll move in?" Kuvira asked as Celeste nodded her head.
"Great! Let's get going!" Kuvira spoke.
"Wait! Right now?"
"Yes! Wait no. After the rain." Kuvira spoke while watching the rain.
Celeste however stood up and went out into the rain. Closing her eyes as she leaned her head back. Her arms raised at shoulder length. Letting the water hit her in the face with its gentleness. She laughed and started to dance in the rain. Feeling the puddles splash against her feet. Kuvira was watching her with awe. Celeste then saw Kuvira, ran to her, grabbing her hands and pulling her out in the rain.
"Wait! It's wet!" Kuvira protested as Celeste smiled.
"It won't hurt you!" She spoke as Kuvira glared at her before then smiling. She knew this woman was a no nonsense person but at least she knew when it was okay to let go and have fun sometimes. They held hands and did a quick spin before dancing together in the rain. She was now soaked in her clothes. Her hair was thoroughly wet as well. Kuvira was the same. She looked at her friend who now had a smile on her face. Kuvira was now letting out a laugh. Celeste felt accomplished. Feeling her pull into a hug, her eyes locked upon Kuvira as she returned the smile. Their faces were inches from each other as she could feel her own heart beat fast again.
"You know. I've never done this before. Dance in the rain." Kuvira spoke as she closed her eyes and leaned her head back.
"Ever? At all?" Celeste asked as Kuvira shook her head. "Always a first time for everything!" She laughed. She looked around and spotted the Beifong sisters watching them. Su was smiling as Lin had her arms crossed.
"Let's get going." Celeste suggested as Kuvira nodded. They linked arms again and made their way back to her dorm. She didn't have much but at least it would be an easy move.
They made it back to her dorm that was half empty. She tossed Kuvira a towel so she could dry herself off. Celeste handed Kuvira a pair of clothes. Seeing her friend was not ashamed to change in front of her. She turned to give her privacy.
"You'll get used to it." Kuvira smirked as she bagged her wet clothes. Celeste only smiled before packing up her clothes into a suitcase and her books into her bag.
"At least decorate your room when you move in. This room is sad." Kuvira spoke as Celeste nodded in agreement.
"By the way. My mother should never know we are living together." Celeste added. Kuvira gave her a questioning look.
"Oh yeah. We are supposed to be rivals." Kuvira nodded. "That's fine. I assume she'll cut you off?" Her friend asked as Celeste finished packing. Kuvira grabbed her bed set and led the way out.
"Not just that. Much worse." Celeste spoke.
"What's worse?" Kuvira raised a brow.
"I'll tell you later." Celeste spoke. Not wanting anyone to listen in their conversation. Knowing full well there were already eyes upon them. It was now raining very lightly outside as Kuvira led the way to the apartment buildings that were nearby.
"Shit." Kuvira laughed as Celeste gave her a look this time. "Su is already here." Kuvira spoke as Celeste opened her mouth.
"She knows. I told her yesterday I was going to ask you. I forgot to tell her the answer." Kuvira laughed while leading the way to the second floor. She for some reason started to feel nervous. She had no idea why. They arrived at the door as Kuvira handed her the extra key before going in.
"I'm back!" Kuvira spoke as they entered.
"Ah, welcome back dear and." Su stopped as she saw Celeste and smiled.
"She agreed. I'm going to show her to her room so then we can eat." Kuvira spoke as Su nodded before taking her leave to the kitchen. She followed Kuvira to the end of the hallway and turned to the left. It was a rather decent sized room. Smaller than the one at home but bigger than the dorm room. Celeste was smiling as she set her suitcase next to the closet door.
"Bathroom is between the bedrooms. Mine is across the hall from you." Kuvira spoke as Celeste hugged her. She felt Kuvira wrap her arms around her while returning it.
"Thank you." Celeste spoke. Hearing footsteps, she pulled back a little.
"Can I get in on this?" Su smirked as Kuvira nodded. Celeste felt her face heat up as she was now in the arms of two women. She mumbled a little with a smile.
"Someone is having fun." Kuvira teased Celeste who only flustered.
"Lin is coming over for dinner if that's alright?" Su asked as Kuvira nodded. She smirked at Celeste again who tried to speak but failed.
"That's fine. Someone." Kuvira started as Celeste smacked her arm and pressed a finger to her lips. A very confused Su shrugged before leaving the room.
"Shut up." Celeste whispered as Kuvira laughed. Setting her blankets and pillow on the bed.
"Get settled in. Dinner is ready soon then we'll leave for the match." Kuvira smiled while taking her leave.
Celeste was humming softly as she made her bed. Hearing voices.
"Ah Lin. Just in time for dinner." Su's voice carried down the hall.
"Good. I'm famished." Lin's voice spoke. Celeste was now putting her clothes up in the closet.
"Celeste, are you eating or not?" Kuvira shouted. Celeste had changed her clothes quickly and made her way into the dining room.
"Sorry. Was busy." Celeste smiled.
"So, you moved in?" Lin asked as Celeste nodded her head. Keeping eye contact low.
"I'm not good at cooking, lucky Su was here to save the food." Kuvira sighed. Celeste smiled.
"That's alright. I can take over cooking if you want." Celeste spoke.
"You're a lifesaver." Kuvira sighed in relief. "Oh, your favorite drink is in the fridge Celeste." Kuvira added. Celeste raised a brow before going to investigate. Sure enough, her favorite lemonade was there. Grabbing a drink before returning to the table. Crossing her arms.
"How?" She asked.
"Korra wouldn't shut up about it." Kuvira smirked.
"No, I think there was another intention." Celeste returned the smirk before finally helping herself to the food. It was spicy noodles.
"I had to make Lin's favorite. She's been so busy, she forgot to eat today." Su spoke.
"It's Celeste's favorite as well." Kuvira piped in. Celeste felt her face heat up yet again.
"Interesting. Good to know!" Su added.
"So, you started a band?" Su asked as they finished eating. Celeste decided to help out and clear the table away. Cleaned up and put the dishes away.
"Yes, called Republic's Rejects. Opal named it." Kuvira spoke as they were finishing up their tea.
"I'm going to change real quick." Celeste spoke as she left her room to change into the Fire Ferret shirt that Asami had custom ordered for them.
She had followed Kuvira out of the apartment with Su and Lin. Making their way to the arena. Hearing her phone ring, Celeste stopped and answered it. Seeing the three turn to look at her. She waved her hand to let them know to go on without her. Su and Kuvira went on. Lin however stayed. She turned to face the other way.
"Celeste?" Korra's voice sounded concerned.
"Yes, what's up?" Celeste was ready to see if Korra knew or not.
"They don't have a water bender. I want to offer myself as a replacement but I feel like I won't be good." 'Oh.' Celeste thought as she listened.
"Korra, you're the avatar. Master water bender. I'd do it if I were you. Besides, it might help with your training." Celeste spoke as she began walking again. Lin is next to her. She felt like Lin was on high alert or something.
"So, should I do it?" Korra asked.
"Yes! Do it! I'll be in the crowd cheering you on!" Celeste was smiling now.
"Great! I'll do it then! See you soon!" Korra hung up as Celeste put her phone away.
"Everything alright?" Lin asked as Celeste nodded.
"Yeah, Korra is replacing the water bender on the team." Celeste explained as Lin nodded her head.
"You didn't have to wait for me." Celeste added as they entered the arena and found Su and Kuvira at their seats.
"I know. I don't trust him." Lin spoke as she was now glaring. Celeste was confused while following the line of sight and then saw him. Straight across the arena from her. It was Haur.
"Don't worry sweetie. We got your back." Su spoke as she rubbed Celeste's back. It felt odd. The Beifongs were warm and welcoming. It was starting to make her feel uneasy. She didn't know how to react to this feeling. She only nodded her head as her mind drifted off.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome! Our two teams will be facing off against each other for a chance to place for the upcoming championship!" A man's voice boomed. Celeste could feel the excitement in the air. She looked around and saw the crowd standing up while cheering. She looked back down to the arena. There she saw Bolin, Mako, and Korra. She waved at Korra who waved back. The young woman had a smile on her face.
"Match. Begin!" The referee shouted. Celeste was standing up now leaning over the rail to try and get a better view. The goal was to knock your opponents off their side. It was interesting to watch. Three elements against each other in a friendly competition.
"Foul!" The man shouted as Korra was told to go back one. 'Huh.' Celeste spoke as she felt the ground vibrating as the fans were jumping in sync. She looked around and smiled a little. She felt someone link arms with her. It was Kuvira.
"Having fun?" She asked as Celeste nodded her head. It was almost like the arena she would sneak off to at night for the earth benders. Watching as she saw the team get knocked out.
"What a knockout!" The man shouted. The next round had started as the bell rang. Celeste had started to get into the match. Cheering and whopping aside with Kuvira.
"That's it folks! That was amazing! Fire Ferrets move on!" The man shouted as Celeste cheered along with the other fans.
"Come on!" Kuvira shouted and dragged Celeste down the stairs. They found their friends with Asami and Opal in the room.
"That was awesome!" Celeste shouted as she went over and hugged Korra who was eyeing Asami as she kissed Mako. She nudged Korra gently who nodded at her sadly.
"Who is ready for band practice?" Bolin piped up as they all laughed.
"I was actually wondering if we could skip tonight. Asami wants to go out for a celebration." Mako spoke out. Celeste frowned a little before shrugging.
"Where to?" Bolin asked.
"Actually. Just for the two of us." Asami spoke.
"Yeah, that's fine! I wanted to take Bolin somewhere as well." Opal spoke.
"I guess we can do this another night." Kuvira spoke as Korra quickly left. Celeste frowned and went after her.
She finally caught up and gently grabbed Korra's arm.
"Hey, are you going to be okay?" Celeste asked as Korra sighed. Sitting down at a park bench. She could see that Korra was hurting emotionally.
"Yeah. I'll live. Besides, I need to stop distracting myself." Korra spoke in a sad tone.
"Hey, I know you're hurting. Is there anything I can do to help?" Celeste offered.
"Just talking helps." Korra spoke as they heard movement in the shadow.
"Who's there?" Celeste called out as they stood up and took a defensive stance while looking around. Haur came out of the shadow with two other figures. Celeste couldn't make out who it was. They were dressed in black with weird looking goggles.
"What's going on?" Korra asked.
"Getting my revenge. You see. I may not be able to bend like you, but now my chances are a bit more equal." Haur spoke as he snapped his fingers. The next thing she knew, she sent rocks flying left and right. Fighting alongside Korra as two more figures in black came into view. Feeling her arm shot pain down her spine as one of the figures caught her. Grunting as she swung her arm and made contact with the face. They were now fighting hand by hand. Celeste was quick and agile as she was able to take one out.
"Enough of this!" Haur shouted as he pulled out a large mechanically looking glove. Hearing Korra shout as Celeste looked over. Korra was on her knees. Feeling a sharp pain, Celeste fell to her knees. Holding her stomach as another sharp pain came. Then another followed. Then out of nowhere, the glove made contact with her arm. Sending agony shockwaves of electricity across her body. She was screaming on the top of her lungs as the pain rode through her body.
"Celeste!" Korra's voice was the last thing she heard before falling all the way down. As soon as her head hit the ground. She saw nothing.