Three weeks later
Korra stands in the middle of her room at Air Temple Island and surveys it for perhaps the last time. Her bed was made, drawers emptied, and the closet cleaned out. It really didn't look a heck of a lot different. She tries to remember how it felt to move in, but the person she was when she did, felt like a lifetime ago. A soft noise behind her catches her attention.
"I think you've more than doubled what you moved in here with," Pema chuckles as she leans against the door frame of Korra's soon-to-be old bedroom.
Korra looks down at the two duffle bags at her feet. "I can't believe it was nearly five years ago?"
Pema's hand wanders to her belly as if she was pregnant with Rohan again. "I remember thinking to myself; a teenager should be a lot less trouble than your three preteen children." She blows a raspberry for emphasis.
Korra chuckles. "You've been like a second mother to me. You know that, right?"
Pema shakes her head. "Why are you talking like this is goodbye? I'm going to see you here tomorrow for Sunday dinner and then the day after that because this is technically your place of Avatar business."
"I knooooow."
"I don't know if Tenzin plans to give you a desk somewhere. He probably should just let you keep this room." Pema leaves the door frame and walks over to Korra.
The sad little look on Korra's face takes her back a moment to that awful time when that was the only expression Korra made. She had seen plenty of pouts in her day, raising four children, but it never cut her so deeply as the way when Korra did it. Perhaps it was seeing it from someone who typically was so strong and vibrant.
Pema still remembers the first time Asami stepped in and helped Korra get ready. It wasn't that Pema was surprised by Asami's tender, almost motherly side. It was how focused it was on Korra.
The two girls worked beautifully together. Way better than she and Korra had. It was part of the reason she was shocked when Korra decided to leave for the South. The pair had just settled into a working routine. But then Pema thought about it a little more, thinking about how the little pout would return as soon as Asami left. Korra wasn't just feeling helpless anymore. She was burdened with guilt too. She saw what Asami was willing to do and to put aside for her. Korra couldn't allow her friend to do that.
Pema gently places her hands on Korra's shoulders. "I know it's a big step, but it's the right time to make it. Don't make that poor girl wait for you any longer."
Korra falls forward into Pema and wraps her arms around her waist. Pema's hands move to Korra's back to return the hug.
Ikki and Jinora appear in the doorway. Jinora carries a small bundle.
"We made you some bean paste buns with smiley faces to bring with you for your first night away," Jinora offers them to Korra."Some of the smiles might be kinda messed up because someone couldn't stop crying on them."
Ikki peeks out from behind Jinora. Her eyes are puffy and red, with tears threatening to fall from the corners. "I'm soooorry. I just don't want you to go-ho-ho!" she sobs.
Pema rolls her eyes and lets out a long breath. "Ikki, sweetheart. Enough."
"I. Just. Am. Going," Ikki stutters out between gasps. "Miss. You. So. Much."
Korra moves to Ikki's side and bends down to be at her eye level. "I'll be back, pretty much every day. And we'll still do sleepovers."
"Can I sleep over at your place sometimes too?"
"Of course," Korra replies, giving Ikki a little pat. "Okay, I better go say goodbye to Tenzin."
"He should be in the courtyard with Rohan, trying out his new scooter," Pema says, gesturing in that direction.
Korra bends down to grab her two duffles and then hoists them onto her shoulders. She rests the bindle of buns on top of one of her bags. "See you tomorrow!"
Korra disappears through the door. Ikki goes to her mother's hip and rests her head there. She lets out a few new sniffles.
"Ikki, sweetheart, you are too old to make this big of a fuss."
Korra finds Tenzin, Kya, Katara, and Rohan in the courtyard. The three adults are engrossed in watching Rohan propel himself around in little circles. His wheelchair was low to the ground. Instead of sitting with his legs dangling, they were straight out, with wooden paneling on the side to hold him in. Two large wheels are located by his hips which he grasps to make it move, and one smaller wheel is beneath where his feet were.
"Korra, come here and see little Rohan go!" Katara calls out, noticing the Avatar's presence first.
"Oh, look at that." Korra reaches the group and drops her duffle bags to her side. "What an interesting design for a wheelchair."
"I had it made special," Katara says proudly. "Teo's father was inspired by the teachings he discovered in the air temple they took refuge in. I think it's only fitting that we test such a design for Rohan."
Korra mouths Teo to Kya and Tenzin. Her children were much more familiar with the stories of their mother and father's youth. Kya places a hand on her mother's mother.
"I'm impressed you could remember what something looked like from when you were fourteen," Kya says, looking at Korra.
Korra nods slowly, better understanding who Katara is talking about.
Katara rubs her hands together. "I'm sure it's not an exact replica, but the craftsman did a wonderful job."
"He seems to be taking to it," Korra says as she watches Rohan. He runs his hands towards himself on the wheels, causing the chair to back up. He giggles as he moves backward.
"Fortunately, he is young. He will be quite adaptive." Tenzin looks away from his son for a moment and to Korra. "So you're heading out then?"
"I am."
"Remember, you always have a place here, no matter what." Tenzin gives Korra a little pat on the back. They embrace for a few moments.
"Thank you, Tenzin."
"What he means is, if Asami ever says you're sleeping on the couch," Kya says, reaching out for a hug as well. "However, I'm going to take over your room, so if you need a place to stay, you're bunking with the girls."
"Wait, really?" Korra asks as she releases Kya.
Kya nods and motions to Katara. "Mom and I will be staying here for a while. She doesn't seem to mind a sleepover every night with Ikki and Jinora, but I need my own space."
"Youth keeps you young!" Katara calls out. The lines at her eyes crinkle, and she fondly thinks of her granddaughters.
"You keeps you up!" Kya snaps back."
Korra departs the group. As she walks, the mother-daughter bickering get's harder to make out, but she can tell from their tone that it's all in good fun.
Asami leaves her office to pick Korra up at the docs and drives them home. They had been sleeping over at each other's places since their return to Republic City, but tonight was Korra's official first night of being moved in.
The elevator doors opened to their floor, and as they stepped out, they spotted a large crate outside the apartment door. Since Korra's arms were full, Asami inspected the delivery.
"It's from your parents," Asami says, reading the return address pressed into the crate's wood.
Korra cranes her head curiously to read over Asami's shoulder. "Wonder how they got your address."
"Our address," Asami replies with a wink. She unlocks the door and waves Korra in. "I think I have a crowbar in the bedroom."
Korra tosses her bags into the sitting area and then returns to the hall to collect the crate. As she's resting it on the floor, Asami joins her, crowbar in hand.
"I love you," Korra sighs as she watches Asami go to work on breaking open the crate. She wedges the crowbar under the wood on the sides of the lid. The wood and nails squeak as they separate. Asami finishes with the last side, then pushes the top off once separated.
"It looks like a wooden chest," Asami says, moving aside so Korra can see.
Korra bends down, grasps the chest by the handles, and pulls it out. Bits of packing straw fall to the side. She places it on the floor and stands back. The chest is made of sanded pine, natural wood finish, with decorative stained bone inlays depicting a snowy landscape on the top.
"It's beautiful," Asami murmurs, crouching down for a better look. Korra joins her.
"Open it up,"
Asami's hands move to the edges of the chest and lift the lid. She lays it gently back. The wood whines a little as it bends.
Resting at the top is a set of large wooden utensils with ornate designs carved into the handles and a card.
Korra reaches for the card and flips it open. "For your new home, love Mom." She rests the card in her lap. "Wow, this is big."
Asami fishes out a few of the different spoons to inspect. "Are these special?"
"Not individually, no, but the whole chest is a big gesture on my mother's part," Korra says, digging into the box. She pulls out a blue woven blanket with tribal markings. Once removed, it exposes a wealth of home decor. "This is a gift parents would give to a newly wedded child. To help them start their new home."
"Oh, I see." Asami shyly pulls out a wooden bowl to inspect. It has some blue tribal markings along the outside rim.
"Course, Mom maybe didn't know I'm moving in with a girl who has everything."
"Yes, but nothing I have in this apartment is as meaningful." Asami places the bowl at her side to investigate the box further. She finds a soft pelt and slides it out. "So this means we have your mother's blessing?"
Korra feels her chest tighten, and she nods. "I should call and let her know we got it."
Senna tries to play it cool on the phone, but Korra knows how big of a decision it must have been for her to put together the chest. Her father confessed he didn't know about it until she asked him to ship it. The gift was from Senna and Senna alone.
Korra felt her heart swell as she hung up with them. It was pretty late there, so she didn't want to keep them on the phone long. Korra made a mental note to express to her mother how grateful she was for the steps she's been taking to understand and accept her relationship with Asami. She didn't have to have her mother's approval, ever. That would not change her feelings and life with Asami. But her mother's support made it all the more sweeter.
Korra leaves the bedroom and takes a few steps down the short hallway into the main living area. She enters the kitchen and can see Asami standing at the full-length windows by the dining table. She has taken off her jacket and tossed it on the table, so she is only wearing her white undershirt on top. She holds a steaming mug close to her chest as she looks out at the city. The sun has begun to lower, casting a glow on the still-standing skyscrapers.
Korra stays put, taking in the moment. She was no longer just spending the night at Asami's apartment. The walls around them make up their home. The nesting box from her mother all but solidified that for her.
If you had asked Korra when she was younger, would she believe that one day she would end up living with one a gorgeous woman in a posh highrise apartment in Republic City? She wouldn't have rejected the notion but never believed it possible.
"Like the moth to the flame to the coal," a soft voice whispers in Korra's mind.
Korra's mind brings herself back to the compound. She saw her younger self walking along the perimeter of the fence, in the one corner of the property away from the buildings with few trees. It was her place to go when she wanted to be alone. She must have been about fourteen from the looks of herself as she stomped along the fence.
Young Korra's face was red, but it didn't appear to be from the cold. She suddenly slapped her cheeks. "What's wrong with me? She's a she. A she, dummy!"
It suddenly came back to Korra. Her Firebending Master had invited a group of other Firebending teachers to observe her progress. There was one woman among the group of seven or so, and she nearly took Korra's breath away.
"Like the moth to the flame to the coal."
The words repeated over and over in her mind. It was how the woman's presence made Korra feel, but the words did not feel like her own. She sometimes felt that pull before she connected with her past lives. A feeling now she rarely had except sometimes in her dreams.
And she felt it now. Korra was back in the apartment, and Asami looked at her with a curious smile.
"Did you go somewhere just now?" Asami asks before taking a sip from her mug.
Korra starts walking to the dining area to join Asami at the windows. "I did," Korra replies with a chuckle. "I was fourteen again and freaking out over finding this older Fire Nation woman very attractive."
Asami flips her hair playfully. "Are you sure that isn't the present?"
Korra grins and leans her weight against the dining table. "It's all very cyclical with me, you see. But I'm not freaking out about it anymore."
"I would hope not."
Korra pushes off the table to move behind Asami. She wraps her arms around Asami's waist and rests her chin on her shoulder. "Quite the opposite. I was in the throes of thinking how happy and settled I was until my mind had other ideas."
"The mind is funny that way, isn't it? I've found the meditating techniques Ikki and Jinora taught me to be quite helpful for such things."
Korra pulls her chin off Asami's shoulder to readjust but finds herself captivated by the pale and slender neck in front of her.
Korra brushes aside Asami's loose ponytail to bring her lips to the porcelain skin. She doesn't kiss but gently runs them along the contours. The fine hairs tickle her lips but in a good way.
Asami shivers from her own tickling by Korra's breath.
Korra's hand moves from Asami's waist along her arm until it comes into contact with the teacup. She tugs at it, and Asami lets go. She places the cup on the table not too far behind them. Asami attempts to turn around, but Korra tightens her grip.
Korra's attention returns to the neck in front of her. She brushes her bottom lip along the flesh one more long, drawn-out time. Then she tilts her head and then closes her mouth around as much neck as she can, applying light pressure to her bite.
Asami falters slightly and presses her right hand on the glass to stabilize herself. The left seeks to touch Korra but is intercepted and pushed to join her right hand. Korra keeps her hand over the taller girl's for a moment, caressing her thumb over the back of Asami's. She then gives a firm press to let Asami know to keep it there.
Korra nips along Asami's neck from the base to her hairline, standing on her toes to get that far up with their height difference. She grasps and gropes at Asami's hips to keep their bodies close. Her girlfriend's pleasured squeaks and sighs embolden her to move her hands upwards, and the bottom of Asami's shirt goes up along with them.
"Are you going to show me off to all of Republic City?" Asami breathes, reminding Korra of where they were standing. Korra releases her grip, allowing Asami to turn around and face her.
They crash into each other, lips first. Both driven by urgency, they tussle for control. Korra tries to press Asami to the window, but Asami wins, backing the shorter girl to the table. Korra uses the leverage of the furniture to steady herself and focus her strength on removing Asami's shirt and pants. They toss the clothing aside, and their lips meet again. While kissing, Asami works at Korra's fur wrap and pants while Korra lifts off her own shirt.
Now in her undergarments, Korra sits on the table and beacons the other girl to her. Asami is about to step between Korra's legs when Korra grabs her rear and guides her to straddle her right leg. Asami closes her eyes and uses Korra's shoulders to brace herself for the sudden pressure on that sensitive area. Korra pulls her closer, and Asami gasps into Korra's mouth before their lips reconnected.
They rock and grind together, catching tiny breaths between hungry kisses. Korra keeps her hands firm on Asami's buttocks, guiding her along the length of her thigh. Korra growls when she notices Asami's wetness seeping through her panties and onto her leg.
Korra drops her leg down, and Asami stumbles for a moment, but then she's swept into Korra's arms in one swift movement.
"Take me to bed?" Asami whispers, wrapping her arms around Korra's neck and then pressing a few kisses there.
Korra grins. She shows off her strength by curling the taller girl a few times like she was a barbell as she marches them towards the bedroom. Korra kicks a leg out to close the door behind them. Then it dawns on her that it doesn't matter. They are utterly alone in their own home. She leaves it open.
The room had become dark since the late afternoon turned to night. Only now was Asami aware of the time shift. The neon din from the city surrounding had been providing all the light they needed to see each other.
Korra was awe-inspiring in this lighting. Her muscle definition, all highlights, and shadows. Her eyes so blue that they appeared to glow, but it was just the light reflecting off them.
Asami reaches out a hand, then just her pointer finger, and presses it to Korra's lips. Korra responds by pursuing her lips to kiss the soft pad.
Asami giggles and swaps out her fingers one by one, and Korra kisses each in response.
"I love you," Korra whispers as she finishes with the pinky.
Asami brushes the skin of Korra's cheek with the backs of her freshly kissed finger. "I love you too."
The following day the group gathers at Air Temple island. After everyone's return to Republic City, Pema suggested the reinstatement of Sunday dinner, as they did while Korra was away.
Pema missed the routine. All the more so with Meelo and Bumi gone and Korra moved out. She looks around the table, and her heart swells as it's near overflowing with most of her favorite people. She sought out her two daughters and found Ikki sandwiched between Korra and Asami, with Jinora to Korra's left. Her little Ikki looked especially pleased to be seated between her two favorite people.
Beside Jinora was Zhou Rhen, and then next to him Mako, looking more relaxed than he had at their home in a very long time.
Pema then focuses on Opal and Bolin in the middle of the table. It was their night as well; they announced the official date for their wedding. She hadn't known Opal for as long as Bolin, but she couldn't be happier for the two.
She found her mind drifting back to her conversation with Suyin and Senna during the Varrick and Zhu Li's wedding party. The "next wedding" the three women toasted to has arrived.
Pema looks back to Korra and Asami. Her youngest daughter was prattling on about something, unaware the two older girls were likely only half listening, as they made eyes at each other. Pema recognized those special looks they were giving. The kind couples give each other sometimes in those glorious and often fleeting moments when you feel perfectly in sync with one another. You can read their feelings all in a glance.
Pema found herself wondering, would she and the other mothers guess those two girls would be next to get married during Opal and Bolin's reception?
At that moment, for the first time, it dawned on Pema that she saw no difference between the two couples in front of her, and many people would consider that unusual. The good feeling Pema had cultivated dissipated as the realization that Korra and Asami couldn't technically get married settled in.
Pema looked back to Ikki between them. Jinora has her suspicions, and she wasn't blind to her daughter's intensity towards the couple, Asami especially. There was a genuine possibility her daughter might come home one day with another girl and say this is who she wants to spend her life with.
"So," Opal thunders, catching the whole room's attention. Sticks clank on porcelain, and seats squeak as the group prepares for such an abrupt summons for their attention.
Opal turns to her fiance at her side. "I just found out Bolin's mover premiere will be three days before our wedding?"
Bolin swallows a big bite of his food. "Four."
"Shey won't move the date?" Asami asks.
"Apparently, it can't be moved, and she didn't know when it was despite Bolin and I knowing for a couple of weeks now." Opal shrugs and gives her fiance a sly look. "Bolin just neglected to inform her we set a date. It's fine. I told him he could go to that instead of having a bachelor party."
Bolin lets out a nervous laugh. He sneaks a peek at his brother as he speaks. "I'm sure it will be better than the party Mako would throw me, no offense."
Mako grimaces. "Bachelor parties are nothing but trouble anyway. Do you remember Slippery Shinji's? It nearly broke up the marriage before it even started."
Bolin thought back to that night, and a small smile started to pull on his lips. He knew better than to share any of the events that transpired. "That was pretty wild."
Opal slaps the table, startling Bolin back to reality. "Also, get this, the Earth Kingdom's election, i.e., my mother's, is like twelve days after my wedding. My mom will be campaigning to people who aren't even voting in her election." Opal leans back and crosses her arms. "This is what I get for wanting to get this all over with before summer."
"Get this over with?" Bolin squeaks.
"You know what I mean. It gets so hot, and it'll be sweltering before we know it. We'd have to wait like four more months to get married before it starts cooling off again." Opal looks over to her fiance, who doesn't seem wholly convinced. "Bolin, baby, I'm so excited to marry you." She leans over and plants a big kiss on his cheek.
The corners of Bolin's mouth perk up, and he bashfully smiles. "Me too."
As the couple kanoodles for a few moments, Zhou Rhen leans on the table to catch Korra's eye. "Avatar Korra, I wanted to let you know I will be leaving for a brief period. I am long overdue to report to my master."
"But you'll come back, right?" Jinora asks.
"If Avatar Korra will have me."
Korra gives a little nod. Asami notices it may not be enough, so she snakes her arm around Ikki to poke a finger in Korra's side. The Avatar puts down her chopsticks and leans in his direction."You're always welcome here."
Zhou Rhen sinks a little into himself. "Thank you."
"You should at least stay for the wedding," Bolin chimes in.
Zhou Rhen looks to Opal, knowing her invitation holds more weight. Opal grins and shakes her head. "Come to the wedding."
"Well," Zhou Rhen starts, removing his glasses and giving them a few wipes of his sleeve. "I suppose I could stick around a little bit longer."
"Great, someone needs to keep Mako company at the singles table," Opal says with a snort.
Mako scowls at Opal but then turns a friendlier face to Zhou Rhen. "Bolin and I have a lot of cousins, stick with me, and maybe I can set you up. At least one of us might meet someone at this affair."
"Sorry, Mako, but my Aunt Lin, who I am only saying this about because she's not here, failed to deliver on cousins for you to date."
Bolin holds up a finger. "I mean, I think some of our cousins are older than us and have their own kids, so…" He starts to count on his hand. "How far removed are your cousin's kids?"
"No need to strain yourself over that Bolin," Mako replies, near cutting his brother off. "I don't need to meet anyone at your wedding. I can do that on my own time."
"You know, the other day, I saw a poster for a singles dance," Tenzin offers, joining the conversation.
Mako holds up a hand and looks at his lap. "I appreciate the input, but I'd like to figure this one out on my own."
"That's very mature of you, Mako," Pema says sweetly.
"Thank you, Pema," Mako replies. He sits a little straighter and resumes eating.
The rest of the group settles back into eating their food too. For a few moments, the only sound is the gentle clinking of the windchime outside the door.
"So what's the plan after you two get married? Where are you going to live?" Korra asks before popping a whole dumpling into her mouth.
"Going to get our own place." Bolin grins, stealing a glance at Opal. "Mako and I are saying goodbye to the old bachelor pad."
Mako raises a hand as if he was volunteering. "I'll be getting a new bachelor pad. I found one that's nothing special but very close to the station."
Bolin pats a firm hand on Mako's shoulder, jostling him. "No more sleeping at the station for this guy. He has no excuse not to go home."
Opal pushes her bowl away and timidly rests her chopsticks on top. "My parents are buying us a home. It's just a little two-bedroom. I'm so grateful, but knowing how many displaced people there still are, it's hard to feel excited about it."
Bolin's hand finds Opal's under the table and squeezes.
Asami perks up. "That reminds me, the renovations are almost done at my old home. We should be moving people in as soon as next week."
"That's great, but it seems so soon?" Pema asks.
"We're not waiting for all the units to be ready. The plan is to occupy them as they are finished. It does mean living with a bit of noise for a while, but I'm hoping the citizens living there will find it a worthwhile trade-off."
Tenzin nods, and his hand absently finds his beard. "The numbers at the shelters are going down more and more each day. Those who have come back to provide feedback have been appreciative, but the sentiment is there is no place like home."
Asami smiles. "There really isn't."
"I don't mean to press a sore spot, but are you sure you're okay with giving up your family home?" Tenzin asks.
Asami wipes the corners of her lips with her napkin, considering the question. She was surprised to find no pangs of longing or sadness, but then she looked around the table and knew why. "You know, I think back to when I first came to live here after my father basically disowned me. Here with you all, and the kindness and comradery we shared, felt more like home than those big empty rooms and halls I grew up in. Coming here for Sunday dinners while Korra was gone felt like coming to see my family once a week. I survived the heartache of that time because of all of you. And now that Korra has moved in with me, the apartment I rented to get away from bad memories doesn't feel like an escape anymore, but home."
Korra moves her hand to cover Asami's and squeezes it. Asami returns the gesture. She hears a snuffling noise and sees it coming from Mako.
Asami feels her stomach drop. "Mako, why are you crying?"
"That was really touching," Mako says gruffly, his face betraying him. "I felt the same way about the Sunday dinner's Pema."
Pema holds a hand to her chest and nod.
Bolin rubs Mako's shoulder. "You're just a big pile of mush at your core, aren't you, bro?"
Asami steals a worried glance at Korra. Korra grins and shakes her head. "We're good. He and I had a really good talk in Ba Sing Se," she whispers.
Pema stands up from the table and collects some of the plates closest to her. She is a bit relieved Mako took any potential attention off herself because she had felt tears welling up in her own eyes. She carries the dishes into the kitchen and dumps them into the wash basin.
Ikki appears from behind the flaps over the door with an armful of dishes. "Got some more for you."
Pema puts on a smile and steps out of the way of the sink, so Ikki can make her drop off.
"I'll go get some more," her daughter chirps.
"Ikki, wait."
Ikki stops at the door and turns around. "Yeah?"
Pema panics, unsure of what she intends to say to her daughter. Ikki cocks her head curiously as she waits. Everything she was thinking and feeling about her eleven-year-old was all hypothetical. Was she overthinking this?
"Mom, is everything okay?"
"Yes, sorry," Pema bends down to be closer to Ikki's height. She was slightly startled to realize she didn't need to go as low as she used to. "I just want you to know that if someday you meet someone that you love as Asami and Korra do or like Bolin and Opal, your father and I will be so happy for you, what we want that for you and your brothers and sister to be with a person who makes you feel loved and happy. Bender or nonbender, man or woman, that doesn't matter to us, okay?"
Ikki shrinks a little, embarrassed by how direct her mother is being with her. She can't help but wonder how her mother knows.
"This isn't about anything you've done or said. This is just something I want you to know, okay?" Pema touches a hand to her chest. "This is just me letting you know how I feel."
"Okay,"
"Why don't you grab some more dishes so we can make some room on the table for dessert."
Pema straightens back up and watches her daughter move to leave. Ikki stops at the door frame and then swiftly turns around. She wraps her arms around her mother's waist and presses her cheek into her soft middle. Before Pema has time to react, Ikki is scurrying out the door.
Shiro Shinobu is perched on an outside balcony in the front of the Pro Bending area, giving him a perfect bird's eye view of the red carpet lined entrance. A small crowd has gathered out front, and it's continuing to grow as passers-by notice the commotion.
He spies Chief Lin Beifong directing her staff to patrol the perimeter of the area and others to stay out front for crowd control. He is amazed at how much voices carry.
His producer suddenly appears on the balcony with him. "Are you ready to start rolling?"
Shiro nods.
"Great. I have Qiong He set up to snag interviews."
Shiro glances below and spies the woman in question standing right before the steps of the area. Qiong He is in her late fifties, an old opera house singer turned event personality. They had co-hosted a few events together recently for President Raiko.
"Radio me if there is someone you want to hear from. Here's a list of the key players who should be here tonight." The producer hands Shiro a stack of note cards with names and pictures on them.
"We have any idea what this mover is about yet?"
His producer shrugs. "A marketing ploy." He then leans down and holds a hand as if he were telling a secret. "My money's on another Nuktuk."
The noise from the crowd starts to get louder, signaling to the men a vehicle must be arriving.
Shiro grabs for his microphone and switches it on. He licks his lips a few times as he leans toward the mouthpiece.
"Shiro Shinobu here, reporting out front of the Pro Bending Area for an exciting mover premier! Republic City's sweetheart Bolin has come out of retirement to star in an all-new mystery mover. Bolin has been very hush-hush about the whole project but says it's a mover you cannot miss. After tonight's premiere, it will be screening at the arena every Friday and Saturday evening this month at seven pm, so don't forget to buy your tickets, folks! It looks like the first Satomobile has arrived!" Shiro says gleefully as a sleek-looking black vehicle rolls into view and stops at the red carpet.
Shey steps out of the Satomobile first. She's wearing a fitted deep red, almost blacking-looking velvet suit. Her hair is greased back in her usual fashion, with a little bit of a bouffant. She reaches a hand back for Izzi and then Lan. The other women are wearing similar tight black dresses with their hair done up with sticks.
"I believe this is the production crew. The dapper-looking fella is Shey, the director. Lan is the cinematographer, and Izzi is assistant to them both."
The crackle of the radio at his side startles Shiro. He brings the receiver to his ear. "I apologize. That director is a miss Shey. Sorry, it can be a little hard to tell from this vantage."
A blue Satomobile replaces the black before it. Asami, Ikki, Korra, and Zhou Rhen exit and regroup at the beginning of the carpet. Asami and Ikki wear matching black pantsuits with a white carnation pinned to their breast pockets. Korra is also sporting a new outfit, still in the tradition of her tribe, a deep blue sleeveless dress with two long pieces in the front and back and long slits up the sides. White fur lines her lapel and around the back of her neck. Underneath, she wore dark blue stockings and dark brown fur boots with a bit of heel on her feet.
"And here we have Avatar Korra and Asami Sato making their first public appearance since their relationship announcement. Let's get a word."
Hearing Shiro on her radio, Qiong He darks out with her microphone. "Avatar Korra, Asami Sato, is this your first big night out as a couple?"
Asami sheepishly looks to Korra, then down at Ikki. "I'm actually miss Ikki's date tonight," she reaches for Ikki's hand and walks them a few steps from Korra and Zhou Rhen to show off their matching outfit. "She's one of the stars of the movers." Ikki blushes and nods.
The four watch in bemusement as Qiong He tries to process the information they gave her. Qiong He eventually recovers and holds her microphone out to Korra. "And this man?"
"Not my date," Korra answers quickly. "Just a friend."
Zhou Rhen gives a little wave.
"Oh, well, you all look fabulous tonight. Especially you two in the suits. Can you tell us the designer?"
"Jimi Chu," Asami says, posing like a model. Ikki awkwardly tries to replicate it. "Ready, Ikki?"
Ikki nods and holds out her arm. Asami takes it and has them saunter up the stairs. Korra and Zhou Rhen amble up behind them.
"Well, there you have it," Qiong He mumbles, signaling for Shiro to step back in.
A black Satomobile pulls up to the red carpet, its extra-long nose appearing first. The cab door opens, and Bolin, in an emerald tux, steps out first. Cheering explodes from the crowd. He takes Opal's hand, guiding her and her lighter green flowing dress onto the red carpet.
"And here is the man of the hour, Bolin! With him is his fiance Opal Beifong, of the Zaofu Beifongs, but there is a relation, folks! I do believe our chief of police is here tonight but on duty."
After Opal clears the vehicle, Jon Yuen and Xaiver step out. The two lumbering men comically tower over Bolin and Opal.
"Accompanying Bolin is co-star and newcomer Jon Yuen. My notes here say he was discovered working at the hospital. Well, it's good to know if anyone has an emergency tonight; we have a medical professional in the building. Not sure who the other big fella is. Qiong He, what's the word on the ground?"
Qiong He steps up to the four and gives them a little wave. "Bolin, so happy to see you back in the limelight. Can you tell us anything about this mover?"
Bolin takes Opal's arm and approaches the microphone. "I really can't say too much, but at its core, it's a love story."
Qiong He smiles, but as she thinks, it begins to fade. "The main cast is here all here now, right?"
Bolin nods and starts to lead Opal to the door. Opal puts her free hand to her face to cover the budding smirk.
"But, who's your love interest then?"
Bolin turns back to flash her a grin and then scurries inside. Qiong He continues to hold out her mic as she watches them disappear.
Jon Yeun nods to Qiong He as he passes her by, side-stepping to avoid the outstretched microphone. Xavier grabs his boyfriend's hand, flits his fingers at Qiong He, and giggles.
"Well, I guess we'll just have to see the mover for ourselves, back to you, Shiro."
Shiro Shinobu looks to his producer. The man seems as perplexed as Shiro feels.
"This is Bolin we're talking about," the producer starts, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Nuktuk, defender of the south. A man's, man. I'm sure of those gals with the director is his new sweetheart. Wrap this up so we can watch the mover and see what it's all about."
Shiro nods and brings his microphone to his mouth. "Alright, folks, it's about that time, so I must be going. Tune in tomorrow at three for my full review of this exciting new mover."
The entrance hall of the pro-bending stadium was beginning to get crowded as the specially invited guests for the premier started to filter in. The interest in snacks and beverages was picking up, and a small crowd began to form around the concession stand.
Korra, Asami, and Ikki stood to the side, waiting for the rest of their group to arrive. Zhou Rhen excused himself to get a drink.
Ikki spies Shey by the doors to the auditorium and waves. Shey returns the gesture, and the young skips over to her.
"Is that her?" Korra asks, motioning in the direction Ikki dashed off to.
Asami closes her eyes. The moment she had been dreading for quite some time has finally arrived. She tried to take comfort in the fact that she and Shey had already spoken and hopefully made their peace.
"Ah, looks like Ikki has saved us," Korra mutters as Ikki guides Shey away towards her parents, who were just clearing the entrance door. Shey awkwardly bows once she's standing in their presence.
"It's going to happen at some point. We just have to rip off that bandage, and hopefully, the air will be clear between us." Asami reaches out and begins to adjust Korra's hair. It looked fine. Asami just wanted an excuse to pet her girlfriend.
"Ikki seems to like her," Korra mutters as she accepts the attention. She leans her head into Asami's touch.
"Ikki is showing a talent for collecting role models of a certain persuasion."
Korra stiffens. "Oh no, Shey's coming over here."
Asami had her back to Shey's direction. She drops Korra's hair and turns around. Shey, with her hands tucked in her pockets sheepishly, walks towards them.
Asami gives her a little wave.
Shey pulls out her right hand and runs it through her slicked-back hair. "I wanted to thank you both for coming tonight. I've also been meaning to introduce myself formally." She holds out her hand to Korra. "Avatar Korra, it is an honor."
Asami nervously watches as her current, and previous girlfriend's hands connect in a very firm-looking handshake.
"I've been meaning to thank you and your crew. I heard you were instrumental in saving my butt that day," Korra says, flashing her million yuan smile.
Shey's cheeks pinkened, even she was not immune to Korra's allure. "It was nothing."
Korra releases Shey's hand, but Shey is slower to let go back. Asami clears her throat.
"Really looking forward to seeing what this mover our Ikki won't stop talking about."
Shey brightens at her protege's name. "I don't know where Bolin found her, I mean, I do, but it's just what you say." She giggles nervously, then recovers. "Ikki, she's got the makings of-"
Before Shey can finish her sentence, Xaivner cuts her off with his booming voice.
"AVATAR KORRA!"
The three women turn around and see Xaiver barrelling toward them with freshly bleached blonde hair and a new tux.
"You're standing!?" Xavier screeches as he envelops Korra in his arms. The usually swole seeming Avatar looked like a toothpick next to the nurse. He hoists Korra into the air and gives her a few more squeezes before resting her back on the ground.
Korra's hair and outfit are a bit disheveled from the contact. She attempts to fix her clothes but figures she can have Asami sort her out later. "I am. I found this amazing bone healer in Ba Sing Se."
"Intriguing! You'll have to tell me all about the process," Xavier starts walking Korra away. "Are you sitting near me and Jon Yuen? If not, I'm making it happen."
"Like night and day, he and his partner," Shey chuckles. "You should probably follow after them, or you won't be sitting next to your girlfriend."
Asami's stomach jumps, but when she looks at Shey, she can see it's alright. "You're probably right." Asami starts to leave, then stops herself. "I'm so proud of you, finally getting to tell a story that means something to you."
Shey runs her fingers through her hair and blushes. Asami gives a little bow and follows after Korra and Xaiver.
Shey watches her leave. She takes a deep breath and is about to let it out as a release of tension when Lan slaps her hard on the shoulder. Her breath sputters out like she is choking.
"So you know how Bolin has a brother Mako, right?" Lan starts excitedly.
Shey coughs a few times to correct her breathing. "Yeah."
"Well, I think I've found my new crush! And he's single!"
"He's a cop."
Lan slaps Shey's shoulder again. "Mako's a team Avatar guy. What more vouching do you need?"
"I guess," Shey dares a glance in the direction Mako, Bolin, and Izzi are standing. Izzie catches Shey's eye and holds up her pointer finger. "Do you actually like him, or are you settling for him because he's Bolin's brother."
"I don't know yet. I just met him tonight."
Izzi excuses herself from the two men and scurries over to her colleagues. "Lan, way to leave me hanging over there."
"Sorry, I need to gush about Mako!"
"It's our big premiere, and you're focused on him?" Izzi says in a harsh whisper.
Shey puts a hand on both Izzi and Lan's shoulders and shakes them. "Izzi's right. It's our big night. Let's soak up this moment."
The three women look around the packed atrium and feel pride swell in their chests. The crowd was full of Republic City's most influential people. They could sense the excitement around Bolin's return to acting and the mystery of what the mover was about.
The lights began to dim and then brighten, signaling the five-minute warning.
"C'mon, it's time we go introduce the world to our blood, sweat, and tears," Izzi remarks, locking an arm with the two other women. "It's our big night. Let's savor it!"
The lights of the arena dim as a large projector screen descends. The room beings to clap as a projected image of City Streets Productions logo holds for a few moments, and then the mover begins:
A commotion gathers outside a large apartment building, in the middle of an urban landscape not unlike Republic City. Police vehicle's lights flash out front, lighting up the darkness outside. Many residents have gathered outside to witness the action, dressed in bathrobes and house coats, not caring if their slippers get dirty from the street.
Officers raise a spotlight to a window on the eighth floor. A body hangs limply out the broken window. The crowd shrieks as they get a better look at the gruesome scene.
An unmarked black Satomoble pulls up and parks. Jon Yuen steps out of the vehicle. His black hair is slicked back, and he is wearing sunglasses, almost too small for his cinderblock of a head. When he is challenged by one of the police officers, Jon Yuen reaches into the inside breast pocket of his black jacket and pulls out a badge.
"Pardon, detective," the officer mumbles, stepping out of the way.
Jon Yuen lumbers past the man and moves up the steps of the building. Inside are officers posted up by the elevators, guiding confused or curious residents outside.
Again, Jon Yuen flashes his badge, and he is granted access to the elevators. He stops at the eighth floor. It's clear where the incident was; all other doors were shut except one at the hall's end.
Jon Yuen swiftly moves to the apartment. No one is watching the door. Inside are a few officers milling about taking pictures or looking around for clues.
"You morons, this is a crime scene," Jon Yuen barks. The officers flinch and hurry to the entrance. "Secure the area outside and bring up some evidence bags and the coroner."
"Sir," they mutter as they exit the room.
Jon Yuen lets out a long breath once he is alone. He surveys the foyer and living room of the apartment. Clearly, there was a struggle; the place was a mess. At the end of the room was the broken window. A man's body hung suspended between the inside and outside of the apartment. To the body's left, in a lounging chair, lay a limp woman's body. It almost appeared she had only fainted, but as he stepped closer, he could see the mark from a garrote shredding her delicate neck.
"Hello? Lao Gong?" Bolin calls out, peeking into the apartment.
The audience begins to hoot and clap for their favorite actor.
"I went to the station to meet you, but you weren't there."
"Duty calls, as you can see."
Bolin awkwardly steps into the room, dodging the debris on the floor. He holds out a hand to Jon Yeun. "Yang Lee. Your new partner."
Jon Yuen scowls at the offering. "You ever worked a real crime scene before?"
"Only twice. I just moved up from a much smaller town."
"Why?"
"I want to solve crimes. So I moved to a city that actually has them," Bolin reaches into his pocket and pulls out a pair of rubber gloves. "So, am I examining the man or the woman?"
"Neither." Jon Yeun stands between Bolin and the two corpses. "Check the other rooms for any evidence."
"Do you think there are any other victims?"
"I was briefed that there were only two."
Bolin deflates but does as he is told. He leaves the living room to walk down a narrow hallway. At the end are two bedrooms, one on either side. He peeks into the one to his left, and it's clearly the master. A large oak bed takes up most of the room. Bolin moves to the room to his right. He can tell right away it's a child's. There is a small twin bed in the corner covered in plush animals. Some other toys are strewn around the room, a little rougher than a child might.
Bolin steps into the room and stalks around, checking under the bed and behind a dresser. He spies a small closet. The door is ajar, and clothes and toys spill out onto the floor. He opens the door and peers in at the mess. Bolin reaches to his belt, clips off his flashlight, and shines it into the mess. In the way back rests a few large stuffed animals. Their glossy eyes absently peer back. Bolin is about ready to leave, but something seems off, so he darts his light back to the plushies and notices Ikki huddled up with them. Realizing she's caught, Ikki squeals and dives into the toys.
"Hey!" Bolin shrieks. He crouches and holds out a hand. "It's okay." When Ikki doesn't budge, Bolin gets down on his knees and crawls into the closet. He picks up one stuffed animal and holds it over his face.
"Don't be scared. I'm here to help!" Bolin says in as high a pitch he can muster.
Ikki peeks out from her toy pile.
"Mr. Otter Penguin is a boy."
Bolin's face softens. He clears his throat dramatically. He deepens his voice. "It is I, Mr. Otter Penguin. I'm feeling a bit forgetful. Could you remind me what your name is, little girl"
Ikki rubs the side of her palm clumsily at her cheek, wiping away a few tears. "Chieko."
Following the chaos of the furniture and broken glass, Jon Yuen tries to reenact the struggle that could have happened to the couple. Jon Yuen pretends to be one of the assailants. He mimes kicking the door open and charges into the room. Turning to his left, he spies Bolin and a young girl curled in his arms. Right away, he understands what he's found.
"Take her to the station. I'll meet you there."
Bolin nods and angles his body so Ikki can't see any of the carnage behind them.
When they make it to the street, Bolin places Ikki on the ground to walk on her own and takes her hand. They push through the crowd that has gathered out in front of the building in search of a police vehicle he could borrow.
A bolt of lightning suddenly cracks from the crowd. Onlookers scream and scatter. The police officers move to the center, in front of the steps to the apartment building. They form a small circle, ready for the attack.
Bolin pulls Ikki into an ally for cover. He glances at his colleagues and feels a moment of relief that they can take on the attacker. He holds Ikki close and breath's a sigh of relief.
The radio on his hip crackles, and Jon Yuen's voice comes through. "What's going on down there?"
Bolin brings the receiver to his lips. "A lightning bender is making a commotion. The team down here, I think has it handled. We're taking cover in the alley."
As he speaks, a bolt of lightning illuminates the dark ally. It zips and cracks past the two, so close the electricity makes their hair rise.
"They're coming after us!"
"I'm coming down!" Jon Yuen barks back into the radio.
Bolin clutches Ikki and creeps them towards a mound of crates stacked nearby. They make it just in time to shield themselves from another attack.
The screech of tires alerts Bolin to look down the other side of the alley. He sees a police vehicle. Jon Yuen leans out the window.
"C'mon!"
Bolin scoops up Ikki and makes a mad dash for the cruiser. He shifts Ikki in his arms to open the door. Lightening near licks his heels as he dives into the back.
Jon Yuen peels out and drives them away from the attack. A man appears behind them, but they move too fast for Bolin to get a good look.
"What happened back there?" Jon Yuen shouts.
"I'm not entirely sure. There was what seemed like a general attack on the crowd, but then they clearly targeted it at Chieko and me."
"The girl?"
Bolin nods, squeezing her close.
"Likely trying to finish the job."
"We shouldn't go to the station. They'll be expecting that." Bolin rubs his chin and thinks for a moment. "Take a right here. We'll go to my apartment."
Bolin carries Ikki into the small apartment, and Jon Yeun trails behind them. There wasn't much inside, but everything was clearly sentimental to Yang Lee. Jon Yuen looks around as Bolin places Ikki in his bed. He closes the door and joins Jon Yeun.
"I think she'll nap."
Jon Yuen nods. "Someone wants that whole family dead. We need to figure out who that person is and why. The girl might be able to provide us with some information."
"Not today. I don't even know if she knows what's happened." Bolin sits on his couch and gestures to the spot beside him. "Take a load off?"
Jon Yeun moves closer to a wall and leans against it.
"So, we didn't really get a chance to get acquainted properly," Bolin starts nervously. He looks to Jon Yuen but gets little expression. "Want something to drink?" Bolin gets up from his seat and dashes into the kitchen, not waiting for a response.
"Where is your phone? I need to call Chief Bayong."
"In the hall by the elevator. Only a communal phone," Bolin shouts from the kitchen."
Jon Yuen is gone when Bolin returns to the living room with a couple of glasses of iced tea. He places the one for Jon Yeun on his coffee table near the chair next to the sofa, hoping this will entice him to sit down.
The front door opens, and Jon Yuen slides inside. He turns around to look down the hall in both directions to ensure he is not being followed.
"So, what are our orders?"
Jon Yuen takes the glass and returns to leaning against the wall. "He wants us to lay low and keep an eye on the kid. He thinks the crime scene is too hot for us to return to right now. Said to call back in the morning for further instructions."
"Guess I better order us some take out. Do you like Chang's Noodle house? They're always leaving flyers in my building. Everyone's been telling me they are delicious." Bolin gets up from his seat and ambles to his small table by the door. He recalled stashing a menu there recently.
"We can't order from there. It's owned and operated by the Chang family mob. This execution may even be their work."
"Oh." Bolin wilts and tosses the menu on the table. "Is this widely known?"
"The Chang family has done a lot to make the public think they have retired from their mafia work and turned over a new leaf to focus on their restaurant after the patriarch Big Chin died. You can see the son Little Chin working in the restaurant sometimes as a front."
"Got any other suggestions? I may have mentioned I'm new in town."
"There is one place," Jon Yuen murmurs, walking to the front door again.
Bolin waits, thinking he was just gone to make a phone call, but he is gone much longer. Twenty minutes had passed, and Bolin was about to go looking for him when Jon Yuen opened the door, a bag tucked under his arm.
"It's so close. I figured it'd be easier to pick up."
Bolin takes the bag and brings it to his kitchen table. He reads the bag. "Colonel Chao's Chicken."
"It was my partner's favorite," Jon Yuen answers. His eyes widen at the admission, and he looks to the ground.
"Chief told me what happened
Jon Yuen nods and keys his eyes on the floor.
Bolin starts plating the food. "My partner, I'm sure he couldn't wait for me to leave. Not much to do in our small town, so I'd talk his ear off."
"Hello?" Ikki's small voice calls out. The two men glance into the living room and see a sleepy Ikki shuffling toward them. "Is it time to go home?"
Bolin and Jon Yuen share a bewildered look. Bolin grabs one of the prepped plates and scurries to Ikki's side.
"We're actually having a sleepover tonight. And look, Uncle Lao Gong brought us." Bolin holds up the takeout bag and jiggles it.
"Colonel Chao's is my favorite!"
As the mover continues, Shey starts to get anxious. They were almost at the intermission. It was longer than any drabble Varrick produced and required two reels to contain it all. When editing, Lan suggested they hold off on any clear implications of romance between Yang Lee and Lao Gong until the second half. If people were upset by it, they'd leave at intermission and not spend enough time with the boys to hopefully change their minds.
In the mover, it had been a week of her two detectives tracking down the killer of Chieko's parents. During that time, they played house at Bolin's apartment. As they got closer to the killers, they got closer to each other.
It's raining hard as Lao Gong and Yang Lee struggle to escape the lightning bender assassin. They had tracked him down to his secret hideout but got discovered. The assassin moves to strike Yang Lee, but Lao Gong puts his body in harm's way to protect him.
Yang Lee cracks his retracting metal whip to a stack of crates and topples it on the lightning bender. He grabs Lao Gong at his side and leads him to a nearby alley to re-group as they settle on the wet ground. The title card flashes announcing the fifteen-minute intermission. The room lights flicker on, and people begin to get up. The three filmmakers sat in the back and got a full view of their audience.
"Shey!"
She turns her head down the aisle to her left at the call of her name. Bolin is grinning at her. He gives her two thumbs up, and she gives him one back. Bolin then waves and makes his way out to the atrium. Not that he'd get far. Shey could safely assume her famous lead would be swarmed.
"Let's get a drink, shall we?" Lan announces, shooting from her seat to Shey's left.
A hand on Shey's arm on the other side of her stops her from standing.
"It's going to be fine," Izzi whispers. "The mover is so good. We're definitely going to change some minds and hearts tonight."
Shey smiles and nods. "You're right." She lets Izzi pass her, then trails behind her two colleagues.
The intermission concludes, and the lights dim. The mover resumes with Bolin and Jon Yuen in the alley. The rain hasn't let up, but they are no longer in danger. Bolin pulls a handkerchief from his back pocket and uses it to wrap Jon Yuen's arm wound.
"This should keep it clean till we get back to my place."
"Yang Lee, there is something you should know," Jon Yuen gasps, clutching his freshly dressed arm. "My last partner… he was more than that to me."
Bolin's face softens. "Did he know?"
Jon Yuen bows his head. "I never found the courage to tell him. He died in my arms, but even then…."
"You're brave for admitting it now." Bolin reaches for Jon Yuen's un-injured arm. "You know, there was another reason I left my small town… I figured there might be more people like me in a big city."
Jon Yuen's eyes widen as he metabolizes what Bolin is confessing to.
"C'mon, that little girl is waiting for us to come home," Bolin says as he rises from the ground. He holds out a hand, and Jon Yuen accepts the hoist up.
"We have to bring her justice. We have to," Jon Yuen says between strained breaths.
Bolin squeezes Jon Yuen's hand before letting it go. "We will. But first, we got to treat your wounds."
They make their way to the other side. The rain drops lessen, and a little bit of the moon peeks out from the clouds. Jon Yuen stops and leans against a building wall. His pale skin glows in the soft light, glistening with raindrops.
"I just need a minute," Jon Yuen whispers.
Bolin rests against the wall beside him and looks up. The dark clouds drift and morph quite quickly as the storm blows south. The clear pocket of the sky around the moon grows larger. A few stars twinkle from the blackness.
Bolin dares a glance at Jon Yuen. His features look strained from pain, but his eyes are soft and searching.
Bolin pushes off from the wall and steps in front of Jon Yuen. He raises his hand to Jon Yeun's cheek and brushes the back of it against his square jaw.
Jon Yuen slaps the hand of his uninjured arm on Bolin's shoulder and clenches his fingers tight around the fabric of his jacket. Bolin, startled, stops caressing and begins to lean away. Jon Yeun tightens his grip and brings Bolin's face to his. They hold for a moment, their hot breaths steaming in the cold night air. Finally, Bolin closes the gap, and their lips crash together.
"Holy Badgermoles!" Opal screeches excitedly, blindly grasping onto Bolin's suit jacket.
"Opal!" Bolin whines.
Bolin, Jon Yuen, and Ikki stand out in front of the police station. A few of their fellow officers pat them on the back or bend down to acknowledge the young girl with them. Ikki shyly clings to Bolin's side, Mr. Otter-peguin protectively tucked under her arm.
"Shall we head home?" Bolin asks with a big grin.
Jon Yuen gives a little nod and smiles.
Ikki grabs Bolin's hand and then Jon Yuen's as they walk away.
"Can we have General Chao's Chicken for dinner?"
The trio becomes silhouettes as they move farther away from the screen, and eventually, it all goes black.
The room is quiet until Korra jumps from her seat and claps loudly. She lets out a whoops as well. Asami and Ikki rise and join her. Soon the rest of the room is applauding.
Out in front of the arena was chaos. The mover stars and crew are engulfed by audience members who want to talk to them or get an autograph. Shiro Shinobu comments on the action outside the area while Qiong He fights her way to get a microphone to one of the group's lips.
Korra, Asami, Opal, Jinora, Zhou Rhen, and Xaiver watch the scene from the sidelines.
"Technically, we could leave," Korra says, nudging Asami. "Ikki knows where we live."
"We're responsible for her tonight. We're not leaving."
Opal glances around and sees Pema and Tenzin chatting with President Raiko. "Not her parents?"
"We're having her over for a celebratory sleepover." Asami playfully nudges Jinora. "The invitation is still open, by the way, Jinora."
"Another time. It's her night," Jinora replies with a little shrug.
"You're not coming out with us?" Opal whines. "Who am I supposed to talk to? Bolin's going to be schmoozing all night with fans."
"I'll be your date," Xavier offers.
Opal grins. "Yes, please. And you even understand what I'm going through." She reaches out and takes Xaiver's massive hand. "We can gush to each other how sexy our guys were in that mover!"
Xavier squeezes her hand. "Oh, my goodness, can we talk about that kiss?"
"On that note, I'm going to catch up with my parents before they leave," Jionra says, pointing in their direction. She waves to the group and turns away.
"I think I might dip out as well. Shouldn't have too much fun in one night," Zhou Rhen says before scurrying after Jinora.
Opal purses her lips. "Pathetic, the lot of you." She waves her hand and the remaining members of her group.
Asami smiles sweetly. "We'll live it up at your wedding."
"You better," Opal warns. She tugs on Xaiver's arm to get him to follow her. She starts to march into the crowd. "Let's muscle our way in so we can hopefully get outta here soon."
"Yes, Mame!" Xavier giggles.
Asami slides an arm onto Korra's shoulder and around her neck. She pulls her girlfriend closer and rests her chin on the top of her head. "Sure you don't want to go party with them?"
Korra eyes Bolin in the crowd. Audience members, and likely some people who have been waiting all night for him to come out, pass him pictures and advertisements for the mover to sign. As quickly as he returns, one another eagerly replaces it.
"Naw, I'd rather spend it with you two."
A warm feeling spread over Korra throughout the night as she, Asami, and Ikki painted each other's toes, played games, and ate a whole box of red bean paste mochi. It wasn't as exciting as a night at a bar with friends; just a quiet evening made up of simple pleasures.
How Asami so sweetly and playfully interacted with Ikki was mesmerizing to her.
The three of them were now curled up on the couch together, with Asami in the middle. One of the woven blankets from her mother's trunk splayed across their laps.
Asami slyly pulled a book out to read aloud. "A little romance novel I may have picked up from the store."
"Between two girls?" Ikki squeaks, hopefully.
Asami winks at Ikki. "I first read it a couple of years ago. Nothing inappropriate." She catches Korra's eye, the assurance more for her sake. "Just sweet."
"Eee! I can't wait!"
"I'll start it tonight, and then you can take it home to ead the rest on your own."
"Really?!" Ikki asks, her pitch high with excitement.
"And keep it. Congratulations on your big night."
Korra starts clapping. Asami joins with some softer ones.
"Thank you."
"I think you're really going to enjoy it." Asami flips the book open, thumbs to the first page, and begins to read. Ikki snuggles into the blanket and watches.
As Asami reads about the two girls meeting for the first time, she steals a peek at Korra to her left. She pinkens when she sees Korra intently watching. Asami's eyes dart back to the pages.
Korra snuggles into the blanket, pulling it right below her chin. She closes her eyes and wonders how it's even possible that she's falling more in love with Asami.
To be continued…