Chapter Text
Korra was exhausted and in a lot of pain. She had a meeting, following the day after the portal in Republic City was created, to speak with all the world leaders. She wasn't looking forward to such important conversations. All she wanted was to go back to the South Pole, be close to her family, drink some cactus juice, go penguin sledding, and enjoy it. Because at last, there isn't some tyrant on the rise anymore, and Republic City could spare a few days without the Avatar right?
Thanks to the Sato’s, Korra couldn't have defeated Kuvira without those hummingbird suits. She heard that the CEO of Future Industries was killed in the war leaving the entire company to fall on the shoulders of his descendants. Hiroshi was a strong and innovative leader. Whoever it is that will bear the burden of becoming Future Industries’ new successor, has big shoes to fill, if they can even fill it.
Lin and Tenzin took lead on all communications with Future Industries. Korra had not personally spoken to any of the executives or worked directly with them. Communication was streamlined and adding Korra to the mix would only complicate things. However, things were about to change.
“You will be working directly with the new CEO of Future Industries, Korra, effective immediately after this conference.” Tenzin announced as Korra took her seat at the table of world leaders.
Republic city’s headquarters was a large hall, almost like a theatre that echoed when Tenzin spoke. To get to the meeting table, it almost felt like you had to walk to an altar. The long table that could seat 20 was seated at the podium of the large room. Red curtains were draped, with flags of each nations elements hanging down the walls.
“Sorry I’m late… Why immediately? I was really looking forward to going back to the South for a few days. Can’t you and Lin do what you guys normally do and just streamline this a bit? My body could use a break.” Korra tried to reason. She ran her fingers through her short hair that fell at her shoulders.
“Korra, you know thousands of people were displaced due to the destruction. You must partner with Future Industries. We need to devise a way to bring all the materials needed to Republic City. At this time, all the ports and normal passage ways were destroyed. They have the technology to make this work quickly, you have the strength to pull us through. You are the Avatar.” Tenzin said neatly.
“Oh really? I didn’t know, Tenzin.” Korra said with frustrated sarcasm. “I am not the only person who knows how to plan a transportation attempt. Ask Future Industries to take this project on entirely… And if they really need a consultant, let's put Bolin on the board. He's a fantastic bender.” She crossed her arms and fell back into her seat.
“But you are the only Avatar. This is a very dangerous mission to attempt because it means having to transport very large materials from across the world and we do not have the logistics necessary to accomplish this without anyone risking their lives. Because the heir to Hiroshi is new, we know she will need your guidance as you will need hers. Both of you must work hand in hand so that we can transport the goods to Republic City as soon as possible. She needs someone who understands how to bend all four elements to maximize the use of our time.” Tenzin insisted.
“Great, now I’m on training duty? Korra scoffed.
“What's with this sudden shift in attitude today Korra? You’re normally excited about stuff like this.” Su interrupted.
“I just need a break. Give me.. like a day to regather myself. I’m sore, exhausted, I almost died yesterday, and I’d really really just like to have one day where I am not needed. Just one.” Korra explained.
“Korra, this is not the time to be playing around. The world needs you now, not after you’re done…playing around. Besides, isn't 3 years enough time off?” Raiko scolded.
Korra’s fingers twitched at that last jab. She always disliked Raiko. All he cares about is his dumb image so he can continue to feel entitled to everything in his life. As a matter of fact, Korra has really had it with his arrogant vendetta. Today, she does not have the time and it seems, Raiko has spoken 1 second too many.
Korra rose from her seat, both palms on the table and she leaned over towards Raiko, speaking in a deep voice. “Just because you and the rest of the entire world did not have to jump in front of a spirit weapon, get blasted into the spirit world, and nearly die, doesn't mean you get to sit there looking pretty, demanding me for things. You are the last person who has a right to be commenting about my disappearance because I can see that while I was gone, you didn't work either. At least I had an excuse because I wasn’t here, what’s yours? So if I were you, I would keep any comments about my ‘disappearance’ deep deep down to your inner peace, destroy it, and leave it there.”
Raiko gulped… Then everyone else gulped.
“It is clear that the Avatar needs some time. We should honor her wish. Korra does everything we ask of her and more.” Tenzin said, standing up folding his hands behind his back. All the world leaders nodded in agreement. “Korra, thank you for all that you do for us. There are still a few things we can do to iron out the details for the remainder of this day. We will tackle the prep work with the volunteers and make arrangements with the Sato’s. Meet us here tomorrow at 7am sharp. We will review the entire plan with you in regards to Future Industries.”
____
Korra sat on her bed at air temple island in solitude. How could no one possibly understand that aside from being the Avatar, Korra was also human? Those 3 years that Korra went rogue, she fought herself the most. Her powers were gone, she lost her value in herself, tried to do life normally for the past 3 years without those who love her, all because she couldn't understand who she was without Rava. She found out some things about herself, and those things were not good things about herself. This made Korra feel entirely unsettled.
Flustered, she pulled out her cell phone to text Team Avatar.
Korra:
Hey guys… Not really having the best Avatar day. Let's go do something fun?
Mako:
Korra? Aren't you supposed to be planning with FI to transport materials?
Bolin:
I’m game. But yeah, Korra that sounds like a super dangerous mission. Thank goodness that I don’t know how to waterbend cause I don’t wanna be a part of that crew.
Korra:
Ugh, I just… Can't today. I just need a breather. Do something fun. Aang did it all the time, why can’t I? Like when was the last time we ever had fun? Maybe back when we were pro benders? That was like 4 seasons ago.
Mako:
But Korra, have you forgotten? Everything is closed.
Korra:
I know… But I did hear that one restaurant Terrace Street’s is still open. They sell cactus juice there. I say we go get a couple drinks, build a fire, and maybe sing.
Mako:
Won't the line be out the door?
Korra:
Mako, have you forgotten?
Mako:
You’re the Avatar, and I’m an idiot.
Bolin:
Broooo. We get the fast pass with Korra. You are an idiot! I'm still game.
Korra:
At least you remember that. Okay see you both at 6pm. Time is precious today, don't be late.
____
Terrace & Street’s Foods was an outdoor restaurant. Customers would go into the restaurant, order food, pick a place for a fire, eat, drink, sing, laugh. The pasture was beautiful, green with flowers throughout the field. This restaurant sat on 5 acres of land so places to hang out at were private and peaceful. Terrace Street was the place to be for a good night out in Republic City. The spirits have been looking over them, for this to be one of the few buildings to be standing.
Korra decided she wanted to dress up and get out of the Avatar Uniform and wore a thin bubble jacket that covered most of her red shirt she was wearing underneath. She clipped her bangs onto one side as her short hair fell perfectly just above her shoulders. Mako wore a navy blue shirt that fit him snugly, deciding to style his hair for once while Bolin wore fashionable sweatpants and a patterned black T shirt.
She walked up to the line attendant with Mako and Bolin. The line attendant bowed and metal bent the metal rope, preventing people from just walking in, to open. They accessed the VIP line but there was a regular line that was wrapping around the building. There were so many people.
Team Avatar walked through a dimmed hallway. You can hear people singing already in the distance. The vibrant, amazing sounds of laughter, and positive vibes were steaming everywhere.
“Can we get 2 rounds of cactus juice for 3?” Mako asked the cacti-tender.
The cacti-tender slammed his palm onto the bar with excitement shouting, “Whooooyeahhhh! 2 rounds coming riiighhhterup!”
Bolin laughed, “Whooooyeaaahhhh! Korra, we should order you a third one since you're the one who needs it.”
“I think you’re just looking for an excuse to drink more.” Korra said with a chuckle.
The bartender returned with the first round and placed it on the table.
Bolin took the shot into his hand and lifted it up into the air. “To a day off!”
Korra and Mako followed suit. The bartender immediately placed their next round onto the bar. The three of them drank it right away. The effects were already starting to kick in.
“Hey, so what do you think about the whole Sato deal with Hiroshi passing and stuff?” Mako shouted over the ambiance to Korra.
“I never worked with Hiroshi directly so I don’t have a relationship with him. But what he did yesterday was incredibly brave,” Korra said, raising her voice above the music.
“Didn’t he risk his life to drill a hole through the mecha giant?”
“That’s what I heard but I didn’t see it. I was on my way to the mecha giant when I saw a parachute get ejected. That caught my eyes so I didn’t see everything that happened.”
“Yeah it all happened so fast.”
“It’s all over the news,” Bolin said, painting the headlines in the air with his hand. “FUTURE INDUSTRIES’ UNCERTAIN FUTURE.”
Korra's eyes diverted from his hands in the air, back to her drink. “How’s anyone even going to fill his shoes? He’s like 20 engineers in one body.”
“Well I heard that his children are also geniuses,” Mako remarked.
“Heard they're hot too,” Bolin added.
“Bo, must you always be like this?” Mako stated, shaking his head.
“If I wasn’t, then I wouldn’t be me,” Bolin said, lazily.
“Have you met them?” Korra asked Bo.
“Nah, just… rumours,” Bolin said, folding his hands behind his head. “I already ordered our food. Mako. Korra. Maybe both of you find us a spot for a fireplace?” Bolin suggested.
Mako stood up, “You got it bro.” He turned to look at Korra, “You lead the way.”
As Korra walked by the crowd she could see people turning their heads and whispering. She wasn’t sure if this was a good thing or a bad thing but a lot of men and even women were blushing as she walked by.
She started to feel a little nervous and wanted to get out of the main restaurant as quickly as possible. Pictures and fake smiles were the last things Korra wanted to do tonight.
___
This night was a new moon. The pasture was so dark you could barely see in front of you. The only reason you could make your way around was from the bonfires around the pasture, set up by other groups of people.
There were small spirits resting on the grass as they made their way through, dandelions in the air, and large green trees with huge canopies to give lots of shade in certain areas. Other areas, there were no trees at all. This gave on-goers the opportunity to choose their setting.
She walked for 4 minutes passing about 10 bonfires. Mako held a small flame in his hand to light the way and found a nice spot that was secluded. They were far into the 5 acres. Hopefully, no one will want to come back here. Thank goodness, Korra remained undetected.
The nearest party to them was far enough that their singing was faint, barely noticeable, but provided good background noise. Mako flicked his wrist and fire started to ignite in the firepit. This lit up the space around them about 5 feet out and Korra could see that the grass was freshly cut around them. To one side, about 20 feet away was a wooden perimeter fence that was chest high when standing.
“So what did Bo order for us?” Korra inquired, taking a seat on the grass, crossing her legs underneath her.
“Legitimately, he just ordered us 10 more shots of cacti juice, about 6 smores, and some chicken skewers.” Mako said, laughing.
“He always likes to go all out, doesn't he?” Korra responded, chuckling and shaking her head.
“We just want to make sure you find yourself a good time tonight.”
As if on cue, Bolin approached Mako and Korra with two trays in his hands. “Niiiice," he said, looking between them. "This was a really good spot!” Bolin scanned the open area beside Korra and announced, “Chicken skewers, more drinks, and some smores anyone?”
Mako reached over to grab the drinks and passed it out to Bolin and Korra. “So Korra," Mako started. "I guess we are just going to go ahead and ask.” He scratched his head before saying, “Why can't you Avatar today?”
Bolin retorted, “Yeah, you love this kind of stuff. Did they say something to upset you?”
“I… honestly don't know. I’m just exhausted, guys. Believe it or not, being the Avatar feels new to me. It’s like learning the elements all over again. I barely survived last night, I’m still asking myself how I am here. I should have died at Zaheer.”
The brothers looked at each other, not really expecting to hear her be so down.
Bolin reassured Korra, “Well tonight is your one night with us, let's have some fun.”
Mako added, “You already know that Bo and I have your back no matter what. If there is anything that you need during the rebuild, you already know we are here to help.”
Bolin nodded, “Yeah, in Team Avatar, no one gets left behind!” Bolin lifted his cup to make a toast, “To sticking together, no matter what.”
Mako agreed and lifted his cup to clank next to Bo’s. Korra did as well, beaming. The three of them drank their cups until it ran empty.
___
After an hour of chatting, Korra grabbed a chicken skewer from the tray and announced, “I needa go pee.” She popped the chicken on top of the skewer into her mouth and placed it back down. “Be right back.” Korra started heading out further into the pasture and into the darkness.
She finally found a spot that was far enough from the crowd to bust a squat but dang it, she couldn't see a thing. Whatever, she squatted to pee. As she started to relieve herself, she heard a soft voice from the darkness over by the fence.
“Not shy are you?”
Korra nearly fell backwards from her squatting position and quickly finished. “Sorry, it's dark out here and…” Oh shit, the cactus juice is starting to kick in all at once. “I didn't mean to be rude.” Korra buttoned her pants.
“It’s really nice out here you know?” The mysterious woman said from the darkness.
“They should make bathrooms out here,” Korra said, trying to hide her embarrassment and ignoring the comment.
“I was talking about the stars,” the mysterious woman said laughing. “They seem to be holding their own stories.”
Korra tried to take a good look at the woman but was unable to make out any specific facial features. However, her demeanor looked inviting and friendly. It wouldn't be appropriate to firebend to get a better look, she felt. That's creepy Korra. Say something to hide the embarrassment. “You know what I heard about those stars?”
“Hm?” The woman’s silhouette turned more toward her.
Korra could make out that this woman was tall. Probably 5’10? Slender with a body that looked like an hourglass with long hair that was tied into a lazy ponytail. She started to stride towards the shadow that was leaning against the fence that was about chest high and stopped beside the stranger about 4 feet apart. She placed her left elbow on the fence and pointed to the stars with her right hand saying, “Each star represents someone that passed away. The Spirits. If we tried to count the stars, we probably wouldn't be able to. But legend has it that our loved ones look after us from the stars so that we never feel alone.”
“That was.. really nice to hear actually,” the woman said, glancing over at Korra. “You ever lose someone?”
“With my… profession, I’m surprised I haven't lost anyone I love yet,” Korra said, as she looked toward the ground.
The mysterious woman seemed to empathize, “Oh.. Isn't that a good thing you haven't lost anyone? Why do you sound disappointed?”
“I always seem to put the people I love in danger,” Korra said, honestly. Fuck, this cactus juice has got me talking. I need to leave.
“Who are you? A shot caller from the Triple Threats?” The woman looked over at Korra, “You shouldn't put that on yourself so much…” She shuffled her feet to readjust her posture. “... Besides, a dangerous job sounds kind of exciting.”
Korra was not expecting that last part. She turned her whole body toward the woman and leaned on her right elbow, “Dangerous sounds exciting to you?” Korra shook her head chuckling, “You must be bored.”
“You are very straightforward aren't you?” The woman said, looking at Korra.
She met her gaze in the darkness and could see a beautiful jade green reflecting from the starlight. She shrugged slightly, “That’s what people tell me. I know I need to work on that.” Korra felt the need to apologize but she was interrupted.
“Another way to say that could just be as simple as ‘why’ instead of, ‘you must be bored,’” the woman said lightly laughing. “You’re insinuating that I am boring. But I promise you, I could be quite the surprise,” she said, turning back toward the night sky.
Korra blushed, “Sorry, this is the second time tonight where I’m having bad manners.” Korra paused. Let’s change the subject. “Why are you out here by yourself?”
“My friends are over there. I just wanted to take a moment to look at the stars away from the light.”
“Yeah it looks different here than over there. The stars feel a lot closer,” Korra said, in agreement. “Is there anyone up there that might be looking down right now?”
“Two,” the woman responded simply.
Korra turned to look at the woman, trying to catch any expression but found nothing but green eyes staring into the stars. “I’m sorry about that… Were you close to them?”
“Yeah. I was. But it's comforting to think that they are really, just right there. So thanks for that small story.”
“Oh…” Korra looked down to her feet, unsure of what to say. She’s never had to comfort someone over loss like this. The only time was when she comforted her cousins who lost their father (her uncle) but they weren't even sad to begin with. He was a criminal.
“That's really tough. But I’m sure they are smiling down at you right now..” Korra said with a lopsided grin. She took another step closer. “I also think they would be proud of you.”
Korra turned to look at the stars and closed her eyes. Then took a deep breath and connected with her Avatar energy. What would they say to her?
“They are also trying to say that something will happen in the near future that is going to cause you a lot of pain. But to trust the process but more importantly, learn to love yourself in the process,” Korra said, finally opening her eyes to look at the woman.
The woman noticed that Korra took a step closer and in return, turned half her body toward Korra. “Thanks,” the woman said in almost a whisper.
After a brief moment, the woman spoke again, “Are you like a fortune teller or something?”
Korra laughed, “No.” She shook her head, “But I have a decent connection with energy and spirits.” Decent. Korra laughed.
Why is Korra so inexplicably curious about this woman? She should be heading back to Bo and Mako. They must be wondering where she is. Despite this thought, she was really enjoying this person.
“So what do you do for a living?” Korra asked to try to extend their conversation.
“I cant.. really talk about that,” the woman said hesitantly. However, she sounded like she actually wanted to share.
Without prying, Korra offered her, “Same here.”
The woman raised her brows in curiosity. “That dangerous huh?” She teased Korra.
“Top secret stuff,” Korra said half jokingly. She took a step closer. Remembering the stranger’s comment about danger being exciting, Korra added, “Very dangerous things. That you probably are into.” That sounded flirty. I'm definitely feeling the cactus juice.
“Are you saying that I’m into you?” The girl teased, raising one of her brows.
Korra smirked. So she does like women? “Well you must be, because we are still here aren't we?” Okay, now I’m flirting. What’s wrong with me?
“I like ‘dangerous’ because it challenges me. Before you say it, yes my life is quite boring. Well, I wouldn't say boring. It just demands a lot of my time so I don't have much of an opportunity for anything else.”
“Then why stay if you can't even enjoy life?” Oof, that question hit too close to home for Korra.
“I was born into it.”
“Mmm.” Korra paused and started to play with her own hands. “That sounds oddly familiar,” Korra admitted.
“You too?” The stranger asked intrigued.
“Me too,” Korra said with a friendly smile.
There was a comfortable silence that fell between them. Korra noticed that they were a lot closer to each other than earlier. They were both looking into each other’s eyes but were still unable to make out facial features.
Korra interrupted the silence, “But I enjoy my job. I get to really help people. I get to make a difference in the world. Resto-…. Or fix stuff… and then wait for the next difference I get to make.”
“Um… me too,” The stranger said softly.
Korra stepped closer. She couldn't tell if it was because this woman was magnetic or because she didn't want to miss a word this woman was about to say. Maybe both.
“For some reason, I feel like I know you from somewhere,” Korra stated, stepping just a bit closer.
“Is it funny that I feel the same way?” The stranger turned her full body toward Korra and they were only standing about 2 feet apart now.
“What's your name?” Korra had to know.
“You can call me…” The stranger looked around them, and then back up to the sky where their conversation started. “Spirit.”
Korra knew that wasn’t her real name. This made her this much more interesting. Who was this woman? Are their lives just so similar that it made Korra feel automatically comfortable?
Korra had a hunch that this stranger didn't open up easily. But somehow, tonight, she felt they were both finding that this conversation could go all night. The fact that she could just have a conversation for once, without someone suspecting or knowing who she was, made this conversation all that more honest. She felt like tonight, they could spill their deepest, darkest, or most beautiful parts and not be judged, but consumed in being understood. Like for some spiritual reason, she was connected to this woman.
“Jupiter is a beautiful planet,” Korra said, changing the subject. She felt the stranger would appreciate that. Turning back to look up at the stars while leaning on the fence she said, “Do you know which one it is?”
The stranger turned to lean on the fence as well, their elbows almost touching now. “Stop it, there's no way we can see Jupiter from here.” The stranger squinted trying to find Jupiter.
Korra looked at her to see if she was being serious or not. “You are today years old to find out that Jupiter has been visible this entire time?” Korra chuckled, “There’s no way.”
The stranger pouted, “I know many things. Just not about astrology okay. Big deal.” She turned back to look at the stars and took a deep breath. “And I’m 24.”
Korra was surprised to find they were almost the same age, this woman seemed so much wiser. “Wow, you must have had to grow up fast. I thought you were in your mid 30’s.”
“How did you…?” Know. Spirit shook her head at how this stranger could know so much about her - without knowing her. “I did… That's what it comes with when you are a Sss… Spirit. Whatever.” She laughed at the thought that she was so comfortable, she almost revealed her last name.
“You know what’s crazy?” Korra said quickly.
“Hm?”
“I bet you’re already someone’s entire world.” There’s no way this woman was single.
Spirit smiled shyly at the poetic comment, “Is that what you say to all the girls?”
“No, I really don't. Most times, I don't even know how to try.” Korra said, defending herself, hands in the air. This is true. Korra didn't have to try, ever. Her title in itself drew enough admiration.
Spirit pursed her lips, “Hm. I doubt it.”
“So am I right?”
“I’ll keep you guessing,” Spirit challenged.
Korra raised her brows at the remark. Without hesitation, or thinking, Korra said, “You should be.”
She surprised the woman. “And what makes you think I even deserve that?” Spirit said, smiling.
“Well, I know what you make me feel.” Korra answered honestly, not wanting to sound too desperate.
Spirit held Korra’s stare for a moment. I don't want you to tell me how you feel, because if you did, there’s a chance I might hold on for longer than I should. About a minute passed by and she asked, “Do you want to show me?”
They didn't notice that as they gazed into each other’s eyes, their bodies inched, ever so slightly, closer and closer to each other.
Korra didn't know what she was doing. She just went along with everything, without a doubt. This woman seemed to be pulling Korra in with an invisible lasso tied to her neck. She contemplated on how to make the first move when her thoughts were pulled.
The stranger laughed, “I meant Jupiter silly.”
Korra blushed. HARD. Kill me now. Flirting is a lot harder than she thought.
Korra took a step sideways towards her so that their arms were touching and tried to point in the line of her eyesight. “It's right there.”
“Mmm… I don't see it.”
Korra moved closer to her, trying to get more in the line of her sight. “That one.”
“I still don't see it.” The stranger squinted her eyes.
Korra shifted to stand behind the woman, bodies now touching each other. She grabbed the woman’s wrist and lifted it. Her other hand, gently placed on the woman’s waist. Korra closed the woman’s hands and positioned her index in a pointing position. Then Korra lifted her arm in unison and pointed at the sky. “That one. The brightest one.”
Spirit let her hand fall but Korra’s hand was still on her wrist. Not willing to let go. Then, with Korra still standing behind her, the woman twisted suddenly to face her. Korra let go of her hand as she spun.
Now, Spirit was in between Korra and the fence but not against it. Then she took a step backward and leaned on the fence. Korra automatically took a step forward, keeping close.
They examined each other's eyes in silence. Korra reached out to touch the woman’s wrist and slid her hand to open her palm. Then she closed her hand in hers. “See it now?” Korra said softly.
Korra knew Mako and Bolin were waiting for her, but she couldn't command her legs to leave. She definitely could not rip her eyes off of this silhouette. How could she be so interested in someone she couldn't see? She definitely couldn't will her mouth to stop spilling her secrets neither.
The stranger did not respond. Instead, she pulled Korra in. Korra closed her eyes, moving in for a kiss - but felt her let go of Korra’s hand. Korra opened her eyes to find that Spirit had wrapped her arms around Korra’s shoulders now and already tucked her head in the crook of Korra’s neck.
They were embracing each other, gently but tightly.
“I feel so good around you,” the stranger said after a few minutes.
“I feel good around you too.”
“To be honest with you, this is exactly what I needed tonight.” Spirit started to slide her arms off Korra’s shoulders. Don't let me go. Korra held onto her waist.
Spirit noticed Korra wasn't ready to let go. So instead of removing her arms completely, she placed both her hands on Korra’s shoulders. “For one night, I just wanted to detach. With you, I feel like I’m in a different world, different place, a different person,” the stranger said in a whisper.
Korra stared into her green eyes and was slow to break the silence.
“You make me feel so good,” The woman said, grabbing Korra’s collar, pulling her in.
Then, Korra remembered. They were not in another world. Korra let go of her waist. The stranger took a few seconds to open her eyes, only to wake up and see that they weren't in a different world neither.
Korra stepped away toward the fence and leaned her back against it, standing beside the stranger now. She looked up at the stars, deciding once again, to be honest or half honest.
“I’m sorry, we shouldn't do this,” Korra said, slipping her hands in her pocket, disappointed.
The woman didn't respond.
“The truth is, I don't know why I’m feeling so… much more than I should with you. We just met and I don't know how to sort it out. Normally, this wouldn't be so hard, I would have just done it. But there's something different about this, and I don't want to mess it up.”
“It’s okay…” The stranger finally responded after a few moments. “But would our kiss matter if we never even knew each other?”
“Do you plan on having it stay that way?” Korra inquired, looking over at the stranger.
“I do.”
“Then we shouldn't. Because if we do…” Korra didn't know if she should finish her sentence. “I’d probably look for you for the rest of my life.”
The woman didn't respond.
Korra continued, “Who am I kidding. I'm not girlfriend material. I have an undefeated record of just disappointing everyone around me…There’s this expectation that everyone has of me because of who I am. I don't have a choice, I can't back out. I’ve realized, being alone is more bearable than seeing those I love affected by the things around me. It’s not fair to them.”
Spirit was definitely curious about who this person really was. Who could she possibly be to have such a dangerous lifestyle? She must really be a big wig with the triple threats. However, she and Korra both understood that keeping their anonymity was something that was appreciated through this conversation.
“Have you actually done something to disappoint them?” Spirit asked.
“All the time,” Korra said kicking the dirt.
“But are they still around? Like even if you’ve disappointed them?”
“I mean… Yeah.”
“So it sounds like these people are in your life by choice. And if it is, don't take that away from them. That’s what is not fair to them.”
Korra looked at her, and for once, cursed at the darkness that hindered this woman’s identity.
Spirit continued, “I know you said that you were born into this. But don't give up on yourself or your people. It sounds like they need you, and you should start needing them back before it’s too late.”
Korra is seriously starting to fall for this woman. How did she always speak to her soul? “Who are you?” Korra asked in wonder.
The stranger shook her head. “If you found out who I really was, you’d be disappointed too.”
Korra felt a sudden surge of courage and without telling her legs to, she walked over to be in front of her again. “I have a feeling you don't give yourself enough credit," Korra said, reaching out an open hand to her. Giving the stranger an opportunity to accept her affection. Spirit reached out and grabbed Korra’s hand and held it tightly.
Impassioned, Korra took a step and pinned Spirt to the fence with her body. She let go of her hand and brought one hand to the stranger’s cheek and the other slid around Spirit’s waist. Korra saw that the green eyes shut closed as she moved in. I shouldn’t kiss her.
Korra’s hands were shaking. What’s happening to me? Her body felt so warm. She smelled of Jasmine and this only heightened Korra’s intoxication. Korra never felt nervous around anyone.
Korra slid her hand that was on the woman’s cheek into her hair, and gently massaged the back of her neck. Her hair felt so soft and her warmth from her neck brought chills to Korra’s arms. Korra brought her down lower to bring her into a kiss. She felt her sweet breath skim her lips.
Before their lips could meet, Korra heard someone shouting awfully close by. This startled the woman in her arms and when Korra turned around, she saw a shadow walking very close by to them already.
“Poll, is that you?” Spirit called out withing Korra's embrace.
“Oh my goodness, you were gone for so long. We thought something happened to you!” Poll called out. As she got closer, Poll seemed to jump back just a little. “Seriously? You guys were ‘getting it on’ out here? We were worried sick!”
“We weren’t ‘getting it on’ Poll. We were just… talking,” Spirit explained.
“Look, I don't mean to interrupt your session, or whatever you wanna call it. But you need to hurry up. We are heading back to the mansion. You coming or staying?”
“It’s not like that.” Spirit stepped forward to create some space between herself and Korra. “I had a really good time. Thank you for the talk,” Spirit said, embracing Korra one last time. Then Korra felt her hand reach down the front of her pants. Then Korra heard a zip. “Your flys down,” the woman said to her laughing. Then walked out of Korra’s embrace.
Before she could leave, instinctively, Korra grabbed her arm and turned her around. Korra pulled her in quickly and somehow, like it was meant to be, their lips met each other’s perfectly.
The stranger’s lips felt so full and soft. She leaned into Korra’s kiss even more and she felt her heart thump so loud, she swore the other woman could hear it. Korra’s lips moved slowly and gently. Her eyelids flickered and she felt a warmth move down her body.
And just as quickly as it happened, the stranger pulled away from Korra and walked toward her friend.
Korra shouted after her as she walked away into the darkness, “Can we meet again?”
She heard a distant response, “If our world’s align.”
Korra watched the two of them disappear into the deep. Once they were out of sight, she turned around to head in the direction she came from. She licked her lips and smiled at how sweet this stranger’s lips tasted on hers.
This woman was definitely full of surprises. And Korra didn't know if she could let her go. But with finality, Korra knew she had to.
____
She took two steps before she realized there were two familiar figures in front of her.
“Mako? Bolin?”
“Oh. My. Goodness. Korrraaaaaaa. We heard everything!” Bolin said, stomping with joy.
“Sure did,” Mako said with a smirk.
Korra rolled her eyes and continued to walk past them, “Let it go guys.”
Bolin followed Korra enthusiastically. “So how was it? Mako and I knew that if you didnt come back within 5 minutes, it meant that you were doing something more than just peeing.”
Mako caught up to them, “Korra, do you understand how dangerous that was? Bo and I know you can handle yourself, but you had us worried.”
Korra approached the fire pit again, grabbed her unfinished chicken skewer, bit into it, sat down, and said, “I just met the most amazing woman in my life.”
Bo and Mako looked at each other slowly, then back at Korra, then back at each other, then back at Korra.
“What… What happened?” Mako asked.
“Did you guys…” Bo raised his eyebrows teasingly up and down.
“No. We just talked the entire time.”
“Thats not what we heard.” Bo said, still wagging his eyebrows.
“Can you believe that for the entire time we talked…” Korra looked at her phone. It was 10pm. “... We never got each other’s real name.”
“Um why the hell not?” Bo said, as if Korra made the biggest mistake of the year.
“I don't know. It just felt like for a moment, it felt so nice to not be known, but to just be heard. I mean she told me her name was Spirit, but it was a fake name I’m sure.”
“Damn…” Bolin said, exhaling. “... Literally, a spirit. Here one moment, and then vanished,” he said with a vanishing movement with his hands.
“Did you at least get her number?” Mako questioned.
“No. I think we both understood we just needed each other for this moment and nothing else,” Korra said quietly. “And after talking to her, she made me realize just how much I need you both in my life. So thank you for never giving up on me.”
Bolin dropped his fingers from the air, “Korra if you want me to stop this entire restaurant and voice ID every single one of them with you, I will. Let's go find her Korra!”
Korra shook her head, “No. I think she wants to remain unknown. I don't want to invade her privacy like that.”
“Do you think you’ll see her again?” Mako asked. “Would you like to see her again?”
“If somehow, a human can be with a spirit in this lifetime…. If our world’s align, we will.”
Bo grabbed Korra into a hug and squeezed her. “I’m so happy you had a great night Korra. Even if it was practically without us.”
Mako walked up to them both with drinks in his hands. “Last drink before we head out?”
The three of them grabbed their drinks and lifted their cups to their mouths in unison. “Cheers!”
Let her go, Korra reminded herself.