Korra knew planning a wedding would be a lot of work, she just had no idea how much. Her patience for getting every detail right was nonexistent. She didn't understand why there were so many little things for something so simple; it was just her and Asami saying how much they loved each other and that they intended to spend the rest of their lives together, done! Why did she have to rack her brain choosing towel colors, dishware types, cutlery styles, and so many other unimportant things? Anything was good enough, as long as she could call Asami her wife at the end of it.
Luckily for her, Sato had more patience for dealing with all that, and so the owner of Future Industries ended up taking the lead in that regard. But even Asami, with her near-infinite patience, was starting to lose her cool with Korra's utter lack of concern for the ceremony's details; she understood the Avatar's side, yet the disinterest left her somewhat hurt. This was reflecting in recent times, where the two found themselves in friction more frequently.
It wasn't good for the couple to wear themselves out more each day over an event as beautiful and important as their own wedding, so their friends decided to intervene. Seeing things were escalating in a not-so-positive way, Bolin, Opal, and Mako managed to convince Korra to go on a trip with them for a few days to a nearby city, to give Asami space to organize things in peace and also let the Avatar cool her head.
It was a good idea, in the end, but it took a bunch of days to be accepted. Korra, as much as she was a bundle of nerves with so many useless details chasing her, didn't want to leave Asami to handle everything alone, even if she ended up being more of a hindrance than a help. Asami, in turn, thought it unfair to be stuck with the boring, bureaucratic part while her fiancée happily traveled the world on a bachelorette trip. They resisted until the last moment to accept the offer; it was only when things reached the brink of unsustainability that they caved to the pressure.
And it was a good thing, because Asami finally had peace to handle everything more assertively while Korra, at last, calmed down. Internally, Mako, Bolin, and Opal were happy, because everything had turned out better than expected. In just a few days of travel, they saw Korra less nervous and chaotic, while folks in Republic City reported over the phone that Asami was also getting back on track after the couple's turbulent period.
Only a few more days were left before returning to normal life, so they decided to make the most of it in style before time ran out. They hadn't yet gone to the liveliest part of the city they were in, so they decided that night they would go all out. The area's reputation was huge. Young people came from everywhere to see shows, eat famous and typical dishes, drink unusual cocktails that only existed there... There were many possibilities, after all.
Night was beginning to fall and the group of four friends was already walking down the street full of sounds, colors, people... The strength of tourism in those parts was evident, as few people seemed to be locals; the vast majority came from other regions, like them. They walked among pedestrians looking for a good restaurant or bistro. Along the way, they found a few options, but ended up going with one of the first they had seen, meaning they walked back entire blocks to return to the chosen establishment's facade.
Once inside, they sat at a table on the mezzanine near the window to watch the frantic movement outside. Despite the external restlessness, the interior of the place was quite calm, even though it was reasonably full. It didn't take long for a waiter to appear and take their orders, leaving them alone afterwards.
– So, guys, ready to get back to the routines? – Opal started the conversation. – It's a shame the trip was so short.
– It really could have lasted longer. – Korra agreed. – But it's good that it's ending. I feel bad about Asami dealing with all the wedding and Future Industries problems while I'm here on vacation.
– Believe me, my friend, things would be worse with you there. I doubt you'd manage to get married if you saw the wedding planner asking you to choose flowers again, because you would definitely kill her. And even being your friend, Chief Beifong would never let you out early. – Bolin teased. – How many years in prison for homicide, Mako?
– Depends on the severity, but on average about fifty. – The firebender replied. – Seriously, I'm glad you guys accepted our crazy proposal; it was last-minute, but necessary.
– Was it that bad, guys?
– Worse than that, Korra. – Opal answered while making a face. – I was even afraid you two might call off the wedding...
– Hey, hold on. It's not that serious. Asami and I have wanted this for a while now. We've been engaged for almost two years. If it were going to go wrong, it would have already; we're pretty solid now. – She saw their faces, which denoted disagreement with her thought. – Right, Bolin? – She appealed to the most optimistic one at the table.
– I don't know, Korra. Things were really bad. You might not have noticed, but we watching from the outside sure did.
– By the spirits! – The Avatar's eyes widened, apprehensive just from the mere glimpse of the possibility raised. She had fought so hard for her relationship, been through thick and thin with her now fiancée... she had never thought of anything like that and the insinuation was scary.
– Hey, don't worry. – The earthbender softened as soon as he saw the effect of his previous sentence. – Luckily for you, your friends are wonderful and wouldn't let something like that happen. Look how much calmer you already are.
– Thank you, guys. I don't know what I'd do without you.
– Thanks for the recognition, Avatar! – Bolin replied while giving his friend a pat on the shoulder.
– Yeah, soon you and Asami will be together again, calmer and with everything ready. It'll just be a matter of coming back and getting married. – Opal added.
– Replace my angry nervousness with a fearful nervousness. – Korra voiced her darker thoughts about the event.
– Fear of what?
– Of anything going wrong. – Her friends' looks of disbelief were something else. – Come on, guys, doesn't it scare you a little...?
– Nobody here has ever been married, Korra.
– I know, I know, but doesn't the very idea scare you like it scares me? I mean, I'm even afraid of accidentally saying "I don't" instead of "I do" when they ask if I take her as my lawful wife.
– Silly insecurity? Doesn't sound like you, Korra, but look, if that's the problem, we can write a big "I DO" in pen on your hand. Then you just read it when the time comes.
– Bo, stop being silly. – The young airbender interceded. – And don't worry, Korra, everything will work out fine when the time comes, no problems. – She addressed her friend.
– Hey, guys, you know what I think? – Everyone turned to Mako to find out what he was talking about. Then came the follow-up. – We should enjoy more of what this city has to offer today; forget these issues, especially you, Korra. Seriously, take a distraction, relax... it'll be good for everyone.
– My boring brother suggesting something fun? Did I enter a parallel dimension without realizing? – He turned to his girlfriend. – Opal, do you like me?
– Of course!
– Good, at least someone else at this table is normal.
– I think I entered the parallel dimension with you. Now these strangers... – He pointed to his brother-in-law and their friend. – I don't even know who they are.
– Come on, guys! Just because I'm usually the strictest in the group doesn't mean I can't be the coolest sometimes too, for a change.
– Yes it does. – The couple nodded in unison.
– Oh, come on! – Mako retorted, indignant.
– And you know what else is weird, bro? It's that this idea is actually good, on top of it all.
Right then, at that moment, they made a plan for later, after dinner: to have fun in the best way possible, enjoying everything the city could offer in terms of quality; a plan that would be sealed with a verbal agreement right after their orders arrived. Everyone was excited, and it would be an excellent opportunity to break from the routine and mental turbulence of recent times.
After walking several blocks, they finally arrived at "The Plateau," one of the city's most famous show venues. It was a suggestion from the waiter who served them at the restaurant, and according to him, the group was lucky, because on Saturdays the show was the most elaborate of the weekly schedule and also the most in-demand.
The entrance of the place already showed the imposing nature of "The Plateau," and after entering the venue, they realized it wasn't a lie; there were high expectations for the day's program, as it was packed. The attendants had difficulty serving the entire crowd, and the four friends had to fight bravely to get their drinks. That would be the first time Korra drank something alcoholic since the fight with Zaheer. She finally felt ready for something she had considered so delicate, especially being in the company of her friends.
Letting openings to lose self-control was dangerous, but she didn't intend to overdo it; besides, for the first time in years she felt prepared for something like that, and she also missed the experience of drinking with friends a little. It was just a shame Asami wasn't there to share that moment with her.
"The Plateau" was a very fun place, with a band playing good, lively music, unusual and tasty drinks, plus some really appetizing snacks, yet no one there understood why that place was so crowded; okay, it had its strong points, but nothing that justified such a huge clientele there, standing in front of the bar or the stage with half a dozen musicians.
Hours passed and nothing major happened. Mako, Bolin, and Opal were already finding it very strange. Korra, meanwhile, was having the time of her life, singing drunk and hugging equally drunk strangers to some song she had never heard before in her life, but always within her friends' line of sight; they wouldn't abandon her for anything in the world, especially seeing how altered she was, even though they let her have fun; they just found it curious how her alcohol tolerance was so low.
Not that it was boring, on the contrary, the atmosphere was incredible, the place had a unique energy, people were having fun like at a great show, it was just... weird. But when midnight struck, the band stopped playing, out of nowhere, in the middle of the chorus of a song being sung by the crowd at the top of their lungs. Korra protested along with a small group for having the song abruptly ended.
Mako made sure to bring her closer when the commotion died down, more specifically when a well-dressed man climbed on stage and took the microphone. The band, in turn, moved to the back of the stage, leaving a nice empty space near the audience. The crowd went wild, except for the Avatar who was still protesting indignantly.
– Ladies and gentlemen, thank you so much for being here. I also thank the band for tonight's show, it was definitely a memorable warm-up. – He turned to the musicians, nodding his head to them in deference. They responded in kind. – But let's get to what matters, folks! Our lineup today is on fire! – Several happy squeals emerged from the audience.
At that, the band started playing a very different song from the previous standard, a much more... sensual one. A line of people entered the stage, occupying the previously empty space. These people began to perform extremely physical performances in perfect sync with the rhythm and melody being played.
– Opal, why are these people taking their clothes off in front of everyone? – Korra asked, her voice heavy with drunkenness.
– Give a very warm welcome to strip-tease night! – The audience screamed ecstatically at the official opening of what mattered on Saturday nights at "The Plateau." Korra joined the crowd, giving euphoric shouts in a clear herd mentality, since she didn't even know the reason she was joining them in the celebration, she just imitated most of the people in the venue.
– Korra, what are you doing? – Opal asked indignantly.
– I'm shouting... like everyone else... shout too, Opal... You're being all quiet...
– Yes! And you should do the same!
– Why? Everyone's so happy... – At that, some people started throwing money on stage for the performers. – Oh, you have to give them money... Wait a sec... – She tried to get her wallet, but was stopped by Opal.
– No, Korra! Stop that! You're taken, remember? What would Asami think if she saw you in this situation?
– Asami? Where is she? – She started looking for her.
– Girl, you're way too out of it. We're getting you out of here right now.
– Asami's gone? – She completely ignored Opal. – Did they kidnap my love?
– What? No! Where did you get that? She's many kilometers away from here, safe. But if she finds out you were at a strip club, it's your safety that will be compromised, I guarantee it.
– Now we need volunteers to come up on stage and keep our lonely strippers company. Who wants to come? – A commotion took over the audience. – Such joy! Lots of willing people. Too bad there isn't room for everyone, so I'll choose. – The host pointed to some people in the audience, including Korra. The girl, after the granted approval, attempted a few steps towards the stage.
– What are you doing? – Opal intercepted her friend's movement.
– I'm going up... From up there I'll be able to see Asami... High places give a better view...
– If you go up there, I guarantee Asami won't want to see you anymore.
– Look, folks, we have a party pooper among us! – The announcer yelled, pointing at Opal and Korra. – If the girl wants to come up here, then just let her!
– No, no. You don't understand. – Opal tried to justify herself amid the crowd's booing. – He'll go in her place. – She pushed Mako forward. – He has much more money.
– That's what we're talking about!
Mako found himself being dragged towards the stage by the torrent of present spectators. He looked back seeking some help, but Bolin and Opal just looked at him as if they couldn't, and wouldn't, do anything. The firebender didn't mind much. Being single had its advantages.
Korra was taken back to the hotel in tow by the couple of friends while the single guy of the team stayed at "The Plateau." On the way, the Avatar received a long explanation about how that situation could be problematic in the not-too-distant future. Slowly she accepted the information received, and as the alcohol level in her blood decreased, the points raised started to make a lot of sense.
Opal and Bolin left her at the door of the room where she was staying and watched her go in, thus judging everything was fine. They turned around, heading to their own rooms at the end of the hallway. The detail was that Korra entered visibly drunk, staggering and already starting to feel her body getting heavy; all she wanted was to throw herself on the bed, sleep the heaviest sleep of her life and wake up with a terrible hangover. It seemed perfect, however, as soon as she glimpsed the bed, she noticed something was wrong.
There was a very sensual woman sitting there, with suggestive clothing like the strippers at the club. Upon seeing Korra she smiled and began to approach the drunk young woman, only then noticing the brunette's intoxication.
– So you've arrived... – The intruder gave a wide smile. – I waited a long time for you, where were you?
– How did you get in here? – She asked, already falling into a defensive stance.
– Through the door, duh! – She replied cheerfully. – Looks like you had a blast today, huh? Want to tell me about it? – She held Korra's hands.
– I do not! – She broke the contact abruptly, which startled the other woman.
– It's okay, you're out of it. Later you'll do me the favor of telling me, okay? I'll collect. Now let me take care of you, yes? – She pulled her by the arm towards the bed. Korra was so startled she didn't even have the presence of mind to refuse. – Now I need you to lie down. I'll do the rest.
That was all it took for Korra to explode. She was intoxicated, but not so much as to allow such insolence. She still had a sense of the commitment made with Asami and wouldn't allow everything to go down the drain because of some crazy woman invading her room in the dead of night with dubious intentions.
– Get out of here! Now! Before I do something stupid. – Her voice conveyed authority and respect, even if still a bit lethargic.
– What's this? Are you crazy? What happened to you? I just want to help.
– If you think I'm going to betray my fiancée, you're very mistaken! I'm completely in love with Asami and I won't trade her for a lowlife like you, not even for a second.
– What are you talking about?
– You know what I'm talking about, don't play dumb! – She was furious. – You have no right to assume things, understand? Just because I went to a strip club doesn't mean I'm available and up for anything, that's not how it works! As I already said, I'm not going to betray my fiancée, now, please, get out of my room! I just want to sleep alone, in peace, and you're in the way.
– Strip club? – She was clearly confused.
– Don't play dumb! You came from there, I know it, exactly to provoke me and try to ruin my engagement. But it won't work because I won't give you the time of day, just like I didn't pay attention to anyone at the club... Actually it was an accident, you know? We weren't supposed to go... We thought it was something else, but we found out in the worst possible way that it was a place of trouble. I don't want trouble, especially now that I'm happy and about to take on the most important commitment of my life.
– Won't you miss your single life? I mean, committing to someone is so drastic, isn't it? Trading a world of possibilities for just one person is a waste. Especially when it comes to you.
– Asami is worth any sacrifice. Besides, trading the world for her isn't even that hard, because she surpasses the whole world in making me happy. – The other woman seemed genuinely surprised by the declaration, but soon regained her composure and proceeded to provoke her.
– But not even an innocent little kiss? No one will know.
– No way! I will know and that's enough to feel bad for the rest of my life, I don't want something like that. – She shouted. – Come on, get out. You're a pretty girl, I'm sure you'll find someone nice, but outside that door.
– I'm not so sure anymore... – Korra was ready to blast a torrent of air at the girl and send her into the hallway even against her will. – But it's okay, I'll respect your wish. Tomorrow I'll come back when you're calmer. – She raised her arms in surrender and headed for the exit. – I hope to be better received when I return.
The Avatar thought about responding, but the woman had already left by the time she formulated something good enough. She was stunned by the intruder's audacity. Fortunately, she had left, but she couldn't let her guard down too much, because she could come back. More importantly was how she would deal with Asami afterwards; she hadn't decided how to tell her about the whole misadventure or even if she really would tell her, because her reaction could be quite concerning. But that was a problem for later; for now she would just sleep and try to relax her body, already completely exhausted by the night of partying and drinking. The rest would sort itself out later.