Korra slowly opened her eyes, her head feeling heavy while the sliver of light coming through the blinds was downright irritating. Her whole body ached and felt weak a sensation that only grew worse as time went on. Along with all that came the memories of the previous night, rushing back like a whirlwind in her head and finally making her grasp the seriousness of the situation. Without the alcohol clouding her mind, it was painfully clear how far things had gone and how she could have gotten into real trouble over something so stupid; luckily, she had real friends ready to help her in such a bizarre and unexpected moment.
She tried to sit up, but every part of her protested the movement. It really was too much. All at once, everything came flooding back all the murkiest details of what happened at The Plateau, but more importantly, the presence of that stranger in her room hours earlier. How could she tell her friends something like that? Worse still, tell Asami? The situation wasn't good and everything suggested it would only get worse, because she was seriously tempted to hide the whole messy episode from everyone, yet it would be so much worse if they found out another way and realized she actually wanted to conceal it.
Reluctantly, she lifted her torso; her skull, meanwhile, throbbed in protest. A curse slipped out with difficulty. Her eyes stayed shut she'd only open them once the pain in her head and body reached tolerable levels.
– What kind of madness was that? My mind's all over the place… Spirits! – Putting what she felt into words was physically uncomfortable, but absolutely necessary to calm her heart. – How am I supposed to tell Asami something this crazy and absurd?
– You could start from the beginning, couldn't you? – The voice came from the other side of the room. That distinctive tone that always sounded like a melody to her ears.
– Asami? – She opened her eyes instinctively and saw the elegant figure of her fiancée sitting in the small armchair a few meters away, casually flipping through a newspaper. Her retina stung from the sudden brightness, so she quickly shut her eyelids again, annoyed.
– It's me. – The reply was lukewarm. – What did you want to tell me?
– How did you get here? I mean, weren't you busy with a ton of things until the end of time? – She dodged the question.
– I finished everything early so I could surprise you, spend the last days of your trip with you. But it looks like you're the one who surprised me.
– Look, I can explain…
– I'm waiting. – Asami pressed when she noticed her fiancée was stuck and not elaborating further.
– You know, I need some time to think about what to say… And I want to talk to a lawyer.
– Well now, what could be so serious that the Avatar needs to hire a lawyer? – She stood up. – Did you commit a crime, by any chance? – Korra shook her head no. Asami kept advancing as she asked. – Were you a witness to one? – Another denial. – Were you a victim? An accomplice? – Two more head shakes. – Hmm… – She sat down beside her fiancée. – Did you cheat on me, by any chance?
– No! Absolutely not! – Not even the migraine bothered her anymore after that insinuation and the red alarm that went off in Korra's head.
– Then tell me what happened.
– Only after I speak with my lawyer. – She insisted.
– Well, if we're going to have to settle this in court, we'd better call off the wedding, right? – Korra's heart was beating completely out of rhythm. – I can't marry someone I'm in a legal dispute with, can I?
– You wouldn't do that… It took so long to arrange everything… Not to mention all the work… – She bluffed.
– All it takes is one phone call to undo it all. Do you really want to test me?
– Okay, don't rush. – She was clearly on the defensive now. – It's just that it's kind of weird and not everyone would take it well, you know? – She took a breath. – Yesterday I went to a strip club. But it was completely by accident, I walked in without knowing what it was. – She was already justifying herself, expecting Asami's fury. – Opal, Mako, and Bolin can back me up, they were there with me. I swear on everything sacred that nothing happened, love. I got drunk before the show even started and we left without seeing any performers naked, I promise.
– Well, maybe you were right and a lawyer is necessary after all. – She jabbed, more out of teasing than anger.
– Asami, love… – Korra was scared.
– Is there anything else I need to know? – Korra considered telling her about the intruder and concluded it was the right thing to do.
– When I got here last night, there was a woman in the room. I don't know who she is, no idea how she got in, all I know is she was a total hottie coming onto me. Again, I swear nothing happened. I rejected any advance she made and sent her away quickly.
– A total hottie coming onto you…
– I think she might have seen me at the club and followed me here. Or was sent directly here.
– In exchange for what, Korra?
– I don't know! To ruin my life, maybe? Destroy my marriage before it even starts? – She was desperate.
– And you don't have an alibi this time, as far as I can tell. With the strip club you still have your friends' testimony, but here…
– Nothing, Asami. The only thing I can give you is my word.
– Should I remind you that you were completely out of it because of the alcohol?
– Do you think I'm lying?
– I think your perception was altered by the drinks.
– Regardless of anything, I would never cheat on you. No matter how compromised my perception was.
Fear gripped Korra. Even though she was telling the truth, she understood her fiancée's point. If she were in a similar situation, she'd be really wary too and might even go as far as doubting the other's word not out of malice, but because it was an extremely strange situation.
– Look, Asami, I'm sorry I messed up. I shouldn't have gone to that place, even if I didn't mean to go to a strip club and then get absolutely drunk. Even without any intention on my part, it was my mistake and I apologize for my poor judgment. I should have just gone to the restaurant and then come back to the hotel, no supposed show and definitely no drinking past my limits. All I can do is ask for forgiveness. I'm sorry.
Sato's scrutinizing gaze was sharp.
– Korra, you have to understand you're a public figure. Imagine how we'd look in the public eye if, right before our wedding, you'd been photographed in a situation like that! Not to mention they could make up awful things, take quotes and images out of context… – When Asami mentioned images, Korra's eyes widened.
– They took photos?
– Luckily the club's security doesn't allow cameras or recording devices, but if someone had slipped past the check at the door that specific day, you'd be in deep trouble now! People are already saying they think they saw you there, and that alone was enough for a bunch of journalists to run completely unsubstantiated stories, but with enough potential to tarnish your reputation… and mine by extension.
– Damn it! – She punched the mattress.
– I've already taken all appropriate measures to get this out of circulation. I called my lawyers and they've already obtained an injunction to collect all the newspapers and magazines with this defamatory gossip. That doesn't usually happen, but because you're the Avatar, we got the judge's approval to make it happen. You're too important to the world to be stained by venomous, unverifiable press gossip.
– Why do they hate me so much? I do so many good things for the world and this is what I get in return?
– They want visibility, Korra. Your name guarantees sales, especially when it's involved in controversy.
– And something tells me they're going to torment our relationship even more now that we're getting married, just to get people's attention and make money off it. I mean, we are still getting married, right? – She asked fearfully.
– But of course we are. – The Avatar sighed in relief. – I'm not going to abandon the love of my life because of some press conspiracy. The only thing that really bothered me was your lapse in judgment allowing something potentially problematic to happen.
– I'm glad to hear that, love, but we both know it wasn't just a conspiracy it actually happened.
– Yes. It happened, but it was just a mistake on your part, nothing more. Opal told me in detail what went on and, don't worry, it wasn't a big deal.
– I never once considered doing anything that would hurt you in that situation, even though I was clearly drunk. Our commitment… my love for you… is stronger than any impaired senses or judgment. A reckless, pointless binge could never erase the effect Asami Sato has on my mind and heart… There's no scenario where something like that is even remotely possible… I'm just glad I had witnesses by my side who can back me up. – She looked into those inquisitive green orbs. – But you're still upset with me, aren't you? That's fine, I don't blame you or deny you the right to be. – She sighed. – I promise I'll make it up to you.
– I am upset, but less so now after hearing that declaration. For you to say something that deep and complex while in the throes of a ferocious hangover, it must be true. – She commented, amused, much to Korra's relief. Finally, the conversation and its direction were looking up.
– I'll probably regret asking, but what are the tabloids saying about me because of yesterday?
– Take a look. – She handed her the newspaper she was still holding. – This is one of the many articles we collected.
…But something more surprising than the city's tourism sector performing well is learning that the Avatar spent a night out at a strip club. Yes, dear readers, Korra indulged alongside, at the very least, semi-nude people with suggestive choreography. Several witnesses categorically confirm she was present. Our sources claim Korra went onstage more than once, all to get a privileged view of the performers as they undressed.
Regular patrons of the establishment also reported they had never seen anyone so… eager within the premises of the famous Plateau, nor so generous, as our dear Avatar left a veritable fortune as a courtesy for the moment of entertainment she enjoyed. And the strippers certainly appreciated it, because Korra was taken backstage by one of the night's dancers. None of our witnesses were invited to the coveted dressing room, so we cannot state with certainty what happened there between the two, however, historically, it is known what kind of thing "special clients" receive when away from the audience.
The only thing I wonder about is Asami Sato. They have a wedding scheduled for next week and now she has to receive the news of her fiancée doing who-knows-what with a stranger. The fact that Korra frequented The Plateau at some point is worrying enough on its own, now knowing all the sordid details, it borders on unsustainable.
We'll see how they get through this. They've always claimed genuine feelings for each other, "love," as they define it themselves. We'll see just how far this "love" can withstand reckless and, why not say it, downright rotten behavior…
– That's a lie! – Korra shouted, shaking the paper angrily. The article was long and she hadn't even read half of it. – I never went on any stage! I don't even know what the backstage of a strip club looks like! I didn't give a single penny to that place! When things got tense, we left! – She was livid.
– Hey, calm down. I know it's a lie. Everyone told me what happened yesterday the same way, and there's no way you could have coordinated your stories. Besides, the person who writes this column has had it out for you forever, and it got worse after we went public with our relationship. It's a biased piece on top of everything. – She took the newspaper from her fiancée's hand and tossed it carelessly to the floor. She decided to steer Korra's focus away from that paper. – And about that woman who sneaked into your room…
– That one I know I'm in more trouble about. – Korra interrupted her. – But I swear even though I was falling-down drunk, I didn't give her an opening. This time I have no one to testify in my favor and my senses were kind of impaired, but I would never do something like that, not even if I were dead. – The words poured out in a torrent, without her even thinking properly. She wanted more than anything to convince Asami, and she knew how hard that was, given the circumstances and recent events had put her in a complicated position. – Why would I trade you for anyone else in the world? Not even for a second! It makes no sense, even if… – She was interrupted by a soft kiss from Asami on her lips. The calming effect of the caress was instant; Korra finally settled down a bit, stopping her frantic movements and hyperventilating. Honestly, the brunette had been on the verge of a nervous breakdown.
– Don't worry, I know you're telling the truth. – Korra listened intently, her heartbeat slowly returning to its normal rhythm. – It was me.
– You what?
– The woman intruder who came into your room. It was me.
– How…? – She was visibly confused.
– Let me explain. – Asami straightened up. – Yesterday I managed to finalize the last details for our wedding ceremony and reception. Since our last moments together had been pretty turbulent, I thought I could come here and surprise you, spend some quality time together. Mako was my accomplice i called the hotel, they redirected the call to his room, I explained everything to our dear friend and asked him to authorize a copy of your room key for me and inform the staff of my presence. After everything was arranged, I traveled here and accessed your suite easily. My intention was to surprise you, but I was the one surprised when I saw you coming through the door completely out of it.
– Spirits… – Korra hid her face a little in shame. She remembered a bit of what happened there.
– You were completely wasted! You didn't even recognize me! At first I was worried. Then, when I heard you talking about a strip club, I got really angry, but it got better after you explained more. When I heard everything from Opal and Bolin's mouths, I fully understood what happened. I just found it curious that you didn't recognize me.
– Asami, I was out of my mind…
– I noticed. But even so, drunk out of your mind, you still resisted the advances of a "total hottie." – She made air quotes to remind Korra she was the one who used that description.
– Did it take you long to realize I didn't recognize you?
– At first, yes, but when you started talking about me as if I weren't there, things started making sense, especially seeing how drunk you were.
– And then you started having fun at my expense, didn't you? Teasing and insinuating things just to see me nervous.
– Well, it had to yield something entertaining for me. Come on, don't be unfair. – She gave Korra's shoulder a light, teasing nudge, a clear sign everything was okay.
– You're not mad at me?
– Of course not. Aside from the fact that I found out it was an accident and nothing serious happened, you were honorable enough to tell me everything right away, hiding nothing, not even the things I theoretically had no way of knowing. Besides, you proved yourself, once again, extremely faithful to our commitment, even with your senses clearly impaired.
– I knew you might be furious with me, to say the least, but I owe you unconditional honesty and fidelity; I couldn't let this slide… even if it meant sleeping on the couch for the rest of my life… or, in the worst-case scenario, restarting the Avatar cycle early…
– What nonsense… Do you really think I'd be capable of killing you? – She asked, pretending to be offended. – Well, you thought right step out of line and we'll be waiting for the Earth Kingdom Avatar to be born real soon. – Korra laughed out loud, obviously it was a joke, but her head protested in pain from the abrupt gesture.
– Ow! – She brought her hands to her temples, massaging them in an attempt to ease the discomfort.
– This hangover is going to be a strong one.
– Definitely. Punishment enough for indulging too much without thinking of the consequences.
– Lie down and cover your eyes with something, it'll be less awful that way.
– You know what would help me a lot? – She asked, already doing what Asami suggested. – You here beside me, lying down, preferably holding me. Is that possible?
– Of course.
Their bodies fit together automatically, as always. The scent of Asami's floral perfume was like a balm for Korra, both for her physical aches and the moral anguish plaguing her in that moment. Nothing in the world could make her happier than having her beloved close, especially after a problem caused by foolishness that could have had very unpleasant consequences. Being right with her fiancée was always a good thing, a gentle caress for a soul burdened with an enormous weight since birth, a load that only grew with time and increasing responsibilities.
– I love you so much, you know? – Asami said, punctuating the sentence with a lingering kiss on the curve of Korra's neck, where she buried her face.
– It's always good to be reminded of that, love. I love you so much too.
– In a few days we'll be married… How do you feel?
– A little nervous, but I can't wait.
– Me neither… – She had a sudden idea. – Hey, how about we have a bachelorette party for ourselves when you're feeling better?
– Don't take this the wrong way, love, but I haven't even recovered from my last urban adventure and, honestly, I'm not sure I'm up for something like that.
– Who said I was talking about an urban adventure? – She caught Korra's attention. – Actually, in my mind, we're not even leaving through that door. – She smiled mischievously. – Just the two of us in this room for a few days… – She finished, suggestively. – What do you say?
– It's public knowledge that you're a genius, but sometimes your brilliance still surprises me…
– Is that a yes?
– Of course! There's no resisting an argument that… convincing.
– Great. And to make sure we won't be disturbed when we start, I'll go put that "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door.
– Excellent idea.