To Love is to Fear

Epilogue

"Excuse me, Chief Tonraq, but do you know where I might find your daughter?" Nakoda asked.

Tonraq turned and surveyed the young man. Nakoda was standing before him, proudly garbed in his White Lotus uniform. The younger man had just been relocated to Republic City so Tonraq wasn't surprised to see him at the gala.

"Last I saw her she was near President Raiko's table discussing something. May I ask what it is you want with my daughter, Nakoda? I was under the impression you were on duty this evening." The Chief asked him.

"Actually, no sir. I begin my duties tomorrow. My father and I were invited to attend tonight's gala. As for your daughter, I was hoping for the opportunity to speak with her so that I might ask her if she would be willing to have dinner with me now that I am staying in Republic City." Nakoda told Tonraq proudly. He stood before the chief, his back straight but with a slight edge to his smile that Korra's father only now really noticed. Perhaps she had been right about him after all.

Tonraq looked around him as the party goers hustled about, laughing and having a good time. It was the one year anniversary of Kuvira's defeat and President Raiko had decided to use the excuse to throw a celebration in the newly opened Grand Library in Republic City. Everyone was here. He saw Bolin and Opal together on the dance floor, Mako chatting up a young woman who looked to be a part of Fire Lord Azumi's staff, and Tenzin wrangling his family near the buffet line. Well wrangling Rohan anyway. Finally, he spotted Asami standing near the entrance, greeting those who were just coming to the party. He turned back to Nakoda and grinned.

"You're welcome to ask her, Nakoda. But I don't expect she'll say yes. Apparently you haven't heard but my daughter is spoken for." Tonraq told him.

Nakoda blinked in surprise. "She is? No, I had not heard. Congratulations Chief Tonraq. May I ask, who is the lucky man?"

"My daughter is with Asami Sato, and quite happily." The chief told him proudly as he watched the younger mans face heat up.

"I-I had heard those rumors, sir. I hadn't taken any of it seriously." Nakoda told him.

"They're quite true, and we're very happy for them both. Asami is a fine young woman and I fully support them both." Tonraq said.

"I...see. Well, thank you sir. I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening." And with that the younger man walked away, but Tonraq noticed he walked off in the direction of Korra, a determined look on his face. But he wasn't the only one to notice the White Lotus guard heading in her direction. He noted that Asami had seen him as well and was frowning as she moved to follow.

'Well, this should be good.' he thought to himself as he smiled and inched closer.

Korra turned from her conversation with the President when she heard someone say her name. When she came face to face with Nakoda, she inwardly groaned. She knew he had been relocated to Republic City but she had hoped they wouldn't have to interact. What was he doing here?

"Hello Avatar Korra. It is a pleasure to see you again." Nakoda told her.

"You as well Nakoda." She replied politely. The President was nearby after all. She could play nice.

"I was hoping, now that I've officially moved to Republic City, you and I could spend more time together. Would you care to have dinner with me later this week?" Nakoda asked her, a cocky grin on his face.

"I appreciate the offer, Nakoda, but I'm with someone." Korra told him. She wasn't really surprised he was asking her out. Nakoda had never really expressed much interest in her romantically, but he had expressed a love for her status.

"Ah, yes, your father mentioned that you were with that-...I mean Miss Sato. I could only assume it wasn't anything serious and that perhaps you would like to extend your interests in a more...suitable direction now that an opportunity is available." Nakoda told her smugly.

Korra felt herself getting angry. How dare he suggest...! She was ready to blast him all the way to the spirit portal when Asami came up from behind her and placed her hand at the small of Korra's back possessively. She smiled at Korra before turning to Nakoda with a look that Korra knew meant the White Lotus guard was in big trouble. So she just smiled back.

"Good Evening, I'm Asami Sato. And you are?" Asami asked him politely but there was a slight edge to her voice that Korra caught but Nakoda hadn't picked up on. Korra just grinned wider.

"My name is Nakoda and I'm from the Southern Water Tribe. I've only recently relocated here to join the White Lotus guard. I was just asking Korra here if she wouldn't mind spending more time together. I have missed her company, as we spent a lot of time together as a children, you see." Nakoda smirked.

"Oh? I didn't know that. She's not mentioned you at all." Asami told him smiling and Nakoda's face fell a little.

"But anyway, it's no matter. Korra and I are together. In fact, we're engaged. I'm sure you understand." Asami told him before pulling Korra closer to her and kissing her cheek softly. Korra just sighed happily and grinned at Asami.

"Surely you can't be serious!" Nakoda spluttered.

"We're quite serious, Nakoda. And even if we weren't together, you and I never will be." Korra told him.

"Yes Nakoda, it was a pleasure meeting you. Now if you'll excuse us, my fiance owes me a dance!" and with that, the two ladies left the red faced guard standing there dumbstruck as they headed for the dance floor. Tonraq, who had heard the whole exchange, laughed softly. He had warned the young man. There was no getting between those two. He had learned that a long time ago. He smiled as he watched his daughter and Asami dance. There really was a great love there and he couldn't believe he had ever refused to see it.

Asami pulled Korra onto the dance floor as the band began to play a slower tune. They held one another close and Korra looked up into Asami's eyes as she grinned widely.

"Well, that was quite something Asami. I don't think I've ever seen you be so...possessive...before. I gotta say, I liked it." Korra told her as they slowly swayed across the floor, ignoring every one else around them.

"I didn't like the way he was looking at you, I couldn't help it. Besides, Korra" Asami whispered as she pulled Korra closer and spoke softly in her ear, "You're with me, and I love you. The whole world is just going to have to deal with it."

The End

Author's Note:

Surprise! Shocked myself by getting this written tonight. Can't believe I managed to finish this story in such a short time. A lot of the reason is you guys. Your support and love for my little story has meant a lot to me so thank you for coming along for the ride. I hope you enjoyed it! Thank you again for all of the reviews, favorites and follows. Means the world to me. :)