-Recap-

"Announcement party?" Korra questioned.

"Certainly. Tonight we will formally introduce you and Tahno to Republic City as the newest elite couple in the business world. Tahno is, after all, the heir to the Koh family shipping company and his marriage to the Avatar demands a formal engagement."

-Chapter 13-

A barnacle squid.

This is all Korra can think of as she tries for the umpteenth time to subtly pull her hand from the overly eccentric loud mouth who introduced himself as Varrick, founder of Varrick Global Industries.

"So what do you say, Korra? You don't mind if I call you Korra, right. A mover chronicling the rise and fall of the last Avatar. A biography, completely adherent to reality—more or less. Zhu Li," he snapped suddenly tuning to the mousey woman at his side, "are you getting all this?"

Korra felt sorry for the woman. The five straight minutes he wouldn't stop talking were already rated highly as some of the most annoying moments of her life. This poor woman was her assistant. She couldn't imagine being in her place. Not for all the yuan in the Republic.

As Varrick continued about creative licensing, Korra's mind drifted to the previous events leading to this point.

After brunch, the two moved to Uncle Xian's office. Xian had already finalized most of the party's events. There were only two matters of business Korra was needed for. Well, really only one and a half. The "half" was the guest list. Uncle Xian had explained that the party's guests would mostly be comprised of the movers and shakers of Republic City's business world, and although he offered her the guest list to go over, Korra figured she wouldn't recognize the names.

"Is there anyone in particular you would like to invite?" Xian asked as he glanced over tonight's expected guests.

Korra's first thoughts were her parents. Once married, a woman usually doesn't have very much contact with her parents, and although it would be nice to see them again, Korra realistically reasoned they wouldn't even receive word of the event by night fall, much less be able to make it all the way across the ocean in less than twelve hours. For whatever reason, her mind then shifted to Police Chief Bei Fong. It would be nice to see her, just for old time's sake, even though the surly woman would probably tell her she doesn't deserve this party just for getting married. She would probably remind her that the transition from Avatar, savior of the world, to house wife, baby maker, was a demotion in life. Eithe way, she mentioned her to Xian.

Uncle Xian looked in thought as he put away the guest list. "Unfortunately, after the Equalists took over the city, Bei Fong's police force went underground."

Korra wondered if that was a literal statement, after all, they were mostly earth benders. Either way, she supposed no one has heard from them.

Suddenly filled with concern, Korra realized she didn't know anything about the people she knew from before."Do you know Tenzin? Is he okay? How is his family?"

Xian appeared in thought for a while. "Tenzin?" he repeated slowly, as if tasting the name. Then recollection hit, "Ah, yes. Tenzin. The air bender on Avatar Island." His eyes softened. "I'm sorry, I do not know how he fares, but I will have an invitation sent to the island at once." True to his word, Uncle Xian scribbled a note on some parchment, called in a servant at the door, and had it sent to Tahno's office.

"Isn't Tahno busy?" Korra asked curiously, although busy doing what exactly she had no idea.

"Nonsense. We Koh's are known for five things: style, poetry, etiquette, charm, and style. He'll draft an invitation and deliver it himself to apologize for the late notice."

Just then, the door to the study opened as a woman no thicker than a blade of grass kicked open the door, spilling bolts of fabric at her feet.

"Mimi, darling, finally, you're here," Uncle Xian exclaimed, rising from his seat across from Korra to greet the woman.

"You simply can't rush perfection," Mimi, smiled as she stepped over the pile at the door.

"Tonight I must. Korra," Xian said turning to Korra and ushering her over with his hand, "This is Mimi, an up and coming fashion designer in Republic City and a dear friend."

"Oh," was all Korra could say as she was immediately draped in fabric gradients from deep violet to mauve.

"Now, I'm thinking something sexy, something daring, something that says Koh. A plunge," the woman spoke excitedly. Uncle Xian nods approvingly.

"Plunge?" Korra questioned.

Uncle Xian adjusted the fabric to form a deep V neck line, ending just above Korra's navel. "Oh, yes," he insisted.

"Oh, no," Korra shot back, pulling the fabric together modestly.

Korra glanced down at the gown she now wore. Despite the time crunch, it was beautifully crafted, even including some fairly intricate beading, but most importantly featuring a compromised neckline, wide and draping over her shoulders, leaving them bare and ending in a shallow V barely allowing any cleavage as it follows the swell of her breasts.

"Zhu Li, what have I told you about giving me bad news?"

Korra's attention returned to the barnacle squid before her. What had happened in the time she spaced out? "Please excuse me, Korra, I have to go. Zhu Li is embarrassing herself."

As Korra watched the poor woman follow Varrick away, head lowered in shame, she couldn't help but be grateful as she cradled her now freed hand. Just as she swore not to shake another hand the remainder of the night, a large pale hand took hers gently.

She cringed internally until noticing the yellow linen sleeves. Korra's eyes immediately shot up to the kindly bearded face of her former air bending master.

"Tenzin!" Korra exclaimed, dropping his hand and barreling into the older man's chest. Tenzin returned the familiar embrace, speechless. Losing her was like having any of his other children taken from him. Murmurs immediately began to chorus through the banquet hall, but Korra couldn't care less. "I've missed you so much." Then her attention turned to his brood. Kneeling, Korra swept the three oldest children into a single hug, "I've missed you all."

At this point, Tahno politely dismissed the man gawking awkwardly at the scene beside him and turned to Tenzin, hand already offered in greeting. Tenzin stared back at the young man warily. He was very much aware of the customs still practiced in his mother's home, as archaic as they seemed. His older sister, Kya, escaped this fate. Despite being a water bender, she had the flighty and nomadic spirit of an air bender. Korra wasn't so lucky; or maybe she was.

His fatherly instincts immediately rooted dislike for this young man.

His frame was too skinny, not at a warrior as he would expect for Korra.

His skin was too pale, almost sickly.

His eyes too narrowed, kinda squinty.

His hair was too wavy and glossy, obviously spending too much time on grooming.

His smile, a crooked smile…was sincere.

And he had delivered the hand written invitation to his family's home on Avatar Island, or so Pema had said. He was away at the time.

Tenzin finally took the young man's waiting hand.

"We are both very happy you and your family could come tonight," Tahno spoke respectfully. "It's a pleasure to meet you, sir." Although Tenzin could tell this young man had been formally trained in etiquette, he could also tell he meant every word he said.

As Korra finally rose to stand at her husband's side, Tenzin could properly take in the couple as a whole. He perceived Korra effortlessly place her hand in the crook of Tahno's arm. Ne noticed the subtle swell of the young man's chest. He was a man very proud of his wife, not because of her former title, but because of who she was as a person. He was a man very much in love. And Korra also seemed to have a certain glow about her. "The pleasure is mine," Tenzin finally answered. "Congratulations. To the both of you."

This time it was Korra who beamed with pride.

A not so subtle cough breaks through the moment. Korra had completely forgotten the line of guests still waiting to offer their congratulations. Actually, she hoped they would just go away.

"Why don't you spend some time with your guests," Tahno suggests, already offering Korra over to her former air bending master. Both relived to finally be away from the line of waiting business men and excted to spend time with Tenzin and his family again, Korra leads the family to an open space near the balcony doors. Once there, her eyes immediately, search out Tahno. He remains dutifully greeting the guests and Korra wonders if there is anything wife like she should have done before leaving his side. Maybe squeezing his hand, or at least a nod. Next time. If there is a next time. As thoughts of Mother Kavbin's threats ring in Korra's ears, she longs to remain in Republic City with Tahno forever, but resolute in being with her husband, she knows she will stay with him no matter where they are, no matter what it takes.

Korra's eyes finally land on the newest member of Tenzin's family, wrapped in an orange blanket within Pema's arms. There's just so much she wants to say. So many questions she wants to ask, but despite the celebration, Korra begins to sober. The celebration is for her marriage. She's married because she is no longer the Avatar. She is no longer the Avatar because Amon took her bending. Among, the dangerous anti-bending radical still at large in Republic City, and who knew where else, after all his anti-bending propaganda had already reached all the way to the North Pole.

"Your bending, are you still able?" Korra searched Tenzin's eyes, then looked to the children. Their faces fell suddenly, forlorn. Please, Spirits, no. Not the children.

"We are untouched," Tenzin reassures. "Criminals were taken out first. Then those who openly objected to his authority. As for the rest of us, he has made nay show of bending illegal. Those caught are immediately," he hesitated a moment before continuing, "equalized. Even the children. As long as we cooperate, he promises to leave us alone. For now." Tenzin added the last part bitterly. Korra also couldn't help but notice how Tenzin refused to use Amon's name. Still, she couldn't help but feel somewhat relieved that at least for now, they were okay.

Light chattering caught Korra's attention. She steeled herself instinctually as a red and white stripped ferret slinked against her leg. Turning, Korra was face to face with Asami, flanked by Bolin and Mako. Of course Asami would be here as a Future Industries representative. Korra wondered if her father was lurking around somewhere as well.

"Congratulations," Asami offered with a smile. Korra couldn't be sure if the girl was being sincere or patronizing, but smiled anyways. "I-I hope you don't mind that I brought the boys. When I saw you this morning, I figured you would want to see them."

Before Korra could respond, the burly earth bender wrapped his arms around Korra's shoulders in a friendly embrace. "Korra, it's great to see you again! I couldn't believe it when Asami said you were here with Tahno, but here you are. And married! I didn't even know you two knew each other."

"They didn't," Mako finally spoke. Until this point he had stood silently at Asami's side, frowning, "In the water tribes, they sell their daughters off to the highest bidder, no matter what sort of cheating scum they are."

"Excuse you, Mako, but that's my culture you're talking about," Korra growled at the fire bender, fists clenched. "And my husband."

"It's actually more complex than that," Tenzin tried to remedy. He too took offence to such a comment.

Mako ignored the older man, "You're defending that jerk now?"

"Hey, hey, it's cool," Bolin offered. "Mako didn't mean it that way. By highest bidder, I'm sure he meant rich guy, and we all like rich people, heck I wish I was a rich guy myself, am I right." When no one answered, he continued floundering in an explanation, "And scum, jerk. These are just words, he doesn't mean anything by it…well, I mean Tahno was kind of a jerk, but that's all in the past, now."

"The only jerk I see around here is Mako," Korra fumed.

"How am I the bad guy?" Mako yelled. "I'm not the one who ruined your life Korra. You used to be somebody."

"I am, somebody," Korra bit back, dismissing the conversation. Turning abruptly, she opened the balcony doors and slammed them behind her.

"Korra, wait," Mako, began before the door was slammed in his face. Rubbing his face, he took two long strides and disappeared on the balcony with Korra.

"Korra, I'm sorry. I didn't mean that last part."

"But you meant everything else."

"I just…I can't believe what they did to you. I can't believe you're defending this marriage. You don't even know this guy, and what, you're supposed to live happily ever after with him?"

Korra couldn't be too upset with Mako. He didn't understand. Hell, she's had months to deal with this and she still didn't fully understand herself. How was she supposed to tell him she felt the same way in the beginning? How was she supposed to say that living under Mother Kavbin's roof had been hell but Tahno was doing everything in his power to make it bearable for her? How did she say Tahno was patient and smart and kind to her? How did she say she found a friend in this man, someone who she could feel truly cared for her and only wanted to love her and wanted her love in return? How can she say she's falling in love with her husband? How did she explain that she didn't want to lose Tahno, no matter what, and dreamed of the day she could say she loved him too?

"Mako, I…I just want to be happy," Korra finally sighed, because in the end, it wasn't any of his business.

They were quiet for a long time.

Finally, Mako broke the silence, "Did you get my letter?"

Korra nodded. She didn't tell him she never even opened it though.

Realizing she wasn't going to comment on it, Mako released a heavy sigh as he opened the balcony doors, just as Tahno was reaching for the handle on the other side. The two men glared at each other, but it was no use. Mako already knew who the winner was. Jealously, he bumped Tahno's shoulder with his own as he passed by him.

Normally Tahno would have said something snide in remark, but his focus was singular tonight. Korra. He hadn't heard what was going on in the corner, but he could definitely read a hostile stand off when he saw one and then he saw Korra leave, slamming the balcony door behind her. He was already dismissing the man who was simultaneously congratulating him while speaking of a new business venture when he glanced up to notice Mako following through the same door. It wasn't at all that he didn't trust them alone together, although a sudden feeling of dread did cause his stomach to plummet when he saw the two together. He didn't know what, but there was obviously something between the two while they were pro-bending team mates. Regardless, that wasn't the point. Korra was obviously upset and that was why he was coming to be with her.

Now as they stood alone on the balcony, Korra staring back at Tahno, he didn't really know what to say. Korra didn't seem upset anymore, so whatever skirmish had happened was obviously resolved.

"Did you come to recite your renowned poetry I've heard so much about," Korra joked half heartedly. She couldn't concern herself with Mako right now.

"Actually…yes," Tahno smiled crookedly. Korra hadn't been expecting this. "Hopefully dreaming/ A husband and his bride/ Patiently waiting."

Korra frowned at this.

Tahno blushed, embarrassed. He must have her. "I-it's just a poem."

Korra's frown deepened to hold in the smile that was threatening to break her façade, "You're second line only had six syllable."

Tahno gaped at Korra in surprise, and then used his fingers to count out the syllables in his head. "Despite Uncle's praise, I'm not very good."

Korra finally let her smile through, "It was still pretty decent."

Tahno chuckled low in his throat and took Korra's hand, kissing her inner wrist as he had earlier that day. She looked so at peace in the city. He watched as her eye lids fluttered shut at his light kiss. If only this could last forever. But alas…

"Tahno, I'm tired for the night," Korra whispered looking away.

Tahno nodded his understanding. These affairs could be quite taxing, being polite and showing interest in everyone who approaches you. He was tired himself, but needed to remain until the night was over for the sake of the shipping business. Nights like these were prime for starting talks to develop new contracts.

Ushering Korra in on his arm, Tahno stopped to inform his uncle that Korra would be retiring for the evening and he would return shortly.

"Take your time," Uncle Xian smiled devilishly, giving his nephew a wink. Tahno shook his head at his uncle's absurd antics and led Korra from the banquet hall to their shared room.

Korra was quiet but sure footed as they walked the halls of the manor. Maybe it was just being away from Mother Kavbin, maybe it was returning to Republic City, maybe it was talking with Uncle Xian, but something had definitely changed in Korra. She had said she wanted to be with Tahno, and tonight she would.

As soon as they stopped before one of the many doors lining the hall, and Tahno began to open it, Korra's lips were upon his. As she clung to his tuxedo coat, leaning into his surprised embrace, she hoped he understood everything she was trying to tell him in this one simple action. Unsure of what had come over Korra, but certainly not foolish enough to stop her right now, Tahno hungrily returned her passion, as he blindly swung the door shut behind him. It wasn't until Korra began to pull him further into the room that he became hesitant. She was heading to the bed. Simultaneously, his heart jumped for joy as his blood rushed lower in his anatomy.

Was she serious?

Korra sat on the edge of the raised bed before him.

What brought this on?

She began unbuttoning his formal tuxedo jacket.

Should he even care?

She stood to slip the black silk fabric from his shoulders, and then offered him her back. He eyed the delicate silver zipper tab at the neck of her gown. Wondering at his hesitation, Korra peered at Tahno over her shoulder. His hands were at his side, eyes fixated on the zipper she offered him. He did understand, so what was the delay.

"Korra, you don't have to," Tahno finally whispered. She could hear the pain in his throat. He wanted this so badly. It would be criminal to taunt him in such a way, but Korra wasn't teasing. If she had to do it herself, she would. Korra reached behind her to pull the zipper but Tahno caught her hand before she could. "Whatever happened between you and that guy on the balcony-,"

Korra frowned, "This has nothing to do with Mako."

"I'll figure out some other way to keep my mother away from you. The house will be read to move in when we return."

Korra smiled, "That's nice."

"It was just a poem. It didn't mean anything. I can wait."

At this Korra could only offer a doubtful stare, "No you can't."

A sheepish crooked smile formed at Tahno's lips. She was right. He would if he had to, but really, he couldn't.

As he brushed her hand aside and took the zipper tab between his thumb and index finger, Tahno leaned into Korra's neck and kissed the soft cool skin, trailing to her shoulder. "Tell me you want me," he sighed into her shoulder. He just needed this last confirmation

"Tahno, I'm your wife." He froze. That wasn't a confirmation. That was an obligation. When he she tangled her fingers into his hair, he began to melt. She continued, "I want to be your wife, in every meaning of the word."

Upon that confession, the only sound was the scraping of the zipper tab parting the teeth. Korra felt the cool metal travel slowly down her spine, followed by Tahno's cool touch.

As he laid her on the bed, completely bare, Korra didn't feel afraid.

As he lowered his body to hers, continuing to adorn her neck and shoulders with peppered kisses, her fingers confidently freed her husband from his tailored bindings.

As he allowed her to explore his body, only offering light and encouraging caresses against her stomach and thigh, she was proud to call this beautiful man her husband.

And when he held her hand lovingly and slowly entered her, she was happy to be his wife.