Stressed Out

Chapter 9

"And here is your apartment. Pretty sweet, huh?"

Korra stared in aw at the place. It was twice as big as her old apartment, and in much better condition. Naga bounded in and went right for the leather sofa. Korra grinned at her companion and joined her. As soon as she sat, she sunk in the cushions.

"There's two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a decent sized kitchen, and of course, the living room." He gestured around the room with a smirk. Korra almost snorted; the kitchen was way too big for one person, especially one that didn't cook. "As you can tell, every room is furnished with the best furniture the market has."

Korra sunk deeper into the couch and let out a content sigh.

"Tarrlok, this is amazing! I can't thank you enough."

"Think of it as an early reward. If you're going to become the biggest superstar of Republic City, you should live in the best place money can buy. For the time being, of course. Here."

He removed a plastic card from his pocket. Korra raised a brow. Tarrlok gave her a warm smile.

"It's a credit card. You can buy groceries or go out and have a nice night on the town. There's $10,000, so don't go wild." Korra grinned, though she had a feeling he wasn't just teasing her. She pocketed the card, and Tarrlok dismissed himself.

"Well Naga, looks like it's just you and me." Korra sighed. This would take some getting used to.

After taking a hot bath, Korra decided to attempt to make supper, which included easy mac, a bag of chips, and a cup of green tea. She watched tv as she ate, occasionally talking to Naga about the shows. Her companion begged for food. Naga rested her paw on Korra's leg and tilted her head, sometimes sticking her tongue out in that adorable way that Korra couldn't resist.

Korra eventually fell asleep on the couch, Naga at her below her on the floor. Her thoughts drifted to Asami once in a while. She threw her hands over her face and groaned. She would have to tell everyone about the contract.

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"I'm glad that you guys could make it."

Bolin, Asami, Mako, and Opal all squeezed onto the old couch. Korra felt Asami's eyes on her. Her stomach twisted in a pleasant way, though Korra tried to shake it off. Now was not the time for silly crushes.

"What's the big news? Did you bring any food?" Bolin asked. Korra chuckled and shook her head.

"Not this time, Bo. But I do have news that is somewhat big." She trailed off while rubbing the back of her neck. "I wanted you guys to know that I got a contract with Republic City Records." Opal immediately jumped to her feet and crushed Korra in a hug.

"I knew you could do it!"

Bolin joined the two and lifted them off the ground.

"Korra! You're gonna be a star! And I'll be a star's best friend! You wouldn't happen to know other famous people, would you?"

Korra laughed as she was put back in the ground.

"Not yet. I actually just moved into my new place this morning. You want to check it out?"

"Are you kidding? Of course! And Mako'll come too, right bro?" He turned to his older brother, who sat motionless on the couch next to Asami. His eyes were trained on the floor below him. Korra knew he was uncomfortable, and waited for him to lash out. She didn't have to wait long.

"Unbelievable." He muttered under his breath. Korra's smile was immediately replaced with a frown. Asami gasped, while Bolin and Opal stayed silent.

"What?" Korra shouted. "If you have something to say, say it!" She clenched her fists as she dared the boy to open his mouth. He stood slowly, eyes never leaving the ground.

"You know how important this band is, Korra. We need you." He turned to leave, but stopped. "But I guess you're just too self-conceded to see that." He spat over his shoulder.

"Are you being serious right now? Do you know how lucky I am? I could be living in the streets right now!"

Mako scoffed. "And who helped you get here?" 

Something inside of her snapped. She doesn't feel herself running to Mako, fist pulled back and ready for impact. She was met with air as Mako dodged her sloppy attack, causing her to fall to the ground. He bent over her and offered her a hand.

"I don't wanna fight you Korra."

She gritted her teeth and went straight for his throat. He grabbed her wrists and twisted it, causing Korra to fall to her knees. Mako took a few steps back but he was ready to block another attack. Korra sucked in a quick breath and jumped to her feet. 

"You think you're too good to fight me?" She rubbed her wrist and glared at her opponent. "I'll give you a free shot." She pointed to her jaw. Mako shook his head and grabbed his jacket. 

"I'm not doing this Korra. We'll talk when you've calmed down." His voice was calm and quiet = which pissed her off even more.

"Fine! Run away! But don't expect me to come running to you!" She yelled after him. 

"Korra." 

Asami touched Korra's arm tentatively though the younger girl was still tense. 

"I think we should go." Opal suggested while looking at Bolin. He nodded in agreement. "Thanks for having us." Korra gave them a glance and slumped down on the couch. 

"Hey." Asami took a seat next to her, wrapping her arms around the other girl. Korra let out a sigh and relaxed into her touch. "You're gonna be okay."  Korra shook her head. She was not okay. 

"My head is a mess, Asami. I can't gather my thoughts anymore." She admitted. "I've been trying to act like everything's okay but it really isn't. Mako left, I'm not sure how the Fire Ferrets will keep going." She trailed off. Mako lacks the confidence to continue with the band. Bolin will have to stay at the garage to make money, and Opal...

"Hey, everything's gonna be okay. I know it doesn't seem like it now, but give it time."

"I'm not sure I can do this by myself." Korra was used to dealing with her demons alone, but there was someone willing to go through everything with her sitting on her couch. 

"You shouldn't have to do it by yourself. There's nothing wrong with asking for help." 

That's the problem. She will never ask for help.