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Asami wasn’t going to think about her past lovers tonight. She was going to think about vodka—a lot of it. The bartender at Spirits nightclub had been there since she was in high school and could be counted on for a heavy pour from anyone with an equally weighty tip. Asami slid the cash across the counter with a blinding smile she didn’t feel and watched as something pink and frothy materialized in its place, as if by magic.
“Thanks,” she murmured over the thumping bass even though the barman had already moved on to the next glamorous customer and couldn’t have possibly heard her even if he hadn’t. The drink tasted like lightly carbonated strawberry candy. Asami carefully considered how much it had cost, then downed it in three large gulps. What was money to her? It wasn’t like she had anyone to spend it on but herself. Asami licked her lips and waved for another.
By the time she hit the dancefloor Asami was deliciously numb. That was just how she wanted it. She needed the music in her bones tonight. Also, she’d broken out a pair of patent heels that made her bare calves look taut and gorgeous and knew she’d be grateful not to feel the consequences of her footwear until the morning. For now, Asami was living in the moment. The bass ground into her, thumping hot in the base of her throat, the pit of her stomach, compelling her to swing her hips to its beat. Who needed lovers when the music could caress her so thoroughly? In the darkness of the club she might never know the difference. The sea of humanity around her might have been actual sea, too, its eddies and waves moving in time to the drum of the surf all around them as she happily drowned in its depths. That was all Asami had wanted tonight, really. To drown. To let go. To be a part of something larger than herself even if nobody in Spirits knew her name.
“Asami?”
Well, so much for that. Asami steadied herself and focused on the man beside her. She knew him, but in the low light and after quite a few magic strawberry cocktails besides she couldn’t immediately place him. The look on her face must have been obvious.
“Tahno,” he shouted over the music with a look of disgruntled disappointment.
“Oh.” Pro-bending. The White Falls Wolfbats had a completely new team now and Tahno’s photo hadn’t been in the papers for quite some time. Not that Asami had ever been a Wolfbats fan. She was surprised he’d recognized her. As far as she recalled they’d only exchanged a few words since high school and even then they hadn’t run in the same crowds. For all Asami’s love of the game she’d been more of a nerdy prep than a jock.
“Can I get you a drink?” he called. He looked older up close.
“No.” In truth Asami wanted another drink but she saw no reason to encourage him. She hadn’t come out to Spirits tonight to find a man, or a woman, or anyone. She was a strong and independent woman who definitely did not need to be in a relationship to be happy. Just like she didn’t need parents. Asami could handle herself.
Intent on dismissing him, Asami stumbled. Instantly a hand grasped her arm.
“Whoa there,” said Tahno. His eyes flicked down to the floor, then back up. “Those shoes are really hot but I think they need a break.” With that he started dragging her towards the bar. Asami briefly considered knocking him unconscious, then let herself be led. Her feet did hurt a little in spite of the vodka. Maybe a quick sit and another drink wasn’t such a bad plan after all. Asami plopped down on one of the barstools and crossed her legs.
“The bartender knows what I’m drinking,” she said.
“I’m sure he does,” drawled Tahno with a lazy smirk and held out a glass of boring old water. As she watched he moved his fingers over the surface. When Asami took the glass from him she noticed the ice cubes had been bent into flowers. It was a nice bit of work; far more delicate than she’d have thought from someone with Tahno’s bending style.
“I’m not sleeping with you,” said Asami.
Tahno laughed. “I didn’t ask you,” he said. “Drink your water, Sato. Otherwise you’ll never keep up with me on the dance floor.”
“I never said I was dancing with you, either.” Asami took a swig of the water anyway. It felt better than she wanted to admit. The club had grown hot of the last… how long had she been here? Asami realized she had no idea what time it was.
“You didn’t say you weren’t,” said Tahno. He hooked his thumbs in the lapels of his suit and tugged slightly, either to highlight his build or the quality of the tailoring. Both were, admittedly, excellent. “See you out there, Sato. And take it easy on the Strawberry Dreams. I know where you live and despite your terrible taste in pro-benders I feel honor-bound to make sure you get there.” With that he flashed her a wink and a sideways smile and disappeared off into the crowd.
Asami watched him go. She sipped her water, then crunched on the delicate flower-shaped ice cubes. Tahno did seem older than he had. They all were. It wasn't just the shape of his face or how he'd treated her, either. There was a gravity to him now that Asami recognized in a fellow survivor. Korra might have restored Tahno's bending, but nothing could bring back what was truly taken from him any more than they could her. And as Asami saw him disappear into the crush of the crowd she thought that maybe instead of drowning tonight she could dance with a man who’d make sure she got home. Maybe, at least tonight, she didn’t have to be alone after all.