[Korra had meant to go talk to Chekov yesterday, but life conspired to get in the way. Today, though, she's not letting anything stop her. She wakes up early, runs through her forms to calm her, and then rides Naga to City Solutions. She's pretty sure he's working today.]
[Where else would Chekov be on a work day? (Well--as the boss of his own department, he does occasionally excuse himself to go work at the Starfleet labs, but whatever.) He has been mulling over his predicament with Korra. Getting Marie's side of the story had been simple, and the sheer depth of psychological damage that the woman has undergone makes it impossible or Pavel to hold her cursed actions, horrific as they were, against her. Korra? Not so simple. She had done nothing to provoke such an attack, and Delacroix had caused a considerable amount of harm that was slow to heal. As far as he can figure it, there are only victims in this story.
He hasn't tried to contact Korra himself. People who react to things in predicable manners don't concern him so much, but people like Korra who bounce from one emotion and mindset to another with no discernible reason are beyond him. Saying the wrong thing--even if he meant well--could irrepairably damage their friendship. Staying silent could do the same. Advanced theoretical physics is, on occasion, simpler than maintaining a satisfactory social life.
When he's called up from the lab to talk to Korra ("That girl and her polar bear are here again"--that's precisely what one of the workers on the upper floor had said by way of summoning him), all sorts of scenarios and possible responses fight for room at the forefront of his mind. Will she be angry? Determined to discover why he was eager to protect her assailant? Inexplicably okay with the whole thing? And what will he say to assure her that he cares very much about her well-being as well as her friendship without being unkind to Marie, who is something approaching family?
Pavel exits City Solutions to greet Korra, work clothes and hair in a disarray that usually indicates that progress is being made on something or other, expression unsure.]
[Korra's standing outside, leaning against Naga nervously. She thought she knew what to say, and what she felt; it's not like she hasn't been thinking obsessively about it for days. But the moment Chekov comes through the front door, everything feels awkward and uncertain and scary all over again.
Because she's still mad. She doesn't want to be, but she is. She doesn't want to share Chekov with that woman. But she knows that she has to, and she hates it.
She has to kind of force a smile when Chekov approaches.]
[After only a moment's hesitation, and with his usual lack of tactful preamble:] It was inappropriate of me to ask to speak with you later about the--the incident, with Delacroix, and I am sorry for that. If I had known that she was the cause of your injury sooner, I would have taken care to keep you apart, and maybe I could have said something to her, or... Korra, Marie is very troubled, but I didn't know she was this troubled. It is usually harmless paranoia, or heavy drinking, and I didn't think that she would hurt anyone. That is no excuse, I know, for her or for me, but...
[There isn't a verbal break so much as a frantic hand gesture that seems to indicate a slight topical shift.]
I am sorry that you were hurt by someone that I know, and that I was afraid to discuss this at the party. Being dismissive--of what had happened to you, is what I mean--was wrong of me, and I need to tell you that I do care and that, normally, I would never side with anyone who would hurt you. I would never want to.
[He has to stop to take a breath and gather the rest of his thoughts. If Korra has anything to say, this pause would be a good time for it.]
[Geez. Way to take all of the wind out of her sails. Korra listens to him, wide-eyed at the deluge of words. When Chekov finally stops, Korra opens her mouth to speak --
[This is a thing that he has been agonizing over since the night of the party. Having this very sincere outpouring of thoughts and emotions interrupted by laughter shocks him into speechlessness.
Sorry, sorry. [She manages to choke the words out as she struggles to breathe.] I just --- I had this whole speech prepared, and then you went and said everything.
[She forces herself straight and reaches out to tug him into a hug.]
I forgive you. And I'm sorry it ruined your birthday. [She doesn't feel bad about what she did or what she said, but she does regret that it happened on his special day.]
Only if you promise to do the same. Even if we are in different universes, I will find a way to be upset with you if you allow anything to happen to you.
Maybe. [Mako hardly seems to smile these days, the few times she sees him. It's strange how they can live together and yet be total strangers. But Korra doesn't want to think about that. There are enough unpleasant things going on in her life.]
Come over tomorrow night? I have to give the herd a bath; could use some help, if you don't mind.
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backdated to 9/26
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He hasn't tried to contact Korra himself. People who react to things in predicable manners don't concern him so much, but people like Korra who bounce from one emotion and mindset to another with no discernible reason are beyond him. Saying the wrong thing--even if he meant well--could irrepairably damage their friendship. Staying silent could do the same. Advanced theoretical physics is, on occasion, simpler than maintaining a satisfactory social life.
When he's called up from the lab to talk to Korra ("That girl and her polar bear are here again"--that's precisely what one of the workers on the upper floor had said by way of summoning him), all sorts of scenarios and possible responses fight for room at the forefront of his mind. Will she be angry? Determined to discover why he was eager to protect her assailant? Inexplicably okay with the whole thing? And what will he say to assure her that he cares very much about her well-being as well as her friendship without being unkind to Marie, who is something approaching family?
Pavel exits City Solutions to greet Korra, work clothes and hair in a disarray that usually indicates that progress is being made on something or other, expression unsure.]
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Because she's still mad. She doesn't want to be, but she is. She doesn't want to share Chekov with that woman. But she knows that she has to, and she hates it.
She has to kind of force a smile when Chekov approaches.]
Hey.
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[After only a moment's hesitation, and with his usual lack of tactful preamble:] It was inappropriate of me to ask to speak with you later about the--the incident, with Delacroix, and I am sorry for that. If I had known that she was the cause of your injury sooner, I would have taken care to keep you apart, and maybe I could have said something to her, or... Korra, Marie is very troubled, but I didn't know she was this troubled. It is usually harmless paranoia, or heavy drinking, and I didn't think that she would hurt anyone. That is no excuse, I know, for her or for me, but...
[There isn't a verbal break so much as a frantic hand gesture that seems to indicate a slight topical shift.]
I am sorry that you were hurt by someone that I know, and that I was afraid to discuss this at the party. Being dismissive--of what had happened to you, is what I mean--was wrong of me, and I need to tell you that I do care and that, normally, I would never side with anyone who would hurt you. I would never want to.
[He has to stop to take a breath and gather the rest of his thoughts. If Korra has anything to say, this pause would be a good time for it.]
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And busts into gut-wrenching laughter.]
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Just not for long.]
What?
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[She forces herself straight and reaches out to tug him into a hug.]
I forgive you. And I'm sorry it ruined your birthday. [She doesn't feel bad about what she did or what she said, but she does regret that it happened on his special day.]
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Thank you, and nothing was ruined. [He gives her a squeeze.] Well--maybe it was a little ruined, but I intend to have other birthdays.
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Korra, I have far too many responsibilities to die.
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[She flinches right after saying that.] Sorry, that -- that was supposed to be funny. [Even she knows it came out kind of mean.]
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I will talk with Delacroix. If you see her, it will only be accidentally.
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[He gives her a much warmer hug than before.]
Thank you for not questioning my judgement too much.
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[Also teasing. He gives her forearm a playful punch.]
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Come over tomorrow night? I have to give the herd a bath; could use some help, if you don't mind.
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All of them? Even the sheep?
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