Chapter 1: Discovery

Author's Notes:

As the date draws near to the first anniversary of the canonization of Korrasami, my mind has wandered back to that magical time, and this, my first (and only, to date) fanfic. I've re-read it, and I think it's quite decent, if I do say so myself! But I did see some subtle places to improve it with minor edits here and there. Also, I really like how AO3 supported per-chapter blurbs, and I'm adding my blurbs from over there, over here, cuz I like them :P

Anyway, if any new people happen to discover this piece, and you enjoy it, then please let me know! If I get smothered with enough lavish praise I might just get inspired to write more ;) Oh, and of course, I am also open to any constructive criticism on my writing, as that can only serve to make my efforts better in the future!

Anyway, on to the show!

Summary:

Korra is struggling to come to terms with the nature of her increasingly bewildering feelings for her best friend Asami Sato. As they spend time together at Varrick and Zhu Li's wedding, Asami notices Korra sending off strange signals, and thinks she sees... something there. She lays it all on the table in the biggest gamble of her life by confessing a secret she has kept from Korra for years.

"I'm kind of all danced out," Asami said, her expression suddenly weary. "Honestly, after everything that's happened the past few months, I could use a vacation."

Korra didn't really want to go back to the dance floor, so that was all well and good, but she didn't want this moment with Asami to end either. Her heart ached suddenly at the thought of her absence. Of Asami going off on a vacation somewhere, being separated from her again after only so recently reconnecting. It rationally didn't seem like that should be such a big deal for her dear friend to get some well deserved R&R, even if Korra couldn't be present with her. But according to the twisting feeling in her chest, it really was kind of a huge deal. Asami's presence was always welcome, reassuring, delightful, inspiring. But it had been having odd effects on her as of late. Tonight it was just so intense. She couldn't make sense of this mix of emotions that were writhing within her. She wanted to… what, comfort her? Be there for her? Maybe hug her again or something. That was nice. But most of all, she wanted to be with her, wherever she decided to go on that trip.

Hey, that's a good idea! "Let's do it! Let's go on a vacation, just the two of us! Anywhere you want!" she blurted out. Her heart lurched. Did I just say that? What was I thinking? Was I even thinking?! That sounded so…

"Really?" Asami said, and looked down, her eyebrows dancing through several different emotions that Korra could not read. Korra felt a stab of panic. How could I be such an idiot! Or am I? I mean, for two friends, to go off on a vacation together? It's not weird. Is it?

Asami looked up again and smiled. "Okay! I've always wanted to see what the spirit world's like!"

That smile. Those eyes. Those eyebrows! She wants to go with me! To the spirit world!

Korra had to look away, a sudden twinge of urgency telling her not to stare too long or deeply at the joy in Asami's expression. She turned her gaze toward the new spirit portal in the distance. "Sounds perfect!"

It WAS perfect. She was going with Asami to the spirit world! Just them! So what exactly was Korra's problem? Her mind was racing. Her heart seemed like it was trying to pound its way out of her chest. Something was still twisting within her, an indescribable tangle of feelings, elation pierced by nervousness mixed with… something else. At the prospect of going off to the spirit world with Asami? Why? How could you feel this good and hurt this much at the same time? Why was she hurting?!

Moments passed, and Asami finally broke the silence. "Are you okay?"

Korra started, turning to her. Asami wore a look of concern. How long have I been sitting there like that, staring out into the distance, like a stupid… thing… that… sits there and stares out into the distance?

"Oh, I'm fine! Never been better!" Korra grinned awkwardly.

Asami laughed in those musical notes of hers, those expressive eyebrows trying to communicate so many confusing things. She placed her hand on Korra's knee. "You just seemed kind of zoned out for a minute there." A thrill shot up Korra's spine from her touch. Play it cool, Korra!

"I'm just… wow. I don't know. I was just thinking about it. Us going to the spirit world. Together. At the same time." Korra laughed sheepishly. "I'm just, surprised, I guess, that you want to. Go on a vacation. With me, I mean." That was not playing it cool at all, Korra!

Asami smiled sweetly, that wonderful compassion of hers radiating, enveloping. Korra was suddenly and profoundly awestruck by the power of that smile. How? How could a woman be so amazing? Korra was the Avatar, master of all the elements, destined to bring balance to the whole world! But this woman. This woman! She was easily the most beautiful woman Korra had ever met. Years ago that used to give her pangs of envy, when they were first getting to know each other. But Asami was so much more than physical beauty. So graceful, so intelligent, so kind, and resilient. Her best friend through her hardest times. Korra had long since moved past her previous rivalry with the woman. In fact she couldn't think of anyone else she'd rather be around. So why then was her presence lately, particularly tonight, making her feel so clumsy, idiotic, weak in the knees...

"Korra. I can't think of anything I'd rather do than be with you."

'Be' with me? Something about that phrase reverberated in Korra's mind. She looked away again, cheeks hot, unable to conjure any words in response. 'Be' with me? What does she… Does that mean what I... ?

"Korra, I mean it. I've watched you go through so many things. So many painful things. These last three years… I can't imagine how difficult that must've been for you. And yet you always rise above. Rise above and become even stronger. I've watched you change the world. Several times! I've watched you suffer so much, yet continue to shoulder every burden that comes your way, try to take on even more, no matter how heavy it is, no matter how much it might hurt you. And you don't even treat it like a burden. You embrace it! You do the right thing, when it would be so easy to do the wrong thing. To give up, run away, never come back."

Asami reached out and gently took Korra's chin, turning her face so that she could look Korra in the eyes when she spoke the next words. "You are so strong, Korra. You are the strongest, most amazing person I've ever met. How could I possibly NOT want to go with you? Together? Just the two of us?"

The way she said it. The way she's looking at me!

Korra couldn't think. She reeled in the intoxication of those last words, the emphasis on them, her mind scrambling to grasp the meaning. She still seemed unable to form words of her own. The torrent of emotions within her began to overflow. A tear rolled down her cheek. "I…"

Asami affectionately took Korra's face in both of her hands, her soft touch alive with mysterious powers, her eyes shining with pleading sincerity. "Korra, I… I love you."

Did she just say... ?It all seemed so unreal. The words rang in Korra's ears as she struggled to push them into comprehension. She felt something changing within her. If she didn't look away now, she might not be able to ever look away again.

I won't look away. Not this time.

Asami leaned in slowly, her face moving closer to Korra's. She's going to... Is this real? How can this possibly be real? Asami kissed her lightly on the lips, lingering briefly, sweetly, then pulled back slowly, her eyes liquid, desperate.

Korra's swirling emotions all began to snap into place, aligning with single purpose. Desire took the lead. Korra gave herself into the moment wholly and swept in, her mouth seeking out Asami's. Asami reciprocated with equal hunger, breathing an urgent whimper into Korra's advance. Euphoria roiled through Korra's body as their kiss deepened, full awareness of everything this woman meant to her now becoming alive in her mind.

It felt so good. So right. So perfect, and pure. More tears rolled down her cheeks. Asami was so beautiful, in every way. In this moment, it all coalesced. It was real. Out of all the things she had experienced, this was the most real thing that had ever existed in Korra's life. After all they had been through, all the mixed emotions she had felt thinking about her over the years, this realization now blazed like the sun.

She was in love with Asami. Truly in love with her, in every way.

And within that moment of self realization, another truth blossomed in her mind. She had heard Asami say it, just a moment ago, and could not make it register. But now she could feel it, in the heat of her embrace, the passion of her kiss, in the very elements around them, and knew it to be true.

Asami loves me too...