Summer Solstice Festival
Summary: Korra is excited to spend time in the Southern Water Tribe for the Summer Solstice Festival. While originally wanting rest and relaxation, she soon finds herself caught up in the Civil War brewing between the two Water Tribes. As for Asami, her focus is on saving her company. At least, that's what she's telling herself while trying to force her attraction to Korra out of her head… Takes place in between chapters 25 and 26 of 'Model Behavior'. Gap Filler. Twoshot.
"Wake up!" Korra shouted as she flung open Asami's bedroom door. She ran across the room, climbed up onto the bed, and started to jump around wildly. "Wake up! Wake up! We're going to the South Pole!"
Asami groaned loudly, pulling her comforter away from her face. She reached out her hand and felt around for her cell phone that was sitting on the bedside table. Asami pressed the power button, causing her screen to brighten. Wincing, she glanced at the time before dropping her phone onto her bed.
"Korra, it is six am," Asami mumbled. "Since when are you a morning person?"
"Since, I'm going home!" Korra jumped into the air and landed hard onto the bed, causing Asami to bounce a few inches off of the mattress. Korra sighed happily, leaning back onto the bed, clasping her hands behind the base of her neck. "It's going to be great."
Asami rubbed her eyes as she sat up. Shivering a little bit, she reached out and turned on her lamp. Tugging the spare blanket out from underneath Korra, she wrapped it around her arms. "The boat doesn't leave until 11."
"Yes, but I want to be the first ones there." Korra quickly sat up, her long dark hair whipping into her face. Asami half-smiled as her friend frantically brushed at her face with her hands, clearing the hair away. "This way we'll be the first one's onto the boat and then the first ones off."
"Actually, if we were the last to be boarded onto the boat, we'd be the first few people off," Asami answered, drawing the blanket tighter around her shoulders. Naga slowly walked into the room, making her way over to the bed, plopping her head into her owner's lap. Asami reached out and petted Naga's side, silently wishing that she could curl up into the polar bear dog's side to get warm.
A few days after New Year's Eve, the heat in the apartment had stopped working. While Korra still found comfort in the temperature drop, Asami would occasionally moan and grumble about how cold she was. This resulted in her spending long days and night sitting by the fireplace, finding warmth. There were some nights where she wanted to sleep up against Naga's side. Of course, that would mean she would have to sleep in Korra's room with her, or
Ever since Asami had kissed Korra on New Year's Eve, she had tried to keep her distance at bay, and her emotions in check. Now she was really confused about her feelings towards Korra, and living in such close quarters really wasn't helping the matter. Every gesture or kind action, as simple as it was, broke Asami's bravado making her question things. Her cool, calm, and confident reputation was sure to be demolished in a matter of a few days as she waited for school to resume in the middle of January, not that she didn't have Future Industries problems holding her attention.
Along with actively fighting to keep the company open, she was informed by the company's long time secretary, Xu, that the Vice President of Future Industries, Raiken, was plotting a move behind her back, to take control of the company. It didn't come as much of a surprise to Asami when she sat back and thought about the situation. Around the time Korra had moved in, Asami had a phone conversation with him which resulted in her deciding to postpone attending college to focus on the company.
Working as female in a male dominated industry, she knew she would be dealt with many situations, and yet nothing stumped her like Raiken. Since taking over the position as CEO of Future Industries, he had questioned every idea or decision she made. Asami did have reservations of taking the position from her father, especially since she would be younger than everyone else in the company. Plus. Not many would normally be willing to follow the lead and guidance of an eighteen-year-old girl. However, since sponsoring the Fire Ferrets the company was slowly, but surely, getting back on its feet.
However, she now had to agree with Raiken that she would need outside help. Asami forced herself not to roll her eyes at the sly smirked, covered as a supportive grin, when she had distributed the news at a recent company meeting. Something in the back of her mind made her worry about his expression, but she pushed it aside, and focused on putting together a proposal to show Varrick of Global Industries. Asami had read everything she could about him, and given his unique strategies, she knew he was the way to go and was ready to face whatever he threw at her during their meeting.
"Earth to Asami," Korra said loudly, snapping her finger's by her friend's ear. Asami jumped, muttering an apology, and an excuse, for zoning out. While she was half asleep, she was happy that she put together a coherent fib about her excitement of going to the Summer Solsitce Festival. "Then let's go, there's tons to do before we leave," Korra said while scooting off of the bed.
"Fine, I'll let it slide this one…time…" Asami trailed off as she watched Korra reach up and gather her hair up into a ponytail. The bottom of her white tank top lifted, exposing her ribbed abdomen.
"Are you okay?" Korra asked.
Asami blinked. She ran a hand through her hair, turning away from Korra's gaze. Looking down, patting at her sheets to find her phone, which she felt pressed against her side; she took a deep breath, gathering her wits. "Yes, of course," she answered coolly. "Why?"
"You look…I don't know…weird."
"Well I was just woken up by a three year old." Asami grabbed a pillow from next to her, tossing it over at Korra, who quickly moved out of the way.
"Ha ha," Korra said dryly, rolling her eyes. She bent down low and grabbed Naga by the face, happily running her hands along her pet's head and ears. "Naga, we're going home!"
"Have you even packed yet?" Asami climbed out of her bed and stretched her arms high above her head. Yawning loudly, she looked over at the bags she had placed by her bedroom door, going over a checklist in her head.
"Yes, I have…" Korra answered with a sneer. Asami raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms over her chest. A moment later, the Avatar turned and made her way towards the bedroom door and out of the room. Asami chuckled to herself, shaking her head.
"So, how cold will it be again?" Asami called out.
"Not too bad. I'd still bring a jacket, though."
Asami shivered violently, whimpering as the wind picked up. She stuck her glove covered hands underneath her arms and began to lightly bounce up and down. "You-you said this wouldn't be too bad," she said, turning in Korra's direction, who was watching her with an apologetic smile.
"It isn't," she answered slowly.
"You made a mistake in listening to her, Asami." Mako opened his hand, a flame formed in the middle of his palm. "She's from this area and is used to the harsh temperatures." Standing by her side, he held the fire in front of her face. She smiled in thanks when she felt the heat wash over her face.
"Don't worry, I called ahead and my mom has a jacket ready for you when we dock." Korra turned and frowned when she spotted Bolin sitting on a bench, his cell phone open in his hands, his eyes wide, staring at the small screen. "Bolin, are you going to be on your phone this entire trip?" she asked.
"It's the only way I can talk to Opal," he muttered. "You said it yourself. The internet is very spotty where you're from."
"Yes, but this supposed to be a vacation," Korra reminded him. She reached out and tried to pluck his phone from his grip. He continued to hold the electronic device. Korra wasn't sure if his tight grip was from his need to stay in contact, or that is bare fingers were frozen to the device. Bolin had refused to wear gloves because he wasn't able to text properly with them on. "She's only in Zaofu. We'll see her again when school starts. It's not like you've joined the arm or anything."
"I just don't want her to forget me," Bolin answered. His eyes watered from the cold and tears began to drip down his cheeks. "Absence makes the stomach grow fonder."
"You mean heart, Bolin," Mako corrected him.
"No, I mean stomach," he answered. "There has been an absence of land since we left. I'm starving."
"We'll arrive soon," Korra said with a small laugh. She pulled off her blue gloves and walked over towards Mako and Asami. "Here, this will warm you up faster." Korra gently pushed Mako's hand away, before placing her palms on Asami's cheeks.
Asami made a sound of hesitation before she felt warmth immediately spread across her face and into her ears. The bitter cold felt like a simple breeze skirting across her skin as they continued to travel across the bay. Asami felt her cheeks begin to burning, when she looked over at Korra, noticing their close proximity.
"I can tell this is helping, you're getting your color back." Korra smiled brightly. Asami quickly turned away, offering a quiet 'thank you'. "The jacket my mom got you will keep you nice and warm."
Korra continued to warm Asami up from the brisk temperatures during the rest of their trip. However, at Asami's insistence, she had Korra hold her hands to warm them instead of continuing to keep them on her face. While she was able to use the warmth spreading across her body as an excuse for her reddening cheeks – as well as the harsh wind – she wasn't able to handle Korra looking at her, at close proximity, with her intense blue eyes.
The minute the boat docked, Korra jumped onto Naga's back, and the two slid down the ramp onto the dock, narrowly knocking a few members of the Southern Water Tribe into the water. Asami grabbed Bolin by the elbow and helped direct him down the ramp as he continued to stare at his phone.
"Asami," Korra called out, waving frantically. Asami left Bolin in Mako's care before walking over to where Korra was standing, an arm wrapped around Naga's neck. "This is Kya. She is Tenzin's sister," she introduced.
"It is very nice to meet you Asami," Kya said, smiling gently.
"Nice to meet you too," Asami said, shaking the older woman's hand.
"Kya is great," Korra gushed. "She goes on all of these amazing trips around the world and tells the best stories." She then glanced over at Kya, smiling warmly, her blue eyes softening. Asami felt her stomach twinge. "She also sees me as a person…well everyone. She isn't quick to judge."
"Unless you count all the time's Tenzin can ruin a gathering or situation by bringing up boring historical anecdotes," Kya said with a smile.
"Aunt Kya!" Jinora shouted as she ran into Kya's arms. Korra took a few steps out of the way as Ikki and Meelo ran over to their aunt as well. Asami moved out of the way and pulled her cell phone out of her pocket. She checked the time and frowned.
The trip had taken a bit longer than she had anticipated. While her meeting with Varrick wasn't until later that night, she wanted to give herself enough time to go back over her proposal. Even though it may not be necessary, after reading many books Asami came to the conclusion that Varrick didn't do anything of the norm, she wanted to have it as a backup.
"Hey, Tenzin." Kya greeted her brother with a hug. "How are you doing Pema?"
"I'm great. Thank you for asking," Pema answered. She ran hand through her hair, before straightening the hat on Rohan's head. He cooed happily before turning his attention over to Kya, a wide grin forming on his face. "And this is your new nephew, Rohan."
"He's beautiful," Kya complimented, "just like the rest of your children."
Asami placed her phone back into her pocket, glancing over at the small group that had formed. "Why does Tenzin look so tense?" she asked.
Korra laughed when Naga, who was rapidly wagging her tail as a merchant passed by with a basket of food, hit Mako on the side of the head. He grumbled as he picked up the notebook in his hands. Mako had recently been hired by Chief Lin Beifong to become a beat cop with the Republic City Police Department. He was much honored to accept the position and has taken it very seriously ever since. Mako is the first non-earthbender to join the well-known metalbender organization. "Apparently Kya and Bumi tease him a lot," Korra answered, her chuckles slowly fading. She is pretty mischievous. Wait until she gets started, the dinner table will be very entertaining."
"Korra, there you are," a voice called out. Korra turned, her face immediately lighting up.
"Mom! Dad!" she shouted, running over towards her parents. She slid to a stop in front of them before wrapping her arms around her mother and father, giving them a giant hug.
"It's so good to see you," her mother whispered into her ear. She then turned towards Asami, holding out a lavender bundle. "Here you go, Asami. You look like you could really use this."
Asami received the gift from Senna, carefully unfolding it. The jacket was lined on the inside with thick fur. Asami wasn't entirely sure which animal it came from, if it did, but she didn't question it, as she hastily slipped off the jacket she was wearing and pulled on her new one. "Thank you so much, Senna," she said with a sigh, as she fastened the buttons. "I feel better already."
"Just try not to get it wet," Senna instructed. "It's very hard to dry and may damage some of the materials."
"Yeah, it's great to see all you again, but I'm starving," Bolin loudly interrupted. "Let's get something to eat."
"Bolin, don't be rude," Mako hissed.
"Senna has had dinner sitting on the stove since she woke up this morning," Tonraq explained. "You all are invited, of course."
"Come on, Asami, I'll show you to your room," Korra said. She snapped her fingers and Naga bent low to the ground. The Avatar quickly climbed up onto her back and nestled into the saddle. "We'll take Naga. I'm sure you desperately want to get out of the wind." She leaned over and held out her hand.
Asami smiled before hoisting herself up onto Naga's back with Korra's help. She settled into the saddle, ignoring the burning pain that slowly crept up into her thighs from the muscles stretching at her wide stance.
"Don't worry, we'll take care of your bags," Tonraq said, sarcasm laced with every word.
"Thanks, dad," Korra said brightly.
"He's not going to like all of the bags I brought," Asami whispered into Korra's ear.
"Which is why I'm getting us out of here as fast as possible." Korra clicked her tongue and led Naga away from the dock and into the fresh powdered snow. Asami lightly placed her hands onto Korra's back as she glanced out across the fields of snow. The sunlight caused the ground to glitter, creating a majestic and calm
Korra reached arms back and grabbed Asami by the elbows, effectively moving her hands so that Asami's grip was held tightly around her waist. Asami didn't have much time to feel embaressed since Korra grabbed Naga's reigns and pulled hard, causing the polar bear dog to break out into a sprint. Korra's abdomen flexed and hardened underneath Asami's hands, as the Avatar leaned a bit forward in the saddle, allowing her body to roll with Naga's movement.
Asami, you have to get over this. Korra is beginning to notice how awkward you have become around her. She doesn't even know that you kissed her. Just keep everything in perspective and you'll be able to keep your friendship with her as normal as possible. Think about work, that's why you're on this trip.
Upon reaching Korra's home, Asami slowly removed her arms from around Korra's waist and slid off of Naga's back onto the ground. Korra pulled a treat out of her pocket and handed it to Naga, who happily at it. Korra took the saddle and reigns off of Naga's back and bumped the polar bear dog's side, who immediately took off running out of the yard.
"Don't worry, she'll be fine," Korra said when Asami watched with concern. "I'll show you to your guest house. It's not much, but it's something." She walked around the side of her family's home and led Asami towards the back where four smaller houses were lined up in a row. "There's no bathroom inside, and you'll have to share with Mako and Bolin."
"That's perfectly fine," Asami said, raising a shoulder. "I can handle it." Korra held open the door to Asami and lightly placed her hand on the engineer's lower back, to usher her inside. Asami was glad that her jacket was very thick, so that she didn't really feel Korra's touch.
Korra turned on the lights before walking over to the fireplace. Tossing a few logs into the mantle, which were sitting in a box a few feet away from the mantle, Korra then snapped her fingers and directed a small stream of flames onto the wood, instantly igniting them and filling the room with warmth.
Asami shed her jacket, hanging it up on a wall hook as she glanced at the amenities in the room. She jumped onto the bed, gasping in shock when she felt how soft the mattress was. Asami leaned back, letting her body sink into the bedding.
"Everyone else will be here soon. I can give you a quick tour of the house," Korra offered.
"Oh, that's okay." Asami answered. "There's just something's I need to take care of." Which was true, she did have some Future Industries business to attend to. However, she was sure that until her items arrived, she would spend her time replaying the moment when they were riding Naga towards the housing.
Korra nodded and bid her a quiet goodbye, explaining that she'd be in the main house. Minutes later, Tonraq delivered Asami her numerous bags and suitcases. While the engineer did feel apologetic for all of the luggage she had brought with her on the trip, he had insisted that it wasn't an issue at all. The fact that his arm muscles slightly twitched at his words didn't go unnoticed by Asami. So that's where Korra gets her confidence…
A few hours later, Asami hadn't unpacked her suitcases and bags, but she did open her work bag. Books, papers, blueprints, and sticky notes were scattered around her on the surface of her bed as well as the floor. A pen was tucked behind her ear and a paperclip dangled from in between her teeth as she flipped through a notepad filled to the max with her handwriting.
Asami looked up when she heard a knocking on the door. Organizing her papers carefully onto the bed, fastening some with the paperclip, she walked over and pulled the door open. Bolin smiled brightly, before rubbing the back of his neck. She smiled before stepping to the side, allowing him to enter. "Are you okay, Asami?" he asked. "Korra told me you've been holed up in here for a while."
"Yes, of course." Asami picked up two log next to the fireplace and tossed them in. She rubbed her hands together, sighing happily as the flames got higher. "I'm just trying to prepare myself for when I meet Varrick," she explained, pointing over to the papers on her bed. Asami slowly lowered herself to the floor in front of the fire, patting the ground next to her, indicating that she would like for Bolin to join her.
"You'll do excellent," he answered.
"I'm not too sure," Asami said slowly. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, lowering her gaze to the ground. "What if he doesn't take me seriously?"
"Why wouldn't he?"
"Some people at Future Industries don't." Her voice was light and quiet. She pulled her knees to her chest, wrapping her arms around them. "What would make him any different?"
"I've seen the way you work." Bolin reached out and gently jostled her from side to side. "You're determined, and super smart, and awesome, and dedicated, and innovative, and putting other's needs first," he listed. Asami turned in his direction, half-smiling. She went cross-eyed when Bolin poked the tip of her nose with his finer. "That's what Future Industries is about, right? Your dad helped produce vehicles for everyone not just the rich. That's a trait he passed down to you, and what makes you so great."
"Thank you, Bolin. I really appreciated that." Asami titled her head to the side, peering closely at him. "You're really good at speaking. Maybe you could focus on that in school, since you haven't declared yet." She gently pushed his finger off of her nose. Bolin's eyes widened. "Mako told me," she supplied.
Bolin sighed hard, and ran a hand through his hair. "I don't know. There are too many options…"
Asami turned her faze back to the fire, watching as it changed from orange, to yellow, to red. She snuck a peek at Bolin out of the corner of her eye. From what Mako had told her, all Bolin wanted to do help others, to feel like he had a plan or was needed. It made sense to Asami, since everyone else in their group essentially had something else to preoccupy their time. Bolin did have the Fire Ferrets but with Korra and Mako being busy, they hadn't practiced in a long time. "Hey…why don't you become my assistant?" she suggested.
"Assistant?"
"Yes." Asami nodded rapidly. "I've read about Varrick and he can be…a challenge, so to speak. You're very good working with people so you'd be a great asset," she said excitedly.
Bolin pondered the idea before leaning over and wrapping his arms around her shoulders. Asami giggled when he placed a long, and loud, kiss to her cheek. "For you, I would be honored." With that, he tugged Asami to her feet. "Now come on, let's go and have some dinner."
Bolin waited patiently as Asami gathered up her papers and files before slipping on her shoes and jacket. Once outside, he instantly initiated a snowball fight, which she happily took part in. Moments later, the two entered Korra's home, their hair damp from the snow, and their cheeks red, stained with tears. "It's going to be awesome!" Korra cheered, pumping her first into the air as the two entered the dining room.
"What is?" Bolin asked. Asami carefully slipped off her jacket and placed it on the back of an empty chair. She smiled as Senna walked over and gave her a hug. Asami followed Senna into the kitchen, offering to help finish the dinner that was about to be served.
"The Summer Solstice Festival!" Korra cheered. "It'll be great!" She pulled a handful of forks and knives out of a drawer and began to walk around the large table, putting them down next to plates. Mako followed behind her, straightening each fork that was misplaced or set on its side in Korra's excitement. "There's booths, and games, and fireworks, and a Ferris Wheel, and even the Polar Bear Dog Plunge."
"What's that?" Bolin asked.
"I'll explain later," she answered with a sly smile. "I don't want to spoil all of the fun."
Tonraq stepped into the room, his hands filled with napkins of various sizes and colors. "Korra, I hope you brought some nice clothing along with you," he said, setting a napkin in the center of each plate.
"Why?"
Tonraq sighed hard, catching the attention of everyone in the room. "Your Uncle Unaalaq will be visiting tomorrow and the tribe is throwing him a welcoming party. We're expected to attend."