CHAPTER 2
The morning came far too quickly. Light broke through the curtains that were partially drawn across the window as a bright streak formed across the lump under the blanket. Korra's eyes slowly opened, awoke by the brightness on her face. "Ugh. I'm not ready for the day yet," she complained as she rolled over. Her eyes widened a bit with the realization that she was alone in the bed.
A moment later Korra shot straight up, startled by coughing coming from the adjacent bathroom. The door was cracked and she could see a body sitting on the floor, hunched over the toilet. With each cough the back of her lover shifted slightly. A hand moved around the back of her neck, gripping the beautiful dark locks in an effort to keep them from falling in her face.
Korra quietly pulled herself from the covers and tiptoed over to the bathroom. She pushed the door open enough for her to slip in and kneeled behind the sick-ridden girl. With one hand she lightly placed her fingers on the other girl's hand, pulling it away while she grabbed her hair with the other. "I've got it. Just relax." Asami's hand fell back to the toilet's rim, gripping it tightly as another coughing fit ensued. Korra rubbed her back in an effort to calm the girl and soothe her lungs. "It's alright. Just get it all out."
"There's nothing left to get out," Asami briskly choked out between coughs. "I've spent the last 30 minutes just dry heaving."
"Why didn't you wake me up? I would have sat with you."
"You needed to sleep. You had a hard enough time sleeping as it was last night."
"That doesn't mean I wouldn't have gotten up. I promised you I'd be by your side. You have to let me, though."
Asami sighed briefly, remembering their conversation last night. "I know. I'm sorry. I'll wake you up next time. For now, could you get me a glass of water?"
"I'll do you one better." The hand on Asami's back fell away as Korra reached off to the side to turn on the faucet from the sink next to them. Cool water ran out as she motioned her fingers to pull a large bubble of water towards a glass on the counter, motioning the water to settle inside. She grabs the glass and hands it to Asami, "drink this first." Asami takes a few sips and hands it back. As Korra places it pack down, she motions another bubble to rise from the still running water. "Close your eyes." Asami can feel the cool water washing across her face, running its way down and around her neck. It's extremely soothing and makes her feel much better. After a minute or two, the water is bended away and discarded into the sink.
"Do you mind if I take off your shirt?" Korra asked hesitantly.
"I'm not really in that kind of mood…" Asami responded with a bit of bewilderment in her voice.
"No, not for that. I want to help calm your lungs so you can breathe better."
"Oh. Well, alright."
Her hair falls around her shoulders as the other hand pulls away from her. For just a split second, Asami feels abandoned. Though she knows that's not the case, losing her girlfriend's touch instantly makes her feel worse and she wishes it back. Two hands tug at the bottom edge of her shirt, slowly raising it above her midsection. She lifts her arms as the silken cloth is pulled over her head. Goosebumps cover her skin as she braces herself from the cold air.
"It's chilly in here."
"Don't worry, I've got you," Korra reassuringly states as a soft towel is brought over her front. The strong arm holding it embraces her with a hand holding one shoulder while her lover's forearm crosses her body, lying between her breasts as an elbow wraps around the opposite ribcage. She feels two legs wrap around her thighs as the beautiful woman settles behind her. A kiss is lightly placed against her shoulder blade, lingering for just a moment. She takes a deep breath and closes her eyes.
Another bubble rises from the running water with the flick of Korra's free hand. It wraps around her fingers and quickly begins to glow. Strong fingers begin kneading the stiff muscles in Asami's back. She can feel a calming sensation inside of her as her healer girlfriend brushes over every inch of her back. Each cough taken slows considerably and becomes less painful. More light kisses are placed upon her back as the healing hand moves about. 'What would I do without her?' Asami thinks to herself. A small smile appears on her face as she feels her body relax in the arms of the exotic beauty.
After about 20 minutes the motions stop. "Do you feel better now?" Korra asks with concern in her voice.
"Much. Thank you."
"You're welcome. Not lets get you cleaned up so we can head to the doctor's office." She discards the water and turns off the sink as she stands.
Asami turns to look up at her girlfriend, eyes swelling with emotion. "I hate this. I know I said I can handle it but it doesn't get any easier."
Korra holds out a hand, which Asami takes. She pulls her up into her arms, wrapping her hands around to the small of her back. "I know this isn't fun, but you are determined as the day is long and I refuse to believe that you'd ever give up. At least, not while I'm here. I love you and I won't let you falter so long as you let me."
"I love you, too. You're right. I'm going to take a quick shower, I don't know how long these weak legs of mine will last. Will you pull out my usual outfit for me and make some tea while I get ready?"
"Sure thing. Are you sure you're okay?"
"Yes, I'm fine. I would just very much like some tea. Go on, I can manage."
Reluctantly, Korra agrees. "Alrighty. Just call for me if you need anything. I'll be right down the hall."
"You've got it, gorgeous," Asami confirms with her signature wink and a smile. Korra's heart beats rapidly as she places a chaste kiss on her lover's cheek and moves to head towards the kitchen.
Asami turns on the shower and waits for a moment for the water to warm up before removing the remainder of her clothes and stepping in. Steam surrounds her as the tingling of warmth flows over her body. Her long, slender fingers rub up across her face, over her hair and down the back of her neck as she tries to relieve to stress she can feel rebuilding within her. Her hands move to lean against the wall in front of her. Her head bows down and her back arches slightly, the water continuing to fall against her skin. Her eyes burn.
'Why me?' She asks herself. 'Why do these things always have to happen to me? First I lose my mother, then my father abandons me in some stupid vendetta, I almost lose the company, and now… Why me? What did I do to deserve this?'
Tears fall down her face as they mix with the water pouring over her. Silent sobs take over her body as her chest rises and falls. Her eyes sting and she shuts them tightly, crinkling her face in an effort to make them stop. Several minutes pass by before she calms herself down and manages to begin washing herself. A loofa now full with cherry blossom soap suds moves across her body. She takes careful consideration is cleansing every bit of her skin, ridding herself of the sweat her body exhumed during her earlier episode. The loofa in her hand makes it's way to her breast, pausing for a moment.
'I wonder how long it will be until the doctor takes these…'
With that she finishes her shower and prepares herself for another day. She reminds herself, with a bit of optimism, that at least she gets another day.
