Hello everyone! Happy Friday. I hope you all enjoy this chapter, it's a bit longer than the first.
Chapter 2.
Korra finally let go of Asami's hand then dramatically threw her arms out to present their picnic, "I invite you, Asami Sato, to join me for a picnic on this lovely day."
Asami raised an eyebrow with a smile dancing on her lips, she then gave her amusing friend a slight bow , "Thank you Avatar Korra, I accept your invitation". She sat down on the blanket and looked around her surroundings. They weren't too far from the courtyard, a precaution Asami was glad Korra made on her own. The guards weren't visible either but that could be just to give the two some privacy. Having that mentally pointed out, Asami paid attention to how quiet this place felt, there was even the peaceful view of the rest of Zaofu. It was beautiful. The young heiress took in a deep breath in order to relax then stole a glance at the Avatar setting up their lunch between them. She just couldn't stop looking so damn perfect and Asami was tempted to reach out and touch the tanned skin girl to check that this wasn't a dream. She wondered how much of this she should let affect her. Her feelings were of course different from Korra's and overthinking this could lead them to a situation this engineer wasn't ready to deal with it yet.
"Wow that looks good," she commented once Korra was done. Korra grinned and picked up one of the kale wraps. She brought it up to Asami's lips.
"Tastes even better."
Asami blinked and looked at the food Korra was trying to feed her. Not that it didn't look appetizing but maybe this was a dream after all.
Korra raised an eyebrow, "You don't like this?"
Asami's eyes widened and she kicked herself mentally before leaning forward to take a bite. She put a finger to her lips while she chewed. "You're right, it's delicious," Asami mumbled in between her chewing. Korra gave her a warm smile then prepared her a cup of tea which the engineer took with no hesitation this time.
"I don't think I've mentioned this before but I really appreciate you being here with me on this trip," her blue eyes met green. "…I mean you have a company to run and here you are, having a picnic with me."
"Korra…"
"I just hope you don't regret anything," she continued and Asami had to wonder what brought this on.
"There's no place I rather be then beside you," that was as close as a hint Asami could make for this moment.
"You sure? It just seemed like you didn't want to be here last night."
Ah. So that was it.
The young CEO ran her hand through her long hair. Her heart felt heavy with guilt. Korra couldn't be any more wrong than she is just now and Asami wished she could tell her that. And more importantly she made her precious companion worry over her because of her odd behavior. Any other time, she would be beside herself with joy from receiving this attention. This time, however, wasn't the right time to do that.
"I'm sorry for the way I've been acting," she started and could feel those sparkling blue eyes on her while she continued. "I just get worried about you with…" her voice drifted, and she was suddenly aware of how much she was going to say.
"Oh right…" Asami looked up and watched the Avatar sit back. Did she successfully read her mind now? "I mean I can't say I'm not worried myself. I have no idea who those people are but… I got you and Lin, Mako, Bolin and now Su and Kurvira. Maybe I'm being careless as usual but I do feel way better with you guys having my back."
The engineer's shoulders slacked, mostly from the high expectations she thought up and then having to hear Kurvira's name. Of course her best, but awfully dense, friend didn't caught on. Nonetheless the emerald-eyed beauty nodded in agreement.
A moment of silence was shared between them while they sipped their tea. Asami knew she had to try her hardest to make the best out of this picnic. She grabbed the kale wrap she already bit into and held it up for Korra, who in turned laughed and took a huge bite. Now Asami wasn't really sure how she manage to feed her crush just now but she hoped her hand didn't shake with nervousness. She will have to give herself a pat on the back later.
It did, however, successfully broke the silence and they were able to enjoy the rest of their lunch.
They kept on the conversation even after finishing their lunch, now laughing and drinking tea. Asami didn't mind if the world ended right then. That is, until someone had to come into her line of vision to make her take that back. She furrowed her eyebrows, silently praying the spirits would just come and take the visitor away. The bender in front of her noticed her suddenly looking off to a direction and followed her line of vision.
"Oh Kurvira, what's wrong?" Korra sat up and set her tea down.
"Hello Korra, Ms Sato," the guard captain bowed. "Su sent me to come and look for you Korra. You're late for the lesson."
And you're late to join this date, Asami mused.
"Oh right!" Korra quickly stood up and held a hand for the non-bender, who took it with a small smile. "Sorry Asami," the tanned girl apologized with a sheepish grin, no doubt completely forgetting she had metal bending lessons to tend to in the afternoon.
"Don't worry I can clean up here."
"Oh you sure? I can just-"
"Don't be any more late then you already A-va-tar," Asami poked the said Avatar with each syllable.
At this the blue eyed chuckled while squirming away and the engineer had to wonder if she was ticklish. She really wanted to test that theory. "I'll meet up with you later," and Asami took it as a silent promise.
"Korra?"
Oh yeah, and she was still here. Asami was very tempted to roll her eyes. Didn't this interrupter know she was ruining a moment?
"Right right, okay I'll see you in a bit Asami. Sorry again," Korra jogged off with Kurvira following behind.
Once they were out of the line of vision the skilled engineer set to work on clearing their picnic, placing the plates and containers in the picnic bag then folding the blanket. She should really be thankful that Korra came to her as she did, a smile was growing when she thought about how fun and free it felt just the two of them. It's been a while since they had time spend together and Asami knew she couldn't wait to be with the Avatar again after her metal bending lesson.
Except…hmm…the green-eyed beauty looked down at herself, a change of appearance is very much needed. Asami took one last look of the beautiful view of Zaofu then walked back.
Asami posed in the mirror for her fifth outfit. By now she had to be aware of how much she was over thinking this. Except she really didn't know what they were going to do so what would be appropriate? The young heiress put a finger to her chin and thought a little more clearly. And in the end dressing casual and comfortable was the best conclusion. She sighed, maybe she should have just thought like that in the first place instead of acting like she was going on a date.
Which in a way she was! Or at least that's what she wanted to think. The picnic was really sweet and it gave Asami an idea as to why Korra invited her out in the first place. Having the Avatar worry over you sure felt like a blessing. It warmed her heart and body and during those moment, she had nothing else to ask for.
Asami sighed for the second time then sat at the edge of the bed, her inner turmoil began bubbling from the pit of her stomach and she was reminded of her actual situation. She had no idea burying her feelings around Korra in order to keep their friendship intact was so draining. Would Korra mind so much if Asami just came out with it? It would no doubt clear up any misunderstandings Korra might still have but Asami still feared the chance of rejection. She laid back in her bed and stared at the ceiling then slowly closed her eyes to relax.
There was a knock at the door when Asami woke up. She sat up slowly and looked around her surroundings. She didn't mean to fall asleep, her eyes shifted to the clock.
Another knock at the door grudgingly pulled Asami to her feet. "Knock knock," her silky voice was what truly woke up the beautiful non-bender. Asami's eyes widened and she began to search around for her boots.
"Oh spirits, give me a second!"
Her chuckle was heard through the door and stirred something in Asami. It was possible that she was still asleep but Asami made no indication to pinch herself.
Outside Korra kicked at the ground and resisted the urge to just metal bend the door open. She was bringing her arms up for a stretch when her best friend finally came out. Her movement paused and lost its intention but she decided to go along with it anyway, "Wooooo girls' night out."
The engineer raised an eyebrow, clearly amused at her dear companion typical antics. She walked over and gave the weirdo a high five as a follow up. "Where are you taking me tonight?"
Korra brought her arms down then started to walk down the path with Asami by her side. "Hm... maybe a walk down the main streets? Lin and Su didn't like the idea of taking you out on a run with Naga and away from their 'protection'," the water tribe native shrugged.
Asami smiled, she wouldn't have mind holding on to her Avatar while riding on a polar dog as they traveled the mountains surrounding Zaofu. Still she knew there had to be restrictions on their night since there was a curfew for the large metal barriers to be lifted an hour after sunset. In the end, Asami knew she would be content with whatever plan so as long as it was just them. Korra did promise her it would be like that.
The air was cool as they walked down the sidewalk. The window shopping was fun and Asami was very impressed with the many things she had already seen, metal art and creations. She was tempted on buying a pai sho and teapot set Korra had pointed out to her just moments before. She was especially happy that the Avatar was enjoying herself as well. Her eyes would grow wide as she pressed her forehead against a window and checked out another object that was most likely metal bended. It seemed to have motivated the skilled bender to master metal bending soon.
"Asami wait here," Korra ran off to a tea shop, probably to get them both a drink.
And Asami couldn't help but smile. Maybe this night out was really meant for the water tribe native. The heiress can relate, ever since she inherited Future Industries from her convict father she was weighed with many heavy responsibilities. Of course, Asami couldn't say her responsibilities were the same as the Avatar but she was glad to be able to understand where her dear friend was coming from.
She stood to the side then leaned back against the wall after some time has passed.
"Ah sorry, the owner recognize me so…" Asami stood up straight and smirked when her crush finally came to her.
"You look like a walking advertisement board," the engineer couldn't help but giggle.
Korra pouted and looked down at herself, she was wearing a long sleeve shirt that promoted the tea shop. "At least I didn't have to pay for the tea" she shrugged nonchalantly and handed Asami her cup of tea. They then kept walking, chattering till they reached a park. It was getting dark and the pathways were dimly lit, Asami couldn't help but notice the many couples that were taking a walk or sitting at the benches. Her steps slowed as she began to feel self-conscious. Korra didn't notice, not that it surprised Asami, however and led them through one of the paths until she spotted an empty bench at the center of the park.
Now what? Asami glanced to her side, her face feeling hot as she caught a couple in a passionate kiss.
Oh Spirits.
She immediately looked away and chewed on her lip, "Uhm Korra?"
"Hm?"
"What if we get lost?" Her emerald eyes couldn't exactly meet those sparkling blue eyes quite yet. Yes she was asking this, for lack of finding any other excuse to turn around. This was just too much for the engineer, her thoughts going haywire with 'what ifs' the more they walked. And how exactly did Korra not catch the romantic mood out here?
"Me? Lost?" the bender's laugh made Asami shiver but also confirmed the taller woman's previous theory that Korra was just that dense.
"I think we're pretty lost," Asami murmured as she watched Korra make herself comfortable on the bench. She looked around, one other bench being occupied on the other side and to Asami's luck, no snogging. "Sit with me," Korra patted the space next to her and Asami slowly did as she was told. "As impressive as this city is, doesn't anybody miss the stars after those metal barriers come up?" Korra wondered out loud while she hung her head back to look up.
The young engineer looked up also. She had to admit that, that was a really good question. Oh but here's another great question. What were the two of them doing at the park with a ton of couples? Was Asami the only one aware of this? Was it because she was so in tune with her feelings for her best friend that she was the only one in this joke? Asami almost groaned out loud but looked back down at her empty cup of tea, frowning. If she didn't know better, the spirits could be telling her something. After a couple of second, the young CEO took in a steady breath before turning to face Korra…only to see crystal blue eyes looking back at her.
"Asami…?"
The emerald-eyed beauty tilted her head, knowing her voice was gone for those few seconds as heart lurched forward in her chest. Is this another sign?
"Did you have fun?" Korra shifted her eyes away to look down at her hands. "Maybe we should've ate somewhere, I didn't really make any reservations though so-"
Asami reached over and placed her hand over those warm tanned ones. She was reminded why Korra invited her out in the first place and felt slightly desperate to assure the shorter girl that she had done nothing wrong. "Thank you for taking me out tonight. I promise I had fun," Asami spoke softly, sure that only Korra could hear her. She gave the wonderful being in front of her a warm smile and received one in return.
Now, Korra couldn't read Asami's mind, so she wouldn't know that, that smile of hers was the push Asami needed to make her final decision.
"Actually Korra, there's something you should know about me..."
Huh? What? A cliff hanger? Does anybody do that still?
Special thanks to missloklover for helping me edit this chapter.
Thank you for reading!
