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Chapter 4.
Kurvira managed to lean back as Asami swung her fist at her. She then took a step back and grinned but the engineer wasn't amused. There was a few seconds where again no one made a move, Asami wasn't like Korra, she didn't make the first move. She waited patiently for the strike to come at her so she can use the opponent's strength against them. Except right now she really was willing to throw another punch to wipe that grin off the woman guard.
A second later, Kurvira stepped forward again, the strike coming at the non-bender's face so she ducked, turned her body, and grabbed the flying fist to throw Kurivra over her shoulder. Halfway through the air, Kurvira twisted her body so she landed back on her feet. She gave a wink to Asami, successfully aggravating the young CEO to the point where she lunged at Kurvira this time.
The match continued for several more minutes at this pace. Strike, block, wait and repeat. Asami was aware her chances of winning were slim the more the fight carried on. She never had to fight for this long, not even against several opponents coming at her the same time and she was out of breath. Her stand stayed firm despite the urge to slap that grin off her enemy growing stronger. How could she be smiling at this time? Was this on purpose? Probably to be used as bait for Asami to make a mistake and create an opening for the Guard Captain. The non-bender wished she could say it wasn't working.
It was only by chance that Asami was able to roll off to the side and dodge the flying kick. On one knee she quickly looked up and widened her eyes to see Kurvira already lifting her other leg and bringing down her heel. Asami raised her arms as a last minute block and grunt as she felt the impact on her forearms but quickly kicked out her own leg to sweep Kurvira. Now they were both on the ground, clearly out of breath.
"Okay, okay I think we should call it a tie," Korra announced while walking towards them.
The two fighters didn't appear to hear her and got back to their feet. Asami's fist ducked and was brought up like an uppercut as Kurvira threw her fist forward. But before either of them were able to connect their hits, Asami felt a harsh cold breeze carry her off the ground and throw her back. She only manage to catch a quick glance of Kurvira being thrown back as well.
"Enough!" Korra roared between them with her arms out.
Asami was breathing heavily as she laid on the rough earth. She closed her eyes and gritted her teeth in frustration. She knew she shouldn't had acted so rashly.
"Asami!? You okay? I'm really sorry, I didn't know how else to stop you guys." Korra came to her soon after and shaded her face from the sun.
The non-bender groaned in response.
"If anything, I thought you were amazing and you lasted way longer than I did," began the compliments. The corner of the exhausted non-bender's lips lifted by the slightest bit and she opened her eyes to see those spectacular blue eyes, full of concern, hover over her.
"Can you help me up?" Asami asked while holding her hand out. Korra sighed in relief and helped Asami get to her feet. The dark haired beauty began to dust herself off and glanced over to her opponent who was sitting up and taking some water from her lower rank officer. It seemed like she noticed Asami's glare and turned her head to peer back at her.
"That was awesome!" Bolin came running and blocked Asami's view. He wrapped his arms both around Korra and Asami and lifted them off the ground in glee. He must have forgotten his previous tantrums over Opal's farewell party.
Asami couldn't help but giggle at her goofy pal and only felt a little, more like a lot, content to be pressed up against Korra's side in this tight embrace. He finally put them back down. "You were like boom...and pow and grrr" Bolin did his best to imitate Asami's blows at Korra, who pretended to get hit each time. "I always forget how COOL non-bending fights look like." Asami lifted an eyebrow, unsure how to take that last comment.
Mako came from behind and chopped his younger brothers head. "Dufus, couldn't you have put that in a better way?"
"Oh sorry." Bolin lowered his head with a sheepish grin.
Asami smiled at the brothers, only slightly out of breath now. Korra came to her side again, maybe a little closer than usual, Asami couldn't help but point out. She glanced over to the tanned female, noticing the tense expression and body language on her. Before she was able to bring it up, Bolin spoke up to greet the Captain Guard. Asami turned her head slightly with her hand rolling into a fist.
"Kurvira that was epic when you landed on the ground like a cat after being thrown like that!"
"Thank you Bolin." The Guard Captain had smoothed her hair out already and stood in front of both Korra and Asami with her usual cool composure. "Ms Sato you are an incredible fighter, I can see why Korra trusts you so much to train her. I hope to have a rematch someday."
Asami wanted to roll her eyes while every bit of her was itching to continue the fight. And she was sure Kurvira felt the same if it wasn't for the almighty Avatar standing between them.
The engineer bit her tongue and for the sake of her precious companion next to her, she held her hand out. It seemed like Kurvira was, for once, caught off guard for a couple of seconds before taking Asami's hand. "That was a good work out." Asami commented lightly, surprising herself. They shook hands.
"I guess we should be getting ready now," Korra perked up and grabbed hold of Asami's wrist. "We'll see you at the dinner party Kurvira."
Asami's mind went blank as soon as she felt Korra's hand on her again, she offered no other comment and let herself be dragged away by Korra for the second time. She was so focused on the warmth of Korra's hand that she didn't bother to look at her rival's somber expression. Maybe then she would've felt like the true winner.
Asami tried her best to keep up with Korra until she had to stop in her steps and put a hand to her left side. "W-wait a minute," she wheezed. With the adrenaline rush now gone, there was a strong pain resonating from her side.
"Oh I'm sorry!" Korra came to her side immediately and took Asami's hand to put her own hand over Asami's side, feeling the whole whole while applying some pressure to assess the damage. Asami groaned in pain and Korra quickly pulled her hand away. "I don't feel anything broken but I should still probably give you a healing session," she suggested, almost shyly.
Asami cracked a smile at Korra's worried expression and took her precious companion's invitation. There was a high probability that she would be extremely sore tomorrow without the help. She made no other rejections as the Avatar took her arm and wrapped it over those strong shoulders. Asami didn't want to admit lifting her arm was uncomfortable so she instead leaned into her companions body, knowing full well she could be support. They walked in silence for a bit, Asami glancing over to still see that pensive expression on the Avatar. She knew she should be internally celebrating for how close they are right now, but Asami remembered that similar look on the skilled bender before.
Asami's furrowed her eyebrows, no longer able to keep the thoughts to herself, "Hey what's on your mind?"
Korra looked to her side and held her gaze with the engineer, who felt like squirming now because of their close proximity. "You two looked like you really wanted to hurt each other."
There was a pause. A slight hesitation. "I guess you can say we had something worth fighting over," Asami muttered when she could no longer hold the eye contact. Korra hummed in thought as they finally arrived to her door. She metalbended the door open without damaging it and walked them through. She guided Asami to her bed and had her sit while she went to go get a bowl of water and towels.
"I'll be right back," she whispered.
The dark haired beauty cringed as she try to undo the bandages on her forearms. She knew she was in no immediate danger, there was just many cuts and bruises that decorated her arms that she should probably tend to if she didn't want to deal with the soreness later. Looking at the wounds she received on her arms from blocking the hits had her think back to the fight and the young heiress couldn't stop her sigh. The fact that the fight resulted in a tie wasn't what was bothering her anymore and she was already sure how Kurvira felt for Korra. Asami lifted her head to peer at the water tribe native filling the bowl with water from the sink. Asami knew she was jealous of them back there but was that because Kurvira was always able to be more forward than she? Had she been going at it all wrong? Or maybe she was suspicious of how Korra felt towards Kurvira?
Her thoughts had to be interrupted when Korra knelt in front of her and set the bowl beside her on the floor. She smiled up at Asami who could only smile back. Except what was that? Asami wanted to lean forward to inspect...a blush maybe? "Ah...do you mind?" Korra indicated to Asami's top. "I'll try to be quick about it, I just think that that needs some healing first."
"Oh right," Asami pulled up her top on the left side, cringing from the pain shooting down her side. Korra immediately noticed and quickly went to work with bending the water out of the bowl. The blush Asami was hoping to see more of was gone and replaced with a concentrated expression. She gasped, her body tensed, and Korra quickly apologized for the cold temperature of the water. The water began to glow and Asami couldn't help but moan at how soothing that cold water was working over her side. The pain slowly subsided and she felt more comfortable when lifting her arm.
"That's some good stuff there Avatar." Asami purred as she relaxed in the care of her friend. The tanned girl laughed.
"I'm just happy this was the worst of it." Her laughter died down much to Asami's dismay. However, the engineer continue to take advantage of their closeness to stare at her Avatar as she continue to work. "What did you mean when you said you had something to fight over?" Korra asked all of a sudden bringing back the topic Asami wasn't sure she can go though right now.
"Oh uhm..." Asami can feel her face heat up when Korra looked up at her again. Her bright azure eyes filled with curiosity that Asami couldn't detach from. Oh spirits what should she do? Could she really confess right now? Her nerves were beyond her control.
But it was in that moment a thought came to Asami, something she knew she had to hear.
"Before that, I want to ask you something Korra," She watched as Korra tilted her head attentively. "What do you think of Kurvira?"
Those azure orbs seemed to have widened and Asami wasn't sure from what. Did she catch the Avatar off guard? The water seemed to have lost some of its healing edge as it began to ripple in a distorted shape.
"What do I think?"
The skilled engineer learned forward, hung on every word.
"What's up with that question?"
Asami leaned back as the tanned water tribe girl began to laugh. That's not exactly the kind of response the engineer had in mind. Maybe there was something between them. The laughter died down awkwardly and the water tribe girl became quiet again, focusing back on the healing session. The water began to glow once more and they stayed like that in silence for several minutes. Asami didn't really understand what went on just now and this silence was growing uncomfortable for her.
"So if Kurvira happened to tell you she had feelings for you, you would be okay with that?"
"I would feel flattered."
"You would accept her feelings?" Asami had to keep pushing. Korra bended the water back into the bowl and Asami pulled her top back down. "Korra?"
"I-I don't think it's a bad thing if she has feelings for someone... even if it's me."
Asami's eyebrows narrowed. What did that mean? And why couldn't Korra look at her right now? The engineer was beyond confused right now. It almost seem really likely that Korra and Kurvira did share something Asami hadn't realized before. Asami didn't like that thought. She stood up suddenly, surprising the Avatar. "Thank you. I feel much better, I should start getting ready for the farewell party." She attempted to slip past Korra but was stopped from a hand gripping her wrist. She couldn't stop from reacting at the slight discomfort the tight grip had over her sore limb. The complete opposite of the warm hold Korra had on her when she dragged her away from Kurvira earlier.
"There's still plenty of time," the water tribe native spoke. "Let me look at that. Does it hurt?" she asked as Asami felt her grip tighten. Clearly, there was no escape.
The non-bender nodded silently and let Korra guide her back to sit on her bed. The water tribe native bended the water out of the bowl once again and started to heal one of Asami's arm, the bruises now showing their colors on her white skin. The endless silence was driving Asami crazy, her thoughts was given the freedom to roam around and right now none of those thoughts were comforting. She had to know more for this confusion to be erased.
"If you did accept Kurvira's feelings for you, is that because you could have feelings for her too?"
Those beautiful azure eyes snapped up to look straight into Asami's emerald orbs. "W-what? No I didn't mean..." Asami's eyebrow rose as Korra continued while stammering. That familiar rosy shade on her tanned cheeks brighten up. "I don't like her like t-that! I just think it's okay if she did...uh like someone like me. You know...other girls" she murmured the last part under her breath.
The engineer blinked once, slightly caught off guard, as it dawned to her what her dear friend was trying to say.
"You're right." Asami smiled after finding some composure. "There's nothing wrong with being attracted to someone, even if they're the same gender" her smile growing wider when Korra looked at her with glee. Korra nodded then started to work on the other arm. Asami understood now the struggle Korra just had to go through.
Maybe it was Asami who was truly the dense one.
If Korra can accept Kurvira's feelings without disgust, as she had told Asami just now, then it was highly probable that the same can be said when the time came for Asami to reveal her true feelings. Mako was proven right on his theory about this. But that wasn't all Asami took from this. The most important thing to take from all this: Korra didn't look at Kurvira in that way.
What a relief.
Asami started to laugh and the skilled bender in front of her cocked an eyebrow. "I'm sorry for that. I just..." the emerald eyed beauty paused as her giggles died down. Their eyes locked and Asami can feel her heart speed up a tad bit. "...I feel much better now. Thank you Korra." She was extremely grateful that most of her worries were put to ease. That and her forearms no longer felt stiff. Korra nodded with a grin and bended the water back into the bowl before handing Asami a towel.
The young CEO watched the bender get up to pour the water into the sink. If there was ever an opportunity for Asami, she would have to believe this was one of them. Wasn't it? When their eyes met again, Asami could feel her heart being tugged at.
"Don't you think you should answer my question now?" Korra said as she walked forward. Asami stood up and her confused expression was made clear to Korra. "What were you two fighting over?" she specified.
Oh. That's right. There was that matter to get over with. Could Asami really do it? Here her object for affection was waiting for an answer, although Asami wasn't sure if she held an expectations. She chewed on her lip, undoubtedly troubled to find the right words. So she took in a breath.
"We both think you're amazing Korra." Asami watched Korra blinked several times, probably not expecting that. "So I think we were just jealous of each other and the attention we got from you." Asami couldn't do it. But that answer seemed to fit nicely anyway. Even though that wasn't the entire truth, there was no lie in it either. Asami put a hand over her heart in hopes to calm it down.
"O-oh," Korra mumbled as she rubbed the back of her neck. "It's not that I don't feel special but I rather you two not fight like that again. I didn't like seeing you get hurt."
Asami's eyes widened as she only barely manage to catch the last part. Her expression softened and she looked down at her own hands. Her whole body was feeling warm and out of place, it was enough to make Asami squirm where she stood. "I guess I should really be getting ready now," she spoke up, trying her best to hide that grin.
The water tribe native walked her to the door. "I'll see you in a bit." Korra smiled at her and Asami could only nod.
"M-hmm." She turned around slowly and made her way to her room, not noticing that Korra hadn't close her door until she was inside her own room. There wasn't any time to think over what just happened. The non-bender hopped into the shower and began to think out her outfit for the party. Although it hasn't even been five minutes that passed by, Asami already yearned to be in Korra's presence.
The farewell party went pretty well with endless dishes of delicious foods and drinks. Asami was sure she hadn't ate this much for so many consecutive days since her old life in Republic City. Now they stood at the air ship docks, everyone saying their good-byes to Opal, wishing her success on her first adventure. Afterwards Lin came over to announce they will be leaving first thing in the morning and Asami couldn't contain her excitement. She walked behind Korra and watched the proud Avatar console the younger earthbender. Mako walked in stride beside the engineer and after a while, cleared his throat.
Asami looked at him curiously. "Sorry did you say something?"
"Ah...uh...no I didn't," he muttered, still the female next to him could see something was on the firebender's mind. "Uh did Kurvira do something to you?"
"What do you mean?" Asami raised an eyebrow and slowed her pace, knowing she didn't want the Avatar and Bolin to overhear them.
"You weren't yourself during the fight earlier," the firebender stated. "Even Korra had to come inbetween you two."
The engineer looked away. Mako was the only one aware of Asami's feelings towards the Avatar. Not to mention he had no problem with it. Asami was sure she could continue to confide in him. "I'm pretty sure Kurvira has feelings for Korra too."
"Huh," Mako put a thumb to his chin and Asami knew his detective wheels were spinning. She couldn't help but notice how easy he took that compared to when she confessed her own feelings. "And I'm guessing Korra isn't aware of this either."
"Maybe, I don't know. That's not really what is bothering me right now. I've been close before to tell Korra my feelings, but I just can't say it...what do I do?" Asami sighed. She felt Mako grab her elbow and guide her outside to one of the benches that faced a water fountain. Asami followed obiedentaly and sat down beside the firebender, feeling frustrated.
"I don't know if I'm the right guy you should ask..." Asami looked at him as he continued. "But I still think that maybe you're thinking about this too much. When we first met you were confident and sure. You asked me on a date without hesitation and to be honest I think that's a great thing. Do you know what I mean?"
"I think so," Asami answered as she pondered for a bit. She had to admit she was at a loss of words in a situation she has been in plenty of times before. She was always one to let her feelings be heard no matter the topic. This person seemed to have made an exception. This person, that being Korra, made Asami lose lose her words. When the Avatar would shower her with compliments, it took everything Asami had to not turn absolutely red with embarrassment. And again, Asami had to be reminded that Korra would never turn her back on her friends, even if it was Asami confessing her, more than friendly, attraction towards her.
The engineer put a thumb to her chin before a grin broke out on her lips on a completely irrelevant thought. "Mako I think you should learn from Bolin on how to make the first move," Asami teased then giggled when she noticed a slight blush upon the male's cheeks.
"Hey! That's not what we're talking about!" He crossed his arms with a pout.
"Korra kissed you first too right?" Asami poked at him.
"I'm not saying anything else now."
Asami rolled her eyes but with a smile playing on her lips. It was obvious she was in a much better mood now, she knew she was lucky to have Mako here to talk to about this. "Okay I apologize for the teasing."
"Thank you," Mako unfolded his arms and faced the engineer again with a sincere look, going back to the situation at hand. "You shouldn't worry so much about Kurvira either, a little competition isn't a bad thing."
Asami opened her mouth but didn't say a word when Mako lifted his hand to signal he wasn't finished. "Her having feelings for Korra motivates you to tell Korra your feelings for her right?" Asami couldn't deny this and slumped her shoulders. Mako grinned and put a supporting hand on the young heiress' shoulders. "So go for it, like the Asami I know would."
Asami laid down on her bed, feeling exhausted from today's events. There was just a lot to processed and Asami wasn't sure how much time she can afford to waste now. It wasn't so much that there was a deadline for Asami to confess to Korra (well actually, she would like to beat Kurvira to it), but every day and moment they shared that manage to slip through her fingers made the engineer grow more impatient. The talk with Mako definitely did help to guide her. He was right when he said she was over thinking it, there is no way around this sort of thing, either you tell the person you like, that you like them or not. Asami needed this resolve. It was Korra, who deserved to know who she was to Asami. If the engineer was lucky enough, maybe she could figure out who she was to Korra too. The beautiful heiress pulled the covers up and over herself while she laid comfortably in bed. She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath to will her body and mind to relax now
When the time came again, Asami hopes she focuses more on the who than on the how.
It was near midnight when the loud alarms went off and startled Asami awake. She rubbed her eyes, then lifted her head when the familiar sound of destructive bending could be heard outside her window. Those emerald eyes widened and Asami quickly climbed out of bed. She had the vague idea of what was happening outside and she can only hope she was wrong. She felt something heavy growing in her guts and ran out the door, not without putting her night gown jacket beforehand. The alarms halted as another explosion could be heard not to far.
As soon as Asami was outside, the brothers was thrown in front of her. She quickly went to them and laid a hand on Mako's shoulder. They confirmed her worst fear. "We can't let them take her," Mako groaned.
"I don't think they're going to get far," Asami stated, though her voice did well to hide her worry. "Look." The guards along with the Biefongs sisters and twins were on the quick and swift attack upon the intruders, trapping them most efficiently with metal barriers.
"We have you surrounded. It's over, release the Avatar." Asami recognized that authoritative command as Kurvira's, and for only this moment she was relieved that they were on the same page. It was only to Asami's and everybodies' surprise and horror that lava seeped underneath the metal makeshift cage until it fell apart.
"No way! That guy is lavabending, that's awesome-" Bolin was pulled back to reality about how dire the situation is now. "-ly not good for us."
AHH. I know some of you have been waiting for this kidnap scene to happen. I hope I don't disappoint!
Thanks for reading!
