Locked Up Abroad

Summary: Modern/AU - Down on her luck, Korra learns of a great opportunity to party on the beach, soak up some sun, and explore an exotic city, for free. With her girlfriend, Asami, enjoying the trip with her, she doesn't think the trip could go any better. Then, she is handed a small brown package... Korrasami

Chapter 4

.: Two Weeks Earlier :.

Asami groaned quietly as the sun shined through the blinds, directly onto her face. She winced as she slowly cracked her eyes open. Staring at Korra's dark arm, and a little puddle of drool in the crook of her krelbow, she took a deep breath, moving a bit closer into Korra's warmth. Asami made a light sound of content when Korra leaned over and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

Asami looked up into Korra's face, her eyes scanning the dark bangs and lines of worry. She reached out and rand her fingers lightly down Korra's cheek. "Did you get any sleep last night?" she whispered.

"No," Korra muttered. "I wanted to make sure you were okay."

Asami smiled gently before turning her attention to the window. Peering through the blinds, she watched – entranced – by the waves crashing along the beach. Two seagulls skirted across the surface, flying circles around each other. A dolphin's dorsal fin would sporadically breach from underneath the water, carving out a path through the foam.

"What are you thinking about?" Korra asked. "I can see the wheels turning in your eyes."

"It's hard to believe that it could be so luxurious and peaceful out there…"

"And in here, we're about to end up in a shit storm."

A loud banging erupted on the door to their hotel room, causing Asami to jump. She groaned loudly burying her face into Korra's neck. Korra wrapped her arms around Asami, holding her as tightly as she can. "Everything will be okay," Korra whispered.

The banging never ceased. It just grew louder and harsher. The paintings on the wall began to shake from the force. Asami snuggled even closer to Korra, her hot breath coating her girlfriend's neck. "You can't promise that," she pointed out.

"I'm not promising it," Korra answered. She began to lightly trail her fingernails across Asami's bare back, in between her shoulder blades, in random shapes, trying to calm her down. "Things will be okay."

Once the banging stopped, Korra felt Asami inhale sharply, not moving. Korra slowly closed her eyes, waiting for the banging to go away, wishing for her heat rate to slow down, hoping that everything that was happening was simply a dream, and she'd wake up inside her apartment in Republic City. While she originally thought of it as a dump, she now views it as a sanctuary, her one safe heaven to escape. Her heart sank when she heard the beeping of the key lock before the door flung open.

Asami sat up, grasping the comforter to her chest as she scanned the floor looking for her nightgown. Korra tugged on the sheets, wrapping it around herself, and tying a knot at the side of her left breast, as heavy footsteps moved from room to room. Their bedroom door flung open, slamming into the wall behind it, punching a hole where, causing the door handle to become nestled in the plaster.

Ghazan peered over at the two of them before smirking. Asami rolled her eyes, clenching her jaw, as Korra slowly curled her fingers into fists. "Get dressed," he barked. Asami licked her lips before swinging her legs over the side of the bed. Ghazan stepped forward and bent down, reaching a hand out for her foot.

Korra instantly climbed off of the bed, grabbed Ghazan by the shoulders and pushed him back. "Don't touch her," she snarled. He stumbled back a few inches, startled by the sudden shift in his weight. Ming-Hua rushed into the room, glaring over at Korra, who stared back with malice.

"I just want to check her foot," he said slowly. Korra looked over at Asami, who was slipping her nightgown back on. Asami fluffed her hair up from beneath the collar, catching her girlfriend's eyed. Korra watched Asami, looking into her green eyes as they contemplated different scenarios.

Finally, Asami slowly shook her head, before glancing over at Ghazan with disdain. "Its fine," she answered.

"Ming-hua has studied medicine," Ghazan pressed. "She can help." His voice was gentler than Korra and Asami had heard since they had first met the pair during their vacation. The only time they had heard him speak so softly was when he would speak with Ming-Hua, complimenting her. Of course, that was most likely a rare occurrence in itself, since they had only spent an afternoon with the older couple and he only gave her a compliment once in their vicinity.

"I don't want your help," Asami said firmly, slightly raising her chin. Ming-Hua rolled her eyes before scoffing.

"Very well. Pick out the clothes you're going to wear. I'll pack up your things." He crossed his arms over his chest.

"But, these aren't our bags-"

"Now!" Korra and Asami scrambled around the room, looking for something to wear. Once they found something suitable, Ghazan stepped out of the room, before reappearing with two black, worn down suitcases. Dumping them onto the floor, he opened each suitcase. Ghazan paused when he noticed every woman in the room was watching him. He scoffed before storming over to a dresser, wrenching the drawers open.

Asami clutched her clothing to her chest as he began to throw some of their clothing into the empty suitcases. "What are you waiting for?" he barked when he noticed Korra and Asami continuing to stare at him. "Get to it."

"I can't change in here with you," Asami said, her voice slightly shaking. Her bravado disappeared instantly.

"Hurry up. I'm not paying attention."

"She is," Korra pointed out, nodding over towards Ming-Hua, who smirked in response.

"Yesterday, you didn't have a problem with the idea of us having an orgy," he snarled. "What's the issue now?" Korra bit back a response. She knew he was right, but didn't want to admit to verbally admit to it. Ghazan let out a growl of frustration, dropping an armload with of clothing into each of the suitcases. "Would you rather have me watch?"

Korra and Asami shared a look before turning around. Korra noticed Asami's hands shaking out of the corner of her eyes. Asami stared down at the ground as she changed her clothing, missing every reassuring glance Korra tried to share with her. Korra had never been one to be embarrassed about her body. Spending a majority of her time in locker rooms, taking showers, or changing in and out of bathing suits, had made her much more comfortable around other people potentially sneaking a look. However, she was filled with rage at the idea of someone watching Asami. She could tell by the slight pause in between trips back and forth from the suitcases that Ghazan went back on his word, which sent ire shooting through her veins.

"Hurry up, or you'll miss your flight," Ming-Hua hissed. Korra quickly finished getting dressed and turned to see Asami fumbling with the buttons to her jacket. Her dark hair was covering her pale face, but Korra knew that she was struggling not to cry. Korra walked over and gently placed her hands on top of Asami's. Lifting her head a bit, Asami looked into Korra's face, relaxing a bit when she locked gaze with her girlfriend's blue eyes. Korra gave her a light kiss before reaching out and buttoning up the jacket.

"Let's go," Ming-Hua ordered. Korra placed an arm around Asami's waist, pulling her in close, as the two turned around and walked over to the suitcases. Korra frowned when she glanced down at their luggage. A large square poked out of the top of the suitcase. Korra bent down, pressing her fingers against the large square.

"What is that?" Asami demanded, pointing at the square.

"You're luggage," Ghazan answered with a shrug.

"No, we can't do this."

"The drugs are obvious," Korra added as she got to her feet. "You have to repack the bags." Ming-Hua and Ghazan shared an impatiently look. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a pocket knife. Asami swallowed hard, taking a small step back. She winced as the pain from her injured foot shot up her leg.

"You'll be fine," Ming-Hua answered with a shrug.

"They'll think it's a book," Ghazan added.

"What if they don't?" Asami wondered.

Ghazan flipped the knife back into the handle of the pocket knife, before stuffing it into his pocket. He bent down and picked up each suitcase by its handle, rolling them over to Korra and Asami, and forcibly shoved them bags into their legs. "Then you'd better sell it to them. Let's go!"

Korra helped Asami limp out of the room to the elevator, and then over to the front desk so they could heck out. While Asami talked to the concierge at the front desk, Korra looked around the lobby for an exit. Not that it would have done her much good if she were able to locate one. Ming-Hua and Ghazan still held onto their passports and plane tickets.

After the checkout process was complete, Ming-Hua and Ghazan led the Korra and Asami outside to a small yellow car. Ghazan opened the passenger side door for Ming-Hua before grabbing the suitcases and placing them into the trunk.

"You never stayed here in this hotel, did you?" Asami asked quietly.

"Now you're catching on," he smirked. Korra opened the door to the back seat, ushering Asami in first. She cried out in pain as she stuffed herself into the cramped car. Asami had a look of discomfort on her face, but didn't comment on the enclosed quarters of the vehicle. Korra instantly swallowed the complaint that was nestled on her tongue. Asami was taller than her and must have had it harder, since she was slightly hunched over.

Korra quickly deduced that the back of the car was made smaller than the front when Ghazan climbed into the driver's seat. As tall as he is, he looked to be very comfortable, throwing an arm around the back of Ming-Hua's seat as he pulled the car away from the curb.

Asami moved to snuggle up into Korra's side, looping her right arm around Korra's left. Korra wanted to reassure her girlfriend, once more, that everything was going to be okay. However, she stared out the window as they traveled towards airport. She watched as the small shops and stalls zoomed by. The windows were rolled down so she briefly heard the polite conversations and laughter from the people shopping on the streets.

"Last stop," Ghazan called out once he pulled up alongside the curb outside of the airport. He handed Korra and Asami their plane tickets and passports. Asami uttered out a quiet thank you, as Korra popped the door open. She didn't apologize when she accidentally elbowed the back of Ming-Hua's car seat. Hard. Twice.

Korra stepped out of the cramped car. Turning she grabbed a hold of Asami's hand, helping her onto the curb. Together they walked towards the trunk and pulled their suitcases out. Asami closed the trunk, staring at the chipped paint and dented metal. Korra lightly tugged on her hand, catching her attention. Korra jerked her head in the direction of the airport, her face somber. Asami nodded once before pulling up the handle to the suitcase.

As the two walked towards the airport, the car tore off out of the parking lot. The tires squealed loudly, leaving a dark streak across the asphalt and a stream of smoke wafted into the air. The two of them watched the car until it drove out of sight. Asami let out a light sob before taking a deep breath. She rolled her shoulders back before donning, what Korra called her work face. It was something Korra had only seen when Asami was dealing with insufferable clients or businessmen while she talked on the phone or vented to her at the end of a long day.

Korra led Asami into the airport, ignoring the people she accidentally bumped into. Asami called out quiet apologies from over her shoulder as she scurried to keep up with Korra. She cried out when she almost ran into her girlfriend's back, who suddenly stopped, reading the arrival and departure board.

"Our line is over here," Korra said quietly, pointing to a line a few feet over.

"…That's…convenient," Asaimi sadly commented.

"I know." Korra reached up and wiped the sweat off of her forehead. She wasn't entirely sure if she was sweating from the heat or from her nerves. Asami seemed to be cool and collected, per usual. Her makeup was on par, and her hair appeared to be neat, even though she wasn't given any time to comb or brush it. "Let's do it."

Asami nodded once before filing behind Korra towards their gate, stepping into the security line. Korra peered around everyone in the line and looked at the security guards. His dark hat and sunglasses obscured his face, but she could see the harsh frown lines in his T-zone and around his mouth. Korra quickly turned away when he glanced in her direction. A woman and young child were standing in front of her. The child was yelling at her mother, yelling at her to look at her toy. Korra decided to shift the child's attention, pretending to take up interest in a toy the child in front of her shoved in her face. Asami smiled warmly as she watched their interaction. While she wasn't too fond of children, she always enjoyed watching Korra interact with them.

"Keep the line moving," the security guard called out. Asami's smile faded as she stepped closer, wrapping an arm around Korra's front, giving her a back hug. Korra rubbed her palm across the back of Asami's hand. She glanced down at their hands,

"Next," the guard called out. Korra took a deep breath, and couldn't help but smile when she felt Asami do the same, pressed against her back. She patted her girlfriend's hand before stepping forward and placing her bag on the conveyor belt to her left. Korra walked through the metal detector and held her hands out to the side, letting the police officer wave the metal detecting wand around the outline of her body. Korra stepped forward to grab her suitcase, but cried out when she was pushed out of the way.

"Where are you traveling to, today?" he asked.

Korra opened her mouth to respond, but then slowly shut it. While it was a simple question, she didn't remember him asking the woman and the child in front of her. She felt Asami lightly poke her in the back of her arm, catching her attention. Korra cleared her throat before answering, "Republic City." She moved to grab a hold of her suitcase, but the security officer pulled it further out of her reach.

"Just a second."

"What's the deal?" she demanded. "You didn't bother anyone else in line." Asami watched out of the corner of her eye as she placed her suitcase onto the conveyor belt. The security guard held his arm out when Korra reached out for her bag. He turned her suitcase around before kicking his foot against square where the drugs sat.

"What is this?" the guard barked.

"It's a book," Korra said, keeping her voice steady. The security officer slowly took off his sunglasses. She forced herself to look into his harsh gold eyes. His gaze turned sterner with each passing minute. Korra held her breath, continuing to stare the man down. She kept her hands at her sides, not wanting to make any sudden movements. She felt her pulse begin to race as he reached into his pocket.

Korra felt herself deflate when the security gaurd pulled out a pocket knife. Continuing to stare each other down, he flicked open the knife and stabbed the middle of the suitcase where the drugs sat. Korra inhaled sharply as he yanked it back out, a mint green powder lightly coated the metal. "…Step to the side," he ordered.

Korra nodded once before moving over. She titled her head back and closed her eyes as she heard Asami repeat the words she just uttered: "It's a book."

.: Present Day :.

"At that point, we were taken into the back room, and arrested. They knew it wasn't a book. It stood out too much in the suitcases for it to be a book." Korra walked back over to the podium, placing the microphone into the stand. She leaned against the wood, resting her forearms along the smooth surface, to force herself to sit still. "We didn't stand a chance. In fact, part of me believes the man knew we were coming. He picked us out very quickly."

"Asami and I were arrested for possession, attempted smuggling, and trafficking of powdered cactus root. We were looking at years in prison." Korra paused, catching the audience's reactions. As she had expected, a soft murmur rang out across the auditorium. She waited patiently for their words to die down. "Luckily for us, we were able to get into contact with the Republic City embassy, and were given a lawyer."

"Talking down our sentencing took hours. We were separated, I was in one room, and Asami was in the other. From my understanding, because it was our first offense, we wouldn't get that hard of a sentencing. However, it would still be on our records. I expected as much."

Korra took a deep breath before looking out at the audience once more. Her eyes instantly landed on her parents. They were seated in the middle section of the auditorium, a few rows down from the back. "I think the hardest part for me was calling my parents." At that, she watched as her mother broke down in sobs. Her father leaned over in his seat, pulling his wife close. "Just hearing the pain and anguish in my mother's voice…."

"I just wanted to lie," Korra's voice cracked. She felt a few tears spill down her cheeks, dripping off of her chin and onto her hands. One landed on the microphone; Korra watched as it slowly began to seep into the electronic device."I wanted to tell her that everything was okay and that I was calling in to check on how things were back home. But I needed help. We needed help."

"Everything worked out for me. I was relieved when my parents agreed to help me. But, I only focused on Asami. I didn't know what happened with her until I got back…"

.: Two Weeks Earlier :.

Asami perked up when she heard the keys slid into the lock of her cell. She tried to get to her feet, but winced at the pain that flared up the minute she pressed all of her weight into the ground. Korra instantly rushed over as soon as the door was unlocked. As soon as her girlfriend dropped to her knees, Asami pulled her into a long kiss. "What happened?" she asked the minute they pulled away.

"I called my parents. They said they're going to send some money," Korra answered. She tried to keep the happiness from her voice as she looked into Asami's sober face, but she couldn't help the swell of hope that rose in her chest. "I don't know how, but they will."

"That's great, Korra," Asami answered with a half-smile.

"What about you?"

Asami's smile instantly faded. She slowly shook her head, letting out a sardonic chuckle. "…My dad…" she whispered.

"What happened?"

Asam's breathing became labored as she started to cry. Korra sat down with her back against the cell. She moved her legs out to the side and pulled Asami over so that she could sit in front of her. Once she was settled, Korra instantly wrapped her arms around Asami, pulling her in close. The sun had begun to set and a chill entered the small space. Korra held her girlfriend tightly, trying to warm her up, since she knew that Asami often gets cold very easily. "He said…he said that I got myself…into this mess, and I have to…get myself out," she choked out.

"But, he won't let you touch your money," Korra regrettably reminded her. "…how would you-"

Asami shifted slightly in her seat, looking at Korra with melancholy. Korra read the answer in her green eyes. She gently moved Asami's so that she was resting on her side, her head placed on Korra's shoulder. Korra then began to lightly scratch Asami's back, gently singing a song from her hometown into her ear, as the setting sun threw them into darkness.

.: Present Day :.

"Every night that we were in that cell…" Korra trailed off. She pulled her lips into a straight line. "Every night, I held onto her. I didn't sleep because I wanted to make sure she was okay. I wanted her to use my body as a proper pillow instead of the floor. I gave her my food to make sure she was properly fed."

"About a week later…a week ago…a guard came up to our cell, and told me I was free. I wanted to be happy, I assure you I did. However, a little bit of me died. How could I be happy when my girlfriend would be stuck in jail? I could hardly fend off anyone who tried to touch her…tried to make her their bitch. But, I did. I protected her. If I left, how would I know that she was safe?"

Korra tightly gripped Asami's hand as she watched the guard walk down the hallway. They liked eyes, and when Asami squeezed her hand even tighter, Korra knew that the guard was coming for her. She instantly pulled her girlfriend in a tight embrace, the tightest she physically could. She wanted to remember what it felt like holding her girlfriend. The more the seconds passed the more she tightened her grip. It was as if she was trying to fuse their bodies together, trying to make it become on vessel. Asami didn't complain, but let herself be held.

Korra buried her nose in Asami's hair, breathing in deeply, wanting to burn her familiar scent inside her nostrils. She ran her fingers through her girlfriend's hair, wanting to remember the texture. Asami wrapped her arms around Korra's neck, placing light kisses along her jaw line before finally pressing a kiss to Korra's lips.

"I'll get you out," Korra said. She pressed her forehead against Asami's. "No matter what it takes…," her lips lightly brushed against her girlfriend's as she spoke. "I'll talk to your dad."

"He won't listen," Asami answered solemnly.

"I can be very persuasive," she answered, which brought the smallest of smile's to Asami's face. "I will get you out. He'll just have to deal with it."

"Korra, you're free to go," the guard announced as he opened the door. Korra gave her one more kiss before stepping out of the cell. She watched as Asami limped forward, grabbing onto the black bars in between them. Korra looked at the metal in between them with disdain, before focusing her attention on Asami.

"I love you," Korra whispered. She reached in through the bars and placed her hands onto Asami's cheeks. Asami tried to smile, but her tears and trembling muscles in her face made it hard for her to do so. Instead, she pressed a kiss to the side of Korra's hands. "I love you so much."

"I know," she answered. Korra paused, before slowly pulling her hands back. She stared at Asami until she felt a tug on her arm. Every time in the past, when Korra had said that she loved Asami, her girlfriend would always answer that she loved her as well. Korra didn't hear the sounds of the door closing. She didn't pay attention to the key, turning the lock, keeping Asami in and Korra out. Korra only focused on those two words: I know. Those two words that sealed in her fate, her worry, her life.

As Korra was led down the hallway, she felt herself stand up a little bit taller. As the sound of an airplane flying overhead echoed around them, she heard a soft voice call out. She heard an 'I love you'. While not completely certain, Korra found herself walking a bit taller, her shoulders rolled back. It was something to hold onto as she took her first step outside, back into freedom.

"Walking away from her was the hardest thing I ever had to do in my life," Korra spoke quietly into the microphone. No other sound came from the audience. Everything was quiet and still. "I didn't even cry. I wanted to be strong for her. I wanted her to see that I was until she couldn't see me anymore. I cried on the way to the airport, I cried on the plane, I cried on my way home. I didn't even stop crying when I met up with my parents or my pet dog, Naga. I don't even remember when I stopped crying and began to live life again."

"Every day I felt guilty. While I was working, or spending some time with my friends, or doing chores…your basic every day stuff…I worried about Asami, being stuck in the jail cell by herself." Korra licked her lips and cleared her throat. "My life did change. It wasn't easy. One of my friends, whom I was really close to, cut all contact with me. He's a police officer. He says he's too busy to see me…but I know, it's just because he doesn't want to see me. He cares about me too much to want to see how I've changed."

"Asami's been sitting in that jail cell by herself, for a week. I begged and pleaded for her father to do something. I don't know if he will, I never heard back from him. I don't think he likes me. I mean, when in history has a father even liked their daughter's girlfriend of boyfriend?" A few chuckles rang out in the audience. Korra couldn't help but smile along with them. It was great to finally have some humor back in her life. After a moment, the smile faded, and the seriousness crept back into her voice. "In fact, why would he? His daughter is this gorgeous, smart, level headed, wonderful woman who had her life planned out for her, and I ruined it with one bad decision."

"I want to thank Principal Tenzin for asking me to come and speak to you all. I was hesitant, at first, but now I know that this was something I was meant to do." Korra fought the urge to roll her eyes when a hushed murmur broke out among the audience. "No, not becoming a drug smuggler, but speaking. With what I did, I can now relate my message to as many people as possible. I found something that makes me somewhat excited to come into work, oddly enough."

"As I stated before: No matter what anyone says, money will change the way you think. It will change the way you view life, change the way you were raised, the way you respect yourself." The microphone screeched loudly with feedback. She waited patiently for the noise to die, glancing out at the audience, her eyes set firmly, her face filled with determination, her voice strong and powerful, filling every corner and empty space of the auditorium. "Money, in all circumstance, is a drug. Once you have a lot of it, you must have more. You crave it. You want to have a better life and money will get it for you."

"My name is Korra. I am a convicted drug smuggler, and now I can finally be happy with what I have, when it seemed like I wouldn't have it anymore," she said firmly. "Let me leave you with a question: what is your happiness worth?" Korra took a slow scan of the audience. She wanted to smile when she noticed that she had held their attention, but the topic was nothing to be smiling about. "Thank you."

She didn't stay on stage long enough to hear Tenzin's closing remarks. Korra stormed backstage and let out a loud growl, pushing away all of the audience's smirks and searing looks, the negative thoughts, and self-loathing. Korra jumped when she felt a hand on her back.

"You did a fantastic job, Korra," Tenzin said gently.

Korra half smiled. "Thank you. If it's alright with you, I'm just going to head out the back. I know the press will have a lot of question they'll want to ask."

"You will have to face them eventually," he pointed out. "You can only dodge them for so long."

"I know, but I would like for my words to sink in first. Not for me, but for the younger people out there." Korra glanced over her shoulder at the closed curtains. She could still hear the conversations people were having as the slowly made their way out of the auditorium. "I don't care if I'm judged, heck, I've been judged all my life with my father being in a position of power," she pointed out. "I just want to make sure I touch one person. I want to help someone."

Tenzin nodded once, before stepping forward and placing a hand on her shoulder. "I'm proud of you, Korra."

Korra's blue eyes widened as his words sunk in. "After everything I've done?" she asked.

"No matter what." Korra quickly ducked her head down so that he wouldn't see the tears that threatened to slide down her cheeks. After clearing her throat, Korra stepped close to him and gave him a tight hug. Tenzin relaxed after a moment before hugging her back. "I'll talk to you later," he said once they pulled away.

"Bye." Korra took a deep breath before heading towards the back exit of the auditorium. She pulled out her cellphone, biting her bottom lip as it powered on. She waited for the screen to light up, for her phone to follow the assigned vibration pattern, alerting her of a text message or missed phone call.

She placed her phone into her back pocket as she changed directions towards the Green Room. Glancing around, she spotted empty coffee cups, a bowl of slowly melting ice, three empty water bottles, and a half-empty jar of candy. Korra cleaned up her trash, taking her time, hoping that the press would grow tired of waiting and leave by the time she emerged.

Korra's hands shook as she felt her phone vibrate. Plucking it out of her back pocket, she scanned the screen. Forcing back a loud groan of disappointment, she pressed the ANSWER key, and moved her phone to her ear.

"Hey Mako," she greeted quietly.

"Hey," he answered gruffly. "I don't have much time to talk-"

"As per usual," Korra said. "Although, I'm surprised you're actually calling me. The last time we met up, things went south."

"I know," Mako said quietly. He sighed hard. Korra pictured him running a hand through his hair. She couldn't help but smile. It was something else that reminded her that life would still continue to move forward, even with an arrest on her record. Guilt swelled up once more. Korra's smile instantly faded. "I caught your speech-"

"You did?" Korra asked, clearly surprised. Her eyebrows rose in shock. "I thought you'd be busy. I mean, that's what you've said every time I tried to see you."

"Yes, I know. But this was important. You were fantastic and I'm sorry for the way I treated you. I was being a terrible friend and putting my job first."

Korra half-smiled. "I accept your apology. Thank you."

"Have you heard from Asami?" Mako asked slowly.

"No," Korra answered. She collapsed onto the couch, resting her arm over her eyes. "I don't know when she'll be released, if she ever will. I've been waiting for a phone call-"

"And I probably got your hopes up," he concluded.

"A little," she admitted. Korra slowly shook her head. "I was going to send a letter soon. Just to see how she's been doing." She felt a familiar pinch behind the back of her eyes. Taking a deep breath, she forced the tears away. "I'd go and see her, but I'm banned from the Fire Nation for life."

"It could have been worse," Mako suggested.

"I know you're trying to help, but it is worse." Korra tried not to snap at him. It wasn't fair to push off her anger, her resentment of herself, onto him, and was finding it very hard to keep from doing so. "I ruined her life. Our lives. She was set to take over Future Industries. Who will follow her leadership?" Korra demanded. "Who will want to do business with them?"

"Well, from what I hear, Hiroshi hasn't been doing entirely legal things-"

"Not the time, Mako," she snapped. "There's no way she'll ever forgive me for this."

"You don't know that," he said gently.

"Would you forgive me?" Korra demanded.

"It's like you said, Korra. Anyone has the ability to get caught up in this," he pointed. "Plus, she went along with the idea too. You didn't force her into it."

A light knocking from the door. "Just a second Tenzin," she called out. "Mako, I may as well forced her into it. The only good thing is that Zaheer, Ming-Hua, and Ghazan, are all in jail right now because I entered the plea deal upon returning to Republic City. If I can even say things are good. I constantly look over my back, waiting for something to happen

"Korra, you just have to take things one day at a time. Things will-"

"No, Mako, I just want to know if she's okay," she cried, her voice cracking. Korra swallowed hard against the lump that rose in her throat. "I want to hear her voice, I want to hold her." She pulled her phone away from her ear as a tear slid down her cheek. Korra curled her hands into fists, ignoring the creaking of protest from her phone, before resting her knuckles against her forehead. She took a few deep breaths before getting up to her feet. Ignoring the trash that she had yet to clean up, Korra began to pace in tight circle around the table by the couch. "Even if she breaks up with me on the spot, I just have to see her. I will be able to know, even with one look, if she will be able to forgive me." Korra paused, staring at the ground. She heard the door to the room open.

Without glancing at her guest, Korra exhaled softly, running a hand through her short bob. After returning from the Fire Nation, she had cut her long hair off, hoping to start new. "That's all I want, Mako," she said quietly. "I want her to forgive me. I want her to know that I'll always love her. It could be as something as simple as saying 'hi'. Just with her inflection, I'd be able to know."

Another knock came from the door. "Tenzin, I said hold on!" Korra snapped. When the knocking came again, she sighed hard, ripping her phone from her ear. Korra turned around, ready to lash out at the intrusion, but found herself freezing on the spot. She didn't even notice when her phone slipped out of her hand, didn't flinch when it clattered to the floor. Korra was too busy staring into those beautiful green eyes she never expected to see again.

"Hi," Asami said quietly. She was leaning up against a crutch, tucked underneath her right armpit. Her face free of any makeup, exposing the dark bags underneath her eyes, the slightly wrinkles in the corners, the exhaustion painted brightly. "I said, hi, Korra." While her tone was flat, the corners of her eyes slightly crinkled, the same way whenever she smiled. A second later, she spoke again: "How are you?" her voice, caught, as her eyes misted over.

And yet, to Korra, she still looked beautiful. With a bare face and looking more rundown than when she's sick, Korra still thought Asami had the air of composure. It was then she realized, she was really in love with her. Korra felt her eyes misting over, as her guilt controlled her entire system. She loved every single inch of the woman in front of her. She knew and understood what that word meant, and how much more of a meaning it now carried.

After replaying that first word, over and over in her mind, Korra finally, found her voice: "Hi," she whispered.

THE END