Korra was flat on her back. The world spun around her. "Shit," she cursed and blood sprayed from her mouth. She could barely see as her eyes were filling with tears from the hard impact to her nose. "Arg!" She grunted as she rolled over onto her knees trying to stanch the flow of blood with her hand. Suddenly, she was surrounded by her teammates and coaches. The hullabaloo was too much for her to follow through the pain and shock. But she did hear Mako's voice.
"Geez, Korra. Pay attention, will you?"
"Throw a catchable pass, will you?," she managed weakly and she heard a chorus of "Oh!" following her snide remark. It was so defining in her ringing ears that she couldn't catch Mako's response. Coach Iroh parted the boys circled around her and kneeled down next to her gently placing a towel over her face.
"Korra, can you sit normally?" Coach asked. Korra nodded and he helped her turn around and sit on the ground with her legs outstretched in front of her. He applied a little more pressure with the towel and Korra recoiled at the touch breathing out sharply in pain. "I need to get a closer look," he said. Korra nodded and he removed the towel. Blood was still flowing, but not nearly as badly as just moments before. "Yup, it's broken." Korra groaned in annoyance as much as pain unitentionally spraying blood onto Coach Iroh's face.
"Sorry, Coach," she said eyes downcast and in a daze. Someone handed Iroh another towel and he wiped the blood from his face.
"It's no problem," he turned to the his assistant, "we need some ice over here." In an instant there was a pack of ice in his hands and he applied it to the bridge of Korra's nose. Korra pull away from his touch once again, but then relaxed as the pain was replaced by numbness. "Can you stand?" Korra nodded, but she wasn't sure if she could. Coach slowly helped her to her feet and Korra was hit by a spell of dizziness and staggered. Iroh held onto her tightly and kept her on her feet. He sat her on the bench. "Just sit here with the ice and towel on your nose. You can't be driving in this condition. We'll get a ride home arranged for you."
"No," Korra said, "I can handle that."
"Alright," Iroh said, "but if you can't get it handled, let me know. You should head home and rest as soon as possible. You're excused for the rest of practice."
"You got it Coach," Korra answered him.
"I'll be right back with some pain medication, wait here." Korra nodded and even the slight movement sent a sharp pain through her face. It would be best if she stayed as still as possible. Her senses were starting to come back to her a bit now and because of that she was starting to feel very stupid. This injury was all her fault. She should have never taken her eyes off the field. If it hadn't been for Asami…
"Here," Asami was standing in front of her holding out the notepad and pen Korra had been using. It was covered in blood now. Korra held out a slightly shaky hand and took it.
"Thanks."
"Korra," Opal said getting down on one knee in front of her, "let's have a look?" Korra gingerly removed the ice and towel for Opal to see.
Asami gasped, "Oh, Korra."
"Oh, man, Korra…" Opal added.
"That bad?" Korra asked.
"Yeah," Opal answered, "your nose is super crooked. Good thing it's Friday, you can go to the doctor tomorrow and rest up over the weekend."
Korra nodded in agreement, "so, can you drop me off at home after practice?"
"Of course, Asami already agreed to follow me to your place in my car. I can drive her back here for her bike after we drop you off."
"Thanks," Korra said and placed the ice and towel back over her face. She had no more energy for talking now. Coach Iroh walked back up to them.
"Ladies," he said greeting Opal and Asami. "Here, Korra," he said handing her two maximum strength Tylenol and a cup of water. "It might be tough to get it down with your injury so fresh." He warned and Korra lowered the towel and ice to pop the pills into her mouth. She washed them down quickly coughing as one of them caught in her throat, and with one more swig of water it passed all the way down into her stomach. Korra knew it would be at least another half an hour before it started to take effect. She groaned and covered her face. Her eyes met with Asami's. A look of concern plastered on her pretty face. Korra blushed at Asami's show of affection, but no one could see from behind the blood stained towel. "Opal, are you getting her home?" Coach asked.
"Yeah, we'll take care of her."
"If there are any complications, don't hesitate to call."
"Of course, Coach Iroh," Opal assured him. "Okay, Asami, can you give me a hand." Opal grabbed Korra by the arm and Korra nodded. Opal pulled her to feet and place Korra's arm over her shoulder. Asami did the same on Korra's otherside. Korra felt a wave of lightheadedness overcome her again and she placed her arms around Asami's waste tightly for extra support. Her other hand remained firmly on her face covering her injury. They walked her back to the girls locker room slowly, being very careful to keep her as still as possible. "You've got her?" Opal said to Asami.
"Yeah," Asami tightened her grip on Korra and Opal released her to open the door. She held it open as Korra and Asami passed through. She walked by them and headed for the girls locker room door and held that one open, too. Asami walked Korra to her locker and helped her into a sitting position very softly.
"I'm okay," Korra said to Asami whose hands were still lingering on her sides even after she was in a comfortable sitting position. Asami nodded.
"Hey, grab Korra's keys, would you?" Opal yelled over the lockers. Asami snapped back to focus and went to Korra's locker.
"Got it," Asami yelled back. Korra closed her eyes and tried to relax. She heard the lock pop open.
"Front pocket," she said directing Asami to her keys, "should be by my wallet." She heard Asami unzip the pocket and then jingle of her keys. Korra heard Asami's footsteps go around to the other side of the lockers.
"Here," Asami said.
"Thanks, I'll bring the car around back. That way Korra doesn't have to walk too far. Help her change and meet outside the double doors, okay?"
"Sure," Asami said. Opal and Asami walked back around to Korra. Korra opened her eyes. Opal was completely changed into her street clothes with her backpack securely over both her shoulders.
"I'll be right back. That medicine should start to kick in soon. Hang in there, Korra." Opal placed a hand on her shoulder and smiled at her friend.
Korra lowered the towel so her words wouldn't be muffled, "you know me, this is nothing." She tried to smile, but it ended up as a pained grimace. Opal squeezed her shoulder comfortingly before releasing it.
"Okay, I'll be right back," with that she jogged out of the locker room leaving Korra and Asami there alone.
"I'm going to change and get all my stuff together, but I'll be right back to help you, okay?
"Mhm," Korra said averting her eyes from Asami. Asami stood there a moment longer, but Korra refused to look her way. She realized that she was being insensitive, but being alone in the locker room with Asami after what had happened between them just one day ago...it was making her incredibly nervous. Korra pulled the towel away again to check the bleeding. The towel was covered with fresh blood but it didn't seem to be dripping from her nose anymore. She needed to see this injury for herself. Slowly, she got to her feet. She stood in place for a moment expecting a spell of dizziness to overcome her, but when it didn't she shuffled over to the sinks. Even before she reached them, she was taken aback by the condition of her face.
Opal said that her nose was really crooked, but Korra didn't think that word did her injury justice. The bridge of her nose was completely bent to the side and depressed. It looked as if there was a small crater in the center of her nose. Her mouth was cut up as well. The ball had made a direct hit on her nose, but it had clearly grazed her mouth, too. The inside of her lips were torn to shreds. She picked up her bloody towel and was able to find a clean white spot on it. She wet the towel and leaned in toward the mirror to get a closer look at her face and began to gingerly wipe the blood from her face. Asami appeared behind her in the mirror.
"Let me help you with that." Korra cringed at the thought. Not because she didn't want Asami's help, but because her face was so sensitive she was worried Asami would push down on somewhere too hard and hurt her. Asami looked so earnest thought, so Korra gave in to her offer.
"Okay," Korra said holding out the towel to Asami, but she didn't take it.
"I have a clean one in my bag. You should sit back down," Asami said as she placed her hand on the small of Korra's back and lead her back to the bench by Korra's locker. Korra sat down and Asami set her bag next to her. She reached into the bag and pulled out the clean towel she had mentioned and wet it with water from her water bottle. Asami kneeled in between Korra's legs and placed her free hand under Korra's chin. She brought the towel up to her face and paused just before making contact. "Tell me if I hurt you, okay?" Korra nodded and Asami started to clean her face. She gently wiped around her nose, there was no pain there because the numbness from the ice hadn't worn off yet and the pain pills were probably starting to help a bit. Asami's face remained calm and focused while she worked. Korra was surprised she was able to keep a straight face while working on such a grotesque looking injury. Korra wanted to make conversation, but she had no idea what to say at the moment, plus she was still very out of it from the blow to her face. Asami moved the wet towel down from her nose to her lips and Korra involuntary inhaled sharply. She hadn't expected it to hurt so much.
"Ouch!" Korra said and grabbed Asami's hand stopping her from applying any more pressure to her lips.
"Sorry," she said with a flash of worry coming across her face.
"It's okay," Korra said breathlessly from the sudden pain, "just give me a second." Korra lowered her hand and placed her elbow on her knee taking Asami's hand with her. She took a few deep breaths and felt Asami squeeze her hand though the towel. Korra's instinct was to pull away from her touch out of embarrassment, but she was too tired for that. After she composed herself she looked up and met Asami's compassionate eyes. "Okay, keep going." Korra released Asami's hand and sat back up straight. This time Asami's touch was even softer. Korra had no idea how that was even possible, since she was being incredibly gentle already. It only took Asami a couple more minutes to finish cleaning Korra up. They were both silent the whole time, but Korra felt and electric tension between them every time she caught Asami's eyes in her gaze.
"All finished," Asami said, "Now let's get you changed." Korra nodded and started to fumble with her shoulder pads. They had already seen each other in their underwear, so Korra knew she shouldn't be so uncomfortable, but her heart began to pound hard. Asami laughed lightly at Korra. "Korra, calm down, I'll get those pads off." Korra looked at Asami with a confused expression wondering how the girl was able to read her so well. Asami reached up under Korra's pads and unhooked them. Korra began to pull them off, but Asami placed a strong hand on top of the pads, "wait." She grabbed her towel again and pushed it under Korra's pads and covered her face. "Tilt your head up, okay? We don't want to risk hitting your nose again."
"Uhu," was Korra's muffled response. Then slowly Asami pulled the pads off shielding Korra's injured face with her towel and hand. Asami put the towel and pads down on the bench.
"Hold your arms up," Asami said in a tone that sounded like an order.
"I think I can handle it from her…" Korra said looking away from Asami. She was certain her blush was fully visible now.
"Do you really wanna risk hurting your nose more? Now hold them up," Asami placed her hand on her hip and stared at Korra hard.
"Okay, okay," Korra held her hands above her head and Asami pulled the collar of the shirt over Korra's face before removing it. Now she was just in her sports bra and padded pants,
"You'll definitely need help with that," Asami said pointing at the sports bra. Just when Korra thought she was getting her blush under control it, it's heat came back with a vengeance.
"That's okay Asami, I can just wear this bra under my regular clothes."
"Are you sure, it's all sweaty. It'll probably be uncomfortable…"Asami's words trailed off.
"Yeah, it's fine. I've got it from here."
"Alright," said Asami as she sat down on the bench. "If you need anything, just ask." Korra finished changing and Asami sat silently watching. Korra kept her back turned to Asami the whole time. When Korra finished she clicked her lock shut and turned to face Asami. She was sitting with her legs crossed and a small smile was playing on her lips.
"Let's go," Korra said and Asami got to her feet and took two long strides to reach Korra's side. Korra looked into Asami's eyes and was finally able to smile weakly without pain. The pain medication was working one hundred percent now. "Thanks for all your help, Asami, if it wasn't for you, I probably would have hurt myself even more." Even though Asami played a part in causing the injury, Korra still wanted to show her appreciation for all the help she had given her.
"No problem," Asami answered and Korra began to walk toward the door when Asami grabbed her hand, "hey, I just want to let you know I'm really sorry about last night." Korra's heart skipped a beat and she looked back at Asami.
"There's nothing to apologize for, Asami. I, um, actually really had a lot of fun with you." Korra paused, she didn't know if she had the courage to mention the kiss outright. "I just need some time to work through what I'm feeling."
"Take as much time as you need. You're worth the wait." Korra intertwined her fingers with Asami's.
"That has to be the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me." Korra broke eye contact with Asami, but their hands were still interlocked. She couldn't help but wonder if she was so weak to kind words because she didn't have any romantic experience, and she still couldn't believe a girl as beautiful as Asami would actually want her over the numerous boys that she could easily get.
"Korra," Korra looked back at Asami and there was nothing but kindness in her sparkling eyes, "can I kiss you?" The word 'kiss' brought flashes of last night into her mind and she wanted to say yes more than anything, but she didn't think it was right to keep pushing this forward while she was still so unsure. Korra touched her cut up lips with her free hand. "Softly, of course." Asami added with a giggle as she took a step forward.
"Asami, I just don't know if this is a good idea. I'm still really confused. I don't want you to get hurt if I can't come to terms with what I'm feeling right now." Asami's eyes stayed fixed on Korra. She was waiting for more of an explanation. Korra started to ramble. "Don't get me wrong, you are gorgeous and smart and amazing and I really like you-"
"Korra," Asami said holding up her hand, "it's okay. You don't have to justify yourself to me. I think you're gorgeous, smart, and amazing, too. And I also really like you." Asami leaned in and kissed Korra on the cheek. "I know it's really hard to come to terms with something so counter to what society has told us is right for our whole lives. I'm here for you, if you want to talk, or anything. Whenever you're ready." Korra nodded and placed a hand on her cheek. She could swear she could almost feel the warmth of her lips there still. "Now, let's get you home." They let go of each other's hands and walked out of the locker room in silence. Korra couldn't figure out what hurt more, her face or her heart.
Author's Note: Hello everyone! I hope you all enjoyed this latest chapter. I've decided that this will become M rated later on, so look forward to that? (or not, I don't know what peoples opinions are on that). I've been neglecting my other story for this one, so the next update I do will be for Mind Over Bending and not Republic City Miracle. Sorry for those of you who want a really quick update for this one, but I will do my best to update as soon as possible. Let me know what you guys think about Korrasami in this chapter. I really had a lot of fun writing this one!