The chapter where there's finally closure over the gaping wound in Korra's heart.
The gym had gone deathly silent. All eyes were on Korra, some astonished, some curious, and one pair that looked like she'd just been given the plans to complete world domination.
"I'll play Kuvira," Korra repeated, ignoring Kuvira's smirk.
"No, I don't want-" Coach Lin started to say, but Korra walked over, interrupting once more.
"Please Coach. It's okay. I need to do this. It's for the best of the team, and for me. She'll never let this go."
The head coach considered her words, before nodding. "Fine." Lin took a seat on the bleachers.
Korra turned to Kuvira. "I'll challenge you, on one condition."
Kuvira's smirk only widened, and she crossed her arms. "Whatever you want. No matter what rules you make, you'll never beat me," she said, addressing Korra with the same manner of Hitler addressing his troops.
"We play two on two, not one on one."
Kuvira scoffed. "Typical Korra. Always weak. Can't do anything on your own. I, on the other hand, am not so inept. I have always been the best, and I shall continue to be the best, no matter what you do. No, you can't hide behind someone else. You're too afraid to show everyone how much better I am than you."
Korra narrowed her eyes. Kuvira had to stop watching action thriller movies; she was monologuing like an evil villain prior to unleashing his master plan. Although she did have all the correct qualities: outstanding villain voice, maniacal laugh, distinctive eyebrows, and she was bat shit crazy.
Korra countered Kuvira's speech. "I can take you down myself, I know that for sure. I don't have to prove it to anyone here. But you still don't get it. We don't win championships by ourselves. This is a team sport, and no matter how good you or your teammate is, you don't know how to play together, and you'll never win."
"Nobody on this team is good enough to play with me."
"So you say, but I thought you were the best. Shouldn't you be able to win with anybody?" Korra said it with as much sass as she could muster, which, quite frankly, was enough to put Beyonce to the left, to the left.
Kuvira scowled. Korra hit a nerve. Although it really wasn't that hard. All you had to do was challenge Kuvira's massive ego and she'd respond like an over sensitive bodybuilder on steroids. They both had problems with penis size.
"Fine. Zhu Li, with me." Kuvira flicked a thumb at the other girl, then turned back to Korra. "Just to prove how stupid this is, and how weak you are, I will not only beat you, I'll beat you with the weakest person here."
"Hey!" Zhu Li said, clearly offended.
"Shut up. You know that if we got sorted here, you'd be in Hufflepuff."
Zhu Li frowned, but didn't say anything further. "Ravenclaw, asshole," she muttered under her breath.
"So who gets the dubious honor of teaming with you?" Kuvira scowled.
Korra set her jaw, refusing to look anywhere else except straight ahead. She quickly ran through her possible choices. The no brainer was Asami, except with all their recent weirdness, Korra wasn't so sure it was such a no brainer anymore. P'li was too stationary and Eska never got anywhere near the paint. Ginger or Ming Hua would be the next best; they were versatile enough to keep up with Kuvira and work with Korra.
Korra was just still debating between Ginger and Ming Hua when she felt movement beside her. She smelled the familiar citrus and amber and had to consciously hold in her sigh of relief.
Asami had moved to stand next to Korra, matching Kuvira glare for glare.
Korra instantly felt lighter. Asami was at her side again, and despite their differences off court, on court, they were nearly impossible to beat. Korra's mood lifted. The irritation and annoyance at Kuvira had leaked away, and at the moment she was simply happy to have her Scottie back. Or was it Michael? Whatever they were, the Dynamic Duo, Batman and Robin, Jack and Rose, Bisexual Basketball Badasses. Whatever they were, they were back in action.
"So the little Miss Rich Girl is going to be your second," Kuvira sneered. "I should've known. You always pick the one with daddy issues."
Korra felt Asami stiffen.
"Shut up and let's go Kuvira. Your mouth won't save you on the court." Heads all turned in Korra's direction, believing she uttered the challenge, but it was Asami who was striding forward, green eyes narrowed. Kuvira shrugged, stepping into the circle.
"First to eleven points wins, and you must win by at least two points," Suyin explained. "Anything goes," she said with a cautionary look between the girls. She held the ball aloft between them, whistle between her lips. She ball flipped into the air, and there was an immediate throng of black hair and arms everywhere. Kuvira threw her shoulder into Asami, tipping the ball to Zhu Li.
"Here!" Kuvira barked, and Zhu Li obediently passed. One play in and already Kuvira was playing rough.
Korra stood in front of her, arms spread. They'd have to be careful. Kuvira dribbled, bouncing the ball high, deciding which plan of attack to use. She bounded left, Korra sticking to her like flypaper. Kuvira pivoted, dropping her hip towards the basket, bumping Korra with her rear. Korra stood firm, unwilling to give Kuvira the ground she wanted. So Kuvira took it for herself. She stepped on Korra's foot, making it impossible for the other girl to follow, dribbling around and putting the ball up for an easy basket.
"That's the way it's going to be, huh," Korra growled as she retrieved the ball. Kuvira jogged backwards, giving a smug look as she shrugged her shoulders. Korra frowned. She'd show Kuvira how to play dirty, with her stupid tricks and her cheating ways.
"Hey," Asami said. "I saw what she did, and we're not gonna play that way."
"Why?! She's a cheater, she deserves to get it back."
"You're better than her without playing dirty. Just remember what we've worked on. Be firm when you have to, flow when you have to."
"Fine," Korra grumbled. "And hey," she added. Asami turned back to her.
"Thanks." Korra rubbed her arm. Damn nervous habit. "For backing me up. I wouldn't have made team captain without you, you know."
Asami nodded. "I've got your back. But let's worry about that later, because we have to deal with this bitch that is trippin'."
Korra grinned as she followed a dribbling Asami down the court.
"You take her." Kuvira indicated for Zhu Li to guard Asami. Asami dribbled across half court, and Korra felt sorry for the other girl to have to go through the abuse. Asami charged in, Zhu Li almost panicking to keep up. In two more strides she'd have the basket, but just as she expected, Kuvira had abandoned Korra to guard her. Asami kept the ball a little longer, keeping up the ruse, giving time for Korra to get back - then she zinged the ball right into Korra's hands, who stepped up and nailed the shot.
"Nice one," Korra slapped a high five.
Kuvira dribbled the ball, permanent scowl on her face. She eyed Asami up and down as the taller girl moved to guard her, dribbling casually. Korra floated near Zhu Li, a few feet away from the corner. Kuvira broke left again, then crossed over right, dropping a shoulder into Asami's chest as she plowed into her defender. Korra quickly moved in front, taking away a clear shot at the basket, but Kuvira wasn't deterred. She dropped her shoulder again and Korra went flying backwards.
"Hey!" Asami yelled angrily. "What the hell was that?" A clicking of tongues and shake of heads on the sidelines indicated that not everyone agreed with Kuvira's "style."
"That's real basketball," Kuvira sneered. "Maybe where you come from everyone curtsies and bows whenever they play, but not here." She strutted back to the other side of the court.
"That's bush league and you know it," Asami scowled.
"Are you alright?" she asked, kneeling over Korra, who was just beginning to sit up.
"I'm fine. Did she score?"
"Unfortunately, yes. It's 2-1 now. She's playing hardcore street ball here."
"I figured as much."
"But we have an advantage," Asami said quietly.
"How so?"
"She won't pass to Zhu Li. She's going to do everything herself. You don't have to guard her at all." Korra was struck by this new information. Could Kuvira really be so high minded?
Korra dribbled down court, Asami running in front of her. Kuvira hung back, just near the free throw line, and Korra contemplated what to do. When Asami broke towards the corner, she made up her mind. She bounce passed to Asami then ran to the right. Asami snatched the ball as Zhu Li rushed at her, then threw a strong overhead pass to Korra, who caught the ball as Kuvira closed in on her. One quick pump fake and a bounce pass to a streaking Asami later, and they evened the score when the taller girl floated in a lay up right behind Kuvira.
Kuvira snatched the ball angrily from Zhu Li, not even bothering to let the other girl inbound it for her. She bounced the ball a little more forcefully as she came down the court, and Korra was sure the echoes seemed louder. Asami moved in front of Kuvira once more. Korra stood near the basket, casting a worried look towards Zhu Li. Would she really not pass to her? Could she just abandon her man?
Asami did her best to keep up with Kuvira, but she was too strong. She bumped Asami to the outside, spinning inwards, opening her path to the basket. Korra came from the left, hoping Asami's instincts were right, because if they weren't, Zhu Li was wide open. Outstretching her hand, she reached for the ball as her opponent rose for the basket. If Kuvira wanted to pass, it would be now. But the moment came and went, Kuvira still had the ball, and Korra was right there, palm on the ball. She used all her might to push it out of Kuvira's hands.
Asami scooped the ball up, dribbling quickly to the other side of the court as Zhu Li ran to keep up. Korra stood still, and so did time. Asami glided gracefully across the floor and she swore Chariots of Fire started to play. Asami could've been bounding in a field of daisies or skating on an ice rink, it would've all been the same. So lovely. As if in slow motion, little lights of glitter trailing after her, Asami floated up and towards the basket, depositing the ball through the white netting.
"Hey, defense," Asami said as she backhanded her lightly, and Korra came out of her semi-daydream. Asami had already retreated back to their side of the court.
Whoopsie.
They were up 3-2 now, and if Korra could just keep her head on straight, they'd be fine.
"Lucky shot. You can't guard me alone; you're not good enough," Kuvira jeered, egging Korra on. Korra stepped closer to Kuvira, who was dribbling just outside the three point line.
"Korra…"
Asami's voice had a warning tone, but Korra reassured her with a slight nod of the head.
"Bring it on," Korra said nonplussed, accepting Kuvira's challenge.
Kuvira smirked as Korra settled into a defensive position. Kuvira's muscular shoulders dropped slightly, dribbling the ball across her body left and right. Korra jabbed a hand out to interfere, and Kuvira whirled around, stepping back.
"Don't kid yourself," she taunted Korra. She faked right, which Korra quickly followed, before regaining her position. Again, she feigned right, and something about this felt familiar. But before the memory became whole, Kuvira broke left, and Korra followed. She was quick enough to stay square and not have to cross over her feet, but her momentum was clearly going to throw her off center if she had to change directions.
Which Kuvira did, swiveling sharply and pushing up through Korra's outstretched arms. The ball rebounded off the backboard and through the hoop. Kuvira banged into her shoulder as Korra scooped up the ball, the victor in their battle clear. One battle, Korra reminded herself, does not make up the war. One battle could be lost without losing the war.
"I told you, you're weak." Kuvira taunted, coming up to defend. Korra's brow furrowed. They needed to put points up quicker. Kuvira was physical, and fairly abusive, and if they carried on this way, either Korra or Asami would end up hurt. Her eyes flickered over to her partner.
Zhu Li was giving her quite a bit of room. Asami would be able to do whatever she wanted, even without the height advantage. An eyebrow twitched skyward, and the unspoken message was clear.
Korra cut right, away from Asami's position, enticing Kuvira to follow. Asami too moved right, and Zhu Li followed, completing the counterclockwise rotation. Asami got to the top of the key a few moments before Zhu Li, where a pass met her right on time. In one swift motion, she collected the ball, stepped up and drained a three (which was technically a two in the current scorekeeping format).
"Woo hoo!" Korra whooped. She jogged back over the center line, shooting Kuvira a teasing face. Now they were ahead 5-3. Asami totally nailed that shot. Her girlfriend was amazing! Korra froze.
Girl...who is a friend. You know, to hang out with and stuff.
"Nice pass," Asami slapped her gently on the butt as she ran past her. That wasn't anything new; baseball players did it all the time, and Asami had done it before, but Korra's imagination was running on turbo, and all sorts of implications flew about her brain.
"Uh huh," Korra said nervously. Come on Korra, make like frozen juice and concentrate!
Korra wasn't sure if it were possible, but Kuvira's eyebrows looked even more alarming now. She spared a glance for Zhu Li, feeling sorry for her as she stood uselessly to the side. If Kuvira had any faith in her teammates, if she had taken the time to learn about any other their skills, she'd have known that she could've fed the ball to Zhu Li to tie the score up right now. But she didn't. And she wouldn't, Korra knew, because Kuvira believed that she would have to win this all alone.
Kuvira lunged forward, feigning an attack, and Korra shuffled backwards, giving room, but not enough to shoot. Asami floated towards the basket, distancing herself from Zhu Li. Kuvira dribbled right, then spun left. Korra was just a half step too slow, and Kuvira wheeled around, moving towards the basket. Without the ball.
Because Asami had stuck a hand out, and Kuvira too preoccupied with scoring, hadn't noticed that she'd been stripped of the ball. Kuvira got pickpocketed like a tourist on the subway.
Korra zoomed down the court sprinting, absolutely no one in between her and the basket. Asami ran to keep up, dribbling quickly as Kuvira closed in. Korra put her left hand up and Asami lofted a pass high in the air. Korra leaped to grab it and slammed it in through the hoop.
A scream of cheers erupted from the sidelines as their teammates applauded the great play. It was rare enough to see a dunk in women's basketball, but an alley-oop? Absolutely unreal.
"Halfway! Five minute break!" Suyin shouted from the side. Kuvira and Zhu Li went to the sideline filled with their teammates, but Korra walked to the opposite end of the gym, and Asami followed.
They were up 6-3, all thanks to their flawless teamwork.
Asami and Korra moved so well together. Korra wasn't even trying. Asami was just where she expected her. Korra moved to where she thought Asami would pass the ball. They were perfect for each other-
Korra sat on the bleachers, looking off to the side. Her body had suddenly become very heavy, the proximity of Asami and being unable to get any closer was turmoil inside.
Avoiding the eyes that had left her heart in pieces, she sat there, contemplating her place in the universe, which was something Korra never did, and so her head was starting to hurt more than her heart, but that was probably better at the moment.
Maybe a small part of her wanted to hang on, hoping that maybe Asami would be ready, but her head screamed she was an idiot.
"Korra?"
Korra turned towards Asami, answering with a cock of her head.
"I know I've been acting really fucked up lately, and just an asshole in general. I've been treating you like shit, but it's because I've been so messed up inside."
"It's okay, Asami. I get it."
"Why are you so fucking understanding? I was a bitch to you. Shouldn't you hate me?"
Korra laughed, both at the slew of cuss words from the usual proper Lady Asami, as well as how much the tables had turned. "Well, I was a complete bitch to you when we first met. So I guess we're even?"
"Not yet."
Korra raised an eyebrow.
"I guess what I'm trying to say is," Asami said, eyes a little hesitant, "This is me swallowing my pride, standing in front of you saying I'm sorry for that night-"
Korra grinned, picking up on Asami's cue immediately, "And I go back to July all the time."
She pulled Asami into a hug, wrapping her arms around the other girl completely. This was good. This was right. Korra held the hug, not worrying about the duration at all. She finally let go, immediately looking into Asami's eyes.
"Korra, I-" Asami started.
"Time in!" Suyin yelled, just after blowing her whistle. Asami let go, walking away.
"Wait," Korra called out. Asami shook her head.
"We'll talk after the game, okay? We're okay, I promise."
Korra blinked and nodded. A flurry emotions swirled within her. Relief, for one, glad that she and Asami were back to being open and honest with each other. Curiosity another, as she wondered what information was being withheld, and that gave way to dread, as Korra feared that Asami might say something that would break her heart (again).
She shook her head. Come on, have some faith. Asami said they were okay. Whatever happens, you said it'd be fine, as long as you were still friends. You got what you wanted.
Korra swallowed. But was it so bad to hope for more?
Kuvira won the tip off again, unsurprisingly throwing an elbow and nearly breaking Asami's nose. Korra hustled in front of her, ready to defend.
Kuvira didn't hold back her scoff as she taunted Korra. "Here's where I obliterate you," she smirked, and Korra swore her dirty green eyes glinted.
"Could you please stop talking like a demonic bad guy? It's getting old."
Kuvira scowled and drove forward, forcing Korra inside the arc. Kuvira stepped back, having created room for herself, and drained a three (two, whatever).
Korra frowned as she collected the ball. Arrogant people annoyed the shit out of her, but arrogant people who could back their play irritated her even more. She looked at Asami, who was making a pushing motion. Korra closed her eyes and released her breath. Asami was right: let it go.
Korra caught the ball and dribbled down court. She noticed Zhu Li standing off to the side. She could be doing more to defend Korra and Asami, but it was clear she was going to put as little effort into helping Kuvira as possible, not that Korra could blame her.
Nonetheless, as Zhu Li came to guard Korra, she told her, "Don't stop playing. You've got more integrity than that. Play for the team."
Zhu Li's eyes widened, but her stance firmed up and her arms spread out into a better defensive position.
Korra passed to Asami, who began to weave her magic like an old Peruvian lady on a loom. She dribbled over the arc, near Kuvira, then spun neatly out of the way, leaving a befuddled Kuvira in her wake. Upset at being duped, Kuvira hustled to keep up, but she wasn't going to be able to catch up to Asami, at least not without cheating, which she did.
Kuvira swung an arm out, catching Asami cleanly on the wrist. Asami fell to the ground clutching her arm, but Kuvira had already scooped up the ball and was streaking down court. Korra knelt next to Asami, not caring that she'd just given away a basket.
"Let me see," she urged Asami, trying to take a better look at the injury.
"I'm fine Korra," Asami reassured her, and she really did look okay. Nothing looked swollen or out of place, though Korra did notice Asami flinch when she pressed a spot on her forearm.
"I'm fine," Asami repeated, "It'll probably just bruise later."
Satisfied Asami was okay, Korra helped her to her feet, then immediately strode over to Kuvira. Korra shoved her roughly.
"You knock that shit off or I'll knock you into next week," she snarled.
Kuvira appeared nonplussed. "I'm not scared of you, you Water Tribe wannabe. You can't beat me on court, and you most certainly can't beat me up off of it."
"We'll see about that," Korra growled, wishing she had longer hair, so that as she turned and stalked away dramatically, she could whip Kuvira in the face.
"Score's tied," Asami said nonchalantly. "I hope we survive to see the end of this game."
Korra cast a curious glance at Asami, only to find the other girl smiling.
"Kuvira better hope she survives to see the end of this game. I might go Metta World Peace on her soon," Korra grinned.
Except that would have to wait, because Kuvira quickly scored two baskets (one from an elbow to Korra's gut and another from tripping up Asami). Team H&M (Hair and Muscle) found themselves down 8-6.
Korra knew they'd have to work quickly. Short passes, no more than two or three steps at a time. Any more and that would give Kuvira enough time to catch up to them and, well, be an asshole. Korra dribbled over the arc, and just as expected, Kuvira crashed hard. She passed to a moving Asami near the corner, diverting her opponent's attention. As soon as the ball left her fingers, Korra ran in towards the paint. Her desire to move fast had less to do with scoring and more to do with keeping Kuvira away from Asami. Korra caught the ball mid stride, dribbled once and floated the ball off the backboard and through the netting for a lay up.
Kuvira's jaw looked like it would crumble from the force she was clenching it with. She grabbed the ball and thrust Zhu Li, who caught it in the stomach. Kuvira snatched it out of Zhu Li's grasp and dribbled down court. Korra came over the arc, ready to guard, and ready for whatever nonsense Kuvira might elbow her with.
Kuvira drove hard, trying to bump Korra off of her, but Korra would not be deterred. If Kuvira wanted to play rough, then Korra would hang with her. She stayed on Kuvira, hovering like an annoying teacher during an exam, and taking away her breathing room. Kuvira pushed her way in, until she was just under the basket. Korra and Kuvira were tangled like a mess of knots, and Korra could sense her opponent's frustration.
Kuvira grunted and growled a few times, trying to find an open window through Korra's arms. But there was none to be had. Kuvira snarled once more and thrust up, elbowing Korra in the cheek. But Korra's defense was still enough to cause Kuvira to clang the ball off the rim.
Zhu Li picked the ball up and knocked down a jumper.
Korra glowered. She couldn't be mad at Zhu Li; that was just the way the ball bounced sometimes. Literally. But the point stung just as much as the new bruise she was going to have on her face.
"Stay out of my way," Kuvira told Zhu Li brusquely.
Korra flinched when she felt a hand on her face.
"Hey, it's just me," Asami said, "Just checking your cheek." Her fingers prodded and poked, moving Korra's jaw this way and that.
Korra's cheeks reddened, and it wasn't because of the blood pooling near her bruise. "I'm fine," she said, putting a hand over Asami's. "But we'd better go into superhero mode, because they're still up nine to seven."
Asami grinned. "I'll be Iron Man if you'll be Superman."
"Why am I Superman and you Iron Man?"
"Because you've got more defined muscles than me and I'm obviously the brilliant one."
Korra opened her mouth to argue while fighting the blush threatening to overtake her whole face, but a whistle diverted her attention.
"If this were football, we'd have called a delay of game already!" Coach Su hollered at them.
Asami dropped the hands still on Korra's face. They turned away from each other, Korra collecting the ball. She noticed the blush coloring Asami's cheeks.
"Uh, here," she said dumbly, inbounding the ball to Asami. She followed the sway of black hair down court. Asami looked back at her, and Korra understood the unspoken message. She moved to Asami's left, setting the pick for Asami.
Korra absorbed the hit as Kuvira ran into her, rough hands trying to push her out of the way. But it was useless, because Asami already had a clear shot, dropping a shot from behind the three point line.
Korra hustled back, mentally tallying the score. They'd evened the score. Just a few more baskets.
Kuvira was coming down the court like Miley Cyrus on a wrecking ball. Korra moved in front of her, hips low and hands spread. But Kuvira ran through her with the force of skateboarders through police tape. Korra fell to the ground with a thump. She turned in time to see Asami intersect with Kuvira off.
Asami cut Kuvira off, disrupting the other girl's rhythm enough to cause a missed shot. Asami jumped and caught the rebound after it clanged off the rim.
Korra got to her feet quickly and streaked back to her basket. Asami threw her the ball with an overhand pass, and Korra caught it just as she reached the top of the key. Two more strides and she put the ball through the netting, putting them up by a point and one more score away from taking the game.
Korra smirked as Kuvira stalked past her. She wasn't one for trash talk, but this was too easy.
"Building a chimney?" she asked.
"What?" Kuvira said irritably.
"Well, I just thought with all the bricks you're laying-"
Korra shrugged and ran back to her side of the court before Kuvira had a chance to process the thought.
"Hey fuck you!" Kuvira yelled as she took the inbound pass, the insult finally taking root in her brain.
Korra readied herself as Kuvira came down court. If they could just stop this score, they'd have a shot at winning. Kuvira dribbled in front of her, and despite being down a point, she hadn't lost any arrogance. She was still strutting like she was LeBron against the Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets/the shittiest team ever.
Kuvira feigned to her left once before retreating.
Korra scanned her memory, trying to find where she'd seen that move before. If only her hard drive had more rpms, she'd be able to process it faster. She remembered that night, because Asami had jammed her finger earlier, and she'd been tapping the splinted digit on the desk, distracting Korra from the video all night. She'd smelled like sweat and body spray and Earth Kingdom food.
That was it!
Kuvira would fake to her left once, then drive left, spin right and pull back for a jumper. It was the one play Asami had made her pay attention to, in between Korra's daydreams.
Korra refocused on Kuvira. Sure enough, she drove to her left, but Korra didn't break hard with her. She kept her feet under her, sticking with Kuvira as she pivoted to the right.
By this time, anybody else would've been more twisted than an old school telephone cord, but Korra was right there, and as Kuvira stepped back for the shot, Korra closed in.
Korra could see it in slow motion. Kuvira pulled up for the shot, and Korra jumped, fingers outstretched. Just as the ball rolled off Kuvira's fingers, Korra's hand met the ball, pushing it off its intended trajectory.
Korra chased after the ball as Kuvira stood there, too stunned to move. Asami was already running down court, waiting for the ball. Korra scooped up the ball the tossed it to Asami, who spun around Zhu Li, and without fanfare, won the game with a simple lay up.
For a moment, Korra forgot they'd just won the game. The final basket hadn't been nearly as exciting as their previous "big game." In fact, if her teammates hadn't suddenly crashed around her, she'd have forgotten about anything except Asami. The hands on her back and shouts in her ear reminded her of exactly why they'd been doing this whole thing in the first place.
Korra freed herself from everyone's grasp and walked over to Kuvira. She was standing alone, her hair a mess, her arms folded over her body.
"What do you want? Come to gloat?"
"No," Korra shook her head. "I just wanted to tell you, when it's done right, playing with a teammate should make you better, not hold you back. If you'd actually played with Zhu Li, you might've beaten us." She turned and walked away.
"I could still beat you."
Korra stopped and looked over her shoulder. "No, you can't." She didn't say it with malice, or arrogance, or irritability. It was just the truth. And judging by the lack of opposition, Kuvira knew it to be true as well.
"Hey Zhu Li," Korra called to her other opponent, who was standing with her shoulders slumped. "You played a great game you know, and don't listen to whatever Kuvira says. I know you belong on this team."
Zhu Li gave her a rueful smile. "Thanks Korra. You played amazing."
Korra was pulled away from Zhu Li as hands once again roughly grabbed her shoulders, completely surrounding her. Her teammates patted her on the back, shouting praises. She looked around, searching for the only person she wanted to see right now. Happy faces all around her, but not the one she needed. Then, two people parted, making an opening, and there she was.
Asami was running towards her, hair flowing behind her, smiling from ear to ear. She was making a beeline for Korra, who held her arms open. The moment seemed to slow down, everyone else fading to a blur. Korra had visions of all the romantic movies she had seen, as the girl runs into waiting arms and they embrace gently, reminding themselves of their love for each other.
But Asami was not slowing down. Speeding up actually, and Korra barely reacted. Asami collapsed into Korra's arms, crushing her in a hug.
"Whooaaaaaa!" she yelped, tumbling backwards onto the floor, and they fell in a heap. Asami pushed up slightly, her arms just outside of Korra's shoulders. She was still wearing that elated smile. Korra's heart thudded just a little harder and she smiled in return.
"You did it!" Asami screamed joyously, the moment completely overtaking any of her normal reserved Asami-ness.
"We did it," Korra corrected, words almost catching in her throat as that familiar amber and citrus scent descended on her. A feeling of deja vu rushed over. She'd been in this position before. Maybe this was her place in the universe after all. Maybe everything was meant to come full circle.
"Hey, this is how we first met," Korra said softly, blush rising in her cheeks, fingers reaching up to twirl in the lock of Asami's hair that had fallen near her face. Realization dawned on Asami as her green eyes widened, some unspoken emotion behind them. Korra's eyes lingered on Asami's, darting back and forth between each orb, unsure of where she stood, and how appropriate it was to be staring in her eyes.
Then a magnet, something between them drew Asami closer to her and Korra could feel her closing in as time very nearly stood still. Eyes drifting shut, Korra tilted her chin ever so slightly, and was greeted with the sweetest lips she'd ever tasted. She reached a hand up, grasping Asami's face gently, skin soft and supple beneath her touch.
Time is a funny thing. When you're down three points and you have five seconds to get down the court to score, it's gone in the blink of an eye. Or when you're sitting in class, desperately waiting for the period to end, it takes forever and a day. But that moment when you achieve everything you've ever wanted, you can stay in it forever. Day, weeks, months from now, you can still relive the moment over and over, and for this reason it is infinite.
So when Asami kissed Korra, there was no understanding of time. It was one moment and all moments. They could've been there for seconds or hours, Korra wouldn't know. Each touch brought a hundred new memories for Korra, each memory multiplied into a thousand emotions. If this were an infinite loop and Korra trapped here forever, she'd be just fine with that.
Asami slowly pulled away from her, and Korra couldn't fight the dopey grin off her face. A few coughs and other uncomfortable sounds reminded her that they were not, in fact, alone and had just made out in front of ten people, coaches included. Asami climbed off of Korra, red-faced, as the latter sat up, laughing sheepishly, hand to the back of her neck.
At a loss, and desperately trying to think of something to break the tension, Korra turned abruptly to Asami.
"Sooo will you go out with me?"
There was a distinct clatter as Lin Beifong dropped her clipboard and threw her hands up in exasperation.
"I'll be back, I'm just going to throw up," she said walking out of the gym.
Two nights later, Korra collapsed onto Asami's bed, ruffling the neat sheets.
"Hey!" Asami said. "That was perfectly made before you got to it!"
"Oh come on, relax! We just won! We're in the finals!"
Asami flopped onto the bed next to her. "And you played beautifully."
"So did you," Korra said, "except that's because you're always beautiful."
Asami scrunched her nose, and started to rise from the bed.
"Wait, where are you going?" Korra grabbed Asami's arm.
"I'm going to see if I can find some wine for your cheese."
Korra rolled her eyes and pulled Asami back to her. She'd literally dreamt of this, Asami above her, bangs tickling her face. Asami bit her lip, and Korra slid a hand further up Asami's arm, urging her down.
Asami placed her lips on Korra's, and together they moved in rhythm. When they finally broke the kiss, Asami settled her weight over Korra.
"You know," Korra said, "you're finally where you should be."
"And where's that?"
"Next to my heart."
Korra felt Asami smile against her neck.
"Nerd."
I realize the day before a big game, no coach would ever let their leading players have a dick-measuring contest, but goddamnit, it's the final chapter. Whatever.
IMO Korra's the one with the cheesy pick up lines and Asami has a hard time accepting compliments.
And you ALL knew what kokoro means. I knew y'all were a bunch of weaboos, because no one said anything about the simple little sentence in last chapter's summary.
You guys are fucking amazing. This started out as a one shot and grew into a multi-chap story.
Did someone say Epilogue?