Chapter 9: The Sudden Engagement

A/N: Italics are for flashbacks, sorry if their confusing but it's part of the story and explanation is put at the end of this chapter.

" Asami, (cough) you don't know how happy I am to see that you're alright and that the beast didn't hurt you" spoke Hiroshi. While Asami was taking the warm cloth dipping it back to the bowl.

Placing the now cool cloth on her father's head Asami frowned at her father's statement.

"Yes, I am lucky that Kor- I mean the horrible beast didn't do anything worse than to take me as its prisoner." Frowned Asami. I almost said her name to father. He's wrong though she did hurt me, maybe not physically, but emotionally is a whole different story. (Sigh) just thinking about how we both parted that day makes me feel even worse. I shouldn't have slapped her but the way she spoke to me sounded as if she really meant it. Perhaps maybe I should go back to the castle… NO! I probably wouldn't even be welcomed back there, after all it does take two to fight and on top of that me and Mako…

As Asami entered her house she was greeted by the warm hug of her sick father. Surprised by the sounds of whimpering her eyes widened when she pulled back and saw her father crying. She couldn't understand it, she knew that she was gone for quite a while but those tears don't feel like tears of happiness that she came back, but actually tears of grief.

"P-papa?" Uncertainty clear in her voice.

Retreating from Asami, Hiroshi looked at her and then in silent voice spoke the words that will change everything, even before she came to the castle.

"Asami… for your benefit I have seen that Mako and you have taken an interest in each other, so from this point on I have decided that you two will be getting married."

"W-What did you say papa, I-I don't understand. You never acted like this before you always told me to make my own decisions! So why papa, who gave you the right to decide who I should marry?!" She couldn't comprehend this madness. I mean of course me and Mako went on a couple of dates and we did kiss a few times, but when did all that come to the conclusion of me marrying him?! It doesn't make any sense, first Korra thinks that I should leave the castle because it's the right thing and now my own papa wants to give me to Mako!

Hiroshi couldn't handle the yelling of his own child. "Because, I'M SICK ASAMI THAT'S WHY I WANT TO LEAVE YOU IN GOOD HANDS TO MAKE SURE THAT I DON'T LOSE SOMEONE ELSE THAT I LOVE!"

When he told me that, papa and I didn't speak for hours. It wasn't until Mako came inside my house that I just felt my body grow heavier, as if someone thought it was a great idea to put 100 ton weights on my back, and believe me if someone did try I would get Luka to chase them till their on their knees begging for forgiveness.

Lifting Asami up in the air Mako rejoiced in finally having his beloved back where she belongs. "Asami, my love you don't know how much of a relief it is to see that your well being is unharmed. I trust Bolin did a fine job of taking care of that beast?" Mako had such a wide smile that Asami felt she couldn't give one to him in return.

Asami looked away and with her back turned didn't see the frown on Mako's face and the glare that was sent to Hiroshi. Hiroshi undoubtedly knew that Mako was angered by the thought of Asami pushing him away and with the sickness in his system his body truly was in a weak state. If he didn't do something to clear the tense atmosphere then Mako would surely give him up to the asylum. Hiroshi looked back at Mako and slightly flinched at how much more he intensified his glare. He lifted up his own wedding ring when he and his wife got married and then turned it towards Asami. Finally by some great miracle Mako understood what Hiroshi was trying to say and held up a smirk when he thought that Asami must think she is unworthy of being known as his wife. He would definitely prove her wrong when they are both on their honeymoon and they finally decide to start a family.

Mako with a wave of his had dismissed Hiroshi as if he were a 'servant' and walked up behind Asami. Wrapping his arms around her waist he gently pushed himself up against her and whispered in her ear.

"You know I'm just as nervous about the wedding as you are, but that doesn't mean that you're alone since you'll always have me." He gently kissed her ear before he was suddenly shoved away.

Asami shocked by how much confidence this man had and immediately reacted, "Just what the hell do you think you're doing Mako! You can't just walk up to a girl, gently hold her without her permission and, and kiss her on the ear while her father is still in the house none the less!" She had just returned from a depressing situation and Mako thinks that she's fine with him giving her kisses and intimate touches. With her face red it didn't do much convincing Mako to give her some space.

Smiling as if nothing ever happed Mako walked towards her again, "You know I just love it when you try to push me away yet you still blush, makes me feel even more wanted." Raising his hand to cup her face Mako was silently waiting for this moment ever since he found out that Asami was missing from the town.

Asami wasn't really in the mood to give Mako a kiss especially when she just left Korra after they shared their first kiss ever since she was living in the castle and most definitely the last. She just wanted to savor the lingering warmth of the beast who had managed to capture her heart for a single moment…AND THEN RIPPED IT OUT WITHOUT ANY MERCY! But yeah…

"Mako umm listen I'm not really feeling well since I haven't had enough time to rest since the ride, but I'm sure that we'll have plenty of time for uh this so thank you and goodnight Mako." She made her way around Mako and opened up the entrance and exit of her home.

Mako wasn't exactly pleased that she did recuperate with his advances, but even he wouldn't do anything to risk Asami getting mad at him. He walked towards the door, but before leaving he gave Asami a kiss on the cheek.

I couldn't even begin to explain the happiness that washed over me when he finally left. Soon after that I'm back to square one, daughter and father silent awkward moment. Right now I've been avoiding Mako and giving him the excuse of me having to take care of my father. He recently just asked me out for another date again. Sure a woman likes to have a man who would pay attention to them and give them all sorts of gifts without a thought and treat them like a princess. The only problem is that I'm not that type of girl; I want someone who will treat me and like me for me and not just because of my pretty looks. Ugh, all of this reminds me of her!

"Asami, ASAMI!"

"Huh, what, is something wrong papa?"

A little irked about how his daughter was daydreaming he pointed down the stairs, "I have been calling your name for the last 20 seconds, someone is knocking on our door please go see who it is Asami"

Wow I hadn't even noticed that I spaced out for quite a while. I nodded at papa and told him that once I finished I would bring back some lunch for him.

"Asssaammmi we need to talk!" the voice was a little strange, but it sounded like…Mako?

I can't believe him didn't I already tell him no. If anything I'll at least give him points for his persistence… although persistence can only get him so far. Ha, already I feel like I'm not myself anymore…what would she think of me now if she saw me being so selfish and well, acting like a brat.

Asami reached the entrance of the door and without asking who it was and opened it. Who she thought she heard wasn't actually that far off, Mako wasn't the one standing in front of her, but actually it was his brother.

KORRA P.O.V

I thought I had already gotten used to being alone in this castle of mine, but even with Bumi, Tenzin and the others it just doesn't feel…complete. It's only been three days since Asami left and for those three days I've been a complete mess. The first day she left my mind was so confused about whether if letting her go like that was the best option that I had, or if I should have just told her the truth without the act. The second day was probably something others would have predicted, rage. I mostly blamed her for leaving and yes, I know that's a dick move, but it's still partly in my nature to put others at fault. Soon after spending all that time putting all my problems on Asami the third day is what really brought me way down.

I realized that after the way I acted with her she probably wouldn't forgive me and that for sure I've made the biggest mistake since, Hisana.

I figured that if I could finally do something right and help others that the outcome of my actions would help show others that I have changed. Although of course everything for me turns out to be the exact opposite of what I try to accomplish. Asami doesn't think that I helped her out instead she thinks that now I'm just a lust crazy animal who was only using her for her body. Well no one can deny that she does have quite a well shaped hourglass figure but she also has a kind hearted nature that not many women posses.

*Knock, Knock*

"What you two?" I really wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone in the castle.

"I hope you don't only expect my sons to knock on your door."

I turned around and was a little surprised to find Katara at my door. "I usually only get those two to enter my room." I said irritably. "I didn't expect you to come in on your own without my cup of tea." Suspiciously looking Katara up and down looking for an-

"If you think I came here with an ulterior motive then you're correct." She replied smoothly while looking at Korra with a small smirk.

Murmuring underneath her breath, "Damn tea pot." Korra took a seat near a table gesturing for Katara to come towards her.

"I heard that Korra." Said Katara with a scowl replacing her smirk.

Man, she always gets under my skin, can't she tell I'm not in the mood to speak to any of them.

"Katara, just get to the point already. Why are you in my quarters? I specifically ordered you all to stay away from me." Frustration once again taking over Korra's emotions.

"Listen to me Korra, I am already well aware of what you ordered, but the fact of the matter is that you need to get to quite with this ridiculous phase of moping all the time and have a sad, stupid look on your face. It's already been three days dear, you need to get up fix yourself and fix this mess that you two have created." Katara scolded Korra. The reaction that she got was amusing.

I can't believe that she spoke to me in such a manner! "I'm the master of this castle Katara and even if you are older than me that doesn't give you the authority to address me in such a way!"

She laughed slightly but wasn't intimidated by my statement. "Korra the only time that I'm allowed to speak to you in such a manner is when you're distressed and have no idea on how to fix your issue. I know that you and Asami are meant to be. I can see it in the way you smile at her or when you look at her with such adoration." Korra turns away from Katara looking out the window of her chambers. "I understand that her father is important to her and he probably wouldn't be in this situation right now if it weren't for you." Korra winced at the truth in Katara's words. "But I can tell you this if she was that desperate to convince you to let her stay she most definitely loves you in return. All you need to do now is show her once more."

Katara waited a moment when Korra turned around to face her again with a confident smile stretched across her face. At that moment Katara knew that she gave Korra hope, after all even if she was the master she is still just a child who needs guidance.

"Thank you Katara, I didn't know it but I truly did need that. I will talk to Asami again I won't make the same mistakes as last time." The confidence was radiating off of Korra.

"So then you'll go now yes?" Katara asked.

At this Korra's stance faltered and she hesitated with anxiety now making its way through. "Umm actually I was thinking perhaps um tomorrow would be a good time since it is the afternoon and I want to have as much time to plan things out on how I will approach her and explaining everything. Besides what's the rush she's not going anywhere." Scratching the back of her neck with her paw. Katara shook her head but the teapot had faith in Korra. As Katara left Korra to plan things out Korra once again walked to her window and opened them up to reveal the balcony where she stood looking out across the forest wondering what a certain someone was doing and dreaming of how tomorrow would turn out.

Okay so here I am with Bolin waiting ever so patiently for him to speak but it seems like I'll have to start this one-sided conversation. Taking a sip of my tea, "So Bolin what can I do for you? I hope it isn't a message from your brother."

Laughing nervously while avoiding her gaze Bolin answered, "Well um no not really, but I guess I just wanted to check up on you, you know. When Mako told me about your dad I immediately thought about how you would react and honestly speaking… we all thought your dad was crazy." Well that really is straight forward but from their perspective I guess I can see why so I won't take that much offence. "But even though we all didn't want to believe him in your disappearance there was one who did and that was Mako. He didn't give up on you or your dad and since I am his brother of course I had to help him. Seriously when Hiroshi fell ill Mako was like a son to him and helped him." Really? I didn't know Mako was that involved it makes me kind of regret for shoving him off like that for the last three days. I mean he was the first one I did sort of connect with and he's the first to not judge my father which is really hard to find a person who isn't willing to overlook my father's interest and not judge him. Maybe I was too hard on Mako.

I hadn't realized that I was dazing out but it was okay since Bolin was still speaking. "So yea I just noticed that Mako hasn't really been himself yesterday so Asami as his brother I'm begging you" and Bolin got to his knees, "please go out on the date tomorrow with Mako!" His eyes were clenched shut waiting for Asami's response.

Just watching how devoted he is to his brother and remembering how Mako once told me on one of our old dates how all he had was his brother since his parents were murdered when he was little made my heart clench. He probably hasn't felt any other love other than his brother's. He would have gained mine but I'm just not sure if I feel that way about him.

"Alright Bolin." He looked up at Asami with shock written all over his face but it was then replaced with a huge smile. Bolin got up and brought Asami into a bear hug that she felt as though he was crushing her bones. Tapping Bolin to let her go he apologized with a smile that caused her to start smiling for what she felt was ages ago. This boy just had that gift to make others smile even when they think there're not able to. "I'll go on the date but just let Mako know that it doesn't mean he can get all touchy alright. Besides I still haven't agreed to this engagement-"

"YOU TWO ARE GETTING ENGAGED?!" he shouted and then started jumping up and down fist pumping into the air.

"W-What no, no we're not getting engaged yet." Trying to calm Bolin down but didn't really change much.

He looked at her with a sly smile which confused her, "ha you said yet, so I guess that means not now but soon right, sweet I always wanted a sister-in-law." Bolin exclaimed with excitement and laughed even harder when he saw Asami blush.

"No that's not what I meant; I mean that I'm still not sure about this whole engagement thing. It worries me actually. What if Mako isn't the one I'm supposed to be with." And neither Korra for that matter. "Ah no offence Bolin I didn't mea-"

"Ahh don't worry I know what you mean." He shrugged it off. "I also had some doubts about when I was about to ask this one girl named Eska to date me which we did but then she took the whole dating thing a bit too seriously and had all these ideas about kids, marriage and me being a servan-" Asami was looking at him with a confused look. "Umm but that isn't the point the point is that someone else was actually there who supported me with my choice of Eska and that was Opal. I couldn't see it at first but she was the one my heart longed for and ever since I asked her out I've been nothing but happy. The feeling of having someone that completes you is unimaginable." Bolin finished with a dreamy look in his eyes and one could tell he was hopelessly in love. Asami was envious to say the least. How could someone like Bolin find such a romance and she was caught between two people who could both possibly have her heart but give her so many mixed up emotions. Guess you could say Bolin was lucky he had his love near him the whole time plus it helped that she was also giving him hints as to how she felt.

Snapping out of her thoughts she saw Bolin saying his goodbyes and making his way to the door. "Thanks again for hearing me out Asami, I think it's time to head back home besides I'm sure you need to look over your father and stuff. I'll see you later and great talk." Bolin winked playfully and with that was out the door.

She didn't even have time to say goodbye back and just raised her hand a little and gave it a small wave. Asami felt very conflicted right now. She walked back up to check on her father and saw that he was asleep. She smiled slightly then went to her own room. Looking out the window she saw many stars. "I wonder if Korra's looking at those stars right now." (sigh) how did things become so messed up. Korra, I know she's lying I have to believe it. If only she didn't have that barmy spell on her then things would have been so much simpler.

Asami may have a point but does she really think that if Korra was a human that the two of them would have even met? If it weren't for Korra capturing Hiroshi then Asami would have never even gained the knowledge that a castle existed far out into the woods. Now that would have been much simpler since her heart wouldn't have been torn out but even then their fates were already intertwined due to Hiroshi being the worst navigator in the little town. I'm sure we all can agree on that plus it makes for a great story with all this drama.

True to what Asami thought, she wasn't the only one looking up at the stars. As two pairs of eyes looked up at the same sky they whispered out three words that would impact the night and the events that followed tomorrow.

In unison- Asami & Korra

"I love her"

A/N: Yes I know its been a LONG time since I've uploaded a chapter and no I don't have an explanation for it so sorry if that disappoints you. I've gotten a few messages that wanted me to upload a new chapter and another one which I remember said to upload two chapters as to repay you and when I was finishing this chapter that comment was stuck in my head because yes, I do owe you guys who take time to read this fanfiction which at first I didn't really think would gain much views, but I was wrong. Right now I'm not really having that same drive that made me want to write this story at the beginning, but many of you want to see it finish and I will since I made it a promise. No I'm not going to bullshit stuff so that I can complete this story, I will take my time and hopefully come up with ideas that will please all of you. If any of you do have ideas that they wish to share then by all means please do. So I leave you with that, this chapter isn't that long but I feel it sets the tone for what's going to happen in the next chapter. Have a great New Years and happy 2016!