Chapter 11: Korra's Last Night in Town

Just fifteen more hours, thought Korra. In only fifteen hours, she would be on an airship headed to Ba Sing Se. She was standing on Asami's speedboat, looking at the woman she loved. The wind was blowing Asami's hair all around as she piloted the boat away from Air Temple Island, where they had just had dinner and Korra had exchanged goodbyes with Tenzin's family. The kids had hugged her and Ikki had cried, and Korra had cried a little, too. She loved those kids, and she loved Pema, who had held her in a motherly embrace and assured her that she would look after Asami for her. So many people had told her they would take care of Asami, and while she was grateful, she felt saddened that she couldn't be there to do it herself.

Luckily, Asami probably wouldn't need very much care-taking. Asami was the most independent and confident person she'd ever met. It was one of the things she loved most about her. Even standing there on the speedboat with her hands on the wheel, she was completely calm, cool, and in control. Walking slowly to keep her balance, she wrapped her arms around Asami from behind and felt her lover lean back in to the embrace.

"Are you sad?" asked Asami, taking a hand off the wheel to lay it over one of Korra's.

"Yes," said Korra. "I hate saying goodbye to people."

"I know. I wish I could do more to help."

"You helped just by being there with me."

"As if I could have been anywhere else," said Asami.

For the last five days they had been practically inseparable. There were eight hours in every day where they both had obligations elsewhere, but otherwise they had been together the entire time. Each morning Asami took her to city hall where Korra talked with many people about the upcoming convention, and Asami went to work at various places in the city where her company was doing construction. Then, once the work day had ended, Asami would pick Korra up and they would have dinner at Air Temple Island before returning to Asami's mansion to spend the night.

It had been idyllic. It was a life Korra could picture herself living indefinitely. Asami was her lover, her best friend, and her partner. Every part of her life felt better and more meaningful because Asami was a part of it. Just as she had felt as they neared the end of their spirit world vacation, Korra was having difficulty imagining how she would be able to function without Asami at her side.

Korra couldn't help but wonder if Asami was feeling the same way. It was obvious that Asami loved her, but was she picturing the future the way Korra was? Was she planning her life around Korra the way Korra was for her?

They docked the boat and entered the city, trading the speedboat for a satomobile at Asami's factory. From there, they drove to Bolin's apartment, where they were planning to spend some time with him and Opal before heading back to Asami's place for the night.

When they knocked, they could hear laughter from behind the door which swung open to reveal a boisterous Bolin. "Come in," he said. "I'm teaching Opal how to dance!"

The radio was playing a big band tune, and Bolin danced his way over to Opal, taking her in to his huge arms and swinging her around, causing everyone to laugh. "I don't think I'm very good at this," said Opal.

"You're great at it," countered Bolin. "But don't worry; we'll keep working on it." He went over to the radio and turned the volume down, then invited everyone to sit. The mood became more somber. "Korra's last night in town," he said sadly. "What have you been doing today?"

"I spent all day in city hall with the Ai brothers," Korra told him. "They think really highly of you two."

"Yeah, they're great," said Bolin, and Opal nodded her agreement. "I've really been getting to know them at metalbending lessons, and afterwards the four of us get lunch and tour the city. I'll be sorry to see them go, especially since it means I'll be training with Chief Beifong alone."

"How are the lessons going?" asked Asami.

Bolin waggled his hand in the air. "So-so. I can't bend metal yet, but Beifong thinks I should be able to soon. She's teaching me how to see with my feet like Toph!"

Raising her eyebrows, Korra said, "Wow, really? That's nice of her. I thought she was just going to teach you metalbending."

"So did I, but according to her, seismic sensing can actually make metalbending easier. She says it will make me more attuned to the earth, which will make it easier for me to find earth in the metal." Bolin shrugged. "I don't think it's making it any easier, but I'm not going to pass up a good opportunity to learn another awesome earthbending skill."

"And she's still planning to teach you even once the Ai brothers are gone?" asked Korra.

"Yeah. Actually for the past few days, she's even been kind of nice to me. It's like she really wants me to succeed."

Korra thought back to the encounter with Lin that she and Asami had had three days ago. At that time, she had called Lin an honorary member of Team Avatar. She wondered if that had anything to do with Lin's attitude shift towards Bolin. "Lin has been really helpful to us in the past," she said. "I'm glad she's warming up to you. Maybe it means we're finally getting past her grumpy exterior and breaking in to the friendly woman beyond."

Everyone looked at her strangely. Then they all laughed.

"Well, fine. On second thought, maybe you've just somehow earned her respect," amended Korra.

"I don't know about me, but the Ai brothers definitely have," said Bolin. "She likes them. They're amazing earthbenders. They can both already metalbend and seismic sense. And Haku is really smart, he knows all sorts of stuff about bending and spirits and things like that."

"It's true," agreed Opal. "He told us he's planning a research project about all the airbenders that were awakened by Harmonic Convergence. He has tons of really interesting theories and ideas."

"They can't wait to get to know you, Korra. They want to talk your ear off about Avatar stuff."

Korra smiled. "I think I'd like that."

"OH!" Bolin suddenly interjected. "And you were totally right about Genly. He's gay, and he told me that Gethen is really against that kind of thing. He's super depressed about it. You gotta try and change things while you're over there, Korra. It's not right that a great guy like that can't be happy just because of something so minor."

She could see that he was totally serious. He truly did care about Genly, and about this issue. A wave of affection for her old friend swept over her, and she leaned forward to hug him. "I love you, Bolin."

"Aww," said Bolin as he returned the hug. "I have no idea what prompted that, but I love you too." He reached out and grabbed Asami and Opal, turning the embrace in to a four-way hug-fest. "I love all of you guys."

They didn't stay at Bolin's very long. Before leaving, Korra gave Bolin and Opal each another hug and said, "See you at the airfield tomorrow." They were both planning to see off the airship that would take Korra and everyone else to Ba Sing Se.

"You two have a great night," said Bolin with a wink, then yelped when Opal elbowed him the side.

"Don't you have even a shred of tact in you?" she said with a sigh. "Anyway, goodnight."

Korra and Asami left and went to Asami's mansion. They prepared for bed, and when Asami came out from the shower with a towel wrapped around her head, Korra bent the water off her body in what had become a nightly ritual for them. "There we are. Nice and dry," she said.

Asami watched from the bed as Korra shed her clothes, admiring her muscular body as it was revealed bit by bit. There was nothing she loved more than having Korra with her, sharing her home and her bed. She scooted over to allow room for her, and they lay on their sides facing each other. Asami decided to voice a topic she had been thinking about for the last five days.

"I've really enjoyed this past week with you, Korra," she said. She reached out and took one of Korra's hands, raising it to her lips to kiss her knuckles. "Going to bed with you, getting up with you, getting ready for work with you, having dinner with you; everything is better when I'm with you."

"Funny you should say that," said Korra. "I was just thinking the exact same thing about you earlier tonight."

"Were you?" Korra nodded, and Asami continued, "Knowing that makes it easier to ask you this."

"Ask me what?"

With butterflies in her stomach, Asami said: "When you come back from Ba Sing Se, whenever that is, would you consider living with me? It can be here, or somewhere else, or on Air Temple Island…"

Her next words never made it out because Korra cut her off with a passionate kiss. "Yes," she said. "Of course my answer is yes."

I'm so lucky, thought Asami. She returned the kiss whole-heartedly, her head swimming, her ears buzzing. She felt Korra's skin against her naked body and thought that she couldn't tell where Korra ended and she began. Warmth suffused her from her head to her toes, and for some reason she thought of the spirit Raava, the spirit of light that had chosen Korra out of all the other people on the planet who could have ended up being the Avatar. Raava had chosen Korra, and Korra had chosen her. So lucky, she thought again before it became impossible to think of anything but Korra's touch.

It was hard for Korra to shrug off the knowledge that this would be the last time they would make love for an indefinite amount of time. She went slow and paid careful attention, trying to memorize every last thing about Asami. For a moment she debated how she wanted to touch Asami, but decided that before the night was out she would have her all of the ways she wanted her. Any shyness or reservations she had felt in the past were completely banished now. Asami loved her, and she wanted to be with Korra the way Korra wanted to be with her.

The sun hadn't even begun to rise when the doorbell of the mansion echoed through the halls. Asami had fallen in to a light doze on Korra's shoulder, but she suspected she had only been asleep for a few minutes. Korra on the other hand was snoozing peacefully, and Asami took a moment to kiss her cute face before rising and grabbing a bathrobe to answer the door. She was still sleep-addled and barely conscious.

She opened the front door to see Tenzin standing there. They stared at one another. It occurred to Asami that her hair was probably a pathetic mess, and that she wasn't wearing anything under the bathrobe.

Finally, Tenzin cleared his throat and said awkwardly, "Sorry to wake you, but I'm here looking for Korra. We're due to take off in an hour."

"Oh," said Asami. "Right. Korra. Come on in. She's upstairs, um, still sleeping. I'll go get her."

She darted up the staircase and re-entered her bedroom, leaning against the door once she had closed it. Korra was just waking up, stretching her arms above her head in a catlike fashion. "Where'd you go?" she murmured sleepily.

"I think I may have just aged Tenzin by ten or fifteen years. He's downstairs," said Asami. "You're supposed to leave in one hour."

"Bummer," replied Korra. "I'm still so tired. You knew I had to get up obscenely early to catch the airship; I can't believe how late you kept me up."

"I seem to remember that there were two people involved in that decision."

"You're right. No big deal, anyway. It was worth losing a few hours of sleep. I can sleep on the airship." She rose and began putting on her clothes, and Asami stood and watched. "You should get dressed too, Asami. Or aren't you coming to see us off?"

"I'm coming," said Asami. "But I don't want to miss my last chance to see you naked for a while."

Korra blushed, which made Asami grin devilishly. But then Korra said: "Your turn."

They both knew Tenzin was waiting, so they tried not to dally too long. When they came down the stairs, they were completely ready for the day ahead. "Sorry to keep you waiting, Tenzin," said Korra.

"No problem. I'd forgotten what a lovely home you have, Asami."

"Thanks. You should see the secret factory under the garage. Oh, wait, you already have," she joked.

Tenzin chuckled. "Things sure have changed a lot since then," he reflected.

"For the better," added Asami. "It's been a rough couple of years, but things are great now."

"They sure are," agreed Tenzin. "Shall we get going?"

It was still dark outside when they set off. Tenzin had flown to Asami's mansion using airbending, but the three of them took Asami's car to the airfield where the airship was waiting to take them to Ba Sing Se. Future Industries owned the airfield, so Asami drove out on the tarmac and took them right to where the massive zeppelin was parked. They got out to greet the little crowd of people who were milling around. It looked like they were the last ones to arrive. Some of the people came to greet them as they got out of Asami's car.

"Good morning," said President Raiko. "I hope you're all ready for your journey."

"Ready as I'll ever be," responded Korra. "Is this everyone?" She looked around at the group. The Ai brothers looked refreshed and ready to go; they were standing near Bolin, Opal and Beifong. Next to them were the other members of the Republic City council, who were not coming to Ba Sing Se but were there as a diplomatic formality.

"I believe we're waiting on one more," said Raiko.

"Who else could there possibly be?" asked a confused Korra.

"Sorry we're late," said a voice that Korra would have recognized anywhere.

She swung around to confirm it; her father was getting out of the back of a car driven by Varrick. "Dad!" exclaimed Korra, and she threw herself in to his arms.

"Hi honey," he said, holding her tightly.

"What are you doing here? Not that I'm not amazingly happy to see you."

"President Raiko contacted me. He thought it would be a good idea to have some representation from the Water Tribes present at the constitutional convention. I think the Fire Nation is sending Firelord Zuko as their representative."

"So you're coming with us to Ba Sing Se?"

"I sure am," said Tonraq, smiling at his daughter.

"That is so great!" Korra saw Asami milling nearby with Tenzin, and she put her hand on her father's arm. "Dad, there's someone very special I'd like you to meet." She led him over to Tenzin and Asami. "This is Asami Sato."

"Um, Korra, we've already met," said Asami.

"Let me rephrase that," said Korra. "Dad, this is my girlfriend, Asami Sato."

Tonraq looked back and forth between the two women. "Well this is a heck of a thing to spring on me first thing in the morning," he said.

"I know. I'm sorry. I meant to write to you about it, but I was really hoping to tell you in person."

"For what it's worth," said Asami, "it's really nice to re-meet you, Tonraq. Your daughter means the world to me."

"You love her?" he asked somewhat gruffly.

"More than anything," was Asami's immediate reply.

Tonraq smiled and gave Asami a hug, too. "Then that's good enough for me." He stepped back and Korra moved to Asami's side and wrapped her arm around her waist. "I always liked you better than that Mako boy anyway," he said. "You seem like you've got a good head on your shoulders."

"That Mako boy is still one of my best friends," said Korra. "He'll be with us in Ba Sing Se."

"Will you be joining us, Miss Sato?" inquired Tonraq.

"You can call me Asami. But unfortunately, no I will not," she answered.

"Asami runs Future Industries, the company that's doing most of the reconstruction here in Republic City," explained Korra.

Raising one eyebrow, Tonraq said: "Is that so?"

"It's so," cut in Bolin, who had wandered over to their group. "Your daughter is a smart woman, sir. She managed to find the wealthiest woman in Republic City and made her fall in love with her. Can you say sugar mamma?"

"Hello Bolin," said Tonraq. "It's nice to see you again."

"You too, sir. Seen my ex lately?" asked Bolin, referring to the ever-terrifying Eska. "She's not here, right?" This was said with a frantic look all around the tarmac.

"No, she isn't here."

"Phew!" said Bolin with relief.

The captain of the airship came outside to inform them that it was time to board. President Raiko went up the gangway immediately, but everyone else lingered a bit to say their final goodbyes.

"Well it looks like our time in Republic City has ended," said Genly Ai to Bolin, Opal and Beifong. "Thank you for everything you have done for us." He and his brother put their fists together and bowed respectfully to the trio, who returned the gesture.

"I'm sure this won't be the last time we meet," said Haku. "I'll write to you when I'm planning to return here."

"We'll look forward to it," said Opal.

Genly stepped forward and reached out to clasp hands with Lin Beifong. "And most of all, thank you, Chief Beifong. You are the finest earthbender I have ever met."

Lin returned his handshake, and then his brother's. "You two are going to do great things. Keep working on your metalbending and your seismic sensing. If you're ever in town again, drop by and we'll see if you can beat me in a blindfolded duel," she said with a smirk. The Ai brothers turned and boarded the ship, and Lin went over to say goodbye to Korra. "Take care of yourself, Korra. Don't worry about Republic City. I've got this." She glanced very briefly to Asami, and she saw Korra give her the tiniest of nods. Then she walked off the tarmac, headed to her police cruiser.

Before boarding the ship, Tenzin clasped Asami on the shoulder in an affectionate and sympathetic gesture. She gave him a sad smile.

Bolin threw his arms around Korra in an over-dramatic gesture of departure. "Goodbye, my dear friend Korra. Until we meet again!"

"Bye, Bolin," laughed Korra as Bolin lifted her off her feet. "Be good."

Then Bolin and Opal tried to give Korra and Asami a little privacy by moving off to the side near Varrick and Zhi Li, who had given Tonraq a ride from the docks.

Turning to Asami, Korra saw unshed tears in those beloved green eyes, and she said: "C'mere." Needing no further invitation, Asami wrapped her arms around Korra. She felt Korra return the embrace, pulling her as close as possible. "I love you, Asami," she whispered.

"I love you too, Korra."

Korra kissed her, trying to convey all the love in her heart through the contact. "I'll be back as soon as I can," she said.

"Okay," was the only thing Asami could manage to say. The tears had escaped and were rolling down her cheeks.

"Hey," said Korra. "No crying."

"You're one to talk," replied Asami, because now Korra was crying too.

"I'm not crying," protested Korra. "I'm waterbending with my eyes."

Asami laughed despite the seriousness of the moment. "Well then, I guess I'm a waterbender, too." She leaned down for another kiss. "I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you more."

Korra pulled away and walked up the gangway to the airship. At the top she turned and looked back at her friends. Bolin and Opal had come to stand on either side of Asami in an attempt to comfort her. It made Korra feel a little better to see that she had those two at least. She raised her hand to wave and her three friends returned it. Then she continued on to the airship and the captain closed the door behind her. Within minutes they were airborne. Korra watched through the window as the tiny dot that was Asami get smaller and smaller before finally being obscured by a layer of cloud. Only then did she go to sit with her father and Tenzin.

Putting a comforting hand on her arm, Tenzin said, "I know it's hard, but you're doing the right thing."

"I know." She could feel more tears coming and knew she was powerless to stop them, so she stood abruptly and said: "Actually, I'm pretty tired. I think I'll go lay down."

She found her way to an empty cabin and collapsed on to the bed. Now that she was alone, she let herself cry until sleep came to her.