Chapter 32

Asami stood in the corner of her office looking over her plans for her latest project, her back to the closed door. She was so deep in thought she nearly didn't hear it opening.

"Oh Maya, don't worry, you didn't have to come check on me. I'll have the contracts signed and stamped before I leave today, I promise."

"If you get them knocked out now, do you think we could get out of here and go for a drive?"

Asami whirled around and stared. It wasn't Maya standing in her office. There, not even ten feet away, with her bright eyes and grin, was Korra.

"Korra…y-you're here…you're back! I thought you weren't due to be here until next week!"

"I decided I couldn't wait any longer and took my own boat. No one else knows I'm back yet. I just got to the city and well…I may have rushed straight here," Korra told her, a blush rising in her cheeks.

Asami was stunned for a moment before she raced forward and captured her friend in a hug. Korra seemed surprised at first but quickly held her back just as tightly. And in those few moments, as Asami held Korra against her, the last three years just seemed to disappear. It didn't matter how long she'd been gone; she was here now. Warm and safe in Asami's arms. Korra's scent, that Asami could never place other than it was so particularly Korra, enveloped her.

"I'm so happy you're here Korra. I've missed you so much."

"I've missed you too," Korra whispered as she pulled away slightly and gently placed her hands on either side of her face. "But I'm not leaving you again, I promise." As Korra said the last, she leaned up and captured Asami's lips with her own. Asami had only a moment to be shocked before the feel and taste of Korra's lips surrounded her so fully that there was no room inside of her to feel anything else. Her heart seemed to stutter and before she allowed herself to be swept away in the power of this amazing woman, Asami kissed her back.

Asami had often thought about their kiss on the airship three years earlier, right before Korra had been taken. If she were totally honest with herself, she'd thought about it more than was probably healthy. That kiss had tilted her world on its axis. Had changed so much and had made her feel things she'd never felt before in her young life. It had been amazing, and bittersweet considering what had come next.

This kiss…this kiss was quite different. This time there was no hesitation between them, no evil society hanging over their heads. It was full of warmth and passion. When Asami felt Korra's tongue against her lips begging to be let in, she moaned loudly, not at all caring about who might hear them, and gave in to Korra completely. Before she knew what was happening, Korra had backed her against her desk, the cool metal teasing the exposed skin of her lower back where Korra's strong hands had begun exploring.

Gasping, Asami broke away from Korra, wanting to ask her if they should leave right freaking now so they could head back to her home. Specifically, her bedroom. But she never got the chance as Korra immediately placed her mouth at the hollow of Asami's throat, tasting her warm skin and making Asami forget whatever it was she was about to ask. It didn't matter. Nothing mattered but the feel of those lips against her skin.

Moaning, Asami tangled her fingers in Korra's hair as she leaned back, giving the younger girl better access. Korra took full advantage of this as she softly kissed and licked her way across Asami's collarbone, at times biting the skin just enough to make Asami gasp.

Not able to take it any longer, Asami pulled Korra's face back to her own and kissed her hungrily. Their tongues sparring, with neither wanting to give in. It was then that Korra reached down and lifted Asami so that she was sitting on the desk and pressed herself fully against the engineer. Asami, who had always admired how strong Korra was physically, realized then just how damn sexy it was too. She wrapped her legs around Korra's waist, pulling the Avatar even more tightly against her.

Korra broke their kiss and stared at Asami who, breathing heavily and trying to figure out how she was going to survive this encounter, was stunned by the all the emotions in the beautiful girl's eyes.

"Asami…I want you. All of you…please…?" Korra breathed against her lips and Asami knew then she had only ever had one answer in her heart to the question Korra was asking.

"Yes, Korra. Yes," Asami whispered back and Korra grinned that beautiful smile and leaned forward to kiss her again.

The sound of her alarm clock had other ideas.

Groaning, Asami quickly reached over and shut it off; tempted to throw the offensive clock across the room. Sitting up, she took a shaky breath. Her skin felt overly warm despite the cool air of the morning in her bedroom. It was not the first time she'd had such a dream about Korra, but it had been a while since the last one and it left her a little out of sorts. Plus, she was tempted to try to go back to sleep so she could pick up where it left off if her mind would be so kind.

Shaking her head, Asami rose out of bed and began preparing for the day. The official opening of the new rail system was today. It couldn't be missed. More importantly, the sooner she got through the day, the sooner it would be tonight.

Korra was due to return tonight, Tenzin had told her, and Asami was equal parts excited and nervous. It was going to be the first time she had seen Korra in 3 years. They had been writing back and forth steadily earlier in the year but Korra had stopped writing 6 months earlier. Asami hadn't pushed, had tried not to worry. She knew that Korra was still struggling from the letters she had written. If she wasn't writing, then that was ok. Asami knew she had to be understanding, even if it was hard, and did hurt the slightest bit.

But it didn't matter anymore, she told herself again and again. Because Korra was coming back. There wouldn't be any more hopes being dashed when she looked through her pile of mail at the end of the day. No more wondering what the other girl was doing, how she was feeling. She'd be here.

As excited as Asami was though, she also worried. Three years is a long time. What if they had both grown to be too different? What if they couldn't pick up where they had left off? It was a topic they hadn't discussed in their letters. Asami not wanting to bring it up out of fear of adding too much on Korra's already heavy plate. Didn't want to push too hard. But that also left her in a perpetual state of wondering that was painful in its uncertainty.

What if after all this time, Korra only wanted to be friends? Would that be enough for Asami? It would hurt of course; she'd been in love with Korra for so long now. And yet, shouldn't she just be grateful to be able to have any part of Korra that the other girl was willing to give?

Asami sighed, as she combed her hair and pulled it back. She was overthinking it, as always. She just needed to be patient and see what happened. Whatever happened between them would be whatever it was. There was no sense worrying about it now. And yet…

And yet.

There it was. The ship coming from the South Pole was finally pulling into port. Asami's nerves were still present but her excitement couldn't be denied. Korra was nearly home and everyone was so excited to see her.

Once the ship docked and the portside door opened, the first to emerge was Naga and Asami laughed with joy. She had missed the polarbeardog who clearly felt she hadn't had enough attention judging by her immediate need to roll over and beg for belly rubs. The children were happy to oblige and as they leaned down to give Naga all the belly rubs she rightfully deserved, Asami glanced up to see Tonraq exiting as well, but no Korra. Frowning, she looked to the others who also seemed confused.

"Tonraq! It's good to have you back in the city. And everyone is excited to see the Avatar again," Tenzin greeted his old friend.

But Tonraq immediately looked very confused and Asami felt the worry in her stomach begin tightening. Oh no…

"What do you mean? Isn't Korra already here?" he asked.

"No…we thought she was coming with you…"

"Korra left the South Pole six months ago. She's written me letters…she said she was here in Republic City," Tonraq explained.

"I assure you, your daughters not here."

"Then where is she?"

Asami sat on her bed, her knees pulled up to her chest as she thought about how wrong the evening had gone so quickly. Korra had left the South Pole six months ago, supposedly headed here. Had she tried to get here, and something had happened? But then, that couldn't be it. She was still writing her parents, lying to them about being here in Republic City. Why would she do that? And where in the world was she?

Tenzin immediately began coordinating with the available Airbenders on the island and Tonraq to form a search party and find her as quickly as possible. Asami felt so overwhelmed. She was worried that something had happened to Korra, that she may be hurt somewhere, somehow. Hurt that the younger girl had continued to write to her parents even if it were to lie to them and hadn't bothered to tell Asami what was going on. Hadn't trusted her to help or at least listen. And anger. Asami realized she was angry with Korra, for disappearing and making everyone worry, for not being here, for leaving her all over again in a way.

It was then that Asami realized how much she had changed over the last few years. Three years ago, she would have immediately gotten on a ship or an air balloon and set off in search of her friend, leaving everything else behind. But now, the thought hadn't even crossed her mind until just then. She had rebuilt so much of her life here and helped so many people. She couldn't just drop all of that to go after a girl who was determined, it seemed, to push people away. Asami had responsibilities here, and she needed to honor them and hope that Korra found her way back to Republic City, and back to Asami.

As Korra packed her bags she made sure to put the stack of letters she'd received from Asami over the last few months in a safe place that would keep them dry. The voyage wasn't too long, but she enjoyed rereading them as they brought her comfort and reminded her of the girl she was going to see very soon.

Originally, she had planned to write to Asami and let her know that she had finally decided to return to Republic City and continue her healing and training there. But something in Korra, some feeling she couldn't quite place told her not to. So instead, she decided it would be a wonderful surprise. Korra couldn't wait to see the look on Asami's face.

Later, after she had finally made it far enough out into the open water that she could no longer see her home behind her, Korra sat back and pulled out the last letter she had received from Asami. It was only a week old but already the paper was worn from how many times she folded and unfolded it. Lighting a small flame in her hand to read by, Korra read it again:

Dear Korra,

I miss you.

I know you already know that; I tell you in almost every letter, especially lately. But I do and I need to know that you believe it. You're so missed here, not just as the Avatar but as Korra, my friend.

Things are going well and the new rail system President Raiko commissioned me to build is going smoothly. I even managed to have a meeting with him yesterday and not want to strangle him once. Small miracles happen every day, right?

I spoke to Mako recently and he was telling me that the department might be pulling him off duty in a few months to act as bodyguard for Prince Wu while he's in the city. He's definitely not happy about it and I can't blame him. He seems so settled and happy with what he's doing. Hopefully, it won't be too long though.

Do you still receive letters from Mako and Bolin? I know you said you hadn't been writing them, and in a way I understand. But I hope you know that they miss you too. I haven't seen Bolin in a long time, but he writes me and never fails to mention how much he misses all of us, including you.

I wish I had more to tell you, but things are pretty much the same around here. Work is keeping me busy and Maya never fails to make sure I stay on top of things. I don't know what I'd do without her. Oh! She's getting married! It was so sweet. Her fiancé, Sab, waltzed into the office two days ago with a bouquet of flowers, got down on one knee and proposed right there. Maya was stunned, you should have seen her face. Finally, she laughed and said, 'It's about time you idiot!' and kissed him. We all laughed, and I gave her the rest of the day off. I wanted to give her the week, but she wouldn't hear it. They were smiling so much they could have lit up the room. It was amazing.

I still go to my weekly dinners with Tenzin and the family (and sometimes more often). The children are as funny, crazy and wild as ever. Jinora especially has grown so much and is becoming such a leader. Ikki still never fails to ask the most random questions and keeps you on your toes. I'm convinced Milo will someday rule the world and Rohan gets bigger every time I see him.

It's crazy how time flies isn't it? I hope this letter finds you well, and that we'll be together again soon. I want to talk about my day with you over dinner every day and hear all about yours. I want to see your smile and watch you argue with Tenzin and Raiko. You're ridiculously cute when you're mad to be honest.

I miss you Korra and I hope to see you soon.

Yours,

Asami

Korra sighed and leaned back to look up at the stars. This letter had been partly why she had decided to return. It was true what she told her parents, that she felt like she had hit a wall and needed to be where the action is. Needed to find her groove again. But she also missed everyone so much. She was missing out on Tenzin's children growing up. Rohan wouldn't even know her! Time was flying by and if she didn't find her way back there soon, what else could she miss out on?

So Korra had made the decision that it was time and here she was. With the stars to guide her, and her favorite constellation in the sky a constant reminder of Asami, she made her way North. Made her way home.

Just because you know the reflection you're looking at belongs to you, doesn't mean you always recognize the person looking back. Korra certainly didn't recognize the person staring back at her in the mirror. Hadn't recognized that person in months.

No, not for years.

It had all seemed so simple months ago. She would head back to Republic City, see everyone again, find her way back to who and what she was and things would finally go back to normal. She had been nearly there, the city lights and statue of Aang there to greet her. But they weren't alone. Seeing the shade of herself from that day staring back at her from across the water, Korra hadn't felt fear like that in nearly three years. She felt herself become overwhelmed by the fear, the shame and the uncertainty seeing it brought.

How could she possibly go back when she was still so broken? How could she expect anyone to fix her when everything wrong with her was her own fault? That wasn't fair to them, not when they had their own lives.

So, she had made the decision to turn the boat around and find her way back to everything she used to be, on her own. Her encounter with the fisherman had proved she was too easily recognized so she had purchased some simple Earth Kingdom style clothes and let go of her old ones. The decision to cut her hair had been difficult but necessary. When she had stared at her reflection after, she had wondered vaguely what Asami would think if she saw it. Then decided it didn't matter, not then.

She had written her parents, she had to. Korra knew they would worry if they didn't hear from her since she had set off alone. She hated to lie to them, but she knew if they had known the truth, they would have begged her to come home. Or probably sent out a search party for her. That wasn't what she needed though and as much as she loved her parents, they wouldn't understand. No one would.

Asami might have, Korra thought deep down. But she couldn't take the chance. Korra had wanted to write to her, to tell at least her what she was really doing. But she didn't trust herself. If Asami wrote back to her and asked her to come back or to let Asami join her, Korra wasn't sure she'd be able to say no. And she had to do this on her own.

Korra had left the bathroom finally, having only barely healed her wounds from the fight, if you could even call it that. As she wandered the streets she came upon a small white dog.

If you had told Asami even a month ago that she would be playing a game of Pai Sho with her father, she would have called you crazy or cruel. But to Asami's surprise, that's exactly what she found herself doing.

She hadn't forgiven him and wasn't certain she even ever could. But still, sitting there with him and playing like they did when she was younger brought back a feeling of contentment she hadn't realized she'd been missing.

They played 3 games before he had to go back and Asami said goodbye. She didn't hug him, just nodded with a small smile. It was a small step in a direction she never thought they would go again, but a step nonetheless.

She decided to make a quick stop at the office to check on things before the weekend and then head home. When she got there, she saw Maya was wrapping up for the day.

"Hello, Maya. I'm just here to review a little paperwork then I'm headed home. Have any plans for the weekend?"

"Oh yes, Sab and I are going to take a drive and have a picnic just the two of us. We haven't done that in ages," Maya grinned then said her goodbyes before heading out the door. Asami glanced out the window and saw the sun was beginning to set. She'd head home as soon as she looked over the last few plans she'd received.

Before Asami could start however, the phone on her desk rang.

"Hello, this is Asami."

"Hey…it's um-Korra.…."

Asami froze, she didn't even dare breathe. She hadn't heard Korra's voice in 3 years and the Avatar had disappeared for the last 6 months and now suddenly she was calling Asami?! What was happening? This couldn't be real.

"K-Korra…?! How-where are you?!"

"I'm back in the city. Jinora, Ikki and Milo found me in the Foggy Swamp where I was…well sort of training…with Toph Beifong of all people. It's a long story, but we just got back and, well I wanted to let you know that uh-that I was back," Korra stuttered and Asami was left trying to comprehend it all. Not only was Korra back but she'd been in the Foggy Swamp? And did she say Toph? As in Avatar Aang's Earth Bending teacher Toph?

"I'm so glad to hear from you Korra, and that you're back. We've been so worried about you-"

"I know," Korra said quickly, "I'm sorry about that. I want to tell you all about it, everything that's happened. Can I see you soon? Maybe tomorrow?"

"Well, Mako and I were planning on getting lunch at a new restaurant that's opened a few streets over from my office. Why don't you join us?"

"That sounds great," Korra told her and Asami could hear the smile in her voice.

"Great, um noon? Here, I'll give you the address."

Asami did just that and just like that the call was over. She was left staring at her phone in wonder. Had that really just happened? Was she actually having lunch with Korra tomorrow like the last three years had never happened? She quickly called Mako and told him what had happened and their plans tomorrow included their old friend. He was excited and promised to grab them a table as soon as he got there before she hung up.

Asami let out a shaky breath and gave up on looking over the plans and instead just headed home. Her gaze being drawn occasionally to the island where Korra was right then. It would be so easy to just go there now. The ferry ran late, it would be possible. But something stopped her. Was she ready to face Korra? She was still upset, still worried, still so many things.

No, she would wait and see what tomorrow would bring.

Whew! *Fans self repeatedly* That first section was fun to write! I know, I'm evil. Of course it was a dream *cackle*. Don't kill me guys, at least we're finally there. Korra and Asami are finally meeting back up in the next chapter.

Also, I realized I made a mistake in the previous chapter and mentioned Asami having read her father's letters. That actually did not happen in canon and that's my bad. I'm going to go back and fix it and I know it's minor but still sorry about that.

Maya getting engaged to her fiancé is just a little thing I wanted for my OC who always takes such good care of Asami. Also, her fiancé's name Sab is in honor of the voice actor for Monk Gyatso. 😊

Anyway, as always thank you all for reading/reviewing/favoriting/giving kudos/and following. I love that you enjoy my little fic (not so little anymore!) and I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I hope to have the next one up this week or next as I'm just as excited as you are to reunite our girls. Let me know what you think and stay safe out there!