It was late in the evening but there was still so much activity buzzing around the city. Pema and Prince Wu had returned with the people they had been evacuating once someone had caught up with them to tell them it was safe to return. Now they were organizing safe places to stay for people whose homes had been destroyed in the battle.

Lin and Su were coordinating with the police force and General Iroh's men to do a number of tasks, not the least of which was finding a place to keep and guard all of the Earth Empire soldiers. And that was only after the few small skirmishes that had been fought between Iroh's troops and those who refused to believe that Kuvira had surrendered.

Tenzin and Jinora were out with the Airbenders flying over the city to check for survivors, fires, or anything else amiss. Even Ikki and Meelo were still awake and helping, their normal chaotic energy oddly subdued in the face of everything.

Mako was still being treated in one of the rooms set aside for healing in the Future Industries building, and Bolin hadn't left his side. Asami had immediately declared that the building could be used for whatever was needed and multiple offices, workshops, and storage rooms had been quickly overtaken. Mako, exhausted and injured, hadn't argued when Bolin had pushed him (gently) into one of those rooms to be looked at.

Korra herself had already been seen by a healer and her injuries treated. She was still sore and beyond exhausted, but that was to be expected. She looked around, feeling lost and trying to figuring out what she should be doing. There were so many ways she could help but where was she needed most? She could help the healers and there was no shortage of injured with the sailors Kuvira had shot at still coming in. Or she could fly around the city with the Airbenders and help to put out fires and aid whoever was in need. Maybe she should be with General Iroh and his soldiers, or with Lin and Su?

These were all things she could be doing, she just couldn't do them all at once. If she were honest with herself, while they were all places that may have needed her, there was only one place she wanted to be. But she also couldn't bring herself to go just yet when she might still be needed elsewhere.

It was Opal who seemed to sense her dilemma thankfully and the young Airbender came over to her with a tired smile.

"Korra, you should go sleep, you're exhausted."

"I am, but there's still too much to do Opal," Korra told her with a sigh as she looked around the ground floor of Future Industries. Pema was leading in another group of refugees and telling them where to go depending on whether they were injured, homeless, or looking for someone.

"You're right, there is still too much to do. And it will all still be here tomorrow, and the day after that, and the day after that. Do you plan to just not sleep until the whole city is fixed and back to normal?" Opal asked, sarcasm lacing her voice and, in that moment, Korra could see both her mother and grandmother in her friend. Beifongs….

"No, it's just... I should be helping somehow. I just don't know where or how at the moment."

"Korra, not only did you fight in the battle, but you also singlehandedly took down Kuvira and survived a blast that somehow created a new spirit portal. Believe me, no one is going to mind if you take a few hours, at least, to sleep. Go," Opal told her firmly.

Korra winced at the reminder of the spirit portal. She hadn't yet had the chance to explain to everyone what had happened. Everything else had become too urgent so it had been set aside for the time being. She wasn't even sure herself how to explain it. Instead, she nodded her thanks to Opal, deciding it wasn't worth the fight to stay, before heading over to the elevator and making her way to the floor with Asami's office.

The ride to her floor was long and Korra sagged against the wall. She was so tired but she couldn't do anything else until she checked on Asami. She refused. Not only did she have to make sure Asami was physically ok, but she also knew that her friend would be rightfully struggling with what had happened to her father. Korra wasn't even sure what she'd say when she saw her. She only knew that she needed to be there. Sleep could wait.

The elevator dinged and Korra stepped off onto the floor and looked around. It was eerily quiet after having left the chaos of the ground floor. The main room was dark, lit only the light of the spirit portal coming in through the windows on the main wall. She glanced over to Asami's office and though the door was shut, she could see a little light coming through the blinds.

She made her way and after hesitating for only a moment, Korra knocked lightly on the door. "Asami?" she asked quietly, "Asami, can I come in?"

There was a beat of silence before Korra heard a croaked "yes" and she opened the door. Asami was curled up in her desk chair, the only light in the room was the small desk lamp a few feet away. She didn't look at Korra when she came in, just stared blankly at her desk. Her eyes were red and puffy and her skin seemed paler than normal in the low light of the lamp.

Korra made her way over slowly and leaned against the desk, not so close to crowd her but enough to be there if she wanted it. At a loss for what else she could do, Korra tentatively reached out and put her hand over Asami's that was resting on her knee and then they stayed there together in silence. Neither of them really knew what to stay at the moment.

Surprisingly, it was Asami who spoke first after a while. "This used to be my dad's office, you know? I would come here all the time to watch him work when I was little after…after mom died. He even set up a tiny drafting table for me, right over there," Asami whispered as she looked over at one corner of the room that now held a large bookshelf and filing cabinet.

"I loved being here. I loved watching him work. He was creating new things, making the city better, and I wanted to be just like him. When…when I took over after he was arrested, I almost didn't take this office. There are many other places I could have made my own but, in the end, I still chose to keep this one. I couldn't even explain why at first when I decided to stay," Asami's voice was raspy with hours of use and tears. Korra simply stayed silent, letting Asami work through what she needed.

"It took me a while to realize it was because I wanted to hold on to that feeling I had when I was in here watching him work. I had to let go of so much else when he was arrested. My respect for him, my understanding of who I thought he was, even memories I thought had been good had suddenly felt like a lie. I had to lose so much three years ago, I didn't want to lose this office too. And now…" Asami looked around the room and Korra sensed she was seeing more than the furniture and tools scattered about.

Asami choked back a sob as her voice shook to get out her words. "Now I'm sitting here realizing that he's never, ever, going to walk through that office door again. He's never, ever going to just be anywhere again. I can't visit him in the prison, he's never going to write me another letter, and I'll never be able to tell him anything, ever again!" Asami sobbed the last, her shoulders shook and Korra finally couldn't hold back. She reached out held Asami tightly and just let the poor girl cry and mourn her loss.

When her tears had subsided and she was no longer shaking, Asami sniffled and whispered, "I'm so tired Korra."

Korra only nodded, even though Asami couldn't see her. Making a decision, she leaned down and picked Asami up out the chair. Asami gasped and looked up at Korra then for the first time while her arms instinctively wrapped around Korra's neck. Korra smiled softly and spoke to her as she slowly walked over to the couch. "It's been a very long day Asami," she told her gently. "We should sleep."

Asami nodded, not looking away from Korra as the younger girl gently leaned down and placed her on the couch. Before Korra could even think to move away, Asami grabbed her hand. "Stay," she pleaded.

Korra nodded and said, "I'm not going anywhere Asami. This is where I need to be right now."

She laid down on the couch and wrapped her arms around Asami who had rolled to rest her head on Korra's shoulder. They were right back in the same position they'd been in only days before when Korra had slept over in her office. It felt so right to hold Asami like this, to care of her and protect her. She didn't need or want to be anywhere else.

It wasn't long before Asami spoke again, the words whispered against the sensitive skin of her neck while Korra gently ran her fingers through Asami's hair. "Dad asked me if I would bring you by the prison after everything was over."

"He did?" Korra asked, surprised.

"Yes. He said he saw the way I looked at you when you left to distract Kuvira while we finished the prototypes. He wanted me to bring you so that he could get to know you better. We had finally made peace and the fact that he asked me to do that… I was so happy Korra. I was so excited for it," Asami's voice shook a little at the end and Korra held her tightly.

After a few moments, Korra took a deep breath and used the palm of her hand to gently urge Asami to look at her.

"I'm so, so sorry that we won't get that opportunity, Asami. But, if you're willing, I'd love to hear all of your stories about your dad. About both of your parents. Whatever you're willing to share, I want to hear all about them. When you're ready, ok?"

Asami smiled slightly and nodded before placing her head back on Korra's shoulder. Korra reached over and grabbed the blanket off the back of the couch and covered them both. It had been a very long day, and the days to come would be just as busy. But for now, they both allowed themselves to let go and sleep.


Asami was glad she'd had the chance to get at least a few hours of rest the night before. Having Korra there with her had been the only reason she'd been able to. The day so far had been quite busy and it was still only mid-morning. After waking up, she and Korra had headed downstairs for a quick meal being served in her building's cafeteria. They'd separated then to get cleaned up and changed before heading off to their own tasks.

Asami was working with all of the groups to make sure anything and everything her building could be used for, was. Refugees, mini hospitals, supplies, you name it. Future Industries was at the heart of the recovery. She wouldn't have it any other way.

She was also getting reports from workers she had sent out around the city to assess the damage. Some parts of the city weren't safe due to all of the structural damage so she had worked with Tenzin and Lin to make sure those areas had been sealed off to the public for their safety. If Asami thought her company was busy after Vaatu and Unalaq's attack, that was nothing compared to now. Plus, this time they would need to work around the addition of a new spirit portal. While Asami typically loved challenges, this was going to be her biggest yet, she knew.

Now though, she was in one of the lower offices of her building that had been set aside as an "anything needed room". She along with Tenzin, his family, Su's family (including Lin), Mako (who was looking much better despite his arm being in a sling) and Bolin were all sitting around the room staring at Korra. Varrick and Zhu Li had wandered in as well and while he'd never be her favorite person, Asami could admit he had as much right as anyone to be there and hear what had happened, especially considering his knowledge of the weapon.

Thankfully, President Raiko hadn't joined them. She wasn't overly surprised though. He'd gotten into a shouting match earlier with Tenzin over his "blatant disregard for authority". Apparently, the president was unhappy that Tenzin had ignored his order to stand down and had actually thought to blame the destruction of the city on him and Korra. Surprisingly, Korra had been the one to calm them both down. Asami hadn't been there to witness what had happened, but Jinora was and had told her about it.

"Mr. President, you did what you had to do to protect this city and its people. No one is arguing that. But the fact is, so did we. The existence of that machine could not be allowed to stand and so we fought. Do you really think Kuvira would have stopped with taking the city? No, she would have kept going, and we couldn't let that happen. We needed to take a stand, and so we did. The city can and will be rebuilt. Be upset all you want, but I don't regret what I did. I don't regret stopping her, or stopping that abomination of a machine. If you want to banish me again, go ahead. But right now, I have a job to do. So, if you want to keep yelling instead of helping, get in line," Korra told him sternly, but calmly before walking away. The jaws of everyone in the room gracing the floor as she left.

Asami wished she could have seen it. The President had since made himself scarce and Asami couldn't be bothered to care.

Now though, she watched as Korra took a deep breath and started to recount what had happened once everyone had gone their separate ways inside the mecha giant. Asami had winced at the reminder of how they had gotten in there but she pointedly ignored the few looks of sadness being thrown her way. She had already spent so much time crying, and while she knew it would take a long time to move on from what had happened, from what she had seen, right now she needed to focus on the present.

Korra explained her fight with Kuvira in the main control room, the blast that knocked their portion of the machine to the side of the town near where the cannon had landed, and running after Kuvira.

"I followed her into the spirit wilds in downtown. I couldn't find her at first and I shouted that she needed to stop the madness. She shouted finally to come get her and I followed her voice. When I found her, I was shocked that she had climbed on top of the energy cannon. I didn't even know it was there! She pulled a lever and it activated the weapon. I was able to dodge out of the way in time but she had no real control over its direction since it was trapped hanging in the vines. She lost control of it completely when the vines holding it and surrounding us started to glow the same purple as the weapon," Korra explained.

"No shocker there! Spirit vine energy is highly unpredictable. My guess is the energy of the weapon connected with the energy already stored in the vines that were there and caused the massive kaboom! Am I right?" Varrick asked excitedly.

"Well, sort of? I think?" Answered Korra. "The spirit vines were going crazy and the weapon was completely out of control. I shouted at Kuvira to shut it off and when she pulled the lever back, nothing happened. She couldn't shut it off. She was thrown from the cannon and landed hard. For a second I wasn't sure she'd get back up but when she started to, we both realized that the weapon, that was still firing, was heading right for her. Before it could hit, I jumped in front of her and went into the Avatar state."

Everyone in the room either gasped or stared at her in shock. Asami couldn't believe what she was hearing. Korra had risked her life…for Kuvira?

"Korra, what were you thinking? You could have been killed," Tenzin asked.

"Honestly, it was instinct. There was something that Zaheer told me when I went to see him to get help finding Jinora and the others. I tried to tell him that my power has limits but he disagreed, he thinks it's limitless. I'm not sure I honestly believe that it's limitless, but I'll admit, his words stuck with me. There was this feeling I had. Somehow, I knew deep down that I could stop it. The beam hit and I managed to hold it back. It felt so strange. I could feel the raw energy surrounding us and flowing through me. I pushed back with everything I had. I wasn't trying to bend it so much as just keep it at bay long enough for her to get away. But before she could, the energy overloaded. I heard an explosion and the next thing I knew; she and I were in the spirit world. She was hurt and I managed to talk to her about everything and convince her to surrender. That's when we came out and found all of you…" Korra finished and looked around sheepishly at her audience who sat there stunned.

Asami, for her part, didn't know what to say. She had so many emotions running through her in that moment. Feeling herself getting overwhelmed, she stood up and walked out of the room, ignoring the calls from the others asking if she was alright.

She managed to make it mostly down the hallway before she felt someone gently grab her hand call her name. Korra.

"Asami? Asami, are you alright?" she asked.

Asami could only stare at her, Korra's blue eyes filled with worry as she did so. Finally, Asami pulled her hand away as she stepped back from Korra who looked confused and hurt.

"You almost died. Again."

"Asami…I…we all almost did…" Korra muttered, confused.

"No, Korra. You almost died, almost got yourself killed to save her. How could you?!" Asami shouted.

Korra could only stare, stunned at Asami's anger.

"You promised me! You promised you were going to be careful. You promised you wouldn't leave me again and you almost DIED. All to save the woman who was trying to kill us all. The monster who killed my father! How could you Korra?!" Asami was breathing heavily, her anger flowing through her and taking over. She didn't know how to feel anything else in that moment.

"Asami, I had to. What else could I have done? I didn't just have to save her, I had to stop the weapon before the whole city was destroyed," Korra pleaded.

"You didn't have to save her! You certainly didn't have to almost die doing it either!"

"Asami…"

"No, Korra. I can't…I can't do this right now. I have to go. Please, just leave me alone," Asami told her before backing away and leaving quickly. She left the building and rushed off, away from everyone, away from Korra and what she had done.


Two weeks. How had it already been two weeks since the battle? Since Kuvira and everything she had brought with her? Horribly, it had been two weeks since Asami had spoken to her.

Korra was resting in her room on Air Temple Island after an incredibly long day. The rebuilding efforts were going well so far. Most of the people who had been evacuated had returned. While that had brought with it its own problems, it also meant more people available to help.

For her part, Korra had spent this particular day in meetings with the President, Tenzin, Prince Wu, Lin and Su. The main topic of discussion being what to do about Kuvira, her soldiers and the chaos that would be erupting again in the Earth Kingdom.

Kuvira would stay in Republic City under guard while she awaited trial. There was no question she would be facing justice for what she had done. As for her soldiers, many would be let go in the end, at least those of lower rank. The officers, generals, and high ranking scientists would each be tried. But it simply wasn't possible to try and convict every single soldier. Many of them were just people trying to survive in the aftermath left behind by Zaheer. The group had even agreed to consult with Fire Lord Izumi and her father, Zuko, on the matter. Their nation had recent experience dealing with issues such as this and their experience would be invaluable. For the same reason, her father would be sailing to the city as well.

Prince Wu was stepping up as a leader, though he was still quite annoying. She had to give him credit though. He had really done a great job during the evacuation and was responsible for saving a lot of people. Turns out, he wasn't so bad after all. As long as he wasn't singing.

President Raiko was still fairly upset with the way things had gone but he had opted not to voice his displeasure any more and simply move on. Korra was hopeful though that in the next election someone better would take over from the politician.

After their meetings were finally over and the sun was beginning to set, Tenzin had invited everyone back to the island for dinner and a chance to catch up. The President respectfully declined, as did Lin, but Prince Wu and Su agreed happily.

Korra had asked Su, quietly, on the way back to the island about Baatar Jr.

"He's…fine, I suppose. His injuries from the factory collapse were minor and have been healed. Things are still tense though with the family. Whatever his reasons, he still betrayed us, and he's having to face that within himself as well as the family. It's going to be hard, Korra, but we're trying to deal with it as a family. He'll be placed into my care and put under house arrest in Zao Fu. I'm grateful for that much at least. It could have been much worse," Su explained, her eyes sad.

Korra didn't have much she could say to that so she just stayed quiet. She knew what she wanted to ask Su, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. Instead, once they landed on the island, everyone headed to the dining hall and she begged off, telling them she was too tired after the day and would rest for now.

Lying in bed and staring at the ceiling, Korra couldn't help but think of Asami, of the battle, of everything that happened, especially their argument. Seeing Asami so angry had been a shock though Korra could understand where Asami was coming from. But that didn't change what she had done, or how she felt about it. At least, she didn't think it did.

Korra had thought many times to go and find Asami in the last two weeks and try to speak with her, but every time she got too scared. She wanted to give Asami her space after everything and honestly, she was afraid of what Asami would say to her. Were they over before they had even begun?

Korra sighed when she heard a soft knocking on her door. Assuming it was Tenzin coming to try to get her to eat something, she yelled out a "come in" and was surprised to see Su.

"I thought I'd bring you a plate and sit with you for a bit, if that's alright?"

"Oh, yeah, thank you Su."

Su handed her a plate that was still warm before sitting in the chair at the desk next to her bed. They were both quiet for a few moments while Korra picked at her food. Finally, Su seemed to be done waiting.

"Korra, I can tell there was something more you wanted to ask me about earlier. What is it?"

Korra set the plate down on her bed and looked away for a moment before looking back at Su. She bit her lip nervously before finally deciding to just jump in and ask.

"Are you angry with me for saving Kuvira?" she finally asked, her voice low and filled with the worry she'd been trying to hide.

Su sat there stunned, her eyes wide in disbelief. It took her several moments, spent opening her mouth and closing it again as if she couldn't decide where to start, before she finally spoke.

"Korra…no! Of course not. Why would you think such a thing?"

"Because Asami hates me for it, so why shouldn't you after everything she did to your family?" Korra told her miserably.

"Ahhh. I see. I had noticed that you two had been avoiding each other the last couple of weeks, and she did seem upset after you explained what had happened that day. Is that what she told you? That she hates you?"

"Well, no. But it definitely seems that way and she hasn't spoken to me in two weeks. She was so upset, Su. She yelled at me for saving the woman who had killed her father, and for risking my life in the process. She and I…well, we've already been through a lot together. She knows things about me that I hadn't told anyone else and I had promised her I'd be careful, that I'd come back, and I..I…"

"And when she found out you almost didn't because of your sacrifice for Kuvira, she became upset," Su summarized.

"Yeah," Korra sighed.

"And you think that she hates you, and that I should hate you too?"

Korra stayed quiet, not knowing what to say.

"Korra, do you think you did the right thing?"

"I don't know, yes? Maybe?" Korra told her miserably. "In that moment, I wasn't thinking. She was going to die and I had to save her. There was nothing else. I knew I had to try. But was it right? I want to say yes, but it feels like it's come as such a cost."

"Korra, look at me," Su implored her and Korra did. All she saw was the same gentle caring and determination she had become used to associating with Su.

"Saving the life of another is not wrong. You are the Avatar and it is your most basic instinct to try and save others. No one can fault you for that and if they do, then they just don't understand. Kuvira, for all her faults, for all she's done, she isn't evil. Don't misunderstand me, I'm extremely angry with her and I will see her meet justice. But everything she did, I know she did because she believed she was right, because she believed she was helping her people. That doesn't make her evil. I'm glad you saved her, Korra. I really am."

"Really?"

"Yes. I raised her since she was a little girl. No matter what she's done, no matter how angry I am with her, I can't just erase the love I feel for her. Feelings don't work that way. I remember still the scared but stubborn little girl I took into my care. I have many regrets, things I wish I had done or said differently that if done maybe would have put us in a different place now. But I can't go back and change that. I am glad though, that she's still alive, and while she will have to still face the consequences of her actions, I hope one day I can at least find the person I know she is deep inside her again. So, thank you Korra, for giving us that chance."

Korra drew in a shaky breath, feeling at least a little lighter than she had before Su had come in. Su wasn't finished though and she reached out and took Korra's hand, patting it softly with her own.

"And Korra? You need to know that Asami does not, and could never, hate you. She's angry and scared, but she doesn't hate you. She watched her father die right in front of her. Something like that changes a person, it sticks with them. She's still dealing with that. I can only imagine how it must have felt for her to see him die, and then to find out that the person she loves most almost died saving the one who killed him? That's a lot, Korra."

Korra looked at Su in surprise. "Oh, did you really think I didn't know about you two, Korra? Please, I knew years ago when you first came to Zao fu. It's plain as day how you two feel about each other. But don't worry, I haven't said anything to anyone," Su assured her.

"We're still figuring out what we are, and what to do about it. Or at least we were before, well, everything. We were going to talk and figure it all out after we dealt with Kuvira but now, I don't know what's going to happen," Korra sulked.

"Well, my first piece of advice is to stop all this waiting and "putting off" that you two keep doing!"

"What? What do you mean?"

"Korra, you're the Avatar and she's the CEO of a major corporation that frankly is only going to get bigger and bigger the longer she runs it, as smart and capable as she is. There is always going to be something happening. If you two keep waiting until the next calm moment to 'figure things out' as you said, you'll never get around to anything! Life doesn't work that way for us regular people, it's certainly not going to work like that for you. Your whole life is going to have missions, battles and problems. She's always going to have a company to run and a world to save with her genius. You need to stop waiting, and start doing because life isn't going to wait for you. You need to grab life by the horns and just jump in and take things as they come!"

"That's all well and good but she isn't speaking to me, Su!"

"There's a difference between not waiting for the perfect moment and giving someone who has been through a traumatic experience the time they need to heal, Korra. You, more than most, should understand that," Su admonished.

"Look, all I'm saying is that when you two are ready to talk, don't let the world around you be an excuse to wait any longer. Life's too short for that. Asami will come around, I promise you. She doesn't hate you and I think once she's had time to process it, she'll realize you did the right thing, as scary as it is to think about. But Korra, you need to understand something also," Su told her seriously.

"If you're going to be in a relationship with someone, you both need to respect who it is you are, and what that means."

"I don't want being the Avatar to get in the way of who I love Su, that's not fair!"

"No, it isn't, but that's how it is. Asami, if she wants to be with you, and believe me she does kiddo….Well, she needs to respect and accept what that comes with. There are times you're going to be out on a mission and she won't be there. There are times where you're going to put your life on the line, and she's going to be terrified, but it's part of the job. You have to respect her also, Korra."

"Of course I respect her! The things she's doing for the world are just as important!"

"That's not what I mean, Korra. You have to respect and understand that she's going to be scared for you, that she's going to worry. She has to accept that you have to put the world first in many ways and that's not going to be easy for her. She's going to need your patience and understanding. The two of you will be great together, Korra, I can feel it. But that doesn't mean it will be easy. You're going to face a lot of obstacles. Understanding each other's point of view is going to go a long way to help with that."

Korra sat there silently as she thought over Su's words. She was right, she knew, but it was a lot to take in. She'd never really considered the burden it would be to love someone in her position.

"Doesn't it make me selfish then? To ask her to go through all of that just to be with me?"

"Of course not! You're still human at the end of the day Korra, nothing can change that. You're allowed to have a life and to love. Spirits know you're far from the first Avatar to love someone and be in a relationship! Besides, that's Asami's decision to make, not yours. You have to respect her enough to let her make her own decision and stand by her. Love isn't easy, Korra. It's one of the hardest things we do as humans. But that's what makes it so beautiful, the work and care we put into it."

Su stood then and stretched, her back popping noisily. "Well, there's my lecture quota for the day. You finish that food, you need to keep your strength up. By the way, you'll be going to Varrick's wedding, won't you?"

"Yeah, I'll be there. Is it really only a week away? Everything seems to be moving so fast these days."

"Time moves no matter what we do. Even the Avatar isn't immune," Su grinned.

"Su, thank you. For the food and for, everything else," Korra smiled at her. She was still worried, still doubting, but she had more hope in heart now than when she'd first come to her room. That was something at least.

"Any time Korra."


The sound of leather being struck again surrounded Asami as she continued to take all of her frustrations out on the heavy bag. Every punch and kick she threw was a step closer to feeling something other than all this anger. It was supposed to be anyway, but it wasn't working. Hadn't been working in days and only served to tire her out enough so she could sleep for a few hours at night. It was something at least.

The gym at Future Industries was well stocked and she'd used it more often the last few years than the one she had at her own home. Not surprising when you considered her work hours. She'd been coming in late at night to work off her problems and when she couldn't sleep. Her days were filled with rebuilding the city, meetings, and trying to stay one step ahead of everything. Maya was a huge help of course, but there was still just so much to do. Frankly, she should have been exhausted enough to sleep without the need to work her body further, but her mind just wouldn't let her.

Her thoughts wandered then, as they continuously had for days, to Korra. She struck the bag hard with a left jab. She hadn't spoken to Korra since she'd left her in the hallway that day. Her guilt, anger, pride and fear all stopping her.

Strike

She couldn't face Korra, not yet, not with everything she was feeling warring inside of her. Besides, Korra made it clear she was willing to put that…that monster, before her own self. How was she supposed to deal with that?

Strike

It wasn't fair. Things were supposed to be better after they dealt with Kuvira. She was supposed to be building a relationship with Korra, getting to experience having her back here in the city.

Strike

She was supposed to still have her father here.

Strike

Strike

Asami was panting as she leaned on the bag. She was covered in sweat and her arms felt like lead but it wasn't enough. She continued to hit the bag in a variety of combinations. She'd keep going until she couldn't feel anything.

"That bag must have really ticked you off, kid."

Asami spun, surprised both by the sudden appearance of anyone in her gym so late at night and also by who it was.

"Lin? What are you doing here?"

"I had a late dinner with Su and the rest of the family. We're trying to do that sort of thing more. It's mostly annoying but it has its moments, I suppose. Anyway, I was headed back to the precinct and thought I'd stop by, see how you were holding up," Lin told her as she walked over and leaned against the nearest wall.

"I'm fine, thank you."

"You don't seem all that fine."

"You don't know me that well Lin, so forgive me if I'm not too concerned with your opinion."

"True, I don't. Should probably work on that too honestly. But what I do know is that hitting that bag until you pass out isn't going to make you feel any better. I've tried it, doesn't work," Lin eyed Asami carefully and it made her so angry to see the concern there.

"You don't know anything!" Asami shouted at her.

"Then tell me, kid."

"Why do you care? Why are you really here?"

Lin sighed and looked away for a beat before she answered, "Asami, you're going through something no one should ever have to. It doesn't take a detective to figure out you're going through it alone either. That's not good for you, or the people who care about you."

"It's not up to anyone else but me. I'm fine, so just leave me alone."

"Can't do that kid, sorry."

"Stop calling me kid! I'm not a kid anymore! Not after everything that's happened!"

"No, I suppose you're not. But, kid or no, you should still talk to someone, and I'm standing right here."

"Why would I want to talk to you? You don't know anything about what I'm feeling!"

"You watched your father die right in front of your eyes Asami. I may not being able to say the same, but I have watched people I care about get hurt and in some cases die. It's not easy, for anyone. You have to talk about it though, to someone. You can't bury it."

"Interesting choice of words, Lin. Do you know there was so little left over that I had almost nothing to bury? Can you imagine how that felt?"

Lin was silent as she stared at Asami, a pained expression on her face. "You already had the funeral then? I didn't know."

"I didn't tell anyone. No one would have come anyway, not for him."

"Now that's just not true, Asami, and you know it," Lin said, anger coloring her voice for the first time since she'd walked in.

"Isn't it? He was Hiroshi Sato! He nearly handed the whole city over to Amon and the equalists. He was Hiroshi Sato, the man who nearly started a war. Hiroshi Sato, the man who tried to kill his own daughter. Nobody cared about him! Nobody would have gone!"

"He was also Hiroshi Sato, the man who is responsible for saving this city. It was his idea that got us into the giant. That counts for a lot, Asami."

"It also got him killed! If you had just left him in the prison, he'd still be alive! He'd have been safe!"

"So that's it then? You're going to blame me for his death?"

"Why shouldn't I!"

"I asked him if he would be willing to help, and he never even hesitated. He jumped at the chance to help this city, to help you. He made his choice, Asami, no one else did. He chose to help, he chose to fly that machine with you, he chose to stay as long as he did cutting the hole, and he chose to save you and sacrifice himself. It wasn't my fault Asami. And it sure as hell wasn't yours," Lin told her firmly as she walked over to Asami slowly.

Asami couldn't say anything. She was crying and she should have been surprised because she'd already cried so much she didn't think she had any tears left to give. Her arms with leaden and ached fiercely. She wanted to swing at Lin, to hurt her for making her feel any of this but she couldn't. Lin stepped right up to her and all Asami could do was stare at her, her breath coming in hiccups and rasps.

"Asami, it wasn't your fault. Do you hear me? It wasn't your fault." Lin shocked her then by reaching out and pulling her into a tight hug. Asami couldn't respond, she could only sob harder as Lin held her tighter. She finally managed to lift her aching arms up enough to hold Lin right back.

After a while, Asami wasn't sure how long, she was able to calm down and pull away from Lin. She sat down with her back against the wall and just stared.

"I spent so much time the last three years ignoring his letters, ignoring his existence, and then we finally manage to make peace, and now he's gone. It feels like such a waste."

"Your father sacrificing himself for you doesn't erase what he did," Lin told her and Asami turned to glare at the woman, a shout ready on her lips, but Lin held up her hand. "I'm not saying what he did wasn't noble, and that he didn't redeem himself. I'm just saying that you can't be angry at yourself for the last three years. You needed to protect yourself after he tried to kill you. There's no shame in that. The fact that you were able to move forward and forgive him, that you both made peace, is a miracle and one you should be proud to have been a part of."

Asami calmed and sighed. "Maybe you're right. But it doesn't make it hurt any less."

"No, I don't imagine it does. Give it time. And maybe lean on the people who care about you. They want to help, but you have to let them."

"I know you mean Korra, but I don't know how to face her."

"Why?"

"I yelled at her, that day she told us what happened with Kuvira. Learning that she had nearly gotten herself killed to protect that….that…awful woman. How could she do that? I was so angry with her and I yelled at her and stormed away. Now, I don't know how to face her. I'm ashamed for what I said but I'm also still so angry."

"What did you expect her to do? Let Kuvira die?"

"Yes! She deserves it! All those people she killed! All those lives she's ruined, the destruction and taking over the Earth Kingdom. I watched her kill my father like he was nothing. Why shouldn't she die!?" Asami hissed.

"It is not up to Korra to decide who should live and who should die. Is that really what you want from her? To be the kind of Avatar who is judge, jury and executioner?"

"Others have in the past…and I didn't say she should kill her…"

"Letting Kuvira die when Korra could have saved her would have been the same as killing her. You know that. And fine, maybe there have been Avatars in the past who would have made that call. But is that the kind of person you want Korra to be?"

Asami stared, unsure how to answer that. Is that what she wanted?

"Korra leaps ahead without thinking and tries to save as many people as she can. That's who she is. Forget being the Avatar, that's Korra. That's not going to change, no matter whose life is on the line. I, personally, wouldn't have it any other way. Because of her, Kuvira will face the consequences of her actions. We will have justice for your father, and everyone else whose lives she ruined. Korra did the right thing, no matter how angry you are at Kuvira."

"Korra could have died Lin. For her."

"I know. But not for Kuvira, for being who she is. She's alive, she made it through. We all did, Asami. Don't waste your life being angry over something you can't change when you have people who want to move forward with you. It's not healthy. Believe me, I know."

Asami shook her head, "Korra probably doesn't want to see me anyway, Lin. I was so angry."

"Kid, there will never be a time that girl doesn't want to see you. Trust me."

Lin stood up and offered Asami a hand. She hesitated for a moment but then accepted.

"Get some food in you, take a shower, get some rest and then go talk to her. Doesn't have to be in that order but I'd recommend prioritizing the shower," smirked Lin.

"Is that an order Chief?" Asami smiled.

"Sure, we'll go with that. If not sooner, I'll see you at the wedding this weekend," Lin waved and walked out, leaving Asami with much to think about.


Asami had taken that shower, and rested and even gotten some food. But by the next day she hadn't yet found Korra to talk to her. She was still nervous. Asami knew she had overreacted and she was worried that Korra wouldn't want to speak to her. Not knowing was somehow less scary than knowing for sure.

The decision was taken out of her hands however when she was leaving the President's office after a lengthy meeting. As she was walking down the hall, she noticed Tenzin and Korra walking towards her. A sudden, very strong urge to turn and rush off the other way hit her but she fought it. Instead, she stood there waiting, not looking away from Korra who herself looked quite nervous.

"Asami! So good to see you," Tenzin greeted her.

"You as well. Here to speak with the Raiko?"

"Yes," Tenzin sighed. "Again. He wants to talk about the plans for the city, what's been done and the like. You?"

"Same. I needed to give him a progress report on some of the downtown areas we had originally blocked off. Some of them are already built back up enough to allow people through to at least better assess the damage."

"That's wonderful! We'll have this city looking like new in no time with your help Asami," Tenzin said, his voice proud.

Korra had remained silent up to now but finally she stepped forward and spoke. "Tenzin, I don't think the President needs me in this meeting. He just wants someone to glare at. Do you mind if I skip this one?"

"Not at all Korra. You've been working hard. I'll see you later and update you with anything if needed. Have a good day, both of you," Tenzin bowed and made his way towards Raiko's office.

Korra and Asami stood there together, both fidgeting nervously. They both finally gave in and ended up speaking at the same time.

"I'm sorry-"

"Can we talk?"

They both blinked and then smiled at each other.

"Yeah, I'd like to talk. I'm um..I'm sorry I haven't been around much the last few weeks," Asami said quietly.

"I haven't either. We've both been really busy."

Sighing, Asami whispered, "We both know that's not the reason, Korra."

Korra nodded, the side of her mouth quirked up but her eyes were sad.

"I know. I guess I can understand if you hate me now Asami but I need you to know-"

"Wait…wait. Hate you? Korra, I don't hate you!"

"You don't?"

"Wh-no! Korra I'm so sorry, I never meant to make you think I hated you. I was angry over what happened but I didn't have any right to be angry with you. I was wrong. I was upset about my dad but that doesn't excuse how I treated you. I took my anger out on you and I'm really…really sorry."

"Asami, no, you had every right to be upset…."

"No. No Korra, stop. I didn't. As angry as I was and still am at Kuvira, I could never honestly wish for you to let someone die, even her. That's not who you are, and I never want to change that. I'm sorry for reacting the way I did and I'm sorry for avoiding you all this time."

Korra stayed quiet for a few moments before she reached out tentatively and placed her hand on Asami's shoulder. "I get the need for space. Trust me. I did miss you though…"

"I missed you too," Asami whispered, placing her hand over Korra's on her shoulder.

They both smiled at each other softly and stayed there like that until someone walked by and they pulled apart, light blushes forming on both of their cheeks.

"I need to head back to the office. I have at least three more meetings today I need to get through before I can be done. Will I see you at the wedding tomorrow?"

"Yeah, I'll be there. Wouldn't miss it. Even if it is the last wedding I expected to be attending," Korra laughed.

"I know right? Varrick and Zhu Li. Who would have thought?"

"So weird. But at least they're happy I guess," Korra smiled.

"Yeah. I'll see you there, Korra. Save me a seat?"

"You got it."

Asami was about to walk away before stopping and giving Korra a quick hug first. She held Korra tightly, breathing in her unique scent before pulling away with a smile and walking away. It wasn't perfect, they still had a lot to figure out. But they would get there. They were going to be ok.


Korra looked around the island at all of the decorations. Varrick had of course spared no expense and while it was quite lavish, Zhu Li had managed to temper his choices down a little, so it was also quite beautiful.

The string lights and torches added a beautiful glow that was only accentuated by the sight of the spirit portal in the distance. The sun had set not long after Korra had stepped outside. She'd already spent some time speaking with her father, who had come up to visit and attend the wedding. He was also there to help with the discussion on how to help with the Earth Kingdom and what to do with the prisoners. She was glad for his help and wisdom and couldn't be happier that he had come.

Her father, along with Lin, Su and Opal, had already gone to take their seats but Korra was determined to wait for Asami. She'd asked Opal to save her two seats in her row. Opal had grinned and agreed.

Now, she just needed to wait. Thankfully, it wasn't too long before she saw her. Korra felt her heart speed up and a blush rise in her cheeks. Asami was absolutely stunning.

"Hey, Korra," Asami said as she walked up to her.

"Hey, Asami."

"You look beautiful! I love your dress," Asami complimented her and Korra felt her blush grow.

"Y-you too. Look beautiful I mean. You look beautiful. You always do, actually, but I mean…well tonight, you look really beautiful, um…" Korra rambled and Asami just grinned at her.

"Thank you. Should we head to our seats?"

"Yeah, Opal is saving us some near the front. C'mon," Korra led her to their seats and she smiled when they sat down. Nearly everyone was seated and having Asami there next to her was all she could have wished for after everything that had happened the last few weeks. Or really, years.

The ceremony was beautiful and so uniquely Varrick and Zhu Li that Korra couldn't help but smile for her friends. While she may not ever fully trust Varrick, she couldn't deny that she liked the crazy man and was happy for him. Zhu Li was good for him and she herself was amazing. Korra hoped for nothing but happiness for the couple.

After the ceremony, everyone was led to the reception area where food and dancing was the order of the night. Korra had been happily surprised to see Tahno and his band were the ones playing. She was even more surprised by how good they were. Good for him, he deserved it, she thought.

She'd lost track of Asami but she wasn't too concerned. They had both been pulled into conversations with various people.

Seeing Mako and Wu talking, she decided to head over and see how the monarch and her friend were holding up.


"So, you and Korra seem to be doing alright," Su smiled at her as she took a sip of her champagne.

"Yeah. We talked a little bit yesterday and it went ok. I apologized to her and while things aren't perfect, we're getting there."

"I'm very glad to hear that, Asami. I know things have been difficult for all of us the last few months, so it's important to find our happiness where we can."

"You're right," Asami sighed as she looked over at where Korra and Tenzin were speaking by the steps to the beach. She'd wanted to go and see how Korra was doing but didn't want to interrupt. Asami hadn't been able to spend much time with Korra this evening like she'd hoped. She'd been pulled out on to the dance floor numerous times, spoken with the President and his wife, congratulated Varrick and Zhu Li, and spoken with dozens of other people who had wanted to thank her for her work around the city. She was exhausted and it was still fairly early.

"Su, Asami! Glad I found you! Would either of you know where they store the extra glider suits? It would be the perfect send off for me and my bride to jump off the tower with the fireworks in the background. Think of the drama! Think of the memories! Think of the mover!" Varrick shouted, his voice full of excitement.

"Um, that is certainly…an…idea. Isn't it Asami?" Su asked, trying to be polite.

"Oh yes, it certainly is," Asami nodded, her eyes wide. Why was she surprised? Varrick was crazy after all.

"Asami, why don't you go and ask Tenzin about the suits while I talk about the plan with Varrick?"

"Sure, I'll go do that…" Asami nodded and walked away, not hearing the conversation between the two as she did.

"You think she bought it?" Varrick asked, smugly inspecting his new ring.

"Does it matter? She's going to interrupt Tenzin and finally get some time with Korra. By the way, you might want to hide, Tenzin will be looking for you frantically in a matter of seconds," Su grinned at him.

"But it does matter! That was some of my finest acting! I could have been a mover star you know but I was born to be behind the camera! To call the shots and bring my vision to the worl-oh hello Tenzin!"


Korra smiled as she watched Tenzin run off in panic, not at all jealous of having to try and wrangle a determined and crazy Varrick. She looked at Asami and again marveled at how beautiful she looked.

"Want to sit with me for a minute? I'm not ready to get back to the party just yet," she asked her.

Asami smiled softly at her and joined her on the steps. After a moment though, Korra couldn't help but break the silence with what had been on her mind for the last few weeks.

"I don't think I ever really apologized."

"For what?" Asami asked, confused.

"For being gone all that time. For not coming back sooner," Korra told her. And in truth, she hadn't. Not really. She'd apologized for not writing, for leaving how she had, for the cliff, for so many things. But not that. Not the thing she really needed to apologize for most, she felt.

Concerned, Asami leaned toward her. "You don't need to apologize for anything," Asami told her, trying to give her a reassuring smile. "I'm just so happy you're here now," Asami said quietly before looking out at the portal sadly. "I don't think I could have handled losing you and my father in the same day." Asami's shoulders were slightly hunched and she had crossed her arms, trying to protect herself from more than just the chill in the air.

Korra's heart broke for the girl who had gone through so much in the last month. "I am so sorry about what happened," she said and held Asami tightly as she wiped away a tear.

"Thank you. I'm just glad I was able to forgive him."

That, she had realized, had been such a blessing. That she had been able to forgive her father, and make peace with him before he died, that was something she would always cherish and hold on to.

They sat there together quietly for a few moments, enjoying the view, before Korra spoke again.

"So what now? Back to the dance floor?"

"I'm kind of all danced out. Honestly, after everything that's happened in the last few months, I could use a vacation."

Excited, Korra turned to her with a grin, "Let's do it," she said. "Let's go on a vacation, just the two of us, anywhere you want."

Surprised, Asami stared at her. "Really?" she glanced down, thinking for a moment. "Okay. I've always wanted to see what the Spirit World's like."

Korra looked out at the portal, already imagining all the places she could show Asami there and sighed happily.

"Sounds perfect."


She and Korra ended up sneaking out of the wedding early. They let a few people know where they were going and for how long, such as Tenzin, Lin and Korra's father. Realizing there was no time like the present, and just how badly they needed this vacation, both women realized there was no reason to stay and not just go right then.

"We can head to my room, I'll pack a few things and then we can head to your place to pack yours and head straight over to the portal from there since it'll be closer. Sound good?" Korra asked her and Asami only nodded and smiled as she followed Korra to her room.

She stood back and watched while Korra shuffled around the small room quickly, grabbing a backpack and filling it with extra clothes and supplies. She couldn't help but think about how easily she moved around the room, Korra's movements sure and steady. When Asami had seen Korra in her dress earlier, she'd been amazed once again at the younger girl's beauty. Korra was of course always beautiful, but it was the rarity of her in a dress that added something extra to the moment.

She'd also been reminded of the last time she'd seen Korra in a dress.

Asami winced slightly at the reminder of three years prior when she had been helping Korra get ready for Jinora's ceremony in this very room. Korra had been so lost then, so hurt in a number ways. Asami had worried so much for her but now, now here she was, standing, smiling, excited again. It warmed her heart to see it.

"Asami? Are you ok?" Korra asked, breaking her out of her thoughts.

"Hmm? Oh, yeah, sorry I was just thinking. Did you say something?"

"I was just saying how great this will be. I haven't been on a real vacation ever and this is going to be amazing. I can't wait to show you everything, and introduce you to some of the spirits. Although some of them can be a little testy so we'll need to avoid those, oh and then there's this lake you need to see and-"

"I love you."

Asami and Korra both froze. Shocked at herself, Asami was amazed she'd actually said that out loud. There it was, right there in the open.

Korra turned slowly and stared at Asami, mouth open and eyes full of surprise. Asami took a moment to stare back at her, wondering if she needed to take it back or try and play it off. But then she realized that no, she didn't want to do that. Not any more.

"Korra, I'm in love with you. I have been for a long time. I wanted to plan this whole thing and be more romantic when I said it but I'm tired of waiting. I'm tired of putting it off. I don't want to wait with you anymore. I don't want to wait for us. I need you to know, right now, that I love you. More than anything and…and if you don't feel the same that's ok. But I just need you to know and I couldn't wait a second longer and I really need you to say something because I'm kind of freaking out right no-"

Then it was Korra's turn to interrupt her, though her method was slightly different. Korra rushed forward and pulled Asami into her arms as she leaned up and kissed her. The kiss was gentle at first, Korra's lips gracing over Asami's gently while Korra held her tightly, one hand sliding up to the back of her neck. Asami gasped slightly at the feeling of Korra's warm fingers dancing across her cold skin and Korra used the opportunity to lick slowly into her mouth, exploring as Asami moaned.

They kissed for as long as they both could, neither wanting to pull away. Finally, breathing became too important and Asami pulled away just enough to lean her forehead against Kara's, her eyes closed and just enjoying the feeling of the moment.

"In case I wasn't clear just now, I'm in love with you too, Asami."

Asami opened her eyes and pulled back a little more to look at Korra who smiled at her while she traced her thumb along Asami's jaw.

"I love you, and I'm done waiting too. No more waiting, no more figuring things out. I just want you, Asami," Korra whispered and Asami was stunned to see her eyes glistening slightly with tears.

Asami shook her head. "No more waiting. I just want you too, Korra. I want us."

Asami leaned down and kissed Korra hard, her hands holding the shorter girl's hips as Korra groaned and kissed her back just as fiercely.

It was a long time before they finally pulled away from each other, and Korra chuckled. "I think this is going to be the vacation ever."


As they got closer and closer to the portal, the two women reached out and grasped each other's hand before stepping inside and staring at one another. There was a moment, before the portal swept them away, that they were frozen between two worlds.

It was a place they knew well, having spent so much time stuck between friends and lovers, knowing and not knowing. But now, they stood together in love and understanding. Their hands intertwined and smiling at one another knowing that no matter what lay ahead in their future, they would be facing it together.

The road to forever was long, but it would be worth it.

The End


So it's a couple days later than I originally planned and I'm sorry. But! Look at that word count! Holy Raava people! I think I definitely went out with a bang, wouldn't you say? I had to of course add some angst. Personally, just like with Korra's suicidal thoughts, I felt that Asami's seeing her father die in front of her needed to be addressed. As did Korra risking her life for Kuvira.

When I started this fic, it was because I was just so amazed and inspired by Korra and Asami's story. Six years ago it was unheard of to have two women fall in love with each other on a 'children's' tv show. But they did it and changed everything. I suddenly wanted to write again and it felt good. While I never intended for this fic to take as long as it did to finish, we can't all plan for what life has in store for us. 4 and a half years ago I was in such a different place. Now I'm living abroad and figuring myself out in ways I never would have been able to back home. But I never forgot this story and I've always been determined to finish it.

Thank you to all of you who have read this story and shared this journey with me. For all the reviews, comments, kudos, favorites, bookmarks, etc. You guys made this story even more fun to write. While it's not perfect, I love it all the same and I hope you've enjoyed it too. I would love to hear your thoughts on my ending, or any of the story really. But mostly, I just hope you like it!

Some have asked if I intend to keep going and following the comics but honestly, while I did consider it, I have to say no. I need to move on from this story and focus on my own original worlds. I wrote this story as a way to fill in gaps about their love story that the show couldn't provide. The comics don't have that concern thankfully.

So yeah, thank you again all of you and I hope you're well and safe in these crazy times.