Korra's eyes opened, she couldn't believe she had just connected with Kyoshi. The key was to follow her heart and feelings, things that made her a good avatar. It seemed so easy, but why was it so difficult to achieve? She shook her head, surely with this information, Asami, Kya, and Tenzin would be able to help figure it out. It was great she had found the missing piece to her puzzle. She leaned over to tell Asami, but found her face buried into a pillow, her posture stiff as it warned Korra not to disturb her.
Conflicted, Korra dressed herself and slid under the blankets deciding she was going to find out what was bothering Asami. Cautiously she inched closer to her girlfriend placing a comforting hand on shoulder, the CEO's tense body relaxed some. Korra could hear the distinct sniffle of tears being wiped away as Asami removed her face from the pillow.
Though there were no tear stains on her face or obvious signs of crying, Korra knew those jade eyes well enough to pick up on the slight redness which gave Asami away. Instead of pressing her for information and making her more uncomfortable, Korra opened her arms offering a warm embrace which was gratefully accepted.
No words were exchanged as Asami buried her face in the crook of Korra's neck drinking in her familiar scent allowing herself to relax. In Korra's arms, she felt right at home, all of her worries and troubles seemed to melt away as those muscular arms held her tightly, comforting her when words couldn't.
"Asami, I made contact with Avatar Kyoshi...sort of," Korra whispered as she explained what occured while she meditated. Asami looked up and smiled at Korra, she knew the avatar would be able to restore the connection eventually, she knew it the day Korra lost connection.
"We will figure out what Kyoshi meant," Asami murmured to Korra her voice tired and weak, she was juggling numerous emotions again and it was taking its toll on her again.
Sensing the emotional exhaustion in her partner, Korra lightly kissed her forehead choosing not to further the conversation and allowing Asami to get some much needed rest. It wasn't long before she was sound asleep in Korra's arms.
The avatar rested her chin on her lover's head drinking in her lavender scent, the smell was uniquely Asami and relaxed Korra instantly. She knew Asami was still emotional taxed from everything that had transpired in the past few months, Korra was just allowing her space knowing that if whatever was bothering was significant she would share.
Korra laid there her mind in overdrive, overjoyed that she now possessed the knowledge to connect with her past lives. Sure, she was going to have to work at it, but it was worth. Her mind also raced at the possibility of having her questions answered by Avatar Kyoshi. She didn't know what mistakes Kyoshi was referring to.
As Korra recalled it her tenure as avatar had been overall very successful, having accomplished much in the two hundred and fourteen years she had been recognized as avatar during her lifetime. There was also the hope that Avatar Kyoshi could answer her question about the dream. Was Asami, Rangi in a past life? If not, were they connected? If they were, was she destined to be with reincarnation of Avatar Kyoshi's first love? If so, why?
Korra exhaled loudly, her excitement was getting the best of her and she couldn't relax her mind. Instead, she turned her focus back to Asami in her arms. She concentrated on Asami's warm breath on her neck, the heat emanating of her body, even through the thicker material of her pants as the fabric rubbed against Korra's nearly bare legs.
These thoughts slowed her mind, but turned her thoughts onto how good it felt to have Asami's body up against hers, her lips brushing against her mocha skin while Asami unconsciously kissed her in her sleep.
The heiress was making it impossible for Korra to settle in for the night. Every single move Asami made, pressed her body against Korra's touching her sensitive spots. She was teasing Korra even in her sleep, and Korra didn't have the heart to slip out of bed leave Asami to sleep so she could settle in on the cot and get some sleep.
After about an hour Asami settled into a deep sleep and Korra was able to relax. She closed her eyes and slowly started drifting off to sleep.
Asami woke sometime early in the morning, she could tell by the cool air flowing through the window that the sun hadn't risen yet. She opened her eyes to find her body was still entwined with Korra's, more or less the way she had fallen asleep if anything perhaps she was closer to Korra. Slowly she untangled her body from Korra's and walked to the small bathroom that connected to the avatar suite.
Once inside Asami looked at herself in the mirror, she had fallen asleep with her makeup on. Her makeup was a disaster, ruined by the tears that had fallen last night. Slowly she cleans her face removing the evidence of the tears that had fallen.
Asami still wasn't sure exactly what had caused her to cry. Was it just being in the house with a fatherly figure like Tenzin? Or was it just that ache in her heart, missing her father? Either way she felt awkward for allowing the feeling to overcome her.
Now that her face was clean, Asami re-emerged into the room to find Korra sprawled out across the bed leaving no room for her. A small smile crept across her face, at seeing how Korra normally slept. Part of her felt guilty, for snuggling up to Korra the past two night's when this display made it clear Korra liked space.
Asami quietly walked over to the cot and sat down with a soft plop. The bed wasn't exactly comfortable, but she had slept on far worse at the boarding academy in the Fire Nation. It may have been a private school but it was meant to push it's students to the limits, toughening them up for whatever the future may hold. She stretched out and made the best of it though she wasn't very tired anymore.
After what felt like days of listening to Korra snore, Asami was able to see the sun start to creep up in the sky through the crevices in the window. It killed Asami to sit idly as she awaited the household or Korra to stir. Asami was use to late nights and early mornings, the idea of sleeping until to or in this case past sunrise was almost completely foreign.
Asami decided to get up and retrieve her uneaten noodles from the kitchen and call it breakfast. As she tiptoed into the kitchen she was met with a surprise. Sneaking down the halway, and getting ready to cut through kitchen was Bolin who Asami had no doubt was sneaking out of Opal's room as he carried his shoes in his hands.
Bolin smiled at Asami as a blush crept across his face, he raised alone finger to lips pleading for Asami not to give him up, letting this be their secret. Asami, nodded noting Bolin's awkward gaze at her until she realized he had never seen her without makeup before. She helped herself to a portion of her noodles and sat down in the kitchen as she watched Bolin make his escape unhindered.
Asami could only imagine what Tenzin's reaction would have been if he had caught Bolin sneaking out. She didn't know who would be angrier at the discovery Tenzin or Lin Beifong when word eventually got back to her, as it would because things had a way of spreading fast in their circle. Lin had taken a keen interest in her only niece's life, Opal was the first family member who had called her out on her behavior and she instantly liked her, the kid had moxie. Some might say Lin was more protective of Opal than Suyin was.
Asami had wanted to talk to Bolin and see how Mako was doing. Just because he had chosen to be an ass the other night didn't mean she wasn't worried about him. His behavior that night was uncharacteristic for him, she understood what he was feeling, but it didn't change the fact that his words were chosen with intent to hurt. It also didn't change the fact that she love Korra and Korra loved her, and if Mako was uncomfortable with that it was his problem.
She could see how it was hard for him to accept that two people he loved and one that was painfully obvious to everyone, except Korra, that he was still in love with which happened to be Korra herself. Asami knew Mako still harboured feelings for her, but they were nothing compared to what he felt for Korra.
Honestly, she was fine with him being in love with Korra, he is free to love who he wants. There was also the fact she was almost certain Korra only had eyes for her. But the part she wasn't okay with, was him trying to hurt her because he was hurting.
Asami was also worried about Mako resuming his duties as bodyguard to King Wu. Though Wu was only the interim King until elections could be held it didn't take away the fact that Mako loathed him. Last time Mako was his bodyguard it changed him into a bitter person. This time, there was no end date set for his tour as bodyguard and the situation in Earth Kingdom was dire.
The entire kingdom was unstable thanks to Kuvira and her cohorts. With the latest election being thrown into chaos, one wrong move by King Wu and anarchy was likely to breakout. Asami was worried for the safety and sanity of the friend she treasured and the Mako she still loved. Though, she had long moved on, she still loved him but it was a different kind of love. It had no lust or desire, it was the way one might love a friend and care for an ex-lover.
Lost in her thoughts, Asami didn't notice Opal until she pulled out a chair across from her at the kitchen table. The heiress smiled as she tried to push the concern she had for Mako from her head, she would make it a point to reach out to Bolin later.
Opal blushed shyly assuming correctly that Asami had seen Bolin make his great escape, but Asami (amd Korra) were the least likely to judge her. They both knew Tenzin's tendencies well. Asami had watched the restrictions he had put on Korra when she had first arrived at Air Temple Island and how they increased when Mako was in the picture.
"Good morning," Opal offers meekly as she pours herself a cup of tea offering Asami one who accepts gratefully. Asami takes a big gulp of the jasmine tea the warmth filling her body as the tea relaxes.
"Good morning... It's so quiet here. I feel guilty for it being this late and having not started anything productive," Asami admits as she sips the tea easing the edge the idleness has put on her nerves.
Opal smiled thinking Asami was a little nuts, the sun had barely risen and she was worried about having not accomplished anything. The thought was bizzare to Opal who came from a family that didn't even eat breakfast until nine in the morning, and then for training with Tenzin she wasn't required to report for training until midday.
The fact that Opal was up now, was uncommon. The only time she was up early was the nights she snuck Bolin, not much sleep was had then. Opal knew Korra wasn't exactly a morning person and wondered how that dynamic worked with Asami who was acting fairly restless, as she began pacing the kitchen as she sipped her tea. Opal made a mental note that Asami was an early riser and an anxious person when unproductive. The young airbender was always mindful of her friends behaviors and tried her best to accommodate them.
Unable to contain her energy Asami headed for the door and began to walk the path Korra had taken her down to the spot they had sat at last night. As she walked Asami enjoyed the feeling of the sun on her skin, the air was getting warmer even as she neared the water. She reached the spot she had been at last night, the sight was just as breathtaking in the morning as it had been last night.
Asami sat down and allowed the words Korra had spoken to her last night sink in. Korra had made breakthrough, she had managed to make contact with Avatar Kyoshi, although the contact was brief and her message was unclear, it was a start. Asami did not know a whole lot about Avatar Kyoshi, but something inside her told her Kyoshi was harder on herself then she needed. But that wasn't all her feelings were telling her, she felt oddly protective of Avatar Kyoshi in the same way she was protective of Korra.
The feeling took the young raven haired woman by surprise, she had readily embraced the strong emotions she had for Korra, and brushed off the odd way she seemed to know even the most intimate details about Korra without having asked or discovered them herself. However, having such a strong emotional reaction and feeling toward her past life was a entirely different situation- something she wasn't prepared for and couldn't explain away.
It caused Asami to honestly entertain Korra's notion that perhaps she was somehow connected to Avatar Kyoshi's first love, Rangi. She did not know much about Rangi, but she knew more than she had let on to Korra. Asami was indeed connected to Rangi already, without entertaining Korra's theory. Asami was descendant from that same prestigious bloodline.
From the renderings Asami had seen Rangi during her time in the Fire Nation, the two could betweens, the only distinguishing features were their eyes Rangi's were the traditional amber hue of the Fire Nation and hers were jade. Asami never did learn where her jade eyes had came from, but it was rumored that somewhere on her mother's side earthbender had entered the bloodline.
However, they were just rumors and either way she was indifferent, it was always her eyes that had captivated her suitors. She loved her eyes, they had always made her unique among the people she was forced to socialize with.
What Asami did know about Rangi is that she was loyal to Kyoshi, she had guarded the avatar with her life, she was an impressive firebender and skilled martial artist, risked everything to be with her, and advisor to Kyoshi, and stayed with her to the end of her life. Asami knew that other than being a fire bender, she would or could fulfill all the same duties for Korra.
Asami was not shy about the fact that she knew deep down in her heart of hearts, with Korra was where she belonged whether society accepted that or not didn't matter to her. She knew society would be more accepting of Korra being in a relationship with her as there was precedent of an avatar whose interest was in both men and women.
However, society would already scrutinizing Asami as she was an anomaly already a female CEO of wildly successful company and wealthy beyond most people's wildest dreams.
Society had a hard time accepting that, once they discovered she was in a relationship with a female, let alone the avatar things could get ugly for her. But none of that mattered to her as long as she had Korra. She would gladly give up everything for Korra.
Asami's mind shifted back to what Korra had said Kyoshi had told her about not making the same mistakes and she drew a blank. She knew that Kyoshi was an avatar known for seeking true justice and sometimes went to extremes to obtain it. Kyoshi was an avatar that was known to resort to violence if the punishment fit the crime, she was fearless and a warrior.
Asami could see some of those attributes in Korra. She could see the warrior in Korra and she knew her to be fearless to the point it was a fault and dangerous. There were many times she had risked her life taking on dangers solo instead of reaching out for help from her, Bolin, or even Mako. Asami knew Korra wasn't afraid to use force if the situation called for it, but she didn't see the violence in Korra that was associated with Avatar Kyoshi.
She couldn't understand what Kyoshi was warning Korra about. Was there a possibility that Korra was going to give in to violence and become feared like Kyoshi in her later years?
Asami shook her head, she couldn't picture her Korra doing that. But then didn't her Korra already do that in a previous life? Asami huffed, releasing a frustrated breath, the message on it's own was cryptic. There were just too many ways to interpret what it meant.
The most difficult part for Asami to wrap her head around was any avatar warning about mistakes they made or fearing that Korra would go down the wrong path already had made that decision, so in a way Korra had too.
Well sort of, her past life did but that was a part of the present Korra. It is what shaped the person Asami loved. Whether Korra repeated those perceived mistakes or not, wouldn't change how the young heiress felt about her. She loved Korra for her past, present, and she was certain she would for her future too.
Asami felt so strongly that she loved Korra for her past she was starting to believe that Korra was right, that she was Rangi in a past life. The romantic in Asami would like to think destiny or fate brought them together, but she knew if she was a lover of past avatar reincarnated for the future avatar the spirits had a plan for them. She just hoped that whatever the spirits planned ended happily and peacefully.
She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't hear the footsteps of Korra who startled her when she suddenly appeared beside her.
"Opal said I might find you out here," Korra said softly as she put calming hand on Asami's shoulder, she could sense that not only had she startled the jade eyed beauty but something was weighing heavy on her mind.
Korra couldn't explain how she seemed to often know what her partner was feeling, but it that talent had always been there just more in tune the more they were together. She brushed it off as odd, and didn't want to think about it further she was already preoccupied worrying about what Kyoshi had said and the entire Asami/Rangi situation.
Korra noticed the hesitant smile on Asami's face- she was clearly still troubled by whatever was still on her mind. It seemed as if she had registered Korra's presence but not her words. The avatar sat beside her girlfriend, her hand still rested on her lover's shoulder. She had never seen Asami so deep in thought, and by the look on her face she was struggling with what was on her mind. With her free hand, Korra took Asami's hand in hers rubbing circles on the back of her palm trying to bring her back to reality.
The avatar sat beside Asami like this, worried, for a few minutes before the fog started to lift and the normal light returned once again to the jade eyes. Relieved Korra exhaled a sigh of relief before hugging Asami tightly.
"What was that for?" the raven haired woman asked clearly unaware of what had just transpired.
Korra's glacial azure eyes locked on her jade orbs searching them for any sign of jest, but in fact she was dead serious.
"You were lost in thought, unresponsive. I was worried," Korra replied trying to keep the true level of fear she had felt out of her voice.
Asami frowned, that made her want to keep everything she had been thinking about Kyoshi and the truth about what she knew about Rangi to herself. These things linked them even more than they already were, but it would also make Korra worry just as she was doing.
She didn't want to fill the avatar's head with all of these ideas that sounded crazy just a day or two ago but now didn't seem that far fetched. If she set off panic in Korra like she did in herself then there was no way the avatar would be able to connect with her past lives successfully. At least not any time soon.
"Don't worry, I am not going anywhere. I am here, I always be here," Asami replied half reassuring Korra half-worrying her, making her wonder just exactly what was going on in Asami's head.
Korra couldn't deny Asami's reply raised more red flags and asked more questions than it answered, but something inside her told her not press further. She was getting a troublesome vibe off of her girlfriend, she could tell that since she had spoken to Asami last night she had grown increasingly worried, but at the same time she was making peace with her worries and fears as if deep down she had suspected these fears were going to come to the surface eventually.
As much as Korra wanted to discuss these feelings that hung between them, they were both aware of the fact they were cognizant of each other's feelings, she knew Asami would open up to her when the time was right.
Korra had a gut feeling, perhaps Asami was giving off a slight vibe, that she was trying to protect Korra from whatever she knew or whatever she was able to piece together and hypothesize. Korra couldn't deny it bothered her that she knew Asami was keeping something secret, but she placated herself that her girlfriend would only do so if it was in her best interest.
The Asami she knew wouldn't with hold something with the intention of hurting her. Korra wondered if perhaps Kyoshi had showed her the image of Rangi first to remind her that Asami could and should be trusted much like Kyoshi trusted Rangi. But, then why after showing her a memory of her Rangi would the avatar warn her not to make the same mistake?
Was Kyoshi saying Asami was mistake? Korra shook her head, the idea was preposterous. There was no way her Asami could be a mistake- she was simply perfect in every way. As warm feelings and the love she felt for Asami surged through her body she adjusted her position sitting behind her girlfriend with Asami between her legs, pulling her backwards and hugging her close to her chest.
Asami relaxed into Korra allowing her mind to take a break. She could feel Korra feeding off of her uneasiness and see her visibly growing upset. That was definitely not her intention. She closed her eyes allowing the early morning sun to wash over her as Korra lightly moved her hair and kissed her exposed neck. Korra was no doubt staking her claim, though it may be just a message to her past life, a voice she only heard in her head, her message was loud clear: Asami is mine no matter what you say.
Secretly, Asami wished she could go back in time to a few days ago, before Korra had that dream. Then things were straight forward- she wasn't constantly looking for a hidden meaning behind everything. But, she couldn't unhear the words Korra had said, and she couldn't un-know her family history. But, she could, for the sake of her sanity and Korra's, not entertain the notions that filled her head.
She had to let the message play out through Avatar Kyoshi's communications with Korra, there was simply nothing she could do to change that no matter how anxious she was.
So until she had all of the the information, she needed to occupy her mind with something else. Asami made a silent promise to keep her mind clear of troubling thoughts knowing that if any of those thoughts panned she and Korra would face what lay ahead of them together.
She just had to have faith that they were strong enough to make it through anything. Somewhere deep inside her core she knew they would weather any storm, it was just a matter of bring that knowledge to the surface and easing her mind.
Asami relaxed her tensing muscles again as her body finally acknowledged Korra's hungry carmel lips on her neck. A soft moan of pleasure escaped her lips as she threw her head back allowing Korra to access her her lips. Quickly Korra's lips brushed against hers stirring the calming feeling of love only Korra could give her. Feeling much better as she allowed her body to fully lean and relax against Korra she breathed in the fresh ocean air, exhaling her worries away.
"Thank you," Asami said softly as she rested her head against Korra's ample chest allowing her arm's to engulf her in a suffocating hug.
Korra knew Asami was thanking her for more than hug, so much more, for not questioning her about was going and for calming her down when she couldn't do so herself. She just wanted to savor this moment, she felt so close to Asami as she held her, she could feel her finally relax and together they were finally at peace as they sat enjoying the view as the sun danced across the waves of the ocean.
"I forgot to tell you about the surprise I got us for tonight," Asami said softly, the edge of uneasiness finally lifted from her voice as it was replaced with a a calming zen tone.
"Oh.. and what would that be?" Korra asked wiggling her eyebrows seductively as she turned Asami's face towards hers so she could observe exaggerated expressions. Asami giggled at Korra placing a light kiss on her lips leaving her wanting more.
"Tickets to tonight's pro-bending match," she said softly placing another kiss on Korra's lips.
The mocha skinned avatar pouted a bit, her mind had something a little more intimate in mind. However, she was elated at the idea of going to see a pro-bending match live, it was something she hadn't done in years.
She loved the sport and although she wasn't on a team anymore she still practiced like she was. She found the sport thrilling and exciting whether she was playing it or watching.
"That's fantastic. Thank you," she replied kissing Asami on the lips passionately grateful for the the tickets and happily anticipating a fun night with her girlfriend.
The two spent about an hour enjoying the view and the wild life as they basked in the early morning sun as they enjoyed the warmth of each other's embrace and the comfort each other's company gave each other.
"Should we head in? I mean won't everyone notice we are missing?" Asami asked as she was no laying on the ground with Korra's body wrapped around hers, the avatars hands running through hair and then began roaming her body.
"No one needs me today. We are free to do whatever," Korra replied with a hungry look in her eyes.
Asami knew that look in Korra's eyes but here and now was not the time place.
"I am going to head back and shower," Asami replied removing herself from a very tempting situation as Korra's hands were hungrily exploring her sensitive spots.
Korra nodded knowing that now wasn't the time or place, there was so much she wanted to do and show Asami. She followed Asami back into the house and into her room. Korra laid down on her bed as Asami gathered her clothes and makeup from her bag and headed into the bathroom.
Korra couldn't help but watch through the open door as Asami undressed and slid into to the shower. Asami had intentionally left the door open while she undressed just to tease Korra, and she had caught her staring when she slid into the shower.
The hot water cascaded over Asami's body, though her mind was clear now, the hot water eased the tension that had developed in her body. She soothed herself as she scrubbed her skin washing away what remained of the troubling thoughts that plagued her earlier.
"Can I join you?" came Korra's hungry inpatient voice from the doorway.
Her words brought a smile to Asami's lips as she whispered "yes". In flash, Korra had stripped and joined and Asami in the shower, unable to keep her hands to herself.
It was late afternoon when Korra and Asami returned to the avatar suite exhausted from exploring Air Temple Island. Asami had to admit the place was beautiful and there was an amazing view waiting around every corner. Korra had shown her every inch of the island, taking care to show Asami her favorite parts.
The vast caves were amazing and breathtaking as they stored hidden gems such as fantastic wildlife and great places to escape wandering eyes. The cliffs provided picture perfect views and serene landscapes. Asami could see why this was Korra's favorite place to go when she had to meditate on about something serious or her need to reach out to the spirits was urgent.
Now in the safety of Korra's room, Asami laid on the avatar's bed with Korra wrapped around her. She felt at peace, at home like this was how it was always supposed to be. She could feel Korra's hands roam her body as she leaned into her. The avatar was drinking the jade eyed woman's lavender scent that now lingered strongly in the room, and she loved it. The scent made her feel warm inside and she could almost feel her heart skip a beat everytime she inhaled a strong whiff of it.
"Have you heard anything from Mako?" Korra inquired.
She knew Asami was still close with him, not that she wasn't but Korra had caused a rift between her and Mako by being away for so long. Bolin had instantly forgiven her for her absence and lack of contact, but Mako was another story. The other night proved he wasn't okay with her relationship with Asami and that he wasn't over her.
Korra was hurt by his words, but she still loved him, he was one of her best friends. She just wasn't in love with him anymore. She had moved on and found someone new, it wasn't as if she had planned to move and and she certainly had planned for it to be Asami.
But, life happens and works in mysterious ways. She couldn't help how she felt, but Mako would always have a place in her heart. She would always care deeply for the firebender and hoped he could set his romantic feelings aside and be friends.
Korra had overcome her anger from the other night at Mako and just wanted to speak to him before he left in a few days to go to the Earth Kingdom. She knew that guarding King Wu was now dangerous proposition as opposition to democracy and King Wu was starting civil unrest in the Earth Kingdom.
Korra did not want Mako to leave with things the way they were between the three of them. She couldn't live with herself if something happened to him and he thought she didn't care about him or that she was just dating Asami to hurt him.
"No, but I want to reach out to him," Asami replied her reasons were similar to Korra's.
Both women wanted to reach out to the Mako they were friends with. The world had changed so much in the past few months, and it was a change for the worse. Kuvira had brought out the worst in people and because of her a lot of people had lost their lives and an entire nation was thrown into pandemonium. The Earth Kingdom was anything but safe, and Mako was heading into the heart of conflict as a bodyguard for a target of a lot of hate and animosity.
They just wanted to reach out to their friend and let them know they were there for them, that if he needed them they would be on the first airship to wherever he was no matter what. Mako had always had Korra's back, and Korra was going to have his no matter how strained their relationship was now. They would make it past this awkward stage because she wasn't giving up on him.
Korra agreed with Asami as she snuggled into her pulling her closer into her own body. She was enjoying their day together where they were free to do as they pleased, and tonight she was looking forward to going to the pro-bending match. Korra was both thrilled and upset at the fact Asami had bought the best seats in the arena.
She knew the private box seats were a small fortune and it made her uncomfortable that Asami would spend so much on tickets. On the other hand, the fan in her was super excited to be so close to the action. As avatar, she found that the world seemed to need her which didn't allow her to be pro-bender anymore, not that she could if she wanted to. Once she was widely recognized as the avatar the other teams petitioned for her to be barred from participating.
There was a soft knock on Korra's door followed by a meek voice:
"Korra?" It was Mako, his tone was soft and apologetic. He sounded like a scared child who was anticipating being struck for something he had done wrong.
Korra looked at Asami with surprise. Neither one of them had expected him to turn up, especially not after just mentioning him. It was almost as if their thoughts had summoned him. Korra untangled herself from Asami and walked to the door to open it. She was more than ready to face her friend, ready to put the other night behind them and make peace.
"Come in," Korra said, there was no malice in her voice and judgmental tone it was like old times as she opened the door and motioned for Mako to take a seat at her desk.
Mako's eyes immediately scanned the room finding Asami on Korra's bed, he gulped swallowing the jealous thoughts that consumed his mind. He had never been where Asami was was, and how he had longed for it. But, he couldn't let jealousy poison his trip here. He wanted to make nice- he couldn't bare the thought of not having either of them in his life even if it meant they were just friends.
Mako couldn't deny he was surprised to see Asami there on Friday, she never missed work. He had been expecting to speak to Korra alone. He couldn't help get the feeling he had interrupted something as Korra sat on the bed beside Asami, both women looking for him to say something.
"First, I want to apologize to both of you..." Mako started as he rubbed the back of this neck, he couldn't help it rubbing his neck was nervous as much as slouching and his poor posture as he sat.
"Thank you. Maybe I should give you and Korra a moment alone," Asami replied accepting his apology, she knew Mako well enough to know he had more to say to Korra and it would be easier if she wasn't there.
Mako nodded in agreement knowing he would speak to Asami afterwards.
"Korra I am sorry. What I said was stupid. It was coming from a place of anger. Anger at myself for letting you go. When you went back to the South Pole, I vowed I would get another chance with you. And then, you were gone for three years but I didn't give up hope. Then when you returned I found out you kept in touch with Asami and she never told me that hurt. But, I still had hope and then you got together with Asami and it killed. I thought I was okay with, but I guess I am still hurting," Mako started once Asami left the room.
His words had an impact on Korra, she felt a deep tug at her heartstrings for him. It was never intention to hurt Mako. She still cared for him. At one point she would have loved to have gotten back together with him, but things had changed. She had changed, but it seemed Mako hadn't. He was still the same Mako that was in love was in love with her. Perhaps he had changed, Mako had final made his choice between her and Asami- it was just too late.
" I understand Mako, I know it's hard for you this whole me and Asami thing. I just wanted to say we didn't plan for this to happen. It just kind of happened overtime. It took me a long time to move on from you when we broke up on you went back to Asami. But, just because I have moved doesn't me I don't still love you and care about you. I do just not the same way I use to," Korra said softly as she watched Mako drinking in her words.
Mako was put at ease by her words, he hadn't ruined their friendship- at least he hoped. Korra seemed to be understanding, and he felt he didn't deserve that from her. But, that was one of the many qualities he loved about her.
"Are we still friends?" Mako asked hesitantly, not sure he could bare it if the answer was no.
"Of course," she replied gently pulling him into a friendly embrace, she couldn't help but recognize his familiar scent- he smelled of smoke and embers.
Mako lingered in the embrace relishing in Korra's touch. It felt good just to hug her, to be close to her in a friendly way, she still smelled as he remembered, just like a rainy day. He felt so relieved that Korra had forgiven him, especially before he left to be King Wu's bodyguard, he made a promise to himself not to screw up again.
"I should probably go apologize to Asami..." Mako said as Korra released him from the hug and he stuffed his hands his pockets nervously.
Korra watched as he left the room, feeling better about the situation as she laid down on her bed. She told herself things were going to go back to normal with Mako, but she knew things were forever altered but they would be better than they had been lately and that was enough for her right now.
She was glad Mako had been open and honest, she knew he would get past this, and Korra also knew she and Asami could make an effort not flaunt their relationship while he was hurting.
Mako found Asami sitting in the dinning room sipping a cup of tea, she gestured for the handsome firebender to sit and join her and have a cup of tea himself. Mako sat down in chair and helped himself to cup, he found he was more relaxed around Asami than Korra. It was probably due to the unfortunate fact he had wronged Asami a lot in the past and often found himself apologizing for hurting her.
But, Mako was lucky- Asami was forgiving and had a big heart in which she held a special place for him. She always found it in herself to forgive him no matter the blunder, sure sometimes she'd be mad at him for awhile, but she always forgave him in the end. Her compassion was one of the many things that drew Mako to her, he loved that about her.
He still loved Asami as well, but not as deeply as he did Korra. Both women had a special place in his heart. It was what had always complicated his relationship with either one of them. As soon as he got comfortable with one of them, the feelings for the other crept up causing him to do stupid things.
"Asami I know I was an ass. I am not going to try and blame it on the alcohol. I messed up. I didn't keep feelings in check. You know I still love Korra, and I still love you too. I just love you both differently. I really thought I'd have a chance with Korra when she came back. Then she got together with you and it crushed me. I tried to be okay with the fact you both had moved on, and I thought I was. But, apparently I wasn't. The second I drank those feelings of betrayal and wanting Korra back came washing over me and I handled it poorly. Please forgive me," Mako blurted out in-between sips of tea as Asami listened quietly.
What he had said was not news to Asami, she had pretty much known Mako's feelings toward Korra and she knew what he intended to to attempt to do when Korra returned. But, things happened between her and Korra so fast between the letters and that instant connection once they were alone, that the two of them quickly became a couple.
Asami never stopped to think how that had hurt Mako until the other night. She felt like she needed to apologize to him, but she knew apologizing for who she loved was foolish. It wasn't as if she and Korra had planned it- it just sort of happened.
"Just don't do hurt her again," Asami replied surprised at the protective possessive tone that had come from her mouth.
"It was one mistake..." Mako replied defensively having never seen this side of Asami in all the time that he had known her.
"No it wasn't just one mistake. You dated Korra behind my back, and then you got together with Korra. Then you two were broken up but 'not really' and you started seeing me. You have a habit of hurting both of us. I am warning you now, don't hurt again or you'll regret it," Asami threatened not sure where this side of her was coming from.
Asami had always been understanding of Mako, and she had taken his missteps instride, the words coming out of her mouth were not hers. This possessive side of her, this need to protect Korr was uncharacteristic. Never had she been protective or possessive of any of her past partners, especially like this. Nor had she ever spoken so unapologetically blunt before without regard for someone's feelings as she watched Mako hang his head in shame.
Asami knew Mako was not proud of his past decisions when it came to his relationships with Korra and Asami, so her words had hit him hard. But, she felt it was necessary to get her point across, it wasn't okay to hurt Korra. It may have been okay by him when the pair were dating, but that was over and she was hers and Asami wasn't going to stand for that.
The silence lingered between the two before Mako put up his hands up in defense and said "It won't happen again. I never meant to hurt her or you then."
SAsami sighed and eyed him skeptically. Part of her wanted to argue the point of whether or not he had meant didn't change what he had done and the pain he had caused. But, the part of Asami that was herself knew the harsh words she had spoken before were more than enough to drive the point home.
She was still shocked that they had even left her mouth. It just wasn't in her to speak like that, and it didn't match her personality to be so possessive and overprotective especially when she knew Korra knew how to handle herself.
"Well I-I...uh...should get back to the office and finish the last of my paperwork..." Mako stumbled over his words not sure what to make of this new side of Asami. He had been hoping to spend time with both her and Korra, but the reaction he had received from Asami told him that was a pipe dream today. It was finally sinking in, just how much he had hurt them with not just his words but his actions.
Asami wanted to give him the option of staying, after all she and Korra were going to miss him while he was away. But, she couldn't promise she'd be able to stop herself from saying what was on her mind. Apparently, when it was okay for Mako to hurt her and walk all over her but when he did it to Korra was where she drew the line.
Up to this point in the story have only told Asami and Korra's side of things. I wanted to reach out to the readers and see if you all would be interested in side story of Kya/Lin and perhaps some of Bolin/Opal as well as Mako and how things go for him...