"I spy… something long and green."
Korra looked around the pub at Misty Palms Oasis for something long and apparently, green.
"Uhh. A cucumber?" Korra guessed.
Asami, who was taking a sip of her drink, suddenly burst out laughing. The liquid contents flying across the table straight to Korra's face.
"Geez, Asami. I know it's hot, but you didn't have to hurl water at me." She pouted while wiping her face.
Asami, who was now just settling down, responded, still smiling, "Your answer was funny. And why would there be a cucumber here?"
Korra flailed her hands in the air, "I don't know, this is kinda a restaurant. I don't like this game anymore." Still pouting while crossing her arms and resting her back on the chair. "Besides, what stuff is even long and green here anyway?"
Asami pointed at something behind Korra, "That lamp right there, long and green." Asami responded while grinning.
She turned around and indeed saw a lamp with a long and green handle. She rolled her eyes at the girl across from her, "You're impossible!" Asami just shrugged.
Korra scanned the room once more, and her eyes landed on the table on the far right where Lin, Lord Zuko, and his dad were talking. A mischievous smile formed on her lips and looked at Asami, who was now eating a soup they ordered. "My turn!" She put her hands together while rubbing her palms.
"I thought you don't like this game anymore." Asami countered, but Korra didn't hear nor care what she just said.
"I spy something long and pointy." Still looking at the table of the three adults.
Asami, while rolling her eyes, followed to where Korra was looking at. She then saw the three adults and then guessed, "Your dad's beard?"
Korra stopped rubbing her palms and locked gaze with those green eyes. Then they burst into laughter.
"I didn't specify. Something long and pointy and white." Korra choked out while trying to hold on to the chair, barely containing the laughter.
And then again, both their eyes went to the table, and Lord Zuko met their gaze. He smiled at them, nodded, then returned to their conversation.
Asami looked Korra, another smile forming on her lips and whispered, "Lord Zuko's beard?"
They both went into another fit of giggles for a whole minute until Lin gave them a killer look, and they had to stop.
0
Asami's eyes shot open and shifted to a sitting position in her bed. She had a dream, or memory, of her and Korra during their stay at the Misty Palms Oasis.
Funny how a happy dream converts to melancholy in reality. Asami wiped a tear on the right side of her cheek then stood up to prepare for the day.
Eight months.
They finished Korra's statue, and today's the grand reopening of the park. They asked Asami to be there in the ceremony to be acknowledged for a job well done. But she didn't care about that; she just wants to make sure that Korra's efforts as the Avatar are appreciated and that the city finally respects her as one. And she did that by building a statue for the girl. She may or may not have gotten a little overboard for the gratitude, but whatever.
Asami arrived at the park just as everyone gathered in a small stage in front of the statue. She got out of the car, and her assistant greeted her.
"Good morning, boss!" Tin said while approaching her. "Everything's all set, and we're almost starting. Would you like to go over your speech?"
Asami met her assistant's eye, apologetically, "Yeah, about that. Is it okay if I don't go up the stage right now? I don't feel like talking in front of a crowd today."
Her assistant was surprised by the Asami's sudden decision but responded, "Oh, okay. No problem. I'll just have one of the engineers to speak then." She smiled, then started walking towards the crowd. When she noticed that her boss wasn't following, she stopped and looked back, "Are you coming to join us in the crowd then?"
Asami, standing at the same spot, looking so deep in her thoughts, shook her head and called out, "I think I'll stay by the bench." She smiled at her assistant, "you go; I'll be fine."
Tin didn't move, not convinced by Asami's response. "Are you sure? You can go home if you want. You're the boss, after all. I'll make sure Everything will run smoothly." She smiled at the heiress who was now walking towards a bench,
"Don't worry. I-I just need a moment." She stated unconvincingly but waved her assistant off. "Go." She motioned towards the crowd.
"Okay, boss. I'll see you at the office then?"
"Mhm."
Tin went, and Asami took a deep sigh. She looked across the stage towards the figure looming figure in front of her. Korra. The statue's pose mimics Avatar Aang's without the staff. It's looking into the city, and Asami's looking at it. Her lips quivered but bit it off to stop herself from crying again. She closed her eyes and took another deep breath. Her eyes went back to the statue, and this time, she smiled, "Hey, gorgeous."
The crowd started clapping, and someone from her engineering team started talking. She continues to stare at the statue, blissful to have an image of the Avatar.
"Good morning, beautiful."
Asami jumped at the voice and looked behind her. It was a guy wearing a suit with dashing features and looking as confident like he owns the place. She narrowed her eyes at the figure, now making his way to sit beside her.
"Excuse me?"
"Yin. Our parents were good friends. We own a shipping company down by the docks, and I'm pretty sure we've shipped some of your satomobiles in the earth kingdom." He let out a hand in front of him while smiling. Asami shook it, eyes still narrowed. The guy started, looking at the statue, "So, Avatar Korra, huh. Wonder where she is nowadays." He shrugs and spread both his arms at the bench rest. Asami just wants to punch his face. "Anyway, Asami Sato," He winks at the heiress, and the poor girl grimaced, "I'm asking you out for a business dinner tonight at Kwong's. I'm sure our parents would love that." He smiled and showed those pearly whites, but Asami could only stare at the guy.
Is he serious right now?
"I'm pretty sure we can just meet at my office for a business meeting." Asami deadpanned.
"Nope." He stands up, takes Asami's right hand, and kisses it. "I'll pick you up and then we'll go together. It will be good for both our company. Besides, a girl like you deserves to be treated like a princess." He winks again, and Asami just wished she has her glove right now.
She removed her hand from the guy's hold, "I'll go on my own, thanks." She rolled her eyes and gazed back at the statue. Everyone is starting to scatter; the ceremony might've ended already. She can see some people taking photographs in front of the figure, kids playing in the park, and others walking out of the park.
"Great! I'll see you at 7, Miss Sato!" He then walked towards the road, and a car was waiting for him.
Asami pinched the bridge of her nose and took a deep breath. "Get a load of that guy." She muttered, looking back at the statue, she crossed her arms, "I'm pretty sure if you were here, you'd airbend him out of the park already." She stated in the air, supposedly towards the statue. "I miss you."
She stayed for a few more minutes until she got up and went to her office.
0
And as she suspected, their 'business meeting' was more on the topic about Yin and not all about business. They talked for almost an hour, well, Yin mostly talked. Asami was barely listening to what he was saying at all, and he suspected it.
He straightened his posture and continued, "You and the Avatar are friends if I'm not mistaken?" Asami stopped pretending to eat and shot daggers at the guy. What's his deal?
Yin smiled cockily and shrugs, "Well, I love to hear any news about her. I'm assuming you know. Why'd she left Republic City?"
Asami gripped her fork until her knuckles turned white. She calmed down and responded, "Korra is recovering right now."
"What for? She couldn't handle beating a guy that airbends?" Yin commented, and Asami's blood started to boil.
"She was poisoned!" The heiress raised her voice, and all eyes turned on their table. She gathered her things, went for the door, and wondered why she even bothered to go out that night.
"Wait! Sorry, I didn't mean to offend you!" The guy quickly got up and followed Asami through the door and into the parking lot. He gripped the Asami's arm a little tighter so she can face him.
"Let go of me." She warned.
"Why are you so mad? I just wanted to have a nice dinner with you." Yin asked, for some reason, confused.
"You don't get to talk about Korra like that. You don't know what she's been through." Asami successfully removed her arms and started walking towards her car.
The guy chuckled, "I wouldn't know, would I? It's as if she is running away from her responsibilities. The earth kingdom is a mess!"
Smack!
The next thing he knew, he was holding on to his nose for dear life as Asami tried to shake off her right hand that connected to the poor guy's face.
"What the hell is wrong with you?!" He scowled, trying to back away from the heiress.
Asami glared at him, not backing down. "I thought I made myself clear that you don't get to talk to my friend that way." She snapped, and when she was about to walk away, Yin responded again,
"'Cos it's true. Why are you acting like a stupid idiot believing she'll come back?"
And that did it. Asami was about to drag the man's life out of him when strong arms grabbed both her shoulders.
The poor guy looked at her one last time, behind Asami, then ran away. She was still shaking from anger, too stunned to move of the events that just occurred.
"Asami, that guy's not worth it for you to end up in jail."
She turned around and saw Mako looking at him with concern in his eyes. She let out a sigh.
"Detective Mako." She smiled, "good to see you tonight. What are you doing here?"
"You're welcome by the way, if I haven't stop you, that poor guy will end up like a punching bag." Asami just shrugged. Mako continued, "I was walking on my way home when I noticed you walk out of the restaurant. So, I followed you."
"Mmm." Was all Asami could say as she walks towards her car. She finally stopped shaking, and all she can feel is the pain from her right hand.
Mako held Asami's arms much lighter and directed her to the passenger seat.
"Let me drive you home. Your knuckles don't look good." He pointed at it and got the keys from Asami. She nodded and went in the car.
The car ride was quiet on the way to the Sato estate, but it was a good quiet.
0
They found their way in the kitchen, Mako grabbed a bucket with ice and offered it to Asami who was sitting on a stool.
"You wanna tell me what's that all about?"
Asami dunked her knuckles in the ice and looked at Mako, "What's what about?"
"Uh, you, punching the guy?" Mako retorted and gave her a quizzical look.
She rolled her eyes and responded, "He was an ass."
"I don't think I've seen you lose your anger that way before." He replies, sitting down in front of the heiress.
She looked down at the table and found interest in the ice bucket. "He was telling nonsense about Korra and her not coming back and how I'm acting like a stupid idiot." She murmured, barely audible. But Mako understood.
"Oh."
And then there was silence.
"I think I like Korra." Asami blurted, still looking at her knuckles in the ice bucket.
Mako just stared at her. "You think?"
Asami shrugs, "I like Korra."
"Like a friend?"
"More than a friend. I might be in love with her."
Mako kept staring at her, glances away, and then stared at her again. "You wanna drink?"
She just nodded in response. Mako went and opened the drawer where the wine is located, got two glasses and sat back down. He poured each glass and gave one to Asami, who mumbled thanks, then takes a sip.
"When did you realize it?" Mako asked while taking a sip of his own.
She finally looked up, "Honestly, I don't know." She responded calmly. "She's just this girl who wants to help everyone and puts the whole world before herself. She's.." She motioned her other hand in the air, looking for the right word, "Amazing."
"Wow. You like her like her." Mako nodding in agreement. "Or love. I never thought that you, you know." Mako inclined like Asami knows what he's talking about.
She shrugs, "I've dated some girls in boarding school."
"Does she know?"
Asami shook her head.
"Does she respond to your letters?"
She shook her head again, looking down.
"Yeah, she hasn't responded to my letters either." Mako pours wine into both of their drinks again. "I miss her."
Asami clogged her drink in one go and put the glass down, "Me too."
"You think she's doing okay?"
Asami rested her back on the chair. "I hope so. I just.." She pinched the bridge of her nose, "I wish she writes back for us to know that she's okay. I'm here losing my mind wondering all the time if she'll ever come back. If something's wrong. I want to help, and I want her to come back so bad. I don't even care if she can walk or not when she comes back. I just want.. Korra." She shut her eyes, not wanting the tears to fall again for the last time.
"She just needs time. She'll come back." Mako tried reassuring her, but they both had no idea what to make of their friend in the South.
They went on for more drinks, sharing stories, remembering their adventures with Korra, and the stuff they had to go through. They were having fun, and Asami needed it. Soon enough, they have one too many drinks as they sat there staring at the ceiling.
"Remind me to cut ties with Yin's company tomorrow."
"Of course."
"Do you still love her?"
"Korra?"
"Yeah."
"Not the way you think. But I will always care for her."
Asami snickered.
"What?" Mako asked.
"We both love the same girl."
Mako just hums.
"You going to give me tips?"
Mako snorted. "I wasn't the best boyfriend for her. You're on your own, buddy."
Asami giggled. "No hard feelings?"
"No hard feelings."
"Best friends forever?"
"Best friends forever. You'd be perfect for Korra, Asami."
They were silent for a while. Letting the alcohol settle in. Asami finally responded, "I think I'd love to be a stupid idiot."
00000
"What did one toilet say to another?"
"What?"
Korra gave a dramatic look, then started, "You look flushed."
They laughed so hard they had to cover their mouth because everyone was already asleep. They were in the airship in Asami's bedroom because Korra couldn't sleep again. They talked about literally anything from business to bending to current events and even their childhood.
"My mom used to read me bedtime stories when I was little. I remember her going to my room at night to check if I'm already sleeping." Asami shared looking out the window as if remembering a story from far away, then looked back at Korra, "she was always so gentle when it comes to me."
Korra smiled, nodding in agreement, "I can tell your mom was a good person." She stood up from the floor and into the bed beside Asami, "Oh, I remember uncle Sokka when I was young, and it was my birthday. He gave me this cool boomerang." She started her story enthusiastically, and Asami could only stare at the girl in awe.
"Master Katara would always scold him about giving me weapons at a young age, and he'd just scoff and wink at me." Korra then hugged both her knees close to her chest. "He gave it to me on my birthday because Katara wasn't around, and that's when I noticed that she wasn't always present at my parties." She stared down, with sadness in her eyes.
Asami was confused as to why a teacher wouldn't attend her student's birthday party, and that's when it hit her. Her eyes widened and copied Korra's expression. "Oh."
"Yeah. At first, I didn't understand. So, on my ninth birthday, I asked my mom to leave a piece of cake to give to Katara. She gave me a look I didn't understand then, so I went to her house anyway. When I came in, I saw her sitting in a chair, holding her necklace." She wiped a tear in one eye then continued, "I went closer and saw that she was crying, so I asked what's wrong. And that's when I realized."
Asami hugged the girl beside her and stayed that way for a while.
"Korra?"
"Yeah?"
"I wish I wouldn't have to miss another Avatar's birthday party."
00000
Ten months and it's like a daily routine. She dreams, she wakes up, checks the mail, then goes to work. The engineer continues to write to Korra, and she visits the park as much as she can. She eats lunch there sometimes and just looks at the statue. If she can't sleep at night, she drives to the park.
Bolin told her that he's going to join Kuvira in the earth kingdom. Something about stabilizing the situation there. Asami hugged her friend goodbye and promised to write to each other. Another one of the team Avatar is gone. She still has lunch with Mako, and they talk about work, or Korra and go on their separate ways.
One year. Most of the infrastructures are done now, and the Central City Station is in the works. She always checks the mailbox, even the one in the office. Asami thinks Korra might've sent her letters there instead of the mansion. She hopes. She still hopes. But whenever she asks Tin if there are any letters, she gets disappointed. But she goes on with her day anyway.
Asami always kept herself busy. She stopped going home and started sleeping in her office. It's still the same. Her assistant wakes her up on the sofa, goes home to shower, and goes to work again. Tin gives the heiress the letters, but not the letters she was hoping for. It was from the Republic City jail, Hiroshi Sato. She remembers when he tried to attack them, her friends. Asami remembers how much he hated the Avatar. Korra. Korra. And she cries again. God! Even her own father reminds her of the water tribe girl.
And so she writes to Korra.
Dear Korra,
We finished most of the projects we've been working the past year now. I went back to the bakery where we ate those delicious sweet buns. I remember how you devoured them in just one bite, you always had that big appetite. I'm worried about you. But I know you're still recovering. Please write back to me.
Love,
Asami
One year and three months. And she still counts. There are days where she couldn't come out of bed, and Dee had to call her assistant that she isn't coming in that day. There are days where she forgets to eat again because she's too busy with work. There are days where she just cries herself to sleep.
Her assistant comes in one time with food in her hand.
"Here. Please eat." She puts the food on Asami's table, and she looks up. "This isn't healthy anymore." She motioned her hands in her direction.
Asami sighs. "I'm fine. I just have to finish this."
"You've been saying that a lot these past weeks. What's all this about?" Her assistant asked.
She just shrugged and continued signing the papers at the table.
"The Avatar?" Tin quirked an eyebrow.
She stopped what she was doing and took a deep sigh. And like all the other adults who figured her out like an open book, there she was again. Exposed. But she doesn't care anymore. "You figured out too. Fun." She mumbled.
"You built the woman a statue, Asami. Of course, I know. I'm your assistant. Do you think I don't notice you staring out the window looking at the figure? I couldn't even count how many times you ask me if we received any letters from the South." She waved her hands in the air and sighed. "I understand you miss her, but please, take care of yourself too." She looked at her boss with worry in her eyes and then left.
And Asami tried. She did. She tried to not think of her and struggled at first, she always ends up in the park for some reason. And then she stopped. The restraint she had to summon to not turn the car around and drive back to the park. Because she'll see her face again. And then she'll cry again. And it went on for weeks. But the heiress was finally getting better. She eats on time now, thanks to her assistant, she also makes sure that she goes home on time. The train station is what's keeping her busy nowadays. And most days, she stops thinking of Korra.
One year and six months. Asami visits the Air Temple Island now and then. She says hi to the kids. She plays with them and goes home after dark.
Asami started modifying her equalist glove. She made it lighter, smoother, and easier to use. She still writes to Korra, but not so often anymore. She stopped going to the park now.
She was getting better in taking care of herself.
One year and ten months.
Asami was driving home, and it was just past five. She parked her car in the garage and went out. She stared at the satomobile for a minute and then went to the drawers at the garage's left side. She put down her bag, removed her jacket, stripped her skirt, and changed into pants folded on top of the drawers.
Asami got a red ponytail and tied her hair in a loose bun. She started gathering the tools, and moved beside the car, opened the hood and started tinkering on the parts.
Asami worked for almost an hour until she closes the hood with a thud.
She then started to gather more things from the container; sandpaper, electric sander, air compressor, a spray gun, and some newspapers. She puts on her goggles and face mask. Asami started masking off some parts of the car and promptly started working. There's just something with dismantling parts and experimenting with designs of her car that calms her. A therapy to keep her mind working.
It took her almost four hours to finish. She gathered up the tools and put it back to where she got it. She cleaned up the mess, then removed her mask and goggles.
Asami looked at her masterpiece, and soon enough, her shoulders started to shake, then she was sobbing, sitting on the floor. She hugged her knees and dipped her head in between. "Damn it, Asami." The engineer choked; her shoulders shook.
And she let the tears fall.
Maybe it was the sky in the morning when she goes to work, or the ocean she sees when she passes by Yue bay. Perhaps it was a shirt of the people she encounters. Maybe it was the tint of the statue.
Or maybe,
it was just the person.
She painted her Satomobile blue.
