Ripples of Korrasami
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Book 1, Episode 7: Aftermath
The last few days had not gone as Korra had thought they would. Mako and Bolin had not come to live with her on Air Temple Island. Additionally – and much to her chagrin – she had actually enjoyed her visit to the Sato Estate despite convincing herself that it would be a wasted trip. She did not like seeing Mako and Asami together, but Asami had made her feel welcome and seriously impressed her with her driving skills. Unfortunately, Korra had overheard Hiroshi's phone call that caused her to suspect he was an Equalist. And things only went downhill from there. Though vindicated in the end, she had hurt her friends. Especially Asami.
Asami. Korra had gotten her all wrong. Korra still thought Asami was elegant and gorgeous. Korra could barely pull her eyes away from Asami's mass of onyx curls when they were in the same room, especially with those hair flips she kept doing seemingly exclusively for Korra's benefit. But there was more to Asami than that. Everything had changed between them at the test track and in the secret warehouse. Asami could be just as intense and emotional as Korra was. For the first time in her life, it felt like there was someone like her. Someone who could understand her. Someone who wouldn't judge her.
Asami had just had her life completely uprooted. While her fighting skills had impressed them all just minutes ago, the pain radiating from her now that they were in relative safety was heartbreaking. And it was entirely Korra's fault. Asami's tears, Asami's hurt, and her father's betrayal sat heavily in Korra's chest as the police airship flew away from the Sato Estate. She had tried sending Mako to comfort Asami moments ago and was surprised when she turned him away almost immediately.
Mako returned to Korra – hurt and confused clearly written on his features. He grunted, frustration bleeding through as mild aggression, "Asami wants to talk to you for some reason."
Korra nodded. Maybe she wasn't the only one that felt an understanding and a connection of sorts growing between herself and Asami. Maybe she just needed the hope that the Avatar represented. Maybe she felt more comfortable being comforted by another woman. Or maybe Mako was really just that emotionally inept that Asami felt he would only make matters worse. There's only one way to find out, Korra mused.
Asami was standing alone at the window holding herself. Her eyes seemed glued to the window as her childhood home grew smaller and smaller. Korra could practically feel the waves of sorrow and betrayal rippling off of Asami. Korra could feel her own heart breaking on Asami's behalf. Don't think about that now, Korra chided herself. She needed to be present for Asami.
Korra walked up next to Asami and placed a hand on her shoulder. Asami looked up, grief written plainly on her eloquent features. Korra said softly and – she hoped – kindly, "You asked to see me, Asami?"
Asami nodded, her eyes flicking back to the now diminutive estate. Her voice came out hollow, "I wanted to thank you. For the truth. My father... he..."
Asami's voice died in her throat. Korra saw Asami's resolve shatter as tears flooded her eyes. Korra reacted on impulse. Before she knew what she was doing, Korra pulled Asami into her arms. Korra felt Asami throw her arms around Korra's neck and slump into her shoulder sobbing uncontrollably.
Korra reacted instinctively – taking on some of Asami's weight, stroking her luxurious curls, and whispering gentle comforts in her ear. All the while, Korra felt her own emotions shifting. How could she have been so cold to the sweet enthusiastic woman in her arms? Was Mako really worth the barrier between them?
Korra had been so certain that she and Mako were meant to be. But with Asami in her arms, Korra felt that resolve crumbling. Asami felt too good in her arms in comparison to the kiss she had shared with Mako, even with Asami in such an emotionally wrought state. Korra's feelings were a mess with this added information. She would need time to sort them out, but for now, Asami needed her.
Slowly, Asami began to pull herself together with Korra's gentle ministrations. Korra felt Asami relax in her arms. Asami buried her face in Korra's neck, drawing comfort and strength from the embrace. Her breathing tickled Korra's neck and set off a flight of butterflies in Korra's stomach. This only served to fuel Korra's confused feelings further.
When Asami finally spoke again, her voice was hoarse and ragged, "I'm sorry. Didn't mean to fall apart on you."
Korra cautiously continued stroking Asami's hair, "No apology necessary. The last few days have been tough. Do you want to talk about it?"
Asami stiffened and shook her head. She stifled a sob before responding, "I'm not ready. What am I going to do, Korra? I've got nowhere to go."
"Oh, Asami," Korra felt tears rise in her own eyes in sympathy. "You can come to stay on Air Temple Island with me. Tenzin has already agreed. Anything you need, I'm there, okay? All you need to do is ask."
Asami's lifted her head and met Korra's eyes. Asami's stunning jade eyes were rimmed with red. Her face was puffy from crying, but her gaze was steady. She said in a tone equal part skeptically and self-consciously, "Really? I didn't think you liked me very much..."
Korra fought down a blush. She was embarrassed by how she had treated Asami. And... there was something about those piercing green eyes. Something that set Korra at ease while simultaneously setting ablaze within her. It was too much to think about now.
Korra focused and replied solemnly, "Of course, Asami. I'm so sorry. I know I've been pretty cold to you. I regret it so much. I let my confused feelings get the better of me. But I intend to change that. I feel like we could be close if we give ourselves the chance."
"I think we could too. We both could use friends right now."
Korra gave Asami a shaky smile, "Can we start over as friends?"
Asami gave Korra a watery smile, "I'd like that -"
Asami was interrupted by their arrival at Air Temple Island. Tenzin began shepherding Korra, Asami, Mako, and Bolin off the ship. Chief Beifong stated that officers would be over to take their statements in the morning and sort out retrieving their belongings from the Sato Estate.
As they made their way towards the dorms, Asami stayed glued to Korra's side. She had wrapped herself firmly around Korra's arm. Korra could almost feel the comfort Asami was experiencing and gently placed her hand over one of Asami's. Korra felt herself relax as Asami began to lose some of the tension that had marred her refined features since the truth had come to light.
The group exchanged goodnights as Tenzin led Mako and Bolin to the men's dorm. Korra was mystified by the strained exchange between Mako and Asami. He didn't appear happy that Asami had turned to her for comfort instead of him. Though it may have just been that Asami refused to let go of Korra to exchange anything more than a few brisk words with her boyfriend.
Korra quietly led Asami through the halls of the women's dorm. She wanted to avoid waking Jinora and Ikki. They would ask too many questions. With how tired Korra felt and how upset Asami was, it would be best if they made it to bed without getting waylaid. Nor did Korra want to fend off questions about Mako. Her feelings towards Mako had grown significantly cooler over the past few hours for reasons she didn't quite fully understand.
Korra was about to show Asami into the room next to hers when Asami abruptly asked in a slightly panicky voice, "Can I stay with you? I don't want to be alone."
Korra was surprised but simply nodded. It was clear that her presence and touch were helping Asami greatly. And the thought of a sleepover with Asami sent a thrill through her that she was hesitant to acknowledge. However, she would admit that she was coming to like being there for Asami and soothing her. Asami seemed to find Korra's touch grounding and calming if Korra was any judge of Asami's feelings.
Korra led Asami into her room. The room was quiet and still, save for the sounds of waves and some tired chuffs from Naga, who stirred as they entered. After introductions were made, Naga seemed immediately interested in and fond of Asami. Korra was astonished. While Naga was generally well-behaved and friendly, she was normally slow to warm up to unfamiliar people. The only other person she had bonded with this quickly was Korra herself all those years ago.
When Korra voiced her surprise, Asami gave a soft giggle and continued rubbing Naga's belly. She added through her giggles, "She's such a sweetheart. Aren't you, girl? Yes, you are."
Naga's tongue lolled out in pleasure. The polar bear dog gave Korra a pointed look that seemed to be begging Korra to keep Asami close. This only further confirmed her earlier commitment and fueled her shifting emotions. When had Naga ever been wrong about someone?
And on top of that, doting on Naga was doing Asami some good. She looked less heartbroken and sorrowful for the contact. Asami would be a perfect second mom for Naga, an unbidden thought recognized. Korra pushed it away. It was becoming hard to ignore just how much spending such a small amount of time with Asami had changed her perspective.
While Asami focused her ministrations on Naga, Korra rummaged through her drawers and pulled out a pair of pajamas for Asami. Catching Asami's attention, Korra offered the pajamas and the two changed while giving each other as much privacy as they could.
Upon finishing, Korra couldn't help but take in Asami's appearance. She had removed her makeup which had done nothing to lessen her beauty. Korra's pajamas did not fit Asami particularly well. The borrowed tank top was loose around her shoulders and chest while showing off a sliver of pale midriff. Luckily, the light blue pants fit reasonably well even though they failed to reach Asami's ankle by a good few inches.
"I'm sorry I don't have anything that would fit you better," Korra said, a little red in the face.
Asami shrugged, "They're comfortable which is what matters. Just let me know if I need to adjust the top. I don't think it's going to stay in place, and I'd rather not accidentally flash the entire island. Especially if I'm going to be staying here a while."
Korra blushed and nodded – doing her best to push the image of Asami's bare breasts out of her mind. Now really wasn't the time for such intrusive thoughts. Tonight, was about comforting Asami. Korra could sort out her errant feelings later.
Korra pulled back the sheets and settled onto the bed. She warned, "The bed might be a bit firmer than you're used to. It's an air acolyte thing apparently."
Asami joined her and cautiously shifted to assess the bed.
"It's not awful. I've heard it's good for your back," Asami replied nonchalantly. After a brief pause, she asked, "Can we cuddle?"
Korra simply opened her arms in invitation. Asami tucked herself against Korra's side with her head resting against Korra's muscled shoulder. Korra instinctively wrapped her arms around Asami in a protective embrace. Asami sank into the embrace with an appreciative sigh. She returned the embrace – her hand snaking across Korra to rest on her other shoulder and planting one of her legs in-between Korra's.
For all the inherent intimacy of the embrace, it felt surprisingly natural and familiar to both women. Softly they bid each other goodnight and, acting on an impulse born of exhaustion, Korra lightly kissed Asami's forehead. Unbeknownst to Korra, a small smile graced Asami's lips – her first in days – upon feeling the kiss.
The entwined pair swiftly drifted off to sleep protected from nightmares of Equalists, Amon, and betrayal by their comfortable embrace.
Korra and Asami woke early the next morning. Asami seemed better for their night spent together. They were a bit red from waking up even more tightly wrapped around each other than they had been when they had gone to bed. Asami had ended up practically on top of Korra and had buried her head in the crook of Korra's neck. They were equally a bit shy after the vulnerability they had shared.
It was not long until Asami departed with Mako and Bolin to gather their belongings from the Sato Estate. Asami had to promise Naga that she would be back before the polar bear dog would let her go. Asami had quietly confessed to Korra that she would probably need some bonding time with Naga when she returned. Returning to the manor was going to be an emotional experience for Asami no matter what she did to prepare.
The move-in went smoothly minus Meelo's off-putting comments to Asami and Ikki's prying question about if Asami knew that Korra liked Mako. In the brief time, Korra and Asami had in Asami's new room, Korra attempted to set the record straight. She had liked Mako, but she had mostly moved on.
Asami surprised Korra by confessing that she didn't mind and wasn't sure of her feelings for Mako anymore either. She was frustrated with how he had tried to shield her from the truth about her father and his other overprotective tendencies. That combined with his seeming inability to choose between his attraction towards both she and Korra had turned Asami off of the relationship significantly over the past day. And now that Asami had put it into words, Korra recognized the same feelings within herself.
What went unsaid was the ever-strengthening bond between Korra and Asami. Both women could not easily forget the comfort and rightness of their shared embraces. Nor the flutter in their hearts when they shared a small glance or touch.
Later that night, when the new Team Avatar was formed, Korra felt herself blush when Asami called her amazing. Asami's compliment filed her like a drink – renewing her spirit and confidence. Asami believed in her. That fact alone drove away much of the pain and heartache Korra had felt since arriving in Republic City. Mako and Bolin's support only bolstered the feeling.
As Team Avatar began making their patrols, Asami surprised them all by insisting that Korra sit in the front with her. Korra was happy to comply as she wanted to see where their growing bond would take them. Asami was developing a habit of touching Korra's shoulders and arms when they talked. Korra wasn't sure what to make of it, but she knew she liked how it made her feel.
Mako was puzzled by Korra and Asami's sudden friendship and its – at least in his mind – inexplicable depth. Whatever had occurred the night before had completely changed the script between Mako, Asami, and Korra. And Mako was wary of what it might mean for his romantic interest in both women. Meanwhile, Bolin was simply overjoyed that everyone was getting along at long last.
Team Avatar's renewed spirits and easy synchronicity proved fruitful in their successful capture of an Equalist convoy on their patrol. Asami had seriously impressed them with her driving skills. And Korra was rapidly beginning to share Asami's love of fast cars and recognize Asami as a fellow thrill-seeker.
As much of a high as the first night was, the second night was equally bleak. Korra was deeply troubled by her friends' arrest. How could Tarrlok think he was justified in treating non-benders as if their rights did not matter? And how dare he treat Asami and the brothers as if they were criminals? Tarrlok was out of control. He needed to be stopped immediately.
Unfortunately, Korra had no way of knowing that Tarrlok was a blood bender. If he had been just a normal water bender, he never would have been able to capture her. During the long hours of her own imprisonment, Korra couldn't help but wonder if Asami felt the same frantic desire to rescue her that Korra had felt when Asami was arrested. Korra quickly chastised herself for the thought. She was the Avatar. She shouldn't need someone else to save her nor did she think should she want that.
As Korra made her escape and fled from Amon, she couldn't help but wish it had been Hiroshi trying to capture her instead. For one, he would be easier to escape from. But more importantly, she wants to give him a piece of her mind. How dare he hurt and betray her!
Thankfully, Naga managed to track her down and shepherd her back to the city. Despite the lingering effects of the cold and her imprisonment, she felt nothing but relief at seeing her oldest friend. However, by the time her human friends found her, she was barely conscious. Korra was barely aware of Mako trying to retrieve her from Naga's back. However, Naga had other ideas. She batted Mako away with her tail and made a beeline towards Asami. Naga gently bumped Asami with her snout and gave Korra a significant look. Taking the hint, Asami – battling warring confusion and satisfaction – took Korra into her arms.
Korra's eyes fluttered open and smiled weakly. Her voice was barely a whisper when she spoke, "Asami, you're okay?"
Asami gave Korra what could only be described as a besotted look, "We're okay. We were so worried about you. Especially after we heard Tarrlok took you."
Korra snuggled into Asami's neck and said tiredly, "Amon got Tarrlok. I barely escaped in the confusion."
Asami stifled a yelp of surprise. Amon was getting bolder and to defeat a blood bender... Asami pushed that thought down, "You're safe now, Korra. I've got you. Let's go home, okay?"
Korra could only nod as she felt herself overcome with her exhaustion. Korra was asleep before Asami made it the short distance to Oogi.
Over the next few days, the differences in Mako and Asami's affection only became more apparent. As Korra recovered, Mako fretted over her – bringing her tea and food, urging her to rest, and otherwise hovering around her. He barely left her side to the point where Korra had taken to fanning sleep to get some peace. For whatever reason, he would not accept her assertion that she was fine. Honestly, Korra thought ruefully, it's a bit stifling.
Asami, on the other hand, took a different approach. In the evenings, Asami would shoo Mako away – which was not difficult given the fight they had had over their relationship and Korra the day after they found Korra. Asami would ask Korra what she'd like to do. They shared tea, talked about whatever struck their fancy, played pai sho, vented about Mako and the Equalists, discussed potential driving lessons, and, at times, sat together in comfortable silence.
Where Korra found Mako's caregiving to be draining, Asami's felt invigorating and restorative. It didn't hurt that Pema had Asami spending the nights cuddling Korra to help fight off her symptoms of hypothermia. After the third night, Asami was growing suspicious about Pema's motives in continuing the treatment and wondered just how much of her fight with Mako Pema had understood. It seemed she had understood the deeper meaning in her statement about liking Korra that Mako had seemingly missed.
Unfortunately, their reprieve was short-lived. Only days after Korra had recovered, the Equalists take over had begun. These were troubled and challenging times for the fledgling Team Avatar and their allies.
When the smoke settled, Team Avatar had accomplished their mission to free the city from Amon and the Equalists, but it was not without a steep cost for Korra and Asami. Korra had lost most of her bending to Amon and Asami's father had tried to kill her. In their grief, they tried to withdraw from their friends and comrades as much as they could while all living on Air Temple Island. However, it did not take long for Korra and Asami to find comfort in each other's presence.
In the days before the group departed for Harbor City and Katara, Korra and Asami barely left each other's side. At times they would lean on each other – seeking out warm embraces and a shoulder to bury into. Others, they would sit and talk for hours about what they had lost and whatever they could to distract each other. Mainly, they would find an isolated spot on the island and simply sit together in their grief, anger, and hurt.
Neither woman felt any judgment from the other and for the first time in what seemed like ages, they felt comfortable enough to be vulnerable around another person. The comforting and care they had shared in the past few weeks had completely shifted their relationship from the days of fighting for Mako's affections.
When the full moon was near upon them, Team Avatar, Lin, and Tenzin accompanied Korra to see Katara in the hopes that she could undo the damage Amon had wrought. Despite her best and sustained effort, Katara was unable to remove the block. Korra was devastated. Tenzin and Lin tried to comfort her in their own ways, but Korra was not listening or interested in platitudes.
She fled the increasingly claustrophobic confines of the healing hut. She vaguely heard her parents and Bolin asking questions and Katara responding but she did not look back. Mako tried to divert her by confessing his feelings for her. But she shook him off. That ship had sailed. It was clear he couldn't be the person she needed. Not now and likely not ever. And after holding Asami...
Asami placed a hand on Korra's shoulder and Korra paused almost against her will. Jade eyes filled with concern met Korra's pained sapphire eyes. In a flash, information flowed between them. Korra felt Asami's concern and grief mixed with desire and love fill her heart while she felt her own hurt and loss mixed with love and longing take residence in Asami's. No words were spoken yet they were not needed. In that moment, Asami understood Korra perfectly.
Asami lifted her hand and gave Korra a look that said, 'I'll handle things here. Go. I'm here for you when you're ready.' Korra swiftly made her way towards Naga, and they were off. Korra needed to be alone to think. She thanked the spirits that Asami understood her so well already.
Korra spent a long while sitting on a cliff starring out over the brilliant blue ocean. Her mind was in turmoil over what to do. She needed guidance and as the fates were wanted, guidance appeared when all seemed lost and hopeless. Aang had come to her rescue, but the creeping unease of her anxieties seemed to only scatter into hiding to bide their time.
Korra pushed down that existential dread as she delved into the power and connection of the Avatar state. She felt the water, earth, and fire once again join air in answering her call as she launched herself into the air with a whoop of relief and joy.
At the top of her trajectory, she was startled to find Kyoshi waiting for her. Kyoshi further shocked Korra by giving her a warm crooked grin. Looking over Korra's shoulder, Kyoshi said, "That woman reminds me a lot of my Rangi. I wouldn't keep her waiting. A person of her caliber is quite rare in any age. Try not to let her go, Avatar Korra. She has the determination, empathy, and ingenuity that the Avatar's partner needs."
Korra could only nod. She was too stunned to be receiving relationship advice from Kyoshi, who was much warmer than her reputation suggested.
The moment Korra's boots hit the ground she was running towards Asami. They met in the middle. Throwing themselves into a tight embrace. Korra picked Asami up and spun around in excitement. She heard Asami giggle – a thrilling sound.
"That was amazing, Korra," Asami said, leaning back just far enough to meet Korra's eyes. "What happened?"
Korra explained, "I finally connected to my past lives and Aang helped fix me. I think I can restore everyone else's bending. I can fix this!"
Asami gave Korra a radiant smile, "That's wonderful. You might even be able to make Lin smile."
"That really would be a miracle," Korra laughed, then she grew serious, "Kyoshi spoke to me as well..."
"Really? Kyoshi was my hero growing up. What did she say?" Asami asked almost breathless.
Korra pushed down a wave of anxiety, "Me too. For the record, I think the admiration is mutual. She was just trying to give me a push. The thing is...I really like you, Asami. And not just as a friend. I..."
Korra was cut off as Asami gave her a searing kiss. Korra's mind couldn't help but equate the rush of happiness and love that flowed through her to the Avatar state. Both experiences left her feeling like she was floating.
The unexpected nature of the kiss and the snowy ground below colluded to end the kiss as Korra overbalanced and slipped. She hit the ground with a soft poof as the snow flew around them. Asami and Korra looked at each other for a moment and burst out laughing.
After their laughter died down Asami rolled off Korra and rose to her feet. She held out her hands and helped Korra up. Their hands now entwined, Asami smiled shyly, "I really like you too, Korra. I have from the moment we met, and the feeling has only grown stronger. You know just in case the kiss wasn't clear."
"It was but it's good to hear it too. So, girlfriends?" Korra asked.
"Girlfriends," Asami confirmed with a peck on the lips. "So, this is what Kyoshi talked to you about? Me?"
Korra felt herself grow hot, "Yeah. She compared you to someone she called 'her Rangi' and basically told me to tell you how I feel. Have you ever heard of anyone named Rangi?"
Asami looked to be in deep thought for a few moments, "I think she had a bodyguard by that name but I'm not sure. Maybe Tenzin will know?"
"Maybe," Korra felt Asami shiver. "We should go get you warmed up and we can tell everyone the good news."
Asami agreed and led Korra to her snowmobile. She sent a sly look over her shoulder at Korra and asked, "Want to be my back-warmer?"
Korra felt herself flush but nodded eagerly. She glanced at Naga and said, "Let's go home, girl. I'm going to ride with Asami, okay?"
Naga gave her a wolfish grin and gently headbutted both women before bolting off towards home. Asami laughed, "She really is adorable."
Korra smirked, "She's always had a soft spot for pretty girls who aren't afraid to get up in the mix."
"Flatterer. Now get on. We don't want to worry anyone. Mako might get flashbacks and he's already going to be in for a bit of a shock from us being together," Asami said casually, flipping her onyx hair.
Korra laughed and snuggled into Asami's back with her arms secured around her waist. She wanted to be well prepared for the speed she knew was coming. Or at least that's the excuse would use if anyone questioned the overly close embrace. She knew now that she was just looking for an opportunity to cuddle with Asami, who had no objects. Korra was sure that she had asked Korra to join her for this exact purpose. On the drive back she amused herself thinking about how everyone would react to the news of her restored bending and that her heart belonged to Asami Sato.