Ripples of Korrasami

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Book 3, Episode 10: Long Live the Queen

Despite Asami's skillful engineering and Korra's adequate welding, the improvised sand sailor's mast collapsed as soon as they pulled into the makeshift docks on the outskirts of the Misty Palms Oasis. But that didn't bother Asami or Korra over much. They had managed to escape the desert and the creature that had wanted so desperately to eat them unscathed.

Asami heard Korra stifle a laugh at her joke about selling their makeshift vehicle to some sand benders parked across from them. The small smirk Asami sent Korra's way had let Korra in on the joke. Asami knew Korra loved watching Asami flaunt her skills. The things she could create amazed and fascinated Korra or at least that was what Korra told her on an increasingly regular basis.

While Korra recognized just how attractive she found Asami's intelligence, she pushed it down. Asami was her best friend and a unique presence in her life. She didn't want to lose her if Asami didn't feel the same way. Her past and current experiences with Mako told her well enough the risks of being impulsive in matters of the heart.

Korra and Asami dismounted the craft and made their way toward the Misty Palms Oasis. Both women could help but breathe a sigh of relief at the signs of civilization. After hours of nothing but sand and being chased through half the desert, they could barely think of anything beyond finding food, water, a shower, and rest. Even the Red Lotus could wait. As much as they wanted to rescue the Bolin and Mako, they were too exhausted to do much for them.

Thankfully they were able to part ways with the earth queen's soldiers amicably enough. There was something about running for their lives together that tended to render past conflicts and priorities insignificant.

As they approached the gate, Asami did a double take. She blinked several times thinking that she was hallucinating but the creature remained in place. Asami eyed the dragon with awe. She had never thought she would see one of these endangered creatures with her own eyes.

Korra chuckled, "First time seeing a dragon, huh?"

"They are rare, Korra. Especially outside of the fire nation. You've seen one before?" Asami asked astonished.

Korra ran her hand through her hair sheepishly, "Well only one. Lord Zuko visited me when I was a little girl and I met Druk, his dragon companion. Which I think is this dragon unless I'm mistaken."

"If we can alert Lord Zuko, maybe he can get the word out to the world leaders about the Red Lotus while we rest. I have more than enough money on me for a room at the inn. We should probably stick together just to be safe," Asami noted trying to sound nonchalant.

The kidnapping attempts had shaken Asami. She had been deeply frustrated that she hadn't been able to do much to help beyond helping Korra recover and attempting to help her to safety. Mako could have at least handed over the radio the other night so she could help coordinate the rescue. Having to watch idly while those scoundrels dragged off a drugged Korra, hurt Naga, and attacked her friends enraged Asami.

Her deepening feelings for Korra only made it more painful. How could she protect the women she was coming to love when there existed villains like these? Love... When had it become love? Asami paused to wonder.

The pair stayed close together as they entered the town. The town was much as it had been when they had spied upon Aiwei. But of course, that had only been a day ago despite feeling much longer.

Korra eyed the nearby merchant stalls. She tapped Asami on the shoulder, "Do you think they would have something to drink? I don't know about you, but I'm famished."

Asami replied, "Maybe –"

She was cut off by a voice, "Pardon me, ladies. I couldn't help but overheard that you were looking for something to drink. I have something that might quench your thirst."

Korra and Asami glanced at each other. The man looked a little shady but then again it could just be the hooded desert outfit. Asami shrugged, "What are you offering?"

The man smiled, "Only the most nutritious refreshing juice there is in these parts. Cactus juice!"

Korra's brow creased. "I remember Master Katara telling me something about cactus juice. Chief Sokka had it one time... ugh... I can't remember."

Asami rubbed her chin, "It rings a bell for me too."

The man smiled, "That is wonderful news. I didn't know its reputation had grown so much. Now, what do you say?"

Korra and Asami conferred in undertones. Korra said, "I don't remember the story, but I remember Sokka was fine afterward. What do you think?"

Asami shrugged, "It wouldn't hurt to have something to hold us over until we can find some water. We can share one?"

Korra nodded and Asami turned to the man, "Alright we'll take some."

Asami haggled with the man for a bit and paid him the price they settled upon. Once their transaction was done, the man faded away.

Asami offered Korra the juice, "Do you want the first sip or should I?"

Korra rubbed the back of her neck, "Maybe I should boil it first before we drink it just in case."

Asami nodded, "It couldn't hurt."

Korra took the proffered bottle. Using a combination of water and fire bending, she had the juice boiling in a matter of seconds. After a minute, she chilled the juice and took a sip.

Korra offered Asami the bottle and she drank as well. The juice was surprisingly sweet and a bit tangy, but it thoroughly cleared the taste of sand from Asami's throat. Korra and Asami passed the bottle back and forth as they wandered through the market towards the inn where they had spied on Aiwei.

Asami was just finishing the last mouthful of juice when a flash of white appeared. Naga knocked Korra to the ground and began licking her face. Korra laughed, "I missed you too, girl. I'm so glad you're alright."

Asami affectionately scratched Naga behind the ears, "I'm so glad you were able to escape unharmed. You're such a good girl."

Naga nuzzled Asami affectionately. She had taken to cuddling with Asami during their time on the airship and in Zaofu. While Asami and Naga's bonding accounted for Naga's friendliness, Asami had trained Naga to be a bit gentler with her than she was with Korra. Not that she couldn't manage or tolerate a bit of roughness, Asami simply preferred to stay upright and slobber-free.

Naga glanced at them both and turned. She walked a short distance and turned to see if they were following. Korra and Asami glanced at each other – silently wondering where Naga would take them – before following. Asami couldn't help but giggle at the way jaunty way Naga was positioning her tail. The polar bear dog seemed quite proud of finding them and leading them wherever she was taking them.

Asami was surprised that she was feeling giggly. She had never really been the giggly sort even as a girl, but she put it down to fatigue. It truly had been a long and trying day.

It didn't take long for Naga to lead Korra and Asami to the door of an unfamiliar tavern and gently prod the curtain with her snout. Asami let Korra take the lead as they entered.

Across the room, Asami noticed three figures locked in deep discussion. She hoped they weren't bounty hunters, Red Lotus agents, or Earth Kingdom soldiers. But wait. She knew those figures. Chief Beifong and Tonraq – as he insisted, she call him. And that must be Lord Zuko. Who else has a scar like that? And Korra thought she recognized his dragon outside the Oasis.

The three figures looked up at the new arrivals and some of the tension drained from them. Tonraq rose and rushed over to them and, to Asami's surprise, wrapped them both in a tight embrace. Asami felt another giggle bubble up as she took the opportunity to hug Korra and Tonraq back. Asami didn't know what was up with her emotions today, but she was beyond certain that Korra and her family gave the best hugs in the world. They were so warm and comforting.

"Korra. Asami. I'm so glad you're both safe," Tonraq sighed. "We were so worried. The evidence didn't look good. Come on. You both look famished."

Tonraq directed them over to their table and moved to the bar to get them food and water. Once he returned, Korra and Asami explained what had happened with the Red Lotus and their capture by the Earth Queen's forces. Part way through their explanation a large amount of food arrived along with water. As Korra and Asami ate, Tonraq filled them in on the Red Lotus' activities in Ba Sing Se and the assassination of the Earth Queen.

Asami was sure that Korra was going to insist that they make plans to confront the Red Lotus, but Chief Beifong headed her off, "You two should get some rest. You both look about to drop."

Asami stifled a yawn and readily agreed, "I think we could use a shower and some sleep. We can figure out our counter-offensive in the morning."

"You're right. We need a clearer picture to plan anyway," Korra deflated as acceptance grew in her. She turned to Lord Zuko, "One last thing, Lord Zuko, do you remember anything about Chief Sokka's experience with cactus juice?"

Zuko stroked his beard, "Not the specifics, but I recall it had some sort of psychedelic effects. He and Katara once returned to do some medical experiments with it, but I do not think the experiments went anywhere."

Korra and Asami glanced at each other in dawning comprehension. Asami had a flash of insight, "Well that might explain why I'm so giggly. Did boiling it at least reduce the effects?"

Surprisingly, it was Lin that responded, "It will still alter your mental state, but you won't have the hallucinations. Kya mentioned it to me once. We should get you two out of the public eye before any unexpected side effects pop up."

Now that Asami knew the cactus juice's nature, she was starting to recognize them within herself. Beyond the giddiness and giggling, she was having more trouble focusing than she had ever had. Even when compared to the late nights of desperate strategizing and maneuvering she had experienced when she took over Future Industries. She and Korra had also demolished the food that Tonraq had brought them.

And this was all while they were still digesting the juice. Tonight was going to be interesting. Asami couldn't help wondering whether she might finally be able to push through her fears and confide in Korra about her deepest affections.

Lin discretely led Korra and Asami towards the door leading to the stairs leading up to the inn portion of the tavern. Just as they were approaching the door, a man burst through it and made his way towards the bar. Asami felt Korra jump at his sudden appearance and grab Asami's arm. As much as Asami liked the contact, she was troubled by Korra's reaction.

As they reached the quiet of the staircase, Asami whispered, "Are you okay, Korra?"

Korra let go of Asami's arm but then took her hand almost immediately as if she couldn't bear to let go entirely and replied, "Sorry. He appeared out of nowhere and I panicked. It's been happening lately with men when I'm not expecting them."

"After everything you've been through, it makes sense. You have nothing to be ashamed of," Asami whispered soothingly. "You're safe with me."

Both started having forgotten that they were not alone as Lin added, "You're not the first woman to have that sort of reaction to men and you certainly won't be the last. Now, come on the room is just around the corner. You two can flirt in there."

Korra sagged with relief despite the blush that graced her checks. Asami couldn't help but smile at how adorable Korra's blush was. A reckless part of Asami wanted to see how often she could elicit that blush tonight the consequences be damned.

Lin led them outside of the last room in the hall. She told them to wait, and she entered alone to sweep the room to ensure it was secure.

While Lin was in the room, Asami realized that she was still holding Korra's hand. Her heart gave a pleasant flutter for the sustained contact. Feeling brave, she asked, "Can I brush your hair after you shower? It looks so soft."

Korra, red-faced, giggled, "I'd love that. I haven't had my hair played with in ages. Can I play with yours too?"

"Of course. I bet it'll be even better with the state we're in," Asami speculated while rubbing her chin absently.

"I think you're right. I'm feeling pretty cuddly because of it too," Korra muttered as she absent-mindedly rested her head on Asami's shoulder.

Asami wasn't sure if Korra was aware of her actions, but in either case, she didn't want to scare Korra off from cuddling. Those strong arms wrapped around her own arm were eliciting all sorts of good feelings in Asami. Spirits, those muscles..., she thought unabashed.

Asami's thoughts were interrupted by Chief Beifong's return. Chief Beifong shuffled them into the room. Her demeanor was nothing but professional, but Asami swore she had seen the hint of a smirk on Lin's lips when she had spotted how close Korra and Asami were standing.

That smirk was nowhere in sight when Lin addressed them, "Right. You both are to stay in here until morning. Do not let anyone in no matter who they say they are. Lord Zuko, Chief Tonraq, and I will be in the rooms next door and across the hall and will be listening for signs of trouble. Understand?"

Korra and Asami nodded.

"Good," Chief Beifong said softening, "I will be locking the door behind me. Make sure to drink some water and rest. Goodnight."

Once the Chief was gone, Asami met Korra's eyes and giggled involuntarily, "Who would have guessed Lin Beifong was a big softy under all that metal."

"We're really seeing a different side of her this trip," Korra giggling as well before sighing, "Showers then?"

Asami readily agreed. As Korra tended to be quicker, Asami told her to go first. Thankfully, their bags had been retrieved from their abandoned vehicle and deposited in their room. Korra dug out her pajamas and shower bag from her luggage and retreated to the bathroom.

Alone, Asami sank tiredly into a chair and poured herself some water. She felt grimy and tired and yet despite that she was feeling a bit better about herself than she had in the last few days. She had gotten herself and Korra out of multiple sticky spots using her knowledge and skills in the last several hours. So what if she was a non-bender and couldn't effectively fight from a distance as a bender could. No one else on Team Avatar could have accomplished what she had in the desert and on the airship.

And she had noticed how impressed Korra had looked throughout. That alone filled her with happiness. Though as she heard the shower turn on in the next room, Asami couldn't help the thoughts and daydreams that rushed into her head. With the cactus juice dulling her self-control and enhancing her emotions, Asami shamelessly allowed herself to slip into fantasizing about Korra.

It felt like no time at all had passed when Asami was startled from a particularly satisfying daydream of sharing a cozy intimate bath with Korra by the bathroom door bursting open and Korra reentering the bedroom. Korra was still pulling on the white tank top she wore as pajamas as she entered and Asami briefly caught sight of Korra's well-defined abs and felt an intense blush and desire overtake her. Her thoughts immediately became muddled with attraction and lust. She closed her eyes to relish the sight and her indulgent thoughts.

Asami started as she felt Korra lightly touch her forehead, Korra asked, "Are you okay?" She didn't wait for a reply as she forged on, "You're looking a bit red. Oh no. You didn't get a sunburn, did you? Wait here I'll get some water to heal you."

Asami was shocked by the panicked sound that came out of her own mouth, "Eeep!…I mean no. I'm fine. Just need a cold shower."

"A cold shower, huh?" Korra grinned, catching on, and winked, "Don't let me stop you. Just come back soon. I still want to cuddle and play with your hair."

Scarlet-faced Asami gathered her pajamas and shower bag and practically ran into the bathroom. Korra's tone had exacerbated her already astronomically heightened emotions. The seduction and playfulness of it had been a pleasant surprise. Though Asami thought ruefully that her plan to make Korra blush was backfiring spectacularly.

She hoped the shower would help her focus. But as the cool water met her skin and its increased sensitivity, it turned out to be everything but calming. Indeed, it was as if her heart had been caught in a whirlpool as her love and desire for Korra found new depths. She was consumed by visions of sapphire blue eyes, tan skin, and a crooked smile.

And yet, she was surprised to find that she was not afraid of her feelings or their consequences now. Quite the opposite. Asami knew that she had found her North Star in Korra. She had found a home after so long alone and at times adrift. Now all she had to do was stop hiding and hope Korra felt the same. If the turbulence of the last year had taught Asami anything, it was that life and circumstances could be fleeting and that she had to be proactive to hold on to the life that she wanted.

Asami steeled her resolve and cut the shower. She made quick work of drying herself and dawned her nightdress and dressing gown. She took a steadying breath and exited the bathroom.

Korra was waiting for her sitting on one of the beds with a brush laying before her. Upon closer inspection, Asami could tell Korra was excited about something. Asami placed her dirty clothes next to her luggage then went to Korra and picked up the brush.

She had barely sat behind Korra against the headboard when Korra spun around to face her. Asami giggled, "I can't brush your hair if you're facing me. What is it?"

"Well..." Korra began, going slightly pink, "I've been thinking... about maybe giving each other nicknames. You know. Just between us. That's something best friends do, right?"

Asami blinked, "Best friends do that, yes. And oh yeah? Did you come up with any good ones? Turn around and you can tell me while I brush your hair."

Korra practically bounded with excitement at Asami's confirmation. Instead of turning back around, Korra moved forward and nuzzled into Asami's shoulder, and moved her hair so that it was accessible.

"Oof," Asami said as she felt Korra's weight settle comfortably and securely against her and her face flush, "You weren't kidding when you said you were feeling cuddly. I like this mood on you."

Korra snaked her arms around Asami's middle. Her breath whispered across Asami's neck when she replied, "We should do this more. We fit together so well."

Asami allowed a satisfied smirk to grace her features as she felt the heat coming off Korra's face. Asami ran her fingers absently through Korra's hair before she began gentle strokes with the comb.

Korra shivered at the sensation. The shiver snapped Asami out of her contemplations of Korra's hair. She replied, "Oh yes. I would like that very much. But go on about your nickname ideas."

Korra sighed in pleasure and Asami felt goosebumps rise down her arms and chest. Korra's words were surprisingly husky when she spoke again, "What? Right. I had a couple of ideas so stop me if there is one you like."

Asami hummed her accent and Korra began.

"Sato."

"You can do better than that, Avatar."

"Well yeah. 'Sami?"

"Hmm...maybe."

"Sams?"

"Better not. My father sometimes called me that."

"Right. Not that one. Sparky?"

"What?! Sparky?" Asami burst out laughing.

"Maybe Sparks is better?"

"You're adorable. Any more?" Asami continued to laugh.

Now Korra laughed too, "Alright maybe we should be doing this when we're sober. I could just steal Meelo's. What do you say, Beautiful woman."

"Oh, hush you," Asami gasped and continued, "Or I'll think you're just fishing for me to call you sweetie, honey, lover girl, or mine."

Asami froze as she felt and heard Korra's breath hitch. She felt panic rise in her. The words had slipped out without conscious thought.

Asami sputtered, "I'm sorry. I don't know where that came from. I..."

She broke off suddenly as her field of vision became consumed with ocean blue eyes and felt a finger come to rest on her lips. Her breath caught in surprise.

Korra broke through the panic with nine soft but intensely serious words, "And if I wanted you to call me yours?"

Asami felt her heart start beating again after what felt like an eternity. She cupped Korra's cheek and in a breathless voice replied, "Then we'll need to sober up so I can finally kiss you. I've been getting impatient with just dreams of being with you."

Korra gasped as Asami teasingly drew her finger along Korra's jaw. Korra whispered, "Can I play with your hair now? I need to do something, or my self-restraint might slip."

Asami giggled and peaked Korra on the cheek, "Oh alright. I'll stop teasing you for now."

The pair switched positions and Korra began running her fingers through Asami's silky locks.

After several minutes of quiet companionship, yawns began to overtake them both. Asami sighed contentedly, "It's been a long day. We should probably get some sleep."

Asami made to get up, but Korra refused to release her. "Stay," was Korra's only response.

So Asami stayed and settled herself in Korra's comforting embrace. Asami smiled sleepily as she felt Korra's lips brush her forehead. Before she could respond in kind, Asami slipped into a deep peaceful sleep.

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Asami awoke feeling more comfortable than she had in a long time. She mentally took stock and was pleased to find herself clear-headed and well-rested.

Involuntarily she snuggled closer into Korra's warm embrace. Asami felt a bit chilly most mornings and was internally delighted at how much warmth Korra put off. Maybe it was the fire or air bender in her. Or the Southern Water Tribe perhaps. Either way, Korra felt like her own personal hot water bottle at the moment. It was a blissful way to wake up.

Asami opened her eyes and took in her surroundings. Korra was still breathing deeply indicating that she wasn't awake yet and with only dregs of sunlight beginning to peak through the room's windows, Asami concluded that it was still somewhat early.

Asami thought back to the night before and couldn't believe her nerve. And beyond that Korra had readily accepted and reciprocated her feelings. Despite the situation outside of this room, Asami felt her heart swell with a joy to rival the joy her growing number of Future Industries successes brought her.

Asami only hoped that Korra still felt the same now sober. It was only a small bubble of doubt, but it introduced an outsized disquiet within her. She needed to know that she hadn't scared Korra off. Not wanting to wait in case Chief Beifong interrupted, Asami reach over and stroked Korra's arm, "Korra?"

Korra twitched and replied groggily – slurring her words slightly in the process, "'Sami? Whassup?"

"I know you hate mornings, but I wanted to check how much you remember from last night," Asami whispered. She had smirked at the use of one of the nicknames from the night before. It felt like a good sign.

Asami, biting her lip nervously, watched Korra's sleep-addled attempt to recall the prior evening. After a few seconds, Korra smirked and replied, "That depends, am I still yours this morning?"

Asami did not bother to hide her eagerness, "As long as I can be yours as well. Now if you're done teasing me, I would like that kiss you prom…"

Asami was cut off as Korra pulled her into a heated kiss. Asami quickly lost her hands in Korra's hair as she let herself be pulled on top of Korra. Korra's hands on Asami's back and in her hair left trails of tingling wherever they went. Neither had been consumed so quickly and totally by a kiss before. It felt at once more relaxing and titillating than anything they had felt to this point in their lives.

A loud knock on the door startled Korra and Asami apart. Both of them flailed and managed to fall out of the small bed and hit the floor with two muffled thuds.

Chief Beifong's voice issued through the door, "Get up. An airship is approaching from the direction of Ba Sing Se. Meet us downstairs in 5 minutes and be ready for anything."

The pair sat up and looked at each other from across the bed and broke into laughter. Only Beifong would have that sort of timing. Korra and Asami picked themselves up off the floor rubbing the spots that had impacted the floor and holding their ribs to try to still their laughter.

They made their way to each other around the foot of the bed. Asami smiled, "Well I'm glad I woke you before Beifong arrived. How much do you think she knows? She was giving us some interesting looks yesterday."

Korra shrugged, "If she was using her seismic sense, she could probably tell what we were up to. Startling us would probably be her version of a joke."

Asami chuckled and gave Korra a swift peck on the lips, "Well we'll know soon enough. So, girlfriends?"

Korra gave her a radiant smile and confirmed with a swift kiss of her own, "Girlfriends. Now let's get dressed and see about that airship."

The pair quickly readied themselves and joined their companions downstairs hand-in-hand. Chief Tonraq and Lord Zuko did not notice anything but Chief Beifong's eyes darted to their joined hands before informing them of the plan. They were going to wait in the inn and attempt to ambush any enemies that might be coming their way.

The group slipped out of sight against the exterior walls and waited. The group was tense as the minutes passed until Naga reacted to the unknown interlopers' scents and barreled out to meet them wagging her tail energetically. The group exchanged confused looks before trailing behind her cautiously. Naga's friendly reaction had them somewhat flummoxed.

It was only when Korra and Asami recognized that it was Mako and Bolin that they are fully relaxed and rushed over to hug their friends and rescue Mako from Naga's enthusiastic greeting.

Asami laughed as Bolin lifted her off her feet and spun her around. She said, "I'm so glad you're both alight! We were so worried when we heard you were captured."

Bolin replied as he put her down, "We were worried about you both too. Especially after we heard the Earth Queen had captured you too. How did you escape?"

Korra smiled sappily at Asami as Mako and Korra joined Bolin and Asami, "It was all Asami's doing. She was brilliant in freeing us from our cell and getting us out of the desert after I sort of crashed the airship. How did you guys manage to escape the Red Lotus?"

"Er... we didn't," Mako said awkwardly, "Zaheer sent us with a message. But we can get to that in a minute. I think some introductions are needed."

Korra introduced Mako and Bolin to Lord Zuko prompting Bolin to sequel in awe. Then Mako and Bolin introduced Korra and Asami to their extended family.

Asami found herself talking with the brother's grandmother who clearly thought she was Korra. Before Asami could correct her, Mako introduced Korra and corrected her.

Asami met Korra's gaze as Grandma Yin made some comment about Korra's muscles and Korra winked. Asami stuck her tongue out at Korra from behind Grandma Yin's back in response.

Grandma Yin continued having not noticed the wink, "What lovely young women. Mako, why are you not dating any nice girls like them?"

The trio looked at each other awkwardly for a moment before Korra uncomfortably blurted out, "Because these young women are dating each other."

The following lingering silence was only broken by the unexpected and incredibly rare sound of Lin Beifong laughing hysterically.