AN: Asami's gonna switch languages again but this time, it's Korean
Ch 16: All is Fair in Love and War
Tapping away at the keyboard on her laptop, Asami reviewed the various pictures in her email as she spoke to a retailer. "Yes… I am reviewing the images now… yes… as per my brother's recommendations, I think this will be the perfect place. I have heard that the security devices and procedures you have installed in this lot are at the top of its field."
She blinks at the comment before pulling up a certain image.
"Ahh… that shouldn't be a problem, I'll buy that lot too if it means guaranteeing my privacy… No, the price is not a problem. Yes. Yes, please go through with the decision and I'll send you a confirmation email later."
Grabbing her chin lightly, she does one last scroll through the images on the website page.
"You'll have the plot ready in a week? That's quite… early. I'm in the Fire Nation for an important meeting at the moment. No, that won't be a problem, I'll relay this information over to my brothers. I'll have one of them contact you with information on the moving company. Yes, that's perfect then, I'll leave it in your hands, thank you."
Once she hung up on the phone, Asami let out a heavy sigh.
"Urgh, spirits I'm so tired…"
Finally falling back-side down onto the bed, Asami spaces out as she stares at the hotel room's ceiling. Her heart was thumping for various reasons. The main reason, of course, was thanks to the awkward tension between her and Korra. It was one thing keeping up a professional suit to strangers but keeping it up with someone she was close to? Now that was entirely a different story. Eventually, she groans at herself in frustration before kicking her legs around.
"I'm such an idiot… things are so awkward now. You just had to go and confess, didn't you Asami!"
She recalls the tense face Korra had before grabbing the closest pillow and muffling her scream. One washed high-pitched screech later, she rolls onto her side.
"..."
She lets the silence of her hotel soak in. One would think that after all the pressure and traveling she had done, it would have been easier for her to fall asleep but she couldn't. She was wide awake and the creeping anxiety she felt crept up on the back of her neck. Her hand curled into a tight ball and she bit down hard. After a moment, she huffs out loud before falling back onto her back again.
"I can't sleep…"
She then glances over to the alarm clock on the closeby dresser before sitting up. Dreading at the time, it was barely 12am. Messing with her hair in annoyance, she gets out of bed before pulling open her travel bag and setting up her laptop. She quickly punches in the WiFi code before reviewing the project proposal for the nth time.
"If I can't sleep, I might as well review the proposal…"
Asami became engrossed and lost track of time. She looked over and reviewed every possible point and counterpoint that could or would be said. She meticulously wrote out a list of any minor details that could be dismissed. She made mental notes about what topics to bring up and cover. She even ran simulations in her head and voiced out what to say.
She had to come up with a reasonable consensus.
This first contract meant everything for Future Industries' sake. If she couldn't land the project, it would affect their reputation and connections. She couldn't mess up. Failure was not an exception. Her employees were counting on her. There was no room for failure.
With a heavy sigh, Asami rubbed her temples. "It's okay… you go this… you can do this… you have to… you have to."
xXx
Having not slept a single wink, Asami never thanked the magic that expensive foundation would do for her so much. Normally she would wear a light and sparring amount of makeup but, when she took a glance at her reflection this morning, she almost gagged in repulsion. Now that needs a lot of work. She hadn't recognized the person in the mirror.
Who was she?
Ignoring her facial features, her eyes were lifeless. It no longer had an unwavering gaze albeit something was missing. She was defeated. Beaten and dragged around like a rag-doll hanging on the bumper of some worn-out truck but even so, she had no choice but to crawl hideously forward. Even if it meant taking on an ugly fight that she had a small chance of winning, she wasn't allowed to take a break and give up without trying.
A steaming hot shower did little to nothing to fix her horrible complexion and the thought of attending an important meeting made her nauseous. It was her first debut as the new CEO of her company without the presence and help of her brothers. Even if she knew that they were with her in spirit, she truly did feel alone in this fight. Void. Empty even. The majority of her early morning was spent basking in the shower, taking in the comfort of the warmth that made her cold feet warm ever so slightly. By the time her toes and fingers were pruned, she managed to dress herself up nicely so that no one would be able to critique her look.
One's presentation was always key in any sort of social encounter.
Thankfully her outfit had been quick but her makeup had been another story. She meticulously erased her fatigue with foundation before layering up with eyeshadow and lipstick using colors that displayed confidence. It took well more than double the time to finish her makeup. If anything, she was proud of herself for the first time in who knows how long for pulling out this look.
After all, one has to fake it till you make it.
With her impending doom awaiting her, Asami dragged her feet out the door. Since she had priorly agreed to meet Korra down at the dining area, she had some time alone to wallow in self-despair. However, that was short-lived when she saw Korra eating at the table. Stopping in place, she took a deep breath and closed her eyes.
Empty thoughts… empty thoughts.
With her mind made up, Asami took a step forward. She numbed her mind, her thoughts, and especially her heart. The closer she got to her friend if she could still call her that, she swiped aside her broken and fatigued face before greeting her.
"Good morning Korra. I hope you slept well."
Not escaping Asami's radar, Korra tensed slightly by reflex. "Oh—hey Asami, morning. I didn't sleep too bad—" her words fell short when she was face to face with Asami.
Asami had this suspicion that Korra saw through her facade, but there was no way in hell she would let Korra comment on it.
"I'm glad that's the case. Once you finish breakfast, we should head off. We'll have plenty of downtime but I'd prefer to get there early."
Korra's lips parted but her words were caught on her tongue. She simply looked down at her food before continuing on. "Sure… sounds good to me."
Asami bit the inside of her cheek. She felt tears building up for some reason and she refused to cry. The vile taste of iron made her sick to her stomach.
"You're not eating breakfast?"
She just shook her head.
"I already had some since I woke up early…" lies "…so don't worry about me and eat up, I don't want you to go starving. Once the meeting starts, I'm not sure how long it'll last so it'd be smart to fill up now."
Asami clenches the fabric of her skirt. Compared to the awkwardness from yesterday, the wall she built between them after one night was excruciatingly painful. With her thoughts spiraling out of control, she regretted bringing Korra along.
Why did she bring her again?
For support?
Ridiculous.
She mindlessly picked at her fingers beneath the table. She hated herself. She was so fucked up beyond repair so who in their right minds would even bother paying attention to her let alone get close to her. It was a mistake. Korra was a mistake. Forget having a friendship at this point. It was a miracle that the woman still talked to her let alone acknowledge her existence.
"…mi…sa…mi…Asa…Asami!"
She blinked out of her negative space before responding with her groomed reflex. "Yes?"
Korra gave her this look that Asami couldn't understand. She didn't try to understand in all honesty. In fact, by dissociating herself, she was able to act normal. She was able to play her part as a CEO on a business trip.
"..." Korra's lips had parted and closed a few times before she couldn't keep eye contact with Asami any longer. "No… it's nothing. I…I'm finished so if you're ready, let's go?"
Asami gave Korra this sweet smile that wasn't coming from her. "Sounds perfect."
xXx
The car ride to the office building was deafening. Neither of them exchanged words and the entire time, Asami kept her gaze fixed out the window. Her arms were crossed and she kept this distant space in between them. Even when they drove over several bad bumps in the road, Asami did flinch. She didn't react whatsoever. It was as if she was a lifeless mannequin displayed in the corner of an outlet mall.
Korra glanced over at Asami repeatedly and time and time again, she tried talking to her. However… she couldn't find her voice.
When the car finally pulls into the drop-off zone, they get off, and Asami thanks the driver courteously before carrying on without waiting for Korra. She kept her head held up high and walked forward without looking back. With the doorway to hell waiting for her, Asami tightened her jaw. She clenched her fists and once she was through the doors, she looked at the time before heading straight to the elevator, forgetting about her company.
"W-Wait… wait, Asami please wait!"
Asami couldn't hear Korra and it wasn't until she grabbed her wrist that snapped her back to reality.
"Asami, wait. Can we please talk…?"
Korra had this forlorn look on her face and Asami hated it. She didn't want someone's pity or concern but… she was the one who dragged her here so she had no choice but to comply.
"Yes? What's the matter Korra? If you're worried about how long this will take, I promise you I will do my best so we can both head back home as soon as possible."
There it was again.
Her conditionally groomed response. Oh, how low she had fallen… there was no coming back and Asami made up her mind. Once she was back in Republic City, she would cut ties with Korra. She couldn't do it. She loved her so much that it hurt. It physically hurts to love her and not be selfish in wanting to have her all.
"Asami…" she starts with those damned concerned eyes of hers. "I… look, I know things are weird between us but you have to snap out of it. You're acting nothing like yourself and I'm worried… you…"
Asami couldn't process her words. She heard them. She heard them clearly word for word but they sounded muffled. Blurry. It was as if she was drowning in her words and nothing was there to save Asami from sinking into the depths of hell. By the time she vaguely registered Korra was done talking, she gave her a warm smile before responding generically.
"Thanks for the concern but I'll be alright. Don't worry, just wait for me at a cafe or something. I'll text you to let you know when I'm done."
Korra clearly was displeased by her response. "Asami… you…"
Asami finally broke away from Korra's hold. She coldly brushed away her hand, signifying the boundary between them.
"I'm sorry for dragging you around with me again… I should have never asked. I'll be fine on my own so don't worry okay? I'm fine. Really."
She took a step back.
"I'll see you in a few?"
Korra bit back her tongue.
"Yeah… see you in a few. Good luck…"
Asami gave her another sickening sweet smile.
"Thanks."
With her resolve decided, Asami accepted her fate and walked away. She fought back the tears in her eyes that were stinging with this heavy sensation. She kept up this cold and collected persona throughout this ordeal and just like that, a day passed. And then another. And another. Finding a common ground wasn't a walk in the park. No matter how many suggestions she made, they kept on shooting her down ruthlessly.
Of course… she wasn't the only one taking the beat down. She relentlessly refused their demands and it wasn't until their fifth day of discussion that they finally bothered to look down the same path. Albeit, there were a couple of concerning points but after pushing through data points here and there, they finally came to an agreement. When Asami's pen finally signed off that piece of lousy paper, it was as if some weight had been lifted off her shoulders.
She did it.
She actually did it.
She managed to come to a consensus with these business leaders. Leaders who looked down on her thanks to her father's doings.
As she made her way back, Asami honestly had no idea what possessed her throughout this meeting but it didn't matter. She won. She could protect her workers' livelihoods and that was more than enough for her. She honestly wouldn't be able to give someone a summary of the meeting if she tried. Her mind was a haze and it was hard to recall what had happened. It felt as if she was watching some dream happen and she was just watching it from a third-person point of view.
By the time she was out of the elevator, Asami's heels clicked against the marble flooring as she began walking toward Korra. She was spacing out as per usual and when she finally looked up to locate where she was, her eyebrow went up. She was planning to tell her the good news. That they could finally go home but… Korra was talking with someone. Someone she recognized to be one of her business partners, Naeun Hangul, the daughter of one of the counselors.
"Who in the hell…"
The closer she got, the more she could hear their faint conversation.
"I'm really glad you haven't changed at all Korra! I know we left on weird terms a few years back but I'd still love to be friends with you." She then grabs Korra's hand in a friendly manner. "If it's alright with you, why don't we get dinner together or something? It'll be on me, my treat?"
Asami pauses a few steps short to give them their privacy. From the looks of it, they seemed to have been friends in the past so she didn't want to overstep her boundaries and interrupt. She simply watched from afar and looked over the two as they conversed. However… from what Asami observed, there were a couple of noteworthy gestures she noticed.
Korra's whole body was tensed up. Her posture was poor. Her shoulders scrunched together and even from her angle, she could tell that Korra's lips were thinned out into a nervous line. Her hands were even subtly shaking and she clenched her free hand into a fist. Not to mention from the looks of it, Korra hadn't said a single word. Naeun was carrying this a one-sided conversation and something was off.
She felt off.
Asami cocks her head to one side in deep thought. Something about Korra's features bugged her to no end. It took a minute or two for her to realize and when she did, her lips parted in realization. No matter how much she wanted to keep this boundary between them, there was no way she was going to let this slide if it meant Korra would get hurt. If she had the power to stop it, she would do so in a heartbeat.
She didn't need to be told twice.
Out of nowhere, Asami's voice suddenly dominated the conversation to her own surprise as well. "With all due respect Naeun-ssi…"
She ignores Naeun's surprised face before stepping in between them.
She shields Korra's body with her arm before stepping in closer and switching languages. "Don't touch her." She takes back Korra's hand before gently pushing her backward and stepping closer to Naeun.
Naeun looked somewhat astonished by Asami's sudden appearance. "Asami-ssi… I'm not sure what this has to do with you but whatever you think it is, it's a misunderstanding. Korra's an old friend of mine so I'm just greeting her."
Asami takes a glance back at Korra and she doesn't look any better. Her face was ridden with discomfort and Asami felt as if the world was punishing Korra in her place. She just lets out a quiet breath before cooly facing Naeun.
"I can see that however, she is my guest I brought along as company so I would appreciate it if you didn't bug her."
"Bug her? I would never do that! I really was just saying hi to an old friend. We were pretty close back then actually…" She eyes Korra peculiarly which makes Asami's eyebrow twitch.
Ignoring her look, something about the innuendo in the tone of her voice rubbed Asami the wrong way. She could have been wrong. She hoped that she was wrong, but from the undertone of her words, it implied their relationship had been something more than being 'just' friends. It didn't help that the steady yet somewhat endearing gaze in her eyes proved her words to be true. However, Asami didn't need to be told they were 'just' friends.
"I can see that but perhaps you can catch up on each other another day because right now, she is with me."
Naeun finally realizes Asami's implications. She looks at them both curiously before smiling bashfully as she covers her lips. "Oh my… are you two perhaps?"
Asami had to bite back the urge to punch her. Forget slapping the woman, anyone who dared to mess with Korra no matter in what way had to be aware of who they were messing with. Whether it mean as a CEO or a criminal's daughter, no one, absolutely no one, was going to fuck with Asami Sato.
"I'm sorry, it looks like I wasn't being clear enough." She took a step forward. "Don't talk to her. Don't look at her." A fire had sparked in her eyes. They kept a strong, unwavering, and unyielding gaze. "There's a limit to how dense one can be. Clearly, she is uncomfortable with talking to you so if you're done exchanging pleasantries, we will be on our way."
Naeun was speechless from Asami's sudden aggression that she blinked repeatedly in shock. By the time the two of them turned on their heels and made their way to the door, she couldn't find the courage to lift a single finger.
Pivoting on her heels, Asami swiftly walks over and grabs Korra's hand. She gave it a firm and comforting squeeze and without turning back, she led Korra to the exit. Although, the lobby was slightly large meaning the amount they had to walk was quite far. Not to mention the glances the hotel staff was giving them from the ruckus they created. Asami ignored the attention and simply kept her head held high while Korra had hers hung low. Her friend looked ashamed for some reason and Asami was determined to drag her out away from public eyes. Along the way, she didn't speak a single word. She simply kept quiet and by the time they were out of the hotel's complex, Korra was surprisingly the first to speak.
"...u say…"
It came out as a mumble and whisper, prompting Asami to face her somewhat and ask.
"I'm sorry, can you repeat that?"
They finally stopped in place before facing each other.
"What did you say? You weren't speaking in English."
Asami turns her body fully to face Korra with a neutral expression to show her indifference, but specifically her lack of anger and annoyance. She wasn't mad. She could never be mad at her. She then carefully observes her friend's features before finally realizing how sweaty Korra's hand was. But, since she hadn't pulled back yet, Asami took that as permission to continue holding her hand firmly.
Her eyes narrowed softly before she responded nonchalantly. "Nothing much." She then looks off to the side before finding herself breaking at the awkward tension between them and letting go of her hand. "Just that we were busy and had a prior appointment, that's all."
"..." Korra didn't look like she bought it. "Then why did you…"
"Why did I what?" Asami repeated as she raised a challenging eyebrow as if she wanted Korra to question her more. Because, if she did… Asami wasn't confident that she would be able to keep up this wall between them. If asked, she would without a doubt translate word for word what she said to Naeun. She wasn't ashamed of hiding anything after all.
Korra gives her a crestfallen look.
The frown on her face was heartbreaking yet adorning at the same time and Asami wanted to pull her in for a tight and comforting hug. In fact, she wanted Korra to press her further. To break past her ridiculous shell that she had put up for no damn reason.
"No… It's nothing."
Asami frowns at that.
They were playing this stupid and sick push and pull game that it was starting to get on her nerves. Even though she was the one who started it in the first place, she wanted Korra to not give up on her if there was still a single ounce inside of her that wanted a relationship more than just friends. She wanted a second chance to save whatever scraps that were still alive from their so-called relationship. That's why… she couldn't hide the disappointment in her voice even if she tried.
"I see." Asami finally tears her eyes away from Korra's pitiful face and turns away before waving down a taxi. "Ah, some good news by the way. We finally made some progress today. We came to a consensus and all that needs to be done now is some meticulous paperwork."
"Oh," Korra's face widened in surprise before she quickly smiled. "T-That's great news! You did it!" She laughs in relief, "Congratulations Asami! I knew you could do it!"
For once in her life after the messy incident, Asami managed to give her a normal smile that came from the bottom of her heart.
"Thank you…"
The void in her heart seemed to lessen and for once, it was slightly warm. When a taxi pulled over for them, Asami opened the door for her.
"Want to head downtown and eat at some restaurant? My treat…"
There wasn't a need for Asami to voice that statement because she had been paying for the entire trip since the beginning, but she felt inclined to say it. Korra deserved it.
Thankfully Korra gave her a warm smile and accepted her offer without a fuss like she had been. "Sure, sounds good."
xXx
Letting out a soft sigh, Asami glanced back at Korra's face. Ever since that encounter with Naeun, she was acting strange. Even more strange than herself. So what was the problem? There was no way she'd ever be able to pinpoint the cause behind it.
Should she ask her?
But what right did Asami have after being such a horrible person?
She didn't have one, that's what.
But even so, she wanted to ask. She wanted to. She also hated herself for being so indecisive. She couldn't completely commit to keeping Korra out of her life nor pursue her romantically as a partner either.
Why was life such a pain?
Turns out, even their trip had been extended a few more days for 'courteous' reasons. They should've been on their way back but nooooo, life wasn't that easy right? In the far future, Asami swore to avoid future events like these like the plague. She could tell that Korra wanted to go home as well but even more so that Asami was in no state of mind to 'enjoy' these events.
She knew she was a messy and sloppy bundle of hypocrisy.
That then leads the two of them to their current dilemma: dining in at a restaurant that technically required reservations months in advance. Due to her connections and peace bindings with her business partners, she was able to jump in and try out this local delicacy. Obviously, she invited Korra to join her but what neither of them planned to do was remain silent as they ate at this famous five-star cuisine restaurant. And, if Asami was being frankly honest…
Both this dinner and the entire trip sucked, big time.
Inserting that last piece of her wagyu steak into her mouth, Asami chewed on it silently before looking up at Korra. Korra was more or less mirroring her actions albeit in a less 'elegant' way. The crease on her forehead was apparent and Asami wanted to erase it but she didn't know-how. More like could she? She has been giving Korra these mixed signals that were hot and cold ever since they got here so what is she supposed to do?
She ends up clenching the utensils in her hand. Her knuckles grew white and right when she was about to say something, she deflated in an instant. She couldn't find her words so she set down her knife and fork. After she carefully dabs her lips, she reaches into her purse to reapply her lipstick. Once done, she looked at Korra again. If Asami had to name it, she was the spitting image of a sad puppy abandoned and hurt by its kin.
Asami clenched the napkin in her hand.
Enough was enough. She needed to fix this before they returned home because if she didn't… Asami wasn't sure if she ever could. They had about three days before they needed to jump back on that plane and return to Republic City. There's no telling if they would keep in contact once they got back to their normal lives so it had to be now or never. She didn't want to part on ill terms. Her mouth moved before she knew where she was going.
"Say Korra…"
Korra blinked before looking up at her. "Yeah?"
Asami opens her mouth and she hesitates. She ends up remaining silent longer than she'd like and she could tell Korra was getting the slightest bit annoyed by her attitude. So, before Korra could shut her away completely, Asami quickly spat something out.
"Y-You can talk to me you know…"
Korra simply raised a curious eyebrow. "About…?"
Asami clenches the napkin in her hand. She bit down hard before finding some courage to rip off the bandage. "About what happened yesterday…" when Korra gave her a dumb yet avoiding look, she chased after her. "With Miss Naeun."
That made Korra's body visibly deflect. She broke eye contact and turned away from Asami. "There's nothing to talk about."
"..." She had to keep trying. "It seemed like you two knew each other… which doesn't make sense."
When Korra didn't respond, Asami's face twitched. She didn't know what to say after that and so, she over-thought how they might have known each other. Korra was the daughter of a diplomat and Naeun was the daughter of a counselor so maybe… just maybe they met in the past somehow? But even then, what happened that caused Korra to react like this? No matter how much Asami thought about the possibilities, she couldn't find an answer. She figured it was a lost cause, at least until Korra spoke up softly.
"I met her when I was fifteen. I came with my dad for a diplomatic meeting and well… we sort of clicked… if you get what I'm saying…"
After a second of buffering, it clicked. "Oh…"
On second thought, Asami didn't want to hear about this. About the possibility of Korra dating someone other than her whether it was from the past, present, or future if it wasn't her.
"It was… it was stupid really. Just some teenage crush. She was my first girlfriend, partner even, and you know… when I first met her, I just…" Korra looks off to the side before tapping the table in a nervous tick. "I thought I felt this connection. I thought we were meant to be like some stupid teen in a rom-com mover. Looking back at it now, it's funny really."
She laughs dryly at herself before looking out the wall of windows.
"Obviously it didn't work out and well… we stopped contacting another. So, when I saw her at the hotel I just…froze. I didn't know how to react and now that I think about it…" she finally looks Asami in the eyes. "I never thanked you for bailing me out so thank you. You saved me back there, more than you'll ever know…"
Something about Korra's tone sounded bittersweet but Asami didn't want to push. She was honestly surprised that Korra opened up a little. That made her feel somewhat giddy and something inside of her chest felt full and warm for once. It felt nice being useful to Korra. This whole exchange also shouldn't have made Korra look benevolent but it did. Asami felt her heart pounding and her eyes were drawn to Korra's lips, her neck, her collarbone, and even her chest. But, just as quick as the temptation came, Asami forced herself to cruelly rip away whatever hungry eyes she was eating Korra up with. She bit her inner cheek to calm herself down to respond normally.
"I see… Well, I'm glad to have been of help so you're welcome, and also thank you for sharing your story with me." She could have said more. She should have but she couldn't think of anything else so that was better than nothing.
"..."
Korra parted her lips to say something but she didn't. She just leaned back in her chair and continued her meal as if they hadn't talked. The rest of their meal was as silent as they had started but, Asami couldn't stop the pounding of her heart. Blood was pumping her veins quicker than she would have liked and she didn't know what to do. Her thoughts were the only thing that kept her company through the midst of her troubles.
I'm such a fucking mess.
AN: wait f***ing A
*sobs* I can't do math. I lied about it being resolved this week *sobs to the max* I'm sorrehhh *bows to the max* I be tired (haven't been sleeping well) so the next chapter will be the resolve *wheezes* TTmTT
(Also not me starting to panic for reals because I'm good for posting next week but I still haven't started writing the last 4 slash maybe 5 chapters AAAHHHHHHHHHH)
