AN: ah yes… it was around here where I officially extended this fic and added more chapters *wheezes* (KDSFHKLJFHASDK THAT DIDN'T INCLUDE PART B FOR THIS CHAPTER EITHER UGHHHHHH ;A;) lol otherwise it should've ended on this chap but alas, here we are. Great for y'all, horrible for me *sobs*

P.S. Korra's gonna remember bits and pieces of her conversation with Naeun on the plane ride so it's not exactly how the convo went down but you get it lol.

Any who… now inserting my inner monologue:

Me to me: STOP ADDING MORE CHAPTERSSSS

Me: p-pero it needs to be like this güeyyyy

Me to me: BWAKAAA! BAKA BAKA BAKA!

Me: =(


Ch 19a: It's not as bad as you think.

Mindlessly staring out the plane's window, Korra spaced out as she was lost in her thoughts. The turbulence and wind jittering the plane back and forth were doing little to nothing in distracting her train of thought. She kept on playing back various scenes in her memory from this trip. However, as much as she loved and enjoyed her time with Asami, the conversation with Naeun stuck with her. Every time she replayed those words in her head, she felt her eyes tear up reluctantly.

"Korra, I didn't know you felt that way… I, I never meant to hurt you."

"I know Naeun… I know that now. Thinking back to it now, it was pretty clear. I was just the fool who took our relationship seriously for some reason."

Her lips thinned at the bitter emotions she felt.

"What? No! No, you're not foolish Korra! Back then… you really did light up my world. I really did like you too, I just…" with a sigh Naeun paused to think. "I guess I really don't have an excuse for myself. At the time, I thought we got together because we both knew that it wouldn't work out. Sort of that summer fling vibe you know? That was my mistake, I should have known better since I was older. I should have made things clear from the start instead of misleading you."

Letting out a bitter laugh, Korra looked down at the table. "Even if you did, that doesn't change the fact that I can't move on for some reason. It's been years since then and the pain from being abandoned and left behind… it left a deep cut in me that still feels fresh. I-I can't seem to forget that hurt. I want to move on but I just can't and I don't know what to do!" She ends up lashing out.

Her leg began bouncing up and down.

"..." Naeun gave her a sad look before looking off to the side. She then looks past Korra at a certain person before looking back at her. "I assume this is because of Miss Sato?"

Korra finally snaps up to face her as if she was caught red-handed.

Naeun smiles before continuing, "She's an impressive woman Korra." She states in a voice of awe. "With the whole mess and scandal going on about Future Industries, most of our people weren't sure what to expect. We may love their company and all but with the social unrest, there was a lot of doubt on whether or not to continue to support them."

"..." Korra wasn't sure what to say.

"She most definitely surprised and impressed us all with her charisma in that meeting but that's beside the point. You say that you're a fool for entrusting your heart to me back then. Well… I kind of see it in another light. Just think about it for a sec. When you fall in love, you're able to offer all of your heart to your partner. There are plenty of people out there that can't do the same and be able to devote themselves to their partners. What you have… the ability to love someone with your entire being, I think it's a gift."

"..." Korra makes a strained face before inquiring, "I'm not sure if I get what you mean…"

Naeun chuckles softly before expanding. "Just think about it this way Korra, you get to be madly in love with someone and give them your all, your heart, and everything that comes with that beautiful spirit of yours."

"Okay…?" She still wasn't convinced.

With a slight shake of the head, Naeun nods before continuing, "Now… think about the one you chose to share yourself with. Just imagine the reward and the endless opportunities that will be created thanks to it and… if Miss Sato is the one your heart chooses, I know for a fact that your love will be reciprocated tenfold. Now, I might not know her on a personal level but I do know that she's one hell of a tenacious woman, I'll tell you that!"

"Pfft—" Korra couldn't help but laugh at that.

Naeun smiles before continuing, "What I'm trying to get at here is that loving someone and falling hard for them is not a bad thing. I'm just sorry that I wasn't the one for you and hurt you all these years. I really am… If I knew our relationship was going to affect you this much, I would have talked it out with you more back then. Someone as bright and endearing as you deserves much more than someone like me." She then shakes her head softly. "And before you start, I was never the one meant for you. As nice as we got along back then, I don't think we fit the picture. Miss Sato on the other hand, you two seem to balance each other out. I'm not sure how to explain it but don't think I've seen two people that make such a beautiful picture as you two do."

That notion makes Korra blush.

Ignoring her fluster, Naeun continued. "From the short interactions I've seen between you two and even now, I think you two bring out the best in each other. You lean on each other for support and that was something I couldn't do with you. Back then, to me, you were just this cute and eager gal. You had this bright energy around you and frankly, someone like me would only mud out your light."

"That's—"

Naeun raised her hand to cut her off. "Come on, we both know that we were bound to clash. My family isn't exactly the best business partner for the Southern Water Tribe… somewhere along the line, we were bound to clash. Not only that, our personal beliefs are somewhat different… Anyways, that's beside the point. You deserve the best Korra. Someone who will treasure you and treat you like their queen. I am sincerely sorry that things ended the way they did and if I could, I would take it back. I never wanted to hurt you… I don't know if talking with me will help you move on but I truly do wish for the best for you Korra. You deserve it."

"I…" It was as if the clog in her heart was finally crumbling apart. "Naeun I…" She let out half a laugh, "Why does it feel like my heart is about to rip apart again?"

She just shrugs at that. "Who knows? Maybe it's your body's way of making room for someone special." She eyes Asami again, "You two would make a really hot couple by the way."

"W-What! W-We're not a couple yet!"

"Yet?" Naeun repeated with a smirk. Korra just groaned and pouted before her former friend laughed. "Sorry sorry, you're still fun to tease as always. You're both lucky to have each other whether it be friends or panthers, I wish the best for you two."

"Naeun… I…"

She simply shook her head. "You don't have to say anything. You've said your part… I, on the other hand, can't say enough. We parted ways back then without talking much and it's almost time we do the same again. This time, it truly is over. Right Korra?"

"I…" She looked down at the table hesitantly, "Naeun I…"

"-ra… Kor… Korra!"

Jolting out of her headspace, Korra tensed up as she turned to face Asami. Asami, her girlfriend, just gave her this warm smile before she reached out to grab Korra's hand. The moment her fingertips made contact with her skin, Korra practically melted into her seat.

"Hey… are you okay?"

Why did her gentle-sounding voice make her sound like an angel?

"Uh… y-yeah. I'm okay… I think. I was just…" She turns to look away but Asami just follows her face to keep eye contact. Of course, Korra noticed that which made her even more self-conscious. "I was just…" she felt like gushing out her emotions. "Thinking about my conversation with Naeun."

Korra mentally slapped herself. Why'd you have to go and say that!

Asami only got into her personal bubble even further. She gave Korra's hand a firm squeeze before she asked. "Did you want to talk about it?"

"Uh…" Korra ended up looking at the ceiling. "Maybe… later?"

With a hum, Asami finally backed off. She gave Korra back her space but still held onto her hand comfortingly nonetheless. "Whenever you want." She then looked at the time displayed on the plane. "We should be arriving soon."

"That's good."

"Yeah, we'll finally be back home. It feels like it's been weeks since we left."

Korra laughed at that. "You're telling me. It also feels just like yesterday though…"

"Mmhmm…"

They both relaxed again and after a second, Korra became self-conscious of Asami's hand. She tested the waters… she tried pulling back her hand casually but it didn't work. It wasn't that Korra hated it of course… she just felt her face grow warmer. It was nerve-wracking.

What if Asami found her hand gross and sweaty?

What if—

Letting out a soft breath, Asami crossed her legs before grabbing a newspaper to relax. She began flipping through the papers while still holding onto Korra's hand firmly. Then, as if it was some sort of habit, she began stroking the back of Korra's hand softly with her thumb in a soothing manner.

Korra ends up blushing before accepting her fate and settling on the seat. She wasn't going to lie, it was nice. So nice that she was afraid to lose it if she were to even breathe loudly. That's why she held her breath which turned out to be a mistake because she had to take a sharp breath to breathe. One dramatic scene later, she was thankful her girlfriend didn't look her way. At least until shortly after, she slowly inched her face towards Asami to see a confused yet somewhat amused face. Asami ended up chuckling with a slight shake of the head before she went about her ways.

Screaming on the inside, Korra immediately snapped her face away and shut her eyes. She spilled some imaginary tears and cursed herself for being so stupid. Then, after some time elapsed, she grew somewhat cozy. Something about the soothing patterns that Asami was drawing on her hand made her feel safe. She finally caved in to her curiosity… she held onto Asami's hand firmly without sparing her a glance. After a second of gauging her reaction, she softly rubbed her palm into Asami's. To her surprise, she had more calluses than she thought. Her hand was still smooth and soft of course but firmer than one would think.

Honestly, the whole situation felt foreign.

However, at the same time, it reminded Korra that they really did start dating and frankly, it felt nice. Her chest finally felt unclogged. Learning the little bits and pieces of Asami that you wouldn't know about her at first glance was such a privilege. From the way she scrunched her nose and grabbed her chin when she was concentrating to the way, she kept eye contact when talking to someone. There were so many gestures she learned and much more that she was going to learn. Being able to give someone your everything and have them reciprocate really was amazing.

That's right.

Korra looked down at Asami's hand. She still hadn't let her go. She hadn't let go.

That alone was worth fighting for.

xXx

Taking one last step, Korra turned to face Asami. "Well… I guess this is goodbye for now then Asami." She honestly couldn't wait to get home. There was so much to process and her mind really couldn't catch up with the stupid fluttering feelings that made her feel weak. However, before she could make it far, Asami's hand stopped her.

"W-Wait Korra!"

Spirits Korra could've sworn Asami's hand was burning her skin and she couldn't help but feel bashful that she couldn't make eye contact. She prayed to the spirits that her ears weren't red cause her face felt like it was on fire.

"Y-Yes Asami…?"

"I… um…" she sounded hesitant. "I'm sorry… I know you're tired and just want to go home but um… c-can I ask you a favor?"

Korra blinks at that. "Asami…" she started softly, "Stop being such a stranger. You know you can always count on me. Besides, we're g-girlfriends now…" Oh spirits. I said! This is not a drill! I said it!

Asami seemed to have relaxed somewhat at that statement. She smiled sweetly before chuckling softly. "True… we're girlfriends now." She finally released Korra's arm. "Well, I'll just say it then. Can you spend the night with me?"

That made Korra's eyes pop open and she finally snapped her head around to face Asami. "Wha—" if her cheeks weren't pink already, they officially were.

In response, Asami ended up blushing as well when she realized what she said. "W-Wait! That's not what I meant! I mean— I do what to spend the night with you but not like that!" She cupped her face in embarrassment, "Oh gosh… I'm not making it any better. Let me try again!"

"Pfft—" Korra covered her mouth to suppress her laugh. She sounded way too eager that it was sort of endearing. Asami just looked way too perfect and cute. Actually… that was a lie. They both looked worn out and tired so if anyone asked Korra, she would say they looked like shit. However, Korra would still deny that for Asami even if that was the truth. Her inner gay was just screaming that's all.

Oh, did she forget to mention that Asami smelled ridiculously good for some reason too?

Asami clears her throat before attempting to explain herself. "I… to be honest I don't know if I can be alone…" she grabbed her arm bashfully. "I recently moved you know? My brothers helped me choose a place to get away from that memory…"

"Ah…" Korra's eyes softened slightly. Images from the night they were kidnapped flowed through her head.

"Some professionals moved all my stuff there already and well… I uh… wanted to show you my new place and um…"

Korra had a vague suspicion that these were all excuses. That was confirmed when she looked down at her hand. Asami was shaking ever so slightly and it was as if someone dumped a bucket of cold water on her. Of course, Asami didn't want to go home back alone. Of course, she didn't want to be alone now that they were officially dating. It made sense that Asami had the nerve to ask her because, if they hadn't started dating then… what would've happened? She hated the thought of guessing what Asami must be feeling right now.

"Of course, I'll spend the night with you Asami."

The sudden bluntness makes Asami twitch upright and she looks at Korra with a surprised expression. "Oh— um…"

Korra's mouth widened slightly at the innuendo. "Oh— wait, I didn't mean it like that. I totally get what you're saying so I'd love to spend the night over and—" she smacks her face, "That does not sound any better…"

They both look at each other awkwardly before they busted out laughing.

"You what to swing by the Fire Ferret Mart for some snacks? I don't think I have any food or drinks at home."

"Sure, sounds great. What should we do about our luggage?"

Asami points in a direction. "We'll take my car."

Korra's eyes followed the direction she pointed in and her jaw dropped. A high-end sports car was parked not too far from the drop-off zone from their plane. "You know… sometimes I forget you're rich."

Her girlfriend cocked an eyebrow at that. "I should remind you more often then." She gave Korra this flirtatious look with a wink. "Having money can be fun sometimes."

A part of Korra knew Asami was joking but at the same time, something about the confident smirk made her flustered. When Asami got into her car, Korra had a moment of awe. For some reason, Asami was sparkling. Despite the vague dark bags under her eyes, she was shining. She truly fitted the look and in that instant, Korra saw the woman she had first met.

The woman who was oozing with confidence and charisma

The woman who made her heart flutter and stomach churn in the best way possible.

The woman she had first met a couple of months back.

Before Korra knew it, her mouth was already speaking. "Hey, Asami?"

Those bright light green eyes looked her straight in the eyes. "Yes?"

Korra smiled softly before saying, "Welcome back."

Asami's lips parted slightly. She hesitated for a second before giving her back an equally beautiful smile. "I'm back."

xXx

"Holy shit…" Korra couldn't help but mumble as she gawked at Asami's new property.

Property.

Her eyes had long ago run past the fences. Sure it was nighttime and all but Korra knew for a fact that this place had to be heaven on earth. There were just so many different sights she had to take in but currently, she was staring at the open garden in the distance that you'd expect to see somewhere in a resort or city tour or such. Clearly, the property was beautiful but what blew her mind, even more, were the lamp posts on her long driveway for Pete's sake! Korra wasn't sure if she'd get used to this… that's why by mistake, she stated her thoughts out loud.

"You said you bought a house right?"

Asami answers as she cocked an eyebrow. "Yeah, what else would I buy silly?"

Korra takes a peek at her and it was unfair how fucking hot she looked driving. A side view of her inside a sports car, no, of herdriving it was no joke. Like seriously. She even found herself swallowing subconsciously to soothe her parched throat before quickly tearing away her creepy gaze when Asami turned to look at her.

Clearing her throat awkwardly, Korra ended up fumbling out some words. "I didn't think you meant a whole freaking plot! Like this is crazy, it's so beautiful here!" She randomly gestures at the window, "It's like a freaking botanic garden! What kind of house has an electric fence and gate! More like, we've been driving for a while now and we're still not at the front of your house yet!"

Asami laughs bashfully at the comment before rubbing her cheek softly. "Well initially I wanted something small but then my brothers insisted on this and that and then many requirements later, this was the only good candidate…" she leads off before looking at Korra again to gauge her reaction. "I swear it looked smaller in the pictures I saw."

Before Korra could respond, she finally caught sight of the house, specifically, an elegant courtyard house. "Woah… holy shit…" They finally came to a stop and Korra took her sweet time exiting Asami's sports car to admire the house. "It's…" she shut the door without looking back, "It's gorgeous…"

As Korra took in the sight of her new home, Asami was busy taking out their luggage from the trunk before facing Korra nervously. "You think so…? It's not too over the top is it…?" She started twiddling with the handle of her suitcase before looking into Korra's eyes for an answer.

Korra took a deep breath from excitement for some reason before facing Asami with a bright lopsided grin. "What are you talking about! It's perfect! Really boujee and luxurious, but perfect for someone like you. You deserve this Asami. You deserve this amazing paradise."

That comment made Asami melt into a warm smile. She finally took a step forward while pulling their luggage towards the house. "Thank you… Shall we then?"

"Let's! I can't wait to explore your house!"

Once they were in front of the doors, Asami hesitated before reaching into her purse. She then pulled out her keys and unlocked the door. However, as she twisted the knob, she stopped to turn and face Korra. "Say… Korra?"

"Yes?"

Asami twiddled with her fingers with a slight scrunch of her face before she whined softly. Sure enough, she reached into her purse and reached for something else. "Um… I hope you won't feel pressured by this or anything but I would uh… f-feel safer knowing you had a copy of these."

Korra cocked an eyebrow but before she could ask, her eyes widened when she saw what Asami was referring to.

Her house keys.

"Oh… I um…"

Asami quickly grabbed Korra's hand and placed it on her palm before wrapping her fingers around it. "You don't have to use it… I just… want you to have it."

Korra's heart swelled up enough to reach her nose. There was this tingly sensation that made her want to sneeze but also not that. Something inside of her fluttered and she was afraid. However, the way Asami's eyes sparkled… it was as if they were beckoning her, bewitching her to spill out all her secrets.

"I… Is it really okay for me to have these?"

That soft smile almost blinded her.

"It would make me happier than you will ever know."

"I-In that case… how can I say no?" She let out a nervous chuckle which only made Asami shine even brighter. Korra really had to stop her brain. How can someone look so fucking beautiful?!

They hold this strange yet not strange eye contact before Asami eventually clears her throat to speak up. "Anyways… let's head on in!" She finally tears herself away from Korra and pushes the door open. Once they were inside, they mindlessly looked around for the light switch and after they flipped it on, they both let out a gasp.

"Woah…"

Asami looked equally blank as Korra.

"Mmh… Woah indeed…"

After they set their luggage aside somewhere in the kitchen, the two of them ended up exploring the house together. It was honestly funner than Korra would have expected. There were a lot of cool spots and beautiful places, but what Korra enjoyed the most was Asami's personal space. From her workshop to her bedroom and especially that one room that contained a cute collection of mini teddy bears, Korra felt like she finally saw all of Asami. The bits and pieces that the public had no access to.

Korra saw it all.

Her own secret to hold. It made her feel so lucky and privileged to know so much about someone this wonderful and amazing. She was probably the luckiest person alive right now. However, what confirmed her suspicion was the moment Asami's tummy started growling. Her face flushed red and she gave Korra a bashful look. She cleared her throat with pink cheeks before asking:

"You hungry by chance?"

Korra was about to answer but her stomach did it in her place. They both blinked before laughing together. Once their laughter calmed down, Korra rubbed the back of her neck as she answered, "I guess so."

"Mmh… let's order some take out then," Asami stated before looking at her watch. "It's pretty late though so I'm not sure what's open…"

"Well… at this hour, the best we can get is usually pizza."

Asami raises an eyebrow at that. "That sounds… actually really good."

"Cool, then it's settled!"

After they looked up the best pizza place around and placed their order, the two of them decided to settle down in the living room. Thankfully, the TV was hooked up and ready to go. Asami didn't bother asking Korra and just randomly selected some shows. Not that much time passed and Korra couldn't help but notice Asami rolling her neck. Then, after some quick contemplating, Korra suggested:

"Say… would you like a massage by chance?"

Asami turned to give her her attention. "A massage?"

"Yeah, a massage. Since I'm majoring in psychical therapy, I have some knowledge about that type of stuff."

With a hum, it seemed Asami thought about it for a second before accepting her offer. "You know… I think I'll take you up on that. My back has been killing me for a while now."

"Cool!" Korra gave her a bright grin, "Lay down then."

Asami did as she was told and shortly after, she was letting out some hums and moans of bliss. "Oh… mmh… right there… that's the spot… oh…"

Korra was glad that Asami wasn't facing her way because if she was, she would not be able to get out of her predicament.

"Mmh… say Korra, can I ask you something?"

Blinking once, Korra continued to knead out a kink in her back. "Sure, ask away."

"Why did you… oh mmh… decide to become a physical therapist in the first place?"

"Aah… that's…" Korra stopped her deep massage briefly as she thought back to a few old memories. "I don't think I ever told you but I actually got pretty hurt a while back."

Asami sighed in comfort with a slight hum to encourage Korra to expand. Korra simply made her way down Asami's body, kneading every muscle with care.

"I just… I understand the pain and frustration sustained from injuries. Not being able to move your body like you did once before is so… it's worse than death in a sense."

Korra stopped briefly and mindlessly stared at Asami's back before continuing.

"It happened after I came back from the Fire Nation, after the whole Naeun fiasco… I was in a horrible boat accident. Long story short, I hurt my back pretty badly. Gran gran… Katara, she's the best healer in our tribe and basically, she helped me through a full recovery and helped me sort out my feelings at the time. I was a wild mess you know and if it wasn't for her, I'm sure I would still be fucking with people left and right. I owe her a lot."

"Hmm… I see. You've been through a lot huh?"

"Heh, you're one to talk."

Asami gave her a weak smile in response. "I'm… I'm just as surprised myself. I don't know how to cope so I'm focusing on one thing at a time starting with what matters the most. My job and company for one of course but also you. You're all that I have left so I want to give you my undivided attention."

Frowning somewhat, Korra lowered her gaze. "I just…"

"..." Asami smiles sweetly before turning her head slightly to face her. "One day, I hope you can find it in your heart to tell me what you're really feeling Korra. You know I'll always be there to hear you out."

Surprised at that statement, Korra stopped massaging her girlfriend. "That's… I just…"

Asami let out a soft breath before carefully sitting up to face Korra. She then cupped her cheek with her hand before asking. "Are you okay?"

"I just…feel so nervous. I feel like a mess, a bundle of anxiety! I'm afraid of caving in to my desires…"

Studying her facial features carefully, Asami waited a second before asking back. "Which is…?"

Korra peeks at her face quickly before looking off to the side. "Um…" her cheeks grew pink, "I… I really want to kiss you." Her internal persona began screaming. What the fuck did you just say Korra!

Blinking once, Asami chuckled before quickly leaning in to kiss her. "Anything else?"

Fumbling for her words, Korra stuttered a random thought. "S-S-S-Some p-pizza sounds nice!"

"Pfft—" Her lips curled into a smile and she let out a whole-hearted laugh. "Sounds great, coming right up then."

Asami then pulls out her phone and orders some pizza to be delivered. Once that was settled, She sat back down with the TV remote. She then clicks on the power before flipping through some random shows. After she settled with some soap drama, she popped a question.

"Now what?"

"..."

Why was Korra feeling like some jittery child?

"Um… and now we wait?"

Resting her arm on the couch, Asami places her jaw on her fist while looking at Korra.

"I guess so."

"..."

"..."

Korra was vaguely aware that Asami was still giving her some cheeky look. She had to start some conversation otherwise, if she didn't, she was probably gonna faint from how lightheaded she was feeling. After she ran some topics through her head, she was about to speak up but Asami beat her to it.

"Oh, and hey Korra?

She practically snapped her head in Asami's direction. "Y-Yes!"

Smiling coyly, Asami leaned in closer to her personal space. "You don't have to try hard to get something from me. Just say the word and it's yours."

Korra had this suspicion that Asami was up to no good. She couldn't help but swallow deeply before nervously asking. "W-What's that supposed to mean…?"

"Well… besides watching TV… there's something else I can think of we can do while we wait for the pizza…"

Asami was slowly inching forward that Korra had an inkling suspicion of what that meant. "W-Which is…?"

She was just about an inch or two away from her face. "Something that doesn't require talking…"

Korra's back was finally pressed against the furniture but, rather than questioning her inevitable fate, she squeaked out a simple word. "O-Okay…"

As if she had been bewitched, the last scene from that night that was imprinted in Korra's memory was the following: Asami's vibrant green eyes, her pleasant sweet yet intoxicating smell, her warm and caring hands, and her unbelievably soft and plump lips.

Maybe opening up to someone wasn't so bad after all.


AN: Not me re-reading this draft and giggling like "hehehehe" for some parts LMAO

#noshame