Ch 16: A Fresh Start

It was late in the afternoon and the two love birds had fallen asleep after making passionate love. They were both comfortably sound asleep and Korra was tightly spooning Asami from behind while snuggling into her neck. As she softly snored away, she unconsciously nibbled Asami's neck a couple times with her arms firmly wrapped around Asami's toned stomach. Meanwhile the detective on the other hand was fully relaxed in Korra's possessive gestures nuzzling back into her body.

Eventually, Asami groggily roused first before smiling in Korra's warmth and reached down to softly rub her lover's hand with her thumb. Enjoying and savoring this moment, Asami couldn't be any happier since, after all, it has been such a long time since the detective has a good night's sleep. Who could blame her for basking in her lover's scent, touch and warmth? She felt loved, needed and, most importantly, not alone. That's why she couldn't stop the smile on her face even if she tried. But, as her cute beast slept soundly by her side, Asami couldn't help but let her thoughts wander off after everything that has happened in such a short yet long period of time.

"Korra…"

Playing back their first encounters… the vigilante, the Avatar. Raava, the jack of all trades. Korra, her beloved girlfriend. Remembering everything, Asami wondered how she got caught up in all of this. Truthfully speaking, it all started back when Asami was just a child who witnessed her mother being unjustly murdered by a viel thief right before her very eyes. Both her dad and herself were horrible shaken of course but when she looked back at everything now, it should've have been obvious.

The subtle hints that her father was changing.

As a child she didn't quite understand what he was doing with all of those chemical compounds and equations… Hiroshi had abruptly become "diligent" and "earnest" with protecting and saving lives whereas Asami's path was filled with nothing more but the desire to punish and stop criminals. He changed. Just like herself, he had changed. That is why when she was an adult, she should have known. Her father's will to "help" people… she had assumed that it was from the guilt of not being able to save her mother those years back but, because of that she missed that his "desire" had actually changed into a obsession.

The "hints" were always there.

But, even if she did know, that alone wasn't going to stop and do anything for anyone. Maybe… maybe that's why she had felt that strange feeling of purpose when she was initially assigned with the task of catching the Avatar. Like father like daughter after all, she had oldly become obsessed with tracking down the Avatar because something inside of her was telling, no, demanding her to solve this case.

It was strange.

Ever since she was little, Asami always had had felt like something was missing in her life. She felt… empty? Insecure? She never understood what it was and simply thought that it was from the stress and business as a detective… but, something clicked when she had run into the Avatar. She felt this deep desire and purpose burning their her veins. And their first encounter, her eyes… honestly thinking back to it now, Asami wasn't afraid of Avatar's golden eyes. Sure, they may have reminded her of a "beast" or monster that you'd see in horror movers but she wasn't actually afraid. Deep down inside the detective knew that this person wasn't a threat to her. But, there was no way her inner detective would allow this thought.

That's why when she met the Avatar again, as Raava, it clicked to her. The same vibe she got from those gold eyes were the same as Raava's cyan eyes. Safety. She felt strangely safe so it creeped her out but, there's no way she would ever let herself admit it due to her nature as a detective. Where ever you go, there is no place that is truly safe. People can't be trusted… just like her father. That's why back when Raava was going to leave at the office, Asami had half lied and half hoped that Raava would prove her wrong and that she can't be trusted with that "impossible" test.

There was no way that a stranger could prove her wrong and make her feel safe… right?

But, the more she got to know Korra, there was something about her that seemed toxic yet enchanting. Asami wanted her. She knew that Korra was hiding something but she also knew that the younger woman felt the same as her. They were both equally afraid of falling for each other yet it was inevitable. Then, after everything that has happened, Asami found out the truth. At least, half of the story until she found about her father. Everything was complex and confusing but it made sense. It always did bug Asami since she knew that Korra was truly kind deep down inside so persona, the Avatar, didn't make sense.

Korra did what she had to do. No, she did what only she could do. Only her. Only Korra, the victim of her father's crimes and experiments. It was up to her to judge Hiroshi Sato… she deserved it, but…

Yes, murdering him wasn't the answer. Yet it was.

Yes, Asami could've arrested him. Then what?

But, what would that leave Korra with? Even if he was rotting away in jail it wouldn't do anything for her. Fact is, Hiroshi would have most likely enjoyed watching his experiment live on. He may have even plotted a way of escape. So, would he have truly become remorseful being in jail for the rest of his life? If Asami couldn't stop him from becoming like this for the longest time, what does having his secret exposed do for everyone?

What would this leave them with?

In the end, there were too many variables to consider so Asami needed to let go and move on. Korra had moved on. She had chosen to live the path of a murderer, a punisher to those sinful criminals living in the shadows. She chose her role. So where does this leave Asami? She learned the truth. An unbearable amount of guilt was born from this but she couldn't let them stop her. There was just far too much begging and forgiving that needed to be done. That's why she did only what she could do, finding Korra.

Korra.

That's right, Asami had decided to live for her. To ensure that she gets the life that was robbed from her just like how that sick man took her mother away. But, it different of course since Korra had lost everything. She was robbed of everything possibly good before she could experience it yet, here she was. Even if it was strange… abnormal some might even say but Korra chose her. Korra chose her. She could've just left everything behind and leave the city but she chose to stay with her.

So, how is Asami supposed to deal with this?

The maiden had given up some of her morals that she swore to as a detective to be with Korra. And, she would continue to break them if it meant protecting her. It was dangerous… troubling but this was what Asami decided. Even if the whole world were to go up against Korra, she would do everything to protect… can she protect her?

Letting out a soft breath, Asami shifted which caused Korra to twitch and grumble. Feeling a bit sorry since she had woken up her girlfriend, Asami turned around and puckered her lips. Korra, who was half awake, smiled before leaning forward and pecked her on the lips.

"Hmm… what's wrong? Why are you… restless?"

Asami blinked, "How'd you…" Korra made this sad smile before she quickly remembered why and let out a breath. "Right sorry, still not used to you being…" smiling adorably, "Superhuman."

Raising a brow, "Superhuman?"

"Well what else do you want me to call you? The oh so inhumanly strong and monstrous Avatar is "'dead"' and I'm obviously not going to call you a beast (well you're my cute little beast) so… that just leaves Korra, babe, baby and my superhero."

Korra grumbled before opening her mouth, "That's-"

Asami gave her that look with a brow raised.

Feeling defeated with a pout, "Fine… super it is…"

"I thought so," smirking while moving down her hand to rub Korra's thigh. "Mmh well, to answer your question it's just… how should I put it? I'm just worried about you Korra. I don't know how long or am sure I can protect you… the RCPD aren't made of fools…"

Feeling a slight blush, "(Protect me…) mmh, what do you mean?"

"You see when you were gone, they were putting two and two together and they somehow managed to connect the Avatar with Raava."

Now frowning slightly, "Ah… I see."

"I know… there's that but then there's also, Mako and Bolin. They seemed to have put some things together… or well, they at the very least have their suspicions."

After a few seconds of silence, "I see…" Korra solemnly says knowing that if the world discovers her identity as the Avatar, she can't be with Asami.

Fully turning her body over, Asami faced Korra and kissed her chastity. "Don't worry…" giggling slightly, "I actually may or may not have tampered with some minor details before I came so, due to 'inconclusive and circumstantial evidence,' they will be disregarding Raava as the suspect ergo you as well."

Korra rose a brow at this, "Wait, what? How?"

Looking down at Korra's chest, Asami started leaving a trail of kisses from her neck down. "Mmm… well… I may or may not have… replaced and removed some evidence."

Her clear blue eyes snapped open. "You did what! B-But you… you're a cop, Asami Sato!"

Climbing on top of Korra, Asami made her way down while grazing her teeth along on her lover's beautiful mocha skin. "I only did what was… right." Pushing apart her legs, "Now enough talk, I'll tell you more later… right now I want to use my tongue for something else."

Korra bit her lip before letting out a low growl. "That's a promise then okay?"

Asami smiled warmly before smirking while Korra let out a yelp. Then, after some time from their morning activities… they took a shower and were finally finishing getting dressed. Asami was a step ahead of Korra, wearing her favorite red blouse and black tight jeans, and was in the middle of drying her hair with a towel. But, she suddenly yelped when Korra abruptly wrapped her arms around her waist from behind, "Korra! What are you- AAH! Stop that tickles!"

Korra was giggling while tickling Asami's stomach. "What? I'm doing nothing."

Laughing nonstop, Asami dropped the towel. "K-Korr...rra! Stop! Ahaha! Baby…. ple...asee ahahha!"

Grinning with a bright smile, "There we go! There's that smile I love!"

A tear was pretty much falling out of Asami's eyes as she leaped forward and turned around. "Korra! Come on I still feel a bit weak from last night!" Her legs were slightly bend and she was leaning against the wall for support.

Wincing slightly, "R-Right… sorry babe…" Korra musters while pouting like a hurt puppy.

Feeling warm, Asami quickly stepped forward and pulled Korra into a sloppy hug. Resting her forehead on her's, "Mmh… love you."

Korra blushed cutely before smiling, "Love you too…"

They properly hugged and enjoyed a comfortable silence before Asami spoke up, "Well… it's probably time we go now. I have to get back to work in a few hours…"

Korra raised a brow with some confusion.

"A night shift," Asami answers while shrugging slightly, "I was supposed to work a while ago but well… I sent a message to my team and told them I'd be coming in later. They were pretty much understanding expect my therapist was a bit concerned."

Korra's brows immediately furrowed deeply, "Therapist? Asami… I… you…"

The detective frowned slightly, "Mmh… right… I haven't told you yet. Well… I went through a really tough time after you… well, you know and I needed help."

Korra cupped Asami's cheek with one hand while holding her hand with the other, "..."

Asami smiled before nuzzling into her hand, "Don't worry… I'll tell you later okay? I promise but right now I just want to go back home with you." Grabbing Korra's hand, she turns her face and kisses her palm. "I'm okay… we'll have our talk soon so for now let's just enjoy that we're back together. Okay baby?"

Despite how much Korra wanted to pin Asami down and encourage her to tell her everything, the look in Asami's beautiful light green eyes said everything. It showed her that everything was alright. There was sincerity and Korra felt warm. "Okay…" With simply one word, Korra trusted Asami. Her eyes had told her everything she needed. Asami wasn't going to leave her. She knew that something had happened to her, changed her, but she wasn't going to pressure Asami into telling her. She wasn't going to leave her and that's all Korra needed.

*a few weeks later*

It has been a couple of weeks now and Korra officially moved in with Asami. She had gathered all of her little belongings and finally left her warehouse for good to live like a normal citizen. But of course, she technically didn't have a job so Asami was the breadwinner and despite Korra's reluctance, the detective ended up pampering her girlfriend by: buying her new clothes, cooking her homemade meals, every and any thing to make her feel more at home. And even though Korra had time and time again whined to her lover that she didn't need of these things and that just her company was enough, Asami wasn't having it.

As life moved on, they made love time and time again and throughout this period, Korra started grumbling about getting a job since they were only living off of Asami's detective salary. It was enough… yet, not really. But after she finally convinced her girlfriend, Asami ended up using her connections and, due to her recommendation, Korra had been hired as an official consultant for the RCDP. She was against it, of course, due to her history but at the same time, it was perfect. She could still bring criminals to justice but with less leeway. This extremely annoyed her at first, but it meant that Korra could be with Asami more openly so, she didn't care.

As for the Avatar and serial kidnapping cases, the RCPD had released an official statement that the case was over and that Hiroshi Sato was the mastermind behind them. As for the accompliances, the Avatar had murdered them all and was then killed in action by the RCPD. Therefore, simplifying things the case was closed with a neat bow on top despite the few loose ends. Even if there were some uncertain facts, such as the reason behind the Avatar's motives, the RCPD wanted to close the case as soon as possible for the sake of not only their reputation but also for the security of the citizens. They were shocked about the news after all.

"... and… that's all I know Korra…" Asami says while looking at the floor too ashamed to look her girlfriend in the eyes, "I… I am truly and sincerely sorry for happened to you because of my father-" she choked before taking a deep breath, "I… I can't believe he did something so horrible to so many people… to you."

Korra sat there taking in the words her lover had said. She figured that Asami had found out the truth but wasn't expecting her to know pretty much everything… so, Korra just sat there silently for a few moments watching her girlfriend's guilt ridden eyes. "(She didn't do anything… she doesn't deserve this guilt…) Asami, I…" letting out a soft breath, she sat up from their couch and pulled her lover into a tight hug.

"I'm sorry for what you went through."

Asami eyes widen from shock and just when she was about to speak up, Korra cut her off.

"Listen, I know what your father did was 'horrible,'

trust me I know it by first hand but, you are not your father. You are Asami Sato. My wonderful, beautiful and fantastic girlfriend. He didn't deserve you, let alone deserve to put you through this."

Asami was speechless as tears welled up in her eyes.

"I'm sorry that he betrayed you and left you to bear this guilt which is completely unrelated to you. He was just…" looking of the side.

Finishing her sentence, "A monster… a demon… unworthy of my love." She states with a tone of hate and bitterness.

Korra smiled softly before kissing her forehead, "Yeah… but please trust me when I say this, I don't blame you for what he did to me. At first… I jumped to conclusions when I found out that he was your father because I didn't know if you were involved with his experiments so, I did what I regret the most… I just let our relationship die without finding the truth. I gave up on us before I could talk to you and find out the truth."

"Korra… no… you- you did what anyone would and-"

Softly kissing her cheek, "I forgive you. It wasn't your fault. The man I killed… he wasn't your father. He wasn't the father you loved and knew. That was a different man and the one you love is in your heart. It's okay Asami… it's okay to still love your father and hate Hiroshi."

Asami wasn't aware that she had started crying until Korra rubbed her back. "I-I… Korra I…"

"No father would do such crimes to leave their daughter's health in the hands of a therapist… baby, you're hurt. Just like me… I honestly don't know how we'll work it out but, I do know this."

Cupping her face and bringing them eye to eye, "We have each other now." Laughing slightly with a small grin, "I know it's cheesy and lame but we do have each other now. You didn't give up on me and I… that's all I ever wanted… for someone to be there for me… to love me for who I am… and that's you. I swear on my life that I will protect you from anyone who tries to hurt you be it physical or psychological. I will protect you. "

Asami ceased to cry and Korra wiped away the residue of her tears before starting again, "You know, it's really strange for us to be together… the daughter of a monster who experimented on people. The result of his research who ended up taking away his life in cold blood… we shouldn't be together, yet, we are. We are bound by something more than just friends or lovers… you know? It's hard to explain and it's just this feeling I hold deep inside and it's like, like-"

"Fate… an unspeakable bond…" Asami sniffled before smiling back, "We were meant for each other…"

Flashing a big grin, "Yeah. Yeah we were." Nuzzling her nose against Asami's, "Come on, it's time for us to move on from our past… our fears… our insecurities… together. What do you say? No more moping around and if we ever get into a fight or have a problem, let's talk it out?"

"I… I would love that Korra."

Still flashing a big smile, "Me too. I love you Asami."

"I love you too."

Looking into Korra's mesmerizing eyes, Asami slowly brought her lips up to Korra's. They looked into each other's eyes feeling safe and warm before closing them and gave each other a chaste kiss. It felt right and the both of them were right where they belong. In this city filled with crime. In this city filled with unknown secrets. In this city filled with friends and opportunities.

It was right.

AN: I know this is low key a mini recap chap but I felt like it was necessary! Hopefully it sums up some of Asami's feelings of insecurity about Korra. And as for their talk, Asami isn't aware that she is still conflicted about her father because she did love her dad. Korra notices this of course and says what she says.

Stay tuned for more! Wrapping it up in two chaps and a mini teaser, Asami is going to be jelly in next chap! *smirks*