AN: *edits have been made* Here's another chapter! I tried to write more so that I could get this out a little faster, but there's only so much free time I have while taking 5 classes. Oh well *shrug*. Buttt, I had no idea how cute Asami and Bolin as bffs would be, but I think it's adorable. Lol.

This chapter continues from Asami's POV since the last chapter ended rather abruptly. Also, this chapter is long as hell. I had no intention for it to be this long, but I didn't want to cut it short, because it all seemed important. Asami has a flashback that seems to last a lifetime, but it is very interesting and very pertinent to the story. It also gets a little steamy, too, if you're picking up what I'm putting down…( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°). Haha. But I'll start writing the next chapter in a few days. I have a couple assignments to get ahead of, and a few papers to begin. Anyway The story is about to pick up! I'm excited to get it out to you guys!

Don't forget this fic is a slow burnie, meaning korrasami won't happen quickly. A nice amount of stuff and other pairs will happen on the way to korrasami, but it's all going to be very awesome and sexy, so don't worry! ;P

-beanie

~x~

Chapter 3: Reminiscence

"Opal," Bolin shouted happily, clearly cured from his previous funk.

The friends watched almost as if in a trance, as Opal glided towards them in a fern green jumper that accentuated her slender curves. Her jet-black leggings made every muscle in her legs that more pronounced and alluring. She had her entire outfit paired nicely with a pair of low-cut classic chucks. Korra wears chucks, too… Asami noted to herself. She hadn't even noticed that she was eyeing her friend's frame, until the caramel seductress playfully cocked her eyebrow, revealing her infamous impish grin. Opal closed the distance between them when she leaned to give Asami a rather encompassing salacious hug. Her slender arms wrapped around the emerald beauty's lower back, as she leaned into Asami's neck and barely above a whisper breathed, "Are you really that happy to see me?" Without her consent, what felt like the entire reservoir of blood in Asami's body instantaneously pooled in her face, leaving her once smooth porcelain complexion a deep hue of candy apple red. Asami's jaw clenched and eyes widened from embarrassment, but mostly from the involuntary libidinous response her body gave in reaction to Opal's provocative greeting. Asami's mind was spinning for what felt like hours, when the actual embrace lasted for around a few seconds. When they parted, Asami felt her body return to its normal state, and Opal's lidded olive gaze remained fixed on hers. Shit. Asami thought to herself, immediately looking for any excuse to leave so that she can relieve herself of the caramel vixen's mischievous gaze.

"Uh, hey, Asami, do you have a fever or something? You look like a sick tomato," Bolin asked with a concerned brow as he started towards her. Opal quickly closes the space between her and Bolin, places a manicured hand on his chest, looks into his eyes and gives him a reassuring smile. The younger Nakamura is frozen in his tracks, as his own face begins to turn scarlet from the intimate gesture. He nervously looks down at the faded wooden paneling.

Opal's smile widens, "Asami's just in need of some Beifong TLC is all. Besides, I need to talk to her about this upcoming exam for Baqri's class," she pinches the bridge of her nose, "I swear that man always has a hair up his ass. Anyway, Bolin, would you mind if I stole Asami away from you? You guys can finish talking tomorrow."

Bolin remained transfixed in Opal's gaze—the only sound emitting from the thick browed youth's mouth was an unintelligible squeak followed by a fervent nod. Asami barely noticed Bolin's cemented retreat, until she realized that she would be left alone with the caramel seductress and her infamous impish grin. The raven-haired beauty almost fell forward, lunging to clasp Bolin's solid forearm, forcing him to stop in his tracks. Both Bolin and Opal gave Asami a quizzical look. She released Bolin's arm, and nervously cleared her throat.

"Um, Bolin can't leave yet! He has to stay with me, because," Asami trails off and stares at Bolin, who responds by widening his eyes even further with confusion, "because—he's helping me with a personal matter…that I have."

"Asami, what—"

"Yes, of course! Bolin, remember?" Asami placed her hand on his broad shoulder and gave it a firm squeeze, causing the younger Nakamura to wince quietly.

"Ow—I mean 'ah' yes, I remember! You mean the whole thing between Mako and Korra, right?"

Asami's eyes darkened and her heart sank, as she internally fought the urge to bite off Bolin's entire face. What. The. Fuuccccckkk. Not that Bolin. Anything but that. You could have told her I was grappling with the world's most unsightly staph infection this side of the United Republic of Nations, and I would have been fine with that. But, Korra and Mako? Fuck. Oh, Great Divine, why? Asami's eyes screamed as she plunged herself into an internal loop of perpetual turmoil, until her thoughts were interrupted by her caramel companion.

"Mako and Korra? Who's Korra?" Opal's disposition sparked with intrigue.

"She's the new transfer student that transferred into the sophomore class today! She got into a pretty ugly scuffle with Kuvira—you know how she gets—and Korra knocked her out cold, can you believe it? Anyway, she met Mako and I in the main office, and she just finished helping us move some more stuff into the clubroom. But…!" Bolin raised his index finger with enthusiasm. Opal maintained her intrigued grin, listening intently, "But, turns out Mako is showing some heavy interest in Korra, which did not sit well with Asami. To be quite honest, I have a small crush on Korra, too, and was pretty upset to see Mako flirting with her so shamelessly," Bolin trailed off, and cast his mint green eyes down pensively. Asami's face began to heat up once again as embarrassment and disappointment washed over her well-being.

"Oh my," the caramel beauty chuckled playfully, "is this Korra character cute? I mean to have both of the Nakamura brothers smitten after one school day is fairly impressive." Asami cut her eyes at the silver-tongued vixen to which she reciprocated with a light shrug, "You gotta admit, Asami, that this Korra's turn out rate is rather impressive."

"It's not that impressive," Opal raised her eyebrows incredulously, causing the young beauty to relent, "Whatever," she scoffed.

Bolin began to exchange glances anxiously between both girls, before realizing that he had—once again—brought up something that he shouldn't have. The young teen rubbed his thick eyebrows, silently cursing himself before speaking up, "I-I probably shouldn't have…brought that up," Asami hummed conclusively with an agreeing smile tugging her lips. Bolin sighed, "I, uh, actually do need to head out. I gotta get back to the gym and, um, train…with Mako," the younger brother trailed off, rubbing the back of his head.

"Don't let it haunt you, Bo, I know you just can't help it sometimes," Asami breathed with a tired smile. Bolin corresponded with an apologetic hug. Opal eyed the pair carefully before speaking up.

"Give Mako my regards. Hm, maybe next time I can give you some Beifong TLC, too, Bolin. It'll cost you quite a few yuans, though," she purred with a wink and playful smile.

"Um..uh…okay, bye!"

Asami could have sworn she saw Bolin's hands move swiftly to cover his pelvis before quickly teetering off down the hall and around the corner. Did…did Bolin just get turned on? Asami thought to herself with a slight chuckle.

"So," Opal started with a knowing smirk, "is this Korra really that cute?"

Asami rolled her eyes, "Opal, you need to really slow it down."

"What did I do?"

"First of all, I know what that look means, and second, Korra is not attracted to women."

"How do you know?" Opal narrowed her eyes and scoffed.

"Okay, not everyone tries to slip into every opening they see like you, Miss Beifong TLC." Asami matched the other's gaze.

Her counterpart feigned offense, "Damn. So that's how you see me?"

"Am I wrong?" Asami flipped her dark hair over her shoulder before crossing her arms for effect.

"Okay, firstly—since we're listing shit off, I have standards. I don't just 'slip' into 'openings,'" she exaggerated air quotations to emphasize her point, "also, since we're pretty much adults let's stop with the recess language, okay, they're called vaginas—and I don't slip into them all nimbly bimbly like some fucking aquatic pervert—"

"A nimbly bimbly aquatic pervert?"

"Shut up—I have to form a connection with the lady first, alright?" Opal furrowed her brow in agitation, "Secondly, I'm a people lover, okay? I love everyone—I don't have a gendered preference. If we form a connection and hit it off, then so be it," the caramel beauty huffed. She then turned towards Asami and playfully tugged at the bottom hem of her jacket, "You of all people should know that."

At that moment, Asami felt her heart beat increase. How could she have forgotten that she and Opal hadn't been completely alone together since their first encounter. An encounter that Asami wasn't really sure what to make of; she's processed the moment so many times, that she thought it best to just forget the whole ordeal entirely. That is until she was once again alone with Opal Beifong—with her smooth caramel complexion, and piercing olive green eyes which held tiny fragments of amber—that danced in the overbearing fluorescent lightning. It was in that moment, that Asami was once again compelled to reflect on the time when she was alone with her beautiful companion—the girl that really made Asami doubt herself:

On this night in particular, Asami's father had been pestering her all evening about the importance of remaining abstinent, and how the most effective form of birth-control is by simply keeping her legs shut. Regardless of how her father caught an erroneous wind of her being sexually active, Asami had been shamefully disrespected and berated by her father on no grounds other than the fact that he was "informed of her lecherous misconduct" by a colleague of his. She wasn't even awarded the basic right to defend herself or inform him of the actual truth, which was that she was still a virgin, and didn't plan on giving it to anyone any time soon—keeping to herself the fact that she does enjoy fooling around from time to time. After thirty minutes of being on the receiving end of a one-sided argument, Asami thought it best to wait for her date outside and spend the next hour reflecting over alternative routes to success that didn't involve her father's name or his inheritance. If there was a place for her in the world outside of her father and Future Industries, Asami was destined to claim it. Once outside, she sat on an old marble bench, placed perfectly between two large Weeping Banana Trees to mull things over; that's when she heard a car pull up. Asami tucked the silk garment of her dress into her hands, as she rose up to peer between the tendrils of banana leaves at a dark figure that began to make its way up her driveway.

"Is that Yeung?" she mumbled inaudibly, briefly squinting her eyes to get a better view. Asami had planned on revealing herself among the flora, until she realized Yeung was speaking on the phone with someone in a overly-hushed tone. "I wonder what he's talking about that has him practically whispering," Asami tucked a lock behind her ear, and leaned further into the drooping banana leaves hoping the extra feet would improve her ability to overhear his conversation.

"...I just hope that this shit works out, is all I'm saying," Asami heard Yeung scoff as he marched up the broadening driveway, "Yeah, believe me, brother, I'm trying," he laughed, "no, no, I haven't had sex with the princess, yet, but hopefully she'll put out after this ridiculous school dance. I made some arrangements to make sure that evening will be romantic and shit, so, hopefully I at least get a blow-job, or something," he paused, then started nodding his head trying to hold in more laughter.

Asami was as still as the night, amid the drooping banana leaves, absolutely seething with rage. It took everything she had to not emerge from the leaves, like some silhouetted harbinger of death, sprint up to the guy and wreck his life with a satisfying roundhouse kick to that stupid face of his—the smug idiot. Even though Asami was wearing her favorite red-bottomed black heels, she could still kick the shit out of something if need be. Rather than chanting the soothing relaxation mantra that she normally does to calm herself down, Asami let out low growl through clenched teeth—her emerald eyes glinting in the moonlight, remaining ever transfixed on her escort for the evening. She slowed her breathing and continued to listen.

Yeung's laughter quieted, "Man, did I even tell you that I'm still with Wei Haili?...Yeah. Since the princess hasn't been putting out, I've been getting what I need from her. She's not the best in bed, but—" he began nodding slowly as he approached her front door and rang the doorbell. After pausing for a few moments, he continued, "honestly, as long as I can get in ahead at Future Industries, I'll be set for life. Wait...hold on. I think someone is coming. I'll call you after the dance…mmhm...peace, brother," Yeung stuck his phone in his trouser pocket and started rocking steadily on his heels, until the door opened.

Asami's father, Hiroshi, stood in the door frame and looked at the teen with a quizzical expression, "Yeung, how are you doing, son?" they firmly shook hands.

"Good evening, sir, is Asami ready?"

"I thought she was outside already."

"She may be, however, I haven't seen her, sir."

"That's odd, hold on a moment. Let me see if she came back in through the back."

Before her father turned around, Asami emerged from the weeping banana trees with an apologetic smile, "I'm here! Sorry about that, I was—uh I had my earbuds in—I was listening to some music," Asami feigned surprise when she glanced over to her date, "Ah, Yeung! When did you get here? I didn't hear you pull up."

"Oh, I had the limousine park down at the gate, and I walked up the driveway. You probably didn't notice, because I'm actually half-ninja," he chuckled lightly.

Following Yeung's failed joke, Asami stood vacantly, as her father and her date talked lightheartedly about what he had in store for the evening. She had mastered the art of deceiving those around her with a pleasant smile, and she had that very same smile pasted across her lips throughout the duration of their conversation. Once Hiroshi said his final farewells, Asami couldn't properly conceal the discomfort that steadily emitted from her body as they pulled up to Republic City High. She was fairly certain that Yeung hadn't caught on, since he spent the entire car ride talking to her about how tonight was going to be special and if she was as excited as he was. Stepping out of the limousine, Asami was greeted by a large banner tied above the main entrance that read: Harvest Dance Tonight! She inwardly gagged, as Yeung extended his forearm.

"Shall we head inside, Ms. Sato?" His ice-chip blue eyes quickly undressed her, before meeting her emerald gaze with a warm smile. If she hadn't overheard his conversation earlier, she'd believe that he was genuinely a sweet guy that just wanted to show her a great evening. Asami had to resist the urge to vomit, again, as she withdrew and cleared her throat.

A smile fabricated itself across her merlot painted lips, "If I were a betting girl, I'd say that you think you might be getting lucky with me tonight."

Yeung's arm dropped along with his smile. His disposition was as calm as the night sky, as he straightened his tailored suit jacket and ran a hand through his thick blonde hair.

"Now where did you get an idea like that?" His tone was almost as chilling as his gaze. Asami matched his gaze, then broke the tension with a convincing laugh.

"Why so serious, all of a sudden?" She casually pulled her hair to her right side, guiding the raven locks over her shoulder until they began cascading down her shoulder in gentle waves, "come on, let's just go inside and try to have a good time."

Yeung forced a chuckle, and the pair made their way into the building and towards the gallery room where the dance was being held. Once inside Asami noted how ridiculously packed the room was. There were seriously a lot of people there—almost too many people. Why the hell are there so many people here? Asami glanced towards the stage and saw another banner that read: [the solution]. Oh shit, the school was able to get [the solution] to play here tonight? No wonder this place is packed. It suddenly struck Asami that this is the perfect opportunity for her to ditch Yeung. She could put distance between them in this crowd, then find the right moment to slip away and go somewhere to relax for a few hours before heading home. Too much had transpired since Asami's evening began that she was having a difficult time trying to process it all. Above anything, she felt hurt and betrayed by Yeung; although, she had a sneaking suspicion that he might be using her to get closer to her father, it still hurt when she found out first hand, though. Fuck. Asami felt her eyes sting, as her emotions began to rise within her. She blinked her tears away, and began to lead Yeung deeper into the waves of people. She informed him that they should be as close to the stage as possible, so they can get the full concert experience, and that [the solution] rarely disappoints with their performances. They finally made their way to the front of the stage. Asami turned towards Yeung, her face brow wrought with concern.

"Yeung, I'm going to the restroom real quick. I forgot to go before we got up here. I'll be right back."

"Would you like me to come with you?"

"No, no. It won't take too long."

"Are you sure? I really don't mind coming. Your comfort is more important than this band," Yeung truly looked concerned for Asami, and all she could do is resist the overwhelming urge to break his perfectly sculpted nose.

She turned away towards the crowd and gave him a slight smile, "I'm sure. Don't worry about it. I'll come find you, okay? I don't want to lose this awesome spot."

Asami started into the crowd, when she felt Yeung's firm grip on her forearm. Before she had time to react, he had wrapped his other arm around the small of her back and pulled her into a kiss. His full lips met hers with an intensity she didn't expect — she broke the kiss with a forceful push. Yeung stumbled back looking shocked by the rejection. At this point, Asami didn't even have the energy to turn him down politely, and instead opted to just slipped into the crowd without another word. After a few minutes of navigating through what seemed like a herd of elbows, Asami finally stumbled upon the snack bar which was luckily a nice distance away from the waves of students. Glancing over the limited variety of finger-food and chips, Asami wound up settling on a cup of tangerine pear juice. She stared at the bronze liquid getting lost in her own thoughts, until she was interrupted by a silvery voice.

"Hey, are you okay?"

Asami looks up to be greeted by a fairly attractive girl with bright olive eyes, and a concerned smile. Asami returned her smile, "I'm actually," her smile dropped, "I'm actually not okay. I haven't been for a while," she glanced back into her cup, her eyes once again stinging with tears.

"Why don't you come with me," the girl suggested.

"What?"

"Follow me; you look like you could use a pick-me-up."

"Oh, I-I'm not into drugs. I know that pink dice is really popular among teenagers, but I don't — "

The girl laughed, "No, I'm not offering you drugs, silly. What I'm saying is you look like you could use a drink."

Asami paused for a moment before breaking out into a light chuckle, "Oh! I am so sorry, I didn't mean to assume that you were a drug dealer, but you'd be surprised how many times someone has tried to sell me drugs. But, yes. I could definitely use a drink."

"You're pretty funny, do you know that?" the girl chuckled, "By the way, my name is Opal. Opal Beifong. I'm a freshman. It's nice to meet you."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, as well. I'm Asami Sa — Satsuki. Asami Satsuki, I'm also a freshman here," she said with averted eyes. Asami hated being defined by her family name. She carefully eyed Opal, hoping that she didn't pick up on her deceit.

"Well, Asami Satsuki, follow me," Opal waved her hand towards the eastern exit that led to the Spirit Gardens. Asami smiled and followed close behind.

Her new companion led her through large mahogany oak doors, and into the Spirit Gardens — a place so beautiful, it even compelles the skeptic to fantasize about the possibility of a magical realm. The flora in the gardens vary in color, size, and form. From the darkest shade of aubergine lily faucets, to the brass neon orange cherry-melons. The gardens are meant to represent the harmonic balance between the human and spirit world — beautifully complementing and relshing under the sky together. Asami always enjoyed being in the Spirit Gardens, but she has never been able to ingest its beauty under the pale moonlight. Her eyes scanned the over the vastness of the gardens. Her eyes were then lead to the centerpiece of the Spirit Gardens — the Celestial Fountain — she stood and marveled at its splendor. The Harvest Dance was such a popular school event, that even the Celestial Fountain was turned on revealing a beautiful water display in the misty blue glow provided by the fountain lighting. Simply beautiful, Asami thought to herself as she watched the water twist, ebb, and flow with aesthetic simplicity. She noticed Opal bend over, remove her black pumps, and toss them to the side into the grass.

"Uh, Opal...what exactly are you doing?" Asami's brow furrowed with confusion as she looked around her to see if anyone else had noticed them. Her caramel companion chuckled as she went to the fountain and submerged her entire arm in the clear water and started feel around as if she was searching for something. Asami cleared her throat, "Opal. Seriously, what are you doing?"

"You have a palm-birch stick wedge up your ass, huh?"

"A palm-birch up my—what?"

"Not literally," Opal chuckled, "What I mean is that you don't ever chill and just go with the flow, huh, Asami?" Opal pulled out her arm, revealing a large plastic bag. Asami remained staring at her looking even more puzzled than before. Opal sighed, "Trust me, okay? Just take off your heels, and come over here."

Acquiescing, Asami elegantly bent over, removed her heels, and placed them delicately against the wall adjacent to the grass. After walking over to Opal, she noticed that there was a bottle in the bag.

"Is that liquor?"

Opal gave her a knowing smirk, and extended her hand for Asami's cup. She tossed out the remaining tangerine pear juice, and began filling her cup.

"It's homemade Blood Brew," Opal's olive eyes glinted in the misty aqua glow from the fountain. Her smile widened, "I made this stuff back at home. It's absolutely delicious. One cup is more than enough, but you look like you've been having a rough time." She gently handed Asami the cup, and stared at her expectantly.

Asami returned her gaze, "What?"

"Well, drink it," Opal laughed.

"Oh, right," Asami's eyes softened, "I've never had authentic Blood Brew before, but I guess there's no time like the present" Opal nodded with a smile, as Asami smoothly tossed her head back and down the fluid.

"Woah! You don't want to drink it all in one go. That's a sure way to get extremely drunk entirely too fast. Asami did you even hear what I said," she watched in both awe and concern as the raven beauty dripped the remaining contents into her mouth. "Well, shit," Opal leaned forward and began to lightly pat and rub Asami's back as she leaned forward and began coughing. After a few seconds of incessant coughing, Asami rose up with a languid smile on her lips and began laughing. Opal's eyes softened as she started to laugh, too, "You really had me worried for a minute there, Asami. You're really something else," she gestured for Asami's cup, and began refilling it. Opal took a few casual sips, leaned against the fountain, and stared into the water.

Asami languorously leaned against the fountain, as well. She tilted her head up towards the sky and chuckled lazily, "So why is it even called Blood Brew?" she slurred.

Opal laughed in between sips, "Well, there's this 'myth' that says these people called 'blood-benders' made it to help increase their performance during the full-moon. There's an herb in Blood Brew that releases an enzyme in the blood system that stimulates a certain portion of the brain that was commonly found in a race of people called 'water-benders.' They lived in the both the Southern and Northern Water Tribes that are around today, even though no one bends anymore," Asami gave her an incredulous look and laughed. Opal chuckled as she continued, "Yeah, I know it sounds like complete bullshit, but it's still a really cool theory. Apparently, only a select few water-benders had the ability to bend blood. But, anyway, these blood-benders would make this brew during the night, since it wasn't as legal to make back then. And, since they had to rely on the moonlight while making it, they called it 'moonshine,'" Opal paused to refill the cup, and began taking a few sips.

Asami smiled lazily, "Moonshine, huh?"

"Yeah, it sounds weird, right? But, that's what it was called for a while. Anyway, centuries later it became legal when people remembered it was something that had once existed. Soo," Opal released a small burp before continuing, "when the Penguin Sea Lion Brewing Company came into business, they named it 'Blood Brew' to keep the myth associated with its creation in the name," Opal inertly passed the cup to Asami and smiled, "Pretty cool, huh?"

Asami smiled softly as she pressed her painted lips against the cup preparing to sip, "Yeah. That actually sounds pretty awesome," she gulped down a large sip, "benders, huh? I wonder what kind of bender I would have been? Knowing my luck, though, I probably wouldn't have even be one," Asami ran manicured fingers through her dark wavy locks, " You know, I remember hearing a thing that some people weren't even benders. They were just...normals," she laughed.

Opal gazed lazily into the fountain, following the ethereal twists and curves of the cerulean water. She smiled and turned her gaze towards Asami. Maybe it was the way the misty glow from the fountain illuminated so brilliantly onto Asami's smooth porcelain complexion, causing her to look akin to a celestial being herself, or perhaps it was the way her dark haired companion's emerald eyes sparkled and shined like precious gemstones in the night — but in that moment, if Opal knew anything at all, it was that Asami looked absolutely radiant that evening — and she was genuinely grateful that she was awarded with this opportunity to connect with her. Opal's gaze deepened as she took in Asami's elegant profile.

"I'm not sure if I would have been a bender either, but I would like for us to be friends in that world, you know, if it even exists," Opal chuckles lightly as Asami meets her gaze with a drunken smile.

"Yeah. Maybe, I wouldn't have such shit luck with all of the people in my life. If a different world does exist, I wonder if I am at least happy and treated with respect," a cynical smile appears on her lips.

"...What was going on with you when I found you by the snack bar? You looked defeated by the world," Opal scooted closer towards her companion, arms resting over marbled stone and dangling over the dancing water.

Asami told her in full detail about what she discovered about her date, Yeung. How her relationship with him had consisted of occasional dates and fooling around. She told Opal about her encroaching insecurities regarding her own self-worth and her vanishing individuality in the presence of her family inheritance. Asami laid out her reservations about intimacy and the love she lacked for herself. The young jewel had spent upwards of twenty minutes telling Opal of all the cracks, bruises, and pain she has sustained over the last couple of years. Opal didn't interrupt Asami once, she just listened the entire time. There were instances where she felt as if she were going to cry, but overall, she just wanted her friend to feel better. To stop the pain, even if only temporarily.

"I just feel so fucking discarded, dirty, used. Like dirty laundry," Asami grimaced, "there are just times when I feel so ugly, you know? Like, why the fuck do I keep getting used and mistreated? It's almost like who I am as a person doesn't matter when it comes to my family name. By the way, I lied to you. My last name isn't Satsuki — it's fucking Sato,"

Opal sighed heavily, "...I know who you are. I figured it out a little while ago," Asami met Opal's gaze, emerald eyes shimmering in the glow of the fountain, "I didn't choose to keep hanging out with you because of your family name. I kept hanging out with you, because I like you as a person. You're such an interesting person, Asami. And I'm glad that I got to know you tonight."

"Opal —"

"And," The caramel beauty languidly raised her hand silencing her companion, "and, you're fucking beautiful. Literally, the furthest thing from being considered ugly —"

Asami wrapped her arms around Opal's neck, enveloping her in a sincere embrace. Asami was considerably taller than Opal, so when she had embraced Opal her tears dripped down her caramel friend's back. Opal tenderly wrapped her arms around Asami's lower back, and remained there for several seconds.

"Thank you," Asami whispered before breaking the embrace.

All Opal could do was stare into those emerald jewels, admiring the beauty and fragility her dark haired friend possessed. Without even considering the consequences of her actions, Opal began to tenderly wipe away the tears from Asami's eyes. Once dry, her gaze remained fixed on her merlot lips — as if drawn in by her very presence, Opal tenderly placed her lips over Asami's. The kiss initially came as a surprise to Asami; she had never kissed a woman before, let alone shared feelings for another woman. So, all she could do in that moment was remain absolutely still. Opal's lips were so soft — like flower petals, Asami thought as she leaned into the kiss. Asami had no idea whether or not this meant she was attracted to her short friend, or what would be the consequence of this encounter, but all that did matter was how good it felt. Asami felt so good to be treated so kindly and gingerly by another person— she wanted more, she needed more. As if on command, Opal's tongue teased the entrance of Asami's mouth, by lightly tracing her tongue along her bottom lip. Not wasting any time, Asami acquiesced by parting her lips granting Opal access. Passionately their tongues twisted and danced against each other becoming acquainted with taste and feel of the other. All the while, Opal was slowly gaining dominance. She began gently stroking the raven goddess' lower back while seductively guiding her body against the fountain's cool marbled stone. With her leg, she parted Asami's thighs and leaned in further. Asami moaned into her mouth — partly from the immediate response from her body, but mainly from surprise. But, she wanted it. She needed more. Asami buried her hand into the shorter girl's hair and began kissing her even more fiercely than she had before. A hand gracefully traveled from Asami's navel to the area above her heated core. Opal began panting with lust and moaned as Asami passionately nibbled bottom her lip. Her adept fingers found their way to Asami's swelling bud through the fabric of her underwear, and skillfully began stimulating her towards the edge of euphoria. Asami's mind went absolutely blank, as her sex became wetter. She languidly pulled from the kiss and tilted her head toward the sky. Asami's breath quickened with the fluid strokes of the fingers stimulating her. She felt as if she was going to fall into a pool of aphrodisia and drown in her own intoxicated bliss, as her body began to seize and pulsate with passionate ecstasy. She was so close to falling over the edge, that stars began appearing in the blank slate of her mind. That's when she heard someone entering her secluded slice of paradise. In a matter of milliseconds, the events of the evening came rushing back to Asami, as she fell from her euphoric high.

"Asami! Are you out here?" a male voice shouted harshly into the night.

YEUNG. Asami exhaled sharply, before lunging forward and pulling both her and Opal down silently to the soft earth. Her once vacant mind was now flooding with incessant worry. F u c k. Fuck. fuck. fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuckk fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuckfuckfuufluckpadfjfkjfaldjfalkdjelkjjralnimfucked. Her temporary lover shot her a confused expression, to which she responded by widening her eyes with emphasis. That's my fucking DATE. She screams internally, hoping Opal had telepathy or something else equally impossible but useful to their situation. Understanding her severity, Opal nodded then tilted her head towards the back end of the garden. Actively avoiding to run into Yeung, the pair crawled through the exotic labyrinth of plants towards the snaked vine gate that bordered the entire terrace. Luckily, Yeung had given up and headed back towards the entrance, so their risk of being caught had all but vanished. The pair scaled the gate with acrobatic ease, and rounded to the west side of the building. By the time they had caught their breath, Asami was far too bedraggled and disenchanted by the night's recent events to try to properly conclude the evening with Opal. She instead asked if she could grab her heels from the gardens as soon as Yeung heads back inside. Her companion obliged without word, and disappeared into the building. After a few minutes, Opal returned with her heels in hand and Asami gave her a chaste hug before sliding into her driver's passenger seat and heading home. Asami didn't even know how to begin processing what that encounter with Opal was, or what it even meant. I'm not even attracted to women, Asami thought as she washed away the dried soil from her figure in a much needed hot shower she practically ran to upon getting home. Although she couldn't deny that her caramel heroine was an excellent kisser, she still didn't believe it meant anything. I was just caught up in the moment, she pondered. Dried and changed into her night attire, Asami lowered herself into bed. But, it was nice to be treated so kindly, even if it was only for couple hours. After several minutes, Asami had finally drifted away to sleep.

xxx

Fuck, that was two years ago, Asami sighed to herself. Since that night, she and Opal have had very little interactions with each other outside of their shared history class with Baqri. There have been a few times where Opal would ask her if she wanted hang out or eat lunch together, but Asami would decline every time making up some excuse that fit her situation. Asami had normalized avoiding isolated encounters with Opal so much that she had almost successfully repressed their drunken encounter in its entirety. It wasn't until now that the memory has surfaced to the forefront of her thoughts and attempted to regain occupancy of her mind.

"Hello, did you go off to somewhere just then?" Opal dully waved a hand in front of Asami trying to regain her attention.

Asami snapped herself out of her mental fog. She had no idea how long she had spaced, but was already trying to figure out what excuse she can make to leave.

"I-I'm sorry," Asami muttered, "I, um, I was actually thinking about that ridiculous exam we have coming up in Baqri's class," she nervously tucked a loose strand behind her ear.

Opal laughed, "Are you seriously that hung up about it?"

"Aren't you?"

"I mean, yeah, but from looking at your grades the last thing I thought I'd catch you worrying about is an exam in Baqri's class. Sure he's a moist fart on a dry day, but I didn't think it got to you like that."

Asami attempted to feign annoyance, but couldn't hide her amusement, "The hell is a 'moist fart'? Seriously, where the do you get these sayings? "

A light blush powdered Opal's face as she began chuckling,"Honestly, it kinda just slips out."

"You sound like Bolin," she chuckles, "honestly, when a day goes by without him mentioning bodily functions, that's when I know that something's wrong."

"I guess we are kinda similar," Asami notices Opal's sincere smile at the comparison.

"Opal do you like Bolin?" she gives a friendly smile.

Opal curves her lips into a playful grin, "Why? You jealous?"

Asami rolls her eyes so profoundly they practically cross, "Opal in order for me to be jealous of who you're interested in they need to a female who is either ridiculously attractive, or ridiculously intelligent. Oh also, you'd have to be male."

"Really?" Opal's smirk curves even further, "You and I both know that I don't have to be a guy."

At that Asami turns on her heel and resumes walking down the hall. She didn't care anymore what Opal did, she's leaving.

Opal loosely grabbed her forearm, "Hey, wait a sec. Why are you leaving? I was just playing, okay?" Asami narrowed her eyes, "Honestly? I do like Bolin. He's a cute guy, and I think he's pretty funny."

"If you like Bolin, then why do you keep flirting with me? What happened between us happened over two years ago, now. It didn't mean anything to me then, and it doesn't mean anything to me now. I was just drunk and upset." Opal looked noticeably hurt, her eyes downcast. Asami instantly regretted her retort. It's true that she didn't feel anything romantic towards the young charming fool, but she still does care about her. Asami released a long sigh, "Okay, I wasn't just drunk and upset. I needed someone and you were there to comfort me, and for that I will also appreciate you," she paused, "and I did kiss you back — hell I even enjoyed it. But, that was a one time thing, Opal. If anything, you helped me realize that I'm more open than I thought I was."

"I hear what you're saying," Opal was still avoiding her friend's emerald gaze, "but, how can you tell me that you didn't feel anything from that night? We almost —" the shorter girl lowered her voice releasing a deep sigh, Asami could tell she was getting flustered, "Asami, we almost had sex. Doesn't that mean anything to you?"

The dark haired girl remained silent, and simply continued staring at her friend. When Opal didn't continue speaking or made any effort to meet Asami's gaze, she spoke up, "Yeah, we almost did have sex. But, we were also shit-faced. Drunk off Blood Brew, and my night had been absolute shit. If anything, I used you to avoid my feelings of…" she trailed off. Her eyes began stinging as tears began welled up, blurring her vision, "I used you to avoid my own insecurities. I felt unwanted, discarded, abandoned...Then you came along and expressed how much you wanted me."

Her classmate remained silent, still avoiding her eyes. Asami continued.

"It was my fucked up evening, the drinking, and you wanting to be with me that led to us almost having sex...Opal, I'm so sorry if I hurt you. I do care about you, but I don't feel that way towards you — not romantically. However, I will always be your friend —"

"Don't," Opal croaked, raising an unenthusiastic hand, silencing the emerald jewel that had unintentionally captured her affections.

Asami wasn't sure how to respond. She wanted to comfort her friend, but at the same time she knew that offering comfort could offend Opal, and quite possibly make things worse. In fear of making the wrong decision that could possibly cause her classmate anymore pain, she just watched as a defeated Opal turned from her and disappeared down the hall. After a few second pause, Asami began towards the exit as well. She practically tripped making haste down the hall and into the stairwell, but it mattered not. After the unfortunate encounters she had to suffer through today, Asami was almost certain that it was building itself, rather than her own rotten luck bringing this misfortune on her. Finally going through the last hall that connects to the breezeway, the young beauty practically feels herself breaking into a light jog until she pushes against the metal door leading outside. Even though it wasn't warm enough outside to be in short sleeves, Asami unzipped her leather jacket and slung it over her back. She released a deep sigh of relief as the cool air pumped through her lungs and caressed her exposed arms and shoulders.

Once in the main building, Asami walked down a few halls over and went to gather her belongings from her locker. Then, she froze. A-Again? What is this horrible feeling? It suddenly felt as if every nerve in her body had been replaced by icy steele —restricting her ability to move and speak. Asami felt absolutely paralyzed with overwhelming dread. The very same dread that blindsided her when she had met Korra earlier that day. Something's not right, Asami thought, everything feels...off. Her heartbeat quickened, as she found it harder to catch her own breath. It took everything she had to barely move her neck a few inches to look down the silhouetted hallway. Most of the overhead lighting had been shut off, since a few hours have passed since the school day ended. All that remained was the stale lighting that leaked through the windows, and the lights that were left on in a few rooms. The hallway before her seemed to stretch into nothing. Asami was regretting her decision to volunteer staying behind to help the Paranormal Club retain more supplies. She regretted getting to know Korra, and realizing her boyfriend was rightfully justified in being so attracted to her. She regretted almost letting Opal claim her virginity at the Harvest Dance, and she regretted hurting her feelings and not being able to accept them… if only things were simpler. In what felt like a lifetime, but lasting only seconds, Asami regretted every decision she's ever made that didn't bode well for her. Her eyes began to sting with tears, as she slowly move her feet. One thing she wasn't going to regret was making a break for the door the moment her legs regain autonomy.

"Who is there?"

A mysterious voice called out in almost a whisper. Asami's eyes widened with fear, as the very air itself felt as if it became heavy and thick. Whoever or whatever was going towards the paralyzed teen was no friend of hers —no friend of anything good. The dark figure echoed closer. Heels clicking methodically in the shadows. So, it's female? Asami tried to rationalize everything around her, which is exactly what her mind was fighting against. She had been alone in the dark at the school after hours before, so why was her inner-consciousness screaming that she needed to leave now if she ever wanted to see another day? The dark haired girl was practically hyperventilating at this point. She tried to speak, but was only able to emit a gravelled squeak. The figured echoed closer, the miasma closing around her. Unable to take anymore of the torment, tears flooded from Asami's eyes. Her breathing had all but ceased, until—

"Asami? What are you doing here?"

The figured passed the window, briefly revealed by the stale lighting. Asami couldn't believe her eyes.

"M-Ms. Azili?" her voice trembled.

The woman smiled warmly, as she continued towards the disheveled teen. Asami looked past the woman and into the opaque abyss behind her. The darkness seemed to thicken, almost as if it's alive. But, how is that even possible? If it's not Ms. Azili...that what is it?

"Asami, are you going to answer my question? What are you still doing here, silly girl?" Ms. Azili chuckled as she stood before the younger girl and placed a concerned hand on her shoulder.

"Ms. Azili, we need to seriously get out of here. I'm not sure what is going on, but something is wrong." Asami's eyes widened with concern, her voice trembling, "Can you please walk me out? I-I don't know why, but I can't. Something doesn't feel right," the raven-haired teen shook her head emphasizing her point.

"Seriously?" Ms. Azili's eyebrows turned up with unease. She quickly glanced behind her, and back to Asami her face lining with worry, "Okay, Asami. Don't worry, I'll walk you out. Hurry up and gather your things," she waved an arm towards Asami's locker.

Without missing a beat, Asami grabbed her leathered backpack, purse, and helmet before quickly shutting her locker. After making a quick stop to pick up somethings from her office as well, Ms. Azili locked up her office and rushed both she and Asami outside. The older woman offered to walk Asami to her bike, but the teen declined and waved goodbye before turning and walking towards the opposite end of the parking lot. Asami put on her helmet, cut on the engine, and pulled out of the parking lot and towards her home. During the ride home, she couldn't shake that insidious darkness that overpowered her, nor the fact that it followed her and Ms. Azili long until they were outside and going their respective ways. A shudder coarsed through Asami's spine. Seriously...What. The. Fuck. was that awful presence?

Chapter End

~x~

AN: This chapter was Asami heavy, because she plays a key role in this story. Clearly as Korra's ultimate partner, but I'm just laying bread crumbs that lead to the main plot when it gets there. I plan to keep you guys on edge with each chapter, so don't worry about it going flat until they get together. Speaking of keeping y'all on edgeeeee this was the first kiss-almost-sex-scene I've ever written so I hope it was good. X0 Also, Asopal— if you even call it that— is not going to be the focal point in this story. I don't want you guys to stress over that. It's one of the side roads that will lead to the story's ultimate destination. Anyway, like I said I'll start the next chapter in a few days and have it out in the next two weeks. It'll probably be long as hell next time, too. Lol.

Stay cool,

— beanie