[A/N]

Sorry for the delay, life has been happening in somewhat scary ways lately, but trying to get back into the swing of things now. Also, this little story is almost done - I thank those who have come along with me thus far, and hope you enjoy what's left to come...

The Playa art festival was in full swing, tens of thousands of artists and patrons roaming past dozens of beautifully done art installations scattered throughout the desert surrounding the camps. The number of pieces that had been dramatically changed after Korra's performance thrilled the Avatar; where previously there had been the beginning of mostly single element sculptures, almost all were now multi-element as artists enthusiastically collaborated. Near the amphitheater an enormous kinetic sculpture designed by the non-benders of Cog Camp was enhanced by stone and steel ornaments beautifully formed by teams of earth benders. Further out, a group of Air Nomads had spun up intricate swirling walls and arches of sand that were transformed by the helpful blasts of fire benders, creating a glistening labyrinth of glass.

Asami's favorite was closer to camp, near the Team Avatar memorial. A huge dome of earth and rock had been raised by Bolin and his amphitheater crew. Inside, Kya's recruited water benders had followed Korra's lead and pulled streams of water from the shallow aquifer, transforming the streams into an underground palace of ice, protected from the heat by the thick dome. Asami's glow sticks were placed carefully throughout the cavern, the soft light causing the ice to glow. Patrons were encouraged to use small metal spikes to carve names of loved ones or dreams and desires into the ice, and most of the lower levels were now covered with their efforts. Small busts of Hiroshi and Yasuko Sato adorned the central pillar, near the floor. If Korra hadn't watched her do it, she would never had believed even Asami could have carved such fine detail so quickly by hand. Yet, she had done so, tears falling down her face while Korra held her gently on her lap. Many other visitors seemed to have the same reaction as powerful emotions were memorialized in the glittering cold, tears falling to frost.

—

"Would you hold still?"

"I can't help it, it tickles!"

Asami muttered under her breath. She finished applying paint to her squirming girlfriend's arms and shoulders, then stepped back. "There, you big baby, I'm done."

Korra craned her head to see the results. "Looks kinda cool. Guess we'll really see when it's under the lights."

"Speaking of," Asami stepped back, wiping her hands hands clean on a cloth. "We should get going." She turned and sauntered out of the bedroom into the living area of their suite. Korra pursed her lips in appreciation of the sinfully tight leather pants that hugged every delectable curve of her lover's frame. A tight black tank top completed the outfit, and her bare arms sported a painted version of Korra's arm bands.

Korra was wearing baggy pants and a snug fitting vest, similar to her normal wear but cooler in the desert heat. On the back of her vest was the carefully stitched gear Korra had requested Asami add, proud to wear Asami's mark as the engineer wore hers.

Hand in hand they wandered through the camps as night fell, the setting of the sun bringing about welcome relief from the day's heat. The smell of dinners cooking was mouthwatering, and thankfully for Korra they periodically would be offered a delicious sampling of food as they passed near busy kitchens. The sounds of laughter and music covered them like a warm blanket, and they smiled broadly at everyone they passed.

The spotlights were on by the time they reached the Team Avatar tribute, and the avenue of the earth drums was alive with spirits and dancing humans. The use of Opal's body paint seemed to be more or less universal, and the dancers glowed as they moved to the music bursting from the amphitheater. On the main floor hundreds of bodies moved rhythmically to the pulsing beat of the music, their painted bodies a sea of colors under the theater lights. Korra found herself starting to bounce in excitement and glanced at Asami.

"May I have this dance, Madame CEO?" she asked as she gave Asami a slight bow.

Asami's lips curled in amusement as she graciously held out her hand. "Why yes, Avatar Korra. I would be most honored."

Korra laughed and pulled Asami into the midst of the throng. When she reached an open space she turned and caught Asami's eye before she yanked their bodies tightly together. Asami raised one eyebrow then threw one arm over Korra's shoulder while she held the other aloft. Her hips rolled in time to the music and she shamelessly pressed hard into Korra on every down beat.

Korra moved with her, hands gripping her waist, eyes sparkling as she matched thrust for thrust. Asami whirled around, her hands holding up her hair as she shimmied down, taking care to rub herself into her panting girlfriend all the way down and back. Korra wrapped her arms firmly Asami's body as she returned to an upright position, pressing a kiss against her ear.

"You're trying to kill me, aren't you?" she growled.

Asami's smile was slow and sinful as she brushed her lips past Korra's cheek. "I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just dancing." She gasped as she was spun around. A muscular thigh wedged itself firmly between her thighs and strong hands gripped her hips.

"Me too," breathed Korra, her hot breath raising goosebumps on Asami's neck. "I'm juuuuust dancing…" She flexed her leg and Asami whimpered before wrenching herself away, breathing hard. She attempted to give Korra a stern look but the Avatar's broad grin told her it was a wasted attempt.

Suddenly around them they heard gasps of astonishment and they looked up to see the surrounding bleachers come alive with spirits, bouncing excitedly as they began to swarm down towards the dance floor.

"Uh oh," Asami heard Korra groan. She whipped her head to see the resigned amusement on her girlfriend's face. "Brace yourself, babe."

Asami's face at first showed confusion, then realization dawned as the gasps turned into cries of surprise and delight. The spirits were sprinting their way through and over the crowd, making a cheerful beeline towards the waiting couple. The nearby dancers fell back as the spirits leaped excitedly in a circle around Korra and Asami, dashing in to nuzzle them, perch on their shoulders and heads, skitter excitedly between their legs. Korra laughed delightedly and clasped Asami's hand in her own, leading her into a new dance with the spirits in accompaniment. Above them stars shone brightly, appearing to twinkle in time to the music as if the heavens wished to join in the fun.

Notes:

If you're not familiar, Kya's ice temple was inspired by a hugely important piece of Burning Man, as described here:

/event/art-performance/playa-art/building-the-temple/