As the evil morning sun invaded my room I rolled over and cursed the treacherous window for allowing this, as if my hard time getting to sleep with the thoughts of talking to Asami weren't bad enough, I now had to deal with my arch-nemesis... the morning.
"Korra! Korra! Korra!" and Ikki's high pitched voice at the door didn't help either. "It's morning! Time to get up and have breakfast! Come on Korra! Mommy says it's gonna get cold if you don't get up soon!" I loved the sound of Ikki's footsteps rushing away at that moment. Luckily the promise of warm food was enough to get me to drag myself out of bed; you win this round morning.
Despite my defeat I was determined to win the battle with my fears today and despite trying to seem fine it didn't stop Tenzin from asking about why I looked so tired; the yawn probably gave me away aswell.
"Korra, are you alright? You seem tired." Whilst I appreciated the concern I still didn't really want to talk to my airbending master about. I tried to deflect the question as I started to dig into my breakfast.
"I'm fine, just had a little trouble sleeping last night." I hoped that that would be enough; should've known better.
"Korra, are you sure to don't want to talk about-"
"More tea Tenzin?" Pema came to my rescue, teapot in hand, and I noticed her give Tenzin a look, then he looked back at me for a moment before sharing another look with Pema.
"Yes, please." and I was in the clear I gave Pema a discreet nod and smile, which she returned as she poured a new cup for Tenzin, "Thank you, dear." I noticed Jinora raise an eyebrow at this behaviour, Ikki and Meelo didn't notice a thing, too engrossed in their breakfast.
It didn't take long for the kids to finish their food and head off to do their morning exercises, as I finished up the last of my food I tried to work up the nerve to ask Tenzin for the morning off, he wasn't going to like it.
"Umm, Tenzin," the airbending master turned to with a small noise of acknowledgement "I was wondering, since there's something I really need to do, if I could take the morning off?" I wasn't entirely sure how Tenzin'd react, and my answer was him choking on his tea.
"What?!" and that "Korra, you know how important it is that you matter airbending, what could be so important that you need to-"
"Dear." again I was saved from Tenzin's inquisition by Pema's intervention, with the same look between the two as before; could all married couples develop this telepathy. After giving me a quick look and meeting his wife's gaze once more the master airbender just let out a sigh.
"Very well, if it is truly important you may take the morning off, but be sure to add some of your airbending katas to your afternoon training session."
"Sure, thanks Tenzin, thanks Pema." if I hadn't rushed out to get Naga and get moving I'd have seen the look on Tenzin's face at my thanks to Pema.
A part of me just wanted to lie in bed until the pain in my heart just stopped, but I couldn't let myself give in to despair, I needed to keep myself in one piece, still had a company to run and a chi-blocking school to get up and running , I still had people relaying on me. Thinking on that I took a deep breath, unfortunately the knowledge that I still had people that needed me didn't really help ease the pain but it did help me endure it.
So I forced myself out of bed and onto my feet, determined to remained unbeaten. I was just about to brush my hair when I noticed my reflection in the mirror, and the obvious signs that I'd been crying. I rushed to the en-suite bathroom to wash my face, last thing I needed was to worry Arika.
After splashing quite a bit of water on my face, water, her element, I heard Arika knocking at the bedroom door. Double-checking that my eyes were looking alright, I went out to greet her a good morning and tell her I'd be down for breakfast in a few minutes after I'd gotten dressed. She seemed unaware that I'd been crying last night, good.
I put on some workout clothes, I figured I might be able to work out some stress in the gym, I really should use it more often, mix things up a bit. Breakfast was tasty and filling, as per usual with Arika's cooking. Informing that Arika could find me in the gym if anything came up and made my way over there to see if I could burn this depression out of myself.
After doing a few basic stretches to get myself loose I started on the punching bag, trying to motivate myself my imagining Mako's face. That worked pretty well and before I knew it I pounding the hanging sack like there was no tomorrow. I don't know how long it was till my muscles started to burn from the exertion the constantly pounding, again and again. At some point I stopped imagining Mako's face.
I started imagining my father.
The man who tried to kill me, his own daughter, who put so many lives in danger for the sake of his vengeance. My mind occasionally flashed to a certain white mask but was still mostly on my father; it was his decision to side with Amon, his decision to use his gift for inventing to spread mayhem and destruction. It was him who had the nerve to use my Mother's memory to justify it!
With a final punch to the bag I stopped and tried to calm myself down a little remembering what I said to him on that day. "You don't feel love for mom anymore, you're too full of hatred." that was a path I was very eager to avoid.
I went to sit down on a bench in the middle of the gym and dry a little sweat off with a towel I'd brought. I'd managed to improve my mood a bit, but run into a new problem in doing so. I was really starting to think that the universe was playing a cruel joke on me or something. Falling in love with someone who would never love me back, feeling ashamed and afraid about the possibility of turning out like my father.
I really hope I can catch a break soon, or I might just break.
What was I going to say!? Here I was on Naga, strolling towards the Sato estate and I had no idea of how I was going to say this. I needed to think of a way to break it to her without it sounding weird and perverted; I was pretty sure that if I just mentioned I caught myself checking out her... hindquarters, then she would probably react badly.
Okay so I needed to figure out a way to get this off my chest, tell Asami how I feel and if I'm really lucky, preserve something resembling a friendship. I still hadn't been able to figure out how'd she'd react, this sort of thing hadn't come up anytime we'd talked. Would she laugh it off? Get angry or disgusted? I was kind or expecting that, she might be okay about it; that's the one I was really hoping for.
I was having little luck trying to come up with a speech.
"Asami, I know you probably don't feel the same way but I find you very attractive-" No that won't do, that'd probably just creep her out.
"Asami, since we both dated Mako I doubt that you'd be interested-" okay, that wouldn't go anywhere either of us would want to remember.
"Asami, I have something important I need to tell you." okay, that should make a good start, but then what do I say.
"I was checking you out the other night." Nope, that wasn't it.
"You are very beautiful and-" I blushed at that thought, I wouldn't be going with that, even if it is true, I was barely resisting the urge to just chicken out and turn around as it was. The last thing I needed was to break down babbling about her flawless skin, warm eyes, awesome chest- Stopping that line of thought right there.
"I recently realised that I have feelings-" wait, almost...
"I recently realised that, for awhile now," better, "I've had feelings for someone, someone that I'd never imagined having feelings for." Okay that was probably as good as I could come up with, which just leaves that part about telling her it's her I have feelings for. Crap. There wasn't really anything I could say besides, "It's you."
The fear of watching her face twist in disgust was almost unbearable, but I needed to do this. How could an Avatar keep balance in the world if they couldn't even balance their own emotions.
Okay, I've decided how to say it, now I just needed to make it to her place without losing my nerve and running back to the air temple. That was proving really hard. I nudged Naga in the side a little with my heels to signal her to speed up, I needed to do this before the little bravery I'd mustered ran out.
So here I was, galloping on Naga's back towards the Sato estate, driven by the tiny hope that Asami wouldn't reject me.
"Asami," I was wiping the sweat of my forehead as Arika brought me today's paper and a bottle of water that she waved a little, indicating the reason for her coming to see me in the gym.
"Thanks Arika." I gulped down the water greedily, I'd worked up quite a sweat taking out my aggression on the punching bag; at least I hadn't broken another one. "That was nice, today's paper I presume?" I questioned as I nodded toward the folded paper under Arika's arm.
"Yep, I know how much you like reading up on what's going on in the city." she gave me the paper with another bright smile, she always knew how to lighten my mood without even realising; even without Korra, Bolin off doing his own thing and Lin busy with her work, I'd still have Arika, who was pretty much one of the most loyal and caring people I'd ever met.
"Arika, I wondering if you wanted to spar later?" I knew that Arika had some martial training, considering the incident when we'd met, but I'd yet to see her fight in a less hectic environment.
"Oh, yes please Asami!" I didn't expect her to bounce up and down like that, she was really excited about the idea of getting a chance to beat me up; bit suspicious there. Still made me giggle though.
"Fine, fine, we'll spar this afternoon."
"Alright then! That means I need to get all my duties around the house done!" and with that declaration she shot off to achieve the goal she'd set out for herself. I couldn't help but envy her a bit, completely free of all the annoying, and painful, problems I was unable to escape.
Damn it! I had to stop dwelling on what I couldn't control. I got up and forced myself to focus on the punching bag as I started to work it over again, pacing myself a bit this time to work up a good sweat.
Here I was, the front door of the Sato estate. My heart was racing faster than I could ever remember it doing so, even during the confrontation with Amon. I took a few deep breathes, trying to keep my emotions in check and hoped that my heart wasn't beating so fast that people could hear it.
"Wait here for me girl." I guess Naga could sense my fear, judging from her small nuzzle and low whine. "Don't worry girl, I'll be fine." I was reassured by the concern of my oldest friend, after a quick hug I turned to the door and gathering the extra bravery that Naga'd just inspired, rang the bell.
As I waited for than answer I was amused at how terrifying just ringing the door bell was, then my nerves started to build, probably because of my mind again imagining all the possible ways for Asami to reject me. Recoiling with disgust, exploding with anger, laughing it off with disbelief, accepting with graceful kindness; the last was only real hope.
Finally the door opened, good thing too, my mind was about a minute away from snapping like a twig. The bad thing was the door was answered by Arika, the maid who I still had no idea of how to act around.
"Avatar Korra. I wasn't told to expect you." She sounded and looked surprised, was that good? I don't think so, why would it be. She blinked a few times before clearing her throat and continuing, her tone a bit odd, "I apologise for my rudeness, might I ask what business you have here today?" Rudeness? When was she rude? Doesn't matter right now.
"Uh, I, um, need to talk to Asami, is she, ah, available?" I must have seemed ridiculous, tripping over my words, some impressive Avatar. I got a bit worried when Arika took a few moments to answer, eyes looking off to the side as though she was contemplating something.
"Yes, Ms. Sato is in the gymnasium, please follow me." Her tone was so even it was almost creepy, but that was probably just me; I don't think I ever would understand maids and considering how this was likely going to go down, I probably wouldn't have to.
To say it was difficult to keep myself under control would be like saying that Mako was only slightly annoying; I couldn't help but smile at my little private joke, which helped me relax a bit. I was still trying to figure out how to actually say this, I could dimly remember coming up with something on the way here, couldn't remember a word of that right now.
"Avatar Korra." Whoa. I jump a little, I was so busy with my own thoughts that I'd not realised that we'd arrived, "Ms. Sato is just inside." Arika opened the double doors into the mansion's gym, I still couldn't believe she had a gym, judging from what I could see it was quite a gym, very well stocked. Whilst the equipment was all very impressive, the most impressive thing in it was a certain raven haired girl pounding her fists into a punching bag. sweat soaked clothes clinging to every inch of skin, showing off the magnificent figure, lithe yet powerful arms, long luscious le-
"Ms. Sato, Avatar Korra is here to see you." That broke my train of thought, I blinked hard to clear my mind, I really didn't need for Asami to see me drooling like the sick and perverted freak I am. Asami seemed to be pretty out of breath as she finished punching the bag, she was taking deep breaths, her chest rising and falling- Focus on her face.
"Korra, " there was that voice haunting my dreams, the deep green eyes and warm smile "I wasn't expecting you today, ah that'll be all for now, thank you Arika." Asami gave a quick aside to the maid who promptly gave a small bow before turning and leaving the gym. Leaving me alone with a rather sweaty Asami. Great. "How can I help you?"
"Uh, " that's an awesome start for the Avatar, "I uh, have something I need to, ah tell you about." I'm guessing she noticed my stuttering as she moved in a bit closer, concern clearly shown on her face, she was always so caring and nice and-
"Korra, is everything alright? You're stuttering and you seem tense." she took another step forward, leaning in to see my face, I had to take a step back, needing to try and think straight.
"N-n-no, I just need to get this out." I took a deep breath to try and calm myself, with no luck, so I just decided to force the words out. "Recently... I've sort of realized something... I don' know how long it's been going on but, " I had to take a large gulp here to continue, "I have, have had... for awhile, feelings for someone..." Okay I've made it this far, just need to take a few breaths and then finish-
"Korra that's great to hear," Asami just put her arm around me, "I'm sure they're great," I could smell her, all those dreams from the other night, "So tell me who's the lucky guy?"
"GAH!" I just jumped out of Asami's grip and shrieked at those images invading my brain again. "It's not a guy!" I just squeaked that out in shock.
"W-what?" I don't think she caught that, but I couldn't stop now.
"It... it's not a guy..." there just one more bit, I couldn't imagine the shock on her face I couldn't even look at her face. "It's... you." those words hung in the air as time dragged on and I thought my worst fears were about to come true; being kicked out, spat on, losing my best friend...
"Y-you have feelings... for me?"
"Ms. Sato, Avatar Korra is here to see you." so that's who was at the gym door, Arika and Korra, and I was all sweaty from my work out, just utterly perfect. I took some deep breaths to try and calm myself, and banish the painful thoughts about watching Korra's future. I did my best to straighten my messy, sweat matted hair as I turned to face the subject of my affection and agony.
"Korra, I wasn't expecting you today," I noticed Arika giving Korra an odd look, probably a bit upset at Korra about yesterday morning, she was sweet but didn't like those who hurt people she cared about, "ah that'll be all for now, thank you Arika." I waved her towards the door, hoping she didn't think me stuck up for dismissing her; she seemed fine as she bowed and left. Directing me attention towards the Avatar in the room I just asked, "How can I help you?"
"Uh, I uh, have something I need to, ah tell you about." Something was up, she was stuttering and seemed tense, all the pain just seemed to disappear in an instant at the thought that Korra might need me.
"Korra, is everything alright? You're stuttering and you seem tense." she took a step back as I took a step forward, I'd have been a little hurt if I wasn't so concerned about Korra at the moment.
"N-n-no, I just need to get this out." I felt a little rejected then but if Korra needed someone to listen, then I'd always be available. She seemed to be taking a moment t collect herself, "Recently... I've sort of realized something... I don' know how long it's been going on but, " another pause, I was left wondering what could have been going on for awhile that would rattle Korra like this. "I have, have had... for awhile, feelings for someone..." my heart broke a little at that, so soon after breaking up with Mako, Korra had found someone new, someone who could do this to her... I was hoping that I'd have some time before watching Korra with somebody else.
Then I saw her wrapping her arms around herself clearly worried for some reason, and I knew that she needed me and that was all that mattered to me.
I came up behind her and put my arm around her shoulder, "Korra that's great to hear," at least she should be happy, "I'm sure they're great," if they've got my lovely Avatar freaking out like this, they must be, "So tell me who's the lucky guy?" I hope I don't snap and kill him, that wouldn't be lucky at all.
"GAH!" What the!? Korra just freaked out and jumped out of reach. "It's not a guy!" What was that?
"W-what?" Did I hear that right, I'm pretty sure I didn't because there was no way that I'd heard what I think I'd heard.
"It... it's not a guy..." Korra had feelings for someone... and it wasn't a guy... my brain just seemed unable to process that right away, and then came something that really shorted out my brain. "It's... you."
For several minutes those words just played over and over again in my mind, trying to make sense of them, they couldn't be true, but Korra wouldn't lie to me about this, or joke about it, and her distress seemed completely genuine; which lead to just one conclusion.
"Y-you have feelings... for me?"... Korra was still looking away, she turned back to look at me before looking away quickly.
"I'm sorry, I should've kept quiet, never mention how I'm a sick freakish deviant." Did she really think that about herself? "It was nice having you as a friend Asami. I'll just show myself out." as she started towards the door my brain finally started working.
"Korra!" I just screamed her name as I grabbed the retreating Avatar's arm, I couldn't leave her in pain, thinking those things about herself, and not knowing how much I'd wanted to hear her say this, "Korra..." I nudged her shoulder to turn her, she had tears in her eyes and a look of confusion on her face ,I cupped the back of her head, leaned forward and...answered her confusion.
The pause was almost painful after my confession, I couldn't look at Asami and she wasn't saying anything else after repeating what I'd said. I was too terrified to even look at her, afraid of the look of disgust she'd have.
After what seemed like an eternity I managed to turn to look at her, only to chicken out and snap back to looking away after only seeing her hair. I could feel the tears well up in my eyes as I just knew that this was it.
"I'm sorry, I should've kept quiet, never mention how I'm a sick freakish deviant." it hurt to admit these things out loud. "It was nice having you as a friend Asami." It really was, "I'll just show myself out." I gathered myself and began to walk out for the last time-
"Korra!" she screamed and grabbed my arm Oh boy, here it comes, "Korra..." her voice was soft and kind as always, that little glimmer of hope that she wouldn't hate me grew as she turned me with small nudge and- Why's she holding the back of my head? And why's she leaning in? Whoa.
No really, whoa.
I'd been kissed before, but this was something beyond anything else I'd ever experienced. Passion, relief, desire, affection. My arms found their way to Asami's back as hers became wrapped around neck, we were both crushing against one another in this embrace. Then Asami broke away.
"Korra, would you like to join me for dinner tonight?" we were both taking in large gulps of air, it took a second for me to realise that Asami had just asked me on a date.
"Sure." I didn't even really have to think about that answer, I should've been worried, I wasn't sure what I was getting into, but when Asami's lips met mine for a second time, all that didn't seem to matter; the world just melted away.
It would seem that the universe had finally cut me a break, and it was everything that I'd hoped for. My heat was ecstatic with joy as I wound my arms around the beautiful Avatar's neck, feeling hers on my back, tightening the embrace as much as I was.
All the fears and pains of Korra's imagined future became hope and relief, this was real and magnificent, and I would cherish it for as long as I could. My mind imagined all the things that could happen now, all the romance, all the share moments, all the date- a moment of realisation made me brake the kiss for a moment to ask an importance.
"Korra, would you like to join me for dinner tonight?" I was gasping for breath, had we been kissing for that long?
"Sure." I smiled and leaned back in to resume tasting Korra's lips till my own were numb. I also made a mental note to tell Arika to make something special, after all, I think we had more than enough reasons to celebrate.
AN: It's finally done, the last chapter of this story, by far the longest chapter too; I hope that the changing perspective wasn't too hard to follow. Please can everyone who reads it review it, I would really like the feedback since I'm still pretty new at this and would like to get better. Also I'll probably do a sequel, I've still got ideas for a prequel that'll show how Asami met Arika and how they both met a certain somebody else, who nobody will ever guess.
Once again, please freaking review!