A/N: I come bearing angst... and a lot of words. Enjoy!
CHAPTER 7
Every day, Asami would show up to the garage and Korra would be there with a bag with some type of dinner she made and a coffee in hand. She'd make some small quip about her appearance, a need to eat, if she'd gotten enough sleep, that she should take more breaks from work, and so on, often times teasing them with a small touch or closeness, and then disappear. A couple of times, Asami would go look for her, asking a few of the guys around if they'd seen her and checking the gym for any sight of the young woman. But it seemed that, while she was doing well to take care of Asami, she wouldn't let Asami take care of her.
One day, a little over a week later, Asami was irritated enough with the woman's disappearances that she tried to stop her from walking away. The only response she got was, "If you're good, then I'm good. That's all that matters." The comment stunned Asami enough that she lost her grip and the girl slipped away again, heading through the back door. By the time she shook it off and walked to the back herself, Korra was nowhere in sight.
It was time she took it upon herself to find out what was going on. As far as she knew, Aang was the only person who might have any idea of what was going on. Seeking him out, she finally found him in the back of Bay #1, sitting on a bench and looking over a collection of letters. Doing her best to put on her best 'I'm Asami Fucking Sato and I always get what I want' demeanor, she marched right up to him and began to demand some answers.
"I know you know," she started a little harshly.
Aang looked up, his pale skin sagging slightly in his old age and the bags under his eyes and shadowed features showed a well-worn man who'd experienced a full life. However, his grin spoke otherwise, showing the same bright youth and comforting appeal that Korra had, as well. He cocked an eyebrow at the remark. "I'm not sure I know what you mean, Miss Sato."
She folded her arms and puffed out her chest, cocking an eyebrow in return. "Oh, I think you do. And I want to know, so you're going to give me some answers."
Seemingly understanding what she was referring to, he scooted over a bit, leaving room for his new conversational mate on the bench. "Please, take a seat," he stated rather coolly and calmly.
She softened a bit, unfolding her arms and taking a seat, her back arching as she leaned her elbows on her knees and clasped her hands together in front of her. She tilted her head up to the side in waiting for the old man to continue.
"Do you know what these are?" he began, holding up one of the letters.
She was unsure of where he was going with this, but decided to play along anyways. "It looks like a letter."
He nodded, humming a few "mhmm" sounds. "But do you know specifically what they are?" he asked again, more definitively.
"I wouldn't know until I read them."
"Ah, wise girl," he stated. "Best to never assume."
She nodded in agreement, continuing to wait for him to elaborate further.
"This… This is a thank you letter." He motioned to the stack of paper on the floor. "These are all thank you letters. Messages of appreciation and admiration."
Asami eyed the papers carefully, wondering if there was more to the supposedly simple explanation. "I don't understand…"
"Korra has gone through great lengths to help people over the years," he started once more. "She's helped to save marriages, improve self-esteem, forego depression, even save a few lives. She's always helping… patch people up. In the years she's owned this place, she's done more for people than most would do in a lifetime."
Her awe at what she was hearing had begun to creep through. The light-hearted and gentle being she had begun to grow so fond of was more than just a light in her own darkness. She was a light for many others, as well. "That's amazing, truly. But what does that have to do with what's wrong with her right now?"
Aang set the letter down on the stack and moved to lean back against the wall. She could hear his brittle joints pop in doing so, his body relaxing a bit as he folded his arms in his lap and stared out into the establishment. "There are a few answers to that question. It's never as simple as one thing that makes us feel a sense of defeat in life. It's typically a combination of many that overwhelm our ability to maintain."
The confused woman batted her eyelashes, anger at the continued cryptic messages beginning to boil underneath the surface. "I understand that; we all have things in our life that get difficult from time to time, some more than others, and we just have to learn to deal with it. That still doesn't answer my question."
He sighed, realizing that the woman wasn't going to let go anytime soon. "This garage isn't just a business. While, yes, the idea is to have somewhere for people to go to unwind and relax, and its done quite nicely at being successful at that, but a free auto shop doesn't exactly pay the bills, nor does it satisfy a sense of duty to helping others that someone like Korra believes in so strongly."
Asami was beginning to understand that there was A LOT more to Korra that she didn't know about. Granted, she hadn't had much of an opportunity to get to know the woman on a personal level yet, she had thought that, with their shared… intimate moments… that eventually the owner would open up a little more. "Okay, so, what else is this place then?"
He shook in head in response before speaking up again. "I'm sorry, Asami, but that isn't something that I can tell you. It's not my place, nor is it anyone's place, except Korra's." He stopped to think for a moment, seemingly choosing his next words carefully. "I can tell you, however, that not everything works out the way we want it to. When it doesn't, we feel solemn – sadness, pain, hurt – whatever emotions go along with the actions or situation that affected our mood." He looked intently into the jade irises of the woman next to him, willing her to understand. "Something didn't go the way she wanted it to, and now she's in pain. It will pass, but it will take a little time."
His words prompted Asami's mind to return to the look on the poor girl's face when she was slumped to the floor that day. The sadness and despair in her eyes was overwhelming, but she did her best to keep her composure so that Asami wouldn't worry. "Can I ask you something?" she began.
"Of course. I can't guarantee I'll have the right answer, but I'll do my best to have an answer none-the-less."
She looked at the ground, her fingers fidgeting slightly. "Korra spends so much time taking care of everyone else and helping them with their problems. But… I – um –" she stumbled, trying to get the words out. "But… who takes care of Korra?"
She looked up as the question spilled out and a sly grin overcame the old man's face. "You know, that's an excellent question…" His comment trailed off as he stood and stretched. "I think it's time I head home. Enjoy your evening, Miss Sato."
"You, too, Aang." She watched him walk out of the bay and climb into a car before driving off. Once again, she was left to wonder. 'I wish people would stop leaving me to sit and stew on whatever they said. It's starting to get old.' A low chuckle was had at the thought.
Deciding not to bother with her car today, she chose to finally put her gloves to use instead. Walking back to the vehicle, she opened the door and pulled out the items Korra had given her to use. While doing so, the stack of stickies she'd gotten in each of her dinner sacks were piling up nicely in the bottom of the box. She picked them up, reading them over once again with a smile on her face.
You're more than what those suits see you as, Sunshine. Don't let them get to you.
Remember, my door is always open. Just, knock next time to avoid further accidents.
:) :) :) :) Look, I got you all these smileys! They're just so happy to see you! :D
Despite what you might think, you don't have to be perfect all the time.
Fuck those newspapers. The stupid writers can't even spell! Hell, one of them said you're name was 'Salami'! Just say the word and I'll set the nearest paper stand on fire.
Bolin has started calling Bay #5, 'A's Bay'.
You still have nice boobs.
I promise you, I'll be here, everyday… waiting.
The notes never got old, nor would they ever. Some of them were hilarious and she couldn't help laughing again as she read them. Others were, surprisingly, exactly what she needed to hear that day. As hard as she tried, she couldn't figure out how Korra seemed to know EXACTLY what she needed. But, regardless, it was amazing, and she wasn't going to start complaining anytime soon.
But, it was her turn to return the favor. And, knowing the young woman, she'd come back eventually, so her best bet was to wait in the gym. If she was going to be in there, she may as well make her time useful and get out some of her frustrations from the long workweek she'd had. 'I'm about to go to pound town on that body bag, and not in a good way.'
A few hours pass by and the next thing Asami knows, the clock on the wall says it's 11:37pm. She grunted in disappointment and exhaustion as she realized that maybe he faux mechanic may not be coming back after all. 'It's not like I can stay here all night. I have to work in the morning… stupid job, always getting in the way…' Her mind trails off as she goes to drag the body bag back to its original resting place. In doing so, she never heard the door open and close, or the body moving up behind her.
As mocha arms move to wrap around her waist, startling Asami, she grabs one, pulls it forward to expose a shoulder, then grabs that as well as she spins and flips the body over her back. With a loud crashing sound, the woman groans and coughs, obviously not having expected to be handed her ass.
"Ugghhh – what the hell, Asami?" she asked, rolling over to rub her neck and shoulder.
"Korra! Oh my, I didn't know it was you!" The equally shocked woman knelt to the ground, moving to reach under the other woman's arms to help lift her up. "I am so sorry. You caught me off guard."
As Korra made her way back to her feet, she turned to face the other woman, a quizzical expression on her face. "Off guard? That sure seemed more like being ON guard, to me." She reached around to her lower back, pushing in and bending backwards as she popped her cracked her spin to gain a little relief. "Where did you even learn that?"
Nimble fingers twirled around each other in from of the embarrassed woman as she looked at the floor. "I may have taken a few boxing and muay thai classes in the past."
Athletic arms crossed over a puffed out chest as Korra laughed aloud at the confession. "Ha! I knew it! You've got more fight in you than just an audacious attitude."
Emerald eyes snapped up, narrowing at the comment. Her hands moved to her hips, her bodyweight shifting to one leg as she stuck her hip out. "Aren't you the one being a little presumptuous, now?"
Hands flew up in the air in defense. "Hey! I just call 'em like I see 'em!" That classic grin planted itself across her darkened features, pearly whites showing off amidst a smile that could light up any room.
"Uh huh… Riiight…" Asami lighted up a bit and crossed her own arms before continuing. "Speaking of calling them like I see them, where have you been?" Korra hesitated for a short moment, regaining her composure quickly before walking off and jumping off the side of the ring, heading towards her office. Asami called after her, watching her physically dodge the question. "Hey! Where are you going?"
"Just one sec," came the voice from within the confines of the office. After a minute or two she stepped out again, a pair of sparring pads in her hands. She tossed them into the ring before climbing back in. Picking up the pads, she slid them over her hands and moved to the center of the ring, crouching down and slapping them together in a come hither fashion. "Come on, then… Hit me."
Asami let her arms fall and sighed. "Korra… I don't want to hit you. And I don't even have my boxing gloves on."
"That's alright, you're wraps will protect your hands enough. These pads are softer than the bags."
"I don't want to spar. I was waiting for you to come back to talk, but –" she glanced at the clock before returning to the blue-eyed woman's gaze. "But now it's later and I really need to be heading home."
Korra closed her eyes for a moment and shook her head. Reopening her lids, she stared the other woman down with a new level of determination. "No way. I can see you've got tension built up in you. Finish getting it out before you head home." She wiggled her eyebrows for a moment. "You know it'll feel good."
"What'll make me feel good is if you tell me where you keep running off to," she started again.
Taking a step forward, Korra shoved her shoulder with the pad. "Come on, Asami. Hit me."
Getting angrier by the minute, thin brows began to furrow as wrap encased hands clenched into fists. "Seriously, Korra, I don't want to hit you. Why won't you talk to me?"
Another shove. "Grow a pair. Come at me."
Angry green eyes closed and shoulders rose, a small growl emanating from the woman. "Korra!" she snarled. Eyes opened once more, the edges burning red in irritation. "Once again, what the fuck is your problem?"
"My problem is that you won't spar with me," Korra stated while smiling slyly. "I guess I'll just have to make you." In one quick movement, the athletic woman dropped to the ground, stuck out a leg and swept across the floor, taking Asami's feet with her. The slender girl toppled over, barely managing to catch herself with her palms before her faced met with the mat.
"THAT'S IT!" She pushed herself up and lunged at her idiot friend. A left jab followed by a right hook went flying towards the woman, only to be blocked by those damn sparring pads. A small step to the right and a quick jump to the left followed, only to be continued by a right uppercut. Blocked. Left hook. Blocked. Backhand. Blocked. Crouch and sweep. Missed. Spin and jab. Blocked. The series of successions continued, one after the other without pause. Left, right, sweep, trick, hook, back, jab – she was ruthless in her endeavor. A solid 5 minutes passed before either woman could hardly breathe anymore, doubling over to lean on their knees as the feeling of nausea took over.
Asami caught a glimpse of Korra losing her focus, her sights set to the floor rather than her opponent. She took her chance and lunged once more, catching the girl with one leg wrapped behind her knees and a forearm pushed into her chest. They went straight to the floor, Asami's body pounding down against the stubborn woman's fit form, knocking the wind out of her. She quickly lifted herself and clamped the girl's hips with her knees and reached out the shove the pads off of sprawled arms. Grabbing weakened wrists, she hoisted the woman's arms above her head, effectively pinning her to the ground. 'Game over.'
It took a couple minutes for the two to catch their breath, the pinned one taking significantly longer. Asami patiently waited, unwilling to move for fear she'd lose her grip.
"Damn, woman," Korra finally spoke up, still out of breath. "What are you so mad about?"
Long, thin fingers tightened their grip, nails slightly digging into the flesh under their hold. "I'm mad at you! Didn't you hear me trying to ask you a question?"
Korra's expression bottomed out as she turned her head away. "Yeah… I heard you. I just didn't want to answer."
"Well, you don't have much choice but to answer now, now do you?"
Blue eyes faded away as the woman's eyelids closed around them. She took in a deep breath, closing her mouth and slowly exhaling through her nose. "It's not worth bringing up. My problems aren't your problems."
Asami glared at the girl, scoffing at the comment. "But, mine are yours, supposedly?"
Shoulder shrugged, the tanned face remaining in its place, the silence between them quickly expanding.
Dark locks fell onto the other woman's face as Asami dipped her head and sighed deeply before flipping her hair back over her shoulder. "Korra," she started, her tone soft and gentle, "you're problems are absolutely worth bringing up. You don't have to keep everything bottled in." A crystal blue orb peaked out from underneath a slightly opened eyelid. "You ask me about my day, everyday, because you care. You want to help take care of me, and I am forever appreciative of that. But –" She paused as Korra's head turned up to look at her, her eyes opening wider to look directly at the woman above her. "It's okay to let someone take care of you, too."
Without a moment's hesitation, dark lips lunged forward, clinging to soft cherry ones with a fierce vigor. Asami's grip loosened as she lowered her elbows to the mat on each side of the gorgeous woman's head. Firm arms slid down and wrapped themselves around her slim waist, pulling the woman down flush against muscular form below her. Their hold tighten, as if never wanting to let go, as the kiss deepened in its passion.
Asami's leg slid between the other woman's, pressing up lightly as her tongue danced across somewhat chapped lips, eliciting a groan from within their confines. A taunt hand brushes down her side, its thumb caressing the side of her breast. Her fingers tangle within thick strands of soft hair, her nails scratching against the scalp and down the side, behind an ear towards the woman's neck, enticing her body arch upward as sensitive spots were grazed upon.
In one, swift movement, the women are rolled over, Korra's body lifting to dangle above a gasping Asami as she strains to catch her breath. Foreheads touch and eyes close, the warm air of soft pants being felt along each other's chins. A rough hand comes down softly against Asami's head, its fingers threating lighly within her raven mane as it brushes past her sensitive ear and along her jaw line.
"Do you mean that?" the soft words, barely above a whisper, breaking the silence.
Jade hues appear to look up at the darling girl just a breath away. "Look at me." Korra's eyes strain and her face contorted in an effort to hold back. "Please… I want you to look at me." Tears can be seen peaking from the edges of the woman's eyes, daring to fall from their current captivity. Asami nudges her nose at the other, a last wordless attempt to make those dazzling orbs gaze into hers.
Finally, what looks like an ocean current of tears, tinted by their teal backdrop, barrel down on the lime gems begging for her attention. Her expression is dark, almost broken, as if pleading for someone to piece her back together.
"Whatever it is that's hurting you, I want to know about it, because it hurts me too. You've done nothing but be gentle and kind to me, and while I know you treat everyone that way, I've yet to see anyone return the favor."
"I don't want favo–"
"Hush." A long finger was placed over the woman's mouth to silence her. "Just listen." Asami takes a breath before continuing. "This isn't a favor. This is a reciprocation of care and compassion and…" she trails off, looking off to the side for a moment before returning back to that magical stare that was making her heart beat a mile a minute. "And, something that I don't know what it is yet. I want you to trust me, like I trust you. Can you do that?"
Korra's eyes close once more and teardrops fall on ivory cheeks. "I don't know, Asami… There's so much you don't know."
"So tell me."
"I can't."
"Why not?"
Korra began to pull back but quick hands grabbed the collar of her shirt, holding her in place. Her eyes opened again, the tears drying up and an intensity burning in her blown pupils. "Please, Asami, I'm begging you."
The determined woman shook her head and looked up once more. "No. You need to talk to me. You need to let me in, like I've let you in.
"I'm telling you, I can't."
"Then," she started, shutting her eyes tight and pursing her lips. She took in a deep breath and shoved the other woman off of her and moved to stand up. "Then I can't do this." Picking up her jacket and shoes that she had discarded earlier, she jumped out of the ring.
"Asami, wait!" Korra lunged to her feet and grabbed the ropes, about ready to heave herself over them and follow. The angered woman spun on her heels and shot a nasty glare her way, forcing her to stop in her tracks.
"No, Korra! I won't be a part of something so… so… one-sided!" She took a step forward, reaching in her pocket and grabbing the key that was in there, tossing it at the now terrified looking woman's feet. "I've done this before, this letting people in when they won't let me in, and I won't do it again. All it does is tear me apart. But, I refuse to be shredded by another person just looking to get in my pants. IT. WON'T. HAPPEN. Not again. NEVER again."
Without saying another word, Asami turned and dashed out the door. For once since she arrived at the garage, she wasn't the one left dazed and confused.
Additional A/N: And so, the plot thickens ;)