Korra was completely oblivious to everything Asami was saying. The two were on a date, like many others that had come before, but this time, the Avatar was more nervous than ever, so much so that she couldn't even understand the words her girlfriend was articulating with such delight right in front of her. Asami's tone was electric and playful as she recounted her latest adventure at Future Industries, which involved a revolutionary machine with enough potential to change the world in a very positive way, and she was sharing this with Korra, even though if someone asked the slightest thing about it later, she would be unable to answer.
Asami had prepared everything with care and affection for her girlfriend; after all, it was the first time they had some time just for themselves after long, busy periods consumed by their respective duties. The Sato heiress was also excited about this, even though Korra didn't share the feeling something Asami didn't even notice.
Amid that flood of information from her girlfriend, Korra could only remember one very specific event that kept replaying in her mind on an infinite loop since they traveled to the Fire Nation. She could still remember in rich detail what Bolin had said the last time they saw each other about this matter.
– So you're saying you and Asami are going on a trip? How fancy! – Bolin said enthusiastically. – I'm really happy you found time to take some well-deserved vacation. Seriously, you guys worked so hard last month.
– It's true, Bolin. So much so that Asami and I have barely seen each other for weeks and I'm exhausted. – Korra replied. – And I confess I'm pretty excited. We're going to a part of the Fire Nation I've never been to before.
– Her family is from there, right? I bet it'll be a lot of fun, and since she has roots there, you'll have a great guide.
– Yeah. They say the island we're going to is paradise. – She took a deep breath. – It's a breath of fresh air in the middle of all the chaos my life became not long ago.
– My aunt really needed you in recent events, huh? – It was Opal's turn to join the conversation. She had been by Bolin's side the whole time, listening to everything, but only at that moment did she decide to speak up.
– Her and Tenzin! And with good reason! The city was a mess. It seems all the triads decided to attack at once to make me lose my sanity bit by bit. – The Avatar retorted.
– Yeah, but luckily it all ended well and you're about to travel... Enjoy some amazing beaches... Eat delicious food... In the company of a very special person... – Bolin placed a hand on his chin, thoughtful. – Korra, by any chance, can I come with you guys too? It'd be really cool for me.
– Bolin! – Opal scolded him.
– What?
– This is a couple's trip! You'll just get in the way.
– Come on, Opal! We could turn it into a double date trip, it's no problem, because...
– Bo, you can't just invite yourself on other people's trips. Besides, I'm sure they want privacy.
– You talk as if they've never traveled together before... – He retorted, pouting. He really wanted to go.
– Yeah, but now it's different, Bo... – She hoped he'd understand without needing to elaborate further. Unfortunately, Bolin wasn't as sharp as needed.
– Different why? A trip is a trip, geez.
– Back when they traveled, Korra and Asami left Republic City as friends and came back as girlfriends. They were still establishing a commitment, plus they had to return earlier than planned...
– And what's the difference between a friends' trip and a girlfriends' trip? – Then Bolin had a sudden realization and finally understood his girlfriend's point. – Oh, right. Got it now. – The guy spoke as if he had made the discovery of the century, while Opal just facepalmed in disbelief at his slowness. – It's like a honeymoon. You're right, we shouldn't get in the way. – Then he turned to Korra and put a hand on his teammate's shoulder. – You go get her, Avatar!
After hearing that, Korra froze for a moment. She hadn't thought about the possibility raised by her friend, but after all his mental gymnastics, she managed to understand how he reached that conclusion and had to agree it was quite plausible. A chill ran down her spine at that moment, something that went unnoticed by the couple present with her, since Opal was very busy lecturing Bolin for his indiscretion, while he listened visibly annoyed with himself for having been so excessive in his earlier approach.
The electricity that had run through Korra's body on the day of her memory had faded after a while, but now it had returned in full force. She knew what awaited her after that dinner; after all, Asami herself had said earlier that she had prepared a surprise for her. One didn't need to be a genius to understand what it was about. Even Bolin had understood.
Korra looked around as if searching for salvation from what she was feeling, whether a way to release the adrenaline and calm down or a way to escape. The truth was, despite eating at one of the world's most renowned restaurants, the Avatar had never had a meal as hard to swallow as that one. And Asami continued her monologue, quite entertained by her own narrative, not even noticing what was going on with her companion.
– ...And that's how I plan to finish my latest invention. If all goes well, next year Future Industries will be able to mass-produce this device, improving the lives of many people. – She took a forkful of the dish she had ordered, her favorite from the region's cuisine. Her eyes closed in response to the magnificent taste while the young woman's features twisted into an expression of happiness. – Are you sure you don't want to try a bit? It's delicious! – She asked the other, who didn't respond at all. Finally, Asami noticed Korra's absence. – Sweetheart?
– What? Sorry, I didn't hear what you said. – She replied as soon as she was addressed and brought back from her own daydreams.
– You didn't hear anything? – She was a bit hurt by the possibility, as she had told something incredible that apparently didn't receive the attention it deserved.
– No, I heard... I did hear... – She replied reflexively. – I just didn't catch the last part.
– Oh yeah? So what was I talking about?
– You? Well... You were talking about... Your life these past few days and the amazing thing you invented. – She was thankful she could remember some key words from the earlier account.
– And what exactly did I invent again?
– You know... A really incredible thing that only Asami Sato could pull off... And that will make infinite money for Future Industries... – The inquisitive green eyes signaled to Korra that she didn't sound convincing enough. – I can't explain in detail... You're the one who invented it after all. And I don't understand anything about engineering, I won't know how to explain what it is.
– What's going on?
– What do you mean? Nothing! Nothing... Everything's fine. Perfect. – And she smiled to lend credibility to her answer, but all she managed was a forced smile that betrayed her more than it helped.
– Please, don't insult my intelligence with a ridiculous answer like that! – Her tone came out biting, more than needed, so she decided to soften it a bit with a follow-up. – Sweetheart, you've been spacey all night. – She held one of Korra's hands that was on the table. – You didn't pay attention to what I said, you didn't initiate any interaction, all the interactions we had came from me, and you didn't even touch your food.
– I did eat.
– Half of half of half of a small portion. Tell me what it is. I'll help with whatever's necessary.
It was all she needed, an opening to talk about her fears and insecurities regarding the imminent moment that had been prepared for her. However, she chickened out right then and decided to hide what she felt with a convincing lie.
– I'm afraid of what might happen in Republic City in our absence. Lin fears the triads will attack again, things could get complicated for the police force, and without the Avatar there to help and impose some respect on those troublemakers, I'm afraid the situation will get out of control.
– Don't worry. You did everything necessary to ensure that doesn't happen. And it won't. Most of the leaders and masterminds of those criminal organizations were captured; the rest can't organize without them to pose a real danger to the city. Relax. – She said while finishing her own plate. – Aren't you going to finish eating? – She asked impatiently as soon as she noticed Korra was just playing with her food.
– No. I'm not hungry, actually.
– Are you sure? The night is young and you might get hungry sooner than you think.
– It's fine. Don't worry.
– Then we can go. – She signaled for the waiter to bring the bill, much to Korra's despair, who saw herself increasingly engaged in a race against the clock.
– Asami, maybe some coffee before we leave would be good. – She wanted to buy time.
– Coffee? But you don't drink coffee...
– I heard they have the best plantations around these parts. Doesn't hurt to give it the benefit of the doubt and try, right?
– If you say so... You're being weird today...
And, successfully, Korra managed to delay their return by a few minutes. She hoped it would be enough for Asami to give up on the idea or for her to manage to control her nervousness (which was a laughable possibility). Anyway, no matter how much time she bought that night, it didn't seem enough to quell the Avatar's emotions.
After practically crossing the island where they had gone on vacation, they had finally managed to return to the apartment where they were staying. It was one of the many Sato family properties around the world; after all, the owners of one of the most prosperous technology industries on the planet needed to travel somewhat frequently, and it was providential to always have options available. Hiroshi Sato himself had acquired that apartment when his daughter was still a child and used to travel there with her at least once a year.
It was, indeed, a work of art, well decorated, furnished, with a magnificent view, and as luxurious as any other family property. However, this time there was something different. Korra could literally feel something strange in the air: the scent of something floral and citrusy; it was a strong, harmonious fragrance, but she was so nervous she could only feel nauseated by the aroma. The Avatar walked on autopilot through the hallways, guided by Asami until they reached the main bedroom of the residence. Looking through the door, it was possible to see a different decor from what was there before they left. The bedding had been completely changed for something less casual and more chic, the room's lighting had been carefully modified to create a more intimate ambiance, there were some floral arrangements scattered around the room, and petals strewn about.
– I hope you liked it. – Asami held Korra's hand, diverting her attention to what she was saying. – I made it especially for you. – She approached her girlfriend. – Or rather, for us. – She leaned in and closed the little distance between them, sealing both their lips.
Korra responded more out of reflex than anything else. Asami even noticed something was different but considered it was nothing more than the effect of the surprise. However, when the young Sato tried to guide her girlfriend inside, there was resistance on her part at first. She insisted a bit more and had relative success, as Korra finally accepted being led through the door, albeit with some reluctance.
Asami deftly outlined the path to follow; within seconds they were near the bed, and the young industrialist sat on the edge, pulling the other to do the same. When the two finally sat down, Asami once again moved towards her beloved, but this time Korra turned her face away, causing the green-eyed girl's lips to meet her cheek instead of her mouth, as planned. She didn't quite understand her girlfriend's evasion but didn't make a fuss, just deposited a warm kiss on the side of her face.
– What's wrong, Korra? – Contrary to what the Avatar imagined, the tone of the question was gentle and not at all harsh or indignant, as she thought it would be. Indeed, it seemed Asami wanted to understand what was happening, not reprimand her for pulling back. – You can tell me, I'm all ears. – She encouraged as soon as she saw she was still silent.
Korra opened and closed her mouth several times, pondering whether it was really worth saying what she felt or if it was better to go through with it even reluctantly, just to please Asami, who patiently waited for an answer. Finally, after a long internal mental battle, she decided the fairest thing would be to be honest with the person she loved; she deserved the truth after all, especially because her gaze asked for her to be as assertive as possible in her response.
– Sweetheart... I'm not comfortable with this situation... I'm nervous... Scared... I have no idea how to proceed... I don't want... I don't want to do this... Not now... – Asami listened attentively to what was said. Obviously, she was surprised, and her expression showed it, so much so that Korra quickly tried to fix it. – Please, don't get me wrong... It's not a problem with you... It's just that... This is new to me... I'm not ready yet...
– You don't need to explain, I understand. – She held her hands. – I'm sorry, I messed up. I assumed that since we've been together for a while, you wanted this as much as I did, but it was my mistake not to consult you first. – Korra was frighteningly more relieved upon hearing that, so much so that she let out the breath she had been holding for who knows how long without even realizing it, due to the nervousness. – Why didn't you tell me anything? If you had told me earlier, you definitely wouldn't have needed to brood over it for so long.
– I was afraid...
– Of me?
– I thought you'd be angry that I wasn't so willing to take this next step in our relationship... Especially since we've been together for a while and we've never... You know...
– Had sex. – She completed without euphemisms.
– That. Well, it was the perfect chance in the middle of a wonderful trip... I thought I could get into the mood, I swear I did... – She sighed. – I'm sorry...
Then she turned her face down and began looking at her own hands as if they were the most interesting thing on the planet at that moment, all to avoid making eye contact. Asami then, with all the gentleness in the world, held Korra's chin and lifted it so she could look her in the eyes.
– There's nothing in your behavior that I need to forgive, sweetheart. It's okay...
– You... You're not mad?
– Not at all. Why should I be?
– Because I ruined your planning.
– Korra, honestly, who cares about my planning. My priority is you. If my girlfriend doesn't feel comfortable right now for this, so be it. Sex involves reciprocity, you know that; if one party isn't in the mood, there's no deal.
– Asami... Actually, I don't know that... – She received a confused look. – To be completely honest, I know almost nothing about this, and my knowledge is merely theoretical.
– What do you mean?
– That I'm a virgin.
– Why didn't you ever tell me? – She was genuinely surprised.
– Because it's not something I'm so proud of that I go around telling just anyone!
– I'm not just anyone. – She retorted, offended.
– I know! I know! I expressed myself badly, sorry. The thing is, I never thought I'd need to tell you, but I guess it's more honest of me to say that part of my nervousness comes from inexperience. I mean, what if you give up on me because I'm bad at it? At the same time, I'm afraid you'll lose patience with me and leave because I never show up. – If she was going to tell the truth, Korra took advantage of the opening to say everything at once, before she chickened out again.
– You talk as if either of those alternatives had the slightest chance of existing. Korra, I went through hell with you, more than once. And I will gladly go as many more times as necessary just to be by your side and make sure everything will be okay. I'm not the type of person who gives up on things at the first difficulty, much less people, much less the most important person in my life. – She smiled at her girlfriend in an angelic and understanding way. – I understood what you wanted to tell me, don't worry about how it sounded, if you used the right words, if you said everything you wanted and needed to... Relax, sweetheart... Deep down, what you want from me is patience. And you'll have it. I'll wait as long as necessary, your time, willingly.
– Thank you. You're the best in the world! – She moved towards her and gave her a hug. – I just hope I'm not asking too much, Asami.
– Don't be mistaken, you're asking for the bare minimum. – She could finally feel the usually dominant girl calmer since they went out to dinner. She was happy to have clarified everything and calmed the spirits there. – I just don't know if I should be offended or flattered that the Avatar is afraid of me. I mean, the great herald of the world's balance, who fought without any fear against the greatest dangers the planet has faced in recent times, ended up cowering at the idea of having a dialogue with me. – Korra laughed and broke the hug.
– Trust me, when you want to, you can be more fearsome than an entire army, just as you can be charming enough to enchant crowds. Whether through persuasion or intimidation, you have powers that can influence any ordinary person, but that are especially effective when used on the Avatar.
– Excellent to know. That way I can successfully implement my new world order plan. – She joked.
– Oh, don't even talk to me about a new world order. It's a trend now. Every year it's this, some lunatic pops up to try that crap. No one ever succeeds, but they always cause trouble trying.
– Yeah, really, everyone is sick of it already. – It was good to know the atmosphere was much more amiable after they talked about their relationship. It wasn't always easy to do, but absolutely necessary. She herself had learned from her father that a good dialogue was worth more than a long argument; she just wasn't very good at starting conversations. – Well, I'm glad we sorted things out, this will help us a lot from now on, because I learned how to deal with this subject with you.
– Yes. And I learned that I don't need to be so ceremonious to talk to you, even if it's not an easy or pleasant topic.
– Great. – She gave her a long kiss, this time being reciprocated by a perfectly normal Korra, not a robot like moments before. She was happy about that. – Now I think we'd better sleep, right? The day was long and tiring for both of us.
– Yes, you're right.
With that, Korra started lifting the duvet to position herself properly in bed. Even though they had ended the conversation on good terms, Asami still didn't know if her girlfriend was willing to accept her in the same mattress after everything. She didn't know if she should wait for an invitation to lie down there, if she should just turn around and go to another room, or if, without any ceremony, she should lie down next to the dark-haired girl already properly positioned.
– Asami, aren't you coming? – And she indicated the empty side for her to settle in. Which she did immediately.
Once lying down, they nestled into each other's embrace in an almost automatic fit, as it wasn't the first time they shared a bed to sleep. Korra looked at her girlfriend there and couldn't help but remember some people who had contested her relationship with Asami, whether out of jealousy, prejudice, or just plain stupidity. It was after situations like that night that she was sure she had made the right choice about the person with whom she would spend the rest of her life.
Being the Avatar, public opinion scrutiny was high, and many criticized Asami for being a non-bender; to some people, Korra needed to marry someone who was a master in bending some element, as only then could they help her in her function of protecting people, besides protecting her. But how mistaken they were! Korra never needed protection; she always handled things on her own, always had enough physical strength for it, and molded her mental strength until it was equally capable; now emotionally she was always a disaster, dealing with feelings was never her strong suit, and even training intensely for it, she didn't move from square one. Which would be a problem, as it would set a precedent for defeating her; and it's thanks to Asami, her emotional anchor, that this isn't a problem. It's Asami who calibrates the Avatar's feelings and removes her from that position of disadvantage; no master bender is capable of doing that, which is why she never tired of saying that those who contested the young Sato by her side were completely mistaken. Besides, she was always brilliant, an inventor, capable of piloting any machine without difficulty, and an exceptional fighter. She was very lucky to have her by her side, and the feeling was mutual.
– Asami. – The inventor turned to look at her girlfriend's face. – I have two things to tell you.
– Tell me.
– The first is that I love you so much. The second is that I'm hungry. – The other laughed.
– The way you can be serious and irreverent at the same time is a talent few possess, Korra. And of course you're hungry, you didn't eat dinner properly. – She sat up in bed. – I should let you go hungry as punishment for not being upfront right away.
– But... – She hoped for a counteroffer.
– ...I'll make you a cheese omelet. You're lucky I love you, otherwise I'd only get out of this bed tomorrow morning, after waking up. – She gave her a quick kiss and left.
– Thank you. – She said as Asami left.
– You're welcome. – She heard from a distance. – Do you want coffee too? – She teased while Korra made a face.
– Please, no! That was a desperate measure that no longer justifies itself! – Asami laughed at the response from afar.
– Okay. I won't subject you to that again, but only because I love you.
– Lucky me!
Yeah, she really had made the right choice about who to spend the rest of her life with. And she even had the joy of winning the lottery when she was chosen back by her girlfriend. She had nothing to complain about in her own existence after all, at least not anymore.