Korra and Asami had spent the day enjoying the island's tourist attractions. They had already visited some of the most iconic spots: the dormant volcano, the hot springs, the central park, the museum, and now they were on the east beach; after that, they would stop by the main street, the heart of the city's tourism, packed with restaurants and souvenir shops.
Asami couldn't even remember the last time she had been there, after all, she hadn't visited the place since before her father's imprisonment. It really had been a long time. Still, she was very happy to see that things were still relatively the same as she remembered, even the spot where she liked to put up the beach umbrella remained untouched. Without wasting time, she went straight there, firmly planting the pole of the object in the sand. Korra was so dazzled by the beauty of the beach that she didn't even see Asami darting ahead, so much so that she even had a bit of trouble spotting her girlfriend shortly after.
When the Avatar got close, the young Sato was finishing spreading a towel on the ground; next to it, she placed the bag she had brought, full of beach items. Korra, in turn, also placed her own backpack with her belongings there. They were in a very hot region, which obviously bothered anyone born and raised in a cold place like the Southern Water Tribe, precisely because of that, Korra had already gotten rid of any unnecessary clothing in a beach context while they were still walking there. The Avatar was already in her comfortable swimwear and eager to get into a sea as inviting and refreshing as the one there.
– Can we get in the water yet? – Asked a Korra who was already growing impatient.
– Well, I still need to finish setting up a few things here, but feel free to go ahead. When I'm done, I'll join you. – Asami was arranging things on the towel.
– Don't take too long.
– I won't, I promise.
Just as Korra was turning to leave, Asami began to remove the clothes she was wearing, revealing the swimsuit underneath. The mere sight of her girlfriend in a bikini made her blush. How could she be so beautiful? She kept staring at her involuntarily until the industrialist noticed the silly look and the fixed gaze on her.
– What is it, Korra? Did something happen?
– No, no. Nothing major. – She scratched the back of her neck a bit awkwardly. – It's just that you look stunning! I mean, not that you were ugly before or anything like that... You've always been beautiful, but in a bikini... Wow!
– You've seen me in a bikini before, I don't know why all the fuss. – She spoke calmly, but inside she was extremely happy with the other's statement.
– Yes, but back then you were dating Mako and I liked him. When I saw you in a bikini at that pool, I hated you for being so amazing, but now that we're together, my reasoning is exactly the opposite.
– Oh... I don't even know what to say... – Indeed, Asami didn't know whether to feel flattered or offended by the statement, but she couldn't deny she was happy with the other's recognition under any circumstance.
– Don't say anything. It's kind of embarrassing... Anyway, I'm going to the sea; when you feel comfortable, you are more than invited to join me.
– Okay.
Having said that, Korra finally walked away and headed into the sea. Asami watched her from a distance, as the spot she had chosen was somewhat far from the water, but completely within her line of sight. She saw her girlfriend playing happily, using her waterbending to entertain herself, which quickly caught the attention of some children nearby, since a bender of that element was a rarity on the island. Because of that, she was soon surrounded by boys and girls of various ages who started playing with her too.
It was very interesting to see how Korra could be so charismatic and how well she got along in circumstances like that. Truly, she was the right person to bring balance to the world.
Not long after, Asami ended up lying down on her own towel and, involuntarily, took a nap. She wasn't sure exactly how long she slept, but when she woke up the sun was in a different position and Korra was still in the sea, but without the children. When she turned to the side, she noticed someone watching her attentively. She didn't know this person, but the brief eye contact they made was enough for the guy to feel at ease and go talk to her.
He was a young man, with tanned skin, shoulder-length brown hair, tall, muscular, tattooed, amber eyes, and a thin beard. No matter how much Asami tried to shut him down with her best disapproving look, he wasn't embarrassed and continued his path towards her. It was a matter of seconds until he reached where she was and sat down beside her. Without any shame, he struck up a conversation.
– Hello. How are you?
– Excuse me, but do I know you? – She asked to see if he would realize he was being inconvenient, but the guy wasn't fazed.
– Not because of that. My name is Iviri, I was born and raised here. And you?
– I wasn't. – She cut him off dryly and without humor, but all he did was laugh in response.
– You're funny. I like that. But I want to know your name. What is it?
– Asami. – She replied simply. She wasn't going to be rude to someone she didn't even know, no matter how inconvenient he was, especially since he hadn't been impolite, at least not yet.
– Look at that, a pretty name to match a cutie like you. – Asami was about to shut him down right there, but before she could say anything, he drew her attention to an object he was holding. – You know, I'm not one to just do charity randomly, but I made an exception for you. Let me put sunscreen on your back. You know how it is, right? A scorching sun like this is bad for the skin and luckily for you, I have the best sunscreen on the island. – He pointed to the bottle he was holding.
– Kid, who do you think you are?
– For now, nothing, but with a little chat and some luck, who knows, maybe I'll become something more to you... After all, a cutie like you, alone on a paradise beach is a shame... But I'm here to fix that.
– Listen here... – Now she was really going to say all the insults she had been holding back.
– Asami, is there a problem? – Just as she was about to confront him, she heard Korra's voice behind her. She had come out of the sea and gone to where they were as soon as she noticed the strange vibe between the two.
– Oh, you have a friend? No problem, I'll get a buddy of mine to keep her company too, so no one is left out.
– Excuse me?! – Korra was nervous and her tone of voice gave it away. – Dude, you are so out of line. Get lost!
– Wow, but you're feisty, huh? It's fine, I have a friend...
– I said get lost!
Having said that, Korra moved her arms in a quick and precise way, resulting in a gust of air that threw the man meters away from the two. As he got up, still processing the scare he had just gotten, he noticed the approach of the girl who had thrown him there. She walked with firm steps, clearly furious. It was only a matter of time until she reached where he was, and when she did, he only heard the firm voice saying a very clear phrase, in a threatening tone.
– You dare not hit on my girlfriend again, understood? I won't be so gentle next time.
– S-she's your... I-I didn't know... I thought she was alone and...
– Even if she were! – She cut him off. – That doesn't give you the right to act the way you did, bothering people for the sake of your personal interests that concern no one. Was I clear?
– Y-y-yes. – Frightened, Iviri got up and left in a hurry, without looking back. Korra only softened her expression and returned to where Asami was when he could no longer be seen.
– Thanks for defending me, love. – Asami said while leaning in to kiss Korra, who dodged.
– Hmph! – She scoffed.
– Korra...
– I'm just not happy right now. Let's leave that for later. Go enjoy the water, it's great.
– Okay... – She stood up after the suggestion. – Aren't you coming?
– I already came from there. – She retorted dryly.
Asami just sighed. She knew something wasn't right and could even guess what it was, but Korra wouldn't say what it was about there, which would certainly lead to a probably lengthy and unpleasant conversation in the not-too-distant future. She sighed. All that was left was to wait for when she wanted to broach the subject and, with luck, understand and overcome the problem, as they always did when something like this happened.
Once again they were back at the Sato apartment. After the visit to the beach (shorter than planned), they went to dinner and chose to return to their own accommodations instead of continuing the island tour. It was Korra who opted to go back, she was clearly bothered by something and Asami felt uncomfortable with her beloved's stance; it was better to take advantage of being alone, hear the problem from her own mouth, and try to resolve, together, whatever issue it was.
– Korra, what's wrong? Tell me why you're so upset.
– I'm not upset...
– I'm not an idiot. It's very noticeable that you're bothered. You cut the beach trip short, didn't want to see other places I offered to show you, barely talked to me during dinner, and rejected any advance from me.
– Asami... We'll talk later, okay? Your soap opera starts soon and I want to take a bath.
– As you wish. – Sato was also already tired of the brunette's evasiveness. It wasn't the first time that day she had tried to reconcile. She was doing her part, but the other wasn't cooperating. If Korra didn't want to talk, that was her problem, especially since she couldn't claim lack of dialogue as a justification for whatever the issue was.
Without saying anything else, Korra headed into the apartment. She would take a long, bubbly bath to clear her head.
It took her some time to organize everything, from choosing the bath salts to preparing the bathtub, however, she didn't even notice the delay in the process, so distracted was she with her own thoughts. What, in fact, worried her was Asami's attitude regarding the man on the beach. Why didn't she chase him away at the first opportunity? Did she enjoy being courted like that? Did she want to make her jealous? Irritate her? For what purpose? She wasn't sure.
She sank a little deeper into the bath foam. She really wanted to know what was going on in her girlfriend's head, but for that they would have to talk frankly and that could cause a huge rift between them. She just didn't know how to get around the problem any other way. She sighed. As unappealing as the idea seemed, it appeared to be the only alternative. She pondered that thought a little more and as soon as it matured, she got out of the bathtub, washed herself in the shower to remove the salts from her skin, dried off, and headed to the bedroom. Despite everything, she felt more relaxed and willing than before.
– Asami, we need to talk. – She said as she stepped into the room.
– Go ahead. – She lowered the volume of the radio where she was listening to the soap opera a little more. It was an important chapter, but no more important than her girlfriend's concerns.
– Why didn't you tell that guy on the beach to get lost?
– What do you mean?
– He was clearly hitting on you. And you let him!
– Korra, if you had taken one more minute to appear in the conversation, you would have seen that my next step was to send him away one way or another. The point is, you stepped in and did it for me, thank you very much, by the way, but I wasn't going to encourage him, if that's what you're implying.
– I think you took too long to do something about it, that's all.
– I wanted to see how far his audacity would go, but I never even considered cheating on you. In fact, I'm even offended by such an insinuation.
– Put yourself in my shoes, Asami.
– I understand your concern, I just ask that you trust me a little more, okay? I trust you enough to see you in a similar situation and not die of jealousy. I've almost eaten myself up inside, but I didn't freak out simply because I know of your loyalty.
– What do you mean?
– You're the Avatar. The number of people who approach you with ulterior motives is off the charts! I understand exactly what you're feeling because I've been in the same position. I just didn't lose my composure because I know I can trust you with my eyes closed and I ask that you do the same, no matter how difficult it seems. – Asami got up and went to Korra. – Love, you are the most important person in my life. I'm not going to trade you for any adventurer who pops up out of nowhere, I don't even know why you considered that to begin with.
– It's complicated... – She averted her gaze. – You're so incredible that everyone notices and ends up wanting a piece of you. I feel like at any moment you'll find someone better than me and leave me.
– You know... – She calmly held her face and lifted it again, so they could look into each other's eyes. – I have exactly the same worry, only in my case, my fear is you finding someone better.
– That's ridiculous, Asami. There's no one in the world better for me than you.
– I know that. And I feel the same about you. It was by realizing this that I overcame this paranoia. Don't worry, you don't need to question my loyalty because there is no event or circumstance where someone is viewed more favorably in my eyes than you. – She gave a soft kiss on Korra's neck. – There is no version of you that I won't accept. – Now she kissed her cheek. – There is no version of you that I am not completely in love with. – She punctuated the sentence with a quick kiss on the brunette's lips. – Because you are the great love of my life.
It was enough for Korra to forget and overcome all the emotional conflict she was involved in moments before. As if by magic, Asami managed to erase her fear with extremely effective words, even though she hadn't calculated anything she said, she just expressed what she felt in her heart.
The next second, the Avatar advanced towards the young Sato without any ceremony, kissing her passionately. It was all she needed, to confirm and reaffirm what they felt for each other, in every way.
And the kiss had been the definitive proof that everything was okay. The way everything flowed was enough to denote that their relationship was perfectly healthy and happy. It seemed like a weight had been lifted from Korra's shoulders, because there she understood that they still belonged to each other.
Armed with sudden courage, she had an idea she certainly wouldn't regret. Even while occupied, the Avatar guided them towards the bed in the room. Asami allowed herself to be led without questioning where; she only understood when she ended up falling backwards onto the mattress after being pushed by her girlfriend. With a mischievous look, Korra also climbed onto the bed and crawled coyly towards the other. Despite maintaining a haughty posture, she was nervous; she had a charming glint in her eyes directed at her beloved, but deep down Asami knew the insecurity contained in every movement made by the brunette. It was only a matter of time before their lips met again, in a much more lascivious and eager way than before.
– Are you sure about this? – Asami asked breathlessly when she managed a pause in the caresses she was receiving. – You don't have to if you don't want to... I'm not pressuring you into anything...
– I know you're not, but I do want this... Despite my fears and insecurities... I feel ready for us to take the next step. – She kissed her once more.
– You don't need to be afraid... Everything will be okay... I'm here...
And that simple phrase had an overwhelming power. It might not mean much to an outside observer, but Korra knew that when Asami was present body and soul in a situation, things worked out; more than that, when the two gave their best, together, everything worked out and ended well.
That was exactly what was going to happen, they were sure, that moment would be no exception, especially being something so important. After all, there was no better way to end a useless argument and make peace.