Everything was ready. They would leave the next morning for the Spirit World. Korra couldn't be happier about going on a trip alone with her beloved Asami, as she intended to say she loved her on this opportunity. The truth was she hadn't confessed to her yet, she always chickened out when she had the chance, but now it would be different. The battle against Kuvira had taught the avatar important lessons, and one of them was that life is too short, so it needs to be lived to the fullest after all, the end can come at any moment. She felt that in her bones when she ran the real risk of dying from that insane energy cannon blast; if she hadn't acted quickly in a harmonious mix of reflex and reasoning, she certainly wouldn't be among the living anymore, and many other people would have been taken by the unprecedented irresponsibility of the self-proclaimed Earth Empire Empress.
Asami also went through a similar ordeal when she was almost blown up by Kuvira, but fortunately Hiroshi managed to eject her at the right moment to save his daughter, though he paid with his own life. Korra still held some resentment and wariness towards the founder of Future Industries, after all he had funded the mess promoted by Amon and the Equalists; he had a distorted view of benders and was truly willing to hurt people to achieve his ideal, he was selfish about it. Anyway, Asami's father rose in Korra's estimation when he was selfless enough to put the city's well-being above his personal interests, and even more so when he saved the young Sato from an immeasurable disaster. If she had lost her beloved in that circumstance, the avatar wouldn't know what to do, she'd probably enter a limbo state, once again. Fortunately, she didn't have to worry about that kind of thing, because Asami was safe and sound.
Korra was checking all the luggage to see if she hadn't forgotten anything; meanwhile, she took the opportunity to recap what she had planned to say when confessing her feelings. It wasn't an easy task, she acknowledged, she had mentally made several versions and none were good enough. Before she knew it, all the bags were packed and checked, but she still hadn't come up with a speech good enough for the desired moment. She sighed. She wouldn't get anywhere that way, it was better to take a breather and come back to think about it when she felt more inspired.
She decided to take a walk around the Air Temple. Maybe she could make some progress while walking through the place's facilities. With luck, she wouldn't be disturbed by anyone, as it was already late at night. She wandered through several pavilions until she reached the temple's overlook, where she could see the full moon illuminating the entire island and the surrounding sea. It was a beautiful scene that calmed her heart a little.
The cool breeze caressed her face, the low temperature of that night was cozy for someone born and raised at the poles like her; it was comforting even, she felt at home. She closed her eyes for a moment, letting herself be enveloped by the sensation. She would have stayed there, enjoying the moment indefinitely, had she not felt a hand on her shoulder calling her back to reality.
– Master Katara! – Korra was startled by the touch, but soon bowed respectfully before the figure standing before her.
– What is it, child? Insomnia?
– A little...
– What's troubling you?
– Nothing much. I mean, unlike my last big worries, it has nothing to do with the fate of the world at stake, you can rest easy.
– Ah yes, recent times have been very turbulent, haven't they? I also thank you for all your effort in putting things back in place. We would never have restored balance without you.
– Well, it's my job, isn't it? I'm the avatar after all.
– Yes. And it's an important but also thankless role. It requires many sacrifices, responsibility, and emotional intelligence. Sometimes it's even unfair, you know? You and Aang had to mature very quickly, you had to face huge problems at a very young age, you had to deal with power and mediate the world's balance when you were still children; while other avatars never even fought a threat as significant as the ones you fought.
– That's true, Master Katara. But lamenting won't help anything.
– I don't lament what you had to do, Korra, I just admire what you were capable of doing when called upon. I believe the spirits sent the right people at the right time, especially to perform such an important function.
– Thank you, Master Katara. That means a lot to me.
– Korra, you've faced big problems. Whatever your concern is, I'm sure you'll handle it easily.
Korra didn't want to share the true nature of her thoughts with anyone at that moment, but she saw an opportunity for clarification she couldn't pass up. When Katara made a move to leave, Tonraq's daughter spoke again, halting the other's impulse to go.
– Master Katara, how did Aang deal with his own feelings?
– Ah, so what worries you is sentimental in nature? – Korra blushed and averted her gaze, nervous.
– No... I mean... I'm asking for a hypothetical situation... when I need to... which isn't the case... now... it's like... hypothetically... – The elder woman laughed inwardly at the other's embarrassment and her ridiculous attempt to hide something in such a flimsy way. It was obvious Korra was lying.
– Ah yes... hypothetically. Well, Aang was always very centered, he greatly respected emotions, both his own and others'. He always said we can't control what we feel, but we should control what we do about it. If what you feel is bad, any potentially bad actions regarding it should be censured; on the other hand, if what you feel is good, you should give way to actions related to those emotions.
– It's good to hear that kind of thing, Master Katara. I just don't know how that will help me... I have no idea how to proceed on the matter. I mean, okay, I should use my good feelings to do good things, but I have no idea how that will be received, much less how I should start...
– Start anywhere that makes you feel comfortable, Korra, but start. Don't let fear, laziness, or insecurity paralyze you, no matter how hard it is. Things are like water: no matter how many obstacles are put in its path, it always finds a way to get where it needs to go; fire, air, and earth work the same way. You know that better than I do, as you have a strong connection with all four elements; on your journey you learned well how to master them, to make them part of you; now you need to learn the other part of the lesson, learn to be a bit like them, to be part of them.
– Th-thank you, Master Katara. That was really enlightening... I hope it helps me when I need it.
– I'm sure it will. Now go back to your room and try to get some sleep, okay? Your trip is tomorrow and it's better if you're rested to enjoy everything the Spirit World has to offer.
– You're right... Don't worry, I will. – Then, Katara withdrew. Korra took another look at the beautiful moonlight illuminating the sky. She smiled again. Her trip would be great, it couldn't be otherwise, and the moon seemed like an omen of that, the best possible one. The calmer thought that everything would work out accompanied her to her room and lulled her into a deep sleep. Everything was fine, after all.
Korra and Asami crossed the portal into the Spirit World. Right away, Asami noticed the place was completely different from what she had imagined or seen before. It had a stunning and very peculiar beauty. She was perplexed by how surprisingly wonderful everything was there, in a very positive way. Korra, in turn, noticed how well her beloved was taking the situation; it really was an excellent idea to choose that location as the trip's destination.
As soon as Asami processed the initial information about the Spirit World, Korra took her hand and guided her to other destinations in that dimension, equally incredible and that the young Sato would surely love. Obviously, Korra didn't know everything about there, but the little knowledge she had about the spirit world's geography would soon be passed on to Asami.
In a few days they had already seen forests, gigantic rivers, enormous mountains, plains full of spirits, and even traversed the skies with the help of a kind of dragon-bird. Everything was amazing for both of them. Their time was filled with fun, always doing interesting activities together: they had already swum, walked, run, climbed, and even flown. It was always great; regardless of the adventure, being in each other's company was something precious, especially in such a unique world as the one they were in. But since all good fun requires energy, it was time for another well-deserved rest to regain strength.
The two decided to set up camp near a lake. It didn't take long, since they didn't do anything too elaborate, opting for something more functional than luxurious, giving them more free time before nightfall. To not waste this period while waiting for night to fall, Korra and Asami, by mutual agreement, decided to have a picnic in the area. They gathered everything they needed and headed for a clearing they had seen on the way, which was perfect for it.
Upon arriving, Asami spread a towel on the ground and placed some food on it; then she sat down and indicated a spot for Korra to do the same.
– This place is incredible, Korra! I'm happy you brought me here.
– I'm the one who's thankful for the company, Asami. The trip is only cool because you're here with me. Now... Explain what I have to do, please. I only know picnic by name, I don't know how to proceed from here. – She sat down.
– Really? Well, it's easier than it looks. Just pick something to eat and bon appétit!
– That's it? – She was genuinely surprised, which Asami found funny.
– Yes, I know it seems very difficult for you, but I assure you it's much simpler than defeating a global villain, so you'll handle it easily. – She commented, amused.
– Funny... – Korra said in a fake offended tone, which drew a laugh from the other. – So we just eat? Well, I'll start then. – She reached out and grabbed an irregularly shaped cake that seemed quite fragile. – What's this here?
– Fire Flake Cake. It's typical from the Fire Nation archipelago where my family comes from.
– Looks tasty. – She examined it.
– And it is, but you have to be careful because... – Before she could finish her thought, Korra devoured the food quickly and soon started sweating, flailing, and desperately reaching for the canteen. – ... It's very spicy.
– You should have said that before. – After saying that, she had a coughing fit induced by the spiciness of the food.
– I was going to, but you didn't wait...
– Seriously, Asami. I'm the avatar, I can't make a fool of myself like that for no reason. – She wiped the sweat from her forehead after regaining composure. – At least now I know where the name 'Fire Flake Cake' comes from.
– You don't need to worry about that around me, you silly.
– Of course I do, otherwise I'll look like an idiot.
– I'll never see you as an idiot. – And she looked at her. It was a quick but deep look; Korra didn't quite understand it, but felt her heart race, while Asami scolded herself for being so bold; at the same time she was happy to have seized an opportunity. – Here. – She searched for another pastry and handed it over. – Try this one. It's cheese.
– Very good. – She said with her mouth full. – Where's this one from?
– Ba Sing Se. It's characteristic of there.
– Did you bring food from every place in the world?
– More or less...
– So we're having a culinary tour on top of everything else? I like it.
– Actually, we were supposed to have eaten all this days ago, but since we were jumping from one activity to another and having quick meals, we didn't have time. I'm glad we managed to find a way to stop and enjoy this menu.
– You should have said the pace was bad, Asami, then we could have stopped for the picnic earlier.
– That's the thing. The pace was great. It still is. Thanks for that.
Korra felt a bit pressured by herself. They had been on this trip for days and she hadn't even managed to touch on the main subject that made her propose the whole outing. If she really intended to confess, she needed to do it soon. Time was urgent. Anyway, she couldn't think of anything to say without sounding weird or forced.
– Korra, what's wrong? – She felt the velvety touch of Asami's hands on hers. She had gotten worried about the absent look on Korra's face. – Is something bothering you?
– No... Nothing much... I'm just thinking about how I'll handle that portal in Republic City. It's going to be a huge headache to mediate conflicts between humans and spirits on a more... intimate level.
– You'll handle it easily, I'm sure. – She went to one of the bags. – And to cheer you up, I have this. – She took a package from inside the bag. She carefully unwrapped it, revealing a walrus-whale fish pie.
– I can't believe you got this! I've lived in Republic City for who knows how long and never found one to buy. – It was a typical Water Tribe dish, the avatar's favorite.
– Well, I didn't find it either. But I found the recipe and walrus-whale at the docks to buy.
– You made this? For me? – Asami nodded. – I didn't know you cooked.
– Well, I don't cook, at least not with reasonable frequency to be considered good at it. So I'm warning you not to set your expectations too high, because it's probably terrible.
– Come on. Just knowing you cared enough about me to make my favorite food already makes this dish great. – She took a bite. – But one constructive criticism I have, Asami, is that you use less salt. – She commented after not even tasting the walrus-whale because of the very present salt and the pungent seasoning in the pie.
– Oh, I can't believe it! I soaked that creature's meat for almost three full days to remove the salt and it still wasn't enough?
– Actually you need to leave it for more than a week. But don't worry about it, it's fine.
– Sorry for ruining your favorite recipe...
– Hey, it's okay. It's still good. The walrus-whale didn't die in vain, you can rest easy. – They laughed.
– I'm glad I honored that little creature's sacrifice. But you can still punch me if you want.
– Hit you? Never. Especially because I'm sure I'd get beaten up if I tried, Miss martial arts master.
– But you master all four elements. I'm at a disadvantage.
– You have a glove that gives electric shocks!
– I can conquer the world now then! – She joked.
– Ah, but I can't allow that.
– What are you going to do to stop me?
– Whatever it takes. And I have a very effective weapon for that.
And she lunged towards Asami, tickling the Sato's body. Immediately she started laughing and trying to avoid Korra's touches, without success. It didn't take long before she was weak-bodied, completely surrendered; when Korra realized this, she proceeded to immobilize her using her own body weight and both hands. It was a matter of seconds for this to happen, and when Asami realized the position she was in, she tried to get out, without success.
– Congratulations, Avatar. You managed to stop me, but now what? What are you going to do? The moment you let me go, I'll return to my evil plan. – She said in a mocking voice for the second part. Clearly she was joking, but she intended to go as far as she could just for the fun, as she was having a lot of fun with it all.
– Now I'm going to try to convince you not to do what you said.
– You better have a second option, because that's not going to happen.
– Oh, but I do.
– And that would be...
– A punishment.
– And how are you going to punish me? Your hands and feet are tied. – She struggled a bit under Korra to make her point.
– Well observed... But in the position we're in, I could... kiss you. – She felt her body burn inside with the suggestion.
She said it in a joking tone, but it was true. If she got consent, she would have a clear path to confess, finally, as she wanted. When she noticed that Asami remained still and completely surprised by it, she saw she had gone too far. She had a slight hope that she was seen in a romantic way by the young Sato, but the embarrassing situation they were in was, to her, clear proof that it wasn't the case.
She had been mistaken, and nothing could hurt more than seeing the dream shattered in an instant. She couldn't, however, blame Asami for anything. If she couldn't reciprocate, so be it. It would hurt not being able to have a relationship and be with her for the rest of her life, but hopefully they could at least be friends, even after this awkward moment caused by Korra.
The memory of the conversation with Katara made sense; things had found a way to align and show Senna's daughter that it was an impossible dream. Sad, but there was nothing left but internal lamentation for the avatar. Korra's next step was to get up, release Asami, and give the most cretinous smile she could while saying a lying "Just kidding," all while suppressing the pain of her heart being torn apart discreetly so the other wouldn't see.
When she was about to get up, Korra let her guard down for a moment, which was enough for Asami to trip her and reverse the situation; now it was she who immobilized the avatar, who didn't even react to it, such was her surprise at the other's audacity and dexterity.
– You know, Korra, you have to deal with villains that appear from every possible place, so take my advice, for the good of the world. Never negotiate with them, you're terrible at it.
– Why?
– Okay, we were playing, but you mentioned punishing me in a very wrong way.
– Sorry, Asami, I...
– A punishment should be something bad for the one receiving it, Korra. – She interrupted. – And what you proposed is far from that.
– It's just that I have walrus-whale breath because of the pie... I thought that would be bad enough for the case...
– A kiss from you, under any circumstance, regardless of anything, sounds more like a reward to me.
– You can't be sure unless you kiss me. – Korra was scared, in every sense, but fortunately she didn't lose her poise when encouraging Asami to do what she so wanted.
– You're right.
Without any ceremony, Asami leaned her body even further forward. Calmly and tenderly, she sealed their lips in a caring kiss. Korra still took a few moments to understand what was happening, but when she did, she let herself be carried by the caress, returning the kiss as best she could. Neither of them could believe it was actually happening, after all. It had been years of waiting for the remote possibility of something like this, and it had worked.
Asami had moved her hands towards Korra's face, which allowed the avatar to wrap her arms around her beloved's body. That kiss, as urgent as it was, eventually ceased. The avatar kept her eyes closed and wore a satisfied smile, while the Sato buried her face in the curve of the other's neck, smelling her sweet perfume.
– Wow. That was... really good... Better than I ever imagined it would be.
– Oh really, Korra? So you've imagined this moment before? – Asami's voice was muffled by the position.
– Yes, I won't lie. – This was the perfect moment to express what she felt. – Asami, the truth is I'm completely in love with you. Since I stopped competing with you. From the moment I understood we could be friends and we actually became that, I started seeing you in a good light. And that got stronger and stronger; before I knew it, I realized it wasn't just a feeling of friendship I had for you. It was something bigger. Much bigger. – She sighed. – I love you. Truly. For quite some time now. – A weight had lifted from her shoulders with the confession; she was just afraid of how Asami would take it all. She had gotten a kiss, which was a good sign, but it could just be curiosity on the other's part, or a joke; it wasn't a guarantee it was reciprocal. – I know it might seem strange and I might be unfair by overwhelming you with so much information. I'm also aware you might not feel the same for me. Anyway, Asami, no matter how you respond; if it's your wish, we can keep being just friends and I swear my feelings won't interfere with that. – Silence. – Okay, it's a lot to digest. Take your time.
Korra made a move to get up. She thought the best thing at the moment was to give Asami some space, as she might need it to process everything that had happened that afternoon. But when she started to rise from the ground, she was stopped by the pair of arms belonging to the Future Industries heiress. Startled by the moment, the avatar ended up looking towards the green orbs that stared at her with an enchanting glow.
– Will you go out with me? – Korra's eyes widened. – I know it might seem strange and sudden to come out with this like that, but the truth is I've felt the same for you for a long time. And even though I know I shouldn't get my hopes up, I've already planned a whole life with you. Yes, I'm a bit emotional and I've already imagined a lasting future by your side.
– That's a little bit scary, Asami, but I liked it. Nothing in the world could make me happier than being by your side as your girlfriend.
– Oh, that's great! – She exclaimed with great happiness. – You have no idea how happy I am!
– I think I can imagine... – This time it was Korra who lifted her face to kiss Asami. It felt incredibly good, happening with an absurd intensity, yet with an undeniable naturalness. – You know, this was by far the best trip I've ever taken in my life. Thank you for that. It's just a shame we have to go back earlier than planned because of that day we lost most of our supplies.
– Yes, it was a pity. But I think, deep down, we have nothing to complain about with this outcome.
– You're right, my love. Uhm... can I call you that? – She asked, apprehensive. It might be too early.
– Of course you can! I actually liked it. – She looked deeply into the blue orbs before her and began to fiddle with the brown locks nonchalantly. – Even though it's ending, I believe we can still enjoy this little finale in grand style. What do you say?
– What do you have in mind, Miss Sato? Do tell.
– I'll show you.
– Oh, even better.
It was the beginning of the end of their first visit to the Spirit World. It was the mark of the start of a relationship that promised to be as lasting as it was true. It was the first day of the rest of their lives, it was exactly what they needed. They knew it and couldn't be happier.