– Love, our party was a smash hit! I knew our wedding would be good, but I never imagined it would be the best in recent times. – Asami remarked casually as she drove the Satomobile toward the hotel that would host the newlyweds on their honeymoon.
– Yeah, love, it really was a pleasant surprise, but not entirely, after all, we are definitely the most wonderful people in this city.
– Yeah, Korra, modesty really isn't your strong suit.
– Allow me to boast a little, my dear. I'm the Avatar and I just married the smartest, kindest, most wonderful and beautiful woman in the world! Modesty in my position would almost be a mockery of the universe for the unique opportunity I've been given and for which I'll be eternally grateful.
– Korra, I've told you before and I won't tire of repeating it, the talent you have for being irreverent and serious in the same sentence is a rare gift.
– But you like it? – She received a positive nod in response. – Then it's great, I'm more than satisfied with that talent.
The facade of the luxurious hotel came into view as Asami took a turn. It was the most expensive and imposing establishment in all of Republic City. Korra had certainly passed by its doors before, but she had never stopped to notice the details until now. The facade was absurdly beautiful, with very well-made and delicate adornments, complementing the front wall and the wide windows that gave the building a more daring look. In terms of architecture, the building was innovative, a sensation that carried to the interior as well, judging by the little Korra could see through the windows the inside carried the same characteristics as its exterior, and moreover, that building was much taller than the neighboring towers.
Asami was already maneuvering the vehicle while her wife admired the dazzling building ahead. It was curious to see Korra's awestruck eyes, like a child seeing something magnificent for the first time. The heiress to Future Industries turned off the car, got out, walked to the passenger door and opened it for her beloved. Only then did the Avatar stop her contemplation and realize what was happening.
– Shall we? – She extended her hand to Tonraq's daughter. – I'm sorry to cut short your moment of wonder, but I think the reason is noble, at least.
– You're right. – She took the other's hand. – The cause is great.
After that, they headed toward the lobby to check in at the hotel; the keys were handed to a valet so the Satomobile could be taken to the private internal parking, while other staff took care of bringing their luggage to the suite. Asami was more than satisfied to see that the establishment's service exceeded expectations, as her concerns for the rest of the night were already set and she didn't want to be surprised by anything other than what was planned.
The bureaucracy of getting the room key from the receptionists, however little and brief, irritated Korra. All she wanted was a clear path to enjoy the first hours of her marriage with her wife, and any intrusion in that sense was unforgivable.
However, as soon as she entered the room and saw the luxury of the place, her eyes scanned the entire length of the space and her mind was completely stunned by the refinement of everything present: from the most imperceptible details to the items that stood out the most to anyone, even if distracted at the moment. She had never seen accommodations with so much refinement before and thought that it must have been very expensive, for sure.
– What is it, Korra? Is something not to your liking? – Asami asked, already sitting on the bed and taking off her shoes. It was strange to note the difference in their behavior toward the situation; while Korra was dazzled, Asami seemed completely indifferent.
– Wrong? No, not at all! On the contrary, everything is great and beautiful, I'm just thinking this room is very pretty, there are things here I've never seen before in my life, only heard of or not even that. We probably should have taken a course before coming here, to learn how to use and handle all of this. Besides, it must have been very expensive.
– Oh, but don't worry about that. One of the good parts of having money is spending it, and I have a fortune at our disposal.
– But you might need it later.
– Love, what was spent here doesn't even make a dent in my assets. – She stood up and went to Korra. – Now, I think we'd better leave this awe for later, don't you? We'll have more than enough time to explore every corner, every object, and every function of this suite soon, but for now I think we have other priorities, right?
Having said that, Asami took one of her beloved's hands and started walking back toward the bed. As soon as she realized her wife's intentions, Korra gave in, she really was right, there were other priorities at the moment. The Avatar smiled to herself, realizing that everything was happening as expected and that there was no reason for the panic that had assailed her heart before the party, that everything was fine and without any fuss, thankfully. All they needed was to enjoy their honeymoon in the best style possible, and that was about to happen in the most amazing way.
– Do you think the technology here is as advanced as it looks? – Korra asked, genuinely taken by curiosity.
– What do you mean?
– Everything here seems so futuristic, do you think they have futuristic technology too?
– Like what?
– Hmm… Let's see… – She walked to the bed and sat on the edge. – Do you think the lights dim when you clap? – It was funny how she spoke like an excited child. Having said that, she clapped three times and nothing happened. – Seems not, huh?
– I think that's too advanced for anywhere in the world, Korra, but thanks for the suggestion, I'll work on it when we get back to our routine and, with luck, we'll have a new product in the Future Industries catalog soon.
– Hey! I want a share of the profits from that invention, after all the idea was mine.
– How mercenary of you, Korra! – She pretended to be indignant.
– I could say the same, Asami.
– But I'm not the one who lives among monks who preach material detachment. Seems you didn't learn anything from them… – She teased good-humoredly. – But it's okay, I'll give you a percentage of the profits from it, if the invention really shows promise.
– Now we're talking!
– But even though they don't have a futuristic light switch like you suggested, we can adjust the brightness however we want with the remote control. – She picked up the said object from the nightstand. – I hope that's good enough for you.
– It's perfect for me, more than enough. Just dim the lights soon because we have other things to do. – Now it was Korra who was taking off her shoes.
– Of course, no problem.
Asami woke up casually. A good feeling washed over her body, she was absolutely happy and absurdly revitalized after a full night, which would be strange if the reason weren't so noble and impactful as it had been. She looked at her hands and saw the newest ring adorning her left ring finger; she couldn't help but smile at the memory and the realization that she was married to the love of her life after so many hurdles, they had finally found peace and been rewarded.
She looked to the side and saw Korra still sleeping. Looking at her neck, she saw the necklace she had painstakingly made placed there, signifying the same as the wedding band she wore. She smiled. The happiness contained in her heart was too great and she felt absolutely grateful for it. The only thing that gave her any remotely uncomfortable thought was that her parents weren't present at such an important moment. It was true that Senna and Tonraq were incredible and saw her as a kind of daughter, but she would have liked to have Hiroshi and Yasuko seated there in front, in a place of honor next to her in-laws, supporting her on such a singular occasion.
She also wondered what their reaction would have been when she first said she was with Korra, if they would have been as receptive and open to their relationship as her wife's parents were. However, these questions were fruitless, after all, the two couldn't answer them, which was a shame; all that remained for Asami was to imagine that the Satos, wherever they were, were rooting for her, proud of her, and happy for everything their daughter had done and achieved up to that point.
Dwelling on that wouldn't lead anywhere, so she tried to push away the questions about it. For this reason, she ended up calmly noticing the room they were staying in and seeing all the details intently. It was no wonder Korra had been hypnotized the night before, everything was very beautiful. Besides the beauty, one could notice the elegance and sophistication of everything, that was by far the most refined room she had ever stayed in.
Her previous thoughts only ceased when she saw Korra stretching slowly, thus emerging from the drowsiness she was in, and gradually, the Avatar woke up. Asami waited patiently until her wife was awake, and when that happened, she directed a warm look and a gentle smile at her.
– Good morning, Korra. How was your night?
– Very well, Asami, thanks for asking. In fact, I had a wonderful dream, in it we got married at a marvelous party and had an impeccable honeymoon in a super fancy hotel. – She joked.
– Really? – She played along with her wife.
– Seriously. It was incredible, even though I was almost fainting from nerves.
– What if I told you it wasn't just a dream, that all of that became reality?
– Then you would make me the happiest woman in the world.
– Then prepare yourself for those strong emotions because that's exactly what happened.
– Oh my heart, Asami. Don't play with my feelings.
– I'm not playing. – She leaned in to kiss her, but the sound of knocks on the door ended up disrupting the moment, preventing the exchange of affection.
– Who could it be at this hour? Definitely a spoilsport. – Korra complained, two tones above normal.
– Calm down, it must be the room service I ordered.
– You ordered room service? – She saw the other nod. – Why?
– Breakfast for us and I want to see the day's news in the latest edition of the newspapers.
– You want to see if our wedding made it, right? You show-off!
– No, I'm sure it did. I want to see foreign policy and diplomacy issues; studying these topics will help Future Industries a lot right away.
– On our honeymoon, Asami? You promised you wouldn't bring work here.
– I know, I know. But it's just five minutes, love. I promise.
– Asami… – That promise had all the signs of being in vain.
– Pleeease… – She made a pleading face that Korra couldn't resist.
– Okay. – She let out a sigh, defeated. – But don't think you'll spend the whole day on it, okay? If you irritate me too much, I'll set the newspaper on fire and I'm not even joking.
– Alright then, it's settled. – The insistent knocks returned. – I'm coming!!!
Korra got up and grabbed a robe from the hanger, dressed quickly, and went to the door to receive the requested room service. Meanwhile, Asami returned to her earlier daydreams, thinking about the recent events in her life, her parents' absence, and how they would see her today if they were still alive. It was bittersweet to think of them, because while she felt comforted, there was an abyss in her heart from their absence, especially at such singular moments as her marriage to the love of her life.
Asami was only brought back from her daydreams when she heard Korra returning and saying something to her along the way.
– Think fast! – And she threw the newspaper in the direction of the green-eyed woman. Although distracted, she quickly managed to intercept the object in the air, just before it hit her. The idea wasn't to cause her any harm from a potential impact, but rather to bring her back to reality, as Korra noticed her wife's thoughts were wandering far away.
– Better luck next time. – She wished the brunette, while opening the newspaper to look for the news section that most appealed to her.
– What's going on, love? – Korra left the room service cart, full of food, next to the table by the window; then she went to Asami. – I thought you'd be happy after yesterday… – She placed a kiss on top of her head. – Did I do something that upset you?
– No, it's just that… – She lowered the pages of the copy and looked directly into the turquoise orbs staring at her, worried. – I wish my parents had been there. By the spirits, Korra, yesterday was the happiest day of my life so far and I didn't have my father by my side… – Her eyes grew teary. – I always had him by my side on my best days, you know? Whenever the happiest day of my life up to then was surpassed by a better one, he was with me, smiling contentedly and sharing my happiness, but this time he wasn't there… Nor my mother… – She wanted to say more, but she started sobbing because of the overwhelming crying that took hold of her.
– Calm down, love. I'm here with you. – She hugged her. – I know it's very difficult, but you're not alone, quite the opposite. I'm absolutely sure your parents were there, we just couldn't see them. They would never abandon you on a date as important as your wedding. Rest assured, they were there with us and covered us with their blessings just like mine did, just like our friends did, because like all the people who love us, they couldn't deprive themselves of seeing our happiness and being part of it.
– I hope so, Korra. I really hope so. – She tightened their embrace. – I miss them so much, you know? Loneliness is the worst punishment for me and I was punished with it for a long time.
– But now that's over, you're not alone even if you wanted to be, because we're united forever. – Asami let out a muffled laugh.
– I'm afraid of losing you, Korra…
– As if that had the slightest chance of happening. – She cut her off while bringing her back to reality; she would never trade her beloved for anything else in the world.
– Everyone I love dies.
– That's not true. What happened to your parents wasn't your fault at all, besides, I'm very much alive, in case you haven't noticed. – She tried to cheer her up, but all she received was a sorrowful look.
– For how long, Korra?
– For as long as I'm allowed, Asami. And you'll have no say in that. Don't worry.
– I bring bad luck to people.
– Look, Mrs. Sato, you're a genius, but what you just said is so stupid I don't see even Bolin saying it. – She wiped away a tear falling down the pale cheeks before her. – That's not true. Your effect on people and events is quite the opposite, you make things work out and end well. That's not even luck, it's competence. I don't think you even realize how talented, promising, intelligent, brilliant, and a thousand other positive adjectives you are, without your help I can guarantee the world would be worse. – She sighed before continuing. – My world would be terribly worse.
– Korra, I… – She was silenced with a kiss.
It was sudden, so much so that Asami took a few seconds to process what happened, but as soon as she did, she responded to the gesture with all her heart and soul. It was a moment of comfort, understanding, and absurd affection. Korra knew exactly what her wife needed and conveyed a feeling of peace to her beloved, who soon felt her nerves calm and her thoughts less turbulent. It wasn't a lascivious kiss, nor an urgent one, but it had the same intoxicating effect on both of them; without a doubt, Asami would be talking less nonsense after that, whether from recalibrating her ideas or from the stupor caused by the caress.
– Love, I want you to understand how important you are and how everything you said earlier isn't imbued with truth, not by a long shot. – The Avatar ran her fingers through the industrialist's silky hair; the floral scent emanating from them was delicious. – I want you to know we have a long life together ahead of us; you won't easily escape me as you suggested. We made a promise before everything that is most sacred in the world. – She held her hand, drawing attention to the newest ring adorning her finger. Then she brought the other hand to her own neck, touching the pendant of her wedding necklace. – And we will honor it.
– May the spirits hear you!
– The spirits will allow it, don't worry. I'll be by your side until the end of your days.
– You mean you'll go after me?
– If that brings comfort to your heart and lessens your pain, yes. It'll be a great effort on my part, but for you I'll do it. The spirits will allow it. – She reiterated.
– I love you. So much. – She hugged her. – And saying these things like that even makes me emotional. Your oratory is something inspiring and beautiful, my love.
– I learned from you, the best on the subject. This is just one of the many things you taught me. In fact, we've spent so much time together and sharing everything that we're even alike, you know? As strange as it sounds. The room service guy even confused me with you.
– Really? – Korra's attempt to divert the subject a bit to distract Asami worked, so much so that the owner of Future Industries was somewhat astonished by what she had just heard. After all, she and her wife had many similarities in terms of behavior and conduct, but to the point of being physically confused was too much, since they had very distinct characteristic features.
– As incredible as it seems, it's true, my love. – She took some items from the cart and placed them on a plate. Obviously, Korra was already organizing herself for breakfast. – He really confused me. He called me Mrs. Sato.
– Oh, well. In that case, I believe it's not really a mix-up. – She followed the other's example and also helped herself.
– What do you mean, love?
– We got married, duh. Maybe he assumed you would use the Sato surname from now on.
– Can I do that? – She hadn't even thought about that possibility, to be honest.
– Only if you want to. I won't force you to carry the name of an entire family on your back if it's not your desire; I myself know the size and responsibility that entails. But if it's your wish, I endorse it and you can be sure I'll be happy to share one more thing with you. – She smiled.
Korra felt even happier after hearing that, something she didn't think was possible. They had already been a family for a long time, Asami had already been welcomed by Korra's parents and now, the reverse seemed true, since she had the approval to use the surname that belonged to her in-laws, not coincidentally after an emotional conversation about, precisely, Hiroshi and Yasuko's unconditional acceptance of their daughter and daughter-in-law.
– That also makes me absolutely happy, love. – She gave a genuine smile. – I'll accept the suggestion. – She brought her hand to her chin with a somewhat questioning air that soon vanished upon confirming what she wanted. – Well, can't deny that Korra Sato really suits me.
– Avatar Korra Sato, more accurately. And I have to agree, it really suits you. – They smiled.
Everything was perfect.