Chapter Text
“Do you guys really have to be here?” Korra mumbled and knocked on the door to the beach house.
“We were all invited,” Tonraq said and put a hand on her shoulder. “You’ll live. I thought you two talked and she spent the night with you”.
Korra tried to turn to leave only to be held firmly in place. She really didn’t want to hear her father gloat about his success all night.
“Maybe they changed their minds. No one’s answering…” she sighed and hung her head when Hiroshi welcomed the family inside, “… the door”.
Korra folded her arms while Hiroshi and Tonraq shook hands. She noticed Asami standing just to the side of the foyer, her posture matching. Unfortunately, Asami seemed to have returned to being upset with everything. It was almost as if the morning meant very little and the night before was only a product of the liquor they both had.
“Good evening, Asami,” Tonraq greeted and shook her hand, followed by Senna.
“Chief. And family,” she greeted back politely.
Korra offered a smile, an attempt to gauge where they stood. It was only partially returned before she turned away before anyone else could see. A quiet sigh of relief left Korra’s lips when she realized her attitude was a front, even if it was pointless now. Their parents knew.
“You don’t have to hide how you’re really feeling. Come on, you two can hug,” Tonraq urged and gently pushed Korra forward.
“With respect, sir, I’m still… mad at your daughter”. She caught Korra rolling her eyes. “Just because we talked-“
“You spent the night,” Hiroshi pointed out. “You can’t be that mad at her”.
“Oh, so now you want us to be together?” She turned to him.
“You’re terrible at lying about how you feel about her. Even now”.
Asami scoffed and walked away, not without slipping another smile to Korra first. She wouldn’t be able to keep up the facade for much longer and she knew it. Mere seconds passed before she felt a hand slip into hers and she glanced over to see her girlfriend smiling at her.
“Would you stop?” Asami pulled her hand away but still smiled as she was faced away from their parents before she spoke quietly to Korra, “I’m trying to keep this going”.
“Why?” She asked just as quiet. “They know. The game’s over”.
“And let my father continue think he’s right? I’m already not hearing the end of it”.
“And you think I have? Just… can we not do this anymore? The fighting. Or… I guess pretending to”. Korra held both of her hands before returning to normal volume, “the past few days have really, really sucked. And I’m sorry about hiding all of this. Can we just enjoy the evening?”
Asami let out a fake irritated sigh. She just wanted a few more minutes to attempt to not let Hiroshi win, even if he already had along with Tonraq. Korra shook her head with a chuckle and dropped her hands.
“If that’s how it’s going to be, I’ll be sure to keep my distance”.
“Hey!”
Korra walked over to one of the large windows that faced to the ocean. She could play along for a little bit, as much as it sorta still hurt. She partially listened to Hiroshi as he basically offered free roam of the whole property, what was planned for dinner, where the hot tub was, that there was a small fire ring just off the side porch in the sand. The property overall seemed great, though still a far cry from the mansion Korra remembered.
Asami eventually joined her at the window. “Your mom is insisting on cooking”.
“Of course she is”. She couldn’t help but laugh. “A guest and she still wants to at least help with food. Let me guess, my dad isn’t even trying to talk her out of it?”
“Not even a little bit. Well, he did try at first. Until she got a knife in her hand to chop some potatoes”.
Korra shook her head with a smile. It was a situation she had seen many times before. Senna would get home late and still want to make dinner, Tonraq would tell her to shower and rest, and then she would pick of a knife to help where she could and he wouldn’t press the issue further.
“Would you like to join me outside? We have a Pai Sho table”.
“You know I’m terrible at it”.
Korra and Asami sat at the table on the deck underneath the awning. Asami set up the board as their fathers made their way outside, each holding a drink. They stood nearby to chat, yet also watch the game their daughters were plying.
“This is your residence, Asami, so you make the first move,” Korra said formally.
Asami nodded and moved the first tile. The game progressed slowly with no major moves having been made. Asami found it difficult to not smile at Korra’s adorable concentration face, but she was determined to hold out longer. Hiroshi and Tonraq couldn’t have the satisfaction that dinner was a success so soon.
Six minutes into the game and Asami made another move. The only thing that broke the silence was a muffled noise made by Hiroshi.
“What?” Asami questioned with a snarky tone. “I can’t be doing something wrong”.
“You’re not doing anything wrong. I just would have moved different piece,” Hiroshi simply stated.
“Need I remind you that have beaten you in this game many times before? Besides, don’t you think you’ve done enough meddling this vacation?”
“I’m sorry, you’re right,” he said defensively.
Korra made her next move with Tonraq looking over her shoulder.
“Dad, have you ever heard of some personal space?” Korra asked and looked up. “Actually, never mind. I know the answer”.
“I’m just trying to see what kind of strategy you’re employing. You’ll need a strong plan to deal with our army”.
“You don’t think I know that?” Korra huffed out, not wanting to pretend to be angry.
“You know I would probably move that piece to block,” Tonraq said. “It’s never too early to start taking tiles”.
“It’s only been seven minutes. This isn’t exactly a fast paced game we’re playing,” Korra quipped.
Korra made her next move, not the one her father wanted, and sat back as Asami focused on the board. Hiroshi leaned in stroking his beard, also studying the board. While not the move even he would have made, Korra’s move was a good one.
“I can feel you hovering,” Asami said, growing annoyed.
“Hm? Oh, sorry,” he apologizes but remained still.
“Would you like to have a seat and play for yourself?” She asked and stood from her chair.
“Yes, I would”.
Hiroshi made a quick move. It was the first substantial move of the game. Korra focused on the board even more as Asami watched from behind Hiroshi. This is what she meant by not being good at the game. She would play with Asami but it was leisurely. Hiroshi, on the other hand, was already clearly playing to keeps.
Tonraq leaned over his daughter’s shoulder. “If you move there you can-“
“I can just let you play if you’d like. You seem more invested in this than I do,” Korra mildly snapped.
“I can take over if don’t want to play.” Tonraq put a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Sorry, it’s just been awhile since I’ve had the chance to play”.
Korra sighed and got up. Tonraq sat down and she hugged him from behind around his shoulders. “It’s okay, dad. Sorry to be snippy I’m just… a bit on edge”.
Korra and Asami watched as the two men were intently focused on the game they took over. Asami looked at Tonraq focusing and struggled to not laugh as she saw him make some of the same exact faces as Korra.
Once both men had their head in the game, Asami gestures to Korra with a smile to slip away. Once inside they let out a sigh of relief. Pretending to still be angry at each other was growing old. They made their way to the kitchen hand in hand.
“I thought you two were supposed to be playing Pai Sho?” Senna asked. “It’s only been ten minutes”.
“Our game was being criticized so we let them take over,” Asami replied. “Besides, I think it worked in our advantage to get some time to not be mad at each other”.
“It’s getting really hard to keep the act up,” Korra half whined.
“Especially when your dad makes the same exact face you do when you focus. It’s adorable,” Asami chuckled.
“You’re one to talk. You and Hiroshi furrow your eyebrows the same way”.
Asami gasped in mock offense. “How could you say something so mean? Maybe I shouldn’t forgive you after all”.
Senna rolled her eyes at the mock fighting while stirring a soup. “You know it would be easier to just tell them and drop the act entirely”.
“Have you met dad?” Korra said folded her arms. “He already won’t drop it”.
“Don’t worry about your father, or Mr. Sato for that matter. If those two act up too much I won’t hesitate to use this,” Senna held up the wooden mixing spoon, “to put them in place”.
“That would be greatly appreciated Doctor Senna,” Asami said with a smile.
“You’re welcome, Asami. You also don’t have to call me doctor.” Senna replies as she returns to stirring.
“I’m just glad you’re not gloating like they are,” Korra said.
“I may not be gloating, but that doesn’t mean I’m not just as happy to see you two back together,” Senna said with a warm smile.
“How is she so good at making me feel at ease?” Asami asked Korra quietly.
“Years of practice with me,” she half joked.
“You don’t become a surgeon without being able to appear calm. The last thing you want is a doctor with a nervous look on their face,” Senna explained.
“You make a very valid argument,” Asami said around a chuckle.
Korra stared at Asami, just thrilled to be together again, even if there was still some trust that needs to be restored. The longer she thought about it, the more she realized everything was an overreaction. Asami had every right to be upset about the withholding information, and Korra was allowed to be upset with the reaction. There was just a lot of heated emotions at the time.
“Speaking of appearances, Korra, sweetie, you’re not doing a very good job of pretending to dislike Asami when you’re drooling over her,” Senna teased as she grabbed a knife to cut up more vegetables.
Korra snapped her attention back to her mother. “I’m not drooling! But… I feel like I almost lost her. So, excuse me for wanting to stare at my girlfriend for a little bit.”
“Note to self, even though she can be calming, that doesn’t mean she won’t hesitate to verbally jab at you,” Asami said around a soft laugh.
Without warning, Korra heard Tonraq yell her name. She sighed and slid from the stool at the counter to head to the patio. At least he didn’t walk in on the conversation they were having with Senna.
“Yes, dad?” Korra asked.
“Take your phone. It is going off like crazy. I know Yuka is your friend but he needs to learn the art of patience,” Tonraq said while holding out Korra’s phone, his eyes still glued to the Pai Sho board.
Korra grabbed her phone and rushed back inside. Dealing with all of the emotions and parental backstabbing over the past few days, she completely forgot she hadn’t updated Yuka about the situation. Walking back to the kitchen she quickly looked through the messages. Korra felt like she really dropped the ball on this one.
“Is everything okay, sweetheart?” Asami asked, seeing the look on Korra’s face that clearly said she made a mistake.
“Yeah. I just left my phone out there and Yuka wouldn’t stop messaging”.
“Is he alright?” Senna asked.
“He is. But I, uh… may have forgotten to text him that Asami didn’t kill me or that I didn’t drink myself to death.”
“Answer him!” Asami urged. “He’s not going to stop”.
-I’m fine! Sorry! I just got caught up in my emotions and then my dad and Hiroshi decided to intervene-
-Oh thank Ravva you’re okay
I was a little worried. I tried to keep some distance but a few days passed and I got worried-
-I can tell and I’m so sorry for not having messaged sooner-
-I did send a lotta messages. I hope I’m not interrupting you or anything
You know me I care about you so I worry-
-It’s fine. I left my phone at a Pai Sho table-
-You don’t play Pai Sho
Are you lying to me that you’re fine?
Do I need to come over there to make sure you’re not drunk in a gutter?
Because I will-
-I know you will. Things are actually good now. I’m at Asami’s beach house with my parents-
-What happened?-
-It’s a long story but our dads are to blame, as much as it pains me to say-
-…Oh I missed that earlier my bad
Glad to hear things have worked out. I knew they would. I may be an idiot but I’m not completely stupid
You’re lucky to have her. You two really love each other. I can see it
Now! I’ll let you be. Enjoy your time!
I will not hesitate to text Asami or come find you to see if you’re lying-
-I know. I’ll try to keep you informed better-
-Thank you and sorry for the spam-
Korra set her phone down and rubbed her face. “Oh, Yuka”.
“A little worried?” Senna asked.
“Fifty messages in a half hour. Plus the messages he sent while I was talking to Asami”. Korra rolled her eyes. “I think saying he’s a little worried was an understatement”.
“He’s a good guy, Korra. I’m sure he’s just looking out for you.”
“I know he is”. She shrugged. “Not sure why when I clearly worry the poor guy… a lot”.
“Well, considering you almost broke his wrist when you first met him and he still stuck around, you must be a good friend,” Asami said with a smile.
“Just maybe,” Korra said while leaning in closer to Asami.
“You sure they won’t catch us?”
“They were both really invested in the game. My dad just held out my phone for me to grab”. She finally rested their shoulders together. “Something tells me they’ll set up for another game before we’re even allowed to leave”.
“That’s not a surprise. I’d be surprised to see them move at all before tomorrow,” Asami joked. “But you’re more than welcome to sleep with me if it comes to it. And, Senna, we have a spare room if you need it”.
Korra chuckled. Things were beginning to feel normal again. More than normal, really. Having her secret exposed felt more liberating than she thought it would. Her and Asami’s little spat was finally starting to mend and for once, she felt like it would somehow hopefully make them stronger in the end. Korra gave Asami’s cheek a quick kiss with a smile.
Senna watched the little displays of affection that Korra and Asami were showing each other. It reminded her of when her and Tonraq were younger after some of the ridiculous fights they had.
“I know things didn’t happen like expected, Asami, but I’m very happy to get to finally meet you properly,” Senna said while smiling at the couple.
“I think I have to agree,” Asami said. “I can see where Korra gets her looks from”.
“She did luck out there, but unfortunately for the both of us, she got her father’s personality,” she teased.
“Hey, what’s that supposed to mean?!” Korra protested.
Senna simply gestured to her with a smile. “You’re definitely your father’s daughter. Though, I’m glad you got your softer side from me”.
Asami smiled at the mother and daughter, lost in their small moment of bickering of how Korra felt she wasn’t like her father. The plan of acting like she was still mad at Korra faded into obscurity. She decided to exist in the moment. Her girlfriend and her mother were the only two people that existed. Senna eventually stopped cooking and was able to turn to devote her full attention to them.
Asami glanced at the clock and sighed. “I should probably go check on our dads. They’ve been at Pai Sho for a while now, someone should have won”.
Korra let out a small huff. “But I’m happy right now. I don’t want to have to pretend to be mad anymore”.
“I know. Me too. I’m just not ready for them know how well it worked,” Asami said as she stood.
She kissed her on the forehead and turned to see both Hiroshi and Tonraq leaning against the archway. Asami groaned and tried to think quick. Unfortunately, her words came out as clearly faked anger.
“You know what, Korra, an apology only means so much. I still feel like you’re not telling me everything”.
“I told you we could talk about it more if you wanted,” Korra said, confused at the sudden anger in her tone.
Once she turned, she saw the reason for her tone. Instead of reaching for her hand, she sighed and turned away.
“Nice try, Asami,” Hiroshi said with a smile.
“We’ve been standing here for a few minutes,” Tonraq added.
Korra looked to her mother. “Why didn’t you tell us?!”
“I’m not going to be part of your feigned anger towards one another or any discrepancy between either of you and your fathers,” Senna said and held her hands up defensively.
“And here I was thinking you were on our side,” Korra muttered.
Tonraq walked over and hugged Korra as she continued to sit on the stool. “Korra, I’m very happy to see that you and Asami were able to… mostly overcome your feelings. I know there is still a new level of trust that has to be built”.
“I’m happy too, dad,” she said quietly and hugged him back.
“But you know this means our plan worked,” Tonraq said with a growing grin.
“Please, no. Don’t start”. She pushed him back. “Seriously”.
“Ah. After all the pouting you gave me I’m allowed to gloat,” he said.
“I know I haven’t been a good father, but even you must admit I do have my moments, Asami,” Hiroshi with a warm smile.
“Don’t you dare start,” Asami groaned and put her head in her hands.
Senna cleared her throat and Tonraq looked over to see her giving him a stern look with the wooden spoon in hand. Tonraq nodded, his grin fading, having understood the silent message.
“What? Am I not allowed to tease my daughter just a little bit,” Hiroshi continued to playfully jab.
Tonraq tapped him on the shoulder and pointed out Senna. Hiroshi also got the hint and backed off the teasing. Being threatened with a wooden spoon was something he hadn’t been the target of in many years.
“Well, it seems like I’m being signaled by tonight’s chef that dinner will be ready soon. Asami, would you like to give me a hand setting the table?” Hiroshi asks, gesturing to the table.
___________________
“Doctor Senna, I want to thank you for a fantastic meal. This is amazing,” Hiroshi praises before taking a bite of a classic seaweed salad from the Southern Water Tribe.
“I told you it would be good, dad,” Asami said. “You really have be more open to try new things”.
“Spoken like a true risk taker”.
Asami rolled her eyes. Naturally he managed to spin a simple dinner to having certain business attributes.
“Thank you for being buying the food needed. Please, you can just call me Senna.”
“I still say you didn’t have to cook. We invited you here,” Hiroshi said and wiped his mouth with a napkin.
“I’m aware, but I enjoy it and I don’t get to do it as often as I’d like. Being a surgeon and on call often has its cons”.
Korra sat in silence as Senna and Hiroshi chat. It had been quite a bit since she had something cooked by her. As much as she enjoyed it, she also remembered many nights where she had to make her own dinner. That or go to the kitchen and have one of the chefs make something. Although, it was something she never liked to do by herself. It just felt wrong.
“Is everything alright, Korra?” Asami asked, concerned at the spaced out look.
“Hmm? Yeah. I was just thinking of all the times mom had made dinner, as well as all the times work pulled her away. If we were lucky there was something premade for us. If not we’d forage for food ourselves,” Korra replied with a soft smile.
“You make it sound like we lived in the middle of nowhere and were helpless,” Tonraq’s said with a chuckle. “We did have chefs, after all. And a fully stocked kitchen”.
“I know, but wasn’t it you who taught me the virtues of being humble?” Korra asked and cocked an eyebrow while giving him a crooked smile.
“Yes, and I also taught you that, as a leader, doing the right thing may be perceived as something wrong,” Tonraq retorted while grinning mischievously.
“Hey! Mom said to knock it off,” Korra said with a halfhearted glare.
“What? I’m not insinuating anything,” he said before taking a bite of the salad.
A comfortable silence came over the table while everyone continued to eat. Hiroshi had gotten up briefly to grab a bottle of wine he had forgotten to bring to the table and poured everyone a glass before returning to his seat. He was also the one to break the silence at the table after taking a sip from his cup.
“So, how are things between you two?”
“Dad!” Asami let out a groan. She didn’t feel like this was exactly a conversation for dinner.
“I’m sure he just wants to make sure where you two actually stand,” Tonraq defended him. “Things do seem to be good but,” he glanced to Senna briefly, “I know finding something out like this can still leave a small bruise on a relationship”.
Korra and Asami looked at each other before Asami spoke up, “It’s only fair. As of now, we’re on much better terms again. I can understand why she never said anything. However, I still have plenty of questions and we do still have a lot to talk about going forward”.
“While I’m sure we accelerated you two speaking to each other again, I knew things would work out in the end,” Tonraq said with a warm smile, his attention still on Asami. “You’ve helped Korra more than I think you understand. You two have a bond that is strong. It reminds me of Senna and myself. I know if I hadn’t done anything, the spirits would have managed to pull something off”.
“Oh,” Korra spoke up, “The Southern Lights Festival is in a few days. I completely forgot”.
“Well, considering how this week started, it’s understandable that you may have forgotten,” Senna said.
Korra’s mind wandered to how things were going to be after their Ember Island vacation. With Asami back home in Republic City, she would be with her parents for another week. She had a worry that Asami would have plenty of time to think about what happened over this week and realize she doesn’t want to be part of this new chapter of her life. Korra’s fears again ate at her mind. She only registered that her name was being called on the fourth try.
“Sorry,” she apologized. “Just thinking about next week”.
“Understandable,” Hiroshi said. “I was just wondering, with how the week started, you signed the paperwork and left. Seeing as you never got the chance to properly read the contract, and I haven’t sent the paperwork, it’s not too late for you to read it over. If you’re unsatisfied, back out. It’ll be like you never signed them”.
“I, uhm, I… I think it’s okay,” Korra stammered.
“There is no need to give a reply now. This is a friendly dinner, after all. I’ll hold onto the signed paperwork and let you read over the contract when you have the chance to,” he said a little more formally.
Korra took a sip of water matched his tone, “I appreciate the offer given the circumstances. However, having worked with your daughter before, I have faith that the contract is more than satisfactory”.
Tonraq cleared his throat to get Korra’s attention. She glanced over to see the look he was giving her.
Korra let out a quiet sigh and turned her attention back to Hiroshi. “On second thought, I’ll review the contract. I’ll be directly responsible for this deal and I should take the time to review all matters that will affect the lives of the citizens I’m sworn to lead in the future”.
“As you wish,” Hiroshi replied respectfully.
Asami looked around the table at Korra and her parents. She felt this was the first time she was truly meeting them. There was no anger or sadness or hurt feelings to could her judgement. She could see a bit of both of them in her girlfriend. Senna was definitely right, she may have looked like her, but her personality was almost exactly that of her father.
“It seems dinner is just about wrapped up. I’ll take care of the dishes, you all get some relaxation in,” Hiroshi said.
“Let me help you with that,” Senna said as she started to get up.
“No, no. You go rest on the patio, or in the living room. You cooked a wonderful dinner so we’ll do clean up,” Tonraq said as he walked over and kissed Senna on the top of her head.
Senna continued to stand up and made her way outside as Tonraq and Hiroshi gathered up the leftover food and dishes. She quietly told her husband to join her when he was finished.
Korra noticed a sad look come to Asami’s face and covered her hand on the table. “Is everything alright?”
Asami turned her hand over and embraced the contact as Korra lazily trailed her fingers around her open palm. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just… a little overwhelmed seeing both your parents here”.
She turned in her chair to grab both of Asami’s hands. “I hope my dad isn’t bothering you too much. Because I will beat him up for you”.
Asami let out a soft chuckle. “No, it’s not that. It’s… it’s just been so long since my mom died and… I miss her”.
Korra simply let Asami just talk. She ran her thumbs over the back of her hands. Asami shared some of the memories she had. One of her favorites being the way she taught her about architecture and exactly how her ideas worked, and sometimes didn’t work, with Hiroshi’s engineering.
“This is the first time my dad and I have been back to Ember Island in so long. The last time we were here was about a year after she passed. He has changed so much recently, thank Raava. This is the father who I remember from the time she was alive, the good side of him”.
“I’m so, so sorry Asami,” Korra said softly and leaned forward to give her a hug. “I guess I never thought of it”.
Asami sniffled once with a soft laugh, “it’s okay, Korra. I just wasn’t expecting it. This is the first time I’ve really seen your parents together without their titles hanging over them”.
Asami turned around to look at their fathers standing in the archway. “Hey, dad, who won the Pai Sho game?”
Hiroshi’s face fell while Tonraq started to smile. Korra knew that smile and decided it was her turn to poke some fun. “Well, come on. Who won?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” Hiroshi said dryly.
“Not really,” Asami teased. “Who won?”
Hiroshi groaned and pointed to Tonraq, “he did”.
“Sometimes a war mind beats a business mind,” Tonraq said proudly.
_______________________
Asami laid her head on Korra’s shoulder as they sat on a towel by the fire. The logs crackled and popped while the waves crashed on the not too distant shore. The sun was starting to reach the horizon but hadn’t quite touched it. The sky was a beautiful mix of oranges, reds, blues and purples. Senna and Tonraq were sitting further out on the private beach watching the ocean. Hiroshi was up on the patio keeping to himself, knowing the things he had said and done in the past. He didn’t want to intrude on anyone’s moment.
“Would you like a marshmallow?” Korra asked Asami as she stared into the fire.
“I think I’ll pass. I’m still full from dinner.”
“Alright, but you’re missing out.”
Korra took the roasted marshmallow from the stick she was using and ate it. While she chewed, she grabbed another from the bag and placed it on the stick. The held the new marshmallow close to the fire, careful to not just plunge it into the flames, not yet.
“You’re going to make yourself sick,” Asami teased.
“Yeah, yeah,” Korra replied with a smile as she rotated the stick. “I’ll be fine”.
She stared into the fire as thoughts of leaving for the South Pole came to mind. The previous anxieties started to flood back. While she knew they were irrational at this point, considering Asami hadn’t backed out when she had the full opportunity. Still, it worried her.
“Korra! Fire!” Asami yelled, getting Korra’s attention.
Korra snapped out of her mind to see her marshmallow engulfed in flames. She pulled it back and blew it out. Asami grabbed the roasting stick from her and looked at her in concern.
“What’s going on? You managed four other marshmallows just fine and now you’re trying to blow them out. What’s on your mind, sweetheart?”
“It’s dumb,” she mumbled then sighed when Asami continued to stare at her. “It’s just… when I go to the South Pole you’ll be going back to Republic City. I guess I’m just worried that you’ll wise up to how… stupid I was and you’ll send me a text saying that you’re breaking up with me and that my stuff will be outside when I get back”.
Korra looked down into her lap. She wanted to hide it but knew lying would be the worst thing to do now. It sounded ridiculous to her own ears, but Asami deserved to at least hear what was on her mind. Her girlfriend moved closer and pulled her into a hug. Asami could feel her uneven breathing. It was like she was on the verge of crying.
“Korra, that will never happen,” she said reassuringly. “I know we had a… rough start to our vacation and I know that I took the news hard. If I wanted to leave because of it, I would have already, don’t you think?”
“Logically I know that. But still…”
Tears slowly started to slide down Korra’s face. She couldn’t hold them back any longer. “I… I was so scared I had messed up so bad with not saying anything and the way you had to find out. Now that I know things are going to eventually be fine… it’s a lot to process. I can’t just flip a switch and be expected to behave like normal”.
Asami kissed Korra on the side of her head. “What happened, happened and we can’t pretend it didn’t, but we shouldn’t dwell on it either. We just have to acknowledge what was said and move forward. I will always be there for you, Korra”.
Korra gave a half hearted smile. She looked down next to her and grabbed a marshmallow from the bag. “It’s amazing how something so perfect and sweet can go up in flames in a heartbeat”.
“But if you catch it in time you can still have something delicious,” Asami said with a smile and ate the now cooled off, charred marshmallow from the end of the stick.
Korra looks at Asami confused.
“What? I know people who like burnt marshmallows. They aren’t my favorite but they aren’t bad”.
Asami grabbed a marshmallow and stuck it on the end of the stick to roast it. Korra rested her head on Asami’s shoulder to watch the logs continue to crackle and pop. Once the marshmallow started to droop, Asami shoved it into the flames and let it catch fire. After a few seconds she blew it out and let it cool.
“Try it”.
Korra reluctantly reached out and grabbed the marshmallow. She popped it into her mouth and started to chew.
“You know what, this isn’t all that bad,” she said after swallowing.
“I’m surprised you’ve never tried it”.
“Marshmallows are already a rarity in the South Pole. Besides how often is the average person roasting marshmallows?” Korra pointed out.
“Okay, that’s fair”.
Asami chuckled seeing gooey marshmallow on the corners of Korra’s lips. She licked her thumb to wipe up the sticky mess. As she is about to pull back, Korra grabbed her wrist and looked her in the eyes. She lowered her hand and intertwined their fingers.
“You know, I was thinking… maybe, just maybe…” Korra started to say, but trailed off thinking her train of thought was a little ridiculous.
“Yes?” Asami asked and raised an eyebrow.
Korra took a deep breath before finishing her thought, “would you like to go to the South Pole with me? For the Southern Lights Festival”.
Asami stared at her for a few seconds to process what she was just asked. From what she knew, it was both a festive and personal time for the tribe. To be asked to join wasn’t exactly what she expected.
“I would love to,” Asami said with a warm smile and squeezed her hand.
Korra leaned in and gave her a gentle kiss. Maybe things wouldn’t be to bad after all. She went for another kiss, but Asami suddenly pulls back in a realization.
“Hold on, it’s winter down there. I don’t have anything for cold weather”.
Korra chuckled and gave her a crooked smile. “I’ve seen your winter wardrobe. You’re gonna need more than that to stay warm anyhow”.
“Is it really that cold?”
“For you, yes. Even I make sure bundle up this time of year. Change your mind, Sato?”
“Are you kidding?! And miss the chance to see the festival with a princess? No way!” Asami said excitedly while teasing her just a little.
“Please don’t call me that,” Korra said around a groan.
“Consider it payback for hiding it from me for so long,” she said and stuck her tongue out.
“You know there is nothing stopping me from carrying you into the ocean right?”
“I’m pretty sure your mom would disapprove”.
“Yeah but my dad won’t have an issue.” Korra said with a smirk.
“Touché, Princess Korra. Now shut up and eat another marshmallow,” Asami said while laughing.
“You’re mean you know that?” She pouted playfully.
“But you love it,” she teased.
They kissed again, basking in the glow of the fire. Its warmth provided some comfort in the cool nighttime ocean wind. As the looked deep into each other’s eyes, they couldn’t help but enjoy the love they had for each other. Things were going to be okay.
“You really want to come with me?” Korra asked with a smile. “Really, it’s fine if you don’t. It’s really cold back home”.
“Of course. I’d love to”. She gave her a kiss with a smile. “Besides, I have you to keep me warm”.