the sheer warmth that enveloped her, the smell of her skin, the way the avatar's voice vibrated straight through her from where she was pressed in — her body instinctually warmed it felt like being doused. she tasted something acrid sliding up her throat & she passed off her resulting expression as part of the aftereffects of what they thought she'd been through. a moment of reprieve was sought with locks of dark hair dangling between them; she could barely take the force of what she'd glimpsed in the avatar's eyes.
she piped up as her eyes squeezed shut, sighing words out in reply, " — right, it's all a little- murky right now... but I'm sure it'll start coming back to me, " hope & exhaustion clung to her speech as her hands gripped the edge of the bed on either side of her, her body rejecting the velvety soft way she spoke to her, the suffocating heat of her right there. she was the avatar — a danger to the world, never bound by any rules, the embodiment unchecked power that allowed innocent people to get hurt every day. & right now she was trying to bend her the same way she did every other stone in her path. she softened her mouth into a smile, peering her way to finally relent as she pulled herself together, " sure, i think i could use the quiet time before we get back out there... my head definitely feels like it's been hit by thousands of electromagnetic pulses. " her head was pounding, each beat telling her this was all wrong she shouldn't be here, she was playing a dangerous game giving into the avatar like this. they were both playing parts right now, trying to tug the other astray & onto a path of their choosing. she might not have been able to beat her earlier, but she knew could outsmart her, outmaneuver her, she had no doubt; she had learnt from the best. she would walk out of here free & with the avatar in tow as she had been tasked with. she just had to get this right.
her anchoring hold on the bed loosened, her hand gliding over the back of hers as she shifted backward. green eyes never left hers as her back sunk down onto the mattress, inviting her to follow. she chose to lighten the mood with a spark in her gaze & a humorous sway to her voice, " just to forewarn you, i might be lousy company right now, but... I'm really glad it was you here when i came to my senses. i'm- sorry you had to see me like that... i- have no idea what Guan even had me do... "
She hurtles into open arms. Into the crook of Asami's neck where the unfamiliar fabric is forgotten by grace of gentle brushing curls across her cheek and the subtle floral dabbed at the pulse point she now nuzzles. In her overwhelm, she misses the customary exclamation at arms wrapped always a touch too tightly. It doesn't matter. Everything is fine, everything is fine, everything is fine now that she is back.
With Asami, Korra has nothing and no reason to conceal. She leads with vulnerabilities and leaves the last of salt tears on skin as she's soothed back to clarity.
And she looks at her with the full weight of admiration.
For this woman who beats down brainwashing without missing a beat.
She repositions beside her girlfriend. Enough space to breathe after such an ordeal, but not so far that fingers don't still rest together. It'll be a long time before Korra is ready to disengage in full. Already she leans in, missing those eyes.
❝Less than a day. We were able to bring you back to Zaofu ❞ sometimes, when the soul returns to the body it needs a little help reorienting. Like waking up from sleep, or returning from the Spirit World. Maybe this is the same. ❝ - I managed to convince Su that the Avatar is all the guard she needs. She took— well, everything out of this spare room, but it's a lot more comfortable than a cell.❞
It all sounds so trivial now.
❝I can't wait to tell everyone that you're back.❞
Her touch doesn't abate.
Her voice is a tone lower. ❝But... I kinda want it to be just us for a little while more.❞
there was increased breathing, sounds of an internal struggle before green eyes vied for her, " — korra. " — hands that were splayed open this time, waiting & wanting hers to fall in. she welcomed her, guilt-ridden & concerned only for her. like they were meeting after years apart. she bent down, held her tight with an arm wound around her,
so she could rest her chin on the avatar's shoulder & hunt for shadows under the door now that she wasn't being watched like a dragon-hawk. not surprisingly she found no signs of extra security outside. people always underestimated her, but she had learned a long time ago how she could use that to her advantage, like now, when she had her nosing into her neck, falling for it once again— there was no need to fix something that was working so faultlessly. another moment was given to asses the room in full, a pile of her usual clothes sitting on the desk in the corner of the room, taunting her like a sign of her expected transformation at the will of the avatar. she hated to give in like this, let her have what she wanted so desperately when her biggest weapon right now was resisting ( she couldn't lie about how good it felt to deny her, to be the one to personally take something from her. she'd waited so long for a moment just like this ) — but she'd spent the last few hours considering her options & becoming the asami everyone knew once more would give her an easier way forward. " something... must've gone wrong with the transformation if it didn't stick, " she contemplated groggily, pulling away to press the heel of her hand against her temple, eyes twitching shut, " it was like one really long bad dream... — how- long has it been ? "
The aches of a body knelt unmoving for too long are distant. Unimportant. All Korra knows is the wringing of hands ( intertwined, but only in her own; alone ) and the sick pit in her stomach.
Their stilted back and forths have long since lapsed, but that's not deterred the occasional hopeful glance— reading distance, demeanour, and most importantly,
searching for a tenderness she's always known in @satogem's eyes.
Korra's not expecting the sudden rustle hours into this dejection, almost trips over her prickling legs at the sound of
❝I'm so sorry. I don't know what came over me.❞
and wants to sob from sheer relief.
❝Asami, ❞ ( I'm so sorry, thank the Spirits, I'm so sorry )
The smile pushes through the wet, slowly. ❝ - that's okay. I knew you'd break through Guan's conditioning.❞ because it's Asami, because what they have is stronger than anything anyone can throw their way.
Hands finally wrap around hers, righted.
her lips parted at the sudden loss of contact, arms folding briefly across her chest as she gazed across at her, separated by their tent for the night. she didn't like seeing korra like this — looking at her with hot, stinging betryal. but that's what you got when you agreed to be the messenger. she found her hands lifting in defense despite no incoming attack, " it wasn't my idea but... Tenzin thinks that I should be the one who heads back into Chun... alone. "
she tried to smother the guilt spreading across her face as she took a step closer, stopping her hands gravitating from her sides to allow korra her space, " i'd really just be making sure my mechs are all working properly, considering the dicey terrain. hey — this isn't because of anything you've done wrong, okay ? it's not your fault these people happen to be great at holding grudges — " hundreds of years great.
❝Hey!— ❞
But the playful indignation is short lived, Korra's good-natured grin falling from her face just as quickly as her hand withdraws. The roundabout manner of Tenzin's directive plays like cleverly aimed strikes to her sore points. It brings up accusations abound aimed at the Air Nomad, alongside a healthy reawakening of taking his side again.
It sets her off preemptively.
Korra's two steps back before she knows it. With arms crossed and a little sharper than she should be with her girlfriend.
❝Well?❞
I Would Do Anything For You.. 💕
hands on her arms drew her in closer, sensing her uncertainty & aching to unburden her of it. she took it from her readily, now thrumming with frustration on her behalf. she'd found that happening more often lately, arched brows & silent criticism pointed right at anyone less than grateful for korra's help. she couldn't stop the pressure from coming from all angles but she knew she could provide some insulation to help keep her steady.
her hands fell to korra's, squeezing them tightly, " no one's perfect at everything, & you've helped so many people while we've been on the road lately. you should be proud. all those earth kingdom towns are better off because of you. "
her face tilted with an encouraging smile, hoping to help korra see what she did; she was a lot better at all this than she gave herself credit for. a few harsh words might have her bent slightly out of shape, but she had faith she could right herself with a little help. her forehead joined hers, " what matters now is making sure chun gets the help they need — & they wouldn't be if it weren't for you. this whole restoration trip was your idea. "
The smile lacks warmth. Or her signature spark, or maybe just sincerity. In truth, she's caught up in an earlier line of thought:
Do they? Has she?
She leans in, yearning for respite. Welcomes the sense of stability in the embrace. Korra already knows Asami's unequivocal answer if she chose to ask. She never has to. But...
public sentiment seems to love to disagree
no. matter. what. she. does.
❝It's just that... everyone wants me to be some kind of diplomat or politician lately- ❞ Her face tells it all. The role fits her about as well as a glove on a platypus-bear.
❝This- is something at least I know I'm good at.❞
But the people have spoken.
A little korrasami drawing I did for my sister last year that I thought might be due for some colour before pride month is over! Happy Pride to all my queer friends and allies ❤️
She will thank her later. 😌💕
Once again, thank you @buildouraltarhere for inspiring this! ☺️✨
stratagem — a plan or scheme, especially one used to outwit an opponent or achieve an end. independent ASAMI from the legend of korra. private & mutuals only. written by veronika, she/her, 21+
other half at @inkorrnate
rules under cut.
this is a low activity blog so i appreciate your patience when waiting for a starter or a meme to be posted.
i have a genuine interest in writing with and plotting with anyone who i follow so don’t be shy if you’d like to interact. feel free to like my pinned post if you’re interested in writing and i’d be happy to approach you to get something started.
if you’re unsure about how our characters might interact or if you’re unfamiliar with the show and would like to roleplay anyway don’t be afraid to send me a message and we can work something out.
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