Gamers: Korra and Asami play the same MMORPG and have been best friends for years. There's just one problem: they're falling in love and have never met.
Rated: T
Note: dps stands for 'damage per second.' A term used with computer games to describe the average rate of damage inflicted over time.
"Seriously, what kind of a handle is that?"
Korra frowned at the judgmental voice over her headset. She had played this game with Asami for years and every time they raided she had to point out Korra's handle.
"Screw you, at least I'm proud of my heritage." Korra replied with a dismissive snort.
"Being proud of your heritage and naming yourself 'Water Tribe Stallion' are two different things entirely."Asami said with a chuckle.
"'Sami, it's been my handle for years."
"Yes, I know. As your best friend of several years, I feel the need to point out that it sounds silly."
"Wait. You've only ever seen me over our vid chats; so how do know I'm not a total Southern babe? ."
"Because it's you and you're not cute." Asami said playfully.
Korra frowned and unboxed her newly purchased expansion pack.
"Are you going to log into the game? The guys aren't around and I want my tank." Asami mumbled around a mouthful of food.
"Put the Fire Flakes down and hold your sky bison. I just got the new expansion."
"It's about damn time. We've had to put off our raiding schedule waiting for you."
"Look, I'm sorry. It takes a while stuff to get shipped down here. I live on a giant block of ice. Not like you fancy Republic City folks with your gentler climates." Korra said with an exaggerated drawl. She pulled the expansion disk out of the box and smiled. She loaded it into her computer and opened the MMO. "I just popped the disk in, so it'll probably be a little bit."
"I just popped the disk in, so it'll probably be a little bit."
Asami sighed softly so the mic wouldn't pick it up. She bit her lip and tried to work up the courage to tell Korra about her upcoming plans.
"So, you know how I'm going on that business trip?" Asami said carefully.
"Yeah."
"Um, it's in the South."
Korra was quiet on the other end. "You're coming to the South?"
"Yeah."
"That's awesome! The Spirit Festival is coming up. You have to see it. You'll love it." The younger woman went on excitedly. "I'll send you a list of things you should do if you have the time. Every town and village does something, so you'll be set."
"Or…you could take me." Asami said quietly.
She bit her lip as she was met with silence on the other end.
"You want me to take you?"
"I'd very much like you to."
"We've never met each other before…Asami…you know how I feel about you." Korra said carefully.
"I know and I feel the same."
"Would it be like a date or something?"
"It can if you want it to be one." Asami twirled a strand of her hair between her fingers. "Korra, you know I like you."
"I like you, too. What port are you docking in? I can do my damnedest to meet you there." Korra said excitedly.
Asami smiled into the mic. "Harbor City. The central dock."
"You're kidding. I live ten minutes from there. I'll be there when you dock, hell, I might even be working."
"You work on the Central Dock, right?"
"Yes, ma'am. Handle the fishing and trade ships mostly. We can't all have fancy internships at our Dad's companies."
Asami crossed her arms. "Oh screw you. I had to earn that and you know it."
"I'm just teasing you. I'm really excited now."
"Me too, Korra. We've been friends for years and I finally get to meet you." Asami grinned at the thought. "Amongst other things."
"And what does that mean?" Korra's replied.
"Getting to enjoy the look on your face when I kick on ass in a duel in person." Korra scoffed and Asami smirked. "Or I could just kiss you."
"I think I'd prefer that."
Korra stared at herself in the mirror, this is the fifth time she stopped to check her outfit. She checked her watch for the seventh time. 'Asami's ship should be docking in a half an hour.' She thought nervously as she sighed and adjusted her tie.
'Alright, Korra, you can do this. Its just Asami. You've been playing the game with her for years. You talk about everything with her. She's your best friend. I'm actually meeting her! Calm down, Korra. You got this.'
She paused to run a brush through her hair. Actually wearing it down felt strange to her, but she also went out and spent most of a paycheck on an outfit to impress her friend. She gave herself one last look over in the mirror before she grabbed her parka and left her apartment for the arctic air. She practically ran down the stairs and into the road.
Korra moved through the busy harbor traffic towards the central dock.
"Korra!"
She turned to see Hasook, a coworker. He waved for her to come over, but she pointed at her watch. "Sorry, man. I'm meeting someone at the Central Dock."
"Is that how you got out of work for the week?"
"Yeah." Korra said with a smirk. "Meeting my best friend today."
"That hot girl you play that game with?"
"Yes, sir!"
Hasook rolled his eyes and waved Korra off. "Get outta here, you bum!"
Korra laughed and continued down the plank to the central dock. She heard a ship's horn cut through the chatter of the harbor. She glanced up and saw a massive freighter with the Future Industries logo emblazoned on the side. Her nerves built when the ramp was lowered onto the platform.
She was surprised at the amount of people that filed of the ship. Korra's azure eyes began to search frantically for Asami. She bit her lip when her search fell flat.
After roughly ten minutes of waiting, Korra turned and began to sulk away. 'I guess she didn't come after all. Wish she would have said something.' She thought with a pout as she kicked an ice chunk across the ground.
"Wow, you actually wore your hair down." A sultry voice called from behind her.
Korra turned slowly and her mouth fell open. She had only seen Asami with messy ponytails and sweatpants, but even under a heavy coat, Korra could tell she dressed to the nines. Silky hair draped around her shoulders, sparkling emerald eyes were complimented with violet eye shadow, and red painted lips curled into a dazzling smile.
Before either one spoke Asami reached out and pulled Korra into a crushing hug. Korra slowly wrapped her arms around Asami's waist and relished the feeling of having this woman in her arms. It was a feeling she had ever dreamed of. Korra couldn't explain it, but Asami smelled exactly how she imagined she would. Asami pulled away slowly and smiled again.
"I can't believe you're so short." Asami said with a chuckle.
Korra frowned and shoved Asami. "Way to ruin the fucking moment."
Asami stepped back and outright appraised Korra. "You're no Water Tribe Stallion."
The shorter woman frowned and crossed her arms. Asami couldn't help but let out a laugh.
"You're even more adorable when you pout in person." She smirked and Korra blushed.
"You're even more beautiful in person." Korra mumbled bashfully.
It was Asami's turn to blush. She shifted and looked away. They two women smiled sheepishly at each other.
"Well, what's your schedule like? Maybe we could get lunch or something? I managed to get the week off work." Korra said.
"I may just be an intern, but my boss is still my dad." Asami said with an impish grin. "I may or may not have asked him if I could get out of the meetings this week."
"What?" Korra gaped at her.
"I explained that I wanted to get together with you and he said that I'd have to put in some overtime, but he understood." Asami flipped her hair over her shoulder. "Besides, I thought you were taking me to a festival."
Korra blushed deeply. "Was that hair flip really necessary?"
"Sorry, I just kind of do that."
"I'm just used to seeing you with ponytails and sweatpants." Korra admitted. "Not that you aren't beautiful then, because you are. It's just...I'm just…um…awkward…I'm just awkward."
"I know you are." Asami bumped her with her hip. "I'm still me. I'm just not going to dress like this when we're raiding. Besides, I've texted you pictures of me in my workout clothes."
"That's when you want to tease me."
"Hey, I work hard for my body. I want to show it off." Asami said biting her bottom lip deliberately.
"Asami!" Korra scolded. "Stop that. I hate it when you tease me like this. I never should have told you about my crush on you."
"Why?"
"You tease me constantly."
Asami rolled her eyes. "I like you too." She bent down and brought her mouth to Korra's ear. "I like you a lot and I want to get what's mine while I'm here."
Korra pulled away quickly, a blush firmly in place. She opened her mouth to speak but was cut off when Asami caught her in a kiss. Korra froze with wide eyes, but Asami gripped Korra's face with gloved hands and brought her closer.
Her eyes slid shut and she grasped Asami's hips, bringing her flush against herself. Their kiss deepened. They had both imagined this moment time and time again. Forgotten were past decisions and agreements. When they finally broke they were both panting and Asami spoke first.
"Can we go somewhere else? I don't want to jump you in public." She said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Come back to my apartment and I can make us lunch." Korra panted out.
"It's not much, but it's home." Korra said as she pushed open the door to her small apartment. "Here, I can take your coat."
Asami stomped the snow off of her boots and set her luggage down. She unbuttoned her heavy coat and slid it off of her shoulders. Korra's breath hitched when she saw Asami clad in a snug white button up and a black pencil skirt. She took Asami's jacket and moved to hang it up quickly.
"It's nice. Seems comfy." Asami said, looking around.
"It's home. Lived here since I moved away from home." Korra stopped and sighed. "I had such high hopes for myself, but I've been working the same dead end job for three years now. The day I moved in here is the day I download the game."
"Then you met me the first time you played." Asami smiled fondly.
"Yes ma'am. We were just two noobs running around the starting zone together." Korra looked at Asami. "You know, you really kept me hanging on when things got rough."
"I know and here we are three years later." Asami moved towards Korra. She tilted Korra's head up and emerald eyes locked on azure ones. "I really want to kiss you again."
Korra stood on her tiptoes and captured Asami's lips. The older woman let a moan escape as she tangled her hands in Korra's hair. Korra slipped her arms around Asami and pulled her close. Lips and tongues battled for dominance.
Korra's hands traveled down Asami's frame and cupped her backside hard, causing the taller woman to whimper into the kiss. Her fingers had just begun to make their journey underneath Asami's snug blouse when the kiss was broken off.
Asami, flushed and panting, shook her head. "I want this, you, so badly." She rested her forehead on Korra's. "I just don't want to move too fast. I have half a mind to drag you to bed and keep you there for hours."
Korra flushed at the thought of touching Asami in the ways she had only ever imagined, but she knew Asami was right. This was all too fast.
"Let's get some food, you must be starving." Korra said with a small smile. "Where are you staying? The cabs stop running out here around eight."
Asami sat down on the couch and kicked her shoes off. "Well, we have the top three floors at The Mainstay booked."
Korra crossed her arms. "That fancy place downtown? Nice."
"Yeah, but you know, it's actually pretty comfortable here." Asami said carefully.
The younger woman blushed slightly. "You want to stay here?"
"I want to stay where you are, but I can stay at the hotel if you like your space."
"I'd love it if you stayed here." Korra said softly.
Asami grinned and winked. "Good, so go make me some food. I'm going to go get changed."
"Making yourself comfortable already?"
"That's what best friends do." Asami replied, sticking out her tongue.
Korra laughed and walked into the kitchen. 'She's staying with me. Jackpot. We can talk, play the game, hang out, make out…wait…did I say make out? No! We agreed the distance wouldn't be good for us, but we've kissed twice. I…I'm so confused.' Korra smacked herself lightly on the forehead to clear her mind of these thoughts. 'Ok, lunch. Oh! She might like those noodles.'
She reached up into the cabinets and pulled down packages of instant Southern noodles. Korra went to work into making lunch.
Asami grabbed her luggage and looked around. 'I probably should have asked where I could change.' Asami sighed. 'I don't really want to go poking around without asking. Oh, well.'
She placed her luggage on the couch and unzipped her suitcase. She pulled out a pair of baggy sweatpants and an old t-shirt. She undid each button on her blouse and slid it off of her shoulders. Asami adjusted the straps of her red lace bra and grabbed a tie to put her hair back. She frowned when a few unruly strands spilled out over her face.
"Hey, I'm making noodles and I was-" Korra rounded the corner into the living room and her mouth fell open when her eyes landed on Asami.
The young intern turned and looked at Korra with wide eyes. The younger woman's eyes fell to Asami's bust and she unconsciously licked her lips.
"See something you like?" Asami asked with a nervous chuckled.
Korra turned crimson and averted her gaze. "Wow, I am sorry. Um, I'm making noodles and wonder what kind of tea you wanted with it."
"Just anything is fine." Asami said slipped her t-shirt on.
Korra nodded and retreated back into the kitchen. Asami bit her lip. 'Well, at least she likes what she sees.' She unzipped her skirt and finished changing.
Korra braced the counter in the kitchen and tried to calm her breathing. 'Spirits, just…spirits…she's so beautiful. Her pictures do her no justice…no justice at all.' She blindly grabbed a box of tea and put some water on to boil. 'The universe just loves laughing at me. I'm probably in love with my best friend. My best friend who totally understand me and I can lean on for anything. My absolutely gorgeous best friend.'
She shook her head and stirred the soup on the stove.
Korra brought out two bowls into the living room to see Asami on the couch looking at a gaming magazine Korra had on the coffee table. She glanced up and smiled a Korra handed her a set of chopsticks and a bowl. The younger woman sat down next her as she took a cautious bite. Her eyes widened and she began to eat faster.
"I can see why you're always stuffing your face with these when we play. These are delicious." Asami said between bites of noodles. "I had no idea Southern food was so good."
Korra chuckled as her closest friend quickly ate the large bowl of traditional Southern noodles she had made for her. Asami rested back into the couch and rolled her head over to look at Korra. The two shared a small smile.
"Well, I'm glad you enjoyed them. I also jazz it up a bit, but maybe now you'll start to see how great the Southern Water Tribe really is." Korra replied with a smirk.
A faint blushed played across Asami's features. "As long as your here, it's the best place in the world."
"'Sami…" Korra whispered.
"It's true."
The smiled at each other again and ate in relative silence.
After a while Asami leaned forward and placed her empty bowl on the coffee table. "So, about this festival?" The intern asked with a knowing smile.
"It's going on right now." Korra replied, finished the last of her noodles.
"Are you still going to take me?"
"If you'd like." Korra said excitedly while standing and taking Asami's bowl into the kitchen. "You'll have to bundle up because it's getting late, so you won't even have to change. I hope you brought sensible shoes though."
"I did." Asami reached out and grabbed Korra's wrist. "Um, can I make a request?"
The younger woman stopped. "What is it?"
"Can we just pretend for a little while?"
"Pretend?"
"That we're not in this awkward state." Asami said quietly. "That we're just a normal, well, couple. I know we decided that the distance wouldn't work for us, but I'm here now. I finally got to kiss you, hold you, and I can't stand not doing it anymore while I'm here."
Korra was stunned to hear her friend's voice so thick with emotion and see her so close to tears. It was as if Asami's heart was going to break if she said no. She bit her lip and studied Asami. Finally getting to hold Asami in her arms really did push every hesitation out of her mind. She wanted Asami just as much, so she smiled and nodded.
"I'd really like that." Korra said softly.
Asami smiled and brushed away a stray tear. "Thank you." She whispered.
"I'll take this into the kitchen, go a head and grab your coat. I owe you a festival."
Korra stopped at a trash bin and threw away the trash from the cotton candy they had shared. A loud booming sounded overhead and the two women looked up in time to see an explosion of color spread across the sky.
"Spirits, this is amazing." Asami wondered at the fireworks exploding overhead, while holding her stuffed sky bison close.
Korra smiled at the sight in front of her. She usually loved the fireworks. However, Asami with a bright, almost childlike, expression was all she really needed.
Her heart did a flip when she noticed Asami was holding the stuffed sky bison like it was a sacred treasure. Korra had won it at a carnival game and Asami, who Korra had a feeling would have usually demanded to win her own, blushed and accepted the gift bashfully. Korra swallowed her nervousness and slid an arm around Asami's waist. She saw a smile spread across the taller woman's face as she moved closer to her. Asami rested the side of her head on top of Korra's.
"Can I be honest with you?" Asami whispered, still marveling at the fireworks.
"Aren't you always painfully honest with me?" Korra said with a chuckle.
Asami grinned and turned to whisper into Korra's ear. "I'm in love with you."
Korra's eyes widened and her heart flipped again. "For how long?" She asked in a hushed tone.
"At least two years." Asami replied.
"But we agreed the distance wouldn't work." Korra said, almost desperately.
"I didn't want to weigh you down, you had enough on your plate when you got depressed. I didn't want you to have to struggle with a long distance relationship. Besides, who knew when I would have been able to make it down here." Asami sighed and looked down at her stuffed sky bison. "I haven't wanted anything but you."
Tears stung Korra's eyes. 'Spirits, we've wasted so much time.' She thought frantically. 'No more.' She turned to look Asami in the eyes. "We could have made it work. I don't care how depressed I was, we could have made it work." She pulled Asami in closer. "We still can."
Asami glanced at Korra and arched a dark brow.
"I'm in love with you, too. I have been for so long." Korra confessed gently. "Please, let's give us a chance."
She tilted her head up and Asami was there to meet her lips. They kissed softly and pulled away smoothly. Emerald eyes locked with azure ones and so much emotion was shared in just that look. They rested their foreheads together and smiled as the fireworks continued to explode above them, as if just for them.
"I don't think I could ever get used to this cold, though." Asami said with a laugh as she cuddled her stuffed sky bison closer to her.
Korra slid her arms fully around her. "I can help keep you warm."
"Then why don't we go back to your apartment and you can do just that."
"Oh, you little imp!" Asami growled as she tapped at her computer keyboard frantically, attempting to fend off Korra's magic attack.
Korra laughed triumphantly and attacked Asami again. "You're the one who challenged me to a duel."
They were cuddled next to each other on the couch, under a blanket, while both on their laptops. Upon their return, Asami had enthusiastically challenged Korra to an in-game duel for 'in person bragging rights.' They had been dueling for at least ten minutes and Korra was currently winning.
Asami grit her teeth. "I didn't want to do this, but you left me with no choice." She tapped frantically and unleashed a powerful string of attacks.
Korra cried out and she was quickly drained of health points.
"Now, to finish you off you little dwarf!"
"Damn you!" Korra threw her hands up as Asami's last attack depleted the last of her health, leaving her character dead on the ground. "Damn it!"
Asami laughed manically and punched Korra in the shoulder. "Got you!"
Korra crossed her arms and pouted. Asami saw this and chuckled. She leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. "You are so cute when you pout." She said gently. "So very cute."
The younger woman shoved her away over dramatically. "No."
The intern chuckled and set her computer on the coffee table, and did the same with Korra's. "Oh, don't be a sore loser."
"You almost always beat me."
"It's because my dps is par none." Asami smirked. "I am a dps goddess."
Korra snorted dismissively. Asami rolled her eyes and poked Korra's side, who proceed to slap her hand away. "That tickles."
Asami raised her eyebrows. "Oh, does it."
The younger woman turned and looked at Asami in terror. The intern smirked and pounced at the young Southerner, she straddled Korra and stared down at her. Korra's eyes moved frantically around Asami's face before she leaned up and captured her lips. Asami pulled away and licked her lips.
"I can't stand this anymore." She whispered.
Korra cocked an eyebrow in confusion.
Asami bent down at brought her lips to Korra's ear. "I want you."
"Spirits, yes please." Korra whispered hungrily.
Asami stood and Korra jumped up and took her hand. She led her quickly into her bedroom; she shoved the piles of clothes off of the bed and pulled Asami down with her. They kissed with reckless abandon and Korra's hands began to move under Asami's shirt. She hesitated when her hands met warm flesh. Asami pulled away and looked down at her.
"What is it?" She asked softly.
"Are you ready? I mean, if you aren't sure…I don't want you to regret this." Korra replied in a whisper.
Asami smiled and brushed Korra's bangs off of her forehead. "I want this, Korra. I have dreamed of this." She dipped her head down and kissed Korra's neck. "I want to tell you I love you. I want to kiss, touch, and tease you. I want you to hold onto me and scream my name. The question is: are you ready? We know each other so well, but this is the first we've been together in person."
"I don't care about that. You have been my best friend for years. You kept me going when I was ready to give up. The distance doesn't mean a damn thing. I fell in love with you and I want you." Korra kissed Asami deeply. "Make love to me."
With that, Asami slipped a hand between them and cupped Korra intimately. The younger woman cried out and gripped Asami's shoulders. "Naked." Asami mumbled as she nipped Korra's neck. "I want us naked."
Asami head fell back onto the pillows as Korra rested her head on the intern's shoulder. She traced absent circles on Korra's naked back.
"That was everything I had ever dreamed it would be." Asami whispered.
Korra's hand traveled across Asami's bare stomach. "Tell me about it." Korra said with a happy sigh. "I have wanted that for so long. All those damn work out pictures…"
"I knew it. You just wanted me for my body." Asami teased.
"If that's what you think…"
Asami chuckled and kissed the top of Korra's head. "Oh, it's not. I know you love me. Someone who wants me for my body doesn't look at me the way you do."
"And how is that?"
"Like I'm this goddess, a model of perfection." She lifted her head to lock eyes with Korra. "Like I'm the love of your life."
Korra propped herself up on her elbow and leaned over Asami. "What if you are?"
The intern blushed. "Korra…"
"What? We've known each other for years and I'm done denying what I feel." Korra said. "I love you, Asami."
"Korra…you are an amazing person and I love you so very much." Asami whispered and pulled Korra to her. "We'll make this work."
"You're damn right we will." Korra smirked and pushed Asami on her back. "Now, where were we?"