Work Text:
Time passes slowly now.
Day after day in the factory, inventing the next great masterpiece, Asami Sato sat at her desk drawing a mockup for a new project. Daily, she helped Republic City evolve into a new era of brilliance. She tried not to give herself a day off because she needed the distraction. One project after another, she falls into a void of loneliness without even realizing it. Her thoughts began to wander.
Is this all there is? I have a purpose here but feel a pull, like a string attached, wanting me to go somewhere else. I believe in destiny. Ever since I was a child, I knew that Future Industries was my destiny, that one day I would own and operate it, but something was missing. Is that where you're pulling me, invisible string of fate? What else could be out there when I have everything I've ever wanted here?
Asami looked up at the clock and saw it was nearly 2 o’clock in the afternoon. She worked past lunch again. The black-haired woman stretched her arms into the air and leaned back. She got up and left her office for a much-needed break. Asami made her way to a nearby park that usually had some delicious food vendors.
She spotted a stand, purchased a couple of kebabs, and then proceeded to sit on a bench. Asami looked around as she ate. The park was beautiful this time of year. The trees were beautiful shades of vibrant green. Pink flowers bloomed in the bushes and the small garden areas. It was warm out but not terribly hot. She spotted a sweet-looking young couple on a bench nearby. Her thoughts turned to Mako and how much of a train wreck that was.
Maybe I’m just not meant to have a man in my life? They're more trouble than they're worth anyway.
She was happier when he was in her life for that brief time. Having someone that you could constantly rely on was a reassuring feeling. There were a lot of benefits to having a partner. Loving someone was an aching feeling but in a good way. Feeling loved in return was even better.
Her. Korra. The robust Water Tribe girl that came into her life a little over a year ago. She was the Avatar, the world's most powerful and important bender.
The most amazing, funny, and beautiful girl in the world. I wish she would come back.
“Ms. Sato?” Asami snapped back to reality. A man she recognized as her secretary was trying to get her attention. “There's a matter that needs attending in the factory, ma’am.”
“Oh, right. Let's go.”
~~~
Asami returned home after a long day at the factory. It was close to 2 o’clock in the morning but she sat at her desk with a quill and paper.
Dear Korra,
How have you been? Republic City isn't the same without you. Hope your recovery is going well. I’ve really missed you; I mean, we all have. I don’t see Mako and Bolin much anymore. They're off doing their own jobs, and I’m here running Future Industries. Not that I’m complaining; I love this company. I've just been a little lonely, is all.
I thought about you today at the park. Earlier in the day, I was thinking I was missing something in my life. Being away from you for so long has got me thinking a lot lately. I guess you don’t honestly know how you feel about someone until they're not with you. The ache in my heart is constant, and I thought it was the stress and the anxiety of the job, but I don't think that's the case. Maybe you're the something I’m missing in my life.
I love you Korra. I have for a long time and-
Asami stopped writing. She looked down at the paper and scowled. Suddenly, she crumpled the letter and threw it into the trash bin beside her desk. She got up from her desk and left the factory for the night.
~~~
Asami wasn't usually one to dream unless it was about her projects and inventions. In her dream, she found herself on Air Temple Island at sunset. She walked the path, looking around the island. The whole island glowed orange at this time of day. The sakura trees were in full bloom, and you could hear the chatter of the lemurs. It was truly one of the most beautiful places in all of Republic City.
She found herself at the meditation pavilion. As she looked inside, she saw Korra. The muscular woman sat in her usual meditation position, with her back turned towards Asami.
“Korra?” Asami whispered. A tear rolled down her cheek. “Korra?” she asked louder.
She quickly walked towards the Water Tribe girl. Asmai reached out to place a hand on Korra’s shoulder, but suddenly, she was falling. Her heart stopped as she fell into the abyss. She hit the ground hard. It was dark and cold. Her entire body was in pain as she managed to roll over.
She spotted someone lying on the ground a few yards away. It was Korra. Her back was turned towards the green-eyed girl. She had chains on her wrists, and her long hair was down from her usual ponytail. She wasn't moving.
Asami crawled up to her and held the brunette in her arms. Korra’s eyes glowed as she looked up at the green-eyed girl. She lifted her arm to place her hand on Asami’s cheek gently. Asami raised her hand to place it on top of Korra’s. The light faded from the Avatar's eyes, and her arm dropped. The black-haired girl cried as she brought her in tighter.
Asmai woke up in a cold sweat. She quickly sat up, tears streaming down her face. She gave in to the grief and began to sob. The girl wiped away the tears rolling down her cheeks, but it wouldn't stop.
She missed Korra; that was clear. The ache was no longer a pleasurable feeling but a purely painful one. She grasped at her chest, desperately trying to relieve the pain. Tears began to drip onto her nightgown. Her head began to hurt; she grabbed her hair, clutching a handful tightly. She clenched her jaw, tears rolled over her lip; she could taste the saltiness on her tongue.
Asami gasped, her breaths were few and far between. She leaned back and tried to focus on her breathing. After a few minutes, she calmed down. The black-haired girl wiped the remaining tears from her face.
She got up and walked to her bathroom. After turning the faucet on, she splashed cold water onto her face. She gripped the sides of the sink, looking up at herself in the mirror. Her eyes were red and puffy, and her hair was an absolute mess. She ran her fingers through her long black hair to try to get some of the knots out.
Her head still hurt; her temples were pounding. She walked back and sat on her bed. She didn't want to go back to sleep; she didn't want the dreams to continue. Asami decided to make herself some tea and stay up the rest of the night.