Shifting Rhythms
"Korra, you know I hate when you do that, right?" Asami says playfully, shoving her with a grin on her face, though Korra doesn't seem to be smiling at all.
"Do what?" Korra replies dryly, looking ahead and going straight to her gym locker, not paying any mind to Asami's behavior.
She starts sitting down on the bench in the girls' locker room, taking off her gym shoes. Her body language is closed off, and it’s obvious she's upset about something.
Asami stands there with her arms crossed, studying Korra, trying to figure out why she’s acting this way. She can’t remember the last time Korra had been so distant, so cold.
Asami sighs softly, stepping closer, unable to stand the coldness in the air. "Korra..." she tries again, her voice softer this time, but there's a trace of frustration hidden beneath the gentleness. She doesn't want to push, she steps a little closer to her. but the space between them feels impossible to ignore.
Korra doesn’t respond right away. She just unties her shoes, pulling them off with a little more force than necessary. Asami feels the weight of the silence between them. There’s a tension in the air, one that’s been building for the past few days, and Asami doesn’t know how to break it.
Korra finally looks up, but her gaze is fleeting, a brief glance that’s quickly averted. Her lips pull tight, not quite a frown, but enough to show she’s far from happy. “What do you want me to say?" Korra’s voice is flat, almost guarded.
She sits down beside Korra on the bench, her body angled toward her, but there’s a clear gap between them—both physical and emotional. She watches Korra fiddle with the laces of her shoes, the action more out of habit than necessity. “I just want to know what’s going on with you,” Asami continues, her voice barely above a whisper. "You’ve been acting… distant lately. Ever since this week started. You’ve been shutting me out."
Korra’s jaw clenches at the words, She stares at the floor for a few seconds, her fingers tightening around the shoelaces before she lets go and sighs heavily. “I’m not pushing you away,” she mutters, but the words ring hollow in the space between them. She doesn’t sound convincing, not even to herself.
Asami’s brow furrows, her eyes studying Korra’s stiff posture, her closed-off body language. “Korra... don’t lie to me. You’ve been cold. I can feel it. Something’s bothering you, and I want to know what it is.” She pauses, her voice softening, like she’s treading carefully over fragile ground. “Did I do something?”
Korra finally speaks, but her words are measured, deliberate. “You didn’t do anything wrong, Asami. It’s not you.” She exhales sharply, her gaze flicking down to her shoes again, her fingers twisting around the strap of her gym bag. She’s lost in thought for a moment, the silence between them deepening. Then Korra turns her head, her gaze fixed on the ceiling. "It’s just…
Asami’s brow furrows in concern, but she stays quiet, waiting for Korra to continue.
Korra's voice drops, quieter now, as if she’s speaking to herself more than to Asami. “I just... I don’t know what to do,” she murmurs, her hands fiddling with the strap of her gym bag. She doesn’t look at Asami, her gaze fixed on the ground as she tries to steady herself, trying to keep the vulnerability from spilling out. “My dad was talking in the kitchen this morning about moving. About how we need to go somewhere for ‘better opportunities.’” Her voice wavers slightly at the last part, and she forces herself to breathe through it, though it's clear the weight of the words is too much to bear.
Asami notices the way Korra keeps her body turned away from her, the small movements she makes to avoid facing her directly. Korra’s eyes flick up to the ceiling, but never make it to Asami’s face, a clear sign that she’s holding something back. The tension in Korra’s posture is palpable, her shoulders stiff, as though she’s trying to keep herself composed, but failing.
“I can’t even think straight, Asami,” Korra continues, her voice distant and strained. She rubs her thumb against the palm of her hand in a nervous habit Asami knows too well. “Everything’s changing, and I... I don’t know what’s going to happen next.” She takes a shaky breath, her words falling out in a rush. “I don’t even know if I’ll be here next year. Maybe I’ll have to leave. And I... I don’t know if I can do that. I don’t know how to say goodbye to everything here. To this.”
There’s an unease in her eyes now, though she’s still avoiding Asami’s gaze. The uncertainty is clear on her face, and it’s like she’s barely holding it together.
Korra opens her mouth as though to say more, to explain, but the words stall. She looks down again, her fingers pressing against the edge of her bag, trying to steady herself. She swallows hard before speaking again, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m sorry for how I’ve been acting. I know I’ve been... distant. I didn’t mean to push you away. It’s just… everything feels like it’s slipping away and—”
Before she can finish, a car horn blares outside, sharp and insistent. Korra jerks her head toward the sound, her face immediately hardening, her eyes narrowing. Asami follows her gaze and sees the car parked just outside, Korra’s dad, waiting in the driveway.
Korra’s breath catches, and she stands up quickly, almost too abruptly, her gym bag slung over her shoulder with a force that betrays her inner turmoil. “That’s my dad. I have to go.” Her words come out hurried, the last part almost too fast, as if she’s trying to escape the moment before the weight of everything hits her again. She turns toward the door, her steps quick and purposeful, but there’s a clear reluctance in her movements.
“Korra…”
“Korra?…”
Korra blinks, slowly coming back to the present. She looks at Asami, her mind still lingering on the memories, but the gentle tone of her name being called brings her attention back to the wedding balcony.
She shifts slightly, trying to shake off the weight of the past, but her heart still feels heavy. “Yeah?” she asks, her voice a little more distant than she intended.
Asami studies her for a moment, her gaze full of quiet concern. “You alright? You seemed lost there for a second.”
Korra nodded quickly, too quickly, as if trying to dismiss whatever lingered in the air between them. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just… thinking.”
Asami’s gaze softened as she observed Korra. There was a certain way Korra always reacted when she was trying to hide something—her shoulders would tense ever so slightly, her eyes would flicker away for just a second too long, and her words would come out too fast, too smooth, like she was trying to convince herself more than anyone else. Asami had known her long enough to pick up on these small, subtle signs. She could tell when Korra was deflecting, masking whatever thoughts were swirling beneath the surface. It was a familiar dance they’d done many times before, and it made something stir in Asami’s chest.
Asami took a slow breath, sensing that there was more to it. She took a step closer to Korra, feeling the shift in the atmosphere—familiar, yet somehow new. She could feel the tension that seemed to surround Korra, but decided not to press for now.
“Well, it’s good to see you.” Asami’s voice was sincere, her smile softening the words. “I haven’t really gotten a chance to catch up with you tonight. How’ve you been?”
Korra shifted on her feet, clearly a little caught off guard by the question. Asami couldn’t help but notice how Korra’s eyes shifted briefly, like she was weighing her answer. There was something in the way she seemed to shrink back, as if she didn’t quite know how to explain everything that had been happening in her life. Korra had never been the type to hesitate before.
“I’ve been… okay,” Korra replied after a beat, the words coming out slower than usual. Her smile was still there, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes.
Asami’s eyes softened as she studied her. There was a quiet beauty in Korra’s vulnerability, even if it wasn’t something she wore for others to see. Korra’s sharp features, the way her strong jawline met the curve of her neck—everything about her still had that magnetic quality. And Asami, despite the circumstances, couldn’t tear her gaze away.
Asami’s gaze lingered on Korra, unable to help herself. The sharp angles of Korra’s jaw, the curve of her neck, the way her eyes seemed to soften even when she wasn’t smiling—it all pulled Asami in. It felt like there was something unspoken between them, a familiar warmth laced with distance. She opened her mouth, about to say something, when suddenly...
“Hey, lovebirds!”
Bolin’s loud, teasing voice cut through the air, and Asami blinked, startled. She turned her head just in time to see him striding toward them, hands up like he was conducting an imaginary orchestra.
“Come on, don’t make me drag you both down to the dance floor,” he said, grinning like a troublemaker caught in the act. “We’ve been waiting! You two have been up here long enough!”
Korra’s eyes flickered over to him, her face flushing a little, as she straightened up, no longer in the quiet moment they’d been sharing. “Bolin, we’re just talking,” Korra said, but there was a hint of embarrassment in her voice.
“Oh, I know,” Bolin said with a knowing wink, “but that’s exactly why you both need to come join the party! The floor’s waiting for you!” He glanced between them, his grin widening mischievously. “I swear, if you two keep standing up here like this, people might start thinking you’re planning a secret rendezvous.”
Korra groaned, shaking her head, but Asami couldn’t help the small laugh that bubbled up at Bolin’s antics. The tension from earlier seemed to dissolve, replaced by the familiar warmth of their friendship, even if the spark between her and Korra still lingered.
“Alright, alright, we’re coming,” Korra said, her tone light, though she shot Bolin an exaggerated glare that softened quickly into a smile. “But I swear, if you make this awkward…”
“I wouldn’t dream of it!” Bolin said, throwing an arm around both of them with exaggerated flair, pulling them both gently toward the ballroom. “Come on, the dance is calling, and I’ve got some moves to show off.”
—-----------
Asami stood off to the side, her gaze sweeping over the lively crowd of guests, a subtle smile on her lips as she observed the joy around her. The energy of the reception was contagious, yet somehow, a quietness had settled in her chest.
She was distracted, lost in her thoughts when a familiar voice pulled her back into the moment.
"Hey, Asami! You're lookin' a little too serious over here. Everything okay?" Mako’s voice was warm, though there was the faintest trace of concern beneath his teasing tone.
Asami smiled, her shoulders relaxing as she turned toward him. “Oh, Mako, I’m fine,” she replied, her tone light. “Just taking it all in. It’s been a long night.”
Mako stood there with his arms casually crossed, his usual cool demeanor softened by a smile. The dim lighting of the reception caught the glint of his hair, and Asami couldn’t help but notice how much he had grown since their first days together, both in stature and in presence.
“You look like you’ve got a lot on your mind,” Mako said, raising an eyebrow. “You sure you’re okay?”
Asami gave him a reassuring nod. "I promise, everything’s fine. Just... you know, wedding stuff. Lots of people to catch up with." She glanced over at the crowd again, catching a glimpse of Tenzin and Pema engaged in conversation, Jinora laughing at something Bolin said. It felt like everyone was in their own world tonight.
Mako followed her gaze, his eyes scanning the crowd as well. “Yeah, I get that. It’s a bit overwhelming, but it’s good to see everyone so happy. It’s been a while since we’ve had a chance to relax like this.”
Asami chuckled softly. “Definitely. It’s nice, though. The air’s lighter tonight, I think. I don’t know, there’s something about this place that feels... different. Like we’re on the brink of something new.”
“Yeah,” Mako agreed with a slight smile. “I know what you mean. It’s a change of pace from everything we’ve been through, for sure.” He paused, then added with a grin, “I don’t think I’ve seen Bolin this happy in a long time. He’s practically spinning Opal into another dimension.”
Asami couldn’t help but laugh at that, her eyes moving briefly to where Bolin was, indeed, spinning Opal around with so much enthusiasm that it looked like he might launch them both into the next room.
“He’s impossible, isn’t he?” Asami said with a shake of her head, her smile fond.
“Yeah, but you know what?” Mako’s voice softened slightly, “He’s always been that way. He knows how to make everyone feel better when things get tough. I think it’s why we all keep him around.”
Asami nodded, feeling the warmth of their friendship radiate in the simplicity of their exchange. “Yeah, I’d be lost without him.”
Just as the conversation was starting to settle into a comfortable silence, Asami felt a sudden tap on her shoulder. She turned to find Prince Wu standing there, his usual swagger tempered by the slight nervousness in his eyes.
“Hey, Asami!” he greeted, his voice a little louder than necessary, as though he were trying to make up for his unease. “I was wondering if you could do me a solid?”
She raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the request. “What’s up, Wu?”
“I, uh…” He cleared his throat, trying to sound more authoritative, though it came out more endearing than anything. “I’m supposed to be mingling, but I really need someone to... you know, help me make sure I don’t embarrass myself too badly.” He glanced over at the dance floor, where a few guests were laughing and twirling around in the slow dance that had just started. “You see, I’m not exactly a dancing expert ...”
Mako snorted, but Asami shot him a look, quieting him.
She turned back to Wu, who was standing there with an awkward grin. He wasn’t wrong—he did have a way of unintentionally drawing attention to himself, but that was one of the things that made him so lovable.
“Don’t worry, Wu,” Asami said with a smile, “I think I can help you with that. But just so you know, I’m not the world’s best dancer either.”
“Pfft, that’s a relief,” he replied quickly, flashing her a grin that was equal parts grateful and relieved. “So, you’ll dance with me then?”
She nodded. “Sure. I’ll be your guide for the night.”
Wu’s eyes lit up at the promise of Asami’s help. “Thanks! You’re a lifesaver.” He paused, then added, almost sheepishly, “And hey, I could use some pointers on how to dance, too.”
Mako, who had been watching the exchange with mild amusement, crossed his arms again and gave a smirk. “Good luck with that, Wu. You’re gonna need it.”
Wu rolled his eyes. “Thanks for the support, Mako. I knew I could count on you.”
Asami grinned, her gaze lingering on the two of them. It was moments like this—simple, lighthearted moments—that reminded her of the bond they all shared, despite everything that had happened over the years. They had weathered storms together, and now they were here, on this joyful night, sharing in something far lighter.
“Alright,” she said, breaking her thoughts as she turned back to Wu. “Let’s go. I’ll show you how it’s done.”
The two of them headed toward the dance floor, Asami offering the prince a few tips along the way. Mako lingered at the edge of the crowd, watching them go, his arms still crossed but with a small, fond smile on his face.
—-----
houlder. Turning, she found Opal standing there, her cheeks flushed, and a slightly dazed grin plastered on her face. She was holding a glass of something—definitely more than her usual amount.
"Heyyy, Asami!" Opal said, her voice a bit slurred, clearly having had a bit too much to drink. "You’re looking so pretty tonight! Seriously, like... I can’t even... You should be, like, the queen or something.” She giggled, clearly enjoying the sound of her own words.
Asami raised an eyebrow, half-amused, half-astonished at Opal’s sudden shift in energy. “Uh, thanks, Opal… You okay there?”
Opal nodded vigorously, then immediately stumbled a little, catching herself on a nearby table. “I’m great! I’m, like, so good right now,” she said, her words almost spilling out in a rush. “It’s just... so much fun! You have no idea. You should’ve seen Bolin, he’s, like, trying to dance with everyone! You know, just—just, like, let loose. You should dance with me, Asami!”
Asami laughed at the enthusiasm in Opal’s tone. “I’m not sure I’m ready to go that wild tonight. But I’ll keep it in mind.”
Opal leaned in, speaking in a conspiratorial whisper as though sharing the greatest secret in the world. “You totally should. It’s so freeing. Like, come on, what are we doing, just standing around and being all serious? Life’s short! Let’s just… dance!”
Before Asami could respond, Opal straightened up, her face lighting up as the music shifted. The slow beat began to fill the room, pulling the couples into a relaxed rhythm.
“ Oooooh, it's starting ,” Opal exclaimed, practically vibrating with energy. She didn’t wait for Asami’s reply before spinning around, searching the crowd for Bolin. “I gotta find Bolin! He’s probably already halfway across the room!” And just like that, Opal darted off, nearly knocking over a glass of wine in her excitement.
Asami stood there for a moment, half-laughing at Opal’s antics, then noticed the change in the atmosphere. The music slowed, and the crowd began to pair off, swaying to the mellow tune.
Opal, as much as she’d been a whirlwind, had vanished, and now Asami’s gaze shifted, landing on Korra, still standing at the edge of the dance floor. arms crossed, looking anything but entertained. The slow music filled the air, and couples swayed together, laughing and talking, completely immersed in the moment.
Asami couldn’t help herself. She sidestepped through the crowd, finally making her way over to Korra, who looked more like she was at a meeting than a celebration.
“You know,” Asami teased, standing in front of Korra with a playful smirk, “you’re looking a little... boring over here.”
Korra’s eyes widened slightly, caught off guard. “I’m not boring,” she muttered, but her tone lacked its usual fire.
“Oh? Because from where I’m standing, you’re about as lively as a statue.” Asami’s grin grew as she leaned closer, her voice lowering. “Is this really how you're going to spend the night? Watching everyone else have fun?”
Korra’s face flushed, and she opened her mouth, but no comeback came out. She shifted uncomfortably, her eyes dropping to the floor for a moment before meeting Asami’s gaze again. “I’m just... not feeling it,” she admitted, her voice quieter than usual.
Asami’s teasing expression softened, and she stepped closer, her hand lightly brushing Korra’s arm. “Come on, Korra. Don’t be like that. You deserve to have some fun too.” She then, without hesitation, took Korra’s hand in hers, gently pulling her toward the dance floor. “Besides, I’m not taking no for an answer.”
Korra hesitated, her heart racing at the sudden proximity, her face reddening slightly. “I don’t know, Asami... I’m really not—”
Before she could finish, Asami grabs Korra's hand wrapping it around her waist, guiding her hands to settle there. The touch was warm and firm, and Korra’s breath hitched in surprise.
“There,” Asami murmured with a playful glint in her eyes. “Now, don’t you feel better?”
Korra, suddenly acutely aware of how close they were, swallowed hard, her cheeks burning. She tried to steady herself, but the warmth of Asami’s hands were around her neck was making it hard to focus.
“You’re... you’re really persistent, you know that?” Korra said, her voice shaky as she awkwardly tried to keep her hands steady.
“I’ve got my ways,” Asami replied smoothly, her voice dropping low with a smile that only made Korra’s blush deepen. They swayed in sync, both trying to find their rhythm in the unexpected intimacy of the moment.
Korra still felt a little out of place, but as she looked into Asami’s eyes, she couldn’t help but relax, just a little. The world around them seemed to fade, and for a moment, it was just the two of them.