Cyrano: To Asami, With Love

Summary: -Loosely based off of Cyrano de Bergerac and the novel Seaside Letters by Denise Hunter- Modern/AU College setting - No bending.

The last thing Korra had ever expected to happen in her life is to fall in love with her best friend, Asami Sato – especially since she is connected to one of her biggest past regrets.

Asami has received notes from a mysterious figure; for the past two years. As her senior year of university comes to a close, she is desperate to find the person behind the messages and declare her feelings for them.

Korra knows that if she comes even close to finding out whom the person behind the messages is, it would be a disaster since the person who Asami is trying to find is herself.

Chapter 25

-7 months later-

Asami quickly read the sign that hung on the front door in front of her:

Please knock and don't ring the bell, so as to not disturb the baby.w

Following instructions, she tapped on the wooden door with her knuckles. Taking a step back, she pulled her cell phone out, scanning the numerous notifications in the task pane of her phone. She was so engrossed in her emails she didn't notice the front door had opened.

"If you want to stay outside, that's fine with me," Kuvira muttered with an eye roll. Asami looked up from her phone before cracking a half smile.

"If that were true, then you wouldn't have invited me over." Kuvira rolled her eyes once more as she pondered the thought. Asami's smile widened as she heard gentle cooing emitting from the baby monitor on her hip. "Get rid of your smirk and get in here," Kuvira instructed as she stepped to the side. Asami passed the threshold before removing her shoes. "How are you not dying in this heat in that pant suit?"

"It's not too bad," Asami commented with a shrug.

"It's July, but you are from the Fire Nation," Kuvira answered before closing the door. She half-smiled before pulling Asami into a light hug. Asami noticed the half-smile and felt a twinge in her stomach before returning the hug. Many people had stated the Korra and Kuvira looked and acted the same… "How have you been?"

"Busy," Asami sighed as she followed Kuvira into the kitchen. Taking a seat at the table, she put her phone on silent. "But that was to be expected. The company is doing fantastically, Baatar included."

"Thanks for helping him land a job." Kuvira placed a glass of lemonade in front of Asami before taking the seat opposite of her. "It has made things a lot easier for us." She took a sip from her own glass, licking the excess liquid from her lips. "I don't know how we would have been able to handle everything if it weren't for your help, and Su's, of course."

"Well, I wanted to make sure the only thing you were worried about around graduation was graduating…and the baby of course," Asami answered with a smile. She downed half of her lemonade before placing her glass on a coaster. "How is she?" she question, cupping her hands together, resting them on the table top.

"She's great." Kuvira's usual stern face softened a bit. She reached up and brushed her long braid over her shoulder. "For a two month old, she is very well behaved." She sigh softly. "I'm actually waiting for it to get harder, to be honest. Everyone kept telling me it would really really hard the first few months."

"Be careful what you wish for," Asami warned.

"Exactly," she chuckled. Kuvira leaned to the side and unclipped the baby monitor from the elastic band of her pants. She held it up to her ear, smiling at the quiet breathing of her daughter. "Would you like to see her?"

"Maybe after she wakes up from her nap," Asami answered quickly. Kuvira raised an eyebrow but remained quiet. However, the corners of her lips twitched upwards. Kuvira knew that Asami wasn't very comfortable around children; their "date" to the homeless shelter had easily proven that fact. "How's Opal? I haven't talked to her in a while."

"She's doing well. Last I heard, she and Bolin have traveled back home for the summer. Opal is taking some courses that RCU didn't offer. I think she may end up graduating early because of it, in the long run."

"That's great! I was given the offer to graduate early but decided against it," Asami admitted.

"Really? I didn't know that." Kuvira frowned when she heard a soft whimper coming from the baby monitor. She watched as a green light on the side of the monitor flashed red. "Why?"

"I just didn't feel ready." Asami shrugged. "I didn't have much of a childhood. I've basically been working with or for my dad in some way, shape, or form since I was ten." She glanced down at her hands, staring at her reflection in her bright red nail polish. "I just wanted to feel…normal."

"…It had nothing to do with Korra?" Kuvira asked.

"…Maybe a little bit."

Kuvira nodded, opting to finish her lemonade instead of responding. Asami propped her elbow up onto the arm of her chair before cupping her chin with her hand. She pursed her red lips and motioned towards Kuvira with a small jerk of her head; silently allowing her to ask the question she knew was coming. "Have you heard from her?" Kuvira wondered.

"No," Asami muttered. "I kind of expected her to be at our graduation,"

"Me too. I know she got the invitations because the mail didn't bounce them back." Kuvira glanced at the baby monitor once more as the green light to red, and her daughter let out another cry.

"Should you go and check on her."

"The nanny will," Kuvira answered. She refused to look at Asami as she continued to watch the baby monitor. Her daughter let out an even louder wail. "Actually, I will check on her. Want to come?"

"Sure," Asami said. She finished the rest of her lemonade, placed her and Kuvira's glasses into the sink before following her up around the house, up the stairs, and towards the baby's room. Kuvira placed the baby monitor on her hip before knocking twice. "Why are you knocking?" she asked.

"Because of the person on the other side of this door," Kuvira muttered before turning the door handle. She opened the door to the baby's room and immediately walked over to the crib as Asami stayed frozen in the door way. She was too shocked, seeing Korra shaking a rattle near the baby, to do anything else.

Korra smiled as Kuvira picked up the baby, placing her on her shoulder. Korra's smile quickly faded when she noticed Asami in the doorway, clean pressed, and her dark hair pulled back into a slick ponytail. Korra brushed her brown bangs out of her face, before giving an awkward wave.

"Hey," Korra greeted her quietly.

"Hi," Asami answered slowly. Kuvira looked in between the two of them as they stared at each other. She wrinkled her nose, wincing in disgust as she lifted the baby's backside towards her and sniffing.

"Oh, she needs to be changed," she groaned. The baby let out a loud wail. Asami flinched, raising a hand to cover he right ear. "That should take about…oh, twenty minutes, seeing how fussy she can get," Kuvira announced. Side-stepping around Asami, she cooed and kissed her daughter lightly on the forehead as she headed towards her bedroom.

"Shouldn't she change the baby in here?" Asami questioned, glancing at the changing table.

"Do you want to smell it?" Korra countered.

Asami exhaled slowly out of her nose a she contemplated Korra's words. She heard the tones of amusement in her words. "I didn't know you were here."

"I was going to surprise everyone later." Korra dropped the rattle into the crib, before nervously rubbing her arm. "I just got into contact with Kuvira first because we're working on something together."

"Oh, what?"

Korra hummed quietly as she glanced at the ground. The ends of her short hair flittered against her chin. Asami had expected her hair to be growing out at this point, but was surprise to see that Korra had kept up with the new short hair do. "While I was in the hospital recovering I kept my studies up. It gave me an escape, it gave me something to focus on," Korra explained quietly. "Because of that, I was able to stay on track and keep my academic standing. While I was away, I transferred my credits and took a lot of courses." She lifted her head and looked in Asami's direction. "This fall I get to graduate."

"Korra, that's great," Asami said. Her initial reaction was to fake her happiness, but it came out genuine. She was proud of Korra and all of her accomplishments.

"I started thinking of my degree, how I could use it in my life. During my travels I met a little girl who was working for her parents, helping their family make money," she continued. "She skips school pretty often to help out. It made me think of Kuvira and her life troubles, and for the child she stayed in touch with at the homeless shelter. I wanted to make a change…"

"And…."

"I'm opening a school for troubled youth," Korra announced. A smile fluttered onto her lips, clearly showing how excited and proud she is of her newest venture. "It doesn't matter their circumstance: orphans, homeless, abandoned…if they want an education then I'll give them one." Her blue eyes shined brightly, and Asam couldn't help but be drawn to them. "Pema even has a degree in special education, so we'll be able to expand on that as well."

"That's fantastic!"

"One of the first students will be Akane." Korra swallowed hard. Asami wasn't sure if it was because they had full eye contact, or she was just wetting her throat. "Kuvira always talked about that girl, so I thought she would be a good start."

Asami nodded a few times, before her smile faded. A silence filled the room. She wracked her brain, trying to come up with something to talk about. "…Have you seen anyone else yet?"

"No." Korra quickly shook her head. She winced, blinking rapidly as some of her hair got in her eyes. Asami couldn't help but smile at the situation in front of her. "You're one of the first few people I wanted to see, which is why I didn't tell anyone I was here." She stuffed her hands into her pockets, before gently rocking back and forth. "How have you been?"

"Pretty busy," Asami answered lightly.

Korra smiled gently. "No need to be modest. You're the youngest CEO that I know of." She chuckled, reaching up and rubbing the back of her neck. "Well, you're the only CEO I know."

"It's kind of a weird feeling to be in charge of…so much," Asami answered.

"You can do it," Korra said with a shrug. "Plus, you give young girls something to aim for. You're telling them that they can be CEO's or engineers or mechanics…or a pilot, if they wanted." Her blue eyes brightened as she snapped her fingers. "Maybe you should come and talk to the female students at the school when it opens."

"Sounds great."

Korra's licked her lips, drawing in a shaky breath. She stopped rocking, and stood stock still, her hands lightly shaking. She cleared her throat twice. "The real reason I'm here is….I wanted to apologize," she whispered. "I never did, months ago, and it's haunted me every passing day." Her blue eyes began to mist over. "I'm sorry for everything."

"You don't have to apologize." Asami shook her head.

"Of course I do."

"No, you don't," she insisted. Asami took a few small steps into the baby's room. She crossed her arms over her chest. "You didn't deliberately go out with intentions to hurt or kill anyone."

"But I was drinking," Korra said slowly. It came out sounding like a question more than a statement.

"Yes, I know but you were buzzed." Asami held up her hand, silencing Korra who had looked like she wanted to continue to beat herself up. "It doesn't change anything, and it was wrong, but I get it," she said gently. "You made a choice and it turned into a mistake. Besides, having to break news like that to someone…there's never a good time to say it."

"I just want you to know that I never intentionally meant to hurt you."

Asami stepped forward and placed her hands onto Korra's shoulders. The shorter girl flinched slightly at her tought. This prompted Asami to tighten her grip. "I know, Korra. I know who you are. Sure, when we first met you were abrasive, loud, boastful, and somewhat cocky," she listed off.

"Gee, thanks," Korra rolled her eyes. While she looked annoyed, Asami noticed the familiar sparkle in her blue eyes whenever she found something to be funny.

"It was just to hide how sensitive and caring you actually are. It's a part of you I lo…" Asami quickly clamped her jaw shut. She released her hands from Korra's shoulders before taking a few steps back. Korra tilted her head to the side, peering closely at her.

"Asami…."

Asami sighed hard. She reached up and rubbed one of her temples. "Love," she admitted. "It's a part of you I love." She crossed her arms over her chest, glancing at the circus themed wallpaper in the room. "It's how I know why you had to leave. As hard as it was…I couldn't stand the idea of you losing you and my dad-"

"But you didn't," Korra said, taking a step forward.

"You never responded to any of my letters," Asami abruptly changed the topic of conversation.

"…I was scared to open them, to be honest. I was afraid of what you were really thinking of me, and our situation."

"Did you really mean it?"

"What?"

"When we fought…you said you were in love with me." Asami asked the wall. "Did you mean it?"

Korra paused, her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Asami glanced over at her Korra as silence stretched in between them. Korra pulled her lips into a thin line. "Why would I lie about something like that?" her voice was barely above a whisper.

"You wouldn't." Asami couldn't help but smile. She faced Korra once more, willing the pinch behind her eyes to fade away. The familiar pain clouded her thoughts. "Korra, while you were gone, I gave us a lot of thought."

"Us?" Korra's eyebrows rose.

"Yes, about everything that's happened. I don't want you out of my life." Asami reached up and dabbed the corner of her eye with her knuckles, trying to keep any tears from falling. "You're very important to me. Going through this, I've seen your deepest lows, and you've seen mine as well." Korra half-smiled. "I wrote those letters because I didn't' want you to feel alone, like me. Even though I never got a response, I wanted it to be a comfort for you to know that someone cared-"

"Asami, I have to be honest with you," Korra interrupted. "I kind of lied," she said slowly. "I was in town for your, Kuvira's, Baatar Jr.'s, and Mako's graduation." Asami's eyes slowly widened as the words tumbled from behind Korra's lips. "I streamed it while babysitting Pema's and Tenzins children. I wasn't there in person because I wasn't ready to see everyone." She swallowed hard. "I'm sure they found out about what I did."

"Everyone does know," Asami confirmed.

"What'd they say?" Korra lowered her head, but glanced up at Asami, her eyes peering through her bangs. She reminded Asami of a young child asking their parent for something they already knew the answer to, as if she were afraid of what was about to be said.

"That you made a mistake and they wished you stayed in town so they could be there for you. They also understood why you had to leave."

"So, they know about what happened with us?"

"Everyone already knew," Asami tittered. "…except maybe Mako, but he quickly figured it out."

"I heard he's working part-time with Beifong now." Korra flicked her head, forcing her hair out of her face. Reaching up, she tucked some loose strands behind her ear. She pulled herself up to her full height, trying to find a comfortable way to stand.

"He really seems to enjoy it," Asami commented. "He worked so hard to get to where he is now."

"It's cool that you were able to stay friends after everything," Korra commented.

"…The same can be said for us."

Korra's blue eyes widened as she gasped in shock. "You still see us as friends?" she asked in disbelief.

Asami tilted her head to the side, looking up at the ceiling in thought. Korra began to lightly chew on hr bottom lip as she waited for a response. Finally, Asami slowly shook her head. "I don't think we're friends anymore, to be honest."

Korra slowly nodded. "I get it."

"No, you don't," Asami said with a soft smile. "We already kissed…three times I think?…we're kind of past friends at this point." She reached out and lightly jostled Korra by the shoulders. Korra couldn't help but smile as a bit of the tension began to fade.

"What are you saying?"

"When you were gone, it made things easier to comprehend. If we would have actually become a couple, it would have been disastrous whenever your news was revealed. I'd have to deal with the idea of a sense of betrayal."

"You already have," Korra pointed out.

"Well, yes," Asami faltered, "but I think it helped us grow. Would you have been able to handle dating me while keeping that secret to yourself?"

"Probably not, no," she quickly answered.

Asami reached out and took a hold of both of Korra's hands. She ran her thumbs lightly against her dark knuckles, silently reassuring her, attempting to steady her shaking hands. "Korra, I forgive you, for everything," she said. :I understand why you did what you did. It will be hard to get over my father's death, it still is. I don't think I'll ever get over it, but I don't want to lose you because of it." Asami licked her lips, her words speeding up a bit. "You're my best friend, and I remember a life before you entered it, and I hate it."

"So…"

"I want to be with you, so badly." At her words, a bright smile formed on Korra's face. Asami felt a rush of heat flow over her body when Korra tightened her grip. "However, I think we should take things slow. We should just let Ii happen naturally, so we're both comfortable."

"I agree," Korra answered.

"Y-you do?"

"I've been thinking a lot too, and while I was gone, the one person I greatly missed was you," Korra explained. She bashfully raised a shoulder. "I don't know, it's something about you. You've been there for me for so long, through everything, and I don't think I'd be able to continue through life without you in it." Korra half-smiled and it filled Asami with joy, "I love you, Asami."

"I love you too," Asami whispered. "I'm glad you're back. I didn't think you ever would."

"I'm glad I'm back too." Korra's smile faded and a look of uncertainty and discomfort formed on her face. She released on of Asami's hands before rubbing her neck once more. "Is it alright if I give you a hug?"

Asami laughed before throwing her arms around Korra's neck. Korra tensed up a bit, before slipping her arms around Asami's waist, pulling her in tightly. As the seconds passed, the two tightened their hold on each other, not wanting to break apart. They embrace didn't have any empty spots, filling it with their bodies and emotions, trying to make up for the past seven months.

When they finally pulled away, Korra reached up to brush a stray tear off of the top of Asami's cheek bone. The two stared into each other's eyes their breaths tickling their skin. The only sound in the room was their rapid heartbeats, staring out separate, staccato, soon forming into one.

"Oh, I know you're not about to kiss in a baby's room," Kuvira commented as she re-entered the room. Korra and Asami glanced at each other before pulling apart, laughing lightly. A light flush racing across their cheeks. Korra rolled her eyes, lightly punching Kuvira on the arm a she passed by. Kuvira took a seat in a rocking chair, cradling the baby in her arms.

"Thanks, Kuvira, for ruining my life seven months ago," Korra said with slight sarcasm.

"That's what I'm here for," Kuvira answered with a smirk. She glanced down at her child, straightening the shirt she was wearing before glancing up at Korra and Asami. "Anyone want to hold her?" she asked.

"I'll pass," Asami declined, taking a small step backward. Korra squeezed her on the shoulder before stepping forward and holding her arms out. Kuvira carefully slipped her daughter into Korra's outstretched arms, lovingly stroking the dark fuzzes on the top of her head.

"Hey, little one," Korra cooed, rubbing her nose against the baby's cheek. "I'm Korra. Your mother is a fantastic friend, so I know she'll take great care of you." Korra gave Kuvira smile and a wink. Kuvira rolled her eyes, looking away, but not before Asami noticed the light blush on her cheeks bones. "You easily proved that good things can come out of seemingly bad situations. So, I'm sure you'll live up to your name, Natsuki."

"Summer…and hope," Asami whispered before turning towards Kuvira. "That's a beautiful name, for a beautiful child," she commented.

"Thank you," Kuvira said graciously. She then raised an eyebrow. "So, what's going on with you two?" she demanded. Korra and Asami shared a look. "I mean, I think I have a right to know since I was in the middle of this whole thing."

"…Hope…I think," Korra answered.

Asami nodded. "Me too."

The End!

AN: And that was 'Cyrano: To Asami with Love". I hope you all enjoyed the story, and for some background info on what went on as I wrote it, please head over to tumblr and checkout my 'Cyrano: To Asami with Love Trivia' post. My tumblr is knocking-down-hesitation. Enjoy, and I hope you will continue to follow me with my other stories.

Thanks!

~Angel