-Asami-

"Should I go with the emerald or jade crystal?" I ask myself, holding the two necklaces up against my neck. Both pieces compliments my cider colored blouse, but I want something to make my eyes pop.

I'm recording my Thanksgiving themed video today, and I want to look as festive as possible. With the holidays coming up, many people will turn to social media platforms to get inspired.

My channel has always been a favorite when it comes to cooking. When it comes to making tasty treats or whatever that warms your belly, I'm all for creating memories. Knowing that I can help others doing what I love, warms my little ole heart. But that's just one of the reasons why I decided to upload my cooking videos to YouTube in the first place.

It all started when I was 18.

I was in my senior year at Little Rock Central High. Autumn to be exact. I don't know why I decided to make videos at such a chaotic time. I was a cheerleader. I wasn't the best, nor was I the worst. But in the south, school spirit is taken seriously. You were either on the team rooting, or in the bleachers. I was never the sitting type, so there you have it.

Either if it was a football game against a rival team, a pop quiz, or just being bored out of my mind. Cooking helped me stay sane, and I'm glad for it. It's not like my life was hectic, I lived a somewhat quiet life growing up. I say somewhat because, my father owns the top mattress company in the state of Arkansas.

Yes. I was that girl who had her very animated father all over the local stations promoting the softest mattresses your money could ever buy.

My father is a respectable man in the community, so there wasn't any teasing from my peers. But trust me, I was cringing every time he came into the house with his pimp like style. Imagine the father from that Matilda movie, then double it.

Despite his style, I love my father very much. It has just been me and him since my mother passed away when I was a child. I don't remember much, but from the old films and photos, I know she loved me very much. My father reminds me of that everyday, simply by the love he gives me.

He bought me my very first camera for my birthday back in the summer. It was a Nikon Coolpix A10, very popular during that time. I also used the money I saved up working at Bender's Diner, to buy my first editing software.

I wish I could say I was the greatest videographer back then, but I wasn't. Truthfully, I was the worst. I didn't even have a tripod! I used things ranging from books to even mason jars to capture my angles.

Despite such a poor set up, I knew what I didn't want to capture in my videos though. And I received all that knowledge simply from watching other cooking videos online.

For starters, no one looked like me. They were just middle aged people or older, recording their every move, which took up time. I mean come on people! Are you making a dish or trying to impress your classmates back in 1957? Ain't nobody got time for that. People want to see recipes, and how to make them to the best of their abilities. Cooking is already time consuming, don't make it harder than what it has to be.

Also, their videos were very dull. Color hasn't hurt anyone, brighten it up a bit! Yes, I'm talking about you Carol. With your house on the prairie kitchen drapes.

I knew from there, I wanted to make my videos appealing, fun, informative, and short. With this approach, I started gaining views, comments, and subscribers. Not many, but I was happy to gain some attention. I was just making videos in my kitchen after all.

Remember when I mentioned something about school being hectic, and downplayed the stress by using cooking to cope? Well, let's just say...I was making brownies everyday, because I was barely passing my classes. Not just that, but the classes I needed desperately to graduate.

I know what you're thinking. What school lets you play sports with failing grades? The answer? A top ranking football school that is !

I was so in fear that I wouldn't graduate, I didn't even apply to culinary schools, let alone visit colleges. But when my school counselor informed me I still had a chance, I bumped up my studying. And that's exactly how the video that changed my life came to be.

I was making a video on how to make a peach cobbler.

I usually let my camera roll and edit later. When it came to the editing, I just muted the audio and sped up the self explanatory parts. I mean? Do ya really need to hear me say 'I'm cracking an egg?' while I do it? If you need someone to do that, you must have a chicken brain.

I usually take the time to watch the videos after I uploaded them, but it was getting late and I still needed to study for my geography test.

So I posted the video, and off to the text book I went.

I got so caught up in my other classes, I didn't really pay attention to my new video comments the following days. I rarely got them, so I felt linking my personal email to be notified would be pointless. But when a classmate approached me a week later about a video of mine, I had to storm into the school's library and check out what she was talking about.

And there it was, my peach cobbler video with more than 10,000 views. That wasn't just the shocking part, the amount of comments and subscribers I gained was astounding.

Why all this sudden fame you ask? Well. It certainly wasn't because I was a great chef. It was all because my dumbass uploaded the unedited video to YouTube.

I was watching myself talk to myself, along with the other 10,000 people in the world.

I was tickled pink from head to toe, but I kept watching.

"Aw. Shucks. I almost burned down my house making this peach cobbler. I can hear my daddy now. Sami Dear. Because of your terrible cooking and lack of a future, we have to live in a mattress fort. I plan to sale all my mattresses. Therefore, we're practically homeless. All because you wanted to be the next pioneer woman. Then I'll be like. But Papa, I just want to cook! It's my calling! How else am I going to get a man who will love me, because I can't bring anything else to the table? All because I suck at geography! "

If you thought watching my own video was brave, reading the comments took courage as well. But to my surprise, I found more positive feedback than bad. People actually saw me as relatable. Even famous YouTubers were recapping my videos. I went from a loser, to a viral sensation in a matter of days.

I thought the attention would die down, but it didn't. My next upload became even more popular, all from not muting my videos anymore.

From there, I started gaining sponsors. People from all over the world were sending me supplies and paying me just to say their name or use a product in my cooking videos. It was crazy!

They didn't just like my videos, they liked my recipes too. Tons of fans and even celebrities were making my dishes, which brought me greater attention. So much attention, I was invited to be a guest judge for a kid's cooking show for the Food Network channel.

I was just a small town girl who loved to cook, it was so overwhelming.

My father was surprised by the attention too. He was proud of me, but he thought it was super weird that companies were paying me to just mention their name. But once he saw how huge of a following I had, he wanted me to promote his business too. Haha. Of course I didn't do so, but I supplied my cooking services whenever he had an expo or something.

With the money I gained, I was able to purchase a quality camera and anything to help enhance my videos. I wasn't just creating food, I was creating a brand.

A brand called Future Pastries.

At only 18, I was able to climb my way up in the YouTube world and become the second most popular cooking channel. (The Food Network being first. ) And till this day, I hold that spot. Despite all of this, I'm truly blessed and humbled. I wouldn't be here without my fans I call my 'Futures'.

Now at 24, I have 8.8 subscribers on YouTube, a cooking line, a house in Springdale, AR, and a cameraman/editor named Wu.

Talk about a journey.

"Asami are you ready?" Wu calls, from outside my bedroom.

"Yes, Sweetheart. I'm coming out now." I reply.

I decide on the jade necklace, and off I go.

~Korra ~

California is expensive af, especially in the city of Sacramento. You would think we would be in Beverly Hills or something. Don't get me wrong, the weather and things to do make up for the cost. But damn.

Sharing an apartment with my two best buds wasn't just resourceful, but a great idea. The boys and I make ends meet by doing side jobs separately. But to make a little more cash, we run a YouTube channel called 'The Triple Threats".

Our videos are based on the requests made by our audience in the comment sessions of our videos.

It wasn't too hard gaining success in this market. Our dynamic as a group makes us all quite lovable. Bo is the hysterical one, I'm the chill/level headed one, and Mako is the cameraman/hype guy.

We aren't super famous, but we are well known in the YouTube community. Here or there we might get sponsor or two, but nothing consistent.

But I think we can all agree, the love of our fans mean more to us than money. I've never met a more loyal fan base, even though they make us do crazy things. Hearing how we inspire our fans and make their day, warms my heart.

That's why the boys and I take it seriously when it comes to looking through the comments, for our next video idea.

I just wished it wasn't so time consuming. And I swear! If I see one more threesome comment, I'm going to scream. Like? Don't they know this platform has restrictions? I'm kidding! The boys are like brothers to me. It has been that way since we were kids.

Mako, Bolin, and I all grew up in the same neighborhood. We would constantly wreck havoc in our city, but our personalities helped us get out of trouble. When we grew up, we knew we had to keep the trend going. That's how we get through the hell of adulting together.

I'm the baby of the group at 23, Bo's 25, and Mako is the grandfather at 28. He's also the only one that actually went to college, so he's like the breadwinner in our eyes. But don't let the degree fool you, he certainly not the mature one.

I have my own YouTube channel where I spread positive messages and voice my opinions on matters that are close to me. I'm not as active on that account though. I like to put all my focus on this channel, because it's great bonding time for everyone.

"How about dying each other's hair?" Bo asks, as he looks up from the laptop.

"No. That sounds too boring and time consuming." Mako replies, picking at his already frosted tipped hair.

We've spent 45 minutes scrolling through the 1,000 comments, for something actually worthwhile and different to do. If we don't find something soon, I'm going to call it a quits and seek refuge in my room.

" What about this one? Pick another popular YouTuber and recreate their video." Bo says impressed.

"But who would we be? That's a huge task to do and we're on a budget." Mako says.

"What about The Try Guys?" Bo suggests.

I think about it.

"They're great and all, but. Our channels are quite similar in a way, we both try things." I state.

"Well! SOrryyy for being the only one picking out ideas. You all just sit here and shoot down my words, as if I don't have a heart.." Bo says, crossing his arms.

Mako and I share a smirk between each other, due to such a drama king.

"No one said it was a bad idea, Bo. We're just working it out in our head." Mako reassures.

Before we restart our search, I get an idea. No! A vision.

There is this one YouTuber that I know by heart, that we could totally reenact. Her name is Asami and she has this YouTube channel called Future Pastries. She's very popular in the community, and from her videos to presentation, she's amazing.

I think she's from Alabama or somewhere, but she has the cutest southern accent. It's like I'm listening to the blonde haired friend from the Princess and the Frog. But despite all of that, she has this warmness to her. And she speaks into the camera like it's just you and her in the room.

Her videos are my guilty pleasure. Forget those creepy ASMR videos, I could listen to her cook and talk all day.

"Earth to Korra! What's your idea?!" Bo asks, waving his arms frantically in front of me.

"Let's recreate a YouTube video." I state.

"But which one? And it has to be under budget." Mako says, sternly.

" I know Mr. Finance! I'm well aware that our rent is coming up." I state, as I take the laptop from off the coffee table, and type Future Pastries into the search bar.

I'm so glad my account isn't already logged into the computer. If that was the case, you'll see her videos already loaded.

I don't follow Future Pastries on my main account, I can't have my fans knowing I have a soft spot for desserts and southern hospitality. Therefore, I use an old gaming account I made when I was 15. It's not that I'm ashamed of watching videos like that, it's just…some things we like to keep to ourselves. Take Bo for example. He loves Disney movies, but I know he doesn't want people to know.

I saw him crying to the Little Mermaid once, it was at the scene where Ariel wiggled her toes. And till this day, I don't know if he was crying out of happiness or sadness. Either way, I don't want to know. And I don't want anyone to know about my love for such a channel.

I click on her colorful channel, and I notice she recently uploaded a new Thanksgiving themed video. The title reads 'My Pumpkin Pie' I internally squeal, because I get to indulge in this video now.

"Hello, Pumpkin. I mean. My Futures. *Wink*Welcome to another episode of Future Pastries. If you're new here, I'm Asami Sato. And it's nice to meet ya. Make sure you wipe your feet at the door, because you're staying with me. Today, we're making my famous pumpkin pie."

"What in the name of Paula Deen is this?" Bo asks, before I shush him.

She's wearing a new necklace and It really makes her eyes pop. And the color of her blouse. Cider? Wow! She's really rocking that Thanksgiving look.

Noticing the guys' glaze on me, I start to speak.

"I want us to recreate her video. It's a simple cooking video, so we won't have to break bank. Thanksgiving is coming up, everyone will be viewing this video of her's. Which also means, our version will be well known too. What do you say?" I ask.

From the look on Mako's face, I can tell he's liking the idea. From Bo's, I can tell he's just matching his brother's face. But all looks favor what I want. No! What I need!

"You're making great points, Korra. And judging from how many subscribers she has, Asami's famous enough for our fans to know exactly who we're making a parody of."

Parody? I see it more as paying homage. A tribute some may say. But if that's a yes. I'm all for it.

"So is that a yes?" I ask.

"Hell yeah!" Mako booms, getting us pumped.

"We totally have to go shopping now." Bo says, turning to me.

" I'm going to do your hair, and you'll put on a nice dress. You'll look like a princess! " Bo cheers while grabbing my hand.

The look of confusion on both Mako's and I's face due to this new side of Bo, causes him to quickly clear his throat and deepens his voice.

"You Know? So you can look the part for the video." He corrects.

I usually wear t shirts with words on it. But if it helps make the video look more realistic, I'm all for it?

Maybe the famous Asami Sato will see our video.

I hope she does.

Asami

The video I posted yesterday was a success. I gained 1 million views in under a day, which is always a great thing to see. My father wants me to come home for Thanksgiving. He's in Little Rock, which isn't too bad of a drive.

This will be the first Thanksgiving in 2 years that I'll be home. The past years, I've been touring and promoting my cook book. I always try to drop a new book around the holiday season. It's well needed during this time, and would make a great gift.

But with that in mind, I decided to put my new book out a few weeks after Thanksgiving, just so I can be with my father.

I know he's proud of me, and I try to see him every chance I get, but I know he misses me being home. I miss being home too, but I'm making a living for myself. Something, I know he always wanted for me.

It's a funny thing, because both my parents are terrible cooks. My father used to tell me, my mother would burn water if she could. It's nice knowing that I was given a trait that doesn't just make my parents proud, but helps me stay alive.

As much as I enjoy cooking, it can be lonely. Imagine a plate full of biscuits and gravy, and no folks to eat them ?Talk about depressing.

Sometimes when I can, I donate those treats I make in my videos. But that's very rare, because I live in a nice little cabin. I could live in the city, but I enjoy having nature engulf me in her beauty. And don't you think for a minute that this little southern gal is scared of living out here by her lonesome. I've a lovely rifle that keeps me warm at night.

Another company I've is Wu, but that's during the morning time. Wu hates driving out here to help me record at night. He's a city boy. All the way from Atlanta. And he couldn't be sweeter than a Georgia peach too.

When he's not helping me, he tells me about how much he misses his boyfriend Huan. I never met him, but judging from how Wu gushes over him, they make a cute couple.

I've been so invested in my brand and craft, I had zero time to date. I can't remember the last time I even talked to anyone in a romantic way. But now that I'm getting older and my brand is pretty stable, I'm gaining a lot of free time. Which also means, I have plenty of time to sit and dwell on how alone I am. But whenever I open my laptop, and read all the happiness I bring others, I'm pulled out of that inky dark place.

As I get up to get another cup of coffee, my telephone rings, blasting the fighter by Keith Urban. Seeing that it's Wu, I answer.

"Hey, Sweatheart. How's it going?" I ask.

"Gurl. Listen. Don't freak out, but we have a problem. Have you been on YouTube lately?"

"Not recently. Why?" I ask.

"Go search 'The Triple Threats' Pumpkin My Pie.' "

I head over to my laptop and enter the words into the search bar. After I click search, I see my thumbnail on top, then another thumbnail that looks a little similar to mine, but has three faces on the preview.

"Did you search it?" Wu asks.

"I did, and I see the video with the title you told me."

"Click on it!"

"Why?" I ask, not understanding why my friend is so persistent.

" Just watch the video and call me back. Because. Gurl... This is some tea."

Before I can reply, he hangs up.

No longer allowing the cursor to sleep on the thumbnail, I click on the video and turn the volume up.

I don't usually watch YouTube videos, I don't even watch mine anymore. The fun is in making them, not rewatching what I lived through. But if my friend told me to watch It, I guess it's for an important reason.

Terrible banjo music starts to play in the background, and I make a disgusted face just from hearing it.

After such a terrible intro, I'm then faced with a girl in a very nice floral dress. Her hair is in a bun similar to a style a woman would wear in the 1950s, and she's wearing some fake pearls. If that look doesn't just stand out. The giant smile as she stands with one hand on her hip does.

"Pumpkin my hello. I mean. Hello, my Time Travelers *Wink* Welcome to another episode of Past Pastries. If you're new here, that's good, because you shouldn't know me. I'm Asami Sato, and it's nice to meet you. Wipe your feet at the door, because you're never leaving my home. *Camera zooms into her left eye, as it starts to twitch* Today we're making Pumpkin Pie. Pumpkin? Can you come here please?"

A green eyed gentleman wearing a suit steps into the frame. He's smoking a cigar and he looks annoyed.

"What do you want woman? Can't you see I'm trying to work. It's hard being the only money maker around here. But I don't mind it, you sure know how to cook."

The slap he gives her backside, tells me the woman is annoyed in character or not. But her giant smile still stays.

"You sure I can cook, and not Tracy?" She asks.

The business man looks confused "What?"

"Oh nothing, Sweetie. I need your help. I need a big and strong man to help me make this 'pumpkin' pie." She stresses.

The gentleman smiles and takes off his suit coat.

"I am strong, and no woman can lift as much as me."

The gentleman then begins to flex his arms into the camera.

"Mmhm. That's right, Honey Bun. No woman or man can." She replies, giving him a kiss on the cheek.

The woman then starts getting out the ingredients for the pumpkin pie, and I watch as she continues to speak in that god forsaken awful voice. I hope she's not trying to portray me, because I do not sound like a southern belle. And I would never keep my mouth shut when it comes to someone saying sexist comments. This whole video is a mess.

I'm angry, but I don't know why I continue to watch this mess.

Even when she uses the bread knife for cutting the crust to stab her husband several times. I watch. As she repeatedly yells comments about how she knows he cheated on her with his secretary Tracy. I watch. When she smiles into the camera with blood all over her apron. My eyes are glued.

Why am I so captivated by such a distasteful video?

After her breakdown, the screen displays a 'We'll be back momentarily' still image.

After that, the woman reappears on the screen unbothered.

"Hello my Time Travelers, sorry about the wait. I was just putting the 'pumpkin' pie into the oven. But guess what my darlings? It's ready to be taken out now, and it smells *Sniffs the air* Delicious. Let's see how it turns out.*

The woman takes the pie out, and you see a store bought pumpkin pie with a cigar stuck inside. Which apparently symbolizes she cooked her husband, but I'm not impressed. Why buy all the ingredients for a pumpkin pie, and not make it from scratch? If you're going to make fun of me, at least put in some work.

She then takes a bite out of the pie, and gives an over dramatic moan. I never moan in my videos. When I sample something, It's a simple, hum. She made it sound like I was the intro from that Diana Ross Love Hangover song.

"And that's how you make 'pumpkin' pie. Thank you for watching, my Time Travelers. See you next time. *Mwah*

With the video finished, I'm heated.

I feel like a firework on the 4th of July.

The fact this video has 2 million views and surpassed my original, doesn't help either.

No longer being able to hold all this anger inside, I redial Wu.

"Hello?" He asks.

"What in the firey hell was that? This woman just made fun of me, and half of the world has seen it." I stress.

"I know! They aren't even that popular. They're just some daredevil Californians. They have no brand or idea on what they're doing." He replies.

Not only was I insulted, but I was insulted by nobodies!? How humiliating is this?

In all my years of working, I've never made any enemies. Why now? This isn't some trolling comments on my videos, they're attacking my brand. My life! And I refuse for them to get away with this. I need to figure out who these people are, and ruin them.

I won't contact them personally. No. That's too easy. I have to hit them where it hurts. I must use my platform against them like they did to me.

And I know just how to do it.

"Come over, Wu. I feel like cooking, and I think I'm in the mood for California rolls."

They chose the wrong gal.

Author's Note

I wanted to make a nice little mini story to kill time during the holidays. This fic will only be ten chapters, and I will try my best to post an update every week. Depending on the feedback, I might update more than once a week. But it all depends on if you like it or not lol.

My boss's girlfriend will be on a hiatus until I finish this probably. But 10 weeks or under isn't too bad lol.

Happy Thanksgiving, try to do something kind for someone and be safe.

Thoughts are appreciated.