A/N: I've read a lot of great stories about Asami and Korra's trip to the spirit world, but very few about the night after the battle. I present my first contribution to the Korrasami community. Enjoy.

What is the best way to quantify exhaustion? Should it measured by a quantitative amount of physical exertion or a qualitative feeling of weariness? . . . Wow, I've spent way too much time meditating lately. Korra sighed tiredly and rolled her neck.

It was over. A war three years in the making halted with a short, remorseful surrender. It won't end tonight, though. They will continue to fight. . . Kuvira had been more than their leader, she had been one of them, a soldier and a god – someone worthy of dying for. But that is a job for the United Forces tomorrow, tonight we will rest.

"Korra, a little help?"

She turned to see Bolin supporting Mako. The fire bender looked paler than usual and was staring at the rim of the crater warily. We need to get him back to the island before he collapses. "I'm okay, just a little tired," he said as Korra approached them.

"In that case, maybe you should be helping me get out of this hole," she said as she pulled Mako's other arm across her shoulders.

Bolin laughed, "Is that we're calling it know? Getting zapped by huge amounts of spirit energy?"

A small grin broke through his brother's grimace. "That's right poke fun at the injured guy."

"Only because we love you, Mako," Asami said with a small smile behind them.

Ahead of them, Tenzin called out to the chief of police. "Lin, where are you taking her?"

The older Beifong sister paused for a moment as she stared at her prisoner. "Police headquarters could be destroyed for all we know-"

"Then take her with us to the island."

"She's a war criminal, it wouldn't be safe-"

"I don't see many other options. She needs medical care as well," he said evenly as he and the other airbenders whistled for the bison.

Suyin frowned as she watched Kuvira's men climb out of the crater. "Will your people attempt to free you?"

"They might," Kuvira said in a quiet voice.

"Then inform the United Forces," Asami said. "They can set up a blockade around the island until we can find an alternative."

Lin sighed heavily, but relented. "We can use the top floor of the main tower. President Raiko, will want to speak to her anyway."

"We need to find Pema and Wu as well."

"We can't let Kuvira's army capture them," Lin agreed. "I'll have what's left of the force find them, Tenzin."

The older airbender let out the breath he'd been holding and placed a hand on Korra's shoulder. "Are you alright?" he asked quietly.

She nodded and tried to hide the tiredness all of them were feeling. "Creating a new spirit portal, ending a war – just a normal day."

He chuckled softly as he scanned the sky for their bison. "It seems we may be on our own."

Korra frowned, "Mind if I give it a try?"

Asami took Korra's place at Mako's side. Whistle in hand, Korra walked away from the group and stood motionless for a moment. Inhale, exhale. A moment later a wave of energy flooded her body. Just one more time tonight, Raava. Korra shot up into the sky and landed on top of the tallest building nearby and blew the whistle as hard as she could. Almost immediately, a herd of bison-shaped shadows materialized in the distance. There they are.

"Set him down here," she heard Tenzin say as she dropped down into the vine covered street. Asami and Bolin lowered Mako to the ground as Korra approached.

"Still doing okay?" she asked as she pulled a handful of water from the air.

He groaned as she began healing his arm. "I've been better."

"Our ride should be here shortly." She turned to her mentor. "There are a lot of injured people, Tenzin."

"I know, but the hospital was evacuated. You're all we have, I'm afraid."

Korra nodded and continued healing, feeling exhaustion pressing down on her until the weight of Asami's hand on her shoulder gave strength. I can sleep for days after all of this, I just need to get through the next few hours.

"Oogi!" There was more than a little relief in Tenzin's voice as the herd landed around them.

"Alright, Mako, let's get out of here before Korra decides to open another spirit portal," Bolin said as he pulled his brother across his shoulders.

"It isn't in a very convenient location, is it?" the avatar said as she stood.

"I don't know," Asami said with a small grin. "Right in the heart of downtown? You couldn't ask for a more centralized location."

Korra laughed and put an arm around her. "I guess you're right," she said as she airbent them onto Opal's bison with Bolin and Mako.

"Take us home, my sweet turtle-duck," Bolin shouted to Opal who rolled her eyes and smiled as she took Juicy's reigns.

From the air, the scope of the damage to the city became painfully clear. I don't know if we can salvage anything. We'll need to rebuild the entire city.

"Where can I set up an infirmary, Tenzin?" Korra asked when they landed as she helped Mako off the bison.

"Use the dining room for now. Lin and I will take Kuvira up to Raiko."

"Okay." Bolin and Korra began carrying Mako up the steps to the Temple. This is going to be a long night.

Korra jerked awake in confusion. Pema was kneeling next to her and Naga with a bowl of noodles. "You need to eat," she said softly.

The younger woman sighed and accepted bowl. She'd done all that she could for the wounded – Mako having the worst of it, would need a sling for his arm for a few weeks. It had been too hard to resist closing her eyes for a moment and leaning back into her furry companion.

"-and then I blew the door off its hinges!" Meelo shouted enthusiastically. He had an entranced audience of Varrick and Wu detailing the moment he'd came up with the idea to paint bomb Kuvira's giant mecha-suit. Nearby, Zhu Li was finishing bandaging Mako's arm. Bolin and Opal, Jinora and Kai, and serveral of the other air benders were still seated around the table. Meelo, Wu, and Varrik seemed to be the only people who didn't look utterly exhausted. I still need to check on Tenzin and Kuvira.

Naga sensed her change in mood and nudged her with her nose. "It's okay, girl. I'm just a little tired." She finished her food and quietly left the room.

"I'm don't care if we have to go at this all night," Korra heard Raiko say as she entered the highest room in the temple, "I want a guarantee – your troops will surrender unconditionally!"

Kuvira was seated in front of the radio, still in cuffs, staring at her folded hands. "I can order them to surrender, but this, the Earth Empire, was always bigger than just me," she said quietly. "You can't order an idea to surrender. Your best chance for a peaceful resolution is to offer them a better option, a better leader."

Korra pulled Tenzin aside and began healing his arm. "We know they won't accept me, and certainly not Wu, as a better leader. What do you propose as a 'better option?'"

"I don't know."

Raiko threw his hands up and continued pacing the room. Korra watched tiredly as Suyin stood from her chair. "We don't have a better option," she said staring out at the ruined city, "but we can give them a better purpose. Order them to help set up humanitarian aid, clear debris, and keep the peace."

"Don't villainize them, let them be the peace keepers and saviors they thought they were under her command," Lin said quietly.

"Precisely."

"It's a start," Raiko admitted heavily.

Korra accepted Tenzin's thanks and stood next to Kuvira. "Can I borrow her for five minutes?"

Raiko furrowed his brow. "No, you cannot. We're in the middle of-"

"Ending a war. I know," Korra said flatly. "Help Su and Lin write up a statement Kuvia can read to her people. I need to heal, what I suspect is, at least two cracked ribs."

"She's fine-"

"She's injured and I'm not asking this time: give me five minutes and then she's all yours."

Raiko looked on the verge of arguing, but Lin spoke up first. "We can use the next room. Tenzin, you've always been better at politics. Help these two write her speech." She led Kuvira by the arm from the room.

"Thank you for that," Korra said after the door was shut.

"I should be thanking you. Watching Raiko pace the floor was giving me a headache. If I remove your cuffs, are you going to give us trouble?" she asked Kuvira.

"No."

Korra helped her out of her coat. "I'm going to need you to lie down." She knelt down next to Kuvira and lifted her undershirt.

"Spot on diagnosis, kid," Lin said softly. The left side of her ribcage was covered in dark, painful looking bruises.

"You didn't have to do this," Kuvira said quietly after a few minutes of healing.

"Yeah, I kind of did." She was silent for a moment as she worked. "I'm your avatar just as much as theirs."

"I don't know how Su can stand being in the same room with me after what I did to Baatar," she admitted in a quiet voice.

Korra looked up at Lin. "Does she not know?"

"It never came up."

She looked down and met Kuvira's tired eyes. "Baatar survived your attack. He's here recovering."

The once Great Uniter closed her eyes and exhaled unevenly, but didn't speak. Not for the first time that night did Korra feel immense pity for her. She had had so much to live for, had so much potential, but she'd just wasted all of it. Had retaking Republic City always been her goal from the beginning? How early in her crusade had she imagined the forced-labor camps she'd send her political prisoners and fire and water benders? What was the moment that changed her from protector to dictator?

Korra helped Kuvira to her feet. "You'll be sore for a few weeks, but there shouldn't be any permanent damage." She watched Lin escort her silently from the room as she leaned back against the wall behind her and slid down to the floor, listening to the scene in the next room.

I'm so tired of all of this, she thought as she let her head fall into the hands.

"Just read what's written. There's no need to veer from the script," Raiko's irritated voice said.

But it's only just beginning for her and her army.

"United Earth Empire army, this is the Great Uniter. By now word of my surrender and capture will have spread among your ranks." Kuvira's voice was so hollow compared to that day outside Zaofu.

I can't listen to this. Korra pushed herself to her feet. "In my quest to unify and protect our people, I lost sight of my original goals and instead sought power I could never hope to control." She poked her head in and nodded to Tenzin before heading for the stairs. "I allowed my shortsightedness compromise everything we've worked so hard for: a safe and united Earth Empire." Kuvira's voice echoed hauntingly after her. "This great country deserves more from its leader, a better future than what I can promise. . ."

Korra breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of Naga waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs. "Let's go to bed, girl."

"Korra!" The avatar jumped and looked down the hallway to see Ikki waving her over. "Mom just got out macaroons. You should came have some! Varrick is even asking for suggestions for the next new flavor of Varri-cakes."

"I think I'm just going to get some sleep. Put me down for kale or sea prune flavored Varri-cakes, though." Korra waved goodnight and followed Naga out into the courtyard to the women's barracks. "We did pretty good today, didn't we, girl? Saved a city, ended a war – that's not something we do everyday." She smiled as Naga nudged her with her nose. "Too bad most of the city got destroyed. I guess Asami has her work cut out for her. . ."

Asami – I haven't seen her since we got here. Korra slid open her bedroom door for Naga, but walked hesitantly to the next. Just knock on the door – that's bound to be a lot easier than creating a new spirit portal. She lifted her fist, but couldn't bring herself to knock on the door. You're just checking in on her. She did the same for you after what happened with Zaheer. . ." Asami?" she said as she knocked gently.

No answer.

Just check to see if she's even in there. Korra took a deep breath and slid the door open a fraction.

The small room was dark, but even in the dim moon light reflecting off the bay Korra could see the young inventor sitting on the bed with her knees drawn to her chest, her shoulders shaking, quietly sobbing. She slipped into the room and shut the door behind her.

"Hey," Korra whispered as she sat down next to Asami. The older woman started abruptly and tried to wipe the tears from her eyes. Korra gently stopped her hands, "It's okay." Asami took a shuddering breath before letting her friend pull her into her arms.

They stayed like that for ages, Asami crying into Korra's neck, held tightly until her tears had run dry. I've got you, Asami. It was with great reluctance when they finally separated and sat side by side on the edge of the bed.

"Thank you," Asami whispered awkwardly staring at the floor.

Korra tried to rub some the tiredness from her face. "I distinctly remember you doing the same for me more than a few times," she said with a small grin.

Asami returned the smile, "I suppose I did."

A silence stretched between them before Korra worked up the nerve to ask, "Would you like me to stay?"

From the corner of her eye, she saw Asami nod. "I'd like that."

"Okay."

Boots were unceremoniously dropped on the floor; Asami's coat was given a bit more consideration and draped over the back of a chair. She slid under the covers and held them open for Korra. Thank the spirits I'm so tired or I'd be too nervous move. They laid facing each other for a moment before Asami turned onto her opposite side, pulling Korra flush with her back, Korra's arm around her waist.

"Is this alright?" Asami asked tentatively.

Korra snaked her other arm under their shared pillow and squeezed her tightly from behind. "I think I can make it work," she muttered sleepily into Asami's sweet smelling hair. I could make this work any night.

Morning broke over the ruined city the same way as any other day, completely unaware of the destruction and loss of life that had happened the day before. It streamed silently into the rooms of Air Temple Island, gently waking its inhabitants.

Accustomed to early mornings, Asami woke first to an unusual, but not unwanted feeling of warmth and security. Korra, she thought lazily. It was several minutes before she could convince herself to move away from the avatar's embrace. She turned slowly to face her and brushed a few arrant hairs from Korra's face.

She looks relaxed, almost happy – not a look she has often enough. She let her fingers linger along her jaw, tracing her way to Korra's lips. So close, Asami thought wistfully, but there is so much to do. She pressed her lips to the younger woman's forehead before gently shaking her shoulder. "Korra?"

She muttered incoherently and pulled Asami closer. "Korra," she laughed in surprise, "it's time to get up."

"Noooo. It can't be."

"I'm afraid so – or at least, it is for me." She felt Korra sigh and loosen her hold on her. How easy would it be to stay here and spend the whole morning in her arms? Asami pushed herself up onto an elbow and ran her fingers through Korra's hair. "You look like you could use a few more hours of sleep."

"It won't be as nice without you," she muttered sleepily.

"I suppose not, but I'm sure you'd manage."

"Probably." Korra sat up and stretched. "Did you sleep okay?

"Better than I have in years."

"Oh . . . Maybe we should make this a reoccurring thing."

Asami could hear the bashfulness in the avatar's voice as Korra got to her feet. There are few things in the world as adorable as Korra attempting to flirt. "Maybe we should," she agreed as she slid out of bed. "Hey." The engineer pulled Korra into a tight embrace. "Thank you for last night," Asami said softly.

"I think I needed that as much as you did," Korra muttered pulling back and resting her forehead against Asami's.

And I think you've finally figured out this thing between us, she thought as she brought a hand up to cup the avatar's cheek. "I'm glad I could help," she whispered. Korra's hands tightened on her hips as Asami felt her heart race faster. . .

Bong! Bong! Bong!

They both jumped at the sound of the morning bells. You have got to be kidding me! "I guess it's later than I thought," Asami said, disappointment dripping from her words.

Korra could hardly keep herself from laughing in exasperation. "That is exactly my luck!"

The older woman sighed and turned toward the window. "I guess we should get going."

"Probably, but first-" Korra gently turned Asami back toward her. "I think we were in the middle of something."

Asami was taken completely by surprise – she hadn't expected Korra to make the first move. The electrifying feeling of the avatar's lips against hers stunned her for a moment before she thought to tangle a hand into Korra's hair as the other found the younger woman's hip and held her close. It was beautifully sweet bliss after waiting so long. Several long and lingering kisses left them deliriously giddy as they separated.

"You never cease to surprise me," Asami admitted happily.

"You didn't honestly expect me to let you leave here looking so dejected, did you?"

"I guess I should have known better." She kissed her cheek and laughed. "We should probably get going though."

"I suppose." Korra pulled her close and stole another kiss. "Let's go rebuild a city!" She opened the door for Asami and followed her out of the room and right into a distinctly disheveled looking Varrick leaving Zhu Li's room.

All three stared at each other for a moment before Varrick's face lit up in a huge grin. "Fantastic morning, isn't?!"

"Yes, it is," Korra agreed with an eyebrow cocked.

He was about to speak, but stopped short and stared at her and Asami pensively. "I've just had an idea for a new mover. Zhu Li!"

Asami and Korra stared after him in confusion as he disappeared back into Zhu Li's room. "What do you suppose that was about?" Korra asked.

"I have no-" Asami's eyes went wide for a moment as she caught sight of a tiny bit of lipstick at the corner of Korra's mouth. "He wouldn't- No, that would be ridiculous." But this is Varrick we're talking about . . .

"Asami?"

"Oh," Asami felt her face warm. "I'll explain later. Let's go get cleaned up."

Korra shrugged and followed a very flustered Asami down the hall. "Okay."

A/N: I'll have to leave the genre a mystery if I want to keep this PG. Thanks for reading.