At the beginning of The Legend of Korra, the Avatar is clearly smitten by Mako the Pro-Bender — a relationship that begins as friends and turns into a whirlwind courtship (and, inevitably, a heartbreaking conclusion). Over the course of the three years that Korra spends in the Southern Water Tribe following her harrowing experiences at the hands of the Red Lotus, the one person she actually stays in touch with is Asami Sato.
When Korra returns to Republic City, she and Asami begin to exhibit the sparks that gradually erupt into a romantic inferno at the absolute end of the series. Although the relationship between these two characters is not delineated in the show, the graphic novels, fortunately, take this narrative further.
When Asami Takes Korra On The Racetrack
In the beginning, Korra does not take kindly to what she considers an intrusion by Asami, but these are just her feelings for Mako talking. However, it soon becomes clear that the two women are destined to be close friends and perhaps even more.
Asami invites the Avatar to the Future Industries' racetrack, which is where their latest vehicles are tested. The Sato heiress openly asks Korra to ride along with her in an informal race, which they inevitably win.
The Vacation In The Spirit World
Korra and Asami disappear off into the Spirit World at the end of the animated series - everything that occurs post this event takes place in the graphic novels. They spend their "vacation" exploring the incredible place, discovering unique spirits, and opening up to each other about everything.
It is here that Korra claims that their car race was the starting point in their relationship and Asami mentions that she waited desperately for the Avatar to return after her three-year absence.
Their First Kiss
As their vacation begins to come to an end, the two of them start considering where they should go next. At one point, Korra and Asami scale a boulder, only to find out that they were atop an enormous spirit, which goes on to toss them off its back.
This doesn't really hurt either of them, but their precious supplies are lost in the process. Asami helps Korra up, and says, "There's one last thing I want to do on our vacation." The Avatar smiles, and the pair share their first kiss.
Korra Introduces Asami To Her Parents
Right after their vacation, Korra decides not to return to Republic City immediately, as she plans to reveal her new relationship status to her parents at the Southern Water Tribe first. Both she and Asami are nervous, but Tonraq and Senna are ecstatic by the announcement.
The whole atmosphere in the room turns cheery, another indication that this couple is meant to be. Unfortunately, Korra's parents put their feet in their mouths by "advising" her not to tell anybody else.
When Kya Confirms That The Two Of Them Are A Lovely Couple
Avatar Aang & Katara's daughter, Kya, instantly recognizes the romantic bond that has developed between Korra and Asami, even going so far as to reveal that she herself is queer.
This shocks the pair, but the older Waterbender assures them that everything is going to work out, mentioning that Aang and Katara took their daughter's coming out with nothing more than unbridled acceptance and affection. Kya further adds that Korra and Asami make a lovely couple, which is encouraging to say the least.
Korra Declares That She'd Protect Asami Under Any Circumstances
Korra affirms her love for Asami in one of the clearest ways she can, by telling Asami that she would not be harmed under any circumstances as long as the Avatar is around.
This declaration is tested soon enough during the fight with Tokuga and the Triple Threat Triads. Korra gives up chasing after the dragon eel spirit when she notices that Asami has been knocked out by one of the villains, and instantly rushes to her girlfriend's aid.
When The Two Of Them Kiss In Front Of Everyone
At the conclusion of the first Tokuga melee, the villains manage to escape, leaving an unconscious Asami and a fretful Korra behind. The Avatar holds her girlfriend in her arms, and the second Asami wakes up, Korra is so relieved that she just kisses her on the spot.
The others are surprised by the revelation, but none of them react negatively — Bolin demands a double date with himself and Opal, although Mako takes some time to come around to the fact that two of his exes are dating each other. Besides, a public display of affections such as this, even though Korra isn't sure of her friends' reactions, proves that she doesn't really care if anyone else accepts her love or not.
When Asami Accepts Korra's Beliefs Without Judgment
Korra considers asking Kuvira's help with the recently emerging Gaoling crisis, in which one of the erstwhile Great Uniter's followers, General Guam is attempting to obstruct the first-ever democratic election. Asami is initially hesitant, but the Avatar explains the Kuvira has not always been a thorn in their side, that she has actually helped them in the past.
Asami continues to express her doubts as to Kuvira's loyalty, but Korra states that she personally believes that the woman has changed. At this point, Ms. Sato places her girlfriend's convictions over her own apprehensions, suggesting that the two of them are more tightly bound than ever before.
Korra Nearly Dies Trying To Save Her Girlfriend
When Tokuga kidnaps Asami and forces her to build a toxic gas bomb, Korra is distraught beyond belief. The Avatar manages to reach the airship right when Asami's sabotage comes into effect, thereby saving her girlfriend's life with the help of some nifty Airbending.
However, Korra's battle against Tokuga seems to be going in the villain's favor, so Asami quickly steers the airship and performs an extreme bank, which forces Tokuga to fall out of the vehicle and into the Spirit World below.
Their Discussion After Asami's Brainwashing
Asami (along with Mako and Bolin) is brainwashed by Commander Guan's latest technology and turns against her former friends, allies, and even the love of her life. Thankfully, Asami is the first of them to be successfully de-conditioned using Baatar, Jr.'s device.
She doesn't seem too thrilled by her experience, however, given that she doesn't a large fraction of the past week. Korra consoles Asami, telling her that none of her actions during that time mattered, because "it wasn't [Asami] talking." It's great that the couple is able to put such instances behind them without a lot of emotional repercussions.
