Summary: After the Book 2 finale. In a land of innovation and deals, she’s different. Her posture, her eyes. Asami Sato has changed; Varrick may not outwardly admit it, but he knows.
Pairings: Varrick/Asami; Varrick/Zhu Li
Note: I’ll admit that I’m rusty writing LOK fanfiction, and I’m not really sure how to write for Varrick because he’s such an oddball.
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There’s a paradox that comes with finding both unease and comfort within chaos. When two unlike forces clash, there’s undeniable friction and hardships; yet, there’s also the process of changing and molding, like when the tide meets the shore. Particles disperse, and -- though it may take many years -- the land changes shape. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a consensus on who is the water and who is the shore.
Varrick likes to think in future tense. He always gets what he wants, after all, so why fret about present complications? Even when his plans falter, he always finds a way to craft the setbacks to cater toward himself. Somehow, some way, everything and everyone will eventually align to suit his needs -- and it’s quite a lot of fun.
Everything is so dynamic and enriching -- from his humble roots as a seal-hunter’s child to one of the most influential and fortuitous men in the world.
And how perfect was it when the head of Future Industries turned out to be a conspirator with a group of terrorists? Simply put -- it was wonderful! It opened up a rather generous amount of potential for Varrick to expand his control over the world’s technology, and all he’d done was make a deal with the Sato girl.
But -- there’s no point in reminiscing on the past.
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Asami’s favor has always swerved; yes, she’s wealthy and has always been cared for, but now she is without both her parents and unsure where to put her trust when it gets squandered at every turn.
After Korra saves the world from her uncle and Vaatu, everything undergoes a remarkable change. It’s truly a new age, and, despite threatening the president, Varrick is acquitted and never condemned for any wrongdoing. Her father still rots in prison, and Varrick simply smirks and continues his illustrious life. His crimes are overlooked; in a shocking turn of events, there are stranger things than Varrick to examine.
Too long, Asami has been the victim of others’ machinations. She decides not to dwell quite so frequently on her mistakes, though they do provide their lesson. Now, she has the support of her friends and everything she’s garnered has led her here. Even when she hasn’t been at the forefront of all of the battles, she’s seen sacrifice and endurance, and she’s ready to do what she can for what remains of her father’s companies and those her actions will affect.
The world of business is harrowing for someone as young and well-meaning as Asami is. It’s a place of shortcuts and compromise. But she’ll survive. She always does.
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In a land of innovation and deals, she’s different. Her posture, her eyes. Asami Sato has changed; Varrick may not outwardly admit it, but he knows.
And he likes it. Varrick is so used to getting what he wants that it gets dull after awhile -- and there’s little he hates more than boredom. Everybody needs some stimulation, a game-changer, a trade of wits.
For Asami, it’s truly a battle to stay true to herself and maintain her mask, but she has to tell herself that they are connected, that her dignity does not have to sacrifice her goodwill; in fact, she’d be losing everything she takes pride in if she were to become so amoral.
She doesn’t think she will ever fully understand her business partner. Some things are unspoken -- a look, a glint, a slanted mirror and an unhinged frame.
He once mentions sharing the bed with Zhu Li, his assistant. When Asami says nothing and raises a brow at that, Varrick nonchalantly explains that it’s easier for Zhu Li to “do things” for him when she’s constant at his side -- though in reality, he adds wryly, Zhu Li is the one who typically gets to make more demands while in the bed. Asami stares at him blankly for a good second or two, and Zhu Li remains stone-faced.
Then, Asami smiles, a tug pulling at her heart. Yes, some things are better left unspoken.
