Unh! Huh! Thwack!

Sounds came from the gym in the Sato mansion despite the early hour although only a handful of lights were on in there. Chains rattled as a punching bag took a pounding from the Avatar, sweat dripping down her arms and back as she hopped from one foot to another, ducking and blocking as if she faced an actual opponent. Her leg swung up, aiming for the bag's head. It made full contact with a satisfying thud and she landed with a small gust from her other foot, stabilizing herself before finishing up with a one-two combo.

Breathing hard, Korra stepped away from the punching bag and placed her right fist in her left palm, bowing slightly to the bag. It took her longer than usual to work up a sweat with non-living sparring partners, but it was just six a.m. now and she hadn't wanted to rouse anyone else. She had woken up in the middle of the night and was unable to fall back asleep. Usually when this happened she went to the kitchen and got a glass of warm milk to calm herself but on her way there she walked past the gym and decided to work some stress out instead.

Faint light was creeping up in the eastern sky, she noticed as she grabbed a glass of water from the kitchen. There was still time for her to sneak back into bed and greet Asami when she woke up for the day.

Korra made her way back to their bedroom, feeling some guilt at lying to her girlfriend for not the first time about this. Sneaking back into bed and feigning waking up from sleep had become a bad habit of hers but she didn't want Asami to worry about her. Not about this, at least.

Slowly opening the door, she peeked inside. The lump under the sheets was still rising and falling at an even, slow pace, so Asami was still asleep. Good. She had time for a shower. Korra crept inside, shutting the door behind her with a slight click. The lush carpeting quieted her steps as she made her way to the master bedroom's large bathroom, slinking inside.

She dropped her clothes in a heap on the floor and got in the shower. Asami's alarm would be going off soon, she knew, so she made quick work of getting the worst of her workout grime off. She turned off the water and quickly bended herself dry, getting out.

Shit, she thought, looking around the bathroom. She hadn't grabbed any new clothes to change into in her hurry to sneak in and out. Her pajamas, a tank top and loose-fitting shorts, were still on her side of the bed from where she changed into her workout clothes earlier.

Well if I hurry I can make it out there and get dressed and in bed before she wakes up. Plan? Plan. Okay Korra go.

With a resolute breath she opened the door and all but ran to her side of the bed, scooping up her shorts and pulling them up without a second thought. She stopped mid-reach as she went to grab her top, realizing with a start that a pair of amused emerald green eyes were watching her.

Korra could feel her entire torso reddening with embarrassment as a soft giggle escaped Asami's lips.

"Mmm, this is a pleasant surprise. I thought I heard the shower running. It's a shame you finished already; I was going to get up and join you." She yawned, rising herself up on her elbows. She reached a hand out to Korra. "What are you doing up this early? Normally you're still conked out."

Korra tossed the shirt aside, knowing it was useless at this point anyway. She lifted the covers and slid under them, snuggling herself into Asami's arms.

"Oh you know. Just trying to get an early start to my day. Avatar stuff and all that."

Asami raised an eyebrow at her but didn't comment further. She was too busy drawing lazy circles around Korra's back. She all but purred from the sensation of it, closing her eyes and burying her head further into the crook of her girlfriend's neck. She leaned up and placed a line of soft kisses along Asami's neck and jawline, eliciting an appreciative moan.

"I've got a busy day ahead of me, too, you know," she stated, pulling away long enough to smile down at Korra. She leaned down and captured Korra's lips.

"Cancel it and stay home with me," Korra whispered against her mouth.

Asami pulled away again, leaning her forehead against Korra's."Tempting. But I have to go in and get something done with the new mech suit prototype. Raiko wants plans by the end of the week and I haven't gotten very far with the drawings. But…"

"But?"

"If I'm motivated enough to get a lot accomplished early I might be able to justify taking a half day and come home early. Know of anything that might motivate me?"

Korra rolled over onto her back, stretching languidly in the morning sunlight. Her back arched, and her breasts reveled in being free. Her nipples were noticeably hard from the cool morning air. Korra knew Asami loved the sight of her lean stomach as much as the rest of her body. She turned to face Asami, a sly grin on her face.

"That's not fair and you know it." Korra shrugged. "Come here."

Asami rolled over onto her, pressing their lips together, more passionately than before. Korra opened her mouth to deepen the kiss. Asami pulled away again with a smirk, this time breaking away from their full body contact and shifting to her side of the bed to stand up.

"Uh-uh. You tease me, you'll have to wait until later," Asami winked over her shoulder as she walked towards their immense walk-in closet.

Korra pouted. "Now who's not being fair?"

Asami laughed. "I'll make it up to you. Later. After work."

"Promise?"

"Promise."