Asami pulled a compact mirror out of her desk and checked her hair, eye shadow and lipstick. Since her impromptu lunch outing with Korra and Shila she had been unable to get either one out of her head. A slow smile graced her face when she remembered Korra's lips on her cheek. She felt her stomach knot.
She had stopped trying to fight her attraction to Korra, she was dedicated, strong, beautiful, and an amazing mother. Asami bit her lip; she was terrified about the upcoming dinner the following night.
The classroom door opened and she jerked up. She smiled and stood when Shila ran in with Korra right behind her.
Korra's eyes widened when Asami stood. Her silken hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail. She wore a snug white blouse and a pencil skirt with black heels. Her mouth fell open and time seemed to slow down as Asami walked towards them.
Asami scooped Shila up and lifted her into a hug.
Korra's breath caught in her throat when Asami turned her gaze. Shila wrapped her arms around Asami's neck and smiled.
With her free hand, Asami placed a hand on Korra's shoulder before leaning in and pressing a kiss to her cheek. Korra's eyes fluttered shut at the scent of Asami's jasmine perfume.
As Asami pulled away, Shila reached out and wrapped her other arm around Korra's neck. She hugged them both tightly. Asami chuckled as she turned to kiss Shila's cheek as well.
"Hey, girls." Asami said with a gentle smile.
"You look really pretty today, Miss Sato," Shila said.
Asami smiled. "Why thank you. I'm having lunch with my parents today and they like to go to fancy places."
"Well, you look great." Korra said with a sheepish smile.
"Thanks." Asami said. She motioned to Korra's outfit. "So do you."
Korra shifted and smiled. She wore a blue button up with black slacks, jacket, and boots.
"I have court at ten," she said.
"Well, you look very snazzy." Asami said setting Shila down. "Do you want to show your mommy your art project?"
"Yes!" Shila said excitedly as she ran to the back of the room.
Asami raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you forgetting something?"
"Oh! Sorry!" Shila said and she ran to the coat rack and slipped off her backpack and hung it up.
Korra chuckled as Shila ran from the coat rack to the back of the room. "How has she been doing?"
"Great." Asami said. "She's a great girl. Excellent student and makes a point to be friends with everyone. You should be proud."
"I am." Korra said as she smiled at her daughter as she picked through the art projects looking for hers. "I, um, I'm excited for tomorrow night. I just wanted to know if you had any food allergies."
"No. Should I bring wine or something?" Asami asked, suddenly nervous.
Korra shrugged. "I don't drink wine much."
"Cops drink the harder stuff?"
"Yes, ma'am." Korra said with a grin. "Been on The Force for a long time."
"How long?"
"Ten years. I was eighteen when I enrolled in the academy. I was on the streets for four years then was made a detective. Youngest detective in the city's history."
"I get the feeling you're trying to impress me." Asami said, playfully bumping her hip.
Korra grinned. "Now whatever could have given you that idea?"
"I had a lot of fun on Saturday." Asami said quietly. "I'm also really looking forward to tomorrow night."
"Me too. Shila is over the moon about it. She actually cleaned her room." Korra said with a chuckle.
"Wow, I must be special." Asami glanced away. "Do you think maybe I could take you to dinner on Friday? Just the two of us."
"Like a date?"
"Yeah."
"I don't know, Asami." Korra sighed heavily. "Playfulness and casual flirting is one thing, but I can't do that to Shila."
Asami bit her lip as her heart plummeted. "I understand. She's your world, as she should be." She leaned over and kissed Korra's cheek. "You're a good mom."
Shila came back over and with a large piece of poster board. "I had to fix it."
"Was something wrong?" Asami asked. She glanced at Korra. "The project was to draw pictures of themselves with their families."
"I was missing a family member." Shila said with a smile. She handed the board to Korra.
She looked at it and bit her lip when she saw that she was holding hands with another woman in the drawing. The other stick figure was labeled 'Mama' and she was holding both Korra and Shila's hands. She blinked away tears as she looked down at her daughter who was smiling brightly.
"Do you like it?" She asked. "I wanted to show a happy family."
Korra nodded tearfully. "I like it a lot." She knelt down and hugged Shila tightly.
"I like her a lot, Mommy." Shila whispered. "A lot."
"I do, too." Korra whispered back.
Asami raised an eyebrow as Korra stood back up. Shila picked up her poster board and took it to the back of the room again.
"What was that?" Asami asked curiously.
Korra smiled at the other woman. "Permission."
"Permission?"
"What did you have in mind for Friday?"
Asami's eyes widened as she looked over to Shila, who was putting her project away. She turned back to Korra and smiled.
"I can make reservations at Kwong's Cuisine."
"Kwong's? You wouldn't get in for weeks."
"I'm a Sato. My father gave Kwong the start up money for that place," Asami said with a wink. "We always get a table. Let me take you out for a night on the town."
"I'll get a sitter."
Korra hummed as she slid her coat off and laid it across her desk. Mako arched an eyebrow in complete confusion.
"You look awful happy for someone who has court in two hours," he said, taking a sip from his coffee.
"I am happy," she said, picking up his donut and taking a large bite out of it. "Asami is coming over for dinner with Shila and I tomorrow."
"Wow," he said. "Very nice."
"That's not the best part," Korra said. "I need you to be free on Friday."
"I have plans," he deadpanned.
Korra chuckled. "Asami and I are going out for a night on the town. I need you to watch Shila."
"Wait. Like a date?" he asked jokingly. "You have a date?"
"A legitimate date," Korra said as she wiped the donut crumbs off of her fingers. "Shila told me it was alright. She likes Asami a lot."
"Holy shit, you have a date! I'll cancel," Mako said quickly. "Drop her off at my place. We'll have a movie night."
"I thought you could just hang out at the apartment…"
Mako held up a hand. "Nope, we're leaving that free in case you two decide to go home together."
"Mako!"
"What? How long has it been since you've been laid?" Mako leaned across the desk and narrowed his eyes.
"A while, but I'm not looking for sex," Korra said indignantly. "She's smart, funny, amazing, her sense of humor matches mine completely, and she's gorgeous to boot. Not to mention Shila adores her."
"Sounds like perfect wife and mother material," Mako said. "I'm sure getting her in bed would be a special treat then."
"Mako…"
"I'll bet you a hundred yuans that you're going to be falling in love with her after Friday," he said sticking his hand out.
"Shut up, Mako," Korra grumbled.
He grinned and chuckled. "See? You're already whipped."
"Shut. Up. Mako!" Korra said through gritted teeth.
Asami slipped through the crowd until she reached the back table. Hiroshi Sato and his wife Wei Sato were deep in conversation.
"Mom, Dad," Asami called. They both turned and smiled brightly as Asami made her way to the table.
"Sweetie!" Hiroshi said as he stood, scooping Asami into his arms. Wei stood and kissed her daughter on the cheek.
"Hi, sweetheart," Wei said, tapping Asami's nose playfully.
The family seated and the waiter moved to the table and filled her tea. She listen politely to the daily specials, but ordered her usual plate of pot stickers. Hiroshi and Wei ordered and with a bow the waiter let.
"So, how is everything?" Hiroshi asked. "Have you reconsidered my offer?"
"Dad, I love teaching. I'm not leaving it," Asami said with an arched brow. "I'll still help with the company but I'm not signing on full time."
"You just teach kindergarten," Hiroshi said with a frown. "I could get you a position teaching at Republic University. They need someone new in their engineering department. You have your doctorate in it."
"Hiroshi," Wei laid her hand on her husband's. "Asami is coming up with activities that can inspire ingenuity and engineering in our next generation. So, in a way, she is securing the legacy of Future Industries by shaping the minds of future scientists."
Hiroshi sighed and chuckled. "All right. You win, sweetheart."
"Thanks, Mom," Asami said with a playful wink.
Wei chuckled and took a sip of her tea. "So, how are things?"
"Things are great," Asami said. She glanced away and smiled. "I met someone."
Hiroshi's eyes widened and Wei covered her mouth. "Who?"
"She's a police detective. Her name is Korra," Asami said bashfully.
"She?" Hiroshi asked stiffly.
"Dad…" Asami frowned. She had dated women in the past, but it was something her father had never really accepted.
Hiroshi frowned. "Asami, I'm not going to impede on your life, but what about settling down with a nice man? I'd like an heir."
"An heir?" Wei asked with raised eyebrows. "Really?"
"Fine, grandchildren. I'd like grandchildren." Hiroshi said grumpily.
Asami sighed. "She has a little girl. Her name is Shila. She's five and probably one of the most amazing people I've ever met."
"So she's divorced?"
"No, Shila is adopted. Her parents were killed in an automotive accident when she was two and Korra adopted her," Asami said.
Wei smiled. "So, how'd you two meet?"
"Shila is actually one of my students. I'm going to their apartment for dinner tomorrow and then I'm taking Korra out on the town on Friday," Asami said, tucking some hair behind her ear. "Mom, Dad, I like her. A lot."
"What about the little girl?" Wei asked.
"I love her. So much. She's become so special to me." Asami said. "Even if Korra and I don't go anywhere, I still want to be around Shila. She's an amazing little girl."
"Seems like this Korra makes you happy," Wei said, shooting a sideways glance at Hiroshi. "And your happiness is all we want, isn't it honey?"
"Of course I want Asami to be happy," Hiroshi said. "I just…it's a lot to wrap my mind around."
"How?" Asami asked. "If I fall in love with a woman, what difference does it make? Dad, please, I'm just asking you to try."
Hiroshi sighed. "Alright. If you and this Korra are serious then I want to meet her and the daughter. If they're going to be part of the Sato family, I need to meet them."
"Thank you, Dad," Asami smiled tearfully.
Wei smiled and leaned over to kiss Hiroshi's cheek. "Look at you being a good father."
Korra tucked the blanket around Shila and kissed her forehead. Shila smiled sleepily and settled back into the pillow.
"Mommy, are you excited for tomorrow?"
"I am. Are you sure you're okay with me going on a date with Miss Sato?" Korra asked, brushing Shila's hair from her face.
"Yes! I really like Miss Sato and I want to be able to call her Mama," Shila said. "Will you marry Miss Sato?"
"If we like each other enough and after enough time, maybe," Korra said. As she said this her heart fluttered in her chest. "Now, get some sleep. Mommy loves you."
"I love you, too, Mommy."
"Miss Sato! Are you excited?" Shila asked Asami as she waved to the last of the students to leave. "Mommy has been cooking all day."
"She called off work?"
"Yeah, she stayed home. Something about wanting to 'get this right.'"
Asami blushed and chuckled. "Well, that's very sweet of her."
"She forgot to come pick me up, didn't she?" Shila asked bluntly.
"Probably," Asami said, crossing her arms. "Want me to take you home?"
Korra ran a hand through her hair and grabbed the phone off of the wall. She punched in a number and let it ring.
"Hello?"
"Mom, hey," Korra said. "I need some help."
"Korra, honey, what can I do for you?" Senna asked eagerly.
Korra bit her lip and sighed. "How do you roll those seaweed wrapped dumplings? I can't figure it out."
"Why are you making seaweed wrapped dumplings?"
"I'm having company for dinner," Korra said. "I'm trying to impress."
"Impress? Do you have a new work superior?"
Korra sighed. "No. It's a date. She's Shila's kindergarten teacher."
"You're dating?" Senna asked in amazement.
"Kind of. We're having her over for dinner tonight and she and I are going out on Friday," Korra said. "Shila has been pestering me for weeks about it. She actually gave me permission."
"Tell me about her!" Senna demanded. "Tonraq! Korra is dating! Hang on, let me put you on speaker. Ok, go ahead."
"Her name is Asami Sato. She's Shila's teacher and she's amazing. Shila adores her and she adores Shila. She's smart, funny, witty, personable, and stunningly radiant," Korra said dreamily. "She's incredible."
"Sounds like someone is finally willing to settle down,"Tonraq said happily.
"You damn well better be!" Senna called out.
Korra chuckled. "If she and I hit it off, I'll be sure to introduce her. Anyway, seaweed wrapped dumpling help?"
"You don't have a car seat," Shila said when they reached Asami's car.
Asami frowned. "Damn. I think if we buckled you in well enough you'll be ok, or do you want me to try calling your Mommy again?"
"No, this is fine," Shila said opening the back door. "I like spending time with you."
"I like spending time with you." Asami said. "Do you know how to get home?
"Yes! Down Raiko Street, turn left on Yue Avenue, and it's building two apartment four!"
Asami chuckled and started the car.
Korra cried out triumphantly as she popped the last dumplings in the bamboo steamer. She straightened up and glanced at the wall clock in the kitchen. Her eyes widened.
"It's four-thirty! Shila!"
Korra grabbed her keys and ran to the front door she threw the door open to Asami as she was going to knock. Korra looked down at Shila, who was holding Asami's hand.
"Shila! I am so sorry!" Korra dropped to her knees and enveloped her daughter in her hug. "I am so sorry."
"Mommy, it's ok. Miss Sato brought me home. She didn't have a car seat, but she kept me safe," Shila said as she let go of Asami's hand and hugged Korra.
Korra surged up and took Asami in her arms. She pulled away and clamped her lips on Asami's. The teachers eyes widened in shock before fluttering shut, her lips slowly moved against Korra's. Shila's eyes brightened in excitement. Korra pulled away suddenly with wide eyes.
"Spirits, I'm so sorry!" Korra said.
Asami's eyes opened slowly. "That's ok," Asami said breathlessly. "If that's how you're going to thank me, maybe you should leave Shila more often."
"Does this mean she's my Mama now?" Shila cried out excitedly.
Korra's gaze snapped down to her daughter. "Not yet, sweetie."
"Yet?" Asami asked in shock.
"Ah, I mean…I'm…I'm so sorry; that was inappropriate," Korra said slowly. "I'm sorry."
Korra stepped back from the doorway. "Would you like to come in?"
"Yes, please," Asami said softly.
Shila grabbed Asami's hand. "Let me show you around!"
Korra smacked her head on the wall. "I kissed her. I can't believe it. It wasn't even romantic. Ugh."
"I'm not offended."
Korra whirled around and saw Asami smiling back at her. "It was still inappropriate."
"Why do you say that?"
"I…I wanted to do it right," Korra mumbled. She motioned to the mess in the kitchen. "I wanted to do all of this right and I messed it up. I even forgot to pick my daughter up!"
"Shila said you took the day off to cook."
"I've burnt or overcooked almost everything," Korra sighed. "I even called my mother in the Southern Water Tribe to ask for help."
"All to impress me?" Asami asked quietly.
Korra sighed. "Yeah."
Asami smiled and stepped forward and cupped Korra's face before capturing her lips. Korra hands found their way to Asami's hips. The teacher pulled away slowly and smiled.
"You've already impressed me enough," Asami whispered. "You don't need to try so hard. I'm already on the hook."
Korra grinned. "Really?"
"Really." Asami pulled out of Korra's arms. "I could just stick around until the food is done."
"Spend the evening with us?" Korra asked.
"Sounds amazing."
"Mommy!" Shila cried out as Korra tickled her ferociously. "Miss Sato, help!"
Asami pulled Korra back and sat squarely on the detective's hips. "Get her, Shila!"
Korra howled as Asami and Shila tickled her. She tried to roll Asami and Shila off of her, but she relented against the tickling.
"Ok! I give up!" Korra cried out between laughs. "You two win!"
Shila high-fived Asami as they climbed off of Korra, the detective propped herself up against the couch on the floor. Shila chuckled and climbed into Asami's lap. Korra smiled as she watched Asami cuddle Shila close.
Somehow, this all felt right to Korra. This woman had captured Shila's heart and was well on her way to capturing Korra's.
Asami glanced up and smiled at Korra, who grinned. Korra crawled over and pecked Shila on the forehead before moving up to Asami's lips.
