Chapter 10
Korra sat on the couch in the living room waiting patiently for Asami to finishing getting ready. Korra hadn't taken long to dress. She wore a form fitting light blue shirt, dark jeans with matching rips at the knees, and a pair of black and white converse. She was flipping through the channels of the TV when she heard the sound of shoes coming down the stairs. Turning the TV off she rose and turned to watch Asami descend the stairs.
Asami's long black curls were pulled back in a messy bun, a few shorter tendrils hanging down in her face that she soon tucked back behind her ear. Small gold hoop earrings adorned her ears, and her lips were turned upward in a ruby red smile. She wore a short sleeved t-shirt with a FOX racing emblem on the front, and stone washed skinny jeans. At the end of her lovely long legs were a delicate pair of black heeled boots that matched perfectly to the black leather jacket she carried in her arm.
Korra's smile beamed up at her as she stepped onto the ground level. "You ready?" Korra asked as she stepped near Asami.
Asami nodded as they headed towards the door. "So what should I expect?"
Korra thought for a few seconds, and as they stepped out onto the sidewalk they were greeted by the sounds of laughing children that ran by. "A lot of that for sure. It's not too bad. My friend Skoochy says it was worse before the dance studio opened up on the corner. It gave the kids something do during the week." Korra started down the sidewalk with Asami walking beside her. "Some of them were content with that, others still found themselves mixed up with Shin and the Triple Threats."
"And now?" Asami glanced over at Korra who was watching her feet move across the sidewalk.
"That's why Shin doesn't like me. Since opening up my home it's become The Sanctuary, at least that's what Skoochy has said." Korra looked up and watched some of the neighborhood kids run in front of them.
"So Shin's mad at you because you're the reason he doesn't have any new lackeys?" Asami watched Korra nod. "Sounds to me like you're doing something right then." She playfully nudged Korra with her shoulder.
"I've never doubted that I wasn't. I just didn't expect for it to be such a big deal." Korra shrugged her shoulders as they passed a small alley between a set of buildings.
Asami opened her mouth to say something, but was cut off when a group of kids came running out of the alley. "Korra! Come dance with us." A little girl yelled as she grabbed Korra's hand. Some of the others were tugging on her as well. One child was even pushing her from behind. Asami giggled at the sight, oh and the look on Korra's face was priceless.
"Hey, hey! Stop, can't you munchkins see I'm on a date here." Korra tried to wave them away. As soon as Korra realized what she had said her cheeks colored, and at the sound of date the kids all stopped. They looked carefully at Korra, and then turned towards Asami, who offered a small wave while trying not to laugh.
The children all looked at one another, almost like having a silent conversation. Simultaneously they all grinned and part of them went back to pushing and shoving Korra into the alley, while the others did the same to Asami. Finally giving in to the insistent pleas the two women made their way into the alley where another group of kids and a few teenagers, all of various ages, were circled up around a flattened cardboard box.
A boom box set in the corner where music pumped out from the small speaker. The kids in the circle shuffled around and made room for the two women. Asami watched as a lanky teenage boy danced in the middle of the crowd. On top of his head sat a black stocking hat, and small green gauges decorated both ear lobes. His yellow t-shirt had red tribal markings on it, and he had one leg of his grey sweatpants rolled up to mid-calf on his left leg. His feet moved fast, causing his white sneakers to blur as he twisted his body about the cardboard.
The crowd clapped and cheered as he whirled and flipped around. Korra grinned as she watched the teenager. Suddenly the teenager stopped and gave a dramatic bow to the crowd. He moved to walk to the side when he spied Korra in the crowd. His light blue eyes lit up as he spoke. "Did come to learn a few moves?"
"Ha! If I recall correctly I taught you everything you know." There was a chorus of 'ooohs' and even 'oh snap' from the crowd at Korra's reply. Korra stepped forward and looked down at the teenage boy, even though the height difference wasn't much. "Besides does your father know your dancing in alleys? I don't think Tenzin would approve Meelo." The boy's smile widened as he shoved at Korra's shoulder.
"You know the old man would shit a brick." He threw his arm over Korra's shoulders as they walked towards Asami. Meelo looked up and spied the dark haired beauty. Leaning close to Korra's ear he whispered dramatically, "I believe I see my future wife." Korra looked up and smirked. "Be cool Korra. Don't blow this for me." Meelo patted her shoulder and then swept forward.
In one quick motion he jerked the stocking cap from his head with one hand, and with the other he snatched up one of Asami's. Bending and sweeping the hat forward he pressed his lips to the back of Asami's hand and gave a flourish of a bow. "Fair goddess, mine eyes have never seen beauty as pure as yours." Those close by groaned and sniggered at Meelo. Asami cut her eyes to Korra, who stood slightly behind him with a smirk on her face.
"Why good sir, your words warm my heart." Asami quipped back and gave a small curtsey.
Meelo stood up and stepped near Asami placing a hand on the small of her back. "Allow me to introduce myself, I am Meelo Nomad." Korra rolled her eyes and stepped between Meelo and Asami.
"Nice try junior." Korra said as she wrapped her arm around Asmai's waist.
"What the hell Korra?" Meelo started in anger. "Cockblock much?" Then Meelo took in how the two women leaned against each other. "Are you fucking serious? Every damn time!" He threw his hands in the air in exasperation. "You could have said something before I made an ass of myself."
Korra nodded, "I could have, but I prefer to watch you crash and burn."
"I thought it was charming. I'm Asami by the way." Asami smiled at Meelo.
"So how long have you two …" Meelo let his question fall as he gestured back and forth between the two of them.
"We've only met recently." Korra smiled.
"So I have a shot to woo her away?" Meelo grinned and raised an eyebrow.
"Sorry Meelo, but I think you're a tad too young for me." Asami interjected.
"That's always the excuse." Meelo huffed and crossed his arms.
"Well Meelo it was nice seeing you, but we should be going." Korra said eager to return to showing Asami around.
"Oh I don't think so, you know the rules Korra. You can't leave until you dance." Meelo exclaimed.
"That's the stupidest thing ever and I refuse to participate." Korra shot over her shoulder.
Suddenly Korra felt a pair of hands grab her by the shoulders and jerk her backwards. She stumbled and whirled, then was shoved from behind into the center of the circle. "Rules are rules." Asami said as she stepped near the edge of the circle.
"Fine!" Korra huffed out as a new song started on the radio and she began to dance.
:::::::::::::::::
Almost an hour later a laughing Asami, Korra, and Meelo stepped out of the alley and back onto the sidewalk. Korra was breathing heavily and a sheen of sweat coated her body.
"You outta shape there Korra?" Meelo laughed as he slapped the tanned woman on her back.
"Hell no, just outta breath. I can't believe you made me dance for you too." Korra shot a look at Asami who was clutching her sides in laughter.
"You know I can't dance." Asami tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear as the trio continued down the sidewalk.
Korra's eye brows shot up. "As I recall you did just a fine job dancing last night."
Meelo groaned. "I really don't want to hear about you two 'dancing' or whatever you old people call it these days." He rolled his eyes.
Asami looked shocked. "Hey now! We met at the dance club last night. We really did just dance." Korra nodded in confirmation.
"You could take lessons at the studio. Korra teaches a hip-hop class on Wednesday nights. Or you could attend my class on Friday nights." Meelo offered as he wagged his eyebrows suggestively.
"Meelo, stop! Seriously, it's weird." Korra said in a stern voice before she started laughing.
"You do realize I'm way too old for you right?" Asami added.
"Age is just a number baby. Don't let it stand in the way of love!" Meelo clutched at his chest and pleaded. "I know, I'm just trying to practice my lines." He smiled and shoved his hands deep into his pants pockets.
"How does your dad feel about you wanting to join the Ferrets?" Korra had asked him before, many times, and the answer was always the same.
"You know dad. He doesn't approve of anything other than ballet. He still gets pissed that Jinora went to medical school instead of Juliard. Plus, he's mad at me because I'm a 'delinquent B-boy!' Ikki and Rohan are his finally hopes." Meelo finished and let out a frustrated sigh.
"Wait, Jinora is your sister?" Asami asked, when Meelo nodded she voiced another question. "And you're trained in ballet?"
Meelo noded, took a few running steps forward and then leaped into the air spinning. Landing he made a flourish of a bow, and then raised himself up as high as he could on his pointed toes. "Trained since I could walk."
Asami and Korra clapped. "Meelo's family owns the dance studio, the one I told you about earlier. It's just around the corner." Korra pointed up ahead.
"Oh yeah, dad's been wanting to talk to you anyway." Meelo fell back into step as they all walked on.
::::::::
Several hours later Korra and Asami finally left the dance studio and headed back towards Korra's house. After introductions had been made Tenzin had insisted on taking Asami for a tour. When they finished they had retired to the living quarters above the studio to talk. Tenzin asked Korra's opinion about added on to the building to make more room for dance classes. Together they all discussed ways Asami's company could help the community. They were in high spirits as they left since Asami had promised to meet with her board of directors about helping the community in the morning.
As they walked Asami looped her arm through Korra's. Korra slowed their pace a little. "I think this is the first time I've spent almost an entire day with someone I just meant." Korra said shyly.
Asami giggled as she pulled Korra to a stop. "Same here, and I've really enjoyed it." She smiled as she watched the lop-sided grin appear on Korra's face. "Give me your phone." Asami held her hand out palm up waiting for Korra to hand the mobile device over. Asami unlocked Korra's phone and quickly added her contact information then handed it back to Korra.
"Wow! I didn't even have to ask for your digits." Korra chuckled as she pocketed her phone.
Asami's eyes glinted as the lamp lights begin to flicker on. She reached up and grabbed Korra's shirt in a fist, pulling her forward. "I expect you to use too Ms. Southern." Asami brushed her lips against Korra's.
Korra grinned at the meaning. "Oh I plan too don't worry." Korra leaned forward and pressed her lips against Asami's, giving her a quick kiss before pulling back. "Come on, we should get back. I don't want you caught on these streets after dark." Korra slid her hand down Asami's arm and tugged her forward gently.
Asami followed and slipped her fingers in between Korra's before asking, "Why?"
"I don't want us to draw unwanted attention. Two females walking alone during the day is one thing, at night it's another. Look what happened last night and we had Wing and Wei with us." Korra swept her eyes across the road in front of them.
Luckily they made it back to Korra's unscathed and Asami soon called her driver to pick her up. It wasn't long before the sleek, black, escalade pulled up out front and honked. Korra walked Asami outside where the driver waited, holding the back door open.
"So I can text or call you later right?" Korra was nervous as she asked. Even though Asami had said as much before she still wanted to make sure.
Asami grinned and nodded eagerly. "You better."
Korra's face split into a huge smile. "Don't worry I will." Korra rubbed at the back of neck nervously, "I guess this is good-bye for tonight then." Korra couldn't help but let her eyes fall to the ruby red lips in front of her. She watched as the corner turned up in a smirk.
Asami leaned forward and pecked Korra on the lips. "Goodnight Korra." Asami turned and started to climb into the backseat, then stopped when she felt fingers wrap around her wrist. Turning she was pulled against Korra's warm body. Korra wrapped her arms around Asami's waist, holding the onyx haired beauty against her.
Korra tilted her chin up and raised her mouth to capture those ruby lips again. This time she pulled them into a deeper kiss, not just a simple peck on the lips, but a full blown goodnight kiss. Korra flicked her tongue against Asami's bottom lip, then feeling the other woman shudder at the touch, she did it again only this time there was no barrier to stop her. Asami let out a soft groan when Korra's tongue met hers, and she slid her hands up Korra's arms and settled them around the back of her neck. Asami tilted her head to the side to get a better angle on Korra's caramel lips when the tanned woman took a small step back breaking the contact.
Korra smirked at the dumfounded look on Asami's face as she took another step back. "One of us had to stop, and I think we were making the driver uncomfortable." Sure enough the man stood there wide eyed and red faced looking anywhere except at the two women. "Goodnight Asami, I'll text you later." Korra smiled as Asami nodded and climbed into the backseat. She stood and watched as the vehicle pulled away and headed down the road. She grinned to the night sky as she walked back into her house.