Chapter 16: A Dinner Invitation
The next couple of weeks went far too quickly for Korra. There was no news on the Raiko front; nothing in the papers and nothing from Lin. She didn't even know if Haru had gone to Lin about his involvement in the attack on Asami. A sigh came out of her as she stared out from the gazebo she was currently occupying to the open waters. However, Raiko wasn't the only thing on her mind.
Asami often popped into her mind. Ever since the night of the election and the one kiss they had shared in Asami's kitchen, nothing further had happened between them. She was sure that the reason behind this was just her working. Asami had returned to work the second she had been cleared by her doctors. She had had a few weeks rest at home before she stormed back into Future Industries. Although, her paranoid self had come up with some alternative theories instead of this logical one that she was simply busy.
The big question for her was; did Asami forgive her for the way she had acted? Did she understand why she pushed her back? Why she was cold? What drove her to run from their relationship? A part of her thought the answer to all those questions was a resounding no, that she hadn't understood despite what she had said that night in the cellar.
Korra let out a small groan. Why wasn't this easier? She just wanted everything to be neat and perfect but life wasn't like that.
"Korra!" the loud voice of the eldest child of Tenzin rang through her ear so much that she jumped in fright.
"Spirts alive Jinora!" Korra said, her heart still hammering. "Have you ever heard of a lower volume?"
"Sorry Korra, it's just that Lin is here and wants to talk to you, also I have been calling for like five minutes but you seemed to be deaf."
"Lin is here? What does she want?"
"Dunno," the eldest child of Tenzin shrugged. "Sounded important though."
Heart hammering in her chest, Korra took off at full speed towards the Air Temple. She had a funny feeling that she knew the reason why Lin was here – or rather she hoped she knew the reason. A state of shock came about the people in the main room of the temple when she burst in. After muttering her apologies, she turned to Lin.
"You called?" she asked.
"Yes," Lin moved away from her conversation with Tenzin and Pema to address her. "A witness to Asami's attack has come forward – name of Haru – who I think you have become acquainted with."
"Yes, Mako and I went to chat with him. Surely he would have told you this."
"Korra, you can't be going around talking to potentially dangerous people!" Tenzin suddenly interrupted.
"Yes, Mako has told me about your conversation," Lin said ignoring Tenzin. "He has come forward with interesting information regarding the case. I can't say much more as it is an active police investigation but I thought it would be best to keep you in the loop considering your interest in this case."
"Thank you Lin, that is appreciated."
Korra watched as Lin swept from the room. Her brain went haywire with possibilities of what this meant. Could Haru have told the truth about Raiko putting him up to the whole thing? Well, knowing the kind of character he was, he would probably have waited until he was spared any punishment from the prosecution before answering any questions. It would be what she would do in his position.
Not even looking at Tenzin or Pema – who were both giving her a questioning look – she raced from the room and followed Lin onto the ferry to take her back to Republic City. Once there she headed straight for Asami's office. Even though she was eager to talk to Asami about the case there was another matter she wanted to get her opinion on and this one was more of a private affair.
However, it may not be in the stars that Korra saw Asami on that day. She had gone straight up to her office to find the doors closed and her personal assistant refusing to let anyone in – no matter who they were.
"I'm sorry but Miss Sato is not seeing any visitors," the assistant said curtly.
"I'm sure if you told Asami that it was me, she would make an exception."
The assistant lowered her glasses at Korra. "Do you know how many people have told that exact same thing to me? I'm up to four today – not including you."
"No, but I know that Asami would want to see me."
"Do you not understand the meaning of the word 'no'?"
"I do – it's just that –"
The assistant held up her hand to stop her. "Miss Sato is busy. Come back another time if you wish to speak to her."
Korra let out a strangled groan and was just thinking of calling Asami to tell her that she needs a new assistant when the door opened. A frustrated Asami popped her head out and glared at her assistant.
"Sakura, for the love of spirits, what is with all the noise! Don't you know I am trying to work?"
"I'm sorry Miss Sato, it's just this person here claims to be an exception to the no visitors allowed policy," Sakura answered gesturing at Korra.
"Korra!" Asami's features suddenly lit up. "Oh, why didn't you say she was here? Next time she comes, you may let her in."
Korra couldn't help but give a 'I told you so' look at the assistant who was spluttering silently behind her boss' back. Asami let Korra enter her office before following suit. She quickly closed the door behind her and sat behind her desk while Korra sat down opposite.
"Sorry about Sakura," Asami said, clicking away at her computer in front of her. "She is a good assistant but sometimes she doesn't get that I do actually want to see some people."
"Finally got fed up with Varrick's constant barges?" Korra grinned.
Asami let out a laugh. "A little, I do admit. But no, it's more the fact that I just want to be alone for a while considering what has happened. Although some people are more than welcome to drop by." She gave Korra a small wink which made Korra blush. "So," she drew out the word and gave her a long stare, "what reason do I have for the pleasure of your marvellous company?"
"I, uh, wanted to tell you that Lin dropped by," Korra's voice was unusually high. There was something about Asami that always did this to her.
"Oh, is this about that witness – I forgot the name – yeah she came by earlier and told me all about it," Asami said as she tried to multitask on a project she was working on the computer. "About time really." She gave Korra another long look. "You didn't have anything to do with this did you?"
"I might have," Korra said, sounding a little guilty.
"I should have known," Asami gave a small chuckle.
"There is one more matter I would like to talk to you about," Korra straightened up in her chair and looked directly at her wife.
"Yes?" Asami said not looking over but instead seemed absorbed in whatever was on her screen.
"I would like to take you out for dinner."
Asami's fingers miscalculated what keys they should be on due to her surprise. She quickly composed herself and fixed her mistake before pushing away her computer so she could focus completely on what Korra was saying.
"Are you asking me out?" she asked.
"Well, yeah," Korra shrugged. "To tell the truth I would like to start picking back up from where we left off – unless you don't want to, I mean I would understand if you didn't. It is a little sudden and we haven't really talked since-"
"Korra," Asami said interrupting her.
"Yes?"
"You're babbling."
"Oh," Korra fiddled with her fingers. "Well, what do you say? A nice quiet dinner, just the two of us? Tonight?"
Asami got the biggest smile on her face. "As if you have to ask. How about Fan Dumplings at eight o'clock?"
"Sounds perfect," Korra said matching Asami's smile.
For the first time in her career, Asami decided to leave work a little earlier than she normally would. Even Sakura, her assistant, was surprised to see her clocking out instead of her usual time which was far later in the evening. The real reason was that Asami wanted to get all dressed up for her date with Korra. It was their first real date in about six years. She wanted to make a good impression. She honestly felt like they were in their late teens about to go on their very first date. Although, she had been super nervous then as well.
Once home, she opened her closet wide. Korra used to joke that she had too many clothes and now she was starting to see her point. There were just too many outfits to choose from and she didn't know what one would be best. She surveyed her bed after throwing down several dresses on it.
"What to wear, what to wear," she muttered to herself as she picked up each dress and posed with it in front of the mirror. Some she instantly threw into a 'no' pile and others she put in the 'maybe' pile. In the end, her bed was turning into a massive mess. She was in the middle of looking at her eleventh outfit pose when her phone rang. "Hello Opal," she said when she picked up the phone.
"Hey Asami, just wondering if you wanted to go see that new mover this evening."
"Weren't you going to see that with Bolin?" Asami asked as she held up a twelfth dress to her body in front. Oh, that looks good, she added in her head.
She considered putting that in a new pile as it certainly looked the best out of the other outfits she had considered so far. It was a new buy, only bought it a couple of weeks ago and so far, it hadn't made its debut. This dinner with Korra would be a good place for its debut but if only she had a second opinion.
"He's sick, unfortunately, so what do you say? Wanna join me? We can grab food afterwards."
"No sorry, I'm…busy…with work," Asami lied. "Hey quick question, do you think that new red dress I bought the other week is sexy?"
"Yeah, why?" Opal sounded a little suspicious as to why Asami was asking that question.
"Oh no reason, thanks Opal! Gotta go." Asami quickly hung up the phone before Opal could ask more questions. She picked up the dress she had been referring to. "Looks like we have a winner."
After quickly getting changed (changing her hair at least three different times), she headed off to the restaurant. Thankfully, she wasn't too late – it was only half-past seven. Well, that had been the time about twenty minutes ago. So, yeah, she was indeed late. Panicking, more than slightly, she hurried to her Satomobile and revved it up. Managing to rush through traffic, she found herself at Fan Dumplings on the dot of quarter past. Korra was already there – flipping through the menu.
A small smile came over her face as she gazed onto her. A calming feeling radiated through her. All the panic and stress from before was gone. She moved her feet towards her wife. Korra looked up at the sound of her approaching and gave her a huge grin.
"Hello Asami," she gave her a once over, "wow, I don't think I've ever seen you in that dress."
"It's new," Asami gave a small twirl. "You like?"
Korra bit her lip as she looked Asami up and down for a second time. "Yes, I do."
Asami sat down opposite Korra and started to flick through the menu herself. Several of the options instantly leapt out at her. There were some of her old favourites that still drew her in but there were some new options that equally enticed her. The agony of choice. Her eyes lingered on Korra from above the menu. She was carefully running her finger up and down the menu, checking each one. Asami remembered very well that Korra was quite adventures with her food. Basically, anything goes as long as it was eatable. Suppressing a small chuckle, Asami went back to her menu.
After ordering their food and drinks, the two of them launched into some easy small talk. Their conversation drifted from Asami's new work projects to what Tenzin and his family were up to these days. However, as they were talking, there were some nasty thoughts in the back of her mind. She was suddenly struck by the fact that they were on a date…together. Their first date in a very long time. They hadn't been their usual couple self in many years. What if they no longer worked? There had been a moment back when Korra came home from the hospital where they didn't seem to click and always seemed to be on opposite sides. It had been a constant battle. Asami had to mentally shake herself. No, she told herself, that was because Korra was going through a lot and now she seems to be better. She seemed at ease and more her usual self.
However, the way that Korra snapped and pushed her away was still strong her head. Was Korra thinking that this was all a mistake? Was that going to be a thought she was going to have as soon as they start their relationship up again? Was she going to run again? Sweat started to pour out of her hands. Asami quickly rubbed them against the tablecloth to disguise the fact she was acting nervously. No doubt that Korra and she still cared very strongly about each other but was that going to be enough? She was saved from going down the rabbit hole even further when their food arrived.
"Oh, this is so good 'Sami," Korra said with her mouth full of dumplings. "You have got to try this!"
Korra picked up one of her dumplings with her chopsticks and waved it in front of her. Asami carefully took a bit. The second she did, she regretted it. To say that it was very spicy was a bit of an understatement.
"Hot, hot!" she said fanning herself. Her hand found her glass of water and she drowned it within a few seconds. "How can you handle that much heat?"
"I used to live with you, didn't I? So, I would consider myself somewhat of an expert on handling the heat."
Korra flirtatiously gave her a wink which made Asami's face go a little red which had nothing to do with the spicy dumplings. Asami quickly went back to her own dumplings but she couldn't stop the craving she had for the other women from rising from within her. Although, that feeling wasn't new. It was practically all she felt when they had started dating all those years ago. It was nice to think that Korra still had an effect on her. She was sure that Korra was chuckling herself for that very reason.
The rest of their dinner passed in relatively good spirits. The conversation never died, it just jumped from one topic to another. It wasn't until the clock struck ten o'clock did they realise just how long they had been. Talking and just being with each other had been easier than Asami had thought. Maybe this whole thing could work. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed that the staff looked like they ready to pack up shop for the night. Fan Dumplings would be closing any second but Asami didn't want the night to end just yet.
"How about a nighttime stroll?" Korra asked as they left the restaurant.
"You read my mind," Asami said with a little smirk.
Together, the pair left the restaurant and headed down the roads together with the moon lighting their way. They had been walking together for several long minutes in silence before Korra spoke up and judging by the tone in her voice, this was something that had been preying on her mind.
"'Sami? Can I ask you a question?"
"You can ask me anything Korra. What is it?"
Korra fiddled with her dress for a few seconds before speaking. "Do you forgive me?"
"Whatever for?"
"For…everything. From the hospital to Ba Sing Se and everything in between"
Asami stopped in her tracks and surveyed her companion with keen interest. She had actually wondered if Korra was going to bring that up.
"I'm not going to lie Korra, that was quite a tough time for me. You did hurt me a lot."
"Oh," Korra had a saddened expression on her face.
"But," Asami put a great deal of emphasis on the word, "I understood why you did all those things. You weren't in your right mind at the hospital and at Ba Sing Se, well, you were just trying to protect me. You thought you were doing what was best for us. So, to answer your question, do I forgive you? My answer would have to be no as I don't feel like there is nothing to forgive."
"I still caused you heartbreak," Korra mumbled. "and I hate myself for that."
Asami sighed. "I am also to blame on that front. The whole Umi thing. I feel like I need to apologise for all of that."
"You don't need to," Korra began but Asami cut her off.
"I want to," she said firmly. "When you came back from the hospital, you weren't yourself. I didn't know how to handle that. I was terrified that the woman I loved was no longer there and so I went elsewhere to get some sense of normalcy and I thought I found that in Umi. I thought I had found someone who got it. In reality though, I lost the only person who meant everything to me. So, I apologise for the pain I put you through. I guess I am just scared that you will run off again and leave me hurt and broken again."
Korra took her hand. "Do you see me running?"
Asami smiled at her other half. Suddenly, as if it was magnetic, the two of them crashed their lips together for a very passionate kiss. Their kisses lasted for a several long moments as their hands pulled the other one in closer. They only stopped when a loud noise awoke them to the fact that they were out in public. Both women grinned at each other and held the other close to them.
"So, are we dating again?" Korra asked.
"I would like to think so," Asami said with a small kiss to Korra's check. "Like we agreed on back in the wine cellar, we don't need to jump right back into our marriage. We can take things slow, and see how they go."
"Good," Korra's lips found hers again and gave her a lasting kiss. When they broke apart, both women were a little giggling. "I guess I best head back to Air Temple Island before Tenzin sends out a search party."
"You sure you can't stay any longer? Maybe come back to my place for a little bit?" Asami added with a flirtatious tease to her words.
"Oh, you know I would love to but I don't want everyone to get wind of this yet and make it a big deal while we are still figuring things out. You know how our friends are like."
"True, Bolin would basically throw us a party," Asami said with a small laugh.
"Exactly, so for the time being, let's keep this our little secret." Korra seductively nipped at Asami's ear sending shivers down her spine.
"You are such a tease Korra," Asami muttered.
"You know you love it," Korra grinned.
Asami watched as her lover walked off into the distance. The warm feeling from before never left her as she walked back to her Satomobile.
The next day, Asami found herself working in her office as usual. However, her mind kept wandering into sexual fantasies involving a certain Water Tribe member. Her mind would come up with some of the most ridiculous scenarios and one-liners. Although her favourite one was her and Korra having sex in her office – which she may or may not have done several times with her before the war. She couldn't help herself. This was just the effect her significant other had on her. Her meetings had practically been a disaster. She didn't hear a single word coming from anyone as her mind was full of Korra. As to half the things she had agreed to, she didn't know what they were.
Thankfully, she was getting out of the office for her lunch break. Opal had texted her earlier in the day wanting to catch up and Asami thought it would be a good idea to get away from the office for a little bit. Walking across the road, Asami soon found Opal sitting at one of their usual cafes. There was already a drink in front of her.
"Hey Opal, how was the mover last night?" Asami asked as she sat down.
"Boring by myself," Opal sighed. "So, how was your evening? It couldn't have been any better than mine."
"Um," Asami had to stop herself turning pink. The truth of the matter was that she had the most excellent evening with Korra but she didn't want Opal to know that. It was going to be tricky though. Opal sometimes had a sixth sense about these kinds of things. "You know, just boring stuff. People needing stuff approved before the end of the month."
"Boring," sang Opal. "Sometimes I wish you weren't the head of your company, then you may get some more free time from time to time."
"Unfortunately, that is just how the dice rolled," Asami shrugged.
Their conversation continued after they had ordered some food. Asami's phone vibrated a couple of times and she saw that there were a couple of texts from Korra.
Had a dream about you last night. Let's just say, not a lot was left to the imagination.
How about a repeat of the cellar tomorrow? Not that I am constantly thinking about that…
Asami could feel herself turning red. Thankfully, Opal was too absorbed in ordering another drink to order to notice. Asami looked back at her phone and saw that Korra had sent through some symbols which had a very dirty innuendo. It was very clear what she was insinuating. Asami wished she could have teleported right then and there.
"What are you looking at Asami?" Opal had just looked up and noticed Asami's eyes glued to her phone.
"Nothing!" Asami said quickly and in a high pitch voice. As fast as she could, she put the phone back into her handbag and looked at Opal with what she hoped was an innocent look in her eyes. "So, did you decide on what to order?"
After their lunch together and Opal was safely out of earshot, Asami quickly rang Korra. She picked up after the first ring.
"Did you get my messages?" Korra asked with a seductive tone in them.
"You can't be sending me stuff like that," Asami said, her breath was full was of panic. "I was out with Opal. What if she had seen?"
"Oh, you worry too much 'Sami," Korra started to much on what Asami assumed was some chips. "How about I come over tonight? I wanna try some new stuff out."
That craving feeling started to creep back through Asami but she managed to compose herself.
"Sorry Korra, I have to talk to Lin at the police station. Something about my statement before the trial?"
"Oh, that's a bummer, guess I'll keep trying then."
"Korra, what does that mean?"
"I guess you will just have to find out. Oh, my takeaway is here. Have fun at work 'Sami!"
The line went dead as Korra hung up. Korra, what am I going to do with you, Asami thought to herself. She didn't want to even dare to admit she actually liked the flirty texts that she had been sent.
Asami managed to find her way to the police station later that night and found Lin in a very tired state. She wanted to ask what was wrong but decided on not pushing that front.
"Hi Lin," she said as she approached. "You wanted to see me?"
"Asami, good, you're here," Lin said. "Let's chat about your statement."
"Okay," Asami sat down opposite Lin.
Lin pulled out a file and started to read it.
"According to your statement, you got into an argument with your girlfriend Umi – now ex-girlfriend – while driving home from the election night, correct?"
"Yes, that is correct."
"What did you argue about?"
"Er, we argued about her voting choices," Asami said. She had decided to half-tell the truth. She didn't dare mention that some of the argument was about Umi wanting her to divorce Korra. That could open several doors she did not want open. "She preferred Raiko to Zhu Li and knowing what Raiko had done, that upset me quite a bit."
"I see," Lin made some notes in the margins. "You then state you hopped out of the Satomobile in order to get some space, is that correct?"
"Yes, I got out and continued walking down the pathway."
"Umi can confirm all this if needed?"
"Yes, she can."
"So, when you got out of the Satomobile was when you came face to face with the men who attacked you?"
"Yes."
"Did you recognise them at all?"
"No."
"Okay," Lin made more notes. Asami was starting to sweat a little. What could Lin be writing? Wasn't she the victim here? She was not the one on trial here. "What happened next?"
"They started their assault," Asami continued onwards with describing it as best as she could and remember. It was painful to recall those memories but she knew that Lin needed as much as she could.
"And at the end, what did the leader – that was your impression, wasn't it? – say?"
"He said that was from Raiko," Asami finished.
"Ah excellent," Lin gave Asami a long look. "After you recovered in the hospital, Detective Mako showed you a lineup and you identified that man?"
"That is correct."
Lin surveyed Asami one more time before closing the file with a loud snap which made Asami jump.
"You aren't leaving anything out are you Asami?" Lin asked.
"N-no, of course not, how can you ask me such a thing?"
"Just making sure," Lin gave a small sigh. "If there is any hint of deception in your story, the defence will tear your story to shreds. So, if there is anything you wish to say further, reiterate, now is the time."
"I was attacked, Raiko ordered it, end of story," Asami said firmly. "There is nothing to reiterate."
"Excellent."
A/N: So this has some Korrasami fluff in it which I hoped you guys enjoyed. Stay tuned for more.
