Babysitting Rohan

Disclaimer: I do not own the Legend of Korra, nor do I profit from this writing. Please support the original creators.

Spoilers: Legend of Korra through Finale, Turf War, & Ruin of Empire Comic Series

Tenzin and Pema's anniversary had finally arrived. The couple had not gotten the chance to celebrate since before Korra had arrived in Republic City. There had just been too much going on between the events of the last few years. And trying to fill Korra's shoes in the aftermath of the Red Lotus incident had left little time for anything else.

Even this year, Tenzin and Pema had tried to skip the celebration to focus on the ongoing rebuilding effort – which had been making great strides since President Moon's election and the conclusion of Kuvira's trial. But their friends and family were having none of it. Zhu Li and Bolin had collaborated with Jinora and Korra to ensure that no meetings were scheduled for that day, Bumi and Kya had planned a trip for the older kids, and Asami had even called in a favor to get the couple a last-minute reservation at Kwong's. Despite this, things almost fell apart when the air acolyte that usually babysat Rohan came down with an unexpected illness.

That is until Korra and Asami had offered to babysit Rohan. Tenzin and Pema readily agreed. Rohan was quite familiar with Asami after her many visits to Air Temple Island over the past few years. The young boy was also fascinated with Korra, who had been looking for an excuse to get some bonding time with Rohan. Tenzin's family had become like a second family to her and she wanted to get to know their youngest member.

If they suffered some teasing about being parents themselves someday from Opal and Ikki, it was no matter. Korra and Asami had been together for about six months and knew they were going to be together for a long time. They just hadn't talked specifics yet. Between Korra's duties being a bit unpredictable and their shared efforts restoring the city and assisting in the reconstruction and democratization of the Earth Kingdom, Korra and Asami wanted to get a few things settled before they started making grand plans for their future together.

Korra and Asami stepped off the ferry hand in hand enjoying chatting about nothing in particular. The young couple cherished quiet moments like these where they could let go of their positions and responsibilities even if for just a little while. Air Temple Island would always hold a special place in their hearts and their relationship as it was often associated with this reprieve. Along with the surrogate family that had welcomed them so readily and with so much love, the Island would always be a source of peace and comfort for them.

As they approached the living quarters, Korra and Asami waved greetings and safe travels to Kya, Bumi, and the older kids as the group departed for their overnight trip to Ember Island. The island was uncharacteristically quiet. It seemed that the new Air Nation was off keeping any urgent matters as far away as possible from the Island to ensure Tenzin and Pema's anniversary went off without interruption. The couple only saw a few air acolytes tending to the grounds and bison despite the usual hustle and bustle that came with being the headquarters of the New Air Nation, especially during the continued reconstruction of Republic City.

Pema greeted them at the door wearing the same formal attire she wore to President Moon's election party. "Asami! Korra! Please come in. Thank you so much for agreeing to watch Rohan and for your help with the reservation, Asami! We've been looking forward to this anniversary date all month."

Asami and Korra hugged Pema. Asami replied, "We're thrilled to help make it possible. You and Tenzin have done so much for us over the years. You even welcomed us into your home at the drop of a hat. This is the least we could do."

Korra smiled and added, "Your family has been like a second family to me for my whole life. And you've been so supportive of Asami and me. You and Tenzin deserve to celebrate the incredible family you've built together."

Pema was touched beyond measure. "You two are so sweet. Tenzin and I have come to consider you both part of our family as well."

Tenzin arrived with Rohan in tow. "We really appreciate everything you've done for us over the years too," Tenzin said.

Pema added slyly, "We'll have to repay you when your anniversaries come around."

Korra and Asami flushed – doubly so when Tenzin voiced his unreserved agreement. Their first anniversary was still months away. That Tenzin and Pema thought that they would have many anniversaries to come made Korra and Asami deliriously happy. They knew they wanted their relationship to last. That Tenzin and Pema thought they'd be able to make this dream a reality brought tears of joy to Korra and Asami's eyes.

The two couples embraced as a torrent of love and positive emotions flowed between them. So much so that a few spirits appeared nearby to check out what was going on - though they kept a respectful distance. When they broke away, Asami and Korra began shepherding Tenzin and Pema towards the door.

Pema spoke up, "Thank you both again for watching Rohan. Ingredients for dinner are all set in the kitchen - it's one of the recipes I thought you and Korra over the years and one of Rohan's favorites."

Asami grinned, "Of course, Pema. We've been looking forward to this as much as you two have. We love spending time with the kids. Just give us a call if you decide to take me up on getting you two the Presidential Suite at the Four Elements. The owner owes me one and Korra and I are happy to spend the night looking after Rohan."

The wink Asami shot Pema left both Korra and Tenzin a bit pink, but Pema laughed. "Persistent as ever, Asami. We'll let you know but we'll likely want to enjoy having the island quiet for the first time in ages. You're both welcome to stay the night whenever you want, but you already know that."

Asami gave an exaggerated sigh that clashed significantly with her glowing smile, "Well you can't blame me for trying. It is your night after all."

Korra and Asami shooed Pema and Tenzin out the door with plenty of well wishes and assurances that they would be fine. What was one four-year-old going to do that Avatar Korra and Asami Sato couldn't handle anyway? The two had accomplished an earthshattering amount for two women still in their early 20s. After everything they'd been through, this would be no trouble at all.

Korra and Asami greeted Rohan with enthusiasm. Korra, seeing how energized Rohan was, suggested they play a game outside. That is how Asami found herself wandering around Air Temple Island hunting for her girlfriend and Rohan. They had been playing hide and seek for quite some time. Korra and Asami would team up with Rohan to hide or seek the other which seemed to be making Rohan happier than hiding or seeking alone. Speaking of Rohan, Asami thought she heard the young boy's giggle come from behind a nearby bush.

Asami heard Korra whisper, "Careful, 'Sami might hear us. I think I heard her footsteps."

Smirking, Asami crept around until she was staring at Korra's well-muscled back. Rohan noticed her but Asami kept him quiet and still with a finger on her lips and a wink. When she slipped her arms around Korra's waist, Korra jumped but began laughing once she realized that Asami had snuck upon them. This causing Rohan to burst out in a new wave of giggles.

"Found you," Asami said while attacking Korra's cheek with kisses.

"What gave us away?" Korra asked incredulously.

"Oh, a little of this and a bit of that," Asami said smirking. "Mostly an Avatar that isn't very good at whispering."

At Rohan's outburst of giggles, Asami started tickling Rohan, "Or maybe it was the adorable giggles I heard coming from this bush."

The three of them dissolved into laughter. After the three had laughed themselves out, Asami checked her watch and saw how late it was getting. "Kor, I'm going to go get dinner together. Do you think that you and Rohan can think of something to do while I get that ready?"

"Of course, 'Sami. Hey, Rohan. Want to go over to that clearing and show me the airbending you've been learning?"

"Yay!" Rohan exclaimed bolting for the clearing.

Korra threw Asami a crooked smile and dashed after him. Asami couldn't help the besotted smile that spread across her face. Spirits, she loved that woman. Maybe they didn't need to wait to talk about the future. Or maybe she just didn't want to wait any longer. Shaking herself from these heady thoughts, Asami made her way towards the kitchen.

The preparations for dinner didn't take long. Pema had gone overboard on prepping the ingredients. Once she put the final touches on the meal, Asami made her way back to the clearing where Rohan was showing off his airbending skills. Asami could help admiring how Korra was acting with him - encouraging his abilities while giving him gentle nudges and tips in areas that he could improve. Asami had long admired how incredible Korra was with the airbenders kids and the children they ran into while out and about casually or on Avatar business. She had a way of getting through to them that few others could manage.

Asami couldn't help wondering if Korra wanted kids someday. She would have to find out. Asami had to shake herself out of a daydream of the family she wanted to build with Korra before she got too far in or else their dinner would burn away on the stove.

Asami called them over, "Korra dear, Rohan, dinner's ready! Let's go eat."

Korra took Rohan by the hand and lead him over. Korra leaned over and kissed Asami on the cheek, "Thanks for handling the cooking, 'Sami," Korra studied Asami critically before continuing, "Are you feeling alright? You're looking a bit flushed."

"Of course, love. I enjoyed cooking with Pema, and this was pretty straightforward. Don't worry. I'm fine. I'll tell you what I was thinking about later." Asami replied stoking Korra's cheek before holding Rohan's other hand and leading the way to the dining room.

Dinner was a calm affair. Between the two of them, Rohan was mostly kept in check and his food mostly made it in his mouth. He animatedly told Asami about the bending he had shared with Korra and about the marble trick of Aang's that Korra was working on teaching him.

Once they were finished, Rohan insisted on helping Korra with the dishes. Asami couldn't help but laugh at their playful antics, especially the bubble goatee that Korra gave Rohan that looked so much like Tenzin's. By the time the dishes were done Asami had observed no less than five yawns from the young boy.

"I think it's time to get you ready for bed, Rohan," Asami noted kindly.

Rohan frowned but didn't argue. He simply asked, "Can you tell me a story?"

Asami smiled. She loved reading stories to Rohan over the years. "Of course, sweetie. Now let's get you changed and into bed, okay?"

At Asami's response, Rohan went from slightly pouting to an excited smile. He promptly led the way to his room. Korra and Asami waited outside while he changed. When Rohan invited them in, he handed Asami his favorite picture book about the moon and ocean spirits, Tui and La.

Korra gently tucked Rohan in while Asami settled onto a cushion next to his bed. As Asami began to read, Korra tucked gently into her side. Asami told the tale of Tui and La, the bond they share, and how they cared so deeply for humanity that they settled at the North Poll. Throughout, Asami did different voices for each character and made sure Rohan got a good view of the pictures. She even added little fun facts about how Rohan's grandfather had met the spirits and how Tui had aided one of Korra's ancestors, Yue.

By the end of the book, Rohan was well on his way to the world of dreams. Asami rose and kissed the sleeping boy on the forehead before leading Korra quietly out of the room. Only once they had made it to the hallway did Asami notice the look of awe Korra was giving her.

"What?" Asami cocked her head slightly nonplussed.

"You're incredible, 'Sami. You were really great with Rohan. He was hanging off your every word of the story."

"Well, it is his favorite, but I see you're point, love. I've gotten a lot of practice over the last few years."

"I wish I could have been there with you. I missed so much...," Korra sighed and was clearly struggling with her emotions.

"You're here now. That's what matters, my love." Asami said taking Korra in her arms, "How about we go cuddle on the couch while we wait for Tenzin and Pema?"

Korra nodded and led the way to the sitting room. The couple made their way over to one of the couches and sank into it. They ended up lounging with Asami's back to one of the armrests and Korra comfortably snuggled into her chest. Asami took Korra into a gentle embrace and absently played with her hair.

After a little while of simply enjoying each other's company and gentle caresses, Korra remembered something and haltingly asked, "Hey 'Sami, what were you thinking about when you called us in for dinner?"

Asami's hand stopped for a moment before returning to her ministrations to Korra's short locks. Asami replied trying to remain nonchalant, "I was thinking about the future."

Korra appeared intrigued rather than nervous which settled Asami's nerves a bit, asking, "Were you thinking about something specific?"

Asami emulated Korra by nervously running a hand through her hair before responding, barely keeping from fully rambling, "I know we haven't talked much about the future, but I was daydreaming a little. You were just so cute with Rohan. Anyways, do you think you'll want kids in the future?"

Korra gave Asami a radiant smile and a gentle kiss. "I would love to have kids someday, especially if I get to have them with you. But only if you want them as well."

"If I get to have them with you, absolutely. I think we could make great moms together," Asami smiled. "Any idea on how many you might want?"

Korra stroked her chin in thought, a gesture that Korra had stolen from Asami, "Two or three seems like good numbers. Then they wouldn't have to deal with the loneliness of being only children like we did but our home might avoid the chaos that Tenzin and Pema face sometimes."

Asami chuckled at this, "I agree. We might be able to keep some peace and quiet with only two. Then they wouldn't outnumber us."

Korra snuggled closer, feeling compelled to ask the obvious questions, "I'm sure the others would help us out if we asked. But we've missed something obvious, did you have any thoughts on the when and how? We can't exactly have kids the traditional way."

Asami didn't know whether to roll her eyes or chuckle at that sarcastic remark. "Well, I was thinking we'd probably want to wait a few years. Maybe even be married first if that's what we want. As for how there could be a scientific way or a spirty way. We'd need to do some research, or we could adopt."

Korra nuzzled Asami's neck in apparent happiness and thought. "I'd love to marry you someday. And we can see what our options are when we're ready for both. I remember Kya mentioning that Kyoshi had a daughter, but I can't remember the details or if her Rangi was involved."

Asami smiled down at her girlfriend, "I'd love to marry you someday too. We can figure out the details later when we're closer to ready. Though after watching Pema with Rohan, pregnancy didn't seem like it would be all that appealing to either of us."

Asami felt Korra stiffen and hastily added, "Are you okay, love? Did I say something wrong?"

Korra brushed at her eyes self-consciously, and her reply came as if through extreme effort, "I...I... After Zaheer's poison, Katara couldn't...We couldn't tell if having kids would even be possible for me or not. Or if the poison even interacted with the area. Everything seems fine but I haven't been able to shake the doubt. It doesn't help that my periods have always been irregular and infrequent because of how much I work out."

Asami held Korra tightly and stroked her hair, "Oh Korra. I'm so sorry. That must be awful. I love you as you are no matter what. You know that, right? If we use a method involving pregnancy, I'll happily carry our children. We won't let it get in the way of building our lives together. We'll find a way as we've done before."

Korra looked as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders and let out one last hiccup. "We really do make a great team. I love you just as you are too, 'Sami. Thank you for being so understanding."

"Of course, my love. I'm here for you." Asami murmured in Korra's ear before pressing a kiss on her forehead.

After a few minutes of drawing peace from Asami's loving embrace, Korra whispered, "We should volunteer to babysit Rohan more often."

Asami silently agreed but Korra's tone made it seem like she had some hidden agenda that she wanted to suss out first. "Mmm. And why's that dear?"

Korra flushed sheepishly, but her response bore no such tendencies, "Beyond being fun to spend time with him, watching you play with and care for him so well was incredibly sexy."

Asami bit her lip, "Watching you work with him on his air bending and take care of him was quite a turn-on for me too."

At this admission, Korra and Asami felt a familiar heat rising between them. Before they could lose themselves in a passionate kiss or more, however, they heard the arrival of Tenzin and Pema. Resigned to having to hold off on losing themselves to their passions until they returned home, they stood and went to welcome Tenzin and Pema hand-in-hand.