Korra

"Are you really okay with this?"

She quickly turns her head and I'm faced with the girl from The Ring.

"Does this face answer your question?" She replies.

"Umm. Not really….But you're still cute. " I reply, pushing the hair away, so I can see her beautiful face.

Everything with Asami and I, are great. I don't think we're in our honeymoon phase, because we experienced our fair share of problems prior. But even with that, I don't think those problems were big compared to now. The only thing we do differ on, is who gets to turn off the alarm, so the other can get an extra minute of sleep.

"Seriously, Sami. Do you still want to do this? It's not too late to turn around?"

She grabs my hand and looks into my eyes.

"When I said I wanted kids with you, I meant it."

The sound of the kids groaning in the backseat, causes me to let go of my girlfriend's face, annoyed.

"GROSS!" Jinora protests.

"I know. I know. Keep P.D.A to the minimum. My bad, kiddos." I apologize, while unbuckling my seat belt.

"Wow. You just blew a perfect opportunity to kiss me, all because you're whipped by some kids. " Asami teases.

Sadly, she's right.

Saturdays are usually Asami and I's date days, but the kids wanted to go to the zoo. It's been awhile since I hung out with them, so I couldn't say no. Also, it will give Tenzin and Pema a break.

Now that I'm back in the city, I don't only want to reminisce memories, but create more. And what's a better location to do so, than the zoo?

The moment I exit out of the car, the children race towards the ticket booth.

"Wait! You have to wait for us." I call out.

Due to the children's distance, I go ahead and unstrap Rohan. I used to not have favorites, when it came to Tenzin's children. But now thanks to the rascals, Rohan happens to be my favorite.

As soon as I lift him from his car seat, he starts waking up.

For a two year old, he doesn't talk much. But I'm sure he doesn't have much to say, taking in consideration how rowdy his siblings are.

"Potty." He says, rubbing his eyes.

"You have to go now?" I ask.

I look over at the kids, harassing the ticket clerk, then try to figure out what to do next.

"You do know I'm here, right?"

The sound of Asami's question, makes me laugh.

"For a brief moment I did. I'm used to taking care of the kids alone. Now that Rohan is in the mix, I could definitely use some help."

"Luckily for you, that's what I'm here for. Go ahead and catch up with the kids, I'll take him to the restroom."

"You sure?"

She playfully rolls her eyes.

"Yes! And besides, they listen to you more anyway."

Pssh. I wish.

"You're awesome." I reply, handing him off to my queen.

Asami

I don't mind our date being canceled. Truthfully, I like what we're doing today a little more.

When Korra and I were on our hiatus, that meant the kids were included too. I wasn't sure how the children viewed me based on that sole reason, so this zoo visit was the perfect opportunity to reconnect.

When Korra and I told them about us, they took the news with excitement. Well...everyone but Jinora. She sort of picked up on us way before the announcement. Maybe even before then?

Regardless of the past, I really do want to be in these kids lives. Not just as a teacher for Jinora, but in the same adoring way Korra has toward all of them.

The moment I have Rohan in my arms, he rests his head onto my shoulder, and I just want to melt. He's literally the most laid back kid ever. I know Pema and Tenzin are grateful, considering how wild their other children are.

He's like an old soul inside a little body.

"You make sure no one messes with my woman." Korra says, brushing his hair.

Even from such a light hearted joke, my heart flutters.

I know she's comfortable about telling people about us, but hearing her say stuff like this.. means a lot.

I thought for the longest, if we were to be anything more than friends, it would be on the down low. Gradually and slowly, working our way towards becoming public. But it's the opposite with her, and it's all so wonderful.

"We'll catch up with you." I state, before giving her a quick kiss.

"Play ball!"

"What?" I ask, confused.

Her face instantly turns red.

" Get it? You said 'catch up' and I made a baseball reference? No? Ah...I know I lack a sense of humor, but I'm trying." She replies.

I smile shacking my head, finally getting it.

"No. I'm all 'game' for your sense of humor."

Her smile reappears and I couldn't be happier.

"See you soon!" She calls out, before running over to the others.

Once she's out into the distance, I look down at Rohan.

"That joke was terrible, wasn't it?" I ask, the little man, hoping to get feedback.

"Potty."

. I know.

Once we exit out of the bathroom, my little buddy points to the water.

"Boat."

"Not quite. It's a Viking Sport Cruiser Ship model B082." I reply in my artificial baby voice.

What? There is no need for the child to be limited to just the word boat.

We find the others looking at the tigers, and my plan of sneaking up on them failed, all because Meelo turned around.

"Asami! We're going to see a Python!" He says, racing over to me.

I never felt my soul leave my body before, but it does.

I can't deal with snakes or any reptiles. Why would they even have such creatures at a zoo? Kids are here!

I can't. I just can't.

"Maybe we can see the Bald Eagle, instead? What's more patriotic than our country's bird? Woah! Go America!" I stress.

Despite my patriotism, the kid's don't look too impress.

"What if Rohan gets scared?" I ask, kissing his little cheek.

"Oh pleaseee. Rohan would probably win against a fight with a python." Jinora replies.

True.

"Do I sense someone being afraid of snakes?" Korra teases.

"Psst. No.I just think we shouldn't limit ourselves to things we see every day. I can name quite a few snakes just from watching the news..."

"Aww, you're scared. It's okay. We can visit other exhibits instead."

"But I wanted to see the snakes." The kids whine, and I start to feel guilty.

"No. Go ahead. Rohan and I can go look at the Koalas." I offer as a solution.

"Snake. Snake." Rohan says, clapping his hands together.

"Even little bro wants to see it, and he hardly ever speaks!" Meelo defends.

I thought Rohan and I formed a bond! Turns out..he's just a traitor. I can't trust anyone.

"You know what? I'll take Rohan and you can go to the food court. Well catch up with you in ten minutes. The reptile exhibits aren't too long. The reptile expert is super boring, so we won't stay too long." Korra says.

"Are you sure? I hate to be a party pooper."

"Yes, let's eat! I don't want to see snakes either. " Jinora says, locking arms with me.

I always knew she had a bright mind.

"Sounds like a plan. We'll see you soon. Stay beautiful, the both of you." My girlfriend calls out, while taking the others.

As we begin to exit that section of the zoo, I notice people rushing pass us.

"Where's the fire?" I ask.

The teen and I both turn around, and we see a wave of people trying to enter the reptile exhibit.

"Yue, I'm going on break now. Do you think you can handle everything while I'm gone? Looks like we have a rush." The supposed boring reptile expert says.

"Sure thing, Mr. Pakku." A girl with blue eyes, tanned skin, and died white hair replies.

Now I can understand why the exhibit has so many guests present. She looks like one of those edgy Instagram models, what is she doing working here?

"Are you sure you want to get food?" Jinora asks, as I return my attention back onto leaving.

"Duh. Why do you ask?"

"Well...Snow White over there, seems to have an interest in mammals all of a sudden. Specifically your mammal. "

I look back and see the replacement expert checking out my girlfriend, and I do a quick foot drill turn.

"Um. I think we should wait for the others to eat." I tell Jinora, as I make my way toward the exhibit.

"Sick! I never seen a fight at the zoo before." Jinora says, running up beside me.

Korra

The reptile exhibit is extra packed today.

I'm so glad the guy who usually runs it isn't here. He's so boring. Sometimes I wish a snake would escape, just to bring excitement to this place.

If I knew Asami was afraid of snakes beforehand, I would have opted for a trip to the aquarium.

Could she be afraid of Eels too?

Nevermind that, I just want to get this over with, so I can return to her.

"Hey! How are you?" The new expert asks.

I smile and set Rohan down, so he can roam around the place.

"We're doing great! The kids get super excited about snakes. I'm not going to lie, I'm also a big fan."

"That's awesome! I like them too! A lot of people find reptiles gross and scary, but they're quite intelligent creatures. They lack limbs, so they're dependent on their senses. What's cooler than adaptation?"

"Snow." I answer, and the expert goes crazy with laughter.

Wow! My joke was actually funny! Maybe I should tell Asami more jokes like this?

"You're hilarious."

"Thanks! My girlfriend is afraid of snakes, but I wish she was here. Maybe you could have been able to show her how friendly they're."

The girl frowns and pats my shoulder.

"Aww. I'm sorry to hear she couldn't make it. But don't worry. I'm sure you'll pick up fun facts that you can easily share with her here. If not from me, but the others here as well. Just look around! There are tons of people who share a love of snakes. Isn't that right, everyone?"

Almost the entire room smiles and nods at the girl's question.

Actually….they have been smiling this whole time.

Creepy.

"Where is the python, Lady?" Meelo yells at the girl, before I scold him.

"Meelo! That's no way to talk to anyone. Apologize!"

He's going through a phase where he feels entitled about everything, and I don't appreciate it. Sometimes I miss the caring little boy I once knew, but I know he'll grow out of it.

"Sorry, Ma'am. I'm just curious on the whereabouts of your python. I didn't mean to yell."

The herpetologist kneels down to Meelo's level and pulls out a pin, and places it onto his shirt.

"Call me, Yue. And I can understand your frustrations. I'm anxious about seeing the big guy, myself. But you're in luck. He's getting prepped as we speak. Today, for the first time ever, we're allowing people to hold him."

The excitement on Meelo's face, warms my heart.

It's nice to see more females in this field. Kids need more role models. The patience she has for children, just goes to show she's going to make a difference.

Jinora quickly rushes to the scene, and attacks Yue with questions.

"Why is your hair white, you're not old? You're really pretty. You must have a boyfriend. Or girlfriend? Mommy says I shouldn't assume genders or sexuality. Korra's bisexual. I think? She just told us last week. This is the first time EVER she had a girlfriend ."

I quickly cover the child's mouth and decide if I want to cover her nose too.

"Please excuse, Ikki. She has a thing for asking a lot of questions." I reply, making the girl giggle.

"I don't mind it. Seems like you have a lot of curious children on your hands. Even your little guy is wandering around. Regarding the questions, my curious child. My hair is dyed, I like to switch it up every week. I don't have a boyfriend or girlfriend, because I believe in open relationships. Your mother sounds like a smart woman. And congrats on your relationship status, Korra." She answers.

I wish I could use camouflage and blend into my surroundings. Snakes are so lucky.

"Thank you... Now about that python? Do you think it's ready?" I ask, trying to get out of this embarrassing situation.

"Let me go check. B.R.B"

With Yue gone, I slowly raise the special child up into the air.

"What is wrong with you? Are you a fish?" I ask.

"Nooo. Why?" Ikki ask, while laughing.

She thinks this is a joke!

"Because you're fishing for answers and you have no filter." I reply back.

"She could be a fresh water fish."

The sound of Asami's voice makes me set the child down and race over to her.

"You had a change of heart." I reply, pulling her into a hug.

"You are my heart, Korra. I just missed you so much, I couldn't even eat."

Jinora says something under her breath, but Asami gives her an eye.

The gang is all here!

Asami

We're all sitting down while 'Yue' pulls out the container with the python inside. Everyone seems to be so impressed by the thing, and it's not even out of the plastic yet. What's so special about a snake? It could kill you! Squeezing your precious little body until you're unconscious. And maybe, just maybe, It could swallow you whole.

"The python may not be out yet. But I have seen a couple of snakes here. And I'm not talking about the reptile, If you know what I mean." Jinora's comment, gets a nudge and a disapproving look from Korra.

Yue adjusts her mouth piece, then begins.

"Welcome avid snake lovers! My name is Yue and I'm thrilled to show you Ben. Ben is a 14 year old African python and he's super friendly.

How?

The girl begins to take the snake out of the container, and the sound of my squeal makes everyone except Korra, laugh.

"Are you okay?" She asks, squeezing my hand.

"I'm fine." I struggle to make out.

Yue puts the devil around her neck and everyone around me starts clapping.

Okay? What's so special about that? She has death around her neck. Whoopdie do.

"How can she carry that huge thing? She's so small." Jinora says, in disbelief.

"She's not small. I fought girls her size before, and let me tell you, they don't play games. Look at those calf muscles of hers, amazing. "

What? Did my girlfriend just check out another girl right in front of me? This isn't real. It can't be real. I'm in the same room as a snake! I have left reality.

"Oohhh you want to wrap around my arm? That's cool. Haha. You're tickling me."

She's talking to a fucking snake! I had enough of the zoo for today.

"Before I tell you more about the history of Ben's kind, who wants to hold him first? Don't worry, you won't be alone. I'll be with you the whole time. Guiding you through whatever this rascal takes you."

The hands quickly shoot up, and I roll my eyes.

"Hmmm. How about Korra? "

*Lighting Strikes*

How? Korra didn't even have her hands raised?

The sound of Jinora snickering, as my girlfriend stands up proudly, makes me cross my arms.

"Woah! Forgive me if this offends you, but you have extraordinary shoulders. I know Ben is going to have a fun time exploring your body. Don't worry. I know all the areas he likes to cling onto. Where he goes, will be where I go. You're in good hands."

Nope. Game over. Time is up. This isn't happening.

I quickly get up from my chair and stand between the two.

"I'll take it from here, my girlfriend looks a bit squirmish." I tell Yue, as I lightly push Korra back over to her seat, before she could even protest.

"Oh. Um. Okay? Are you sure you want to handle Ben?"

"No! She's frighten of snakes. Asami what are you doing?" Korra shouts.

I ignore my girlfriend, and nod.

"I'm all for a challenge."

"Sounds like a plan then. Can we get a round of applause for…..

"Asami Sato." I answer.

"Lets show some love for Asami."

The room claps and I give a friendly smile, but let's be real. Nothing can compare to how friendly Yue has been.

I try not to flinch when she places the long yellow/brown monster around me. The feeling of his cold skin up against my neck, makes me want to cry, but I don't.

Ben starts moving downward, and I bite down onto my tongue.

"He likes you." Korra cheers on, as he rest his head onto my chest.

"He likes you a little bit too much." Jinora adds, recording the whole disaster.

" You're doing great, Asami. You're a snake pro."

Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. You're just saying that because I caught you being sneaky. Ha! A snake expert being a snake. The irony.

Once he gets to my waist, I'm done.

"Get him off! Get him now!"

"You're doing fine."

"I don't give a fuck! Get him!"

Yue quickly untangles Ben and I rush back over to my seat, shaking off how disgusting I feel.

"Um, Sweetie. I'm proud of you and all, but you just cussed in-front of the children." Korra says, through gritted teeth.

"Oh relax, Korra. You're lucky your girlfriend cursed, instead of beating up Yue." Jinora adds.

I hate the zoo!

Korra

As the kids race off to order lunch, I hand Rohan over to Jinora.

"Give us a minute, please. And make sure Meelo doesn't buy just ice cream."

"Will do, Captain."

With the kids gone, I put my attention onto Asami, who's currently looking around as if she did nothing wrong.

"What happened back there?" I ask.

"I don't know what you're talking about." She replies, innocently.

"Let me refresh your memory then. Other than the minor panic attack you had, I was sensing some tension between you and Yue."

It doesn't take too long for Asami to give up her innocent facial expression, and turn it into complete remorse.

"The snake charmer was trying to charm you, Korra!"

Did she just call me a snake? Should I be offended?

"I didn't mean to come off as a jerk. It was just the way she was looking at you... I don't mind a casual one time peak, but that girl was persistent! Not even the fact you had children or a girlfriend stopped her!"

"Asami."

"You may not be the jealous type, but I am! My level of jealously may not match a psycho's, but it's still significant."

"Asami!"

"I know you see everyone as a friend, but not everyone wants to be your friend! Some people want to be more than friends! Take me for example. Wait. That didn't come out right. I did want to be your friend, but it was after the whole elevator thing. You're just so great and I get so.." I pull her into a kiss, to shut her up.

"Okay. Point taken. I'll never talk again." She replies.

"I don't mind you talking, I just want a chance to speak sometimes. Walk with me."

We were lucky enough to visit the zoo during cherry blossom season, so the setting is beautiful.

"I'll admit it. Sometimes I'm not 100% sure when someone shows an interest in me. So I apologize for that."

"There is no need to apologize, you can't help how charming you're."

"Same for you, but you at least do a better job of showing a lack of interest. I seen it before. The way you used to act with Suki. Before you even knew my feelings, you were always conscious on how your interactions were foreseen. Even though, I still got a tad bit jealous. In the back of my mind, I knew you cared. I want you to have that same reassurance. I'll make sure of it."

"Korra you don't have to."

"Yes. I do have to! You're my girlfriend and it's disrespectful towards you when I don't. Let me do this."

I truly mean what I said. Some people are naturally flirtatious without even knowing, like Yue. But from this point on, I'll make more of an effort.

"I appreciate it, Korra."

"No problem." I reply, intertwining our hands, as we walk further down the path.

"Was that your mother on the phone this morning?" She asks.

"Yes. She wanted to know when I plan to visit her. I just saw them a few weeks ago!"

" You were constantly travelling, they miss you. Now that you're more settled, they want to take advantage of it. I don't blame them. You're nice to be around." She replies, swinging our arms back and forth.

I laugh, at the compliment.

"Thanks. You aren't bad yourself. It's just... My mother said I sounded different."

"What do you mean?"

I stop walking, but don't let go of our hands.

"She kept asking what was wrong. She knows me so well, Asami. That's why I don't understand why she thinks there is a problem. I'm happy! Why would she doubt my happiness? "

Asami gives a small smile, despite my confusion.

"You want to tell her about us, don't you?"

"No. Wait? How did you know?" I ask in disbelief.

She laughs, and drags me along, continuing our quest.

" You're a very open person, Korra. So I know it has to hurt you, keeping this from her. Do you see yourself telling her? "

"Well, yes. I always did. I wanted to tell her the moment I gained these feelings, but I didn't know how to go about it. I still don't."

We stop again, but this time it's on her terms.

"You have time to think about it, and we have time to talk about. There is no rush."

"I know. But I feel like I been running away from this for quite awhile now."

"Maybe you aren't running away? Maybe you're just waiting for the right exit?"

Despite the seriousness of this conversation, a smile reappears onto my face.

"That's a nice way to put it. Are you some poet or something?" I tease.

"Something like that. I just like talking to you, so my words flow naturally. I'm like a..." She quickly lets go of my hand, and picks up a petal from off the ground.

"I'm like a fallen petal, because I have fallen for you." She recites, before taking a bow.

I quickly start clapping.

"Bravo." I cheer.

"Thanks. If Shakespeare were alive, he would have competition." She replies, confidently while reconnecting our hand.

"You're always winner in my eyes, so you would never have competition."

Author's Note

And to think I was going to wait and update until after I finished my other story. Smh.

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays.

Thoughts are appreciated.

'Someone ask Santa to give me the strength/motivation to edit Political Scapegoats, because I can't do this alone lol.