Korra

The door swings open and I'm instantly pulled into a hug.

"My precious daughter has arrived."

Despite my suffocation, I'm able to wrap my arms around my loving mother.

" And you brought company over. Asami, right?" My mother beams, while extending her arms, making room for my guest.

" It's nice seeing you too, Mrs. Waters!"

"I'm glad! I haven't seen you in what? A year?"

"Something like that." She replies.

"Let's not think about it, you're here now. Now, come inside my beautiful girls. "

We finally enter my home, and I notice some new arrangements.

"Where are my old martial arts trophies?" I whine, racing over to the shelf now filled with plates with various states on them.

"Ooohh. Your father and I thought it was too vain to have them showcasing here, so we removed them."

What are they talking about? It's normal for parents to have their child's accomplishments hung up around their home. I retired undefeated for a reason, I would like some recognition!

"Vain how? I'm your child!" I defend.

Asami ignores my rant, and takes the spotlight.

"I adore the plates, Mrs. Waters. It really brings the whole room together." My girlfriend chimes in.

She also gives me a wink, but that's due to my failure of keeping my cool.

" Asami you're a sweetheart. Would you like some lemonade?" My mother asks.

"I would love some. Thank you for your generosity."

"No problem, I enjoy having company over. Sit tight."

With my mother hidden behind the walls of the kitchen, I furiously and non vocally show my disapproval to the remodel.

"Aww. It's just some awards, don't cry." She says, wrapping her arms around me.

"I don't understand. First, they beg me to visit more often, then they replace me with American décor? Who has a plate of Idaho? And why does it need to be on a shelf?"

"Hey! Idaho is the home of the potatoes, give it some respect. Besides, I think you're biggest award is still here."

"And what may that be?" I ask, pulling her in closer.

I know how long my mother takes to bring out drinks, so this action isn't quite bold.

"Me."

I pretend to look unsure.

" I don't know… My 1st place in katas when I was six, was pretty neat."

"If it's so special, where is it then?"

Probably being sold in a church auction parents used to tease about it before, maybe it's true.

"You make a valid point. Tell you what. Since the competition didn't show up,you win by default. "

"Can I get a kiss as my award?" She asks, playing with the buttons of my coat.

Apart of me wants to kiss her, but I know that will cut into my mother's return time. Then again, having her walk in on us, speaks louder than words. However, I don't think that would be the most respectable approach.

Yet, one quick peck won't hurt. Right?

" Ladies, I have the lemonade... Wait...? Why are you two like that?"

I look at my mother confused.

"Like what? " I ask, innocently.

"Like that! Why is Asami by the door? And why are you holding a vacuum?"

*Holds up vacuum to read the model*

"Oh! I was just admiring this new.. Dyson V8. Where did you get it?" I ask.

My mother places the drinks onto the table and motions for us to sit down.

"Your father bought it at a church auction."

I should've known.

As Asami and I both take our drinks, I look around anxiously.

Why do I feel so out of my element? This is my home. A newly designed one, but still my home. I shouldn't feel like a stranger.

"Is Mr. Waters on his way?" Asami asks.

"Sadly no, Hun. He's traveling for a few services this weekend. I know he would've enjoyed seeing you though."

Instead of a reply, Asami takes a sip of her lemonade.

"So what's new? What's the 411? Lay the drama on your mama."

"Mommm." I groan due to her corniness.

"What? Your father doesn't talk to me about gossip. I may be a child of God, but I like to be entertained too. I don't judge, I just listen." She replies.

Which takes a lot of pressure off of me.

"I'm glad you feel that way, Mother. Because I have something to tell you."

"Is it something bad?" She asks, concerned.

Her question makes me giggle.

"Nope. It's great news. " I reply.

She nods.

" Go ahead then, let Mama know. "

Asami raises a small thumbs up, then I begin.

"I'm dating someone." I start off.

"Yes! Finally! My prayers have been answered!" She shouts, clapping her hands together.

"Geez, Mom. I appreciate your happiness, but do you really have to be so extra? You make it seem like I can't handle being single."

"Sorry, Hun. I just knew Mako and you would get back together. You're right, this is great news."

Her reaction/response, makes my girlfriend choke on her drink.

"Asami, Dear. Are you alright?" My mother asks.

"Yep! I'm perfect."

"Are you sure? Your face is red." My mother continues.

" Maybe I should have stuck with tea." my girlfriend replies.

"When my excitement is done, I could go make you some If you want?"

Asami shakes her head with a smile.

"No thanks. I would be taking a sip every second, and I would hate to use up all your packets. " She replies.

Why does my girlfriend have to be so petty?

"Mother. Mako isn't the guy I'm dating." I continue.

Her joyful smile, quickly turns into a frown.

"Oh. It's someone new?" She asks.

"Um..not really. You met them before."

"I did?"

"Yep! And you really like them. You find them intelligent, beautiful, sweet, responsible, and just an all around great person."

"Wow! I want to meet such a great individual." Asami states, before taking another sip of her drink.

Why is she like this?

"I agree, Asami. I would certainly remember a person like that. You said I met them before? When was this?"

Not finding a reason to drag it out any longer, I intertwine our hands, and say it.

"It's Asami, Mom. I'm in a relationship with this beautiful, sweet, and responsible person beside me." I explain.

The look on my mother's face isn't the same as earlier, there is shock alright, but disgust replaced the happiness.

Asami

When it comes to family, seeing the way your love one interacts with them, is very important. Their family members have seen them at their best, and worst moments in their life.

Regardless of the negatives or positives, everything about family interactions are genuine. That's why I always take the time to admire such interactions when it comes to Korra.

When it comes to Tenzin and Pema, Korra is like a second daughter.

With the children, Korra has this cool aunt vibe thing going on.

But when it comes down to her own parents, it's always a new experience.

Maybe my uncertainties are due to my own personal lack of relations with the Waters. However, with the evidence I do have, I seen my girlfriend conflicted beyond all means with them.

Her strict upbringing could play a key factor in their off relationship. But once again, I never had many opportunities to analyze their relationship, but now seeing the look on her mother's face, I think I'm going to receive some insight.

"It's not nice to play tricks on your mother." The older woman replies unamused.

"This isn't a joke. I'm honest to God serious." Korra stresses.

"DON'T BRING HIM INTO THIS!"

Her angry outburst, causes me to slowly set my lemonade back onto the table.

This conversation took a turn...

"What do you mean? He has everything to do with this! You're the one that told me he has a path for everyone. That's what I believe too!"

The woman shakes her head in disapproval.

"No. You chose to take part in this...act. When it comes to the decisions we make, we take responsibilities for our actions. You took the wrong path, and I know our heavenly father will lead you back onto the right one."

Despite her mother's ill words, Korra keeps her patience.

"Mom. I understand that you're upset, but there is no need to be. You should be happy for me. For us! These past few months were difficult for me. Back then, I thought feeling incomplete would be a constant feeling of mine. Sometimes you have to break down things, just so you can understand it. I was broken, just so I could find myself and understand who I am. And ever since then, I feel so much better. With that in mind, the last thing I want to see is you in pain. So don't be upset, because I'm not anymore. I never been so happy."

I look over at my girlfriend, and I'm truly touched by her words. You can genuinely see the love she has for her mother.

Another admirable thing about Korra is, she came into this discussion with love and excitement. That's quite rare when it comes to a confession that could lead to a rejection.

I couldn't be more proud of her.

"Who's the man in the relationship?" She asks, ignoring her daughter's beautiful speech.

What happened to the sweet Christian woman who makes lemonade?

"Last time, I checked. We were both women." I reply, trying to keep my own patience, but her question was so distasteful.

"So you two are having sex?"

"NO! MOM? How can you even ask such a question? "

Once again, she ignores her response, and focuses on me.

"Are you intimate with my daughter?" She asks, starring into my eyes, looking for my lack of confidence. Which is clearly there.

"No, Ma'am. Her faith means a lot to the both of us, so we're waiting." I answer sternly.

The woman rolls her eyes.

"Faith? You might as well since you're already going against our morals. Have you been tested for any STDs? You have been with men, correct? " She states.

This woman is something else.

"MOM! You can't ask her that!" Korra defends, but I don't need her to.

Her mother is just trying to test me, but I have dealt with people like her before. She doesn't intimidate me.

"Mrs. Waters, those type of things aren't just limited to men. I'm sure an intelligent woman like yourself, knows that. I'm fairly confident in my health, but if you're so doubtful, you're welcome to attend a checkup with me anytime."

Once the woman no longer finds the time to stare me down, she places her attention back onto her daughter. This time, her eyes are more soft.

"Sweetie. This isn't what you want. I know you're hurt about Mako, but don't jump into something because you feel empty inside. You're my baby girl. My pride and joy. I don't want to see you hurt again. I love you."

Surprisingly, Korra has the same defeated look that I recognized back from her final fight.

"I'm not going to get hurt again, Mom." She replies, lowly.

"You're a very optimistic child, but pain and suffering will be brought upon you, if you don't end this. Don't break your mother's heart."

Korra takes a deep breath.

"Listen, Mom. I respect your disapproval, but this is current. Asami and I are together, whether you like it or not. There will be no pain and suffering, so I doubt your heart will be broken."

Mrs. Water's sympathetic approach suddenly fades, and shifts back into anger.

"Why would you want such a life ? Don't you want what your father and I both have?"

My girlfriend tries to smile, but I can tell she's getting frustrated.

"Yes! I do want that. We can still have that, love is universal. I doubt you married dad just for his gender." She explains.

"You're right, I didn't. But it certainly played a key factor! I wasn't out here pursuing someone of the same sex like you are."

"I didn't!" My girlfriend defends.

"I know! That's why I'm upset with her!" She replies, glaring at me.

Here we go again.

"Don't you see it, Korra? She doesn't love you, this is just some trick of hers. I saw her agenda the moment we had dinner at her father's home. The way her eyes would drop every time she met yours'. The smile she got from the littlest things you did. She was trying to get with you even back then. And you were in a relationship during that time! How can you be attractive to a sneaky person like that? She's a snake! "

A snake? I never been so insulted in my life.

"And what exactly is my agenda, Ma'am?" I ask, forgetting my whole open minded demeanor.

She's putting lies into her daughter's head about me, how can I keep my cool?

"Your agenda of trying to turn my daughter."

"WHAT?" both Korra and I shout.

Despite our same word outburst, it has two different meanings behind it.

My 'what' is more on the humorous side, and Korra's, is more on the disbelief. Regardless of the background, Mrs. Waters is a brave woman.

"I know how girls like you are, Asami. You enjoy preying on the weak."

I'm doing everything in my power not to lie and tell her I'm sleeping with her daughter, but I know my comment won't help the situation. She already doesn't take our relationship seriously, why joke around? But the look on her face would be priceless. Ugh. The pain of being the bigger person.

"I'm weak? Are you serious, Mother? Maybe not having my trophies here is doing more damage than good, because I'm not weak! And Asami isn't like that. There are so many lovable things about her."

"You love her?"

"What?" Her daughter asks.

"Do you love Asami, Korra?"

Her mother's question causes my girlfriend to scratch her head conflicted.

"You don't have to answer that, Korra. This conversation has nothing to do with that." I reassure.

"Yes it does! Why risk everything for someone you don't even love?" Her mother states amused.

"You know what? It seems that you have a lot of questions. I'm happy to answer all of them, regardless of what they may be." I state, trying to get the spotlight off of my girlfriend.

" Fine. Are you the reason why Mako and my baby broke up?"

*Silence*

"I'm not sure...That's something only Korra knows." I reply honestly.

"No! Mother! Mako and I had other problems in our relationship. Problems, which you refused to acknowledge before So, please don't bring Asami into this."

"What do you mean? You brought her into my home."

"I brought her because I wanted to tell you and dad about us. "

*Senna gasps*

"I will certainly not tell him! Do you know what this will do to him?"

"Not really, but he seems to really like Asami. Maybe he will be excited? "

I give a weak smile at my sweetheart's optimism.

"That's because he thinks she's a good influence. Turns out she's been a little more than helpful in your case."

"Mrs. Waters. I know this is a lot to take in, but I love your daughter. "

I start off.

I know Korra may not be at the point to say it back, but I do love her. I had enough time to understand my feelings for her. And if her mother needs proof regarding my love, I'll give it to her. I have plenty of it.

"Our relationship is no different than what you and your husband or anyone else may have. What does it say in Matthew 24:2? Love thy neighbor?'"

"That's John 13:34 ." Korra says lowly.

I think that'll be enough Bible references for me today.

" Back to the original message, Mrs. Waters. If you really feel that we're going against your beliefs, I'm sure your book has other messages that can help you deal with this. Once again, this isn't about you. We're just telling you because I know Korra loves you enough to be honest.

I would never take advantage of her, you have my word. If she happens to call a quits on our relationship, I would respect her decision. I would also fight it, but ultimately accept it. Just like how I know you'll accept your daughter.

There is no relationship if things are one sided. I doubt we would be here telling you this, if we didn't have feelings for each other. Your daughter is a strong person, you raised her to be so. Please don't question her judgement now."

" Do you mean that?" My girlfriend asks, looking at me with those same blue eyes I fell in love with.

"Of course I mean that, and I meant every word. You're my everything, Korra."

I squeeze her hand because I know a kiss would freak out Mommie Dearest.

"See, Mom! This is why I'm with her. I know it's going to be hard for you to accept this, but I know we'll make this work. We can be one big giant family. Asami, Dad, Tenzin's family, and you. Won't that be a beautiful treasure?"

Her mother sighs, and I think Korra might have gotten to her.

Her words were motivating, it had to.

" When I say you're weak, it's based on your love." Her mother states.

"What?" Her daughter asks hurt.

"You could have fought for you and Mako, but instead you threw that away. You want to be with someone you can grow with. You can't grow or have a family with her! Forget about pop culture, this is unnatural. I know what you're feeling right now is exciting, but that feeling isn't going to last. This is just a phase! Your father and I sheltered you. Turns out, our actions did more damage than good. This isn't your fault, you're just misled."

How dare she?

It's like nothing I said got to her!

And on the whole family thing, I'm quite offended . I know for a fact, Korra doesn't want a family. But even if she did, this is still an attack on our happiness.

And honestly, I wouldn't want my children or any, to meet such a wicked person. I know some people are set in their ways, but that shouldn't always be an excuse.

Just when I'm about to defend Korra and our relationship once again, she takes the action before I could get a chance.

"I have dealt with your hatred of me fighting, your disapproval of my attire, and your doubt in my personal faith. But I refuse to allow you to doubt my love or justify my happiness. You don't like it and you don't respect it. I get it! I can't change your views, but here is something I do have control over, and that's my presence.

I'm not stepping foot in here again until you decide if I'm worth being in your life as I am. Because, I shouldn't feel so…small in my own home. I love you, but I don't love how blinded you're to things you don't personally see as ideal.

And due to that being the case, maybe I am weak.

I thought I have seen my lowest, but not protecting my happiness is my rock bottom. Therefore, you aren't going to jeopardize my happiness. If you do, you'll be the one feeling weak. Let's go, Asami."

I notice Korra standing, but I can't stop staring at the shocked expression on her mother's face.

" How can such sinful things add to your happiness?" Her mother asks , finally collecting herself for a reply.

"How can the chance of losing your only daughter add to your's?" She replies, helping me up.

"No. Korra. You lost yourself somewhere during rebuilding yourself. I suggest you go back and find it ."

You can hear the fear in her mother's words.

The fear of knowing this may be the last time she sees her daughter.

Instead of replying, Korra holds the door open for me, and we both exit.

Once we're outside and out of the toxic environment , I pull her into a hug.

"I'm proud of you,what you just did was brave."

"What part?" She asks.

I blink, confused.

"Everything! You finally told her how you really felt! Forget about what she said, you aren't weak, I actually never met someone so strong. You did nothing wrong, I hope you know that."

"According to Exodus 21:17, I did." She replies, slowly returning the hug.

"I know you're hurt right now, but it's going to be okay."

" Yeah..I just need some space, Asami."

Space. Okay. Understandable.

I slowly let go and give her a small smile.

" I understand. Whenever you need to talk, I'm still here."

"Thanks."

She quickly goes down the steps and heads in the opposite direction, leaving me on my quest to the car alone.

I'm extremely pissed at her mother for putting such trash into her head. How can someone be so evil? I'm sorry. I know that's her mother, but she should at least have some respect for her child. Korra doesn't deserve to live like this.

As I continue my walk, I hear someone charging towards me, causing me to turn around.

"I'm okay now. I'm ready to talk. Are you ready to talk about it? Or do you need a second too?"

I stare at my girlfriend, confused, but also happy for her return.

I have to remind myself that, Korra tends to do thinks out of the ordinary compared to me. Hints this. But I'm sure she probably thinks the same reguarding me.

When she told me she needed space, I expected a day or two, not a 3 minute duration.

I'm not mad about it though.

I quickly get out of my confusion to respond.

"There is no need to rush. If you need more time, I can understand. " I explain.

"That's the thing. I don't want to take time to focus on this. I'm tired of analyzing personal matters. Which probably explains why I was so anxious about telling her about us. It wasn't that I didn't think she would accept me, it was the hassle of hearing what she had to say and trying to understand it all. In all honesty, nothing she ever preached about, made sense. But this time, she's going to be the one to analyzing the situation. Unlike her's, my words actually makes sense. They came from me! She needs to realize that primary sources are more credible than secondary. She knows my heart, I should be her first reference. "

Author's Note

Wow. I haven't posted in a year.