Korra
As I get out the normal stretches, I open my eyes and no longer see the body accompanying me. Despite it being the weekend, and knowing my girlfriend typically sleeps in, I throw my legs from under the covers and get ready for the day.
It's not just any day, it's my birthday! I don't know what I should do. Should I wish a happy birthday to myself, or just carry on?
I never had the chance to wish myself one first, because I'm usually in an environment surrounded by people who do it for me or I'll get a text/phone call at midnight.
Now thinking about it, this is the first birthday I'm not at the gym preparing for an upcoming fight. This is the first time I'm retired, and I don't even feel old!
On my way to the bathroom, I notice my bedroom door shut. Without even questioning it, I turn the knob and take in such a sight. Naga sitting beside my girlfriend standing at the stove.
Talk about a birthday suprise.
"Naga! I already gave you a sausage! If I keep feeding you, how are we going to surprise your mom?"
I have to hold in my laughter, as my girlfriend tries to be stern with my dog. Naga has gotten used to having Asami in my home. She's a very reserved dog when it comes to others, so this is a huge milestone.
"Alright! One more, but that's all!"
She tosses down a brown patty, and Naga gladly devours it. Once she's done eating, she turns her head and spots me.
As soon as we make eye contact, the feeling of panic runs through my body.
It's not that I don't enjoy seeing my wonderful friend, it's just rare that Asami cooks breakfast, especially inside my apartment. This is clearly a special occasion, and I don't want to spoil the surprise.
Luckily, before the chances of her doing so, a drop of grits fall onto the floor,
which get's Naga's attention.
She's not the only one who's distracted by her senses, everything smells delicious. Apart of me wouldn't mind sneaking up just to get a sample. But, I must stay strong and be patient.
My girlfriend wipes the sweat off her face, then steps back to admire her creation.
"Naga, I think It's time to surprise the birthday girl with this masterpiece. Do you think it's enough, though?" She asks, kneeling down to pet her.
My dog smiles and wags her tail as a response and I agree with her. Everything looks great!
"You do? Aww. Do you think I might get laid tonight?"
At that question, my dog barks rapidly and my girlfriend panics and covers her mouth.
"Calm down! It was a joke! I thought we were friends." She whispers.
After she gains the trust back from my loyal girl, I hop back into bed.
With a nice steady fake snooze going, and a line of drool added for character, the door slowly swing open.
"Get up there, Naga."
The feeling of a medium sized husky lowering my bed, causes me to reopen my eyes.
"Happy Birthday!" Asami shouts, holding a tray of food into my face.
"What? No way! Awww. You did all this for me?" I ask, as she sets everything onto my lap.
" Of course! It's your birthday, you deserve to be pampered. Did I surprise you?" She asks, excitedly.
"You certainly did. It's like I'm in an IHOP commercial!" I tease.
"IHOP? Um. This meal was made in a five star restaurant, with the top chef of New York City."
"You're right. My apologies, I should've known the moment I saw the cook this would be a great experience."
"You got that right! We may not have unlimited pancakes, but you can have unlimited kisses from me anytime."
"Can I cash in right now?" I reply, leaning in to take up such an offer.
"Not until you take a bite from your breakfast first."
Ignoring the fake advertisement, I take a bite from the pancakes.
As she waits anxiously for the verdict, I chew giving her questioning looks.
After I'm done with my first bite, I take a sip from my orange juice, just to mess with her some more. Feeling satisfied with my duration, I give my verdict.
"This has to be the greatest pancake I ever had, you truly have a gift!"
Asami blushes then shrugs.
"I mean. It's nothing really, it's just a family recipe." She replies, trying to be humble.
" Family recipe, huh? Well, I would ask you to teach me, but since I have you, there really isn't any point. I can't wait to try everything else, you really went all out for me. A bran muffin with a candle? Nice touch."
"Thanks! I was going to get one of those mini cupcakes, but I wanted to keep the whole breakfast theme ." She replies.
"Well. You certainly know how to plan a party." I tease.
The moment my joke exits my mouth, her face becomes pale.
"What party? What are you talking about, Korra?" She asks.
"Um. This party going on right now? What's up with you?" I ask, concerned.
"Oh nothing. I guess all the heat is catching up to me." She replies, with a smile.
" Relax and come eat with me, this food is far too good to eat alone." I stress, moving over since Naga doesn't want to be courtesy.
"Korra, I'm fine. This is your special meal, enjoy it."
I frown due to her polite protest.
"But... my meals are always special when I'm sharing it with you. I know my age is different, but why does my happiness have to change too?" I ask, slowly cutting another piece out of my pancakes.
"Ugh. Fine! Scoot over." She surronders, while entering under the covers too.
The sound of Naga's whimpering, gets a scone from Asami.
"No! Don't you give her anymore food, you have no idea how much I fed her. For such a little thing, she eats like a horse."
"Like you?" I tease.
That comment gets a slight punch into my arm, and a laugh from me.
"Just because you did something nice, doesn't mean you can take advantage of me. What will the neighbors think when I come out with bruises?" I defend.
"That I'm such a great girlfriend by the way I take care of you. Not everyone sees bruises as a bad thing, you know?" She replies, stealing the pancake I cut for myself off the plate.
"As a fighter, I have gotten my fair share of bruises, and they aren't. Unless, you're talking about something else?" I ask, getting her to gasp in disbelief.
"Korra! I'm offended you would think I would make such a conversation into something negative. I'll have you know, I meant giving you punches for how old you were turning."
Mmmhm. Sure.
"Tell me about the greatest birthday gift you ever received, excluding this phenomenal meal I prepared. "
" Darn! With that last part added, I really have to do some digging, huh?" I tease,making us both laugh.
I lean my head against the bed frame and give it some thought. I've never been a materialistic child growing up, but I do recall one particular item I cherished.
"Nope. You're going to laugh at me." I state, second guessing my answer.
My whole resentment, gets my girlfriend even more excited, as she tugs onto my arm begging me to tell her.
"Come on! I'm not going to make fun of you, I'm curious. Tell me, I made you breakfast!"
I laugh, rolling my eyes.
"You made breakfast one time, and suddenly you feel entitled to get whatever you want? Whose birthday is it again? Mine. You should be doing what I want, technically speaking."
My playful counter causes Asami to give me a mischievous look.
"I can do, and give you whatever you want. "
"Really? Even if that means putting a hold onto my story?" I ask.
She dwells on her answer.
"As much as I'm tempted, I still want to hear the story." She whines.
"Fine, I'll tell was a Skip It." I answer.
Asami looks at me confused.
"A what?"
I playfully roll my eyes knowing she's just pulling my leg, because everyone knows what a Skip it is.
"I'm serious, Hun. I honestly have no idea what that is." She defends.
"A Skip It! You know? The toy you put around your ankle and jump around over it. It had a ball or whatever at the end, and it would kill your shins if you weren't fast enough."
"No. That sounds like a Razor scooter. If a hill didn't take you out, the scooter itself would."
"No. Razor scooters killed your ankles." I correct.
"I don't think so. You know what? I'll just look it up online."
Once she types the 90's toy in images, she smiles too herself.
"Ooooohhh. That's what a Skip It is. No wonder you have such amazing calves."
"Yep! That's how I got my muscles, by simply using a kid's toy." I tease.
"Thank you for sharing that, I think that's a great favorite gift."
Asami
I stare at her in awe.
To think, last year around this time we didn't even know each other. Now, we're laying here on this beautiful sunny morning eating breakfast together. I don't know what's more shocking, me cooking, or finding someone I could see myself taking care of forever? I know this is her day, but It feels like I'm the one who got the gift.
"What? Do I have syrup on my face?" She asks, concerned.
Before she could pick up a napkin, I lean over and place a kiss onto her lips.
" Wow. If I thought I had syrup on my face before, I do now. Then again, you've been eating the majority of my pancakes."
Just before I could give her another light punch for that comment, she grabs ahold of my wrist, and pulls me down reconnecting our lips.
I try to lean forward into it, but she's not letting me.
"You're so stubborn you know that?"
"Me? You're the one who has a hard time accepting how much I love you." I reply, between kissing her back.
" It has to be a lot, given how you're afraid of me being on top. Or...you're just afraid of how you'll react when I am." She says, before placing her lips onto my neck. Which is bittersweet, because I was just about to call b.s on her truthful statement. I missed out on my opportunity, because I can't even think straight to say anything. All because her lips are moving lower than they typically do, and I'm questioning the new territory and my own pleasure.
I stare up at the grey comforter, fearful that closing my eyes might be the death of me. To be left alone with my thoughts, under such physical contact, isn't the best combination.
She pulls her head up, and I shut my eyes before she could notice.
"Do you feel that?" She asks, steadying herself by placing her hands on top of my waist.
My heartbeat? Yeah.
With us still under the covers, she takes off her shirt and I wished I kept my eyes shut, because my heart just flatlined.
The tone of her comforter makes her ocean blue eyes, look more indigo and I've never been quite fascinated. However, she's more fascinated with the t shirt in her hand.
"It's wet." She says, before running her hand up the side of my leg, and I can feel the wetness now too.
"The food!" She shouts.
When she lifts the covers off, we notice our breakfast spilled all over the bed.
Despite the juice drenched blanket, and grit stained pillowcases, my main focus is on the syrup on her upper arm that I could just lick off. Hell! Naga could totally be a vacuum right now, and we can go back to what we were doing in no time. However, before I could test my idea, she hops out of bed.
"I guess it's laundry day. I'm going to go get the vacuum." She calls out, while exiting the room.
Ugh. No one likes laundry day!
With the mess cleaned and everything taken into the laundry room, I lay down onto the floor, since I'm too dirty to lay elsewhere.
I'm so excited about the party tonight.
I have so many hands on deck trying to make my vision, I mean. Korra's birthday into a success.
I have Kuvira and Baatar picking up the cake, Pema making sure the catering service is there, Bolin in charge of the guest list, and etc.
This isn't just a family get together. Korra's an elite celebrity, we have big names in attendance. One of them I'm regretting inviting, which is my father.
Who knows how he's going to behave? My worst fear, is for him to grab the mic while tipsy, and be reckless. Hopefully by having Suki as the DJ, could prevent such an action. She is New York's top fighter right now, i'm in good hands. I still have to pick up Korra's gift, so I'm truly counting on everyone today.
"What are you thinking about?" My love asks, looking down at me.
"About how lucky I am to be spending the celebration of your life with you."
She rolls her eyes, and drags me by an arm all the way back into the bedroom. If she pulled me any quicker, I would have rug burns , but I doubt I would've mind.
"Do you want to take a shower first or me?"
"Why does it matter?" I ask, looking up at my girlfriend still towering over me.
"Because. You're less dirty and I might take longer. Then again, that could also mean I should get in first...? It's really up to you."
Before I could reply, my phone starts ringing.
"Do you want me to get it?" She asks, already walking towards my phone.
"NO!" I shout, jumping up. Which wasn't the greatest approach, because she's now looking at me suspiciously.
I quickly rush to her side, to address my outburst.
"I'm sorry I yelled, I just want this day to be about you. I don't want phone calls interrupting our day together."
I'm not fully lying, just stretching the truth. It's for a good cause. Don't judge me!
"Ha! This shower is about to separate us, who cares about a phone call? I'm probably going to get a lot of them today anyway. Well, not from my mother at least. "
I knew she was still upset with her mother, but I didn't expect her to mention her today.
"It's still early in the day, Korra. She might still." I encourage, rubbing her back.
"She used to always call me at midnight to wish me a happy birthday when I wasn't home. For a woman who wakes up 2 hours before the 1st church service, she didn't forget. Apart of me thinks she's respecting my wishes and feels I don't want to hear from her. But honestly, I kinda do. A civil happy birthday wouldn't offend me. But apart of me also thinks, she doesn't view me as her daughter anymore."
My phone starts ringing again, but I ignore it foreal this time.
I'm a little frustrated with Senna's behavior, because this is hurting Korra even more.
" You should answer your phone, It could be reservations for your five star restaurant."
"She didn't forget you, Korra. One missed happy birthday doesn't cancel all the memories you all created together." I reply, squeezing her hand.
"I know. I'm just glad to be sharing my birthday with you. And I look forward to continuing that after a much needed shower. I feel like I been grappling in brunch. Be right back." She says, before giving me a quick peck and dashing to the bathroom.
Now with time, I walk to see who's been calling me. Instead of seeing missed calls from the party committee, it's Mako. I quickly press the voicemail, and listen.
Mako: Sorry to bother you, but we sort of have a problem. Korra's mother is in the city. She called to speak with me, but I was making Jane breakfast and missed it. In the voicemail, she said she would be on her way to visit Korra's apartment today, but she wanted me to tag along to break the ice. This was 15 mins ago, and I haven't replied. I honestly don't know what to say, Nor if I should contact Korra since I don't personally know how she feels about everything. We never really met up to catch up like we said we would. Just call me back whenever you get this.
After hearing such news, I redial his number and it doesn't take long for him to pick up.
Mako: "Asami?"
Asami: "She's in the city, right now?" I ask, frantic.
Mako: Yes. I believe so? Should I just tell her to go home? This is really out of my comfort zone. I still love Senna, but I'm not her daughter's responsibility.
Asami: Yeah. I get it. She can't just show up here though.
Mako: You're at her apartment now?
Asami: Yes. Korra's in the shower and she's not really feeling her mom. She's still hurting and the last thing I want, is her mother ruining her day further.
Mako: Tell me about it. Especially with this party happening tonight.
The party! Shit. This is absolutely the worst time ever. I can't worry about the party, and battling her mother.
Mako: What are we going to do?
I think hard and quick, because she could walk out the shower any minute. Her version of a long shower isn't very long.
Asami: Can you meet her somewhere else instead? I ask.
Mako: I can't. I have to run errands with Jane and pick up Korra a gift.
Her mother isn't going to take 'Don't come and see her daughter' too lightly or seriously. There is only one way for her to stay put.
Asami: Did she tell you what hotel she was staying at?
Mako: Yes, the Hilton.
Asami: Text her you'll meet her at her room, then text me the address and room number.
Mako: Asami. I told you I can't see her.
Asami: I know, I am. Just text me the address please.
Author's Note
I know, a cliff hanger. I'm a loser for that.
However, to hold you all until the next chapter, check out my new story 'Variables'. I'm not going to delete this one lol.
It's a nice cat and mouse chase 'mentally', but also with a twist.
Thoughts are appreciated.