Asami
We're walking down the sidewalk, and I'm swinging my love's hand, enjoying this lovely Saturday morning.
Today is special, because we're meeting with our agent, to look over some places to live. The first tour is in Long Island, and I'm not exactly sure if I want to live far from Manhattan. But, Korra and I are both opened minded.
So far, I've loved the walk through this city. The street music is so much better, compared to back home. Not just that, but we passed a lot of local shops that really caught my eye in the fashion sense.
I tried everything in my power to get us to stop at one of the boutiques, but Korra said maybe on the way back. If it wasn't for her commitment of being on time, I think I could've persuaded her. However, this trustworthy trait is very attractive on her, and I strive for it myself.
This home hunting thing, is so nostalgic to me.
Just years ago, Kuvira and I were just college students, looking for an excuse to not stay on campus. Choosing the most convenient apartment possible. But now, I don't have any limitations.
The only things we definitely want included in our home, is a dog park, a small gym, a great view, and maybe a decent pool. With our simple lifestyle and combined income, we've plenty of options.
My father suggested a few places and some start out money, but I turned them both down.I'm grateful, but I worked my butt off, supporting myself throughout these needs to continue, letting me be an adult. Now, when it comes to a future wedding. I'm all for him going all out for me. But right now, I want Korra and I, to work this ourselves.
Another thing I'm trying to avoid, is uppity neighbors. With our budget, it wouldn't be a surprise to come across them. But I don't care about our status. Gosh. Some people can be so entitled. I know it for a fact, because I dealt with a lot of those people in college and growing up. Even though I was raised humble, I take pride knowing I chose to not be like my peers, and live off my family's legacy.
That being said, I just want a nice place where I can relax and share my home with the love of my life.
As we continue our walk, I look up at Korra like she's the greatest thing in the world. She's also wearing this pastel yellow and green patched bucket hat I got for her last week. With the summer just now hitting, I get the luxury to shop for more clothes for the season. Which also means, I get to pick out things for my girlfriend too.
With many brands putting out athletic casual wear, Korra doesn't have a hard time in the fashion department. But, sometimes you can't just wear a hoodie and leggings. Luckily, she got around to that thought, to the point she doesn't mind wearing what I pick out.
However! There is one fashion piece of hers, that I just hate, and they're her Reef sandals. They're her go to shoes, when she's not wearing sneakers. I know what you're thinking. "Asami, it's getting hot. Of course she's wearing them." But No! She was working these bad boys almost every season. I would've mentioned it before, but I like to mention the good things about my girlfriend.
At first, I fell in love with them too. But now, they just motivate me to work even harder to get rid of them. Heck! Naga has tried to ruin every pair of shoes I entered her home with, but those sandals are even off limits to her. Which proves, this will be a hard task.
"Are you excited?" Korra asks, getting me to stop glaring at her feet.
"Yes! Are you excited?" I ask, thrilled.
My girlfriend tilts her head back and playfully groans.
"I feel like I'm on House Hunters or something."
"Ooh. That would've been so fun. Maybe we can keep that in mind when we want to build a house down the line." I state, while kissing her hand.
"Ha-ha. I don't know how I feel about that. It'll mostly be you doing all the talking, and me in the background agreeing. The people watching will probably think you run the show."
I stop, and put on my most adorable smile. "I may run the show, but you're one hell of a cast."
She rolls her eyes, and reintertwines our hands as we make our way down the neighborhood. Despite not seeing the home yet, I really like how vivid everything is. Not as crowed as towns square clearly, but also not as quiet either. It's a nice balance between a different lifestyle.I can sort of picture Korra and I living here, but I can picture us living anywhere.
"I think that's her." Korra says, as we see a woman with curly black hair, a floral green and pink blazer, and heels standing outside a building with a folder.
I've no idea what this woman is like, Pema suggested her to Korra. So, Korra was the only one in contact with this woman, but no one told me she was drop dead gorgeous! From the look on my girlfriend's face, this is probably the first time she met her in person.
"Hi? Are you, Nia Richardson?" Korra asks, getting the woman to look up from her phone. And when she does, we're meet with the prettiest brown eyes.
"Yes! Please call me Nia. Which one is Korra?" She asks, extending her hand for us to shake.
It takes me to get out of my trance first, to nudge my girlfriend in the side, so she can talk.
"Me! I am she. And this is my girlfriend, Asami. We're hopeful in finding some lovely options today." She says, finally collecting herself.
Nia laughs, and slides her phone into her back pocket. Yes! Laugh at these two idiots who are so blinded by how amazing you're.
"How did you all get here, if you mind me asking? Our first building is only two blocks." She says, already leading the way.
"We took the subway." I state, as we continue to follow her like minions. A breeze comes, and you can smell her perfume in the air. The scent is so amazing I have to close my eyes for a brief second, as I walk. When I open my eyes, I'm faced with my girlfriend looking at me disturbed.
"What? She smells good." I mouth to her.
"Stop being weird!" She mouths back.
Then another breeze comes, and judging from Korra's face, she catches the scent too. When she nods in agreement with me, I can't help but smile.
I know. I've a girlfriend and I'm totally being a creep right now. And It doesn't help that I'm clearly aware of my own girlfriend's appreciation. But, I feel honored in her amazing taste. Because, it shows we're both aware of greatness. I mean, I'm great. How can one be jealous?
"It's a beautiful day for a walk." Nia states.
"Yes, we passed many great shops." I start.
"I agree. I love shopping out here with my husband, were some open by chance this morning?"
"Some of them were, especially this thrift shop on the corner. I wanted to go in, but my great girlfriend wanted to be on time." I tease, pulling her into a side hug.
"Aww. I wouldn't mind you folks showing up late to shop. You could've picked something up for me."
"We all can visit after we're done." Korra says eagerly, which takes me off guard.
"Tell you what. I find you both, the perfect home, then we all can celebrate by shopping. Love your sandals by the way." She says, finally stopping at this very elegant building. The building is called the Eagle's Den. The architectural design gives me a very techy/urban vibe.
But once we get inside, I feel like I'm inside Google's headquarters. You know? The place where it's supposed to be fun where you work? Well, this place looks fun to live! The lobby has fresh baked cookies, but it smells like cinnamon and apples. How!? These cookies are chocolate chip!
"You loving the lobby, Ladies?" Nia asks, while Korra and I look around dumbfounded.
She chuckles to herself, and mentions something about checking in, leaving Korra and I alone to take all this in.
"Do you see this place?" I ask.
"I know right! We aren't even in our room yet, and I'm satisfied with just living in the lobby."
When Nia comes back, she dangles the keys in front of us.
"I wasn't sure if you were interested in two beds or one. So, I grabbed both room keys."
"Two rooms please." Korra states, which I totally agree with.
"Yes! One for my mini art studio." I explain, to Nia who nods understanding the needed addition.
"Oh? What if we've our parents stay over? Shouldn't we have a guest room, rather than a studio?"
Um. What happened to her being behind the scenes, during our House Hunting episode?
There is a long pause, and Korra and I just stare at each other. I don't know what it is, but I think we're having a...disagreement? Usually when this happens, one of us, just compromises. But it seems, this topic will be debated. Yet, no one want's to debate right now. Or maybe, we do and we're waiting for the other to start.
Thankfully, Nia breaks the ice.
"We're just looking today, and like you talked about with me over the phone, Korra. Long Island is pretty far from your jobs. So, I wasn't entirely sure this would be your 1st choice anyway. However, just seeing other places helps a lot of buyers know what they want and don't. So, let's just play it by ear today. Sounds good?"
Korra and I both nod, and follow Nia.
The first room she takes us to on our tour, is the workout room. And Korra lets go of my hand, as she waits for Nia to scan her card , eagerly.
This girl and the gym.
Korra
And I thought this place couldn't get any better, This is the greatest home gym,I've ever seen! With free weights up to 200lbs, 5 thread mils, ellipticals, a pull up bar, and a giant water dispenser. I'm in gym heaven!
"You like to workout?" Nia teases.
"I like to jog from time to time." I tease back, while letting my fingers dance along the weights, that I so desperately want to take advantage of.
I never thought apartment viewing could bring me so much joy. It reminds me of Christmas shopping as a kid. Where you hint to your parents what you want, and you just can't stop thinking about that item until you get it. Now that I've seen this gym, I want it!
"They also have a cycling and yoga room." She mentions.
I look over at Asami with heart eyes, which gets her to laugh."Didn't you say you wanted to do more Yoga?" I ask, trying to persuade her.
"You remember the last time I did Yoga? Not a good idea." She snorts.
"I got a pizza date out of it, doesn't seem like an entirely bad experience." I reply, which gets her to blush.
"You two better calm down. We haven't gotten to the rooms yet, and you still have to furnish it." Nia states, amused.
"Is the floor carpeted or hardwood?" Asami asks, as we leave the workout center.
"Hardwood."
"Then that's all we need." She says to me, with a wink.
"You a fool, Asami." Nia says, laughing to herself, as I try to collect my own blush.
Why does my girlfriend have to be like this?
As we walk through the building, people give us small smiles as they carry on with their lives, which is a good sign. It means they're friendly, and I want to live somewhere where I feel welcomed. As we're passing the many great community perks, I can't help but question about Naga's place.
"Does this place allow animals? I've a dog, Naga. Super friendly and loving."
"A matter a fact they do. They've a two pet limit though. As long as Naga is 50 lb or under, you all would be fine."
Naga is cutting close to that limit, at 48 lbs. I'm not too worried about her going over, but, it's definitely something to be concerned about.
We make our way onto the elevator and even this feature looks high tech.
We get off at the 5th floor, and there are roughly 4 rooms on this hall. All spaced out, which is nice. I won't have to worry about any of the neighbors' noises.
We get to a door on the far left, and once she unlocks the door, we're met with a three panel window that shows the skyline perfectly. This feature illuminates the entire room, and it steals the show of it being able to house people.
Asami rushes straight to the window, and carefully tries not to touch the glass, as she stares out into the open.
"Honey, I love it! I can just see myself coming home, and being inspired. Sketching whatever comes to mind, just by watching the street."
I join my favorite artist as we look down at the view. She's right, this view is breath taking. Who knows what's going on in her creative mind right now. Her eyes are so locked onto the skyline, I'm afraid to say something, in fear it would pull her out of her world.
"This area also has great schooling, in case you ever wanted to have children." And just like that, Nia's statement pulls Asami out of her trance.
"We're already struggling with the use of the vacant room, I refuse to let a child go before my studio!"
"With that mindset, maybe children shouldn't be in the picture right now." Nia teases, getting her and I to laugh, while my dark artist, doesn't get the joke.
We head to the master bedroom, and just like the living room, it has a great view of the city.
Also, a walk in closet, which I already know Asami will hold captive of. The bathroom is pretty small, but I doubt we'll be inside at the same time. Not a lot of space for Naga to roam around, which is disappointing. Judging by Asami's face, I know she's concerned about the limited amount of space as well. The fact we have our own washer and dryer, is a lot of time doing laundry, but it being right in the kitchen, is sort of new? Is that a nice way to say it?
We finally make our way to the second room. Aka the big debate, and that's where the discussion goes. "I don't' want anyone to sleep on the couch when they come over." I start.
"Well, sweetheart. We can always give up our bed, to accommodate someone else."
"Asami, Love. That would be foolish when we've a full working room. Also. You're inspired by the view of our living room, why can't you have your studio in there?"
"Because, my darling. I need to be secluded from the outside world when I work sometimes."
We stare at each other with so much love, but also a tad bit of frustration as we wait for the other to state a better alternative or compromise.
I love Asami, I really do. But we're going to be living together, which means we'll be making sacrifices together.
I know how much art means to her, but I know she's talented and resourceful enough to make everything fit her needs, room or not.
"You mind if I show you one more element of this place? I think it'll help."
After climbing up a few flights of stairs, we make our way out onto the roof deck. There is a mini garden, with sofas and chairs surrounding it. You would've never thought such a treasure, would be apart of this building. It's beautiful.
"I know the studio/guest room is a challenge, but maybe you could work out here sometimes." Nia suggests.
Asami looks around more amazed than the living room. I watch as she touches some flower petals, and I can't help but smile, watching her leave her mark here.
I can see myself finding her here anytime of the day. All cozy in one of these sofas, starring out into the distance or into her sketch book. Simply doing what she does best, which is creating something that's bigger than you.
I'm not sure what's the better? Me knowing she'll be here when she's not in our room, or being able to tell exactly where she was?
Truthfully, that's what I look forward to the most when it comes to sharing a space with her. Being able to tell where she was. Knowing and loving someone so much, that I'm able to feel her presence without her being physically there.
Her leaving milk out onto the counter, the smell of her shampoo lingering in her house, despite it being hours since she last showered, bobby pins being left in my car. Small things that just makes her,home.
Knowing these elements will continue, and new ones will be created too, makes me grateful. It's crazy to me, because all she wants is a small place to display her art purposely. But, how do you tell someone you adore, their art is everywhere, just by them living?
"Besides the room thing, how do you feel about the place?" Nia asks, pulling us out of our own separate thoughts.
I step forward, trying to break it to her nicely.
"This place is innovated, like something out of Teen Titans. The view is beautiful too. Loved the gym! But personally, it's a bit too small for my liking. And clearly, the room thing seems to be a problem right now. But this place certainly helped me envision what I'm looking for."
Nia nods, and looks over at Asami for her answer.
My girlfriend bites her lip, and Nia laughs. "Alright, Girl. Let me have it. I know that face."
My girlfriend nervously laughs, but begins.
"I really loved the interior design. I'm not a huge fan of the walk in closet, not enough space for my clothes. A girl likes to shop. I was hoping for a bigger kitchen, and not something so clammy. There is only one bathroom sink, and my hair products alone, are a lot. I can already see my bobby pins falling off the sink. Korra works out a lot! I don't want to wash her sweaty clothes, while I'm cooking dinner too. Naga is huge btw. And she'll be miserable as fuck, trying to maneuver though here.I really liked the room for my studio, but I know it has to fit both our needs. I just don't think this is the right one."
Despite my girlfriend's long list of dislikes, I'm sort of tickled that she took into account things she would do for me. Such as laundry, knowing my routine, Naga's love for space to roam. Little things I didn't expect for her to care so much about. It sort of makes me want to give her that studio of her's.
"I thought that might be the case. Could you please give me a second, my phone has been buzzing all day. Brb."
With her taking a business call, Asami and I take the time to talk.
"So, you really don't want a guest room?" I ask, while we look out into the city.
"It's not that I don't want a guest room, I just…"
"What? Tell me, Sami."
"It's silly, don't worry about it." She says, which gets me to smile while I put my hands inside my short's pocket.
"Why are you smiling at me?" She asks, a little bit offended.
"Because! You had no problem telling our agent what you disliked about this place. Yet, you can't even tell me why you don't want a guest room."
She fumbles with her words, as she goes from shock, confused, and offended.
"I didn't have lists of dislikes. I just know we could find something better, and you know that too. You just didn't want to hurt your little girlfriend's feelings."
"Oh, Please, Asami. I would've told you if I thought this place was a no."
"I'm not talking about me, I'm talking about 'Nia'. You can't tell me you don't find her attractive."
I roll my eyes, as she giggles and holds onto me.
"Why don't you want a guest room?" I ask, getting back on topic.
"Korraaaa."
"Asamiiiiii! I say, with more whine than her.
"Fine! It's because... I like the thought of just having you to myself. I don't want a room to remind me that others can just enter our home, and share the space I always imagined us just sharing. I want it to be our home, and not some get away for others. I'm selfish and clingy, I'm sorry."
"You aren't selfish. Clingy, yes! But I like it.I know how much art means to you. It steals the majority of your time too. So, knowing you still crave my time, makes me feel special. Sorry, you felt like I was trying to steal attention from you, with an extra room. "
"No, it's not like that. Gez. I sound like a control freak . I think a guest room is a wonderful idea. The fact you always put others before you, is one of the reasons why I love you. We're going to find our dream home, that fits both OUR needs. And if we have to search all of New York for it, we will."
"All of New York, Huh?" I ask, amused.
"We won't stop until we find the perfect one, just like me finding you."
I pull her into a kiss, then smile at her.
"Aww. You two made up." Nia says, as I wrap my arms around my love.
"Nothing a little communication couldn't fix. If you don't mind, Nia. We would both love to see you again, and keep you as our agent. You were extremely patient with us, and we couldn't continue journey without you." Asami states.
"Only if you don't hate us." I add as well.
"Nonsense, you two are my new favorite clients. I've tons of options still, not just in this city. And don't you worry, we'll hit up this neighborhood again, for shopping! This is just day one, we're going to find the perfect one."
She makes her way over to us, and pulls us into a giant hug. And when I look up, I see my girlfriend's head buried into her shoulder.
Why is she like this?
Author's Note
Gez! Look at who's keeping up with the updates.