Thank you everyone for your patience, I hope this update makes it well worth it for you.

Here we have our girls 'bonding', or at least attempting to bond. Asami gets pulled into it too, and we'll see how she and Kuvira get along.

I don't own Legend of Korra.

Enjoy!

"Take it easy dear, nice and slow." Korra watched as Kuvira struggled to hold herself up, grasping the metal rails so tightly she might leave imprints. Kuvira's body had recovered nicely since her last checkup, so well that Kya decided to let her try walking; her ribs were healing fast, but she still wore bandages for safety purposes.

"Ugh…" Kuvira winced as she took a small step forward, Kya had told her and Korra that being bedridden for so long had caused some weakness in her muscles, but they let her exercise before letting her walk so she could have some ground. She could walk all the way to the end, but her legs were so weak they had to be careful.

"Just a couple more and we're finished." Kuvira nodded, and a few careful moments later she reached the end of the rails. "That was good, how do you feel?"

"Stiff, but I'm ok…" Kuvira winced again.

"Alright, well that's enough for now." Kya helped her back over to the bed to sit but helped her stay up instead of laying back down. "Your body is healing much better than I hoped Kuvira, I'm pleased with the progress you're making."

"Thanks." The woman looked down.

"In fact, you've been doing so well lately, that I've decided you should be able to use the chair now." Green eyes widened slightly.

"Chair?" Kya smiled.

"A wheelchair, it's in the hallway Korra would you go get it?" Korra nodded and left, spotting the chair just outside the room. It was the same chair she once used, and it was in good shape still.

"Here we go…" Korra walked back into the room with it, and Kuvira eyed it before turning back to Kya.

"Does this mean I can move around more?" Kya nodded.

"Besides working your legs we should also work on your upper body strength; using the chair will help with that. Now I don't want you to overwork yourself, so you'll still need plenty of bedrest, but you can use this chair to wheel around the temple. I also think it's time you went out to get some fresh air, since it's a lovely day and the gardens are in full bloom."

"I…" Kuvira looked down at her feet. "I'd like that."

"Good, now I want you to rest your legs for about ten minutes and then I'll let Korra escort you outside. We'll pick up again in two days, and I expect you to eat a little more to gain some weight, particularly some sweets understood?" Kuvira nodded in agreement.

"Thank you again."

"You're welcome, now Korra I'll see you later; you know how to reach me if needed." Kya gave Korra a quick hug and left. Kuvira kept her gaze at her feet, not wanting to meet her eyes; things were still strained between them, but Kuvira wasn't shoving her away as before. Kuvira was still denying the bond, but Korra was already picking up faint hints of her scent, so they had a little more time before the heat came.

"You'll really like the gardens, most of the flowers were planted by Avatar Aang and the acolytes, even some by Katara and Kya. There's even a large fountain in the middle, it's connected to a koi fishpond and if you want, we can feed them." Kuvira shrugged. "Hey, no giving me the silent treatment we discussed that."

"Whatever…" Korra had to force herself not to sigh; Kuvira was blocking her at every angle. No matter how hard Korra tried get closer to her the woman was stubborn. After she'd calmed her down that day before, Korra had laid down some ground rules to which Kuvira begrudgingly agreed. No short sentences unless asked a yes or no question, no silent treatment, and eye contact most of the time.

"Kuvira, please don't be difficult I want you to try and enjoy yourself. I know, after we go outside…would you like me to escort you around the temple? Give you a tour?"

"That sounds fine."

"Ok, and if you want, we can stop by the library and pick out some books…I mean I'm not much of a reader myself but Asami is and she knows a few great selections." Kuvira looked up.

"I guess that wouldn't hurt…" her voice was low and edgy, Korra gave a light smile.

"Good, then we'll go out to the gardens first and afterwards a small tour to the library. Once that's done, we can eat lunch and I'll bring you back here to rest again; is that alright with you?" that time Kuvira gave a glare.

"Don't treat me like a fragile flower, I don't need to rest that much." Korra gave a stern look.

"Per Kya's orders you do, unless you'd like to be put back on bedrest for days at a time?" the omega looked away. "I didn't think so, now I need to go find Asami and Naga, you wait until I get back and we'll go outside ok?"

"Fine." Korra took that moment to leave the room, shutting the doors behind her and groaning inwardly.

"She being stubborn again?" Korra turned to her left and spotted Asami coming down the hall with a rather antsy Naga.

"That's putting it mildly Sams." Giving her sweet polar bear dog a pat on the head Korra groaned again. "I don't know what else to do, no matter what I try she just puts a wall up and blocks me off."

"Korra she hasn't been here that long, you need to give her time."

"I know, I just wish she would meet me halfway; her heat is approaching fast and…damn I'm gonna feel awful when it comes." Asami's hand went to her shoulder.

"Hey, don't think about that right now; just focus on spending time with her."

"I want to, I'm already going to take her to the gardens and show her around the temple, but she seems uninterested in anything I offer." Asami touched her chin, putting on her thinking face.

"Hmm, I know why don't I come with you, and Naga? Maybe if we're outside with you it'll make her feel more comfortable."

"You sure? Do you have anything work related today?" Asami shook her head.

"No big meetings until next week, and of course the shipping lines are taken care of by Varrick so I think one day will be fine."

"A rare day off for a big time CEO, you need to take a vacation at some point Asami."

"I will when I find the time, and I'd rather take a vacation with friends than go alone. Now, I'll take Naga outside and you get Kuvira, ok?" Korra nodded and gave Naga one more pat. When they left down the hall Korra walked back into Kuvira's room, seeing the omega hadn't moved from her spot.

"Kuvira, are you ready?" she nodded at Korra. "Alright, let's get you in the chair." Helping her omega mate stand up proved easier than helping her walk, slowly and carefully. Kuvira didn't put up a fuss, and allowed Korra to help her into the wheelchair, even let her drape a thin blanket over her legs. "Now, do you want me to grab you anything before we go out?"

"No."

"Ok then." Korra unlocked the wheels and rolled the omega out into the hallway. As they made their way through the temple Korra caught Kuvira's eyes looking around at the various paintings and sculptures lining parts of the halls.

'Might get some new activities for her if she's interested.' Once they reached the doors to the backyard gardens Korra heard Naga's loud barking, and what sounded like scuffling; Asami was playing fetch with Naga, that would be helpful too.

"Your polar bear dog is outside…" Kuvira turned to look at her.

"Yeah, the gardens are huge enough for her to run and play around, but she doesn't dig a lot of holes and she stays out of the flowerbeds. Don't worry though, she's playful but she won't hurt you."

"I'm not scared of her."

"And you don't need to be, but let's get outside ok?" Korra moved to open the doors, and the bright sunlight hit Kuvira's face to where she had to shield her eyes. "Are you ok?"

"I'm fine…it's just so…bright." Kuvira blinked a few times.

"Sorry, I should've opened the doors more slowly; but it's a nice day out like Kya said. I'll wheel you around and if you want to stop just tell me." Kuvira only nodded and out they went.

"Here Naga, go get it girl!" Korra heard Asami's voice and saw her throwing Naga's ball over the large field of grass in the outer parts of the gardens. Watching her two best friends have fun made her smile, and Naga was enjoying the attention.

"ARF!" the giant white beast spotted them and raced over in no time.

"Naga! Whoa!" Korra jumped in front of Kuvira to stop the overexcited animal in her tracks. "Easy girl, easy now." Naga stopped and sat down with her tail wagging, giving Korra a happy lick to the face. "Yeah yeah, ew that's my ear! Ok down Naga, down." Naga obeyed happily before she spotted Kuvira, and her tail wagged again.

"She's huge…" Kuvira stared at her with wide eyes.

"She's a big softie honestly, but she's a good girl aren't you Naga?" Korra's arms wrapped around Naga's neck in a gentle hug. "You saw her once, remember?" Kuvira stared but nodded. "Do you want to pet her?" the omega was hesitant, but Naga leaned down close to Kuvira's hand, and she reached up to gently rub the soft top of the beast's head. Naga gave her a sweet look before giving her hand a lick, to which Kuvira winced but smiled.

"She's a beautiful animal…"

"She is, my first best friend after I was found out as the avatar."

"And a friend to everyone who's a friend of Korra." Asami walked their way. "Hi Kuvira, how are you?"

"I'm managing, thank you."

"I'm glad, you gave everyone a scare when you passed out like that. You look better too, but I think you could use some sunshine; give your skin a little color." Kuvira stared at her. "I mean you're a bit pale, being outside will do you some good."

"Uh…" Kuvira blinked at her. "Thanks…I guess?" Korra laughed slightly, and Naga whimpered nudging Korra to where her ball laid in the grass.

"She wants to keep playing." Korra earthbent the ball over to them. "Do you want to throw it?" she held it up to Kuvira.

"No thanks…" Kuvira was more put off by the drool and dirt on the toy. Naga nosed her hand, whined a little, and it made the omega smile. "Alright, fine." Korra handed the ball over, Kuvira lifted it, and hit it so hard it went flying towards the large wall surrounding the temple gardens. Naga caught up fast and brought it back, to which Kuvira repeated the throw before the polar bear dog returned dropping the ball at Korra's feet.

"Hang on Naga, Kuvira do you want to keep playing with her or do you want to see the rest of the gardens?"

"I wouldn't mind a look around." Korra went to grab at her wheelchair handles, but Asami beat her to it.

"I'll show her around, Naga wants your attention now. Is that ok?" Kuvira nodded.

"Well alright, we'll catch up with you later then." Maybe a little time with Asami would help Kuvira cool down. Korra picked up Naga's ball and trotted over to the wall, and as she began entertaining the beast she spotted Asami wheeling Kuvira over towards the koi pond.

With Asami and Kuvira:

"I'll bet you're glad to get out and get some fresh air, certainly beats being stuck inside all day." Asami stopped just a foot away from the pond and pulled a pouch from her coat pocket. "Do you want to feed them?"

"Sure…" Kuvira held out her hand and Asami poured a little food into it. They watched the fish swim towards the surface as the food came down, swirling and twirling as they pushed each other around for a bite.

"Greedy little things, aren't they?" Kuvira gave a small smirk. "Korra doesn't really take to fish, but their ancestors were originally gifted to Avatar Aang from King Kuei years ago. They're taken care of, but she prefers animals like Naga." Kuvira spotted the avatar still playing with the polar bear dog, both enjoying themselves in the game.

"I can't say I like fish either, but they are nice to look at." Kuvira tossed some more food and the fish crowded around each other. Both women sat/stood quietly while they watched the fish eat, a few minutes passed before Asami broke the silence.

"Do you mind if I ask how you're doing so far?"

"Don't you already know?" green eyes met hers, and Asami saw a spark of sadness.

"Well Korra has told me, but I'd like to hear it from you." Kuvira looked away. "Hey, it's ok to be honest. Whatever you tell me I won't say to Korra."

"Should I believe you? You're her friend."

"True, and she's my best friend but even best friends can keep secrets. Now come on, how are you really doing?" Kuvira stared at her but sighed and looked back at the pond.

"I'm a prisoner here, how do you think I'm doing?" Asami's eyebrows rose slightly.

"Why do you think that?"

"Your best friend marked me against my will, now she's expecting me to bend over and beg like all other omegas. Soon enough she'll get me pregnant with her pups and use me when necessary…"

"Now hang on, Korra isn't like that and if you'd pull the hair out of your eyes, you'd see it."

"She may be nice now, but in the end all alphas are the same. I made myself a promise, I would never be any alpha's bitch not like…" Kuvira stopped herself, but Asami caught on.

"Like who?" Kuvira glared. "Alright fine, you don't need to continue but I think you need to stop denying yourself a chance to know Korra."

"I won't have much of a choice soon enough, when my heat comes…" Kuvira bit her lip.

"She won't hurt you; I have seen Korra at her worst and I can promise you she isn't violent. I can tell you've been through a lot, probably more than most others, but can you honestly say you'd be better off back in the queen's dungeons than here?"

"Don't mention that bitch to me!" the omega snarled, and Asami saw the fire blaring in those green eyes. "Don't…ever…mention her around me."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean…"

"No, no I shouldn't have snapped…" Kuvira took a few deep breaths. "I'm sorry, and for your question…I admit the situation could be a lot worse."

"You're right it could be, and truth be told I can understand why you feel that way. While there's a lot of details and laws out now protecting omegas, there are a fair few out there that still dwell in the old ways."

"But you're going to tell me that Korra isn't one of them, no need."

"No need as in you won't believe it, or no need as in you can see it but won't say so?"

"Both." Kuvira sighed. "Part of me sees she could be different, but the biggest part, tells me not to let her get close. I don't want to be mated, I don't want to carry an alpha's children…" her voice faltered, and a single tear fell down her cheek.

"Kuvira." Asami knelt in front of the wheelchair, putting her hand on Kuvira's. "I know you're scared, but the best chance for you to get through this is to allow yourself a chance." Kuvira's gaze dropped, so Asami decided to leave it for now. "How about I take you over to the fire lilies?"

"Sure." Kuvira shrugged and Asami wheeled her over to said flowers, bright red and healthy looking.

"These are my favorite flowers, Korra actually helped me plant these last summer." Asami picked one and smelled the flower. "They're only found in the Fire Nation, but surprisingly we were able to grow a whole bed of them."

"They're nice." Asami handed her the flower. "Why are they your favorite?" Asami's eyes looked back to the bed.

"My mother loved them, every anniversary my dad would go out of his way and have these flowers flown in for her. He did try growing them, but he didn't have the 'green thumb' for gardening; each time she would put them in a vase and leave them on the dining hall table, but always take out a few for my room." Red lips spread into a smile. "Before I'd go to sleep, she would bring them to me, and she would call me her little 'fire lily'." Asami stroked a flower's petal as she recalled the memories.

"Your mother is…?" the CEO blinked.

"She died when I was nine, killed by a fire bender who broke into our home."

"Oh, I'm sorry." Asami smoothed some dirt over a space. "What about your father?" she stiffened slightly.

"He's in prison, for being involved with the Equalists some years ago, did Korra tell you about that?"

"She mentioned it, but not your father, I'm sorry."

"Don't be, I've gotten through it with Korra and some of our other friends; it's difficult some days but I manage." She paused. "He wasn't always like that though, when mom was alive, he was a good dad but after…well it changed him. He's paying for his crimes, but I haven't spoken to him since his trial."

"At least you had loving parents…" Kuvira mumbled but Asami heard it. "You and Korra are close."

"We are, in a way I consider her my sister; when we first met she thought I was some 'daddy's girl', but I proved otherwise when I took her to the track my company uses to test our satomobiles." Kuvira's eyes widened slightly.

"Satomobiles…wait you own Future Industries?" Asami nodded. "But you're…"

"Young? Well after my dad was arrested the company transferred to me, it was hard at first but thanks to some help it's back on top again."

"But I thought you were…"

"Korra's second in command? Adviser? Not really, I just help her out a good bit if it comes to playing the 'almighty avatar' role. When she told me the…that she was expecting guests that day you met, I played the part well enough eh?"

"You did, you're good."

"Thanks, oh…before I forget do you have a favorite flower?" Kuvira paused.

"Not really, I didn't really get to appreciate flowers much before I was…caught." Asami smiled at her.

"Then how about I take you on a full stroll around and you can see if there's any you like? After that I think it'd be a good time to break for lunch, is that ok with you?" Kuvira looked around and saw Korra still playing with Naga.

"Sure, that's fine." Asami could tell Kuvira wasn't up to much more, but Korra would take her inside later. She also noted how tired the omega looked, and her skin was still a little pale, but her treatments were going fine. She looked healthier that was certain, but something was still off.

"Do you feel ok? You seem, worn down."

"I'm fine, now can we go on…?" ok bossiness to her tone, yeah, this girl was going to be stubborn for Korra. It didn't take a seer or a genius to figure out the roads were rocky ahead, Asami just hoped it didn't end in tears or worse.

I know I've done that a lot, leaving with a thought or a cliffhanger but next chapter I'll try to do better.

Kuvira's heat is still approaching, but will it appear next chapter? Or the next after that? We'll have to wait and see, because next chapter Korra learns a little more about Kuvira than she'd want her to.

R&R

Later!