Model Behavior


Summary: Modern/AU. Korra thought it was an ordinary day of art class at Republic School for the Gifted. But then, the art model Asami Sato walked into the room... Korrasami


Chapter 16: It's Okay, Roommate

"We are so dead," Mako muttered. He reached over and picked up a nearby trashcan before shoving it under Bolin's mouth. His brother gave him a weak smile before throwing up. Mako handed him a water bottle.

The five teenagers were sitting in the wooden chairs outside of Headmaster Tenzin's office, staring at the door. Lin had entered a few minutes ago, explaining the situation. His secretary glared at the five of them from across the room in between disapproving clicks of her tongue and answering the ringing telephone.

"You don't know that," Korra commented.

"I think that's the last of it," Bolin rasped before taking a sip of water.

"We would have been fine if anyone aside from my aunt caught us," Opal said, taking a bite out of the nail on her thumb.

"She has a point," the Avatar added. "Su would probably say we're acting how teenagers should act our age, and Pema would have probably thought it was funny."

"Let's look at this logically," Asami suggested. "What can they do so close to final exams and Christmas Vacation?"

Before anyone could answer, the secretary's phone rang. She answered the call quietly, nodding a few times, before hanging up without a word. The secretary pressed a button causing a loud buzzing to fill the room. "You can go in now," she said with a hand wave.

Mako helped Bolin to his feet before tugging the trash can away from him. The secretary glared as he passed it over to her. They all entered the room, one by one, Opal in the front, and Korra at the back.

Opal shifted uncomfortably underneath her aunt's harsh glare as she and the rest of The Krew slowly walked into Headmaster Tenzin's office. He looked up at them all before holding up a finger. He bid a farewell to the person on the phone before placing it back into the cradle.

"Have a seat," he instructed. The five teenagers quickly moved to sit down. There were only four chairs lined up in front of his desk. Korra had offered one of the chairs to Asami before perching herself on the armrest. "Lin has filled me in on a few of the details so I'd like you all to fill me in on what happened."

"Well, we were hanging out last night and we didn't think it was a good idea for Asami to go home by herself so late so we had her stay here. We didn't want to leave her alone because she was upset about-" Opal's eyes widened before she clasped a hand over her mouth.

"About my father," Asami filled in. "Some people made some comments and I didn't take to them particularly well."

"What did you want us to do?" Korra asked. "Give up on a friend?"

"That doesn't explain why you had two people of the opposite sex in your room," Tenzin pointed out. Korra looked at Asami, who looked past Bolin who was doubled over clutching his stomach to Mako, who looked at Opal.

Opal licked her bottom lip. She looked back down the line before her eyes landed on Asami. "…School project," she answered.

"Which class?"

"Art."

"You don't take art," Lin reminded her.

"You haven't had an art class since Pema giving birth and your midterms," Tenzin added.

"This was assigned before midterms," Mako interjected. Korra nodded rapidly while pointing a finger in his direction. "It's our final project. Asami wasn't with us at the time and we needed a stand in." Mako frowned at Korra's continuous head bobbing. Asami pinched her on the knee, causing the Avatar to jump.

"Either way, you broke various school rules," Tenzin said sternly. "If you read the handbook it states-"

"It states that students are permitted to use flatbed carts to move various large pieces of furniture and school projects around campus," Asami said with a smile. She lifted her chin and sat up a bit taller in her seat.

Lin laughed to herself. "And you sound so sure of yourself," she muttered.

"I take it you didn't read the second page," Tenzin said. He turned in his chair and grabbed a copy of the handbook off of the shelf behind his desk. Tenzin used his airbending to flip the book open. He blew a gently breeze across the pages to flip them to the right page.

"There was a second page?" Asami slowly leaned back in her seat.

"Oh," Opal said in a low voice, "I probably should have mentioned that the pages stick in my handbook."

Tenzin cleared his throat before reading: "Students are permitted to use the campus' flatbed carts to move various large pieces of furniture and school projects as long as the students check out the carts with the RA or with advance notice." He closed the handbook with a snap. "Let's see: unauthorized overnight guests, unauthorized overnight guests of the opposite sex, unauthorized rental use of the school's flatbed carts-"

'More like theft since they didn't rent it," Lin interrupted.

"There will be a note added to each of your file and we're going to have to call your parents or guardians." Tenzin gave them each a stern look before reaching for the phone.

Korra instantly jumped up. She placed a hand over Tenzin's, forcing him to put the phone back into its cradle. "Is that really necessary?" she asked, her voice an octave higher than normal. "I mean, we don't need to get our families involved in this. Aren't you all teaching us about adulthood and dealing with things on our own?"

"Korra, sit down," he ordered.

"Yes, sir." Korra quickly resumed her placed on the armrest of Asami's chair. She lowered her head and started to twiddle her thumbs.

"I never knew you'd be afraid of your mother, Korra," Mako said with a chuckle.

"That's because you've never seen her angry."

"Starting immediately: Bolin, Mako, and Opal, you all are suspended," Tenzin called out. Opal gasped and looked over at Lin. She just pursed her lips in response before slowly shaking her head. Opal let out a light whimper before slumping in her seat.

"What about our scholarships?" Mako asked. Bolin grimaced and held his stomach. He looked like he was going to be sick, but it was unclear if it were from the pineapple chunks he had eaten the night before or from the news he just received.

"I will leave that up to the organizations who gave them to the two of you. Otherwise, you three will receive In-school suspension. For a week. You will get zeroes on all of your assignments including homework. You will report to me every morning when classes are in session and once again in the afternoon to check out. Do you understand?"

"I can't really do much with you since you don't attend this institution," Tenzin said. Asami couldn't help but smile a bit, before he continued, "but rest assured I will be getting in contact with the head of your school."

Korra closed her eyes, waiting for Tenzin to deliver her punishment. She waited, and waited, and waited but he didn't say anything. Finally she opened her eyes to see Lin and Tenzin whispering quietly to each other. After a few nods, Tenzin got to his feet. "You all may leave. We have something to discuss with Korra."

The Avatar tensed up as the four other teenagers got out of their seats. One by one, they all looked at her in confusion before passing. Bolin gave her a light punch on the shoulder, while Asami lightly placed her hand on top of hers before exiting the room. Korra slid into an empty chair and looked in between Tenzin and Lin.

"There's no easy way to say this, but from now on, when on school campus, you're going to be watched over by a member of the White Lotus," Tenzin said as soon as the door shut.

"That's my punishment?" Korra gasped. "Putting me on a leash?" She threw her hands up in the air before slumping down in her seat. "It's bad enough that you had me locked away for seventeen years, but-"

"No," Lin said sharply. The Avatar quickly stopped her ranting. She looked closely at Lin and felt a shiver roll down her spine when she noticed the stern look on her face. It was different than the other versions Korra had been acquainted with. This look was laced with apprehension, and surprisingly to Korra, worry. "This is serious. It is Avatar business."

"What's going on?" Korra asked.

"I'm sure you've heard of the Equalist movement that began around the time you arrived in Republic City," Tenzin started. He clasped his hands together before placing them onto his desk in front of him. Korra nodded but remained silent. "We worry that they're planning a big attack. After Hiroshi Sato's arrest we've heard rumors about them continuing their rallies underground, and they may strike soon."

"But, they're just rumors," she said quietly.

"It's better to be safe than sorry," Lin muttered.

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Your safety is our first priority, along with schooling." Tenzin got up out of his seat. He walked around the desk and stopped next to Korra before placing a hand on her shoulder. "There's nothing to be worried about. Republic is a safe place to be."

"Just don't spread this around," Lin instructed, "We wouldn't want to cause a panic when there's nothing to panic about yet."

"I understand."

"Then you'll also understand that you will be put on academic probation until the end of the semester," Tenzin added.

Korra's jaw dropped. "You totally blindsided me!"

"Which is why he's the boss," Lin said with a smirk. "If it were me, I would have just had you expelled."


Asami sighed deeply when she noticed Rika, Manami, and Kiyoko enter the room. She tightened her grip on the books she was reading, trying to ignore the sounds of their footsteps walking over to her. She flinched when a loud bang erupted from the corner of the room. Her heart started to speed up. While trembling, she looked over her shoulder to see two students picking up some Plexiglas that had fallen to the ground.

"Haven't seen you around Sato," Rika commented once Asami faced forward again. Asami rolled her eyes before closing her book with a snap. She sat up a bit straighter in her chair before clasping her fingers together. "Have you been hiding?"

"Hiding from what?" she asked.

"As if you didn't know," Manami sneered. "We heard you were caught in a boy's apartment. That's just about as damaging to your reputation as…oh, I don't know…throwing yourself at a guy."

"But, it wouldn't make difference anyway since her daddy can clean up her record for her," Rika continued.

"Or hide it behind his record," Manami suggested. The two threw their heads back and laughed heartily. Asami looked over and locked eyes with Kiyoko. She mouthed an apology but remained quiet. Although, she took a step back from their small group.

Asami grabbed her book and placed it into her school bag. She flung it over her shoulder before standing up. She peered at Rika, eyeing every inch of her exposed skin. Asami sighed deeply before facing her. "Rika, has Iroh been acting strange lately around you?"

Rika blinked in rapid succession. She looked taken back, before flowing into apprehension, before finally landing on anger. Asami pushed her chair in at the desk. She brushed past the group before heading towards the door, keeping her head down. "I thought I told you to stay away from him," Rika called after her.

Asami quickened her pace as she entered the hallway. Her breathing picked up as she heard the footsteps following her. She kept her head bent down before reaching a hand into her school bag. School should be over for Korra right now. Maybe she can help, she thought while looking for her phone.

"When did you see him?" she demanded.

"It's nothing, Rika," she said, desperately searching her school bag. Asami had pulled it off of her shoulder and lifted it to her face, looking inside. "Forget I said anything."

"No!" Rika grabbed Asami by the shoulders before pushing her against a row of lockers. Manami stood beside her with a smirk, cracking her knuckles. Kiyoko stood off to the side, frozen with fear. She looked in between Rika and Asami with wide eyes. "You're not going to ruin this for me like you ruined everything else."

"I didn't do anything to you," Asami shouted. Her breathing began to grow ragged. A light buzzing filled her ears and the lights in the hallway started to brighten. Her chest tightened with each passing breath. She smelled lingering traces of alcohol and Iroh's cologne. A burning sensation erupted on her cheek. "Get off of me."

"Let me just make one thing clear," she snarled. Manami stepped forward and punched Asami in the side. She gasped as the wind was knocked out of her. Rika let go and watched as Asami collapsed to the ground. "I can and will make your life a living hell. You will pay for what you did." She looked over at Manami before nodding. "Here's a little parting gift."

As Manami stepped forward and pulled her leg back, Kiyoko rushed over and shielded Asami's body with her own. "Don't!" she shouted.

Manami paused mid swing, her foot close to connecting with the side of Kiyoko's face. She placed her foot back onto the ground before looking over at Rika, who in turn, looked surprised. She stared down at her friend with wide eyes and her jaw dropped. "You too?" she whispered.

"That's enough, Rika," Kiyoko said firmly. "She doesn't deserve this. She never has."

Kiyoko swallowed hard as Rika quickly gained her composure. She crossed her arms over her chest before sticking her neck out, forcing her face closer. "Do you want me to tell everyone?" she said dangerously low. "I will and you know that." She pulled back and blinked rapidly. Her eyes shined with tears underneath the lighting. "I thought you were my friend," she whispered.

"I am, and as your friend I can't let you do this."

"Manami, let's go," Rika ordered. Manami nodded in agreement. She looked over at Kiyoko with a raised eyebrow before following her leader down the hallway. "I'll be calling you later tonight," Rika said over her shoulder.

Kiyoko ignored her and helped get Asami to her feet. "Do you need water? What can I get you?"

"Nothing," Asami rasped. She stood up straight and brushed her long hair out of her face. She winced before holding her side. "I'm fine. Just drop it."

"Okay," she quickly agreed. "But, there's something I wanted to tell you."

"What? You snuck onto my computer while at my apartment and stole my plans for my senior project?" she asked dryly.

"No, it's just that-"

"I thought you actually wanted to be my friend." Asami tried hard to keep her voice from wavering. She swallowed around the lump forming in her throat. "You didn't even stop them."

"I tried," Kiyoko protested. "I did. Maybe I didn't act fast enough, but-"

The two were interrupted as an elementary teacher walked down the hallway with a row of children behind her. Kiyoko smiled and waved to all of the children, sometimes making a face just to make them laugh. Once the end of the line passed them, the little girl at the back was too busy looking at some of the posters on the walls, to notice that her shoelaces were untied. She tripped over them before falling flat on her face.

Kiyoko rushed over and scooped the girl up when she started to wail. "It's okay, honey. Everything is fine. It will only hurt for a little while," she cooed. Kiyoko started to bounce the girl up and down a few times. "Do you know what will make the pain go away? Press your finger onto your elbow," she instructed. The little girl calmed down enough to follow the instructions. "Then you close your eyes and think about something that makes you smile."

"My mommy," the girl whispered.

"Okay, think about your mom," Kiyoko said with a smile. "Think of her warm hugs and her nice scent. Now, think about her kissing the pain away like she does with all of your other boo boos."

"It worked," the little girl cried. She opened her eyes before rubbing her forehead. "It doesn't hurt."

"There you go." Kiyoko put the little girl back onto the ground before ruffling her hair. The elementary teacher gave her a gentle smile.

"I think that's your calling," Asami said. Kiyoko looked at her in confusion. "You said you didn't want to be a scientist because your parents are pushing you, but I think it's something more than that. I just don't think you're motivated enough. She nodded over to the child who was happily chasing after one of her classmates. "Children. Maybe you could become a school nurse or a pediatrician. This way you could work with children and still follow the science route your parents want you to do."

"That doesn't sound too bad," Kiyoko said with a smile. "Anyway, what I wanted to tell you was-" She held up a finger as she reached for her ringing cell phone. She frowned when she looked at the caller I.D. "I have to go," she said apologetically. "See you later."

Asami gave her a small wave before reaching into her school bag. Her hands shook as she pulled up Korra's phone number. She tapped her foot impatiently as she pressed the phone to her ear, the dial tone playing.

"Korra?" Asami said as soon as the other line picked up. "Hey, how have you been? Listen, can you meet me at the park? I need to ask you something. It's kind of important."


Korra laughed as Naga tripped over her large paws and flopped over to the ground. A yellow tennis ball was just inches away from her nose. The Avatar jogged over before picking it up and tossing it in to the air. Naga jumped up and caught the ball in her mouth,

"Korra," Asami called out. Korra waved in response before urging Naga to her feet with a click of her tongue. The two walked over and met up with Asami at a large fountain in the middle of the park. Korra sat down on the edge with her legs crossed. Asami sat down next to her

"How have you been?" Korra asked. "How's school going? Rika bothering you anymore."

"I'm alright," Asami said before rubbing her eyes. "School is good, and surprisingly Rika has made herself scarce." She pretended to lean over and mess with the buckle on her school bag. Instead she reached over and rubbed her hand along the bruise that had formed on her side from Manami's punch. She winced a little at the pain before straightening back him.

"That worries me a bit."

"Me too," she admitted before stifling a yawn.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Korra pressed. "You look the worse for wear."

"Yeah, I just didn't get much sleep last night."

"Oh." Korra nodded. Naga whimpered and nudge her owner in the cheek with her nose before dropping the tennis ball into her lap. "Not now, Naga. Sit," she ordered. Naga's ears flopped back before she followed commanded. Korra placed the ball into her pocket before wiping her hand free of drool. "So, why'd you ask me here today?"

Asami bit her bottom lip. She ran a hand through her hair before half-smiling. "I have something I need to ask you."

"So you said. Is it your fifth question?" Korra asked. "If it is, I've been waiting for this one. We're pretty much at the half-way point of our game and I feel like it's been kind of easy from the start. So lay it on me. I can take it."

"It has nothing to do with that," Asami shook her head. "This is important."

Korra shrugged. "Shoot. I'm all ears."

"Okay." She took a deep breath and opened her mouth. Korra waited patiently for her to start speaking. She couldn't help but chuckle when Asami held up a finger, asking for a moment. Korra propped her foot up onto the ledge of the fountain and wrapped an arm around her knee. "Well…it's like this. See, I was wondering-"

"Korra, we have to talk," Tenzin called out. He and Lin approached the two girls. Asami let out a small grunt before punching herself in the thigh. Korra instantly got to her feet and gave them a swift bow.

"I haven't done anything. I swear," she answered quickly.

"You aren't in trouble," he answered. Lin let out a harsh bark of laughter. "We know you don't have a place to stay."

Asami couldn't help but stare at the dark skinned girl. She bit her bottom lip and turned away as Lin shifted her gaze over towards her. Korra laughed before rubbing the back of her neck. "Of course I-"

"We called your apartment number," Lin interrupted. She held up a hand to silence Tenzin, who started to speak. He took a small step back, glaring at her from the side." It has been disconnected. In fact, the old building, which was a fast food restaurant, has been closed down for years."

"Why did you-"

"It was to find you so we could talk to you about…" Lin trailed off when she remembered that Asami was sitting close to them. "What we talked about a few days ago, but then I found you breaking school rules with my niece."

Korra grimaced before dropping her hand. She refused to look at the two of them before shifting her gaze to the ground. Asami had to force herself to keep quiet. "You know we offered. Why didn't you accept the help?" Tenzin asked quietly.

"You only offered because I'm the Avatar," she said while rolling her eyes. "I don't want everything handed to me on a silver plate. I already attend Republic for free."

"We thought it would be easier on your parents."

Her face clouded with a mixture of anger and suspicion. "How do you figure?"

"We know how important your education is for them. You're the first in your family with a chance to go to college."

Korra bit in the inside of her cheek. She stuffed her hands into her pockets and shrugged. "Yeah, well, I can't let them down." She looked over at Tenzin and added, "I want them to be proud of me."

"There's nothing wrong with asking for help from time to time." Tenzin placed a hand on her shoulder. "You have a lot of pride Korra and that's a great thing, but sometimes you have too much and I worry it will one day give you a rude awakening."

"Everything is fine, Tenzin," Korra insisted. "I only stayed at Opal's and Mako's place a few times when it was better for me to be close to school. I just never updated my school records."

"So, where are you staying?" Lin demanded.

Korra jumped. She had forgotten that the chief was there with them. She looked up at the sky, desperate for a thought to cross her mind. "I'm…umm…"

"She lives with me," Asami piped up, climbing to her feet to stand next to the Avatar. Korra looked over at her in confusion. She pinched the Avatar's elbow before offering a smile. "My apartment is too big for me to occupy by myself. Plus it is close to the park where Naga gets to run around freely." Naga barked at the mention of her name. "My apartment…excuse me, our apartment welcome pets, even of her size."

"As If I'm supposed to believe that," Lin scoffed.

Korra's eyes widened a bit as she looked in between Asami, Tenzin, and Lin. "I signed the lease a while ago," she said before biting her bottom lip. "I just didn't say anything since I was so preoccupied with studying for my midterms."

"And she pays rent?" Lin asked Asami. "She doesn't have any money."

"That's why we trade off," the engineer answered. "I can easily pay the rent and she makes up for it by washing the dishes and…doing the laundry." She felt her cheeks heating up. Of course, with Korra being the Avatar, she was capable of doing a lot of other household chores. Those were just the two things Asami was able to think of where Korra would be able to use her bending abilities. "Those are two things I hate doing," she said when Tenzin and Lin looked at her in disbelief.

"It's not that I doubt what you're saying," Tenzin started.

"I do," Lin interrupted.

"You'd like proof." Asami nodded knowingly. "I'll bring in a copy of the lease first thing in the morning."

"Well then, that's settled," Tenzin answered. Lin scowled at him. He just ignored her before giving the two students a low bow. Korra immediately reciprocated the gesture. Asami flushed brightly before leaning over as well. "Have a good day."

"See you later," Korra called out. Tenzin have her curt nod before following a fuming Lin across the campus. She let out a big sigh of relief once they were out of earshot. Asami cried out in shock, and a small part pain, as Korra wrapped her arms around her waist, before lifting her off of the ground and spinning in a circle. "You're the best you know that?" She placed the engineer back onto the ground. "Thanks for having my back."

"You're welcome," Asami said with a laugh. Korra apologized as the engineer stumbled a bit, dizzy from the spinning. She lowered herself back onto the edge of the fountain. Korra sat down next to her where Naga promptly placed her head into her owner's lap. The Avatar wrapped her arms around her pet's neck and gave her a hug before pushing her off.

Asami cleared her throat before crossing a leg over the other. "I only intervened because I understand what you're going through."

"You do?" Korra's eyebrows rose in surprise.

"Just because my father is rich and has made a new for himself in the world…" She frowned. "Or did…everyone expects me to have it easy in life. I don't want easy, I want a challenge. I want to prove to everyone that what I do is my own merit." She looked over at Korra with a gentle smile. "That's partially why I work as a model," she said, "and I design my own line of cars, and I'm trying to fix Future Industries instead of letting it be run into the ground. It's always why I moved out of our mansion." Asami waved her hand in the air, indicating that she'll explain that part later when Korra gasped loudly. "There were too many maids and butlers asking me what I wanted and doing whatever I said. Sometimes I like to do stuff on my own."

"Like your mysterious Senior Project?" Korra tossed out. "I kind of got the feeling you didn't really want help even though it's required."

"You're exactly right."

The two sat in silence, their heads down, focusing on whatever their eyes landed on. Korra stuck her hand into the fountain and started to play with the water. She looked at the raven haired girl when she shifted a bit in her direction, before frowning as Asami tightly squeezed her eyes shut. "It doesn't sound like a bad idea."

"What?"

"You living with me." She slowly opened her eyes and looked over at the Avatar. "Being my roommate."

Korra blinked.

"Only if you want to," Asami quickly added. She shifted her gaze away once more. She clasped her hands together before placing them into her lap. "I haven't had a full night's sleep in days. Every sound and every thump keeps me awake. I keep thinking he's going to come back. I've hidden a knife in every room and I sleep with my electric glove under my pillow," she admitted quietly. She brushed a piece of hair back behind her ear before wringing her hands together. "I just want to go to bed peacefully and not worry about whether or not I'll wake up in the morning. Plus, it gets really lonely." She looked over at Korra with a sad smile. "You all live close to each other and always get to see each other. Sometimes I don't want the night to end when I'm out with you, or I don't want you to leave when you're at my place. You make things more fun and brighter. I like the company."

Korra peered at the engineer closely. Asami cried out in shock as the Avatar splashed some water in her face. Laughing, she answered: "Do you have to be so serious all the time?" She wiped her hand dry off onto her pant leg. "How can I say no to that?"

"Do you really mean it?" Asami asked. She closed her eyes as Korra water bent the droplets off of her face. Her green eyes shined with happiness the minute she opened them again.

"Sure. It's in close enough distance to Republic and it'll beat having to sleep on a lumpy couch and sneaking around Opal's roommate," Korra answered with a sigh. She bent down and scratched behind the polar bear dog's ears. "Plus, Naga would enjoy more freedom". She half-smiled. "I'll move in with you."

Korra's smile quickly faded, and a serious look taking over. Asami felt her heat speeding up a bit. A wave of dread washed over her, causing her stomach to churn. There's a but coming, I can tell.

"You know, I meant it when I said that I would punch Rika for you if the time ever comes," she said quietly. "I haven't known you that long but you always put other people first. It's time for someone to worry about you." She got up to her feet before holding out her hand. Naga stretched before standing up, bumping her nose into Korra's thigh.

Asami smiled as Korra pulled her to her feet. She gave her a hug before pulling away, a small tear trickling out of the corner of one of her eyes. The Avatar reached up and wiped it away with her thumb.

"I've been waiting for someone to offer that since I was six," she admitted.

"Well, you did say that you've spent a majority of your life trying to prove your self-worth. It sounds like that would go hand in hand, whether it was intentional or not." Korra. She then half smiled before putting an arm around Asami's shoulders. "So, roomie, what is there I need to know about you before moving in?"


AN: Thanks to my new beta, Rubiks, for helping me edit this chapter.

In this chapter, I had Asami flashback to when she was being attacked by Iroh. I'm sure the alcohol smell and the cologne comment may have mad things confusing for you all to read. I wasn't sure how to re-write that line. Basically, Asami is flashing back to the night at The Midnight Dragon. Rika hadn't been drinking or wasn't with Iroh prior to that scene.

Things are rolling as we get near the halfway mark for this first part of the story. Also, I started some fan art for an upcoming chapter that I'd like to share with you all. I have one word for you: suits.

Head to my profile to find a link to my tumblr, to see the concept art. After looking at the designs I made up for the suits, if anyone else wants to draw them then be my guest. I just ask that you link me or let me know either here or on tumblr that you drew something because I'd love to see it, and you give me credit for the design of the outfits.

Here is the next chapter's title: Equal Opportunity