Model Behavior


Summary: 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. She quickly found that befriending the model made her life much more entertaining. Asami is just happy that she's finally making real friends, but it may be more than she bargained for when she develops a crush on Korra. Korrasami. Modern/AU.


Chapter 49: Commencement

"And your valedictorian, Ms. Asami Sato!"

Asami smiled brightly as she walked over to Dean Ito and received her diploma. She held the document tightly in her hands, before looking out at the audience. As soon as she caught Bolin's eye, he jumped up and wolf whistled. Mako nodded once before clapping hard. Jinora, Ikki, and Meelo were jumping up and down, shouting Asami's name, and waving signs. Tenzin and Pema looked on proudly,

Asami's smile slightly faded when she spotted Korra sitting on a high hill behind the amphitheater. Covered by the shadow of the tree she was sitting underneath, Korra was smiling brightly as she clapped along with the audience. She was seated with her parents, Senna and Tonraw, who were both beaming.

Korra whispered something into her father's ear. In turn, he looked over at Senna and the two shared a nod, before getting up to their feet. Korra turned to look over her shoulder once more as Senna moved her wheelchair and pushed her down a small dirt path out of view.

Asami crossed the stage and ended up in the wings on stage right, at the end of the recessional line. She reached up and removed the purple hat from her head, fluffing up her hair. She sighed slowly, allowing herself to relax.

When she read her valedictorian speech, she kept her focus on Korra up on the hill. Her stories and tips for triumph and success among adversity rang out along the filled seats, but she didn't mean all her words. It was hard for her to enjoy the moment while her best friend was facing the most difficult time of her life. Though, if it were anything like keeping her feelings for her best friend a secret, she'd just have to grin and bear it. However, after seeing the condition Korra was in after the fight with Zaheer and the other members of the Red Lotus, it brought Asami down to earth, helping her realize how much she loved Korra.

Asami was aware of what it felt like to long for something she couldn't have. After her mother passed, she grew envious of all of those who still had a mother figure in their lives. When her father was arrested, she ached for the feeling of having a family around. She was able to gain all of this through Korra. The idea, and almost reality, of losing Korra just like she lost her mother and father, dissipated all her confusion. She was in love with her best friend, but now there won't ever be a good time to tell her. Asami knew that with Korra's upcoming leave, her focus should only be on herself and her recovery. Korra insisted that she would still attend Asami's and Mako's graduation ceremonies as well as Jinora's master title ceremony.

It didn't surprise Asami that Korra kept her distance from the crowd. The first time Korra made a public appearance a few days after the fight, into her recovery, reporters constantly asked about her condition and took photos of her in her wheelchair going to Air Temple Island. She was on the cover of all the magazines and newspapers. While it did give citizens the idea of where she was currently living, it discourged unwanted visitors as only those who had business with Tenzin and his family could set foot onto the island. Asami felt that the extra security at the Sato Estate would be more beneficial for Korra during her recovery, but she did everything that Korra asked, and the Avatar specifically wanted to be close to the air family. While at the temple, Korra only allowed her parents and Asami to be in her room with her. The only other time she would see others would be during dinners or small gatherings. Of course, there would be one night a week where Korra would read to Tenzin's and Pema's children.

Asami cleared her throat and put on a smile as she followed the rest of her classmates out into the audience of the amphitheater. As soon as she reached the top of the stairs at the back of the amphitheater, Kiyoko embraced her in a tight hug.

"How does it feel, valedictorian?" Kiyoko asked a soon as the parted.

"I'm so ready to be done," Asami said with a sigh. "At least for now. This has been an insane year."

"I'll say." Kiyoko pointed over her shoulder. Manami and Rika were talking quietly among themselves and Manami's family. Manami quickly took off her graduation hat and moved to place it on top of Rika's head, who quickly brushed it away.

Rika had told Dean Ito that she was the one who framed Asami, bullied her, and physically assaulted her to get her expelled. In turn, Rika was expelled, and as for her kidnapping plot against Asami, was placed under arrest. Asami was able to get it so that all Rika had to do was be placed on probation for four years. Rika had downlplayed Manami's assistance in their actions against Rika, that she was only suspended for a week.

Rika tapped Manami on the shoulder and pointed over towards Kiyoko and Asami. The two of them gave a gentle wave. Asami shared a glance with Kiyoko before waving back, offering a smile. Rika half-smiled before turning her attention back to Manami and her parents.

"Do you think we'll ever be friends again?" Kiyoko asked.

"We'll just have to wait and see," Asami suggested. She winced and covered her eyes as the sun reflected off a metal cup in Kiyoko's hands. "Congratulations for winning the computer science award."

"Who knew there could be an award for being good at hacking," Kiyoko laughed, "or rather coding. Congratulations for winning the engineering and technology awards."

"To be honest, I'm indifferent," Asami admitted. "I mean, I'm pretty sure they only gave me these to make up for the fact that I was expelled without a full and proper investigation."

"Why didn't you fight it?" she asked,

Asami was about to respond when Bolin wrapped his arms around her waist and spun her in circles. Kiyoko greeted Mako and gave him a kiss as Ikki, Jinora, and Meelo ran up. Mako was stilled dressed in a dress shirt and nice pants from his graduation ceremony earlier in the morning. An award medal was nestled around his neck. Tenzin and Pema joined the group, walking hand in hand. Baby Rohan was in a carrier strapped to Pema's front. His head was resting against her chest as he slept. Asami reached out and ran a finger down his cheek before tapping him lightly on the nose.

"Where's Korra?" Meelo asked.

Asami was about to ask the question herself. She couldn't help but look around the crowd to see if Korra, Tonraq, and Senna were on their way to join them. She broke out into a smile once she spotted Senna walking towards them, but it quickly faded when she only saw her friend's mother. "Hi, Senna!" Asami called with a wave.

Senna pulled Asami into a tight hug. "Congratulations, sweetie," Senna said. She pulled away and held Asami's face in her hands. "I'm so proud of you."

"Is Korra still here?" she asked.

"It's been a long day after both your and Mako's ceremonies," Senna addressed the group. "She wanted to go back to Air Temple Island and rest up before we celebrate Jinora."

"That sounds like a really good idea," Asami commented. She handed her graduation hat to Meelo who quickly began to throw it up into the air. He and Ikki began to throw it back and forth to each other while running off into a nearby field on RITA's campus.

"We were about to head out ourselves so we can get Jinora ready," Pema said, placing a hand on her oldest daughter's shoulder. She carefully pulled Rohan out of the baby carrier on her chest before handing him over to her husband. "But how about we take a quick detour to get some ice cream first?" she suggested.

Jinora smiled and reached out to grab her mother's hand. Pema gave her husband a hug and then gave the sleeping Rohan a kiss on his cheek before leaving hand in hand with her oldest daughter.

"We'll meet you at the ceremony hall on the island in about two hours?" Tenzin called out. He then gasped in shock before running off after his oldest son. "No, Meelo, that's a fountain, not a bathroom."

"We'll meet you at the ceremony space," Mako said, taking hold of Kiyoko's hand.

"Yeah, right after we finish planning your surprise party," Bolin added. Mako groaned loudly before turning to glare at this brother. "Hey, I kept it to myself for three hours. That's a record." He then turned towards Asami. "Don't worry, Opal will be here. So will Kai, and maybe Kuvira. They're just in the Earth Kingdom right now assisting with some of the clean up efforts."

"Asami, would you join me at the Air Temple?" Senna asked as soon as Bolin, Kiyoko, and Mako moved to leave.

"Sure, is everything okay with Korra?" Asami questioned.

Senna half-smiled. "Yes, but she personally asked for your assistance."

"Of course." Asamo nodded. "I'm just going to stop by my apartment and then head over," she quickly said. She stepped around Senna and began to speed walk towards the parking lot.

"Asami." Senna reached out for Asami's hand, pulling her to a stop. "…it's going to be difficult."

Asami nodded before squeezing Senna's hand. "I'll do anything to help Korra."


Asami gently knocked on the door outside of Korra's room at air temple island.

"Come in, Asami," Korra called out quietly.

"How'd you know it was me?" Asami asked as she pulled the wooden door open. She slipped offher shoes before entering the room.

"Because you're the only one who knocks to ask permission to come into my room," Korra said. She was seated in her wheelchair, her back to the door. She was looking out the window at Yue Bay, the sunset casting gold and pink rays across the choppy surface. "Everyone else knocks to announce their arrival."

Asami crossed the room and took a seat next to Korra on her bed. She peered closely at Korra's profile. Her eyes a dull shade of skye blue. Dark bags were heavily marked underneath her eyes, and her lips were pulled down into a slight frown. Her shoulders were slightly hunched over, and while she was looking forward, her head was slightly angled downward.

It was clear that Korra was tired. Asami had spent enough dinners at the Air Temple to notice when Korra was forcing happiness and energy to keep all the inquiring questions to a minimum. On one hand, Asami was happy to be able to see Korra's real emotions, but it always tore at her heart to see how broken down her friend was.

"Senna said you asked for me."

"Yes." Korra nodded. She slightly turned her head so that she could face Asami. "Would you help me get ready?"

"Of course." Asami nodded. She got to her feet and stood behind Korra's wheelchair. After releasing the breakpedal she pulled backward to provide enough clearence to turn Korra around before rolling her out of the room.

It was a quick trip to the bathhouse at the back of the temple. An air acolyte bowed low as they arrived, holding out a towel and a basket of shampoo, soap, conditioner, and moistureizer. Korra took the items with a nod, placing them into her lap. The acolyte pulled the door open, allowing the two to pass, before shutting it behind them, standing in front of the doors.

Asami pushed Korra over towards the open shower area. She turned on one of the faucets handles, causing water to flow out of a shower head. Steam quickly appeared as the sound of water spilling to the floor echoed around the room.

Korra removed the basket and towel from her lap and placed them on the floor before she lifted herself up out of her chair. Grunting quietly, she carefully manuvered herself to the low seat under one of the shower heads that was turned off. She let out a cry of surprise as she misjudged the distance and dropped onto the seat. Asami quickly turned off the faucet as she was standing under before rushing over.

"I'm sorry," Asami said, kneeling next to her. "I should have helped."

"If I wanted help sitting down, I would have asked," Korra commented refusing to look at her. It was then Asami noticed that she was wringing her hands in her lap. Korra took a deep breath before shutting her eyes for a moment. "But I do need your help. I…I need help undressing."

"Of course." Asami said. She reached out and grabbed the bottom of Korra's shirt, waiting patiently as Korra lifted her arms up into the air. Asami made quick work of the blue piece of clothing. A moment later she turned away as Korra moved to reach behind herself and begin to unravel her chest bindings.

Asami busied herself by gathering a small bucket, a loofah, and a few towels from a cabinet next to the showers to give Korra some privacy. She continued to avert her gaze as she placed the items down next to the seat Korra was on. A moment later, she began to reorganize the items in practical order of use. She only stopped once Korra reached out and grabbed her by the wrist.

"I need you to lift me," Korra muttered, "but be careful. I'm kind of heavy." She crossed her arms to cover her breasts.

Asami crouched behind Korra and wrapped her arms underneath Korra's arms and proceded to lift. She let out a small grunt as she pulled Korra from her seat. Korra repositioned so that her left arm covered both of her breasts so that she used her right hand to pull her pants and underwear down to her upper thighs. Asami carefully lowered Korra back down onto the seat. She then moved to the side and assisted with pulling the rest of Korra's clothing off.

"Do you want me to wash your hair or your body first?" Asami asked as she plucked shampoo and soap from the basket. Upon turning around, she noticed Korra carefully poking herself in the abdomen, staring at her hazy reflection in the shower tiles. Asami did notice that Korra's once cut abdomen was now a bit softer than before. Lines and ridges still marked her abs but were not as defined.

"I look horrible," Korra commented.

Asami reached out and gribbed her friend's hand. "You're beautiful," she said. "You always have been."

"My mom always tries to cheer me up, but I don't think she really listens," Korra continued. "I feel like-"

"Your feelings are being dismissed?" Asami finished for her.

"So, I never feel comfortable talking to her."

Asami carefully lowered herself to sit in front of Korra. She gently held Korra's hand in between both of hers. "Korra, how are you doing?" she asked.

Korra finally looked Asami in the eye as a tear spilled down her right cheek. She slowly shook her head before covering her face with her hands and let out loud sobs. Asami leaned in closs, moving Korra to let her rest her head on Asami's shoulder. Asami then reached up and embraced Korra, waiting until her friends was ready to pull away.


Asami carefully ran a brush through Korra's hair. She deliberatly pressed the bristles lightly against Korra's scalp, gently scratching each time she moved from the top of her head down through her long locks. Korra sat still with her hands in her lap, staring at the blanket covering her legs.

Putting the brush down, she gathered up two sections of Korra's hair before carefully twisting it into a small bun. Shen then picked up Korra's small blue water tribe hair decoration and slipped it over the bun, holding it in place with a few bobby pins. Asami took a step back and looked at her hard work. She then reached up and pulled the gold hair clip out of her hair and fastened it into Korra's.

"All finished," Asami announced. She picked up a mirror and held it in front of Korra's face.

Korra gently pushed the mirror away. "I don't need that. I'm sure you did a great job, like usual," she said.

Asami smiled at the compliment before taking a seat next to Korra on her bed. "As difficult as it is, it would be best if we try to enjou this day, for Jinora." Korra looked over at her expressionlessly. Asami licked her lower lip before placing a hand on Korra's covered knee for a few moments before holding her hand. "I want you to know that I'm here for you," she said quietly. "If you ever want to talk…or anything."

Korra smiled faintly.