Chapter 13
Long after Opal and Bolin had left with Naga, the moon peeking over the horizon, Korra and Asami finally leave the park, walking back to Asami's house.
Trailing behind Korra, Asami watches as she leads her back home. They hadn't meant to stay at the park for so long. But time just slipped away from them. She can't even remember when Opal and Bolin left with Naga. One minute and she's watching the clouds move across a blue sky with Korra, then the next that blue sky happens to be black.
Truthfully, she hadn't had that much fun, in a while. And apparently, that wasn't even a part Korra's plan. Her feelings for Korra were getting stronger, and she was genuinely excited to spend more time with the blue eyed beauty, exploring her feelings. If she were being truthful with herself, she was also terrified. But she wasn't going to let it consume her. She owed it to herself, to a least try.
Korra can't seem to shake the slight grin from her face. Today had went better than she thought it would, and her plan hasn't even been set into motion yet. If things kept going this well, she wouldn't know what to do with herself. Hopefully when they get to the part of her plan that Kuvira had taken care of, there won't be any trouble.
Reaching Asami's house, Korra stops in the driveway, turning to face the owner. "Now before we continue, I need to know how much you trust me."
Skeptically, Asami shrugs. "A lot?"
"Enough to let me drive?"
Asami's eyes widen comically, and Korra is proud of herself for not losing her composure at the hilarious sight. "Wha- You can drive?"
Smiling slightly, Korra shrugs. "Yeah."
"Do you have a license?"
"Heh. Not exactly. That's why I need you to trust me." Korra rubs the back of her neck.
Asami weighs the options in her mind. She did trust Korra but, if something happened… Well who was she to talk? She was the one who had ran Korra over. Oh, what the heck. "Sure. Just… don't run anyone over. It's a terrible feeling. And you'd probably go to jail since you shouldn't be driving anyway."
Swallowing harshly, Korra nods. "Duly noted."
Entering her car, on the passenger side, Asami carefully watches Korra, as she slides behind the wheel.
"Ah ah ah. Put the blindfold on." Korra smirks.
Asami huffs. "Do I have to?"
"Yes! Not only is it payback for making me wear it, but I actually want to surprise you. You know this city like the back of your hand." Korra says.
Asami can tell this is important to her, so she puts the blindfold on without any further complaints, sending a faint smile in Korra's general direction.
Starting the car, Korra pulls out onto the street. "Thanks. Now let's make sure I don't confuse the brakes with the gas, like last time." She mutters.
Asami's pale skin, pales further at Korra's statement. "What?" She breaths out.
"I'm just kidding!" Korra roars with laughter.
Clutching her chest, Asami releases a breath of relief. "Oh spirits. Please, don't joke like that."
"I couldn't resist. I'm sorry."
"Try that again, and the blindfold's coming off." Asami warns.
Korra smirks. "Yes Ms. Sato."
"Please don't call me that, you sound like Li." Asami groans
Korra chuckles. "Is there something wrong with, that?"
"No, it's just too formal. You and I are… friends. Close friends? Just call me Asami."
Even with the blindfold over her face, Korra can see the confusion on Asami's face, as she tries to work out what they are to each other. It was quite cute.
"Well, of course, Ms. Sato. Whatever so pleases you."
"Jackass." Asami mumbles, trying to hide her grin.
"Wow. And to think, I would have used some very flattering words to describe you." Korra shakes her head, regardless of the blindfold over Asami's eyes.
"Oh yeah? Like what?" Asami was intrigued.
Korra puts the car in park. "Doesn't matter. We're here now."
Removing the blindfold from her face, Asami instantly recognizes where Korra had brought her. It was Kwong's. She goes to open her car door, but Korra beats her to it, and has a hand extended, offering Asami help.
Allowing Korra to help her out of the car, Asami smooths out her clothes. "Gosh I wish you would've told me where we were going, so I could change. Do I have grass stains on my back?" Asami spins around.
Stepping closer to her, Korra sweeps Asami's hair over her shoulder, and leans close to her ear. "You look amazing." She whispers.
And truthfully, she did. She has on a casual red button up shirt with white accents, a black skirt, and some black heels that added just a bit more height to her. Her hair falls past her shoulders, in loose bouncy curls.
Korra's determined to make sure this date doesn't end like it did the last time they went to Kwong's. She's going to make sure it's memorable.
Suppressing a shiver, Asami turns back around, with Korra much closer than she had thought. She looks at Korra with lidded eyes, before taking a few steps back and clearing her throat. Now wasn't the time.
She decides to indulge in another thought that has her fairly curious. "You need reservations to eat here, and it's nearly impossible to get next day reservations. You must have been planning this for a while."
Korra's cheeks heat up. "Actually, yeah. I made the reservation that same Monday, you asked me to sleepover."
Asami is flattered that Korra did all of that for her. It wasn't easy getting reservations at Kwong's if they didn't know you, or you if didn't have never ending pockets. "Korra, that's so sweet."
Face reddening even more, Korra changes the subject. "How do I look? I didn't want to dress too fancy, because well, that's not how I dress and you would've caught on to the surprise. But I didn't want to be too not fancy because this is Kwong's, you know?" Korra says in one breath.
Examining Korra's outfit, Asami is pleased. Korra is wearing a dark blue flowy shirt/dress without sleeves, with black leggings and some boots that end just above her ankles. Her shoulder length hair is in it's usual style, and she has on some earrings that dangle a bit. All in all, Asami just finds Korra overly attractive.
The sudden sound of fingers snapping, directly in front of her face, causes her to focus her attention on the owner of the hand. "Can't keep your eyes off me? I guess that means I look good." Korra teases.
Blushing furiously, Asami grabs Korra's arm, and pushes her in the direction of the restaurant's opening, following closely behind her.
Korra walks into the restaurant, stopping to speak with the host. He looks up at Korra as she speaks, noticing Asami on her arm, surprise clear on his face. From his perspective, it looks as though they're on a date. Technically, they are. Korra likes the way it feels, walking into a room with Asami on her arm. She gently pulls Asami, from behind her and to her side, interlocking their arms, following the host to their table.
Smirking, Asami looks at Korra with a raised eyebrow. "Are you trying to claim me?"
Matching Asami's smirk, Korra shrugs. "Maybe. How does that make you feel."
"Ask me again, when you don't look so good."
Korra laughs. "When have you ever seen me not look good?'
Feigning a thoughtful expression, Asami smiles at Korra. "Good point."
Coming to a stop at a table, the host smiles at them politely, and they take their seats.
Looking around, Korra notices no shortage of eyes on them. "Everyone's staring at us." She doesn't back down from the gazes, turned her way.
Not understanding where this confidence was coming from, she's grateful that she isn't as nervous as she was the first time she ate at the restaurant. In fact, she can't care less what these people think.
Asami quickly sweeps her eyes around the room, confirming Korra's statement. There indeed were many pairs of eyes on them. "Maybe it's because the only other person I've ever brought here, is Mako."
Korra frowns. "Are you trying to tell me, that these people watch you that closely? And you brought me here a few weeks ago."
"Word travels fast between people with power in this city. Mainly because they're petty." She shrugs. "And the way we entered today might make some people think we're together." She blushes, realizing just how close they walked next to each other, upon entering.
"Really? They think you're my girlfriend?" Korra is beyond shocked.
"What, is that bad or something?'
"No, it's actually amazing. Let them think what they wanna think." Korra waves her hand.
Asami raises an eyebrow at her. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you want them to think I'm your girlfriend."
Smiling at Asami, Korra blushes slightly. "It isn't the worst idea in the world." Her cheeks brighten further.
Matching Korra's grin, Asami reaches across the table, grabbing her dates hand. "Korra…"
The waitress interrupts Asami, with her pad and pencil in her hands. "Good evening. May I take your order?"
They place their orders and the waitress disappears. Their gazes meet and they blush. Korra circles the back of Asami's hand, with her thumb.
"Thanks for this Korra. The surprise I mean. This is the perfect way to top off a much needed vacation."
Korra chuckles a bit. "This isn't all there is to my plan."
"What?" Asami has a shocked smile on her face.
"Besides, you deserve it. You work too much. And you took care of me for those couple of days."
"Yeah, but I was the reason you needed to be taken care of, in first place." Asami frowns.
Korra waves her off. "Or maybe I should look both ways before crossing the street."
Asami laughs. "Spirits, I'm excited about what you have planned. I haven't been this excited since I was a kid."
"Well, I hope I don't disappoint."
Still smiling, Asami shakes her head. "We could have another picnic in the park for all I care. As long as you put thought into it, I don't care what it is."
"Geez Asami, you're gonna make me think you like me." Korra says, hiding behind her hand.
Soon their food comes, and they eat. The waitress comes back with the check and Korra grabs it.
"Korra-" Asami starts.
"Nope. I got it." Korra says, referring to the check. She looks at the price and her eyes bulge. "Sheesh, I don't think I've even spent this much money, on the food I've eaten in my entire life, collectively."
"If you want, I could handle the check. I know Kwong's is ridiculously expensive."
"Nah, I got it." Korra hands the waitress her card. Once she comes back, Korra accepts her card back, signing the receipt.
They walk out of the restaurant together. "You didn't have to do that." Asami frowns.
"Asami, I wanted to. I wouldn't have if I couldn't afford it. Cheer up!" She says, lightly pinching Asami's cheeks.
Despite the small smile on her face, Asami's features are still contorted into a frown. "But didn't you say you left Narook's, so you could make more money?"
Korra almost cringes, at her lie being thrown in her face. They need to drop this conversation. "And I did. Now let's get out of here, we've got somewhere to be!"
They both enter the car, and Asami is no longer frowning. Korra assumes she had believed her. Truthfully, her first check hadn't even come from her new job yet. But she had enough money saved, that she could afford a few trips to Kwong's.
"Where are we going?" Asami asks.
"It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you." Korra says, in a singsong voice.
Shrugging, Asami laughs. "Can't blame me for trying."
"Hehehe. Put your blindfold back on." Korra orders.
Groaning, Asami pouts. "Oh come on, Korra. We're already even. Do I have to put it on again?"
"Yes! I thought I explained this already? Plus, I like to win. Getting even isn't good enough for me." She smirks.
"Ugh. Fine."
Once she's sure Asami can't see a thing, Korra takes out her phone and sends Kuvira a text, letting her know she was on the way. Hopefully everything went okay. Pulling out onto the street, she starts thinking of possible ways this could play out.
Going over different scenarios, she decides it'd be better to keep Asami and Kuvira away from each other.
"Are we there yet?" Asami huffs.
"Don't rush me. Aren't you an engineer? And a business woman? I thought you were supposed to have unlimited amounts of patience, doing work like that." Korra stops at a red light, and can see her destination in the distance. Quickly checking her phone, she sees that Kuvira had done what she'd asked.
"Just because I have patience, doesn't mean I like waiting. Besides, I haven't even seen your driving skills yet. Since we haven't crashed so far, I'll assume you know what you're doing."
Grinning, regardless of the fact that Asami can't see her, Korra's chest swells. "Don't worry. You'll have plenty of time time to see my skills. Just relaaax."
Making it to the their destination, she parks behind the building, where other employees usually left and entered, to take out the trash and run other errands. She looks over at Asami, before exiting and going over to the passenger window. Sticking her head inside the window, she gently taps Asami's shoulder. "You can take your blindfold off. But stay in the car." She orders. Not waiting for Asami to reply, Korra walks to the side of the building.
Once Asami can see again, she examines her surroundings, and can't make out anything distinguishable. She seems to be in some sort of alley. She can see Korra talking to someone, but can't tell who it is. She watches as Korra rubs her neck and shrugs, something she learned Korra does when she's nervous. The figure seems to laugh and then walk away, and she can see Korra, jogging back to the car.
"Alright, are you ready?" She asks Asami, excitedly.
"Should I be scared?" Asami says, choosing to ignore Korra's conversation with the stranger.
Grinning like a little kid, Korra stands waiting for Asami to exit the car. "Alright, now that we're here, I need to cover your eyes until we get inside."
"Are you serious?" Asami deadpans.
"Of course not. We're standing in an alley way. There's no need to hide that from you. Just follow me."
Leading Asami inside of the building, they wind through a room in the dark, and Asami has to grab Korra's hand to keep from getting lost, or bumping into anything. Once they make it out of there, they enter a new room that's dimly lit, from light shining outside. Asami can vaguely recognize the room they're in now. It was the lobby of that go kart and laser tag place. That must have been the laser tag room they just left out of.
"How come you know this building so well? And what are we doing here? Isn't it closed?" Asami was beyond confused, and it showed on her face.
"Shh. Save your questions for later."
They continue walking, exiting outside to where Asami knew the track was. When they get out there, she gasps, releasing Korra's hand. She spins around taking in the sight around her.
Lights had been hung up above the track, resembling thousands of stars in the sky. In the middle of where the track looped, a pond reflected the light so beautifully, that Asami couldn't take her eyes away.
"When did you do all of this?" She finally rips her gaze away, from the pond, and looks at Korra.
Blushing once again, Korra rubs the back of her neck. "Well, I work here now, so I had one of my co-workers do it for me. It only cost me a few yuans." She chuckles.
Asami moves closer to Korra. "Is that why you, so suddenly, decided to learn how to drive." She smirks.
"… Maybe. Maybe not." Korra shrugs. "Anyway, I brought you here so I could kick your ass."
"Oh really? You think you can beat me?" Asami's smirk grows, wider.
"Actually, I know I can."
"I highly doubt it." Asami laughs.
"Let's have a wager then, Sato." Korra was smirking now, too.
"Alright, you're on. If I win, I get to pay you back for dinner."
Korra crosses her arms. "Fine. But if I win… you have to give me a kiss." She says, her entire face heating up.
A blush creeps up Asami's neck, as she smiles at Korra. "Alright. You've got a deal."
Once she's sure Asami is secure in her kart, she hops in her own, strapping in. She gives Asami a thumbs up, indicating everything was ready to go.
"Um. How are we supposed to start? Isn't the button for the lights up there?" She motions to the railing, on the side of the track.
Korra waves her off. "Psh, we don't need a crappy light to tell us when to start. We'll do three laps around the track and first one back is the winner. On my mark. Since I'm a trained professional and all."
Shaking her head, Asami laughs. "Start the count down, professional."
"Ten, nine, eight, GO!" Korra zooms down the track, with Asami following a second after.
"Hey, no fair! That's not how you count, Korra!" Asami yells, over the roar of their engines.
Korra only laughs, trying to put distance between herself and Asami. She knew that if she let Asami catch up, it was game over. There was no way she'd be able to bring it back, if Asami took the lead. So with that thought in mind, she recklessly makes a hard turn, foot never leaving the gas.
Watching the kart in front of her, turn wildly, Asami shakes her head again. Korra was going to get herself killed! She narrowly made that turn and it was a pretty wide opening. She wouldn't be able to do that on the more narrow turns, up the track. Once they get on a relatively straight shot, Asami puts the pedal to the floor, gaining on Korra the slightest bit.
Korra can see the front of Asami's kart out of the corner of her eye. She pushes her pedal the rest of the way down, which isn't far, effectively halting Asami's attempt at passing her. But that wasn't enough. Asami was too close. If she didn't get Asami to back off somehow, she'd surely end up passing Korra.
Turning her head, she smiles at Asami. Once she's sure Asami saw her smile, she uses the back end of her kart to push Asami away, causing her to swerve slightly, just enough for Korra to get some breathing room.
Asami narrows her eyes, as she stops her kart from spinning out. It seems as though Korra is going to put up a fight. Well if that's how she wants to play it…
Coming up on another turn, Korra is forced to slow down, as she harshly yanks her steering wheel to the side. Just as she's about to straighten her wheels, Asami drifts passed her, at an unbelievable speed. Korra grips her steering wheel, and mashes the gas, desperately trying to regain lost ground. Coming out of her turn, rather harshly, she has to straighten her kart, before she loses control. It was worth it because she and Asami are now neck and neck. Most of the race continued this way, the two battling for dominance, one overtaking the other, up until the last lap.
Asami was tired of the back and forth, and so was Korra. Looking to her side, she sees Korra creeping up. She taps her brakes, falling just behind Korra, and causing Korra to swerve into nothing, when she tries to nudge Asami's kart with her own.
As her kart literally hits nothing and spins out in a complete circle, Korra slams her hands against the steering wheel, watching as Asami crosses the finish line. She slowly turns her kart back to it's correct position and crosses the line.
"Looks like you got me. Nice moves." She pouts, walking up to Asami.
"You almost gave me a run for my money. I wasn't sure I would win." She smiles. "That was amazing considering you just learned how to drive. I think if you would've hit your turns better, you could've had me."
"Thanks." Korra kicks at the ground.
"Don't look so sad. You might've lost, but you're getting money back." Asami steps closer to Korra, without her noticing.
"I don't-" Korra's sentence is cut short, as Asami's lips brush over hers. Wrapping her arms around Asami's waist, Korra leans into her lips. Asami pulls away and the kiss is over, just as soon as it happened.
Korra looks at her with a bright blush on her cheeks. "But I lost?"
Asami shrugs, laughing. "You looked so sad. I couldn't stand it. And well… maybe I just wanted to kiss you." She shrugs again, her entire face feeling hot.
Looking at Asami with bright eyes, practically beaming, Korra leans closer to her. Asami meets her halfway and their lips connect. Asami wraps her arms around Korra's neck, pulling her flush against Asami's body. When they pull away, Korra still has her eyes closed. Asami is about to speak, when a flashlight beam hits them, out of nowhere.
"Hey! What are you two doing here?!" An unknown voice asks.
"I work here." Korra growls, not appreciating the interruption.
"Show me your employee Id, or I'm gonna have to take you both in."
"Alright." Still holding onto Asami, she leans down, resting her lips by Asami's ear. "When I let you go, I'm gonna need you to bolt for the car. I left my badge, and I still need to lock this place up." Korra whispers. Asami lightly taps her neck, indicating she had heard her and understood.
Korra releases Asami and stands between her and the guy, she assumed to be an officer. "Hey!" He tries to reach for Asami as she bolts down the hall, but Korra stops him, grabbing his arm.
"Hey, I thought you wanted to see my Id?" Korra smiles.
"Let me go!" He rips his arm from her grip and sprints in the direction he had last seen Asami. Korra lets him go, sure Asami had made it to the car by then. There was no way he'd find his way into the alley, they left the car in.
After getting rid of all the lights and putting the karts back in place, Korra walks towards the back door, gaining the officers attention in the process. "Hey you! Come here!"
Korra bolts down the hall and right out the doors. Making it out into the alley, she spots Asami in the passenger seat of her own car, and realizes she still has the keys. Quickly jumping behind the wheel, she turns to Asami, slightly out of breath. "Where to next?" She grins.
A/n: They're getting kinda close, huh?! When I write these chapters, I have a genuine idea of what I want to happen, but most of the time a lot of this comes to me as I write it, so I'm just as surprised as you.
Now i know it's been a while since I've updated this story. I guarantee you I am still writing, just very slowly. I had something very exciting happen with my music, so I've been very busy.
I see a few guests have reviewed my story, and I encourage you to continue. Tell me how you feel, what you think! I usually reply to any reviews I do get, as long as they're actually logged in.
Hopefully I can get a new chapter up next Friday. But if not, please bear with me. I'd get them up quicker if I had the time, I swear.