Title: Back On Track
Pairing: Korra & Asami.
Rated: M
Disclaimer: I do not own Legend of Korra and its characters. All rights belong to their respectable owners Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino.
Authors Note: Pumped the rating up to be safe. I wasn't expecting the reaction I got from this story. Never do when I write anything honestly but I'm grateful that you all like this just as much as I do. I will be continuing it so no worries. Hope you all enjoy this chapter.
PS: Also I'm looking for a Beta Reader. Never had one before so if anyone is interested and tired of reading my horrible errors, let me know. I'd appreciate the help.
Korra woke up to the sun shinning on her face. She squinted her eyes to adjust to the light. She took a deep breath as she shifted a bit in the position she was in. She turned her head to the side to see the woman she had met last night. Realizing now where she was, Korra knew she had to go. She sat up on her side of the bed and grabbed her pants from off the floor. She put her feet through each pants leg and stood up to her feet pulling them up.
The woman woke up and shifted to her side resting her cheek on to the palm of her hand. "Where are you going?" she asked Korra who looked over her shoulder.
Korra turned around to face her as she started to buckle her pants back to where it was. "Back to Ba Sing Se," she said reaching into her back pocket to get her watch. Looking at the time, Korra cursed under her breath. "Shit... I'm late," she said hoping she didn't miss the train.
"In a rush to leave so soon?" The woman innocently asked Korra who was looking for her shirt.
Korra found it on the floor by her boots. "No reason to stay," she said ready to put it on and head out the door.
The woman crawled up to Korra and stood on her knees at the edge of the bed, "what if I give you one?" she said holding up her index finger. "Or two?" she said holding up her middle finger making a gesture with her tongue in between.
Korra chuckled with a light shake of her head, "well when you put it that way... how can I refuse," she said with her lopsided grin of hers.
Asami when straight to Opal's house after dropping Iroh off at school. She was concerned about the things his grandmother said the night before. Not for herself but for her son since he over heard the whole conversation. She didn't want him to worry about such things specially after losing his father a few days prior. Though she couldn't help but wonder if Izumi had a point.
Iroh needs a stable home with financial backing. How are you going to provide for him and be present parent in his day to day activities?
It was a fair question but said at the wrong time. Izumi never really had a filter. She always made clear how she felt about Asami but what happened last night was different. This was her challenging Asami as a mother. As a woman who couldn't take care of her son on her own. It was very hypocritical of her to dismiss all that Asami has done so far with her son and his accomplishments alone.
Iroh III was the youngest 8th grader in the United Republic Academy with countless awards for math and science. He is the president of the math club and vice president of the film club. He played in the school's orchestra with his three-quarter violin, flute, harp and piano. He was the lead in the musical 'Boy in the Iceberg' for the performing arts program last year with his heavenly countertenor voice.
All this with a high IQ and respectable demeanor, Asami felt insulted that Izumi would consider him being better off with her in the fire nation. To be a patronizing, heartless, berating brat like the rest of the Róngyù clan. It wasn't gonna happen, not while Asami was still breathing.
"I can't believe she said all that to you," Opal said disgusted at what she heard.
"Its not much of a surprise. She never really liked me to begin with.." Asami said remembering all the unpleasant visits.
Opal was washing out sippy cups in the sink before sitting down next to Asami. "Well you did marry her only baby boy," Opal cooed in a sarcastic manner.
Asami shook her head at the thought of it, "yeah but I had no idea how much of a mama's boy he was until we got married," she said bitterly.
"Would that had made a difference?" Opal asked as she was fixing lunch.
It took Asami a minute before answering. "No... I loved him."
Opal focused her eyes on the sandwiches she was making for the twins, "so what are you going to do now?" she asked as she placed mayo on both slices of bread.
"Get a job. A new place to stay. Cut back on some things. Its gonna be a struggle for a while but I can manage it," Asami listed out loud as she thought on it.
Opal looked at her friend with a worried expression, "not alone. You know me and Bolin will help you with whatever you need," she said placing a supporting hand on top of hers. "Specially a place to stay," she said gesturing to her house with the wave of her free hand.
Asami was on the verge of tears but held it off with a smile. She was grateful to receive such help. "Thank you though I already found a place last night," she said taking out her phone and scrolling through her history. "See..." she said pointing at a two bedroom apartment not to far away from here.
Glancing at it, Opal stopped herself from cringing, "its nice..." she lied. "But too small for you guys. We have enough room for the both of you here," Opal offered again.
Asami shook her head no. "That's to much to ask. You and Bo already have so much on your plate with the twins and your Nana being sick. I can't," she politely declined.
Opal understood and wasn't going to fight her on this but had to ask. "I know but don't you think rushing to get a place so fast is a bit much in itself?"
What Opal was asking was true but Asami couldn't sit around and do nothing. "I know my savings won't last forever so I need to act in the best interest for my son. The quicker I got this resolved the better. I don't want to give his grandmother any reason to take him away from me," she said still angered over what was said last night.
"Well I know Bolin and Tu will help you move in a heart beat. I'll text him in a few about it... but what are you gonna do for a job?" Opal asked as she finished fixing the twins sandwiches. "Oh!" she abruptly said cutting Asami off. "Baatar was asking me the other day about filling in for one of his workers at his company. He said it was temporary til he found a replacement but I couldn't do it. Maybe you can," she suggested.
Asami wasn't so sure about working for Baatar Jr. with the extra baggage he was carrying. "I don't know..." she said in an unease tone of voice.
Opal knew why but didn't mention it, "come on... they are always looking for engineers specially ones as smart and beautiful as you," she encouraged.
Sighing, Asami knew she could do a lot worse in the short window she was creating for herself. "Alright. I'll give him a call."
"Yes..." Opal said with a cheerful smile only to hear the twins crying as they woke up from their nap. "No..."
Bolin drove up in front of an unknown address. He waited for a few moments before seeing Korra come out of the building holding her duffel in one hand and her tactical backpack on her shoulder.
Korra walked up to Bolin's pick up truck and opened up the side door behind the passenger seat. "Thanks for the ride," she said placing her bags down before closing the door. She opened up the passenger side one and got inside.
"No problem," Bolin said as Korra settled into her seat. "So you gonna see Asami before you leave?"
Korra cleared her throat as she pushed her back against her seat. "I already saw her yesterday," she replied trying not to get agitated. "Plus I gotta catch the 5:30 train to Ba Sing Se since I missed the one I had," she said making an excuse. She knew he wasn't going to let up so easy.
Bolin knew she would do anything to avoid his questions involving Asami, "sounds like you're running away from your feelings again," he commented as he started up his truck. "You should tell her how you feel-"
"No. I'm over it. I'm over her," Korra said in a more aggressive tone. She had to make her case and point to end this for good. "If I wasn't. Why would I hook up with that hottie from the bar last night," she asked pointing her thumb back at the apartment building.
Bolin gave her a look with the shake of his head to follow. "I think you just answered your own question," he said getting an text on his phone. He pulled it out of his back pocket and saw it was from his wife that read: Reserve a truck for Asami this weekend. He texted her back saying he would before placing his phone in the cup holder.
Korra noticed the look on his face and wondered what happened. "Everything alright?"
"Yeah I guess... Asami might be moving out of her house," Bolin answered still unsure if that was the reason.
"Why would she be moving?" Korra asked curious seeing how Iroh's funeral was less than 24 hours ago.
Bolin pulled his truck on to the main road and stopped behind a smaller vehicle at a red light. "I don't know but if you want to find out I could drop you off at her place," he suggested as he looked over at her brightly.
Korra knew what he was trying to do and narrowed her eyes at him. "I'll pass. Its none of my business anyway," she said looking out her side window.
"Then why'd you ask?" Bolin said with a smirk as he turned his attention back to the road.
Korra looked over at him now annoyed. "Look if I'm gonna be dropped off anywhere its the train station," she said hoping not to be ambushed like last time.
Bolin snickered at her aggravation, "why are you in such a rush to leave? Do you have some place else to be?" he asked as he started to move his truck again.
Korra thought on it and said 'no.'
"Then you should stay for a few days so we can catch up," He suggested with excitement in his voice. Bolin hasn't seen Korra in almost a decade. They talked here and there over the phone but not long enough for a real conversation. "Come over to my house for dinner tonight. We got plenty of room," he said nudging her shoulder with his elbow.
Korra listen to his words and couldn't help but smile to herself. "Alright. I'll consider it," she said not giving a definite yes.
Bolin couldn't help but smile at her answer. "Great. I gotta few things to pick up at the grocery store first. You don't mind lending me a hand do you?"
"Not at all," Korra said with her stomach rumbling at the thought of a home cooked meal.
"Awesome! This is gonna be sweet!" Bolin shouted as he turned up the radio.
Asami when back home after talking to Opal. She typed in Baatar's number and waited for him to pick up. "Hi Baatar. Its Asami. Asami S- Róngyù," she corrected herself, waiting for his response.
"Hello Asami. My sister told me you would be calling. I hear you're looking for a job," Baatar said direct as usual. Before she could answer, he continued, "I'm free for lunch if you'd like to discuss it. Meet me at Kwong's Cuisine in 15 minutes," he said before hanging up.
"I'll be there," she manage to say before he hung up on her. She placed her phone down and took a deep breath wondering if this would be worth it.
Bolin and Korra were in Wan Mart looking for items on Opal's list. It was longer than Korra expected but she tried her best to find everything listed.
"How can Opal cook all this food?" Korra asked Bolin as she placed a fresh bag of green peppers into the cart.
"My wife has skills that I would never question," Bolin said with pride.
Korra chuckled to herself as she ran down the list again, "yeah if you wanna eat..." she mumbled as she crossed off what they had so far.
Bolin smirked at her words but soon faded when something came to mind. "Hey Korra," he said seeing her turn to face him. "Why did you decide to come back to Republic City now?" he asked with a raised brow. It had peeked his interest every since she arrived yesterday.
"I don't know... just did," Korra said breaking eye contact with him.
"Well I don't know if I'm ever gonna get another chance to see you again..." Bolin began to say. He wasn't sure how to word it but it was important for her to know. "And I don't mean to pry," he pointed out as he when on. "But... its so much you missed already and... could you at least tell me what you've been up to these last ten years?" he asked a bit hesitant. He knew how she could be when cornered, closed off, unresponsive, anything to get away from her feelings.
Korra thought on his question as her eyes were still on the various fruits before them. She didn't have much to say which threw her for a loop. Sure she had kept her self busy but what has she really accomplished. She wasn't sure if some of the things she had done was even worth mentioning. Knowing he wanted an answer, Korra cleared her throat and decided to keep it simple as possible. "Just a... been busy," she said making eye contact once more. "Working here and there. That's about it," she plainly put. It wasn't all black and white. She had stories that could fill up this whole entire market but wasn't comfortable enough to say it. Not yet anyway.
Bolin stared at her for a few seconds before saying, "sounds really lonely." He quickly realized what he said and covered his mouth.
Korra looked up at him with narrowed eyes. "Its nice to know that my friends don't judge me," she said sarcastically before walking down the aisle into another.
Asami walked inside of Kwong's Cuisine and up to the hosts booth. "Hi I'm looking for Mr. Beifong." she told the man before her.
"Ah yes, right this way," he said escorting her through the restaurant. She followed him all the way toward the back in the reserved section and up to Baatar's table. "Here you are," he said pulling out a chair for her to sit.
Asami saw Baatar sitting across from her with a fresh drink in his hand looking at his phone. "Thank you," she said to the waiter and took a seat in front of him.
"My sister just texted me. She wanted to know if I still had any opening spots," He said putting his phone away and taking a sip of his drink.
Asami knew Opal was trying to help but didn't want her to go out of her way. "Yes and if you don't I understand. Anything would do even if its part time," she said knowing this was a huge favor coming from him. He wasn't known for his generosity unless he was getting something out of it.
Baatar placed his drink down on the table and look at Asami, "there is a position that needs to be filled handling the phones," he said knowing it wasn't a dazzling job opportunity.
"Like an assistant?" she asked unsure of what he meant.
"No, at our customer service department," he corrected as he fixed his glasses. Baatar knew what Asami was capable of and to put her in any position less than what she was qualified for was not only a waste of her time but his as well. "You can start there and once something better comes along. I'll bump you up. Gradually of course," he said not trying to show any favoritism because she was his sisters friend.
Asami was surprised at how accepting he was. She had heard a few things specially from Opal at how he had a certain power trip when it came to taking over his father's company. She expected to be jumping through a few fire lit hoops to get this far. "Thank you for the opportunity," she said voice filled with gratitude.
Baatar gave a brief smile before nodding in acknowledgement. "When is the earliest you can start?"
"Well I'm moving this weekend so maybe Monday," Asami said thinking on it out loud. She wasn't sure if there was anything she was leaving out. All she knew was the sooner this was done the better.
Baatar gave a full blown smile at her attitude and stood to shake her hand. "Monday it is," he said as she stood up to shake his hand. "I'll have the paperwork sent to you as soon as possible," he said as he sat back down in his seat.
Asami smiled and gave him a nod, "thank you. I don't know how to repay you for this," she said knowing she would prove her worth.
"You don't have too," He said in a serious tone but glanced down at the table. "There is just one little thing.."
"What's that?" Asami said noticing the shift in his attitude.
Baatar looked up at Asami with a somber expression. "You'll be working under my fiancee, Kuvira."
Bolin pulled up to his drive way and parked. Korra got out and walked toward the back of the truck grabbing a few bags. He got out and walked straight to his front door to open it. "Honey I'm home!" he shouted seeing Opal appear from the kitchen.
"Hey sweetie," Opal greeted as she kissed him on the cheek and took a bag from him.
Korra came inside and saw two little rugrats running pass her. "Whoa there.." she said side stepping them.
"San and Su sit down," Opal ordered her two year old twins. She came up to Korra and gave her a hug. "Hi Korra is so good to see you."
"Its good to see you too," Korra said following Opal into the kitchen.
Bolin put the milk into the refrigerator and said, "I'll be right back." There was still a few more things in the truck he needed to get.
Korra watched as he left and turned her attention to Opal as she spoke.
"So Korra. How long has it been?" Opal asked as she started taking things out of the bags and spreading it on the table.
"Almost ten years..." Korra uttered wondering how many people were gonna ask that.
Opal smirked at Korra as she walked over to the fridge to put the eggs in. "Time flies doesn't it?" she said leaving it as that.
Korra was surprised and grateful she didn't pry unlike her husband. "Yeah it does. Sorry I didn't visit sooner," she apologized. She could see how much she actually missed. Bolin and Opal married with two kids. Asami married with one. She wondered where that left Mako and Tu.
"I understand no need to apologize," Opal said as she started placing some cans in a cabinet. She closed the door and turned to face Korra again. "What matters is that you're here now," she said with a smile.
"Thanks..." Korra said feeling a bit of pressure ease off of her.
Opal continued to smile and frowned when she heard little Su screaming. "Do you mind watching the kids for me while I cook?"
Korra looked toward the living room over at the children who were romping on the couch and back to her. "Them?" she questioned with her thumb pointed back at them.
"Yes them," Opal chuckled. "They don't bite."
Korra looked back at the kids shaking her head, "are you sure? they might just gum me to death," she said looking back at Opal.
Opal giggled to herself and smiled, "that is a possibility too."
"That's comforting," Korra said with a smirk.
"You speak to Asami today?" Opal asked out of her own curiosity.
Korra should have seen this question coming but didn't get upset about it. "No just yesterday after the funeral that was pretty much it."
Opal understood and gave Korra a nod leaving it as that.
Korra watched Opal placing all her ingredients she was going to cook on the counter. She thought on what Bolin said earlier and decided to ask. "So a... Bolin mention earlier that she was moving," Korra said leaning up against the counter as she sat on the stool.
"Yeah... she can't afford to pay the mortgage on her own," Opal said knowing there were other reasons why Asami was doing this but didn't add it out of respect.
"I understand," Korra said with her gaze dropping down. "Is she gonna be okay?"
Opal looked over at Korra seeing her expression change to a gloomy one. "She's been through hell and back so I'm sure she will," she said placing her hand on top of Korra's with a smile.
Korra smiled back as Bolin came through the door with all the bags in his hand ready to fall over. "I'll be right back," she said walking into the living room to help him.
Asami waited outside in her car and saw Iroh walking up. She smiled once he got in the car and asked, "how was it today?"
Iroh placed his seat belt on and grasp the book he had in his hand. "I have a book report do by the end of the month," he said as Asami started to drive away from the school.
"What's the book called," Asami asked keeping her eyes on the road.
Iroh glanced over the book cover and said, "the little fire bender."
Asami turned her attention to Iroh for a quick second flashing another smile. "I remember reading that. If you need any help with it I'd love to read it to you," she offered as she stopped at a red light.
Iroh shook his head as he looked down at the book then back to his mother. "I can read it on my own but if I have any trouble. I'll come to you," he said not denying her help.
Asami smiled but it soon faded at the realization of how fast everything was turning. It was so overwhelming she wanted to burst out and cry. She held back with a deep breath and said, "things are gonna be a little different," she said meeting his eyes again. "There's certain changes that have to be made but we'll get back on track soon. I promise," she said reaching for his hand and taking it in her own.
Iroh looked down at her hand unresponsive. He knew what she meant even if she didn't go into detail. He had seen it plenty of times with other kids who had either lost a parent through divorce or death. It was all the same. To him nothing was really going to change. It would still just be him and his mom. "Okay," he answered giving her hand a small squeeze.
Asami released his hand and brushed hers through his hair. "That's my boy."
Korra was swinging the twins around in each arm and tossing them one by one on the couch. They climbed off and stood back in front of her shouting: 'again again!' Out of breath, Korra waved them off and said, "I gotta.. I gotta catch my breath first," she said hearing the door bell ring.
"Could you get that for me!" Opal shouted from the kitchen.
"Alright!" Korra shouted back. She picked up San and Su again tossing them both on the couch before racing toward the door. She opened it and saw Asami and Iroh III standing there.
Asami was shocked to see Korra there but quickly recovered, "hi," she greeted.
Korra snapped out of her initial shock and said, "hey..."
Asami smiled and placed her hand on Iroh's shoulder and said, "can we come in?"
Korra looked at her confused and realized she was blocking the entrance, "yeah. yeah come in," she said stepping aside. "Sorry about that," she said closing the door behind her.
Iroh walked up and sat on the couch next to San and Su.
Korra stood next to Asami and waved over to Iroh. "Sup little man," she said with a grin.
"Hello," Iroh said with a bit of irritation in his tone.
Korra smirked at his response and looked to Asami. "You guys here for dinner?"
Asami nodded her head as she glanced over at the twins. "Every weekend. Yes," she said looking to Korra.
Korra felt like that was a little shot at her but ignored it. "How is everything?" she asked to see if Asami would tell her.
"Good," she quickly replied.
Nodding, Korra looked over to the kitchen to see if Opal was coming to interrupt their soon to be awkward conversation. After a few seconds, she turned her attention to Iroh who was reading a book. "How's he holding up?" she gestured to Iroh with the nod of her head.
Asami looked over at her son with a sigh to follow. "I'm not sure," she said feeling awful about it. "He hasn't said a word about it since the day we found out." She had tried to talk to him about it a few times but he wouldn't say anything. Just an 'okay' or 'alright' to answer.
"Has he cried yet?" Korra asked looking to Asami.
Asami shook her head no. She knew that he was bottling up his feelings like she use too. She wasn't sure how to bring him out of it. He had to let it out before it crushed him inside.
Korra saw the look in Asami's eyes and wanted to comfort her. She raised her hand to place it on her back when Bolin came down the stairs.
"Hey!" He shouted getting everyone's attention. The twins ran to their dad who picked them both up. Opal came out of the kitchen and told them dinner was ready. She took San and Su from Bolin and walked back into the kitchen with them on each hip. Iroh closed his book and walked into the kitchen with them. Asami walked up and took Su from Opal's arms to place her in her high chair while Opal placed San in his.
Korra pulled Bolin aside before he could make it into the kitchen. "Why didn't you tell me Asami would be here?" she asked already irritated.
Bolin shrugged his shoulders with an innocent look in his eyes. "Must have slipped my mind," he said with a smile. "Relax..." he said placing an arm around Korra. "You have nothing to worry about since you're clearly over her," he said patting Korra's back hard before walking into the dinning area with everyone else.
As everyone began to eat dinner, Bolin decided to start a conversation. "So Asami. I reserved a truck for you this weekend," he said still chewing his food. He dipped his bread into his sauce and took another bite, "only problem is Mako is out of town for the weekend. So I'll have to ask Tu to pitch in unless..." he said dragging it out as he looked to Korra. "Korra wouldn't mind lending a hand."
Korra looked up from her plate and over at Bolin like he was crazy.
"That isn't necessary," Asami answered Bolin before Korra could. "I'm sure Korra has other things to do with her time."
Korra wiped her mouth with her napkin and said, "I do since I'm heading back to Ba Sing Se," while giving Bolin the look of death.
Bolin gave Korra a challenging smirk in return, "you did mention to me earlier about staying a couple of days. Why not this weekend?" he suggested as if it was nothing. Korra stared him down trying not to fume.
Opal could see the tension and placed her hand on top of Bolin's. "Stop it," she whispered. "Korra is leaving soon so get Tu to help you," she told him giving him a look.
Asami was feeling very uncomfortable and it was written all over her face. Korra could see it and sighed heavily, "its alright. There's no need to bother Tu. I'll help you," she said to Bolin. She was agitated at him volunteering her but if it would help Asami why not. "What's a few more days in Republic City anyway," she said looking over at Asami with a small smile. She wasn't sure if she was trying to convince Asami or herself.
After dinner, Asami cleaned up the dishes while Opal put the twins to bed. Bolin and Korra were outside of the house talking.
"You're a shithead for doing that," Korra said knowing he meant well by it.
Bolin shrugged lightly as he took a sip of his beer in his hand. "It would still be nice to have some help," he said actually meaning it this time. He gestured with the tip of his bottle toward her brace. "You worried about your leg?"
Korra raised a brow and looked down at her leg. "That's not what I'm worried about," she said looking back at Bolin.
"It's Asami isn't it?" he said with a small smirk. Bolin chuckled as Korra frowned again. "Its written all over your face."
Korra looked away from him and shook her head as her gaze fell to the ground. "Things are different now. Its clear I don't belong here," she said with a distant look in her eye. Taking a deep breath, Korra looked up to the sky to gather her thoughts. "All I'm going to do is help them move into their new place and that's that," she said ready to skip town now. All these memories and feelings were swirling around in her head making her sick to her stomach.
"Suit yourself," Bolin said with a belch to follow.
Asami came outside of the house and stopped short on the porch once Bolin and Korra looked back at her. "Bolin, Opal wants you," she said pointing back to the door.
Bolin nodded and tapped Korra on her shoulder twice before walking inside the house.
Korra turned to face Asami unsure of what to say. She instead took a step up and stood on the porch next to her. "Do you need help packing?" she asked knowing what happened earlier was a bit unsettling.
Asami looked back at the house to see if anyone was coming. She turned to Korra and took a step closer to her to keep their conversation private. "You really don't have too. I know you have better things to do with your time and Bolin shouldn't have pressured you like that," she said feeling bad for putting Korra in a situation like that.
"I want too," Korra quickly said without hesitation.
Asami looked her in the eye and said, "you don't have to lie."
Korra broke eye contact with Asami and cleared her throat, "I wasn't," she said looking her dead in her eye.
Asami could see it in those bright blue iris of hers and knew she wasn't. "Its been a long day," she said changing the subject.
"Ditto," Korra replied unsure where to steer this conversation. They stood in awkward silence for a bit until Korra spoke up again. "It was really good seeing you again," she said wanting her to know that regardless of how weird their interactions have been.
Asami looked at Korra with a blank stare that lasted a few dreadful seconds for Korra til her lips curved into a smile. "Ditto," she whispered.
Korra shared a smile with her that quickly ended when Iroh came out of the house.
"You ready to go?" Asami asked Iroh who was clutching his book. He nodded in response. "You say goodnight to Mrs. Yōso?"
"I did," Iroh finally answered.
Asami smiled and reached her hand out to him. Once he took her hand, she pulled him to her side with a small side hug. She looked up at Korra with a pleased expression. "You need a ride anywhere?" she asked wondering if Korra was actually gonna stay in the city this time.
Korra watched the two of them and was caught off guard by her question. She poked her bottom lip out and shook her head slightly. "No I'm... just gonna crash here on the couch tonight," she said gesturing toward the house with the nod of her head.
"Alright, well I hope you have a goodnight Korra," she said before walking down the stairs with Iroh and toward her car.
"You too," Korra replied seeing Asami look back at her. Iroh got into the passenger seat and closed his door. Korra watched as they drove out of the driveway and down the street. "Shit..." she said feeling that same overwhelming sense in the pit of her stomach now knowing what it was: emptiness.