Title: Puppies and Dragons
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: Hey Guys. So just a heads up like the last update, the next one might take even longer for a lot of reasons. One being is that my laptop that I had for 9 years is on its last legs so til I get a new one I can't edit or update like I want. So this may be my last update til then. I will explain further on my tumblr: KorrasamiTrouble if anyone is interested but this is the jest of it. Anyway, hope you all enjoy this chapter. Later Gladiators!
Korra was asleep on the couch when she was hit with a shooting pain up and down her left leg. She woke up gripping her knee cap trying to refrain from groaning too loud. She pulled back the sleeve on her leg feeling a tingle sensation of pins and needles. It shot back up her leg to her knee and thigh making it cramp in the worse way possible. "Ah..." she said wanting to bite down on something from how painful it was.
Asami woke up after hearing a noise in the living room. She got up out of bed and opened her bedroom door. Walking down the hall, Asami spotted Korra hunched over on the couch clinging to her leg. "What's wrong?" she asked coming to her side.
Korra quickly pulled the sleeve back on her leg and pulled her pants leg down. "Its nothing," she said pushing herself up in a seated position.
Asami looked down at her with concern. She held her hand out for her to take. "Come with me."
Korra looked at her hand and shook her head no. "I'm okay really," she said declining her offer.
"Korra Please..." Asami said in a tone of a plea.
Looking up at her, Korra could see a worried look plastered all over her face. "Okay..." she said softly taking her hand.
Asami helped her up off the couch and led her to her bedroom. She let go of her hand and placed her own on Korra's shoulders. "Lay down," she said gently pushing her down.
Korra sat on her bed and slowly lifted her left pants leg up to maneuver herself on to the bed to lay down.
"Feel better?" Asami asked curiously.
Korra shook her head no. She wasn't sure if she should tell her how uncomfortable she was in her bed.
Asami could see how stiff Korra looked on her bed. "What's wrong? Is it the sheets?" she asked wondering if it was comfortable or not.
Korra had no complaints about the sheets other than she could smell Asami's scent on them. It was everywhere. The aroma alone was intoxicating to where she knew she wouldn't get any sleep and if she did it would probably be wet dreams. "No its not... I just don't want to take your bed from you," she sincerely stated.
Asami smiled at her response. That's sweet. "You're not," she said to put her mind at ease. "Plus its a queen size bed. There is room enough for both of us," she said not minding sharing the bed with her just like old times.
"Oh no," Korra said trying to get up as quickly as she could.
Asami gently pushed her back on to the bed with a snicker. "Its fine I'll take the couch," she said not wanting to make it awkward. The last time they shared a bed together was an experience she'd never forget and a hilarious one at that.
Korra didn't want her to have to sleep on the couch either. "I can't let you do that," she said taking her hand before she could walk away.
Asami softly squeezed her hand before letting go. "Its already done," she said heading toward the door. "Goodnight," she softly sang out before closing the door behind her.
Korra sighed as she left the room. Shit. I can't sleep like this.
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After 10 minutes, Korra was finding it hard to fall asleep. She was becoming more restless on the bed than on the couch. She shifted to her side to see if that was better to alleviate pressure from her leg but she could smell Asami's scent on her pillow even more. "I can't..." she said pushing herself back into a seated position. She stood up slowly and limped over to the door opening it up. She walked slowly into the living room in order not to disturb Iroh or startle Asami.
Asami was starting to drift off to sleep until she felt a gentle tap on her shoulder. "Hmm?" she uttered as she opened her eyes.
"I can't sleep so I'm a stay up for a while so you can have your bed back," Korra whispered looking more tired than before.
"Are you sure?" Asami asked looking up at her with squinted eyes.
Korra gave her a small smile in response. "I'm sure. Thanks for the offer."
Asami sighed as she pulled the covers off of her legs. "Okay," she said getting off the couch. "Try to get some sleep when you can," she said touching her forearm before letting go. Asami started to walk back to her room and stopped short of the TV. "Hey.. my offer still stands," she said pointing back at her.
Korra gave her a nod. "Thanks. Goodnight."
"Goodnight," Asami said walking back to her room to get some sleep.
Korra watched as she closed her door. She took a seat on the couch holding her left leg. She thought of the last time her leg hurt like this she had.. "Naga..." she said in a whisper. Her canine companion who helped her during her recovery process. Now that she passed away she had to deal with the pain by herself.
Groaning lowly at the pain that was shooting back up her leg, Korra reached for her bag underneath the couch and unzipped it. She grabbed her pill bottle out of it. Korra looked inside and saw how many pills were left and put the cap back on. She tossed it down to the opening of her bag and said, "fuck.." cursing in defeat.
The next day, Korra's limp was worse than usual. She felt the same sharp pain shooting up and down her leg every second. Despite it, she was making everyone breakfast. She even made Asami and Iroh lunch for the afternoon.
Iroh came out of his room after getting dressed in his uniform for school. He walked into the living room fixing his little tie smelling the air. "Morning Korra. Breakfast smells amazing," he said sitting down on the stool in front of the bar.
"Morning little dude," Korra said fixing his plate and sitting it down in front of him. She had a massive spread of sausage, bacon, eggs, hash browns, toast with jelly jam and orange juice on the side. "Thanks," she said turning around to fix Asami's plate as well.
Asami came out a few minutes later in her new seaweed green t shirt that was mandatory for all employee's to wear at Baatar's Cyber Security Company. Kuvira had implemented them last week to boost morale as well as to not get anyone's names wrong anymore. "Hey have you seen my stupid name tag?" she asked Korra while fixing the collar of her shirt.
Korra had just finished fixing her plate and placed it down next to Iroh's. "Sure," she said wiping her hands and limping over to the couch. She picked it up from the last place she saw it.
Asami noticed her walk and grew concerned about her condition. "Are you okay?"
Korra knew she was going to ask and flashed her a small smile. "Yeah I'm fine. My old injury is just flaring up is all. Its no biggie," she said limping around the coffee table to hand her her name tag.
Asami met her half way and took it once it was handed to her. "Yes it is a biggie. Its a big biggie..." she said noticing the bags underneath her eyes. "Did you get any sleep last night?"
Korra shook her head no knowing there was a possible lecture coming behind it but was too tired to even process it. "I will later," she mentioned thinking it would make it better.
Asami raised a brow and placed one hand on her hip and the other pointing down the hall. "You will now. Go on," she said sternly.
"I really don't want too," Korra said with a involuntary yawn.
Putting both hands on her hips, Asami had a small visible frown upon her face. "Don't fight me on this. You're not going to win."
Korra looked over at Iroh who knew that statement all too well. "Trust me you're not," he said turning back around to finish his eggs.
Sighing, Korra raised her hands up in defeat. "Fine," she said heading that way. "I made you some lunches as well so I hope you enjoy," she said pointing at them on the counter before limping down the hall.
Asami followed her into the room to make sure she actually got in bed. "Thank you. Now get some rest," she said helping her with the covers since she was having a hard time.
Korra sat on the bed and tried to lift her leg up but was struggling with the pain.
Asami watched her for a few seconds before saying, "may i?" gesturing to her legs. Once Korra nodded in approval, Asami hooked her arm underneath the back of her knees and raised them up and held her other hand at her back to turn her in the bed.
Korra felt a bit embarrassed but was grateful for the help. She laid down with the same uncomfortable expression on her face not because of her scent anymore more so for the way her leg was feeling.
"You gonna be okay?" Asami asked noticing the same look on her face as last night.
"Yeah," Korra said with a nod.
Asami wasn't sure if she was but didn't want to pressure her more about it. "Get some rest okay," she said placing her hand on her shoulder. "If you're in any pain you give me a call," she said pointing her index finger back at her.
Korra had a tired look on her face but smiled. "I'll be fine," she said putting on a front.
Asami bend down on her knee to see her at eye level. "You deserve a break," she said taking her hand in her own. "I'll call Bolin and ask if he can pick Iroh up later. You just focus on getting better okay," she said gently rubbing the back of her hand with her thumb.
Korra shook her head no. "I can't do that. I gotta pick him up."
"Korra," she said in a more aggressive tone to get her attention. When she did, Asami expression softened. "Its going to be fine," she assured so she wouldn't worry. She let go of her hand and slowly stood back to her feet. "Remember to call me if you're in any pain."
"I will," Korra agreed as Asami left the room.
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Iroh came in the room a few minutes later still fiddling with his tie. He came up to the side of the bed to see if she was awake. "Thank you for breakfast," he said feeling fuller than a hippo-cow. "I'll see you later," he said raising his hand up.
Korra tugged at the end of his jacket before he could walk away. "Are you gonna be okay with Bolin picking you up from school?"
"Sure though I'll miss our side adventures," he said with a hint of disappointment on that part. Iroh understood that she needed her rest due to how much his mother insisted on it.
"Roh! Come on!" Asami yelled from the living room.
Iroh heard his name and looked back at the door then to Korra. "Gotta go. See you later?" he said raising his fist up to her.
Korra raised her fist up and pumped his. "See you later," she repeated. She watched as he left the room closing the door behind him but leaving it cracked enough for her to see. She watched and waited for them to leave. Soon as they did, Korra slowly got up out of bed and back into the living room. She sat down slowly and carefully laid down on the couch to get some sleep. She grabbed her phone and set her alarm before passing out from exhaustion.
Korra woke up around 2 p.m. after her alarm went off. She turned it off and slowly got up into a seated position. Her leg wasn't feeling as bad as it was but the pain was still there. She got up and walked into the bathroom to take a shower and brush her teeth.
After taking a hot shower for 20 minutes, Korra came back into the living room and got dressed in more comfortable clothes. She had a navy blue t shirt and black sweats and boots with her hair tied up. Her leg was feeling a bit better but it still had a pressure there that bothered her when she walked.
Remembering what Asami said earlier, Korra took her phone off the charger and went through her contacts to called Bolin. The phone rang three times before he picked up. "Yo Bo, did Asami call you earlier?" she asked curiously.
Bolin answered with a laugh. "Yeah she did. I'm a pick Iroh up at 5," he said tossing some popcorn up to his mouth.
"5:30," Korra corrected.
"Right so what's up?" he asked knowing she called him for a reason.
Korra was going to tell him that she would pick him up instead but had a better plan in mind. "Before you pick him up could you swing by and get me first?"
Bolin brushed the popcorn crumbs off his chest and said, "sure will do," while sitting the bowl back on the coffee table.
Korra smiled at his response. "Cool see you then," she said before hanging up.
After Bolin pulled up in front of the building, Korra opened the passenger side door to his truck and got in. "Thanks," she said sitting back stretching her leg. hh
Bolin saw her brace was on her leg but wasn't securely strapped as it normally was. "How's your leg?" he asked since Asami gave him the run down on the phone.
Korra kept her eyes on her window as he pulled off from his doubled parked spot. "Its still attached to me so no complaints," she said meaning every word. She knew some guys that had to get their arms or legs amputated due to the extensive damage it took. She felt lucky in that regard but to what extend she was still figuring that out. Everyone was different.
Bolin pulled up to a red light and stopped at the line. "You taking anything for it?" he asked out of curiosity.
"Some strong ass pain meds I'm trying not to depend on," she said looking back at him. Korra didn't want to take too many for multiple reasons and wanted to deal with the pain as it comes. If she needed them it would have to be a last resort kind of deal.
"I understand that," he said pressing on the gas soon as the light turned green. Bolin turned the radio down a bit so they could continue their conversation. "I know how much of a crutch it can be as well as an addiction for some people," he said knowing from one of his friends who went through the same thing. "You seeing someone for it like a physical therapist or something?" he said making a left turn.
Korra wasn't as annoyed with his line of questions as she usually was since it was coming from a place of concern. "I had someone but.. they're gone now," she said referring to Naga.
Bolin thought she meant something else. "I'm sorry for your loss..."
Korra looked back out her side window thinking of her. "Its okay... it was her time and I'm grateful I got to spend some with her while she was here."
Once they got to the school, Bolin parked his truck in a designated spot and asked other personal questions that was more his speed. "So how's it going with you and Asami?" he said with a cheeky smile.
Korra knew he was going to ask eventually. She's surprised he went this long. "Better than expected."
Bolin's expression dropped. "Did you tell her how you felt yet?" he asked getting all giddy at the possibilities.
"No," Korra said giving him a confused look. "You still on that?"
"Yes! I have been since the day you told me. I'm team Korrasami," he said with as much passion as he could muster. Bolin had been keeping this secret as long as he's known and he was ready to crack whenever he saw Asami but held off out of respect for Korra.
Korra didn't quite get that last part. "What?"
Bolin brushed it off and continued on his rant. "The point is you both would be so good together if you weren't so stubborn."
Korra knew he wouldn't let up once he got on the subject so decided to calmly dismiss it with a simple statement. "I'm not going to mess up the groove we're in now. Things are good and I want to leave it as is," she said in all seriousness.
Bolin understood where she was coming from and knew these things took time in order to get them right. "Fine but don't wait too long or history will repeat itself," he said remembering the missed opportunity she had back in the day.
Iroh spotted Bolin's truck by the fire hydrant near the do not park here sign. He passed by a few kids rushing to their buses and up to the truck's passenger side door.
Korra rolled down the window with a raised brow. "Now I recall calling infinite shotgun that has to count for something?"
"Korra!" Iroh shouted with excitement. He had no idea she would come but was glad she did.
"Hey little man," Korra happily greeted.
Iroh quickly got in the back seat and closed the door. "I'm really glad you came," he said barely able to hold back his smile.
Korra turned around in her seat to get a good look at him. "I couldn't miss one of our side adventures," she said smiling in the same fashion and holding her fist up toward him.
Iroh pumped his fist against hers only to hear Bolin clear his throat. "Oh hi Uncle Bo," he said reaching for his seat belt to put it on.
"Hi to you too," Bolin said feeling like an after thought. He started up the truck again once Iroh had his seat belt on.
Korra turned back in her seat laughing lowly at Bolin. He pointed his index finger at her. "Zip it," he said before pulling out of his parking spot and up to a red light.
Iroh looked out his window and back to the front of the truck. "So where are we going?" he said knowing Korra had something in mind.
Bolin looked at his rear view mirror confused. "Home..." he answered before looking at Korra. "Right?" he said unsure of whatever pit stop they had in mind.
"Not yet..." Korra said gaining an idea. "Do you know of any pet shops near by?"
"One comes to mind..." Bolin said thinking of his old friend Pabu.
The trio went straight to Bumi's pet shop. The best pet shop this side of Republic City via Bolin's recommendation. He; however; decided to stay in the truck to listen to his favorite sports podcast that was coming on soon.
Korra and Iroh went inside to take a look at the animals they had.
"Why did we come here?" Iroh asked curiously.
"To look at these little guys," she said waving at some of the puppies.
Iroh saw a scruffy looking gray and white husky in the corner. "Whoa. Can I hold him?" he asked Korra.
Korra looked over at the owner. "Could we?"
Bumi looked up from his paper and smiled. "Sure. Follow me," he said folding up his paper and walking from behind the counter. He led them to a small white circular fence in the back with a sign that said: Puppy Bin.
Iroh walked inside and took a seat on the bench. Korra closed the fence door and took a seat on the floor across from him. The owner took some puppies out of their cage and placed them into the bin. He personally handed Iroh the husky one he was eying.
"This is so cool," Iroh said feeling the little guy trying to crawl all over him.
"I know right," Korra said rubbing one behind their ears like she use to do Naga.
Iroh never seen so many puppies in his life. "Hey have you ever had a pet before?" he asked out of pure curiosity since they were in a pet store.
Korra immediately thought of the first time she held her snow white canine companion. "Yeah a pup named Naga," she said with a small smile. "When I first got injured I had to do physical therapy in order to walk correctly again. It was suggested by those in charge that I get a pet or something to help me cope with the condition my leg was in," she said looking down at it as one of the puppies was standing over it. "So one day I went to check out some service dogs and when I laid eyes on her I knew she was the perfect fit for me," she said remembering the documentation on her. Naga's mother was a service dog that died giving birth and the only surviving pup was Naga herself. She had no one and neither did I...
Iroh couldn't stop laughing since the puppy was licking his cheek. He stopped once he saw the distant look on Korra's face. "Where's Naga now?" he asked worried about the answer she had.
Korra expression soften at his question. "She passed away a few years ago," she said calmly. She had come to terms with her death a while ago but it still made her sad here and there.
"I'm sorry..." Iroh said looking down.
"Its alright," she said picking up one that was gnawing at her shoe. Korra placed him at her side and he hopped right in her lap. "Naga always knew how to make me feel better. I guess I miss that..." she said lowly. And her.
Iroh felt the same about his father whenever he was around. For some reason his presence made him feel on top of the world but when he was gone he felt the weight of it on his shoulders. "You ever thought about getting another one?" he asked since there were plenty of commercials that showed rescues needing a home with sad music in the background.
Korra shook her head no. "Not for a second. Naga was one of a kind..." she said looking to the side. "Can't replace that," she said looking back at him with a small smile.
Iroh wondered if he could ever fill the void of loss himself or feel the same dread of memories whenever he thought of his father. He looked down at the puppy in his arms and brushed his coat of fur quietly thinking to himself.
Korra decided to direct the question back at him. "You ever had a pet before?"
Iroh shook his head and said, "no," while keeping his eyes on the little gray husky in his arms.
"Really?" Korra asked surprised.
Iroh nodded his head. "Yeah."
Korra noticed the drop in his mood and slowly stood up with one pup in hand. "I got an idea."
Bolin was sitting in the car about to hear the final score of the game when Asami's call interrupted the broadcast. "Noooo," he said wanting to cry. He reluctantly answer with a press of a button. "Hello?"
Asami heard the tone of his voice and grew concerned. "Hey Bo is everything alright?"
Bolin straighten up in his seat and leaned closer to his phone. "Yeah I picked him up with no problem," he said knowing she was referring to her son.
"Good good.." she said relieved. Asami wasn't sure how to ask so she just came out with it. "Was he disappointed Korra couldn't pick him up?" she asked knowing he's had his share of disappointments lately not wanting this to be another.
"No because I picked her up first," Bolin said eating a cheeto he found in his cup holder. Oh that's stale. "Bleh," he said spitting it out into his empty coffee cup.
Asami almost did a double take. "Wait. Korra's there with you?" she asked out of disbelief.
Bolin sat back in his seat brushing the crumbs off his shirt. "Yeah she wanted to tag along."
Asami couldn't believe her stubbornness but smiled. "I see. She really doesn't take a break does she?"
"No she doesn't," Bolin said with a smug smile.
"Thank you for picking him up anyway," she said knowing he didn't have too if Korra was determined to do it regardless. Asami wasn't sure what to do with Korra when she got home but decide to give her a break. "Could you tell them I'll see them later?"
Bolin sat back in his seat once he got the crumbs off him. "Sure thing," he said before hanging up when she did.
Korra was looking around the shop and turned to Iroh. "Which one do you want?"
Iroh stopped looking at the birds and looked up to her. "Are you serious?"
Korra nodded without second thought. "Yeah there's plenty to choose from. You could give one of these cuties a good home."
Iroh looked back at some of the animals and got a bit overwhelmed. "I'm not sure..." he said walking back around to the other aisle. He looked around the shop 3 times. He then stopped when he saw the pet he wanted.
Korra stood behind him. "Is this the one you want?"
Iroh looked up at her with a light in his eyes. "Yeah it is," he said looking back at his new friend.
Korra and Iroh came back out to the car 30 minutes later with his new bearded lizard pet and cage for him to sleep in.
Bolin saw Korra lugging a large cage in a shopping cart and a baggie of food. He quickly got out of his truck and walked up to her. "What's going on?"
Iroh held up his friend in a smaller cage for his Uncle to see. "Korra got me a lizard!" he said with a boom of enthusiasm.
Korra got the huge trunk door open and tried to lift the huge cage up. "Bo could you help me with this?"
Bolin walked toward the back of the truck once Iroh got in the backseat. He took the other end of the cage and helped her place it inside. Once the thing was secure without breaking, Bolin closed the door and started to freak out. "Did you hit your head by any chance?" he said know she could be a bit clumsy.
"No why?" Korra said putting the receipt in her pocket.
"Cause you got Iroh a pet without talking to Asami first! That's a big no no!" he said waving his hands frantically. Bolin knew from experience that it was a terrible idea. "You know what Opal said to me when I tried to bring a snake home? That she'd skin me alive along with that thing if I didn't take it out of there..." he said not wanting Korra in the same position.
Korra wasn't sure what he was going on about. "What? Come on its not that big of a deal that little guy won't be a problem," she said since he was way smaller than a snake.
Bolin took a deep breath before he over worked himself. "It's not the size of the animal its the fact that you got him one without consulting his mother," he said lowly this time so Iroh wouldn't hear him. "You know how Asami is," he said trying to make her see his point. "What if the apartment building she lives in doesn't allow pets? This is a big deal and you need to fix this before Iroh gets to attached to that thing," he said pointing to the back seat.
Korra was starting to feel bad now. She didn't think this all the way through and probably put Asami in even more of a bind. "You're right," she said to Bolin. "I'll talk to him," she said walking back around the car and into the passenger side.
Soon as she got in the car, Korra looked behind her seat at Iroh who's eyes were fixated on his new pet. "Roh I a.." she was about to say before he cut in.
"Shhh," he said putting his finger to his lips. Iroh looked up at her with awe in his eyes. "He just went to sleep," he said in a whisper. "Isn't he awesome?" he said looking back down at him.
Korra knew it was too late to turn back now. "Yeah he's awesome alright," she whispered back. She turned back in her seat at a loss for words.
Bolin gave her a look and shook his head before starting the truck back up.
Once they got back to the apartment, Bolin helped Korra get the big glass cage into Iroh's room. They sat it down next to his desk across the room from his bed by the door.
Soon as they sat it down, Iroh placed his new pet inside and watched the little guy climb up the small tree branch that was inside.
Bolin walked out of his room and Korra followed suit closing the door behind her. He stopped short of the front door and shook his head at her again. "I hope you can fix this. I know what its like to be in the dog house," he said very concerned of the outcome. Opal had him sleeping on the couch for a week and it was not pleasant.
"I'm not going to be in the dog house," she said confused by his turn of phase. They were not in the same boat relationship wise. He was married and she was... well... a friend. Korra wasn't sure how she was going to do it but said, "I'll smooth it over okay," while placing her hand on his shoulder to assure him of just that.
"Sure you will..." he said with not much hope for it. Bolin placed his hand on her shoulder the same way. "Good luck," he said before opening up the front door.
Korra held the door knob as he walked out. "Thanks," she said as he left the apartment. She closed the front door and locked it. This isn't going to be pretty... she thought. Korra walked back toward Iroh's room and knocked on the door before entering.
Iroh looked toward his door when he heard a knock. "Come in," he said with a smile. When Korra came inside, Iroh pointed at his pet. "Look at his skin its so scaly isn't it awesome?" he said with his vocab stuck on that one word to describe his first pet ever.
Korra came inside his room and cracked his door behind her. "Its super awesome," she said sitting down on the floor beside him. "You got a name for him?"
Iroh thought on it and couldn't come up with one. "I'm not sure what I should name him," he said a bit stumped.
"It will come to you eventually," Korra said looking at the little thing.
Iroh looked back at his little friend and smiled. "Thanks for this. Its the coolest thing anyone has ever done for me," he said feeling a bit better than earlier.
Korra was about to say 'you're welcome' when she felt the little guy tackle her midsection with a hug. She was startled at first but hugged him back rubbing his shoulder. "You're welcome," she said feeling better herself. When he let her go, Korra got back up off the floor before her leg cramped up again. "I'm a give you some time to get acquainted with the little guy," she said pointing at the cage.
"Okay. I'll be here," Iroh said turning his attention back to his little scaly friend.
"Yeah," Korra said leaving his room and closing the door behind her.
When Korra left the room, Iroh edged up to the cage and looked closer to his new pet. "You're with me now so you don't have to worry about anything. I'll look after you and make sure you're alright," he said placing his hand on the cage. "I promise little buddy."
Korra waited for Asami to come home unsure of what to do. The damage was kind of already done so she had to think of a way to smooth it over. She was grateful Iroh stayed in his room most of time with his new pet but was drawing a blank on how to handle the storm that was coming her way.
Soon as Asami opened the front door, Korra got up off the couch so fast she strained her leg in the process. "Hey..." she greeted uttering 'fuck' underneath her breath.
Asami took the key out of the door and closed it back locking it behind her. "Hey," she greeted in return. "Your leg still bothering you?" she asked since she was making this weird face.
Korra tapped her knee cap twice and nodded. "I'm fine... it will pass but there is something I need to talk to you about," she said watching her place her jacket on the coat rack.
"Sure I just want to check on Iroh first," Asami said heading toward his room.
Korra panicked and started to hop in front of her. She held her hands up as if to stop her and said, "he's probably sleep now," while holding her knee for dear life. "This will only take a minute," she said gesturing toward the couch with her free hand.
Asami stopped in her tracks at how abruptly Korra came up to her. "Okay," she said slightly suspicious while walking to the couch to take a seat.
Korra walked slowly this time and sat next to her. She took a second to catch her breath before speaking again. "I'm not sure how to say this but.. I did something earlier without thinking and I'm really not sure how you're gonna take it..."
Asami grew a look of concern in mere seconds. "What did you do?"
"I a..." Korra started to say before Iroh came out of his room.
"Mom you're finally home! Look!" he said showing her his bearded lizard close to her face.
Asami sat back looking at the thing with a stunned expression. "What is that?!" she said looking at Korra out of the corner of her eye with a frown appearing on her face.
Korra had a small innocent smile on her face. "A bearded dragon.."
"And his name is Druk!" Iroh added for good measure. He spent hours looking up the perfect name on his computer and finally found the perfect one from his favorite book.
Asami sat up straight again when he moved it from her face. "Druk. He named it Druk Korra," she said looking straight at her.
Korra looked down rubbing the back of her neck. "Finally settled on a name huh?"
Iroh stood in front of them petting his bearded bud. "Yeah I did. Korra got him for me today. Isn't he cool Mom?" he said looking at her to see if she was just as excited as he was.
Asami's face soften at her little boys excitement. "Very cool," she simply stated standing up. "Why don't you go take him back to your room," she said placing her hand on his back guiding him that way. "He must be very tired."
"Okay I will!" Iroh said running back to his room to put the little guy to sleep.
Soon as his door closed, Asami shot Korra a look. "The only question I have for you is why?"
Korra looked at her puzzled. "Why? I don't-"
Asami stomped her foot on the ground and pointed down the hall. "Why did you think it was a good idea to buy him a pet of all things," she said trying to keep her voice down.
Korra wasn't sure how to justify it. "Multiple come to mind really..."
"Korra," Asami said sternly with her hands on her hips.
"I'm serious. Look I got ahead of myself today," she said standing up. Korra walked up to her slowly as Asami turned around not wanting to face her. "And I'm sorry for not asking you about it first," she said standing behind her. "He got attached before I could take it back. I'm sorry."
Asami was still mad but sighed turning around to face her again. "Just know I will not be responsible for it. That is all you," she said pointing at her.
Korra held her hand up as if to show a scout's honor. "I know. I will help him I promise."
Asami wasn't done yet with her list. "When it poops and pees. Your department," she said poking her shoulder. "When its hungry and the cage needs cleaning."
"My department," Korra replied.
"Your department," Asami repeated.
Iroh came back out of his room smiling like a Cheshire cat. "He's back in his cage," he said feeling accomplished. "What do you think of him? Isn't he amazing?" he said to his mother.
Asami turned around and bend down to his level. "Of course he is sweet heart. But you know having a pet is a big responsibility right?" she said trying to see if he understood what she meant.
"I know," Iroh said as if it was no big deal.
"And you're ready for that?" Asami asked with an arched brow.
Iroh nodded his head very sure. "Yeah. Korra already told me all the basics of owning a pet and taking care of it is the biggest responsibility anyone could have because their life depends on it," he said when she gave him the rundown in the pet shop. "So I'm gonna do the best job I can to keep Druk alive and well," he said with a big smile. He wanted their relationship to be just like Korra and Naga's.
Asami looked at him a bit shocked. "Okay.."
Iroh put his hand on her shoulder. "You don't have to worry Mom. I got this," he said looking up at Korra with a wink and a smile. He looked back at his mother and let her shoulder go. "I'm going to bed now. I wanna get a head start for tomorrow. Night Mom," he said kissing her cheek. "Night Korra!" he said pumping his fist against hers before disappearing into his room.
Asami stood up slowly when she heard his door close. "I was not expecting that," she said still baffled at what transpired.
Korra knew this was pushing it but had to ask. "So on a scale of 1 to 10 how pissed are you now?"
Asami sighed deeply. "Not as much as I was."
"Okay but what exact percentage is that?" Korra asked wanting to know for her own safety.
"Do you still wanna find out?" Asami asked her with a stern look.
Korra shook her head. "Nope."
Asami was going to let it go for now. "Just keep up with it."
Korra gave her a nod. "Will do."
"Alright. I'm going to bed," Asami said heading back down the hall.
"Night," Korra said watching her walk away.
Asami held her hand up before going into her room and closing the door.
Korra sat back on the couch clinching her left knee knowing she tweaked it earlier hopping on it. "Shit..." she said feeling the pain flare up again.
The next day, after Korra brought Iroh a pet much to Asami's dismay aka the first pet fiasco, Korra decided to clean the apartment top to bottom to make up for it. She had plenty of blunders but this was one for the record books. Since no one was home, Korra was in her bra and undies going on a cleaning spree.
Once she was done, Korra's leg was starting to ache again. She put the vacuum back in the hall closet and looked over at Asami's door. She did say I should lay down and get some rest... She limped over to her door and opened it up. Her room was slightly messy but never to the extreme.
Korra limped inside her room and closed the door behind her. She made her way over to her bed and took a seat. "This isn't so bad," she said to herself. She raised her legs up slowly and got comfortable. Her whole body was tired since she started cleaning right after they left this morning. She didn't even bother getting under the covers. She passed out a few minutes after laying her head down on the pillow.
Asami came home during her lunch break to check on the little pet Iroh had. She came in and saw the house was spotless. "Wow..." she said looking around but saw no Korra. Maybe she went out. Asami didn't dwell on it too much. She walked up to Iroh's door and slowly opened it just in case the little thing wasn't in his cage.
When she saw he was still inside, Asami came in Iroh's room and bend down to see the little thing. "You're not so bad huh? Hiii," she said waving to him. "When I come back home I'll bring you a nice head of lettuce for you to eat. What do you think?" she asked him. Druk just looked at her. "Hmm same. See you later little one," she said standing back up and walking out of his room.
Asami was going to leave but thought of something she needed to get out of her room first. She opened up her door only to see Korra asleep half naked on her bed. She had a bra and trunks on but still it didn't leave anything to the imagination. Not that her imagination did it any justice. She came up closer to her bed almost in a trance. Looking at her now, Asami couldn't help but admire the toneness in her arms, abs and legs.
Snapping out of it, Asami walked out of her room and careful closed the door shut. She walked back into the living room trying to collect her thoughts.
Korra woke up when she heard a noise. She got up out of the bed quietly and grabbed a pen that was on the dresser. She came out of the room and into the living room ready to take out the inturder. When she saw it was Asami, Korra let her guard down and let out a sigh of relief. "What are you doing back this early?" she asked putting the pen down by the TV stand.
Asami turned around a bit jumpy seeing Korra standing there in her bra with her abs that made a V shape down toward her trunks. "Huh? I a.." she said looking back up at her eyes. "I wanted to check and see how everything was on my lunch break," she said looking away from her to avoid her eyes drifting again. "The apartment is cleaner than it was," she said making conversation.
Korra thought she wasn't looking at her because of all that happened yesterday. "Yeah I wanted to clean up a bit before you got home," she said walking up to her. "I wanted to apologized again for getting Iroh that pet before discussing it with you," she said standing in front of her. She really wanted to make amends for it.
Asami looked back at her only for her eyes to wander down to her breasts this time. "Yeah its fine," she said looking else where again.
"You sure?" Korra asked trying to catch her eye.
"Yep as long as you both keep up with it I'm fine with it," Asami said looking over at the pen on the TV stand.
Korra felt so much better at her words that she couldn't help but hug her. "Thank you," she said with a smile.
Asami felt the abrupt embrace of Korra's arms wrapped around her shoulders. Her body heat and sweaty arms on her upper back, tone midsection against her slender. Oh my..
Korra could feel Asami stiff up against her. "Sorry I'm kind of sweaty," she said forgetting and letting her go.
Asami shook her head as if it was nothing. "I had worse," she said walking pass her with her eyes growing 3 times its size.
Korra thought of something and came back behind her. "Since you're here... I was wondering what you wanted to do for Iroh's birthday," she said since it was right around the corner. "I mean there are tons of things we can do. We could go to Motor City though I'm not sure if they're open this time of year," she said since they mostly open in the summer. "Or we could go that one indoor spot with all the trampolines everywhere that place is so cool," she said thinking on it. I wonder how that would work with my leg. Hmm..
Asami saw her lost in thought and raised a brow. "I guess getting him a pet is out of the question," she said to be cheeky.
Korra thought she was serious and went into panic mode unable to speak.
Asami's laugh broke the tension. "I'm kidding."
"Right," Korra said nervously laughing with her.
Asami knew exactly what to do for his birthday. He had been talking about it ever since his dad brought it up. "I had plans on buying him tickets to see the Dancing Dragon Play but its been sold out for a while," she said a bit disappointed herself. "Luckly there will be a few available tomorrow. Problem is I have to bid for them. So it maybe a little pricey but worth it," she said willing to pay anything to make her boy happy for his birthday. It would be the first one without his father alive.
Korra looked at her with so much admiration. "You are the coolest mom," she said with a smile.
Asami couldn't help but blush at the way she looked at her. "No I'm not," she said waving it off.
Korra came up to her in order for her not to avoid her eye contact anymore. "Yeah you are. Don't doubt that."
Asami looked at her and nodded. "I won't."
Korra saw she left the broom on the floor and bend down to pick it up. Her leg got a huge cramp causing her to stop mid way. She grunted lowly under her breath.
Asami heard her groan and grew concerned. "Leg still bothering you?"
Korra now remembered why she was never around people when her leg acted like this. "No I got it," she said picking up the broom and limping to the hall closet.
Asami saw her struggling and walked up behind her to help her back to the couch. "Come on sit," she said guiding her back to the couch to sit down.
Korra sat down on the couch closing her eyes tight feeling her leg tingling again in pain.
Asami went into her room to get something and came back out with some kind of oil.
"What is that?" Korra said seeing something in her hand.
"Its for strained muscles," she said sitting on the coffee table in front of her. Asami patted on her thigh. "Put your foot up here," she said waiting for her to do it.
Korra slowly and reluctantly put it up there. She still had her black sleeve on her left leg and didn't want to take it off.
Asami put some oil on her hands and began to apply it to the area of pain on Korra's leg.
Korra squinted her eyes a bit and watched Asami massage her knee slowly and deep.
"How's that?" Asami asked wanting to know if it reduced her pain any.
"It hurts," Korra said feeling the warm sensation of the oil against her skin.
Asami switched the applied pressure on her knee. "How about this?"
Korra groaned a bit deeply. "Yeah right there."
Asami continued to rub her knee cap and noticed the sleeve on her leg below. "Can I remove it," she asked gesturing her chin to it.
"Please don't," Korra said very self-conscious about the way it looked.
"Does it hurt that bad?" Asami asked wondering if that was the case.
Korra shook her head. "No its just hideous."
Asami knew why Korra felt that way but wanted to make her feel better about it. "It wont be to me," she sincerely said. "How's the pressure now?"
Korra looked down at her knee. "Good."
Asami thought on something she read earlier and decided to ask. "Do you have a shooting pain throughout your leg?"
Korra looked back at Asami. "Sometimes," she said never wanting to talk about this stuff.
"How about now?" Asami said moving her hand up high toward her thigh.
Korra groaned a bit more at the feel of her fingers tips against her skin. "Yeah."
Asami continued to rub her thigh going higher and deeper into her toned muscles.
Korra was trying to surpress any moans from escaping her mouth but was finding it hard too. It felt good. "Mmm..."
"You're very tense..." Asami said noticing her abs starting to contract and got caught up wanting to feel more then that and stopped. "I think that's good for now," she said gently remove her foot from her thigh and getting up. She handed her the bottle of oil she had used. "If it gets worse this will help."
Korra took it and looked at the label for a split second. "Thanks," she said looking back up at her.
Asami gave her a nervous nod. "You're welcome," she said noticing she still had oil on her hands. "I'm a wash my hands and go before it gets to late."
"Okay," Korra said knowing she needed to get back to work.
Asami walked into the bathroom and turned on the facet to wash her hands. She couldn't help but think of all the things she wanted to do to her. Fuck.
Korra stood to her feet and felt her knee and thigh feeling better and lighter for that matter. Her lower leg and shin on the other hand was a different story. I should of took her up on her offer.
Asami came back into the living room and quickly put her jacket on. "I gotta go," she said taking her keys out of her pocket. "Again call me if you're still in any pain. I'll pick you up whatever you want," she said opening up the front door.
Korra wanted to say she wanted her but refrained. "I will."
Asami smiled softly at her. "Good. Later," she said walking out the front door and closing it.
"Later..." Korra said feeling like she missed her opportinuty to say how she really felt.
Asami went back to work and was trying to focus on a call but got distracted at what could have transpired between her and Korra. Daydreaming of the possibilities. She thought of how Korra was laying on her bed half naked wishing she was there with her.
Asami comes into her room seeing a half naked Korra. She admires her glistening body laying on top of her sheets. "Damn..." she says as her fingertips gently brushing up against the edge of the bed.
Korra stirs and slowly opens her eyes. "Hey..." she said reaching for her hand.
"Hey" Asami says feeling Korra's grip pull her on to the bed. Her knee pushes into the mattress as she hooks the other one over to the other side of the bed.
Korra sits up and feels up her thighs. "Take it off..." she whispered in her ear.
Asami slowly pulls up her shirt and tosses it on the floor.
Korra grips at her sides, lifting her up to shift her on the bed so she was on top. "You ready?"
Asami looks up at her with lust in her eyes. "Give it to me."
Korra leans down and licks up the side of her neck before whispering. "Are we done now?"
Asami was confused and said "What?"
A man on the other end of the phone repeated himself again. "Are we done now? Or are there anymore steps I have to do?"
Asami snapped out of it and looked back at the manual. "No there are no more steps, all you have to do is restart your computer and it should run smoothly from there."
"Thanks," the man said in a disgruntled manner before hanging up.
Asami hung up and took of her head set with a groan. "What is wrong with me..." she said putting her head down on her desk.
xxxxxxxxxx
Korra was still on the couch thinking about Asami massaging her leg. How deep her fingertips pressed into her skin making her think of every known sexual sin she could of did with her.
Asami starts to massage her knee. "Hows that?"
Korra looks down feeling how deep her fingers were digging into her skin. "Good."
Asami smiled as she started to move her hand upward. "How about this?" she said applying more pressure.
"Yeah right there..." Korra said in a whisper.
Asami feels further up her leg and then in between. "Yeah..."
Korra couldn't help but bite her bottom lip. "Yeah," she said wanting more.
Asami got up from the coffee table and sat down on Korra's lap. She gripped the sides of her neck and pressed a soft kiss on her forehead and then to her nose. "Kiss me."
Korra was about to touch her lips and then-
Her phone buzzed in her pocket breaking her out of thought. "Shit," she said taking it out and seeing it was Bolin. "Yeah?"
"Did you need me to pick you guys up again?" Bolin said unsure if her leg was still hurting her.
Korra took a minute before answering. "No I - I got it," she said not wanting to depend on that.
Bolin wasn't sure if she was being stubborn or not. "You sure?"
"Yeah I'm sure." Korra replied.
Bolin decided to take her word for it. "Alright, talk to you later," he said hanging up.
Korra was grateful he didn't push it. "Yeah, later," she said hanging up herself. She tossed her phone to the side of the couch. "Fuck..."
Korra brought Iroh back home and pointed at the door to his room. "Druk was seriously missing you man. I thought I saw a tear in his eye earlier."
Iroh knew she was over exaggerating but wondered if it was true. "Really?"
"I believe so," Korra said with a smile. "You know your mom even came home early to check on him."
"I knew mom would love him," Iroh said taking off his jacket.
Korra took hers off just the same and placed them both on the hook. "Yeah she does."
Iroh picked his book bag back up off the floor. "I'ma go check on him now," he said heading back into his room. He came back out a few minutes later with Druk in hand. "I told Mya about him today," he said placing Druk on the coffee table.
Korra sat down on the couch and watched the little thing crawl on it. "Really what she say?"
Iroh thought on what she said verbatim and decided to paraphrase. "She said she wanted me to send her some pictures of him," he said moving the remote out of the bearded lizards way. He looked up at Korra intriduged. "Do you think he's photogentic?"
Korra shook her head. "You know I'm not sure," she said now wondering the same. "Only one way to find out."
Iroh gave her a nod. "Yeah I gotta take some photos of him soon but first I gotta get him some grub," he said getting up and running into the kitchen.
Korra watched him raiding the fridge and turned her attention back to Druk. "Hey you," she said waving at him.
Druk stuck his tongue out and continued to make his way around the coffee table slow and steady.
Iroh came back into the living room and sat down on the floor by the coffee table. "Got you some broccoli buddy," he said placing one down in front of him. "Eat up," he said watching and waiting for him to do it.
Korra watched him closely and smiled. He seemed happy. "Hey, why'd you name him Druk?" she asked wondering where he came up with the name.
Iroh looked up at Korra with a bright smile. "Its the name of the spirit animal in the book I'm reading."
Korra was surprised but thought it was a neat little background for his name. "Cool."
"Why'd you name your pet Naga?" he asked for the same reasons she did.
Korra thought on it and shrugged. "I don't know. I think it was a name of a town I visited in the South and it seemed to suit her so I just went with it," she said thinking more on where it came from.
Iroh smiled and looked back Druk. "I know what you mean," he said since Druk's name suited him too. "Do you have a picture of her?" he asked wanting to see what she looked like.
Korra wasn't sure if she had any and reached underneath the couch for her duffle bag. She went through it and took out a stack of polaroids. She skimmed it and took out the one of her and Naga. She handed it over to him to see.
Iroh took the picture when it was handed to him. When he saw her he was shocked. "Whoa she's huge," he said not expecting her to be that size.
Korra laughed at his reaction. "Yeah she was," she said remembering when she took that pic.
Iroh handed the picture back to her. "You miss her?"
Korra looked at the picture and sighed. "Everyday," she said before putting it back in the stack of photos. She then saw another photo of her and Asami when they were kids. She chuckled at it and handed it to him. "You recognize the girl with the long hair?"
Iroh took the photo and glanced at it before noticing who it was. "Is that my mom?" he asked looking back at her.
"Yeah it was," Korra said still amused.
Iroh had a huge smile on his face. "This is amazing. Wait is that you?" he asked pointing at the other little girl in the photo.
Korra nodded her head. "Yeah our uniforms were a little tight back then," she said since her belly button was poking out underneath her shirt.
Iroh chuckled to himself and said, "I see..." handing the photo back to her.
Korra took it back and smiled down at the photo. Good times.
Asami came home at her regular time with a head of lettuce and some pain medicine for Korra. She came inside and saw Korra sitting on the floor looking down at a picture. "You okay?" she asked closing the front door and locking it.
Korra snapped out of it and looked up at her friend. "Yeah just lost in thought," she said placing the photo back in her bag. "How was your day?"
Asami thought on what to say while taking her jacket off. "Distracting but okay," she said placing it on a hook.
Korra chuckled at her. "I know what you mean," she said getting up slowly off the floor and sitting back on the couch.
"How's your leg doing?" Asami asked knowing she must sound like a broken record at this point.
"Much better thanks to you," Korra said not having any problems so far.
Asami smiled at that. She was happy to know she could help. She came up to her and handed her a bag she got from the pharmacy. "Just in case it flares up again."
Korra took the bag and saw there was over the counter pain medication inside of it. "Thanks," she said looking back up at her.
"You're welcome. Just make sure you don't strain yourself okay," Asami said knowing it was easier said than done when it came to her.
"I won't," Korra said lowly.
Asami left the subject as that for now and decided to switch to another. "How was Iroh today?"
Korra chuckled at the thought of the little dude and his pet Druk. "Excited. His little girlfriend asked for pictures of his new pet," she said reffering to Mya.
Asami's face lit up at the sound of 'girlfriend.' "Really?" she said putting the lettuce in the fridge.
Korra sat back on the couch getting comfortable. "Yeah he took about a 100 earlier. Then when I convinced him to take a couple with him in it," she said laughing to herself. "He kept closing his eyes in most of them it was hilarious."
"I have to see that," Asami said coming back in the living room.
"Its all on his phone," Korra said pointing in the direction of his room.
Asami came up to the couch and sat next to Korra. "I'll get a hold of them later," she said getting comfortable herself. She leaned in close and bumped her shoulder to hers to get her attention without looking at her. "I read up on soldiers and how they deal with the stress their bodies have gone through after war," she started to say with her eyes on the TV. She stopped and looked Korra in the eye. "Have you ever seen someone for it?"
Korra looked her in the eyes the same way. "Many times."
Asami looked at her with concern but didn't want to overwhelm her. "Did it help?"
"It did at the time," Korra answered honestly.
"Would you go back?" Asami asked curiously.
Korra looked at her lips and back up to her eyes. "Don't need too."
Asami licked her lips and continued to press lightly on the subject. "Just a small check up?"
Korra expression showed a tired one on the topic at hand. "I'm okay. It just comes and goes every couple of months. Its a random shooting pain," she said as if it didn't mean anything.
"That's hurting you," Asami added.
"Its part of me. I've made my peace with that. I learned how to deal with it," Korra said looking down at her hands.
Asami didn't want to bug her about it but it bothered her that her friend was in pain. "It seems like a temporary fix. Don't you want something permanent?"
Korra looked back at her with a smile. "There you go going all momma bear on me."
Asami knew Korra was trying to change the subject in her own subtle way. "I'm serious. I worry about you," she said with a concerned look on her face.
Korra turned more in her seat to face her placing her arm behind the back of the couch. "I've dealt with pain worse than this," she said looking deeply into her eyes. She wanted to kiss her so bad. She looked away and sat back in the position she was in before. "I'll be fine. Trust me," she said wanting off the subject now.
"I do trust you," Asami said placing her hand on her back. She began to rub it softly to put her at ease. "But if it does come back I'm here for you whenever you need me whether its physical or mental," she said meaning it with every fiber of her being.
Korra looked back at her surprise and gave her a nod. "Yeah, thanks," she said not expecting that kind of support.
Asami smile at her delighted to have her best friend back in her life and if she could help her she would any way she could. "Your welcome," she said standing up. "Until then I insist you take my bed."
Korra looked at her with disbelief. "Now who's stubborn. I'm not taking your bed from you," she said knowing they already had this discussion.
Asami sighed at her being so difficult. "You're not its a queen," she said holding her hand out for her to take. "Come on."
Korra looked at her for a few seconds before taking her hand.
Asami helped her up and led her back to her bedroom. She closed the door behind her and pointed at her bed. "Sit," she said in a slight demanding tone of voice.
Korra took a seat on her bed unsure what was going on.
Asami took her laptop out of her satchel and sat down next to Korra. She brought up her account and showed Korra an image of something she brought her. "I order you a cot earlier. I know its small but hopefully it will do until I can get a pull out couch for you to sleep on," she said since that cost way more than she could afford right now.
Korra looked at the image in awe. "You didn't have to do that."
Asami knew she didn't but she wanted too. "It was the least I could do. It will be here in 2 to 3 business days," she said closing her laptop.
Korra leaned toward her and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. "Thank you," she whispered before moving back.
Asami felt a chill down her spine at the touch of her lips on her skin and blushed. "Your welcome."
Korra nudged her on her shoulders the same way she did to her earlier. "I'm gonna let you get some sleep," she said getting up and walking toward the door.
"Korra," Asami called out to her.
Korra stopped and look back at her.
Asami wanted to ask her to stay but stopped herself. "Could you... turn out the light?"
"Of course," she said with a smile. Korra opened up the door and placed her index finger over the light switch. "Goodnight," she said turning off the light and closing the door behind her.
Asami put her laptop on the floor and laid back on her bed looking up at the ceiling feeling a wave of emotions.