Here you go! This chapter's a bit longer than normal, got a bit carried away and got into that writing mode. You know how it is, right? I mean, I hope you do, ehe!

Enjoy!

The 'thud thud thud' of Korra's excited feet on the floor of the car had been adorable at first, but now they were slowly driving the normally calm and collected Senna insane.

She was used to her daughter's bursts of energy as it had been a regular occurrence ever since the young girl had learned to walk, but she had been woken up far too early and tiredness shortens even the longest of fuses.

Gripping the steering wheel she flicked her head around slightly to lay eyes on the source of her irritation.

"Korra..." She said, her tone hinting at her change in mood. The girl in question stopped what she was doing and met her mother's gaze; a small apologetic smile creeping across her face.

"Sorry Mama" she said sheepishly "I'm just reeeeally excited!"

"I know love" Senna replied as she turned her eyes back to the road "just.. Please stop doing that will you? You're going to wear a hole in the carpet."

Korra silently nodded and focused intently on keeping her feet still as possible; her brow furrowed in a comically serious expression. The car was silent for a moment, blissfully so, but was then broken by Korra's voice once more.

"So… we nearly there yet Mama?"

Senna sighed, her lips curling upwards in a tired smile. Silence when Korra was around was a rare event.

She glanced at the satnav above the dashboard "not long now" she said softly "just ten more minutes."

Korra grinned and clapped her hands together, then quickly clasped them together to try her best to be quiet. Instead she focused her attention out of the window to take in the countryside whizzing by her. She had assumed that Asami lived within the bustling centre of the small town just as she did, but in fact she appeared to be staying somewhere practically in the middle of the nowhere.

It wasn't that far away from their school as that was situated on the outskirts of the town, but the vast change in scenery gave the impression of a much longer distance.

The rolling hills spread out as far as the eyes could see, broken up only by small collections of trees or the occasional dilapidated farm building.

"...I think we're here" Senna stated, her tone seemingly unsure.

Korra glanced over, following her mother's gaze ahead of them out of curiosity; what she saw caused her eyes to bulge and her jaw to drop open in shock.

From behind a group of large trees had suddenly appeared a positively huge house.

It looked like it had once been a collection of terraced cottages which had been reconstructed to create one very large building. Most of it was two stories high, except for what appeared to be a modern extension in the centre that pushed the building to three stories.

Korra stared in silence for a moment before speaking.

"That's Asami's house…?"

Senna glanced at the satnav and gave a nod. "Well, that's what the satnav says, so it must be true."

She pulled into the driveway and turned off the engine, Korra meanwhile still staring at the building in awe.

A man in a smart, dark red uniform emerged seemingly out of nowhere and knocked on the window, causing the pair to jump in fright. Senna looked nervously out of the window before she hesitantly wound it down. The man spoke, his tone firm.

"State your name and business"

Senna looked at Korra, who was staring bug-eyed at the man before clearing her throat. But before she could reply, another voice cut through the air.

"Darius, stand down, they arranged to visit here."

The man straightened, his mouth open in protest. The pair in the car turned to the location of the voice to find a tall, dark-haired woman had opened the front door and was walking towards them. Well, it wasn't walking, more like gliding; she seemed so effortless in her movements.

The man stuttered out a few words "B-but Mrs Sato, this is for your securi-"

The woman held up a hand, silencing him immediately.

"I will here none of it. The girl in this car is a friend of my daughter, and I will not have any of my daughter's friends or their family to be made to feel unwelcome here, understand?"

Despite the fact that she was stating what seemed to be an order, her tone wasn't harsh or demanding. Looking over to the duo in the car she gave them a soft, warm smile as the man muttered to himself and walked off briskly.

Senna blinked, confused, but opened the car door and stepped out. The woman in front of her stepped forward.

"My apologies" she said softly "Darius can be a bit… overzealous in his duties at times. I hope he didn't cause you any distress. I did try and convince him that I didn't need his services as a security guard, but he has his orders" Reaching out a hand she gave another smile "my name is Yasuko, I'm Asami's mother."

Senna gave her a hesitant smile in return, shaking the hand "No no, it's perfectly fine; I just wasn't expecting such a situation; I've never known a house to have guards. That was quite a shock."

She let out a slight chuckle "I'm Senna"

"It's a pleasure" Yasuko replied, her eyes turning to the young girl who had hopped out of the passenger seat and was staring at her from across the hood of the car, fascinated. "And you must be Korra" she said with another warm smile.

Korra nodded and silently headed towards her, stopping and looking up at her, eyes wide before speaking.

"You're very pretty Mrs Sato."

The woman placed a hand over her own mouth to stifle a soft laugh. "Well, thank you Korra" she said, mirth sparkling in her eyes as she bent down to greet the girl. "But please, you can call me Yasuko."

Korra tapped her lip, brow furrowed in thought before grinning "okay Mrs Yasuko" She said, clasping her hands together behind her back and tilting her head slightly.

Once again, Yasuko laughed, shaking her head slightly "well, that's close enough I suppose"

She said stood up and looked over at Senna who looked slightly amused and embarrassed by her daughter's actions.

Korra glanced between them cheerfully before a movement out of the corner of her eye caught her attention. Asami was stood in the doorway, giving her a shy wave with a similarly warm smile on her face. Korra's eyes light up and she beamed. "Asami!" She exclaimed before whizzing away from the two women and pulling Asami into a tight hug "I'm heeeree!" She said in a sing-song voice.

Asami staggered back slightly, but let out a giggle and patted the top of her friend's head.

"Yeah… I noticed" she said, still giggling slightly at her friend's antics.

Yasuko chuckled again and glanced over at Senna.

"Your daughter is quite the charmer it seems" she said, smiling as Senna laughed in response.

"Apparently so!" She replied as she watched the two girls interacting. "I hope she won't be too much trouble for you. Korra can be quite…" She hesitated, trying to find the right word "...over enthusiastic at times."

Yasuko waved a hand, shaking her head "oh no, I can assure you everything will be just fine. It will be nice to have someone so outgoing in the house for once. Asami's always been the sort of person who keeps to herself most of the time."

Looking over at the two girls she smiled and called out "Asami, why don't you show Korra around? I'm sure she'd love to have a look around."

Korra bounced up and down eagerly while Asami smiled and gave her mother a nod; as Korra bolted indoors the dark haired girl hesitated. She gave Senna a small wave "nice to meet you Mrs Waters" she said shyly before disappearing indoors.

Senna smiled "your daughter's very polite" she commented warmly "I'd love some of her manners to rub off on Korra honestly." She said as she bit back a chuckle.

Yasuko returned the smile and gave a small laugh "maybe it will" she replied "but I would say your daughter is positively adorable. I doubt she needs any improvement." She smiled once more "can I offer you something to drink before you leave? Some tea perhaps?"

Senna sighed, smiling as she shook her head "as much as I'd love to, I'm afraid I have a schedule to keep. Maybe another time?"

Yasuko nodded "of course, you're welcome back any time."

Senna gave her thanks and turned back to her car. As she did so a window opened as Korra's head popped out. She waved energetically.

"Bye Mama!" She said, grinning from ear to ear. Senna smiled and waved in response.

"Goodbye sweetheart! Behave yourself!"

"I will!"

"Promise?"

"Ultra mega promise!"

Senna chuckled and got back into her car, giving her daughter one last wave before starting the engine and reversing out of the driveway.

Korra watched from her vantage point, waving until the vehicle was out of sight. Once it was gone she turned to give Asami who was watching her in amusement. She gave the paler girl a sheepish grin before scuttling back over to her. "So, can I see your room?" She asked, clapping her hands together eagerly.

Asami giggled "sure, come on let's go"

"Lead the way!" Korra declared loudly, giving her friend a mock salute that had her raven-haired friend bursting into a fit of giggles.

As the duo headed out of what Korra had presumed was the lounge/living room area, she turned to Asami and spoke.

"You know, your mum's really pretty!"

Asami smiled, trying not to giggle again

"I know" She replied "A lot of people say that, really."

Korra eyed her silently for a second. "You look like her too, like, a lot"

"A lot of people say that too" Asami replied with a smile.

The pair of them carried on the their journey for a few moments before Asami's mind clicked into place and she raised an eyebrow

"Wait…" She said, tapping her lip "if you said think my mum's pretty and that I look like her, does that mean you think I'm pretty?" She asked as she watched her companion curiously for a moment.

Korra seemed to freeze for a second, her mind almost audibly whirring before she turned to Asami and responded.

"Well… Yeah, I guess I do" she said, fidgeting a little and looking down at the ground; clearly she was a little embarrassed. "One friend can call the other friend pretty, right? I mean, it's not weird right?"

Asami smiled, honestly surprised how Korra was behaving. She'd only been making an observation after all.

"Sure, there's nothing wrong with that" she said, patting Korra on the shoulder. "Now come on, don't you want to see my room?"

Korra blinked, her mouth curling back up in a broad grin "oh! Right!" She nodded eagerly once more. She reached out and grasped Asami's hand, her previous embarrassment seemingly forgotten as she ran ahead, pulling Asami behind her before stopping.

"Wait, which way are we going?"

Asami let out a laugh and squeezed Korra's hand affectionately "this way you silly goose" she said, tugging the shorter girl in the right direction.
Korra pouted "I'm not a goose!" She whined as she followed Asami, an embarrassed blush on her cheeks "and I'm not sillyyy"

"I say you are, so there" Asami replied, sticking out her tongue and blowing a raspberry in a fashion that was usually Korra's.

Korra let out a huff and stuck out her own tongue "...fiiiine" She muttered "you win… for now"

The pair finally made it to Asami's room; Korra glancing around and taking in the room she now stood in.

Like the rest of the house, it was large and furnished in high quality items. A large bed took pride of place in the centre, covered in a red duvet and plush red pillows. Two walls were taken up by sets of shelves full of books, each one neatly organized in alphabetical order. Finally, by the window was a large wooden desk covered in drawings, diagrams and several books arranged in a neat pile; with two posters either side of the window depicting a collection of impressive looking vehicles.
It looked for all the world like an adults room, you would have no idea at 8 year old was the one living here.

Korra wasn't really surprised. Asami was incredibly organized after all. Having stood there for a few moments she glanced over at Asami, who was standing with her hands clasped together and a concerned look on her face.

"Do you.. Like it?" She asked hesitantly. Korra blinked; it seemed that Asami really cared about what she thought of her room.

She gave her friend a smile "dude, it's pretty cool" she said, clapping her hands together excitedly "your bed is huge! Can I sit on it?"

Asami relaxed, clearly much happier now she had gotten Korra's approval. Not many people had seen her room here, and since Korra had always teased her about being too 'grown up', she was worried this would only give her more ammunition. But she clearly didn't feel that way at all. She gave a nod "sure um.. Take a seat?"

Korra scurried over and sat heavily on the bed, finding the mattress to be incredibly springy. She giggled "ooo, it's bouncy!" She said, her eyes lighting up. Asami pretty much knew exactly what her friend was thinking "no, you can't bounce on it" she said, shutting her friend down right away.

Korra whined again, giving her one of her signature puppy dog pouts "awww! Pleeaaase? 'Sami?"

Asami folded her arms and shook her head "we need to do our project, remember?" She gave Korra a look that made the shorter girl sigh and get up off the bed. "Okaay" She mumbled, causing Asami to giggle and shake her head.

-Two Hours Later-

"Are we done yet?"

"No"

"...How about now?"

"No, we're not finished"

"..."

"...what?"

"What about… now?"

"Korra!"

"Okay okay! Sorry… I'm just bored"

Asami just sighed and rolled her eyes. As much as she enjoyed spending time with Korra, her lack of focus was irritating. This was just like school; however she had to admit that her companion did have some good ideas...when she could get her attention that is.

Finally she laid down her pencil and sat back in her chair "okay, we're done" she said, to which Korra clapped her hands

"Finally! I felt like I was gonna go to sleep!"

Asami snorted. That was Korra for you. Blunt and to the point.

Suddenly the sound of a bell rang from down the stairs. Korra blinked in confusion as Asami stood up and turned to her. "That's the dinner bell" she explained to the confused Korra "It means our meal is ready."

That got Korra's attention. Food was always on that girl's mind. She jumped up from her chair, almost knocking it backwards "ooo! Food!" she didn't wait for Asami to lead the way, instead scurrying out of the door, following the scent of food.

Asami followed behind, trying to catch up with her food-driven friend.

Korra meanwhile was so focused on the task at hand she almost barreled into Yasuko who was just about to start walking up the stairs. Korra screeched to a halt, wide-eyed

"sorry Mrs- I mean, Yasuko!" she exclaimed, embarrassed "I-I'm just so hungry.."

Yasuko smiled and gave the girl an affectionate pat on the head "it's okay sweetheart, there's nothing wrong with being excited about food"

Placing her hand gently on Korra's shoulder she began to lead her to the dining room, Asami taking her other hand and walking with them.

"I hope you don't mind, but since I don't know what types of food you like, I asked the cook to prepare something a little more basic than normal"

Korra grinned "That's okay! I like all foods. Thank you!"

Then she frowned "wait.. you have a cook? You don't cook your own food?"

Yasuko smiled "no no, we have a cook that works for us and makes all our meals"

Korra looked at her, stunned "so… you don't have to cook like, ever?"

Asami bit back a giggle at her friend's reaction. Her mother simply patting Korra on the shoulder "no we don't" she said warmly "we're very lucky"

"I'll say!" Korra exclaimed as the three of them entered the dining room. Asami took her seat and patted the chair next to her which Korra plopped onto happily.

A gentleman came out of what Korra presumed was the kitchen, seemingly able to handle the three plates he was carrying with ease.

The plates were promptly placed them, Korra already licking her lips excitedly.

After thanking the man and he had left, Yasuko turned to Korra

"I hope you like it" she said, her eyes twinkling warmly "the cook made it from scratch"

Korra looked down at her plate and grinned widely "are you kidding me? Of course I do! I love pizza!" she exclaimed as she took in the sight of the piping hot pizza on the plate in front of her.

"Feel free to dig in then" Yasuko said with a chuckle, to which Korra responded by grabbing a slice and lifting it to her mouth.

She stopped when she noticed Asami had picked up a knife and fork and had begun to cut the pizza into smaller pieces. She frowned.

"'Sami...what are you doing?"

Asami looked up, an equally confused expression on her face. "I'm… eating?"

"That's not how you eat a pizza though!" Korra proclaimed incredulously "you eat it with your hands, like me!" she gestured to the pizza grasped firmly in her hands. When Asami didn't respond she looked across the table "right Yasuko? You eat it with your hands don't you?"

Yasuko raised an eyebrow in amusement "well, from what I understand, that is how you eat pizza"

"see?" Korra exclaimed in excitement at Asami "if your mum says it's true, then it is"

Asami pouted as her mother stifled a laugh. "I don't like to make a mess though …" the dark haired girl muttered shyly, to which Korra snorted

"Meh! that's just part of the fun of eating pizza!" she said as she took a huge bite, the cheese dribbling down her chin "shee?"

Asami just stared at her friend in silence before continuing to cut up her pizza and lift a piece to her mouth.

Korra narrowed her eyes as she swallowed her mouthful and licked her lips.

"Fine, whatever you salami" she said with a mock glare.

Asami almost choked on her pizza "S-salami?" she said in confusion as she turned to Korra who was sitting there smugly.

"Yeah! Cause like, we're eating pepperoni pizza which is kinda like salami, and that rhymes with Asami so yeah, salami!" she stuck out her tongue "Sami Salami!"

Asami just sat there wide eyed for a moment while Yasuko on the other hand was laughing silently to herself, her shoulders going up and down as she tried desperately to stop herself from exploding with laughter.

Asami coughed "I don't know if I like that" she said hesitantly.

"Too bad! I like it so it stays" Korra shot back, blowing her a raspberry "Sami Salami!" she said in a sing-song voice. Asami just shook her head and bit back a smile. Korra's thought process was an odd one indeed.

The rest of the meal passed by pretty uneventfully, with Korra totally focused on her meal. Once done, Yasuko spoke up.

"How's your project going?" she asked, looking between the two girls. Korra grinned "tis done!" she said proudly.

"I did most of the work though" Asami reminded her.

"Yeah yeah I know" Korra replied, sticking her tongue out yet again.

"Well" Yasiko said, getting both girls' attention "since you've finished, how about you go play outside? The weather is so lovely it'd be a shame to spend the rest of the day indoors"

Asami opened her mouth to respond but Korra beat her to it.

"yeah! That sounds fun! She jumped up from her chair "which way is the back door?"

Yasuko had barely gestured the direction of the exit before Korra was already gone, whizzing off out of the room "catch me if you can 'Sami!" she called out as she disappeared from view.

Asami looked over at her mother and furrowed her brows "mum… you hardly ever say anything about going outdoors, you know I don't like going out."

Yasuko got up from her chair and placed a comforting hand on her daughter's shoulder "I know darling, but I think it would be good for you. It's not like you would be alone either, Korra's already out there."

"I don't know …" Asami replied as she twiddled her thumbs.

"Look" her mother said softly, squeezing her shoulder gently "I've not seen you this happy to be around someone of your own age, ever. You can try to deny it but I know you care about Korra and what she thinks of you. The hours you spent tidying your room and the pacing back and forth you did while waiting for her are proof of that"

She held up her hand as her daughter tried to speak. "And I can see Korra thinks a lot of you too. You may be opposites in many things, but that's often how the best friendships are born."

She hugged Asami and gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear "now go on, she's probably waiting for you."

Asami hesitated for a moment before giving her mother a smile and nodding shyly.

"..Okay" she said, getting up from her chair and heading towards the door.

Giving her mother another smile she headed out into the fresh air.

When she was outside she glanced around her. Korra was nowhere to be seen.

"Korra?"

She called out, scouring the area for her friend.

Suddenly she heard the sound of rustling from the copse at the end of the garden, and Korra's head popped out.

She wore a toothy grin on her face and several leaves in her hair. Hopping out of the bushes she came bounding over.

"Sami! I found something cool! Come look!"

She grabbed Asami's hand and pulled her back along the length of the garden and behind the trees. There, nestled between the branches of two gnarled oak trees, was a small, dilapidated tree house.

Korra grinned widely at Asami "did you know this was here? It's so cool!"

Asami nodded "yeah actually… it was here when we moved in."

She tapped her lip "I never used it though, since it's so run down. You can't even get in anyway, the ladder's fallen apart and-"

She was cut short when she looked up to see Korra's legs dangling off the old wooden platform as she scrambled up to reach the old structure.

"Korra what are you doing?" Asami exclaimed, eyes wide.

The girl in question appeared over the edge, grinning wildly.

"I'm fine" she said, waving cheerily "the view's amazing up here, you should come look!"

"I don't know...I looks high up" Asami said nervously, to which Korra shrugged.

"It's not that bad, honest! Here, I'll help you up"

She reached her hand down "c'mon, you won't fall, promise"

Asami hesitated, but looking up she met Korra's blue eyes and saw the honesty there. She knew she could trust her.

"...Okay.." she said, taking Korra's hand. Korra grasped her hand tightly and pulled upwards.

"grab the branch to your left!" she called out, to which Asami complied.

Eventually, after a bit of a struggle, Asami found herself partially sprawled across the platform. Sitting up she brushed herself down and looked up, letting out a soft gasp at the view in front of her.

Korra was right. From their vantage point they could see through the trees in front and over the house to that. Countryside beyond.

"Pretty cool huh?"

Looking over she met Korra's gaze. The girl was still smiling, an almost constant expression since she'd showed up at her house.

Returning the smile she reached over and took Korra's hand in hers.

'Yeah, pretty cool" she said softly as she squeezed her friend's hand. "Thanks"

The two of them sat together in silence for a moment before Asami spoke again.

"You know, I'm glad we're friends"

Korra looked over and chuckled "good, cause I'm not going anywhere."

Asami giggled "Neither am I"

Hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Don't forget to R + R!