Chapter 14 - Picture Perfect

The Satos have an image and reputation to protect. They have to maintain it to a certain degree and participate in high society functions that are expected of them. They cannot turn a blind eye on it or face the consequences of bad publicity, personally and professionally.

But that doesn't mean that the Satos always have to fall in line with the snotty rich. Each Sato has their own unique way of enjoying and sharing their wealth with those they love and care for.

Seeing as how classes are about to start up again, this is the perfect opportunity for Asami to flaunt her wealth and show Korra what her name can do.

On her own terms.

Korra's pampered with delicious food and another at-home spa treatment. It all screams wealth, but not so much that it's overwhelming to Korra anymore. Kisses are the least that Korra can give Asami in return for planning a whole day of activities. It's everything that Korra could wish for before the added layer of their education pulls them in different directions.

"You haven't told me what you've got planned for us tonight," Korra whispers tenderly, playing with Asami's hands. How they're so soft and dainty despite all her engineering work will forever be a mystery to Korra. Must be some damn good Sato genes.

"That's kind of the point, sweetie." Asami giggles, laying kisses along the underside of her jaw. "I'm treating you to a wonderful day of my affection and a last celebration where you can just go along for the ride. No thinking for you involved."

"I am capable of thinking, you know."

"In my presence? And after last night?" Asami counters with a playful look. "Very questionable. Best I make the decisions and lead the way. I would very much not like to scrape your corpse from a crosswalk in downtown Republic City."

"I am not that bad!"

"Says the woman who follows me like a lost polar bear puppy."

Being with Asami is so freeing. Whether Korra's at the top of her game or completely lost, Asami's always there to support her, no judgements from her. Just loving, teasing remarks. I can't believe I thought she was intimidating at one point. She just melts in my arms and at the sight of me. Hmm, I wonder…

"Hey, we still have time until you whisk me off to our next activity, right?" Korra runs a hand up Asami's bare arm and feels her shiver as she confirms that. "How about we play a round of Pai Sho? Maybe teach me a few of the coveted Sato moves?"

"Oh, love. I don't want to hurt your ego before our nice night together."

"'Sami, trust me. It won't. We might not have another chance to enjoy a relaxing game of Pai Sho until the summer. No better time than the present to teach this lost puppy dog a few new tricks."

Asami twists to meet Korra's eyes, reading them like she does so perfectly. Korra could get lost in the depths of her lovely green eyes for the rest of her life. She'd feel at peace being consumed by Asami Sato and hopes that her eyes, for once in the presence of Asami, shield her true intentions that will be well worth it for them.

With a crooked smile and new light in her eyes, Asami vacates the bed, leaving Korra unattended to. Korra makes quick work to get into the right position and set the scene perfectly for when Asami turns around.

"Love, I love you and know Pai Sho isn't that popular in the South, but in all my years of playing Pai Sho with amateurs and some of the greats, I don't think I've ever met anyone as terrible as you." She retrieves the box set from her shelf then begins turning around. "I should get you a Pai Sho book to read and learn-"

The box crashes onto the ground by her feet. Her jaw goes slack, eyes widening at the sight of Korra with her shirt pulled up for the whole world to see her perfectly carved abs and all the muscles in her arms flexing with her hands behind her head.

How is Asami supposed to function with such a mouth-watering, picture-perfect view right in front of her?

She isn't. Asami has many amazing qualities, but even she cannot resist the hard ridges and physical power that those abdominal muscles wield.

It is the very reaction Korra was vying for, inflating her ego and widening her smirk.

"Now who's my adorable and clumsy turtle duck?" she questions smugly, lazily trailing one hand up and down her stomach. Shivers race up her spine and goosebumps break out across her skin feeling those dark eyes devouring her every movement. "I gave it some thinking. Kisses aren't close to enough to express my gratitude for such a wonderful day. Would you accept this as payment?"

The Pai Sho board is long forgotten. Asami's warm body clings to hers and her shirt goes flying.

"Are you sure you're not taking me to prom?" Korra settles back into the seat and takes a sip of the champagne. "Besides the legal bubbly, this has prom vibes. Am I expected to have you home before midnight?"

"I guarantee you this isn't prom. Bad teenage romance and fumbling in the backseat overlooking a cliff are not on the agenda." Those green eyes peer over the rim of her flute, full of love and secrecy. "Just a taste of wealthy sophistication and going hungry after a three-course meal that's much too small."

"What?" Korra's face drops at the prospect of not being full after dinner. "You did not say anything about going hungry! I never would've agreed to this night then!"

Asami tries to hide her giggles with a sip of her champagne, but her lips can't hold the bubbly. Thankfully, she has enough grace to aim it towards the floor and not on her flowy dress.

"Did I forget to mention that?" Asami calmly says, wiping her mouth and touching up her lipstick. "It's a requirement to leave five-star restaurants hungry after spending hundreds, if not thousands, of yuans. We cannot look like sloppy gluttons in public. It's simply unacceptable. These fine dining institutions are not the Beifong or Sato estate where portion control is unheard of."

Korra grasps Asami's elbow, horror stricken at this revelation. "What good is it if it's a five-star restaurant, and I'm going home hungry? How many of these embellished establishments do we have to frequent to fill my stomach?"

"For your stomach, probably four at a minimum." Asami puckers her lips up in her mirror, paying no attention to Korra's predicament.

"Four?! Are we doing a tasting tour of the four nations in Republic City?"

The night is young. Asami could shuffle them from restaurant to restaurant in the fancy car if she wants. I don't think I can fake my way through acting like an elitist for that many restaurants. I do not have the patience or etiquette.

"We can if you desire. The choice is yours or you can rely on my recommendations for dinner." Asami snaps her mirror shut and gives Korra her full attention with a sweet smile. "Love, do you really believe I'm going to let you go hungry tonight? I cannot have you hangry or wasting away right in front of me."

"You…damn it!" Korra mutters, realizing that Asami's duped her yet again.

"Oh, my love, will you ever learn?" Asami wonders, wrapping her arms around Korra's shoulders and pulling her to her lips.

At first, she's reluctant. She's only human. She can only resist her freshly made-up vanilla bean lips for so long.

"Can I just say you look absolutely ravishing in this suit?" Asami hums against her lips, her hands creeping down her arms. "It's just a shame your arms are covered. Then again, your muscles are exclusive only to me."

"I should be thanking you. You're the supplier."

Korra was initially hesitant at accepting an outfit that probably cost thousands of yuans. It didn't matter how well the dark blue complemented her skin or how perfectly it fit. Asami broke her down though and here she is sitting in a limo being loved by her.

"You are very welcome." With a final kiss, Asami finally leans back. The distance doesn't hinder the heavy drag of Asami's gaze admiring her body. "Believe me, it's as much of a gift for you as it is for me."

Their first stop of the night brings them to an art gallery. As Shin assists them out of the limo, Korra nervously admits that art has never really done much for her. Sure, it's pretty to look at for a few seconds and she gives high praises for the time and effort they invest in their artwork. Beyond that, it doesn't do much for her.

"I don't think I have the patience to analyze the artist's message or really appreciate it in the way it deserves most of the time."

"Neither I nor my parents are well-versed in the art scene either," Asami admits, getting them through the line and into the heart of the art gallery with little effort. "But we can still have fun and act like sophisticated adults in our own special way."

As it turns out, acting like sophisticated adults lasts all of five pieces. They drop the personas and voice their authentic thoughts, moronic and intelligent all together. One particularly abstract painting has both of them puzzled and scratching their head even after reading the accompanying description.

With no shame, they shuffle over to the next piece, a landscape photograph that is concrete and factual.

"That has to be the greenest grass and bluest waters I've ever seen." looks down to read the description. "Huangjin Falls of Shu Jing, the home of the legendary Piandao. Photographed by Kinu Omori."

"What?"

"What?"

"Kinu Omori? Asami repeats, looking at the name herself. "That's my mom's friend!"

"Oh?" Korra grows smug, bumping their shoulders together. "The family friend who's taken photos of your ass? Did you know her art was in this gallery?"

"No, I didn't. Honestly, this gallery is below her pay grade. She's won numerous awards for her photography, gets to travel the world, and is highly sought after in Republic City." Asami laughs under her breath and crosses her arms, taking in the photo.

"Geez, your family knows someone distinguished in every field," Korra whistles, rocking on her heels and sticking her hands in her pockets. "Is this Kinu someone from the Society?"

Asami snorts so loudly that a few people look over, narrowing their eyes at them. "Never. Kinu's too much of a free spirit to ever conform to Society standards. She and my mom go way back before my mom even met my dad."

"Has she ever photographed any Society events?"

"She has," Asami says, nibbling on her bottom lip and staring straight forward. "They're definitely not her favorite. She prefers to capture the natural beauty that the world has to offer and as candid moments of events of people as she can. The Society doesn't exactly exude honesty and earnestness."

"But your cute little tushy does?"

"I thought we talked about this. Do not call my ass 'tushy'." Asami pokes Korra in the chest with a feign scowl. "Yes, she has done baby and family photos for us. She even did engagement and wedding photos for my parents against my paternal grandparents' wishes since she wasn't as distinguished back in the day. If a big event has happened in my family, then it is almost guaranteed that Kinu has photographed it."

"So…" Korra wraps her arms around Asami's waist, leaning up to press her forehead against Asami's, "should we call up this Kinu so she can take photographs of us and we can send out formal cards informing the public of our love?"

"You dork!" Asami's chortles and breaks out in a grin that looks almost painful. "If the world isn't aware that I love you with how I take every opportunity to steal kisses from you and gawk at your muscles, I have lost faith in the survival of humanity."

"Miss Sato, I fear your statement is misleading as you are not taking every opportunity to steal kisses from me. Your lips aren't on mine right now when they're free."

"Smart ass," Asami whispers against her lips before stealing many, many kisses. "My sophisticated, dorky, smart ass."

From the classy and luxurious design of the restaurant, to the fancy script and food options on the menu with no prices, Korra's on edge. Nearly on the same level as the days leading up to the Society holiday gathering. She's more than willing to let Asami do her thing. She trusts her judgement and has to admit, that the accompanying show is appealing.

The way she orders a fine wine that she's certain that Korra will enjoy, and how she orders their full course meal, quite frankly, is sexy and has Korra feeling some sort of way. This setting requires the wealthy, well-established side of Asami's personality to come to the forefront and clutch the world within her jaws.

Unlike others from high society that she's met or imagined, Asami's body language, the lilt to her voice and diction aren't arrogant, don't carry a tune that she's above those who are not as fortunate as she is. That proves how virtuous she is. She may not need protecting in the cruel world they live in, but Korra craves to protect her, to care for her the way she deserves every single day.

"We are going to play a little game." Her tone drips with mischievousness. The look in her eyes is dark, sultry across the table. The slight leaning forward as if she's about to tell Korra her deepest and darkest secrets, sends Korra into a flurry of charged emotions.

This is Asami Sato. Korra really should be used to her antics by now.

"What kind of game?" she asks slowly, a lump growing in her throat. She can't possibly want to risk her reputation here among all these rich folks. Even she's not that- "Asami!" Korra hisses. Jerking back from the offending foot running up and down her pants causes other patrons to see the commotion, making Korra bright red and thankful for the dim lighting.

"Spirits, love, where has your mind gone?" Asami laughs like Korra just delivered the best punchline in history and isn't fingering – toeing? – her pant leg to have skin on skin contact. She even has the audacity to cover her mouth and blush like a schoolgirl. "We are in public."

"Says the woman who has some sort of table and foot fetish in public," Korra mumbles, trying to stay calm and collected and not cause more of a scene. Here she is a bundle of nerves about to snap while Asami's cool as a cucumber water and looking like a refreshing drink on a hot summer day. She has no right looking so perfect when she's a little vixen in disguise. She may look like a cute little turtle duck, but appearances are very deceiving. Oh, what the world doesn't know. I should really keep a tally of how many times she initiates these types of situations.

"Korra, love, I must demonstrate the etiquette required of elegant public dinners." Asami voice takes on an airiness that sounds insincere, something Korra has never heard before. It sounds much too fake to match the real Asami.

Wait a damn minute! She's…mocking them, but keeping in tone with them?

The heiress persuades her to lay her hands out on the table and immediately grasps them, bringing them to the center of the table. Korra doesn't make a move, merely letting Asami soothe her knuckles. The corners of Asami's mouth curl up, that mischievous glint returning to her expression.

"You're onto me, dear," she says in that fake voice, squeezing their hands. "Much faster than I expected with my foot running up your calf."

"Asami," Korra moans up at the decorative ceiling, squeezing her hands back to maintain her grip on this game, "I always lose these games. You win."

"Love, that wasn't the game."

Korra eyes widen and flitters her eyes around the restaurant. If that wasn't the game, then what is the game? Where is our main course?! Isn't this the part of the movie where the waiter interrupts an important and crucial conversation that will reveal an important plot point?

"Then what is the game?"

"Wouldn't you like to know?" Asami motions for Korra to lean in. Their lips come together in a slow kiss, not giving a damn that they linger too long to be appropriate for public. But public decency flew out the window a long time ago. "The game is that we're going to make up stories of the other patrons here, let our creative juices flow."

"Asami Sato!" Korra feigns a gasp and brings a hand to her chest. "Are you suggesting we gossip about the others?"

"Just between us," she replies, nonchalantly sipping her wine with a pinky up. "It is all utter bullshit and all for our entertainment."

"I didn't think you had it in you, Sato." Korra shakes her head in disbelief, but is eager to engage in the game. "Who should we begin with?"

Even when their main course arrives, the two continue making up stories. None of them are remotely believable. Korra thought Asami wanted to make up backstories about their friends, family, work, and their leisure activities, maybe make fun of how the egotistic rich live their lives. What's occurring is them placing them in fictional worlds that would never be.

Some of the scenarios are so absurd that it has them trying not to snort out their wine or choke on their food. Every once in a while, glowers and disapprovals stamp their bodies, but they pay no attention to them. Of everyone present, they're having the most fun.

"We're acting so immature." Korra stuffs another piece of delicious food in her mouth to stop laughing. "I thought we were supposed to be acting like sophisticated and dignified adults tonight?"

"What fun is life without going against the grain every once in a while?" Asami winks at her. "If we all embraced learning how the other half lived, we wouldn't be confined to the circles that society places us in. We're either stereotyped or do not live up to expectations and are deemed a failure and disgrace to our name. It'd do the world better to learn more and expand horizons."

"I completely agree. You've got such a philosophical way with words, Asami."

"It's what I do." Asami tips her glass at Korra with a nod.

Asami asks the waiter for a respite before bringing out their desserts. Korra's not quite sure what she's eaten, but it was delectable. She's sure that it was of the highest quality, and Asami made good on her promise that she wouldn't leave famished.

Some time passes before Asami asks Korra if she's ready for dessert, but Korra's not paying attention to Asami. Behind Asami, a man gets down on one knee in his expensive suit and takes a woman's hand in his. Korra catches a glimpse of the ring that is ostentatiously blinding from her seat just as Asami twists to see what's caught her attention.

As claps erupt in the restaurant at the newly engaged couple embracing and celebratory kisses, a whisper of a word falls from Asami's lips.

"Kaori."

Posted: June 26, 2022

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