Okay, so I know I'm a bit late on the new chapter. I should know never to make promises, but even though I'm late I did make it within the week. I've also been dealing with the WORST bronchitis I've ever had and haven't been too mentally coherent the past week or so. So there's that too. But I'm beginning to feel a lot better with thanks to a steroid shot and a bunch of pills.

Aaaanyway, here's the next chapter! Excuse any mistakes I've made. (note to self: never write an entire chapter in Asami's pov again)

ASAMI POV...

I groan loudly at the kitchen in Korra's apartment, a stack of paperwork before me on the small coffee table. Generally, I often prefer to be here more than I prefer the mansion. It's more.. quaint here, and warmer. A lot smaller, but I actually really like that. Korra and I decided a long time ago that it would be good for us to have a couple places to stay if we ever had to do work and stay overnight in the city, since the mansion is quite a way off. And this place is closer to a main branch of Future Industries, so I often come here for lunch breaks as well.

But right now it's a Saturday and it's also four in the morning, and I'm not happy in the slightest.

I rub my temples, trying not to make too much for fear that I'll wake a sleeping Korra on the couch, not far from where I'm sitting.

"This client is going to literally put me into an early grave," I groan softly, looking over the complaint letter in front of me. It's a ridiculously long letter of complaint that only talks about how bad the satomobile he got was. Leaking oil, broken radio, broken wires leading to his engine. I'm not saying that doesn't suck, but my hands are tied. So I keep writing him, trying to explain to him that his satomobile was, in fact, bought from a used satomobile dealership and that he really doesn't need to take this up with me. But no. And five complaint letters later, I'm just ready to stop replying. I just want to throw the stupid things in the fire and let them burn, or better yet, get Korra to firebend the living shi-

I hear a soft hum on the couch and my attention immediately snaps over to Korra, although I can't tell if she's awake or not. After I'm sure she hasn't been too disrupted I sigh, but I do stop growling at my paper as much.

I write a short paper, reiterating all that I've previously said, and tell them that there's nothing I can do. They should know that they have to take that up with the place that sold them the satomobile. So I simply sign my name and set my pin down, finally sealing the letter.

I flop back in my chair in the pre-morning darkness, rubbing a thumb over my eyes.

"Hey… 'Sami..?" I hear from the couch, and look over to see Korra peeking over the back, a loose t-shirt thrown over her frame.

"Ah, yeah?" I whisper, feeling a twinge of guilt.

"You still up, huh?" She says, rubbing her eyes with a sleepy fist.

I sigh a little. "Yeah.. sorry, love."

"Nah, it's 'kay," she slurs at me. "I just hate how work messes with you, you… know?" I watch her body slowly slump back down onto the couch, and I smile at her a little.

"I know. Me too," I whisper back ever so softly, giving the rest of the paper sitting at the coffee table one final glance and groaning internally, before just saying screw it.

I stand up from the table and walk on over to Korra, ever so gently sliding onto the couch with her. She immediately nuzzles her body into mine, a soft hum coming from her lips as she smiles sleepily.

"Get some sleep, 'Sami. You can.. do the paperwork tomorrow."

"I will, I will," I whisper, kissing her neck delicately before resting my chin against the top of her head, my eyes immediately finding sleep.

...

I wake up with a bit of a start, still lying on the couch. I stretch for a moment before sitting up, looking around for Korra. I frown when I don't see her, and I eventually stand up to go to the kitchen, not far from the couch.

I find a small note on the table amongst the mounds of paper, written in a hurried cursive that Korra often uses. A mug of coffee sits beside the note, and a bowl of cereal. A few ibuprofen lay to the side of the note as well.

'Sorry I'm not home, I forgot to mention that today I had to help out with training some rookie airbenders at the temple. But I just didn't have it in me to wake you up to tell you. Anyway, I made you some coffee and a little breakfast too. I hope you slept well. And, Asami, try to take it easy on yourself, okay? Love, Korra'

I smile softly at the note, before picking it up and folding it neatly in half, tucking it into my pants pocket. Then I easily throw back the ibuprofen in a few deft moments with the cup of (cold) coffee.

My cereal stays mostly untouched as I sit back down at the table, setting a few complaint letters aside to address the more easy letters. Stuff about new parts needing to be mailed to this factory, ones that are asking for more openings in certain departments. In most of those, I just have to read over them and agree- or not agree- to the letter with my name, and stamp the Future Industries seal onto the front of the envelope.

I feel like it's hours before I finish all the papers, business envelopes sorted into several neat stacks on the table.

Oh, wait, it has been hours.

I sigh and gather all the envelopes into bags, before hopping into my satomobile and making the short trip to Future Industries. The base floor is loud with the sound of machines and conveyor belts thick in the air, the dark smell of oil plastered on most of the uniforms of everyone here today. I go up to one of my main assistants, the one that usually bothers with most of the company's technical stuff.

"Hey, all these letters are ready to mail out," I say, handing her three plastic bags full of letters.

"Mrs. Sato, you know that you didn't have to handle all these petty letters, right?" she asks, a worried look on her face as she sees the dark circles under my eyes.

"No, no, it's fine, Aya," I say and give her a light smile. "I need to keep the company in smooth working order, so it's important that I handle these things." Aya just smiles, although a bit worriedly, as she takes the bags.

"Well, yes, but.." she says, and I raise an eyebrow curiously. "But you're the person that runs this company, meaning you're the one that seals deals and keeps people employed. That task itself takes a lot of energy and often times causes mental strain. All I'm saying is that- if you want, I mean.. I could handle all these small things."

"It means a lot, Aya," I say and nod. "It really does. But I'm fine. I'm fine," I say more to myself than her and give an encouraging smile. "So has the new lugnut been working better in the tires lately?" I ask her, and she takes me over to a car.

"The workers have been complaining less about lugnuts falling off during inspections, I know that much," She says as I lower myself onto the ground under a car, sliding under the engine with a practiced ease.

"Oh yeah, these are nice," I note, getting a spare wrench and fiddling with the hard, shiny pieces of metal. "And has everyone started using the new oil on the steering compartments- I know a few people complained about the steering wheel being stubborn to turn," I say, still underneath the car, fiddling with a few engine valves.

"We have."

"Good," I say, pulling myself out from underneath the car and stretching when I stand up. "Anything else you need me to look at?"

"I think that about does it," Aya answers me. Her gaze softens into a worried smile and she puts her hand on my shoulder. "And, Mrs. Sato, Try to get some rest now, alright?"

"I will, don't worry about me," I say and begin to turn, waving at her as I hop back into my satomobile when I get to the parking lot.

….

I decide that I'll go an pick up some noodles from Narook's after I see that Korra's not home, and maybe go and deliver them to her at the temple. She's probably hungry, after all.

…

The sky is a muddled collage of purples, reds, and oranges after I get off the ferry to Air Temple Island, a nice breeze blowing through the air. It's warm out, but not warm enough for me to take off my jacket.

It takes me a minute to find Korra and the rest of the airbenders and airbenders in training, all sitting soundly on the floor just outside the temple, not a sound echoing from a single one of their lips (not even Meelo).I let my eyes linger on the flowers that sway in the wind around them, firmly rooted in the thin grass, before watching all of their focused expressions. I can't help but let my gaze focus on Korra, her eyebrows knitted together in a scowl. I see her take a deep breath and her expression relaxes, looking not unlike her face in sleep. I simply smile and stand back enough so that I won't disrupt them. I think they're about to be done anyway.

I make my way into the front of the temple, past Naga and up a few stairs, then around the corner. It's not hard to find Pema in the kitchen, humming softly as she cuts a few carrots. I don't even have to say hi before she notices me. Rohan's in kitchen with her at a small table, a coloring book open and keeping him occupied.

"Asami, come on in," she says, her eyes not leaving the cutting board.

"Hey, Pema."

"Come here to check up on Korra?" She asks, smiling a bit.

"Sort of," I say timidly, "I thought she might be hungry and she wasn't back yet so.."

"That's sweet," Pema says thoughtfully. "Well, all the airbenders should be in soon. I was actually making dinner but I'm sure Korra would prefer what you got her."

"Oh, I didn't mean to-"

Pema scoffs, chuckling and brushing me off. "It's fine, dear. But if you want, you can help me chop up some ingredients." I grab a stalk of celery and begin cutting it into the soup already cooking. "So how are you doing lately, Asami?"

"Ah, I'm… tired, mostly," I say truthfully, trying to focus on not cutting my fingers. I might be good at dealing with intricate engines in a machine, but I chop vegetables with the precision of a twelve- year old.

"You look tired," Pema answers without regret, looking over to me and frowning. I can't help but chuckle at her.

"It's just work," I answer back lightheartedly, brushing her off this time. "Nothing big."

"Mmhm," is all I hear Pema answer doubtfully, and I know that she's probably going to worry about me just like Korra does.

…

In a few minutes, airbenders off all ages and sizes begin to file through the door, a content hum coming from the crowd. They seem tired, but pleased about the work they've done. And I know that each and every one of them has had to have come so far in their training.

Pema already has the food set out and most of the airbenders are sitting cross- legged at the tables in the dining room, eating hungrily, stretching their sore muscles, when I see Korra come through the kitchen.

"Hey, Pema, I think I'm about to go on hom-...Asami!" She says, rushing up to me to give me a big hug and a messy kiss on the cheek, arms wrapped tightly around me. "I guess I don't have to leave so soon after all, huh?"

I smile, hugging her back and pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "You were gone a long time, so I brought you some food." I chuckle. "I didn't know that Pema was making food for you guys, though."

"You're so sweet," she replies, looking over at Pema and grinning. "I don't think Pema's offended." Pema just chuckles and shakes her head, still busy with washing plates and such.

"Ooh, Narooks, my favorite," Korra says as we sit down in the dining room. "Thanks, babe."

"Oh, stop it," I reply, rolling my eyes playfully and huffing. "It's nothing big. I was just worried about you so I came to see how you were."

"Oh, sorry," she chuckles apologetically, a hand rubbing the back of her neck.

"Nah, you're fine. I got a lot done today."

"But did you rest?" Korra replies, raising an eyebrow at me as she slurps her noodles. "She's still obviously worrying about me."

"I.. uh-" I begin, looking for an excuse, but luckily I'm interrupted by a small child flinging himself in my arms, an excited giggle on his lips.

"Hey, Rohan," I say and ruffle the scruff atop his head, and Korra crosses her arms briefly before deciding to give in. Her expression is soon exchanged for something softer, sweeter, as his arms wrap around my neck, and he blows a gust of air out of his palms to ruffle my hair. "Hey!" I say and he erupts into a giggle fit.

"Rohan, are you messing with Asami and Korra?" I hear Tenzin's fatherly voice as it comes closer to us.

"N-no, dad, we were just playing," He sputters and stands up, all traces of a scuffle gone. The youngster can't be older than seven, and he's every bit as playful as Meelo. He scurries off with a laugh before Tenzin can get too close.

Tenzin chuckles. "Kids, right?"

Korra gazes at me intently with a soft expression, and sighs before smiling. She rolls her eyes. "Kids just love Asami, Rohan can't help it."

….

….

The couch goes phwt as I flop down on it, wearing Korra's stolen Led Zeppelin t-shirt. I open a book that I'd left beside the couch and fold up as Korra stretches her legs out onto my stomach.

She groans. "Training with the airbenders always does me in."

I chuckle as I peek over the top of my book at her. "But you looked really at peace, too." She raises an eyebrow and I continue. "I watched you guys meditate for a while."

"Creep," Korra says with a chuckle and sits further down into the couch.

"You were so cute," I add nonchalantly, smiling as I watch Korra blush in the slightest. "It's like you were all tense and your face was bunched together, then you just took a deep breath and just… relaxed. I dunno, it's hard to explain."

Korra scoffs a little, looking up at the ceiling. "Well, whenever I'm having a hard time meditating, I just kind of picture you sitting across from me, and that always helps." She pauses a little. "You might have just been watching me thinking about you." Her blush spreads as she looks over at the smirk on my face.

I laugh, putting my book down as she moves over to rest her head on my stomach. I card my hands through her hair when she closes her eyes, a smile on her lips.

"Korra."

"Yeah?" She answers, crystal blue eyes staring up at me. I can feel myself blush a little too.

I cup her jaw in my hands as I lean down to press a kiss to her soft, brown lips.

"I love you," I whisper every so faintly, my lips brushing against hers as I speak. Her hand reaches up to trail fingers against my cheek, a shiver almost immediately inching up my spine.

"I love you too," she whispers darkly, and kisses me back.

…

Korra handles a few more days of watching me stay up until 4am, living on redbull and trix cereal. I bet I go though more paperwork now than I have in the past three years.

"Asami," Korra says firmly from the kitchen, washing dishes quietly while I work on some stuff in front of the television.

"Yeah?" I answer, pen steadily scribbling on the paper in front of me.

"When are you going to drop all the paperwork?" She sounds frustrated, and I hear her start another sentence before pausing, seeming to gather her words. "You know that you're going to have to cut back on all of this work if you ever want to carry a child, right?" She pauses. "It's not healthy for you now as it is. It certainly won't be healthy for you then-"

I set my pen down, frowning for a moment before standing up and letting myself lean against the couch.

"I've been thinking about that too," I whisper quietly, and Korra turns around to look at me. "I'm sorry, Korra. I know you worry about me." I try a smile at her and her frown deepens. "My assistant even offered to take the load off my shoulders some."

"Well then why didn't you-" She begins, but I talk over her.

"I know.. I know that I'll have to eventually take her up on that offer. But you know that I can't just…" I sigh. "I don't want to be helpless, you know? I'm so used to being independent that I know I'm going to have a hard time adjusting to all this." I avert my gaze from Korra, staring at the intersection line of the carpet from the den meeting the linoleum flooring of the kitchen. "Just let me be a work-a-holic for a little while longer."

I look up and Korra's expression is soft, but still worried. She walks over to me, brushing a lock of hair from my face.

"Do you still want this?" She whispers, eyebrows matted together. "I don't want you to feel forced into doing anything that you're not comfortable with."

"Oh, shh," I say, rolling my eyes a little and trying to lighten the mood some. "Of course I want this. It was my idea, wasn't it?" I pause. "And the other day, when Rohan jumped into my lap, I couldn't help but think.. 'you know, I really want this.' Except I don't want it to be someone else's kid in my lap. I want it to be mine. Ours."

"You are great with kids."

"Yeah.. so are you."

Korra scoffs and smirks a little. "There you go again."

I roll my eyes at Korra, before wrapping my arms around her shoulders. I rest my forehead against her shoulder, and she holds me tightly.

"This is going to be tough, isn't it?" I ask.

I feel Korra hum and ponder it for a moment, her hand playing with the ends of my hair. "Well, probably. But I think that it'll be worth it. And I think that we'll have fun, you know, being a family and all."

I smile a little and hear Korra chuckle as well.

"I never knew you were doing all that work because you were afraid of letting go," she says with a raised eyebrow, pulling be back ever so slightly and smirking.

"Well now you do. Now you know I'm a reckless control freak without a plan B." She pulls me in and leans up to press a kiss to my forehead, mumbling oh, I knew that already, dear. I close my eyes and feel the warmth of her lips on my skin for a moment, lingering on it and gathering courage for the words I'm about to say. "..Korra?"

"Hm?" She replies, pulling back and looking at me lovingly.

"Wanna go to the spirit world, say, in a week or two?"

A warm, excited smile makes its way onto Korra's cheeks.

"I'd love that."

See you guys (hopefully) in about a week!

-Beff Monster