Chapter Text
Korra's father has always told her that to be on time is to be late. That is why she always arrives to Asami's house at least fifteen minutes early. This way she has time to greet the night team and send them home. It also gives her the time to remind Asami to hurry up, because that woman is always late.
However, when she enters the kitchen this morning she is greeted by the sweet smell of pancakes and the sweet sight of Asami in an apron.
“You're early?” she questions playfully, leaning to press a kiss on Asami's temple.
“Of course I am,” Asami chuckles, putting one last pancake on the already enormous pile. “Today's a special day,” she grins, sparkling green eyes meeting Korra's confused ones.
“Is it?” Korra wonders, grabbing two plates from one of the ginormous kitchen cabinets. “What did I miss? Did you sign another big contract?”
The brunette's heart drops into her socks when she notices Asami's mouth hanging open in shock.
“Oh shit...” she groans. “I forgot something important didn't I? Am I in trouble?”
“Korra... It's your birthday!” Asami explains, her laugh a mix of astonishment and amusement.
“No it's not!” Korra frowns, eyeing the calendar on Asami's fridge. “My birthday's on Frid- Oh... We're Friday...”
“I can't believe you didn't know,” Asami shakes her head as she places a few pancakes in Korra's plate. “Anyway, I wanted to do something nice for you before we go to work.”
“Fanks Ashami,” Korra grins, mouth full of fluffy sweetness.
“Korra please... Remind me how old you are?” Asami chuckles, not thinking twice before gently wiping syrup from the corner of the younger woman's mouth with her thumb.
“Still younger than you,” Korra responds, hiding her blush behind a fork-full. “Grandma...”
“Fuck you.”
“Be nice, it's my birthday,” Korra winks, grinning proudly at Asami's exasperated sigh.
“To think I was going to let you drive the motorcycle to work...”
“Wait!” Korra jumps up. “Really? The one?”
“Hmhm,” Asami nods, pretending to ignore Korra's puppy eyes.
“Sami...” Korra pleads, crooking her neck to meet Asami's orbs. “msorry?”
“You're what now?” Asami asks. “Didn't hear you quite well....”
“I'm sorry...” Korra repeats more clearly. When Asami expectedly rises an eyebrow she continues with a sigh. “I'm sorry I called you a Grandma. You're so young, and so beautiful it blows my mind.”
“Thanks,” Asami chuckles, gently patting the top of Korra's head. “Keys are on the counter.”
*
“Mako's behind us,” Korra shouts against the wind. “He's coming closer, I think he's seen us.”
“You know the rules,” Asami shouts in response, wrapping her arms more tightly against Korra's torso in anticipation. “You can't go over the speed limit.”
“Oh baby, I got this,” Korra chuckles, expertly swaying the bike to take over a car.
Asami can't help but laugh happily as Korra makes her way between cars, slaloming swiftly.
“He's gaining on us,” Asami warns after eyeing the bike mirror.
“That's what I want him to think,” Korra smirks at Asami in the mirror as their gazes meet.
A second later, Korra takes a sharp turn into a small alley.
“That's a dead end!” Asami groans, thinking they've just lost themselves the race.
“Trust me Sami, Mako thinks this is his town but it's mine!”
Sure enough, as they advance in what seems to be an impasse Asami notices a small passageway on the side of the alley. It's just big enough for the bike to go through and Korra laughs loudly as they hear Mako honk behind them, trapped in the alley with his car.
The pair is still laughing as they enter Asami's office, putting their helmets down on the large desk.
“That was a fun birthday morning,” Korra smiles warmly as Asami takes a seat and eyes the mountain of papers waiting for her.
“I'm glad you've enjoyed yourself,” she answers opening one of the folders.
“Do you have plans for lunch today?” Korra asks as she walks towards the office door.
“No, I'm all yours today,” Asami smiles gently over the file.
“Cool,” Korra whispers, scratching her neck. “Hey Sami, I have something for you before you start working.”
“What is is?” the brunette wonders, lifting her eyes to meet Korra's devious ones. “What are you planning K?” she groans.
“Don't worry, you're going to love it! It's a magic trick I've been working on for some time now,” Korra explains, rubbing her hands and shoulders like she is warming up. “I'm going to make an animal appear!”
“I swear to god if you brought Naga into the office again I'm going to kill you. She scared the hell out of everyone last time!”
“It's not Naga,” Korra reassures. “And it's not Naga's fault your employees are all wussies scared of a small dog.”
“Have you seen your dog Korra?” Asami chuckles.
“Shhh, I'm going to do my magic trick now!” Korra shushes Asami before clapping her hands loudly. “Ta-da!”
Just as she gestures to the door it bursts open to reveal a pissed looking Mako.
“A pig!” Korra grins widely.
There's a second of silence as Mako looks at the pair confusedly, but soon enough the two friends bursts into laughter.
“What am I missing?” Mako asks as Korra wipes a tear of laughter away.
“Korra's trying out magic. It's not bad,” Asami snorts.
“Okay, I'm not going to ask,” Mako shakes his head. “You guys cheated this morning!”
“Did not,” Korra huffs as she flops down Asami's office couch. “I didn't go over the speed limit.”
“But you took an unauthorized road!”
“I can only think of two rules. Number one, we cannot go over the speed limits. Number two you cannot use your siren. Since when did we add unauthorized roads to the rules?” Asami frowns, scribbling something on a confusing looking paper. Korra smiles to herself at the way the other woman is able to manage two things at once.
“Since you guys took some roads that I couldn't,” Mako crosses his arms in an attempts to appear serious.
“Mako, honey, that's called using the field to your advantage,” Asami says gently, winking towards Korra when Mako's mouth drops open.
“No! It's cheating!”
“Mako, you could have taken another road and beat us here. But you decided to follow us instead. Your loss buddy,” Korra shrugs.
“I- You- We-”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. It's 45 to 27 now, you've got some catching up to do.”
“I'm going to let this one go just because it's Korra's birthday today. Happy birthday by the way,” Mako says, smirking when Korra only responds with a thumb up. “About that, you guys are still on for tonight?”
“What's tonight?” Korra asks innocently.
“Well, your birthday dumbass,” Mako rolls his eyes. “We said we would meet up at Avatar's with Bolin and Opal for a few drinks.”
“Oooooh, yeah I forgot!”
“And you trust her with you life?” Mako wonders playfully.
“I do,” Asami says simply, still scribbling nonsense on her papers. “We'll be there Mako. We might be a little late because I have a meeting tonight. So if you could save us seats please.”
“Will do. I'll let you two to your work. See you tonight.”
“See ya loser! Go get some bad guys!” Korra chants after him.
“Shut it Korra,” Mako's voice booms behind the closed door.
“Well, I'm going to do my daily tour and see if the guys caught anything suspicious on cams,” Korra says as she rises from her seat. “'You'll be okay?”
“Hmhm,” Asami distractedly answers, lost in blueprints.
“Your boobs look great from here,” Korra says with a smirk.
“Korra I'm actually listening to you,” Asami rolls her eyes, but Korra hears the smile in her voice. “I'll be okay. Go do your thing, oh mighty bodyguard of mine.”
“Be good while I'm gone.”
“No promise,” Asami winks her way.
Korra really needs to step up her cardio workout because her heart is pounding after two steps.
*
When Korra enters the office again she could swear Asami hasn't moved an inch.
“Sit straight, you're going to hurt your back,” Korra says, smirking when Asami jumps a little at her voice.
“Warn a girl Korra,” Asami sighs. “And I won't comment on the straight thing, but... You know.”
“I got us lunch,” Korra ignores the brunette's playful smile. “Thai's okay?”
“Oh spirits I love you so much right now,” Asami groans, grabbing the bag Korra hands her. “I'm starving. Babe, you even got my favorite!” she coos, pouting adorably. “It's like you know me.”
“Lucky guess,” Korra chuckles as she takes a seat across from Asami. “Go on, I know you want to complain about your incompetents coworkers who gave you that pile of folders.”
“I swear to Ravaa, it's like they do it on purpose,” Asami starts, digging enthusiastically into her spicy noodles.
As Asami bitches about the old white men she has to put up with, Korra finds herself smiling against her will.
“What?” Asami stops mid-sentence, mirroring Korra's smile unknowingly. “Do I have something on my face?”
“No, it's nothing. Keep going, I'm listening,” Korra says, rolling her eyes when Asami looks at her expectedly. “I just like our little routine is all,” she shrugs.
Her heart seems to grow twice its size at the way green eyes melts at her confession.
“I like it too Kor,” Asami smiles warmly. “I actually don't remember what my life was like before you became my bodyguard,” she chuckles.
“Yeah,” Korra nods. “Anyway you were saying?”
“Where was I... Oh! Fucking Varrick! I love the guy, but-”
Her voice is drown by the flow of thoughts that invade Korra's mind.
It has been five years since Mako had told her about the job opportunity. A good friend of his needed a new bodyguard after her last one had quit. She was the CEO of one of the biggest companies in the world, having inherited it from her late father at a very young age.
Korra had entered the huge mansion for the first time, expecting a prissy and entitled girl to greet her condescendingly. However, she had swallowed back her concerns as Asami shook her hand with a warm smile and grease smudged on her forehead.
“Hello Korra,” she had said. “Forgive my get-up, I'm fixing my friend's car and it's a nightmare.”
“No worries,” Korra had smiled back, slapping the unholy thoughts about overalls flying across the room out her mind. She is your boss goddamnit, focus. “It's nice to meet you Miss Sato. Thanks for agreeing to hire me without any interview. I promise you won't regret it.”
“Mako speaks very highly of you. He's a dear friend of mine and I trust his judgment,” Asami had explained, wiping her greasy hands on her already dirty overalls. “And please, call me Asami. We're going to spend a lot of time together. I don't think I'll be able to put up with the formal thing for too long.”
And spend a lot of time together they have.
At first Korra was really professional, determined not to disappoint her new boss and prove Mako was right to put in a good word for her. However, as the hours they spent together turned into days which turned into months, Korra and Asami became close. She was still professional of course, not letting the purpose of her presence out of her mind. But she found balance in being Asami's bodyguard as well as her friend.
Korra has been there for Asami's highs and lows. She was there to comfort her when she was heartbroken, when she was doubting herself and her capacity to run her company, when she missed her parents or when she had bad period cramps. Korra was the first person Asami would run to, hug or call when she signed a big contract, when she managed to get Future Industries out of an impasse, when she learned that she would be Zhu Li's maid of honor, when she beat a hard level on the stupid game she plays on her phone, when she saw a cute dog on the street or when Bolin and Opal announced their engagement.
In return, Asami had been there when Korra learned about her father's cancer, when she cried herself to sleep thinking about a life without him or when she learned that he was finally in remission. She had taken care of Korra for weeks after she broke her ankle as she was running after a thief who managed to get close to the CEO's purse. She was a reassuring hand when Korra woke up from a nightmare where everything around her was exploding. She was a sympathetic ear when Korra needed to talk about who she had lost at the front. She had helped Korra to pay for Naga vet's bills. She was there to help her move when Korra rented a new apartment, giving her a cute keychains for her new set of keys. She was there to give Korra a tall glass of water when she woke up with the worst hangovers. She was there when Korra learned that she would be a godmother. She was there when Korra cried after her favorite cartoon characters eventually had a happy ending.
Asami's trusted her with her life from Korra's first day on the job. But their relationship turned into friendship naturally, slowly and intensely. As they spent hours watching Korra's favorite sitcom on Asami's couch, as they shared hotel beds because Asami didn't like to sleep alone in an unfamiliar one, as they whispered secrets and doubts in the silence of the night, as they drank litters of cheap beers with their friends in questionable bars, as they learned every flaws and quirks about each other, as they fought about futile things and made up with apologizing eyes, as they spent long sleepless nights in Asami's office, they became inseparable. Korra became Asami's best friend, and Asami became Korra's.
Their mutual friends joke about them being a married couple. On paper, Korra would agree that they check every requirements, except for physical intimacy and rings on their fourth fingers.
When she thinks back, Korra knows she had a crush on Asami at first. Who wouldn't? However she buried her feelings, knowing they would never be reciprocated and that it would be wrong being Asami's employee. Soon enough she stopped wondering what it would be like to kiss those red lips or her delicate jaw. She dedicated herself to their growing friendship and never looked back.
Sure, they flirt constantly, call each other pet names and don't hesitate to cuddle whenever they have the opportunity. But that is the nature of their friendship. Nothing else.
“You didn't listen to a thing I said, did you?” Asami chuckles, bringing Korra back on earth.
“Sure I did! Varrick's the best but he gets on your nerves sometimes, your secretary should have warned you about taking a week off and you're annoyed about having to go to Ba Sing Se for the annual fundraising,” Korra shrugs, bitting into her last piece of chicken.
The bodyguard can't help but smile in triumph at Asami's impressed eyebrow rise.
“You're good Miss Southern, very good,” she admits, putting their takeout bags away.
“That's why you've been keeping me around for so long,” Korra smirks as she stretches on her chair, involuntarily revealing her toned stomach as her shirt lifts with her movement.
“Nah, I keep you for those abs,” Asami deadpans as she throws a pen, aiming for Korra's bellybutton perfectly.
“Ouch, you're abusing me!” the bodyguard whines, catching the pen before it hits the floor.
“Go complain to your boss,” Asami laughs, dodging the pen that Korra threw back. “I have to go back to work,” she says as she grabs one of the remaining folders.
“Alright, I'll go annoy Kuvira.”
“Leave my marketing manager alone!”
“See you later boo.”
*
“And here's the Queen of the day,” Bolin's voice booms as soon as Asami and Korra enter the bar. “Ladies and gentlemen, the one, the only, Korra Southern!”
It's comical the way Mako buries his face in his hands in exasperation, the way Opal claps along happily or the way Korra knows Asami is not hiding her amused smile as they reach the table.
“Happy birthday mi lady,” Bolin offers his friend his biggest smile as he engulfs her in one of his famous bear hug.
“Thank you my kind sir,” Korra chuckles against his shoulder.
“Happy birthday Korra,” Opal hugs her next in a warm embrace.
“Thanks Opal.”
“Happy birthday again dude,” Mako says over his pint.
“Wow Mako, is that a smile I see?” Korra decides to annoy her friend as she takes a seat next to him.
“Shut up,” he groans. “You have some catching up to do, we've been here for a while.”
“Sorry that's my fault,” Asami says from across the table. “I thought my meeting would never end.”
“It's alright! We got you shots so you could catch up,” Bolin announces as he pushes tequila shots in front of them.
“Guys I'm touched but I'm not going to drink a lot tonight,” Korra says, earning a collective groan of disappointment.
“But it's your birthday!” Opal cries.
“Yeah, I can drive us home if that's what worries you,” Asami offers warmly, tilting her head like she's asking Korra a silent question.
“I know, but I don't really feel like it tonight,” Korra shrugs. “I'll take a shot to cheer with you guys, but then I'll just stick with one or two beers.”
“Okay, we won't force you,” Mako nods understandingly. “Well guys, to Korra!”
“To Korra!” they all chant happily and Korra hides her happy blush behind her shot glass as she downs it.
She spaces out for a second, contemplating her luck as she watches her best friends banter amongst themselves.
Korra has known Mako and Bolin for a long time. They used to be friends in high-school and spend every spare time they had together. However, as it often happens, they lost touch when they went their separate ways for college. She hadn't seen them for almost a decade when she returned from the war. One day, as Korra was late for work, she literally ran into Mako and they reconnected like they never parted ways. The feeling of reuniting with her friends like no time had passed is something Korra will always cherish.
A few years later, Mako introduced her to Asami who he had met in college and Korra became her bodyguard. For a while they were a group of four, touring the most random bars of Republic city. One night, Asami brought her colleague along for their game night. It was like a match made in heaven as Opal instantly fitted in their group. They all noticed they way Bolin and Opal would interact, and without a word decided to let them figure their things out. (They figured it out rather quickly).
Lost in her thoughts, Korra doesn't notice that Asami got up.
“Let's get a beer babe,” the CEO whispers in her ear.
“Right behind you,” Korra smiles, letting the warm feeling engulfing her heart last for a moment longer as she watches her friends before getting up.
It only takes a few seconds for the bartender to notice them in the crowd of people, and Korra thanks Asami's good looks and doe eyes for saving them the wait.
“I'm sorry Korra,” Asami says in her ear over the loud conversations around them as the bartender draws their beers.
“What for?” the bodyguard frowns, meeting her friend's apologizing eyes.
“I know why you're not drinking tonight,” Asami states, shaking her head at Korra's attempt to stay impassible.
“I'm just not in the mood that's all,” Korra tries to lie with a nonchalant shrug.
“Babe, it's your birthday, of course you're in the mood,” Asami rolls her eyes as she hands her card to the bartender. “I'm sorry, I completely forgot to ask someone to take over your shift. I know you're not drinking because you fucking have to keep me safe,” Asami tightens her jaw.
“It's okay Asami, don't worry about it,” Korra bumps their shoulders playfully. “I was supposed to be on watch until you got home anyways.”
“I know, but it's a special day,” Asami whines. “I had it all planned out: breakfast, the bike, drinks... And I forgot the most important part!”
“Asami I don't care okay?” Korra reassures, grabbing their drinks. “Even if you had Kai or Bumi around I would still be on my guard. So it doesn't change anything. I'm happy alright? I get to spend a night with my friends without Tenzin's judging gaze on us, that's a birthday present itself,” she chuckles as they make their way back to their table.
“I'm still sorry,” Asami pouts.
“Don't be babe. I don't need to get drunk to enjoy being around you,” Korra smiles gently, looking straight into green eyes and making sure to brush their shoulders to emphasize her words.
“What about us?” Bolin cries.
“It was a collective 'you',” Korra rolls her eyes as they sit back down and it seems to be good enough for Bolin who turns back to his conversation with his brother.
A foot delicately taps Korra's shin under the table, capturing her attention. Blue eyes connect with green ones and Korra tries her hardest to ignore what her heart does in her chest at the sight of love and adoration swimming in Asami's light orbs.
“Happy birthday,” Asami murmurs, forcing Korra to stare at her lips to understand what she is saying. Why Asami is staring at hers? She doesn't know.
“Oh guys I have to tell you what Zhu Li told me on the phone earlier!” Opal exclaims, slapping Asami's thigh with excitement and successfully breaking the moment. “She called me this afternoon to tell me that Varrick-”
*
“I have a question for you,” Opal says, leaning over the table once Asami's got up to go to the bathroom.
“Is it something that is going to embarrass me?” Korra smirks before taking a small sip of the beer she's been nursing for a while.
“I don't think so, I'm just curious about your job,” the green eyed woman explains.
“Okay, shoot.”
“So you're Asami's bodyguard,” Opal states the obvious. “Like, in my head a bodyguard is supposed to follow their boss around like some kind of guard dog, making sure they're safe at all times. But I've noticed that you often let Asami do her thing without following her or even having eyes on her. For example right now, she's in the bathroom by herself. Something could happen in there and you wouldn't have a clue.”
“It took you this long to notice?” Korra chuckles, raising an amused eyebrow.
“Not really, I just never had the chance to ask I guess.”
“Well it's a good point. Bodyguards usually like to have eyes on their boss at all time to prevent anything from happening.”
“So you're telling me that you're bad at your job and Asami just keeps you for your good looks?” Opal jokes, playfully winking over her drink.
“Well I like to think that she keeps me around because I'm really good at my job actually,” Korra laughs softly, taking a breath before starting her explanation. “It was like that in the beginning. I would follow her anywhere. But after a few weeks I noticed that she would look uncomfortable at times so I asked.”
“Oh I never knew that.”
“Yeah, we never really talked about it since,” Korra shrugs. “Anyways, she told me that she felt uncomfortable when I went to the bathroom with her, or when I stayed near when there wasn't a clear threat. She said that she understood why bodyguards had to do it, but it made her feel like she didn't have any privacy, or like she was a child needing permanent attention.”
“That makes sense.”
“I agree,” Korra nods. “So we tried to come up with compromise. Something that would allow her to be a little more free and would still allow me to do my job. I know that she is perfectly capable to defend herself, she's a monster at martial arts. And she's smart as fuck, so I know that she won't get caught in some shady business with strangers. That's why I don't follow her everywhere, because I know she's fine on her own. But she's still a target, because of her success and her bank account. So I stay near enough that if something goes wrong and she can't handle it, I can jump in before it gets bad.”
“I see,” Opal says. “But how do you know that she doesn't need your help right now? Because her phone is here, and I doubt we would hear her scream with all the noise in the bar.”
“Are you questioning me?” Korra smirks, knowing that her friend is just curious. “I know who's in there and how long they have been. I've been watching since we got here. And I know that there is only one way in and out of these bathrooms, so no one can sneak in through another door. Usually Asami spends between 2 and 6 minutes in the bathroom, I start to worry around 5 minutes but I trust her and I trust my judgment. So right now, I know we have nothing to fear.”
“There's no way you know who's in there,” Opal stares at her with her mouth open wide.
“A blond lady, around 35 years old is going to come out any seconds now,” Korra says simply, tilting her head towards the door just in time to see the woman exits the room. “Told ya,” the bodyguard smiles proudly at Opal's dumbfounded expression.
“Wow, that's so cool!” Opal grins. “So who's in there?”
“Just Asami for now, there was only that woman in there. Well, there was a group of four friends but they exited just when you started to question me.”
“I'm actually really impressed...” Opal says. “And how long has Asami been in there?”
“Like three minutes,” Korra answers matter-of-factly. “But given the time that we've been in the bar, and how her eyeliner looked, she's going to touch her makeup up. So she should take a bit more than seven minutes this time.”
“You're a robot.”
“I take that as a compliment,” Korra laughs through her nose.
“You should,” Opal chuckles. “Like, you seem so present with us... I would have never known that you're actually on your guard.”
“I always know what's going on around us. That's my job,” Korra says humbly.
“Well now I know that she doesn't keep you around just for your good looks.”
“Nah, that's just a bonus.”
“So, how long does Bolin stay in the bathroom?”
*
“Okay guys, what did I miss?” Asami asks as she sits back down a few minutes later.
“Opal said that I was a robot,” Korra smirks.
“Why would you say that?” Asami's frown of confusion deepens when she notices Opal's astonished expression.
“You did your makeup in there didn't you?” the younger woman asks as she stares at Asami's perfect eyeliner and redder lips.
“Hm yes... Am I not allowed to?” Asami's puzzled eyes find Korra's.
“She just found out that I'm really good at my job,” she explains simply.
“Oh, hence the robot thing?” the CEO catches up quickly.
“You got it boss.”
“Yeah, Korra's pretty great isn't she?” Asami laughs, now in on the joke.
“She thought you were keeping me for my pretty face,” Korra winks.
“Just for your abs babe,” Asami sighs dramatically. “Just for your abs.”
“Is the sexual tension part of the compromise you were telling me about?” Opal chips in, gesturing between her two friends.
“That's the best part of it Opal,” Asami grins, going along like Opal's question didn't affect her at all. “Right K?”
“Yeah, you know it,” she gulps, grateful that her friends are too busy laughing to notice the sudden blush covering her cheeks.
*
Korra tries really hard not to laugh as Asami struggles to get down the bike.
“Fucking bike. Who's idea was- Stop laughing!” she groans, but her bubbly laugh soon joins Korra's.
“I don't think you should be mad at the bike but at the last three shots you took,” Korra smiles adoringly at Asami who is now struggling to take off her helmet. “Here, let me.”
“Thanks babe,” Asami sighs, and Korra can feel green eyes staring at her as she fumbles with the strap. “You're really pretty,” her warm whisper hits Korra's lips.
“And you're really drunk,” the bodyguard chuckles, once again ignoring the weird loop her stomach does at her friend's words.
“Drunk but not blind,” Asami states proudly. “Just take the compliment Korra.”
“Tell me again when you're sober and I'll take it,” Korra shakes her head in amusement as she starts to search Asami's pockets.
“Trying to undress me?”
“Spirits, you're such a horn dog when you're drunk,” Korra laughs loudly. “I'm trying to find your keys.”
“They're buried deep in my bag. I think Tenzin's on watch tonight, he'll let us in.”
“Okay let's get you to bed then,” Korra links their arms at they walk towards the front door.
“Kai's not working right?”
“Not tonight, why?” the bodyguard answers, knowing her roommate is home for the night.
“So he can take care of Naga?”
“Yeah... Once again, why?” Korra can't help but smile at her friend's drunk grin. “What did your brilliant mind came up with this time?”
“It means you can stay with me!” Asami exclaims happily as Korra knocks on the front door.
“I could technically yes,” Korra nods, knowing fully well that she won't be able to say no to her boss.
“What do you mean tec- Oh hi Tenzin! Sorry couldn't find my keys!”
“Evening Miss Sato. Korra,” Tenzin greets them with what Korra calls his “professional voice”. She's seen him off duty, that man swears like a trooper when Asami's not around. “I'm guessing you had a good night?” he allows himself an amused smile at Asami's drunken state.
“It was great. Did you know it was Korra's birthday?”
“I did not. Happy birthday boss.”
“For Ravaa's sakes, I told you to stop calling me that,” Korra rolls her eyes as she helps Asami take off her shoes. Technically speaking, she is the bodyguards team boss. However, she thinks of the team as equals.
“I know, I just like that look on your face when I do.”
“That's why I like Bumi more,” Korra groans at her colleague. “Anyway, you can go home. I'll be spending the night here so no need for you to stay.”
“You're not on duty Korra, I can stay and you can relax.” - “You're staying?”
Asami and Tenzin speak at the same time.
“It's alright Tenzin, I'm sure Pema will be happy to have you tonight,” Korra reassures him. “And yes, I'm staying,” she finishes with a small smile, the air clearing out of her lungs with a loud gasp when Asami embraces her tightly.
“You're the best!”
“Why does it feel like it's your birthday and not mine?” she rolls her eyes playfully as they make their ways to Asami's room. “Night Tenzin!” She calls over her shoulders.
“You get to spend the night in bed with the most powerful and sexiest woman in Republic City,” Asami deadpans. “I'd say you're pretty lucky, birthday girl. And you could get luckier.”
“If you don't stop the horny remarks I'm going home,” the bodyguard groans.
“Look at you being all flustered,” the CEO laughs, poking Korra's blushing cheeks. “And I haven't even said anything sexual.”
“You implied it,” Korra sighs as she pushes the bedroom door open.
“You're so easy babe,” Asami grins.
“I'm not easy! I'm tough. I'm the hardest bitch you know,” the bodyguard grumbles before realizing her mistake. “If you dare do the 'that's what she said' joke I'm leaving,” Korra warns, gulping when Asami tosses her shirt, exposing her laced-covered chest before walking straight to Korra.
“See?” Asami grins deviously, brushing a strand of hair behind Korra's ears. “So easy,” she murmurs.
“I'm going to take a shower,” Korra says in a sigh, eyes fixed on a very interesting wall . “You're doing the drunk seductive thing again.”
“But I'm having fun,” Asami pouts.
“Get in bed, I'll be here in a minute,” Korra kisses her cheek before leaving her boss in the middle of the room.
“That's what she said!” Asami laughs out loud at her friend's exasperated groan.
It isn't unusual. One could even say that it is ordinary. All the heavy flirting and sexual innuendoes. Sometimes it is Asami, sometimes it is Korra, sometimes it is the both of them.
Korra likes to think that it's because they are close. Because they know what buttons to push. Because it's fun.
They've never acted on it. Someone, usually Korra, will always take a step back and they will laugh about it and forget about everything the next day.
Asami is attractive and she knows it. She is comfortable around Korra and likes to have her fun, or at least that is what the bodyguard thinks. In her world, the CEO can't expose herself too much, by fear to end up on the cover of some magazine or trending on social media. With Korra she is safe to do what she pleases, and she knows that Korra doesn't mind. Quite the opposite, Korra lets her and usually goes along with it. Why wouldn't she, Asami is gorgeous and Korra's known to be a big flirt.
Korra knows that there is nothing behind it. That they are just two close friends who like to play around and have fun. Nothing more.
Howevere it doesn't take away the fact that Korra is human and has eyes. So when her beautiful friend temptingly walks to her with flames burning the forest in her eyes and her long graceful fingers brush her skin, she gets aroused.
Korra always gets aroused. That's when she draws the line and stops their game with a witty remark or a gross joke.
Asami never pushes. The CEO always chuckles and pretends the moment never happened.
They understand each other. As long as no one gets hurt, it's all fun. Right?
“Asami?” Korra murmurs in the dark room as she steps out of the bathroom.
When she doesn't get an answer she quietly shuffles to bed and slips underneath the cover as discreetly as she can.
Her efforts are thrown out the window as Asami whimpers before moving closer to Korra's body.
“Cuddles,” comes a muffled murmur as she snuggles in Korra's neck, the previous sensual womanizer having been replaced by the soft and warm cuddle monster.
“You're going to be so hungover tomorrow baby,” the bodyguard laughs softy.
“Less talk, more snuggling,” Asami's groan makes Korra's skin vibrates.
A long sigh escapes the CEO's lips as Korra puts her arms around her and she noses Korra's jaw delicately.
“Happy birthday.”
*
The bodyguard has become an expert when it comes to get out of bed without waking up Asami.
The sun has just started to rise when Korra puts on the pair of running shoes she keeps in the CEO's house and steps outside to breathe the fresh morning air.
“Hey boss!”
“Fuck off Bumi,” Korra's laugh joins her colleague's. “You're late buddy.”
“Am not,” the man slaps Korra's shoulder playfully. “Tenzin told me you were already here. So I'm just in time.”
“Whatever, I'm going out for a jog. I'll be back in a bit,” she says, music already blasting from her headphones. “If you could make coffee that would be great!”
“Hey, that's not my job!”
“Can't hear you, sorry!”
As she runs Korra thinks about the schedule for the day and sighs in relief she remembers that it is Saturday and that Asami will probably work from home.
Korra loves her job, but it can be tiring to think about what routes to take, what room to search, what people to question before they can meet her boss. It's exciting, and she is glad to be the one her best friend rely on about her safety. However, days where they can stay home are her favorite. Mostly because it doesn't feel like work at all. She can just stay at her friend's and enjoy her presence without having to be constantly on guard.
With that thought in mind she enters the mansion again almost an hour later, kissing Bumi's cheek after grabbing the two steaming cups he hands her.
“You're the best.”
“Don't let Tenzin hear it!” He chants happily as Korra runs up the stairs two at the time.
The bedroom is still plunged into dark when she gently pushes the door open.
“If you don't come bearing coffee you're fired,” Asami grumbles from under the cover.
“Hello princess. Slept well?” Korra croons happily as she sits on the bed, putting the cups on Asami's nightstand in order to push down the cover. “Here's my hungover girl. How are you feeling?”
“Coffee first,” Asami groans as she sits up, humming when she takes the first sip. “I'll buy you whatever you want if you give me your cup as well.”
“Wow, that bad?” Korra chuckles, handing her cup to her friend. “I'll take one of your motorcycle as a payment,” she jokes.
“You already got one,” Asami stifles a yawn, frowning in confusion. “The one you drove yesterday.”
“I know we share a lot babe, but it's your bike not mine,” Korra smirks, thinking her friend's brain is still fried by alcohol.
“Oh... I forgot to tell you didn't I?” Asami smiles deviously letting Korra know that she “forgot” on purpose.
“Forgot what?”
“That's your birthday present. The bike is yours, I took care of all the papers bullshit,” Asami winks, and the bodyguard feels a pinch of envy at the way her friends appears to stay flawless even when hungover.
“You're fucking with me?”
“Oh babe I wish, but you turned me down yesterday remember?”
“Asami...” Korra whines, legs bouncing nervously.
“You really thought I forgot to buy you a present?” Asami chuckles, brushing a piece of hair behind Korra's ear. “I know how much you love that bike. And I'm tired of seeing you drive your piece of junk around.”
“Hey, easy! That car is a masterpiece,” Korra pouts.
“Okay, if you say so,” Asami rolls her eyes. “But I still think you deserve a ride as badass as you are.”
“Damn right I do,” the bodyguard laughs before turning serious again. “It's really nice Asami, but I don't know if I can take it. That bike is really expensive...”
“I won't take no for an answer. Plus, the papers already have your name on it so there's no turning back, ” Asami says casually as she stretches. Her eyes soften at the sight of Korra fidgeting, clearly torn between excitement and humbleness. “I want to give you that bike Korra. You deserve it. You're my best friend, I love you very much, and I want to make you happy.”
“You know your friendship makes me happy Asami. I don't need expensive gifts to be happy,” Korra mumbles shyly.
“I know babe,” Asami laces their fingers. “But once again, I want to give you the best K. You deserve the best in this world. You're the most genuine, caring, loving person I know. I know you'll deny it, but everyone around you thinks so. And I know you normally don't accept grand gestures, but for once do. For me? ”
“You're so in love with me...” Korra sighs, biting her lips to fight her laughter when Asami rolls her eyes.
“Come on Korra, I was trying to be sappy and cute!” Asami chuckles, a slight blush coloring her cheeks.
“I know sorry... It really means a lot to know that you think highly of me.”
“So you'll accept my gift?” Asami wonders with pouting lips. When Korra seems to hesitate she offers her best puppy eyes. “Please?”
“Raah okay...” the bodyguard finally caves, smiling against the skin of Asami's neck when the older woman hugs her tightly.
“Thank you!”
“I'm the one who is supposed to thank you Asami,” Korra chuckles, still pressed against her best friend. “You're too good to me.”
“You're too good to me,” Asami murmurs back, kissing Korra's temple.
“I don't like us when we're sappy,” Korra wrinkles her nose, smiling when Asami's happy laugh rings in her ears.
“Don't lie, you love it,” the CEO pushes her gently.
“Do you want to go on a ride with me sweetheart?” Korra asks trying her best to imitate what she thinks is a biker's voice.
“Let's go daddy,” Asami winks as she gets up.
“Asami come on...” Korra groans.
“What? I thought we were roleplaying,” the CEO innocently sticks her tongue out as she enters the bathroom. “Oh, I got you a new jacket and new boots too. They are downstairs. Go put them on, I'll be down in a minute.”
“Asami, that's too much... I can afford the jacket and boots.”
“Shut it. The jacket is really cool, I know you'll love it,” Asami states. “You're going to look so sexy in it... daddy,” the CEO bites her lips exaggeratedly before slamming the door shut.
“Asami!”
Korra chuckles to herself when she hears Asami's amused laugh from behind the door.
She lies on the bed for a second, admiring the ceiling with a content sigh, wondering how she got so lucky.
*
The jacket is really cool.