Book 5: Family

Chapter 13

CHAPTER WARNINGS: drunkenness/alcohol use, pregnancy, foot massage. (no sex)

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Just as she had said she would, for the next three weeks, Korra stayed home. She felt bad about it at first, until about a week in, when Chief Beifong reported that her metal Benders had already apprehended two mercury bombs before their timers ran out to detonation. Clearly, they had the situation well in hand.

After that, Korra began to relax a little more. She spent most of her time accompanying Asami to her meetings and other business affairs, and when Asami's business could be done at home, Korra trained in the gym. It was a bit more dull than she was used to, but she got to see her lover every day and night, so she wasn't complaining.

One day, after visiting Air Temple Island so Asami could get a quick checkup, Korra found herself in a particularly joyful mood. "Wow..." she marveled as they sat down in the car, placing a gentle hand on her lover's round belly. "Six months. I still can't believe this is happening so fast."

"Neither can I, but here we are," Asami laughed, snaking one arm around Korra and allowing the other hand to rest upon her lover's stomach. It had finally grown so large that it was as if she were carrying a very small melon under her clothes. Pema had loaned her quite a few maternity shirts, and even though they weren't terribly stylish, she was determined to simply wear them rather than waste a lot of money on clothes she would be getting rid of before the month was out.

"Between Pema's experience and my calculations, it's pretty likely that I'll be dilating in a little over a week — two at the most!" Glancing up at Korra's face, she flashed her a weary but completely elated smile. "Isn't it wild?"

"Wild" was one word for it, for sure. In truth, this frightened Korra each and every day; but she was in generally better spirits today, after hearing from Pema that Asami seemed to be strong and healthy, and so was their baby boy. She nodded in dumbfounded agreement and sank back into the seat, smiling like a fool at her lover.

"Heh. This is all happening so fast," Korra said a couple minutes into their drive home. "It's all gonna be over so fast. And I..." She giggled very briefly. "I think you look really beautiful in those Air Temple clothes."

A dark little smirk tugged at the corner of Asami's mouth, though she kept her eyes on the road. "Oh, really? Because you laughing and calling me 'Aasami' on a daily basis really conveys 'beautiful' instead of 'a walking fashion disaster'. Can't tell you how much I've appreciated it."

Korra flushed a little awkwardly and looked at her feet. "Ahh. Then I'm sorry, Asami; I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I guess I...I've wanted to tell you how gorgeous I think you look...like this." Her eyes darted down to her round belly. "I just didn't know how to say it, it felt so...weird."

"Don't worry about it; I'm kidding. Well, half-kidding."

After a moment, Korra said, "Hey. You know what? Let me make it up to you. I know you've been avoiding bringing up shopping for baby stuff because it was kind of freaking me out...so...why don't we drive into town and shop for that stuff? I think I'm ready." She gave Asami a reassuring smile and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Really?" There was actual relief in Asami's voice now, not just happiness. "Because I've been worrying that I'd end up just going there with Bolin to carry my packages, but... if you're serious about this, then I'd love to. Let's go, right now!"

Without waiting for Korra's response, she turned the wheel sharply to take them down another street, cutting off another motorist. When the man angrily shook his fist at them, she leaned out her window and shouted, "I'M PREGNANT WITH THE AVATAR'S BABY!" in a voice that brooked no argument. In her rearview mirror, she could tell he was utterly stunned.