Asami was quite pleased with the outcome. She had spent the last while planning that event, and everything had worked out perfectly: the shareholders were happy with Future Industries' performance, sales had reached huge peaks, the research and development division was running at full steam, and her family was well and happy. That party just sealed the success the industrialist's life had become the only shame was that Korra couldn't make it.
The Avatar was still on her trip through the Fire Nation, aiming to help the royal family resolve some conflicts between neighboring provinces fighting over the property rights to a border plain. It was funny to think that years ago they'd been pushing responsibility for that piece of land, considered worthless onto each other, but now that a deposit of precious metals had been discovered, both sides were fighting tooth and nail to claim that once-scorned place. Since it was an aristocratic dispute, any position adopted by the monarchy would cause some unease among the nobles, which was why Korra had to go mediate this rather unusual circumstance, bringing a neutral viewpoint ideal for resolving something like that.
Korra was expected back that same day, but Asami had believed she would arrive in time for the party and celebrate with her and that wasn't what happened. Probably some unforeseen issue came up and she ended up running late. It wasn't a problem, though; after all, the owner of Future Industries was too radiant to be upset by something so small, which she believed wasn't her wife's fault.
Still, the desire to celebrate the recent prosperity with the Avatar was very real for Asami, so she decided to do something more intimate, just for the two of them, in the comfort of their home. As soon as Korra arrived likely tired and hungry she would find an inviting and delicious dinner waiting, especially since it was their wedding anniversary; one more positive thing on the seemingly endless list of accumulated happiness.
Even tired from the party hours earlier, the industrialist set about organizing everything she needed. She calmly set the table, placing all the required items in the correct arrangement: glasses, cutlery, dishes, napkins, holders, and even the tablecloth was carefully selected and positioned. The food was prepared by a professional chef whose work Asami admired and who prepared everything with great care after all, he was also a big admirer of Sato as a businesswoman and inventor.
The meal was ready, with all the dishes Asami had requested. The chef had already left, and all that remained was to finish the preparations for Korra's arrival, which, with luck, wouldn't take much longer since she was already late.
The woman positioned the candlestick at the center of the table and was lighting its candles when she heard the sound of the door opening and hurried footsteps heading into the mansion. She didn't need to think hard to know it was her wife after so much time, she could recognize Korra by her walk, easily discerning her state of mind by her mannerisms and behavior, and the reverse was true. She had finally arrived; now it was just a matter of waiting for her to come to the right room.
The search for Tonraq's daughter didn't take long, especially since Asami hadn't bothered to hide, and with the faint noise coming from the dining room, the brunette figured out her beloved's whereabouts in just a few tries. The Avatar entered the room breathlessly, a bag in hand, and came face-to-face with a set table ready for a meal; she was inwardly grateful, as she was starving.
– Love, sorry I'm late... I had to rush some things and ended up losing track of time. I know you asked me to be here in time for your celebration, but it didn't work out this time. Sorry, really. – Asami had made it clear how important the shareholders' event was, which was why Korra felt bad about her absence, though her reason had been noble.
– Don't worry, Korra. No problem. – She spoke calmly and gently, as if she hadn't been affected by her wife's delay. – Sit down, let's have dinner together. I made sure to go easy on the party food and left plenty of room in my stomach to enjoy this dinner with you.
The Avatar was surprised by the other's mild reaction. Sure, she was optimistic about the reception she'd get upon returning, even though it was past the agreed time, but she never thought it would be with so much understanding and leniency after all, she had missed an important occasion she'd promised to attend.
– Is everything okay, Asami? – she asked while placing the package on the table and helping to light the candlestick candles with her firebending.
– Yes.
– You're not mad that I was late? – She thought reminding her might cause unnecessary trouble, so she decided to fix it quickly. – But my reason is excellent, by the way.
– Love, don't worry, everything's great. My day was so perfect... I'm in an absurdly good mood... Nothing can bother me today, you can relax.
– And what exactly happened that was so special?
– Oh, Korra, business is wonderful, Republic City has become a haven of peace and harmony, the mansion renovation finished ahead of schedule, Team Avatar is getting together soon for a group trip, and today is our wedding anniversary. – She moved from where she was and leaned in to place a kiss on the brunette's cheek. – Happy anniversary, love.
– You're not even a little upset with me?
– No.
– But what am I going to do with the sea of apologies I came up with in my head? – she joked. – It took me forever to think them all up, Asami. I even brought a little gift to soften your heart...
– Oh, love. You didn't need to go to any trouble, you already have me wrapped around your finger.
– No, love. I'm not crazy enough to provoke you on a bad day. Luckily, that's not the case. – She gave a quick kiss on her beloved's lips. – So? What do we have for dinner?
– The most wonderful foods Republic City money can buy.
– Oh, that's good... It goes perfectly with what I brought. – She pointed to the package on the table. – One of the most wonderful wines you can get in the Fire Nation.
– It must have been really hard to get this one here. – she commented, seeing what kind of drink it was. – It's been a good while since I've seen this type around these parts.
– Yes, it was hard. But for you, any effort is worth it. – Asami smiled.
– So? Shall we have dinner and enjoy this amazing food?
– Of course!
The two were stuffed with so much food it really had been a feast worthy of the occasion. Even though Asami had dedicated herself to the company party, she hadn't skimped on the dinner at all; on the contrary, it was an important event that culminated in seeing her beloved, newly returned from a diplomatic mission after weeks apart. All these factors only reinforced the businesswoman's desire to make everything as impeccable as possible.
Korra, for her part, simply delighted in a superb meal like she hadn't seen or tasted in a long time. And everything only got better the more time she spent with the woman she had promised to love forever. Sometimes their duties ended up keeping them apart for a while, which was unavoidable, no matter how much they didn't want it to happen; but all that time apart was crowned with a return so intense it made up for any hassle.
This time was no different the two were enjoying a beautiful moment alone, as they had long desired. Even though they weren't exchanging heated, provocative caresses, they were having fun; contemplative, peaceful circumstances could be just as pleasurable, and considering they were tired after the day's crazy tasks, nothing was more fitting than well-deserved calm. It would be curious for the more perceptive to notice that their more lascivious moments together were rarer now than before; maybe it was the effect of the passing years, leaving them more tranquil, whether from accumulated fatigue over time or the new mindset gained with maturity.
– Did you like the surprise, my love? – Asami asked while serving herself a piece of sweet pie, one of the desserts prepared for the occasion.
– There's no way not to like it, love. Everything's perfect! You went all out on every little detail.
– I'm glad you thought it was good. – She sat down next to Korra, placing the small plate in front of her, then planted a kiss on her beloved's face. – You should try this pie, it's delicious!
– I will, don't worry, but first I need to tell you something...
– Oh heavens! – she protested, afraid it might be some problem or negative situation.
– Hey, hey, calm down! It's a good thing. – She quickly tried to soothe her as soon as she saw her wife's worry. – Don't think you're the only one with tricks up your sleeve, my dear. I also have my ways of not falling behind and surprising Asami Sato in style.
– Really? – she teased.
– You tell me. – She adjusted herself in her chair to say what she had to say. – Today, before coming here, I got a call asking me to go to the courthouse, because it was important... That's why I was even later, but it was for a good reason, I promise. So, getting back to the subject, there at the courthouse I had a meeting with some people from Republic City's judicial branch, all high-ranking public servants, and you know what they told me? That my complaint about bureaucracy in adoption processes was reviewed! – She could barely contain the happiness in her voice and the gleam in her eyes, which involuntarily transferred to Asami's as well. – That means by the end of the month, new regulations on this matter will be made and published in the Republic City Law Book, so we can adopt children very soon!
– Korra, that's wonderful news! – Her tone showed evident happiness.
– Yes, I know! That's why I was so happy and not at all worried about taking longer than planned to come home, even though it went against our agreement. I mean, at first I was a little concerned and nervous about being summoned last minute for something I assumed was completely outside my main duties as the Avatar, but after finding out what it was about, I couldn't be anything but absolutely happy.
– Love, that's splendid! Really!
– Yes, I know. – She stood up and opened the bottle of wine she had brought from her trip. – Soon we'll be able to grow our family! Can you imagine little kids running all over the house? – She took two glasses and brought them to the table, along with the bottle.
– I can hardly wait... This mansion really is too big for just the two of us, we definitely need more people. And the good thing is we have the space and resources to take care of many, right?
– Yes, but since our time is kind of rushed and scarce, we need to plan ahead. It's not fair to just have kids at home and not give them affection, love, attention, and care. If we take on the commitment of being mothers, we need to do it right; it's not just about providing material things—which, luckily, we're in an excellent position to give it's much more than that... You know...
– Yes, love, I know. – She was moved to see her wife talk like that. Apparently, Korra had already gotten the hang of it and was more than ready to be a good mother. – I'll arrange everything properly so I can balance all the routines. I'll start by cutting back significantly at Future Industries very soon. Especially now that things are practically running on their own and I'm only there to handle any eventualities, which hasn't been happening for a while.
– That's one of the privileges of being your own boss. – Korra poured generous amounts of drink into the glasses; when she finished, she handed one to Asami, who accepted it gladly. After that, the Avatar took a long sip from her glass, savoring the sweet, strong taste. Looking to the side, however, she noticed her wife hadn't even tasted the wine. – Come on, Asami? Not going to drink? You love this wine, it was hard to find, and it's a very old vintage. It's delicious!
– Sorry, Korra, not this time. – She placed her own glass on the table.
– Really? Aw, it's my gift along with the news... Are you really going to turn it down like that?
– I'm sorry, but I have a good reason on my side.
– Which would be...? – She prompted the businesswoman to complete. She wanted to know what could be so drastic as to make her give up something she liked, which, in a way, upset Korra, since it was a rejection of the gift brought with so much effort.
– The doctor forbade me from drinking alcohol.
– Really? – She was startled by the prognosis. – What is it? Is there something wrong with your liver? Is it serious? Do you need surgery? Asami, for everything sacred in the world, don't joke with me. Let's take care of this so it doesn't get worse... And how are you so calm being sick? – She was indignant at the other's peaceful posture, which contrasted with the urgency she herself showed upon hearing news like that.
– Hey, calm down. I haven't even said what it's about yet. Don't worry, I'm not sick, I'm just... pregnant.
– Is that serious? – It was a shock to hear those words, but she felt happy the instant she understood what they meant.
– Yes, my love... – she said with a choked voice, tears of happiness running down her face. – The insemination worked.
– Asami... – The same tears now streamed down Korra's cheeks, who couldn't hide her joy. – My love, I'm so happy! – She leaned in to hug her and was promptly reciprocated.
– Me too... Sorry for ruining your gift...
– You didn't ruin anything... You made everything better... You always do... – She tightened the hug even more. – Thank you for being part of my life and making me so happy.
– I thank you for those same reasons.
– I thought we'd become mothers quickly after hearing about the change in the law, but I never imagined it would be even sooner than expected. You always surprise me positively...
– I'm glad to hear that... But I still want to adopt some children and give birth to others besides this one. – She touched her own belly, caressing it, after breaking the hug.
– We will. We can have several, enough people to form a professional bending tournament league championship just with our offspring. – Korra then, with much care and delicacy, also rested a hand on Asami's belly, smiling to know that there was a child there, born from the undeniable love of the two.
– Easy, Korra, let's not go that far either. That's too many people. – They laughed at the comment. How good it was to be in her presence and feel that magnificent energy, that joy of being able to share life with such a special woman, who brought so much happiness to her.
– Sorry, I got carried away. But it was kind of inevitable, you know?
– I understand your happiness, love. I feel the same way.
– And we're just starting on this happiness scale.
– I understand. Soon things will get even better.
– Thank goodness.
Korra leaned in and sealed her lips with her beloved's. It was such a good feeling to kiss her after so long, a feeling crowned with the added factor of receiving the most incredible news in recent times and also being the bearer of good news. Their family was about to grow, and they couldn't be anything but absolutely grateful for everything they had lived and were living. With luck and a little effort, the prosperity would continue indefinitely.
They hoped for it, they wished for it, and nothing could be more wonderful than that so much so that everything else became secondary to them there: Avatar duties, Future Industries... all of that took a backseat, because their family took center stage in both their concerns, and that was a sign that their priorities were aligned and focused on a common point.
Truly, children have an indescribable, overwhelming power in people's lives.