Chapter Text
Hate. A trifling disease in which seeped into Korra's pores like a slow acting poison. She hated the pity looks her parents and peers delivered. She hated the giant mansion in which she was kept prisoner practically twenty four hours a day. She hated that she lost her prospective hockey career, just shy of signing her first professional contract. She hated the chair she was bound to. But most of all, she hated herself.
The healers told her that she might be able to walk again one day, given she kept up with her treatment and physical therapy. But that was three years ago. She was still numb from the thighs down. Spinal injuries are a bitch. And this one in particular left her crippled, bitter and defeated. She spent her days wallowing in self pity, unable to shake the depression. Not even Naga's slobbering face could bring her joy as it once did. She was useless… in every way.
“It's your turn.”
Korra's blue eyes blinked back into focus to the soft drawl across the Pai Sho board. The girl who sat before her was leaning over the game on an elbow, arching a brow in her direction under bright green eyes. The name slipped from her memory. Not that she needed to know. Like most of the caretakers which come to their home, she'll be gone by the end of the week. But still, she wasn't that bad to look at. Pale, porcelain skin, long inky waves of hair which tossed over her slender neck, and… Korra's nostrils flared to a sweet, perfumed aroma which left her guessing. A scent muting lotion, perhaps. The only hint to what this woman’s dynamic was.
“I don't feel like playing anymore,” Korra mumbled as she rolled herself away from the table, stopping at her bedroom window. There was a gaggle of children playing just outside in the snow. Her face turned sour as she watched slumped in her place.
“Do… do you want to go outside?” Korra almost jerked up, snapping her attention to the woman who suddenly materialized next to her. After a moment, she found herself staring dumbly and almost forgot to answer.
“Why?” Korra grumbled, turning her nose up. “So those kids can just stare at the cripple? No thanks.”
“Oh, good.” The woman sighed in relief, clutching onto herself with a visible shiver. “It's freezing, even in here.”
“Where are you from?” Korra asked, not particularly sounding interested but idle conversation was a time filler, and she had plenty of time. Korra watched confusion paint on her features before giving a reply.
“Republic City?”
“What was your name again?”
“Asami Sato?” The black haired woman huffed in annoyance. “Daughter of Hiroshi Sato, Future Industries founder and CEO. We supply all of Harbor City with snow machines and iron. Didn’t your mom tell you who I was?”
“I may have not been listening…” A faint blush rose on Korra’s cheeks before she could choke down her embarrassment. “What's someone like you doing here? Not like you need the money...”
Asami bit down on her bottom lip, stepping back just slightly at the question. “My father thinks it's best I spend the summer here… so I would stay out of trouble.”
Korra scoffed. “But you're like… twenty?”
“Twenty one…” Air pushed out of Asami's plush lips as she awkwardly fidgeted in place. “I may have stolen a car while drunk at my birthday party… and it may have gotten in the newspapers.”
“Oh…” Korra fought to suppress a smirk. She felt oddly interested now, if only but a smidge. “So let me guess… Daddy is threatening to keep his money until your behavior improves.”
“No.” Asami groaned with a palm to her face. “If he is to consider me a position on the board, I need to comply with his request to spend my free time pursuing my future.”
“So I’m just a charity case, then. We’ll see how long you last… no one stays for long.” She sat there with a scowl until she couldn't bare to look at her any longer, no how beautiful she found her. In a different scenario, Asami probably would be someone Korra would pine after. But those days were long gone. Her blue eyes fell down to her legs as she reminisce the memories of her budding adolescence. An alpha of high virile potential, being fawned over by betas and omegas alike, and even a few fellow alphas. Who would want to mate with someone like her now? She was broken, barely held together with the glue of her parent's unconditional love.
“Well.” Asami’s soft voice pulled her out of her self-destructing thoughts once again. “I can’t tell you that I understand how you feel. Because I don’t. I know you don’t want someone like me taking care of you… and this isn’t how I imagined spending my summer vacation. But the truth is that we are stuck together. So you might as well get used to me being here.”
Korra’s eyes widened like a doe stuck in the headlights of a Satomobile. Her bottom lip trembled as a slow rolling rage simmered in her gut when Asami leaned in, giving her a closer look at her plump, red lips. She found herself recoiling, gripping onto the wheels of her chair to roll back. Pale, fingers grasped onto the arms to keep her in place.
“I’ve looked into your past.” Asami's eyes narrowed slightly, but she kept a soft, contradicting smile, almost sweetly. “Now, I don’t know what you do to make the others run for the hills, but I’m going to tell you right now… I am not going anywhere. I have a company to run one day, and I’m not going to let a self-loathing, spoiled chief's daughter get in my way.”
***
Wooden doors of Tonraq’s office flew open in a cracking rage. Korra’s face was aflame, nostrils flaring as she pushed herself to the grand table, meeting the upturned eyes of her father’s chiseled face.
“I want a different caretaker!” Her voice strained with emotion, eyes flaring with primal fury. “How could you agree to send me someone so… so… rude! And-”
“Not another word, Korra.” Tonraq growled lowly at her, almost nervously. “I won’t have you openly insult Hiroshi’s daughter in front of him.” It took a moment for Korra to notice him, standing next to her father. Hiroshi stood shorter than Tonraq, gleaming with curiosity through his round spectacles. Korra shrank back in her chair, swallowing visibly. His bushy mustache twitched with a subtle smirk, he quirked his head just a bit.
“It’s quite alright, Tonraq,” Hiroshi gestured out his hand elegantly toward Korra aa he addressed her in kind. “Asami is a very outspoken and may be even a bit brash. But I assure you that she keep you well under her care. She’s very determined to fulfill this position to perfection.” Korra moved to protest, but her father had cut her off, once again.
“Now, Korra. I know this is difficult. But I think this arrangement would be good for you. You need someone who can stay longer than a fortnight. You should try to be nice to her, it’ll do you well to have a new friend to spend time with.”
“Also, this could be a precursor to something more,” Hiroshi added with a glint in his eye, confusing the wheelchair bound alpha at the hint of suggestion.
“More?” Korra drew her eyes to her father, who sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck.
“I know this is sudden. But Hiroshi had proposed that we arrange a marriage to strengthen our alliances. He thinks you are a good match for Asami.”
“What?!” Korra’s mouth opened and closed looking like a gaping fish out of water. This had to be some kind of sick joke Hiroshi was playing. Her brows furrowed at the man. “How? I mean… look at me!” She emphazied with a swinging gesture to her dead legs. “Why would you… ever think that I’m suitable?!”
Hiroshi only smiled and sighed, shaking his head before answering. “Not only is this a good business transaction, but my daughter could benefit to have someone who needs her. She’s fiercely loyal to those who depend on her. The last thing I want is an overbearing mate for my daughter. She needs someone more… docile.”
Korra’s lips snarled at the suggestion that she was. If only he knew what really went on with the other caretakers… Korra was short-tempered and more overbearing than any alpha who stood in comparison. She wanted to tell him off, to tell him that he was mistaken and that a mating bond wouldn’t be possible anyways. Not even her father knew the full extent of her physical limitations. She was too embarrassed to say anything about it before, and she certainly wasn’t going to embarrass herself in front of Future Industries CEO now.
“What if…” Korra tried her best to form her words carefully. “What if Asami doesn’t want to? I can’t even imagine any omega would be willing to…”
“She’s already agreed.. given if you will.”
“I won't.” There was no hesitation. Korra would die before being made out to be some rich omega's pitiful excuse of a mate in order to be free from an alpha's influence. It was just as humiliating as being forced to be someone's pet.
“Let's just see how things play out this summer. If you feel the same way then we will honor your wishes,” Her father said, giving her a suffering look as Korra rolled out of the office without excusing herself.
***
Asami pushed a frustrated sigh from her lips, trying to pay attention to the highlights of Harbor City's Post newspaper. A fisherman had caught a giant whalesquid yesterday seemed to be the headliner in the news. The plans for the annual summer festival are in effect with the seaweed noodle eating contest being all the buzz. Such a boring town, Asami thought when she lowered the parchment to her lap. Rubbing her hands over her arms to try to warm herself up. Even with the fire stoked and her thickest pilot jacket on, her body just couldn't adjust to the tundra climate fast enough. So much for a summer vacation. She wondered if her father would be so inclined to make her stay longer if things with Korra don’t go as planned.
Meeting Korra was nerve racking to say the least. She could tell the alpha had a lot of pent up baggage. She understood the reasoning and she was fully prepared to face it, even if she has to suffer with it for the remainder of her life. She closed her eyes as her mother’s dying words echoed in her brain.
Someday, you will need to marry. Most likely an arranged marriage like your father and I. At first, it will be tough. Like any marriage, it requires commitment. You have a duty to your mate as they have to you. You must enter your marriage with a determination to grow a love that would last a lifetime. Love does not happen on a whim, it’s giving them reasons to love you makes for a happy life. Give them what they need to be their best selves, for that is what you deserve above all else.
With a sigh at the memory, Asami frowned, fingers pressing into her temples. Korra needed a lot of work, more than she anticipated. If she were to marry this alpha, she needed to make sure they can at least be friends. Her logical mind tried not to hope for more than that, but Asami already found herself liking the way she smelled. Spicy and sweet, like chai and coconut. Also, she found Korra to be beautiful. Strong muscular arms, warm mocha skin, and a pair of blue flaming eyes which held so much emotion. If she did fall in an unrequited love… spirits help her. Her breath hitched slightly when Korra rolled back into her bedroom, taking the air by a storm of alpha pheromones, making her almost swoon in her seat.
Asami smiled at her, even against the glare she was shot her way. Her stomach twisted with agony when Korra took her spot at the window again, silently ignoring her. It was unnerving, but at least she wasn’t screaming at her like she did when she left. She probably deserved it in hindsight, sometimes her smart mouth gets the better of her.
They both sat in awkward silence for the remainder of the afternoon until dinner was called. During the meal, Asami was drawn into a pleasant conversation with Tonraq and Senna while Korra picked at her food.
“What type of degree are you pursuing at the Republic University?” Senna inquired kindly, tucking a stray hair from her long brown braid which fell over her right shoulder.
“Well I already have a Masters in Mechanical Engineering. I'm currently pursuing my Doctorate in Business.”
“Very ambitious,” Tonraq rang as he stabbed his fish with a fork. “As I would expect from Hiroshi’s daughter.” Asami's stomach churned a bit. She always resented the things that were expected of her because of her father. But it couldn't be helped, she was a Sato first, and herself second. It was the fate she was dealt with the moment she was born.
“Yes, but I do feel like experience is what really prepares you rather than a classroom. I find education to be only beneficial for a desirable resume… aside from socializing with peers.” She turned to the loping alpha next to her. “What about you, Korra?”
Asami watched Korra's icy blue eyes widened at the inquiry, as if she was shocked that someone was addressing her. Her lips pressed together as a blush rose on her mocha cheeks. “Ah… um…” she fumbled, busying her hands nervously in the choppy brown locks on her head.
“Korra wanted to go into Sports Medicine when she was in Highschool.” Senna answered for her. “She’s taking general credits online for now until she figures out what would be a good path for her.”
“I was gonna say that!” Korra grumbled with a full on blush now. She choked it down while clearing her throat. “Yeah, I think that I might want to study Computer Science. That way it won’t matter if I never walk again.”
“But you will,” Tonraq noted. “If Katara believes it then you should, too. She’s the best healer in the world.” Korra sighed then resumed poking at her food in silence. It was true that she had progressed better since the beginning. The day following the accident, Korra couldn’t even wiggle her fingers. She’s came a long way over the past three years after two surgeries and hundreds of hours with physical therapy. But she hasn’t felt her legs in over three years now and has made very little success ever since.
“Maybe it will happen sooner than you think,” Asami chimed, surprising Korra again to a gaping stupor. The omega smiled at her softly then said, “I’d like to see the look on your face when you take that first step. I can imagine it now… You smiling so stupidly.”
With flaming cheeks, Korra cleared her throat and pushed herself away from the table. “I… I need to go to the bathroom.” A chair scrapped the floor, Asami rose to follow her which panicked Korra further.
“I don’t need your help!” Korra snapped in a snarl, chopping her teeth.
“Korra!” Tonraq sliced his daughter with a grimace at her outburst, releasing a dominating scent. “That is no way to talk to our guest!” But Korra ignored him, and rolled out of the dining room with angry pushes of her arms until she was free from the disapproving eyes of her parents.
With a sigh, Asami lowered herself back in her chair, catching a long suffering look from Korra’s parents. “Is she always like this?”
“I’m very sorry for Korra’s behavior…” Senna worriedly placed a helping of snowberry pie in front of the young omega. “She never used to be like this before the accident. In fact, she was known to be very charming and kind to everyone she meets. She’s just going through a lot right now.”
After a moment of staring at the dessert before her, Asami lifted her chin with a furrowed brow. “If you don’t mind… how did the accident happen?”
“Korra was playing in a championship game on her highschool hockey team. She was captain and very good. The other captain on the opposing team was brutal and played unfairly, he knew that talent scouts from elite colleges were looking for the best players and he seemed to have a vendetta against her. Four players followed him to smash her into the railing. She lost her temper and a fight broke out. While she was wailing on a player, and the other team’s captain jumped on her and his ice skate impaled on her back, breaking her spine.”
“God, that’s awful,” Asami frowned. “No wonder she’s so…”
“Angry.” Tonraq finished for her before taking a swig from his ceramic mug. “I would be too… But it’s been three years. She needs to accept what has happened to her and try to find something worth living for.”
“It is our hopes that you can connect with her, Asami.” Senna said next with a pleading look in her eyes. “It won’t be easy… I’m sorry that it has come to this. I don’t want to pressure you but…”
“No, it’s alright.” Asami reached over the dining table, grasping the older omega’s hand with an affectionate squeeze. “I’ve made my decision. And meeting Korra hasn’t changed that. I want to do this.”
“You don’t need to commit right away,” Senna assured. “We would understand if you change your mind. Korra will need a lot more convincing.”
Asami’s lips smirked up coyly. “You told her didn’t you?” The look Tonraq gave her confirmed it. “I think I can be very convincing…”
“Ahem… maybe a certain kind of convincing?” Tonraq wiggled his eyebrows at his guest, making Asami laugh out with a red tinge on her cheeks. Senna slapped her husbands arm in retaliation with a glare, but he only chuckled in response with a shrug of his broad shoulders. “What? I think that would work wonders… it works for me.”
Did Tonraq just suggest that I seduce his daughter?
Asami’s face lit up even more while shoving a spoonful of the dessert in her mouth.
***
Korra sat in the tub, starring with a distant trance as her mind pulled into different directions. She finished washing long ago and the water was starting to get too cold. She was capable to get herself in the tub, but getting out was another story. She sighed in shame from needing the help of the heiress. At least, having Asami as her caretaker will give the omega a dose of the reality she would have to face if they did marry, not like they will though.
Using the strength of her arms, Korra hoisted herself out of the water and sat on the edge, facing her back to the door. “You can come in now.”
The door opened immediately. Korra kept herself from glancing back while Asami draped a robe over her shoulders, giving her a chance to slip her arms through the sleeves and tie it closed before releasing the drain. After that, Asami then helped Korra turn, lifting one leg after the other over the edge of the tub, toweling them off as she went. Her hands were gentle and moved with a practiced grace as if she’s done this sort of thing before.
“You missed a really good dessert earlier,” Asami voiced with such casual friendliness, catching Korra’s gaze. “Your mom is a great cook.”
“She is…” Korra muttered under her breath through clenched teeth, yanking the towel out of the omega’s hands to dry her hair. Asami straightened and moved Korra’s wheelchair closer to her, locking the brakes to keep it in place. She drew an arm around the alpha’s torso, gaining one of Korra’s arms around her shoulders to brace.
A brief moment of pause drew on and Korra suddenly felt the air thicken as Asami slinked closer. A sharp intake of breath filled Korra’s lungs as she was lifted to her feet. Pins and needles shot down her legs, but Asami was strong enough to keep her from buckling over. They pivoted, Korra was eased slowly down into the chair.
“There.” Asami nodded stiffly and quickly moved behind her to push her to the vanity so Korra could brush her teeth and hair to prepare for sleep. “I’ll give you a few moments here. I’m going to take a shower, then I’ll be back to help you into your pajamas. If you need anything, I left my phone number on your nightstand.”
Korra gave her a dismissive nod and when the omega disappeared, she let out a sigh of relief. Being around Asami made her nerves stand on end to pinpoints. She even noticed her hands were shaking while applying paste on her toothbrush.
What the hell is my problem? She growled to herself whilst brushing angrily. I'm so fucking useless. Why would I suffer someone like that being with me? I'll show her… She'll run back home and her dad will find her someone else. Someone not as fucked up as me.
A spit and a half-ass job of brushing her hair later, Korra rolled back out into the bedroom to the edge of her bed. Her pajamas were neatly folded on the bedspread, a waiting for their host. She could probably put them on herself, she thinks.
I'll do it myself… I can dress myself. I'm not that helpless .
After staring for several minutes, she inhaled sharply for encouragement and a new found determination. Her robe fell over her waist, still pinned underneath her in the chair. The shirt is the easy part. When that was done, Korra paused at the bottoms, clutched in her gripping fists. The enemy she needed to conquer. She locked her wheels and hunched over, pulling the bottoms onto her feet. She got as far as to her thighs then proceeded to grunt and wiggle to get them up under the pinned weight in her chair. With a clenched jaw, Korra soon realised that she wasn’t going to succeed this way.
“Damn it…”
***
A hot shower was just what Asami needed. The warm spray of the water melted the cold out of her veins and the stress in her shoulders. It was almost too blissful to not linger longer than she intended. Duty calls, as they say. After drying herself off, Asami quickly gave her hair a thorough brushing, following her teeth. Her hand hesitated to grab a hold of her pheromone blocking lotion.
I wonder how she would react…
Shaking the tempting thought from her mind, she lathered herself with the stuff anyways. It's way too soon for that, she reasoned. Letting Korra smell her true scent might be too overwhelming. She's had issues with alphas in the past on days she had to rush out the door when she neglected to use it. This lotion’s use was supposed to only be used for omegas going into heat, but in Asami’s special case, it was a daily requirement.
After throwing on her light pink nightgown and matching robe, Asami made haste to rejoin her charge. Her hand clung to the doorknob after the opening swing, green eyes bulging at the sight before her. Korra had somehow managed to get herself half slung over her bed, bent over with her pajama bottoms pooled at her feet and giving Asami a first class show of her ass.
“Oh…” Asami’s lips pressed hard together, fighting the urge to laugh. “Ah-uhm… Do you…” A snort leaked out. “Do you… need help?”
“Just get over here!” Korra’s head snapped up painted red like a beet. “You took too long!”
“You could have waited for me like I asked… or called me,” Asami replied with a smirk as she sauntered her way over. She took a moment to appreciate the sight before her before actually helping. With a quick yank, Korra was modest once more.
“You know, you should really wait for the honeymoon before showing me your moon,” she joked, leaning over the alpha with a grin to add, “ Honey. ”
She felt Korra stiffen underneath her, unable to respond to her little quip. Eventually, Asami just sighed and helped Korra get on the bed and under the covers. “Relax, Korra… I’m only trying to make light of it.”
“You’re making fun of me,” Korra scowled at her, pouting her lip out slightly.
God, she’s so… cute. Asami tried to suppress another smile while tucking the duvet snuggly around the alpha’s legs. Korra ceased one of her wrists, making her green eyes connect with her angry stare, nostrils flaring.
“That's enough, Omega .” A harsh shiver run through Asami's spine with the wave of Korra’s dominant composure washing over her. It seems that Korra was Alpha afterall, and it only made Asami’s gut churn with a swarm of dragoneels. She tugged herself out of Korra’s grip, leaning back slightly to bare her neck willingly to the Alpha’s gaze.
“Goodnight,” she said softly with a pursed smirk while the bedroom door was eased closed behind her.