Chapter Text
“Korra?” Tonraq rose from his seat as Korra entered his office. Seeing the cautious look on her face as she came closer.
“Dad?” Korra inhaled a breath, holding it until she couldn’t any longer. “I was wondering… if you could use some help with anything? I want to learn more about what you do as a chief… and… yeah.”
“Oh is that so?” Tonraq presented his attention by lounging back in his plush chair and interlaced his fingers together on his lap. “You after my job?”
Korra pretended to laugh but it died in her throat. “Just wanted to… you know. Try it out?” She watched him pretend to consider with a finger on his chin.
“Hmm…” He clicked his tongue and tilted his head. “Well, I do have a problem that I think you can help with.” Tonraq saw her eyes light up with excitement but he held up a commanding hand. “It won’t be easy. Politics is a dirty business and you need a thick skin to play. Especially in your situation.”
Korra frowned slightly, feeling a little discouraged at his words. “Figured as much… who would listen to an alpha who is…” Her words died on her tongue as she dug her fingers anxiously into the tops of her thighs.
“I have no doubt that you can do it.” Tonraq leaned over his desk with a stern eye. “You’re my daughter and a very powerful alpha. You will need to prove yourself much harder than anyone else regardless of your heritage. Question is… are you up to the challenge?”
Korra straightened her posture, making him smile at her puffed up display with a flash of excitement in her eyes.
“This wouldn’t have to do with impressing a certain omega, would it?”
Korra felt her ears burning and she stuttered. “N-no! I… well… maybe a little.” She laughed nervously and added, “Asami has done so much already and she’s not even done with her schooling… I can’t just sit around and wait for her to come back from her job. I need to feel useful somehow.”
“Good.” Tonraq nodded. His eyes grew serious as his voice changed into a businesslike tone. “I have a job for you then. As a leader, you will get accosted by many different types of interest groups trying to influence you in your decision making. They will grease you up and spit you out if you aren’t careful. One particular interest group has been hounding me for months… and the sachems aren’t giving any ear to them.”
The chief shuffled through the mess on his desk. Papers slid and wrinkled under stacks and stacks of inquiries, information, and government contracts. As he searched, Korra wondered how he got anything done with the unorganized work space. Tonraq cleared his throat.
“There is a bill that they want passed into a law. But they need the approval of at least two sachems for it to be presented to the court.” Tonraq picks up a manilla folder and hands it to her. “It’s a very sensitive subject and the group has threatened to start rallying protests at community events if they keep being ignored.”
Korra flips open the folder and her eyes hardened at the lines of text. Her eyes snapped up to her father’s twisted brow. “I see… If they take to the streets, it could be dangerous. What are your thoughts on this bill?”
“As chief, I try to maintain balance and keep the peace among the people.” Tonraq leaned against his desk, folding his arms with a frown. “This group is a younger generation that wants to follow after the Republic City’s lead on humanitarian rights. My sachems are older and don’t quite understand how a group of omegas would want to pass this, so they’ve been pushing them under the rug, hoping that they would give up.”
“But they won’t give up,” Korra said closing the folder with a sigh. “I see where these omegas are coming from. But also, as an alpha… it’s hard to imagine. I remember the riots in Republic City back in the day… omegas were getting raped and beaten over this. We can’t let that happen to our people.”
“Exactly.” Tonraq nodded. “As a female alpha and a member of the younger generation, I think you can convince both sides to handle this peacefully.”
“What does me being a female alpha have to do with this?” Korra grumbled, feeling skeptical about her father’s trust in her. “I’m still an alpha… they probably won’t listen.”
“Korra… What would you have done if Mako got you pregnant?” He asked. “As the law stands now, not even female alphas have the right to abortion, even if their life is threatened by the pregnancy. The sachems think that there should be consequences to mating outside of the standard dynamic pairings.”
Korra’s jaw stiffened as she absorbed those words. She worried her chin in thought and said, “I would have tried to have the child… if there was a chance that my life wouldn’t be threatened. But I do not speak for others, this would be my own choice. Everyone’s situation is different. If I were poor and without health insurance… that would be a different path to take.”
“Now…” Tonraq gave her a stern gaze. “What if Asami decided she did not want pups? Would you demand that she carried an unplanned child to term as her alpha?”
Sweat pooled over Korra’s brow and she swallowed dryly. Unable to respond to that. Honestly, she wasn’t entirely sure. As an alpha, she would have a strong motive to protect her pups from anything, even if they were unborn. But as a mate, Korra would want to respect Asami’s decision to choose for herself.
“I’m asking these questions because you will need to look at the table from all ends of the spectrum,” Tonraq said. “Should omegas be allowed to get pregnant because of poor planning and take care of the issue with a simple medical procedure? Or should we limit the standards under certain conditions?”
“I understand what you are saying.” Korra nodded. “I do not want to step on any tails, but perhaps we can find a compromise… Like legalizing contraceptives for one.”
“That’s a start.” Tonraq rose and rounded the desk. He placed a large paw on his daughter’s head with a charming grin. “If you do happen to find passion in political policy, one thing you should know is that there is no pleasing everyone. Someone will always see you as an enemy… maybe even those who are close to you.”
Korra chuckled as her hair got ruffled up by a giant warm hand. “Are you going to assassinate me, Father?”
“I’ve thought about it before.” Tonraq laughed, shelving his fists on his waist like a mighty hero. “Good thing that snack of a woman showed up when she did.”
“D-Dad!” Korra flushed with embarrassment, holding the manilla folder up to hide herself.
“What?” Tonraq bellowed, leaning in with a wag of his eyebrows. “Can’t an old man be impressed with how things turned out? She’s a catch. And… well I’m sure you know that these walls aren’t exactly sound proof.”
“I’m going to go crawl underneath the house and die now.”
***
Asami hoisted up a pile of books from the small desk in her room and placed them on the bed. It took a couple of days to start on this, but she was glad that she had some time to herself now. Korra had respected her request to set up a decent workstation to resume her studies and projects. She scanned all the materials with a thoughtful hum, trying to figure out how to make do with the tiny space.
She thought about getting rid of the bed entirely to move in a larger desk. But then she decided against it. If by chance that Korra’s influence affected her condition a little too much, having this bed could grant her a break.
A flush of warmth bled into Asami’s chest with a gentle sigh. While she knew that caution must be taken as they moved forward in their relationship, Asami had been experiencing some interesting feelings that she was unprepared to handle. Ones that she never knew she was truly capable of feeling.
As she mindlessly fingered the stone on her neck, Asami suddenly found herself daydreaming about the future she would have with Korra. Long nights of making love and blissful mornings shared over coffee and the daily newspaper. Everything was painted in a perfect picture with Korra’s goofy grin smiling at her every day.
Blinking back into reality, the black haired omega went back to reorganize her workspace. After a while, she started working on the secret project with her alpha in mind. The design was nearly completed, save for the selection of crystal to buffer the surcharge to chakra points. Chewing on her bottom lip, Asami shot a quick text to Korra’s male cousin.
I would like to have a meeting with you soon. How long will you be in town?
Desna replied almost instantly, as if he was eagerly waiting for her to message him.
For a while. Can you meet me at the cafe in the Grand Hotel? Tonight?
Tomorrow morning. 9:00AM.
I’ll be there.
A shaky sigh drew from Asami’s lips. She normally wouldn’t meet alphas alone on business situations. She had always kept a beta assistant with her at all times until recently. This time will be different, perhaps even dangerous. Desna was an unmated alpha after all. Since the meeting would be in a public space, Asami mentally assured herself that it would be fine. Korra’s scent should do the trick as well.
After a couple of hours of sending some business emails and checking the stock market, Korra came to the room with a soft knock on the door. The bashful smile on the alpha’s face was contagious and Asami rose up from the desk quickly to meet her with a chaste kiss on the lips.
“Hey there,” Asami scanned her eyes over her alpha’s sweaty form. The smell of alpha musk made her swoon a little. “Did you have a nice workout?”
“Yeah,” Korra grinned up at her. “I need a bath… can you help me?”
“I can…” Asami hummed while a finger to her chin. “But I won’t help you wash like last time. We’ll miss your doctor’s appointment if I do.”
She could see the disappointment in Korra’s eyes but she agreed that it was for the best. After the alpha was bathed and reclothed, the two of them bundled up for the ride to Katara’s hut. Naga was ecstatic that she was able to run the sled again. It was snowing gently this time with flurries here and there but the way Korra made her feel, she had no problem withstanding the cold this time.
Everything was perfect.
Once the two of them reached Katara’s office, Asami warmly greeted the receptionist with Korra hanging back in the waiting area. Katara showed in no time at all, smiling warmly at the stone hanging around Asami’s neck.
“Well I’ll be!” Katara darted a teasing gaze over to the young alpha, who refused to meet her eyes. “Had I died and not realized it? Congratulations!” Asami blushed and couldn’t help but smile as her shoulders bunched.
“Thank you…” Asami murmured bashfully, seeing how Korra pretended to find a relic on the wall far more interesting than omegas swaying over a betrothal necklace.
“When’s the big day? I do get an invitation, don’t I?” Katara asked, taking Asami’s hands in her wrinkled fingers.
“Some time in the next spring.” Asami announced, trying to suppress her own giddiness for Korra’s sake. “Of course you are invited to the wedding. I will personally see to it.”
“Well! That’s a little way off. Are you sure you want to wait that long?” The doctor asked with a waggle of her brows, making the young omega laugh out.
“I have one more semester left to plow through,” she said with a hint of regret in her voice. “Then I can focus on helping Senna with the planning.”
“Are you having the wedding here or in Republic City?”
Asami moved to respond, but a loud throat clearing halted her thoughts. “Can we talk about this after my session?” Korra asked, wheeling towards the two with a stern face. “I’m gonna die of old age at this point.”
“Alphas…” Katara rolled her eyes and swatted at the air with a huff. “But we should get on with it, I suppose. I do have a schedule to keep up with. Come on, little otter penguin.” Korra threw her head back with a groan, slowly rolling after the doctor down the hallway. This time, Asami followed after. She wanted to see what type of therapy Katara was having her do and perhaps she can work with Korra later with less sexualized practices to help her get stronger.
As they entered the physical therapy room, Asami took note at various equipment in the space. Adjustable treatment tables, a parallette bars and even an indoor pool. Everything was state-of-the-art. A giant mirror took up the entirety of a wall in the back, corralling a set of various fitness equipment. For such a traditional looking facility, Katara has certainly kept up with the latest modern amenities.
Asami took a seat in a chair text to a treatment table, crossing her arms to observe how Katara worked. Korra was put through a lot of various regimes with Katara and two other therapists. First came with assisted stretching, sensory tests and what seemed to be painful exercises by the expression on Korra’s face.
The session went on for about two hours and Asami never took her eyes away unless Korra looked in her direction. Which was quite often. Asami would pretend she was distracted by social media on her phone, but in reality she was taking notes in the memo app about things she can replicate at home.
She knew that the alpha was insecure about her being there, seeing the full extent of her physical limitations. It was her duty as Korra’s omega to make her feel powerful, a role in which she took very seriously.
“Korra, why don’t we try the pool today and practice walking under water?” Katara asked, stealing Asami’s attention from texting down a note. Korra looked hesitant, rubbing the back of her neck.
“But I couldn’t keep my legs from floating up under me last time…” Korra mumbled in protest. “It makes me feel like a ragdoll.” Then she added,“I didn’t bring my swimsuit.”
“Well, then we will do it next week.” Katara nodded beside herself and decided that was enough for the day. “If you don’t remember to bring your suit next time, best be sure I’ll make you go skinny dipping!”
Asami smiled from behind her phone, hearing Korra’s grumbling and Katara’s catty remarks. It was like listening to two siblings quarreling. After wrapping up the session, Korra rolled over to her with a grumpy look on her face. While Asami should empathize, she only found the brooding display humorous.
“What are you smiling at?” Korra pouted at her like a child.
“Nothing… it's just…” Asami dropped her phone in her lap and said. “You’re so cute.” The alpha furrowed her brows and started to shoot off a remark, but Katara intercepted with a clipboard in her hand.
“Alright, I have your progress report here.” The older woman groaned as she sank down into a chair to join them. “You’ve done really well today, Korra. You have built some density in your thighs.” Katara mentioned with a pat on her shoulder. “I know you make exercise a habit, but I’m curious… have you been switching up your routine recently? These results clearly suggest it.”
“Nope.” Korra awkwardly shifted, forcing a smile. “Just the same routine!”
Asami cleared her throat, darting her eyes to the alpha with a leer. “I wouldn’t say the same routine… Right, honey?”
Korra’s face turned bright red at Asami’s remark and sputtered something inarticulate. She gave her a wide, intense glaze and subtly shook her head, telling her stay silent on that matter. But Asami steeled her ground, giving her fiance a sharp look in return. “Korra… I think we should tell her.”
“Tell me what?” Katara asked, looking back and forth between the pair. The alpha cleared her throat, and forced a smile at her therapist.
“Nothing!” Korra’s jaw was locked and her brow was pooling sweat, but Asami wasn’t going to let her get off that easy. She leaned over and placed a soft hand on her shoulder.
“Korra,” She pressed softly. “Katara is your doctor. With the doctor/patient confidentiality clause, you won’t need to worry about her telling anyone. She’s here to help you.”
Korra didn’t say anything. She withdrew eye contact and stared down at the floor with a nervous gulp. The older omega’s grey, bluish eyes scanned over her patient’s posture, calculating and observing. She then sighed and placed the clipboard down on the treatment table, leaning forward with a serious expression.
“Korra, I know you have been frustrated about how long your recovery has been taking. But how do you expect me to properly treat you if you are withholding information from me?”
“I… didn’t think it was really… necessary.” Korra sighed and rubbed her sweaty palms on her knees, rocking a little out of tension. “You are like my grandmother… it’s hard to talk about.”
“Ahhhh,” Katara smiled in realization and leaned back, glancing back and forth between the couple. She chuckled warmly. “I see now… Certainly your physical routine has changed ever since Asami came in the picture, eh? Are there any issues in the bedroom?”
Korra groaned, hiding her red face in her hands, mortified about having this conversation. Asami soothed a hand over the alpha’s back.
“Actually… it’s a bit more complicated than that,” Asami started, deciding to spare Korra the emotional effort and explain the situation. “Ever since Korra and I have started to be intimate, she’s been able to stand and walk for a short distance. It’s like she forgets that she has a disability… it’s quite remarkable actually.” She cleared her throat, catching Katara’s surprised gander and placed her hands in her lap. “But… yes there is one issue. We aren’t able to properly mate quite yet.”
“I see…” Katara hummed, fingering her chin in thought. Korra surprised both of them by adding more details.
“Ever since the accident, I can’t extend. I go feral during my ruts… and every time when Asami and I have…” She paused, taking a shaky inhale. “I really want us to be able to have children one day. I’m afraid of hurting her… I heard that the mating bite is very overwhelming and I’m… terrified of what might happen if I can’t control myself.”
“I can imagine the pressure you are under,” Katara nodded in assurance. “I’m glad you told me about this.” She then picked up a notepad and scribbled something down. “I think I know just the thing to help you…” She tore off the page, folded it and tossed it into the alpha’s lap as she creaked out of her seat. “Asami, come with me. We should get you checked out now that your condition is being put through the works.”
Asami blinked, confused for a moment before jumping to her feet and totting behind the doctor. With one last look behind, Korra’s eyes were glued at note, as if they might blow out of their sockets.
***
“What did the note say?” Asami asked her as soon as the two of them made it home late that evening. She placed a goody bag Katara had given her on the bed with extra strength herbal tea packets and a few tester bottles of scent-suppressing lotion.
“Just some advice about… pleasing the omega sex,” Korra huffed watching Asami loosen her hair out of its tie.
The omega hummed with a ghost of a smile on her face. “I think you got that covered so far.”
“Yeah…” Korra chuckled, rubbing the back of her neck. She was lying, but at least Asami believed her.
“I have a business meeting in the morning at the hotel,” Asami mentioned, shedding herself of her jacket. “One of my clients needs some foresight on a project and couldn’t wait for me to get back to the city. I’ll make sure your mother knows to get you out of bed.”
“You aren’t going to be here when I wake up?” Korra frowned, not even bothering to hide her disappointment. She was just getting used to waking up with her fiance, seeing her smiling face, and starting the day off with morning kisses with coffee.
“I’ll wake you up before I go,” Asami smiled and leaned over, placing a chaste kiss on her lips. Korra grinned against her mouth, wrapping her hands over Asami’s waist to pull her closer. The heiress broke the kiss with a soft moan and carressed the side of her face. “Just try not to sleep all day. I’ll probably go shopping after the meeting so I might not be back until the afternoon.”
“Do you want me to come with you?” Korra asked, surprising her. “I wouldn’t mind tagging along.”
Asami gave a laugh and shook her head, unconvinced. “It’ll take a while. I plan on getting my hair done as well.”
“I don’t mind.” Korra assured, combing her hands through her own shoulder-length hair. “I haven’t had a hair cut in a while, maybe I’ll join you.”
“An alpha who wants to go shopping and get her hair done with me?” Asami gave her a heated look, over exaggerating a rolling purr off her tongue and a shimmy of her shoulders. “I think I’ve hit the lottery.”
Korra laughed at her flirtatious display then wiggled her brows back at her. “Maybe I just know how to please my omega, even outside the bedroom?” Asami drank her up with her emerald eyes, moaning in her throat while draping her hands over Korra’s broad shoulders.
“If you keep saying things like that, I might have to postpone that meeting,” she warned without much weight behind it. Korra could see that she could probably convince her to do so, but she also wanted to show that she took Asami’s work seriously.
“It’s important that you get it done,” Korra said with a sigh, taking the omega’s hands in hers. “Have your meeting and then pick me up afterwards. We can… do our own physical therapy tomorrow night.”
Asami pushed a breath through her lips and nodded. It was for the best, even if the both of them wanted to. And oh, how Korra really wanted to. It would be too easy to keep Asami in heat for as long as she saw fit. Any other elitist alpha would have done so. Asami really was the most desirable omega in the world because of her condition, heritage, and net worth. While Korra wasn’t particularly interested in the latter two as much as the first, she genuinely found pleasure in simply spending time with her.
They had a late dinner together in the dining hall. Senna was kind enough to save some leftovers since the session ran longer than expected. As they ate, Korra talked about her new assignment that her father gave her.
“Wow, that’s great!” Asami chimed from the rim of her wine glass. “I didn’t expect you to take me so seriously before.”
“I want to try, at least… just like you said.” Korra cleared her throat and placed her fork down. “And I have my work cut out for me it seems. I’m supposed to help him with an omega rights issue.”
“What’s the issue?” She asked, fully curious now that it had to do with her own dynamic. Korra rubbed the back of her neck, unsure how Asami would react.
“A group of omegas want to legalize abortion,” Korra pushed her empty plate forward to interlace her fingers on the tablecloth. “The sachems keep ignoring them and so they are threatening to march in the streets like what happened in Republic City.”
Asami’s twisted her brow, placing the wine down softly. She didn’t say anything at first, just giving herself a moment to think before responding. “Sachems?”
“The sachems are clan leaders, representatives of each district in our nation. All alphas, of course and very traditional.” Korra explained, watching Asami’s calculating eyes flicker as she absorbed her words. “Alphas in the government are very conservative and won’t even turn an eye to what omegas want because-”
“They see omegas as the weaker sex.” Asami’s voice grew sharp with anger and her arms folded around herself defensively. Korra was afraid this would happen, discussing politics within the household was something she usually avoided just as her father did. The world can not be defined in black and white so easily against the multitude of spectral shades and hues. While most people want to argue, Korra just wanted to explore solutions.
“Not necessarily,” she retorted as softly as she could. “They just believe that omegas have certain roles to uphold. And the threat on future pups… well every alpha has an instinct to protect their unborn children.”
“And is that what you believe?” Asami asked, becoming on edge as her eyes lit up with burning fire, ready to argue if need be. Korra knew she had to word her response carefully. She didn’t know what she would do if Asami placed her in the doghouse. She liked what they had… loved it, even. Korra knew that lying to her mate wasn’t an option, even if those fiery emeralds struck a fear she didn’t know she had until now.
“I believe that in a structured household, pups should be brought to term. I don’t really agree with abortion due to poor planning. But...” She raised a hand to stop Asami from cutting in. “Just because that is my opinion, doesn’t condone forcing it on other people. Everyone should have the right to make their own decisions and live their lives as they see fit. If I were to vote, I would vote to give the people the choice for themselves.”
She saw the omega trying to think of a retort of some kind. And to Korra’s relief, she continued to let her talk.
“I also believe that omegas should have the right to access abortions in the case of nonconsensual circumstances and if their lives are threatened by the pregnacy. It should be the same for all omegas, betas and alphas alike.”
Asami sat there, marinating on her response for a silent moment. “So… abortions here are completely illegal for everyone? Even female alphas?”
Korra nodded. “Especially, female alphas. The sachems are hard on tradition. Alphas aren’t even allowed to marry male betas or each other. As this law stands, it is really a punishment for queer sexual relationships. And to protect what they perceive to be the natural order of things.”
“So…” Asami cleared her throat and tilted her chin up. “What are you going to do?”
“Well… I’m not sure yet.” She shifted in her chair awkwardly. “I’m going to meet with the interest group to hear their side and help them at least legalize contraceptives. It’ll be the gateway to changing more laws.”
“Birth control isn’t legal here?!” Asami was flabbergasted, shocked. Her chair flew behind her several feet and the dishes rattled on the table with a violent bang. “How do they expect omegas to hold a steady job to feed their families and stimulate the economy when they are too busy popping out babies?!”
“Ah…” Korra shrank in her seat, having to tell her exactly what she didn’t want to hear. “That’s the idea behind all of it. The sachems want omegas to stay in at home, rearing pups.”
“What about single mothers?!” She lashed out. “Military wives? Rape victims? What about them? Or do they not care?!”
“Asami…” Korra gulped, she’s never seen Asami so angry before. She was making a lot of valid points to save for later. But for now, Korra needed to calm her down. “I know it isn’t fair to a lot of people, that’s why I want to change things here. And I could use your help… if you are interested.”
“I’m sorry…” With a heavy sigh, Asami pulled her chair back and sat down. Her hands swirled the glass to watch the wine legs form on the walls in contemplation. “I forget that other countries are not as progressive as my own. It’s a bit of a culture shock still…” She paused, blushing hard while taking a sip of the red alcohol. “I think your sachems won’t like it if I’m too involved… given my status and fame back at home. They will probably feel too threatened with me in the forefront.”
“You’re probably right...” Korra takes a breath and rubs the back of her neck again. “I shouldn’t have asked. You already have enough on your plate.”
“I’ll assist you with the omega rights group, but I don’t want to be apart of any public hearings.” Asami then gave a smile. “Korra… I’m happy that you are doing this… just be careful, okay? If they are anything like your uncle… well I hear that politics can get rather messy.”
“I can handle it,” Korra nodded, squaring her shoulders as she reached for her water. “ We can handle it,” she corrected herself and took a thirsty swill, exhaling with relief after. “Asami… I want to make sure we are on the same page. After your father signs the marriage contract, our lives are going to be broadcasted on every news outlet. I’m concerned that my work in politics might cause you more stress. Especially with sensitive subjects like that. If by any means that it does… please tell me. I’ll find something else to do.”
Asami placed her glass down and rose up from her seat softly, clicking her heels in a slow approach. The alpha blinked with confusion while Asami pushed her back a little and took a seat in her lap. “Korra…” Her voice was soft, just like her eyes when she wrapped her arms around her neck. “I knew that marrying an alpha with status would be this way and I’m used to the limelight. You don’t need to worry so much.”
“Are you sure? Because I can-” Asami pressed her fingers against her blabbing mouth with a gentle shush.
“Positive.” Korra felt a warm flush throughout her body, all the way down to her toes. She leaned in, pressing her lips against her omega’s wine-flavored mouth, feeling completely at home.