The Best (And Worst) Of Me

Dancer AU

The Beginning: Part One

"One, two, three, four...And one, two, three four..."

I kept my eyes closed, wanting to feel the movement of my feet. No music played, but I imagined the gentle sound of soothing classical music in the background.

Halfway through my dance routine, the music halted and I tripped over my feet, landing face first on the floor.

I lifted my head up and, much to my dismay, my teacher Suyin Beifong shook her head disapprovingly at me.

"I thought you said you practiced." Suyin bent down and helped me off the floor. "I can't have you running a muck on stage next week, Asami. You have to be on top of your game."

There were times where I wanted to yell at Suyin for doubting my dance abilities, but I don't dare question her. She's done this for way longer than I have and I always respect her for it. If Suyin says don't mess up, then that's exactly what you do.

The shame washed over me like rain.

My stare was focused on my pink ballet slippers. "Sorry, Mrs. Beifong." I'm sure the smile I had earlier was nowhere on my face as of now.

Suyin chuckled and I glanced at her, confused as to why she was laughing. Had I done something wrong?

She wrapped an arm around my shoulder and we walked towards the exit together. "No need to apologize, Asami." Suyin unwrapped her arm from my shoulders while she went outside the dance room. She came back smiling, a tiny box in her hands.

Suyin must of sensed my confusion because she then said, "That bracelet you wanted for your birthday is inside." She beamed. "You deserve it after all the hard work you've—"

I ran up and hugged her. "Thank you so much!" I let her go and she handed me the gift.

I said seriously, "I won't let you down."

Suyin smiled again. "I know you won't."

Grabbing my duffle bag on my way out, I waved goodbye to Suyin.

And that's when I thought of her.

That's when I remembered about Korra.

'''

It all began that morning Bolin dragged me towards the leader boards posted in the left wing of the ballet hall of Republic City Dance Academy. Only the elite were allowed in, but fortunately enough for me, none of that matters since my dad's the principal.

I knew all the students. At least I thought I did; everyone was aware of my status here so I figured they wouldn't mind if I was at the top of the list. Every week. If I wasn't, then my dad would most definitely pull that person to a lower ranking for a while. That's never good because a reputation like that sticks around.

So you can imagine the look of sheer horror on my face when I noticed someone took my number 1 spot for best dancer.

Funny thing is, I had no idea who this Korra Waters girl was. Maybe I saw her name in a file in my dad's office the other day or she was in my class and I never noticed her until now. Either one was plausible.

Bolin placed his hand on my shoulder. "You okay?"

I shrugged it off. "I'm okay." I couldn't pry my green eyes away from the bulletin board. "Do you know her?"

His mouth frowned in concentration, then a grin spread across his face. I've seen that look a few times on him and it always means he's up to something. Whatever it was, he wouldn't tell me. Just kept that expression for way longer he should have and boy was it creepy.

"I saw her yesterday," he said. "She's your type." He winked at me. "Definitely your type."

Here we go again. "Bolin," I said quietly, "I told you to stop setting me up with people I don't know." He pouted.

"Please?"

"No."

"Pretty please?"

"No."

"Pretty please with a cherry on top?"

"No."

"Not your type?"

"Not my type."

Before he had any chance to continue, I cut him off. "The day Korra Waters becomes my girlfriend is the day Opal Beifong finally asks you out."

"Shut up!" He yelled. "The guy asks the girl out, Asami. Not the other way around."

I shook my head at him. "Sure, Bolin." The bell rung loudly. Classes were about to start.

He hugged me goodbye. "See you later!" Bolin sprinted down the hallway, but it wouldn't do him any good. He was your usual late to class guy.

People gathered around the ranking board, oblivious that the had bell rung. It didn't help that I watched them as they did. Maybe I wanted to see how they reacted to my second place spot or, better yet, have them ask how I feel about it. Sometimes I took advantage of my status.

And more people continue trying their hardest to be my friend.

I know what you're thinking: What's wrong with having friends? Nothing. Except, when you're a girl like me, you start questioning the reason why people hang out with you. I'll spare you the details and get straight to the point. The point is that you aren't befriended for who you are as a person rather you're befriended because of who you are as a person. Everyone recognizes me as Asami Sato; the girl who's dad is the principal (and rightful owner) of the school, the girl that has tons of cash that'll last her a lifetime, and the girl who loves dancing. The last one I don't have a problem with. It's the other two that gets on my nerves.

Thankfully, this is my final year here at Republic City Dance Academy. After I graduate, I won't have to handle the pressure anymore. I just have to keep the snotty charade on for a little while longer and then I'll be free.

I was brought out of my thoughts when a student rushed towards me. He had a camera strapped around his neck and a black tuxedo on. His eyes were a nice shade of amber. I've seen him around in the building's Photography department a few times, but we've never really talked.

He smiled, his perfectly white teeth showing. "Do you mind if I take a quick picture of you?"

"I'd love to! Your name is...?" The boy seemed familiar, but I couldn't remember where we met. Another typical case of my forgetfulness.

He took a step back and positioned the camera from around his neck properly as I posed for the picture. "Mako." And with that I heard the snap of the camera as I forced a smile.

I stood beside Mako, both of us admiring the picture. He nudged my ribs with his elbow.

"You look great." He flashed me another smile. "Amazing as always."

Amazing as always? I raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

Mako blushed. Oh, and he stuttered. "You, you, you're always...I mean, you look...Yeah. Amazing."

"Thanks." We stood in the hallway as the semi huge crowd that was there before began to disperse. The words that left my mouth soon after shocked me. "Want to have lunch with me later?"

Stupid! You just met him! As if he's actually going to say—

"Yes."

And I recall skipping down the hallway that morning in pure excitement and happiness.

'''

I walked casually inside the classroom only to hear Suyin talking to another student.

"You must have me confused with my sister, Lin Beifong." She said, taking the schedule from the girl. "Her class is right next door."

From where I was standing, I could see the back of the girl's body. Her brown hair was tied in a ponytail and she had on blue shorts with a blue sports bra. Her dark skin was very exotic. Almost instantly, I knew she was of Water Tribe ethnicity. There aren't many of them enrolled at the school, so the chance of actually seeing them was pretty rare.

Before I knew it, I found myself speaking.

"Suyin?"

Said woman glanced in my direction and I realized I was still standing near the entrance. I walked up to her and the Water Tribe girl who was now aware of my very presence.

Suyin glanced at the clock on the wall. She frowned and, once again, I had disappointed her.

"You're late." It wasn't usual for me to come late to class, but today was different. The leader board results really surprised me, shocked me even. I was so focused on that and the boy I met that hadn't thought about myself being late. I expected her to ask why I was late. She never asked.

She already knew.

I explained myself anyway. "I went to go check the leader boards."

"So you saw my score, then?" The final piece of the puzzle was found. It was in that moment where I finally stared at the girl with the big blue eyes.

"That's you? You're Korra Waters?" Despite my attempts at not sounding too astounded, I kind of did.

"The one and only." She said it with lots of pride. Korra's smile was brighter than the light of a thousand suns.

"I'm guessing you've met my father?" Hopefully, she didn't.

Korra's brows furrowed and she tilted her head to the side adorably.

Did I just say adorable?

"Who's your dad?" Korra's ponytail ran past her shoulder. "Why would I know him?"

It should be easy for me to explain that information because I've explained it plenty of times before but for some completely unknown reason, I just couldn't. More stuttering than actual words were coming out of my mouth and I felt the heat rush up to my pale cheeks.

Suyin must of felt my nervousness. "Hiroshi Sato is Asami's father and also the principal of the school, Korra." She glanced at me and I mouthed a quick "thank you" in her direction. When I glanced away, Korra was giving me her full attention.

"Yeah," she said, hands on hips. "I did meet him. Dude's a bit of a grouch, if you ask me..."

Of course he is.

"Korra," Suyin interrup—nope, she didn't interrupt anything because there wasn't anything to interrupt, "you've been here for a week and you're confusing my class for Lin's."

"Oh!" Korra exclaimed. "I may have pissed her off? Angered her?" She shrugged, lifting one shoulder. "She said something about me being a show off and kicked me out of her classroom. The nerve of some people!"

I laughed. "It's perfectly fine. She does that a lot when it comes to new students."

"Seriously?" I nodded. "Well, does that mean I can go back to her class now?"

Suyin chuckled. "Yes, Korra. You can go back to her class."

She threw her fist in the air. "Yes!" Korra took off, leaving me and Suyin alone.

"She's nice." Suyin moved past me, going to get the ballet bar. I went to help her remove it from the corner. As we were doing that, she said, "I like her."

"Mmm."

I began my stretching on the ballet bar soon after, but I couldn't focus. Suyin stared at me strangely and I kept thinking I was doing something wrong. I found out that that wasn't why she was looking at me at all.

"You like her, I'm assuming?"

I didn't let the question faze me. "She's alright."

"Alright?"

Things just picked up from there.

'''

During lunch, Bolin made it his honor to treat me like a queen. He mentioned my high "celebrity" status as one of the reasons. To be honest, I wasn't feeling up to it. My earlier conversation with Suyin plagued my mind and I couldn't shake the strange sensation that came after it.

"Yes." I answered. "Alright." The clipped tone I spoke in would most likely mean that I wouldn't want to continue the conversation. I know myself better than anyone else does. Honestly, the woman had never been concerned about my social life (if that's what this talk was even about) so of course I was agitated. Sometimes, the teachers tend to get their noses in my business when I don't them to. Though, it does depend on the situation.

If you could even call this that.

She nodded and I swear she was smirking, her eyes burning holes in the back of my head while I was stretching. "You said the same thing about your last boyfriend."

I had finished stretching, or rather, decided I had done enough of it for the last 10 minutes. I recoiled, remembering how badly my last relationship ended. Iroh II and I had broken up last year on my birthday. It took me the rest of the school year and summer break to get over it.

And the fact that Suyin was bringing the subject up when she didn't have to was like a salt to the wound.

"I guess I did."

I began practicing my plies for my dance routine. Those are always difficult for me to perform. Most of the time.

She kept talking. "You don't get what I'm saying, do you?"

Ignoring her was very tempting at the moment, but that would just prove her suspicions right. "I do." Partially. I partially understood what she was getting at.

"Asami," she said quietly,"the best you could do is at least try being friends with Korra."

"And...?"

"If you two start out as friends, then maybe when you start dating—"

I stopped practicing. My back turned towards her, I said, "There's not going to be any dating." While fixing my hair, I added, "Relationships never work out the way I want them to."

She left me alone after that.

But me asking out Mako earlier contradicted such a bold statement.

Sometimes, I wished my love life wasn't so complicated. I guess it's a trait I inherited from my father. My mom used to tell me stories about how they met and how ignorant he was about her feelings for him. I think that, if she were alive today, she could help me solve these problems. Not sure what good it would do, considering the number of times I've messed up a relationship. I thought maybe things would be different with Mako.

Boy was I wrong.

While walking to the cafeteria, I heard someone call my name.

"Asami!"

Turning around, green met amber and Mako wrapped his arm around me. We walked inside the cafeteria together. I received many death glares and looks of jealousy from my fellow peers. Thankfully, they all went back to eating their lunch after. Mako pulled me closer to him. Silence fell over the room. That was never a good sign. The whispering was all I could hear.

"Why does she always take somebody else's man?"

"Do you think her dad bribed him?"

"Asami Sato's a complete sl—"

I ignored their whispers the minute we sat down. He had pulled a seat out for me and I quickly gave him my thanks.

"So," he said, hanging his arm around my chair and pulling a small smile, "have you met the new girl?"

Out of all the questions he could of asked me (why'd you ask me to have lunch with you? or what do you love about dancing? and even the stupid question: is your dad the principal?), he chose this one. There was a fake smile plastered on my mouth. I'll tell you this; never have I ever regretted feeling jealous of someone I didn't know. Doesn't matter that I only spoke to the girl once this morning. She has already attracted a guy that I like and I have to admit that I'm angry about it. I had every right to be angry about it. I don't know what I was thinking when I said to him, "You like her more than me?"

He frowned and the expression on my face must of been quite jarring for him. "Don't worry, Asami. Korra and I are just friends."

"Okay." Hearing him say that didn't make me feel any better, but I didn't feel like continuing the conversation. "Can you do me a favor and buy me a bottle of water?"

He nodded. "Sure."

The second he left the table, I went outside to the outdoor cafeteria. Needless to say, I wasn't alone.

'''

"Hey." Korra crossed her arms as I stood next to her while she sat on the bench.

"Hey." I didn't know what to say. The jealousy I felt towards her slowly faded.

"You can leave if you want." She stared up at me, her blue eyes pleading.

I shook my head. "You looked like you needed a friend."

She frowned, the corners of her mouth twisting downward. "I don't want pity."

"That's great," I took a spot next to her on the bench, "because I wasn't here to give you any."

She smirked. "Impressive." And why was I smirking back?

We busted out laughing.

The air shifted and both of us could sense it. We kept talking about our lives and how dancing has effected us over the years. The subject of parents popped up and we began discussing about our mothers.

Korra was lively and animated. "My mom's the best cook ever! She's taught me a few times how to make her famous seaprune noodles. She was also a dancer when she was younger and has lots of medals and trophies in my parents bedroom. She's been my inspiration ever since I was a little girl."

"That's amazing, Korra."

She was going to ask about my mother. Truth is, I'm very sore about the subject. My dad and I rarely mention her at home. I miss her...

"Asami?"

I sighed. "Yeah?"

Korra hesitated at first, but what she said surprised me. "Your dad told me about your mother."

Except I wasn't shocked because everyone already knew that my mom was dead. There were plenty of photos of her adorning his office. I'm reminded of her each day I go in there. That, despite what everyone tells me, I caused her death. If it wasn't for her rushing to attend my ballet recital that one night, then she would still be here. I think my dad knows that I've placed this burden on myself yet he doesn't let me think otherwise. He's stuck with me when he doesn't want to be. I look just like his wife—something he still can't handle.

Korra gave me a worried look. "It's okay that you don't want to talk."

I nodded and closed my eyes. When I reopened them, Korra was in front of me pacing.

"Why are you—"

"What would you say if I wanted you to meet my parents?"

Bewilderment. "What?"

"You're my friend now. They love meeting my friends from school." She got on her knees and started begging. And she pouted. How could I say no to her?

"Fine," I smiled, "I'll meet your parents."

She lifted me off the bench and hugged me so tight I couldn't breath.

"Can't. Breath."

She let me go. "Sorry."

I remembered my words from earlier.

"There's not going to be any dating."

Gazing at Korra, I knew I was breaking my own rules.

This girl would be the death of me.

'''

"You did what now?" Bolin leaned against the locker beside me. The bright smile on my face was almost unrecognizable to him since I don't do it very often. "I'm looking for you at lunch and you...But how!"

I shrugged. "I was annoyed at Mako for asking about her on our, um, date? Next thing I know, I'm talking to her outside and we're already making plans for me to meet her family."

He gazed warily at me. "I was joking when I said she was your type, 'Sami."

"I figured that much, Bo." It was sweet of him to care so much. "But we aren't dating. She said her family always meet her friends for dinner."

He glanced skeptically at me while I grabbed my textbooks for my Dance History class. Bolin trusted everyone easily, but he didn't trust her. Why? I wish I knew. She seemed trustworthy enough to me. I glanced back at him to find him glaring at something, excuse me, someone.

It was Korra chatting it up with Mako. She kept batting her eyes at the guy and he kept smiling like a kid in a candy shop. I didn't have to hear their conversation in order to know that they were flirting. That jealousy I thought I got rid of came back full force. Before I could stop them, however, Bo grabbed my wrist.

His sparkling green eyes stared softly into mine. "I don't think that's the best idea." I listened to my voice of reason and sighed.

"You're right. I'm not sure what came over me. " Twice. I was extremely jealous twice. It wasn't even days. In just an hour, I was jealous twice.

And I'm convinced the root of my problem was Korra Waters.

'''

This class is unreasonably long. - KW

This can't wait until after class? - AS

Nope. - KW

You do realize that I'm sitting right in front of you, right? You can just speak to me. - AS

Nah. Passing notes is better. - KW

I shook my head at Korra's antics. I had been trying to copy down my notes for tomorrow's quiz, but that seemed impossible since Korra felt the need to pass me notes. She'd been bored for the past hour. We only had a few more minutes before this class ended. I meant to ask her about Mako and what they said to each other earlier, though I didn't have the guts to do it. Maybe I'll try bringing it up after dinner at her place.

The teacher, Master Tenzin, was lecturing us on the founders of dance. His unique way of story telling reeled me in to what we were learning.

Their names were Raava and Wan. They created an era of peace through their magnificent dance moves. The people from Wan's village nicknamed him and Raava "Avatar".

"It's a matter of great spirituality," he said, walking down the isle and glancing at the row Korra and I were seated in,"and I hope all of you will remember this legend for ages." Despite the fact that he walked away from our row and down another, he asked Korra a question.

"Do you value spirituality, Ms. Waters?"

The whole class turned to look at her and so did I. She bit her lip, eyes staring up at the ceiling in concentration. Korra frowned. "It depends." When she stopped biting her lip, Korra stared at her desk, saying, "It depends because spirituality has its pros and cons. I'd like to think of it as a type of addiction. Sometimes it's good for you, but can negatively impact your life too."

The ringing of the final school bell signaled the end of yet another school day.

And they all diverted their attention away from her.

But I just kept staring.

The loving gaze Tenzin gave her wasn't the behavior you expected from a teacher. I didn't want to suspect anything. I was only curious—what was that saying again—curiosity killed the cat? You don't give students that look so there must've been something I hadn't caught on to. I've known him ever since freshman year. I think he's mentioned Korra before and I never realized he was talking about her. It's weird because I should know and now I don't. Did he mention her?

Korra grabbed my hand which was resting on the edge of her desk. "You okay?" Even Tenzin gazed concerned at me. I squeezed her hand back, assuring her that I was fine. I let go of her dark hand and begin gathering my bag and my books.

Too fast. I rushed out of the classroom instead of waiting for Korra like I wanted to. Like I planned to. I waited near the classroom, resting my forehead against the wall.

Korra was speaking to Tenzin. "I'll see you later?"

Later? Yeah, they weren't the typical student and teacher you'd see everyday. They definitely had to be related.

Tenzin sighed. "Hopefully. I have lots of paperwork I need to grade."

"Can't you do that at home? I'm sure Pema wouldn't mind." Korra said, and I could practically imagine her sitting on one of the desks, legs crossed. "I mean, at least you'll be surrounded by family rather than by yourself in an empty classroom late at night."

The subject changed. "I see you and Ms. Sato are friends."

I tried tuning out the rest of their conversation, but I found myself listening anyway.

"What does that have to do with anything?" Korra asked. "We're friends, so what?"

Tenzin sighed. Again. "She's the principal's daughter, Korra. I don't...I heard rumors—"

Korra cut him off. "Doesn't mean that the rumors are true. I know that I've only known her for a day, but she's pretty amazing. Well, pretty and amazing. I thought she'd be mad at me for taking her top spot on the leader boards and she hadn't brought it up at all. She's been so nice to me that I asked her to have dinner with us! How great is that?"

"Very." Tenzin said, though I'm sure he hadn't meant it nicely. "I don't want you to forget your studies or distract yourself from your dancing career all because of this girl, okay?"

Korra hopped off the desk with a huff. "I won't forget, Tenzin. Does this mean I can't invite her to dinner?"

Some part of me took offense to what he said and hoped he answered no; the other part of me, you know, the hopeless romantic, was flattered because Korra genuinely wanted me to come over and have dinner with them. In that moment, I felt...I felt as if my world would be fine. Fine. I didn't have another word for it.

Tenzin still didn't answer her. I heard Korra reply sharply, "I'm bringing her anyway." And I knew she was leaving the room after having said that.

I walked quickly down the hallway towards my locker. It was then that I noticed how quiet and tranquil the school was. While opening my locker, I saw Korra approach me and she was frowning. Not a good sign.

"What's wrong?"

Korra punched the locker next to mine, clearly regretting her decision as she held her fist and quietly repeated a string of curses.

"Nothing," she gritted out angrily.

She noticed the look on my face and said, "I'm upset because of a grade Master Tenzin gave me." I nodded and she wanted us to start leaving so we could trek the walk to her house.

There was one thing I had to do first. "Can you wait outside for me? I won't take long."

She nodded. "Sure."

On my way to my dad's office, I realized that Korra had lied to me. She told me her first lie.

And that was strike number one.