Author Notes:

I want to thank silverlightdragon for the idea and I hope you all enjoy the short story.

Part 1- The Rival

"Let's do it, let's go on a vacation just the two of us," Korra said enthusiastically to me.

I looked away for a moment. I would love nothing more than to go to away with Korra, but the grief and sadness I felt over my father's death wouldn't allow me. I needed time alone.

"I think I might just travel through the fire nation and try to find my family roots and maybe then I will feel at peace about my father's passing."

Korra wrapped her arm around my shoulder, smiling, "Just promise me one thing?"

I looked over with a small smile.

"Sure, anything."

"Don't take three years and if you need anything you can always call me."

"Don't worry Korra I just need to center myself again," I said reaching over and turning her side hug into a real one.

We sat there holding each other a few moments before returning to the party.

Three weeks later...

I was in a popular fire nation tea shop reading the recent world news article of the progress Republic City was making. There were a few mentions of Varrick, Korra, and the handling of the new spirit portal, but most of it was good news. I was happy I could rely on my friends to take control while I was gone.

I looked up to see the waitress bringing me my cup of tea.

This specific tea shop was a place my father use to bring me to and the atmosphere hadn't changed much.

It was elegantly decorated and the staff was professional and graceful, everything a high-class tea shop should be, but unlike most tea shops there was always the soft sounds of the keys of a grand piano in the background.

My fondest memory was watching the pianist play as my father read his newspaper and drank his tea. Now here I am years later sitting at the very same table and the exact same seat that allowed me to stare as they played.

Of course, now being older, I no longer stared at the man or woman, but listen to the melody of their fingers and tried to find my peace.

I took a long sip as I heard the current pianist finish his song, but as the next one started it was completely different.

Even though the last song was beautifully played this one seemed softer, smoother and I found myself even holding my breath as not to cut out any of its notes.

It felt as if the music was reaching over and caressing my cheek and drew my gaze to the piano. I looked around and realized everyone else in the shop was doing the same thing. We all sat there in awe with even some patrons still holding their tea midway to their lips.

My eyes finally reached the piano, but it isn't the young boy who was playing earlier.

She wore simple fire nation clothing and her jet black hair was down around her shoulders the sight caused my eyebrow to raise in curiosity.

For this establishment and the delicateness to appearances of the fire nation I found it interesting they would allow her to come in and play the piano like that. Most women wore the fire nation dresses and their hair up in some sort of way, but she was still so breathtakingly beautiful. And her music was more than simply graceful, it was way more than words could describe.

I was drawn to the movement of her hands and the light sway as she played, it was as if her whole body seemed to emanate the beauty she was trying to convey with her music.

I hadn't noticed I was staring till her amber eyes glanced at me and a small smile crossed her face.

I looked away quickly and the song slowly finished.

How long had I actually been staring?

I couldn't stop my feet as they stood up wanting to meet the mysterious woman. The sound of clapping filled the room as I turned to face her and saw her walking towards me as well.

"That was beautiful," I said as she neared me.

"Only beautiful music can capture the eyes of a beautiful woman."

I felt my cheeks heat up as she dug something out of her pocket.

"I am as honest as much as I am forward, so I am going to ask you to come to my concert this evening and I would like to take you to dinner after."

I looked down and noticed the ticket she was holding. I was about to decline, but she raises a hand cutting me off.

"Come to the show if I fail to impress you I will understand your rejection, but if it is to your liking please allow me to take you to dinner."

No words came out, but she pressed the ticket into my hand.

"I am actually really rushed so I hope to see you tonight."

Before she completely turned away I managed to find my voice, "but you didn't tell me your name!"

She turned back and smiled.

"I guess you will have to come tonight to find out."

She gave me a quick wink and with a quick dash, she was out of the tea shop.

I was so flabbergasted that I didn't notice all the whispers as I walked out of the tea shop after placing a few bills on the table.

I look at the ticket and saw the concert was in about three hours.

I held it tight against my hand as I walked back to my hotel room still unsure of what I should do.

I had never been hit on by women before especially in a place as conservative as the fire nation, but it had happened.

The problem was not that I felt insulted by her action, but that I didn't.

I hadn't minded the woman asking me out on a date and that was what scared me.

Finally reaching my room I stood there awkwardly when a burst of courage came to me.

"I came to find myself and if this is what was destined to happen so be it."

After the pep talk, I looked through my wardrobe and decide on a beautiful red gown with my black heels.

It had taken the rest of the time to ready myself for the show by the time I called my driver to pick me up.

The front of the concert hall was filled with so many people hardly anyone could move. There was a small section that was allowing upper-class men and women to enter and my driver drove us there.

As I got out I saw the very prominent men and women of the fire nation and flashes of lights as they entered the hall.

It was only a matter of time before those lights were facing me and I could hear the calls of my name.

I tried my best to appease them, but the usher helped me enter without too much of a delay.

As I gave him the ticket he looked at me surprised.

"Ms. Sato I presumed you would use a VIP box."

I shrug my shoulders.

"Where ever the seat is please sit me there."

"I am sure any of these gentlemen would love..."

Just as he was saying it a few young wealthy men stepped up trying to offer their large boxed seating, but again I raised my hand silencing them.

"I am very grateful for all of your generosity and seeing the fire nation gracefulness, I have heard so much about, but I came in with this ticket and I am more than honored to sit there."

The men seem to puff up in pride at my words as I gave a small bow and allowed the usher to show me to my place.

The seat was somewhat to the right and not exactly in the front. I didn't think much of it as the hall began to fill and the first performer came up. I was in the exact view of the pianist.

I watched as several pianists play their set and I carefully looked over the names that followed trying to figure out which name was hers, but as each one came and passed, she did not.

It was close to the end of the concert and there was only one name left, the main performance, Harumi Kaya.

The concert hall suddenly became dead quiet and not even a breath was heard as a beautiful woman in a long elegant black gown approached the piano. Her hair was up and arranged in beautiful waves, but a few bangs were out and it added to her beautifully structured face.

She sat so poised on the bench as she raised her hand that was delicately covered by a long black evening glove.

A moment later the room was filled with the softness of her music. Unlike the earlier peaceful and beautiful sound, this one sounded so alluring and almost seductive as her hands caressed the keys in front of her.

I couldn't take my eyes off of her and I swore she kept looking at me from the corner of her eye, but I could not be sure.

I felt myself heat up as she swayed with the music and my whole body stiffen during the few moments she would barely bite her lip as she glanced in my direction.

Her captivating and seductive charm she presented with her music so thoroughly felt directed at me making my body pulse with its tempo, then her hand raised and the cheering began.

The crowd stood and applauded her, but as she rose her eyes were on me.

Her piercing amber eyes caused a shiver to go up my spine and we lost eye contact as she bowed to me with an accomplished cocky grin.

She knew she had won me over, with one song she had swept me off my feet.

As she exited I turned to the lady next to me.

"Ma'am, can you tell me who that last performer was?"

"Oh my, that was Harumi Kaya the Fire Nation piano prodigy. I can't believe you have not heard of her, she is a national treasure."

"I have only arrived a few days ago, is there anything more you can tell me?"

The woman smiled kindly, "I am surprised you even have a ticket, deary. They were sold out months ago only hours after they became available and she isn't just a talented pianist, but also the heiress to the Kaya Fortune. Her father's company makes the most beautiful grand pianos of all the four nations and they say if you practice hard enough on one of those pianos you might sound like his daughter one day."

I bowed and thanked her for the information.

I followed the crowd into the main lobby only to be stopped by another usher.

"Ms. Kaya would like me to escort you to her room."

I nodded as he made way for us through the crowd and took me to a small hallway.

As we reached the backstage where the dressing rooms were I could see she was still in her gown and surrounded by the other pianist that played on stage.

I could hear them thanking her and telling her they were honored to have played on the same stage with her, but soon her eyes met mine.

Instead of ignoring the girls and coming to me she gave me an apologetic look, but continued her conversation and encouraging each girl to keep working hard.

After she had given each girl the proper attention and time she made her way towards me.

She reaches out taking my hand and begins to lead me to her room.

As she closed the door she finally spoke.

"Ms. Sato I am sorry about your seat I know you deserve the best, but I couldn't find a better way to serenade you."

At first, I was shocked she knew my name, but then I felt the blush when I found out what I was feeling was true. She was playing for me.

I was about to ask how she knew me when she answered as if she could read my mind.

"There is no way I wouldn't recognize the beauty that helped the Avatar save Republic City. I actually was more shocked to see you in that tea shop on my way to the concert hall. I just had to meet you and I did it the best way I knew how."

She winked again getting behind a changing screen.

Finally, it felt as if I could form words again.

"Your piece was beautiful and felt soo.."

She pops her head out for a moment, "captivating?"

I feel my cheeks blush.

"Yes."

She finally stepped out in a less formal gown, but still quite striking.

"So did I earn your company for dinner tonight?"

I couldn't help but feel as if my body was melting away under her gaze, but I manage to say a quiet, "Yes."

Korra

It had been four months since Asami left to the Fire Nation. She had wanted to visit areas where she had the best memories as a child with her parents and cherished them before she submerged herself into her work and was unable to do it again.

I knew she needed this, but I also knew she shouldn't do this alone. I wanted to be there for her and help her with the pain she felt.

I had received a few letters from her and after each one, I could see she was getting happier and brighter.

I was glad she had made new friends and traveled with them as they toured the Fire Nation playing at extravagant Concert Halls. It was definitely something different than staying in an office at Future Industries.

So, after the few months, she had sent me her last letter. She told me she would be arriving today in Republic City and that she wanted to speak to me personally.

She had also asked that no one else know she was arriving so she could settle in.

I waited anxiously as her airship began to unload and that was when I saw her.

She walked out of the ship with the largest smile I had ever seen in years and waved at me. She wore fire nation clothing that made her look so stunning.

I felt myself almost begin to run towards her when I saw her look back into the ship.

Another woman stepped out.

I stopped in my tracks as I watched Asami takes her hand and the other woman kiss her lightly.

I don't understand why but I felt like someone had hit me in the gut and I was left gasping for air.

They walked together hand in hand towards me.

I tried my best to smile, but I was too shocked as my eyes were glued to their hands.

I saw Asami let go as she finally reaches me throwing her arms around my neck.

"Korra I am so happy you made it! I've missed you so much!"

I was still unresponsive as I stared at the woman over Asam'si shoulder.

She was tall and elegant as most Fire Nation women were, but she was beyond beautiful.

I could see her gentle eyes on Asami as she watched her greet me.

Suddenly I realized Asami was still talking when a small punch hits my shoulder.

"Are you even listening?"

"I...Uhhh..." I said stepping back and rubbing the back of my neck.

"I said before you ask any questions lets go somewhere so we can talk in private."

I nodded as I followed the two women and entered one of Asami's cars.

"Korra this is Harumi Kaya. She is the most talented pianist in the Fire Nation."

I watched the woman blush slightly as she reaches her hand out.

"It's really nice to meet you Avatar Korra. Asami has told me so much about you."

I couldn't help, but blink a few times as this whole scenario felt like deja vu.

Was I going to act like the spoiled and jealous child I did back then?

Instead, I smiled sweetly at the woman.

"Thank you for helping Asami. You may call me Korra."

I took her hand in mine and shook it warmly.

I looked out the window as Asami pointed out Republic City landmarks to Harumi.

Why did this feeling feel so familiar? When Mako had introduced Asami to me I had the same feeling, but that was because I had a major crush on Mako.

I looked at Asami again.

Her smile reached her eyes as she spoke about the new expansions she was going to make in the city.

I felt my heart throb a bit and then I realized, maybe I have a crush on her too.

I shook my head as I tried to forget the thought that had gone through my head.

We were both women and women don't have crushes on other women.

I looked over at the two women again. Maybe I was jealous of their friendship?

Yes, I bet I feel this way cause I feel replaced and that she had someone else help her with her pain.

I could deal with that better than thinking I... I like Asami?

I was trying now to beat the thought out of my hand when I catch both girls staring at me.

"I...Sorry I still had some water in my ear from my morning swim," I said sitting up a bit straighter and began to twirl my thumbs.

It wasn't much longer before we arrived at the mansion and the help carried all their stuff in.

We walked towards the living room sitting comfortable in the chairs and again I noticed the closeness of the two women.

After a few moments of silence, I didn't really know if I needed to say something when I saw Harumi start to slowly rub Asami's back.

Asami looks at me and I could see the pain in her eyes.

"Asami, what's wrong?"

She looked away and I turned to Harumi, but she signaled with her eyes for me to try to talk to Asami.

I got up and knelt near her as I saw a few tears run down her face.

"Hey, whatever is going on I am here for you. We are best friends aren't we?"

I heard a small hiccup as she looked up again wiping her tears.

"Yes, yes we are, but I don't know how you will take this or anyone else, or if my company is going to suffer from it."

I began to hear the panic in her voice when I stopped her.

"There is nothing in the world that can change the way I view you and the people of Republic City owe you their lives. Plus, I am the Avatar and if anyone says anything bad about you I will destroy them."

She laughed a little.

"Korra you can't destroy people's opinions."

"I can try, look at these guns they can definitely do something."

Again she laughed as her arms wrap around my neck.

"Your such a good friend."

She let go and I could see she was ready to talk so I stepped back to my seat.

"While I was in the Fire Nation I met someone. Someone that made me feel happy again and we decided to start a relationship. It might not be conventional, but I decided they make me happy and I hope I can share that happiness with you."

If this was about having a new boyfriend I didn't understand the pain she was feeling. Of course, all of us would accept a new person in Asami life if it made her happy.

I gave her a big smile and I could see the stress melt away.

"Well, when are you bringing him to Republic City so I can meet him?"

I watched Asami slump over face palming.

"Korra I did. I'm in a relationship with Harumi. She's my girlfriend."

I was so shocked my body automatically stood up, but that was BIG a mistake as it threw my body into shock and everything around me went black.

I finally woke up with a small rag on my head.

"Asami, she's up."

I tried to get up, but Harumi stopped me.

"Hey, you just fainted. You might want to stay down a bit longer."

She rubbed my shoulder as she tried to calm me down. Still slightly confused I just nodded and allowed my head to sink back into the pillow.

I saw Asami come back into the room with some fruit and instantly saw her red puffy eyes and knew she had been crying.

"Korra I am so sorry. I didn't know you would take it this bad."

For a second I allowed all my thoughts and memories of what happen to arrange themselves.

"No, I just wasn't expecting it."

I didn't know how to tell her what I felt or how I was raised. I hardly knew anything about relationships between guys and girls let alone two girls. It had never crossed my mind that it could happen.

I could see her expression was still upset and I knew I had to explain it somehow.

"Asami do you remember where I told you I grew up?"

She nodded, "The compound."

"And I told you I never dated anyone, but Mako, right? Cause everyone at the compound were a lot older than me."

She nodded again.

"I just..." I felt my face heat up.

"I didn't know that it was ok to like girls. I was always told I would meet a man I really liked, but never a girl."

I saw Asami's face whiten.

"I'm an idiot, of course, you never heard about same-sex relationships."

I finally have the strength to sit up and I place my hand on her shoulder.

"If she makes you happy that is all I need to know."

She looked up and I could see tears in her eyes before again she tackles me with a hug.

"Korra, thank you. I don't know what I would have done if you were against this relationship."

I patted her back.

"Asami, I would never do anything to hurt you or any of our friends."

We hugged a moment more than I slowly pulled away.

"Can you promise me something, though."

She looks at me with a raised eyebrow.

"Don't tell Mako or Bolin I fainted. It will be really hard to explain how I beat the Great Uniter, but one word from you and I was out."

Both women began to laugh as Asami smiled and nodded her head.

It was getting late and even though they invited me to stay for dinner, I told them I had business on Air Temple Island.

I gave Asami another hug, but Harumi followed me to the door.

"Korra, thank you for being so understanding. I tried to explain to Asami that if her friends truly loved her she had nothing to worry about."

I nodded as I look into her eyes.

"I have nothing but gratitude for you and what you did to help Asami in her time of need, but you know I am the Avatar and..."

Before I finished she finished for me.

"If I hurt her you're going to show me what those guns can do?"

I give her a sideway grin.

"Exactly."

I opened my Airbender staff and jump into the air.

I finally reach Air Temple Island, but I had lied. I didn't have anything I needed to do and had even told Tenzin and the family I might be out late.

I sat on a rock staring into the ocean as I tried to contemplate everything I had learned today.

I was happy for Asami, I was, but something in the pit of my stomach didn't feel right.

I sat out there for hours till finally, I decided to head to my room.

The Airbending children had already been sent to bed and the halls were quiet.

I put my staff away and laid across the hard bed.

Why did I feel so down when I should be happy for Asami?

I tossed and turned for a few minutes before sleep finally crashes over me.

I airbent through Asami window at Future Industries. She smiled as she set down the papers in front of her.

"Hey, Asami I brought you these."

I look down to see a bouquet of flowers and I immediately didn't understand why I would get her some, but she stood and happily walked over to them taking them from my hands.

"Who knew the Avatar was such a romantic," she said as she placed them in a vase.

"The Avatar has to be many things, so I guess romantic is one of them."

I didn't really know what else to say when I saw the look in her eyes.

It was almost primal as she walked over to me and I couldn't help but take a step back eventually bumping into the wall.

I stood there frozen as she inched towards me and began to caress my face then slowly pushes her fingers through my hair gripping it slightly.

"Thank you for the flower, love," she said as she leans in.

I felt my eyes flutter shut.

BAMM!

"Korra Meelo says he is going to use his army of lemurs..."

Before she could finish the sentence I airbent Ikki out of my room shutting the door and raising a bit of earth so she couldn't come in.

"Korra!" I heard her say with a few more bangs before she gave up.

My hand went through my short hair as the dream came back to me.

"What the hell," were the only words that come out.

A softer knock came from the door.

'Korra, its Jinora. Are you going to come down for breakfast?"

I released the earth allowing Jinora to step in and she instantly picked up on my mood.

"Hey, you ok?"

I looked at her and I felt uneasy about letting her know what was bothering me, but after a few moment, I knew its probably better to have someone to talk to.

"Jinora can I ask you a question, but it needs to stay between us."

She comes over and sat next to me.

"Definitely," she said with a smile.

"Umm did you know girls can like girls."

Her face was unphased as she answers quicker than I expected.

"Yes."

I looked at her again semi-shocked.

"Korra you didn't know?"

I shook my head and leaned down placing my face into my hands.

"It just I met a couple and they were both girls and I felt happy, but at the same time I felt a something at the pit of my stomach."

Jinora looked a little worried.

"Do you think it's wrong? Or did it make you feel uncomfortable?"

I straighten up quickly.

"No! I'm happy for them and they seem to really like each other, but I just didn't know that was possible and then the dream I had."

The last part really peaked Jinora's interest.

"What dream?" she said trying to hide her enthusiasm.

"After I saw them I had a dream last night that a girl was about to kiss me and I was going to let her."

I turned to her and I could tell she was trying to hide her smile.

"How do you feel about it?"

I stood up this time and started pacing the room.

"I don't know I really like her, but this will totally mess up our friendship. I mean how am I suppose to just come out and say 'Hey Asami I think I like you, but I didn't know I liked you because I didn't know girls could like girls!'"

I huffed once and sat at the edge of the bed again.

The dead silence told me right away that I said a little too much in my rant.

I looked over to Jinora to see her eyes open wide in shock followed by a squeal.

"I knew it! I knew it! I knew it!"

"Wait what did you know?!"

I said stopping her little dance.

"Korra you obviously love Asami! I could see it in your eyes, but I never said anything cause I wasn't sure how you would take it. I am so happy you finally realized your feeling."

She suddenly gasped.

"You have to tell Asami! I'm more than sure she feels the same way."

I looked at her.

"Seriously! You think she does?"

"Duh! She was so gloomy when you left to rehabilitate and then when you came back she never left your side. That girl is head over heels for you and probably doesn't know it either! You need to tell her how you feel and see if she feels the same way!"

At first, I was excited to hear everything Jinora was saying till it finally donned on me.

"I can't Jinora," I said as my shoulders slump.

"She came back from the Fire Nation with someone else. A woman named Harumi Kaya."

There was dead silence.

"The Harumi Kaya?"

I looked at her with curious eyes.

"There are others?"

"She is the goddess of the piano. She is not only beautiful and super talented but also filthy rich. I also heard she is the most humble and amazing celebrity in the Fire Nation."

She sat next to me and patted my leg.

"You definitely have some competition."

All I can do is groan as I covered my face and allow my body to fall into the bed.