Summary: Korra and Asami return to the physical world.

It wasn't too much later than Jinora had anticipated when she re-entered her body in the gazebo on Air Temple Island. It appeared that the sun had only just recently set, making it around seven. Sitting across from her was Ikki. The sisters made eye contact, and Ikki cracked a big grin.

"Aren't you proud of me?" She pushed.

Jinora sighed. "Yes Ikki, but you shouldn't have snuck along like that. Tell me next time that you're coming."

The older sister got up from her seat and started heading back to the temple. Ikki got up too and trailed behind.

"I'm sorry, I wanted to surprise you!"

"This is a very serious matter we are dealing with. Now is not the time for showing off." Jinora shot back.

Ikki stopped following her sister and watched her enter the house. Once Jinora was out of sight Ikki stuck her tongue out in her direction. The young airbender walked back over to the gazebo. She blew a gust of air so she could sit on the roof of the structure.

"No matter what I do, I seem to always do the wrong thing." Ikki sighed as she layed down on roof. "I try to do things my own way and Jinora criticizes me. So I do things her way and that's no good either!"

Ikki rolled to her side, tucking her arms and legs close. "Meelo thinks I'm a ditz and Rohan's a toddler. I wish there was someone... someone who got me..." The young airbender whispered to herself. Her eyes started to droop and it wasn't long before she drifted off into a light sleep.

Ikki awoke to soft voices. She rolled over to the edge of the gazebo to see Korra and Asami standing outside the temple door.

"I'm getting kinda nervous." Korra said scratching the back of her head.

"We can wait to tell people tomorrow if you want."

"No, I'm ready" The Avatar said clenching her hands and straightening herself up.

Asami giggled and turned her body to Korra's. Between the vacation and the boat ride Korra's hair had become a mess.

"Just a second," the engineer said as she started fussing with Korra's hair, tucking several wild strands behind her ears.

"Is it that bad?" Korra whined as her hair was patted down.

Asami moved to fixing her girlfriend's collar. "I just want you to look somewhat presentable when we make our grand entrance."

"How do you always look so good?"

"I have my secrets. There we go, much better. Now we can go inside." Asami said taking Korra's cheek and giving it a quick rub with her thumb.

Ikki watched from her perch, silently mesmerized by the interaction between the older girls. Her stomach leapt when she saw Asami lean in and softly kiss Korra. Their eyes closed and bodies pressed together. In that movement they appeared to be completely unaware of the world around them. Never had Ikki seen an interaction between two people that she wanted to emulate more. Her cheek burned with an ache to be touched that way.

The older girls disappeared inside and the spell was broken. Ikki rolled back to her original position on the gazebo and stared up into the night sky. She heard what everyone had been saying about Korra and Asami. Ikki was curious about the idea of the two girls being together like that, because it was so different. Now, having seen it up close, it was like a whole new world of possibilities had opened up for her. A want inside her she had been found. Ikki wanted a girlfriend too. Her heart raced at the realization. She couldn't go inside and join her family yet.

Opal couldn't stay focused on the conversations happening around her. She was still processing the Earth Kingdom and United Republic's decision to seek the death penalty for her brother. It was unprecedented. Even Zaheer's life was never in question during his trial. Then again, a major victim was the Air Nation. That nation, her nation was more forgiving. People of the Earth Kingdom were not known for forgiveness. Her people are stubborn as the element itself.

Discovering these two sides of herself has been an interesting experience. Growing up as a non-bender, Opal never felt very connected to her country's namesake element. Personally she thought her people could stand to loosen up a bit. When air came to her, it was like the puzzle in her life had been solved. She felt immediately connected to the element; its ability to yield and change. Air's experiences mirrored her own with her hardheaded family. It wasn't until she started having to put the Air Nation's social principles into action that she realized she did share some of the deep-rooted traits of her Earth heritage. Forgiveness and letting go is hard for her. She was still struggling with her feelings over her brother and Kuvira. Kuvira was easier to focus on. Kuvira was easier to hate. Kuvira was the reason her brother left their family. Kuvira was the reason he was possibly going to be executed.

Opal's seething was interrupted when Jinora entered the room. All the heads at the table turned to face her.

"Did you find them?" Tenzin asked.

"Yes, they should be here shortly." Jinora said taking a seat next to her mother. Pema patted her daughter's knee once she was comfortably seated.

Tenzin anxiously stroked his beard. "Good, good."

There was a long moment of awkward silence.

Bolin's eyes moved around the table. It was a small group tonight, just Tenzin's family plus Bumi and Lin. Mako was working for Wu until he returned to the Earth Kingdom and the rest of Opal's family wasn't feeling very social, for obvious reasons.

After Tenzin sent Jinora back to the Spirit World, the group decided to stick around the Air Temple to wait for the girls to return. The mystery of Korra and Asami's trip was about to be solved, but it was clear that at this point all of 'Team Avatar' had come to the same conclusion. Bolin sighed before he addressed the table.

"I think we're all thinking about the same thing, so I'm just going to come out and say it. Clearly Korra and Asami went on a romantic getaway to the Spirit World. Jinora's continued denial of knowing why they left has solidified the idea within me."

Jinora crossed her arms in a huff and shot Bolin a look. "Don't worry Jinora, it's clear you are under an obligation to not disclose and we will not rat-pig you out." The eartherbender gestured to Jinora as he rose from the table.

"My friends, when did this flower of love begin to bloom? None of us are sure, but it has. Korra and Asami are two of my dearest friends and comrades and I plan on fully supporting whatever may come of this relationship. I hope that you all will also support them, as they navigate the treacherous seas of love in a cruel and unforgiving world. May we set an example of tolerance and understanding for others so they too can treat their love with the respect it deserves. Together we can-"

"What are you talking about?"

Bolin's face flushed when he saw Korra and Asami standing in the doorway. He looked around the room for help but everyone was just as startled and red faced. Korra and Asami looked around for answers as well.

"Korra, Asami, I was just...uh..." All the gusto Bolin's felt earlier had left him.

"We know." Lin said with a shrug. All eyes turned to the grumpy older woman. "What?" Lin addressed the room, feeling everyone's gaze.

Korra opened her mouth to speak but Lin cut her off. "Jinora didn't say anything, we figured it out ourselves."

"Oh…Well uh…" Korra stammered.

"We're all happy for you two." The Metalbender added.

Everyone turned to Korra and Asami as Lin spoke, each nodding with agreement. Korra looked over at Asami, both of their faces were red now. The Avatar grinned as she took her girlfriends's hand.

Bolin made his way over to the two girls and pulled them into a big hug. He squeezed so hard they both let out a squeak. Bolin gave them one more squeeze before letting them go. "Oh, you two! I think it's great, but don't sneak off like that again! You had everyone worried or confused, or both."

"Yes Dad." Asami whispered patting Bolin on the shoulder.

Bolin took his seat next to Opal. She grabbed his hand and gave it a squeeze. Asami and Korra sat down next to Bolin.

"Okay now that's settled, can we talk about a real issue? My foolish nephew's life is on the line." Lin grunted.

Tenzin nodded, clearing his throat. "As I'm sure Jinora told you, Bataar Jr.'s trial has begun and the United Republic and Earth Kingdom are seeking the death penalty for his crimes."

The two girls nodded. "We didn't realize time was moving slower in the Spirit World, by Asami's count we had only been gone eight days. I wanted; we want to be there for the trials." Korra explained looking around the table, making sure to seek out Opal. "I'm sorry we're late."

Opal nodded and gave Korra a small smile. The Avatar smiled back and settled into her seat.

Tenzin continued. "We wouldn't have felt it necessary for you to come back, if it wasn't for the punishment being sought. We need you both to testify in Baatar Jr.' defense tomorrow. We all feel you'll be most creditable witnesses because neither of you are a Beifong, are dating a Beifong or dated a Beifong. Asami, you are our best witness because your relationship with the Beifong's has the least obvious ties. The jury is from the Fire Nation and Water Tribes, so we are assuming your involvement with this group isn't common knowledge to them. It would be best if you even came to the court house tomorrow separately to further your distance from us."

"Of course, I'm happy to help. When does it start tomorrow?" Asami asked.

"The trial begins at nine each day, we all plan on getting there around eight." Opal jumped in.

"I'll be there at eight forty five. I should get going then..." Asami said getting up from the table.

Korra mirrored her actions. "But…"

Asami offered a smile. "Walk me out?"

Back outside the temple Korra stood in front of Asami shuffling her feet. The engineer couldn't help but giggle at her girlfriend's childish behavior.

"We're showing up separately tomorrow, that doesn't mean you need to go now."

"I don't want to go either, but it would be for the best. I should check up on my company and put myself together. I want to look professional and not like I've been wandering in the Spirit Wilds for weeks." Asami's eyes softened, seeing that her explanation hadn't made Korra feel any better. She pulled the shorter girl into a hug.

"I'll miss you too."

Korra squeezed back hard. "I already miss you! I've gotten really used to having you around."

Asami nuzzled her face into Korra's hair. "I know... me too..." She whispered. Asami started to move away but she was held in place.

"Korra?"

The Avatar tightened her hold. Asami sighed and resumed hugging Korra back.

Korra eventually let Asami leave the island. It startled her how attached she had become over the past week or weeks. She still couldn't believe they were gone that long. Coming back and knowing how much time had passed here made her feel like she had been asleep for days. She had no regrets about it. She just wished they had a little more time to themselves as a new couple. Like Asami said the world may never be ready to wait, but the Avatar was determined to not let it come between them.

The Avatar looked around her bedroom. It felt odd coming back to it. As if while she was away she had out grown this place. Maybe it was just because she'd be sleeping alone for the first time in a while. Though they hadn't officially coupled until tonight..? Korra shook her head; she needed to stop trying to make sense of the time. They had slept side by side the whole vacation and Korra was looking forward to finally being able to hold Asami in her arms tonight.

"So much for that idea..." Korra muttered to herself.

"Hey Korra..."

She turned around to see Jinora in her door. Korra smiled and motioned her to come in.

"I swear I didn't tell them about you two." The young airbender started as she walked towards the older girl. Korra met her half way and put a hand on her shoulder.

"It's okay, I believe you. Here." The Avatar let them to her bed and they both sat down on opposite ends.

"They already suspected before I even went to find you the first time. Not in a bad way, just something seemed odd about you guys going alone."

Korra chuckled and pulled her legs up under her chin. "I guess it was. I mean, they were right in the end."

Jinora fidgeted with the blanket nearby. "What I really wanted to say is that I'm sorry for interrupting you guys, twice."

"It will be ok once Asami and I interrupt you and Kai a few times."

The young airbender's eyes widened. "But we get so little time together!"

Korra smirked and shrugged her shoulders. "Then you'll know how we feel."

"Not fair! You two are older and you could live together if you wanted. I'm going to be stuck in a dormitory till I'm married." Jinora said with a huff.

"You really don't think Tenzin will let you two share a space until you got married?" Korra paused and looked at Jinora's raised eyebrow. "I'm sorry kiddo."

Both girls relaxed into their spots on Korra's bed. They shared a few moments of comfortable silence till Korra spoke again.

"So... Have you and Kai ever... You know..." Korra said trying to sound casual. Jinora sat up straight in her seat, face red.

"No..."

The Avatar felt her face getting a little red.

"Do you want to?"

Jinora looked down on the bed. "I don't know. I'm not sure if I'm ready for all of that yet. Have you ever done it?"

Korra fully flushed. "No, I haven't."

"Do you want to, with Asami?" The young airbender pressed, keeping her eyes on the bed.

"I think so, but I don't know if I'm ready for that either."

Jinora looked up at Korra. They both smiled and let out a sigh.

"It's nice knowing someone feels the same way." Jinora said softly.

Korra chuckled. "It is. I've kept a lot in the past three years, but I'm starting to get the notion that if you share your feelings, you'll find out someone else knows what it's like. I…"

The Avatar fell silent as she looked down at her feet.

"Are you thinking about Asami?" Jinora asked.

"No, Kuvira... I was able to talk her down that day because I was able to empathize with her. I've haven't told anyone about this, but when the Spirit Portal opened and we were both inside it, I had a strange vision. I first saw myself and then I saw her as my reflection. Like the Spirit World was hitting me over the head to point out how alike we are...Saving her that day felt like the final act in healing myself."

Korra paused for a moment. "But now…now I don't know what I should do with her. Was my judgment clouded because I see myself in her? Would protecting her further just be for my own interests, instead of what's best for the people? Maybe the Spirit World was sending me a message saying this is what could happen if I get out of balance. I was in a really dark place for a long time. I wonder... had I not had the support I did, could Kuvira's fate have been my own?"

"I don't think so. You've never had one cause to be hyper focused on like that."

"I have. My recovery, that's all I thought about for years. It almost became all consuming."

"Almost is the key word and it was a personal goal. It was not about other peoples or nations. It's different than what Kuvira was trying to achieve."

Jinora said adjusting her position on the bed to better face Korra.

"But it was motivated by the same desire, control."

"You can't worry about what could have happened to you, because you have a huge family that loves you. We'll always be here when you need us. Don't be afraid to let us in on what's going on with you."

Korra chuckled.

"I get it, going off to the Spirit World like that was not a good idea considering my recent track record. I'll never sneak off again, I promise!" Korra said raising her arms in the air and shaking her fists at the ceiling.

Jinora giggled at the Avatar's antics. "At least the one who missed you the most was with you this time."

"Did you know Asami...felt this way about me?"

Jinora shrugged. "No. It wasn't anything I really heard of until you two left. I could just tell she really missed you."

Korra rested her chin back on her knees. "I'm going to make it up to all that lost time."

"I wouldn't worry too much about that. Do you think things have worked out the same way had you been here? I don't believe is predestination, but I think there is a balance to all that life throws at you. I really began to believe it when you left open the Spirit Portal and brought my people back from near extinction. It brought balance back to the four elements. I think it also brought a balance into the lives of those that were given air bending. Kai was an orphan, but got a second chance and a family through air bending. Uncle Bumi was the only non-benders in his family, and now he feel more connected to them."

Korra nodded as she listened.

"Then you lost your powers for a long time, but it gave you understanding of being powerless. Asami has lost all of her family, but it has taught her that family is who you choose to have in your life. She was always part of the group, but seemed to hold us at arm's length. I was happy when she finally accepted us into her life about a year ago. Then there's me, I never got to know my grandfather, but his reincarnation has become like a big sister."

Korra blinked back a few tears before grabbing the smaller girl into a tight hug.

"I feel the same way, though sometimes it feels like you're the older sister, since you can be so wise."

"We can take turns."

The two girls separated. Not long after, Tenzin stepped into the doorway.

"There you are Jinora."

"Sorry, I just wanted to catch up with Korra."

"Don't stay up too much later girls; we have an early start tomorrow. I need you both dressed and ready at sunrise. Korra, I want you to think about what you're going to say tomorrow. We can discuss it over breakfast."

"Yes Dad."

"Yes Dad." The Avatar said with a grin.

Tenzin furrowed his brow slightly and turned to leave. "Goodnight girls."

Korra and Jinora giggled.

"I should go, night!" Jinora said as she got off the bed.

Korra waved her off. "Good night."

Once Jinora was gone, Korra flopped down on her back. "Right, I need to think about Baatar Jr. tonight..."

After Korra figured out the key to Baatar's motivation, she had pretty much dismissed him as a threat. Therefore she had thought very little about him since. He was just a fool in love, and not the evil mastermind Kuvira presented him as. Korra felt a pull at her heart. She still couldn't believe Kuvira was willing to sacrifice him to stop her. The shock had physically weakened the man. Clearly that move was not something he ever anticipated his Fiancé being capable of either. And here he was now, standing trial for the crimes he committed for the woman he loved, but did she even love him? Was he standing by what he did, or was he repentant?

Whatever the case, he didn't deserve death, but what kind of punishment did she feel fit? They were probably going to ask her, since she was opposing the current one. What did he really deserve? What did the family of his victims deserve? What did his family...

Korra rolled over to her other side. She imagined herself suggesting a punishment with all of her family and friends in the audience looking back at her. Suyin and Opal's faces stood out from the crowd. Suyin was like an aunt to Korra now, and Opal a cousin, maybe even sister. Tenzin was right; Asami is the best witness because she's not as close to the family and...

The Avatar sat up and smacked her head. how could she forget about Asami's father? Asami was very much a victim of Baatar Jr.'s involvement too. What does she think he deserves? Obviously not death, since she agreed to help.

Korra really wished they had talked things through together. Then she could understand how she could do right by the victims. Maybe that would just cloud her judgment more... No, she couldn't think about this as a friend of Suyin and her family, as Asami's girlfriend, or even as Korra. She needed to think of this as the Avatar, only there would she find the balance of justice.

Korra knew sleep was not going to happen now, so she left her room to go to the gazebo. She needed to meditate and speak with the only other being that understood the Avatar's plight, Raava.

To be continued...