Authors Notes: Thank you to ToasterMarketingBoard for editing this chapter!

Asami's was room was dimly lit by a few candles on her two bedside tables. The only noises Korra heard were the soft panting sounds. She looked down to the woman below her and was startled to see dark skin like her own. Korra flinched and looked farther up to see the hooded eyes of a woman similar looking to her, but different. The eyes that looked at her with such longing were so familiar...

"Katara?" she called out.

The woman smiled and wrapped her arms around Korra's neck.

"Aang..."

Korra feverishly blinked until it was milky pale skin that lay below. She sighed with relief and moved her hand to the dark patch of hair at her partner's core. Upon entering, she heard a throaty moan, from a voice she did not recognize. Again the Avatar looked up to identify her lover, but it was a woman she did not know.

"Roku, don't stop."

Korra's eyes fluttered open. She looked around the familiar walls of her Air Temple room and sighed with relief.

"That was a weird dream… Katara, then some other woman who called me Roku... Roku...? Avatar Roku! I had a sex dream about my past lives past wives!"

Korra nestled her head back into the thick nest of black hair besides her and gave the body in her arms a squeeze. 'A thousand lives worth of sexual experience and I can't tap into any of it...' Korra let her hand around Asami's middle stray lower. Her stomach clenched at the contact. She felt the full curvature of the older girl's hips. Korra had never touched another woman's hips; they felt different than hers, softer with more dips. It was nice. She let her hand slide under the fabric of Asami's night clothes and ran her hand over again. The Water Tribe girl's heart started to race at the feel of Asami's bare skin.

"I do want you… I hope you know that..." Korra dared a squeeze of the soft fleshy mound over her hip bone. 'I'm scared… Scared I won't be the kind of lover you want …'

The Avatar thought back to her experiences with Mako. They had fooled around a bit, but like rest of their time dating, it ended with some kind of an argument. Mako wanted to go farther, but she wasn't sure about it. They both didn't always like the way they touched each other. It was a mess, especially since they really did like each other. They just bumped heads, no matter what they were doing.

Korra felt a pang of guilt. At this point she was completely over what didn't work between them, and felt closer to Mako because of it. She thought Mako had felt the same way, but apparently she was unaware of the obvious, like she was of so many things, it seemed… 'Ugh, this is what Asami was talking about. I can't keep going over the past. I need to start looking towards the future. She said I should take all the time I need… And what I need to do is slow down, and take my time, with everything.'

Suddenly her room door slid open with a loud whoosh. "Korra, Asami, you need to get up!"

Korra jumped from her spot, and Asami lifted her head from the pillow. Both girls looked at the wide-eyed Pema in the doorway.

"Come on, the jury is back from deliberations, they're going to announce Baatar Jr.'s sentencing this morning!" Pema said, making and upward gesture with her hands. "I'll circle back for you in five minutes, we're all going together."

Asami sleepily turned to Korra. "I think that's all you, Babe. I better stay here… I've got to keep a low profile..." Asami murmured as she let her head fall back onto the pillow.

Korra had already left the bed to start getting ready. She frowned at her girlfriend, and then cocked her head in confusion. "Babe ?"

Asami just smiled and shut her eyes.

The Avatar muttered as she walked around the room, gathering up the day clothes she had carelessly tossed aside before bed. Once she was dressed she turned back to the bed. Asami appeared to have truly fallen back to sleep. Korra smiled and gave her a quick peck on the cheek before leaving to find Pema.

When the Air Temple Island group arrived, the Beifongs were already seated in the front row of the courthouse. The defendant's side was fairly empty, and on the other half of the courthouse it was mostly government officials and the press; not nearly the same turnout as for the trial itself. The group hurried to their seats and took up most of the next two rows behind the family.

The judge hit his gavel a few times to quiet the remaining side conversations. "Please let the jury in," he called out.

The twelve selected jury members quietly entered the room. The last one in passed an envelope to the judge before taking her seat. Time seemed to slow down as the judge fiddled with the envelope, carefully breaking the wax seal.

Finally he read the jury's statement. "We the selected jury have decided the maximum suggested sentence of twenty years imprisonment in the facility of the Earth Kingdom's and United Republic's choosing to be a sufficient punishment for the defendant's crimes."

The room remained silent, all eyes shifting to the Beifong family. Suyin clutched one hand to her heart and the other to her husband next to her. The audience was unsure what kind of reaction it was, until she barely audibly murmured, "Oh thank goodness."

Korra looked to Jinora, Tenzin and Pema, who were sitting to her left. They didn't need to speak to convey the relief they felt.

The judge turned his attention to Baatar Jr. and gestured towards him with his gavel. "Do you have anything you wish to say before you serve your sentence?"

The convicted engineer looked to his lawyer as if to get the confirmation it was okay to speak. The slightly built man nodded and Baatar Jr. rose from his seat, still shackled.

"I uh…" The engineer's voice was hoarse and he audibly cleared his throat. Korra realized, this was the first time she had heard him speak since she captured him.

Korra couldn't help but wonder now, did he know what she knew about Kuvira? He never took the witness stand, to confirm or deny her theory about him being a 'fool in love.' No, she quickly dismissed the thought. He couldn't have known, because when she threatened to keep him away from her forever, the expression he made was that of sheer terror. He really did love her.

'What does he think of her now...' the Avatar wondered. She was the one who brought up the notion that he was acting mostly out of his love for Kuvira. Had Baatar Jr. come to a similar conclusion on his own, or was her testimony just more salt in his wounds. She took comfort that it resulted in his life being spared, but looking back at what she said; it was probably a bit embarrassing for him.

The judge cleared his throat, getting impatient. "Do you have anything you wish to say, Baatar Beifong Jr.?"

"I want to sincerely apologize for what I have done... Despite all that has been said in my defense, there is no justified excuse… Thank you for the second chance you are giving me, I will not let it be a decision you regret." And with that he sat down.

"The United Republic of Nations and the Earth Kingdom will decide where they wish to have you serve your time and you will be moved to that location in the morning. Court is adjourned" the judge said, with one last bang of his gavel.

That night the Air Temple hosted a celebratory dinner. Though it was only a little over three weeks ago since most of the attendees had been together for Varrick and Zhu Li's wedding, for many it felt like the first occasion in a long time when they could truly relax, especially the Beifongs. Lin even allowed herself one glass of rice wine to celebrate, and then accepted a second generous pour from Bolin. He was making his way around the large wooden table ensuring everyone had a fresh glass, per Suyin's orders. The earthbender stopped his rounds when he felt a slight tug on the back of his shirt. He turned around to see a grinning Meelo with an outstretched cup. Bolin looked around to see if anyone was paying attention before pouring a splash of wine into the young airbender's cup. Meelo eagerly inspected the contents, and then his shoulders slumped.

"That's it?"

"Take it or leave it, kid," Bolin said with a grin.

Meelo brought the cup closer to his body, out of fear that Bolin would grab it back.

"I'm good," Meelo said as he started to back away, and with a gust of air he was gone.

"A thank you woulda been nice," Bolin called out to the direction the young boy left in.

Suyin stood from her seat at the table and started to clink her spoon on the side of her glass. "Firstly I wanted to thank everyone for being here, and Master Tenzin and Pema for hosting our little get-together tonight. My family could not have gotten through this time without everyone's support. I wish to apologize on my son's behalf, to all of you, because all of you have been affected in some way by his foolish actions. I also want to ask you for your continued support in rehabilitating Baatar Jr. My goal is to find a way for him to give back to the people of Earth Kingdom and Republic City during his time in jail. I would love to hear any suggestions people have. Now please drink up the wine, I bought a lot of bottles and I am not taking any back to Zaofu."

Suyin raised her glass and then took a hearty swig. The rest of the table followed her lead in raising their glasses and taking a drink. Ikki looked over at Jinora and pouted.

"Wish we had some wine."

"I do," Jinora said offhandedly, taking another sip from her glass.

Ikki's face contorted with disbelief. "What, how?"

"Dad let me have some."

"No fair, why?" Ikki said, looking at her own glass as if she could find some answers in the bottom of it.

"Because I'm practically an adult. Besides, it was barely even half a glass."

The younger sister stood up from her seat. "I'm going to go sit next to Asami."

"She's not going to give you any," Jinora called out.

"I don't care about the wine, she's my friend and I want to sit next to her. Hmph!"

Ikki made her way over to where Korra, Asami, Bolin and Opal were sitting. She made herself comfortable right on the corner of the table between Asami and Bolin. Korra and Bolin, both with beet-red faces, looked away from the young airbender.

"Hi guys, whatcha talking about?"

Opal, who was trying to contain a giggle, attempted to answer. "We were just..." she paused to gain her composure, "...picking on Korra here about something she didn't know, but should have known. And it turns out my boyfriend didn't know either and now he is in big trouble."

"At least Korra has an excuse," Asami added, flipping her hair.

Ikki looked between their faces to try and glean some understanding about what they were talking about, but she was totally lost. "What didn't they know?"

Opal almost spit out her drink, egged on by Ikki's innocent question. She folded her arms on the table and ducked her head down, lost in laughter.

Ikki looked up at Asami, pleading to be included in the joke.

"C'mon, let's go for a walk," the older girl suggested, rising from her seat.

Ikki took the hand offered to her and followed. "Okay."

Opal looked over to Korra and quirked and eyebrow. "Looks like you've got a little competition there."

The Avatar was about to take a drink from her glass, but jerked it away from her lips at Opal's statement. "What?"

"I think Ikki's got eyes for your girl, she just walked out of here hand in hand with her, right in front of you."

Korra rolled her eyes. "Very funny."

Opal shrugged at Korra's response. "Don't say I didn't warn you, Avatar."

"That'd be something to see," Bolin said to no one in particular as he took a sip from his own glass. "Little Ikki, mackin' on Asami."

"It just happened," Opal said, grinning. "Playing young and naive is the way to Asami's heart, it seems."

Korra sat onto her knees to gain higher ground at the table. "And the way to yours as well Opal, eh Bolin?"

"Huh?"

The girls laughed at Bolin's confused response.

A little while later Jinora came over and joined the three. She took the empty space next to Korra, who had her arms resting on the table to hold her up, and a rosey glow on her cheeks from drinking.

"Hey Korra, I was wondering if you've thought at all about what you want to do for Kuvira's trial?"

Korra slumped forward on her arms, until her chin was resting on the table. "Jinora, can't we talk about work tomorrow? This is supposed to be a celebration tonight."

Jinora gave the Avatar a stern look. "We should be making our move to go see her again tomorrow if you plan on supporting her."

"You're really interested on working on this with me, huh?" Korra asked.

The airbender took a deep breath. "Yes."

Opal and Bolin stopped having their side conversation and took notice of the interaction between Korra and Jinora.

The Avatar blinked a few times before hoisting herself back to her upright resting position, still leaning on the table. "Alright, that's fine."

"And after this, I would like to continue to work with you. As future head of the Air Nation, it will be my duty to aid and teach the Avatar. I have a much to learn, and I want to learn with you, Korra. And... I think I have a lot I can offer to you too."

Korra pulled herself up from leaning on the table, realizing Jinora was being very serious right now. She took a moment to really look at the young woman in front of her. The girl had always been wise beyond her years; sometimes Korra wondered if she had lived a few different lives before being born as Jinora. She certainly acted like she was the one with knowledge from past lives.

'She is going to teach my next life…' That thought felt weird to have, but of course it would be her mentoring the next Avatar. She couldn't imagine anyone else being better for that role.

'You are the ones who will shape the world next...'

'Tenzin is right... Plus, with Mako gone, there is an opening in Team Avatar,' Korra thought, smiling to herself. She extended her hand out to Jinora. "I would like that very much, Master Jinora."

The young airbender grabbed the hand with both of hers and squeezed it tight. "Thank you, Avatar Korra."

"So what are you two 'officials' working on together?" Opal interjected.

"We are considering speaking in Kuvira's defense at her trial."

Korra's eyes widened as she heard Jinora swiftly answer Opal's question.

"What? You're going to defend her, Korra? After everything she's done?"

The Avatar panicked, looking between her three table-mates while she figured out a good answer to the question. She had forgotten how sensitive a subject Kuvira was with Opal. There was no use in hiding her intentions though, because she would eventually hear about it anyways.

"Yes, but only to attempt to spare her life. She should spend the rest of her days locked away. But... I don't think it's right to sentence her to death."

Opal stared at Korra for a few moments, scrunching and un-scrunching her eyebrows.

"The death sentence is unprecedented in the United Republic's history. We do not know what the ramifications will be if we start executing our criminals. As a member of the Air Nation, it is our belief that no one holds the right to take another's life. No matter what," Jinora added.

Bolin leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "I agree. Maybe you could like, offer to take away her bending, in exchange for her life?"

Korra flinched at his suggestion. She looked to Opal, who seemed to still be sorting out her feelings on the subject. She was staring at the table now, her expression impossible to read.

"Yeah… I'm not sure I'm comfortable taking…" the Water Tribe girl started to mutter.

"If she's locked up for life, it's not like she's ever going to bend again anyways," Opal suddenly interrupted, her eyes still to the table. "It would also eliminate the need for elaborate security on her. Besides her life, it's the only other thing left that she values."

"I need to; I'm going to talk to her, again."

"Again?" Opal cut in.

"Jinora and I spoke with her the other day, but I got too emotional so we didn't really get much resolved."

"What was there to resolve?"

"Well, we, I, wanted to find out if she… Why she…" Korra fumbled, knowing her word choice was important. But she felt on the spot, and still a bit foggy from the few glasses of wine. Jinora realized Korra needed some help and butted in.

"We wanted to find out if she had any remorse for what she has done. Korra was still a bit sensitive about your brother, and the incident when she betrayed him. Her answers were difficult for Korra to hear."

The mention of Opal's brother softened her posture. She looked at the two girls across from her. They were not her enemy. Korra had genuine concern for her louse of a brother… Just like she had concern for all people. As she should, because she was the Avatar. 'She's the Avatar…'

Opal bowed her head. She never forgot that Korra was the Avatar, but she often forgot what being the Avatar meant for her role in these situations, all situations. Korra didn't have the luxury of being able to be quick to judge and cast aside those in her life she wanted nothing to do with.

'Go into the Avatar State and demolish her entire army. Remove Kuvira from power once and for all.' The airbender heard her mother's words to Korra echo in her head and then her own. 'Just go into the Avatar State and get it over with!'

Korra did go into the Avatar State to defeat Kuvira, but not in the simplistic way she and her mother wanted. Kuvira was done; she couldn't hurt anyone any more… What side of history did she want to be on herself? Not the cruel side, not the vengeful side…

"I uh… I'd like to go with you guys, if that is okay?" Bolin suddenly blurted out. The question was to Korra and Jinora, but he was looking at Opal.

She met his eyes and she thought back to the conversation they had last night. He had found value in himself from the work he did. Having that tainted by Kuvira's deception had crushed him. She knew her boyfriend was searching for answers from that time. This would be a good opportunity for him to continue to do that.

Korra looked to Opal, raising her eyebrows slightly to ask her first, if she thought it was okay. She looked back at the Avatar, her friend. Korra had never done wrong by her. Opal then looked back to her boyfriend, she knew now he too would stand by her no matter what. He wouldn't go if she didn't want him to, knowing that made her feel terrible for even considering saying no. Bolin was so free and giving with her, he wouldn't consider his answer; he would just let her go.

"What if you came too, Opal? Maybe that would help you let what happened go too," Jinora said gently, breaking her out of her trance-like thoughts.

Korra and Bolin both smiled at the suggestion. They were both so easy to read, like dogs, eager to please, eager to love.

"Maybe it will." Opal replied, and then she finally smiled too.

The two young women walked through the temple grounds until they arrived at the gazebo. Ikki hopped up to sit on the railing, while Asami leaned on the next pillar over.

"So what were you guys talking about?"

The older girl chuckled as she remembered the conversation. "I'll tell you when you're a little bit older."

Ikki leaned back in her seat, sticking her head out from under the roof. "Ugh! I am so sick of hearing that. My mom is always saying 'when you're older', my dad is always saying 'when you're older', even Jinora says that to me."

"How old are you again?"

"I'll be twelve in a few months," the young airbender said, puffing out her chest a bit with pride.

"Yeah, I'm sorry, but this is one of those things I really should wait until you're older to tell you," Asami said apologetically.

"Good evening ladies, may I join you?"

The young women turned their attention to Suyin standing at the entrance of the gazebo, glass in hand. They nodded, and Suyin took a spot next to Asami.

"Asami, I wanted to personally thank you for testifying on my son's behalf. I was touched by your experience, and I appreciate your willingness to share that with a room full of strangers. You didn't have to do that."

"I did, for my father."

Suyin nodded. "You helped save my son's life, I will not forget that. What you said really stuck with me, the parallels between your father and my son, that's what inspired me to have Jr. give back to the world while he is imprisoned. I want to waste as little of his life as possible."

"How does he feel about your plans?"

"Jr. appears to be willing to do whatever it takes to get back into the family's good graces." Suyin adjusted her weight to her other leg. "Tell me, have you ever considered getting involved in activism? I believe we have another common thread."

Asami quirked her eyebrow, unsure of what Suyin was implying.

"Opal told me about you and Korra, you two make a lovely couple," the matriarch said, before taking a sip from her glass.

Ikki giggled, "I think so too!"

The older girl smiled at her younger companion before turning back to Suyin. "And where do you fit it?"

"My son Wei is a gay as well."

The young airbender's eyes widened at Suyin's disclosure. She had so many questions, but thought better of asking. If she ever wanted to stop hearing 'when you're older' she needed to start acting as if she was.

"Korra's actually bisexual, but I identify as gay."

Ikki perked up in her seat again. These words, what did they mean? She looked between the two women to see if they were going to elaborate, but it was clear they each understood what the other was referring to.

"I see a lot of changes on the horizon for the Earth Kingdom territories and the United Republic, especially Republic City. It's progressive like Zaofu, but is even more diverse as it is a melting pot for all the nations. Seeing how there is going to be a lot of political turnover, I think it's the perfect time to make my proposal to the people of Zaofu to allow for full marriage rights to its homosexual citizens, so all people's marriages are equal in the eyes of the law. I think the timing is right for Republic City to make their pitch as well. There is strength in numbers."

"You want Korra and I to go public, and help lead the movement here? That's a lot of pressure on a new relationship…" Asami paused for a moment. "With all that is going on, I have to keep reminding myself we've only technically been together a few days. I know Korra isn't ready. Please don't mention this to anyone, but Korra didn't know anything about homosexuality until we discussed our feelings for each other."

"Really?" Suyin asked, putting a hand over her heart. "Our Avatar is very endearing, isn't she?"

Asami blushed. "She is… This is all very new to her and with Kuvira's trial up next she's got a lot on her mind. That being said, I am interested in working with you in some way. I will need to talk with the management of my company, and Korra, before I move forward on this."

"Of course."

"And I want to help too" the young airbender blurted out.

"Ikki, I don't know…"

Suyin smiled broadly. "Why not? Everyone has something they can offer, big or small."

Ikki hopped down from her seat. "Yeah, why not? I want to get married someday too!"

"Yes… but…"

"Don't say it!" Ikki said, stomping her foot for emphasis.

"It's not a matter of being older… but when you're young you don't…"

Suyin nudged Asami. "What are you so worried about?"

Asami looked at Suyin and then to Ikki. She got down on one knee to be closer to the young girl's height. "I don't want to out you, Ikki. You're only eleven, and your feelings could change."

"You knew when you were young, remember?"

"I did, you're right."

"And you said it's good to be honest."

"I did…" She bowed her head for a moment to take a deep breath. Her heart tightened at the thought of Ikki ever feeling the way she once did about her own sexuality. "So I will be honest with you now. I admire the courage you have to be yourself; I didn't have that when I was your age. I care about you and I want to protect you. Yes because you're young, and because you're young, I can. And when your mother and father and even Jinora say 'when you are older', they are saying that because there will be a time in your life where you may have to stand alone, and despite what we want, we won't be able to help you. So you have to humor us now, because sometimes when we say that to you, we say it just as much for our own sake, as yours."

"I plan on getting enough people involved that the sexuality of those involved will not be in question. No one needs to come out if they don't want to," Suyin said as she rested a hand on Asami's shoulder. She turned her head around to look up at the older woman. Asami tried to plead with her eyes for a little more support.

"I do agree with Asami, that maybe you should keep your own preferences to yourself for now, but I would love to have your help."

"Thank you!" Ikki said, beaming. "I've already got some ideas, like maybe I could make some posters? Huan really liked my painting in Zaofu. Is he going to help too?"

"He is, you two can be the creative team."

Asami got up from her kneeling at stood with the other two. "Ikki, you will still need to ask your parents' permission to help out, okay?"

"Okaaay."

The evening started coming to a close a bit before midnight. The Beifong's accepted the offer to crash at the temple for the night, saving the commute back to their hotel for the morning. Asami and Korra had excused themselves from the group and took a short walk around the main temple building. They were now sitting somewhere behind it, on small porch area. Their conversation had resolved and a comfortable silence fell upon them.

Asami felt eyes on her and she looked over at Korra. Heat rose up her body from the intensity of her girlfriend's gaze. Silently, Korra reached out a hand, and gently held it to Asami's face. Then she leaned in and brushed her lips over the taller girl's with a feather-light touch. They hovered there for a painful minute, their warm breaths tickling the delicate skin of their lips. Finally Korra closed the distance and used her free hand to pull Asami closer.

To be continued...