CHAPTER 1

After leaving the party, Korra sat in her room on Air Temple Island, thinking about the invitation she just extended to Asami. Goosebumps crawled over her skin as she contemplated what the meaning of their 'vacation' really was.

Very slowly, and one perfectly folded and re-folded article of clothing after another, she packed her sack. She didn't have much, so packing really wasn't that difficult, but just thinking about their next adventure was twisting her mind a way that pulled her focus away from what she was doing. 'Is this a vacation for friends… or girlfriends?' she considered to herself while shaking her head before asking her self a similar, reworded question one after the other.

It couldn't be coincidence that Asami mentioned her fear of losing both the Avatar and her father in the same day. She thought for a moment, 'what about everyone else? Had she feared losing them too, or was there a special meaning?'

Thinking back, there had been so many indicators that their friendship had been growing closer, possibly into something more. 'She did offer to come with me to the South Pole during my recovery. Not once did she push for me to return, and when I came back it seemed like we easily just picked up where we left off. Almost like she was waiting…'

A knock on the door stirred her from her thoughts. She walked to the door, sliding the screen to the side as Pema appeared behind it. "Oh, hi, Pema. Is everything okay?"

Pema glanced over Korra's shoulder, taking in the sight of the half packed sack lying on her bed. She turned back to the solemn looking girl, giving her a quizzical look. "Are you leaving to go somewhere?"

Korra spun around halfway, seeing her items, and then realizing she hadn't told anyone about her plans. Bowing her head and completing her turn, she stepped towards the bag and began playing with the toggles hanging from the top of the sack. "Right… Sorry. I guess I forgot to mention that I made plans with the Asami to go visit the spirit world."

"Hmm, I see…" Pema whispered to herself, bringing a finger up to stroke her chin as she nodded in deep thought. After a moment she continued, "do you mind if I ask what type of trip this is?"

Korra looked over to her in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"Well, is it a short trip? Will Mako and Bolin be joining you? Should I pack some food for you?"

Korra sighed, trying not to give away her anxiety over the situation. "Thanks for the offer, but I think we'll manage. No, the guys won't be coming with us. And it's more like a vacation… just the two of us." She looked away in shame, unsure what Pema was going to think.

Pema reached a hand out and placed it on Korra's shoulder in a soothing way that made Korra breathe a little easier. "Korra, sweetie, you know it's okay for you two to go away together, right?"

"Is it?!" Korra peered into her eyes with vigor in her stare and a little bit of concern in her voice.

"I'm getting the feeling that there's a little more to this vacation than you're telling me. Do you want to talk about it?" Pema asked with a soft, welcoming tone.

Korra sighed again, turning to push her items on the bed away so that she could sit down. Her elbows leaned on her knees as she slummed down in deep thought. Pema sat next to her, quietly waiting for her to speak.

Several minutes passed in silence before Korra spoke again. "It's just that… Things over time between Asami and I have grown closer. I think everyone is aware that we're very good friends. However, I've never felt like it was JUST a friendship. I'm pretty sure there's more too it. In fact, I know there's more to it… at least for me there is. I don't know what Asami thinks. We've never talked about it. But at the wedding I sort of took a chance and asked her to take a vacation with me. I didn't even quite realize I was doing it, like something else inside of me took over and decided to jump right in."

"I assume she agreed if you're packing."

"She did."

Pema thought for a moment. "You mentioned that it will just be the two of you then?"

"I did."

"Hmm… Would you like my observation?"

Korra looked up enthusiastically. "Yes, please! My wind has been swimming around different ideas for what feels like forever and I haven't been able to talk to anyone! Please, Pema, I don't know what to think or do or say!"

Pema, once again, rested a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Calm down dear. First of all, I think it's a good sign that she agreed knowing that it would just be the two of you. If she was uncomfortable in any way, she would have declined. Asami is a smart girl. She doesn't do things that she doesn't want to do. Second, I'd be lying if I said I hadn't noticed the interactions between you two changing over time. I always wondered if there might be something more…" She trailed of in thought.

"Really?" Korra asked brightly, her eyes widening in this new realization.

"Yes, really. I see the way you two look at each other. There's an unmistakable bond there, there's no doubt about that. What it is exactly, I wouldn't be able to tell you." Korra slumped again at that comment. "That's something you two will have to figure out for yourselves. A vacation is a good start, though."

"What if it's not what I'm hoping for, though? How do I convey my feelings without ruining our friendship?" Korra asked, her head bowed, looking slightly sad.

"I think you just need to talk to her. Communication is important in any relationship, friendship or otherwise. Asami is a very understanding young lady. I highly doubt she would cast you away for expressing how you feel," Pema reassured her, giving her shoulder a little squeeze.

"You're right. I should just talk to her and get it out. I know what I want… and I want Asami." A determined smile made it's way across Korra's face as she looked up at Pema. She returned the smile, taking in the young woman's brief moment of happiness before noticing the smile fade away into a look of fear.

"What is it, dear?"

"Is… is that okay? To want Asami, I mean?"

"Oh, honey…" Pema pulled the girl into a tight embrace, petting the back of her head in an effort to calm the girl's nerves. She pulled away, forcefully gripping the broad shoulders in front of her and looking straight into her eyes. "Love is love. A wise man once said, 'you can't help whom you love; it's a part of our life and it causes nothing but grief to deny it.' Don't you think for one second that any of us wouldn't approve. We all want nothing but happiness for you, and if Asami is who will make you happy, then by all means, explore your relationship to the fullest."

Korra pulled to amazing mother figure into another embrace, whispering, "thank you."

After a minute or two, Pema pulled away and stood up. "You're welcome, dear. Now, you better finish packing. I don't know when you plan on leaving, but I know how easily distracted you can be and I don't want you to forget anything important."

Korra nodded in return and Pema walked out, closing the screen door behind her.

'Don't forget anything important…' she mused. After a moment, she stood up and strode over to the dresser, pulling a small box out of the top drawer and placing it in her sack, taking care to put it towards the bottom so not to accidently lose it. 'I will never forget the things that are important…'