There Was Increased Breathing, Sounds Of An Internal Struggle Before Green Eyes Vied For Her, " — Korra.

i think i hauve covid

she stood back & gladly watched from the sidelines as korra navigated the rolling storm of children, her hair whipping around her as the fallout made its way over. but the sight saw a smile touch her lips, warmth in her stomach & along her skin as she watched korra clearly in her element. it was nice seeing this side of her.

but... she couldn't get over the fact that she was barely making eye contact with her, at the ready for more than the ones in their care ... did she really think so badly of her ? ... she thought they had something & whatever sticky mess they'd gotten into wasn't worth this friendship. she could HOPE that korra might open up to her but in the meantime... she knew she could at least try showing her they would always be good.

she was surprised frankly that korra hadn't taken off in a whirl of air along with the kids the first chance she got, finally sparing a glance her way. " — uh, " in the moment it took her to react her choice had already been made for her as she saw the last of the three disappear from her vision, a gentle shrug as she warily agreed, " sure, why not. " she had always wondered what it would be like. & she trusted korra, so she asked no further questions. no resistance was put up to the sheer force of air that gusted her straight into the other girl — her hands curling naturally around her biceps as she clung on, the safety of the ground left behind. the familiar lurch in her stomach might have resulted in a small shout that unfolded into astonished laughter & gleaming eyes— just like taking a bend at top speed.

" ... i think there's hope for you yet behind the wheel. you've got great adaptability. "

❝...The Avatar will protect you...?❞

A weak rally behind a weak chuckle. Because Asami's generosity makes her want to die. Or fall through wood slats, never to resurface. Or never speak to her again— which, incidentally, she’s tried. But. Rice. Paper. Walls.

She’s itching under the collar, she’s sweating in the chill evening air. Shouts clamour land-side for the glory of the night's first mischief, but it’s the one too-agreeable voice that sets her ears ablaze. The waters below lap nervously at the pier. She's almost sure she's about to spontaneously combust.

❝It's fine. Really. Jinora, Ikki, Meelo, and Rohan, they're family to me.❞

The shift in subject feels like a clean breath. She starts to move, gathering conviction, desperate for the distraction of said company.

It's much harder to spare a thought for the other stuff when engulfed in a mini vortex. That's when the Avatar comes alive, shedding the whispers of tension for hearty belly laughter. Not that she's avoiding talking- she wants to talk about all that's happened, but... look where that headfirst straightforwardness has gotten her before. She imagines spring's thinning ice with Asami, imagines the rush of words she's holding back as a sheer blunt force—-

she wonders what anger looks like on Asami.

Air scooters emerge before the picture emerges. Up stone steps, too fast for feet. She looks to her side in question.

❝I can- ❞ take you away like I did Mako ❝ -if you want...?❞

just the two of us…

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the tension that her touch seemed to trigger had her gaze captured, although ONCE AGAIN she couldn't exactly be sure if the daunting task of keeping three highly active air-bender children busy for a few hours had also yanked the rug out from under her or... the perpetual elephant koi wedged between them. she just WISHED that korra would talk to her about it already, but then she doubted rushing the avatar into a conversation like that would lead anywhere good ( the urge to let everything spill from her mouth kept her lips flattened into a line & her teeth catching her tongue. ) ... maybe she wasn't completely over the whole thing but she'd ALSO never let something so petty come between them. she liked korra, she liked her a lot.

“ i'm just glad i get to see it with you around. ” a warm smile thrown in her direction as her hand eased away, relief & calm rushing through her with korra around despite everything. “ ... — thanks... again, for offering to help earlier. i'm sure on top of all the other duties you've had since getting your bending back & figuring out air bending a night off would've been nice. but i really appreciate it. plus, it's nice to finally catch up with you again. ”

❝Wouldn't dream of it.❞

The Avatar's conviction spills over, full-hearted. ( If only the bravado went any deeper than skin. )

But the smile in her eyes is genuine— she can definitely relate to the children's excitement of being given free rein at long last. And, in the same vein, commiserate with the deputised at this time. Which is why she's here. With Asami. --It's not like she doesn't also live on this island, or spend most of her time here gladly orbited by the children; she's here to help a friend.

Because they are. Friends. The uneasy place in her stomach keeps score ( she's not sure ). She keeps her stance easy, unonfrontational, watching the dwindling distance with only a side glance. Close enough to attempt a grapple now, —not that she thinks Asami would want to, but if she did, she wouldn't exactly be unjustified, not after—-

Coiled muscles suppress a twitch upon contact, and she woefully considers bending a cold sea spray for the heat on her cheeks.

❝Not that I've not seen you handle yourself in tougher situations, but Meelo's just invented a new airbending move that's... -you have to see it for yourself.❞

Some Korrasami! Referencing a screencap and challenging myself to redraw it with a different colour scheme :D

I’ve been hesitating to post it for a while, but here it is anyway.

I wonder if you miss me like I miss you

I sold my soul to colour this… :’)