The Tension That Her Touch Seemed To Trigger Had Her Gaze Captured, Although ONCE AGAIN She Couldn't

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.❞