just the two of us…
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do u ever think about asami's wasted potential in the narrative & cry
“ ... korra... hey— ”
she could feel the tension beneath her touch, the stinging heat of something moments away from combusting. but she only reached with her second hand to guide her nearer, her thumb brushing beneath her chin to help ground her, “ — they will be getting some help, no one's suggesting we just pack up & call it quits. ” “ i know how much you want to be a part of this... but these people have some old wounds that haven't healed yet. we shouldn't rush them, even if that means they're missing out... big time. ” her life had ultimately changed for the better from the moment korra had stepped foot into her hometown.
The soothing warmth doesn't quite negate the bruise of an ego. Korra presses on, in time with the thump thump thump of I can do this, I need to do this. Because, as much sense as the two make together,
❝But they clearly need my help!❞
❝Who holds a grudge over a ceremony that happened over three hundred years ago, anyway?❞
Decisiveness is written in her very stance. The pride! the stubbornness! none of it makes any sense! She's not about to just stand by over a slight that reaches beyond any living memory.
❝I don't care what the people of Chun want. I'm going.❞
hands on her arms drew her in closer, sensing her uncertainty & aching to unburden her of it. she took it from her readily, now thrumming with frustration on her behalf. she'd found that happening more often lately, arched brows & silent criticism pointed right at anyone less than grateful for korra's help. she couldn't stop the pressure from coming from all angles but she knew she could provide some insulation to help keep her steady.
her hands fell to korra's, squeezing them tightly, " no one's perfect at everything, & you've helped so many people while we've been on the road lately. you should be proud. all those earth kingdom towns are better off because of you. "
her face tilted with an encouraging smile, hoping to help korra see what she did; she was a lot better at all this than she gave herself credit for. a few harsh words might have her bent slightly out of shape, but she had faith she could right herself with a little help. her forehead joined hers, " what matters now is making sure chun gets the help they need — & they wouldn't be if it weren't for you. this whole restoration trip was your idea. "
The smile lacks warmth. Or her signature spark, or maybe just sincerity. In truth, she's caught up in an earlier line of thought:
Do they? Has she?
She leans in, yearning for respite. Welcomes the sense of stability in the embrace. Korra already knows Asami's unequivocal answer if she chose to ask. She never has to. But...
public sentiment seems to love to disagree
no. matter. what. she. does.
❝It's just that... everyone wants me to be some kind of diplomat or politician lately- ❞ Her face tells it all. The role fits her about as well as a glove on a platypus-bear.
❝This- is something at least I know I'm good at.❞
But the people have spoken.
her lips parted at the sudden loss of contact, arms folding briefly across her chest as she gazed across at her, separated by their tent for the night. she didn't like seeing korra like this — looking at her with hot, stinging betryal. but that's what you got when you agreed to be the messenger. she found her hands lifting in defense despite no incoming attack, " it wasn't my idea but... Tenzin thinks that I should be the one who heads back into Chun... alone. "
she tried to smother the guilt spreading across her face as she took a step closer, stopping her hands gravitating from her sides to allow korra her space, " i'd really just be making sure my mechs are all working properly, considering the dicey terrain. hey — this isn't because of anything you've done wrong, okay ? it's not your fault these people happen to be great at holding grudges — " hundreds of years great.
❝Hey!— ❞
But the playful indignation is short lived, Korra's good-natured grin falling from her face just as quickly as her hand withdraws. The roundabout manner of Tenzin's directive plays like cleverly aimed strikes to her sore points. It brings up accusations abound aimed at the Air Nomad, alongside a healthy reawakening of taking his side again.
It sets her off preemptively.
Korra's two steps back before she knows it. With arms crossed and a little sharper than she should be with her girlfriend.
❝Well?❞