Asleep
He saw her first. His eyes darted across her body, her face, taking in every inch…
He smiled, warmly but with a hint of edge, a glimmer of fire beneath his cool surface.
"Avatar Korra. What an honor it is to meet you." He bowed and took her hand, brushing his lips against it. Korra jumped, startled by his gentle touch.
She was all too aware of her cheeks reddening and even more aware of Mako's eyes locked on her face.
After introductions were finished, Iroh requested that the Avatar and her friends join him in is cabin to discuss a new plan of action. Mako disagreed with the suggestion.
"Well it is getting a little late. We'll need all our strength over the next couple of weeks. Besides, we have already formulated a 'new plan of attack' General," he said, voice dripping with sarcasm.
Korra shot him aloof of pure fury, laced with flashes of embarrassment as she responded pointedly, "Well I don't see any problem formulating a strategy with the General. Besides, we have no plan at all, Mako. Unless you've been holding out on us?"
"I understand Avatar Korra. A well rested mind is far more effective than a weary one. And my apologies Mako. I did not mean to imply that any plan I should have would take the place of yours. I was merely suggesting that perhaps a combination of our ideas, especially your familiarity with the Equalists and the City, could become the most effective strategy, " Iroh responded kindly.
Mako's rage escalated as he turned to leave. "Well I'm going to sleep. We can make plans in the morning. You coming Korra?"
Korra gaped at Mako, astounded by his abrasiveness. "Actually I'm not tired. I think I want to hear about General Iroh's plans. But you can go to sleep Mako."
Mako and the others headed to their new chambers onboard the warships, As Mako stormed down the corridors, Bolin jogged along, trying to match his pace.
"Yo, Mako! Are you ok?"
"Yes! I'm fine! Great in fact now the our esteemed General Iroh is here!" he spit, voice and manner reflecting that he was anything but.
Meanwhile, Korra sat in Iroh's office, musing over possible affronts against the Equalists already inside Republic City. But soon, the conversation turned as the General started asking Korra about her life. She was sprawled on a couch, seated next to Iroh, as he asked her about, her training, her parents, her time in the city, even Naga.
Korra began to ask him questions too, but she hadn't been completely honest when she told her friends she wasn't tired. Her vision begin to blur and the last thing she remembered seeing before drifting off was warm amber eyes gazing at her, and the sound of soft laughter filling the room.
"And tell me, what was it like when..? Korra?" Iroh realized the young Avatar had fallen asleep on his couch, Her head was nestled gently on his collarbone, where she had place it just before she snoozed off. He thought about waking her, but then realized how tired the young women must be.
With a little effort, Iroh twisted himself so that he could comfortably lift the young Avatar in his arms. Her strong, normally ferocious body, lay limp and vulnerable in the general's arms. As he strode the corridor, bringing Korra back to her room, he couldn't help but realize the beauty of this young girl. Asleep she looked so calm, the beautiful curves of her face relaxed, at peace.
As Iroh glided swiftly through the halls, taking Korra to her room, he apparently didn't notice the figure peeking through the door of his own chamber into the hallway.
Mako's eyes followed Iroh, his gut churning with a mature of anger, pain, and longing. Mako retreated into his room after they passed, curled up in his bed and tried to forget everything he had just seen.
Unfortunately he couldn't