Title: "When I'm Alone"
Description: One sided Borra drabbles that are connected in a disjointed way.
Notes: This is inspired by the song "When I'm Alone" by the Rifles because I'm awesome. Seriously, though, it's a pretty great Borra song. Also, this is my first fanfiction in a very, very long time. So I'm kind of excited about posting it. Hope you all enjoy.
They walk the streets of Republic City after dinner. She's laughing and he's smiling. Ice cream from a street vendor makes for a perfect dessert and a perfect excuse to be around her for a little more time.
Dim light from street lamps drift around her hair and her skin. His footsteps are light as he skips and dances around her. Her laughter bounces off the buildings and his ears are drunk on the sound. He wonders what it would be like to leave a kiss on her shoulder, her hair, her neck. The nighttime air is making him feel brave.
A bit of her ice cream gets on her face. He presses his thumb to her cheek and wipes it away. A spark of something passes between them. His eyes linger on her eyes for a moment too long.
She pulls away. He apologizes. They are only friends, after all.
She gets a makeover done for a date she is having later with his brother. Her face is powdered, her eyes are lined, her lips are stained a rosy hue. Her hair is set in rollers for hours and he can't help but tease her. She playfully knocks him over with some airbending and they laugh.
Later, she is in a dress and tall shoes. She is beautiful to him everyday but this is a side of her he hasn't seen. He tells her she is stunning and she turns away. She doesn't want his brother to hear him.
He starts to feel frustrated and tries to explain he's only paying her a compliment. She is in love with his brother, she tells him firmly. He accuses her of being ridiculous and she turns away. She tells him that this isn't the time to talk about such things. But they both know that there will never be a time to talk about such things.
She leaves on the arm of his brother. They do not speak for several days.
She comes into his room around midnight. Tear tracks are running down her face and her shoulders look heavy with grief. He takes her into a hug. It is as if the fight hadn't happened.
She explains that she has been arguing with his brother. He strokes her hair and gives her all the advice he can. Tear stains cover his chest and her fingers clutch at his back. He wants to tell her that he'd never treat her badly. Instead, he holds her and tells her that his brother will come around.
The tears stop and she smiles at him. Like a warm draft of air she disappears out of his room. The scent of her on his skin is a lullaby that sends him into a peaceful sleep.
The others are preparing to attend a festival in the city. She asks him to attend and he declines.
She protests, claiming she will have no one to enjoy the festival foods with. He smiles wide and reassures her that he will be here when she gets back.
Her hands are on top of his. Her blue eyes stare deep into him as she asks once more.
He wonders again in that moment what it would be like to kiss her shoulder, her hair, her neck. He feels his heart beat quicken. He looks away.
All his unspoken feelings, all the things she ignores between them, his brother's foolish abandon with her heart. These are the things he feels as she pulls her hands from his.
Politely, he declines her invitation once more.
They leave for the city without him. He remains in his room by the window. His heart aches for her when she's not around, but it aches so much more when she is. When she is away, he is allowed to show his sadness. Sometimes a smile is difficult for him to wear.
The afternoon sun beats down on him through the glass. He closes his eyes. It is easier to bear these things when he's alone.
