It's hard, trying to fight the impulse to steal her away from her responsibilities and decisions; seeing her repeatedly worn down by her duties, the scars that multiply before they even start healing, the tears he knows she wants to shed but cannot. That's Korra alright, acting strong all the time.
What beats him is the smile that seems to be plastered on her face regardless of it not reaching her eyes, just for show, always for the sake of others. He wishes she would just let go of all her feelings once in a while, with him and only him of course. Worry wart he might be but that is the only way to go with the ones he love. Bolin, Korra...
Oh. He loves Korra, to what extent he is not sure but it is not anything less than the willingness to die for her. But there is Asami, his girlfriend, and she also needs him. There had been a spark of attraction with her but with Korra it seemed natural, magnetic even. But he cannot think about that right now because the only thing that matters is that Korra is safe. It kills him that he did not even have the slightest idea of where she was, and the relief he felt when she was slumped in Naga's back was overwhelming although it still pains him to admit that her polar bear dog has done more for her than he could've had.
He shakes his head.
How preposterous his thoughts are when what is important is that Korra is lying in her bed, with her hair down for once. That was the first time he saw her with her hair loose and the thought made him smile. It is moments like these that he could willingly let his feelings for her show, when nobody is looking, not even Korra.
Suddenly, he held her hand, coarse from all the hardship she suffered. If only there was a way where he could shoulder all her duties for her, be beaten down for her, he would. But that was not the way of the world. In this lifetime, all he can ever do for her is be there when she needs him - and that is exactly what he plans to do.
Their time will come, he is sure of it, but it cannot come fast enough. Maybe when Amon is beaten down, maybe when Republic City is back to its general splendor, maybe when the Equalists begin to understand the importance of benders to the world, maybe then they could have their chance. Maybe, just maybe.
