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"I love you, too."
When she said those words, in the throes of profound relief and bliss, she had meant them. The hug, the kiss, the smiles… coupled with the rediscovery of her bending and the apparent victory over Amon, everything had been absolutely perfect.
Until the death of Katara.
Until reports that Amon had resurfaced at the North Pole.
Until Mako told her he had yet to break up with Asami.
As quickly as she had risen to glory, Korra fell just as fast. In the face of victory, in the face of loss, she felt entirely alone.
Until she saw his warm golden eyes and tiny smile.
Until he gently wrapped her fingers around a soothing cup of ginseng tea.
Until she unwittingly realized that he was by her side, just when she needed it.
Until she heard those three words in his distinct, raspy voice.
Before she knew it, Korra had risen up again, to fight and win and tell off anybody who dared stand in her way. And this time, when she whispered the words in his ear and kissed his cheek, she saw his answering smile and knew for certain that he was it.
"I love you, too, Iroh."
I appreciate every single review as much as we all appreciate General Iroh II's badass bending skills... and his face.