Once again, I am very thrilled with the response! I also did not realize there were much, if any, Huan/OC. I will probably update two or three times a week, though weekends are another story entirely. I don't have much time then.

I also apologize for the length of the chapter, though I hope you guys like it anyway!

Chapter 4: Banana

I did not have to be told when the airship carrying Avatar Korra arrived. It became quite clear very quickly. There was somewhat of a hum in the city, and I decided it might be in my best interest to stay away for a little while.

After all, it wasn't me they were looking for. Why should I trouble anyone?

I avoided busy areas, and I also avoided Opal. Not because I dislike her or anything, but because I had no desire to be in the way. It was also her choice to decide whether or not she wanted to go with Korra, and I would not influence her either way.

It was while I was slipping around, trying to be unnoticed, that I came across an angry Huan. He was muttering to himself and shaking his head in front of the sculpture he had been working on. I could only make out a few bits and pieces, like "the nerve" and "talentless little" and "disrespect."

"Huan?" I began, stepping timidly up to him. At first, he did not hear me. "Huan?" I asked again, this time placing my hand on his sleeve. "What's wrong?"

He looked up suddenly, apparently shocked or startled. I wanted to apologize, but he gave me no time.

"Himiko, does this look like a banana to you?" he demanded, his tone dark, his gray eyes angry.

I looked to the sculpture he had worked so hard on. If he were not so upset, I probably would have laughed. It looked far from a banana to me. Instead, I chose to tell him "No. Not at all. Who would give you that idea?"

He gestured behind me with a jerk of his hand. I looked, but I saw no one. I would get to the bottom of it later. I did not like seeing him distressed. My hand slid down his sleeve to take his. He looked at me, surprised, but still furious.

I placed my other hand on top of the one I held. "Don't worry about it," I said softly, trying to sound as soothing as I could. "You know it isn't a banana - "

"But - "

"Ssh," I said, beginning to stroke his hand. "I know it isn't a banana. The people who matter know it isn't a banana. So what if someone interpreted your art as a fruit? People see what they want to see. If it looks like a fruit to them, they just aren't imaginative."

It seemed as though my words had done the trick. His scowl slowly faded. He began to nod. "You're right," he said with a sigh. "I should leave it alone." He paused to suck in a breathe, then exhaled slowly.

"Is it complete?" I asked, taking my hand off his to motion towards his work, then replaced it onto his again.

He did not answer me immediately. Instead, his gaze slipped down to my hands. I blushed deeply, realizing he did not even realize I had been holding his hand. I made to let go, but he placed his free hand on top of mine.

"You're very wise, do you know that?"

I could feel my face getting hotter, and so I looked away. "Been told that once or twice," I muttered, my focus now on a small beetle crawling towards my feet.

"Himiko." I did not look up. He took his hand off of mine and cupped my chin, turning me to face him. Faintly, I wondered if perhaps there was a waterbender in the immediate area, because I felt like I could melt into a puddle. All he said was "thank you," but it was obvious to me he meant it deeply.

"Any - anytime," I stammered.

It felt like an eternity had passed before he asked, "Am I keeping you from anything?"

"What would you keep me from?" I asked. "I don't have much to do."

His hand slipped from my face back down to my hand. "You must have some spirit who wants your attention."

The way he worded it caused me to laugh. "Lately they've been avoiding me," I confessed. I wanted to tell him of the small, winged fox. I decided not to. People would listen, but understanding was a harder thing for them to do. Instead, I said, "I think, though, I'm the one keeping you from your work."

It was on the tip of my tongue to ask again if he had completed it. He turned to face his sculpture, little frown lines appearing on his forehead. "I know. It still doesn't seem right."

I let my hands slide out of his, sad to do so. "Don't let me keep you from it," I said softly. "But if you need me - "

"I know where you'll be," he finished, a faint smile pulling at his lips.

I wanted to stay there with him, but I made myself leave his side to go to the gardens. I knew it would be hopeless to try to connect with the spirits, so instead, I sprawled out on my back in the grass, letting the sun hit my face. I sighed heavily, but happily.

Above me I heard a faint chirping sound. I opened one eye, then another. The small, beady eyes of my evasive spirit friend were staring back at me. "Hello?" I said shyly. "What are you?"

It made its strange, faint little chirp again, then licked my face. I giggled, for I have never been 'kissed' by a spirit before. Sitting up, I looked at it. It squished its bushy tail, then leaped into the exact same bush it had hidden from me in before.

The day was far from over, but I had never felt more hopeful. Or confused.