Tahno jolted up with a start. Sweat made his hair stick to his forehead and covered his skin in a thin layer. His breath came in pants as his heart started to slow back to its normal pace. He hated waking up like this. It made him feel like he was a child. But he couldn't ignore the fact that Amon had terrified him. He thought about going to see Korra but after seeing how late it was decided against it. She needed to rest after all she'd been through.

He walked into his bathroom and splashed some water from the sink on his face, trying to cool himself down and wash the sweat off. He caught sight of his reflection in the mirror. He almost looked like himself. His hair wasn't styled like it used to be but…he sort of didn't mind. He had to admit, he looked better. But the bags under his eyes still weren't completely gone. Tahno figured that if the nightmares continued they never would be.

This nightmare had mostly been the same. Replaying the events that had lead to his Bending being stripped from his person. But instead of letting him fall into the water, he was held at Amon's feet.

"You're her latest charity case?" he had asked, using the councilman's words. His dream self had been taken aback by this but had quickly substituted his shock for anger. "I wonder if she plans on making a habit out of picking up strays." His dream self had responded the same way he had, his tone defensive.

"I'm no charity case." This had just caused the madman to chuckle.

"I wouldn't be too sure. What would the mighty Avatar want with a slimy Nonbender like youself? Especially given your history. The only reason she continues to talk to you is because she feels like she's failed. You're just a project."

"We're friends," he had argued weakly. That was all that could be said before Amon had tossed him into the water, the shock waking him up.

Had the councilman's words really affected him that much that they would haunt him in his nightmares? He had dismissed them as the Waterbender just trying to get a rise out of him, but…what if his mind really had latched onto the possibility? Hadn't he seen the guilt in the Avatar's eyes when she offered him her assistance?

What if he really was just a charity case?

He shook his head and splashed some more water on his face. He was being ridiculous. He and Korra were friends. She was there because she actually cared. Right? He let out a deep sigh and didn't bother trying to go back to sleep.

*** Korra blocked Tahno's punch before sending a kick toward his stomach. The Nonbender blocked the kick and tried to knock her off balance but she caught onto his plan and sidestepped before delivering a punch to his head, connecting with his temple. The boy staggered back, slightly dazed and didn't have time to react before she swept his feet out from under him and pinned him.

Korra grinned down at him in triumph as he simply stared back at her. "I believe I won, Pretty Boy," she said. Tahno didn't reply, simply waiting for her to get off of him. She did after a minute, puzzled by his attitude. She offered him a hand, which he silently took before patting down his muscle shirt and pants, trying to get the dirt off.

"Hey just because I won, doesn't mean you need to be so sore about it," she teased. Tahno still said nothing, his focus seeming a million miles away.

Korra raised a brow. Now that she thought about it, this match had been shorter than their previous ones and it hadn't seemed as if Tahno was even trying. "Hey, something wrong?" she asked. Tahno met her concerned gaze with his own dull one.

"I just didn't sleep well," he replied, an edge to his tone. Korra looked taken aback. "Nothing you should concern yourself with, Avatar." The girl frowned. The ex-Bender sighed before managing a small smile. "Forgive me. I'm just drained," he apologized. Korra nodded.

"It's fine. Was it Amon?" She knew the answer.

"Yeah…it was." He didn't go into further detail and Korra didn't ask him to. She knew better than anyone the fear that still woke her up in the middle of the night. It had been renewed since escaping from Tarrlok's cabin.

"I'm sorry." He looked over at her, brow raised quizzically "I should've have been there to stop it," she stated. She didn't meet his gaze. He frowned down at her. So she did feel guilty. Did this mean that the former councilman was right? Again, Tahno shook his head. Korra helped him because she wanted to…not because she felt guilty. Since when did Korra do anything she didn't want to anyway? But still...something in the back of his mind wouldn't let the idea go.

He came back to reality just in time to block a surprise punch. He caught her fist, seeing the guilt was gone from her expression and was replaced with a challenging smirk. "Why don't you actually try to beat me this time?" She grinned when a wicked gleam entered his eyes.

"Are you sure? You may not win if I actually try." It was a challenge and her eyes lit up with it.

"Go for it, Pretty Boy."

And just like that the sparring match began, both glad for the distraction. Tahno had to admit, she was getting the hang of his fighting style. She was a quick learner and she was certainly giving him a run for his money. By the time they decided to call it a draw, they both were panting and drenched in sweat. Tahno smirked over at her.

"Not bad, Avatar. Still a little rough around the edges though."

"Oh, please. I barely broke a sweat," she said with strained bravado. Tahno shook his head as they both collapsed onto the ground.

"Whatever you say, Avatar." They laid there in silence, both trying to get their breath back. They listened to the waves as they crashed against the rock, their element. Though, Tahno supposed it wasn't his element anymore. He looked over at his companion and found her laying there, eyes closed, and a peaceful smile on her face as she listened to the lullaby of the waves. This made him smile.

The peace of the moment didn't last long though.

"Korra, Tenzin wants you to come in for dinner." Tahno mentally cursed the Firebender's interruption. Korra sighed and stood before turning to face the elder brother.

"I'm coming," she replied. She looked back over at Tahno and sent him an apologetic smile. He simply shrugged. "I'll see you later, Pretty Boy."

"Most definitely," he replied with a smile. Korra smiled back before walking passed the Firebender and toward the main house. Mako followed her after sending one last glance at the Nonbender.

**** I seriously think I just pulled this out of my ass. What was I thinking?

So the idea is everything has been going real smooth for them right? Well I wanted to throw some doubt in there. But I think I might have failed. This was so lame.

Im out! Peace!