Disclaimer: I do not own Legend of Korra.

Late upload once again. My apologies. I did what I can on this one. I hope you like it.

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Day 6: Secrets

The storm raged through the mountains, winds making the trees bow down. Heavy downpour caused the rivers to overflow. The afternoon training wasn't postponed. This was all a part of their training. The members were given freedom to choose their partners and they were scattered throughout the woods, no equipment, all must survive in the storm with only the things available in the environment they are staying in.

P'Li found the nearest cave she could see when she managed to produce some light. She pulled Zaheer into the cave with her, both shivered as they sat down on solid floor. She removed the band that kept her braid in place and squeezed the excess water after untangling her hair. A small ball of fire formed from her hand. Her cheeks turned red at the sight of her boyfriend.

Zaheer stripped his soaked robe and squeezed the water right away. This revealed the toned body that he has, achieved from all the heavy training. He noticed her blush and felt worried. "Are you alright?"

P'Li nodded. She clenched her fingers because of the cold and the fear of taking her clothes off, not wanting Zaheer to see the signs of her horrible past. Her clothes were still soaked with rainwater, not giving her much of a choice.

"Hey, I won't look if you don't want me to." Zaheer turned his back.

"Right." The combustionbender put out the flame in her hands first before she took off her top and taking out the excess water. She unrolled her clothes and placed it at a nearby rock. She touched the scars, the flaws that her skin contained, and the torture she endured during her stay with the warlord. Whenever she failed to do as she was told, multiple whip cracks marked her skin with wounds. The warlord was merciless on her, even resorting to having a heated piece of iron to be pressed onto her skin, branding her as his war machine. She left the bindings on her chest and crossed her arms and stared outside the cave.

The young strategist placed his hand on her shoulder, startling her. He removed his hand right away at her sudden motion, feeling concerned. "P'Li, you know you can always tell me what's wrong."

"I know. It's just-" She stuttered. "I can't. I just can't." Part of her just wanted to forget everything but the memories seemed to haunt her. She felt a strange surge of energy when Zaheer pats her back, making her gasp.

"Oh- Oh, I'm sorry. I- I didn't mean to-"

"It's okay." She said, avoiding his eyes.

"I'm sorry. I won't ask anymore. I'll be here when you need me." He sat down into his lotus position and took a deep breath before meditating.

She sat down on a smooth surface, near him. The combustionbender didn't notice him opening his eyes and suddenly touching her hand.

"I'm cold."

"Oh, let me." She formed a flame from her hand, slightly bigger than the previous one.

"Thanks." Zaheer leaned down to her shoulder. Although he didn't mean to do it, he knew what he touched. He knew what he did. He was worried about her, the nightmares coming to her every night. He often saw her sneak out of her tent and fold her knees, feeling insecure. He never had the chance to talk to her about it. The last few days were full of heavy training and lectures, and Xai Bau had included him to attend to meetings together with the other Grand Lotuses.

Now that he knew what she had to say, he respected her and didn't ask unless she wanted someone to talk to. He respected her of what she had to bear during her stay within the tyrant's grasp. For him, these scars represented her bravery.

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Zaheer's felt his eyes open when the sunlight shone through the windows. The sight of her cheongsam on the chair reminded of him of what happened last night. He saw his lover lying comfortably against him. He saw he burn mark covered by the tattoo of the symbol of the Order of the Red Lotus. The scars were still present, he thought. He placed kisses on her back and nuzzled at her neck.

Her eyes fluttered when she felt his breath on her neck. "Hmm?"

"Nothing, love. Go back to sleep." And they both did.

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You understand my references, yeah?