Asami was sick. There was no nice way of putting it. She felt the same all morning, with no significant change. The doctor who visited issued an annoyingly unhelpful diagnosis of "most likely stress-related." It was a complete waste of money. Maybe she'd get a second opinion. For the time being, Asami entertained herself by hovering near the washroom for the fourth time, waiting for the thermometer in her mouth to offer more conclusive results. Plucking it from between her lips, she looked at the numbers along the side. Perfectly normal. Again. She sighed.

Asami awoke with a stomach-ache. She did some minor chores, paced around the estate, even prepared food for herself, but nothing helped. She merely lingered at the dining table alone, staring at a plate of tarts, assorted fruits, and nuts. She leaned her cheek into an open palm, eyelids drooping. Her other hand idly drummed a chopstick against the side of her dish to make repeated clinks. She felt tired, as if from lack of sleep. Her head occasionally gave her bouts of dizziness, throwing off her equilibrium and making standing difficult. She couldn't eat, and she couldn't concentrate. Asami felt as though she barely existed at all.

She tossed both wooden sticks onto the plate with a clatter. She stood, gritting her teeth from the screeching of the chair upon the floor which pounded in her ears. She opted for a stroll, hoping the dizziness wouldn't limit her ability to walk around and potentially get some fresh air. As Asami passed a doorway leading outside, she considered exiting the mansion, but instead continued aimlessly. Unsure of her actual destination or why she had begun to wander, she eventually found herself at the indoor pool. Deciding to stop, she stepped into the open area. Chairs and cushions stretched along the edge of the crystal clear water, visibly fed by a lion turtle statue spouting a fountain from its mouth.

Asami walked to the nearest poolside lounge chair and sat. Easing her house-slippers off, she extended her legs enough to rest her feet in the water. While she didn't fancy a swim, the slowly-moving current did feel somewhat calming. Still finding it difficult to concentrate on anything in front of her eyes, she closed them, trying to let the rippling water help her relax. The water was slightly cold, but it would do.

Asami's week had been topsy-turvy to say the least. Some days felt good and others didn't. The previous day was much better, though she had trouble sleeping then, too. Besides the morning, the rest of the day seemed to have gone well. Meeting with Korra was nice. And it felt good to get out of the house and experience a sense of accomplishment for a change. Following the handling of the situation with Kuvira, Korra came back to Republic City for some much-needed rest, and Asami returned to her duties at Future Industries, only to find the company running itself. She found more free time now, and less to worry about. Somehow that only caused her to worry more.

She assumed taking Korra out on a motor bike for the first time would be a fun experience. And she had been right. Teasing the Avatar was always its own reward. Korra often reacted predictably to prods and pokes. Over time, Asami learned how to talk Korra into nearly anything. Besides which, the act of riding on a motorcycle wasn't any worse than riding on a polar bear dog. And of course she expected Korra to find the ride to be a fun experience as well.

It was hard to say if Korra enjoyed herself. The ride around the city ended up being almost eerily quiet. She looked over her shoulder on more than one occasion, and it appeared as if Korra was lost in thought. At the very least, she didn't seem fearful of the bike ride. But Asami didn't want to break the tension or Korra's concentration by intervening in whatever she was thinking about. She did wish that Korra spoke to her more. Though she improved, Korra still suffered bouts of depression. The only thing that Asami wanted was to see Korra build up the nerve to talk it out and work through it. But as time passed, Korra kept more and more things to herself.

Korra did, of course, nearly suffocate Asami during the ride. Not intentionally, of course. But due to whatever daydream Korra was having, she ended up gripping much too hard around Asami's middle. Asami was focused entirely on the road until Korra's arms snared her like a vice. The sudden squeeze forced her breath out. Failing to pry the Avatar off, she resorted to yelling. "K-Korra," she choked. "Korra. Too tight!"

Korra let up, then proceeded to nearly fall off the bike. And out of the blue, she directed both of them to the park. Asami obliged without actually understanding the purpose of the visit. Once there, Korra tried to teach her how to fish. Or, how to throw spears at fish anyway. Asami felt no real motivation to learn such a trade. She couldn't imagine herself catching, preparing, and cooking a fish from start to finish. The Avatar was no doubt more used to that type of thing. But it was an opportunity to bond and observe Korra, to make sure she was doing okay.

Asami took the time to carefully monitor Korra, attempting to read her emotional state. Her behavior felt more impulsive and unguided than usual, which was saying something. Korra had to know that Asami didn't want to eat unprepared fish. Even sashimi was hand-crafted by talented chefs. The thought of it reminded her of the "food" she tried that Bolin seemed to affectionately refer to as "street gruel." No thank you. The behavior had to be something else. Her only suspicion was simply that Korra felt guilty about always seeming down, and wanted to pay Asami back for the kindness she experienced. It was a terribly sweet sentiment, if true, even though all Asami really wanted was to see Korra happy again.

Once she talked Korra out of eating pond-fish, the two wandered off-topic and spoke about several other things. Korra's imagination resulted in a discussion over the logo for Jiang's Dojo, which to Asami obviously read "Practice." But laughing along with Korra over the interpretation of the sign, as well as the clouds in the sky, made Asami feel much better. She hoped Korra was feeling better, too.

The two did finally make it to the restaurant as was the original plan. Asami was content to enjoy some real seafood, prepared expertly by a skilled chef. The two of them picked through a marvelous selection of dumplings and fried shrimp, octopus fritters, clams, lobster crab, and seaweed wraps, much of it over rice. Lunch passed by relatively quietly, if only because Asami felt hungry for the past several hours, and Korra always seemed capable of stuffing her face. Often times to comedic effect.

"You might want to slow down a little," Asami warned after seeing Korra pounding her chest with a balled-up fist, her mouth full of food. Korra displayed a sheepish expression while trying to wash the food down with tea. Asami's only option was to snicker at Korra's misfortune when she transitioned from eating too quickly to burning her mouth with hot tea. Asami pushed her glass of ice water closer to Korra to douse the flames in her throat.

Despite the rest of the events, the walk home had actually been the most enjoyable part of the day. When Asami started to put her bike helmet back on once outside again, Korra asked if they could walk instead. Asami originally intended to question if Korra was afraid of being on the motorcycle again, but opted to oblige the request. Both girls set off down the street, Asami pushing her bike at her side. Even though only yesterday, Asami barely remembered what they discussed. The conversation itself wasn't really the point of the interaction. Asami elaborated on some new ideas being worked on at Future Industries, and Korra told a story about Tenzin's kids showing her some new airbending techniques. But Asami really only recalled being able to get Korra to speak openly, and converse with a smile on her face.

Asami rolled her eyes to the ceiling, raising her chin while starting to recline in the lounge chair by the pool. A walk sounded like a good idea. Maybe it would help her to clear her head and work out some of the illness she could still feel aching in her joints. She withdrew her toes from the water and moved to stand. Asami's arms and legs extended to their limits, hands overhead, and eyes clenched shut so that she could work every little kink out of her body in one long stretch. Once done, she drifted out of the pool area and into the hallway.

She relocated to her room and began to pick over clothing, even with the pull of her stomach still nagging her. She took less care to select an outfit this time around. She wouldn't be showing off to anyone anyway. She just hoped to find something comfortable to wear. A simple long skirt, a top, a jacket. Some leggings which only vaguely matched the color scheme. Smaller shoes with no heels. She pulled her hair back into a fist, holding it up while finding a pin to keep it together with. She didn't particularly feel like styling it. Similarly, the thought of applying makeup just sounded taxing. So, she didn't.

Asami paused near the mirror, inspecting herself. While far from her greatest effort, she decided that it would do. She'd only be taking a brisk morning stroll. Her feet moved, pushing off from her standing position to send her back into the winding halls of the large and empty estate. She passed through the kitchen, stopping long enough to lift a single moon peach tart from the previously discarded plate and take a bite. While her stomach still bothered her, she thought it best to eat something anyway. She quickly downed the tart and scurried outside. With the cooler air giving her a slight chill, she slipped her hands into her pockets.

She walked past her parked motorcycle, pace slowing until she stopped entirely to consider it. The prospect of zipping around town seemed fun. But with the occasional dizziness she felt, she judged it to be a bad idea. Still, maybe she'd take it out for a spin later on when she was feeling up to it. Maybe go down the same roads with the same sights. Try to understand more fully what the silent Korra may have been thinking or feeling. What did the Avatar daydream about?

Asami kept walking. She shrugged her shoulders and settled her hands more securely in her pockets. She decided she'd trek alongside the road for as long as she could. The brisk mid-morning air wavered from comfortable to cold. And naturally, her stomach still ached despite the bite of food. She started to wonder how Korra felt.

Korra, Korra, Korra! Asami couldn't seem to keep her mind off the girl. She wasn't even entirely sure why. She furrowed her brow in frustration at her apparent mental persistence. A mild bout of dizziness made her wander off the path and seat herself on a bench which faced the street. She set her elbows on her knees and put her head in her hands. "Augh, why can't I think of anything else?" And while the dizziness subsided, she still felt crummy. It remained difficult to concentrate. Unless it was about the Avatar.

Her green eyes caught movement on the other side of the street. Any distraction to give her something else to focus on. She narrowed her eyes to focus more clearly. It was an elderly couple. She could at least make out what looked like Earth Kingdom attire. Travelers, most likely. The man was in a wheelchair, being pushed along by the woman — she assumed the woman was his wife, though she didn't rightly know. The old man seemed lively and expressive, though. He was pointing and clearly talking, even if Asami couldn't make out the words. And his wife would lean down closer to listen when he spoke. They were cute together. She envied that; she hadn't been that close to anyone since she broke up with Mako.

The couple with the wheelchair drifted out of sight, leaving Asami by herself again. She immediately thought of Korra, when she was in a wheelchair. Oh, she knew she couldn't keep her mind off Korra for long. Leaning forward more, Asami tilted her head down into her hands. Her fingertips stretched across her forehead and scalp and into her hair, holding her head with a heavy sigh. She closed her eyes, letting her mind go where it obviously wanted to go.

Korra was sick. Much like Asami now, only far worse. It almost seemed silly to dare complain about her current symptoms, having seen Korra in the position she was in three years ago. Asami was there when it happened. During the last confrontation with Zaheer, when Korra collapsed on the ground. The details all seemed so vivid and realistic as she recalled it. Korra had poison in her body, and it was killing her.

It was impossible to watch, and just as impossible to look away. Asami watched in horror from afar, her hands clutched tightly to her chest. She couldn't stand to see it happening. It felt as though a part of herself was dying. She felt completely helpless, and so utterly alone. Her best friend — her only real friend. She wanted very much to rush to Korra's side and comfort her. But Korra's father was already there. And soon, so was Suyin Beifong. They were already tending to Korra, and there was nothing Asami could do for her. So she stayed back. And watched. And nearly collapsed to her knees in tears when Su removed the poison and Korra opened her eyes, and spoke.

The next few weeks were very difficult for both of them. Even after it was removed, the venom in Korra's blood took all of her strength. She could barely move, and was restricted to a wheelchair. Asami rarely left her side, and she knew Korra felt miserable the entire time. Asami wasn't sure what to do, or what to say. She tried to stay positive. She knew Korra nearly died, physically, but it drained her mentally and emotionally as well. She couldn't stand the sight of Korra wasting away, and didn't want it to see her lose hope as well.

Asami gradually accepted more responsibility for Korra, becoming more of a caretaker each day. She wanted to make sure the Avatar stayed within arm's reach, to make sure nothing else happened to her. She soon found herself helping pick out clothes and sometimes put them on. She cooked for Korra frequently, usually preparing soups or other simple meals like rice. Korra could feed herself, but never ate much. Asami wanted to tell her she should eat more to regain her strength, but it was too early to challenge her.

Asami read books of all kinds to Korra to pass the time. Some about ancient battles and brave heroes and others about star-crossed lovers. Korra could read by herself, of course, but Asami was certain they both benefitted from the company. She liked to read humorous books the most, even if she very rarely got a chuckle out of the young Avatar. One such joke about a camel yak made Korra tear up in pained laughter, although Asami never understood the punchline. It was still good to see Korra enjoying herself.

Asami developed terrible sleeping habits during the time she cared for Korra. She frequently found herself waking up in the chair next to Korra's bed. The Avatar was prone to nightmares, and Asami tried to stay nearby to wake her if need be. She slept at odd hours, drifting off whenever she found a moment's peace. Some days, Tenzin would take Korra out to enjoy nature or to give history lessons. Other times, Bolin would stop by to chat with her. And while Asami appreciated of all the support and help that Korra's friends offered her, she also felt that they occasionally only came by to relieve Asami so that she herself could get some rest. Tenzin in particular was very good at sensing when Asami needed a day off, even though he was too kind to put it in such words.

Two weeks following the incident, Korra had her first opportunity in some time to make an actual public appearance. Asami spent the entire morning selecting appropriate clothing and getting Korra ready to attend Jinora's airbending master ceremony. The dress that she selected was much nicer, and more feminine, than the type of clothes Korra generally wore. But it was for a special occasion. While Asami helped Korra into a proper outfit, Korra's willingness to leave started to waver. "I'm not sure I want to go," Korra said in a weakened voice. She sounded defeated, and she looked it, too. Korra had dark circles under her eyes from lack of any consistent sleep, and the lingering nightmares that she dealt with almost every night. She refused to elevate her eyes past the floor, and her face lost most of its glow. Grins and smiles were so uncommon now that Asami cherished every one.

"You should go," Asami returned with a gentle, but dismissive tone. She brushed Korra's hair, pulling the entire length back to keep it straight. Korra occasionally twitched in protest when Asami pulled on a knotted bit of hair, but Asami appreciated the feedback, in a way. It meant Korra was still paying attention and could feel everything. "It'll be good for you. Trust me."

"I just don't feel ready. And I don't want to make a fool of myself."

Asami twitched the edge of her lips. She didn't know how to say it, but Korra had every right to show up, in whatever state, and not have anyone talk down to her for it. She calmly played off the comment while pulling back on Korra's hair. She lifted and spun a portion near the top, wrapping it into a small bun and resting a decorative cap upon it. She picked a pair of hairpins off the nearby window space and slid them into Korra's hair to keep it from coming undone. "There you go. All fixed up for a formal Avatar appearance. Take a look." She held out a mirror so that Korra could see herself in it and comment.

She knew, though, that Korra sensed her hesitation to have the conversation. Neither of them wanted to argue. There wasn't enough energy in either of them to commit to that. But Korra needed to attend, and she tried to pout her way out of it. She lifted her tired eyes enough to see herself in the mirror. "It's great. Thanks."

Asami lifted her hand from Korra's shoulder. She had rested it there to make sure Korra knew she was still with her. She reached to a flat surface nearby, putting the mirror away. She walked around Korra's chair with a slow and deliberate pace. Bending down, she lowered herself to her knees. She replaced the hand on Korra's shoulder, looking upward into her sunken eyes to offer what comfort she could. "You know, nobody expects you to bounce back right away. It's only been two weeks. You need time to heal."

Korra had a blank look on her face, completely devoid of any meaningful expression. She stared straight forward, almost through Asami, not focusing on her at all. She merely blinked, either unwilling or unable to say anything in response. It hurt Asami deeply knowing what Korra must have been feeling. As much as Korra pushed herself, she saw very little improvement in her condition. Korra was close to giving up, and Asami didn't want to see it happen.

To break the silence, Asami moved her other hand. She raised it into Korra's lap, along the top of the hands folded in her lap. She gently extended her long fingers, easing her fingertips over the back of Korra's hand to clutch it tightly. The movement and the squeeze caught Korra's attention, forcing her to look down at Asami's worried face. "I want you to know that I'm here for you. If you ever want to talk, or—" she began. She came to a halt, though, unsure in that moment what to say next. She fumbled through words in her head. What could she say? And more importantly, what was she trying to say? She felt uncertain of her own thoughts and motivation. She pushed on regardless, failing in her attempt to be succinct. "—anything. Let's just try to enjoy this today. For Jinora."

A stronger look of realization showed on Korra's face as her eyes raised, along with her eyebrows. She finally began to pay attention to Asami's words, and even appeared to be looking for the meaning in them. Asami still didn't know if her message was clear enough. But she hoped Korra knew that she'd do anything to keep her from being hurt again. "You're right. Okay. Let's go."

Asami stood quickly, releasing Korra's hands and trying to flash her a smile. The Avatar was still hanging her head, and Asami couldn't blame her for it. She knew Korra was at her lowest point, and needed guidance. Likely more guidance than she herself could offer. She stepped around the wheelchair and helped turn it, walking Korra out of the small room to find the rest of the attendees.

The two of them reunited with a large group which had gathered outside the temple. Tenzin and his family, as well as Kya and Bumi, Korra's parents, Lord Zuko, President Raiko, and several others. Korra seemed well enough to greet most of the people who approached her. She took compliments from her parents and Tenzin with a somewhat dopey smile on her exhausted face.

Then, Raiko spoke. "I'd like to officially welcome you back to Republic City. I know that the last time we saw each other it didn't end on the best terms. But I want to thank you for taking down those Red Lotus terrorists."

Asami's expression changed quickly. Her eyes narrowed, and she stared at the man addressing Korra. She listened to each and every word, noting how absolutely hollow they felt. It didn't sound as though he meant a bit of it. He threw Korra out of the city not too long ago, and now only approached her as a political move. Just a ploy to gain favor among the current demographic that viewed Korra favorably due to her deeds. Asami was grinding her teeth and tightly clenching the handles of the wheelchair. She wanted to show support for Korra, to be the one to stand up for her. But she couldn't make a scene or embarrass the Avatar. She stood down, not saying anything at first, giving Korra the opportunity to speak for herself.

She didn't. Asami wished she knew what Korra was feeling, or thinking, but the Avatar merely returned silence instead of speaking up. Instead of confronting him, she instead just lowered her eyes. She looked sad, and Asami didn't want her to build any stress from the encounter. She loosened her grip on the handles of the chair and leaned forward. It was almost painful moving her teeth again after the tight clamp. "We should get inside." Tenzin's other children helped alleviate some of the tension by running up to the wheelchair and bouncing around Korra. Asami mustered a faint smile when Meelo jumped into Korra's lap, and Ikki helped her push.

Asami remembered the ceremony being beautiful as well. But now, sitting alone on the side of the street while cars drove by, she started to miss the hustle and bustle. The entire group seemed closer at that time, three years ago or so. She wondered if they'd be like that again some time, and if Korra would ever fully recover. Korra made great strides and improved dramatically, but still had a lingering air of depression at times, and was still reluctant to talk about her feelings. She just wanted the old Korra back.

She rubbed at one of her eyes, squinting with the other and clicking her teeth together. She felt short of breath, taking in a deep inhale to let it back out again. She was frustrated with feeling sick, but also frustrated with herself. "What is wrong with you Asami?" she murmured under her breath. "Why can't you stop thinking about Korra?"