Ikki soared high into the air. She floated easily along subtle currents of wind, riding each one to its destination. Each small gust had a mind and purpose of its own, and she followed it curiously to see what its goal might be. Every moment the wind shifted, Ikki adjusted the positioning of her arms and legs. Air coursed over the form-fitting wingsuit, flowing past the flared fabric to provide lift. Any tiny adjustment would send her this way or that; it was just a matter of interpreting the waves. Through careful reading of the currents, she made her way through the sky in the pattern of a figure 8.

Simultaneously, Meelo was busy cutting a sharp path through Ikki's fly zone. The younger bender tore straight upward, right through the middle of Ikki's domain. He zoomed close by her, nearly colliding in the air before reaching greater heights. A pocket of air sent him into a brief spiral, but he corrected from the turbulence well enough to resume. He ascended higher and higher, quickly out of reach of Ikki's glares, and nearly out of sight of Asami on the ground.

Asami was far below the two young airbenders, clutching a pad of papers and a simple thin brush. She turned her head to follow the motions of the duo high in the sky. Forced to hold a hand against her forehead to shield her eyes from the sun, Asami spoke up as loudly as she could to call out to the children. "Meelo, I can't see you if you fly that high! Could you reduce your altitude, please?"

"Yeah, don't you remember the story of the airbender who flew too close to the sun?" Ikki yelled. Meelo had disrupted her calm air currents and thrown her entire system into disarray. She naturally backed Asami.

"Didn't he catch on fire?" Meelo asked. "And then he could hit people and they'd be on fire too! That'd show 'em."

"I don't think that was the point of the story, Meelo," Ikki replied, annoyed.

The energetic and playful dialogue elicited a chuckle from Asami. She'd spent the last hour writing notes and taking suggestions on how to improve the wingsuits. She collected a solid eight pages and even sketched revisionary drafts onto the paper. She preferred this method of data collection. While she could perform any number of tests in the factory, the best way to secure results remained field testing. The information taken from the test flights would be utilized to create an even better version of the wingsuit in the near-future, which could itself be further improved upon.

She took non-technical notes as well. She asked both kids about other details such as color variations and other additions. Ikki did mention having a line of more traditional air nomad colors such as yellow, orange, and brown, rather than the current red and gray. Asami believed that suggestion may have come from Tenzin and Ikki merely echoed it, but she copied it down nonetheless. Naturally, Meelo expressed his desire for something in black with skulls, or green because it would "look gross." She also turned down his suggestion to put swords on the suit.

The nonbender returned to writing. She expected to gather a few more pages of information, unless of course Ikki and Meelo grew tired before then. Her concentration was interrupted, however, when she felt someone approaching. She stopped writing long enough to listen to the sound of footfalls, and to experience the chill running up her arms to tingle the back of her neck. She turned her head to the noise, flashing her green eyes at the woman now at her side. "Hello Korra."

"Hey," Korra replied in a friendly tone. She returned the same smile Asami was now giving her. "I couldn't find you at home. I thought I might find you here."

"You know me too well," chimed Asami. She looked back into the sky, preparing to ask for Ikki and Meelo to come down when she saw the two already descending after noticing the arrival of Korra.

"Korra!" yelled Ikki excitedly. She landed neatly on the ground and threw her arms around the Avatar's side to welcome her. Meelo touched down in much the same way, but refrained from stepping too close, no doubt to maintain a masculine facade. Korra greeted both of Tenzin's children by placing a hand on their heads and rubbing them. These days, Korra spent just as much time at Air Temple Island as she did at the Sato estate, although she divided her time further by cruising Republic City. The airbenders were naturally happy to see her again despite the short time apart. Asami was happy to see her as well.

"So what are you working on?" Korra asked curiously. "I didn't interrupt anything important, did I?"

"No," Asami responded quickly. "Nothing that has to be done right now. I was working with the kids to come up with improvements to the wingsuits. They give good feedback, and it should lead to much better control and handling." Asami beamed when speaking about the work she was doing.

"Pretty soon we'll be able to fly with no effort at all!" Ikki chirped.

"I don't think we can expect quite that level of improvement, but I'll certainly do my best," Asami said.

"That sounds great," Korra concluded. She stepped in closer, with her head canting to one side while turning her gaze on Asami. The heiress knew that something was on the Avatar's mind, so she remained quiet in order to hear her speak. "I was actually hoping you'd like to take a walk with me."

"Oh. Sure thing. Just give me a moment." Asami turned in place and looked upon the younger children. Briefly assessing their qualifications, she leaned down to hand off her notes and brush to Ikki. When Ikki extended her hands for it, Meelo quickly lunged between them and snatched the collection for himself.

Meelo began to run in circles around Korra and Asami, with Ikki giving chase. He played keep-away with the notebook while Ikki shouted at him in pursuit. "Give it back, Meelo!" The childish behavior amused both Korra and Asami into a fit of snickering.

"I'll leave it with you, but you both need to share it." Both children came to a stop, looking up to Asami when addressed. "Meelo, I need you to write down any additional thoughts you or your sister have so I can pick it up later."

Meelo deflated, looking utterly defeated when told why he was given the pad. "Aww, you're giving me homework? Do I have to?"

"Yes, that's a direct order," Asami said with a more stern tone. She dipped forward from the waist and pointed a finger at him. She furrowed her brow in a show of mock authority. From observing the young bender, she picked up on just how to motivate him.

Meelo saluted, standing up straight with a click of his heels. "Yes, ma'am!" He turned away with Ikki following behind, already scribbling notes on the paper.

Asami leaned in his direction, watching him walk to see what he was writing on the paper. She quirked her lips to restrain a chuckle. "And no, I can't make the suit burst into flames for you."

"Well, then you're just not trying hard enough!" Meelo replied with a matter-of-fact tone. The two younger children continued to walk away, finally leaving Asami alone with Korra. Asami watched them leave with a smile on her face.

When Asami's attention returned to Korra, the bender had her hands held behind her back, rocking idly on her heels. She waited for the two of them to have more room to speak, although Asami noticed the Avatar struggling to begin a conversation. "So. Any major breakthroughs with the suits?" she asked awkwardly.

"Several, so far." Asami turned in place and began to walk. She glanced over her shoulder, raising a hand to wave Korra into motion. Once the Avatar caught up to her, she continued alongside her with a matched pace. Asami smiled to herself, seeing that Korra had things on her mind, but was too shy or unsure of how to proceed. Asami continued the conversation in an attempt to have Korra open up. "I've actually been studying my father's biplanes. After I repurposed them for commercial use, we just continued to build them and the plans were set aside. But I found that studying their aerodynamics helped me understand the wingsuits better. And working alongside actual airbenders helps me visualize the air flow. It's a wonder my father was able to make something as advanced as he did without the help of benders. I guess he knew what he was doing."

Asami glanced to her side to see Korra offering her a sheepish smile. She did look more relieved, though. She finally began to speak. "I'm actually glad you brought that up. It's sort of what I wanted to talk to you about."

"What do you mean?"

"Your father," Korra clarified.

"I see." Asami hadn't thought about her father in the last week. Korra was off about what was bugging Asami, but she still appreciated the thoughtfulness. But being reminded of him certainly flooded back a host of memories and feelings.

Korra continued her line of thought. "I've been worrying about what might have upset you the other day, and I thought maybe you were still having issues with him. How is he doing? And how are you doing?"

Asami found it difficult to express how she felt in regards to her father. In the last months, she'd finally broken down and visited him in prison, if only to shut him out of her life for good. But she found him to be apologetic, and began to grow closer to him once again. She wanted to be able to forgive him, but the pain of what he did, both to her and the company, was difficult to get past. "I think at this point we've made up. It's very hard, considering everything that he did."

"I'm sorry for everything that happened, Asami. But I never believed you'd be caught up in those things with him." Korra slowed the speed of her stride. Their path took them across the wide airbending training area in a circle, back to the meditation pavillion. Korra seemed to be magnetically drawn to the site. Asami found it to be a comfortably shaded area, and a place she didn't mind stopping. Korra moved to lean on the railing overlooking the water, so Asami followed her to her side and did the same.

"I don't know if I've ever properly thanked you for that. You've always trusted me, ever since the beginning." Asami sighed. She'd thought of this extensively before now, but only just had the opportunity to speak with Korra about it. "I'm sorry I didn't believe you at first, when you told me my father was with the Equalists."

"I'm sure it was difficult for you to accept at the time," said Korra in a comforting voice. "I'm just glad you're a much better person than he is."

Asami frowned at the choice of words. She knew Korra meant well, but she made it sound as though her father was an evil villain. She couldn't deny that he'd done wrong, but she believed that he could atone. Asami continued the conversation gently. "I'd like to think he's becoming a better person. He's going to have a lot of time to consider everything. Even if I've forgiven him, and even if he's sorry for what he did, he's still going to be in prison for a long time. There were a lot of charges."

"Is there any way he'd be able to get out earlier, if some of them were cleared?" Korra asked cautiously.

"I really don't know." Asami looked down at the body of water below. She leaned forward, crossing her arms upon the wooden railing. "The things he built damaged a lot of the city and hurt so many people. He helped nearly annihilate the entire United Forces fleet. Many of the things he designed are still being used to spread destruction. And he dragged our company and family name through the mud. I tried to repurpose most of the machines to save the company, but—"

"But you did save it," Korra cut in.

"That was a lot of work. And it didn't help that Varrick was working to sabotage me so he could buy me out," she finished. She turned her eyes away to pout, still not completely over that particular detail.

"It was, but you pulled it off. You got Future Industries back on track, and you've done a lot of good around the world." To break the depressed tension, Korra reached out to Asami. She pushed a hand into her shoulder, shoving her gently. Asami teetered slightly. "Not bad for a prissy rich girl."

Asami shot Korra a half-smile. She decided to return the compliment. "I just decided to follow in the footsteps of the Avatar, and try to help as many people as I could."

"I'm sure the Avatar, whoever she is, would be happy to learn that."

Asami finally brightened enough to smirk. She leaned in Korra's direction, giving her a return shove for the one she suffered previously. Korra swayed on her feet before issuing another one. After several back-and-forth pushes, both girls broke into fits of giggling.

Once the two settled once more, Asami looked back out over the water. Though she enjoyed the company of Korra, and occasionally the rest of the group around her, her thoughts still lingered on her father in prison. With both parents effectively gone from her life, no other family, and few friends outside of Korra, the permanently-busy Mako, and the far-away Bolin, she couldn't help but feel alone. A shiver worked its way up her spine when she thought of how much time she spent by herself in the large, empty estate. No one to talk to, or lean on, or confide in.

Korra clearly noticed the shaking. She turned to regard Asami, reaching a hand out to rest on the upper part of her back in an attempt to steady her. "Are you cold?"

"No, I—" Asami cut herself short. She tipped forward, clenching her eyes and teeth tightly shut. She could feel a swell of overwhelming fear and sorrow growing inside herself. It flared quickly, escalating her heartbeat and causing her to panic. The sensation soon caused a sharp pain in the middle of her chest. She lowered her face into both of her hands just as tears began to form in the corners of her eyes. She whimpered into the hands hiding her face and began to cry.

Korra was taken aback by the sudden display and breakdown. Enough so, at least, that she made no movements for several seconds while Asami sobbed into her palms. The concern on her face grew until she finally moved closer to the nonbender and embraced her. She pulled the trembling woman against her chest, tightly holding her with both arms. Korra spoke softly. "Asami, what's wrong?"

Asami stayed quiet for a long time, even when prompted. She allowed herself to be held and cradled against Korra's body. She couldn't voice just how appreciative she was of the warm body taking her in and showing her such a degree of tenderness. She felt her own heart beating rapidly, though she was beginning to calm. But with her head tucked against Korra's chest, she could feel the Avatar's heartbeat too. It was elevated, revealing to Asami that Korra was afraid and upset, too.

Asami stayed where she was. She still sobbed quietly to herself, but the feeling thankfully began to fade. The red slowly withdrew from her cheeks, and she pulled her hands away from her face. She fidgeted in Korra's arms, finding the bender reluctant to let go of her just yet. Instead of trying to pry herself out of the Avatar's arms, she extended the one-sided hug. Her arms unwrapped from her chest and she stretched them in a circle around Korra's waist to cling to her. Asami closed her eyes to appreciate the moment, but the silence was broken by a concerned Korra. "Asami?"

Asami sniffed. "I'm sorry, I—" she began. She allowed her eyes to blink open, flicking remnants of tears away from her lashes. Her vision was obscured, however, by one of Korra's arms. "It's difficult for me. I don't have any family left. I don't have the circle of friends that you do. I have no one."

Korra continued to hold Asami against her chest, though she raised one hand over the nonbender and swirled her fingers in a fluid circle. She drew the tears from Asami's cheeks, lifting them from her skin with a lasting, cool sensation. She flicked her fingers, tossing the droplets of water onto the wooden pavillion. "You have me. And there are others around you, should you choose to accept them as your friends. Tenzin, Pema, and their family are very welcoming, as are the rest of the airbenders. Mako, Bolin, my family, and—"

"I know, Korra." She sighed slowly. She felt the urge to rub at her eyes, though she knew that Korra already dried her tears for her. However thoughtful, the feeling was slightly jarring. "I know. I just—I can't shake these feelings of loneliness. I live in the huge mansion almost all by myself. You're my closest friend, and I feel as though you're the only one I can truly talk to. About anything."

"I want to be here for you, Asami, for whatever problems you might have." Korra began to pull away, though she continued to hold Asami with both arms. Asami turned enough to look up at the Water Tribe woman. She was used to being taller than Korra, and having to look down, but in this moment she crumpled against the Avatar and found herself on Korra's chest. "Are you going to be all right?"

Asami spoke slowly. "I'm fine. I'm glad you're here." She blinked while gazing upward at the Avatar standing before her. Her green eyes locked onto Korra's clear, oceanic blue.

Asami's breathing began to slow. As she looked into Korra's eyes, she noticed her strength draining cooly from her body, chilling her fingers and hands. She felt a sinking sensation trying to pull her down, instilling weakness and a faint dizziness. She wanted to speak, even to breathe normally again. But she was focused. Her eyes studied Korra's face, taking in the features and the contours of her cheeks and the color of her lips. Her fingers tingled, remembering what it felt like to touch. She tightened the grip of each hand on Korra's back, squeezing the fabric of her Water Tribe outfit. Korra seemed to be coming closer, until Asami realized she was the one leaning forward.

Asami's mind went blank the instant Korra spoke to her. She saw the world resuming from the slow-motion it had become. The sensation of touch came rushing back to her hands, and she stopped moving. She focused, mentally rewinding to register what was spoken. "You wear too many clothes," Korra had said.

"I—what?" Asami went over the words again, and they caused her to furrow her brows in total confusion. Did she hear that right?

The grip of the hug began to ease away from her. She allowed the weight of her body to resume being supported by her own legs, after having asked Korra to carry it for so long. Korra stepped back, holding a faint smile on her face while turning her eyes to look down over Asami's slouched stance. She pointed with one finger. "You do. You always wear so many layers of clothing. You never show off a bit of skin. You always cover your arms, and legs, even your hands with gloves half the time."

The shock of the sudden and strange conversation buzzed in Asami's head. She blinked to clear her thoughts in order to process the words and respond. She realized that whatever moment they nearly shared moments ago while holding one another quickly passed. Korra took no notice of it, or at least pretended not to. Asami's head continued to spin with mixed emotions, and she stopped long enough to hold up her hands and look at the black gloves she currently wore. It was true, what Korra said; Asami did often dress heavily, as she was doing today. She had on a long-sleeved coat, as usual, and wore stockings that covered the portion of her legs not concealed by her dress. She returned a look to Korra, blinking away mild confusion. "Okay?"

Korra crossed her arms, moving into a more relaxed stance while addressing Asami in a casual manner. "Just an observation. I'm just saying, maybe there's something to that. You feel alone and sheltered from other people. Maybe it's a subconscious emotional reaction of some sort. You dress very heavily, as if you're trying to shield yourself from everyone else." Korra moved to shrug, lifting one hand and flickering her fingers expressively. "At the very least, you must get hot, right?"

Asami listened to the words, squinting to take in their meaning. She almost wanted to be insulted, not that she fully understood why, but perhaps there was a some amount of wisdom in Korra's words.

"It's like a sort of security blanket," Korra continued. "Maybe if you opened yourself up a little, you could become closer to other people."

Asami frowned. She turned her eyes away once more, inspecting her hands. She pulled on the sleeve of her jacket and looked at the glove covering her palm. She didn't like the idea of comparing her choice of clothing to a "security blanket," given how childish that sounded. But Korra had never insulted her fashion sense before, in fact calling it snazzy on at least one occasion. She lowered her hands and stood up straight, looking up to meet Korra's reassuring smile. "I'll put some thought into it," she said, unsure.

"It should be easy for someone as amazing as you to make more friends," Korra said sweetly.

Asami offered her a smile. "Thank you." She then returned her focus to the gloves on her hands. She elevated both arms and began to pull on the fingers of her left glove. She tugged each digit to loosen it, finally sliding it off. Afterward, she switched to the other glove to remove it from her hand. She stuffed both in the pockets of her coat, then swung her shoulder to grasp the edge of the jacket.

"What are you doing?" asked Korra, apparently bewildered.

"Taking off my security blanket." Asami smirked at the other woman before returning to the task at hand. She eased the jacket down her shoulders and removed it. Her arms slid out of both sleeves, and she brought the jacket around to her front once freed. She reached out to lay the coat across the wooden railing. With the garment removed, she felt the brisk evening air on her skin, chilling her enough to cause goosebumps all down her arms. She rolled her shoulders and consciously loosened her muscles in an attempt to relax. But she soon found herself shaking. She exhaled with a slight laugh. "Well, now I really am cold."

Korra bit her lip to avoid giggling at Asami. She gave a quick nod of her head, then pushed with her arms off the banister into a standing position. "Why don't we go inside, then? We can see what Tenzin and the kids are up to."

"That works for me," Asami agreed. "After you, Avatar."