"Cruel is the strife of brothers." -Aristotle

Lin's POV

It was quiet, the sobs barely reaching me as I helped carry my mother's coffin. Hotch had called in a favor at the coroner's to get... the body examined and handed to us as quickly as possible so we could bury her. It seemed so unreal that she was gone. Opal had been hysterical after I arrived, crying and sobbing, telling me how she had woken up drowsy to find her laying on the floor, dead. I had managed to calm her down slightly before calling Su. She arrived in the City an hour later.

The team had been supportive, helping with funeral preparations as my family mourned. I didn't have that luxury. Not yet. I was the oldest, I had to endure for them. For my sister, for my niece. We arrived at her grave and we lowered her down as Su gave a small speech. She was better with words than I was. Everyone spoke a word or two about the kind of person my mother had been.

A friend. A boss. A mother.

I didn't speak, didn't really have much to say. My mother and I'd had a unique relationship. We understood each other, knew how much we both cared. Now she was gone. Thankfully the funeral ended quickly and we were back home, holding a small reception for all the hypocrites at work. It was no secret they'd all bumped heads with her at one time or another. She was...had been a Bei Fong, after all.

The kid came over to me, placing a hand on my shoulder and I nodded my head, giving my permission for her to sit down, the team following. They didn't say anything, and I was glad. I wanted peace, even if it was for a moment. Of course that was short lived when all their phones went off and the youngest agent let out an irritated sigh before pulling it out.

"They can't be calling us in," she said looking at Hotch. "Not tonight."

"We have to go," he answered before looking at me, his look apologetic. "I'm sorry, Lin."

"Call me of you need anything."

The kid stood, her attention still on me. "Are you going to be okay."

I sighed. No I wasn't. "I'll see you when you get back," I answered instead.

She nodded her head, following the rest of the group. I was far from being okay.

Mako's POV

I couldn't help but smile as I plated kisses on her cheek. Work hadn't been the same since Toph was murdered, and we hadn't received any cases though I was persistent we could handle it. After the burial, we received a call from the bureau to come in. Korra hadn't been too happy about that and she made her point, telling them to have a little respect as she walked trough the door. They informed us that for now we'd be doing paperwork and we had pretty much gone through all of it. Since it had been an early day, Korra decided to take Jack to the park an the two must have had a lot of fun be wuss my son had gone to sleep early tonight.

"You know, sometimes you talk in your sleep," I told her after a moment.

"I do not!"

I chuckled, kissing her nose. "Yes, you do. But I'm used to it. Jack does it all the time, except he talks about superheroes."

She laughed, cupping my cheek to give me a kiss. "So, what do I say?"

"Mostly my name," I answered. "But usually you mumble."

She hummed in response to that, her lips on mine once more. Ever since I asked her to move in with me, she had been getting a little confident and a lot more comfortable with us sleeping together. Most nights she'd sleep practically clinging to me. But there were others were she'd wake up facing away, looking just as comfortable. She was tugging my shirt up when the phone rang and she growled as I let out a frustrated sigh. Of all the damn times to call.

"I thought we didn't have any cases," she said as I looked at my phone.

I frowned when I saw who was calling. "It's my brother."

"Bolin?"

I nodded. "Hello?"

"Mako?" He answered, sounding a bit shaken up. "I-I, uh, I got mixed up in something. I need your help."

"What happened? What did you do?"

"This girl, she, uh, she died in my arms. I need to see you."

I ran a frustrated hand through my hair. "Dammit, Bolin." I sighed. "Send me the address. I'll be there as soon as I can."

"Is everything okay?" Korra asked, sitting up with me. "It sounded serious."

"With Bolin, it usually is " I answered as I stood, putting my pants on before turning to look at her. "I'm sorry. I need to go see what happened. I won't be long."

She nodded her head, giving me a kiss. "Be careful."

I nodded and grabbed my keys before leaving. What the hell had he done this time?

Korra's POV

I let out a frustrated sigh as I tossed and turned on the bed. I didn't know how long it had been since Mako had left but I already wanted him to come back. Ever since It was starting to get harder and harder to sleep alone. Sure at home I had Naga to cuddle with but right now I was in an empty bed in the middle of the night. I wasn't sure what was worse, the fact that I didn't sleep that much before or the fact that I hated sleeping alone now. I looked over to the clock to see it was past midnight. Where the hell was he? Was everything alright? I checked my phone but he hadn't texted me.

The door opened and I sat up, my hand instinctively going for my gun in the nightstand. Even if I trusted Mako, there were still some habits I couldn't completely rid myself of. I breathed a sigh of relief when I spotted a familiar five year old at the door, rubbing his eyes sleepily. I stood and went over to him, lifting him into my arms, giving his temple a kiss.

"Where's Daddy?" he asked with a yawn.

"Uncle Bo needed him," I explained as I rubbed his back. "What's wrong Jack?"

"I had a bad dream."

I hummed in response. "What about?"

"There was someone in my room."

My body tensed and I walked over to the bed, putting him down as I took my gun and hid it behind my back so he wouldn't see it. I told him to stay there as I quietly sneaked out, holding the pistol in front of me before kicking the door open to his room, turning on the light. I checked the closet, his bathroom and under the bed to find nothing. I sighed and went back into the room, putting the gun down and lifting him up, assuring him there was no one there.

I covered him, smoothing down his hair before giving his forehead a kiss, just like Mako did. I stayed with him until he fell back asleep, turning on his night light as I went to the kitchen to grab a glass of water. I huffed as I pulled a chair back. Where the hell was he? I was about to sit down when someone covered my mouth, a low familiar chuckle coming from behind me. My blood ran cold.

"Shhh," he shushed. "Wouldn't want to wake up the little tyke, would we?"

My eyes closed tightly. Jack had seen him. I couldn't let Unalaq hurt him. I couldn't. Slowly, he turned me around to face him, a blade against my neck, warning me not to make I sound. I didn't think I could.

"We were interrupted too soon last time," Unalaq said as he looked me over. Despite the oversized shirt I was wearing I couldn't help but feel exposed. "If I can get in here, then do you really think there's anywhere you can hide from me?"

His hands. They were wondering, and I felt sick, bile rising up my throat.

"No fighting this time?" He clicked his tongue against his teeth, the sound reverberating in my ear. He was too close. "Pity."

"Please...just leave..."

"Getting rid of me isn't that easy." He was toying with me, and I couldn't seem to move. "You're still that little girl. Tell me, do you scream his name like you did mine?"

I closed my eyes tightly, lowering my gaze. He chuckled.

"I didn't think so." And just like that he stepped away, but I still couldn't breathe, couldn't move, still felt suffocated. "I enjoy our time together," he continued. "We'll have to do it again soon."

My uncle was almost out the door when he paused, looking back at me over his shoulder. "Oh, and congratulate Ms. Sato for me. I heard she had a bouncing baby boy."

Once he left, I almost collapsed into the chair, panic rising in my chest. Next thing I remember was vomiting in the sink.

Mako's POV

I sighed irritably as I shut the car door. Bolin was in deep trouble. The girl that had died in his arms had been a minor and it looked like there was a possibility she could have been murdered, time would only tell. I had managed to make sure he wouldn't get arrested and took the case to help prove his innocence. He never could stay out of trouble. As I walked up to my home I noticed the front door was open and I felt my stomach drop.

I quickly pulled out my gun and opened the door further, seeing the kitchen light on before spotting a figure on the floor, next to the sink. I put my gun away, slowly walking over to her and she looked up, startled and I saw it. I saw the way too familiar fear in her eyes.

Unalaq had been here.

I reached out, to comfort, to do something, but she immediately recoiled. She looked up at me, her eyes scared, tired, and apologetic. I didn't blame her, couldn't blame her.

"I'm sorry."

I kneeled down in front of her. "This is not your fault." I pronounced each word, making sure she understood. She was not to blame, she didn't want, nor deserve this.

I sat next to her, slowly wrapping my arms around her. She whimpered as she clung to me, sobbing into my shoulder, gripping my jacket tightly. I kissed the top of her head, telling her that everything was okay, that I was there, that no one would hurt her.

"He-he groped me," she said between breaths, starting to wheeze. "He said if I didn't k-keep quiet he'd go after Jack."

My jaw clenched at that. The bastard. He threatened my son, groped my girlfriend. That son of a bitch had crossed the line too many times. If I ever got my hands one him... Korra's wheezing snapped me out of my thoughts and I helped her stand, turning the light off as I headed to our room. She took her inhaler, giving it a few puffs before relaxing, her body sagging. She was exhausted.

I held her close to me as she shuddered and whimpered, the event still fresh in her mind. Her hands pushed me away but at the same time clung to me, almost as if she couldn't decide what she wanted. Every time that pervert got to her she'd digress, understandably. But right now she was trying her best not to. I kissed her temple, reminding her she was safe. Slowly she relaxed, falling into a slumber, her hand fisted the material of my shirt.

If Unalaq see showed his face again...I'd kill him. I'd kill him just like I had Foyet.

Lin's POV

Days had passed since my mother's funeral and I still couldn't believe it. She was gone. She wasn't coming back. Su had left shortly after, having to take care of business in Zaofu. My younger sister had offered to take Opal but my niece had refused, wanting to stay with me. I hadn't said anything but I knew why Su had offered. I hadn't cried. Hadn't been able to shed a single tear. The whole family was mourning but I couldn't. Someone had to put up a front, it's what my mother would have wanted.

There was a knock on the door and I stood to answer it, letting out a sigh when I saw who it was, turning away.

Why couldn't anyone leave me alone?

"Lin."

"Kid, just...please," I answered, shaking my head. "Not now."

"I just wanted to know if you were hungry," the youngest team member answered.

I shook my head as I took a seat, crossing my arms.

"Didn't think you would be. Brought you a peanut butter sandwich anyway." She tossed it over, and it landed next to me. "You're not hungry but you need to eat. Trust me."

I didn't reply and she sat down next to me, placing a hand over mine. "I know you haven't had a chance to mourn," Korra began quietly. "That's why I came by, to take Opal over to my parents'. She'll be safe there."

I sighed and looked up to see my niece, her eyes red from crying. She walked over to us, hugging her arm before speaking.

"Korra's right, Aunt Lin," Opal agreed. "You need time alone."

I sighed and nodded my head. What else could I do really? They were right. I wouldn't mourn with anyone around. The youngest team member smiled and asked Opal to grab her sweater before leaving, assuring me she'd make sure she had something to eat and that I should do the same. The door shut and suddenly this knot appeared in my throat and I placed a hand over my mouth as the reality of all hit me, bared down on me with crushing force.

The tears came freely.

Korra's POV

I quietly stood from the bed, making sure Opal was comfortable before leaving the room. Earlier I had gone to see how Lin was doing and offered to take Opal home so the eldest Bei Fong could have some time alone. Lin hadn't looked good and I couldn't blame her. She had lost her mother in a horrible way, and to top things off we all knew who had done it: Hiroshi Sato. He had escaped prison with Unalaq's help and though I knew an alliance between those two was bad, I couldn't see how the Director fit into their plans.

Last night Unalaq had broken into Mako's home and though I was uneasy I was trying to not let it get to me. Hotch had tried to soothe me and I craved, yet didn't want his touch at the same time. But I knew I had to overcome that fear. My boyfriend wouldn't hurt me, all he wanted was for us to be happy and that's what I wanted as well. I had started to grow a little courage after he asked me to move in with him and that's how I had been able to stand being so close to him yesterday. Only one thing remained: to tell my parents.

I never really made it clear were I went during the weekends or during the week. I had been sleeping over at Hotch's place more often. The first time I had told them I would be with Asami but then afterwards I didn't really tell them anything. It wasn't like I was a little kid anymore but... I thought they deserved to know.

"Finally fell asleep?" my mom asked as I sat next to her and Dad.

I nodded my head. "Yeah, she was tired," I replied. She hummed in response and I rubbed my hands together. How the heck was I supposed to tell them?

"We haven't seen Mako in a while," my dad commented. "Is everything alright with you two?"

I bit my lip. "Yeah." Everything was perfect as far as I was concerned. "I actually wanted to tell you guys something." They shared a look before giving me their full attention. "I'm moving in with Mako."

For a moment there was silence. No one said anything and I thought that maybe they wouldn't approve. I mean...it had just been a month or so that Hotch and I had gotten back into the rhythm of things after the club incident. But I was in love with him, we were both in love with each other.

Slowly my mother smiled, hugging me tightly. "That's wonderful sweetie!"

My dad also nodded his head. "Are you sure you're ready for that? It's a big step," he asked.

I nodded, giving him a sheepish smile. "I've actually been sleeping over with him, just sleeping," I assured. "But I think I'm ready for this." I was, I wanted it so bad. To have a place we both could call home.

He raised a brow and my mom chuckled, kissing my temple. She had known I'd been lying, how couldn't she? Mom knew almost everything about me, whenever I was upset or when I was happy.

"When are you planning to move in with him?" She asked.

"We're going to be working his brother's case, and Toph's as well. After that we're moving into the new house he bought." I bit my lip, looking up at her. "So...you guys are okay with this?"

"As long as you are."

I smiled and hugged my mom tightly before doing the same to my dad, nuzzling my head against his shoulder. It was one more step to being normal.

Zuko's POV

Everyone was silent as we all took a folder with Director Toph Bei Fong's autopsy report and crime scene details. Lin had come in earlier wanting to be in on the briefing and though I could see hesitation in our team leader, he allowed it. I watched as the younger Bei Fong's jaw clenched as she read the report. I sighed and I did the same before looking over at my grandson's girlfriend. She was uneasy. Iroh didn't know the relationship the Director's murderer had to the Sato tech. She had asked us not to tell him, wanting to ignore and forget about her blood ties. But now with what had happened...I didn't know if Lin would be able to keep it together.

"Her blood alcohol level was lethal, but it wasn't what killed her, obviously," Hotch began after a moment. No one said anything to that and he took a deep breath before continuing. "And, uh, we found this shoved in her mouth."

Hotch slid the evidence bag with a coin in it across the table, landing in front of he dead woman's daughter. Lin trembled as she recognized the coin. "The bastard... Couldn't let her have one shred of dignity."

"Lin, you don't have to be here," I told her gently.

"I do," she answered. "And I want you to know that I don't want the Bureau to investigate this. It's family business. I'll do the investigations." She looked at Hotch in the eye. "My way."

He took a deep breath but nodded as the woman stood, taking the file with her. I sighed and shook my head. That wouldn't end well. Only moments passed before our Team Members brought up a case, one that involved his brother and an underage girl that had died last night. We were still waiting on the M. E. report but it wasn't looking too good for the younger Hotchner. We were each given assignments and just as we were about to leave the former team member came to view. I watched as Mako's eyes narrowed before he grabbed Bolin by the short and slammed him against the wall.

"What the hell is your problem?"

"My problem is that my son and my girlfriend were left vulnerable to a pervert while I cleaned up your mess yesterday!"

"Wait, what?" Asami asked. "Did Unalaq-"

I watched as the younger agent hugged herself and nodded. "He broke into Hotch's house last night," she admitted quietly. I couldn't help but noticed a very dark look flash across the older woman's face, an almost murderous grimace. But it was gone just as quick as it had appeared, and the woman was next to Korra in an instant.

My eyes narrowed before I asked Iroh to separate the brothers. "Hotch, control yourself," I told him.

"I'm helping you this one last time," our team member began looking at his brother. "And after this we're through."

Asami's POV

I would be lying if I said I wasn't uncomfortable as we went over Toph's case. Everyone knew who had killed her, my father, Hiroshi Patrick Doyle. No one said anything but I felt like I was walking around egg shells with Lin. She knew I hadn't told Iroh about my origins and I was afraid she'd say something but so far she hadn't. Not yet anyway. I knew I had to tell him but I just didn't know how. I mean, how do you tell your boyfriend your father is a serial killer? Thankfully the younger Bei Fong asked to take over the case while we worked another which got my mind off things until I found out about Unalaq's recent attack. Apparently he had broke in and harassed Korra while Mako was out, which would explain why he had paired himself with her. He didn't want to let her out of his sight.

I immediately asked her how she was doing and she assured me she was fine, but I could see hints of fear in her eyes. I was surprised she hadn't pulled away from Hotch but that only proved they were working on their relationship and I was glad. Soon after everyone left and Iroh and I started to work on finding out if anything like what had happened to the victim had happened before. It had and they had all been ruled ecstasy overdoses which was consistent with our victim.

"And the M. E. report showed three other victims bleeding out in the past year?" Hotch asked through the phone.

"Mmhmm, curiously around the same area," I answered. "All cases were classified as ecstasy overdoses."

He hummed in response. "Ecstasy is frequently used as a date rape drug. I've never seen it cause bleeding like this."

"The M.E. said that the victims had so much MDMA in their system, that it caused their internal body temperature to rise out of control," I explained. "They boiled from the inside out."

"Korra and I are going to head to the surrounding clubs and see if we can find out who's selling this drug. See if you can find out anything else about our victims. They may be just prototypes for the unsubs target kill."

"We'll get right on it." I paused. "Hotch, how's Korra?"

"She's fine," he assured. "I'll take good care of her."

I hung up right after and started to get to work, asking my boyfriend to get me coffee. The phone rang and I let out an irritated sigh. How was I supposed to get any work done if they kept calling me every five minutes?

"It better be important," I answered.

Nothing. Just silence. I opened my mouth to say something else when I was cut off. "Did you get my message?" my father asked.

It only took me a second to realize what he meant. Toph. My jaw clenched. So that's what it had all been about? To send a message to me?

"Yes," I finally answered.

"Your move."

Click.

Bolin's POV

I got ready as my brother walked inside the interrogation room. He was furious with me and part of me understood. Mako had gone through a lot in the past couple of years for Jack, to keep him alive, even losing his wife to a serial killer. I hadn't meant to inconvenience him but I had panicked after the girl passed out and I didn't have anyone else to call. Now I was regretting doing so when he said what my nephew and his girlfriend had gone through in his absence. My brother took a seat, the youngest agent doing the same next to him. Her eyes were sympathetic and perhaps this conversation wouldn't be too bad.

"Six kids died last night in a rave," he began, showing me the crime scene photos. "They bleed out from the eyes and mouth, just like your girl."

"Damn," I whispered.

"What do you know about the drug dealing in the bar?"

"I've only been there a few months. I usually keep to myself." I looked up at him. "I haven't been doing anything illegal, Mako. I swear."

"And you've told me everything?" I nodded. He didn't say anything, just picked up the photos. "I'll let you know what we find. Stay here."

I sighed. It could have been worse.

Mako's POV

Two more people had fallen victim to the altered ecstasy drug. They had been parents, drinking wine that, when examined, revealed its venomous contents. Their daughter had watched them bleed out all over their dinner plates, now all we could do is catch whoever was doing this. It was late at night and I was at the office, trying to find a connection between all our victims but was coming up blank. Korra had fallen asleep at the desk and I sighed before standing up, covering her with my jacket just as my brother walked in. I huffed as I grabbed everything and made a move to wake my girlfriend up.

"Mako, wait, hear me out," he pleaded. I crossed my arms over my chest, giving him my attention. "I heard about the parents...I want to help."

"And how do you expect to do that?"

"I can wear a wire or something. I know the manager of the bar really well."

I shook my head. "No," I answered. "You don't have any training and if he finds out, the real unsub might get tipped off."

"I'm telling you, I can do this," he insisted. "Just give me the chance."

I took a deep breath before nodding, waking Korra up. I instructed my brother to meet with us the next afternoon to give him instructions. The team was informed of my brother's involvement to obtain information that could get us closer to the unsub. Soon enough night fell and he was ready and I warned him to not slip up.

"Once you tell Thane that the police have questioned you about him and you'll have his attention," I began. "Ask him what you're supposed to tell them if they want to talk to you again." I paused. "That'll get him talking. Do you understand?"

Bolin took a deep breath. "Let's do this."

It was only minutes before the bar manager gave us what we needed. He admitted to having spiked a few bottles for fun but he wasn't our guy. We waited till we had enough information before moving in and arresting those that seemed to be involved. I looked over at my brother and gave him a nod, silently thanking him and he smiled at me, that goofy Bolin smile he'd give me as a kid.

For once, he had done something right and I was proud of him.

Asami's POV

I chuckled as Iroh and I entered our home. After talking to the other bar attendants we figured out that, ironically, a former bartender who's girlfriend had died from an ecstasy overdose at the same club. He had decided to ruin the place and he had but not without getting caught. So after we wrapped up the case, everyone had gone home and Rossi offered to babysit so that my boyfriend and I could have a night for ourselves. Korra and Mako had left early to take Jack to the movies and to give Lin a visit. I had wanted to go as well but I didn't want to provoke her. I knew I would have to talk to her eventually.

Iroh laid down on the bed and I smiled before crawling on top of him, kissing him fiercly and pulling his shirt off as his hands settled on my hips. He was about to remove my shirt when my lips separated from his, suddenly remembering that I had something to do. My boyfriend let out a frustrated sigh and I smiled apologetically before taking pity on my ex-military man. I guess one round wouldn't hurt. Soon, clothes were shed and it was a symphony of sighs and moans.

I lost track of time and one round turned into two more until finally we both were exhausted and sated. I sighed as I traced his abs, his hand running through my hair. Spirits, he was perfect. I appreciated the moment for a few minutes before I stood, pulling on his shirt and heading to the library of my estate, turning the laptop on. I had only meant to work on this for a couple minutes but must have taken a lot longer because I heard a knock on the door and I quickly closed one of the windows before turning to look at Iroh.

"Are you coming to bed soon?" he asked. "It's kinda cold without you."

I chuckled. "In a minute," I replied before resuming my search.

"Anything I could help you with?"

I shook my head absently, looking at the information I had managed to gather so far. "No. I'll be there in a minute."

He sighed but left and I leaned back against my seat. I would find Unalaq. I would find him if it was the last thing I did.

Korra's POV

I let out a sigh as I turned on my side, waiting for Mako to get out of the shower. Ever since He'd broke in, I'd been trying to not let it bother me, to not think about it but... I couldn't. His words continued to play in my head, the truth of them, and it scared me. He had gotten me in Hotch's home. In the one place where I had felt safe and protected. If he had gotten me here...what was to stop Him from following me to our new home? Then there was Jack, I didn't want him to get hurt because of me... I took a deep breath as I heard the door open, closing my eyes and pretending to be sleep. I didn't want to talk about what was on my mind. I never did and it was better that way.

"I know you're awake," he said as he wrapped his arms around me, kissing my cheek. I sighed and turned to face him, avoiding his gaze. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," I replied quietly.

He caressed my cheek before lifting my chin so I'd look at him. "Talk to me."

I sighed, nuzzling my head under his neck. "I'm scared."

"He isn't going to hurt you. I'm right here," Hotch reminded me. "You're safe."

"He already got me here. He's never going to stop."

I felt him kiss the top of my head, his hold tightening slightly. "You can't think that way, you can't let him get to you."

I pulled away. "I know. I can't help it," I answered. "Even when I was in the South Pole I was always looking over my shoulder, making sure he hadn't followed me... I can't forget what he did to me. I close my eyes and I can still hear my screams, I can still..."

"Shhh," Mako shushed kissing my forehead. "Don't torment yourself."

"Being with you has been so hard," I continued. "You put my defenses down and I had such a hard time getting used to being with you because I hadn't imagined I'd ever be able to. I gave up so many times... I'm damaged, Mako."

He shook his head, cupping my face. "No, don't you see?" I didn't answer and he sighed. "That's why he's after you. He didn't break you."

"I actually...begged him to just kill me once. I was screaming in my own head and no one could hear me. And my only answer was his laughter." I looked down. "Maybe he did kill me."

Mako grabbed my hand placing it on my chest. "Feel that? It's a heartbeat." He brought me close to him again. "You're the strongest person I know, Korra. Don't ever think otherwise."

I smiled and looked up at him, giving his jaw a kiss. "I love you."

He chuckled giving me a kiss. "You're amazing."

After that I was a lot more relaxed and I felt myself slowly drift off, Mako's breathing lulling me to sleep. He was the second person I had opened up to about the nightmare I lived and even then he didn't treat me differently, always supporting me. That's all I ever wanted.

Mako's POV

I sighed as I led Korra inside. We had gone out on another double date and though it had been fun, Korra had one to many drinks. At first she'd started with her usual, but as the night went on she consumed more and more. After Asami escorted her to the bathroom, I had decided to call it a night. She wasn't drunk, a little tipsy at best.

I led her into my room, grabbing her a shirt and a pair of shorts, only to turn around and have her toss them carelessly against the bed before her lips found mine. I kissed her back and her hands went up to unbutton my shirt. I shook my head, pulling away and grabbing her hands. She growled in annoyance, pulling her hands away before pulling her own shirt off in one fluid movement. I blinked, shaking my head when she tried kissing me again.

"No, Korra."

"Stop protecting your virtue," she growled, trying to push forward into another kiss.

I chuckled. "I'm protecting yours."

She flinched before finally moving back and sitting on the bed, wrapping her arms around herself. I sighed and knelt down next to her, my hand covering hers.

"I don't have any virtue. Not anymore. That was taken from me long ago," she whispered quietly.

"You do," I countered. "And I don't want us to do this, not like this."

"I won't be able to if I'm sober." She paused, biting her lip. "Don't you want to be with me?"

"Believe me I do. But...not like this." I sighed. "It would be taking advantage and I'm not going to do that."

She sighed and I pulled her down on the bed with me, wrapping my arm around her waist as I kissed her temple. We stayed this way for a long time until I saw her eyes close, breathing slowly evening out. I kissed her cheek causing her to shift her arm sprawled over my chest. It was the first time I had seen her shirtless and I couldn't help but study her scars. They looked brutal... Mostly white lines of raised skin covering her torso, her shoulders. He had been careful to hide them from everyone and I didn't blame Korra for keeping them hidden. They told a horrible, violent story.

Gently I unclasped myself from her, taking her shoes off before placing my grey shirt over her head. I changed my clothes as well before lifting the blanket and wrapping my arms around her, causing her to snuggle close to me, face pressed against my chest. I sighed as I rubbed her back.

"Things do not change; we change." -Henry David Thoreau