Amethyst

A/N: Thank you guys so much for 200+ reviews! The support for this story has been fantastic. It's been really hard for me to pull through with this challenge, especially since it takes me AGES just to write one chapter. (That's why I've forgone a over arching plot in favor for stand alone drabbles. Easier to write for a day-by-day challenge) So, thank you guys so much for reading and reviewing. This one is a bit of a continuation of the last drabble. :)

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Sunset

Asami breathed in the crisp air deeply. After being locked up on a hospital bed for so long, the air from the outdoors never seemed to get old. She sat in the passenger side of her convertible Satomobile while Iroh drove them to the pier. The air was still warm even at sunset, and it cascaded through her hair, warming her scalp. She closed her eyes, enjoying the sensation.

It had been a week since she'd been released from the hospital with a warning not to do too much strenuous work. She told the doctors that she understood, but Iroh knew her better. He stuck to her side like glue and made sure that she didn't do anything that would aggravate her broken arm. He even followed her to the factories and let her direct him in how to build a Satomobile. He was a good listener, but he didn't have the knack for fixing things like she did. He took it upon himself to drive her around against her will, but she secretly enjoyed the effort he made to keep her safe.

That evening he had taken the time to cook her dinner. He was limited in his abilities in the kitchen, but the Fire Curry he had made was delicious, if not a little spicy. For dessert, he took her on a drive to enjoy the sun setting across the harbor. She enjoyed the outside air immensely.

They parked somewhere close to the water, and Iroh led her to the beach, being mindful of her arm. They kicked off their shoes and walked through the wading tide, wet sand pushing through their toes. Iroh kept a firm hand around her free one, his fingers gently caressing the skin below them. Ever since her crash, he had become increasingly protective of her, afraid that she was going to break again at any second. She was a strong woman, but even she was fragile. Eventually, they took a seat on the beach, talking in low tones as they watched the sun fall behind the horizon.

"As soon as you're healed, I'm going to make a trip to the Fire Nation," he told her. She glanced over at him.

"Will you be gone long?"

"Only for as long as I need to be," he said. "There's something I want to discuss with my family that isn't well put in a drawn-out letter."

She laughed a little. "I don't know, you're quite gifted with the written word."

He gave her a flat look. "Somehow I feel like you're mocking me."

"I would never do that!" she protested with a grin.

He let her comment slide and gave her a serious look. "Will you be alright without me here?"

"I've survived this long," she said. He frowned. "I will be fine, Iroh."

"I just want to be sure," he said with a small sigh. "I don't want to get a letter telling me you've been hurt again while I've been gone."

She gave him a small smile. "I promise you won't."

He searched her eyes to be sure that she meant it before placing a soft kiss on her forehead. "I love you," he sighed.

She smiled, leaning into his shoulder. Ever since her accident, he had taken to saying those three words whenever he thought necessary. He was still worried, still a little bit wary, that if he didn't say it enough, he wouldn't get the chance to say it again. And that was a side of him she didn't see often. He was always so sure of himself and everything that he did that he didn't worry much about the possible other outcomes of a situation. But lately, she caught him lost in his thoughts, a hazy, worried look gracing his face. She had to shake him a couple times to break him out of these moments.

His fingers absentmindedly played with the strands of her hair at her neck, his feather light touch making her feel comfortable and content. She stared out at the sea, watching the waves move back and forth with the tide, remembering a time when she had come and watched the sun set with a very different man. A man she had always seen as a comfort until last year. Her breath hitched a bit as hurt balled uncomfortably in her chest.

When was the last time she had seen her father?

Did he even know that she had crashed her bike?

Was he worried?

Or did he even care?

"What's wrong?" Iroh asked sharply. "Does your arm hurt?"

She shook her head, letting the tears drip off her chin. "It's nothing… I'm fine."

It was clear by the look on his face that he didn't believe her, but she locked her jaw unwilling to talk about it. He gave a drawn-out sigh and pulled her closer to him. She let the feeling pass as they watched the tide move slowly, the sun slipping behind the horizon. Iroh gently rubbed her shoulder, patiently waiting for her to admit her thoughts. Eventually, she closed her eyes.

"I want to visit my father."

Iroh's hand tightened on her shoulder. "Are you sure?"

She was silent for a long moment, tempted to say no. Eventually she nodded.

He sighed and pressed his face into her hair. "I'll go with you."

She swallowed the thick knot in her throat, steeling herself to accept her decision. It was hard, because she still held a lingering feeling of hate for how her father treated her, but the overwhelming sadness that consumed her heart had her wanting to reach out to him again. She was grateful Iroh didn't ask her why. She wasn't sure she'd be able to explain it. Feeling a little uncomfortable with all the emotions stirring inside her, she turned to hug him with her good arm.

"Thank you," she breathed.

He didn't have to ask what she was thanking him for. He just held her close until the sun finally fell, and the night took over.

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A/N: Feeling a little under the weather today. Tomorrow's drabble will continue with their visit to Hiroshi Sato. Thanks for reading!