Attention readers,

Badgermole days will be on hiatus for the month of November. Working out the next couple of stories. Some will be Christmas themed for the month of December.

Although, before that get ready to meet mommas sister.

Restoring What Was Missing

The material felt foreign. Smooth to the touch. Making it irresistible to run her fingers over it. So lovely. So sweet. It would double the beauty of anyone who would wear it. Making them shine as bright as the yellow colored fibers it were made from. Simple. Unlike the other sundresses with floral patterns, or such, and one that had thick black and white stripes.

The color of prison wear came to mind and promptly was shaken out of her head. They weren't comfortable; were they? Asami always seemed to be fidgeting with hers. Also not very practical to fight in. Which made the woman blush thinking about the kind of exhibition she would be putting on if she tried to airbend in such a thing. Someone I know wouldn't mind. Came the sly thought.

"Do you need help with anything?" The question startled the other who quickly shoved the dress back on the circular rack. A bright red blush dabbled on her high boney cheeks. The woman kept a cheery smile even when the other avoided eye contact. "Looking to..." Her eyes had enough eyeliner to make her look like a spooked cat. As they looked her over from the heavy furry coat to the baggy pants, "update your wardrobe, Mrs. Avatar?" She asked.

Wanting nothing more than to wave the model off Korra did so with a trembling hand. Trying to keep the embarrassment out of her voice. "Me? No, I'm just shopping with my daughter. She's-uh-around her somewhere. I should go find her."

"I'd think that dress would look darling on you." The woman said as Korra walked away.

"Yeah, I bet you'd say that to anyone." Korra said angrily under her breath. Touching one of the hangers and sending the dress on it swaying before she shoved her hands in her pockets before they could get her into anymore trouble.

There were plenty of girls, similar to the one who had chatted Korra up, that also worked for the store. Dolled up in make-up; some more than others. As she passed a girl with enough powder on her face to join the circus. One had an adequate amount of sequins to look like a walking diamond. Another had enough excess material on her dress to make two or three more. What was the point of so many folds to a dress? Heck if I know. Korra huffed; a silly bottom lip protruding as she turned to look at the many hats of a feathered variety on faceless heads. The mannequins had more staying power once the years caught up to these girls. It's not a bad living while you're young.

"Still..." The rest trailed off as Korra looked back. Her shoulders slumped as her hands went deeper into her pockets till she looked like one of those...what were they again? Mun-mon-mom-hmmm-mummy's? Bolins, or should she say Nuktuks latest supernatural encounter. Why anyone would fear someone wrapped in linen is kinda weird. Bolin did look really afraid. A chuckle wasn't bothered to be stifled in front of the other store patrons. He can't 'act' that afraid that's for sure.

A stooped lady dropped her cane startled by Korras sudden laugh. Quickly, Korra braced the women. Returned the cane and sent her on her way. A good deed done for the day.

Looking around then shaking her head. As if Korra could see Yee-Li over all the racks of clothing. So she searched. Shooing away anyone who tried to help her. Trying not to look back over her shoulder. To think about the dress and picture her bulky body wearing it. She shivered at the thought. I'd look weird in it. Unable to help it she looked at all the other women in the store. In far more elaborate wear. Maybe she wouldn't look as bad as them? Or maybe she'd look like a lumpy potato sack in a dress. Korra felt the tug on her lips. Until she realized that someone was also tugging at the sleeve of her robe.

Cascading out of her arms. Yee-Li had several, at least that's what Korra hoped they were, items picked out because she was hard pressed to imagine that it would be very fashionable with so much cloth on. Then again Korra wasn't the fashionable one of team avatar. Most of her daughters choices were similar in theme: cute; and a mixture of red, blue, and green. All hard colors with nothing light...or yellow.

Korra found herself looking over her shoulder again. Yee-Li tried to follow what her mother was looking at. A sort of wistful, or wishful, look. Biting her lip Korra pulled herself back.

"Are you okay, mommy?" The girl squeezed the clothes in her hands. Shuffled forward to touch a hand to her mother's blue robe.

Korra pulled a hand free and rubbed her daughters cheek. How the time has flown by huh? Able to easily do the gesture without bending over. Her daughter stood at belly height.

The dimples on Yee-Lis lips curve. A much better look for such a cheery red headed girl. Not upset. Never upset. Not ever again. Korra doesn't like to see her daughter like that. So if she and Lin had to share a few more kisses for reassurance then so be it.

Using the hand that had touched her daughters cheek. Korra brought it to her tingling lips. It was easy to imagine those rough lips. Seeing the two off on their shopping expedition dressed in sweats for training in the back yard. Unwilling to tag along and help her wife other than giving a grin as Korra was dragged out the house.

"So," Korra bends over and uses her finger to peek at the first thing on top of the pile, "you do remember that I said you could only get one or two things right?"

Eyes roll in that little head as Yee-Li said, "yeeesss mommy. There are just a few choices I was considering. Aunt Asami says to always have a couple to pick from."

Korra did some rolling of the eyes of her own. Thanks Asami. Lightening her daughters load she let Yee-Li lead her to the fitting rooms. Where the girl sequestered herself behind a curtain while Korra stood with her back against the wall. Clothes were fumbled with; and a curious hum came from within the changing room. Having crossed her arms Korra was tapping her fingers impatiently while she wait. Not much to take in. Besides the colorful stripes on the curtains. It made her chest clench a little and squeeze her arms tighter as they seemed to lose color in her mind; more gray and dreary in tone

That anxiety had to vanish when the curtain opened. Puffy trim around the arms and a wide circle skirt that could glide her to safety from great heights. Yee-Li spun enthusiastically.

Without knowing what to say Korra just gave her daughter a thumbs up. Wishing you were here Asami. You'd know what to say. She does look like a princess, but she probably doesn't want to hear that. Spirits, why couldn't it be like critiquing someone's bending. Korra stiffened when Yee-Li approached.

Curtseying she gave a big smile. "What do you think mommy?" She asked.

"It'sa really-super-a-good on you. Very nice. You look cute." The word made the girl frown and Korra stiffen. Unwrapping her arms she groped for another, "beautiful?" She tried.

A bubbly giggle set Korra at ease as Yee-Li gave another twirl. "Don't I?" She laughed. Grabbing the edges of the skirt to wave them to and fro. What a sight to see the avatar swayed by the merriment of a child.

"You sure do." Putting some pep into the words and a swinging fist like a drunken sailer spilling his drink. Before the curtain closed again. She's trying on more? Isn't that it. She found one she liked. "Hey, Yee-Li-how many more of those do you got in there with you?" Korra edged next to the curtain.

"A few." Was the answer.

Which made the girl's mother go back to the wall. Hands back in her pockets. Heaving a sigh as she waited. It took longer for her daughter to come out this time.

The fabric dusted the ground as Yee-Li struggled not to trip over it. When she stood still the gypsy skirt pooled in large rumples. The colors exchanged in different shades of green in thick strips. No clue as to whether or not this was fashion Korra just put her best foot forward.

"Looks good."

The girl gave a thoughtful moment to what her mother said. Hiking the dress up she went back into the changing room and looked in the mirror. Looking at the front then turned to the back. The shirt tucked in was a blue jewel neck. One that she had worn there. Along with a pair of green pants. Simple and not too complicated for someone who were shopping for clothes.

Still more nicer than Korras. The furry fringe faded and frayed and in some places plucked. Pants with permanent stains. Which probably should of been thrown out years ago. However, they were so comfortable. Plus Korra didn't want to have to break in a new pair. At the moment she watching her daughter Korra felt more the dirty clothed child than the clean parent she should be representing.

"Not really." Yee-Li said at last as she shut the curtain and Korra heard the ruffle of the skirt dropping to the floor.

Korra heaved a breath as the back of her head hit the wall. The fluorescent lights burnt her eyes; so she closed them. And breathed again. Loud enough to make Yee-Li peek through the curtain. "How much longer are we gonna be?" Korra whined, tapping her head once more on the wall. It rang her eyes like bell chimes.

"You said you'd buy me some new clothes."

"Yeah," Korra tilted her head to look at her daughter, "your momma said that. I only agreed to it because I thought she would be taking you."

"Momma has no patience." Yee-Li disappeared back inside the room. Thumbing her chin as she stared at the pile to decide what to try on next.

"She has patience just...not for everything."

"Like shopping?"

"Right." Korra gave a nod to the curtain.

"Or people," the voice trailed off. There might of been a faint whimper at the end but Korra was much too meek to take a look, "you can go look around. I don't need you anymore." The words were meant as a jest to poke fun at her mother, but to Korra they cut hard and deep into her heart.

There was a hesitance to step away. Korra knew that this wasn't her place, still she did want to be present for her daughter. Helping her pick out clothes. Of course Korra couldn't do it like Asami could. Fingers gripped her thighs painfully through the material of her sullied pants. Who was she to give fashion advice. I'm just the avatar. I don't have Asamis common sense when it comes to this stuff. Letting go the ache only eased in her leg. "I'll be close by if you need me." Korra said weakly as she fled. Not seeing the curtain part to watch her go.

The racks felt closer than Korra thought they had been. She kept on brushing into the clothes. Knocking them about. Or down, which she scurried to pick up and put back to avoid the ire of the women who worked there.

Wandering in a circle around a couple of the racks. Korra skimmed without looking in an attempt to look busy while watching to the dressing room. Hoping to see Yee-Li pop out so they could go home. So she could see her rock and get herself grounded and leave the fear of her own inadequacies as a parent behind; or bury them at least.

Ten years and she still found these types of situations popping up. What was she going to do in the future? For Yee-Lis future. How could she handle her daughter with the big things? Boys; or girls? As far as she knew Yee-Li seemed not to into either of those yet. How was Korra going to give advice on dating. Not like she had many...um partners, companions, certainly not lovers. Mako and her never-did anything. Experience was another thing. It's not like her and Lin were into all the love stuff that she knew Yee-Li was. They did flowers and dinner and such...maybe we should start that again, Korra buried her head into the rack right between a lime green top and its purple variant. But we don't go out like Mako and Asami do, or Bolin and Eska. Spirits even Tenzin and Pema hit the town from what I overheard on the phone. Does Lin want to do that? No, she wouldn't. I know her. Are we just that boring?

Taking herself out from between the clothes. Korra strode forth purposely. Past the women who were dressed in things far too pretty for her to wear. Till she found what she was looking for. Easy since the plainness stood out above all the other fanciful things the shop had.

Unsteady hands grabbed at the yellow sundress. Combed it in haste till the tremors stopped. Then Korra pulled the whole thing from the rack and slunk towards the dressing rooms. Throwing looks abound as if she were being followed. She was; by those shop women. They were circling around ready for the kill.

Avoiding their questions. Korra made it back to the front of the dressing rooms. Where she stood. Looked to the dress crumbled in her arms and at the curtained rooms. A jittery foot steeped forward then the other. Keeping an eye on Yee-Lis curtain Korra edged by. Two steps past till there came the clanking of the metal rings sliding along the bar.

"Mommy?" Inquired the young voice.

Korra stopped and refused to turn. Squeezing tighter against the dress in hopes to hide it. Shame flooded the front of her mind at being caught red handed. Like she had been found with her hand in her daughters box of fire flakes. Korra stood still even as her daughter came closer.

Yee-Li looked curiously with a finger on her lip as her mother straightened up. The fabric caught her daughters eyes as she knew it would; a contrast against her blue clothes.

"What's that for?" She asked, pointing to the dress. Reaching out to touch it and smiling at the nice feel of the fabric. Petting it like it were some kind of animal Yee-Li pulled a bit of the dress up to look at.

Korra took it from her daughters hands. "I thought you might want to try it on. Looks nice right?" She flubbed.

"But this isn't in my size," the girl said, "this is too big for me," eyes alighting as she put the pieces together, "were you going to try this on mommy?" She brought her hands together in a happy clap. Mouth open wide to show Korra a white smile.

With no chance to speak Korra was pushed into the room her daughter had been occupying and the curtain slide shut with a hiss that might as well of been the closing of a bared door. Leaving the woman trapped in the tiny room. Stepping on her daughters rejected pile of clothes. Using her foot Korra pushed them deep into a corner. Careful that nothing from the bottom of her boot had been left on them. Releasing a submissive breath Korra resigned herself to what she was about to do. Hanging the sundress on a hook Korra stepped back to stare at it.

Once when she was young, Korra began thinking in that tiny room, around the same age that Yee-Li was when she began picking out her own clothes and no longer wanted her mother to dress her. That same week Dad took me to see my first bending match. They weren't pro's that was for sure. Korra wore a dress for the only time she could remember; at her mother's encouragement.

The dress shouted with its big button eyes that held the straps on tight. The length to her ankles. Though it matched her usual color of choice; it was from a southern water tribe shop after all. Although, by the end of the day several seams had come undone and it became discolored from playing in the snow. Wasn't her fault she didn't know you shouldn't play in a nice clothes. Mom didn't even try to sew it up she just threw it out.

Then the world found its next avatar. Things like looking girlie or learning to do make-up were not necessary when one had to master the four elements.

Korra fingered the modest neck line. A little bit of collarbone would show. Hooking her own shirt Korra peered down it at the hard bone protruding like a pair of ugly handle bars on a bike. She poked it resentfully; sure that she must of inherited such a feature from her father. It would of been alright if she were a man. Untying the furry belt Korra shed her robe and slung it over the side of the dressing room box spooking some woman changing on the other side.

While outside Yee-Li stood against the same wall her mother had. Twiddling her thumbs and hard fixed on the curtain.

Next the pants which came off at a sloths pace. Watching the robust legs exposed in the mirror. Korra prodded the muscle of her thigh. It flexed and tensed in anger. These aren't lovely legs there rough and tuff. Her hand slapped the back of a calf she exposed to the mirror. There like big turtle seal eggs. Below the hem of her shirt and down her thighs were white bindings. Some traditions were hard to let go. Heritage was something she educated Yee-Li on. Own what you are. Korra pulled the shirt off. No longer sleeveless the tight shirtsleeves clung a little ways onto her forearms.

A large dark mole dotted her sternum. It flashed in the mirror as she moved. Korra touched each of the wavy lines on the pendant. The backwards person in the mirror showed that she were in good spirits; renewed assurance as of late.

The cloth around her chest had slipped a little. So Korra tightened it by contorting her arms around her back; and watched as her body moves in the mirror. The muscles flexing. Her stomach defined around the edges. Hips rounding more over the years; easier for Lin to grab hold of. Below the swell of her breasts the flesh grabbed tightly to her bones. Creating a misshapen hourglass with a fatter bottom. Her arms not slim or supple like most women. They were taught and toned and enviable, apparently, by other benders. Yet those were benders; not everyone else.

Facing away Korra didn't want to look at herself as she unhooked the sundress. Nor see it slip on fearing she may be peeking through an arm hole instead. She did not goof it up. And the dress feel freely around her legs. Covering up those brutish thighs and calf's. Only her feet left exposed and wiggling in their socks. The only thing not lined with fur; also not blue. A subtle tea green.

Those socks were the anchor to which Korra attached her eyes when she turned back to the mirror. Toes moving inward. Nervously she snapped her big toes against each other in a loud thumping sound on the wooden floor.

"Mommy?" Called Yee-Li who was pressed up to the curtain. Korra could see her outline. And turned herself away if her daughter were about to enter, but she didn't and called her name again.

"I'm fine." Korra said.

"Are you almost done? Do you need help?" Yee-Li questioned as the girl squinted at the curtain hoping to catch the outline of her mother. Craving to see what she would look like. Only ever seeing her mother in water tribe robes and heavy pants her whole life. This was more interesting than seeing a spirit for the first time. Which had been magical yes; this would top that though.

Korra held her hand over the side of her face that faced the mirror and reached for the curtain.

Yee-Li was waiting on the other side. Eyes widening. The corners of her mouth had become spring loaded and shot upward. The girl shrilled loudly and made her mother wince. Then cover herself fearing that her own daughter were horrified by how she looked.

"Move your hands out of the way." Yee-Li reached and tugged her mother by the wrists and forced them at her sides. Yee-Li looked her mother over.

The bright yellow stood out against the plain background of the faded white walls of the dressing room. Calling attention to itself the way Korra never truly desired too as her title naturally did that for her. Near the bottom edge of the skirt were a couple of hand stitched flowers in white thread.

"Mommy," the girl breathed, "you look beautiful." The comment drew Korra from looking at the floor. Seeing the earnestness in her daughters face made the woman blush.

Korra stepped back into the dressing room to finally look at herself. What stared back was a gorilla in clothes with a bulbous nose and funny pigtails framing its face. The braids made her feel more like a child than her own daughter looked with straight hair kept neat and well groomed. Korra reached for the cloth that held them together. Worn her entire life because they were a gift from her mother; the only girly thing she ever wore. She tugged on them both.

"Wait! Don't take them off." Her daughter said.

"They make me look like..." The left braid came undone and Korra looked at the cloth in her hand as if she had done something very wrong.

"That looks better." Yee-Li gestured to the single braid on the right side of her face.

"Really?" Korra studied the effect. "It looks uneven." She turned back. Handing the cloth to her daughter. Then stepped deeper into the room and to be more centered in the mirror. There was a feeling of being incomplete. Heavier on the one side if her mind was allowed to speak. Head sloping just a bit to the right unconsciously.

"Momma would like you in it." Yee-Li said.

"No," Korra flipped around to look at her back her butt near invisible for all but a faint outline. At least that doesn't stick out, Korra thought, "she's not much into this kind of thing." It did show off her shoulder blades; the big thick pieces of muscle and bone beneath skin. The back was looking better than the front to Korra. An arm was flexed for show.

A red brow rose. "How would you know. You wear the same thing all the time. What if momma wants to see you in something else? Something like this?" The girl pestered. Stepping into the cramped space and grabbed her mother by the hips and spun her back around.

Korra slumped her weight onto her daughter who nearly went down under. Holding her mother up was not something the weak ten year old could do. She struggled. "Mommy!" The girl whines, "mommy stop I can't hold you up."

"I'm so plain aren't I." Korra shielded her view of the mirror. Slowly she felt herself descend to the floor laying atop something uncomfortably lumpy that groaned and hissed.

"Get off me!" Her daughter shouted. "Get off me. Your too heavy."

"Now you're calling me fat. Thanks a lot squirt." Korra said as her daughter elbowed her in the side and found a way to crawl out.

Breathing heavy Yee-Li sat on her rump and looked at her dejected mother on the floor of the changing room. Half in the hall, half in the room. Korra had her hand over her eyes and grumbled displeasingly. One hand twisted in the fabric of the dress. The feeling was no onger a joke.

"You're not fat mommy," the child decided to start off, "you look...good?" Not knowing the right thing to say to an adult. Aunt Asami always used words like beautiful, or gorgeous. Yee-Li didn't think her mommy would like them.

Korras hand fell above her head were it touched the tip of her daughters foot. "Thanks for the compliment." Korra said dejected; her daughters foot twitched when she ran a finger along the underside of it.

Yee-Li leaned over to bat the hand away. Then leaned a little further till she was overtop her mother's face. Korras brows were knitted and face flushed darkly. Yee-Li ran a hand through brown hair as she had seen her momma do whenever Korra was upset. The effect was immediate. Light came back and lips no longer grimaced. However, they didn't smile either.

Neither did Yee-Li as she looked at her mother and noticed another problem. "Hmm," she pondered, "we have to do something about that though. It doesn't look nice." Pointing to the white bindings showing under her armpit.

Korra clamped her arm down and shook her head no.

But Yee-Li pressed on. "You have to otherwise it won't look right. It's fine when they can be covered but your exposed when you lift your arms."

"I already feel exposed wearing this thing."

A throat clears above their heads. They stare at the displeased worker with painted lips set in a frown that still looked good no matter how unpleased she seemed to be. "I hope your planning on buying that. Or, should we just throw it out when you're done." The woman gestured stiffly.

. . .

Never had Korra ever wished to have kept her fingernails long like Asami always did; like a proper woman should. Now she wished Asami was with them to reach her back. Korra racked her fingers up her side in fast jittery strokes. It felt like thorns had been wrapped under her arms and over her shoulders. Hard pressed to not embarrass her daughter in public she rubbed her arms across herself like she were fighting off a chill to conceal itching her breasts.

How do people wear these things every day, Korra wondered as she cooed when she satisfied the itch, why does Asami put up with these things either? No way she finds it comfy. Unable to fake it in such a way Korra went straight for the throat and adjusted herself when no one was looking. With a long stretch that flared out the edge of the sundress. How could Mako even like it either; there like trying to put together a Sato-mobile. Why do you need straps anyway?

"Ops." Korra hide the strap of the bra beneath those of the dress. The piece of underwear was utterly useless. It didn't provide warmth nor did it keep her from...going all over the place if she needed to fight. Impractical. Worthless. As much as a kingdom. An now Yee-Li can't get her stuff because of this. Catching the flash of yellow in a mirror as they pass it. Yee-Li out in front and leading her mother to the counter.

"Hey you sure you don't want to get your clothes instead. I'm totally ok with that squirt; really no skin off my bones if you want to be selfish this one time." Yet she already knew it. Living in their home it was impossible to have a selfish bone in the body.

So when her daughter said, "I want you to get it. I have enough clothes already." Korra resided herself with a gruff huff; low so her daughter couldn't hear it. They stepped up to the counter with its shiny oak top. A man with short hair and a vest without a speck of lint on it greeted them. Glancing down at the little girl through the gold frames of his glasses. They caught the light and made his eyes twinkle. To Korra it was not in delight at seeing them, maybe being able to say the avatar shopped there, but getting their money was more likely. Still he gave them a warm goodbye as the register sealed itself shut with their cash inside.

When the door shut behind them Korra had the urge to run back inside. Hide in the dressing room and put her other clothes back on. Instead she swung the overstuffed bag that held her robe and other clothes inside and looked to her daughter. Who was beaming despite not getting anything out of this shopping trip at all.

As they went on their way Korra threw looks around under the impression that people were looking at her strangely. Though every time she thought she had caught someone staring. She'd follow their line of sight to something else. Seeing a friend, a store, a guy or girl. The crowd was indifferent to their avatars new look. Yet Korra felt the need to cover herself. The bag doing a good job held in both hands against her chest.

The skirt annoyingly puffed sometimes as she walked whether kicked out by her legs or the wind. Making the woman believe it would just be more of a draw for people to look. Poke fun; even at the avatar. Who shouldn't have been wearing such a nice piece of clothing in the first place. Not when she should be out doing...whatever it was the avatar did these days. Absolutely nothing, Korra harrumphed.

Though she did get to meet this cool water spirit outside the city. When stupid rift raft kids threw garbage into the pond she lived near. Beautiful glowing visage. Prominent and sharp canines that showed as she smiled; a deep bow in admiration to the avatar. She was a pretty fox spirit who was only defending the watering hole of the weaker spirits. No need to have to throw her weight around an knock some heads unless she could find the kids who did it.

She would of looked nicer in this than me.

There was an energetic tug on Korras sleeve. Yee-Li was gesturing to a bright cart they were coming upon. "You should buy momma some flowers." Yee-Li pesters, already eyeing up the selection.

Taking a minute Korra mulls it over. The bag shifted to one arm to show off her jutted hip clothed in a yellow matching the color of a sunflower."Yeah ,your momma might like that; geez I haven't given her flowers since...a while." Korra hunched over shoulder to shoulder with her daughter so they could go through what to pick out. She points to the first thing that she sees a nearly bare stick with blooming white buds that climb up the stalk like bars on a latter. "How 'bout this one? Looks nice-I guess?"

Yee-Li blew the option away, "that's so plain though. Momma wants something brighter."

"Momma, or you?"

"I'm here to pick what momma would like for her." She said as she reached for something. The amaryllis was a nice shade of vermillion. Yee-Li took a whiff then held it out to her mother with a goofy smile. Urging the woman to press her nose into it.

Korra did having to suppress a tickle in her throat and nudges the plant away. Korra had never grown up around such a strong smell being from the south where the only plant that grew was tasteless and chewy.

The plant tries to force its way back in her face and Korra clamps her nose shut against it. Trying not to sneeze. "They look good. I think she would love them."

The petals are combed through and Yee-Li frowns.

"What's wrong with that one." Korra asks beating a free fist against her leg.

Undeterred by her mother's petulant outbreak Yee-Li sets the flower back and picks up another. A fair rose with not a speck of dirt on its petals. Korra twisted it in a hand. When she gave it back there was a tiny drop of blood on her thumb. Korra sucked it clean. "Not that one."

"And what's wrong with that?" Her daughters turn to question her mother's choice.

"It's boring. Your momma don't like boring things."

"Humph, roses are a symbol of love." The girl sulked but returned the flower.

"We got a lot of that going for us already squirt."

There was a pause in the talk which Korra mistook for them to continue to look. So she rooted through the selection. There was one such flower that reminded her of this party she had been forced to attend. A huge piece of fruit that had been carved in much the same way to resemble the flower she saw. It was large and had so many petals with light purple on the tips that gradated darker towards its center.

"Are you and momma better now?" Her daughters voice came as a whisper beside her face. Korra felt hands fist in her dress as Yee-Li pressed her head into her to hide.

"Yeah," voice cracking Korra lays a hand on a small bony shoulder and pushes her back to look at her, "were good now squirt. Nothing to worry about ok?"

Yee-Li looks at Korra trying to keep her eyes from getting moist. Korra, stooped over at the waist, leans closer to give her a hug. She wants to say sorry for making her have to worry like this. Buts she can't. She wants to so bad but the words won't come out. Because it was all her fault to begin with. An and apology seemed so meaningless.

"How about this one?" Timid hands seized a white pedaled daisy. So less brilliant than the other flowers.

Korra nodded and rubbed her nose. "Yeah looks good." Korra paid for a bundle of them and tasked Yee-Li to watch over them till they got home.

. . .

They aren't even inside the house before Yee-Li makes Korra set the bag down and gives her the flowers. Goof, Korra thinks as she is pushed into the house and almost trips over the skirt.

"At least let me get my boots off." The big furry things clashed with the sundress like her feet were brown bear legs.

The child responded with a stern no as she left the bag with Korras clothes in the nook and urged her mother to press on into the kitchen. The clunky boots left smudges on the wooden floor. Long streaks like solid ghost steps with a smaller ghost tagging in tow.

CRACK!

Echoed through the open back door. A chill had settled inside the downstairs that would of raised the hairs of a lesser experienced person. However, Korra was used to go out in shorts and a sleeveless shirt to an play in the snow at the south pole. Those were fun days. Mom would watch me and dad build igloos and have snowball fights. Korra gave a happy sigh at the fond memory. Till a hand grabbed her rear with sharp nails painted blue this week that dug in and caused the woman to yelp. Yee-Li pushed harder forcing her mother to the door.

CRACK! CRACK!

It was a quick and lethal hit. Human like shapes of earth exploded one by one. Without room to breathe more targets popped up with each step the woman's metal clad foot made. Even well oiled the rig screeched at the abuse as the metal cables were reeled in then cast out again.

Yee-Li tried to run out the door but Korra grabbed hold forcing the girl behind her as another target materialized in front of them. With a determined look Korra prepared to defend as a cable slashed through the air with intent to slice its opponent down.

Lins foot twisted as it caught sight of two shapes. The cable halted mid arc. Joints stiffened at once to stop the movement mere inches away from striking the target. A rough pull drew the cable back inside the gap in the armor on the guard of her forearm. Hidden but ready.

The lumps of earth disappeared one by one. Where they had been no one could tell from the smooth patch of dirt. The last one dropped and revealed Lin. She stood clad in her metal bending armor. The plates on her chest expanded with her breathing. A sweaty brow rose in confusion. As her wife hid her hands behind her back. Blushing cheeks and an averted gaze were enough to settle the thrill from training and replace it with a calm uncertainty.

Lin sauntered over with fingers loose and at her sides and swaying. "What's this?" She gestured to the dazzling sundress. "I thought you were getting Yee-Li some new clothes?" Her eyes landed on the exposed collar bone. Narrowed at the sight of delicious dark skin which set her heart into heavier and thicker beats. Not good after getting done exercising. Her breath puffs in the air.

"Don't you like it momma! Doesn't mommy look pretty?" Yee-Li threw up her hands and pointed them at her mother to show her off.

Lin stammered, "it's-um-very nice-little penguin. You look-very-nice."

At the compliment Korra beamed and spun in place. The flowers crunch in her hand. Korra gasps and holds them out and presses them into Lins hand when she reaches for them. Lin is bewildered and looks from the flowers to her wife. Who darts in to give a peck to Lins sweaty cheek then quickly retreats. Korra enjoys the taste of Lin on her lips and discreetly licks them. Face turning a shade of red to compliment the color of the dress.

"For you badgermole." Korra says twiddling her thumbs.

Flabbergasted Lin can do nothing except humbly accept the gift. Lips forcefully pulled upward. Still not understanding what was going on. But Lin could take anything in stride and her uneasiness settled when she broached the gap and kissed Korra not playfully as the other had done. Lin craved a better feel of those sweet puffy lips.

That night as Korra made dinner she did so with a little more flair to garner Lins attention. As she spun about like she were a dancer at a ball. Shooting winks and blowing kisses far too many than the usual to a sickening point of frustration. Lin hated it even more as the high pitched color ruined her fantasy as Korra wore the apron. Whenever she tried to imagine her wife in lesser clothes Korra became a large talking bird.

The flowers decorated the center of the table. Which Lin glanced at every now and again. Still trying to decipher the meaning. They had stopped such a thing long ago after they both decided that giving flowers to those who didn't much care about them was a waste of yuans.

Yee-Li was drunk on the permeating stink with a half lidded stare and her head held in her hands. She breathed deep and was lost in her fantasy as she listened to her mommy talk while she cooked. Korras tone was a pitch higher and a tinge sweeter.

When dinner was set. Korra snuggled into Lins side. Not unusual but it had a different feel with the new attire. Being feed by her wife while in the dress seemed unnatural. Not loving in any way like it did. She found the word that seemed to best describe it: forced. Korra was forcing herself to do these things in a much cuter way. Cooing her name as she wipes her lips with the napkin in a tamer an un-sexualized way as a dutifully doting spouse rather than her loving wife.

Which is why that night Lin made sure Yee-Lis door was shut tight. Her hand rested on her daughters door knob. Lin sighed letting her hair fall around her face. In the darkened hall she braced herself, to steady her mind and focus. Always hard to do when it concerned Korra. She's doing all this for me. Because of...Lin didn't want to think about it; but a Beifong faces fear head on, what I did back at the prison. She's trying to make it up to me. By doing what exactly? Acting like a trophy wife? This is absurd. I want her as she is-was. Her fists balled. Lin stalked off down the hall watching the light shoot out the door of their bedroom. Stilling at a shadow. A talking shadow. That said things and confessed things that a spouse did not like to hear.

Lin slide along the wall to the edge of the door and peaked inside.

Korra stood in front of a mirror on the right wall. Grabbing at herself pulling the dress this way and that as if settling into a new skin. Swinging the hem of it to and fro. A show for a hidden audience as Lin glimpsed those legs and licked her lips.

Then Lin saw the frown on Korras face. "I look stupid," she said to the mirror. "I-wanted to not look-so-stupid." Letting the dress fall around her legs.

And all the fight left on a breath as Lins shoulders sank. Letting the seconds tick by for a solid minute Lin then pushes on the door and leans on the frame and knocks with her knuckles. A slight grin put on.

Korra turns and the frown is gone although not completely. "Hey." She says tucking an untied strand of hair back behind her ear.

"Hello." Lin greets before stepping into their room. Turning the lights off and allowing the outside lights to come in unbidden through the windows. No curtains drawn. Headlights streaked across their ceiling in a flash allowing Lin to see the rough outline of Korra through the flimsy dress. Drawn to those legs she had glimpsed before Lin walked over. Close enough to mingle their breath as she let her hands settle fleshy yet hard hips. Just a bit taller Lin looked down her nose into a flushing face. "You look..." Lin searched around for a few seconds through her short library of romantic words, "pretty." Was the word she finally settled on.

Korra hid herself by pushing her head into Lin so the woman could only see the top of it. "I don't. I look bizarre in this thing. Naga would look better in it than I do." Hands kneaded Lins breasts like a nursing kitten. Nose taking in the stench of metal. Oddly comforting it made Korras stomach stir not uncomfortably.

Lin chuckled. "That would be a sight wouldn't it."

Which earned a giggle from her spouse. Lin let her hands wonder round back and was rewarded with a startle gulp. Korra looked up into her wife's face just as another Sato-mobiles headlights came by. Turning right.

Ever so slowly Lins hands begin scrunching up the back of the dress. Inch by inch they reel it in till the air hits the back of Korra thighs.

The woman sucks in a breath as she continues to stare into Lins shadowed face. Eyes alight. Glancing at her lips Korra finds no hint of wickedness. It's all in the actions. Lin pulls off the sundress, Korra raising her arms to allow it, and tosses it into a corner.

"Different." Lin notes as she sees the bra and panties. Plain white with no frills and all the modesty.

"Different good?" Korra poses the question.

"There not your usual. Which if I am to be honest; as your wife. I do prefer them to this." Fingers play with the clasp on the front. The enticing action raises the beat of the heart in the chest behind it. "I find it more fun like unwrapping a present."

Korra bites her lip and groans as the clasp is undone. "Good I didn't like these things anyway. There itchy as anything; how do you put up with it?"

"You get used to it." Lin said apathetically, as she shooed the hand away that tried to grab the straps of the bra. A warning in the form of a playful bite to Korras nose. Lins fingers wandered up the length of the strap from the top of her breasts till she reached her shoulder. Then peeled the straps down her arms. Sending a shiver across those well muscled biceps.

The bra was lost to them as soon as it left Korras body. Another pair of headlights crossed the room making Korra flinch and cover herself.

So they lowered to the bed and once hidden underneath the window they began to explore. Korra slid her hands underneath Lins tank top and moved them around her waist touching her toned stomach. Which flexed into the gentle touch. While Lin squeezed Korras legs.

Lin gritted her teeth in frustration when Korra withdrew her hands. They found Lins and moved them upward till they felt cloth. Korra pressed her hands to Lins urging them stay.

She then said, "One more piece to go." A breathy challenge as her lips covered Lins.

. . .

The sun was already up and so were Korra and Lin. With sleepy eyes, and satisfied smiles they held their individual cups of tea. Ignoring them; in favor of resting their sore bodies against one another. Feeling the heat that was still present even after an entire night.

The stairs creaked as Yee-Li came down them. Taking one look at her mother's she said to them with a happy smile, "you were up last night kissing."

Lin took a sip of cold tea.

Korra buried her head in Lins shoulder.

But both parents had red faces.