7. Chapter 7 (1/2)

disclaimer: i do not own the legend of korra.

we all lie on shore after a good 'splash war' and just soak up the sun. of course i know my pale skin will never tan, so i draw instead. i draw the sunset on the shimmering water that is displayed before me. i try to concentrate as bolin stomps around in the sand practicing his sandbending. mako and asami are being so loud as they drool over each other. korra on the other hand sits at the edge of the water pushing a small wave back and forth. as i take in the wonderful scenery of the water, i find myself sketching in the outline of korra. before i know it, i'm including korra in the drawing; the outline of her figure against the sunset looks fitting, and beautiful. once i finish i smile at my work. i'm so glad tenzin gave me this sketchpad; it really helps me calm myself and feel free.

"what did you draw?" i almost didn't notice korra when she plopped down in the sand next to me. "whoa! is that me? that's really cool." i'm glad she doesn't think i'm some kind of freak for drawing her in my picture.

"thanks." i look at her as she observes my picture. she is so…beautiful. i remember when i first met her, in the watertribe restaurant. when we first met i only saw her as competition and i had only wanted to get under her skin and annoy her, which had worked. 'you know, if you wanna learn how a real pro bends i could give you some…private lessons.' i remember saying this and i laugh at myself and how cocky i was. now i realize that she is a really good person, but i'm glad she got to know me how i am now and not how i was then. i close my sketchpad and watch as korra lies down on the sand. bolin finally gives up the fight of bending the sand and sits back down.

"i'm so tired." he comments as he stretches his arms.

"yeah, it's getting kind of late. you guys want to go head back to the temple?" mako questions looking around at the group.

"i do." asami and bolin chime in together.

"come on guys! you don't want to watch the sunset?" korra tries to persuade.

"nah, i'm good." mako says getting up and reaching out a hand to help asami.

"so you're all just going to leave?" korra sighs and starts to get up herself.

"i'll stay and watch the sunset." did i just say that? korra is looking at me so i must have.

"at least tahno's not a party pooper." korra crosses her arms and sticks out her tongue to the others.

"congratulations tahno." bolin mocks the announcer that used to be at the arena. "you have won a sunset!" bolin laughs at his own joke and follows mako and asami. i catch one small glare from mako as if he's warning me. but korra doesn't notice it and she laughs under her

eath then turns her attention back to me and the sunset.

"thanks for staying, i hate being by myself." korra admits as she sits back down.