Author's Note: This is the first prompt for Korroh Week on Tumblr. I hope you guys enjoy.

Ocean

The Air Temple's halls glowed gold as the setting sun casted its rays through the unfastened windows. Strolling through the hallways, Iroh admired how the temple's architecture displayed such natural beauty. What the United Forces General appreciated more was the panoramic view of the open water. Except drinking tea and writing poetry, Iroh loved nothing more than watching the waves, the embodiment of waterbending in its truest form.

The ocean, Iroh would reluctantly admit, had been his first love. She had lured him with her mysterious depths and had filled him with swelling hope, only to sink him with unforgiving storms. And Iroh's second love…was every bit like his first: beautiful, nurturing, powerful, seductive, and dangerous. And it was his second love that he sought at the Air Temple.

Ironically he found her outside rather than in, and at the training grounds no less. And despite his desire to be beside her, Iroh controlled his impulse and waited.

From afar he watched Korra manipulate the water surrounding her. Her movements were elegant and simple, as expected of her element. In spite of this, Iroh sensed turmoil and sadness in her form. Droplets, even splashes, of water would escape her control and drench the stones beneath her. And then suddenly, her aquatic ring collapsed around her as she huddled to grieve.

As he had anticipated, Iroh went to comfort Korra once again.

Quietly he approached her and placed a comforting hand atop her head. He battled her shudders and sobs with petting her hair and his silent presence. When her hand reached out, Iroh took it and helped Korra onto her feet.

"What do you need, Korra?" he offered gently, wiping away her salty tears.

"Hold me. Just hold me and don't let go." Iroh immediately obeyed and muffled Korra's sobs. Her own arms wrapped around his torso while she buried her face into his chest. "I can't hold it back anymore…I…I…"

"There's nothing for you to hold back. You're allowed to grieve. You're allowed to feel whatever it is you feel," Iroh whispered while holding her. "The loss you feel—no one can understand your pain, so it's only right you express it."

"It's just…it's just so lonely. And empty," she whimpered. "I miss him."

Iroh tucked Korra's head beneath his chin. "Your friends and loved ones are beside you. You aren't alone in this, Korra. You'll never be alone. I promise."

They stood together in each other's embrace, the sounds of sadness ebbing into silence. Eventually, Korra murmured, "Thank you." She gazed upward and allowed a small smile. Tiny happiness lit her sapphire orbs. And just as quickly as the joy appeared, gloom clouded them. Korra distanced herself from Iroh, whispering, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't—I shouldn't have asked that of you."

Once more, Korra confused Iroh. She pulled him in with these small affectionate displays and then pushed him away like the teasing tide. For six months Korra had acted this way towards him. Was his love unacceptable? Could she not love Iroh as she had loved him?

"Korra, I—I would like to know your true feelings." She pulled further from him, but Iroh would not relent. "I know you're still hurt and the time is inappropriate, but I have to know. What do you feel towards me?"

For what seemed forever, Iroh only heard the waves crashing against the island. Then Korra stammered, "To—to be honest, I care about you very much. You're important to me. It's just…I—I might not be able to give you my heart, Iroh." She stared desolately at the ground, fighting back fresh tears. "After all that's happened, I think I've locked it away for good."

"You'll heal, Korra. You'll heal and live as brightly, if not brighter, as you had before." A lop-sided grin tugged at his lips. "As the Avatar, you rely on all the elements, and they're at your disposal. And I will be the same."

"And…and what if I do heal but I still don't feel the same as you? What if my heart opened to someone else?"

When hurt flickered in Iroh's eyes, Korra regretted her question. But Iroh smiled bravely and kissed her forehead. As his warm lips left her skin, he chuckled quietly, "Just like the ocean."