More Than a Coincidence [Loolaalee, Yukina]

Marina sighed, relieved to be headed home. She was living in a small apartment in the Lower Ring of Ba Sing Se, and worked part-time as a waitress at a bar. It wasn't an ideal job, but it was the only one she could find. But being an attractive woman surrounded by a bunch of drunk men was horrifying. She'd had the job for weeks and still hadn't gotten used to it.

Of course, she was always ready to fight. The abundance of alcohol gave her plenty of liquid to defend herself with, using her bending to at least keep the perverts at bay. But she was tired of it. She had no satisfaction in hurting other people. But she wasn't about to let some horny drunks use her as they wanted, either.

She wished she could find something else to do, some other way to pay her rent. But she couldn't find anything. Anything good, anyway. She just wished that it could be better.

Thus she trudged through the streets of the lower ring, clutching the hilt of her Spiritum Steel blade, prepared to react quickly if anything happened. There was no way to fit such a blade into a scabbard, so it instead connected to her back with pressure-sensitive clasps. Once it was in place, the clasps shut on it. To release it, she simply had to press a release mechanism at her shoulder.

So she walked alone in the dark. It was a cool evening, and she was nervous. She always was around here at night. Cold and fear. The things she hated the most.

Tsukara's breath on her neck sent chills down her spine and she jumped forward, spinning around and drawing her sword. Upon noticing it was just Tsukara, she put the blade away. "Oh my gosh, you know it's a bad idea to sneak up on me, you jerk!" She punched his arm playfully, then stopped. His arms are so toned... She was glad it was dark, as she was sure her cheeks would be dusted lightly with pink. She quickly dropped her hand to her side and covered up the awkwardness with a laugh.

"And by the way, I'm not out here for that, I just got off of my shift down at the bar. Similar, but at least here I have the right to say no." She rubbed the back of her neck. "Besides, I can take care of myself. You're obviously no help in the matter," she quipped sarcastically.

Marina looked over Tsukasa's shoulder at the baby resting on his back. Kazuma looked to be asleep, which was good considering how late it was. "And what on earth are you doing walking around with a baby this late? It's well past his bed time. You should get him home!"

Marina was glad for the happy meeting at the end of a rough day, but she really had to get home. She was tired, and she actually had a day off the next day. She wanted to get a head start on sleeping in. Her building was just down the street. She was so close, yet so far, as she debated going home or talking to the man who, frankly, made her life worth living.

There was something so endearing about the way he teased. Marina couldn't quite explain it, but it felt like his words carried an element of friendliness and trust. She always looked forward to it. He was dramatic and silly. But his little acts made her smile, and occasionally laugh. That was something that he alone could do.

Deciding it was time to leave, Marina began to turn to continue her walk home, but was shocked to discover an arm draped across her shoulders. How in the world did he get next to me so quickly? She stared down at his hand as he spoke, saying that they should go home. We should go home.

In that moment, Marina's mind exploded.

What in the world does he mean by that?? Was it just a slip of the tongue? Does he just want me around so he's not lonely? Is there some...implication behind his words? She blushed furiously at the thought. Okay so the last option is out. So what, he's just...lonely? Marina thought for a moment, then smiled.

"Okay, let's go home." Smooth, Marina. Now just keep it up. "But, tell me, where is home?" Her head started screaming. Home is wherever he is, dummy! Say it! SAY IT! TeLl HiM wHaT yOu FeEl!!!!!!