ATLA/LOK Fem Imagines

*Royals

Trigger Warning: Death, Kidnapping, Slight Gore

*Formerly Feels Good - Lin or Kuvira (Revisited)*

A calm breeze feathers across my cheeks and bridges my nose. I crack the window open at night. I love it: bundling up beneath thick blankets rather than rustling around the bed, searching for a spot untouched by my body heat. With my quilt tugged over my shoulders and neck, my eyes trained on the only source of light: the round and ethereal moon.

Lin, my wife, would probably fuss over me right now, complaining about it not being safe to keep our windows open at night. Anyone could get in and try to steal from us or hurt us. At least, Lin two months ago would have. She's focused on protecting her city and her role as chief now, always in and out of the apartment. She stays for a few hours couped in her office. Then, she leaves. Not an I love you, or have a good day anymore.

I miss my wife. I miss her wittiness and raspy laugh. I miss the weight of her strong arms wrapped around me. They offer warmth and shelter from the cruel world. I miss her honesty and the privilege of witnessing her passion for her craft. She is brave and resilient. I've watched her take mean punches and rise as if nothing happened. She's my everything, and we don't even kiss anymore. In the beginning, we could sort out all our issues. We swapped our concerns freely. I could never stay mad at Lin. She told me once that she hated seeing me upset after a fight over the apartment.

On those weeks where she'd be gone, I understood the importance of her job. I reminded myself that she'd return on a week's vacation to compensate for all the overtime. She never talked about work unless a particular case truly shook her up. I would always lend an ear and listen through the horrifying recounters. She had a lot of nightmares. I can't blame her. She's witnessed horrors no person should see. Horrors I will not get into.

I stood by her during her hardships, but she rarely did the same. At first, I deemed myself selfish. How could I say that about a woman who saved lives, who saved my life? She holds much importance. The world pictures her and President Riako when they think of Republic City. Of course, she can not tend to me as much as I would like. Though, she doesn't try. I do voice my concerns. She stopped listening.

Lately, she ignores my advances, gently resting a hand on my shoulder and steering me from her. I lounge and wait around for her, trying to keep myself busy, but I become lonely. I came to this city with nothing, no family. Working and hobbies only do so much. I need something to drive me forward, to motivate me. We bear no children, so I can not pour my love on little ones. Lin does not want kids.

I turned twenty-eight a few months before our marriage. I couldn't care less about children. Now, as I age, I yearn for such a connection. It's not too late for me, though.

Did I make the right decision to leave my whole life behind to be with her? Maybe if I stayed with my overbearing parents. I could not enjoy the brightness and colorful outside world. They couped me up in our estate until I ran away. I invested too much time with her to doubt my decisions, though. I already made my choice, and now I face the repercussions.

Regardless of these setbacks, I'm still fully committed to this marriage. Though, I can't say the same for Lin. I barely know her whereabouts these days. It's a blessing when she spends the night with me.

I convinced her once to join me in bed. She melted to puddy in my arms the second I pressed my lips to her scared cheek. I wrapped my arms around her tight, pulling her as close as possible, and she let me. That was the last time I felt well-rested. I know she felt the same. Lin awoke with that tender tug on her lips that I love.

I must admit to the unease in my chest at all times. Something is missing.

With the memory of her skin on mine, the weight of sleep presses on my eyelids. I shouldn't worry too much, I suppose. Or, I'll keep myself up. My mind begins to wander into a much more fantastical world, becoming less and less aware until an eye-opening bang fills the once-silent room.