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Jon hissed in pain as Martin’s hand bumped against his twisted knee.
“Sorry, sorry…”
Martin lifted his palms just a smidge, doing his best to avoid jostling the injury with his actual body.
Jon tried to grit his teeth against the throbbing sensation running up his leg, but it was no secret his pain tolerance was low. He felt the tension slack a bit as the water floating around Marin’s hand cooled the swollen appendage.
“Can’t you go any faster?” Jon complained as another ache hit him.
“Depends, do you wanna be able to walk tomorrow?”
“Right, right. Sorry.”
“Besides, you know I’m a lousy healer.”
Jon was silent for a moment.
“You really need to stop saying that.”
“Huh?” Jon was lucky Martin hadn’t spilled the water all over him.
“You aren’t a lousy healer.” Jon explained. “You do just fine.”
“Y-Yeah, well, I’ve had a lot of practice recently.” Martin hoped Jon couldn’t see how pink his cheeks had flushed. “You need to be more careful.”
“Melanie’s a tough teacher.” Jon shrugged.
“Well, she should learn to be more careful, too. What’s gonna happen if she mortally wounds the Avatar?”
“You should tell that to her.”
“Yeah, no thanks.” Martin shuddered. “I value my life, actually.”
Jon chuckled.
“Feeling any better?” Martin asked, pulling his hands away. “It’s tough to tell when the wound’s internal.”
Jon stretched his leg out, and then back in again.
“Much.” He sighed. “Thank you, Martin.”
“Don’t mention it.”
Martin maneuvered the water back into its flask and leaned back on his hands. He chewed on his lip for a moment.
“I worry about you, you know?” He admitted.
“I do,” Jon said. “But it can’t be helped. I’m the Avatar, after all. Danger is part of the job description.”
“I know, I know,” Martin replied, pulling his knees to his chest. “But I still care about you.”
Jon was silent at that.
“I’m sure a lot of people do.” He argued eventually. “But I still need to take risks. Otherwise, I let those people down.”
“No Jon, I mean,” Martin huffed. “I care about you as a person.”
“Oh.”
Jon went quiet again, seeming very interested in the scuff marks marred into the earth.
“I, ah…” He stammered eventually. “I care about you, too.”
Martin gave him a small smile.
“Thanks, Jon. That means a lot.”
“Oi!” Someone called. “Is he done yet?”
They both turned to see the silhouette of Melanie standing on a small cliff above them, hands on her hips.
“O-oh, yeah! He’s all set!” Martin responded.
“Well, come on then! The sun’s setting soon.”
“Right, yes,” Jon sighed. “I’m coming.”
“Good luck.” Martin whispered.
“Thanks,” Jon matched his volume. “I’m gonna need it.”