Old Makorra Snippet

She couldn’t sleep. The more she thought about the final match, the more she tossed and turned. Naga softly padded over to her bed side, giving a loving and concerned growl. Korra scratched behind her ears.

“It’s alright girl, just some pre-game jitters.” That was a lie. Not only had the competition proved to be tougher than she thought, but she had made matters worse with her ridiculous confession. How could she have been so stupid to keep pushing Mako like that? And she didn’t even want to think about their kiss. She hadn’t been thinking, obviously. She was too brash, too impulsive… And what had that achieved? Nearly losing the Fire Ferrets a match, an even more confused Mako, and a heart broken Bolin. Poor Bolin. He had done nothing but adore her and she couldn’t even spare a backwards glance once Mako had told her he liked her.

“Ughhh…” Korra buried her face into her hands. She had never had to deal with boy problems before, but she knew she was doing it all wrong. Sure, Mako and Bolin forgave her, but that didn’t erase the fact that she was still an idiot.

She needed to get out of bed. She needed to bend. Korra stood up and looked at Naga. “Sorry girl, I need to get off the island for a bit. I’m going crazy.” She gave a small smile as the polar bear dog licked her hand and climbed into her empty bed. Naga gave a content grunt and curled up to sleep. Korra climbed through the window and silently scaled down the building. Plunging into the water, she knew the gym would be empty and perfect for practice.

…

Mako sat on the large window sill, watching the full moon shimmer across the water. Behind him his brother snored heavily with the small fire ferret sleeping soundly on his chest. He was glad Bolin could finally sleep. He knew nightmares of Amon had kept him up the last week or so, though Bolin would never admit it. He always pretended to sleep whenever he knew Mako was awake.

Mako sighed heavily, thoughts rushing through his mind. He didn’t know what bothered him more: the final match, cheating on Asami, hurting his brother, or his feelings for the Avatar. He supposed all were good reasons as to why he couldn’t sleep. Sighing again, Mako closed his eyes and let his head knock back against the sill. He was going nuts with confusion and worry. He didn’t know where to start.

He was worried he’d lose the match, disappointing Asami, her father, and his team. He was worried about his brother, whose heart had been broken one day and now he was acting as if he never saw Korra more than a friend. He was worried if Asami found out about what he had
done, how he had kissed Korra back.

Oh Agni, that kiss. Korra’s confession. Both confused him to no end. Of course he liked the Avatar. As soon as he saw her skill in the pro-bending arena, he realized she was… Well she was incredible. She was strong, bold, spirited, and passionate. She got under his skin in a way that drove him insane but made him laugh and smile, pushed him to do better. There was something about Korra that lit a fire in him. Brought him passion and drive he experienced and craved for in a match. Even when they fought he secretly admired the fire that blazed in her eyes. She had this headstrong nature Mako had never witnessed in a girl.

Bolin snorted and rolled over, pulling Mako out of his thoughts. Mako silently scolded himself. He had to stop thinking about her. It only made things worse. Mako jumped lightly off the sill and glanced over at Bolin. He was still fast asleep, beginning to snore again, holding Pabu like a stuffed penguin-seal. Mako smiled at his brother’s peaceful face. Bolin really was great company, even when they got in spats over silly things like girls.

Deciding some tea would calm his nerves, Mako pulled out a cup and filled it. He lit a fire in his hand and leaned against the counter, waiting for the water to boil. He suddenly stopped. That wasn’t his own firebending he had heard just then, was it? He silently walked to the front door and opened it, leaning out into the hallway, straining to hear any noises. Again, he heard the rush of fire he was so familiar with. His eyes narrowed. It was late, very late. No one should be in the building besides Bolin and himself.

Setting down his cup on the table, Mako slipped out the front door and crept down the stairs, arms out ready to bend. He paused as he reached the bottom of the stairs, listening to the intruder for a moment. All he could hear was heavy breathing, firebending, and grunts. Peering around the corner, he saw a flurry of flames, legs, blue clothing, and brown hair. ‘Korra’, Mako thought with a sigh. Of course. Who else would have access to the gym? Bolin had given her a key in case she ever needed the brothers’ help. Mako hadn’t been keen to the idea at first but eventually agreed, as long as Toza didn’t find out.

Mako leaned against the doorframe, watching the Avatar battle it out with a dummy usually used for pro-bending practice. She was all over the place, with angry grunts, punches, and kicks. She didn’t look like her usual self. Her hair was pulled into a high ponytail, stray strands matted to her face with sweat. She had shed her usual parka and pelts and was only practicing in blue shorts and a white tank top, barefoot. Mako watched in slight awe as she bent with the skill he had seen old firebending masters display.