A/N: It's been forever since I wrote fanfiction. I tried with this one. Hopefully it's decent enough.

Takes place after "The Metal Clan" (Book 3 episode 5) Inspired by elventhespian's awesome pic of Mako reading.

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Mako was slightly leaning back in a metal chair reading a book Jinora let him borrow. He, along with Korra, Bolin, Asami, and Lin were staying at the metal city Zaofu because they found another airbender named Opal. Mako started to wonder if Bolin talked to Opal, who also happened to be Lin's niece and had a crush on his little brother.

His thoughts were interrupted when he heard the door for his room opening. He figured it was Bolin and continued to read.

"Hey, Mako." A familiar female voice said. Startled, Mako started to fall backwards when a pair of arms caught his chair and helped him up. "Whoa. Easy there."

Mako looked up and saw the cerulean eyes that always made his heart skip a beat. Unsure of what to say, his cheeks started to turn pink. "Thanks." He said after a brief pause.

Korra walked over to his bed and sat down. "What were you reading? One of Jinora's books?"

"Yeah, she let me borrow me a couple."

"What it's about?"

Mako hesitated and avoided her gaze. He still wasn't used to being alone with her since their recent break up. "The catacombs underground in Ba Sing Se."

"I remember Master Katara telling me the story when she and Aang fought Lord Zuko and Azula when I was a kid." She paused and noticed he looked tense. "Are you okay? You look like you've barely had any sleep."

"I'm okay. Just…thinking."

She wasn't convinced. "Come on, Mako. You know you can tell me right? Just because we broke up we're not friends anymore?"

"No! It's not that. Of course we're still friends. In fact—" He stopped, not wanting to admit the truth.

"What? What is it?" She leaned a little closer to him.

He took a breath after a long pause. "You're my best friend, Korra." He stood up and took a step towards her. "The truth is I've been thinking about those criminals who attempted to kidnap you when you were a kid. I've barely slept because I keep having nightmares where they kidnap you, you get hurt, or worse…" His voice cracked and turned away from her.

Korra was taken aback and she quickly stood up and touched his shoulder.

He flinched at first but then softened because of the familiar and soft touch of her taut skin. "I can't lose you, Korra."

Korra walked in front of him and saw one of his hands covering his face. She touched his hand and moved it from his face. Her eyes widened a little when she saw tears streaming down the firebender's face. She never saw Mako cry after all the time they've known each other. She stroked his hand and held his cheek with her other hand. "You won't. We'll find a way to stop those criminals. We always find a way." Then she wrapped her arms around him and he held her tight, refusing to let go.

After a few long moments, they released their embrace. Korra gave a small smile. "I should probably get some sleep. Will you be okay?"

Mako rubbed his eyes. "I think so." He realized they were still holding hands.

She squeezed his hand. "Good night, Mako."

"Good night, Korra." They released hands and she started to walk out of his room. As she reached the door she turned around and smiled. "I'm glad you're here and…you're my best friend too. If you need anything, I'll be down the hall." After that, she left.

Mako sat down on the chair again and continued to read. As he read, he smiled, knowing he'll always have Korra as his best friend and they'll always be there for each other.