Distraction.

"But Bolin! You have to help me, I'm so lost when it comes to this stuff." Korra begged Bolin.

"You'll be fine, I'm sure he'll love whatever you get him." Bolin assured her.

Mako's 19th birthday was coming up and it was Korra's first birthday celebration outside of the South Pole, and it was also her first time celebrating her boyfriend's birthday together. She wanted his birthday to be really special; she knew Mako didn't grow up with a lot, so when he was younger, he never got anything extravagant for his birthday—Korra intended to change that with a surprise party.

"Aw come on Bo, after all the three of us has been through together, you know it's only fair if you help!"

"I am helping, with the surprise part, but your gift to him, you're going to have to do that on your own woman."
"Please Bolin, not even a suggestion? I won't make you come with me and buy it, I just want some advice. I never had to get anyone a gift who wasn't from the South Pole. Even my bending teachers received water-tribe gifts because I could never leave the compound."

"Hmm, I never thought about it that way. Alright fine, for Mako…. Mmm, I would say less is more. Don't go over the top with your gift. The simpler it is, the better."

"Simple. Got it, thanks Bo, I'll see you later tonight. Make sure everyone's ready."

"Will do, now go. We all have a lot to get done before tonight."

Bolin, Korra, and Asami had their list of errands to run. Asami was in charge of food and guests, Bolin decorations, and Korra, Mako. Korra spent the first half of the day distracting Mako while Bolin decorated the boys' apartment with streamers, balloons, signs, the whole nine-yards. Korra brought Mako to Air Temple Island to help her work on her air bending. She was still moderately new at it and could use a lot of help. Mako loved training with Korra, he loved how the two connected when they sparred, loved it even more when they were pro bending.

After Amon's debacle at the tournament, officials were called in while the arena was closed down. They made the call that the Wolf Bats did cheat and awarded the championship pot to the Fire Ferrets. Korra did whatever she could to make sure the brothers kept every yuan of the pot, but Mako's pride didn't give her a chance. Sick of fighting over minimal problems like money, Korra accepted her portion of the winnings, intending on discreetly giving it back. She bought them take-out to practice, random clothes she thought would fit them nicely, and anything to make sure that money was being spent on people who deserved it. Korra saved some money so she could buy Mako a birthday gift, but she still had no idea what to get him for his 19th.

As Mako was throwing flames at her, Korra got distracted and accidentally got burned on her arm. Luckily her arm band took most of the damage, but a bit of her skin did get burned. As Korra, screamed, Mako immediately rushed to her side, examining her arm.

"Korra! Oh god, I'm so sorry, are you okay?" He was frantic, unsure of what exactly he was doing.

"It'll be fine, calm down Mako. I'm a healer, remember?" The next second, Korra drew some water from the air and began healing herself. Korra was Korra, she could take some heat, a lot of heat even.

"Korra, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to burn you." Mako was tormenting himself on the inside over this.

"It's fine Mako, really. You've trained and fought alongside with me before, you know I can take much more than this. This is just a scratch." Korra said as she tried to calm down Mako.

"I know, it's just that. I don't like seeing you hurt. I want to protect you, but it looks as if I'm doing the exact opposite…"

Korra's patience was running out. She gripped Mako's chin and made him look into her eyes. "You listen to me now. You saved my life multiple times. You defend me in our matches, protecting me. Remember Amon? Yeah, it was you who saved me too. Don't forget it. You are the one that I can count on to always have my back."

Convinced a bit more, Mako relaxed and grabbed Korra's hand that was on his face.

"Always." Hearing his sigh, Korra pecked Mako quickly before he helped her up and they headed back to Republic City.

Stay tuned for chapter 2. hope you liked it, please review