"So, er, where's Bolin?" Korra asked, as they shut the apartment door behind them. The place was rather clean, more than usual. There weren't the normal Probending training uniforms wrinkled and scattered around the floor. All of the dishes had been put away in their respective cupboards, and the kitchen table was dusted and waxed.

"Oh, he's out partying with Asami. Trying to win over more sponsors for the team," Mako answered, and he secretly hoped that the earthbender would return home later than expected, "He should be back soon."

"Ah, okay.." Korra said, gently rocking back and forth on her heels. The awkward within the apartment could literally be felt on their skin.

"So.. Want some Flame-o Noodles?" Mako asked, making his way over to the kitchenette. As he was removing the lid to the can of the raw, hard spirals of flour, he realized that it was now or never for him to confess his feelings for the Avatar. "Korra, I have something to, um, tell you." he blurted out.

"What is it, Mako?" she was truly puzzled as to what he was to say next. Unless..

"I know we've only known each other for a few weeks now," Mako began, and he could feel his cheeks heating up, his voice beginning to quiver, "but I want to let you know that I sort of... look at you as more than a friend." The last few words were rushed, he wanted to get this over with quickly.

"Huh? Oh.." Korra trailed off. Mako knew it was over at this point, and he began conjuring up some ways to talk himself out of the mess he'd just made.

"Dammit! I knew I shouldn't have said anything! Gah, I'm just so stupid!" Mako exclaimed, slamming his gloved fist on the counter. Small licks of fire escaped from his nostrils.

"No, Mako! You're not stupid! I... uh... really like you too," Korra then began to take the initiative. "I honestly have thought about dating you a lot, more than a lot." She lowered her sapphire eyes to the floor, gazing at her otterpenguin-hide boots. Suddenly, her head was jerked upward by warm, unexpected fingers. The next thing she knew, their lips were intertwined. She began to become weak at the knees, shaking horribly. Mako steadied her with his free hand, gripping her about the waist. He pulled her close, to the point where her bust was pressed against his toned pectorals. She wrapped her left arm around his body, and began to unbutton his tunic with her other hand. She hurriedly thrust her palm into his garments, and he sensed her feeling about his rigid abdomen. Her dainty, yet powerful fingers twiddled his body hair, sending shivers of ecstasy down his spine. Her hand slowly lowered under the elastic supporting his trousers. Suddenly, she withdrew.

She'd much rather leave reaching in there for their second date.

xx