So this story actually stems from an Avatar Dream that I had. It mainly is a Korra and Tahno story, but there is some (very slight) shipping here. It will be multiple chapters so don't feel sad when you read this and are upset of what's going to happen. I do not own the Legend of Korra.
After Tahno had his bending taken away by Amon, he reached out to Korra for friendship. At first she was reluctant, but his persistence prevailed. They bonded over waterbending interestingly enough. Although he was powerless, Tahno managed to teach Korra some interesting techniques that she was fascinated to learn.
He had become a somewhat unofficial fifth member of Korra's group of friends, and the bending brothers were not too thrilled with the addition, Mako in particular. The former wolf-bat had cheated his way to victory, and stole the pro-bending championship from the well-deserving Fire Ferrets. A perfectly reasonable explanation as to why Mako and Bolin detested the well-groomed, pale skinned waterbender.
Korra had a tough exterior when they first met. Tahno was eerily creepy; wearing makeup and too much hair product. However, when she saw him at the police station, he seemed so guilt-ridden, helpless, and feeble; she couldn't help but feel bad for him.
When Tahno was present, the two waterbenders were inseparable. Surprisingly, they made each other laugh. They always around water, practicing various forms or just relaxing, nonetheless, Tahno and Korra spent a lot of time together. Every time they were together, Mako wasn't too far off lurking in the distance. He wouldn't spy on them, but he was conveniently in the area. Tahno wasn't the most trustworthy person in Republic City, with all of the stunts he had pulled in the pro-bending arena. Yet, Mako had other concerns…he couldn't help but feel jealous of the times that Tahno and Korra would spend together.
He had Asami Sato always at his side, but he's been harboring romantic feelings for the young Avatar, since the moment she joined the Fire Ferrets. The more time they spent together, the fonder Mako grew of her. The feeling seemed mutual, until Mako had fallen head over heels for Asami. It was an accident that stole his heart, but when Korra confessed her feelings to him, he became conflicted.
She kissed him, and that's when he had no idea what to do, but things sorted out on its own, and Korra would be "friends" with Mako. That seemed well, until Tahno came into the picture. Korra's time had been diverted away from Mako and Bolin, and spent more towards a boy who was mainly earning sympathy points with the Avatar. It enraged Mako to see them together, but he couldn't let Korra sense his jealous. He scrutinized her for being jealous, and Mako was anything but a hypocrite.
The sun was shining bright at high noon, and it was emanating warmth with its rays. Korra and Tahno walked along the shoreline of Air Temple Island, chatting, laughing, and bonding. "Thanks for hanging out with me Korra," he said looking at her with a friendly smile. She returned a smile, "Of course Tahno. I mean after everything that's happened, we could all use a friend here and there."
"You know what would be fun…" he started. She looked at him, puzzled. Her lips slightly pouted in confusion. "You should come with me to see the North Pole! I think I have family up there or something. I'd be honored to show you around. What do you say Uh-vatar?"
Korra averted her eyes from Tahno, who had sounded so excited to invite her all the way to the North Pole, "I don't know Tahno…with the Equalist threat still looming, I don't think I have time for any vacation."
Tahno looked down at defeat, "Oh, that's okay," he sighed. Korra looked at him and smiled, "Thank you for offering though, that's really sweet." She then reached for a hug, to comfort the broken ex-waterbender.
Later that day, the sun had begun to set on the Republic City horizon. Korra had spent a few hours meditating in the shade of a willow tree, adorned with pink sweet-scented flowers. She sat legs folded into white lotus style, palms resting lazily on her knees. Her breathing was paced with deep inhales and exhales, and she had finally been able to allow her mind to reach a state a rest. Korra's eyes peeped open when she heard the sound of footsteps in the grass approaching her, and snapping of a twig. "We need to talk," the voice was stern. Korra knew who it was instantly.
She opened her eyes, and leaned back, reaching out slightly behind her to support herself. She let the grass tangle between her fingers. "Can I help you Mako?" she retorted. He sat down next to her.
"What are you doing?" he asked sternly.
"Um…meditating? Obviously."
"No, I mean with Tahno."
"We're friends, no problem with that," she stated. His expression was firm, his eyebrows slightly crooked. "I don't trust him Korra, he's using you."
"What are you talking about Mako?" she scoffed, "why would Tahno use me? What good does that do him? Pro-bending is over…he doesn't even have any bending!" she exclaimed while throwing her arms up in the air. She slowly fell against the grass, resting her arms beneath her. Her lips pouted.
"He just seems…suspicious is all," Mako stuttered. Korra sat up quickly and smirked at the young firebender.
"I know what's going on here…you're jealous! I'm spending so much time with Tahno and that's making you jealous! Ha!" She had a wide smile on her face, and she watched Mako blush.
"I'm not jealous!" he exclaimed.
"Oh please Mako, you so are," she chimed.
"Don't be ridiculous!"
"Oh so it is okay for you to accuse me of being jealous, but doesn't work the other way around? How dare you!" she barked.
"I have no idea what you're talking about, I just don't trust the guy," Mako retorted curtly. He knew full well what he was saying; she was right and he was downright jealous of Tahno, and Mako let it show on his face. He couldn't look Korra in the eyes, and his words lacked conviction.
"What don't you trust about the guy…" she questioned.
"I-I-I," he stuttered. Korra stood up quickly, and placed her hands on her hips. Her face looked demanding; she wanted the truth from Mako, to admit that he has feelings for Korra, but it wasn't happening, not any time soon; he had Asami, why cause more drama that doesn't even need to be there.
"That's what I thought. You know what Mako; if you don't want to admit you're jealous that's fine. I thought you were better than that. Tahno invited me to visit the North Pole with him, and you know what, I think I'll accept him offer." She turned and started to walk away, but Mako grabbed her hand. He looked at her, his eyes glimmering with slight regret. "I'm sorry Korra, but please don't go," he sighed. Korra looked away from him, and pulled her hand out from his.
She always had feelings for Mako, and knew that he had troubling dealing with his feelings for her. Korra knew they existed, but she had to let him go at some point, if he was going to be stubborn and stay with Asami, then she was free to hang around other men. She walked around the island, and found Tahno standing by the shoreline, where they had walked together earlier that day. He stood there the whole day.
He was moving his arms around being imaginary water. A part of his life had been ripped from his soul, and he felt weak. She walked over to him, placed a hand on his shoulder and sighed, "Hey Tahno, I'd love to go to the North Pole with you on two conditions…." He turned towards her waiting for what she had to say. "I need Tenzin's permission, and I want to bring someone with me."
"And who might that be?" "My waterbending master from the Southern Water Tribe, her name is Katara. She's been to the North Pole, and I'm sure she could be a great travelling companion." Korra smiled, and then Tahno smiled. The two embraced each other in a friendly hug. "I'll see you later!" Korra shouted as she ran to her room. He waved back.
She first found Tenzin, who was sitting on the steps outside the entrance to the Air Temple. "Tenzin…I have a really huge favor to ask you," Korra asked while catching her breath. "I'm listening," Tenzin replied. "So…Tahno invited me to the North Pole to visit family and whatever, and before you say no…I was going to write to Master Katara and ask if she'd accompany me on the journey. I'm sure there are loads of more waterbending teachings that she has to offer, and she can keep watch over me, and I miss her so much! Please Tenzin!" Korra begged. Tenzin stroked his beard, and although it didn't seem like the smartest of ideas, Korra could use an escape from the drama looming in Republic City. The Equalist threat had subdued momentarily, so Tenzin ultimately agreed, with the circumstances that his mother would escort her.
Korra cheered and wrapped her arms tightly around her airbending master. She ran to her room, and began writing a well thought out letter to Master Katara, hoping that she would agree to accompany Korra on her mini-vacation with Tahno.
She sent off the letter, and waited days for a letter in reply. A week had gone by and Korra was antsy. Korra had been pacing around the temple, avoiding everyone, impatiently waiting for a mere letter.
She finally received a letter from Katara, and as Korra read it, her eyes widened with excitement. She cheered and ran into the main room of the Air Temple where Tenzin, Bolin, Asami, and Mako had been sitting while chatting. "Master Katara is coming to Republic City to take me to the North Pole! She'll be here in a few days! I'm so excited!" Korra cheered.
Mako had to look away from her, his heart sunk knowing that she would be miles away from him, with another boy. He was jealous, she was right, and he was an idiot.
Another chapter is on the way, I hope you enjoyed this development; it has no contingency with the plotline of the story (except for Mako, Asami, and Bolin living with Korra) review and stay tuned for another chapter. – Fire Bender.