The gentle summer breeze caressed her face as she opened her eyes from what she considered the most comfortable and restful sleep she'd had in a while. Korra smiled as she remembered where she was, and more importantly, who she was with when she noticed a strong arm wrapped around her waist. She tried not to wake her husband as she turned to face him, watching as he slept peacefully.
She and Mako had arrived at Ember Island late last night after quickly tying the knot at a courthouse in Republic City. And while it had been simple to say the least, she knew they'd made the right choice. Her hands wandered across his neck and shoulders, tracing lazy patterns on his bare skin as she remembered how they'd just sat down had a simple dinner, talking about nothing and everything at once; excited about the adventure they'd decided to embark upon together. She remembered how they'd promised not to let their disagreements fester until they were irreconcilable, and how they'd always look out for each other.
She sighed as she scooted closer to him, remembering how he'd kissed her as if he was trying to make up for all those years they'd lost, letting her know that he wouldn't have pushed her away if he'd known it'd separate them for five, long years.
"But we needed that time," she reminded herself as she ran her fingers through his hair. "We needed it to grow and understand ourselves better."
She'd never believed in labels, and she knew Mako didn't either. But she had to admit that husband and wife had a nice ring to it. She kissed him then; first his chin, then his cheeks and eyelids, and finally his lips. She kissed him softly at first, but when she felt his grip tighten and his lips respond to hers, she pressed into his body a little more so she could deepen the kiss.
Mako hummed as he rolled onto his back, taking her with him as she bit into his lower lip and kissed down his chin and across his neck.
"Not that I'm complaining," Mako began, his voice still thick with sleep, "but is this how you'll be waking me up every morning? Because I really wouldn't mind it."
"If you want me to," Korra sighed as she crawled up his body until their eyes were level. "I just wanted you to know that I love you."
"I love you, too," Mako replied as his hands caressed her bare back and kissed her softly. "So much."
He pushed himself up with one hand and pulled her closer with the other as he kissed her again. It was a new beginning for them, and they were determined to make the most of it.