B is for Blessing


"So let me get this straight... You want to marry my daughter?"

"Y-yes, sir..." Mako stammered. His eyes remained on the burly water tribe man, only shifting about when Tonraq's eyes met his own. He had arrived to the small home belonging to Korra's parents nearly ten minutes ago, but to Mako, it felt like a lifetime as he sat across from his girlfriend's father. It had been nearly two minutes since he blurted out his request, asking Tonraq's permission to marry his only child. It wasn't exactly how he had planned to ask, but his anxiety proved too strong and ended up getting the best of him. The minute he uttered the word 'marry', Tonraq's eyes had widened and quickly narrowed as he furrowed his brows. Mako had almost wished he hadn't said a thing to the man when the silence set, though he wasn't one to go against the traditional way of asking for a woman's hand in marriage, having been taught by his own father from an early age. He wasn't one to go behind Tonraq's back, either. He'd be crazy if he had.

"I already have a ring and everything." Mako glanced quickly enough at the older man to notice one of his eyebrows raise and quickly began to correct himself. "But — uh — I didn't mean to go against the customs you have here regarding marriage, sir! I probably should have come to you before I even did anything..."

"Rings are a custom in Republic City, are they not?" Tonraq calmly asked. When the young man across from him nodded after a slight hesitance, he continued. "Korra is living in the city, now, so, she should take up the customs of the city." Upon hearing those words, Mako's brows rose in wonder. Tonraq took notice of this, of course, and quickly corrected the young man. "Don't take what I said as an answer, Mako. I haven't given you one, yet."

The silence washed over the room once more, leaving Mako to look about the room and shift in his seat awkwardly. He caught the older man fold his arms across his broad chest and gripped nervously at his scarf, silently asking for some sort of assistance from his late father. If there was something he needed most at this time, it was reassurance from his girlfriend who always made sure to keep her father in line when it came to his relationship with Mako. The man seemed to enjoy sending some sort of fear or intimidation in Mako's general direction, as was standard for most fathers when it came to their little girl dating. It was the reason Mako came to enjoy Senna's company more than Tonraq's, and the reason Mako wished it was tradition to ask the mother for her daughter's hand in marriage rather than the father's.

"I really love your daughter, sir, and I wish for nothing more than to make her happy." Mako finally broke the silence, realizing that, perhaps Tonraq remained quiet as to wait for Mako to give reason as to why he should grant him permission for such a big step in both his and his daughter's lives. "I work hard everyday at making her and keeping her happy. I love nothing more than to see her smile, and I really hope that when she does, she isn't faking it just to make me shut up." He allowed himself a small chuckle before continuing. "When she's upset, I'm always the first person to console her. When she cries, I let her cry on my shoulder. I know she has a lot of duties as the Avatar which — no doubt — stresses her out, but I always try my hardest to help her whenever she needs it, even if she won't admit it. I wish to keep doing these things forever, and marrying Korra secures that promise. If you would allow it."

The silence returned, leaving Mako rather uneasy, despite his confidence in the small speech he had just given to Tonraq. The older man inhaled deeply and closed his eyes, further making the young firebender uncomfortable. Tonraq soon opens his eyes, setting his gaze on Mako who squirmed slightly in his seat. Not knowing what the man would say or do next sent Mako's mind into a frenzy. Their eyes locked just before Tonraq gazed down the hall of his humble home, pursing his lips.

"You do make my daughter happy. That's something I've seen firsthand," Tonraq softly smiled, keeping his eyes focused on the hall. "Ever since Korra was a little girl, it was always my job to protect and keep her happy. It seems now that job has been passed on to you, Mako, and you seem to be doing great at it." He paused and allowed his gaze to rest on the young man across from him. His smile grew as he continued. "I always knew a time would come when she found a man to spend her life with, even if I didn't want to face it. That's why I've always acted like a jerk toward you, as Korra put it. I didn't want to face that my little girl had finally found someone, so I acted like any protective father would." His smile turned sheepish. "I just want to make you aware that I am very glad Korra has found someone like you."

Mako's eyebrows rose in surprise at Tonraq's words. The usual demeanor he had been used to seeing from the man for years had suddenly been flipped on its head, transforming to one that seemed more welcoming and not as intimidating. His mouth hung agape for a moment before he finally spoke. "Does that mean what I think it means?"

Tonraq's booming laughter at Mako's sudden shock carried throughout the room. "That depends on what you think it means, Mako."

Mako quickly picked his jaw up off of the floor and cleared his throat. "Oh. I thought—"

"I'm just messing with you, boy!" Tonraq grinned, much to Mako's displeasure. "It does mean what you think it means — I'm giving you permission to marry my daughter."

Relief washed over Mako; his rapid heartbeat slowed to a normal pace, and his lingering anxiety left his body completely, being replace by nothing but utter joy. Unable to contain his excitement, he stood from his seat with a beaming smile. "Thank you so much, sir! You don't know how much this means to me!"

"Don't think this sets anything in stone just yet. You still have one more step to take and that's asking Korra. If she says yes, I'll be more than happy to welcome you as my son-in-law."

"I'm aware, sir, and I thank you for the opportunity to be a part of your family."

"I'm sure she'll say yes, though. You're a fine young man and she's very lucky to have you." Tonraq smiled. "Now, if that's all, you should get going before Korra begins to worry that I've killed you!"

Mako's grin faded to a smile centered around concern. Nonetheless, he nodded his head slowly. "Right. We wouldn't want that." He held his hand out, gesturing for the older man to shake before he departed. Instead, Mako was pulled toward the man and given a pat on the back.

"You be sure to take care of my little Korra, and we won't have any problems."

Mako nodded. "I'll do my best, sir." He called out as he headed for the door. "Thank you."

"And don't think being a part of my family means I'll start going easy on you!, Mako" Tonraq hollered just as the firebender exited the home, chucking when he caught the young man's distraught expression. He glanced down the hall one last time, his eyes landing on the door to the room that had belonged to his daughter for so many years. He had watched her through every step in her life, from discovering she was the Avatar, to mastering three out of the four elements so quickly. And, now, his little girl was all grown up with a life of her own in Republic City and a nice gentleman who was ready to be with her on her journey through the rest of her life. A soft smile tugged at the corners of the older man's lips. As much as he hated to let his daughter go, he knew that she would be safe and happy in Mako's hands.

"Senna," he called out as he averted his gaze toward the small kitchen. "You're gonna love this!"


I enjoyed writing this one a lot. Hope you all enjoyed reading it! Please don't forget to review!