Taxi Rides and Stealing Smiles

Sorry guys, I know it's been weeks, but I was visiting at a friend's cabin, and someone very close to my heart passed away while I was gone.

All right I'll quit boring you guys now and get on with the disclaimer: Never owned, never will, all belongs to Bryke and nickelodeon.

"Uncle Narook, come on, we're going to be late for your check up!" I called up the rickety and winding staircase to the apartment above the restaurant.

Two feet appeared, one wrapped in thick plaster and the other in one of the snug boots Mom had crafted specially for Uncle Narook. He eased himself down carefully, a cane grasped tightly in his hand. "All right, Korra, all right." He chuckled good naturedly. "I'm coming, I'm coming."

"You know you really shouldn't rush him if he's gotten a broken foot." Mako commented snidely, walking by with an empty serving tray and a tub full of dirty dishes.

"You know you really shouldn't give your opinion when no one asked for it." I shot back.

"Come on, you two, we're going to be late. Right, Korra?" I decided that I imagined the warning in his voice as he hobbled past.

"Well why does he have to come?" I asked bluntly. Dishes clattered together as Mako set the tub down harder than he had probably meant to.

"Korra don't be rude." I sniffed, wrinkling my nose at the stern expression on his tanned face. I suddenly saw the family resemblance between my mother and uncle; in the way that their eyebrows drew low over their eyes and how their lips pressed into one thin line.

"It's all right Mr. Narook," Mako said indifferently. He jerked his thumb back towards the kitchen. "I actually have a lot of prepping to do in the kitchen, so-"

"Well I'm sure that my appointment won't last all that long. And I really would feel better if you waited with Korra."

He continued on as the three of us made our way out of the restaurant. "You know, there's this great little tea shop on the corner by the clinic. You two can have a cup of tea while I have my checkup."

"But Uncle Narook, I'm sure that I'll be able to find my way around-"

"And I really think that I should watch over the restaurant just in case anyone-"

"Nonsense!" Uncle Narook ushered us both forward, clipping Mako's ankle with his cane. The gangly teenage boy squeaked, stumbling into the side of the taxi. Uncle Narook took no notice, cheerfully talking to the cab driver, who was apparently one of his more regular diners.

I snickered, and opened the door for Uncle Narook while Mako helped him in. I shut the door and walked around to the other side so that I wouldn't have to climb over him or make him scoot over. Just as I was about to lift myself into the cab completely, something caught on the very heel of my boot. My bare toes wiggled fruitlessly in search of the koala-sheep wool roughened by years of wear and tear.

I shot Mako a glare over my shoulder, and lowered myself back down onto the street. I stooped down, catching Shiro Shinobi relaying the highlights of last night's pro bending match. I snagged the boot with my fingertips, letting it swing loosely in my grip before letting it fly free…until it hit Mako's stomach that is.

It bounced off harmlessly, slumping down on itself in defeat on the pavement. I scowled at it first, then at Mako. Of course he just had to have abs. I turned, and hoisted myself onto the seat of the cab, arms crossed and lips pushed out into a pout.

A tap on my knee cut my sulking session short. Mako was down on one knee, holding my shoe in his hand. He extended his fingers out to my bare foot, fingers nearly tickling the toes. "May I?"

I sniffed, presenting him with the side of my face as I looked away indignantly.

Well. He was still a jerkbender, hiding under that thin gentleman skin that would surely be shed during Uncle Narook's checkup.

He was waiting patiently for my answer.

"I suppose." I said loftily, still facing away from him.

I jerked a little when I first felt the raggedness of his gloves, which he never seemed to take off. I took the moment to study them, since I could hardly look him in the eye without turning my mind foggy with something that wasn't quite distinguishable yet. They were threadbare, worse for wear, and nearly ripping at the seams.

His short, neatly trimmed nails grazed the thin skin covering my ankle bone. Goosebumps erupted, but were quickly covered by my fur lined boot once more.

His hand was still on my ankle, the other tapping absently on the sole of my shoe. I slowly brought my eyes up to his, which were thoughtful and quiet; the dying embers of a fire. Mako shifted, his hand cupping the back of my calf now. His fingertips, which juggled hot pans and dishes so easily, left imprints of themselves even through the thick material of my pants.

The taxi driver cleared his throat. "All right, Narook, now is this pretty little lady your niece that you've been telling me so much about?"

I jerked, pulling out of Mako's loose hold. I blushed at the floorboards, as Uncle Narook made the introductions between Chang and I. Mako hoisted himself into the backseat, his sharp hip pressing against my own gently to scoot me to the middle of the bench.

I mumbled my greeting to Chang, watching Mako out of the corner of my eye as he shut the door of the cab; muttering something about "pretty…stubborn…distracted!" he exclaimed quietly, with a subtle curse. I peered over his lap, and captured my smile in the lines of my palm.

His coat had gotten shut in the door.

I traced my finger around the lip of my tea cup, gathering the drops that hovered on the edge. Mako tapped his fingers on the small wooden table, knee bouncing so rapidly that constant ripples were present in the murky depths of my tea.

"So…" he drew the word out. "Wonderful weather we're having."

I gave him my best dead pan look. "So…" I dragged the word out, holding it even longer than he had. "That's really the best topic you can come up with?" I asked him dryly. "And before you can ask, yes, how 'bout them Tigerdillos?" I said with mock enthusiasm and what I hoped looked like a gentle, teasing smile.

Mako's mouth twitched, the corner curling into the barest hint of-

"Can I get you a refill?" Said a surgery sweet voice. The eyelash batting, smirking airhead of a waitress caused Mako to look up in surprise. And gave her an opportunity to steal the smile I had worked so hard to earn. She held up the pot of tea invitingly. "We just made a fresh pot."

The raven haired boy blinked, grinning half surprised and crookedly. "Uh, sure. Thank you."

"No problem," she simpered, scooting closer to our table.

"Would you like more tea, Korra?" Mako asked politely, since it was obvious that the waitress wasn't going to.

"I would love some," I said tightly.

The waitress- June, her nametag stated –turned back to me, smile still in place but obviously dimmed. She silently poured the steaming liquid neatly into my cup. She straightened, excitement renewed in her eyes as they flicked back to Mako, who was staring out the window.

"Thank you," I offered, sweeping a hand out. My fingertips just barely brushed the bottom of the warm teapot, but it was enough. A thin layer of frost coated the delicate porcelain, encasing the cherry blossoms painted on the side in the chill.

Mako frowned, returning his attention to watch as June struggled to pour his tea. "Is everything all right?" He ventured to ask.

June flushed, eyes darting between his still empty cup and the fully tilted teapot. "Oh yes, um, i-it seems that I've run out of uh, t-tea."

It didn't take an earthbender to figure out that June was lying.

"But didn't you say that you just made a full pot?" I questioned innocently, sipping out of my cup pointedly.

"I-I," she struggled to come up with an explanation, beyond baffled and more than mystified. "Um-"

The bell over the door tinkled, and she was off before it had even shut. I rolled my wrist, twirling my hair around my fingers…and unfreezing the tea.

I checked the clock mounted on the wall above the chalkboard bearing the day's specialty blend. I downed the rest of the liquid in one gulp, throwing my head back and setting the cup back down firmly on the table.

"Come on, it's almost time for Uncle Narook to be done with his checkup. By the time we walk to the clinic, he'll be done." Mako tossed a few yuans on the table, enough to cover the check unfortunately. Reluctantly, I put down a couple more in a decent sized tip.

We passed June on our way out. She offered us a wave, and a stunningly red blush. Mako held the door open for me, and I took my time crossing the threshold. I pressed my lips together, holding in my smile when I heard her exclamation when tea began to flow freely from the spout of the pot.

Mako sent her an odd look through the front window. I smirked after he looked away, watching as she let her chin fall and collide with her collarbone in disappointment.

"I thought she said that she was out of tea?" Mako muttered to me as we strolled down the sidewalk.

I had a sudden coughing fit that just so happened to sound a lot like laughter.

The rickety wooden chair creaked as I shifted for the seventeenth time. Mako let out a gusty sigh, head clunking against the wall solidly. He practically launched himself off of the small armchair that was squished in the corner of the clinic next to me.

"I'm going to ask the front desk what's taking so long." He stated. I mumbled my assent. He hesitated, but spun on his heel and marched up to kind-eyed graying secretary who was seated behind the desk.

I hunched over, elbows digging into my knees. I threaded my fingers through loose strands of my hair, pulling in frustration that brought tears to my eyes. Worry was eating away at my nerves, fraying the edges and snapping them one by one with a pair of rusty scissors.

"Well hello there, pretty thing," rasped a grating voice in my ear. I jerked my head back, the world blurred from my movement and watering eyes.

"Awe, no need to cry," the voice cooed. "It'll ruin that pretty face." I recoiled as cold, dry hands gripped my own.

"Something tells me that you're a water bender, honey, and it's those big blue eyes of yours." He pulled me to my feet, catching me when I stumbled. He puffed up in pride, pale irises glinting subtly against pale skin. He puffed up his chest a little bit, drawing attention to the fineness of the dark silk shirt and vest splayed across his torso. "If you like, I can teach you how to move and act like a real bender."

The sharply pointed face leered closer to me, closer than I'd ever like it to be. If I had it my way, whoever this guy was wouldn't be coming near me again with a ten foot pole.

A hand gripped my shoulder, swinging me around and into an embrace of rough, gray fabric. Buried up to my eyes in sweet, smokey red, hands gently pried me away. "Hey sweetie, there you are. I know you missed me, but I was only gone for five minutes."

Gold eyes widened in emphasis, and I hurried to play along, casting an uneasy glance at the creep. "S-sorry," I stuttered anyway, senses reeling as the scent from Mako's scarf danced in my nose. "But I really did miss you." I sent him my prettiest smile, batting my lashes like June had at the tea shop.

Mako blinked, lips stretching, cheeks lifting-

"And who might you be?" The nasty voice had gotten nastier, and Mako's would be smile melted away to reveal his usual scowl.

"Her boyfriend," He said, the edge in his voice sharp enough to cut through the boy's ridiculous hair product. My heart stopped, than started beating double time as his fingertips grazed my ribs; arm tightening around my waist and pulling me closer to his side. "And you?"

"Her future husband," The pompous freak continued. He darted forward, and snagged my free hand. Surprisingly soft lips, but still cold like the rest of him, pressed against the back of my hand, like a snowflake had kissed it. "Until we meet again, my dear."

I snatched my hand away, and Mako cradled it to his chest, glare intensifying. "That's not going to happen as long as I'm here." He swore ominously, slowly drawing us backwards down the hall towards Uncle Narook's room.

Mako didn't break his stare until we turned the corner, where he immediately stopped, and leaned back against the wall; thumb absently brushing the top curve of my hip and into the dip of my waist. He heaved a sigh, and began to retract his arm. I gripped his wrist tightly. Just to ask him a question, I assured myself. "Sweetie?" I quoted incredulously.

"What, you wanted that jerkbender to paw at you some more?" Disgust and maybe something more colored his tone, bright and fierce.

"Hey, tough guy," My free hand walked itself up his chest, bringing us even closer. I stopped right above his heart, my drumming fingers matching the rhythm of his frantic heartbeat. "First of all, I answer all rhetoric questions, and B," Mako huffed out a chuckle, and shook his head ruefully. "Jerkbender is my nickname, Jerkbender." I smothered a giggle as his ridiculous eyebrows drew together in a V at the nickname. "And three, I can handle myself just fine, thank you very much."

Challenge sparked in Mako's eyes, smoldering and spitting anticipation making my own bubble and rise. "Yeah, you sure showed him, Korra." He snarled, snapping out my name like the crack of a whip.

"If you don't watch yourself tough guy," I sneered, fingers twisting in the collar of his jacket. "You'll be next."

"I'm shaking in my boots," he breathed, tea sweetened with honey and spiced with smoke breaking across the bridge of my nose to trail along my cheekbones.

"Ahem."

I broke through the thick walls of the bubble Mako and I had secured ourselves in. Slowly, ever so slowly, I dragged myself out of the molten sea of gold, copper and bronze. Uncle Narook was leaning against his cane, a small- if a bit exasperated –smile on his mouth.

I let go of Mako's gray jacket immediately, flexing stiff fingers. I hadn't realized I'd been holding on so tightly. "All done Uncle Narook?" I asked, a blush staining my cheeks.

"If you are Korra," he teased. Mako's ears flared red, and I scowled. Uncle Narook shuffled toward us, chuckling under his breath. My glare softened when I noticed his limp seemed more pronounced, and stress hiding in the lines of his face.

I looped my arm through his, carefully guiding him out of the clinic. Mako hurried ahead to hold open the door. I sent a friendly smile to the sweet-faced receptionist, who waved delightedly as we exited. Mako stiffened as I passed, gaze fixed on something over my shoulder. I jolted when I saw Mr. Creeptastic leaning against the brick face of the clinic, pale eyes trained on me.

Mako pointedly grabbed my hand, twining our fingers together. Keeping his eyes on Creeptastic, he pressed a kiss to my knuckles that sent the nerves in my fingertips singing and itching to touch the scruff on his cheek.

Mr. C scoffed, and pushed himself off the building to stalk down the sidewalk.

We piled into the taxi in silence, Mako keeping a tight hold on my hand as he helped me into the cab. I smiled as his thumb stroked over my wind chapped fingers, gloves soft and rough all at once.

He hadn't let go.

"So…" Uncle Narook drawled. My heart stuttered nervously at the uncertain but teasing tone in his voice. "Wonderful weather we're having."

I sighed impatiently, readjusting my grip on Mako's hand. "Is there something you'd like to say, Uncle Narook?"

The worn vinyl crackled as he shifted. Uncle Narook shifted his eyes nervously, tappinghis cane against the floorboards in agitation. "My checkup went well," he began slowly, keeping his eyes firmly on his cast.

"Well, that's a relief," Mako said, cheek muscles twitching, a flash of pearly teeth-

"But…"

We jetted through an intersection, leaving behind a trail of exhaust, beeping horns, and Mako's almost smile.

"But…?" I ventured bravely, voice creeping towards hopeful.

"But because my foot is fractured in so many places, they're afraid that rushing the healing process will only make it worse." He sighed, rubbing at his bristly cheek.

"So then you should stay off your feet," I scolded gently.

"Then you agree with the doctor, Korra," he said, voice bordering on miserable.

" Wait, Mr. Narook." Mako leaned forward to see past my frame. "If you can't be on your feet, than who's going to run the restaurant?"

"You two, I suppose." I recoiled at the idea, but quickly smoothed my features when Uncle Narook studied me closely.

"All right," I said evenly, despite my faltering heartbeat. "Then how long is it going to take your foot to heal?"

The brakes squeaked as we rocked to a stop in front of the restaurant. Uncle Narook drew out a few bills, handing them to the driver with a wobbly smile. He opened the cab door, but didn't get out yet.

"Uncle Narook?" I repeated. "How long?"

"The rest of the summer."

Then he was gone, slipping off the seat, hobbling over to the entrance of the restaurant before shutting the door with a sharp snap.

Mako and I still sat in the back of the taxi, his thumb in mid stroke across my knuckles. Numbly, I reached over and shut the still agape door, jarring me out of my stupor.

"Excuse me, but can you please take us to the Opal Dragon, Yeng Chen and Kuruk please?"

Shooting me a cocksure smile, the driver shifted gears and pulled us into the heavy city traffic and back to the tiny tea shop near the clinic.

"Korra," Mako began, the usual disapproving tone lacking its usual vigor. "We need to prep for the dinner rush-"

"We can prep later," I interrupted, grabbing his hand as if to stop his words with physical force. "Right now, I need a drink and so do you."

He was quiet for a minute, before finally nodding his head and squeezing my hand back.

"All right. One cup, and that's it."

Mako grabbed the handle of the door, the twinkling melody of the bells alerting our entry. June, who was stationed at the counter separating yuans and bills, did a double take as we crossed the threshold. She promptly squeaked and fled into the kitchen. A pair of green eyes were all I saw peeking through the service window. I gave her a cheery smile and a wave as Mako and I headed back to our original table.

June, timid as an elephant mouse, crept up to us, eyes on her notepad. "What would you guys like?"

"I'll have the Dragon's Breath," Mako replied, squinting at the chalkboard mounted on the wall that held the day's specials.

"Oh hello, June," I practically purred. I drummed my fingers across my lips, humming lightly. "I think I'll have… the Leaping Shirshu please."

"That'll be right up." She scurried back behind the counter, hooking her fingers in two cups along the way.

We were both quiet for a minute, listening to the ticking of the clock and June rummaging around in the kitchen.

"So…are we going to talk about this?" Mako asked, eyeing me warily.

"Talk about what?" June blurted, and immediately flushed. She set the tea cups down with a heavy hand, the other juggling two small tea pots. "I-I'll just um, I'll just leave these here."

I bent the liquid out of the pots in thin streams, depositing them neatly in the tiny cups. I nudged one towards Mako. "All right then, let's talk." I took a gulp of tea, wincing as it burned my tongue.

"This…has to stop." I swept a hand between us, as if that explained everything.

"At least I'm making an effort," he snapped.

"Oh, and I'm not?" I snarled. Taking a breath, I blew it out before I even tried to talk to him again.

"Look, we both know that this isn't going to work if we don't work together." I ignored his quiet scoff, biting my tongue to keep my short response at bay. "So I suggest that we start over." Curling my fingers under the seat of my chair, I hopped over to his side of the table, until I was sitting next to him. I held out my hand, looking at Mako expectantly.

"Hi. I'm Korra. I'm Narook's niece and I'll be staying with him for the summer."

Finally, I was allowed to see the smile that had been hidden in the shadows of lampposts blurring by; the smile that had been stolen by a flirty waitresses and melted away by a slick, creepy fellow in the waiting room of a clinic.

My heart stuttered as his eyes gazed at me warmly, making my own inner fire curl and wriggle delightedly. He took my hand, fingertips brushing against my wrist and over my drumming pulse.

"I'm Mako. Mr. Narook hired me about two months ago. I'm the cook and waiter at his restaurant."

"So it looks like we're going to be working together then." Somehow my voice was steady even as thoughts whirled giddily through my mind. He still hadn't let go of my hand.

"All summer, so I'm told." Why hadn't he let go of my hand?

We spent an awkward moment staring at each other, our tea cooling on the scratched tabletop.

I shifted in my chair, eyes flicking away from his nervously. He started and cleared his throat. "Well, it was nice to meet you." The bells above the door tinkled again. Mako turned his head curiously, taking a look at the new customer entering the tea shop. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a familiar dark silk shirt and product ridden hair making their way to our table.

"You t-" Warm lips cut off my words, along with the rest of my oxygen supply. A hand gripped my shoulder, inviting me to lean closer. Mako's mouth moved softly against mine, the remains warm, spiced tea burning the edges of my lips. My eyelids- when had I shut them? –fluttered open to gaze dreamily at Mako…

Who wasn't even paying attention to me. He was staring intently at the door, which flew open and shut with a resounding slam.

I struggled to untangle myself from him, squirming out of the tight hold he had on my hand and my shoulder. Wrenching my mouth away from his, I shoved him away from me. Mako flailed in his chair, which tipped backwards with a crash. I wiped my lips on the back of my hand, which were only tingling from the spiciness of the tea I promised myself. Just from the tea and nothing else.

"What was that?" I shouted as he struggled to get up, wincing. June looked on in interest. I shot her a scathing look, making her cower behind the counter again. "I have half a mind to throw you back into the bay!"

"What, did you want to be bothered by that creep again?" He snapped, picking himself up off of the remains of the chair.

"Oh, and so the rational solution to that is to kiss me!" I snapped.

"What, did you have a better one?" He shot back. "And it wasn't like it was your first kiss or something."

There was a moment of stillness. Even the ticking clock seemed to pause to hear my response.

Mako's voice was tentative. "Korra?"

I spun on my heel, slamming some yuans down on the counter. "That's for the chair and tea." I told June shortly, who nodded meekly in reply.

"Korra-" Mako tried again.

I yanked the door open. "You can take your own cab back." I snarled.

Stepping out onto the sidewalk, I whistled sharply as a cab turned the corner, jogging to meet it as it slowed near the curb. As soon as I was in, I dropped my head in my hands.

"Everything all right back there, Miss Korra?" Of course. Chang's worried face looked back at me in the rearview mirror.

"I'm just fine Mr. Chang, thank you for asking." I said wearily. Both our eyes were drawn to the front of the Opal Dragon, where Mako was charging out of the shop, yelling for me. Relief was evident as he saw me through the window of the taxi.

"Should I wait for him Miss Korra?" He asked, eyes darting between me and Mako's form, which was rapidly closing the distance between himself and the door of the cab.

"No." I said, crossing my arms over my stomach as I slouched back into the seat. "He can find his own way back to Uncle Narook's."

"Narook's Seaweed Noodlery it is then." I watched with smug and grateful eyes as we turned a corner, leaving Mako behind in a cloud of exhaust.

Ley Shen and Han were seated in one of the booths lining the walls of the restaurant when I stormed in, playing pai sho.

Both of them stood when I entered, Han's civilian clothing catching on the rough edges of the board and shifting the pieces. "Hello, Avatar," Ley Shen greeted me. They both bowed. "How are you?" Despite the boiling rage filling my mind and fogging my reason, I glanced around the empty restaurant warily.

"Just peachy," I came my snarky reply.

Stomping up the stairs, the door banged against the paneling in the hall as I threw it open. I marched inside, throwing myself face down on the cot Uncle Narook had placed near the window. I screamed into my pillow, balling my fists in the sheets.

This was going to be a long summer.

Okay, I probably could've posted this A LOT sooner, but since I made you guys wait so long, I thought I better make it worth the wait. Was it? Let me know. Please don't follow or favorite without reviewing.

Reviews are loved, the people who write them even more so.

SG.