Decisions: More than Love

It had been 27 hours, 43 minutes, and 8 seconds since Mako had talked to Korra. His eyes flickered back to the clock. He watched as the seconds' hand inched around the clock face. He had 45 minutes before he was supposed to meet Asami for lunch. She had called him earlier in the day, and when he heard the catch in her voice he immediately knew he was going to cancel his lunch plans with the Chief. He had wanted to talk to her about the White Lotus offer. Could he take a sabbatical? Did she even think it was a good idea? He valued her opinion, and she wasn't as easily impressed as Bolin. Bolin had started to pack Mako's bags when Mako had told him of the offer.

Mako slid his chair back, and taking a deep breath readied himself for his meeting with Asami. It seemed their lunches were becoming more frequent, as were Korra's letters. He wanted to help them both. He had hurt them both in the past, but they had been through so much together since their initial love fiasco and developed a deep friendship. Mako had accepted his role in being immature and untruthful with his feelings. He had not admitted how much he cared for Korra and hurt them both in the process. He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. He was doing it again. He felt like he was being deceitful for not talking with Korra about the offer.

Korra and Asami were two of the most important people in his life. He really didn't want to be in the middle of their argument. If he joined the White Lotus he'd be even more intertwined in their issues. He was able to walk the fine line in Republic City. He saw Asami as a friend and loved her as family. He wasn't sure how'd he hold-up training Korra instead of corresponding through long distance letters knowing he was in love with her.

He made it to the restaurant faster than he expected. The new construction building had been built in a section of town destroyed by Kuvira. It was close to Future Industries' new head quarters, and was mostly blocked from the glow of the spirit portal from the newly constructed sky scrappers made from new metal techniques honed by Asami, Varrick, and Zhu Li.

"Mako, you're early," Asami said startling him.

Mako turned to greet Asami, and was taken back by her appearance. She had deep black circles under her eyes, her hair seemed to be perfectly placed but Mako had the suspicion it was still locked in place from yesterday, and her outfit was rumpled.

"Did you sleep at your office?" He asked before thinking. He tried to hide his surprise, but Asami saw the look of horror on his face when he realized his own candidness.

"Yes, I did. Varrick and I were working on a new ways to cut platinum. You look like you haven't slept either."

Mako shrugged and held the door open for Asami. The sweet smells of seaweed noodles filled the air. Mako smiled as he realized Asami was trying to develop a taste for Southern Watertribe food. She'd never really liked it, but kept trying new restaurants.

Their small talk drifted into silence as they waited for the food to arrive. Asami swished her ice water around with the straw and looked off into the distance. Mako stared at her, then the wall, and then his placemat. Finally, he spoke, "Asami, is everything alright?"

Asami's eyes darted to him and then back to the wall. She blinked several times, and he knew she was trying to hide tears. She took a couple swallows, and then finally let out a whimper. Looking away, she folded her hands in lap, but in a low whisper mumbled.

"I'm sorry, I didn't hear you. Did you say Varrick is slacking?"

Asami stifled a laugh, "No, Varrick and Zhu Li are expecting."

"That's good for them," Mako said with a smile.

"Yea, it is," Asami mumbled and took a staggered breath.

Mako scrunched his face, and asked, "What am I missing? Is it not good? Has he planned to make it into a mover?"

"Oh Flameo, no."

"Then what?"

"I…I just realized…" Asami looked away again. She picked up her water glass. She lifted it to her lips, but didn't take a sip.

"What? Did he use spirit vines?" Mako asked even more perplexed. A child wouldn't stop Varrick or Zhu Li. He wasn't sure how their news affected Asami.

"I just realized, that's not in the plans for Korra and me."

"You can adopt. You two would make great parents."

Asami forced a thin half smile and shook her head. She said, "We talked about it, and we did, well do, plan to adopt. It's just…"

Mako stared expectantly at her. He finally took a sip of his water, and gulped hard when Asami started to speak.

"We want to adopt when things settle down, but they aren't, at least not for a long time. Korra will be in the Earth Kingdom for years."

"You don't know that, and if she is, you could be with her."

Asami snorted, "Republic City and the nations need me here, helping to rebuild."

"Couldn't you take a lab with you, I don't know, like in a train?" Mako offered.

"I don't- wait, a train? A train? Have you been talking to Korra?" Asami asked with a shrill in her voice.

"I, ah, I…" Mako stammered.

"You have got to be kidding me! Whose side are you on? Have you ever been on my side?" Asami asked and slammed her water back on the table.

"Asami, please," Mako pleaded.

Asami stood up, and leaning over the table, yelled, "Just leave me alone!"

Mako slumped back in his chair. He really didn't want to be in the middle of their argument. He threw some bills on the table. He'd have been better off having lunch with the Chief.

The bright sunlight blinded him as he left the restaurant.

"Mako," Asami's voice startled him.

He swung around to find Asami leaning against her car. Tears streamed down her face. She held a crumpled pamphlet in hands and continued to fidget with it.

"Asami, I'm sorry," Mako started.

"Stop," she interrupted, "You are allowed to talk to Korra. I just didn't realize you talked about us too."

Mako shifted uncomfortably, and ran a hand nervously through his hair. He finally said, "Asami you and Korra love each other. That's what matters."

Asami looked at him trembling, and replied, "I loved you too, and look how that turned out."

Mako stared at the ground. He didn't know what to say.

Asami sighed loudly, but continued, "We didn't work out. We had our difference. I'm afraid Korra and I have found our difference."

"You two have the same goal, to rebuild. Maybe the Earth Kingdom will rebuild quickly?"

Asami rolled her eyes at him.

"You could consider the lab on a train idea?" He said sheepishly.

"I am needed here, and the Avatar is needed there."

"She's more than the Avatar, and she loves you. You can work this out."

"Maybe we need more than love?"