A/N: I'M NOT DEAD!

I know I said Korra's birthday was 'in two weeks,' but I moved it an ADDITIONAL 2 weeks forward, having forgotten about it until halfway through writing this chapter. I hope you can all forgive me :(
Thanks for reading! And yes, I am assuming you will read the story if you just read through that whole author's note. Deal with it!
-x-
-2 1/2 months-

A dog howled outside the pro-bending arena's windows. Rain poured down and every once and a while, lightning would strike the area, sending thunder crashing through windows everywhere. A lone satomobile horn honked loudly, twice in quick succession. The rain, although it seemed to let up for a moment, came crashing down once more.
Bolin was in the living room, attempting to give a resisting Pabu a bath. He dipped the fire-ferret into the water, and consequently got splashed in the face, hard. He whined and tried again with no avail. Finally, Pabu calmed down enough to let his owner dip him into the bucket of water, bringing a smile to the sixteen-year-old's face.
Korra sat on the windowsill, the window open just a crack to let in some of the cool night air. It reminded her of home, and made her feel nostalgic. Every once and a while, she would bend a strip of water out of the sky, pushing and pulling it with the gentle touch she had long since grown accustomed to using. The water would gently swirl, the different blues mixing in the mellow light.
Mako was in the small kitchen, the absence of a wall allowing him to observe Korra and Bolin as he cleaned up from the dinner they had shared. Every once and a while, he would stop washing the dishes altogether, and just stare out one of the tall windows above their red sofa, watching the rain fall gently down. He wished he could be free like that, having no cares in the world except to fall, fall, fall until you hit the ground. But he knew life wasn't as simple as that. He had Bolin to take care of, and now he had Korra.
He had returned to his job at the power plant again, now that things were slightly more ordinary. When Bolin found a part-time job cooking dumplings, Mako didn't stop him. He knew that his brother didn't want him to feel his entire weight much longer, and he appreciated that. The thought of his brother being able to look after himself brought a smile to Mako's face; he had learned well. He sighed and started drying the dishes.
Korra had no job, but that was fine. She had loads of work to do with the City Council, and was still in training besides. Tenzin often brought her to meetings; she was like a sixth wheel that balanced everything out. And she was happy. To Mako, that was the most important thing.
As Mako dried off the last plate and put it away, he glanced over at Korra. She was staring out at Air Temple Island, just as he had done so long ago, but he wasn't about to admit that.
Korra sighed and dropped her head. Slowly, she swung her legs off the windowsill and stood up.
"I guess I'll have to stay the night," she said, gesturing out the window at the raging storm.
"All right! Korra's gonna sleep over!" Bolin said enthusiastically, while Mako nodded.
Korra laughed. "I can't exactly swim back in this weather, can I? And the ferry certainly isn't running." she walked across the room and approached Mako.
"Now, so that we don't get in a big argument like last time," Korra started, giving Mako a pointed look, "I am going to sleep on the couch."
Mako facepalmed. "Don't you think it would be better if I slept on the couch?" he said, then hurriedly added in a whisper, "Besides, I want you to be as comfortable as possible, especially now."
Korra sighed. "You worry too much. You're sleeping in your own bed, whether you like it or not."
"You guys okay?" Bolin called. "Because Mako, you look really worried right now..."
Mako and Korra glanced at each other, and then Bolin quickly. "We're fine, w-what are you talking about?" they asked in sync. Bolin looked suspicious.
"Well, if you're sure... I'm finished with Pabu's bath." he held up a dripping Pabu wrapped in a green towel. "So, I think I'm going to go to bed."
Korra smiled. "Good night, Bolin," she said gently.
Bolin raised an eyebrow. "Okay, now there's definitely something up. But I'm tired, so I'll find out in the morning." he yawned for emphasis, nodded to Korra and Mako, and walked into the brothers' room.
"G'night, bro. I'll be there in just a sec," Mako replied.
As soon as he was gone, Korra and Mako sighed in relief.
"We're going to have to tell him sooner or later," Korra said. "He is your brother, after all."
"Better later than sooner," Mako grumbled. "He'll never let me live it down."
"It'll be fine," Korra assured him. Then she suddenly started to cry.
"Korra? What's wrong?" he asked, brushing a strand of hair away from her face.
"I miss my parents. They always know what to do."
Mako smiled warmly, although she had struck something deep in his heart very hard. "We'll figure something out. Besides, we're going down to the South Pole in a few weeks, right? You can see them all you want then."
"That's true..." she sniffed and wiped her eyes. "Hey Mako, do you have any chocolate?" Mako sighed. These were going to be a hard few months.
-x-
She had taken the couch, just as she promised she would. She lay there, half-asleep, wearing only her breast bindings and her baggy pants. Her stomach was slightly bigger. Just slightly. Mako blushed when he entered the room to bring her a blanket.
"H-here," he said, holding it out to her and looking away.
"It's not that bad," Korra said, noticing his expression and grabbing the blanket. It was orange. "Besides, I'm still wearing my pants." she smirked.
Mako sighed and sat down next to Korra, twirling a lock of her brown hair around his finger. "I guess so," he admitted. They sat in a comfortable silence for a moment, before Korra started to cry softly again. "What's wrong?" Mako asked softly.
"I don't think I'll be a very good mother, Mako," she whispered. "I'm too young, you're too young... I'm too young-"
"Okay, okay, I get the point, we're too young." Mako interrupted. "But what's done is done, and I have no regrets. I know you're going to be a great mother, Korra. You're the most loyal and selfless person I know, remember? We can do this."
Korra smiled slightly before drifting even more off to sleep.
"I love you, Mako," she whispered.
"I love you, too." he only waited a minute before going back up to his and Bolin's shared room, but her breathing was already regular and soft. Little did either of them know that Bolin, while he was asleep, caught bits and pieces of their conversation and put them into his dream unconsciously.
Well, that was one hard-to-explain dream.
-x-
Korra and Mako glanced anxiously at each other from time to time during the impromptu breakfast they were eating (leftover noodles, cold). Bolin's dream was certainly something.
"And then, Korra was running around screaming she was pregnant-" both Mako and Korra spit out their noodles.
"Wha-what?" Korra asked, shakily.
"That's ridiculous!" Mako said, louder than necessary. He and Korra then both laughed loudly.
Bolin raised an eyebrow. "...she was pregnant-"
"That's crazy talk, Bolin," Korra said. "Why would I be pregnant?"
"It was a dream..." Bolin pointed out. "Mako was running around with you, too, screaming that he was the father. It was weird. After that, though, you broke down in tears and Mako told you that you would be a great mother." by this point, Korra and Mako were whispering to each other, trying to figure out why Bolin would have a dream so close to the truth. "Hey! You guys aren't even listening anymore!"
"Sorry," Korra apologized. Mako sighed.
"Okay, look. Korra should probably head back to Air Temple Island soon. Right?" he asked. Korra nodded.
"I'll get going in a minute."
"I'm going with you."
"To the window?"
"No. You're walking down to the docks, with me." he gave Korra a glare that clearly read You. Are. Fucking. Pregnant.
Korra half-smiled and laughed nervously. "Oh, yeah! Umm... You don't have to do that..."
"Yes. I do." Mako gave Korra a look, and she nodded, a little unsure.
"Let's go then," she said, pulling on her boots. "See you later, Bolin!"
"Bye, Korra! See you soon," Bolin replied, waving as Mako and Korra walked out the door. Once they were safely away from the arena, Korra stopped. "That was too close."
"I agree," Mako said. "We could have just told him then, but it didn't feel right."
"Avatar Aang followed his beliefs. He didn't want to kill Ozai, and he didn't. Maybe that's what we should do, too." Korra laughed. "It was kind of amusing, anyways." Mako gave her a confused look.
"I guess, but really. How did he hear us?"
Korra shrugged. "Maybe he just has sensitive ears."
Mako sighed. "Maybe," he agreed. "Hey, Korra? So, I heard there are fireworks over the bay tonight, and I know a good spot to watch them from, so I was wondering-"
"If I want to go with you?" she asked, smirking. "Sure, City Boy. When do they start?"
"Umm, nine, I think," Mako replied calmly. "I'll come by the temple at eight?"
"Naah," Korra said. "Too much work. The ferry takes forever anyways. I'll just swim over here." she backpedaled to the edge of the dock. "Thanks for everything, Mako!"
Mako waved nonchalantly. "See you tonight!"
"Definitely! Stop by the Air Temple again sometime, too. I could use some company." she laughed, and her eyes lit up. Mako found himself staring. He didn't even realize it when she had dived into the water and started swimming back to the island. Instead, he stared at the water.
A minute later, Mako did a double-take and walked relatively calmly back to the arena, and to his brother.
Thank the spirits Bolin insisted he had a dream, nothing more. Otherwise, Mako thought he might just have exploded.
When Bolin went out that night, to watch the fireworks with some girl whose name Mako forgot, he smirked.
So Korra's pregnant, and my brother's the father. I knew they went well together, I just didn't realize how well.
Mako could hear his laugher from the apartment, five stories above the street and through a few thick walls.
He sighed. "So I guess he figured it out after all."
-x-
Fireworks exploded across the bay. They weren't in quick succession; here was a pause between each one, like a show's beginning. It was midnight, and the skies were pitch black except for the light the fireworks gave off. Korra stood on a stone bridge in the park, entranced. She had never seen fireworks; they were a new invention and they simply did not work in the South Pole.
"Oh, Mako! Look at that one!"
Beside her, Mako smiled and glanced at her. She was staring at the sky, her jaw dropped. She was genuinely happy and surprised.
"That one reminded me of the South Pole! The blue and green and white, mixing together and... THAT ONE LOOKS LIKE PABU!"
It was all too much. Mako just started to laugh. It was good-natured, teasing, and happy. Korra glanced at him.
"What's so fun- whoa! That one is like you!"
The firework in question was orange and red, but kind of... Fizzled out before it exploded fully. Mako stopped laughing and smirked.
"So how exactly was that like me? Please, I need enlightening."
"Well, you're bright, you're a Firebender, so the red and orange are a given, and-"
"And I fizzle out before I even get a chance to burst?" Mako interrupted with a smirk. "I can't believe that you, of all people, are pregnant with my child."
"Hey! First of all, it's OUR child, and second of all, I didn't even mean to get pregnant in the first place!"
"Are you sad?" Mako asked, frowning.
Korra sighed. "Not sad exactly. Just... Worried, is all. I'm worried. Like, how are we going to tell everyone? And am I really going to be that great of a mother? Even I know that I'm not the nicest person in the world, Mako," she said. Another firework exploded.
Mako was silent for a second. When he finally spoke, he spoke quietly, almost in a whisper. "Bolin knows."
"What?"
"He figured it out one way or another. Probably by putting our actions together with his dream. Korra, I'm sorry."
Korra frowned. "That's weird, I thought we did a great job of covering up suspicion." she paused. It didn't take long before she was smiling, then chuckling, and finally full-out laughing. "So that's what he was laughing over?" she asked. "I love you, Mako," she finished, choking on her laughter. "No matter how stupid we may be."
Mako smiled. "I love you too, Korra."
And just as the best of the fireworks started, one after another after another streaking across the sky, Korra slammed her lips against Mako's. He grabbed her and pulled her closer. Her fingers intertwined with his jet-black hair, and they never wanted to let go.
I love you, too.
-x-
*two and a half hours earlier, 7:00-7:30 ish*
Ikki snooped around the island, trying to find any trace of Korra. Currently, she was in a tall tree, looking out across the island.
"Do you see anything?" Jinora whispered from the ground. Ikki frowned and jumped from the tree, bending the air below her to cushion her landing.
"She's not on this section of the island," she replied.
"Maybe she and Mako went on a daaaaate~" Jinora suggested.
The sisters stood side by side as they gazed out over the bay. The sun was setting and it made the city seem to glow. For once in her life, Ikki was calm as she watched the water lap up against the docks.
Suddenly, Jinora spotted a flash of blue calmly walking out towards the water. "There she is!" she shouted, pointing at Korra. The sisters quickly hopped onto air scooters and sped towards her.
"Korra! Korra! Where are you going? Are you going on a daaate? Are you going out with Mako? Huh? Are you?"
Korra stopped dead still and slowly turned her head to face the airbenders. She jumped when she saw how fast they were coming-straight at her, none the less- and quickly bent a stream of air beneath her to propel her into the air and leave the sisters to only run on into a nearby tree. As she fell slowly to the ground, Korra sighed.
"I'm going to the city," she said, loud enough for Ikki and Jinora to hear, "to see Mako. It's not a date. I'll see you in the morning." she was about to dive into the water when Ikki interrupted.
"Where are you going?
"To see some fireworks," Korra quickly replied. She was just about to jump into the water when suddenly, Jinora asked speculatively,
"Korra? Is your stomach growing?"
Korra laughed nervously and rubbed the back of her neck. She made it look like she was going to answer, and took a deep breath.
"Well, you see..."

.

Korra leapt backwards off the dock without answering Jinora's question. She spiraled under and bent the water around her, propelling herself farther across the bay with every kick she did. But for some reason, every kick seemed to take a little more effort. Her shirt seemed a little tighter, too.
Mentally, Korra sighed.
They were right.
This is actually happening.
-x-
-3 months- (Time Skip: 2 Weeks)
"Korra's gonna have a baby! Korra's gonna have a baby!" Ikki cried, jumping up and down and clapping wildly.
Korra groaned. "Remind me again why we decided to do this on my birthday?"
Mako chuckled. "Because Ikki and Jinora almost found out two weeks ago, remember? It's not excactly something you can hide."
Korra smacked his arm playfully. "Don't even say it, City Boy." she stood up from the table and cleared her place.
"Thanks for the food, Pema. It was amazing," she said, ignoring all the questions the kids were throwing at herself and Mako. "Now c'mon, City Boy. It's my birthday, and I feel like going into the city."
"Coming, oh high-and-mighty Avatar Korra," Mako replied, standing up next to her. "We'll be back for dinner, right?" he asked.
Korra stuck out her tongue. "You must really hate me, don't you?" she asked as the two brought their dishes into the kitchen.
"We're off, Tenzin," Korra called, walking out towards the bay. "Thanks again for the breakfast, Pema!"
"No problem," the acolyte called back, then sighed. "Now kids, I want you to remember, it's Korra's birthday already and we still have so much to do to prepare..."
-x-
"I am NOT taking the ferry," Korra insisted.
"But it's faster!"
"I don't care. I'm walking." she replied shortly, stepping into the water and bending an air bubble. "Are you coming or not?"
Mako sighed. "You win," he replied, stepping next to her and praying he wouldn't step out of the safety of the bubble. As the two started their decent, Mako brought up a good question. "What do you want to do, anyways?"
"Umm... I'm not really sure," Korra admitted. "Maybe just wander around?"
"Sounds good to me," Mako replied, knowing it wouldn't do any good to argue on her birthday. "Where do you want to go? As in, what part of the city?"
"I don't know."
"Are ALL Avatars this nonchalant?"
"No. Just the waterbending ones. We DO 'go with the flow,' after all," Korra replied. She giggled.
"What's so funny?" Mako asked.
"You, silly," she replied. Suddenly, her mood darkened. "But seriously. One more 'are all Avatars...' comment, and I will whop your ass."
"Mood swings, check."
"If I wasn't trying to keep us alive down here, I'd kill you!"
"But, you are. Keep walking."
"Ugh!"
Mako laughed. "And this is why I love you."
"You better say that again, City Boy. I can see the land- and your crumpled form is lying on top of it."
"Oh? The Almighty Avatar is challenging me?"
"Yes. Prepare for doom! ...Although it might not be that devastating anymore. Fighting with this physical weight in my stomach isn't my forte."
"It'll be fine," Mako reassured her, trying to bring back her cheeriness.
"You know what? You're right! I can still fight, even with this thing growing inside of me!"
"That's not what I meant, but... shit."
-x-
"I'm hungry."
"Then why don't we stop for lunch? Want something in particular?"
"Water Tribe food."
Mako made a face. "I really don't understand how you guys like that stuff so much. I mean, it's fine, but after a while..."
Korra rolled her eyes. "You really ARE a city boy, aren't you? It's pretty much all we have, stupid!"
"Oh. Right. Well, do you wanna go to Narook's?" Mako's voice was monotonous.
"Yeah. That place has good noodles," Korra said with a smile on her face.
"Well, in that case, you have to turn around and take a right." he gestured in the right direction with his hand.
"You could have said that earlier!"
"You insisted on leading us."
"Sometimes- ugh!" Korra grabbed Mako's hand and tugged him towards the noodle shop.
"And that is why I'm a city boy," Mako whispered to himself.
When they got to the shop, Mako and Korra both got Narook's specialty, seaweed noodles.
"So, anyways. You like these noodles, too? I wouldn't have guessed."
"Not in particular. I just tolerate them better than everything else." Mako grinned as Korra scowled at him.
"Why must you be so infuriating?" she asked, acting truly exasperated.
"Because," Mako said simply, "it's what I do."
Korra scowled and put her left hand up on the table, leaning her weight on her right arm. She stared deeply into Mako's eyes, which looked rather happy. His mouth was set in a smirk as he obliged to Korra's silent request.
"Your food is ready!" a waiter called to them, bringing over the two bowls of noodles. As stood in front of the table, he placed the noodles down and slowly backed away, trying not to get caught up in the intense staring match that was going on. It worked.
Mako and Korra didn't even realize the noodles were there. They just continued staring at each other; blue eyes meeting gold. Suddenly, Korra burst out laughing. Mako sighed and glanced down.
"Oh," he said simply, "Our food is here."
"SO YOU ADMIT DEFEAT!" Korra cried.
"No. I'm just going to eat my noodles now," Mako replied calmly.
Korra gasped. "Water Tribe food!" she picked up her chopsticks and started happily devouring the green-tinted noodles. "And they're totally authentic!" she declared, nodding in approval.
"I still don't understand how this is your norm," Mako said, "but it isn't bad."
"See, City Boy? What'd I tell ya?"
"...I said nothing," Mako stated. "But hey, want to just take a walk in the park after lunch? I have to talk to you."
"You're talking to me now. Plus, it's MY birthday, not yours. Yours was a while ago, remember?"
"Not what I meant," Mako said, rolling his eyes.
"Oh. So, we're talking business stuff then?" Korra asked.
Mako sighed. "I guess you could call it that.
"Fine then, Mako. We can go take a walk in the park after I finish eating."
"Thank you." Mako paid for the bill and glanced at Korra, who was still eating the remaining noodles.
"What?" she asked. "Is there something wrong with my hair?"
"No," he replied. "But you sure do take your time eating."
Korra slurped one last noodle before putting down her chopsticks in content. "Well, I'm finished now. Are you happy yet?"
"Exceedingly," Mako replied sarcastically. "Now let's go." he walked out of the noodle shop, Korra following closely behind.
"So. What do we need to talk about?"
"Well, there's lots of stuff."
"Like?"
"Like where are we going to live? I mean, you live on Air Temple Island, and I live across the bay."
"That's true," Korra replied.
"So you really haven't thought of it?"
"Nope. But, umm... Maybe you could come live on the island with me! I mean, it's not that bad. And then eventually, we could get an apartment somewhere in the city, right?"
"Eventually," Mako agreed. "But then there's Bolin."
"Right, right." Korra said. "I was getting to him."
"...no you weren't."
"You would not believe the level at which I hate you right now."

"Oh, I'm pretty sure I would."

"Exactly."
-x-
Mako glanced at the sky as they walked through the park. It was clear and bright, and the blue was vivid against the few wisps of clouds, almost invisible against the light. The sun shone high in the sky, shooting its rays out onto the citizens of Republic City.
A few birds sung the sounds of spring overhead. The snow in the park had just finished melting and flowers thrived on the moisture. Everywhere, little pockets of color stood out against all the harsh greys and whites of the snow that still littered the ground.
Korra's lips turned up in a smile. She thought about the sun, and how she was lucky it was shining so brightly for her birthday. She glanced at Mako out of the corner of her eye. He seemed distant, not talking, his eyes obviously not paying attention to anything in particular. She wondered what was wrong, but didn't dare ask. He gripped his scarf tightly.
"C'mon, let's walk to the fountain," he suggested. Korra nodded and followed.
In a moment, the two arrived at the fountain, Korra sitting on the rim, Mako sitting on the ground below her.
"So what's up, Mako?" Korra asked. "You seem distant."
"Oh?" Mako replied questioningly. "How so?"
"Well, before, you were kind of unfocused. You weren't really paying any attention, and you were grabbing your scarf."
Mako laughed. "It's all too serious, isn't it."
Korra was confused. "What's so serious about my birthday?"
"Oh, never mind," Mako replied. "It was nothing anyway. I just had to ask you a question, but I think I can live." he glanced at Korra as he smirked playfully.
"What's that question you had to drag me all the way out to the park for?" she asked, an eyebrow raised. "You made me curious, so now you gotta tell me."
"I don't feel like it anymore," Mako whined, laughter in his voice. Korra scowled and he sat himself next to her, on the rim of the fountain instead of the stone pathway.
"Do you really want to know?" he asked. When she nodded, he smiled and leaned into her, preparing to whisper something in her ear. She shivered when his breath wisped across her ear.
"Will you marry me, oh high-and-mighty Avatar Korra?"
Korra gasped and jumped up.
"Wha-what?" she asked, shaking wildly. She turned to face him and pointed at him, her arm spazzing and her cheeks bright red. "But, but..." she racked her mind, trying to think of a good comeback. Finally, she sighed and hung her head. Mako chuckled, stood up, and pulled her into a hug, her chin resting on his shoulder.
"You... You really mean it?" she whispered. He smiled, reached into his pocket and grabbed a box. He sat Korra on the rim of the fountain next to him again (it was a miracle he wasn't already soaked with all of Korra's nervous antics) and tossed it to her. She inspected it, as if it was going to bite her when she opened it. Cautiously, and still shaking, she slowly opened the small white box. Inside there was a necklace and a ring.
The necklace was a simple Water Tribe betrothal necklace. It was carved into blue stone, as usual, and hung on a thick blue strap. It wasn't huge, a little larger than the size of Master Katara's, and wasn't very elaborate. The carving was a yin and yang; one half was decorated in simple flames, non-complex and the other had a single snowflake. Korra thought it was the most beautiful thing she had seen in the world. After, of course, Mako, but that was a given in her mind.
The ring was simple. It was just a silver band, nothing fancy, nothing unaffordable, just silver. It shimmered in the light, blues and yellows working their way gently into the reflective band.
"That's how we do it here in Republic City. I thought, you know, because you're still the Avatar. You need something you can bend in, right? Nothing too, too precious." he smiled. "I know it's not much, but I hope you can forgive me about that."
"Mako..." Korra grinned like a Cheshire cat as she leaped on top of him, sending them both into the shallow-bottomed fountain and getting them thoroughly soaked. She sat on top of him then, and said, "Sure, City Boy. I guess it could work. Maybe." she tumbled over next to him and kissed him hard. "Yes, Mako. Yes."
After a minute, Korra and Mako got out of the fountain.
"Think you could help out?" Mako asked, gesturing to his sopping wet form. Korra smiled and bent the water out of both of their clothes and back into the fountain. Mako watched with wide eyes as his clothes suddenly became dry.
"Now you have to help me," Korra said. She grabbed the little white box- how the hell did it manage to stay on the rim?- and took the necklace out. She jammed her hand in his face and waved the necklace around. "Strap it on?"
Mako smiled warmly and took it from her. Korra spun around and lifted her ponytail. He unclasped the necklace and gently hooked it around her neck. When he was finished, she turned around and grinned, bringing her hand to her head to display her ring. Mako thought she looked beautiful.
"Thanks for the best birthday ever, City Boy. You really know your stuff.
"Thanks for making this a fun day, Korra. I wouldn't think so badly of yourself, miss Avatar." he smiled and kissed her. "Only a few more months," he reminded her. "Only a few more months until you have the baby, and then we can get married. How does that sound to you?"
"Anything sounds good right about now," Korra replied, hugging him. "Thanks for being there for me."
As they walked out of the park hand in hand, they started arguing in good humor and thanking the spirits there was nobody in that section of the park that day. Otherwise, Mako was certain it would have been chaos.
Like my life isn't chaotic enough already.
-x-
The sky was slowly darkening as the time ticked later and later. Korra and Mako were still in the city, holding hands and laughing. They would be going back to the Air Temple soon enough, so they decided to try to prolong the little time they had left as much as possible.
After meandering around the city for a little while more, Mako told Korra, "I didn't get you anything for your birthday, you know, besides the ring and stuff, so I'll buy you something now, and you can pick it out. What do you want?"
"You really don't have to do that," Korra interjected. "I mean, it's already the best birthday ever. You really don't have to-"
"But I want to, Korra."
Korra sighed and glanced around. She saw a small shop on a barren corner, its windows glowing faintly. The sign read 'Water Tribe Trinkets.' "Let's go in there," Korra suggested, pointing. Mako smiled.
"Okay then."
Korra opened the old wooden door and it softly creaked. A tiny bell tinkled overhead.
"Come on in!" an old-sounding voice called. Cautiously, Mako and Korra stepped in and walked forward. A woman with white hair and blue eyes sat in a large plush chair, decorated with swirls and waves. "Why hello there," she said, "Welcome to my little shop, young Avatar."
Korra smiled. "Thank you."
Mako nudged Korra. "Do you know this lady?" he whispered.
"Nope," Korra whispered back, "But she seems nice."
The woman smiled. "I am Kei, of the Northern Water Tribe. When I was a girl, Avatar Aang visited our tribe with his friends, and a nasty admiral attacked us and killed the moon spirit. I came to the city only a few years after Avatar Aang and Firelord Zuko established it and set up this shop. I've been here ever since." she smiled. "You are having a child, young one."
"Yes," Korra said, amazed at her tale. "I am."
"Why don't you have a look around. There is certainly something to suit your tastes. You're from the south, correct?"
Korra nodded. "Yes, and thank you."
She slowly walked with Mako through the tiny shop. There were trinkets and curios galore, but nothing that really suited Korra's taste. Mako was skeptically examining a boomerang, wondering who would use one nowadays in the city, when Korra called, "Mako! Come look over here!"
Mako walked over to Korra. "What is it?"
"Look at how adorable this is!" she cried, holding up a little stuffed animal. It was a little blue teddy bear, only the size of maybe two apples and some lychee nuts. "Can we get this?" she asked. "For the baby."
Mako smiled. "It's perfect," he replied. They brought it up to Kei, who smiled with a nostalgic look in her eyes.
"That's a special one," she said. "It was one of my daughter's. One day, when I visited my parents back in the Northern Tribe, she went out to play in the snow. It was just lying there, no owner in sight. We never found the true owner, but she always took very special care of it. She thought that maybe, if I put it in my shop, the original owner would find it. They haven't, yet, and probably never will."
Korra smiled. "That's very sweet."
"You kids can keep it, free of charge," she said. "I don't normally do this, but you two seem like good people." she eyed the necklace Korra wore. "I know that you will make her happy, young Firebender." Mako and Korra both blushed.
"Thank you very, very much!" Korra cried happily, clutching the bear with one arm and grabbing Mako's hand with the other.
Once they were out of the store, Korra glanced at the sky. It was red and orange, like flames on a pitch-black night.
"C'mon," Korra called, tugging Mako along, "We have to get back the Air Temple."
"Can we PLEASE take the ferry this time?"
"You know what, City Boy? I'm feeling generous. Let's take the ferry."
"Thank you, Korra."
"Don't expect this to be a regular thing, though!"
Mako sighed. "You really are the most infuriating person I've ever met, Korra. But I love you anyways."
"I love you too, Mako. And by the way? Thanks. I try." She smirked as Mako sighed.
-x-
The windows were dark in the Air Temple. Korra was suspicious as she stepped off the boat and onto the dock.
"Why isn't there anybody here? We told them we would be back for dinner." Mako shrugged.
Something rustled in the trees overhead. Someone- probably Ikki or Jinora- was jumping through the trees, going towards a big patio next to the Air Temple. Suddenly alert, Korra grabbed Mako's hand and followed the sound.
When they got to the patio, Korra's eyes opened wide.
A huge red banner hung from two trees, proudly displaying the message 'Happy 18th Birthday Korra!' in bold black print. Paper lanterns were strung from thin ropes, funding in the wind and filling the pitch-black sky with light.
Korra's eyes widened as she glanced at everything, her left arm still clutching the blue teddy bear they had bought.
Suddenly, the stillness sprang to life as Korra's friends, the Airbending kids, Pema, Tenzin; who wasn't smiling but had a twinkle in his eyes, and the White Lotus sentries all sprung up from various places. All together, they and Mako all yelled, "Surprise! Happy birthday, Korra!"
Korra gasped and took up a defensive stance. Then suddenly she relaxed, showing that she simply was in shock. "All this is for me?" she asked.
Mako laughed. "Who else would it be for?"
"Thank you all so much!" Korra exclaimed. She turned to Mako. "You knew about this?"
Mako nodded, still smiling. "That's why I kept you in the city later."
"The kids wanted to throw you a party, and Mako agreed to bring you into the city to keep you away all day. Tenzin took a little more convincing," Pema said with a laugh.

Korra scowled. "Why? Because it's too much of a distraction to have a party on my birthday?" she laughed.
"I still believe it is too much, but you are right. It is your birthday," Tenzin said. "I just told them not to go too, too overboard." Korra grinned widely.
"Thank you."
"Now everyone, we have lots of food here, please help yourselves! We'll have cake in a little bit, too," Pema announced.
Korra grinned. "Thank you so much, everyone!"
As the guests mingled and talked, Korra was surprised to see some people.
"Beifong?" she asked in surprise. "Why are you here? I thought you hated me!"
"You gave me back my bending," Lin stated simply. "I brought you a present. Open it later with the Firebender boy. Think of it as my way of saying thanks." she waved. "See you around, Avatar."
Korra waved as she walked away. Suddenly, she ran right into Bolin. Literally.
"Oof!" Bolin and Korra said in sync.
"Bolin!" she cried. "It's so good to see you!"
"Same," he replied, giving Korra a hug. "So, you're gonna be my sister now, huh?" he asked, pointing to her necklace.
Korra blushed. "Uh, yeah, um, I guess I am."
Bolin laughed. "Congratulations! But, I guess, no Pro-bending this year, huh?" he pointed to her stomach. "Because, you know, you're going to have a baby."
Korra dropped her head. "I guess not," she admitted. "I'm really sorry. I was looking forward to it, too. Poo."
"Don't be sorry! I'm going to be an uncle! I'm happy!"
"I hope you two can find a good replacement for the season," Korra finally said. "I would feel really guilty if you didn't play because of me."
"Well, I'm going to find Mako now and talk to him," Bolin said. "See you later, Korra!"
"Bye Bolin!" she called back. She sighed. Who knew talking to your best friend could be so much work?
Korra settled down on a bench with some rice and noodles. She thought about what Mako had said earlier.
What's going to happen? She wondered. Where will this bring us? Where will our lives lead us?
What have I gotten myself into?

As the party continued, Korra lost herself in the moment.
She was finally given a piece of sheer bliss.
She forgot.
-x-
"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you..."
The voices rang out in an agonizing harmony as all of Korra's friends sang for her birthday. Mako smiled at her the whole time, making her blush. Bolin's voice rang out loud and strong over the 10,552 trees and the young airbenders sang sweetly as they celebrated their Avatar turning eighteen. Pema rocked Rohan in her arms, Tenzin by her side. When she was finally given a chance to cut the cake, she sighed in relief.
"You guys were terrible," she said playfully as she took a knife and carefully cut a piece of cake. Everyone cheered. She put it on a plate and handed it to Mako, who frowned.
"It's your birthday, and you're giving the first slice of cake to me?"
"Yeah, City Boy. You got a problem with that?" there was a fire in her eyes that made everyone flinch.
"N-no," he said and took the cake. Korra laughed and cut herself a slice.
"Help yourselves, I don't feel like cutting anymore," she said, gesturing towards the layer cake in front of her. It had four small layers; each one decorated with a different color icing to represent the four elements. On top, the airbender kids had divided the space into four and decorated their own section. Meelo's was obvious; all it had was a smiley face and some sprinkles. Ikki's was much more extravagant, displaying globs of multicolored icing and a moon in black frosting on top. Jinora's was much quieter, she had written 'Korra' in grey icing that showed her contemplation of color. (Red? Orange? Blue? Green? Maybe I'll just use grey.) Rohan's displayed a handprint in the icing and squiggles in different colored icing, thinned a little to be applied via spoon.
"C'mon, City Boy," Korra said, nudging Mako once she had escaped the task of cutting the cake. "Let's go take a walk."
They walked side-by-side, eating their cake and talking. It was quiet and peaceful, something Mako hadn't seen for days. Unfortunately, the peace didn't last long.
"Korra! Korra! Everyone's looking for you! Should I tell them that you two are here?" Korra spun around to find an excited Ikki. "Ooh! That's a pretty necklace! And you're wearing a ring! You didn't have those this morning! Are you two getting married? That's sooooo sweet! Can I tell everyone? Pleeeeease? Are you? Can I?"
There was nothing left for Korra and Mako to do but to glance at each other and facepalm.
-x-
A/N: I feel this chapter was ranty and too long, sorry :(
Just to clarify a few things:
-Korra forgot about her Avatar duties, stress, the baby, etc.
-It's not that the ring isn't precious; it is just more practical in my mind for the Avatar to have a simple ring, because they use bending a lot... Oh I don't know.
-Lastly, instead of four actual story chapters this is probably going to have five. I can't fit six months into one chapter. XD