Korra stared at the measly contents of the lone box labelled 'personal' and tried not to cringe at her lack of belongings.

"Right, let's unpack," she sighed in defeat as she tore open the binding tape. "So here's Naga's old soft toy, two sets of formal wear, mum's packed treats and oh…" Korra pulled out a pile of old photo frames. She must have dunked them in randomly from her parents' home when she had attempted to pack a month ago.

The first was a picture she had taken with Asami just after they returned from their Spirit World holiday. They had a hand around each other; faces fresh from their retreat and a smile that echoed of the pleasures only they had privy to beyond the realms of the physical world.

Korra couldn't help but laugh at how idyllic she'd imagine her life to be back then. Asami had offered for them to move in together and Korra had been thinking of starting a Probending Academy. Life could not be more perfect. Maybe they would have talked about having children and they'd live happily ever after.

Of course, reality was cruel for the Avatar was immediately summoned into the chaos of the former Earth Empire. And after four years of living in zones of constant conflict, the idea of a fairytale ending seemed impossible for Korra.

Putting the frame aside, Korra had to take a double look at the picture she currently held. When did they take this?

Sure, it was a group shot with all the Airbenders following Opal's Masters ceremony but Korra didn't remember fitting it into a frame! Perhaps her mother had added it in for her or perhaps it was Asami, she couldn't know for sure. But somehow, seeing everyone's happy faces in the picture brought tears to her eyes.

"That reminds me –I'd probably need to visit Tenzin and Pema. Tell them I've arrived safely." Groaning, she flopped backwards and studied the ceiling of her compact 300sq ft apartment. "Bet they're going to want to stop by and check out the place." Pema might get a heart attack at the size of her living area but hey, apart from a mattress, a cooking pan and maybe toilet roll, what else would she need?

Tenzin would no doubt offer her old room on Air Temple Island again but Korra knew that wasn't going to work. She was no longer an Airbending disciple and as the Avatar, she ought to be living on her own without needing to depend on others at every corner. For goodness sake! By the time Aang was her age, he and Katara were already living on their own with kids in tow.

Annoyed that she had gotten annoyed at her old master for no reason, Korra got back to a sitting position and started to rifle through her other belongings. There was still another frame left but Korra was done with memories for now. She needed to sort herself out!

By the end of the hour, Korra had unpacked all her clothes –whatever little she had anyway –and started to arrange all the random ornaments she had grabbed from her old room back home. Some were tech devices Varrick or Asami had given her: A tele-view-scope-something that Korra was sure Varrick used in his spy missions, a funky looking radio set Asami said could record her voice and her favourite – a self-winding clock.

Then there was that meteorite Su Yin had given her during her first visit to Zaofu and what do you know, a cuddly stuffed Air Bison Korra had won at the Glacier Spirits Festival many years ago. There wasn't anything special about that last one but Korra had kept it through the years, drawing comfort from its presence.

Placing it on the floor where her mattress would be, Korra then went about picking up the frames she had abandoned earlier; debating whether to place them in her bedroom or in the crammed, almost non-existent living room of hers.

"I suppose I'm going to need a sofa of some kind and a table," she pondered, walking back and forth deciding where best to hang her frames. "Guess you three will do nicely here." The small sliver of wall by her balcony door seemed perfect. All she needed was to get some nails…

Not bothering with a hammer, she drove three nails right into the bricks using Metalbending, satisfied that she managed to ensure they were in a straight line.

"Alright, Asami you go right at the top. Airbenders next and –" Probending. There she was, standing shoulder to shoulder with Bolin and Mako in their Fire Ferrets uniform right after their first match of the season. She still wore her hair up then and the sparkle in her eyes was almost too painfully naive to look at. Especially when Korra could remember exactly what was running through her mind when this picture was taken.

Her world then was all about Probending… and all about Mako.

Like touching a hot kettle, Korra quickly got the frame off her hand and onto the wall. Then she whizzed her way into her bedroom and fumbled for the telephone she was sure she had unpacked earlier.

"Hello, Asami? It's me. Uh, free for dinner tonight?" Korra waited a beat for Asami to check her work schedule. "Yeah I just unpacked. No, not meeting Tenzin tonight. Narook's at 7? Sure. See you!"

This was how it should be. Asami was safe. Mako was… heartbreak.

Having been the Avatar close to a decade now, even Korra had learnt a thing or two about avoiding trouble.

/ / / /

The whispers and stares were starting to get to Korra. The disbelief that some had over the return of their Avatar was equally disturbing as the gawking and fan-gushing she received just from waiting in the restaurant for the past ten minutes.

"Asami… I'm going to kill you if you're late," she muttered under her breath, pretending to take an active interest in the limited menu offering on the table. After another five minutes had passed, Korra was ready to leave when the doors of the restaurant swung open and Asami burst in laughing without a care for her tardiness –but more importantly, not alone.

"Korra! I can't believe you're finally here. Gosh I was so worried when I didn't hear from you for weeks!"

Staring opened-mouthed, Korra mutely pointed to the two gentlemen walking behind her.

"Hey Korra. Asami invited us." Mako sounded almost apologetic; his eyes refusing to meet hers.

Bolin on the other hand clapped a hand enthusiastically on her shoulder. "I think this is awesome. Just like old times! Team Avatar yeah!"

Korra found herself shrinking slightly in her seat. She had practically rehearsed her entire conversation intended for Asami's ears all the way to the restaurant! There was no way she would bring up that random memory of her first love to the table or why she was constantly annoyed and flustered each time her eyes landed on Mako.

Those days were over. They've apologized to each other and now they're working together.

"Did you receive the notes I sent you a week ago? I wasn't sure where to deliver them since you were in the midst of moving and all." Mako had chosen to sit directly opposite her; the leather jacket and aviator glasses making him look as dangerous as the crooks he probably dealt with every day.

"Yes. They arrived at my parents the day before I sailed off. Thanks Mako."

"Yeah alright. No more cop talk at this table." Bolin tapped his palm in the centre of the table before leaning sideways to face her. "So Korra! How have you been? How's the move? Need help with the boxes? I know a few people if you need bargains with furniture. There's this small little –"

"Breathe little brother. Let Korra answer you first."

Korra however was grateful for Bolin's initiative. She had dreaded not knowing what to talk about since the brothers walked in.

"Well, I might need some help furnishing the place," she laughed, looking first at Bolin then Asami –who no doubt was planning a shopping trip for them in the foreseeable future. "But otherwise, I think I'm fine. It's a small place. I have a few things. It all works out!"

"You should have just moved in with me," said Asami from the other side of the table. "You know I would have sorted you out much faster."

Taking off his glasses, Mako then leaned backwards and laughed – a sound Korra hadn't heard in a long time – before stopping Asami's complaint with a raised hand. "You should know Korra well by now. She'll dig her own path through the mountains if she needs to before she'd ever ask anyone for an excavator."

"Well, don't I know that," replied Asami with a huff. "Still, doesn't hurt to let someone take care of you once in a while."

"I'm sure Korra knows we're here for her no matter what," reminded Mako before calling for the waiter. "Asami you spoil her."

Waving her hands in front of the trio, Korra pouted. "Hey guys, I'm right here. Look, I'm fine. Really. But if you makes you feel better, I might need some help soon."

"Are you going on a mission?" asked Bolin excitedly. "I have a break from my movers shoot in a week's time and I so could use some good butt-kicking."

To that, Korra had to smile. "There will be some butt-kicking involved but not the kind you think." Looking around excitedly at the three of them, Korra took a deep breath and blurted it out, "I'd like to open a Probending Academy!"

Closing her eyes immediately, Korra readied herself for the words of discouragement. She knew Mako for one would not be supportive. After all, she did come here to work for the police department.

"I think that's a wonderful idea Korra!" exclaimed Asami. "Future Industries will help in whatever way we can. Have you found a location yet?"

Well Korra hadn't thought it out yet. She just knew it was going to be a place for young sportsmen and women all over the world who would like to start Probending but needed an affordable gym, accommodation and also a trainer.

"We'll help you look for the perfect place!" Bolin pulled Korra into a hug. "I can even help a little with the training. I mean I've always toyed with the idea of teaching others how to lavabend but I don't think I have what it takes to open a school. This would be perfect for me to start on a small scale!"

Opening her eyes, Korra could almost feel the tears threatening to trail down. "Gee, thanks guys. You have no idea what it means to me."

"I can't think of a better time for this though," said Asami excitedly. "You see, airbending has recently been added as an element in the tournament. Since it's a relatively new element, rules are still being discussed to incorporate the changes."

"Asami's right. I bet if you request to sit on the Probending Advisory panel, they'd let you. And if you open a school after that, your popularity alone could get you your students!" quipped Bolin; his eyes just as starry as Asami's.

"Maybe I can even think of starting a scholarship fund for athletes! I know! They can work part time in my labs and factories too." Asami gave Korra a serious look. "That's it. I'm linking you up with some people immediately tomorrow."

Asami and Bolin were gripping hands and beaming at what was now their pet project.

Suddenly conscious of the silent member of their group, Korra turned to Mako. He had been listening and tapping his fingers together the whole time. That alone sent shivers of dread down her spine.

"Mako? You can say it's a terrible idea if you want. I can take it."

Korra should be used to his criticisms by now. But as those amber eyes lifted up to look at her, Korra realised she didn't care anymore what anyone else thought. In that moment, somehow only his approval mattered to her.

"Maybe sitting on the panel might be a conflict of interest if you're planning to be a trainer and enter your students in the tournaments. But I agree. We definitely need an Airbender on it as an advisor." Mako shrugged slightly. "I don't know. Maybe you could ask Jinora? Doubt Tenzin'll agree to sit on the panel."

"Wait. Does this mean… you're okay with my idea?"

When Mako nodded, Korra's hands moved so fast that she almost spilled her seaweed noodles on herself.

"Thank you Mako!" She didn't care if the over-the-table hug felt awkward or that there were steaming bowls of noodles just under her stomach.

"Just don't let it interfere with your Avatar duties," reminded Mako as she pulled away. "I'll come and help too when I can."

And from there on, the night continued with the quartet slurping away at noodles and chatting just like old times. For Korra, there could not be a better welcome home celebration than the one she was having right now.

/ / / / / /

When Mako woke up the next day, he knew he had a stupid smile plastered on his face for his cheeks ached from staying in that position possibly throughout the night.

"Thanks Korra," he groaned, dragging a palm from his forehead down to his chin. All that talk of Probending had given him fodder for his dreams –matches after matches, tournaments, championships; Mako going through strategies and line up with Bolin and Korra… just like old times.

It had to be what – 10 years? Mako didn't even know if he still had the stamina to probend anymore. Sure he had caught a couple of matches but to actually play a game or two?

The thought sent a rush of adrenaline up and down his body. He didn't realise what an effect this had on his physique until he had stepped into the shower; a full hard on greeting him like an old friend.

"I don't have time for this now," he groaned, running a reluctant hand up the length of his shafts in an attempt to tame his erection. This had been happening a lot lately since meeting Korra at the Northern Air Temple. He would start thinking about her and soon found himself in a dire need to relieve himself.

It didn't help that Mako's dating life was non-existent so he couldn't even rely on another woman to tend to his raging hormones. Oh he had tried the random-sex-with-women route too but after a while, even that paled in comparison to the real deal.

Closing his eyes, Mako clamped his fist lightly over the throbbing flesh and heard himself exhale. It was disbelief at what he was about to do again.

This time, he'd imagine Korra joining him in the shower, her intentions as clear as his own. It had been after one of their probending practice and they were slick from sweat and for her – something else all together.

He'd imagine his fingers seeking out her slippery entrance, thrusting two inside of her and hearing her moan against his lips. He needed her to be ready for him, especially since there wouldn't be any foreplay this time –just a desperate union of their two lustful bodies.

He'd bring one of her legs up, driving himself inside her in a single thrust. Korra would arch her back, wrapping her legs around his waist and moaning for him to do it harder. She always did.

And Mako always obliged. He'd hold her perfectly sculpted asscheeks and spread them slightly, bringing her pelvis closer to him while pressing her harder against the wall. His own hips would move in quick thrusts, ramming his cock hard and fast just the way they both loved it.

She would probably be just as intense, clenching around his cock as she inched closer to her own orgasm.

"Korra..." Mako's fist pumped faster, wanting to cum just as bad. Imagining her screams as she came further pulled him into the abyss; his own release exploding triumphantly on the bathroom wall before him.

Shuddering as the last drop of his cum was surrendered to the flow of running water, Mako then turned off the heater; cursing as the torrent of cold water jolted him from his impending slumber.

"I really cannot keep starting my day like this," he groaned, grabbing a towel to dry himself off.

An hour later, Mako pulled into the parking garage of the Republic City Police Department and made his way to his temporary desk in the Organised Crime division. Lin had deemed it more efficient for him to be based there so he could be closer to his current reporting officer, Lieutenant Soong-Wok.

"You're in a little late this morning," came the brusque voice of his new partner from behind a stack of folders.

"It's not even nine. I'm just an hour later than my usual time," retorted Mako. He didn't even want to remind the almost retired detective that he was still wearing the same clothes from the previous day. "You want coffee Bipin?"

The white bearded man peeked from atop his work and grunted something along the lines of "Yeah."

Mako had barely dumped two mugs of coffee on his desk when Chief Lin stormed in with Soong-Wok and another officer in tow. The stranger appeared in his fifties and too stocky to be an administrator. Another Lieutenant perhaps.

"We're having a three o'clock briefing with the Avatar and I want you to sit in kiddo," barked Lin. Gesturing her thumb backwards she introduced the unknown man, a scowl on her face. "This is Lieutenant Chen from Zaofu's Police Department. Su sent him."

The man in question broke into a polite smile and patted Lin's shoulder. "By that she meant I'm here on a secondment. Su Yin Beifong believes our interests are aligned. It is only your Chief here who seems to think otherwise."

Lin however didn't look too pleased with his announcement. From what little Mako knew about the Chief's personal life, it was clear that she had misconstrued her sister's good intentions as an intrusion and judgement of her abilities.

"Enough yapping. We'll see you at three kiddo. I expect you to be early."

"Yes ma'am!"

A few hours later, Mako had parked himself in the quiet conference room with a sandwich that he had grabbed on the way back from the courthouse. Soong-Wok had wanted him to observe a trial on a recent prostitution ring the OC had uncovered. And while Mako didn't think it was any different from their Narcotics busts, he still found himself taking notes from the proceedings.

Especially since he knew there would be a 'test' of what he had learnt: Were the accused the right kind of players the department intended to target? Were there sufficient evidence? If so, how better could the case officer have gone about collecting it?

Never mind that they might be stuck in this upcoming meeting for awhile. From his experience working under the OC Lieutenant these past few weeks, the man had the memory of an elephant and would probably grill him right after.

"This would probably be my only meal break... again," sighed Mako as he bit into the pathetic layer of soggy bread, cheese and what looked like cardboard masquerading as roast beef. He was so engrossed with reading his notes that he didn't notice the door creaking open.

"Is that all you're eating? And I thought I was pathetic."

Mako almost choked on his food in his attempt to turn around too fast. Not only was Korra two hours early, she too had her lunch in hand and sliding to join next to him.

"Why are you here?" he blurted the question without thinking. He knew why she was in the building but why in the same room as him?

"Oh your colleague told me to wait here. To be honest, I wasn't sure how long it'd take me to get here but boy are those Sato buses efficient! I had missed the previous one and ten minutes later, another one came chugging by! Guess I won't have to worry about driving in this city after all." She bit into her sandwich gleefully then gestured to his. "Aren't you gonna eat that?"

"I'm not hungry anymore." He pushed the unwrapped half of his sandwich towards her. "Uh… I'll leave you to it Avatar. I've got a… report to write!"

When Korra didn't protest, Mako made his escape only to return to the conference room ten minutes before the meeting time.

"You're late!" bellowed Lin, gesturing for him to take a seat. "Did you think you could just saunter in after your superiors?"

Mako didn't even attempt to argue. He of all people should know by now that when Lin said to be 'early', she meant to be present at least half an hour before.

Seeing that he was the last to arrive, she began barking at everyone to introduce themselves before starting the agenda proper. Korra was brought up to speed with the latest reports of illegal workers streaming in from the southern coast of the Republic.

"Your presence in the city has not gone unnoticed Avatar Korra." This was said by Lieutenant Soong-Wok, pointing to a few sections on the city map spread in the middle of the table. "Since your arrival, their movements have become less visible –which is not a problem, I assure you –because they're coming up with new ingenious ways to avoid detection."

He used a marker to trace a route from point to point along the coastal line.

"Merchants port of call," whispered Mako. That made sense. With the Republic becoming a commercial centre, the guilds were becoming busier –and dare he say more powerful.

"You're right Mako," said Korra. "Peacekeeping forces don't conduct serious checks on merchant guilds. Their seal alone gets them pass border control without a hitch. The Earth nations are so desperate to rebuild that any economic related activity is supported without much consideration."

"Organised Crime has identified a few known associates of these guilds and cross checked them with members of the triads here in Republic City." Lin tossed a folder across the table for Korra to look through. "See if you came across any of them during your four year stint in the Earth territories. I still can't believe they allowed criminals into the Merchant Guilds."

Mako watched as Korra scanned through the pictures, frowning and pursing her lips as she studied one after the other.

"So what happens if I identify someone?" asked Korra. "I hope you're not thinking of tapping into their phone lines. That's going to lead you to a dead end, I promise."

"I can't just go back on the operation just because you said so Korra. We've been using this technology for some time now and it has been successful," grumbled Lin. "I need solid evidence to prove me otherwise."

"Get Varrick. He'll know how to explain this better to you. All I know is that these triads are using some superspeed network that's just too fast for our current wire system. It's like their signals travel through air or something! Even if we did manage to capture any information, it ends up jumbled. Varrick calls it encryption."

Every member of the room groaned.

Mako knew it's because Lin had been adamant not to buy encryption services from Varrick Global.

"What does the Avatar suggest then?" Soong-Wok leaned over as she pointed to two of the mug shots.

"At this point in time? I cannot say for sure. Our priorities during Peacekeeping were not to infiltrate or investigate criminal rings. I can however provide you with all the lesser known bases of the Merchant Guild. They're mostly accommodation for travelling merchants but it's not impossible that they're also temporary holding houses for your trafficked victims."

Soong-Wok gave a sigh as he turned to the two other high ranking officers in the room. "Chief Beifong, OC will put in the request to have Varrick Global as a consulting partner. Lieutenant Chen, I believe Zaofu already uses this technology? I'll set up a briefing for the detectives in an hour."

"Fine." Lin let out a resigned huff of air as she sank into her seat. "Mako, I want you to work with Korra on those Guild houses. Check-in to them if necessary." Turning to Soong-Wok, her frown lines returned to her face. "Authorise the funding for the Detective's movement. And yes, get the paperwork for Varrick. This better be worth my budget cuts."

Mako was about to head out with Korra after the meeting when the deep voice of his reporting officer called to him from behind.

"You can talk to the Avatar later. I believe you and I have an hour of court analysis to do."

Mako didn't know which was worst –that he was relieved to escape speaking alone to Korra or the fact that he was now faced with Soong-Wok and his mind-grilling questions.

Seemed like his day just kept getting better.

/ / / / /

A few days had passed since Chief Beifong dropped that bomb on him and Mako still had not given Korra any notice regarding his next course of action. First of all, she wasn't a real cop and second of all, he didn't think it was necessary to report to her like she was his superior.

Soong-Wok had already partnered him with Bipin, the old timer from OC and if he was planning any rounds of interrogation, it would be with the seasoned senior detective.

"Whatever," he groaned, running a hand through his hair. Mako had a few case files he intended to look through over dinner and if he was lucky, there might be something in there that he might be able to involve Korra in. If he didn't, the chief might hound his sorry arse endlessly.

Paging through some of his latest reports, Mako balanced the files on his lap while shoving a spoonful of fried rice into his mouth. It wasn't that he didn't have a proper table to work on. It's just that every single space in his apartment seemed to be taken up by something –clothes thrown haphazardly on the bed and chairs, movers posters from Bolin in the hallway, books on criminology piling by the bathroom…

No wonder he didn't have much of a sex life. He wouldn't bring any self-respecting woman in here with all this mess! Korra might not mind but –

"Hell no. Stop worming into my subconscious Avatar!" He rustled his hair absently once more. "Focus! Now where was that comfort woman case again?"

After rifling through some files, he finally pulled out the one he had earmarked as a potential trafficking case. It had nothing to do with his current OC load for it was an old open Narcotics file of his. But seeing how he was viewing things with a new lens now, Mako had a gut feeling that this woman that he'd arrested a few months ago held an important key to his current trafficking case.

From the surface, it was a no brainer. Woman caught prostituting and was in possession of illegals that was clearly over the acceptable limits. After booking, they held her overnight and tried to sweat the dealer's name out of her. But on hindsight, it was probably the wrong approach.

Mako had remembered telling his partner how her accent sounded 'off' as though she was trying to appear local and yet her choice of words reflected otherwise. Who uses 'fall' to describe autumn in Republic City?

When he brought it up, the look of terror she had on her face had left him with nightmares for a few days. Why was she so scared at being discovered that she wasn't native to the Republic? And those marks on her arm –yes she was abusing drugs but the angle of which the bruising occurred didn't match up. If you were trying to administer yourself, the needle would have come at an angle from your chest towards your forearm and yet the puncture marks looked like it was forced into her by someone else. His only concern was whether she had been drugged unwillingly.

But what struck him the most was when she started wailing about looking for her son; how she would cooperate wholeheartedly if they just helped her find him. Mako's partner had brushed it off as hookers' hysterics but Mako wasn't too sure. They had later confirmed his suspicion when she finally confessed that she was indeed from a small town in the former Earth Empire. Tricked into thinking she was applying for a job in the Republic City, the woman had given her life savings to an agent to get her and her son safely across the Serpent's Pass into the Republic.

Might be worth a shot. If he could manage to find the boy and check out her story, they might be able to find others just like this woman and have an actual insight into the workings of the operation.

Now this would be perfect for Korra. Regardless of how he felt about her, Mako had to admit that she was one hell of a tracker. Even without Naga, Korra had the ability to reach someone just by concentrating on their spirits. The only problem was, he needed more information about this alleged son – a picture or some sort of personal item that Korra could use.

"What do you know, my fantasy of locking Korra in jail might actually come true," he mused, closing the folder and reaching for his coat. Maybe then she would stop disappearing on him.

An hour later, Mako arrived at the station; a quick glance at the clock reminded him it was past midnight. Most sane individuals would be in bed by now.

Except Lieutenant Soong-Wok wasn't one of them. Pushing forty, the man's sole priority was his work; the makeshift rack of clothes he had in his office a dead giveaway of an officer much too used to sleeping under his desk. No wife, no kids, no family.

From what Mako heard about the Lieutenant, that was a personal choice too. Not that he had trouble getting any attention, Mako admitted grudgingly. The man was one damn good looking bastard. With that characteristic Water Tribe tanned skin, bright baby blues and surfer locks of his, no one could tell he was a cop at first glance. He could have been a mover star for all he knew if not for those 'psycho-killer-eyes' as quoted by Bolin.

"What do you want detective?" He didn't even lift his head from his reports when Mako stepped in his office. "If you plan on gawking, then make yourself useful and get me coffee will you?"

When he returned, he found the Lieutenant lighting up a cigarette; mukluk-clad feet crossed on top of his desk.

"You really shouldn't smoke too much Mako," he chided, offering the younger male his lit cigarette while fishing for a fresh one.

"So says the man on his fifth pack for the day." Mako took a puff, hating the bitter aftertaste of the tobacco. But this was how the Lieutenant functioned. If he deemed you trustworthy enough to let his guard down for a smoke break, then it was rest assured that he would support your decisions unless it was extremely unreasonable.

"Yeah yeah. I'll quit the day Lin agrees to sleep with me." Which was never going to happen. Lifting his dark lashes, those blue eyes zeroed in on Mako. "So, talk to me."

Mako ran through the details of his open report and made the request to have Korra in the cell with him when he questioned the woman. If his hunch was right, then this purportedly missing kid might offer some leads for them.

Soong-Wok hemmed and hawed through the explanation, cutting Mako off as he stubbed the ends of his cigarette on the edge of his desk. "Not saying this isn't a good angle Mako but I have had similar reports like this over the last months and I don't think we're going to find the boy here."

"You mean they're not all shipped together?"

Soong-Wok merely pursed his lips as he sifted through the pile of files on his desk before pulling out two single sheets of paper. "Here. It's a police report from one of the border towns just past Senlin Village. Some rich guy was complaining that he kept hearing voices outside his home at night. Thought it was a robber."

"Let me guess – it's a group of teenage boys supposedly trespassing?"

Mako caught the light smirk on his Lieutenant's face. "Naturally, because Hei Bai forest is the ultimate playground for boys."

The sarcasm didnt go unnoticed by Mako. It was comon knowledge that no one but the Avatar could possibly survive in that spirited place. Named in honour of the panda spirit that guarded the forest, Mako remembered Korra mentioning visiting Hei Bei to see if he could guide her into the Spirit World as he had once done for Aang in her previous life.

"But the shortest route to the factories along the south coast," added Mako, frowning at the report before him. "But where do these boys come from?"

"My gut says they're sorted further up north. If what your female drug case said was true and that she paid someone to smuggle them through the Serpent's Pass, then I'd say –"

"Ba Sing Se," said Mako in disbelief. "It's too large an area to comb! Unless… I start with the major ports and transport hubs nearby. Bonus if they're close to one of the Merchant Guilds."

"Good." Soong-Wok was about to light another cigarette when Mako placed a hand over his fingers.

"That's enough Lieutenant. I'm afraid you'll burn this building down one of these days." At Soong-Wok's deathly stare, Mako realised a little too late that he had spoken out of line. Too weary to apologise, he quickly changed the subject. "So do you want me to bring Korra along?"

For a moment, the Lieutenant paused to stare at him with even more loathing than he already did. "I know Beifong wants her in the loop –no offence, she deserves to be –but I don't want the Avatar distracting you from your work," came the warning. "You two were dating for awhile weren't you?"

Mako knew this was coming for him. "Dated. Past tense. Not gonna happen again so no, it won't affect my work."

Those baby blues bored down at him, as though unconvinced. Then with a shrug, he swung his feet off the table and stood up. "Good. Coz we're going to Kwong's tomorrow night. I'll pick you up. 7pm. Now get out."

"Wait! Why? Is there a lead –"

"Get out!"

Tumbling out of the office, Mako raked his hair with his fingers again and sighed. Soong-Wok was quite known for his eccentricity but that had to be the weirdest ending to their conversation he had ever had with the man. So was he supposed to ask Korra to come along or not?

Although in all honesty, he really needed to stop thinking about her. Perhaps not having her come along for this recon trip might be for the best. Looking down at his watch, he noted how it was nearly three in the morning.

Mako knew he ought to head home and mull over what he had just discussed with his superior but for some unknown reason, his feet had other ideas.

Perhaps a quiet walk to digest his thoughts wouldn't hurt.

/ / / /

Korra had just changed into her sleeping gear of loose pants and a tank top when the knock came at her door.

Instantly she went on the defence; ready to firebend the intruder's sorry arse if it came down to it.

"Korra it's me." A slight shuffling followed by an audible sigh. "Mako."

The fire dagger vanished from her hand instantly as surprise took over. " Mako? What are you doing here? Do you even know what time it is?"

The firebender muttered something incomprehensible before a loud thump came from the other side of the door. "Can I come in? Please Korra. It's 5 degrees outside!"

Which was exactly why he shouldn't be outside her apartment at this ungodly hour! Not to mention that he was now guilt tripping her into letting him in; her apartment being on the ground floor and at the mercy of the elements.

But one look through her door viewer and Korra gave in to his pleas. "What the hell are you doing here?" She had meant to sound annoyed but the question tinged with concern instead.

He merely kicked off his boots and shuddered towards her single couch; arms around his body as he shivered into the cushions.

"Here." She tossed her only blanket at him, praying just a little that it wouldn't smell too funky. It wasn't like she had to keep the place clean for anyone else so laundry was her last priority at the moment. "You wanna talk?"

Those amber eyes lifted slowly, almost apologetically. "I know you just settled in and I promised to help at the school and all... but I'm going away for a while Korra. We've got leads to follow at the Full Moon Bay."

"You mean that ex refugee harbour into Ba Sing Se?"

"Except now it's possibly ferrying people out and into Republic City," explained Mako, raising a hand to halt her question. "I'm telling you because Beifong wants us to go together –"

"But you don't want to," said Korra finishing his sentence with a shrug. "Hey I'm cool with that. I've got the school to think about and then there's this thing with Asami –"

He moved so fast to knock her backwards that Korra only realised he was pinning her down after her head knocked clumsily against the wall.

"What thing with Asami?" His palms were on each side of her head, boxing her in with his looming form.

"Well you know she's thinking of starting a scholarship with my – wait, why do I need to explain myself anyway?" Korra pressed her hands on his chest intending to shove him away...

But her hands froze at the realisation that she was touching him after so many years of absence.

Did Mako always have such solid muscles? He'd always been lean and fit but her fingers knew that they were no longer touching the body of a 19 year old teen.

"Are you two... together? I've been curious for the longest time Korra. I need to know." The last words were almost whispered; his forehead coming closer to rest on hers. "I must be pretty fucked up if my ex girlfriends ended up dating each other."

Korra almost felt bad admitting the truth when she heard his nervous laughter. But she recognised the sign too well to cave in to his onslaught of questions.

"That's enough Mako. You're exhausted. Take my bed. I'll sleep on the couch." This time she really shoved him hard.

But Mako pushed her back even harder. "No... I've had enough of you in my dreams."

The instant his lips captured hers, Korra heard a sigh of satisfaction – hers. All the awkwardness; the tiptoeing around each other these past weeks melted just like their bodies against each other. She pulled him closer; desperate to feel more, taste more, smell more of him.

Korra almost moaned when Mako's hands travelled down, cupping her breasts and kneading them through the thin cotton of her tank top; her nipples -those traitorous peaks- hardening within seconds of his expert ministrations.

Parting her lips, she allowed their tongues to tangle; each drawing the other towards a point of no return. For Korra, the familiar taste and scent of the man before her evoked a barrage of emotions and sensations she thought she'd locked away forever.

It frightened her how much she craved for him, even after all these years. So much so that she whimpered in protest when his lips left hers to trail kisses down her neck.

"Stop me Korra..." he groaned, grazing his slightly bristled jaw along the top of her tank top. "Stop me before we both regret it."

She should. Korra knew waking up to this would only lead to heartache in the morning. But her hands refused to cooperate; her fingers pulling the cotton of her top over her head instead and tossing it aside as an answer to his plea.

"Korra..." His groan was barely audible as he buried his face between her breasts, taking a dark nipple between his lips hungrily. The moment his teeth closed over that taut nub, Korra moaned aloud and arched her body closer to her source of agony.

The firebender was absolutely burning hot in her arms, savouring her flesh with fervour. Korra didn't even notice him removing his shirt until he pulled her once more into a fierce kiss; their bare skin sliding against each other.

"Last chance Korra." Mako's breathing against her lips was erratic, his amber eyes glowing gold in the dim light of the room. Korra knew that look; knew the rough sex that would follow.

Worst part was? She wanted it so badly.

Looking up, she made sure his eyes were solely on hers as she pulled him closer, hooking her forefingers in the band of his trousers in lieu of an answer.

She heard the sharp intake of his breath and caught the fire lighting up his those amber eyes of his. So much repressed lust smouldering there.

"Bed. Now." His command was hashed out through clenched teeth; hands gripping her arms tight.

Korra barely made it to her bedroom when he pounced on her, tackling her facedown onto the mattress. All remaining clothing from then on were tugged and tossed aside without complaint; both impatient to feel the full length of their naked limbs around each other.

When her hand reached between them, Korra shivered with anticipation as her fingers curled around the stiff length of his cock, stroking it up and down. Everything – from the length of his erection to his sizable girth – was just perfect. Korra wanted to take him in her mouth and savour his taste but from the way she was pinned down, she knew tonight was all about raw, primal sex.

"I need to be in you." His fingers took over her hold on his cock as he pushed her thighs apart. Korra squirmed under his body, her hips rearing backwards in anticipation of her reward. She could feel the head of his cock rubbing at her slippery entrance, simply going in circles and driving her crazy.

"Mako..."

The plea was answered with a playful nip on her ear. "Tell me how you want it," he whispered, leaning forward such that every inch of his body melded against hers. "Slow and deep or –"

"Hard and fast!" Korra was practically screaming. "Now Mako! I can't wait any –"

Korra's cry of pleasure robbed her of any further coherent thoughts. In a single thrust, Mako had filled her up, stretching her with his thickness. Nothing, in her opinion, could beat the real thing.

And the moment he moved, her body responded in the most shameful way – by exploding in a wave of ecstasy. Her whole body convulsed as she came; her muscles clenching tight around him. Still, he ploughed his way through her orgasm, the friction of their sex pushing her towards another climax.

"I'm going to cum again!" she moaned, only to have Mako go completely still.

"Turn around. I want to see your face this time."

Her legs wrapped automatically around his waist the second he grounded into her, demanding for him to go deeper and faster. Korra's nails were digging into his back as his thrusts became quicker, not caring if she left scars. From the way he was biting the tender flesh at the base of her neck, Mako didn't seem to care either.

As her peak inched closer, Korra clutched him tight, straining her body upwards to match his every downward thrust. Even after all these years, Mako still knew all the right spots to hit, sending her into a spiral of screams and shuddering release as she came for the second time that night.

"Korra, I don't think I can hold on much longer…" groaned Mako, driving himself in a few more times before pulling out to spill his cum all over her stomach.

Korra marvelled at the hot jets of white landing on her dark skin, bringing a finger to scoop a little onto her lips. Mako had already collapsed next to her, exhaustion taking over as he curled into a fetal position; sleep taking over as he snored lightly.

Not caring about the mess on her body, Korra turned and mimicked his position, simply relishing the deep masculine sounds of his breathing that she hadn't heard in a while.

Though she didn't regret it, Korra knew that she wouldn't be waking up to a shower of tender kisses and loving words from this man. What they shared was a heat-of-the-moment, one night stand thing. He's leaving soon wasn't he?

Pressing a soft kiss on his brow, Korra then eased herself off the bed and walked into her living room where the telephone was.

Her fingers shook as she dialled the numbers, partly from the aftershocks of adrenaline but also partly from guilt as a sleepy feminine voice answered on the other line.

"Asami? It's Korra. Can we have breakfast together in say another three hours? I did something… and it's very bad."

/ / / /

A/N: This took me much longer than I expected! But I hope the wait was worth it – lemons for new year anyone?