As he rubbed his face, checking for anything, Mako laughed.
"It's nothing," the firebender said, "I just thought about how different you are from when I first met you."
As he drank the rest of his tea, Wu had been surprised at what he'd heard.
"Well Mako, I've changed so much because of you," Wu said quietly as he looked briefly into the amber eyes of the young man sitting across from him.
Slightly embarrassed, the detective just said, "I didn't do much, I just told you the truth."
The young man from Ba Sing Se wordlessly put his hand upon Mako's before replying, "What you did was more than anyone else even thought of doing. I'm glad, thankful that you were my bodyguard."
With a small smile, Mako inquired with a raised eyebrow as well, "So, how exactly did you get around your confusion...about your feelings then?"
"Actually, Korra helped me!" Wu said as his face lit up, "She was happy to help once I explained...my predicament."
Surprised, he answered, "I was certainly not expecting that. Korra, really?"
"Yeah," the ex-royal said with a nod, "I wrote to her for four months. After being confused for a month, I decided to ask someone for help but came up blank...until I remembered about Korra and Asami."
The ex-probender frowned and asked, "Why not Asami though?"
Nervously, Wu replied, "Yeah, actually I tried but it came back with Korra telling me about Asami being so busy that I could talk to her. Oddly enough, she was great! Korra helped me, she didn't make me feel like she was judging me either."
Mako's face showed his surprise before he asked, "So, now what?"
Without saying anything, the chatty former prince handed him a couple of letters in envelopes. One was sent to Asami/Korra and the other was a reply.
"That was my first real letter to Asami but Korra answered. Go ahead, read them," Wu stated simply.
The firebender opened the first letter to read:
Dear Asami,
Hi, it's Wu! I kind of wrote for a weird reason. You're probably wondering why I'm writing you, it's because I'm really confused! Can you keep this between us though? How did you...know? You know, liked girls like that? You're probably thinking, 'Why would he be asking that, he's always surrounded by dames? To be honest, I like dames. They smell good and are nicer than most guys but...I never wanted to kiss them. It sounds weird coming from me but it's true. I'd always figured that I'd find her eventually when I was King but now, without the monarchy, the pressure to carry on the line is gone and I'm confused. For a long time, I played the part but then I met Mako. Silly huh, I never realized it but I was gone the minute I met him. Weird, huh? Suddenly, I cared more about catching his attention even if i flirted with girls; you and Korra included; as a front. By the time that wedding happened, I had so much on my plate that I was overwhelmed. I had such a big job with abolishing the monarchy that I pushed my feelings to the back of my mind. It wasn't until recently that I was feeling empty. I miss him so much, there's a big Mako-sized hole in my life! Please help me, do I like Mako like I was supposed to like girls?
Wu out
He opened and read the reply letter next:
Dear Wu,
Yo, it's Korra. Asami is so busy that I checked her mail and found the letter you sent. To be honest, I was really shocked to see it. After I read it, I wasn't sure what to say. I read it again and think i can answer that: it sounds like it. You must be really confused, I can relate. From what it sounds like, you were pressured to hide who you are. It's okay for you to love Mako, just like it's okay for me to love Asami. I was wondering why you wrote Asami but I guess it's because of our relationship. To be honest, i wondered about you since you acted kind of odd and were so...clingy and possessive. Mako s a hat trick and a half though, he is not good with feelings! Especially in a situation he has no idea what to do like love, girls or guys to bee completely honest! Love can be really confusing and scary but seize the day! Write me and I can help, just don't be surprised if I'm kind of blunt.
Korra
"Hm..." Mako frowned, "That was definitely Korra but she can be good at this."
Wu handed him the last of both letters, which the detective opened and read:
Dear Korra,
Wow, I'm glad you've helped me! I never expected how much you could help me, you always found me annoying. Anyways, how do I tell him though? I'm so scared of losing him, he's my best friend! I don't know how you had so much courage, I'm a coward! I love him so much but I want him to be happy. He gave up a lot of his time for me already but...I have to you Korra, you helped me so much! Next time you see me, I'll be in Republic City, taking a chance on love.
Wu out
Mako just put the letter to the side and opened the last one to read:
Dear Wu,
Well it wasn't much. I wanted to help once I saw what you were going through. It's scary to figure out who you are and because I love Mako. We broke up and I'm happy and in love with Asami but I'll always love him. Yeah, you were annoying but you grew up a lot and showed us all how strong you are. To be honest, you'd be good for him. He's always taken care of Bolin so it's just his nature but it didn't work when he dated me or Asami. We can take care of ourselves but you bring out so much in him and he does the same for you. Besides, he really needs to learn how to have fun! We can count on you for that! Good luck, take that chance and I'll hope that when I see you again; I hope there's good news! Go get that Mama bear Mako!
Korra
Once he'd finished reading, a small smile appeared on Mako's face.
Wu looked at him, questions in his eyes before amber eyes locked with green.
"I'm glad, either one of them could have been bitter but...they aren't. I love her too but it's not romantic anymore. I'm not completely sure about all of this but I'm giving you...this a chance."
The young Earth Nation man's face glowed as he said, "Mako, you have no idea how much that means to me! I've never felt like this, until I met you I couldn't imagine feeling like this. Because of you, I care about more than me. I don't think I would have realized what my Nation needed from me instead of what I wanted from it, if I hadn't met you. Mako, it might sound sappy but you make me better and more whole."
"You're right, it does sound sappy," the firebender said with a chuckle, "Even if we don't become a couple, you are my best friend."
They smiled then drank their tea. Once they were done with their meal, Wu paid. Mako protested but the former royal wouldn't hear of it.
"Let's go, it's nearly 11 o'clock! You need sleep!" Wu exclaimed in alarm as he grabbed the young man's hand and led him outside.
The two young men got into the Satomobile and they drove to the flat Mako lived in.
"Here we go, go on," the ex-prince said before he kissed him on the cheek, "Good night Mako."
A bit surprised, he touched his cheek but smiled and said, "Yeah, you too."
Mako squeezed his friend's hand before getting out and going inside. Wu watched him go inside and close the door before having the cab take him home.
A/N: Here is the next chapter, your patience will be rewarded next time! Bopal and Korrasami will be there but Zhurrick and Kainora might not be until chapter 7 or so. Sorry, I'm trying to work them in right for the way my story goes. I hope it's not too short and you all enjoy it!
