Day 4: FAITH

"Mako…" I waved my hand in front of my fire-bender's face, trying to get his attention. He rolled over and swatted my hand way when I snapped my fingers.

"WAKE UP CITY BOY!" I called loudly in his ear. He bolted upright, making me jump back in surprise.

"I'm awake! I'm awake!" He yelled, looking around tiredly. "Oh, it's just you."

"Yeah, it's just little old me." I frowned. "Just little old me here to remind you about the party tonight."

"Oh yeah. Party. Right. sounds like fun." He yawned. I wasn't convinced.

"It will be!" I replied enthusiastically.

"Liar. You hate parties. And you know I don't particularly love them either. Plus, Asami's probably gonna be there, since, you know, she's hosting the whole thing. So why are you going? And by extension, why am I going?"

"Because I'm the Avatar. And it'll be good for future industries if I go to the big re-opening fundraiser. The press will EAT. IT. UP. Imagine the papers: "Avatar appears at future industries gala; new confidence inspired in commerce and in Korra."

"Eh, that's a little wordy for a headline." Mako shrugged.

"NOT THE POINT. I mean, it only makes sense that I go. Tenzin, Pema and the kids are going, Lin's going, Bolin's going. And since I am a personal friend of Asami's-"

"Friend my ass." Mako muttered.

"Again, NOT THE POINT. She helped us defeat the equalists, and I'm returning the favour." I told him, trying to sound authoritative. "So we're going."

"You're going. I'm the ex-boyfriend. Are you sure it's such a good idea to drag me along? I might get booed. Or worse."

"Come on, have a little faith." I scoffed. He just crossed his arms defiantly.

"I guess you don't HAVE to go." I said dejectedly, turning away from him, sighing heavily. "I guess I'll just have to dance with Bolin all night."

"Oh HELL no." Mako pulled me into his arms. I shrieked, then laughed. "I am not going to let that happen." He murmured in my ear.

"Then come with me." I looked at him pleadingly, eyes puppy-dog wide.

"No fair. You know I can't refuse those eyes." He kissed me, running his finger through my hair. "Fine. I'll be there."

"You better be." I winked, pecking him on the cheek and marching out victoriously.

"WHERE IS THAT KID?"

There I was, standing on the front steps of Asami's mansion, almost an hour after the party had started. I was grumbling to myself. I'd already stayed longer than I'd planned to- I wasn't going to stay in this dress a moment longer than necessary. just when I was about to give up on him and go back inside, a cab pulled up. Out got Mako, the only person I really wanted to see. And punch.

He cleaned up good, I'd give him that, he never failed to dazzle me, and it was the most infuriating thing about our relationship. He was wearing a suit, his scarf (of course) and some really shiny shoes. His hair was swept back perfectly, and he smiled when he saw me gaping. I blushed angrily as he walked towards me, waving and smirking.

"You're late." I hissed as he took my hand, intertwining our fingers. I wasn't about to let him off the hook just because he looked so damn fine.

"You look beautiful." He whispered tenderly, pushing a flyaway strand of hair from my forehead. "I'm sorry I'm late. I fell asleep again after you left. I guess I was more tired after work than I thought." He looked at me pointedly, his eyes wide.

"Okay fine. I'll forgive you this time." My threat was empty; I knew I couldn't stay mad at him, and he knew it too. I pulled him up the stairs towards the house, anxious for the night to be over.

"I thought for sure you weren't going to show up, you know." I said. He suddenly pulled my into his arms, holding me tightly.

"I'll always show up. You know that right?" He whispered softly.

"Yeah." I said. "I know. And it's a good thing too. I need someone to protect me from all these rich people. Think you can handle it?"

"Come on Korra." He rolled his eyes, smiling proudly. "Have a little faith."