Mako opened his eyes and took a deep breath waiting for the normal morning fuzziness to clear from his vision. He took a deep breath, breathing in Iroh's familiar scent. Strong arms wrapped around his waist pulled him close. Mako felt Iroh's lips against the crook of his neck.

"So you're awake too?" Mako asked softly.

"I've been half awake for hours," Iroh muttered. "Probably since 2 a.m. just dozing and thinking."

Mako frowned. "We went to bed around 2, you haven't slept at all?!" Mako turned and squinted at Iroh's face. "You have bags under your eyes why didn't you sleep?"

"I had a ton of stuff on my mind, was trying to work it all out. Bumi said some things last night just why are you squinting?"

"I'm just trying to make out your face. My vision's a little blurry in the morning. Don't worry about it, now what about Commander Bumi?"

"Is your vision always blurry in the morning?"

"Yeah, it will clear up eventually. Now get back to Bumi, what did he say that kept you up all night?"

Iroh bit his lip. "He told me that I need to be less wild, and stop being such a flirt, especially with straight boys. He's been swapping letters with my father and he knows I'm dating someone but thinks he lives in the Fire Nation." He snuggled into Mako's neck and chuckled. "He also thinks that while you're cute, I don't have snowball's chance and my diplomatic immunity will only protect me for so long."

Mako smiled, "Well he's right…I am cute."

Iroh laughed starting to tickle him. "You're downright adorable."

"Haha, ahhhh yeah stop." Mako kissed him. "Thanks, cupcake but seriously stop."

Iroh chucked. "You know if anyone but you called me pastry I'd kick their ass."

Mako smiled and kissed him. "I know but lucky for me I can call you that." Mako's hand ghosted over Iroh's chest causing him to shutter. "Sweetie." He kissed Iroh's jaw and then started to get up. "I need to take a shower. Busy day today."

Iroh sat up. "Lot's planned? I thought we were meeting your friends this afternoon for a picnic thing-y."

"We are, as far as I know. But before that, I have to pick up my travel visa from the Embassy, doctors appointment for my arm, and then check in at the police station to make sure everything is ok with the training before I go on vacation." Mako paused. "And I should probably stop at the store and pick up food for the picnic too." He cringed. "I did not plan this day out well."

Iroh chuckled. "Always trying to do too much. I'll deal with the preparations for the picnic you worry about everything else. Ok?"

"Ok, but get some sleep first." Mako nodded and then went to go take a hot shower and wake up. He glanced back at Iroh and found him already snoozing.

.o.

Bolin yawned and stretched and wrapped a lazy arm around a pillow. Opening one eye he saw movement in the living room. Immediately, He was on his feet holding a candlestick.

"Identify yourself! I'm armed!" Bolin yelled shuffling forward.

"It's just me Boh," Mako called from the other room. "Damn, where did I put it?"

"Where did you put what?" Bolin asked putting the candlestick down and walking into the living room.

"I had a form from the embassy I needed to bring to pick up my visa. I thought I had it with me but apparently, it was the wrong form. I gave them a fucking parking ticket! Damn it." Mako grabbed his hair in frustration. "I need that visa."

Bolin glanced over to the very official looking document sitting on the kitchen table. "Does it have a Fire Nation crest on it? And say office visa claim form on it?"

"Yes! Where was it?" Mako rushed over.

"On the kitchen table." Bolin handed it over to Mako. "Hey, are you ok?"

"Yeah, fine frazzled. I scheduled way too much stuff this morning and losing that," He sighed, "I don't know, it just broke me."

"Seems like you really do need a vacation." Bolin handed him the slip of paper.

Mako nodded wirily, "Oh, yeah, right now though I'll just take an afternoon free without a to-do list hanging over my head."

"Well, hopefully at the picnic this afternoon you can relax a little. Any ideas what Opal and I should bring?"

"No, clue. Whatever you think sounds good. Iroh volunteered to get what we're bringing to the picnic and I have no idea what he'll come up with. It will either be something nice and down to earth or super posh that will seem like he's trying to show off but he honestly just thinks whatever it is tastes good." Mako shook his head. "I'm not being very helpful am I?"

"No, but I think Opal and I will bring some vegetarian dish she likes."

"Good call!" Mako folded the paper and put it in his pocket. "I'll see you later."

"See yah." Bolin looked around. "Uh, Mako quick question."

"Yes?"

"One of the guys yesterday asked if you really knew General Iroh all that well or if you were just reading him the riot act." Bolin frowned. "I said you two were good friends, is that ok?"

Mako nodded, "Yeah that's fine. I mean we are so it's not a lie."

"Yeah, true it's just that… well, some of the guys were saying that maybe Iroh needed to be reminded that you two are just friends." Bolin bit cheek.

Mako cringed, "Yeah, he was being a bit obvious yesterday. Just let them know we're friends and if anyone asks if I know about Iroh, let them know I know and it's a joke between us because obviously, I'm." He paused. "Obviously, I'm the avatar's ex and a cop and not that kind of guy."

Bolin raised an eyebrow. "But you are that kind of guy."

"I know that." Mako snapped. "But they don't have to, not yet, anyway."

"Ok, touchy subject." Bolin sighed and started to make coffee. "You know eventually it will come out about you two."

"I know but at least let me meet his family first before it all blows up in my face."

.o.

Mako looked down at the items on the kitchen island. "Umm, Iroh? Are lobsters on the ice and fresh oysters normal picnic food in the Fire Nation? This plus champagne seems, very excessive for a simple meal with my friends and brother."

"This is simple and besides it what my dad says this the perfect Sothern Water Tribe picnic food…. when vacationing at the beach on ember island. You know this does seem to be a little… over the top." He paused for a moment. "Might as well throw in the caviar and just go the full nine yards!"

Mako wrinkled his nose. "You know we still have time we can pick up some sandwiches along the way. You know don't come off as so…" He tilted his head. "Pretentious?"

Iroh shrugged. "Pretentious maybe, but also delicious… Are any of your friends allergic to shellfish?"

"No, I don't think so."

"Then I think it's fine. I want to make a good impression."

Mako made a face. "Uh, you already have. They know you. You know them. You've known most of them for years now. I don't think this is really necessary." Mako paused. "Are you ok?"

"I'm fine." Iroh packed, "Just tired. I slept for a few hours but not that much. Are any of your friends old enough to drink?"

"I think Korra is, and definitely Asami. Why?"

"I got a bottle of wine but wasn't sure if we should bring it."

"Couldn't hurt." Mako gestured to the cooler. "I mean there's no toning this down."

Iroh chuckled, "True. So get everything done you needed to?"

"Yeah, had to go to the embassy twice because I grabbed the wrong paper the first time." He laughed to himself. "I tried to give the lady an old parking ticket instead of the form."

Iroh opened his mouth then closed it. "Darling have you ever thought of seeing an eye doctor? You know just for a checkup?"

"My eyes are just fine. I was just distracted that's all." Mako rolled his eyes.

"Ok, if you say so." Iroh made a face and kissed his temple. "Just trying to look out for you."

.o.

Bolin shook his head and looked over at Asami who was still trying to organize her basket. "And then Shin just looked at me like I was an idiot. I don't think she believed me when I told her Mako knew about Iroh and was cool with it."

"Maybe they think it's impossible for Mako to actually joke about something?" Asami shrugged.

"Yeah, maybe but I'm worried about Mako. I mean, he's injured and now with all the training going on and Iroh being around, he's distracted. He's messing up his reports, Lin's been giving me his stuff to correct but I'm just worried people will put two and two together."

"They probably think he just needs a vacation." Asami put a box of cookies into the basket. "I mean Mako's not making it obvious that Iroh's distracting him is he?"

Bolin shook his head. "Not really, but it's obvious Iroh is distracted by him. And I don't know what happens if the guys think because Iroh likes him it must mean Mako is sending him some type of signal."

"Well technically, he is isn't he?" Korra said walking into the room. "I mean he is going on vacation with him."

Bolin nodded, "Yeah, but I'm just worried. I hear stuff in the break rooms and I worry."

"He's your brother of course you worry but it's going to be fine." Korra smiled. "I mean what are they going to do? Mako's a hero and Iroh's a prince."

Bolin chuckled darkly. "Yeah, as if stuff like that's going to stop someone from being an idiot after a stressful day or one too many drinks. Mako's is no shape to whether a bar brawl right now. You saw how he got his ass handed to him in that fight a few weeks ago. His arm isn't healing right, he can't bend with it and I know it's always in pain." He shook his head. "And today he mixed up a parking ticket with a visa application."

"Ooh, that's worrisome." Asami agreed. "Hey, any idea what else I need to pack up?"

"Oh how about something to drink?" Korra asked looking into the basket.

"Wine or water?"

"How about wine? I've never had it and I think today would be a perfect day to try it."

Asami put two bottles into the basket. "I'll take both, just in case."

.o.

"Ok! Nope! Not a fan!" Korra handed the glass back to Asami and poured herself a glass of water. "I can't imagine why people drink that stuff."

"It's an acquired taste," Iroh admitted taking a sip from his own glass.

"Well, I don't think I've acquired it quite yet." Korra joked. "But thanks for bringing the lobster tails. I haven't had seafood this good since leaving the Southern Water Tribe."

"You're welcome." Iroh smiled. "Also the sandwiches you brought are great."

"That's all Asami's doing I just carry the basket and make it look good."

Iroh snorted, "Ok then. Thank you, Asami for the sandwiches." He yawned.

"You ok?" Asami asked putting her glass down.

"Yeah, fine. Just didn't sleep well last night."

"Oh? Something keep you up?" Opal asked glancing over at Mako.

"Just stressed out about the United Forces and Police team up." Iroh shook his head. "I'm really not a fan of the whole thing."

"Really but you seem to be having a lot of fun according to the guys at the station," Bolin said before grabbing another sandwich.

"Yeah, making a fool of myself is really fun, best time ever." Iroh took a swig of his wine. "And being the talk of the station, wonderful. Dare I ask what they're saying?"

"You really don't want to know."

"This is a wonderful wine, Asami," Mako said changing the subject.

"Thanks, it was a favorite of my mother's. My dad always kept a few bottles in the house to remember her." She handed him the bottle. "I think it's a fire nation vineyard."

Mako looked at the bottle and squinted. "Oh yeah. Lovely font they used."

Iroh rolled his eyes and pulled the glasses he wore while doing paperwork and flipped them onto Mako's face. "Here try this."

"Oh, that's just the insignia." Mako adjusted the glasses and looked over at Iroh who was smirking. "Ugh, fine I'll go get my eyes checked. You don't have to look so smug…have you always had dimples?"

Iroh snorted, "Yes, have you been half blind this whole time?"

"Apparently." Mako tilted his head and frowned.

"Is something wrong?" Iroh asked.

"No, just I think I feel like I'm seeing your face for the first time. Weird."

Iroh laughed nervously, "I hope you like what you see?"

"I do, it's just your features are a lot sharper than I originally thought. And there are flecks of gold in your eyes and your lips are…" Mako took off the glasses and handed them back Iroh. "Yeah, definitely need to get my eyes checked."

"And then get a room," Korra added before the group burst into laughter.

Mako blushed, "Sorry about that, was just caught off guard."

"It's ok!" Opal smiled, "Not everyday one gets to see love, at first sight, happen right in front of them."

"Between people who've been dating for years no less," Bolin added frowning a little.

"It something wrong Boh?" Mako asked.

Bolin shook his head. "Nope, just thinking about that paper mix up this morning. Have you always had issues seeing?"

"I didn't think I did until…just now." Mako bit his lip. "Oh man, I wonder what else I've missed or messed up."

Bolin shrugged, "Well your paper for the past month for one."

"I've been messing that up? Why did no one tell me?"

"Well, Lin wasn't sure if you were out of practice or just distracted by pain so she didn't want to make you feel bad if it was the later."

"And why didn't you tell me?"

"Because I thought you were also distracted by pain and then later I thought maybe because of Iroh and the vacation stuff you were distracted." Bolin took a deep breath. "I guess we're all wrong."

Korra leaned against Asami. "Just so you know I can see you just fine."

Asami chuckled. "Good to know." She kissed Korra's cheek. "I can see you just fine too and you are fine."

Korra smiled. "You're finer, so much finer."

Mako cleared his throat. "Um, we're still here guys."

"Yeah, well you can go jump in a lake. You and Iroh were acting all cute just five minutes ago."

Mako crossed his arms. "We aren't that obnoxious…are we?"

Bolin patted his brother's shoulder. "Sorry bro but you're usually worse no matter who you're dating. I mean you're so much better with Iroh as compared to Asami but you're still obnoxious."

Mako made a face and leaned against Iroh who put an arm around him. "It's ok darling."

"Easy for you to say, you're not being called out."

Iroh clicked his tongue. "Not at the present moment, I got called out yesterday by your boss and my mentor."

Korra put an arm around Asami, "I think they're trying to make this picnic a pity party, don't you?"

Asami nodded and put an arm around Korra's waist, "Yeah just a bit."

Bolin shook his head. "I think both couples are trying to be the center of attention but hey what do I know?"

"Sorry Bolin." Iroh sighed putting his arm down. "Not trying to be the center of attention or be obnoxious. It's just relaxed moments like this are very few and far between."

.o.

"Go to the eye doctor, it will help you see better, it's not painful. Lies." Mako grumbled adjusting the dark glasses again. "Now, everything is blurry and I look high." Mako accidentally hit his bad arm against the filing cabinet and cursed. "Still don't fully get the need to dilate a guys eyes."

"Having fun detective?" Iroh asked leaning against the filing cabinet Mako had just wacked with his arm.

"Oh, loads. Having an absolute ball." Mako rubbed his wrist. "How about you? Your men doing well with the assignment I gave them this morning?"

"They're getting the hang of it. Not sure I'm happy about them learning slang for drugs and the 'proper' way to use a butterfly knife." Iroh frowned as a pair of cops walked by and started to snicker.

"Well take it up with Raiko about using the military for this job." Mako held up a piece of paper. "Any clue what this says?"

"It's from Raiko, he wants to know why you're taking such a long vacation."

"Because I need to, that's why." Mako closed his eyes. "Anything else there aside from the invasion into my personal life?"

"He wants to know if you're having any issues with the United Forces Training. Are you?

"I'm not. The guys are pretty good at following orders and not clashing with the officers overall not the headache I was afraid it would be." Mako pinched his nose. "Unlike a headache if have now because everything is too bright."

"That bad?"

Mako looked over at Iroh and pulled his glasses down so Iroh could see his eyes. "So much worse than you think."

Iroh snorted. "You look like my mom's cat when she sees fairy lights."

"Thanks, good to know what I look like." Mako pushed the glasses back up. "Ugh, is it five yet?"

"No, but you can go home," Lin said crossing her arms. "Obviously, you're not getting anything done here, and you, " Lin turned to Iroh, "Stop distracting my officers and make sure your men aren't destroying police property with those butterfly knives."

Iroh nodded, "Yes Mam."

"Yes, Chief." Mako stood up and pulled his bag onto his shoulder. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow detective." Lin crossed her arm. "And Mako, get some sleep. You're working getting sloppy."

Mako nodded, "Yes Chief."

Walking out of the station Mako hailed a cab and had it drive him to his apartment. Several minutes later, Mako was sound asleep in his bed. He barely heard Bolin come in a few hours later.