9. move


"Korra. You're blocking the cabbages," says Mako, trying to reach around her so he can inspect the green leaves.

Korra continues to fidget. She bites her lip, shifting from one foot to another. She doesn't move out of the way.

Mako settles back on his heels, studying her face. "Korra? What's the matter?"

"I want to go out on a date," blurts Korra, face burning hotly the minute the words are said. She avoids Mako's eyes as her cheeks turn pink and clenches her fingers, as if steeling herself for rejection.

Mako arches an eyebrow. "Doesn't going to the market together count for something?" he asks coolly.

"It's not the same," counters Korra, the blush fading slightly from her cheeks. "I mean a date—you know, a nice dinner and everything."

Mako tries to see why Korra is bringing this up now, but fails. "I know, but I don't see why—"

"You went on a bunch of dates with Asami," Korra says, quieter, regretting the words immediately. She didn't mean for the words to come out as jealous as they sounded. She intended to state them simply, as facts, but her mouth decided to twist them up. She doesn't know why she's starting this now, of all times, and she's not trying to pick a fight. Honestly, though, she can't help noticing that she and Mako have never dressed up and gone out for a night in town. They order takeout and walk around Republic City together and tease each other and spar. They don't ride Satomobiles around the park, but all of a sudden Korra wants to try it, just to know what it'd be like.

Mako, meanwhile, is trying to muster an answer. First and foremost on his tongue are the words, "You're not Asami," because Korra isn't. She's loud, impatient, eager, bright-eyed, and always ready with an offhand comment. She has never brought up something like this before. In all honesty, Mako was wary of proposing a nice date because he didn't want Korra to feel the need to dress up (and also because he's not sure if that would mean he'd have to get her flowers or not, in which case he'd have to run to Bolin for help). But if Korra is dying to have a date, so be it.

"All right," Mako agrees. "If you want to, then we will. How about tonight?" he asks smoothly, because that way he won't have as much time to fuss and freak out.

A slow look of astonishment and then pleasure spreads over Korra's face. She stands there, beaming at Mako. "Okay," she accepts brightly.

"Good," nods Mako, the matter settled. "Now move and help me pick out some cabbages."