A/N: This takes place during 106, which was the single most amazing half-hour I have ever spent in my entire life. Bryke knows how to keep fans in line.
It started completely different and ended up as it did. Hence the title, Tie.
I'm pleased with it. The first chapter drawing directly from the show, but in a completely differing way than was represented therein.
He's afraid.
He knows he shouldn't be, but he is.
He's afraid for the stakes. Of the bending brothers' future. Of the house on the hill where they grew up—the house to which they promised each other they would return after winning the pot.
After.
He's afraid for Mako. Of his brother's dreams resting on one pro-bending match. Of nightmares destroying the hopes planned for after winning the pot.
After.
He's afraid for her. Of Tahno's wrath. Of what could happen to his dazzling vision of her and him after winning the pot.
After.
Always after. Assuming victory. Arrogant with hubris.
But it's all in the air now.
Usually, Mako would be the one standing up there, fire rushing from fists, his mouth a thin line as his opponent rushes at him.
Or him. He could be up there, like the other day, grappling, throwing, winning winning winning.
But no. It's her. And Tahno.
The ref is stepping back, head bowed. Barely holding back the urge to smash the ref over the side of the field for sucking more than thought possible, he bites his lip.
She takes a stance. His gaze, and the gaze of everyone in the stands, is on her. She's their last hope. "Korra, you can do this," he whispers under his breath, his hands involuntarily curling into fists, his heartbeat louder than the roar of the spectators. "You've got to. Because if you don't . . ."
"Come on, little girl." Tahno's sneer fills him with rage. He wants to punch the man in the sleazy face. "Give me your best shot."
She smiles, and he feels it seconds before it happens: A shot of waterbending from her fist—Tahno ducking—a spurt of liquid from her other hand—knocking the helmet off—hair ruined, face a mess—the bell ringing, though at first he thinks it's his heartbeat gone into overdrive—and then her words—
"Hmph. Chump."
The announcer strikes a dramatic pose. "Round two goes to the Fire Ferrets!"
For that one moment, the entire world is frozen, taken up by her victory, the radiant light causing her skin to almost glow. Memorising the image, he promises to never let it go, seeing her in her truest form: Dripping with sweat, hair sticking to her face, eyes brighter than stars, a soft smile on her lips mixed with a smirk, fresh from the fight and larger than life.
Then the moment breaks.
He sees her float down from the raised platform. Mako's the first to react, offering her a high-five. "Nice one." She grins, laughs, looks at him.
"That's the stuff," he blurts, words falling out of his mouth in his amazement. His thoughts whir: We won round two. We won round two! "You're my heeeeero!"
His brother inhales. "We might actually win this thing."
"Might?" Adamantly he shakes his head, glaring at Mako. "This girl is magic. We will win."
She blushes. "I don't—"
He grasps her arm. "You do."
