Chapter 11: Make It Shine
At the island Korra was in the front lawn with Jinora and Ikki. They used their airbending to make the blades of an ancient airbending training instrument move. Korra moved swiftly and gracefully through the blades
"Good, light on you're feet" said Jinora.
Korra came out of the other side and landed perfectly on her feet, he slightly bend her knees and placed her hands on them to catch her breath, she had been doing this almost all morning. The airbending sisters then noticed someone coming, Jinora arched an eyebrow and smirked
"Oh, he's cute" she said "Korra is that the firebender boy who asked you out last night?"
Korra turned her head and saw 'Kuzon' walking towards them, he had a large bag over his shoulder. Ikki jumped excitedly "Is he here to ask you out again? Or maybe he's here to ask you to marry him" out of annoyance, and embarrassment, Korra earthbended a rock from underneath the girls which sent them flying. Korra turned and saw Kuzon standing in front of her, she let out a sigh and placed her hands on her hips "Well, look who it is" she said, she could hear the sisters giggle from behind her as they gently landed themselves to the ground, "Hate to break it to you but you're wasting you're time. I meant what I said and nothing you can say or do will make me change my mind" Mako knew that Korra would not be an easy person to persuade, he took a deep breath before talking "Look, I'm really sorry I embarrassed you" he said
"You didn't embarrass he" Korra said, she removed her hands from her hips "Actually, now that I think about it, I should be thanking you" Mako looked at her surprised "Really?" he said. The Avatar smiled "Yeah, if you hadn't done what you did, I probably wouldn't have snapped and tolled the Council exactly how I felt. Tenzin even agreed to let me do a daily patrol of the city from now on. I think I'm finally getting the respect I deserve" Mako smiled, apparently Asami's plan didn't go entirely to waste after all, Korra finally got what she wanted. He nodded "That's wonderful. I'm glad I was able to help…sort of" Korra slightly chuckled "Yeah, but don't think this means I'll go out with you" she then turned to the two young girls "Jinora, Ikki why don't you two go inside, the big kids need to talk" Jinora bowed to both of them "It was nice to meet you Kuzon" she said as Ikki followed her. Mako looked at Korra "I'm not trying to make you change you're mind or anything but-"
Korra raised her hand in front of him "Listen, Kuzon, I'm flattered by you're invitation, really but…I'm just not into dating anyone at the moment" this statement made Mako drop his shoulder "Oh, I see. Well I understand with you being the Avatar and all. You shouldn't waste your time with silly things like dating or romance" Mako felt like he was piercing himself with a knife, he should've known he wouldn't stand a chance with the Avatar, but would his friends listen to him? No. Korra let out a depressed sigh "It's not that, it's just…" she couldn't go on, but Mako wanted to know for some reason "What?" Korra looked at him and somehow felt…secure to tell him. She didn't look at him, rather she looked over at the horizon "A couple days ago, I went into the city and met someone" Mako's eyes widen, she was talking about him "Sure he seemed kind of weird and crazy at first but…he turned out to be the sweetest, smartest and most honest and trustworthy guy I have ever met." Mako could feel his heart race and a smile slowly grew on his face as Korra continued "He had such potential and talent. He's been through a lot and had to sacrifice so mush just to support his little brother. I've never met anyone like him." Korra felt the soft breeze blow though her hair. Mako walked up to her slowly "What happened?" he asked. Korra turned to look at him "I don't like to talk about it. My master Tenzin, he believes I should just forget about him. And while I refused to do so at first…I figured he was probably right" Mako lowered his gaze to the ground, maybe it was best if he never came. Korra spoke again "Maybe it's for the best I mean, I've only known him for a few hours. Can you really believe a person can fall in love with someone in just one day? It's crazy right?" Korra chuckled, as mush as she tried to make herself believe that, she knew a part of her refused to believe it. Mako looked at her "It happened to me" this made Korra blush, as Mako continued "I met someone too. But it happened days before the match. She was the most intelligent, most fierce, headstrong and independent woman I have ever met in my entire life. Although she was kind of wild and impulsive but that's just what made her so great." Korra looked at the young boy curiously as he continued "But sadly we just weren't meant to be"
"Why, what happened?" Korra asked. Mako looked at her with sad eyes "I don't like to talk about it" the two teenagers looked at each other for a while, "But if you already love someone else, then why did you ask me out?" Korra asked. Mako scratched the back of his head as he tried to come up with something "I don't know, maybe because…you reminded me so much of her. I though I was ready to move on, but I guess I wasn't" Korra suddenly felt bad for rejecting him in such a way "I'm sorry. I guess we have more in common than we thought" she said. The two teen smiled at each other. Korra then placed her hands behind her in a bashful manner "Listen, even though I'm still against the whole date thing maybe we could still hang out…as friends?" Mako's face lit up "Definitely!" he said. Korra's face also lit up "Cool, let's go" she said, Mako was baffled "Wait, now?" Korra smirked "Sure, I'm done with training for today and besides it's sunday. Everyone's taking a break" Mako looked into Korra's stunning blue eyes, how could he say no? "Okay, sure." Korra clapped her hands together "Awesome, we can take Naga" Mako arced and eyebrow "Who's Naga?" he asked, Korra smiled "My best friend. You'll love her" she winked.
Korra and Mako were strolling the city ridding on Naga, Korra was steering while Mako rode on the back "You're best friend is a poler bear dog" said Mako "Somehow that makes perfect sense" Korra turned her head to face him "I'll take that as a compliment, rich boy" Mako blushed at this. They made their way through the crowd of people near the shopping centers, Korra turned to look at Mako again "You sure you're friends are okay with you not being with them?" She asked, Mako shook his head "On the contrary, I think I'm doing them a favor"
At the park Asami was siting on a bench, Pabu was playing with a butterfly on the grass next to her. Just then Bolin came with a bag and two drinks "Here you go; one BLT with white bread and strawberry juice" he said as he handed her the wrapped sandwich from the bag and the drink, he was wearing a hat and grey scarf to cover his face, on a count of he didn't want to put on his false beard. He sat down next to her and took out his own sandwich "And a CML with papaya juice for me" Asami giggled "What's a CML?" Bolin unwrapped his sandwich "Chicken, cheese and lettuce, duh" Asami giggled again as Bolin took a huge bite of his sandwich "You're hilarious" she said, Bolin nudged her arm "No you're hilarious" he said with his mouth full. Asami nudged him in return "No you're hilarious"
"No you're hilarious"
"No you're hilarious"
"No you're-"
"WOW!" Bolin nudged her a bit too hard that Asami fell off the bench. He blushed in embarrassment as he helped her up "I am so sorry, please don't hate me" Asami was laughing as she sat back on the bench "You're lucky I like you" she said. The two teens laughed, then they noticed two girls walk by and giggled flirtatiously at Bolin. He blushed in embarrassment and Asami looked at them with daggers in her eyes "What was that about?" she asked, Bolin scratched the back of his head "Well, it's kind of happened before." he said "Back where me and Mako worked some girls would sometimes flirt with us" this made Asami's eyes widen, she didn't know Bolin was so popular. Bolin noticed her reaction "But I almost never flirted back" he said "Almost?" said Asami. Bolin was practically sweating "Let me explain, sure there have been a lot of girls who liked me but, they never really liked me. At least for me" this woke up Asami's curiosity "What do you mean?" she asked. Bolin let out a sigh "Me and Mako never had much luck when it came to dating and stuff. Most of the time it was just that neither of those girls really connected with me. But manny times it was also that once they realize I was just some street-kid who worked serving food at a cheep restaurant…they never looked at me the same way again." Asami lowered her gaze to her sandwich "I'm sorry to hear that. But you know what? It's their lost. You're a great guy Bolin; you're sweet, you're funny, you're smart, you're never afraid to be yourself in front of anyone" the young woman's words made Bolin's heart soar, no girl had ever said anything so sweet and heartfelt to him before, other than his mother. "You really think that way about me?" he asked blushing, Asami smiled at him "You better believe I do. And, for what it's worth, I don't care that you worked as a waiter, or that you grew up in an old apartment without proper indoor pluming…it's your spirit that really maters. You are unlike any guy I have ever met. You're one of a kind" Bolin looked deep into Asami's eyes "No girl had ever said anything like that to me before" he said. Asami blushed as she also looked into his eyes "That's because they only cared about what was above the surface." she said "But underneath the surface is where the real treasure is" Pabu watched the whole scene and smiled. Asami placed her head on Bolin's shoulder and he wrapped his arm around her "You're one of a kind too" he said as she snuggled her head on his shoulder. Bolin brightened up Asami's life by simply being her friend.
Korra pulled Naga's rains to a halt, Mako got off first "Why did you want to come to the park, anyway?" asked Korra as Mako readjusted the bag around his shoulder "Why not, it's the best place to hang out. Besides I've got something planed in mind" Korra arched and eyebrow "Like what?" she asked. Mako gave her his hand "You truest me?" he asked, Korra crossed her arms "Ever since I was a kid my dad always said 'Korra, truest a guy with a mustache'" the two teens laughed, Mako gave Korra his hand again waiting for her answer. She smiled, "Yeah, I truest you" she took Mako's hand as he helped her down. When Korra reached the ground she slightly tripped but Mako grabbed her before she fell. They looked into each others eyes; Mako had his arms around her waist and Korra's hands rested on his chest. They noticed their awkward position and broke apart blushing "Um, thanks" said Korra, Mako pulled his collar slightly, being this close to Korra made him feel warm "Uh…no problem" the two teens walked toward the fountain and sat on the edge. Korra saw Mako adjusting his bag, "What's in that bag anyway?" she asked. Mako smirked and took out the guitar Asami gave him. Korra's eyes widened "You…you play?" she was astonished. Mako placed the guitar around his shoulder "Yeah a little." he started to play beautiful music. A few people nearby stooped to listen, Korra looked at the boy playing the beautiful guitar; something about this image seemed so familiar. Her eyes sparkled as memories flowed back. When Mako stopped playing the very small group clapped. Korra smiled "Wow…you're amazing" Mako blushed, he wasn't entirely sure why he was doing this, if Korra found out who he was she might be mad or something. His mind was saying these things but his heart was saying other things. Then his heart gave him an idea "Why don't you sing something?" this caught Korra by surprise "Me, sing? Now you're just messing with me" she said, the firebender gestured to the small group of people "We already have an audience. But if you don't want to sing I won't force you. Even though I'm sure you'd sound great" the spunky Avatar smirked at him "And how would you know?" she asked. Mako shrouded his shoulders "Musician's intuition" he said, making the girl chuckle "Just give it a try" he said "What've you got to lose?" Korra looked at the boy and then at the crowd of people, she could tell they did want to hear her sing. She took a deep breath as Mako began to play a soft tune. She opened her mouth and sang soft and fluidly
Here I am, once again
Feeling lost but now and then
I breath it in, to let it go
She nodded to Mako as a signal to play a bit louder, her voice slowly growing higher
And you don't know where you are now
Or what it would come to
If only somebody could hear
She stood up from the fountain as a more people gathered and got into the rhythm
When you figure out how
You're lost in the moment
You disappear!
Korra's voice grew higher, her harmonious voice reaching almost the entire park, so much Asami and Bolin heard it and even a homeless man sleeping in a bush popped out to listen to the young Avatar. Mako played the guitar louder as Korra began to dance to her own song
You don't have to be afraid to put you're dream in action
You're never gonna fade you'll be the main attraction
Not a fantasy
Just remember me
When it turns out right
Bolin, Asami and Pabu came to where the music was coming from and smiles came across their faces when they saw Mako playing guitar with such a passion…and in public no less! Korra was singing beautifully with the same amount of passion. It was like they were one with the music
Cause you know that if you live in you're imagination
Tomorrow you'll be everybody's fascination
A few teenagers came and danced beside Korra
In my victory
Just remember me
When I make it
Shine!
Bolin and Asami couldn't resist, they let their feet take control and danced along side the group of people. Mako smiled as he played and watched the girl he loved dance and sing like and angel
Reaching high
Feeling low
I'm holding on but letting go
I'd like to shine
She walked up to a group of young girls and pated one of their heads in an affectionate manner
I'll shine for you
The girls giggled in excitement, they couldn't believe the Avatar just sang to them
And it's time to show the world how
I'm getting closer to my goal everyday
She stood on the fountain again
All we have is right now
As long as you feel it inside
You'll know!
The two teenagers who were dancing with Korra found their own partners and Asami and Bolin saw this as their chance to dance with her as Korra jumped from the fountain.
You don't have to be afraid to put you're dream in action
You're never gonna fade you'll be the main attraction
The bush guy danced like crazy
Not a fantasy
Just remember me
When it turns out right
Cause you know that if you live in you're imagination
Tomorrow you'll be everybody's fascination
In my victory
Just remember me
When I make it
Shine!
While Mako was busy having fun people began throwing money into his bag.
Everyone can tell you how
It's often said and done
Wow!
The harder times will change you're mind
And make you wanna run
But you want it
And you need it
Like you need to breath the air
If they doubt you
Just believe and
It's enough to get you
There!
While Korra hit the high note she shot fire up into the sky while Mako did a guitar solo
You don't have to be afraid to out you're dream in action
You're never gonna fade you'll be the main attraction
Bolin twirled Korra and Asami
Not a fantasy
Asami and Korra grabbed each other's hands and twirled each other
Just remember me
When it turns out right
Cause you know that is you live in you're imagination
Tomorrow you'll be everybody's fascination
Korra climbed back on the fountain and gave the center stage to Bolin and Asami, who began to dance with each other
In my victory
Korra bended water into a small ice ball and threw up high in the air
Just remember me
She threw a fire ball and shot it at the ball of ice
When I make it
Shine!
Korra struck a pose as Bolin dipped Asami and millions of tiny little pieces of sparkling ice fell gently around her and everyone. The entire crowd of people cheered and the bush guy was whistling. Bolin and Asami hugged each other, happy to have had so much fun. Korra walked up to them and gave them a hug, she knew they were Mako's friends. Mako then looked at his bag and noticed the money "Hey guys, check it out" he said as he showed them the bag of money. They all looked at each other until they heard a voice, it was the bush guy "That was amazing, you should do this for a living" he said. Korra smiled at him and took the bag filled with money from Mako and gave it to the old man "Here, you need this more than we do" she said. The bush man was practically jumping as he took all the money that was in the bag, "Thank you, thank you. You kids are a blessing." he said before returning to his bush. The four friends broke out laughing. Just then Korra let out a gasp; all of the sudden she saw images of Avatar Aang fighting with a strange looking man, she saw Lin's mother Toph Bei Fong and Councilmen Sokka. The whole scene went so fast she had no time to analyze them. Then, just as quickly as they came, they left. Korra groaned as he held her head, Mako noticed this and placed his hand on her shoulder "Are you okay?" he asked. Korra shook her head and looked at Mako's worried face "I'm fine, just…a little too mush excitement you know" Mako wasn't entirely sure, if there was one thing he knew about Korra it was that a little excitement was not enough to drag her down. Whatever got her so woozy for a moment he decided to let it slide…for now.
The four friends were gathered around a bar, they were drinking smoothies and enjoying each other's company "I can't believe I did that" said Korra, "I have never sang in front of a crowd that was more than three people" Asami laughed "Well you were incredible" she said, Korra nudged her shoulder "What about you and Yohan?" said Korra, Yohan was the name Bolin used so she wouldn't recognize him, he still couldn't believe she didn't know him as Bolin, this kind of caught them all by surprise. "You danced like professionals. I've never seen two people more compatible than the two of you" said the Avatar. This made the two dancers blush "Oh, please" said Bolin "I'm sure you say that to all dancers"
"I was right" said Mako "You do have an amazing voice" Korra blushed "Well, you weren't so bad yourself. You have real talent, Kuzon" the firebender blushed and took a sip of his drink.
BURP!
Mako quickly covered his mouth, his face red in embarrassment "Excuse me" he said. Korra smirked and took a sip of her drink as well
BBUURRPP!
Mako looked at her wide eyed and then started to laugh, Korra did the same. Bolin rolled his eyes "Oh, please" he took a sip of his drink
BBUURRPP!
Korra clapped "Nice one" she said. Mako scoffed "That's nothing"
BBBUUURRRPPP!
Both Korra and Bolin laughed, while Asami arched an eyebrow "You know my dad always tolled me never to burp in public" the three teens looked at her with annoyed looks as she took a sip from her drink.
BBBUUURRRPPP!
"But dad's not here now" the four friends broke out laughing. Korra placed her arm around Asami's shoulder "Wow, who'd though you'd have it in you rich girl" she said, Asami fliped her hair "What can I say, I'm a girl of manny talents" she said. Mako arched and eyebrow "What about singing?" Asami blushed "Okay, maybe not SO manny talents" the friends continued to laugh. Korra took another sip of her smoothie
BBBBUUUURRRRPPPP!
Mako, Bolin and Asami were silent for a moment before they applauded, "Nice" "Very good" "We have a winner" Korra smiled proudly "Thank you, thank you" while the teens enjoyed their fun a familiar pair of blue eyes was watching them from way in the back, he didn't like the way Korra was getting so comfortable with this new firebender. He knew he had to do something and fast.
It was already three in the afternoon, the four teens were gathered near the bay were they could see the statue of Avatar Aang. Korra was next to Mako while Bolin was next to Asami, Naga was with them as was Pabu, resting on Naga's head, and Asami's Satomobile was nearby. Korra was enjoying Mako's company and he was enjoying hers, he couldn't believe how well everything went today. But then he remembered something; he wasn't being completely honest, but then again did Korra figure out who he really was by now? He wasn't entirely sure, after all she didn't recognize Bolin, unless she did that on purpose. If she was then Korra is definitely one crafty chick.
She let out a sigh "It's beautiful, isn't it?" Mako looked at the woman next to him "Yeah…beautiful" Korra felt his eyes on her and turned to look at him. She gave him her famous smiles, a hint of blush upon her face. Asami and Bolin smiled as they watched the scene. Korra then slowly backed away "Well, it's been fun but, I should probably get back to the Air Temple. I still need to get ready for the festival tonight" she said, "Maybe I'll see you guys there" Bolin shook his head "Sorry but I'm taking Asami to the Twin Towers for the release of the lanterns" he said. Korra snapped her fingers "Oh, that's right, you said you were going to release a lantern in honor of your mom" she said, Asami nodded "Yeah, it's always been a dream of mine and now Bo-I mean Yohan! Yohan, is gonna help make it come true" Korra smiled "Well I hope you two have a great time." the two teens nodded in thanks. She turned to Mako "What about you? You have any plans for the festival" Mako bit his bottom lip "It depends…what are you planing to do?" he asked. Korra smiled confidently "Whatever you're doing" Mako's eyes widen and look over at Bolin and Asami, both grinning and giving him a thumbs up.
The firebender tried to find his words "Um…maybe we could. Hang out…together. Watch the lanterns and stuff" he mentally slapped himself, he was perfectly fine before and now he was acting like a bashful idiot. Korra got closer to him and did something that made Mako's face go completely red; she reached for his scarf, which was styled into an ascot, and readjusted it to look like it did the day she met him. He couldn't believe what she was doing "It's a date" she said right before she kissed his cheek. Mako smiled "Great. So I'll…see you tonight?" Korra smiled "Definitely" she released Mako's scarf and climbed onto Naga, Pabu jumped from her head and climbed on Bolin's shoulder. She looked at Mako one more time before getting ready to leave "Oh, and one more thing…tonight, you can ditch the fake mustache" she said as she winked. Mako's body tensed up and Bolin and Asami had practically dropped their jaws. Korra tugged on the rains to signal Naga to go "Bye Asami, bye Bolin" she said as she passed them. The three friends then were really baffled. Korra was definitely one smart cookie.