A/N: Based on episode 3.

Touch

He's not used to any kind of physical closeness, not since his parents died.

Sure, he can, if he tries, recall the giant bear hugs his father would sweep him up in after coming home from work, the gentle embraces from his mother at bedtime, caresses of his face, kisses on his cheek.

But these memories have faded, become vague as the memories of a life on the streets crowds them out. The memories that really stick out now are of fear, worry, struggling to get by. To make sure Bolin had enough to eat, that Bolin was okay.

Mako has never had anyone, other than Bolin, to hug, hold, or just.. Touch. So when he groggily opens his eyes, still leaning against Naga in the park, he's very aware of Korra leaning against him, her head resting on his shoulder.

He closes his eyes, trying to keep his breathing even, all the while finding the warmth that comes from her body against his pleasant, comforting even. He can't remember the last time he's been close to someone, not this way. With a start, he realizes that she trusts him, completely.

But he knows what her reaction will be when she wakes, and when she does, he pretends to be surprised, jerking away from her. And even as they confront the protestor, he can't help but remember the lingering feel of her leaning against him.

And Mako knows it can't be, not in a world where she's the Avatar, a teenage Avatar in the midst of an Anti-Bending revolution, surrounded by danger. It's not that he's afraid of being caught up in it; by befriending her, he's already a part of it. He's already made enemies. But something between the would distract her, would make her vulnerable, would be a potential weakness.

So he shoves these thoughts aside, ignoring the strange melancholy they invoke in him.

When she takes his arm, he's surprised, instinctively asking her what she's doing, if only to hear her answer. He tries to concentrate on the task at hand, but he can't, because all the while he can only think of how nice it feels to be touched, how nice it feels to have someone with you like this.

And, that night, long after Korra has left for the island, he lies awake.

And he hungers for more.