Author's Note: Please leave reviews and comments, this is my first (submitted) fanfiction and I'd love to hear how I'm doing so far, as well as anything you'd like me to improve upon. All credit for the cover artwork goes to the incredibly talented blindbandit5 , Haley Wakefield. Her work is displayed on deviantart, you can look her up by her username if you'd like to check more of her wonderful work out!

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"Korra, wait!" Mako called out after his girlfriend, walking after her and grabbing her wrist in an attempt to pull her back. However, instead of being dragged back, the now seething avatar spun around almost instantly, yanking her arm out of his grasp and staring him dead in the eye. "Leave me alone." She spat at him, her words fiery, then turned around once more and began running out of the temple.

I have to get out of here.

The thought was clear in her head as she continued outside. Once she had reached the pier, she stood still and gazed out at the scene before her. It was now raining, quite heavily, and the dark sky only illuminated every drop as it fell against the water in front of her. She noticed that her face was wet, and that tears were now rolling quite steadily down her cheeks. Struggling to stay focused on her goal of getting away from him, Korra dove head first into the freezing body of water that separated the island from Republic City. She propelled herself quickly through the water, speeding towards the civilization like a torpedo.

After Reaching the city in a matter of minutes, she launched herself out of water and onto the docks. She bent the water out of her clothing lazily, but didn't bother attempting to shield herself from any further soaking. She thought about her situation as she trudged miserably around the streets as an attempt to calm herself.

For nearly two months now, Mako and Korra had been dating. The first few weeks had been alright, both of the teenagers getting what they had wanted and being together happily. But after the first month, it seemed that they were somewhat distant to one another. Realizing this, korra had persisted, trying to get closer to her boyfriend. However, it appeared to be her attempts that drove them even farther apart. They had all but fallen apart, at least to Mako. Korra insisted upon trying to work on their damaged relationship, but to no avail. One day, After coming back to the island where the two had taken up residence, she had discovered the fire bender with the wealthy Asami Sato, the new head of Sato Industries. Korra and Mako had then gotten into a heated argument, of which Korra didn't remember most of. The few parts that were currently floating on the top of her head were what mako had said to her - calling her 'childish' and 'difficult' for not understanding the situation and his 'needs'. The way he said it, his condescending tone and the way he squinted his eyes and sighed as if she were some simpleton, incapable of understanding what he was saying...it filled her with hatred for him, but also a strange and new sadness. She swore to herself, the next time she saw him, she would just-

The sound of thunder crashing brought her back to reality. She stopped where she was, and found herself in front of a restaurant. Upon seeing the name, her mind flashed back to when she had first been here with him after she had joined their pro-bending team. "Narook's", the huge sign above the entrance read. Korra sighed to herself, then pushed the door open.

She was welcomed by the warmth in the restaurant as she stepped inside, accompanied by the savory smell of the food. Her eyes were drawn to an empty table, and she approached it quickly to make sure no one took the spot. The restaurant was relatively crowded for the time of night that it was, due to the rain drawing anyone outside indoors to the nearest place. Realizing how soaked she was as she sat down, she bent the water out of her clothing and hair, then slowly over to a bin near the door as inconspicuously as possible. A waiter approached her table, and she ordered a bowl of noodles, upon discovering a strange appetite. Upon receiving her food, she immediately began devouring it, slurping it down rather quickly. It was late, and she hadn't eaten, so she didn't care about being ladylike or even simple manners as she quickly drained the bowl.

Or so she thought.

"My, Uh-vatar. Such eloquent manners, If I May say so myself.."

Korra stopped immediately upon hearing his snake-like tone. Tahno. His endearing nickname and kind remarks never failed to put her on edge, and tonight was no exception.

Korra groaned and put her bowl down, looking across to find him seated across from her. "Not in the mood, Tahno.." She warned him in a quiet murmur.

"Where's that little fire rat of yours?" He inquired, his eyes scanning the room for the person she was trying to avoid. Korra clenched her teeth, looking up at him with a gaze that would've burned through him if looks could kill. "Not here, obviously." She said, trying to show her frustration and attempting to end their conversation. Tahno, however, seemed to be enjoying it as if they were having a completely normal discussion. He seemed almost amused, toying with the young avatar. "A lovers spat, I presume?" He asked, raising an eyebrow and watched her to see how she would react when provoked. He had hoped to maybe get a little bending, or at least a snappy retort back, but was taken slightly aback when he looked at her face. The usually strong and confident avatar was now crying.

"Those tears aren't doing you any favors, uh-vatar," Tahno said, hoping to distract her with the opportunity for a clever retort and expecting one shot immediately back at him. However, he was met instead with a furious glare. He watched in surprise as she shoved her chair away from the table and started heading outside.

"I didn't mean that, I'm sorry."

He called out after her as she stormed out, then began going after her. "I shouldn't have said that, don't go." He said, in a softer tone once he had caught up with her outside. Korra stopped and turned to look at him, ready to insult. Spinning around, she found herself much closer to him that she had intended to be. Her angry glare sought his eyes, but instantly calmed the moment she saw the apologetic look in his eyes.

"Everything isn't all peachy with you two, I'm guessing..?" He asked, watching her carefully. She shook her head in response, then looked away as she felt her eyes watering once more. Tahno sighed and shifted uncomfortably, unsure how to console the girl.

"I'm sorry about whatever happened between you two, but if you want I'll go bend the hell out of him until he apologizes for what he's done to you,"

Korra sniffled, and felt the tears return and begin to fall. She glanced up at him to look for the arrogant and smug emotions he usually wore on his face, but found neither. Instead, his eyes seemed almost..sympathetic. Tahno never showed any real feelings towards her. What was he up to..? Was she really such a mess that even he pitied her?

"I'm fine."

Korra spoke this time, trying to make her voice sound as confident and "fine" as it could sound, with very little success however. She saw the corner of his mouth twitch with the faintest hint of a smile at this.

"Oh, I'm sure. You came all the way to Republic City at this time instead of staying on your cozy little island with that firehead of yours because you're so fine, right?"

Tahno replied without missing a beat, a hint of a smirk playing at his lips. "Come on now, how dull do you think I am?" He said, feigning hurt. Korra sighed and gave him a weary look. "..You'd be surprised." Korra replied dryly, clearly unamused by him. Tahno's expression changed to feign sorrow, and he made an overly pitiful face. "Oh, how you wound me..." Korra groaned, rolling her eyes at his unnecessary sarcasm. "Don't tempt me." She murmured under her breath.

Tahno heard.

"Is that a threat I hear, Uh-vatar?" He asked her, a grin now on his face.

"You're asking for some serious damage, now." Korra responded, becoming slightly irritated, especially as Tahno scoffed as she said this.

"You wish," he retorted. "We both know that even without my bending I could kick your ass." Korra sighed, not in the mood for some stupid argument.

"Maybe some other time, pretty boy." She said, pondering whether she should leave and go back to the island.

"Why wait? We could spar now, if you're up for it, that is.." Tahno continued trying to provoke her.

Oh, how I would just love to beat the crap out him right now and make him eat his words. But if anyone deserves that, it's Mako..

Yet here was Tahno, mocking her and almost begging for a fight. Practicing was usually somewhat relaxing for her, even though it was usually by herself..

"You're on, Pretty Boy."

9/27/105