A.N. I hope you all enjoyed the last chapter, thanks to all of you that decided to follow/favorite it really means a lot.

ragnaremere: J;m not sure if you got my PM but you are an absolute gem! I loved reading your reviews! I appreciate your feedback so much and I am so glad you are enjoying the story, hope you continue to enjoy it!

Part II Revelations

Chapter Two

Akira

Akira was exhausted but she still couldn't wipe the smile off her face, her eyes continued to wander to Mako throughout breakfast, and each time their eyes met her face would grow hot. It definitely didn't help that his face would redden as well, and he'd furrow his brow looking down at the plate in front of him, but the inevitable smile would creep on his face again.

She'd smile wide at that before turning back towards the food in front of her. But her mind couldn't help but wander to the memories burned into her mind, his mouth hot against her own, and the feel of his firm body beneath her fingertips.

Her face burned at the memory, and she jammed her spoon to her cheek, the porridge slipping down her cheek and onto the table with a wet slap. She felt her face grow hot again, while Mako gave her a smirk while reaching for his glass; and then knocking over its entire contents.

A snort left Akira's mouth as she covered her mouth, Mako flushed his ears turning red as he bowed his head avoiding her gaze; but laughing all the same. Kili having seen it all flawlessly spooned her porridge into her mouth a small smirk on her face.

"One wouldn't know looking at the two of you that you're masters of bending and the sword." Akira flashed a glare at Kili, who simply smirked back at her which immediately caused her face to flush deeper. Akon made a disapproving huff as he cleaned away her and Mako's mishaps. Mako mumbled another profound apology but even Akon's annoyance seemed light-hearted, his eyes shined as he looked at Akira. As she turned to Kili and then Yara she noticed the same looks.

"What?" Akira asked genuinely confused by their looks, she had never been too fond of having eyes on her. Well except for one pair… Kili shrugged, attempting nonchalance but Akira could see her eyes shining.

"We just haven't seen you smile…a genuine smile in a while." Akira nodded her mood souring at the implication, it wasn't that she had already forgotten her mother. That pain was still ripe, but she was also happier than she had ever been. She felt the guilt begin to gnaw at her and stood from the table, "I need some air." She exited the room walking straight out into the gardens, annoyed with herself for the outburst of emotion.

She let her mind think of what her mother would have said to her at that moment, she could practically see her nose wrinkled in annoyance. "We are above letting our emotions get the best of us Akira, don't forget that." While that had infuriated her to no end before, it made her smile now. Her mother was definitely… something, and she truly missed her; even the off-handed mothering.

Especially that.

She turned suddenly, feeling the presence of someone else. Her shoulders relaxed as Mako came into view his cheeks still holding a light pink hue as he looked at her scowling at the ground. "I…I just…" He trailed off his voice cracking, he cleared it suddenly his eyes widening in embarrassment. Akira smiled and took a step towards him, tentative at first, before taking his hand in hers her heart stuttering as she did.

The electricity was still there from the night before as she weaved their fingers together, his eyes fixated at their conjoined hands a small smile on his face. "I promise I can articulate…occasionally," Mako assured his eyes shining, Akira laughed lightly placing her unoccupied hand lightly on his chest. A blush bloomed on both of their cheeks at the gesture, something so simple caused a plethora of emotions between the two.

"Relax," Akira smirked her hand rising to his face to smooth the wrinkle between his brow. She gave him a mischievous smirk before kissing him quickly. Mako's eyes widened as she stepped away the smile growing wider on her face as Mako looked down at her.

His eyes softened as he cupped her cheek, that same dopey look as before on his face. But then it changed and there was something predatory about his smile, his hands snaked around her waist and he pulled her flush against his body. Akira felt her heart pound harder, as he grasped her chin in his hand gently bringing her closer to him

"I plan on it." Mako murmured against her mouth before kissing her, and it was just as dizzying as it was the night before. Akira wound her arms around his torso pressing herself against him, she was not prepared for the Mako to pin her against the tall walls of the garden. Nor did she expect to be so receptive to it, a soft sigh escaped Akira and she felt herself flush all over as she pushed Mako away gently. As she looked at Mako his eyes were the darkest she had ever seen them, "Probably should stop." Mako pressed his forehead against hers his breathing hard.

"Right?" He asked his breath still coming out in pants, and his hand trailing from her hips to her waist leaving a hot trail of sensation in its path. Akira hadn't been this intimate with a man in a while, and it was leaving her knees weak and her body on fire.

"Yeah." She said placing her hands on Mako's chest, he nodded stepping away giving her that space. Akira had been playing her cards so carefully, but she was in danger of throwing it all away just to feel him against her like that. She shook the thought away her face getting hotter by the second, Mako as if sensing her distress took her hands in his.

"I didn't mean to come out here and take advantage. I just wanted to see if you were okay." He looks down at her hands his brows furrowed again. Akira stepped closer taking her hands from his and placing them on his shoulders forcing his eyes to meet hers "I know you were, but it was a welcomed distraction." Mako smiled at that, his hands tentatively making their way back to her hips, she smiled up at him until she heard someone clearing their throat.

Mako jumped, likely from his fear of Akon. But Akira turned calmly towards Yara, narrowing her eyes at her friend. "Yes, Yara?" She looked uncomfortable and it wasn't because of the intrusion on the intimate moment. Akira frowned, she stepped towards Yara and from the grave look on her face, she understood. Akira's shoulders sagged from the stress as she nodded, more to herself than to Yara.

It's time huh?" Yara nodded her expressive eyes telling her everything, there was a lot of sadness but a strength as well. She grabbed Akira's hand firmly, as the two turned to Mako's confused face.

"Time for what?" Mako frowned, Akira sighed tightening her hold on Yara.

"Time to read my mother's will."

It was funny to Akira, not funny in a comedic sense but in a cosmic version. One minute she was making out in the gardens with a man that she…well a man. Now she was in her grandfather's (technically her mother's) study ready to read her final will. The lawyer was a small man, Akira had seen him only once before, it had been shortly after her "tryst" as her mother had put it, with Rai. The lawyer had told her then what it encompassed to be a Piandao, and just how much money she was worth.

It was supposed to be a "rite of passage", she would finally learn the responsibility and worth of her family. But instead, it felt more like a warning, her future was laid out before her and it was only a matter of time until she'd have to accept it. Now it was that time, the man laid down a few papers in front of her. As well as an enclosed letter with her mother's neat script on it, "She left you a note along with the will, would you like me to read it?"

Akira shook her head and put the letter to the side she reached for the first of the documents and began reading.

The last will and testament of: Lein Piandao

For the family home in Shu Jing, I leave to my daughter Akira Piandao, along with my father's home in the Fire Nation mainland. Every boat, vehicle, and object in my personal collections and fortune will go to her as well.

Save for these things;

My grandfather's sword specifically crafted for me will go to Akon, along with the sword I crafted for myself. Akon will have the choice to continue service for the family, either way, I leave him 15,000 gold pieces.

Akira paused her reading and looked up at Akon's shocked face, he looked confused and asked Akira if he could see. Akira smiled handing the paper over to Akon as he re-read the words over and over again, his eyes lingering on her mother's handwriting. "Why would she do this?" he mu0ttered handing the paper back to Akira his face pale in shock.

Akira looked at Akon, "You deserve to go and travel the world like you did when you were young." Akon huffed and gestured for Akira to continue.

To Yara I leave our family's summer home in Ember Island, she too will have the choice to continue service for the family. I too will leave Yara 15,000 gold pieces.

Akira looked at Yara's shocked face, she made no move to speak and just urged Akira to continue. Akira was proud to read these words, although her mother wasn't there for her, she ensured all of her workers were cared for.

To my dear Kili, I leave you one of my grandfather's swords. There are only two of my grandfather's personal swords that are left untarnished, one shall go to my daughter and the other is yours. I am indebted to your friendship and years of loyalty, I know this will never be enough, but I hope you will enjoy it. I also leave 17,000 gold pieces to Kili to go and visit her damn mother.

Kili laughed at that her eyes filling with tears, "That grumpy old bitch." The table roared with laughter at that, Akira smiled down at the page and continued.

The rest of the Piandao fortune is detailed in a letter only for my daughter's eyes, so with that, I will say the fortune is my daughter's the rest of the details shall remain private.

Akira paused confused by the statement, it was loaded with more questions than she wanted but she continued trying hard not to let it stop her.

The Piandao company will be owned by Akira Piandao, as sole owner, she has jurisdiction over all and any executive decisions, all designs must be approved by her. She may reinstate a new executive for the mainland factory, should she see fit.

Akira finished the will with tears in her eyes, the lawyer took her hand gently with a small smile on his face. "She was a very proud woman, but I had never seen her prouder than when she handed me this will a few weeks ago. She truly believed in you Ms. Piandao." Akira nodded smiling at the man, "I appreciate it". The lawyer left shortly telling those who were promised money that it would be transferred to their accounts shortly. Akira held the letter left to her in her hand, not sure if she was going to open it yet. She sat at the windowsill watching the lawyer leave and say his goodbyes to Kili.

"I'm not leaving." Akira turned to Akon, he stepped forward, and sat next to Akira watching as the car drove off. "I have worked here since I retired from the navy, I knew your grandfather would give me work we were always fond of one another…and, well, of course, Lein." Akon sighed, not meeting Akira's eyes. "You always reminded me so much of your mother, although your eyes always did favor your father's."

Akira turned towards Akon taking his hands in her own, "I know you loved my mother, and I'm sorry she never chose you." Akira said softly looking into Akon's eyes, "I just wish you were more selfish, why did you stay all these years? Why not marry, or stay in the military? You deserve so much more than sitting here watching spoiled rich girls."

Akon gave her that same stern look, with the smallest of smiles on his face. "Those spoiled rich girls mean everything to me. I am here solely by choice; you'll understand one day what it means to love someone more than your own life." Akira sighed, and Akon kissed her head before walking away. Akira watched as he left, she had never understood Akon, but she was beginning to understand why now; because when someone touches you it's very hard to shake them off.

Mako

"You've been holding that letter for hours now," Kili said pointing her chopsticks at Akira her eyes narrowed. Akira's scowled at her before returning her focus on the plate in front of her, Mako was familiar with this. When Akira made her mind on something there was no changing it, he knew she was reluctant to read her mother's letter but Kili seemed determined to get her to face her fears.

"You might feel a little better if you read it." Kili pressed, pointing more aggressively at Akira; she slammed her chopsticks on the table her glare severe.

"I've lost my appetite." She snapped heavily articulating each word, Mako had seen her this angry before (it was aimed at Asami at the time). Without another word, she left the room the letter clutched in her hand like a lifeline. As she exited the room everyone's eyes in the room turned to Mako. Mako looked around confused by the sudden change of focus, "What?"

Kili rolled her eyes playfully, "Isn't it obvious Mako?" Kili asked her blue eyes sparkling, meanwhile, Mako was completely confused by her actions. Kili, sensing his confusion let out a breath.

"Wow, you really are handsome huh?" Mako soured at the comment and Kili laughed loudly, causing a small smile to stretch on Akon's face. Although Mako wasn't surprised by Akon's enjoyment, the man was quick to judge Mako. "Although Akira will never admit it, she values your opinion Mako. Trust me, if she didn't want you on that boat you wouldn't be here, you comfort her. So maybe…you can convince her to read it and here her mother out?"

Mako felt his face get hot from discomfort, "You all give me too much credit, once she's made her mind up about something nothing will stop her…Trust me." Kili nodded thoughtfully at the comment, "You're not wrong about that…Who votes for tying her down and reading it to her?"

Akon glared at Kili before standing up from his spot, "No. She just needs time, let her have it…And you, young man." Mako sat up straighter, he always felt uneasy with Akon around. His impassive stares made him feel a multitude of things. "We need to talk." Mako nodded his face paled at the thought of being alone with Akon, but the man smiled as they left the room. Although, Akon thought it was comforting it truly wasn't.

Akon turned to Mako, and for some reason he expected the man to fight him or pin him against the wall in threaten him. But instead, he looked sincere, it was the first emotion he thought he saw in the man besides sadness. "I want to thank you for looking out for Akira, I think of that girl like my own." He paused, his voice getting thick at the end of his phrase. He cleared his throat before continuing, "She's been through so much in her short life, I just hope that…I know she cares for you, I just hope that the sentiment is returned. Because she has already had enough heartbreak."

Mako nodded finally understanding Akon, while the man played at impassivity he worried. And Mako wasn't certain about their future, in fact, he wasn't too certain about his present. He hadn't told Akira, but before he left Beifong had offered him a promotion, he could be the new Captain. But the thought of leaving didn't sit right with him either, it was causing him sleepless nights these past few days along with his worry for Akira. And not because he wasn't certain of his decision, he just didn't know how to break the news to the chief.

"I can't speak for her Akon, but I can say that I never considered choosing someone over what I wanted. But now I couldn't imagine leaving her side right now, not when she needs the people closest to her." Akon nodded he put a hand on Mako's shoulder as he left him alone with his thoughts, there was something powerful about saying it out loud. Mako was aware of his feelings for her but now it was exceedingly clear.

He was in love with her.

A.N. I know this chapter is shorter than usual but I just had to the ending was perfect.