CHAPTER 4: Good Intentions

Korra looked down at the puddle in front of her, horrified. She looked back at Mako, mouth opening and closing, trying to form words.

Mako didn't really care about the vomit. He just really didn't like seeing her so upset.

"Korra, it's not—"

"Oh Spirits, I'm so sorry."

She turned on her heels and flat out ran into the bathroom, slamming the door behind her. Hearing the commotion, the children crept out of their hiding places. Mako jogged over to the bathroom door.

"Korra, I'm not mad. I promise."

Mako could hear the kids shuffling around behind him. He turned just in time to see Ikki back up—right into Korra's vomit.

Mako kept his voice level. "Ikki. Don't. Move."

Ikki looked down, realized what she was standing in, and inhaled sharply.

"What ew ew ew avatar puuuuuke!"

She began to run around the attic, tracking Korra's dinner with her. Meelo and Jinora just started laughing. Mako slapped his forehead in exasperation. He sprinted over and lifted Ikki off of the ground.

"Ikki, stop moving!" he said through gritted teeth. The girl wiggled and twisted, trying to get out of Mako's grip.

"Jinora, go get a pale of water from the sink, please."

The eldest child did as she was told, and soon Ikki's feet were submerged in the cleansing liquid. She looked at the puddle, which was now smeared on the floor everywhere.

"That's nasty!"

Mako gave her a deadpan look. "I know it is. So why did you run around like a maniac?"

Ikki stuck her tongue out at Mako, who returned the gesture.

"Oh, very mature. How does Tenzin do this?"

Ikki shrugged her shoulders.

"Well, if you're not going to talk to me, then you can help me clean up this mess. There's a mop in the closet."

"But it's throw-up!"

Mako gave Ikki the largest puppy-eyes he could muster.

Ikki gave him a gap-toothed grin. "Oh, alright. Only 'cause you're so handsome!"

Korra stared at herself in the mirror. How could she be so foolish? Mako was too reserved to take advantage of her inebriated state. So she must have initiated everything. Feelings of guilt snuck into her head. Spirits, she was going to puke again. She clenched her stomach as hard as you could and spoke to the mirror.

"You are the Avatar. You will not vomit all over the floor of a boy you like!"

Her stomach settled somewhat. She scowled to herself. She always did this to guys. The few she liked back home always ran from her, either afraid of her Avatar title or, well, just her. She had sworn herself to take it easy with Mako and that had obviously failed. Her stomach gurgled again.

After they had scrubbed the hardwood floor clean, Mako decided it was time to talk to Korra, who was still holed up in the bathroom. He walked up the door and knocked softly.

"Korra?"

Silence.

"Korra, I'm not mad. We've already cleaned up the mess."

Mako waited for a response. Still nothing.

"If you're embarrassed about last night, don't be. We've all done things we've regretted. Don't think for a moment that Bolin or I haven't gone through exactly the same thing."

"That's not what's wrong."

"Then what is it?"

"What we did last night… I made you do it, didn't I?"

Mako racked his brain, trying to remember what she was referring to. The two of them together on the couch? Oh, Spirits. This girl didn't make any sense.

"You didn't make me do anything. Besides, the couch thing was no big deal."

"Yeah, but, I might as well have. I'm sorry I made you so… uncomfortable. I really am."

"Korra, don't apologize. Being with you made me…"

He couldn't find the right words. He could never find the right words.

"It made me more comfortable than I have been in a very long time."

"You mean that?"

"Every word."

"I threw up."

"I know."

"No, I mean I threw up again. In the sink this time."

"Oh, well, ah, thanks."

"Don't tell Bolin."

"I won't."

Ikki ducked under Mako's legs to get to the door and started to pound on it with her tiny fists.

"Korra get out here right now, Daddy said that you said that you would make my hair pretty!"

Korra opened the door. "When did I say that? Ah!"

Meelo ambushed Korra, latching on to her leg. "I've conquered the dragon!"

Korra rubbed her temples. "This is one hung-over dragon."

Ikki looked up at Korra with an innocent face. "What does 'hung-over' mean?"

"It's when you uh, have a little too much fun." She winked at Mako, who chuckled softly.

Meelo butted in. "I love having fun! I'm gonna be hung-over everyday!"

Mako shook his head. "Nu-uh. That is definitely not a good thing kid. And don't tell Tenzin that."

Meelo sauntered away. "Maybe I will… and maybe I won't."

Korra looked down at Ikki. "I'll be right over to help you with your hair, I just have to talk to Mako for a moment."

Ikki squealed with glee and ran over to play with Meelo.

"Mako, did you really mean what you said earlier?"

"Yes, every word."

Korra's eyes softened. "Thank you."

Mako thought for moment. He didn't think this was the best time to ask, but he didn't know if he'd ever have another opportunity.

"Korra. Um…"

"Yes?"

"Would you like to go have a drink with me some time? Oh no! Ah, lunch. Or a soda. Yeah, no alcohol in that, heh heh."

Mako closed his eyes and prayed for the spirits to kill him, right then and there.

Korra crossed her arms. "Are you asking me out on a date?"

Mako winced. She was so blunt sometimes. "If you don't want to just say so."

"I'd love to."

Mako stared at her in disbelief.

"Really?"

"Really."

Meelo ran in between them. "Mako and Korra, sitting in a tree…"

Mako scooped up the little airbender. "Oh no you don't!"

Korra laughed, trying to ignore the fact that she had just agreed to a date with one very complex firebender. She sniffed, her nose wrinkling in protest. She needed a shower.

The end.

Author's Note: If I can find the motivation and inspiration, I may write another story that details the date. Thanks for reading; you guys are all awesome! :)