Previously posted on my tumblr (elementalavatars) in response to this prompt: "Mako and Korra going on an ice skating date together 3"
Rated K+. Fluff. :)
His hands are freezing, his breath coming out in wisps of air, and he can't remember what compelled him to suggest ice skating in the face of their Friday-night boredom. He hates the unsteady slickness under his feet, his own ineptitude threatening to upend him, and finds himself inclined to sit off to the side, watching as enthusiastic children skitter across the ice with slippery steps and Republic City's more graceful citizens glide with ease.
He mindlessly pulls the laces of his borrowed skates tight, dread filling his stomach at the knowledge he's thisclose to making a fool of himself as he slips across the frozen surface (not to mention the uncomfortable bruises in places usually unharmed he'll be taking home with him after tonight).
"Ready, Mako?" Her voice pulls him from his haze like a comforting flame drawing him forward, urging him to try, even if he fails miserably, just to make her lips twitch into that smile, that smirk.
"I don't really know how to skate." She takes his hands in hers, pulling him up, and her gloved fingers hold his tightly. He wobbles, uncomfortable on the thin blades beneath him, grasping at her elbows, seeking her stability.
"I guess I'll just have to teach you." Her eyes flash, that smile breaks across her lips, and the floating, fluttering feeling in his chest makes all of the inevitable slips and falls ahead of him worthwhile.