sunset
Mako had seen his fair share of sunsets. Summer sunsets bright as flame, reflecting across the tumultuous waters of the Republic City bay. Winter sunsets warm against a layer of fallen snow.
But none of them were quite like this one.
They were only meant to be at the South Pole a few days more. Then they'd return to Republic City where Korra would begin work returning bending to those who proved themselves worthy; the main points of objection were select leaders of the various triads around the city. The rest of the triads would serve out their respective sentences and only then would they be given their bending back. The rest of the benders of Republic City would receive their bending as soon as humanly possible.
"Does it always look like this?" Mako commented, his legs dangling precariously over the edge of the glacier they sat on. Korra glanced over at him and chuckled.
"Yeah, pretty much. But hey, maybe it'll put a little color on that pale city skin of yours." Mako huffed and squinted through the light. The snow and water reflected everything. This didn't even come close to their winter sunsets. Everything was ablaze with light. Mako wondered if it wasn't a miracle he could see anything at all.
But it was beautiful. He doubted he'd ever get used to it.
"It's too bad it's so cold. I'm sure Bolin would love to tan in a sun like this." His lips quirked. He sensed her own smile next to him. He leaned back on his hands, their fingers brushing.
"I guess he could try. I don't think he'd last long." She giggled. He didn't miss how she unconsciously twined their fingers over the snow.
"Yeah. I'm not too keen on thawing my brother." They laughed and then they were silent. It was peaceful out there, beyond the fortress of the White Lotus. Out there it seemed like nothing in the world mattered more than this sunset.
Much like every sunset, however, it ended too quickly. Dusk fell and the darkness was almost as consuming as the light. "Will you miss it here?" Mako asked, turning to look at her at last.
She paused to consider his question, her blue eyes barely visible in the dark. "Sure, sometimes. But not because of the sunset. I'm sure I'll have many more of those." She looked up at him with a smile. He smiled back, his eyes finding hers despite the darkness.
He reached up with his free hand, bringing her face forward to place a long kiss to her forehead. "We should get inside. Before the polarbear-dogs come hunting." He chuckled and stood up, pulling her along by their intertwined hands.
She barked a laugh as she looped her arm through his, much like she had months ago at the revelation.
She scoffed. "I hardly think that's an issue. I did tame one, after all."