AN: Again, I don't own Legend of Korra - the series belong respectfully to their creators. Enjoy :)

Chapter Seven

Arrangements were made that allowed Mako a week off. He was going to visit Capital City, not only to see his father's home land but to meet Tola's family. They stood together to watch the ocean's spray and lap at the side of the ship. Looming in the distance was the metropolis of the famed Capital City, a home of the fire benders. A powerful nation, not one to joke lightly, and valued highly their military. He could sense her anxiety coming off like invisible waves from her petite body. Her hands gripped the railing so tight that her knuckles turned white, and Mako slipped his arm around her shoulders to hold her close. She drew in a breath and leaned against him, listening steadily to the sound of his heartbeat.

"Thank you," she whispered and he turned her to encircle his other arm. He held her against his chest, and kissed the top of her head.

"Don't worry about it," he replied, "I'm here for you, and you only."

She looked up at him with a watery smile. Instead of sharing words, she let her actions convey her thoughts. She leaned up on the tip of her toes and kissed him fully on the lips. He leaned in, his hands running up her back and holding her in place. The ship drew closer toward their destination, and they were lost for only a second in each other's presence. He gently brushed aside a strand of her chocolate hair, his knuckles caressing the curve of her cheek. She canted her head into his touch and sighed softly. She looked almost ready to say something, but she bit her lip. Mako watched, surprised with himself by the amount of feelings he had for her. His world was literally turned upside down, and he didn't think he'd show interest in any other woman outside of the two he knew intimately.

He owed Bolin so much for taking him to Heaven's Castle, as embarrassed as he was by their encounter, he could feel himself changing and growing in more ways than one. He saw that in her two. Her hair wasn't dyed blonde anymore with the pink and white streaks. She looked real, not the idol that lecherous men conjured to suit their fantasies. Although her alter ego as Lumia drew him in, the moment she'd introduced her real name, he'd been hooked. He hadn't wanted to admit it then.

Their kiss ended chastely, although his heard sped up and the heat was spreading up to his neck. His scarf was wrapped securely around his neck and shoulders like a cowl. He didn't wear his usual tan or khaki colors. Instead, his coat was dark red over a white buttoned up shirt, and his trousers matched his coat, tucked into his calf high boots. She was stunning in her ordinary clothes, and he knew what she wore underneath since their early morning started out active. He smiled as she looked up at him, hands resting against his chest. She wore a long sleeved red tunic that hugged her taut and curvy frame. The hem ended above her knees where tanned tights hugged her legs and disappeared into black ankle boots. Her chocolate hair fell about her shoulders in soft waves, but parted to the side. Opal eyes met his amber eyes with the same adoration and care he only held for her.

Time had passed quickly, but he didn't regret any moment he'd spent with her.

"We're here," he said and finally looked away to see the port. She nodded and slipped away from his embrace. He watched her go. She looked like a warrior, and he wondered if she'd ever trained. Surely any person who possessed a bending ability would know the basics in elemental and hand-to-hand combat.

"Stop staring," she said with a playful wink over her shoulder. He smirked and grabbed their bags - one gym bag that was his and a suitcase that was hers. They both packed lightly, and he was surprised that she didn't pack much either. Just enough for their stay.

Mako took careful note of the warships bobbing gently over the water as they walked down the harbor. He didn't make eye contact with anyone, but looked over them to take in the rough yet elegant terrain. The mountains provided a contrast to the sleek architecture of stone and wealth. Gillian met with them at the end, his nervous hands no longer wringing together when Tola approached him with a polite bow. He bowed back, bubbling with barely contained joy at the sight of his former ward.

"Lady Song!" He said and strengthened up with a smile that spread from ear to ear.

"Don't call me that," she replied, "just Tola." Her tone wasn't terse, but it lacked the sense of warmth Mako was accustomed to. A vehicle waited for them and Gillian took their things to place in the trunk. They all climbed in and made their way to Royal Caldera City. Because her family was among the wealthiest, they acquired land that granted them more privacy and privilege among the other nobles. That meant that she had been living close to General Iroh - and he wondered then if Tola knew him on any personal level. More questions came to mind, but he kept them concealed since the important ones were going to be answered during their stay.

The Song manor was located at the top of a hill, overlooking a few assorted manors and streets. The vehicle slid down the concrete pathway to stop in front of a classic manor - two strong pillars guarding the circular entrance way with the family name in bold red calligraphy. Gillian got out first to open the door for them, and carry their bags. Mako stayed close with his hand resting on the small of Tola's black. They both stared at the entrance. She hadn't moved, and neither did he, as Gillian walked up the steps toward the door. He rang the bell which clamored loudly.

"Lady Tanya Song, Lord Nakago Fujiawara, and Lord Jun Fujiwara, announcing the arrival of Lady Tola Song and her guest, Lord Makoto Iwamatsu." The doors opened inwardly, and Mako watched in fascination as a handful of maids trailed out to line both sides of the steps. He gulped, a little unnerved by the display of wealth. Obviously, she didn't need the job back in Republic City. Her apartment had been a decent size... but he understood the amount of discretion she took to keep her identity hidden. She had gone far into changing her appearance and working at a place that didn't ask any questions about her background.

Still...

The first to emerge was whom Mako presumed to be Tola's mother. Lady Song was how he pictured her to be - he saw the beauty, which grew more becoming with age. The resemblance was on spot, but instead of opal eyes, Tanya's were as black as obsidian stone. Her long dark brown hair was pinned back with waves tumbling past her shoulders. She wore a red kimono with a golden obi of the finest quality. She stood off to the side where Gillian stood with their things, and three more figures emerged, all of which were male. Immediately, Mako could tell who was whom. Nakago rolled in by wheelchair. If he were to stand, he would impressive in statue. The white robes looked tight against his broad muscular frame, and his legs looked powerful even as he sat. The only thing that gave away his sign of illness was the pallor of his skin. With features as sharp as a hawk, Nakago's fiery eyes blazed with life. The color reminded Mako of cranberries, a red so dark that it was almost sinister. His black hair was pulled tight against his skull into a top knot.

Jun stood by his father with an air of arrogance. His haughty expression glared with pale crimson eyes at Mako before sliding to Tola with a long look of consideration. Mako's insides clenched with discomfort by the way her stepbrother was looking at her. He couldn't help standing closer to his girlfriend, which sparked hostility within Jun's carelessly handsome features. He reminded Mako immensely of Tahno. Already, tension hung palpable in the air. Jun was evidently the same age as Tola, if not a little older. He wore the fire nation's red with black, his hand resting on the smallest of the males. Mako's eyes softened, and he heard Tola's subtle gasp. The boy was five, with a head of spiky black-brown hair. His round eyes were burnt orange. He was thin, but not scrawny. His clothes fitted him, and Mako could tell in an instant that this boy had been forced to train as soon as he was able to walk.

"Oh, if you please forgive me, the young one is our little master, Tenmo Song-Fujiwara."

Tola's hand covered her mouth as she stared at Tenmo. Mako's confusion rippled across the surface. Gillian had explained that Tola had a younger brother she'd yet to meet, and as far as siblings went, he didn't think there would be such intense emotions. As a detective, he believed firmly that there was more to this story than meets the eye. Gillian had withheld information, and he was not pleased. That only left Tola to explain everything, especially her reaction to the sight of Tenmo.

The little brother she'd never met.

Mako didn't miss the way Jun's hand squeezed Tenmo's shoulder when the boy made a step toward them. The boy's burnt gaze didn't waver from Tola, and she seemed lost.

"Tola," Mako whispered when he turned, brushing his lips against her ear. She shook out of it, and stepped forward to politely bow before her family.

"It is a pleasure to finally return home, mother, stepfather, Jun, and... Tenmo." She faltered at the last name and cleared her throat quickly. Straightening up, she turned to Mako with a watery smile. She mouthed: thank you. He nodded back.

"Well, get on with it. We shouldn't be sitting out here all day." Nakago spoke. The strength in his voice shouldn't be a surprise. He clapped his hands, "prepare a feast for our Tola's return. Come inside, come inside." The maids hurried back into the house with Gillian waiting to the side to show them to their guest quarters. Tola moved first, releasing her hand from Mako's as she walked up the stairs with him close behind. He watched carefully their family's interaction. Jun had granted Tola another long lingering look until Mako caught him. His face turned listless and he pushed his father away and into the house. Tenmo approached the two quietly. His burnt gaze showed a knowledge that shouldn't exist on such a youthful visage, but he was boldly looking up at Mako and then to Tola.

"Hello, Tenmo." Tola said kindly.

His small hands clenched into fists before he turned away with a soft huff. He trailed into the house, leaving Tanya.

"Oh, my daughter." Tanya whispered, voice trembling as she reached out to hold Tola's face. "Could it really be you?"

Tola nodded, not yet speaking as her mother fretted over her.

"Gods, you've been gone too long." She leaned up to kiss Tola's forehead before looking to Mako. "Welcome to our home, Makoto Iwamatsu. It is an honor to meet you."

"No," Mako said, "the honor is all mine. And please, just call me Mako."

They were lead through the main foyer of dark wood walls, and sliding doors. Gillian gestured for them to part ways with Lady Song, and led the couple up the stairs to their guest rooms. At the end of the hall, sparse of photographs, but holding elegant flower decor, was their room. Gillian slid the tatami door to the side and set their things to the side. He bowed, his guilty expression hidden when Mako's stare pierced through him for withholding any crucial information. What had happened exactly between Jun, Nakago, and Tola? Those two men had been the reason for Tola's abrupt departure, he was sure of it. As soon as they were alone, Mako embraced her from behind. Her back was pressed against his hard chest, and he simply held her.

"You're going to be fine," he whispered in her ear. She shuddered against him and leaned her head back. Her golden hands spread along the back of his and their fingers twined together over her flat stomach.

"I know... as long as you're here, I can survive the week." She patted his hand gently so that he could release her. He did, and watched as she moved toward their four post bed. As traditional as most of the manor was, there were still some modern innovations to the floor plan. The bed was better than lying on a tatami mat, but Mako personally didn't mind lying anywhere with Tola. He watched as she unbuttoned her tunic, her back facing him. It was a shame that their sliding door didn't have a lock, but there was a personal bathroom that did.

He slowly approached her and ran the tip of his fingers down her back once it was exposed. She peered over her shoulder with a soft smile as he caressed her gently. "There is something about your stepbrother that I don't like." He said and felt her tense suddenly beneath his touch. He frowned. "He's already glaring daggers even though we'd just met. I don't like the way he looks at you. Not one bit."

Tola bit her lower lip. The struggle was evident on her features, contorting them into a fusion of uncertainty and fear.

"There's something Gillian didn't tell me, and you haven't. Yet." Mako murmured as he pressed closer to her back. His hand slid up and over her shoulder to dance along the side of her neck. "Did he hurt you, Tola?" His golden eyes darkened, "did Nakago?"

Her shoulders hunched up. Although she was standing up, she looked ready to curl up into a ball and disappear. Guilt flashed across Mako's hues, and he softened his composure. While her actions were adding some truth to his suspicions, he couldn't pester her for answers.

The sound of the wood sliding against the floor made them both jump. He moved in to cover Tola immediately from the intruder, to find Jun smirking at the sight of them. "I see," he drawled as he kept his hand rested on the door. "Well, lunch is ready." He said, not at all fazed by his stepsister's half naked appearance. In fact, he looked a little predatory. Mako's gaze narrowed. The heat poured through his veins, itching at the palm of his hands to unleash some wrath. That arrogant smirk needed to be wiped off.

"Get out," Mako said through gritted teeth.

"Mako," Tola whispered urgently.

Jun lifted both his hands up in surrender and backed out. His smirk didn't recede. It only intensified and Mako nearly through a fireball before the door finally slid shut to ensure their privacy.

"We're going to need a lock." Mako muttered.