Sato Mansion, Republic City

9 AB (170 AG)

Mako sat rigid in his seat in the third row with the other captains. The lower ranked members of the RCY were still filing into their seats. Although there was lots of movement going on there wasn't much noise. He could even hear the birds chirping in the trees all around him. He looked up at the stage that had been set up in front of the Sato Manor for the occasion. A giant banner above it read '9 AB Republic City Youth Graduation.' Mako allowed himself to smile. He was finally graduating. Which meant one of two things, he would either prove useful and stay undercover or he would be able to return the resistance and fight against the Equalists more conventionally. To him, both options were good. If he stayed, it would be because the information he was providing the resistance was helping them do major damage to the Equalist's cause. If he left, he could see Bolin again and still fight the Equalists.

Horns blared, signaling the arrival of President Sato. He walked up the stairs at the side of the stage along with the highest ranking Equalists in the city. Mako recognized most of them. Their training had required them to learn the hierarchy of the party. Everyone but President Sato sat down, and he approached the podium. Mako watched attentively, but couldn't help but let his eyes wander over to Asami for a moment.

…

Asami sat between her father's empty seat and Amon fidgeting slightly. She scanned the large group of her peers sitting in front of her. She may be the daughter of the president, but she was still a member of the RCY, and she hated it when she stood out from the crowd. She was much more comfortable in the privacy of her workshop. In spite of this, she always kept her composure. She sat up straighter in her chair trying to play her role as expected. When she found the face she was looking for in the crowd, she smiled widely. He was looking the role of the perfect soldier, just like she was looking the role of the perfect daughter. Mako was sitting up straight, his amber eyes focused on her father. She noticed his eyes waver for a moment to find her. Her smile grew bigger at the thought of him wanting to see her because in the last week thoughts of him had crossed her mind more than once a day. One of the only reasons she was excited about this ceremony was that it gave her another opportunity to see him. She couldn't wait to see his reaction when he saw the strings she had pulled for him.

"Republic City Youth!" Her father's strong voice from the podium broke her away from her thoughts. "I am pleased to have this opportunity to welcome you to the ranks of the Equalists! Those of you sitting here today represent only a small number of the masses of Republic City who stand together in our cause. Eradicating the world of bending. You are the best of the best, and your sacrifices have made you strong." He paused, Asami did her best to look attentive, but she had heard a variation of this speech every year since she was ten. Her father continued. "Those sacrifices will continue to make our city stronger into the future. The day will come when this strength accomplishes our goals. This is but a first step. Harden your resolve and we will not fail. And always remember, your minds are stronger than any bending! Mind over bending!" President Sato finished with a fist pump into the air. The RCY members jumped to their feet in wild applause. Some whooped and threw their caps into the air and the band erupted into patriotic song. Asami and the rest of the high ranking Equalists stood and clapped, too, but more stoically than the crowd below them.

The President stood patiently and held up a hand to settle the young people before him. Slowly, the hullabaloo died down. "Now," he cleared his throat, "as many of you know, this year is very special." Asami's chest tightened and she grit her teeth. She'd asked him to not make a big deal about her graduation. She wanted to be just like everyone else, but she knew what was coming. He was going to place her in the spotlight. Hiroshi turned sideways, so he was still half facing the crowd and gestured toward Asami with an open hand. "This is the year my daughter joins the Equalists." There was some more whooping and applause following this and Asami suddenly felt warmer and her cheeks flushed red. "Now, now," President Sato said turning back to the crowd holding both hands up with a small chuckle. "Asami," he said gesturing to her in the same way again. She stood back up and walked to him.

"You didn't have to do this dad," she said silently to him.

"I know darling," he wrapped his arms around her, "I wanted to. I'm so proud of you. I love you."

"I love you too, dad," she said returning the embrace. She meant those words. She loved her father more than anything, but she still had reservations. He had set so many terrible events into motion in the world. They parted and Asami met her father's kind eyes filled with love as they smiled at eachother. How could a man filled with so much love for her be the catalyst of so much suffering? She shook her head and regained her focus. Her father reached into his jacket and pulled out a red envelope. Asami knew it wouldn't contain orders like all the other red envelopes that would be handed out today. This one would like have only a note from her father telling her in more words than he had just used how proud he was of her.

He handed her the envelope and backed away from the podium, "a few words?"

Asami held back a sigh and stepped up to the podium. She took a deep breath and spoke with conviction into the microphone. "Everyone," she let the word hang in the air buying her some time to think. Her father had dropped this on her suddenly, but she didn't want it to look like that was the case. She couldn't think of any inspiring words, so she spoke the only thing that was truly in her heart. "Let's work hard to make the world a better place. Together. Thank you." She stepped back from the podium and there was another momentous applause. Her father huged her once more and she sat down as he began to call out the names of the rest of the graduates. She tried to get comfortable. This was going to take a while.

A strong hand gripped her shoulder and she turned to her protector, Amon. It had been a long time since he had guarded her personally, but she knew he had always worried about her and visited her workshop whenever time permitted. "Congratulations, Asami.," he leaned in and whispered in her ear as to not interrupt the ceremony, "we're all proud of you."

"Thank you, Amon," she said smiling sincerely at him and he nodded. He was always a man of few words.

Asami took this opportunity to open her envelope. She read through the letter carefully and her heart dropped. It wasn't completely without orders.

My Dearest Asami,

I've never been more proud of you than I am today. You are the light of my life. You've become a strong and beautiful young woman. I wish your mother could see you now. She would be so proud of you, too. I know you will continue to impress us all in your new role as the head of weapons development. You have a brilliant mind, my daughter, even more so than mine. Use it to avenge your mother and bring equality to all the downtrodden in this world. I know you will not fail in this task. Never forget your mind is stronger than any bending.

Love,

Dad

Asami read through the letter again in disbelief. Another request her father had ignored. She never wanted to take part in weapons development. She had already invented a number of defensive and espionage related mechanisms, and was more than happy to do that, but weapons. She didn't want blood on her hands. She closed her eyes in thought knowing that was silly, she already had plenty of blood on her hands. Still, the idea of creating weapons put a bad taste in her mouth. But, she knew she could not defy her father. She folded the letter back up and shoved it back into her envelope. Her displeasure must have been clear because Amon leaned back over.

"Everything all right?" He asked with curiously. Asami softly cleared her throat.

"Of course, I'm just surprised. I'll be taking over as the head of weapons development."

"This is good news, the Equalists will grow stronger with this move. President Sato made the right choice."

"Yes," Asami said, now fully back in control of her emotions, "he did." Her eyes narrowed on her father's back. She knew that he loved her, but she also knew that he was using her to further his goals. She didn't like that at all.

…

It was almost time for Mako to walk up to the podium. Now that the speech was over he didn't have to force himself to look so attentive. He wasn't the only one who had gotten a little board with the ceremony. He heard some of the others chatting quietly about the assignments they hoped to get, how lucky they were to get to graduate with Asami Sato, and various other things. As for him, he found his eyes settled on Asami again. Asami and the man she was talking with. Amon. He kept his face calm, but inside his heart raced. The man who killed his mother was sitting right in front of him and he couldn't do anything about it. Seeing Asami talk with him in such a friendly way wrenched his heart around, it only served to remind him that she was an enemy. There was something wrong though, something about her seemed off, or at least different from the girl he'd met at the lake. Mako couldn't put a finger on it though.

His name was called and he snapped back to attention. He stood up and pulled his shoulders back trying to look as proud as possible. He smiled toothlessly as he walked up the stairs to the podium. Asami smiled and winked at him, and he had to fight the urge to give her a big smile. In the end he was still a boy, and she was a beautiful girl. He hated admitting to himself that he liked her attention.

"Mr. President," Mako said reaching for Sato's outstretched hand.

"Mako," Sato said shaking his hand fervently, "thank you for your help the other day with my daughter. She can be quite a handful." He laughed lightly.

"Not at all sir, it was my pleasure," Mako didn't know what exactly what story Asami had told when she returned home after their meeting, but she clearly had given him credit for something.

"I'm glad we have a man like you joining our ranks. If you can convince my wild daughter of the importance of her duty, you must be quite convincing. I know you'll be a great asset to Republic City." President Sato handed Mako his envelope, "good luck, son."

"Yes, sir," Mako said with a salute and walked off stage. When we was back in his seat he gave Asami a confused look. She returned it with a nod a comforting smile. Mako had the feeling he'd be staying in Republic City

…

Mako fell on his bunk when he returned to the barracks after graduation. The other boys around him were packing up for their new assignments, but Mako hadn't even opened his letter yet. Real enthusiasm was hard enough. but faking it for hours on end, that was much harder. All he wanted to do was take a nap. He'd have to report to his new quarters by the evening, but he wouldn't have to report for duty until after the weekend. Friday graduation, plus a weekend to rest, Mako was glad for the chance to relax.

"Mako, what the hell are you doing lazing about?" Mako looked up to see his bunkmate, Tahno, standing with his hands on his hips. Tahno's eyes shifted to Mako's unopened envelope. "You haven't even opened it yet, what's wrong with you man?"

"I'm tired," Mako said rolling over so his back would face Tahno.

"Fine, I'll just look myself." Mako heard the sound of tearing paper and sat up quickly grabbing Tahno by the wrist. Tahno had his hand inside the envelope, but hadn't pull anything out yet.

"Okay, calm down, I'll look," Mako snatched the envelope from Tahno with his free hand and then released the other boy. "Why are you so damn curious, anyway?" He asked pulling out not one, but two pieces of paper. Mako cocked an eyebrow in surprise.

Tahno ignored Mako's question. He also seemed intrigued by the second paper in the envelope. It was pink and smelled sweet. Mako put the paper up to his nose and was not surprised to find that is was the same perfume Asami used.

"Ooo," Tahno said, "someone has a well connected admirer."

"Shut up," Mako said putting the pink paper down and unfolding the official white one. Mako's jaw dropped as he read his new orders.

Equalist Mako,

Assignment: Sato Mansion Guard. New Quarters: West Guard Barracks, Sato Mansion. Report to Amon at the Sato Mansion 1st Floor Monday morning.

The orders were short and to the point as he had expected, but even he hadn't expected an assignment like this one. He tossed the paper to his side and grabbed the pink paper. He saw Tahno pick up the white paper, but he didn't care. Right now, he just wanted what Asami had said.

Hey stud,

I hope you enjoy your new assignment. It shouldn't be too much work, plus you'll get to see me everyday. You're new quarters are private. I figured you'd like that. being the strong silent type and all. See you soon.

It wasn't signed, but Mako knew it was from her. He folded the paper up and stuck it into his front shirt pocket. Tahno stood with him mouth agape. Mako guessed that's how he'd looked when he'd read his orders a moment earlier.

"What the hell? How'd you end up with such a sweet gig!?" He scoffed, "looks like the pretty boy has better connections than I thought. So who the hell is this admirer?"

"You calling me a pretty boy, that's a good one." Mako said standing up and pulling his duffle from under the bed.

"No, seriously," Tahno said gabbing Mako by his shoulder and turning him around. He reached for Mako's shirt pocket. Mako sideswiped his hand and pushed him down face first onto the bed placing his arm in an arm bar.

"Don't touch me!" Mako yelled. Getting the attention of the rest of the boys in the barracks.

Tahno smiled and laughed curtly, "Okay, man, I get it. Chill." Mako released him and took his now crumpled orders out of Tahno's hand. Tahno straightened his uniform and walked off with a couple of his cronies. Mako turned back to his bag and started packing. He wanted to just throw everything in and run to his new quarters at the Sato Mansion, but he needed to be military as always, and that meant packing in an organized and deliberate fashion.

…

The guards on duty at the mansion were so shocked to see a captain walk up to them that they nearly sent him on his way without even looking at his orders, but once they saw he would be one of them starting on Monday they lightened up right away. They called someone over to take Mako to his new room. Mako remembered Asami's note in his breast pocket. She'd said it would be a private room. It had been a long time since he had one of those.

They walked slowly. Everything seemed at peace here. Asami was right, this would be a very easy assignment. The guard escorting him made small talk as they walked. "Very impressive," he said, "how did a captain manager to get assigned to President Sato's mansion?"

"Your guess is as good as mine, I'm just following orders." Mako answered. He wasn't going to tell anyone that the Presidents daughter had a little crush on him.

"Well," he said as they walked through a grove of cherry blossoms, "you're gunna love it here. This is the best assignment a new Equalist can get." Mako looked at the beauty surrounding him. He wasn't usually the sentimental type, but something about this place made a lump form in his throat. He wished he could share this view with Bolin. Moments like these hardened his resolve. He would share it with his brother one day, Mako saw the barracks up a hill in front of them. Mako said nothing, so guard continued talking, "our barracks has the best few too, but the blossoms will only be around for another week, so enjoy them while they last."

"Will do," Mako nodded back toward the cherry trees, but the other man didn't notice. They walked into the barracks. In the front was a sitting area and a few of the off duty guards were sitting around playing cards it was still early afternoon, but most of them had drinks in their hands. They really did seem to have the easy life here.

"Don't be deceived," the guard said turning around to face Mako, "the men and women chosen to protect the Sato's are the best fighters the Equalists have. We just get a lot of perks because of it." Mako nodded and the man smiled. They continued out of the lounge and down a long hallway. It had doors on either side at even intervals. Mako figured this would be his new home for the time being. They walked all the way to the end of the hallway and the guard handed Mako a key. "Here," he said stopping at the last door on the right, "open'er up." Mako stuck the key into the lock and turned and to his surprised it was already unlocked. "What is it?"

"It's unlocked," Mako said with some confusion, but pushed the door open anyway. Oversights even happened amongst the elite sometimes. Mako stood in the doorway dumbstruck.

"Miss Sato," the guard behind him snapped to attention giving Asami a salute. Mako stood motionless, "hey, Mako, new guy! Snap out of it!" He whispered harshly to Mako as if Asami couldn't hear him even though she was standing right in front of them. Mako dropped his duffled and gave her a salute.

"Ma'am," he said.

"Thank you Guardsman Kouda, I'll take it from here."

"But, Miss Sato-" He started in defiance, but Asami cut him off.

"That'll be all, guardsman!" Mako was surprised by the harshness in her voice.

"Yes, ma'am!" He said with a fresh salute and turn on his heels and out the door. Mako shut the door behind him and turned back to Asami.

"Hey," she said. She was smiling and the tone of her voice had changed back to her soft, friendly one from the authoritative one she'd used with Guardsman Kouda.

"Hey," he said back. She was bolder than he'd originally thought. He knew she was the rebellious type after their meeting a couple of weeks ago, but coming to his new private quarters and not even hiding it from the other guards. Mako was worried he'd already get in trouble with his superiors. "I'm really happy to see you Asami, but couldn't this get me in trouble."

"Don't worry about that. I'm a big girl now," she said laughing, "you're looking at the head of the weapons development department and a fully fledged Equalist. I don't need my father's permission to come and go wherever I please."

Mako picked up his bag and walked passed Asami and to the single bed on the left hand side of the room. He placed his keys on the bedside table and his bag on the bed. He started unpacking, "you really are a genius, aren't you," he said looking back at her, "and technically, those orders don't take effect until Monday." He couldn't help but smile as he felt Asami's eyes on his back.

"Technicalities," she said and huffed. Mako continued unpacking and said nothing, though, it was clear Asami was waiting for him to speak. She sighed and walked over to the bed sitting on the edge. "I was hoping you'd be happier to see me.." She said eyes downturned.

"I said I was happy," Mako realized he'd sounded annoyed. He stopped what he was doing and sat next to her and took her hand. "Really," he said mustering as much emotion as he could, but it was hard with the memory of her talking jovially with his mother's killer so fresh in his mind. "And for this assignment, thank you, you've done so much for me. You didn't have to…"

"I wanted to," she looked at him with tears forming in her eyes. Mako had no idea where this was coming from. "Mako, I've missed you so much these last two weeks. I feel like I can be real with you. It makes me feel whole."

"Asami…" She squeezed his hand tighter and then stood up releasing her grip. "Where are you-" He stopped short when he saw her turn the lock on his door. "Oh…" He said and couldn't help but let a smile cross his lips. She was bold in all areas of her life.

She strode back over to him with confidence and straddled him on the bed. "Kiss me," she demanded. Mako didn't argue with that order and pulled her in for a deep kiss. As his hands moved up her shirt and onto bare skin he forgot about his hate and his mission. It was relieving, if only for a little while.

Author's Note: Sorry I've been neglecting this story for my other one. It's so much easier to write fluff! Haha. Plus, I'm getting really positive reception for that one, so it's more motivating to write it. None the less, I love this story a lot, so I'll never stop until it's finished (reviews/favs/follows are always appreciated, still). To those sticking with this story, thanks! You are awesome and I hope you continue to enjoy it!