Turning Pages

Summary: Korra and Mako are an unlikely couple, yet it doesn't stop them from being together. They bicker, joke, and live through the good and the bad. They do this because in the end, they know it's going to be worth it.

Sky Gazing

A gust of wind blew across Republic City, making the afternoon a little chillier than usual. Korra sat on the rooftop of her current residence, but didn't notice the strong breeze, for she was too distracted admiring the sky above. The clouds were twisted in a way that reminded her of fluffy snow in the South Pole, or Naga's fur when it's puffed out. The sunset was even more beautiful though. Mixtures of oranges, pinks, reds, and light yellows accented the sky. Korra usually doesn't have an eye for art, but it was like the Spirits painted the world that evening. It was simply breathtaking.

"Korra?" Mako's muffled voice from inside the home was heard, "Korra, where are you?"

"I'm right here Mako!" Korra called back, "On the rooftop."

Moments later, she heard the light footsteps of her boyfriend walking towards her on the roof.

"What are you doing up here? It's getting cold." Mako said, stuffing his hands deeper into his coat pocket for emphasis.

Korra turned around and gave Mako, what he thought, one of the most beautiful smiles he had ever seen adorn her face.

"Mako, stay up here with me! It's so beautiful. Just look at the sky!" she exclaimed, eyes twinkling with wonder.

The firebender looked upwards and could only agree. "It is beautiful out here." Mako turned his attention back to his girlfriend, and gave a small smile, "Sure, we can stay here for a while."

Mako sat down, and pulled Korra onto his lap. The young girl let out a yelp, ("Hey!"), but didn't do anything to stop the man that pulled her. Instead Korra readjusted so that her head was resting on Mako's chest. They sat in silence, and continued to admire the sunset.

"You never answered my question," Mako said, breaking the silence.

Korra laughed, "I just wanted to watch the sunset, ya know? Back at the South Pole, we didn't really witness sunsets like these. And when we did, I was never out to see them, since I was always doing Avatar training, or learning politics."

Mako considered her statement for a moment before speaking up, "Well, when you've lived in Republic City for most of your life, sunsets like these are pretty ordinary. You said you trained a lot before coming here. A...Compound, right?"He felt Korra tense up, realizing she probably did want to talk about it. A few minutes passed, before Korra spoke up, with carefully chosen words.

"That compound was basically a shelter," Korra started slowly, "It's full of guards, scholars, and bending masters. They were all really old, too. I…never had friends. You, Asami, and Bolin were the very first friends I've ever had."

Mako was surprised, "She never had friends before Bo, Asami and I?"

Korra kept going, "Well I did have friends! Master Katara! And Naga! Anyway, they always trained me. 24/7. Test after test. I was never out of the compound besides when Naga had to go for a run. I felt like my childhood was…empty." Korra trailed off. Mako now realized that Korra must have lived a very lonely life. They trained her so much so she can fulfill her Avatar duties, instead of treating her like a real kid.

Korra started up again, with more happiness in her voice, "But it doesn't feel empty anymore! I met you, Asami, and Bolin!" her dazzling smile showed again, "Republic City beats that stupid old compound! Even though there is a crazy guy running around trying to take people's bending away." The couple shared a laugh, and Mako kissed her forehead lightly, earning a look from Korra.

Korra averted her eyes, now concentrating on the sky, rather than her boyfriend's face. "Oh look, Mr. Hat Trick! The stars are out now!"

There were tons of them, glittering in the sky. The sun had set long ago, and the sky, now a deep gray, was spotted with the stars.

Korra watched with amusement, lifted up a finger and scrunched up her eyes. "One…two…three…wait, I already counted that one." Korra mumbled to herself.

Mako raised an eyebrow, and smirked, "Are you really counting stars?" "Yes!" the young Avatar retorted, "Now shut up, I'm trying to count."

Mako can only shake his head, actually loving his girlfriend's childish ways. He finally gave in a started counting his own stars.

Moments passed between the young couple. Mako was now staring off into the ocean, having given up on counting stars, and felt shivers run up his spine when a strong gust of wind blew. He felt Korra shiver, and decided it was time to go in the house.

"Korra," Mako said, feeling a yawn coming on, "We must've been out here for a long time. It's probably really late." He thought.

When Korra didn't respond, without looking down, he said her name again, only a little louder, "Korra. C'mon."

He felt a sudden déjà-vu, remembering that he was calling her name like this hours ago. Mako finally looked down and saw that Korra had fallen asleep. The young girl's hands curled on her lap, and her head rested on the young man's chest, a small smile evident on her face, despite the fact that she was shivering.

Mako, being a true gentleman, removed his jacket and tugged it on Korra. Her shivering died down, but Mako knew they couldn't stay up here all night. Getting up, Mako held the sleeping girl bridal style at first, until he had to climb down to get into the house. Adjusting her to his back, piggy back style, he trudged down carefully, not wanting to slip and fall. After climbing back into the home, Mako carefully adjusted Korra again, back to bridal style. He carried his sleeping girlfriend into her room, and placed her on the soft bed. Mako decided that Korra can wear his coat to sleep, for he didn't want to disturb her.

"But Korra is a heavy sleeper…she won't wake up when I try to get my coat back...nah, she can keep it for tonight." Mako thought, a yawn escaping his lips.

Mako tiptoed to the door before turning back. He gazed back at Korra, eyes filled with admiration. He strode back, and placed a simple kiss on the corner of Korra's mouth.

"Good night, Avatar Korra." Mako whispered into her ear, a loving smile crossed his face, and walked out, careful not to wake anyone up.

A few seconds later, Korra opened her eyes to stare at her door. She snuggled into Mako's coat even more, closed her eyes, and whispered, "Good night, City Boy."