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.
Defensive
Bright flashes came from everywhere. Left, right, up, and down, Korra saw the light flicker out of the many cameras the reporters carried. Tons of hands rose, a pencil in one hand to catch her attention, and paper in the other. Many shouted out her name, followed by a series of questions that she didn't know the answer to. Korra absolutely disliked this part of being an Avatar, and it was all Tenzin's fault. Stupid news conference.
Korra stood behind the podium, where the microphones stuck out obnoxiously, which slightly irritated the Avatar. Clearing her throat, she spoke into it, "Hello, I am Avatar Korra. I know you have many questions you want to ask, but can you please do it in an orderly fashion? I will try to answer all of your questions." she ended, a lopsided grin on her face.
The sea of reporters grew quiet, flashes died down, and hands went back to their sides. Korra breathed a sigh of relief, "They're finally listening."
Ah, new famous last words.
The crowd suddenly erupted with noise and flashes. Papers flew everywhere and pencils rose up to the sky in awkward manners, still hoping the Avatar will notice them. Korra's face contorted with annoyance and glanced behind her to where Bolin, Asami, Mako and Tenzin stood. The four stood off to the side of the stage, silently supporting the young Avatar. . Korra eyed Tenzin, hoping he got the message that this was a bad idea. Bolin gave a thumbs up, Asami looked almost apologetic, Mako wore that stupid smirk of his, and Tenzin almost looked scared from the look Korra gave him moments ago.
Turning her attention back to the reporters, Korra pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed. Raising a hand up, finger pointed, Korra waved her hand around at the crowd. She waved it around for a couple seconds before stopping, landing on a very petite woman.
The woman brightly smiled and spoke, "How do you like it here in Republic City, Avatar Korra?"
"Republic City is great! There's so many amazing places to see, nice restaurants, great people," Korra said enthusiastically, giving a sideways glace to the three teenagers that stood off to the side, "Best city I've even went to. Definitely."
Waving her hand again, Korra randomly picked an older man, a little on the heavier side.
The man glanced at his notebook and read, "Is there any progress in capturing Amon?"
Korra tensed up when she heard that masked man's name. Shaking her head slightly she focused on the question at hand, "We're making progress. We've found some people that seem to be working with Amon or is an Equalist. Some are in questioning now, and we may have a lead soon. Amon is still lurking in the shadows though. Next?"
After that man's question about capturing Amon, a burst of questions surrounding the masked man and his followers were asked. A few were repeats and others were questions Korra has heard for the first time.
It continued, until one man decided to break the chain of questions. The man wore a grey suit and glasses, and jumped up and down, arms flailing randomly. Korra's eyes immediately focused on him, judged that this man has something very important to ask, and pointed to the man.
"We all know you have an exclusive relationship with Mako, Pro-bending star," the man started, "but Avatar Korra, how does it feel like to be with a street rat?"
A volcano just erupted somewhere in the world, along with a very violent earthquake that followed...oh, and a tsunami.
"What. Did. You. Say?" Korra snarled, teeth bearing at the man. The sea of reporters is now silent, watching the inevitable fight unfold before them. Bolin and Asami watched wide-eyed, and Mako glared at the man that insulted him and his relationship with Korra.
The man felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up. Backing away slightly, with hands up in defense, he repeated his question "Isn't it weird that you're with someone that came from the streets? Certainly the Avatar has standards, right?"
"Mako may have come from the streets, but that wasn't his fault," Korra said, now leaving the podium, "He lived a tough life, along with his brother, and I demand that you give him respect. Now."
"But why should I? He's just some kid. He has nothing to offer you," The man retorted, now trying to get more of a rise from the girl.
The man was caught off guard when he suddenly felt his feet leave the ground and his collar being scrunched up by a very angry Avatar.
"Mako has everything to offer me. I know he'll make it far in life because he's determined and hardworking. Yes, I do have standards, and he fits all of them. You have some nerve to rule my love life, bub!" Korra ranted, flickers of small flames flew from her mouth from rage. She continued yelling at the poor man, shaking him at some parts for emphasis.
"People like you make me sick! How can you treat struggling people like dirt?" Korra felt a firm tug on her side, motioning her to back away from the reporter. A red scarf caught her eye and she knew Mako had come to either save the pathetic man in her hands, or save the Avatar from a bad rep.
Mako sighed, rubbing his temples when Korra ignored his tugging. Stepping in between the reporter and Korra, he pushed the woman's toned arms down, causing the man to be released.
Korra objected Mako's motives, "Mako? What are you doing? I'm trying to knock some sense into this guy!"
"You're trying to give him and everyone in a five meter radius a heart attack. We got to go before things get more out of hand," Mako replied, casting an apologetic look to the crowd.
When Korra tried to step out of Mako's way, Mako held her hips and lifted her. Korra felt herself being hoisted into the air, and her stomach rested on Mako's broad shoulder. Feeling the world before her bob up and down, she knew the firebender had started carrying her away from the reporters, whether she liked it or not.
"Gah! You know what?" Korra screamed at the man that caused her so much anger, "You're lucky Mako was here to stop me! If he weren't here right now, you would be trapped in the Spirit World! So you better treat him with more respect!" The angered girl finished, pounding on Mako's back roughly. Hearing him groan in pain, Korra stopped, arms going limp as the man carried her behind the stage.
"Korra that is not how you handle a personal question!" Tenzin scolded as he shook his head.
They were behind the stage in a small room. Asami and Bolin stood off to the side, sharing random topics like the weather and food. Korra sat on a wooden chair in the center of the room; her hands gripped the arm rests as an output of her anger. Mako leaned onto a wall, arms crossed.
"What was I suppose to do, Tenzin? Let that guy talk about Mako like that? He insulted both of the brothers, and you expected me to just stand there and deal with it?" Korra retorted, nose flaring.
Tenzin shut his eyes tightly and counted to ten, not wanting to lose his cool. Sometimes Korra was too stubborn to see reason. Asami and Bolin both halted their conversation, and decided to say something so Korra wouldn't feel defeated.
"I'm sorry Councilman Tenzin, but Korra did the right thing," Asami said, wanting to help out her friend. "That guy was out of line for asking something that doesn't have anything to do with Amon or Republic City."
"Yea, Asami has a point. I think that guy said that to make Korra mad on purpose," Bolin added.
"Bo, some reporters are paid to get a rise out of people," Mako stated, "but asking about her love life and another's personal life of others is out of line."
Tenzin understood the four teenagers will have the belief that scolding or basically scaring the man would be the right thing to do. Walking to the chair Korra sat on, Tenzin crouched down.
"Personally, you did the right thing," Tenzin whispered into her ear, "As your guardian, I'm suppose to scold you when you do something wrong. I'll let this pass though."
Korra smiled as he said this, and thanked him quietly. Tenzin stood up and decided that he should talk to the press about stopping the meeting short. The teenagers waved a good-bye as he exited the room, and were now left alone. The four stared at each other, wondering who would speak first.
Bolin took the initiative, "Korra, I just want to say thanks. That reporter… I know he didn't mention me at all, but I felt like he did. Thanks for sticking up for us."
Korra grinned. Glancing at Mako, Korra expected him to say the same thing, but her grin fell when the firebender wore a stoic face instead. Asami noticed the change in behavior and realized that the two should have a little space. Putting a hand on Bolin, she ushered the confused man out, craning her neck to see Korra mouth, "thanks," and nodded back.
Now being the only two there, Korra felt more comfortable saying anything she wanted. She opened her mouth to say something when Mako finally spoke up.
"Thanks for making that reporter shut up," Mako said, gold eyes looking straight into blue, "It…. Brought back bad memories. Living on the streets is not easy, obviously. I…It's just… Getting called street rat drives me crazy. Not in a good way."
The girl nodded in agreement, "Mako, it's no problem. I…remember how much it bothered you when Hiroshi called you that many months ago. What that man said was wrong. You're not a street rat, not even close. You're too good for that. I know you are."
"Thanks," Mako gave a small smile, "I really appreciate what you did back there, even if I was the one to drag you out. I didn't want to wake up tomorrow, and read 'Avatar Korra murders reporter in front of crowd' on the front of the paper."
Korra was about to contend, saying that she would never murder anyone in public, but she felt pressure press against her lips. Startled, Korra gave an audible gasp, causing Mako to back away. Gold eyes opened, worry filling them.
"Korra, did I hurt you? I didn't me—"He feels soft lips pressing up against his, making it difficult for him to continue his question.
Korra angled her neck, deepening the kiss. Mako raised a hand to run his hands thru Korra's thick hair, the other caressing her pink cheeks. Korra's hands roamed Mako's dark hair, massaged his shoulders, and ended their journey by clasping together behind Mako's neck, pulling him closer.
They broke apart for air, slightly smiling. Korra was the first to speak.
"What was that for, Lover Boy?" she asked voice a little raspy.
Korra heard the man chuckle, "That's my special way of stopping you from talking," Mako teased.
Playfully nudging his shoulder back, Korra smirked when he almost fell over. "You should try shutting me up all the time," Korra said in a suggestive voice.
"Maybe I should," Mako teased again, and pressed his lips to hers once again, resuming their passionate kiss. Korra smiled, actually thanking the Spirits for having the reporter ask his dumb question.
"Without him," Korra thought, "I wouldn't be having the best make out of my young life."
Personally, I see Korra as the super protective one in the group. She would be offened if someone said something bad about anyone she cared deeply for.
May take a small break from writing, but the story is not over! Keep your eyes open!