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.

Note: Set before Mako and Korra are a couple.

Child's Play

Asami, Bolin, and Mako just spent their first night at Air Temple Island. It took a day or two for the family to arrange another guest room for Asami. Asami had booked them a temporary hotel room to use for the day, and when Tenzin called late at night that the arrangements were done, the three packed their belongs and went straight to their new home.

After a few ground rules were established, "There will be no co-ed sleeping," and, "Children are present, please be courteous for your actions," the three unpacked their belongings unto their separate rooms and slept.

Mako saw the sun's ray of light pass through the window behind his closed eyelids, signaling that morning as arrived. He was still too exhausted from the new living arrangements and didn't want to get up yet. Grabbing an extra pillow on the other side of his bed, Mako threw it over his head, blocking out the light. Mako was so close to entering his sleep state again when he heard yelling from outside the door.

"I heard you the first time, Tenzin!" Korra yelled, "I'll be at training soon! Just gotta do…something…that involves sleeping," she ended, a little quieter.

"Oh, no you don't." Tenzin yelled back. Mako can basically see the older man wearing a furious scowl, "You're going to train right now. You've been ignoring your Air bending training long enough."

Mako felt, not heard, but felt footsteps pass his door. The footsteps were so strong that the bedside table next to him shook. He can only guess that Korra had lost her temper immensely but agreed that she should be training, and walked towards Tenzin with stomping feet.

"Korra, stop stomping your feet. You'll wake up your friends," Tenzin said with irritation.

A pause occurs after Tenzin's comment and Mako holds his breath, wondering why Korra hasn't said anything back.

"Just let me get changed, okay?" Korra finally said calmly.

He hears footsteps again, but they go in opposite directions. Tenzin must've gone to the court to wait for Korra while Korra went the other way to change into training clothes. Sighing, Mako threw his legs over the edge of the bed. Going back to sleep would be futile, since he was fully awake. Mako stood up and stretched. Grabbing a pair of sweats and a loose T-shirt, Mako exited his room to find Bolin.

Crossing a few rooms, he stops in front of Bolin's door, and slides it open. Bolin was still sleeping, of course. He lay on his stomach, a leg hung on the side of the bed, and arms outstretched at different positions. One arm was underneath his pillow and the other at his side. The white bed sheet he used for cover was on the floor next to Pabu, who also slept. Mako shook his head, and smirked. Bolin was always the heavy sleeper. Sliding the door shut, he went to check on Asami.

Asami's room was located on a different hallway, next to Korra's room. Tenzin had made sure that the men's and women's rooms would be separated, to avoid any scandal. Mako stopped at the heiress's door and slid it open. Asami was still asleep, jet black hair sprawled all over her pillow. Her sleeping wasn't as messy as Bolin's, for her bed sheet was still covering her body and her limbs remained in a normal position. Not wanting to wake up the girl, Mako smiled and slid the door shut again.

"Okay, no one besides Korra and I are awake," Mako thought, "I can watch her Airbending training I guess."

Mako returned back to his room to grab a set of new clothes and his ever present scarf. Moments later, the firebender walked out onto the court, hoping to see Korra training. He stopped short when he reached the court, and golden eyes stared at amazement. Korra was gliding thru the gates, twirling around in circles, hands up fluid motions. Her hair swayed with the wind, the orange and yellow robes flying with her, and she wore a very peaceful expression.

Mako didn't realize that he was gawking at the young Avatar, but a couple of young girls did. Jinora and Ikki stood by the gates, facing Mako. Ikki was the first to notice the new company and immediately told Jinora. Jinora observed the firebender and laughed when his jaw slowly dropped as he watched Korra glide thru the gates. An idea popped into the girl's mind and she smiled, almost sinisterly. Jinora leaned a little into Ikki's ear and whispered her plan, Ikki's facial expression turning almost sinister as well.

"Ahem, Mr. Mako?" Jinora said, tugging at the firebender's pants leg. Mako immediately snapped back into reality, and his jaw was closed shut once more. Glancing at the small girl who pulled his pants leg, Mako gave a look and answered awkwardly, "You can just call me Mako, and, uh…yes?"

Grey eyes grew with interest as Jinora spoke, "Do you like Korra?"

Ikki had to remind herself that she had to say as innocent as possible. No snickering, no odd facial expressions, nothing. It was so tough not laughing when Mako's shoulders tensed and his face grew a light shade of pink.

"O-of course I like Korra!" Mako stuttered, "She's a great friend."

"No not that way, we mean like-like Korra!" Ikki joined, wanting to see more of Mako's funny expressions.

Mako grew a little redder this time, "I don't like Korra that way."

The two girls eyes squinted and their noses crinkled. Jinora took a step towards Mako, a teasing look adorning her face.

"Hhhmmmm…well what do you like about her?" Mako looked away before turning back at the two girls.

"I like her…" Mako paused to think of things to say, "Sense of humor…uhm….hair? That just sounds weird. Okay…let's see….she's pretty amazing, I like a lot of things about her."

The sisters shared a dreamy sigh, and Ikki jumped up, and began to run her mouth again.

"Oh! Mr. Mako! That's so sweet! Do you ever tell Korra those things? Huh? Huh? One time mommy told her some advice to win over a guy. Korra listened to her over me! My idea had rainbows, cupcakes, love potions, and everything! Personally I liked my idea better!" Ikki jumped repeatedly, using her Airbending to jump higher each time.

"Mako, kid, not Mr. Mako," the firebender corrected, "Wait, why are yo—"

"Tell us more things you like about her!" Jinora's soft voice pleaded.

Sighing, Mako sat down on the stone ground. The two girls followed, facing him as they sat. Running a hand thru his hair he continued, "I like the way she's determined to help people. Without her, I don't think Bolin and I would've made it to Championships. Hmmm… she's pretty loud sometimes, but that's good. There's nothing boring about a loud person. She's the Avatar; there are many things that I like."

Ikki leaned into Mako's face, "Do you think she's pretty!"

Mako's face turned beat red, and stuttered, "Y-yea, I think s-she is very…ahem…pretty."

Jinora's ghost of a smirk grew on her young face, "What's do you think is pretty about her?"

"Agni, what are these kids playing at?" Mako internally groaned. Glancing behind the girls and onto the gates, he sees Korra continuing her twirls. Her feet leave the ground and she moves with more fluid. Korra's Airbending training is finally progressing. Mako glanced back at the two girls, he answered.

"Korra has nice hair—"Ikki yells out "you already said that" but Jinora's hand covers her mouth, "Oh, right, okay. I like Korra's smile. It's very pretty."

"Do you like it when she smiles at you? Huh, Mako?" Ikki had finally pulled Jinora's hand away from her mouth. Jinora slaps on her hand again, and smiles at Mako, letting him continue.

Coughing, Mako started again; "I guess…It's nice when she laughs too…" he trails off, trying to think of something else to say, "Korra's eyes." He states. The two girls look at him, expecting him to elaborate on his statement.

"Korra's eyes are…b-beautiful… it's a nice color. I've met a few Watertribe women before…but Korra has the prettiest eyes. But don't you dare tell her or anyone else, got that?" Mako threatened, honey colored eyes narrowed and a finger pointed at the children in front of him.

The girls nod their heads. They heard a pained yell and the three turn their attention back to the gates. They see Korra being slapped on the back by a wooden gate, guessing that she must've lost her balance or her feet got caught. Inwardly cringing, the girls turn their attention back to Mako's worried expression.

"Don't worry about her, it always happens," Jinora mentioned, "So if you like Korra so much, why aren't you with her?"

Mako let out a small frustrated yell, "I don't like Korra like that! I'm with—"He is cut off by the calls of Asami Sato.

"Mako! There you are! I've been looking all over for you! Meet me in the kitchen, Pema and I want you to try something!" Asami said from the door leading to the court, and walked away.

Mako heard the Airbending girls scoff, muttering to each other, "Ohhh, I see," and, "Mako is totally playing on the safe side."

"Safe side? What's that suppose to mean?" Mako's eyebrows furrowed.

"Listen Mako, Asami is great and all," Jinora started, "But I think Korra would be more fun to be with!" Ikki exclaimed.

"You didn't explain what you mean by safe s—"Mako is cut off when the girls suddenly get up and walk towards the stalls where Oogie and Naga rested.

"You don't have to know, Mako! You'll probably figure it out yourself!" Ikki replied, and the two were gone.

Mako was now left alone on the stone pavement. He resumed his observation on Korra. She was now learning how to balance on a narrow stick as Tenzin gave her instructions. The young girl's mouth was curved downwards, the tip of her tongue stuck out, showing that she was concentrating. Korra fell off the narrow stick and Mako cringed again. The sapphire eyes he admired so much filled with determination, and refused Tenzin's helping hand. She was definitely a tough girl to handle. Korra was on the dangerous side.

Glancing back into the house, he remembered that Asami had ask him to return back inside to taste a…meal, was it? Asami was everything parents wanted young men like him to date. She was charming, polite, and still had a sense of defending herself. Those bright green eyes of hers made him happy, as a bonus. Deep down, Mako knew why he chose Asami over Korra. Asami was easier to deal with, not much worry came with her than with Korra. Asami was the safe side.

Oh, those kids were playing something, and they played it well.

Mako finally put two and two together. Those Airbending kids were a lot smarter than he thought. They had caused him to question his relationship with Asami, and voice out his thoughts on Korra.

They played it too well.

Mako muttered to himself, "I guess I should check on whatever Asami wanted."

Getting up and stepping into the home, Mako stole a final glance at the Avatar.

One day when everything isn't so hectic, or when Amon isn't causing terror, or when Asami realizes that Mako chose her for the wrong reason, Mako will depart those bright green eyes that belong to the safe side, and be with those beautiful blue eyes that dance around danger.

Okay, I lied. I guess I'll write during break, but that's becaue I want to :P

Jinora and Ikki are such hardcore Makorra shippers...I wouldn't be surprised if they confroted Mako about Korra.

Korra's eyes are beautiful. Just saying.