shout out to BG-13

Mako's POV

I'd meant to go see Korra but the chief had been having me work out a few details about the 'Blue Spirit.' Though, the thief had been quiet lately. But Bei Fong was still on edge. I figured it had something to do with the masked creature having bested her. Not that I'd ever point that out.

A week had passed before I finally got a call from Korra's parents. As Senna explained the situation I felt my stomach squeeze itself into knots. I told Lin I'd be back in an hour or so, I was only taking a break.

I arrived on the island and went straight to Korra's old room. I knocked but no one answered. Truthfully, after what Senna told me I wasn't surprised. So I let myself in and was greeted by the sight of Korra sitting on the bed, leaning back against the wall and staring at the one opposite her.

"Korra?" I took a step into the room when she didn't respond and closed the door behind me. She didn't even acknowledge me when I sat down next to her, studying her with concern.

She simply continued to stare at the wall, as if she could see straight into the next room and beyond. But maybe it was more like she wasn't seeing anything at all. I'd never seen her like this.

"There was this kid in the Boiling Rock," Korra began. "He was my cellmate. We-we became friends. I guess…he thought I was nice because I kept the bullies off him. He didn't know who I really was. The monster I really was." I patiently waited for her to continue. Her voice was distant, monotone and filled with pain. I had never heard anyone speak so brokenly before.

"One night our cell got raided. I'd stood up to a guard that day, he said he'd get me back for that. The boy, the teen…he didn't make it," she said quietly. "There was so much blood everywhere. So much blood."

"What happened?" I asked. Korra didn't even look at me and we stayed in silence.

I was about to give up when she finally spoke. "I killed them," she said quietly. "I may not have held the knife but I might as well have. They'd be alive if it hadn't been for me."

"Who?"

She looked at me, blinked then turned her attention back to the wall. It took me a minute before I understood. She was referring to the boy and Bolin. I lowered my gaze, realizing what kind of hell she must have gone through for the last five years. I placed my hand over hers and my old teammate blinked once again before looking at our hands. I could tell the gesture had surprised her.

"Your mom called," I began softly. "She said you haven't been eating. Want to go to Narook's?"

Korra shook her head, looking away, this time to the arena across the bay. I looked over as well and wondered what she could possibly find interesting. It was worn out and shut down for good after she had a…tantrum. I wondered if she regretted it?

"Come on, Korra," I insisted. "If you don't want to eat there we can go to my place."

"Why are you here?" she asked, pulling her hand away. "Why do you care? Wasn't it you that wanted to see me dead?" There was no accusing tone or anger in her voice. It was just dead.

My expression softened and I shook my head. I had said those words out of anger, I'd never meant it. "No, Korra," I replied gently. "I was angry. People say things they dont mean when they're angry. We were friends, remember?"

"Were we Mako?" she asked, trace amounts of hurt in her voice. "I-I did so many things to you. I belittled you, killed your brother…so many things that I couldve avoided."

I shook my head. "No, you didn't kill Bolin," I said. "I care about you Korra, just like he did." She looked away, ashamed and I gently turned her head so she would look at me. "Come on, let's go eat."

"Aren't you supposed to be at work?"

"I'll call Bei Fong."

Korra sighed and after a moment nodded. "I need to shower first," she said quietly.

I nodded and told her I'd wait outside for her. About half an hour after she came out we headed back to the city. I was still upset about my brother's death, but…I couldn't let her do this to herself. I knew that the little stunt she'd pulled a few days ago wasn't the real her. It was just a mask she put on. I didn't know why she did it, that was something I would find out later.

Korra's POV

After Mako practically begged me, I went to the city with him. We went to Narook's, Bolin's and my favorite place. Everyone in the restaurant stared at me with disappointment. I looked at the ground the entire time, trying to ignore the accusation in their eyes with little success. He ordered take out and we headed back to his apartment just like he said.

My old teammate gave me my food, and we sat on the floor, just like we had a few days ago. I poked at my food. To be honest I wasn't all that hungry. For the past week after I…had that nightmare, I couldn't eat or sleep. I felt like I was suffocating, and I couldn't shake the feeling off.

"Korra," Mako called. I looked up at him. "Eat."

I sighed heavily and nodded before doing as I was told. I ate slowly, and I could see the Firebender staring at me from the corner of my eye. If I didn't know any better, I'd say he was concerned.

"You're kind of freaking me out," I lightly joked.

Mako's face had a light shade of pink and I couldn't help but letting out a laugh at that. I had to admit, Id ever seen him blush before.

"I'm worried about you," he replied. "We all are."

I sighed and nodded, putting my unfinished food next to me. Water Tribe noodles were my favorite, but I wasn't up for anything at the moment.

"You can talk to me, you know."

I looked up at him and nodded. As much as I hated to admit it, my mother was right. I'd been distant since I'd returned. I had to let someone in, and right now, Mako was as close as anyone had gotten.