Heeeere's Mako!

...

The next day, Asami was out in the industrial part of the town. She'd just gotten off of work at the factory and was standing at the edge of the sidewalk. She spotted the trolley and immediately started across the street, not looking both ways. Unbeknownst to her, a motorcycle was headed her way. The driver of the motorcycle saw her and attempted to swerve and avoid her. By the time Asami heard and saw the motorcycle, it was too late. The driver ran into her and she hit the ground, grunting on impact.

"Oh, man." the driver said, hopping off the motorcycle and jogging up to her. He took her arm gently. "Are you alright?"

"Y-yeah." Asami muttered, letting the stranger help her up. "I'm fine."

"I'm so sorry, I wasn't paying attention." the man said.

"It happens, I under-" Asami's sentence trailed off when the man removed his helmet. He had spiky black hair, amber eyes, and eyebrows that reminded Asami of sharks. Despite the last part, he was pretty good looking. "Woah..." she muttered under her breath.

"Are you sure you're not hurt?" he asked. "That was a hard hit and fall."

"Trust me, I'm alright." Asami said, smiling. "My brother hits me harder than that in practice."

"Practice?" the man said as Asami brushed herself off. "Wait, I think I recognize you. You're Asami right? Asami Sato of the Fire Ferrets?"

"That's me." Asami said. She blushed a bit.

"Man, I'm even more embarrassed now." the guy said and held out his hand. "I'm Mako." Asami took his hand and he smiled. "You should let me make this up to you."

"Oh, no, that isn't-" Asami began, but he didn't let her finish.

"Come on, I insist. We can go to Kwong's Cuisine." Mako said.

"Kwong's?" Asami said and her eyes widened. "I... I don't have any clothes fancy enough for that place."

"I'll take care of that." Mako said. "All you need to do is show up." He put his helmet back on and returned to his motorcycle. "So, tomorrow night? Eight o'clock?"

"Uh, yeah. I'll be there." Asami said.

Mako smiled as he revved the engine of his motorcycle and sped off, looking over his shoulder before looking ahead. Asami sighed heavily and placed a hand to her chest. Holy hell.

...

Later that night at the temple, the Airbender family and Korra was seated at their table for dinner with Tenzin leading them in prayer.

"We are grateful for this delicious food, for happiness, for compassion-" Tenzin's prayer was cut short by the sound of footsteps entering the room.

"I'm not interrupting anything, am I?" Councilman Tarrlok said, standing in the doorway. Korra gave him a sideways glance when he bowed.

"This is my home, Tarrlok. We're about to have dinner." Tenzin said, standing to face Tarrlok.

"Good, because I am absolutely famished." Tarrlok said and looked at Tenzin. "Airbenders never turn away a hungry guest, am I right?"

Tenzin sighed. "I suppose." He sat back down and Pema scowled at him. He raised his hands and shrugged, helpless.

Tarrlok strolled in over to Korra, smiling. "Ah, you must be the famous Avatar Korra. It is truly an honor." He bowed respectfully. "I am Councilman Tarrlok, representative of the Northern Water Tribe."

Korra stood and returned the bow. "Nice to meet you." she said and they both took a seat in a kneeling position.

Ikki leaned over on the table towards Tarrlok, her eyes narrowed. "How cone you have those ponytails?" she asked and sniffed the air. "And why do you smell like a lady? You're weird."

Korra suppressed a laugh and took a bite of her food to cover it while Tarrlok looked at Ikki. "Well, aren't you...precocious?" He turned away from Ikki's glare and looked at Korra. "I've been reading about your adventures in the papers. Inflating Amon's rally? That took some serious initiative."

"Oh, thanks." Korra said, smiling a bit. "I... think you're the first authority figure that's happy I'm here."

"Republic City is much better off now that you've arrived." Tarrlok said. Korra tried not to let herself believe he was lying.

"Enough with the flattery, Tarrlok." Tenzin said protectively. "What do you want from Korra?"

"Patience, Tenzin." Tarrlok said, raising his hand. "I'm getting to that." He returned his attention back to Korra. "As you may have heard, I am assembling a task force that will strike at the heart of the revolution, and I want you to join me."

Korra looked up at him, surprised. "Really?"

"What?!" Tenzin said.

"I need someone that can help me attack Amon, someone that is fearless in the face of danger. That someone is you." Tarrlok said.

"Join your task force?" Korra said. She looked down at her food. No way. Not after her nightmares, not after the announcements over the radio. "I...I can't."

Tarrlok's eyes widened and Tenzin sat back, just as surprised. Tarrlok chuckled a bit. "I must admit, I'm a little surprised. I thought you would jump at the chance to lead the charge against Amon."

"Me, too." Tenzin said softly.

"I...came to Republic City to finish my Avatar training with Tenzin." Korra said. "Right now, I just need to focus on that."

"Which is why this opportunity is perfect." Tarrlok said. "You would get on your job experience while performing your Avatar duty for the city."

"I appreciate the offer, Councilman Tarrlok, but I can't." Korra said.

"Korra gave you her answer. It's time for you to go." Tenzin said before Tarrlok could speak up.

Tarrlok looked at Tenzin, his eyes narrowed, but he gave in. "Very well." He stood up and chucked a bit. "But I'm not giving up on you just yet. You'll be hearing from me soon." He bowed. "It has been a pleasure, Avatar Korra."

As he left, Ikki stood up and waved, calling, "Bye-bye, ponytail man!"

Korra chuckled and took a bite of her food. Tenzin clears his throat.

"Korra, is there something going on?" he asked.

"What? No." Korra said, looking at him quizzically. "Why?"

"It's just..." Tenzin glances at Pema, who shrugs. "Well, since you've been here you've wanted nothing more than to get into some action."

Korra sighed. "I know, but I think I realized that becoming a fully realized Avatar is more important right now." She looked at Tenzin. "I mean, what's the point in going after Amon if I can't use all my bending?"

Tenzin smiled. "I'm glad to hear you say that Korra. You're going in the right direction."

"Thank you, Tenzin." Korra said. She stood from her spot. "I'm gonna head to my room. Goodnight." With that, she disappears into the hallway and to her room, shutting the door behind her.

~Kwong's Cuisine~

Asami looked up at the building, then down at her clothes and frowned. Did it really have to be this place? Even if Mako was taking care of her clothes, she hated for people to go out of their way for her. She sighed and walked into the building. She walked up to the nearest maitre D' and cleared her throat.

"Um, excuse me." she said. "My name is Asami. I'm supposed to be meeting Mako here?"

"Of course. Welcome, Lady Asami." The maitre D' said with a bow.

"Lady?" Asami echoed, raising an eyebrow.

"Follow me." the maitre D' said, turning around and walking up a side hallway. Asami made a face but followed him. He led her to a dressing area where tons of clothes were hung on rails and folded on shelves.

What restaurant has a dressing area on the side? Asami thought as she watched the man sort through a rack of dresses. He pulled out a lengthy red one with gold rings that attached both straps to the front of the dress and detached sleeves that would drape over her arms. Asami's eyes widened. The dress was gorgeous.

"Change into the this." the maitre D' said, handing the dress to her.

Asami nodded slowly before heading into a dressing room. She took off her clothes and folded them, placing them in the seat below the mirror, and slipped into the dress. It was comfortable, not too tight and not too loose. She didn't know if it was a coincidence that it was her size or not, but once she looked in the mirror she didn't care. She looked amazing.

If only Bo and Korra could see this. she thought with a smile. She didn't register the blush on her face when she thought of Korra.

She exited the dressing room holding her clothes, which the man took from her. He placed them on an empty shelf. "They will be here when you leave."

"Thank you." Asami said.

The maitre D' led her to a booth near the back of the restaurant where Mako was waiting for her. He smiled when he saw her and stood up. "You made it." he said.

"Of course." Asami said, smiling back. "I wasn't going to ditch you."

Mako chuckled. "Well, I'm glad to hear that." He turned to the maitre D'. "Bring us the usual."

"As you wish, sir." the man said and left for the kitchen.

Mako and Asami sat down in the booth and Asami looked around. Kwong's was amazing, definitely as fancy as everyone said it was. Despite being dressed up, she still felt out of place.

"So, what do you think of the dress?" Mako said.

"Huh?" Asami said, looking back at him. That made him grin.

"I asked if you like the dress." he replied, gesturing to her.

"Oh, yes." Asami said and blushed. "It's lovely."

"That's good. I was worried it wouldn't fit." Mako said. He took a drink of his water before speaking again. "I meant to say earlier that I'm a big pro-bending fan. I caught all of your matches this season."

"All of them?" Asami said. She didn't bother to cover how impressed she was. "Honestly, I wish there were some you hadn't seen."

"That's ridiculous, you're amazing. There aren't many girls in pro-bending." Mako noted. "I can't wait to see you play in the tournament."

Asami blushed darker at his compliment, but frowned at the mention of the tournament. "Maybe next year." she said softly, looking at her hands.

"You made it in, didn't you?" Mako asked.

"Yeah, but..." Asami bit her lip. "It's just not in the cards for us right now."

Mako reached forward and took her hand. She looked up, taken by his expression of curiosity and concern. "Tell me. What's the problem?"

"We don't have the money to put up for the championship pot." Asami admitted after a second. "So, it looks like we're out of the running."

"That's not fair." Mako said.

Asami didn't get the chance to reply, as a server had arrived with their food. "Pardon me, Master Date." The server placed the two platters on the table and removed the lids. "Your main course."

"Thank you." Mako said and the server walked away. Asami looked at Mako in shock.

"Date?" she said. "You wouldn't happen to be related to San Date, creator of the Sanmobile?"

Mako chuckled. "He's my father."

"Seriously?" Asami said.

"Seriously." Mako said, clearly amused. He took another sip of his drink. "You want to meet him?"

Asami's jaw dropped for a second. "Meet the most successful captain of industry in all Republic City?" She smiled excitedly. "Sure, I'll take you up on that."

~The next day, Air Temple Island~

Korra sat outside at the back of the temple, Naga beside her. Korra scratched her stomach, though her expression told that she was in deep thought. She still hadn't been sleeping well, her nightmares were getting weirder and worse. She stared at the ground between her feet and sighed.

"Hello, fellow teammate!"

Korra looked up at the voice and saw Bolin approaching her, Pabu on his shoulders and a smile on his face. At least someone's cheerful... Korra thought.

"Hey, Bolin." she greeted when he reached her.

"Missed you at practice yesterday." Bolin said.

"Yeah, sorry about that." Korra said.

"Nah, it's alright." Bolin assured her. "We're probably out of the championship anyway unless some money miraculously falls from the sky by tomorrow. Anyways, the reason I came by was to give you this." He pulled his arms out from behind his back and held a cupcake and a rose in Korra's direction. "Ta-da!"

Korra smiled a bit as she takes them. "Wow, thanks. What are these for?"

"Hmm, I don't know. Let me think for a minute." Bolin said, rubbing his chin. "Oh, yeah, I remember now. You saved me from Amon!"

"Oh, that?" Korra said and shrugged. "It was no big deal."

"No big deal, are you serious?" Bolin said. "I was totally freaking out when he was coming at me with his creepy mask and all, 'I will take away your bending forever.'" I mean, that is... scary stuff. I still can't sleep well."

"Mhmm..." Korra hummed absentmindedly.

The council page walked up a second later, items in hand. "Delivery for Avatar Korra." he said, placing the basket of items and flowers beside Korra. "Tarrlok sends his compliments and urges you to reconsider his offer."

Korra rolled her eyes and rested her hand on her fist. "Tell him I haven't changed my mind."

"Who's this Tarrlok guy?" Bolin said. "Is he bothering you? 'Cause I could have a word with him." He punched the palm of his hand.

"Heh, no it's not like that." Korra replied, amused. "He's just some old guy that works with Tenzin on the council."

"Oh, good. Good, that sounds better. I like that better." Bolin said with a smile.

~Later that day, the Future Industries factory~

"So, what do you think of my little operation here Asami?" San Date, Mako's father, said.

"It's... incredible, Mr. Date." Asami said, awestruck as she gazed at the factory.

"Please, call me San." San said with a smile. There was a pause before he spoke again. "Now, I understand you're dirt poor."

"Uh, well..." Asami stuttered.

San chuckled. "Young lady, it is nothing to be ashamed of. I, too, came from humble beginnings." he said. "Why, when I was your age, I was a mere shoe-shiner, and all I had to my name was an idea; the Sanmobile. Now, I was fortunate enough to meet someone who believed in me and my work ethic. He gave me the money I needed to get my idea off the ground and I built the entire Future Industries empire from that one selfless loan."

"Dad, come on." Mako said, making his father laugh. "Just tell Asami the good news."

"Good news?" Asami asked and looked at both of them.

"Well, my son told me all about your hard earned success in the Pro-bending Arena. And about your team's current financial stumbling block." San placed a hand on Asami's shoulder. "Now, I'd hate to see you lose your chance at winning the championship just because you're short a few yuans. That's why I'm going to sponsor the Fire Ferrets in the tournament."

"Wait, are you serious?" Asami asked.

"He's serious." Mako said, grinning. "My father's gonna cover you ante for the championship pot."

"Tha-that's amazing news!" Asami said happily.

"There's just one catch." San said. "You have to wear the Future Industries logo on your uniforms."

"I'll wear it on my clothes everyday if you want, sir!" Asami said. "Thank you both so much! I promise the Fire Ferrets will make the most of the opportunity!"

...

Thanks for being so patient! I hope you enjoyed, and I hope you stick around for the next chapter!

Thanks for reading!