Pragma

Mako groaned as he stuck his house keys in the lock on his door. Another night that stretched far into the morning has passed. Another investigation that opened up more questions than answers on his to-do list.

On the bright side, most excavations on the job didn't end the way last night did so that was one fateful perk. Just when he thought his sex life couldn't get more eventful Tahno had to throw in yet another curve ball.

As his front door began to creak open Mako was shoved back by an opposing force. "BRO!" Bolin exclaimed, his entire body weight pinning the door partly closed.

Judging by the sweat on his brow and shirtless appearance, Mako made the assumption he was caught in the middle of something.

"Hey bro! So turns out Opal is here now!"

"Hi Mako!~" He heard her small voice chime somewhere in the background of his apartment.

"She flew in last night! Sorry for the short heads up!" Bolin opened the door wide enough to fit his arm through and tossed Mako a large duffle bag of clothes and toiletries. "Thanks again for letting us borrow your place!"

"Really..." Mako muttered. He visibly slouched at the realization that clean clothes and a fresh shower was not in his immediate future.

"Oh and you got some mail!" He tossed him a few envelopes.

Opal stuck her arm out holding a small Christmas gift. "Happy Holidays!" She smiled.

"Okay bye!-woah" Bolin paused once he saw the cuts and bruises on Mako's face. "You okay bro?"

"Y-yeah." Mako waved him away, "I'm good really..you two have fun."

"You sure?" Bolin asked.

"Yeah, I will see you later.."

He turned around as they shut the door leaving him both tired and now very frustrated. He sat in his car tearing open his mail and contemplated where he should go for the next few nights. One of the envelopes was addressed to him from Asami. Inside was a festive invitation to a Christmas party at her city penthouse. She usually hosted a party or casual get together, so this wasn't out of the ordinary but he had some pause. He wondered if Korra got the invite as well. It would be rude of him not to go, but if Korra wasn't there...he might have to pass up on the festivity's.

After rummaging through paper bills and random coupons he figured he spent enough time stalling. Did he really have any other better options? He couldn't afford a five-star hotel like the company afforded room he got during the gala.

So...spend a few nights at a dingy yet affordable hotel or...

Korra was shocked to hear her doorbell ringing first thing in the morning with no notice as to who it would be. She had half a mind to grab a makeshift weapon incase one of Varrick's goon's found out where she lived. She walked down her steps, meeting Naga who eagerly awaited the opportunity to either maul or greet whomever was on the other side. She slowly cracked the door open and peaked at the mysterious figure.

"oh!" Once she saw it was Mako she swung it wide, letting the crisp morning air inside. Naga jumped outside to greet him but was quickly called back by the snap of Korra's fingers. "I'm not drying you off when you get covered in snow!" Her dog waltz back inside and curled up on the floor in the living room.

Her friend had a duffle bag slung over his shoulder and an embarrassed look on his face.

"Opal's here isn't she?" Korra smirked.

"Bolin told you?" Mako seemed relieved he wouldn't have to explain why he willingly got kicked out of his own house. He had just dropped her off after leaving Tahno's place around 6am this morning. That was about an hour ago and yet here he is, again, always somehow finding a way back to her. They were practically roommates at this point.

"Yeah he did and I told him you're more than welcome to stay here, come in." She laughed.

He made his way to the guest bedroom that was all too familiar as Korra shortly disappeared. The detective showered and changed out of Tahno's makeshift pajama's. His body felt a little better after the heat of the water relaxed his aching muscles. He was glad to finally be back in his own, modest choice of clothing.

There was a soft knock on his door as Korra returned holding a red first-aid kit. Mako blushed when he saw her walk in and gently rubbed the back of his neck.

"Korra really I am fine.." he protested.

"Yeah yeah I know sit down.." She rolled her eyes, expecting him to push back at her. "Contrary to popular belief, sex is not a cure all..."

Mako slightly turned his head as she said that, just a bit ironic coming from her. She realized his jest and pushed him down on the edge of the bed. "You know what I mean, a few bandaids wouldn't hurt.."

She took up a stool in front of him and went to work properly bandaging him up. She gently made her way up his chest and arms, adding disinfectant ointment and bandages to his bruises and semi-healed cuts. He wasn't too beaten up, but she couldn't help but feel responsible anyway. It eased her guilty conscience to sooth him in whatever way she can.

They sat in a comfortable silence as she tended to him. Korra was so focused on her work she hadn't noticed his right hand resting on the bend of her knee. They occupied each other's personal space so naturally it was almost naive to act surprised. She actually really liked that about them. That they could sit only inches apart, sharing the same gentle breaths, lightly caressing one another and it could be in a platonic way. Even after so many intense intimate moments.

Korra bit her bottom lip as she dabbed the side of his cheek, "Last night was scary..." She muttered.

Mako hummed almost startled by her voice, he was also enjoying their silence. "You mean the thugs at the dingy night club or the threesome? Tahno can be a pain in the ass but I wouldn't call him scary-"

Korra clicked her teeth, "I'm serious."

She turned briefly to toss a dirty cotton pad in the trash. When she looked back to face him, she pressed a clean cloth soaked in disinfectant to the cut on his brow.

"Owe!" he hissed.

"Sorry!" She pulled away, "I'm trying to be gentle..." She squeezed some of the solution out of the rag, visibly frustrated. "What were we thinking...I should of did this last night...Instead of fucking around."

The adrenaline high was gone along with the naive sense of calm which left Korra feeling less than at ease. Holiday or not, Varrick was still out there.

"Now hold on." Mako caught her wrist and placed her hand back to his face. "That wasn't your fault."

He stopped her before she could protest. "Honestly, I would have been more shocked if I made it out without a scratch on me..."

"It was my decision to go there in the first place..." Korra sighed.

"And we wouldn't have our lead with out you." Mako corrected. Korra's eyes were shaking as she swiped the dried blood from his face. They locked eyes and it was then he realized she was recounting the events in her head. He didn't know what felt worse, Korra seeing him so vulnerable or the humiliating feeling of being so vulnerable in the first place.

"It comes with the job Korra. I'm at risk of being gunned down on a daily basis and Bolin and I have gone through much worse at a very young age." He blinked as if to fight off a recurring memory. "That's why I do what I do-"

She tried to interrupt again but he stopped her. "I'm glad we went there, my eyes were opened to a lot about Republic City that I had no idea about. It changes things..."

"I just..." She looked down, fighting back her watery eyes, "I don't what I would have done-"

"Nothing. You didn't have to do anything..." Mako lifted her chin. "I'm okay, We're together..and we're okay..."

Korra nodded and closed the space between them, "We're together..."

His forehead met hers as she let out a big sigh of relief. Her eyes lowered as she traced the outline of his lips with her gaze. "I meant what I said back there..." Korra whispered. She was referring to him being an extension of herself. That her family's jurisdiction, authority, and protection was something she would advocate for him.

Mako let out a jagged breath, he knew realistically she didn't mean what he was thinking. But traditionally, that would only be legitimate if they were married. His left hand gently squeezed the top of her thigh, "Thank you Korra.."

Without thinking, she slipped him a quick kiss, breaking the tension with a curious peck to his lips. Mako pushed against her mouth as she started to hesitantly pull away. Once she realized he was okay with it, she eagerly cupped the back of his neck, pulling him closer.

Mako's heart thudded in his chest as they kissed. She didn't seem eager in a sexual way, or desperate to calm her nerves like in the past. They just had sex several hours ago and yet now Korra seemed elated to embrace him. Like her whole perspective seemed to have shifted.

Why did this feel so different?...

When he pulled back, Korra's cheeks were flushed and she quickly turned away. She seemed almost too bashful to look at him. Funny enough, It reminded him of when they first started dating, when she first told him she loved him. Too prideful to admit it...

His stomach dropped.

Korra swallowed and moved to clean up her mess. She shuffled all the trash into a nearby bin and tied up the bag. "Uhh..I think it's time for some...breakfast yeah?" She stammered hastily.

She stood with the trash bag and beelined for the door. Mako stood and followed her out, "Let me repay the favor."

Korra snickered, realizing he has yet to let her fix him a meal. "I know how to cook!"

"Oh I believe you.." Mako winked, "Just not today.."

-O-

Asami walked along the snow covered streets of down town in a thick, faux fur coat with matching gloves, hat, and faux leather boots. Prince Iroh was right by her side, their arms interlaced as they smiled politely at news outlets and paparazzi snapping their photos. Her father unfortunately, was right behind them soaking up the free positive publicity on her behalf.

Today was a very big day and she got up bright and early just to freak out about it. Her shelter for young adults was officially opening, along with a toy drive, food distribution, clothing donation center, and an extra surprise that she'd been keeping the closest to her chest. It's been a very long and very stressful few months but it'll all pay off in a big way.

All of the tents were set up and operating smoothly with the help of her volunteer staff and local businesses that offered their time and support. She smiled warmly as she said good morning to families from all over the city who came out to the charity event. At the center of the district was a stage where she, her father, and other patrons will give their speeches and finalize all their hard work. The timing was a bit construed because of the investigation but with the help of her most generous partner, Varrick Industries they were able to expedite the event on time.

Asami shuttered at the memory of a hand delivered envelope she took out of a velvet lined briefcase which inside revealed a dense, shinny gold credit card with her name engraved on it. Signed off for her to use by Varrick himself. It was technically her money but under the jurisdiction of his offshore bank. She now had finical freedom from her father, the paperwork to gain 100% of the company was also filed away, ready to be processed. Now she just needed him out of the picture. That was in Varrick's hands and she hoped he didn't have anything to inhumane for her father planned out.

The heiress snapped out of her day dreaming as Iroh gently nudged her, "Are you okay?" He whispered.

She wasn't new to public speaking, but he could tell she seemed more nervous than usual. Asami smiled, "I'm perfectly fine." She then leaned over and very politely kissed his cheek. They could hear a small commotion from the crowd and pictures snapping away as her lips pressed against his skin. Their relationship was very formal and yet believe-able from the outside looking in, which is what they wanted. They made sure to play up their affection especially when her father was around.

Internally, as these several weeks flew by Asami began to think that if she truly did have a life with Iroh. It would be a fortunate one. He was strong, caring, attentive, forthright. He was willing to help out a childhood friend with this whole ridiculous farce and she needed to repay him; big time.

"Okay you two love birds," Hiroshi laughed, cheesing it up for the cameras. "We have work to do!"

Asami agreed, finding the strength not the roll her eyes into the back of her skull. After the trio took a few photos for the local newspaper, they met up with the other speakers, Varrick along with Prince Wu both in attendance.

"The woman of the hour!" Varrick chimed, he was dressed the most elaborate with a traditional water-tribe robe that graced the ground as he walked. There was a videographer on his right, making sure to capture all of this on footage. Asami assumed Varrick was going to use the event to boost his own public moral.

The hair on the back of her neck stood straight up as she hugged him followed by two fake kisses on each side of his cheeks. Iroh rejected Varrick's attempt to air-kiss him as well and settled on a firm hand shake. They posed for a photo before she eagerly stepped away from him.

As much as Asami distrusted him. He pulled through on his word. "Thank you so much for your contributions Varrick! There's no way we would have been able to complete this in time-"

"Don't mention it!" Varrick smiled. He clapped his hands together and looked out over the crowd, "I live for this."

The attention.. Asami thought. That was obvious..

She took photos with Prince Wu as well and in the back of her mind felt so uncomfortable with this whole facade. The only reason he was here, along with her father was their image. The Earth-kingdom hated Wu for not actually involving himself with the thousands of citizens that were displaced in his own country. Now he's here on recognizance, acting as if he was making a difference. Asami put so many hours into this that she couldn't help but feel a bit jaded.

Kuvira was sitting front row and they called her over to get in some of the photos. She forced a smile and politely declined. The General was only present by obligation and didn't bother to hide that fact. The look on her face was stern and yet troubled, like she didn't want to be there. Beside her sat Bolin and on his right sat his girlfriend Opal, both dressed in winter formal attire. The entire Beifong family was in attendance and that's when Asami realized Kuvira was not sitting beside her fiancé, Bataar Jr.

Bolin smiled at Asami and waved. When she waved back at him she realized Korra and Mako weren't there. She frowned for a moment, hoping there wasn't a serious reason for their absence. Mako for sure knew about this, he had a few teenagers in her shelter that he knew personally.

She swallowed the idea that they did it purposely, Mako was chief investigator for the missing heirloom and Korra was probably helping him. That job was unpredictable and they probably just got caught up in something else. She tried not to let that bother her.

The event began promptly at 8am and they all sat down on the side of the stage to began the formalities.

-O-

Korra recounted their findings as Mako was in the kitchen making them breakfast. She briefly stepped out to give Naga her morning bathroom break and checked her mail box. She came back inside casually flipping through the envelopes of bills, newspapers, and coupons. She stopped as one of them was addressed to her from Asami. As she walked back to the kitchen she tore it open to find an invitation.

"So Asami is throwing a Christmas party?"

Mako looked up from the stove, "Oh yeah, I got an invite too.."

"hm." She shrugged. Korra shuffled her feet as she tossed the rest of her mail on a nearby counter top.

"Are you gonna go?" He took the thick slices of french toast off the skillet and on to a plate.

"Y-yeah. It would be rude if I didn't..." Korra sat down at her kitchen table still analyzing the invitation. It's not like she had an issue with her...necessarily.

"You wanted all of us to talk, she told me herself that would help. And we sure do have A LOT to discuss so...yeah I'll be there."

"we'll go together.." Mako suggested.

"You think that's a good idea?" Korra shrugged.

He blushed, "Oh! We don't have to go together...like together..I just meant show up together. Like I pick you up and we ride over there-"

"Together?" Korra laughed.

Mako shook his head, "You know what I mean."

"Yeah I do..I'll see what the vibes are first. I don't want Asami getting any ideas.."

"You think she will?"

"Well...We've been spending a lot of time with each other."

"I don't really think it's any of her business." He snapped.

Korra paused, "Really?"

"Yeah, Korra I know you're just being considerate and trying to keep the peace, but you don't have to spare her feelings." Mako stopped preparing their food and turned to face her from across the room. "She didn't ask how you would feel when she made this whole elaborate scheme"

Korra nodded remembering how hurt she was when she found out about Asami's real 'fake' engagement. "You're right."

She put down the mail, signaling an end to that conversation and turned back to Mako's case findings. All of them neatly organized and filed in manilla envelopes like the perfectionist he was.

"Okay so 'Big Shot Water Tribe' guy could be either Tarrlock or Varrick..." Korra picked up a sheet of paper that had the public statistics of both men. Their records conveniently squeaky clean.

"Why wouldn't it be Varrick? If anyone deserves that description its him.."

"Yeah but" Korra bit her lip, "He doesn't seem like the type to get his hands dirty. Why would he himself scope out the Triple Threats and other turfs?"

Mako shrugged as he carefully placed an array of cut fruits on their respective plates. "Good point.."

"I still don't understand why Asami would be working with Varrick.." Korra shook her head displeased at the very idea of it.

Mako paused, "Well...I think because she's not going to marry Iroh..and if she can't benefit from one man in power-"

"She swapped him out for another one.." Korra breathed.

"If it's one person who can insure she keeps Sato Industries after her father's reign it's Varrick, but what she's giving up in return I don't know."

"So this whole marrying Iroh is to keep her father distracted from what she's really planning?" Korra cocked her head to the side, trying to make it all make sense.

"Yeah, I just don't know what she's going to do to get her father out of the picture. Permanently."

"What a mess.." Korra sighed.

Mako nodded in agreement, "I think today I'll stop by the station-oh fuck!"

"What's wrong?" Korra looked over expecting to see he spilled his coffee or something.

"Today's our holiday break. Two days off..The station is closed."

"So enjoy it Mako!" Korra exclaimed. She shut the manilla folders and placed them back inside his brief case. "Perfect timing to stick a pin in this! Especially after last night!"

Mako grunted, "Damn it! I really want to get a jump on this. Especially before Varrick does..."

Korra pouted, "The lantern festival is tonight too, remember? ..Santa and mistletoes and all that shit-"

His face softened, "I know I said we would..."

"We'll take it slow," She added eyeing his bandages.

"Don't worry, I'm not in pain." He smirked, "I wouldn't of entertained anything Tahno was up to if I was..."

He brought her a plate of food, making sure she ate first like he usually did. Korra thanked him, "So it's settled! You can't back out now!"

"I'm not, we'll go. I promise." Mako sat on her right with his breakfast and only then realized just how hungry he was. Like clockwork Naga found her way under the table just out of his arms reach. Mako picked up an apple slice, looking at Korra for approval first.

"Fine.." She sighed.

Naga happily took the fruit from him, eager to eat anything off their plates.

As Korra cut a slice of her toast she could see Mako watching her from the corner of his eye. She dipped her fried bread in syrup before bringing it up to her mouth, "What's with the look?"

"Nothing...I just thought you'd have more to say.." He replied.

Korra chewed quietly then awkwardly swallowed, "About you and Tahno?"

He nodded.

"I'm shocked yeah, not by him obviously but you...You always find a way to surprise me..." She smirked.

Mako blushed, "I don't think I did it for you..."

Korra's brows rose curiously. Mako gave Naga another small bite of his food. "I don't know...I just..did it..I wasn't really thinking..."

"And did you like it?" Korra asked, she stopped eating entirely as she anxiously awaited his every word.

"I did." He confessed.

"So did I" Korra sighed, she eyed her plate before looking back at him. Her stomach suddenly felt in knots. "I..um..I mean. What do you think of that dynamic?"

It was Mako's turn to look puzzled, "I don't know what you mean..."

"Like.. You...me...and someone else..."

He look uninterested. "Like, all the time?"

"Well not all the time... but just not exclusively us."

"Oh." Mako spoke.

The princess couldn't tell if his response was positive or negative.

A knock on her door caught them both off guard and Korra went to answer with Naga faithfully by her side. As she opened it a woman's body fell against her chest in a tight embrace. Korra gasped as she breathed in the smell of her familiar cologne and wrapped her arms around her chest in a tight hug.

"Kuvira?..." Korra whispered. She held her tighter as she realized her friend was crying...

"Its' over.." She mumbled into the crook of Korra's neck.

-O-

Mako awkwardly placed a cup of hot tea in front of the General as her and Korra spoke in the living room. Her eyes were red, cheeks flushed, and hair in a messy bun. This was the first time Mako had ever seen her look so...human.

"You don't have anything stronger than this?" Kuvira asked, pointing to the cup of tea like it was some sort of sick joke.

Korra graciously took a cup as well. "Afraid not."

Mako left them alone to talk and rounded the corner back in the kitchen to clean up from breakfast.

"Sorry to ask so many questions but when did Bataar-"

"He flew in with Opal last night unannounced." Kuvira spoke.

"Oh." Korra sighed, last night was eventful for everyone else too apparently.

"He came over, we fought-" She shrugged, shaking off the heavy details.. Korra could tell she didn't want to relive them and didn't feel the need to ask her to elaborate.

"Called it quits, for good."

Korra leaned forward and placed her hand on her friends knee. "I'm so sorry Kuvira.."

"I knew this was coming. I wanted it and yet..." she seemed ashamed to admit, "I still had a small hope things would be different."

"That's completely normal. Feeling sad after making the right decision, doesn't mean it was a wrong one.."

"Luckily Su had half a mind to advise him this should be handled privately after my little stunt with the newspaper, so I won't have to worry about the public humility..." She shook her head annoyed, "I couldn't even stand to sit next to them this morning at Asami's charity thing! I could give two shits about 'saving face'.."

"That was today!" Mako cursed under his breath and went to retrieve his phone. He texted Asami an apology, along with congratulations, thinking that was better than nothing. He then went to turn on Korra's TV and flipped on the news to see the live recording of this mornings event. He plopped down on the couch as the two women continued to talk.

"What are you going to do now?" Korra asked.

"I'm going back to Ba Sing Se, I'm going to finish my mission there...then I'm just going to live my life.." She sipped the tea, "whatever is left of it."

"Don't say it like that," Korra protested. "You have your whole life ahead of you..Don't let them define it for you"

Kuvira smirked, Korra was always so cutely optimistic. She was going to miss that once this was over. "Thank you Korra, for letting me in. Giving me sympathy..." Her hand trailed up the side of her muscular arm, "Teaching me to cope...you have no idea how much that's helped me these passed few months."

Korra smiled softly, "I'm saying the same to you too. You've helped us both so much.." Kuvira's gaze flicked over to Mako before she snaked her hand up to Korra's face. They leaned forward and embraced in what felt like a heart-felt and yet finale worthy kiss. Kuvira slipped her hand under Korra's jaw and held her closer, deepening the connection of their lips with each press and nip. She tore into her bottom lip, savoring every second of this embrace.

Korra pulled away breathlessly and smiled, she was definitely going to miss her as well.

Just then a slight disturbance played across the broadcast. When Kuvira saw what was happening she laughed, "Oh did you hear about this!" She instructed Mako to turn the volume up and listen to the end of Asami's speech.

"I didn't want to spoil the announcement, but let me tell you seeing this in person was a treat!"

Korra sat in front of the TV as Mako leaned forward on the couch. They watched with wide eyes as Asami stood confidently at the podium with her hands clasped around a piece of paper that she read from.

"...I want the core of Sato Industries to be about inovation and philanthropy. The future is indeed about transportation and protection, but it is also about acceptance. No matter where we come from, our income, or our back grounds. We all deserve a fair and prosperous life. So along with the youth center and displacement shelter I have also prepared a home of refuge for those of us that have suffered the loss of family and support because of the ones we love-"

Korra's breath caught in her throat as she peered at the screen in complete shock.

"...This center will act as a hub for anyone courageous enough to love someone of the same gender, sex, or orientation. This will be a safe haven, a resource to aid the health and education for the LGBTQIA community.." Asami looked down at her paper and Korra watched as a few tears shed down the side of her face, "..A place I wish I could of had when I was a little girl...learning to accept her own identity..."

"Holy..Shit.." Mako muttered. He looked over at Korra sitting on the floor, clinging to every word Asami said.

"No one should ever fear the loss of their home, their family, their rights, their livelihood ..for being authentically themselves. No one should ever have to hide in plan sight and burden the people they love by locking them away in fear of rejection. So from this day forward, I will ensure no one will ever have to endure that again."

Korra turned away from the television as a mixture of applause and outrage drowned out the last few words Asami had said before walking away from the microphone.

"Oh that's not even the best part!" Kuvira added, "Hiroshi looked furious!" She laughed, "He got up and stormed out of the whole event. Granted a few hundred other people also left, but he looked like he was going to explode! It was amazing..."

She sat back against the edge of the couch, "That Sato...She's got a few extra points in my book.."

"Korra?" Mako asked. She sat on the floor looking down at her hands in her lap. "..You okay..?"

Kuivra and Mako both moved to sit beside her as they noticed she was crying. She looked up at them and wiped the tears from her eyes. "..yeah..I'm okay..." She seemed unable to find the right words to say, "I just never thought that she would..."

Korra shook her head in disbelief, "It's been years in the making..."

Asami outing herself in front of the whole world was the last thing Korra thought her ex would do. Especially since she had been selling them this fantasy of a royal wedding to Prince Iroh. Korra could only imagine the tabloids and articles they would write about her. What Hiroshi is going to do in exchange.

"She did the right thing though." Mako reassured. "She's taking her power back.."

"It's a new era, as far as I'm concerned there's no room for such archaic and close-minded idiots. Good riddance to all of them as far as I'm concerned!" Kuvira added.

"I think I should talk to her." Korra muttered. For weeks she kept going back and forth on how she felt about Asami. In some cases completely demonizing her.

"You will, her party is at the end of this week..We'll have more than enough time." Mako spoke.

"What about Hiroshi?" She asked.

"...I think she's safe. That's why she did that. Varrick's plan must be in motion..."

Korra nodded as Mako stretched his arms over his head.

"Right, she had this all figured out.." Korra muttered.

Mako stood and helped Korra to her feet as he realized someone was missing. "Hey uh...so where's Prince Wu?"

"Believe it or not Bolin did me a solid! He had a fellow cadet by the name of Hong Li fly in with the Bei-fong's last night and sweep the Prince off his feet for me. I am babysitter free for the remainder of this vacation." She smirked.

"Nice! Bolin's MVP." Korra laughed.

"No he's just a clever kiss-ass" She joked before sitting down on Korra's couch and putting her feet up on a floor pillow. "So what's the plans for the evening?"

Korra picked up her tea and sipped it awkwardly, "o-oh, well. The lantern festival is tonight."

"That sounds fun.."

Korra looked at Mako then back at Kuvira, normally she didn't mind adding another person to their plans but she wanted tonight to be special. Especially after everything they've endured. The princess wanted some nice, uninterrupted alone time with him.

"Well actually...I think it'll just be the two of us. I mean you can still go it's a public event-"

"Right, sure.. I'll sit this one out." Kuvira smirked, unable to hide her coy expression. Were they finally doing this?!

She looked at Mako who stood trying not to seem suspicious. "Just the two of you-"

"Yup" he added, shrugging his shoulders casually.

"a night out...alone"

"mm hmm,"

She smirked deviously, "...As friends..."

"Yeah," Korra shrugged, "perfectly normal."

"Right normal." Mako repeated. He walked out of the living room and into the guest bedroom to avoid Kuvira's critical eyes.

Korra took their tea cups and practically ran to the kitchen to wash them.

Kuvira laughed playfully and settled into the plush couch cushions. "Whatever you say..."