(Inspired by 'Egoistprince' and 'KingKyberrr' on Twitter
"still thinking about how republic city find out korra and mako were together, and i truly believe it's bc mako kissed korra in front of everyone when they won a probending match-
it was on every front page the next day and ppl even did bets on it" )
Mr. and Mrs. Avatar
Korra ran through the large double doors that lead to the training do-jo with her gym bag slung over her shoulder and a panicked look on her face.
"Hey! Sorry I'm late! I-"
She slowed her pace to a quick walk as she noticed inside Asami, Bolin, Mako and...Tenzin sat waiting for her.
Once Korra saw the bald-headed air-bending master looming over her friends she knew something was amiss.
"Hey guys..." She scanned her friends faces, they all looked at her awkwardly. Mako not at all, although his face was bright red, like he was embarrassed.
"Tenzin...what are you doing here?" Korra asked.
Tenzin paced back and forth along the length of the gym mat. The large open windows behind him depicted a bright sunny day in Republic City. Which directly contrasted his less than cheery mood.
"You haven't heard?" Asami chimed in, wanting to break the tension in the room. She was scrolling on her phone, recounting the thousands of posts, pictures, blogs, videos, etc. of the 'breaking' news.
"I kinda over-slept" Korra shrugged as she sat on one of the benches. "I haven't seen or heard anything.."
Her mentor and guardian unfolded today's newspaper that was tucked under his arm and read the headline.
"The Famous Fire Ferrets Captain Moxxi Mako Captured the Avatar's Heart?!" He announced.
Korra launched up from her seat and snatched the paper from him. Sure enough the headline was correct and was accompanied by a full spread image of Mako kissing Korra at last nights preliminary Pro-bending match. Korra couldn't tear her eyes away from the high-res photo of Mako's hands on her face, their lips connected and the hundreds of eyes that bared witness to it all.
"Moxxi?…." Mako shuttered distastefully.
Korra plopped down beside him still gawking over the image. Honestly, last night was a blur. Their minds were all so focused on the tournament, the fatigue of fighting till the last second, remembering all their training, putting in so much work. When Korra got home, she plunged into an ice bath and went right to sleep. Their kiss...shouldn't even be front page news. Only on the back of the page did it even mention their win.
"Tenzin I can explain...We were going to tell you-"
"Korra you said the Pro-bending thing was productive for you. I've seen your improvement and I agree, this style of bending is useful to your overall avatar training but I don't think entertaining the masses..like this is a good idea."
She blinked, "Wait you're not upset I have a boyfriend?"
"Korra you're 17." Tenzin replied, "At this age its perfectly acceptable, however the Avatar being what they call "Hot gossip" is not! You need to take this job seriously!"
The Avatar shook her head, "I didn't ask to be front page news! No one even knew we were together until-"
"That was my bad," Mako chimed in, he was timid at first. He didn't know Tenzin well, and this was definitely not a great introduction. "I just got a little too enthusiastic last night," He looked down, rubbing the back of his neck.
It was the final round. The Fire Ferrets were hanging on a wire. Tired and dripping in sweat with only one last chance to sweep the win. They needed one perfectly timed knock out as the clock dwindled against the odds. This win was crucial so that the team could advance into the finals and redeem themselves from last seasons' loss with the White Falls Wolf Bats.
Korra and Bolin were out of juice and it was up to him. Five seconds left on the clock and Mako found his opening. Shooting a perfect ball of fire he was able to steal the win, clearing their opponents off the platfrom and into the 'drink' down below.
The roar of the crowds pierced their ears as the final buzzer rung, declaring the match was over. Their team colors waved amongst the sea of people as they celebrated in support of their victory. Korra and Bolin with happy tears in their eyes hugged eachother gleefully then ran to congratulate their team captain. Bolin grappled him into a war bear hug and lightly punched his shoulder in disbelief. Then he turned to Korra.
He saw the sparks in her eyes, the overwhelming gleam of affection and admiration that she had for him. The adrenaline of the win coursed through his veins and all he could think about was the fact that he was so fortunate to have her there with him. Everything else faded away in that very moment. Before he could stop him self, he cupped Korra's face in his hands and kissed her boldy infront of all those thousands of people and the forgotten paparazzi.
At first Korra was stiff in shock but quickly recovered and embraced him. They savored each others lips for a few more seconds before pulling apart in an attempt to catch their breath. That was all it took to apparently get all of Republic City in a tizzy.
He cupped Korra's hand appologectically. "I didn't mean to rat us out." He looked into her eyes sincerly, they had already agreed back in the South after Korra got her bending back that they would take things slowly. For the most part they were able to keep their newly formed relationship private.
"To be honest I'm not that surprised." Bolin shrugged. They were practically inseparable on their way back to Republic City and many fans in person and online began to speculate they were dating anyway. They stubled upon a few blog sites and rumors of Fire Ferret fans "shipping" them together. Candid photos of them trying to confirm said rumors that they both just ignored.
"Some articles here say people were placing bets on it..." Asami said timidly. When she saw everyone's lack of enthusiasm she tried to lighten the mood. "But this could be good! Publicity for the Fire Ferrets? I mean I've seen nothing but positive reactions..."
"It's okay," Korra smiled, She leaned closer to him and whispered, "A part of me is actually glad you did."
He gave her a knowing look as they both agreed it felt like a large weight had been lifted off their backs. Hiding it was actually the hardest part since it was in their nature to be proud of one another, wanting to show each other off, go on dates, etc.
"Korra relationships are too distracting!" Tenzin interrupted, "Trust me I know."
"I'm allowed to have a normal life Tenzin! Yes I'm the Avatar but I'm also still…me"
"If it's Korra's safety you're worried about I can set up some security for her and Mako when they are out and about," Asami said. She knew all about the life of being a celebrity. You almost never truly have any privacy.
"Thank you Asami but I think I can take care of myself," Korra politely declined only because Tenzin already had White Lotus guards watching her every move.
"That won't be necessary Miss Sato, the White Lotus guards are very formidable in their roles as Korra's protection."
See? Korra inwardly groaned.
"I promise I'll do everything to make sure I'm not in Korra's way." Mako protested. "I'm actually really…honored the Avatar would even want to be my girlfriend.." He gave a soft hearted chuckle. "It still feels…unreal."
Korra interlaced their fingers, "It feels that way for me too." She loved that Mako could see past all those fancy titles and her ungodly amount of power. He could just see her for who she was. He didn't care whether she had her bending or not, if she was the avatar or not, he would always be there for her.
They smiled at eachother before Tenzin cleared his throat pulling them apart.
"But I understand how important this role is for the world, so...I won't be a distraction." Mako reassured, a soft blush still washed over his cheeks.
Tenzin stroked his chin beard, mulling it over in his head. Korra did deserve to have some time to enjoy herself in her teen years, and that also meant in her love life.
"Okay fine, I trust the two of you will be mature about the whole thing and lie low, we don't need the press prying into the personal life of the Avatar. It's not appropriate."
"Sure thing." Mako said.
"Of course!" Korra jumped up and hugged him.
"Now out you go! We are already 20 minutes behind and we are not paying for more gym time!"
She slightly pushed on his back and he took the hint to leave.
"I'll see you at home Korra."
"Yeah, see ya," She sighed. Once he left she turned toward her friends in relief.
"Sorry, that was awkward."
"Don't mention it Korra, he cares for you like any concerned dad would," Asami laughed.
Mako approached her and pulled her into a hug, "I'm actually very relieved to have gotten his blessing.."
"You thought you wouldn't?" Korra joked, making him blush.
Mako looked away embarrassingly, "Well-"
"Welcome to the family Korra!" Bolin pulled them both into a tight embrace as they all laughed and finally celebrated their win into the pro-bending finals.