Asami truly did intend to take a nap while the others were out. Yet as she rests on the settee in the music room, letting the muted melodies of wind instruments wash over her from the record player, she still feels too restless for that. Sleep comes quickly and deeply most of the time, but her brain must shut off first. At this moment she finds that to be an impossibility.

She doesn't have many reservations about letting Mako take Korra for a stroll. What Korra does now is her business and Asami trusts Mako to be a gentleman. But Asami does spend time thinking about what all of this will mean for their future, sharing her lover with another. Intentionally this time.

She thinks of Korra, all but living in the mansion with her now, where her bed is their safe haven apart from the world. That peaceful solace may include him now. How often could she allow Mako to spend the full night, knowing what nights entail? What mornings entail?

How often would she have Korra to herself?

How often would Korra stay with him instead, leaving Asami and her bed cold?

This huge shift means everything will change. Asami tries very hard to remind herself of the good this will bring, for it is too easy to be overwhelmed by thoughts of the bad. It isn't fair for her to assume the worst. But the idea of Mako being an ever-present fixture in her life now, in a significantly greater capacity than he already has been, makes her wonder, and makes her worry.

Before their excursion to the library, Asami used to intentionally limit her time spent with Mako. She was never anal-retentive enough to note their nights spent together on a calendar, but she could feel when they would begin meeting up too often and would force herself to rein back. Mako joined her for the occasional work event, or the occasional friendly brunch, but it was never a date, even when it led to more. Even when she wasn't feeling particularly bad and just wanted his attention.

Part of the appeal of limiting time with him was to deny him opportunities to put his foot in his mouth. It was easiest when he just got down to business, where his mouth would be otherwise occupied. Maybe it was callous, but he understood what was expected, she had less to think about, and that made it easier on them both.

But the biggest reason their interactions were so limited was because she knows what happens when he stays. She just witnessed it happen with Korra. Sex may come with its own host of complications, but to be embraced for hours on end, letting yourself fall into a state of unconsciousness, basking in the warmth of another… Naked, to boot, with their scent in your nose, their taste on your tongue. Sleeping together after sex is an act of letting down your strongest walls, sometimes more intimate than anything that came before, and it can make you feel all sorts of ways come sunrise.

She was admittedly tempted the other night, maybe because her head wasn't exactly clear or because they had already been asleep. When Korra slipped out of the room, there was a void in the middle of the bed that Asami wanted to roll into. When doing so slid her close to Mako, he wasn't opposed to holding her, even though he didn't embrace her with the same enthusiasm that he did Korra. He was respectful and only rested his forearm over her waist, letting her stay there and soak in his warmth. Actually falling asleep beside him was something she had resisted doing for a long time, but in this moment she failed to resist the call. When they broke apart, any anxiety was defused by Korra joking she had already reserved that spot.

Even after the no-sleeping rule was added to their list of prohibited actions, years ago, Asami and Mako still slipped up more than a few times. Too many drinks or exhaustingly vigorous sex would make them collapse together, forgetting themselves, forgetting the entire point of this exchange. It was always shameful after, when her heart would be lodged in her throat and Mako could tell. He'd see anger flash in her face and would hurriedly dress himself and apologize for the mistake. Even when she had been the one to fall asleep first, or she was the one telling him it was okay, just this one time. Come morning, it never was.

One morning she woke up with a hangover and Mako snoozing with his head cradled between her breasts. It was so tender, with his features so soft and trusting, his arm thrown around her in a loose embrace. It made her especially angry then, head pounding, heart pounding harder. She hated how it made her feel. Her affection twisted into anxiety, only to swell and crash over her in waves of fury. She threw curses and clothes at him so he wouldn't make that mistake again. She regretted being cruel and apologized later, but allowing vulnerability like that was even more regrettable.

Situations like that reminded her of all the things they weren't. They were constantly toeing the line between letting him touch her body and letting him touch her heart. When he stepped over it, she felt like a komodo-rhino, blind with rage and eager to ram and bite until the threat cleared. At times it felt like she was mistreating him, but he rarely protested, unable to quit her in the same way she was unable to quit him.

Asami understands the appeal of him completely, of course. He's charismatic and funny, where even his worst jokes can turn a smile, which only adds to his charm. He's a fabulously talented bender, athletic, handsome. He's courteous, disciplined, protective. Caring when he wants to be.

Asami loves to see Korra's love for him, the way her face alights in his presence.

But that isn't what Asami and Mako have. That isn't something she has allowed herself to want.

She doesn't really want to imagine specifics about what Korra and Mako are doing while they're out. But Asami gave him that book with the hope that speaking words of love aloud might make both of them understand. It could trigger one of them to say the words that could bring them together again. They're both stubborn, hot-blooded knuckleheads at times, and she just wants this to be easy, not like pulling teeth.

She imagines it could unfold in the meadow like one of the romance stories she's read before, where the star-crossed lovers finally unite, tears streaming down their cheeks as they declare themselves for one another, forsaking all that dare they part. But this isn't like that, because Korra is her girlfriend, and Mako is Mako, and there is zero breathing room between their budding romance and her own existent one.

Asami wanted them to go to the meadow because she saw what it was like to lay with him there. In the quiet, comforting moments like that, his presence becomes beyond magnetic. She was more than half-tempted to jump his bones when he wistfully spoke about the love that could have been.

Asami just wants the same for Korra. She wants Korra to have her what-could've-been, without all the quiet vexation that grips her like a vice, even now.

Asami sits up when she hears them come back. When they reach the music room's open threshold, Korra pokes her head in, smiling wide when she sees Asami. Behind her Mako holds onto her hand. Dipping down, he whispers something into her ear, then lets her go and leaves down the hall without meeting Asami's gaze.

Korra steps in hesitantly, but by the way she's holding in her breath it looks like she wants to dump a whole lot of information on Asami all at once.

"I'm going to steal the record player," Asami says first, as less of an ice breaker and more of a way to address anything except the obvious. She reaches out, still seated, and encourages Korra to come sit with her. "I'll create an arts fund for the temples in exchange, or something."

"That's nice," Korra says a bit distractedly. When Korra sits on the edge of the settee, happiness is soaked into her features which makes Asami worry less. Asami finds Korra's hand with her own, lending support.

"I wish I had words to express how grateful I am for you," Korra says. "You always know what I need before I do. I thought I was supposed to be the insightful one, but you're always paces ahead of me."

A smile spreads across Asami's lips, her heart warmed by the love she feels in those words. "I simply can't take my eyes off you. Of course I'm paying attention."

Korra looks down, but takes Asami's hand in both of hers. She plays with Asami's digits, running her index finger along the length of each, pondering something.

"I don't need details," Asami says after a moment, sensing that Korra doesn't know where to start. "Just let me know, did everything go well?"

"Yes. Yes."

"How were the flowers?"

"... Wet." Korra coughs a laugh at her own response. "I mean, white."

Asami cocks her head, amused by her flustered demeanor here.

"My air chakra opened sometime today too," Korra adds. She rambles hurriedly about how it may have been thanks to the statue room. She was able to think clearly about her connection to the Avatars at last – as a bond, not a burden – and grief didn't trouble her after that point. But then, her time with Mako was so sweet and satisfying, so she can't tell what did it. Maybe he helped her by talking kindly, or holding her hand, or –

"I'm grateful this place was exactly what you needed," Asami says, gently interrupting her. She doesn't mind hearing, but would like Korra to avoid oversharing through sheer impulsivity. "And I'm glad we've been able to help you. You have come so amazingly far. You are the strongest person I've ever known, and I can't wait to see what you will be like by the time we're through, at the height of your power."

The difference is already so apparent. Korra is having fewer nightmares and angrily rants less often. She's less frustrated, less self-flagellating, and more focused on moving forward, no longer lamenting all the things she can't change.

Korra lets out a huge breath. "I know. Just two chakras left. I told myself I would unblock the fire and air chakras while we were here. Today's our last day, and I did it. I did it."

"You did it," Asami agrees.

When Korra hugs her, Asami closes her eyes, comforted seeing Korra so openly joyous at last. It is such an improvement compared to the quietly sorrowful Korra that held her hand in the spirit world months ago. It is nothing like the broken Korra that disappeared across the ocean and didn't resurface for three years. Her happiness is so radiant, and Asami desperately wants to see more of it.

Korra has sacrificed so much for mankind and spirits alike. There is very little Asami wouldn't sacrifice for her — not for the Avatar with their worlds on her shoulders, but for the headstrong, beautiful woman who has become her world.

"I should give you some time to process," Asami says, knowing Korra would benefit from that. "I love you so much. I'm beyond proud and happy for you."

Korra just squeezes her tighter, nuzzling in and not letting go as the record player spins on. In Korra's arms, Asami is able to feel that she is loved just as equally.

Her anxiety fizzles out, and she decides against leaving for a while longer. Everything else can wait.

Asami finds Mako in the bathhouse, packing their clothes and other things. He's arranged and folded everything, thoughtful and meticulous as he goes about caring for other people's items. Asami's makeup is neatly stacked but not yet put away into a bag, as if he's leaving it for her to double-check. But she catches him pilfering one of the bottles of shampoo the acolytes provided and stuffing it into his own bag.

He immediately looks contrite upon getting caught. "It smells nice," he defends, as if that's a defense.

Asami approaches him with an understanding gesture. "No judgment. I'm stealing the phonograph."

Mako looks down to continue situating his belongings in his pack, not commenting on that. Asami can sense some level of discomfort in him, and doesn't want to make this or any future conversations difficult. She's had her fair share of difficult conversations lately.

"Thank you for coming on this trip with us," she says, trying to be kind. "Korra is doing great, thanks to all your help."

Mako doesn't want to beat around the bush, though. He rises up to his full height, turning to look at her with abrupt seriousness. "Does it end here?"

"Does what?"

"This." He waves a finger between himself and Asami. "Am I still needed, once we're back home? Will Korra need me?"

It's at that point Asami realizes Korra hasn't explained much to him. He's still thinking this is an arrangement for sex and nothing more, even as Korra makes constant goo-goo eyes at him and kisses him with a crazed passion.

Yep. Pulling teeth. Perhaps that's why Korra implied it would be okay if Asami cleared the air for her.

"I think I've done a number on your head," she says, not trying to tease. "This is more of a conversation for you and Korra to have. But she truly likes you, and wants much more than what you and I shared."

Mako had made a show of turning to confront her, but at those words he takes a half-step back, no longer feeling so confident.

"That's… great and all," he says slowly, as if trying to digest that information, "but she's your girlfriend. I can't exactly date your girlfriend."

"To be fair, I've never said you couldn't."

Mako licks his lips, processing. His eyes flit across her face as if he's trying to see if this is another potential prank. She keeps doing this to him, cornering and dropping bombs on him that make him question all sense of reality. But this offer is real, too. Korra loves him, and would accept him, if he wished to make it official.

"Is that something you'd be okay with?" he asks hesitantly. "What… What are the rules for something like that?"

Asami feels a sharp stab of guilt when she inhales. Maybe she truly has messed him up. He's thinking in a warped way, where every interaction with others must be controlled and calculated. That may be what she expected of him, to ensure she never felt an emotion she didn't want, but he's allowing it to bleed into other areas, into interactions with other people. Treating these things as purely transactional has made him forget what relationships should be.

Asami considers. There may need to be guidelines, just so surprises like a hickey won't destabilize a delicate situation. Maybe she'd be fine with him marking her if they were official, anyway. She'd be less fine with him hogging all of Korra's time and attention and making Asami feel neglected.

But Asami told Korra that she's grown and can share, and Asami suddenly doesn't want to give him any more hard rules to follow. That chapter is over. She can't treat Mako like that anymore, not if it has hurt him like this.

Asami wants to claim that Korra was hers first, so he must respect that, but… She doesn't know how to phrase such a thought, because that isn't technically true. Korra has cared about him for years. And Asami doesn't want this to be a battle of egos, pitting herself against him in any capacity. Their common denominator is an all-consuming love for her, and that's beautiful. It shouldn't be dragged down by anyone's insecurities.

"Don't break her heart," Asami says, realizing the most important expectation of all. "You be kind to her or I will rip your dick off, root and stem, and feed it all to Naga. Korra needs your gentleness now."

Asami doesn't realize she's as tense as she is until Mako reaches forward to take her hand. Holding it in both of his, he dips his head so he can meet her gaze more closely. He doesn't seem remotely fazed by the threat.

In a softer tone, he asks, "Asami. Will you trust me?"

Oh.

He's being gentle.

Asami swallows hard, hyperfocused on the feel of how his hands are cupped, cradling her smaller one like an injured bird.

"I'm trying," is all she can say. "Prove that I should. Prove to me that this was the right call."

When she leaves this room – the same room in which she encouraged Korra to follow her heart – it feels like her own heart wants to pound its way out of her chest. She flexes her hand, feeling as though his touch lingers there, still warm.

The return flight is a little different, if just because the days and nights are flipped. They leave at dusk and reach Whale Tail Island sometime around midnight. There, it's easy to sleep under the stars, the sea breeze and sound of waves more than relaxing as they find a grassy spot near the beachfront.

Bold as brass, Korra requests they both hold her again. When her fingers get a little frisky, and she signals that she wants to kiss or more, Asami softly conveys she isn't in the mood for that tonight. Nothing particularly interesting happens beyond Mako whispering to her again. She laughs and pushes at his chest, and he kisses her through their smiles. They both look happy beyond words.

When Mako draws back, pushing a curl of Korra's hair out of her face so he can see her better, Asami has to roll away so she stops noticing how gentle he really is with her. This is what she requested, and it's too nice to see.

They leave out in the morning, their next destination being that little outcrop of stone called Water Tribe Sacred Island. Meditation seems to be part of Korra's morning routine now, and Asami thinks Tenzin will be proud of the habit she's forming. Korra is finally in touch with herself more than spiritually, but emotionally too, resolute in her mission to find peace and clarity of mind.

Mako and Asami spend this time reading quietly to themselves. He still has the book about chakras from Tenzin's library, while Asami had brought half a dozen miscellaneous books with her, figuring parts of this trip would be boring. She skips from one book to the next, from business management to a fictitious mystery, yet none of it holds her attention for long. She's distracted by Mako now, too caught up on her mental perception of who she thought he was, and how it compares and contrasts with the real him. Days and days spent beside him have revealed his truest colors.

Mako makes her comfortable and uncomfortable in turns. That's all they've ever had, and it was predictable.

Something more is gnawing at her now. Too much time has been spent with him, she imagines. This has been a week straight of doing little more than relaxing and chit-chatting, sharing meals, sharing sleeping arrangements.

It took him hours to be able to learn her various strategies, but he managed three consecutive wins against her in pai sho, with a different technique utilized each time. She couldn't recall the last person who was able to accomplish that feat beyond her father.

In the spirit library, the way they bounced ideas and theories off of one another was passionate, analytical, intellectual. She loved having someone whose mind rivaled her own in this capacity. Maybe he was less formally book-learned than she was – she had tutors, and he had the streets – but his mind was able to connect abstract ideas to one another in a way that hers could not.

Asami has been able to let her guard down around him lately, too comfortable when he would settle in beside her, sometimes a mere inch away. Even the way he read excerpts from the air chakra book was captivating. She noticed how his fingers held the book open just so, his thumb and ring finger spreading it apart, two fingers curled in underneath. He'd say some affirmation that didn't particularly resonate, but the way his gaze would slide over to hers and he'd smile in amusement was too much. She closed her eyes then, letting the timbre of his voice wash over her. He spoke of inner peace, and love, and forgiveness, and she liked the sound because it was him speaking.

She doesn't want to give him hard rules to follow anymore. But it feels like the lines she's drawn for herself are blurring, just the same. Washing away in the tide of his presence. There's a stone wall in her heart built just for him, and he's chiseling at it, even as he doesn't mean to, and she doesn't wish for him to.

"The next chakra," Korra says suddenly, drawing their gazes up to her. "The sound one. Mako, tell me about it."

He turns back a number of pages in his book to skim its section. "The sound chakra involves communication, self-expression and authenticity. It signifies clarity of thoughts and actions, and enables us to embrace our individual truth. Honesty, compassion… Uh…"

"Alright. What blocks it?"

"'Disharmonious relationships'? Okay. Um, breakdowns in communication, misunderstandings and conflicts."

Sitting with legs crossed, Korra braces her hands on her knees, contemplating that. "I feel like that's Asami's specialty," Korra says. "She's so open and honest with me, and she always helps me be open and honest in return. She's communicative so it's easy being with her. We have very few conflicts."

Asami forces a small smile. "We've discussed hesitation in being honest before, when we spoke of overcoming guilt. Being honest is easier said than done."

"That's human nature," Korra disagrees. "Having a chakra open doesn't mean you never experience the bad emotions related to it. It means those emotions aren't holding you back from enjoying life to its fullest, you know?"

Asami wonders. She does feel like she's skilled in articulating her thoughts, weaving conversations to suit her needs.

But with Mako it's different. Maybe it's just Asami that's the problem, with her heart like ice, and things would have been easier if she had never put those walls up at all. She shut the door to open communication with Mako a long time ago, afraid that letting him closer would inevitably jeopardize her well-being somewhere down the road.

"Mm. I still don't feel like that's my specialty," Asami says. "I don't communicate well with everybody."

Asami thinks of her father and how she didn't even read the stack of letters he'd sent until he passed away. Even if she needed those years to heal from his betrayal, she missed the rest of his life, and he missed so much of hers. He didn't get to see her blossom into adulthood. He never got to know how hard she worked to restore their family name. His letters were remorseful, but always kind, supportive, and proud of her.

Maybe the letters could have helped lessen the resentment she held in her heart, but she never gave him that chance. She forsook any relationship with him because she stubbornly clung to bitterness for the ways he had hurt her. Even when his awful, misguided actions were rooted in love, her unwillingness to empathize only let this wound fester inside her.

It's the same with Mako. His greatest sin was deception, his desire burning too fast and recklessly like an uncontrolled wildfire. It led to repeated dishonesty between himself and the two women he cared for. Asami held onto resentment and distrust for him in the same manner as she did her father, never giving him an opportunity to truly reconnect with her. She allowed the years to pass, unchanging, still holding onto this pain as if it could keep her safer. As if seeing him panic and scramble out of the door was a better alternative to letting him hold her, kiss her, and letting herself feel.

Korra frowns a bit, sensing something may be off with her mood, but lets it go. After discussing the sound chakra more, Korra resumes meditation.

Mako trades books with Asami as he senses her disinterest in the others. "We're almost home," he says, trying to comfort her. "I forgot to tell you. I do want to thank you for inviting me… I want to be here to see this play out. When all of her chakras are open, when she's able to learn how to reconnect to the Avatars. I want to be here for every step of it."

"You will be," Asami promises. "We're almost there."

The island is entirely uneventful. It's an hour's rest for Oogi and room to stretch their legs, at least. Mako finds a crab scuttling between the rocks, and Korra declares she'll eat it until she sees how small it is. After watching it disappear, she looks glum and swears they'll dine at a nice seafood place soon.

They carry on, more bored than ever, and it's a few hours until sunset when they at last reach the Fire Nation bazaar.

"It's a horribly long trip just from here to Republic City," Korra says, squinting up at the sun after they land. Oogi is settled some distance away from civilization again so no one may bother him. "Eight hours or so. We should stay put for the night, I guess. I'm sure there is a swanky hotel somewhere around here."

"That would be nice," Asami says, grateful for the opportunity to experience new things about this place. Their last time through was very fun, even if she may have drank too much. The food and atmosphere are fantastic, and she considers whether vacationing here is something Korra might enjoy in the future.

"We can also dine at a couple restaurants," Mako suggests. "Instead of just street vendors. I guarantee they'll have seafood."

They agree to that plan. Korra promises more pastries for Oogi, reminds him to stick around overnight, and they leave for the bazaar.

A full walk down the strip, two big meals, and one hotel check-in later, it's late in the evening when they get situated in their hotel room. It's lovely, with its large four-poster bed bearing rich, red satin sheets, a black wrought iron frame, and golden embellishments throughout. Asami likes the bold aesthetic here and tries to memorize their use of strong lines and geometric shapes.

Over dinner, when Mako gave the first bite of his meal to her, Asami began questioning why she keeps Mako at an arm's length at all. He is a gentleman, and lovely to spend time with. A pleasure to talk to. A strong shoulder to lean on. The things he did to hurt Asami occurred years ago and he's put in effort to be on his best behavior ever since.

Even Korra hurt her. Korra tried to hurt her, in her complete disregard for Asami's well-being, and yet Korra was able to be forgiven without hesitation. Asami feels complete with Korra at her side and can't imagine holding those mistakes against her now. They were stupid kids playing stupid games back then – Asami understands that, so why is she still holding Mako to a different standard?

Asami was already able to process how Mako truly cared for both women. More than lust, he liked and loved them, and his struggles and mistakes arose from that. Coming to terms with that helped to establish Asami's understanding for how Korra could love two people as well. That is simply how their hearts were built. She has sympathy for Korra, but wonders why she extends so little sympathy to Mako, even after all this time.

Korra sprawls out over the bed, needing to stretch out as she complains about eating too much. Asami is so frazzled, she doesn't care about modesty as she begins undressing for the night. She sits beside Korra on the bed, pulling out her hair tie, kicking off her shoes, drawing down her tights. When she unbuttons her top and shrugs out of it, Korra makes a sound to express she likes what she sees.

Asami sighs. As she slips out of her skirt next, she apologizes to Korra. "I'm sorry, sweetie. I've just been stressed these past couple days. And not in a way that makes me want to do anything."

Korra's expression turns concerned. She reaches a hand out to touch Asami gently on the hip. "Is it something we're doing? If this change is hard, please let me know. We can talk about this."

Foolishly, Asami only now realizes her own attitude problems have completely coincided with the beginning of their relationship. If they're official at all. She isn't sure if anything has been formalized yet, even as they grow clingy and kiss like lovestruck teenagers every now and then. But this has nothing to do with their relationship, and everything to do with herself and Mako and how heartless she's been toward him.

Asami thinks of the sound chakra and how she's been struggling to communicate lately. The relationship between her and Mako is certainly disharmonious. And this is another big misunderstanding. Two in as many days.

Perhaps she should have been meditating with Korra this whole time, working on finding that compassion and authenticity she supposedly has.

Asami considers being as upfront and honest as Korra has been with her recently. Korra bared her soul to Asami, telling all. These are Asami's dearest friends, and she owes them at least a little clarification.

"You two are perfect," she tries to soothe. "No, I'm just stuck in my own head, thinking about my own long history of emotional difficulties, struggling with trust and forgiveness. I realized I've been very unfair to Mako."

"Oh."

Mako is seated in a chair beyond the opposite side of the bed. He has the little air chakra book in his hands and has been reading it, but closes it when Asami looks at him.

"I haven't treated you right," she tells him.

"I'd argue you're treating me better than ever," he returns.

She rolls her eyes and turns away, continuing to undress for the night. She debates leaving her bra and panties on. But as Korra's gaze drifts across in a way that makes her feel less like meat and more like fine art, Asami wants to show them. Maybe it's less communication, but it is openness, and she wants their attention now. It is nice to be wanted. It is strange that this is the skin she feels most comfortable in, when she embraces the power it gives her over other people.

When Asami is naked, bearing perhaps not her soul but at least her body, Mako still doesn't look down from her face. Korra finally gets the hint and starts disrobing as well.

Elaboration doesn't come, so Mako lightly prompts Asami. "What do you feel you've done wrong?"

"There's been a double standard," Asami says, gesturing vaguely. "I was so quickly willing to empathize with Korra for loving multiple people. I've realized I never really forgave you for struggling with the same thing, Mako. Back when we were younger."

When Asami originally asked Mako to travel with them into the spirit world, Mako had sat down with her, wishing to clear the air. He apologized for all the ways he caused her pain, and explained the mess that was his perspective without making any excuses for himself. The list was long, a rap sheet he'd thoroughly constructed in his head, and it felt as though he was rolling it out on the table before them. It was heartfelt and long overdue. She didn't know quite what to say then, but accepted his apologies, and said little in the way of forgiveness.

She feels like she owes him a similar conversation, perhaps another time. One day she'll explain to him why she's always been so cold. That fear of allowing herself to feel coiled inside her like a snake, hostile and willing to strike if he reached a hand too close.

With Korra watching now, Asami feels embarrassed and ashamed of all the occasions she may have hurt him, all the morning-afters she doesn't wish to recount. This is more information that Korra doesn't know, and Asami doesn't know how to explain it all to a third party. Their dynamic wasn't great, but it was theirs. Mako got her through a lot of difficult moments by being there, letting her vent or cry against him, and calming her down in the way he knew would work. The only way she would let him comfort her, as awful as that is.

"I should never have hurt you like I did," Mako says, shifting to stand. He tosses the book toward Korra.

"I shouldn't have held onto that pain for so long," Asami replies. When Mako approaches, stepping around the bed, she offers her hands to him. "I've always been scared to let you close. A part of me feared that if we became anything more, you'd only burn me again. I pulled you in and pushed you away so many times, and never asked if you were doing okay. I know I've hurt you a lot more than I ever realized."

He looks down at her, a mixture of emotions playing out across his face. It's clear he doesn't know what to say.

Before he can find the words, Korra's top is thrown at his chest. "You're wearing too many clothes, lover boy," she taunts playfully. "Strip again for us, please."

His hands squeeze Asami's once before he obeys. Asami scoots back onto the bed, and with Korra they both crawl naked beneath the covers, sitting rather than lying down. She isn't sure if she needs to sleep yet, as sleep hasn't come so easily these past few nights, but she still wants to cuddle with them here like this.

When Mako joins them, he doesn't switch sides to join Korra. Instead he pulls the covers back on this side, giving Asami a long look and waiting for her permission. When it's granted, he slides in next to Asami, letting her be in the middle this time. He's correct in assuming that she could use him here, and desires this sort of connection at long last.

"No more rules," Asami tells him. "I want to try living in the moment, not the past, just like Korra is doing. I can't insist you treat Korra well when I have always treated you so poorly."

"I'm not going to argue with you," Mako says. "But I want you to know I stuck around for a reason. If I thought you weren't worth it I wouldn't have stayed."

"Get a room," Korra howls a laugh at them both. "Spirits, you two! If there's this much tension all the time, you have my express permission to throw down and fuck whenever."

Mako gets flustered at that. He wants to refute it, but it's hard to say what their future holds. Maybe casual sex will continue. Maybe it will be different, if he's going to actually sleep over some nights. If she's going to let him keep chiseling at that wall.

Asami tries to control her expression, but she can't help but be amused at how cheeky Korra can be sometimes. She lets herself sink down into the covers, encouraging the others to join her. Mako kisses Korra over top of her before they settle down as well.

They spend another hour or so talking, shifting the subject matter away from their personal relations. A lot of it revolves around lightningbending and keeping a clear head. Korra must improve quieting her stream of consciousness, long enough to allow her to separate her chi into positive and negative energies.

Korra remembers the Bhanti tribe, the fire sages somewhere else in the Fire Nation, who helped Korra remember herself and her connection to Raava. Korra tells Mako maybe he could learn to detect others' muddled chi from the sages. They also have a library that is based upon spirituality that may be able to help clarify the path forward, once her chakras are open and she's ready to attempt the reconnection.

But that's a lot to think about. To help them wind down for the night, Mako finds that air chakra book again and reads aloud its lengthier passages. Some of them are heavily laden with innuendo, some awful, some not so bad. Asami closes her eyes, listening to him speak of soulmates, caresses and sun-dappled skin, the change of the seasons, the drip of sweet nectar, the smell of flowers on the wind. For a long time he talks, perhaps knowing it's helping Asami relax, in a different way than ever before. The book is finally set down when Korra seems to be asleep and Mako's voice has slowed with drowsiness.

Having rolled to face him, Asami watches Mako idly as his eyelashes flutter and he yawns.

Asami considers Iroh's advice to Korra, where the most important aspect of growth is being flexible to change. The antithesis of growth is having a heart of stone. When Mako rests his arm around her, Asami curls into his chest, letting herself experience him. Everything is changing, but perhaps change isn't always so bad. She needs to remember that.