Mako was fine with being single, but seeing all the happy couples around him, made him feel left out. Everyone did their best to comfort him, but it didn't it stop the pang of being a fifth wheel.

Sure being a third wheel wasn't fun, but it was arguably better. With Bolin and Opal, he was with family. With Korra and Asami, he was with friends, who happened to both be his ex-girlfriends. But with all four of them... something just didn't feel right.

So it was during the airship ride to Ba Sing Se for Wu's birthday party. Sure they were all friends, but he still felt like the odd man out.

When the airship finally landed, a sense of relief washed over him. Sure Wu could be annoying, but at least he wouldn't be the only single guy.

"You guys don't know how happy I am to see you!" Wu gushed to the current Team Avatar.

"You're always happy." Bolin remarked.

"Yeah, but my minsters are worried that I won't live long enough to see the Earth Kingdom fully transition to a democracy. So, they've been pressuring me to either name a successor, or find a girlfriend."

"Oh."

"Yeah. They've even invited a bunch of women to my birthday tomorrow, in the hopes I'll find someone."

"Oof." Opal sympathized.

"I don't mind flirting, but, I don't feel ready to settle down yet." Wu leaned closer to Mako, "I mean, harems are still legal, but, I'd rather not."

Korra and Asami gripped each other's hands tighter.

"I don't blame you." Korra replied.

Wu leaned into Mako. "Yeah. I wouldn't mind having two or three partners, so long as they're all cool with it."

"Of course." Asami replied, while side eyeing Mako.

"But, still. I don't want to be forced." Wu wrapped an arm around Mako, "I'm sure I'll like at least one of them, but I'm not sure how. I'm still wrapping my head around the fact that I don't have to always impress girls."

Mako patted his shoulder in comfort.

"Did the ministers tell you who their guests are?" Opal asked.

"Yes. Most of them are aristocrats, with one being the daughter of a rich factory owner." Wu answered with boredom. But he perked up a bit as he continued, "Although one of them is a water-bender, and another is a fire-bender."

"Oo."

"Yeah. Nita and Aithne. Nita's father is a water-bender who married into a noble family in Omashu. Aithne's mother is a fire-bender who married a wealthy earth-bender."

"Aithne kinda sounds like us." Bolin remarked, "Minus the wealthy part."

"Yeah." Mako agreed. "Hope she hasn't suffered."

"I don't think so." Wu replied, "At least, not in her childhood. Can't say for sure how the Earth Empire treated her."

"Yeah."

There was an awkward pause before the conversation moved on. It was mostly pleasant, and Wu provided a welcome distraction from feeling left out. Although Mako couldn't decide if he was just used to Wu's affection; he didn't want to feel single with his friends; or if he actually had feelings for the Earth King. After all, he did find himself encouraging His Majesty's affection throughout the day.

Mako was all ready for bed, when he heard a knock. It didn't come from the door, it was coming from the opposite wall.

Just as Mako was questioning it, a secret passage opened, with Wu standing in the threshold.

"Wu?"

"Hey." the King replied with a nervous smile, "I couldn't sleep, so I started wandering the secret passages."

Mako sighed and shook his head.

"What? I've been navigating them since I was a child, I know my way around. Plus, about half can be opened by a non-bender."

Mako sighed again. "Want to come in?"

"Sure."

Wu entered and shut the passage door.

"Thinking about tomorrow?"

Wu sighed. "Yes." He plopped down on the bed. "Like I said earlier, I'm not ready. If I don't like any of the women presented to me, then I'll have to go through this all over again!"

Mako knew he should sit on the nearby chair, but instead sat on the bed next to him. "You can just make a more exclusive gust list."

"I'm trying to be more inclusive." Wu retorted, "I love you, but I need to lead by example. I can't say certain people can't be invited just because I don't like them."

"But it's your birthday."

"Yes, and I'm a ruler. Sure, I'll have a private party, but I also need a public, or semi-public one. My birthday gives the people a chance to party, and hopefully have a day off."

"True."

Wu moved his hand to Mako's. He didn't flinch. Wu gave a small smile.

Changing the subject, the King asked, "So Korra and Asami are a cute couple, aren't they?"

"Uh, yeah. You still crushing on the Avatar?"

"No. I'm fine with just being friends."

"Oh."

"What about you? You dated both of them."

Mako felt uncomfortable. He gripped Wu's hand. "I've gotten used to it. I mean, I wasn't sure how to feel at first. I've never had two ex-girlfriends date each other. But, I'm ok now."

Wu gently rubbed the fire-bender's hand. "Good."

Mako suddenly realized how tight he was gripping the King. So he loosened his grip, and wound up lacing their fingers together.

Wu moved his body closer. He took a breath. "Remember what Opal said about Romantic Friends?"

"Yeah, it can be used to describe a relationship that's between friendship and dating." Mako moved closer to Wu, "Seems like it would be a good way to get the ministers off your back."

"Yeah, I know. But it might only be a short-term solution."

Mako placed his free hand on his shoulder. "Like we said earlier, things could change. You might end up actually dating."

Wu smiled. He liked having Mako this close to him. The detective smiled back, happy Wu was feeling better.

"Have you ever considered becoming romantic friends with anyone?"

Mako blushed and gripped Wu's shoulder.

"Sorry! I was just asking, since we're on the topic. I-uh…"

"Uh, it's fine." Mako half-lied, "I just wasn't expecting it, that's all."

"You don't seem fine."

Mako sighed. He sat up and told him about the problems he was having being a fifth wheel.

"…and when you're around, I can ignore it, but I don't want… I mean I do, but not quite, and ugg!"

Wu wrapped his arms around him. "Well, if you want to become more than friends, or a cuddle buddy, or anything like that, just ask."

"Huh?"

"Yeah." The King blushed, "I, I really like you. If there's anyway I can help, I'm willing to try."

Mako thought about it. As much as he liked being single, he also liked being in a relationship.

"What about my job?"

"We can work out something long-distance." Wu replied, arms still around him. "I don't want to force you to move here again."

"Uh, thanks."

"Yeah. And, I don't mind sharing you. Just tell me if you want to go on a second date with someone. I'll tell you."

"Mm." Mako placed a hand on one of Wu's arms. He still wasn't sure, but he supposed he could give it a try. "We could give it a week."

Wu perked up. "Romantic friends?"

"Yes."

"How about two?"

Mako shot him a look.

"To uh, test the long-distance thing."

After giving the idea some thought, Mako agreed.

Delighted, Wu kissed his cheek. As he pulled away, he realized how unexpected that was. "Uh, how did that make you feel?"

"Neutral?"

"Ok."