A/N: Thank you to the usual suspects Black Dragon Master, Sharpe, AsahixMe, IrishDreamer4, Aquamirra, and devilfiredog18 - as well as not-so-usual suspect Ardnesella for reviewing!
22. It's here, this is where I belong
He was born on the last day of summer.
He was two weeks overdue. His mother used to say that he was so cautious, he'd waited as long as he possibly could while still entering the world while the sun was at its peak. The season of one's birth has nothing to do with bending ability, but Mom always insisted that his birth on such an auspicious day — when he could have just as easily been an autumn baby had he been born just an hour later — was how she knew he'd be a firebender.
He hasn't celebrated his birthday in years. His 9th birthday passed unnoticed while he scrambled to find ways for him and Bolin to survive on the streets. His 11th was spent grovelling for scraps at Narook's kitchen. His 14th was lost under Lightning Bolt Zolt's harsh lightningbending tutelage.
His 16th birthday was the first one since his parents died that he didn't spend on the streets, because by then they were out of the Triad and in the pro-bending arena training under Toza. Bolin had given him a slice of cake and a little brass keychain he'd bartered from a friendly vendor at the marketplace.
His 19th birthday is the last one he can remember with any significance, because that was the one he celebrated with Korra. She invited him for dinner at Air Temple Island and served him a meal she had cooked herself, and then they'd taken a stroll on the beach and discussed their dreams under the stars. At some point the wind had picked up and whipped his scarf off his neck, and Korra had used her newly-discovered airbending to snatch it back from the breeze for him.
He'd pretty much spent every subsequent birthday alone, and he'd completely missed his 23rd just after Kuvira's attack on Republic City.
His 24th, however, is shaping up to be quite the occasion.
It seems like literally everyone even remotely important in his life is here in Asami's mansion. Grandma Yin and the rest of his extended family, of course, still live here — though Uncle Chow and Aunt LiLing and their kids (including Tu) are planning to move out to their own place soon — and he'd definitely expected Korra, Bolin, and even Kai to show up. He had maybe even expected Jinora to accompany Kai.
What he had not expected was the entire first family of the Air Nation: Tenzin, Pema, and Bumi are chatting with Lin in one corner, while Ikki, Meelo, and five-year-old Rohan raid the buffet table. Opal is here too, catching up with Huan, who is in town for a conveniently-timed art exhibition. Minsu and Juno are trading stories with Bolin (the former about their similar 'younger brother' roles in his life, the latter about earthbending). Iroh — whose invitation for drinks quickly extended into a genuine friendship — seems to be discussing politics with Korra and Xien.
Really, the only notable absences are Kya (who's at the South Pole), Wu (who's busy being Earth King), and Erin (who declined Asami's invitation citing professional ethics).
It's honestly a little overwhelming.
He catches Asami's wrist as she walks by him. "Asami, what is all this?"
She looks at him like he's grown two heads. "It's your birthday party."
"I know, but…this is so much more than what I thought you were going to do." He rubs the back of his neck. "My birthday really isn't a big deal. I would've been happy with a simple picnic like we did for Bolin."
"I know. But we wanted to do something bigger for you."
His brow creases. "Why?"
Asami's expression softens as she places her hand on his shoulder. He barely registers the flash of emotion in her eyes before she pulls him into a firm embrace. "Because you deserve it."
She releases him and, still with that meaningful glimmer in her eyes, pushes him gently in the direction of Huan, who has wrapped up his conversation with Opal and is now walking towards him. "Go mingle. We'll be cutting the cake soon."
Huan greets him with a small grin and an expansive handshake. After an inquiry into his health (mental and physical), the artist begins telling him about the reception of his latest sculptures at the Museum of Bending Arts. He, in turn, relates his latest exploits in glassmaking (he's getting rather good at it).
Iroh comes over to say hello to Huan (as grandchildren of Avatar Aang's companions, and sons of prominent political figures, they have apparently met several times before) and the conversation segues into the tale of Tokuga's capture.
Huan gives him a significant look when Iroh explains the bit about the poison gas mechanism. Unlike Iroh — whom he hasn't yet enlightened about his actions in the Colossus — Huan is fully aware of the trauma lightningbending holds for him.
"Good for you, Mako," is all Huan says — but he hears the subtle pride underlying the words.
He feels a sudden rush of gratitude for the Beifong brother. Huan was the first person he truly opened up to about his issues, back in Zaofu — and Huan was the one who got him to see how he could begin to live as himself. He hasn't actually seen the artist since he left Zaofu, but they've corresponded regularly — and exhibition or no exhibition, he knows Huan wouldn't have turned up at this party for just anyone.
That's why everyone's here, he realises suddenly.
"Could I have everyone's attention, please?"
Korra has claimed a chair and is standing tall upon it, easily attracting the focus of everyone in the room. Next to her, Bolin and Tu are setting down an absolutely enormous cake on a marble table. It's three tiers tall, with twelve flaming candles on each layer, frosted in delectable-looking white and gold cream, and topped with an artistic arrangement of what looks like sugar-spun 'glass' shards.
Aunt LiLing is a baker, and he knows for a fact that this is her work. He meets her eyes across the room with a look of awe; she beams proudly, and the lump in his throat has nothing to do with the chicken-pork ball he ate.
"We're here today to celebrate someone very special," Korra announces. She gazes down at him with a playful, radiant smile. "He's the best friend, brother, and teammate anyone could ask for. He's a bit aloof at times, because he likes to think he's a cool guy —" This elicits a few chuckles in the room and a smirk from Kai. "— but once you get to know him, he actually is pretty amazing, and he will do whatever it takes to help the people he loves."
Her eyes meet his and her tone softens, dipping into a more heartfelt cadence. "Mako, we know it's been a hard year for you. Actually, it's probably been hard for a lot longer than a year — and for that, I'm sorry." Several people nod in concurrence, especially Lin and Asami. "But we're all here today, Mako — because we want to show you that we care, and we're so proud of you for everything you've overcome."
"Hear, hear!" Minsu agrees enthusiastically.
Jinora beams at him with a knowing expression, as if she's looking right into his soul and seeing his newfound peace. Bolin claps him on the back and raises a glass into the air.
"To Mako!" his brother declares. "Happy Birthday!"
In the chorus of birthday wishes that follows, he understands.
He sees it in Korra's sparkling eyes, Minsu's joyful grin, Xien's approving nod, Juno's cheeky salute, Huan's contemplative glance, Opal's warm smile. He hears it in Iroh's thoughtful tone, Tenzin's grave voice, Lin's straightforward manner, Bumi's cheerful quip, Jinora's quiet assurance. He feels it in Bolin's solid embrace, Grandma's gentle kiss, Kai's one-armed hug, Asami's pat on the shoulder.
They're all here for him.
He is loved, supported, cherished.
He has worked his way through hell to get here.
He is 24 and he has a future.
He belongs here.
A/N: This chapter has a decidedly 'finale-like' tone. It honestly feels like I could end the story right here, and it would be a pretty satisfactory conclusion.
...of course I'm not gonna do that. There are a lot more story threads to weave into Mako's life - and Makorra, of course. Can't end this story without setting that up. I'm already ten chapters ahead in terms of plot ideas, and about half of that in terms of actual writing. So stick around for much more content!
This is, however, more or less the end of Mako's recovery arc. That doesn't mean his PTSD and depression aren't going to crop up here and there in future chapters - because again, these things don't really END - but chapters henceforth aren't going to deliberately spotlight them, and will focus on other things instead (*cough* Makorra *cough*).
Lyric is from 'This Is Where I Belong' by Bryan Adams.