A/N: Wheee, this one is a whopper of a chapter - being both one of the longest and the most significant in the story. In short - STUFF happens, people.
Before you get into it, allow me to thank my lovely reviewers as always: AsahixMe, Guest, Lightbrightfury, MasterKriebel, Black Dragon Master, Goku275, Sharpe, IrishDreamer4, Ardnessela, CrazyPhenom, BrightWatcher, devilfiredog18, Ashleyyy, Robert (to whom I suggest reading chapter 37 a bit more carefully so you will be less confused), and Aquamirra.
Okay, now y'all can dive in. Enjoy!
Time check: Autumn, 176 AG (2 years and 3 months post-Book 4)
38. When it's right, you always know
He hasn't seen Air Temple Island this festive since Varrick and Zhu Li's wedding.
Korra's 24th birthday is the first she is actually in the city for since she was injured by Zaheer five years ago, and the airbending kids (not quite kids anymore, he reflects) have gone all out. He had his doubts when Ikki declared the theme to be 'Mystical Moonlight' — but somehow, she and Jinora (with help from their brothers, Kai, and Opal) have managed to transform the courtyard into just that.
It certainly helps that it is a full moon tonight — which, coupled with the significance of the moon in the Water Tribes, is probably why Ikki decided on the theme in the first place — and the decorations have all been strategically selected and meticulously arranged to enhance the moonlit, ethereal atmosphere. Poles have been erected around the courtyard to serve as both party boundaries and stands for the strings of twinkling silver lights and swathes of shiny satin sashes draped over them. Within the party space, a stage has been set up at one end — not for Tahno and his band of semi-professional musicians, but for some of the airbenders who have volunteered to show their appreciation for the Avatar with both Air Nation and Water Tribe instruments — and a long buffet table at the other. Several dining tables — not nearly as large as the ones procured for Varrick and Zhu Li's wedding — are positioned in a sort of a winding pattern (which apparently is supposed to represent water waves?). A centrepiece of white and pale blue flowers in silver vases rests on each table, and he's pretty sure the silver-blue tablecloths were recycled from the aforementioned wedding.
This event is decidedly not open to the general public (re: Raiko or nosy reporters), but the guest list is still substantial. In addition to the usual suspects from Republic City (i.e. himself, Bolin, Asami, Tenzin's family, Kai, Opal, Bumi, Lin, Iroh), Katara and Kya have come over from the South Pole with Tonraq and Senna; Suyin, Huan, Wing, and Wei have all travelled from Zaofu (Bataar Sr stayed behind with Bataar Jr, who is still on house arrest); and even Wu managed to pull himself away from his duties as Earth King to attend. Varrick and Zhu Li he had invited on Bolin's request — Bolin had argued that they liked Korra and Korra liked them well enough, and they were sure to cover some of the expenses of today's celebration (which, to be fair, they have). Zhu Li has also contributed a stunning ice sculpture of a polar bear dog (apparently Varrick had been experimenting with some kind of fancy ice-cutter). The inspiration for said sculpture is peering at her icy counterpart; and he swears he sees some kind of critique in Naga's expression.
He had even ventured to reach out to Lord Zuko — and to his utter shock, the former Firelord had actually made the journey. Said former Firelord is currently deep in conversation with Iroh at one of the tables. He had been intending to go say hello, since he hasn't seen Iroh in a few months; but Iroh has a deep crease between his brows and a pensive look on his face, so he deems it best not to interrupt. However, he makes a mental note to check in on his friend later. Iroh is approaching his 34th birthday, and he is aware the prince is under mounting pressure from Firelord Izumi to return home; something is going to give sometime soon.
He spots Jinora at the buffet table and heads over to her, stepping around Varrick (who is trying to convince Lin of the benefits of equipping the RCPD with VarriTech) and waving to Kya on his way.
"Have you seen Korra?" he asks as he approaches the young air master.
"I think she's talking to her parents somewhere," Jinora responds. "She might have taken them out of the party area."
"Thanks. I'll look around."
He nearly collides with Wu as he tries to exit the courtyard.
"Mako!" the Earth King whoops. Without waiting for a response, Wu proceeds to wrap his arms around him, squeezing tightly.
"Good to see you too, Wu," he wheezes. "Er…do you mind?"
Wu lets go, but clearly wants to catch up, so he spends a few minutes making small talk with his old charge. Most of the conversation revolves around Earth Federation politics (and he's truly stunned by how much Wu now knows about the inner workings of his kingdom) and exchanging bits of news.
"Hey, by the way, I haven't seen Korra yet," says Wu. "Know where she is? I wanna run my plan for dealing with the Jien Sin bureaucracy by her. They're giving me such a headache…"
"I'm actually looking for her too. If I find her, I'll let her know you need to speak to her. But maybe Suyin might have some insight?" he suggests. "She's a state leader too."
"Oh, yeah, I could talk to her!" Wu exclaims, as if he has just realised he and Korra are not the only political figures at this party. "If Suyin can help, maybe I won't have to bother Korra about it. I feel bad enough that she had to be stuck in the Earth Kingdom for two years. If you ask me, I think the long-distance thing is why she and Asami broke up. Bummer, right?" Wu shrugs, then grins roguishly. "Still, maybe I might actually have a chance to take the Avatar on a date now."
He knows Wu is joking — the royal hasn't been serious about pursuing Korra since Kuvira was defeated — but a small part of his brain growls, She's already taken. Before he can embarrass himself by saying that out loud, he throws out an excuse and proceeds on his way.
He finds Tonraq and Senna conferring quietly with each other near the beach, a little way from the courtyard and closer to the quarters where they are staying. Korra, however, is not with them.
Senna notices him before he can slip away unobtrusively. "Hello, Mako."
He hesitantly walks over. "Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt. I was, uh, trying to find Korra."
Senna smiles warmly. "Don't worry. You aren't interrupting anything. Tonraq and I were just enjoying some peace and quiet." She gently nudges her husband. "And you just missed Korra. She just headed back to the party."
How on earth did he not intercept her, then?
"Oh, okay. I'll go find her there."
"Wait a minute, Mako."
He cringes internally as he turns back to face Tonraq. "Yes, sir?"
The Chief of the Southern Water Tribe studies him with an inscrutable expression. "It's come to my attention that Korra is dating someone new."
Ah, crap.
"Now, obviously, it's none of my business, and she didn't tell me who it was anyway — but Korra's been through a lot, and I just want what's best for her. Being the Avatar is difficult, and whomever she dates has to be able to deal with everything that comes with, and love and support her through thick and thin."
Does he know? That had to be the case; he can't imagine Tonraq saying all this to him if he didn't know — or at least strongly suspect — that he is speaking to the very man he intends the message for.
He strives to maintain a neutral, casually polite air and makes himself say, "Of course, sir."
Tonraq's brow rises ever so slightly, and he involuntarily gulps in dismay. He and Korra have still not officialised anything, and he was not prepared for this conversation tonight.
"You're one of Korra's closest friends, Mako," says Tonraq. "In fact, I daresay you're the closest. Regardless how your relationship ended, I never doubted your care for her, and I still trust you to protect her."
He unconsciously straightens under Tonraq's searching gaze. "Thank you, sir. I'm honoured. And of course I would. Protect her, that is."
Tonraq nods. "Now that Korra isn't living on the island anymore, you probably see her more than Tenzin does. You're also probably more familiar with her dating life."
Is it his imagination, or was there a particular emphasis to the way Tonraq said familiar? He's so caught up trying to parse through this that he nearly misses what Tonraq says next.
"I'm asking you, as her father, to look out for her. Will you do that for me?"
No longer neutral or casually polite, he lifts his face and meets Korra's father's gaze directly. The blue of Tonraq's eyes is different from the blue of his daughter's — deep where Korra's is bright, firm where hers is fluid — but he looks into them with the same steady sincerity he would have if he were pledging to Korra herself.
"I promise, sir. I'll look after Korra."
"Thank you, Mako."
A little unnerved, he takes his leave, resisting the urge to glance back at Korra's parents when he feels their gazes prickling his back. He resumes his mini mission, reflecting on the irony of him having to hunt for the Avatar at her own birthday party. By rights, Korra should be front and centre, but she's proving to be rather elusive.
When he gets back to the party, the airbenders on the stage — led by someone named Daw, if he remembers correctly — are playing a fun, lively jig. Several people are dancing, either in pairs (Bolin and Opal, Kai and Jinora, Ikki and Huan) or alone (Wu). He is about to scan the area for Korra when another figure catches his attention.
Asami is seated at a table, watching the dancers with a wistful expression. He hesitates, torn between his desire to find Korra and the impulse to talk to Asami. He and Asami have only just restarted their Friday lunches — after she had some time to recover from her breakup with Korra — and they are slowly easing their way back into their comfortable familiarity, but he wonders if Asami is really as over Korra as she claims to be.
He moves purposefully to the table.
"Not dancing?" he queries.
"No one to dance with," she responds.
"It doesn't have to be romantic, you know." He nods at where Wing and Wei are choreographing a synchronised routine; next to them, Bumi and Lin are snarking at each other while dancing.
"I know." Asami sips at the drink in her hand. "But everyone my age is already coupled."
And Wu is definitely not her type. "What about Iroh?" he says before thinking.
"That ship sailed a long time ago."
What!?
His stunned brain echoes something Iroh mentioned months ago: "I didn't say I've never been in love" — and he struggles to put that together with what he's just heard.
"Besides," Asami adds before he can finish processing, "I think he's a little preoccupied tonight."
She inclines her head towards the far end of the courtyard, where Iroh and Lord Zuko are still discussing what is apparently a weighty topic. As they watch, Zuko claps a hand on Iroh's shoulder, then stands to go sit with Master Katara. Iroh, on the other hand, gets up and walks away from the party.
Something's definitely up. "I should go —"
"Let him be, Mako," Asami says firmly. "Let him think. He'll come to you if he needs you."
He narrows his eyes, his suspicion from a minute ago returning in force. "Asami —"
"Korra's over there," she announces, and he's thrown again as he looks where she's pointing.
Sure enough, there's Korra, chatting with Kya in one corner — but she seems a little distracted, as if she's searching for someone.
"Shouldn't you be spending the party with her?" Asami asks nonchalantly as she takes another sip of her drink.
He glances at Asami, hesitant. "Are you sure…?"
Asami gives him a look of fond exasperation. "Mako, it's been five months since we broke up, and three and a half since you two started up again. I've adjusted." She sighs. "I still miss my girlfriend sometimes, but I miss my friends more. Stop tiptoeing around me."
He grins, as relieved as he is jubilant. He impulsively leans down and plants a brief, chaste kiss on her cheek. "Asami Sato, you are an incredible friend."
She smirks. "Yes, I know." She flaps a hand at him. "Now shoo."
He does, chuckling softly, feeling light and happy and assured. He makes a beeline straight for Korra, touching her elbow to get her attention.
"There you are. I've been looking all over for you."
She turns to look at him, breaking out into an amused smile. "Funny, I've been looking all over for you."
"And that's my cue to skedaddle." Kya retreats with a knowing smile (he isn't even surprised).
"Enjoying the party?" he asks.
"Mm-hmm. More now that you're here." Korra winks at him. "Jinora told me you engineered all this."
"Well, not the decorations. But yes, the original idea started with me."
Much like Korra, Bolin, and Asami had collaborated to throw him his memorable 24th birthday party to show him how much he was loved, he'd wanted to make this night a celebration of Korra and everything she has done — a night where she can relax, have fun, and be surrounded by people she likes and who like her, not just because she's the Avatar, but because she is Korra.
He tries to convey as much with his tone and expression, hoping she can see how much he means it. "I wanted to do something for you, after everything you've done for me. I wanted to show you that you're incredible, and you deserve every happiness and every celebration that comes your way."
Her smile widens and her eyes brighten, and he is certain that if they weren't in the middle of a party, she would kiss him. But though she twitches towards him, she holds herself back, respectful of the pace he has set though he knows she's been ready to move things along for a while now.
The musicians on stage strike up a slow, sentimental melody. There are more couples dancing now. Tenzin and Pema have gotten up for this one, and Varrick and Zhu Li joined in some time ago. Lin has opted out, leaving Bumi to dance with Kya; but Ikki has managed to persuade Huan to stay for the slow song.
He dips his waist and offers his hand to Korra. "May I have this dance?"
She quirks an eyebrow at him but slips her hand into his. His heart always speeds up a little when Korra touches him, but it beats even faster now due to the public setting. It won't escape people's notice that he specifically chose to dance with her on a slow song.
He gently holds Korra's waist and Korra rests her free hand on his shoulder. She looks at him with eyes shining with joy and love-light, and all of a sudden he finds that he doesn't care that everyone is watching them. He leads Korra in the Water Tribe dance that she'd taught him at the Glacier Spirits Festival so many years ago, remembers how he'd felt that night and recalls thinking there was nothing in the world that could compare. It was the pinnacle of their romance before everything went downhill, and for a long time nothing had compared.
Tonight, though…tonight is even better.
They are no longer immature teenagers sheltered in blissful ignorance. They are grown adults who have lived and learned; they have seen the worst of the world and each other and figured out how to cope with the bad days. They no longer blindly believe that love alone will see them through, but are fully aware of what each needs to make their relationship endure. The love was always there, but it has matured beyond the childish naiveté and developed into a wiser, deeper understanding of commitment.
He's sure of this. He's sure of her.
And that is something that nothing else will ever compare to.
He releases Korra's hand to thread his fingers through her hair — cups the back of her head, changes his grip on her waist to an embrace — and then he kisses her full on the lips, both aware of and indifferent to the rest of the party.
This is not the first kiss they've shared since getting back together; but this is so much more significant. This is a declaration, a commitment, a statement of intent.
He is hers, and she is his. Finally, undeniably, irrevocably.
Always.
A/N: Song is 'Let Me Go' by Avril Lavigne, ft. Chad Kroeger. Guess what - we also have a song analysis today!
Love that once hung on the wall
Used to mean something, but now it means nothing
The echoes are gone in the hall
But I still remember the pain of December
The first verse talks about a faded love, a failed relationship, which refers to Makorra in canon. The 'pain of December' is particularly relevant, because Mako and Korra's first break up happened soon after the winter solstice (quite possibly it was still December); moreover, that was also the time when their relationship started breaking. The love they once had — the young, immature love — now means nothing in the light of what they've been through and all they've learned, and the echoes of their failure no longer haunt them, even if they still remember them.
You came back to find I was gone
And that place is empty, like the hole that was left in me
Like we were nothing at all
It's not what you meant to me
Thought we were meant to be
The first two lines reference Mako's depression at the beginning of this story, and how Korra came back from the Earth Kingdom to find Mako nearly dead in chapter 7. The last three lines relate to what I imagine Mako would have been thinking post-Book 2, and probably for much of the Korrasami relationship. Remember, Mako is the one who was awkward after their breakup and couldn't just fall back into friendship. He was massively repressing at the time, of course, but I imagine his thinking, if he'd allowed himself to think it, would have been along the lines of: How could you move on just like that? How can it be so easy for you? I can't because you mean more to me than that. It's likely there was some of this same sentiment during the Korrasami days too.
Oh, there isn't one thing left you could say
I'm sorry it's too late
I'm breaking free from these memories
Gotta let it go, just let it go
I've said goodbye
Set it all on fire
Gotta let it go, just let it go
This is the chorus, which is apt because for the entirety of this story before the Makorra arc, Mako's mindset has been a repetitive determination to let Korra go and give up his hope of them being a couple again. Before the Korrasami breakup, all he knew was that it was too late for him and Korra, and that he had to say goodbye to that possibility and learn to live beyond the memories of their relationship. 'Set it all on fire' is additionally symbolic because Mako is a firebender.
I let it go, and now I know
A brand new life is down this road
When it's right, you always know
So this time, I won't let go
There's only one thing left here to say
Love's never too late
This is where the switch happens. After all the heartbreak and angst of the verses and chorus, the bridge talks about a new life, a love that came later than expected but is still never too late. That, of course, refers to the renewal of Mako and Korra's romance, and the culmination of this arc. And this time he knows they're doing it right, and he does not intend to let go.
I've broken free from these memories
I've let it go, I've let it go
And two goodbyes led to this new life
Don't let me go, don't let me go
Mako is now freed from the hold of old memories — he is no longer hurting from past grievances in their old relationship and has resolved his lingering romantic hang-ups and issues. He no longer fears the shoe will drop, and is now confident that they will not let each other go this time. The two goodbyes they said to each other — when he broke up with Korra in 'Peacekeepers', and when she broke up with him in 'Light in the Dark' — eventually led them to this new, stronger relationship. On another level, the breakups they each had with their respective partners — Mako and Zoya, Korra and Asami — are another 'two goodbyes' that led them to each other again.
All of this is from Mako's perspective, of course, but metatextually, the fact that the song is a duet also relates to the coupling of Mako and Korra. Very appropriate, in so many ways.
Whew, that was a lot. But I'm done now...till next week, anyway.